Sussex Local - Midhurst/Petworth - March 2019

March 2019

SUSSEX LOCAL

Midhurst - Petworth - Easebourne - Duncton - Heyshott

Local news and events through the door to 4,750 homes in this area every month

COURT CLOSURES A setback for justice in Sussex?

WIN!

History of Trees - Book

GARDENS

Leonardslee

NEWS

Community, School Council, Charity

HEALTH

Shoulder Pain

WHAT’S ON

March Events

PLUS

Events, Local Walks, Recipe, Prize Crossword, Charity, Young Readers’ Puzzles, Local News, Gardening, Business Directory

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March 2019 Cover image Petworth Park by David Curtis flickr.comphotos27681134@N08

Welcome...

I love March, the lighter evenings and (hopefully!) warmer weather, not to mention Mother’s Day and my birthday!

This month you can win a copy of the fascinating book - A History of Trees on page 11.

Each month we bring you an exclusive feature article. This month is on the Closure of Magistrates’ courts in Sussex. Journalist Veronica Cowan investigates - see page 26.

Leonardslee Gardens in Lower Beeding is due to reopen at the end of this month.

With spectacular displays of Azaleas and Rhododendrons, Leonardslee is world famous. Andrew Staib goes on a tour of the gardens with Head Gardener, Ray Abrahams plus the main gardening tasks for March (In Your Garden page 23).

Health coach and personal trainer Heather Smith looks at the causes shoulder pain and what you can do about it in our Health article on page 14.

As usual, we have a comprehensive What’s On events guide starting on page 4 and our regular local news from the area’s schools on page 30 plus charity and community groups starting on page 20.

We hope you are enjoying our new edition which is now in its third month. Please do get in touch with comments and anything you’d like published, community news is always free, please email: info@sussexlocal.net

4 ...........................................................................What’s On 11 .........................................Win! The History of Trees book 14 ...........................................................Health & Wellbeing 16 ............................................Young Readers’ Puzzle Page 18 .......................................................................Local Walks 20 ........................................................Charity & Community 23 ....................................................................In Your Garden 26 ......................Local issues - Magistrates’ court closures 29 ........................................Property Doctor - home security 30 ............................................................Local Schools news 32 .................................................................Prize Crossword 34 ................................................................................Recipe 36 .............................................................Business Directory 38 ...........................................................Index of Advertisers April booking deadline 1st March Copy deadline 7th March Kay Publishing Ltd PO Box 2237 Pulborough RH20 9AH info@sussexlocal.net www.sussexlocal.net

01903 868474

Established in 2007, we publish and hand-deliver seven editions free of charge to over 42,000 homes and businesses every month.

Display advertising starts at just £24 a month per edition (1/8th).

Business Directory £10 per month per edition. We welcome reader letters and community notices which we publish free of charge.

Kris & Jeff

Quote of the month “Everybody is a genius.

But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid” - ALBERT EINSTEIN 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.

Seven editions across West Sussex Arundel - Arundel, Amberley, Burpham, Climping, Fontwell, Ford, Slindon, Walberton & Yapton Total addresses - 6,400 Barnham - Barnham, Eastergate, Westergate, Aldingbourne, Oving, & Tangmere Total addresses - 5,400 Chichester - Chichester centre & suburbs Total addresses - 7,800 Findon - Findon Valley, Findon Village, Nepcote, High Salvington, Clapham & Patching plus Salvington/Selden (south of A27) Total addresses - 6,200 Midhurst & Petworth - Midhurst, Petworth, Easebourne Total addresses - 4,750 rising to 7,600 from April 2019 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 - 6,400

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10 What’s On

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Competition

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Win a copy of ‘A History of Trees’ Unusual and little-known facts about trees Have you ever wondered how trees got their names?

What did our ancestors think about trees, and how were they used in the past? This fascinating book will answer many of your questions, but also reveal interesting stories that are not widely known.

For example, the nut from which tree was predicted to pay off the UK’s national debt? Or why is Europe’s most popular pear called the ‘conference’? Simon Wills tells the history of twenty-eight common trees in an engaging and entertaining way, and every chapter is illustrated with his photographs.

Find out why the London plane tree is so frequently planted in our cities, and how our forebears were in awe of the magical properties of hawthorn. Where is Britain’s largest conker tree? Which tree was believed to protect you against both lightning and witchcraft?

The use of bay tree leaves as a sign of victory by athletes in ancient Greece led to them being subsequently adopted by many others – from Roman emperors to the Royal Marines. But why were willow trees associated with Alexander Pope, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Samuel Johnson? Why did Queen Anne pay a large sum for a cutting from a walnut tree in Somerset? Discover the answers to these and

many other intriguing tales within the pages of this highly engrossing book.

