April 2018
SUSSEX LOCAL
Barnham - Aldingbourne - Eastergate - Oving - Tangmere - Westergate Local news and events through the door to 5,400 homes in this area every month
GARDENING
John Brookes MBE
WHAT’S ON
Easter holiday events
MY SISTER’S HOUSE
Helping local women affected by domestic violence
WIN!
Common People Festival tickets Petworth Antique Fair tickets
PLUS
LOCAL NEWS
Charity, Community & Parish Council
What’s On, Local Walks, Recipe, Prize Crossword, Puzzles, Local news, Local groups & charity, Business Directory
through the door
2
SUSSEX LOCAL
3
April 2018 Cover image Barnham Windmill 2009 courtesy of Tyrone Ware flicky@flickr
Welcome... Our main article this month is a profile on Bognor Regis based charity My Sister’s House. Helping vulnerable women affected by domestic abuse, we speak to founder and CEO Julie Budge, see page 25. Andrew Staib talks to Garden Designer John Brookes MBE at his home at Denmans Gardens Fontwell. Plus some garden tasks for April, see page 19. Keeping with the outdoor theme, see our walks on page 18 and take advantage of the longer days. We have parish council news starting on p28 plus local area charity and community news from p22. We invite local schools, churches and community groups to submit their news to us which we will publish for free. Also in this issue, you can win tickets to the Common People music & arts festival. Featuring well-known acts including Lily Allen, All Saints, Artful Dodger, The Jacksons (not a tribute!) and Boney M, this will be a great way to spend Spring bank holiday weekend, see page 11. We also have tickets to the Petworth Park Antique Fair to give away - also page 11 - a great day out with entry to Petworth house and grounds included with the ticket. Finally, for ideas to keep the children amused during the Easter holidays see our What’s On Guide starting on page 4. For more events across the whole county, please visit our website sussexlocal.net Until next month,
Kris & Jeff
Words of Wisdom “Your mind is the garden, your thoughts are the seeds, the harvest can either be flowers or weeds.” - WILLIAM WORDSWORTH Disclaimer - Whilst advertisements are printed in good faith, Sussex Local (Kay Publishing Ltd) is an independent company and does not endorse products or services that appear in this magazine. Sussex Local cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions or claims made by contributors. The views and opinions of contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher.
4 11 11 12 16 17 18 19 22 24 25 28 30 31
...........................................................................What’s On ..................WIN! Tickets to Petworth Park Antiques Fair ........................WIN! Tickets to Common People Festival ..................................................................................Recipe .............................................Young Readers’ Puzzle Page ..................................................................Prize Crossword ........................................................................Local Walks ....................................................................In Your Garden .........................................................Charity & Community ..................................................................Property Doctor ....................................My Sister’s House - Charity Profile .........................................................Parish Council News .............................................................Business Directory ...........................................................Index of Advertisers
May booking deadline 29th March
SUSSEX & CHICHESTER LOCAL 01903 868 474
info@sussexlocal.net www.sussexlocal.net Kay Publishing Ltd PO Box 2237, Pulborough RH20 9AH Sussex Local & Chichester Local magazines are published monthly and delivered free to over 37,700 West Sussex addresses. There are six editions and display advertising starts at just £24 a month per edition. Business Directory adverts £10 per month per edition.
1. Arundel edition - Arundel, Amberley, Burpham, Climping, Fontwell, Ford, Slindon, Walberton & Yapton Total addresses - 6,400 2. Barnham edition - Barnham, Eastergate, Westergate, Aldingbourne, Oving, & Tangmere Total addresses - 5,400 3. Chichester edition - Chichester centre & suburbs Total addresses - 7,800 4. Findon edition - Findon Valley, Findon Village, Nepcote, High Salvington, Clapham & Patching plus Salvington/Selden (south of A27) Total addresses - 6,200 5. Pulborough edition - Pulborough, Bury, Coldwaltham, Fittleworth, Marehill, Nutbourne, Stopham, West Chiltington village and Common. Total addresses - 5,500 6. Storrington edition - Storrington, Ashington, Cootham Thakeham, Sullington & Washington. Total addresses - 6,400 The combined circulation of all six editions is over 38,300 addresses.
4
What’s On
SUSSEX LOCAL
5
through the door
Part of the Chichester community Yorkshire Building Society has been providing real help for real lives for more than 152 years. Whether it's helping young people to buy their first home or enabling older people to save for their family's future – we're there every step of the way. Since our agency opened at Award Mortgages Southern, on Crane Street, 18-months ago we have been proud to be part of Chichester's thriving and vibrant community. As a mutual building society, we pride ourselves on going a bit further for our members and supporting the causes that mean the most to them.
improve health and save lives can apply for donations of up to £2,000. The Chichester agency is supporting the Society's three-year partnership with End Youth Homelessness (EYH) - a national movement to end homelessness among 16-25-year-olds in the UK. An estimated 83,000 young people in the UK are homeless and, according to latest figures, 83 young people in Chichester received some homelessness support from their local authority in 2015/16.*
Every Yorkshire Building Society colleague has up to 31 hours' paid leave to help out at a charity or community group of their choice under our Volunteering scheme. So if you know a local cause that needs a helping hand let us know.
By the end of our partnership, in 2019, the Society hopes to have raised more than £750,000 to give 700 young people a home to call their own. They will also benefit from a home essentials grant to buy the basics they need, financial advice to enable them to manage their budget and dedicated support to help them build the life skills and confidence they need to lead successful and independent lives.
