Sussex Local Magazine - Storrington DECEMBER 2022

HELLO!

WithChristmasrapidly approaching,itlookslike “businessasusual”forthe organisersofthenumerous Christmasmarkets,fairs,pantos andconcertsinourregion.Do takealookatour comprehensiveWhat’sOn listingswhereyou’llfindplenty toputyouinthefestivemood. I’vecomeacrossseveralheartwarminginitiativesaimedat helpingthosestrugglingto makeendsmeet,nevermind extraChristmasexpenses. LocalcharityMySisters’House Women’sCentrehelped306 localfamiliesputsomething underthetreefortheirchildren lastyearandwanttodothe samethisyear.Theywouldbe sogratefulfordonationsofany new,unwrappedgiftsfor childrenandyoungteenagers, theyalsoneedsmallitemsfor stockingfillers.Theyare collectinguntilSaturday10th December,youcandonateat www.mysistershouse.info /donateortheyhavetheirown Amazonwishlist: www.bit.ly/MSHxmas22 Howeveryoucelebratethe festiveseason,wewisha happy,healthyandpeaceful breaktoallourreadersand advertisers.

Untilnexttime,MerryChristmas &HappyNewYear, Kris&Jeff

What’s On - December 2022

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

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

1st Dec 2nd Jan 9:00 AM The Nutcracker Christmas Trail Follow the trail and discover the names of the 11 Nutcracker Kings guarding the city of Chichester PO19 1LQ Chichester BID office@chichesterbid.co.uk www.chichesterbid.co.uk/christmas

1st, 8th & 15th Dec 10:00 AM Needlefelting

Christmas Decorations A WEA online adult education class in 7 sessions, with tutor Valerie Evans. Course ref 3748118 Online on Zoom 47.6 / concessions Catherine chichester.branch@wea.ac.uk www.wea.org.uk/ 1st Dec 2nd Jan 10:30 AM Tree Mendous Christmas Explore Petworth House to see Christmas trees taking centre stage this season. Petworth House and Park GU28 9LR 01798 342207 petworth@nationaltrust.org.uk nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth 02/12/2022 10:00 AM Squire's Garden Centres

Christmas Wreath Masterclass Come along and create a traditional Christmas wreath in a seasonal masterclass at Squire's Garden Centre Washington RH20 3BP £35 wash.shop@squiresgardencentres.co.uk 01252 333671 www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk/ shop/customer events/groupid/5411/day/2/ month/12/year/2022.html

3rd, 10th & 17th Dec 12:00 PM Santa's Grotto Visit Father Christmas this December, every child will receive a gift. Arundel Museum BN18 9PA £5 David office@arundelmuseum.org 03/12/2022 7:00 PM GLORIA A Celebration of Christmas Bersted Community Choir, Christmas Quartet & Southdowns Concert Band perform a Christmas Concert St. Wildrid’s Church Bognor Regis PO21 2SG £10 connect@berstedarts.com www.berstedarts.com

04/12/2022 10:30 AM Tree Dressing at the Weald & Downland Museum A magical Tree Dressing event for all the family. Weald & Downland Living Museum PO18 0EU 01243 811363 office@wealddown.co.uk www.wealddown.co.uk/events/tree dressing 2/ 04/12/2022 7:00 PM Evening of Christmas carols Join Sandgate Singers for an evening of carols and refreshments. All are welcome. Our Lady of England Church Storrington RH20 4LW £12 / under 16s free Sandgate Singers johnandsylvi@btinternet.com

5th 10th Dec 7:30 PM Christmas Concerts at Chichester Festival Theatre The Band of HM Royal Marines Collingwood and Chichester Cathedral Choir with Christmas music Chichester Festival Theatre PO19 6AP From £10 01243 781312 box.office@cft.org.uk www.cft.org.uk

06/12/2022 2:00 PM Regis Centre 2 O'Clock Club Xmas Show 2 O'clock Club Xmas Show. Studio 1, Regis Centre PO21 1BN £6 / discounts for children and £4.50 for 'friends' Hazel Latus 01243 867676 hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk www.alexandratheatre.co.uk

9th 11th Dec 1:00 PM Cowfold Christmas Tree Festival St Peter's Church, Cowfold RH13 8BW will be filled with Christmas trees! £5 Friday, £2 Saturday & Sunday Helen Stanfield 01403 865038 hstanfield4@gmail.com

09/12/2022 7:30 PM 'Christmas Concert' A show of musical theatre hits together with festive songs & treats. Studio 1, Regis Centre PO21 1BN £10 Hazel alexandratheatre.co.uk hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk 01243 867676

10/12/2022 10:30 AM Dear Santa A Christmas show for ages 2 7, who can meet Santa in his grotto as well. Chichester Festival Theatre PO19 6AP £16 / half price under 16s box.office@cft.org.uk www.cft.org.uk

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10th 23rd Dec 10:30 AM Green

Father Christmas This December the Weald & Downland are welcoming a very special guest Green Father Christmas. Weald & Downland Living Museum PO18 0EU 01243 811363 office@wealddown.co.uk www.wealddown.co.uk/events/meet green father christmas/

10/12/2022 11:00 AM The Nutcracker

Experience Day Go on a free Nutcracker adventure across the city of Chichester PO19 1LQ Chichester BID office@chichesterbid.co.uk www.chichesterbid.co.uk/christmas

12/12/2022 1:00 PM 4Sight Vision Support

Christmas Concert with Seaford College Chapel Choir. St Mary de Haura Church Shoreham BN43 5DQ £5 Fundraising Team 01243 828555 fundraising@4sight.org.uk www.4sight.org.uk/ fundraising events/

13th 17th Dec 10:00 AM Space to Make Festive

Tech Workshop This festive season get creative with tech to craft & personalise your own gifts at Colonnade House, Worthing BN11 3DH Paula Tollett 01903 221142 paula.tollett@adur worthing.gov.uk colonnadehouse.co.uk/

14/12/2022 6:30 PM Let Christmas Begin

Community Carols A Community Christmas Carol Evening on behalf of The Mary How Trust St Marys Church Pulborough RH20 1AF Lynda Vowles 01798 877640 www.maryhowtrust.org lynda.vowles@maryhowtrust.org

15/12/2022 6:30 PM Carol Service

Chanctonbury Lions Club in conjunction with local churches are holding a Carol Service The Square Storrington RH20 4DJ Phil Abbott 07503 219499 pkabbott1@tiscali.co.uk

15/12/2022 7:30 PM The Midhurst Society

Christmas event The Siena Singers entertain for Christmas South Downs Memorial Hall GU29 9DH £3 Tina Litchfield 01730 816542 tms@tinagavin.com www.midhurstsociety.org.uk

17/12/2022 9:00 AM Chichester Festive Family Day Enjoy a line up of music and entertainment to keep Christmas Spirits High in Chichester City Centre PO19 1LQ office@chichesterbid.co.uk www.chichesterbid.co.uk/christmas

17/12/2022 10:00 AM Willow wreath making workshop Get crafty with nature at RSPB Pulborough Brooks RH20 2EL £20.50 members and £25.50 Non members Lydia 01798 875851 lydia.fletcher@rspb.co.uk events.rspb.org.uk/events/25302

21/12/2022 6:00 PM Petworth Late: Tree mendous Christmas Winter Solstice See the Christmas display in Petworth House out of hours on this winter solstice. Petworth House and Park GU28 9LR 01798 342207 petworth@nationaltrust.org.uk nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth

CLUBS & SOCIETIES

03/12/2022 10:30 AM Parkinson's Support Group 1st Saturday every month support group for people with Parkinson's Washington Village Memorial Hall RH20 4AP £2 Gillian Chard 01903 746871 gillian.chard@btinternet.com

3rd Dec & 3rd Jan 6:45 PM Comic book club looking at graphic novels aimed at adults including literary adaptations, biography, history, journalism, travelogue, memoir, politics etc Private house Barnham PO22 0EF Paul paulw21erin@gmail.com 05/12/2022 8:00 PM Felpham Singles Social Club Social club for widowed, single or divorced of mature age. The George Inn Bognor Regis PO22 7PL Anne Cook 01243 821530 anniecook555@yahoo.co.uk www.felphamsingles.yolasite.com 06/12/2022 2:00 PM Windows 11 What's New? Pulborough Computer Club Pulborough Village Hall RH20 1LP Members £2 Guests £3 Chrissie chrissie@wisborough.com www.pcclub.org.uk 12/12/2022 7:30 PM Pulborough Meadows WI December Meeting A Talk by Katherine Minchin on Christmas Miscellany. A Quiz and Seasonal Refreshments. Pulborough Village Hall RH20 2BF Mary Walker mary.walker50@gmail.com 14/12/2022 7:30 AM Sullington Windmills WI December meeting Sullington Parish Hall RH20 3PP Erika Brichta 01903 742039 erikabrichta@hotmail.co.uk 17/12/2022 10:00 AM Sew What? Stitch Club A small and friendly, independent group run one Saturday morning a month for children aged 8 16. The Marriott Scout Hall Goring BN12 4NR £5 Liz Moon 07912 303367 yeworthing2000@gmail.com

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Visit

Drinkcoach.org.uk

COULD ALCOHOL BE AFFECTING YOUR HEALTH?

