Sussex Local Magazine - Storrington FEBRUARY 2023

HELLO!

AftertheNewYear celebrationsandsettlingback intoaroutine,Februarycan feellikeanopportunityto pauseanddrawbreath.It’sno coincidencethatthismonthis namedfromtheLatinword februumwhichmeans purification.There’sasenseof optimism,thatSpringisjust aroundthecornerandthat everythingwillgetbrighterand warmersoon.

ThismonthourCharityspotlight ison“TheWellderness”a CommunityInterestCompany helpingpeopleandthe environmentthrough engagementwithnature.Also inthismagazine;ourregular selectionoflocalguidedwalks, Februaryeventlistings,a satisfyingbreakfastrecipe, gardeningtasksforFebruary, motoring,health&wellbeing pluscompetitionsandpuzzles.

Thismonthalsomeans Valentine’sDay,HalfTerm(see ourWhat’sOnsection),Black HistoryMonth,PancakeDay, andRandomActsofKindness Day(onthe17th).

Untilnexttime, Kris&Jeff

What’s On - February/March 2023

Event organisers please enter your event details on www.sussexlocal.net/events-add/ We regret that we cannot accept submissions by email. We take the details from our website for the magazine listings which can appear in up to all eight editions distributed to over 54,000 addresses. Charity, community and non-profit events are free of charge (subject to space). Commercial events can be listed from just £25 plus VAT which includes promotion through Facebook & Twitter. Deadline for March events to be put on website - 4th February

CHARITY

18/03/2023 2:00 PM 4Sight Vision Support Fundraising Wellbeing Walk A fundraising Walk around Horsham Town Centre £10 £5

Fundraising Team 01243 828555 fundraising@4sight.org.uk www.4sight.org.uk

25th & 26th Mar 9:00 AM Arundel Castle Abseil Abseil down the side of the 180-foot tower for St Barnabas Hospice to be knighted with your bespoke castle medal. Arundel Castle BN18 9AB events@stbh.org.uk stbarnabas-hospice.org.uk/ events/arundel-castle-abseil

CHILDREN'S EVENTS

13th - 17th Feb 9:30 AM Paint a Bird Flowerpot in half term at Squire’s Garden Centres Keep the little ones entertained this half term with Create & Grow activities Squire's Garden Centre Washington RH20 2BP £6.50 to paint a birdshaped flowerpot - free to go on a bird treasure hunt A24 Washington Tel: 01903 893902 www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

15th - 17th Feb 10:00 AM 'Family Fun Week' in Bognor Regis Alexandra Theatre, Regis Centre PO21 1BN Hazel hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk www.alexandratheatre.co.uk 01243 867676

CLUBS & SOCIETIES

2nd & 9th Feb 1:30 PM Chalkpath Community Theatre Group A local adult community theatre group for beginners and upwards, learning skills and making friends St Michaels Church Hall

Amberley BN18 9ND £12.50 Vicky Paine

7799260621 chalkpaththeatre@gmail.com

03/02/2023 6:45 PM Graphic novel book club Comic book club looking at graphic novels aimed at adults Private house Barnham PO22 0EF Paul Wilson paulw21erin@gmail.com

04/02/2023 10:30 AM Parkinson's Support Group in Washington for people with Parkinson's Washington Village Memorial Hall RH20 4AP £2 01903 746871 gillian.chard@btinternet.com

06/02/2023 8:00 PM Felpham Singles Social Club Social club for mature singles. The George Inn Bognor Regis PO22 7PL Anne 01243 821530 anniecook555@yahoo.co.uk www.felphamsingles.yolasite.com

07/02/2023 2:00 PM Pulborough Computer Club AGM, social event & panel for Q&A's at Pulborough Village Hall RH20 1LP £2 / £3 £3 chrissie@wisborough.com pcclub.org.uk

07/02/2023 2:00 PM The Arts Society West Sussex in Fittleworth ‘Travels with a Trowel’ Fittleworth Village Hall RH20 1EJ Visitors £7 theartssocietywestsussex.org 01903 411086 westsussex@theartssociety.org

13/02/2023 7:30 PM Pulborough Meadows WI

February Meeting Pulborough Village Hall RH20 2BF 07920 326000 mary.walker50@gmail.com

16/02/2023 7:30 PM Storrington Camera Club

Speaker Evening Chris Philipson talk on USA Road Trip Chesswood Room Thakeham Village Hall RH20 3GW Janet www.storringtoncc.org.uk chair@storringtoncc.org.uk

21/02/2023 2:00 PM West Chiltington Floral Club - February Demonstration Monthly floral demonstration by an Area Demonstrator West Chiltington Village Hall RH20 2PZ Visitors £5 01798 813608 wchiltfloralclub@gmail.com

22/02/2023 2:30 PM Storrington Flower Club

Monthly demo Sullington Parish Hall RH20 3PP £6 1903742102 chrissyldesmond@gmail.com

23/02/2023 7:00 PM

Sugar and Spice, Sugarcraft Club in Washington Sugarcraft club with workshops and demonstrations Washington Village Memorial Hall RH20 4AP £25 annually Sue Rudge

i.rudge@sky.com 01903 695700

04/03/2023 10:30 AM Parkinson's Support Group in Washington Washington Village Memorial Hall RH20 4AP £2 Gillian Chard 01903 746871 gillian.chard@btinternet.com

- please contact event organisers to check for changes

06/03/2023 8:00 PM Felpham Singles Social Club Social club for mature singles The George Inn Bognor Regis PO22 7PL Anne 01243 821530 anniecook555@yahoo.co.uk www.felphamsingles.yolasite.com

Every Mon, Wed & Fri Various times West Chiltington Table Tennis Club West Chiltington Village Hall RH20 2PZ hosts Table Tennis Club Iain and Coral McLaren 01403 731341 iainandcoralmclaren@gmail.com

Every Wed 11:30 AM Wednesday Lunch Club Weekly lunch club for the over-55’s with social activities before lunch Pulborough Village Hall RH20 2BF £5 Louise Kaiser louisekaiser4807@gmail.com

Every Wed 7:00 PM Worthing Short Mat Bowls Club West Park School Worthing BN12 4HD Betty Potts 01903 260218 bobetty_highsalvington@yahoo.co.uk worthingshortmatbowls.weebly.com/#

Every Sun 11:00 AM West

Chiltington Sunday

Badminton Club West

Chiltington Village Hall

Pulborough RH20 2PZ

Vivian Jones vmjones18@hotmail.co.uk

COMMUNITY

17/02/2023 6:30 PM Worthing Climate

Engagement & Action Meetings for those concerned about the environment XR Worthingtwice monthly meetings CREW Worthing BN11 3AL xrworthing@protonmail.com

25/02/2023 8:00 AM Men's Breakfast

Community Event in Chichester Keith Varney talks about Mission Aviation Fellowship Chichester Park Hotel PO19 7QL £9.50 Peter peter@ppsutton.co.uk immanuelchichester.com/ community/mens-breakfast/ 07813 024585

17/03/2023 6:30 PM Worthing Climate

Engagement & Action Meetings for those concerned about the environment XR Worthingtwice monthly meetings CREW Worthing BN11

3AL xrworthing@protonmail.com

25/03/2023 8:00 AM Men's Breakfast

Community Event in Chichester Colonel Edward Armitstead CBE ex Coldstream Guards talk

Chichester Park Hotel PO19 7Q £9.50 Peter peter@ppsutton.co.uk immanuelchichester.com/ community/mens-breakfast/ 07813 024585

events

COURSES & TUITION

03/02/2023 9:30 AM Birding for beginnersWinter Wetlands at Pulborough Brooks Lean more about the winter visitors at RSPB

Pulborough Brooks RH20 2EL £20.50 members /£25.50 Non-members. Lydia: 01798 875851 lydia.fletcher@rspb.co.uk events.rspb.org.uk/ pulboroughbrooks

6th & 13th Feb 10:00 AM WEA class in Chichester - Hearth and Home: Sussex

Vernacular Buildings 5 sessions with WEA tutor Geoffrey Mead on the history of housing locally. New Park Community and Arts Centre Chichester PO19 7XY £50 WEA (Workers Educational Association) 0300 303 3464 www.wea.org.uk chichester.branch@wea.ac.uk

