Sussex Local Magazine - Findon OCTOBER 2023

Quote of the month...

"October gave a party; The leaves by hundreds came - The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples, And leaves of every name." – GEORGE COOPER

Oct 2023

Cover image: Autumn colours

HELLO!

Even though the days are shorter and cooler, October is a lovely time to enjoy our beautiful countryside and parks as the leaves change colour and autumn arrives in all its splendour! We have a page of local guided walks which anyone can join for free.

Halloween revelries have grown over the years and most children enjoy pumpkin carving, dressing up and ‘trick or treating’. See our What’s On pages and website for children’s Halloween activities. You can also win a family ticket to the “Night of Colours Fireworks” at Fontwell Park on Saturday 4th November.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a very misunderstood condition. Megan O’Neill visits a local training session for Service Dogs UK where veterans suffering with PTSD are paired with rescue dogs, and both parties benefit.

Don’t forget to put your clocks back on Sunday 29th October and enjoy that extra hour of sleep that comes once a year. Until next month,

4 What's On

34 In Your Garden - Flowers for wildlife

15

Mummies show

13 Win tickets to The Scrummy Sale by Valerie Martin

22 Motoring - Speed Cameras

25 Win a family ticket to Fontwell Park's Fireworks Night Sat 4th November

26 Local Guided Walks

28 Health and Wellbeing - No quick fix to weight loss

30 Young Readers' Puzzle Page

31 Service Dogs UKSupporting Veterans with PTSD

CONTENTS Advertising

38 Property - Outbuilding offices

40 Property - Navigating the Buy to Let Market

42 Recipe - Apple & Banana Tray Bake

44 Crossword - Win a £30 voucher for The Highdown

46 Findon Parish Council

47 Findon Valley Residents Association

47 Local Business Directory

51 Index of Advertisers

Established in 2007, we publish and hand-deliver eight editions free of charge to over 54,000 homes and businesses every month. We welcome reader letters and community notices which we publish free of charge.

ARUNDEL and surroundings – 7,006 addresses

BARNHAM and surroundings – 6,316 addresses

CHICHESTER city centre and suburbs – 6,310 addresses

FINDON and surroundings – 7,287 addresses

MIDHURST / PETWORTH and surroundings – 7,139 addresses

PULBOROUGH and surroundings – 6,091 addresses

SOUTHWATER and surroundings – 7,108 addresses

STORRINGTON and surroundings – 6,733 addresses

What’s On - October/November 2023

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 eight editions distributed to over 54,000 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 November events to be put on website - 4th October

CHARITY

2 Oct & 2 Nov 8:00 PM The CancerWise 2023 Fundraising Challenge Quiz Supporting people affected by cancer, their families and carers across West Sussex info@virtualquizevents.com www.VirtualQuizEvents.com

2-8 Oct The Children's Trust

Pyjama Week Take part in our fun week and host your very own Pyjama Day. The Children's Trust £2 Anna 01737 365000 events@thechildrenstrust.org.uk

7 Oct & 4 Nov 10:30 AM Parkinson's Support Group Support group for people with Parkinson's and their families. Washingron Village Memorial Hall Washington RH20 4AP Gillian Chard 01903 746871 gillian.chard@btinternet.com

Sat 07 Oct 9:00 AM Heli Hike in Midhurst Take part in the Hike and raise funds for your local Air Ambulance charity Cowdray Park Midhurst GU29 0AQ From £9 Children from £6.50 Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex 01634 471900 hello@aakss.org.uk www.aakss.org.ukget-involved/events/ourevents/heli-hike-in-sussex

Sat 14 Oct 7:30 PM

Charity Quiz Evening Fun Quiz - all proceeds to Washington Village Memorial Hall RH20 4AP £8 Lorna 01903 892725 lornagoldsmith@btinternet.com

Tue 17 Oct 6:30 PM Horsham Matters Charity

Silent Auction Opportunity to bid for some unique items and experiences. The Capitol Horsham RH12 1RG 18+ Horsham Matters 0300 124 0204 info@horsham-matters.org.uk www.horsham-matters.org.uk

Thu 26 Oct 10:00 AM Andy's Angels in Worthing Grief Play Café, supporting children and their families who are navigating their Grief Journey. Hope Hive Worthing BN13 1AA Kayla Shepherd 07465 242321 kayla@andysangels.org.uk www.andysangels.org.uk

Mon 13 Nov 1:30 PM Flower Demonstration and Afternoon Tea The Rotary Club of Chichester

Harbour event Chichester Park Hotel Chichester Po19 7QL £13 Jill Miller 01243 867626 jvjmiller@talktalk.net

CLUBS & SOCIETIES

Every Friday/Sunday 9.30 am & 11am

Badminton We play at West Chiltington Village hall Fridays 9.30- 11 a.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. West Chiltington Village Hall Pulborough RH20 2PZ Vivian Jones 01798 813550

vmjones18@hotmail.co.uk

Every Tues & Thurs 7:30 PM Clapham and Patching Short Mat Bowls Club A friendly club on Tuesdays and Thursdays and welcome new members of all abilities Clapham and Patching Village Hall Worthing BN13 3UT Marjorie 01903 871132 marjoriejeep@hotmail.com

www.claphamandpatchingwestsussex.org.ukshort-mat-bowling-club

Mon 02 Oct 10:00 AM Storrington Morning WI

Trinity church hall Storrington RH20 3NG J A Barugh 07833 252302

jackybarugh@wsfwi.co.uk

Wed 04 Oct 7:15

PM Littlehampton

Camera ClubPhotographer

Gordon Small BPE will be giving his talk, The Four Seasons. Methodist Church Rustington BN16 2NL £5 for non-members on the door. Contact Robert Kuhner 07896 671515

robertkuhner@yahoo.co.uk

www.littlehamptoncameraclub.com

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

Wed 04 Oct 6:45 PM Graphic novel book club

Comic book club looking at graphic novels aimed at adults Private house Barnham PO22 0EF Free. Paul Wilson paulw21erin@gmail.com

Fri 13 Oct 7:30 PM Chichester & District Bonsai Society Small friendly Bonsai Club, who would like to welcome new members. The Basil Shipman Centre Chichester PO19 7LG £12 per year. £1 per night. Club Night Guest £2 (first visit no charge) Free. Liz Panton 01798 865551 lizpanton5@gmail.com www.chichesterbonsai.co.uk

Sat 28 Oct 8:00 AM Men's Community Breakfast

Colin Matthews, ex CEO Highways England and London Heathrow will be joining. Chichester Park Hotel Chichester PO19 7QL 10 Peter Sutton 07813 024585 peter@ppsutton.co.uk www.immanuelchichester.comcommunity/mensbreakfast/

Every Wed/Thu 7.15 PM - 10.30 PM Thakeham Table Tennis Club Wednesday evenings

Thakeham Village Hall Storrington RH20 3GW £5 ad hoc, £12 monthly. Andy andytttc@gmail.com www.thakehamtabletennis.co.uk

COURSES & TUITION

Mon 02 Oct 10:30 AM WEA Art Appreciation: French Painting in the Nineteenth Century 10session course with WEA tutor and art historian

Michaela Cranmer St Paul's Parish Centre

Chichester PO19 6FT £84 concession if on income-related benefit WEA Bognor Regis and Chichester Branch bognorregischichester.branch@wea.ac.uk www.wea.org.uk

Sun 08 Oct 8:30 AM

Nature and Wildlife Photography Workshop

An introduction to the key principles and techniques of Nature and Wildlife RSPB Pagham Harbour Sidlesham PO20 7NE 38 £30 (members) RSPB Pagham

Harbour 01243 641508 www.rspb.org.uk pagham.harbour@rspb.org.uk

EXHIBITIONS

Every Friday 10:00 AM Blue Idol Open Day in Coolham Visit this historic Quaker building and discover local history Blue Idol Quaker Meeting House Coolham RH13 8QP Free Blue Idol Quakers admin@blueidol.org

3-8 Oct 10:00 AM Ruby Taylor: Rip It Up

Ruby Taylor is a Sussex based multi-disciplinary artist Colonnade House Worthing BN11 3DH paula.tollett@adur-worthing.gov.uk www.colonnadehouse.co.uk

Sat 07 Oct 10:00 AM May The Toys Be With You

The Force is Strong as Star Wars toy exhibition comes to Chichester. The Novium Museum Tower Street Chichester PO19 1QH thenovium@chichester.gov.uk www.thenovium.orgtheforce

