Sussex Local Magazine Arundel - January 2020

January 2020

Arundel - Amberley - Fontwell - Ford - Slindon - Walberton - Yapton Local news and events through the door to 6,700 homes in this area every month

SAMARITANS Bringing hope to life WHAT’S ON January listings

GARDENS Winter gardening

HISTORY

WIN!

Home decluttering

NEWS

Charity, councils & schools

Swanbourne Lake

PLUS

What’s On, Recipe, Prize Crossword, Young Readers’ Puzzles, Health, Walks, Local Groups & Charity, Business Directory

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January 2020 Cover image January frosts in the Sussex countryside

Welcome... ...to the start of a new year and a new decade! We hope 2020 brings us all peace and good health.

Sadly many find January a very difficult time of year. Extra family and financial pressures from Christmas can add to the gloom that often follows the festive period. The Samaritans are there to help and we spotlight this amazing charity which was established in 1953.

Many readers will be thinking of making changes to improve their health this year and Heather Smith gives advice on how to get in shape - for free!

Keeping with the healthy theme, our January recipe of hearty Beetroot soup can help you on your way to your “five-a-day”.

As usual, we have community news from schools, councils and local good causes. If you know of a local community group or a charity that could benefit from promotion in this magazine please email us. There’s no charge to publish details about local charities or not-for-profit organisations.

If you’re thinking of buying a new car this year, a fully electric car is the best choice for 1 in 5 buyers! Read more in our regular motoring feature.

It’s a quiet time of year for gardeners, Andrew Staib encourages planning and quiet contemplation in this month’s gardening article.

Happy New Year!

Kris & Jeff Quote of the month "You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great" - ZIG ZIGLAR 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! Home decluttering Arundel history Yapton & Ford history Motoring news Local schools news Local walks Property Charity & Community Health & Wellbeing Parish council news Samaritans charity profile Prize crossword Recipe In Your Garden Business Directory Computers Advertiser Index

4 9 10 12 13 14 16 18 19 22 24 26 32 34 35 38 38 42 Kay Publishing Ltd PO Box 2237 Pulborough RH20 9AH info@sussexlocal.net www.sussexlocal.net

01903 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

Competition

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3 hour decluttering with hspace Get organised in the new year!

Simplify your life in 2020.

Let hspace help you declutter and reorganise your surroundings.

Whether at home or at work, if you are feeling overwhelmed by your surroundings, hspace can help. Hspace was started by qualified lawyer Helen Clutton and is based in Storrington. In 2019 they have delighted clients by organising their offices, paperwork, house moves, downsizing, teenage bedrooms, children’s playrooms, garages, wardrobes, whole houses and organising following a bereavement. They are very experienced and discreet, and the feedback from their clients is always glowing.

Not only do they help you declutter and get organised, they also offer practical solutions so that you can maintain order in the future.

Here are just a few more things they can do for you: • Personal shopping and wrapping service • Arranging auctioneers and house clearers

01903 863 539 07508 475 442

• Stylist service • Preparing homes for long term visitors or new arrivals Resolve to get organised in 2020. Once you sort your surroundings out, you will feel refreshed, relieved and re-energised. Take control of your space.

Contact Helen on 07939 278923 or by email helenc@hspace.co.uk or visit www.hspace.co.uk.

Win a free 3 hour decluttering session with hspace To enter the competition answer the question below: Q: What was Helen qualified as? a) lawyer b) chef c) accountant Send your answer and contact details to: hspace Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough, RH20 9AH or enter online at www.sussexlocal.net/features/ competitions Winner drawn after 31st January 2020. Please indicate if you wish to remain on our mailing list.

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History

A brief history of Swanbourne Lake part 1

By Mark Phillips

Swanbourne Lake Photo by Mark Phillips

Swanbourne Lake lies in the lower part of a deep steep-sided valley or coombe that has been eroded into the chalk bedrock. The valley starts at the crest of the Downs and ends in the flood plain of the River Arun, which is underlain by soft alluvial clay and peat.

Damming of a stream in the valley, marked on maps as Pugh Dean Bottom, eventually created the lake that we see today with its overflow of a sparkling chalk stream we know as the Mill Stream.

A millpond is known to have existed on the site in the c11th prior to the Norman Conquest. Records tell us that in 1066 the millpond pow- The old Swanbourne Water Mill ered a water mill which was valued at 40/- per annum. In 1340 the mill tithes bought in £3 and income from the mill supported the Priory (next to St Nicholas Church), the castle Chaplain (In 1301) and the leper hospital of St. James which was in the area now known as Park Bottom (In 1272).

It was recorded in 1595 that the pond was, ‘Too cold for fish in the summer but never too cold to freeze in winter’.

During the Civil War many of William Waller’s Parliamentarian troops entered Arundel from South Stoke along Mill Lane and “beat down” the two earthworks erected by the castle defenders. There is a very brief reference to the pond as a water source in 1644 during the Civil War noting that the pipes supplying water were cut by the Parliamentarians.

In 1768/9 the mill is recorded as grinding corn for Sir John Shelley of Michelgrove – a great political opponent to the Duke of Norfolk of the day, Duke Edward. The millpond was enlarged in the late 1700s to cover about 17 acres to become the lake we see today.

The Miller, Robert Horne (Born 1769) is recorded as

being killed on 1st January 1813 believed to be by the accidental starting of the water wheel at the mill. He was a Quaker and was buried in their burial ground in Tarrant Street behind the wall directly opposite Sparks Yard.

In 1834, Mark Aloysius Tierney wrote of Inside the old pump house Swanbourne Lake, ‘...in whose presence the lapse of centuries will easily be forgotten, and the mind, hastening back to the age of the Confessor, will muse on the lake and the stream as they existed then, and fancy itself beside the mill which was at work nearly eight hundred years ago’.

‘Arundel Mill and Castle, the subject of John Constable’s last great oil painting was not exhibited at the royal academy until after his death in 1837. Constable adored Arundel and wrote, “I never saw such beauty on natural landscapes before .... the meadows are lovely, so is the delightful river, but the trees are above all”.

The old water mill was demolished c1844 to make way for the castle Dairy, new pump house, a cow shed and dairyman’s residence.

Inside the castle dairy building - c1900

In 1846 Queen Victoria was given a tour of the new dairy and wrote in her diary: ‘We lunched with all the company, and afterwards took a nice, long walk with them all down the Slopes Walk to a charming Dairy, with gardens and a pretty little cottage, for the Duchess’s use, all so nicely kept.’ The dairy was still supplying the castle with butter, cream and milk in 1893 and any surplus was given to the poor of the parish.

Part II to follow next month.

By Historian Mark Phillips with thanks for notes from Adge Roberts and David Shilston.

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History

Bilsham Stores

By Allen Misselbrook, Yapton & Ford Local History Group

Bilsham Stores - c.1900 With yet another piece of Yapton history disappearing under bricks and mortar at the end of Cinders Lane, I felt that I should turn my attention to Cinders Farm.