Simon Wills is a history journalist and genealogist who writes regularly for magazines such as Family Tree. He advises and has appeared in the TV programme Who Do You Think You Are? and contributes to the magazine of the same name. www.pen-and-sword.co.uk

Win ‘The History of Trees’ To enter the competition answer the question below: Q: Alexander Pope was associated with which tree? a) Oak

b) Willow

c) Ash

Send your answer and contact details to: A History of Trees Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough, RH20 9AH or enter online at www.sussexlocal.net/ features/competitions Winner drawn after 31st March 2019. Please indicate if you wish to remain on our mailing list.

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Park House

Review 13 The Ivy, Ship Street, Brighton

Hotel & Spa review by editor Kris Thomas Owned by the O’Brien family for three generations, Park House was opened as a hotel in the late 1940s by “raconteur” Ioné O’Brien and quickly became a “best kept secret” among celebrities of the day. Located down a long, country lane, Park Hotel consists of an attractive main building with other offshoot annexes housing the Spa, function and conference room and additional accommodation. The hotel is still owned by the O’Brien family and retains the warm feeling of a gracious family home.

We arrived on a cold and rainy February day and after checking in went directly for lunch in the dining area overlooking the manicured lawns. The hotel has two grass tennis courts, a croquet lawn and a golf course as well as a lovely outdoor pool.

After lunch we visited the spa, housed in a gorgeous beamed building with a mezzanine relaxation area overlooking the inviting pool and bubbling hot tub.

There is also a gym and Pilates and Yoga classes are offered in the Barn next door. The Spa, which is also open to day guests, has an excellent selection of treatments from standard pedicures and facials to more elaborate rejuvenating offerings. I tried a detoxifying mud wrap which smelled great and left my skin silky soft. The low-lit treatment room, kindly therapist and heated bed put me instantly at ease and the face and head massage administered by my lovely therapist was sheer bliss. Jeff tired a lava shell massage which he found very relaxing. This treatment is similar to a hot stone massage with the warm shells allowing the therapist to really work on knotted muscles. Extra touches including complimentary shampoos and lotions and hair straighteners in the changing rooms plus key code lockers (that actually work) make for a very pleasurable experience all round.

The hotel has just 21 individually decorated rooms, split between the main building and three adjacent cottages. We were given a delightful and very spacious double-aspect room in the South Down cottage a few steps from the Spa. The room had a separate sitting area and a huge bathroom with under floor heating.

Pre-dinner drinks in the cosy bar (with a very welcome open fire) gave us time to peruse the many photos adorning the walls. Royals and celebrities from past decades including June Whitfield and Alistair McGowan smile down at visitors. The restaurant is also open to non-residents.

The winter menu is certainly interesting and featured seasonal favourites including Hare. Jeff chose pork “pie” and pear as a starter, the seasoned pork was offset by sweet tangy pear. I had the crab and ginger risotto - three diamond shaped filo pastry crab parcels on top of a creamy risotto garnished with tangy, crunchy fresh ginger and samphire. For mains Jeff had tender venison rump with red cabbage and rich jus, I opted for the Supreme of chicken with a butter bean and sweet corn sauce and we shared sides of sprouts with bacon, Dauphinois potatoes and garlic and chilli tenderstem. The desserts were too tempting to resist and we chose; Fine Apple Tart moreish slices of caramelised apple on a thin tart base with vanilla ice cream and; bread and bread pudding - six individual crispy-topped bread bites in a creamy, delicately orange flavoured sauce with a large marble-sized scoop of ice cream in the middle.

After dinner we retired to the comfortable lounge where there is another open fire and candles on the fireplace mantle, Japanese prints on the walls and a choice of several sofas to relax with our coffee.

Park House hotel is far removed from the standard corporate-feel offerings where all decor is grey and “contemporary”. Staying at Park House is like visiting a charming country retreat and the staff really make you feel welcome. We will return.

Tel: 01730 819000 or www.parkhousehotel.com

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14 Health & Wellbeing

Why Your Shoulder Hurts

By Heather Smith, Personal Trainer Turn your attention to your posture as it is right now – most likely you’re sitting down, staring either into your phone or computer.

Your shoulders are probably rolled forward, with your chin pushing forward.

Give yourself a mental x-ray and picture your shoulder in its socket. When you’re hunched forward like this, your shoulder will be sitting towards the front of its socket and there will be more space at the back.

Over years and years of frequently being in this posture and not countering it by moving in the opposite direction, our bodies adapt. The muscles we tend to put into a shorter position become shorter. The muscles we tend to put into a longer position become longer. For shoulder pain, this means your shoulder us encouraged to take up permanent residence in the front of its socket.

Now you can visualise why your shoulder might hurt when you lift your arm or try to reach behind you – your shoulder ‘hits’ against the front of the socket.

Here’s where strength training gets yet another vote.

Not only does it burn fat, improve your fitness, strengthen your bones and muscles and help optimise your hormones, but it is also the absolute best way to make sure you’ll move well forever.

If your workout is put together with a mind on posture, you can relieve pain caused by poor posture too.

When your workout is designed to release the front of your shoulder and to mobilise your upper back (which is usually also tight when you have shoulder pain), and we add in strengthening exercises for the back, and bottom, of your shoulder; all we need to do is add frequent repetition and some time, and we can fairly easily remove the pain.

