Ashdown Forest Living June 2021 Issue

June 2021

© Daniel York Photography. Find on Facebook & Instagram.

LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY & COMMUNITY NEWS TO ADVERTISE CALL 01342 300152

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SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

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

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T I M E S G O N E BY

F O R E S T R O W, C H A P E L L A N E - C .1916

High Weald Walking Festival 11-19th September This year will be the fourth year of the High Weald walking festival where experienced and knowledgeable guides offer inspiring walks suitable for all ages and abilities. You can once again enjoy a themed walk covering local history, art, literature, wildlife or geology. There will also be a selection of selfguided routes available for those who prefer to explore under their own steam.

An extensive network of footpaths, bridleways and ancient byways makes this historic Wealden landscape a walker’s paradise. From avid ramblers and nature spotters to history buffs and photography fans, there’s something for everyone.

See the High Weald AONB website and sign-up for the newsletter which will give all details.

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Home Visiting Practice For an appointment please telephone 01825 713175 07595 225433

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Warren Drive Residential Care Home

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Dear Residents,

Whats inside this month

Welcome to the June issue.

© Steve Alton

The weather in May has been very variable but we hope June brings, at last, a mini heatwave - well deserved! - and everyone can enjoy more activities with family and friends this month.

Brighter Ashdown Forest is a wonderful group just formed, to help keep the forest litter-free. Find out more about it in our feature.

We bring you an article about the Matt Ratana Foundation and all the incredible inroads being made since last year.

Grow Your Own Drinks

Brighter Ashdown Forest

Standen has an vibrant new exhibition running this Summer, and there are wonderful waterlilys to see at Sheffield Park, see our feature.

Who doesn’t like a cocktail or a mocktail? See our wonderful recipes and ways you can make them ‘home-grown’ this year.

As things start to open up, please do send us through any goings-on that may be taking place so we can make local residents aware.

Joy in the Making

News From Pooh Corner

Thank you for supporting our local businesses, we hope we can help with your garden and home goals this Summer.

Have a lovely June, Tally & Chris 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

Matt Ratana’s Legacy

Goodbye loungewear, Hello glamour

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

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

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of the day ACROSS: 1 Jack Russell CROSS: 1 Last mealANSWERS f wasteland . . . in Hampstead?

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ANSWERS ACROSS: 1 Supper 7 Heath 8 Triangle 9 Snail 10 Nuts 12 Tube 13 Salt 14 Lion 15 Path 17 Yard 19 Trout 20 Operator 21 Linen 22 Taurus

Waterlily Festival

June Quiz

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 2021. 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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© Steve Alton

BRIGHTER

Ashdown Forest Following some muchneeded rain and some slightly warmer weather, Ashdown Forest is finally bursting into life. The colours are changing day by day, with the vibrant green of new leaves and the blues, whites and yellows of spring flowers and tree blossom.

Cuckoos have been heard across the forest and birds are nesting in trees, scrub and heather. There have been many sightings of reptiles and pollinators are busy feeding.

Spring and early summer is a great time to see nature at its best and we are proud that so many people visit Ashdown Forest to share the views and

© Steve Alton

beauty that the natural world has to offer.

However, sadly, not all our visitors respect the forest and countryside as they should.

During the past year, there has been increasing amounts of litter being left behind. Not only does this look unpleasant, it also poses a health risk to people, can cause severe injuries to wildlife and livestock, and can damage the environment. It is everyone’s responsibility to take their litter and rubbish home with them – don’t leave it for others to clear up after you.

Fortunately, some very kindhearted volunteers have set up Brighter Ashdown Forest litter picking group. Since March they have collected nearly 200 bags of litter from around the forest. Every Sunday, they set up a pop-up litter picking station in a car park and go out around the forest to clear up litter. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the people who are involved with this initiative, they make an enormous difference.

With 48 car parks there is a lot of ground for the volunteers to litter pick. There is also a lot of maintenance needed to keep the car parks in a reasonable state of repair.

A combination of dry

© Steve Alton

conditions, heavy downpours and increased use has had a detrimental effect on many of our car parks over the last few months. With huge financial pressure, we have to very carefully target our limited repair budget onto the worst potholes; we have been very fortunate to receive some grants for such works.

For instance, the resurfacing of Box car park was made possible through a grant from Ashurst Wood Village Council.

