SX Ex No 14_web

The best festive
48 hours
Soak up all that is
Christmas from Bri’
to Chi’!
Slow Travel
Immerse yourself in
Sussex with sumptuous
& slow itineraries
Issue 14 2025
Enjoys sweet treats
& winter warmers
Hygge style
Winter walks
that inspire
Leave the crowds behind &
discover secluded paths &
great views
Handpicked
Christmas Gifts
An art lover’s
guide to Sussex
Follow in the footsteps of
the UK’s creative greats
More cheese please
Tuck into a smorgasbord
of Sussex artisan cheese
A very Sussex
Christmas
Your 98 guide pages to all things of
festive beautiful in Sussex Sussex
90 pages of
beautiful Sussex

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A word
from the editor
Contributors
There are few people I have met lately that aren’t
quietly stunned that the year is hurtling towards its
close already. It’s certainly been a full on year, with
intensified interest from those I’ve met in really
“experiencing” Sussex; be that sampling our produce
(think wine, cheese or honey), trying our weird and wonderful
wassailing or understanding what makes us tick. And why we
won’t be druv.
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
Editor
Lucy Pitts
lucyp@sussexexclusive.com
Deputy Editor
Janine Marsh
Content Editor
Aifric Peachey
Design
Philippa French
Sales
sales@sussexexclusive.com
Which is great news. Because one of the things that makes
Sussex special is our detail; our quirky stories, our intriguing
personalities, our back lanes and twittens. With all this in mind,
I hope you’re going to love this, our winter edition of the Sussex
Exclusive Magazine.
If it’s Christmas that is tingling your bells at the moment,
why not head to Chichester or Brighton for one of our festive
weekends or dip a toe into our Very Sussex Christmas feature.
If it’s winter walks or slow and immersive travel that float your
boat, then I have something for you too, with stunning and very
different routes, and a foodie cycle trail! No car required. Or
follow in the footsteps of the creative geniuses who painted the
vistas of Sussex over the centuries with our Sussex on Canvas
feature and then book yourself in for a game of winter golf at
one of the county’s best courses.
For the foodies amongst you, as always, we have lots of wintery
treats and hearty fodder, from the best way to cook winter veg,
divine local cheeses, sweet treats and sublime places to eat.
Sarah Thompson
Sarah moved to Sussex in 2008 to
start a new career in wine & spirits.
This quickly led to the creation
of Sussex's first gin and distillery
in over two centuries. Since then,
Sarah has also mentored food and
beverage SMEs developing brands
and recently, returned to the
world of TV and film working on
productions world-wide.
www.sussexkitchen.co.uk
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.
If you are interested in
featuring or advertising in
Sussex Exclusive, please get
in touch at
Lucyp@sussexexclusive.com
With over 4 million views
per edition, it is the Sussex
magazine to be seen in.
Sussex Exclusive Magazine
www.sussexexclusive.com
The best festive
48 hours
Soak up all that is
Christmas from Bri’
to Chi’!
Slow Travel
Immerse yourself in
Sussex with sumptuous
& slow itineraries
Enjoys sweet treats
& winter warmers
Hygge style
Winter walks
that inspire
Leave the crowds behind &
discover secluded paths &
great views
Handpicked
Christmas
stocking fillers
An art lover’s
guide to Sussex
Follow in the footsteps of
the UK’s creative greats
More cheese please
Tuck into a smorgasbord
of Sussex artisan cheese
A very Sussex
Christmas
Your 98 guide pages to all things of
festive beautiful in Sussex Sussex
Issue 14 2025
90 pages of
beautiful Sussex
Front Cover
Market Cross,
Chichester
As you would expect, we also have our usual round up of
wonderful things to do as well as our Sussex Christmas gift
guide, winter gardening tips, Chinese astrology, poetry, heritage
skills and lots more.
So, as always, pull up a comfy chair, pour your favourite
Sussex tipple, and enjoy. And from me and the team at Sussex
Exclusive, we wish you a very festive season and a prosperous
new year.
Lucy
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook or Instagram for daily
updates of things to do, places to eat and unique Sussex insights.
4 | sussexexclusive.com 5

36
Contents
12
8 In the Diary
Our smorgasbord of handpicked
Sussex events to fill the winter months
36 More Cheese Please
Heathfield artisan cheesemaker talks
about heritage, cheese making and
best winter cheeses
12 Christmas in Chichester
From Cathedral choirs to Christmas
markets, canal walks and catching a
festive show
40
40 Seasonal Sussex
Michelin trained chef, Steve Toward,
talks simple suppers, inspiring veg
and the best Sussex ingredients
16 48 Hours in Brighton
Jane Austen meets ice skating and vintage
shopping in the bohemian North Laines
18 A Very Sussex Christmas
46 Sussex Kitchen and
Hygge Sweet Treats
Head into the kitchen with our
round up of heartwarming and
tongue tingling winter recipes
Dress the tree, try the 12 wines of
Christmas, enjoy the echoing refrains of
the Mediaeval Baebes & meet the Elf!
56 Weird and Wonderful
Sussex
18
31
22 Christmas Gift Guide
Support local and give something unique
with our carefully chosen gift guide
26 Winter Walks
Explore stunning and secluded coastal
walks at Chidham in West Sussex and
epic views above Firle in East Sussex
56
Get under the hood of Sussex
with six of the county’s quirkier
attractions
58 Wonderful Winter Golf
Introducing two stellar Sussex
winter golf courses along with
things to do for your non golfing
partner
31 Sussex on Canvas
Follow in the footsteps of creative giants
with our three-day itinerary that follows
Turner, Surrealism and Ravilious
61
61 Slow, Sustainable &
Edible Exploring
Slow down, leave the car behind and
sample the best Sussex flavours by
bike, on foot and by train
34
34 A Vanishing Craft
Malinka van der Gaauw talks wood,
wheels, tangs and fellies with rare
Sussex craftsman, Ben Headon
66 Poet Town
Meet the poets and poetry of
Hastings and thereabouts with this
beautiful, new anthology
6 | sussexexclusive.com 7

In the
Royal Hippodrome Theatre:
Backstage Tours, Eastbourne
Diary
From mid-November to mid-February, Sussex comes alive with
winter spirit. Wrap up warm and enjoy some of these handpicked events
taking place in the next few months
Hunt racing at Plumpton. With seven
competitive jump races, it’s the perfect
way to kick-start the year. Wrap up warm,
grab a hot drink, and enjoy the spectacle
of horses thundering across the Sussex
countryside — a classic winter day out.
Roger Fry: The Painter,
Charleston, Firle
15 November 2025 – 15 March 2026
The first major exhibition in more than 25
years dedicated to Roger Fry as a painter.
Vibrant portraits, landscapes and interiors,
many never seen before, illuminate a
lesser-known side of the critic who helped
introduce Post-Impressionism to Britain.
Plumpton Racecourse
Charleston Lewes
Towner Eastbourne
West Dean
7 January & 4 February 2026
(10:30 am)
Explore Eastbourne’s oldest working
theatre and discover spaces rarely open
to the public on this guided behind-thescenes
tour.
Impressions in Watercolour:
J. M. W. Turner and His
Contemporaries, Towner
Eastbourne
23 October 2025 – 12 April 2026
A rare opportunity to see Turner’s most
experimental works during the 250th
anniversary of his birth, alongside
watercolours by his contemporaries,
perfect for a bright cultural escape on a
grey winter’s day.
House Tour & Cream Tea:
Hidden Histories of West Dean
House
Various dates, November 2025 –
October 2026
An exclusive behind-the-scenes
tour with West Dean’s Collections
Manager and Archivist. Explore
the state rooms, rare artworks and
archives, then enjoy cream tea in the
Oak Hall. Tickets: £32.
The Midhurst Jazz, Food &
Blues Festival
14 – 16 November 2025
Experience a weekend of world-class
jazz, blues and even tango from the
UK, Europe and South America,
paired with inspired festival dishes,
cocktails and winter warmth.
Multiple indoor stages across
Midhurst make this a true celebration
of sound and flavour. Tickets must be
booked in advance.
Plumpton Racecourse: January
Jumps Raceday
Monday 26 January 2026
Shake off the winter blues with
an afternoon of thrilling National
8 | sussexexclusive.com 9

Chichester 950 | Religion,
Rebellion & Reformation
14 February 2025 – 1 February 2026
An exhibition charting 950 years of faith
in Sussex, told through people, artefacts
and moments from 1075 to today.
Historic items from across the Diocese
reveal the rich religious and cultural
history of the county.
Burns Night Celebrations. The
Kennels, Goodwood
25 January 2026 | 19:00
Lift the January blues with poetry,
whisky, haggis, bagpipes and a live ceilidh
band at Goodwood’s elegant Kennels
clubhouse. From: £190 per table of two.
Page 10:
Chichester Cathedral
Goodwood Kennels
Pulborough Brooks
Page 11:
Hastings Old Town
Birdwatching Workshop & Walk,
Winter Wetlands at Pulborough
Brooks (RSPB)
Sunday 11 January 2026
09:30 – 12:30
Learn to identify wading birds, ducks
and raptors on this guided morning
walk. Begin indoors with tea, coffee and
an introduction to the wetlands before
heading out with expert guides.
Tickets: £21.90 – £26 (includes trail
entry; parking extra).
South Downs Dark Skies Walks
23 January, 13 February, 20 February
& 27 February 2026 (19:00 – 21:00)
Join expert guides for gentle night-time
walks in the South Downs National Park.
Discover nocturnal wildlife and stargaze
under some of the darkest skies in the
south east with Pied a Terre Adventures.
The Rye Bakery: See the Bakers
at Work Experience Days,
Peasmarsh
Wednesdays: 7, 14, 21, 28 January &
4, 11, 18, 25 February 2026 (10:00)
Watch artisan bakers in action and learn
traditional bread-making techniques
before enjoying fresh jam doughnuts and
a hot drink.
Relics Roadshow, Hastings
Museum & Art Gallery
21 February 2026
Bring your fossil or archaeological find
and have it identified by experts. Local
organisations and museum staff are on
hand to help, and the first 50 children
receive a free fossil.
Hastings Fat Tuesday
Music Festival
13 – 17 February 2026
Five days of live music and carnival fun
across Hastings. The festival opens with
the glittering Grand Mardi Gras Ball and
continues with parades, acoustic sessions
and gigs throughout the Old Town – a
vibrant finale to winter.
Stargazing at Helen Garden,
Eastbourne
24 January & 21 February 2026
Join Eastbourne Astronomical Society
for an evening under the stars. Observe
the moon’s craters and, weather
permitting, winter constellations above
the sea. Venue: King Edwards Parade,
BN20 7XL.
10 | sussexexclusive.com
11

Harbour Hotel
They offer a whole host of treatments and
for a really Sussex touch, they use Sussex
based Temple Spa products.
Harbour Hotel
A Chichester Christmas
From Christmas carols and festive feasts to
winter walks and wine tasting
Chichester is a city with
atmosphere. Whether it’s
crisp winter walks around
the ancient city wall or
along the scenic banks of the
canal or the gentle echoing of Christmas
carols around the vast, vaulted ceiling of
the Cathedral, as a city that dates back
to before Roman times, it’s intimate,
beautiful and full of historic charm.
This two-night itinerary combines a touch
of luxury with fine dining, heritage and
the best of Christmas in Chichester.
Where to Stay
Harbour Hotel Chichester in North Street
is elegant, historic and central, and for a
touch of Sussex flavour, they major on
using local ingredients in their restaurant.
The hotel was built between 1804 and
1806 by Admiral Sir George Murray,
friend and confident of Lord Nelson. It’s
not hard to imagine the elegant ladies and
gentlemen of the day drifting down the
beautiful staircase in the main hall.
Day one: arrival, check in and chill
Arrive mid-afternoon and enjoy a spa
treatment at the hotel’s subterranean spa.
Depending on the length of your
treatment, head out a little later to
explore the city. Stroll around the central
pedestrianised area that fans out from the
historic Market Cross, see the Cathedral
lit up and visit some of the independent
boutiques and gift shops.
Evening performance and dinner:
head to Chichester Cathedral for one
of their Christmas events. They have a
great programme which includes G4
Christmas, Piccadilly Sinfonietta, Vivaldi
Four Seasons at Christmas and Christmas
films by candlelit.
Enjoy dinner in the hotel: the festive
menu includes all sorts of delights
like spiced parsnip and apple soup,
chicken liver and fig parfait, bacon
wrapped turkey parcels and of course,
Christmas pudding.
Day two: heritage and markets
Morning discovery: from the Cathedral,
it’s a short walk to the Bishop’s Palace
Gardens which is cleverly planted
for structure and form in the winter.
Alternatively, walk the city’s Roman
...elegant,
historic and
central, and
for a touch
of Sussex
flavour, they
major on
using local
ingredients
in their
restaurant.
12 | sussexexclusive.com 13

URGENT CHRISMAS APPEAL
21 HOUSED BEFORE CHRISTMAS
THE WORK ISN’T OVER
This Christmas, while many of us look forward to warmth, comfort and family,
too many in our community remain exposed to the bitter cold, sleeping rough
in West Sussex. But this winter, there is a new beacon of hope on the horizon,
Skywaves House, Turning Tides’ most innovative project, giving 21 more
people sleeping rough a home before Christmas.
The need remains urgent. We housed 214 people last year, but our services
dealt with over 1000 people in Sussex who had fallen into homelessness.
perimeter wall. Look out for the
mound in Priory Park which is all
that remains of a Norman castle and
spot the 13th century Guildhall.
Lunch stop: enjoy hearty seasonal
fare at one of the city’s many pubs,
cafés or restaurants or try street food
at The Ghost At The Feast back in
North Street.
Afternoon excursion: drive to Weald
& Downland Living Museum, which
hosts a traditional Christmas market
on the 22 and 23 November 2025 or
to the West Dean Christmas market
on 29 November 2025. If you’re not
there for the markets, both venues
are well worth a visit in any event.
Evening performance: head to
the Chichester Festival Theatre for
one of their seasonal shows or
productions like their Christmas
concerts or their production of A
Boy Called Christmas, described as an
enthralling, charming and magical
tale that tells the true story of Father
Christmas.
Nightcap: return to the Harbour
Hotel for a late-night cocktail.
Day three: last-minute gifts and
local produce
Morning discovery: amble along the
banks of the canal which starts at the Canal
Basin. As you walk, look back for views of
the Cathedral spire in the distance.
Final festive treat: call in at Runcton
Farm Shop for local produce, Christmas
hampers or treat yourself to some sparkling
wine from nearby vineyards (Tinwood and
Ashling Park) to take home.
Insider insights
The South Downs Planetarium and
Science Centre in Chichester is easy
to walk to and has a number of winter
shows like their “Autumn stars, moon
and planets” show and their “Fantastic
Northern Lights Show” (check
availability). The Duke & Rye pub
opposite the Cathedral is in a former
Gothic church built in 1852. It used to be
known as St Peter’s Slurping Toad.
For more information about Chichester,
visit: Top Things To Do In Chichester |
Sussex Exclusive
Alternatively,
walk the
city’s Roman
perimeter
wall. Look out
for the mound
in Priory Park
which is all
that remains
of a Norman
castle and
spot the
13th century
Guildhall.
Donations from the public are vital to ensure the charity can provide warm
meals, safe accommodation and support to those who need it most.
www.turning-tides.org.uk
DONATE VIA OUR WEBSITE
01903 680740
14 | sussexexclusive.com 15

Hotel Leonardo
Christmas in
Brighton
From street art and comedy to
Jane Austen and ice skating,
Brighton is as eclectic as it is fun
Komedia
Brighton is one of the two cities
in Sussex and is known for
being eclectic, bohemian and
fun. If you like diving into
the history of a place, you’ll
find plenty here (visit the fishing quarter,
Regency Square, the aquarium and the
Royal Pavilion for a start) but it’s also a
great city for just indulging the senses and
enjoying all things festive.
This two-night itinerary combines
shopping, exotic buildings and architecture,
ice skating and bracing beach walks.
Where to Stay
Hotel Leonardo is just a few minutes’ walk
Hotel Leonardo
from Brighton station making it super
convenient. It’s also only five minutes
from the North Laine district. It’s got a
fun feel and has a Bar & Grill Restaurant.
They stock Brighton Gin for a taste of
local and do a great breakfast too.
Day one: arrival and evening
exploring
Once you’re checked in, head to the
North Laines. Look out for the colourful
street art and buildings and grab yourself
a few bargains. There are vintage shops
and local artisans in abundance with
stalls filling the pavements and street
food vendors setting your taste buds on
fire. You might want to grab a beer at the
Prince Albert pub. Its brightly coloured
walls feature iconic musicians, and they
have a great programme of live music.
Evening entertainment and dinner:
try the Komedia comedy club in the
North Laines (always lively, with a very
Brighton flavour) or a seasonal show
at the Theatre Royal Brighton or the
Brighton Dome. Book a table at The
Ivy in the Lanes or the Michelin-starred
Etch. by Steven Edwards in Hove for a
really special seasonal dining experience.
Day two: Jane Austen meets
the exotic
Spend the morning exploring the
extraordinary and exotic Royal Pavilion.
This year, from the 22 November,
there will be a Jane Austen theme
with Christmas trees, a family-friendly
trail, carols and costumed characters.
Alternatively, book one of their tunnel
tours or coincide your visit with one of
their incredible Christmas banquets in
the Banqueting Room.
Lunch stop: head back into the Laines
for some street food for lunch or to one
of the many cafés and restaurants just to
the side of the main Pavilion entrance.
An afternoon on ice: from late October
to early January, the lawns at the Pavilion
are transformed into an ice rink, so grab
There are
vintage
shops and
local artisans
in abundance
with stalls
filling the
pavements
and street
food vendors
setting your
taste buds
on fire. You
might want
to grab a
beer at the
Prince Albert
pub
your sense of adventure and have a go.
They also sell hot chocolates, beer, mulled
wine, cakes and pastries if you’re flagging.
If ice skating isn’t for you, the aquarium,
pier and a zip wire (check opening times)
are only a short walk away or head up
to Churchill Square for some Christmas
shopping.
Festive dinner: have dinner at a local
favourite like Burnt Orange or Furna.
Day three: last minute walk
After breakfast at the hotel, wrap up warm
and enjoy a bracing walk along Brighton’s
seafront. Grab a coffee along the way,
take a ride up the i360 (Europe’s highest
moving viewing platform) or explore the
Upside-Down House, opposite the old
pier. Walk back through the South Lanes,
a series of narrow, paved twittens and
alleys and pick up any last-minute gifts.
Insider insights
For gin lovers, why not book a distillery
tour or visit at Madame Jennifer’s in Hove
or book afternoon tea and a tour on a
Routemaster bus with Brighton’s Regency
Routemaster.
For more information about Brighton,
visit: Exploring Hidden Brighton |
Sussex Exclusive
16 | sussexexclusive.com 17

