Egliving aug lr

living COMMUNITY BUSINESS DIRECTORY Support your local businesses • Call 01342 300152 to advertise August 2014

Street Market Railway Approach by Bill Lane • © East Grinstead Town Council

Dame Judi Dench & the RDA

Local History Notes, Neil Gaiman

East Grinstead’s Charlotte Blackledge

Yearning for Yarrow • Dreaming of Hundred Acre Wood • Gardening in August • & More Inside

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Index:

Dear Residents, Welcome to the August issue.

We hope you’re having a lovely Summer so far and fingers crossed the gorgeous sunshine will continue throughout August.

This month is a bit of a ‘celebrity special’ with features about 2 famous people who grew up in the town and another who lives nearby. A complete fluke we should add!

The regular features by Andrew Mcfarlane are proving to be very popular; we bring you ‘Yearning for Yarrow’ this month with more gems of wisdom about some of the plants that grow in our midst.

Thank you for supporting our many local businesses.

Wishing you all the best for a good Summer.

Tally & Chris

East Grinstead Living To advertise call 01342 300152 info@egliving.co.uk www. egliving.co.uk

Follow us on TWITTER

Contents Yearning for Yarrow

Scan this for our local directory

6

Dreaming of Hundred Acre Wood 8,10 Gardening in August

12

Words That Don’t Mean What We Think

14

East Grinstead’s Charlotte Blackledge 16,18 Mums the Word

18

Dame Judi Dench

22

Quick Quiz

22

Q&A: Community Hero, Noreen Daw 24 BlackBerry & Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe 26 Local History Notes

28,30

Arts Festival

32

A PhoenIx from the Ashes

36

Whats On

38

East Grinstead Living Notice: East Grinstead Living prints various articles, features, and advertisements. Although these appear in East Grinstead Living, any opinions expressed are the opinion of the author, these are not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. © Copyright East Grinstead Living 2014. The contents of this publication are written specifically for our readers, no part August be reproduced elsewhere without express and prior permission.

Support Local Business

Animals Always Wagging 7 Architects Cowan Architects 35 Bicycles D&C Cycles 5 Blinds/Curtains/Interiors Elizabeth Designs 27 Home Accessories 27 Care Brooker Care 5 Sussex Health Care 40 Inter-County Nursing 11 Children’s Activities & Products/Education The Creative Hub 21 Greenfields School 23 Shaun Angel Street Dance 23 Singing/PianoTuition 22 Effective Education 21 Children’s House Nursery 21 German Tuition 21 Blackland Farm 21 Science/Maths Tuition 21 Cleaning Services Supreme Oven Cleaning 25 Clothes & Shoes Second Glance 19 Private Collection 19 Suitables Fashion Boutique 19 Computer/Website Design Services Computer Studio 39 Mr. Computing 39 Fitness/Health/Beauty Lotte Berk 19 Family Chiropractic Clinic 17 Feet First 17 Atlas Profilax 20 Mobile Massage Therapist 17 Hire Fitness 19 Foot Lady 19 Function Venue/ Restaurant/Bar Yew Lodge 11 Garden Services/Plants Imberhorne Lane Nursery 13 MGC 14 DR Newland Tree Care 14 Green Machines 13

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JH Vartan 13 Home Maintenance Services & Products Dave Edwards Electrical Contractors 29 Mid Sussex Timber 3 Bailey Bridge Refurb/ Construction 37 PK Refurb/Landscaping Services 35 Beeches Builders 29 Paint it Now 25 Blindstar Blinds 27 Here to Help 29 AI Plumbing 37 Expest Gutter-Fascia-Roof 37 John Bloom Plumbing & Heating 35 Gary Spurle Bathroom & Heating 31 MM Roofing Contractor 35 MRM Plastering 29 Progressive Electrics 26 Resolution Plumbing 25 A.G. Kerr Carpentry 25 MDH Painters & Decorators 5 James Mundy Decorating 32 Steve Cook Building 32 Shuttleworth Decorators 35 Compte Electrical Services 5 Painting & Decorating MM Walker Home Maintenance 35 Insurance NFU Mutual Insurance 15 Kitchens Kitchen Bespoke 29 Absolutely Kitchens 33 Pest Control Expest Pest Control 14 APM Pest Control 14 Satellite, Aerial Specialists Norsat 15 Window Services The Window Shutter Company 27 Heron Windows Ltd. 31 As Good As New Window Repairs 7

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“We noticed Nathan in the local magazine, he provided us with excellent service, extremely reliable and knowledgeable. He carried out the work with excellent standard and came up with various suggestions and examples which made me feel very confident and appreciated. After the work was completed the area was left very clean and tidy. I would certainly recommend Nathan do anyone that is looking for any electrical work without the fear of being let down.” J.H. 2013 Fully Qualified & Insured.

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Visit www.egliving.co.uk for a full list of businesses in our directory • tel: 01342 300152 August 2014 |

Yearning for Yarrow a neanderthal man in the area known today as Iraq.

The plant is highly aromatic and when you taste yarrow it is pungent, with quite a bitter aftertaste. It is these qualities which give rise to its many uses beyond healing the wounds of battle.

Yarrow is a common roadside herb, easy to look over, yet so renowned for its healing properties it has made it into Greek mythology. Yarrow grows throughout the Northern continents and will grow in almost any terrain. It is easy to recognise with its fine, feathery leaves and its white umbel shaped flower heads. It belongs to the Asteraceae family which means that each flower is composite made up of many tiny florets.

Yarrow derived its Latin name from the Greek hero Achilles, who was taught the uses of yarrow by the centaur. Since the dawn of time yarrow’s most common herbal use was for treating wounds, especially those attained in battle.

