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News

Features

  • Money Matters: The Value Equation

    Understanding the vagaries of value is a complicated and subjective concept, Adele Trathan explores ways to extract value, as well as making it work best for you

  • Home Style: In With the Old

    Gayle Firmin’s passion for vintage pieces has brought chic character to her historic home and also resulted in a thriving business

  • You're a Natural Beauty!

    Each month Adele Trathan and Sara Whatley look at seven elements of living the life of a natural beauty, helping you to enrich the mind, body and soul in balance and holistic harmony

  • Homes Extra: Make Room for Romance!

    Make room for romance in your life and your home this month as we fall in love with romantic dining, a bathroom spa experience and bedroom bliss...

  • Where Do Broken Hearts Go?

    Healing after a breakup is a challenging and deeply personal process. It takes time, self-compassion and effort, but as Adele Trathan explains, no matter how bad it seems, recovery is always possible

  • Weddings: Celebrate with a Celebrant!

    Sussex Celebrant, Beth Kirkham talks to Sara Whatley about her first job in a wedding dress shop, her most unusual requests, and being part of someone’s special day

  • Romantic Getaways

    Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic getaway, Lisa de Silva says it’s the perfect opportunity to rekindle your love and escape the dark and gloomy skies

  • Home Style: Two Become One

    Alison Pike used her design skills to convert two semi-detached farm workers’ houses into a spacious family home with quirky touches

  • Spotlight Events: February 2025

    Your guide to all the best local events happening near you this month

  • What to Watch in February 2025

    From the return of Bridget Jones to a demonic monkey, here's the best of all the new films and TV shows headed to our screens in February

  • Money Matters: Go For Broke

    At a time when making money work for us seems as important as ever, it’s interesting to see that there is possible value in broken, non-working or incomplete items on online selling platforms

  • The Education Deliberation: Analogue or Digital?

    The way we learn is evolving but, as Adele Trathan reports, research continues to highlight the benefits of traditional pen and paper note-taking over digital methods for students’ learning and retention

  • If You Ask Me: It's Time For a Revolution

    ‘Start as you mean to go on’ goes the phrase – so Flo Whitaker’s kicking off 2025 by planning a revolution

  • Holiday Money Saving Tips

    Planning your holiday for 2025? Whether you are watching the pennies or want to get a good deal, Lisa de Silva suggests ways to make your holiday budget work hard

  • Home Style: Perfect Fit

    Alex and David transformed a small cottage into a spacious home that fits and flows perfectly for their family

  • Winter Woodland Walks

    Let’s go play in the woods! Come rain or shine Sara Whatley and her brood love a good yomp through the trees – along with a bit of den building of course

  • Homes Extra: Home Sanctuary

    Start as you mean to go on by creating your very own home sanctuary, a place to relax and enrich your life, says Sara Whatley

  • Coping with Midlife Anxiety

    Anxiety UK’s Dave Smithson speaks to Sara Whatley about how the midlife population is experiencing anxiety, and what to do about it

  • You're a Natural Beauty!

    Each month Adele Trathan and Sara Whatley look at seven elements of living the life of a natural beauty, helping you to enrich the mind, body and soul in balance and holistic harmony

  • Good Night, Sleep Tight

    Having trouble sleeping? Lisa Artis, Deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity is here to help with her exclusive sleep insight and guidance


Community News


Lifestyle

  • Five Animals You Wouldn’t Believe Are Kept as Pets

    When you think of pets, dogs, cats, or even hamsters might come to mind. But for some animal enthusiasts, the ordinary just won’t do. Across the globe, people have opted for some truly unexpected companions. From scaled oddities to exotic creatures, here are five animals you wouldn’t believe are kept as pets:

  • Five Most Pet-Friendly Destinations in the UK

    For pet lovers, leaving your furry friend behind when planning a trip can feel bittersweet. Fortunately, the UK offers plenty of destinations where your four-legged companion can join in on the adventure. From scenic countryside retreats to dog-friendly beaches and bustling cities with pet-friendly cafes, there’s something for everyone. Here are five of the most pet-friendly destinations in the UK, perfect for a getaway with your best friend:

  • Five UK Valentine's Destinations Perfect For A Night Away

    Whether you’re dreaming of candlelit dinners, cosy countryside retreats, or breath-taking city views, the UK offers a wealth of enchanting destinations to make your Valentine’s night unforgettable. Here are five perfect spots for a night of romance this February 14th:

  • Five Highly Romantic Meals Perfect for Your Valentine

    Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to indulge in delicious, romantic meals that set the mood for love and intimacy. Whether you're planning a home-cooked dinner or a special surprise for your significant other, choosing the right dishes can elevate the experience. Here are five highly romantic meals that are perfect for your Valentine:

  • Five Fantasy Worlds We'd Love to See Become Theme Parks

    Theme parks have long been the ultimate escape, transporting visitors to magical realms and immersive adventures. While franchises like Harry Potter and Star Wars have already found their way into our favourite amusement destinations, there are still many beloved fantasy worlds that remain untapped. Here are five incredible fantasy settings that deserve their own fully realized theme parks:


Food and Drink

  • Recipe: Chocolate Chiffon Cake

    This unbelievably moist and decadent cake can only be described as ‘a showstopper’. Why not treat your loved ones to some satisfying indulgence?