3 5
7
1
2. Leonardslee Lights, near Horsham
Lose yourself in a trail of light, sound and sculpture
through Leonardslee’s historic woodland gardens. It’s
immersive, otherworldly and this year’s theme is A
Midwinter Light’s Dream.
A Very Sussex
Christmas
20 Sussex Experiences to Make Your Winter Magical
When winter settles over Sussex,
something changes in the air.
As the autumn colour slowly
fades, lights start to sparkle
and a quiet kind of Christmas
magic drifts in. So, whether you’re drawn to candlelit
carols and heritage, sparkling nights on the ice or
warming wine looking out over frosty fields, here
are twenty festive experiences to make your Sussex
winter unforgettable.
1. Skating at the Royal Pavilion,
Brighton
Few settings feel more enchanting than Brighton’s
Royal Pavilion Ice Rink. With the exotic Pavilion
domes lit up, skate, spin, glide and slide across the ice
and finish with hot chocolate and pastries rink side.
2
3. Glow Wild at Wakehurst, near
Haywards Heath
Each winter, Kew’s wild Sussex outpost is
transformed. This year, meet fantastical animals,
walk among giants, reimagine woodland wildlife and
watch in hushed silence as the mansion is lit up.
4. Meet the Elf on the Shelf at Sheffield
Park, near Haywards Heath
The lakes at Sheffield Park twinkle
with frost and Christmas cheer
as you set out to discover twelve
beautifully hand-painted elf
sculptures around the garden.
Alternatively, warm up with mulled
wine, mince pies and carols by the light of the
Christmas tree in Oak Hall.
5. Christmas at Petworth House,
Petworth
Inside this grand mansion, trees, garlands and
antique ornaments sparkle under gilded ceilings.
This year’s Christmas is inspired by the Winter
Solstice and the shifting rhythms of nature, and
the grand state rooms will be transformed into a
dreamlike world of overgrown wonder.
6. The Devil and his cocktails,
Shoreham
Join a Christmas Cocktail Masterclass at Devil’s
Dyke Distillery and step back into the roaring 1920s
and America’s prohibition.
7. SteamLights on the Bluebell
Railway, near Uckfield
Board a vintage steam train and journey through
illuminated countryside while lights dance along the
carriages in sync with music. A magical combination
of nostalgia and spectacle.
8. Christmas Past at Amberley
Museum, Amberley
Ride the Christmas train to meet Father and Mrs
Christmas, send a telegram to Father Christmas,
create a Christmas decoration in the Pottery or print
a Christmas print in the Print Shop. It’s all about
stepping back in time at Amberley Museum.
18 | sussexexclusive.com 19

11
15
12
15. Tree dressing and celebrating
Old St Nic at Weald & Downland,
near Chichester
Celebrate St Nicholas Day in Medieval and Tudor
style and take part in the tree dressing ritual
having made your own decorations at the Weald
& Downland Museum.
16. Deer watching at Ashdown Forest
or Knepp Estate near Horsham
9. Carols at Chichester Cathedral,
Chichester
A carol service at Chichester Cathedral with the
evocative voices of G4 is one of the county’s most
moving winter moments. The choral harmonies,
vaulted arches and soft candlelight create pure magic.
10. Theatre Royal Brighton’s festive
season, Brighton
Brighton’s grand old theatre comes alive each winter
with workshops and classic drama. This year, enjoy
Once Upon A Whispering Wood (a beautiful and
heartwarming festive tale) at this beautiful venue.
11. A Christmas concert like no other,
Horsham
The Mediaeval Baebes winter concert is like no other
with their haunting vocals, folk songs and plethora
of mediaeval and folk instruments. It’s moving, it’s
ethereal and it’s utterly compelling.
12. Wreath making workshops, across
Sussex
Get hands-on with the season. From Rye to
Chichester, wreath-making workshops are a fragrant
and creative antidote to the rush of Christmas.
14
20
19
Early mornings bring quiet mist and the chance
to see herds of deer in their natural habitat. This is
Sussex at its most serene.
17. Winter walks along the coast
Walk the coastal path from Rye to Winchelsea,
watch the waves crash on Beachy Head
lighthouse or explore the nooks and crannies
of Chichester Harbour’s coastal paths. Wrap up
warm, breathe in the salt air and finish with hot
chocolate at a local café.
18. Solstice nights
Around the winter solstice, the days are short and
the air is chilled. To welcome back the light and
the start of longer days, light candles, create a
lantern or gather round a bonfire. Reflect on the
closing year and feast with loved ones as you toast
new beginnings.
19. Spa and massage, Cuckfield and
Ashdown Forest
Warm up and wind down. Ockenden Manor’s
spa pool or Ashdown Park’s spa days offer winter
relaxation followed by fine dining and menus
bursting with local ingredients.
13. The Twelve Wines of Christmas,
near Haywards Heath
Celebrate the season with a festive wine tasting at
Bolney Wine Estate. Enjoy a magical guided tasting
of twelve hand-selected Bolney wines from sparkling
celebration favourites to rich, winter-warming reds.
© Erich Sacco
13
20. Carols by Candlelight, near
Worthing
Savour glorious Carols by Candlelight in the
intimate setting of a 13th century Chapel at
Bailiffscourt with the beautiful voices of The
Agnes Collective. Perhaps treat yourself to
Afternoon Tea at the hotel.
14. Candle making, Worthing
Learn the basics of candle making across a variety
of different candle types and take home at least 8 of
your own candles at The Little Craftery in Worthing.
From choirs and candles, to the scent of
cinnamon and pine, mystical creatures,
atmosphere, heritage and warmth are waiting to
be found.
20 | sussexexclusive.com
21

Sussex
Christmas
Gifts
Support local with unique gifts from across the county with the
Sussex Exclusive hand-picked selection
A little Christmas botanical
The Chichester based Little
Botanical recently launched a new collection
of stylish hand-painted pots, just in time for
Christmas. 70% of the plants in The Little
Botanical collection are British grown and
Peat-Free.
These striped ceramic pots come in a
range of colours with a chic angular
shape. Available on their own or with plants
like the vibrant and popular anthurium and
festive poinsettia, these beautiful and bold
pots will make a fantastic gift this Christmas.
The Little Botanical’s Christmas Collection is
available from 10th November 2025 at
www.thelittlebotanical.com
Bespoke wooden work bench
Add a bit of style to your hobby with these made to order
wooden workbenches made in Bodiam. From potting tables
and crafting benches to children’s workbenches, they are
sturdy, practical and beautifully made. Quote SUSSEX15 for
a 15% discount for purchases before 31 December 2025.
Style for a cold winter’s day
Lifestyle Battle in Battle is the sort of place you go for a
good browse. They have a range of gifts, homewares and
fashion but how about these stylish and warm boots. The
essence of timeless Scandinavian elegance.
Purchase online at: www.greenfieldswoodstore.co.uk
And for him
If you’re shopping for the man who has everything, head
to RD1 Clothing, Hastings’ very own independent 5-star
menswear store. RD1 stocks an exceptional range of men’s
jackets and coats from leading brands including Napapijri,
Aquascutum, Pretty Green and Gabicci. The collection
brings together retro, mod and football casual styles
with modern comfort and quality, offering standout looks
for every man, with sizes available up to 4XL. RD1 offers
timeless designs and quality you can rely on. Shop online or
visit their store and see why RD1 is Hastings’ favourite store
for men’s style.
Shop online at: www.rd1clothing.co.uk
Fabulous jute bags by Alice
When you’re out and about shopping,
remember to take your own bag, and
why not make it a stylish one? These
bags are designed with original art
work by Alice Chambers.
Visit: Creations by Alice
Why not give the gift of the outdoors
this Christmas?
Treat someone special to a memorable and inspiring
adventure in the outdoors – whether for a solo escape or
a shared experience. A Pied A Terre gift voucher can be
purchased in an amount to suit your budget, are valid for
12 months and can be used towards most of their outdoor
adventures, walking holidays and skills courses. Perfect for
enjoying nature, exploring our wonderful countryside or for
learning a new skill in 2026!
Buy at: www.patadventures.com
22 | sussexexclusive.com 23

The Sussex Guild Shop
The Sussex Gourmand
A coming together of the talented
makers and creators of Sussex, The
Sussex Guild Shop is a collection of
ceramics, glass, jewellery, leather,
metal, printmaking textiles and wood.
If you are looking for something unique
and something very Sussex, there
should be something for you here.
They have a Guild Shop & Gallery in
Southover Grange, a splendid 17th
century building open every day
(except Christmas Day) from 10am
– 5pm. The shop is staffed by the
makers themselves, and you can also
buy online.
For the book worm?
For the book worm, there is lots of choice, whether
you choose to browse in one of our county’s wonderful
bookshops or grab yourself a copy of the latest fiction
written by Sussex authors, like The Fastest Girl on Earth
by Lisa Brace.
A very different hamper company,
Sussex Gourmand boxes and hampers
come with a handwritten gift card
and tasting notes, which are packed
with ice sheets and sheep wool
insulation in a recyclable cardboard
box. The insulation can be reused for
animal bedding, insulating pipes and
protecting garden plants over winter.
Their hampers feature Sussex
Gourmands products – canapé kits,
beef and venison bresaola along with
Sussex cheeses, smoked salmon, honey
products, chocolates and wine. For
those who want to make their gift
extra special, there’s a solid pewter
condiment spoon, made by local
pewter smith Fleur Grenier.
You can see the range of gift boxes and
hampers online at
sussexgourmand.com
Sussex scents
Candles are always a quick win
and a great way to give the gift of
atmosphere. And you can buy a
gorgeous range of candles from
West Sussex Scents:
www.westsussexscents.com
A Hygge Style “A Good Night’s Sleep” lavender
NORSKA gift box
A beautiful gift set. Spritz your pillow with Norska lavender
pillow spray, pop the lavender bag under your pillow and
then slip on the luxurious silky eye mask… and drift away
sweetly. The contents are all packaged in a gift box, tied
with ribbon and a gift tag.
Sussex based Hygge style gifts have plastic free packaging.
Hygge Style are winners of Surfers Against Sewage Plastic
Free Champions award for their efforts to reduce plastic
packaging. The products have no parabens, paraffin wax or
artificial fragrance.
www.hyggestyle.co.uk
Winter’s Moon
Winter’s Moon in North Street in Chichester town centre
is an independent gift and homewares shop mixing
modern, fairtrade and vintage items to create a collection
of beautiful things for living and giving. The shop is open
7 days a week and you can also buy online. They’ve got a
wonderful selection of gifts from greeting cards to lighting,
books, advent calendars, rugs, mugs, jugs, bags, prints,
dishes, fabrics and much, much more. If you’re looking for
inspiration and lots of great little gifts, this is a must visit:
www.wintersmoon.co.uk
A gift from the Devil himself…
Devil’s Dyke Distillery is inspired by the
landmark of the same name and the
folklore that surrounds it. They make a
London Dry gin and have a great range
of gift options too.
24 | sussexexclusive.com 25

Discover the Chidham
Coastal Path
Chidham for thousands of years: some say, Saint
Cuthman was born here, and the little church
of St. Mary’s in the village dates from the 13th
century.
Walking at Chidham
Chidham is pretty flat but has a coastal path that
runs around the edge. There are also a number of
paths that go across the middle of the peninsula
which means you have a great choice of long or
short walks. Expect sea views, mud flats, birdlife
and beaches although do check the tide times in
advance as part of the coastal walk is tidal and
therefore is inaccessible at high tide.
Scarves and winter woolies are a must for this remote and blustery coastal walk
at Chidham (West Sussex)
With its peninsulas, inlets and
coastal footpaths, Chichester
Harbour is perfect for
winter walking. It’s a natural
harbour that spreads across
the border from West Sussex into Hampshire.
It’s also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special
Area of Conservation.
There are a number of pretty villages dotted
around the harbour which include Bosham, West
Itchenor and Chidham. Mankind has been in
8 km circular walk
Park in Chidham (What3Words:toned.isolating.
nearing). There is a footpath from the car park
that leads south and then turns left (east) to the
coastal path – about .5km. As you meet the sea,
you go right (south) and just follow the path along
the water’s edge.
Although you have to go inland for a tiny bit at
Cobnor House, you are soon back on the coast
and for roughly the next 4.5 km the path clings
to the sea all the way round Cobnor Point and
up to Chidham Point. At Cobnor Point, there’s a
bench if you want to watch for birdlife and you
can see Itchenor and then Thorney Island across
the water.
From Cobnor Point you come to the small stretch
that floods at high tide but once you reach the
steps, you’re on terra firma once more. At about 5
km into your walk, you’ll spot a footpath to your
right (it’s the first signed footpath you’ve seen so
far), and you take it (turn right) and start to head
inland. Once you come to the country lane, turn
right onto it and follow it back to the car.
What to expect?
There is plenty of wildlife to look out for which
includes waders and wildfowl. At migratory times
you might see Yellow Wagtail and Whinchat and
if you’re lucky, Snow Bunting. Seals do live in
this area too, so keep your eyes peeled.
Places to eat nearby:
• The Old House at Home in Chidham: dating
back to the 18th century, this traditional pub
has wooden beams, open fireplaces and a garden.
There is plenty of local produce on the menu as
well as a choice of local beers.
• The Anchor Bleu in Bosham: right on the
harbourside this is a family-run pub in the
hopelessly pretty village of Bosham.
If you like this Sussex coastal walk, you may also
like:
Explore Remote Thorney Island off the
Sussex Coast
West Sussex Walk: Pagham Harbour 5
km Circular Route
Island Hopping at Chichester Harbour
26 | sussexexclusive.com 27

Explore the Incredible
Landscape of Firle
Expect mansions, follies and magnificent views as you follow in the footsteps of
the Bloomsbury Group at Firle (East Sussex)
This corner of Sussex is as diverse as
it is creative. And with the mighty
South Downs to the south, the iconic
Charleston (home of the Bloomsbury
Group) and the elegant Georgian
mansion at Firle, this walk has plenty of wow.
Walking at Firle
Half of this walk is at the foot of the South Downs
and this has its own reflective and calming feel. After
one steep climb, you find yourself walking the crest
of the South Downs with magnificent views across
the county and sea. Up here, it is all about grandeur
and awe.
For those that don’t fancy a tough climb, there is
another path at the foot of the Downs which means
you can still enjoy a circular walk but without the
heave ho.
7.5 km circular walk
Park in Firle (What3Words: spenders.positive.
teacher). If you’re going to eat at the pub later,
you may be able to park there but please ask first.
Alternatively, there are buses to Firle Park Gates and
to Charleston.
With the pub on your left, walk towards the Downs,
passing the 12th century church and Burning Sky
brewery. You’ll also pass a footpath along a dusty
lane to your right (ignore this and keep going) and
follow the track as it bends to the left. About 1 km
from the pub, there is a footpath off to your right
that goes up the Downs. If you don’t want the climb,
ignore this and carry on but if you want all the
splendour and majesty of height, up you go.
The county gradually reveals itself as you climb. As
you emerge at the top, see if you can spot a tiny folly
and the farm at Charleston far below. In the other
direction, enjoy views of the sea and Newhaven.
Walk east and before long you’ll see a mound and a
Trig point. This is Firle Beacon and these are Stone
Age and Bronze Age barrows. Pause for a moment to
take it all in.
Walk on a little until you see a path to your
left which almost doubles back but goes back
down the Downs. At the bottom (once you’ve
passed through a small copse) you come to a
crossroads (here you’ll meet the walkers who
didn’t want to go up). You go straight over
and follow the path, keeping left until you
come to Charleston. This was the home of the
Bloomsbury Group and if you have the time,
and it’s open, it’s well worth a visit.
The remainder of your walk from Charleston
is through fields at the foot of the Downs.
You’ll see Firle Tower (a sort of folly) and
walk close to its footings. You then cross a
little track and get glimpses of Firle Place. It
feels a little bit like walking on to the set of a
Jane Austen film. You walk around the back
of the house and then across parkland before
finding yourself back on the lane not far
from the car.
Places to eat nearby:
• The Ram Inn at Firle: You can enjoy local
wine (from Ridgeview) and local produce
in this 500 year old inn.
If you like this Sussex walk, you may also like:
Walking the Cuckmere Pilgrim Path
Bloomsbury Group Sussex Walks
Stunning Firle South Downs Circular Walk
28 | sussexexclusive.com 29