There are no car park charges or entrance fees for visitors, but if every visitor donated for parking, we would be able to carry out considerably

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more repairs to the car parks and maintain our trails to a higher standard too. There is a sign in every car park with details of how to donate or visit our website for more information www.ashdownforest.org. We welcome each and every donation.

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

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Joy in the Making

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Niamh Wimperis at Standen credit Richard Grudzinski

This exhibition features work from top-name makers, including The Great Pottery Throw Down judge and ceramicist Keith Brymer Jones, world-renowned knitting, needlepoint and patchwork expert Kaffe Fassett, embroidery artist, Niamh Wimperis, recently seen on The Victorian House of Arts and Crafts, internationally exhibited textile artist Mr X Stitch plus well-known presenter turned photographer Edith Bowman.

Keith Brymer Jones explains, ‘Is there a strong link between doing something creative and emotions? I would say that was the definition of creativity.

It’s not even a strong link. They run together’.

Kaffe Fassett echoing his sentiment, ‘I have never, ever, been bored making textiles.

It always grabs me from beginning to end. It holds my attention… life interrupts me in my flow; but if it didn’t, I would happily be sitting listening to Radio 4, knitting away or sewing a patchwork or whatever for the rest of time.’

The Joy is in the Making finds a natural home at Standen which, as an Arts & Crafts destination, was built with handmaking woven into its fabric. The estate has a longstanding link with William Morris who well understood the benefits of the creative process back in the 1800s.

Indeed, the Arts & Crafts movement grew as a reaction against industrialisation and mass production in the Victorian era. At its heart was a desire to revive the skill of craftsmanship, its philosophy

to restore simplicity and honesty to how buildings and furnishings were created.

If the past year’s events have shown anything it’s that this link between getting creative and wellbeing are more important now than ever.

The makers want to share that joy, igniting a curiosity and extending an invitation for all to take a break from the daily buzz of phones and laptops and have a go at crafting.

As Mr X Stitch reflected, crafting will ‘change your life.

You need to have a go at craft because it’s good for you. You deserve it.’

The exhibition runs until Sunday 31st October, 10am to 4.30pm, See website for details and bookings.

Kaffe Fassett at Standen credit Roger Bloxham

A new exhibition now on at Standen looks behind-thescenes of the crafter, sharing not only their masterful works, but also the inspirations, emotions and deep sense of wellbeing that comes with the creative process.

After Lockdown Play Bowls at the

Isle of Thorns Bowls Club in the Ashdown Forest.

ay d safe w n a n u f A y hysicall . to stay p hy lly healt a t n e m and

Come and make new friends at the Isle of Thorns Bowls Club, Chelwood Gate, RH17 7DE E: after-lockdown@iotbowls.co.uk

T: 01342 323861

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WATERLILY FESTIVAL

brings an explosion of colour to Sheffield Park Saturday 12th June – Sunday 18th July

Sheffield Park's picturesque lakes burst into life and visitors are invited to enjoy the spectacle by wandering the shores of the lakes, adorned by thousands of waterlily plants. There are seven different species, in different shades from buttery yellow to deep crimson red. Get up close to the bright blooms and buzzing dragonflies with their floating pontoon, installed specially for this natural event.

A giant fountain offers a new addition to this year’s celebration. The elegant installation promises to bring some dazzle to the lakes through the five-week long festival. Look out for giant lily pads and flowers created by awardwinning community art charity Same Sky; and

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Waterlilies were first introduced to Sheffield Park over a hundred years ago, head-gardener Flic Archer said: ‘Spending time in nature got many of us through lockdown and, despite a difficult year, gave us a sanctuary and a place to meet friends and family safely. It has to be my favourite time of year! I’m delighted that this year we will be able to share the view.’

For more information or to book tickets to Sheffield Park please visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffield-park-andgarden

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CLUES ACROSS: 1 Last meal of the day

Across 1 Last meal of the day 7 Area of wasteland . . . in Hampstead?

8 Three-sided percussion instrument 9 Slug in a shell 10 Crazy 12 Hollow cylinder 13 Sodium chloride 14 Big cat 15 Track or route 17 Walled patio 19 Rainbow fish 20 Switchboard worker

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O A 21 Sheets and tablecloths T R I 22 Bull zodiac sign N I Down 10 1 Silky fabric N U T1 2 A steeplechase (5-2-5) 12 T 3 Jamaican music 14 4 Checkmate board game L I O 5 Quite insane (3,2,1,6) P I 6 Alpine hut 19 11 Earth’s light source T R O 13 Pig pen I T 14 Small 21 15 Mum or dad L I N 16 Fruit kernel T E 18 Mends with weaving stitches

Answers on page 6

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fun family activities to keep the kids entertained during the long, sunny summer days.

