Ode to Forget-me-not
October 31, 2009 | Leave a Comment
It came as a welcome surprise to receive this special gift from local poet Andrew Taylor just recently and it seems fitting to share it with you here at this time, especially since the sign above my door will be changed later this week and the name ‘Forget-me-not’ will no longer appear. I hope you enjoy reading it!
The window dressed with gifts for you.
The emporium of Gabrielle’s, with Eve’s,
Birman paintings & Lindfield carpets weave.
Within tales of the earth & scented soap,
Candles to kindle, love, faith & hope.
Trinket trifles waiting for you to choose,
As a love token, gift, you cannot lose.
Silver box & a card of handwritten prose,
My alternative of a singular red rose.
At Ninety-nine a sister, Heart & Soul,
For babes & christening spoons I am told.
So if you are searching for you know not what,
Do not forget, Lindfield’s “Forget Me Not”.
My sincere thanks go to Andrew. I shall frame this poem and display it on the wall for all my customers to read so they can remember ‘Forget-me-not’ too.
Andrew has been writing poetry for the last eight years and has already published two books containing 34 sonnets which were very much inspired by the beautiful village of Lindfield. He is currently publishing a third book and working on two new books; one about travel and one specifically for Lindfield. I shall be pleased to pass Andrew’s contact details to anyone who may be interested in his work.
Posted by gabrielle | Filed Under Gabrielle's Blog
Spring 2010
October 24, 2009 | Leave a Comment
This page will be updated very soon. Thank you for your patience.
Heart & Soul
gifts to celebrate life!
Posted by gabrielle | Filed Under Coming Soon to Heart & Soul
Visitor’s Book
October 24, 2009 | 8 Comments
We are very proud of the comments in our visitor’s book and we would love to receive your comments for inclusion here.
Here is what visitors say about our stores:
“I can’t keep away! It’s such a beautiful shop, beautiful things & a beautiful atmosphere” Chris
“I need a sugar daddy to buy me all those lovely goodies” Fiona
“Cards are fantastic” B. Tilley
“One could find any gift for anybody here without going anywhere else! I love it.” R.D.
“What a beautiful shop” J.A.King
“I could buy the whole shop, including the choccies” G Wallace, Johannesburg, S. Africa
“The most tastefully decorated shop I’ve seen in years. Presentation is absolutely immaculate” Nasreen & Assad
“This is truly the best shop in West Sussex, utterly cheering and beautiful” Family Haymen
“I liked this shop before and every time I pass by I like it more” Leanne
“What an exquisite shop. I love the colours and the joy of finding interesting gifts for those we love” John Campbell, Bowen Island, Vancouver, B.C. Canada
“This is a lovely place, I’m coming here again and I like the chocolates, Love Arielle xxx”
“I’ve been to every shop looking for cards. Found two lovely ones in here. Thank you.” A Williams
“Best cards in the area. Thank you.” P Holman
“This is a lovely shop and sells lots of nice stuff, Ben” (age 6!)
“Thank you for having such a wonderful variety of perfect gifts Jodie xx”
“A little oasis of calm. A perfect balm. Beautiful too. Thank you.” J.P Henderson
“Been meaning to comment for ages… I LOVE THIS SHOP, can I buy shares? P.S. my boys love the train set!” L Morgan
“Beautiful shop. I love the different things you have.” S Wood
“2nd time of writing. I love Forget-me-not” R.D.
“Great looking around your shop, then we found the sort of gift we were looking for.” R. Bell, Sydney, Australia
“What a delightful place to visit. Keep up the magic!” Jana du Plessis, S. Africa
Posted by gabrielle | Filed Under All Posts, Visitor's Book
Lindfield Chiropractic Centre in Lindfield Life Magazine November 2009
October 24, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Fact: Backache is second only to headaches as the most common location of pain.
Fact: Lower back pain is the second leading cause of lost work days, second only to the common cold.
Fact: In any two-week period of time, between 25–33% of all adults get some form of back pain and with 33 bones in the human spine it’s no wonder that so many of us suffer with problems in this area at some stage in our lives.
Fact: Chiropractic has been around for more than 100 years and 9 out of 10 chiropractic users feel their treatment is effective.
