Sussex Local Magazine - Storrington MARCH 2023

HELLO!

Springisfinallyhere–orisit? AccordingtotheMetOffice, “meteorological”springstarts on1stMarch,butthe“vernal equinox”isnotuntil20th March.

Thismonthourcharityfocusis onthebrilliant“Outta Puff Daddys”.Startedasajoke,the BrightonDadsdancegroup championmentalwellbeing whilstnottakingthemselvesat allseriously.

Anddon’tforgetthatthe clocks“springforward”on Sunday26thMarch.British SummerTimewasbroughtin duringtheFirstWorldWarin 1916toconservefuelby lengtheningthedaylighthours oftheworkingday.Ifwekept toGreenwichMeanTime,it wouldbelightat3amanddark by9pmintheheightofthe summer.

So,let’sforgetaboutthatlost hourofsleepandlookforward tolonger,lightereveningswith moreopportunitiestoget outsideandenjoythefreshair andtheglorioussignsofspring!

Untilnexttime, Kris&Jeff

ARUNDEL andsurroundings– 7,006 addresses

BARNHAM andsurroundings– 6,316 addresses

CHICHESTER citycentreandsuburbs– 6,310 addresses

FINDON andsurroundings– 7,287 addresses

MIDHURST/PETWORTH andsurroundings– 7,139 addresses

PULBOROUGH andsurroundings– 6,091 addresses

SOUTHWATER andsurroundings– 7,108 addresses

STORRINGTON andsurroundings– 6,733 addresses

Establishedin2007,wepublishandhand-delivereight editionsfreeofchargetoover54,000homesandbusinesses everymonth.Wewelcomereaderlettersandcommunity noticeswhichwepublishfreeofcharge.

What’s On - March/April 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 April events to be put on website - 4th March

CHARITY

2nd Mar & 2nd Apr 8:00 PM The CancerWise 2023 Fundraising Challenge Quiz Supporting people, families and carers affected by cancer across West Sussex info@virtualquizevents.com £5 www.VirtualQuizEvents.com

19th Mar 9:30 AM The Children's Trust Surrey Hills Hike Take on the Surrey Hills, starting and finishing at The Children's Trust Tadworth KT20

5RU Adult: £10 Child: £5 Lucy enquiries@thechildrenstrust.org.uk www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/surreyhillshike

25th & 26th Mar 9:00 AM Arundel Castle Abseil

Abseil down the side of the 180-foot tower to be knighted with a bespoke castle medal Arundel Castle BN18 9AB St Barnabas Hospices events@stbh.org.uk www.stbarnabashospice.org.uk/events/arundel-castle-abseil/

28th Mar 7:30 PM Date2Donate - find love while spreading love Meet local singles and raise money for a good cause Muchos Nachos Pub

Chichester PO19 8HT £5 Jovita 07515 597297 jovita.ivinskaite@act4africa.org www.meetup.com/date2donate-find-love-whilespreading-love/events/291436383

15th Apr 10:00 AM Billinghurst Macmillan Coffee Morning including cakes, preserves, crafts, Tombola and raffle Billingshurst Centre RH14 9EW 07711 470635

terriashpool@uwclub.net

CLUBS & SOCIETIES

1st Mar 12:00 PM West Chiltington Probus Club

Members lunch for retired professional or business men resident in or near the village Roundabout Hotel West Chiltington RH20 2PF David 01798 812481 david.g8tfk@gmail.com

4th Mar & 1st Apr 10:30 AM Parkinson's Support Group Support group for people with Parkinson's and their families Washington Village Memorial Hall RH20 4AP £2 Gillian 01903 746871 gillian.chard@btinternet.com

6th Mar & 3rd Apr 8:00 PM Felpham Singles

Social Club Friendly singles club for over 55's

The George Inn Bognor Regis PO22 7PL Anne 01243 821530 anniecook555@yahoo.co.uk

www.felphamsingles.yolasite.com

7th Mar 2:00 PM

Pulborough Computer Club The Latest Scams & How to Avoid Them Learn how to spot scams, and how to protect against them Pulborough Village Hall RH20 1LP £3 / Members £2 Chrissie 01798 872 266 chrissie@wisborough.com www.pcclub.org.uk

7th Mar 7:00 PM Storrington Museum AGM Members only meeting followed by talk from local author on writing historical fiction for Children Storrington Museum RH20 4LL 01903 740188 storringtonmuseum@hotmail.com

12th Mar 11:00 AM Caring for CoultershawVolunteer Day Coultershaw Heritage Site near Petworth GU28 0JE Tony 07860 186847 admin@coultershaw.co.uk coultershaw.co.uk

13th Mar 7:30 PM Pulborough Meadows WI Visitors welcome Pulborough Village Hall RH20 2BF £1 Mary Walker 07920 326000 mary.walker50@gmail.com

21st Mar 7:30 PM West Chiltington Floral Club

Area Demonstrator: Barbara Caldecourt West Chiltington Village Hall RH20 2PZ Visitors Free. Carol 01798 813608 / Brenda 01798 813712 wchiltfloralclub@gmail.com

22nd Mar 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

COMMUNITY

17th Mar 6:30 PM Worthing Climate

Engagement and Action XR Worthing - twice monthly meetings - all are welcome CREW Worthing BN11 3AL xrworthing@protonmail.com

- please contact event organisers to check for changes

25th Mar 8:00 AM Men's Breakfast Community

Event Talk by Colonel Edward Armitstead CBE ex Coldstream Guards Chichester Park Hotel PO19

7Q £10 07813 024585 immanuelchichester.com/ community/mens-breakfast peter@ppsutton.co.uk

29th Mar 10:00 AM Carer Marketplace Unpaid carers can learn more about local services and support available Norfolk Centre Arundel BN18

9PA luke.hutchinson@carerssupport.org.uk www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arundel-carermarketplace-event-tickets-522387905287? aff=odcleoeventsincollection

COURSES & TUITION

1st Mar 10:00 AM Getting started with Ancestry.co.uk workshop to get you started with your family and local history research West Sussex Record Office PO19 1DD £7.50 / £6.50 for members www.westsussex.gov.uk/ro 01243

753602 record.office@westsussex.gov.uk

11th & 21st Mar 8:30 AM Birdsong Masterclass

Identify birdsong at RSPB Pulborough Brooks

RH20 2EL £20.50 members / £25.50 nonmembers Lydia lydia.fletcher@rspb.co.uk 01798

875851 events.rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks

26th Mar 9:30 AM Birding for absolute beginners If you’re new to birdwatching, this is the session for you RSPB Pulborough Brooks RH20 2EL £20.50 members / £25.50 nonmembers Lydia lydia.fletcher@rspb.org.uk 01798

875851 events.rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks

5th Apr 10:00 AM Reading old handwriting One workshop to get you started with your family and local history research West Sussex Record Office PO19 1DD £7.50 / £6.50 members 01243

753602 record.office@westsussex.gov.uk www.westsussex.gov.uk/ro

EXHIBITIONS

1st - 5th Mar 10:00 AM Natalia Samarina: My Art exhibition Join Natalia Samarina for her first exhibition Colonnade House BN11 3DH Paula 01903 221142

paula.tollett@adur-worthing.gov.uk colonnadehouse.co.uk/

1st Mar - 2nd April 10:00 AM Birds & Beasts: The Wild Escape Discover a wild array of prints and drawings of birds and beasts by artists Pallant House Gallery PO19 1TJ 01234 774557 info@pallant.org.uk pallant.org.uk/

1st - 24th Mar 11:00 AM Anne Grebby in Chichester | Artist Residency artist Anne Grebby will undertake a three month residency at Chichester Cathedral PO19 1PX info@chichestercathedral.org.uk www.chichestercathedral.org.uk

7th Mar 10:00 AM Stemmed exhibition

presenting Lucy’s soft, woven forms and Ellie’s defined, linear glassworks Colonnade House BN11 3DH Paula 01903 221142

paula.tollett@adur-worthing.gov.uk colonnadehouse.co.uk

16th Mar - 30th Apr 10:00 AM Arundel Museum

Exhibition: Ralph Ellis - Artist and Inn Sign

Designer The Arundel resident who was one of England’s most successful inn sign painters

Arundel Museum BN18 9PA Adult: £4.50 Child: £3.50 01903 885866 www.arundelmuseum.org office@arundelmuseum.org