This was a small farm backing on to Cinders Lane. In 1778, land tax records described it as ‘four acres of land to the north of ‘Sinders Lane’. The farmhouse was what is now Bilsham Stores. Seven years later, 1785, according to the Church Wardens’ Rate Book, it was in the hands of Edward Field. At some point between then and 1825 the ownership had changed to James Skaites Snr. Confirmed by the Land Tax Returns for that year.

By the time of the 1839 Tithe Map the farmhouse was still in the hands of James Skaites Snr. but his holding was described as cottage, yard, garden and orchard covering a total area of one acre and 32 perches. He was also recorded as owning four tenements and gardens adjoining his property, now known as ‘Fry’s Cottages’. The age of the farmhouse is unknown at present but when studying the roof and its timbers in the loft, it is obvious from the way it has been constructed that it is of great age. There is also evidence that the roof was once thatched.

From this point ownership of the farmhouse becomes a little confusing. The census returns for the next few decades are a little vague as to what entries apply to which properties. What is certain though are the entries in the 1895 and 1899 Kelly’s Trade Directories which give the occupier as George Chandler, his occupation was Grocer and Dairyman. This is confirmed in the 1901 Census where 53-year-old George Chandler, Grocer, is listed as living there with his wife, Hester and their 18-year-old daughter, Ethel. Their 17 -year-old nephew, Charles Price, is also living with them and is employed as a Grocers Assistant. Following the death of 77-year-old George in 1925, Hester continued to carry on the business from the old farmhouse, which by then was named Bilsham House.

Some time between the publication of the 1930 and 1934 Kelly’s Directories the shop changed hands with William Bissenden being the new Grocer. The next reference to the store was in 1938, again in the Kelly’s Directory, when it was owned by Albert Haymes. In an

advert for the shop, then described as a Grocers, Drapers and Hardware shop, he claimed it was ‘The Stores for Value’.

Another pair of names appeared on an advert in the early 1950’s, Albert and Muriel Chilver. Under the banner of Bilsham Stores they advertised themselves as Grocers, Provision Merchants, Tobacco- Advert c.1950 nists and Confectioners.

Added to this they were ‘The Newsagents for Early Deliveries’ and their ‘Perishable food safeguarded by cold storage’. They would also accept telephone orders for ‘Prompt Delivery’.

Through the next decade Bilsham Stores changed hands several times before Mrs. Donovan became the Proprietress around 1960. She became my first ‘boss’. I was one of her paper delivery boys for four years. That was when there were four or five delivery boys required in the morning and one in the evening.

She was a jovial ‘of fuller figure’ (I will risk being accused of not being PC) Welsh lady. The shop itself had the same entrance as today but it was the small front room of the house. The counter was immediately to the left of the entrance door and ran nearly the full depth of the room with a door into the rest of the house behind it. The wall was floor to ceiling with shelves as was the wall to the right of the entrance door. Customers would enter and give ‘Mrs. D.’ their shopping list (me included with my mother’s or grandmother’s list) to gather the items listed. Loose items were weighed manually on a set of large scales. All the prices were jotted down as she went while keeping up a constant interchange of village gossip. The final figure was totted up mentally, calculators and automatic tills were unheard of. If the customer could not pay immediately it was not a problem, it was noted in a little book and settled later. Sometimes customers were in need of something after closing time, but ‘Mrs. D.’ never seemed to mind people knocking on her door and asking for the forgotten items.

This kind of service was soon to come to an end with the advent of self-service stores and Bilsham Stores was no exception. The shop area was expanded throughout the ground floor giving the customers a much larger selection of goods to choose for themselves. The store has changed hands many times in the past fifty years, with the current owner, David Hughes, having been serving the needs of Yapton villagers since 2002.

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Motoring News A Fully Electric Car Is the Best Choice for 1 in 5 Buyers An electric vehicle is the best option for nearly one-infive new car buyers in the UK, according to exclusive research.

The What Car? What Fuel? calculator found a whopping 63.8% of new car buyers should opt for a hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle as their next car.

Analysis of the daily mileage, driving habits and vehicle requirements for more than 8400 users of the What Fuel? Calculator shows 19.2% of drivers could use a fully electric vehicle (EV) as their daily vehicle without compromising their routine.

Editor Steve Huntingford hopes that the more people learn about the benefits of running and owning an electric car, the faster the technology can reach its full potential.

Volkswagen Delivers 100,000th e-GOLF The model was launched in 2014 as the brand’s second battery electric vehicle and is now one of the most successful electric vehicles in Europe.

Motoring 13 The anniversary vehicle was painted in “Pure White” (pictured).

The delivery milestone of 100,000 vehicles is confirmation of the e- 100,000th e-Golf Golf’s success.

Ford wins International Van of the Year award 2020 Ford of Europe scored a unique 1-2 in the International Van of the Year Award 2020 competition. It secured the title with its range of Transit Custom Hybrids, which won comprehensively, scoring 97 points, with its nearest challenger (coincidently from its own stable) the new Ford Transit EcoBlue Hybrid in second place on 54 points.

Bentley turns 100 and plants 100 Trees Bentley Motors is planting 100 native British trees around it’s site in Crewe. As Bentley continues to focus on sustainablility, they feel this is a practical initiative for them to take as well as a fitting way to mark the end of their important centenary year.

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Schools

Arundel C of E School Museum Takeover Day Some of Yr 6 children had the opportunity to take over Arundel Museum last month, when they were Year 6, Arundel Museum asked to create their own exhibit in a glass display cabinet based on artefacts linked to Arundel in the First World War. They were invited to select artefacts of interest to them, to conduct research and label them to explain to the public what they were. We were also allowed to include some of our artwork resulting from our research about Reginald Dalton, an Arundel resident who was killed in 1916 in the Battle of Jutland, the largest sea battle of the First World War. Junior Youth Council by Dexter Grace, Rueben and Dexter went to Arun Civic Centre with Mrs Burchell, to attend the Junior Youth Council. This is made up of a group of Yr 6 pupils from each of the schools in our locality. We met a representative from the council’s wellbeing team and we discussed about health, healthy diets and litter. We also had to write what we would do to help our families to think about recycling. www.arundelchurchofenglandschool.org.uk

Amberley School

Pupils learn about nature The Nature Space that will help children learn about the environment and how to care for it has been unveiled following a huge community effort. Just one year ago, an outdoor area at Amberley School was an overgrown wilderness of weeds.

But fast forward to today and the space has been transformed into an amazing outdoor classroom, with vegetable and herb patches, a bug hotel and areas for hands-on learning about plants and animals.

There were cheers from schoolchildren, teachers, governors, parents and guests as Amberley School’s Nature Space was officially opened by Lady Emma Barnard, of nearby Parham House.

Nature Space is opened by Lady Emma Barnard

Those leaflets aren’t going to deliver themselves You know the ones. The left overs from the last print run.

The ones in the cupboard, just by the envelopes and last year’s accounts...

Let’s get those leaflets working for you. We can deliver them for you with next month’s Sussex Local for just £40 per 1,000 (minimum quantity 2,000 - you can pick specific areas) or £35/k for quantities over 10,000

Lazy leaflets. Don’t put up with them.

