Features

Foodbanks and seasonal boxes are a lifeline to many. Donations of food and basics such as toiletries can go a long way to helping those in desperate need. Find your nearest drop off points and opening times below

Advertising Feature: From Radio 1 to More Radio Retro, and many airwaves in between, Jenni Costello likes nothing more than spinning some classic tunes. Sara Whatley speaks to the lady herself

Have you ever wondered why we associate robins with Christmas? Becca Smith from the RSPB explains how the link came to be, and how we can help our feathered friends through the winter

This all-in-one tray bake by Adele Trathan is ideal as a mid-week meal, it combines great flavours for a tasty meal but with minimal washing-up

This month, Flo Whitaker's considering starting a new political party; it's going to be called 'RAM' – Rage Against Mediocrity. Wanna Join?

Advertising Feature: Ready for a new look? Essence Hair in Haywards Heath offers excellent hairdressing and an exceptionally warm welcome, as Sara Whatley found out

This year the Royal British Legion are celebrating 100 years of supporting the Armed Forces community with the Poppy Appeal. Sara Whatley finds out what they have in store

As Christmas creeps nearer it’s time to make your Christmas party bookings at your favourite eatery. Don’t miss out, says Sara Whatley

Are you a carer? Or not sure if you are one? Sara Whatley has been talking to Christine Virginie at Carers Support West Sussex, working with and for unpaid carers

St Peter & St James Hospice in North Chailey is one of thirteen hospices in Sussex, so we asked Robert Veitch to find out a little more about what they do, how they are funded, and their ongoing relationship with donkeys

There’s often far more going on at a youth club than those passing by might realise and these agents for social change sometimes miss out on the credit they deserve writes Robert Veitch

Being a 21st century cub is primarily about having fun while learning a few essential life skills for children aged 8 – 10½ writes Robert Veitch

Did recent Olympic water sports excite your child? Have they got too much energy and an inquisitive nature? The Sea Scouts may be the organisation for them writes Robert Veitch

Children with Cancer Fund – Polegate is a small East Sussex charity that works with children up to the age of 18, who have or have had cancer. Issy Taylor-Gallardo explains who they help, how they do it and how to get involved as a supporter, or a beneficiary

Where Cubs and Scouts are mixed, Guides is solely for girls aged 10-14, offering life relevant skills, friendships and plenty of fun along the way writes Robert Veitch

Alzheimer’s Society Sussex Area Manager, Jacqui Justice-Chrisp reflects on the importance of the Brighton Memory Walk for people living with dementia in the area

The origins of Chess are Indian and Persian; today it is a board game that can be played by everyone from granddaughter to Grandmaster writes Robert Veitch

The three Sussex branches of the Motor Neurone Disease Association are currently seeking new recruits to join their enthusiastic and dedicated teams of volunteers. David Setters, MNDA volunteer and patient writes about what they do, how they help, and how easy it is to get involved

Advertising Feature: The Seychelles group of islands is a treasure in the Indian Ocean. It is possibly the most romantic archipelago in the world; the perfect paradise location for a dream wedding. With powder white sandy beaches, crystalline clear turquoise waters, lush flora and gently swaying coconut trees, all teamed with a warm tropical climate all year round making it ideal for that special life event – the Seychelles certainly ticks all of the boxes as a sensational wedding destination

Like lawn bowls, bocce and crown green bowling, petanque is a form of boule sport – and it’s played widely across Sussex as Hanna Prince explains

With plenty of popular windsurfing spots, Sussex is the perfect place to try your hand at this water-based adrenaline sport writes Hanna Prince

Archery has had close associations with Sussex since the iconic colour scheme of the archery target was invented here in the early 1800s as Hanna Prince explains

It’s a school playground favourite – but netball can still be enjoyed by women (and men) of all ages and levels of experience as Hanna Prince reports

Advertising Feature: Wakefields jewellers have been serving the Horsham community since 1911, offering a combination of expertise, passion for fine jewellery and watches, along with a highly skilled team of welcoming sales consultants as Lisa de Silva discovered

A ring is a never-ending circle which makes it the perfect symbol of love. Whether for engagement, wedding or eternity, Adele Trathan explores the symbolism of offering this gift of love

Advertising Feature: It’s not often that you get to visit something so new the Mayor and local MP are cutting the ribbon as you arrive. But that’s what happened to Robert Veitch when he met the team at the new A-Plan Insurance branch in Haywards Heath

Advertising Feature: Offering everything from beautiful face masks and craft supplies to bespoke cleaning services, Sarah Lacey Dry Cleaning is getting back to business post-lockdown as Hanna Prince discovered

June 16th is fast approaching and this means Sussex Day is almost here. Robert Veitch spoke to Brady Ells about this relatively recent innovation of a celebratory day to all things Sussex

Can it be true that Sussex has its’ own flag? It is and it does and it’s rather impressive, just like the back-story as Robert Veitch discovered when he met Brady Ells

Charlotte Baker is venturing into the unknown this year and she needs your help in her quest to get to India this October as she fundraises for the charity Refuge. This month, she begins her blog with breaking news...

News journalist Charlotte Baker is venturing into the unknown this year and reaching out far beyond her comfort zone in Sussex; having set herself the challenge of an epic trek in India while fundraising for the charity Refuge

In the UK right now the average house price is estimated at just over £245,000 (as of February 2021). But that figure obviously varies from region to region. So if you're a first-time buyer or looking to move to pastures new, which areas should you be looking at to get the best value for your money?

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...