11th & 21st Mar 8:30 AM Birdsong Masterclass at Pulborough Brooks Learn how to identify birdsong at RSPB Pulborough Brooks RH20 2EL £20.50 members / £25.50 Non-members. Lydia: 01798 875851 lydia.fletcher@rspb.co.uk events.rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks

26/03/2023 9:30 AM Birding for absolute beginners at Pulborough Brooks If you’re new to birdwatching, this is the session for you. RSPB Pulborough Brooks RH20 2EL £20.50 members /£25.50 for Non-members Lydia Fletcher 01798 875851 lydia.fletcher@rspb.org.uk events.rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks

Every Wed 1st Feb - 22nd Mar 2:00 PM "Judge and Jury" WEA Course in Billingshurst The course will study the people, issues and outcomes of 10 trials from British History Billingshurst

Community & Conference Centre RH14 9QW £100 for 10 sessions David 0300 303 3464 david@daviddaley.plus.com

EXHIBITIONS

7th - 18th Feb 10:00 AM Ukrainian Renaissance. Unbowed. The Ukrainian refugees’ dozen will present their culture with handmade works. Colonnade House Worthing BN11 3DH paula.tollett@adurworthing.gov.uk colonnadehouse.co.uk/event/ ukrainian-renaissance-unbowed/

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

18/02/2023 2:30 PM 'Snowdrops - where you least expect them' Photography Exhibition

Denmans Gardens Fontwell Contact Lucy: 01243 572433 office@snowdroptrust.com

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

05/02/2023 3:00 PM Family friendly theatre

'My Family and Other Animals' in Lewes Join the Durrell's on a Mediterranean adventure this Winter in All Saints Centre Lewes BN7 2LE

£9.50 / £7.50 Lewes Drama Collective enquiry@dramacollective.com www.ticketsource.eu/lewes-drama-collective

16/02/2023

2:00 PM

'Journey to the Stars' in Bognor Regis A blend of puppetry, storytelling, live music & comedy. Alexandra Theatre, Regis Centre PO21 1BN

£8.50 Hazel Latus 01243 867676 hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk www.alexandratheatre.co.uk

25/03/2023 12:00 PM Point to Point Racing at Parham 6 jump races, stalls, fair and food. Enjoy a day out Parham Point to Point. Pulborough RH20 2ER Carolyn Gorman

caroylngorman@gmail.com www.facebook.com/ p2patparham

FAYRES & FETES

19/02/2023 11:00 AM Spring Wedding Fayre at Avisford Park Hotel Ideas and options for your big day. Avisford Park Hotel Walberton BN18 0LS marketing@avisfordparkhotel.com avisfordparkhotel.com/

FILM

08/02/2023 7:30 PM

Rotary Film Night in Storrington

Fisherman's Friends One and All Starring

James Purfoy with Bar + Raffle Sullington Village Hall RH20 3PP £5 Ken 1903740745 kandjcoll@btinternet.com

09/02/2023 7:00 PM Worthing Twinning Association Foreign film evening The Worthing Twinning Association present a classic French film evening. West Worthing Baptist Church

BN14 7LU £5 Pam Bennett 01903 232196 pambennett8@btinternet.com

GARDENS & HORTICULTURE

Open by arrangement from 16th Jan - 7th Oct for groups of 12 to 30 Tuppenny Barn. visit ngs.org.uk for information and booking details

Southbourne, Chichester Tuppenny Barn PO10

8EZ £5 Maggie: 01243 377780 contact@tuppennybarn.co.uk ngs.org.uk

Open by arrangement from Feb - Nov Mitchmere Farm Stoughton. visit ngs.org.uk for information and booking details Chichester Mitchmere Farm

Stoughton PO18 9JW £5 Neil & Sue Edden

02392 631456 sue@mitchmere.co.uk

Open by arrangement from 6th Mar - 12th Sept for groups of 6 to 20 6 Plantation Rise, Worthing. visit ngs.org.uk for information and booking

details 6 Plantation Rise BN13 2AH Nigel & Trixie 01903 262206 trixiehall008@gmail.com

19th Feb, 5th & 21st Mar 2:00 PM Manor of Dean, Petworth - garden open for the National Garden Scheme Traditional English garden of approximately 3 acres Manor of Dean Petworth GU28 9AP £5 01483 211535 ngs.org.uk

23rd & 25th Feb 2:00 PM Beautiful snowdrops and daffodils on display Buddington Farm

Easebourne GU29 0QP open for the NGS £5 hello@ngs.org.uk ngs.org.uk

Every Thurs from 9th Feb 10:30 AM The Old Vicarage The Street, Washington open for The National Garden Scheme The Old Vicarage Washington RH20 4AS £7 hello@ngs.org.uk ngs.org.uk

MUSIC

03/02/2023 7:30 PM 60 Minutes of Classical Music in Bognor Regis Studio 1, Regis Centre PO21 1BN £6.50 Hazel: alexandratheatre.co.uk 01243 867676 hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk More events on www.sussexlocal.net

Mill House Antiques

07533 759606 or 01903 446783

07/02/2023 2:00 PM 2 O'Clock Club in Bognor

Regis Karen Etherington. Studio 1, Regis Centre PO21 1BN £6 Hazel alexandratheatre.co.uk 01243 867676 hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk

11/02/2023 8:00 PM Le Freak CHIC & Nile Rodgers Tribute UK's premier CHIC & Nile Rodgers Tribute band. Empire Hall, Graffham Petworth GU280QB £20 Jim Kirke empirehall@gmail.com empirehall.org.uk

Every Mon 8:00 PM Fernhurst Choral Society

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

SALES & MARKETS

04/02/2023 9:30 AM Cheeki Monkeys Big Baby & Children market Buy or sell used babies' and children’s toys, clothes and equipment. The Shoreham centre BN43 5WU £1.50 Delphine www.facebook.com/Cheeki-Monkeys-BrightonBN2-and-Shoreham-by-Sea-107135655022217 delphine.cheekimonkeys@gmail.com

18/02/2023 9:00 AM Arundel Farmers Market

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

18/03/2023 9:00 AM Arundel Farmers Market

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

18/03/2023 9:30 AM Cheeki Monkeys Big Baby & Children market Buy or sell used babies' and children’s toys, clothes and equipment. The Shoreham centre BN435WU £1.50 Delphine www.facebook.com/Cheeki-Monkeys-BrightonBN2-and-Shoreham-by-Sea-107135655022217 delphine.cheekimonkeys@gmail.com

SOCIAL & ENTERTAINMENT

14/02/2023 6:00 PM Petworth Late: An Artful Valentines An exclusive evening for adults Petworth House and Park GU28 9LR £15 petworth@nationaltrust.org.uk 01798 342207 nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth

18/02/2023 7:30 PM Eastergate Motown and Northern Soul Evening Motown and Northern Soul played on pure vinyl. Dancefloor and free parking Eastergate Village Hall PO20 3RP £5 Tony Cassini di_cassini@hotmail.com fb.me/ e/5RsMT1F5O 07718 415620

25/02/2023

7:30 PM

Comedy Night in Walberton an evening of laughter Avisford Park Hotel

Walberton BN18 0LS £15 Jeunais Farrell 01243 558300 avisfordparkhotel.com/ marketing@avisfordparkhotel.com

TALKS

01/02/2023 10:00 AM Researching the history of your house a workshop to get you started with your family and local history research. West Sussex Record Office PO19 1DD £7.50 Matthew record.office@westsussex.gov.uk 01243 753602 www.westsussex.gov.uk/ro

03/02/2023 2:30 PM

A walk around the Cathedral City of Chichester An illustrated tour and talk of Chichester & its history, buildings, architecture and Cathedral. Storrington Museum RH20 4LL £8 01903 740188 storringtonmuseum.com

07/02/2023 7:30 PM Worthing Antique, Arts & Collectors' Club Talk on the History of Crown Jewels. Field Place Worthing BN13 1NP £7.50 Andrew Pescott 07984 403890 worthingantiqueclub@yahoo.co.uk www.worthingantiqueclub.com

13/02/2023 10:00 AM The Arts Society, Steyning “All Done On Ginger Beer” by Sarah Benton. The Steyning Centre BN44 £10 donation for visitors steyning@theartssociety.org www.theartssocietysteyning.org.uk

20/02/2023 11:00 AM 'Promise of Snowdrop' at Denmans Gardens Visit and Talk Denmans Gardens Fontwell Lucy Ashworth 01243 572433 office@snowdroptrust.com

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

Emmausisaspecial placetovisit.