Find out how risky your drinking is, access personalised advice online and find out where you can get support in West Sussex.

Take the 2 minute alcohol test today at DrinkCoach.org.uk Its free, quick and confidential.

Take the alcohol test at drinkcoach.org.uk

04/01/2023 8:00 PM Felpham Singles Social

Club Monthly social club for single, widowed or divorced of mature age. The George Inn PO22 7PL Anne Cook anniecook555@yahoo.com www.felphamsingles@yolasite.com

COURSES & TUITION

04/12/2022 11:00

AM Nature photography safari

This workshop is designed for people who are looking for opportunities to photograph nature RSPB

Pulborough Brooks RH20 2EL £48.50 members / £60.50 non members Lydia 01798 875851 lydia.fletcher@rspb.co.uk events.rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks

09/12/2022 9:30 AM Birding for beginners

Winter Wetlands Learn a little more about winter visitors at RSPB Pulborough Brooks RH20 2EL £20.50 for members and £25.50 for Non members Lydia Fletcher 01798 875851 lydia.fletcher@rspb.co.uk events.rspb.org.uk/ pulboroughbrooks

EXHIBITIONS

01/12/2022 10:00 AM ‘Mavericks: gone AWOL’ A joint exhibition by Chris Dawson and Teresa two artists who share a tendency to break the rules and reinvent the traditions of painting and sculpting Martin Shoreham Art Gallery BN43 5WA shoreham.gallery@gmail.com 01273 272063 www.shorehamgallery.co.uk

1st 4th Dec 10:00 AM Elizabeth Mienert, Worthing Elizabeth's exhibition features watercolour sketches taken directly from her travel sketchbooks Colonnade House BN11 3DH Paula paula.tollett@adur worthing.gov.uk 01903 221142 colonnadehouse.co.uk/event/elizabeth mienert musing and meandering/ 13 24th Dec 10:00 AM A Festive Winter Pop Up Discover local art at the Festive Winter Pop Up at Colonnade House Worthing BN11 3DH 01903 221142 Paula: paula.tollett@adur worthing.gov.uk colonnadehouse.co.uk/event/a festive winter pop up

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20/12/2022 10:00 AM Walter Wall: Fragments

2 Local artist, Walter Wall is back with this latest collection of work at Colonnade House Worthing BN11 3DH paula.tollett@adur worthing.gov.uk 01903 221142 colonnadehouse.co.uk

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

1st 31st Dec 4:15 PM Christmas At Cowdray A magical mile long light art trail set in the grounds of the Cowdray Estate GU29 9AL £22 hello@lightuptrails.com lightuptrails.com

1st Dec 1st Jan 4:30 PM Glow Wild at Wakehurst The enchanting winter lantern trail is back at Kew gardens, Wakehurst Haywards Heath RH17 6TN From £14 / Children from £11 Under 4's free. glowwild@kew.org www.kew.org/wakehurst 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th & 18th Dec 9:00 AM

EDGE Cracking Christmas Pop Ups Find pop up stalls from over 13 different Sussex makers at Edgcumbes Tea & Coffee Arundel BN18 0DF Molly 01243 555755 hello@edgcumbes.co.uk www.edgcumbes.co.uk

17/12/2022 9:00 AM Chichester Festive Family Day Enjoy a line up of music and entertainment to keep Christmas Spirits High in Chichester City Centre PO19 1LQ office@chichesterbid.co.uk www.chichesterbid.co.uk/christmas 26/12/2022 11:00 AM Morris Dancing and Mummers Play with Chanctonbury Ring Morris Men On Boxing Day there will be Morris Dancing and a performance of the ancient Steyning Mummers Play at The Castle Inn in Bramber (BN44 3WE) and then at the Frankland Arms in Washington (RH20 4AL) at 12.30pm Les Blows 07947 014630 lesliegblows@gmail.com

FILM

08/12/2022 7:00 PM Worthing Twinning Association foreign Film Evening The third foreign film in a series of alternating classics. West Worthing Baptist Church BN147LU £5 Christopher c.doidge@btinternet.com 13/12/2022 7:30 PM Rotary Film Night. Downton Abbey A New Era Starring Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery. Bar + Raffle Sullington Village Hall RH20 3PP £5 Ken 01903 740745 kandjcoll@btinternet.com

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EALTH & FITNESS

1st, 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 15th Dec 9:30 AM Weekly Yoga Classes in Ashington with Manna Yoga Small, friendly personal Yoga Classes in Ashington Scout Hut RH20 3JX £9 per class Manna Bates 04477 98616821 mariannebates_@hotmail.com

5th & 12th 11:45 AM Wellness Yoga in Bury New Yoga Classes in Bury Village Hall RH20 1PA Wellness Yoga wellnessyoga332@gmail.com

HORSERACING

12/12/2022 10:30 AM Festive Raceday at Plumpton Seven horse races and Christmas fun Plumpton Racecourse BN7 3AL £16 01273 890383 racing@plumptonracecourse.co.uk www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk/events/ goodwin racing christmas raceday/ 20/12/2022 10:30 AM Festive Fun Raceday in Plumpton Seven horse races and festive fun Plumpton Racecourse BN7 3AL £16 01273 890383 plumptonracecourse.co.uk/events/ festive fun raceday

02/01/2023 10:15 AM Sussex National Raceday Enjoy the historic Sussex National. 7 races, live music, food & drink, Plumpton Racecourse BN7 3AL £17 01273 890383 racing@plumptonracecourse.co.uk www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk/events/ goodwin racing sussex national raceday/ MUSIC

02/12/2022 7:30 PM 60 Minutes of Classical Music A monthly 60 minute concert in Studio 1. Studio 1, Regis Centre PO21 1BN £6.50 Hazel hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk 01243 867676 www.alexandratheatre.co.uk 08/12/2022 7:00 PM Blues rock artist Chanel McGregor and band tour vocalist and guitarist Chanel McGregor and her three piece band will perform at The Factory Live Worthing BN14 8BX From £16 Stephen sheldrakepr@gmail.com 07412 237772 www.thefactorylive.co.uk 15/12/2022 7:30 PM Dixieland/Trad Jazz Evening of Dixieland and Traditional Jazz with the Featherstone Jazz Four. DRNK Coffee House, Lancing Manor Leisure Estate BN15 0PH Derek 01903 249900 dglittle@ntlworld.com

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17/12/2022 6:00 PM Leconfield Singers

Featuring ‘Little Jazz Mass’ by Bob Chilcott and other Christmas Carols St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAE £10 £20 (under 18s half price) Ruth treasurer@leconfieldsingers.co.uk www.leconfieldsingers.co.uk/events

SALES & MARKETS

3rd 23rd Dec 9:00 AM Chichester Christmas Market

A 21 day Christmas Market offers an array of festive stands, gifts, food, drink & more Chichester City Centre PO19 1LQ 01243 641306 info@woodlandcrafts.co.uk www.chichesterchristmasmarket.co.uk

3rd & 4th Dec 10:00 AM Midhurst

Contemporary Craft Fair Contemporary Craft Fair with over 50 of the Sussex Guild members showing their crafts. Midhurst Rother College GU29 9DT £3 / Students free. info@thesussexguild.co.uk thesussexguild.co.uk

03/12/2022 10:30 AM Arundel Museum Winter

Gift Sale Crafty, quirky, delicious Arundel Museum BN18 9PA Contact Museum Manager: office@arundelmuseum.org www.arundelmuseum.org 01903 885866

03/12/2022 2:00 PM Christmas Fayre 12th Chichester Scout Group HQ PO19 3AB 30p / kids free secretary@12thchichester.org.uk 07796 144541 www.12thchichester.org.uk

10/12/2022 9:00 AM

Pulborough Farmer's Christmas Market Christmas Special with usual produce and cafe.

