December 2019
Barnham - Aldingbourne - Eastergate - Oving - Tangmere - Westergate Local news and events through the door to 5,400 homes in this area every month
SUSSEX PATHWAYS Charity helping offenders WHAT’S ON
Christmas special
WIN TICKETS! Wizard of Oz Panto
GARDENS
Winter gardening
NEWS
Council, charity & schools
PLUS
What’s On, Recipe, Prize Crossword, Young Readers’ Puzzles, Health, Local Walks, Local Groups & Charity, Business Directory
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December 2019 Cover image Season’s Greetings
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. Do let us know if it forms part of a special family meal. There’s plenty to look at in this month’s issue including our competitions with a chance to win Panto tickets (insert own quip here!) to see The Wizard of Oz. 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. We also bring you local charity and community news, school and parish council updates. Hopefully you’ll find something useful or interesting at this busy time of year and, as always, we welcome your thoughts. 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 Parish council news
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Crossword Recipe - Festive Fruit Jelly Young readers' puzzles WIN! Wizard of Oz Panto tickets Schools news Health & Wellbeing - seasonal indulgence Motoring - the rise of the EV Walks Charity & Community In Your Garden - Winter gardening Sussex Pathways charity profile
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Business Directory Advertiser Index
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January booking deadline 1st Dec Kay Publishing Ltd PO Box 2237 Pulborough RH20 9AH info@sussexlocal.net www.sussexlocal.net903 868474
Established in 2007, we publish and hand-deliver seven editions free of charge to over 45,000 homes and businesses every month. Display advertising starts at just £24 a month per edition (1/8th). Business Directory £10 per month per edition. We welcome reader letters and community notices which we publish free of charge.
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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What’s On
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Parish Council News
Barnham & Eastergate Edited extracts from draft minutes of the Barnham & Eastergate Parish Council meeting held on 22nd October 2019. Approval of Grants The Council recently approved a Grant Awarding Policy from Barnham and Eastergate Parish Council, agreeing to receive a report and recommendations for the awarding of grants for 2019/20. The report also sought to increase the current £1000 budget to accommodate all the requests by moving funds that were brought into the new Parish Council from the former separate Barnham and Eastergate Councils that had not been taken into account when preparing the budget. The budget was increased from £1000 to £2325 in order to enable the following grant awards to be approved: Village Friends—£500 Arun & Chichester Citizens Advice Bureau—£150 4Sight Vision based in Bognor Regis- £175 Age UK West Sussex—£1500 In the future, the Council plan to ask each organisation to inform them at the end of each financial year how the money was spent to benefit local residents. Additional street light request on Fontwell Avenue The Council received a request from Claremont Gardens Care Home on Fontwell Avenue, to consider the
installation of a streetlight on the footpath outside the home. It was believed that the original reason for the request for the streetlight was safety driven, yet Councillors felt there was already adequate lighting at the area. Following a recent Bat Survey commissioned by the Council, it was confirmed there would be a probable environmental impact. For this reason, it was agreed to defer a final decision on the proposed streetlight until next meeting, whilst a small group of Councillors undertook a night time visit to establish whether the application could be justified on safety grounds. Adoption of Bus Shelters Adur District Council approached Councillors to see if they would be willing to consider responsibility for a new bus shelter, but the developer was now seeking to replace it with contributions to improve cycle path provision in the area. It was concluded that the Council would not be willing to take on this specific proposal, nor any responsibility of bus shelters in the Parish if approached by WSCC. A29 realignment It was concluded that the Coast to Capital Report circulated was not going to impact on the plans for the A29 realignment. Confirmation would be sought on 28th November on progress and funding. www.barnhamandeastergate-pc.gov.uk
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Crossword
Prize Crossword
Win a ÂŁ20 meal voucher for The George, Eartham
Barnham Dec 2019
October 2019 solution below:
Winner: John Du Bois from Storrington. 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)
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
ÂŁ20 meal voucher for
The George, Eartham
Name: ...............................................................................................................
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Valid for 3 months after issue. No change given. Cannot be exchanged for cash value.
Eartham, PO18 0LT 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.
01243 888 342 07508 475 442
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
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Wizard of Oz
A traditional family pantomime
This pantomime season promises to be the best ever at the Alexandra Theatre. After an outstanding Box Office smash last year – ‘Cinderella’ – Spillers Pantomimes have teamed up with the Regis Centre once again, to create one of their best ever Family Pantomimes – ‘ The Wizard of Oz’. Why not join us for a fun packed show, a production full of laughter, comedy, spectacle and traditional pantomime nonsense. With a little something for everyone, this has to be the best value for money pantomime on the South Coast. A traditional pantomime for the whole family.
