December 2019
Midhurst - Petworth - Easebourne - Duncton - Heyshott Local news and events through the door to 7,100 homes in this area every month
SUSSEX PATHWAYS Charity helping offenders WIN!
Book - Saving India’s dancing bears
GARDENS
Winter gardening
HEALTH Christmas eating
NEWS
Charity, councils & schools
PLUS
What’s On, Recipe, Prize Crossword, Young Readers’ Puzzles, Local Walks, Local Groups & Charity, Business Directory
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December 2019 Cover image Robin by Roger Wilmshurst www.nature-pictures.co.uk
Welcome... to the festive December issue where you’ll find lots of seasonal events included in the What’s On section starting on page 4. Our December recipe is also geared towards the celebratory season - Festive Fruit Jelly. If you are worried about overindulging this month, take some tips from health expert Heather Smith who has some advice to keep you on track health-wise. There’s plenty to look at in this month’s issue including our competitions with a chance to win a trial glider flight and also a book; “Saving India’s dancing bears”. We also bring you local charity and community news, school and parish council updates and always welcome contributions. Our main feature this month profiles the charity Sussex Pathways. A small charity supporting people leaving prison, helping them resettle into community life and not revert to their former ways. Our new motoring feature looks at the rise of the Electric Vehicle (EV) and the winner of the 2019 Best Electric Car Award. Did you know EVs are poised to become a more popular choice than Diesel cars? Andrew Staib looks at what to do in the garden at this time of year. Get the youngsters involved and have some fun making a winter collage or singing carols around an open fire. Season’s Greetings,
Kris & Jeff
Quote of the month "There's no such thing as a vote that doesn't matter." - BARACK OBAMA
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. Views and opinions of contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher.
What's On WIN! Trial glider flight Parish council news Prize Crossword Recipe - Festive Fruit Jelly Young readers' puzzles Schools news WIN! Book; Saving India's dancing bears Health & Fitness - seasonal indulgence Motoring - the rise of the EV Walks Charity & Community In Your Garden - Winter gardening Sussex Pathways charity profile Business Directory Advertiser Index
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Seven editions across West Sussex Arundel - Arundel, Amberley, Burpham, Climping, Fontwell, Ford, Slindon, Walberton & Yapton Total addresses - 6,700 Barnham - Barnham, Eastergate, Westergate, Aldingbourne, Oving, & Tangmere Total addresses - 5,400 Chichester - Chichester centre & suburbs Total addresses - 7,800 Findon - Findon Valley, Findon Village, Nepcote, High Salvington, Clapham & Patching plus Salvington/Selden (south of A27) Total addresses - 6,200 Midhurst & Petworth - Midhurst, Petworth, Easebourne Total addresses - 7,100 Pulborough - Pulborough, Bury, Coldwaltham, Fittleworth, Marehill, Nutbourne, Stopham, West Chiltington village and Common. Total addresses - 5,500 Storrington - Storrington, Ashington, Cootham Thakeham, Sullington & Washington. Total addresses - 6,600
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What’s On
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What’s On
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What’s On
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Competition
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Southdown Gliding Club Fantastic views over Sussex
Southdown Gliding Club has a fantastic position beside the South Downs, the views of Sussex are just super. They are a volunteer run club using a lovely modern fleet of both 2 seat and single seat gliders, which stay up using the up-currents called thermals. They have about 240 members from all walks of life, usual flying days are Wednesdays and the weekends. Well qualified instructors can teach you to fly so that you can fly safely across the countryside when conditions are suitable. The club distance record is over 800 kilometres, out and back home in a day. An exceptional feat, which won the “Skysailing” trophy for the greatest distance, which has been awarded since 1930. A more normal day’s distance may be 300km. Gliding is a brilliant leveller, anyone can do it. Youngsters can even go solo when they get to 14 years old and venture across country when they’re 16. The club have winch evenings for groups like the Scouts. It’s exciting and helps pilots to keep their hand in. The children come down with beaming faces every time! About a quarter of the membership are juniors, they are very good at letting each other know what’s going on. If conditions are good enough they may have extra flying days during the week.
An instructor may run a course to teach a group of student pilots. Learning with others at the same time really helps. They have recently updated the clubhouse, it’s a smart and comfortable place to relax after a wonderful flight. For more info visit www.southdowngliding.co.uk.
Win a trial glide at Southdown Gliding Club To enter the competition answer the question below: Q: What is the club distance record? a) Over 800km b) Over 300km c) Over 500km Send your answer and contact details to: Southdown Gliding Club Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough, RH20 9AH or enter online at www.sussexlocal.net/ features/competitions Winner drawn after 31st December 2019. Please indicate if you wish to remain on our mailing list.
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Local Council News
Midhurst Town Council Edited extracts taken from the minutes of the Midhurst Town Council meeting held on 16th September 2019. Councillor’s Report Councillor C commented on the electric vehicle points and cycling strategies as positive for the county. It was suggested that as there is a cycling repair point at the Memorial Hall, that this is advertised in the BT Information kiosk in town. Councillor L commented that there is nothing on the Midhurst Vision website which shows the results of the questionnaire which should be resolved. • Following a Councillor’s note on Midhurst Vision, a workshop was attended and the response of the questionnaire had been very successful. The two most requested things were a swimming pool and a supermarket in town. • The County Council will be reducing the grass cutting from seven to five cuts in Midhurst. This will have a major impact on the town and will be a topic for consideration at the next meeting. • With regards to Midhurst’s Cycling Design Guide – the process is moving slowly but is progressing. • Discussions are on-going over the, now closed, Midhurst Cottage Hospital. One suggestion put forward is for the expansion of the doctors’ surgery with an adjoining medical centre with specialist facilities.