Pulborough Village Hall RH20 2BF Terri 07711 470635 terriashpool@uwclub.net

15th & 22nd Dec 4:00 PM

Chichester Twilight Christmas Shopping With the Christmas Market and shops opening late, visitors can enjoy festive entertainment Chichester City Centre PO19 1LQ chichesterbid.co.uk office@chichesterbid.co.uk 19/12/2022 9:00 AM Arundel Farmers Market Stalls with fresh/seasonal produce Arundel High Street BN18 9AA arundelfarmersmarket.co.uk 24/12/2022 10:00 AM Cheeki Monkeys Big Baby & Children Market Buy and Sell Preloved Clothes, Toys and equipment; The Shoreham centre BN43 5WU £1.50 cheekimonkeys.co.uk

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SUSSEX BUSINESS

1st Dec & 2nd Jan 12:00 PM Sussex Innovation Networking events Free series of events aimed at local businesses & entrepreneurs. The University of Sussex Business School Brighton BN1 9SN exteng@sussex.ac.uk

TALKS / DEMOS

02/12/2022 2:30 PM Margaret Watson harpist returns by demand Margaret Watson's demonstration of the harp with display and explanation Storrington Museum RH20 4LL £8 / £6 members storringtonmuseum@hotmail.com www.storringtonmuseum.com 01903 740188

06/12/2022 2:00 PM Arts Society West Sussex ‘Tchaikovsky to Tin Pan Alley’. Talk given by Sandy Burnett Fittleworth Village Hall RH20 1JB Free for members. Visitors welcome for £7 Jackie westsussex@theartssociety.org 01903 411086 theartssocietywestsussex.org

07/12/2022 6:00 PM Inaugural lecture from Professor Claire F Smith Professor Claire Smith explores lessons from the deceased, examining what motivates donors and why donors are still needed. Chowen Lecture Theatre, BSMS Medical Teaching Building Falmer BN1 9PX Professor Claire F Smith 01273 877579 C.Smith@bsms.ac.uk www.brighton.ac.uk 13/12/2022 2:00 PM Christmas a celebratory history Talk by Andy Thomas plus social gathering. Methodist Church Hall GU29 9DU £2 members, £3 visitors 3a 01730 816459 midhurstu3a@gmail.com midhurstu3a.org.uk 09/01/2023 7:15 PM 'The Red Arrows' A talk at Chichester Park Hotel Westhampnett PO19 7QL £8 David Batcock 07502 400657 david.airaces@hotmail.com 11/01/2023 10:00 AM How to start your family tree help with family and local history research. West Sussex Record Office Chichester PO19 1DD £7.5 01243 753602 record.office@westsussex.gov.uk www.westsussex.gov.uk/ro

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THEATRE / PANTO

1st Dec 2nd Jan 10:15 AM Jack and the Beanstalk Fe Fi Fo Fun with this family pantomime full of magic, fun and laughter. Worthing Pavilion Theatre Marine Parade BN11 3PX Tickets from £10 01903 206206 boxoffice@wtm.uk wtm.uk/events/jack and the beanstalk the pantomime

9th Dec 2nd Jan 10:30 AM All New Adventures of Peter Pan With lots of audience participation and amazing special effects, this promises to be our biggest and most spectacular pantomime ever From £29 01293 553636 www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/the hawth/whats on/all new adventures of peter pan 7th Dec 1st Jan 2:00 PM 'Beauty and the Beast' pantomime It's Panto time again, ‘Be Our Guest’ and join Alexandra Theatre, Regis Centre PO21 1BN for a ‘Tale as Old as Time’ £18.50 £20.50. Discounts for under 16s alexandratheatre.co.uk hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk 01243 867676

8th 31st Dec 6:00 PM Cinderella Panto at the Capitol Horsham Boasting a brand new set, spectacular sequences and a few new twists. This year’s traditional pantomime will sweep you off your feet and carry you to the ball! Capitol Theatre Horsham RH12 1RG. From £15 13/12/2022 5:00 PM The Nutcracker & The Mouse King A magical Christmas production from This Is My Theatre that all ages will love. St Nicholas' Church Bramber BN44 3WE £15 / £10 children info@thisismytheatre.com 07732 253311 www.thisismytheatre.com

17th Dec 9th Jan 7:00 PM The Wind in the Willows Chichester Festival Youth Theatre presents the classic tale of Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger. Chichester Festival Theatre PO19 6AP £10 box.office@cft.org.uk www.cft.org.uk 22nd 27th Dec 11:00 AM Aladdin Follow the story of Aladdin and Princess Jasmin as they embark on their true love story. The Brighton Centre BN1 2GR From £15 01273 290131 brightoncentre.co.uk/whats on/2022/aladdin

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win a family ticket for 22nd Dec dropping sets & special effects

including jaw dropping sets, dazzling costumes and magical special effects.

Featuring a hugely talented West End cast including Anita Dobson (Frozen, Chicago, Thoroughly Modern Milly, Hello Dolly!, Calendar Girls.

Brighton production company E3 is bringing family panto back to its home city with a stunning new production of Aladdin.

Running at the Brighton Centre from Thursday 22nd to Tuesday 27th December (excluding Christmas Day), Christmas panto favourite Aladdin incorporates plenty of spectacular elements

Anita also starred as Angie Watts in BBC’s Eastenders), Mark Inscoe (Evita, Sweeney Todd, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Phantom of the Opera, Anything Goes, The Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas, Sunset Boulevard, Funny Girl), alongside BBC Radio Sussex presenter Allison Ferns, the audience will be whisked away on the magical tale of Aladdin and Princess Jasmine as they embark on their love story. In true panto tradition, this one is packed full of hilarious comedy capers from Aladdin's brother, Wishee Washee, and their eccentric but much loved mother, Widow Twankey possibly the funniest Dame in the land!

During the theatrical adventure, the audience will be called upon to help Aladdin defeat the evil Abanazar, so panto goers should prepare their best boos!

Win a family ticket to see Aladdin at the Brighton Centre, Brighton on Thursday 22nd December at 7.00pm.

Visit www.brightoncentre.co.uk

Anita Dobson

In Your Garden

Monthly gardening ideas & tasks

by Andrew Staib of Glorious Gardens

Designing your own Rose Garden

Roses have been in cultivation since 500BC in the Mediterranean, Persia and China though they first appeared on earth about 50 million years ago. In China they symbolise eternal Spring and longevity, in Persia beauty and perfection and in the West they have been associated more with the Goddess Aphrodite and love.

There are over 300 species and today there are tens of thousands of cultivars so when you design your rose garden this Winter you are adding to this great tradition. Today’s species roses mainly originate from 18th Century China.

Type of Roses

A typical Rose garden will consist of Hybrid Teas, bush roses and climbing roses, with some taller ‘lollypop’ standard roses. Hybrids have more of that perfect single stem rose that are favourites of weddings whereas modern shrub roses are floribundas with more open flowers and often repeating during the season.

Ramblers are used more for outbuildings and large walls, or grown up the trunk of feature trees. They normally just flower the once, but ‘Phyllis Bride’ and ‘Malvern hills’ are repeat flowerers.

The Rosa rugosa family are bullet proof and great for hedging, planting as a backdrop or in a shrub border.

Type of rose garden

First you need to decide if you want a formal rose garden, or something more integrated into

the rest of your planting. A formal rose garden is often contained with geometric shaped evergreen hedging and apart from some minimal undercover flowers, the main interest is the roses. Because in Winter a rose garden is quite barren, this is normally a good choice for the larger garden.

Integrated rose design uses roses amidst other planting. In the 70’s a front garden had a rose, then a shrub and then a rose and then a tree. These days a lot of people want a more wild contemporary setting for their roses, mixing them up with ornamental grasses, perennials, wild Geraniums and Dahlias.

Colours

Because roses come in all colours except blue, colour combining is an easy art form with a

broad pallet to choose from. You can opt for clashing colours, or go for more harmonious colour schemes like pastel oranges and yellows, purples, pinks and whites, or pure single colour swathes of red, or white or lilac.

