Ashdown Forest Living December 2019 Issue

December 2019

LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY & COMMUNITY NEWS Christmas 2019 at Standen © Lawrence Homewood

CROWBOROUGH

Optical and Hearing Centre

Our services include: • The latest in hearing aid technology - we supply and service all makes of hearing aids • Tinnitus management • Micro-suction (safe and easy removal of ear wax) • Ear protection We also supply moulded swimming plugs and various noise protection products.

Hearing loss can affect every aspect of your life, particularly the things most important to you such as relationships with family, friends or work colleagues.

Owen Hearing are independent hearing specialists, dedicated to providing clients with excellent customer service and advice.

A family run independent Opticians with more than 50 years between Optometrists Matthew and Maria Smee.

Maintaining healthy vision with an extensive range of eye care services.

EYE TESTS using the latest technology, including ADVANCED RETINAL SCREENING (OCT).

• Revolutionary blepharitis treatment • Home Visits We have a wide range of frames to choose from and also provide contact lenses and low vision assessments.

Please call us or come in to book an appointment.

01892 458901

Hazelwood House. Croft Road Crowborough. TN6 lDL www.owenhearing.com • www.crowboroughopticians.co.uk

3

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Tupholme Chauffeurs Your local, experienced, professional chauffeur service

Business travel, Corporate travel, Airport transfers or just a fun day out

YOUR LOCAL BEAUTY THERAPIST • Massage • Waxing • Manicure • Gel nails

Call John on 07881 292 669

• Medik8 Facials • Pedicure • Eyelash tint

helenatupholme@btinternet.com

• Facials • Eyebrow shaping • Skin Analysis • LED phototherapy • Milia removal • Spirit of Hemp CBD oil Massage Friendly & Professional Service - Ethically sourced, effective results driven products

A team of 15 friendly and enthusiastic professionals specialising in owner managed and family run businesses.

The 31 January 2020 deadline for filing self-assessment tax returns is fast approaching. If you need assistance filing your tax return or require other accountancy services, please visit our website and contact us.

10% DISCOUNT

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01342 824181 www.dmcpartnership.com info@dmcpartnership.com

For more information call Isabelle on:

07966 410 527 www.beautifultherapies.com 6 Michael Field, Forest Row, RH18 5BH

20% OFF

On Collection orders from www.roochi.co.uk

Real Indian Cuisine SPECIAL OFFER WEDNESDAY SPECIAL 5.30pm - 11.30pm

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9 Hartfield Rd., Forest Row, RH18 5DN. 01342

825251 • 01342 825254 Booking online via our website www.roochi.co.uk •

Celebrating 90 Years of Supporting Local Customers We offer a large range of: • Cut to Size Timber Products • Sheets and Worktops • Doors, Flooring, Stairs and Windows • Decking, Cladding and Roofing • Painting, Decorating and Finishing • Ironmongery, Fixings and Adhesives • Building Materials • Delivery Service

Branches in Forest Row, Crowborough, East Grinstead & Haywards Heath

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Dear Residents,

Whats inside this month

Welcome to the December issue.

This month the magazine is packed with interesting features, which we hope you enjoy.

Starting with a lovely Christmas recipe, very easyto-make and perfect for any person to try, especially getting kids or grandkids involved.

Monthly Recipe

Happy Days are Here

There is also a fun Christmas quiz that all ages can participate in.

I know many of you have been waiting for the second instalment of the Sackville family history and we bring it to you this month. It’s a long (for our mag) but fascinating read.

The President of the Sussex Wildlife Trust has kindly helped us with a feature about rewilding, which is a hot topic.

Oh Christmas Tree!

The Sackvilles part 2

Locomotive Society

We’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Thank you for supporting our local businesses throughout the year.

Here’s to a wonderful holiday season!

Tally & Chris

Hockey In Our Blood

Rewilding: What is it?

Sustainable Living

Family Christmas Quiz

Ashdown Forest Living To advertise call 01342 300152 info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk www.ashdownforestliving.co.uk FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

Keep this directory handy for when you need it

Although this publication does not vet advertisers, a number of complaints will mean that businesses will be barred from further advertising.

Ashdown Forest Living Notice: Ashdown Forest Living prints various articles, features, and advertisements. Although these appear in Ashdown Forest Living, any opinions expressed are the opinion of the author, these are not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. © Copyright Ashdown Forest Living 2019. The contents of this publication are written specifically for our readers, no part may be reproduced elsewhere without express and prior permission.

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The

Forest Vet Maresfield excellence excellence inin healthcare for your pet healthcare for your pets A local independent practice offering high quality personalised service for your pets veterinary care 24/7 emergency service House visits Separate dog and cat wards Veterinary Acupuncture & Homeopathy Digital x-ray, ultrasound, on site laboratory, endoscopy and visiting referral specialists Plenty of on-site parking

01825 766006

www.theforestvet.co.uk

When someone you love dies, it is often the practicalities that enable life to go on, which are the most neglected.

I offer a unique but vital service, helping with a variety of tasks that will be of comfort on a practical level such as dealing with solicitors, paperwork, finances, property, utilities, insurance and much, much more.

Please call Fiona for a confidential chat on

07769 296992

www.f ionabannister.co.uk

Making Tax Digital is NOW!

About YOUR personal or business Self Assessment Tax return This is what to do: • Contact “The Bookkeeping Ladies” • Have a cup of coffee, tea etc • Send us the information to complete the return • Sit back and think of the money and precious time you would save • Late filing Penalty £100, our fees start at £50 • We have the software!

SIMPLES! Email: ann@thebkl.co.uk Tel/message: 03301247070 • 07730658432 www.thebookkeepingladies.co.uk

Ann Druery, Field Cottage, Haywards Heath RH16 4QU

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Great news if you are looking for something exciting, fun and creative to do.

NOW You CAN CREATE THE

Art YOU’VE ALWAYS

WANTED TO

Learn to Paint & Draw People & Places

w Over the 14 week course Meet Nde s, you will explore four rien w F e different media: Learn Nls Drawing, Painting with Skil Watercolour, Acrylics, and Oil Pastels. Discover how to paint faces, figures, friends and family, beautiful landscapes. Learn artists’ secrets needed to create beautiful pieces of original art.

Step By Step Easy Lessons • • • • • •

Fun part-time course 14 Week course, 3-hour classes, once a week Morning or afternoon sessions Beginners to improvers Fun, easy, social event We supply everything for you Eas

For the Young at Heart

y, now youFun, get realcan creatively .

Even if you have never picked up a brush before, we will guide you through to make it easy and fun!

On completion of the course you will have 12 pieces of original art to cherish forever.

This is an extremely enjoyable way to develop your creative side, and really enjoy the next few months..

Strictly Limited Places To maintain a high standard of tuition, our classes are kept small – so available places are strictly limited!

Make sure of yours today!

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Sustainable Living If 2019 has been anything, it has been the year people have really started to realise we need to curb the amount of rubbish we create because of our effect on the environment.

In particular the mountains of throw-away plastic, too much of which ends up in the sea. Sir David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II opened our eyes to this problem, bringing it home that it was everyone’s responsibility to tackle the subject.