18th Mar 10:30 AM Slindon History Exhibition of Local Scenes dated mid-1900's Exhibition of watercolour paintings by former Slindon House Butler Coronation Hall Slindon BN18 0QZ Free. Moira www.slindon.com 01243 814725 moira.wordpower@btinternet.com

21st - 26th Mar 10:00 AM

Steve Gallagher at Colonnade House: "Cloth, Paper, Steel" Fine art photographs

exhibition by Steve Gallagher

Colonnade House BN11 3DH 01903 221142

paula.tollett@adurworthing.gov.uk colonnadehouse.co.uk

1st & 2nd April 10:00 AM The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show The Sussex Guild is exhibiting again in The Henfield Hall BN5 9DB £3 01273 479565 info@thesussexguild.co.uk thesussexguild.co.uk/sussex-guild-events/ henfield-contemporary-show/

4th - 8th Apr 10:00 AM Mark Munroe-Preston Mark Munroe-Preston “Treescapes” Colonnade House BN11 3DH paula.tollett@adurworthing.gov.uk colonnadehouse.co.uk/event/ mark-munroe-preston-treescapes/

11th - 15th Apr 10:00 AM Rosemary Jones: Fabric Printing with Linoblocks Artist specialises in linocut printmaking Colonnade House BN11 3DH paula.tollett@adur-worthing.gov.uk colonnadehouse.co.uk

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

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

25th Mar 12:00 PM Point to Point Racing at Parham See the INEOS Grenadier 4x4 off-road and enjoy a day out Parham Point to Point RH20

2ER Carolyn caroylngorman@gmail.com www.facebook.com/p2patparham

FAYRES & FETES

2nd & 16th Apr 2:30 PM High Salvington Windmill Open Afternoon High Salvington

Windmill BN13 3BP £1 - extra for tour of the mill 07799 333267 lucindafbrooks@outlook.com

15th Apr 9:00 AM Ploughing Match & rural exhibition Vintage Tractors ploughing as they did in 1920 - 1960 The Venue Woodmancote BN5 9BA £8 Gilly 07767 621387 cebvintage@hotmail.co.uk

FILM

8th Mar 7:00 PM Storrington Rotary Film NightElvis Starring Tom Hanks & Austin Butler Bar + Raffle Sullington Village Hall RH20 3PP £5 Ken 01903 740745 kandjcoll@btinternet.com

9th Mar 6:45 PM Foreign Film

evening The Worthing Twinning Association classic French Film

evening West Tarring Baptist Church hall BN14 7LU £5 Pam 01903 232196

pambennett8@btinternet.com

20th Mar 7:30 PM Pulborough Film Night

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody Pulborough Village Hall RH20 2BF £7 Terri 07711 470635 terriashpool@uwclub.net

GARDENS & HORTICULTURE

5th, 21st Mar & 23rd Apr 2:00 PM Manor of Dean garden open for the National Garden Scheme Manor of Dean Petworth GU289AP £5 01483 211535 hello@ngs.org.uk ngs.org.uk

8th Mar 7:15 PM Talk by Nikki BarkerRhododendrons, Camellias & Magnolias Experienced horticulturalist talks about her favourite group of plants West Chiltington Village Hall RH20 2PZ £3 visitors / members free Carys carys.pickett@btinternet.com 07792 817399

www.westchilthortsoc.wordpress.com

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12th Mar & 10th Apr 10:30 AM Beautiful Garden at the Old Vicarage This Garden opens for The National Garden Scheme The Old Vicarage Pulborough RH20 4AS £7 01483 211535 hello@ngs.org.uk ngs.org.uk

25th & 26th Mar 1:30 PM National Garden Scheme garden at Down Place South Harting Enjoy an afternoon at the National Garden Scheme garden at Down Place Petersfield, GU31 5PN £5 hello@ngs.org.uk ngs.org.uk

25th Mar 2:00 PM Walberton Gardeners Club

Spring Flower Show Walberton Village Hall BN18

0PJ £1 www.walberton-gardeners-club.com walbertongcshows@outlook.com 07881 552980

31st Mar 11:00 AM National Garden Scheme: Judy’s Cottage Garden Judy’s Cottage Garden open in March, June and September Judy’s Cottage Garden Worthing BN13 2AE £5 hello@ngs.org.uk ngs.org.uk

11th Apr 2:00 PM The garden at Peelers Retreat Pick up the National Garden Scheme booklet at local outlets Peelers Retreat Arundel BN18 9EX £5 01483 211535 hello@ngs.org.uk ngs.org.uk

16th Apr 2:00 PM National Garden Scheme: Gardens and woods full of bulbs and wild flowers open garden Newtimber Place Hassocks BN6 9BU £5 hello@ngs.org.uk ngs.org.uk

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

HEALTH & FITNESS

Every Mon 7:30 PM HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) Free taster to all new Clients - Suitable to all levels Pulborough Village Hall RH20 2BF £10 07872 968708 ldlovesfitness@yahoo.com www.instagram.com/ldlovesfitness

MUSIC

3rd Mar 7:30 PM 60 Minutes of Classical Music Studio 1, Regis Centre PO21 1BN £6.50 under 25's - £3.50 Contact Hazel Latus: www.alexandratheatre.co.uk 01243 867676 hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk

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

Mill House Antiques

Enhance your home with unique furniture for all budgets

Follow my passion for Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian furniture. Find that unique and practical piece for your home with prices to suit all budgets.

I have over 30 years experience restoring antique furniture, the ultimate recycling ethos! Free parking outside.

42-44 High Street, Storrington RH20 4DU

07533 759606 or 01903 446783

5th Mar 3:00 PM Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra presents A Spring Concert Elgar

Cockaigne Overture Rachmaninov Piano

Concerto No.2 Walton Symphony No. 1

Worthing Assembly Hall BN11 1HE Various prices worthingphilharmonic@gmail.com www.worthingphil.co.uk/

7th Mar 2:00 PM 2 O'Clock Club Mitchell

Armstrong Studio 1, Regis Centre PO21 1BN £6 Hazel www.alexandratheatre.co.uk 01243

867676 hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk

16th Mar 7:00 PM Stripped Back 3 Acts Totally Acoustic, Totally Stripped back Fauna Taproom

Arundel BN18 9AT Marcus 07786 156897 marcusjones7@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/PublicImagePromotions

18th Mar 7:30 PM A Spring Spectacular Concert The Southdowns Concert Band and the Midhurst Community Choir Midhurst Memorial Hall GU29 9DH £10 bbailey93@btinternet.com 07881 552980 southdowns-concertband.com

18th Mar 7:30 PM Chilcott Requiem & Rutter Requiem By Arun Choral Society with The Sinfonia of Arun Arundel Cathedral BN18 9AY £15 / under 18s £7.50 www.arunchoralsociety.co.uk enquiries@arunchoralsociety.co.uk

24th Mar 7:00 PM Music Makes Memories

Charity Concert for Dementia Support My Special Event a charity evening of music

Newtown Sports and Social Club Bognor Regis PO21 5EU £5 12+ only myspecialevent.co.uk 07587 158999 info@myspecialevent.co.uk

24th Mar 7:00 PM

PiP Presents | Underground Sessions Four performers brought together for one evening of music. Arundel Jailhouse BN18 9AP £10 07786 156897 marcusjones7@hotmail.com

26th Mar 7:00 PM Sandgate Singers Choral Concert Spring Concert Our Lady of England Church Storrington RH20 4LW £12 01903 741256 johnandsylvi@btinternet.com www.SandgateSingers.com

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

Chalkpath Community Theatre

26th Mar 7:30 PM Passiontide Meditation The Chantry Quire at Boxgrove Priory PO18 0EE £15

Sarah webmaster@chantryquire.org.uk www.chantryquire.org.uk

30th Mar 7:30 PM PiP Presents | Mr Jones

Community Open Mic The Maypole Inn Yapton BN18 0DP marcusjones7@hotmail.com 07786 156897 facebook.com/PublicImagePromotions

30th Mar 7:30 PM Spring Concerts The Rowland

Singers Choir concert before Easter Offington Park Methodist Church BN14 7TN Adult: £12 / Child: £4 Janet jan@robertsummers.co.uk www.rowlandsingers.co.uk

1st Apr 7:00 PM 80s night in aid of Wolfram

Syndrome charity event with 80's electro pop from Synthony 101 The Factory Live Worthing BN14 8BX £15 admin@wolframsyndrome.co.uk www.wolframsyndrome.co.uk

