Stile Appreciation

The Monday Group STILE APPRECIATION&

The Monday Group are rightsof-way volunteers, founded in 1961 by Harold Rowling MBE of Westmeston. They’ve been creating stylish stiles ever since as Jim Redwood explains

The Monday Group work mainly on the north side of the South Downs, broadly from Albourne to Ringmer. Currently, there are 49 active volunteers, turning out every Monday, rain or shine, to improve the access to our beautiful countryside.

Monday Group stiles are designed to be easy to use and durable, they look pretty good and are identifiable from the distinctive yellow and green labels. Green Sussex oak is used to make the stiles, which cost £150-£250 each in materials. Other structures such as causeways and stairways can be more expensive. Our labour is free, of course.

We are funded by donations, stile sponsorship and the sale of bird boxes. Donors who sponsor a stile are offered a commemorative plaque on it.

A stile to mark the 50th anniversary of The Monday Group near Ditchling is dedicated to Dame Vera Lynn who lived nearby. There are stiles dedicated to dogs such as ‘Stanley and Monty’, and some have literary references such as ‘All was quiet in the deep dark wood, a mouse found a nut and the nut was good.’ We’ve been asked to build a stile in memory of the late Tim Renton, Lord Renton of Mount Harry, who championed the Downs, and chaired the Sussex Downs Conservation Board, which preceded the creation of the National Park. Amuse yourself looking out for our stile dedications – they can be found just about anywhere we work! This year, The Monday Group worked in partnership with the National Trust for the first time. A stile installation demonstration at Wolstonbury Hill was observed by National Trust rangers and volunteers. They were so impressed by the quality of the work, one of our volunteers was invited to attend their workshop and supervise the construction of a stile in our design. Quite an accolade indeed – being recognised by the nation’s premier conservation body.

The Monday Group sometimes get involved in bigger projects, like the Jubilee Pathway Trust around Ditchling and Westmeston. Last year, between lockdowns, we helped the Trust create a new off-road path which included the construction and installation of two substantial stairways.

Like everything else, Covid-19 affected our work. We stood down during the 2020 March - June lockdown, watching path use increase as new walkers discovered the network and joy of local paths. As a result, we built up a huge backlog of work.

Before the post-Christmas lockdown, we were gradually getting back to work, dutifully obeying social distancing and the rule of six, while hauling heavy oak structures into place or slashing back accumulated months of footpath overgrowth. As June 2021 begins, there is plenty of work ahead. We love what we do, and we hope you do too. To join us, donate, or sponsor a stile, visit our website www.mondaygroup.org l

Quite an accolade indeed – being recognised by the nation’s premier conservation body

Tester & Jones Funeral Services: Here to help

We established Tester & Jones in 2004 and are proud of the excellent reputation we’ve built over those 17 years as an independent funeral director and a trusted member of the Crowborough community. In fact, you’ll probably already know one of us or our team, because we are your neighbours, you see us out and about in the local area or you’ve known us since school days!

We are proud of the care we take in arranging every single funeral entrusted to us and support families from not only Crowborough but our surrounding villages, including Withyham, Mayfield, Rotherfield and Groombridge. Additionally, as an active and long-time member of SAIF (The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors), you have peace of mind that we follow its strict code of practice.

The death of a loved one can be a traumatic experience. Even when a death is expected, you will still feel a sense of shock and experience a mixture of emotions. You may feel overwhelmed by what needs to be done and the many questions and decisions facing you.

Our many years of experience means we are well-placed to support you at this difficult time. The fact that we are independent gives us the flexibility to create a funeral which truly reflects your loved one. This also means that we can tailor a service to match your expectations and your individual budget.

We are based in the heart of Crowborough, yet have the advantage of a large private car park. This is not only important for less mobile family members but affords you privacy when you need it. Inside our welcoming building, we have private lounges, where you can sit comfortably and talk to our team. Your loved one will be looked after with care and dignity here on our premises and we offer a quiet room where you can sit with them, if you’d like. One area which sets us apart from other funeral directors is the continued support we give families after a funeral has taken place. Just over 10 years ago, we launched our Bereavement Group. It has now grown to more than 100 people, who meet once a month, while also enjoying trips to London and the coast. It is a truly amazing group of people and has evolved so that existing members are welcoming and supportive to newer members.

This is part of just one of the many thankyou notes we have received from families: “Your assistance, professionalism and sensitivity before, during and after my father’s funeral has been amazing, and you have provided excellent support and advice throughout.”

Our offices are open from 9.00am to 5.00pm every day and you are more than welcome to drop by or call us with any questions. Outside of these times, there is always somebody to take your call, 24 hours a day.