Sussex Food Awards Nominations Open

Sally Gunnell OBE, patron of Sussex Food and Drink Awards, has welcomed top Sussex accountancy firm Spofforths on board as new sponsors, taking on the Sussex Farmer of the Year category, to support rural business.

Said Adrian Pearce, Spofforths’ Agriculture and Farming Specialist, “Spofforths understands the challenges farmers face on a daily basis. We are delighted to be involved with the awards and decided to sponsor this category as it is so important that local farmers are recognised for the high quality food they produce and the positive impact they have in shaping the rural landscape.

“Entering the award is an ideal way for farmers to raise awareness about their contribution to the county. It could be through sustainable farming, encouraging people to buy local produce, or for having a notable effect on the local economy.”

They join other leading firms which have loyally supported the scheme for several years, including top law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter, supporters of local food The Southern Cooperative and the county’s best-known and longest-standing brewery Harveys.

Paula Seager and Hilary Knight, co-directors of Natural Partnerships CIC, a community interest company which runs the awards, thanked the sponsors for their support, saying that the awards, which are all about promoting local food and drink, could not happen without them.

Nominations for these prestigious awards, now in their eighth year, are being taken from now until May 3 at www.sussexfoodawards.biz for the finest local food and drink producers, farmers, food/farm shops, farmers markets, butchers, young chefs and food outlets.

Judges will be reviewing entries made from business owners or their customers and announcing a shortlist for each of the eight categories for public voting at the awards launch at the South of England Show on Thursday 6^th June.

There is still room for sponsors to come on board over the next month, so interested businesses should contact the organisers at info@naturalpr.biz

Families are invited to the Biosphere Half Term Road Show this week [February 18-24], offering family fun whilst seeking views on proposals to make the sea, city and landscape around Brighton & Hove and Lewes into a Biosphere Reserve.

Volunteers from the ‘Biosphere Here Here’ campaign will be at a different venue in Brighton & Hove every day from Monday to Saturday, showing a digital photo exhibition of the development of the unique landscape and wildlife found in the area, with a kids quiz and free give away of wild flower seeds, with questionnaires to fill in.

“We have a unique opportunity to create a Biosphere Reserve here.  These are international sites of excellence for nature conservation and sustainable development and they are working examples of a more balanced relationship between people and nature,” said Chris Todd, chair of the Biosphere Partnership. 

“We want to hear people’s views on our bid which will be presented later this year to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the body which awards the Biosphere Reserve status.  If successful, this would open up opportunities to seek funding for projects which improve the local environment.  It would be recognition of our world-class environment and would help raise awareness, boost civic pride and strengthen the local economy.”

“This week’s road show is a great opportunity for families to find out more about the Biosphere bid and have fun at the same time and I urge people to make the effort and find out more about this exciting project.”

For people who cannot make the road show times, there will be a static display in Jubilee Library all week, whilst for the more adventurous, the week culminates in a guided walk organised by the National Trust on the last Sunday of half term at Saddlescombe Farm entitled ‘3,000 years in 3 hours’, exploring the long history of the farm and its surrounding landscape.

The free road show events, which include a photo exhibition called ‘South Downs to Coastal Towns: our changing landscape’, will be at the following locations from 10am – 2pm:

Monday, 18^th February – Hove Town Hall, BN3 4AH

Tuesday, 19th February – Portslade Village Centre, BN41 2LL

Wednesday, 20th February – Whitehawk Library, The Hub, BN2 5FL

Thursday, 21st February – Preston Park Bowls Pavilion

Friday, 22nd February – Moulsecoomb Childrens Centre, BN2 4SE

Saturday, 23rd February – Brighton Jubilee Library, BN1 1GE

Sunday, 24^th February – Saddlescombe Farm (Guided walk – cost £3)

The following week, the roadshow will be at Hangleton Community Centre, from 1 – 3pm on Wednesday, 27^th February.

The proposed Biosphere Reserve area lies roughly between the River Adur to the River Ouse, including the majority of the South Downs National Park, Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Newhaven, Peacehaven and Telscombe. It covers some 340 square kilometres, including extending out to sea and is approximately the same size as the Isle of Wight. 

The Biosphere Road Show is one of the ways that the Brighton & Hove and Lewes Downs Partnership, is reaching out to the public during its three-month consultation which started on Monday January 28 and ends on Monday April 22.  Responses can be made online via www.biospherehere.org.uk or in writing, either posted in a ballot box on the stalls or returned in a pre-paid envelope.

