February 2017
SUSSEX LOCAL
Pulborough - Bury - Fittleworth - Nutbourne - West Chiltington
Local news and events through the door to 5,500 homes in this area every month
SULLIVAN’S HEROES Helping disabled children
WIN!
Tickets to see Half Man Half Biscuit
LOCAL NEWS
Council & Community
GARDENING Creating a pond
MOTORING Industry News
PUZZLES
For younger readers Plus Prize Crossword
PLUS
Events, Local Walks, Recipe, Prize Crossword, Charity, Young Readers’ Puzzles, Local Groups & News, Business Directory
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February 2017 Cover Photo Greatham Bridge kindly supplied by Sheila Mills
Welcome... To February the month of Chinese New Year, Shrove Tuesday (aka Pancake Day 28th February), Valentines Day and already another school holiday... and so the new year charges on. Our main article this month puts the spotlight on local charity Sullivan’s Heroes. See page 24. Set up in 2014, Sullivan’s Heroes offers fundraising support to help families with disabled children make vital adaptations to their homes. Andrew from Glorious Gardens talks about ponds with plenty of ideas and tips for how best to incorporate one into your garden. Gardening page 35. This month you can win tickets to see Indie band Half Man Half Biscuit in Worthing, see page 14. Village Larder have a warming and tasty recipe for us on page 32 and it’s vegetarian.
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...........................................................................What’s On ........................Win! Tickets to see Half Man Half Biscuit ...................................................................Motoring news ............................................Young Readers’ Puzzle Page ........................................................................Local Walks ..............................................Charity & Community News .....................................Charity Profile: Sullivan’s Heroes ................................................................Prize Crossword ................................................................................Recipe ...................................................................In Your Garden ..........................................................Parish Council news ..............................................................Business Directory ...........................................................Index of Advertisers
March Booking Deadline 1st February
SUSSEX & CHICHESTER LOCAL 01903 868 474
info@sussexlocal.net www.sussexlocal.net Kay Publishing Ltd PO Box 2237, Pulborough RH20 9AH
Sussex Local & Chichester Local magazines are published monthly and delivered free of charge to over 30,800 homes and businesses in West Sussex. There are five editions and display advertising starts at just £23 a month per edition.
Take a look at our What’s On guide (from page 4) for ideas for things to do with the children during half term at the end of this month. Plus local markets, community groups, theatre and talks. Extra events which don’t make our print deadline are also listed on our website. It is free to add a charity or not-for-profit event, simply add details online at: www.sussexlocal.net/whats_on.htm Thanks for reading!
Kris & Jeff
Words of Wit & Wisdom “There is no point at which you can say, ‘Well I’m successful now. I might as well take a nap.” – CARRIE FISHER 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. The views and opinions of contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher.
Arundel edition - Arundel, Barnham, Burpham, Climping, Fontwell, Ford, Slindon, Walberton & Yapton Total homes - 7,000 Chichester edition - Chichester suburbs Total homes - 7,000 Findon edition - Findon Valley, Findon Village, Nepcote, High Salvington, Clapham & Patching plus Salvington/Selden (south of A27) Total homes - 6,000 Pulborough edition - Pulborough, Bury, Coldwaltham, Fittleworth, Marehill, Nutbourne, Stopham, West Chiltington village and Common. Total homes - 5,500 Storrington edition - Storrington, Amberley, Ashington, Cootham Thakeham, Sullington & Washington. Total homes - 6,000 The combined circulation of all five editions is over 30,800 homes.
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What’s On
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What’s On
GUY BRUMWELL LIMITED The Master Builder
Extensions Alterations Conversions Design and Planning Commercial or Residential Plans Prepared
Telephone: 01798 815 315
www.master-builder.co.uk
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What’s On
Tuesday February 7th Tony Waller & Prohibition Jazz, a great new band with a wide range of music Tuesday March 7th Tony Jacobs with The Tuxedo Jazz Orchestra, with vocalist Catherine Sykes. Tuesday April 4th Rico Tomaso’s Hot Rhythm Boys. A star line-up of musicians playing the hits of the 20s and beyond with vocalist Analucia Tomaso.
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What’s On
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12 What’s On
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14 Competition
Win tickets to see ‘Half Man Half Biscuit’ At Worthing Assembly Hall on Friday 17th March Back in 1985, Half Man Half Biscuit sat comfortably at the top of the indie album chart. This may not seem so much of an achievement, unless you take a look back at the other contenders in the chart at that time. Acts such as Depeche Mode, New Order and The Cult were all on the scene, and you could guarantee that none of them managed to hit the number one spot with an album that had been recorded in just a couple of days and for around £30. Throughout changing times they have spanned the decades, released 13 full-length albums and dropped a thousandand-one pop culture references; from BBC Radio's Charles Nove to former England cricketer Fred Titmus. Their latest album 'Urge for Offal', sees more of lead man Nigel Blackwell’s surreal observations on everyday life. A few shining examples are 'Old age killed my teenage
bride' and 'Baguette dilemma for the Booker Prize guy". So grab your Joy Division Oven Gloves and don your Dukla Prague away kit, as The Biscuit are coming to town. Tickets for the Worthing Assembly Hall show on Friday 17th March are available from the Box Office on 01903 206 206 or visit the Worthing Theatres website www.worthingtheatres.co.uk/half-man-halfbiscuit. Tickets (advance) - £21.50.
Win a pair of tickets to see ‘Half Man Half Biscuit’ Q: What is the name of Half Man Half Biscuit’s latest Album? A: DHSS B: Urge for Offal C: Mondays Mornings Send answer and your name, address, daytime telephone and email to: ’Biscuit’ Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough RH20 9AH or email all the above details to: competitions@sussexlocal.net Winner will be first entry drawn after closing date 28th Feb 2017. Please indicate on your email or tick here if you wish to remain on our mailing list.