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ANSWERS

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

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WHAT’S ON JUNE 2020 Friday, 11th June to Sunday 13th June South of England Showground. Offering every generation the chance to reconnect with the countryside and have a great day out, features a 3-day programme of agricultural and equestrian displays, live. Selsfield Rd, Haywards Heath. 9 am – 6:30pm.

Saturday 19th June Ozzie and the Uglies. Something for everyone as this amazing band will give you funk, soul, pop, country, reggae and rock. At 7:30pm.

Crowborough Social Club. Book in advance.

Friday 25th June Open Air Disco at The Boards Head Inn, Crowborough. 4 hours, starts 7pm. For more information see website to book in advance.

Friday 25th to Sunday 27th June Black Deer Festival. A cultural celebration of Americana and country music, and its way of life. Eridge Park are proud to welcome back the third edition of this award-winning independent festival. See website for details and bookings.

Sunday 27th June Crowborough Tennis & Squash Club Open Day. We are a friendly sports club based in the centre of Crowborough offering tennis, squash and racketball, health & fitness, social events, wellbeing & beauty all in one location.

We have internal competitions and league teams competing at every level. We have also have coaching programmes to suit all levels and age groups. Nine tennis courts, four squash courts with licensed bar open 7 days a week. Come and see us on our Open Day, sample the facilities and talk to one of our friendly members. Adults and juniors welcome and membership deals available.

Rackets and balls provided but non marking indoor shoes required for squash courts.

CTSC, Church Road, Crowborough, TN6 1BN. From 10am.

With all events please be sure to book in advance as needed.

AIDEN MCELLIGOT T

GARDEN SERVICES EST SINCE 2005

Wide range of garden services

FREE ESTIMATES: 07837 488015 aiden7@hotmail.co.uk www.aidenmcelligott.com

NEWS FROM POOH CORNER set themselves down in uncomfortable positions to get the best angles in our small tea shop. But everybody was in good spirits despite their gruelling filming schedule.

Last October Pooh Corner was delighted to be approached to be part of the 13th series of Great British Railway Journeys presented by Michael Portillo. The filming was done after we had closed the shop one Thursday afternoon to ensure strict BBC social distancing policies were met and we had a few moments with Michael to discuss the questions whilst the sound engineer did some tests and the cameramen

Although we chatted for about thirty minutes on camera it was never going to be a case of seeing all the footage and we were genuinely delighted with getting to play a part on such a well-loved and established TV show.

Following the broadcast we were amazed at how many people had said they watched the show and had passed by Hartfield without stopping but wanted to pay the tea room a visit and learn more about the forest and Winnie the Pooh!

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june Quiz Answers on page 17 Hugo's Memorial Skate Park For the wider community, we bring you the great news that work has started on the new, 2. What is the capital of New Zealand? extended skate park in Forest row.

BrainBashers - Daily Sudoku Print 3. Which legendary surrealist artist is famous for painting melting clocks?

1. In what year did Tony Blair become British Prime Minister?

SUDOKU

BrainBashers Sudoku - May 21 - Super Hard

4. In which part of your body would you find the cruciate ligament?

5. What’s longer, a nautical mile or a mile?

6. In what year did The Beatles split up?

7. Gary and Martin Kemp were in what band?

8. What is rapper P Diddy’s real name?

9. Which European city hosted the 1936 Summer Olympics?

10. EastEnders began broadcasting on BBC One in which year?

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Find more puzzles at BrainBashers [www.brainbashers.com]

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QUICK QUICK CROSSWORDUJ A Puzzle Copyright © Kevin Stone

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CLUES ACROSS: 1 Breed of small terrier

Across 1 Breed of small terrier (4,7) 7 Dirty talk 8 From abroad 9 Pecan or cob 10 Canal boat 11 Hot condiment 13 Subservient creep (3-3) 16 Smallest amount 18 Spoil or impair 19 Domestic science 20 To a position within 21 Net wages (4-4,3)

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Down 1 Articles for a rummage sale 2 Forty winks 3 Roof beam 11 P 4 To rub clean 5 Short witty poem O 6 A magic light?