It should be very obvious that this isn’t the only cause of shoulder pain, but it is a pretty common one. Using this example shows nicely how good exercise can be about more than just slogging away in order to lose weight. Movement and posture is fascinating.

It’s amazing what can be improved, or created, with exercise.

Heather Smith is a fat loss specialist Personal Trainer. www.fitbiztraining.co.uk

History

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Cowdray House - 1591 By local historian & artist David Johnston Cowdray house was begun by Sir David Owen, Owen Glendower’s son, who inherited it in 1492. He built the East range, including hall and chapel and kitchen tower, which survive, and perhaps the North and West ranges as far as the gatehouse, which have disappeared.

In 1542 Sir Anthony Browne, took over. He died in his manor at Byfleet in Surrey, in 1548, and his estates descended to his eldest son, also Sir Anthony Browne, He was created Viscount Montague in 1554.

Like his father, the son was a strong Catholic, but regardless of his religious opinions, he was visited by the young King Edward VI at Cowdray in 1552. In reference to this visit the King wrote: “At Cowdray, a goodlie house of Sir Anthony Browne’s where we were marvellously, yea rather excessively banketted.”

Even in old age, he was not beyond entertaining, for in 1591 he invited Elizabeth and her Court for a week at Cowdray. Concerning this visit it is recorded that the Queen was “magnificently entertained”, and her principal amusement seems to have been shooting deer in the Park. She killed three or four, and “Queen Elizabeth’s Oak” against which she is said to have rested her bow, is still to be seen.

Tradition has it that Lady Kildare (sister of Lord Montague) incurred the displeasure of the Queen by daring to shoot with her, and although she only killed one deer, we read Elizabeth was so annoyed “that she (Lady Kildare) did not afterwards dine at the royal table.” However, later, Lady Kildare was forgiven so far as to been allowed to present a New Year’s gift to Her Majesty!

Viscount Montague died in 1592, and was buried in Midhurst Church, where an elaborate tomb of marble and alabaster, with a kneeling figure of himself and recumbent effigies of his two wives was set up to his memory.

From a ‘Catalogue of Pictures’ printed in 1777, some idea may be had of the disposition of some rooms.

Between the hall and staircase was a “lobby leading to the Great parlour” with a painted ceiling. The “dining Parlour,” as it then was, contained the series of historical wall paintings, and beyond it “the Drawing-room below,” At the head of the great staircase was the “Grand Drawing-room,” originally the great chamber, with the ‘Judgement of Solomon,’ “very old,” over the chimney. Beyond it was the “Velvet Bed -chamber,” which was in the hexagonal Tower.

The house was in fact, one of the most famous in the country. – Its walls were embellished with works from the hands of Holbein and other masters; its chapel was renowned for its beauty, and the glory of its banqueting hall.

The paintings on the walls were preserved from destruction during the civil wars by a coating of plaster. But everything was destroyed by fire on the night of September 24th or 25th, 1793, and within a month a strange fatality befell the eighth Lord Montague, who never heard of the disaster which had overwhelmed the home of his fathers. He was drowned while attempting to shoot the waterfalls and rapids of Laufenberg, in Switzerland.

During the first quarter of last century a museum was kept at Cowdray: a rare catalogue printed in 1922, lists the exhibits. A small selection of items listed in this Museum Guide I have noted below, along with bracketed reference numbers that were relative to each exhibit:  (15) Old picture (painted on wood) formerly belonging to Cowdray, found at Parham.  (204) Knocker, taken from an old Cowdray door (early 18th Century)  (209) Bell pull, from gatehouse.  (601) Ancient Padlock and Chain, found beneath the ruins of Cowdray after the Great Fire, September 24th 1793.  (1500) Brass Dog Collar, bearing the following inscription: “The Honble, Anto Browne, Esq., Cowdray, Sussex”, found at the roots of the old walnut tree, which stood near the S.W. corner of the principal range of Buildings.

Reference: ‘Cowdray House, its early history.’ ‘1922 Catalogue of Exhibits in Cowdray Museum.’

David Johnston is an author, artist and photographer.

If you would like to purchase any of the images that accompany this article contact him on: david.rg.johnston@googlemail.com or you can visit www.davidjohnston.org.uk

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18 Walks

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 4th

10:30 am Petworth via Shimmings Valley L: Gerald See "Little Switzerland", as the locals call the beautiful Shimmings Valley (east side of Petworth). Meet in Petworth Library, GU28 0AU

Wed 6th

10:30 am Walderton L: Andrew 2 hrs Slow, flat, easy wander across fields and along quiet lanes.

