Sussex Local Magazine - Storrington May 2023

SUSSEX USSEX LOCAL

May2023

Coverimage: StorringtonDuckRace

HELLO!

ThisMaywehavethreebank holidays!Theextraoneon May8th,tocelebratethe coronation,hasbeen dubbedtheBigHelpOutand isallaboutgivingahandtoa hardworkingcharity.

OnesuchcharityistheSussex SnowdropTrustwhoare celebratingtheir30th anniversarythisyear.Based justoutsideArundel, Snowdropsupportchildren withalife-threateningor terminalillnessandtheir familiesinthecomfortoftheir ownhomes.

Lovethemorhatethem, Foxesarethriving,sometimes inourgardens!AndrewStaib sharessomefoxyfactsalong withthismonth’sgardening to-dos.

We’vealsogotarticleson propertyandhealthaswellas localnewsandaguideto

What’sOnthismonth.Why notenteroneofour

CONTENTS Advertisingfromonly £10 peredition

SUSSEX USSEX LOCAL

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What’s On - May/June 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 June events to be put on website - 4th May

CHARITY

1st - 31st May 9:00 AM Hound Hike 100: Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex help raise funds for life-saving charity aakss.org.uk/ houndhike100 community@aakss.org.uk

14th May 8:00 AM Skydive for Turning Tides

Neverathon army parachute association SP4 9SF Sophie fundraising@turning-tides.org.uk www.turning-tides.org.uk/event/skydive-2023

14th May 1:00 PM Snowdrop Arundel Castle Park Walk Arundel Castle Estate Park BN18 9AU £5 £2 office@snowdroptrust.com 01243 572433 www.thesussexsnowdroptrust.com

28th May 7:30 PM Date2Donate - find love while spreading love Meet singles and raise money The Escapist Chichester PO19 1LJ £5 Jovita Ivin 07823 558156 meetup.com/ date2donate-find-love-while-spreading-love

10th June 10:00 AM Sponsored Walk - 4Sight Vision Support A fundraising day out Angmering Park Estate Crossbush BN18 9PQ £10 / Child £5 01243 838001 fundraising@4sight.org.uk www.4sight.org.uk/sponsored-walks-23

CLUBS & SOCIETIES

1st May & 5th June 8:00 PM Felpham Singles

Social Club widowed, separated or divorced of mature age The George Inn Bognor Regis PO22 7PL Free anniecook555@yahoo.co.uk 01243 821530 felphamsingles.yolasite.com

Clubs & Societies 6th May & 3rd June 10:30 AM

Parkinson's 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

10th May 12:00 PM Storrington & District

Probus Club Lunch and social activities for retired men The Old Tollgate Steyning BN44 3WE peter.edwards50@btinternet.com

15th May 11:00 AM Chichester Creative Textiles embroidery, sewing and textile art. Lavant Memorial Hall PO18 0PH 1st visit free angelaeaston4@gmail.com chichestercreativetextiles.wordpress.com

17th May 7:30 PM Sullington Windmills

Women's Institute ‘Storrington’s First Responder’ talk Sullington Parish Hall RH20 3PP 01903 741078 sullingtonwindmills.org

24th May 2:30 PM Storrington Flower Club Raffle of demonstration arrangements Visitors

£6 Storrington and Sullington Parish Hall RH20 3PP 01903 742102 chrissyldesmond@gmail.com

COMMUNITY & CORONATION

6th May 10:00 AM

Coronation celebrations

A screening of the ceremony and parade on the Chichester

Cathedral Green PO19

1PX 01243 773263 chichesterBID.co.uk/events office@chichesterbid.co.uk

6th May 12:00 PM Coronation Picnic on the green to celebrate King Charles III Coronation

Pulborough Sports & Social Club RH20 2AJ pulborough.org pulboroughharvestfair@yahoo.co.uk

7th May 2:00 PM King's Coronation Event

Family Afternoon to celebrate the Coronation

Storrington Recreation Ground RH20 4BG 01903 746547 clerk@storrington-pc.gov.uk storrington-pc.gov.uk

7th May 1:00 PM The Big Coronation Lunch

Bank Holiday/Coronation lunch Aldingbourne

Community Sports Centre PO20 3YA Katherine k.jarman@aldingbourne-pc.gov.uk www.aldingbourne-pc.gov.uk/coronationlunch

7th & 8th June 9:00 AM Corpus Christ and the spectacular carpet of flowers Arundel Cathedral

BN18 9AY 150th anniversary celebrations

01903 882297 arundelcathedral.uk

arundel@abdiocese.org.uk

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

COURSES & TUITION

16th May 9:30 AM Birding for absolute beginners Get to grips with birds at RSPB Pulborough Brooks RH20 2EL £20.50 members / £25.50 Non-members 01798 875851 events.rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks

11th June 8:30 AM Nature and Close-up / Macro Photography Workshop Principles and techniques RSPB Pagham Harbour PO20 7NE £38 / £30 members 01243 641508 rspb.org.uk/reservesand-events/reserves-a-z/pagham-harbour-localnature-reserve pagham.harbour@rspb.org.uk

EXHIBITIONS

1st - 5th May 10:00 AM Downland Art Society

Spring Exhibition 2023 artwork in a range of media The Norfolk Centre Arundel BN18 9PA 07815 562501 www.downland.org

12th - 14th May 6:00 PM Sussex Art Fair in Chichester 2023 90 exhibitors with artworks for purchase Goodwood Racecourse PO18 0PS £6 Weekend Entry Sussex Art Fair 01243 551861 fraser@sussexartfair.co.uk sussexartfair.co.uk

16th - 28th May 10:00 AM Jo Jones: 'Sea, Sun, Salt & Sparkle' & 'Seasons' Two shows for two week exhibition Colonnade House BN11 3DH 01903 221142 colonnadehouse.co.uk

1st - 21st May 2:19 PM ‘The Magic of Middleearth’ Dedicated to the fantasy worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien and the creators his writing has influenced The Novium Museum PO19 1QH £4 adult / £12 family (max 5 members) £2.50

1st - 5th May 10:00 AM Arundel Museum

Exhibition: Ralph Ellis - Artist and Inn Sign

Designer successful inn sign painter who lived in Arundel Arundel Museum BN18 9PA £4.50 01903 885866 office@arundelmuseum.org www.arundelmuseum.org

23rd - 28th May 10:00 AM Anna Vartiainen: Everything Must Go Sale of artists work

Colonnade House Worthing BN11 3DH 01903 221142 colonnadehouse.co.uk

2nd - 7th May 10:00 AM Sally Pennington: Sussex Seasons raised in West Sussex. Colonnade House BN11 3DH colonnadehouse.co.uk

30th May - 4th June 10:00 AM Glenn Phur:

Signature Art, Icons, Landscapes - Art for your Heart Spring exhibition Colonnade House BN11 3DH 01903 221142 colonnadehouse.co.uk/

30th May - 4th June 10:00 AM Rachel Reader in Worthing: Teal & Mirrors artist and musician/ songwriter uses Mosaic Colonnade House BN11 3DH colonnadehouse.co.uk/

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

14th May 10:00 AM The Barnham Bark Fest Art, Crafts, Dog Show and Family Day Celebrating 10th Anniversary of Barnham Centre Barnham Community Hall PO22 0AY 01903 785166

info@pawspetpantry.co.uk pawspetpantry.co.uk

21st May 12:00 PM Storrington Duck Race Duck races, stalls, music, food + refreshments. Storrington Riverside Walk RH20 4BW Friends of Storrington Primary School foss.school@aol.co.uk

27th May - 30th June 10:00 AM Elmer's Art

Parade Elmer the Patchwork Elephant on an art parade. Petworth House and Park GU28 9LR 01798 342207 petworth@nationaltrust.org.uk nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth

3rd June 10:00 AM Amberley Museum

Environment Day Celebrate World Environment Day and explore how local community groups to national charities are working to restore nature and promote more sustainable living Amberley Museum Arundel BN18 9LT £15.50 / Child

£7.50 www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

11th June 1:00 PM Thakeham Fun Day With Stall pitches, Programme Sponsorship and Prize Donations Thakeham Playing Field and Village Hall RH20 3GW fots@thakehamps.co.uk

FAYRES & FETES

13th May 10:00 AM Spring Fair in Midhurst Spring Fair Midhurst Methodist Church GU29 9DU £1 midhurstmethodisttech@gmail.com www.midhurstmethodist.com

14th May 11:00 AM Craft Market, Fun Dog Show & Fun Day Craft Fair and Dog Show with Inflatables. Clapham & Patching Village Hall & Grounds BN13 3UT Sheila partypoint@aol.com

10th May 7:30 PM Storrington Rotary Film Night- Death On The Nile Starring Kenneth Branagh Sullington Village Hall RH20 3PP £5

Ken 01903 740745 kandjcoll@btinternet.com

11th May 7:00 PM Foreign Film evening

German film with English subtitles West Worthing Baptist Church hall BN14 7LU £5

Christopher c.doidge@btinternet.com

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

Live life to the fullest every day

22nd May 7:30 PM Pulborough Film Night

Alleluja starring Judi Dench and Jennifer

Saunders Pulborough Village Hall RH20 2BF £7

Terri 01798 848039 terriashpool@uwclub.net

GARDENS & HORTICULTURE

7th May 10:00 AM Plant Fairs Roadshow Plant

collective showcasing locally grown flowers

Borde Hill Garden Haywards Heath RH16 1X £11.50 info@plant-fairs.co.uk plant-fairs.co.uk