16 11 Skunk-like animal L 12 Iridescent courtyard birdE 13 How delicious! (3-3) 19 14 Bright pink marine C crustacean A 15 Lack of enthusiasm 21 T 17 Fangs

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Goodbye loungewear Hello glamour What we’ll all be wearing post-lockdown (and how to wear it with confidence).

Lounging in loungewear, or lazing in joggers… we’ve all struggled to get ourselves motivated to get dressed over the past year.

Fast forward, and in the next few months, we’re going to be out and about, getting back to what will hopefully be normal.

But what does this mean for your wardrobe?

Here local, East Grinstead based, award-winning stylist Susie Hasler, who runs www.styledbysusie.co.uk, helps you get dressed post-pandemic.

Don’t wave them goodbye completely. Loungewear, joggers, hoodies, sweatshirts will remain in the shops but after June 21st, this style will no longer be a priority in our wardrobes. Even those who used to love “comfy days” in loungewear, are getting fed up with it now and are keen to get into smarter clothing, and this will mean dressing up our casual clothes.

© Zara.com

Smart casual for the office

Leave the loungewear behind Loungewear sets boomed during lockdown. If you weren’t a fan of joggers pre2020, chances are you now own more than a pair or two.

Jeans with a blazer, a skirt with flats and a denim jacket, a shirt with brightly coloured wide legs. These are all styles we’ll see as we transition from working from home to the office. T-shirts with pretty sleeves, and lots of accessories - sunglasses, masks, bag and jewellery to jazz up your new office uniform. We will also be wearing brighter colours and

patterns to subconsciously celebrate a move out of lockdown.

Don’t save for best Whether it was a dinner date, wedding or a party, most of us had a tendency for saving certain items of clothing for “best” before the pandemic hit. With so many events and occasions cancelled last year (even Christmas) we have

© Zara.com

Susie Hasler

The mentality for many has been ‘if no one’s going to see me, what’s the point?’.

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20 learnt that we don’t know what’s around the corner.

It’s given us a more carefree, seize-the-day attitude when it comes to clothing. Make up for lost time! Expect to go big and glam even for casual pub dates with friends, with more effort going into outfits, and dressier pieces being worn.

The eyes have it We don’t yet know whether face masks will be phased out, but I can see many of us opting to wear them for a while longer yet. Many of my clients have spoken about how they have now perfected their eye makeup skills during the past year, watching YouTube tutorials

© lorealparisusa.com and opting for brighter, bolder eyes. And they’ve stepped away from brighter lips. However, the moment masks can go for good, expect a burst of colour on our lips as we finally get to show them off without the smudge risk!

© johnlewis.com

Buy what you need The past year has taught us that we don’t need wardrobes bursting with clothes that we perhaps have only worn once or twice. We can very much operate a needs-based style. This will continue post-pandemic. I advise my clients to shop in a more aware way - will that item go with three or more things you already have in your wardrobe? Avoid impulse buys - chances are you don’t need those bright red quirky heels. And avoid the sales - there’s a reason it didn’t sell, right?

Wear it with confidence Figures show some women

are anxious about lockdown restrictions easing because they’ve put on weight over lockdown. With gyms being closed and many of us working from home, many of us have felt our clothes getting tighter. Many of my clients have told me they’re feeling nervous about socialising again. My advice?

There are many ways to boost confidence that don’t involve changes in weight.

Firstly, let’s all congratulate ourselves for getting through the past year. To feel your best, practice with new makeup colours to make your eyes pop. Treat yourself to a few new, carefully selected items of clothing; if you have to go up a size, remember no-one knows what size your label says. If you wear something that fits well and makes you feel happy, you will shine with confidence.

To book an online style session with Susie see www.styledbysusie.co.uk

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Grow Your Own Drinks

Create a cocktail garden at home Cocktails at home have become a big hit over the last year, whether as a treat at the end of the day, to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or just because it’s the weekend.

Using homegrown herbs and ingredients in cocktails and mocktails is a big trend this year. What could be fresher than ‘just picked’ fruit or herbs popped into an ice-cold drink? From garden to glass, once you start growing your own ingredients, you’ll realise that the taste is out of this world.

Here is a selection of refreshing botanical recipes:

season and a little bit tart, you may wish to add a little more puree, and if they’re fully ripe, then you may wish to decrease the puree.

