Crawley Pages South December/January 2021

qeb= `ljjrkfqv= j^d^wfkb= ^ka= _rpfkbpp= afob`qlov

` o ^t i b v South PAGES www.horshampublications.com

December/January 2021

båíÉêí~áåãÉåí=få=içÅâÇçïå==ä==gçáå=eçëéáÅÉ=t~äâ

7KH &RQIHGHUDWLRQ RI 5RRILQJ &RQWUDFWRUV VWDQGV IRU ,17(*5(7< < 5(/,$%,/,7< < DQG &86720(5 3527(&7,21

G&S Roofing Specialists Ltd

$OO PHPEHUV RI WKH &25& FDQ RIIHU FXVWRPHUV WKH EHQHILW RI D IXOO\ LQVXUHG DQG \HDU EDFN XS JXDUDQWHH

Due to the success of the business, we are now covering Susssex

ALLL WO ALL WORK ORK FULL FU ULLLLY Y GU UAR AR RANT ANTEE EED

1HZ 5RRIV Â&#x2021; )ODW 5RRIV Â&#x2021; 7LOH 6ODWH 5RRIV Â&#x2021; 5H SRLQWLQJ &KLPQH\ 6WDFNV /HDGZRUN Â&#x2021; 9DOOH\V 5HQHZHG 5HSDLUHG Â&#x2021; $OO 5RRI 5HSDLUV 1HZ 39& )DVFLDV *XWWHUV Â&#x2021; ([WHUQDO 3DLQWLQJ Â&#x2021; 0RVV 5HPRYDO

1 discount on all neew and flat roofs 15% Office: 01293 014003 560172 / 01483 378511 739095 Mob: 07425 396324 www.gandsrooofing.co.uk gsroofingspecialists@gmail.com gandsroofingglimited@gmail.com Suite 17, Standby Business B Centre, Foundry Lane, Horsham m, RH13 5PX

2

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

CRAWLEY PAGES South To advertise call 01403 588618

CONTENTS a b ` b j _ b o L g ^ k r ^ ov = O M O N = 3

Contents

5

Comment

6

Temporary Cycleways Removed

7

Join Hospice Walk This Christmas

8

Entertainment in Lockdown

10

IT Hints & Tips

11

Recipe

12

Ramblers Celebrate Anniversary

13

Pets’ Page

14

St Catherine’s Hospice

18

Sussex Miscellany

20

Garden View

21

Hillside Animal Sanctuary

23

Festive Fun in the Time of Covid

24

Book Review

25

Kids’ Page

26

Community Information Board

28

Hounds Escape

29

Puzzle Answers, Discounts & Offers and Index

30

Obesity & Covid-19

Front Cover: Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens 8

` l k q^ ` q = r p = qW=MNQMP=RUUSNU= bW=áåÑç]Å~êå~ÜéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã== bÇáíçê=oáÅÜ~êÇ=jáäÄçìêå= ÉÇáíçê]Å~êå~ÜéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã p~äÉë=j~å~ÖÉê=dÉãã~=dê~ó= ÖÉãã~]Å~êå~ÜéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã= `äáÉåí=iá~áëçå=C=^Çãáå=jÖê=aÉÉ=oóÇÉê= ÇÉÉ]Å~êå~ÜéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã= Find us on

Please mention CRAWLEY PAGES South when responding to adverts

AVON COSMETICS AV S

extra £50 a week k

Would an , interest you during the run-up p to Xmas? t 1SPNPUF "WPO POMJOF t (JWF CSPDIVSFT UP GS GSJFOET GB GBNJMZ BOE E OFJHICPVST t $IPPTF ZPVS PXO IPVST t -PBET PG GSFF HJGU G UT t .BLF OFX GSJFOET t 8PSL GS GSPN IPNF t 6OMJNJUFE JODPNF GPS 9NBT 9 HJGU GUT t #VZ "WPO ! XIPMFTBMF o (SFBU GP

Just call, text or email Jam mes Gunn

07712182337 7

gunncompanies@outloo ok.ccom DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

3

COMMENT

SUPPORT EACH OTHER

B

y the time you are reading this I am hoping we are coming out of the second Lock Down. However, perhaps the only certainty during this pandemic is to expect the unexpected and not to try and predict the future.

We all have vastly different pandemic experiences.

Some of us are working from quiet well-ordered homes; others are jobless, struggling financially, or trying to arrange near impossible childcare for who kids may be quarantining due to school outbreaks.

Some may even have lost family members. These differences put a strain on our mental health and friendships, however, with a bit of effort we can reconnect and support each other.

It can feel risky to reach out, but scientists have proven that people who initiate interactions are less likely to be lonely over time, and they’re more

likely to be satisfied in their relationships. Now, more than ever, its important to support each other and not to be afraid to seek help if you need it.

Families who need support over the upcoming winter are being reminded by West Sussex County Council to contact the Community Hub, which is there to provide help during the COVID pandemic.

The Community Hub has provided access to food and essential household supplies to individuals and families since its launch, together with information, advice and guidance. You can contact the Community Hub on 033 022 27980.

Whether we are in Lock Down or not, may I wish you a very Happy Christmas. Stay safe and well.

Richard Milbourn, Editor E: editor@carnahpublications.com

`o^t ibv South PAGES

FORTHCOMING ISSUES & PUBLISHING SCHEDULES

Magazine

Issue

Copy Deadline

Print Run

Crawley Pages South Crawley Pages North Horsham Pages South Horsham Pages North Burgess Hill Pages Haywards Heath Pages Southwater Life

Feb/Mar 2021 Jan/Feb 2021 Feb/Mar 2021 Jan/Feb 2021 Feb/Mar 2021 Jan/Feb 2021 Jan 2021

11th January 11th December 11th January 11th December 11th January 11th December 11th December

12,343 12,074 12,176 12,239 12,098 12,031 4,211

qW=MNQMP=RUUSNU=bW=áåÑç]Å~êå~ÜéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã== bÇáíçê=oáÅÜ~êÇ=jáäÄçìêå=MTRM=TNMVMPV= ÉÇáíçê]Å~êå~ÜéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã p~äÉë=j~å~ÖÉê=dÉãã~=dê~ó=MTVQ=OTQPVQU= ÖÉãã~]Å~êå~ÜéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã= `äáÉåí=iá~áëçå=C=^Çãáå=j~å~ÖÉê=aÉÉ=oóÇÉê= MTVQ=OTQPVRO=ÇÉÉ]Å~êå~ÜéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã= ^ÇîÉêíáëÉãÉåí=aÉëáÖå=hkp=aÉëáÖåI=eçêëÜ~ã=

Carnah Events Limited is an independent publisher and does not officially endorse any products, services or organisations advertised or otherwise featured in this magazine. Carnah Events Limited cannot be held responsible for any advertisement content, including errors and omissions. Statements and opinions in CRAWLEY PAGES South, unless expressly written, are not necessarily those of The Editor. Material in CRAWLEY PAGES South may not be produced in any form without the permission of the Editor.

qW=MNQMP=RUUSNU=bW=áåÑç]Å~êå~ÜéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã= ïïïKãáÇëìëëÉñÜ~åÇÄççâKÅçKìâ To advertise call 01403 588618 CRAWLEY PAGES South

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

5

WEST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL

TEMPORARY CYCLEWAYS REMOVED

T

he Government-funded, temporary cycleways in Crawley, East Grinstead, Horsham, Shoreham and Worthing are to be removed, it has been

decided.

Government funding for the pop-up cycleways was announced in May this year, with the aim of providing more safe space for people to cycle and help reduce pressure on public transport.

When the Government funding was awarded and the cycleways’ construction started, the country was just emerging from the first national lockdown.

objectives of offering people dedicated space to cycle

However, since then, the Government has continued to

rather than using public transport, or to leave the car at

provide additional funding for local public transport and

home and use their bike instead. This was in response

traffic has significantly increased, so the pop-up cycle

to the unique set of circumstances during the first

lanes are no longer needed for their original purpose.

national lockdown, including schools and colleges

Roger Elkins, Cabinet Member for Highways and

having been closed for months and vastly-reduced

Infrastructure, said: “The schemes fulfilled their main

public transport capacity.