Barnham Primary Alice in Wonderland
Nonsense words, rhyming verse, eccentric characters, and an unpredictable plot - it must be year 3 and 4's topic this term - Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland! The story of a little girl who followed a rabbit into a strange land has inspired countless minds young and old alike for over 150 years. "Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." This timeless story captivates the reader and its diverse contents allows a multitude of curriculum activities to be explored. The young writers have produced wonderful text
Competition / Schools 15 Dorothy and her dog Toto get transported to the wonderful world of Oz, where they learn that the only way to get back home is to visit the great and powerful Wizard. On their journey to the Emerald City, they meet a Scarecrow, who is in need of a brain, a Tin Man, who is in need of a heart, and a Lion, who could do with some courage. The four together embark on an adventure to see the wonderful Wizard of Oz! We have a family ticket available to see the Wizard of Oz panto at the Regis Centre, Bognor Regis between 18th Dec to 4th Jan 2020 excluding 24th and 26th Dec, subject to availability. Shows at varying times. For more information call Box office on 01243 861010 or visit www.alexandratheatre.co.uk.
Win a family ticket to see The Wizard of Oz To enter the competition answer the question below: Q: What is the Scarecrow in need of? a) Brain b) Eyes c) Courage Send your answer and contact details to: Wizard of Oz Panto Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough, RH20 9AH or enter online at www.sussexlocal.net/ features/competitions Winner drawn after 15th December 2019. Please indicate if you wish to remain on our mailing list.
using critical thinking and reflective writing. The display boards are awash with colour and imagination, creativity and prose. Auditions for production have taken place and pupils are eagerly learning delightful quotes from the characters - the Cheshire cat -"I'm not crazy - my reality is just different than yours". "Take some more tea" said the March Hare. Costumes are laboriously being made - The Queen of Hearts and Caterpillar are proving to be particularly complex! A lot of fun has been put into the learning journey at Barnham Primary school! www.barnhamprimaryschool.co.uk
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Health & Wellbeing
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
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Motoring News 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%.
Motoring 17 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.”
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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 Tue 3rd
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11:00am A Midhurst Meander L: Harvey & Jon 30 mins 1 mile New weekly walk. Jubilee Walk & South Pond Meet: The Grange Leisure Centre, Bepton Road, Midhurst, GU29 9HD 10.30am Kingley Vale L: Alison & Pete 2 hrs 4 miles Meet: West Stoke car park, Downs Road PO18 9BE 10:30am Pagham to Siddlesham L: Jane 2 hrs 4.5 miles Meet: At the harbour end of Church Lane, where road ends. (Nearest postcode PO21 4NR) 10:30 am Pulborough Brooks L: Peter 2 hrs 3.5 miles Meet: RSPB Reserve car park, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, RH20 2EL. 10:30am Chichester Canal L: Helen 30 mins 1 mile Meet: Chichester Canal, Basin Road, Chichester PO19 8DT 10:30am Kirdford L: Richard 1.5 hrs 3.5 miles Meet: In front of the Half Moon pub in Kirdford, RH14 0LT 10:30am Asdean Farm Shop L: Bruce 2 hrs 4.25 m 150m ascent. Moderately strenuous climb up to Asdean Down Meet: Asdean Farm Shop car park (Nearby Postcode PO18 9DN) 10:00am Chichester Cathedral L: Jane 2 hrs 4 miles A flat walk which takes an urban route quickly out of Chichester Meet: Chichester Cathedral PO19 1PX 10:30am Burpham L: Dominic All day 7 miles Hilly walk with some stiles. Lovely views. Meet: The public car park behind the George at Burpham BN18 9RR 10:30am Chichester Canal L: Peter 30 mins 1 mile Meet: Chichester Canal, Basin Road, Chichester PO19 8DT 10.30am Tillington Via Pitshill L: Gerald 1.5 hrs 3 miles Come along and enjoy the picturesque and peaceful countryside in and around Tillington Meet: The Horse Guards Inn, Upperton Road, Tillington, GU28 9AF 2:00pm Emsworth Harbour L: Helen 1 hour 3 miles Option of a shorter 1 mile, 30 minute walk. Return to the church hall for refreshments Meet: The New Life Christian Church car park 10:30am Chidham Peninsula L: Alison 2.5 hrs 5 miles Meet: Cobnor Farm Amenity car park, Chidham Lane, PO18 8TD 10.30am Heathlands Reunited L: Charles 1.5 hrs 1.3 miles A gentle circular walk Meet: Lord’s Piece, Coates Lane, Sutton, Chichester, RH20 1PZ. 10:30am Compton L: Jane 3 hrs 6 miles Meet: Compton Recreation Ground car park, PO18 9HA 10:45am Climping L: Dominic 1hr 15mins 2½ miles Refreshments are available at the Yacht Club on the return Meet: Arun Yacht Club Car Park, Rope Walk, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 5DL 10:30am Chichester Canal L: Helen 30 mins 1 mile Meet: Chichester Canal, Basin Road, Chichester PO19 8DT 11:00am Jubilee Walk & South Pond L: Harvey & Jon 30 mins 1 mile Meet: The Grange Leisure Centre, Bepton Road, Midhurst, GU29 9HD 10:30am Chichester Canal L: Helen 30 mins 1 mile Meet: Chichester Canal, Basin Road, Chichester PO19 8DT 11:00am Jubilee Walk & South Pond L: Harvey & Jon 30 mins 1 mile Meet: The Grange Leisure Centre, Bepton Road, Midhurst, GU29 9HD
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Protect your Home against Care Costs by Steve Worsfold of Sussex Will Writers If you want your assets to pass to your family, then you will need to be proactive and take advice. Our Estate Protection Trust Wills have the effect of placing up to 50% of your estate out of the reach of the Local Authority for care fees assessment. This is a very common and legitimate course of action for many of my clients and it is done without losing total control over your home. These are the big fears faced by most people who have spent their lifetime building up assets. You may want to pass your assets to your chosen beneficiaries but the need for funding Long Term Care fees could change that significantly. Mike Warburton, Tax Partner at accountants Grant Thornton, said “Traditionally, we have advised couples to enter into Discretionary Will Trusts as part of their IHT planning. This is where half the house passes into trust for any children on the death of the first spouse. But I believe that the Trust could also mean that property could, in effect, be disregarded when Local Authorities assess how much your estate should pay towards long-term care.” You will need to ensure that the way in which your property is owned is changed to Tenants In Common so Estate Protection Trusts Wills work effectively.