Easebourne PC Midhurst Green Volunteers come to Easebourne The Midhurst Green Volunteers are a small group who help keep excess vegetation at bay around the town. The team work independently of, but in cooperation with, the Midhurst Town Council and Chichester District Council to improve access for people. The Parish Council is delighted that the green volunteers have agreed to extend their services to Easebourne but need volunteers to help with the tasks. The first confirmed date is 7th December at 8.30am. If anyone can lend a hand for a couple of hours either then or at a future date please contact the Parish Council at parishclerk@easebourne.org. www.easebourne.org
Meetings December 2019 Finance Committee 4th Dec - The Refectory (behind St Mary’s Church): 7.00 - 7.30pm Planning Committee 4th Dec - The Refectory (behind St Mary’s Church): 7.30 - 8.15pm
Being a member of a ‘Task and Finish’ group on parks and green spaces within the district, the Councillor mentioned that the group is discussing the idea that, if Parish © Jo Turner (cc-by-sa/2.0) Councils are interested in working with the District Council in taking ownership of its local park or green space, it may be suitable for the District Council to pass the ownership over. The formalities and details have yet to be discussed. This should be a topic for consideration by Midhurst Town Council once even further information is available for review. Planning Committee As written in the Press, the SDNP has withdrawn the designation of the Severals site from its short list of sand extraction sites. Very positive news for Midhurst. Community and Environment Committee Report from Events and Promotions Officer: Councillor C paid thanks to Kayleigh Collyer for her hard work and good preparation for the carnival. He also paid thanks to MADhurst for their month-long event which was well organised. Budget Councillors were reminded to prepare business cases and think of any future funding requirements for specific projects in the 2020/21 financial year. The first draft budget will be presented at the October Finances meeting. www.midhurst-tc.gov.uk
Distributors & Supervisor required Earn money whilst keeping fit! We are looking for reliable, conscientious distributors to hand deliver Sussex Local magazine to homes in Midhurst, Petworth, Easebourne, Duncton and Heyshott from 2020. Delivery can be completed monthly at times to suit you over a 7-10 day period from the 20th of each month.
A great way to keep fit and enjoy plenty of fresh air! Applicants must have use of a car to collect magazines. Contracts are on a self-employed basis starting early 2020 with good rates of pay and flexible hours. For more details and an online application form visit www.sussexlocal.net/become-a-distributor
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Petworth Town Council Edited extracts from the minutes of the Petworth Town Council meeting held on 19th September 2019. Report from District & County Councillors A Chichester District Councillor reported that following the award of a £52,000 grant from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles, 18 electric vehicle charging points will be installed across the District including at Pound Street Car Park. It was also advised that Petworth is the only area in the District which had a zerovacancy rate in their High Street in August 2019. Finance and General Purposes Committee It was agreed to grant £250 to Petworth Festival as a contribution to the costs of their Literary Week. It was reported to proposed cost of the autumn planting schedule would total £935.09, but there is approximately £550 in the budget. After a discussion, it was resolved that planting in the new proposed areas should be undertaken by the community rather than the Town Council. One Councillor requested that the formulation of Terms of Reference for the Petworth in Bloom working group was prioritised to ensure openness and transparency. It was advised the cost of the improvements to the brickwork on the Rosemary Gardens projects would take the spend over budget. However, it was resolved to proceed with the repairs costing £1565.
Local Council News 11 Bus stops and route proposals The Councillor reported that a number of letters have been received from residents complaining about the current location of bus stops within the Town. He also advised that there have been a number of accidents within the Town recently, involving buses and large vehicles. He questioned why school buses are coming through the Town rather than using the lorry route. It was advised that these concerns will be raised with the bus companies at upcoming meetings in the hope that appropriate action will subsequently be taken. Open Spaces Committee The Councillor reported on the successful youth shelter consultation events held at Hampers Community Centre in the summer, and recommended other committees undertake similar consultation for projects where appropriate. It was also advised that the schedule of works for grounds maintenance is being finalised and that these will go out to tender in the New Year to ensure a contractor is in place for 1st April 2020. He advised that Cllr Atkins was producing maps to sit alongside the grounds maintenance schedule to ensure detailed tender documents can be circulated. Furthermore, he advised that signs are being produced to install at the Sports Ground in order to reduce dog waste. www.petworth-tc.gov.uk
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Crossword
Prize Crossword
Win a ÂŁ20 voucher for The Stag Inn
Midhurst/Petworth December 2019 October 2019 solution below:
Winner: Susannah Lazell from Weybridge. Congratulations and thank you to all who entered. Finish the crossword and fill out the box below with the letters from the shaded squares. Work out the anagram
Across 6 Under-employment? (4-4,3) 8 Places to go after school? (4) 9 Vigorous exercises (8) 10 Features of tornados (6,6) 12 Climatically warm (4-8) 15 Squeezing firmly (8) 16 Reporter's output (4) 17 Mix new lemonade for a fabric expert (11)
Down 1 Unresolved issue (4,8) 2 French vineyards (4) 3 Epistle Apostle (2,4) 4 Lacking any sense of standards or principles (6) 5 Horn of Africa republic (8) 7 Effusive display of approval (12) 11 Quantified (8) 13 Rotates rapidly (6) 14 Punching combination (3-3) 16 Summer getaway (4)
Name: ............................................................................................................... Full address: .................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................... Postcode:.......................................................................................................... Email: ................................................................................................................ Phone: .............................................................................................................. Mobile: ............................................................................................................. Answer from yellow box: .................................................................................