“The extraordinary environment that led to their installation no longer exists even though we are about to enter into a new national lockdown: schools and colleges are open, traffic volumes have increased and, although public transport capacity is not back to preMarch levels, it is significantly improved.”

The impact of the schemes has been monitored during their operation. Feedback showed the majority of responses were opposed to the cycleways, citing increased congestion as a key issue. Automatic traffic counters also indicated relatively low usage by cyclists in comparison with other traffic.

Roger added: “I would like to thank everyone who took the time and effort to provide us with feedback for the Crawley, East Grinstead, Horsham, Shoreham and Worthing cycleway surveys.

“We remain committed to our long-standing, walking and cycling strategy with all the permanent benefits this will bring for active and sustainable travel.

Recognising that we have to work closely with local communities, we have a continued ambition to support investment in sustainable and active travel and the data gathered and the experience of providing these cycleways will help us when delivering future schemes.”

6

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

CRAWLEY PAGES South To advertise call 01403 588618

S T C AT H E R I N E ’ S H O S P I C E

JOIN HOSPICE WALK THIS CHRISTMAS

S

t Catherine’s Hospice Midnight Walk is one of

memory of someone they love Christmas time can feel

the local charity’s largest fundraising events

especially poignant. To help bring everyone together,

raising vital funds to help terminally ill people

and to collectively honour all those people we love

across our community. After postponing the original

and miss, this year, the hospice has set up a beautiful,

Midnight Walk in June, the local hospice is thrilled to

virtual Memory Wall where walkers are encouraged to

announce the Midnight Walk is back!

share a story, picture, or thought about someone

Taking place on Saturday 12 December 2020 from 4pm, this is your chance to do something amazing and help end the year on a positive note! Sign up today and show local families facing terminal illness that they aren’t alone.

This year, the community can’t all walk through

they’re walking for.

2020 has been a challenging year, but this is your chance to make a difference when it’s needed most.

By taking part, you’ll make sure that this Christmas: • St Catherine’s friendly nurses can continue to make essential visits to people in their homes

Horsham together, so the Midnight Walk will be a bit

• People caring for someone they love can pick up the

different but no less special!

phone, day or night, to the hospice’s expert team and

St Catherine’s is calling on people like you to get

get vital advice and reassurance

together with a small group of friends and family and

• People staying at the hospice can continue to safely

walk your own 2, 7, 13 or 20 mile Midnight Walk.

see their family over the festive season

While you do, you’ll know that other hospice supporters are doing the same thing at the same time.

The local hospice will send you everything you need

Because nobody should feel alone, especially at Christmas.

By taking part in the Midnight Walk you can make

to take part and fundraise safely, and on the night St

sure more people in your community have something

Catherine’s staff will set you off walking in style, with

to look forward to, and someone to laugh with, this

a special Facebook Live pre-walk celebration including

Christmas. That’s a priceless gift.

entertainment, inspiration and a virtual warm up.

After the year we’ve all had, we all deserve

St Catherine’s really needs your support.

Coronavirus has hit the local charity hard and this year

something to look forward to – St Catherine’s

there’s a predicted drop in income of around £1.5

Midnight Walk will be an unmissable, magical evening.

million.

And every step you take will be special because

Sign up online at:

you’ll be remembering the people you love and

www.stch.org.uk/midnightwalk or call St

supporting your local hospice.

Catherine’s friendly team on 01293 447355 today to

St Catherine’s knows that for people walking in Please mention CRAWLEY PAGES South when responding to adverts

register over the phone.

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

7

LEONARDSLEE LAKES AND GARDENS

ENTERTAINMENT IN LOCKDOWN

E

state manager Adam Streeter says that Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens will stay open for members and other visitors during the current Coronavirus lockdown, which is scheduled to end on 2nd December.

“Our Leonardslee Illuminated season in December will provide some welcome relief with its after-dark attractions from the gloom of COVID-19 and the restrictions on entertainment.”

Adam Streeter says that the Government’s rules for lockdown will result in some reduced services onsite. Whilst the garden centre is open, the Dolls House Museum and Michelin starred Restaurant Interlude are closed temporarily during the period, and the cafés will offer a take-away service only.

The buggy shuttle facility for less able visitors to the estate is suspended because of the issue of safe distancing. Also, entry tickets can only be purchased online, and not on-site at the estate entrance, until 2nd December.

8

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

“We hope that people will take the opportunity to join as members so that they don’t need to buy tickets each time. This will help ensure the future of the gardens for this and future generations. Annual membership starts at little more than £1 per week, at £60, and provides year-round entertainment.”

Visitors to Leonardslee Illuminated can explore an after-dark winter light trail over three consecutive weekends in December. The gardens will be lit up with light displays and projections onto the historic mansion buildings and the lakes in the Grade I Listed Gardens, with live music and theatrical performances.

Leonardslee Illuminated runs on December 4th to 6th, then 11th to 13th and 17th to 22nd www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk. Ticket prices for adults are £16, aged 16 and over. Children’s tickets are £8, free entry for 2 years olds and under.

Leonardslee is open seven days a week from 9am to 4pm, with last entry 2:30pm. For further information: www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk CRAWLEY PAGES South To advertise call 01403 588618

IT HINTS & TIPS

COMPUTER HEALTH CHECK-UPS

W

hen did you last give your PC or laptop any tender loving care with an all-important health check?

Is your device running so slowly, that you could go away and make a cup of tea before it starts up and loads all your programs? If so, now is the time to take some action!

Why Do Computers Slow Down?

It is important to maintain your computer or laptops performance on a regular basis to help prevent system crashes and to optimise your computers efficiency.

Computer systems can become clogged up due to the constant installation of programs, internet browsing and general day to day use.

Just as we need a check-up at the doctors and a car has an oil change, so too does your

, e .

computer need regular attention.

If you have noticed already that something is slowing down your PC and isn't as fast as it used to be, then there are steps that can be taken.

Give us a call on 07752 684733 to book an appointment (we can visit you or conduct a remote session). www.keystrokeassociates.co.uk

Worried about another cold, lonely winter?

Don’t be…

By moving to a brand new flat, you could leave your worries behind. Churchill flats come with a built in social life, so even during these socially distanced times you’ll have companionship in the warmth and comfort of a safe environment.

VISIT US and claim your £20 Marks & Spencer voucher †

RETIREMENT FLATS FOR SALE

MCINDOE LODGE, Garland Road, East Grinstead.

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm.

Call us TODAY to find out more or to book an appointment

01342 886813

churchillretirement.co.uk

O U R H E R I TAG E . YO U R F U T U R E B U I LT O N I N T E G R I T Y A N D T R U S T 7 &¬V DSSO\ 9LVLW RXU ZHEVLWH WR ² QG RXW PRUH

10

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

CRAWLEY PAGES South To advertise call 01403 588618

RECIPE

PARMESAN BISCUITS Moreish festive goodies - great for gifts.

Preparation time: 20 minutes plus resting time Cooking time: 10-20 minutes 0 Serves: Makes about 24+ fkdobafbkqp= 100g cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks 100g plain flour, plus extra for flouring pinch salt pinch cayenne pepper 1 heaped tsp mustard powder 50g finely grated mature cheddar 50g finely grated parmesan, or similar vegetarian hard cheese, plus a little extra 1 egg, beaten jbqela=

P

reheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.

Place the butter and flour into a bowl of a food processor with the salt, cayenne, mustard powder, and cheeses. Rub the fat into the flour mixture then gradually bring the mixture together to form a dough.

Don't add egg or water. Wrap the dough in cling film and leave to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Lightly flour a work surface and gently roll out the pastry to about 1cm thick. Cut out the biscuits using festive cutters. Lay them out on a greased baking tray about 2cm apart. You might need two trays.

Brush the surface of each biscuit with the beaten egg and sprinkle over a little finely grated parmesan. Bake for 10 minutes, or until they are golden-brown. They smell heavenly!

Remove from the oven and carefully lift the biscuits off the tray using a palette knife, then place on a rack to cool. They make lovely gifts and will keep well in a sealed container for a few days.