We're also keen to support local charities through our Charitable Foundation. It is funded by our members who donate the pennies on their annual interest through our Small Change Big Difference® scheme. Charities which work to alleviate poverty,
Please speak to a member of the Chichester team to find out how you can help fundraise for EYH or how to request a donation from the Charitable Foundation. Visit 7 Crane Street Chichester or telephone 01243 780922
6
What’s On
SUSSEX LOCAL
through the door
What’s On
7
8
What’s On
SUSSEX LOCAL
through the door
What’s On
9
SUSSEX LOCAL
10 What’s On
Part Time Sales / Admin person required Sussex Local Magazine, established in 2007, currently has six editions which are delivered through the door monthly to over 37,500 West Sussex homes. We also have a dynamic news-based website serving the whole county. We are busy, successful and are now ready to continue our expansion plans. We are looking for an additional person to join our small, friendly team to increase our advertising sales and assist with general administration. We are looking for someone who is flexible, who is happy to fit in with a small team, who likes dealing with people, who is very comfortable using computers, and who has strong customer service experience. You will be dealing with telephone and email sales and administration enquiries from existing and potential advertisers, together with the associated administration in processing the bookings, plus other general office admin tasks. You would need a driving licence and use of a car to be able to attend occasional local business and community events. In a small team everyone’s opinion counts, so we hope to find someone who isn’t afraid to speak up and be part of our growth. The position, based in our office in central Storrington, is part-time between 9.30 - 2.30/3pm Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. Additional hours may be possible from time to time. Pay is £10 per hour. If interested please email your cv to Kris at info@sussexlocal.net by 30th April www.sussexlocal.net
Competitions
through the door
11
Win a family ticket to Common People Festival Saturday 26th May 2018, Southampton Common People curator Rob da Bank said: “This will be our fourth year returning to the beautiful green escape of Southampton Common and it's been quite some ride putting together the line up for 2018. Headlined by none other than Lily Headliner Lily Allen (c) Warner Allen, and one of my favourite indie Music Sweden bands of all time James, the Saturday is a typically eclectic mash up of styles. See more at www.southampton.commonpeople.net Set to bring you electrifying music, entertainment and arts in the heart of Southampton this spring bank holiday, Common People is back for 2018 with headliners Lily Allen and James and music from All Saints, The Sherlocks, Jaguar Skills, DJ Yoda, the Artful Dodger and more on Saturday. Plus a day of dancing headlined by disco legends The Jacksons, with music from The New Power Generation, Boney M., Snap!, the Jungle Brothers and many more on Sunday. Don’t miss out on two joyful days of bank holiday merrymaking brought to you with love by the makers of Bestival, this 26 & 27 May on Southampton Common.
Win tickets to Common People To be in with a chance of winning answer the following question: Q: Who is Saturday’s headliner at Common People? a) Lily Allen b) Amy McDonald c) Dido Send your answer and full contact details including daytime telephone number to: Common People Festival Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough RH20 9AH or email competitions@sussexlocal.net Winner will be drawn after 30th April 2018. Please indicate if you wish to remain on our mailing list.
Win tickets to Petworth Park Antiques & Fine Art Fair Friday 11th - Sunday 13th May Visitors to this year's Petworth Park Antiques & Fine Art Fair, 11th to 13th May 2018, will not be disappointed. With over 50 exhibitors gathering from around the country (and one from Belgium), there should be something for everyone. There is a cornucopia of items for sale: jewellery, vintage watches, aeronautical statement pieces, clocks and barometers, glass, lighting, traditional and contemporary oil and watercolour paintings, Tunbridge ware, illustrations, contemporary and 19th century sculpture, silver, ceramics and 20th century decorative arts. In just three years, this event has become an integral part of the Sussex calendar bringing avid collectors, designers, curators and art lovers from near and far to enjoy all that the fair, Petworth House, its grounds and the market town have to offer. Light refreshments can be found in the fair, in Petworth House or leave your car and take the courtesy bus to the centre of town to enjoy all on offer there. Tickets £10 each. Free parking for antiques fair ticket holders. www.petworthparkfair.com
Petworth House (c) Martin Offer
Win a ticket (allows up to 3 adults) to visit Petworth Antiques Fair For your chance to win, just answer the following : Q: How many exhibitors will this year’s Fair have? a) Over 50
b) 50
c) Under 50
Send your answer and full contact details including daytime telephone number to: ‘Petworth Park Antiques Fair’ Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough RH20 9AH or please email competitions@sussexlocal.net Winner will be first entry drawn after 30th April 2018. Please indicate if you wish to remain on our mailing list.
SUSSEX LOCAL
12 Business Profile / Recipe
Revitalise your kitchen! Reface not Replace A kitchen plays a huge part of the life of a family. Tired or out of date cupboards and appliances can mean that mundane but essential tasks such as preparing food, washing up, laundry and ironing can become even less appealing. An update can give your kitchen, and those using it, a new energy. Chores and cooking can be tackled with gusto and families will gravitate to this re-vitalised space to gather and connect. A completely new kitchen may not be within everyone's budget but at Dream Doors in Barnham there is an alternative. Neil Fisher who runs Dream Doors as part of a franchise, told Sussex Local that a kitchen facelift is the ideal option and replacing old, chipped or outdated doors can achieve a remarkable makeover at a fraction of the cost. He emphasised that customer satisfaction is their main objective and he and his team are prepared to do whatever the client wants, whether it is one replacement drawer or a complete kitchen refit. With a vast range of styles available, from traditional to ultra modern in hundreds of colours, making the right choice can be tricky. Neil and his staff are on hand to give advice regarding which finishes will best complement the rest of the home and fit the style
Yiouvetsi Lamb A Greek Easter lamb dish with a hint of cinnamon and cloves Ingredients - serves 6-8
Large leg of lamb
Few tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 jar or can seasoned chopped tomatoes
3 cloves
Few pieces cinnamon bark
Salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 litre stock
500g Orzo (rice shaped pasta)
50g chopped mild feta cheese
Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/gas Mark 6. Place the lamb in a large roasting dish, lightly greased and brush with oil. Roast for about 20 minutes.
and personality of the owners. Neil explained that as part of a well-established franchise, they have access to a huge selection of products including worktops, sinks, lighting and also kitchen appliances.