The good news is that locally, steps are being taken to counteract this. Forest Row opened their Repair Cafe, which helps to keep items out of the landfill, two years ago now, followed

by Chailey; more recently Turners Hill and soon East Grinstead will have one too – any other villages or towns in the area who wish to open a café, please let us know so we can help promote it for you! Milk being delivered to homes is on the rise as people lower the quantity of plastic bottles they put in the bin.

People are buying waterbottles which they refill while out and about. There are local Facebook groups dedicated to sustainable living and many try to avoid taking things to the tip, instead giving items away for free or fixing them.

Here is another example of a new exciting, help-theenvironment (and help people) venture happening locally: The Forest Row Parish Council will shortly be opening a large community

fridge. What is a community fridge? … It’s a simple way of sharing good food that would otherwise go to waste. The average UK family wastes £810 a year by throwing away food and drink and a staggering £3 billion is wasted by the food sector. Despite general awareness of food waste, there are few easy ways for people and businesses to get food near its sell-by-date quickly to others who need it. Thus, back in 2016, the first Community Fridge was born in Derbyshire. A place where food can be stored and then given away free. Since then, community fridges have popped up across the UK helping thousands of people have access to

nutritious food, to save them money and reduce waste.

Every month, each fridge attracts up to 200 visitors and redistributes up to a tonne of surplus food.

The charity Hubbub is steering the Community Fridge Network and they are hoping to set up another 100 in 2020. One such fridge is already taking shape in Forest Row and is almost ready to open its doors. It has been a real labour of love for the team behind it, having worked for over 18 months to get to this point.

The challenges the small team initially faced was finding out if there was a suitable space it could be homed in, the community

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Care in Your Own Home

MODIFIED PILATES

Hannah Jewel

Having your own Personal Care Assistant living with you in the comfort and familiarity of your own home is realistic and affordable.

At Domus Live-In Care we provide experienced carers who help with:

I am a local practitioner of

• Reiki • Postural Alignment • Craniosacral • Relaxation & more

• Meal preparation • Domestic support Personal Care

The benefits you can receive:

Are you considering care?

Companionship • Ongoing or Short Term Support

Pain Relief, Healthy Organs, Healthy Spine, Core Balance, Ease of Movement, Better Digestion, etc.

Our aim is to support you to be as independent as ssistant living with you in the comfort, safety and familiarity of your own home, is a realistic, A local, possible and to maintain your lifestyle and social life. family run al care and allows you to continue to live your life, your way. At Domus Live‐In Care we can service ho will assist in the activities of daily living.

For more information call Hannah on 07897511127

For a free consultation call: 01892 512961 info@domus-live-in.co.uk • www.domus-live-in.co.uk

www.hannahjewelofpeace.com

Designed by physiotherapists, breaks down classical Pilates movements into progressive exercises for people with injury, low back pain or those new to Pilates.

Classes in Five Ash Down and High Hurstwood For further information call 07800996007 or modifiedpilates@hotmail.com

h bathing and dressing)

Foot Health Practitioner

housework, laundry) nship

Sally Jennings MCFHP MAFHP

on an assessment of your needs and a Personal Care Plan is designed to ensure we meet all your ts. Our aim is to support you to be as independent as possible and to maintain your lifestyle and For a free consultation and assessment of your care needs please contact us:

Tel: 01892 512961 Email: info@domus‐live‐in.co.uk For full details visit our website: www.domus‐live‐in.co.uk

Athlete’s Foot • Callus • Corns Cracked Heels • Diabetic Foot Care Fungal Infections • Routine Nail Care Thickened Nails • Verrucae

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£1

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top ,000 priz e

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You can help provide life changing hospice care for local children, week after week.

Join our Lottery today from just £1 a week at www.chestnutlottery.org.uk or call us on

01903 871842

Players must be 16 years old or over. Promoter: St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Ltd. Managers responsible: S Smith and M Caunhye. St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Ltd is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk www.begambleaware.org Registered Charity No. 256789

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SUSTAINABLE LIVING CONTINUED

centre was considered, the new Venue on the Green, within a shop... But none of them fitted. One of the members, council worker Sara Smart (Community Development Officer) said “Finding the right home for the fridge was becoming a real stumbling block to us getting further with our plans, we had support from local people, we had spoken to businesses that wanted to donate food but it was getting frustrating as we couldn’t do any more. So, when the Bike Stop in Lower Road was vacated it seemed an ideal place. Little did we know how much red tape would hold us up in getting the permission to change use of the building, but it has finally been granted and we have now started the work to get it open.”

The fridge will be housed in the right-hand side of the building, with the council running the project in the left-hand side. This was all incredibly exciting but without funds they were stumped again. So, the team, which includes Jo Roberts of Coco’s Café, Molly

Manwill of Making Roots and Sue Young of the Forest Row Market are now looking to set up as a charitable incorporated company. They have been reaching out to local businesses and tradespeople to donate skills and materials and have been really encouraged by how people are supporting this venture.

The fridge will look to launch in the new year with an emphasis on saving leftover food from Christmas being thrown away. The fridge will be taking part in the Forest Row Christmas Advent Trail on December 7th to give people an opportunity to see how it all works.

If you would like to get involved with this community project, please get in touch with Sara Smart at sara.smart@ forestrow.gov.uk. If anyone wants to find out more about starting a community fridge in their village/town see www.hubbub.org.uk.

One day, they might need the same care their Nanny did.

1 in 4 of our patients is being cared for thanks to gifts in Wills.

YOU HELP FUND THE NEXT GENERATION OF CARE?

To find out more about leaving a gift in your Will, please visit stpjhospice.org/support-us or call us on 01444 470710 Registered charity number: 1056114

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Dr Birgit Ahlemeyer mrcvs HOLISTIC REFERRAL VET

WE HAVE HAVEMOVED MOVEDTO TOGROOMBRIDGE...

GROOMBRIDGE...

What’s the worst job in the kitchen?

Thank you for your support - hope to see you at our new practice!

We will deep clean your oven, hob, extractor and microwave, removing all traces of grease and burnt-on carbon using non-caustic, environmentally friendly cleaners.

Offering Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture) • Chinese Herbs • Homoeopathy • Western Herbs

You won’t find better prices, standards or aftercare, because we pride ourselves in making sure every customer is satisfied.

Single Oven Double Oven Range from Ceramic Hob Gas Hob from Extractor from BBQ from Replacement Bulb

It’s a dirty job!

Why do it yourself?

Our new address: The Oast, Hendal Farm, Cherry Gardens Hill, Groombridge, Kent TN3 9NU Tel: 01892 864477 Web: www.birgitholisticvet.co.uk E-mail: birgitholisticvet@hotmail.co.uk

£45 £59 £80 £12 £15 £15 £45 £4

End of Season BBQ Cleans!

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We remove all www.ovensparkle.biz traces of oven grease and burnt-on carbon using non-caustic, environmentally friendly cleaners.

• Single Oven £45 We pride ourselves on making sure • Double Oven £59 every customer is satisfied.