Send the word above to: Sussex Local Crossword, PO Box 2237 Pulborough, RH20 9AH or you can enter it online at our website www.sussexlocal.net/crosswords Closing date: 31st Dec 2019.
Win a ÂŁ20 meal & drinks voucher to spend at
The Stag Inn Petworth GU28 9JP www.staginnballscross.co.uk
01403 820 241
Please book table in advance Voucher valid for 6 months after issue 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.
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Festive Fruit Jelly
An attractive Christmas dessert A delicious alternative for younger members of the family and those who like a less rich seasonal pud. Can be made with port or Rosé wine if you want something more sophisticated! Serves: 8
Ingredients 2 strawberry jellies 1 raspberry jelly 450g strawberries, hulled and halved or sliced 225g raspberries To decorate: Fresh berries, mint leaves, holly
Method 1. Melt the strawberry jellies together in 300 ml boiling water and, when dissolved, make up to 1 litre with cold water. Chill until beginning to set. 2. Dissolve the raspberry jelly with 200 ml boiling water and put aside until beginning to set. 3. When both are nearly ready add the fruit to their respective jellies. Then place a layer of strawberry jelly in the base of a 1.5 litre fancy mould, leave until beginning to firm before adding a layer of raspberry jelly.
Recipe 13 4. Continue layering until all jelly is used. Then chill covered for 2-3 hours or overnight. To turn out, dip mould into a bowl of warm, not hot, water for about 10 seconds. Loosen top edges with a round bladed knife, invert onto serving plate and shake gently. If it will not come out, repeat. Chill immediately and decorate with whipped cream or ice cream. Tip: For an adult version stir three sachets of gelatine into 200ml boiling water and set over a pan of boiling water until fully dissolved. Make up to 900ml with red or Rosé wine or port, then stir in 3-4tbsp cassis, sugar to taste and a pinch of mixed spice. When beginning to set, stir in the fruit and pour into mould or a terrine, as above. Serve with vanilla flavoured whipped cream or crème frâiche. Cookery Courses for all Why not give a Voucher for the perfect gift? Contact Alex 01243 532240 www.cookwithalex.co.uk
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Puzzles
Schools 15
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Easebourne Primary School December Update We have been celebrating the fact that the school achieved the School Games Silver Mark Award for the 2018/2019 academic year. This scheme rewards schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community and we are delighted to have been recognised for our success. This year, we have started a Daily Mile Initiative, led by PE/Sport Lead, Heidi Coates. We are going to implement a version of the daily mile. Children are split into house colours and participate in activity for 15 minutes every day before re-entering the classroom to continue their learning for the afternoon.
Midhurst Rother College Generational differences As Head Girl and Boy of the school, Oscar and I were recently asked to the Midhurst and Petworth Rotary Club meeting to talk about life growing up in our generation. We prepared speeches on a range of topics, from social media to university choices, and spoke before answering questions from the attendees. Along with being an opportunity for us to express our own ideas on current affairs, we also learnt a great deal about the differences between our upbringing as ‘Gen Z’ when compared to the ‘Baby Boomers.’ One comparison that I found particularly insightful was when the anxiety around climate change in our generation was compared to the ‘ban the bomb’ movement of the 50s and 60s, headed by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. On reflection, it seems there has long been worry surrounding the future of our planet whether self-inflicted or environmental. The main differences that we concluded were the rise in technology, a heightened political awareness due to current events and the increase in students seeking a university education. It was astounding to us when doing our research that only 4% of 18-year-olds went on to university in the 60s, whereas today that figure is at around 27.9% according to Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Our families continue to enjoy Easebourne Park. I have been urging our parents to mobilise their friends, family and neighbours to vote for Easebourne Community Space and Play Park in the forthcoming South Downs Design Awards’ People’s Choice. The Parish Council have put so much of their time and energy into creating this amazing family resource right on the doorstep of the school to benefit our community and they deserve their support. I hope readers will find time to add their votes. More details can be found by following the link: www.southdowns.gov.uk/planning/south-downsnational-park-design-award/peoples-choice2019. In October, we welcomed two very heavy horses to the school. They were two Canadian Belgian heavy horses who towered above not only the children but also all of the adults! They were brought to the school by David Mouland from his stables in Fordingbridge. David gave up his whole day to talk to the children about his horses which he had brought over from Canada. Although this breed is the most numerous of the heavy horse breeds in the world, there are very few in the UK. Though intimidating in stature, the horses were very gentle with the children and the visit was a great success. Johnny Culley, Headteacher. For more information please visit www.easebourne.w-sussex.sch.uk. This has revolutionised the way that we think about our futures and it was a fascinating point to talk about with the Rotarians. Oscar and I enjoyed the experience thoroughly and were grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the local community while learning about older generations’ perspectives on many topics. Sophie Cook, year 13. Half Term Mon 23rd December - Fri 3rd January 2020 Mon 17th February - Fri 21st February 2020 Inset Days Mon 6th, Tue 7th & Mon 27th January 2020 www.mrc-academy.org
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Schools / Competition
Petworth C of E Primary Reading, writing & beetles