13th May 11:00 AM Murray Downland Trust

Garden Event Hosted by sculptor Philip Jackson

Casters Brook Cocking GU29 0HJ £5 Nicholas 01730 819129 nick.sherwin@me.com murraydownlandtrust.org.uk

14th May 2:00 PM The National Garden

Scheme: Champs Hill Coldwaltham views across Amberley Wildbrooks to South Downs Champs Hill Pulborough RH20 1LY £5 ngs.org.uk

16th May 10:30 AM Manor of Dean, Petworthgarden open for the National Garden Scheme

Manor of Dean Petworth GU28 9AP £5 01483 211535 hello@ngs.org.uk hello@ngs.org.uk

20th May 11:00 AM National Garden Scheme: Award winning garden in Midhurst “A Little Bit of Heaven”. 54 Elmleigh Midhurst GU29 9HA £4 01483 211535 hello@ngs.org.uk ngs.org.uk

26th & 28th May 2:00 PM National Garden

Scheme: 1 Pest Cottage in Midhurst Designed to support wildlife and biodiversity. 1 Pest Cottage GU29 9LF £4 hello@ngs.org.uk ngs.org.uk

27th May 10:00 AM National Garden Scheme: Knepp Castle open in aid of charities Knepp Castle Horsham RH13 8LJ £15 ngs.org.uk

2nd June 11:00 AM National Garden Scheme: Judy’s Cottage Garden Worthing BN13 2AE £5 hello@ngs.org.uk ngs.org.uk

3rd June 11:00 AM The National Garden

Scheme: Open Garden: Oaklands Farm Shipley Enjoy peaceful gardens and tea and cake at Oaklands Farm Horsham RH13 8PX £6 hello@ngs.org.uk ngs.org.uk

4th June 2:00 PM Sutton Open Gardens The gardens in Sutton will be opening again Sutton Village Pulborough RH20 1P £5 Under 16's free. Lisa elbieinteriors@icloud.com

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

10th June 11:00 AM The National Garden Scheme: Garden Open Day: Foxwood Barn Fontwell Foxwood Barn Arundel BN18 0SR £5 hello@ngs.org.uk ngs.org.uk

10th June 2:00 PM National Garden Scheme: Garden Open Days: Lordington House Chichester PO18 9DX Walled gardens in South Downs National Park £5 01483 211535 ngs.org.uk

11th June 1:00 PM Petworth Secret Gardens

Trail 2023 Treasure trail around gardens of Petworth in aid of charity Leconfield Hall GU28 0AH £7.50 07717 462780 growingforall.org.uk info@petworthcommunitygarden.co.uk

10th & 13th May 11:00 AM The National Garden Scheme: Beautiful garden open at Cookscroft Earnley Spring opening gardens ngs.org.uk/west-sussex-spring-gardens/ Cookscroft Chichester PO20 7JG £5 National Garden Scheme hello@ngs.org.uk ngs.org.uk

3rd & 10th May 2:00 PM The stunning gardens at Fittleworth House, Pulborough will be open for the National Garden Scheme NGS open gardens booklet now available Fittleworth House RH20 1JH £5 hello@ngs.org.uk ngs.org.uk

3rd-6th June 10:00 AM The National Garden Scheme: Garden Open Days: The Old Rectory Barnham Two pretty open gardens in Barnham The Old Rectory PO22 0EQ £5 ngs.org.uk

Every Thurs 10:30 AM Beautiful garden at The Old Vicarage Washington, open for the National Garden Scheme The Old Vicarage Pulborough RH20 4AS £7 01483 211535 ngs.org.uk

HEALTH & FITNESS

21st May 10:45 AM Pulborough Vineyards Run Views across the countryside to the Downs. From 5-20km - choose on the day. Undulating run/walk Nutbourne Vineyards Pulborough RH20 2HH £25 incl wine, cake and a hot drink rob@getfitbootcamp.co.uk www.eventrac.co.uk/ e/pulborough-vineyards-run-4094

MUSIC

4th May 7:30 PM Daoiri Farrell - World Renowned Irish Folk Singer Spearheading a resurgence of authentic in Irish folk music Ropetackle Arts Centre Shoreham by Sea BN43 5EG £15 01273 464440 ropetacklecentre.co.uk/

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

5th May 7:30 PM 60

Minutes of Classical Music

Studio 1 Regis Centre

PO21 1BN £6.50 under 25 - £3.50

alexandratheatre.co.uk 01243 867676 hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk

6th May 7:30 PM Motown and Northern Soul Evening Eastergate Village Hall Barnham PO20

3RP £5 07718 415620 di_cassini@hotmail.com

13th May 7:30 PM Adiemus by Karl Jenkins

Adiemus with full orchestra and other works. Steyning Centre BN44 3XZ £15 under 18s free Zoe 01903 812662 zoe@middlemead.plus.com

18th May 7:30 PM Evening of Dixieland and Traditional Jazz with the Featherstone Jazz Five DRNK Coffee House, Lancing Manor Leisure Estate BN15 0PH Derek 01903 249900 dglittle@ntlworld.com

21st May 7:30 PM Shopwyke Singers - May Concert The Shopwyke Singers return for their summer concert Boxgrove Priory PO18 0EE £12 01243 572322 richard_allum@hotmail.com www.shopwykesingers.com

Pottery Painting

11th June 3:00 PM Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra - A Summer Concert Classical music concert with local orchestra Assembly Hall

Worthing BN11 1HQ £11, £15, £18 £3 Children under 16 and students £3 worthingphil.co.uk worthingphilharmonic@gmail.com

SALES & MARKETS

7th May 9:00 AM Annual Sussex Car and Motorcycle Jumble Trade Stalls and Display of Vintage and Classic Cars Worthing Rugby Club BN16 4AX £2 07760 793912 sheilahall22@hotmail.com

13th May 10:30 AM Spring Sale Arundel Museum BN18 9PA Free marketing@arundelmuseum.org

13th May 2:00 PM Plant Sale in Thakeham Plants, cakes, tea/coffee. Thakeham Village Hall RH20 3GW Free. Thakeham Gardeners’ Club 01798 812748 gil.quince@gmail.com www.thakehamgardeners.co.uk

14th May 2:00 PM Annual Plant Sale Plants from local grower and members' stall. Lavant Memorial Hall Chichester PO18 0AH free Susan 01243 527725 suejackson23@tiscali.co.uk

14th May 2:00 PM Lavant Horticultural Society

Plant Sale Lavant Memorial Hall Chichester

PO18 0BA Susan J Jackson

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

20th May 9:00 AM Arundel Farmers Market

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

27th May 9:00 AM Pulborough Farmers Market

Eggs, bread, cakes, crafts plus Cafe, coffee and tea Pulborough Village Hall RH20 2BF Terri 01798 848039 terriashpool@uwclub.net

4th June 2:30 PM Annual book fair and local authors' showcase local authors to display their books, plus books for sale High Salvington Windmill BN14 3BP £1 07799 333267 enquiries@highsalvingtonmilltrust.co.uk highsalvingtonwindmill.co.uk/

10th June 9:30 AM Cheeki Monkeys Big Baby & Children Market Buy or sell toys, clothes and equipment. The Shoreham Centre BN43 WU £1.50 delphine.cheekimonkeys@gmail.com www.facebook.com/Cheeki-Monkeys-BrightonBN2-and-Shoreham-by-Sea-107135655022217

19th - 21st May 11:00 AM The Petworth Park Antiques & Fine Art Fair Annual fair Petworth Park GU28 0QY £10 The Antiques Dealers Fair Limited 01797 252030 info@adfl.co.uk petworthparkfair.com

SPORT

13th May 10:00 AM Storrington Bowling Club

Open Day Storrington Bowling Club RH20 4EE Barbara taffnmick@yahoo.co.uk storringtonbc.co.uk

TALKS

2nd May 2:00 PM The Arts Society West Sussex Talk by Chloe Sayer Fittleworth Village Hall RH20 1JB Free for members. Guest £7 Jackie Buckler 01903 411086 westsussex@theartssociety.org www.theartssocietywestsussex.org

2nd May 7:30 PM 1066 talk one of the most important and influential years in English history. Storrington Museum RH20 4LL £8/£6 members storringtonmuseum.com 01903 740188 storringtonmuseum@hotmail.com

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

2nd May 7:30 PM A Talk by Lars Tharp (BBC's Antique Roadshow) Small, friendly club Field Place Worthing BN13 1NP £7.50 / membership

£35 07984 403890 worthingantiqueclub.com worthingantiqueclub@yahoo.co.uk

3rd May 10:00 AM Old photographs: how to identify, date and care for them workshop for family and history research West Sussex Record Office PO19 1DD £7.50 / £6.50 for members Matthew 01243 753602 westsussex.gov.uk/ro record.office@westsussex.gov.uk

3rd May 10:30 AM The Arts Society South Downs Lucian Freud art and the man by John Iddon Fittleworth Village Hall RH20 1JB £7 guests jane@theallisonfamily.co.uk 01798 813314 theartssocietysouthdowns.org.uk