01903 868 474

info@sussexlocal.net The project is the culmination of months of hard work by the school community, spearheaded by the governors. The transformation was made possible thanks to funding from the South Downs National Park’s Sustainable Communities Fund, which contributed £7,500, together with £2,000 from Tesco Bags of Help, and over £5,000 from the Friends of The Nature Space opening Amberley School.

Jon Gilbert, Headteacher at Amberley School, said: “The Nature Space will provide a significant addition to the children’s curriculum at Amberley School. The children will use the space to grow and harvest a range of fruit and vegetables and will learn about the native creatures and plants that live in the South Downs. The Nature Space will provide a new dimension to the children’s learning.

“We’re delighted with the support we’ve received from local companies and individuals and with the number of volunteers who have willingly given their time to support this project. Amberley School is clearly at the heart of the community which it serves.” www.amberley.w-sussex.sch.uk

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Puzzles

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16 Walks

Local Walks - January

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 1st

Fri 3rd

Mon 6th

Mon 6th

Wed 8th

Fri 10th

Sun 12th

Mon 13th

Mon 13th

Thurs 16th

Fri 17th

Mon 20th

Wed 22nd

Fri 24th Wed 29th

Fri 31st

10:30am Black Rabbit L: Dominic 2 hrs 5 miles Easy, flat riverside walk, no stiles.

Meet: Mill Road car park by river in town centre (charge) BN18 9AA 10:30am West Marden L: Jane 2 hrs 30 mins 5 miles A pleasant walk with some hills and stiles. No dogs please.

Meet: West Marden on the corner of Nore Down Way. Nearby postcode PO18 9ES. 10:30am Chichester Canal L: Helen 30mins 1 mile A flat walk at a gentle pace, suitable for beginners.

Meet: Chichester Canal, Basin Road, Chichester PO19 8DT. 10:30am Tangmere L: Peter B 2 hrs 3 miles Flat walk via Aviation Museum to Tangmere Church. Then around the old airfield.

Meet: Oving park roadside, Church Lane, meet outside church. Nearby postcode PO20 2BT 10:30am Houghton Forest & Bignor Hill L: Alison 2hrs 30mins 6 miles A fairly strenuous walk with two long uphill stretches.

Meet: Whiteways Car Park. BN18 9FD. 10:30am Stoughton Down L: Jane 2hrs 30mins 5½ miles This is not suitable for beginners. It is a hilly walk. No dogs on this walk please.

Meet: Stoughton Down Car Park, nearby postcode PO18 9JQ. 10:30am Whiteways to Bignor Beacons L: Dominic All day 7½ miles HILLY. Bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink.

Meet: Whiteways car park on A29. BN18 9FD. 10:30am Eartham Woods Stane Street L: Peter Br 2 hrs 4 mile Meet: Free Forestry Commission car park, ¾ of a mile north of The George PH at Eartham. PO18 0LU. 10:30am Chichester Canal L: Helen 30mins 1 mile A flat walk at a gentle pace, suitable for beginners.

Meet: Chichester Canal, Basin Road, Chichester PO19 8DT. 10.30am Lord's Piece Pootle L: Charles 1 hr 30 mins 1.3 miles Suitable for pushchairs and off road trampers, but not wheelchairs.

Meet: Lord’s Piece, Coates Lane, Sutton, Chichester, RH20 1PZ. 10:30am Nutbourne to Printsted L: Jane 2 hours 4 mile It can be muddy and uneven. Does have stiles. No dogs on this walk please.

Meet: Entrance to Maybush Copse. Parking is very limited. PO18 8SR. 10:30am Chichester Canal L: Helen 30mins 1 mile A flat walk at a gentle pace, suitable for beginners.

Meet: Chichester Canal, Basin Road, Chichester PO19 8DT. 10:45am Climping L: Dominic 1 hr 15 mins 2½ miles Along dunes and beach to Climping Mill, then across fields to Ferry Road and Rope Walk.

Meet: Arun Yacht Club Car Park, Rope Walk, Littlehampton, BN17 5DL. 10:30am Fairmile Bottom L: Peter B 2 hrs 30 mins 4½ miles Meet: Park alongside the A29 after the Madehurst turn, close to the green and white "Bridleway" sign.

10:30am Around Itchenor L: Peter 2 hrs 4 miles.

A walk from Itchenor across farmland and along the shoreline path.

Meet: West Itchenor car park PO20 7AE (pay & display).

10:30am Sutton Common L: Peter B 2 hrs 4½ miles Through woodlands and sandy heathland (3 stiles).

Meet: Lord's Piece car park, RH20 1HG.

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Property

Energy performance certificates (EPCs)

By Chris Ennis FRICS We have all seen them, multi coloured slips on new electric appliances, and on estate agents’ sales particulars. An EPC is a review of a property’s energy ‘rating’ used to determine energy consumption and it is a useful tool enabling home owners to improve the efficiency and running costs of their home. We must surely all be mindful of climate change and ‘green issues’ and I would urge you all to study the EPC to help save both the planet, and some cash.

The EPC is shown on a colour and numeric coded scale from A (<100) to G (1>), ‘A’ being the most efficient with the cheapest fuel bills. The EPC on any property which has changed hands in the last few years is available to inspect online at the EPC register and once issued will be valid for 10 years. All properties should have an EPC when either sold, or let.

Rented property should have an EPC of ‘E’ or above, or the landlord could face a substantial fine.

The EPC shows the effect on energy consumption of making environmental changes at the property…

maybe changing to low energy lighting, changing the water boiler, upgrading window systems or providing photovoltaic /passive energy systems.

The EPC document is, of course, the product of a computer program which is currently programmed to the standard assessment procedure 12 (SAP 12) guidelines. These guidelines will soon be revised to a new standard of SAP 10 in which, amongst other things brings ‘rating equity’ between both gas and electricity where previously disparity had existed.

This alteration will encourage the use of more electric central heating systems and other green energy measures to facilitate the government aim of phasing out gas fired boilers and hobs in new property from 2025. This may affect some property values.

Fortunately, the newest generation of electric heaters are attractive, efficient, easy and cheap to install, and easy to control with in-built timers and thermostats.

Having installed and used the newest electric heaters I can speak highly of them. Don’t worry, you wont freeze in 2026!

Chris Ennis FRICS email: surveyor1@talktalk.net 01903 261 217 or www.propdoctor.co.uk

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Sussex Snippets Turning Tides, in partnership with Brighton Women’s Centre and Safe in Sussex, have successfully secured a Tampon Tax funding grant. This will help support women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in areas across West Sussex. www.turning-tides.org.uk Aldingbourne Trust WorkAid team won the Employee/ Team of the Year award at Arun Business Partnership Awards on 15th November at the Hilton Avisford Park Hotel, The WorkAid team work across West Sussex helping people with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum conditions into work. For more details see: www.aldingbournetrust.org/workaid The Bright Horizons Foundation for Children opened two new Bright Spaces for Sussex Police on 21 November. The Bright Spaces are located in two Victim Suites in Sussex police stations. Victims and witnesses across Sussex are now able to give evidence in a safe and secure environment without having to travel a long way or have to face their perpetrators in court.

