Sussex Local Magazine - Storrington JANUARY 2023

HELLO!

Welcometo2023and hopefullysomerespitefromthe turbulenceofthepastcouple ofyears.

Asisourtradition,theJanuary issuehasalargerhealthand wellbeingfeature.Ifthelast fewyearshavetaughtus anything,it’stheimportanceof lookingafterourownphysical andmentalhealthand wellbeingsowecanalsohelp thosearoundus.Itmaybe coldoutsidebutawalkwith like-mindedpeoplecanbea realtonic.Thereareguided walkstakingplaceinourarea mostdaysandwehavea dedicatedpageoflistings. Beinghomelessiswretchedbut evenmoresointhecolder, darkermonths.Brightoncharity SussexNightspotprovidesa vitalservicehelpingtohouse youngpeoplewithvettedhost familiesintheircommunity. “Gardensarefourdimensional”says horticulturalistAndrewStaib. Findouthowtodesignyour gardenfromtherootsupand makethemostofthespace. Don’tforgetwearehappyto printcharityandcommunity information,newsandevents forfree.

HappyNewYear!

Kris&Jeff

USSEX

andsurroundings–

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addresses SOUTHWATER andsurroundings– 7,100 addresses STORRINGTON andsurroundings– 6,611 addresses

What’s On - January 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 February events to be put on website - 4th January

BUSINESS

02/01/2023 12:00 PM Sussex Innovation Networking events A series of events launched aimed at local businesses & entrepreneurs. The University of Sussex Business School Brighton BN1 9SN Free. University of Sussex Business School: exteng@sussex.ac.uk

CHARITY

18/01/2023 2:00 PM Friends of the South Downs Zoom Webinar with George Monbiot How can we be effective in the issues facing our environment? Zoom £10 Gill 01798 875073 enquiries@friendsofthesouthdowns.org.uk friendsofthesouthdowns.org.uk/public-events/ 20/02/2023 11:00 AM 'Promise of Snowdrop' at Denmans Gardens Denmans Garden Visit and Talk at Denmans Gardens in Fontwell BN18 0SU Lucy Ashworth 01243 572433 office@snowdroptrust.com

CHILDREN'S EVENTS

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

CLUBS & SOCIETIES

2nd Jan & 6th Feb 8:00 PM Felpham Singles

Social Club Social club for widowed, separated or divorced of mature age. monthly The George Inn Bognor Regis PO22 7PL Free/donations Anne Cook 01243 821530 anniecook555@yahoo.co.uk www.felphamsingles.yolasite.com

5th Jan & 2nd Feb 6:45 PM Comic book club Novels aimed at adults including literary adaptations, biography, history, journalism, travelogue, memoir, politics etc monthly Private house Barnham PO22 0EF Free. Contact Paul Wilson: paulw21erin@gmail.com 7th Jan & 4th Feb 10:30 AM Parkinson's Support Group in Washington Support group for people with Parkinson's and their families Washington Village Memorial Hall RH20 4AP £2 Gillian Chard 01903 746871 gillian.chard@btinternet.com 09/01/2023 7:30 PM Every Monday, and Wednesday and Friday West Chiltington Table Tennis Club West Chiltington Village Hall hosts Table Tennis Club three days of the week West Chiltington Village Hall RH20 2PZ Ron Ladley ronfayeladley@hotmail.co.uk 09/01/2023 7:30 PM Pulborough Meadows WI January 2023 Meeting A friendly, small group who meet every second Monday of the month at Pulborough Village Hall RH20 2BF Mary Walker 07920 326000 mary.walker50@gmail.com 13/01/2023 3:00 PM Rosehill Book Club New members welcomed to this small, friendly club Rosehill Book Club Pulborough RH20 4NL Carol Davison carol953@hotmail.co.uk 18th Jan & 15th Feb 7:30 PM Sullington Windmills WI A friendly group of around 60 ladies, meet monthly on the third Wednesday of each month. Parish Hall Sullington RH20 3PP Erika Brichta erikabrichta@hotmail.co.uk sullingtonwindmills.org/ 19/01/2023 11:00 AM South Downs Probus Club in Findon Monthly Club Lunch for retired gentlemen to make new friends and enjoy trips and events in Storrington area. The Black Horse Findon BN14 0SX Don Johnston 01903 740904 donjohnston@btinternet.com 25/01/2023 2:30 PM Storrington Flower Club Affiliated to NAFAS. Welcome new members and visitors. Sullington Parish Hall RH20 3PP £6 01903 742102 chrissyldesmond@gmail.com

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

Every Sun (except b/holidays) 11:00 AM West Chiltington Sunday badminton club meets weekly on Sundays from 11AM to 1PM at West Chiltington Village Hall Pulborough RH20 2PZ Vivian Jones vmjones18@hotmail.co.uk

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 Contact Louise: louisekaiser4807@gmail.com

Every Wed 7:00 PM Worthing Short Mat Bowls Club Short Mat Bowls Club in Worthing play every Wednesday St. Andrews School Worthing BN14 8BG Contact Betty Potts: bobetty_highsalvington@yahoo.co.uk worthingshortmatbowls.weebly.com

Every Thurs 10:30 Thakeham Table Tennis Club playing for fun and exercise with coaching available. Thakeham Village Hall RH20 3GP andytttc@gmail.com thakehamtabletennis.co.uk

COURSES

11/01/2023 and weekly for 10 weeks 2:00 PM "Judge and Jury" WEA Course in Billingshurst Study the people, issues and outcomes of 10 famous trials Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre RH14 9QW £100 for 10 sessions (benefit claimants 2 hours free) David 0300 303 3464 david@daviddaley.plus.com

COURSES & TUITION

9th, 16th, 23 & 30th Jan and 6th & 13th Feb 10:00 AM WEA class in Chichester - Hearth and Home: Sussex Vernacular Buildings 5 sessions on history of housing locally New Park Community and Arts Centre Chichester PO19 7XY £50 (income related benefit concession) WEA 0300 303 3464 www.wea.org.uk/ chichester.branch@wea.ac.uk

28/01/2023 9:30 AM Birding for absolute beginners at Pulborough Brooks Get to grips with birding on this absolute beginner course RSPB Pulborough Brooks RH20 2EL £20.50 for members and £25.50 for Non-members Lydia Fletcher lydia.fletcher@rspb.co.uk 01798 875851 events.rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks

03/02/2023 9:30 AM Birding for beginnersWinter Wetlands at Pulborough Brooks Learn 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

EXHIBITION

18/02/2023 2:30 PM 'Snowdrops - where you least expect them' exhibition in Fontwell Garden Visit and Photography Exhibition Denmans Gardens Fontwell BN18 0SU Lucy Ashworth 01243 572433 office@snowdroptrust.com

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

Last day - 1st Jan 2:00 PM 'Beauty and the Beast' pantomime at The Regis Centre It's Panto time again, with 'Beauty & the Beast'. Alexandra Theatre, Regis Centre PO21 1BN £18.50£20.50 £17 - £19 under 16's Hazel Latus 01243 867676 hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk www.alexandratheatre.co.uk

1st & 2nd Jan 10:30 AM Tree-Mendous Christmas Explore Petworth House to see Christmas trees taking centre stage this season. daily Petworth House and Park Petworth GU28 9LR Petworth Property Office 01798 342207 petworth@nationaltrust.org.uk nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth 25/02/2023 2:30 PM Ministry of Science Live! Science Saved the World Join presenters as they dive into the world of science and look at how science shapes our modern world Worthing Pavilion Theatre BN11 3PX £17.50 01903 206206 boxoffice@wtm.uk wtm.uk/events/ ministry-of-science-livescience-saved-the-world

FILM

11/01/2023 7:30 PM

Storrington Rotary Film Night - Phantom of the Open Starring Mark

Rylance Tickets £5 from Card Shop Bar + Raffle Info Ken 01903 740745 Sullington Village Hall Storrington RH20 3PP £5 Info - Ken Collins: 01903 740745 kandjcoll@btinternet.com 16/01/2023 7:30 PM Pulborough Film Night Mrs Harris Goes To Paris is a 2022 Drama/ Comedy 1h 56m Pulborough Village Hall RH20 2BF £7 Terri: 07711 470635 terriashpool@uwclub.net

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GARDENS & HORTICULTURE

1st Jan (Last day) - 4:30 PM Glow Wild at Wakehurst The enchanting winter lantern trail is back at Wakehurst, Kew's wild botanic garden, Haywards Heath RH17 6TN From £14 (Adult Kew/Wakehurst Member) From £11 (Child). Under 4's go free. Wakehurst glowwild@kew.org www.kew.org/wakehurst

HEALTH & FITNESS

28/01/2023

8:30 AM Bluecoat Sports Open Day in Horsham Kickstart the New Year at this Open Day. All activities on offer will be free to everybody!