10th May 5:30 PM ‘Romantic Venice’, Dr Miles

Leeson Oxfam talks 2023 Oxfam Bookshop

Chichester PO19 1HS £5 01243 816235 m.leeson@chi.ac.uk www.oxfam.org.uk/shops/ oxfam-bookshop-chichester

10th May 7:15 PM Talk by Frances StanleyMillenium Seed Bank at Wakehurst West Chiltington Village Hall RH20 2PZ Visitors £3Members free carys.pickett@btinternet.com

07792 817399 westchilthortsoc.wordpress.com

24th May 7:15 PM The Lynton & Barnstaple

Railway – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow - Mike Pearce Illustrated history to closure in 1935

Bassil Shippam Centre Chichester PO19 7LG £3 Roger chichester@rcts.org.uk rcts.org.uk/ branches/branch-chr-chichester/

25th May 6:00 PM Talk on the Tigers and Wildlife of Bandhavarh Alan Key on the National Park in India with flora, wildlife, birds. Bassil Shippam Centre Chichester PO19 7LG Marilyn booking@talksatsix.co.uk www.talksatsix.co.uk

1st June 6:00 PM How Truly Rational is the Brain? clinical psychologist will discuss the evolutionary processes to crisis point. Bassil Shippam Centre PO197LG £5 Marilyn bookings@talksatsix.co.uk www.talksatsix.co.uk

7th June 5:30 PM Poetry Reading, Prof. Hugh Dunkerley Oxfam talks 2023 Oxfam Bookshop Chichester PO19 1HS £5 Miles 01243 816235 m.leeson@chi.ac.uk www.oxfam.org.uk/shops/ oxfam-bookshop-chichester

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

THEATRE

8th May 4:00 PM The Wind in the Willows This Is My Theatre's adaptation of the tale The Paddock Upper Beeding BN44 3HZ £15 / £10 07732 253311 info@thisismytheatre.com thisismytheatre.com

10th, 23rd & 25th May 7:00 PM Wuthering Heights This Is My Theatre's adaptation of Emily Brontë's story in Hurstpierpoint, Crawley and Upper Beeding. Various locations and prices 07732 253311 thisismytheatre.com

16th May 7:30 PM 'Anything Goes' Cole Porter's iconic musical Alexandra Theatre, Regis Centre PO21 1BN £18 £15.50 Hazel Latus 01243 867676 www.alexandratheatre.co.uk

18th - 20th May 7:30 PM West Chiltington Dramatic Society 'Table Manners' Comedy around a man's attempt to persuade his sister-in -law to go away with him for the weekend. West Chiltington Village Hall RH20 2PZ £12/£6 07702 945960 wcds.co.uk vicechair@wcds.co.uk

3rd - 24th June 7:30 PM Assassins Sondheim's musical starring Danny Mac Chichester Festival Theatre PO19 6AP From £10 01243 781312 box.office@cft.org.uk www.cft.org.uk

4th - 7th May 7:30 PM 'Bad Girls' Alexandra Theatre, Regis Centre PO21 1BN £18 / £15 Hazel 01243 867676 alexandratheatre.co.uk hazel.latus@regiscentre.co.uk

WALKS / NATURE

17th May 8:30 PM Batty about bats which bats call Pagham Harbour home Church Norton car park Selsey PO20 9DT £12 / £9 Roy Newnham 01243 641508 pagham.harbour@rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reservesa-z/pagham-harbour-local-nature-reserve/ 25th May, 2nd & 6th June 8:00 PM Night-time safari – nightjars on the heath night time wildlife at RSPB Pulborough Brooks RH20 2EL £16.50 member / £20.50 Non-member Anna Allum 01798 875851 anna.allum@rspb.org.uk events.rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks

28th & 30th May 10:30 AM Reptile safari native reptiles at RSPB Pulborough Brooks RH20 2EL £8.50 members / £10.50 non members Anna Allum 01798 875851 anna.allum@rspb.org.uk events.rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks

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

Back with a quack on 21st May

Storrington Duck Race returns raising funds for Storrington Primary Annual village event returns after lockdown

The Storrington Duck Race had been a popular annual village event for 20 yearsand now it’s back!

The organisers are looking forward to welcoming you to The Storrington Duck Race on the 21st May 2023. This popular annual event has been a staple of the local community for many years and is sure to provide fun for all ages. The event will take place on the River Stor at Riverside Walk and Library Car Park, where participants can watch their rubber ducks race to the finish line. The event will start at 12 PM and will include a range of family activities, craft stalls, live music as well as local businesses and food and drink sellers.

Participating in the Duck Race

There will, as always, be hotly contested races with six heats and one Grand Final.

Ducks for each race will be on sale from 2nd May and anyone can buy a duck (or several!) to take part. You can purchase your ducks for £1 each from the Storrington Primary School office, supporting high street businesses or on the day at the event (if there are any left). Each duck will have a unique number and cash prizes sponsored by local businesses are on offer for the winning ducks.

All proceeds from the Duck Race will go to Storrington Primary School to provide and maintain the swimming pool and provide extra educational equipment for the children.

The Storrington Primary School Duck Race is a fantastic opportunity to have fun with your family and friends whilst supporting the local community. For the latest info and news, visit the website. storringtonduckrace.co.uk

Sussex Snippets

Charity & Community news from across the counties

Adur District Council has approved the construction of seven new homes on South Street car park, Lancing. The properties will be used as emergency or temporary accommodation for families with nowhere to stay and are expected to save the Council more than £5 million in the coming years on B&B accommodation.

The Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS)

Air Ambulance Charity is organising Hound Hike 100, an event that encourages dog lovers to walk 100 kilometres or 100 miles with their pets during May to raise funds for the life-saving charity. The charity requires £16.6M annually to operate, with 87% of its income coming from supporters. www.aakss.org.uk/houndhike100.

Worthing and St Richard’s Hospitals have both received a national award for their commitment to patients living with incurable blood cancer

The accolade, awarded by blood cancer charity Myeloma UK, recognises hospitals’ commitment to raising the bar for treatment and providing compassionate and personalised care

Kew's Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst, near Ardingly, has achieved an important milestone by banking over 40,000 different plant species, including the endangered Perrier’s baobab and tiny orchid seeds. The world's largest ex-situ conservation project stores 2.4 billion individual seeds in underground vaults, and aims to increase the genetic diversity of the collections to address global climate change and environmental issues. For more information and to visit Wakehurst see www.kew.org/wakehurst.

The Wey & Arun Canal in Loxwood suffered major damage from vandalism just before Easter. Electrical control equipment for pumps were destroyed and water released from the canal causing over £50,000 worth of damage. The Canal Trust, a charity and volunteer-led organisation, has reported the crime to the police was forced to cancel scheduled Easter boat trips. With no public funding, the charity has launched a fundraising campaign to help with the costs of repair and lost income. www.weyarun.org.uk

LYT Productions and Lewes District Council have been granted £213,800 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to host Walk the Chalk, a fiveday event celebrating the opening of the England Coast Path, in September 2023. The event will feature guided walks, art installations, exhibitions. The UK's longest coastal trail will span 2,700 miles around the country when complete. www.walkthechalk.org

With the help of the Sussex branch of the National Career Service, individuals can explore their career aspirations, understand the local job market, enhance their CV, search and apply for jobs, and identify skills they may need in the future - all for free. Call 0800 100 900 or visit nationalcareers.service.gov.uk.

A new campaign ‘Give Back Childhood’ has been launched by Carers Support West Sussex to support 2,400 children and young carers in West Sussex - some as young as five. A young carer is anyone under the age of 18 who takes on the care of a parent or sibling who is unwell, disabled or has mental health problems. The campaign is raising awareness and funds so the Young Carers Partnership, who work with schools and local services, can continue to provide young carers with skills to cope through activities, holiday programmes and regular support groups. www.carerssupport.org.uk

Shoreham Outrigger

Canoe Club (SOCC), is recruiting members to form a crew consisting entirely of individuals affected by cancer, to promote the physical and therapeutic benefits of the sport for cancer patients. SOCC aims to establish a network of cancer survivor crews across the country who will race each other in the national league, and hopes to be the first cancer survivor crew in the UK. For more details, email: RacingCSOCC@gmail.com West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service are hosting free Biker Down workshops which are designed to aid bikers should they find themselves in a situation of need, and provide vital first aid training to other road users. For more information email FRSFirebike@westsussex.gov.uk.