Meet alongside River Ems at T junction of B2146 at Walderton

2 miles

Wed 6th

10:45 am Littlehampton Seafront Meet at Arun Yacht Club, BN17 5DL

L: Dominic

1 hr 30 mins

2 miles

Thurs 7th

10:30 am Stoughton Down Meet in Stoughton Down Car Park

L: Jane

2 hrs

5.5 miles

Mon 11th

10:30 am Chichester Canal Meet in Chichester Canal, PO19 8DT

L: Helen

30 mins

1 mile

Wed 13th

10:30 am Kingley Vale L: Alison Enjoy a walk around this beautiful Nature Reserve Meet in West Stoke car park, PO18 9BE

2 hrs

2 miles

Thurs 14

10:30 am Springhead Hill L: Peter Downland walk with stunning views all around.

Meet in car park at Springhead Hill

2 hrs

4.5 miles

Fri 15th

10:30 am Compton Meet in Compton Recreation Ground car park

3 hrs

6 miles

Sat 16th

10:30 am Binsted Woods L: Dominic Meet in Walberton Village Hall car park, BN18 0PQ

2 hrs 30 mins

4.2 miles

Mon 18th

10:30 am Lynchmere Common L: Angela 1 hr 30 mins Joins, in places, with the Serpent trail long distance path.

Meet at junction of Linchmere Road & Hammer Hill, GU27 3QZ

2.8 miles

Wed 20th

10:45 am Climping L: Dominic Along dunes and beach to Climping Mill. Meet at Arun Yacht Club Car Park, Rope Walk, Littlehampton, BN17 5DL

1 hr 15 mins

2.5 miles

Thurs 21st

10:30 am Goodwood Country Park L: Peter Meet in free car park on the right after passing Goodwood racecourse

2 hrs

4 miles

Fri 22nd

10:30 am Wisborough Green L: Richard Walk along to the unrestored section of the Wey Arun canal.

Meet on the north side of the green near the cricket pavilion

2 hrs

4 miles

Wed 27th

10:30 am Petworth Park L: Simon A circular walk passing through Petworth Park to Upperton and Tillington. Meet in Sylvia Beaufroy car park, GU28 0HX

2 hrs

4 miles

Thurs 28th

10:30 am Chantry Hill & Blackpatch Hill L: Jane A Downland walk with lovely views towards the coast.

Meet at Chantry Post

2 hrs 45 mins

6.2 miles

Fri 29th

10:30 am Wey Arun Canal Meet in canal visitor centre car park

1 hr 30 mins

3.5 miles

L: Alison

L: Richard

1 hr 30 mins

3 miles

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20 Charity & Community

Sussex Snippets Healthwatch West Sussex aims to make local health and social care services better for people that use them. They record feedback from patients and share this anonymously with the people who make decisions about health and care services. By sharing your experiences they say this can really help influence future improvements. They also offer a helpline on 0300 012 0122 which offers information and advice.

You can also call this number to access free Independent Health Complaints Advocacy if you need guidance on an NHS complaint or practical support.

Email helpdesk@healthwatchwestsussex.co.uk or visit www.healthwatchwestsussex.co.uk.

The 29th CAMRA Sussex Branches Beer & Cider Festival will be at Brighton Racecourse, Freshfield Road, Brighton BN2 9XZ on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 March 2019. There will be 140+ real ales available plus an excellent selection of real ciders and perries.

Open Friday 11am – 3pm £6, 5pm - 10pm £8; Saturday 11am – 8pm £5.

Applause Rural Touring and the South Downs National Park Authority are delighted to announce an exciting new project to support a creative Writer in Residence. Playwright and community arts practitioner Sara Clifford will work closely with communities

SUSSEX LOCAL across the National Park in Spring 2019, gathering material on what it means to local residents to live in the South Downs, and exploring the rich cultural heritage of the region. She will shape her research into performances which will be staged in host pubs located in towns and villages as part of Applause Rural Touring’s Inn Crowd Scheme in Autumn 2019. Anyone interested in getting involved in the project in any way (local residents, landlords, community groups, local clubs and schools etc) should contact Sara at inroadsproductions@mac.com www.inncrowd.org.uk/ writers-in-residence/sara-clifford.

Team GB swimming heroes Mark Foster and Duncan Goodhew are encouraging people in Sussex to sign up to Swimathon, the world’s biggest annual fundraising swim, to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie. Taking place from Friday 29th to Sunday 31st March, swimmers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to sign up to take part in the world’s biggest annual swimming fundraising event in pools across Sussex. People of all swimming abilities can participate as there are a variety of distances available as individual challenges. www.Swimathon.org.

Amateur photographers with a passion for wildlife can enter the 2019 Julian Gardner Awards. Entries should capture the UK countryside – be it game, wildlife, habitats or landscape, they will be judged by a panel from organisers the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT). The competition – launched in memory of Sussex farmer Julian Gardner who was tragically killed while defending his property in October 2010 – has an adult and junior section. The closing date is May 31st.. Anyone wishing to take part can email a maximum of two photographs. You can email them to: photocompetition@gwct.org.uk.

The South of England Agricultural Society (SEAC) is delighted to announce that its 2019 Charity of the Year is Jamie’s Farm. Established in 2005 by then school teacher, Jamie Feild, the charity enables disadvantaged young people to thrive through residential experiences on one of their three residential farms. It was the idea of new 2019 Society President, Sir Richard Kleinwort, to support the fourth Jamie’s Farm, which is due to open in Lewes in Spring 2019.