Bluecoat Sports Health & Fitness Club Horsham RH13 0YB Free. Bluecoat Sports Health & Fitness Club 01403 247572 info@bluecoatsports.co.uk www.bluecoatsports.co.uk/

HORSERACING

02/01/2023 10:15 AM Sussex National Raceday at Plumpton Racecourse Enjoy the historic Sussex National. 7 races, music, food & drink, under 18s free! Plumpton Racecourse Ltd Lewes BN7 3AL £17 01273 890383 racing@plumptonracecourse.co.uk www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk/events/ goodwin-racing-sussex-national-raceday/ 18/01/2023 11:15 AM January Jumps Raceday at Plumpton Racecourse Come along to Plumpton Racecourse to enjoy six races

Plumpton Racecourse Lewes BN7 3AL £16 Free for under 18s racing@plumptonracecourse.co.uk www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk/events/januaryjumps-raceday/ 01273 890383

MUSIC

07/01/2023 7:00 PM Mozart Symphony No. 41 Lewes Music Group Orchestra and Lewes Singers present Vivaldi - Gloria, MozartSymphony No. 41 All Saints Centre Lewes BN7 2LE £15 Child: £8. lewesmusicgroup.com Daniel: admin@lewesmusicgroup.com

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09/01/2023 8:00

PM Fernhurst Choral Society

Weekly rehearsals leading to concerts in March and May. Fernhurst Village Hall GU27 3EH See website for prices Nigel 07485 145141 or Tina 01730 816542 fernhurstchoral@gmail.com www.fernhurstchoralsociety.org.uk/ 19/01/2023 7:30 PM Dixieland/Trad Jazz in Lancing Evening of Dixieland and Traditional Jazz with the Featherstone Jazz Four. DRNK Coffee House, Lancing Manor Leisure Estate Lancing BN15 0PH Free. Derek Little 01903 249900 dglittle@ntlworld.com

SALES & MARKETS

28/01/2023 9:00 AM Pulborough Farmers

Market Eggs, bread, home made cakes, crafts. Plus popular cafe with full English breakfast, teas & coffee Pulborough Village Hall Pulborough RH20 2BF Terri Ashpool 07711 470635 terriashpool@uwclub.net

21st Jan & 18th Feb 9:00 AM Arundel Farmers

Market 3rd Saturday of every month - local growers, bakers, meat, poultry, flowers, plants and food and drink makers. Arundel BN18 9AA www.arundelfarmersmarket.co.uk

04/02/2023 9:30 AM

Cheeki Monkeys Big

Baby & Children market Buy or sell quality, gently used babies' and children’s toys, clothes and equipment. The Shoreham centre Shoreham-By-Sea BN43 5WU £1.50 Delphine delphine.cheekimonkeys@gmail.com www.facebook.com/Cheeki-Monkeys-BrightonBN2-and-Shoreham-by-Sea-107135655022217

SOCIAL & ENTERTAINMENT

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

TALKS

06/01/2023 2:30 PM Weather Lore - Fact or Fiction? talk in Storrington How reliable are weather sayings such as ‘cows lying down mean rain imminent’ or ‘red sky at night? Storrington Museum RH20 4LL £8 / £6 members 01903 740188 storringtonmuseum@hotmail.com storringtonmuseum.com/

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

09/01/2023 10:00 AM The Arts Society, Steyning Cubism Explained by Steven Barrett

The Steyning Centre BN44 3XZ Free to members, £10 donation for visitors. The Chairman steyning@theartssociety.org www.theartssocietysteyning.org.uk

09/01/2023

7:15 PM 'The Red Arrows' in Chichester A talk about 'The Red Arrows' with Lt. Stuart Roberts at Chichester Park Hotel in Westhampnett, PO19 7QL £8 David Batcock 07502 400657 david.airaces@hotmail.com

11/01/2023 10:00 AM How to start your family tree This is one of a series of workshops to get you started with your family and local history research. West Sussex Record Office Chichester PO19 1DD £7.50 / £6.50 for members of West Sussex Archives Society Matthew Jones: 01243 753602 record.office@westsussex.gov.uk www.westsussex.gov.uk/ro

17/01/2023 2:00 PM The Sinking of the Laconia Talk in Midhurst Talk by Jeremy Prescott and social event. Midhurst Methodist Church Hall Midhurst GU29 9DU £2 members, £3 visitors thinking of joining Midhurst u3a midhurstu3a@gmail.com midhurstu3a.org.uk 23/01/2023 7:15 PM 'A Day at the Antiques Roadshow' & 'About Military Medals' in Chichester Mark Smith - the BBC TV Antiques Roadshow 'medals & militaria' presenter, coming to Chichester. Chichester Park Hotel PO19 7QL £8 David Batcock 07502 400657 david.airaces@hotmail.com

01/02/2023 10:00 AM Researching the history of your house This is one of a series of workshops to get you started with your family and local history research. West Sussex Record Office Chichester PO19 1DD £7.50 / £6.50 for members of West Sussex Archives Society Matthew Jones 01243 753602 record.office@westsussex.gov.uk www.westsussex.gov.uk/ro

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

28/02/2023 7:00 PM The Pallants: Chichester's Town within the City Join local historian Alan Green for this fascinating talk, hosted by West Sussex Record Office West Sussex Record Office Chichester PO19 1DD £8 / £5 to attend online Matthew Jones 01243 753602 record.office@westsussex.gov.uk

THEATRE

10/01/2023 2:00 PM The 2 O’clock

WALKS

Club

The Reunion Band ‘Fun Filled Folk’ Performing a wide range of great songs and tunes people can easily recognise, drawn from English and Irish folk traditions. “Just Let Yourself Go”. Alexandra Theatre Regis Centre PO21 1BL £6 / Friends of the Theatre £4.50 01243 861010 info@regiscentre.co.uk alexandratheatre.co.uk/ events/the-regis-2-oclock-club/2023-01-10 19th – 21st Jan 7.30pm

Marvellous Musicals

This romp through Musical Theatre moments includes selections from Legally Blonde, Six, Jesus Chris Superstar, Sister Act and more Alexandra Theatre Regis Centre PO21 1BL Adult: £17 / Child: £8 info@regiscentre.co.uk 01243 861010 alexandratheatre.co.uk/events

21/01/2023 7:00 AM Dawn of the Ducks at Pulborough Brooks – wildlife watching walk with breakfast Join them at dawn and watch the brooks come alive with waders, ducks and geese. RSPB Pulborough Brooks RH20 2EL £20.50 for members and £25.50 for Nonmembers Lydia Fletcher 01798 875851 lydia.fletcher@rspb.co.uk events.rspb.org.uk/ pulboroughbrooks

YOGA

Every Mon varied session times Wellness Yoga Classes focus on mindful movement paired with awareness of mind body and breath. New Classes at Bury Village Hall Mondays Slow Flow 11.15-12.15 & Chair Yoga 12.30-1.30. Slow flow also in Southwater Mondays 9-10am & Wednesdays 6-7pm,7.308.30pm. email to book or for further info wellnessyoga332@gmail.com

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

Dizzy’s Diary

Written

by

local author Ann Salmon

Dizzy is a Romanian street dog who was brought to England for a better life, which is all new and scary. It is a funny, sad and utterly bewildering tale of readjustment; and she is supported, or not, by Candy the resident collie. Dizzy has to come to terms with an apparently endless stream of friends and family who react to her in different ways, and cause her even more confusion.

Author Ann Salmon, has been interested in dogs since she was three and enticed a neighbour’s dachshund under the fence, and have owned, trained, worked (and occasionally won) and bred border collies for decades. Ann has done many activities with this breed, which has given her an opportunity to study them.

Ann Salmon resides in the village of Washington

1960s.

Old jewellery, recreated

A new lease of life for unworn precious metals

Redesign your old jewellery into something special with Pruden and Smith’s Creative Director, Rebecca Smith, who has 30 years experience in working with precious metals and gemstones.

If you have got an old piece of jewellery that’s no longer worn - perhaps it’s no longer your style, doesn’t fit, or it’s damaged - Pruden and Smith’s redesign service is a cost-effective, creative and ethical way to bring new life into your precious metals and gemstones. Pruden and Smith client, Deborah Barton, describes her new ring as “unique and so special, something that nobody else in the world has got”. More than just a beautiful ring, having been made from jewellery she inherited from her mother, her aunt, and grandmother, it also holds the memory of her family.

What to expect at a design appointment

Bring your old jewellery to discuss its sentimental value and test the quality of the metals and gemstones. Rebecca will help you explore ideas for redesign, using her expertise to create an authentic piece that expresses your identity.

During your appointment take a free Workshop Tour to gain insight into the world of a contemporary jeweller. You’ll also learn about Pruden and Smith’s heritage and connection with the Arts and Crafts history of the village of Ditchling.

Following your appointment, you will be sent a quote containing designs and pricing options. When you feel ready to proceed, your bespoke jewellery will be handmade by the expert team at Pruden and Smith’s Ditchling Workshop.

Call: 01273 846338 or Book online: prudenandsmith.com/make-an-appointment

Bespoke jewellery as unique as you are, crafted in Ditchling

Sussex Snippets

Charity & Community news from across the counties

Discover your local library!

West Sussex Libraries have asked us to remind readers about all the things your local library can offer:

• Free, warm welcoming spaces for everyone

• Computers for people to use

• Free Wi-fi in every library

• Regular free activities – children’s rhyme times & story times, knit and natter sessions, reading groups, board games and jigsaws

• Digital volunteers to help people get online if you are nervous or new to the internet

• Take home toys – children can take home up to three toy bags (for up to three weeks, with no late fees!)