Scent

David Austin categorises the smell of roses into 5 scents: Myrrh, Musk, Old Rose, Tea rose (meant to smell like a freshly opened pack of China tea eg Rosa Harlow Carr), and Fruity.

Underplanting

To maximise your garden space and to provide contrasting or harmonious colours, you can underplant roses with Geraniums, Lavender, Salvias, Campanula or even Penstemons and of course Summer bulbs likeAllium and Camassia. Gypsophilia Baby Breath is lovely as is Perovskia.

Conditions

The soil is really important. Roses like well drained, slightly acidic rich soil, and though I have seem them survive on clay, which they like because of the mineral content, they prefer a good loam. If you have the luxury of preparing the bed from scratch, lots of compost dug into

the soil will be welcome, and manure (horse manure from a stable, where Hydrated lime is used to counteract odours, can eventual make the soil slightly alkaline).

They prefer to be sheltered from contact with strong winds and like mulch to keep the moisture in the soil in Summer. They will need at least 5 6 hours of sunlight each day. You can however get roses that will tolerate, grow and flower on a North facing wall such as Rosa Generous Gardener.

Planting Roses

Once again, there are lots of videos online. At lest 60cm spacing is needed as they need a good amount of air circulation to avoid mildew building up on their leaves and in the soil. Buying roses can be done anytime but over winter they can be purchased as ‘bare root’ which means they are dug directly out of the fields. They tend to be stronger and about 30% cheaper.

What to do in December

Check your local Christmas Fairs. Horsham Sunday Christmas market, plus the Ukfield Festival of Christmas, Arundel by Candlelight and ice skating at the Pavillion in Brighton are just a few ideas.

December tasks

• It’s the right time to plant trees and hedges taken straight from the field. As with the roses, they are normally called ‘bare root’ as opposed to ‘container grown’.

• It is still ok to order and plant bulbs. The soil is still very warm even if the air isn’t.

• You can prune heavily sapping trees like Birches now and Grape vines before the winter sets in.

• Harvest the rest of your root crops and lift and store your Dahlia, Canna and Ginger Lilly bulbs.

• Don’t worry if your garden looks messy. The more mess the better for wildlife that needs a place to hide away during the winter.

• Continue to rake up leaves and store them separately from the summer’s grass clippings as they need a different process to break down quickly.

Ice skating at Pavillion in Brighton

The 'harsh' bathroom environment

By Nick Roberts RMR Group

It’s easy to forget just how harsh the environment can be on your bathroom. Large temperature swings combined with steam and condensation relentlessly target the nooks and crannies hidden around the room, and it’s this daily ritual that means bathrooms are usually the first rooms to require a renovation.

Getting inspiration for the refurb is the fun part. Design trends have been changing recently for many years now, white sanitary ware, a grey theme with chrome was the norm, but now we’re seeing more matt black and brass fittings with vintage furniture that provide that opulent feel becoming popular. This new trend includes warm, earthy colours that emphasise natural materials and an organic feel. And with so many professional images online and on social media, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s an easy job to replicate.

But getting that showroom quality is easier said than done. Dipping your toes into going DIY can be a slippery slope to disaster, and that’s after

you’ve wrestled with the soil pipe you never wanted to touch in the first place!

Ultimately, what we all want is space we can relax in, space that we can enjoy and a space where we’re the ones getting hot and steamy, not the bathroom walls!

With bathrooms, there’s a mix of science and art to get that photo quality you’ve been getting your inspiration from. And it’s the experienced professionals that have a habit of getting the delicate balance of style and practicality just right. Available space, room shape, lighting, sanitary ware choice and design are all key components that interact with one another and drive the all the decisions and details that experts understand.

If you’re looking to reinvigorate your bathroom, just give your local expert a call and they’ll be happy to help.

www.robertsmillerredshaw.com

Windows to increase property value...

& improve efficiency by Helen Say

Here’s a list of latest developments that you may want to consider when renovating your home.

Frameless structural glazing As the glass used is thicker and stronger you do not need framing systems to help support the installation.

Floor to ceiling windows Help bring the outside in. Particularly popular in kitchen designs, flooding the space with natural light. Plus the reduced lighting load cuts down on utility bills.

Structural glazing Describes glass that is integral to the design of a building. It involves large glass panels, which usually bear some weight in the structure. Can include sliding glass doors, roofs, extensions, entrance ways and canopies, Coloured frames Give great flexibility in personalising your home, perhaps in a shade which will complement the existing architecture and stay in keeping with surrounding homes

Glass canopies Attractive, yet highly practical architectural feature typically located over a building’s entrance. Made from toughened glass,

and more than capable of withstanding a build up of snow.

Solar control glass A hi tech product with a metallic coating applied to one side allowing light to pass through the window while radiating and reflecting away some of the infrared part of the sunlight itself. Helps the indoor area to stay brighter and cooler than with plain glass.

Energy efficiency The more efficient a window is, the more it will help to keep the heat in your home and save you money on your energy bills. The BFRC (British Fenestration Rating Council) rate the thermal efficiency of windows from A to G, with A being the most efficient. To meet “Energy Saving Recommendation” certification, the windows must be C rated at the very least.

RH20 4PY £595,000

A beautifully presented family home in this quiet sought after location within easy distance of the village centre. Internally accommodation comprises: three double bedrooms, superb re fitted open plan kitchen/dining room, family area, sitting room, ground floor cloakroom and family bathroom. Outside, there is off road parking for two vehicles leading to an attached garage. The rear garden is south facing with a large terrace offering a high degree of privacy.

Contact Fowlers: 01903 745844

Recession & long term investments

By Oliver Suter DipPFS, financial adviser

Investment solutions group photo

The UK narrowly avoided a recession in Q2, but what is a recession, and how does it affect us?

What is a recession?

A recession is a period of economic decline, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters. Essentially, this means if the economy is shrinking for 6 months at a time, we are in a recession. Analysis shows that recessions last between 2 and 18 months, the average spanning about 10 months.

How does it affect us?

With interest rates and inflation increasing, we spend more on essentials. This leaves us less to spend on luxuries. As demand falls, unemployment may rise.

Thankfully, we have very low unemployment, so we’re starting from a strong position. A recession represents many things, but the outcome can realign the misallocation of capital. By driving down asset prices, recessions can provide attractive opportunities for longer term investors.

Worried about your savings, investments and

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

Tomato & spinach tagliatelle

A super speedy evening dish

Ingredients

• 1 white onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp, tomato puree

• 100ml double cream

• 60g twineham grange Italian cheese

• 500g tagliatelle pasta

• ½ bag washed spinach

• 1 tbsp, Carla’s seasoning dried parsley Method

1. In a large saucepan, heat the pasta water with a good pinch of salt. Cook the pasta as per cooking instructions, reserve some of the pasta water to thicken the pasta sauce later.

2. Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the onions until translucent, this should take around 10 minutes. Add the garlic and tomato puree to the pan, cook off for a minute before slowly adding the cream, stir continuously.

3. Add half the cheese to the sauce, along with

half the spinach, stir until the cheese has melted

4. Add a ladle of pasta water to the sauce, allow 3 minutes before combining the

Find all ingredients at the Village Larder and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more

Kinsbrook Farmhouse, Thakeham

Review by Lindsey Taylor

On a sunny autumnal afternoon, we had the pleasure of visiting the newly opened Kinsbrook Farmhouse, at Kinsbrook Vineyard, Thakeham. The farmhouse, which is open every day, is set in a brand new barn with the ground floor consisting of a deli, farm shop and butcher, with a local Sussex province theme.

The upper floor is a ‘laid back’ eatery, where we were warmly greeted and shown to our table next to the balcony with uninterrupted views of the stunning Kinsbrook Vineyard.

The eatery has a relaxed feel, with exposed beams and a mixture of formal and cosy seating, with a log burner for those chillier days.

We started with a glass of Kinsbrook’s first Vintage Cuvee (2014) and the KIN Beckett’s Rose (2016), which interestingly, Maria told us had more punch, just like Kinsbrook’s personality! What these sparkling wines demonstrate was just how amazing English wine producers have become, with the Vintage Cuvee delivering a stunning taste.

The wines were paired with a sea salt and olive oil focaccia bread. Our favourite dish was the light and crispy, purple sprouting broccoli tempura with a velvety smooth tarragon aioli for dipping. We also enjoyed the Spanish Marcona almonds very moreish!