Charity & Community News

New shepherd at The Human Nature Garden

Horsham District Council has unveiled a new wooden shepherd to keep watch over the flock of carved sheep in The Human Nature Garden at Horsham Park. The new carving was funded by grounds maintenance contractors idverde from their Community Investment Fund and carved by Pixie Mushrooms Sussex Chainsaw Carvings. The previous shepherd sculpture had been damaged beyond repair. The Human Nature Garden explores the use of natural resources and includes a grassed amphitheatre area. New homes for Ashington

Bellway South London has submitted a planning application to build 180 new homes on a plot of land in Ashington. The proposed development will include 117 new homes for private sale and 63 affordable properties available through lowcost rent or shared ownership. The project would

also provide allotments, a sports pavilion, two sports pitches, and retained woodland. Swift box project aims to increase local nesting Local volunteers from Sussex Wildlife Trust regional members group covering Storrington & the Arun Valley have launched a project to increase nesting locations by installing Swift boxes at key locations in the villages of Amberley, Billingshurst, Pulborough, Storrington and Sullington. The decline of swifts, swallows, and house martins is caused by climate change, loss of nesting locations, and lack of wildlife provisions when new houses are built. The group has applied for a grant from Wilder Horsham District to add almost 50 new nest locations through single and some multiple boxes in 2023, and plans to evaluate whether they can help Swallows and House Martins in the same way. If you are interested in finding out more about the project, please email swtstorringtonregion@gmail.com

Charity & Community News

Petition for safer roads

Following a head-on collision on the A24 just before Christmas, two women from Storrington suffered life-changing injuries, caused by a man with dementia who had been on the road for sixteen hours. Lucy Wyles and Anne Rance launched a petition calling for mandatory reporting to the DVLA of any driver with health conditions that could affect their driving ability, by all health professionals, to improve road safety. Patients are currently only advised to inform the DVLA and insurer themselves if they have a diagnosis, and there are no safeguards in place to ensure this has happened. Sadly the man died following the

accident. If you would like to sign the petition, scan the QR code (pictured right) or visit www.petition.parliament.uk/ petitions/635516

Storrington Conservation news

The work party on 16th March was at Foxmead Court clearing the pond. It was saved by the Society 30 years ago and it now provides an attractive feature for the enjoyment of the residents as well as providing wildlife habitat. On 6th May they were planning to clear the banks and stream at Riverside Walk in preparation for this years Duck Race. However, while King Charles probably encourages Societies like theirs, out of respect for his Coronation they are considering an alternative date to do this. For more information on events as well as free membership, please get in touch with the Chairman, Mick Denness, on 01903 745971, or alternatively visit www.storringtonconservation.org.uk. Please send your community stories to info@sussexlocal.net

Anne and Lucy

The remains of the car

Concrete Crusher

Lasting Powers of Attorney

By Will Writer Emma Cohen MIPW

In the event that you lose the mental capacity to make decisions for yourself, it is a pre-prepared and planned legal order that nominates a person or people of your choosing to make those decisions for you.

To add some clarity, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) can only be granted before you are deemed to have lost the capacity to make decisions, if you find yourself beyond this situation, then your family will have to apply to the Court of Protection to nominate a deputy to carry out your ongoing care, this can be time-consuming and expensive.

According to the Alzheimer's Society, more than 1 million people in the UK will have dementia by 2025. More than 1 in 5 people over 85 already suffer from the disease and rates are significantly higher amongst women.

With health conditions like Dementia or Parkinson’s disease, the process can be gradual and therefore allows a bit of time to put an LPA in place, in the case of illnesses such as Strokes,

the impact of the illness can be felt immediately and allows little if no time for such agreements to be discussed.

There are two types of LPA; Property and Finance and Health and Welfare. The first allows your loved ones to deal with the day-to-day financial matters, like paying your bills. It also extends to longer-term decisions like selling your property and managing your bank accounts and investments. The latter covers decisions about health and care, medical intervention and decisions around the residence you may feel most comfortable in.

Many of us either don’t think about the impact of mental decline or don’t want to, but it’s certainly something, we at Nsure would highly recommend talking to your loved ones about. The situation is challenging enough when confronted by it, so having a plan in place may ease the burden and the stress if the time ever arises.

Please do get in touch with me on 01903 821010 or email: emma.cohen@nsure.co.uk

Sussex Snowdrop Trust

Celebrating thirty years of caring for sick children by Lynn Smith

Chichester based Sussex Snowdrop Trust celebrates its thirty-year anniversary this year. A unique charity providing vital nursing care for local children who are dealing with the day-to-day challenges of having a life threatening or terminal illness. Co-founder Diana Levantine tells me that the trust arose as a result of Diana and her fellow founders - Frank Snell and Kate Shaw – being made aware of the lack of support available for local families with sick children.

“In 1992 Sister Beth Connolly and Dr Ann Wallace were caring for a terminally ill child on the busy children’s ward at St Richard’s Hospital, they knew then, that there needed to be changes in provision of care, and that the child should be at home … safe and familiar place where they would be in their own bed with their family and their favourite things.” But they realised that for the child to be at home, it was crucial for the parents to be supported by a Children’s Community Nurse.

“Over the next few months Beth identified the nursing, financial and emotional support needed for all local families who were caring for a child suffering from a life-threatening illness. These needs have all been met by Snowdrop throughout the years.”

Accessing the Snowdrop Trust

In 1993 Sussex Snowdrop Trust was launched and, raised enough money to fund their first Children’s Community Nurse, Jane Evans.

“Our nurses have always been at the heart of the Trust, supporting families as they teach them how to care for their child and give them the confidence to do so. Nurses can help some children by going into schools to administer medication or to check bloods, which is invaluable as children get to spend more time at school, rather than hours travelling to and from hospital. Our Counsellors are busy supporting parents and children, through phobias, anxieties, and bereavement.”

The number of children the trust supports fluctuates each year, as newly diagnosed children come onto the “Snowdrop Pathway” of care, and

others finish treatment. Today, there are between 60-70 children on the “Snowdrop Pathway.”

“From the beginning,” Diana says, “we have worked directly with the NHS. The nurses work from the NHS Children’s Services department in Chichester, so when a life-threatening condition is diagnosed, the child is automatically referred to the Care at Home Team.” The Trust helps families living within a fifteen-mile radius of Chichester, which covers - Hayling Island, Emsworth, Chichester, Bognor Regis, Selsey, Arundel, Billingshurst, Petworth and Midhurst areas.

Funding the work of the Trust

The Charity’s greatest challenge, Diana tells me, is to raise the £380,000 a year needed to fund members of the Care at Home Team, and to provide financial support for families. Funds are raised through legacies, trusts and grants from local businesses and the community. Diana points out that the cost-of-living crisis has further impacted families, who may already be struggling financially, as it is usual for one parent to give up work when a child receives a life-threatening or terminal diagnosis, in order to become a carer.

“We are giving vouchers to families who need help with food costs or petrol to get their child to hospital for treatment, which costs the charity over £4,000 a month.” Also, over recent years, the charity’s volunteer base has decreased, and Diana says, “We would love to see more volunteers get involved in events.”

Offering plenty of opportunities for volunteering

And, in this celebratory year there are numerous events for would-be volunteers to become involved in. May sees the annual walk at Arundel Castle Estate Park, taking place near Hiorne Tower on Sunday 14th, when “Hundreds of supporters enjoy a 1- or 5-mile route and take in the stunning views of the South Downs.” There will be a steel pan workshop, tombola and food stalls.” A few days later, on 18th May, Champs Hill, near Coldwaltham, is hosting a demonstration by award-winning florist, Matthew Spriggs. On 29th July the charity has “A Supercar Track Day” and there is an outdoor cinema night at Madehurst Cricket ground on 2nd September. There is will also be special event for volunteers, to mark this landmark year. Details of all events can be found on the charity’s website. The Trust, I assume, must have seen several changes over the last thirty years, but Diana says that “Actually for us, nothing has changed. Snowdrop families will always need help and support.

They will always need … access to a children’s nurse and will nearly always have financial problems when their child is ill.

Most parents and children are ‘changed’ by their journey on the Snowdrop Pathway, but with the support of the nurses and our counsellors they will be able to cope so much better.”

Thirty years later – improved outcomes for sick children

What has changed is the outcome today’s children can expect. In 1998 Dr Wallace wrote:

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“Today there are 40 youngsters in our care, and over a five-year period 25 children have died.”

“Today,” Diana says, “most children with leukaemia, cystic fibrosis and cancer, and many other conditions, are surviving, due to extraordinary operations, new treatments and medications. They will probably live to collect their pensionswhat a change.”

“The community has been so generous - despite particularly challenging times”

When I ask how well-supported the Charity is by the local community, Diana is unequivocal, “We have incredible support from local people not only from Snowdrop families who often fundraise, as a way of giving back for the care they received, but also a wide variety of community groups, including schools and colleges.”

Mostly recently the Trust was awarded a certificate of recognition from the High Sherriff of West Sussex, James Whitmore, “In recognition of great and valuable services in the Community.” The award also recognises the appreciation of the residents and people of West Sussex. Diana says, “We receive letters of thanks from many Snowdrop families over the years, who will never forget the care they received when their child was so ill.”

And, in this special year, there is a greater opportunity for people to be involved with the charity through its fundraising campaign: “Snowdrop’s 30 for 30!” The charity would like to encourage people to take part in their own fundraising event or challenge using the number 30 – for instance, by a 30-mile walk, bake 30cakes, 30 hours of running or just give £30 - in 2023. Anyone who has ideas or who wants to learn about volunteering opportunities can talk them through with the charity or join them for their monthly coffee morning on the first Thursday of each month at 10.30am.

When I ask Diana what she feels is the Trust’s greatest achievement, she says:

“I am incredibly proud that the Snowdrop Trust is a much-loved local children’s charity and is respected in West Sussex. It is a great achievement to have been able to support hundreds of families through their most difficult times, with an outstanding Care at Home Team, for over 30 years.”

Contact: Sussex Snowdrop Trust, 3 William Booker Yard, The Street, Walberton, West Sussex. BN18 0PF. Tel: 01243 572433

www.thesussexsnowdroptrust.com.

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Lemon risotto with fried halloumi

A quick, easy healthy lunch or dinner

Ingredients - Serves 4

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 brown onion, diced & 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 400g arborio rice

• 150ml white wine, or replace with more stock.

