Sussex Local Magazine - Findon NOVEMBER 2022

November is when we commemorate Remembrance Sunday which this year is on 13th November. This will be the first time that events will be presided over by our new King Charles III. The Royal British Legion states, as we continue to emerge from a long period of great difficulty, we should still take this opportunity to reinforce our admiration of the unfailing sense of duty displayed by the Armed Forces, and commemorate those who gave their lives in our service.

We have plenty of good reading for you this month including energy saving tips and how to add value to your home. Garden designer Andrew Staib writes about Sussex Bats and Kier Hartley visits the Leconfield Estate to find out about the historic herd of cattle. We have a seasonal recipe plus health advice from nutritionist Heather Smith. We’ve also got a roundup of local Bonfire Night events in our What’s On pages with more online at sussexlocal.net. So many of our prize winners say, “I’ve never won anything before!”. If this sounds like you, then why not enter one of our competitions this month?

Finally, Royal Mail have a number of strikes planned over the next few months. We hope this won’t affect delivery of your Sussex Local magazine but if you do notice any delay, this is likely the reason and we are very sorry about this.

Until next time, Kris & Jeff

Disclaimer - Whilst advertisements are printed in good faith, Sussex Local (Kay Publishing Ltd) is an independent company and does not endorse products or services that appear in this magazine. Sussex Local cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions or claims made by contributors. Views and opinions of contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher.

of the month...

Herd the Leconfield Estate Cattle

Your Garden - Sussex Bats

- Energy saving

- Increase the value of your

Crossword - Win £30

for the Highdown

- Reduce your

of

- Crown Prince Soup

a Sage The Bambino Coffee Machine & Edgcumbes Coffee

SUSSEX

Established

a pair of

to

Othello at Worthing Connaught Theatre

& weight

Guided Walks

history with Valerie Martin

& Community News

Council

Valley Residents

Business Directory

of Advertisers

ARUNDEL and surroundings – 6,829 addresses BARNHAM and surroundings – 6,063 addresses

CHICHESTER city centre and suburbs – 6,227 addresses FINDON and surroundings – 7,196 addresses MIDHURST / PETWORTH and surroundings – 7,074 addresses PULBOROUGH and surroundings – 5,952 addresses

SOUTHWATER and surroundings – 7,100 addresses STORRINGTON and surroundings – 6,611 addresses

Kay Publishing Ltd PO Box 2237 Pulborough RH20 9AH info@sussexlocal.net |www.sussexlocal.net | 01903 868474

What’s On - November 2022

Event organisers please enter your event details on www.sussexlocal.net/events add/ We regret that we cannot accept submissions by email. We take the details from our website for the magazine listings which can appear in up to all seven editions distributed to over 46,000 addresses. Charity, community and non profit events are free of charge (subject to space). Commercial events can be listed from just £25 plus VAT which includes promotion through Facebook & Twitter. Deadline for December events to be put on website 4th November

BONFIRE NIGHT

04/11/2022 5:00 PM Fireworks With Night Putting Mannings Heath Golf & Wine Estate RH13

6PG Adult: £10 Kids: £6

04/11/2022 6:30 PM Slinfold Bonfire & Fireworks annual celebration with food and drinks served from outside bar at The Red Lyon Slinfold Horsham RH13 0RR £10 under 16s free

05/11/2022 4:00 PM Findon Village Firework Fantasia Low noise fireworks with Fire Performance, music, BBQ and bar St. John the Baptist School BN14 0TR st john the baptist pta.sumupstore.com/product/fireworks

05/11/2022 5:00 PM Annual Lewes Bonfire Night The annual Lewes Bonfire Night is one of the most well known bonfire nights. Lewes BN7 www.lewesbonfirecelebrations.com

05/11/2022 5:00 PM Barnham Fireworks Night A fun filled night for the family at Murrells Field next to Barnham Community Hall Bognor Regis PO22 0AY Adult £5.50, Family £16, Child £2.50

05/11/2022 5:00 PM Fireworks Night 2022 Horsham Rugby Club annual Fireworks night is back! Horsham Rugby Club RH13 6PJ £5 for singles and £18 for a family ticket. Horsham Rugby Club www.fireworks.horshamrufc.com

06/11/2022 5:30 PM Annual Walberton Bonfire and Fireworks Walberton Village Hall BN18 0PJ £6 £3 Fiona walbertonvillagehall01@gmail.com

06/11/2022 5:30 PM Wizards and Witches Fireworks Night at Fontwell Racecourse everyone can dress as Wizards and Witches. Fontwell Park Racecourse Arundel BN18 0SY 13yrs+ £8 / Family £20 / 4 12yrs £6 01243 543335 info@fontwellpark.co.uk

11/11/2022 4:00 PM Ardingly Fireworks Spectacular fairground and fireworks display by Illusion Fireworks Ltd £5, Under 5's free allevents.in/haywards%20heath/ardingly fireworks spectacular/200023399571810

11/11/2022 5:30 PM Fireworks Extravaganza Fireworks, stalls, BBQ, games and refreshments Ashington CofE School RH20 3PG Tickets available from the school office. Fundraisers of Ashington CE School (FACES) www.facebook.com/groups/faces.ashington

CHILDREN'S EVENTS

19/11/2022 10:00 AM Sew What Stitch Club A small and friendly independent group run for children aged 8 16. The Marriott Scout Hall Goring BN12 4NR £5 Liza Moon 07912 303367 yeworthing2000@gmail.com

Every Tue 4:45 PM New Youth Choir Rehearsal for choir for children aged 8 to 11 Trinity Methodist Church Storrington RH20 3NG £3 Robert Gamble robertgamblerc@gmail.com

CLUBS & SOCIETIES

01/11/2022 2:00 PM Arts Society West Sussex Talk on ‘Artists of the Montmartre’ by Hilary Guise Fittleworth Village Hall RH20 1JB Visitors £7 (cash) Jackie westsussex@theartssociety.org 1903 411086 theartssocietywestsussex.org 05/11/2022 10:30 AM Parkinsons support group A support group for people with Parkinsons and their families in Washington Memorial Village Hall RH20 4AP Maureen johnsonmaureen86@gmail.com

07/11/2022 8:00 PM Felpham Singles Social Club Social club for over 50's who are single, widowed or divorced. The George Inn Bognor Regis PO22 7PL Free. Anne Cook 01243 821530 anniecook555@yahoo.co.uk www.felphamsingles.yolasite.com

11/11/2022 3:00 PM Rosehill Book Club, Pulborough New members welcomed to this small friendly group Rosehill Book Club Pulborough RH20 4NL Carol Davison carol953@hotmail.co.uk

More events on www.sussexlocal.net please contact event organisers to check for changes

14/11/2022 7:30 PM Pulborough Meadows WI November Meeting Pulborough Village Hall RH20 2BF Mary mary.walker50@gmail.com

16/11/2022 2:30 PM Pulborough Society meeting Regular meeting of civic amenity group Pulborough Village Hall RH20 free to local residents. Ian 01798 874686 ian@ianellisassociates.com

16/11/2022 7:30 PM Sullington Windmills Women's Institute A friendly group of around 60 ladies The Parish Hall Storrington RH20 3PP Erika Brichta erikabrichta@hotmail.co.uk sullingtonwindmills.org/

Every Thurs 2:00 PM Circle Dancing/European Folk Dancing Dance in lines and circles, to diverse music. All dances are taught Storrington and Sullington Parish Hall RH20 3PP £6 Sue Kewley 01903 744929 suekewley@outlook.com