We then went on to sample four of Kinsbrook’s vintage still wines. We particularly enjoyed the KIN Pinot Gris (2020) which was absolutely superb incredibly drinkable and with a smoothness that’s hard to put into words you simply have to try it! The Bacchus was every bit as delicious, with a rich scent of elderflower which comes through into the taste.

Lunch is served Wed Sun 12 3pm, brunch is also offered over the weekend, as well as wine tasting and tours. www.kinsbrookvineyard.com

Sussex Walks - December 2022

Please note that any walks with duration of 90 minutes or more are not accredited by The Ramblers but are managed by Chichester District Council. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of the walk, the walk will leave on time. These walks are led by volunteers and if the weather is poor the walk may be cancelled.

IMPORTANT: You must pre book the 90 min + walks on the Chichester District Council Website or call 01243 521041 www.chichester.gov.uk/heartsmart

Every Tue 11am

Midhurst Jubilee Walk

L : Richard 1.5 miles 45 mins Various flat walks around Midhurst at a gentle pace passing interesting historic buildings Meet: The Grange Leisure Centre, Bepton Road, Midhurst, GU29 9HD. Free 2 hr parking Thurs 1st 10.00am Wisborough Green L: Louise 6.5 miles 3 hours No dogs please. A walk up to the Wey & Arun Canal via bridleways and footpaths to Lordings Lock Meet: Park at the green in the laybys ss you enter Wisborough Green, pass the pub, turn right Fri 2nd 10.30am Goodwood to East Dean L: Jane 6 Miles 3 hours

A hilly walk through woodland and fields, taking in the village of East Dean Meet: Counters Gate Car Park Goodwood.

Mon 5th 1.00pm Midhurst & Iping L: Sandy 5.5 miles 2.5 hours Interesting terrain of Heathland, Pine Forest & Commons. A mostly flat walk. No dogs please Meet: Iping & Stedham Car Park.

Wed 7th 10.30am Climping

L: Dominic 2.5 miles 1 hr 15 mins Gentle stroll along dunes and beach to Climping Mill, then across fields to the Yacht Club Meet: Arun Yacht Club Car Park, Rope Walk, Littlehampton, BN17 5DL

Mon 12th 1pm Angmering Park

L: Sandy 5 miles 2.5 hours Fairly level terrain starting out from Butler’s Copse through a patchwork of indigenous, well managed woodland and some open downland with great views from Patching Hill. No dogs Meet: Car Park in Butler’s Copse

Wed 14th 10.30am Fittleworth Countryside L: Gerald 3 miles 1.5 hours Two short stretches on tarmac and then a lovely walk through countryside with wonderful views Meet: Fittleworth Village Hall RH20 1JBHall please. Contact Gerald on 07748 597

Thurs 15th 10.00am Loxwood

L: Louise 5 miles 2 hours No dogs please. A level walk, no stiles, can be muddy (mostly get roundable!). An easy walk. Meet in the car park behind the Onslow Arms

Fri 16th 10.30am Burpham & Wepham L: Jane 5 miles 2 hrs Hilly with several climbs. Lovely views. Can be uneven and muddy underfoot in the woods. No dogs Meet: The public car park behind the George at Burpham BN18 9RR

Mon 19th 1pm River Rother Woolbeding

L: Sandy 4.25 miles 2.5 hours This mostly flat and peaceful walk with 1 2 stiles follows the River Rother and returns through woods leading back to the Car park. No dogs Meet: Woolbeding Car Park

Wed 21st 10.30am Rowlands Castle

L: Peter 6.5 miles 3 hours

A more strenuous longer walk using footpaths that criss cross through woodland and grass meadows, with some fine views. Meet: Stansted House Car Park PO9 6DX

Wed 28th 10.30am Compton

L: Alison 6 miles 2.5 hours A good walk along lanes and through woodland and fields. Two up hills and one stile Meet: Compton Recreation Ground Car Park

L: Jane 6.75 miles 3 hours Several stiles and hilly in places. A pleasant walk with lovely views. No Dogs Meet: Outside the Hamilton Arms Stedham. GU29 0NZ

Fri 30th 10.30am Iping & Chithurst

Sticking to the rules over Christmas

By Heather Smith

A different approach to eating over Christmas Christmas happens once a year, and my usual advice is that a couple of days off plan won’t make a huge difference to the results you see in the long term. This said, a lot of us find that this approach makes it hard to get back on plan again afterwards. So, I thought I’d share a trick I use with my clients to come up with a different approach to eating over Christmas. This is not about denial or willpower, it’s about planning and pre deciding how to approach Christmas rather than finding yourself continually inhaling Quality Street’s then feeling guilty afterwards.

We eat for reasons other than nutritio and it’s reasonable to want a few glasses of wine and off track foods over Christmas but how much is acceptable to you? Decide while you’re in control, rather than in the heat of the moment. Maybe you would feel like you found the right balance if you had two glasses

of wine at each social event, and none when you’re at home. Maybe you have a weakness for mince pies and want to have a one a day over Christmas. The key thing is to remember this “rule” you’ve made for yourself and stick to it.

A ready made plan for better decision making Clearly this approach isn’t a long term solution to getting, or staying, in shape but it gives you a good place to work from without either depriving yourself or completely going off the rails.

I think if we can play by a set of rules all the time, it makes it easier to tighten the rules back up again afterwards. It is also much easier to follow through on a plan you’ve already made, than it is to put the brakes on in the heat of the moment. Your logical self can make better decisions than your ‘heat of the moment’ self. I’d love to hear how you get on with this, slightly unusual, approach to staying on track over Christmas (you can also use this approach for holidays, or any time) please do send me a note! www.fitbiztraining.co.uk

Winter health boost

Boosting immunity as we head into winter by

Vitamin D, Vitamin C and Zinc

Let’s take a look at ways to boost our immunity with foods that are rich in the right nutrients and supplements that can also help.

The main immune boosting nutrients are Vitamin D, Vitamin C and Zinc.

• The optimal dose each day for adults is Vitamin D 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) Found in Oily fish, egg yolks and some fortified foods.

• Vitamin C 1000mg Found in citrus, bell peppers and tomatoes.

• Zinc 30mg Found in red meat, poultry, nuts and some cereals.

Getting these amounts in foods can be tricky, taking a good quality, optimal strength supplement can be helpful. Check the quality of the supplement. Many high street products are poor quality and may not do what you hope. They can be full of bulking agents and fillers.

Other immune boosting methods

Herbal support with Echinacea can prove helpful too. The one I use is from Nutrivital who you can call on 0330 5005044 and quote 12136.

Clare Gale

Sussex Snippets

Charity & Community news from across the counties

Dear Sussex Local. I much enjoyed your article on Sussex Cattle. My Great Great Grandfather was also an enthusiast of this breed and had a prize winning herd at Hugget's Furnace Farm, Mayfield. Unfortunately, unlike the Leconfield herd, his was sold in 1902. There is one thing on which Kier Hartley must have misheard or been let down by his word processer. Oxen were not shod with clay shoes. I don't think they would last very long. Oxen were shod with iron shoes called 'cues'. These were like half a horseshoe but smaller, two for each foot because of the cloven hoof. Also called Queues because two together resembled this shape. Oxen were not easy to shoe and had to be thrown and restrained. P.S. Hugget's Furnace was an iron works which gave rise to the couplet, 'Old Master Hugget and his man John. They did cast the first can on.' But that was some centuries earlier. Norman Allcorn, Findon. We contacted Keir, who replies “It was great to hear from Norman, and to learn more about this interesting breed. I was given the information about the shoes during research. But my thanks for providing this extra information which I did not have at the time of writing the article”. Editor

The South Downs National Park has received a flat cash settlement from the Government of £10.486m in every year since 2019/2020 and this amount will remain the same until 24/25 the same cash funding over a period of six years at a time of rapidly rising costs for all services. Inflation continues to erode this sum, meaning we continue to have to make cuts in delivery as well as seeking alternative funding.

Andrew Griffith, MP for Arundel & South Downs, has been reappointed City Minister and Economic Secretary to the Treasury in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Government reshuffle. The MP will be responsible for a wide ranging brief including regulation in the finance sector, access to cash and introducing legislation to make the UK a more competitive place to invest.