Due to our children winning an art competition, which highlighted what plastic does to wildlife, the author M.G. Leonard visited our school to share her passion for reading, writing and beetles. During the morning M.G. Leonard led an assembly where she went through the writing process and explained to the children that when you write, write about something that interests and enthuses you. Also she shared the various different books she has written as well as explained the various opportunities
“The Last Dance”
Saving India’s dancing bears
The book “The Last Dance” looks at the barbaric practice of dancing bears and how a coalition of animal charities set about bringing it to an end and rescuing every bear off the streets of India. The book exposes the suffering the bears endured. It describes the process of negotiation with the Kalandar gypsies and explains how they were persuaded to give up their bears and accept alternative livelihood training. The Last Dance takes you inside the sanctuaries in Agra, Bhopal and Bannerghatta where the bears have been released and now enjoy a peaceful,
which have arisen from her writing. Before M.G. Leonard visited us the children started to learn all about beetles, explored her books and used these to inspire their own writing. Our entrance was transformed and many visitors have been ‘spooked’ at the fake cockroaches all over the place as well as complimentary at the huge cup of tea. After the assembly and the question and answer session, M.G. Leonard worked with some children to help them develop their writing. Having an author visit the school and share their journey to become an author only inspires the children. Since she has been at the school the number of children choosing to read her books has been impressive and these experiences can only encourage our children to develop their love of reading. Inset Days 24th February 2020 Monday 1st June 2020 John Galvin, www.petworth.w-sussex.sch.uk contented retirement. They receive expert veterinary care to restore them to full health. Finally, on 18th December 2009 the reader sees Raju, the last dancing bear, walking up the stony road to the bear sanctuary in the Bannerghatta Biological Park near Bangalore, Southern India. Alan Knight, Kartick Satyanarayan and Mary Hutton, founder of Free the Bears, are waiting at the gates to welcome him. Win a limited edition signed book by the author Alan Knight, chief executive of International Animal Rescue based in Sussex. Royalties will go towards the IAR charity based at Uckfield, East Sussex, who also published Orangutan Rescue a couple of years ago. The Last Dance is available on Amazon.
Win a limited edition signed book The Last Dance To enter the competition answer the question below: Q: What year does Raju, the last dancing bear, walk into the bear sanctuary in Bannerghatta? a) 2009 b) 2005 c) 2001 Send your answer and contact details to: The Last Dance Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough, RH20 9AH or enter online at www.sussexlocal.net/ features/competitions Winner drawn after 31st December 2019. Please indicate if you wish to remain on our mailing list.
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Health / Motoring 17
Weight gain over Christmas By Heather Smith
When you’ve made big steps towards your targets during the year, it’s easy to worry about gaining huge amounts of weight over Christmas and having to start again in January. One day of eating off-track is not going to make any difference in the long run. If you're going to eat off-track, do it consciously and feel no guilt! But as we all know, Christmas Day itself isn't even the half of it. Add in the Advent calendar chocolate, the coffee shop Christmas specials, a few mince pies, several glasses of mulled wine and the leftovers after Christmas and we see the worry about gaining weight could be legitimate. The first thing to keep in mind is that Christmas is not celebrated purely with food. You don't have to overeat in order for Christmas to be Christmas. It's a time to spend with people who are important to you, sharing experiences and making memories. Food is of course part of it, but it isn't the whole experience. The next thing is to accept that there are some foods you only see at Christmas, and you are bound to want
to enjoy your favourites. That's fine, of course it’s fine. Just plan in advance what you can't pass on, and what you're happy to skip. Next, make it easy for yourself to stick to your plan. My suggestion is to eat a healthy meal before you open the door to off-track foods or drinks. If it’s a party, have a proper meal before you go. If it’s Christmas Day, fill your plate with meat and veg before adding anything else. Try to forward plan exercise as well as food. It’s too easy over Christmas to sit around eating excess calories. A workout a couple of hours before a big meal is a great idea as it will make sure more of the calories are actually needed by your body. Fasting is another good way to achieve this calorie need; but approach fasting with caution - if you're starving hungry and faced with a box of chocolates, it’s likely to not end well! Finally, try to learn from past experience. Remember how uncomfortable that feeling of having overeaten is; the tummy cramps, the lethargic feeling - and getting out of breath just walking to the loo! Heather Smith is a fat loss specialist Personal Trainer. Get in touch for a free five-day meal plan www.fitbiztraining.co.uk
Motoring News
Kia e-Niro Wins Best Electric Car 2019 Kia scooped the title at the Business Car Awards 2019. These awards recognise manufacturers that demonstrate outstanding customer service as well as innovative products, and are judged by industry experts, including well-known road testers. Delivering the verdict from the judges, Stuart Thomas, Director of Fleet and Accident Management at the AA, commented: “The Kia e-Niro combines the range capability of a premium electric car with the accessibility of a high-specification family crossover. The Kia makes the ownership experience of an electric car very easy and sets a new benchmark.” All New Maserati Models to be Electrified Maserati has announced that all of its new models will adopt hybrid and battery electric propulsion systems. It has also said that all new Maserati, including the updated current models, will offer a range of autonomous driving capabilities. This is earmarked to happen in 2020 and the Maserati Ghibli, produced in Turin, will be the first hybrid electric propulsion for the brand. They add: “The first of the totally new Maserati to appear will be the eagerly anticipated sports car – packed with technology and reminiscent of Maserati’s traditional values.”