2nd Apr 3:00 PM Maya Irgalina at The International Interview Concerts what makes Maya tick in interviews @rtsspaces@sionschool

Worthing BN11 4BL Adult: £14 / Child: £2 interviewconcerts@gmail.com www.facebook.com/TheInterviewConcerts

SALES & MARKETS

18th Mar 9:00 AM Arundel Farmers Market

Discover local growers, bakers, meat, poultry, flowers, plants and food and drink Arundel BN18 9AA www.arundelfarmersmarket.co.uk/

18th Mar 9:30 AM Cheeki Monkeys Big Baby & Childrens market Buy or sell toys, clothes and equipment The Shoreham Centre BN43 5WU £1.50 www.facebook.com/Cheeki-MonkeysBrighton-BN2-and-Shoreham-by-Sea107135655022217

18 Mar 1:00 PM 12th Chichester Scout Group

Jumble Sale 12th Chichester Scout Group HQ PO19 3AB 30p 12thchichester.org.uk 07796 144541 secretary@12thchichester.org.uk

25th Mar 9:00 AM Pulborough Monthly Market

Eggs, bread, cakes, crafts, vegs and cafe

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

15th Apr 10:15 AM Junktique, Collectables & Clutter Sale Indoor sale of quality items West

Chiltington Village Hall RH20 2PZ £1 Carol 01798 813608 / Brenda 01798 813712 wchiltfloralclub@gmail.com More

SOCIAL & ENTERTAINMENT

25th Mar 9:30 AM Fishbourne Literary Festival with authors, stalls and refreshments

Fishbourne Church & St. Peter's Place Near Chichester PO19 3XT £25 Simon

www.fishbourneliteraryfestival.co.uk 07718 512860 fishbourneliteraryfestival@gmail.com

TALKS

3rd Mar 2:30 PM Weather Lore in StorringtonFact or Fiction? How reliable are weather sayings? Storrington Museum RH20 4LL £8 / £6 members 01903 740188 storringtonmuseum.com storringtonmuseum@hotmail.com

7th Mar 2:00 PM The Arts Society West Sussex

Monthly Talk Fittleworth Village Hall RH20 1JB Visitors £7 Jackie theartssocietywestsussex.org westsussex@theartssociety.org

7th Mar 7:30 PM Talk by Nick Hall from BBC's Bargain Hunt Small friendly club Field Place

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

8th Mar 7:30 PM Lavant Horticultural Society

Talk by Martin Duncan Lavant Memorial Hall

PO18 0BA Non-members £3 Susan 01243

527725 suejackson23@tiscali.co.uk lavanthortsoc.org.uk

9th Mar 12:30 PM Nelson Mandela Talk by Colin Chambers, visiting Prison Chaplain Robin Island Cape Town Chichester Park Hotel PO19 7QL £20 Frank 01243 527068 frankgriffiths@yahoo.com chichesterprobus.club

13th Mar 10:00 AM The Arts Society Steyning Making Sport: Jane Austen and the Art of Satire by Annalie Talent The Steyning Centre BN44 3X Members free, £10 donation for visitors The Chairman steyning@theartssociety.org www.theartssocietysteyning.org.uk

16th Mar 7:30 PM

Midhurst Camera Club

Speaker Evening Talk by David Smith "The Great Silk Road Today" The Old Library Midhurst GU29 9DQ Visitors £6 midhurstcameraclub.co.uk membership@midhurstcameraclub.co.uk

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.

21st Mar 7:00 PM Arundel Museum Talk: Ralph Ellis A complementary talk to the exhibition

Arundel Museum BN18 9PA £7 members/£9 non members marketing@arundelmuseum.org

22nd Mar 7:15 PM The Great Train Robbery1963 The story about what happened Bassil

Shippam Centre Chichester PO19 7LG £3donation rcts.org.uk/branches/branch-chrchichester 07403 885061 chichester@rcts.org.uk

4th Apr 7:30 PM A talk on Georg Jensen, Danish Silversmith Small friendly club Field Place

Worthing BN13 1NP £7.50 per talk 07984 403890 worthingantiqueclub@yahoo.co.uk www.worthingantiqueclub.com

12th Apr 7:30 PM Lavant Horticultural Society

Talk by Steve Edney Lavant Memorial Hall PO18 0PA Non-members £3 Susan 01243 527725 suejackson23@tiscali.co.uk lavanthortsoc.org.uk

THEATRE

9th - 11th Mar 7:30 PM 'London Road' Best Musical in 2011 Alexandra Theatre, Regis

Centre PO21 1BN £18 Child: £10 Hazel Latus 01243 867676 hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk www.alexandratheatre.co.uk

17th Mar 7:30 PM 'ABBA Forever' at the Regis Centre Alexandra Theatre, Regis Centre PO21 1BN £29.50 Hazel www.alexandratheatre.co.uk 01243 867676 hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk

23rd - 25th Mar 7:30 PM 'High Society' from theatrical DNA of the highest order Alexandra Theatre Regis Centre PO21 1BN £20 Hazel alexandratheatre.co.uk 01243 867676

28th Mar 7:30 PM 'Come What May’ starring Robin Windsor Alexandra Theatre Regis Centre PO21 1BN £32.50 Hazel alexandratheatre.co.uk 01243 867676

hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk

30th Mar 2:00 PM 'When You're Smiling'

Afternoon of music Alexandra Theatre, Regis Centre PO21 1BN £14.50 alexandratheatre.co.uk 01243 867676 hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk

WALKS

7th, 10th & 22nd Apr 10:30 AM Reptile safari RSPB Pulborough Brooks WF17 0EE £12.50 members / £15.50 Non members 01798 875851 lydia.fletcher@rspb.org.uk events.rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks

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

www.thealoeveraco.shop/lsa0VIo0

Sussex Snippets

Charity & Community news from across the counties

Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) needs your support! Having just announced that 2022 was the busiest year in its 33-year history – the life-saving charity responded to 3,224 incidents last year, with 947 call outs in SussexKSS is urgently seeking to recruit more volunteers in order to help with events and activities in the coming year. Visit: www.aakss.org.uk

The Sussex Showcase is a week-long series of collaboration dinners in some of the most exciting restaurants in the counties and features the best chefs from Sussex and around the world. Each ticket includes a donation to organising charity Table Talk Foundation, raising funds to provide food education to children in Sussex and support the hospitality industry. There is also an online charity auction linked to the event. Details and bookings at: www.tabletalk-foundation.com.

You can now access digital copies of the Sussex poll books and electoral registers for free at The Keep, following their launch on the Ancestry website. The registers include more than eight million East Sussex records from 1705-1963. The Keep, in Brighton, is open to anyone who has an interest in family or building history, academic study or a particular historic topic. More details at www.thekeep.info.

The Worthing Twinning Association (WTA) would like to invite residents outside their area who are interested in learning more about French and German culture but which do not have their own twinning group. WTA has links to towns in both France and Germany and hold visits, talks and other activities. There is a visit to Elztal in Germany (pictured) planned for July. More details from Pam Bennett 01903 232196 or send an email to: pambennett8@btinternet.com

Explore a different side to the Lewes district, delving into history, folklore and landscape with Walk This Way - a programme of walks led by local experts in March. Walks will be charged at £5 and free for under 12s, with limited spaces. Details and bookings at www.visitlewes.co.uk.

The recent extreme weather has caused delays in the completion of the A259 improvements scheme in Angmering and Littlehampton. The scheme, is now estimated to finish in April rather

than early this year as previously estimated.

March is Wellbeing

Month in West Sussex Libraries when everyone can celebrate the many ways that libraries support wellbeing, You can borrow a title from their Unwind, Recharge and Relax book displays, or maybe join the Reading Challenge and read a book from March’s theme of “A book that celebrates the great outdoors.” Libraries also have Reading Well booklists on mental health for adults, young people and children, long-term conditions and dementia. All the books on these lists are available from libraries and are free to reserve and borrow. They can also come to you if you are unable to visit.

If you're a young adult, wanting to make a genuine difference, The Wildlife For All Trust is a registered charity looking to expand its team of volunteers. Amongst other projects, they have beautiful nature reserves in West Sussex and in South Africa (pictured). No previous conservation experience is required as they provide all necessary training. Interviews are on 20th March. www.wildlifeforall.org for details.

