Sussex Local - Storrington - August 2018

August 2018

SUSSEX LOCAL

Storrington - Ashington - Cootham - Sullington - Thakeham - Washington

LocalLocal newsnews and events to over through the door and events to 6,400 5,900 homes in this area every month through the door

COMMUNITY ENERGY Power to the people

GARDENING

Sussex Prairie Gardens

WHAT’S ON

Summer Holidays

NEWS

Charity, Community, Parish Council & School

HISTORY

Parham’s Blacksmith

WIN!

Tickets: Bizet’s Carmen by the Russian State Opera Book: Sussex Folk Tales for Children

PLUS

What’s On, Local Walks, Recipe, Prize Crossword, Community news, Clubs & Groups, Charity, Local Business Directory

through the door

2

SUSSEX LOCAL

3

August 2018 Cover image Horse drawn carriage at Parham House by Kris Thomas

Welcome...

So the school summer holidays are upon us, let’s hope the warm weather lasts. Our What’s On guide starting on page 4 has plenty of ideas to keep the children amused over the summer break and more events are listed on our website at sussexlocal.net This month our main charity feature is on Community Energy South (CES) a not-forprofit organisation helping generate and supply local energy and reduce fuel poverty.

See page 26.

Our August recipe is for grilled fruit salad a healthy and delicious salad ideal for an alfresco lunch. See page 34.

Opera lovers should see our competition on page 17 to win tickets to see Bizet’s most popular opera, Carmen.

You can also win a copy of “Sussex Folk Takes for Children”, see page 43.

Burnt to the ground every winter, the Sussex Prairie Gardens bring a taste of the Wild West to Sussex. Andrew Staib reports along with some garden tasks, page 36.

As usual we are pleased to bring news from the local parish councils starting on page 53. We are always happy to promote the valuable work of local councils and support the many volunteers who do so much for our communities. Please do get in touch if you have a local story you would like us to cover.

Email is best: info@sussexlocal.net Happy holidays!

Kris & Jeff

Quote of the month “Smell the sea, and feel the sky.

Let your soul and spirit fly.”

- VAN MORRISON 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.

The views and opinions of contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher.

4 17 18 20 26 32 34 36 40 42 43 44 52 53 57 63

...........................................................................What’s On ...................................................WIN! Tickets to: Carmen ........................................................................Local Walks .........................................................Charity & Community ....................................Community Energy Charity Profile .................................................................Prize Crossword ................................................................................Recipe ....................................................................In Your Garden .............................................................................Property ............................................Young Readers’ Puzzle Page ......................WIN! Book Sussex Folk Tales for Children .....................................................................Local Schools .....................................................................Local History .........................................................Parish Council News .............................................................Business Directory ...........................................................Index of Advertisers

SUSSEX & CHICHESTER LOCAL 01903 868 474

info@sussexlocal.net www.sussexlocal.net Kay Publishing Ltd PO Box 2237, Pulborough RH20 9AH Sussex Local & Chichester Local magazines are published monthly and delivered free to over 37,700 West Sussex addresses. There are six editions and display advertising starts at just £24 a month per edition. Business Directory adverts £10 per month per edition.

1. Arundel edition - Arundel, Amberley, Burpham, Climping, Fontwell, Ford, Slindon, Walberton & Yapton Total addresses - 6,400 2. Barnham edition - Barnham, Eastergate, Westergate, Aldingbourne, Oving, & Tangmere Total addresses - 5,400 3. Chichester edition - Chichester centre & suburbs Total addresses - 7,800 4. Findon edition - Findon Valley, Findon Village, Nepcote, High Salvington, Clapham & Patching plus Salvington/Selden (south of A27) Total addresses - 6,200 5. Pulborough edition - Pulborough, Bury, Coldwaltham, Fittleworth, Marehill, Nutbourne, Stopham, West Chiltington village and Common. Total addresses - 5,500 6. Storrington edition - Storrington, Ashington, Cootham Thakeham, Sullington & Washington. Total addresses - 6,400 The combined circulation of all six editions is over 37,700 addresses.

4

What’s On

SUSSEX LOCAL

through the door

5

6

What’s On

SUSSEX LOCAL

through the door

What’s On

7

8

What’s On

SUSSEX LOCAL

through the door

What’s On

9

10 What’s On

SUSSEX LOCAL

through the door

What’s On

11

12 What’s On

SUSSEX LOCAL

through the door

13

14 What’s On

SUSSEX LOCAL

through the door

What’s On

15

SUSSEX LOCAL

16 History

Storrington Local History Group Exhibition 2018 WW1 Centenary Exhibition Sat 3rd & Sun 4th of November In 2014 The Storrington and District Museum announced the award of a grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund to research Storrington’s Roll of Honour to mark the centenary of the First World War. Over subsequent years more research has been undertaken in respect of not only the men of Storrington and district who went to war but those who remained behind and the lives they lead.

It all started in 2013 when the original Roll of Honour, painted on three panels by Paul Hardy a local artist and illustrator, was found in Horsham museum. Sadly only two of the three panels were found. For many years the three panels hung in the High Street on the walls of the Assembly Rooms, which adjoined the White Horse Hotel in Storrington.

The group, now called the Storrington Local History Group are planning the exhibition for later on this year.

This year it will include more personal information, where did the soldiers live, possibly in your house? And where did they serve? They are hoping to also feature what was happening at home in Storrington.

If you have any information or want to see more about their work then get in touch by email at emailstorringotnlhg@outlook.com or visit the website at www.storringtonlhg.org.uk This year’s exhibition is to be held in the Old School Museum over the weekend of Saturday 3rd and Sunday the 4th of November.

The first exhibition 2014/15

Assembly Rooms and White Horse Storrington 1920’s

Competition

through the door

17

Win tickets to ‘Carmen’ 12th September, The Hawth, Crawley Featuring an impressive cast and accompanied by a live Orchestra numbering over 30 musicians, After its successful season last year, Russian State Opera returns to delight you with the powerful and dramatic production of Carmen - feel the thrill of fiery passion, jealousy and violence of 19th century Seville in Bizet’s most popular opera.

Carmen tells the story of the downfall of Don José, a naïve soldier who falls head over heels in love with Carmen, a seductive, free-spirited femme fatale. The infatuated Don José abandons his childhood sweetheart and neglects his military duties, only to lose the fickle Carmen to the glamorous toreador Escamillo.

The rich and colourful vigour of the gypsies’ scenes will have you on the edge of your seat, the vibrancy, enthusiasm and intensity of the performances will reverberate long after the final curtain has fallen. Music by Georges Bizet. Sung in French with English Subtitles.

For more information, please visit the website www.russian-state-opera.co.uk

Win tickets to Carmen To enter the competition answer the question below: Q: Which century is this opera from? a) 19th b) 15th c) 20th Send your answer and contact details including phone number to: Carmen Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough, RH20 9AH or enter online at www.sussexlocal.net/features/competitions Winner drawn after 29th August 2018. Please indicate if you wish to remain on our mailing list.

