January 2020
Midhurst - Petworth - Easebourne - Duncton - Heyshott Local news and events through the door to 7,100 homes in this area every month
SAMARITANS Bringing hope to life
GARDENS
Winter gardening
WIN!
Family ticket to Zog Home decluttering
NEWS
Charity, councils, schools
HEALTH PLUS
Shape up for free
What’s On, Recipe, Prize Crossword, Young Readers’ Puzzles, Local Walks, Local Groups & Charity, Business Directory
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January 2020 Cover image Woolbeding Bridge with thanks to David J Dalley
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 Prize Crossword Parish council news Motoring news Local History Local Schools news WIN! Tickets to see “Zog” Young readers puzzles Local walks Health & Wellbeing Recipe Charity & Community In Your Garden Property Samaritans charity profile Business Directory Advertiser Index
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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
01798 888 566 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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Crossword
Prize Crossword
Win a ÂŁ20 voucher for The Stag Inn
Midhurst/Petworth January 2020 November 2019 solution below:
Winner: Anthony Mercer from Midhurst. 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 ÂŁ20 meal & drinks voucher to spend at
The Stag Inn Petworth GU28 9JP www.staginnballscross.co.uk
01403 820 241
Please book table in advance Voucher valid for 6 months after issue
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Easebourne PC Easebourne Park We’re delighted to confirm that Easebourne Park was winner of the People’s Choice Award at the South Downs National Park Design awards in November. This is wonderful recognition of a much loved public space and we’d like to thank everyone who voted for it. Next proposed big development for the Park is the construction of a community multiuse covered shelter that we are planning for the first half of 2020, thanks to funding from the Community Lottery Fund and Chichester District Council and materials for the chestnut wood structure donated by Cowdray Estate. The Parish Council has received £80,000 from the local authority’s Community Investment Levy (CIL), a charge that is set on new developments to allow investment in local infrastructure, facilities and services. The funding will allow us to continue to develop the Park, adding facilities and enhancing the environment. easebourne.org
Midhurst Town Council Edited extracts from the draft minutes of the Finance Asset and Policy Committee held on Monday 8th October 2019 © Jo Turner (cc-by-sa/2.0) Budget for 2020/21 The Councillor explained the budget lines which were further discussed. Income – 2019/20 was the last year in which Chichester District Council gave precept grant. The main increases in expenditure were noted for future projects for the town, town floral displays and Christmas lights, IT service support and the purchase of a new grass mower. Following further refinements, the second draft budget was presented at the November meeting. Town Flowers It was resolved to approve expenditure of £10,400 for the town floral displays in 2020. www.midhurst-tc.gov.uk
Schools, councils, charities, groups email your news to us for free inclusion info@sussexlocal.net
Council News 11
Distributors & Supervisor required Earn money & keep fit! We are looking for reliable, conscientious distributors to hand deliver Sussex Local magazine to homes in Midhurst, Petworth, Easebourne, Duncton and Heyshott from 2020. Delivery can be completed monthly at times to suit you over a 7-10 day period from the 20th of each month. A great way to keep fit and enjoy plenty of fresh air! Applicants must have use of a car to collect magazines. Contracts are on a self-employed basis starting early 2020 with good rates of pay and flexible hours. For more details and an online application form visit www.sussexlocal.net/become-a-distributor
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Motoring
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.
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.