Dream Doors Directors, Catherine & Neil at their showroom in Barnham
All doors are made to measure and replacement can be done quickly and without the mess and disruption involved in a complete refit. Neil assured us that there is no pressure on customers to make choices which will exceed their budget and that they will be kept fully informed throughout the refitting process. For more information or to arrange a no obligation quotation, contact Neil Fisher or visit them at their Barnham showroom. Dream Doors Unit 13, The Square, Barnham PO22 0HB 01243 554732 barnham@dreamdoors.co.uk www.dreamdoors.co.uk 2. Mix the onion, tomatoes, cloves, cinnamon, seasoning and a little stock. Spoon over the lamb, reduce the temperature to 180C/350F/gas Mark 4, and cook for about 1 - 1 ½ hours basting occasionally until the meat is nearly tender. 3. Pour the rest of the stock into the dish and stir in the pasta. Cover and cook until the Orzo pasta and the lamb are tender. 4. Sprinkle with the feta cheese and coriander, and return to the oven for a few minutes before serving. Cookery Courses for all Why not give a Voucher for the perfect gift? Contact Alex 01243 532240 www.cookwithalex.co.uk
through the door
13
14
SUSSEX LOCAL
through the door
15
SUSSEX LOCAL
16 Puzzles
Young Readers’ Puzzle Page Wordsearch - Easter
Anagram
Find the listed words in the grid. Words may be hidden horizontally, vertically or diagonally and in either a forwards or backwards direction.
Trace the lines connecting the circles to find out what the 2nd word is
BEGINNING CHICKS FAMILY
BLESSING BONNET CHOCOLATE EGG HUNT HOLIDAYS JESUS
BUNNY FAITH SPRING
Maze
Sudoku
Help the hungry mouse reach his tasty cheese! Start at the arrow on the top of the maze.
Place the numbers 1 – 6 once in each row, column and 3x2 bold-lined box.
Answers can be found on our website after the 1st of April www.sussexlocal.net
To sponsor this feature please contact us on 01903 868474 or email info@sussexlocal.net Sponsor for just £25 per month plus a monthly prize
Crossword
through the door
Prize Crossword
Win a £10 Marks & Spencer’s voucher
17
Barnham April 2018 February 2018 solution shown below.
Winner: Anne Barnham
Edwards
from
Congratulations and thank you to all who entered. Entries to: Sussex Local Crossword, PO Box 2237 Pulborough, RH20 9AH or scan and email the page to crosswords@sussexlocal.net
Across 1 Slender freshwater fish (4) 3 Bewilder (8) 9 Woven woolen fabric (7) 10 Small streams (5) 11 Lover of Juliet (5) 12 Looked quickly (7) 13 Abandon a plan (6) 15 Ukrainian port (6) 17 Upward slopes (7) 18 Stamping ground (5) 20 Lacking meaning (5) 21 Reversing something (7) 22 Symbols representing musical notes (8) 23 Coloured (4)
Down 1 Removal of trees from area (13) 2 Appeal (5) 4 Constrain or compel (6) 5 Preservative (12) 6 Sets free or releases (7) 7 Deprived (13) 8 Awkward (12) 14 Bewitch (7) 16 Spurious (6) 19 Oneness (5)
Name:............................................................................................................... Full address: ................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................... Postcode: ......................................................................................................... Email: ............................................................................................................... Phone: .............................................................................................................. Mobile: ............................................................................................................
Closing date: 30th April 2018 Good luck!
£10 Win a £10 M&S voucher
voucher provided by
SUSSEX LOCAL magazine
Sponsor this Crossword - call 01903 868474 for details. Sussex Local may wish to keep in touch with occasional information and offers. We will never share your details with third parties. Please tick if you would like to receive such information.
SUSSEX LOCAL
18 Walks
Local Walks - April These walks are supported by Chichester District Council, are led by volunteers and are designed to cater for all ages and abilities. No booking is required but please arrive 10 mins before the walk is due to start. Dogs are welcome unless otherwise stated but must be kept on the lead. If the weather is poor the walk may be cancelled, if unsure please check, contact 01243 534589 health@chichester.gov.uk www.chichesterwellbeing.org.uk. L = Walk Leader Wed 4th 10.30am Stopham Moderately strenuous. 3 stiles. Might be muddy. Possible bluebell extravaganza. Meet: Stopham Church, RH20 1EG Fri 6th 10.00am Chichester Cathedral to Bosham Returning by bus, meet by Chichester Cathedral Fri 6th 10.30am Houghton Forest & Bignor Hill Back along the South Downs Way with panoramic views in all directions. Meet at Whiteways Car Park, BN18 9FD Mon 9th 10.30am Petworth via Shimmings Valley See "Little Switzerland", as the locals call the beautiful Shimmings Valley. Meet at Petworth Library Mon 9th 10.30am Emsworth to Westbourne Square Through meadows to Emsworth and back. Meet in Emsworth Town Square Tue 10th 10.30am Harting Down Over the downs with secluded valleys. Meet at Harting Down car park off the B2141 between Chilgrove and South Harting Wed 11th 10.30am Marina to Dell Quay Meet at Chichester Marina car park (free), PO20 7EJ Fri 13th 10.30am West Marden Loop Meet in West Marden on the corner of Noredown Way. Mon 16th 10.30am Langstone & Hayling Billy Meet at the Ship Inn, Langstone Road, PO9 1RD Tue 17th 10.30am Slindon Estate Visiting Slindon Folly. Meet at the road entrance to Slindon College and the National Trust Slindon Estate Tue 17th 10.30am Up Marden & East Marden Opportunity to visit interesting wall paintings in Up Marden Church. Meet at Stoughton Down Car Park Wed 18th 10.30am Slindon Woods to Folly Meet in National Trust Car Park, Dukes Road, Slindon. Wed 18th 10.30am Kingley Vale Walk to the Nature Reserve and walk amongst the ancient yew trees. Meet in West Stoke car park Fri 20th 10.30am Burton Mill Outstanding wetland and heath. Meet: Burton Mill, GU28 0JR Mon 23rd 10.30am Chichester Canal Meet at Chichester Canal, Basin Road, Chichester, PO19 8DT Mon 23rd 10.30am Rowlands Castle Meet at Recreation Ground off Links Lane Tue 24th 10.30am Slindon Park Lane Walking back through Slindon Village. Meet in National Trust Car Park, Park Lane, Slindon, BN18 Thu 26th 10.45am Climping Meet at Arun Yacht Club Car Park, Littlehampton, BN17 5DL. Mon 30th 10.30am Hayling Billy Along the track to the Theatre and back. Meet behind the Esso Garage, PO11 0LG
