Mike Holland is a businessman, landlord and property developer with a huge presence here in Brighton and Hove. But beyond his empire he is also a force to be reckoned with in the field of charity fundraising. In recent years he has bought and sold Newlands School in Seaford, rescued The Engineerium in Hove, and raised Stanmer House from near dereliction to new glories. Now, Mike is once again moving on: Stanmer House is on the market, he is rationalising his property investments across the board, and sinking all his efforts into the Engineerium project and his charitable work.

What drives you to get involved in charitable work?
The measure of a man’s success is, at the end of the day, how many people will miss you when are no longer there. How many people knew that you were there and that you were of any use? You have to ask these questions early in life, and not when you are on your last knockings.

How old were you?
I was in my 40s, I had lost my son Brian in 1979 when I was 32. He had cancer at the age of 13. I drifted emotionally for a number of years, trying to block out the pain. Then I realised I had to come to terms with it, my way was to get involved in charitable entities – in my view, in the name of my son, to feel that something good had come out of his life.

“I’ve done the sums; I know that what I want to be able to give Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice will be a valuable and ongoing legacy”

What was the first charity you became involved in?
Brian had saved some money over the years and I got involved with giving money to the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for Children. Since then I have been involved with a lot of drug rehabilitation work and children’s charities.

What percentage of your time do you dedicate to your charitable interests?
An awful lot, I have done a lot over the years with drug rehab. If you get involved with one addict, it can take up a lot of your time. My biggest success has been to see a 14 year heroin addict turn around to become an admissions officer in a drug rehab centre in Hertfordshire.

Is it difficult not to get personally involved?
No, it’s absolutely impossible to not get personally involved. It can also be terribly draining and demoralising when you see people return to their habit.

When did you get involved with Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice?
Ambrose Harcourt introduced me to it and I thought what a worthwhile organisation it was. It reminded me of the traumatic time my family had had in 1979. How much easier it would have been to have respite care, counselling and palliative care. With counselling it might not have taken me 13 years to come to terms with my loss.

What will your involvement be with Chestnut Tree House?
Through The Engineerium we are aiming for a five million pound turnover, and we will allocate funding for the hospice from that. The Engineerium is going to be an interactive museum and a legacy for the city and for the Chestnut Tree House.

Is money important to you?
Yes, but I plan to leave the majority of it to charity. I’m not interested in boats or golf or properties abroad. I’m not leaving my money to the kids and they know that.

How advanced is the Engineerium project now?
The Engineerium was due to open soon, but we have now decided to open it in phases. The Engineerium, as we know it, will open towards the end of 2010. I am happy to wait to get the rest of the project done and done properly. It’s a massive scheme involving constantly changing exhibits, film experiences and the history of film here in Hove. We plan to have re-enactment weekends, staff in period costumes, a kids’ think tank, an interactive centre, workshops, an exhibition area, excellent catering, facilities for events, banquets, balls – anything that we do that doesn’t work will go, but out plans are very exciting. It’s a 3.5 acre site, and we plan to get the very best out of it. This will be a family attraction to challenge the likes of Legoland, and we will be creating jobs too. I want to make this the funnest place to be and to visit again and again. And I want it to be a one price ticket so that once you are in you are not being mugged over and over for extra money. Great value, great education and great entertainment. I’ve done the sums; I know that what I want to be able to give Chestnut Tree House will be a valuable and ongoing legacy.

Nothing cheers me more than a glorious bowl of cut flowers. A simple posy of anemones will do it, a bunch of jonquils heralding the imminent arrival of spring, or a massive bouquet screaming ‘thank you’ or ‘I love you’ at the top of its floral voice.

I clearly remember when Planted opened in St James’s Street. The window displays were a joy: artful, playful and enchanting. The emphasis on structure, sculptural form in vibrant foliage was Stephen Lowndes’ forté. A few weeks later I was sent one of his impressive arrangements as a gift, a spectacularly exotic display of leaves and tropical delights – and it lasted for weeks, quite literally.

When Neil Rushton joined forces with Stephen, Planted retained its creative integrity but added to it a new palette of colours, forms and perfumes. The partnership works on so many levels; they’re still creating cutting edge design in natural forms, but at the same time producing stunning classic floral displays.