My recent visit to Lindfield Chiropractor, Dr Jennifer Layton, helped to throw more light onto this condition, which is reported to affect up to 8 in 10 adults. But clearly chiropractic can be beneficial for other areas of the body too.
Chiropractic specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a variety of conditions that are due to problems with the joints, ligaments and tendons of the body, particularly involving that of the spine and its effects on the nervous system. It can treat a variety of conditions from common back pain to headaches, arthritis, sciatica, sports injuries and issues surrounding pregnancy, birth and pediatric care. The cause of pain may be physical, emotional, environmental, chemical (food) or hereditary.
Using gentle manipulation of spinal joints it can restore their normal function. The result is an increase in mobility, decrease in pain or discomfort, and removal of irritation to the spinal nerves with a wide range of health benefits.
“It works because the body is self-healing” explained Jennifer. “This is the philosophy behind chiropractic. The body naturally heals itself when the nervous system works in the best way it can”.
Each patient’s spine is unique and Jennifer ensures that care is always tailored to each individual’s needs. She uses a variety of techniques including gentle manipulation with instruments and with her hands. Acupuncture can be used to assist the process and nutritional advice is given when required.
Jennifer was born in Lindfield (Australia!) and has over 20 years experience as a chiropractor. She first established her practice in Brisbane, Australia, after graduating from Sydney University and Sydney College of Chiropractic following a five year course. She then taught chiropractic at Macquarie University for five years and has worked with Australian Olympic athletes and members of the Australian Rugby Team. What started out as a ‘short working holiday’ in England, turned out to be something much more and after working in Lewes she decided to establish her own practice right here in Lindfield High Street.
“Although in some cases a course of treatment may be required, many patients report feeling better after just one session.” Jennifer explained. “If anyone has any questions, they are always welcome to call me for a chat.”
Jennifer is available at the Lindfield Chiropractic Centre at 83 High Street, Lindfield (above Abbott’s Pharmacy) each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and she provides a clinic on Saturday mornings, which is designed for patients who work full-time. For further information telephone 01444 484582.
Posted by gabrielle | Filed Under Lindfield Life Magazine
Villandry Home in Lindfield Life Magazine October 2009
October 24, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Lindfield has had a real buzz about it lately. It’s been good to see visitors wander along the High Street on numerous sunny days. The lime trees certainly looked much happier and our pond has become home to several sets of baby ducks who bravely survived their early days with adoptive mums. So what of this optimistic mood? Could it be the time for new beginnings?
Early in August a new business arrived. Situated in the very heart of the High Street, ‘Villandry Home’ opened its doors to some very curious passers-by whose attention was drawn to three elegant crystal chandeliers and the giant potted olive trees which graced its window. They looked absolutely stunning.
Specialising in hand painted furniture, French gifts and interior accessories that combine the best in both French and Scandinavian design, this new ‘home store’ clearly has so much to offer. In my opinion, it would not look out of place in the fashionable King’s Road area of London. There is china, glass, silverware, books and a natural collection of textiles which includes table clothes, cushions, throws and bedding.
“Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming” said Sarah, owner of Villandry Home. “I love being back here in Lindfield and as someone who grew up in the village I can really appreciate what Lindfield has to offer” she continued. “It was a natural choice to move here from Sheffield Green where Villandry had already been established for over three years. My business was expanding and I wanted to be somewhere more central”.
Inside, the space is light and airy and home to an interesting and unusual blend of old and new pieces. Great care has been given to their arrangement and I felt very comfortable browsing. The furniture seemed to come in every size. Large antique pieces have been lovingly restored and hand painted and some of the accessories are made from hammered metals and reclaimed timber. Colours are neutral – soft greys and warm whites with a few subtle contrasts in deeper, earthier tones. Everything sits together in perfect comfort.
I loved the delicate fragrance that wafted through the air to greet me. It was from a fabulous range of French candles made by Compagnie de Provence. Other well known brands include Cote Bastide, Votivo and Linum who produce the contemporary range of textiles made from natural fibres. I also loved the combination of textures found in wicker baskets, crisp soft cottons, rustic linen, powdered stone and shiny silver and glass. It was a real feast for the senses.
Sarah certainly has an eye for what works and she is delighted to help customers make their choice. In time she hopes to extend the ‘interior service’ to include curtain making and upholstery and would like to launch a dedicated website for the store early in the New Year.