Even its Old English name translates to ‘make a well from spears’, which hints to its use in treating battle wounds made from spears and swords. It staunches bleeding immediately and causes the tissues and blood vessels to grow back quickly with minimal scaring. even if the wound is almost to the bone. It has analgesic properties which help numb the pain too. Widely studied, it has been shown to have about 120 active properties, some of which include antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiseptic. Now it is easy to understand how renowned it was for all cultures around the world. Its use has been dated back as far as 60,000 years ago, when remains of yarrow were found alongside other herbal plants in a grave of

It has been used to counteract cramps and spasm, especially of the stomach, abdomen and uterine system. While its bitter qualities support and stimulate the digestive system by acting on the gallbladder and liver. Yarrow is an effective anti-inflammatory and diuretic, and as such is indicated for urinary infections, such as cystitis. It is an excellent women’s herb that helps with a multitude of menstrual issues. Yarrow has an effect on the dilation of the blood vessels which in turn improves our peripheral circulation. It has therefore been indicated for high blood pressure and angina pectoris.

It is also one of the best herbs to induce a cooling sweat to reduce fevers. The anti-inflammatory action of this plant helps to explain its use in the treatment of rheumatism. It is both a tonic and alterative that over time will improve the overall function of all the main bodily systems, as well as being of excellent service in the treatment of acute problems. Understanding how to use Yarrow is imperative as it is strongly moving where necessary and tonifying where needed. This dual action is what has given it is reputation for being able to both cure and cause nosebleeds. Care has to be taken too when using for long periods as it can make skin photosensitive.

Yarrow has a long history of use in the brewing of beer in Scandinavian countries before the introduction of hops. Beers brewed with Yarrow and several other bitter herbs were traditionally known as gruit.

NB: Remember to always consult an expert when foraging and self medicating. Always ID plants 100% before consuming and seek a professionals advice. Any medicinal uses described above are only a general guide and diagnosis and treatment is far more complicated than explained in this brief article. Always seek the advice of a practitioner or doctor for any ailments.

| August 2014 • Please mention East Grinstead Living when responding to adverts

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ing am re D of

A

Hundred creWood

© Grant Melton

The author Kathryn Aalto, an American landscape designer, historian and author based in Exeter, is writing a book about the connection between Winnie the Pooh author AA Milne and the Ashdown Forest landscape that inspired perhaps the most famous children’s stories of all time.

We are lucky to have a Q&A with Kathryn about her upcoming book:

What inspired you to write the book about the Hundred Acre Wood?

Exploring the Hundred Acre Wood is actually an assigned book from my publisher, Timber Press.

Based in Portland, Oregon, they are the world’s largest and most prestigious horticultural press.

They publish a range of beautiful, visually-rich and well-researched books by experts on natural history, botany, gardens and all things horticultural. This book comes on the heels of their recent release, the best-selling Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life: The Plants and Places that Inspired the Classic Children’s Tales.

My editor was interested in the further exploring the connection between landscape and literature with what is arguably the greatest children’s book in the England language. I explored it and realised there is much to say. I am having so much fun writing it.

How would you say Winnie-the-Pooh brings out the ‘taking us back to nature’ concept?

‘Play’ for AA Milne and his brother was beyond the pavement and playgrounds. Encouraged by his father, Milne’s love of the outdoors began in the gardens of his family’s home in Hampstead village and soon extended outward. At a very young age, he was able to wander with his older brother Ken

into then still rural parts of London as well as the leafy wooded wonderland of nearby Hampstead Heath. It was the real Christopher Robin as well as his fictional counterpoint. So in the books, the imaginary Christopher Robin is a little boy wandering the landscape without adults. It is just he and his imaginary friends. It is of course a fictional world but it was based on memories of his own golden childhood, observations of his own son Christopher Robin and his imagination as a writer. It is a world in which imaginative play and wandering the landscape without adults is important. We need to give our children more freedom in the natural world and let them experience more freedom to learn independence, develop their imaginations and negotiate life’s challenges.

How would you say AA Milne’s own childhood influence him as a writer?

AA Milne, who lived at Cotchford Farm, Hartfield, was an avid walker all his life. The forest and woods had a direct influence on the landscape he and EH Shepard, his illustrator, created. It was not unusual for A.A. Milne and his brother to wander 4-5 miles before school in the morning; they just needed to be at their desks by 7am. Their father was the headmaster at his school and he wholly trusted the boys, both of whom

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were excellent students and trustworthy. They never got into (too much) trouble. Milne was born in 1882 and even for those times, this freedom to explore was unusual. I am confident it directly influenced his imagination. His father was also an avid walker and took the boys on frequent walking tours throughout southern England. Milne collected shells, bird eggs and butterflies and also wrote about his adventures.

Memories of his own boyhood in the natural world directly influenced him when he briefly turned to writing children’s verse and the Winnie-the-Pooh books. I relate some of the more hilarious episodes of his childhood in Part 1, the biography of Milne. (Part 2 is about iconic places in the Hundred Acre Woods and the real landscape; Part 3 is a natural history of Ashdown Forest.).

What information would you be interested in hearing about from the local area?

I am interested in favourite walks people like to take with their children in Ashdown Forest and the Five Hundred Acre Wood. Also, what do people find particularly interesting and appealing about the landscape? It is an unusual landscape and has been described by some as harsh. What is your favourite part of the landscape and why?

Here is an extract from Kathryn’s book ‘EH Shepard illustrates the Enchanted Place as a beautiful sanctuary of golden light and long thoughtful shadows. It is, in real life, illuminated and wholly enchanting and much more, a place where magical thinking is still allowed. Doing nothing can never be underestimated. The Enchanted Place is lovingly recalled by readers of the Winnie-the-Pooh books as it represents a time and space when a child can make sense of his or her world through imaginative play. Written in 1928, four years before the real Christopher Robin goes to school, the story may have been Milne the father reflecting on the time when his own son would leave home for Stowe, a boarding school in Buckinghamshire, at the age of 13. It could be Milne reflecting on his own childhood when he left his home at the 11 for Westminster.

Perhaps it was a reflection on childhood itself, or a combination of all three as life and art blend together.’

For more information about the author or to get in touch about favourite walks of Ashdown Forest please contact Ms Aalto on 07531 756856 or visit www.kathrynaalto.com

© Craig Williams Photography www.craigwilliamsgallery.com 01825 712337 10 | August 2014 • Please mention East Grinstead Living when responding to adverts

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Visit www.egliving.co.uk for a full list of businesses in our directory • tel: 01342 300152 August 2014 | 11

Gardening in August

By Clare Parkinson Horticultural Manager and Garden Designer Imberhorne Lane Nursery

August is a great time to relax and enjoy the garden – the hard work is done! did I really just say that?