“For Valentine’s Day this year Planted are offering luscious deep red Freedom roses, velvety, heavy-headed and long stemmed”

It is this creative edge that keeps them at the head of the game and also keeps their loyal band of customers coming back for more. Of course, it was inevitable they would outgrow their tiny premises in St James’s Street. Fortunately they found a much larger space just across the way in Cavendish Street. Here they have created a floral salon. The huge architectural foliage sits comfortably with displays of vintage blooms, classic roses and single headed chrysanthemums, and they all fight for your attention – some with form, some with colour, and some with scent. The showroom has quiet spaces too, where the guys can deal with sensitive requests in privacy and calm.

Style is top of their list from what they create to the way they package it, but alongside style is also quality. None of the flowers they sell are ordered online. Every stem is seen by them before they buy it so they can guarantee the quality. And it shows: Planted is packed with stunning flowers and plants. There is also a great range of stylish vases and containers too – a great idea for those of us who buy the flowers, only to get home and discover we don’t have the right vase.

For Valentine’s Day this year Planted are offering luscious deep red Freedom roses, velvety, heavy-headed and long stemmed, and in a variety of sizes from a single stem to the classic dozen arranged with foliage in an Aqua Box. But for those of us with a sense of adventure, the guys at Planted will happily come up with something more exotic, exciting or even outrageous.

Planted is far more than a simple florists; it’s a style emporium and a place of pilgrimage for those of us who seek something more special than a supermarket or garage forecourt bunch of last-minute sentiment.
Freedom roses start at £5 for a single bloom, three roses combined with other red flowers £45, six roses plus foliage in an Aqua Box £35,
12 roses plus foliage in an Aqua Box £70, red, deep red and purple tulips in an Aqua Box £35. Delivery in Brighton and Hove only: £5.
Planted, 1 Cavendish Street, Brighton, BN2 1RN 01273 699911, info@plantedbrighton.co.uk, www.plantedbrighton.co.uk

Spring is nearly here, heralded by the first snowdrops and crocus blooms. Kids (big and small) can start to run around out of doors again. If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, then it’s time to plan how you’re going to get most out of it this year, whatever the weather. Feeling playful? Latest Interiors tries out some garden play spaces.

Playing outside

Playhouses are great: they’re make-believe palaces for the little ones; a group hideout for older kids; a useful winter store for outdoors toys, or even – later on – luxury accommodation for urban chickens. For an inexpensive option, convert a basic shed into a playhouse with some colourful paint, accessories, and cushions. Many of the big toy and catalogue stores sell bright, plastic versions, but these lack the eco (and visual) appeal of sustainable wood alternatives, and kids will lose interest in them as they get older. If you want something really special that’s built to last, go bespoke. Ask local carpenters for quotes, or commission one of a growing number of specialist companies to build you the playhouse of your dreams. See www.playhouses.com for inspiration.

If you want some sheltered play space out of doors, but don’t have room for a permanent structure, get a tent! Colourful pop-up tents, teepees and wigwams are great fun, and camping in the garden is a safe start for any future enthusiast.

Moving up

Another favourite with small and grown-up children, a treehouse is the stuff of fantasies: a look-out post, chill-out space, gang-base or secret hidey-hole; the majority of us wanted a treehouse when we were growing up. If you’ve got a promising tree, play it safe – for the kids, and the tree – and get professional advice. There are several specialist companies who will quote and build a bespoke treehouse – flick through the marvellous The Treehouse Book by Peter and Judy Nelson (Universe Publishing, 2000) for ideas and some breathtaking pictures.

Work and play

Kids and grown-ups alike can all benefit from a garden room. More of us are creating extra work and play spaces outdoors with the addition of
a garden room or summerhouse.

As well as companies that offer a specialist design-and-build service, some of the big catalogue and high street stores are getting in on the act with off-the-peg structures. Prices range from around £350 for a simple wooden summerhouse (www.tesco.com) to £6,000 (or more) for more sophisticated garden rooms and studios (www.johnlewis.com).