Please mention CRAWLEY PAGES South when responding to adverts

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

11

CRAWLEY AND NORTH SUSSEX RAMBLERS

RAMBLERS CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARY

C

rawley and North Sussex ramblers are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.

We walk every Saturday whatever the weather in Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

Our winter program is just starting and all our walks are led by experienced leaders. Rambling is a great way to boost your health, stay happy and meet new people, and see our spectacular countryside. Our walks are researched and walked in advance to make sure they are suitable for all, checking for hazards in case there are problems for those who are less able than others. Our Team Leaders are all experienced walkers and most have been doing the job for many years and know their walks very well. We are always on the lookout for new leaders, who are members of the Ramblers. We are a very sociable group, and welcome all new

walkers of all ages and ability. We meet every Saturday morning at Southgate playing fields, Southgate Avenue, at 8-50.

You do not need to book a place on a walk if you are a regular walker with Crawley Ramblers.

However, if you are new to the group, please contact the leader first. It is advisable for all walkers to check with the leader regarding the lunch stop to advise if requiring a pub lunch. For Track and Trace purposes, your contact details will be taken on the day and kept for a maximum of 3 weeks. Our annual AGM is still scheduled to take place at West Green Baptist Church, Crabtree Road at 2pm on 12 November 2020.

For further details email chair@crawleyramblers.org.uk or visit www.crawleyramblers.org.uk

FILMS

FESTIVE FILMS YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF

E

very year we rely on a handful of our favourite Christmas movie staples. There’s nothing like getting cosy with a perfect mug of hot chocolate and immersing ourselves in It’s a Wonderful Life, or Elf to set the tone of the season.

Usually Christmas films provide a break from all the frantic festivities, a little welcome downtime.

Well in 2020 we've had almost nothing BUT downtime and let's face it we probably watched most of our festive film playlist back when Halloween was cancelled. But I have three wonderful festive film suggestions you may never have seen in your life, or perhaps you've simply forgotten them. Enjoy.

29th Street - This terrific comedy drama from

12

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

1991 is actually set in 1976. It involves a lucky Italian American son, his unlucky hard-working father, the Mob, and a lottery ticket. It's an underrated gem. Thank me later.

Meet John Doe - This predates It's a Wonderful Life by a few years but is funnier and equal in its feel-good factor.

Introduce your teens to Garry Cooper and watch them swoon.

Brazil - If you like your comedy black and dystopian this is the movie for you. Terry Gilliam’s Brazil is not just a Christmas movie, it's a Christmas movie for the little people; those of us trying to get by in a world gone temporarily more insane than usual without actually succumbing to insanity. Perfect for 2020 then!

Please mention CRAWLEY PAGES South when responding to adverts

P E T S ’ PA G E

DID YOU GET A PUPPY IN LOCKDOWN? ave you found that your perfect puppy is now

H

Here are some key points to take on board to help your

becoming a demon dog? Welcome to the world

Hormonal Hound.

of having a teenager! Did you know that the

• Forgetfulness is commonly seen, so where you used to

adolescent stage is when dogs are most likely to be

have a dog that would sit when asked, you may find

rehomed?

they just wander off. Your dog is not intentionally being

If you can remember what it was like for you as a teenager then you can begin to have some sympathy for

difficult, it is just their brain has so much going on they are struggling to keep everything in order. Go back to

your furry friend. At least when you were becoming an

basics and keep things simple.

adult you knew what to expect (thanks to those

• Your perfect recall has disappeared into thin air, the

wonderful videos we were shown at school – they still

same as your dog as they run off to see their friends. This

make me shiver!) and you had people to talk to (if you

is when you want to ensure that this does not become a

ever dragged yourself out of your room).

habit, if you cannot be 100% sure of your dogs recall,

It is the same for your dog! You may start to notice that your dog has become more energetic, super social,

then you should keep your dog on a harness and long line. This allows for some freedom but stops them

or maybe completely the opposite that they are

causing a nuisance to others with their high spirits.

withdrawing and looking nervous. This is because there

• Sleep patterns can be disrupted, this can be down to

are lots of things changing and developing for your dog.

energy levels and excitement. This is when you can take advantage of using their meals for some training and enrichment. Keep exercises calm, doing some scentwork

qeb=`ljjrkfqv=j^d^wfkbp ^ka=_rpfkbpp=afob`qlofbp qÜÉ=äçÅ~ä=ã~Ö~òáåÉë=ÇÉäáîÉêÉÇ=ÇççêJíçJÇççê=íç=_ìêÖÉëë=eáääI `ê~ïäÉóI=e~óï~êÇë=eÉ~íÜI=eçêëÜ~ã=~åÇ=pçìíÜï~íÉê

or scattering their food in the garden for them to find is a nice easy way of putting that busy brain to work.

• Chewing can increase again because their adult teeth are settling into place in their jaw, so ensure you have

q e b = ` l j j r k f q v = j ^ d ^ w f k b = ^ k a = _ r p f k b p p = a f o b ` q l ov

_rodbpp=efii PAGES c l o j b o iv

q e b = ` l j j r k f q v = j ^ d ^ w f k b = ^ k a = _ r p f k b p p = a f o b ` q l ov

` o ^t ibv South PAGES q e b = ` l j j r k f q v = j ^ d ^ w f k b = ^ k a = _ r p f k b p p = a f o b ` q l ov

` o ^t ibv North PAGES q e b = ` l j j r k f q v = j ^ d ^ w f k b = ^ k a = _ r p f k b p p = a f o b ` q l ov

e^vt^oap=eb^qe c l o j b o iv

PAGES

plenty of suitable things for your dog to chew, otherwise the chew they choose could be your Jimmy Choo shoe!

• You may even notice that your dog is suddenly fearful of things that they did not fear before, do not force your dog to do something they are worried about, go back to the socialisation skills you used when introducing your puppy to something new when you first got them.

The main things you need during this stage are patience, consistency, and a sense of humour.

q e b = ` l j j r k f q v = j ^ d ^ w f k b = ^ k a = _ r p f k b p p = a f o b ` q l ov

e l o p South e ^PAGES j

If you want some hints, then you can sign up to receive my FREE Hormonal Hounds Help via my website

q e b = ` l j j r k f q v = j ^ d ^ w f k b = ^ k a = _ r p f k b p p = a f o b ` q l ov

e l o p North e ^PAGES j q e b = ` l j j r k f q v = j ^ d ^ w f k b = ^ k a = _ r p f k b p p = a f o b ` q l ov

plrqet^qbo LIFE tÉ=çÑÑÉê=~=ê~åÖÉ=çÑ=í~áäçêÉÇ=é~Åâ~ÖÉë=íç=ëìáí=~ää=ÄìÇÖÉíëK qç=ÑáåÇ=çìí=ãçêÉI=Å~ää=oáÅÜ~êÇ=jáäÄçìêå=çå=MTRM=TNM=VMPV çê=Éã~áä=áåÑç]Å~êå~ÜéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã qÉäW=MNQMP=RUUSNUK=bã~áäW=áåÑç]Å~êå~ÜéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã ïïïKÜçêëÜ~ãéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã==ïïïKãáÇëìëëÉñÜ~åÇÄççâKÅçKìâ

www.paws-itivity.co.uk.

You can get 10% off a 121 coaching session when you quote code PawsPages10 – send me an email and I will be happy to help you jo@paws-itivity.co.uk or visit www.pawsitivity.co.uk

Please mention CRAWLEY PAGES South when responding to adverts

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

13

S T C AT H E R I N E ’ S H O S P I C E

I WAS DELIGHTED TO COME BACK Helen Pointer is part of a crucial team of volunteers at St Catherine’s Hospice, who have been doing visitor screening checks so patients on the ward can still safely see their essential visitors at a time it matters most. Here, Helen (pictured below) shares more about her experience volunteering with the local charity.

I

’ve been volunteering doing visitor temperature checks and screening at the hospice on Wednesday afternoons. I welcome each visitor and invite them to wash their hands before proceeding with a temperature check and asking a series of questions regarding their health, COVID-19 symptoms, contact with anyone isolating, or a journey from an area in lockdown.