Enjoy the fruits of your labour, if you are a fruit and vegetable grower then this is meant literally as you harvest your beans, lettuce, beetroot, second earlies, tomatoes…

Take a good look at your borders and decide now (and make a note) if you’re moving shrubs or perennials in the autumn or spring for greater impact next year.

This has been a particularly bad year for powdery mildew, spraying is an option but also consider watering the area well, feeding with a high potash feed and giving the plants a good mulch dressing. Roses will benefit from a little sulphur being tickled in to the soil around the base of the plant.

Perennials

Shrubs and Hedges

Keep these looking tidy, cutting back dead heads. If you want good autumn colour then consider Rudbeckia, Echinacea, Crocosmia, Aster and the plethora of interesting grasses that are available Pennisetum rubra has a good colour and a very tactile cats tail.

Now is the time to clip Lavender, Santolina and Rosemary, remove dead flower heads and trim back to just above the old flower stems, avoid cutting into the old woody stems

Containers and Pots keep feeding and watering

Bulbs Autumn flowering bulbs should be planted now, crocuses and colchicums are good choices. Some spring bulbs will be available and towards the end of the month you can start to put these in.

Fruit and vegetables Prune back your fruit. Gooseberries and redcurrants cut back the side shoots by one third. For blackcurrants cut the fruiting shoots back down to the ground, this encourages new growth. Leave the pruning of grapevines, autumn fruiting raspberries, standard apples and pears and figs until mid winter.

12 | August 2014 • Please mention East Grinstead Living when responding to adverts

Further colour can be added to the garden with Hydrangea, there are many different varieties available now and they last well into autumn.

They don’t need a lot of attention and the dead flower heads can give a bit of winter frost interest. Don’t trim these off until the spring.

Clematis, Azalea and Rhododendron It is during the next three months that these plants are developing their flower buds so you need to keep them well watered and fed with high potash tomato feed, you will be well rewarded for your efforts next spring.

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Factoid

What you think it means: A fun fact of little consequence.

What it really means: A piece of inaccurate information that is presented as being as factual, and is then accepted as true because of frequent repetition.

Epicentre

What you think it means: The centre of something.

What it really means: The point on the earth’s surface directly above the focus of an earthquake.

Exponential

What you think it means: Very quick growth.

What it really means: An increase in the rate of growth. The rate of change can be described using an exponent, such as 103.

Enormity

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What it really means: The extreme scale, seriousness, or extent of something that’s specifically bad or morally wrong. Can also mean a grave crime or sin. As in: “We only just discovered the enormity of his crimes.”

Refute

What you think it means: To deny something.

What it actually means: To prove to be false or erroneous by argument or proof.

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What you think it means: To get an electric shock.

What it actually means: To injure or kill by electric shock.

Literally

What you think it means: A way to add emphasis to any sentence.

What it actually means: In a literal or strict sense, i.e. something that really happened, without exaggeration or inaccuracy.

Infer vs Imply

What you think it means: They mean the same thing.

What it actually means: To infer is to form an opinion based on evidence and reasoning. The listener infers.

To imply is to express something in an indirect way without saying it plainly. The speaker implies.

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Visit www.egliving.co.uk for a full list of businesses in our directory • tel: 01342 300152 August 2014 | 15

East Grinstead’s Charlotte Blackledge, star of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Stephen Ward’

Charlotte Blackledge grew up in East Grinstead and has fond memories of her home town. She’s just finished starring as Mandy Rice-Davies in the latest Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical, Stephen Ward, so Barney Durrant (Reporter, East Grinstead Online) caught up with her to talk about her career.

What are your earliest memories of performing in front of an audience?

Being cast as the tortoise in the Tortoise and the Hare at my school in Year Four. I was so chuffed to be cast as one of the leads. I think my mum still has it on video!

Did you want to be on stage, in films, TV or to sing and dance?

I never really specified what I wanted to be in, I just wanted to do it all. Funnily enough, I still do. I always wanted to be in Shakespeare though. I remember watching Taming of the Shrew and telling my dad I was going to play Katherine one day. It hasn’t happened yet but I’m not giving up hope.

How long have you lived in East Grinstead and what do you like or dislike about the town?

I grew up in East Grinstead, and I only left when I went to drama school. I love it here, I have great memories and wonderful friends. Only problem is you never know which coffee shop to go in, there are so many. I take it in turns.

Are there any local groups that really helped you as your career began to take off?

One group which really supported me was the Stonegate Players, a small company of drama enthusiasts. They are wonderful actors and great friends. I owe them a lot.

What was it like to get the message about your role in Stephen Ward ?

I was told in the room, by Richard Eyre himself. I was speechless for about five minutes and then I cried.

It was overwhelming and completely unexpected.

I remember Richard looking at the other panellists (there were about 15 of them), them all nodding and then he looked at me and asked if I was available to play Mandy Rice Davies. I had to keep it a secret, but I rang my parents as soon as I get out of the room and we had a celebratory dinner.

Did your family encourage you to perform or did they ever have any reservations about the life of an actor?

I think every parent has concerns when their child says they want to be an actor. This profession is incredibly demanding, tiring and emotionally draining. No parents wants to see their child go through so many highs and lows in life. But after saying all that, they run my fan club. You couldn’t ask for better parents, they have held my hand through every decision I have made. I am incredibly lucky.

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Free Parking • Affordable Prices • Friendly Service Old Station House, London Road, East Grinstead, RH19 1ET Tel: 01342 315298 Website: www.familychiropracticsussex.co.uk info@egliving.co.uk • tel: 01342 300152

East Grinstead Living • August 2014 | 17

Tell us about the experience of being in a new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical – the attention, the press, the critics…

I really don’t know where to begin. Mind blowing.

Terrifying. Incredible.

Something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

How did you feel when it came to an end?