Everybody I knew when I had my baby is now having his or her second baby. In fact, they all gave birth ages ago and I’ve only visited their first child. It’s different when it’s their first – you want to congratulate them. On the second, I just feel sorry for them and think it’s best I get out the way ‘til I can help in a useful way _– perhaps chat to their kids about their university one day?

Perhaps it’s cos I’m not really a huge fan of newborn babies. Or that I don’t feel like I fit in, as the ‘single mother friend’ in their concrete family. It makes me feel even more single, and I feel like there’s not much to pitch in on the conversation: “I got lashed up this weekend, how about you? Oh.” I try to remember what it was like with a new baby, but it’s a horrible cloud of delirium involving a lot of custard creams and trips to Boots to buy everything they had – every day. I can’t imagine what it must be like to have to do it all again.

One must be so blasé by the second baby. When you have the first baby, you jump every time they cry, I imagine by your second child you can’t even hear it. “Darling, the baby is crying,” you say, while struggling to get the toddler into the car seat/coat/boots. “Oh, is it?” I can’t imagine what it must be like having to juggle a toddler and a baby. It probably makes one a better parent, learning to prioritise those battles with the toddler!

“One is wonderful. Perfect. As she grows it gets easier, and I can still have a life”

I really should visit more of my friends with their new babies. But newborn babies don’t do much, do they? They don’t even smile. Not ‘til three months. They can’t even look you in the eye! They sort of stare above one’s head in a daze. OK, so this is how I felt, until the other day… I, me – Mrs Unbroody – had a moment or even a few moments of broodiness. I know! Me! Mrs “mychild’sfatherleftmewhenIwaspregnanti’mneverdoingitagain”!

I felt an emotion I had heard of, but not really experienced: a yearning for a child! And yet I already have a child! Since having her I never understood why anyone would want more than one! One is wonderful. Perfect. As she grows, it gets easier, and I can still have a life. Why do it all again? Then I had that feeling.The broody feeling.

I wonder if it’s because my daughter is turning into a real person now; babyhood is so far away, yet sometimes she wants to be held like a baby – a very long baby, telling me off for holding her wrong. With my head I know that my body is doing its biological evolution thing, but hmm, I think I’d better not visit any more friends with new babies. A newborn would seriously ruin my social life.

This week, let’s start with a puzzle. Imagine you’re a farmer, and you need to get home, which is across a pond. Stay with me on this. You also need to take with you a fox, a goose and a bag of beans. Your boat only has room for you and one other thing. Problem is if you leave the fox alone with the goose, or the goose alone with the bag of beans, then the former’s going to eat the latter. How do you achieve your goal?

“You have to consider mode of transport, where you’re putting everyone, what obstacles you’ll face…”

Who knows. This isn’t the puzzle section. (OK then, the answer‘s at the end.) I’ve told you this tale because I think of it whenever planning a shopping trip with kids. I’m not saying anyone’s in as much danger as that bag of beans, but you have to consider mode of transport, where you’re putting everyone, what obstacles you’ll face… You’re constantly weighing up the pushchair, the pram, the sling. Should you walk, go by bus, take the car? What if you need to carry something else? What’s the best transport to get them to sleep/keep them awake (delete as applicable).

It’s worse the younger your children are, and now we’ve got a four month old as well as a five year old it‘s given me a bad case of Déjà vu. (In parenting, Déjà vu is French for ‘Christ, I’d forgotten about that.’)

There’s upsides and downsides to all of the choices; the big disadvantage of taking a pram to the shops is getting around, especially when you encounter steps. More than about two becomes a no-go, so you’re at the mercy of lifts. It might seem a glib remark, but pushing a pram gives an insight into what it might be like in a wheelchair. Even if there are lifts inside, and perhaps a ramp outside a shop, you’ll often find your route blocked because they’ve stuck some ’special display’ tower in the way to narrow the aisle. The lift becomes the treasure in Tomb Raider, glimpsed in the distance but unobtainable.

What non-parents might not understand is this is how decisions are made. Some shops or restaurants have adapted and made things that bit easier for when you’re pushing a mini vehicle around. The food might not be as tasty or the clothes might not look as good, but you go there if you can make it around and get home without getting too stressed, with two kids – or a goose – in tow.