The
Sussex Exclusive Quiz
How well have you being paying
attention to this issue of the Sussex
Exclusive magazine? All the
answers to this quiz can be found
within its pages.
You’ll find the answers on page 77.
1. What is Chichester's Symbol of
Discovery?
2. Where will you find Tablehurst Farm
Café?
Petworth Park
Sussex on Canvas
An art lover’s itinerary through landscape and light
3. Fairlight and Rock-a-Nore are closest
to which Sussex town?
4. What is Pebernødder?
5. Burwash Rose and Lord of the
Hundreds are both types of what?
6. Which famous Brighton venue will
be transformed this Christmas with a
Jane Austen theme?
7. 2026 is the Chinese Year of which
animal?
8. Farleys House was once home to
which Surrealist photographer and
artist?
9. Hvar is an island in which sea?
10. On a wooden wheel, what are fellies?
30 | sussexexclusive.com
Water Mill at Arundel
31

Charleston
Berwick Church
Long Man
There’s something about
Sussex that has always
inspired artists. It’s surely
that combination of the everchanging
shades of light as
clouds scud across the sky over the South
Downs creating a patchwork of golds
and greens and the mighty crash of waves
against white cliffs. And then of course,
there is the hush of ancient woodland
and the majesty of some of the county’s
great architecture.
Three-day itinerary
From Turner’s skies to Ravilious’ Sussex
hills, this three-day itinerary follows in
the footsteps of some of the most iconic
painters of Sussex: a journey through
coast, chalk and colour.
Day 1: Petworth & Lavington –
Turner and Ivon Hitchens
Theme: Landscape and abstraction in the
heart of West Sussex
Morning: Petworth House
Begin where Turner found his muse.
The 3rd Earl of Egremont of Petworth
House was one of Turner’s greatest
patrons and Turner was a frequent visitor
to the estate. Today Petworth House has
some 20 Turner oil paintings and, in
particular, four final works commissioned
by the Earl for the Carved Room. Two
depict Petworth Park, one is of the Chain
Pier in Brighton and one depicts the
Portsmouth and Arundel canal.
Step outside the house into the deer
park to see for yourself the views that he
captured. John Constable (1776-1837)
was also a frequent visitor at Petworth
Park and you can see some of his work on
display too.
Lunch: Try The Angel Inn or E. Street
Bar & Grill in Petworth, both local
favourites that keep art-lovers well fed.
Afternoon: Explore
Ivon Hitchens country
Drive a few miles south to Lavington
Common or Duncton Down, where
modernist painter Ivon Hitchens made
his home after the Blitz. Inspired by the
likes of Cèzanne and Matisse, he used bold
blocks of colour to capture the heathland,
wood and gorse that surrounded his home,
often working “en plein air”. You can still
walk the same woodland paths.
Stay nearby: The Horse Guards Inn,
Tillington or the Halfway Bridge near
Lodsworth.
Optional Stops: Visit Pallant House
Gallery, Chichester, for its superb
collection of 20th-century British art,
including Hitchens’ bold canvases.
If you have an extra day, head west to
Arundel. John Constable visited here
often, painting the castle rising above the
River Arun. You can walk along towards
Swanbourne Lake and see the mill that is
depicted in his Arundel Mill and Castle.
Day 2: Firle & Charleston – The
Bloomsbury Group
Theme: Art, interiors and bohemian spirit
Morning: Charleston Farmhouse
Once home to Vanessa Bell and Duncan
Grant, Charleston remains a living
artwork with every wall, door and
fireplace hand-painted. Book a guided
tour, explore the walled garden and enjoy
coffee and cake in the café.
Lunch: Head to Middle Farm for hearty
local food or a glass of local fruit juice
and stock up from an incredible range of
local produce.
Afternoon: Berwick Church
Just a few minutes away by car (or just
over an hour by foot), Berwick Church is
filled with vibrant murals painted by Bell,
Grant and Quentin Bell during WWII,
as a symbol of hope and community.
Stay nearby: The Ram Inn, Firle.
For a deeper dive into the world of the
Bloomsbury Group, try: The Bloomsbury
Set Sussex Trail ©
Optional Stop: If time allows, detour
north to Farleys House, once home to
Surrealist photographer Lee Miller and
artist Roland Penrose. The house remains
almost exactly as they left it filled with
20th century art including work by
Picasso. Tours (by pre-booking) offer an
intimate glimpse into Sussex’s creative
heart. Enjoy the fireplace depiction of the
Long Man of Wilmington and see the
giant Long Man himself across the fields.
Day 3: Eastbourne & Cuckmere
– Eric Ravilious, rolling fields
and coastal light
Theme: Watercolour, chalk and sea air
Morning: Towner Gallery, Eastbourne
Start your day at the brightly coloured
Towner Gallery in Eastbourne which
holds one of the largest collections of
Ravilious’ work: scenes of chalk cliffs,
lighthouses and rolling hills with his
distinctive essence of Sussex calm.
Lunch: Try The Beach Deck on the
promenade for seaside views.
Afternoon: The Ravilious Trail
Follow the coast road or take a bus
to Cuckmere Haven, one of the most
painted views in Britain and painted by
Ravilious. Walk along the meanders of
the river, then climb towards Seaford
Head to see the Seven Sisters cliffs exactly
as Ravilious saw them. Alternatively,
visit Newhaven harbour. You can even
walk from Firle and see Furlongs in the
distance.
End your day in Alfriston and perhaps
visit The Star for supper.
Stay nearby: Rathfinny Wine Estate or
Wingrove House.
Sussex has always been more than a
backdrop. Whether you visit a gallery,
stroll a footpath or simply pause to look,
it’s not hard to see what inspired some of
the greatest artists of our time.
Clockwise:
Cuckmere Haven
Seaford Head
Newhaven lighthouse
Furlongs
Towner Eastbourne
32 | sussexexclusive.com
33

© Ben Headon © Rural Strides
© Rural Strides
A Vanishing Craft
Malinka van der Gaauw talks wood, wheels, tangs and fellies with rare
Sussex craftsman, Ben Headon
Ben Headon is a Sussex based wheelwright
and restorer of traditional horse drawn
agricultural carts and waggons. One of
only 11 wheelwrights still working in
the UK, he considers himself not just
a maker, but a restorer and conservator of a craft
that’s quietly vanishing.
A step back in time
Ben’s workshop is near Older Hill, Woolbeding
reached by a sunken lane and an unmetalled track,
and entering Ben’s world is like turning back the
clock. His workshop is a trove of wooden wheels,
pieces of time-worn carts, vintage tools, and all the
character of a rural life museum – unsurprising, given
that many of his pieces are salvaged from such places.
There’s something wholesome and grounding about
the surroundings. Wood is everywhere, in all its raw
and finished forms. The air smells of timber and
wood shavings. It’s a place where the past isn’t just
remembered but actively maintained.
“Yesterday’s pick-up trucks”
I opened our conversation by asking Ben how
traditional wooden carts would fare on today’s potholeridden
roads. He laughed and told me they’d probably
manage better than most modern cars. Wooden wheels,
he explained, were designed to handle stress – from
rough tracks to heavy loads. Much like how we
choose tyres today for different terrains, wheels were
also made thicker, thinner, or from different woods
depending on their intended use. He described the
old carts and waggons as “yesterday’s pick-up trucks”
– robust, reliable, and built for function.
The intricate language of wheels
In his workshop, Ben showed me some wheels
currently in progress. Each was a meticulous, elegant
structure, crafted with precision, and accompanied
by a whole vocabulary of terms I’d never come across
before: tangs, fellies, strakes, spoke dogs, travellers
(not the people), and little giants. I also discovered
that “cart” and “waggon” aren’t interchangeable: a
cart has two wheels, a waggon four.
But that level of intricacy, in both language and
construction, is part of the beauty. The wheel is both
tactile and useful, technical and aesthetic – made
up of multiple components that only truly come
together in the final push. If one part is even slightly
off, the whole structure can fail. It’s a lesson in
harmony, and in trust, the kind of precision that only
comes from deep experience.
Ben’s journey into wheelwrighting began in forestry,
where he gained an intimate knowledge of different
woods – a crucial foundation for the work he now
does. Different parts of a wheel demand different
properties. The hub is made from elm as its springy,
twisted grain handles pressure from all angles. The
spokes are usually made from oak for its long,
straight grain, while the fellies, which form the outer
rim, are always made from ash due to its shockabsorbing
properties and flexibility.
However, sourcing suitable materials has become a
challenge. Not only have diseases like Ash Dieback
and Dutch Elm Disease reduced supply, but Ben said
that the timber industry today prioritises materials
for construction and interiors, not traditional craft.
A custodian of knowledge
Despite the challenges, Ben remains remarkably
positive. He sees his role as more than just a
wheelwright, he’s a custodian of knowledge,
hoping to inspire others to care about this intricate,
meaningful trade. To that end, Ben is thinking
about opening his doors to visitors with a series of
wheelwrighting information sessions at his workshop,
offering people the chance to see his tools, watch
a wheel being made, and explore a fascinating
collection of rural heritage items that surround and
support his craft.
Curious?
If you’re curious, intrigued, or just love to learn, this
will be a rare chance to experience a piece of living
history. To help Ben gauge interest, please add your
name and details HERE. This will be passed onto
Ben for him to email you further information.
Malinka van der Gaauw is a walking guide,
knowledge forager and reader of the Western Weald
landscape. She is also founder of Rural Strides
which offers private and scheduled guided walks, as
well as self-guided routes in the Western Weald.
34 | sussexexclusive.com 35

FOOD
FOOD
At the dairy on an autumn
morning
The cows give me a passing nod as I pull
up in a farmyard in a quiet country lane
that was signed Little London. After brief
introductions (with the team, not the
cows), I don dairy wellies, a dairy coat
and hairnet and carefully wash my hands.
There is a sense of calm in the dairy
after the rush hour traffic of Heathfield
although cheesemaker Ben Cottingham
has been hard at work since 6 am when
the cows were milked.
From the Fields of
East Sussex to the
Christmas Cheese Board
An interview with The Traditional Cheese Dairy cheesemaker,
Ben Cottingham, and two perfect winter cheeses
He’s making Burwash Rose, a washedrind
soft cheese and watching him at
work is an education. The milk (fresh
from the herd just hours ago) has been
set with rennet and curds are cut and
stirred (I can vouch for the arm work).
Then, under Ben’s watchful eye, we ladle
the curds into moulds, before turning the
cheeses which are already starting to set.
It’s a process that is labour intensive and
takes time but once complete, we move
through to the maturation rooms and
later sit down to taste through a line-up
of cheese that feels like an edible tour of
this little corner of Sussex.
A family that is Sussex to its core
Burnt Oak Farm and The Traditional
Cheese Dairy are owned and run by the
Delves family who can trace their history
in the area back to the 14th century.
Before farming, they were shopkeepers
but in 1962, Ronald and Joyce Delves
(Joyce served as a Land Girl) started
farming with just nine cows. Their son
Andy took over, and today, grandson,
Joe Delves runs the farm with a herd of
around 220.
Describing themselves as lovers of good
food, when a small local cheese business
came up for sale, Joe bought it in 2020,
eventually building a new dairy at the
farm. Andy was the first cheesemaker
under the new regime but today, Joe’s
... but in 1962,
Ronald and
Joyce Delves
(Joyce
served as a
Land Girl)
started
farming with
just nine
cows. Their
son Andy
took over,
and today,
grandson,
Joe Delves
runs the
farm with
a herd of
around 220.
cousin, Ben is at the cheese helm while
Joe continues to farm.
A note on heritage
But there’s also a wider British story at
play. In the 20th century, WWI and
subsequent control over milk by the Milk
Marketing Board (MMB) discouraged
farmers from making cheese, leading to
the decline of farmhouse cheesemaking
until the MMB’s dissolution in 1994.
Since then, there has been a revival,
and small dairies have re-emerged.
These days, washed-rind methods
nod to ancient monastic traditions
and farmhouse hard cheeses reflect
generations of rural thrift. As I sample an
exceptionally good selection of cheese,
Joe tells me more about cheese and
cheese making.
What makes your cheese different?
For all but one of our cheeses, we use
raw milk from our own single herd and
that makes a big difference. We know the
cows, the pasture and the feed. Our cows
are mostly grass-fed and are as close to
the dairy as you can get.
With raw milk you keep the milk’s
character and you see those subtle seasonal
shifts: winter silage brings a gentle, fruity
36 | sussexexclusive.com 37