L: Bruce
2 hrs 15 mins
5 miles
L: Jane
2 hrs
4 miles
L: Peter
3 hrs
6 miles
L: Gerald
1 hr 30 mins
3 miles
L: Anne
1 hr 30 mins
3 miles
L: Fiona
2 hrs
3.5 miles
L: Janet
1 hr 30 mins
3.5 miles
L: Jane
2 hrs 30 mins
5 miles
L: Anne
1 hr 30 mins
3 miles
L: Simon
2 hrs
4 miles
L: Jane
3 hrs
6 miles
L: Dominic
2 hrs
3.5 miles
L: Janet
1 hr 30 mins
2.5 miles
L: Peter
2 hrs
4.2 miles
L: Helen
30 mins
1 mile
L: Anne
1 hr 30 mins
4 miles
L: Janet
1 hr 30 mins
3.5 miles
L: Dominic
1 hr 15 mins
2.5 miles
L: Anne
2 hrs
4 miles
Gardening
through the door
19
In Your Garden Monthly gardening ideas and tasks by Andrew Staib, Principle Designer of Glorious Gardens Garden Designer John Brookes MBE - A West Sussex Treasure
even in the Autumn of his life still swears like a sailor at empty trendy fads and clients who don’t dare to be themselves and go for what they really want. One of the most well known landscape designers in the world, John has for 60 years been creating stunning and innovative gardens and spearheaded the revolution in garden design in the 20th Century. He has a passion for passing on his knowledge and has helped thousands of students around the world, writing over 25 books and countless articles. There is even a John Brookes School of Landscape design in Argentina. He is beginning to slow down though. “I’m 84 and all this tripping around the world is a killer, I have a nice design in Scotland I’m doing at the moment and I am finishing off one in Russia.” Gwendolyn adds, “He is starting, after 37 years in his own garden, to take things out and rethink. He is not sentimental about plants, so when he took a mature golden holly out a few weeks ago even though we all wanted to save it, he was right, it was better gone”.
John Brookes MBE (c) Gwendolyn van Paasschen John is sitting in the large kitchen of his home called the Clock House, a converted stable block set in Denmans, a garden he has fashioned for 37 years and opened to the public each year. Glass doors reveal a small, light filled terrace with strong shaped plants and a large palm tree. Gwendolyn van Paasschen, an American designer and the chairman of the John Brookes Denmans Foundation, is with us as well. She has known and worked with John for 20 years and has for the last two and half years worked at Denmans, helping John write his memoir, organize his archives, and with the ongoing renovation of the garden, which until last year, had been open to the public. It is now set to reopen on the 1st May. The Clock House used to host his thriving design school and is full of original paintings, sculptures, books and ornaments. It is the kind of house where every inch is bursting with creative focal points and well thought out proportioned furniture and balanced colour. It feels personal and there are no cliche furnishings. This originality reflects John himself, a no nonsense, pragmatic and highly dedicated garden designer who
20 Gardening Gwendolyn has had first hand knowledge of John’s skills. “When I have seen him walk into a new space, John’s brain is like a computer. As soon as he enters a space he sees shapes, he sees negative space, positive space, he thinks how can I rearrange this space, create a view - it’s always about the shapes, the space and the proportions.” John says, “Every customer is different, with unique needs and wishes. A garden is for people and an extension of the family home, but most people can’t think beyond a lawn, decking and a BBQ. They need to get inspiration from others. The lifestyle, the culture and the person and what they want all need to come together. I will try to look inside their house and that can tell me what they like. I want to know about my clients.” John takes many photos of his gardens from the inside of client’s houses as this is where people experience their garden a lot and for him it is very important that the inside and the outside marry up. “Smart magazines just show smart country houses which can be inhibiting for people with smaller gardens. People need to think about who they are and what they want to do, not just follow the trends.” Gwendolyn opens John’s latest book, his soon to be published memoir, “A Landscape Legacy”. “Look” she says excitedly, “there is a picture here which John calls The Happy Lady.” Gwendolyn describes the picture: “She is sitting in her tiny garden with her back to us,
SUSSEX LOCAL with a glass of wine in her hand and she is completely content. This is the same in Denman's. John wants us to feel that it is a private garden in the country that is completely peaceful. This is what he is wanting to do.” Denmans gardens While John describes himself as a designer not a gardener or a plantsman he uses plants exquisitely for their structural beauty. This is seen very well at Denman gardens which he has nourished and reinvented for many decades. “I want to simplify the garden – I want it to be less fussy. At Denmans I’m focusing more on Winter interest as the garden has to look good for the 6 months of Winter. Yes I like plants with big personalities- houses are big things.”
Denmans Gardens (c) Gwendolyn van Paasschen
Gardening
through the door Denmans is a garden dedicated to the shapes and forms plants can provide - tall, wide, domed, explosive, elegant, contained - they are all present working with each other. Through the middle of the garden runs a river bed made from Sussex rocks that the previous owner, the plants woman, Joyce Robinson, who lived at Denman's from 1947-1996, built in the early 1970’s. It ends in a real pond that John built in 1984 and is now reshaping. Gwendolyn adds, “We are doing a lot of renovation to Denmans and hope to open again on the first of May, at least for a preview of what we are doing. We also hope to be back with a revamped cafe sometime later in the year. We have also started the John Brookes / Denmans Foundation to perpetuate John’s design legacy by teaching excellence in garden design, not just what is trendy.” Gwendolyn says of John and retirement - “He couldn’t do anything else.” For more information on when Denmans will open to the public this year please write to JBDF.Information@gmail.com or email Glorious Gardens at andrewstaibuk@yahoo.co.uk
Places to visit Wisley Gardens! One of the UK’s most visited gardens, and one of the major 4 RHS gardens, the variety and inspiration you will get there is mind blowing. It covers 240 acres so expect to spend a whole day there or more! Wisley Lane, Wisley, Woking, GU23 6QB.
