News
Features
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New Year, New You
The start of any new year is a chance to reassess our health and look to where we might improve. This year it is more important than ever, as 2021 dawns amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Lisa de Silva explores how we can help ourselves.
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Body Soul
Mindfulness is the experience of being ‘in the moment’. A practising Buddhist, Suzanne Minnett Lockwood explains to Nicole Tata how being mindful can help.
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Happy New Year
The team remains full of enthusiasm in difficult times... We're ready to get 2021 off to a good start.
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Simply Breathe
Can something as simple as breathing really improve our mental, emotional and physical wellbeing? Lisa de Silva discovers how conscious breathing is taking the world by storm
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Edward Johnston And The Letters Of London
Edward Johnston was a modest man whose work is seen daily by millions of Londoners, yet few are truly aware of his contribution to society. Ruth Lawrence visited his home village of Ditchling, going ‘underground’ to discover more
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Community Wellbeing at Christmas
Enriching the quality of our daily lives, community wellbeing is all about building a vibrant and caring community in which we can all thrive and flourish writes Lisa de Silva
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Five Great Presents for Him this Christmas (and Five for Her)
Looking for something special for your other half this Christmas? Check out our picks for the festive season, as well as a few for yourself...
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Homemade Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate truffles make the perfect homemade gift to give at Christmas, or to enjoy yourself while snuggled up in front of a festive film.
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Ten Great Bargains You Can Pick Up For Black Friday
Looking for some great discounts ahead of Black Friday? Amazon are offering deals on a range of products all week until Monday November 30 - here's our picks for you...
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Be Emotionally Well
Lisa de Silva concentrates on the definition, importance and benefits of emotional wellbeing, including a precursory self-assessment
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Winter Skincare For A Beautiful You
Winter can be hard on skin, with cold winds and the drying effects of central heating leading to a dull and dehydrated complexion. Yet maintaining a healthy glow is possible with a few small changes to your skincare regime writes Lisa de Silva
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Good Health: A Brief History Of Diabetes
With approximately 1 in 15 people in the UK living with diabetes, Adele Trathan looks at the history of this complicated condition
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Dementia: Kind Hearts And The Benefits
If the coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions that followed have taught us anything, it’s the importance of human contact, writes Ken Oxley
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Help For The Homeless: Giving Back Crawley
Giving Back Crawley a local charity that helps those without a permanent home, has had to be flexible this year, adapting rapidly to changing times as Helen Stockton explains
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Ten Items Great For The Home During Lockdown
With another lockdown currently upon us, it's not particularly nice having to stay at home all the time. But there's no need to live in discomfort, with plenty of options to enhance your home, especially as winter approaches. Here's our picks to get the perfect set-up...
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McIndoe, Guinea Pigs and Memories
The name Sir Archibald McIndoe may well be forever associated with East Grinstead and his pioneering surgery, though the number of people that worked with him grows ever smaller. Bob Marchant, the Secretary of the Guinea Pig Club looks back on his time with the trailblazer
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A Skip In The Right Direction With KSD
We all have to deal with waste, it’s a fact of life, but what’s the environmentally friendly way to deal with those things that won’t fit in the kerbside bin? Allan Brown at KSD supplied Robert Veitch with the answers and revealed how easy it is to order a skip online (Advertising Feature)
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Seeking Legal Advice...
It can be a daunting but sometimes necessary task finding legal advice, Peter d’Aguilar offers some practical ways to help you find the right professional
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Ten Great Christmas Presents For the Kids This Year
Can you believe it's nearly Christmas?! And after the year it's been, it seems like we all deserve a treat. Here's our picks for the best gifts on offer for your children this year...
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Moving On With John Broomfield
When the family pig farm was no longer viable, John Broomfield got into his van and trusted his instinct to initiate another venture. We packed up Robert Veitch and sent him to meet the family, to find out more about John Broomfield Removals and what they’re up to now. (Advertising Feature)
Food and Drink
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Mocktails - Fizz On The Beach
Super-tasty but alcohol-free – these easy drinks are just the thing for those who are trying to reduce their alcohol intake.