• Newspapers and magazines

• Books for people wanting to start new hobbies, learn a language and more

They also offer Home Library Direct for people who are unable to visit personally. Lastly they are always on the lookout for more volunteers. www.westsussex.gov.uk/libraries.

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne is inviting residents to provide their thoughts on policing priorities in a survey about police funding through council tax. You can provide your views on potential increases and tell Katy what you want the police to focus on. The short online survey is at www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk.

A new initiative from the West Sussex Waste Partnership (West Sussex and District/Borough councils). is aiming to improve recycling rates in students aged 15-24. The partnership is working with the University of Chichester and the Chichester College Group (at Brinsbury, Chichester, Crawley, Haywards Heath, and Worthing).

Concern about children’s mental health and the negative messages in children's media has led two dads to launch a fun and satirical podcast and magazine aimed at promoting kindness and mental resilience in children. Martin Spinelli is a professor at the University of Sussex while Lance Dann teaches at the University of Brighton. Their podcast is called The Rez and it has also just been accredited to be taught in schools as part of the PSHE curriculum. www.jointherez.com

South Downs MP Andrew Griffith has made the views of his constituents known in his response to the new routes published by the Rampion 2 proposed windfarm, calling it a “cable motorway” that would “leave a scar on the South Downs”. Andrew says that “vast swathes of delicate chalkland in the South Downs will be trenched” to accommodate the cables and accompanying access roads which will run from Climping beach through to a new substation at Cowfold, via Storrington and Washington. Rampion say that all disturbed land will be restored after the work is completed. See the routes at www.rampion2.com/consultation-2022.

A fresh and redesigned website has been launched by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to support those living with mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity conditions. www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk.

West Sussex-landscaper Paul Greenyer is baring all for the horticultural charity, Perennial, in its ‘Naked Grubby Gardener’s calendar” for 2023. Proceeds are going towards its work helping people from the horticultural industry to improve their financial and mental well-being. The calendar is available to purchase online at www.perennial.org.uk.

Potholes are a big source of frustration for all road users, and in the six months from April 2022 West Sussex Highways say approximately 22,000 were filled. They are also taking a holistic approach to the condition of our roads, with whole roads and larger sections completely resurfaced to make them more resilient to potholes, and “vastly reduce the need for smallscale, disruptive repairs”. You can report a pothole at www.westsussex.gov.uk or by phone to 01243 642105 if it is an immediate safety risk. The Sussex Sunday Walkers programme runs from October to March with walks usually 1216 miles long, starting and ending at the same car park, with a pub stop along the route. www.sussexsundaywalkers.org.uk

Charity & Community News

Citizens Advice offer local drop in sessions

Citizens Advice Horsham are now offering advice sessions in village and semi-rural communities in the Horsham District to support those who find it difficult to access advice digitally or are unable to travel into town centres.

• Pulborough, Medical Centre RH20 1FG 3rd Jan 10am-2pm then alternate Tuesdays

• Storrington Chanctonbury Leisure Centre, 13th Jan 10am-2pm then alternate Fridays Sessions are also available at Billingshurst, Steyning and Henfield. For full details visit: advicewestsussex.org.uk/horsham-outreach.

Unattached people - new year, new beginning!

Many people find that those weeks after Christmas and New Year provide a time to reflect and make changes. The Group, a Sussex club for unattached men and women aged 55 or over, has venues in Worthing, Burgess Hill, Brighton, Lewes and Horsham. The Group isn’t a dating agency but it does offer a great opportunity to meet new friends of all genders in a welcoming atmosphere. There are walks, pub evenings,

theatre trips, golf, galleries, lunches and dinners, live music, holidays, and much more. The Group is a non-profit organisation which has been operating for 17 years with over 300 members. www.thegroup.org.uk

Scout group carol service with a difference!

The Storrington and Sullington Scout group held a lively carol service at St Mary’s in December. Beaver Leader Kim led a hilarious Christmas tableau, inviting an ever growing cast of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts to take part with her extensive stock of props. If that wasn't enough, transition ceremonies for Beavers and Cubs involved the youngsters in some high stakes acrobatics, either “jumping the river” or, in the case of the Cubs, navigating a “bridge” of poles held by the Scouts. Challenging stuff - but they all made it!

Stories to info@sussexlocal.net

Charity & Community News

Charity Christmas tree collection

The Rotary Club of Storrington & Pulborough District has been raising funds by collecting local Christmas trees for the past 5 years and money collected this year will support Chestnut Tree House (Children's Hospice Care) and Turning Tides (Ending local Homelessness) and other local causes supported by Rotary. Residents’ Christmas trees will be collected from 12th January to 15th January from RH20 postcodes and Amberley. You just have to register by midnight on 8th January at www.just-helping.org.uk/register-tree or by scanning the QR code above. Have fun Morris dancing!

Chanctonbury Ring Morris Men will celebrate their 70th anniversary in 2023 and are looking for new recruits. Morris dancing involves mostly a set of six or eight dancers and Chanctonbury have devised some dances of their own in a more recent tradition. The group meets on Wednesday evenings, dancing at local pubs most weeks in summer. In winter they practice

at Henfield on Wednesday evenings, after which they retire to The Plough for a convivial beer! Visit www.crmm.org.uk or email bagman@crmm.org.uk.

Lodge Hill main house is renamed

A plaque was unveiled in November 2022 at Lodge Hill in memory of its founder, Penny Hardwick OBE who passed away in 2018. The main house accommodation at Lodge Hill, used by thousands of children and young people every year, has now been named Hardwick Hall. This is in honour of Penny and all that she did, both to save Lodge Hill almost 30 years ago, but also to secure its future as the vibrant, bustling outdoor activity centre it remains today. Pictured -Sir Brian Barttelot OBE and Penny’s daughter, Jennifer Hardwick.

Penny Strachan Funeral Director

A Century of the Sanctuary, Storrington

By Professor Clive Webb of the University of Sussex

For anyone in search of how the past shaped our present world, road names can be an important clue. That is certainly true of Sanctuary Lane and Vera’s Walk at Heath Common near Storrington.

The story behind these names is told in a small memorial that stands where the two routes meet. This, reveals a wooden plaque, was once the location of a radical experiment in alternative living led by a Christian mystic who wanted to create a world free of poverty and war.

All that remains of that history is the tile-roofed cottage a few yards from the memorial. It was one hundred years ago this winter that the woman whose name adorns the nearby road sign moved into the cottage and from there founded her new community, the Sanctuary.

Born in 1896, Vera Pragnell was the daughter of a wealthy textile manufacturer. Her experience as a Red Cross Nurse during the First World War had instilled in her a strong aversion towards military conflict. She had also become disillusioned with contemporary urban life, having worked for a time as a social worker in the slums of East London.

Steeped in the Christian socialist movement that emerged during the nineteenth century, Pragnell aspired to create a rural arcadia where people could return to a simpler life free of the avarice and violence of the modern world. Pragnell set up a small refuge on Kingsley Green near Haslemere. Ambition then led her to invest £850 of her inheritance in 27 acres of land at Heath Common. Here in the chalky soil of the South Downs she opened the Sanctuary, advertising a free halfacre allotment to anyone who wanted to join the settlement. Pragnell placed a large crucifix on top of Longbury Hill as a beacon calling out to the world.

Others soon answered her call. The Sanctuary was a magnet for mavericks and misfits who had lost or never found their place in mainstream society. Residents and regular visitors included a poet who claimed black magician Aleister Crowley once turned him into a camel, an anarchist veteran of the Mexican Revolution, and a fiddle-playing monk who turned out to be a wanted felon. The Sanctuary also hosted summer camps for everyone from the British Communist Party to the Girl Guides.

For a time the community flourished. Pragnell married one of the residents, Royal Academy trained artist Dennis Earle. Together with fellow artist William Heaton Cooper, Earle led a revival of traditional arts and crafts, creating an array of bespoke products inspired by what his wife described as ‘a love of the lovely’.

The Sanctuary also established a school, staged theatre productions and taught classes in folk dancing and hand looming. A small chalet offered dainty teas to curious visitors.

Then the dream soured. There had long been scandal surrounding the Sanctuary because of the unconventional behaviour of its residents. Rumours, not all unsubstantiated, circulated of nudism, free love and pagan worship. Pragnell was unphased. ‘The prudes, the humbugs and the dense,’ she told one reporter, ‘bless them!’ Ironically it was the residents themselves who brought about the demise of the Sanctuary, demanding the legal deeds to the supposedly open land they shared. The competitiveness and property ownership of the outside world had intruded on the rural idyll conceived by Pragnell. A decade after founding the Sanctuary, she sold the land. After traveling overseas for several years she and her family resettled in the area, converting it into a more conventional estate.

One hundred years later it is easy to dismiss Pragnell as a naïve idealist. Her concerns about urban poverty, the preservation of rural heritage and nature conservations nonetheless retain a powerful contemporary resonance. As the road sign suggests, the spirit of Vera still walks among us.

Vera Pragnell

Crucifix - possibly now in the refectory of Storrington priory

Legacy Planning

By Will Writer Emma Wells MIPW

Firstly, let me take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year.