You can browse and shop, explore the grounds, eat and relax. All in the peaceful surroundings away from the hustle and bustle.

28/02/2023 7:00 PM The Pallants: Chichester's Town within the City Alan Green talk, hosted by West Sussex Record Office PO19 1DD £8 Matthew Jones 01243 753602 record.office@westsussex.gov.uk

01/03/2023 10:00 AM Getting started with Ancestry.co.uk a workshop to get you started with your family and local history research. West Sussex Record Office PO19 1DD £7.50 Matthew 01243 753602 www.westsussex.gov.uk/ro record.office@westsussex.gov.uk

07/03/2023 7:30 PM Talk by Nick Hall from BBC's Bargain Hunt small club that meets on the first Tuesday of the month. Field Place Worthing

BN13 1NP Non members £7.50 Andrew Pescott 07984 403890 worthingantiqueclub@yahoo.co.uk www.worthingantiqueclub.com

THEATRE

6th & 7th Feb 7:00 PM Dance House 2023 Alexandra Theatre, Regis Centre PO21 1BN £12 Contact Hazel: hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk 01243 867676 www.alexandratheatre.co.uk

24/02/2023 7:00 PM The Alex Comedy Club in Bognor Regis age guidance - 16+. Alexandra Theatre, Regis Centre PO21 1BN £10.50 Hazel Latus hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk 01243 867676 www.alexandratheatre.co.uk

28/02/2023 7:30 PM Henry V in Worthing

Witness Henry’s bombastic pursuit of power, in this highly acclaimed co-production of Henry V by Shakespeare’s Globe and Headlong with Leeds Playhouse and Royal & Derngate at Connaught Theatre BN11 1LG wtm.uk/events/henry-v

Sussex Snippets

Charity & Community news from across the counties

Glyndebourne has announced that it will no longer be able to tour as planned in 2023, following a reduction to its Arts Council England (ACE) funding for touring and its learning and engagement work. The Glyndebourne Tour launched in 1968 with support from ACE to take the company’s operas to broad audiences around the country and provide a launch pad to emerging talent. In the more than fifty years since, it has been responsible for launching the careers of numerous UK and international artists. A new scheme is giving people the opportunity this winter to pay less to travel by bus in West Sussex – and the whole of England. From now until 31st March, a single bus journey will cost no more than £2 on most routes under the Department for Transport's Help for Households funded Bus Fare Cap. Local participating companies include Brighton & Hove, Compass, Stagecoach, Metrobus and Southdown Buses.

West Sussex charity 4Sight Vision Support has a long-established recycling scheme which helps to raise funds to support blind and sight impaired residents across the county. Items include stamps and foreign currency collections; jewellery, watches, games consoles, cameras, tablets and mobile phones (any condition or age) and ink cartridges (not laser). They would even love to have your old car, as they have the resources to turn old cars into cash via auction or scrap. They will also welcome unwanted Christmas gifts. Call 01243 828555 or send an email to: fundraising@4sight.org.uk.

West Sussex Libraries are inviting everyone to read for pleasure in 2023 and share a love of books by taking part in a Reading Challenge. The February challenge is to read a book that has been adapted for the screen. So whether you have always wanted to get around to reading Lord of the Rings or want to read the books connected with recent film adaptions such as Where the Crawdads Sing, Death on the Nile or Mrs Harris Goes to Paris, now’s your chance. You can join as an individual reader, as a reading group or why not take on the challenge as a family? For more information pop into your local library or visit www.arena.westsussex.gov.uk/westsussex-libraries-reading-challenge-2023.

Family history buffs can now access the Sussex electoral registers free of charge on the Ancestry website either at the West Sussex Record Office in Chichester or at your local West Sussex Library. You will need to register for an Archives Card at www.archivescard.com. The West Sussex Record Office also holds a range of talks and events around the subject. Search online or call 01243 753602.

The new West Sussex Lane Rental Scheme (WSLRS), which came into force on 1 December 2022, allows the council to require payment of charges by promoters of street and road works for the time their works are in place. The scheme applies to selected roads, not the whole of the county. The focus will be on areas where roadworks will cause the highest levels of disruption, which currently equates to around 10% of the county’s roads. Different charges apply depending on the type of work being undertaken and how disruptive the works will be.

A new secondary school for children living in the Burgess Hill area has been given the green light with planning permission. West Sussex County Council and co-applicant Homes England’s plans to create a zero-carbon school were approval by Mid Sussex District Council’s planning committee on 15 December 2022. The ambitious design will allow the school to generate its own renewable energy on site without using any fossil fuels. It aims to be the first school in West Sussex to achieve “Passivhaus certification”, the highest standard of energy efficiency a building can reach, and offer excellent educational facilities to 900 local children Meanwhile the much older facilities at Steyning Grammar School’s (SGS) Shooting Fields and Rock Road sites - home to around 2,000 students - continue to creak at the seams with the latest issue of parent Bohunt’s BET News magazine reporting that details of new funding to renew the facilities have yet to be agreed by the Department for Education.

Charity & Community News

Storrington Conservation Society

The planned work on 7th January at Chantry Hill to clear scrub from this valuable chalk grassland site had to be cancelled due to the weather. On 6th February SCS meets at 10am at Dyke Farm to plant more shrubs and trees to improve biodiversity there. As usual, allcomers welcome, share transport where possible. For information about this and other activities, or on becoming a member, (no subscription is required, donations welcome) get in touch with Chairman Mick Denness on 01903 745971, or visit their website www.storringtonconservation.org.uk

Mystery “Sow & Grow” trails launched

Calling all fans of trails and riddles, a series of new free puzzle trails have launched as part of the Mystery Trails in seven towns and villages across Horsham District, running from 3 January to 31st March. Starting at the Library in Billingshurst, Henfield, Horsham, Pulborough, Southwater, Steyning or Storrington, intrepid puzzlers can pick up a quest card and solve the mystery. With a botanic theme, the fantastic characters need your help to discover which

seeds are the favourite of each town Curator. Find the clue, solve the puzzle, return to the library, and you’ll receive your own pack of wildflower seeds to plant! Horsham District Mystery Trails are designed for families, young people and adults and make a fun group activity. Last month’s Sanctuary article

Dear Editor. Good to get a Sussex Local, what with the article on Vera's Sanctuary. But there are two corrections must be made!

1. Heath Common isn't on chalk: far from it, it's on Lower Greensand, which is why it was an uncultivated common; 2 Heath Common, with the Sanctuary, isn't in Storrington, but Washington - long live the difference! Robin Milner-Gulland (by email).

Editor note: Thanks for getting in touch. We asked Clive,the article author, who says thanks for correcting him on the soil but points out he said the Sanctuary is near Storrington, not in it!.

Stories to

Charity & Community News

Citizens Advice drop in sessions locally

Citizens Advice (CA) now offers advice sessions throughout Horsham District villages and towns. CA can help if you’re worried about a problem including the cost of living, benefits, debt, housing, employment, family relationships and much more. They can also help you work out whether you are entitled to any extra financial support, and offer emergency support for essential costs such as food and heating. They offer free, independent, confidential and impartial advice, and local sessions are:

Chanctonbury Leisure Centre, Storrington, alternate Fridays 10 till 12 (February 10th / 24th)

Pulborough Medical Centre, alternate Tuesdays 10 till 12 (February 14th /28th)

The Steyning Centre, alternate Wednesdays 10 till 12 (February dates 1st /15th)

Billingshurst Library, alternate Fridays 10 till 12 (February dates 3rd and 17th)

01403 944460 www.advicewestsussex.org.uk

Free one day business workshops

What are your business goals for 2023? Whether you're hoping to make more use of social media and video content, get to grips with the financial side or plan for growth, Horsham District Council has a free Business Training Programme course for you. The one-off workshops are all on single days and include topics such as videography, staff wellbeing, budget setting, recruitment and more. Search for Business Training at www.horsham.gov.uk.