Puzzle answer: take the goose over, return, then take the fox, bring back the goose, leave the goose there, take the beans over, then go back and get that bloody goose.

Freemasonry has existed in Brighton for over two hundred years and the individual lodges are well known for meticulously recording the details of their meetings. The Freemason’s Tavern on Western Road has been in operation since at least the 1850s but, despite the abundance of Masonic records, it’s not clear what the actual connection is between the pub and the fraternal society.


The Freemason’s is spread across Nos. 38 and 39 Western Road in Hove. No.38 is the most distinctive of the two as its façade consists of an intricate two storey entrance portico with a huge, principally gold and blue, mosaic surround. ‘FREEMASONS RESTAURANT’ and ‘KEMP TOWN BREWERY’ are inscribed across the top of the mosaic frame; the latter demonstrating that the distinctive Art Deco refurbishment took place after 1933 (the year that the Kemp Town Brewery was founded).

The level of detail is quite staggering. The windows are a work of art in themselves and the glass has been etched to include the Masonic square and compasses. Other Masonic symbols feature prominently. The principal ceilings within No. 38 are divided into sections by what appear to be large concealed beams suggesting that a steel frame was added during the 1930s refurbishment. Each compartment features cornicing in a style very much of the period. In fact, the building shares a number of similarities with the Sussex Masonic Centre, where most local lodges meet today.

The General Manager, Chris, was kind enough to allow me access to several of the building’s hidden areas which include a labyrinthian cellar complete with large windows at the front and rear which once let in light from the street and a yard respectively. A flat spans the two buildings and features steel-framed windows above the distinctive façade but wooden sash windows everywhere else. It has access to a wonderful roof terrace overlooking the oasis-like secret garden of 33a Brunswick Square. The Freemason’s Tavern is today owned by Steve Simpson who bought the business from the pub group Punch Taverns several months back. Steve also owns OHSO Social on Brighton’s seafront.

“The glass has been etched to include the Masonic square and compasses”

For more on this local institution and many other great buildings nearby, be sure to book a place on ‘Brunswick – A Town Within a City’, a tour which is to be given by Mike Robins of M & M Tours during the Fringe Festival. Contact Mike on 01273 773052 and 07900 844951.
Get in touch: robert@buildingopinions.com or www.buildingopinions.com

I have just returned from 10 days in India and Dubai. There is method in the madness of this seemingly convoluted trip. Last year, I was invited to a friend’s surprise 60th birthday party in Dubai. The party was being organised by the wife of the ‘surprisee’ and no holds had been barred to ensure that it would be a spectacular occasion. People had promised to come from all over the world to surprise him.

“For 50p, you can travel 30km in turquoise seated, pristine, air-conditioned heaven”

The mere fact that six members of a band he used to be in were coming from Venezuela made my humble trip from the UK seem a mere trifle in comparison. The man for whom all this effort was being made is genuinely one of life’s very special people. One of the most magnanimous and crazy party people I’ve ever had the good luck to know. He has made and lost many fortunes and selflessly touched and bettered the lives of hundreds people on his way up and down. As far as my own good fortune is concerned, the money I made while working for him enabled me to embark on my illustrious career in property. More importantly, the years I spent working for him in Soho – in advertising, not Soho’s other famous trade – were among some of the best and most ridiculous of my life so far.

I have several close friends who live in Dubai, but I am not overly keen on Dubai itself. It is quite spectacular, but still doesn’t come close to New York as far as I’m concerned. If you have money to burn, love designer shops and sunbathing, then I would recommend Dubai as a holiday destination – especially in January. Being on a ‘traveller’s’ budget, I worked out that it would be cheaper for me to fly to India for five days and stopover for the party in Dubai on the way back. I stopped over in Dubai on the way out for one night intending to rest, then sat up all night drinking very strong gin and tonics with my friend Tom, who then had to go to work at 8am.

I flew out to India the following evening and was delighted to buy Dubai’s equivalent of an Oyster Card and use the swanky new Metro service which opened last September. For 50p, you can travel 30km in turquoise-seated, pristine, air-conditioned heaven. Moreover, there is a carriage for women only – and they have enough money to pay staff to tell people to stop eating or talking loudly in transit.