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Grilled Chicken Buddha Bowl
One mouthwatering meal which is guaranteed to give you your five a day is a Buddha Bowl. You can make these with anything you like really — the more colourful the better! But here we're making a healthy and flavoursome grilled chicken and rice Buddha Bowl, packed with fruits and vegetables.
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Seville Orange Marmalade
Seville and Malaga oranges come into the shops after Christmas and are around for 4-5 weeks, and these bitter oranges are traditionally used for marmalade. If you don’t have time to make it immediately, you can always freeze the whole fruit until you have time
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Cheese And Wine: A Perfect Match
This is the ideal time of year to really get stuck into the festive cheese boards, paired with just the right wine of course. Peter d’Aguilar gives us a quick lesson
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A Heartwarming Fruited Saffron Lamb Tagine
This richly spiced and fruited tagine from North Africa is ideal for feeding large families. Dates, prunes and apricots can be used instead of raisins and cranberries, or in combination. Serve with plain boiled rice, or couscous
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Spiced Christmas Chutney
We've gotten pretty good at baking and making over the past year, so we're keeping the momentum going with another festive home recipe.
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A Recipe for a Traditional Christmas Cake
With much more time spent at home in the lead up to Christmas this year, why not revisit an old festive tradition — and bake a Christmas cake to share with the family on the big day. Nothing beats it!
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Gluten Free Carrot Cake
This gluten free carrot cake recipe by Jane Freeman uses honey in both the cake mix and cream cheese topping. Why not choose locally produced honey as it supports the local producers and reduces food miles
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Home Brewed Sloe Gin
November is just the right time of year to turn freshly picked sloe berries into a delicious batch of Sloe Gin, just in time for those long winter nights, writes Amy Shephard
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Recipe: Toffee Apples
No Halloween or Bonfire Night party would be complete without some traditional toffee apples. To create these classic sticky and sweet treats, just follow this simple recipe. If you happen to have ‘little helpers’, be careful of the hot sugar, and don’t forget to have a bowl of soapy water nearby!
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Recipe: Pumpkin Soup
What better to eat in October than pumpkin soup? Seasonal and delicious, this bright and cheerful vegetable is at its best from October to December. You can have this soup either as an everyday supper, or to jazz it up for Halloween, it’s fun to serve it out of a pumpkin!
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Recipe: Crispy Duck Pancakes with Hoisin Sauce
This warming dish is perfect for autumn nights at home. And it's much easier to make than you might think. Serve with rice and salad, or enjoy on their own
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Pizza Pinwheels
Serve up delicious Pizza Pinwheels at home this Firework Night, to remember remember the 5th of November in your own way. We may not be out at our favourite firework displays as usual, but we can certainly put on a spread to enjoy with the family, starting with these delicious bitesize treats. Makes 16 pinwheels Takes 25 mins to cook and prepare
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Recipe: Bonfire Brookie
Whether bonfire night goes with a bang as usual, or whether it’s cancelled this year matters less, because 15-year-old Imogen has put a seasonal spin on a recipe to ensure other teenage trainee pâtissier chefs can still celebrate November 5th with some snap, crackle and pop
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Recipe: Easy Chocolate French Pudding
Continuing the trend of autumn comfort food, enjoy this heart-warming dessert
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Recipe: French Style Beef Casserole
As the darker nights draw in, comfort food is the perfect solution. Here's our recipe for a mouth-watering French style casserole
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RECIPE: Bacon and Pecan Popcorn
As autumn draws closer, you might find yourself snuggled up at home with a film more often. And no good movie night can ever be complete without a big bowl of popcorn to tuck in to. Try this mouth-watering recipe for Bacon and Pecan Popcorn, for something a little different.
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Recipe: Baked Pears with Honey
Here's a dessert recipe to enjoy; sticky, scrumptious and ever so slightly healthy... perfect for a sunny Autumn day
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Recipe: Wrapped and Stuffed Tenderloin of Pork
As the autumn season approaches, enjoy this hearty choice for a family meal
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Recipe: Chewy Chocolate chip Cookies
Now the kids are off on the school summer holidays, you might be looking for things to do to keep them entertained. This easy and delicious recipe for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies is the perfect activity for all ages — and will fill their tummies all afternoon!