Climate Action survey

Greening Steyning is running an online survey to find out what steps people are taking locally to cut their carbon footprints and help tackle climate change. It takes five minutes and is optionally anonymous. They are also looking for volunteers with wildlifefriendly gardens to open up their gates in June to help others who are thinking of doing the same.

www.greeningsteyning.org

Lasting Powers of Attorney

By Will Writer Emma Cohen MIPW

Life is full of surprises

I don’t often get the chance to sit down and watch much on the TV, but I recently delved head first into a couple of episodes of 24 hours in A&E. I realised 3 things - firstly, I’m not great with blood, secondly, our NHS staff do an incredible job under stressful situations and finally, none of us know what the future has in store. Whether it’s a freak accident or the decline in mental capacity, none of us know what’s around the corner. We speak to people daily about the conditions of Lasting Powers of Attorney, and there’s a common theme that most people think you only need one when you get old. My few hours of binge-watching demonstrated that life is full of surprises and if we want to make sure our best interests are future proofed, it’s worth investigating options before something happens.

What is a Lasting Powers of Attorney?

A Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) is a way of giving someone you trust, the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the mental capacity to do so. There are 2 types of LPA, one is based on financial situations including the sale of property and money management the other on the provision of health and care. They are not mutually exclusive and can be either planned together or written separately. It’s probably also worth pointing out that they are not linked to your Will and effectively the agreements die with you.

Why should I have an LPA?

The benefits of having an LPA in place are that you get to choose who makes your decisions if for any reason you no longer can. For many, there is certainly comfort in knowing that whatever awaits us, you have plans in place to make sure someone has your best interests at heart. Please do get in touch with me on 01903 821010 or email: emma.cohen@nsure.co.uk

Independently owned Funeral Directors in Storrington, bringing the best care and value, with kindness and compassion to families across Sussex and beyond. Visit us in our modern, inviting premises and we can chat through your options and discuss your wishes, allowing you to make choices that feel right for you.

You’re in safe hands…

Always available when you need us, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Penny Strachan Funeral Director

The Wellderness C.I.C

Improving people’s lives through nature by Lynn Smith

Founded in January 2021 by Matt Dumbleton and Mark Cropley, The Wellderness is a non-profit community interest company, bringing people together in nature for workshops, courses and events, to improve physical and mental wellbeing through wilderness rehabilitation.

The idea for The Wellderness came, Matt and Mark say, on the back of 2020 and lockdown. Both men, by separate routes, realised just how important the influence of nature and the outside world had been to their mental health and wellbeing during that unprecedented time.

Offering space for those essential parts of what helps our species thrive

Mark believes that COVID helped other people rediscover the joy of being outside too. “We were almost prisoners in our own homes and … one hour a day everyone went outside, and they discovered new places around them.”

Matt goes onto say, “Lockdown itself brought a pandemic of loneliness … a need to connect with each other. I mean, we’d been allowed to be outside but (not) outside with other people. We're social pack animals. The Wellderness … offers a space for those essential parts of what make our species thrive.”

These benefits have been validated by science; recent discoveries show that infra-red from a blazing fire and phytoncides, organic compounds produced by trees, have beneficial effects on our bodies too.

Having met when they worked together at another CIC, (Dad La Soul), Matt and Mark began to share ideas for something they could do together that would make a difference to people’s lives. “Literally, we poured our brains out on to a notepad,” Matt says, “We knew we wanted to be a community interest company. We knew that it was about being not for profit … to be selfsupporting as much as possible.”

Having realised just how important the outdoors and nature was to them both, “The stars,” Matt says, “aligned … and wellbeing, wellness and the wilderness became The Wellderness.”

Working to create a 1,000-year legacy

The Wellderness is, Matt says, “Working to create a 1000-year legacy through three core principles

that hold up The Wellderness.” Which Mark lists as, “Reconnection to nature, new skills and experiences. It’s really important that we do stuff out in nature, but it's also important that we’re learning something new that we can take away and teach someone else.” Social connection is, he says, a vital component of the process. “We can go out and we can feel the benefits on our own, but the benefits are accelerated when we’re there as a community.”

To improve and positively affect the lives of 10 million people worldwide through wilderness rehabilitation and connection to nature

Currently The Wellderness operates in Wild Heart Hill in Findon, Furzefield Campsite in Dappers Lane, Angmering and Streamside Campsite over in Lancing. There are also, volunteering days in and around the South Downs National Park and beach cleans on Worthing beach.

Next year, The Wellderness is hoping to expand further, with permission granted by Friends of Hurtwood, in Surrey, for them to use the woodland with a small donation, which has been put forward by a business local to the area.

This brings us to what’s next for the Wellderness and how the company’s expansion will be accommodated. Currently, Matt and Mark host all of the organisation’s events and, Mark says, there will come a point when this is no longer possible. “So, I think the next stage is to bring in people to run the already established groups

and then us to move on to set up the new groups.” Mark envisages developing a package for people to use, possibly through a licensing programme, enabling other The Welldernesses to be set up across the country - to become a “local national organisation.

The Wellderness would also like, “Land to call home,” Matt says. Possibly on a long term lease, with The Wellderness community working with a landowner to help manage the land, or even through their own land purchase, eventually.

Providing access for adults and children – avoiding a disconnect from nature

So, is there a target audience for The Wellderness’ services?

Matt says. “At a structural level now, schools have outdoor learning as part of their curriculum. The world is waking up to the fact that that nature's really beneficial and important for people and it's quite rightly working to build a deep connection between children and young people in the outdoors.”

Mark points out that there is a caveat - that no matter how deeply connected, the kids aren't going to access it (the outdoors) if the grownups

aren't inspired to support them accessing it. So the target audience has to be grownups.” He goes onto say that their classification of an adult is maybe over sixteen, i.e. school leaving age, as it’s at this age that children tend to lose their tie to nature.

Most people become more involved once they’ve attended something– a desire “to give something back to the organisation and share something with the community.”

The Wellderness also collaborates and partners with other groups and organisations, giving access to service users from different demographics whom they might not otherwise be able to reach. They are particularly keen to work with men’s groups – approximately seventy

percent of The Wellderness’ service users are female, and to make it easier for those of a lower socio-economic status to attend events, by providing a number of free tickets to each event, where possible. This model is made possible, Mark says, as premium events, like the recent Wim Hof Icebox event, command higher ticket process and generate sufficient income to cover the cost of a small number of free tickets. However, Matt says, they’re reluctant to put all of the costs onto ticket purchasers as they don’t want to put off those who might struggle to afford events. Having had previous experiences of CICs, both Matt and Mark are conscious of competition for funding and have been reluctant to make the organisation’s viability dependent upon community funding –although, Matt isn’t ruling out the possibility of funding applications in 2023. Currently, the organisation is supported by a team of Volunteers and by, Funders and Supporters, who make it possible for The Wellderness to continue its work.

Queen’s Green Canopy Tree of Trees

Between October 2021 and March 2022, The Wellderness community planted 1,100 trees in the South Downs National Park and in October last year, The Wellderness announced that it had

been chosen as custodians of one of the trees from the Queen’s Green Canopy Inititative. This honour was celebrated at Wild Heart Hill Campsite on 26th November, in a special tree planting event attended by Lady Emma Barnard, the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, and local dignitaries. The Wellderness is also keen to fund -raise with other organisations whose ideas align with its own core principles. In September they joined the “Waterproofs and Wellies” campaign via the Outdoor Guide Foundation, raising money to put waterproof clothing kits into primary schools.

Contact: The Wellderness C.I.C, A2 Yeoman Gate, Yeoman Way, Worthing BN13 3QX Tel: 07818 414 758 www.thewellderness.org.uk

Flavoursome overnight oats

A healthy breakfast to keep you fuelled for the day

Ingredients - Serves 1

• 1 medium banana, mashed

• 4 ‘Cocoa Loco’ dark chocolate buttons, roughly chopped

• 125ml ‘Susana & Daughters’ kefir milk

• 1 tsp Sussex honey

• 40g jumbo oats

• ½ tsp ‘Carla’s seasoning’ ground cinnamon

• 1 tbsp chia seeds

• 3 walnuts, roughly chopped

Method

1. Combine the mashed banana with the chopped chocolate, honey, cinnamon, mix well.

2. To the banana mixture, add the kefir, oats, and chia seeds, mix well.

3. Pour into a jam jar, top with walnuts and refrigerated for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight before enjoying.