West Sussex County Council reports that for the year to April 2022 its renewable energy systems generated more than 16,000 MWh of clean electricity for the grid, which is enough to power more than 5,500 average UK homes. This prevented 3,700 tonnes of CO2te being released

into the atmosphere compared to generating the same amount of electricity from fossil fuels. By selling much of the electricity to the grid and making use of its batteries at Westhampnett solar farm, the County Council earned more than £2.5 million after running costs. This is helping to offset, but not completely cover, the increase in the authority’s own energy bill.

West Sussex County Council are warning consumers to be wary of online scams during the busy Christmas buying period. Tips are available from www.getsafeonline.org/buyingonline

Katy Bourne, Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner reports that, following the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) pledge that police officers will attend all home burglaries, Sussex Chief Constable made this commitment two years ago . Ms Bourne will be probing further into the Force's response to tackling burglary, robbery and acquisitive crime.

People with Down syndrome who are 30 years old or above, and have a GP based in West Sussex, are being invited to come forward for a healthy brain assessment. During the assessment they will be asked to carry out some fun activities, like puzzles and tasks, when their memory is at its best to help identify if there are any changes as they get older. For older aged adults with a learning disability the team is offering a dementia assessment. People interested can find more information on the website: www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/service west sussex community learning disability teams

Charity 4Sight Vision Support is getting ready for Christmas with its annual Christmas Concert and Grand Draw, as well as providing its supporters with card and gift ideas. Proceeds will help the charity in its work supporting blind and sight impaired residents of all ages throughout West Sussex. Their events are in the What’s On section, and for further information and to purchase draw tickets call 01243 828555 or visit their website at www.4sight.org.uk.

Community stories are printed free of charge. Please email us your stories via: info@sussexlocal.net

Charity & Community News

Can you contribute to Rotary Christmas sacks?

Rotary Storrington and Pulborough are making up sacks of goodies children’s toys, gifts and other items plus a Tesco voucher that will make a real difference to local families. There are collection points for gifts at: Meadow Stores in Thakeham during shop hours, the Rotary book Stall in Place Villerest, Storrington on Saturdays before 12 Noon, Tesco in Pulborough and Mansell McTaggart estate agents in Storrington. If you would like to donate, please email: rotaryxmassackappeal@gmail.com or, if you have a PayPal account, scan the QR code above.

South Downs Probus Club looks for members

South Downs Probus Club is a club for retired and semi retired gentlemen and which is looking for new members to join and share our activities. The Club meets for a monthly lunch with a guest speaker; monthly coffee mornings and quarterly lunch with wives and partners. Several times each year the club enjoys a visit to some notable

building or business (recently to Goodwood) and have activities like skittles or croquet. If you would like to meet new friends please contact Donald Johnston at donjohnston@btinternet.com Storrington Festive Day 3rd December

Come and join the fun on Saturday 3rd December 1 5pm when Storrington traders will be putting on their festive hats and perhaps offering visitors a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine. As well as carol singers around the village, Santa's grotto and festive market stalls there will be a children's snowman trail to keep the young ones busy. Frosty the Snowman has lost his friends who are hiding in shops around the village. Help Frosty to find them all and there's a prize up for grabs! Free parking in Old Mill Square and the Library Car Park.

Please send your stories to info@sussexlocal.net

At Home Estate Agents, 12 Church Street, Storrington, RH20 4LA.

Storrington Conservation News

On 5th November the work party continued to clear Hurston Warren SSSI of saplings which damage the heathland. Our next work party is on 3rd December at 10am and we plan to meet at Fryern Dell to continue the conservation work there. Please check our website to confirm. www.storringtonconservation.org.uk

Chanctonbury Leisure award from MP

The Trustees and staff at Chanctonbury Leisure Centre have been announced as the first ‘Community Champions’ award recipients by Arundel and South Downs MP Andrew Griffith. The MP visited the leisure centre in Storrington in late October to present them with his new award of recognition after reading their Community Impact Report 2022.

The leisure centre was closed in August 2020 when the former managing company went into liquidation. It was with the support of Storrington & Sullington Parish Council, West Chiltington, Washington and Thakeham Parish Councils, Horsham District Council and local engineering

business Tesla, that a charity could be established to re open the centre as a health hub for all.

Classes include Gentle Fit and yoga, to circuit training and Zumba. The café lounge area hosts a Nostalgia Café for those living with dementia and their carers, and the sports hall is open for a visiting roller disco.

Alongside the regular weekly activities, the centre also hosts a number of sports clubs including Brighton & Hove Albion’s powerchair football for the disabled one team competes in the top division of a national league.

The leisure centre has provided work and training opportunities for four young people through the Government’s Kickstart scheme.

Pictured (l r) Andrew Dunstan, Operations Director, Andrew Griffith MP, Phil Pickard, Chair of Trustees, Lisa Smith (Operations Manager).

Gold awards for Chanctonbury Guides

Volunteers leaders are urgently needed can you help?

Girlguiding were sad to learn of the passing of our Patron and member HRH Queen Elizabeth II. A lot has changed since her majesty was a Guide but the core values remain the same. New badges such as aviation, geocaching and animation now join the traditional skills of camping along with confidence and leadership building. Throughout their guiding journey girls can work towards bronze, silver and gold awards in each section. Gaining the gold award is a major achievement.

An award ceremony recently took place for Girlguiding in West Sussex. Awards were presented by the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Mr James Whitmore. Chanctonbury district had a number of gold awards presented with 1 of 3 Guide golds awards in the County presented to a Storrington Guide. Another county award presented was also awarded to a Storrington Guide in recognition of the commitment they make in youth leadership. An amazing achievement. The district youth can only achieve these skills/

badges/awards with support from the Girlguiding volunteers. These leaders are possibly your next door neighbours, someone’s mum or gran. We have jobs/ responsibilities and families. We just have a passion to nurture and grow the skills of the children in Chanctonbury district. Along the way gaining new friends in fellow leaders.

Girlguiding needs your help…

Since Covid several leaders have retired/moved. We are sad to say the future of Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers in the district is uncertain without new volunteers coming forward. Can you confirm our future by volunteering with us? Please sign up today. Any time is gratefully received.

www.girlguiding.org.uk/get involved/become a volunteer/register your interest/

enjoy too, including six other great races, live music and fantastic local food and drink. Win a pair of tickets to Plumpton Racecourse, Plumpton on 2nd January. General admission tickets are available in advance for £20 and hospitality packages start at £75pp. You can bring all the family along too as under 18s race free! 38 Competition

Visit www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk.

start your new year at Plumpton Racecourse on Bank Holiday Monday and witness one horse, jockey and trainer etch their name into Plumpton history by landing the valuable and entertaining Sussex National. The £30,000 race one of the biggest on the Plumpton calendar provides an enthralling spectacle for racegoers, with runners having to jump 20 fences over the three and a half mile trip. The fixture always generates a fantastic atmosphere in the stands and there is loads more to westsussex.gov.uk/FreeBusPass 0330 222 6222 Free off-peak travel for residents of state pension age anywhere in England.

answer

contact

Impact Initiatives

Supporting people living in Sussex to live healthy & fulfilling lives

Sussex Charity Impact Initiatives was founded over 40 years ago and has, CEO Caroline Ridley tells me, supported the people of Sussex to reach their potential and live healthy and fulfilling lives ever since.

“‘Nothing quite like this has ever happened before’ were the words of the then Chair of the County Council as he addressed a conference at the University of Sussex in September 1977.” Caroline explains, “The reason for this conference was to explore the idea of creating a charitable body that Sussex could truly call its own through the participation and cooperation of different churches, voluntary organisations and the local councils.

“In the collaborative world we work in today it is hard to believe that those bodies coming together at that time was a first. The organisation that was borne out of that conference to ‘fill the gaps’ and ‘help the needy and dispossessed’ (not words we would now use) remains today as Impact Initiatives.”

Now working as an independent charity, Impact Initiatives supports over 8,000 people each year, through a team of over 90 staff who are in turn supported by a team of volunteers. The charity works with people of all ages across Sussex, the services are varied with a common thread of helping people to live healthy and fulfilling lives and reach their potential.

Workability supporting people with disabilities into employment for over 25 years

One of a number of services aimed at Adults and Older People the Workability scheme has, Caroline Ridley explains, an expert team helping people with disabilities and carers to identify their specific skills and ambitions and match these to employment opportunities. “They then help people through the job search, application and interview processes and into employment that is realistic, focussed on their abilities, enjoyable and a positive experience.”