As we go

from 22 to 23, no doubt there are a number of you that have made some resolutions or goals for the coming 12 months, there may even be a few of you, like me, that have failed miserably already. Christmas is often a time when we get together with loved ones, whether that’s old friends, new friends or family members. It’s a chance to catch up, eat too much and even grab an afternoon nap. The New Year tends to bring with it a new energy, we plan, we dream and we start booking up our social calendars.

January is a busy time for us too. It’s noticeable that people reflect on what’s important over the

We have a very strong belief that making your Will isn’t and shouldn’t feel like a morbid experience. You’re not planning death, you’re planning what happens to your belongings, assets and estate when the inevitable time comes. It’s about taking control and being able to make those important decisions in a relaxed and stress-free environment.

It still surprises me that so many of our clients say that “getting it done” has been on their to-do list for a number of years. Writing your Will obviously isn’t one of those impulse purchases and rightfully so, it should be well considered and we are huge advocates of discussing your plans with your nearest and dearest first, maybe just not at Christmas!

So, if planning how to leave your legacy is on the agenda this year, feel free to give us a call or drop us an email to see how we can help. We promise to make it an enjoyable experience.

Sussex Nightstop

Community-based response to homelessness by Lynn Smith

Brighton and Hove has one of the highest rates of rough sleeping in England, with numbers increasing since 2010. A 2021 Shelter report cited Brighton and Hove as the second highest ranked local authority outside of London, with 1 in 78 people in the City experiencing homelessness. Additionally, polling conducted by ComRes, in 2017, suggested that two-fifths of 16-25-year-olds in the UK have sofa-surfed at one time because they had nowhere else to live and that one in ten of these young people did so for more than a month in total.

Sussex Nightstop, Executive Director, Alison Marino tells me, was founded in 2009: “By a handful of determined locals who were moved and motivated by the visible experience of young people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping in Brighton and Hove.

“Local residents motivated to make a practical difference”

“Local residents became increasingly aware of the number of young people they saw sleeping rough in the City, “And wondering how they might make use of the assets they held within their spare rooms they looked further afield to see how other communities were responding and discovered the Nightstop model.”

Nightstop originated in 1985 in Leeds, where local church groups responded to the problem of young people rough sleeping through homebased hosting. The first formal Nightstop service launched in 1987 and Sussex Nightstop is now one of over 33 Nightstop services across the UK, accredited by the youth homelessness charity DePaul Uk, and operating across the Brighton and Hove area.

Providing practical solutions through collaboration and kindness

Nightstop, Alison says, is a community-based response to homelessness. “We believe that through collaboration and kindness, people power can provide practical solutions with big impact. Keeping young people safe from the very real and known dangers whilst providing them with housing advice, wrap-around support and kindness provides the very best chance for a young person

to flourish and reach their potential.” The model has a reassuring success rate, “Over 75 per cent of young people who stay with Sussex Nightstop go on to achieve a safer place to call home – our ultimate goal.”

The concept behind Night stop is, Alison explains, simple. People see the injustice of roughsleeping and homelessness and they want to respond. “We facilitate that by recruiting and training them to open up their spare rooms on a nightly basis and in a safe way to young people aged 16-24 years experiencing homelessness.”

Every young person who stays with Nightstop is carefully appraised and vetted by the charity’s small team of highly skilled staff, ensuring that Nightstop is the best place for that young person, and working closely with them during their stay ensuring they have access to, “The advice and support they need to make a positive next step in relation to their housing.”

‘’I have come such a long way since finding Nightstop. We have been on such an amazing journey together, I have had such a positive experience.” – a young Sussex Nightstop Guest.

Currently Nightstop has a pool of seventeen host households, all of whom are supported by a 247, on-call service. Alison describes the hosts as, “The lifeblood of what we do. Their kindness, freely offered at a point of crisis, often has a profound impact on young people.”

Alison explains that all of Sussex Nightstop’s volunteers undergo a robust recruitment process. Volunteer hosts will undertake interviews and home checks, will undergo Enhanced DBS checks and be trained in the policies and

procedures of the charity’s Host Handbook, covering an overview of homelessness and the experiences of young people, the importance of communications, hosting boundaries, safe hosting measures and safeguarding.

“Through their roles as volunteer hosts, on-call volunteers, community champions, business ambassadors, trainers and trustees they bring huge breadth and depth to the work that we do. Having the broadest and most inclusive representation across our volunteer and staff team is what we aspire to.”

Which brings us to one of the greatest challenges facing Sussex Nighstop – a need to re-grow its host volunteer pool, following a reduction in numbers thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst at the same time cost of living increases and steep rent rises leave young people with few options and a greater demand for Sussex Nightstop’s services.

The charity is seeking new hosts particularly, but not exclusively, in the Brighton and Hove area, people willing to offer their spare room for short nightly stays, ranging from four to seven nights

in a row. Although sometimes only one night is needed. Nightstop welcomes all people, regardless of colour, ethnicity, race, faith, gender, sexuality or ability. Although, Alison points out that the service is “Disproportionately used by young people of colour - being 60 per cent of our placements last year. We would like our host pool to reflect this and particularly welcome applications from hosts of colour.”

Alison summarises the qualities sought in volunteers: “The ability to treat everyone with dignity and respect, without judgement and to be able to volunteer within the boundaries of the scheme, with a commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of young people. No formal qualifications

“Young people need Nightstop and they need us for longer”

Nightstopteam

are required but strong communication skills, patience, understanding and commitment are all sought after.”

In addition to the 49-strong volunteer team the charity has a paid team, of 27 full time equivalent staff, “Governed and supported by a highly experienced and professional board comprising six Trustees.”

“We move out of Covid into an ever-challenging funding environment”

Alison Marino tells me that Sussex Nightstop is funded through a range of income streams. “We enjoy support from the local authority, the fundraising of schools, churches and other community groups and are enthusiastically supported by local businesses who understand clearly the vital contribution that they can make to the problem of homelessness facing young people living in the community in which they operate.”

Which brings us to the charity’s other challenge: Post-COVID, Alison explains that Sussex Nightstop faces an ever-challenging funding environment.

“Building on the generosity of our varied supporters to date we are looking to grow that supporter base and welcome the opportunity to

speak and collaborate with businesses and community groups who would like to make a material difference to the lives of young people experiencing homelessness. “

Fund raising activities are therefore of vital importance and the charity is building on the success of its 2019 ‘Sleep Safe’ campaign, encouraging people to share on social media to generate new donor support, and increase collaboration with local businesses. Alison Marino says, “We are really excited about our Autumn Tryathlon event on 16 September. With volleyball, a quiz and baking contest there is something for everyone and we are inviting businesses to join us on the day for a lot of fun.”

“Sussex Nightstop.” Alison concludes, “welcomes the generous support of all members of the community. By following and sharing our socials you help us to reach new and different audiences that can get behind our cause.”

Contacts:

Liz Wakefield – Volunteer enquiries, Tryathlon and Business enquiries. Call 07887 492872 or email liz.wakefield@sussexnightstop.org.uk www.sussexnightstop.org.uk

Lloyd Griffith: One Tonne of Fun

Lloyd is back with a brand new, fresh stand-up show for 2023. This is his biggest tour to date, and he is pumped. Since school Lloyd has always been a show off, doing anything he can to make people laugh, and 20 odd years later, nothing’s changed. There’ll be his unique bag of stand up, dubious impressions, and obviously a sprinkling of his (incredible) singing. Lloyd was recently one of the first national anthem singers to sing the new anthem (with ‘King’ instead of ‘Queen’) at various football matches around the country. As a boy he always wanted to play for Grimsby Town FC, but instead he was able to perform on the pitch before the Grimsby v Crewe Alexandra match, to a packed crowd. He has also appeared in Ted Lasso, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Soccer AM, Flinch, Comedy Central at The

Comedy Store, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club, Can You Beat The Bookies?, Roast Battle, Question of Sport, Not Going Out, Richard Osman’s House of Games, and loads of other stuff. He was also Jack Whitehall’s arena tour support.

Win a pair of tickets to see Lloyd Griffith: One Tonne of Fun on the 3rd February 2023 at The Old Market at 7.30pm. For more information visit www.lloydgriffith.com

Gifting & inheritance tax planning

By Oliver Suter DipPFS, financial adviser

Christmas is the time for giving, and with inheritance tax thresholds frozen until 2026, let’s look at the gifting allowances in terms of inheritance tax planning.

Gifting is a great way to reduce the value of your estate for inheritance tax purposes. Gifts to spouses and charities are exempt but the government also makes allowances for some gifts.

Annual gift allowance

Each individual can gift £3,000 a year, without it being added to your estate for inheritance tax purposes.

Wedding Gifts

Individuals are allowed to gift £5,000 to children, £2,500 to grandchildren or £1,000 to other relatives or friends as wedding gifts.

Gifts of less than £250

You can give up to £250 to as many individuals as you want, providing they haven’t received a gift of your whole £3,000 annual exemption.