FOOD
FOOD
Burwash Rose Goodweald
Lord of the Hundreds Old Sussex
tartness; spring pastures lift butterfat and
creaminess. You do taste that journey
through the year and our approach is
deliberately artisanal: small batches, hand
turning, careful brining and ageing, oaksmoking
off the rind for certain styles. It’s
labour-intensive by design.
Talk us through Burwash Rose
Burwash Rose is our washed-rind soft
cheese and the only one we pasteurise.
After brining, we wash the rind by hand
three times a week for about four weeks.
It often develops a delicate pink blush
hence the “Rose”. It’s rich and creamy
with that classic washed-rind farmyard
note. Great on hot toast but bring it
properly to room temperature first.
And the hard cow’s cheeses?
Our Olde Sussex is our everyday hero,
a cheddar-style farmhouse cheese while
the Goodweald Smoked is the oaksmoked
version gently smoked off the
rind (smoked locally). Scrumpy Sussex
uses the Olde Sussex curd, but we mix in
garlic, local herbs and local cider before
moulding, so the flavour has a lovely,
dry-cidery character that changes slightly
with each small-batch cider.
You also make a sheep’s cheese
Yes, Lord of the Hundreds. It’s the only
one we make with brought-in sheep’s
milk. It’s firm, slightly nutty and some
chefs treat it a bit like Parmesan. We
usually mature it for around seven
months.
What’s the best way to serve
cheese in winter?
Always at room temperature, so about an
hour out of the fridge at least. Then keep
it simple: good bread or toast, maybe a
sharp apple or pickled cucumber. For
drinks, winter suits cider, amber ales and
sparkling whites beautifully.
If you go looking
You’ll find The Traditional Cheese Dairy
at Burnt House Farm, a few hedgerows
away from the lanes where Ronald and
Joyce once walked as newlyweds. They
don’t have a shop, but they do have a 24-
hour vending machine and you can buy
their cheese online.
Better still, enjoy a hearty winter’s walk
at nearby Selwyns Wood Nature Reserve
followed by lunch at The Star at Waldon
(yes, you’ll find The Traditional Cheese
Dairy cheese on the menu). Then stock
up on cheese from the vending machine
before you head home.
With thanks to cheesemaker Ben Cottingham
for the tour, the tasting and for teaching me
how to turn cheese. It’s a skill I still hope to
find useful.
Your Winter Cheeses
On your Christmas cheese board
this year, give Burjak Cheddar
the centre and let Lord of the
Hundreds do double duty on the
board and in the pan. Add apples,
nuts, pickles, and good bread. Pour something
local. And remember Ben’s only non-negotiable:
room temperature, please.
Burjak cheddar: the once-a-year centrepiece
What it is: A buttered-muslin-bound cheddar
matured from February to Christmas, named
for the family herd combined with a family
nickname (Burjak).
Why it sings in winter: It has that rounded, savoury
nuttiness with a clean, dry finish and a texture that
slices beautifully for a centrepiece board. It has that
celebratory feel you want at Christmas: generous,
nostalgic, robust enough to stand up to chutneys
and roasts, but refined on its own.
Serve it like this:
• Bring to room temperature (one hour, minimum).
• Board with celery hearts, Cox or Russet apples,
pickled walnuts and a spoon of chutney.
• Drinks: Sussex sparkling lifts the butter-muslin
savour, dry cider is a natural and both are superb
by the fire.
• Boxing Day hero: thick slices on warm bread
with cold cuts and mustard.
Lord of the Hundreds: the winter cook’s
secret weapon
What it is: A sheep’s milk hard cheese matured
around seven months; firm, slightly nutty and
wonderfully aromatic.
Why it sings in winter: It’s brilliant in the
kitchen. That savoury depth brings life to risotto,
pasta with winter greens and roasted cauliflower
or Jerusalem artichokes.
Serve it like this:
• Shave over butternut squash risotto with sage.
• Grate lightly onto buttered leeks or roast
mushrooms.
• Board pairing: toasted almonds, dried figs and a
drizzle of local honey.
• Drinks: try a textural white or a heritage cider;
it’s also lovely with a light, chillable red.
(If you fancy a third note on the board, Ben suggests
the oak-smoked Olde Sussex: same farmhouse base,
a whisper of smoke – an instant, fireside feeling.)
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There’s a moment in late autumn when
the county exhales. Frost threads the
hedgerows, the Downs wear their
quietest colours and kitchens across
Sussex tuck into the comfort of slowcooked,
big-hearted food.
Steve Toward is founder and chef at Stoves Dining
which brings fine dining and the art of Michelin
star experiences into your home. Steve’s career has
taken him from Michelin star kitchens across Europe
to celebrity kitchens and he lights up when the
winter produce rolls in: roots with real character,
robust brassicas and seafood from our coast. Sussex
Exclusive caught up with him to find out more
about his winter secrets and how to create dishes
from them that are bursting with flavour.
“Winter veg has depth,” Steve says. “It’s been in the
sun all year, then the frost comes and the sugars
tighten. Keep it simple and let the flavour speak.
Winter is also generous,” he adds. “You don’t need to
overwork winter veg. Buy well, cook gently and let
the season do the talking.”
Seasonal Sussex with
Chef Steve Toward
Winter vegetables that sing and the Sussex ingredients he reaches for first
40 | sussexexclusive.com
Steve’s four winter heroes (and
exactly what to do with them)
1) The not-so-humble carrot
Steve’s carrot tip is deceptively simple and
completely transformative: cook carrots in
carrot juice.
“Use a good, fresh juice, not one mixed with apple.
Add a star anise, a knob of butter and a pinch of
sugar. Simmer until just tender, lift the carrots out
to keep warm, then boil the liquor to a glossy glaze.
Fish out the star anise, toss the carrots back in, finish
with a whisper of parsley and seasoning. That’s it.
Carrot flavour, turned up to eleven.”
Why it works: cooking in juice intensifies carrot-oncarrot
sweetness without masking it, and the star
anise adds a subtle warmth that feels tailor-made for
December plates.
2) Cavolo nero (with a clearing-your-head kick)
Cavolo nero is an Italian black cabbage now
happily grown across the UK and it’s also Steve’s
winter saviour.
Who says the winter has no colour, heritage carrots
for the weekend
“Shred it, sweat it gently in olive oil, season and
finish with freshly grated horseradish. It’s brilliant
with roast meats, sausages or a fillet of white fish.
Horseradish gives you that big first hit and then it’s
gone, all warmth, no burn. Perfect winter food and
perfect if you’re fighting a cold.”
Cook’s note: strip out the central rib on larger leaves
for tenderness; the smaller, darker leaves need just a
few minutes.
3) Jerusalem artichokes (soup you’ll make on
repeat)
They may look knobbly and a nightmare to peel, but
that’s why Steve doesn’t.
“Scrub them well and make a chicken & Jerusalem
artichoke soup. You keep every bit of flavour that
way. The result is silky, earthy, comforting, proper
winter balm.”.
Think: a light chicken stock base, artichokes
simmered until soft, blitzed smooth with a splash
of cream or good olive oil, finished with lemon and
black pepper.
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Why it works: you avoid waste, and you keep that
distinct, nutty perfume that makes artichokes so
moreish.
4) Salsify (the chef’s secret)
If you spot it at a farm shop or market, grab it.
“It’s thin, long, almost black on the outside,
beautifully delicate within and a little oyster-like in
flavour. Peel it into lemon water (it discolours fast),
cut into short lengths and parboil in lightly salted,
lemony water. Refresh, then pan-roast in butter. It’s
dreamy with turbot or sea bass, or alongside roast
chicken.”
Tip: ask your greengrocer to source it if it isn’t on the
shelf; it’s worth the hunt.
Salsify
60-second recipe: Glazed Carrots with
Star Anise
1. In a wide pan, add carrot juice to come halfway
up evenly cut carrots.
Sussex on a plate: Steve’s
local loves
The coast that feeds us
For Steve, Sussex cooking starts at the shoreline.
“We’re an island, but we don’t eat enough fish.
But freshness is everything: a good fish smells
faintly of the sea, never ‘fishy’. Buy from reputable
fishmongers and support the fleets, especially the
beach-launched boats at Hastings. If we don’t buy
local, we lose the knowledge and the boats.”
His understated hero fish? Mackerel.
Black yellow carrots
five minutes describing textures, sauces and how to
make them from scratch. That’s it. That’s the secret
of great menus. It’s not the luxury; it’s the care and
the passion.”
2. Add 1 star anise, a small knob of butter, a pinch
of sugar and salt.
3. Simmer until just tender. Lift carrots to a
warm plate.
4. Boil juices to a syrupy glaze; remove star anise.
5. Return carrots, toss to coat, finish with chopped
parsley and black pepper.
Serve with roast chicken, grilled mackerel, or a slab
of nutty Sussex cheese.
Try it together: a simple Sussex
winter supper
“Cheap as chips, and so underrated. Grill it hot and
fast, add a squeeze of lemon and maybe a fennel or
horseradish salad on the side. That’s Sussex to me.”
He also champions brown crab (“sweet, honest
flavour”) and line-caught bass when in season, proof
that simple, local and impeccably fresh outclasses
anything fussed-over.
And the ingredient he rates
above all?
Passion.
“Ask a chef their favourite ingredient and some
will say truffle or foie gras. But one brilliant young
cook once answered ‘baked beans’ and then spent
© Claire Louise
How to shop and cook like Steve this
winter
• Buy what’s truly seasonal. Roots, brassicas,
hardy greens. They’ve done the work for you.
• Use one star note. A single spice (star anise), a
grating of horseradish or lemon. It’s winter; let
clarity lead.
• Cook in ‘self-stock’. Carrots in carrot juice;
beetroot in beet juice. Intensify, don’t dilute.
• Respect the coast. Ask for local mackerel,
bass and crab; sniff test for freshness; support
independent fishmongers and fleets.
• Keep the finish clean. A glaze, a good oil, crisp
sea salt: flavour without clutter.
• Starter: Chicken & Jerusalem artichoke soup,
lemon & chive.
• Main: Grilled mackerel, cavolo nero with fresh
horseradish, glazed carrots.
• Cheese course: A wedge of local Sussex, think
Traditional Cheese Dairy’s soft cheese with apple
and rye.
• Glass: Something sparkling and Sussex, naturally.
You can find out more about Steve and arrange him
to cater for you, at: www.stovesdining.co.uk
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A TOTTINGTON
CHRISTMAS &
NEW YEAR
Tucked away down a sleepy country lane
at the foot of the South Downs, few
places are more enigmatic at Christmas
than Tottington Manor and TERRA
Restaurant. Lights twinkle on the
horizon as you approach, and you know you can
expect something special: that perfect balance of
great local food, seasonal good cheer and beautiful
countryside.
This Christmas, Tottington’s beautiful TERRA
Restaurant and bar are the heart of the celebrations.
Think seasonal Sussex ingredients, roaring fires and
menus designed for gathering, from relaxed lunches
with friends to indulgent evening dinners and private
festive parties. Whether you’re joining colleagues for
a Christmas get-together, treating family to a night
out, or escaping for a quiet drink by the tree, the
atmosphere is one of warmth, local flavour and style.
Festive dining and celebrations
Throughout December, the kitchen team will be
serving Christmas lunch and dinner menus full
of flavour and local produce: a modern take on
traditional favourites. Expect beautifully presented
dishes, friendly service and a relaxed country-house
feel that makes every visit special.
There’s also a Festive Afternoon Tea for those
who like their celebrations a little slower: delicate
sandwiches, homemade scones and a glass of
something sparkling, all enjoyed in front of the fire.
The Christmas Market and Light Switch-
On – 21 November
The season begins in style with Tottington’s
Christmas Market and Light Switch-On on Thursday
21 November. The grounds come alive with local
makers, artisan stalls, festive music and mulled wine,
all leading up to the magical moment when the
Christmas lights are switched on. It’s the perfect way
to start the Sussex festive season and a wonderful
excuse to soak up the atmosphere while getting ahead
with your Christmas shopping.
Wreath-Making Workshop and Festive
Dinner
If you love a hands-on festive moment, Tottington’s
wreath-making workshop on Wednesday 26
November is not to be missed. Starting with a glass
of mulled wine, and with all materials provided, it’s
a relaxed, creative way to spend an evening complete
with a two-course festive meal and that signature
Tottington hospitality. Guests leave with a beautiful
handmade wreath and plenty of festive cheer.
Candlelit Carols
Few things capture the spirit of Christmas quite like
Candlelit Carols at Tottington Manor (21 to 23
December) lead by a professional vocalist and band
as you enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate and the
gentle hum of traditional carols. Make this one of
your must do events this season.
Christmas Joiner DJ Parties
If you’re looking to celebrate with friends or colleagues,
Tottington’s Christmas Joiner DJ Parties are pure
festive fun. These shared party nights bring together
great food and an upbeat crowd, so even smaller
groups can enjoy a full Christmas celebration without
the need to book the entire venue. Expect great music,
a lively atmosphere, and plenty of festive sparkle.
Sing-Along Afternoon Tea
For something a little different, Tottington’s Sing-
Along Afternoon Tea combines their gorgeous festive
tea with live music and an invitation to join in the
fun. It’s a joyful, laughter-filled afternoon and one
of the highlights of their Christmas programme
especially for those who love a carol or two.
Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year
For those who prefer to leave the cooking to
someone else, Christmas Day lunch at Tottington is
a highlight of the year. Expect all the trimmings, a
real sense of occasion, and views across the Downs
that make the day feel like a gift in itself. And for a
gentler pace, Boxing Day lunch is all about comfort
food and catching up with friends.
When it’s time to welcome the New Year, Tottington
does it in style. New Year’s Eve Gala Night Dinner
brings together everything that makes this Sussex
favourite so special exceptional food, music and an
atmosphere that’s both elegant and full of life.
A feast for the senses
Every corner of Tottington Manor glows at
Christmas. Their decorations are nothing short of
magical with twinkling lights, evergreen garlands
and sparkling trees that make every visit feel like
stepping into a Christmas card. It’s festive Sussex at
its most enchanting.
Whether you’re booking a festive meal, a party night,
or simply popping in for a glass of mulled wine after
a winter walk, Tottington Manor is pure Sussex
magic this Christmas.
Find Tottington Manor and TERRA Restaurant at:
HOTEL & RESTAURANT
Edburton Road, Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9LJ
Telephone: 01273 957 777
For more information or to book:
reservations@tottingtonmanor.co.uk
tottingtonmanor.co.uk
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Spiced Sussex Beef Wellington Bites
Winter Warmth
A Sussex Festive Feast
There’s something deeply comforting
about the approach of winter in Sussex.
The crisp mornings, the promise of
blue skies and that particular quality
of light that makes even the simplest
kitchen feel like a place of magic. As the festive
season draws near, my kitchen becomes more than
just a workspace; it transforms into the heart of
celebration, where memories are made with every
stir of the pot and every perfectly golden pastry
pulled from the oven.
This year, with a glass of Sussex sparkling wine in
hand (because why should champagne have all the
fun?), I’ve been revisiting traditional festive flavours
with a distinctly local twist. The challenge I set
myself was this: how do we create show-stopping
festive dishes that honour our wonderful Sussex
producers while still feeling special enough for those
precious holiday gatherings?
The answer lies in two recipes that have become my
winter go-tos; dishes that make your home smell like
Christmas itself and taste even better than they look.
These individual Wellington bites are my answer to
the perennial question: how do we make Christmas
dinner feel luxurious without spending all day in
the kitchen? They’re elegant enough to impress your
most discerning guests, yet wonderfully practical for
the busy festive season.
Why this works: By creating individual portions,
you avoid the anxiety of slicing a large Wellington
at the table. Each guest receives their own perfectly
cooked parcel, and they can be partially prepared
ahead; a gift to yourself on Christmas morning.
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 8 bites
Ingredients:
500 g Sussex beef fillet, cut into 8 equal portions
2 tbsp Sussex rapeseed oil
200 g chestnut mushrooms, finely chopped
2 shallots, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp Sussex brandy (or cognac)
100 g quality pâté (I favour a smooth chicken liver
pâté)
320 g sheet all-butter puff pastry
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
Prepare the beef: Season beef portions generously
with salt and pepper. Heat rapeseed oil in a heavybased
pan over high heat. Sear each piece of beef for
1 minute on all sides until deeply browned but still
rare inside. Remove and allow to cool completely.
Brush each with a thin layer of Dijon mustard.
Make the duxelles: In the same pan, reduce heat
to medium. Add shallots and cook until softened
(about 3 minutes). Add mushrooms and garlic,
cooking until all moisture has evaporated (8 to 10
minutes). The mixture should be dark and paste-like.
Add brandy and cook for 1 minute. Season with salt,
pepper, and thyme. Cool completely.
Assemble: Roll out pastry on a lightly floured
surface to about 3 mm thickness. Cut into 8 squares,
large enough to envelop each beef portion. Spread
a thin layer of pâté in the centre of each square, top
with a spoonful of mushroom duxelles, then place
a beef portion on top. Brush pastry edges with egg
wash, fold corners up to envelop the beef, pinching
seams to seal. Place seam-side down on a baking
parchment-lined tray.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to
24 hours, perfect for make-ahead entertaining).
Bake: Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas
Mark 6. Brush Wellingtons with egg wash, score
decoratively with a sharp knife (be careful not to cut
through). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until pastry is
deep golden and crispy.
Rest and serve: Allow to rest for 5 minutes before
serving. The beef should be medium-rare inside with
a beautifully crispy pastry exterior.
Sarah’s tip: These can be assembled the day before
and kept refrigerated. Just add 5 minutes to the
cooking time if baking from cold. Serve with a
Sussex red wine reduction and winter greens dressed
in Sussex butter.
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Cranberry & Orange Winter Pudding with Sussex Cream
If I’m honest, traditional Christmas pudding divides
a room. Some adore it; others politely push it around
their plate. This winter pudding is my love letter
to those who want something festive, fruity, and
celebratory without the heaviness of a traditional
pud. It’s lighter, brighter, and utterly irresistible with
a generous pour of Sussex double cream.
Why this works: The sharpness of cranberries cuts
through the richness of the festive meal, while the
citrus notes feel both seasonal and refreshing. It
can be made up to three days ahead and actually
improves with time.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
For the pudding:
175 g unsalted Sussex butter, softened, plus extra for
greasing
175 g light muscovado sugar
3 large eggs
Zest of 2 oranges
175 g self-raising flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground cloves
200 g fresh or frozen cranberries
100 g dried cranberries
50 g chopped walnuts (optional)
3 tbsp fresh orange juice
For the syrup:
Juice of 2 oranges (about 100 ml)
50 g caster sugar
2 tbsp Sussex gin (or orange liqueur)
100 g fresh cranberries
To serve:
Sussex double cream or brandy butter
Instructions:
Prepare the basin: Generously butter a 1.5-litre
pudding basin. Line the base with a disc of baking
parchment. Bring a large pan of water to simmer
(you’ll need this for steaming).
Make the batter: Cream butter and muscovado
sugar until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes with
an electric mixer). Add eggs one at a time, beating
well after each addition. Add orange zest. Sift in
flour and spices, folding gently. The mixture should
drop reluctantly from a spoon; if too thick, add a
tablespoon of milk.
Add the fruit: Fold in fresh cranberries, dried
cranberries and walnuts. Spoon mixture into the
prepared basin. Drizzle over the orange juice.
Cover and steam: Cover basin with a double layer
of baking parchment and foil, pleated in the centre
to allow for expansion. Tie securely with string.
Place in a large pan with enough simmering water
to come halfway up the sides of the basin. Steam for
1 hour 30 minutes, checking water level periodically
and topping up with boiling water as needed.
Make the syrup: While pudding steams, combine
orange juice, sugar, and cranberries in a small pan.
Simmer for 10 minutes until cranberries burst and
syrup thickens. Remove from heat and stir in gin.
Turn out and serve: Remove pudding from pan,
allow to stand for 5 minutes, then carefully turn
out onto a serving plate. Pierce the top several times
with a skewer and pour over half the warm syrup.
Serve with remaining syrup, Sussex double cream,
and perhaps a sprig of holly for that festive flourish.
Tip: This pudding can be made up to three days
ahead. Simply steam for 45 minutes to reheat before
serving. The flavours deepen beautifully. For an
extra special touch, warm a tablespoon of brandy,
pour over the pudding, and carefully set alight at
the table.
Beyond the Recipes:
Celebrating Sussex in Winter
One of the joys of festive cooking in Sussex is the
abundance of exceptional local produce. From the
finest beef and game to our world-class dairy, Sussex
provides everything we need for a truly memorable
winter feast.
Where to source:
Sussex beef: Look to farms like Goodwood Estate
Farm Shop, Cowdray or Tablehurst Farm for quality,
traceable beef
Sussex butter and cream: High Weald Dairy
produces exceptional butter and double cream
Local spirits: Sussex Distillery and others offer
wonderful gins and brandies perfect for festive cooking
Storage tips for your festive shop:
Beef fillet keeps well for 2 to 3 days in the coldest part
of your fridge
Fresh cranberries freeze beautifully; buy extra now for
year-round use
Homemade pastry can be frozen for up to 3 months
Did You Know?
December 25th is not just Christmas Day but also
National Pumpkin Pie Day (for those looking beyond
traditional pudding)
Sussex Sparkling Wine has won numerous
international awards, rivalling champagne in blind
tastings
The tradition of Christmas pudding dates back to
medieval England, but our lighter winter puddings
reflect modern tastes
This festive season, as you gather around your table
with those you love, remember that the best recipes
are those made with care, enjoyed with laughter, and
shared with joy. Here’s to a Sussex winter filled with
warmth, wonderful food, and memories that last long
after the plates are cleared.
Sarah Thompson is a food and travel photographer,
writer and stylist. You can find her at
www.sussexkitchen.co.uk
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A Sussex Christmas at
The Chequers at
Rowhook
When winter settles across
the Sussex countryside, The
Chequers at Rowhook offers a
warm welcome, an exceptional
dining experience and a menu
that is second to none. Just outside Horsham, in
the hamlet of Rowhook, this centuries-old inn
glows like a lantern against the dark: windows lit,
its fires crackling and its kitchen alive with the
quiet confidence of chef and founder Tim Neal.
A true country welcome
Step through the door and the first thing you
notice is the warmth. The Chequers isn’t showy; it’s
all about honest comfort, stone floors, oak beams
and a hum of conversation that feels instantly
familiar. Locals drop in for a pint or Sunday roast,
travellers linger over long lunches and everyone
seems to exhale the moment they arrive.
The food — Tim Neal’s Sussex table
At the heart of it all is Tim Neal, whose cooking has
become part of The Chequers’ signature charm. A
classically trained chef with a passion for provenance,
Tim built his reputation on flavour, seasonality and a
deep respect for Sussex produce. “We don’t try to overcomplicate
things,” he says. “Good food speaks for
itself, especially when it comes from the right place.”
That philosophy runs through the winter menu: hearty
dishes made elegant by precision and care. Expect rich
game pies, slow-braised beef with root vegetables, fresh
fish, and indulgent puddings that belong to the season:
sticky toffee, dark chocolate, brandy cream. Local
ingredients feature wherever possible: cheeses from
the Weald, greens from nearby growers, ales and wines
from Sussex brewers and vineyards.
It’s the kind of food that feels both generous and
grounded, comforting yet quietly refined and it’s
served with the easy hospitality that defines a great
country pub.
Christmas at The Chequers
From late November, the pub takes on its festive
glow. A Christmas wreath hangs on the door and a
tree that sparkles in the dining room. The Christmas
menu celebrates everything Tim loves about this time
of year: turkey with chestnut and orange stuffing,
chipolata and bacon, roast potatoes and seasonal
vegetables. And desserts that include traditional
Christmas pudding and rich Belgian chocolate
mousse with candied blood orange zest, chocolate
crumb & Cointreau Chantilly cream.
There’s no rush here. Lunch slips happily into afternoon
and the low light outside only adds to the sense of
cocooned calm. Whether you come for a family
celebration, a get-together with friends, or simply a
quiet evening for two, Christmas at The Chequers is
about slowing down and savouring the moment.
The man behind the menu
Tim’s journey is part of what makes the place so
distinctive. After years cooking in acclaimed kitchens,
he wanted to return to something simpler and more
personal, a place where he could cook honestly, close
to the land and community he loves. The Chequers
gave him that canvas. “It’s not about chasing trends,”
he explains. “It’s about creating food that people
remember, food that makes them happy.”
He leads a small, close-knit team who share his belief
that great dining begins with generosity and respect
for ingredients. In winter, that means hearty stocks
simmering on the stove, bread baking each morning,
and dishes that mirror the Sussex landscape outside:
robust, flavourful, and full of character.
Winter weekends and slow afternoons
Outside, the lanes around Rowhook wind through
rolling countryside perfect for a winter walk before
or after lunch. The Sussex Border Path carries walkers
along to nearby Rudgwick with views of the Downs,
North and South and the trail through Roman Woods
joins up with the Downs Link, a long-distance walking
route to the coast. On market days, Horsham makes a
pleasant stop for Christmas shopping.
Back at The Chequers, the welcome always feels the
same: fires burning, glasses clinking, plates arriving
with perfect timing. It’s the kind of place where
locals still exchange news at the bar, and newcomers
quickly become regulars.
A season to savour
If you’re looking for sparkle without the stress, for
food that’s thoughtful, surroundings that soothe, and
a genuine sense of Sussex hospitality, you’ll find it
here in Rowhook.
The Chequers Inn
Rowhook Road, Horsham RH12 3PY
thechequersrowhook.com
01403 790480
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Feel Good Winter
Recipes
With Hygge Style
Whether you’re celebrating
Christmas or just enjoying the
feel-good factor of snuggling
up on a cold winter’s day with
a sweet treat and a good film,
Becci Coombes has the perfect winter treats for you.
Risengrød: rice pudding with
a twist
What is risengrød? Well, it’s essentially Danish rice
pudding served during Christmas; a big batch is
often made on 23 of December and served hot, then
the remaining pudding is combined with whipped
cream and cherry sauce and served as dessert on
Christmas Eve as Risalamande. And don’t forget to
leave a bowl out for your nisser (house elves) too!
Our family recipe is a great dish to cook if you suffer
from power cuts and are trying to preserve your
camping gas; known in Denmark as putting the
rice pudding to bed, the cooking pot is wrapped in
newspaper and blankets after the second boil, then
snuggled under the duvet to keep on cooking for a
couple of hours.
While it is customarily a Scandinavian festive
dessert, we like to eat it all winter long as one of
life’s great comfort foods. Feeling under the weather?
Knock up a big pot of this rich and creamy pudding
and consume on the sofa under a blanket and you
are guaranteed to sleep well!
Ingredients
(serves 2 very generous portions as it
is quite rich)
750 ml milk
100 ml water
100 g pudding rice
100 g white sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Butter, to serve
Method
Place the rice and water in a large heavybottomed
pan and bring to the boil for 2-3
minutes.
Add the milk, bring back to the boil and then
turn the heat down to low; simmer for 30-
35 minutes until thick and creamy, stirring
frequently with a spatula to stop the grains
sticking; you may wish to turn the heat down
even further to stop the milk foaming over. As
the mixture becomes thicker and creamier it
will require stirring more frequently, so this is
a great recipe for when you are on hand in the
kitchen rolling biscuits, etc.
While the rice is gently bubbling away, add
the cinnamon and sugar together in a bowl
and stir thoroughly to combine.
Once the rice is thick and creamy, add a
pinch of salt and divide the pudding between
two bowls.
Top each serving with a spoonful of butter
and a generous sprinkling of cinnamon sugar.
The mixture will thicken as it cools, so if you
are re-heating it later on it can be loosened
with the addition of a splash of milk. Don’t
forget to leave a little bowl out on Christmas
Eve for the nisser pixies!
52 | sussexexclusive.com 53