If all the above is clear and negative I provide them with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and guide them towards the room for their loved one.

After months away, it’s been so good to come back to the hospice and connect with St Catherine’s and everyone here. In this role, there’s a vital support from the hospice receptionists, and they’ve been absolutely brilliant. They’ve given all the screening volunteers valued guidance and help through ongoing changes.

They’re constantly busy, but always find the time to support us. The Catering Team at the hospice have really looked after us too, offering us cups of tea and cake even though we’re sat separately to others.

I really missed the camaraderie of being around people during the first lockdown, and it was palpable coming back to volunteer at the hospice after spending so much time on my own in isolation.

Earlier this year I was very poorly with coronavirus myself. I had it at the same time as Boris and the Prince of Wales! But I coped far better than I ever would have imagined. The isolation I experienced increased my awareness and the importance of human connection.

14

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

I’m used to interacting with hospice patients from my time in my normal volunteer role, preCOVID, as an artist drawing “bucket list” caricature portraits. I can’t do them in the usual way at the moment because of COVID-19 but I’m still doing them for patients and relatives via Zoom. I even do some drawings in between visitors.

In the past I’ve been fortunate to sit with many patients at St Catherine’s and draw them and their families. It’s a real joy. Now, I’m drawing caricature portraits with patients where we write a list of all the things they have achieved during their lifetime and draw that in – almost like a reverse bucket list.

It’s a privilege to be part of this crucial time for the visitors to St Catherine’s and instead of meeting just patients as I did before, I’m meeting their families now.

During the time people are visiting the hospice, I develop quite a connection with them, and the families and visitors I meet are so inspiring. They all have an incredible outlook. To Please mention CRAWLEY PAGES South when responding to adverts

S T C AT H E R I N E ’ S H O S P I C E

be there at the time when they need support the most and offer virtual hugs through words and body language is fulfilling.

Visitors talk to us as we screen them, and we’re always there to listen. I treasure this time as a rapport develops over the weeks, and it’s all about judging what I can offer someone in the present climate. There’s been a young man staying at the hospice recently and his wife and young children often visit. I heard one of the young children ask their Mum, ‘Will Daddy wake up?’ It’s so difficult, but I do whatever I can to make things easier. I drew a happy, little face on one of the masks for the child.

I always try to make the screening process as easy as I can for people. We have a chat about the crazy world we’re in at the moment, and how they’re coping. I demonstrate the PPE gently as first-time visitors can be distracted, emotional and overwhelmed by something new and invasive.

If someone isn’t sure what glove size to take, I always advise them to take the bigger gloves, and I suggest people put hand cream on before they put their gloves on next time. Your hands then feel lovely when you peel the gloves off!

It’s about dealing with things realistically and helping people to understand the changes. We get a lot of questions, but everyone appreciates what we’re doing to keep them safe.

I find not being able to hug people difficult though, especially when they’re upset. It’s difficult that I have to stand back, instead of comfort, but I can still listen to people and empathise. People always rally and find the strength to pull themselves together and go back into the wards to the person they love.

In the past when I met patients to draw their caricature portraits, they’d often experienced peace.

They’d normally gone through all the stages associated with their illness – denial, anger, distraction and acceptance but one thing I’ve learnt from doing the visitor screening is that their families often aren’t there yet.

They’re not at peace – they’re having an To advertise call 01403 588618 CRAWLEY PAGES South

excruciating wait for the inevitable. They know they can’t put off what’s coming, but they still come back day after day, sometimes week after week, because they know that the time with their loved one is so precious. I often wonder how on earth they remain so buoyant and positive for the patient. It must be so hard.

After someone has passed away, people obviously react in different ways. There’s been the anticipation for such a long time, and sometimes, people have been visiting the hospice for months. Really, their life has been on hold.

One week when I was on shift, a husband whose wife had died at the hospice, came back to do a drive through. He couldn’t come inside, but we stood in the car park socially distanced and talked. He felt he could come back to the hospice and be himself. Sometimes in the outside world, people avoid someone recently bereaved because they don’t know what to say, but at the hospice there’s an understanding and familiarity that’s comforting in the initial days and weeks.

It’s been so positive helping in this role. My friends often ask me if it’s upsetting, and it can be. People do share their emotions and that can stay with me. I always listen, try to distract them for a few moments, and say something comforting. Every Wednesday, without fail, I’m galvanised by the families and visitors I’ve met that day. I make a lot of decisions on a Wednesday evening now. I think of the all things I’ve put off; I stop grumbling or coming up with distractions and make plans.

Volunteering at the hospice reminds me not to put anything off in my own life.

I’m ticking off my bucket list. None of us know how we’d react with life changing news.

And now, I don’t ever put off the words I should say more often – Thank you and I love you.”

If you would like to make a donation to support your local hospice please visit: www.stch.org.uk/donate or call 01293 447361 to donate over the phone. Thank you.

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

15

FO OUR UR FANT FFA ANT TA T AS A ST TIC IC OFFFERS Offer 1 For all NHS workers or people with w children under the age of 18 we will write your Will for £29.99 (inc v.a a.t) when you donate £5 to the NHS Charities Covid-19 Appe A al.

Offer 2 Single Person and Couples Willls Single Will £139 when you donate £5 to the NHS Charities Covid-19 Appeal.

Couples Wills £259 when you donate £5 5 to the NHS Ch iti Co Charities C vid-1 id 19 Ap Appeal. l

Offer 3 Are you over 60 0 and considering Power of Attorn ney?

If so, we will provide you u with A registered Lasting Power of Attorney for Health h and Welfare + A registered Lasting Power of Attorney for Properrty and Finance + A Living Will/Advance directive All for just £495 inc v.a.t and all OPG* fees when n you donate £10 to the NHS Charities Covid-19 Appeal.

Offer 4

* OPG = Office of the Public Guardian

Prevent your home ending up in the wrong o hands with a Property o y Trust A correctly set up Property Trust guar g antees to prevent: t :PVS QSPQFSUZ IBWJOH UP HP UISPVHI QSPCBUF t (FOFSBUJPOBM JOIFSJUBODF UBY t :PVS DIJMESFO HFUUJOH OPUIJOH JG ZPV EJF BOE ZPVS spouse remarries t :PVS IPNF CFJOH VTFE UP GVOE ZPVS DBSF JO UIF GVUVSF† Just £1995 including v.a.t. and all lega al fees and we will also provide a brand new Willl Free of Charge for each person. A trust insurance for £9.99 £ per month will also need to be taken out to keep the trust up to date every year. † Remember if you have reason to believe that you my go into care soon or if your sole reason for implementing this package is simply to avoid paying

foreseeable care fees and you are not implementing it for any other reasons such as protecting your family against divorce, bankrup b tcy, marriage after death or generational inheritance tax then you could be accused of deliberate deprivation of assets.

Call now to arran nge your free telephone consultatiion

ABOUT ME AND THY WILL BEE DONE Hi, I’m Paul Blackm moore and I’m the sole Director of Thy Will Be Done.. I’m currently working from home during the lockdo own with my 2 little helpers, Benny and Frankie who ar a e both resuce French Bulldogs.

My main areas of expertise are; e Wills, Trusts, Lasting t Powers of Attorney, Prepaid Funeral plans and d Probate.

It has always been my mission to bring to everyday folk the same protection opportunities that the rich and famous have had for generations. I achieve this as follows: 1. All of my advice is free at all times – you only pay when you enga age me to work for you.

2. I offer exceptio onal value for money – Wills from £29.99 - 2 Lassting Powers of Attorney with an advance directive including vat and all Office of the Public Guar Gua ardian fees just £495 - Pre-paid e paid funeral plans from just £9 per week – Trus r ts from just £199 and I conduct probate for just 1.75% of the estate value plus vat.

3. I am 100% transparent with my pricing and how I work at all times.

Many people are concerned about: 1. Living with partners but not being marriied.

2 Ha 2.

H ving i to use their tth i homes h to pay for care fees in i the future.