Hollies Top Tips-

• Double the recipe to make enough for a couple days ahead to save time.

• Why not swap the banana with grated apple and switch the dark chocolate for mixed vine fruits, swop honey for peanut butter or sub kefir with oat milk? Overnight oats are so di- verse and a perfect way to start the day.

Find all ingredients at the Village Larder and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more weekly meal inspiration - @village_larder

www.villagelarder.co.uk

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Sta on Road, Pulborough, RH20 1AH

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Sussex Walks - February 2023

These walks are supported by Horsham District Council & Chichester District Council and are led by volunteers. If the weather is poor the walk may be cancelled.

IMPORTANT: You must pre-book the Chichester DC “Heart Smart” walks (90 mins+) up to 7 days in advance on www.chichester.gov.uk/heartsmart or call 01243 521041 There is no need to book the Horsham Council walks but for more details see: www.horsham.gov.uk/sport-and-leisure/walking/wellbeing-walks

Horsham District Council - Weekly Walks

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

Every Mon 10:45am North Heath Horsham 2 miles

A gentle walk around the North Heath area riverside. Refreshment and toilets in pub

or 75 mins

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

Every Wed

Suitable for all. Dogs on leads welcome. Friendly group and stop for a coffee at The Pavilion Centre

Meet at bandstand in Carfax (RH12 1FD) Emmy 01403 255517 or Doreen 01403 230293

Every Wed & Sun

Heritage

Find out about the hidden history of this old and interesting town with an experienced guide Meet: Horsham Museum, Causeway

Walk around Billingshurst‘s footpaths or Jubilee Fields. Stay for coffee afterwards. Dogs on leads

at Billingshurst Library, Mill Lane, RH14 9JZ

Gentle walk around Chesworth Farm or Denne Hill; no styles or steep hills. Suitable for all.

St Marys Church, Horsham

Chichester District Council

Wed

Tobutt 01403 260783

Walking up through Houghton Forest and back along the South Downs Way with panoramic views

Meet: Whiteways Car Park, BN18 9FD. New car parking charges

A circular walk to Chanctonbury Ring hill fort and return via Washington village with some steep gradients.

Meet: Opposite site of Frankland Arms pub, RH20 4AL Wed

Along dunes and beach to Climping Mill, then across fields to Ferry Road and Rope Walk to the Yacht Club. Refreshments are available at the Yacht Club on the return

Meet: Arun Yacht Club Car Park, Littlehampton, BN17 5DL Thurs

A walk up Harsfold Lane over the Wey & Arun Canal to Lee Place then via bridleways and footpaths to Lordings Lock. A walk with uphill and downhill parts, 6 stiles, 1 fence. No dogs sorry

Meet: Park at the green in the laybys Sun

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

Meet: National Trust car park, Dukes Road, Slindon Tue 21st 10.30am

A mainly flat walk through woods and meadows

Meet: Car park in the woods at the Dover BN18 9PX

hrs

Pension planning

By Oliver Suter DipPFS, financial adviser

The New Year is where we set goals for the future, so what should you consider when setting your retirement goals?

When do you want to retire?

Many people consider retirement at state pension age. The government are increasing the state pension age to 67 by 2028 and further increases are planned. If you want to retire sooner, consider pension contributions.

How much income is needed in retirement?

The state pension is currently £185.15 per week. For many, this is not enough to support their desired lifestyle. To spend more in retirement, consider pension contributions.

How much should you invest?

Once you’ve answered the above questions, you can predict how much you need to contribute.

Have you reviewed your investments?

Investment performance has a huge impact on your retirement pot. Regular reviews ensure you are on track to achieve your goals.

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

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

Investment solutions group photo

No one is perfect all the time!

By health coach & trainer Heather Smith

Do you find life pulls you off course on your healthy eating plan and exercise routine?

Having to repeatedly pick yourself up from the same start point over and over again is a really disheartening cycle to find yourself in, and it is no surprise that at some point so many people think 'what's the point in trying'.

What I'd love you to know is that you don't have to have everything figured out in order to move forward and achieve what you want to achieve.

I love the phrase "eat your elephant one bite at a time". It means don't get overwhelmed by the length of the journey ahead of you; just go one day at a time and make the best decisions you can on that day.

With the best will in the world, things will go wrong sometimes and when they do, you have a turning point. How will you react? Will you figure

out how to get through in the best way you can, or will you throw the towel in and give up?

There is no magical secret which you don't know. Everyone has problems, everyone is rushed off their feet sometimes, everyone lacks knowledge or practice at achieving their goals, everyone gets derailed with an injury - etc. You can choose to not let any of these things pull you off course any more than is necessary. Things don't have to be either all or nothing. You can choose a middle ground - and that can still lead to success!

Remember consistency is more important than perfection

Do your best, be good enough and also realise that is it totally fine just to coast for a while until you are ready to move forward again. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good! You can always make progress, even if things are not as perfect as you would like them to be. www.fitbiztraining.co.uk

•

Senior Fitness can be done standing or seated, Senior Flexibility requires participants to be able to get down to the floor

Fun & fitness in Storrington Win unlimited access to Chanctonbury Leisure Centre for 3 months

• Junior Gym for ages 11+

• GP Exercise on Referral Initiative

• 25+ Group Exercise Classes per week including Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Circuits and Les Mills

• Sauna, Steam and Salt Rooms

This month we are offering you the opportunity to win one of four 3-month memberships to the Chanctonbury Leisure Centre, Storrington. Each membership will provide you with unlimited access to the gym, sauna and steam rooms and all group exercise classes. As part of your membership you will also receive an induction, body composition analysis and a personal training session every month and, if that was not enough, access to all of their Community Recreation sessions including badminton, short tennis, pickleball, table tennis and walking football.

• 60+ Station Gym with support provided by a fantastic team of instructors

• 5 Badminton Courts

• Weekly sessions in all sports including racquet

Chanctonbury Leisure Centre is located in the Storrington Recreation Ground. The Centre is a registered charity and is run for the benefit of the local community. Since opening under new management the Centre has gained the reputation of being the friendliest and most accommodating facility for health and wellbeing in the area. The Centre aims to cater for everyone and offers facilities and services including:-

• Free Creche

• Opportunities for those returning to exercise including Gentle Fit Classes delivered by a Physiotherapist

Membership to access all of the above costs less than £10 per week and there are also Pay As You Go options available.

Please visit www.chanctonburyleisure.co.uk or call 01903 681220 for more information.

Win a 3-month unlimited access membership to Chanctonbury Leisure Centre

To enter answer the following question: Q: How many group classes run a week? a) 15 b) 20 c) 25+

Send your answer and contact details to: Chanctonbury Community Leisure Centre Competition,POBox2237,Pulborough,RH209AH or you can enter online at: www.sussexlocal.net/ features/competitions Winner drawn after 28th February 2023. Please indicate if you wish to remainonourmailinglist.

Maintaining hormonal balance

The different types of hormones by Clare Gale

Hormones aren’t just about Menopause or PMT With hormones, we tend to think about menstruation, menopause or reproduction. However, every aspect of health is driven by hormones.

The more commonly known ones include the pancreatic polypeptide - a hormone produced by the pancreas and is involved in digestion. Often called the “sleep hormone,” melatonin promotes healthy rest and regulates circadian rhythm. The main hormones for happiness are Dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin.

If you don't feel quite right, it could be a hormone imbalance. Achieving a good balance depends on individual circumstance so advice differs for each person, however natural solutions to help restore balance include nutritional supplements, dietary changes and herbal remedies.

Problems caused by hormonal imbalance

I saw Miss M in my Storrington clinic who struggled with weight, felt lethargic and depressed. After an initial consultation and analysis we identified the areas of concern and she was put on a

herbal remedy to help re-balance her hormones. After 8 weeks, she’d lost weight and the analysis showed her nutritional levels had improved and her hormones were within the normal range.

If you struggle with fatigue, weight, lethargy or other symptoms, book a free no obligation phone call to discuss how I can help get you back on track.