COMMUNITY

19/11/2022 8:00 AM Men's Breakfast in Chichester community event Men's breakfast with Dr Tim Fookes, High Sherriff of West Sussex Chichester Park Hotel PO19 7QL £9.50 Peter Sutton 07813 024585 peter@ppsutton.co.uk immanuelchichester.com/community/mens breakfast/

26/11/2022 10:00 AM Christmas Coffee Morning Walberton Gardeners Club Christmas Coffee Morning Walberton Pavilion Arundel BN18 0PJ bbailey93@btinternet.com walberton gardeners club.com

COURSES & TUITION

19/11/2022 9:30 AM Birding for beginners Winter Wetlands at Pulborough Brooks Learn about winter visitors at RSPB Pulborough Brooks RH20 2EL £20.50 members/£25.50 Non members Lydia lydia.fletcher@rspb.co.uk 01798 875851 events.rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks

Every Wed 7:30 PM Is there more to life than this? Free Alpha course Join Life Community Church to explore the big questions of life, faith and meaning The Village Hub Storrington RH20 4DJ Free. Stuart Spinney 01903 743547 alpha@lccstor.org

EXHIBITIONS

1st 5th Nov 10:00 AM Dylan and Adrienne Shields Exhibiting together, Adrienne Shields and Dylan Shields are mother and son. Shaped. Colonnade House Worthing BN11 3DH Paula Tollett 01903 221142 paula.tollett@adur worthing.gov.uk colonnadehouse.co.uk/event/ dylan shields adrienne shields shaped/

1st 5th Nov 10:00 AM Liz English: Chinoiserie Chaos Local artist Liz English is “crazy about Chinoiserie”. Colonnade House Worthing BN11 3DH Paula 01903 221142 paula.tollett@adur worthing.gov.uk colonnadehouse.co.uk/event/ liz english chinoiserie chaos/ 19/11/2022 10:00 AM Art Exhibition Local artists/art groups will be exhibiting and selling their works Storrington & Sullington Parish Hall RH20 3PP Free. Storrington Museum 01903 740188 storringtonmuseum@hotmail.com 22/11/2022 10:00 AM Brian Tew and Deborah Michelson: Capturing Nature in Surface and Form This joint exhibition is a natural progression of the shared creative space. Colonnade House Worthing BN11 3DH Paula Tollett 01903 221142 paula.tollett@adur worthing.gov.uk colonnadehouse.co.uk/event/ brian tew deborah mitchelson/ 11th, 18th & 25th Nov 10:00 AM Blue Idol Open Days Visit local historic building and Quaker place of worship Blue Idol Quaker Meeting House Coolham RH13 8QP Free. admin@blueidol.org www.blueidol.org 22nd 27th Nov 10:00 AM Starlings Murmurations / Conversations Two artists come together to celebrate creativity. Colonnade House Worthing BN11 3DH Paula 01903 221142 paula.tollett@adur worthing.gov.uk colonnadehouse.co.uk/event/ ruthmulvie claireknill/ 29th & 30th Nov 10:00 AM Elizabeth Mienert Elizabeth's exhibition features watercolour sketches taken from her travel sketchbooks. Colonnade House Worthing BN11 3DH Paula Tollett 01903 221142 paula.tollett@adur worthing.gov.uk colonnadehouse.co.uk/event/ elizabeth mienert musing and meandering/

More events on www.sussexlocal.net please contact event organisers to check for changes

AMILY ENTERTAINMENT

1st 12th Nov 7:00 PM The Famous Five: A New Musical A musical family adventure based on Enid Blyton's books Chichester Festival Theatre PO19 6AP From £10 Half price for under 16s 01243 781312 box.office@cft.org.uk cft.org.uk

05/11/2022 3:30 PM Alice in Wonderland

Performed by the Rosemary Bell Academy of Dance. Alexandra Theatre, Regis Centre PO21 1BN Adult: £12.50 Child: £3.50 Hazel Latus 01243 867676 hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk www.alexandratheatre.co.uk

17/11/2022 7:30 PM My One & Only An explosion of dance & design. Alexandra Theatre, Regis Centre PO21 1BN Adult: £16 Child: £12 / nus £8. Hazel Latus 01243 867676 hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk www.alexandratheatre.co.uk

24/11/2022 7:30 PM Nice Work If You Can Get

It An explosion of song & dance. Alexandra Theatre, Regis Centre Bognor Regis PO21 1BN Adult: £16 Child: £12 NUS £8 Hazel Latus 01243 867676 hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk www.alexandratheatre.co.uk

24th 30th Nov 4:30 PM Glow Wild | Wakehurst

The winter lantern trail is back at Wakehurst Haywards Heath RH17 6TN From £14 (Adult Kew/Wakehurst Member) From £11 (Child). glowwild@kew.org www.kew.org/wakehurst

26th 30th Nov 10:30 AM Tree Mendous Christmas Explore Petworth House to see Christmas trees taking centre stage Petworth House and Park GU28 9LR 01798 342207 petworth@nationaltrust.org.uk nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth

FAYRES AND FETES

12/11/2022 10:00 AM Steyning Holistic Fair

Autumn brings the return of this uplifting and cosy event. The Steyning Centre BN44 3X £3 Free. Silverdragon Wellbeing 07939 642917 silverdragonwellbeing@gmail.com silverdragonwellbeing.com/steyning holistic fair 12/11/2022 10:30 AM Arundel Museum

Christmas Fayre Handmade gifts by local artisans and more. Arundel Museum BN18 9PA 01903 885866 marketing@arundelmuseum.org www.arundelmuseum.org

More events on www.sussexlocal.net please contact event organisers to check for changes

26/11/2022 10:00 AM Tillington Christmas Fair

Tillington Village Hall Petworth GU28 9AF £1 Free for children. Gerald Gresham Cooke 01798 342151 geraldgreshamcooke@gmail.com www.allhallowstillington.org/ 26/11/2022 12:00 PM Ashington Christmas Fayre Annual Christmas Fayre in Ashington Community Centre RH20 3PG £1, Children go free. Margaret Alford 01903 892633 margaretalford19@btinternet.com www.ashingtoncc.org.uk

FILM

09/11/2022 7:30 PM Rotary Film Night Operation Mincemeat Starring Colin Firth. Bar + Raffle Sullington Village Hall RH20 3PP £5 Ken 01903 740745 kandjcoll@btinternet.com

21/11/2022 7:30 PM Pulborough Film Night Fisherman’s Friend: One and All 2022 Drama/ Comedy 1hr 51m Pulborough Village Hall RH20 2BF £7 Terri Ashpool 07711 470635 terriashpool@uwclub.net

HEALTH & FITNESS

Every Mon 11:45 AM Wellness Yoga New Yoga Classes focus on mindful movement paired with awareness of the mind body & breath in Bury Village Hall RH20 1PA Wellness Yoga wellnessyoga332@gmail.com

Every Mon 6:30 PM Beginners Running Course Learn to Run over 10 weeks, supported by a qualified Coach in Running Fitness Lower Street Car Park Pulborough RH20 £60 Tanya Boardman. tanya@tanyaboardman.co.uk www.tanyaboardman.co.uk

Every Tue 6:30 PM All abilities running group Arun Valley Runners build confidence in your running Pulborough RH20 £5 Tanya Boardman tanya@tanyaboardman.co.uk www.tanyaboardman.co.uk/running groups pulborough

Every Tue & Thurs 9:30 AM Weekly Yoga Classes in Ashington with Manna Yoga Small, personal, friendly Yoga classes for all levels. Ashington Scout Hut RH20 3JX £9 Manna Pope 07798 616821 mariannebates_@hotmail.com