SEAC exists to provide agricultural education and promote countryside learning across Kent, East and West Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Berkshire. Their support of Jamie’s Farm in 2019 will include raising awareness through their network of members and supporters, and providing the charity with an opportunity to fundraise at their various events held throughout the year, including the everpopular South of England Show which takes place on 6,7, and 8 June 2019.

Community notices printed free of charge. Please send yours to info@sussexlocal.net

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Friends of the South Downs

FOSD organise over 200 walks and strolls each year for its members, some of which are open to the broader public as “tasters”. Thier volunteers work to stop damaging building developments, to keep open the network of footpaths and bridleways and to extend the areas of access land on the Downs. One example is a joint project with the SDNPA Trust which is now replacing stiles with kissing gates, helping the less mobile walker who still wishes to enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors.

To promote a deeper understanding of the importance of the Park they also arrange talks and events relating to the geology, archaeology, landscape and cultural heritage of the South Downs. For example the next speaker is the Reverend Peter Owen Jones at Pulborough Village Hall on 4th April, entertaining with snippets taken from his recent BBC documentaries. Search YouTube for a film about the FOSD, and for more details call 01798 875073 or visit www.friendsofthesouthdowns.org.uk

Downs Charity Cycle Challenge

Hit the Downs MTB is back with a brand new venue and cycle routes for 2019. Now in its third year, the off-road charity cycling challenge is taking place on Sunday 12 May 2019, with cyclists raising money for children’s hospice, Chestnut Tree House. Registration for Hit the Downs MTB is just £35 per person and closes on 29 April 2019. Sign up to ride for either hospice at www.hitthedowns.org.uk or by calling the Events Team on 01903 706354.

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Members of the public attending do not need to register in advance and will have the opportunity of entering a free draw to win a selection of great prizes including tickets to Chichester Festival Theatre, A Chichester City Guided Tour For Two, Marwell Zoo, and season tickets for Sussex Prairies Garden www.visitchichester.org

Charity Supercar Event 2019

Goodwood has been announced as the new venue for The Supercar Event on Saturday 1 June. It will offer once-in-a-lifetime passenger rides in some of the world’s most iconic supercars from just £20, raising money for The Children’s Trust charity, helping children with brain injury. Family ticket (2 adult, 2 children aged 4-16) £30, adult ticket £10.56, child and concession tickets £8. VIP tickets £160 or book a table of 10 for £1,550. Supercar rides must be purchased separately. www.thesupercarevent.com and www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk

Wine tasting for St Wilfrid’s

Chile takes on Argentina in a charity wine-tasting event on 22nd March at Boxgrove Village Hall, PO18 0EE from 7pm-9pm. All funds to the St Wilfrid’s Hospice Dreambuilding Appeal. Tickets £30 to include fizz, supper and a raffle, from Boxgrove Village Stores, or call 07775 697463 for more information.

Notices to info@sussexlocal.net

Win Prizes at Free Tourism Show

Visit Chichester, the official Destination Management Organisation responsible for promoting tourism and supporting the visitor economy in the Chichester region, is organising its annual Leaflet Exchange, a show to highlight the range of attractions, events, shops and dining options available to residents and visitors around the region. The event will take place at Chichester Festival Theatre on Wednesday 6th March 2019 between 10am and 1pm and is open to the public to attend free of charge.

Louise Adlam, Destination Marketing Executive, Visit Chichester said: “Representatives of visitor attractions, accommodation providers, shops, restaurants, pubs, events and leisure activity operators will be present to network with each other and talk to members of the public attending. Arundel Castle, Beaulieu, Marwell Zoo and Chichester Ship Canal are just some of the organisations who will be present at the event.

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22 Charity & Community

Over £1000 Raised by 'Reusing'!

In 2018, their first year, Petworth Community Craft Group raised £1040.40 for Petworth Community Garden. They managed this mainly by making items out of previously used, unwanted or natural products and selling them at local events. These included Petworth Farmers Markets, Fete in the Park and the Petworth Christmas Event.

A cheque for £1040.80 was presented to Kate Green - who heads up the Community Garden - after the January craft group workshop at The Coultershaw Trust Warehouse. Kate was overwhelmed by the amount raised. She said 'I am so amazed by the lovely things you make and this generous amount could not have come at a better time for us to continue our work.' Tony Sneller, Chairman of Petworth & District Community Association (P&DCA), who presented the cheque, together with Tricia Stephens who set up Petworth Community Graft Group (PCCG) both added that it was great to be able to support such a brilliant cause.

PCCG welcomes anyone - whether they have previously crafted or not. The group makes things together and members learn from each other and have plenty of laughs and companionship along the way. Some members also make things at home. The group meets on the second Friday morning in the month and it is hoped that an evening group will be started soon.