FOOD
FOOD
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp white pepper
½ tsp ground cardamom (I find that freshly ground
cardamom pods are far more fragrant, and usually
just bash up 4 or 5 with a mortar and pestle,
removing the papery husks and then grinding the
seeds with a pinch of sugar to help them break up).
Homemade
After Dinner Mints
If you love after-dinner mints as much as I do,
this is the perfect recipe for you! Whether you’ve
been looking for the ultimate After Eights recipe,
or wondered how to make your own Bendicks
mints, these treats are so easy; best of all, they
make the perfect batch-made gifts.
Pebernødder
What are Danish Pebernødder? Well, as the festive
season approaches, the Danish tradition of baking
pebernødder fills homes with the warm, spiced
aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves … and of
course, a little pepper!
These tiny little biscuits, perfectly sized for scoffing
by the handful, have been enjoyed for generations
in Denmark, often paired with a warm glass of
gløgg on chilly winter days. You can buy them at
pretty much any corner shop or supermarket in
Denmark during Christmas, but the home-made
ones are far superior; Danes often use an ingredient
called hart’s horn salt as a leavening agent (yes, it
did really used to be made from powdered antler!)
but baking powder works just as well.
Ingredients
(makes about 110)
275 g plain flour
125 g sugar
125 g butter, room temperature
1 egg
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground ginger
Method
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and line two baking
sheets with greaseproof paper (you may need one
more sheet, depending on how big your sheets are!).
Place the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand
mixer and beat until soft and fluffy using the
dough hook.
Add the flour, egg, spices and baking powder and mix
until the ingredients come together to form a smooth
dough. (If you are making these in winter your dough
might be nice and stiff; if you find it too sticky pop it
in the fridge for half an hour to firm up).
Form the dough into a ball and then divide into four
equal pieces with a knife.
Taking one quarter of the mixture, roll it out into
a long sausage about the width of your finger
(depending on how wide it is it should give you a
sausage of about 50-55 cms long).
Using a sharp knife, slice the sausages into little
pieces the width of your finger.
Roll each piece into a tiny ball and place on the
baking sheet, giving it the lightest press with
the tip of your finger as you go (this stops them
rolling about!).
Bake in the centre of the oven for 8 to 12 minutes
depending on how fierce your cooker is. They should
be pale golden brown on top and slightly darker
underneath; it won’t hurt them if you keep opening
the door to check!
These dear little cookies will theoretically last for
months in a tin, but in our experience, you’ve got
about three hours before they have all disappeared!
The recipe scales up beautifully; why not set up a
production line and make a double (or even triple)
batch and pack them into pretty jars as a lovely
edible home-made gift idea?).
Leaving the mints in a cool room overnight
is essential or the filling will just ooze out
uncontrollably; I find 24 hours is perfect for an
After Eight type texture, but if you are packaging
them as a gift, 48 hours is even better as they will
hold their shape beautifully. Don’t be tempted
to heat the knife in hot water when slicing them
as that will just leave chocolatey smears across
the beautifully white creamy filling; just use the
sharpest knife you have. They also look lovely sliced
into little bars and wrapped in baking paper (rather
like a DIY Fry’s peppermint cream), and although
I did make some to photograph, sadly my family
found them and ate them.
Ingredients
230 g condensed milk
400 g icing sugar
1–2 tsp peppermint essence (depending on how
minty you like it)
400 g dark chocolate
You’ll also need a 33 x 25 cm roasting tin lined
with greaseproof paper, a mixing bowl, and your
favourite spatula.
Method
Start by melting 200 g of the dark chocolate in a
heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, or
in the microwave in short bursts. Pour the melted
chocolate into your lined roasting tin, spreading
it evenly with a spatula. Gently tap the tin on
the counter a couple of times to eliminate any air
bubbles. Place the tin in the fridge to set while
you prepare the peppermint cream layer.
In a large bowl, mix the condensed milk with
the peppermint essence. Gradually add the icing
sugar, stirring until you have a soft dough. When it
becomes too stiff to mix, knead it on a clean surface
dusted with icing sugar until smooth. The dough
should be soft but not sticky.
Once ready, gently press the dough over the chilled
chocolate base with your fingers, making sure it’s
evenly spread. Return the tin to the fridge to chill.
Melt the remaining 200 g of chocolate and let it cool
for a few minutes so it’s still pourable but not too
hot. Spread it carefully over the peppermint layer,
smoothing it out for a glossy finish. Place the tin in a
cool room and leave it overnight to fully set.
When the mints are completely firm, carefully lift
them out of the tin using the greaseproof paper.
Slice them into small squares or rectangles using a
sharp knife. These are perfect for serving with coffee,
wrapping as gifts, or simply enjoying as a sweet treat
after a meal.
Sussex based Becci is winner of
F:entrepreneur100, BT’s Best Home
Business of the Year and Remote
Worker Awards and The Mumpreneur
100. You can find her at Hygge Style.
54 | sussexexclusive.com
55

Weird & Wonderful
Sussex
Quirky, curious and sometimes just strange,
Sussex has all sorts of interesting nooks and crannies.
Brighton street art
Firle Tower
Symbol of Discovery
(d.1999) and is Grade II listed. It reflects
the idea of the museum being a “guardian
and place of discovery and learning”.
Cat hedge
On a footpath not far from Lancing,
you may be surprised to find a large cat.
Or rather a large hedge cut in the shape
of a cat. Look beyond and the garden
it protects is full of quirky displays and
figures. Why? No idea! I guess the answer
is probably, why not!
Brede’s 17th century alms box
The tiny village of Brede has a lot going
on. In addition to the Brede Steam Giants
and the legend of a giant in the form of
Sir Goddard Oxenbridge, it also has an
interesting iron alms box, dated 1687, used
for collecting money for the poor.
Cat hedge
Brede alms box
Wivelsfield yew
Kingley Vale bench
Brighton Street Art
One of the great things about a visit to
Brighton is its street art which comes
in all shapes, sizes and styles. From the
station, head into the North Laines
and you’ll be quickly immersed into
a colourful and creative world. But it
doesn’t stop there and you’ll also find
street art in the South Lanes, Kemptown,
London Road and tucked away in the
city’s many back streets.
Firle Tower
What’s not to love about stumbling across
a random tower which feels like it’s in
the middle of nowhere? Firle Tower was
built in 1819 by the third Viscount Gage
(owner of Firle Place) as a game-keeper’s
cottage. It sits proud on a little hill and
is visible from some distance and that
was to ensure the game keeper could
signal to the Viscount’s deer park keeper
at Ringmer. It’s three storeys high and
castellated but looks like it’s having a little
work done!
The Symbol of Discovery
Chichester has some great sculpture
including work by Philip Jackson, but
on the corner of East Row and Little
London, you’ll find the rather lovely
Symbol of Discovery. Commissioned
in 1963 to mark the opening of the new
museum, it’s by the artist John Skelton
Yew wouldn’t believe it
Sussex is blessed with a number of
exceptionally old yew trees and when
you stumble across one, they always
have something magical about them.
The yew at St Peter and St John the
Baptist at Wivelsfield is said to be
over 1,000 years old. The church is
pretty old too, with a Norman church
replacing a Saxon building.
Kingley Vale Nature Reserve
Kingley Vale is known best for its ancient
yews and its Devil’s Humps but if you
take a walk around the nature reserve,
you may notice a number of wooden
benches in the park that are engraved with
a thought-provoking verse and a beautiful
corresponding image. It’s fun spotting them
and a great opportunity to pause and reflect.
For walks at Kingley Vale, visit: Kingley
Vale Walks
56 | sussexexclusive.com 57

Winter Golf in Sussex
It’s par for the course this winter
58 | sussexexclusive.com
West Sussex Golf
© Kevin Murray
“Don’t play too much golf.
Two rounds a day are plenty.”
Harry Vardon
There’s something about winter golf in
Sussex. The crowds are gone, the pace
slows and the land takes on a kind of
quiet majesty with frosty fairways and
the echo of a well-struck shot carrying
through still air.
And for those who know where to play,
Sussex is a great place to keep your
game alive through the colder months.
Two of the finest winter golf courses are
West Sussex Golf Club at Pulborough
and Rye Golf Club in East Sussex. Both
are steeped in history and effortlessly
traditional, yet welcoming and quietly
stylish. And both, in their own way,
capture something of the timeless charm
of Sussex itself.
West Sussex Golf Club,
Pulborough
Founded in 1930, West Sussex Golf
Club is often ranked among the top
100 courses in England and for good
reason. Designed by the celebrated
architects Campbell and Hutchison, it’s
a course that feels as though it has always
belonged to the landscape.
A low heathland course with a quick
draining sandy subsoil, the course is a
rare habitat for heathland animals and
plants, especially heather. Even in the
wettest months the fairways stay firm
underfoot, and the greens run true.
And when the round is done, the
clubhouse with its orangery and views
across the course offers the perfect refuge
for lunch or a quiet drink.
Notable holes
Sixth – originally designed as a short
par four around a marshy area, the now
par three is framed by heather and gorse
and often described as one of the most
beautiful holes in the country.
Other facilities
Fully stocked pro shop
Driving range with 12 outdoor and 3
indoor bays
Two dedicated putting greens
Chipping and bunker area
Performance studio with Trackman
4 Launch Monitor for game analysis
and a simulator
For non-golfers
There’s no shortage of ways to while
away a winter day nearby. Petworth,
59

with its antiques, boutiques, National
Trust property and vineyards, is only a
short drive away. The RSPB Pulborough
Brooks Reserve offers beautiful
birdwatching walks, and Amberley village
has a fascinating museum along with
the outstanding restaurant and hotel at
Amberley Castle.
Rye Golf Club, East Sussex
Rye Golf Club, located at Camber on the
south coast of East Sussex, dates back to
the early 1890s. The layout of the “Old
Course” was crafted by the then 25-yearold
architect Harry Colt (who also served
as the club’s first Captain). Today there
are two courses: the Old Course and the
Jubilee Course, both beautiful examples
of links golf.
Set on classic links terrain of dune ridges
and sandy soil, Rye embodies a timeless
style of golf of subtle undulations,
brisk fairways and the ever-present, if
occasionally gentle sea breeze (let’s not
mention the occasional driving rain). The
courses, which are reputed to be among
the very best winter courses in the British
Isles, provide year-round challenging
links golf of the highest standard.
Rye is a private club and you will need a
member’s introduction in order to play. All
play is in two ball format with foursomes
preferred, especially in the morning. No
three or four-ball golf is played.
Amberley Castle
Lewes
Notable holes
The par three on the seventh hole on
the Old Course is frequently cited as
one of the most memorable holes: fastrunning
turf and the surrounding sand
hazards make it challenging for even
the best golfer.
The 13th hole offers a blind second
shot over a dune ridge.
Things to do in the area for
non-golfers
If you’re visiting Rye and your companions
are on the course, there’s plenty nearby
for non-golfers to enjoy. Head into the
historic and Medieval town of Rye and
stroll cobbled streets, explore the Ypres
Tower and museum, climb the church
spire for amazing views and discover
artisanal cafés and independent shops.
Alternatively, nearby Camber Sands is one
of the few sandy stretches of beach on the
Sussex coast, perfect for a seaside walk,
fresh air and views across the dunes.
The spirit of winter golf
Both West Sussex and Rye Golf Club
remind us that golf isn’t just for summer.
They prove that with the right course,
the right terrain and a little Sussex soul,
the game never really sleeps. And even if
you don’t play, there’s something soothing
about being part of that world.
Slow & Sustainable Sussex
The Sussex Food Cycle:
Riding the Forest Way
Spa Valley Railway
Groombridge Bakers
From market towns to farm cafés,
this is Sussex slow travel at its
best: a gentle cycle through forest,
fields and food.
There’s a rhythm to Sussex that you
only really feel when you’re travelling
slowly … and the old railway lines that
thread through the north of the county
are perfect for capturing the essence of
this. The Worth Way (11 km) and Forest
Way (16 km) form two beautiful offroad
cycling routes running from Three
Bridges near Crawley in West Sussex all
the way to Groombridge (East Sussex),
from where the Spa Valley Railway
steams off towards Tunbridge Wells.
It’s an easy, car-free adventure with wide
tracks, soft woodland light and plenty
of places to stop for coffee, cake or
something more serious. You can do the
whole thing in a day or stretch it into a
Sussex weekend of cycling and food.
Start:
Take your bike to Three Bridges
Begin with the train. Three Bridges
station (on the main London –
Brighton line) has good cycle access
and Worth Way starts just a short
distance from the station, following
the old East Grinstead railway line
through gentle countryside.
You soon leave the town behind you as
the route passes Worth Church one of the
oldest churches in Sussex and crosses
the M23. From there, the Worth Way
cuts through the countryside, stopping
at Crawley Down before heading on to
East Grinstead.
If you need fuel before you start, there
is a coffee shop at the station or hang
on until you get to Crawley Down (7
km) and stop at the Village Brew for
scrumptious sweet treats and coffee.
60 | sussexexclusive.com 61