Every Wed 7:30 PM Weekly Yoga Classes in Ashington with Manna Yoga Small, friendly, weekly Yoga Classes Ashington Scout Hut RH20 3JX £9 per class Manna Pope 07798 616821 mariannebates_@hotmail.com

HORSERACING

14/11/2022 10:30 AM November Raceday seven races and food & drink. Plumpton Racecourse Lewes BN7 3AL From £14 01273 890383 racing@plumptonracecourse.co.uk www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk/events/sky sports racing november raceday/

MUSIC

02/11/2022 2:30 PM Christmas Memories An afternoon of Christmas songs & carols. Alexandra Theatre, Regis Centre PO21 1BN £14.50 Hazel hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk 01243 867676 www.alexandratheatre.co.uk

04/11/2022 7:00 PM Dreams of Fleetwood Mac A Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show. Alexandra Theatre, Regis Centre PO21 1BN £28.50 £26.50 Hazel hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk 01243 867676 www.alexandratheatre.co.uk

05/11/2022 7:30 AM Classical Guitar Concert by Xufei Yang acclaimed classical guitarist. Regis School of Music PO21 1ER Non member £15 / Under 18s free. Sasha Levtov 01243 866462 tezhen@gmail.com www.westsussexguitar.org

7th & 14th Nov 7:30 PM Sandgate Singers Sandgate Singers are looking for new members. Sullington Parish Hall RH20 3PP John Fisher 01903 741256 johnandsylvi@btinternet.com www.sandgatesingers.com 17/11/2022 7:30 PM Dixieland/Trad Jazz Evening of Dixie/Trad Jazz by the Featherstone Jazz Four. DRNK Cafe Lancing BN15 0PH Free. Derek 01903 249900 dglittle@ntlworld.com 19/11/2022 7:30 PM Choral Concert Fernhurst Choral Society Autumn Concert St Mary's Church Petworth GU28 0AE £17 Tina 01730 816542 enquiries@fernhurstchoralsociety.org.uk www.fernhurstchoralsociety.org.uk 26/11/2022 7:30 PM Rossini Petite Messe Solonnelle The Chantry Quire performs at St Mary's Church, Petworth GU28 0AE £15 Chantry Quire webmaster@chantryquire.org.uk www.chantryquire.org.uk

Every Mon 8:00 PM Fernhurst Choral Society

Weekly rehearsals leading to concerts Fernhurst Village Hall GU27 3EH See website for information Nigel 07485 145141 or Tina 01730 816542 fernhurstchoral@gmail.com www.fernhurstchoralsociety.org.uk/

SALES & MARKETS

1st & 2nd Nov 9:00 AM Ardingly Antiques Fair Shop 1,700 antiques stalls from dealers in the Ardingly Antiques Fair South of England Showground RH17 6TL £20 Eve Oliver eve.oliver@iacf.co.uk www.iacf.co.uk

19/11/2022 9:00 AM Arundel Farmers Market

discover local growers, bakers, meat, poultry, flowers, plants, food and drink makers Arundel BN18 9AA www.arundelfarmersmarket.co.uk

19/11/2022 10:00 AM Christmas Sale

Fundraising sale of exciting and unusual gift items Midhurst Methodist Church Hall GU29 9DU Contact Kate Cox: kmecox@gmail.com

24/11/2022 10:00 AM Cheeki Monkeys Big Baby & Children Market Buy/Sell Preloved Baby & Children Clothes, Toys and equipment; The Shoreham Centre BN43 5WU £1.50 Delphine delphine.cheekimonkeys@gmail.com www.cheekimonkeys.co.uk

26/11/2022 9:00 AM Pulborough Farmers Market fresh vegs, eggs, home made cakes and preserves & cafe. Pulborough Village Hall RH20 2BF 07711 470635 terriashpool@uwclub.net

27/11/2022 12:00 PM Christmas in Boxgrove Christmas market and family fun day Boxgrove Village Hall PO18 0EE 01243 788332 community@boxgrovevillagehall.co.uk

SPIRITUALIST

24/11/2022 7:00 PM Angel in Blue Psychic evening Social/support evening & Psychics Medium demonstration Storrington Village Hall RH20 4DZ £6 Val vharber@btinternet.com

More events on www.sussexlocal.net please contact event organisers to check for changes

TALKS & DEMOS

02/11/2022 10:45 AM The Arts Society South Downs "Greeks where we began" by Giles Ramsay Fittleworth Village Hall RH20 1JB £7 Free to Members. Jane Allison 01798 813314 jane@theallisonfamily.co.uk www.theartssocietysouthdowns.org.uk

04/11/2022 2:30 PM Gardens of South East England Find out about the greatest garden designers and what inspired them. Storrington Museum RH20 4LL £8 / £6 for members 01903 740188 storringtonmuseum@hotmail.com storringtonmuseum.com/

12/11/2022 11:00 AM Book signing Exploring The Bridleways of Sussex David Bathurst will sign his latest book at Shoreham Art Gallery BN43 5WA Free David Bathurst 07536 984943 davidbathurst@btinternet.com

12/11/2022 7:00 PM Dinner & Auction with speaker and live music. Hosted by Natasha Kaplinsky. Barcombe Village Hall BN8 5BH £50 The Bevern Trust 01273 400752 info@beverntrust.org www.beverntrust.org

14/11/2022 10:00 AM The Arts Society

Steyning Eastern Influence in European Jewellery by Patricia Law The Steyning Centre BN44 3XZ Free to members, £10 visitor donation steyning@theartssociety.org www.theartssocietysteyning.org.uk

15/11/2022 2:30 PM The Shetland Bus Talk by Gillian Halcrow about Norwegian sailors in their fishing boats in WWII. Methodist Church Hall Midhurst GU29 9DU £2 members, £3 visitors midhurstu3a@gmail.com midhurstu3a.org.uk

17/11/2022 7:30 PM Talk for the Midhurst Society Compassion in World Farming South Downs Memorial Hall Midhurst GU29 9DH Free for members £3 visitors Tina 01730 816542 tina@tinagavin.com midhurstsociety.org.uk

23/11/2022 2:30 PM Storrington Flower Club Affiliated to NAFAS Sullington Parish Hall RH20 3PP £6 Chris 01903 742102 chrissyldesmond@gmail.com

month

23/11/2022 7:15 PM A toss of the coin my life as a railway professional An illustrated talk by a retired railway senior manager Bassil Shippam Centre Chichester PO19 7LG £3 07403 885061 chichester@rcts.org.uk rcts.org.uk/branches/ branch chr chichester/ 26/11/2022 1:30 PM A floral treat for Christmas Christmas Flower Demonstration by Dee Watkins (Seed2Design) Pagham Village Hall PO214NJ £10 Jenni Bennett 07790 375229 jennibennett@talktalk.net

28/11/2022 7:45 PM Mig and the Beanstalk An evening of flowers, fun and theatrical tales. Chichester Festival Theatre PO19 6AP £18 01243 781312 box.office@cft.org.uk cft.org.uk

29/11/2022 7:00 PM Rails to Midhurst hear the tales of the rails to Midhurst at an illustrated talk by local historian Bill Gage West Sussex Record Office Chichester PO19 1DD £8 Matthew 01243 753602 www.westsussex.gov.uk/ro record.office@westsussex.gov.uk

THEATRE

1st, 8th & 9th Nov 7:00 PM Dance House 2022 An evening of dance from the House of Dance Alexandra Theatre Regis Centre PO21 1BN £12 Under 16's £6 Hazel alexandratheatre.co.uk hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk 01243 867676 9th 13th Nov 7:30 PM School For Scandal comedy adapted by Robert Tremayne The Curzon Brighton BN2 1NF £15/£12 07767 607483 curzontheatreproductions@gmail.com www.curzontheatreproductions.co.uk