Electric cars set to overtake diesels in popularity According to research by DrivingElectric.com double the number of drivers are planning to buy an EV compared with two years ago. More than one in five drivers now say their next car will be all-electric overtaking diesel and hybrid buying intentions for the first time - shooting EVs into second place as motorists’ preferred power option. The findings are especially significant because they come from the mainstream car market, rather than an audience specifically interested in electric vehicles. Vicky Parrott, Associate Editor of DrivingElectric.com, said: "This is a big moment for the EV market, with electric cars poised to become the second most popular type on the road. We’re now seeing a breakthrough in the perceptions of electric vehicles, from a niche phenomenon to a genuinely mainstream choice.” EVs have now shot up to 22%, with diesel sliding to 19%, hybrids falling to 16% and petrol also significantly down, at 37%.
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Walks
Local Walks - December 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. Timings are for guidelines only. If the weather is poor the walk may be cancelled, if unsure check, contact 01243 534589 health@chichester.gov.uk www.chichesterwellbeing.org.uk L = Walk Leader Wed 2nd Tue 3rd
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10.30am Heathlands Reunited Walk L: Abbi 1.5 hrs A pleasant wander through Midhurst Common. Meet: Carron Lane Car Park, GU29 9LD. 11:00am A Midhurst Meander L: Harvey 30 mins New weekly walk. Jubilee Walk & South Pond Meet: The Grange Leisure Centre, Bepton Road, Midhurst, GU29 9HD 10.30am Kingley Vale L: Alison 2 hrs Meet: West Stoke car park, Downs Road PO18 9BE 10:30am Pagham to Siddlesham L: Jane 2 hrs Meet: At the harbour end of Church Lane, PO21 4NR 10:30 am Pulborough Brooks L: Peter 2 hrs Meet: RSPB Reserve car park, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, RH20 2EL. 11:00am Southwater Health 1 hr 15 mins Not suitable for wheelchairs or prams. Sorry no dogs. Meet in the Visitor Centre car park of the Country Park, RH13 9UN. 10:30am Chichester Canal L: Helen 30 mins Meet: Chichester Canal, Basin Road, Chichester PO19 8DT 10:30am Kirdford L: Richard 1.5 hrs Meet: In front of the Half Moon pub in Kirdford, RH14 0LT 11:00am Heyshott Hike L: Harvey 30 mins Optional 30 minute further walk around the old town of Midhurst. Meet: The Grange Leisure Centre, Bepton Road, Midhurst, GU29 9HD. 10:00am Chichester Cathedral L: Jane 2 hrs A flat walk which takes an urban route quickly out of Chichester Meet: Chichester Cathedral PO19 1PX 10:30am Burpham L: Dominic All day Hilly walk with some stiles. Lovely views. Meet: The public car park behind the George at Burpham BN18 9RR 10.30am Tillington Via Pitshill L: Gerald 1.5 hrs Meet: The Horse Guards Inn, GU28 9AF 10:00am Pulborough Brooks Level 2 2.5 hrs Meet in overspill car park at Pulborough Wild Brooks visitor centre at Wiggonholt 11:00am Jubilee Walk & South Pond L: Harvey 30 mins Meet: The Grange Leisure Centre, Bepton Road, Midhurst, GU29 9HD 10:30am Heathlands Reunited Walk L: Abbi 1.5 hrs A gentle, generally easy going walk on heathland paths, including part of the Serpents Trail and Sussex Border Path Promoted routes. Meet: Lynchmere Common 10:30am Chidham Peninsula L: Alison 2.5 hrs Meet: Cobnor Farm Amenity car park, Chidham Lane, PO18 8TD 10:30am Compton L: Jane 3 hrs Meet: Compton Recreation Ground car park, PO18 9HA 11:00am Jubilee Walk & South Pond L: Harvey 30 mins Meet: The Grange Leisure Centre, Bepton Road, Midhurst, GU29 9HD 11:00am Jubilee Walk & South Pond L: Harvey 30 mins Meet: The Grange Leisure Centre, Bepton Road, Midhurst, GU29 9HD
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Charity & Community
Sussex Snippets In November new named Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) began being assigned to their areas. Every community across Sussex will now have one or more dedicated PSCO to enhance public confidence and collate vital community intelligence. Sussex is also well underway with the recruitment of the extra 250 police officers as promised in last year’s precept. www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk Sussex Wildlife Trust are selling calendars and Christmas cards, all profits support the Trust’s work. www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop Local business owner Carol Ives is organising and participating in the World’s Big Sleep Out raising awareness and money to combat homelessness. The local event takes place at Hove Lagoon and will be supported by DJ Norman Cook. Carol will be sleeping out in just a cardboard box. To donate please visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/carol8ives The Aldingbourne Trust is one of this year’s finalists for the Sussex Business Awards 2019, having been shortlisted for the Charity of the Year award. They are hosting a disability friendly club night on Wednesday 4th December to provide a full on clubbing experience so that people with a learning disability and/or autism can enjoy themselves in a club-style environment. www.aldingbournetrust.org Chestnut Tree House (CTH) children’s hospice are inviting schools and groups to have “Reindeer Fun” this December. CTH will provide free reindeer antlers and red noses, posters, helpful hints and sponsorship forms. www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/reindeer-fun Local Solar farms are generating more electricity than expected. Tangmere solar farm is out-performing original predictions and Westhampnett solar farm, opened on a former landfill site in October 2018, is also well on track. WSCC is also installing solar panels on more than 80 schools and plans to develop other energy projects, including a large battery storage facility on a former waste site in Sompting. From 2nd December, opposite sex couples can give notice of intent to form a civil partnership The signing of the schedule or a ceremony can then take place from New Year’s Eve. www.westsussex.gov.uk/ registration. Small Business Saturday on 7th December is the UK's most successful small business campaign. Now in its seventh year, last year saw an estimated £812 million spent in small businesses across the UK on the day, according to research commissioned by founder and principal supporter American Express. www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com The Planning Committee of the South Downs National Park Authority voted to approve 31 new gateway signs at locations across Sussex and Hampshire. The