Chocolate truffles make the perfect homemade gift to give at Christmas, or to enjoy yourself while snuggled up in front of a festive film.

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...

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...

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...

The ruined medieval priory tucked away behind Southover High Street was once the economic and religious hub of Lewes. Hanna Prince delves into the area’s hidden history

Last month, we ran a competition to find the best scenic shots of Sussex, and received some incredible entries. Here we reveal the top ten images from those that were submitted and announce our winner

There are some simple things we can do to help our environment and better ourselves in the process

A mysterious and seductive colour, Lisa de Silva tells us why black remains one of the most popular choices in the fashion world

When it comes to childbirth, it’s assumed that a midwife is always on call and ready for action. But it wasn’t always the case, as the role of Alice Gregory in modern day midwifery makes obvious

Technology-enabled care is becoming more important and helpful to West Sussex residents than ever before

As Halloween approaches, Robert Veitch delves into his memory banks and encyclopaedias to discover a little more about jack-o’-lanterns

We take a look at all things pumpkin, its origins and its surprising number of uses

Our assistant editor Jamie offers his thoughts on the need to support local eateries in the lead-up to the festive season

Enjoy a fantastic day out for you and your family, full of gorgeous garden and style ideas, art and design, all set in the beautiful location of Firle Place. Why not nominate yourself for this great prize - and feel free to share with your friends as we have three sets of tickets to win!

As well as being incredibly exciting, planning a wedding is a time to express yourself as a couple. We've compiled some on-trend ideas and suggestions to help make your day unique, special to you, and memorable for all your guests!

As the country continues to move through strange times, we look at some of the options for those couples hoping to celebrate their special day

Some advice for vulnerable residents who may be at risk of a fall

(Paid advertising feature) One thing we’ve learnt this year is the importance of home, so we met David Dimelow to learn how Everycare can help individuals remain living in familiar surroundings as they become older and more vulnerable

(Paid advertising feature) We find out that despite this year’s challenges St Peter & St James Hospice continue to discover new ways to keep up with fundraising efforts whilst keeping everyone safe

We look at an important community service in Sussex which helps people who are feeling isolated or lonely

Looking for a care package that’s right for you? Make sure you’ve considered all of your options – there’s plenty of support out there, writes Jane Finnerty the joint chairman of SOLLA

Care in the community has carried on these last few months while the world around it changed. The old normal became a new normal. Countless people have performed above and beyond the call of duty to help those in need. We report on a handful of stories to celebrate some of these community stars, but we know this is just the tip of the iceberg

In this special feature, we look at the emotional challenges facing investigating police officers and the families of missing people in Sussex

Our advice on social wellbeing at a time when friendships and family are more important than ever

Do you have a friend or family member who deserves a treat? Someone who went the extra mile to help others during these strange times? You can nominate them to win this special prize!

We give our top tips on the colours to wear for the season ahead

We look at the coming season’s makeup trends to enhance your features

Our assistant editor Jamie looks back at the changes and challenges over recent months for those who like an occasional tipple

As harvest approaches, we investigate why the Sussex countryside is becoming prime wine-producing country

We examine one of the tallest-growing trees in the country and explains their stunning life cycle through the seasons

(Advertising feature) We speak to Tisshaws, the specialist family law firm, and learn how the business is continuing to help clients during these strange times

One of our resident writers shares the challenges – and the unexpected rewards - of home parenting during lockdown

With COVID-19 likely to become one of the biggest events of the 21st century, we talked to local archivists who’ve been documenting what’s happening in our county, so it can be remembered for generations to come

Do you enjoy taking lots of photos and seeing the sights of Sussex? Here’s your chance to put your images in Sussex Living magazine!

Some advice for those who may be facing work struggles during these uncertain times

Healthy, radiant and glowing skin is our number one beauty goal this summer. Thankfully the cosmetics market has us covered as we explore the best way to retain that inner radiance

Zesty orange, sherbet lemon and exotic saffron: we go through the essential colours of the season

We note some of the great items to buy locally, at a time when independent businesses need our custom more than ever before

Now in its milestone tenth year, we look at this special event which celebrates some of the most special children in Sussex

(Paid advertising feature) If there’s one thing to be sure of in business, it’s that change is guaranteed. So, it’s good to know that one local company can help, not just with the theory of everything, but the practicalities too

We spoke to Dame Vera Lynn’s daughter, Virginia Lewis-Jones, about her remarkable mother who gave so much to the people of this country

(Paid advertising feature) The revitalised and highly regarded contribution to the English wine industry from producers along the South Downs has recently been joined by a new all English Vermouth.

(Paid advertising feature) We chat to Paul Bowley at Bowley Funeral Service’s freshly updated Hassocks branch, to discover how funerals are now more about celebrating a loved one’s life than mourning their passing

The Devil has been a frequent visitor to Sussex for many years, trying as he might to thwart the development of Christianity.

This column would normally begin at a railway station, a bus stop or a well-located car park, but during lockdown, all of this author's walks began and ended at his front door. Some of his memories and discoveries may strike a chord.

Few places in Sussex can compete with the sweeping changes that have turned Crawley from a compact 18th century coaching halt to the thriving New Town with a population of over a hundred thousand

Modern day Burgess Hill bears little resemblance to the town that welcomed the railway in 1841, but dig a little deeper and the history is there.

The beautiful and bustling village of Hurstpierpoint is set snuggly into the rolling South Downs and, for a relatively small country village, it is simply bursting with life

Following the centenary of the Spanish Flu outbreak, Sussex Living discovers how the deadliest pandemic in recent history spread through Sussex