“They told me I would never walk again but Heather at Workability had faith in me, not only that I would walk again but that I could work again” Workability user.

Additionally, Caroline Ridley says, “Impact’s West Sussex Advocacy services have given people a voice since 1994 when the Grayling Well Hospital (now one of Chichester’s newer housing developments) closed, moving its longterm residents into their own homes.

“We worked with 21 adults many of who had lived in the hospital for many years to ensure their voices were heard and they had choice in where they moved on to.” Since that time Impact has ensured that 1,000s of people with disabilities have had a voice in what matters to them including where they live, the support they receive and how they live as parents. The focus is on empowering and enabling people to speak up and live the lives they choose. Information on Advocacy referrals can be found on Impact’s website.

Developing services to increase skills and, re-

duce

loneliness and isolation

Caroline Ridley tells me that over the years, Impact has continually developed services as the needs of local people have changed and this

was particularly apparent over the last few years when services had to be quickly developed through the Covid pandemic. Key being the ability to, “Provide and teach people how to use IT so they could maintain contact with [us], other support and their friends and family. Isolation was a huge issue for many and for more so for many people with disabilities as this was compounded by additional vulnerabilities, issues with getting out and about and less people being able to visit them.”

This allowed Impact’s teams to keep in touch online and ensure vital support was in place and also to help groups set up online peer social groups, so they could support and give each other company. Some of these groups including the Self Advocacy groups for people with Autism, continue online as they became a key part of people’s lives and continue to reduce loneliness and isolation.

Impact’s Aspie Trainers offer training sessions to improve services for people with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASCs); offering a range of training sessions to suit the needs of any team, organisation or individual working with, supporting or working alongside autistic individuals. During

Covid, the Impact team quickly redesigned their training, so this could be delivered online.

Other services include Ageing Well a programme of services and activities for those aged 50+ living in Brighton and Hove, including support and information for people living with dementia, and Food Services working to make sure that nobody in Brighton and Hove has to go without food.

45 years on from that original conference Impact continue to ‘fill the gaps’

Caroline says, “We are now very excited to bring one of our longstanding Brighton based

services to West Sussex. Our Stopover supported housing service for young women currently provides a home and expert support for 45 young women across nine houses, two of these for young women and their babies. The service is unique providing a pathway from 24 hour support to just an hour a week as young women move through our houses and on to living independently. We have a track record of successfully supporting the most vulnerable and troubled young women through giving them a home where they feel safe, often for the first time in their lives and consistent expert support based on understanding the trauma they have experienced.”

“Stopover is the first place I have lived where I feel I am safe and belong. They have taught me it is OK to cry and be angry and helped me managed how I feel. I kicked against all the rules they have at first but now I am the one telling girls who move in that the rules are there to keep us all safe and because they care about us”.

Over the last year Impact has worked with the West Sussex County Council (WSCC) Leaving Care Team and will be opening its first house in West Sussex later this month with four young women

already waiting to move in. “We are looking forward to welcoming them and helping them to make our house into their home and continuing to work towards our aim for Sussex people of all ages to reach their potential whilst living healthy and fulfilling lives.”

After school play for children along with a safe space for young people

In addition to Stopover, other services for Children and Young People include Whitehawk After School Project (WASP), which provides an Ofsted registered after school club and holiday play schemes at City Academy, Whitehawk where the skilled team ensure the club is nurturing, inclusive and fun. And a Young People’s Centre (YPC) in Brighton a safe space where the Impact team works alongside other organisations to provide a one to one and group sessions.

Impact are funded through a range of grants and donations, if you would like to find out more about the charity’s work or are able to support through a donation or by running a fundraising event. Contact: Impact Initiatives, 19 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XA. Tel: 01273 322 940 or visit www,impact initiatives.org.uk

By Lynn Smith

Storrington neighbourhood wardens

Season greetings & keeping warm this winter

Season greetings from the Wardens. We hope that everyone is well and looking forward to the celebrations. In this winter of uncertainty, here is some advice on how to keep warm.

Keeping warm indoors:

• If you are sitting down, wrap up in a shawl or blanket or wear extra layers of clothes. Pop your feet up on something, if possible, as the air’s cooler at ground level.

• If you struggle to stay warm in bed, try wearing warm clothes and, if it’s particularly cold, thermal underwear and bed socks.

• Use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to warm your bed but never use them at the same time.

• Check if your electric blanket can be kept on all night or whether it’s only designed to warm the bed before you get in. If you have any continence difficulties, talk to your doctor before using one.

• You should get your electric blanket checked every 3 years by a trusted electrician.

Keeping warm when you are out and about:

• Make sure you keep your face, hands and feet warm. If they get cold this can cause a rise in blood pressure.

• As well as wearing gloves and a hat, pull a scarf up around your nose and mouth when you go out in the cold weather. This helps to warm the air you breathe in.

• Choose shoes or boots with non slip soles and warm linings or wear thermal socks.

• Several thin layers of clothes will keep you warmer than one thick layer, as the layers trap warm air between them.

If you live next door to an elderly resident, please pop in and ask if they are ok. If you have any concerns for a neighbour or friend, give us a call and we can direct them to the services that can help.

Thanks for all your support throughout the year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Chris: 07795 046743 / Alison 07789 943201 storrington sullingtonwardens@horsham.gov.uk

How important is your Will?

By Will Writer Emma Wells MIPW

It’s the run up to Christmas and most of you will hopefully be full of the festive spirit and let’s be honest, writing your Will is probably the last thing on your mind at the moment and I’m certainly not suggesting that they make great Christmas presents either, although it may be one step better than a last minute panic buy at the local service station.

One question we get asked a lot is “What happens if I don’t have a Will”? In short, you place yourself in a position of having no say in what happens to your estate and leave your family open to the process of intestacy. There is no legal requirement to have a Will and surprisingly just over 50% of the adult population in the UK don’t currently have any provision in place.

Depending on your circumstances, you may feel there is little reason to spend a few hundred pounds in getting something drawn up and under the current economic situation, many of you

about choice, what you feel is important and whether or not you are happy to let others make those decisions for you once you have gone.

There are numerous things to consider when it comes to assets, pensions, savings and belongings too. Dying intestate means that someone else has to pick up the pieces, whether that’s a partner, your children or a close friend. If you haven’t expressed your wishes or how you would like your estate to be divided it up, it falls on those left, to make those decisions for you. Ultimately there are many benefits to producing a Will and very few negatives. Merry Christmas!

St Mary’s C of E Primary School, Washington

Path improvements and St. Mary’s Church

Much needed path improvements

Parents and children are really grateful to the PTA, who funded much needed improvements to the path, which leads from Washington village hall to the children’s gate for school. The PTA were well supported by a number of parents and children, who gave up their morning on Saturday to complete this work.

St Mary’s Church Harvest Festival

The church lies at the heart of St Mary's C.E Primary school and we’re incredibly fortuna te to have St Mary's Church a

short walk away. Children recently attended Harvest Festival celebrations at St Marys, participating in singing, praying, acting and decorating their class boxes and then filling the boxes with donations for Chanctonbury Storehouse.

To find out more about our school, visit the school website. www.stmaryswashington.co.uk

Storrington & District Museum

Historic Christmas decorations on show at the museum

Prevention is better than cure!

5 ways to prevent scratches by ChipsAway

How to avoid paint scratches

Finding a scratch on your car can be an unpleasant and upsetting experience. However, there are some simple ways to avoid scratching your paintwork. Here are a few tips:

1. Park Cautiously To avoid suffering a paintwork scratch in a car park, always park within the white lines, avoid parking near trolley parks and park away from other cars if possible. Plus, park your car in a safe location during the day and at night.

2. Drive Carefully Low hanging tree branches and overgrown hedges on narrow country roads can scratch your vehicle. To avoid this, always allow enough room when driving on narrow lanes or near low hanging trees and reduce your speed when driving past any object that could potentially scratch your car.

3. Hand Wash Car Always try to hand wash your vehicle and add a car wax to help prevent scratches. Car wax smooths the paint’s surface, which will reduce the friction between road debris and your paintwork.

4. Paint Sealant Supagard is just one of many paint protection sealants that protect the car’s paintwork by creating a tough polymer barrier. Unfortunately, paint sealants cannot provide protection against vandal scratches or car parking mishaps but they do provide protection against UV rays, road salt and even acid rain.