1 Oct - 12 Nov 9:00 AM Peace Doves art installation Peter Walker's immersive installation, Peace Doves. Chichester Cathedral Chichester PO19 1PX Free entry. info@chichestercathedral.org.uk www.chichestercathedral.org.uk

10-15 Oct 10:00 AM Helen Mary Stronge: Seeking Peace Helen Mary Stronge was born in Dublin in 1948 and later moved to England in 1983. Colonnade House Worthing BN11 3DH paula.tollett@adur-worthing.gov.uk www.colonnadehouse.co.uk

10-22 Oct 10:00 AM Liz

English: Blue And Green

And All The Colours In Between This exhibition explores a love of colour, particularly in nature

Colonnade House Worthing

BN11 3DH Tel: 01903 221142 paula.tollett@adur-worthing.gov.uk www.colonnadehouse.co.uk

13 Oct - 15 Nov 10:00 AM Rebuilding Arundel Castle 1870-1900 The 15th Duke of Norfolk’s Victorian major building project Arundel Museum Arundel BN18 9AP Free with Museum entry ticket. Arundel Museum tel: 01903 885866 office@arundelmuseum.org www.arundelmuseum.org

31 Oct-11 Nov 10:00 AM Landscapes in Time

3 local artists : Chris Sedgwick, Amanda Duke and David Wise. Colonnade House Worthing BN11 3DH www.colonnadehouse.co.uk paula.tollett@adur-worthing.gov.uk

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

Sat 28 Oct 6:00 PM Monsters Party Halloween Party for families, ends 9pm Oving Jubilee Hall

Oving PO20 2DQ Call for details: Anne-Marie Eastwood 07810 128245

annemariedutchy@gmail.com

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

Your new home is ready to move in

FAYRES & FETES

Sat 11 Nov 10:00 AM Steyning Holistic Fair The Steyning Holistic Fair makes for an enjoyable and uplifting day all round. The Steyning Centre

Steyning BN44 3XZ 3, Free Silverdragon

Wellbeing 07939 642917

silverdragonwellbeing@gmail.com

silverdragonwellbeing.comsteyning-holistic-fair

FILM

Wed 11 Oct 7:30 PM Rotary Film Night - Allelujah Starring Jennifer Saunders And Derek Jacobi. Bar + Raffle. Sullington Village Hall Storrington RH20 3PP £5 Ken Collins kandjcoll@btinternet.com

Thu 12 Oct 7:00 AM Foreign Film evening The Worthing Twinning Association present French and German films with English subtitles.

Worthing Baptist Church Hall BN14 7LU £5 Christopher c.doidge@btinternet.com

Fri 13 Oct 7:30 PM Barbie (12A) Running Time: 1 hour 54 minutes Billingshurst Community

Centre Billingshurst RH14 9QW £7 Terri Ashpool 07711 470635 terriashpool@uwclub.net

Mon 16 Oct 7:30 PM Barbie (12A) Running Time: 1 hour 54 minutes Pulborough Village Hall

Pulborough RH20 2BF 7 Terri Ashpool 07711 470635 terri@uwclub.net

Wed 25 Oct 7:15 PM The Mid Hants Railway Film Unit Professionally produced railway films Bassil Shippam Centre Chichester PO19 7LG £4 donation. RCTS members £3 Roger Sandford chichester@rcts.org.uk rcts.org.ukbranches/ branch-chr-chichester

GARDENS & HORTICULTURE

10 Oct & 14 Oct 2:00 PM The National Garden Scheme: Open Garden: Peelers Retreat Arundel Visit the garden at Peelers Retreat and help raise funds for NGS Charities Peelers Retreat Arundel BN18 9EX £5. The National Garden Scheme. hello@ngs.org.uk www.ngs.org.uk

Wed 11 Oct 7:15 PM Talk for West Chiltington Horticultural Society - Art in the Garden by Michael Joseph about the use & benefits of artwork in the garden. West Chiltington Village Hal RH20 2PZ £3 for visitors - Members free Carys carys.pickett@btinternet.com 07792 817399 www.westchilthortsoc.wordpress.com

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

Wed 11 Oct 7:00 PM Garden Tips Talk 'Garden

Tips from the Head Gardener' Lavant

Horticultural Society Lavant Memorial Hall

Chichester PO18 0HA Members free, guests £3

Susan Jackson suejackson23@tiscali.co.uk

Sun 29 Oct 11:00 AM Denmans Garden open for the National Garden Scheme Denmans

Garden Fontwell BN18 0SU £9 National Garden Scheme hello@ngs.org.uk ngs.org.uk

Wed 08 Nov 7:15 PM Talk for West Chiltington

Horticultural Society A talk by retired RHS

Entomologist Andrew Halstead about "Garden Pest Recognition & Control" West Chiltington

Village Hall RH20 2PZ £3 for visitors - Members free. Carys carys.pickett@btinternet.com 07792 817399 www.westchilthortsoc.wordpress.com

MUSIC

Every Tuesday 7:00 PM Brighton City Singers

Looking for a stress-busting, fun vocal workout?

Come sing with this friendly and inclusive choir

Hangleton Primary School Hove BN3 8LF (£25/ month after first session. Brighton City Singers thebrightoncitysingers@gmail.com www.brightoncitysingers.co.uk

Sat 07 Oct 4:00 PM Vocal Fusion Acapella

Concert Family afternoon concert St Peters

Church Henfield BN5 9NY 10, 0 David Ellwood 07918 052177 ellwood414@aol.com

www.vocalfusionacapella.co.ukeventsandtickets

Sat 07 Oct 8:00 PM An Evening with Charlie

Austen Charlie is a dynamic one-woman tour-deforce performing carefully crafted original songs.

Empire Hall Petworth GU28 0QB £10 Jim Kirke empirehall@gmail.com www.empirehall.org.uk

Mon 09 Oct 9:30 AM Downland Ensemble A Community Orchestra for all ages and abilities

Pulborough Village Hall Pulborough RH20 2BF Ros Allwood 01798 875804

downlandensemble@gmail.com www.downlandensemble.org

Thu 12 Oct 7:30 PM

Skipinnish - Celtic music powerhouse. ”A sublime mix of highland traditions and contemporary music”

Concorde 2 Brighton BN2 1EN £31.94 Tel: 01273 673311 hello@concorde2.co.uk

www.concorde2.co.uk

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

Sat 14 Oct 7:30 PM The Southdowns Concert Band A lighthearted evening with the band. Memorial Hall Midhurst GU29 9DH £10

Southdowns Concert Band 07881 552980 bbailey93@btinternet.com www.southdowns-concertband.co.uk

Sat 14 Oct 10:00 AM Come and Sing Brahms

Requiem Come and Rehearse and Sing Brahms

Requiem under the direction of Peter Allwood and the Chantry Quire Easebourne Church, GU29 0AJ Contact: Chantry Quire webmaster@chantryquire.org.uk www.chantryquire.org.uk

Thu 19 Oct 7:30 PM Evening of Dixieland and Traditional Jazz with the Featherstone Jazz Four plus Half in Lancing Trad Jazz at the DRNK Coffee House in Lancing, Lancing Manor Leisure Estate, Lancing BN15 0PH Free. Derek Little 01903 249900 dglittle@ntlworld.com

Sat 21 Oct 7:30 PM The Petworth Town Band

Autumn Concert Traditional and modern Brass Band music in our Autumn Concert. The Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Petworth GU28 0AD Petworth Town Band 01798 872910 bookings@petworthtownband.com www.petworthtownband.com

Sat 21 Oct

7:30 PM

Haydn The Creation

Arun Choral Society with the Sinfonia of Arun and soloists. Arundel Cathedral Arundel BN18 9AY £15, child: £7.50 Arun Choral Society enquiries@arunchoralsociety.co.uk www.arunchoralsociety.co.uk

28-30 Oct 7:30 PM West Chiltington Silver Band - Autumn Concert At West Chiltington Village Hall, RH20 2PZ Ads £10, Children free (if accompanied by an adult) Richard Barron 07784 651485 rabarron@btinternet.com www.westchiltsilverband.com

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

SALES & MARKETS

Every Friday 9:45 AM Storrington Community Market cakes, biscuits, preserves, eggs, fruit, veg, crafts. Storrington Village Hall 07909 681884 katiebridge17@gmail.com