If you have any questions on gifting or require ‘Investment Solutions’ is the trading name of Investment Solutions Wealth Management Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Investmentsolutionsgroupphoto

Tomato Lemon & Thyme Chicken

With a warm cranberry & sprout salad

Ingredients - Serves 4

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• Juice from 3 lemons

• 4 tbsp ‘Loft Pickles’ cranberry sauce

• 1 large cox apple, cut into match sticks

• 300g brussel sprouts, thinly sliced, or whizz in a food blender

• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

• 4 tbsp, Sussex charmer cheddar

• 4 chicken breast

• 3 tsp, ‘Carla’s Seasoning’ dried thyme

• 60g cooked chestnuts Method

1. For the salad dressing, whisk together in a bowl, 2 tbsp of oil, the juice of 1 lemon, the cranberry sauce and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss in the apple matchsticks and coat.

2. To the dressing add the sprouts, spring onions and cheese, stir well and set aside.

3. Heat the remaining oil in a large pan on a medium to high heat. Season the chicken breast

for a further 15 minutes, covered with a lid.

5. Remove lid and add the sprout salad to the pan, cover for 4 minutes then remove the lid for a final 4 minutes, top with the cooked chestnuts and serve with an additional spoonful of cranberry sauce.

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

Sussex Walks - January 2023

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

Sun 1st 10.30am Binsted woods

L: Dominic 2 hrs 3 miles Gentle Pace. Mainly flat headland path, grass, gravel Meet: Walberton Village Hall car park, The Street, Walberton, Arundel, BN18 0PQ

Wed 4th 10.30am Slindon

L: Alison 3 hrs 6 miles A longer strenuous walk to the folly and through Slindon Woods, with some steep gradients Meet: National Trust Car Park at Park Lane, Slindon BN18 0QY

Thurs 5th 10.00am Wisborough Green

L: Louise 3 hrs 7 miles

A level walk over the Wey & Arun Canal & along the tow path. 4 stiles. Sorry no dogs Meet: Park at the green in the laybys

Saturday 7th 10.30am Wander on Wiggonholt

L: Olivia 1 hr 45mins 2.5 miles A gentle circular walk taking in a variety of wildlife with stunning views Meet: RSPB Pulborough Brooks, RH20 2EL.

Mon 9th 1pm Tillington - Railway Station

L: Sandy 2.5 hrs 4.5 miles An easy, almost flat walk without stiles through farming countryside, over the pretty River Rother Meet: At the Red Telephone Booth near the Old Post Office house on Upperton Road, Tillington

Tue 10th 10.30am Plaistow

L: Richard 2 hrs 4.2 miles

A walk along a quiet country lane before crossing fields with grazing sheep, walking through woodland, and finishing at the village stores, Sorry no dogs Meet: On East side of village green opposite shop

Wed 11th 10.30am Eartham Woods

L: Alison 2.5 hrs 5.5 miles A walk through Eartham Woods, comingback along Stane Street. No stiles Meet: Forestry Commission Car Park, Eartham Fri 13th 10.30am Petworth Park

L: Gerald 1.5 hrs 3 miles Discover the history and see one of the oldest deer herds in the country Meet: The Horse Guards Inn, Upperton Road, Tillington, GU28 9AF

Sun 15th 10.30am Mill Road to Black Rabbit

L: Dominic 1 hr 2.4 miles A flat riverside walk, 1 stile Meet: Mill Road car park by the river in town centre (charge) BN18 9AA

Mon 16th 1pm Benbow Pond & Cowdray

L: Sandy 2.5 hrs 5.25 miles This outstanding walk through archetypal Sussex countryside has scenic rolling parkland, quiet drove roads, forestry tracks, wildlife & wonderful views. One stile. No dogs please Meet: Benbow Pond Car Park

Tue 17th 10.30am

Littlehampton Riverside

L: Peter 2 hrs 4 miles Walk along both sides of the river Arun through the West Beach sand dunes Meet - car park at East Beach cafe (on the seafront at the end of the greensward) Wed 25th 10.30am Climping - Gentle Pace

L: Dominic 1 hr 15 mins 2.5 miles Along dunes and beach to Climping Mill, then across fields to Ferry Road and Rope Meet: Arun Yacht Club Car Park, Rope Walk, Littlehampton

Mon 30th 1pm Eartham Woods

L: Sandy 2.5 hrs 6 miles Climb upwards through Eartham Wood through indigenous woodland to the highest point of Upwaltham Hill and return via Great Down. Great views to be had. No dogs on this walk Meet: Free Forestry Commission Car Park, Eartham Wood, PO18 0LU

Easy ways to create a calorie deficit

By Heather Smith

In November’s issue, I discussed factors which can influence the energy our bodies use, and we can make many of the factors work in your favour!

I am going to give you action points. By increasing the energy our body needs to stand still, and decreasing the energy we take in without starving ourselves, we can make losing weight a bit easier. There are two sides to a calorie deficit. The calories we eat and the ones we use. Let’s look at both.

Ways to increase the calories our body uses

- Increasing Exercise

Exercise burns calories, either a structured workout or using the stairs, parking further away or getting up from your chair more often. It’s not always a case of ‘the harder the better’.

- Increasing Muscle

This will increase your daily energy requirement and help create a natural calorie deficit.

- Eat More Protein

Protein needs energy to be digested, by replacing some calories with protein calories, you're creating

an extra calorie deficit without reducing intake. Ways to decrease the calories we eat

- Increasing Fibre

Filling up with low calorie vegetables is a great way to feel satisfied with fewer calories, not to mention that being topped up on nutrients reduces food cravings too.

- Eat More Protein

Eating enough protein will help you reduce your caloric intake naturally.

- Eat Slowly

It takes time for the ‘I’m full’ signal to be created, and the faster you eat, the easier it is to go beyond what your body needs.

- Look after your Lifestyle

Work on your sleep quality and duration, and learn how to manage stress, in order to reduce food cravings and hormonal fluctuations. www.fitbiztraining.co.uk

Maintaining good health

A fresh look at your diet for the New Year by Clare Gale

January offers fresh hope and new beginnings. It’s interesting that we start a diet on a Monday!

Looking at the year ahead allows a fresh view on life and what we can improve to make it better.

Health is an important part of life. Without good health, it can be hard. So I challenge you to look at what’s important to maintain health and vitality.

What order are the ingredients in?

Look at supplements you take and the product quality. Look at the ingredients. Labels list ingredients with the greatest ingredient at the top. If it starts with Bulking Agent, are they good quality?

Dietary changes to help food sensitivities

What diet changes could you make? Do you have food sensitivities that could cause issues? 70% of arthritis sufferers have food sensitivity. Many digestive issues come from a gut imbalance which can be treated with the correct supplement.

Reducing the risk of long-term health problems

During sleep, your body works to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health. In children and teens, sleep also helps growth

and development. Inadequate sleep over time raises risks of chronic (long-term) health problems. What ways can you improve sleep quality? An easy one is to put your phone on flight mode. For a full health overview and how you can improve it, book Natural Health Practitioner Clinics in Storrington, Chichester and Littlehampton.

Clare Gale: 07717 281604 /

ATTENDUNLIMITEDCLASSES

FORLESSTHAN£10PERWEEK, (INCLUDESUNLIMITEDGYMANDSAUNA/STEAMROOM)

ClassTimetable

DAY CLASS TIME

MONDAY Zumba 09.30-10.30

MONDAY Stretch&Tone 10.30-11.30

MONDAY GentleFit 11.45-12.30

MONDAY Circuits 18.00-19.00

MONDAY Pilates 19.00-20.00

TUESDAY Step 09.30-10.30

TUESDAY FitnessPilates 10.30-11.30

TUESDAY Zumba 18.00-19.00

TUESDAY Yoga(VinyasaFlow) 19.00-20.00

WEDNESDAY Circuits 09.30-10.30

WEDNESDAY TaiChi 10.30-11.30

WEDNESDAY GentleFit 11.45-12.30

WEDNESDAY BodyPump 18.00-19.00

WEDNESDAY Pilates 19.00-20.00

THURSDAY Legs,Tums&Bums 09.30-10.30

THURSDAY Stretch&Tone 10.30-11.30

THURSDAY BodyCombat 18.15-19.00

FRIDAY Zumba 09.30-10.30

FRIDAY Yoga(Hatha&Yin) 10.30-11.30

FRIDAY GentleFit 15.00-15.45

SATURDAY BodyCombat 09.30-10.30

SATURDAY BodyPump 10.30-11.30

Health and wellbeing benefits of gardens

Kate Harrison West Sussex National Garden Scheme Publicity Officer

How a garden benefits physical and mental health Studies show spending time in a garden can reduce blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol.

In winter time, walking around a garden can give you a sense of peace. In Spring, the first sight of developing buds and bulbs can fill you with anticipation and joy. Gardens provide space for a break from the stress of everyday life, trees, plants, bird songs and water are easy on the senses and can bring stress levels down.

Gardens enable you to be more active. Being more active is associated with better physical and mental health, including reduced risks of cancer, heart disease and depression.

Gardens provide socialising and relationship building opportunities with neighbours. Opening your garden for the NGS is a great way to show off your hard work and make new friends.

Visiting an NGS open garden

in 2023

Not everyone has a garden. However, visiting someone else’s can provide all these benefits. A garden visit can lift spirits and help you feel connected. Volunteering at an allotment or community garden can also provide that sense of wellbeing. In 2023 you can find links to all the NGS gardens opening in West Sussex on the Sussex Local Website, starting with Snowdrop Gardens in January. Some local gardens will also be featured in Sussex Local Magazines.