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Motoring news
Ignorance of AdBlue could cause 20,000 breakdowns in VW agrees to pay $4.3bn fine in 2017 says AA Ignorance could lead US over “Dieselgate” to more than 20,000 Volkswagen has agreed to pay a $4.3 billion (£3.5bn) fine in the US in a draft settlement with the American authorities over the Dieselgate emissions scandal. It will plead guilty to breaking US laws in a move aimed to close off the legal action in the States before the Trump administration change. www.carmagazine.co.uk
Car of the Year 2017 The seven shortlisted finalists for COTY 2017 are: Alfa Romeo Giulia (below) Citroen C3 Mercedes E-Class Nissan Micra Peugeot 3008 Toyota C-HR Volvo S90/V90 The 2016 winner was the Vauxhall/Opel Astra. www.carmagazine.co.uk
diesel car drivers breaking down this year because they have run out of AdBlue, says the AA. The organisation is currently attending more than 1,000 AdBlue-related breakdowns a month, and it claims that number could almost double if consumers and companies don’t swot up on the technology. AdBlue is a urea-based substance used to reduce the emissions of harmful nitrogen oxide particles from diesel engines through a process called selective catalytic reduction, or SCR. Although many modern diesel engines use the additive, the AA says it is not yet widely understood by motorists. It seems that some drivers may be totally unaware that cars with AdBlue tanks may need a top-up between services, particularly if the vehicle does high mileage, and that the car will not start if the AdBlue tank runs dry. www.pressassociation.com
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16 Puzzles
Young Readers’ Puzzle Page Wordsearch
Anagram
Find the listed words in the grid. Words may be hidden horizontally, vertically or diagonally and in either a forwards or backwards direction.
Trace the lines connecting the circles to find out what the second word is.
BACON BANANA CEREAL
COFFEE EGGS JUICE
MILK TOAST PANCAKES TOMATOES TEA
Sudoku
Find the Sum
Place the numbers 1 – 6 once in each row, column and 3x2 bold-lined box
Three of the numbers in the box below add up to 46. But can you work out what those three numbers are?
Answers can be found on our website after 1st February www.sussexlocal.net
To sponsor this feature please contact us on 01903 868474 or email info@sussexlocal.net Sponsor for just £25 per month plus a monthly prize
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01798 874219
Lazy leaflets. Don’t put up with them. You know the ones. They’re in the cupboard, behind the envelopes and last year’s accounts. Let’s get those leaflets working for you. We’ll deliver them with next month’s copy of Sussex Local for just £40 per 1,000 (minimum quantity 2,000).
Full details on www.sussexlocal.net or contact 01903 868474 email info@sussexlocal.net
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18 Walks
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Local Walks - February All walks are led by friendly, trained volunteers - please do check with the organisers for full details and for any last minute changes. Health walks are 30 – 90 minutes, supported by Walking for Health & Horsham District Council. Level 2 & Level 3 are more challenging, for fitter walkers, supported by Horsham District Council Wed 1 10:30am Horsham Park Stroll 1+ mile 30 or 60 mins Health Meet at bandstand in Carfax (RH12 1FD) Emmy 01403 255517 Thu 2 11:00am Billingshurst 2.3 miles 60 mins Health Billingshurst Library, Mill Lane, RH14 9JZ Jill 07780 701184 Sat 4 2:00pm Fryern Park 3 miles 1 hr 15 mins Level 2 Glebe Surgery car park, Monastery Lane, Storrington, RH20 4LR Mick Denness 01903 745971 Sun 5 10:00am The Burgh 4.5 miles 1 hr 45 mins Level 3 Kithurst Hill car park (TQ070124) Mick Denness 01903 745971 Mon 6 10:00am West Chiltington 5+ miles 2 hrs Level 2 West Chiltington Village Hall, Mill Road, RH20 2PZ Irene 01403 783637 Tue 7 11:00am Health Centre, Steyning 2 miles 75 mins Health Steyning Health Centre, Tanyard Lane, BN44 3RJ (TQ176113) Ann 01903 297553 Fri 10 10:30am St Mary’s Church, Horsham 2.5 miles 90 mins Health St Mary’s Church in Causeway, Horsham, RH12 1HE Chatter Cheema 07720 714306 Sat 11 2:00pm Rackham Hill 2.7 miles 1.25 hrs Level 2 Kithurst Hill car park (TQ070124) Mick Denness 01903 745971 Sat 11 9:00am Wiston Downland Dog Walk 2 miles 1 hr 15 mins Level 2 Steyning Cricket Pavilion, BN44 3LE. Max two dogs per handler Ann 01903 297553 Sun 12 10:00am Downs Farm 6 miles 2 hrs 30 mins Level 3 Kithurst Hill Car Park (TQ070124). Dogs welcome Mick Denness 01903 745971 Tue 14 10:00am Wey and Arun Canal 5 miles 2 hrs 15 mins Leisure Forestry Commission car park (TQ026350) No dogs Geoff 01403 258180 Wed 15 10:30am Storrington Riverside Walk 2.5 miles 90 mins Health Storrington Recreation Ground Car Park, RH20 4PG. Suitable for buggies Mick Denness 01903 745971 Fri 17 11:00am Southwater 2.6 miles 30 or 75 mins Health Car park of the Country Park, (off Cripplegate Lane, RH13 7UN) Jill 07780 701184 Sat 18 2:00pm Under the Downs 3.6 miles 1 hr 45 mins Level 2 Glebe Surgery car park, Monastery Lane, Storrington, RH20 4LR Mick Denness 01903 745971 Sun 19 10:00am Houghton 4.4 miles 2 hrs 15 mins Level 3 Whiteways car park Mick Denness 01903 745971 Mon 20 9:45am Pulborough (Bus & Walk) 4 - 5 miles 3 - 4 hrs Level 3 Pulborough’s public car park, Brooks Way, RH20 2BQ. No dogs Mike P 01798 874319 Thu 23 10:00am West Chiltington 4 – 5 miles 2 hrs Level 2 Public car park adjacent to West Chiltington Village Hall, RH20 2PZ Sue 01403 255710 Sat 25 8:30am North Stoke 7.4 miles 3 hrs Level 3 Kithurst Hill car park (TQ070124) Mick Denness 01903 745971 Sat 25 10:30am Slinfold 3 miles 1 hrs 45 mins Level 2 Red Lyon PH car park, The Street, RH12 0RR. Sorry no dogs Liz 01403 263920 Sat 25 2:00pm Sandgate Park 3.6 miles 1 hr 45 mins Level 2 Glebe Surgery car park, Monastery Lane, Storrington, RH20 4LR Mick Denness 01903 745971 Tue 28 10:30am Park and Panakes 2 miles 60 mins Health Hop Oast Park and Ride, Horsham Worthing Road, RH13 0AR. Join us for a gentle walk into Horsham where we can celebrate Shrove Tuesday with a coffee and a pancake. Jean 07734 323321