Sat 14 Oct 10:15 AM Junktique, Collectables & Clutter Sale Indoor West Chiltington Village Hall RH20 2PZ £1 entry. Carol 0179 8813608 wchiltfloralclub@gmail.com

Sat 14 Oct 10:00 AM Jumble sale

2nd Durrington Sea Scouts Raising funds for Scout activities. 2nd Durrington Sea Scout HQ Worthing BN13 2RH Adults 20p entry. Ted Thorpe: eethorpe@yahoo.co.uk

Sat 21 Oct 9:00 AM Arundel Farmers Market

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

Sat 28 Oct 9:00 AM Pulborough Village Market & Cafe Independent stalls with numerous crafts, home made cakes, bread, eggs plus cafe and breakfast. Pulborough Village Hall RH20 2BF Terri Ashpool 01798 874647 terriashpool@uwclub.net

Sat 11 Nov 9:30 AM Cheeki Monkeys Big Baby & Children's market Buy or sell quality, gently used babies' and children’s toys, clothes and equipment. The Shoreham Centre Shoreham-BySea BN43 5WU Adults £1.50 entry. Delphine delphine.cheekimonkeys@gmail.com

SOCIAL & ENTERTAINMENT

Wed 11 Oct 7:00 AM An Evening of Prayer for World Peace Interfaith prayers and readings for World Peace. Chichester Quaker Meeting House Chichester PO19 7NP. Bill McMellon 01243 776364 billmcmellon@myphone.coop www.chichesterquakers.org.uk

Sat 14 Oct 6:00 PM A Celebration of Poetry with Roger McGough. Join one of Britain's best loved poets for an evening of poetry and music. St Margaret Church Warnham RH12 3QP Adults £18 Concessions £12. 01403 241695

shelleymemorialproject@btinternet.com www.shelleymemorialproject.co.uk

Sat 14 Oct 7:30 PM Motown and Northern Soul

Evening Eastergate Village Hall Arundel PO20 3RP £5 otd Tony Cassini 07718 415620

di_cassini@hotmail.com

Sat 28 Oct 7:00 PM Quiz Night in aid of Storrington Museum Storrington & Sullington

Parish Hall Storrington RH20 3PP £10 01903 746569 storringtonmuseum@hotmail.com www.storringtonmuseum.com

TALKS

Tue 03 Oct 2:00 PM Bauhaus: The Idea and Reality Talk at The Arts Society of West Sussex Fittleworth Village Hall RH20 1JB Guests £7 Jackie 01903 411086 jackiebuckler@sky.com www.theartssocietywestsussex.org

Wed 04 Oct 10:00 AM Discovering wills and other probate records Get started with family and local history research. West Sussex Record Office Chichester PO19 1DD £7.50, £6.50 for members of West Sussex Archives Society Matthew record.office@westsussex.gov.uk 01243 753602 www.westsussex.gov.uk/ro

Thu 05 Oct 7:00 PM The Delos Gardens at Sissinghurst Head Gardener at Sissinghurst talks about recreating Mediterranean Gardens. Arundel Town Hall BN18 9AP £17.50, AGA

Members £12.50 aga.sussex@gmail.com 07525 772 799 arundelgardensassociation.co.uk

Fri 06 Oct 7:30 PM PACT: Petworth Area Churches Together Autumn Talk Ford Prison

Chaplain's Talk on Pastoral Care at St. Mary's Church Petworth GU28 0AD Gerald 01798 342151 geraldgreshamcooke@gmail.com

Fri 06 Oct 7:30 PM Sentinels against the Storm A fascinating talk on Scottish Lighthouses and how they were built. Storrington Museum, The Old School, School Lane, RH20 4LL. Entry £8, £6 for members

storringtonmuseum@hotmail.com 01903 740188 www.storringtonmuseum.com

Mon 09 Oct 10:00 AM The Arts Society Steyning October Talk All Singing, All Dancing

Shakespeare, a talk by Sarah Lenton at The Steyning Centre Steyning BN44 3XZ Free to members; visitors £10 donation. The Arts Society Steyning steyning@theartssociety.org

www.theartssocietysteyning.org.uk

Wed 18 Oct 7:30 PM Henry V111 at Sullington

Windmills WI ‘Henry VIII and All That’ with Bob Hutchinson Sullington Parish Hall Storrington RH20 3PP Liz Allen-Williams 01903 741078

ljaw2@hotmail.com sullingtonwindmills.org

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

Spooky Half Term

Mon 23 – Fri 27 October 9:30am – 1:30pm

Fun Craft Activities

Book online

Thu 19 Oct 7:45 PM Billy Billingham 'Always A Little Further' SAS Who Dares

Wins star Billy Billingham MBE QCB will be coming to Brighton this Autumn. Theatre Royal Brighton and Hove BN1 1SD From £29, 0844 871 7627 laura@impressivepr.com www.fane.co.ukbilly-billingham

Tue 31 Oct 7:00 PM The Women’s Land Army in Chichester Join historian Ian Everest for a talk hosted by West Sussex Record Office Chichester PO19 1DD £8, £7 West Sussex Archives Society members. Matthew Jones 01243 753602 record.office@westsussex.gov.uk www.www.westsussex.gov.uk/ro

Wed 01 Nov 10:00 AM Researching the history of your house Get started with your family and local history research. West Sussex Record Office Chichester PO19 1DD 7.5, 7.5, 6.50 for members of West Sussex Archives Society. Matthew Jones 01243 753602 record.office@westsussex.gov.uk www.westsussex.gov.uk/ro

15 Oct 7:30 PM Henfield Theatre Company presents Jekyll and Hyde Neil Bartlett’s 2022 stage adaptation at The Henfield Hall Henfield BN5 9EQ 14. Contact: Mandy Ainsworth mandya1276@gmail.com or full details: www.henfieldtheatrecompany.com

4-7 Oct 7:45 PM Shadowlands This West End and Broadway hit Tony Award winning play is the love story of C.S. Lewis. The Barn Theatre Southwick BN42 4TE £12 pp or party of ten discount Wick Theatre Company 0333 6663366 barnboxoffice@southwickcommunitycentre.org.uk

16-18 Nov 7:45 PM

The Tempest Pitchy Breath Theatre Company present Shakespeare's mystical comedy The Hawth Studio Crawley RH10 6YZ Tickets £12-£14, Pitchy Breath Theatre Company. pitchybreath@gmail.com www.pitchybreath.co.uk

Expert advice on paying for care

Long-term care in your own home or in a residential care home is expensive, but with expert advice from independent financial specialists, Carewise can help you to make informed decisions on choosing and paying for the right care.

The Carewise care fees specialists are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and members of the Society of Later Life Advisers, so you can have peace of mind when discussing your finances.

Contact Carewise to find out how you could benefit.

The

Scummy Mummies show Join Ellie & Helen as they celebrate ten years of scumminess!

Guaranteed to make you feel normal about your parenting skills or very smug about being child-free. Bring your gin-in-a-tin, pop a panty liner in, and let’s party!

Win a pair of tickets to see The Scummy Mummies show at Assembly Hall, Worthing on Tuesday 14th November at 7:30pm. Must be 18+.

For information please visit www.wtm.uk

Win a pair of tickets to see The Scummy Mummies show

To enter answer the following question:

Q: How long have the Mummies been touring their show? a) 5 years b) 10 years c) 12 years

For a decade now, the Scummy Mummies have been touring their hit comedy show to sold-out audiences around the country. Now they’re bringing all their most-loved songs, sketches, and stand-up together for a night that will make you laugh till you wee.

Send your answer and contact details to: The Scummy Mummies show Message Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough, RH20 9AH or you can enter online at: www.sussexlocal.net/features/ competitions Winner drawn after 31st October 2023. Please indicate if you wish to remain on our mailing list.

Sussex Snippets

Charity & Community news from across the counties

West Sussex County Council is urging organisations including clubs and local community groups to apply for government funding that could help increase the number of potentially life -saving defibrillators across the county. They can also then register their defibrillators on The Circuit, the national defibrillator network available to the emergency services. Search for defibrillator fund on www.gov.uk.

