March 2020
Midhurst - Petworth - Easebourne - Duncton - Heyshott Local news and events through the door to 7,100 homes in this area every month
GIG BUDDIES
Concert befriending scheme
GARDENS Arundel Castle
WIN!
Book: The wreck hunter: battle of Britain & the blitz
PLUS
NEWS
Charity, councils, schools
HEALTH No food is ‘free’!
What’s On, Recipe, Prize Crossword, Young Readers’ Puzzles, Local Walks, Local Groups & Charity, Business Directory
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March 2020 Cover image Stedham Mill near Midhurst by David J Dalley
Welcome... To March, we are a third of the way through the year and Spring is nearly here with warmer weather to look forward to. Keep our March What’s on guide to hand for lots of events and activities for all the family. Our charity profile this month spotlights Gig Buddies, a befriending scheme for adults with learning disabilities and autism. Pairing up music enthusiasts who may not be able to attend concerts on their own with “buddies” who share similar musical tastes means a great night out for both parties. Andrew Staib visits the ’fairy tale’ gardens at Arundel Castle and takes tea with the head gardener. Plus the usual monthly tasks in our regular gardening feature. This month you can win a book; The wreck hunter: Battle of Britain & the blitz. A biography of wreck-hunter Terry Parsons, with photographs stretching back almost 70 years. Our “Property Doc” looks at the invasive Japanese knotweed how to identify and eradicate it and the damage it can wreak on property. David Johnston writes about the old 'Moor' Mansion of Petworth in our history article and we also have a special education feature this month. If you’re considering a private school for your child, read our article from The Good Schools Guide. Finally, don’t forget to get in touch with any news or community items for publication and please do mention Sussex Local when responding to advertisers.. Until next month,
Kris & Jeff
Quote of the month "Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there." - WILL ROGERS 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 Schools news Education feature by The Good Schools Guide Young readers puzzles Local walks Local history Charity & community news WIN! Book - The Wreck Hunter In Your Garden - Arundel Castle gardens Property Doctor - Japanese knotweed Recipe Health & wellbeing Gig Buddies Charity Feature Motoring news Prize crossword Parish council news Local business directory Advertiser index
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Seven editions across West Sussex Arundel - Arundel, Amberley, Burpham, Climping, Fontwell, Ford, Slindon, Walberton & Yapton Total addresses - 6,700 Barnham - Barnham, Eastergate, Westergate, Aldingbourne, Oving, & Tangmere Total addresses - 5,400 Chichester - Chichester centre & suburbs Total addresses - 8,000 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 - 7,000 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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Schools
Easebourne Primary School We have been working to support writing at Easebourne Primary School. Our fortnightly ‘Tight Write’, an initiative established a while ago now, has continued to be popular with the children. Every two weeks, we circulate an image as a prompt for children’s writing with the sole proviso that the writing should contain no more than 50 words. Sometimes, children try to conjure an atmosphere with careful description, whilst at other times, they choose to write a fragment of a story. Occasionally, they even try to tell the whole story! I thought you might like to read a selection from our last two ‘Tight Writes’. I hope you enjoy them. By day, Glenda and Dave are regular grandparents. By night they are superheroes saving the town. Tonight they saved a cat from falling and a rabbit from escaping. “Town Heroes,” everyone said. When the sun came up they woke up on the sofa and realised it was all a dream. By Scarlette-Lily, Year 3. My Grandparents I can tell my grandparents are keeping a secret. Because every time they come and see us they always
seem to be in a rush. I went to stay with them a couple of weeks ago but they seemed ordinary. I did see them in superhero suits though. Maybe they’re superheroes. By Roberta, Year 6. After Suzie and Tom’s grandson’s fancy dress birthday party they were exhausted. They had tried to pin the cape on Batman, played a game of heroes and villains and then had a delicious slice of Superman cake! They could not wait to lie down. Within minutes they were fast asleep. By Margot, Year 6. When I woke up in the darkness I switched the torch on and it made a blue, bright light out into the dark night. As I looked out of the window I saw the rainbow star glow back at me. By Emmy. I could feel the light burst through my window as more lightning struck. I could feel the cold winter’s night. I could hear the guns of war and people screaming as they were taken from their homes. I dreamt of myself being the next person taken from my home. By Jessica, Year 4. It was dark. It was very dark. It was very dark and damp. It was very dark, damp and dead. Suddenly, a blinding light descended. They had returned. By Cecily, Year 5. Johnny Culley, Headteacher. For more information please visit www.easebourne.w-sussex.sch.uk
Midhurst Rother College
Over the past month year 6 students, who are eager to join this group, have been attending after school taster sessions at the college in subjects such as maths, food technology, geography and football skills to experience what being part of this group will be like for them. This has also enabled them to see what an exciting and challenging opportunity this is for them. The students who join this group will become very used to hearing French, processing information and instructions, then to responding in French. It will become natural to do everyday things at school, just as in other lessons, but through a second language. Very exciting times ahead for this group of young linguists. www.mrc-academy.org
All in French! Fiona Lunskey, as director for Challenge at Midhurst Rother College, is delighted to be introducing content and language integrated learning (CLIL) to Midhurst Rother College from September 2020. The CLIL group will be on offer to the new intake of Year 7 students. This exciting new adventure will run alongside traditional languages classes and be led, in French, by their teachers in some of their subject lessons. Tutor time will also be conducted in French, outside of assemblies of course! Students who wish to join the group do not need to have started French at primary school to apply to join; they just need to be keen to learn.
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Petworth C of E Primary Sleepover at the school On 7th February over 70 children decided the school day was not long enough and stayed at school for the night. This has become an annual event and this year's theme was science. Once the children got changed and had a quick snack, the activities began! Over the next two hours the children participated in a variety of Children exploring magnetism activities, which included; exploring static electricity, magnetism, colour mixing, exploring constellations, investigating gravity and aerodynamics, creating planets and creating a pastel and paint image of the Northern Lights. During the sessions the children had a hands on experience as they explored different concepts and were thoroughly engaged by all of them. Once the activities were cleared up the children completed a science quiz, had dinner from the local chippy and then it was time for the most popular event...hide and seek.
