Charity & community news

18 Charity & Community

Sussex Snippets A total of £462,000 has been awarded to fund 560 taser devices between the Sussex and Surrey police forces. This will mean an extra 291 new tasers for Sussex Police, bringing the total to more than 1,100. Both forces can now achieve their ambition of making Tasers available for any police officer who wants one (estimated to be 80% of the frontline). In other news from the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, more than £500,000 in grants was awarded from the Safe Space Funding Network to 17 local charities. This is to help support victims of child sexual exploitation, domestic and sexual violence, stalking and harassment, along with other forms of trauma and modern slavery. Meanwhile an interesting example of one of Sussex Police’s many modern challenges where, through better use of technology, a positive outcome was achieved. Chief Constable Giles York said: “Over 300 victims had been subject to 3,000 malicious telephone calls from an unknown male, often of an offensive sexual nature. This was difficult to trace as he used different numbers and phoned at different times of the day. One of my analysts had the idea of locating where the call was made from and correlate that with ANPR (number plate recognition) data. "Through this information he was able to identify a man in Burgess Hill who was buying second hand phones and using software to reignite old contact lists. Officers seized over 200 phones from his premises. He has pleaded guilty this month and is due to be sentenced next month.” The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is developing handy downloadable guides that will include some of the best circular routes across Sussex and Hampshire. The Authority is keen to hear from horse riders about where they like to ride and what their favourite routes are. They need a) start point –ideally with horsebox parking; b) the length of ride; c) a short description of the route and a simple map showing the route. Initially they are keen to hear from riders who use the following areas, but routes in other areas are also welcomed: • Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire • Harting Down, West Sussex • Heyshott Common, West Sussex • Eartham Woods, West Sussex • Seven Sisters Country Park, East Sussex • East Dean, East Sussex. Email responses to: access@southdowns.gov.uk From the end of last year, West Sussex recycling centres have asked users to show photo ID with proof of residence within West Sussex. The scheme is set out on the WSCC website, where there is also a

recognition that the policy will produce a negative impact on the environment. “The proposal will mean that some non-West Sussex residents will need to travel further to a site in their own area.” However “It is hoped that this may be mitigated by some residents making fewer trips and/or selecting alternative and more sustainable routes for managing their waste such as home composting and use of kerbside collection services.” The section on “sustainability” on the WSCC website states: “We want sustainability to be more central to the way we all work. We believe this approach will help us combat climate change; ensure that all our work benefits society, the economy and the environment in the long-term.” West Sussex County Council have agreed proposals to invest almost £200m in road schemes over the next five years (including £44.2m for the re-alignment of the A29 in Bognor Regis and £19.1m for improvements to the A2300 in Burgess Hill), as well as £45.2m to produce renewable energy and generate income through solar farms and battery energy storage schemes. The £712m five-year ‘capital programme’ also includes an investment of £47.5m for the Fire and Rescue Service, for a proposed new fire training centre and Horsham Fire Station, planned improvements to fire stations, as well as new state of the art equipment and vehicles. Email notices to: info@sussexlocal.net

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20 Charity & Community

West Chilt Show supports the Purple Bus Project The Purple Bus Project will bring much needed young people’s activities to the village every week. The organisers of the West Chiltington Village Show (Sat 11th July 2020) are delighted to be part of the team, which includes West Chiltington Parish Council and Horsham District Council who are finding money for the project. Following a successful initial project it may be extended or lead to a more permanent facility. This is a very exciting prospect for young people and the village. The 2020 West Chiltington Village show promises “something for everyone”; gardeners, florists, artists, crafters, bakers, embroiderers, knitters and photographers. Interested parties have six months to plan, develop, create and grow items to exhibit at this years’ show. Entry forms will be delivered with the May Sussex Local and will be available in local shops. For more information contact Pat at pathampton@hotmail.com or www.westchiltshow.org/competitions Last year over 60 stalls showcased their products at the show. If you would like a stall or find out more contact Diane at familysmith1989@btinternet.com

Farewell Reg Slater We were deeply saddened to hear of the demise of Reg Slater, West Chiltington’s oldest born resident. He was a formidable show competitor and then secretary, treasurer and chairman of the committee. I spent many hours talking with Reg about the show and its history –his knowledge, enthusiasm and experience was infectious. I count myself lucky to have had time with him. Nick Vincent. Visit www.westchiltshow.org for competition, stallholder and volunteer information and lots more Lodge Hill Trust appoints Tom Dutson as activities manager