18 Walks

SUSSEX LOCAL

Local Walks - August All walks are led by friendly, trained volunteers - please do check with the organisers for full details and for any last minute changes. Health walks are 30 – 90 minutes, supported by Walking for Health & Horsham District Council. Level 2 & Level 3 are more challenging, for fitter walkers, supported by Horsham District Council Wed 1

7:00pm Ron’s Evening Walk 5-6 miles Very social walk usually ending in a pub. You will be walking in the dark, bring good torch. Dogs allowed Fri 3 11:00am Southwater 2.6 miles Meet in car park of the Country Park, (off Cripplegate Lane, RH13 7UN). Along bridleways and country lanes Sat 4 2:00pm Under the Downs 3.6 miles Meet at Storrington Recreation Ground car park, RH20 4BG. Short walk towards bottom of the South Downs escarpment Sun 5 2.30pm Horsham Heritage Guided Walks 2 miles Meet outside the Museum in the Causeway Sat 11 9:00am Wiston/Steyning Downland Dog Walk 2 miles Meet at Steyning Cricket Pavilion, BN44 3LE Sun 12 10:00am Downs Farm 6 miles Meet Kithurst Hill Car Park (TQ070124) Wed 15 10:30am Storrington Riverside Walk 2.5 miles Meet at Storrington Recreation Ground Car Park, RH20 4BG. Explore Storrington's lovely Riverside Walk. Dogs welcome Mon 20 10:00am Warnham 6.5 miles Meet Sussex Oak, Church Street, Warnham, RH12 3QW. Good food and snacks at the pub after the walk Wed 22 10:00am Rookwood Golf Course, Horsham 4.5 miles Meet at golf course car park entrance. The walk is via Warnham and through the deer farm and park Thu 23 11:00am Billingshurst 2.3 miles Meet at Billingshurst Library, Mill Lane, RH14 9JZ. Walk around Billingshurst‘s footpaths or Jubilee Fields Fri 24 10:00am Ouse Valley (Balcombe Viaduct) 4.5 miles Meet in Ardingly reservoir car park. Undulating walk of the High Weald takes us under the Victorian railway viaduct Sat 25 2:00pm Sullington Warren & Church 4 miles Meet in Storrington Recreation Ground car park, RH20 4BG. Visits a pretty church which predates the Doomsday Book Tue 28 10:00am Ockley Forest Green 5.3 miles Meet in the car park in the Horsham side of the village cricket field Fri 31 11:00am Southwater 2.6 miles Meet in car park of the Country Park, (off Cripplegate Lane, RH13 7UN). Along bridleways and country lanes Country Park

3 hrs

Level 3

Ron 07933 106663 75 mins Health Jill 07780 701184 1hr 45mins Level 2 Mick 01903 745971 90 mins Level 2 Jill 07780 701184 75 mins Level 2 Ann 01903 297553 2.5 hrs Level 3 Mick 01903 745971 90 mins Health Mick 01903 745971 3 hrs Level 2 Graham 01403 733677 2 hrs Level 2 Michael 07719 467861 60 mins Health Jean 01403 581865 2hrs 30mins Level 2 Margaret 01403 262311 1hr 45mins Level 2 Mick 01903 745971 2hrs 30mins Level 2 Geoff 01403 258180 75 mins Health Jill 07780 701184

Arun Adur Ramblers – www.arun-adur-ramblers.org.uk Sun 5 Wed 8 Sun 19 Sun 26

10:30am Rottingdean 8 miles Meet at Clifftop car park, Rottingdean on A259 10:00am Durrington Litter Picking Walk 5.5 miles Meet at Tesco car park, Durrington 10:30am Midhurst 8 miles Meet at Benbow Pond car park, on A272 Petworth to Midhurst 10:00am The Gallops 12 miles Meet at The Gallops, Bost Hill, Findon

Moderate Leisurely Moderate Moderate

through the door

19

SUSSEX LOCAL

20 Charity & Community

Sussex Snippets Places are filling up fast for an exclusive Arundel Castle Abseil organised by Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice. The two-day event involves abseiling 180ft down the iconic Bake House Tower at Arundel Castle while raising vital funds for local life-limited children and their families. Places are available for Friday 28 September. For the chance to abseil, sign up now at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/arundelabseil Primary school children in West Sussex are being invited to fight plastic pollution by taking part in a global Plastic Planet Challenge. West Sussex Council is urging all of its primary schools to take part.

Schools can access a range of great resources to explore plastic and recycling in the classroom and will be invited to ask their children to design a plastic pollution poster. The winning designs will be made into a customised design on a refillable drinking water bottle. Schools can find out more about the challenge by visiting www.wastebuster.global More than 40 West Sussex projects, from a choral festival to a drop in centre for veterans, have embraced a new funding scheme. The West Sussex Crowd brings together worthwhile projects which aim to improve their local areas, with those willing to offer funding and support. So far £22,657 has been donated. West Sussex

Making solid wood kitchens!

Cabinet Furniture Specialists Including bedroom, dining room, study furniture. Beautiful collections in oak and pine, or painted in the colour of your choice.

Crafted in our own workshops near South Bersted. Visit us for a bespoke, friendly, personal service.

South Bersted Business Park, Dickinson Place, PO22 9QU

01243 865010

www.cfsfurniture.co.uk

County Council is also making a £330,000 Community Initiative Fund available to pledge to projects on the site. To upload an idea or pledge support, visit: www.westsussexcrowd.org.uk The new West Sussex Care Guide 2018/19 is now available. It is full of useful information and advice about the adult social care services that are available around West Sussex. The guide lists day care providers, extra care provision and more. The Care Quality Comission recently surveyed 1000 people looking for adult care either for themselves or a loved one with 70% saying the process was more stressful than finding a wedding venue or a school for a child. The Guide is available online or as a printed book, which can be found in libraries and GP surgeries across the county.

View online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/careguide CLA South East, an organisation which represents landowners and farmers across Sussex, is urging the public to respect the countryside this summer. They warn not to litter, fly-tip or leave dog litter, as severe penalties will be served. Not picking up dog litter can result in sickness in sheep and cattle. For more information visit www.cla.org.uk The third Behind Closed Doors conference bought together national experts and local public services to discuss how to prevent the rise of criminal exploitation in the area. The conference focussed on how to identify and protect vulnerable people in the community, and particularly the rising threat of so-called ‘county lines’.

This is where drug gangs from urban areas, particularly London, recruit children and adults in more rural areas to sell drugs for them. Recent statistics have shown that 50 per cent of the drug lines into West Sussex come into Worthing. Speaking at the conference, Mark Pearson, a national expert on criminal exploitation, praised the level of cooperation in Adur and Worthing between community and public service organisations.

A joint letter signed by the leaders of Adur and Worthing Councils states that schools in West Sussex would receive almost £100 extra per pupil a year if the government funded the county. The letter to the Secretary of State for Education, Damian Hinds, points out that West Sussex has the eighth lowest funding per primary school pupil in the country and the sixth lowest for secondary school pupils. The letter has been sent to the Chancellor, Philip Hammond and all West Sussex MPs. Sussex Wildlife Trust wants to provide wild activities for thousands of children in Sussex this year. Children’s contact with the natural world is in decline.

Only 10% of children now spend time in wild places, compared to 40% of their parents when they were young. Sussex Wildlife Trust is ready to provide wild activities for thousands of children in Sussex this year, with their new programme 'Rewild a Child'. They need your support to help them raise the remaining £60,000 for the programme. To find out more visit sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/get-involved/appeals

through the door

21

22 Charity & Community

SUSSEX LOCAL

Ashington Festival 18th August In 2018 Ashington Festival will be welcoming back Jez Avery with his daredevil motorcycle stunt act, as well as Warren Calitz with his well known Dog & Duck act. Tom Foolery the popular children's entertainer is back, sponsored by Saxon Weald. Also the Medina Marching Band will be marching and playing in the arena.

The evening will be sponsored by Cubitt & West, and The Smiley's and Lianna Haynes as 'The Vintage Singer' will be performing. There will also be a children's disco and later on an adult disco provided

by Retrospect Event Sound plus a firework display at 10pm sponsored by Charles Muddle Ltd. Past favourites will be returning too. Harris Brothers Funfair, the Arun Vet Group fun dog show, car boot sale, flower show, classic car show, craft, charity and animal stalls and sideshows will appear in 2018.

Food outlets will include Thai, pizzas, jacket potatoes, crepes, burgers, hot dogs, doughnuts and ice cream.

There's also a licensed bar and Pimm's tent.