  • Recipe: Cranachan

    Cranachan is a lovely Scottish dessert which is perfect as a delicious finale for a Burns Night supper. This recipe uses half-fat crème fraîche to lighten the cream mixture and flaked almonds for extra crunch

  • Recipe: Eggs Benedict

    Start the weekend the right way by making the perfect eggs benedict – wonderfully warming for an indulgent winter brunch

  • Recipe: Tiramisu Bread & Butter Pudding

    A feast of flavours to satisfy those sweet cravings, this is a belter of a bread and butter pudding, which really packs a punch! Perfect for Christmas gatherings

  • Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate & Almonds

    Brussels sprouts – they’re a festive classic that usually divides people. Yet with a simple addition of pomegranate and flaked almonds, even the most doubting of Christmas dinner diners could be won over by this recipe

  • Recipe: Chocolate, Banana & Pecan Cookies

    These scrumptious fudgy cookies are a decadent treat for the whole family – delicious after a brisk autumn walk with a warming cup of cocoa

  • Recipe: Chicken & Mushroom Pot Pies

    These warming and hearty fillers have succulent chicken, chestnut mushrooms and artichokes in a delicious creamy sauce flavoured with mustard – topped off with puff pastry. Tasty!

  • Kids Zone: Make Your Own Festive Treats!

    Join Sara Whatley in making some yummy festive recipes that the kids (and adults!) will some yummy festive recipes that the kids (and adults!) will love getting stuck into

  • Recipe: Hearty Beef & Pumpkin Stew

    This is the perfect, homely dinner to look forward to as the autumn nights draw in. Adele Trathan explains how to make this delicious casserole that is baked and served straight from the pumpkin

  • Recipe: Autumn Minestrone Soup

    This is a hearty autumn or early winter version of Minestrone Soup served with a lovely homemade pesto. Containing such a variety of vegetables – it will definitely up your 5-a-day quota

  • Recipe: William Shatner’s Cappuccino Muffins!

    Even in outer space, there’s nothing quite like a cappuccino muffin. Star Trek legend William Shatner goes boldly into the kitchen and delivers the goods...

  • Kids Zone: Apples, Apples and more Apples

    This month Sara Whatley and her family have gone mad for apples

  • Recipe: Red Velvet Cupcakes

    Deliciously light and fluffy, these red velvet cupcakes with a gorgeous soft cheese frosting are ideal for an afternoon tea – they are sure to impress your guests

  • Recipe: Saffron & Lemon Chicken Joojeh Kebabs

    This probably features on the menu of every Persian restaurant in the world, the marinade of yogurt and lemon juice tenderises the meat beautifully. This simplified version can be made at home in a conventional oven or grill if you don’t have a barbecue

  • South Carolina BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Try this winning BBQ chicken recipe from Grillstock founders Jon Finch and Ben Merrington and learn how to make both an authentic South Carolina BBQ sauce, and their secret BBQ rub.

  • Weddings: The Food of Love

    From a vegan feast to sausage, mash and gravy, what will you serve at your wedding? Sara Whatley explores the world of wedding catering

  • Vino, Vidi, Vici: The Vineyards, Breweries & Distilleries of Sussex

    James Forryan investigates the history of producing wine, beer and spirits in Sussex, and how we should all say 'Cheers!' to its great success...

  • Recipe: Raspberry Blancmange

    Based on a retro classic, this blancmange is a far cry from its wobbly 1970s reputation – instead, this is a light and creamy raspberry and almond dessert

  • Recipe: Sizzling Spare Ribs with BBQ Sauce

    The perfect spare ribs for your summer barbeque!

  • Highweald Estate: Wines of Outstanding Natural Beauty

    One of the wonders of Sussex is the capacity to create food and drink of outstanding quality and Highweald Wine is one such example, producing English Sparking Wines of exceptional standard – Robert Veitch went to find out more, and enjoy a glass or two


Downtime


People

  • Age UK: Winter Emergency Appeal

    Age UK East Sussex is reaching out to the community to help support its vital work by donating gently used items to its network of shops and furniture warehouses across the region

  • Charity: All Aboard the Ho Ho Ho Holly Crest!