3. How much the eir families may need to pay in probate and inh heritance tax fees.

4. Protecting theirr children if they leave everything to a spouse and the spouse then remarries after their death.

5. How to ensure their children will not lose half of their inheritancce if they divorced after inheriting in nheriting.

6 How to protect grandchildren or vulnerable 6. beneficiaries.

I am able to deliver solutions that are 100% legally effec e tive in overcoming all of these e problems and many more besides.

To help with fees I am also able to offer guaranteed interest free credit without the need for any credit checks to make protecting your family more affordable.

If you wou uld like to have a chat witth me just give my reception t team a call on yourr local number below and they will book you in n a convenient time slot for you to have your FREE telephone consultation with me.

Take care and chat soon

Paull, Benny & Frankie

www.thywill.co.uk #SJHIUPO t $IJDIFTUFS t $SBXMFZ t %PSLJOH t &BTUCPVSOF &BTU (SJOTUFBE t )BTUJOHT t )BZXBSET )FBUI t )PSTIBN 1VMCPSPVHI t 3FEIJMM t 5VOCSJEHF 8FMMT t 6DLmFME t 8PSUIJOH

THE

BRITISH WILLS AND PROBATE AWARDS

2 02 0 WILL WRITING FIRM OF THE YEAR

HIGHLY COM MENDED

Thy Will Be Done is a trading style of Thy Will Be Done (Spain) Ltd. Registered in the UKK at Companies House under number 10791190.

UK trading address: e The Mill Building, 31 Chatsworth Road, Worthiing, West Sussex, BN11 1LY.

During the COVID VID-1 19 epidemic we are providing our services as follo o ws: 1. We will conduct your consultation over the phone 2. Yo ou will be able to pay by card or by bank transfer e 3. Yo ou will receive your drafts within 48 hours by e-mail or post 4. Yo ou can change these as many times as required fo or free 5. Once approved your legal documents will be sent to you by recorded delivery 6. Yo ou must then sign the documents and have them witnessed as soon as you can

SUSSEX MISCELLANY

TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS

By Kevin Newman, a Sussex-born author, historian, tour guide and history teacher

A

s Christmas is looking like it will be a bit of an

Christmas might be of use? Sussex writer Arthur

odd one this year to say the least, I thought

Stanley Cooke suggests that in February Sussex folk

we could delve this edition into other Sussex

called out: “February, fill the dick - every day, white or

festivals, holidays, games, activities and traditions of the

black.” This was much more innocent than it sounds

past to see if any past alternatives might make better

however as it signified a dyke being filled with snow

what has already been dubbed ‘Covidmass’.

(white) and rain (black). This isn’t the only misleadingly

The Sussex writer EV Lucas’s isn’t much help. He tells

rude-sounding sentiment in the county’s past as

of how Brighton’s Steine was once “an arena for

Sussex-linked poet Lord Tennyson in his poem Rizpah

curious contests.” Lucas tells of how “officers and

informs us that “My Willy ‘ill rise up whole when the

gentlemen, ridden by other officers and gentlemen

trumpet of judgement ‘ill sound.” This probably won’t

competed in races with octogenarians. Strapping

help solve your search for ideas for a family game on

young women were induced to run against each other

Boxing Day.

for a new smock or hat.” He continues: “Every kind of

Food will be a big pastime this Christmas of course,

race was devised, even to walking backwards; while a

and you might want to try and see what the rudest-

tame stag was occasionally liberated and hunted to

sounding food is you can eat from Sussex’s past. Hard-

refuge.” Encouraging public gatherings, especially with

dick was a type of Sussex pudding made only of flour

people in their eighties isn’t really a wise move at the

and water and Skim-dick was a cheese made from

moment and Brighton isn’t the tolerant of places

skimmed milk. Trust me on this that I’m not making

towards cruel bloodsports. These might all count as our

this up and if you don’t, I really wouldn’t check the

allowed quota of exercise though?

latter one out on your work computer. Or for another

Nor are we currently allowed to visit each other’s

food-themed activity you could just stick your food

houses at time of writing so ‘catterning’ (also known as

somewhere unusual? That’s the historic tradition at the

‘clemming’) is no good as an alternative either. If you

Spread Eagle of Midhurst where Christmas puddings

did this, it meant you’d go around begging for apples

are stuck up to the ceiling every Boxing Day. And what

and beer festivals around St. Catherine’s Day and St

about drinks? You might want to imbibe a nice glass

Clement’s Day (November 23rd and 25th). Brighton

of Bumboo to wash down your feast? It was the name

folk during this festival would enjoy a roast leg of pork,

of a drink sold in the 1750s in East Hoathly made of

boned and stuffed with sage and onions, which of

brandy and beer but unfortunately the effects were

course goes well with apple sauce. Apples were also

said to be regrettable.

featured in another past Sussex event, Oak Apple Day

Giving some truly awful presents might be a funny

on May 29th. This dated back to the days of Charles II

idea but you’re best to avoid getting inspiration from

and on this day children who failed to wear an oak

one Sussex scrooge in 1594. Richard Phearndeane, who

apple or oak leaf (called ‘sporting the oak’) were

was a Sussex labourer simply left Bernard Rosse ‘his

whipped on the back of their legs with stinging

worst breeches’. He must have evidently upset Mr

nettles. Cruelty to children is just as unacceptable as

Phearndeane. This wasn’t for Christmas however; it was

cruelty to animals and octogenarians though so we’d

in his will so Rosse had no way of complaining to the

better give this one a miss too in our hunt for new

deceased. It does make you wonder what who got his

Christmas festivities.

best breeches though and what Phearndean gave

If May is no good for inspiration, perhaps going even earlier in the year for alternative activities for this

18

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

people for Christmas.

Let’s face it, all these alternatives have been dreadful CRAWLEY PAGES South To advertise call 01403 588618

SUSSEX MISCELLANY

so perhaps giving nice presents instead will make up

motorised tours, please call

for such a truly awful year. So, whatever games and

All-Inclusive History on

activities you are up to, make sure you give your loved

07504 863867 or email

ones some nice surprises and hopefully we’ll have a

info@allinclusivehistory.org.

vaccine soon. Do remember as well that amazing

Other tours, talks and

things do happen at Christmas. For example, back at

events are available

Christmas 1918, the King family of Haywards Heath,

including ‘Spooky

had been told their son was missing in action in the

Worthing, ‘Brilliant

trenches, believed dead. Their kindly postie knew

Brighton’, ‘Super Sussex’

otherwise though and so made an extra special effort

and ‘Scrumptious Sussex’.

to deliver them the very nice surprise of a postcard on

Kevin’s first novel, ‘Beef

Christmas morning from their son. He thankfully was

Every Day But No Latin’

alive and well and had been a prisoner of war. Their

about the 11 year old boy

Christmas got even better as he also returned home to

who set up Claremont School in Hove in 1925 is

Sussex before the holiday was over. I do hope your

published by www.therealpress.co.uk and on sale in

holiday this year has some good news too and here’s

Steyning Bookshop, Waterstones and from the Real

to lots of good times and fun in 2021. A very merry

Press. Kevin’s next book, ‘Celebrating Brighton and

Christmas to you all – whoever you are after 2020 I’ve

Hove’ can be pre-ordered from

no doubt you deserve a very, very good one.

www.waterstones.com/book/celebrating-brighton-and-

For zoom or (eventually) group Sussex talks and

hove/kevin-newman/9781398100206 for £15.99.

HOME DELIVERY SERVIC CE

www. hep pworthbrewery.co.u uk

Ma May ay y yo ou live in in...

ER IS MIN ORD 2 CASES TS OR 118 PIN E R BEE T H G U A OF DR

MO MOBILE BILE BEE B R!

To advertise call 01403 588618 CRAWLEY PAGES South

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

19

GARDEN VIEW

HARD-WORKING IVY

H

olly is much coveted festive greenery but what about ivy, or Hedera to give it the botanical name?

It makes up the trio of festive plants, the other

The Holly and the Ivy, When they are both full grown, Of all the trees that are in the wood, The Holly bears the crown.

being mistletoe, and frankly it's usually seen as a bit of a poor relation, misunderstood and mostly unloved.