Arun Adur Ramblers – www.arun-adur-ramblers.org.uk Sat 11 10:30 The Dover Moderate The Dover car park. Via Perry Hill, Wepham Down and Angmering Woods Sun 19 10:30 The Manhood Peninsula Leisurely East Head car park. Via West Wittering and Itchenor Sun 26 13:30 Arundel Leisurely Arundel Castle Cricket Club. Via Arundel Park and the River Arun
8 miles 9.5 miles 5 miles
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20 Charity & Community
Sussex Snippets Recycling rates are rising across the county, rising from 41.6 percent in 2014/15 to 42.3 percent in 2015/16, representing a 2,400 increase in tonnage, which equals a saving of over £200,000 in landfill tax. Recycling initiatives have included rewarding residents who recycled correctly with a ‘gold star’ bin sticker across some parts of Adur and Worthing and trialling the use of recycling bags in poor performing areas. For more details: www.recycleforwestsussex.org @westsussexwaste on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest. West Sussex County Council has announced that the charity Carers Support West Sussex is to continue to provide specialist support to the county’s family and friends carers, having retained the contract to provide a countywide carers information, advice, assessment and support service. The service includes: a helpline; carer assessments; referrals to carer respite services; individual and group support; carer support in hospital settings; carer support in hospital settings and help for young adult carers aged 18-25 years. Contact: Carers Support West Sussex on 0300 028 8888 www.carerssupport.org.uk The RAF has announced a new £410m military transport contract, part of which has been awarded to Thales, a defence contractor with offices in Manor Royal, Crawley.
SUSSEX LOCAL West Sussex County Council is advising poultry owners that the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone will be extended until 28 February. To protect birds from avian flu, anyone who keeps poultry such as chickens, ducks and geese, even as pets, must stop them coming into contact with wild birds, and there is also a nationwide ban on poultry shows and gatherings. Contact: www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu Did you know that West Sussex residents have free access to a huge range of books, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers and comics 24 hours a day seven days a week at the eLibrary? The eLibrary is part of West Sussex County Council’s library service and is completely free with library customers able to download ten books and ten audio titles for up to three weeks; loans automatically expire at the end of the lending period so there are no late fees. Contact: www.westsussex.gov.uk/ebooks The RSPB is encouraging everyone to look out for something with a WOW factor this winter – from deer ruts and starling murmurations to amazing views. For instance, they say, you could use the longer nights to wrap up warm and go stargazing as a family. Contact: ww2.rspb.org.uk/kids-and-schools/kids-and-families/ wild-challenge/activities/nature-wow West Sussex Trading Standards has been advising restaurants and takeaways that mutton is not interchangeable with lamb in menu descriptions, after restaurants have been found to be advertising lamb dishes but using mutton in the actual recipe. If you have concerns about the description of a meal, contact Trading Standards via Citizens’ Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506 or report it online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/tsreport. Social workers in West Sussex have been described as ‘brilliant’ and a ‘life saver’ in an independent survey of local families – the recently published West Sussex Parent Survey, collated feedback from 90 parents currently receiving services from Children’s social care and early help support from the Think Family service. The survey was conducted by Professor Eileen Munro whose influential review of child protection was published in 2011. Chichester District Council Cabinet Members are recommending to its Full Council to support a re-run of the Chichester A27 consultation, including the options that were previously dropped. Cabinet Members want the council to formally request that a new consultation on improvements to the A27 around Chichester is carried out by Highways England. They believe that this should include a range of options, including the two previously developed northern bypass options; and want Highways England to urgently publish the results of the consultation, held between July and September of last year. This recommendation was due to be put to the Council in late January. If agreed, they will write to the Minister.
Notices to info@sussexlocal.net
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Residents’ views sought on crime A survey seeking the views of West Sussex’s residents on crime in their local area has launched. Run by the Safer West Sussex Partnership, the aim of the survey is to seek the views of residents on their experience and perceptions of crime together with what is important to them in their local area. Made up of organisations including West Sussex County Council, District and Borough Councils, Sussex Police and Probation services, the Safer West Sussex Partnership works to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, ensuring that West Sussex remains a safe place to live, work and visit. The Partnership carries out an annual review to understand how national and local crime trends may be impacting on residents, and the survey will help inform that piece of work. You have until Sunday 5th March to have your say. Contact: www.westsussex.gov.uk/ crimesurvey2017
Canoeing Facilities Upgraded CANOEING and kayaking on the Wey & Arun Canal has been made easier with the installation of two new landing stages. The Wey & Arun Canal Trust (WACT) installed the new
SUSSEX LOCAL facilities, and inexperienced paddlers in particular will now find the waterway at Loxwood in West Sussex more accessible. The stages have been built using a generous grant from Canoe England, which is part of British Canoeing, the national governing body for paddlesports in the UK. They are next to the Drungewick slipway and near Drungewick Lock, at the southern limit for navigation on the canal to the east of Loxwood village. WACT welcomes canoeists, kayakers and paddleboarders by arrangement on navigable sections of the canal in West Sussex and Surrey. www.weyarun.org.