Clare Gale: 07717 281604 / www.uknaturalhealthclinics.com

•

In Your Garden

Monthly gardening ideas & tasks by

Andrew Staib of Glorious Gardens

February is an important month for your garden. It is the last month where there are not absolutely urgent tasks, yet if these February jobs are not completed you will be chasing your tail for the rest of the year. It is the great set up month, and if you put the hours in, you will ride the wave for the rest of the year.

We have had a very mild winter so already plants are beginning to shoot and bulbs are up even earlier this year.

Clearance

In order to allow space for new or dormant plants to thrive, a full scale clearing and cutting back is needed. Once this is achieved you will be able to see where to plan new beds, create a planting scheme and perhaps put in some stronger evergreen structural interest that will create a powerful contract to the froth and colour of Spring and Summer.

If you are going to design a new bed, or get help with a garden designer, now is the last time you’ll be guaranteed availability!

Firstly, this is the month to clear away all the old leaves you were leaving in the beds for wildlife, gathering up piles and relocating them to corners of your garden and under shrubs where they can’t be seen. Old seed heads and perennials, now pretty much eaten and cleaned out by birds and the weather, can be cut to ground level. Deciduous ornamental grasses can also be shorn to ground level and composted. Evergreen grasses like Anamanthela lessoniana and the Carexes can be thinned out and trimmed if necessary. The old foliage of perennials like old Aquilegia and any brown or yellowing leaves of Hellebore leaves take be stripped out to allow

more light for new growth. Sedums can be pruned to ground level.

Pruning

Shrubs like Dogwood, Willow and Cotinus can be strongly pruned back, even to 40cm from ground level depending on the new height you need it to attain this year. Dogwood can even be pruned all the way to the ground.

The famous Buddlea pruning is also done now and you can be as rigorous as you like with these.

Most winter flowering plants, like Viburnum bodnantense, Mahonia and Jasmine nudiflorum can be strongly pruned back once they have finished flowering, and climbers such as Wisteria, Grape and Climbing Roses can be cut back to two buds from the main leader or structural stems. The Clematis in your garden that flower after June can be pruned hard back now, the ones that flower before June just need a light trim now- if at all. In general, Group 1 Clematis only need a light touch tidy up eg Alpina, Macopetala and Montana, Group 2 more of an intelligent prune and Group 3 a vigorous prune as these latter will flower later on in the year.

Any deciduous hedges can be pruned hard back now before birds start setting up their nests and autumn fruiting raspberries can be taken right

February - Invest now for summer returns

back to the ground. Fuchsias can be taken back- normally I just prune them with big shears into the shape I want them to begin new growth from. You will need to assess how robust a plant they are in order not to clobber so much they won’t Spring back.

Evergreen shrubs and hedges can be pruned now.

Last chance to prune apple and pears, as well as give them a good feed of potash around their roots. Hygranges can be reduced up to a half with some old craggy stems removed from the base.

Moving and planting

This is the last time shrubs and trees can be moved around the garden now if they have become too big or you need the space for other plants. It is surprising how good the success rate can be if you manage to dig out a good proportion

of the root ball. We moved many huge shrubs and trees last year and so far haven’t lost one.

Perennials of course can be moved or split in half to get an extra one to give away or replant.

There is still time to plant bare root trees, shrubs and hedges. These are cheaper than pot grown plants and sometimes take to the new conditions more quickly.

Large Garden Design Gale Tree Consultancy

Seeds

Once you have cleared your garden, you can start preparing designated areas for vegetables, annuals or new perennial and shrub planting. Creating a fine tilth in your vegetable beds will set you up for the first seed rows to plant at the end of this month. You can get ahead of the game by bringing on seeds in your greenhouse or lean-to: Ammi major, Marigolds and Cerinthe major as well as runner beans, french beans, carrots, beetroot and spinach. If you have a frost free warm pocket in your garden you can start to chit potatoes ready for planting out early. If you experienced a lot of blight recently, try the Sarpo varieties.

Hardy plants like kale can even be sown directly into the soil now.

As well as seeds, clumps of snowdrop bulbs can be divided after flowering to help multiply your collection and summer/autumn flowering bulbs like Gladioli, Nerines and Dahlias can be ordered online now, or bought from a nursery. You can also force Rhubarb now.

Protection

Fruit trees can be protected with cloche to keep the frost away from tender blossoms. Your soil

can be kept moist and considerably weed free this year by applying a thick bark mulch (not too thick that your bulbs can’t emerge) and tender seeds can be covered with horticultural fleece to keep them warmer.

Wakehurst garden launched it’s Winter Garden two years ago with 33,000 plants in unusual bold combinations, so if you need some late winter inspiration that’s the place to visit. You will need to book a time slot ticket and it is open from 10-4pm. Arundel Castle will have its usual large Tulip display in March/April.

For more information please call sales:

Where to go in February - Garden inspiration

Don’t forget your home this Valentine’s!

By Nick Roberts RMR Group

Our homes are like the perfect partner - come rain or shine, they show us love every day of the year. But it’s important to remember that they too can get a little tired and run down. Thankfully though, all they require is often just a little love in return to spruce up the relationship, and what better month is there than February!

New habits such as working from home mean that we need them more than ever before, and with that extra dynamic, existing layouts can become unsuitable or too small. However, between bathroom and kitchen renovations to knocking through walls or even extending, the right changes can transform the way your home helps day-to-day life.

But with the huge variety of options available comes the equivalent number of mistakes that can be made. The key here is to find the right architect who can help you find the right solution.

Simple changes to your home may end up being far more cost effective than moving to a large property, and it’s that experience that is invaluable.

Architects will also be able to determine if planning permission is required, help obtain permission, and guide you through ideas, designs, structural calculations and building regulations. That’s why we always recommend forming a relationship (don’t tell your partner!) with the right architect, one that loves what they do. They hold your hand through the entire process, and your home will be left blushing. With so much to take onboard, having the right team on your side is essential. The right team will be able to both save you money and provide the quality service you expect. So, for this Valentines, don’t forget to give your home some love and attention, your home deserves it.

www.robertsmillerredshaw.com

Prize Crossword

Win a £30 voucher for a meal at The Crown Inn

December 2022 solution below:

Across

1 Big banger? (1-4)

4 Mexico's national flowers (7)

8 Not appropriately (7)

9 Red cosmetic (5)

10 Couples often have them at the bank (5,8)

11 Former English gold coins (6)

13 First stage (5,1)

16 Narrator's opening words (4,4,1,4)

18 Get ready to pray (5)

19 British East African capital, once (7)

20 Old French bagpipe (7)

21 Faux pas (5)

Down

1 Ivory Coast metropolis (7)

2 Animal with striped legs (5)

3 Face the music (4,3,6)

4 Theatrical mist source (3,3)

5 Not likely to catch things very well (4,2,7)

6 Tropical American lizards (7)

7 Technical requirements (5)

12 Angels, in Theatreland (7)

14 Banished (2,5)

15 "Lost in France" singer

Tyler (6)

16 Fibre from old rope (5)

17 One way to score at billiards (2-3)

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

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

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

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

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

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

December anagram solution: PANTOMIME

Send the answer above to: Sussex Local Crossword, PO Box 2237 Pulborough, RH20 9AH or you can enter details online at our website www.sussexlocal.net/crosswords Closing date: 28th February 2023.

Award winning country pub with rooms

Win £30 voucher (on food only lunch or dinner)

Nr Horsham, RH13 8NH 01403 710902 www.crown-inn-dialpost.co.uk

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.

The UK Housing Market in 2023

Has the bubble burst?

Since the financial crisis of 2008, the housing market’s been on an upwards trend – pausing at the start of the pandemic. Has the bubble burst? The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors says high interest rates, falling house prices and a drop in demand have all had an impact. Estate agents report fewer enquiries each month since Sept 2022 and stock levels are at historic lows. If interest rates and living costs increase, the Bank of England predicts the number of houses struggling to pay mortgages could rise to levels unseen since 2008. At the end of 2022, Lloyds forecast a 9% fall in the market, Capital Economics a 12% fall and Credit Suisse a 15% fall.

Is it all gloom and doom?

Knight Frank forecast a fall of 5% in house prices in 2023 and 24 before returning to growth. They believe shortage of homes, sensible loan-to -value lending and low unemployment rate will keep prices stable and repossessions low.