Visit ‘Villandry Home’ at 59 High Street in Lindfield. The store is open each day.
Posted by gabrielle | Filed Under Lindfield Life Magazine
Happy Feet in Lindfield Life Magazine September 2009
October 24, 2009 | Leave a Comment
As a parent of two I know how quickly children’s feet seem to grow. In no time at all they exchange the wonderful slip on shoes with brightly coloured motives for even more fancy footwear with designer labels and designer prices. Outings to buy shoes generally happen more frequently than one would expect, so finding a store that satisfies the needs of both parents and children is always a great discovery.
Situated in Denmans Lane, just off the High Street in Lindfield, “Happy Feet” is wonderful destination store for children’s shoes and accessories. Having realised there was little choice in the local area for specially fitted children’s shoes, owners Alex and Keith opened their shop in September 2007. Despite the potential for higher footfall, they chose Lindfield over Haywards Heath for a variety of reasons. They felt that Lindfield had the right feel about it and would reflect the type of service they wished to provide, which included quality, traditional and personal service for each customer who visited the store.
Alex, a local girl and mum to two young daughters finds it easy to identify with the needs of other parents who want the best for their children. Together with Dawn and Charlie, the senior members of her team, they offer an unrivalled service to parents and children who visit the store. They are all qualified members of the society of shoefitters and hold qualifications in shoe fitting. Miranda, Jessica and Jess complete the team and help to create an atmosphere which is welcoming to both parents and children alike.
Happy Feet stocks Start-Rite which is a traditional English brand well known for its quality and classic style, Ricosta an ethical German company, Geox, Merrell, Kickers, Bellamy and many others. New brands for Autumn/Winter 09 include Emu, an Australian sheepskin manufacturer, and Hunter the UK Wellington Boot supplier.
As they approach the school holidays and the season of ‘back to school’, they are bracing themselves. It has to be their busiest time of the year.
“It’s that time when everyone needs to update their shoe range – school shoes, plimsolls, wellies, school trainers, etc, so each visit tends to last a little longer. Combine that with the extra volume of customers and you can see why it gets so chaotic!” says Alex.
“My advice to anyone is to get in early, probably about the first week in August is perfect. You’ll get the best choice of stock and there is time to play with if for any reason you can’t find the perfect shoe.” A great tip for parents is to book an appointment during this time.
From our conversation it seems that Alex is very happy to be working in Lindfield. “We love Lindfield Life! I love going to see the ducks on the pond with my girls, having fish and chips on the common on Fridays and mooching about the shops when I have a bit of time to myself. Lindfield is also very friendly. It’s the kind of place where everyone says ‘good morning’ if they pass you. I am very glad to bring my children up in a place like this, we are blessed!” She said. “We recently supported Village Day and help local schools with sponsorship. We also entered a Happy Feet Boutique team in the 5km Race for Life which was a great success and raised about £300 for Cancer Research.”
The store has plenty of character. It’s a grade II listed building and was used as a blacksmith’s as recently as the 1970s. “A very good friend of the family used to bring her son to the building and would lift him up to watch the ponies being shod.” Alex remarked.
So, any new ideas for the future? “Well, we’re looking to launch a loyalty scheme soon but haven’t finalised the details yet and we have a few exciting projects up our sleeves but can’t reveal too much at this moment in time.”
Curious, then why not visit them yourself?
For further information or to book an appointment call Happy Feet on 01444 487744.
Posted by gabrielle | Filed Under Lindfield Life Magazine
Debbie Smith in Lindfield Life Magazine July 2009
October 24, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Having seen her stunning collection of silver jewellery at a local craft show, I eagerly accepted an invitation to meet local designer Debbie Smith at her workshop in Lindfield. Nestled deep within her leafy garden, I discovered a wonderful place where students can learn her intricate craft and discover how to produce beautiful and unique pieces of silver jewellery from their own designs.
My eye was immediately drawn to an old wooden bench probably made from solid oak over 200 years ago which came from the Cartier workshop in London. It was well worn and covered with markings from craftsmen who had clearly spent many hours grinding, pummelling, piercing, hammering and polishing a variety of precious metals, humbly transforming each special piece into a magnificent work of art . I began to realise this was an old and well respected craft and very little had changed in the way that jewellery had been made over the years. The same skills, materials and tools are still being used and handed down today.