The Forest Way:
East Grinstead to Groombridge
At East Grinstead, the Worth Way flows
into the Forest Way, an 11-mile green
corridor that’s one of Sussex’s best-kept
secrets. Birdsong replaces traffic as you
cycle through the High Weald landscape.
Half a mile from the East Grinstead
trailhead, turn left towards Tablehurst
Farm, one of Sussex’s most inspiring food
destinations.
Stop one:
Tablehurst Farm Café, Forest Row
If you only stop once, make it here.
Tablehurst Farm is a biodynamic
community-owned farm that does
everything right: ethical farming,
minimal waste and glorious food.
The café sits among the barns, serving
farmhouse lunches, soups and salads
made from the fields around you. On
Saturdays, you’ll often see locals queuing
for home-made pies.
Try the farm burger (grass-fed beef,
Tablehurst salad leaves, house ketchup)
or a bowl of winter soup with freshly
baked bread. You can pick up sausages,
eggs and preserves from the farm shop
to take home or load them straight into
your panniers for a Sussex picnic later.
Stop two:
Java & Jazz, Forest Row
A five-minute detour takes you into
Forest Row, a small village with a big food
culture. Grab a coffee from Java & Jazz or
visit The Seasons Wholefoods deli. This
is a good place to stock up on snacks or
even grab a slice of cake for the trail.
Ride on:
The Forest Way to Hartfield and
Groombridge
Back on the trail, the Forest Way curves
its way through quiet woodland and open
fields. Look out for deer and wildlife and
keep an ear out for the steam whistle that
marks your destination ahead.
About halfway, you’ll pass Hartfield, the
village forever linked to A.A. Milne’s
Winnie-the-Pooh. Stop for a light lunch
or slice of cake at Pooh Corner, which
serves fresh homemade sandwiches,
cakes, scones and treats.
You can see the prints of Shepard’s
original Winnie the Pooh sketches, as well
as film posters and movie artwork and
the little Pooh museum is packed with
other bear memorabilia. There’s space
allocated for bikes near the entrance to
the teagarden and usually a steady stream
of walkers from Ashdown Forest.
Tablehurst Farm
Forest Way
Pooh Corner
Worth Church
Seasons, Forest Row
Waymarker
Forest Row
For more bears, The Bear Inn in Hartfield
offers excellent Sunday roasts and local
ales, a perfect excuse to pause before the
last stretch to Groombridge and stock up
on honey at the village store.
Finish:
Spa Valley Railway, Groombridge
Roll into Groombridge, where your
reward is the gentle hiss of the Spa Valley
Railway, its vintage carriages waiting to
take visitors through the High Weald
to Tunbridge Wells. You can watch the
steam trains in the station café with a
slice of cake, or, if timing allows, hop on
board for the short ride into Tunbridge
Wells: bikes welcome (check timetable
before travel).
From Tunbridge Wells station, you
can easily get back to Three Bridges or
London by train, a loop of Sussex made
entirely by pedal and rail power.
Essential information
• Length: Around 22 miles one way
(Three Bridges to Groombridge).
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate; mostly
traffic-free, gently undulating.
• Best for: Hybrid, gravel or
mountain bikes; ideal all year
round but stunning in autumn and
early spring.
• Trains: Frequent connections via
Southern Rail (bikes allowed offpeak
and weekends).
• Combine with: Overnight in
Forest Row or East Grinstead for a
slower pace.
Extra foodie stops along the way
• Gravetye Manor, East Grinstead
– Michelin-starred fine dining and
kitchen garden (book ahead).
• Kingscote Estate & Vineyard, East
Grinstead – offering tours, tastings,
lunches and afternoon teas.
It’s not a race, and it’s not about
miles. It’s about the taste of Sussex,
carrot soup at Tablehurst, honey at
Pooh Corner, the tang of steam at
Groombridge. So pump up your tyres,
pack a basket, and take the slow lane.
62 | sussexexclusive.com 63

More Slow Food Trails
Trail two:
Sea & Salt (Hastings Old Town –
Rock-a-Nore – Fairlight)
Start: Hastings Old Town. Catch the
train to Hastings and then catch the bus
or walk to Hastings Old Town and the
Stade (1.5 km).
There are faster ways to see Sussex.
But none better. This is a county that
rewards the unhurried traveller the ones
who walk between vineyards instead of
driving, who stop for cider at a farm gate,
who think that the best souvenir is a jar
of honey or a loaf of still-warm bread.
These two Slow Food Trails are day
routes that connect farm shops, wineries,
brewers and pubs, ideal for walkers or
those who just want to fill a weekend
with good food and countryside calm.
Trail one:
The Downs & Vines Loop (Alfriston
– Rathfinny – Litlington – Berwick)
Start: Alfriston Village (accessible by train
via Polegate or Lewes and then by bus)
Walk past flint cottages and the Tye
(village green), then head off through
the vines of Rathfinny Wine Estate
for a morning tour or a glass of Sussex
sparkling. Distance about 2 km with a
short distance on the road.
On their Winter Wine Tour you’ll learn
about a typical year of growing vines and
wine production, visit the winery and
enjoy a wine tasting (time 1hr 24 mins).
From Rathfinny, head east, dropping
down through the Cuckmere Valley to
Litlington Tea Gardens for lunch or to
Long Man Brewery for a tour and tasting
(both in Litlington). Distance 3 km.
The brewery tours tell the history
of Church Farm and agriculture in
the beautiful Cuckmere Valley and
visits the farmyard, now home to the
brewery, where you’ll learn about the
Rathfinny
Berwick Church
Hastings
brewing process before heading to the
tasting rooms.
Then follow the riverside path back
to Alfriston. For an optional extra,
walk on towards Berwick Church with
its Bloomsbury murals. End at The
Cricketers’ Arms, Berwick, for a pint
of local ale. Just under 4 km. And then
catch the train home. 2 km. Or overnight
in Alfriston before you head home.
11 km | Moderate | Vineyard, village,
valley views.
Watch the beach-launched fishing fleet
land their catch on Hastings Stade,
buy fresh mackerel or crab at the huts.
Visit The Fishermen’s Museum in an
old chapel. It’s free to visit (although
they invite you to make a donation) and
packed with information about the area’s
fishing history and you can even board a
fishing boat in the museum. Then grab
fish and chips and catch the funicular
up East Cliff, the UK’s steepest funicular
opened in 1902.
Then follow the King Charles III Costal
Trail east towards Fairlight for dramatic
cliff views. Lunch at The Cove in
Fairlight Cove. Originally a cowshed,
then a hotel, this pub offers “simple
seasonal food with a Sussex spin and
sense of humour”.
Visit Stonelynk Farm where you can
buy freshly-picked organic produce
directly from their market-garden
(Thursday to Saturday).
Distance to Fairlight Cove 7.7 km.
Walk or catch the bus back and enjoy
oysters in Hastings Old Town, stock up
in Penbuckles Deli and Judges Bakery
before you head home.
7 km | Hilly | Ideal for a winter sea walk
(or 14 km if you walk back).
This winter, let Sussex show you how
to travel with meaning, gently, locally,
deeply. Walk the old paths. Eat what’s
in season.
64 | sussexexclusive.com 65

BOOKWORM
“This book reflects the spirit of Hastings, its
diversity, its irreverence, its refusal to stand
still,” they say. “In divided times, poetry
is an antidote, a way to break the spells of
manipulation and speak truth.”
BOOKWORM
In The
Library
The Hastings
The Poetry of
Hastings and
Thereabouts
Hastings has always
had poetry in its
bones, perhaps
inevitably inspired
by the sound of the sea and the echoing
of long silent footsteps of smugglers and
invading Normans. And a new anthology,
Poet Town: The Poetry of Hastings &
Thereabouts, captures that spirit in a way
that feels both timeless and new.
Edited by Richard Newham-Sullivan,
with photography by Maxine Silver, this
beautifully produced volume gathers more
than two centuries of poetry linked to
Hastings, from the romantic wanderings
of Byron and Keats to the raw, modern
energy of writers such as Salena Godden
and Iain Sinclair.
Accompanied by striking black-andwhite
portraits by Maxine Silver, showing
contemporary poets in their favourite
Hastings haunts, the book is as much
a portrait of a community as it is a
collection of verse. It’s a love letter to a
place where art and eccentricity are part
of everyday life.
“These poems hit you in the eye like
an arrow — funny, melancholy and
celebratory.”
Whether you dip in for the classics or
discover new voices, Poet Town reminds
us why Hastings remains one of Sussex’s
most creative corners, a town that has
always inspired those who listen closely
enough to hear the poetry in its tide.
Oli Spleen
Coming home to Hastings
For one of the poets featured in Poet
Town, Oli Spleen returning to Hastings
has been as much about healing as it has
been about art.
“I was born in St Leonards and grew up
in the Old Town when it was still rough
around the edges and full of artists,” they
recall. “It was a magical place to grow up.”
After years spent in London and
Brighton writing, making music and
rebuilding life after illness lockdown
brought them back to Sussex soil.
“Reconnecting with nature reminded me
why this place still feels like home.”
Their poems in Poet Town chart that
journey: from addiction and loss to
renewal and belonging. “Mother & The
Spoon,” “Almost Young,” and “Still Life”
blend the honesty of lived experience
with the resilience that defines both artist
and town.
Irish-born poet and novelist Orna Ross
discovered Hastings by chance in 2016
and never quite left.
“There’s a particular quality of light here,”
she says, “and a mixture of contemporary
reality, evident history and mythical deep
time that suits me as both a poet and a
novelist.”
Her poem “Recalling Brigid”, included in
Poet Town, reflects on the Celtic goddesssaint
of poetry and healing, a fusion
of creativity, compassion and feminine
resilience that, she believes, Hastings
would welcome with open arms.
For Orna, the anthology is “a way of
giving the town’s poets visibility and
honouring its literary heritage.” She finds
peace at The Church in the Woods,
where centuries whisper through mosscovered
stones.
“Poetry,” she says, “offers what nothing else
can — a pause, a distillation, a return to
ourselves and to each other.”
Orna Ross
Reanna Valentine
Hyphae, Hastings and the Poetry
of Belonging
A poet, artist and self-described “reluctant
activist”, Reanna Valentine moved to
Hastings less than two years ago and
has already become part of its creative
heartbeat.
“I’m a DFL and an OFB all rolled into one,”
they laugh, “but I absolutely love it here.”
Originally from the Midlands, they were
priced out of Brighton but quickly found
a new sense of belonging by the sea. Their
poem “I’m Going Over the Country Park”,
featured in Poet Town, captures that feeling,
a meditation on grief, connection and
putting down roots in unfamiliar soil.
When not writing, they co-run Hyphae,
a monthly poetry-and-music jam at
Barnaby’s in Hastings, perform at
Poetry Brothel, and exhibit at Hastings
Art Forum.
“Poetry is about connection,” they say. “It’s
accessible, communal and deeply human.
Words need listeners.”
Like the town itself, their work feels alive,
improvisational and full of heart, proof
that poetry in Hastings isn’t just surviving;
it’s thriving.
Poet Town: The Poetry of Hastings &
Thereabouts
Edited by Richard Newham-Sullivan
Photography by Maxine Silver
Available in Waterstones, on Amazon/
Kindle, at Bookbuster in Hastings, and at
the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill.
66 | sussexexclusive.com 67

Christmas is a time
for giving
And even HMRC will give you their
blessing at this time!
Christmas is rightly regarded as a time of giving and
comes with an incentive from the taxman to give
free of inheritance tax. With three themes, here are
some ideas for lifetime giving at Christmas.
Immediate exemption for smaller gifts for
individuals
There are a number of inheritance tax exemptions
for small gifts made by one to another individual.
They are:
£250 Small Gift Exemption
This is intended to cover occasional and modest gifts
to family and friends. Gifts of up to £250 in a tax
year are exempt from inheritance tax.
As there is no limit to the number of individuals
who can benefit from this exemption, it can be used
as often as liked during a tax year.
£3,000 Annual Exemption
Whereas the £250 small gifts exemption is on a “per
donee” basis, the £3,000 annual exemption is on the
“per donor” basis.
Gifts of up to £3,000 per annum, and a further
£3,000 if the allowance of the previous tax year is
unused, are exempt from inheritance tax.
Whilst the amount of £3,000 may not seem very
much, if used regularly to fund premiums on life
policies written in trust, a substantial sum can be
gifted over a reasonable period.
Marriage Exemption
Gifts in consideration of marriage are exempt as
follows:
• £5,000 for each parent
• £2,500 for grandparent’s; and
• £1,000 for all others.
The gift, which can be made in kind or in cash, has
to be made on or before the date of marriage.
Potential exemption for larger gifts to
individuals
Lifetime gifts to individuals are potentially exempt if
the donor survives seven years from the date of the
gift. Whilst this exemption is unlimited if the donor
survives the seven years, it is important to remember
that potentially exempt also means potentially taxable
and that most lifetime transfers will, therefore, be
potentially subject to inheritance tax.
If death occurs in this seven year period, the tax
arising on death is tapered as follows:
Years after death:
Reduction
Not more than 3 years
None
More than 3, not more than 4 years 20%
More than 4, not more than 5 years 40%
More than 5, not more than 6 years 60%
More than 6, not more than 7 years 80%
Fortunately, in the event of death within the
seven years, it is normally the value at the time
of gift which is subject to inheritance tax. Any
subsequent increase in value falls outside this charge
to inheritance tax. If, however, the asset gifted
in lifetime has fallen in value, the donee may be
able to claim relief from inheritance tax for that
reduction in value.
Lifetime giving by individuals with an anticipated life
expectancy in excess of seven years is an incredibly
effective way of passing wealth to the next generation.
It is usual for the potential inheritance tax to be
insured against with term assurance at a modest
cost. However outright gifts usually mean that the
donor loses control of the assets given away and
consideration is usually given to the circumstances of
the donee to receive wealth in this way.
Immediate exemption under the normal
expenditure rule
One of the best inheritance tax exemptions,
and possibly one of the least used, is the normal
expenditure rule. This exemption allows individuals
in their lifetime to make gifts limited only by the
extent of their net after tax surplus income.
There are three conditions for the exemption to
apply. It must be shown that the gift:
• Was made as part of the normal expenditure of
the person making the gift;
• Was made out of their income; and
• That the donor was left with sufficient income to
maintain their usual standard of living.
Normal expenditure is taken to be habitual or
typical and is judged in the context of each donor.
The amounts of the gifts do not have to be fixed
nor do they have to be at the same time each year
nor do they have to be to the same person. A single
payment can qualify if it is part of a long term
intention, if evidenced by a letter stating a future
intention to make similar gifts.
Out of income is calculated on an annual basis and
it is the net after tax income that should normally
be considered. It is permissible to carry over income
from one year to another, just so long as that income
has not been accumulated into savings over a
number of years.
It is necessary to show that after making the gifts,
you had enough income to maintain your usual
standard of living. Living on capital after making the
gift will lose the exemption. This final test is possibly
the hardest to meet and the one that calls for good
record keeping.
In summary, arrangements such as payment
of premiums for life assurance held in trust,
funding stakeholder pensions for children and
grandchildren, or funding trust funds over a
number of years can take advantage of this valuable
and unlimited exemption.
If you would like to discuss lifetime giving or
making more tax efficient arrangement of your
financial affairs, please get in touch.
www.ritchiephillips.co.uk
Stuart Ritchie is a chartered accountant and chartered
tax adviser with over 30 years’ experience.
He is a tax partner with Ritchie Phillips LLP based in
Horsham and can be contacted on 020 3195 1300 or
stuart.ritchie@ritchiephillips.co.uk
68 | sussexexclusive.com 69