• Ceramic Hob £12 • Gas Hob from £15 Call Ian on 01342 604 841 or • Extractor £15 • Range from £80 • BBQ from £45

07917 154 426

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YOUR LOCAL SOLICITOR PROVIDING FRIENDLY & EXPERT ADVICE IN SUSSEX & WEST KENT 01892 731082 www.clairenashsolicitors.co.uk email: info@clairenashsolicitors.co.uk Reg Address: Summer Cottage, Blackness Road, Crowborough, TN6 2NA

Caring and professional advice when you need it the most Probate Wills Lasting powers of attorney Equity release Matrimonial

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Free 20 minute telephone consultation Office and home visits available, including out of hours if needed

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DUTCH CHRISTMAS TREE COOKIES You can use these as decorations too!

Ingredients • • • • • • • •

250g/9oz plain flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon pinch of salt 165g/5 ½ oz caster sugar 1 tsp finely grated lemon rind 165g/5 ½ unsalted butter approx. 1 tablespoon milk

To decorate: • 1 egg white, beaten • 4-5 tbsp of coffee sugar crystals • Icing sugar and cake decorations

method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas Mark 4.

decorations then, with a thick skewer, pierce a hole in the top of each one.

2. Sift the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt into a mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar and grated lemon rind.

7. Brush one side of the Christmas trees, stars, etc. sparingly with egg white, then dip into the coffee sugar before baking for 15 to 20 minutes or until set and golden.

Cool.

3. Cut up the butter and add to the flour then rub into a breadcrumb consistency and knead into a soft dough, add a little milk if needed. Shape into a ball and put in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

8. If you wish, use simple icing to stick other decorations onto the cookies.

4. Turn the dough onto a floured board/ surface and roll out to 3mm thick.

5. Using biscuit cutters, cut out a variety of shapes (Christmas trees, stars, rings & animals).

6. If you wish to hang the finished cookies on the Christmas tree or use as

9. When the cookies are set, thread a narrow red or green ribbon (or strong thread) through the hole and hang on the Christmas tree or elsewhere.

Makes about 30-36

Christmas Quotes “Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home!”

Charles Dickens

“Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.”

Winston Churchill

“I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.”

Queen Elizabeth II

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It’s Christmas - Get me out of here!

Do something different for your Christmas party

MURDER!

Enjoy a 3-course festive dinner while you interview the suspects to reveal the murderer. See our website for details and menu. Tickets £35.50 Book a table of ten for £30 per person

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• Built in cupboards & shelving • Wardrobes • Door hanging and locks • Window fitting • Rot repairs & 2nd fix

0 17

18

15 13

• Plus all joinery undertaken

7 3

4

5

01825 766288 07903 265666

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ROSSWORD

1 T R 2I P O L I 8 G U L L I U E 10 R I S 11K 12 E R T 14 F U R Y 16 A C U 19 T O T A L 20 I O U R O O S T N H E 21

3 D U B L B I N 15 A R T F F U 22 L

4 5 S C 7 C L O E N 9 N E V T E 13 P R X E S 17 T A T I C I O O U N

N 18S O A L V G E 6 S U T U E R D E Y

QUICK CROSSWORD

www.civiccentreuckfield.com

J&V

Carpentry Est.1984 Services

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Tickets £10 Fri 13 Dec 7pm Sat 14 Dec 1pm & 5pm Booking Office: 01825 769694

ANSWERS ACROSS: 1 Tripod 7 Clout 8 Gullible 9 Never 10 Risk 12 Tern 13 Prey 14 Fury 15 Axes 17 Tans 19 Total 20 Official 21 Roost 22 Lounge ANSWERS DOWN: 1 Tiger 2 Illustration 3 Dubbin 4 Scent 5 Conversation 6 Sturdy 11 Key 13 Pet 14 Future 15 Artful 16 Cloth 18 Solve

Performed by Uckfield Theatre Guild and the young stars of the Deborah Lamb Theatre Arts. This is a traditional family panto with lots of music, dance, laughter and audience participation.

S: 1 Three-legged camera ck or political influence 9 Not ever 10 A chance of gull 13 Animal hunted iolent rage 15 Choppers e sun 19 The entire amount by authority 21 Bird’s Living room 1 Fierce striped cat : icture 3 Leather-softening e 5 Chatty communication t 11 Locking instrument r dog 14 Tomorrow and ly and sneaky 16 Fabric er to

Fri 20 Dec - 7.00pm Dick Whittington

julvin320@gmail.com

Let’s design together

Winter Sale PREVIEW

The Estate Yard, Eridge, Nr Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 9JR

01892 572309 www.sofasandstuff.com

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HOCKEY IN OUR BLOOD Last month Great Britain’s Women Hockey team finally qualified for the chance to defend their Olympic title in Tokyo 2020, with their last qualifier against Chile. Ironically, it was the new blood of the team that saved the day and two East Grinstead club players were stars of the show, scoring the winning goals.

Twenty-year-old, EG player, Tess Howard, broke through in the second half to score a stunning goal, followed by another, final goal from EG’s Laura Unsworth, just three minutes later to clinch the win. GB Coach Mark Hager was effusive in his praise of Tess’s goal, ‘It was a fantastic goal and Tess is getting better each game every time she experiences pressure’.

With this, we decided it would be a good idea to take this opportunity to get an update Q&A from the East Grinstead Ladies Hockey team manager, Tony Crisp and also hear from new EG club and GB player, Tess Howard, about why she decided to join EG and scoring such a crucial goal in a key game for Team GB. What has the EG Ladies progress been in the last couple of years?

After promotion to the Premier League in 2015, we have consistently finished in the play-off places, unfortunately not winning the ultimate prize of being champions. The team has continued to compete at the top level and this season we are currently third in the league table at the half-way point in the season.

What have the highlights been during that time?

Finishing in the top four consistently for a newly promoted team has been the highlight of the outdoor campaign. Our success has been even more marked in the indoor tournaments.

During the last three years we have been English champions on two occasions and as a result represented England in the European Indoor Trophy in 2017 in

Lithuania and we will again be representing England in the European Indoor Cup in The Hague in 2020.

What have the toughest challenges been?

The main challenge has been to recruit players of appropriate standard to East Grinstead which, in Hockey terms, is a bit off the beaten track. Although the club has been performing at the top level, it is comparatively a small club in terms of its playing strength with only four ladies teams. In addition, to improve the playing standard of the second and third teams to support the first team is a real challenge.

Continues over page

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EXERCISE STUDIO

THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO ACHIEVE A LEAN, SUPPLE AND TONED BODY

l increases flexibility and strength l creates long, lean, supple muscles l improves posture l tones, firms and reshapes the body l small movements, amazing results

For a free try-out class call Iris on 01342 331919 Midrange House, Charlwoods Road East Grinstead RH19 2HG. Telephone 01342 331919

www.lotteberkeastgrinstead.co.uk

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To find out how ask your swimming pool shop.

Simple to use, even removes algae spores. Jolly Gel is the only proven flocculent to work with sand, Zeoclere & glass.

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16

HOCKEY IN OUR BLOOD CONTINUED

What does the immediate future hold for the team? What are you hoping to achieve in 2020?

As above, we will be competing in the European Indoor Clubs Cup in February and before that we have the England indoor tournament in January.

Our aim is also to finish once again in the play-off places in the outdoor competition.

Tess Howard joined East Grinstead after two years playing for Durham University where she was studying; since her GB debut in November 2018, she relocated near to Bisham Abbey where the GB side train.