The Home of Rolls-Royce was recently honoured to become the stage for a fundraising evening for The Sussex Snowdrop Trust. Over 100 guests gathered at the Goodwood site in aid of this Walberton based charity, which provides nursing care at home for children who have a life-threatening or terminal illness, and offers emotional and financial support for their families. www.thesussexsnowdroptrust.com CLIC Sargent supports children and young people with cancer. Volunteers are needed to help with events in 2020; they are looking for help with bucket collections taking place across Sussex for World Cancer Day, 1 – 4 February. Also for longer term volunteers to help with collection tins, events and raising awareness in the local community. Please email Rose at rose.bailey@clicsargent.org.uk.

Volunteers are joining Sussex Police to support victims of fraud. 23 volunteers will work with officers to contact local individuals and businesses who have recently reported scams to Action Fraud. They will be offering tailored prevention advice on areas such as telephone/mobile phone scams, identity theft and online hacking. They will also signpost victims to Safe Space Sussex for free access to local support services.

A major new initiative has launched to plant 5,000 trees across the South Downs National Park. Coinciding with National Tree Week in November. “Trees for the Downs” will aim to restore trees that have been lost due to pests and diseases, including Ash Dieback and Dutch Elm Disease. The South Downs National Park Trust, the official charity for the National Park, is now aiming to raise £61,500 to plant the trees. www.southdowns.gov.uk Ditchling Museum, King Edward VII Sanatorium in Easebourne, The Riverside House in Lewes, Nithurst

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Farm in Upperton and Easebourne Community Space, near Midhurst all won awards at the South Downs National Park's first Design Awards. These awards recognise outstanding design projects in the first decade of the National Park. www.southdowns.gov.uk Bee Lines campaign which aims to restore flower-rich habitats for pollinators in the South Downs has now raised more than £27,000. The latest fundraising boost has come from Forest Holidays, which gave just over £9,400. Midhurst Rother College pupils also raised funds recently. The campaign is aiming to raise £75,000 to help farmers and other landowners create new wildflower corridors – essentially a “road system” for insects – that will link habitats and encourage pollination. Mark.Rose@southdowns.gov.uk Arrests of children in Sussex have been reduced by 69% in eight years, research published by the Howard League for Penal Reform revealed. Research has shown that each contact a child has with the criminal justice system drags them deeper into it, leading to more crime.

100 solar panels from a Sussex school are looking for a new home. If you know of a good use for them email: hello@ovesco.co.uk and write up to 200 words on how you would use them. The panels will be gifted to a not-for-profit project or if you want to buy the panels for commercial reasons, a donation to the OVESCO Sunny Solar Schools project will be requested. Applications by 31st January.

Charity/community notices to: info@sussexlocal.net

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Charity & Community

Yapton school are seeking an additional governor Yapton C of E Primary www.yapton.w-sussex.sch.uk School are looking for a new member to join their Governing Body as a Co-opted Governor.

The governor would be committed to developing and supporting the senior leadership team to improve the school, supporting and challenging the senior leadership team, and can help the school to further develop strong links with the local community.

Co-opted Governors are appointed on the basis of the skills they can offer. This position is for a person with commercial/business experience.

The schools says “being a Governor is an unpaid position but it is an incredibly worthwhile role and is valued and appreciated by the school, its staff, the pupils and other stakeholders, such as parents, carers and the wider community.”

“The commitment we expect from our Governing Body involves up to nine meetings during term times.

Meetings are currently held from 5pm to 7pm. We also like to invite the Governing Body to attend school

events, such as school trips, assemblies and performances. The successful candidate will be appointed for a four year term and within that time there is an expectation that Governors will complete training, most of which is available online.”

If you are interested in the position of Co-opted Governor further information is available from the Clerk to the Governors, clerk@yaptonschool.org.

Mia gets a sailing boost Promising sailor Mia Gray from Bognor Regis is one of 13 youngsters from across the UK who have been handed a huge boost in their ambitions to become top class dinghy sailors and windsurfers thanks to a national programme helping young talent progress in the sport.

The delighted sailors have been awarded exclusive use of their own boat or windsurfing board for the next two years through the on-going partnership between the John Merricks Sailing Trust and RYA OnBoard. Launched in 2013, the partnership supports youngsters who display enthusiasm, drive, talent and commitment to the sport and who may not ordinarily have the opportunity or financial backing to achieve their goals. In its six years, 76 boats and boards have now been donated with some remarkable success stories.

Mia, who sails at Felpham Sailing Club, will receive a new Tera dinghy. The club said “We will ensure that Mia and her parents are given support to progress her racing away from Felpham, and encourage participation in National and World Championships. At the end of two years her Tera will join our club fleet and help to bring other young sailors into the sport.”

For more information about how to get involved in sailing visit www.rya.org.uk/go/onboard. Felpham Sailing Club is an RYA Recognised Training Centre, RYA OnBoard Centre, British Youth Sailing Recognised Club and a finalist for RYA Club of the Year 2019. www.felphamsailingclub.co.uk

Children’s charity volunteers CLIC Sargent, the children’s cancer charity, are looking for Sussex based volunteers who can spare a few hours to help with bucket collections taking place across Sussex for World Cancer Day, 1 – 4 February 2020. They are also looking for longer term volunteers to help with collection tins, events and raising awareness in the local community. CLIC stands for Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood), and the charity was founded in 1968 by Sylvia Darley OBE as a lasting memory to the late conductor Sir Malcolm Sargent. To find out more please contact Rose Bailey at rose.bailey@clicsargent.org.uk.

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Charity Prom a great success

On Wednesday 11th December the Aldingbourne Trust hosted a Winter Wonderland Prom night at the Royal British Legion club in Lucknow Street Portsmouth. The Winter Wonderland theme was chosen to make it a socially inclusive event, so that people of all backgrounds and beliefs would feel welcome to come and have fun together. The night was attended by over 130 people, which included the people the Trust support, adults with learning disabilities and/or autism throughout the South coast and their families and friends.

Sarah and her team were overwhelmed by the support they have received from local businesses and the local community in putting together this event.

The Royal British Legion Club supplied the venue for the evening, and local businesses including: Tepee Emporium who donated a flower wall, Victory Events for the balloon arches, Holly Walker and Luarla Events donated chair covers and bows. Along with the decorations made by the team at MAKE the venue looked like a winter wonderland.

Charity & Community

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Rolls Royce host charity evening

The Home of Rolls-Royce was recently honoured to become the stage for a fundraising evening for Walberton-based childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charity The Sussex Snowdrop Trust. Over 100 invited guests gathered at the Goodwood-based Global Centre of Manufacturing Excellence in aid of this unique charity which provides nursing care at home for children who have a lifethreatening or terminal illness, and offers emotional and financial support for their families.

During the evening, guests had the opportunity to take a glimpse into the future of luxury - the marqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s revolutionary Vision Vehicle, 103EX - which has recently returned home to Rolls-Royce after touring the globe for almost four years.

The highlight of the evening, however, was an opportunity to enter the Rolls -Royce Studio, an area normally reserved for discerning patrons of the marque. Guests were treated to the dramatic unveiling of a unique, Bespoke Rolls-Royce Cullinan. www.thesussexsnowdroptrust.com

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Health & Wellbeing

Free ways to get in shape in January

By Heather Smith

So much about getting healthy seems to be expensive, but actually, there are plenty of things you can do which will improve your health hugely which don’t cost a penny.