Sussex Police Commissioner Katy Bourne has announced she has secured £1.5m in the previous round of Safer Streets (SS4) funding which has been distributed across the county. SS4 funding has gone towards initiatives such as additional CCTV and lighting; measures to tackle violence against women and girls; youth outreach programmes and dedicated resources to tackle anti-social behaviour

Tapestry Day Club

(TDC) is a not-forprofit enterprise offering innovative day care for older people living with early-stage dementia and in social isolation across Surrey and West Sussex. Hosts welcome guests into their family home, offering transport, refreshments, a two-course, home-cooked lunch and optional activities within small groups of up to six guests. Equally and possibly more important is the hours of “me time” the club provides to the carers of guests. Each time a guest attends a TDC, a carer will have a break of up to six hours. www.tapestrydayclub.co.uk

interact and suggest setting, plot twists and character as The Experiment aims to lift the lid on the mysterious process of writing a novel More information at www.sjwatson-books.com.

Historic England’s aerial investigation team have analysed more than 9,500 aerial photographs as well as recent airborne laser scans to locate, identify and map marks in the South Downs north of Brighton which represent the thousands of years of human activity. Among the archaeology photographed are ancient burial sites from the Neolithic period (4,000 BC to 2,200 BC) onwards, as well as more recent chalk pits and man-made dew ponds for animals to drink from. To see the images and an interactive map, search “old and ancient” at the SDNP website www.southdowns.gov.uk.

Road improvements

Various road improvement schemes are in different stages of development in West Sussex.

A259

Bognor Regis to Littlehampton

This scheme aims to enhance various locations along the A259 Bognor Regis to Littlehampton corridor between Comet Corner and Bridge Road Roundabout. It is currently in the outline design and business case development stage that is expected to complete in October this year.

A29 Realignment Scheme

Not

for profit housing provider Sussex Housing

& Care has been awarded RSPCA’s flagship PawPrints award which recognises local authorities and public bodies for going above and beyond to deliver world-class animal welfare services. These can include anything from initiatives to see more stray dogs safely into kennels, schemes to safeguard pets whose owners have been taken into care and housing policies that allow tenants to share their home with their pets. www.sussexhousing.org.uk

The Experiment, the UK’s first open-source novel written in real-time, right-now by best-selling Brighton based author SJ Watson. Anyone can

This scheme will deliver a new 4.34km road to the east of Eastergate, Westergate and Woodgate villages in two phases:

Phase 1 (north)- From the A29 south of Eastergate Lane to a new junction with Barnham Road. Phase 2 (south)- From Barnham Road to a new junction on the A29 south of Lidsey bends.

A284 Lyminster Bypass.

The Scheme aims to alleviate traffic issues through Lyminster Village with the northern section of the bypass completing the link road from the A27 at Crossbush, providing access to Littlehampton.

Further details available from the Highways section of www.westsussex.gov.uk

Charity & Community News

Worthing Twinning Association in Germany

Members of the WTA recently had a highly successful visit to the twin town of Waldkirch in the Elztal, Germany. In glorious sunshine they were warmly welcomed by their friendly and hospitable German hosts. Activities arranged included a summer concert in the very impressive Karl Burger factory with live band and light show; a coach trip to lake Titi plus a guided tour of Sankt Peter abbey church and library on the way. They then took a train and bus trip to visit a water powered historical hammer workshop with most members continuing on the return train to

Freiburg where a local wine festival was being held. On the final day an interesting talk was given by the owner of a famous gem cutting workshop in Waldkirch now preserved as a museum.

Finally they attended a formal reception at the Elztal museum with 'Kaffee und Kuchen' followed by a concert by the Robert Woodard Academy in the Margarethenkirch. Throughout the visit the group was generously provided with delicious meals at various restaurants. Chairman Christopher Doidge expressed grateful thanks for giving the WTA members a wonderful time and invited the German group to visit Worthing next year.

Worthing public toilets upgrade

Work to create better and more accessible toilets in the heart of Worthing town centre is to begin. More than £300,000 is to be spent renewing the public toilets at the Chatsworth Road entrance tothe Guildbourne Centre car park.

Charity & Community News

The Group’s party for old and new friends

A party for 100 people from all over Sussex was held in Brighton recently for people aged 55+and the dancing never stopped.

This is what happens when members of The Group, a Sussex club for unattached men and women, aged 55+, get together. Back in 2006, The Group opened in Haywards Heath. Later a venue was found in Brighton, followed by venues in Horsham, Lewes and Worthing.

Seven years ago, celebrating it’s first 10 years, The Group held a celebratory dinner. And then Covid. The Group had to stop meeting and had to cancel its planned 15 year celebration. But, always keen to party, The Group’s seventeenth birthday - odd number though it is - presented members with the perfect opportunity to get together.

Says Tricia Bentley, co-founder of The Group. “We’re very proud that unattached people have a means of meeting new friends through The Group. Our members tend to be aged 55+ but

DIRECTBLINDS

• Vertical, Venetian, Wood, Roller, Pleated

we don’t have rigid age limits. Those who come along to a club night and join The Group receive an emailed diary twice a month and then they select the events they want to attend.”

But it’s not just dancing. There’s golf, lunches and dinners, walks, theatre, live music and holidays.

The Group meets in Worthing on the first Monday of every month, with other monthly meetings in Burgess Hill, Brighton, Horsham and Lewes. More information on membership and activities available at www.thegroup.org.uk

• Awning & Canopies

18 years experience

• Approved Supplier for Caribbean Awnings & Canopies

• Full range of shutters expertly fitted by our City and Guilds qualified carpenter and joiner

• Specialists in Conservatory Blinds & Inshade sails Perfect fit blinds

Home visits available

8PQ 01903823803

Unit 2 Northbrook Business Park, Northbrook Road, Worthing, BN14

Findon Windmill for sale

By Valerie Martin

The above sketch is how the Findon Windmill may have appeared on the skyline in its working days (looking westwards towards Muntham Clump).

In the early 1820s milling was enjoying its heyday in Sussex and there were approximately twenty professional millwrights all fully occupied and busy working in the countyside.

It must surely have been a fascinating sight in Findon in 1823 to witness a post mill actually being constructed up on the Downs.

I wonder if the building work was hampered by the hurricane of that year when it is recorded that "a great gale and incursion of the sea occurred". Did the inclement weather in those days, mean that the workmen downed tools on the windy hillside and trudged off home down to the village?

The Findon Windmill was erected on high ground, north-west of Cissbury Ring, where a stupendous view was to be had to its sister-windmill at High Salvington; to Muntham Court in the west; and out to sea and the elements of the coast.

The Windmill subsequently appeared on Greenwood’s one-inch map of that year. At the time Findon was a village where narrow twisting trails converged. There were un-surfaced flinty roads plastered with squelching mud in the winter, and dusty trackways throughout the rest of the year.

Above is the original advertisement of the new Windmill as it appeared on 8th September 1823, running for three consecutive weeks in the Sussex Advertiser newspaper...

In 1825 it appeared again in the 18th April 1825 edition of the Sussex Advertiser searching a new owner as follows...

Findon windmill. To be sold, or let by private contract, all that freehold, new post windwill, with two pair of Stones, Machine Sales, Straps, going Gear, and all Utensils, complete therewith, a good Round House and Stable.

The Findon Tithe Map of 1839 shows the landowner of the windmill site as being James Bright and he lived at the house and yard on the windmill land. His first wife was Elizabeth Nicholls (born 1801) but she had died on 13th April

Findon Windmill, sketch by Valerie Martin

1833 aged only 32 years. His second wife was Harriet née Robinson (born 1803), from Lowfield Heath, Mitcham in Surrey.

The occupier of the windmill during James Bright time was a youthful miller and maltster with the unusual name of Trayton Cane (christened on 12th February 1815 in Ripe, Sussex). He resided in one of the Mill Cottages which by now had been built on the adjacent sloping land of the mill.

Below is a photograph of the Mill Cottages in the field west of the Findon Windmill at some period before 1909.

barren windmill hilltop. The infilling to create an L shape took place at a later date, Trayton Cane married Elizabeth Hersee on 16th June 1842 in nearby village of Angmering. The marriage record stated his trade as "of Findon, miller".

The Cane family then made a most momentous decision to emigrate which in those days could not have be taken lightly. They spent six weeks crossing the Atlantic Ocean. From Hamilton on Lake Ontario they had moved by c.1850/1 travelling by stage coach to Paris in Ontario. Elizabeth almost certainly had cousins already in the area. Emigrants leaving England tended not to just leap off a ship into the unknown - but rather went to where they had either relatives, or knowing persons from their same home area. It makes sense if at all possible, to go where others had gone before and succeeded.