Raising funds for charity and community

Founded in 1927 by the Queen’s Nursing Institute to raise funds for community nursing. Every ticket bought, garden visited and cake/cup of tea savoured translates into millions of pounds in donations to nursing and health charities, garden charities and community projects. For more information on the NGS and gardening benefits, visit ngs.org.uk. You can also pick up a free copy of the Sussex National Garden Scheme Booklet from local outlets from February.

In Your Garden

Monthly gardening ideas & tasks

by Andrew Staib of Glorious Gardens

Four Dimensional Design for your garden

A garden has many more dimensions than we could possibly fathom. We are finding out more and more about the intricate communication systems trees have developed with their roots to other trees, seeds that make the ground infertile for other rival plants, colonies of insects with complex social systems, fungi that transform debris in different ways. Our gardens are little microcosms that exhibit all these details and more. Time is an extra dimension - how plants will perform over time, what plants will die out after a few years, which ones need to seed each year to keep the species alive, what pruning is needed for particular types of trees knowing the way in which they grow and how you want them to look. We are involved in a shifting, flowing 4-D sculpture. If you take a walk in nature you will realise that plant life tries to occupy all the different layers of space. From tall trees to a canopy of small trees underneath, to shrubs then ground cover, bulbs and climbers. Different plants survive on different levels depending on their light requirements and due to other factors such as wind, soil stability and ability to grow next to different species. The result is powerful and achieves a complexity that most urban gardens lack.

Of course in many ways gardens are simplifications of nature, bringing out the essential elements whilst allowing for more functional human spaces as well as ease of maintenance.Yet it is possible to bring some of that rich ‘wovenness’ into the smallest of gardens and the results will give you a deeper satisfaction and more four dimensional beauty. So if there are gaps in your beds or just one or two layers going on compared with the eight I have mentioned below, you can notice what is missing and plan to enrich your layering for next year!

Trees

Choose your trees carefully. Often I arrive at a client’s garden and there is either one massive tree that dominates the rest of the garden space

or there is a lack of trees. People sometimes assume that planting trees will create too much shade but if your garden is small/medium, well positioned trees with a delicate and spacious leaf and branch character can create a canopy that will give your garden a sense of height, enclosure and intimacy.

Some trees for the smaller gardens are Amelenchier lamarki, Weeping Birch, Malus, Sorbus, Viburnum Tinus, Cercis, Albezia and Rhus. All of these trees will give your garden a lovely sense of breadth without a tree surgeon being called in every year.

Taller Shrubs

We will be looking at shrub combination in a future article, but one can start thinking of shrubs in a more complex way.

Underneath the tree layer one can plant a layer which I call Tall Shrubs. These plants can contribute lots of height when needed but can also be pruned severely each year depending on the plan you have for the shapes in your garden. Some of them can be also be developed as multi stemmed plants.

Some are Sambucus ‘Sutherland’s Gold’ and Sambucus ‘Black Lace’, Philadelphus, Forsythia, some of the taller Cornus, Ceanothus, Fatsia, most of the the Pittisporums and the different types of Laurel.

They are the aesthetic bridge between taller trees and the rest of the garden creating a more natural context for the smaller perennial beds and lawn.

MalusTree

Smaller Shrubs

Smaller shrubs can then be chosen that will tend to give longer periods of colour and fit snuggly under the ‘umbrellas’ of the taller trees and shrubs. Some interesting shrubs are: Rosa rugosa, Teucrium fruticans, Japanese Quince, most of the Hebes, Hydrangeas, Cistis, Pittisporum ‘Tom Thumb’ and the Choysia range. Lavatera ‘Barsley Baby’, Mahonia Soft Caress, the smaller Phormiums and variegated Euonymous.

Ground Cover

Ground cover can be used as the ‘glue’ that holds all the different layers together. Not only can you plant these in large ribbons and drifts to give your border a sense of flow and unity but they solve the practical job of suppressing the weeds whilst the trees are establishing themselves.

Some tried and tested ground covers that I like are the smaller height Geraniums, Sedums, Chaerophyllum ‘Roseum’, White Bay Willow Herb and Persicaria. Grasses can also be used here, with dotted planting of Pennesetum Fairy Tails.

Smaller Ground Cover

The smaller ground covers tend to be at the front of borders where they won’t be swamped by the

bigger plants. Some nice examples are: Pachysandra, Ajuga, Brunnera, Galium odoratum, Epimedium, Bergenias, Lilly of the Valley and Periwinkle.

Climbers

It is surprising how many gardens I visit and see unsightly spaces that a well chosen climber could easily transform.

Climbers hide fences, can shoot up trees like rambling roses or drop languidly down from shed roofs or pergolas. They are a first choice for many an unsightly wall or tool shed and with their exuberant need to spread out can give your garden a new dimension of space.

More unusual climbers are Akebia, Campsis, Berberidopsis coralline and Solanum.

Bulbs

The bulb range is enormous. Some come out before the trees have come into leaf to grab the early sunlight when they can, others push through other plant life tenaciously. As I have written in previous articles plan your bulbs with the months of the year in mind and you can have bright splashes of colour almost all year.

I would like to include another dimension to designing you garden with layers - and that is what is called ‘Window Plants’ . These are plants that even though some are quite tall they can be planted in the middle or even the front of a bed and you can see through their spacious foliage to other plants.

Examples of these - and please look them up as they have a great ethereal feeling, are Sanguisorba ‘ Pink Elephant’, Dierama, Qaura, Molinia Tranparent and Molinia ‘Karl Foestar’, Allium Sphaerocephalon and the more commonly known Verbena Bonsariensis and Stips gigantia.

See what is performing well and see where you can add extra depth.

January tasks

• Start to force your Rhubarb by placing as big a pot as you can find over the heads.

• Sow in your greenhouse all sorts of vegetables ready to be transplanted in Spring into your plot.

• The biggest jobs are the pruning of deciduous plants like Roses, Wysteria and fruit trees.

• The best place to go to learn proper pruning methods is a professional gardener, the RHS Pruning Manuel or Youtube! If you type in “Pruning a small apple tree” you will get all sorts of well meaning gardeners showing you what they do. Choose to listen to an expert though there are different options. Try RHS first. Also make sure the apple tree looks like your one as there are different types.

A garage full of opportunity

By Nick Roberts RMR Group

After the entire family has taken up every inch of space during the festive period, Christmas seems a distant memory. In hindsight one extra room with all the trimmings would have been ideal.

Life has changed, we’re at home more than ever before. But the idea on an extension could just be a step too far when you consider the national crisis about soaring utility bills and thermostat rationing. This is when your garage might just provide the cost-effective solution to adding an extra bedroom, office or whatever you need.

Let’s face it, we store a lot of junk in garages! And most would struggle to home a motorbike let alone a modern-day family car! They’re a convenient place for all bits and pieces for the ‘tomorrow’ that never comes. But, hidden within those three walls, lies a huge opportunity to expand your living area and create a transformative improvement to your property.

In most cases, garages already have the fundamental requirements to extend into but it’s important to know that there are far more details

than you might think when embarking on a conversion. Whilst planning permission isn’t usually required, it’s imperative that building regulations are met with regards to ventilation, fire safety, thermal performance and structural elements. Most garage conversions are straight forward but it’s not unusual for projects to turn complex when work gets underway, and the layers are stripped back to reveal what surprises are in stall to ruin your day. Our advice: instruct an architect or builder you can trust to – at the very leastassess your garage before starting the project. It may stop that swear jar from overflowing!

Unsurprisingly, demand for conversions is at an all-time high - they’re a brilliant way of transforming your home. They don’t encroach on our valued gardens, they cause minimum disruption as far as building work goes and they boost the value of your home. This is why they’ve become one of the most popular ways to gain space.

www.robertsmillerredshaw.com

The best flooring to keep your home warm

Helping to improve your energy efficiency this winter

As winter sets in, you might be thinking about changing the interior of your home. Not just to reflect the change in season but to keep that costly central heating on a bit less too!

When chosen correctly, the flooring in your home can improve its energy efficiency and keep it warmer. Here are our top 3 warm flooring choices:

Wood flooring - retains heat

Contrary to belief, wood flooring is a better choice in Winter than Summer! Wood is a natural heat retainer and absorbs and slowly disperses heat. When laid with minimal gaps between planks, wooden floor works well as a warm flooring option.

Wool carpet - natural insulation

One of the main reasons fitted carpets gained in popularity in the 1950s and 60s was due to the fact that natural wool carpets keep rooms warmer. Wool carpet is a natural insulator and - unlike wood flooring - feels warm underfoot. When

paired with a comfy underlay, wool carpet can be a luxuriously soft option. Its natural insulating properties help your home’s energy efficiency too.

Unlike raw materials, such as stone found on traditional tiled floors, vinyl flooring is soft and warm underfoot. It’s made of five layers bonded together to make a warm flooring option while still being waterproof, stylish and easy to maintain.

If you’re looking for new flooring that’s going to keep you warm this winter, pop into our Worthing or Storrington showroom to see all of our ranges of flooring and speak to our flooring experts. The staff are more than happy to help you find the perfect flooring for your home.