25/11/2022 8:00 PM 'Is That a Bolt in Your Neck?' mixing spooky paranoia, surreal nightmare and frantic farce. Empire Hall Petworth GU28 0QB £15 / £10 empirehall@gmail.com empirehall@gmail.com

WALKS

26/11/2022 7:00 AM Dawn of the Ducks at Pulborough Brooks Watch waders, ducks and geese at RSPB Pulborough Brooks RH20 2EL £20.50 members / £25.50 Non members Lydia 01798 875851 lydia.fletcher@rspb.co.uk events.rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks

The Historic Petworth Herd

The Leconfield Estate cattle. By Keir Hartley

They stand on a small rise in the pasture, observing our car which has just drawn up. Thirty or so cows, calves, heifers and a single massive bull. Deep red all over, against the green grass and the deeper green of Black Down behind them. These are Pedigree Sussex cattle, part of the Petworth herd. And I am on the Leconfield Estate just north of Petworth on a warm summer afternoon. I am about to learn not only about the cattle, part of our Sussex heritage. But also about one of the most remarkable Englishmen of the eighteenth century, and his role in transforming the world.

It’s good to be cautious when you approach herds with calves and John Giffin, Director of Leconfield Farms Ltd, asks us to wait in the car until the animals get used to us. John has worked here for 57 years and has spearheaded the development of the Sussex Breed since the 1970s. The herd, about twenty yards away look back at us as our second car rolls up the slope. Fred Lucas, Managing Agent, and Farm Manager Scott Bushby join us, along with Scott’s son Jacob. The animals in front of us are part of a working herd. The Leconfield Estate has about 150, including 50 females with calves, heifers and 3 stock bulls. “It’s a closed herd for females” Scott explains” the trick is to buy a bull when you don’t need one, as demand fluctuates.” They graze on 200 acres of pasture at Stag Park and 75 acres of water meadows, alongside a flock of sheep. Overall, there are about 2000 Sussex cattle in herds across southern England. One noteworthy group grazes at Windsor, as property of His Majesty the King, and they contain Petworth genes.

Unbroken line since 1780s

John explains why these animals are truly special “We have had an unbroken line here at Leconfield since the 1780s.We’re not quite sure when the herd was established, but it was here in 1782 when the 3rd Earl of Egremont cleared and drained the land to create the farmhouse

and model farmstead. The herd is said to come from imported Indian cattle. They were first used as oxen to help clear the forest. We still sometimes find their old clay shoes.” The Petworth and Leconfield Estates were once synonymous. Petworth House was gifted to the nation in 1947, but the Leconfield Estate, property of the current Lord Egremont, still owns most of the land in the area.

George O’Brien Wyndham, 3rd Earl of Egremont (1751 1837) was a remarkable figure and deserves to be better remembered. He was a patron of the arts, counting such notable figures as JMW Turner among his friends. He was pioneer of transport, organising programmes of canal cutting. He was involved in politics, as a Whig, and even raised regiments for home defence during the revolutionary wars with France. But his true importance was as a pioneer of the most advanced agricultural techniques of the time. His Estate was at the forefront of the Agricultural Revolution.

A beacon of progress

Before 1700 agricultural progress had been slow for centuries. By 1800 the work of pioneers like Tull, Townshend and others had transformed everything. There were changes in crop rotation, machinery, and extensive breeding programmes for all kinds of animals, such as pigs, sheep and cattle. As an enlightened aristocrat, the 3rd Earl decided that he would put the new ideas into practice. He would create a farm that would be a

Photo credit: Andrew Thompson

beacon of progressive techniques for the whole world to copy. It would showcase the very latest ideas in land management, food production and buildings. A kind of eighteenth century Silicon Valley in Sussex.

So, in that single year of 1782 the land was cleared and drained. The centre of the farm was moved to take advantage of a spring. A whole cluster of buildings was put up including farmhouse and barns. They exist to this day, as we’ll see. Once the work of the oxen was complete, the 3rd Earl turned the herd over to beef, as it still is.

His achievements were carefully noted by Arthur Young, a famous chronicler of the agricultural revolution, who praised them in his 1793 work The Agriculture of West Sussex. And the special qualities of the Sussex pedigree would last. The breed is referenced again and again in herd books throughout the nineteenth century, its meat being especially noted.

Sussex Herd book

Still relevant Sussex cattle are an historic breed, hardier than many modern breeds and can thrive on rougher pasture, making them more economic in an extensive system or as a conservation grazing herd. Because they mature quickly, they produce less methane another contribution to reducing global warming. As issues like food security move up the agenda, so too do those of locally and sustainably produced food. This piece of heritage is part of the future.

We leave the herd to board the cars and, after a bumpy ride (this is a working farm, not a

The farmhouse and barns today

theme park) we arrive at a cluster of buildings largely unchanged since the eighteenth century. Most, including the farmstead are in the typical red brick of that era. But the real “hidden gem” is the barn, which stands as the 3rd Earl had it built. We step inside and peer up at an intricately constructed framework of timber beams and uprights. A tribute to the skills of the craftsmen who made it, lofty and intricate like a medieval cathedral.

Finding the Balance in the spirit of its founder, Leconfield Farms still looks to the future and the role it will play in food production and conservation. It’s a work in progress, as Fred notes “finding the balance between both environmental and productive sustainability who knows where that balance will be?” John welcomes the growing emphasis on sourcing: “People are more aware of food miles and where their food comes from there is a strong demand for local beef” he explains. Meanwhile, the Estate cooperates closely with conservation bodies in a range of projects for all sorts of local environmental enhancement It's time to leave, and we take our last photographs. “There’s so much history” muses Fred

“The estate has been in the same family’s ownership for about 900 years. We’re stewards really, in custody of the Estate for a generation before passing it on in, hopefully, an improved condition” And they love it. “Getting up each day with a general enthusiasm to care for the livestock you’re entrusted with. It’s not a job, it’s a way of life” says Scott. “It’s a privilege” says John.

Sometimes there’s a clash between defenders of “heritage” and modernists, who allege it’s stopping us from looking to the future. Our visit has made me think about these things in a different way. Yes, this place is as much part of Sussex Heritage as the Seven Sisters or Arundel Castle. But the things preserved here are ideas of the future and there is plenty of potential still. Our grateful thanks to the management of the Leconfield estate and The Sussex Cattle Society.

In Your Garden

Monthly gardening ideas & tasks by Andrew Staib of Glorious Gardens

Sussex Bats

What species do we have?

There are a total of 18 species of bat that breed in the UK and all of them can be found in Sussex. The Barbastelle, Bechstein’s, Greater Horseshoe, Greater Mouse eared and the Alcathoe whiskered bat are all very rare yet still live within Sussex. The Serotine and Noctule are both uncommon. The Brandt’s, Nathusius’s Pipistrelle, Natterer’s and Whiskered are scarce. The Daubenton's bat, Common Pipistrelle and the Brown long eared bat are abundant as is the Soprano Pipistrelle.The Leisler’s and Grey long eared bat has been rarely recorded in Sussex. They have only recorded spotting one Lesser Horseshoe. The Greater Horseshoe bat is one of the rarest bats in the UK, their numbers are thought to have plummeted from about 300,000 at the turn of the last century to just 9,000 today.

The greater mouse eared bat

earlier bats kept some of the additional finger claws inherited from their ancestors.

There are over 1400 species of bat in the world, the smallest having a wing span of 15cm the largest having 1.7metre wide wings! Some bats are solitary, some live in colonies. The largest in the world is Braken Cave in Mexico with a population of 20 million bats!