Schools 11 It is amazing that many children still enjoy and are enthusiastic about simple things, all that is needed is the opportunity. It is also incredible that children can find every nook to hide in, as Pupils enjoying the sleepover well as be quiet, whilst the teachers seek them out. I think the children could play this all night, however we did limit it to one hour. Father Mark, from St. Mary's Church, visited us to give a blessing and this starts to calm the children down. The children then got ready for bed, cleaned their teeth and settle down for the movie. Most children got to sleep quickly, however some were still chatting at 2am and some awoke at 5am. At 6:40am I have the pleasure of waking the children up to Mr Blue Sky, blaring out from our hall sound system. We are lucky to have dedicated staff at school, who plan and deliver the activities during the night and who give up so much of their own time to ensure our children have an experience to remember. Recycling update: We have teamed up with Bags2School, so if you have any clothes, shoes, towels, bed sheets or duvet covers, which you do not want any more. They will need to be at school by Tuesday 17th March. Thank you! John Galvin, www.petworth.w-sussex.sch.uk
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Schools
Choosing the best school for your child Advice from Janita Gray at The Good Schools Guide
Whether you’re looking for a day nursery, boarding school or sixth form, finding the school that is right for your child means lots of homework for parents. For most parents the school search starts with a browse through websites. Educational marketing is highly professional these days so be prepared for buildings that look like country house hotels, acres of playing fields, perpetual sunshine, high-tech laboratories, professional standard theatres and many, many grand pianos. After a while you may start to feel as though you have been assaulted, in the nicest
possible way, by a combination of Downton Abbey, Enid Blyton, Child Genius and the Olympics. Some parents try reverse engineering to help them choose a school, starting with top universities and working backwards. They identify schools that send a large proportion of leavers to Oxbridge or Ivy League colleges and then register their child at linked or ‘feeder’ preps. It’s not uncommon for spreadsheets to be drawn up with every detail of a child’s educational future specified. Of course there’s nothing wrong with forward planning, but where’s the contingency? The plan B? After all, the baby whose future is being mapped out so meticulously may not have got the Oxbridge memo. Parents’ educational experience, good or bad, will be hugely influential on any decision. Try writing down the things you liked and disliked most about the schools you attended and then think about these in the context of what you want for your child. You also need to think about whether you want co-ed or single sex education, any religious preferences and, for day schools, chapter and verse on bus routes and realistic travel times. Look beyond league tables Many parents say they don’t want their child to go to an academic ‘hot house’. What they want is for their
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Schools
child to enjoy learning in an unpressurised environment. Oh, and by the way, they also want their child to get in to Oxford. Good Schools Guide advice is to ignore league tables and look at trends in exam results over a few years. If most of the children are getting A/A* with only a few Cs and Ds, think about how the child who got the C might feel. Open days An open day is often the first contact parents have with a school in which they are seriously interested. There’s no substitute for setting foot in a school – you may find that a place that looks perfect on paper just ‘feels’ wrong and you shouldn’t ignore this. Try and attend the head’s talk. Prep school heads have your child’s future in their hands – you’re paying them to know your child, advise on the best senior schools and, if necessary, intervene on your child’s behalf if an entrance exam doesn’t go to plan. In senior schools the head may be more of a figure head and most of your day to day dealings will be with tutors or housemasters, but the leadership of the school is still key to its ethos. If you’re considering boarding for your child make sure you get a good look round. The norm is cabin beds, shared rooms until GCSEs, empty noticeboards in boys’ dorms and lots of bunting in girls’ dorms. Ask how many children stay in school after matches on Saturday. If nearly everyone else is going home it’s not much fun to be left behind – even if the school does lay on trips.
If you think you’ve found the perfect school then get yourself in the system as early as you can. Make sure you visit, register and pay the deposit in good time – for popular schools that can be several years in advance. You also need a back-up school (but don’t tell your child that this is what you’re calling it). You should also be prepared for change. A new head or move from single sex to co-ed can have profound effects. And last but by no means least, there’s your child. He or she may turn out to have very different plans from the ones you have drawn up. For more information, advice and school reviews visit: www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk
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Puzzles
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Local Walks - March 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 2nd
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10.30am Shimmings Valley L: Gerald 1 hr 30 mins A little hilly to climb to Brinksole Heath and return via Byworth Meet: Petworth Library, Rosemary Lane, High St, Petworth GU28 0AU 2.00pm Midhurst Meander L: Angela 1 hr 30 mins A pleasant wander through Midhurst Common and adjacent land Meet: Carron Lane Car Park. Nearby postcode GU29 9LD 11.00am Jubilee walk & South Pond L: Harvey 30mins A flat walk. A steady incline to the top of the jubilee path Meet: The Grange Leisure Centre, Bepton Road, Midhurst, GU29 9HD 10:30am Ham View Point L: Peter 2 hrs An easy flat walk. Mostly good paths but also crossing fields that will be muddy Meet: Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve car park, PO20 7NE 10:30am Chantry Hill L: Jane 2hrs 45mins No stiles but a hilly walk with some uneven ground. No dogs Meet: Chantry car park, Chantry Lane, Storrington, nearby postcode RH20 4AB 10.30am Chichester Canal L: Helen 30 mins A flat walk at a gentle pace, suitable for beginners Meet: Chichester Canal, Basin Road, Chichester PO19 8DT 11.00am Jubilee walk & South Pond L: Harvey 30mins A flat walk. A steady incline to the top of the jubilee