new signs, made from iron or a mixture of wood and iron, will be installed during 2020. Following the resignation of Ms Louise Goldsmith as Leader of WSCC, Paul Marshall will be appointed as the new leader of the Council for the remainder of the four-year term to 2021. During October this year there was a 7,000 increase in 101 callers compared to 2018. However call waiting times have improved. In October 2018 there was an average wait of 17m 57s for the 101 nonemergency number, that has now reduced to an average of 7m 39s. From 1 December anyone using a West Sussex household waste recycling site (HWRS) will need to provide proof of residency in West Sussex. The sites are funded by West Sussex council tax payers and access will be denied if proof of residency is not shown. www.westsussex.gov.uk Organisations across Sussex now have the opportunity to bid for funding of up to £5,000 to help keep Sussex safe. To qualify, projects should demonstrate how they will increase or promote community safety within the local community. Applications are open until 11 December. For more info and to apply visit: www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/apply-forfunding/
Chichester Yacht Club award Juliet Brecknell from Boxgrove has been selected to receive the prestigious Royal Yachting Association Lifetime Commitment Award in recognition of her commitment to Chichester Yacht Club.
Juliet Brecknell Lifetime Commitment Award winner
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£250,000 funding available for Chichester District communities
New children’s play equipment, improvements to community buildings, and traffic calming measures are just some of the projects that have been funded as part of a scheme overseen by Chichester District Council. More than 40 projects in 28 parishes have received a share of over £250,000 through the council’s New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) Scheme, including Midhurst’s recreation ground at Carron Lane, and Chichester Rugby Football Club. The scheme is open to all communities that have taken new homes. The Grants and Concessions Panel reviewed the applications and distributed the money for local projects within the district. See the full list of projects at, www.chichester.gov.uk/newhomesbonus
Tools With A Mission
For more than 30 years, Tools With A Mission (TWAM), a Christian charity based in Ipswich, have been recycling tools and sending them across the world to enable those without means to earn a living and bring their families out of poverty. These otherwise unobtainable resources, provide dignity and independence to those who need it most. Tools are sorted into trade kits and 20 containers filled with over 300 tonnes that are sent every year. 4 tonnes are processed by the Chichester group attached to Chichester Baptist Church. The impact on a community is huge. Having been trained to use and maintain them, the kits are given to men and women who go on to set up businesses and invariably employ others. One inspiring story came from across the world, where the women from a Ugandan village called Nakakabala, formed a cooperative and applied to TWAM for a sewing machine. Now they can afford to feed their families, send their children to school, and in uniforms they have made themselves. TWAM having seen the transformation have sent more machines. Potential donors can contact the nearest collector on twam.uk
Charity & Community
to the event make a great gift as well as raising vital funds for The Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury. The Supercar Event is a two-day family festival celebrating some of the world’s most luxurious and high-performing sports cars whilst raising vital funds to support the work of The Children’s Trust. The event is on 24th & 25th July and as well as supercar rides on the historic circuit, there are other attractions for all ages including helicopter rides, a driving school for teenagers and a dedicated children’s area. www.thesupercareevent.com
The Arts Society Boxgrove
The Arts Society Boxgrove (formerly Walberton) is now enjoying its new venue at Boxgrove Village Hall for monthly lectures. The Arts Society Boxgrove is a friendly, sociable and vibrant society and is welcoming new members to join and share their enthusiasm for the arts. 10 monthly lectures are held each year, membership is £45 p.a. and guests £6. However, to introduce their society to the new community, they are offering a first free lecture and anyone joining before 31st December will be extended an invitation to attend their surprise relaunch party in January. For information: www.tasboxgrove.org.uk
Spooktacular Charity Event