Our Estate Protection Trust Wills could help pass the capital on to your beneficiaries instead of being available for the Local Authority to take. They are also effective in protecting your children’s inheritance if you leave everything to a spouse and the spouse then remarries after your death. If you would like to learn more please call Steve Worsfold at Sussex Will Writers, quoting “Sussex Local” to receive a 10% Discount from the usual fee of £580 for Mirror Estate Protection Wills.
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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 Tust 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 Wed 4th December to provide a full on clubbing experience for people with a learning disability and/or autism. 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 2 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 please visit: www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/apply-forfunding/
Charity/community notices to: info@sussexlocal.net
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Charity & Community
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Christmas Tree Recycling
Digital hub in Bognor Regis
The simplest, greenest and most charitable way to get rid of your Christmas tree this year is to get involved in St Wilfrid’s Christmas Tree Recycling Scheme. Let St Wilfrid’s team of volunteers collect your tree and ethically dispose of it for you from 6th to 20th January 2020 in return for a donation to the Hospice. Your donation will mean the gift of quality time for patients facing terminal illness to spend with their loved ones. St Wilfrid’s Hospice is there for patients and their families all day, every day of the year. So while we are all enjoying some festive cheer over Christmas, our nurses, chefs and housekeeping staff will be here doing their bit to give patients and their families the best Christmas possible. By teaming up with Chichester District Council, St Wilfred’s will also be providing your tree with new life as organic mulch, feeding the Christmas trees of the future. You can find your post code and sign up at: stwh.co.uk/christmastrees
Construction of a new, creative digital hub has started in Bognor Regis. Called ‘The Track’, the hub will offer a shared and collaborative employment workspace, events space, meeting rooms and ultra-fast fibre connection for creative and digital businesses in the area. The Track will take about five months to construct and will support the growth of creative and digital businesses. It has been designed by internationallyrenowned designer and West Sussex resident Wayne Hemingway. The works are due to complete in March 2020, and The Track is due to open in April 2020.
Christmas crafting Santa Claus will be coming to town on Saturday 7th December. Join in the festive fun with the Aldingbourne Trust from 11am to 2pm at their Creative Arts Studio, 73 Aldwick Road, Bognor Regis. Where they will be getting in the festive spirit with a charity fundraising Christmas Market in aid of the My Network project. My Network is part of a welcoming place where people with learning disabilities can come to seek advice, find out information or just meet friends and socialise. The Christmas Market will raise additional funds needed to continue the support the Aldingbourne Trust offer to adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.
Bob Lanzer, Bronwen Byng and Ty Donat at the ceremonial ‘breaking of ground’ for ‘The Track’
Fighting against Ash disease Peter Stanley, from the Aldingbourne Country Centre, said “This fungal Ash disease is changing our local habitats, and according to West Sussex County Council, the disease has the potential to kill 95% of West Sussex ash trees over the next 10–20 years.” With the threat of the disease, the Aldingbourne Country Centre decided to survey their grounds during the summer to help monitor and reduce the environmental impact this disease is taking locally. The survey highlighted several infected trees in the Country Centre Woodland Walk , and as a matter of precaution the woodland was closed whilst the maintenance work could be carried out. The Trust are doing all they can to dispose of the infected trees effectively, by burning them for fuel for their on site biomass boilers.
Stories to info@sussexlocal.net
MENCAP Art Competition The Creative Arts Studio, a social enterprise of the Aldingbourne Trust, gives the people they support opportunity to express themselves and learn new skills in a creative and friendly environment. The Creative Arts students have recently won six prizes at the 2019 Mid-Sussex MENCAP Mary Wheeler Art Competition.
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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
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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
Charity Profile
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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
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
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
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