path Meet: The Grange Leisure Centre, Bepton Road, Midhurst, GU29 9HD 10.30am Storrington L: Peter B 2 hrs 30 mins Hilly walk down into Storrington and return with super downland views Meet at Springhead/Kithurst Hill car park. Nearby postcode RH20 4HW 2.00pm Introduction to map reading L: Angela 1.5 hrs Build your confidence and plan your own walks without a leader Meet: South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst GU29 9DH 10.30am Chapel Common L: Andy 1.5hrs A level, easy going walk. Dogs on leads Meet: Chapel Common Parking Area, Nearby postcode GU33 7JL 11.00am Jubilee walk & South Pond L: Harvey 30mins A flat walk. A steady incline to the top of the jubilee path Meet: The Grange Leisure Centre, Bepton Road, Midhurst, GU29 9HD 10.30am Iping Common L: Bruce 2 hrs Mostly on paths, no stiles, might be muddy in places Meet: Iping Common, Elsted Rd, Midhurst, nearby postcode GU29 0PB 1.00pm Petworth surgery walk L: Gerald 30 mins Flat walk at a gentle pace. A steady incline at the end. Dogs welcome Meet: Petworth Doctors Surgery, Grove Street, GU28 0LP 11.00am Jubilee walk & South Pond L: Harvey 30mins A flat walk. A steady incline to the top of the jubilee path Meet: The Grange Leisure Centre, Bepton Road, Midhurst, GU29 9HD 10:30am Iping, Stedham & Woolbeeding L: Jane 2 hrs 30 mins A longer walk with stiles, no dogs on this walk please. Meet: Iping Common, Elsted Rd, Midhurst, nearby postcode GU29 0PB 10:15am Grayingwell L: Sarah 40 mins Meet : Outside the glass building looking onto Havenstoke Park Parking is very limited around the park. Nearby postcode PO19 6AB
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The old 'Moor' Mansion By local historian & artist David Johnston well to dissolve the Priory at Boxgrove and take an inventory of its treasures. Around the first quarter of last century, a pair of old pistols were discovered beneath the floor of a room in the Dawtrey’s town house in Petworth. The discovery of these old flintlocks highlights the romantic legend that they had been used in a duel. For, it is said that some time at the end of the seventeenth century a Dawtrey and a Peachey, (of New Grove) fought on Petworth Mead, for the favour of a lady, and that Dawtrey perished on the field.
It is tragic that so many of our ancient houses have been raised to the ground over the centuries. Architectural gems steeped in history, such as the ancient home of the Dawtreys – a family of high antiquity, at one time possessed of large estates in West Sussex. Their chief residence near Petworth, known as Moor, came to them through the marriage of Edmund Dawtrey to Isabel, niece and heiress of Sir Richard Wood, Treasurer of England, in the reign of Richard III. The mansion was built round a courtyard in the form of a quadrangle, with an arched gateway in the centre. The oddly gabled front was timber framed, infilled with herringbone brickwork, and an assortment of mullioned windows. The house preserved some of its original features up until a great part of it was taken down in 1763, when it was then converted to a farmhouse. But here in the interior, in one remaining apartment, once known as the great hall, the old place still held on to its oak panelled walls and stuccoed ceiling displaying the family crest – a unicorn passant. Over the carved fireplace in the huge kitchen, the Dawtrey escucheon survived, with the date 1580. The late Hon. Lady Maxse, in the 1920's lamented the loss of the ancient mansion house. “As a girl I often drove to Moor to linger awhile in the fine old room, cold and deserted as it was. It is tragic that it should have been destroyed”. The Dawtreys were it seems, stirring fellows, one in particular, John of Moor, rode north, followed by a troop of Petworth men at arms to fight for Henry VIII, against the King of Scots, at Flodden, in 1513, and was knighted for his prowess on the field. In 1535 he was one of the commissioners sent by Thomas Crom-
Young Dawtrey was carried to a house close by called the Menagerie, [located in North Street, near the junction with the Horsham Road.] Here, the old people of the day said that “the blood stains were seen by them still on the floor, where he died, do what they might, they could not be washed out”. The Menagerie House, was in its day, an extraordinary museum kept by a person named Osborn, generally called “old dad Osborn”. This museum consisted of numerous stuffed birds and other animals. There was, by all accounts, a wolf that had been brought down from London by the old Petworth carrier. The poor beast had been chained up to the bottom of the wagon and trotted along like a dog. The Rev. Ferryman, a clergyman of Iping, had the management of this museum, and it was he who prepared and stuffed most of the animals. He no doubt killed and stuffed the poor old wolf as well. An anecdote passed down through the years, reveals the Rev. Ferryman's amateur labours in the task of taxidermy: A favourite horse of Lord Egremont's had died and his lordship wished Mr Ferryman to superintend the skinning of the animal, preparatory to his stuffing it for the museum. It happened on a Sunday in extremely hot weather, and fearing to leave the animal unskinned until the Monday, the good Reverend, after morning service said to his congregation, “There will be no afternoon service today, for Lord Egremont has written to me to see to the skinning of a dead horse, and if he is left till Monday he will stink!” Ref: – 'Tales of old Petworth' – The Window Press. Ref: – 'Petworth in Ancient Times'. Lady Maxse To purchase any prints or the original painting of the illustration that accompanies this article, please see www.davidjohnston.org.uk or contact David on 01798 345296 or david.rg.johnston@googlemail.com
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Charity & Community