The three students I met have been keen followers of Debbie for the past 18 months and I was greeted with their wonderful creative energy. They were proudly wearing pieces they had made and it was a joy to watch them working, using a variety of skills they had learnt. Their journey began with Debbie’s 6 week beginner’s course and having become truly hooked, they went on to complete the improver’s course and now meet each week for a three hour session to create some wonderful pieces of jewellery and enjoy the special friendship they have made.
As a student herself Debbie completed a four year diploma course in Jewellery, Silversmithing and Allied Crafts at the Sir John Cass School of Art at London Metropolitan University and worked in the trade for over 15 years before becoming self employed. She learnt her trade as an assistant designer, by ‘sitting at the bench’, learning the ropes and delving into each and every area of the jewellery business. Costume jewellery was her speciality and she worked for a number of top end manufacturers designing collections of jewellery for a fast growing market. Having recently completed a Post Graduate Teaching Certificate in Art and Design, Debbie now shares her passion for jewellery design and making with those who are willing to learn. The large garage in her garden was converted five years ago into a state of the art studio, fully equipped with a comprehensive collection of tools.
Each course is designed to accommodate up to five students, which guarantees that each participant gets plenty of personal support. A typical beginner’s course runs over a six week period and a wide range of skills are demonstrated. Students are encouraged to complete one special piece to take away at the end. The improver’s course is longer (usually 10 weeks) and begins with a great day out in London, touring Hatton Garden and visiting a variety of suppliers in order to source components which are known as ‘findings’. Serious devotees are encouraged to visit galleries and museums such as the V&A in London and optional trips are organised for those who seek further inspiration.
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. It was great to see ideas being lifted off of a page and silver being lovingly shaped into bold and interesting pieces that expressed the moods and feelings of each maker. What wonderful therapy!
To find out more about Debbie and her work please contact her on 01444 483138. Debbie offers one day ‘taster courses’ which include lunch and gift vouchers are available for these.
Posted by gabrielle | Filed Under Lindfield Life Magazine
Cloughs & Glynn Thomas in Lindfield Life Magazine June 2009
October 24, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Thank you for your positive comments about my last feature on businesses in Lindfield. It’s great to know that our traders have your unwavering support. As promised for this issue, my attention is focussed on food and the variety of produce found in two of our favourite local stores.
Now enjoying its 75th year of trading, Cloughs of Lindfield has a fine reputation for quality groceries in the local area. Established in 1934 by Mark Clough’s grandfather, Mr Bert Clough, this business has certainly stood the test of time. With a small investment of just sixty pounds and a premises measuring one third of its current size, Cloughs began to serve the local community with a single bicycle used for home deliveries.
Today Cloughs is a thriving grocery store with a specialist deli counter and a section dedicated to organic supplies. With such a huge selection of cheese it can be hard to know where to begin, but many customers enjoy the opportunity to sample a selection before they buy. Their popular cheese boards can be made for any occasion and provide a wonderful centre piece when entertaining. Cloughs succeed in supporting a range of local suppliers including Bookers Vineyard in Bolney, Fellows Bakery in Ardingly and the High Weald Dairy in Horsted Keynes with its award winning selection of cheese. With fresh ham still prepared and cooked on the premises, locally made pates and flans and a variety of other deli treats, summer entertaining could not be easier and for those ‘on the go’ their range of fulfilling, freshly made sandwiches are a must. Cloughs can be found in Sunte Avenue between Haywards Heath and Lindfield.
My second destination is Glyn Thomas & Son, situated on the High Street in Lindfield. This high class family butcher specialises in organic beef, free range GM free pork, free range chickens, south down lambs and even free range eggs from their own farm. Most of their products are supplied by local producers and farmers who care about their produce and the way it is farmed. Local pheasant and venison are sourced from the Balcombe estate and organic and free range meats come from a variety of farms across Sussex. Other products include bacon, goose, guinea fowl, homemade sausages and home cooked ham and a variety of chutneys, pickles and relishes. Their website www.glynthomas.co.uk is packed with information and there are a number of recipes to be found. Locals enjoy their wonderful hog roasts during village festivities and their colourful window displays are a real treat for the eye. With barbeque season fast approaching why not stop by? I’m sure you’ll be inspired to try something different.