Very sad. It was an incredible experience to start my career on such a high with such incredible people who have taught me so much. There are no words. But when life closes a door, it opens a window.

How do you measure the success of a project – the financial returns, the reviews, your enjoyment of it, extra fame?

Only one element from that list, enjoyment. As an actor you can’t measure your success by money, there’s never a lot of it. Or by the reviews. I tend to stay away from the papers and listen to the creatives and the audience.

What’s the strangest experience you have had with being recognised by the public?

There’ve been a few – most of them start with ‘it’s a wig!’.

The weirdest moment was probably when the billboards were up in the tube stations. I had to wait every night on the Piccadilly line and as often or not somebody would realise it was me.

“I think as mothers we are all just trying our best.”

Gisele Bundchen

Clean your washing machine with vinegar!

Pour white vinegar into the washer drawer and run through your empty machine on a hot wash to get rid of bacteria and limescale. Pour about half a cup of white wine vinegar into the washer drawer for at least an hour at 60 degrees. the vinegar will have a positive effect on bacteria and limescale build-up. Run the machine empty on the hottest wash once a month, with or without the vinegar, to help keep it clean and fresh.

Expose your children to nature this Summer! Here is a fabulous website with lots

of resources to give your kids plenty of activities to keep them occupied and better still to get them back in touch with nature: www.naturedetectives.org.uk.

18 | August 2014 • Please mention East Grinstead Living when responding to adverts

Having a Summer party?

Here are some non-alcoholic cocktail recipes (for the drivers amongst us): Acapulco Gold: 6 shots of pineapple juice, 1 shot of grapefruit juice, 2 tablespoons of coconut cream, 2 tablespoons of fresh cream and a scoop of crushed ice. Yum! Berry Surprise: Blend 1 cup of strawberries, a cup of pineapple chunks, half a cup of raspberries and a splash of lime cordial together and serve over ice.

Clothes, Health & Beauty

The Foot Lady Fully qualified chiropodist • podiatrist • reflexologist All lower limbs and foot problems treated diabetic checks, corns callus etc.

Jacquie Woodhouse Bsc (Hons) MSCh ITEC HPC call 01342 833844 for an appointment or 07779658869 for home visit

Edward & Ellie the East Grinstead Elephants

Last months pages : 10,16, 26 and 34 The name of the game is to locate the 2 Ellies & 2 Edwards hidden on 4 pages in the magazine. Good luck!

Win £10

Let us know the page numbers, enter online: www.egliving.co.uk or email:info@egliving.co.uk.

Closing date: 22/08/14

GET FIT & HEALTHY IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME GET FIT IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME

Michael Wall, established his Hire Fitness business 5 years ago & has since built up a large portfolio of clients in this area.

People are increasingly choosing to hire fitness equipment in their homes for People are increasingly choosing to hire in their homes many reasons, many reasons, mostforoften for convenience & lack of time or inclination to go the gym. Parents can also look after their children whilst they exercise. The Power Plate is a popular model, it can burn up to 350 calories in 10 minutes. Other benefits include cellulite busting, improved blood circulation, stronger bones but most of all – improved toning! All Hire Fitness models are of the highest quality and the range includes treadmills, bikes, cross-trainers, rowers & cavitation machines.

Here is a Testimonial from one of Michael’s happy customers: ‘After 12 weeks use of the Pro Plate, I had a noticeable improvement in the toning of my tummy, bottom and legs. I haven’t felt so good for as long as I can remember!’ Julie, West Sussex For more information call Michael at Hire Fitness (Open 7 days 8am to 9pm): on 0800 707 6624 or 07932 139386 or email on mwall@hirefitness.co.uk www.hirefitness.co.uk

Fashion Boutique

SUMMER SALE NOW ON

This seasons essential new look

Casual clothing ranges such as La Naturelle, In Town & Signature Large selection of affordable accessories from bags to jewellery Shoes for all occasions

Plaistow Street, Lingfield, Surrey, RH7 6AU (opposite village pond)

Suitables of Lingfield 01342 832567 www.suitables.co.uk info@egliving.co.uk • tel: 01342 300152

East Grinstead Living • August 2014 | 19

Butterfly Spotting   Know your local butterflies this Summertime, here is a  to help you along.. hand 

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    

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   

     

20 | August 2014 • Please mention East Grinstead Living when responding to adverts

Children & Education

Does your child have a creative spark?

The Creative Hub is an Art Studio which offers fun & varied workshops for children aged 5-14.

“My son loves the classes - all he does is talk about them when he is home. Since attending his communication and confidence has vastly improved’’.

Workshops available during school holidays, after-school and on Saturdays For more information call Cheryl Banks on 07595 360 300

www.createcreatecreate.co.uk

SCIENCE & MATHS TUTOR Worried about science, maths and other examination grades?

Having problems with study?

GERMAN TUITION Adults & Children I teach REAL-LIFE, CONVERSATIONAL German in groups and one-to-one

For patience and understanding from an experienced, friendly and qualified private tutor, contact:

Jeff Smith BSc. Eng. A.M.I. Mech. E. Tel: 01342 326063 www.jeffsmithtuition.co.uk www.jkspublications.com

EASY - FUN

Free Parents & Toddlers Group Tuesdays 1:30pm - 3pm

Babies and toddlers 1 to 2 years Preschool 2 to 5 years Free Entitlement Scheme Opening Times: 8am - 6pm 57 Railway Approach East Grinstead, RH19 1BT

Call: 01342 311066

For more info call:

01342 811099

www.easygermanlearning.co.uk

www.ChildrensHouseNursery.com l EE na s FR atio ent uc sm Ed ses As

Blackland Farm Activity Centre, West Sussex z Kayaking z Rock climbing z Archery z Zip wire ...and much more.

Come and join us for fun-filled activity days.

01342 810493 blackland@girlguiding.org.uk www.blacklandfarm.org.uk

We do birthday parties too!

Tutoring students to achieve academic success We provide Tutoring in:

Maths, English, Sciences, SATs, GCSE and A levels 11+ and Common Entrance examinations Reading using Phonics Italian, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese and other languages

Blacklan d Farm

We also provide:

Home Schooling consultations and tutoring.