    Get in the festive spirit this year by visiting The Holly Crest, a beautiful boat ready and waiting for your maritime themed family Christmas pic, all in the name of charity

  • Hailsham House: More Than Just Care, It’s Home

    We asked Helen Stockton to visit Hailsham House Care Home, she discovered a place where the focus is on creating a warm, welcoming place to call home

  • Age UK East Sussex Needs You!

    Age UK East Sussex is looking for more volunteers, Rachel Kelly from the charity explains how the role often gives a sense of personal reward and comfort through helping others

  • Parkers Car & Truck Rental Celebrate 75 Years

    There’s a reason Parkers Car and Truck Rental are celebrating their 75th birthday, it’s because they excel at what they do, so Robert Veitch went to visit and learn more about the vehicle rental market

  • Have a Macmillan Coffee Morning!

    With this year’s Coffee Morning just around the corner on Friday 27 September, Adele Trathan speaks to Macmillan Cancer Support, who are calling on supporters to get involved again

  • "I quite like to end up with a setlist that involves a catalogue of human misery..." Nish Kumar on his return to stand-up comedy

    With a brand new stand-up tour coming to the UK later this year, including a number of shows in Sussex, we talk to comedian and TV present Nish Kumar about his time on The Mash Report, getting pelted with bread rolls at gigs, and why he always looks forward to playing shows in smaller towns...

  • Pure Inspiration

    Newly opened in Haywards Heath, Inspiration Gift Shop has the perfect present for every occasion. Hanna Prince pays owner Rachel Taylor a visit to find out more

  • Creating a Dream at The Pauline Quirke Academy

    With performing arts known to play a leading role in helping children to develop many valuable life skills, we asked Lisa de Silva to meet with Florence Tingley and Rebecca Goffin to find out more about the local Pauline Quirke Academies

  • A Little Slice of Heaven

    Farming, food and leisure are the three cornerstones of Heaven Farm, where you will find all three in abundance, including the newly refurbished Butler’s Pantry. Sara Whatley reports

  • Charity: Institute for Cancer Research

    The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is striving to improve the lives of people with all types of cancer – including those with the most challenging to treat. Scientist Dr Anguraj Sadanandam explains why support for this research is vital

  • Volunteer for Motor Neurone Disease Association

    The Motor Neurone Disease Association is a charity that was established in 1979 to raise awareness, campaign for better care and support for people diagnosed with MND and their families, as Lisa Burnard from the charity explains

  • Riding to Success

    Not a coffee morning kind of couple, Alison and Henry are soon embarking on an ambitious UK tour on their 1960s scooters, all to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society. Sara Whatley finds out more

  • Step out for St Catherine’s Hospice

    St Catherine’s Hospice popular Midnight Walk is bouncing back to the streets of Horsham on Saturday 8 June, Adele Trathan explains how readers can get involved

  • Homes for Ukraine: Opening Your Home and Your Heart

    As the conflict in the Ukraine continues, Homes for Ukraine scheme is still keen to hear from people that are interested in hosting a Ukrainian guest, as Paul Crompton from East Sussex County Council explains

  • The Joy of the Repair Café

    Volunteers are central to the success of Repair Cafés across Sussex, so we sent Nicola Coughlin along to Lindfield Repair Cafe to talk to volunteers about their valuable contribution

  • An Unlikely Retirement

    Hove resident Sylvia Holder tells Sara Whatley the inspiring story of how she set up her charity, The Venkat Trust, when she should have been kicking back in her retirement

  • Matters of the Heart

    Jason Palmer, Volunteer Trustee and Director of The Sussex Heart Charity explains what this award winning charity do to save lives in Sussex

  • Rushfields: Celebrating 40 Years

    As Rushfields Plant Centre in Poynings gears up to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, James Forryan talked to founders Colin and Kathryn Langridge about the keys to their longevity and what they’ve learned over their 40 years in business

  • Interview: Comedian Connor Burns brings his Vertigo tour to Sussex

    With his new touring show Vertigo about to arrive in Sussex, we talk to Scottish comedian Connor Burns


Homes and Gardens

  • Blooming Times: Harbingers of Spring

    Nothing says ‘Ancient British landscape’ more than a snowdrop-carpeted woodland - yet the snowdrop, (Galanthus) is not indigenous to the UK and possibly didn’t arrive here until the 16th Century, writes Flo Whitaker