• 1200ml vegetable stock

• 1 block halloumi, cut into 12 pieces

• 100g Twineham Grange, grated Italian style cheese

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Decent pinch of salt and pepper

• 1 bag spinach, washed & Handful of fresh basil

• 2tbsp Carla’s seasoning dried parsley

To serve: Zest of lemon & squeeze of lemon juice.

Method

1. Heat oil in a large pan, add onion and cook for 5 mins until the onions starts to go translucent. Add in the garlic, and cook for a further minute.

2. Add rice to the pan and stir for a few minutes before pouring in wine. Wait for wine to almost fully absorb (stir regularly) then add stock a ladle at a time. Ensure each has almost fully absorbed before adding next. Should take around 20 mins.

3. Once stock is used up, taste the Should be soft still have a little bite. If it’s too hard add a ladle of boiling water one at a time until coo-ked, at this point turn heat to low.

4. Heat a non frying pan medeach side for 3 minutes.

5. Add Twineham Grange cheese, lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper to risotto. Stir well and remove from heat, gently stir in basil and spinach.

6. To serve divide the risotto into four bowls, sprinkle with lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice and top with the halloumi. Season well.

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Sussex Walks - May 2023

These walks are run by The Ramblers. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of the walk. Full programme of walks available on www.ramblers.org.uk. Check website for booking details and cancellations. ///= What3Words location reference.

Date Start Details

Sat 06/05/2023 09:30 Emsworth, top of Hollybank Lane. ///river.fails.descended (PO10 7UL, SU746078)

Emsworth - Hollybank Lane Southleigh and Stansted Forests, Broadreed Farm Lordington. Booking required via Walk Leader see above. 12mi/19.3km. Moderate.

Sat 13/05/2023 10:00 Rowlands Castle, on road parking, The Fairway. ///stag.martini.broad (PO9 6AQ, SU730107)

Rowland's Castle Ramble Rowland's Castle, West Marden, Stansted Forest. Booking required via Walk Leader. 8mi/12.9km. Moderate.

Sun 14/05/2023 09:30 Slindon, The Forge Café, Reynolds Lane ///thighs.prospers.noodle (BN18 0QX, SU965078)

Sat 20/05/2023 10:00 Petworth House, NT Car Park (Parking charges apply for non-NT members). ///recap.atomic.skipped Compass Flexible Bus service 99 ChiPetworth. Alight in the town, walk approx. 1mile meeting point off A285 (GU28 9LS, SU966238)

Sun 21/05/2023 10.30 Car Park, North Street Midhurst GU29 9DR (no charges on Sunday) WC facilities. For more details visit: www.arun-adur-ramblers.org.uk

Sliding out of Slindon

Circular walk via Madehurst. Hilly. 9mi/14.5km. Moderate.

Rhododendron Walk Petworth Park, Duncton Common, Selham. No hills! 11mi/17.7km. Leisurely.

Sat 27/05/2023 09:30 Goodwood, Counters Gate Car Park. ///ribcage.recoup.played (PO18 0QE, SU898113)

Midhurst Via Woolbeding Bridge, Steadham Mill, Easebuorne, Cowdray park & Ruins. Lots of Stiles. Bring a picnic. Assistance dogs only. This is a circular walk

Goodwood Counting the Wild Flowers from Counters Gate. A wild flower walk down to Charlton, round and back again. Hilly. Booking required via Walk Leader. 11mi/17.7km. Moderate.

Are you ignoring your progress?

By personal trainer & nutritionist Heather Smith

If your goal is to lose weight, and you’re only focussing on what the scales tell you – I think you might be selling yourself short. When you’re eagerly seeking weight loss, it can be easy to get disheartened when you don’t see an immediate change on the scales.

We can become convinced that nothing is changing, and this can contribute in no small part to the on: off cycle so many of us have with our health and fitness plans.

But, if you make a point of noticing some of the other positives which come alongside making improvements to our health and fitness, then that’s likely to help you stay on course.

You could start monitoring the fit of your clothes, or even get the tape measure out. But also, you could consider the many other positives which come alongside making improvements to our health and fitness.

You might even notice specifics which you hadn’t considered before… The one I hear most often relates to being able to tie one’s shoelaces more

easily! Likewise, what about other nonoutcome based positives you’re likely to be seeing – things like:

• Sticking to a routine

• Eating more veggies

• Getting 10,000 steps a day consistently

• Doing two workouts a week

To almost every client I’ve ever worked with, the non-weight-loss achievements are as important as the weight loss ones – it’s just that we often don’t notice these other positives which come with improving our nutrition and exercise routines, until we see the changes we’re so focussed on seeing on the scales. Keep finding positive associations between what you’re doing and the whole picture of the results you’re experiencing. This will help you feel inclined to stay the course for the long term.

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Dry, oily, spotty, itchy or blotchy skin

Why our skin causes problems

Causes of problems for our skin

by Clare Gale

Few can claim perfect skin all the time, but what makes it behave in a way that causes challenge?

Nutrition, hormones, hydration, food sensitivity and toxicity can all have an affect on our skin. Start by looking at hydration. Do you drink enough each day to help your body function? 1.5-2 litres per day is recommended, which helps hydrate our skin and flush toxins from your liver.

Skin shows what is happening in your liver. When you have an issue, what’s your liver dealing with?

Alcohol, medication, poor diet and atmospheric pollutants are some things our livers have to deal with. Fresh fruit and veg are helpful to cleanse our livers and there are some herbal remedies that can support good liver function.

Extreme dermatitis caused by body toxicity

Gemma is a client of mine in my Storrington clinic who had extreme dermatitis on her hands. She is a nail technician and was having to work in cotton gloves. Her hands had open wounds, were bleeding and extremely painful.

We looked at toxicity in her body and she made changes to her diet. She took a liver cleanse herbal remedy along with some good omega oils. When I saw her for an 8 week follow up, her hands were 99% better.

My aim is to find specific imbalances within you. Once balanced optimal health is possible!

Clare Gale: 07717 281604 / www.uknaturalhealthclinics.com

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South of England Show

A great family day out - 9th to 11th June

Offering visitors a nonstop programme of agricultural and equestrian displays, country pursuits, live entertainment, rural crafts, and a variety of food, drink, and shopping opportunities. The South of England Show offers all ages the opportunity to connect with the countryside and enjoy a great day out.

Among the highlights of the 2023 show will be the Bold Dog Lings motocross stunt displays, international show jumping, heavy horse displays, cookery workshops, scurry racing, equestrian and livestock competitions, the ever-popular Shetland Grand National and a new vintage agricultural machinery ring with demonstrations and displays. Additionally,

visitors will be able to experience forestry, falconry, fly casting, and much more. Win tickets to the South of England show on 9th, 10th or 11th of June. The winner will be able to choose which day, subject to availability. Tickets are available from www.seas.org.uk

Win a tickets to the South of England Show

To enter answer the following question:

Q: Which type of horse competes in their 'Grand National' event?

a) Shire b) Arab c) Shetland

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

Costs of electric car charging

A brief overview of the options

The cost to charge an electric car in the UK varies depending on where you charge it. For those who charge their electric cars at home, it costs about £17 for a full charge, according to recent calculations. This is based on a typical electric car with a 60kWh battery and a range of approximately 200 miles. The average domestic electricity rate in the UK is around 32p per kWh, and fully charging a 60kWh electric car will cost approximately £17. By using a dual-rate electricity tariff specifically designed for electric car drivers, you can further reduce the cost.

Charging at public locations, such as supermarkets or car parks, can be free for the duration of your stay. However, rapid charging points are typically found at motorway service stations and can cost approximately £22 for a 30-minute, 90mile charge.

It's worth noting that electric cars rarely need a "full" charge since they never get completely empty and usually just need a top-up. Charging an electric car at home is best done through a dedicated

home chargepoint, which comes with a typical one-off cost starting from £800 and has grants currently available for residents of flats - search on www.gov.uk for details.

To work out how long it takes to charge an EV from zero to 100%, all you have to do is divide the battery capacity by the speed of charging. Home charge points typically offer speeds of 7kW, although it’s possible to get slower and faster ones. This gives you the amount of power a full charge consumes.

To give some examples of the cost of charging different electric cars at home, a Nissan LEAF 3.ZERO e+ (2019) with a 62 kWh battery and a range of 239 miles costs £17.36 to fully charge, while a Mercedes-Benz EQE (2022) with a 100 kWh battery and a range of 394 miles costs £28 Data from www.drive-electric.co.uk

In Your Garden

Monthly gardening ideas & tasks

by Andrew Staib of Glorious Gardens

During lockdown we bought some chickens which delighted the children and then shocked them in equal measure when we got home one evening and the lawn was a flurry of feathers but no chickens. When the local foxes took our replacements we threw in the towel. I couldn’t be angry with them for very long as they were just trying, like all of us, to survive. These sleek, burnished, rusty, fiery spirits both delight us and annoy us and I thought I would find out more about them.

Their name is thought to come from ‘Puk’, a Proto -Indo European word meaning ‘thick haired/tail’. Humans have always had a love/hate relationship with them. In Europe they represented cunning and trickery and in Asian cultures, familiar spirits with magic powers. They could herald both good and bad omens. In suburban England they fascinate with their dexterity, annoy with their defecation and yelping and

yet provide one of the few safari experiences in our urban life as we regularly grind the car to a halt in the middle of a night journey and watch a fox caught in the headlights crossing a road. In turn it begins to watch us watching it until it slinks off, presumably neither feeling threatened or very interested.