Sussex Snippets West Sussex families, friend and neighbours who are acting as unpaid carers will shortly be able to benefit from a range of discounts at local businesses and services with the new Carer Discount Card (CDC) from local Charity Carers Support West Sussex. For more details visit: www.carerssupport.org.uk Local charity, West Sussex Mediation Service, are celebrating their 20th anniversary. The charity helps people suffering conflicts in their lives find lasting solutions to their problems and specialises in resolving neighbour disputes and conflicts within families. Most services are free of charge, so fundraising is important. This year they are holding an ‘Auction of Promises’. This is where individuals, or businesses can make a pledge of an item of value, an experience, or their skill or talent for an hour or two. 0300 200 0025 or email info@wsms.org.uk A group of 17 volunteers from the Heathlands Reunited project were highly-commended in the National Parks’ UK Volunteer Awards, which recognises outstanding volunteers across the UK’s 15 National Parks. For more details on volunteering visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/care-for/volunteering-2 After being hunted to extinction in the 16th century, the Beaver is coming back to Sussex. A partnership led by Sussex Wildlife Trust and the rewilding project at the Knepp Estate near Horsham, is re-introducing two pairs of beaver in either late spring 2020 or in the autumn, in Knepp’s Southern Block. West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service needs more retained (on-call) firefighters across the county particularly in East Grinstead, Turners Hill, Hurstpierpoint, Shoreham, Storrington, Petworth, Arundel and East Wittering. www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire. West Sussex County Council Fostering Team run regular information evenings for those who might be considering fostering. You can come along and have your questions answered, meet some of our team and hear from foster carers who want to share their experiences of fostering. 033 022 27775 Kelp once stretched along 40 km of the West Sussex coastline from Selsey to Shoreham, forming an underwater forest that extended at least 4 km seaward. It provided a vital sealife habitat and locked up huge quantities of carbon, helping us to fight climate change, while improving water quality and reducing coastal erosion by absorbing the power of ocean waves. But within living memory, kelp in Sussex waters has diminished to almost nothing due to trawling and the dumping of sediment spoils by dredging boats. To support the Help Our Kelp campaign and watch the film narrated by Sir David Attenborough, visit: sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/helpourkelp
The Sussex Pathfinders is an independent club with around 200 members, who share a common interest in walking for pleasure in the Sussex countryside, and beyond at weekends. Walks are not limited to Sussex as the Club has an annual exchange visit with a French group, and also organises long distance walks and short breaks around the UK. Trips to Hadrian’s Wall and Derbyshire are planned for later this year. We also have occasional social events, and visits to places of interest. www.sussexpathfinders.co.uk 07842 792962. West Sussex Connect to Support have updated their website bringing together lots of information about • ways to remain independent at home • equipment to help you around your home • advice on improving your health and wellbeing • ideas for things to do locally • support for carers www.westsussexconnecttosupport.org. For help using the website, call Adults’ CarePoint on 01243 642121 or email socialcare@westsussex.gov.uk Sussex Police & Crime Panel members have backed the decision to increase the police precept by £10 per year (for an average Band D property). 66% of snap poll respondents supported the increase.
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Charity & Community
Music at the Cathedral Chichester Cathedral Friends are proud supporters of the rich musical tradition of the Cathedral, helping to fund a whole range of musical activities. In 2019 the Friends celebrated their 80th birthday and the Cathedral hosted the Southern Cathedrals Festival. The Friends were delighted to sponsor this highly successful festival which culminated in a much acclaimed performance of JS Bach’s St John Passion. The Friends also sponsored an inspiring performance of The Messiah performed by vocal ensemble NMH (conducted by Master of Choristers, Charles Harrison); and a CD of appropriate sacred music to mark the hundredth anniversary of the end of the First World War. Over its 80 year history the Friends have also sponsored many aspects of the musical life of the Cathedral ranging from concerts and special services and the funding of musical instruments, new sound systems and cassocks and surplices for the choir, as well as a choral scholarship. Chichester Cathedral Friends is a charity formed to support the mission and ministry of the Cathedral. The musical life of the Cathedral is central to this and the Friends will actively and enthusiastically continue
to support the choir and all the musical activities of our Cathedral. friends@chichestercathedral.org.uk.
Integrated health hub survey conclusions published Healthwatch West Sussex (HWS) is an independent champion for people who use health and social care services. They find out what matters to people and help make sure their views shape the support they need, as well as help people find the information they need about services in West Sussex. They have the power to make sure that the government and those in charge of services hear people's voices. As well as seeking the public's views themselves, they also encourage services to involve people in decisions that affect them.
Late last year HWS carried out a series of engagements with 218 residents to assess what they thought about the proposal for an Integrated Health Hub for the North Chichester Rural area - a kind of “one stop shop” for all matters health-related. The results have now been published in a document and a video which are available on the HWS website. A summary of the feedback received from residents included the following points: • There exists a lack of joined up care between different services. • There is poor access to domiciliary care in the rural area. • There should be more health and wellbeing services such as walking groups, social clubs and mental health groups. • The lack of community transport is a big concern for those living in rural Sussex The report recommendations were: • For a specific covered bus stop to be added at Midhurst Hospital. • To devise a local transport plan for the North Chichester area that is coordinated • To devise a recruitment campaign for volunteer drivers You can read the full report and conclusions by visiting www.healthwatchwestsussex.co.uk
Community notices printed free of charge. Please send yours to info@sussexlocal.net
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Charity & Community / Competition
New Visit Chichester brochure The new Visit Chichester 2020 brochure, which has enhanced imagery (and for the first time this year no classified adverts) follows the themes of Heritage and Hidden History, Art and Culture, Retail Therapy, Delicious Destination and Green Spaces and Waterways.
Time to Talk day, Tangmere Tangmere charity Dementia Support ran a special day recently to connect its customers with businesses in the community. They are hoping to make this a regular event. If you are interested in the next Time to Talk day, contact Martha at martha.pusey@dementiasupport.org.uk or Sage House 01243 888-691.
