Other Pursuits

John and Nicki live on a large working farm in West Sussex, from where they operate their architectural practice. They also manage the farm estate, including the woodlands and a livery stable.

The Braithwaites take a very active part in the life of the local community. For ten years, John was Chairman of Opera South (incorporating Opera Omnibus), a group which brings opera of a very high standard to the rural area, and which also gives young professional singers the opportunity to increase their range of public performances. The Company has been recognised with national awards, and has an established reputation within the music profession. In 2003, Bellini’s Beatrice di Tenda received a four-star critique in The Times from Robert Thickness. Recent productions to the highest professional standards yet achieved by the company include Gounod’s Faust, Nicolai’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, and Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore; and a production of The Bohemian Girl in February 2008 celebrated the bi-centenary of its composer Michael William Balfe. John sings in the chorus in the operas, and has also designed the sets for all the recent major productions. He is now a Vice-President of the company and its Artistic Director.

John was recently churchwarden of the local church, and is a member of the Building Committee. He also maintains a collection of classic cars which are all used when time permits. John also specialises in silhouette design, an art form which he feels has been unjustly neglected over the years. He produces a unique Christmas card each year based on personal family themes related to the year and also accepts similar commissions.

Nicki is a Parish Councillor and is closely involved with the Council for the Protection of Rural England, and in church activities, including the care of the homeless in Chichester.