The carnival procession starts at 1.30pm. Leading the Carnival is the 2018 Carnival Princess Amelia Mercer with her two attendants Cindy Boult and Molly -May Mintrim, with two pageboys Jack Rogers and Alfie Cope. The Carnival will start in Foster Lane and route via The Sands, Rectory Lane, London Road and

WINDOWS - DOORS -PORCHES FASCIAS - SOFFITS - GUTTERING SHOPFRONTS -CONSERVATORIES ORANGERIES - EXTENSIONS PATIOS - DRIVEWAYS BI-FOLDING DOORS ALL DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR WORKS UNDERTAKEN

01903 765 506

info@attwaterwindows.com www.attwaterhomeimprovements.co.uk 116 Cokeham Lane Sompting BN15 9SQ

Church Lane. Please note there will be no parking along one side of Foster Lane, The Sands, Rectory Lane and Church Lane. Road closures will be in place on Foster Lane from 12 noon until 2.30pm, the bottom of the Sands from 12pm-4pm and the remainder of the route from 1.30-2.30pm.

A free car park, kindly provided by Harris Brothers Fair, will be available under the bridge at the bottom of the village. This will be signposted from both directions on the A24. Disabled parking, for blue badge holders, will be available in the Community Centre’s Car Park in Foster Lane. For more details of the day please see www.ashingtonfestival.co.uk

Storrington Conservation Society The work party on 7th July was involved in the preparation for the 'In Bloom' judging later in the month, mainly at the West Street garden and Old Mill Drive. We were glad to support the many others who give their time to keep our community attractive. We hope all efforts will be recognised by the judges!

We have a break in August, and meet up again on 1st September at 10.00am at Fryern Dell, to continue our project of restoration of and care for the Victorian Garden. Join us to get some healthy exercise, cheerful company guaranteed. Tools provided, work clothes recommended. In the meantime, enjoy the holiday season. For more information, please call Chairman Mick Denness on 01903 745971, or see www.storringtonconservation.org.uk

through the door

South Downs National Park I was not surprised at the recent news that the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) has decided to use public money to start a judicial review to challenge the decision made by Highways England (HE) to recommend route 5a. The meeting was held in secret, the anti road campaigners got advance notice of that meeting and knew the decision before any of the general public: e.g. the collusion between the Authority and anti bypass supporters (I have proof of all this).

The reason I wasn’t surprised is because the Chairman, Margaret Paren, OBE, after taking early retirement, became involved in the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE). CPRE were paramount in ensuring that the SDNPA park border was moved to south of the A27 rather than using that as a natural border of the park.

One Arundel (a campaign group for an offline A27 bypass) has recently carried out a Freedom of Information request and a huge number of documents have been supplied showing and proving collusion between the Park Authority and South Coast Alliance for Transport and the Environment (SCATE) and key environmental campaigners. All these documents have now been passed to the Highways England’s lawyers to enable them to robustly challenge the Judicial review.

Charity & Community

23

SDNPA had many private meetings with HE and were kept abreast of the entire consultation process and had plenty of opportunity to input to that process. To then turn around and challenge the decision that was so widely supported by the local community is disrespectful to local feelings.

Margaret Paren has been in position for over 8 years.

She is not elected but was appointed by the Brown Government back in early 2010. All local councils (who have a democratic mandate) at all levels: County (WSCC), District (Arun & Horsham), Town and Parish have all supported route 5a apart from Walberton who were against and Lyminster who were undecided. So when there is proof that the Authority has been partisan and has been meddling and undermining the will of the local population, I think the person at the head of that Authority should take responsibility, so Margaret Paren should consider her position.

I believe the SDNPA does not serve the needs of the local population. Storrington's air quality is truly awful and is caused by HGV’s rat running through the Downs to avoid the Arundel Bottleneck. It is in the 30 most polluted cities (Storrington is not a city but joins many cities in that enviable position). So you wonder why SDNPA is expending so much energy and public funding fighting the HE decision when they should be worrying about the air quality in Storrington.

Paul Dendle is a councillor for the Arundel & Walberton Ward. www.pauldendle.org

24 Health & Wellbeing

SUSSEX LOCAL

Gut Health

By Heather Smith, Personal Trainer, Fitbiz Training Useful health advice is becoming much more easily available these days, which is only a good thing as far as I can see. There seems to be less and less cabbage-soup type diets, and more and more real food, truly health-promoting diets. Many diets are beginning to focus on gut health, which I believe to be the foundation of good health.

Inside our guts there are millions of bacteria, known as the Microbiome. The Microbiome qualifies as an organ, and the exact combination of bacteria making up each individuals Microbiome is pretty unique.

The microbiome adjusts based on what you eat, where you live and what you do – I find this completely fascinating! We get a lot of our bacteria during birth and childhood, and so have something of a natural ‘base’ which we can then either build on or not, depending on lifestyle choices as we age.

The gut is intrinsically linked to every aspect of health; the direct link between our gut and brain illustrates its

importance – what is happening in our guts is communicated to our brains, and vice versa. This is why you get butterflies in your tummy when you’re excited.

It’s also why a poor diet shows on your skin, and how nutrition can play a huge part in depression.

Research suggests that the diversity of bacteria in our guts is very important. So, how can we optimise gut health?

The bacteria in our guts enjoy fibre-rich seeds and vegetables, especially the fibrous parts of vegetables which we often bin, like broccoli stalks or cabbage hearts. The idea to ‘live dirty, eat clean’ is a simple one to follow in order to improve your gut health. It means not worrying about a bit of dirt under your fingernails or disinfecting everything all the time, and making sure you eat a really good quality, whole food diet.

Fermented foods are appearing more and more on our supermarket shelves, they are great natural probiotics and can be a helpful addition to your diet.

Heather Smith is a fat loss specialist Personal Trainer. www.fitbiztraining.co.uk

through the door

25

SUSSEX LOCAL

26 Charity Profile

Community Energy Helping power the community

by Lynn Smith Climate Change is something that concerns most of us.

Fossil fuels have had their day, gas and oil reserves are dwindling. But many of us are confused, not to say disheartened, when we read that governments are still providing fossil fuel generators with subsidies, and that the United Kingdom has dropped well behind the rest of Europe in terms of green energy.

But it isn’t simply a matter of personal concern: over the next decade the UK must prepare to meet national energy targets by moving to low carbon technologies. Seeking guidance from your local authority may not provide a great deal of clarity – most local authorities are wrestling budget cuts and the threat of future reductions in core funding; even with the best will in the world, green energy may not be top of their agendas.

More and more, people are seeking greener solutions themselves; looking locally for like-minded people who share their concerns and desire to find a different way to produce energy. But finding or establishing a group in your own community or organisation is only the first step. Where do you go from there, how do you translate the desire into the deed?

Community Energy South Community Energy South (CES) is a not for profit organisation providing information to local community energy groups and helping them to connect with more experienced energy developers and so achieve their goals.

So, what is community energy? CES‘s definition is that it is people coming together to reduce energy use, and purchase, manage and generate low carbon heat and power that community energy projects are often delivered collectively by a group or organisation; focussing upon engagement, local leadership and strong positive outcomes for the local community.

Community groups often have distinct, specific localised goals with an overarching benefit of tackling climate change, energy security and making energy affordable.

Community Energy South Put simply, CES helps groups generate and supply local energy, develop a local energy service, and reduce fuel poverty.

How it does this is explained by Office Co-ordinator Liz Sleeper: “We run training and networking events; we support groups in grant applications; we provide a regular newsletter full of information about activities and we support the Big Energy Saving Network and its community energy champions to provide bill checking and switching advice to those in fuel poverty.”

When was it born?

Set up in 2014 by Ovesco, (Ouse Valley Energy Services) a community benefit company run by local volunteers for the local community in East Sussex, CES is an umbrella organisation and regional hub enabling its members to grow themselves as sustainable low carbon businesses in the South East of England.

Local groups range from the Cuckmere Community Solar Company - where the community is set to become joint owners of a part-commercial, partcommunity owned solar farm - to Energise Sussex Coast - whose projects include rethinking energy production in order to benefit the local community and eradicate fuel poverty.

through the door

27

28 Charity Profile Who is behind CES? The driving forces behind CES are: Ollie Pendered, Chair and Director of Partnerships, and Directors Kayla Ente, Chris Rowlands and Richard Watson, all of whom have strong Community Energy credentials and commitment. Chris Rowlands has been with the organisation since its inception and he explains the ethos behind CES as: “Not for profit. The ethos of the community groups is to recycle any profits made back into their local communities. We have a vision of community owned renewable energy and fair energy supply to residents in the South East.”