Online lessons as well as tutoring at your home.

Our tutors are qualified, patient and effective We are open Monday-Saturday and open all year round.

Registered charity number 306016.

w w w. e ff e c t i v e e d u c a t i o n . n e t Phone: 01342 317417/319139 Email: services@effectiveeducation.net

© 2013 Effective Education Centre. All rights reserved. The Applied Scholastics open book design is a trademark and service mark owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and is used with its permission.

Visit www.egliving.co.uk for a full list of businesses • tel: 01342 300152 August 2014 | 21

DAME JUDI DENCH GIVES SMILES ALL AROUND AT EAST PARK RIDING FOR THE DISABLED GROUP, LINGFIELD

Dame Judi Dench, patron of East Park Riding for the Disabled group, at Little Brook Riding Centre, Lingfield, was given a special treat at their recent Open Day with a musical ride display from the RDA children of St Stephen’s School, South Godstone.

Dame Judi Dench presents rosettes and medals to East Park RDA riders from St Stephen’s School, South Godstone

There was also a dressage and show jumping demonstration from Paralympic hopeful, Simon Blight, who was showing off two of his horses (Don Rico and Quizz respectively) which he hopes will get him to the Olympics in Rio in 2016.

Dame Judi enjoyed giving the riders rosettes and medals for the fabulous display and was also on hand to give other annual prizes to riders and volunteers at the group.

Quick Quiz 1:

Former RDA rider and Paralympic hopeful, Simon Blight, on his dressage horse, Don Rico.

PiAno / SinGinG TuiTion “Kathleen teaches both my girls. They find their lessons fun, they learn a good variety of songs and also get to perform through various concerts that Kathleen organizes.” Lisa Cavanagh

What is the name of the official national anthem of the USA?

2:

On a Monopoly board, which street shares the same colour as Leicester Square and Piccadilly?

3:

What is the capital city of Afghanistan?

4:

Which two colours are on the flag of Poland?

5:

The bank Santander shares its name with a town in which country?

6:

In which country is Mount Everest?

7:

What is the national currency of Egypt?

8:

From which flower do we obtain saffron?

9:

Sahib Golden Temple is in which country?

10: What was the name of the first car that the Ford Motor Company made available to the

“Kathleen has a lovely calm manner. She is patient and caring in the way she teaches. My child is very excited when she arrives to teach piano and has responded well to Kathleen’s gentle encouragement.” Daniel Goldberg

Experienced teacher • Lessons in your own home Piano and Singing exams • All ages taught Singing Groups for 4 - 15 yr olds

Contact Kathleen: 07769 252616

Quote I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.

public?

Answers on page 26 22 | August 2014 • Please mention East Grinstead Living when responding to adverts

Leonardo da Vinci

Children & Education

PRIVATE SCHOOL EDUCATION FROM AS LITTLE AS £59 A WEEK! In celebration of 30 years of Greenfields School your child can now gain access to: • • • • • • •

Education in all subjects to a full understanding Individual attention and small class sizes Enthusiastic, devoted teachers Countryside environment Small private school, ages 2-18 years, boys and girls Member of Independent Schools Association Rated “Good” by Independent School Inspectorate

Limited palaces are available. Please contact the school to book a tour E: admissions@greenfieldsschool.com T: 01342 822189 W: www.greenfieldsschool.com Greenfields School, Priory Road, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JD. Registered Charity Number 287037. An Applied Scholastics ™ School

Visit www.egliving.co.uk for a full list of businesses • tel: 01342 300152 August 2014 | 23

Q&A: Community Hero, Noreen Daw who have left school and gone on to start gardening businesses, etc.

What was the highlight of running these projects?

Last month local community hero Noreen Daw, a teaching assistant at Imberhorne School, was given the highly coveted award of RHS School Gardening Champion of the Year 2014.

She was judged by a panel which included the Love Your Garden presenter, Frances Tophill among other top experts.

Here, we’re able to bring you a Q&A with Noreen: How did you come to receive such a prestigious award?

As a school we have worked closely with the RHS in developing our Garden Project, and sharing our enthusiasm in this special area. A number of students have successfully been nominated, reached finalist stage of Young Gardener of the Year Award, with Henry Grub winning his section at KS3. This year the RHS introduced two new categories, one of which was Schools Champion.

I was nominated by the school.

They asked me to record a video about my role which was then submitted for judging. I was very humbled by this award, and very proud that the hard work and dedication of all of those involved had been recognised in this way.

How and when did the gardening work in Imberhorne

School start, how has it grown over the years?

It started in 2007 as part of the Eco Schools project. We were lucky enough to have quad gardens at Windmill Lane that were in need of refurbishment and a very enthusiastic member of staff Rob Langstone. The initial project saw vegetable beds dug and created, and fruit bushes planted. The students involved in the project were targeted students who found mainstream school a challenge and therefore time out working on the garden gave them a sense of satisfaction. The first crops were amazing, the school kitchen made quiches, frittatas, pies and salads for students and staff to purchase at lunchtime.

Very quickly we realised the positive experience this was having, so the after school garden club started. I joined the East Grinstead in Bloom committee, and thus students from school were encouraged to help other local community projects.

What is the most enjoyable side to what you do?

The Garden Project really encourages social skills, development and gives a sense of achievement. This has proved to be a very successful focus for many of the students involved

24 | August 2014 • Please mention East Grinstead Living when responding to adverts

Imberhorne has had success with the RHS competitions and also South and South East Schools in Bloom, as a result we were invited to the RHS Flower Show at Hampton Court last year. Once there, HRH Duchess of Cornwall personally invited the school to a special Harvest Festival at Westminster Abbey in the Autumn! I contacted local growers, garden nurseries, horticultural societies and asked staff to help us compile Harvest Boxes. The collection of produce enabled 4 hampers to be made up. Imberhorne was the only secondary school from Sussex represented at the event, an amazing experience for us all!

Chris Collins Blue Peter’s resident Gardener also met us at the RHS show, and was so impressed by our project he visited and spent the day with the team looking and giving advice.