21
April tasks Hoe any bare areas of earth before the weeds take hold – if you do this once a week you will be weed free all year Sow sow sow. A lot of your summer vegetables can be sown directly into the ground now Mulch your beds with compost and bark chips to seal in the moisture from winter and prevent growth of new weed seeds Feed all your shrubs and roses with a handful of bonemeal dug about an inch deep around the base of each plant. Feed iron loving plants that are grown in pots with some Iron Fertilizer Cut back Dogwood and Willow Apply both Moss Kill and Broadleaf weed killer to your lawns –wait a couple of weeks then vigorously rake out all the dead thatch. You can also reseed the lawn where there are obvious patches Sow annuals indoors or in your greenhouse – you could try growing Marigolds and Lobelia in trays
22 Charity & Community
Sussex Snippets Home-Start Arun, Worthing and Adur are part of a new tech initiative to support children with their speech. LENA (Language Environmental Analysis) is a tool licensed by Home-Start UK and your local Home-Start is one of the first to start to explore the initiative for local families. The child wears a “wearable tech vest” during the day to measure the number of spoken words the child hears - a clever word counter. The trained volunteer will encourage parents to talk, read and sing using new words to increase their child’s vocabulary. If you are interested in this new initiative please call Scheme Manager and LENA lead, Bridget Richardson on 01903 889707 The Sussex Wildlife Trust is reporting on new figures that point to a 30 percent decline in water vole distribution, and are calling for a number of actions in order to prevent the “national treasure Ratty” from disappearing altogether. Actions include: calling on Government to provide better funding for water vole conservation projects and landscape-scale restoration schemes; landowners to manage river bank habitat to help water voles and for people to volunteer as water vole surveyors with the SWT and/ or donate to charities supporting water vole recovery work. www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk
SUSSEX LOCAL A recent report, Spotlight on Violence Against Women and Girls, published by the Revolving Doors Agency, showcases the innovative work by Police & Crime Commissioners across the country to tackle this serious issue. Ground breaking 'Drive Project' in Sussex has been highlighted within the report for its response to domestic abuse – the project aims to reduce the number of child and adult victims by tackling perpetrator behaviour; the root cause of the cycle of domestic abuse. www.revolving-doors.org.uk A giant observation wheel – standing 35 metres high has rolled into Worthing, offering visitors to the south coast the chance to go spinning high into the air as the temporary attraction is brought to the town’s Steyne Gardens. The wheel is one of the tallest transportable attractions of it’s type currently available in the UK - giving those boarding the chance to see up to ten miles in the distance - the 144-capacity attraction is operating until mid April. www.adur-worthing.gov.uk Sussex Police recruited new police officers during February and March. They are aiming to attract 200 police officers each year for the next four years. This has been made possible by the public’s support to pay more for local policing. The additional funding also means the force can protect 476 police posts that would otherwise have been lost. Sussex Police wanted to ensure that the organisation reflects the communities it serves and encouraged applications from diverse communities and women. New recruits will be joining at a challenging time for policing and a transformative time for Sussex Police. Find out more by visiting www.sussex.police.uk Women in the South are being urged to lace up their hiking boots and join the fight against cancer as Cancer Research UK launches The Race for Life Hike at South Downs Way, which is returning an enthusiastic response to the inaugural event last year, the event will take place on Saturday 1 September. South Downs Way is one of just eight iconic locations in the UK, which have been specially selected to hold Race for Life Hike events. These take place between May and September, and are a series of one-day, long-distance walking events open to women of all ages and abilities, to help raise money for Cancer Research UK. www.raceforlife.org A Preview Exhibition for the Chichester Art Trail is to be held at The Oxmarket Centre of Arts in Chichester, running from Tuesday 24th to Sunday 29th April, from 10am-4.30pm. The exhibition is a collection of sample pieces from each artist participating in the 2018 Art Trail, and offers an excellent opportunity to choose those you would like to visit and plan your own trail route ahead of the trail. This takes place the first two weekends in May.: www.chichesterarttrail.org
through the door
Dream Wheelers Wanted
St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Chichester is planning its second Dream Wheelers Ride, a fun and relaxed bike tour around scenic Normandy over two days/ three nights in May. The Hospice is inviting cyclists of all abilities to join in and raise funds for its DreamBuilding project to build a state-of the-art new Hospice in Bosham. The Dream Wheelers Ride runs from Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th May taking in 100 miles of scenic French countryside. Registration costs £300, and it is expected that participants will also raise at least £500 in sponsorship. For more info ring 01243 775302 or email dbfundraising@stwh.co.uk www.stwh.co.uk
Small Dog Rescue Clymping Fayre Small Dog Rescue (SDR) is a United Kingdom based initiative established and run by Pat Kaye and a dedicated small team of volunteers. SDR’s aim is
Charity & Community
23
simple to rescue small dogs from the horrific conditions and outcome of foreign kill sheds and rehome them into safe loving homes within the United Kingdom. To date a large number of dogs have been saved and rehome within this country, and SDR is looking to continue their work and ensure that many more small dogs are saved from premature death and given a life with loving owners. SDR’s inaugural Spring Fayre and Fun Dog show is to take place at Clymping Village Hall on Sunday 8th April, from 10.30am to 3.30-pm, with lots of stalls with mostly doggie related produce, tombola's and a raffle. There is also face painting, a professional photographer to take pictures of patrons pets and many other attractions.