5. Repairing scratches like it never happened Unfortunately, not all scratches can be avoided, and if a mishap does happen, repair specialists, such as ChipsAway, can repair the damage so it’s ‘like it never happened’. Many specialists can come to you at home or work and some specialists operate from conveniently located fixed base Car Care Centres. Call 0800 145 5118 or visit www.chipsaway.co.uk/free estimate/ for free no obligation repair estimate.

October 2022 solution below:

Winner: Louise Williamson from Ashington. 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

October anagram solution: JOURNEY

RH20 9AH

Dec 2022.

Penny Strachan Funeral Director

Ashington Parish Council

Clerk, planning and skatepark news

Clerk news

Ashington Parish Councillors are pleased to appoint Mrs Lee English as Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer, effective 1st November 2022. Lee joins with a good knowledge of Ashington, the Parish Council and other village organisations. The existing Clerk Karen Dare retires on 31st December 2022 so there will be a good handover period. The Council would like to thank Karen for all her hard work over the past 17 years and wish her well for the future.

Planning news

The Appeal for planning permission in principle for up to 9 homes to be built on land at Ashington/ Holmbush House (opposite BP garage) has been Dismissed. The Parish Council’s Neighbourhood Plan was fundamental in the Appeal Inspector’s decision not to allow development in this location. This application could have opened the doors for new housing to begin in this location, with previous applications of 40+ homes having been sub-

mitted at various points over the years. Water Neutrality played a minor role in the dismissal, but the Inspector was clear that, available water or not, this location isn’t suitable for homes.

Skatepark news

The annual service has been completed and the wear and tear minor damage to the driveway ramp and to the quarterpipe has been repaired. The Parish Council has funded maintenance of the skatepark for many years, ever since Ashington Community Centre Trust asked the Parish Council to take it off their hands. The Parish Council prudently sets aside funds every year to keep this valuable village asset well maintained. This is my last Newsletter article before I retire. It has been a great pleasure serving the village that I live in, looking after it as best I can.

Visit the Council website for more information: www.ashingtonpc.org.uk

Storrington Parish Council

Kithurst Hill car park closure Storrington and Sullington Parish Council (SSPC) have written a strongly worded letter to Trevor Beattie, Chief Executive of the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) concerning the proposed closure of Kithurst Hill car park. West Sussex County Council (WSCC) are withdrawing their management of the car park in December. Other car park companies have been explored by the landowner, but due to lack of electricity supply (for CCTV and Auto Number Plate Capture) these alternatives are not feasible.

The South Downs National Park Trust were also involved in discussions to take over the management of the car park, however they have now pulled out of the commitment and discussions with the landowner and West Sussex County Council. So the owner is left in the position of having to close the access road and car park to the public from the 22nd December.

The SDNPA have been accused of withdrawing from negotiations with the owner, but their press office informed us that it was the South Downs National Park Trust not the South Downs National Park Authority who did this. The South Downs National Park Trust is the official charity of the South Downs National Park, although SDNPA is at pains to emphasise that the Trust is a separate charitable body.

The SDNPA says neither it, nor its associated charity, has the resources to take this car park on given their budget constraints.

In a response to the SSPC letter, Mr Beattie says that he “shares concerns about the closure” and that “the SDNPA has no responsibility for car parks...other than the ones we own at Midhurst and Seven Sisters”.

Mr Beattie continues “WSCC has taken the decision that it can no longer give support to landowners to provide these small yet much valued car parks on a voluntary basis. This is a matter for them.” He then finished by citing financial constraints and public spending cuts as being the root cause of the problem.

The Trust says on its website that its aim is to see “more people able to access and enjoy their National Park”.

Sign a petition on www.change.org (search for Kithurst Hill); Contacts: Arundel & South Downs MP: andrew.Griffith.MP@parliament.uk; WSCC leader: paul.marshall@westsussex.gov.uk; Reader letter Storrington Parish Council news

Dear Sussex Local. I read Sussex local with interest, especially the Parish Council updates but wonder why small villages of Thakeham and Washington get a full page of varied information whereas Storrington only receives a half page of very limited news. Can we hear more from our council please? (by email, name supplied).

Editor: SSPC used to supply updates but stopped a few years ago as they wished to produce their own quarterly newsletter. Thakeham take their free half page and pay (at a discounted rate) for an extra half, and they write it. Washington take their free half page but use it as a full page every three months. As nothing is supplied from Storrington we take extracts from their meeting minutes so some news is presentedalongside other local councils.

© Pete Chapman / Geograph

Thakeham Parish Council

December roundup of council news & events

Village Hall

Thakeham Village Hall is taking bookings for regular hirers in 2023. If you need a venue for your group/ club/class, please contact Amanda by email info@thakehamvillagehall.co.uk. Take a look at our website www.thakehamvillagehall.co.uk for information about upcoming events, regular activities, facilities, availability and to book.

Recycling

The Sussex Green Living special recycling facility is available every weekday morning (9.30 11.30) at the Village Hall. For details of what materials are accepted, visit www.thakehamparish.co.uk/ special recycling scheme at the village hall/ Parish Councillor Vacancies

We have two councillor vacancies. If you would like to be involved in delivering local services and making decisions affecting your community, consider joining our team contact the Clerk.

Planning

Most new housing schemes in Horsham district remain held up by the need to meet 'water neutral' requirements, due to pressure on local resources. This situation seems likely to continue to at least the end of 2022, and there seems no early prospect of a new District Local Plan for housing emerging until well into 2023 (or even longer). Construction of the last 75 house phase of the Abingworth development is underway and will run through to late 2023. There is no further news about the proposals for new homes at the site off High Bar Lane (exRushfield Nursery), or the site south of Furze Common; both are subject to Parish Council strong objections, and ‘water neutral’ challenges.

Monaghans Mushrooms closure latest

Following the recent closure of this site, Monaghans management have indicated an intention to sell the site. Potential buyers include housing developers, despite the fact that our Neighbourhood Plan specifically opposes housing on this site. HDC Planners have been alerted.

Roads

The Parish Council has asked WSCC Highways to extend a 40mph speed limit on the B2139 north and south of the Picketty Corner junction with West Chiltington Road, due to the poor sightlines.

We are also trying to improve pedestrian/cyclist safety at the north end of Water Lane. Please report any road safety issues you spot direct to WSCC Highways via www.westsussex.gov.uk/ roads and travel/ Community

facilities

Abingworth allotments

The new allotments are due be delivered mid 2023. the waiting list is still open, contact the Clerk or see: www.thakehamparish.co.uk/allotment Community

Events

Everyone who attended the Halloween fireworks event agreed that it was fantastic as usual. Our thanks go out to the Thakeham Community Events volunteers who organised the display, and who are now looking forward to other events at Christmas and next year. To join this great team, see info below.

New Thakeham

Parish Clerk

We are delighted to welcome our new Parish Clerk, Andrew Brown, who joined us in October. He has spent the last month getting to know Thakeham and meeting its residents, and will be helping the Parish Council to take forward plans for enriching and enhancing the community.

Local Groups

Thakeham Bellringers seek new recruits for regular ringing at St Mary’s church. See www.thakehamparish.co.uk/thakeham bellringers/ contact Christine Hounslow (01798 815993).

Thakeham Short Mat Bowls Club meets at the village hall on Monday evenings and welcomes new members. Come and learn something new. Email barbara.weir@uwclub.net for more information.

The local history section of our website can always benefit from new additions contact Roger Taylor (edstrct@gmail.com) if you have any information or questions about our village history.

Local Volunteering Opportunities

If you have time to spare to help others, do look at our Thakeham Parish Community Facebook page, where volunteering opportunities are often posted. Contact us: Email: clerk@thakehamparish.co.uk Phone: 01798 815305

You can find Parish Councillors’ contact details at: www.thakehamparish.co.uk/councillors

If you are new to the Parish, contact us to receive a welcome pack! www.thakehamparish.co.uk

GS Windows Ltd

Hailwood Homes 39

LBS Natural Kitchen Tops 49 Mill House Antiques 36 No1 PHD Ltd 21

Oven Gleamers 27

Oven Rescue Group 26

Smart Home Improvements 42

Steyning Double Glazing 20

Sussex Coin Company 10

The Little Shop 11