• Ref: happyhourprojects.com/fresh-herbs

Refreshing Garden Gin & Tonic Ingredients (makes one drink):

Strawberry & Basil Infused Lemonade Ingredients (makes one drink): • • • • • • •

30ml lemon juice 85ml club soda 30ml strawberry puree 60ml vodka (optional) A few fresh basil leaves for garnish Strawberry chunks for garnish Ice

Method: • Mix together vodka (optional), strawberry puree, ice and lemon juice in a highball glass or mason jar.

• Top with club soda until the glass is full.

• Garnish with strawberry slices and basil leaves.

• Note: the sweetness of this drink will vary depending on the ripeness of your strawberries. If your berries are early in the

• • • • • • •

1 or 2 fresh rosemary sprigs 1 or 2 fresh thyme sprigs A few freshly picked basil leaves 1/2 a lime, juiced Ice 60ml gin 150ml tonic water

Method: • Add the rosemary sprigs, basil leaves, thyme sprigs and lime juice to a cocktail shaker and lightly muddle.

• Pour the contents of the cocktail shaker into a glass. Add gin, tonic water and ice. Gently stir to combine and enjoy!

• Ref: burrataandbubbles.com/garden-ginand-tonic

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24

• Pour back into the blender and add coconut water, blend for 2 minutes.

• Pour into a large jug.

• Fill individual glasses with ice and garnish with thyme. Pour slowly and serve immediately.

Or be bold and create your own recipes depending on which ingredients you are growing.

Dill & Cucumber Gin Fizz Ingredients (makes one drink): • • • • • •

60ml gin 30ml lime juice 85ml club soda A few freshly picked dill sprigs 4 cucumber slices (plus one for garnish) Ice

Method: • In a short glass, add 3 slices of cucumber, gin, lime juice and a few sprigs of dill (removed from the stem).

• Muddle until the cucumber starts to break up.

• Add ice and top with club soda.

• Garnish with a sprig of dill and a cucumber wedge and serve.

• Ref: thisrenegadelove.com/long-weekendcocktail-dill-cucumber-gin-fizz/

Orange & Thyme Mocktail Ingredients (makes five drinks): • • • • • •

6 small oranges, peeled & seeds removed 1 tsp fresh thyme 1/2 tsp orange extract 60ml vodka (optional) 950ml pure coconut water Ice

It is very easy to create a cocktail garden at home. You can grow most fruit and herbs in flower beds or containers, and they tend to like a sunny spot with good drainage. Now that the weather is starting to warm up what better way to enjoy your garden than with a cocktail in your hand which includes your own homegrown produce.

Try growing: Fruit • Rhubarb (great in a Martini) • Strawberries (to pop into a Pimms or to create a Strawberry & Basil Infused Lemonade) • Apple (tasty in Pimms or in a Martini) • Peach (add to champagne to create a Bellini) • Blueberry (perfect for muddling, or for making syrups to use in blueberry cocktails) • Cucumber (for Dill & Cucumber Gin Fizz or put in a Pimms) • Herbs • Mint (for Mojitos, Pimms and Mint Julep) • Basil (use a few fresh leaves as a garnish) • Rosemary (for infusions, syrups or muddling) • Thyme (essential in an Orange & Thyme Mocktail) • Dill (to create a Dill & Cucumber Gin Fizz)

Method: • In a blender combine oranges, thyme and orange extract until smooth. Strain it thoroughly.

With thanks to Squire’s, www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk.

They have a wide range of fruit plants and herbs, in-store or online.

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MATT RATANA’S LEGACY East Grinstead Rugby Club’s Matt Ratana has left behind a legacy, felt keenly in East Grinstead and across the rugby world. This article brings local supporters upto-date with the latest news and the foundation started in his name: The Matt Ratana foundation was born late last year with East Grinstead based Sean Morgan at the helm and a fantastic team of people, all with connections to the rugby world.

At the time of the foundation’s inception, Matt’s partner Su Busby said: “Matt believed that creating community was

vital to individual growth and success. His work as a coach of all ages and as part of the police was a clear demonstration of this belief”.

In the latest sign of Matt’s lasting legacy, the Duke of Cambridge paid tribute © Met Police

Inspector Wil Ajose-Adeogun © Met Police The Commissioner welcomed The Duke of Cambridge to Croydon Custody Centre to pay respects to Sgt Matt Ratana © Met Police

to Matt in April by joining Cressida Dick to lay at wreath on a memorial bench saying: “I’ve wanted to come here for a while.” He met some former colleagues to pass on condolences, and held an emotional private meeting with Matt’s partner Su Busby.