Projects

SUSSEX LOCAL “Particularly,” Chris Rowland says, “to work on the Big Energy Saving Network which advises people, particularly those in fuel poverty, on how to switch and or reduce bills.” In 2016-17 CES supported twenty energy advisors across the region whose services included setting up local energy advice clinics, giving individual energy bills a health check and offering advice on home energy.

Wind energy

Chris Rowlands gives examples of the organisation’s projects in West Sussex: “CES has a community owned 5MW solar farm at Merston, Chichester, called Meadow Blue. We have a community energy group called SOLESCO – also Chichester based, and one called HKD energy (Hassocks Keymer and Ditchling).”

CES’s advice is open to everyone regardless of their financial situation and the organisation is especially looking for more volunteers in West Sussex and Kent.

Chris Rowlands advises that, ideally, volunteers should have some background or experience in energy, councils, legal, financial or social and cooperative areas.

“CES has a community owned 5MW solar farm” Liz expands the list: “We support some really exciting projects including Ovesco's "Sunny Schools” a project to put solar on 25 schools in East Sussex - the project will be funded by share offers which are opening shortly. We are also still looking for schools who would like to take part … Ovesco are particularly keen to find schools open to installing solar on their roofs and reducing their fuel bills significantly.

“CES also supported the village of Balcombe with their "Riding Sunbeams" re-power project, which is a ground-breaking project to get solar into the National Rail Grid.”

Who runs CES? At present CES is staffed by two part time paid employees, plus Directors and volunteers, and has recently received EU funding from LoCASE (Low Carbon across the South East).

Working with the University of Brighton’s Green Growth Platform, CES can provide twelve hours of specialist support and a £10,000 grant scheme for Community Energy Groups or Community Organisations to develop new renewable energy, innovation and energy efficiency projects. The organisation is keen to find more volunteers.

through the door There is plenty for volunteers to be involved in – CES is setting up a grant giving charity, which they hope will launch in the next few months, and which will provide small grants to community and other organisations to set up community energy projects and teach people about renewable energy.

Challenges Unusually for a not-for-profit organisation, when asked about key challenges CES doesn’t mention funding but rather education. What Chris Rowlands describes as, “A lack of understanding about the significant benefits for local communities from community energy projects. Decision makers don’t always recognise that there are both financial and social benefits from having such projects in these areas. We are,” he adds, “way behind countries like Denmark and Germany in this regard.”

Liz Sleeper echoes this when she says, “Because so many of our projects are pioneering, there is often a big learning curve for people before they grasp the benefit.”

In 2017 the first State of the Sector report was issued by Community Energy England, setting a benchmark for annual community energy generation, energy savings and CO2 projects in England Wales and Northern Ireland. The second report was launched in June of this year and amongst its key findings is a call for clearer strategy from government and local

Charity Profile

29

authorities; a warning that the sector faces increased risks due to retractions and reductions of subsidy and tax incentives and – hearteningly – the resilience of the community energy sector in the face of difficult conditions.

Community Energy South offers consumers the chance to take some control over how their energy is produced, becoming actively engaged in the production of energy - as individuals and as a community.

Find out more about Community Energy South at www.communityenergysouth.org To get involved or find out more about the Sunny Schools Project email patrick@ovesco.co.uk, To get involved or find out more about Big Energy Saving Advisors please could you email membership@communityenergysouth.org.uk To get more information about LoCASE email ollie.pendered@communityenergysouth.org

30 Business Profile

SUSSEX LOCAL

LMC - your local independent garage Servicing, MOTs & repairs for cars, motorbikes & light vans For most of us, motor repairs and MOT tests are a unwelcome necessity in day to day life. At LMC Auto Services Owner Lee Cripps aims to offer first class service at competitive prices. He told Sussex Local that he and his fully qualified team of mechanics endeavour to maintain a high quality of workmanship coupled with a genuine aspiration to help the motorist.

Lee thinks that little extras, such as free collection and delivery within 20 miles, free vehicle wash with a service and an online discount on MOTs, keep his customers happy - and happy customers recommend others. LMC have also now opened a motorcycle MOT lane so can help those on two wheels too!

After an apprenticeship and four years of study Lee started LMC as a mobile mechanic with his trusty Escort van! The company has now been at their current spacious premises at the Station Approach Estate in Pulborough for over seven years. Lee told us that in their fully equipped workshop they can undertake work on all makes of cars and light vans including servicing and repairs to brakes, clutches, suspension, cam belts and exhausts together with

HOUSEHOLD LINENS IN STOCK

From left: Becky, Lee, Kevin & Dan

engine/gearbox rebuilds and electrical diagnosis. He added that customers who need to protect their manufacturer’s warranty on a new vehicle can rest assured that a service with LMC will keep it valid and could save a fair amount off main dealer service charges. Lee was pleased to confirm that he is a member of Check-a-Trade, the Good Garage Scheme, Buy With Confidence, Foxy Lady Garages and trustmygarage.com closely adhering to their codes of conduct.

You can read testimonials from many satisfied clients on their website with more on the Good Garage Scheme web site: www.goodgaragescheme.com LMC Auto Services Sussex Ltd Unit 8, Station Approach Industrial Estate, Station Road, Pulborough.

01798 873281 or visit www.lmcautoservices.co.uk where you can book a service or discounted MOT

through the door

31

SUSSEX LOCAL

32 Crossword

Prize Crossword Win a ÂŁ10 Marks & Spencer voucher

Storrington August 2018 June 2018 answer below:

Winner: Brian McManus from Storrington. Congratulations and thank you to all who entered.

Finish the crossword and fill out the box below with the letters from the shaded squares. Work out the anagram

Down

Across 1 9 10 11 12 13 16 18 21 22 23 24

Difficult and intricate (11) Essential (5) Small numbered cube (3) Take hold of (5) Functions correctly (5) Individuality (8) Wrapper for a letter (8) Bronze medal position (5) Picture border (5) Not new (3) Verbalise (5) Reason given for doing something (11)

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 14 15 17 19 20

Policeman or policewoman (7) State of being very poor (7) Purpose (6) Permit (5) Senior figure in a tribe (5) Differentiation (11) Quantification (11) Without flaws (7) Cigarette constituent (7) Country (6) Alphabetical list in a book (5) Lived (anag) (5)

Name:...............................................................................................................

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

Postcode: .........................................................................................................

Email:................................................................................................................

Phone: ..............................................................................................................

Mobile: .............................................................................................................

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

Send the word above to: Sussex Local Crossword, PO Box 2237 Pulborough, RH20 9AH or enter it online at our website www.sussexlocal.net/crosswords Closing date: 31st August 2018.

Win a ÂŁ10

M&S voucher voucher provided by

SUSSEX LOCAL magazine

Sussex Local 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.

through the door

33

34 Recipe

Grilled Stone Fruit Salad A perfect fresh summer salad Ingredients  2 firm ripe peaches, halved, pits removed  2 firm ripe plums, halved, pits removed (Sussex Victoria plums will be in season soon)  2 firm ripe apricots, halved, pits removed  1 tbsp butter melted  3 tbsp olive oil  2 tbsp honey  2 tbsp fresh lemon juice  ¼ tsp salt  ¼ tsp black pepper  Mixed salad leaves  100g crumbled feta cheese  Toasted nuts, I used pine nuts

SUSSEX LOCAL Method: 1) Heat the butter on a griddle pan, place your fruit flesh side down in the pan for 5 minutes at a medium heat 2) Transfer fruit to a cutting board; let cool for 5 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Cut fruit into wedges.

3) Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt and pepper with whisk. Reserve a little vinaigrette for later. Add your salad to the large bowl of vinaigrette; toss to coat. Transfer to serving platter. Return reserved vinaigrette to large bowl; add grilled fruit, and toss to coat.

4) Top your salad mixture with grilled fruit, cheese and toasted nuts.