Changes to our lifestyle and environment are often overlooked, but are actually some of the most powerful things we can do to improve our health and energy levels, and to cut some body fat.

The first has to be sleep If you sleep well, you feel good, and you’ll find it easier to make good food choices. People who don’t sleep enough eat an average of 20% more calories than people who do sleep well.

Pay attention to your nightly routine as a first step to improving your sleep. Turn screens off at least an hour before bed, have a soak in the bath and read a book!

Next, is daylight Morning daylight boosts your serotonin, which is the wake-up hormone which helps you feel happy, and hopefully has a knock-on effect on the choices you make for the rest of the day!

Whatever the weather, you’ll get a boost in serotonin if you get at least 30 minutes of daylight before noon.

This will have a positive effect on your sleep too.

Down-time Stress is a big deal.

Lose the guilt and start prioritising time for yourself.

Meditating, walking and reading are all great options.

The ultimate free – fasting!

Going for periods during the day when you’re not eating is the ultimate time-saving freebie! A great entry level to fasting is simply waiting to eat breakfast until you’re hungry, having lunch when you’re hungry, then eating dinner as early as possible. This should give you at least 12 hours without food overnight.

Or, you could take a more planned approach. You could skip breakfast altogether and not eat until lunchtime to give a longer fast, but a better option is to eat your calories at breakfast and lunch, then skip dinner altogether. This is more difficult for most of us to achieve, but remember that fasting doesn’t have to be something you do every single day.

Heather Smith is a fat loss specialist Personal Trainer. Get in touch for a free five-day meal plan www.fitbiztraining.co.uk

Health & Wellbeing

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The Key to good mental health

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Harry (& Quantum)

Innovative approach with proven strategies We are increasingly aware that good mental health is equally important to good physical health. Many therapies and treatments are now available to help improve the lives of those affected by mental health issues including depression, which can be totally debilitating for the sufferer and their loved ones.

The Awareness Key offer an innovative approach to good mental health and its practitioner, Arabella (Harry) Mansfield spoke to Sussex Local about its aims and successes through the use of sport, equine learning and nature. Harry told us that her previous experience as a sports coach led to the realisation that meeting sporting challenges often developed other learning skills as well as improved mental health. Combining this with working with horses (equestrian knowledge is not required!) and in natural outdoor settings, the Awareness Key is able to offer a proactive approach to improved mental health.

“Everybody deserves good mental health” says Harry and to this end clients are offered the ability to learn how to make the best of themselves through tailormade sessions including sport, nature or equine related activities - clients choice.

Outdoor experiences are known to have a positive effect on mental health and Harry explained that her

courses involving nature aid relaxation and alleviate stress. Likewise, she continued, merely being in the proximity of horses has many beneficial effects and can help clients gain confidence and learn how to become more in control of their own circumstances. The calming presence of a horse can help to overcome negativity and can help clients to work through their own difficult situations.

Harry told us that The Awareness Key can benefit adults in many ways, from achieving personal goals, meeting challenges, coping with bereavement or illness and becoming better communicators. Harry is aware that children and teenagers face many other difficulties in today's society. The sessions are carefully planned to address problems such as bullying and dealing with social media and to encourage the child to move in the direction of their choice. “Above all” said Harry, “the sessions focus on the positive and are expected to be fun!”

07971 011 939 or email am@awarenesskey.co.uk www.awarenesskey.co.uk

24

Local Council News

Arundel Town Council Edited extracts from the draft minutes of the Arundel Town Council meeting held on 7th November 2019.

Matters Arising A27 Sign off of preferred route. Should the Council consider their position on whichever A27 route is chosen? There is a limited period of time (3 months) after the decision has been made.

Finance and general purposes committee The Council received the minutes of the finance and general purposes committee held on 17th October 2019 and unanimously adopted the aforesaid minutes and the Mayor signed a copy as a true record.

The Mayor asked what it means to increase the footfall? Cllr Tu explained that this was bringing more people into the Town. With traders struggling we should recognise that changes need to be proactively met.

The Council resolved to award the following grants: St Wilfrid’s Hospice - £1,234.76 Lifecentre - £2,000.00 Chamber of Commerce - £1,500.00 The nominations for the 2019 community awards The Nominations were received by Councillors who voted. The results will be announced at the Communi-

Walberton Parish Council

Edited extracts from the draft minutes of the General Purposes Committee held on Tuesday 26th November 2019.

Green matters Several issues regarding benches have been highlighted. The Councillor recommended that one bench on the playing field, one on the verge on Maple Road and one by the Village Hall be removed. The bench in the play area also needs attention. Several trees need to have ivy removed, whilst stinging nettles by the cricket nets need cutting back.

It was agreed that the Clerk would ask for a quote for grinding out the stump of the dead tree in Maple Parade and to prune the tree by the bus stop on the corner of The Street and Maple Parade. John Bentley’s views are to be sought regarding moving the plaques at trees by the village pond and opposite the shops in Maple Parade which have become embedded in the trees. He is also to be asked to look at the damaged tree on the east side of the playing field.

Flooding It was reported that the flooding on Eastergate Lane is getting worse. The flooding on Barnham lane was noted after three residents reported it without a resolution; however the Council has since contacted WSCC Highways who promptly arranged for clearing the blockages. It was suggested that the Council seek

ty Awards ceremony on 5th December 2019.

Councils Mission statement Cllr Hunt explained how the list of objectives had been reached. It was proposed that this list be agreed as a working document.

The wording for the new Mission Statement was agreed to be; To work creatively and closely with the community to make Arundel a thriving town in which to live and work, and a great place to visit.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Hunt for all his hard work in producing and collating the documents.

Councillor Tony Hunt – St Philip’s Catholic Primary School St Philip’s School have expressed gratitude for the grant made to them by Arundel Town Council, which will enable them to repair the wall that is in dangerous condition without needing to draw on the funds that enable them to maintain their teaching assistants.

They are interested in the Bee project for their school allotment and I have put Nick Field in touch with them.

For full minutes from these and other Town Council meetings visit: www.arundeltowncouncil.gov.uk further Op Watershed funding for the culvert under Barnham Lane.

Solar lighting The Clerk reported on the recent purchase of plastic solar powered lighting for the pathway beside the local play area. They were well received by residents, but the Council was disappointed that several of the lights were subjected to vandalism within a short time. It was agreed that such lighting is beneficial and that more robust lights should be considered. One Councillor recommended metal framed solar lighting would be appropriate. The Council resolved to purchase these as recommended.

Pavilion Maintenance There have been recent electrical repairs, pathway security lights and leaking roof repairs. Painting of the hallway is necessary. Proposal for office and outside shed refurbishment at a cost of £757 + vat was agreed.

Suggestion to convert the unused outside toilet into a storage area, the clerk will seek advice on the matter.