On the onward flight to India, I appeared to be the only non-Indian aboard and was sitting among a crowd of men who appeared to dislike me on sight. Alas, somewhere over the Arabic sea, my bag of salt and cracked black pepper Kettle chips exploded in my hand luggage with a huge bang, almost causing an international incident. I am surprised – and grateful – that my fan club didn’t try to eject me from the flight.

I will soon be 54. The day after I will be celebrating the first anniversary of my first date with Mr R at L’Eglise and also my friend Mr L’s 36th birthday. Mr L is looking good for his age but recently revealed his secret. It would seem that he keeps his body a few degrees colder than the rest of us thus preserving his youthful good looks. Could it be true that he actually passed away 14 years ago and, using advanced cryogenics, he has managed to remain 36 for 14 years? Whatever, congratulations on reaching your half cent… sorry quarter gross.

This made me reflect on my age and given our love of top ten charts I have collated my own.

TOP 10 THINGS THAT…

Make me feel old

1. Being born too soon to have ever sat in the child seat of a supermarket shopping trolley.
2. Having to click repeatedly to find my year of birth when filling in forms on websites.
3. Not being offered club fliers by young people at the end of Kensington Gardens.
4. Staying in on a Saturday night by choice.
5. Shopping for my clothes in Marks and Spencer.
6. Remembering to put the thingies in the washing machine to stop the limescale wrecking the gubbins inside.
7. Working with people whose parents are younger, often much younger, than I am.
8. Using shopping bags even though it makes ecological sense to not use plastic carrier bags.
9. Waking up in the night and needing to pee even though I seldom drink in the quantities I once did.
10. Passing that point where one’s peers ask you to be a godparent.

Make me feel young

1. Seeing people who are my age but dress like my mum and dad.
2. Chatting to my 15-year-old nephew about music and still enjoying some of the same bands.
3. Walking into my favourite cocktail bars knowing that they know what I like to drink.
4. Having best friends who are half my age and comfortable in my company.
5. Having best friends who are considerably older than I am and comfortable in my company.
6. Being handed a club flier at the end of Kensington Gardens and smiling thank you, even though I am very unlikely to go.
7. Wearing clothes that I bought 20 or more years ago that still look good (I have quite a few), not sure why it makes me feel young, but it does.
8. Being in love with someone I know is in love with me.
9. Being spontaneous.
10. Waking up here in Brighton, walking onto the seafront and realising that I am lucky enough to live in the Peter Pan of all cities.

An impressive two double bedroom second floor converted flat in sought-after central location between the seafront and Palmeira Square. The property is beautifully finished throughout. There is good built-in storage as well as a utility room and use of a shared roof terrace. Available chain free.
Maslen Estate Agents, 01273 321000

Brunswick Place, Hove £395,000

An extremely well presented and contemporary second floor apartment in the sought-after Brunswick Square, which runs between Western Road and Hove seafront. Comprising spacious entrance hall, living/dining room, modern fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms with an en-suite shower to the master bedroom, a further family bathroom and a separate cloakroom. The property has the additional benefits of loft storage space, a share in the freehold, and landscaped communal garden.
Mishon Mackay, 01273 821800

Coleridge Street, Hove £325,000

A well presented terrace house with two double bedrooms, situated in the extremely popular location of Poets Corner, offering easy access to Hove Station. With its period features and quaint enclosed rear garden, viewing of this property is highly recommended. Shopping facilities, restaurants, bars and cafés are all easily accessible along Church Road.
Sawyer & Co, 01273 778844

Temple Heights, Brighton £379,950

A light and airy first floor two bedroom apartment in this conversion building in
the popular and sought-after Clifton conservation area. The property is south facing, has underground secure parking and is close to all central Brighton’s amenities. Share of freehold.
Winkworth, 01273 320300

Westmeston Avenue, Saltdean £1,150 pcm

Enjoying panoramic views across Saltdean towards the sea is this three bedroom end-of-terrace house. Offering good sized accommodation throughout with neutral décor and modern fittings, the gas centrally heated and double glazed home benefits from a garage and off-road parking.
Lampons, 01273 589406

A group of business professionals from the Brighton and Hove area are actively creating a corporate supporters’ network in aid of the NSPCC – one of the UK’s leading children’s charities. Designed to harness the enormous goodwill that exists among the region’s business community towards the charity, the NSPCC Brighton & Hove Business Group will co-ordinate a range of exclusive corporate fundraising and business networking opportunities during 2010. Funds raised by the group will support the work of the NSPCC, and will directly benefit vulnerable children and young people.