GARDENING
GARDENING
Coronilla Glauca
In the Potting Shed
Geoff Stonebanks talks winter gardens with a hint of Christmas and more
than a nod to sustainability
Winter can be a quiet time in
the garden as many plants are
dormant. But, if your green
fingers are itching and you’re
craving some time outdoors,
there’s still plenty to do during the winter months.
There are also a variety of plants to enjoy at this time
of year. However, as the temperatures now start to
drop, some preparation outdoors is key to protect
your tender plants.
Preparing for the cold
If you have dahlias, cannas and bananas they need
to be carefully protected. You can move them
to a sheltered place or cover them with fleece,
hessian or straw. Keeping the roots dry will also
significantly improve these plants’ chances of
survival through winter.
Winter colour
In terms of planting, it is always nice to see some
summer colour through the winter months. Two
lovely, yellow flowering, plants in my garden
certainly fit the bill.
One of these is a Mahonia x Media Winter Sun. It
adds year-round structure and interest to a garden
and will grow to an eventual height and spread of
Schlumbergera Red Christmas Cactus
4m, so it is best placed near to the back of the
border as an excellent backdrop to your other
plants. This bushy evergreen shrub produces
slender upright stems packed with sweetly
scented blooms in winter and early spring. The
flowers are bright yellow and resemble tiny
daffodils up close and their powerful perfume fills
the air with a jasmine-like scent attracting early
pollinators such as bumblebees who seek them
out in the sunshine. Its foliage is wonderfully
architectural and glossy deep-green spiked leaves
sit on top of the main stem in rosette formations.
You can plant lower growing shrubs and flowers
in front of this large Mahonia to fill out the space
in front of the main trunk. It will grow well in
a shady spot in well-drained fertile soil. Mine is
positioned behind some upright railway sleepers.
The second is Coronilla Blauca. This winterflowering
evergreen shrub is a real stand out plant
with its bright yellow, pea-like, lemon-scented
blooms from December through to mid-spring.
It is much hardier than its delicate appearance
may suggest and will tolerate temperatures down
to -10 C, although to flower well, it requires a
sheltered, sunny spot. With a compact height of
90cm, this Coronilla is well suited to container
growing or positioning at the front of a border.
Alternatively, it may be trained against a wall, in
which case a height of 180cm can be achieved.
It really is quite a spectacular sight on Christmas
Day, covered in bright yellow flowers! More
importantly, it is easy to grow and prefers welldraining
soil in a sunny position. I have this
growing in both my beach garden and in the
garden at the rear of the house too.
Camelia
Christmas cheer
Bringing a hint of Christmas to the garden is the
pretty camelia Yuletide. It is known to many as the
‘Christmas Camelia’. It blooms from November to
February, thereby adding its scarlet colours to the
season both in your garden and as cut stems for a vase
inside your home. Its flowers cover its glossy, dark
green foliage for up to four months and are further
enhanced by a crown of golden stamen in the centre.
Yuletide will mature to a height of 3 metres, with
a spread of 2.5 metres and prefers to be planted in
moist, well-drained soil of any kind, except chalk
based, in a spot in full sun or partial shade. Mine is
ina large container on a north facing wall and does
very well each year.
A pretty festive plant to bring some Christmas cheer
in the house is the ever-popular Christmas cactus
or to give it its proper name, Schlumbergera Red
Christmas Cactus. It is a striking, easy-care houseplant
that brings vibrant colour. Known for its brilliant red,
tubular blooms, this tropical cactus flowers around
late autumn and into the winter making it perfect for
Christmas. It has flat, segmented leafy stems which
arch gracefully, creating a cascading effect that looks
stunning in a decorative pot.
Unlike desert cacti, the Christmas Cactus thrives in
bright, indirect light and prefers consistently moist
(but not soggy) soil. With proper care, it can bloom
reliably every year and live for decades, often passed
down through generations as mine has. It enjoys
moderate humidity and appreciates a cool rest period
after flowering to encourage reblooming. This longlived,
pet-safe plant also purifies indoor air and adds a
natural touch to your Christmas decor.
70 | sussexexclusive.com 71

GARDENING
Looking forward to spring
Now is a good time to consider planting bulbs for
colour in spring. Bare root trees and bushes can
also be bought and planted between November and
March but take care to ensure you don’t plant when
the soil is frozen.
There are those that say you should leave your
perennials alone and not to be tempted at being too
tidy. I have to confess this is something I do find
difficult as I like my garden to be neat and tidy.
However, leaving the dry leaves and stems on your
herbaceous perennials will provide a place for many
insects to overwinter. Dry seed heads can also be
good for birds and small mammals, and they glow in
the winter sun.
Talking of insects and wildlife
Sustainable gardening focuses on creating a garden
ecosystem that minimises environmental impact and
supports local wildlife. This involves practices like
composting, using peat-free compost, conserving
water and choosing plants suited to the local climate.
A healthy garden ecosystem needs insects, so why
not make a simple bug hotel with wood and sticks?
Fill the gaps with hollow plant stems and pinecones
to make a welcoming place for bugs to hide.
We can also help slow and reverse the declines
in bees, butterflies, moths, hoverflies and other
pollinators by growing a wide variety of plants
including a mixture of native, near-native and exotic
plants to support pollinator diversity.
Planning for water conservation
Water conservation is a hot topic and we’ve all been
asked to consider harvesting rainwater through the use
of water butts or grey water from cooking or cleaning.
One relatively easy way to conserve water is to
consider the use of drought tolerant plants in your
garden and design your garden with features that
retain moisture, like gravel gardens. Try and opt for
plants that naturally thrive in your area’s climate and
soil conditions.
Drought-tolerant plants, usually native to dry
regions such as the Mediterranean, have evolved to
thrive in dry soils with little rainfall. With climate
Sedum Atlantis
change and extreme weather events such as drought
increasingly likely in the UK, growing droughtresistant
plants means you can still have an attractive
garden during a hosepipe ban.
Drought-resistant plants are also useful for growing
in a sunny border with free-draining soil and work
well in low-maintenance planting schemes. They can
save you time, too, for example, you can avoid a lot
of back-breaking watering by using drought-resistant
plants in container displays.
5 drought tolerant plants I love to grow in
my garden are listed below:
Sedum Hylotelphium Herbsfreude bears succulent,
light green leaves and contrasting salmon-pink
summer flowers, which mature to orange-red in
autumn. Like most sedums it’s a valuable late source
of nectar for pollinators, particularly butterflies. For
best results grow in well-drained soil in a sheltered
spot in full sun. You can leave the seed heads
standing over winter to provide architectural interest
and then cut these back in February and March.
Another very pretty sedum in my garden is, Sedum
Atlantis, it was The Chelsea Plant of The Year 2019,
with the organisers saying that it’s ‘an attractive,
easy to grow, versatile and multi-functional plant.’ A
native of south Korea, this variegated sedum is hardy
in the UK, drought-tolerant, low-maintenance and
very easy-to-grow so maybe the gardener’s perfect
plant! It provides perfect ground cover, or will fill in
gaps between plants. The succulent leaves of Atlantis
form a spreading mound of rosettes, reaching around
half a metre or so wide. Their naturally creeping
form makes them ideal for softening hard edges such
as paths and walls, and they’re perfect for growing
in pots too. Its leaves initially emerge pure cream in
colour, forming a wide cushion of striking serrated
green leaves bordered in cream. These are followed
by frothy yellow flowers from July to September. In
autumn, the plants are flushed with another colour
change as the leaves take on a subtle pink blush.
Lavender Munstead is a compact lavender, named
after Gertrude Jekyll’s garden at Munstead Wood. It
bears dense spikes of fragrant, blue-purple flowers
above aromatic, grey-green leaves. It’s a popular
lavender for gravel gardens, along with edging paths
and borders, when you brush past it the aromas
from its foliage are released.
Lavender Munstead
Catmint (Nepeta)
Pony Tail grass (Stipa Tenuissima)
Pony Tail grass, or Stipa Tenuissima, is a lovely
grass. It is a compact, evergreen ornamental grass and
has upright clumps of airy silver green foliage, topped
with feathery flower heads in summer and sways
gently in the slightest breeze. In late summer, the
plant turns a beautiful buff colour. It is an incredibly
useful plant in the garden, as it combines well with
pretty much all other plants, grasses, perennials and
annuals. Dotted throughout a sunny border, it can
unify a planting scheme. It’s an excellent choice for
a gravel garden, a naturalistic or prairie border, a
coastal garden or a contemporary urban garden. It
also works well as ground cover and grows very well
in pots. It’s very low maintenance, drought tolerant
and is rarely affected by pests and diseases.
Catmint (Nepeta) is an attractive, hardy and easyto-grow
flowering perennial, renowned for its
aromatic foliage which tends to attract cats, hence
its name. Its aromatic leaves are green or grey-green
and its stems are clothed from summer to autumn
in small two-lipped mauve or blue flowers. Catmint
is very attractive to bees and other beneficial
pollinating insects too.
So, happy gardening through the winter months, the
perfect time too, to start planning what to do in the
garden in 2026.
By the Sussex Exclusive gardening feature writer,
Geoff Stonebanks. You can find out more about
Geoff and his garden at: Geoff Stonebanks
and Driftwood by Sea
GARDENING
72 | sussexexclusive.com 73

Turning Ideas
into Happy, Functional and
Beautiful Kitchens
Over the past year, kitchen design has
become more adventurous, expressive,
and more personal than ever before.
From bright, bold colour palettes to
the spacious elegance of open-plan
living, homeowners are embracing kitchens that
reflect style, personality and lifestyle. No two homes
are the same and neither are the projects we design.
At Holmewood Interiors, we understand that
creating the perfect kitchen requires more than
just choosing units and worktops. It’s about expert
planning, thoughtful layout, stress-free project
management, and design solutions tailored around
real family life. Our role is to guide each customer
and turn their ideas into a beautiful, functional room
they can be proud of.
74 | sussexexclusive.com
Expertise & Experience Lead the Way
A kitchen remodel can feel overwhelming. Managing
disruption, coordinating trades, keeping to budget
and making design decisions all takes time and
confidence. Our experienced team guide you and
handle this for you. We understand how projects
work, which challenges can arise, and how to prevent
unnecessary upheaval. We ensure that every stage
is carefully planned and project managed, with
exceptional attention to detail.
After a full room survey our design team spend time
understanding what you need from your new kitchen.
We ask what you love about your current space; and
what frustrates you! Do you need more storage? A
better layout? Improved lighting? A family breakfast
bar, a place for pets, space for children to study, or
simply a relaxing room to unwind in at the end of
the day? Every request counts.
Our designers then develop a choice of layout
options and go through cabinet styles, cupboard
handles, appliances, colour schemes and the range
of worktop finishes. If your room has architectural
challenges such as alcoves, sloping ceilings or
chimney breasts, their expertise and clever design can
turn a potential problem area into a room feature.
Seeing Your Ideas Come to Life
One of the most exciting stages for our customers,
is seeing their future kitchen in 3D. Using specialist
ArtiCAD software, we transform measurements,
photographs and layout choices into a colour image
of the real-life room. You can see the cabinetry,
worktops, lighting and handles exactly as they would
appear in your home.
In addition, our detailed plans also include
plumbing, electrics and waste management for
building contractors, architects or engineers; ensuring
every technical element is covered. This helps remove
uncertainty and allows for any changes to be made
before the design is approved. And, with our itemised
pricing, it is simple to stay within budget and make
informed decisions with confidence.
On-Trend Kitchens That Make You Smile
One of the biggest interior trends of the moment
is dopamine décor, a design style that is created to
stimulate happiness! In a world of stress, negative
news and busy schedules, people are looking to create
home spaces that lift the mood, offer comfort and
make them smile.
Dopamine is the “feel-good” chemical triggered by
colour, memories, textures and the objects we love. So
a dopamine décor kitchen, brings all of these elements
together to create a joyful space full of personality.
Often combining bold colours, patterned fabrics,
favourite furniture pieces and sentimental items on
shelving, it can be an eclectic mix of textures. It may
sound playful, and to be honest it is… but with
guidance it can also be beautifully cohesive and stylish.
How to Make Dopamine Design Work
for you?
However, a happy kitchen also has to be practical.
Cupboards, dressers, or open shelving included in
the overall design are used to help organise items
and ensure that your room doesn’t become over
cluttered, or stressful to maintain. And, when planned
well, colour-drenched walls, statement ceilings or
artistic splashbacks will add excitement without
overwhelming the room. So…
• Pick your happy colour. One that makes you smile
and then incorporate it into the cabinetry, walls or
splashbacks.
• Use display shelving and glass-fronted cabinets to
show off ornaments, cookbooks, art and memorabilia.
• Mix textures and prints. Add retro touches or
unique worktops. Incorporate colourful appliances.
• Blend old and new so that vintage furniture sits
well alongside sleek modern units.
Holmewood Interiors offer cabinetry in a vast range of
colours. Many of the ranges can be painted to match
a specific theme, a favourite fabric, painting or even
car colour! And remember, lighting can play a big role
too, whether it be an eye-catching statement piece or
subtle, mood-setting illumination.
75

Open-Plan Living: Free-Flowing Spaces for
a Social Home
Interestingly, the desire for open-plan living that was
prominent at the beginning of the year has continued
to grow! By combining two separate rooms, often the
kitchen and living space, many of our customers are
looking to create a sense of free flowing spaciousness,
where cooking, dining, relaxing and entertaining
blend seamlessly together.
But, before opening up a space, it is important to
fully consider how the room will function day to
day. Natural light, storage, noise control, ventilation
and the layout will all play a key role in ensuring the
combined room is practical as well as stylish.
Creating Zones Without Walls
The introduction of a kitchen island is an easy way
to effortlessly divide a combined room, and create a
multi-functional workspace, extra storage and central
point. When fitted with concealed power points,
it can take the form of a study area; and with bar
seating incorporated, can also function as a casual
catch up over coffee and dining area.
A variation to this theme is the use of a peninsula
where cupboards or drawers are extended from a wall
to create a functional boundary. With doors on both
sides, it can be practical for both kitchen and living
areas alike.
However, a change in flooring will subtly define
zones too. The transition from a modern tiled
kitchen floor to a warm wooden lounge floor
subconsciously signals a change in purpose… from
cooking space, to calm, social space.
Stylish, Sleek & Highly Functional
In full contrast to a dopamine kitchen, an open-plan
kitchen often displays clean, uncluttered styling.
To achieve this, integrated appliances, hidden bins
and streamlined cabinetry will help maintain a
contemporary look. And, bold cabinet colours,
natural sustainable materials and handleless doors
can be cleverly styled to provide rich sophistication
without visual fuss.
Modern technology can be instrumental in
enhancing open-plan living too. The inclusion
of energy-efficient appliances, hobs with built-in
extraction units and quiet integrated machines, help
maintain a calm and peaceful space, minimizing any
unwanted noise or cooking smells.
Lighting to Transform a Room
Clever lighting will turn an open space into
something truly special. A statement light, stylish
chandelier or layered lighting scheme can all define
‘the mood’. And, the use of under-cabinet lighting,
pendant lights above islands and softer ambient
lamps in the leisure area, work well together to create
warmth and versatility.
Your Room to Be Proud Of
Whether you dream of a dopamine inspired kitchen
full of colour and joy, or a calm open-plan space
designed for modern living, Holmewood Interiors
will help you build a room that works for your
family, your lifestyle and your home.
All consultations are free, and our team is ready
to guide you from the earliest ideas to the final
finishing touches.
To find out more, visit
www.holmewoodinteriors.co.uk,
call 01403 254090, or
email info@holmewoodinteriors.co.uk.
The
Sussex Exclusive Quiz
The Answers
So how did you do with our Sussex quiz?
Are you a Sussex aficionado or is it back to Sussex school for you?
1. A sculpture by John Skelton,
commissioned in 1963 to mark
the opening of Chichester's
new museum.
2. Forest Row.
3. Hastings.
4. Danish spiced little biscuits.
5. Cheese.
6. Brighton Royal Pavilion.
7. Fire Horse.
8. Lee Miller and Roland Penrose.
9. Adriatic Sea.
10. The outer rim of a wheel.
76 | sussexexclusive.com
77

HEALTH
HEALTH
Colon Health
Understanding Diverticulitis and Colon Health
Diverticulitis is the name given to
inflammation of the diverticula, which
are abnormal sacs that form in the
walls of the intestines. The presence
of these sacs without inflammation is
known as diverticulosis.
Causes
It is estimated that half the UK population over
the age of 50 have diverticula, the majority of
whom have no symptoms at all. Diverticula are
thought to result from abnormal pressure within
the colon, which causes pouches of intestinal lining
to protrude through the intestinal wall. The term
“diverticular disease” can refer to either diverticulitis
or diverticulosis.
The causes of diverticulosis and diverticulitis are
unknown. However, research suggests that the
following may increase the risk:
• eating a low-fibre diet
• straining during bowel movements (due to
constipation or the presence of hard stools)
• lack of exercise
• obesity tends to increase the severity of
diverticular disease; as does stress and smoking
• secondary to gallbladder disease and coronary
artery disease
Symptoms
• abdominal pain (in particular, tenderness in the
lower left side of the abdomen)
• cramping
• nausea
• vomiting
• fever
• chills
• a change in bowel habits
The abdominal pain associated with diverticulitis
tends to be severe and occur suddenly, although in
some cases it may begin as a mild discomfort and
then worsen over several days.
Lifestyle Modification
• Try not to strain during bowel movements
• Avoid alcohol
• Exercise regularly
• Drink at least eight glasses of pure water a day
• Establish a regular bowel routine by trying to
have a bowel movement at approximately the
same time each day
• Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and fluids
(which are more likely to cause flatulence)
At the onset of an attack, have a cleansing enema
with 900ml of luke-warm water mixed with the juice
from a fresh squeezed lemon. This will aid in ridding
the colon of undigested food that has been trapped
and will also relieve pain.
Dietary Modification
A high fibre diet has been shown to be protective
against diverticular disease. In addition to helping
prevent the disease, a high fibre diet may also
be useful as a treatment for diverticular disease.
Recommended intake is at least 20 to 35 grams of
fibre, in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables, and
cereals that are high in fibre and bran. At least 2
litres of pure water should be consumed each day,
as a high fibre diet will not be effective without
adequate water consumption.
It is recommended that the primary source of
protein come from fish & vegetables.
Avoid foods that contain indigestible roughage,
such as celery and corn. Other foods that should
be avoided include grains, seeds and nuts as these
foods can be hard to digest, resulting in bloating
& flatulence. Additionally avoid dairy products,
red meat, fried foods, spices and sugar (including
processed & refined foods).
Since diverticulitis can lead to a number of serious
complications (including rectal bleeding, the formation
of abscesses, and intestinal obstruction), it is important
to seek medical treatment if you experience any
symptoms of diverticulitis.
Nutritional Supplement Treatment
Options
Fibre – a fibre supplement may improve
constipation in people with diverticular disease.
Lactobacillus acidophilus helps to support a
healthy intestinal tract and maintain a healthy
intestinal flora particularly in the small intestine,
thus improving assimilation.
Vitamin B Complex – The B vitamins play a role
in the conversion of carbohydrates into energy;
in the metabolism of fats and protein; and in the
maintenance of muscle tone in the GI tract.
Proteolytic Enzymes aid in digestion by promoting
the breakdown of protein, carbohydrates and fat;
and reduce inflammation in the colon.
L-Glutamine plays a large role in maintaining the
integrity of the gut lining by enhancing its protective
mucosal lining.
Botanical Treatment Options
Psyllium is a natural source of mucilage, which
helps trigger contraction of the colon wall.
78 | sussexexclusive.com 79