Yet ivy is a great workhorse in the garden. It’s evergreen, it attracts wildlife and is excellent on those north-facing walls and fences where nothing else seems to grow. It's not just a dark green cloak either; there are many cultivars with

especially rich in nectar so attract bees, butterflies,

different leaf shapes and variegated foliage. The variegated

hoverflies, and other insects, providing them with a place

varieties are great in those areas that catch just a little

to overwinter. Birds like thrushes, blackbirds and robins

sunlight during part of the day as they suddenly seem to

enjoy the purple black berries which ripen from late

illuminate a usually dull spot.

winter to mid-spring, providing a much-needed winter

Ivy is great for disguising an ugly wall, a bare fence, or an old tree stump. It’s a reliable and self-clinging climber if you

food source.

I hope I've made a good case for growing ivy in your

choose the right variety and remember to prune it

garden. Holly might bear the crown, but I reckon ivy

correctly. The young climbing stems are slender and flexible

deserves a tiara at the very least! Happy gardening..

with small aerial roots that fix the shoot to a surface. Adult stems are thicker, self-supporting and do not have roots.

Unlike mistletoe ivy isn't parasitic so won't harm trees but be careful about letting it grow on the walls of your house as it will damage weak mortar and pebbledash. If growing on a property it needs to be clipped back in spring and summer, so it doesn't do any damage to structure

PUZZLE

SUDOKU Solution on page 29.

underneath. Don't let it get into gutters because it will clog them then infiltrate under tiles or slates.

Ivy is excellent ground cover. It will scramble over areas of poor soil and brighten the ground between shrubs during the dark winter months. Persian ivy, Hedera colchica ‘Dentata Variegata’, is lovely because of its large, yellowedged leaves. Hedera canariensis ‘Gloire de Marengo’ is also good. Its red stems and large leaves with splashes of yellow looks rather splendid. If you need an area covered quickly try Hedera Hibernica, which is a vigorous native ivy.

Hedera helix is the other native ivy and this one has numerous cultivars including Goldheart, which has yellowcentred leaves, Green Ripple, with frilly edged leaves and ‘Buttercup’ which is bright yellow.

If you love to support the wildlife in your garden, then ivy is a terrific plant. During autumn and early winter adult ivies produce small greenish-yellow flowers. These are

20

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

CRAWLEY PAGES South To advertise call 01403 588618

HILLSIDE ANIMAL SANCTUARY

THIS CHRISTMAS, WILL YOU EAT A FRANKENSTEINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MONSTER?

A

s turkeys have been bred to grow too quickly so as to maximise profit, they often suffer from painful broken bones and heart attacks. They

are so far from their natural form that they cannot even breed themselves and must be forcibly bred by human violation.

Have you ever wondered why at a time of peace and goodwill, we put dead animals in the middle of our tables? Do we really need an animal sacrifice in 2020?

Naturally, turkeys love to snuggle in trees at night.

They are able to learn the details of an area over 1,000

Hillside animal sanctuary is home to rescued animals

acres and similar to dogs, they are affectionate and

of all species - but for every innocent individual saved,

form strong social bonds.

there are millions who go through the horror of a

In a factory farm, each only has 3 square feet of

slaughterhouse. 70 Billion individuals every year. Is this

space, which removes their ability to spread their wings

necessary when we could enjoy a more compassionate

which is so sad for a bird isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it?

alternative? Be kind; check challenge22.com

To advertise call 01403 588618 CRAWLEY PAGES South

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

21

PUZZLES

CROSSWORD Solution on page 29.

Across 1. Ploy (6) 4. Unknowable, occult (6) 9. Disapproves (7) 10. Angry (5) 11. Land measure (4) 12. Perplexing (8) 14. Dwarf planet (5) 16. Mournful poem (5) 20. Scorn (8) 21. Fencing sword (4) 24. Female relative (5) 25. Pills (7) 26. Unmarried (6) 27. Precious (6)

Down 1. Worldwide (6) 2. Type of musical scale (5) 3. 2.54cm. (4) 5. Precipitation (8) 6. Fantastic (7) 7. Appear, loom (6) 8. Ordinary (5) 13. Celestial (8) 15. Beacon (7) 17. Parts of a play (6) 18. Catches sight of (5) 19. Creatures (6) 22. Fragment (5) 23. Woodwind instrument (4)

WORD SEARCH Solution on page 29.

Word Search Word List

biscuits bread sauce cheddar chocolates Christmas cake crackers cranberries gammon goose grapes ham leftovers mince pies mints

22

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

mulled wine panettone pickles port smoked salmon stilton stollen stuffing tangerines turkey

CRAWLEY PAGES South To advertise call 01403 588618

CHRISTMAS

FESTIVE FUN IN THE TIME OF COVID

H

ow on Earth can we celebrate in the midst of all this? It's been a weird old year. We'd all be forgiven for feeling more flat than festive. What we need are some simple ways to find fun in the time of COVID. The pandemic will mean Christmas won’t look like it usually does, but with a bit of thought and creativity it's still possible to celebrate even if we have to spend Christmas away from friends and family: Prioritize - Which traditions matter most to you? Which are easiest to maintain?

You can still set up the Christmas decorations, make special foods and watch your favourite films. Pantomimes and trips to the ballet are not possible though so use the family time to set up a games evening with prizes and lots of shouting.

You can play charades with friends and family either outside or via video link. My kids love Nintendo Just Dance, and find it hilarious when my husband and I join in.

Kids mostly want you...in silly festive mode.

So put your phone away, just like you would at the theatre, and get stuck in.

Decorate a tree outside - This is the year to deck out your decking, and pretty your patio. Adorn an outdoor tree with LED lights and shatterproof ornaments. Use twist ties or florist’s wire to secure the ornaments so they stay put even in the wind. Then invite a few friends round for a socially distanced switch on, complete with mulled wine.

Make memories - Create an advent calendar with festive activities for each day. The activities don’t have to be elaborate; it could just be drinking hot chocolates with marshmallows together, wearing Santa hats, or watching Elf, or To advertise call 01403 588618 CRAWLEY PAGES South

taking silly festive photos Start a new tradition - How about a Secret Santa gift exchange outside round a firepit with toasted marshmallows? Or outdoor games on the decking with blankets and hot chocolate? There might be an outdoor cinema near you showing Christmas films. Go with friends, take blankets and flasks, and have a socially distanced outdoor film night!

Spread some joy - If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s how much the people in our lives actually mean to us, so spread happiness where you can. Write down how much the people you love mean to you and send it out to them. Make Christmas cookies and leave some with your friends and neighbours. Drop off some treats at a local nursing home, hospital, or fire department to brighten the lives of the people there.

Different can be special - You probably don't remember exactly what happens at Christmas from year to year, but when something out of the ordinary occurs, it sticks in your memory...Christmas disasters often make the best dinner party stories in the years that follow. 2020 has the capacity to give us all enough stories for decades!

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

23

BOOK REVIEW

A GOOD READ PATSY BY NICOLE DENNIS-BENN

P

atsy grew up in an impoverished town in Jamaica and struggles to make ends meet, raising her 5-yearold daughter, Tru. But she has a dream. A dream that lies across the ocean in a city that never sleeps, watched over by Lady Liberty. She isn’t the only one. Many have left Jamaica for America, sending home details of their new lives. But you can’t just leave Jamaica and head to the US. When Patsy is finally granted a visa, it is only a visitor one. And just for her, not Tru. And so, leaving her daughter behind with her previously absent father, she begins her life as an undocumented migrant. It soon becomes clear that life in New York is not what she thought it would be.

Dennis-Benn has created an engrossing novel showing the reality of the plight of migrants.

Spanning a decade, it switches between Patsy and her new life and Tru’s childhood as she grows up without her mother. It says something about her skills as a writer that she has created a central character that is so flawed and yet likeable at the same time. The dialogue switches effortlessly between English and Jamaican Patois, leaving you, the reader, as an inhabitant of the two worlds that Patsy herself occupies. Will she ever be reunited with her daughter and how does a decision taken so long ago affect the two of them as life moves on around them in two vastly different countries?