West Sussex County Council, working with South Gloucestershire Council and partners, has been given the green light to move forward with a new three year joint project ‘Greenprint’, which aims to explore how plant material mowed from our roadsides can be used forbio fuels and road materials.

During this year’s National Bat Monitoring Programme in January, members of Sussex Bat Group (SBG) were astonished to find a second greater mouse -eared bat hibernating in disused railway tunnels. This is in addition to the single existing known male, who has been hibernating in the area for the past 20 years and known as “Britain’s rarest mammal”. SBG is now working to restore the “Greater Horseshoe Bat”, (pictured) which was identified in a stable block in West Sussex in 2019. The Group is now trying to raise funds to purchase and restore the building. www.sussexbatgroup.org.uk

© Peter Schmelzle

© Ryan Greaves

Charity & Community News

Christmas tree collection raises over £3,500

The Rotary Club of Storrington & Pulborough District have totted up the results of its annual Christmas tree collection. The service was sponsored by Fowlers Estate Agents in Storrington and supported by JustHelping, a UK charity that provides a platform for volunteering and fundraising for local charities. Amazon UK provided vans and TreeSmiths of Horsham chipped the trees for free before the chippings were dispersed at Link Farm at Wiggonholt and Broadridge Farm in Ashington. Some 346 trees were collected with donations of over £3,500.

Amberley Road resurfacing

Much of the B2139 between Storrington and Houghton was severely affected by July’s extreme temperatures. Overnight resurfacing and works are now scheduled to take place on weekdays, 8pm to 6am, until 25th March.

Storrington Conservation Group

On 4th March the work is to carry out the annual path clearance at The Glade. We meet at 10am, all welcome to join us, coffee for all workers provided. www.storringtonconservation.org.uk

New coffee pod recycling scheme

Horsham District Council has launched a new scheme to help residents recycle used coffee pods. You just send off for bags and the pods are collected from your home. Most major makes are eligible. Sign up at www.podback.org.

Kithurst Hill car park saved by Horsham DC

With neither West Sussex County Council nor the South Downs National Park willing to do anything, Horsham District Council have stepped in to take over the maintenance of the car park so it can remain open.

Horsham District litter fines increase

People dropping litter in Horsham District will face increased fines. The maximum on-the-spot fine is increasing from £75 to £150 in an effort to prevent people from dropping litter in the District’s streets. Horsham District Council are encouraging residents to report littering via their website www.horsham.gov.uk or alternatively by calling 01403 733144.

Charity & Community News

Brownies need members and helpers

Storrington Brownie pack is looking both for new members and additional helpers to keep the pack going. Brownies have a great time, and next term there are plenty of fun activities planned. The pack is also urgently in need of adult volunteers, as without more there is a good chance the group will cease to exist. If anyone could be interested please call Nicky on 01903 532413.

London Marathon for Liz and Layla

Local friends Liz Davis and Layla Andrews are running the London marathon in April to raise funds in memory of close family they have both recently lost.

Layla, running for the Alzheimers Society, lost her paternal Nan to dementia and says “I watched the disease take a little bit of her away every week I visited. My mum was diagnosed in 2019 aged

64. She is so young and we know what is to come. There is no cure, research is vital and that’s why I am putting myself through this gruelling training.”

Liz told us “I am running in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, in memory of my amazing Mum who lost her battle with the disease two years ago. I want to do everything and anything I can to help support this amazing charity.”

You can support Liz and Layla by donating to their respective Just Giving pages via their QR codes or by searching for them at www.justgiving.com

We print community stories free of charge. Please send your stories to info@sussexlocal.net

Liz QR code above

Layla QR code above

Liz at a previous race

Layla in training

Let’s discuss!

By Will Writer Emma Cohen MIPW

There is one thing in my line of work that comes up on pretty much a daily basis, it’s the conversation about death. So why is it, so many of us avoid having it?

When it is literally the only thing you can guarantee in life, why do we shy away from having these conversations. The subject of dying is one that is emotionally difficult to deal with, although we all know it will eventually happen, none of us really want to think of a world without us or someone we love being part of it, but in truth, that’s exactly the reason why we should be having these discussions.

It may seem awkward at first but discussing how life will be after your death gives everyone around you a better understanding of your wishes. Early-stage grief decisions like funeral preferences, can be discussed and thought through in advance. I can’t emphasise enough how much stress this can relieve at what is already an incredibly difficult time. Discussions about possessions, money, property and what you wish to

leave in your Will, to whom and why. For parents with younger children, talks can be focussed around how life carries on if one of you was no longer around or what provision can be put in place if something unexpectedly happened to both of you.

These conversations aren’t about rubberstamping decisions and finalising every detail, they’re about being realistic with the inevitable and having a chat with your loved ones to express your thoughts and opinions. As you go through life, these decisions may change with your personal situation, so it’s worth revisiting them when you need to.

So, be brave! Have the conversation and see what you can learn from each other.

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

LET'S TALK

Discussing what will happen when you're gone is not always the easiest subject, but it's a conversation well worth having. So, whether it's over coffee, breakfast or just slouching on the sofa, get it out in the open and let those closest to you know your thoughts.

Outa Puff Daddys

Group supporting male mental wellbeing & social connections

Brighton’s over 40s, male only, amateur dance crew “Outta Puff Daddys” uses its profile to encourage change in society’s approach to male mental health. The Group’s Leader and Artistic Director, Paul Jukes tells me that the group was initially founded in 2012 “We first got together as a bit of fun after taking our children to street dance classes. We rehearsed secretly to perform at their annual dance showcase and were hugely successful, so we vowed to continue dancing, and we have been ever since.”

Paul says that it was the death of a founding member in the group’s early days that drew them all closer together and was, Paul realised, “The first trigger for me on how vital this unique male social network was for our mental well-being.” This realisation was further compounded in 2017, when Paul suffered a period of depression, an experience that took Paul and those around him by surprise. He describes himself as: ”A bright, happy guy with a wonderful family … the last person you’d expect to experience such challenging emotions.” The strong social bond of the group was, Paul says, integral to his recovery.

“I believe you never truly fully recover from depression, but you can learn how to better manage your emotions and strategies to take action as soon as early signs re-appear. The crew remain an integral part of my on-going mental wellness ... and I know it is also vital to their own well-being too.”

Dancing to promote mental health awareness amongst men

Then in Spring 2020 Paul took over leadership of the group. Having no previous dance experience, he admits to having found the prospect daunting, but with a hugely supportive crew he embraced the opportunity – recognising the potential to promote mental health awareness, particularly amongst men. However, lack of experience wasn’t Paul’s only challenge, his leadership coincided with the onset of the pandemic - and lockdown.

“My first challenge was to figure out how we would stay united and continue dancing together during times of enforced isolation. I knew

pandemic.” Once the rules relaxed again, the group began meeting in open spaces, with Paul teaching the crew “short, fun routines,” which he then posted online. “Along with underlying mental health messaging and strategies based on my own experiences.” Paul tells me the group’s social media content, on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, attracted thousands of followers and millions of views. “Our profile and mental health message was truly being heard and supported around the world.”

Sharing experiences and learnings

Paul is keen to highlight that the group’s members, “Are not counsellors or medically qualified in the subject of Mental Health. Instead, we use our own life experiences and learnings to share the strategies, actions and behaviours that have benefitted us. They might not be right for everyone, but it is clear from the messages we receive back from our followers that we really are making a positive impact, and this is hugely rewarding.”

Currently the group has fifteen members and everyone dances: “The dance element is really important. Working together and supporting

Outta Puff Daddys

each other [with] the same objective is a really positive experience. Particularly when after weeks of rehearsals it suddenly comes together … crew members go from “I’m never gonna do this” to “Wow, we can actually do this.”

Creating fun routines and promoting our message

Now that the group is able to meet in the dance studio once more, they continue to meet weekly and their story has been picked up and broadcast not only nationally but globally, having featured on BBC, ITV, NBC and Channel10, along with radio broadcasts, podcasts and printed features. Paul also welcomes invitations for the crew to perform live, “As this provides a fantastic opportunity to promote our underlying message in a highly unique and engaging way. Plus...we just love it!”

Additionally, Paul offers motivational talks at colleges, workplaces and events, about the importance of mental health awareness, providing insights into his own mental health experiences and strategies, and how a “bunch of dad-dancers became social media influencers.”