The Brighton & Hove and Lewes Downs Partnership is made up of 20 organisations:  Adur District Council, Brighton & Hove Bus Company, Brighton & Hove City Council, Brighton & Hove Community & Voluntary Sector Forum, Brighton & Hove Friends of the Earth, Dorothy Stringer School, Environment Agency, Horsham District Council, Lewes District Council, Lewes Railway Land Wildlife Trust, Mid-Sussex District Council, National Trust, Natural England, Plumpton College, RSPB, South Downs National Park Authority, Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, Sussex Wildlife Trust, University of Brighton and University of Sussex.

The National Trust guided walk at Saddlescombe Farm costs £3 per person and more details can be found here: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/whats-on/find-an-event/?propertyID=3776

Sussex Business Charity Heroes Revealed

Twenty-one Sussex businesses have been declared finalists in the Chestnut Tree House 10^th Birthday Business Awards 2013 for their creative support of the only children’s hospice in Sussex.

“Companies from across the county have raised thousands of pounds for Chestnut Tree House in a wonderful world of ways, with staff showing huge resourcefulness and commitment to help us make life better for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families,” said Hugh Lowson, Chief Executive of the charity.

“As part of our tenth anniversary celebrations, we want to say a huge thank you to them and we hope that many more businesses in the county will join them to help us. It costs £6,850 per day to provide all our care services, at the hospice and out in the community across Sussex, whilst just 8% of our funding comes from central government, so we are reliant on the generosity of local businesses and individuals to cover our costs.” 

Over 100 applications from businesses were reviewed this week by the awards judges, including explorer, entrepreneur and CEO of the Business Leadership Academy, Neil Laughton, angel investor and entrepreneur, Arjo Ghosh, MD of Natural PR, Paula Seager, and CEO of Chestnut Tree House, Hugh Lowson.  

The finalists are:

Outstanding Original Fundraiser:

Sue Addis – Donatello – Brighton

Chris Dell – Gallagher Heath – Horsham

Steve White – The Swimming Gardener – Worthing

The winner will be an inspiring and exceptional individual who showed true initiative and a drive to make things happen; a proactive champion of Chestnut Tree House.

Fundraising Team of the Year:

Family Investments – Brighton

Marlin Financial Services – Worthing

Mayo Wynne Baxter – Brighton/ Lewes/Eastbourne/East Grinstead/Seaford

The winning team will demonstrate how, through working together, they took ownership of their fundraising to the benefit of their company and the hospice.

Most Innovative Fundraising Idea:

Churchill Square – Brighton

Mike Holland – Brighton

Southern Water – Worthing

In this category, judges were looking for a new, unusual or simply downright barmy idea with a successful outcome.

Outstanding Voluntary Project:

British Airways – Gatwick

The Body Shop – SE Regional stores

Travis Perkins - Worthing

Unusual and creative projects that made the best use of volunteers’ personal skills, interests and passions will all be considered.

Outstanding Long-term Supporter:  

Best of British – Brighton

E3 – Brighton

Southern Water - Worthing

It all began ten years ago and some businesses have helped with fundraising, sponsorship or staff time for many of those years and the charity feels it is time to say thank you!

Outstanding SME Supporter: 

Juice FM – Brighton

Jeremy Silverthorne Jewellers – Worthing

Technetix – Burgess Hill

For this category, the judges looked for a recent project, within the last 12 months, where the staff of a small / medium sized company and their clients worked together to help Chestnut Tree House.

Outstanding Corporate Supporter:

Family Investments – Brighton

Mayo Wynne Baxter - Brighton/ Lewes/Eastbourne/East Grinstead/Seaford

4 Delivery – Crawley

Sometimes the benefits of fundraising go beyond the financial rewards; here judges focused on further reaching support and its benefits.

Finalists and other Sussex businesses are invited to a superb drinks reception and awards dinner at the South Lodge Hotel near Horsham on Thursday March 14 where the winners will receive their trophies.  The evening will be hosted by Juice 107.2’s ‘Mr Love’, Ambrose Harcourt, and TV actress, Julie Graham.  Both Julie and Ambrose are Patrons of Chestnut Tree House.

A limited number of tickets are on sale for £50 each or £500 for a table of ten by calling 01903 871821.

www.stbh.org.uk

Sussex Food Heroes Announced

Celebrations were in full flow last night [Thursday 31 January] at this year’s sell-out spectacular Sussex Food and Drink Awards ceremony, where eight of Sussex’s top food and drink producers were hailed as local heroes and received their trophies at the American Express Community Stadium. 

Over 350 leaders in the food, drink and farming industries gathered for what is now dubbed ‘the Sussex foodie event of the year’, with all tickets sold out.  Guests were treated to a wonderful ‘Sussex bubbly and ale reception’, sponsored by Harveys and Carr Taylor, followed by a stunning seven-course banquet created by new stadium caterers the Lindley Group.  The menu featured an array of Sussex goodies including:  Sussex beef and dairy, locally caught fish, locally grown fruit and vegetables and a selection of local cheeses, Sussex ground coffee and locally-made chocolates.