Matt has also been honoured in other ways by the police force he served for so many years. Seven newborn Alsatian police puppies were named the ‘Ratana Litter’ in Matt’s memory. Named by Su, it is anticipated that the litter will start their ‘careers’ around August – and Su will be invited back to witness the special passing out parade when they ‘graduate’ next May. Matiu, Carter and Jonah were given to the males and Kora, Blu, Valentine and Whanau for the females.

As the police work on making sure Matt’s memory is secured, the foundation set up in his name aims to bring Matt’s community-minded ideas to reality. Sean explains:

27

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© MRRF

© MRRF

© MRRF

© MRRF

© MRRF

© MRRF

“The first step was to apply for charitable status which is a long process. In the end we have attached ourselves to an existing charity, the Atlas Foundation. They support underprivileged children by bringing rugby to communities; a family member of a local East Grinstead team player, worked with Atlas so they had the contact. This meant Matt’s foundation could get off to a flying start.”

That included a short campaign, supported by TV Sports pundit and former player Lawrence Dallaglio as well as a host of other sports and TV stars. Dallaglio works for a company (Akuma) that helped produce over 4000 shirts at cost price for the Try4Matt campaign. It

involved people buying the shirts in return for a donation and then posting the picture on social media.

Sean’s in no doubt that the shirt campaign helped kick start the foundation: “it has truly gone international now, we’ve had help and offers of support from Zimbabwe to Ireland to Hungary.”

On asking Sean why Matt’s legacy had touched so many people, “Matt was 100% character and 0% persona.

That informed all he did and everyone he helped. The fact this tragedy happened during a global pandemic gave people time to reflect - the fact he was due to shortly retire, the way in which it unfolded, the personality Matt was”.

Just one month after the foundation’s launch, Matt was named the BBC Sports Personality Unsung Hero of the Year. Sean is convinced Matt’s legacy has gone into the conscientiousness of the rugby and policing world and beyond.

And it continues to bear fruit now. The support programmes are being prepared to roll out as soon as the country can safely unlock itself from the pandemic. And as Sean tells us, people used the time to become creative about their fundraising efforts.

“Because people were locked down, meeting up was impossible. But people still wanted to help out and create a community

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© Nick Fox

together. The ladies team at East Grinstead Rugby club challenged themselves to cover the distance between East Grinstead and Matt’s birthplace in New Zealand”.

“Over the course of six weeks, people joined the challenge creating an online community to walk, run, canoe and cycle over 11 thousand miles. They were bonded by a common cause – Matt – and I know some of the members have never met each other. A former colleague of Matt’s in the Met did something similar, a virtual 10k run which over 3000 people signed up to do.”

More recently a team of police officers climbed Mount Snowdon in full riot gear, Sean explains: “Launching the foundation during a global pandemic had been quite a challenge as supporters have been unable to meet to fundraise in a traditional

© Nick Fox

Nick himself said, “Climbing Snowdon is something we have always wanted to do.

I had the idea to do it in full Level 2 gear to make it tougher. We decided to climb the PYG trail on Snowdon with an aim to complete it in five hours. The challenge hadn’t been attempted before… very pleased we managed to do it with a minute to spare and have already raised over £5000”.

28th August, the foundation are holding a huge charity event at London Irish’s training ground – where Matt was once a player.

They are fielding a team of ex-Irish and British Lions and ex-international players to play England Police. There will also be a ladies game featuring several international players. Proceeds from this event and initiatives such as The Snowdon climb will fund coaching roles at Croydon Rugby Club and Northamland Rugby in New Zealand. The roles at these clubs will be similar to the role Matt held while he was at East Grinstead Rugby Club and specifically designed to improve the lives of younger people in their communities.

Now lockdown has been lifted, people are able to get out and fundraise so on the bank holiday weekend of

You can donate and read more about the foundation at mattratanarugby. foundation

sense. Nick Fox and his team climbing Snowdon in full riot gear is a first! It was a very creative way to raise funds to help engage younger people from the wrong side of the tracks in life, into fulfilling and meaningful activities such as rugby. Matt would have been so proud and honoured by their efforts”.

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