Pulborough Children and Family Centre Pulborough Children & Family Centre has published its Spring programme, with details of activiities, health and information services available. Services include child Health Clinics, where parents can dropin for advice from the local Health Visiting team about their child’s development and health, and monthly Speech & Language Therapy Advice Sessions, where parents concerned about their child’s talking can speak to their Health Visitor or staff at the child’s nursery so that they can make a referral to Speech & Language Therapy. If their child has not been referred, parents are welcome to go along to a short Advice Session for general support – the next sessions is on 13th February from 12.20-2.20pm.There are also play together sessions and Pulborough Library has Rhyme Time on Fridays from 11-11.30am as well as a Toy Library. Contact: 01403 213594 and 01798 871194 Pulborough Children & Family Centre, Swan View, Lower Street, RH20 2BF
Sussex Wildlife Trust Courses Sussex Wildlife Trusts (SWT) has published its programme of wildlife courses for 2017. SWT education courses typically consist of an indoor teaching session followed by a chance to get out ‘in the field’ with an expert. There are courses to suit everybody from beginners to amateur naturalists. Last year almost all of the Trust’s courses sold out and hundreds of people learned about, experienced and enjoyed the wildlife of Sussex. There are a range of courses, and this year’s programme includes a new course from bestselling author Tristan Gooley teaching a Natural Navigation Course (7 July) as well as courses for insectlovers, bird-watchers, botanists and courses teaching you how to mange your garden and other areas for wildlife. Full details can be found on the SWT website. sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk
Charity & Community
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Council Challenges Developers over Threals Lane Project Horsham District Council is to challenge the Planning Inspector’s decision to allow the building of eight dwellings on land at Threals Lane, West Chiltington, on the grounds that it did not take proper account of either the Local Plan or Neighbourhood Plan. An application for the building of eight new houses with related accesses, garaging, car parking and provision of a new footpath adjacent to Threals Lane (application Ref DC/15/0193), was refused by the council on 29 January 2016. The applicants, Scorpio Property Limited, appealed against the council’s decision and planning permission was granted on 25 November 2016 (Appeal Ref: APP/Z3825/ W/16/3150965). The council believes that the decision is contrary to the development strategy and policies of the council’s up-to-date Local Plan, the Horsham District Planning Framework. The council can show that it has a five year housing land supply and this site was not allocated for development in either the Local Plan or the Thakeham Neighbourhood Plan and did not comply with the local plan’s countryside protection policy. Contact: www.horsham.gov.uk/latest-news/news/ january-2017
Notices to info@sussexlocal.net
Commuters call for change Labour Party members spent the morning and evening rush hours talking to commuters at Hassocks, Pulborough and Arundel Stations recently. The action happened as rail fares in Sussex went up by nearly two percent - double last year’s increase despite a year of cancellations, delays and a failing service from Southern that has seen commuters lose jobs, move home and miss vital appointments. Labour member and Pulborough commuter Jane Mote said “The majority of commuters we spoke to have lost days at work and had their family lives severely disrupted because of Southern’s appalling service and backed our call for the Government to strip Southern of their franchise. They were pleased to see our protest and promised to write to their MPs to ask the government to put passengers first, not profit." Labour is calling for the railways to be once again brought into public ownership . www.southdownslabour.com
Please post events for listing on www.sussexlocal.net
Tel: 01903 752937 / Mob: 07802 522312 vincecamilleribuild@gmail.com
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Pepperscombe Farm, Newham Lane, Steyning, BN44 3LR
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Sullivan’s Heroes Building brighter futures for disabled children. By Lynn Smith There are numerous families in the United Kingdom living with disabled children who find that they need to adapt their homes to meet the child’s care and health requirements. Whilst specific council grants may be available towards the cost of adapting properties, in many cases these may fall short of the total costs and families find that additional funds, which can often be quite substantial, are required for the building project. Finding these additional funds can be an issue. Based in Turners Hill, West Sussex, Sullivan’s Heroes supports disabled children in Sussex, Surrey and counties further afield, by offering fundraising support specifically for these vital home adaptations. The charity provides a fundraising platform and financial grants to help families create the optimal environment to continue to care for their disabled child at home, safely and with dignity. Fiona and Richard Smith set up the charity having
been through the process of adapting their house for their son Sullivan, discovering in the process that there was little in the way of financial assistance towards costs of adaptation that exceeded the council awarded Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). The overall costs of the Smith’s adaptations were way in excess of that provided by the DFG and, unable to find a specific charity that might help with their funding, Fiona and Richard set about organising their own fundraising. Born in December 2011, Sullivan was diagnosed as having an extremely rare form of muscle myopathy, called Congenital Fibre Type Disproportion, resulting in general muscle weakness. He was also diagnosed with severely impaired cardiac function, cardiomyopathy. The extreme rarity of having the two conditions combined is illustrated by the fact that Sullivan was only the fourth recorded case worldwide. During 2014, with the support of friends, family, the local community and sometimes complete strangers – all now known affectionately as Sullivan’s Heroes – ninety percent of the target was raised. The Smith’s describe the response and support received as, “overwhelming and heartwarming.” Sadly, after successfully raising funds themselves through various initiatives, to meet the costs of their home adaptations, Sullivan passed away in January 2015 shortly before the work on the family’s home was completed. As a result of their experiences, Fiona and Richard decided to set up a charity to assist other families in situations similar to their own, to help those families carry out their own fundraising for their child’s needs. As Fiona says: “Each one of them also classifies as one of ‘Sullivan’s Heroes’, for the obstacles they tirelessly endure and overcome each and every day.”