16 High Street, Storrington, RH20 4DU 01903 744748 www.wallbroscarpets.co.uk

Brockway - 100% undyed wool

Storrington & Worthing showrooms

Tell us what matters to you and we’ll listen. We want to know how we can make a difference when selling your home. We’ll bring opinions and ideas on top of solid advice, and we’ll provide friendly support alongside professional services. We’ve been here before and you can count on us to get results – we’ve proven it for over thirty years.

They’re all saying it’s a gloomy property market, but we’re positive we can help.

Lifetime Mortgages

by Paul Davies, About Mortgages Ltd

Freeing up wealth tied up in your home

You may have heard Equity Release or Lifetime Mortgages mentioned more frequently recently. They can offer many benefits in later life and something you may not have considered before.

A lifetime mortgage is a loan secured against your property and doesn’t need to be repaid until you go into long-term care or on the event of your death. Lifetime mortgages free up wealth tied up in your home and you can continue living in it.

There is a variety of reasons we’ve seen enquiries increase; it could help purchase a holiday hideaway, provide home deposits for family, replacing lost income when retiring and a range of other needs. But the primary reason appears to be the amount of wealth tied up in a property.

How do Lifetime Mortgages work?

Lifetime Mortgages are a form of equity release. They enable you to borrow money secured against your property, but the property must be your main residence whilst retaining ownership of it.

In some circumstances, there might not be enough money left from the property sale to repay the mortgage, which could leave beneficiaries having to repay extra above the home’s value. Equity Release Council lenders offer no negative equity guarantee which ensures your beneficiaries never have to pay back more than your home’s value. Depending on the lender and the mortgage product, you can ring-fence part of the value of the property as an inheritance for your beneficiaries.

Different types of Lifetime Mortgages

The two primary types of lifetime mortgages:

• Interest roll-up mortgage

• Interest-paying mortgage

It’s important to understand the difference in these Lifetime Mortgages before applying. Ensure any discussions about later life finance schemes are provided by an FCA regulated adviser.

About Mortgages Ltd specialise in mortgages, lifetime mortgages, financial protection contact: 01403 283928 / www.aboutmortgages.co.uk

A three bedroom detached bungalow occupying this corner plot position located in easy walking distance of the village and local shops. Internally, property comprises separate cloakroom, sitting room with outlook towards South Downs, open plan kitchen/dining room with integrated appliances, family bathroom with Jacuzzi bath, uPVC double glazed windows and gas fired central heating. Outside comprises gardens and terrace, detached single garage and off-road parking. Offered for sale with no onward chain.

Contact Fowlers: 01903 745844

Storrington neighbourhood wardens

Assistance requested, Advice drop-ins & other events

Happy New Year. We hope everyone had a good Christmas and kept warm and healthy. We would like to start the year by asking for your assistance on the following issues: anti-social behaviour, dog attacks, and anti-social driving. If you see any of these, please help us to keep the parish safe by reporting even the smallest of incidents to the Police on 101 (non-emergency). You can also report online via www.sussex.police.uk/ ro/report/ For emergencies always call 999.

By reporting such incidents, it helps the Police to build up a picture of what is happening in the area and provides them with the information needed to act. Without these reports, the Police do not have the justification to step in. In January and February, we will be running advice drop-ins which will be supported by several other agencies. These drop-ins will be for anyone who needs help or just some advice.

The dates and venues are: Tuesday 10th, 24th January, and 7th February at Place Villerest from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Tuesday 17th, 31st January, and 14th February at Sullington Village Hall from 5.30pm – 7pm. Other events we have arranged include: Our Nostalgia Café, that runs every 3rd Thursday of the month. Come along to the leisure centre from 10.30am to 1.30pm, for a cuppa and a chat. Youth Boxing sessions every Tuesday. Little Champs sessions are from 4pm to 5pm followed by sessions for 10-17 year-olds from 5pm to 6pm.

Dog Behaviourist session at Sullington Warren, date in April to be confirmed.

Fun Day on Monday 21st August from 11am to 3pm at the leisure centre. The climbing wall and loads of other activities will be free on the day. Please remember to check on your neighbour, or if you haven’t seen someone around for a while, give them a quick call. If you have any concerns for anyone, you can call us and we will signpost to the appropriate agency, or we can pop round to do a welfare check.

Chris: 07795 046743 / Alison 07789 943201

storrington-sullingtonwardens@horsham.gov.uk

St Mary’s C of E Primary School, Washington

School council, anti-bulling & Vikings

At St Mary’s we have an active school council. They have recently launched our whole school charity focus and their ‘Guess the name of the Puppy’ competition is currently underway as their first charity fundraising event of the year, the chosen charity is Guide Dogs. The council recently led our worship, to deliver the theme of Anti-bullying week, where they encouraged anyone in school who might be experiencing bullying (this could be in person or online) to reach out. Thank you to all of the children who took part in wearing odd socks on this day to support this.

Shipwrecks and storming a monastery formed part of the learning when Vikings recently visited the school to engage and immerse the children in their learning. The children had a wonderful time participating in drama whilst enriching their

ship building. www.st

Storrington Primary School

Autumn term round up

Party time hit with our own resident DJ and compere for our first school disco since lockdown. It was wonderful seeing the children having so much fun, enjoying the music and throwing some groovy moves.

Autumn term has been a really busy time for children at Storrington Primary with lots of learning and fun taking place. The juniors were lucky to have author, Jim Becket visit and talk to them about being a writer and his new book, “Caravan at the edge of Doom.” Jim spoke about what inspired him to become an author and the writing process.

Singing is really important at Storrington, it brings us together as a community and really develops confidence, it is also brilliant for well-being. The children really shone with their singing this term as parents were treated to an Early Years nativity, an infant singing show and a junior Christmas extravaganza. We really were in the festive mood! During these shows we were proud to see our children from Ukraine perform at these shows singing their favourite Ukrainian carol. Storrington Primary wishes you all a very Happy New Year!

www.storringtonprimary.co.uk

New Headteacher announcement

Slindon College’s first female Headteacher

Heading up a highly qualified team

Joining Slindon College in 2016, first as an Assistant SENCo and Specialist Dyslexia teacher (Level 5 Dyslexia / SpLD) and then SENCo, Mrs Vlahodimou completed her NPQH in 2021. Her extensive knowledge of educating pupils who struggle to fulfil their potential in mainstream environments is motivated by her own personal experiences of education.

When she was at school she was told that she was not academic enough and not very good with languages. This led Mrs Vlahodimou to dedicate her teaching career to working with children to remove barriers to their learning. Most recently she has had a very successful track record as Acting Headteacher at Slindon College. These experiences shone through in the recruitment process amongst a strong field of candidates. Becoming the first female Headteacher in the College’s 50 year history, Mrs Vlahodimou heads up a highly qualified team in a supportive and calm setting which enables pupils to engage in a learning style that is accessible to them.

Over 10 years experience in special education

Following a thorough and competitive recruitment and selection process the new Headteacher of Slindon College has been announced as it looks forward to further growth in Academic Year 2022/23 and beyond.

Slindon College Board of Governors announce Mrs Sotiria Vlahodimou as the new permanent head of the College with immediate effect. Mrs Vlahodimou (BSc, MSc, Post. Grad. Diploma, PGCE, NASENCO, NPQH) has over 10 years of experience in special education in both the mainstream and independent sectors. She studied for her first degree in Medical Microbiology at the University of Surrey and gained her MSc and Post. Grad. Diploma whilst working full time. Following a successful career in paediatric vaccines in the Pharmaceutical Industry she gained a PGCE from the University of Chichester. Mrs Vlahodimou worked in an outstanding West Sussex special school where she refined her own pedagogy in helping children enjoy and achieve in education and gained her SENCo qualification (NASENCo).

Mrs Sotiria Vlahodimou, Headteacher, said: “I feel deeply honoured to be able to lead Slindon College going forward and I am very excited about the future. You can be assured that as Headteacher, I will strive to create the best education for each pupil here by nurturing their happiness and self-confidence as learners.”

Independent day and boarding school for boys Slindon College is a day and boarding school for boys aged 8-18. If you’d like to find out more about how Slindon College could help your child or to make an enquiry, contact the college or visit www.slindoncollege.co.uk.

Slindon College holds Open Mornings in September and March. To register for an upcoming one, visit their website, call: 01243 814320 or email: registrar@slindoncollege.co.uk.

Headteacher Mrs Sotiria Vlahodimou

Storing your Classic Car this Winter

7 Tips from Toyota Master Technician Graham Bothamley

With rain lashing down and gales blowing Britain’s classic car owners are putting their cherished vehicles away for winter; but what are the pitfalls to avoid which can lead to heartbreak and big bills when you come to retrieve it next Spring?

Graham Bothamley has more than a hundred Toyota and Lexus vehicles in his care, from 1960s examples to new cars just delivered. Here are Graham’s top tips:

1. Put your car up on axle stands if possible, it really helps to keep it off the ground, especially to protect your tyres. If this isn’t possible pump your tyres up to the highest safe level you can.