Trayton Cane passed away in

Writing a Will

By Will Writer Emma Cohen MIPW

Writing a Will is one of those tasks that often goes overlooked. However, the benefits of creating a Will extend far beyond just financial considerations. A Will acts as a powerful document that can provide peace of mind to loved ones and ensures the smooth transfer of assets after you have gone.

Crafting your Will enables you to have full control over the distribution of your assets after you die. By explicitly stating your wishes, you can ensure that any property, investments and personal belongings are distributed how you want. You will often hear me coin the phrase “Your Will, Your Way!” This can prevent confusion, reduce the likelihood of disputes and it can eliminate the need for expensive legal processes.

A Will is not just about assets though, it allows you to protect your loved ones in various ways. Guardianship provisions can be included to designate who will care for children, additionally, a Will can provide some security for elderly or dependent family members who require ongoing support.

There are also many options to leave financial help to the Charities closest to your heart.

The absence of a Will can leave loved ones in a difficult and emotionally challenging position. Having a roadmap in place can sometimes relieve them of the burden of making complex decisions during an already distressing time. It provides a clear set of instructions, making the estate settlement process smoother, faster, and less stressful. By avoiding intestacy laws, a Will also minimises unnecessary costs and preserves the value of the estate for your beneficiaries.

At Nsure we believe writing a Will is a responsibility that we should all embrace. Beyond the financial considerations, it allows you to take control of your legacy, protect the people who matter the most to you and alleviate difficult decisions after you have gone.

Please do get in touch with me on 01903 821010 or email: emma.cohen@nsure.co.uk

Speed Camera questions

Love them or hate them, it’s useful to know more about them

Can I drive 10% + 2 above the speed limit and not get caught? Fixed speed cameras have a set trigger for catching people speeding, however, it is unconfirmed what most are set at.

Mobile speeding cameras are operated by individuals, so it is up to their discretion to issue you a speeding fine - or worse - if you are over the legal speed limit.

The law states that you are liable for a speeding fine as soon as you exceed the limit, so if you’re doing 31mph in a 30 limit or 71mph on a motorway, you’re breaking the law and could receive a fine. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) recommends giving drivers a so-called ‘10% plus 2’ leeway, to aid police officers in using 'discretion', however, this is just a recommendation, not the law.

Can you get caught behind another car?

As long as the speed camera operator can see and target your vehicle they will be able to get a reading of your speed. This is because the laser beam emitted by a mobile speed camera when it

hits your vehicle, can be as small as 10cm in diameter.

Can speed cameras catch you from the front? Most speed cameras are rear facing, however there are exceptions.

Can you warn drivers of speed traps? Warning other drivers of speed traps could be treated as the offence: ‘to wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty. The Highway Code also states that you can’t flash your headlights to convey messages to other motorists.

Do average speed cameras work if you change lanes? Yes. Average speed cameras take pictures of every lane and can measure your speed regardless of any lane changes.

A longer version of this article appears on www.rac.co.uk

© Andrew Dunn

Investing for your children/grandchildren

By Oliver Suter DipPFS, financial adviser

As children go back to school let’s look at the options available to invest for the benefit of children / grandchildren.

Junior ISAs

Anyone can pay into a JISA although only parents and guardians can set one up. Like all ISAs, the returns are tax free. You can choose between a cash JISA or a stocks & shares JISA and can contribute up to £9,000 each year. Money is held until the child reaches 18, after which it can be converted into an adult ISA.

Pensions

Children can have a pension. Setting one up can bring significant tax advantages since the government adds generous tax relief on contributions up to £3,600. Saving this way may help also mitigate an Inheritance Tax (IHT) liability.

Trusts

Trusts can be complicated but are often used to gift money to grandchildren/ children.

If you have any questions about investing for children, please get in touch.

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Capital at risk.

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

Investment solutions group photo

Night of Colours Fireworks

At Fontwell Park on Saturday 4th November 4pm - 8pm

Bars and stalls are card only. Please be aware there is not a cash point on site.

At 7.00pm* the pyrotechnics team will unleash the firework fiesta featuring a dazzling display of rockets, Catherine wheels, fountains and more set to music. The event finishes at 8pm.

*Firework display and timings are subject to weather and operational conditions.

Tickets and full details: www.fontwellpark.co.uk

Fontwell Park’s renowned Fireworks night is back and this year it’s brighter than ever! The gates open at 4pm and visitors are encouraged to “dress to dazzle” by wearing bright colours. Bring along glow sticks or even dig out that multi -coloured wig that you’ve been dying to wear all year. A funfair will be open from 4pm at an extra cost. Please note the funfair is cash only. There will also be food stalls and bars offering a range of hot and cold snacks and drinks.

Win a family ticket to the Night of Colours Fireworks

To enter answer the following question: Q: Where is the Night of Colours Firework event? a) Lewes b) Fontwell Park c) Brighton

Send your answer and contact details to: Night of Colours Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough, RH20 9AH or you can enter online at: www.sussexlocal.net/features/competitions Winner drawn after 26th October 2023. Please indicateifyouwishtoremainonourmailinglist.

“Brett, Dawn and the whole team made sure our project was completed seamlessly and to a high standard – we are absolutely delighted with our new kitchen” Mr & Mrs Moss

Sussex Walks - Oct 2023

These are the “Heart Smart Walks” run by Chichester District Council. They must be pre-booked up to 7 days in advance, see below. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of the walk. All walks finish at their starting point unless otherwise stated. These walks are led by volunteers and if the weather is poor the walk may be cancelled. Full programme of walks available on www.chichester.gov.uk/heartsmart

IMPORTANT: You must pre-book all walks on chichester.gov.uk/heartsmart or call 01243 521041

Fri 6th October – 10.30am - Goodwood Country Park - 2 hrs - Approx. 4 mile

Through the woods around Goodwood and Halnaker with a long climb on the return.

Meet: Free car park PO18 0PS on the right after racecourse (not opp. the course) map ref SU897113.

Sat 7th October – 10.15am – Graylingwell - Approx. 40 mins - 1.25 miles

A flat walk at a gentle pace, enjoying the history of Graylingwell Park and surrounding areas.

Meet: Outside the Pavilion glass building looking onto Havenstoke Park. Parking limited/chargeable

Mon 9th October – 10.30am – Lurgashall - 2 hrs 15 mins - 5 miles

Ascent through woods and fields to an elevated position with lovely views. Some stiles. Return through Lurgashall winery, woodland and apple orchards to arrive back at the pub for refreshment!

Meet. North side of the village green near ' The Noah's Ark' pub. GU28 9ET

Tue 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st Oct – 11am – Jubilee Walk & South Pond - 45 mins - 1.5 miles

Flat walk around Midhurst at a gentle pace passing interesting historic buildings.

Meet: The Grange Leisure Centre, Bepton Road, GU29 9HD. Free 2 hr parking - must display ticket

Wed 11th October – 10.30am – Singleton to West Dean - 3-3.5 hours - 7 miles

A strenuous walk, through woods and along lanes with a steep climb. Some uneven paths.

Meet: Outside Singleton C of E Primary School, PO18 0HP

Wed 11th October – 10.30am – Climping - 1hr 15 mins - Approx. 3 miles

Along dunes / beach to Climping Mill, then fields to Ferry Road and Rope Walk to Yacht Club

Meet: 10.30am at Arun Yacht Club Car Park, Rope Walk, Littlehampton, BN17 5DL

Thurs 12th October – 10.30am – Petworth Park – Deer & “The Rut” - 1.5 hours - 3 miles

Hopefully we’ll see the famous 'Rut' (mating period) in Petworth Park. See the older & stronger bucks defend their harem of does. Certainly we will see some deer. Binoculars can be useful.

Meet: The Horse Guards Inn, Upperton Road, Tillington, GU28 9AF.

Wed 18th October – 11am – Bosham Harbour / Village – Wheelchair Friendly - 45 mins - 1.5 miles

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 20th October – 10.30am – Nature’s Beauty in the Autumn - 1hr - 1-1.5 miles

Join South Downs ranger Elinor for a gentle and relaxing autumnal walk around the beautiful heathland at Iron Hill, some gentle slopes.