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26 Local Charity Registered in August 2015, Sullivan’s Heroes website was officially launched and became operational in February 2016. Fiona and Richard vowed to drive the charity in Sullivan’s name: “As a lasting legacy to our inspiring and truly amazing little boy.” Since then they have strived to build brighter futures for other families in their son’s memory through the fundraising efforts of Sullivan’s Heroes; seeking donations from individuals and businesses alike to ensure ongoing grants are available for families and their disabled children. In addition to providing grants towards the cost of home adaptations, the charity provides a website platform where families can set up their own fundraising towards building costs. Families such as the Gee family whose nine year old son, Noah, suffers from Cerebral Palsy, and who needs to be lifted everywhere. The Gee’s are aiming to raise £45,000 towards property adaptations that will allow a wheelchair accessible lift to be installed straight into Noah’s bedroom along with a ceiling hoist and an adapted bathroom so that all of Noah’s personal care needs can be met with dignity. Since its launch, Sullivan’s Heroes has supported eleven disabled children and their families, through fundraising for their child’s home disability adaptations. The charity has also provided advocacy and information around their home adaptations for over sixty other families and their child’s relevant social care and health workers. The charity’s plan is to increase the number of families being supported year on year as the charity grows, and to support more families nationwide as funds increase. Fundraising success has already been seen with two families having reached their targets required for their building adaptations works. Plus grants have been paid to three families towards their works in progress, which will enable them to complete those home adaptations, necessary to fully meet their child’s care, health and safety needs. Richard Smith says, “It took us over eighteen months to overcome all the hurdles to get Sullivan’s Heroes off the ground, but we are absolutely delighted that
SUSSEX LOCAL we have now been able to realise this incredibly important resource in our son’s memory for families who are in the same situation we were, with nowhere to turn.” He added, “We don’t have the skills to save lives, but we certainly have the ability to change lives and that is what we are setting out to do, just like the many people who have helped us as parents and Sullivan throughout his life.” Sullivan’s Heroes receives no government or statutory funding and so relies heavily on donations from companies, charities and the general public as well as various fundraising events and activities. The charity has also received support from local organisations and charities donating both direct to the
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Local Charity
through the door charity and to the families it supports, with local companies providing funds, services and resources to the charity; fundraising events hosted by local organisations plus direct donations together with sponsored events and fundraising activities - such as marathons, skydives and cycle races - undertaken by members of the public. Key fundraising events throughout 2016 included popular sales of jewellery and gifts at local fetes, carnivals, school fairs and companies, and Sullivan’s Heroes will be attending many events throughout 2017, continuing with the jewellery and gift sales, and running fundraising campaigns throughout the year. Fiona and Richard are the charity’s sole members of staff, unpaid, and, as yet, there is no requirement for volunteers to assist with the running of the charity, although Fiona Smith says that this requirement may
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change as the charity grows. The charity welcomes volunteers to assist at fundraising events and activities throughout the year, and potentially for administration duties. Interested volunteers need have no particular expertise or background – “just a desire to help raise awareness of the charity and raise funds for disabled children” - although a current driving licence would be beneficial, home working opportunities are also available. When asked what she sees as the greatest challenge faced by Sullivan’s Heroes in the future, Fiona Smith’s reply echoes that of most self-funded charitable organisations: “The greatest challenge faced by Sullivan’s Heroes is to raise sufficient funds to ensure that all families applying to the charity for a financial grant for their disabled child’s building adaptations can be supported.” Fiona and Richard would like to thank all everyone who has helped them build the charity to this point – and to invite anyone who has any fundraising events, activities and ideas they’d like to share; or who would like to apply for a grant or to fundraise through Sullivan’s Heroes, to get in touch with them. Sullivan’s Heroes Contact: hello@sullivansheroes.org www.sullivansheroes.org
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30 Crossword
Prize Crossword
Win a ÂŁ20 discount from a Rising Sun meal
Pulborough February 2017 December 2016 solution shown below.
Winner: Pam Watersfield
West
from
Congratulations and thank you to all who entered. Entries to: Sussex Local Crossword, PO Box 2237 Pulborough, RH20 9AH or scan and email the page to crosswords@sussexlocal.net
Across
Down
1 Sector of a population (11) 9 Boredom (5) 10 Pot (3) 11 Pointed weapon (5) 12 Eg incisors and molars (5) 13 Military people (8) 16 Study done to prepare for an event (8) 18 Path to follow (5) 21 Small firework (5) 22 Also (3) 23 Breed of dog (5) 24 Quality of being timeless (11)
2 Ardently; keenly (7) 3 Position on top of (7) 4 Pierre-Auguste ___ : French artist (6) 5 Inapt (anag) (5) 6 Accustom (5) 7 Revive (11) 8 Unimaginable (11) 14 Variant of a thing (7) 15 Small rounded lumps (7) 17 Musical dramas (6) 19 In the company of (5) 20 Nearby (5)
Name:............................................................................................................... Full address: ................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................... Postcode: ......................................................................................................... Email: ............................................................................................................... Phone: .............................................................................................................. Mobile: ............................................................................................................
Closing date: 28th February 2017 Good luck!
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32 Recipe
Spicy Tomato Baked Eggs Time 25-30 mins - serves 2 Ingredients
1 Tbsp Olive Oil 2 Red Onions, Peeled and chopped 1 Red Chilli, Deseeded and finely chopped 1 Garlic Clove Sliced 1 small bunch of coriander, leaves and stalks chopped separately 2 400g cans of Mr Organic chopped tomatoes 1 tsp Caster sugar 4 Free Range Eggs
Method Heat the oil in a frying pan that has a lid, then soften the onions for 5 minutes then add the chilli, garlic and coriander stalks for a further 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the tomatoes and sugar, then bubble for 810 minutes until thick, at this stage it can be frozen for 1 month so double you measurements if required.