Any business based in the city and surrounding areas, regardless of employee numbers or size of turnover, can become an associate member of the NSPCC Brighton & Hove Business Group which is one of a growing number of NSPCC Business Groups around the country. Membership is free, although there is a suggested discretionary joining donation of £50. There are also some key roles on the group for those who would like to use their skills in a more focused way to help.

NSPCC Business Group Chairman and founder member, Richard Shaw, MD of locally based IT Solutions company Tyler James, says: “By joining the local NSPCC Business Group companies will send a strong signal that their organisation recognises that good business practice goes far beyond the bottom line. In this current, very difficult economic climate, many of us are arguably in danger of becoming too introspective as we focus hard on the issues that affect our business.

“There’s a genuine will to harness the business community’s desire to make a meaningful difference to children’s lives”

“Although I was surprised to learn there was no formalised corporate support for the NSPCC in the city, I was very aware there is a wealth of goodwill towards the NSPCC. It has become increasingly clear from conversations with business people that there’s a genuine will to harness the business community’s desire to make a meaningful difference to local children’s lives. Brighton-based company, City Cars, have already been generous and sponsored our membership flier, which has been a great help.

“Membership of the NSPCC Brighton and Hove Business Group offers local companies a chance to align themselves with a highly respected national charity that is doing great work throughout Sussex and across the country, and engage with like-minded business professionals who understand there is also a strong business case for getting involved.”

Ros Bird, NSPCC corporate manager (South East) adds: “It’s important to remember that families in crisis often suffer particular hardship in financially difficult times and that often impacts hardest of all on the children. There is a tremendous network of local and regional fundraising groups who work very hard for us. It is especially pleasing and exciting to open up a new network of corporate supporters to help us extend the services we provide. I would be happy to offer further insight into our services and give updates on how we are engaging with new technology to further help children if anyone would like to find out more about our achievements.”

The NSPCC Brighton & Hove Business Group is inviting companies to join the group and/or pledge to support the NSPCC in some way during 2010, particularly if they are considering choosing a charity partner, would like to nominate a member of staff to be represented on the group, or would be prepared to encourage employees to organise fundraising activities.

Any organisation interested in joining the group is asked to contact Ros Bird on 01293 651840 or email southeastappeals@nspcc.org.uk.

In it to win it

Massive Latest Homes prize in charity competition at the BHEAA annual dinner
Latest Homes is delighted to be organising an enormous prize to be won at this year’s annual Brighton and Hove Estate Agents Association (BHEAA) dinner this month. In previous years, Latest Homes’ creative director and food critic, Andrew Kay, has been auctioned to the highest bidder to cook dinner in their homes.

‘‘We wanted to do something different this year and I went to new BHEAA Chairman Phil Graves with a new idea,” says Andrew. “Phil immediately said yes to my proposal, and I have now put together a fabulous prize. On the night one lucky winner will win dinner for two once a month for a year at some of the county’s finest restaurants.

‘‘We are enormously grateful to all of the restaurants who stepped up to the mark and offered to join in this great effort to raise a massive sum of money for local charities. At Latest Homes we have asked that £1,000 is earmarked for The Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice here in Sussex.

‘‘There are also great runner-up prizes and bonus prizes of West End theatre tickets too. All in all this is probably the longest and most glamorous prize we have ever put together and includes an overnight stay at one hotel, champagne, fine dining and VIP treatment all the way.

“For the chance to win a whole year of dining in style – all we ask is that on the night you pop a £10 note into the glass on the table – a small price for the chance to win such a great prize, and also a small sum to ask you to donate to such a worthy cause. If everyone at the dinner enters the competition we should raise around £3,500 for local charities.’’