Downtime
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TV Drama You'll Want To Watch This Winter
There's plenty of TV drama to get stuck in to while we're indoors this winter. Here's our list of what's on and when.
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Book Review: You Should Have Known, By Jean Hanff Korelitz. Now re-made as HBO thriller, The Undoing
Over Christmas, due to the lack of a Sky subscription and the need to find out what was getting everyone so worked up in the office, I devoured the book behind HBO's latest television thriller, The Undoing.
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If You Ask Me This Janaury...
Let's face it - If they ever made 2020 into a feature film, you wouldn't want to buy the DVD. Flo Whitaker's no party animal, but she's never been keener to ring in the New Year
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Keep Fit With The Kids
It’s not easy to juggle fitness and childcare – but according to Hanna Prince, by combining the two you can keep everyone happy. Please note this article was written before the current lockdown began. Please exercise safely, according to the regulations at the time.
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Adele's New Year Stretches
If you suffer from high blood pressure, dizzy spells, pains in your chest or joint problems, if you are on medication or pregnant or have had a baby in the last 6 months, you should seek advice from your doctor before beginning any form of exercise.
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The Tale of Boxing Day
Discover the story of Boxing Day (everyone’s favourite day of additional festive fun) and make yours extra special this year
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Stitch In Time: Christmas Jumpers
What do you wear over the festive season? A jolly Christmas jumper of course! Go loud or go subtle but whatever you do, make sure you go Christmas fantastic
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10 Fun Christmas Films to Get You in the Festive Mood
Looking forward to Xmas? Get the fire going, pour yourself a glass of egg nog and curl up with these festive favourites...
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Exceat Walk
Though daylight hours might be shortening and early frosts might be upon us, there’s still time to explore and enjoy the landscape this November, so we sent Robert Veitch to Exceat and the Cuckmere Valley to marvel at the landscape… and get some exercise.
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Interactive Puzzles
You can now enjoy a range of interactive puzzles online! Test your brain with fun equalisers, crosswords, crosscodes and sudoku regularly...
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Rainy Day Fun
Want to keep the kids entertained whatever the weather? Hanna Prince offers some suggestions with these family-friendly indoor activities
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If You Ask Me This November...
Anxious? Unhappy? Got something on your mind? Talk to a dog - it's cheaper than therapy, writes Flo Whitaker
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Puzzle Page Solutions - November 2020
Did you have a go at the puzzle page in our November issue of the magazine? Do you want to see how many you got correct, or are you wondering what the pesky answer was that you couldn't quite figure out?
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Autumn Walking: High Salvington
This month, Robert Veitch and his three friends; Cheryl, Ruth and Stephen ventured to the beautiful landscape around High Salvington. Their version of the fantastic four went in search of adventure and they recommend you do the same
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Puzzle Page Solutions - October 2020
Here are the answers to the Puzzle Page in the October Issue - how well did you do?
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Book Review: Whatever It Takes, by Adele Parks
This one starts with a leaving party. Irritatingly perfect Eloise is leaving the bright lights of the London she loves to move to Dartmouth.
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Halloween Crafting: Spooktacular Ideas for the Family
From pom pom pumpkins to homemade outfits, here's how to make this Halloween your most creative one yet
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10 Spooky Greats To Watch This Halloween
With current restrictions in place, it may be more difficult to get out trick and treating with the family this year. So make sure you get on the sofa with the blankets ready to hide behind, and check out these classic shows and films as the haunting hour approaches...
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10 Feel-Good Films Perfect For The Colder Weather
Now's the perfect time to wrap yourself up on the sofa, forget about the darker nights and get stuck into these feel-good classics...
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10 TV Dramas You Should Be Watching This Autumn
Whether they're acclaimed classics or brand new arriving this autumn, these are the shows you need to be viewing (and where you can find them) as the darker nights draw in...
People
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Sober Rocks - Who Knew?