The red fox, vulpes, is the most common worldwide and there are 11 other main species, with 47 sub species, ranging in habitat from the coldest, snowy regions of the world to African deserts. Some are so specific to a region that they live only on small islands or in a single National Park. They are the second most ubiquitous mammal in the world after humans.

Apart from dogs and man, the only natural predators are eagles and lions, and they have become one of the very few animals to thrive in urban settings. In fact, in the wild, a red fox might live for three years but they can live twice as long in a city. They are omnivores like humans, eating

Foxes in the garden

anything going: insects, eggs, berries, apple cores, rodents and of course left over takeaways. Their range can really vary, from a few hectares in a town to over 4000 in the Highlands. They generally sleep during the day, though since I’ve been in England I’ve seen them more and more in daylight. They live in dens under the ground, or under garden sheds, with multiple getaways in case of invaders. During Winter they use their tail, ‘brush, as a cover to keep warm.

As a group they are called many different words: Skulk, leash, earth or pack. They stay together as a couple for life and live in a family that can have different lairs including a breeding lair. The male can share his den and be sexually active with more than one female adult. Some of the females, left over from previous litters, aren’t breeders, and have the role of being ‘nannies’ to the new cubs.

The vixen has a litter per year between 1-6 cubs and after about 5 weeks the cubs venture out though they are still cared for over the Summer

by their parents. By Autumn they leave the den and disperse.

It is often wondered how they live alongside cats and the answer is cat’s ferocious claw techniques frighten them off. They have great hearing and can hear rodents digging away underground. They make over 28 recognisable sounds which has made me want to start listening to them more closely. Last fact- they can run between 30-45 km per hour!

There is an ongoing debate about their ecological impact. It has been calculated that they save farmers 7-9 million pounds in killing rabbits, yet cost farmers 9.4 million pounds by attacking young lambs. In Australia they have decimated native mammal populations that had no natural defences. Certainly the anti-fox hunting protests showed that they are an animal that sparks strong emotions. I wonder too if, with our comfortable, manicured life indoors, they remind us of our hand to mouth nomadic past, where life was more on a knife edge, yet also more free, weaving a living under the stars.

Where to visit in May

A visit to Leonardslee gardens should be number one on your list. You may remember that I featured this Garden a couple of years ago.

It has been revamped over the last few years and has special qualities especially in May when all the Azaleas and Rhododendrons are out in flower!

May tasks

• There is an old gardener’s adage; ‘one looses the gardens in May’. There is so much to do!

• Buy and Plant annual flowers and other frost sensitive plants like vegetable plugstomatoes, runner beans, peppers, aubergines and chillies.

• Feed lawns

• Water any new plants and fertilise and water pot plants

• Prune Pennstemons back to fresh green shoots if they show lots of new basal growth

• Thin out the clematises that have already flowered this year.

• Hoe weeds to save you having to get on your hands and knees - little and often

Unlocking your home’s potential

Extensions. By Nick Roberts RMR Group

Unlock the hidden potential of your home. Your home is like a treasure chest, filled with untapped possibilities just waiting to be revealed and extensions are the key to accessing this potential.

Planning the right extension

Begin at the planning stage. Consider your home's layout and architectural style. This will direct you to the ideal extension plan. Seek out professional advice from architects and contractors, who will share their knowledge and experience to help you navigate your project.

Permits & regulations

Look at permits and regulations, remember that

Blend with existing structure

It's now time to break ground! The right extension will seamlessly blend with your existing structure, maintaining your home’s integrity while enhancing its space, functionality, and value. This delicate balance is the key to a successful transformation.

Finding the perfect extension can be challenging. The wrong decisions can lead to increased costs or a poorly executed design, leaving you with a sense of regret. To avoid this, always employ reputable professionals. This will ensure your home extension stands the test of time, weathering any storm that comes its way.

Declutter before moving

Reduce removal expenses and spend less time packing

By decluttering before relocating, you'll create a more efficient move and save money on your home removal expenses as the removal team will be packing fewer unnecessary items. Here are some helpful tips to streamline your home decluttering process before moving:

1. Starting early is key. Don't wait until the last minute to start packing. Give yourself ample time to sort through your belongings and determine what you want to keep, sell, donate, or dispose.

2. The fourbox method is an effective way to declutter. Use four labelled boxes, ‘Keep’, Sell’, ‘Donate’, and ‘Throw Away’, and place each item in the appropriate box. This strategy streamlines the sorting process and allows you to make swift decisions.

Property of the month

3. It's crucial to be strict with yourself when decluttering. Ask yourself if you truly need each item in your new home; if not, let it go. Remember, the fewer items you have to move, the simpler the move will be.

4. Try the 30-day declutter challenge. Start by removing one item on day one, two items on day two, and so on until day 30, where you remove 30 items, totalling 465 items. Challenge your family members to see who can reduce the most.

5. Consider donating items that are still in good condition but no longer needed. Donate clothes to a local crisis shelter, take in-date food to a food bank, and send old bedding to an animal rescue centre.

By starting early, taking action, and making the process fun, you'll be able to move to your new home efficiently and spend more time enjoying your new space rather than unpacking.

Shannon Murphy is an Accredited Professional Organiser. Email: simpllivingco@gmail.com tel: 07833 447003 or visit: www.simplliving.co

Swan Meadows, Amberley, BN18 9FF £920,000

The last Private Home remaining comprising of:

• 4-bedroom family home

• Separate family and living rooms

• Open-plan kitchen/dining/family room

• Shaker-style kitchen with stone worktops

• Integrated Siemens appliances

• Oak finish solid core doors

• Flooring included throughout

• Air source heat pumps

• Electric car charging point

• 10-year Premier Guarantee Warranty

Contact Fowlers: 01903 745844

Every address every month

Prize Crossword

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

March 2023 solution below:

Down

2 Texan mission (5)

3 Supervise (7)

4 Highly radioactive metallic element (6)

6 Once more (5)

7 Beef or lamb (3,4)

8 Allotted quantity (5)

15 Moment (7)

17 Elsa, perhaps (7)

18 Suggest (5)

19 Fisherman (6)

21 Big (5)

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

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

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

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

March anagram solution: CRAYONS

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 May 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.

Spring budget - changes for investors

By Oliver Suter DipPFS, financial adviser

Investment solutions group photo

On March 15th 2023 Jeremy Hunt revealed his Spring budget. Let’s look at the changes affecting investors.

-The removal of the lifetime allowance (LTA) means that there will be no LTA tax charge on pensions above £1,073,100.

-The annual allowance for pension contributions is increasing from £40,000 to £60,000, allowing individuals to contribute more into their pensions.

-The minimum tapered annual allowance will increase from £4,000 to £10,000 from April. This is accompanied by a rise in the adjusted income threshold to £260,000. This will take more people out of the reaches of tapering, and those who do exceed will still be able to contribute more.

-The money purchase annual allowance (MPAA) is increasing from £4,000 to £10,000 and means those who have taken income from their

pensions, left the workplace, or gone part time may be encouraged to return to work without

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

Hilaire Belloc writer & poet (1870

Part 1 of 3 by local historian Chris Hare

In December, Sussex historian, Chris Hare, published his book on the life and works of AngloFrench author, Hilaire Belloc, who grew up in the Sussex village of Slindon, and spent the last 48 years of his life at Shipley. Over the next three issues of Sussex Local we will be serialising ex-

the beams and the shelves and the mighty table.”

Beech is the wood of the Sussex downs and oak the timber of the Sussex weald they combine in Belloc’s ‘heaven.’ For such a holy setting, it was necessary that a sort of communion feast should be brought to him “When they put food and ale before me, it was of the kind which has been English ever since England began, and which perhaps good fortune will preserve over the breakdown of our generation, until we have England back again. One could see the hops in the tankard, and one could taste the barley, until, more and more sunk into the plenitude of the good house, one could dare to contemplate, as though from a distant standpoint, the corruption and the imminent danger of the time through which we must lead our lives. And, as I so considered the ruin of the great cities and their slime, I felt as though I were in a sort of fortress of virtue and of health….”

and the general traffic of men, and the old Sussex couple who have run it for many years. All is good with the inn and with its hosts. Here is indeed a place where Belloc could feel at home –“…it was quite dark, and the windows, with their square, large panes and true proportions, shone out and made it home. The room within received me like a friend. The open chimney at its end, round which the house was built was filled with beech logs burning; and the candles, which were set in brass, mixed their yellow light with that of the fire. The long ceiling was low, as are the ceilings of Heaven. And oak was everywhere also: in

Even here, Belloc is not really at home. He is hiding from the real England of cities and capitalism, of motor cars and advertising hoardings. What is more, these old Sussex country people were not his people - much as he wished they could bethey were, simply beyond his cultural reach. Writing fifteen years later, Belloc admitted as much, and that both he and his near neighbour at Shipley, Wilfrid Blunt, could never be ‘of Sussex,’ however much they wished they could –

“I had lived among them on and off all my life, and so had he; and I certainly love them with all my heart and so did he; but as for knowing how they live or what they really think, there is a gulf between us.”