Zoopla believe people’s motivation to move won’t change. Buyers look for more space, a

Property of the month

home office and what’s cheaper to heat and run.

“The housing market in 2023 mainly looks set to be one of readjustment as we return to normal levels of mortgage rates.”

What about first time buyers?

First-time buyers could benefit from the turmoil. In the Sept 2022 Mini Budget, the Government increased the threshold for Stamp Duty to £425k for first time buyers.

No-one truly knows how much prices will fall by. You could be waiting ages for them to hit rock-bottom. You could ride out the predicted downturn by staying home for 3 years. Putting down a large deposit reduces chances of being in negative equity. Firsttime buyers may have more advantage for quick sales as there’s no chain to hold up the process.

Helen Say, freelance copywriter

2 Holly Close, Storrington, RH20 4PD £359,950

An attractive two bedroom terraced home situated within this highly regarded cul-de-sac close to the village centre. Accommodation comprises: sitting room/dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, ground floor cloakroom, two double bedrooms and a re-fitted family shower room. Outside there are well kept lawned gardens to the front and a private easily maintained rear garden and a garage in nearby small block.

Contact Fowlers: 01903 745844

Not sure of your next move? The advice we offer is always impartial and based only on what’s best for you. Our friendly teams of specialists have all the local knowledge you need to help you make your next step the right one.

We’ve been here before and you can count on us to get results – we’ve proven it for over thirty years.

Request

Traditional values & local knowledge

Batcheller Monkhouse Estate Agents, Pulborough

A combination of traditional values, local knowledge and outstanding customer service has given the Batcheller Monkhouse Pulborough office an enviable reputation in Estate Agency across this stunning countryside.

The thriving land and farms department is headed by the well respected and renowned Russell Parkes, who has lived and worked in West Sussex all his life. He is ably assisted by Edward Sergeant who recently joined the company and lives in the centre of Pulborough.

The residential side of the business is in the competent hands of Ross Attwood, who has over thirty years’ experience in selling a broad range of homes throughout Surrey and West Sussex.

“Along with the rest of the team, I take a pride in my local knowledge,” Ross explained. “West Sussex has amazing countryside, good transport links, great schools

and a huge range of recreational and sporting amenities, and it helps that we can share personal knowledge of those things.”

“We take the same level of care with every property we sell and work closely with the vendors to maximise the chance of selling their home quickly and for the best possible price.”

That unbeatable customer service has earned Batcheller Monkhouse an excellent reputation which continues to grow and has resulted in a considerate amount of repeat business. “We often find ourselves selling homes on behalf of vendors who bought from us a number of years ago,” Ross said. “They trust us to sell what is often their most valuable asset because they remember how well we handled their purchase.”

If you are thinking of selling please get in touch with Ross Attwood on 01798 872081 or email r.attwood@batchellermonkhouse.com

RossAttwood

Storrington neighbourhood wardens

Local charity - Wholesome Warehouse in Storrington

We would like to bring everyone’s attention to the wonderful work of a local charity. The Wholesome Warehouse supports families and individuals by providing them with healthy and personalised food boxes, the contents of which are donated to them. A group of volunteers then work to sort and distribute the boxes to those in need. They can also provide furniture and host meals, events, and workshops. We were lucky enough to spend a morning earlier on in the year filling up the boxes alongside the volunteers. Their enthusiasm and passion to help people is just incredible. So much thought goes into the boxes to ensure that those receiving them not only have what is needed, but whenever possible, they include a treat, so a little bit of joy is in there too.

Simon and Lucinda, who run the Wholesome Warehouse, told us that due to cost-of-living pressures, they are seeing a reduction in the number

of items being donated. They always welcome food products but we found that the items that they struggle the most to obtain are toiletries, sanitary products, cleaning products and pet foods. These are all essential items and make such a difference to the people who receive them.

We were very fortunate to be able to acquire £560 funding from the charity Make A Difference Locally (MADL), which we spent on buying the hard-to-get-items for the Wholesome Warehouse to use. Thank you to all involved with making this happen and the Nisa garage for helping us with the shopping!

If you would like to find out more, please visit www.thewholesomewarehouse.com. They are situated on West Street behind South Downs Bikes, Storrington.

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

St Mary’s C of E Primary School, Washington

Nativity & residential trip

Children in EYFS and KS1 showcased the nativity with their production of Prickly Hay: a nativity hoedown! Every pupil took part and the children were incredible both on stage and off! Whether it be acting, singing or helping with props, they learnt their lines, sang impeccably and worked really hard. They conveyed the story of Bethlehem, the census, the arrival of some very special visitors and how the miraculous events unfolded.

Storrington Primary School

2023 off to a great start!

New year, new term

Our children have enjoyed starting their new topics this term and have had a great week fully immersing themselves in their learning.

Year 5 children created silhouetted, multimedia Mosques, smelling and guessing spices and experiencing the sounds, smells and sights of a Baghdad market. They even had a go at bartering!

Year 2 children became expert ice scientists as they investigated ice and how it changes with different temperatures. They were fascinated and demonstrated great observational skills as they decided how to record the changes in ice.

Children’s groups and curriculum activities

This term sees more experiences planned as we ensure the children receive a broad curriculum. Our choir will attend the O2 in London to perform with thousands of choirs across the country. The many children's groups we run such as the equality group, school council and science ambassador group continue to ensure the school is at its best and different year groups will experience learning outside of school during weeks such as "Beyond the school gates," where children explore their surroundings and ways to enjoy it responsibly. www.storringtonprimary.co.uk

Nativity "Prickly Hay"

Tips to prevent invalidating your insurance

By Geoff Cudd, Find The Best Car Price

and some other dangerous conditions, but they need to be aware of a few loopholes in their insurance that could cause pain financially should they have an accident on the roads”

Not de-icing your car properly

If you fail to de-ice your car properly, it could invalidate your insurance especially if the police believe that the visibility potentially contributed to the accident in question.

Snow on the roof

Insurance loopholes for low temperatures

With temperatures plummeting, and commuters frantically sorting their vehicles out for a busy rush to work, Geoff Cudd from Find The Best Car Price has delved into a few insurance loopholes that drivers should bear in mind before setting off on their commute in the cold weather.

“Drivers up and down the country will naturally be nervous of the thought of driving on black ice

If there’s snow on your roof, this could also invalidate your insurance This is purely because the snow on your car can be hazardous if it goes flying off the roof during a drive.

Leaving your car whilst de-icing

Going indoors to warm up whilst de-icing. If someone was to steal your car with the ignition running, whilst you’re inside having a brew, you won’t be covered.

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Andrew Griffith MP

Member of Parliament for Arundel and South Downs

Extra funds for those hosting Ukrainian refugees

We continue to observe the tragic devastation caused by Putin’s unprovoked war in Ukraine. I commend the efforts made by the thousands of Sussex households who have welcomed Ukrainian refugees into the warmth of their homes. Indeed, the County is one of the most generous in the UK in the number of Ukrainian refugees safely housed here. In recognition of this, all hosts will receive an increased ‘thank you’ payment of £500 a month for guests who have been in the country for over a year. The ‘thank you’ payments to hosts will also be extended from 12 months to 2 years, so that our Ukrainian guests can remain where they are until the war ends – and we hope this outcome will come sooner rather than later.

Cap on bus fares for single journeys

In January the Department for Transport announced a cap on bus fares at £2 for single journeys until the end of March. This is excellent news for those who rely on and regularly use our

bus network, and most Sussex operators have signed up. This subsidy is part of the wider cost of living support provided by the Government.

Building regulations and ‘Project Gigabit’

Whilst we saw good progress on faster and more reliable broadband in 2022, some of the most rural households - those furthest from exchanges - continue to struggle with browsing speeds. Representing a rural constituency, I welcome the news that all new homes in England will be built with gigabit broadband connections. The Government has amended building regulations to ensure all new homes constructed in England must enjoy ‘lightning-fast’ gigabit broadband. This is in addition to upcoming funding for West Sussex from the £5 billion Project Gigabit to connect 68,000 households and businesses with superfast broadband. I am hopeful this will help to improve the battle-for-bandwidth in our homes.