Recipe kindly supplied by Hollie from Village Larder, Squires Garden Centre Washington or Old Mill Drive Storrington every Thursday. Follow Hollie on Instagram and Twitter @village_larder

through the door

35

SUSSEX LOCAL

36 Gardening

In Your Garden Monthly gardening ideas and tasks

by Andrew Staib, Principal Designer of Glorious Gardens farm. Not only that, they created a huge Herrigbone Sussex Prairie Gardens irrigation network to stop the clay from collecting water The Wild West on our doorstep and water logging the dry-loving Prairie plants. They

then had a two and a half week planting party where friends and relatives planted solidly for a fortnight.

“We just fed and watered them and then fed and watered them!”

“It was a risk. We used all our money and it was a leap into the unknown but we knew it would pay off.”

In ten years they have not only created an award winning garden where bus-loads of garden lovers arrive each day, but also a community.

Currently they have students from France, Russia and China, an army of volunteers who love spending time in the garden and artists who exhibit their work amongst the great grasses and tall flower stems.

“It has become a whole life for us. We treat our volunteers well with cake and tea and work beside them.

We have students from three or four colleges plus

Decades ago, when Pauline met Paul, a Scotsman tending the Commonwealth War Graves in the Somme, she not only met the unequivocal love of her life, but their union began an adventure into the horticultural world of Prairie flora that has dazzled the South of England for the last 10 years. With 35,000 plants, it is Britain’s largest Prairie or ‘Naturalistic’ gardens.

Pauline and Paul travelled through Europe designing people’s gardens until a billionaire businessman in Luxembourg commissioned them to design his garden.

He took on board Piet Oldorf as an advisor, the European ‘Rembrandt’ of planting combinations and leader in a style that was just beginning to sweep across Europe and the rest of the world. Over the next few years, Pauline and Paul took master classes in this Prairie style of planting.

For 10 years they worked on a single garden until they decided to realise their dream of bringing their skills back to the UK to create their own public garden.

Pauline returned to the farm she grew up on and they embarked upon turning it into a prairie amidst the placid cows and hay bales just outside Henfield.

They grew thousands of plants from seed and brought in hundreds of tonnes of soil to improve the clay of the

Gardening

through the door some from Sheffield University. We have also been accepted as an RHS garden recently. We run all sorts of garden workshops and work experience programmes as well.” Pauline agreed with me about the whole world now coming to them. “Yes but we still love to travel. Obviously we can only leave in the Winter but last year we went to South India and were so inspired that we have now created a little tropical garden as you enter the main space” Why the Prairie style?

Pauline can’t say exactly but her eyes brim with passion before she shoots off to serve a customer a slice of one of her cakes. When she comes back she talks about the beauty of this style. ‘Most English gardens peak in the Spring and early Summer. Prairie plants come into their own in late Summer and Autumn as that is how long they take to develop in the mild English weather. We do add bulbs for Spring interest and over the years we have added strong Winter structural plants like Ilex crenata and Hornbeam.

“Prairie plants have so much to give. The leaf texture, stem colour and structure, seed heads and flowers.

We even factor in the way the buds look. We restrict the planting pallet to create strong visual impact.”

37

Ornamental grasses, so often looking like out of place in suburban gardens, come into their own in this garden and because flowers are woven in amongst them the whole effect is like a wild tapestry.

How do you maintain this many hectares?

As well as an army of volunteers the sprinkler is on permanently at the moment, and it takes a full 6 weeks of moving it to different areas to cover the whole garden - and then they start again.

“In the late winter we wait till its a very still and dry day and then burn everything to the ground, just as it would happen in the wild.” Anyone nervous about pruning their grasses or prairie originated perennials should take note of this!

Pauline and Paul have created a space one wants to revisit. The tea house is a comfortable, eccentric mix of found objects, coloured throws, chairs and sofas and they even have a little nursery selling more unusual plants.

SUSSEX LOCAL

38 Gardening The passion and generosity of the founders is everywhere. When I asked if she had kids Pauline told me evenly - “This is our baby” Any more ambitions to expand?

“We don’t think so. We have enough work to keep up with everything here. We would like to do a garden at Chelsea. We are just waiting for the right sponsor to come along!”

Where to visit this August Sussex Prairie Gardens, Morlands Farm, Wheatsheaf Road (B2116), near Henfield, West Sussex, BN5 9AT Opening until the 14th October 1pm to 5pm open every afternoon apart from Tuesdays.

Plus events coming up at Sussex Prairie Gardens including: 17th-27th August - Indian Summer Bizarre - 5 big marquees 2nd September - Unusual Plant and Garden Fairspecialised nurseries Visit www.sussexprairies.co.uk for more details.

August tasks  Keep up the watering in this sustained hot weather, especially with plants in pots and new plants.  Top up the mulch to retain moisture and keep weeds down  Keep pinching out your tomatoes and sowing new rills of lettuce, radishes and spinach  Prune the bigger shrubs that have just finished flowering like Wygelia, Philadelpus, and Sprireacut out the old flowering wood back to new growth that next year’s flowers will bloom from  Mow your lawn on a higher setting to keep moisture in the grass and help mitigate against summer browning  Apply a nitrogen feed if Red Thread fungus is taking over your lawn  Sit and relax in your favourite garden chair or hammock things slow down in the garden now, and so can you!

through the door

Home & Garden Services

39

40 Property

Maintenance free windows?

By Chris Ennis FRICS It is easy to assume that replacement plastic windows are maintenance free, however this is not the case. That said, the days of old ungalvanized steel (crittall) windows and draughty timber frames are mainly past.

Modern replacement windows are constructed in a upvc frame. Upvc stands for plasticized polyvinyl chloride which to ordinary mortals like you and I is ‘plastic’. Windows constructed in this material require minimal maintenance but are not maintenance free.

In urban locations the Upvc can discolour and periodically the white plastic parts should be cleansed with a upvc cleaner. Care should be taken not to abrade the plastic surface…………. No scouring pads or ‘Jiff’ or steel wool.

All moving parts should be lightly oiled. In the absence of lubrication exposed south and west facing windows may become jammed and undue force to open them could cause expensive damage to hinges.

Any silicone exterior sealant around the edges of the plastic where it meets the adjacent walls should remain pliant and not be cracked.

SUSSEX LOCAL Any glazed panels which have misted up should be replaced……… This is probably a job for a professional glazier. The misting is caused by condensation forming between the inner and outer pains of glass where the original vacuum has broken down.

The opening casements are lined with a rubber draught proofing strip. On exposed elevations this rubber can dis-disintegrate and require renewal. In my house the rubbers have lasted 10 years.

You should ensure that all windows can be easily locked, and that the window keys are close by for use in the event of an emergency.

You should plan an escape route from the upper floors in the event of fire. The building Inspector may specify special wide opening escape windows.

These days windows have to be approved by either the Building Inspector, or member of a ‘competent Person Scheme’ the most common of which is either FENSA (fenestration self-assessment, or Certass Ltd).

Without appropriate documentation, there may be problems when the property is sold.

Chris Ennis FRICS is a Chartered Surveyor www.propdoctor tel: 01903 261217 or email surveyor1@talktalk.net

through the door

Property Services

41

SUSSEX LOCAL

42 Puzzles

Young Readers’ Puzzle Page Wordsearch - Big Find the listed words in the grid. Words may be hidden horizontally, vertically or diagonally and in either a forwards or backwards direction.

BROAD HUGE MASSIVE

ENORMOUS HEAVY IMMENSE JUMBO MIGHTY VAST

Anagram Trace the lines connecting the circles to find out what the 2nd word is

HEFTY LARGE WEIGHTY

Maze

Win a pair of tickets to Help the pirate find her treasure chest! Start at the arrow on the top of the maze.

Win a pair of tickets to Pirates on the Run: a colourful bouncy fun run for all the family, to raise treasure for St Wilfred’s Hospice. At Chichester High School from 11am on 1st September. Dress up as a pirate, go on a treasure hunt, and much more!