This project started small and has really blossomed (pardon the pun). Although I still regard myself as a novice, I am very proud to be able to be involved.

Home

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Blackberry & Ricotta Cheesecake in a Tart case What to do:

Ingredients: The sweet short pastry (for the tart case, 23-25cm/9-10in) • 300g/10½oz plain flour • 100g/4oz sugar • pinch salt • 200g/7oz unsalted butter, at room temperature • 1 egg • 1 yolk • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 tsp fresh lemon, juice and grated zest only • flour for dusting

1. For the sweet short pastry, cream the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl with a wooden spoon until pale and creamy.

For the cheesecake filling • 450g/1lb ricotta • 100g/4oz caster sugar • 25g/1oz all purpose flour • 4 eggs separated, at room temperature • ¼ cup whipping cream • ¼ cup sour cream • 1 tsp vanilla extract • ¼tsp salt • 200g/7oz blackberry jam • 250g/9oz fresh blackberries, to serve at the end

6. Add the egg yolks, whipping cream, sour cream and vanilla. Stir until thoroughly blended.

Sudoku

2. Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, lemon juice and grated zest one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

3. Add the flour and salt and mix until the dough comes together and is consistent but still soft. Be careful not to over-mix or the pastry will be tough. Set aside in the fridge to chill.

4. For the cheesecake filling, press the ricotta through a wire mesh sieve into a mixing bowl, or process with several pulses in a food processor fitted with the steel blade until smooth and transfer to a mixing bowl.

5. Add the sugar and flour and beat with a wooden spoon until creamy.

7. Beat the egg white and salt until the peaks are stiff, then fold into the ricotta mixture.

8. Pour one-third of the mixture into the pastry shell, then put in some jam, then more mixture. Continue with these layers until you reach the top of the shell. Smooth out the top.

9. Heat the oven to 150C/300F/Gas 2. Bake until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown, 50-75 minutes. Cover the cake with foil if it is beginning to brown too much before the full cooking time is up. Turn off the oven and let the cake cool with the oven door open for 30 minutes before serving with the fresh blackberries.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/Oceans_Sudoku...

Answers to Quiz 1: 2: 3: 4: 5:

The Star-Spangled Banner Coventry Street Kabul Red and white Spain

6: Nepal 7: The Egyptian Pound 8: Crocus 9: India 10:Ford Model T 26 | August 2014 • Please mention East Grinstead Living when responding to adverts

Home

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Beautiful custom-made plantation shutters – suitable for all window types and shapes  Quality product with numerous style options available  Free no-obligation home design visit  Competitive prices  Highly reputable local company  Knowledgeable & very experienced team  Fully insured Tel: 01444 440056 www.thewindowshuttercompany.co.uk See egtradesmen.co.uk for testimonials & photos of our trademen • tel: 01342 300152 August 2014 | 27

Local History Notes

NEIL GAIMAN

by Dorothy Hatswell Neil Richard Gaiman was born in Portsmouth on November 10th 1960. His father, David, worked in the chain of grocery shops that had been established by his grandfather who was of Eastern European-Jewish origin. He had emigrated to England from Antwerp in Belgium. His mother, Sheila, a pharmacist, gave birth to two daughters as well. In 1965 the Gaimans moved to East Grinstead to study Dianetics at the Scientologist’s headquarters at Saint Hill. David and Sheila Gaiman had a house built to their own design on the rural outskirts of the town which was also used to board people who came to study at Saint Hill.

Neil was an early and avid reader and when he was given, aged seven, a set of the Chronicles of Narnia, he knew he wanted to be writer. Gaiman read voraciously over a wide field of writers. One of his early passions was for the novels of Dennis Wheatley.

Wheatley was a popular thriller writer in the the 1970s. He also wrote Gothic Horror novels, often introducing historic figures from the past into his stories. This is something that Gaiman also went on to do. Co-incidentally, Wheatley died on Gaiman’s seventeenth birthday. Gaiman attended Fonthill School and went on to be a pupil at Ardingly College. He embarked on the J.R.R.Tolkein trilogy and re-read the first two volumes again and again. This was because the school library did not have the

third. Gaiman solved this problem by winning a award and choosing the third book as his prize.

After leaving school he became a journalist and contributed to several publications including those of the British Fantasy Society. This eventually led to his collaboration with Terry Pratchett.

He was fascinated by modern comics and went on to write for, and start, many. The best known is the Sandman. With comics he felt he was breaking new ground not just following in the footsteps of generations of famous writers

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of the past. The first book by him to be published was a book of quotations called Ghastly Beyond Belief. Gaiman himself is a good source of quotations, not “ghastly”, however. My favourite is “Life is a disease, sexually transmitted and invariably fatal.” This first book was soon followed by a biography of Duran Duran. Gradually his writing in several genres enabled him to earn his living from his writing alone.

He had married Mary McGrath in 1985. They had met while she was boarding with his family in

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Kitchens Bespoke is an East Grinstead Kitchen company run by Rachael & Guy Workman.

It is a local family run business which has grown steadily in the last couple of years because it stresses good old fashioned service and value-for-money product.

From design to giving the spot-on finish you want, Guy and Rachael ensure the process is stress-free.

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Call Guy & Rachael for a free, no obligation kitchen-layout design: 01342 313133 or visit their showroom: 88 London Road, East Grinstead And remember: “Improving the kitchen is the single most valuable improvement you can make, ...... Its the one room that can really stand out as an aspirational showpiece for the property.” –Telegraph 30th October 2009 See egtradesmen.co.uk for testimonials & photos of our trademen • tel: 01342 300152 August 2014 | 29

East Grinstead. The Gaiman’s had a succession of people from Saint Hill staying in their house. Neil and Mary had three children, Michael, Holly and Madeleine. They moved to Menomonie, Wisconsin in 1992 to be nearer Mary’s family.

His writing was now being recognised by a wide public. He won literary awards in all of his fields of work. He wrote books for adults and children’s fantasy fiction, some in the tradition of the Gothic horror novel.