What do they eat?

A single bat can consume up to 500 insects within an hour, a common bat can eat over 3000 insects in a single evening.

The origins of bats

Bats fossil records are around 50 million years ago during a time known as the Eocene. Palaeontologists have recovered remains ranging from teeth and bits of jaw to stunning full skeletons. There are some differences between the oldest bats and their modern relatives. Based upon the ear anatomy of the better preserved specimens, for example, scientists know that the first bats couldn’t echolocate. They relied on sight, smell and touch to find their meals. While modern bats have a claw only on the equivalent of our thumb,

Where can I see bats near me?

Bodiam Castle is the place to visit to see one of the most important bat roosts in the Uk. In 2013, they recorded the earliest ever births of wild baby bats in the UK.

On average there are over 200 Daubenton’s bats, with 321 recorded in 2012. The volunteers who count the colony believe it is the largest known Daubenton’s bat maternity roost in the UK. The roost is also used by another bat species in the Myotis family, the Natterer’s bat, with up to 100 of these counted in the past.

The best months to spot bats are between April to November. You should locate yourself by a river or pond because they tend to be hunting for insects there and start looking outside 20 minutes after sunset. Planting insect loving plants will help attract insects to your garden which bats feed on.

Leading Sussex Wildlife Trust business partner Infinity Foods has recently given funding towards a bat box project in the city of Brighton and

Hove, led by Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Huw Morgan and Ryan Greaves in collaboration with Brighton and Hove City Council, Sussex Bat Group and local parks’ Friends groups.

Why should I get a bat box for my garden?

Building a bat box will provide the creatures with somewhere safe to roost, raise their pups and sleep during the day. Because the numbers of insects have plummeted since the 70s, bats are having a tough time finding enough food and many of their natural roosting places are being damaged and destroyed.

Seeing by sound

Bats are one of the few mammals that can use sound to navigate, this is called echolocation. Echolocation along with special morphological (physical features) and physiological adaptations allows bats to see with sound. Most bats produce echolocation sounds by contracting their voice box. A few species, though, click their tongues. These sounds are generally emitted

serve bats and their habitat whilst raising awareness of bats. Go along to one of their educational events which are held throughout the year.

Bat box

Help with providing a care and rescue service for sick and injured bats, with the backup of permanent bat hospitals. What does the SBS do?

They record and monitor bat populations in Sussex. The group assists Natural England with roost visits where threats to bats may exist. They also help by carrying out conservation projects such as bat box schemes, improving roost sites or opening and protecting potential sites. www.sussexbatgroup.org.uk

to

Knepp Estate, where you can experience rewilding at first hand, has signed walks that vary from an hour to four hours. A £5 donation is suggested at the car park. New Barn Farm, Swallows Lane, Dial Post, Horsham RH13 8NN

Fancy choosing your own Christmas tree? Wilderness Woods in East Sussex offers you the chance to select your tree from their plantation in November, put a ribbon around it, then come back in December and chop it down.

November tasks

• Harvest the last of your tomatoes as the frosts can get them even if they are green they will ripen in a bowl.

• Lift your Dahlias and store them in a dry, dark place (some people leave them in the soil over Winter but this is a risk)

• Prune tall Roses to reduce the rock to their roots a strong Winter wind can wreak on them.

• Bubble wrap any precious tropical trees like Bananas or Tree Ferns if frosts are imminent.

• Think about planting Perennial and trees. Trees can be bought as bare root specimens which means they will be cheaper plus the plants will have five months to establish without any real need of watering before Spring arrives.

Energy bills are set to continue to rise, and with nearly 30% of household energy consumption being used in the kitchen (according to Energy Saving Trust 13.8% of electricity for cooking, 16.8% for freezing/cooling food), being energy efficient in the kitchen should help cut down energy bills. Tips on being efficient in the Kitchen

Use the microwave: Cooking by heating water molecules inside food, from inside outwards, the heat generated by microwave is not wasted in heating the air surrounding the food. Microwaves can be used to reheat, defrost and cook meals. Microwave recipes such as mac and cheese, leek and salmon in a parcel, risotto primavera and banana muffins can be found with Google. You can also try part cooking potatoes or butternut squash for 6 10 minutes before roasting. Microwaves can also steam cook. It takes 4 5 minutes to cook softer/ moist vegetables and 6 8 minutes for firmer ones.

Use the kettle: A kettle heats water faster than the stove. When boiling water in a sauce pan, heat from the hob is absorbed by the surrounding air.

Use a slow cooker: Slow cookers are insulated, and the lid stays on during cooking. An average slow cooker uses 1.3 kWh per meal. They cook everything in one pot so there are less items to wash. The slow and longer process also makes it perfect to create meals from cheaper cuts of meat.

Use less water: Only use as much water as you need (just enough to cover the food). Boiling extra water takes more time as well as energy. Cover pots and pans: The water will boil faster and use less energy to heat food. Turn off the heat a few minutes before it is fully cooked particularly if you have an electric hob, as they take time to cool down and will continue to cook.

Defrost your fridge and freezer: The energy efficiency of both is reduced if there is a build up of ice or frost. Leave a 10cm gap behind your fridge so the heat can flow away easier. For more info: www.sustainableamersham.org

Increase the value of your home

By Nick Roberts RMR Group

Not much escapes the reality that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, none less so than a prospective home buyer!

But whilst pricing brackets are largely controlled by supply and demand (and the political circus in Westminster!) the good news is that homeowners have the power to impact where in that bracket they sit.

Increasing the value of our home is normally associated with wanting to sell. However, another reason could be quite the opposite increasing equity to get the best mortgage rate. And with banks becoming extra conservative on their offers and higher interest rates looming, now more than ever do we need to maximise our equity.

Here are some common ways to increase the value of your home, you might be surprised by how much some of the smaller changes can impact the overall value.

Single storey rear extensions - they create a modern and open style that opens the rear of

the home with full width bi fold or sliding doors into the garden. One of the most popular changes you can do.

Loft conversions are always on the ‘wish’ list. With so much unused space, converting can pro- vide bedrooms, bathrooms, ensuites and more. But remember, whilst these projects can add value, the property needs to have a suitable loft to allow this conversion.

Garage conversions Simply put, these are one of the most economic ways to create space, and a great return on your investment.

Kitchens are the heart of the home and may have a larger impact on value than you might think. With a bit of modernising you could realistically increase the value of your home by 6-8%.

All properties are different so your potential might not be obvious, so get in touch with your local architect today to discuss what options you have available.

www.robertsmillerredshaw.com

Are you hanging on to too much cash?

By Ivan Lyons, MD Investment Solutions, Worthing

Investment

At Investment Solutions Wealth Management Ltd, we have been blending investment portfolios since 1988.

When stock markets wobble, people are often reluctant to invest, instead choosing to keep their hard saved money in cash. But are you hanging on to too much cash? And could you be investing more to get your money working harder?

Capital at risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Let’s talk: 01903 214640 email: ilyons@graftonhouse.net website: www.investment solutions.co.uk

‘Investment Solutions’ is the trading name of Investment Solutions Wealth Management Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

September anagram solution: BLOTCHY

2237

There is a sharp increase in breakdowns when the weather turns cold as underlying mechanical issues escalate. To reduce your chances of breaking down, make sure to use the acronym ‘FORCES’ to carry out regular ‘DIY Checks’ on your car this winter:

Fuel: Check your tank has plenty of fuel. Running out of fuel and being stranded is never wanted.

Oil: Keep an eye that your oil level is between the minimum and maximum mark your car’s dipstick and top up as necessary. For specific information on checking your car’s oil and the type of oil you need, refer to your owner’s handbook or trusted mechanic.