HEALTH
Glucomannan is a water-soluble bulkforming
dietary fibre derived from konjac root
(Amorphophallus konjac). Studies show that
it helps to reduce the symptoms of diverticular
disease.
Chlorophyll has anti-inflammatory properties.
It is also a detoxifier by chelating with many
toxic metals and chemicals in the digestive tract.
Chlorophyll also helps to maintain a healthy
intestinal flora. It is commonly prescribed in the
form of chlorella or spirulina.
Garlic aids in digestion and is a natural
antibiotic. It is also a potent chelator of toxic
chemicals in the digestive tract.
Alfalfa is a natural source of vitamin K and
essential minerals which are frequently deficient
in those suffering with diverticulitis. Alfalfa also
contains chlorophyll, which aids in healing.
Aloe Vera Juice – Scientists have identified nearly
100 active ingredients within the Aloe Vera plant,
of which 75 have been found to be active healing
compounds.
Article contributed by Dr Tracy S Gates, DO,
DIBAK, L.C.P.H., Consultant, Pure Bio Ltd.
Copyright © Pure Bio Ltd 2025. All rights
reserved.
Pure Bio Ltd are a leading UK supplier of the
highest quality PURE nutritional supplements,
based in Horsham, West Sussex.
Proud Winners of Southern Enterprise Awards,
Best Nationwide Nutritional Supplements
Supplier 2025 and Best Nationwide
Hypoallergenic Nutritional Supplements
Distributor 2022 and 2023
Visit www.purebio.co.uk for all your nutritional
supplement needs.
The Year of the
Fire Horse
Janine Lowe lights up 2026 with her astrological insights
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from Pixabay
2026
is the Chinese
Year of the
Fire Horse
2026. The energy of the Horse symbolises
passion, transformation, freedom, risktaking,
adventure, take chances by using
your initiative.
Love
In Chinese Astrology, the Horse is one
of your Peach Blossom stars; the energy
of attraction, charm and romance. So, if
you’re thinking of tying the knot in 2026,
it’s a big yes from me! For those who are
single, this is the perfect year to meet
someone who truly matches your energy
and outlook. Keep your heart open and
your calendar full, love could gallop in
when you least expect it.
Work
Career-wise, 2026 is a year to roll up
your sleeves and create something new.
Fresh projects and exciting growth
are on the horizon, especially if you’re
self-employed. Your hard work and
dedication will finally start to shine.
If you’re employed, this could be the
perfect moment to step up for that
promotion or even steer your career
in a direction that truly lights you up.
Say yes to what inspires you, the results
could be remarkable.
80 | sussexexclusive.com 81

Create
This year, the arts, such as painting,
writing, music or anything that lets your
creativity shine, are truly favoured. The
Fire Horse inspires bold expression and
fresh ideas, and these passions could
even grow into new streams of income if
you’re open to it. Let your imagination
flow and share your gifts with the world;
inspiration is your greatest ally in 2026.
Speak wisely
But remember, with every bright flame
comes a shadow. Be mindful not to
overextend yourself or make promises
you can’t keep. Avoid high-risk ventures
or quick-turnover investments. Slow and
steady will serve you best. The Fire Horse
also encourages open communication,
but speak with care; your words hold
power, so use them to uplift rather than
burn bridges.
Chinese New Year is 17 February 2026
and very late in the year. It always falls on
the second new moon after the Winter
Solstice (around December 21).
Here is what to expect for each animal in
the year of the Fire Horse 2026.
Rat
This year brings you in direct clash
with the fiery Horse, so life may feel a
little more intense than usual. Fire and
Water don’t always mix, and that can
create moments of tension or sudden
change. But don’t worry, it also stirs up
fresh opportunities! Just make sure you
look carefully before you leap. Do your
homework, trust your intuition and only
commit when it feels right. The rewards
will be worth the patience.
Ox
The Fire Horse year may test your
patience a little, dear Ox. Your earthy
nature likes life steady and predictable,
but 2026 has other plans! With fiery
energy stirring things up, routines could
shift, and surprises may pop up out of
nowhere. The key? Stay flexible and
open-minded. Adapt rather than resist,
and you’ll find that these unexpected
twists actually move you toward
exciting new growth.
Tiger
This is your year, finally! The Horse
and Tiger are natural allies in Chinese
Astrology, which means 2026 is set to
bring you more energy, excitement and
adventure than you’ve felt in a while.
The Universe is giving you a green
light to chase those dreams you’ve been
storing away, the ones that make your
heart race. Say yes to new experiences,
trust your instincts and let your bold
spirit lead the way.
Rabbit
If you were hoping for a quiet,
peaceful year… oops, not this time!
The Fire Horse has other ideas. As a
gentle Wood sign, you’ll find yourself
supporting everyone: friends, family
and anyone who needs your calm
energy. Just remember, you don’t have
to fix everything. When something
doesn’t feel right, say a kind but firm
no. Protect your boundaries with grace,
and you’ll glide through the year with
your signature charm intact.
Dragon
You and the Horse share that magnetic
charisma that naturally draws others
in. You are leaders, visionaries, the
ones who light up a room. The Fire
Horse year is your time to expand,
grow and shine in every direction, new
projects, new adventures, new you!
Just remember, your power is amplified
when you lead with compassion. Blend
your strength with kindness and watch
your influence soar even higher.
Snake
Fire meets Fire (the element of Horse
is fire and so is the Snake) this year
and that means passion in every
sense! Expect sparks, excitement and
a renewed zest for life. Your intuition
is in overdrive, so trust those inner
nudges they’ll lead you exactly where
you need to go. This is your time for
transformation, recognition, and a
touch of rebirth.
Horse
It’s your year, and not just any year. It’s
a Fire Horse year, which means your
energy, passion and sense of adventure
are all turned up to full gallop! Expect
success, excitement, and plenty of
opportunities to run free. Just be
careful not to charge ahead without a
clear direction as even the fastest horse
needs a steady path.
Goat
This year you’re in good company
as the Horse is your secret friend
in Chinese Astrology, which means
support and opportunity are right
around the corner. With your Earth
element meeting the Horse’s fiery
energy, life might feel a bit fast-paced
at times. But don’t worry that spark
can fuel incredible creativity and
personal growth. Stay true to your
calm, artistic nature while allowing
a little fire to inspire you. Amazing
breakthroughs are waiting if you stay
open and grounded.
Monkey
Your witty, daring nature pairs
beautifully with the Fire Horse
energy so expect a year buzzing with
excitement, fresh ideas and bold
opportunities. This is your time to
innovate, explore and take smart risks
that could lead to something brilliant.
Just be mindful not to scatter your
energy in too many directions. Focus
on what truly excites you and you’ll
swing into 2026 with style, success, and
plenty of laughter along the way!
Rooster
This is your moment to shine!
The Fire Horse year brings plenty
of chances to be seen, heard and
appreciated for all your hard work.
Your natural confidence and flair
for detail will help you stand out
beautifully, just plan ahead and stay
organised so you can make the most
of every opportunity. One gentle
note: resist the urge to rush or act
on impulse. Thoughtful moves will
turn 2026 into a year of well-earned
recognition and success.
Dog
With your Earth energy meeting the
double Fire of the year, 2026 is set to
warm your world in all the right ways.
The Horse is your ally in Chinese
Astrology, which means doors are
opening and adventures are calling!
Step out of your comfort zone and
let curiosity guide you. This is the
year to explore new paths and follow
your heart’s true direction. Trust that
each brave step forward will reveal the
next, lighting the way to something
extraordinary.
Pig
Your calm, easy-going Water nature
contrasts with the fiery, fast-paced
energy of 2026 and that’s okay! The
Fire Horse might make life feel a little
intense or unpredictable at times,
but don’t try to control everything.
Instead, focus on what truly brings
you joy, creativity, laughter, good food
and connection. When you lean into
pleasure and self-expression, you’ll find
that everything flows beautifully, just as
it’s meant to.
Janine Lowe is a classically trained
Feng Shui consultant in the arts of
Bazi, Flying Stars, Auspicious dates,
Qi Men Dun Jia and I Ching.
You can find out more at Janine Lowe
82 | sussexexclusive.com 83

TRAVEL
5
Days in
Hvar
Discover a rugged Mediterranean
landscape with heady notes of lavender,
history and luxurious charm
Hvar is a Croatian island off the
Dalmatian coast and about an hour
from Split by ferry. It’s small at 68 km
long and covers a total area of about
297 km².
Hvar is also unremittingly beautiful with a rugged
Mediterranean landscape, historic towns, tiny
hidden coves and sparklingly clear turquoise
seas. With the gentle song of the cicadas in the
background and the soft scents of lavender and
rosemary, Hvar’s slopes are dotted with terraced
gardens and ancient stone walls, in amongst
vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields.
The central town of Hvar clings round the main port
with a myriad of shimmering limestone monuments
and tiny narrow backstreets where cafés and
restaurants spill out their tables. The surrounding
coastline is dramatically jagged with its rocky coves,
sleepy beaches and pine forests.
Hvar St Stephen's Cathedral
TRAVEL
A little history
Hvar’s history dates back to the Neolithic period but
also includes the Ancient Greeks, the Romans and
the Byzantine Empire. In the 7th-8th centuries Slavs
settled on the island.
The Venetians also put in an appearance and helped
develop the island’s wine, olive, lavender, rosemary,
fishing and boat-building industries. After the
Venetians left in 1797, Hvar came under the control
of Austria, then France and then Austria again.
The result is beautiful and fascinating architecture
from theatres and churches to fortresses and arsenals
and a culturally diverse personality that echoes of the
past at every turn.
Hvar Fortress from afar
Hvar in spring and early autumn
Peak season in Hvar is June to August, when you
can expect hot temperatures and a bustling and busy
scene. Spring is a great way to enjoy the island with
less crowds and mild temperatures, wildflowers and
a sense of tranquillity and calm. In early autumn,
temperatures are still delightfully warm, but the bulk
of the crowds have gone.
Day 1
Arrival in Hvar Town
The ferry from Split delivers you right into the heart
of the town which is mainly pedestrian. It is a small
town and easy to get your bearings, so find your
accommodation, leave your bags and head off to
explore.
Next to the harbour is the large, cobbled St. Stephen’s
Square (Pjaca) overlooked by the Cathedral of St.
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Overlooking Hvar
85

TRAVEL
TRAVEL
Stephen and the town’s arsenal and theatre. Set
slightly back is the elegant Venetian Loggia and
Clock Tower (in Renaissance style). Elegant church
spires cut through the sky, the odd super yacht
twinkles in the harbour and the Fortress (Tvrdava
Fortica) looks down on you from above. There is
a tourist office in the central square too which is
helpful, and the town has a hint of glamour about it.
As an alternative for your first day, you could overnight
in Split and spend your first afternoon exploring the
beautiful Old Town - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
built around a 4th-century Roman palace. Then catch
the early morning ferry to Hvar.
Day 2
Time for a deeper dive into Hvar Town
Start your day with a visit to Hvar Fortress. You reach
it by walking up through the narrow back streets and
then through a door in the walled fortifications. This
in turn leads to a path that winds its way up the hill
to the fort. Just follow the path.
The fortress opens at 9 am and if you arrive then, you
have the place pretty much to yourself. The climb
is worth it for the views alone, but it’s a fascinating
fortress with a dungeon (those steps aren’t for the
faint hearted) and relics from a Roman shipwreck.
There is also a coffee shop, a gift shop and lots of
different areas to explore.
Back down in the town, there are various significant
buildings that are also worth visiting. The Hvar
Theatre is the oldest public theatre (1612) in Europe
and downstairs from the theatre is an old Venetian
naval arsenal. A few steps away is the cathedral and the
clock tower. Once you’ve visited these, head around
the corner from where the ferry dropped you off and
visit the Franciscan Monastery with its cloisters and
16th-century painting of the Last Supper.
Day 3
Take to the high seas
A boat trip to explore some of the local islands and
the hidden coves is a bit of a must. There are lots
of operators down in the Old Town and along the
promenade to chose from.
Hvar fortress dungeon
Hvar back street
You have different options (although some might be
weather dependent in spring and autumn). Choose
from Pakleni Islands (a chain of pine-covered islets),
Blue Cave (on Biševo Island where sunlight filters
through underwater openings, making the whole
grotto glow electric blue), Vis Island, Green Cave
or Korčula Island known as the “mini Dubrovnik,”
with Medieval walls and Venetian-style towers. It is
allegedly the birthplace of Marco Polo.
In short, prepare for a day of idyllic coves,
beaches and islands which feel like the stuff of
legends and fairytales.
Day 4
Exploring Stari Grad and Plain
Stari Grad (Old Town) is the oldest town on Hvar and
one of the oldest settlements in Croatia. Founded in
384 BC by the ancient Greeks, it sits at the deep end
of a sheltered bay, about a 30 minute drive north east
of Hvar. A drive there gives you the chance to see some
more of the rugged island landscape and its winding
roads and if you don’t want to hire a car, you can
always book a tour or hire a taxi.
With a very different atmosphere to Hvar, the town
has narrow streets, a harbour and its own 16th
century Tvrdalj Castle. Just outside the town is the
Stari Grad Plain (Starogradsko Polje), a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. This was laid out by the Greeks
more than 2,400 years ago and is still farmed today.
Day 5
A day at the beach or hiking a trail
Walk along the coast road or take a taxi to Pokonji
Dol Beach, about 3 km from Hvar. It feels
wonderfully secluded with seductive blue and
sheltered waters and a couple of exotic beach bars.
Beach bar at Pokonji Dol
If you’re more of a hiker than a beach bum, then the
Robinson Trail takes you from Hvar Town to Pokonji
Dol Beach and on to Strand Mekićevica Beach and
Robinson Beach. It’s a wonderful chance to get off
the beaten track and if you want to keep walking, the
Robinson Trail becomes the Coastal Trail and leads
onwards to the coastal town of Milna and abandoned
village of Malo Grablje (a little inland) about 6 km
from Hvar.
Once back in Hvar town, browse the market stalls
and little boutiques for those all important gifts and
have a last meal down by the harbour before it’s time
to head home.
Fact box
Octopus salad
Transport
Fly to Split which is
approximately half an hour by
taxi from Split town and catch
the ferry to Hvar. Ferries from
Split to Hvar are slightly less frequent in spring
than in summer, so check schedules in advance.
Catamarans take about an hour, but they stop
running in the early evening.
Accommodation
Book ahead because although fewer people travel
in early or late season, top properties may have
limited availability.
Dining
There are plenty of places to eat in Hvar with a
great mix of local and international menus. Local
specialities include:
Češnjovka, a pork sausage with a strong garlic
flavour, sometimes served with local flatbreads and
sauces.
Pašticada, a slow-cooked beef dish, marinated in
vinegar and spices, then braised with prunes, wine,
and root vegetables and served with gnocchi.
Squid and octopus are also often on the menu
and they don’t skimp on portion sizes.
Hvar Paprenjok, honey-and-spice biscuits, made
with honey, olive oil, nuts, and a mix of spices
(often cloves and pepper).
Rožata, a Dalmatian custard pudding similar to
crème caramel, flavoured with rose liqueur.
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88 | sussexexclusive.com
The
Last Word
The Yew at Wilmington
On the southern edge of Wilmington,
where the Downs fold softly into
chalk and cloud, an ancient yew tree
stands beside the church of St Mary
and St Peter: a living witness to
Sussex time.
Some say it is 1,600 years old, its vast female form
now propped by wooden poles and laced with new
growth. Its roots reach into soil that has known
Romans, Saxons and Normans; its branches shadow
a churchyard that has seen almost everything, war,
worship and the slow, steady passing of centuries.
Yews have always lived between worlds. Their
drooping branches touch earth and take root again,
creating new trunks: death and resurrection, an
ending followed by a beginning, in one slow
breath. For the Celts they symbolised immortality;
for the Christians who later planted them in
churchyards, they became guardians of the dead
and protectors of the living. Even their dense
evergreen needles carry meaning: reminders of
endurance, eternity, and the persistence of spirit
when everything else fades.
At the base of the Wilmington yew lies an old Roman
stone, said to have been pulled from the bottom of
the vicarage well by a village well-digger. Perhaps the
young yew watched on as a Roman chiselled the
stone, the first hint of a story yet to come.
Wilmington itself is thought to have been a
Saxon hill village, settled by Aelle after 477 AD,
its name drawn from Wylm (cloud) and ington
(fortified village on a hill). But by the late 1100s,
following the Norman Conquest, monks from
the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Grestain near
Honfleur built a priory here founded by Herluin
de Conteville and his wife Arlette, the mother of
William the Conqueror.
2026 marks 960 years since the Battle of
Hastings, a year in which the Bayeux Tapestry (that
original long-form story of conquest) is said to be
returning to England. And while there is no official
record of William himself visiting Wilmington
church, it’s easy to imagine him leaning on the yew,
talking quietly with his mother beneath the same
evergreen shade.
To stand beneath the Wilmington yew in winter is
to feel time itself. The air smells of cold flint and
earth; the church bells echo across the valley. Beyond
the lych-gate, the Long Man of Wilmington
watches on: another guardian of this landscape.
Between them, tree and giant, they are the silent
witnesses of Sussex history.
As the year turns and Christmas candles flicker in
the church, the yew keeps its quiet vigil. Perhaps
that’s what it means to belong to Sussex: to weather
change with grace, to find beauty in endurance, to
stand firm. The yew at Wilmington doesn’t give up
its story but it doesn’t need to. It stands steadfast
through winter, whispering of life that never really
ends and of secrets never told.
Happy New Year
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