Said Clive Beddall OBE, Chairman of the Judges: “All our grand finalists offer superb quality and innovation and reflect the rich diversity of the food and drink industry in this part of the world - and there are few areas of a modern food store or indeed a catering sector menu that cannot be supplied from Sussex.”

Winners were announced in a BAFTA-style presentation, hosted by the awards patron Sally Gunnell OBE and Danny Pike of BBC Sussex. 

Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2012/13 Winners:

Best Sussex Farmer's Market – sponsored by Harveys
Winner - Lewes

Runners up – Chichester & Steyning

Sussex Farmer of the Year sponsored by Knill James
Winner – Martin and Gundrada Hole, Montague Farm, Pevensey

Runners up -  Harry and Pip Goring, the Wiston Estate and Phil and Steve Hook, Longleys Farm, Hailsham

Best Sussex Food/Farm Shop sponsored by the Sussex Food & Drink Network
Winner – Veasey and Sons, Forest Row

Runners up – The Hungry Guest, Petworth and The Sussex Produce Company, Steyning

Sussex Food Producer of the Year sponsored by The Southern Co-operative
Winner – High Weald Dairy, Horsted Keynes
Runners up – Caroline’s Dairy, Sidlesham, Nr Chichester and Just Brownies, Partridge Green

Sussex Drink Producer of the Year sponsored by Natural PR
Winner – Ridgeview Wine Estate, Ditchling Common

Runners up –The Dark Star Brewing Co, Partridge Green and Wobblegate pure apple juice, Bolney

Best Sussex Eating Experience sponsored by Mayo Wynne Baxter

Winner – The Cat Inn, West Hoathly

Runners up -  The Ram Inn, Firle and Wabi, Horsham

Sussex Young Chef of the Year sponsored by Gram UK Ltd and Cheese Please
Winner – Jimmy Gray, Jeremy’s Restaurant, Borde Hill Gardens, Nr Haywards Heath
Runners up – Charlie Tayler, the Pass Restaurant, South Lodge Hotel, Lower Beeding and Ryan Hunter, Wingrove House, Alfriston

Sussex Butcher of the Year sponsored by Natural Farms
Winner – John Murray Butchers, Loxwood

Runners up – Archers of Westfield and Brighton Bramptons Butchers, Brighton

Brighton's Ice Rink Stays for Extra 5 Weeks

Skate lovers are celebrating tonight after managers of the hugely popular Royal Pavilion Ice Rink announced that the rink will stay on for an extra five weeks this year and will be open until February 24.

The rink has attracted thousands of visitors to the city, including numerous celebrities, among them local star Patsy Palmer with her children who have become regulars. It has also attracted many film crews from national tv programmes, including hosting its first wedding for an episode of BBC’s ‘Don’t tell the Bride’ last month.

“We are thrilled to be staying on and will be offering a 20 per cent discount this Sunday January 20 to support the Royal Pavilion’s Free Day celebration of the anniversary of the City purchasing the stunning palace in 1850,” said Shella Parkin, MD of Laine Ltd which manages the rink.

The rink will be extending its off peak hours Monday – Thursday all day and on Fridays until 4.15pm from February 21.

The restaurant and bar, run by Jamie Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts, will also be ‘upping the ante’ by introducing some new food, drink and cocktails which can be enjoyed by skaters and spectators alike. There will also be some regular special offers to watch out for, such as their traditional Italian antipasti board,filled with loads of cured meats, beautiful bocconcini, olives, caperberries, chillies, crostini and more, with a bottle of wine for just £20 – perfect for enjoying with a group of friends or family.

Organisers are also putting together an exciting free music programme for people to enjoy over the coming weeks. Come along this Saturday (19^th) for a live set from Barney Porter!

Royal Pavilion Ice Rink tickets cost from £10 for adults and £7 for children under 12 and the one-hour skate times run from 10am to 10.15pm daily. Schools can buy tickets for £4 per student and Box office is open from 9.30am to 9.45pm, but it is advisable to book tickets in advance.

Buy your tickets now from www.ticketmaster.co.uk/royal-pavilion-ice-rink or call 0844 8472352 or for group bookings of ten or more call 0844 8471512.

Daring Dogs Called to Action

Calling all owners of daring dachshunds, brave bulldogs and mighty mutts in Sussex - does your hound have what it takes to be crowned as a superdog at the London Pet Show 2013?

Nominations are now open for The Endal Awards, which gives a big pat on the back for canine tales of doggy derring-do as well as inspirational pets who have overcome adversity or companions whose loving support has changed their owners' lives forever.