Pet of the Month The Cat & Rabbit Rescue Centre (CRRC)’s Pet of the Month is IruBru, who arrived at the centre with his Pet of the Month IruBru brother after his original owner became ill. Unfortunately IruBru did not get on with his brother, who had to be re-homed separately, so IruBru is now looking for a new home with another male guinea pig – the Centre can arrange the bonding process. He is happy to be handled and enjoys the company of the staff at the Centre. The Cat & Rabbit Centre, Holborow Lodge, Chalder Lane, Sidlesham, PO20 7RJ. Tel: 01243 641409 Email: info@crrc.co.uk www.crrc.co.uk
Famers’ Market Wins Awards Stallholders at Chichester’s Farmers’ Market have been recognised for their high quality produce and hard work after the market won Sussex Farmers’ Market of the Year at the Sussex Food and Drink Awards 2018. To make their decision, a panel of judges carried out a secret visit to each of the ten shortlisted markets. The award, sponsored by Harveys Brewery, was presented at a glittering ceremony on Wednesday 7 February in Brighton. Each stallholder will have the chance to display the award over the coming weeks. Another award winner on the evening was Bookhams Cheese, a regular attendee at Chichester Farmers’ Market. It won the coveted Best Producer of the Year award. Chichester Farmers’ Market runs on the first and third Fridays of the month, 9am until 2pm in East Street and West Street.
24 Charity & Community / Property
What happened to the River Arun Management Scheme? Over five years ago I lobbied the Town Council to introduce a flood precept, whereby money is raised annually to pay for planned maintenance to protect the town from flooding. The Lower Tidal River Arun Management Scheme (LTRAS) project was estimated to cost an eye watering £70 million pounds, but the Environment Agency (EA) identified a more affordable Phase One that would give us twenty years peace of mind and help to maintain the status quo. The cost of Phase One was around £700,000 – with West Sussex County Council contributing £200,000, Arun District £92,000, the Town Council £64,000 and the EA the balance. To their credit, the Town Council has raised £64,000 ready to fund the forthcoming work, but the EA has gone very quiet on the scheme. There have been delays carrying out LTRAS Phase One work, due to two reasons - the EA conducting a review of the West Bank and of the whole LTRAS project, to see what savings could be made. Meantime, the EA has found £500,000 for maintenance of the low spots, i.e. the most vulnerable spots, covering an area from just north of Warningcamp to just south of Arundel, but excluding the area around the Windmill. As one of your local Councillors
Stairs By Chris Ennis FRICS Stairs occupy a central and very visible area of an average house. Moneys spent on the creation of an attractive stairway and entrance hall are likely to enhance a property’s value. There are many design features these days. Consider the sweeping classical solid stairways in period property, hardwood bespoke systems, and modern glass and chrome designs. Approved documents K, M1 and M2 of the building regulations lay out the design requirements for stair structures. The building control officer will be paying considerable attention to regulations in order to avoid personal injury. I frequently see properties where the original structures have been altered. In a typical modern stair structure, the vertical post at the base of the stair is known as the Newel, vertical balusters are located beneath the hand-rail, and are connected to the ‘string’ which is the wide sloping timber at the edge of the stair. There is no specified minimum width of a stair case, but most commonly they are between 800mm/900mm wide. The minimum headroom above a staircase is 2 meters, but the building control officer may allow
SUSSEX LOCAL it’s my job to lobby the EA to ensure that the Windmill area is included. I have every respect for the officers involved, but we need to ensure that all of Arundel is secure against flooding in the near to medium term. The above has nothing to do with the river wall collapse, the LTRAS scheme is for publicly owned areas. Private homeowners have to maintain the river wall, namely, if you own a property along the river you have to repair it. The Nineveh Shipyard residents association are, at a cost of approximately £8000 per residence, and the Old Slipway residents are paying £22,000. So living by the river has its cost. Paul Dendle is Arundel & Walberton Ward Member on Arun District Council www.pauldendle.org
some tolerance on occasions. The maximum pitch of a stair is 42 degrees, and this will be set by reference to the number of stair treads, and the height (called the riser) of each stair. There must be at least one handrail, and the space between individual balusters should not exceed 100 mm. Each stair tread must be level, and each riser should be the same height, a nosing on the riser should be minimum of 16mm. The forward motion of each tread is known as the ‘going’ and should be uniform. At both the bottom and the top of the stair there should be a ’landing’ no smaller than the width of the stair. I have seen many older flat conversions where the entrance door to the property opens direct on to a stair…very dangerous. In some of the older cottages in the Findon area, stairs can be very steep, and staircases narrow. Some so called ‘paddle’ stairs can be constructed where space is at a premium, but these are not encouraged and they are difficult to use……. I have fallen from one! Chris Ennis FRICS is a Chartered Surveyor Tel: 01903 261217 visit www.propdoctor or send an email to: surveyor1@talktalk.net
through the door
My Sister’s House Local charity inspires women to live to their full potential. By Lynn Smith. Community Interest Company My Sister’s House has been providing safe shelter to women who are victims
Charity Profile
25
of domestic violence since 2015, and is the only community women’s centre in West Sussex that “seeks to improve the status and situation of women.” Embedded in the Bognor Regis community My Sister’s House works across the coastal area (Arun and Chichester). Piloted by founder and CEO Julie Budge who, in 2014, sat down at her kitchen table with a group of local women. Those women became My Sister’s House’s first board – some of whom are still on the board today. Since its inception, in June 2015, My Sister’s House has worked with 456 women – 95 per cent from Chichester and Arun areas –with the numbers of clients steadily increasing, the centre sees an average of 30 new clients per month. Amongst its offering My Sister’s House runs a general drop in service (Monday to Friday between 9am and 3pm); offers a range of Peer Support groups; holds a domestic abuse surgery and runs confidence courses. There is also a scheme to help with going back to work - Step Forward; money advice; emotional support; self-esteem workshops and other services inspiring women to live their potential. My Sister’s House offers advice and information, signposting and referral, low-level casework, complex casework as well as advocacy and representation. Providing what My Sister’s House describes as an “independent frontline service co-produced by local women, safe, supportive and community based, trauma informed, holistic and in a gender specific way.” Many of the women who use the Women’s Centre services are described as being highly vulnerable. Many are experiencing, or have experienced, physical and sexual abuse and may also be substance abusers, suffering from associated trauma and mental health issues. They find forming and maintaining relationships difficult and may come from a background where inter-generational disadvantage is common. Julie Budge, explains: “We have learned that many of our clients have been unable to benefit from mainstream services because their needs have been considered too ‘complex or challenging’ for the structures of conventional one-off services.” The women can be trapped in a vicious circle arising from a bad childhood, poverty, mental health issues and abuse.