And this summer Tess transferred to EG for the opportunity to join a Premier League side. Tess says, ‘the real draw of EG was the character of the club and its members. I first met the EG ladies’ team and coach, Mary Booth, at the Copper Box Club Indoors last January and I felt drawn to the club as it brilliantly balances being world-class and having the social family-friendly feel. I also feel very lucky to have joined new and old friends at the club.’

SUDOKUS

We asked Tess how it felt to score in such an important match, ‘The Olympic qualifier matches were something I’ve never experienced: the pressure to perform hit me in the first quarter, but as the team gained its

rhythm, I knew we were in control. Referencing the goal, sometimes moments happen and instinct takes over, and usually it’s when you’re in flow and can produce your best. It was a euphoric feeling and then to celebrate it with team mates, but it was more relief!’.

Tess said East Grinstead is unique and hopes to be a part of it becoming noticeably the best club in the country and compete with the top teams in Europe. Her greatest aspiration is to play a part in creating history with Team GB and England for the next ten or so years, to help defend the ladies Olympic title next year.

Best of luck to Tess and all the EG & GB team!

17

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS Come and join us at

Blackland Farm

for a fun-filled day out! l

Schoo

s and Kayaking group ies ay part Open Canoeing birthd me! o welc Bungee Trampolining Rock Climbing Archery Crate Challenge Zip Wire Team Building Abseiling Blacklan Aeroball d Farm ...plus many more!

Book your trip 01342 810493 Registered charity number 306016. blackland@girlguiding.org.uk girlguidingactivitycentres.org.uk/blackland

corderycoach JG Theatre Club

GREAT DAYS OUT BY COACH

Interesting coach excursions departing from Uckfield and other local points.

DECEMBER Tues 10th Fri 13th Weds 18th Tues 31st

12/03/2019 11:45

John Rutter’s Christmas Celebration at Albert Hall Kew Light Trail & Kingston Christmas Market Brighton Philharmonic New Years Eve Gala

JANUARY Weds 8th

Tutankhamun at Saatchi Gallery

Tues 14th

No1 Warehouse Docklands

Thurs 16th

0538 Blackland Farm P4.indd 1

Bluewater Shopping Centre

Sun 19th Weds 29th

God Of Carnage at Yvonne Arnaud Brighton Philharmonic Brass concert My Cousin Rachel at Chichester

FEBRUARY

Nevill Estate Yard, Eridge, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9JR

01892 543233

www.thepianoshopkent.co.uk JW Carpenter J W Carpenter Specialist in the repair and restoration of antique clocks

J W Carpenter

Specialist in the repair and restoration of antique clocks 04/01/2017 16:06

PianoShopWT180.indd 1

Turret/Public clocks serviced

and overhauled Turret/Public clocks serviced and overhauled Specialist in the repair and restoration of antique clocks Specialist in the repair and

John Carpenter C.M.B.H.I.

Turret/Public serviced and overhauled restorationclocks of antique clocks Qualified by the British Horological Institute.

John Carpenter C.M.B.H.I. Member of the British Clock

Turret/Public clocks serviced makers Guild.

John Carpenter C.M.B.H.I.and Watch and overhauled By appointment only please.

Qualified by the British Horological High Street, QualiedInstitute. by the British Horological74-76 Institute.

Member of the British ClockC.M.B.H.I. East Grinstead, RH19 3DE John Carpenter Telephone: 458475 Member the British makers01342 Guild. and Watchof makers Guild. Clock & Watch Email: iamticking@hotmail.co.uk By appointment only please.

By appointment only please. www.antiqueclockrestore.co.uk

Qualified by the British

Horological Institute.RH19 3DE 74-76 High Street, East Grinstead, 74-76 High Street,of the British Clock Member Telephone: 01342 458475 East Grinstead, RH19 3DE and Watch makers Guild.

Email: iamticking@hotmail.co.uk Telephone: 01342 458475 By appointment only please.

Email: iamticking@hotmail.co.uk www.antiqueclockrestore.co.uk www.antiqueclockrestore.co.uk 74-76 High Street,

East Grinstead, RH19 3DE

Telephone: 01342 458475

Thurs 6th

Dial M For Murder at Yvonne Arnaud

Weds 19th

Blithe Spirit with Jennifer Saunders at Richmond

Sun 23rd

Cirque Du Soleil Luzia at Royal Albert Hall

Pick-ups in Maresfield, Nutley, Forest Row, East Grinstead and Felbridge For more information and details of all our other pick up points please see our website or contact us at: JG Theatre Club 01825 732211 info@jgtheatreclub.co.uk www.jgtheatreclub.co.uk Touring Britain & Europe for over 35 years

Official Coach Travel Partner to Sussex CCC

18

The Big Fat

Christmas

Family Quiz Anwsers 0n page 24

Questions for all the family! (suggestion: 3 points for every answer a child gets right, 1 point for every answer an adult gets right) 1.

In which famous Christmas movie does the main character say, “Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!” ?

2.

In what town was Jesus born?

3.

How many presents were given in total in the 12 Days of Christmas?

4.

In which decade was the first Christmas card sent by post in the UK?

5.

How many of Rudolph’s eight companion’s names start with D?

6.

Who invented the Christmas cracker?

7.

Which Christmas dish used to be known as Plum Pudding?

8.

Who played Buddy the Elf in a 2003 Christmas movie?

9.

Where did the baby Jesus sleep?

10. In which southern English town was the carol, “Good King Wenceslas” first translated to English?

11. What’s the second line of “I’m dreaming of a white christmas”?

12. What’s lucky to find in your Christmas pudding?

13. Which angel visited Mary?

17. Who is Arthur Christmas’ grandfather?

18. What gifts did The Three Wise Men give baby Jesus?

19. What colour are mistletoe berries?

20. Who is the patron saint celebrated on the 26th of December?

21. What is the most popular Christmas tree ornament for the top of the tree?

22. Which soft drinks company was the first to have ads featuring Santa?

23. In which decade did Slade have a Christmas number 1 with ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’?

24. What is Father Christmas called in France?

25. Who wants to steal Christmas?

26. Which song was originally named One horse open sleigh?

27. Who said “God bless us, every one!”?

28. What is the name of the snowman from the film Frozen?

29. Who banned Christmas, after the English Civil War in 1647?

14. Which monarch made the first royal Christmas broadcast?

30. What is the name of Ebenezer Scrooge’s partner in A Christmas Carol?

15. London’s annual Winter Wonderland celebration is found in which park?

31. The song “Walking In The Air” features in which classic Christmas film?

16. Which country yearly donates a Christmas Tree to Trafalgar Square in thanks?

32. In which fictional world, created by CS Lewis, is it always winter but never Christmas?

19

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Christmas Specials

This year, instead of the usual Santa Specials, we will be running our miniature steam trains on the 14th December with decorations and lights. The fare will be £1 and running times will be 11am to 3pm.

Crowborough Locomotive Society was established in 1989 and has built and operates a miniature railway at the entrance to the Goldsmith Leisure Centre. The railway, which operates on Saturday afternoons and bank holidays from Easter through to Bonfire Night, is a non-profit-making organization that gives train rides to the public.