The Awards were named after the late, great Endal, an assistance dog which helped rebuild the lives of ex-Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer Allen Parton who suffered severe head injuries in the Gulf War. Endal learned an astonishing 100 signed commands from loading and unloading a washing machine to putting a card in a cash machine. The Golden Labrador was instrumental in helping the Parton family rebuild their lives and Allen later founded the Hounds for Heroes charity in his honour.

As well as furry friends, the awards also recognise pioneering vets, trainers and those committed to safeguarding the lives of dogs. The winners will have their stories told at a special ceremony on the main stage of the Animal Action Arena, sponsored by Zoflora, at the London Pet Show, Earls Court Two, on May 11 and 12. Pooches will be presented with their winner's medals in front of the Show's growing crowd, which is expected to top 18,000 this year.

London Pet Show director Nicole Cooper said: “The Endal Awards are one of the Show highlights - the stories we hear of the bravery and devotion of man's best friend can be both heartbreaking and heart warming. Created by Dogs Today, The Endal Awards are our way of sharing these stories and giving inspirational dogs and those involved in their welfare a well-deserved pat on the back.”

Among last year’s winners were Edward the former Guide Dog who, despite being diagnosed with a rare form of glaucoma which resulted in him having both eyes removed, still accompanies his owner Graham Waspe to Guide Dog fundraising events in Stowmarket in Suffolk and lives as a pet alongside new working Guide Dog Opal. Indie the Northern Inuit dog was awarded a gong for helping his owner, John Lennon of Blackley in Manchester, recover from an attack by criminals. Rob and Jen Hollington from Stroud near Petersfield were awarded an Endal for their tireless fundraising for Hounds for Heroes. The couple's son Richard was the 300^th soldier killed in Afghanistan and the dog-loving family have so far raised more than £250,000 for the charity in his memory.

Post or email your nominations to beverley@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk, marking your email 'Endal Medals' in the subject line. Please include your name, address, daytime telephone number and information regarding the nominated person or dog, plus details of their story.

The third London Pet Show opens its doors on May 11 and 12 2013 at Earls Court Two.  This year's Show will be even bigger than previous years, featuring more animal action displays, larger show rings and displays and entertaining and informative talks and demonstrations.

There will also be more animals to discover within the Show's four zones which feature dogs, cats, small furries and aquatics and exotics.

For more details visit www.londonpetshow.co.uk.

Pilot James encourages young people to follow their dreams

With unemployment across the UK easing, Shoreham-based pilot James Piper says that now’s the time for young people to follow their vision and make their dream career a reality.

Figures release from the Office of National Statistics last month (December 13, 2013) show the number of unemployed 16-24-year-olds in Adur held at a steady 4.4% (-0.8% change from November 2011). Nationwide, the picture for young people is also looking rosier with the number of unemployed down 72,000 on the last quarter and with a decrease of 80,000 year-on-year.

James, a former pupil at Oakmeeds Community College, had always dreamed of being a pilot and is now helping other young people reach their potential as an advanced flight instructor at Flying Time Aviation based at Shoreham (Brighton City) Airport.

As well as instructing, James also helps inform young people about career choices in aviation and gave two presentations on becoming a pilot at Virgin Atlantic’s Future Flyers and Fixers event in Crawley in November which was attended by more than 700 youngsters aged 13-25.

James, 24, always wanted to become a pilot but didn’t attend university. Instead, he attended Flying Time Aviation to become a Commercial Pilot - the minimum qualification that a European Airline would require from prospective pilots. Flying Time Aviation is the only centre in the south east which offers the integrated Flight Deck programme, a full time one year intensive course that leads to a Commercial Pilot Licence.

“I’ve realised my lifelong ambition. To be up in the air flying four to five times a day makes for a really rewarding career,” said James.

He first got the flying bug when he flew in a jumbo jet for the first time at the age of eight and when he was older, received a Red Letter Day flying experience as a gift at Shoreham Airport.  James explained: “I knew there were different routes to becoming a pilot, but didn’t think I could afford to train to become one. The structure of the programme at Flying Time allowed me to train alongside a job working on refurbishments to the London Underground which helped pay my tuition fees. I worked during the day and studied at night to gain my Private Pilot’s licence and was able to borrow money from various relatives to complete my Commercial Pilot Licence training.”

He added: “When I started out learning to fly, my ambition had been to become an airline pilot but I was offered a job as a flight instructor before I finished the course. I’ve been teaching people to fly for two-and-a-half years now and it’s great fun. My favourite part of the job is watching student’s faces when I tell them they are going to fly solo for the first time. Some are excited and some have a look of shock. After 15 hours flight training, they to have to take off, circle and land after a five minute flight.”

To find out more about Flying Time Aviation go to  www.flyingtime.co.uk or call 01273 455177.