Please send your completed entry to: Pirates on the Run, PO Box 2237, Pulborough, RH20 9AH or scan and email to: competitions@sussexlocal.net

Closing date of competition will be Monday 20th August. Winner will be first entry drawn.

Name: ..........................................................................

Age: ..............................................................................

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

Postcode: .....................................................................

Email: ...........................................................................

Phone: ..........................................................................

Mobile: .........................................................................

Competition

through the door

43

Win a copy of ‘Sussex Folk Tales for Children’ A captivating and enchanting new book Mythical creatures, fairytale characters and mysterious goings-on all linked to local places in Sussex. These tales – specially chosen to be enjoyed by 7-11 year old readers – sparkle with magic and explode with adventure. Not only will children love to read them, or listen to them being read, these stories will also stimulate an interest in the county, and help children engage with their own surroundings.

Published in association with The Society for Storytelling and as part of the popular folk tales series, The History Press is delighted to announce the forthcoming release of ‘Sussex Folk Tales for Children’ by Xanthe Gresham Knight and Robin Knight.

The book includes a specially commissioned illustration by Sherry Robinson.

Did you know that if you’re walking the cliff tops you may spot a fiery-eyed stranger? Or that if you’re dancing in the forest and hear a singing in the wind, it must be fairies? Or that if you’re swimming in the sea and feel a tendril winding around your ankle, it’s not seaweed but the hair of a mermaid who wants you to swim with her until the stones turn to sand.

To purchase ‘Sussex Folk Tales for Children or for more information, please visit their website www.thehistorypress.co.uk

Win a copy To enter the competition answer the question below: Q:

What do all the folk tales have in common? a) Sussex b) Fairies c) Dragons

Send your answer and contact details including phone number to: Sussex Folk Tales Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough, RH20 9AH or enter online at www.sussexlocal.net/features/competitions Winner drawn after 31st August 2018. Please indicate if you wish to remain on our mailing list.

44 Schools

Storrington Primary Sports Week During our Sports Week we encourage children to take part in as many activities and sports as possible. This year activities included cricket, cheerleading, tennis, dodgeball and tri-golf. The highlights of the week are always the main sports days and, for older children, the triathlon, swimming gala and long distance events. Each morning during Sports Week starts with a ‘wake up, shake up’ for the whole school led by teachers and at the end of the week a House Cup for Sports is awarded – well done to Stor and Fryern Houses who won the KS1 and KS2 cups this year.

Spierbridge Rd, Storrington. Visit storringtonprimary.co.uk for more information or you can call them on 01903 742 047 or email office@storringtonprimary.co.uk

SUSSEX LOCAL

Schools

through the door

Thakeham Primary School News Housebuilder Barratt Homes teamed up with Thakeham Primary School near its Warren Grove development in Storrington to promote some important sustainability messages. The innovative project, designed to educate pupils about the importance of recycling, has seen the school collecting unwanted hard plastic toys and rigid plastics such as tubs and trays – replacing them with a recycled playground house and bench for the pupils to enjoy.

Lynnette St-Quintin, from Barratt Homes Southern Counties, commented, “This is a very topical campaign, and one that will see pupils in schools neighbouring our new homes developments understand the importance of recycling. Whilst recycling begins at home, it is also important for everyone to understand the great lengths we go to in the work place to ensure that sustainability remains a key objective as we make every effort to reduce landfill.

Together with Powerday, we have delivered skips to many schools throughout West Sussex and collected as much recyclable plastic as possible. Pupils have been rewarded for their efforts with a recycled piece of playground furniture.”

Samantha Norton, the Headteacher at Thakeham Primary School, said, “It is so important that children are made aware of their responsibility to the environ-

ment, and this has been a fantastic campaign in building that consideration for how they use waste. It has helped them see the effect their contribution to society makes on a larger scale too.” www.thakehamps.co.uk

45

46 Computers

Computer Care Apps that can save the world

by Alan Stainer

Sunday 8th July was an important day for the Horsham District, as we officially launched Refill Horsham District. Refill is a scheme that started in Bristol, but has since gone national. The idea is so simple it is a wonder that no-one has done it before.

Public water fountains aren’t cheap, but there are a ton of businesses with water taps on their premises.

Businesses sign up to the smartphone app as Refill Stations. Consumers open the app, which displays a map of the local area (it uses GPS to pinpoint where you are) and shows you where the nearest Refill Stations are. You can then visit the Refill Station, fill up your reusable bottle and get points for doing so. If you have enough points, you get a free Chilly’s bottle with the Refill logo on it. The end result is that we will use less single use plastic bottles, which you have to admit is a major problem for us (globally). Anything we can do to stop using plastic bottles is very welcome. I love that a simple app like this can make a real positive change to the way we live and help us save the environment at the same time. If you know of any other apps that can help save the world, please let me know! www.alansitsolutions.com

SUSSEX LOCAL

through the door

Paws for thought Should you adopt or buy a pet?

There has been a lot in the press recently about pedigree dog health, including the worrying aspect of imported Dr Julian Hoad puppies, many of which are illegally imported. One of the best ways of tackling these problems is responsible purchasing by potential owners. If there is no financial market for poor health puppies and their importation, then it will dry up.

Things to consider… Responsibly acquiring a puppy (and indeed any pet) will make a significant difference to the health and welfare of the animal and will also mean a great start for the family with their new pet.

The veterinary practice is without a doubt the best place to advise potential owners and to provide the education needed to help to make sure that the owner/pet relationship is one that is enjoyable for all.

Although we all know the huge benefits of dogs within a family, it is also a big responsibility. New owners should reflect on the joy of dog ownership, but also the responsibility attached.

PDSA have some useful information to make people think about getting a pet that breaks it down into:

Pets 47 Place – where you live and the environment available for your pet can make a big difference to the type of pet you choose.

Exercise – can you give your new pet enough exercise and the right kind of exercise for its breed and type?

Time – to care for your pet and meet all of its needs Spend – cost of owning your pet for its lifetime Knowledge – an understanding of the needs of your potential pet and your responsibilities to it, the wider environment and the community.

Something to consider is always whether you should re-home a pet or purchase one from a breeder.

Rehoming is often very rewarding as it will give a new chance to an aminal. Larger, well-known rehoming centres work very hard to match owners and pets and offer support to make sure that the experience is a success. However, some owners may wish to purchase a puppy or particular breed. In this case, it is vital that potential owners know how to buy responsibly to avoid breeds with known debilitating inherited health problems and to avoid fuelling irresponsible breeding and importation that causes health and welfare misery for thousands of puppies and their parents. A great way to educate a potential puppy purchaser is for them to use the Puppy Contract (www.animalwelfarefoundation.org.uk) Crossways Veterinary Group, School Hill, Storrington, 01903 743040 www.crosswaysvets.co.uk

SUSSEX LOCAL

48 Finance

Advice or Guidance?

By Richard Cohen FPFS ACII MCSI Chartered Financial Planner The new pension’s freedom rules effectively allow anyone over the age of 55 unrestricted access to their accumulated pension funds including the option to withdraw it all as a single lump sum. With this in mind some may question whether there is still a need for advice in the pension taking process.

Obviously I’m far from an impartial observer but I would argue that the new rules create an even greater need for advice. For example, from a tax perspective how and when you take your benefits can make the difference between paying no tax or 60% tax on a withdrawal. It can also mean money that would have passed to your nominated beneficiary’s tax free, suffers 40% inheritance tax.

Ultimately a personal pension is just a tax wrapper around investments and most people are still going to need an income for the duration of their retirement therefore advice to help ensure that the fund doesn’t run out and that they maximise their investment returns whilst minimising the risks will be very important to them.

As an alternative, the Government have promised that all those at retirement will be entitled to free

‘guidance’ on their options for taking their pension benefits.