So bring nostalgia and fun to your family Christmas and ride our trains of yesteryear.

There will be a Christmas lucky dip for every child that rides and a chance to be a child for every adult that rides. – By Neville Watts

The trains are hauled mainly by steam engines with a few diesel locomotives (battery powered). Many special events are held throughout the year including children’s birthday parties, school and junior club visits and also events to assist local charities to raise money. Crowborough Town Council is very supportive of this popular facility.

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

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CLUES ACROSS: 1 Three-legged camera

Across 1 Three-legged camera stand 7 Smack or political influence 8 Easily taken in 9 Not ever 10 A chance of loss 12 Type of gull 13 Animal hunted for food 4 Violent rage 15 Choppers 17 Browns in the sun 19 The entire amount 20 Sanctioned by authority 21 Bird’s resting place 22 Living room

G U Down 1 Fierce striped cat E 2 Explanatory picture 10 3 Leather-softeningRgreaseI 4 Perfume 5 Chatty communication 14 6 Strongly built F U 11 Locking instrument U 19 13 Family cat or dog O T year 14 Tomorrow and next 15 Sly and sneaky U 21 16 Fabric R O 18 Find an answer to 8

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L L I U S 11K 12 T E R R Y A 16C T A L 20 I O O S T N H

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22

Happy Days are Here Stan Rosenthal, who has lived in Lindfield for many years, runs the international Happy Café Network as a volunteer. A few years ago, Stan initiated an idea which is very simple yet inspired: a friendly and welcoming place to meet other people with a shared interest in promoting happiness and wellbeing. The Happy Café network was born, and has now grown into an international movement, connecting up to the ‘Action for Happiness’ charity, which encourages people to take steps to create a happier and more caring world - the Dalai Lama himself is the patron.

We are very pleased to be able to bring you a Q&A with Stan: How did you come up with the idea of Happy Cafes?

The idea stemmed from my desire to bring ordinary people together to learn the vital, scientifically researched skills for living a happier life, advocated by the Action for Happiness movement, instead of this activity being confined to those already on the wavelength. High street cafes seemed to be the obvious vehicle for tapping into the mainstream and as I passed one in Brighton in the Spring of 2014 the words “Happy” and “Cafe” came together in my mind.

I spent the next few months trying to find a suitable cafe, finally ending up at Emporium in Brighton, a fabulous theatre cafe in London Road, where the manager happened to also be a life coach. The Emporium sadly closed, so we moved our Happy Cafe next door to the Al campo Lounge.

Once you got things going. What happened from there?

The publicity attracted by “Brighton’s First

Happy Cafe” (it was featured in the Telegraph and ITV News, as well as in the local press) resulted in a host of enquiries about setting up others. There are now several in the Brighton area, and well over 100 elsewhere, mainly in the UK but also abroad.

A feature of how the idea developed is that Happy Cafes can now also be found in a variety of settings including workplaces, hospitals, community centres, universities and more.

What has the highlight been during the process?

Apart from the launch of our first Happy Cafe and receiving the Prime Minister’s volunteering award, I was honoured by the Dalai Lama amongst others, acknowledging Happy Cafes as, “an inspiring force for good in communities all around the world”. Another more recent highlight was the launching of our Happy Cafe at Heriot Watt University in Malaysia by HRH the Prince Edward.

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2 4 HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE CONTINUED

What is your vision for the future?

My grand vision is to have a Happy Café in every village, town and city, helping to change the culture of countries around the world, from one based mainly on acquiring the material things that are destroying the planet, to one based on promoting our all-round wellbeing, just as the coffee shops of the 17th/18th century helped to usher in the Enlightenment in that period which made such a difference to the way we live. The feedback has been amazing with many people telling me how much they love the idea and what a difference it has made to their lives.

All the very best to Stan and the whole Happy Café Network! If you are interested in finding out more about how to start a Happy Café in this area, see www.actionforhappiness.org. for details.

Answers to Quiz 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Home Alone Bethlehem 364 1840s Three - Dasher, Dancer and Donner 6. Tom Smith, a 19th-century London sweet shop owner 7. Christmas pudding 8. Will Farrell 9. In a manger 10. East Grinstead 11. Just like the ones I used to know 12. A coin 13. Gabriel 14. George VI 15. Hyde Park

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26

Oh Christmas Tree!

According to the Encyclopædia Britannica, “The use of evergreen trees, wreaths, and garlands to symbolize eternal life was a custom of the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Hebrews. Tree worship was common among the pagan Europeans and survived their conversion to Christianity in the Scandinavian customs of decorating the house and barn with evergreens at the New Year to scare away the devil and of setting up a tree for the birds during Christmas time.”

In fact, evergreen trees have been used to celebrate festivals in winter for thousands of years. Pagans used branches to decorate their homes during the celebration of the winter solstice - it made them think of the spring to come and probably gave them a little hope!

The Romans used fir trees to decorate their temples at the festival of Saturnalia, which honoured the god Saturn - held on 17th December. It is thought that early Christians used it as a sign of everlasting life with God. In Europe, sometimes cherry or hawthorn plants (or a branch of the plant) were put into pots and brought inside so they would hopefully flower at Christmas time.

Christmas trees were also related to the “tree of paradise” of the medieval mystery play, that were performed on the 24th December, the commemoration and name day of Adam and Eve in various countries. In such plays, a fir tree or branches were decorated with apples (to represent the forbidden fruit) and wafers (to represent the Eucharist) and was used as a setting for the play.

The first written record of a decorated Christmas Tree happened in Riga, Latvia.

Men of the local guild, the Brotherhood of Blackheads (an association of unmarried merchants, ship-owners, and foreigners) apparently decorated a tree with artificial roses, danced around it in the market-square and then set fire to it, rather like a yule log.

However, the word used for tree might also mean a mast or pole, so it’s hard to know if this claim is correct. The rose was, however, used for many years and is considered to be a symbol for the Virgin Mary.

Then in the early 16th century there is a record from Alsace, France, which was then German territory, that trees were sold in the marketplace and placed in homes, undecorated. Laws limited the size to, “8 shoe lengths” (slightly over 4 feet).

A little Christmas tree on the table, painting

by Ludwig Blume-Siebert in 1888

By the 17th century, it was common in Germany to decorate Christmas Trees with apples, gilded nuts and red paper strips.

The use of apples as decoration, echoed the medieval mystery plays; incidentally these plays had been used as a way of teaching the bible to a largely illiterate population.

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OH CHRISTMAS TREE! CONTINUED

In Britain, although the tradition of decorating churches and homes with evergreen fir branches at Christmas was long established, the custom of decorating an entire tree was unknown. When the Hanover Kings came to the throne, George III’s German-born wife, Queen Charlotte introduced a Christmas tree at a party she gave for children in 1800.

The custom was not seized upon at first and didn’t spread much beyond the royal family. Queen Victoria as a child was familiar with it and a tree was placed in her room every Christmas. In her journal for Christmas Eve 1832, the delighted 13-year-old princess wrote: ‘After dinner... we then went into the drawing-room near the dining-room... There were two large round tables on which were placed two trees hung with lights and sugar ornaments. All the presents being placed round the trees...’