Encouraging men to discuss mental health issues

Paul says that he regularly receives, “Heartwarming and often emotional messages from our

the biggest killer of men under 45 is suicide, which is, Paul says, not only profoundly tragic but also largely preventable.

“In some shape or form, mental health impacts everyone globally, yet the stigma still causes so much shame, fear, doubt, isolation and misunderstanding. Traditionally men have been seen

Paul Jukes

as weak if they are to express vulnerabilities and show emotion. This stops men speaking freely for fear of ridicule or lack of understanding. Until we start to view mental health the same way we view physical health, we’ll continue to face the devastating consequences caused by stigma.” To anyone struggling with mental health issues, Paul would like to highlight. “You are not alone and there is help out there. In order to break the stigma we must all be more honest and open with our emotions. We need to normalise these conversations.”

The group believes that their close bond provides a safe space where they can share vulnerabilities, emotions and freely discuss their mental well-being. “Breaking through stereotypes around traditional masculinity and encouraging others to talk openly about their mental health, to seek and ask for help … and for others to listen without judgement. We are not weak to express our feelings, in fact we are stronger for it”.

Self Care – a better version of yourself

Paul also promotes the importance of self-care and social connectivity, “Research has found that loneliness can treble by late middle-age and

that shared experiences have a number of positive influences on our emotional wellbeing and connectedness… participating in a noncompetitive group activity provides a sense of value and belonging.” Paul believes that self-care is vital to creating a better version of yourself, “which will only ever have a positive impact on those around you.”

Paul would like to develop a global Outta Puff Daddy Community, “Empowering and supporting the development of other likeminded dance groups.” Targeting those over the age of forty, he envisages community focused groups for men and women interested in creating new social connections and mental wellness from the shared experience of learning fun, noncompetitive dance routines.

Contact: Email: paul@outtapuffdaddys.co.uk www.outtapuffdaddys.co.uk

By Lynn Smith

Expert advice on paying for care

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

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

Contact Carewise to find out how you could benefit.

The Mr & Mrs Cheese Sussex Toastie

A tasty snack made with carefully crafted Sussex cheese

Ingredients - Serves 4

• 80g butter

• 4 spring onions, finely sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 100g spinach

• 200g chestnut mushrooms, sliced

• 100g Sussex mayfield cheese, grated

• 100g Sussex charmer, grated

• 80g double cream

• 3-4 tbsp wholegrain mustard

• 8 slices, artisan brown chewy bread

• Season with salt and pepper

Method

1. Heat 20g of butter in a large pan and add the mushrooms. After 10 minutes add the spring onions and garlic, fry for a further 5 minutes after which time add the spinach and wilt ensuring all moisture has evaporated.

2. Add the cream, cheese and mustard. Mix well until the mixture is very thick. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.

3. Use the remaining butter to spread over one side of each slice of bread; place the bread butter side down onto a chopping board; spread the bottom bread slice with the cheesy mixture and top with the other slice of bread. Both buttered slices should be on the outside.

4. Heat a large pan over a medium heat. Add the sandwiches and cook for 2-3 minutes on both sides or until crispy and golden. Serve right away.

www.mrandmrscheese.co.uk

Website promo code: SUSSEXLOCAL10

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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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

When goals can be a bad thing

By Heather Smith

Setting a goal can be great as it gives you something to work towards and help you stay on track. But, if you only eat well and exercise for the sake of one goal, you’re not making the same connections to the bigger picture and are likely missing out on other benefits of living a healthy lifestyle. Being exclusively focused on a single goal can lead to a cycle where you’re on-plan for a while, then off-plan. Whereas if you’re open to the bigger picture, you can see things differently. This is one of the most common things I hear from clients. They realise they no longer even want to eat off plan. They’ve made connections between the way they eat and exercise and the way they feel. Their actions become about much more than a means to an end. Similarly, if you only have one reason for eating or exercising, you can end up disappointed. Progress isn’t made in a linear fashion and if all you want is to see fast change, you’re likely to find yourself discouraged at some point and fall off-track.

Olympic athletes can lose their drive to exercise after they’ve competed. They can’t think why they’re bothering to exercise anymore, there’s just no point to it after they’ve already reached their goal – there’s nothing to work towards next Alternative things to focus on

It is great to have a goal in mind, but it shouldn’t be the most important reason to take action. Learn how to enjoy the whole process, how to enjoy eating well and exercising. Notice things other than those directly related to what you want to achieve. How do you feel in yourself? How’s your digestion? How’s your skin? What’s your energy like? Are you sleeping better?

There must be more to the process than the exclusive focus on your goal if you’re to stick the course and really feel the benefits of making what can be difficult lifestyle changes.

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

Good & bad bacteria

The benefits of probiotics by Clare Gale

Boosting the good bacteria in your body

There are many benefits of taking probiotics. They boost the good bacteria in your gut to help digestion as well as boost your immune system. There are many different good bacteria including acidophilus, lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium all sold within different brands. The thing to look for would be to take a coated capsule rather than a sugary drink. Sugar feeds the bad bacteria in the gut and as a liquid, the bodies natural immune system kills off a lot of the good bacteria before it reaches the part of the body it needs to. You should take at least 8 billion live multi strain bacteria per day. The most recommended one contains at least 14 different strains of probiotics and contain at least 8 billion per capsule.

If you’re taking antibiotics, you should be wary of taking probiotics as one may cancel out the other depending on which ones you’re taking. After taking antibiotics it is always a good idea to take some good bacteria to replenish the good flora in your gut a few days after finishing the course.

Probiotics may help reduce wind and bloating as they help the digestion process.

Candida is a yeast infection commonly found in the gut. It can affect the skin and digestion and is treatable with the right diet and supplements.

To discuss your supplements or health concerns, feel free to call Clare, there’s no charge for a chat!

Clare Gale: 07717 281604 / www.uknaturalhealthclinics.com

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Sussex Walks - March 2023

These walks are supported by The Ramblers and are led by an experienced Ramblers Wellbeing Walk leader, along tried-and-tested routes. If the weather is poor the walk may be cancelled. There is no need to book, unless indicated below. Full programme of walks available on www.ramblers.org.uk

Sat 4th 10:00

Hill - Amberley

Kithurst Hill - Wepham Down - The Burgh - Amberley - Amberley Mount - SDW. Pub Lunch

Meet: Kithurst Hill car park. Mick A 07880 813811

Thurs 9th 10:15

Chanctonbury Ring Circular

A Hilly walk with fine views depending on weather conditions. From Steyning walking up steep path to SDW along to the ring and then steep descents down through woods back to Steyning.

Meet: Steyning Centre car park - Fletchers croft BN44 3XZ. John H 07805 384106

Sat 11th 9.20

circular

A brisk 18-mile circular walk in the South Downs National Park along the Serpent Trail. Picnic lunch at Petworth (pub drinks option)

Meet: Pulborough Railway Station, RH20 1AX Sun 12th 10:00

Farm, Cuckfield & Borde Hill

Circular walk with gently undulating with good views. Several short steeper ascents

Meet: Hollies Car Park, TN22 3JA. Anne 07731 660285

Thurs 16th 10:00

Grinstead, Cowfold, Littleworth

Visiting quaint church at Cowfold. Mainly flat, circular walk

Meet: Car park near West Grinstead station, RH13 8LY. John B 07949 413430 Sat 18th 09:45

Washington - Biggenhurst - Chantry Post - Greyfriars Lane - Storrington (L) - Sullington Warren -

Washington Common. Pub Lunch

Meet: RH20 4AL. Frank and Sally 01293 565482

Sun 19th 10:00 Slinfold, Rowhook & Warnham

Enjoy a circular walk

Meet: Car Park next to Warnham Mill Pond, RH12 2RA. Rex 020 86537533

Tues 21st 10:00

Country Park

Coolham D-Day Airfield, Shipley and Knepp Park

Meet: Southwater Country Park visitor centre £1.10 all day. Kingsley 07484 310414

Thurs 23rd 10:00 Circular South of Loxwood

50th anniversary Walk. Please bring a picnic lunch.

Please message the leader 6 days before to book place.