Andrew Griffith MP for Arundel & South Downs

Andrew.Griffith.MP@parliament.uk

www.andrewgriffithmp.com

Ashington Parish Council

Neighbourhood wardens, youth club, Parish yard & land for Bellway

Neighbourhood wardens

The “coffee and chat” social group sessions held at The Red Lion, and run in association with AgeUK, continue to be a success. For those that have attended, there have been new friendships made. Undoubtedly these meet ups have been vital for social interaction and the mental wellbeing of our older village residents. £2 per session (unlimited tea/coffee), the next sessions will be 1.30-3pm, 13th February and 13th March.

Ashington youth club

The club continues to go from strength to strength, with an additional session recently added due to increased youth attendance. Hard work from the Youth Workers and volunteers has ensured a range of fun and engaging events and activities for the youth. Fund raising, grants and sponsorship has meant the club have been able to look to being more sustainable - they have proposed a reduction of approx. 23% in the financial support for Youth Worker costs required from the Parish Council in the coming year.

The Parish yard

One of the only income streams for the PC, we are keen to move the development of this site forward asap, to ensure the precept stays low, and so that we have sufficient income that we don’t need to eat into reserves earmarked for other expenditure. Currently we are obtaining quotes for clearance and basic surface levelling to enable rental for commercial use.

“Land west of Ashington School”

Bellway Homes held a public consultation regarding this development in early December. The PC will discuss the revised proposals at their January public meeting, although at a preconsultation viewing, Councillors did raise with Bellway that there were still significant deviations from the Neighbourhood Plan. Bellway will be looking to submit a planning application in early 2023, having taken into consideration the Parish Council’s comments and feedback from the public.

www.ashingtonpc.org.uk

Thakeham Parish Council

Update for February 2023

Village Hall

The Hall has weekday daytime and evening availability for regular hirers. Please contact the Hall managers on 01798 815 467 or email info@thakehamvillagehall.co.uk.

Parish councillor vacancies

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

Roads

Please report any road safety issues you spot direct to WSCC Highways via the website: www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/

Community facilities – Abingworth allotments

The new allotments are due be delivered mid2023 and the waiting list for plots is still open –contact the Clerk.

More at: www.thakehamparish.co.uk/allotment

Recycling

The Sussex Green Living recycling bin is available outside the Village Hall every weekday 9.30am11.30am. For details of what materials are accepted, please check the poster on the front door of the Hall or visit our website.

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.

Thakeham community fridge

Help reduce food waste by making use of produce that would have been heading for the bin because it is too close to its sell by date, the packaging might be slightly damaged or the supermarket has surplus stock! Look out for posts on the Thakeham Community Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/ thakehamparish

Local groups

Thakeham Gardeners Club are holding their first meeting for 2023 on 13th February. The speaker for the evening is Mark Saunders and he will be discussing Vegetables. The monthly meetings are held in the Chesswood Room at Thakeham Village Hall. Doors open at 7pm and the meeting starts at 7:30pm. For more details contact Gil Quince on 01798 812748.

Thakeham Short Mat Bowls Club meets at the Village Hall on Monday evenings and we welcome new members. Come and learn something new. Email barbara.weir@uwclub.net for more information.

Thakeham Bellringers seek new recruits to join them for regular ringing at St Mary’s church. See our website or contact Christine Hounslow (01798 815993).

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

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

Washington Parish Council

Council news & updates for residents

Report from Washington Parish Council. From the Chairman, Cllr Patrick Heeley.

Rampion 2 Cable Pipeline Route

In our response to the first Rampion 2 public consultation, following the outcome from a public meeting in Washington in September 2021, we pointed out that whilst the parish council fully supports the increased use of wind power, the chosen onshore cable route through the centre of Washington and underneath the recreation ground is not acceptable to local people. The energy company RWE were asked to look again at their original first choice of routing which ran south of the village.

However, it appears that no further research has been conducted into finding alternatives and they have pressed ahead regardless. In a second public consultation last October, the company released details of new proposed construction access roads to the cable route, coming off the A283 directly opposite the junction of Hampers Lane and near the junction of Georges Lane. Additionally, up to three construction compounds are proposed in the area around Rock Common Quarry, which would add significant lorry movements to the already overstretched A283 and Washington Roundabout. The council’s response to this second consultation may be viewed on the website.

Rock Common Quarry

The restoration of the quarry after sand winning is subject to a planning application under consideration by West Sussex County Council. A significant number of public responses were received during the initial public consultation, and the applicants have now produced a response with further clarifications and comments.

By far the largest concern expressed by respondents was the impact of traffic, with a predicted 300-500 daily lorry movements being generated to infill the quarry with inert material. As mentioned above, should the Rampion compounds go ahead in the same area, there could be an intolerable level of additional traffic generated by two projects running simultaneously in this area. The parish council has highlighted this in a further response, together with further questions relating to the data provided and any potential water contamination from the quarry into the

local water course. A key question relates to the future availability of sufficient inert waste, which could potentially expand the period of infill for many years. The parish council’s latest response can be viewed on the website.

Parish Council Precept 2023/24: No Increase

Parish Councils are partly funded through a small contribution within your council tax. Recognising the current pressure on household costs, councillors unanimously agreed to again freeze the level of the parish precept charge with no increase in the 2023/24 financial year. The Washington parish precept has only been increased once during the past 10 years, and at £38.22 per “Band D” household, our precept is amongst the lowest in the Horsham District. As a parish council with a neighbourhood plan, we have benefitted from increased contributions from planning developments which are subject to a community infrastructure levy, of which the council receives 25%. This will enable increased community investment in the coming years.

Annual Parish Meeting

Following the cancellation of last year’s planned Autumn meeting due to the extended period of mourning following Queen Elizabeth II’s death, we are pleased to confirm that this year’s meeting will go ahead on Friday 10th March at the Washington Village Memorial Hall, 7.30pm. Andrew Griffith MP has been invited once again to be our guest speaker, and there will be an opportunity to discuss the above and other topics of concern to residents of Washington, Heath Common and Millford Grange. Refreshments will be served during and after the meeting. We hope you can join us.

Parish Councillor Vacancies

We have councillor vacancies for co-option in the Washington and Heath Common Wards. Councillors are volunteers and there’s no political affiliation. If you want to support your community and have a say in matters that affect our area, contact the Clerk for more information and an application form on clerk@washingtonparish.org.uk or 0777 6771921. www.washingtonparish.org.uk

Storrington & Sullington Parish Council Planning Applications

Edited extracts from draft minutes of Planning and Development Committee meeting 15th Dec 2022. Applications awaiting comment - DC/22/2141Greenacres, Hurston Lane - Previous application DC/18/2744 (demolish dwelling and erect 6 residential dwellings with detached garages. All matters reserved except access and layout). Access road layout leaves way for unacceptable further development at later stage. Houses aren’t property size Storrington needs or in suitable location. Responses from nearby properties object to application and support views. Impartial source requests impact proposed boreholes would have on Hardham water supply. Agreed: Comment of strong objection be sent to HorshamDistrict Council (HDC)

SDNP/22/04932/HOUS - Waterfall Cottage, Chantry Lane - Remove lean-to and erect replacement side extension with pitched roof. Remove outbuilding and erect replacement shed. Replace rooflights and install 2 rooflights in line and 1 roof light in east elevation. Replace windows with slim line double glazed timber. Create driveway turning space, plant hedge, erect fence along south

boundary and reinforce retaining wall along east of garden. Internal modifications and associated works. Property will benefit from works. Provided materials keep with Listed Building, Council support application. Questioned if removing Georgian glazing bars from windows would remove character of property. Agreed: Comment of no objection be sent to HDC. WSCC/028/21 - Rock Common Quarry - Received Notice under Regulation 25 of submission of further information and evidence respecting an environmental statement. Application concerns winning, working and processing of sand, importing inert classified engineering and restoration material, stockpiling and treating imported material, placing imported material in quarry void and quarry restoration and landscaping. Council concern is traffic. Current condition requiring all vehicles to use A24 should remain. Impact of Rampion proposal to be considered as they plan to use Rock Quarry for compounds. Washington will be affected by proposal, decided to wait for Jan Meeting to hear opinions before submitting comment. www.storrington-pc.gov.uk