Hilaire Belloc, The Politics of Living, by Chris Hare is available from Arundel Museum, Mill Road, Arundel. Petworth Bookshop, Golden Square. Petworth. Steyning Bookshop, High Steet. Steyning. Worthing Library, Richmond Road, or direct from Chris: sussexhistory.hare@gmail.com

Belloc as a young man

BelloconboardTheNona

Be a Friend of the South Downs

If you love the South Downs, then you should join the only membership organisation dedicated to looking after them. As of this year, The Friends of the South Downs has been working to protect the area for 100 years.

The threats to the Downs may have changed over the last 100 years, but we still remain vigilant to protect the natural beauty of the area, promote access and conserve the landscape. We monitor all planning applications in the South Downs National Park to ensure that they will not damage the landscape and we fund conservation projects such as path improvement and replacement of stiles with kissing gates to improve access. We also run projects to encourage children to know and use the Park.

Our Centenary in 2023 provides a great opportunity to celebrate the Downs and includes a number of significant events and activities

• Stimulating talks

• Themed walks and strolls and a cycling festival

• Lottery funded projects to help children learn about the Downs

• A project to improve a footpath for wheelchair use.

We are the only membership organisation dedicated to protecting the South Downs. Why not join us to help with our work or to meet new people on our large programme of guided walks?

friendsofthesouthdowns.org.uk

5 Swan Court, Station Road, Pulborough RH20

Volunteers at the heart of the community

Community minibus seeking volunteers for various roles

Volunteers look much the same as you

Here in Storrington, we have a wealth of charitable organisations focused on making our community a better place to live. Each supports people in need, the vulnerable and those who seek companionship. The strength of these organisations is a testament to those who volunteer their services, skills and time. Volunteers are the key for not-for-profit organisations to deliver the services they do. People volunteer for many reasons. A change in personal circumstances is where it often begins. When retirement comes or when the children fly the nest and after relocating to a new area as a way to meet new friends.

West Sussex Minibus is an all-volunteer charity in Storrington that provide social trips for the community. Their mission is to help individuals stay connected to prevent isolation and loneliness. We sat down with Jane Jeffery, their Storrington Coordinator, to learn why she chose to volunteer and how it fits into her life.

Jane told us she became "aware of the charity through friends." She had formally worked in the health sector, which drew her to the cause. Plus, the idea of using her "skills to help others whilst giving back to the community" appealed. Jane is now in her tenth year of volunteering with the charity.

She has enjoyed trying a variety of roles, from a Bus Escort to Booking Officer and Fundraiser, before becoming their Division Coordinator. Jane has yet to drive a minibus! What she likes the most is "the opportunity to meet new people and maintain another interest." Jane concluded she would "recommend volunteering no matter what age" and "the great thing about volunteering is you get to choose when you work."

New Members and Volunteers are welcome.

The minibus out and about

St Mary’s C of E Primary School, Washington

Monthly update on learning and events

Worship focus - Lent

Our whole school worship this past half term has focused upon Lent culminating in Holy Week. Together, children and staff have discussed the meaning of Shrove Tuesday and Reverend Patrick has visited school to teach the children about the origins of Pancake racing! We have also thought about how Ash Wednesday can be a time when Christians think about past mistakes they have made. As a school, we have also discussed three very important words: Please, Thank you and Sorry and how sometimes it takes some courage to be humble and use some of these. However, it does help us to acknowledge that we all get things wrong and that none of us are perfect! It can also be a sign that we are willing to make a new start.

Opportunities outside of St Marys

Representatives from Year 5 were invited to Steyning Grammar School to take part in a Diversity Conference being run in conjunction with the Diocese of Chichester. Our pupils, joined with pupils from locality schools to learn about diversity

in all of its forms and how we can promote and celebrate diversity in our schools.

Bishop Ruth of Horsham opened the event and workshops were delivered by specialist educators and supported by SGS students.

Children from Oak class took part in a Year 1 / 2 Dance Taster session at Steyning Grammar School. The group learned some new dance moves as well as a choreographed routine.

www.stmaryswashington.co.uk

The adventures of Peter the tortoise

A book to be shared with children with music & colouring

This book is a prequel to “Down Windsor Way” from the perspective of Peter the much loved Tortoise. It charters his first acquaintance with the Tyrrell brothers who were raised in a Bernado home just after WWII, and describes their lives from his view point. It is described as “witty, pithy and funny” describing Peter’s ancestry derived from 'rock-hopping' South American sirens.

About the author

Elizabeth Tyrrell authored her first book, Down Windsor Way, during lockdown in 2020. Elizabeth, who lives near Liphook, has spent the past five decades as a perpetual student as well as enjoying a full time academic career in the Chemistry/Pharmacy department at Kingston University. In 2013 she took early retirement, as

Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, in order to complete her studies in Theology. Since then Elizabeth has completed an MA degree in Theology (2019) from the University of Chichester. Win a signed copy of The Adventures of Peter the Tortoise by Elizabeth Tyrrell. Please visit the following website for the answer to the question below: www.drtyrrellspublishing.co.uk/theadventures-of-peter-the-tortoise-music

Win a signed copy of Peter the Tortoise by Elizabeth Tyrrell

To enter answer the following question:

Q: What is the name of the 3rd song that accompanies the book? (go to website above)

a) Peter's Treasure b) Peter's Pirates

c) Peter's Cutlass www.classcover.com

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

Class Cover is an established and successful education recruitment agency providing outstanding primary, secondary and SEN teachers, ECT’s and teaching assistants to schools throughout the South East for day-to-day, short and long-term assignments.

Storrington neighbourhood wardens

Wardens’ May update & Parents information evening 10th May

Following on from our early intervention work in the local schools, we have got to know the young people in our area quite well.

Working in collaboration with Sussex Police and Horsham District Council we held an information evening for parents to raise awareness around the vulnerabilities our young people face and the types of things we are coming across in the village.

Sally Scott, a Police Officer who works with young people, shared information about her role and the work she does in schools. Shelley Gosden, a Community Safety Officer from Horsham District Council, was able to signpost parents to more information on projects that are currently running in the District, and also supply information about the Understanding Teenage Behaviour Courses that run throughout the year. The session was very positive and the feedback from the parents was that there were others who are interested to attend if we do another session.

We will be holding another parents’ meeting on Wednesday 10th May. If you would like to attend, please contact us on the details below.

To celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III, the Parish is holding a tea party on the Sunday 7th May, from 2pm5pm at Storrington Cricket Ground. There will be a children’s funfair, barbecue and bar, a live folk orchestra and local crafts and produce for you to buy. Do come along and celebrate.

Project EDWARD is a campaign that raises awareness around road safety. The acronym stands for Every Day Without A Road Death. The top 4 fatal offences are speeding, drink and drug driving, driving while distracted and not wearing seatbelts. This month Sussex Police will be holding a speed watch event with Storrington’s local Community Speed Watch Group as part of the Project EDWARD week of action.

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

Wardens Alison & Chris

Andrew Griffith MP

Member of Parliament for Arundel and South Downs

Kinsbrook vineyard & farmshop

I had the pleasure of visiting Kinsbrook Vineyard and Farmshop last week. It epitomises everything to celebrate in the start up of a new, familyowned business. Based in Thakeham, owners Joe and Becca have grown from a pop-up selling takeaways from a horsebox during lockdown to a thriving farmshop, restaurant and vineyard producing quality Sussex wines. The enterprises are diverse and sustainable.

Kinsbrook already employs a number of local people and I discussed with Joe and Becca the challenges and opportunities they are facing as a small business, and their plans to grow over time. Starting a new business is always risky, but with support from the Government and local authorities it can be rewarding for entrepreneurs and their communities. It is risk-takers who provide employment for local people and generate the prosperity that our economy needs to function. I look forward to following Kinsbrook Vineyard and Farmshop as they continue grow.

Health of our rivers

West Sussex residents are rightly concerned about the health of our rivers but we must not confuse new data with it being a new problem. The truth is the issue has been there for many decades.

Together with other Sussex MPs, I hosted a meeting with Southern Water and the Environment Agency to discuss the action that has been taken to tackle sewage discharge. I pressed the water company on the Government’s new legally binding targets on combined sewage overflows with the water company and heard about the company’s Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force which will implement a £2.8 billion plan to end sewage discharges and water pollution here in Sussex. Southern Water and the Environment agency were left under no illusion how important it is that they act.

Andrew Griffith MP for Arundel & South Downs

Andrew.Griffith.MP@parliament.uk

Ashington Parish Council

Picnic in the park, elections, parish yard & neighbourhood plan

“Picnic in the Park” to celebrate the King’s Coronation: Sunday 7th May, midday – 4pm, Ashington recreation field. The Parish Council are looking forward to joining together with other village organisations to bring to Ashington a "Picnic in the Park" to celebrate the King's Coronation. A fun filled afternoon for everyone, there will be games, children’s crafts, bouncy castles, real ale, hog roast, and live music. Bring your blanket, chairs and a picnic and come along and celebrate the Coronation in a relaxed afternoon of community spirit.

Local elections – 4th May: Parish and District elections will take place on this date. Ashington Community Centre will be open from 7am –10pm as a polling station. Voters will be required to show an approved form of photo ID.

The Parish Yard: The site has now been cleared of rubbish, vegetation and some of the trees. The ground has been levelled to ascertain the size of the site and what space is usable. Parish councillors are currently looking at the options for this

site to ensure best use of the space with the funds available. There is still substantial investment needed to resurface, fence, replace gates etc. Unfortunately, all the while water neutrality is an issue, the cafe remains a distant wish.