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current vacancies and find out more about working in care. The Proud to Care team also give tips and guidance about applying for jobs and interviews. The next drop-in event takes place at The Council House on North Street in Chichester on 11 March between 10am and 2pm. www.proudtocarewestsussex.com
Meet Fizz the Cat Fizz is just over 13 years old and it’s time for her to find a forever home. She has some eye damage which the vet thinks it is just scarring, but will be covered under the foster scheme. Cat & Rabbit Rescue Centre, Sidlesham 01243 641409 www.crrc.co.uk
Care recruitment event Carers make a huge difference to someone’s life. Roles are varied, hours can fit around family life and the opportunities to progress are enormous. Proud to Care is an initiative set up by West Sussex County Council that raises awareness of working in care, promotes local job vacancies and offers recruitment support to care providers. They also host regular Care Recruitment events where anyone interested in caring can pop in to meet with local care providers for an informal chat about
The wreck hunter: Battle of Britain & the blitz Discover the world of battle of Britain archaeology As long ago as 1961 a young Terry Parsons, then still in his twenties, began his long search for lost aircraft and memories of the Battle of Britain and the Blitz including; the dig at Winchelsea, near Rye in East Sussex, at the crash site of a photoreconnaissance Spitfire, X4784, which went down on 24 April 1942. The book also includes cuttings from the Hampshire Telegraph from April 1971, reporting on Terry and the team’s excavation of the Bracklesham Bay Heinkel He 111, which had been force landed on 26 August 1940. In this exclusive biography, created from Terry’s original notes and photographs stretching back almost seventy years, we learn not only about the historical significance of his own story as a wreck-hunter but the importance of remembering the lives of the men who fought in the skies above Britain in those desperate days of the Second World War.
About the Author Melody Foreman is a qualified journalist and graduate with experience in newspapers and television documentaries. She has also written two books about the history of Kent. Melody is a contributor to Britain at War magazine and a former editor of the Kent Battle of Britain Museum magazine. The wreck hunter: Battle of Britain and the blitz is available to buy for £25.00. Contact Pen and Sword Books 01226 734267 or visit www.pen-and-sword.co.uk for more information.
Win a signed copy of The wreck hunter: Battle of Britain & the blitz To enter the competition answer the question below: Q: What year did the Spitfire X4784 go down? a) 1950 b) 1935 c) 1942 Send your answer and contact details to: The wreck hunter: Battle of Britain & the blitz Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough, RH20 9AH or enter online at www.sussexlocal.net/features/competitions Winner drawn after 31st March 2020. Please indicate if you wish to remain on our mailing list.
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Gardening
In Your Garden Monthly gardening ideas and tasks by Andrew Staib, Principal Designer of Glorious Gardens Fairy Tale Gardens
Exquisite is the only word to describe the Arundel Castle Gardens. From the tropical beds, the vegetable areas or the newly renovated wilderness down by the lakes, the castle gardens join seamlessly a variety of styles and landscapes. Of course the well-proportioned, fairy tale looking castle helps but it is also the rolling hillocks, winding paths and secret rooms that give the gardens an exploratory and fascinating atmosphere. Much of the recent inspiring originality is due to the passionate endeavours of Martin Duncan, Head Gardener for the last 10 years. He takes me on a tour and I can barely keep pace with his lanky strides as we move from area to area. He takes time to greet his staff and make sure they are ok. It becomes clear that his wish to develop the gardens further points to an artistic sensibility. Everywhere is evidence of his projects.
“We have the Tulip Festival in April. There will be over 60,000 tulips and each year we are adding more. We
have also created the first Tulip labyrinth in the world. In the new English orchard over there, we have planted white and yellow Apeldoorn tulips that will combine with blue Camassia bulbs. And here we have the Stumpery - I created this a few years ago”. We look at giant tree stumps turned upside down with a host of Euphorbias, Ferns and Echiums sprouting from the gaps in the arches of the roots. It looks prehistoric but oddly suits the gothic looking Arundel Cathedral, which serves as a backdrop just 25 metres away. This area joins the tropical beds which, given Martin’s Zimbabwe origins, is a feast of well researched and successfully growing palms, tropical shrubs and ground cover. There are huge pollarded Paulownia trees, the Sapphire Dragon tree, plus Catalpas and Chinese Cabbage palms. We walk to the back of this area and come across a thatched hut. Again a structure like this could potentially look out of place but it is a natural fit amongst the vegetable parterres and sculptural Yew hedging. “We aim to build another of these down at the lakes
Gardening
through the door and use it as an educational space.” Martin’s fine features light up and he strides on to the next area. “This is one of my favourite areas. We have dredged the lakes, cleared some undergrowth and now are introducing all sorts of species here, including 1500 water plants.” Two swans swan by an unblemished, holy white against the dark waters. They stick their heads deep under the water. Martin fetches some grain and gives them a couple of handfuls. He ruminates on his garden design philosophy.
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one of the best ones for surviving the Winter and coming back each year… keep a natural flow to borders… you can vary the height of your perennials, it doesn’t have to be perfect.” We finish our tour with tea served in proper china in his kitchen on the Estate. Elegant and practical, like the gardens under his watch. Martin’s relaxed and passionate personality will continue to make a mark on what is one of West Sussex’s most intriguing spaces.
Where to visit in March
“Good structure is everything, like Box hedging, holding back the cascade, typical of the English Cottage style. And a garden needs a strong backdrop, then everything else will look good. Soil is vital, get it right, and most things will thrive.” Amidst TV documentaries and meetings, Martin still manages to physically tend the garden half the day, next to his team, in whose growth, he takes as seriously as the plants under his care. “Each staff member has an area of responsibility so that they not only know what needs doing but can increase their knowledge”. I ask Martin, a Kew Guild Medal winner in 2018 for his services to horticulture, what is the secret of his success. “Hard work and knowledge.” says the man who has worked throughout the world on prestigious gardens. He seems just as content weeding a vegetable bed to making beautiful detailed sketches of tulip displays for Autumn planting. These he will hang up in his office for future reference and show the owners of Arundel Castle, the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, who have keenly supported the forwardthinking developments that have taken place in the gardens over the years. He never stops learning. Throughout our walk he drops little gems of insights. “2 tablespoons of Epsom Salts mixed into a watering can will feed 8 roses….do this three times a year….Apeldoorn tulips are
High Beeches Gardens, Sussex. This is a 25 acre garden, which is a botanical treasure trove that includes historic Magnolias. Laid out by the Loder family, but inspired by Victorian horticulturist William Robinson’s wild garden style, it is really worth going to when all the plants are coming into leaf. It is open every day except Wednesday, 1pm -5pm. 01444 400589. And don’t forget the Tulip fair at Arundel Castle on the 1st April 2020.