Proposal to purchase a projector screen. After a discussion it was agreed that a fixed, electrically operated screen is appropriate. www.walberton-pc.gov.uk

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26

Charity Profile

Worthing Samaritans Bringing hope to life

By Lynn Smith For fifty years Worthing Samaritans has been offering people a safe place to talk, at any time, in their own way and about whatever is bothering them. From its current location in Lennox Road the Worthing branch is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week – providing emotional support to anyone who needs to talk to someone anonymously, regardless of age.

Set up nationally in 1953, the Samaritans began opening branches throughout the United Kingdom and in 1969 Worthing and District Samaritans opened in rooms in Rivoli Buildings, Chapel Road. The President was Lavinia, Duchess of Norfolk and in that first year 175 people called the branch. The Lennox Road centre opened in 1976 and demand for services has grown year on year. In 1982, calls to the branch topped 10,000 for the first time, the increase in demand being attributed, at least in part, to recession and high unemployment. The Worthing Samaritans branch celebrated its silver anniversary in 1994 and the following year it received over 14,000 calls and was recognised by the Mayor in Worthing’s New Year’s Honours. In 2008 the branch began supporting the Samaritans Prison Listening Scheme in HMP Ford. In the branch’s fortieth year it began supporting callers via text messaging.

In 2010 a new sort of Outreach began, when the branch began working with staff at a local school, delivering Emotional Awareness sessions to around 350 senior pupils, and the following year it began working more closely with GP surgeries, to encourage GP referrals to Samaritans. Free calls were launched in 2015, also the year the branch joined Twitter. Significantly 2015 was the year that the Worthing branch became an affiliated branch of the Samaritans, a charity in its own right, rather than operating entirely under the central office umbrella.

Last year saw the branch celebrating its 50th anniversary with a number of events being held throughout the year, including a visit from HRH Duchess of Kent

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Charity Profile

who unveiled a commemorative plaque and met volunteers. Director Liz Riach tells me that during the month of February last year, Worthing Samaritans answered 1,703 calls, spending 347 hours on these calls, compared to the 175 calls taken in the very first year.

Changing Times There have been tremendous changes in the way we live our lives over the last fifty years, particularly so in the area of technological changes and with the birth of social media. This made me wonder whether there have been significant changes in the types of issues people are presenting, compared to those issues seen in the early days. Liz Riach tells me that, “The need for emotional support for our callers is no different now than it was fifty years ago but day to day life has changed, especially with developments in technology.

Worthing Samaritans continue to support our callers as we did in 1969 offering a non-judgmental, confidential service.”

But Liz also says that, the “Samaritans Central Office is currently developing new methods for callers to contact us, such as Instant Messaging and the use of a “Listening App.” Keeping the Helpline open Worthing Samaritans is funded purely by donations.

Donating even a small amount every month can have an impact on the charity’s ability to answer more lifesaving calls – for instance, £5 per month could cover the cost of one call for help every month. For every £1 donated, 85p goes on services and 15p is invested in raising the next £1.

Additionally, Liz tells me, Worthing Samaritans is very fortunate to have a Charity Shop in Strand Parade, Durrington. “The income from the shop, raised by the tireless efforts of the Shop staff and volunteers, funds the costs of the Lennox Road building allowing us to continue to offer our service to the Community.” The branch also receives donations from various Outreach events. Liz Riach also says the charity receives a great deal of support from local people. “We promote awareness of Samaritans locally by giving talks at

businesses, schools and other organisations. The support we have was really apparent at the Worthing Pride Parade last year, which was a fantastic event.”

Providing a lifeline Statistics on the charity’s website reveal that every six seconds someone contacts the Samaritans, and that answering a single call costs £5.

A team of trained volunteers is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In 2017 there were 6,213 suicides in the UK and Republic of Ireland, tragically every single day around sixteen people decide to end their own lives across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. In the UK, men are three times more likely to take their own lives than women. Liz Riach says that there is, “A continuing need to ensure we have enough volunteers to provide our service; also we ensure we are able to cover the costs of operating the service from Lennox Road.”

More than 5 million calls for help nationwide Every six seconds Samaritans respond to a call for help. There is always a need for more volunteers and the Samaritans offer thorough and in-depth training, preparing volunteers for the different types of conversations they will have, providing them with new skills

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Charity Profile

and the confidence to use them, including the ability to understand people and manage difficult conversations. There is no requirement for volunteers to be from a certain walk of life or to have been through a particular life experience; key attributes are to be over 18, to have a desire to help others and to be tolerant, non-judgmental and open-minded, and to be a good listener – to be able to listen without telling people what to do.

There are many ways to volunteer for the Samaritans, listening volunteers help answer calls and messages from people who need support, but other volunteers are also required to provide support with marketing, fundraising or by helping out in the shop. There are volunteer roles to suit a range of skills and available time. Anyone who has a few hours to spare a week may apply via the website or via the Recruitment line, details of which can be found on the website.

“The fact that somebody understood, did not criticise, did not palm me off, did not judge or advise... gave me back my confidence in me as a person.”

Samaritans caller.

Anyone can call the Samaritans and talk about whatever it is that is getting to them – you don’t have to be suicidal to ask for their help. Only around one in five calls are from people who are feeling suicidal, people call with all kinds of problems – depression, loneliness, stressful home or work situations, financial worries or abuse. Samaritans allow people to talk about

their issues and talk them through with a supportive, empathetic and respectful listener. The Samaritans is an entirely confidential service.

Contact: Samaritans Worthing, 2 Lennox Road, Worthing, BN11 1DA Tel – 01903 205 555 Freephone – 116 123 Email: jo@samaritans.org Twitter: @worthingSamswww.Samaritans.org

New Years resolutions “saving money”

By Richard Cohen FPFS ACII MCSI Chartered Financial Planner Happy New Year! Once the parties are finished with, you can move onto the less fun activity of making New Year’s resolutions. “Saving money” is often a popular one, just like giving up bad habits and getting fit. However, little thought is given to how it is going to be achieved and the focus is often on the short term which often fails to have any real benefit in the long run. Yet unlike a two-week juice cleanse, changes made to your finances can benefit you for months or even years to come.

It’s important to be realistic and create habits that can be sustained. Many people are familiar with crash diets cutting out large food groups. People manage it for a few weeks, lose a bit of weight then can’t sustain it and a month later are back where they started. Similarly, cutting your expenditure in half will give your bank balance a boost for the first month but you’re unlikely to keep it going long term. Far better to trim spending somewhat or better still, do it in a painless way but getting better value for money out of what you do spend. For example, reviewing insurance policies can make sure they are still needed, are still providing sufficient cover and still provide good value for money. I’ve lost count of the number

of times I’ve come across clients insuring pets that are long deceased!

Non-financial resolutions often involve cutting back on vices which typically has the welcome side effect of saving money. Regularly investing the money saved can reap rewards in the long run. £10 saved per week would give you £6,400 after five years with a 4% net return.

I don’t advocate chopping and changing your investments day to day but is it really likely that an investment you made many years ago that has never been reviewed, remains appropriate. Changes in legislation mean it could be in the wrong tax wrapper and you’re therefore donating more to the taxman than you need to, or the investments may be wholly inappropriate for current market conditions. Also, charges through modern plans are often far lower than older contracts, again presenting a money saving opportunity.