Rubber: Make sure your tyres have enough tread depth. The minimum requirement is 1.6mm, though it is advisable you have 3mm of tread on your tyres for increased traction and grip. Remember to also check your wiper blades effectively clear your screen. Wiper blades may freeze so use de icer to free them, if necessary, before switching them on.

of break down

Coolant: Although it is a sealed system and shouldn’t need attention, double check your car’s coolant level before a long journey. The coolant and mix to use should be available in your owner’s handbook.

Electrics: Check all lights are working and free from dirt, grime and snow. If your car struggles to start and your battery is over four years old it may be getting towards the end of its life and could let you down. When having your battery tested ask for a check on the charging system and drain this will give a good picture of your cars electrical health.

Screen wash: Top up your screen wash regularly. To prevent your screen wash freezing, use a quality additive that protects to very low temperatures.

Credit: RAC

healthy soup to keep

warm

• 1 crown prince, (around 1kg) deseed (reserving 2 tbsps. of seeds, wash and put to one side), peel and chop the crown prince into 2cm pieces

• 4 tsp Carla’s aromatic seasoning

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, crushed

• 2 cans of Potts vegetable stock

• 70ml Susana & Daughters kefir drink

• Fresh chives, chopped

• Salt and pepper to season

• Brown Chewy, to serve Method

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan and fry the onions until translucent, this should take around 10 minutes. Add the garlic and aromatic seasoning to the pan and cook for a minute more.

2. Stir in the crown prince chunks and cover with a lid for 5 8 minutes until just starting to soften. Add the stock and bring to a simmer, cook for 15 minutes, covered, until the squash is tender.

3.

stick blender until smooth, and season well.

4. medium heat until starting to crack and sizzle, set aside.

5. drink, top with seeds, fresh chives and cracked pepper. Enjoy with warmed artisan chewy bread, with lashings on butter.

Find all ingredients at the Village Larder and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more weekly meal inspiration @village_larder www.villagelarder.co.uk

The lucky winner

Bambino coffee machine

Experiencing delicious barista coffee at home is possible with this exciting prize that combines freshly roasted, ethically sourced coffee beans delivered monthly to your door along with a state of the art Sage Bambino bean to cup machine.

Edge are winners of over 20 Great Taste Awards with more than 600 5 Star customer reviews on Feefo. New for 2022, the Edge brand is excited to be an official partner of Sage leaders in home espresso machines for coffee lovers globally.

Edge tea and coffee have been experts in all things coffee and tea for over 40 years. Their extensive range of speciality grade coffee is freshly roasted and loose leaf tea is hand blended to order on site just outside of Arundel. Years of practice has proven time and time

again that "Fresh is Best"

You’ll find the Roastery, Cafe and Store

days a week, a peaceful haven

win

can browse the extensive range

winners, make savings using the

sustainable and innovative

Shop the

edgcumbes.co.uk

re-

Shakespeare’s Othello

one of the UK’s most successful and best loved

of

see Othello at Connaught Theatre, Worthing for the 7:30pm performance

Wednesday 30th November.

be performing from 29th November

2nd December at 7.30pm or 2.30pm.

more

www.wtm.uk

Win a pair of tickets to

an electrifying take on

This autumn, Frantic Assembly

tragedy of paranoia, sex and murder. As relevant today as it ever was, Othello exposes the tension, fear and paranoia buried beneath the veneer of our relationships and how easily that can be maliciously exploited.

Frantic Assembly

a reckless leap into the unknown

years ago, Frantic Assembly has developed into

Appeal for foster carers in West Sussex

From West Sussex County Council

Right now there are over 850 children in West Sussex we care for. All these children are in safe accommodation, with many living with local foster carers, but we also have a significant number of children waiting to find a foster family. Every child deserves a loving and local place they can call home but we urgently need to recruit more foster carers in order to provide them with this.

Children aged between 11 and 17 account for 64% of those we care for and desperately need people who can guide them through this important and uncertain time in their lives. Helping them to develop into happy, confident and independent young adults.

If you are over 21, with a spare bedroom and the ability to provide a safe, stable and supportive environment for vulnerable children, you could be a foster carer and we’d love to hear from you.

As a foster carer for West Sussex County Council you will receive comprehensive training and

All about Energy

By Heather Smith

If you’re to lose weight, you must use more energy (calories) than you eat. This sounds simple, but when you look deeper, it becomes more complex as there are many factors which influence what we eat and the energy our bodies use. Your age, muscle mass, how hungry you were before you ate, what you ate and even the microbes in your gut affect how your body uses energy.

Your appetite

While it is true that you can lose weight by only eating Mars bars, as long as you’re eating less calories than you’re burning off, you’re going to be starving most of the time.

What you’re eating

You can feel at least as satisfied by a real, whole food meal the same size as a processed food meal, for less than half the calories.

Base metabolic rate

This is how many calories your body needs to stand still. Your age, muscle mass, hormones, dieting history, genes and sleep quality will affect how much energy your body needs to just stand still.

Non Exercise activity

Keeping active and generally ‘moving about’ consumes more energy than sitting still.

Exercise

How much you move, the intensity and type of exercise all affect what calories your body needs to complete the activity. How used your body is to the exercise is also a factor because our bodies become more efficient with practice.

Sleep quality

Plays a big part in how hungry we feel and how much we eat.

This is not an exhaustive list, but illustrates how different people respond to different diets/calorie intakes. You can make many of these factors work in your favour. More on this in the New Year www.fitbiztraining.co.uk

Sussex Walks - Nov 2022

These walks are led by volunteers. If the weather is poor the walk may be cancelled. There is no need to pre book for the Horsham Guided Wellbeing Walks. To view their full programme visit www.horsham.gov.uk/sport and leisure/walking/wellbeing walks

To book onto Sussex Ramblers Walks visit: www.ramblers.org.uk You must book for the Chichester HeartSmart walks: www.chichester.gov.uk/heartsmart

Horsham County Council Weekly Walks

Check website for the full monthly schedule (not available at time of print)

Every Mon 10:45am North Heath Horsham 2 miles 30 or 75 mins A gentle walk around the North Heath area riverside. Refreshment and toilets in pub

Meet: Sussex Barn pub car park, off North Heath Lane, RH12 5PJ Ann & John 01403 268885

Every Wed 10:30am Horsham Park Stroll 1+ mile 30 or 50 mins Suitable for all. Dogs on leads welcome. Friendly group and stop for a coffee at The Pavilion Centre Meet: Bandstand in Carfax (RH12 1FD) Emmy 01403 255517 or Doreen 01403 230293

Every Thu 11:00am Billingshurst 2.3 miles 60 mins Walk around Billingshurst‘s footpaths or Jubilee Fields. Stay for coffee afterwards. Dogs on leads. Meet: Billingshurst Library, Mill Lane, RH14 9JZ Chris 01403 782745

Every Fri 10:30am St Mary’s Church, Horsham 2.5 miles 90 mins

Gentle walk around Chesworth Farm or Denne Hill; no styles or steep hills. Suitable for all. Meet: St Marys Church, Horsham Peter Tobutt 01403 260783

Sussex Ramblers

Wed 2nd 10:00 Compton 8.5miles Moderate Up, down and around Compton Horsley Farm, Forestside, Broadreed Farm, West Marden

Meet: Compton, Village Rec Car Park, PO18 9EX

Sat 5th 09:30

Halfway Bridge

11miles Moderate Mill Farm, Bexley Hill Common, Lodsworth. Hilly. Booking required, max no 30