March tasks Apart from being busy in the vegetable patch; what else to do in March. • You can give shrubs like Cornus and Salix a hard prune back - look on the RHS website to see how ruthless you can be! • If the water starts warming up you can start feeding the fish. • If you haven’t finished pruning your roses now is the last time to do them before they come into leaf. • Lastly, look up summer flowering bulbs and tuber plants such as Dahlias. They can be planted now.
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Property
Japanese knotweed By Chris Ennis FRICS As I write, I note that trees are budding, and in just a few short weeks, spring will with us. ‘Not before time’ I hear you say. Watch out for signs of Japanese knotweed! I have seen this destructive plant in Findon, and also growing by the roadside in Angmering. Japanese knotweed is a highly invasive non-native plant that has the potential to damage buildings and overpower native species, eventually eradicating them from their own environment. It is prescribed under the Wild Life and Countryside act 1981 which makes it an offence to allow the plant to spread. All parts of the plant and any soil contaminated with the rhizome root system are classified as controlled waste and have to be carefully destroyed. So what does it look like? In the spring, young purple/ red asparagus like shoots appear which turn green as they age. Some plants leaf initially, but can grow 50 cm as a straight rod.
In the summer, the shoots turn into bamboo like hollow stems, with regular swollen red joints and nodes. Stems can grow up to 3 metres in height. Leaves are lush green and can be described as heart shaped. In the autumn, flowers bloom 80-120cm in long clusters of small white / green flowers which start to fall in the late autumn. In the winter the stems turn brown / yellow and eventually fall off at about the time of the first frost. This is a difficult plant to eradicate. The root system can regenerate from small fragments of rhizome and can remain dormant in the soil for four years or more. The roots may spread up to 7 metres from the plant, and up to a 1 metre deep. If left untreated it can spread rapidly at a rate of up to 15cm a day and cause damage to paths, roads, driveways and foundations. It may well affect the suitability of a property for a secured mortgage advance. There are specialist companies that deal with eradication, but their services can be costly and time consuming. A proprietary glyphosate weed killer like ‘Roundup’, carefully applied will kill the weed, but it is (I am told) a long process. Chris Ennis FRICS email: surveyor1@talktalk.net 01903 261 217 or www.propdoctor.co.uk
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Recipe / Health & Wellbeing
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Stuffed Breast of Lamb Slow cooker winter dish
This cut has gone out of fashion as it needs slow gentle cooking, ideal for a slow cooker of course, but also seriously economical and delicious.
Ingredients (Serves 4 - 6) Cook time: 90 mins • 2 breast of lamb (boned) • 1 small onion, finely chopped • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 1tbsp sunflower oil • 150ml stock • 50g red lentils • 1/2 packet of sage and apple stuffing mix • 1 apple, grated • Salt and black pepper
Method 1.Slightly overlap the lamb to make an even rectangle. Sprinkle with seasoning. Fry the onion and garlic gently in the oil until just tender. 2.Stir in the stock and lentils and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often, leave to stand for 10 minutes. Heat the oven to 160C/325F/gas Mark 3. 3.Make up the stuffing mix as directed and mix in the
lentils, apple and seasoning. Spread evenly over the first third of the lamb and roll up neatly to enclose all the filling. 4.Tie firmly with string at several intervals. Brush all over with oil and sprinkle with seasoning. Cover and roast for 1 hour, then uncover, baste or brush with more oil and continue cooking for another 15-20 until the skin is crisp and the meat is tender. Serve thickly sliced, with green vegetables, roast potatoes and a light cider gravy. Cookery Courses for all Why not give a Voucher for the perfect gift? Contact Alex 01243 532240 www.cookwithalex.co.uk
No food is ‘free’!
A calorie deficit is needed to move the scales By Heather Smith
However you want to look at losing weight, one simple truth of any program which holds a chance of success is that a calorie deficit is required. There are a million ways to create a calorie deficit through either food or exercise, and there are a million ways to make it harder or easier through food choices and other habits. But the truth remains that a calorie deficit is required if you’re going to see the scales move. If you’re eating a diet full of processed food, a simple change to eating what is considered by some slimming clubs as ‘free food’ is almost guaranteed to lead to weight loss. It should easily create a natural calorie
deficit, show you how much better you can feel when you’re eating a less processed diet and hopefully lead to long term adherence. This is of course, excellent news, and is my preferred first-step for clients coming from a place of little knowledge of nutrition. Starting a weight loss plan when you already have a relatively healthy diet, however, needs a real life understanding of how these ‘free foods’ add up calorie wise. You could very easily already be eating mostly ‘free foods’ at the start of your weight loss plan, and this is when a true understanding of how to choose the right ‘free food’ becomes essential to unlocking further weight loss. No matter how healthy a food is, if you’re eating too many calories, you simply won’t lose weight. This said, losing weight should never become a game of simple calorie counting, it should also include getting as many nutrients from as many real foods as possible in order to assist long term progress, adherence and health. Heather Smith is a fat loss specialist Personal Trainer. Get in touch for a free five-day meal plan www.fitbiztraining.co.uk
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Charity Profile
Gig Buddies in Sussex Concert befriending scheme for adults with learning disabilities & autism by Lynn Smith For music fans seeing your favourite band or musician perform live has to be one of life’s joys. Imagine, though, the frustration if, just as the band got into its stride, you had to leave because your companion called time. Or, if you couldn’t be there in the first place because you weren’t able to travel and enjoy the gig unaccompanied. This is the situation that many music fans with learning difficulties or autism face. However, there is a solution in Sussex thanks to local charity, Gig Buddies - a volunteer befriending scheme for adults with learning disabilities and autism, matching them with a volunteer sharing the same interests.