SUSSEX LOCAL Currently we are making items with Easter and Mothers’ Day in mind and our first sale of the year will be in the The Group presents their cheque Leconfield Hall at the March Farmers Market on Saturday morning, 23rd March. We will also have older stock available at reduced prices so pay us a visit and find something a little bit different.

PCCG's charity for 2019 is the Sylvia Beaufoy Youth Club and the group hopes to raise even more this year. If you would like to join the Craft Group - or help in any way please telephone 01798 342016. Petworth Community Craft Group is supported by Petworth and District Community Association, Reg Charity No 1059152.

We are very grateful to the sponsors of our 2019 workshops: Sorella, Therapy, Kevis House Gallery, Spriggs, Tristan Eves, Forest Gallery, Rowntree Tyron Galleries, Keyfox Farms, Caroline Laurence, Rugs of Petworth, Petworth MOT Centre, Artful Teasing, Savills UK.

Notices to info@sussexlocal.net

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In Your Garden Monthly gardening ideas and tasks

by Andrew Staib, Principal Designer of Glorious Gardens The greatest woodland garden in the UK is set to reopen in West Sussex with an excitement for nature lovers akin to Willy Wonka opening up his doors. With spectacular displays of Azaleas and Rhododendrons, Leonardslee is world famous.

Andrew Staib, principle garden designer for Glorious Gardens Sussex, goes on a tour of the gardens with Head Gardener, Ray Abrahams.

For 8 years, the 240 acres of Leonardslee has been a neglected place. But when Penny Streeter bought the property and gardens in 2017 work started immediately. Last year Ray Abrahams was brought in to renovate the gardens.

“This garden is so full of wonderful surprises I am still discovering new and rare trees and plants.” says Ray, looking around into the still, sunlit Winter landscape.

“The first thing we have to do is make it ready for the public. We are putting in new paths, of which there are 6 miles, and building benches and a new reception area. Then we will start work on the Rhododendrons. Over a period of six to ten years, we will slowly take the height out from some of them to encourage growth lower down and have taken huge volumes of dead wood out of the canopies already.”

The statistics of Leonardslee are mind boggling. The gardens consist of over 15,000 Rhododendrons, 8,000 Azaleas and 15,000 other trees including giant Californian Redwoods and over 30 species of Eucalyptus. In the ancient woodland there are trees over 500 years old and there are 22 Champion Trees (A champion tree is recognised as the best living example of the species in the UK), two of which are Magnolia cambelii and Molecromata.)

More heart breaking are other figures like the gardens are home to over 150 trees on the Red List, which is the list of trees in the world near extinction, including Pinus paulustri and the Algerian Oak. “And see that tree there,” he says, pointing to a beautiful 20 foot Rhododendron changi, “they think there might be only 30 left in the whole of China which they come from. A valley was flooded to make a damn and wiped out most of them”

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“Our aim is to replicate the entire garden by collecting seeds and cuttings and either growing them on or storing them in seed banks.

There are too many rare trees here to loose. We aim to share them with other gardens, there is such rare stuff here. Edward Loder, the 19th Century founder of the gardens, had the pick of the bunch from plant hunters who returned from their world adventures. His son, Robin, planted over 120 different species of oak trees on that high ridge over there.”

“This is such a valuable and prestigious garden we would like to label every plant here and become an educational centre specialising in acid loving plants.”

Ray has devoted his whole life to acid loving plants, running away from school when he was 14 to work at Windsor gardens as well as the Queen Mother’s gardens and then on to managing other great woodland gardens in the UK and around the world.

He is full of quiet passion and focus. We come across a glade with a small stream running down the hillside.

“We aim to make a forest of Australian tree ferns

here and further down restore a large bog garden- to bring it all back to life!”

Ray goes on to explain the positive side of the garden being closed for so many years.

“A tremendous amount of nature has established itself over these years. Emperor Dragonflies down near the lower lake, insects I’ve never seen before, a lot of bird life and lizards and some wild orchids that I’ve never seen before in the UK. And in the deer park there are still eight pure white deer which are ancestors of the deer raised here a 100 years ago.

The Vintage Garden Company Decorative Garden Reclamation One of the largest dealers in the country, right on your doorstep!

Planters, Bird Baths, Garden Urns, Statuary, Benches etc

Coldwaltham, near Pulborough www.vintagegardenco.com

Gardening

through the door We come to the succession of lakes that lie on the valley floor. “These were once iron stone pits in the Middle ages. Then they filled up with water. We aim to dredge the silt ponds and re fish them as well as putting in water lilies.”

I mention that I love Cryptomeria. Ray dashes into the undergrowth and eventually shows me the most extraordinary species I didn’t know existed. “There are still lots of surprises, and that woodland next to the deer park used to be part of the gardens. I’m still finding specimen trees there.”

Ray is still in awe I think about what he has taken on.

He is both ambitious for the gardens whilst recognising that they are already still very beautiful. and simply need to be preserved. “We have over 500 hundred species of Camellias and half of them have never even been named! They have interbred and it will take years to classify them all.”