Using the back of a large spoon, make 4 dips in the sauce, then crack an egg into each one. Put a lid on the pan then cook on a low heat for 6-8 minutes, until the eggs are done to your liking. Scatter the coriander leaves and serve with your favourite Village Larder loaf.
Squires Garden Centre, Washington 01903 891744
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01798 672372
34 Garden Services
SUSSEX LOCAL
Gardening
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In Your Garden Monthly gardening ideas and tasks by Andrew Staib of Glorious Gardens will forever be netting the leaves out in the Autumn though you can get a large sheet of netting to prevent them getting in.
A Natural Pond To make a pond look natural, as if has always been there and should be there and no where else in the garden, is one of my greatest challenges as a garden designer.
Ponds: The Heart of The Garden A pond in your garden is one of the most precious things you can do for yourself! It is a veritable "All-YouCan-Eat" restaurant for wildlife, with birds, insects and mammals using the water to breed, drink, hide, feed and clean themselves. There is always something going on, from the landing of a noble dragonfly onto a lillypad, the primordial wiggle of Spring tadpoles to a Blackbird drinking on a hot day. A pond opens up to the sky and acts like a mirror lighting up a corner of the garden and it is a sensitive skin that trembles with every breeze. Whether formal or natural, a pond gives the garden a deeper, cooler dimension and offers a calming influence especially if you have a stream or a small fountain bubbling away.
Positioning a Pond With smaller gardens you often don’t have a choice where to put one as there might not be many options. With a medium to large garden you can look to where a pond might naturally occur. Normally this would be at a low point of the garden where you could imagine a stream would find its way to. If you decide to have a more formal pond then you have more choice as the statement you are making is: Here is a perfect body of water that I am placing here. Especially in modern gardens the geometry of the design or the view from house can determine where it goes. Generally a pond does like an open sunny aspect but if you are limited you can put one under trees but you will need to factor in more maintenance time as you
The amount of ponds that try to look natural and just look naff and cliched is heart breaking. So care must be taken in forming your vision of how you want the pond to look. The shape of the pond, what goes around the edges and the plants you choose both inside and around the pond will all contribute to the feeling that the pond is embedded into the landscape rather than sticking out like a well meaning but artificial creation. A natural pond won’t have ornamental fish as they will eat all the eggs and little creatures in site. I will mainly talk about natural wildlife friendly ponds in this article.
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36 Gardening
Construction At its most basic, a pond is a hole in the ground with a pit of plastic to keep the water in! It is easy enough to make one yourself. The deeper you go, the colder the water will stay helping to prevent excessive weeds from growing on the water surface. Also if you decide to have fish they need this depth to hibernate from the colder layer of water that is exposed to the air above. I always advise the bigger the better with ponds as once a grassy verge is created around the outside and marginal plants are grown on the shelving inside the pond, the size of the pond looks as if it has decreased considerably. Shallow shelving that is built into the initial excavation of the hole is very important as it allows wildlife to have easy access (frogs spend most of their time outside a water source). Shelving also allows the growing of plants that need a shallow water base - normally 10-30cm deep. Some plants such as water lilies can eventually be encouraged to root at the very bottom of the pond but still often need to start their new life on a shelf.
Safety If you have young children who can't swim, or for some reason the land you are on can’t be guaranteed childfree, I would always recommend a plastic grid over the entire surface of the pond. Drowning is a real possibil-
ity before the kids get older but once they are confident in the water you can take the grid off.
Maintenance This issue turns a lot of people off ponds but if you are intent on having your pond as a wildlife sanctuary without fish there is very little to do. In fact new research suggests in takes up to 7 years for a full ecosystem of plant, insect and microbe life to establish in a new pond- so trying to clean it out all the time can interfere with this process. Once every 5 years you can take out some of the silt that has collected at the bottom though again research shows that many creatures depend on this for their habitat. The obvious skimming of the surface for any pondweed will be necessary but it quite a pleasant job and the weed can be composted. If you are wanting fish or a clear water effect, this is where things get complicated when filters and pumps to oxygenation the water are needed. You will need a power supply and a place away from the pond to house the machinery.
Planting up Your Pond I would recommend getting expert advice when it comes to choosing plants. The reason for this is that some pond plants can be really invasive and after a couple of years take over. The RHS website has suitable warnings for some of the pond plants one needs to avoid.
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Plants
What to do this February
You will need oxygenating plants that maintain the health of the pond water. Try Rigid Hornwort and Water Crowfoot. For floating plants, and ideally for wildlife you want 70% of the water surface covered up away from direct sunlight and prying predator birds, have a look at Frogbit and Amphibious bistort.
February is a great time to explore woodland. The bare bones of the earth are at rest and the quality of the forest is still and waiting for Spring. Also the evergreens like Ivy, Yew and Holly come into their own.
For marginal plants, that live on the shelves, try the delicate Water Forget-Me-Not and Marsh Marigold. Find out how tall water irises become before you try them in your pond. You want to be careful that they won’t look out of proportion as some can get to 6 foot.
Bog Garden Another addition to your pond can be a Bog Garden. This is an area that is next to the pond (or it can exist as a separate space in your garden if you can't have a pond). This is a lined hole where you puncture the plastic to allow for minimal drainage. Then after you have put the soil back in you can plant all sorts of moisture loving plants like Rodgersia, Cookooflower and Astilbe that you might not have been able to if your garden is too dry. Life is too short not to have your own pond. At a time when natural ponds are disappearing in our landscape you can also do your bit for giving wildlife a sanctuary and a place to cool off and replenish itself.
Try visiting Angmering Park Estate Trust, Burton and Chingford Pond, Petworth House Woods, Slindon and The Warrens.