Would your life be better physically and emotionally without alcohol? That’s proved to be the case for Janey Lee Grace. Having been concerned about the amount she was drinking, Janey ditched the booze three years ago. She regaled Lisa de Silva her story, along with the joys of living alcohol-free
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A Journey Into a Magical Mind: Writer and Illustrator Chris Riddell
We talk to acclaimed children’s author and illustrator Chris Riddell about his inventive imagination, love of the Sussex coast and his eagerness to inspire the next generation of creative youngsters
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Tara Leniston: From Actress to Autism Advocate
From a life of movie acting and travelling the world to becoming an autism advocate from her home on the South coast, Tara Leniston gives an honest account of her journey
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David Calder: An Interview with John Hannam
We talk to actor David Calder on his love of Sussex and life during lockdown
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Force of Nature: An Interview with Bob Flowerdew
Well known for his presence on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, Bob Flowerdew speaks to us on the love of his profession, his links to Sussex and his handy gardening tips
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John 'Boycie' Challies: An Interview with John Hannam
On a cold January day I headed for Ludlow to meet up with Boycie, that notorious second-hand car dealer from Only Fools and Horses.
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Tessa Peake-Jones: An Interview with John Hannam
During the final ten days before the lockdown, I’d been lucky enough to have pre-arranged five interviews. It was in Guildford on a very wet and miserable March day. Would she be like Raquel in Only Fools And Horses or Mrs Maguire in Grantchester?
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Poetry, Politics, Pearls & Caviar: The Life of an Underrated Sussex Author
Sussex Living investigates much-neglected Sussex writer Hilaire Belloc, a politician, patriot and polymath on the month of his birth and death
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Sir Ian McKellen: An Interview with John Hannam
There are some years you just never want to end. In my case, it was 2019. I became the grandfather of twin boys, was privileged to attend a Buckingham Palace Garden Party and had interviewed Dame Judi Dench live on stage, in the presence of the Lord Mayor of London. That honour led me directly to my last major interview of the year — Sir Ian McKellen.
Homes and Gardens
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Hanging With Holly
There’s a lot more to holly than spiky green leaves and a few red berries, so it’s over to Peter Erridge to explain all things historical and all things prickly
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Hail, Hail The Evergreen
As we get ready for Christmas, sending cards and decorating our homes, we are continuing a tradition that stretches back thousands of years, writes Flo Whitaker
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Be Prepared
Flooding in Sussex twenty years ago has made Robin Stevenson reflect on the importance of preparing for the worst-case scenario
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Amazing Bedrooms
Is your bedroom crying out for a makeover? Take a little inspiration from the latest design trends, as Hanna Prince finds out
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Eternal Ivy
Overlooked by many – and wrongly reviled by others, ivy plays a vital role in the natural landscape and makes a terrific garden plant, writes Flo Whitaker
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Watt The Heck: Light Up Your Festive Season
As the first frosts of winter bring a chill to the darkness, Robert Veitch takes a look at some ways to bring a little light into your life this season
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Beautiful Berried Treasure
A selection of berried shrubs will bring colour to your garden during the dreariest time of year, writes Flo Whitaker
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Hunker Down And Hibernate This Autumn
Colder weather and longer nights make Adele Trathan long to cosy up at home and shut the world away. Some animals don’t have quite the same luxury and must hibernate during winter. Adele suggests some ways we can help these creatures survive, to emerge again in the spring
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Spindles, Skewers and Toothpicks: The Euonymus genus
The euonymus genus contains over 150 varieties in the form of shrubs and trees, so there should be one type available to brighten every garden throughout the year
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Blaze Away! A Look at Fiery Acers
Versatile and long-lived, no plants give better fiery autumnal colours than acers.