History 13
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The destruction of Verdly Castle By local historian & artist David Johnston have been destroyed – that of repairing the neighbouring roads.” In the oak woods of Verdley, to the east of the tiny hamlet is the site of this 13th century castle. Some fragments of the walls were standing in Sir William Burrell`s time, and a drawing of them with a ground plan [1770] is preserved among his MSS. “Two or three of the window openings were in the Early English style. There was formerly a wood called Verdley Park, which contained 250 acres, and the early maps of Sussex represent the tower as surrounded by a park pale. The dimensions of the castle were 68 by 33 feet, and the walls were nearly six feet in thickness. Near the door were some slight traces of a narrow winding staircase. There are faint traces of a moat.” Pavement at Henley It was long considered likely that a Roman road had run from North Gate in Chichester through Singleton, Midhurst, Easebourne and on through to Old Henley – for here, in this tiny hamlet, situated no further than a mile from Midhurst, was a remarkable piece of paved road [now covered by tarmac] for many years thought to be of Roman construction. The natives always called it “the old Roman road.” In fact an old inhabitant had often asserted with conviction that it had always been a Roman road as long as she could remember. Finally it was decided to seek permission from the authorities to excavate, and if possible to discover the date of the road. Permission was granted, and in July 1932, two trenches were dug and notes of the construction and material used were made. The idea that it was of Roman construction was then disposed of by finding, well below the pavement, a considerable amount of iron slag of blast furnace date. Therefore, the excavations concluded, “the road surface cannot be older than 1550, the earliest possible date for a blast furnace, and that the remarkable paving was only laid down during the last half of the eighteenth century”. In fact, the site from where these paving stones came from is identified in the 1822 edition of the – “Excursions in the County of Sussex” – as follows:“A building called Verdley Castle, which is supposed to have been a Grange, belonging to the religious foundation, [Shulbrede Priory] as it stood at not more than a mile's distance, existed, though in a very ruinous state, until the manor of Verdley devolving, with that of Midhurst, to W.S.Poyntz, Esq., the steward of that gentleman effected its demolition, in order to apply the materials to a purpose for which many other ancient edifices in this kingdom
Verdly Castle Of the history of this 'Castle' little or nothing is known. There are several traditional stories as to its original use, all without foundation. But it is very likely, that this once moated building, was attached to the lordship of Midhurst, probably the De Bohuns, the ancient residence of that family, before, or during the time that they also held the castellated building on St Anne's Hill, in Midhurst. It is recorded that the old castle that stood on St Anne's Hill, – the residence of the Bohuns – was destroyed between the years 1311 / 15, when it was in the custody of Edmund, Earl of Arundel – the heir, John Bohun, being a minor. For this, the Earl of Arundel was summoned in 1316, in the court of the Kings Bench, to answer for the destruction of – “two” – messuages. Interestingly, the 1922 edition of the – 'Early History of Cowdray' – says that the – “second messuage was probably that of the manor house of Todham”. – But I believe that this 'second' messuage, may well have been the ancient – 'Verdley castle'? It would certainly account for the 'mysterious' destruction of this old castellated building – destroyed around the same time as that of the St Anne's Hill castle. To purchase the image accompanying this article please see www.davidjohnston.org.uk or contact David on: david.rg.johnston@googlemail.com
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Schools
Easebourne Primary School For the third time, we held an Interfaith Morning at the school. Over 170 Year 6 pupils from 12 local schools came together to listen to, and question, representatives from five different world faiths. The speakers, representing Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism, spent the morning with us, brought along artefacts, talked about their faiths and answered the many questions from the children. It was good for the children to see the five faith representatives interacting easily and to understand how much common ground they shared. After half-term, we were visited by Andrew Melville and Ian Goodall from the Midhurst and Petworth Rotary. They came to see the eight Chromebooks in use that the Rotary Club has generously funded for the school. These machines will access the internet quickly, enabling the children to use search engines for reference and to access key programs. Staying with the Rotary connection, the school was well represented by a strong singing group and their leader, Katie Stevens, at the recent Rotary Music Festival, held at Midhurst Rother College. Our children sang their hearts out with ‘Higher and Higher’ but it was their second song, ‘Stereo Hearts,’ that brought the house down, with different parts and sections of rap.
Midhurst Rother College As the winter term draws to a close, there is a sense of new beginnings on the horizon. Having entered our own applications for being Head Boy and Girl almost a year ago, Oscar and I are now preparing to hand the baton down to the next team. We are immensely proud of everything that we have achieved so far in the school, focused mainly on our objective to gain greater environmental sustainability and are looking forward to seeing what the new candidates from year twelve have to offer. The first part of applying involves a written statement from the student and a reference from a member of staff: I can distinctly remember deliberating over what to write and who would write me the best reference. Then comes perhaps the most nerve-wracking element: the interview. With sweaty palms, I tried my best to remain calm in my first ever interview. Luckily, it paid off and Oscar and I took up our positions around March time in anticipation of the year thirteens’ busy spring-time flurry of revision. Since then, we have had so many opportunities that it is hard to choose any highlight but I think that the best part has been our growth into the roles. The first awards evening speech was always going to be filled with nerves
We recently held our annual poetry recitation competition. 113 children learnt a poem to recite to our three judges – Jo Lorimer-Green, Tessa Craddock and Geoff Allnutt – who spent the whole morning and a little bit more with us listening and deliberating. Our Year 5 pupils had earlier recited poetry to the residents at Vine House and, a few days later, our Year 4 pupils visited Birthday House and, in groups, recited a range of poems to the residents. To mark Anti-Bullying week and celebrate what makes us all unique, children took part in Odd Socks Day.