What to do in February Now is the time to finish pruning your Roses and wysterias Start to prune to the ground your deciduous ornamental grasses Cut right back hardy shrubs like Cornus, Salix and Cotinus as well as Buddlea Prune back into shape anything that has flowered during the winter like Winter Jasmine and Mahonia Lift out any Snowdrops that have flowered and separate them and then replant them in different areas of the garden. Start sowing leeks and onions if you have greenhouse. Happy Gardening!
SUSSEX LOCAL
38 Finance
Cash ISAs Are you fed up with poor returns? There is an alternative says The Mellor Practice
Help is at hand.
Many of our clients are complaining bitterly that returns are so poor that they are looking round for alternatives. It may be that you can identify with them, but are hesitant about riskier alternatives.
Some well established companies are offering a ‘new breed’ of ISAs which smooth out returns from stock markets. They have no ‘lock-in’ period with near instant access and are suitable for the cautious investor. Because of the potentially better returns, many use the monthly income facilities to supplement pension income. We all need to make our money work harder for us, especially with inflation creeping up. ISAs provide one of the few remaining tax breaks, with no income or capital gains tax to pay. They are versatile, in that Cash ISAs can be transferred to Investment ISAs - and vice versa. Transferring ISAs
from previous tax years doesn’t affect one’s current year’s allowance. Why not telephone Hilary Peyman on 01903 882007 to book a complimentary appointment? It’s an excellent opportunity to find out if The Mellor Practice may be suitable for you, with no obligation or pressure. Meetings can be held either at their spacious offices just outside Arundel with easy free parking, or if you prefer an advisor can visit you at your home. If you’d like to discuss this over the telephone, please call Laurie Mellor on 01903 882007. The Mellor Practice, Unit 1 Park Farm, Chichester Road, Arundel, BN18 0AG Telephone 01903 882007 or visit their website at www.themellorpractice.co.uk
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SUSSEX LOCAL
40 Parish Council News
Bury Parish Council Extracts from draft minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 21st November 2016. Pill Pond - Cllr Leeson had suggested that some pea shingle needed to be put at the nearest end of the track going up to the Pill Pond. It was decided to see how this went over the winter and do it in the Spring under the 2017 budget. The Recreation Ground – The ditches to either side of the pitch have been done and the square scarified and treated. The entrance gate and fencing need to be replaced. A suggestion that more parking could be added to the entrance has been made, and for an inner padlocked gate to be placed further in. The Wharf, slipway and Common Land - The Council is responsible for the upkeep and management of this Heritage site and its usage. A letter from the residents of the lower part of Church Lane objecting to any work being done on the grounds of parking concerns and usage management, had previously been circulated. It is important that these comments be fully discussed whilst actual plans and ideas are being put forward. No work is planned or will be done over the winter, so potential work will fall into the 2017 budget. Councillor Peter Elson is leading the project evaluation stage. Primavera have done an excellent job of all our maintenance and the projects. The footpaths have re-
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ceived regular attention, and they have been extremely flexible and dealt with emergencies. It was unanimously agreed that their contract be renewed. Church railings and path. Due to a car going into the railings, the part of the railing at the road end of the path will be shortened and finished off. An iron work specialist has been asked to do this and modest costs approved. Telephone Box – BT have asked whether the box outside the pub is still required. Despite technology having progressed, there is some concern that it might be needed for emergency calls if there was a bad accident on the A29 and no mobile signal West Burton Notice Board – The clerk will try to secure a grant for this, but unfortunately this would not be until February. A reasonably priced oak, lockable notice board was agreed. A29 – Cllr O'Hanlon wishes to have a meeting with Highways over the continuing issues with the A29 which effect all parishioners. She has set up good communications with Highways, but they are still not prioritising our problems. She would like to have a group to help her in her cause. A29 Memorial Stone – unfortunately a memorial has been placed on the verge where there was a fatal accident on Bury Hill. It is clearly a sensitive issue, but it could lead to distraction of motorcyclists and motorists in the future. Full details at www.buryparishcouncil.org.uk
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42 Parish Council News
Coldwaltham News Parish Council wishes to “resist” Sussex Local publishing its news Extract from the Parish Council meeting held on 13th December 2016. “Cllr Evans had recently received a local free magazine, Sussex Local, in this he discovered an item from Coldwaltham Parish Council which had been copied from our website. Cllr Evans is conscious that this further undermines the Link. Cllr Burr noted that this our copyright that is being infringed. Council agreed to resist their attempts to take our information in the future.” Editor’s note Mr Evans alleges we have taken content published on the publicly-funded Parish Council website which was copyright of the Link parish magazine (although not marked as such). We have advised Mr Evans that he should make clear which content belongs to which organisation. At the time of writing, this has still not happened. In the meantime, we will continue to report news from Coldwaltham Parish Council website as we do for every other village parish council in our area, none of whom seem to mind their taxpayers being better informed. The next Council meeting is at Lodge Hill on February 7th at 7.30pm. www.coldwalthampc.org.uk
SUSSEX LOCAL Forest Schools at St. James’ The Forest Schools programme at St. James’ aims to encourage children to use open spaces for interactive play, health, recreation and personal development uses. The philosophy is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences. The sessions at the school are led by Mrs Skirrow, a fully qualified Forest Schools Leader. The school benefits from their extensive and beautiful school grounds and also have access to part of the Barlavington Estate in Waltham Park Woods. Forest Schools at St. James’ is run throughout the year, exploring the grounds in all weathers. Children use full sized tools, play, learn boundaries of behaviour both physical and social, grow in confidence and become self-motivated. These sessions help children to develop individual skills and self-esteem through activities such as hide and seek, shelter building, tool skills, lighting fires and environmental art. Visit www.st-james-coldwaltham.w-sussex.sch.uk
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SUSSEX LOCAL
Fittleworth News Chief Scout Awards to the Gilpin family Quentin, Pauline and their grandson Aiden Gilpin, all achieved Chief Scout Awards in December. Well done too to all the other Fittleworth scouts who gained Gold and Silver Chief Scout Awards.