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Wonderful Workspaces: Setting up a Home Office
In today’s climate, home offices have never been more desirable. We've got this advice for designing your own stylish workspace
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Blooming Times: Oh Sow Spinach (and other Autumn Vegetables)
It’s all go on the veg patch this month. Sow hardy winter greens and plant onions for a tasty crop next year
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Grate Accessories: Adding to your Fireplace
September is the perfect time to customise your fireplace with a few stylish design tweaks
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The Heat is on: Tips for the Colder Months
As we move into the cooler months, here's our top tips on the safest and most cost efficient ways to stay warm at home
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Planet-friendly Living: The Positives of the Eco Home
Beautiful, sustainable and cheap to maintain, it’s no surprise that eco homes are popping up everywhere from city centres to the remote countryside
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Queen of the Blues: Agapanthus in Late Summer
Coming in every shade from darkest inky purple to purest white, no summer garden is complete without the extraordinary blooms of agapanthus
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Dressing Up: Getting the Perfect Window Display For Your Home
The right window dressing can transform the look and feel of a room without the need for a complete interior revamp. Take inspiration from the latest trends to redesign your window space
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Blooming Times: The Beauty of Lavender
Some plants manage to look good in any setting. Whether your garden has a traditional or contemporary design, be sure to include some lavender
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Let There Be Light: Finding you the Perfect Light-Filled Space
Bring some sunlight into your home with our complete guide to conservatories, orangeries and bi-fold doors
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Orchids and Mrs Mugridge: A Wander up a Sussex Beauty Spot
The sight of wild orchids in their natural environment can be an uplifting experience, so we spoke to Mrs Mugridge, who’s been orchid spotting on the South Downs for as long as she can remember
Animals
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Natural Living: Awakening
Missing the flutter of summer butterflies, Ruth Lawrence discovers how these delicate creatures winter out the cold months, and looks forward to their return in the spring
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It's A Dog's Life: Yuletide Eccenticities
With the ‘joy’ of the giving and receiving of seasonal gifts fast approaching, Teddy shares his thoughts on human yuletide eccentricities, through his human portal, Helen Stockton
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Natural Living: A Flock of Long-Tailed Tits at Chailey Common
A flock of wheeling long tailed tits capture Ruth Lawrence’s imagination as she takes a winter stroll in the countryside
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It's A Dog's Life: Changing Times
As the seasons change, Teddy mulls over the impact on his daily rituals as the clocks fall back an hour. As always Helen Stockton interprets his problems with this time of year
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It’s a Dog’s Life: Teddy Gets Soaked
Autumn’s well and truly arrived, and Teddy, along with his interpreter, are steeling themselves for the rainy days to come
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It's A Dog's Life: Moving House
‘Junior Him’ is moving and it’s a busy time for the whole family. Teddy’s on paw though with his own method of stress therapy
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It's A Dog's Life: Teddy's Haircut
Things seem to be heading back to a sense of normal for ‘Them Indoors’, but there’s only one thing on Teddy’s mind: getting a decent haircut
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Natural Living: Hidden Lives of the County
What may seem to us to be natural waste, could be an invaluable asset for a whole range of garden species and benefit the natural environment.
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Natural Living: The Sparrowhawk in Sussex
Sparrowhawks are now fairly common throughout the country and more of us can enjoy the breathtaking sight of these spectacular, small birds of prey.
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It's a Dog's Life: Teddy in Lockdown
Teddy may be starting to look like a Wookiee on a bad hair day, but it hasn’t stopped him from staying positive during lockdown. His human interpreter writes his account of life at home and the reality of spending more time with ‘Them Indoors’.
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Cat of the Week
Barney and Penny are our Cats of the Week
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Dog of the Week
Zara is our Dog of the week
Hidden County
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Enjoy Our 'New Year, New You' E-magazine
Sign-up to our new membership service, Hidden County, and receive our exclusive e-magazine on health and wellbeing in 2021!
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FOUR-WEEK FREE COURSE: Cooking and Baking Essentials
Learn how to cook with confidence! This four-week free course will equip you with theoretical and practical skills to give you the edge you need in the culinary world!
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Win A New Ferguson 40" TV
Are you spending more time in front of your old TV during lockdown, realising you need something a bit more up to date?
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Ten Famous Figures Who Live in Sussex
It's incredible how many celebrities prefer the beautiful tranquility of our stunning county to the bright lights of London. You might not know it, but here's ten famous figures right on our doorstep...
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FREE EVENT: Boost your Wellbeing in 2021
We're living in a time when our wellbeing is more important than before - but how can you help your own mind to feel more positive?