Meet: Car Park behind the Onslow Arms, Loxwood, RH14 0RE. Paul 07711 772853

Sun 26th 10:00 Parham Park

11.5 miles

11.4 miles

10 miles

We take the South Downs Way then to head down to Parham Deer Park before returning via Amberley. You are welcome to a cup of tea at the walk leader's home at the end of the walk

Meet: Amberley, top of High Titten , BN18 9LZ. Lindsay 01798 831391

Tues 28th 10:00 Stane Street from Whiteways

9.4 miles

50th anniversary Walk. Whiteways, Eartham Wood, Stane Street, The Gumber, Bignor Hill CP, The Denture, Houghton Forest, Whiteways. Bring a picnic lunch.

Please message the leader 6 days before to book place

Meet: Whiteways Car Park, BN18 9FD. Anne 07731 660285

New car options for 2023

A brief run through of some top makes by Emma Russell

As a car is a major investment, you need to consider running costs, safety, comfort and efficiency.

City or Small Cars: City cars are easy to park, fuel efficient and manoeuvrable. Vehicles in this range include Toyota Aygo, Fiat 500 and VW Up. A small car is generally an easy drive, simple to control with an optimum acceleration to overtake between 30-60mph. Small options include Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and the Mini range.

Medium to Large Family Cars: These optimise safety, efficiency and comfort. They need to adapt to conditions and be easy to park in different places. Medium cars include Ford Focus, Hyundai i30 and Honda Civic. Larger cars offer more legroom, smoother suspension and roomier seating. Bigger engines and fuel tanks can cope with extra loads. These include Skoda Octavia, Ford Mondeo and VW Passat.

SUVs and 4x4: These offer plenty of room, manoeuvrability, a high driving position and additional safety features. Crossovers include Nissan Qashqai, Nissan Juke and Kia Sportage. Bigger vehicles like Honda CRV and Peugeot 3008 are also among this range.

Electric vehicles (EV): Pure battery EV’s have zero CO2 emissions and are road tax exempt. This is set to change in April 2025 but you must still go through the motions and ‘tax’ it on the gov website: www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax. EV’s have matured over the past few years with the Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6 and Audi Q4 e-Tron between £40-50k. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: These currently pay a reduced road tax, but if it‘s worth more than £40k it’s subject to an annual supplement for five years, from the second time the vehicle is taxed. They cost between £0 and £105 depending on emissions, then £145 per year after that. Some examples of these include BMW 3 series, Mercedes C-class and Skoda Superb iV. Emma Russell is a freelance motoring writer.

Shopping trips and social days out Community

minibus offers a friendly door

Spring is just around the corner, so why not make the most of the weather and enjoy getting out with West Sussex Minibus!

Operating a fleet of ten minibuses across the county, the West Sussex Minibus is a registered charity that is run entirely by volunteers. They offer individuals the chance to stay active and assist those who live away from public transport links to remain independent. It is an affordable service providing residents with the added convenience of being picked up and dropped back at their homes every trip. It is the perfect way of keeping in touch with old friends and meeting new ones.

West Sussex Minibus Storrington, organises shopping trips to Storrington, Horsham, Worthing, Chichester, Pulborough and Billingshurst. Regular outings are scheduled, including: visit to Highdown Gardens, Worthing; Eastbourne promenade with fish & chips; scenic drive to Bosham waterfront with a tea stop at Hilliers Garden Centre and tranquil Sumner Ponds, Barns Green.

you can go out often. Small minibuses seating 815 passengers are used, making for a friendly and informal service. It welcomes all age groups, with affordable trip fares. The service is door to door with help to support passengers getting on and off and to assist with carrying shopping

From their Storrington Division, the service picks up passengers from West Chiltington, Thakeham, Cootham and Sullington. There’s also a schedule of trips departing from Ashington. Annual Membership is just £10. Alternatively, try the service with a Day Membership of £1. New Members and Volunteers are welcome.

The minibus out and about on a countryside trip

In Your Garden

Monthly gardening ideas & tasks by Andrew

of Glorious Gardens

Revamping your garden for Spring March is a great time for taking a long, hard look at your garden. Asking some simple questions with some gardening principles in mind will help you create a stunning garden for Spring and Summer.

This winter we have had heavy rainfall and then strong, long-lasting frosts so it could be you have lost perennials with root rot or more exotic plants that haven’t liked the frosts freezing the cells in their leaves and stems. You may not know until next month how much you have lost.

Garden Focal Points

In the Winter and early Spring, a garden is obviously pared down to its structural bones. Then Spring starts and shoots begin to push up. If you have some solid points of focus in your garden it can make the new Spring growth that much more delicate and magical. Large pots at the end of a path, interestingly shaped hedges screening or dividing different areas and water features like circular bird baths sunken into the middle of a low-lying perennial bed reflecting the sky. Also, you can create woodland paths through your shady areas so that you are encouraged to enter into these parts of your garden. You can use bark chips or shingles edged with wooden planks bent into curves.

You can also think about mowing your lawn selectively this year, letting some areas grow long and mowing paths can take different routes each year.

Farmers are being encouraged to leave 5% of their land to be rewilded. You can do the same with your lawn.

I always ask my clients before I visit them to create a mood board of images online that they love. Often when all these images are laid out together people can see a pattern of what draws them, and good design decisions can be made from this.

Staib

Bulbs

They obviously come into their own in Spring. Tulips are my favourite because they are so unashamedly colourful. If you are lucky, they will continue year on year but be prepared to have to replace them each Autumn. It is not too late to buy English bluebells and Snowdrops ‘in the green’. This means that they have finished flowering this year, but you are able to purchase the whole plant, bulb and stem, which when planted will guarantee a good survival rate ready for next year’s display.

Crocus are fantastic, scattered through the lawn and by the time you are ready to do your first mow of the season their blooms will have faded and you can mow around and then eventually mow up their fading foliage.

If you have any space at all in corners and along the edges of paths think about Miscarii armeniacum. Their miniature purple bunches of grapelike blooms will delight you.

Plus, it’s not too late to plant some Gladiolus and Ranunculus around any water features you may have.

March is also the time to look at where you want colour to appear in your beds. If you make sketches showing where the bulbs come up, then in Autumn you will know more for next year. Don’t forget to leave stakes in the middle of bare earth to remind you to plant Dahlias and Nerines in late Spring ready for late Summer.

Sowing seeds

You can now sow directly into you veg bed, all the hardy vegetables like spinach, lettuce radishes and beetroot. Ideally with some protection you can even save hundreds of pounds and sow seeds for Geraniums, Bergenias and Antirrhinums. You can sow Poppy seeds, Nasturtiums and Forgotme-nots straight into cleared areas of the beds directly outdoors.

Smaller shrubs and plants

If you don’t have acid soil, why not plant up some big pots with acidic soil and plant Rhododendrons and Azaleas. They are the great trumpeters of Spring and once they have finished flowering the whole pot can be moved to a shadier corner of the garden. Other shrubs that have a good Spring presence are Hydrangea quercifolia and the 90cm Philadel-phus Miniature Snowflake.

Smaller plants

A rare and very striking plant usually only used by designers is Amsonia hubrisctii. It has delicate white flowers in the Spring with phosphorescent yellow foliage in the Autumn.

Other plants for you to look up (Go to Google then click on ‘Images’) are Iris Acoma and Iris reticulate Harmony, the delicate Puschkinia scilloides, Sanguiaria canadensis, Anemone nemorosa, yellow Trillium with its white marble foliage and miraculous ability to disappear by June.

Feature Trees

Depending on the size of your garden you can make a tree calendar. This is making a list of all the months that you want your trees to shine as a main event. There are great trees for Spring,

and I have chosen smaller trees that should go well in even small gardens.

Amelanchier Ballerina - coppery foliage and large white blossoms, Hawthorn Prunifolia has wonderfully large white blooms and can be pruned into any shape you want. The Rowans are delicate in the Spring and Sorbus vilmorins has crimson berries that turn almost white. There is also a nice Cherry tree that is very compact and vertical called Prunus amanogawa.

The Weeping Silver Pear tree is both bright and silver in the Spring and with its weeping habit can become a feature tree in its own right throughout the season. As well as the small magnolias and Cornus Porlock you might want to think of the smaller apple trees such as Discovery on a small root stock or the upright Ballerina. Lastly there is the wonderful Cercis canadensis, Witch Hazels and traditional fragrant Syringa vulgarise.

What to do this March

March is a great time to explore woodland. Try visiting Angmering Park Estate Trust, Burton and Chingford Pond, Petworth House Woods, Slindon and The Warrens.

March tasks

• Do a last tidy up and cut old perennials

• If you think the frosts this year have taken a plant beyond repair hold off a bit- it’s amazing what April can do, and you will often find plants sprouting again from the base.