26 Charity Profile
SUSSEX LOCAL
My Sister’s House can stop the circle, working with the women to help them turn around their lives. The organisation has, Julie says, “a unique reach within our community and fill essential gaps in statutory provision.” The organisation also helps women who may be having a difficult time at one point in their lives – for instance a recent event such as job loss, a bereavement or a relationship breakdown. My Sister’s House provides a women-only space where issues can be addressed safely, in a physical and emotional sense, but they also balance support and empathy with boundary setting challenging women’s behaviour. Part of this involves recreating a ‘family environment’ where boundaries are My Sisters’ House Women’s Centre set and where expectations are placed on the women– establishing a relationship When I talk to Julie, it’s early March when the whole between workers and peers, and clients based upon country is in the grip of fiercely icy weather and she tells a mutual trust that My Sister’s House views as me that My Sister’s House has done “amazing work in essential to creating the first steps towards change. the last few days alone helping homeless women.” She describes the social return on investment as being Julie Budge sums up the approach as creating an “huge.” For instance, one donation of £5,000 is half informal social support network, “So that women have somewhere to go … as though they were sitting around the kitchen table with their sister or mother.” My Sister’s House’s first drop-in centre was what Julie Budge describes as “ …a little shop front … an eight by ten foot space.” Then in January of this year they secured a 2,000 square foot rent free space, which has become their Women’s Centre, with the previous shop front space becoming the My Sister’s House’s Women’s Community Hub. Both spaces enable the organisation to raise income and open up more training and counselling services and additional funding opportunities. My Sister’s House relies entirely on donations to expand further and, as is common to all charities, generating the funds necessary to maintain and grow services is a key issue. Julie Budge says that main funders want to fund frontline staff but can be reluctant to fund core staff; that is, the administrative and management team essential to keeping an organisation running. Currently as CEO, Julie is paid a part-time salary, although she works around 60 hours a week and manages six part-time staff, fifteen ‘really active’ volunteers, a university intern and eight freelance staff, including student counsellors and social work placements. Last year, My Sister’s House’s running costs were £88,000, which Julie believes to be a small cost compared to the effect My Sister’s House has on the lives of those who use the Centre.
Charity Profile
through the door the cost of a domestic abuse outreach worker, enabling women to drop in and talk to an experienced listener. Recently My Sister’s House was a beneficiary of the Tesco “blue coin” scheme and received £2,000, which funds four Peer Support groups for a year – for instance, peer groups such as women losing children to fostering or adoption. My Sister’s House is keen to encourage local people to become involved by organising fund raising events on its behalf, just a small donation can have a positive impact on the work of the centre. In December last year, My Sister’s House launched a search for local patrons not only for the financial/ donor aspect but also to help raise the organisation’s profile and generate awareness around domestic violence. It is particularly looking for inspirational celebrities and influencers to become brand ambassadors and patrons of the centre. Julie Budge says, “My Sister’s House needs funding to become a fully operational women's centre equipped to offer practical, emotional, and therapeutic support through tailor-made interventions that aim to address a range of underlying issues. “Our unique approach offers help to women to access multiple, integrated services and improve health, personal and socio-economic opportunities, and we are in urgent need of local patrons with high profiles to help us raise awareness for domestic violence.”
Making solid wood kitchens!
Cabinet Furniture Specialists Including bedroom, dining room, study furniture. Beautiful collections in oak and pine, or painted in the colour of your choice. Crafted in our own workshops near South Bersted. Visit us for a bespoke, friendly, personal service.
27
Support from high profile patrons would allow the organisation to secure the key management roles in the short term to lead vital future areas of work, including securing contracts and more funding for key services in the longer term. From its earliest days the organisation has changed the lives of its clients for the better. Building trust and relationships that endure – Julie Budge tells of one former client, whom she describes as being on the poverty line, who Julie Budge CEO collects toiletries and products throughout the year, then at Christmas she wraps them individually and drops them at the Centre to be given as gifts to the women who use the Centre. Finding the right patrons will allow My Sister’s House to not only continue its essential work but also to raise the funds necessary to expand its services. My Sister’s House, 108c London Road, Bognor Regis, PO21 1B. Contact by ringing 01243 697800, visiting www.mysistershouse.co.uk or you can email office@mysistershouse.info
Those leaflets aren’t going to deliver themselves you know You know the ones. The left overs from the last print run. The ones in the cupboard, just by the envelopes and last year’s accounts... Let’s get those leaflets working for you. We can deliver them for you with next month’s Sussex Local for just £40 per 1,000 (minimum quantity 2,000 - you can pick specific areas) or £35/k for quantities over 10,000
Lazy leaflets. Don’t put up with them. South Bersted Business Park, Dickinson Place, PO22 9QU
01243 865010
www.cfsfurniture.co.uk
SUSSEX LOCAL
01903 868 474
info@sussexlocal.net
SUSSEX LOCAL
28 Parish Council News
Barnham Parish Council Parish Council Meeting Dates Monday 14th May 2018 – Annual Parish Council – Election of Chairman Suggestion to not hold a meeting in June as there would only be 3 weeks between May and June would be 7 weeks until July meeting. There is always the option to call an extraordinary meeting if a significant issue arose in that period that required urgent attention. 2018 Monday 2rd July No Meeting in August Monday 3rd September Monday 1st October Monday 5th November Monday 3rd December 2019 Monday 28th January 2019 – Budget and Precept approval Meeting Monday 4th March Monday 1st or 8th depending on Easter – Annual Parish Assembly and Parish Council Meetings will take place in the Cutten Room in Barnham Community Hall starting at 7:30 p.m.