Meet: Iron Hill car park, just south of Liphook on the Midhurst Rd. Nearest postcode GU30 7LP

Sun 22nd October – 10.30am – Slindon Woods – Gentle Pace - 2 hrs - 3.5 miles

Lovely views. Generally flat, gravel path. Some muddy areas and short inclines. Last ¼ mile uphill.

Meet: National Trust car park, Dukes Road, Slindon BN18 0QY

Wed 25th October – 10.30am - Littlehampton Riverside - 2 hours - 4 miles

Along both sides of the Arun and through West Beach sand dunes with all the fun of the fair. Meet - car park at East Beach cafe (on the seafront at the end of the greensward)

Mon 30th October – 10.30am – Suitable for Beginners - Chichester Canal - 30mins - 1 mile

Flat walk at a gentle pace, suitable for beginners.

Meet: Chichester Canal, Basin Road, Chichester PO19 8DT

Magical Mobili t y Gel

July2022,whensportingicon,LordIan Botham,wasathisleastmobile,hissonLiam senthimatubeofEthicaCBDSportsGel…

“3weekslaterhewaswalkingaroundSunningdale” –LiamBotham,ExProfessionalSportsman Then,inSeptember2022hereturnedto competitivegolfing,playing3roundsattheDunhill Links.

“TogetmethroughtheDunhill,Iusedthegel2-3 timesperday.Tobequitefrank,withoutthegel,I wouldn’thavegotround”–LordIanBotham {PhotoOfIanWithGrandkids}

Thefamily-runteamatEthicaCBDspent2years developingthiscomplexformula,hopingtofind theperfectwaytocombineCBD&CBGwithloads ofnaturallytherapeuticbotanicals.Basedonthe responsethey’rehavingfrompeopleofallwalksof life,itlooksliketheymight’vefoundthatperfect recipe.

“Sometimesyoucandoallthetalkingintheworld, butwhenitcomesdowntoit,it’sgottawork…and thisreallyworks”-SirIanBotham

ChattingwithSeanJackattherunningshopin EthicaCBD’shometownofBude,hesharedthathe thoughttheproductshouldbecalledsomething elseotherthana‘SportsGel’,becauseit’shelpinga widevarietyofcustomerswhoarelookingto relieveandsoothe.

“Ireckonthey’velabelledthisstuffwrong.It’sgood formuchmorethansportytypes.Mybestcustomer ismyMum!”-SeanJack,LocalShopOwner

WhoAreEthicaCBD?

EthicaCBDisaCornishcompanywhocontinueto makeanimpactbothlocallyandglobally.Inthelast year,they’vebeenworkingwithSurfersAgainst Sewagetohelpcleanuptheoceansandalso plantedover10000treesinAfricaincollaboration withTreeNation.Theirexpertlyformulated productsarealsomakingaglobalimpactandafter ayearofincrediblereviewsin2022,theteamwere proudtoannounceawin attheWorldCBDAwards fortheirtopicals.

“Let’sgettheworld movingagain.It’sonly natural.”-Ruarri Spurgeon,Directorof EthicaCBD

Asthenamesays, EthicaCBDhavegonetogreatlengthstoensure thateveryaspectoftheirbusinessisasethicalas possible.They’reknownforcreating“thehighest qualityethicalCBDforpeople&planet”,soevery decisiontheymakeholdscustomerwellbeingand environmentalprotectionasapriority.

“ThisEthicaCBDSportsGelhasbeenanabsolute game-changer.I’vetriedsomanythingsinthepast, butIhavetrulyneverusedanythingonmyskin topicallythatmakessuchadifferenceasthisdoes. Amazing.”–GailMuller,Author&Adventurer

No real “quick fixes” to weight loss

By Heather Smith - Nutritionist & Personal Trainer

It’s easy to feel that if you can just get your weight loss going by being ‘super strict’ or by following some kind of restrictive diet for a short time, that it’ll then be easy to figure out how to make things last for the long term. But, nine times out of ten this doesn’t work. Why is that?

Well, the key to making sustainable changes (and therefore seeing sustainable results) is to go on the journey.

While you will see changes pretty quickly once you brush up your diet, there are no real quick fixes – you’ve got to do the time and learn the skills to make your efforts last for the long term.

Some examples:

Learning to make conscious decisions when faced with a particular situation –skills that you won’t gain if you simply don’t socialise for a few weeks.

Figuring out how to make meals which you want to eat and which will move you closer to your goals – and how to do this when you’re in a rush.

Learning to move towards your goals regardless of what else is going on.

Learning how to pick yourself up when you make choices that aren’t in line with reaching your goals without it leading to a week off track.

So, rather than taking on a big diet, try to focus on being able to make choices which move you towards your goals, consistently.

www.fitbiztraining.com

Young Readers’ Puzzles

Answers on www.sussexlocal.net after 1st October

Crossword

1 City that is the capital of Italy (4)

4 Central part of an apple (4)

6 Item used to stir a drink (8)

7 Was certain; understood (4)

8 “___ upon a time…” (4)

10 Gets ready (8)

11 Ridge of water on the sea (4)

12 Has a meal (4)

Down

2 Vast body of salt water (5)

3 In another place (9)

4 Cocoa product (9)

5 Took part in a race (3)

9 Large box where pirates store their treasure (5)

10 Vegetable that grows in a pod (3)

Wordsearch: On the Edge

Can you find all of the words hiding in the grid below? They may run forwards or backwards, in either a horizontal, vertical or diagonal direction.

Sudoku

Place the numbers 1–6 only once in each row, once in each column and once in each 2x3 bold-lined box.

4 6

6 2 6 3

3 2 6 1 1 4

To sponsor this feature please call 01903 868474 or email info@sussexlocal.net

Sponsor for just £10 per month plus monthly prize

Service Dogs UK - veterans & rescue dogs

A lifeline for sufferers of PTSD by Megan O’Neill

“You can spill a cup of water and the world’s ended.” According to PTSD UK, “one in ten people in the UK are expected to experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives”. Yet it is still a highly misunderstood mental health condition, partly through a lack of discourse and partly through the fact that people who don’t have it will never fully understand it. The NHS definition of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is “an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.” It is so much more than that…

There is a charity, Service dogs UK, based in Chichester and Northchapel near Petworth, which aims not only to spread awareness of PTSD and Complex-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), but is actively helping people who have served in the armed forces and blue light services by helping them to train their own service dogs. The charity was founded in 2015 and has since been making vital strides in mental health advocacy and supporting those who return from their duties to find that the world has changed and crumbled around them.

How does it work?

Veterans are either referred to Service Dogs UK through other mental health services or sign up through the form on the Service Dogs UK website. They speak to the organisers about the logistics: that if accepted onto the programme they will be paired with a dog and go through nine months to a year of training, at which point they will need to pass an exam in order for their dog to become a fully accredited service dog by ADI (assistance dogs international). At this point, if the veteran still wishes to participate in the programme, there will be a zoom call to discuss them and their PTSD, after which they will be accepted into the programme if there are spaces and given an official start date.

On the 12th of July, I was invited to attend one of their training sessions to see firsthand how the charity makes an impact. In a small village hall in Northchapel, on a crisp Wednesday morning, I met some of the trainers, veterans and dogs currently participating in the program.

Trainer and behaviour specialist, Dave explained that he made the switch from working with Zoo animals to working with dogs two years ago and

that he finds it very rewarding. The passion he has really came through when he explained how the dog selection process works. The organisation helps to rehome dogs and as such, works with dog rescue charities. Dogs Trust flag up dogs who they feel possess superior emotional intelligence skills, these dogs are then assessed by behaviouralists and trainers from the charity as to how they naturally deal with common PTSD presentations. If the dog shows high emotional intellect qualities, it is taken to a foster home and looked after until they are paired with a veteran. Mutual

trust & respect creates a strong bond

There is a big emphasis on mutual trust and respect between dog and veteran. Rescue dogs are used in particular as there is an understanding between dog and vet where both have been through traumatic events. This helps to create a very strong connection. Vets train their dogs predominantly in obedience to ensure that their dog stays calm and unobtrusive when helping to support them in public. The dogs get plenty of chances to just be dogs and this further helps to build a bond, they’re more than just assistance dogs, they’re family.

To fully understand the impact of the dogs and the programme further, I spoke to some of the participants. What was your life like before the programme? “I couldn’t get out of bed; Billy completely turned my life around”. Billy is a three-year -old dog who’s been there for the best part of two years. He’s worked with a few veterans, but he’s been with his current partner since December.