“Neverwhere” and “Stardust” are probably the best known of these. Neil is the only author to date who has been awarded the Newberry Prize for adult fiction and the Carnegie Medal for the same book, The Graveyard Book. He also wrote plays, short

stories and poems. He ventured into television and wrote several episodes of Dr. Who when Matt Smith was The Doctor.

adventures. He also recalled that

His marriage to Mary broke up. He then met Amanda Parker, a singer and songwriter and they married in January 2011. After they were married Neil took Amanda’s second name of “McKinnon” as part of his name. Amanda is not a great fan of fantasy fiction but Neil wanted to write a story for her.

He wanted it to have its roots in his childhood so Amanda would learn about his early life but in a fictionalised way. He thought back to himself at the age of seven or eight. He remembered how he would meet a girl of about his age and they would explore the area and make up tales about their

he wondered, the same people

he had been told that one of the farms near them as mentioned in the Domesday Book. Perhaps, might be still there, a thousand years later.

The story grew into a full length novel. Published in 2013, it is called “The Ocean at the End of the Lane”. It won him the accolade from the National Book Awards committee of Book of the Year in 2013. The lane in the title is Harwoods Lane where he had lived for fifteen years in the early part of his life.

Gaiman states, “One day I will grow up and get a real job.”

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A

A New rt Festival

‘The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls’ Pablo Picasso Meridian FM has teamed up with local artist Samantha van Dalen to produce ‘Art Soufflé’ , the Meridian FM Art Festival, at the exclusive Kingscote Vineyards which borders East Grinstead. The festival will run from 24th September to 2nd October, with a private view on the 23rd.

About the private view: An evening with Dennis Locorriere, Art and Wine.

Dennis Locorriere of Dr. Hook fame, will be performing at the private view, he has sold 60 million albums in 40 countries as the original lead singer of Dr. Hook and in his own successful solo career. As both a songwriter and performer, Dennis can count many number one hits to his name.

Timeless, a Dr. Hook compilation album, spent several weeks in the Top Ten British Charts earlier this year.

Representatives of all of the major national papers, radio stations, etc. are expected to attend along with many of the vineyard’s clients. Invitations to the private view are available to purchase - see below.

Visitors to the festival will be spoilt for choice: artists

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exhibiting include world-renowned Alexandra Beale.

The highly popular and colourful oil paintings of Forest Row artist Gill Bustamante and the original cartoons of Dennis Locorriere. The number of artists will be limited and each will be a specialist in their genre. Art Soufflé is set to become an annual event so please add it to your social calendar!

At Kingscote Vineyards, Mill Place Farm, Vowels Lane, RH19 4LG The festival dates and times: Tuesday 23rd September Private View Night Wednesday 24th, 25th, 27th, 29th, 30th September, plus 1st & 2nd October open to the public 11am-6pm (open til 8pm on 26th September, til 5pm on 28th September) Find ‘Art Souffle’ on facebook. For more information contact Samantha van Dalen on 07910 199 072. Local Artists contact Samantha for more information. www.meridianfm.com

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Too far-fetched to be true?

Facts that seem false but aren’t!

The woolly mammoth still roamed the earth while the pyramids were being built.

The last woolly mammoths died as late as 1650 B.C. on Russia’s Wrangle Island (from what scientists can tell. Most populations of woolly mammoths had disappeared long before during the late Pleistocene and early Holocene periods, some though, still survived on islands in Alaska and Russia).

The Egyptian Empire was already extremely advanced, in fact, the Great Pyramid of Giza had existed for 1000 years by the time the last woolly mammoth died.

Heroin was once used to treat children’s coughs!

Bayer, the German pharmaceutical company that produces aspirin, commercialized heroin in the 1890s as a cough, cold, and pain remedy. More shockingly, however, is that Bayer continued marketing heroin for use by children as late as 1912!

Years after reports began to surface that it could be a dangerous drug. It might be of interest to know too that Bayer has recently come under fire for producing pesticides deemed harmful to bees.

There is more time separating Stegosaurus and Tyrannosaurus Rex than Tyrannosaurus Rex and modern man.

Contrary to what cartoons, movies, books, etc. would have us believe, not all dinosaurs lived together!

In fact, they were not only vastly separated by time but by geography too.

The Jurassic-period dinosaur Stegosaurus already had been extinct for approximately 80-90 million years before the appearance of the Cretaceous dinosaur Tyrannosaurus, making the Tyrannosaurus much closer in time to modern man. We are only separated by about 65.5 million years!

A man received the highest honour of service from both the Allies and Axis in World War II His name was Joan Pujol Garcia, and he was a Spanish spy working as a double agent for both the Allies and Nazis. He originally approached the Allies to work for them but was rejected at first. Undeterred, he created a fake identity and began “working” for the Nazis, supplying them with false information. Soon thereafter, Garcia was accepted as a double agent for the Allies.

Throughout his time as a double agent, Garcia gave the Nazis a mixture of false information, true but nonessential information, and high-value information that (unsuprisingly) arrived a little too late. He and his British MI5 handler even created a network of 27 fictitious subordinate agents who all received salaries from the Nazis and submitted expense reports!

Garcia was eventually given the Iron Cross by the Germans for his services and the MBE by the British!

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North Korea and Finland are technically separated by only one country.

Russia shares a 10.5-mile border along the Tumen River with North Korea, and a 833mile border with Finland.

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See egtradesmen.co.uk for testimonials & photos of our trademen • tel: 01342 300152 August 2014 | 35

A Phoenix from the ashes On 7th July the restoration of a multi-purpose school building in the province of Leyte, Phillipines was completed. It is particularly poignant for our town as it was funded by the generous donations of local residents.

The former school had been completely destroyed by Typhoon Haiyan last November.1344 students will be able to benefit from this new school. The total budget donated was £6004 and thus the new school building has been named ‘East Grinstead Building’ to give honour, gratitude and to remember the kindness of the people of our town.

Generous gesture by Richard Digance for Chequer Mead’s WWI Exhibition Richard Digance, the renowned comedian, lyricist and artist, has presented Chequer Mead Arts Centre with a picture to include in its exhibition of WWI reflections this summer.

Richard, who will be bringing his paintings to the centre in November, was delighted to see one of his own works included in the war exhibition.