Old Socks Day - Anti-Bullying week
Johnny Culley, Headteacher. For more information please visit www.easebourne.w-sussex.sch.uk. and a movie-reel of everything that could have gone wrong running through our minds, but since then we have become comfortable speaking to people about the school and are more than happy to take the lead on events. This journey is something that I will always look back on fondly, incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to be Head Girl. By Sophie Cook, Yr 13. Half Term Mon 23rd December - Fri 3rd January 2020 Mon 17th February - Fri 21st February 2020 Inset Days Mon 6th, Tue 7th & Mon 27th January 2020 www.mrc-academy.org
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Competition / Schools 15
Zog Live on Stage at The Capitol, Horsham! Roar-some, family fun!
one, two and three. Luckily, the plucky Princess Pearl patches him up ready to face his biggest challenge yet, a duel with Gadabout the Great! ‘Lovingly interpreted with colour, flair and talent, Zog will have thousands of children laughing and falling in love with theatre’ Musical Theatre Review We have a family ticket available for 2.00pm on Saturday 8th February 2020. For more information call the Box Office 01403 750220 or visit www.thecapitolhorsham.com. The smash-hit stage adaptation from Freckle Productions (the team behind Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales and Tabby McTat) is back in 2020 and promises to be bigger, brighter and more roar-some than ever before! With brand new songs from Joe Stilgoe (The Jungle Book, The Midnight Gang) and directed by Emma Kilbey, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s muchloved Zog is a magical production for all ages, with live musicians. Large in size, and keen in nature, Zog is so eager to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school, where dragons learn all the things that dragons need to know. Zog tries so very hard, perhaps too hard, and he bumps, burns and roars his way through years
Petworth C of E Primary Physical Education (P.E)
Petworth football team
In our opinion sport should play a significant role in school life. By attempting to instil in our children the importance of keeping healthy and showing them the multitude of other benefits sport can give an individual, e.g. teamwork, resilience, perseverance, we hope we will see these in the children’s attitudes towards all of their learning. We are extremely proud that we have achieved the Sports Gold Mark for the last three years due to what happens in the classroom, what we offer after school, but also the intra and inter competitions we organise or participate in. We have made a commitment that every child should have two hours of high quality Physical Education (P.E.) every week. This incorporates a vast
Win a family ticket to see Zog Live To enter the competition answer the question below: Q: What type of creature is Zog? a) Dragon b) Elephant c) Dog Send your answer and contact details to: Zog Live Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough, RH20 9AH or enter online at www.sussexlocal.net/features/ competitions Winner drawn after 29th January 2020. Please indicate if you wish to remain on our mailing list.
range from table tennis to orienteering to hockey. This year we have challenged the children to ‘run to Tokyo’ as part of our build up to our Olympic Week in July and to focus the children further during their ‘Magic Mile’ sessions. We already have many different competitions against other schools planned as well as every child in our school participating in intra school events, which include athletics, seated volleyball and bench ball. Throughout the year we offer a vast range of extra curriculum activities including netball, badminton, tennis, running club, circuit training, fun fitness, stoolball, athletics and so many more. These all supplement what goes on the classroom. With many of our P.E. lessons we try and focus on the generic skills, which the children can use in different sports as we only have the children for a short time. As with anything in school we try and work in partnership with parents as this is the only way the children will truly reach their full potential. That is why we have strong links with Petworth Football and Cricket Clubs. We are always looking for ways to link with sports clubs, so if you want to promote your sports club please contact us. Inset Days Monday 24th February 2020 Monday 1st June 2020 John Galvin, www.petworth.w-sussex.sch.uk
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Walks
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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 Mon 6th
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10:30am Petworth Park L: Gerald 1hr 30 mins 3 miles Come and see the fallow deer. Meet: The Horse Guards Inn, Upperton Road, Tillington, GU28 9AF. 2pm A Midhurst Meander L: Angela 1 hr 30 mins 3 miles. A pleasant wander through Midhust Common and adjacent land. Meet: Carron Lane Car Park. Nearest postcode GU29 9LD. 11am Jubilee walk & South Pond L: Harvey 30mins 1 mile A flat walk. Optional add on 30 minute further walk around the old town of Midhurst. Meet: The Grange Leisure Centre, Bepton Road, Midhurst, GU29 9HD. 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 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 Heyshott Hike L: Kate 2 hrs 5 miles Join a National Park ranger to explore the countryside around Heyshott. Meet: Heyshott Common car park, GU29 0BY. 11am Jubilee walk & South Pond L: Harvey 30mins 1 mile A flat walk.Optional add on 30 minute further walk around the old town of Midhurst. Meet: The Grange Leisure Centre, Bepton Road, Midhurst, GU29 9HD. 10:30am Wey Arun Canal East (Loxwood) L: Richard 1hr 30 mins 3½ miles A level walk with no stiles but one short steepish descent. Meet: Canal visitor centre car park behind the ‘Onslow Arms’ pub, RH14 0RD. 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 Lavington Common L: Fiona 2 hrs 4 miles Join us as we follow a trail through heathland and woods near Graffham. Meet: Car park on your left amongst the pine trees, nearby postcode GU28 0QL 11am Jubilee walk & South Pond L: Harvey 30mins 1 mile A flat walk. Optional add on 30 minute further walk around the old town of Midhurst. Meet: The Grange Leisure Centre, Bepton Road, Midhurst, GU29 9HD. 10:30am Plaistow L: Richard 2 hrs 4.2 miles This is a reasonably level walk, 5 or 6 stiles.Sorry no dogs due to livestock. Meet: On East side of village green opposite shop. 7.00pm Explore Ebernoe by torchlight L: Kate 2 hrs 3-4 miles This walk will be completely in the dark so please bring a torch/headtorch/lantern. Meet: Holy Trinity Church car park, GU28 9LD. 10:30am Sutton Common L: Peter B 2 hrs 4½ miles Meet: Lord's Piece car park, RH20 1HG.