Music Gigs aren’t the only option … Gig Buddies is not only about music. Malcolm Hill, the project coordinator for the charity in West Sussex, says that “It doesn’t have to be about music. We encourage people to define what the ’gig’ is for them. It could be playing or watching sport, going to the theatre, walking or going to museums.” Gig Buddies is a project run under the umbrella of the charity Stay Up Late, which was formed in 2006 out of the experience of the punk band Heavy Load. Three of the members of Heavy Load had learning disabilities and they were tired of seeing fans leaving their gigs early due to their support staff working inflexible rotas. The band split after fifteen years but decided to set up Stay Up Late to continue their campaign. Gig Buddies was started by the charity in 2013 with the aim of supporting people with learning disabilities and/or autism to be less socially isolated and to give them control of their own lives, which would become healthier and more fulfilled as a result. Apart from the occasional fundraising gig the charity does not organise gigs, as the intention is for people with learning disabilities to become involved in mainstream community life. Finding your own Gig Buddy … Anyone interested in finding a Gig Buddy can “selfrefer” by visiting the charity’s website or they can get help by asking a carer, support worker or family member to get in touch. The scheme is open to anyone with a learning disability and/or autism aged eighteen or over.
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Charity Profile
“We’re always happy to have a chat with people in the first instance to make sure that Gig Buddies is right for them.” says Malcolm Hill. “People tend to want a gig buddy to support them to get out to music events but not exclusively. Part of our role is to empower people to try new things so many of our gig buddy pairs go to the cinema, clubbing, theatre or even just an evening out to the pub. It’s entirely up to them what they want to do.” Currently, there is a waiting list for buddies, partially due to funding constraints and also because the organisation prides itself upon the quality of its service and the care taken in matching individuals. “Before I had a Gig Buddy I felt lost at the weekends. I had never been to a gig but having a Gig Buddy has meant that I’ve discovered new music. It means that I can travel to places I couldn’t before. Once you start going out you are more able to do other things. It improves your confidence.” A Gig Buddy participant. As project coordinator Malcolm Hill’s role is to recruit, train and match volunteers with their Gig Buddy. “I then provide ongoing support and supervision to ensure the match is going well and iron out any issues that might arise.” The project is short of volunteers across West Sussex, and Malcolm is particularly keen to find volunteers in Chichester, Worthing and Crawley. What does it take to be a Gig Buddies volunteer? Volunteers can come from any background and, Malcolm explains, no previous experience is required. “Ideally they will have an interest in music and/or the arts and be willing to give up around six to eight hours a month to meet up with their buddy.” “Friendly and positive attitude with the ability to build up a rapport with their buddy are the main attributes we look for.” Additionally, all volunteers are DBS checked and fully trained before being matched with a participant. Training is given at Gig Buddies’ offices in Portslade, with training sessions taking place each
month, on a Saturday between 10am - 3pm. The training covers an introduction to learning disabilities, communication, safeguarding and “what to do if” scenarios. For Malcolm, the beauty of the volunteering opportunity is that it can be fitted around a person’s existing commitments. Clearly the process of matching buddies is key to the scheme’s success, and Malcolm says that, “Where possible we match people based on where they live and what they are interested in doing. Ideally people will be attending events that they would have been likely to go to anyway – although a willingness to try new things is never a bad thing!” As Gig Buddies is all about developing friendship and expanding an individual’s social circle and informal support networks, the project does not provide volunteers on a one-off gig basis. Funding Gig Buddies … As with the majority of charities, Gig Buddies relies upon funding to keep them afloat. Gig Buddies is a free service but does expect a participant to pay for their own event tickets and travel costs. Volunteers
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are reimbursed for their expenses, and their gig tickets can also be reimbursed up to £10. Malcolm runs the project in West Sussex and is paid on a three day a week basis. In terms of funding, West Sussex County Council funds the charity to provide the Gig Buddies scheme across West Sussex. Additional funding has come from the Big Lottery and donations from private individuals. Although, there are no fundraising events in the pipeline at the moment, Gig Buddies would appreciate any offers of support. Past fundraising events include - organising fundraising gigs at the Komedia in Brighton and Resident Records in Brighton donating the monies raised by sales of their carrier bags – which totalled £1,154 last year. The charity
Charity Profile
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also has supporters who regularly run an ‘open garden’ throughout the summer to help raise funds. How Gig Buddies can transform lives … Malcolm Hill tells me of Gig Buddies David and Mark. David was matched with his Gig Buddy volunteer Mark in June 2019. “When David applied to have a Gig Buddy he was isolated and had very little in the way of a social life. He told me that he had never seen a live band and never went out with friends.” In just three months following his match with Mark he had been to three live gigs, attended a social where he met and befriended others in the gig buddy ‘community’ and signed up for an art class and the gym. “David is an example of how with a little bit of encouragement and support lives can be transformed in ways which may have seemed unlikely after years of isolation and demotivation.” www.gigbuddies.org.uk Stay Up Late - telephone: 01273 418102 or email: info@stayuplate.org
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Motoring
Motoring News Hyundai slashes wait time for new Kona electric In response to significant customer demand, Hyundai Motor UK has announced that customer waiting times for the new 2020 Kona electric will be significantly Hyundai Kona electric reduced. The move follows a significant increase in availability of its fully electric model. Recently awarded a Which? Best Buy. It carries the same expressive design as the rest of the Kona family, with a series of recently introduced enhancements. Ford develops 3D-printed locking wheel nuts As car security systems become increasingly more sophisticated, thieves are targeting car parts instead, including alloy wheels. One method to deter wheel thieves is to use locking nuts, which require a special adapter, or key. But even these are vulnerable, leading Ford engineers to harness 3D printing tech- Ford 3D- printing locking nology to develop next- wheel nuts
generation locking wheel nuts. Ford has created locking nuts with contours based on the driver’s voice. The design also includes second-level security features that prevent the nut from being cloned or copied. Renault scoops prizes at the great British fleet awards Renault is celebrating victory for the new Zoe, all-new Clio and latest Renault Trafic van Trafic van. The new Zoe was awarded the prize for the ‘best green fleet car’, the all-new Clio came out on top as the ‘best fleet supermini’ and the new Trafic took the accolade as the great British fleet awards ‘medium van of the year’. Exhausted drivers pose significant safety threat Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM motoring assist is urging drivers to be wise to the dangers of fatigue on journeys. The risks are particularly high among those who drive for their work. Statistics show that those most at risk from a fatiguerelated collision include young male drivers, shift workers, truck drivers and company car drivers. Around 85% of drivers who cause fatigue-related crashes are male, and more than one third of these are aged under 30.