Visitors were thrilled during the Halloween Spooktacular event at the Aldingbourne Country Centre near Chichester. With record numbers of over 4,000 people attending this annual event held in their woodland walk, which was transformed into a spooky wood extravaganza. There was also a non-scary trail and story time, and everyone was invited to dress up for the occasion, with witches, wizards, skeletons, princesses and fairies attending over the three-day event. The Country Centre is now busy getting ready for their Breakfast with Santa days on the 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th December. For more information, visit: www.aldingbournetrust.org/breakfast-with-santa
Healthwatch West Sussex The team at Tools With A Mission
Children’s Trust Supercar Event Building on the success of last year’s event, The Children’s Trust Supercar Event will be back at Goodwood for two days next year. They have a pre-Christmas offer of 20% off all entrance tickets, so if you don’t know what to buy “petrolheads” for Christmas, tickets
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They have a simple ambition - to make local health and social care services better for people that use them. They are here to listen, take action, and influence positive change for local people living in West Sussex. Healthwatch are supporting the proposed Midhurst Integrated Health Hub engagement work by providing updates on their progress. Watch their latest video update: www.healthwatchwestsussex.co.uk If you have any feedback about the proposed Midhurst Integrated Health Hub contact Cheryl Berry at cheryl.berry@healthwatchwestsussex.co.uk
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Gardening
In Your Garden Monthly gardening ideas and tasks by Andrew Staib, Principal Designer of Glorious Gardens Gardening in Winter There’s lots to do in our gardens in Winter but we can go out with our welly boots in a leisurely way, knowing there’s not much that is urgent. You can really clean your greenhouse now, washing down the insides of the glass and opening up all of the doors and windows for the frosts to kill any insects. Old grow bags can be composted and tools sharpened. Vegetables Everlasting Spinach and Kale can still be harvested, as well as potatoes and Jerusalem artichokes dug up from the ground, or pots emptied, to reveal these golden delights. If you find any green tomatoes these can be made into green tomato chutney and figs into a green fig jam. Tender plants Exotic plants like Australian Tree Ferns and Bananas can be wrapped in cloche once you have removed the leaves to stop the frosty air penetrating the cells of these tropical plants. Also pots that might not be as frost hardy as they seem can be wrapped in bubble wrap and stowed away in sheds or in a sheltered part of the garden. If they have tender plants in them, they can be stored in a greenhouse but they will need some watering over the Winter months. Leaves You can keep tidying leaves and can create mounds of them in different corners of the garden to give hibernating hedgehogs and insects a place to sleep and be protected from birds. Leaves can be composted and it’s best that they have their own separate container as they break down in a different way from other garden and compost waste. By the Spring, depending on the softness of the leaf, they might even be ready for next Summer to put onto the beds. (Oak leaves take forever). Make sure that there are some containers lying about where fresh water can collect for wildlife. Also resist the urge to prune ivy until later in the Spring, as over the Winter it is a valuable food source for all sorts of creatures.
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Outdoor fun with (or without) children As well as foraging on a country walk, you can collect an assortment of interesting foliage and berries for a front door wreath. Take some gardening wire and use a few rounds to make a sturdy circle of wire. Then you can simply weave in the foliage. Ferns, branches of Yew, Pyracantha berries, Holly leaves and berries, variegated or normal Ivy plus sticks of cinnamon and dried orange slices. You can forage with the kids or grandchildren and
Gardening
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collect leaves, nuts, old pieces of crockery, bones and wood and using PVA glue, stick them onto a wooden board, making a collage that you can then enhance with glitter or paint. These can make thoughtful and cheap Christmas presents as well! Snail Races, this is only for the brave. Collect some snails with the kids, put them on a path, draw a finish line and yell “Go!� Mesmerising fun, though quite dangerous. Finally, it is tempting in Winter to snuggle up indoors with the TV but there is nothing more wonderful than toasting marshmallows around an open fire. Print off some carol sheets and start a new family tradition. New planting If your garden is lacking colour at this time of year, think of introducing some of the great famous hardy Winter plants like Witch hazel (Hamemelis), Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), Winter honeysuckle (Lonicera purpusii) and Winter Cherry (Prunus autumnalis).
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Gardening
December events Obviously it is the time of Christmas Fairs. Horsham Sunday Christmas market, the Uckfield Festival of Christmas, Arundel by Candlelight and ice-skating at the Pavilion in Brighton are just a few things to do! Happy Christmas Everyone and give your back a wellearned rest.
December tasks • Plant - It’s the right time to plant trees and hedges taken straight from the field. They are normally called ‘bareroot’ as opposed to ‘container grown’. They are half the price and settle nicely into the cool moist earth. It is still ok to order and plant bulbs. The soil is still very warm even if the air isn’t. • Prune - You can prune heavily sapping trees like Birches now and Grape vines before the Winter sets in. • Harvest - the rest of your root crops and lift and store your Dahlia bulbs.