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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
Recipe 19
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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
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Charity & Community
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
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 Prom a great success
On Wednesday 11th December the Aldingbourne Trust hosted a Winter Wonderland Prom night at the 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.
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Volunteer with the Wey & Arun Canal Trust If your New Year’s Resolution is to get fitter, take up a new challenge, meet new people or just give something back to your community, the Wey & Arun Canal Trust has just the answer. The Trust is holding a series of Taster Days for those looking to join its band of volunteers. There are roles to suit all levels of skill and fitness, from hedge laying and construction, to joining the boat crew and manning the Canal Centre at Loxwood. Full training is given and as a Wey & Arun Canal Trust volunteer how much time you dedicate is down to you. The Taster Days are being held at the restored section at Dunsfold/Alfold off the A281, from 11am to 1pm, on: Tuesday 28th January; Wednesday 5th February; and Thursday 12th March. To find out more and to register go to www.weyandarun.co.uk, or email events@weyandarun.co.uk. 2019 was a successful year for the Trust, all thanks to the work of its volunteers. Highlights include embarking on the creation of a 2.5km scenic towpath walk in Birtley, including the construction of the first of two lift bridges; the construction of a bridge at Harsfold, and opening a slipway at Dunsfold.
Ashmolean comes to Petworth In January, Petworth House will be presenting a new exhibition: Showcasing nearly 40 objects from the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford, Skyscape is a unique exhibition focusing on aerial rather than terrestrial landscapes in art. Inspired by Constable’s famous statement of 23 October 1821 that ‘It will be difficult to name a class of landscape in which the sky is not the key note, the standard of scale and the chief organ of sentiment’, Skyscape is an exciting opportunity to view a succession of masterpieces that span 500 years of European art.
Above: Constable, Summer Sunset, oil on paper, c.1820-25. © Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford
Notices: info@sussexlocal.net.
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Gardening
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 year’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 nature’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. That’s why garden designers put most of their energy into making sure the layout works first before anything else.
through the door 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.
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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
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Gardening
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.
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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Property
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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 won’t freeze in 2026! Chris Ennis FRICS email: surveyor1@talktalk.net 01903 261 217 or www.propdoctor.co.uk
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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 to 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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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 to 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 are 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
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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 are 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 life across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. In the UK, men are three time 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 / Business Directory
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
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Aerials
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
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Business Directory & Advertiser Index Plumbing & Heating
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Blinds Direct Blinds Stock Blinds Building - Container Conversions Huts & Horseboxes Car Servicing Market Square Garage Petworth MOT Centre Ltd Cleaning Astonish Cleaning Services Drains Drainjet Garage Doors AW Garage Doors & Repairs Ltd The Doors Group Limited Garden Centre Village Nurseries Garden Design Glorious Gardens Home Care McDonald Homecare Horse Manure Sussex Manures Ltd Nursery Architectural Plants Pest Control Temppest Environmental Services Pet Services The Meadows Pet Crematorium Pilates Issy-B Pilates Roofing J P Roofcare The Roofers of Sussex Take away & Restaurant Golden Leaf Travel & Holidays Norad Travel Group Ltd Rockbird Travel Ltd Tree Surgeon GP Tree Surgery TV & Electrical Hamilton Cole Windows Doors Conservatories Britannia Windows
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