Fittleworth Firsts Football club! Congratulations to the Fittleworth First Football team with their 4-1 win over Watersfield.
February events Fittleworth Village Market 4th February 10-12.30pm local farm produce, honey, cakes, quiches, breads, plants, aloe vera products, cards and much more! Fittleworth Village Hall Park Life Cafe 16th February 2:45-4:45pm Fittleworth Village Hall. Coffee, cake and craft fun; come along for coffee and cake before meeting the children from school, then come back with them for more activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fittleworth Parish Council meeting 20th February 7:00pm at the Sports and Social Club, The Pavillion, next to the Village Hall 01798 831804 The Horticultural Society Quiz 25 February 7:30pm
The annual quiz - not just for horticultural experts! Fittleworth Village Hall Over 60s Lunch Club 28th February 1pm. All welcome for a friendly lunch together – please phone Carole on 01798 867460 if you are new to the club and would like to come along. www.fittleworth-pc.org.uk Many more events are listed in our What’s On guide starting on page 4. www.fittleworth-pc.org.uk Fittleworth Parish Council, Nightingales, Mare Hill Road, Pulborough, RH20 2DY Telephone: 07957 353698 / 01798 669391 Email: fittleworthparishclerk@gmail.com
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46 Parish Council News
SUSSEX LOCAL
Pulborough Parish Council From the minutes of the Planning & Services Committee (P&S) 7th January 2017 7.30pm PRESENT: Cllrs Tilbrook (Chairman), C Esdaile, J Esdaile, Kipp, Mortimer, Quested, Henly, Kay (arrived at 7.41pm) & J Wallace 130. SIGNAGE IN THE VILLAGE The Assistant Clerk reported that the Highways Officer has advised that the 'Parking 500 yards' sign will not be cleaned and vegetation cut away as it is not a priority as this is not a traffic regulation sign. The coffee sign at Elite Garages has now been moved back. 134. COOMBELANDS LANE RESURFACING Cllr. Tilbrook reported that WSCC Highways and their contractors have caused problems whilst re-surfacing Coombelands Lane recently. Two gully covers over drains have been removed. These should have been put back but because the contractors were called away on an urgent job, this has not been done. Cllr. Tilbrook has had to dig out soil from the drains where the covers used to be, but, even though he has been doing this, when it has rained heavily, water has appeared across the road in Church Place and Coombelands Lane. If there is cold weather next week, this will freeze. Cllr. Tilbrook has contacted WSCC Highways asking them to replace the covers. Members suggested Cllr. Tilbrook send a chaser, which he will do. 135. BROOMERS HILL TRAFFIC Members received correspondence from a resident regarding the speed of traffic in Broomers Hill Lane and highlighting that WSCC agreed to collect some traffic data to explore the matter further. The resident has tried to chase WSCC for the data, but is unable to make contact with the original representative. After some discussion members instructed the Assistant Clerk to try and obtain the data gathered and upon receipt, put back on the next available P&S agenda for discussion. The Assistant Clerk will inform the resident of this also. 139. PAYMENTS The following payments were approved and cheques were signed. L Ellis 20.00 Kent County Council 86.71 Derek Paxton 595.00 Pulborough Social Centre 1321.50 Auditing Solutions Ltd 492.00 Burgess & Randall Ltd 19.68 Wightman & Parrish Ltd 19.08 Professional Weed Solutions Ltd 312.00 West Sussex County Council 6728.18 Horsham Matters Ltd 3490.01 Travis Perkins Trading Co Ltd 31.08 Horsham District Council 504.00 Full minutes are available on the Parish Council website. Visit www.pulboroughparishcouncil.gov.uk
07712 677329
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48 Parish Council News
West Chiltington Parish Council Vacancy for Parish Councillor A vacancy for a Parish Councillor has arisen and we welcome anyone who has the interest and enthusiasm for their village, to volunteer for this non party political body. A Parish Council is the first tier of local government and is solely involved in issues for the village's benefit and assistance. If you would like to offer some of your time we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact either the Parish Clerk or one of the current councillors - details are on the website.
Rubbish As residents of Horsham District, we could be recycling a lot more than we do. Some of us are still confused about what we can put into the blue topped recycling bin at home. All items should be clean, dry, and loose. Cartons, plastic tubs and containers, aluminium foil and containers, paper and cardboard (not shredded paper), plastic and glass bottles, all types of food cans can be put in the recycling bin. We are asked to rinse them out so that leftover food or liquid doesn’t spill out onto other recycling, such as paper. The technology at the recycling plant at Ford means for example that the plastic bottles that we throw away could be back on shelves within 6 weeks. There is a great deal of information about recycling on the Horsham District Council’s website
www.horsham.gov.uk along with tips and ideas about reducing food waste on www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
Telephone Call Blocking Scam Sussex Police have issued a warning for residents to steer clear of fake call blocking services. Be cautious of cold callers offering relief from nuisance phone calls for a monthly fee. The services offered will not block any unwanted calls, and could place personal information in the hands of criminals. For GENUINE call blocking and telephone preference services, residents are advised to sign up to the free Telephone Preference Service (www.tpsonline.org.uk) which offers one level of protection. Call blocking devices approved by ‘Secured by Design’, such as trueCall devices (www.truecall.co.uk), are also available.
Contact us Please note that the new opening times of the Parish Council Office are normally Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10am – 2pm. Tel: 01798 817434 Email: wcpcclerk@aol.com or go to the Parish Council website which you can find at: www.wchilt-parishcouncil.org.uk
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