Neighbourhood Plan: Both Landacre Developments (Chanctonbury Nurseries ASH10) and Bellway Homes (Land West of Ashington School ASH11) are in the process of submitting their planning applications to Horsham District Council. Applications can be viewed at:

www.horsham.gov.uk

Neighbourhood Wardens: The “coffee and chat” social group sessions held at The Red Lion, and run in association with AgeUK, continue to be a success. Come along and meet friends new and old. £2 per session with unlimited tea/coffee. The next sessions will be 1.30-3pm, 9th May and 12th June.

www.ashingtonpc.org.uk

Thakeham Parish Council

Update for May 2023

District and Parish Elections 4 May 2023

Thakeham Village Hall is a polling station for the elections on Thursday 4 May 2023. Polls are open from 7am until 10pm.

Voter ID

May 2023 will be the first time that voter identification will be required to be shown by all voters at a polling station. This has been introduced under the Elections Act 2022.

Voters need to show an approved form of photo identity before voting in a polling station, the ID does not have to be current, provided the likeness is still true. The document must be an original document.

For details of what forms of ID are acceptable, please visit The Electoral Commission website www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/ voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id

The Big Help Out

Thakeham Parish Council are joining #TheBigHelpOut on Monday 8th May, helping organisations in the local area who make a real difference in our community.

Come along to Thakeham Village Hall between 9am and midday on 8 May for more information on the activities of our local Community Groups and Charities and how you can get involved.

Thakeham Gardeners Club Plant Sale

Thakeham Gardeners Club are holding their May Plant Sale on Saturday 13 May at Thakeham

information you can share, or have questions about our village history.

Thakeham Village Hall - events venue

If you are planning an event and are looking for a venue, please contact the Hall Managers by email info@thakehamvillagehall.co.uk or call 01798 815467.

The Village Hall website has details of our regular clubs and activities, room availability, hire fees as well as information on the facilities.

The local history section of our website can alcontact Roger Taylor (edstrct@gmail.com) if you have any

St Mary’s Thakeham are holding their annual Plant Sale on 20th May in the Chesswood Room. Doors open at 12:30pm.

Thakeham Village Football Club

Plans are already underway for the new 2023/24 season starting in July with three continuing teams and a host of new teams to expand the football on offer for local residents both in Thakeham and surrounding villages. For full details, check out the team listings on the club website.

www.thakehamvillagefc.co.uk/teams

As the club grows, there is an even greater need for coaches and matchday volunteers. You needn’t be a die-hard football fan to join in and there are as many roles off the pitch as on it to keep the club at peak efficiency. If you’d like to join the club at this great time, please contact the club at secretary@thakehamvillagefc.co.uk

Contact us:

Email: clerk@thakehamparish.co.uk

Phone: 01798 815305

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

If you are new to the Parish, contact us to receive a welcome pack!

www.thakehamparish.co.uk

Washington Parish Council

Update for May 2023

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

Annual parish meeting

Washington Parish Council hosted and chaired a well-attended Annual Parish Meeting on Friday 10th March. Andrew Griffith MP was the guest speaker, and the meeting also heard from Cllr Paul Marshall, leader of WSCC, who is also our local member and resides in the parish, PCSO

Joel Beasley from the Horsham Neighbourhood Policing Team, and Helen Twine on behalf of trustees of the Washington Village Hall.

MP speaks at parish meeting

Andrew Griffith noted that issues affecting Washington were common amongst other parishes in the constituency, 75% of which are in or around the South Downs National Park. A recent Boundary Commission Review, which had recommended that Washington be absorbed into a new constituency centred on Shoreham, Southwick and Lancing had now been re-drafted so that Washington and surrounding rural parishes would remain in the Arundel and South Downs constituency The Parish Council had formally objected to the proposal during public hearings.

Having outlined a number of his priorities including access to healthcare, rural policing , and supporting local high streets and faster broadband, he went on to say he wanted planning policy to be community-led, instead of a top down approach where local views are ignored. He cited the petition that he raised against outline development permission being sought for Longbury Hill Woods, which had raised an incredible number of local signatures. As an MP, he can get involved in large scale planning applications where there has been a failure of process.

Rampion 2 cable pipeline route

There have been many objections to Rampion’s chosen “Route B”, which -if permitted – will run through the centre of Washington Village, ducted underneath the Recreation Ground. There are significant concerns about cable access roads off the A283 as well as storage compounds adding further to the area’s traffic problems. The MP confirmed his opinion that Washington would be the most affected parish, and that he supported the objections raised against this route, and a

formal request from the parish council that alternative routing (along the lines of Route A) be urgently reconsidered. It was clear that Rampion were not listening to local views, but permission for their proposal was “not a given”. In answer to a resident’s question as to what more could be done, he stated that whilst he had no power to stop it, communities need to get ready for the formal consultation which will be determined by an independent inspector.

Rock common quarry

The restoration of the quarry after sand winning is subject to a planning application under consideration by West Sussex County Council. A number of people raised this with the MP, asking if he could give more support to their objections based on traffic movements and environmental concerns. The local Chanctonbury Landfill Action Group (CLAG) had produced a substantial report outlining their concerns. Mr Griffith confirmed his willingness to participate in further discussions on this at a date to be set in the near future.

West Sussex county council (WSCC)

Cllr Paul Marshall said he agreed with all that had been said about Rampion. Turning to the A24, he confirmed that there were plans to improve capacity management. He agreed with issues raised during the police report, of motorists illegally using the “Buses Only” crossing on the A24 to shortcut queues onto the roundabout. WSCC’s share of council tax was being increased by 2.99%, plus the ringfenced 2% for adult social care. Spending on roads would increase from £41 million to £47 million, and there was a further £48 million for capital expenditure on highways.

Energy efficiency

Following the initiative from the Village Hall trustees, who have standardised to LED lighting and Infra-red heating, the parish council plans to upgrade lighting in the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) to energy efficient LED. A new heated cabinet for the defibrillator at the village hall will protect the device against extreme cold temperatures in winter.

For the latest information, including meetings, agendas, minutes and alerts visit: www.washingtonparish.org.uk

Sussexdown residential care home welcomes new Home Manager

Sussexdown, an elegant and welcoming residential care home on the outskirts of Storrington, has recently welcomed Lynne Hudson as it’s new Home Manager.

Lynne has worked in the health sector for over 46 years and successfully managed care homes for the past 22 years, ensuring they are not only rated good by CQC but exceed resident and family expectations. She is passionate about delivering high standards of care and maintaining dignity – she loves to make a difference, particularly when someone is in the later part of their life.

Having immediately settled into life at Sussexdown, Lynne has brought experience, stability, and the highest quality of care, both medically and holistically, that benefits each and every resident – and their families and the team can’t speak highly enough of her.

Sussexdown provides social interaction, companionship and a happy and fulfilling lifestyle for residents, with plenty of Food, Fun and Friendship alongside compassionate, person-centered care.

There are 77 comfortable, fully furnished rooms and a variety of bright and spacious communal areas for residents to relax in and enjoy with visiting friends and family.

There is a rich and varied activities programme, which residents can take part in as much or as little as they wish, and the home has its own on-site hairdressing salon.

Situated among gardens with mature trees and wellmaintained flower beds, there’s plenty for residents to explore outside via accessible pathways and ample seating. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind on a sunny day.

The home encourages choice and independence in a homefrom-home environment, with the support of the professionally trained care team.

If you’re considering a residential care home, get in touch, meet Lynne and discuss how she and the team at Sussexdown can help you get the most out of life at the warm and welcoming home.

Call 01903 947640 or visit www.care-south.co.uk

To find out more about life at Sussexdown and watch the video from Lynne, simply scan the QR code with your smart phone camera and click on the link.

Lynne Hudson, the new Home Manager at Sussexdown residential care home, pictured outside the home

Storrington & Sullington Parish Council

Local elections, Memorial Pond and surgeries

Storrington & Sullington Parish Council news.

Local Elections

Local elections are taking place on 4th May for District and Parish Councils (where there are more candidates than spaces). You should have received your polling cards by now but don’t forget you will also need ID to vote.

Annual Meeting of the Parish

We will be holding our Annual Meeting of the Parish on 24th May so please come along to meet your newly formed Council. There will be a presentation on Air Quality and reports from the Chairman of the Council and each of its committees. This meeting is your opportunity to raise any matters of concern or interest and to ask any questions about the Parish Council’s activities. There will be snacks and refreshments at the end of the meeting providing a chance to chat in an informal atmosphere.

Storrington Memorial Pond

You may have noticed some great improvements

to the area around the Memorial Pond over the last few months. The Parish Council has engaged the Sussex Pond Doctor to carry out maintenance days and based on feedback received on social media, it is clear that they are doing a fantastic job.

This work has highlighted the stark contrast between the condition of this pond and the Mill Pond owned by HDC and the Parish Council has been in contact with HDC about this so hopefully you will see some changes soon.

Councillor Surgeries

Members of the Parish Council will be joining the Wardens at their street surgeries at Place Villerest from 10:30 to 12:30 on the following dates. 23rd May, 20th June, 18th July. Why not come along to say Hello and have a chat?

For more information about the Parish Council’s activities please visit look on the Village Notice boards, our Facebook page or our website.

www.storrington-pc.gov.uk

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GARDEN SERVICES

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