Have you got something to ask or something to share about our local businesses? Please get in touch with your ideas. You can send an email to gabrielle@heartandsoulgifts.co.uk. or write to Gabrielle c/o Forget-me-not, 66 High Street, Lindfield RH16 2HL.
The photo above shows the Lindfield Guy made by Martin Durrant and members of the Lindfield Bonfire Society. It is displayed outside Glyn Thomas’ Butchers on the morning of 5th November each year before being paraded around the village in a torchlight procession during the evening.
Posted by gabrielle | Filed Under Lindfield Life Magazine
West Sussex Clocks in Lindfield Life Magazine May 2009
October 24, 2009 | Leave a Comment
I hope you enjoyed the first issue of Lindfield Life with an article on the high street and businesses you can find here. We intend to make this a regular feature and include information on all the businesses situated in our local area.
Whilst we should not need to be reminded that strong local support is essential for each and every business to survive, it’s important that we are. Shop traders have their fair share of competition already. The rapid growth of superstores and internet shopping has had a dramatic affect on the choices people make and many local businesses have to work especially hard to keep their place in the market. Some people complain that “all high streets look the same”. Fortunately, ours doesn’t. It is filled to the brim with independent specialists who offer something different and always welcome their customers with open arms. I hope you will agree that it’s high time we spread that positive message.
So in each issue of Lindfield Life I will be highlighting just how special we are. From the daily essentials to life’s little luxuries, Lindfield has something for everyone. I shall look at the businesses to be found here, delve into the history of the buildings, discover what is produced in the local area and introduce you to some of the people who make this village so special. The high street alone is home to twenty seven specialist shops, four pubs, two restaurants, one tea room and a wealth of enthusiastic people who have a commitment to serving the local community. Together they work hard to preserve the identity of our historic village. Now is the perfect time to reflect upon this and really start to appreciate what we have.
So to begin I shall introduce you to the first business to be featured here. I hope it will be of particular interest to those who enjoyed browsing through the numerous antique shops we had not so long ago.
Paul Sewell, with his business West Sussex Clocks, specialises in the sale, repair and restoration of antique clocks. Several of his pieces can be found at Tufnells in Lindfield, the very popular gift and lifestyle store run by his relatives Lisa and Jeremy Goodger.
Having served a seven year apprenticeship in Horology (clockmaking), Paul has been a clockmaker for over 30 years and is a member of the British Horological Institute. His practical skills and understanding of the elements of clock movement restoration ensures that each piece is highly original.
There is one rather special piece to be found in Tufnells right now, known as a Durrant Shop Regulator, which is believed to have been made by Henry Durrant (a family name synonymous with Lindfield) who worked here in the late 19th century and early 20th century. His family owned the piano factory and it is thought the clock would have been displayed there to remind staff and customers of the time. That may sound rather obvious to us now, but remember there were few timepieces in existence then and any that were made would have been reserved for the very wealthy.
Paul offers a full repair service and clocks can be left at Tufnells for collection. His advice to customers looking for a repair or restoration service is to always place an antique clock in the very safe hands of a professional, in other words, they must be a member of the BHI.
You can view the clocks on display at Tufnells, 75 High Street, Lindfield during shop opening hours 9.30am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 12noon to 4pm each Sunday and images are available on Paul’s website www.westsussexclocks.co.uk.
In the next issue I shall be focussing on food. As we approach the summer season with the promise of sunshine and potential to eat outside, I will look at local produce available and ways to make our menus just a little more appealing.
Please get in touch if you have any ideas to share (info@heartandsoulgifts.co.uk). It would be great to hear from you. Gabrielle.
Gabrielle Hall has lived in the village for over thirty years and has two shops on the high street, Forget-me-not which sells design-led gifts and greetings cards and Heart & Soul which specialises in clothes and gifts for children aged 0-12 years.
Posted by gabrielle | Filed Under Lindfield Life Magazine
Lindfield Life Magazine – Introduction
October 24, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Read Gabrielle’s articles for Lindfield Life Magazine in this section.
Posted by gabrielle | Filed Under Lindfield Life Magazine