The custom really took off and became widespread after Victoria’s marriage to her German cousin Prince Albert, so by 1841, wealthier middle-class families were following the fashion.

And the rest is history as we have fully embraced this wonderful tradition year after year.

An engraving published in the 1840s of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert created a craze for Christmas trees

NEWS FROM THE CROWBOROUGH LIONS THIS DECEMBER The run-up to Christmas will be a busy one for the Crowborough Lions, on December 14th we will be entertaining 85 Senior Citizens at a Christmas lunch at the United Church Hall.

On 17th,18th, 20th, 21st and 23rd of December, we will be at Plaza town centre with carols, Father Christmas and his little helpers.

We regret to say that this year we cannot go around the estates with carols and Father Christmas with his sleigh to meet the children any more, this is due to an ageing membership and lack of numbers, plus health & safety concerns.

Christmas lunch for the members will be at the Boars Head Inn, 15th December.

If you know of any person or organisation who you feel would benefit from our help or feel you would like to give your time to help raising funds for good causes or become a lion or a friend of lion’s please contact David Martin 01892 652300 or email at loxfield@gmail.com.

May we take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and the best for the New Year, and thank you for the support you have given us during the year.

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Rewilding: What is it?

Dr Tony Whitbread, President of the Sussex Wildlife Trust

Rewilding is the restoration of nature by putting natural processes back in place. Its purpose is to rebuild ecosystems so nature can flourish; not objective-led in terms of species, it is vision-led in terms of processes brought back. Natural processes are the growth of trees to form forest on one hand, but also natural disturbance through activities as grazing and browsing on the other. So, rewilding is the dynamic interaction between the two factors.

Probably the best rewilding project in lowland England is at Knepp, near Horsham in the Low Weald. This project has seen a great resurgence of wildlife on what was an area of farmland. There are no large-scale projects currently here in the High Weald, but there are landowners who are using the principles of rewilding on a local scale. One landowner in the Brede valley, near Rye, is encouraging natural regrowth and has introduced naturalistic grazing to get a patchwork of habitats in marshland. There are also people in the upper catchments of rivers, such as the Uck, who are re-wooding areas in a form of rewilding to help manage flood risk.

The general message from rewilding is that our landscapes should be more complex, with habitats merging into each other more than we expect. To some, the fuzzy edges between habitats may look ‘untidy’, but this provides more living space and offers more of nature’s benefits.

People can be involved by simply appreciating the nature that returns from rewilding, enjoy the surprise of seeing something unexpected, apply the principles on whatever scale they are able. Even in a

small garden, this interaction of regrowth and disturbance can be encouraged – maybe let grass grow, create a wildflower meadow, mow it irregularly, allowing patches of shrubs to grow.

Feedback to rewilding is extremely positive, especially when people grasp the principles; flourishing of nature is widely appreciated.

Some don’t like the untidiness, but surely there is a place for fuzzy boundaries at least in some special places. Maybe we are too used to our tidy dominance over nature and this should be challenged, by nature having a bit more control. There have also been concerns about “weed” species, although this is often perception rather than reality; when there are problems these are generally overcome by management. Remember though, rewilding is not the same as abandonment which leaves nature unbalanced, without the natural processes in place that keep it rich and diverse.

All the best to our readers with any rewilding in 2020.

For more information and advice visit the Sussex Wildlife Trust website.

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The Sackvilles of Sussex Here is the second historical instalment of the famous Sackville family of Buckhurst Park, who used to own most of the lands in this area. Lord and Lady De La Warr kindly gave us first-hand information about the family. We hope our readers will enjoy: the Garter, Governor of Dover Castle, the list goes on. He even carried the sceptre at George I’s coronation. Though he later found less favour with the King in 1717, being told his services were ‘no longer required’. He returned to favour, however, when only 3 years later he was elevated from Earl to ‘Duke of Dorset’ by the King.

As was and is the tradition, Lionel Sackville (1688 – 1765) was styled Lord Buckhurst from birth, succeeding his father as 7th Earl of Dorset and 2nd Earl of Middlesex in 1706. Lord & Lady De La Warr said that Lionel was chosen to inform the then Elector of Hanover, George (the Protestant, great-grandson of James I) of his accession to the Crown, as the first of the Hanoverian monarchs.

King George I thus initially favoured Dorset with numerous offices and honours. He was made a Privy Councillor, Knight of

Clearly back to the highest of circles, at the coronation of George II in 1727, the now 1st Duke of Dorset was Lord High Steward and carried St Edward’s Crown.

In 1739, Dorset became one of the original governors of the Foundling Hospital in London, set up by the philanthropic sea captain Thomas Coram. ‘Hospital’, was used in the traditional sense here; it was a children’s home established for the education and maintenance of exposed and deserted young children.

He served twice as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. His second term (1751-1755) took place during a time of severe political tension between the two main factions in government, one

led by Henry Boyle, Speaker of the House, the other by George Stone, the Anglican Archbishop of Armagh.

Dorset, heavily influenced by his third son Lord George Sackville, made the mistake of openly backing the archbishop. He was unable to oust Boyle, and was later accused of being the archbishop’s tool; becoming extremely unpopular, he was recalled.

A famous writer of the day, Horace Walpole, gave this sketch of Dorset’s character: “with the greatest dignity in his appearance, he was in private the greatest lover of buffoonery and low company… he was never thought to have wanted a tendency to power, in whosever hands it was”. The famous Anglo-Irish poet, Jonathan Swift, was clearly drawn to him, stating that Dorset was, ‘one of the most agreeable and wellinformed men, and best conversationalists’, he had ever met. Even harsh critics admitted his dignity and decorum (a legacy of the famous manners of the court of Queen Anne).

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THE SACKVILLES OF SUSSEX PART 2 CONTINUED opposed, politically, to his father. He pitted opposition candidates in the boroughs his father Dorset, controlled.

Unsurprisingly, he soon won the attentions and became an ally of Frederick, Prince of Wales, son of George II, who was himself estranged from his father.

Elizabeth Colyear - Portrait

by Godfrey Kneller He married Elizabeth Colyear in January 1709. She later became a Lady of the Bedchamber and Mistress of the Robes to Queen Caroline, wife of George II. The Sackville’s closeness to the throne was all but cemented.

Dorset’s eldest son was the flamboyant and fashionable Charles Sackville, Lord Buckhurst (1711-1769).

Educated at Westminster School, he matriculated at Christ Church, Oxford in 1728, embarking on a lavish, grand tour to Italy, as was the fashion of the young aristocrats of the day. He was to establish the very first Freemasonic lodge in the whole of Italy, in Florence, in 1733.

As Lord and Lady De La Warr said, following the trend propagated by the Hanover heirs, young Lord Buckhurst became bitterly

In the 1734 election, although Buckhurst was defeated in Kent, he was successfully returned as MP for East Grinstead – a safe seat that many of his Sackville forebears had held. He continued to sit for East Grinstead until 1741, when he accepted the office of High Steward of the Honour of Otford. He served as a Lord of the Treasury from 1743 until 1747, and was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Sussex in 1745.

Buckhurst embarked on a second grand tour to Europe in 1737, returning to England in 1739 when he staged an opera, Angelico e Medoro at Covent Garden. This was intended as a showcase for the, reportedly limited, talents of his mistress, the soprano, Lucia Panichi.