  • Homes Extra: Home Sanctuary

    Start as you mean to go on by creating your very own home sanctuary, a place to relax and enrich your life, says Sara Whatley

  • Home Style: Ancient & Modern

    Recycling architecture is a concept that fascinates designer Mirka McNeill Farmer. Her talent for creating a unique character property is clearly evident with this mix of ancient and modern

  • Blooming Times: Happy Faces

    Considering a New Year’s Resolution for your garden? Grow more pansies, says Flo Whitaker

  • Blooming Times: Winter Sparklers

    From designer florists to petrol station forecourts, cyclamen are everywhere at this time of year. They are uniquely different to other flowers – yet have become so ubiquitous, we’re in danger of forgetting how extraordinary they are, says Flo Whitaker

  • Homes Extra: Restore, Repair, Recycle

    Delve into the world of pre-loved furniture and upcycling projects with Sara Whatley, plus industry expert tips and advice from The Salvage Sister

  • Home Style: A Scandi Winter's Tale

    Sonja and Lucian Smithers transformed a sixties country house with Scandi style interiors and natural materials

  • Blooming Times: Winter Wonders

    Flowering in the coldest months may seem counter- intuitive, but from a plant’s perspective, there is a distinct advantage – a lack of competition. Flo Whitaker picks six of the best winter- scented shrubs

  • Home Style: Bold, Brave & Beautiful

    A colourful and creative home full of hidden surprises and cleverly up-cycled vintage pieces, this lovingly restored home is full of personality and passion

  • Blooming Times: The Answer Lies in the Soil

    Soil is the gardener’s greatest asset. Understand it, look after it – and many of your horticultural problems will resolve themselves, writes Flo Whitaker

  • Blooming Times: Heavenly Hyacinths

    Versatile, easy-going hyacinths bring colour and scent indoors and out, writes Flo Whitaker

  • Legendary Builds with Phoenix Construction Services

    Phoenix Construction Services has worked on everything from A-list homes to museum conversions – now the company is turning its attention to local projects. Hanna Prince meets director Mark Woods to find out more

  • Blooming Times: Know Your Enemy

    Plagued with Vine Weevils? Enraged by Lily Beetles? Despairing of Box Caterpillars? Flo Whitaker investigates three of the most troublesome gardening pests

  • Bespoke Dreams from Eridge Green Kitchens

    Rob Wheeler’s passion for inspired carpentry and woodwork is unmistakable and instigated the creation of Eridge Green Kitchens. With a new showroom on the way and business flourishing, Robert Veitch went to visit the workshop

  • 10 Hot Years: iFit Fires & Flues

    iFit Fires & Flues Ltd are celebrating 10 years of successful business. The warm and genuine couple behind the name, Paul and Jo, share the secrets of with Sara Whatley

  • Home Style: Bold Type

    Textile designer Zoe Davis and her husband James have transformed a Grade-II listed farmhouse with a vibrant pallet and vintage finds

  • Blooming Times: The Sky's the Limit

    The clematis family offers flowers in a wide array of colours and shapes, and there are varieties for nearly every month of the year, says Flo Whitaker

  • Home Style: A Better Way of Life

    When Catherine and her late husband Dr Brian Sack left London for a more rural lifestyle. They bought a 16th century cottage and created a home full of modern artwork and stylish vintage French finds

  • Homes Extra: Shed Space

    Are you thinking of a new shed, greenhouse or garden room? Sara Whatley gives you some food for thought on all three

  • Blooming Times: Top of the Pots

    How are your patio pots? Show-stopping, or lacklustre? Time to try some different planting combinations, suggests Flo Whitaker


Animals


Hidden County


Health & Wellbeing

  • Pilates or Yoga - which practise will suit you most?

    Whether you’re just curious about the differences between the two, or are totally clueless on both practises, Yoga instructor & Assistant Editor Mary Goodsell sheds some light and advice on the two styles of exercise.

  • How to improve your posture and prevent unnecessary back pain

    Improving posture is important for maintaining good overall health and preventing musculoskeletal issues such as back pain, neck pain, and poor circulation. Here are some tips to help you improve your posture:

  • Active Lifestyles: How to Keep Fit and Healthy in Mid Sussex

    Mid Sussex has always been a popular area in which to live. The winning combination of beautiful countryside and easy accessibility creates the perfect conditions for a great quality of life, whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or a more mature person.

  • These are things you'll want to know about skincare in 2024

    Less is more. Don’t get conned. It’s a scam. These are the sorts of phrases you will hear Consultant Dermatologist Dr Natalia Spierings saying about the skincare industry. She candidly speaks to Sara Whatley about ageing, menopause, Botox, and ‘Big Skincare’