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Charity Profile
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Sussex Pathways
Supporting ex-offenders to build successful futures in Sussex. By Georgia Brown 46% of adults are reconvicted within one year of their release from prison. For those serving sentences of less than 12 months, this increases to 58%. When considering why individuals reoffend in Sussex, factors including lack of housing, reduced employment and increased risk of homelessness play a significant role in the reason why people are returning to crime after their release. Furthermore, with a January inspection placing East Sussex’s largest prison, HMP Lewes under “special measures” for prisoner violence, extreme drug abuse and increased self-harm, the unstable reality many offenders in Sussex face, both during and after their sentence, holds an uncertain future. Help to resettle For over a decade, Lewes-based charity Sussex Pathways has worked tirelessly to tackle the negative reality for many people leaving prison. Their volunteers support ex-offenders both before and after release, helping them to make positive life choices, and to resettle into the local community. Sussex Pathways achieve this through the provision of their Volunteer Key Worker services for prison leavers, as well as rehabilitation support within prisons and a restorative justice service that works pre and post-release with perpetrators and victims of crime. Shirl Tanner, CEO at Sussex Pathways explains that it is often harder for offenders to leave prison than it is to enter prison. “Consider this, someone facing prison with a drug or alcohol addiction has the opportunity to get clean during their sentence, gain self respect and mutual respect from their peers and the Officers. Yet, when they leave prison, they have nothing to return to but the lifestyle they once had. They quickly slip into old habits, return to sleeping under the Pier, continue lacking support from others.” A Sussex Pathways Volunteer Key Worker can make the difference to an exoffender’s life by giving them an alternative narrative to focus on. Shirl says having support from a volunteer can determine the difference between an exoffender relapsing on drugs, alcohol and crime as soon as they have been released, or never going back to drugs and homelessness again. Sussex Pathways volunteers work with those in prison for up to six weeks before their release date to ensure they have support in getting accommodation and attending prerelease appointments to steer them in the right direction towards independence. Support in prison Sussex Pathways also run courses in prison, focusing on life skills and mindfulness, giving prisoners the tools to understand how they can take responsibility for their actions. The volunteers help prisoners to recognise what skills they may be lacking and how they can develop these before being released back
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through the door into the community. The volunteers also create a safe space within the prisons where offenders can go to discuss their concerns about facing life when released back into the community. All this contributes to reducing reoffending and creating safer communities in the local area. No government funding Shirl continues, “We take referrals on a daily basis, we have leaflets and posters around the prison, staff wear t-shirts stating they are from Sussex Pathways we always make ourselves approachable to prisoners, and work alongside other agencies in the prison to increase the support. If anyone needs our help, all they need to do is reach out.” According to Shirl, Sussex Pathways is only a small charity that relies entirely on funding and donations as they have no support from the government. Shirl says, “funding helps to pay for everything from the courses we have to offer, to core costs, to staffing. Without funding, Sussex Pathways simply wouldn't exist.” Success stories Lucy Edwards, Project Manager at Sussex Pathways reflects on a time an ex-prisoner benefited from the services the charity has to offer. The letter ‘D’ will be used to protect the individual’s identity. “D was due to be released from HMP Lewes with no fixed abode, despite having a mental health diagnosis and having received no housing support whilst in custody” Lucy said. Before his release, D engaged with a Sussex Pathways mentor who helped him arrange a meeting with the housing officer based in the prison, in an attempt to secure accommodation ready for his release. Lucy continued, “on D’s release day, a mentor from our charity met him at the gate and attended the Council to present as homeless.” From the moment he was released, a Sussex Pathways volunteer supported D in his journey towards securing permanent housing. This is part of the charity’s ‘Through the Gate’ Volunteer Key Worker scheme, where volunteers are trained to work alongside individuals leading up to release from prison. Volunteer Key Workers will begin supporting people in prison approximately 6 weeks pre-release and will meet with them at the gate on the day of release and continue to provide weekly support in the community for up to six months. Lucy continues, “However, despite D having acquired medical information pre-release stating the medication he takes to treat his mental health diagnosis and a letter from the prison’s healthcare department, he was told that he did not possess enough evidence to place him in priority housing.” D had been successful in securing a fund to finance some B&B accommodation, which he and his mentor used in an attempt to secure some temporary accommodation instead. However, D had not yet received his necessary identification documents that he had applied for, meaning he was unable to book a bed in temporary accommodation. Lucy recalls D becoming
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increasingly frustrated, “he even began to speak of committing another offence in order to go back to prison, as at least he would have somewhere to sleep if he did so.” Eventually, with support from his Sussex Pathways Volunteer Key Worker, D was placed in temporary accommodation. However, leaving prison had an increasingly negative effect on his mental health. D became paranoid and felt unsafe in his own accommodation. Lucy said, “after this incident, D fled Brighton as he did not feel safe and went to London, yet he continued to have telephone contact with his Sussex Pathways mentor, where she was able to form links
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Charity Profile / Business Directory
with the local Salvation Army in an act of continued support. Although D was very unwell, he continued to make contact with his mentor requesting help and guidance. D was visited in hospital and the mentor liaised with hospital staff and attended a review meeting that took place. D was displaying very paranoid thoughts and would not trust any hospital staff, eat the food or allow them to attempt to support him.” Most importantly, Sussex Pathways did not give up on D. His mentor took forward actions that needed to be resolved, including helping to set up his bank account and organising his benefit payments, by talking with a money advice service and providing necessary information to the hospital and D on this matter. Lucy said, “D remains in hospital; however, his mental health is improving and he is beginning to engage with staff there. Sussex Pathways aims to support D again in the community once he is discharged.” The Volunteer Programme & Restorative Justice Sussex Pathways prides itself on its volunteers, who run the charity completely independently without any government support. They train and support the volunteers to achieve the effective resettlement into the community for people leaving prison and directly provide a range of services, as well as mobilising the support of partner organisations. The Volunteer Key Worker programme promotes progression towards education, training and employment. It supports the development of life skills such
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as improving personal relationships and interpersonal and communication skills as well as helping to integrate into the community. Furthermore, Sussex Pathways run a unique “Restorative Pathways” programme, which provides a volunteer-based Restorative Justice service; enabling victims to tell offenders about the real impact of their crime and to get answers to questions. Restorative Justice also offers the offender an opportunity to understand the impact and to say ‘sorry’, hoping to make amends with those who have been affected. This is an incredibly moving and empowering opportunity for all parties involved and is managed in a safe and structured environment. If you would like to support Sussex Pathways and their extensive efforts to secure a positive future for ex-prisoners and their communities, please donate at www.sussexpathways.org.uk/make-a-donation
Business Directory Advertisers call 01903 868 474 or email info@sussexlocal.net 3cm box £10 + VAT per month (including design) 6cm box £20 + VAT per month, min 6 months.
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