Barnham Community Hall Barnham Community Hall is easily accessible by road, rail and foot. There is ample free parking on site and full disabled facilities. The Hall has a total of four event spaces which can be hired separately or as part of a package. The Hall also has a fully-equipped, catering-grade kitchen and separate bar area which can serve both the Murrells Hall and the Cutten Room. The Hall is situated within 8 acres of beautiful green space with access to a children's playground and multi-use game area. Please contact us directly for more information about our special rates for weddings and children's parties. www.barnhamcommunityhall.org 01243 278110.
www.barnham.arun.gov.uk
Parish Council News
through the door
Eastergate Parish Council Edited extracts from the draft minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 1st February 2018. County and District Councillor Report District Councillor K Ballard advised members of a meeting with the police and Crime Commissioner and indicated that he was not impressed. There was likely to be an increase in rates bills of £12 yet there would be no increase in the number of police constables on the street. The Sussex crime rate figure of 7% compared favourably with the national average of 18%. Reference was made to the use of £500,000 of section 106 monies and a concern that the ratepayer was not getting value for money. It seems that the police are doing a lot of “mopping up” for other agencies. Reference was made to the pay rise granted to ADC (Arun District Council) Chief Executive Officer of some £3,000. The meeting was advised that works would start at Barnham Primary School to deal with parking issues and traffic regulation was to be in place for all schools to enforce protection of the children from motorists by use of a a police officer if one was available. Members were advised that the footpath on the north of Barnham Road had been completed and had largely been well received.
Tangmere Parish Council Edited extracts from the draft minutes of the Finance Committee on 20th February 2018. St Andrews grant A grant request has been received from the Churchwardens and PCC of St Andrews Church in Tangmere for a sum of money towards the upkeep of St Andrews Churchyard. The Local Government Act 1972 allows for local authority asisitance in the upkeep of churchyards which are in use. It was agreed to send a grant of £250. Grass in Tamar Way Kym DeBelle looks after the area of grass in Tamar way with fortnightly cutting. Bollards are needed to prevent cars parking on the grass/kerb. Once these are installed, then the slabs can be repaired. Main Hall A current project is the proposed refurbishment of the LED lighting, the audio-visual system and the sound system in the main hall. Once quotes are obtained it is proposed that Tangmere PC applies for a major grant from Chichester DC. A meeting has been held with one supplier and we believe that the quote for the LED lighting is reasonable. Other quotes are required for the audio-visual system and the sound system. More quotes will be obtained, and once sufficient quotes are obtained then a grant will be applied
29
Reference was made to a collapsed water pipe under the road at Brooks Nursery. Disquiet was felt at removal expenses granted to the new CEO of West Sussex County Council at a figure of £47,500.
© N Chadwick (cc-by-sa/2.0)
Planning Members were advised of a number of applications, most of which were considered to be unobjectionable. Members were advised of application EG/100/ HH, a resubmission following refusal which was considered to still be over-intensive development and of too great a footprint size. Members considered EG/99/17/PL relating to Eastergate Fruit Farm and members were happy to engage with the developers to make best use of a site which had been identified for development. Benefits to the community would be a priority. Members discussed an approach from Aldingbourne PC to pursue a Community Land Trust and Village Warden. Whilst the parishes of Barnham and Eastergate agreed with the ideas in principle, there was more than enough work to be done at present, and no time. www.eastergate.arun.gov.uk for from Chichester District Council for all three systems. Car park It has been noted that s106 monies have been used to resurface (c) tangmere-museum.org.uk a car park at a local village hall. We would like to apply for s106 funding arising out of the Hanger site in order to resurface the VC car park. The work can be carried out in various ways:- a) just the disabled bays and front of the car park; b) the front car park; c) both car parks It is known that this will be a considerable sum. Quotes will be obtained. Pop-up Café Another current project is the proposal for a pop-up café in the Youth Club. The Parish Council was approached with a proposal to purchase a large soup tureen, a menu board and hot plates which will be in the order of £500. As the Parish Council would like to hold a soup and roll meal after the Spring Clean, approval will be sought from Full Council to allow funding of up to £500 to purchase items. There are plans to buy a small mobile freezer which will hold icecreams. It was agreed to allow initial funding of £150 to purchase items for the soup and roll café. www.tangmere-online.co.uk
SUSSEX LOCAL
30 Business Directory
Business Directory 3cm box ÂŁ60 + VAT for 6 months any category includes artwork Tel: 01903 868 474 e: info@sussexlocal.net w: www.sussexlocal.net Aerials
Computer Services
Clearance
Gardening
Garden Machinery
Bike Shops Drainage
Chimneys/Roofs
Cleaning
Driveways
Electricians
Plastering
Pest Control
through the door Logs
Plumbing & Heating
Business Directory / Advertiser Index Kitchen Doors Dream Doors Barnham Mortgages Award Mortgages Southern Ltd Optician North Opticians & Eyewear Roofing and Gutters The Roof and Gutter People Travel & Holidays Loloflights.co.uk Ltd Tree Surgeon Ashwood Tree Surgery Vet Arun Veterinary Group Windows Doors Conservatories Britannia Windows
Taxis / Private Hire
Tree Surgeons
31
13 32 26 2 6 22 14 5
Six editions Roofing
Security
Bathrooms Bathe in Safety Beauty Therapy Elm Lodge Beauty Studio Blinds Direct Blinds Carpets and Curtains TJ Interiors Community Organisation Aldingbourne Bowls Club Barnham Community Hall Conservatories and Garden Rooms Greenspace (UK) Limited Dog Boarding Wagging Tails UK Ltd Elderly Care Barnham Manor Ltd Furniture CFS Furniture Garden Design Glorious Gardens Garden Services Lawn Science (Chichester) Home Care Angelcare Southern Ltd Horse Manure Sussex Manures Ltd
2 9 23 8 9 7 20 25 28 27 19 21 24 19
Arundel Barnham Chichester Findon Pulborough Storrington to 37,700 homes every month May Issue: Booking deadline 29th March Copy 7th April
SUSSEX LOCAL
CHICHESTER LOCAL magazine info@sussexlocal.net www.sussexlocal.net