To draw a parallel to medicine, I liken the pension guidance that is being offered to seeing a nurse or pharmacist and being told you should stop smoking because it’s bad for you. Their guidance may involve providing a list of nicotine replacement treatments and giving the advantages and disadvantages of each. Guidance works brilliantly for clear cut situations where arming you with the relevant information can enable you to make decisions yourself. However, when it comes to something serious that is when advice is needed. Just as you would go to the doctor for something potentially life threatening, surely you should seek advice for something that is going to determine the money you have to live on for the rest of your life. Seeing a good adviser should be like seeing a good doctor it should involve a diagnosis, a prognosis and a discussion on and recommendation as to the best treatment options and then the implementation of those.

For more details visit www.nsurefinancial.co.uk or to arrange a free review please call 01903 821010

through the door

49

50 Health

SUSSEX LOCAL

Changing your Private Medical Insurance

by Andrew Leach, Director, SJA Health Insurance In recent editions of the magazine, I have talked about the benefits of Private Medical Insurance and have touched on people’s concerns about the cost.

However, it need not be a problem even though it is true that sometimes when you have been with an insurer for a number of years, premiums can become very expensive.

Many people believe that it is not possible to move insurers, fearing that to do so will risk their cover for medical conditions for which they have claimed in the past.

Of course, if the condition is or was serious, especially if it is ongoing, then one has to remain with your current insurance company.

But if the condition is not serious or occurred some time ago, some insurers may look at taking you on and covering the condition.

You will need to make a medical declaration, and certain rules need to be followed, but an expert independent adviser can assist you with this.

The alternative is to start afresh and risk the removal of cover for all current and pre-existing medical conditions. However, if you are fit and if the medical

condition is an old one, this could be a way of reducing premiums considerably.

Andrew Leach is Managing Director of Pulboroughbased SJA Health Insurance and has 32 years’ experience working with insurance brokers and insurance companies. His company is a boutique brokerage specialising in health insurance and related products for individuals, small and large companies in the UK and internationally. You can find out more at www.sjahealthinsurance.com

through the door

Is it time to let the dogs out?

By Ivan Lyons, MD Investment Solutions, Worthing From time to time the finance pages publish lists of what are called ‘dog’ funds. You may have wondered what the term means and be concerned about what you should do if you find you’re invested in one of these funds.

Put simply, a ‘dog’ fund is one that is deemed to be performing poorly. All investment funds fall into sectors – for example, UK technology or global emerging markets. Classifying them under these headings means that it’s easier to make meaningful comparisons. They can be compared both against each other and against the average performance for all the funds in that sector. If a fund is consistently showing as being 10% below the sector average, then it can earn the ‘dog’ tag.

However, it’s important to remember that companies producing these lists aren’t giving specific advice or recommendations and results are compiled using past performance.

Regular Reviews Regular reviews can be the key to ensuring your investments are still right for you. Keeping a close eye on the performance of your assets will mean that underperforming funds can be identified and, if necessary, changes made to your portfolio.

Revisiting your attitude to risk is an important part of any review process. Remember that the right funds for you to be invested in could change at different stages of your life. When you’re younger, you may want to invest in assets with a higher potential for growth but greater risk, because you have plenty of time to benefit from their long-term growth possibilities.

As you get closer to retirement, your appetite for risk may alter and you may prefer more conservative investments that produce a steadier return and are less risky. The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.

Need advice?

At Investment Solutions, we are an Award-winning Chartered Firm of Independent Financial Advisors.

Contact 01903 214640 or see www.investmentsolutions.co.uk. The information in this Article does not constitute advice. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily a guide to future returns. The value of units and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.

Finance 51

SUSSEX LOCAL

52 Local History

Parham Blacksmith Below and to the right are photographs of Joe Greenfield; blacksmith, farrier and woodsman who worked all his life on the Parham Estate.

The door knocker shown on the right was made by Joe and can currently be viewed in Storrington Museum’s collection.

Photos and text courtesy of Storrington Museum The Old School, School Lane, Storrington, RH20 4LL Open: Wednesday, Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm & Sunday 10.00am1.00pm. Telephone: 01903 740188 or please visit: www.storringtonmuseum.com

Parish Council News 53

through the door

Ashington Parish Council The Neighbourhood Plan Clerk and Planning Consultant are putting together the first draft of the Ashington Neighbourhood Plan.

This is a very rough document at present and is very much a 'work in progress'. It captures all of the information we have gathered to date including our “Vision, Objectives and Policies.�

All site promoters were asked which, if any, of our community needs and priorities they are prepared to deliver either on their site or are simply prepared to pay Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) money to HDC to have them delivered elsewhere. This information, together with other comprehensive site assessment work and the draft Neighbourhood Plan, will help decide on which sites become 'Preferred Options' for development of the 123-200 homes that we need up to 2031.

The most beneficial strategy for the Parish is probably to have developers deliver tangible community benefits on their sites.

However, all possible strategies are being explored and community benefits assessed so that the Neighbourhood Plan achieves the best possible outcome for the Parish. It is also important that the delivery of community benefits is not piecemeal across the Parish but is a comprehensive and coherent plan for the Parish.

One of the downsides of having so many sites submitted to the Neighbourhood Plan is that it has generated an awful lot of work, however, the benefit is that it gives us greater choice as to where we can put the homes and community benefits.

Once we have chosen our preferred options we will be holding a public exhibition and inviting all residents and stakeholders to view and comment upon the plans. We will be promoting this event widely and in many different ways as it is vital that local residents and stakeholders engage in the process. www.ashingtonpc.org.uk

54 Parish Council News

SUSSEX LOCAL

Storrington & Sullington Parish Council News

by Anna Worthington-Leese – Parish Council Chairman For this reason, the Parish Council has reviewed the Neighbourhood Wardens: positioning of one of the gates and has decided to Have Your Say remove the structure on the northern side of the road By now the public consultation on whether Neighbourhood Wardens should be provided for our Parish has concluded and the Parish Council will be reviewing the responses received and using them to inform its discussions and make a final decision at a future meeting.

It was hoped that this would be the August meeting but as some Councillors will not be present, we will be arranging a time and date when all Members of the Council will be able to attend to take part in the decision making process and cast their vote.

Village Gateways Some of you may have noticed that the first set of Village gateways has been installed on the A283 Washington Road. Whilst we have received some very positive comments about these gates, we have also received some complaints from residents living nearby about the impact on site lines for vehicles exiting Heather Way onto the Main road.

to alleviate the problem. Feedback from other villages where these gates are in situ is that they do have an impact on drivers by giving them the perception that they are entering a residential area and should adjust their speed accordingly. We hope that this will be the case for our village and will be carrying out inspections on the other roads into the Village identify a more suitable location for the next installation over the next couple of months.

through the door

Storrington & Sullington & Washington Neighbourhood Plan The independent examination is underway and we have received a report containing a list of enquiries from the examiner that require review.

The Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group will be formulating its response to these enquiries and it is likely that a public hearing will be held sometime during the next couple of months. I will report further on this in future articles.

Plot Vacancies at Ravenscroft Allotments We currently have a number of plots available at the Ravenscroft Allotment site. If you live in the Parish and are interested in growing your own fruit and vegetables, please contact the Parish Office for information.

If you would like further information on these topics or any of the Parish Council’s activities, please contact the Clerk on 01903 746547.

Meetings August 2018 Planning and Development Committee - 9th August - 7pm Full Council - 29th August - 7pm (No other meetings in August) All meetings are held in the Chanctonbury Room, The Parish Hall, Thakeham Road, Storrington RH20 3PP. Dates and times are subject to change so please refer to website: www.storrington-pc.gov.uk

Lazy leaflets.

Don’t put up with them.

You know the ones. They’re in the cupboard, behind the envelopes and last year’s accounts. Let’s get those leaflets working for you. We’ll deliver them with next month’s copy of Sussex Local for just £40 per 1,000 (minimum quantity 2,000).

Full details on www.sussexlocal.net or contact 01903 868474 email info@sussexlocal.net

effective

SUSSEX LOCAL

Parish Council News

55

SUSSEX LOCAL

56 Parish Council News

Thakeham News Thakeham Village Day Thakeham Village Day is on 15th September - put it in your diary!