His ambition was to revive full-scale Italian opera in London. A few years earlier, the Prince of Wales had sponsored the Opera of the Nobility, as a rival to Handel’s royally sponsored opera (by his father, George II), and Buckhurst, being in the Prince’s inner circle, was likely to have been involved with that too. The ‘heir’s rebellion’ was clearly

not limited to politics, but spread to the arts. In fact, Buckhurst took up the baton and along with other nobles, he continued to support the Opera of the Nobility after it had become bankrupt, reviving it 1741 for another 3 years before it fizzled out.

Charles, Lord Buckhurst, did finally marry the Hon. Grace Boyle in 1744, but they had no children. Like other members of the Sackville family, he was a great supporter and early patron of cricket. His brother and his nephew achieved high levels of involvement which he did not, probably due to his political undertakings and entrenchment in London high society.

As a show of his closeness to Frederick, Prince of Wales, he was appointed Master of the Horse in 1747, and served until the Prince’s death in 1751.

He returned to the House of Commons in the Sackville’s safe seat, again, as MP for East Grinstead from 1761 until 1765.

In that year, he succeeded his father as the 2nd Duke of Dorset, and also as Lord Lieutenant of Kent, and was made a Privy Councillor by the young King George III in 1766. However, all his newly gained titles and honours were short-lived and he died, just 3 years after his father.

Upon his death in 1769, he was succeeded by his nephew John Sackville.

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THE SACKVILLES OF SUSSEX PART 2 CONTINUED

The 3rd Duke of Dorset, John Sackville (1745 - 1799) was the only son of Lord John Philip Sackville (second son of Lionel Sackville, 1st Duke of Dorset). He is most fondly remembered for his love of cricket, being a strong proponent and early patron of the fledgling game.

The young Dorset was schooled at Westminster and went on to join Hambledon Cricket Club (in Hampshire) the leading cricket club of the day, gaining a reputation as a energetic competitor. The Morning Post in 1773 wrote: “The Duke...having run a considerable number of notches from off strokes, the opposing fielders very unpolitely swarmed round his bat so close as to impede his making a full stroke; his Grace gently expostulated with them on this unfair mode, and pointed out their danger, which, having no effect, he, with proper spirit made full play at a ball and in so doing brought one of the gentlemen to the ground”.

In the same year, he presented the Vine Cricket Ground in Sevenoaks, to the town at a peppercorn (nominal) rent, it is one of the oldest cricket grounds in the country.

In 1784 Dorset made a surprising move to Paris, facing off his critics with his newfound public dedication, to serve as ambassador to France.

He continued to promote cricket amongst the locals and British expats. In 1786 The Times reported on a cricket match played in the Champs-Elysées: “His Grace of Dorset was, as usual, the most distinguished for skill and activity. The French, however, cannot imitate us in such vigorous exertions of the body, so that we seldom see them enter the lists”.

The following year The Times again noted that horse-racing was losing popularity in France, with cricket, on Dorset’s recommendation, taking its place; such was his influence.

On 16 July 1789, just two days after the Storming of the Bastille Dorset, as ambassador he reported to the Secretary of

Portrait of John Sackville, 3rd Duke of Dorset (1745-1799) State for Foreign Affairs: “Thus, my Lord, the greatest revolution that we know anything of has been effected with, comparatively speaking - if the magnitude of the event is considered - the loss of very few lives. From this moment we may consider France as a free country, the King a very limited monarch, and the nobility as reduced to a level with the rest of the nation.”

Later, in 1789 John Sackville, 3rd Duke of Dorset, planned what might have become the first international cricket tour. His touring side got as far as congregating on the 10th August at Dover. But the momentum of the French Revolution meant it was too dangerous a journey, thereby making it the first cricket tour to be cancelled for political reasons, all but ruining the prospect of cricket becoming popular in France by destroying the foothold he’d created.

His public life continued in the post of Steward of the Royal Household, in which capacity his main role was to keep an eye on the rebellious Prince of Wales, the future George IV – who, once again, did not like his father George III.

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THE SACKVILLES OF SUSSEX PART 2 CONTINUED

Unrivalled (among noblemen) at cricket, Dorset’s patronage of the game was expensive, it was noted in 1783 that the cost of maintaining his team, before bets, was £1000 a year – a huge amount.

1769, a position he held until 1797 and was Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard from 1789 until his death.

In 1790, sometime after he returned from France, Dorset married a 23-yearold Miss Arabella Diana Cope (1767–1825) who was 22 years his junior. She was a well-known, and wellendowed (in the traditional sense) heiress and Lord & Lady De La Warr said that she was phenomenally rich and brought with her extensive lands in Oxfordshire (Hanwell) which remain in the family to this day.

Throughout the 18th century, cricket was a major attraction for gamblers, which the Duke naturally indulged in. He also acquired a reputation as a notorious womaniser and was the ‘rake of his day’. He had an infamous affair with Anne Parsons who was the Lady Elizabeth Hamilton mistress of Prime Minister (1753–1797), Countess of Derby Augustus Fitzroy, 3rd Duke of Grafton. Parsons had the ear of the Prime Dorset and Arabella had one son together, minister and influence over him. And when George John Frederick, who was born in 1793, he divorced his wife (highly rare in those days) and two daughters, Lady Mary Sackville and Parsons was set to become his wife and first lady, but she was soon discovered to be having Lady Elizabeth Sackville. When Dorset finally died in 1799, aged 54, he left a life interest in an affair with none other than Dorset. his estates to his wife. This made Arabella a His best-known and most enduring mistress very wealthy heiress indeed. From 1799 until was the principal ballerina at the King’s Theatre, her own death in 1825, she controlled all the Venetian Giovanna Zanerini. He commissioned Sackville estates and wealth, in trust for her a painting of her in 1780–81 from Thomas young son George Sackville.

Gainsborough, one of his later known masterpieces. A sculpture showing her nude and Alas we have run out of space again, next month we will continue the Sackville family prone on a divan can be found at Knole. history, resuming with a change in fortune.

Dorset was made Knight of the Garter by King George III and Giovanna wore the blue ribbon Buckhurst Park hosts weddings, country of the Garter while dancing. They had a son pursuits and corporate hospitality. See together: John Frederick Sackville (1778– buckhurstparkweddings. co.uk. The 1796), who was raised by his father at Paris and Dorset Arms in Withyham, owned by Knole after the couple parted in 1789.

Lord and Lady De La Warr, uses produce Of note is his most notorious affair, with the reared and grown on the Buckhurst Countess of Derby, Elizabeth Smith-Stanley, estate, it was named by Spectator Life as which shocked society and led the countess one of the five ‘best country pubs close to be briefly ostracised. Somehow the Duke to London’. of Dorset got away with his scandalous behaviour, not falling from grace and not even Our most grateful thanks to Lord & Lady De La falling out with her husband, the Earl of Derby.

Warr for providing information to help write this article.

He was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Kent in

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What’s On in December

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THURSDAY 5TH DECEMBER Cocktail Making demonstration for two different cocktails and then the chance to create your own. Held by Hospices of Hope.