What is clear is that Ray, and owner Penny, have the excitement and commitment to make Leonardslee special again.

Where to visit this March Leonardslee is due to open towards the end of the month, the great Rhododendron flower show lasts all the way till June. Keep looking for updates on their website for the opening dates.

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March tasks  Sowing - Get busy in the vegetable patch - sowing both indoors and outdoors can begin  Shrubs - You can give Shrubs like Cornus And Salix a hard prune backlook on the RHS website to see how ruthless you can be!  Ponds - If the water starts warming up you can start feeding the fish.  Pruning - If you haven’t finished pruning your roses now is the last time to do them before they come into leaf.  Bulbs - Clean up the beds now to give bulbs a chance to get as much light as possible  Lastly - Look up summer flowering bulbs and tuber plants such as Dahlias.

They can be planted now.

Leonardslee Gardens owner Penny Streeter In 2017 Penny Streeter, entrepreneur and owner of the A24 group, was driving by Leonardslee Gardens when she saw a For Sale sign out the front. She did a quick U Turn, went up the drive, and fell in love with this great forest garden.

Originally from South Africa, Penny had her offer accepted and soon realised she had a national treasure on her hands. “It was an emotional purchase and I have since learnt how many childhood memories Leonardslee has for people.”

“I feel myself to be the guardian of something very precious. Beside our 14 full time gardeners we are taking on a bunch apprentices and are amazed at how many young people are interested in working here.

Penny is also opening up a restaurant and cafe and the head chef has already made a request to the garden team to grow him lots of wild foraging foods to add to his menu. There will also be a nursery specialising in acid loving plants and the famous Doll’s House is set to reopen.

“As I’ve got older I appreciate nature more, especially

the quintessential English garden. And buying Leonardslee has added a whole new dimension to my work, I feel rejuvenated by it”.

“We are also planting up a vineyard with Pinotage, a red wine grape from South Africa which we hope will do well here.”

Penny’s energy and commitment to the garden is infectious. “We want to rescue the garden from years of neglect and preserve the essence of what people used to love about this place. We want to give people as great an experience as we can”

26 Local Issues

SUSSEX LOCAL

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Local Issues

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28 Local Issues

Those leaflets aren’t going to deliver themselves you know You know the ones. The left overs from the last print run. The ones in the cupboard, just by the envelopes and last year’s accounts...

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

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Domestic Security

By Chris Ennis FRICS ‘A man’s home is his castle’ is an often-quoted phrase which, in modern usage, gives us the right to deny intruders into our property. A lawyer may tell you that this is the essence of a judgement made by Sir Edward Coke during the seventeenth century. Since the judgement prohibits us from shooting common thieves, an industry has thrived selling the products to keep him at bay.

The most obvious way to keep Mr Thief out is to shut doors and windows. You might be very surprised to hear how many times I am told ‘the key is under the pot by the front door’. Quite commonly doors are left open when children run out to play thereby presenting an invitation to the opportunist burglar.

These days replacement doors and windows have multi point locks, and in the most part these are secure, but cheaper designs of patio doors may allow easy access, and all doors should be deadlocked.

Older doors may be fitted with a ‘rim-lock’, commonly known as a ‘Yale’ lock. It pays to buy a high-quality branded device both to meet insurance company requirements and to give good security. Door bolts have

Property

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been in use for hundreds of years but they can only be used from the inside. Mortice locksets with deadlocking are very effective.

Brass ‘Chubb‘ keys are common, but keys to the very old mortice locks are ornate and are collectable items.

There are numerous electronic aids to security. If funds permit, an investment in a burglar alarm system is probably good value, but as ever in this day and age the choices are many and the technology can be complicated. A recent survey indicates that 60% of thieves said they would not break into a house where there was a burglar alarm in evidence.……. the other 40% would just beak a window, and be in and out with the loot in a minute or two!

Take specialist advice, set aside a budget and consider the advantages of one of the many self-installed wireless systems available.

Most importantly, if a burglar alarm is fitted, use it.

After a while the act of alarming the house becomes normal and gives great peace of mind.

Chris Ennis FRICS is a Chartered Surveyor. Call him on 01903 261 217 or you can send an email to surveyor1@talktalk.net or see www.propdoctor.co.uk

SUSSEX LOCAL

30 Schools

Petworth C of E Primary

Petworth C of E Primary School at Young Voices at the O2 Arena

Young Voices 2019 There are many occasions whilst you are working with children in a school that you go ‘WOW’ and you just know the experience you have had with the children is incredible.

On Monday 28th January we took a quarter of the school, 51 children, some of their parents and many members of staff to participate in the annual Young Voices concert at the O2 Arena. This event is a culmination of hard work by the children, who have had to learn a number of songs and dances so that they can perform in a 8,000 strong choir in front of a sold out 02.