“I applied here as a last-ditch effort to still be alive” Something that was common among the veterans was that this programme was a last

chance to have anything resembling a ‘normal life’, having been through many mental health services and tried different types of therapy such as Eye Movement

Desensitisation Reprocessing therapy (EMDR).

“I couldn’t do anything, now I can.”

“You can take the person out of the army but not the army out of the person.”

“You feel alone, you feel lost, you feel not important anymore.”

Nothing is as isolating as having PTSD, yet there are people and charities that are determined to do as much as they can to help. Helping everyone who has PTSD and CPTSD is a major task that will take more support services and funding and more advocacy than is currently available. Still there are people like Gary Boterell, founder of Service Dogs UK, who are determined to make an impact where they can, in this case he helps people like himself, who valiantly serve

their country and their communities. The impact it has is hard to quantify.

“It changed my life.”

“This programme saves two lives at a time.”

“That bond stays with you and will be there for a lifetime.”

So why isn’t there more support for charities like Service Dogs UK? Why aren’t we champing at the bit to help? Well, we are constantly bombarded by a plethora of worthy causes, charities who really need the help and we can’t support everyone.

Invisible disabilities ‘dying on the inside’

So why this charity above others? Why these people? It’s as simple as this. Its easier to see how our advocacy and donations can help people who are dying on the outside, “people understand if your arm’s blown off” yet we struggle to acknowledge the extent of the support that people who are dying on the inside need.

Misunderstood condition

Of all the things that was discussed with the veterans, the lack of understanding of PTSD/

Bill & Patch

CPTSD was highlighted as a fundamental problem within society.

“I think it embarrasses people.”

“I don’t think they understand the day to day.” So how do we fix something so misunderstood in the public narrative? We start by having conversations like this. We start by identifying our own biases and re-examining our own ideas before we attempt to solve any problems. We start by listening to the people who have firsthand experience. This doesn’t mean asking individuals what causes their PTSD, rather giving them the space to say whatever it is they wish to share.

The veterans I spoke to told me what is helping them. It’s unconditional love from the dogs that Service Dogs UK pairs them with. It’s the community that is gained from being in a room with people who understand but don’t have any expectations of you and who understand that you’re doing your best to navigate this crazy messed up world. It’s the effort that everyone involved in this charity puts in to be a lifeline.

Critical care as important as hospital treatment This charity saves lives as much as any hospital, helping veterans get the critical care that they

need and they need your help. They need you to donate if you can, spread the word, raise awareness, and get educated to make the world a brighter place. It takes ten thousand pounds to train a veteran. It takes foster carers to take on a dog so that more veterans can enter the programme. It takes more funding and awareness from blue light services to allow their service people to continue to receive support from this charity. It takes you. It takes all of us. By Megan O’Neill. Charity number: 1165409 / servicedogsuk.org

getintouch@servicedogsuk.org / 0330 1200755

James&Dakota

In Your Garden

How your garden can benefit local wildlife by Andrew Staib of Glorious Gardens

Creating a Flower Garden for UK wildlife

Native flowers are indigenous to the UK, meaning they have evolved over time to be perfectly suited to our soil, climate, and local wildlife. When we create gardens, we make sure to include native flowers which will benefit the local wildlife as well as creating a gorgeous display.

October is a really good time to assess the spaces you have in your garden and plant these perennials. One tip: plant in bunches of 5-7 plants. This way you will be able to see how effective one species is, rather than have hundreds of different species dotted about.

Wildlife & flowers

Wildlife and flowers can rely heavily on each other, as they are both needed for the survival of the other. Here are some specific examples of wildlife and their love for flowers:

Bees: They play a crucial role in pollination, helping flowers reproduce. Honeybees and Bumblebees will rely on the nectar from garden flowers as a primary food source.

Ladybirds: They are natural predators of aphids, working as a natural pest control in your garden. Planting flowers rich in nectar that attract ladybirds can be very beneficial to keep the pest populations in check.

Butterflies: These are also great pollinators, and they feed on the nectar from various flowers. By planting specific flowers, you can expect to see species such as the Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, and Painted Lady butterflies.

Hoverflies: Although they look exactly like wasps, they are important pollinators, often attracted to shallow, open flowers such as daisies.

Small mammals: Flowers are a great way to provide shelter and food sources for small mammals such as hedgehogs and shrews.

Moths: Also important pollinators, evening primrose and other nocturnal flowers are ideal to attract many moth species to your garden.

Birds: Some flowers such as sunflowers produce seeds which are a food source for birds, if not the insects that exist around the flowers.

Here are some suggestions for specific native flowers you can host in your garden and what wildlife they’ll bring:

Bluebell (Hyacinthoides): These woodland flowers provide an early-spring nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. The chequered skipper butterfly really enjoys bluebell nectar, along with many moth species.

Primrose (Primula Vulgaris): These bloom in early spring, and are loved by pollinators such as the Brimstone butterfly, and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies.

Foxglove (Digitalis): These tall flowers are admired by bees, especially ones with long tongues such as bumble and honey bees.

Cowslip (Primula Veris): Yellow flowers which

Honeybee relying on the nectar from your garden

are an early source of nectar for bees, beetles, and brimstone butterflies.

Cornflower (Centaurea Cyanus): Providing nectar for butterflies such as the Painted Lady, these have vibrant blue flowers. After they bloom, they are a great seed source for Finches and Sparrows for example in the Autumn and Winter months.

Dog-rose (Rosa Canina): Common in the South of the UK. It has pink flowers, and is fastgrowing, without being invasive. Also a food source for blackbirds, redwings, and waxwings.

Lily of the valley (Convallaria Majalis): Sweetly scented, bell-shaped white flowers, best planted between September and October. Especially loved by bees for its sweet smell and flowers.

Meadowsweet (Filipendula Ulmaria): White flower clusters that bloom in summer are attractive to many pollinators. It is the food plant for the larvae of many moth species such as the emperor, grey pug, and mottled beauty moths to name a few.

Harebell (Campanula Rotundifolia): Bell-shaped flowers on slim stems. Popular with pollinators.

Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum Vulgare): This flower is very popular with butterflies and is good to pair with other pollinator-friendly flowers. However, it can be very invasive. Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, and Painted Lady Butterflies are often seen around this flower.

Viper’s-Bugloss (Echium Vulgare): This flowers between May and September, and supports a wide range of wildlife. This includes Buff-tailed and Red-Tailed Bumblebees, Honeybees and

Lily of the valley - loved by bees

Oxeye Daisy - butterfly favourite

Red Mason Bees, and Large Skipper and Painted Lady Butterflies. I recently saw a field mouse half up one having its breakfast. Creating a flower garden that is not only beautiful but that is perfectly tailored to your surrounding wildlife is a perfect way to encourage many visitors to your garden and support local ecosystems!

Where to go in October

This is a good time to visit the Knepp estate and see Isabella Tree’s pioneering rewilding work. You can turn up at the car park (before 5.30pm)

October tasks

• Move plants - now is the time to move plants around the garden or plant up new ones. The soil is still warm for the roots to establish but there is less chance of the plants drying out.

• Divide most Perennials now including Rhubarb and balance up your garden by taking the other half to a different place.

• Plant Spring cabbages and start sowing Chinese winter greens and lettuce.

• Lawn repair can start now , either using pre grown turfs or seeding into prepared earth. Your lawn treatment can start this month with aerating the garden.

• Cut back shrubs like Buddleia and Lavatera to about half their height to neaten them up and prevent strong winter winds rocking them about- the more fundamental pruning happens in Spring.

• Order and plant bulbs while soil is still warm

Viper’s-Bugloss attracts field mice

Outbuilding Offices

“From Shed to Success!” Nick Roberts RMR Group

In our ever-evolving world, there's been a notable shift towards prioritising mental well-being, especially in our working environments. Now, let's face it, the dog barking at the postman or a child's impromptu concert during a conference call isn’t the backdrop any of us envisioned for our professional setting.

The 9-to-5 grind at home has illuminated a pesky problem: the lack of a "proper" office space. Enter the superheroes without capes: outbuildings and garden rooms. These spaces, once the keepers of forgotten garden tools and BBQ grills, are being transformed into state-of-the-art offices. And no, we're not just talking about shoving a desk into a wooden box. These revamped spaces can seriously up one's productivity game over the course of a year. There’s data on that, but let’s not dive into statistics when we could

discuss avoiding the embarrassment of your boss witnessing your partner's morning dance routine in the background.