For more details visit www.nsurefinancial.co.uk or to arrange a free review please call 01903 821010.

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32 Crossword

Prize Crossword

Win a ÂŁ10 Marks & Spencer voucher

Arundel January 2020 November 2019 solution below:

Winner: Susanne Marshall from Climping. 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 5 Local drug dealer (8) 8 "Rule Britannia" composer (4) 9 Orcas (6,6) 10 Top doctor? (12) 13 Started a rumpus (6,1,5) 16 Actor saw jet stream in a turbulent state (5,7) 19 Israeli arms (4) 20 Prelude to a strongly held opinion (1,4,3)

Down 1 Gets emotional (6,2) 2 Provide space in the day (4,4) 3 Sightsee in the Serengeti (6) 4 Little sister of Charlotte and Emily (4) 6 Saint's body part (5) 7 Swerve off course (3) 11 Extract with care (5,3) 12 Papeete resident (8) 14 Low-quality (6) 15 Ill-chosen (5) 17 Wood-shaping tool (4) 18 Snow runner (3)

Name: ...............................................................................................................

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

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 Jan 2020.

Win a ÂŁ10 M&S voucher voucher provided by

magazine

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

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.

Legal 33

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New Year - New Will?

by Steve Worsfold of Sussex Will Writers Research from Royal London suggests that 54% of the UK adult population donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a valid Will. A Will may be invalid for a number of reasons. It may not have been signed properly. Your circumstances may have changed meaning some gifts will fail, or it may no longer be fit for purpose.

Our advice at Sussex Will Writers is to review your Will every three to five years to ensure that your estate planning is up to date, your family and friends are provided for and to give you peace of mind knowing that your affairs are in order.

There are several factors that might encourage you to write or rewrite your Will. The death of a loved one, the birth of a new child, purchasing a house, and getting an inheritance are all reasons which motivate people to write their Will and it is a very important legal document. The document itself allows you to leave assets to your loved ones, particularly your partner if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re unmarried, allows you to choose guardians for your minor children, appoint executors who you trust to handle your estate, make gifts to charity and to ringfence assets where you suspect the asset will be mishandled or squandered.

You can add your funeral wishes to your Will and

remove the stress for your family at what will be a very difficult time.

Writing your Will can be a complex process so speak to Sussex Will Writers for support or information. Sussex Will Writers are members of the Society of Will Writers.

To start the New Year we are pleased to offer a 10% discount off the price of our range of Wills, Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney, just mention Sussex Local when calling or emailing us.

For more information call Steve Worsfold at Sussex Will Writers.

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Recipe

Beetroot Soup A hearty winter soup Ingredients (Serves 4 - 6) • • • • • • • • •

450g raw beetroot 25g butter or 2 tbsp oil 2 large red onions, roughly chopped 2 sticks celery, chopped at least 600ml good chicken stock salt and black pepper little freshly grated nutmeg 3-4 tbsp thick cream, soured cream / Greek yoghurt Little dill to sprinkle on

Method 1. Trim any leaves off the beetroot but do not cut the ends before cooking as all the colour will leach out during cooking. Place in a pan of boiling water and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until just tender. Drain and rinse in cold water and peel when sufficiently cool.

2. Meanwhile heat the butter in a large pan and cook the onions and celery gently until very soft. Add the peeled beetroot, chopped, the stock and seasoning to taste. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the beetroot is tender enough to puree.

3. Liquidise all the ingredients together with some of the liquid and then sieve back into the pan if you

want a really smooth texture. Add the remaining stock to give the preferred thickness and reheat gently.

Season to taste and serve with a swirl of cream and hot fresh bread.

This hearty winter soup can be left thick and chunky if you wish or smooth and creamy. Good hot or cold and served with chunks of rye bread.

Cookery Courses for all Why not give a Voucher for the perfect gift?

Contact Alex 01243 532240 www.cookwithalex.co.uk

Gardening

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In Your Garden Monthly gardening ideas and tasks

by Andrew Staib, Principal Designer of Glorious Gardens January Resolutions- to enjoy impermanence On a Saturday morning, when you look out of your window, does your garden invite you in or does it look wild, cold and without interest?

There is a trend to want our gardens to be like our new kitchens. Spotless, shining and minimal, with plastic decking and AstroTurf that will last not just for our lifetimes but for hundreds of thousands of years hygienic immortality.

But there are other ways to look at nature in January.

The frosts, snow and rains wreak havoc over the land and the perennials, with millions of years of experience, have scuttled their energy below ground to hibernate. The ghosts of our ancestors sow and repair and pray that they will survive.

The remaining stalks, seedheads and saggy stems are slowly becoming next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich soil. In amongst this decaying fabric there are still many signs of life: bird prints, insect cocoons, spider webs lit up with dew and the profound smell of rotting leaves.

It is also possible to have a vibrant and colourful garden in this month, which will entice you outside.

Armed only with a camping chair, hot-water bottle, blanket and a flask we can soak up the end of beauty and the beauty in the middle of natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ruination.

A garden can be full of colourful berries and brightly stemmed shrubs, the bark of selected winter trees, interesting structures like internal hedges and topiary plus colourful evergreens peppered amongst winter branches.

A January garden can be a thing of great beauty, with both death and life intertwined.

As the cold and the lack of sunlight have denuded the garden and the rich juice of Summer has retreated into roots and trunks and bulbs, the bare bones of a garden can give a deep sense of artistry and peace.

We accept that things die, the twilights of winter remind us that all things come to an end, and yet life is powerful and patient. Even in January, often the coldest month of the year, we can sniff the stirrings of new beginnings. And while we are busy vowing never to overeat or drink again, the lean times of Winter can offer us something essential - a monochrome impartial beauty where things are not set up to entertain us or sell us something.

A Good Structure A garden no matter how small needs to have a well-

proportioned and interesting structure from which Spring and Summer can burst out of. As a designer I know that if the structure I have created looks good in Winter nothing much can go wrong with the infilling of plants later on. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why garden designers put most of their energy into making sure the layout works first before anything else.

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Gardening

A good structure can be created by many elements.

Internal hedges can paradoxically make the garden feel bigger by separating areas and making smaller ‘rooms’ in which a person needs to wander and explore from space to space.

Good hedging that looks good in winter are Beech, Yew, Holly and Portuguese Laurel (please avoid Cherry Laurel. There is enough of it already in the world plus the bright green, plastic-looking leaves can almost deny that Winter is here, which I think is a shame.)

Topiary Topiary doesn’t have to be just Box balls and squirrel shaped shrubs. You can ‘cloud’ prune all manner of hedges and shrubs into interesting pyramids, clouds, saucers, columns and blobs, which can create a strong presence in Winter, especially if you have a few of them well balanced in different areas.

Also you can choose plants that have a sculptural appearance. Imagine lots of the conifer Prunus mugo Carsten’s Wintergold placed throughout the beds.

Pots and Sculpture Once the flower show is done, ornamental pots and sculpture come into their own in Winter and they are no longer having to compete with the effulgence of nature. If you place them in focal point locations they will lift your garden to a different level. If at all possible, go Big with them. Even in a small garden they will get lost and look twee if too small and cheap-looking.