Centre Manager Pete Jenkins said ‘Richard appeared here in March, and was very taken with Chequer Mead. In talking he spoke about his paintings, and so I offered to show him the gallery.

‘He said straight away that he would love to exhibit here and he also has a great interest in WW1 so when I told him about our programme he very kindly offered to paint a picture for the exhibition.’

Richard drove all the way from his home in the Cotswolds to bring the painting to the centre and has also offered to do something unique for Chequer Mead at his forthcoming exhibition, in which he has collaborated with renowned fiddle player Tom Leary to produce unique pieces of music inspired by each piece of art.

Anyone buying a piece of art will be presented with a one-off cd to accompany the painting.

Chairman of the Chequer Mead Trust and Town Mayor Nick Hodges said ‘This is a real boost for the exhibition, brought about in a discussion that Richard and Pete had while discussing the Digance exhibition - it is very generous of him.’

For more details email Pete at pete@ chequermead.org.uk or telephone 01342 302000

36 | August 2014 • Please mention East Grinstead Living when responding to adverts

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What’s On in August

If you would like your event on these pages email info@egliving.co.uk for more information

Saturday 2nd August

an optional pub lunch. New members welcome. For more information call 01342 323098

Townscape Art Trail Walking Tour. Simon Kerr offers a series of free art tours in East Grinstead this August. No need to book, all you have to do is show up! Including highlights of the Townscape Trail, from the Railway Quarter to the historic High Street. You don’t have to be a passenger to join in the fun, but tours come with a discount on tickets for The Bluebell Railway. All tours start 11.45am: Sat 2nd Aug, Fri 8th Aug, Sat 16th Aug, Fri 22nd Aug, at 11.45am, The Bluebell Railway Station, East Grinstead.

Monday 4th August

Make & Take Crafts at Standen, West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead, RH19 4NE. 11am - 4pm. Normal admission charges apply. Phone: 01342 323029.

Thursday 7th August

Play Day: Vintage and Victorian themed, free fun filled activity and challenge day for all the family.

Fantastical fancy dress competition for under 8’s, unique performances, flag making, face painting, circus skills, antique treasure hunt, story telling, cake decorating and more. Prizes to be won, all ages welcome. For more info call: 01444 458166.

Sunday 17th August

Join us for our Summer Party, from 11am – 4pm.

Bring a picnic and spend the day with us. Bring your family and friends. 10 Acres of gardens for you to stroll through and the children to play in. Everyone welcome, free admission. Ample free parking. Yew Lodge Country House, Felcourt Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 2JX. 01342 870003 www. yewlodge.co.uk Tuesday 12th August

Healthy Walk around Worth Forest at 10:45am. 5 mile/2 hour walk starts at Worth Church, Church Road, Worth, RH10 7RT. Free, just turn up. More details contact Pat (Healthy Walks) 01342 712591.

Wednesday 13th August

The Meridian Probus Club of East Grinstead for men retired from their professional or business life, meets locally at 10:15am for coffee followed by a talk by Neil Sadler on ‘Gatwick, Security and Police Work’ and

Sunday 17th August

RSPCA South Godstone Car Boot Sale. Admission by donation - All funds go to help the animals at the Centre. Cake stall, hot & cold drinks. Sellers Cars £7, Vans £10, Trailers £3. Pay on entry no need to book your pitch, open for set-up 9am. Gates open to buyers 10am - 2pm, RSPCA South Godstone, Eastbourne Road/A22, South Godstone RH9 8JB. Saturday 30th August

Car Boot Sale with Table Top. Book and pay for your pitch in advance at £10 per pitch by ringing Karen on 01342 302083. From 8:30am - 12:30pm. Free entrance. Refreshments available. Sellers may arrive from 7:30am. St Mary’s Church Hall, Windmill Lane, East Grinstead, RH19 2DS. Sunday 31st August

Treasure Hunt Around Ashdown Forest on wheels for both cars and bicycles. Start at Chelwood Gate Village Hall and end with a delicious cream tea at £3.50 p/h.

Cars - £10 & Bicycles £3 payable on day. Special clues and prizes for children. At 2.30pm. Further information: 01825 740547 or email: fairplacefarm@aol.com.

What’s On at Chequer Mead Saturday 9th August

Ariel Drama Academies presents: Alice in Wonderland at 2pm and 6pm Monday 11th August

“Wow! This Show is Magic” at 2:30pm Saturday 16th August

Chequer Mead Silver Screen presents: Summer Nights; Sing-a-long Grease at 7:30pm Wednesday 20th August

AFA Events present The Sooty Show at 11am & 2:30pm Saturday 23rd August

Bullfrog Summer School present Beauty and the Beast at 2pm and 6pm Thursday 28th August

Sid’s Deep Sea Discovery at 2:30pm

38 | August 2014 • Please mention East Grinstead Living when responding to adverts

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Date for your Diary!

Nutley Historical Society presents two exhibitions to commemorate the Centenary of the Great War and the 70th Anniversary of D Day in World War II, at the Ashdown Forest Centre until the 26th October.

Broken iPad?

The exhibition has approximately 300 photographs and documents from the villages of Forest Row, Colemans Hatch, Hartfield, Fairwarp, Maresfield, Nutley, Danehill, Chelwood Gate and the town of Crowborough.

These include the military in the Forest Row, Maresfield Park and Crowborough Camps during the Great War. Details of some of the high ranking military officers who lived in the area at that time, memorials and rolls of honour where known.

The display to commemorate World War 2 includes the Canadian Army presence in the area, the aircraft crashes, the home front, memorials and rolls of honour.

Summer Opening Times: weekdays 2pm until 5pm & weekends 11am until 5pm. Admission is free. At the Ashdown Forest Centre, Ridge Road, Wych Cross, Forest Row, RH18 5JP. www.nutleyhistorical.org.uk

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Award Winning Care Homes Sussex Health Care is an award winning group of care homes providing 28 years of healthcare in Sussex. The Group operates 20 homes, predominantly in the West Sussex area, providing over 550 placements, incorporating specialist care provision as well as care for older people.

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