However, before one jumps onto the 'convert my shed' bandwagon, there’s the ever-so-small matter of planning permission. While many might believe their garden palace-to-be falls under 'permitted development', beware! Houses with a historic flair or those nestled in conservation cocoons can be tricky. A quick chat with someone who knows their beans about planning is the way to go. And by beans, I don’t mean the coffee kind. Size, though significant, isn't the be-all and endall. The key is the locale of your future productivity paradise. You wouldn’t want your peaceful garden room right next to the spot where your neighbour practices the bagpipes, would you?

So, if you're looking to climb the corporate ladder from the comfort of your garden, sprucing up an outbuilding or investing in a garden room might just be your ticket to success.

www.robertsmillerredshaw.com

Navigating the buy-to-let market

Should investors sell or keep their rental properties?

The buy-to-let property market it is currently unpredictable, leaving investors to ponder whether to sell or keep their rental properties. This decision depends on several factors.

Rental yields and property prices influence profitability. Declining yields or values may indicate a good time to sell, while rising prices suggest holding the asset. Market demand also matters - high demand supports rental income, while oversupply drives rents down.

Broader economic factors like interest rates and tax policy changes can significantly impact returns. Lower rates support buying properties, while higher rates increase costs and reduce appeal. Meanwhile, tax changes to rental income, capital gains, or landlord responsibilities

Award Winning

could alter profitability. Monitoring these factors is key.

Investors should also evaluate their portfolio diversification, risk tolerance, and financial goals. A property representing a large share of holdings indicates a need to diversify by selling. If an investment no longer fits personal objectives or risk appetite, selling may be suitable.

Deciding whether to sell or hold rental property is complex. Analysing market dynamics, economic factors and personal circumstances provides valuable insight. Consulting property professionals like letting agents and financial advisors can support the decisionmaking process. The goal is ensuring investment strategies align with long-term goals.

By Caroline Buist: www.abovebeyondva.co.uk

Practice

Nutty Sussex apple & banana tray bake

Great afternoon treat

Ingredients - Serves 4

• 280g wholemeal self-raising flour

• 115g plain flour

• 4 tsp ground cinnamon

• 2 eggs

• 80g vegetable oil

• 230g ‘Tims Dairy’ natural Greek yogurt

• 220 ml oat milk

• 2-inch fresh ginger, grated

• 4 tbsp Sussex honey

• 2 ripe banana, mashed

• 1 large Sussex bramley apple, grated

• 80g rolled oats

• 2 tbsp chia seeds

• 50g choc nut butter

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan. Line a 20cm x 30cm pan with baking parchment.

2. Combine self-raising flour, plain flour and cinnamon in a large bowl, Make a well in the centre and combine the following ingredients one by one, ginger, honey, eggs, oil, yogurt, oat milk,

apple, banana and finally the oats. Mix well, until

3. Pour the mixture into the lined pan, spreading to level. Sprinkle with chia seeds and random tsp of nut butter.

4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is golden and just firm to touch. Stand in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack lined with baking paper. Cool completely and then portion into slices.

www.mrandmrscheese.co.uk

Ingredients at Village Larder - villagelarder.co.uk

Weekly meal inspiration - @village_larder

Prize Crossword

Win a £30 voucher to spend at The Highdown

August 2023 solution below:

Across

6 Type of male (5)

8 Scattered rubbish (6)

9 Inhabitant of e.g. Helsinki (4)

10 Insensitive (8)

11 Biased (6)

13 Morsels (5)

15 Exclamation of contempt (3)

17 Renown (5)

18 General escape (6)

20 Elongate (8)

22 Religious practice (4)

23 Seventh planet (6)

24 Proof of being elsewhere (5)

Down

1 Reasonable (8)

2 Atop (4)

3 Not in silence (5)

4 Short dagger (8)

5 Long fish (4)

7 Soak up (6)

12 Self-important (8)

14 Peak (8)

16 Rupture (6)

19 That group (5)

21 Lugs (4)

22 Restraint (4)

Name: …………………………………………………………………………………….

Full address: …………………………………………………………………………...

………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Postcode: ………………………………………………………………………………..

Email: ……………………………………………………………………………………..

Phone: …………………………………………………………………………………….

Answer from yellow box: …………………………………………………………..

August anagram solution: ROUTINE

Send the answer above to: Sussex Local Crossword, PO Box 2237 Pulborough, RH20 9AH or you can enter details online at our website www.sussexlocal.net/crosswords

Closing date: 31st October 2023.

Win a £30 voucher to use at The Highdown Pub with Rooms & Tea Room

www.thehighdown.co.uk

Valid for 3 months after issue. No change given. Cannot be exchanged for cash value. Littlehampton Rd, Goring

Sussex Local and our sponsor may wish to keep in touch with occasional information and offers. We will never share your details with third parties.

Please tick if you would like to receive such information.

Findon Parish Council

Public questions, Grant applications and Working Group

Edited extracts from minutes of Parish Council Meeting 31st July 2023.

Public Question Time - The Willows Residents Assoc. Chairman requested hedges on grassed area by properties be trimmed. Council to ask Open Spaces Volunteers to trim hedges and inspect tree. In response to question regarding Sheep Fair Committee Constitution, Chairman updated that proposals were being considered by Committee and would be contacted prior to discussion at meeting on 11 Sept 2023. Original Constitution drafted in 2011 for a more formal understanding of what’s expected of Committee in relation to FPC governance and ownership of Wattle House. Legal advice could be sought for revised Constitution/Terms of Reference. Suggested inviting organisations and businesses to meet current councillors to fill vacancies.

Grant applications - Applications from PCC of Findon, Clapham and Patching for Findon Messy Church, Findon Village Woodland Preschool, and Xmas Lights Group. Pre-school application

supported in principle, concerns raised regarding future funding. Xmas Lights Group received funding in past and, due to event stability, FPC may wish to pay invoices direct. Resolved:

1. Agrees grant amount £500 for Messy Church

2. Defers Findon Village Woodland Pre-School application until the 11 Sept meeting

3. Agrees to pay authorised invoices for Findon Xmas Lights Group subject to accounts review. Open Spaces Working Group - New strimmer needed at approx. £220. Padlocks on Nepcote Green replaced where appropriate and spare key given to A C Gardens (Sussex) Ltd. A well in High Street tidied and proposed that stone planter be added to it. Two quotes received for repairs to track near Pre-School to make it safe. Resolved:

1. New strimmer purchased for approx. £220

2. Stone planter be purchased of £150

3. C Gardens (Sussex) Ltd be instructed repair the track at a cost of £1540 excl VAT

www.findonparishcouncil.gov.uk

Findon Valley Residents’ Association

Update for October 2023

Artisan Market

It was great to see everyone at our sunny August bank holiday market. October’s market will be Sunday 29th, 9.30am to 1.30pm, at our usual venue Lime Tree Surgery car park (Lime Tree Avenue). Quite a number of Valley residents haven’t been along to our markets yet, so do come and see for yourself - free entry and always an interesting range of produce and items, on offer by local small traders. Our grand concert on Friday 27th October

At FVRA we are busy finalising plans for a great concert at Vale School, featuring the Brighton Big Band and the Rock Choir. Just £10 per ticket! We’re looking forward to excellent performances, so put the date Friday 27 October (7.30pm) in your diary.

For tickets see our website or go direct to www.cafdonate.cafonline.org/24323 to purchase

safely online via the Charities Aid Foundation. Or contact Terri Binstead on 07972 664190 for cash tickets.

Art Exhibition

The Findon Valley Art Group’s exhibition on 19 August was enjoyed by all who came along. We certainly have talented artists in Findon Valley! See a selection in our website gallery.

Christmas Extravaganza 2023

An essential date is our Christmas Extravaganza and Market on Thursday 7 December at King’s Parade, Findon Valley from 4.30pm. Last year's Christmas event was very popular and we’ll be working hard to ensure this year’s Extravaganza will be enjoyable for all. www.fvra.org.uk

AERIAL & SATELLITE BLINDS / SHUTTERS

ACCOUNTING BLINDS / SHUTTERS

BUILDING / CARPENTRY

Honest, efficient, friendly and trustworthy garage. MOT and Service completed nice and easily yesterday.

Will be back! Thank you!

- Sam Austwick

March 2023