• Finish pruning your Roses and Wisterias.

• This month, start to prune to the ground your deciduous ornamental grasses before new green blades appear.

• Hardy shrubs like Cornus, Salix and Cotinus can be cut right back as well as Buddlea.

• Anything that has flowered during the winter can be pruned back into shape now like Winter Jasmine, Winter honeysuckle and Mahonia.

• After your Snowdrops have flowered you can lift them out of the ground and separate them and then replant them in different areas of the garden.

• If you have a greenhouse, you can start sowing leeks and onions.

A record-breaking winter

But for all the wrong reasons says Nick Roberts

When I hear the term ‘record -breaking’, connotations of achievement and success spring to mind. But unfortunately, this winter’s records are nothing to get excited about – soaring energy bills have been piling on the pressure to people already under strain. So, as we enter the final leg of winter, you’d be forgiven for feeling that summer can’t come soon enough. However, regardless of a summer reprieve, the problems remains that no matter how many times we turn the lights off or how early in the year turn the heating off, our rising energy bills keep on rising.

The next phase of saving beyond prudent energy consumption comes in the form of insulation. Many of our homes simply aren’t equipped with modern insulation and energy efficient heating systems. The good news is that there are some anti-inflation measures you can take to try and offset those nasty bills.

Solutions range from cheap to expensive but all make a difference to your annual bill. Let’s start with a couple of cheap options - fitting your hot water cylinder with an insulating jacket will save you and draft-proofing your offending windows to reduce heat loss will also add up.

From there, value per option really depends on specific homes and where the most significant inefficiencies lie. But options include cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, floor insulation, roof and loft insulation and replacing windows and doors.

We often find customers addressing insulation issues during larger renovations and extensions but there are important factors to consider here. Some solutions are more cost effective to carry out during certain works and others are unaffected, meaning that the sooner you apply them the sooner you start saving. So, it might be worth reaching out to your local experts this year.

Nick Roberts is a director of Roberts Miller Redshaw. www.robertsmillerredshaw.com

From the city to the countryside

A West Sussex “property bubble” by Martin Lundy Lester

The housing market in our beautiful little corner of the South East has always felt more resilient to change than other areas of the country. It's as if we live in a property bubble in West Sussex.

Almost half of buyers from South London & Surrey

Balancing out the housing market

As such, I’m seeing fewer and less dramatic price amendments downwards whilst the UK housing market finds itself shifting from a period of "supercharged" activity. There's a little cooling of

Property of the month

asking prices, as agents and sellers come to terms with the move from a "seller's market" to something more balanced than the last couple of years. Of course, if one is buying and selling in the same area, then any dip in selling price may also be negotiated with the onward purchase. Local families moving up the property ladder Industry commentators suggest that downsizers will form a larger part of estate agents' databases over the coming months. This combined with increased mortgage availability and lowering of High Street lenders' mortgage rates (despite the Bank of England's recent forecast of an increase in base rates), may mean that local families take the opportunity to move up a rung of the property ladder. Rents are rising too, prompting cash rich savers to move their money into Buy To Lets across segments of the market. No matter what happens in 2023, buyers will continue to buy and sellers will continue to sell. It's a super area to live and work in and always will be.

www.kwuk.com/agent/martin-lundy-lester

Thrums, West Chiltington, RH20 2PA £1,350,000

Original 1925 Wells Cottage. Occupying just over 1/3 of an acre the property was extended in 2013 to 2825sqft with four double bedrooms. Internally, property comprises triple aspect sitting room with wood burner, dining room, conservatory, study, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, cloakroom, master suite with main bedroom and re-fitted en-suite, bedroom two with re-fitted ensuite and family bathroom with underfloor heating. Outside comprises extensive driveway parking leading to a double garage with gardens to the rear and terrace area, screened by hedging offering privacy. Contact Fowlers:01903 745844

10 North St, Storrington, RH20 4NZ Mon Tue Thu & Fri: 9-4 / Sat: 9-12 (Closed Wed/Sun) www.funnellsfurnishings.co.uk 42 Property

Prize Crossword

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

January 2023 solution below:

Across

8 Its capital is Kiev (7)

9 Jewelled headdress (5)

10 Pawnbroker (5)

11 Ignorant (7)

12 Deep-pitched band instrument (4,4)

15 Fourth Gospel (4)

17 Above (4)

18 E.g. Germaine Greer (8)

21 Glass containers (7)

23 Cutting instrument (5)

25 Vision (5)

26 Advantage (7)

Down

1 Urban commuter belt (6)

2 Voracious aquatic reptile (Abbr.) (4)

3 Fruit drink (7)

4 List from which to choose (4)

5 Water vapour (5)

6 Tubular pasta (8)

7 Collapse (4,2)

13 Dearth (8)

14 Exploit (3)

16 Going down (7)

17 Surprise attack (6)

19 Agreement (6)

20 Roofing stone (5)

22 Weeps (4)

24 Gen (4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January anagram solution: KINDRED

Send the answer above to: Sussex Local Crossword, PO Box 2237 Pulborough, RH20 9AH or you can enter details online at our website www.sussexlocal.net/crosswords Closing date: 31st March 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 and our sponsor may wish to keep in touch with occasional information and offers. We will never share your details with third parties.

Please tick if you would like to receive such information.

Easter Festival at Plumpton Racecourse

A great day out for all the family with entertainment, food & drink

Off the track, there’s a fun fair and plenty of free activities tailored to different ages to ensure families have an amazing day out.

Win a pair of Picnic Enclosure tickets to Easter Festival at Plumpton Racecourse, Easter Sunday, 9th April. Gates open at 11.55am and close at 6.25pm (accompanied under 18s go free).

Visit www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk

Win a pair of tickets to Plumpton Racecourse

cious local food and drink.

Among seven races each day, there's two highquality feature contests. On Easter Sunday, they have the £50,000 Sussex Champion Hurdle and Easter Monday it's the £50,000 Sussex Champion Chase. These are both fantastic spectacles which attract some of Britain’s best horses, trainers and jockeys to compete.

To enter answer the following question: How manyraces are taking place? a) 2 b) 5 c) 7

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

Independent schools explained

Help for parents from The Good Schools Guide

Difference between public & private school

All are funded mainly by school fees paid by parents and not by the state. Children of any age can be privately educated. All independent schools are private schools, and these terms are often used interchangeably but technically, independent schools are all overseen by a board of governors or trustees, whilst other private schools may be run by their owner with no governing body. While these schools all charge fees, like every registered school in the country, they do have to conform to official standards of education, health and safety, are regularly inspected. What is a public school?

In the UK, ‘public school’ is a misleading and archaic term. It is not a school freely open to the public - in the UK this is called a 'state school'. ‘Public school’ originally referred to a small group of boys’ schools. There are now several hundred

schools which may be described as ‘public schools’, including many girls’ and coeducational schools, nearly all with a proportion of day pupils, and many with boarding fees upwards of £40K.

Difference between a prep & primary school

Prep schools and pre-prep (from age 3 or 4) schools are all fee-paying, whilst state primary schools are state funded. Pre-prep schools feed into prep schools at 7 or 8. Preparatory schools prepare pupils for entry into private secondary schools usually via Common Entrance (CE) exams (or Prep School Baccalaureate) taken at age 13. Are private schools selective?

Some more than others. For a handful of junior schools (mostly in or close to London) the only way to be sure of gaining a place is to put your child’s name down early. At the majority, though, things are a bit more relaxed, with many more rural prep and senior schools happy to take on pupils who can pay the fees.

Instant online access to all reviews. From £17.99 for 1 month www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk

Slindon College is an Independent Day and Boarding school for boys aged 8-18 located in Sussex

Slindon College provides a stimulating, broad and balanced educational experience for pupils of all academic abilities, taking into account their strengths and talents.

St Mary’s C of E Primary School, Washington

explored the worlds of the Brightstorm twins and Harley Hitch.

A visit from West Sussex Fire & Rescue West Sussex Fire Service visited Willow and Oak classes so that the children could learn about fire safety, they asked lots of excellent questions!

A visit from award winning children’s author Children’s author, Vashti Hardy, recently visited KS2 children to talk about her new book. Vashti is an award winning writer of children’s novels. Her visit inspired the children to be adventurous, cartographers, readers and writers as they

Teddy: “What fire truck has the biggest ladder?” Huxley: “What type of equipment do you use?”