24

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

THE BOY AT THE BACK OF THE CLASS BY ONJALI Q RAUF

I

n a similar vein we have a story for children about what it is like to be a stranger in a strange land. The difference here is that Ahmet is not an economic migrant, but a refugee, fleeing civil war in Syria.

He arrives one day at the start of term and sits in a chair at the back of the class and carries a tattered old red backpack. He is quiet and spends break and lunchtime in Seclusion. The 9 and year old narrator and their friends don’t know why he stays apart and are determined to find out why.

When they finally learn of Ahmet’s story, they are determined to help him and seek the help of the one person in the country that they know can help: The Queen.

A moving story this directly challenges attitudes towards refugees and the children encounter adults who are sympathetic towards his plight, but also those who are not. Simple events show the kindness of strangers (the gift of a pomegranate) and gives hope that this next generation can be the one to bring in a change of attitude and a realisation that we are all one humanity. All too often we are quick to judge – and Rauf uses a very clever technique to bring this to the fore, leaving the reader re-evaluating everything they have read with just a few pages to go – rather than accepting. Ahmet’s story is sadly not just a story created in an author’s imagination but is one that too many children are experiencing – tattered backpack and all.

Please mention CRAWLEY PAGES South when responding to adverts

To advertise call 01403 588618 CRAWLEY PAGES South

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

25

CRAWLEY Community Information Board BC Crawley United BC Crawley United is the Crawley menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball club. www.crawleyunited.com Crawley Amateur Radio Club The club is based at hut 18, Tilgate Forest Recreation Centre www.carc.org.uk Crawley and North Sussex Ramblers Welcomes new members, all age groups. Stay healthy, come and walk the beautiful countryside. www.crawleyramblers.org.uk. chair@crawleyramblers.org.uk Crawley Angling Society Members of Crawley Angling Society have exclusive access to 3 ponds, and shared access to 4 others. secretary@crawleyanglingsociet y.co.uk www.crawleyanglingsociety.co.uk Crawley Athletic Club Crawley Athletic Club offers competition and training for runners of every type and standard: www.crawleyac.org.uk Crawley Badminton Club Crawley Badminton Club meets at the K2 Leisure Centre in Tilgate. www.crawleybadminton.co.uk

26

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

Crawley Branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club As well as regular dives off the Sussex coast, the club meets in two locations in Tilgate. www.crabbsac.org.uk Crawley Camera Club Crawley Camera Club meets twice a week at Hut 16 in Tilgate Forest recreation centre secretary@crawley cameraclub.co.uk www.crawleycameraclub.co.uk Crawley Community Table Tennis Club Crawley Community Table Tennis Club is a member of the Crawley, Horsham and District Table Tennis League, and welcomes experienced and novice table tennis players of all ages. pingponggeorge@gmail.com www.tabletennis365.com/crawl eyttc

Crawley Croquet Club The club meets 4 times a week at Milton Mount Gardens in Pound Hill. www.crawleycroquetclub.org.uk Crawley Cycling Club Crawley Cycling Club meets in Hut 13 at the Tilgate Forest Recreation Centre www.crawleycyclingclub.com Crawley Judo Club The club meets on Mondays and Wednesdays in Hut 17 at the Tilgate Forest Recreation Centre. www.crawleyjudo.co.uk Crawley Keyboard Club The club caters for those interested in keyboard instruments of all types. www.crawleykeyboardclub.co.uk Crawley Lawn Tennis Club The club has 9 tennis courts crawleyltc.tripod.com

Crawley Computer Club The club meets at Christ Church in Pound Hill. www.crawley-computerclub.org.uk

Crawley Mariners Yacht Club Based at Hedgecourt Lake near Copthorne www.cmyc.co.uk

Crawley Cricket Club Based at Southgate Park, Crawley Cricket Club has several XIs playing in the Sussex Invitation League. www.crawleycricket.co.uk

Crawley Model Railway Society Crawley Model Railway Society constructs and exhibits model railway layouts. cmrs.secretary@gmail.com www.crawleymrs.org.uk

CRAWLEY PAGES South To advertise call 01403 588618

CRAWLEY Community Information Board Crawley Post Office Angling Club A club for anglers who work at Crawley post office. www.cpoac.co.uk Crawley Rugby Football Club Crawley RFC is based at Willoughby Fields in Ifield info@crawleyrfc.co.uk www.crawleyrfc.co.uk Crawley Swimming Club The club meets at: the K2 Leisure Centre in Crawley Cottesmore School in Pease Pottage crawleysc@btinternet.com www.crawleysc.co.uk Crawley Sword Club Crawley Sword Club meets throughout the year (except on bank holidays) at the K2 Leisure Centre Sabre, epée and foil fencing are practised and taught. www.crawleyswordclub.co.uk Crawley Table Tennis Club Meets at Holy Trinity School in Gossops Green. www.crawleytabletennisclub.co.uk Crawley Town Football Club Crawley Town Football Club is the largest football club in Sussex apart from Brighton and Hove Albion. It was founded in

1896. info@crawleytownfc.com crawleytownfc.com Crawley Town Lifesaving Club Aims to promote the public safety aspects of life-saving as well as enjoying the activity as a competitive sport. contact@crawleytownlsc.com www.crawleytownlsc.com Crawley Triathlon Club Crawley Triathlon Club meets at the K2 Leisure Centre info@crawleytriclub.co.uk www.crawleytriclub.co.uk Crawley Wing Chun Crawley Wing Chun provides Kung Fu training at its own fully equipped hut at Tilgate Forest Recreation Centre. www.crawleywingchun.com Divas Dance Club Divas Dance Club is a voluntary group teaching Bollywood dance skills to young people in the Crawley area. divasdanceclub@hotmail.com www.divasdanceclub.com Downsman Bowling Club Incorporating Crawley Blind and Disabled Bowlers. www.downsmanbowls.co.uk Grattons Indoor Bowls Club www.grattonsibc.co.uk

To advertise call 01403 588618 CRAWLEY PAGES South

Saint Francis Rugby Club The club meets and trains at Southgate Pavilion playrugby@stfrancisrfc.com www.pitchero.com/clubs/ stfrancisrfc St Paul's Badminton Club St Paul’s Badminton Club play at St Paul's Methodist Church, Northgate tonydakers@yahoo.co.uk www.plcwd.co.uk/Badminton/ badminton.html St Richard's Badminton Club Meets at Milton Mount Hall, Pound Hill. www.badmintonsussex.co.uk/pla y/clubdetails Three Bridges Football Club Three Bridges Football Club plays at Jubilee Field in Three Bridges. www.threebridgesfc.co.uk West Green Women's Institute West Green Women’s Institute meet at Crawley Horticultural Society Hall, Ifield Avenue, West Green. westgreenwi@yahoo.co.uk If you would like your club, society or association to be included in these listings, please email editor@carnahpublications.com

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

27

HOUNDS ESCAPE

ESCAPE GAMES EXPERIENCE OPENS

A

new Escape Games Experiences called Hounds Escape has been launched in Crawley by Brian, Julie and David. They have have spent the last year or so devising, creating and building challenges for their brand new business in

28

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

the centre of Crawley Town Centre at 12-13 Queens Square (above Starbucks).

Hounds Escape was opened on 30th September with their first game entitled ‘Questionable Ethics.’

It's theatrical, it's immersive, it's atmospheric. It is a story unravelling. The story begins when you meet a quirky character on arrival, you will then have 60 minutes to solve the challenges and ultimately reveal the end of the story. Up to 6 players can take up the challenge from ages 10 to no limit. It's great fun.

For customer convenience we have a licensed bar and comfortable seating area for players to have tea, coffee or something stronger on arrival and they are welcome to stay in the bar after their game, relax and have a chat with the Games Master.

There are more games in the pipeline with ‘Southern Dis-Comfort’ planned to open by Christmas.