Lodge Hill in Watersfield near Pulborough is a leading provider of activity-led experiences for people of all ages and abilities from Sussex and beyond. As an outdoor activities centre the position of Activities Manager is key to delivering the programs and ensuring they continue to be challenging, educational and relevant. Tom has a wealth of knowledge and experience in Adventure Education and Sporting Activities. He graduated from Chichester University with a degree in Adventure Education and taught Adventure Education & Sport at a number of organisations for 11 years. Having dealt with a wide range of people of all ages, behaviours and abilities he brings invaluable experience to Lodge Hill. Tom is a passionate believer in the use of the adventure environment not only for health enhancing physical benefits, but also for the positive social benefits. As Activities Manager he can put this philosophy into effect at a highly respected residential activity centre that has been gearing up to meet the increasing and ever changing requirements from all sectors and all walks of life. Tom said, “I am joining an excellent team of professionals with a strong ethos in positive life-changing experiences that benefit all who they work with. I have seen nothing but opportunity and potential since walking through the doors and I look forward to help bring a bright future to Lodge Hill.” Lisa May, CEO of Lodge Hill said, “Tom is an outstanding candidate who brings with him a wealth of knowledge in activity-led programs across all sectors. We look forward to working with him as we develop our Activities and Facilities to meet the demand we are experiencing for our educational, intervention and team building programs.” www.lodgehill.org.uk

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22 Charity & Community

Easebourne outdoor Toddler fun Laura’s Explorers meet 3 times a week, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10am till 12 at Easebourne Scout and Guide Hut. The group is a drop-in and parents stay and remain responsible for their children. There is no need to book and the group runs all year regardless of weather (except in high winds). It costs £5 a child/siblings £2.50 or free if not yet walking. Founder Laura Sadler says, “The location has so much to offer, set within two acres there is a playground to explore, trees to climb a hut to retreat if needed and the wonder of playing through the seasons. Outside play has huge benefits both mentally and physically for our children but also for us adults. Through the holidays children aged 10 and under are welcome to come along and special activities are laid on for the older children. www.laurasexplorers.co.uk New art exhibition in Horsham From Oxford to Syria, Russia to Washington, South Downs to desert, etching to collage, print to pastel, crayon to ceramics Alison Milner-Gulland has had a richly rewarding life, creating along the way outstanding works of art. Now Horsham Museum & Art Gallery, in conjunction with Toovey’s, are delighted to showcase her remarkable art in the new temporary exhibi

tion Alison MilnerGulland a Life in Art, as she celebrates her 80th birthday. Alison’s work portrays great beauty, from the Moonlight over the sea, to Tangled Flowers growing in her garden. The images of the everyday, from the farrier shooing her horse, to sheep in the snow, to seeing graffiti on the walls of the world, all have found expression in the colourful and vibrant art works. Rupert Toovey who has known the artist for over twenty years has selected the works for Alison Milner Gulland –a Life in Art. This close friendship enabled Alison to open up and explain the paintings as well as making available rarely seen works. This has added real depth to the exhibition which spans over 40 years of artistic creativity. This partnership along with the partnership between Toovey’s and Horsham Museum and Art Gallery has created a highlight of 2020, an exhibition where the creative talent and ability of Alison Milner-Gulland shines through. Alison Milner- Gulland –a Life in Art at Horsham District Council’s Horsham Museum & Art Gallery runs till 27th June 2020. Made possible through the generous support of Rupert Toovey and Toovey’s Auction House. Free Admission. www.horshammuseum.org Alison Milner- Gulland at her Washington Studio

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24 Pets

Like human obesity in the western world obesity in our pets is rising too. Some estimate that as many as half the pet population is currently overweight with a significant percentage considered clinically obese. Part of the problem is the average daily amount of food pets are being fed. Most people tend to think that dogs and cats need a bowl of food daily but how much is in one bowl of food? Little do we realise that portion size and between meal snacks play a major part in the excessive amounts of calories consumed. Just imagine feeding your little pet a chipolata as a between meal treat. Sounds quite innocuous right? Actually, this amount of food for a small dog is equivalent to a human eating a 12 oz steak in one sitting! Now if they had two or three … well you can see how serious the problem is. To estimate just how much your pet needs in calories on a daily basis you need to calculate their resting metabolic rate, which is the number of calories needed in 24 hours to maintain normal body function when they are simply resting. Paws for thought Are our pets secret eaters? Dr Julian Hoad

Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) = 70 + (weight in kg x 30) After calculating their resting rate this is then multiplied by 1.6 for a neutered adult, 1.8 times for an un-neutered adult and 1.4 for animals prone to obesity (genetic predisposition or breeds). Remember that by adding rice to their diet you could be doubling the number of calories consumed and dog treats and joint sticks, also contain calories. Most clients will admit to giving their pets a few extra treats but remember the problem lies with the amount and most of us don’t actually weigh out or count the number of biscuits we let our dogs have in one day. Exercise will however make a difference as to how many calories your pet can consume but if you have an indoor cat or an older inactive dog then you need to be even more vigilant. You can weigh your pet at the vet and talk to them about a diet plan. So, do you think you are making your pet a secret eater? Only you can be the judge of that. Crossways Veterinary Group, School Hill, Storrington, 01903 743040 www.crosswaysvets.co.uk

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