Small evergreen plants As well as the obvious Winter shrubs and trees that don’t lose their leaves think about combinations of a few plants dotted around together.

Some examples of perennials with striking Winter foliage are: Cotton Lavender, Stacys bizantia, Rosemary, Bergen delavayi with its fat purple leaves, Hebes, Liriop miscarry and Tiarella Spring Symphony.

Seedheads Seedheads are very popular today. They are good for wildlife and look great in Winter sunsets or in the morning covered in frost.

Some examples are: Rudbekia laciniata, Sedums, Monada, Verbenba bonsariensis, Veronicastum virginicum and Phlomis plus the great, slightly goofy, flower heads of Hydrangeas.

Colourful deciduous plants Shrubs and trees with interesting colours and textures are: Acer griseuk, Acer negundo ‘Winter Lightening’, Betula Grayswood Ghost, the twisted branches of Corylus contort, any of the Cornus especially Midwinter Fire, dwarf Willows like ‘Nana’ plus Rubus cockburnianus (this name sends giggles into any horticultural class as you can imagine).

Grasses Half the value of having ornamental grasses in your garden is that during Winter they go a hay/bronze

Gardening

through the door colour and still move wonderfully in the wind. Grasses that really retain their shape are Calimagrostis Karl Foerster, Panicum Heavy Metal and any of the Miscanthus varieties.

Berries Pyracantha, Catoneaster and Berberis all keep their berries way into Winter and are great cheap birdfeeds.

Fruit and Flowers Some trees and shrubs have learnt to come on stage when for most the show is over.

Malus Red Sentinal keeps its bright red fruit on its branches almost the whole way through Winter. Mahonia Lionel Fortescue has lovely fragrant yellow flowers, plus other flowering plants make their appearance. Viburnum bodnantense ‘Dawn’, Helleborous, some of the Clematis, Winter Jasmine, Winter Heather and of course Snowdrops.

Water Having water in the garden can be a really wonderful luxury but in Winter it becomes essential. It reflects the ethereal sky and emphasises the stillness of Winter. So after a day Xmas shopping and having retreated yourself from steaming at the queues, the worries that you have forgotten something and the extra mince pie you know you shouldn’t have eaten, let your Winter garden help you pare down to what is most important and beautiful in life.

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Where to visit I was struck recently by a visit to West Dean near Lavant, West Sussex. It has some wonderful Winter structure with flowing hedges, smart rows of Victorian greenhouses, cloud pruned Yew trees plus classical pergolas and a pool. Also there are lots of trained fruit in different shapes and Winter is the perfect time to see how they have been pruned and how the structure of the branches has been created. Well worth a trip this month.

January tasks • Time to prune your roses.

• All the shoots from last year’s Wysteria growth can be pruned back to two buds from the flowering spur, apart from any runners that you want to direct into a framework.

• Apple and pear trees need reducing depending on their age.

• You can begin to force Rhubarb now.

• Greenhouses and sheds can be cleaned and sorted out.

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Computers / Business Directory

New technology has changed the rules!

By Ben Stacey, MyMingo “My computer has a mind of its own!”

Sound familiar? This is the technological dilemma! Let’s go back and start from the beginning and look at how the rules have changed.

A floor sweeper or an electric vacuum cleaner? A washboard or a washing machine? The telegraph or the phone? The horse or the car?

I think we can all appreciate that these things fixed a problem for the end user. Whether they were more efficient, more comfortable or more convenient, the need was there and the solution clear to see and to understand.

I purchase a vacuum cleaner; I wish to clean the carpet, I turn it on, I use it, I turn it off and away it goes until I use it again. So how did we get from this, somewhat simple relationship between manufacturer, product and consumer to what we have now?

Now we buy a computer and when we go to use it, it asks us (if we are lucky) if we mind sharing all of our deepest darkest secrets before it will let us turn it on.

If we say no, it says, perhaps you should use a different computer then. If we say yes, then we become hostage to it.

Then on the day we want to “quickly” do something it tells us we have to wait because it has chosen this

Aerials

very moment to do an update. When it eventually loads, you then find out that much like when your favourite supermarkets move the aisles around leaving you completely lost, your computer has now decided there is a better program for you to use and has taken the liberty of setting it as your new default.

Okay, so the above may be a little exaggerated but there is no doubt there is an inter-generational problem with technology. As a general rule millennials and generation X take it in their stride, they have been brought up surrounded by it. The baby boomers though have had to try to “adapt” and in a lot of cases are being pushed against their will to comply. Whether it is paying more for paper statements; cheaper deals online; accepting fewer payment methods or simply having to have an email to sign up in the first place, restrictions are forcing people to enter a terrain they either don’t understand, don’t desire or both.

Have you noticed how new technology rarely comes with instructions? There may be a website or scannable QR code but surely this is akin to giving someone their first car before they’ve learnt to drive and explaining they just have to drive 20 miles down the road to where we’ve left the instructions!

Ben Stacey 01903 930633 www.mymingo.com

Building / Carpentry

Blinds & Shutters

Business Directory

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Computer Services

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Electricians

Curtains/Soft Furnishings

Garages Chimney Sweeps

Decorating

Drains / Cesspits Clearance

Groundworks / Driveways

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Business Directory

Groundworks / Driveways

Lawn Mowers

Logs/Fuel cont.

Locksmiths

Gutters

Logs/Fuel

Pest Control Home Minding

Business Directory 41

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Plumbing & Heating cont.

Property Services

Roofing

Plumbing & Heating

Taxis / Private Hire

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Business Directory & Advertiser Index Tree Surgeons

Biography Katarina Sherbourne Blinds Direct Blinds Building and Construction Archibaldshaw Car Servicing LMC Auto Services (Sussex) Ltd Carpets & Flooring Coastal Carpets (West Sussex) Ltd Cleaning Astonish Cleaning Services Conway Cleaning Dance Classes Strictly Dancing with Lisa Domestic Appliances Carters Domestic

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Appliances 44 Drains Drainjet 36 Elderly Care Clapham Village Care Home 19 Oakland Grange 5 Walberton Place 11 Furniture CFS Furniture 25 Garage Doors The Doors Group Limited 13 Garden Design Glorious Gardens 35 Health and Wellbeing The Awareness Key 23 Home Care Angelcare Southern Ltd 26 Horse Manure Sussex Manures Ltd 35 Independent Financial Advisors Nsure Financial Services 93 Kitchen Doors Dream Doors 29 Legal Services Sussex Will Writers 33 Pest Control Temppest Enviromental Services 18 Pet Services The Meadows Pet Crematorium 21 Roofing J P Roofcare 9 The Roofers of Sussex 27 Roofing and Gutters BM Roofing 33 Shutters Just Shutters 27 Solicitors Green Wright Chalton Annis 17 Storage South Downs Storage Arun Ltd 37 Travel & Holidays Rockbird Travel Ltd 7 Tree Surgeon Ashwood Tree Surgery 36 TV & Electrical Hamilton Cole 25 Will Writing Respect Wills & Estate Planning 20 Windows Doors Conservatories Britannia Windows 2

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