Tickets include a welcome drink, two cocktails and nibbles. At 7pm, Bar Trend 4, Croft Road, Crowborough.

THURSDAY 5TH DECEMBER Flower Club Christmas Open Evening.

Flower demonstration, “A Christmas Wish”, with Lorena Dyer. Raffles, Christmas refreshments, sales table. Doors open 6:45pm. Tickets £10.

Contact 01882 663702. Doors open 6:45pm for 7:30pm start, Crowborough Community Centre, Pine Grove.

FRIDAY 6TH DECEMBER FILM: Bohemian Rhapsody, Members Choice at Pine Grove Pictures. At this performance a free drink and nibbles for all those attending. Doors open 7pm, starts 8pm, Crowborough Community Centre.

FRIDAY 6TH DECEMBER Craft & Artisan Market Xmas Late Night Shopping at Bridge Cottage Uckfield. We have some wonderfully talented local crafters and artisans at this market who have made their items to sell with love & passion. Each month we have both new & existing stallholders. At 5pm - 9pm, High Street.

SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER Christmas Carol Concert. The Forest Row Lifeboat Choir present their annual concert to raise funds for the Shoreham Harbour RNLI station. A light supper is included in the ticket price. Tickets £10 from Foresta Travel, Hartfield Road, Forest Row or Roger 01342 324196, please bring your own drinks. At 7:30pm, Freshfield Hall, Forest Row. SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER Christmas Concert. Messiah (part 1) performed by Coro Nuovo. Christmas favourites with carols. Andrew Rees will be conducting with soloists from within the choir and, as previous audiences can testify, the standard of singers is first-rate. Tickets £10

from tickets@coronuovo.org.uk or call: 01444 717320 or online coronuovo.org.uk/tickets. At 7pm, St Peter's Church, Chailey.

SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER Christmas Concert. EG Choral Society presents an evening of glorious Christmas music including Vivaldi’s Gloria, music from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and carols for choir and audience. Also featuring St. Mary’s Primary School Choir. Tickets - Adult: £15; 16 years and under free, from Bullfrog Music, Ship Street, East Grinstead, RH19 4EG, box office 01342 328774 or visit our website www.egcs.co.uk.

At 7pm, St Mary’s Church, East Grinstead, RH19 2DS. SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER Dickens' A Christmas Carol performed by Ashley Ramsden in aid of Holy Trinity and St Dunstan Churches. Tickets £10, £5 Children over 8, £25 Family of 4, available at Shearer's in Forest Row or on the door. At 3pm and 7:30pm, Holy Trinity Church, Forest Row. SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER Great Walstead Christmas Market. A huge selection of luxury gifts from local, independent boutiques and artisan producers, North Chailey Christmas Trees and festive entertainment. Free admission. We look forward to seeing you all there. 10am to 4pm, Great Walstead School, East Mascalls Lane, Lindfield, RH16 2QL. SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER Craft & Artisan Xmas Market at Bridge Cottage Uckfield talented local crafters and artisans who have made their items to sell with love & passion. 9am - 4pm, High Street.

SUNDAY 8TH DECEMBER Dickens's A Christmas Carol. Performed by Ashley Ramsden in aid of Holy Trinity and St Dunstan Churches. Tickets £10, Children over 8 £5, Family of 4 £25, available at Shearer's in Forest Row or on the door. At 3pm, Holy Trinity Church, Forest Row. SUNDAY 8TH DECEMBER Carols by Candlelight. Penshurst Choral

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What’s On in December

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Society with conductor John Hargreaves present an evening of carols and readings for Christmas. Adults £10, Children £3, Family ticket £23. Reserve your seats early via penshurstchoralsociety.co.uk/concerts, limited seats on the door, cash only. At 6:30pm, St John the Baptist Church, TN11 8BL. WEDNESDAY 11TH DECEMBER Christmas Wreath Making Workshop in Crowborough. Led by Highgate Florists, all materials provided. Tickets include mince pies on arrival and supper. At 6:30pm, All Saints Church, Crowborough, TN6 1ED. THURSDAY 12TH DECEMBER Arts Society Ashdown Forest. "Queen of Instruments: The Lute within Old Master Paintings" The lute holds a special place in art history and Adam Busiakiewicz's (previously Head of Historical Interpretation at Warwick Castle) lecture looks at it and other musical instruments as devices to express various aspects of the human character through the ages. Afterwards stay for some Christmas spirit. Guests £6. At 2pm, Crowborough Community Centre.

THURSDAY 12TH DECEMBER Groombridge History Group are delighted to welcome back Don Dray presenting a glorious, nostalgic and musical look back at the story of the ballrooms, the dances and the music.

Plus, our Christmas raffle and refreshments. All are very welcome. Non-members £3, at 8pm, Groombridge Village Hall.

FRIDAY 13TH TO 15TH DECEMBER Crowborough Players panto. A family friendly panto version of Dickens' classic tale "A Christmas Carol'. Performances are 13th & 14th at 7:30pm, 14th and 15th at 2pm. Tickets £10 (£8.50 cons) from www. thecrowboroughplayers.com, 01892 300567 or from the community centre. At the Crowborough Community Centre.

SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER Christmas concert by Forest Row Choral Society presents an evening of Christmas

music with conductor, Tom Scratchley. Join in with traditional carols. Tickets £10 on the door (under-16s free). Visit www.frcs.org.uk. At 4:30pm, Holy Trinity Church, Forest Row. MONDAY 16TH DECEMBER Beacon Academy Christmas Carol Concert.

An evening of rousing carols, traditional stories and seasonal performances. Entry is free.

Festive drinks and nibbles will be provided upon arrival in return for donations towards the Sixth Form’s Gambia Campaign. 5:30pm – 7pm, All Saints Church, Crowborough.

THURSDAY 19TH TO 22ND DECEMBER Holy Trinity Church, Forest Row Christmas Tree Festival. Please come along and see the beautiful trees, enjoy a cuppa and a piece of cake. 10am to 4pm, Holy Trinity Church, Forest Row. FRIDAY 20TH DECEMBER It's Christmas - Get me out of here. Try something different for your Christmas Party this year - MURDER! Down in the jungle join our cast of deadly celebrities as they battle a bush tucker trial that will end in murder. Enjoy a three-course festive dinner while you interview the suspects and work with your fellow guests to reveal the murderer. Tickets £35.50. Book a table of ten and only pay £30 a ticket. See www. civiccentreuckfield.com for menu and booking form. At 7pm, Civic Centre Uckfield.

SUNDAY 22ND DECEMBER Carols by Candlelight. Crowborough Community Church warmly invite you to a candlelit service with traditional carols and readings, and a short meditation, followed by seasonal refreshments. At 4pm, The Oasis, Beacon Road, Crowborough, TN6 1AS. WEDNESDAY 22ND TO 25TH DECEMBER Christmas Services for Forest Row and Ashurst Wood. Carol service 22nd at 6pm, Holy Trinity crib service 24th at 5pm, midnight mass 24th at 11pm with carols till 11:30pm. Christmas morning Eucharist 25th at 10am. St Dunstan’s crib service 24th at 3pm, midnight mass 24th at 10pm, Christmas morning Eucharist 25th at 10am.

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