Meet: Halfway Bridge, layby of A272 eastbound GU28 0PQ Upperton Common

Wed 16th 10:00

Surrounds of Stoughton 8.5 miles Moderate

A series of ups & downs via Watergate, Stoughton & Bow Hill

Meet: Walderton Corner, immediately east of the B2146, PO18 9EA

Sat 19th 09:30

Duncton Delight 12mi Moderate Duncton, Barlavington, Sutton, Decoy Copse, Sutton End, Burton Park, Graffham, Seaford. Could be muddy. Registered assistance dogs only

Meet: Duncton, Willett Close, GU28 0LD

Sun 20th 09:30

Out from Eartham

12 miles Moderate A circular, hilly walk. Upwaltham Hill, South Downs Way, Houghton Forest, Great Down. Booking required, max 15

Meet: Eartham Woods Forestry Commission Car Park, PO18 0LU Chichester HeartSmart walks more on: www.chichester.gov.uk/heartsmart

Mon 7th 11:00

Bosham Harbour & Village 1.5 miles Easy (for all) Flat & no stiles. A circular walk through historic Old Bosham and along its scenic harbour front. Meet: Bosham Car Park, PO18 8HZ, at the pedestrian area near Bosham Public Toilets. Fri 25th 10:30

Goodwood & Singleton 8 miles Advanced A more advanced walk with steep uphill sections and stiles. Lovely open countryside also taking in the villages of West Dean and Coleworth. We will have a stop so please bring a snack.

Meet: Goodwood Seven Points Car park (not the Triangle car park)

By Will Writer Emma Wells MIPW

Wills can become a public ordeal and although you may no longer be around to deal with any of the fall out, there are occasions where you may not want your reasoning or wishes to be openly available for everyone to see.

Families, friendships and personal choices can be made up in many different formats these days. This means that making sure that you document who is getting what is more important than ever but many feel the need to give an explanation on why they have made certain decisions. It’s at this point that you may want to consider what options you have to keep some privacy even after you have passed on.

Your Will is a personal document where you can bequeath belongings, assets, property and money to whom ever you choose. Their origins date back to ancient Greece but it was the Romans who adapted the rules to give us something that is more familiar with today’s intestacy laws. Essentially, Wills were designed as a way of passing on or handing down a legacy and

more importantly, to make sure wealth and belongings, stayed withing the family unit. Once probate has been granted, all Wills are added to a database, this means that if someone passes away, there is documented evidence about how they wished their wealth to be distributed, these documents are openly available for the public to see, albeit for a small fee.

Over the course of the last 10 years, Letters of Wishes have become increasingly popular, these are documents that are connected to your Will, but are not and will not be made publicly available. It allows individuals to add personal thoughts, reasons, comments and explanations to their Will without the fear of people outside of those it’s addressed to, being able to read it. These letters can also be used to give guidance to Trustees on how you wish money left to children to be spent and in the case of guardianship, a guide on how to raise your children in your absence. Please do get in touch on 01903 821010 or email wills@nsure.co.uk.

hunting from Findon

It is unbelievable now that fox hunting was rife years ago in Findon. Let us take a step back to 282 years ago.

On 2nd January, 174l the Duke of Richmond sat down in the village, (from the comfort and warmth of the mansion of Findon Place, the Manor of Findon) and wrote "We had a very fine chase yesterday and ran to ground".

The hounds were recorded as still being in Findon by the end of the month and returned to their Charlton kennels via a further hunting spree in the Arundel countryside.

At the beginning of 1742, the Duke of Newcastle corresponded with the Duke of Richmond and informed him of the names of the hunting guests at Findon. At 7 a.m. on the morning of Monday, 4th January 1742, the hounds duly left their quarters at Charlton en route for the trek across country to Findon. After traversing the River Arun at Houghton Bridge, where they must have made a truly wonderful sight, they cast about for a fox and made their first fast chase of the day. They ran as hard as hounds could, after spying cunning Mrs. Reynard’s sleek back and bushy tail and ran her to ground near Parham Common. Some of the hunting party were elected to remain there and dig the poor quarry out. The rest of the pack settled down and hitting it off again, continued tenaciously following a fresh fox by way of neighbouring Highdown Hill. They subsequently hunted over into Findon countryside at Muntham. The hunt laboured up and over Blackpatch Hill and sprinted past the site of the mansion at Michelgrove without so much as a sideways glance. Into the woods they thundered where several foxes appeared to be waiting and it seemed they were so plentiful they were almost begging to be chased.

Meanwhile back at the Parham area, the earlier vixen had been by now dug out. She was

being prepared for a second dose of the same sport ― and was in the process of being now turned out by her captors (hardly sporting of them)... into foreign terrain at Muntham. Somewhat puzzled by her new surroundings, she sought sanctuary she knew not where. The bloodthirsty hounds relentlessly pursued her. There was to be no respite and she was marked to ground after a few minutes at Cobden Farm back within the Findon boundary. The huntsman stopped for breath and blew hard for his stray hounds, and they turned for home after their satisfactory chase.

Two days later the hounds in good form (in spite of the pouring rain), departed from their Findon quarters and headed north in the direction of Steyning. They returned tired after a long run.

Anyone out on the following day, now Thursday, would have seen the hunt depart yet again from Findon in all their splendour. They trotted north once more and this time pushed Mrs. Reynard in and out of the woodland at Chanctonbury Ring and Wiston, then on to Steyning. Turning to the south they raced down passed the working windmill (then still standing at Lancing), where the clever vixen cunningly chose a neat route on through South Lancing to common land.

The observant dog hounds hardly faltered in their quest. They paused but were quickly away on her scent and in hot pursuit until she took refuge on the very shoreline. Here the chase could have ended but a local person's straying cur took it upon itself to intercept. The white tipped waves lapped around the dog's ankles as he chased the unfortunate fox through the shallows. The by now tired vixen furiously made a brave attempt to outstrip her new pursuer. Eventually they dog paddled side by side out to sea and that could have been the end of the story. As if sensing the distant foreign coast was not for them, they circled around and returned to the beach. Here bedraggled and exhausted couple sadly came face to face with the baying hounds in full flight and the chase ended there. The following year, the hounds, but not with the Duke of Richmond in attendance, were to be seen at work in the environs of Findon again on Monday, 17th January 1743. There was no stopping them and they took an unbelievable number of eight foxes.

Charlton Hunt at Arundel in 1922

Sussex Snippets

Charity & Community news from across the counties

Steven Rushmer, age 17 from West Sussex has been given The British Citizen Youth Award. Now in its eighth year, the award honours 25 young people from across the UK who have made a difference in their communities and society as a whole. For the past three years Steven has given up his weekends leading up to Remembrance Day to volunteer by selling Poppies for the Royal British Legion.

4Sight Vision Support, which offers support to blind and sight impaired residents of all ages throughout West Sussex, provides specialist advisors who guide its clients through the process of identifying and accessing benefits and concessions to which they may be entitled. If you or someone you know needs support accessing benefits and concessions call 01243 828555 or visit www.4sight.org.uk

West Sussex County County (WSCC) has renewable energy systems including two solar farms and many more solar panels on its buildings which generated more than 16,000 MWh of clean electricity last year. That’s enough to power more than 5,500 average UK homes. This prevented 3,700 tonnes of CO2 being released into the atmosphere compared to generating the same amount of electricity from fossil fuels.