2. Fit a “trickle charger” to the battery, ideally one which conditions as well as charges.

3. Clean your vehicle inside and out before storing, using a good-quality wax on the exterior. Invest in a car cover, ideally a breathable one.

4. Ensure the hand brake is left off. If the handbrake is applied the mechanism can seize during storage. However, it’s vital to make sure that the wheels are firmly “chocked” if you’re not using axle stands so that car doesn’t move.

5. Leave your windows slightly open to prevent condensation which can damage upholstery and other surfaces, and allow mould to breed. Remember to remove anything in the vehicle which could rot or cause smells.

6. Ensure the vehicle’s antifreeze level is at the recommended maximum – enough to prevent engine freezing.

7. Finally, consider placing a humane rodent trap close to the vehicle and check it every few days. It’s amazing how much damage one little mouse can cause if it decides to build a nest in your engine or wheel arches and feast on your wiring!

Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in

Andrew Griffith MP

Member of Parliament for Arundel and South Downs

As we start the New Year, I wanted to update readers on progress on two issues of perennial local concern.

Fibre-capable broadband improvements

Whether you have returned to office or have adapted to spending more time working from home, faster broadband is an issue that affects everyone – especially in hard-to-reach rural areas like ours. As someone who struggled with a connection of less than 1Mb at my home for years, I know myself that access to a decent local download speed is something that has historically been a challenge. I’m therefore pleased that West Sussex has been selected by the Government to receive £128 million worth of broadband improvements, bringing fibre-capable broadband to 68,000 homes and businesses across our rural area – all starting this year. Already ‘gigabit broadband coverage’ – which is essentially the fastest broadband you can get in your home – is now at 55% which is genuinely a light speed away from what it used to be.

Reducing the number of road accidents

As we continue to endure the dark evenings and the cold and wet January weather, representing a rural community where everyone has to travel to access essential services, I worry about safety on our dangerous West Sussex roads. Local residents have no choice but to rely upon roads such as the A272, the A285, the A283 and the A27 and A29. Tragically, the latest figures I have obtained show that last year over 450 people have been killed or seriously injured on West Sussex’s roads – a frightening number in which each represents a personal or familial lifechanging tragedy. There is no single magic cure but a combination of, lower speed limits in towns and villages where they are appropriate, greater police presence and the right investment and maintenance on the roads themselves all have an important role to play.

Andrew Griffith MP for Arundel & South Downs Andrew.Griffith.MP@parliament.uk www.andrewgriffithmp.com

Mill House Antiques Unique furniture

Open since last October, Mill House Antiques makes an interesting addition to the Storrington High Street. Owner John Lewis started his antiques journey in the 80s as an apprentice in a Brighton workshop. John was one of 15 restorers and here he learnt his craft and developed a love of period pieces. An “antique” is defined as being over 100 years old and John’s knowledge of the different materials and production techniques favoured through the ages is impressive. His favourite period is Victorian; “They were the best at making furniture” says John, “solid pieces made by hand; modern furniture is all machine-made and glued together.”

90% of the furniture on sale in the shop has been restored by John. He seeks out interesting items which are good quality but need a bit of TLC to bring them back to their best. “People who buy antiques appreciate the time and effort

which has gone into making them and are often looking for an individual piece which will enhance a particular area of their home”.

John has a small workshop on-site at the shop and a larger storage area and workshop in Pulborough. John, “The main workshop is in a lovely rural location with plenty of space and great natural light”. John told me he has plans to offer restoration workshops there in the Spring. “I want to pass on my skills, it’s important that we still have craftsmen, people who can repair old furniture so these lovely pieces can live on”. To register interest in a workshop place please call John on 01903 446783 or visit 42-44 High Street, Storrington, RH20 4DU

Left: Before Above: After

John with his labs

Ashington Parish Council

QGC project, wardens, parish yard & Bellway Homes development

“Queens Green Canopy” (QGC) project

The QGC is a nationwide tree planting initiative that was created initially to mark the Platinum Jubilee. Following the passing of the Queen, His Majesty The King wishes the project to continue, to serve as a lasting tribute. The Parish Council has now received a goodsized oak tree for the project. A ceremony for planting the tree will be announced when a suitable location has been decided. 30 saplings (Rowan, Cherry, Silver Birch) have also been received from the Woodland Trust. We are working in collaboration with the Ashington Community Centre Trust to look to having these planted near the Community Centre.

Neighbourhood wardens

The Wardens hosted another successful “Girls Only” evening this month, with an emotional wellbeing coach on hand to listen, support and offer advice to help the secondary school age girls navigate what can be difficult times in their lives. Activities, fruit kebabs, smoothies and a bit

of ad-hoc dancing at the end ensured a fun and productive evening as always! We are looking to run these events for the boys also; suitable ideas for activities are currently being discussed.

Parish Yard update

The ongoing situation with “water neutrality” has meant the Parish Council looking to review the options yet again for the site. No water usage would mean the proposed Parish Office could only be used for storage at this time and is therefore not cost effective. Short term rental of the yard is being considered.

Bellway Homes development

In May this year, Bellway Homes gave a presentation on their initial proposal for this site to the Parish Council at their monthly meeting. Concerns were raised by the PC about their proposals deviating significantly from the Neighbourhood Plan. 6 months on, Bellway have responded to these concerns and will be holding a public consultation on 6th December. www.ashingtonpc.org.uk

Storrington & Sullington Parish Council

Traffic issues, Kithurst Hill update & building improvements

Edited extracts from draft minutes of the Parish Council meeting 30th November 2022. Traffic Issues - Met with representatives from the Highways Department to discuss the HGV restrictions on School Hill. CCTV footage taken in September identified potential breaches of the weight restriction and Clerk would be reviewing footage to cross check the weight of each vehicle through the DVLA website. Companies with vehicles over 7.5 tonnes will be written to with photographic evidence of breach. Signage on Washington Road and on mini roundabout will be reviewed and hedges obscuring existing signs will be cut back. It is hoped these measures can be implemented prior to nesting season beginning at the end of Feb 2023. Mentioned mobile bank units and large “Turning Tides” coach which has difficulty manoeuvring around the area. Some vehicles authorised to use car park provide beneficial services such as Breast Screening Unit and weekly Food Bank. Concerns raised that availability of medium term parking for visitors to retail area has reduced.

Kithurst Hill Car Park update – WSCC extended agreement to maintain car park until end of Jan 2023 whilst various authorities discuss how it can remain open. Council would not be able to take responsibility for car park due to legal constraints/resources. Agreed that Wardens may undertake regular visits to check for litter and to report any maintenance issues.

Buildings improvements - Replacement of Parish Hall air conditioning system postponed until later in 2023. Grant applications to be made to fund this. Suggested attention be turned to replacement of system in office and meeting rooms. 3 quotes obtained. Reviewed each and reported they all provided a viable and energy efficient alternative to current equipment. Some proposed remote programming and temperature control. Indicated there were a few details to be further explored. Decided that quotations be considered at next Full Council Meeting and Clerk would apply to HDC’s Community Climate Fund for a grant of £5k towards cost of work. www.storrington-pc.gov.uk

Reader Letter

Dear Editor

I empathise with the reader who e-mailed you with a complaint regarding the paucity of information from the Storrington Parish Council in your monthly magazine. However, having now seen your response I understand the reasoning. Would it not be fairer to the Storrington {Parish Council to add a standard note each month saying something along the lines of “Further details of Parish Council business can be found in the quarterly Parish Newsletters on the Parish Council website”. I had heard of the threatened closure of the Kithurst car park and was a very grateful for the detailed explanation of what lay behind it in this month’s magazine. Apart from Change.org is there anywhere else to voice concerns? Barry Goldman (by email). Editor - Many thanks for your letter Barry. We do always put the council website address at the end of the articles. Regarding Kithurst, there is a Facebook group set up for the carpark closure, but also suggest you contact your West Sussex County Councillor Paul Marshall who can be reached by email at paul.marshall@westsussex.gov.uk.

Thakeham Parish Council

January round-up for Thakeham residents

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

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 there. 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 mid2023 and the waiting list for plots is still open –contact the Clerk. More on our website.

Thakeham Pre-School

Thakeham Pre-school Bags2school collection has been rescheduled to 20 January 2023.Please ensure all items donated are in sealed black plastic bags to avoid getting wet and to be left outside the Preschool by 9am on Friday 20 January 2023. For full details of what can be collected please contact us either by email or view accepted items list on our Facebook page. All monies raised will aid our Garden Maintenance Project.

Contact (t): 01798 817437, (e): thakehampreschoolcommittee@outlook.com

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.

Village Hall

Thakeham Village Hall will be celebrating Village Halls Week 2023 with a community coffee

morning on Monday 23 January 2023 and an open day on Saturday 28 January 2023. Everyone is welcome.

Start the new year with a new hobby or make good on that new year’s resolution by joining one of our fitness classes. Our activities timetable and contact details for our community groups and instructors can be found on our website.

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/

Don’t forget you can now put bottle lids in your blue top recycling bin at home. Wash and dry the bottle and attach the lid before putting in your bin.

Local groups

Thakeham Village FC are looking for new players for our U9 and U11 teams to start friendlies ahead of the new season. For more details please visit www.thakehamvillagefc.co.uk

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