Crossword
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Prize Crossword
Win a ÂŁ20 voucher for The Stag Inn
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Midhurst/Petworth March 2020 January 2020 solution below:
Winner: Tim Waters 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 6 Swathed (8) 8 Ho-hum (2-2) 9 Place in the earth (5) 10 Compel (6) 11 Warwickshire town sounds short of food (8) 12 Programming problem (3) 14 Colour changer (3) 15 Price of admission (5,3) 16 Run off the track (6) 18 Labour party? (5) 19 Sound of a strong wind (4) 20 White Sea turns stormy, just like that (4,4)
Down 1 On the way out (8) 2 Tasty tuber (4,9) 3 Custom-based rule (9,3) 4 Where cars are made (8,5) 5 Very short time, for short (4) 7 Breaks down (12) 13 How seasickness suffers are sometimes said to look (8) 17 "Odours of --- and offerings divine" (R Heber) (4)
Name: ............................................................................................................... Full address: .................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................... Postcode: .......................................................................................................... Email: ................................................................................................................ Phone: .............................................................................................................. Mobile: ............................................................................................................. Answer from yellow box: .................................................................................
Send the word above to: Sussex Local Crossword, PO Box 2237 Pulborough, RH20 9AH or you can enter it online at our website www.sussexlocal.net/crosswords Closing date: 31st March 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 Sussex Local may wish to keep in touch with occasional information and offers. We will never share your details with third parties. Please tick if you would like to receive such information.
32 Council News
Petworth Town Council Edited extracts from the minutes of the Open Spaces Committee meeting held on 7th January 2020. Hampers Common Following a recent meeting with the Estate, there was some uncertainty as to whether they would support the installation of goal posts at Hampers Common. It was requested that the clerk write to the Leaconfield Estate to seek formal approval for the mole draining and installation of goal posts at the Common. Rosemary Gardens The Clerk reported that it has been suggested the grounds maintenance contractor is instructed to cut the grass in Rosemary Gardens only; not to undertake any pruning. The Clerk is due to advise the grounds maintenance contractor accordingly regarding what planting is planned for the gardens during 2020. Youth Shelter The councillor presented a draft presentation to the committee which he advised will be discussed with the Senior Youth & Community Development Manager at the Sylvia Beaufoy Centre, at a meeting on the 21st January. It was agreed that the Clerk and the Council will also seek thoughts on how to engage with other young people in Petworth regarding this project, potentially through Rother College, the Scouts and an online survey.
Accident Repairs
Aerials
Sports Ground Update It was reported that following a recent meeting with the General Manager at Petworth House & Park, the Council is optimistic that a long-term lease for the Sports Ground will be secured in the near future. It was advised that the next meeting which will involve Petworth Town Council representatives, Andrew Carrington (Chair of the Sports Association) and representatives from Petworth House and Park, is due to take place on the 20th January. Visitors Information Point South Downs National Park Authority have agreed that Section 106 funds can be used to part fund production of the App. The full cost of the technology to be installed in the phone box is required in order to complete the Sustainable Communities funding application - it was requested that one of the councillors provide this. Skatepark update The Estate were unable to identify land to accommodate a skatepark at their recent meeting. It was requested that the Clerk liaise to explore the required procedure for utilising unused allotments to accommodate a skatepark. It was recognised that such a change of use would be a sensitive issue that would require careful consolidation. www.petworth-tc.gov.uk
Aerials cont.
Bathrooms
Blinds & Shutters
Business Directory 33
through the door Building / Carpentry
Groundworks
Building Design
Logs/Fuel
Pest Control cont.
Plastering Car Dealers
Painting & Decorating
Drainage
Plumbing & Heating Electricians
Pest Control
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Business Directory & Advertiser Index
Plumbing & Heating cont.
Taxi
Shoe Repairs / Key Cutting
Roofing / Chimneys
Tree Surgeon
Security Alarms
Art Exhibition Sussex Art Fairs 9 Blinds Direct Blinds 28 Bus Hire 1950s Vintage Bus Hire 11 Car Servicing Market Square Garage 30 Cleaning Astonish Cleaning Services 21 Clubs and Societies South East Reserve Forces & Cadets Association 5 College Slindon College 14 Council West Sussex County Council Connect to Support 2 Garage Doors AW Garage Doors & Repairs Ltd 26 The Doors Group Limited 19 Garden Centre Village Nurseries 20 Garden Design Glorious Gardens 22 Horse Manure Sussex Manures Ltd 22 Kitchens and Bedrooms Collier & Sons Ltd 7 Nursery Architectural Plants 36 Optician Stickland Eye Care Ltd 29 Pest Control Temppest Environmental Services 30 Pilates Issy-B Pilates 26 Property for Sale Antler Agency 27 Roofing J P Roofcare 19 School Great Ballard School 13 Vale School 12 Travel & Holidays Norad Travel Group Ltd 7 TV & Electrical Hamilton Cole 18 Windows Doors Conservatories Britannia Windows 35 MT Conservatories Ltd 24
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