The day is a long one for the children and with 2 ½ hours of rehearsal, the heat of the arena and the insistence that the children stand while they sing, the children were starting to wane. However come show time the children sang, danced, screamed and cheered their hearts out. They sang along with Tony Hadley and Beau Dermott; they sang songs with passion, pride and professionalism; danced with Urban Striders and the two hour show went in a blink of an eye. The children were tired; the children were hoarse; the children were fantastic!

The children will remember this experience long after they leave our school and many of the children are looking forward to repeating this event. As for adults… we tried to sing, we tried to dance and yes we were totally captivated by the whole experience.

John Galvin, Headteacher, Petworth C of E Primary School www.petworth.w-sussex.sch.uk

Easebourne School

After-school debates with Year 6 pupils in Otters Class.

Debate 1: This House believes that every child should have a pet.

In the first debate, Isla and Tam spoke for the motion.

They pointed out that pets lead to lower blood pressure in their owners, as well as a more physically active lifestyle and lower cholesterol. Children with pets tend to get outside more and enjoy more fresh air and you can have fun with a pet, even a ferret!

Plus, of course, pets are really cute!

Kitty and Theo W spoke against the motion. Kitty’s arguments included the fact that pets’ shorter lives mean that children have to deal with the death of animals with which they have developed emotional

attachments. Pets can also trigger allergic reactions in children. Kitty also explained that pets can disrupt children’s sleep. This side also produced statistics about the number of deaths from dog attacks in the US. Kitty also pointed out that parents often get stuck with the care of pets as children don’t always honour their promises to care for their pets!

After some tricky questions from the floor, including the impact of universal pet ownership on the future of zoos, a second vote was taken. In the end, Kitty and Theo managed to persuade more people to their side and they carried the day.

Debate 2: This House believes that books are better than television.

In our second debate of the term, Courtney and Oliver argued for the motion against Isla and Sophie. Both sides made a range of strong points. Courtney pointed out that science suggests reading books increases your vocabulary whilst TV reduces the attention span. Oliver reminded the audience that looking at blue light from screens before going to bed keeps people awake and can damage your eyesight.

He also argued that television leads to a passive state of mind whilst reading stimulated the mind with vivid imagery.

Sophie explained that television brings us news and updates on important issues rapidly. Isla also stunned the audience with information about the impact on books on the environment. She estimated that the Harry Potter books, printed from nonrecycled paper had resulted in the destruction of 770,000 trees! Isla also argued that watching a film at the cinema is more sociable than reading a book as you can talk, ‘if you don’t mind evil glares’!

All four spoke well, managing eye-contact and responding confidently to questions from the floor. The two captains, Courtney and Sophie, also summed up well. In the end, it was the team of Courtney and Oliver who managed to persuade people over to their side when it came to the second vote and they were declared the winners.

Johnny Culley, Headteacher, Easebourne CE Primary School www.easebourne.w-sussex.sch.uk

through the door

Tuesday March 5th Andy Woon’s Vintage Hot Seven, new expanded 7 piece band.

Tuesday April 2nd Graham Hughes’s “Sunshine Kings” Jazzband. One of the Club’s most popular bands for over 14 years Tuesday May 7th The Gresty/White Ragtimers, Dixieland Jazz at it’s very best, with a 4 man front line.

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SUSSEX LOCAL

32 Crossword

Prize Crossword

Win a ÂŁ10 Marks & Spencer voucher

Midhurst/Petworth March 2019 January 2019 answer below:

Winner: Sarah Glaze 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 1 4 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 19

Utterly senseless (6) Dry red Spanish wine (5) Plain variety (7) Operated by sound waves (5) Wander (4) Galilee native (7) Unworkable (13) Largest penguin (7) Legal instrument (4) Minor actor in crowd scenes (5) 20 Aardvark (3,4) 21 Sum (5) 22 Israeli currency (6)

Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 12 14 16 18

Paid announcement (13) Tanner's aid (7) Depend (4) Confine (8) Unit of weight (5) Relating to building design (13) Born in early December, perhaps (11) Affliction of cats and other fur-lickers (8) Violently frenzied (7) Small in number (5) Home of Salt Lake City (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 Mar 2019.

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SUSSEX LOCAL

34 Recipe

Rhubarb Fudge Crumble The tartness of the rhubarb is well contrasted with this crunchy and slightly fudgy topping Ingredients - Serves 5-6 - 700g rhubarb, washed, trimmed and chopped - Grated rind and juice of 1 orange - 75g light brown sugar - 110g butter - 110g Demerara sugar - 175g digestive biscuits, crushed - 1heaped tsp cinnamon

Method 1) Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/gas Mark 4.

Place the rhubarb in an ovenproof dish with the orange rind, juice and light brown sugar. Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Or microwave, covered with film, for 4-6 minutes.

2) Melt the butter in a pan.

Stir in the demerara sugar, crushed biscuits and cinnamon.

Cook for about 5 minutes until thoroughly mixed and then spoon over the rhubarb. Spread out evenly and return to the oven.

3) Bake for 15-20 minutes until the topping is crisp and serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

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

Contact Alex 01243 532240 www.cookwithalex.co.uk

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36 Business Directory

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