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

Storrington Primary School

Travelling back to Ancient Egypt & the importance of science

Importance of science

Science is important for our children as it promotes questioning, problem solving, enquiry and many more skills. Year 5 enjoyed investigating and finding out about chemical reactions and irreversible changes .

Travelling back to Ancient Egypt

Year 3s at Storrington Primary school travelled back to Ancient Egypt this term with a visit from the Rainbow theatre. Our children were inspired by the acting and thrilled to be able to join in with the action on stage. Experiences such as these are so important to children’s learning as they really help immerse the children in the topic. Storrington Parents also supported this event by providing some wonderful costumes!

We are thrilled to have our very own year 6 science ambassadors who have enjoyed promoting science with our younger children, leading them in experiments and finding conclusions.

www.storringtonprimary.co.uk

We would love to show you around so please contact us to arrange a visit

Year 3 Egyptians

Science group

Y5 Science Demonstration

Storrington neighbourhood wardens

Transport now available for residents to get to the coffee club

‘Cuppa and a Chat’ coffee morning We thought this month we would talk about our ‘Cuppa and a Chat’ coffee morning. This is a new name and a new format. In partnership with Chanctonbury Leisure Centre, we’ve been running a Nostalgia Café –to get residents with dementia, and carers, to come along for a bit of a respite. However, we found that other residents wanted to come along too, so we have gone back to the format of “a cuppa and a chat”. The coffee club is on the third Thursday of every month at Chanctonbury Leisure Centre from 10.30 to 12.30. Hot drinks and biscuits are free, so please come along. Talking to residents, one of the problems for some was getting to the coffee club. So we met with Storrington Community Minibus and discussed the possibility of them working with us to

rectify this issue. A plan has been agreed and transport is available. Anyone who would like to use the service please contact 01903 740282 for further details. Also check out the Community Minibus diary – there are some great excursions.

Warden drop-ins and World Book Day

We have completed some Warden drop-ins and thanks to Age UK for their support. Further dropins are arranged throughout the year, so keep an eye out for those.

We are looking forward to World Book Day when our local playgroup, Little Bears, have asked us to read to the children. We are looking forward to this! The children have been told they can pick the books they want us to read to them, so we are going to have to brush up on Julia Donaldson and Roald Dahl.

Thanks for your continued support, and don’t forget to stop and chat when we’re in the village.

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

Andrew Griffith MP

Member of Parliament for Arundel and South Downs

As we crawl into February, I wanted to bring you three pieces of positive local news that should bring some warmth to every Sussex resident.

Kithurst Hill car park

Ensuring we can all access the countryside has been a top priority since I was first elected. That is why I was alarmed by the news that Kithurst Hill Car Park in Storrington, a gateway to the South Downs, was under threat of closure. After working closely with local elected leaders and organisations, I was delighted to hear that the community’s campaign to keep the car park open Horsham District Council have stepped in to ensure that Kithurst Hill Car Park will remain open for the benefit of residents. It is excellent news for the community that this crucial asset in the heart of the South Downs has been saved so all of us can enjoy what the outstanding countryside around us has to offer.

Alternative Fuel Payment

In welcome news for many residents in rural West Sussex, the Government has announced

the details of its Alternative Fuel Payment. This payment will be automatically made to those who use alternative fuel sources to heat their homes. It is designed to bring alternative fuel support in line with the support offered to those who have traditional gas heating. If you use oil, have an LPG boiler, or use any other alternative method to heat your home, then you are eligible for this payment.

New pharmacy in Arundel

Improving local healthcare is at the top of my agenda. That is why I was pleased to support the opening of a new pharmacy in the centre of Arundel. This excellent facility will provide healthcare support to locals and tourists alike. It is encouraging that we are observing progress on this, and I have been working closely with residents and pharmacy provides to reduce waiting times and improve access elsewhere in West Sussex.

Andrew Griffith MP for Arundel & South Downs

Andrew.Griffith.MP@parliament.uk www.andrewgriffithmp.com

Ashington Parish Council

Annual Meeting, Council Tax Precept & Social Group

Annual Parish Meeting

2nd March, 7.45pm, Ashington Scout Hall.

This is the annual meeting for the residents of Ashington parish. Any registered elector may ask a question of the Parish Council. They may also wish to make suggestions or comments on issues relating to the village. It is also an opportunity for the Chairman of the Parish Council to provide an overview of the previous year. The monthly Parish Council meeting will take place after the Parish Meeting.

Council Tax Precept - What is this?

This is the part of the Council Tax that comes to the Parish Council to help cover many varied areas of expenditure such as Neighbourhood Wardens, a Youth Worker, Parish Clerk, play areas, skate park, hanging baskets, maintenance of ponds and council owned open spaces, dog and litter bin emptying, benches and many other unseen costs that help keep our village a pleasant and safe place to live. Ashington Parish Council receive just £88.71 of the Council Tax

that villagers pay to HDC each year (based on a Band D home) to do all this, which hopefully residents will feel is good value for money.

The past couple of years has been tough for everyone, from the Covid pandemic to the cost of living crisis we all find ourselves in. Thanks to prudent budgeting and careful management of expenditure, the Parish Council have made the decision not to increase the precept amount for the coming financial year 2023-24. This will be the 5th year in a row that we have not increased the precept.

Coffee and Chat Social Group

Social Group costs £2 per session (unlimited tea and/or coffee) from 1.30pm-3pm at The Red Lion in Ashington. Upcoming dates - 13th March, 10th April, 8th May and 12th June. Come along and meet new people. Supported by Age UK and Ashington Neighbourhood Wardens.

www.ashingtonpc.org.uk

Thakeham Parish Council

Update for March 2023

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.

Stride and ride

Thakeham Parish Council have compiled collection of suggested walks/ rides in and around the parish of Thakeham. Electronic maps including full directions and descriptions of points of interest are available on the Thakeham Parish Council website or pick up a printed copy from Meadow Stores.

Parish councillor vacancies

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

Recycling

The Sussex Green Living recycling bin is available outside the Village Hall every weekday morning

9.30am - 11.30am. For details of what materials are accepted, please check the poster on the front door of the Hall or visit our website for more information.

Friends of Thakeham

FOTS are a registered charity and fundraising group for our wonderful little school. Everyone is welcome to our meetings. Please do get in touch if you would like to help out! Email: fots@thakehamps.co.uk

Thakeham Village Hall

Weddings, Parties, Anything! If you are planning an event and are looking for a venue, please contact the Hall Managers on 01798 815 467 or info@thakehamvillagehall.co.uk. The Village Hall website has details of room availability and information on the facilities and hire fees. www.thakehamvillagehall.co.uk

Roads

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

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

Thakeham Table Tennis Club have a new look website. See www.thakehamtabletennis.co.uk for more details about the club and how you can join in. Everyone is welcome.

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

Storrington & Sullington Parish Council

Parish Hall air conditioning; rents; football floodlights

Edited extracts from draft minutes of the Parish Council 25th January 2023.

Parish Hall Air Conditioning. Applications for grants from HDC’s Community Climate Fund and from the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Improvement Fund had been submitted and the quotations received will be considered following the outcome of these applications.

Planning Application for Old Clayton Kennels, District Councillor Dawe referred to this application for the Erection of a 60-bed care home and 8 age restricted bungalows which was considered at the recent Horsham DC Planning Committee Meeting. Both this Parish Council and Washington Parish Council had objected this application and despite the Officer’s recommendation to approve it, District Councillors voted against it.

Storrington Community Football Club

The Clerk reported that the Club had agreed that the Pavilion rent be increased to £2,000 per annum from April 2023.

Increased use of football club’s floodlights

A previous decision was deferred pending the Club’s enquiry to the League regarding earlier kick-off times. Whilst the League would have no issues with earlier times, the Club had responded that there would still be constraints on the number of midweek games that the first team could play now that the under 23 team had been established. A recent test confirmed that the lights were operating within the required lux levels. The Club had agreed to the proposed increase in running costs. The Parish Council agreed to support the planning application to increase use of floodlights from 5.5 to a maximum of 10 hours per month.

Storrington Cricket Club rent

The club has suggested that the proposed increase of £300 is a large jump and asked that it be set at £1,400, although could accept the increase subject to maintenance issues being rectified by the Parish Council.

www.storrington-pc.gov.uk