Escape Games are quickly becoming a new phenomenon, surpassing other leisure activities like cinemas and bowling alleys in terms of popularity and have an enormous community of followers and enthusiasts. In light of the current closures of leisure activities within Crawley, they are striving to be a glimmer of hope and bring a little fun and escapism to our clients. Further details email contact@houndsescape.co.uk or visit www.houndsescape.co.uk Please mention CRAWLEY PAGES South when responding to adverts

ANSWERS/DISCOUNTS & OFFERS

PUZZLE ANSWERS p r a l h r = m^ d b = O M =

t l o a p b ^ o ` e = m^ d b = O O = =

` o l p p t l o a = m^ d b = O O =

DISCOUNTS & OFFERS a b ` b j _ b o L g ^ k r ^ ov = O M O N = = = dCp=oççÑáåÖ

NRB=ÇáëÅçìåí

m~ÖÉ=O=

qÜó=táää=_É=açåÉ

s~êáçìë=çÑÑÉêë

====m~ÖÉë=NS=C=NT=

pìëëÉñ=oççÑáåÖ

OMB=çÑÑ

m~ÖÉ=PO=

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX _ìáäÇáåÖ=pÉêîáÅÉë=L= `~êéÉåíêó=L=e~åÇóã~å= Vintage Driveways Group 3 `~êÉ=pÉêîáÅÉë= `ÜìêÅÜáää=pçìíÜ=b~ëí==NM= `Ü~êáíáÉë= eáääëáÇÉ=^åáã~ä= p~åÅíì~êó==ON= `çëãÉíáÅë=

^îçå==P= bóÉ=`äáåáÅ= Innovation Eye Clinic 9 c~ëÅá~ë=L=pçÑÑáíë=L=dìííÉêë= gìëí=dìííÉêë==N= cççÇ=C=aêáåâ= eÉéïçêíÜ=_êÉïÉêó==NV= içÅâëãáíÜë= Lee’s Locks 11=

jìëáÅ=pìééäáÉêë= rh=sáåóä=s~ìäí==S= oççÑáåÖ=`çåíê~Åíçê= d=C=p=oççÑáåÖ=péÉÅá~äáëíë==O= pìëëÉñ=oççÑáåÖ==PO= táääë=C=bëí~íÉ=mä~ååáåÖ= qÜó=táää=_É=açåÉ==NSLNT=

` l k q^ ` q = r p = ïïïKÜçêëÜ~ãéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã==qW=MNQMP=RUUSNU= bW=áåÑç]Å~êå~ÜéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã== bÇáíçê=oáÅÜ~êÇ=jáäÄçìêå==ÉÇáíçê]Å~êå~ÜéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã p~äÉë=j~å~ÖÉê=dÉãã~=dê~ó==ÖÉãã~]Å~êå~ÜéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã= `äáÉåí=iá~áëçå=C=^Çãáå=jÖê=aÉÉ=oóÇÉê==ÇÉÉ]Å~êå~ÜéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã= Please mention CRAWLEY PAGES South when responding to adverts

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

29

COVID-19

OBESITY & CV-19 - WHAT IS THE LINK?

C

OVID-19 and its effects have scared us all, health professionals and public alike.

We’re still learning about the virus, but one fact has been all over the news in the past couple of months. Obese people (people with a BMI over 30) are more at risk of complications.

Why is this? Most of my friends with BMIs close to or greater than 30 seem perfectly healthy individuals. Should they be worried?

In order to answer this question, we need to look at the immune system: When we catch a virus our body’s defence system is triggered, and inflammation occurs.

This is due to our all-purpose innate immune response, which serves as the first wave against foreign invaders. Blood flow increases to the infected area causing redness and swelling.

When your nose blocks and becomes red when you catch a cold, that’s inflammation. This reaction is caused by white blood cells called macrophages and the proteins they produce called cytokines. It’s the cytokines which trigger inflammation. Usually this inflammation is a simply a sign that our body is releasing the hormones and proteins which activate our white blood cells to kickstart the recovery process, and ultimately defeat the infection. No inflammation means no defence…and that’s bad.

So far so good; so why is obesity a problem?

Well it turns out that white blood cells aren’t the only type of cell that have the ability to produce those inflammation-inducing cytokines.

Fat cells (adipocytes) can also do this. Scientists have learned that fat is an active endocrine organ, one that can secrete a whole host of proteins and chemicals, including inflammatory cytokines.

When your body keeps adding adipose tissue (fat) cytokines are released by your fat cells, triggering inflammation. Researchers even characterised obesity as ‘…a state of low-grade,

30

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

chronic inflammation.’ This means that an obese body has its immune system permanently switched on and is therefore in a constant state of inflammation. Over time this can lead to the development of both minor and major illness and conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.

How does this relate to COVID-19?

Back in 2009 the H1N1 Swine Flu was at its most virulent, doctors in Spain noticed that overweight and obese patients were being admitted to intensive care units in disproportionate numbers and took longer to recover than non-obese or overweight individuals. Their increased risk was attributed to the excess number of pro-inflammatory cytokines in their bodies.

Researchers in Canada then analysed the flu records for the previous 12 years and found that people who were obese were statistically more likely to be admitted to hospital for respiratory diseases than those whose BMI was in the normal range. They concluded that obese people were an “at risk” population during flu seasons due to their compromised immune response.

As we go into the winter and the risk of a second wave of coronavirus, if you have a BMI over 30 it makes sense to try to bring it down and minimise your risk. Talk to your GP. Please mention CRAWLEY PAGES South when responding to adverts

qeb=`ljjrkfqv=j^d^wfkbp ^ka=_rpfkbpp=afob`qlofbp qÜÉ=äçÅ~ä=ã~Ö~òáåÉë=ÇÉäáîÉêÉÇ=ÇççêJíçJÇççê=íç=_ìêÖÉëë=eáääI `ê~ïäÉóI=e~óï~êÇë=eÉ~íÜI=eçêëÜ~ã=~åÇ=pçìíÜï~íÉê q e b = ` l j j r k f q v = j ^ d ^ w f k b = ^ k a = _ r p f k b p p = a f o b ` q l ov

_rodbpp=efii PAGES c l o j b o iv

q e b = ` l j j r k f q v = j ^ d ^ w f k b = ^ k a = _ r p f k b p p = a f o b ` q l ov

` o ^t ibv South PAGES q e b = ` l j j r k f q v = j ^ d ^ w f k b = ^ k a = _ r p f k b p p = a f o b ` q l ov

` o ^t ibv North PAGES q e b = ` l j j r k f q v = j ^ d ^ w f k b = ^ k a = _ r p f k b p p = a f o b ` q l ov

e^vt^oap=eb^qe c l o j b o iv

PAGES

q e b = ` l j j r k f q v = j ^ d ^ w f k b = ^ k a = _ r p f k b p p = a f o b ` q l ov

e l o p South e ^PAGES j q e b = ` l j j r k f q v = j ^ d ^ w f k b = ^ k a = _ r p f k b p p = a f o b ` q l ov

e l o p North e ^PAGES j q e b = ` l j j r k f q v = j ^ d ^ w f k b = ^ k a = _ r p f k b p p = a f o b ` q l ov

plrqet^qbo LIFE tÉ=çÑÑÉê=~=ê~åÖÉ=çÑ=í~áäçêÉÇ=é~Åâ~ÖÉë=íç=ëìáí=~ää=ÄìÇÖÉíëK qç=ÑáåÇ=çìí=ãçêÉI=Å~ää=oáÅÜ~êÇ=jáäÄçìêå=çå=MTRM=TNM=VMPV çê=Éã~áä=áåÑç]Å~êå~ÜéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã qÉäW=MNQMP=RUUSNUK=bã~áäW=áåÑç]Å~êå~ÜéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã ïïïKÜçêëÜ~ãéìÄäáÅ~íáçåëKÅçã==ïïïKãáÇëìëëÉñÜ~åÇÄççâKÅçKìâ

SUSSEX R O O F I N G

6XVVH[ 5RRรฐQJ DUH 3URXG 0HPEHUV RI WKH IROORZLQJ TUDGH $VVRFLDWLRQV

SPECIALL OFFER 20% off WITH THIS ADVERRT LQIR#VXVVH[ URRILQJ FR XN ZZZ VXVVH[ URRILQJ FR XN