We are fundraising for Thakeham Primary School, Pre-School and to improve High Bar Lane playground.

Events will be at Abingworth football fields, the new heart of the village, and will go on into the evening with live music, food and drink. It will be family friendly with children’s rides, a dog show and competitions.

As part of our local heritage, the day has a mushroom (Fun Guy) theme. We want to involve as many local community groups as we can; quality craft stalls welcome.

Anyone willing to help with marquees, car park stewarding, selling raffle tickets and programmes, staffing stalls, making bunting etc. should contact Cllr Caroline Instance (call 01403 741369 or email caroline.instance@bitinternet.com).

Horsham District Year of Culture 2019 Come forward too to sponsor or organise a Thakeham based event as part of the Horsham District Year of Culture 2019. In the diary so far are two art workshops in June at the beautiful Blue Idol - be inspired

by Penn, pattern and peace!

‘Megatower’ at High Bar Lane If you haven’t been already, take your kids to try out the new ‘megatower’ at High Bar Lane playground.

New facilities coming The new Abingworth Village Hall is due by late September, along with the new football changing rooms.

The cricket pavilion will follow and should be in full use next season.

‘Pinch-point’ scheme With speed indicator signs at Abingworth now finally working we look forward to having the ‘pinch-point’ scheme; detailed design agreement with Highways is almost there, and the aim is for work to be done during this summer school holiday.

Velo South event The Velo South cycle event will run along the B2133 on Sunday 23 September. Road closure details at [www.velosouth.com Owen Richards, Thakeham Parish Clerk. For more information please visit: www.thakehamparish.co.uk

Business Directory 57

through the door

Business Directory

Advertisers call 01903 868 474 or email info@sussexlocal.net or book online at www.sussexlocal.net. 3cm box ÂŁ10 + VAT per month (including design) min 6 months. Any category Accounts / Book-keeping

Aerials / Satellites cont.

Antiques & Collectibles

Appliance Servicing

Bathrooms / Plumbing

Aerials / Satellites

Advertise on these pages

ÂŁ10 a month plus VAT - any category Book and pay online at www.sussexlocal.net or call 01903 868 474

SUSSEX LOCAL

58 Business Directory Bike Shops

Care/Home Help

Chimney Sweep A&M

CHIMNEY SWEEPS 

Brush and Vacuum No mess, No fuss  All areas covered Established in 1972 Weddings attended 

 

PROMPT RELIABLE EFFICIENT

Your advertisement here

01903 821354 07711 987663

isweepchimneys.net

Carpentry

£10 a month

plus VAT - includes design call 01903 868 474

Builders Clock Repairs Carpet Cleaning

Clothes Cleaning

Advertise on these pages

£10 a month

Computer Services

plus VAT - any category Book and pay online at www.sussexlocal.net or call 01903 868 474

Business Opportunities

Your advertisement here

£10 a month

plus VAT - includes design call 01903 868 474

Business Directory 59

through the door Computer Services cont.

Electricians

Fencing

Garden Services

Drains / Cesspits

Hair Dressers

Electricians

More to say?

New Double Size Business Directory adverts just

Advertise on these pages

ÂŁ10 a month plus VAT - any category Book and pay online at www.sussexlocal.net or call 01903 868 474

ÂŁ20 a month plus VAT - includes design. Book & pay online at sussexlocal.net or call us on

01903 868474

SUSSEX LOCAL

60 Business Directory Heating/Plumbing

Heating / Plumbing cont.

Kitchens

Landscaping / Groundwork

House Clearance

Ironing R. LANCELEY & SON PLUMBING & HEATING     

Plumbing Maintenance Complete Bathroom projects Central Heating & Boilers replaced Free Estimates Findon based Est. 1955

Zero VAT

01903 872 023 07970 963 526

Business Directory 61

through the door Landscaping cont.

Painting & Decorating cont.

Locksmiths

Pest Control

Plastering

Private Hire / Taxi

Painting & Decorating

24 Hour service

Book 9am - 5pm Any journey

anytime 4 & 8 seaters

Pet Sitting

Call MJ Cars

01903 745 414 Your advertisement here

£10 a month

plus VAT - includes design call 01903 868 474

SUSSEX LOCAL

62 Business Directory Property Services

Roofing

Roofing cont.

Advertise on these pages

£10 a month plus VAT - any category Book and pay online at www.sussexlocal.net or call 01903 868 474

Security

All roofing jobs - No job too small Free estimates Fully insured Approved installers Reliable service

Removals

Advertise on these pages

£10 a month plus VAT - any category Book and pay online at www.sussexlocal.net or call 01903 868 474

01903 659 644 07786 451 194

Tree Surgery

through the door Tree Surgery cont

Window Cleaning

Business Directory / Advertiser Index 63 Accountants ACS Direct Monks Business Services Ltd Bathrooms Bathe in Safety Pages of Sussex Blinds Direct Blinds Stock Blinds Builders Padwick Builders Ltd R&M Construction Builders & Architects Roberts Miller Redshaw Ltd Building Services SD Building Services Car Servicing LMC Auto Services (Sussex) Ltd O J Motors Ltd Stedmans Garage Wiggs Auto Repairs Ltd Carpets & Flooring Carpets & Vinyls Direct Wall Bros Carpets and Curtains Funnells Chiropractor Well Adjusted Health Chocolate Experiences Temper Temper West Sussex Cleaning Astonish Cleaning Bright & Beautiful Miss Mop Ltd Clubs and Societies Storrington Sports & Social Club Council Horsham District Council Dentists Green Arbor Dental Practice Pulborough Dental Care Domestic Appliances Carters Domestic Appliances Drains Drainjet Elderly Care Clapham Village Care Home Estate Agency Cubitt & West Estate Agents & Surveyors Mills & Company Fencing & Gardening Storrington Fencing & Garden Services Function Room Hire West Chiltington Hall Furniture CFS Furniture Garden Centre Village Nurseries Garden Design Glorious Gardens Greenacre Garden Design & Build Garden Machinery Servicing Findon Garden Machinery Gardeners Chantry Green Jack's Mowing Tom Hoadley

14 16 50 41 26 45 40 11 41 41 2 56 53 5 39 33 30 25 10 10 34 34 9 13 30 25 64 41 28 19 6 39 10 20 39 36 37 39 39 37 37

Grocer / Deli The Village Deli Hairdressers Blush Hair Boutique Ltd Health Club Impulse Leisure Group Health Insurance SJA Health Insurance Heating and Boiler Engineers David Cooper Gas Technician Holiday Park Lakeside Holiday Village Holidays and Flights Loloflights Home Help Hands that Help Horse Manure Sussex Manures Ltd Hotel/Restaurant Old Tollgate Hotel & Restaurant House & Rubbish Clearance Regan and Carter Independent Financial Advisors Investment Solutions Wealth Management Ltd Jewellers Alexander Jewellers Ltd Kitchens & Bathrooms Design at 32 Kitchens, Bathrooms, Bedrooms Changing Rooms Letting Agents/Estate Agents Batcheller Monkhouse Osteopath Nicholas Coysh Osteopath Oven Cleaning Oven Rescue Group Ovens and More Picture Framers Nicholas Gentle Picture Framer Podiatry Podiatry Services Pre-School Little Bears Pre-School Solicitors Smith, Gadd & Co Travel & Holidays Michelle Murray Travel Counsellor Old Mill Travel Roadmark Travel Tree Surgeon Andrew Gale Tree Surgery Ashwood Tree Surgery TV & Electrical Hamilton Cole Upholsterer Appalossa Upholstery Vet Arun Veterinary Group Crossways Animal Care Ltd Wigs Hairs 2 U Worthing Will Writing Nsure Estate Planning Services Limited Windows Doors Conservatories Attwater Home Improvements Unbeatable Conservatories Ltd

7 23 6 50 39 55 52 35 36 8 39 51 15 17 54 21 24 35 35 15 24 43 48 48 48 27 38 38 46 22 75 47 25 49 22 31