The Warmer Homes programme is still available to residents in West Sussex and aims to help raise the energy efficiency of low income and low energy performance homes. Funding is available for things like roof, underfloor, wall and park home insulation, air source heat pumps, solar panels, storage heaters and heating controls Apply quickly so you don't miss out and please pass this information to anyone you think may benefit from this programme. More details at www.warmerhomes.org.uk/programme

Applications are now open for children who start in reception at primary and infant schools in

September 2023. The quickest and easiest way is to apply is online and the deadline for applications is 15 January 2023. Search for Starting School Places at www.westsussex.gov.uk. The next major fundraiser for Air Ambulance charity Kent Sussex Surrey (KSS) is Host a Roast in which people invite friends, family or colleagues in November to enjoy a roast and, through donations, raise vital funds. To find out more about Host a Roast or other opportunities to support KSS, please visit www.aakss.org.uk David Bathurst, author of several walking guides both local and national, has just written a guide called “Exploring the Bridleways of Sussex”. It is the definitive practical and armchair guide to Sussex bridleways which provide the perfect means of exploring the countryside. The book costs £15 and all profits will be donated to Friends of Sussex Hospices. David will be signing copies at Shoreham Art Gallery BN43 5WA (just by Shoreham railway station) between 11am and 3pm on Saturday November 12th.

The Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Centre (Portsmouth) is for anyone affected by cancer, patients and loved ones. It helps with emotional support, counselling, financial advice, self management workshops and signposting to other professional or voluntary services all free of charge. The charity is looking for Meet & Greet Volunteers to welcome visitors in by offering refreshments and a listening ear to all that come through the door. If you have a friendly disposition, and want to spend some spare time helping others feel supported, then this could be perfect for you. If you can help please email macmillancentre@porthosp.nhs.uk or give them a call on 02392 283 323 for more information. Community stories are printed free of charge. Please email info@sussexlocal.net

Charity & Community News

Food support for those in need Worthing Borough Council is committing £100k and working with volunteer groups, charities and other agencies to help food banks, food pantries and Community Fridges in Worthing, including partnering with them to find a storage and distribution site, to minimise food waste. Food pantries are similar to food banks, but users pay a weekly membership and can take what they need. Community Fridges are spaces for people to share surplus food. Other initiatives include identifying ‘warm spaces’ where residents unable to pay for heating can go for shelter and warmth during the winter months. Over the longer term, the Council is also looking at how it could support interest free loans to those who currently cannot get help from banks, building societies or other lenders, to extend its Proactive scheme to give financial support to residents and to offer grants to make homes more energy efficient.

For a full list of support groups and food banks, visit the Council's website. Donations of non perishable food supplies and money to help buy

goods are always welcomed by the groups, and can be made directly at any of the places listed on the Council website: adur worthing.gov.uk/ community wellbeing/foodbanks Charity Gingerbread House making competition

Local domestic abuse charity Safe in Sussex is holding its annual Gingerbread House baking competition in December and is inviting public participants in several Adult and Child categories. The competition will be judged on 8th December 5 8pm at St Oscar Romeros School, BN12 5AF where the public can also visit the amazing displays of cakes baked by the competitors. If you don’t bake, then decorating packs are available to buy for use at home just for fun.

To register visit www.gingerbreadworld.co.uk and follow the link to the competition. Good luck!

Charity & Community News

Award for Findon Village Store

Arundel & South Downs MP, Andrew Griffith, met the volunteers of the community owned and run Findon Village Store and Post Office on Friday. Findon Village Store is ‘for the community, by the community’. The store was bought by a group of residents in the village in 2017 after the store closed without notice. In just six months the store was re stocked and re opened thanks to an army of volunteers.

It has now become a thriving and successful venture with all profits being returned to the community. As a community store, they go the extra mile, including a ‘delivering to housebound customers afternoon’ which took place on 30th Sept to congratulate them on their Queens Award for Voluntary Service.

Patrick Colville, Chairman of the Management Team, said: “Our volunteers are a great team with a rich variety of life and professional skills, who share their time and talents willingly and generously. This prestigious Award is a wonderful recognition of their commitment and hard

work. They are the backbone of the initiative, which is truly amazing and absolutely is for the community, by the community”

The photo above shows Andrew Griffith presenting Findon Village Store volunteers with a letter of congratulations (Chairman Patrick Colville to right). www.findonvillagestore.org

To find out more about the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. see: www.gov.uk/queens award for voluntary service.

Community stories are free of charge. info@sussexlocal.net

Findon Parish Council

Planning Applications

Edited extracts from draft minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting held 25th August 2022.

SDNP/22/03452/HOUS Seven Beeches, 23 School Hill, Findon, BN14 0TR: Ground floor extensions, replacement roof, garage conversion, new external wall finish and new integral garage. Councillors reviewed planning documents and site location, and were aware of planning history. Resolved: that Clerk informs SDNPA that Findon Parish Council raises no objection to application.

SDNP/22/03726/HOUS Findon Court, Findon Road, Findon, BN14 0RA: Proposed detached residential garage and storage building with home/work office in roof space. Councillors reviewed the planning documents and site location. Discussion took place, summarised as follows:

• The applicant had not shown that the proposal could meet the exceptional test for property outside the identified settlement boundary

• Unclear if application complied with Policy SD31 of South Downs Local Plan did not increase floor area of dwelling by more than 30% when added to

area of proposed detached residential garage and storage buildingwith home/work officein roofspace

• The proposed building was overbearing in size and unneighbourly

• Unclear from the application why additional substantial outbuilding was required as there already was a substantial outbuilding at rear of property

• Should SDNPA approve application, FPC would expect a condition be applied to prevent subsequent conversion of home/work office in roof space to non ancillary independent residential use. Resolved: that Clerk informs SDNPA Findon Parish Council strongly objects to the application.

SDNP/22/03561/FUL Land north of Bost Hill, Salvington, Worthing: Change of use of an equestrian paddock to a secure dog walking field with associated access and parking area. Councillors reviewed planning documents for application and site location. Resolved: that Clerk informs SDNPA that Findon Parish Council supports the application, subject to the concerns of the Ecologist being addressed. www.findonparishcouncil.gov.uk

Findon Valley Residents’ Association

Queen Elizabeth, music, Christmas & new cycle/pedestrian path

We were all saddened at the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on 8th September. FVRA set up a Book of Condolences at Findon Valley Library, and also represented the Valley at the ‘King’s Proclamation’ at Worthing Town Hall. At the time of writing we are developing the Library garden with a memorial area, including seating, a new tree and 7 Queen Elizabeth roses (one for each decade of the Queen’s reign).

Big Band in the Valley! On Friday 11 November the Brighton Big Band will be at the Free Church (7.30pm) for a great evening of music, dance and socialising. Presented jointly by FVRA and the Free Church, tickets although limited are available online via www.trybooking.co.uk/BVIQ or at the Church office weekdays 9am till noon. Our September market in our usual venue Lime Tree Surgery car park was enjoyed by many, and included live music courtesy of “Henhouse Rock”! The next market (after October 30) will be Sunday 27 November, and our Christmas market is on Sunday 18 December.

We are very excited about our Christmas Extravaganza, at King’s Parade on Thursday 15 December, 5pm to 8.30. Many of the shops will open late, there will be craft and market stalls, street food, live music and children’s entertainments. Even Santa says he has time to come and see us! The service road in front of the shops will be closed to all traffic, to ensure everyone’s safety, and space for all the activities.

County Council contractors have commenced work on the new shared cycle/pedestrian path from the Black Horse, Findon, down to the Lime Tree Avenue/ A24 junction. Completion is scheduled for mid January. North of Bost Hill, the A24 east side pavement will be widened. South from Bost Hill, cyclists will be directed along May Tree Avenue and Lime Tree Avenue using the existing roadway. The pavements here will not be used, nor will special cycle lanes be installed. It will become much safer for cyclists to reach Findon, Nepcote and the Downs. www.findonvalley.org

Punctuality, Quality, Value