Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019
MIDHURST MAGAZINE Issue 29 Spring 2019
Contents Contents Midhurst Society Editorial: Time for Another Digital Upgrade President’s Spot: A Day in the Life of Marina Cowdray Planning: Residential Care and Sand Pits The “Knowledge”: North of the Downs Society Project: Defibrillator Comes to North Street From the Archives: A Letter from Richard Cobden Walking with Richard: The Severals Wood Bridget's Midhurst Meanderings Poem: Ode to the A272 Local History: Did Goering Really stay Over? Where and What is it about? Meet the Committee: Claire Cox Campaigns: Looking after your Interests Book Review: The House Keepers Tale From the Chair Midhurst Garden Club Public Talks Forthcoming Talks Programme Issues of Interest for Reporting and Recording
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Print version: At meetings £3, Posted within UK: £4, including P&P On-line print ordering: £4, plus P&P (Use search term The Midhurst Magazine to find sellers.) E-book version: Online download: £2 (Use search term The Midhurst Magazine to find sellers.) Midhurst Magazine Issue: 29 April 2019. Published by the Midhurst Society, West Sussex, UK. ISBN 978-1-78972-200-0 Copyright: The Midhurst Society Print on Demand: IngramSpark - e-book version also available
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Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019
THE MIDHURST SOCIETY Formed in 1960, The Midhurst Society aims to preserve, protect and improve local features of historic or community interest. It promotes high standards of planning and architecture. In liaison with public authorities, it seeks to enhance the local environment and amenities. Above all, we strive to make Midhurst a better place to live, work and enjoy.
President: The Viscountess Cowdray
Chair: Mike Balmforth www.midhurstsociety.org.uk Enquiries about membership should be addressed to Mr. M.J. de Jong-Smith 106 The Fairway, Midhurst, GU29 9JF Email: michaeldjs90@gmail.com The Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of The Midhurst Society
Print copies of this magazine are available to members; at the Midhurst Museum, Knockhundred Row; and at newsagents in Midhurst. It can also be purchased online as print, and e-book versions. Further information is given at www.midhurstsociety.org.uk
Front Cover. North Street. Midhurst looking North. Rear Cover. Roof tops of Midhurst. Images Courtesy: Michael Chevis ASWPP, West Street, Midhurst GU29 9NF www.michaelchevis.com
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Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019
Editorial: Time for Another Digital Upgrade Hello there to our Members, and other interested readers. Harvey Tordoff and myself welcome you to our first issue using digital methods of production and printing. Every institution needs to refresh itself as it matures: we can now make better use of the digital publishing revolution. Already the Society has refreshed its website to be far more attractive to read. A Society Facebook account has also been set up. The next step was to digitise the Midhurst Magazine publishing process. This has been done to enable extensive use of colour when and where we want it on the pages: to reduce the need to hold large numbers of printed current and back issues; and to keep its layout and style in control of our membership. We will, in future, be able
Appreciation: We have been very fortunate for many years in having willing and able volunteers help produce our magazine. On behalf of the entire Society I would like to thank everyone involved, and in particular Graham Tite, Sue Edwards and Sheila Ryan. They have devoted hundreds of hours researching, writing and compiling articles for our interest and entertainment. I should also thank the staff at Kerry Type who have assisted with design and layout to ensure the magazine always looked professional. With the advent of digital we found ourselves in need of a new set of skills, and once again we have been fortunate with our volunteers. Peter Sydenham, our enthusiastic member in Australia, and Harvey Tordoff, our multi-talented Treasurer, formed a long-distance team and produced this amazing new style issue. Thanks to all other contributors for having faith that we would produce a magazine to be proud of.
to make back issues easily available at a reasonable price. By becoming our own Indie (independent) publisher using Print on Demand, we can greatly reduce the cost per issue, even for low number orders. With this medium we also have the opportunity to institute more of the declared aims of the Society. Content selection is to be targeted, rather than being left to wait for any contributions. This format of the Magazine
We won't rest on our laurels. As we gain experience, we expect to introduce improvements in subsequent issues. For that we need your help. Please let us have your feedback along with ideas and submissions for the next issue! Mike Balmforth Chairman
will ensure more relevance to the Midhurst area. In this issue we are pleased to bring readers a range of articles by some of those who live in and around Midhurst.
Harvey Tordoff
Peter Sydenham Editors
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Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019
President’s Spot: A Day in the Life of Marina Cowdray My day always begins with some form of exercise whether it’s running on a treadmill or walking with my dogs. It helps kick-start my day, giving a lightness to my step. I enjoy a healthy plantbased smoothie for breakfast and then my husband and I go over our plans for the day be they dealing with estate matters or our personal business activities and interests.
variety of inspirational workshops and events focusing on all areas of self-development. We have also recently added a Wellbeing Centre, where many different therapists are available. There you will find the Therapy Rooms.
We work as a team and enjoy being jointly involved in the estate. Our son Perry is now also involved so we meet regularly with him for discussions on each department. As a family we keep conversation open and honest. We love to be together; mealtimes are when we all catch up and share what’s going on in our respective lives. I am now a grandmother four times over and family is very important to me. I ensure that I am available to listen and be with my children and grandchildren to give them love and support in their lives whenever they need it.
You can find out more at www.cowdray.co.uk/wellbeing Recently, I was thrilled to discover many of my grandfather’s paintings, sketches and drawings which had not been seen for 40 years in a trunk in the entrance hall at Cowdray House. My grandfather Alister Maynard was a talented 20th century artist who died in 1976. Over the past few years, I have very much enjoyed having them framed.
If I have time I will sit in silence at some stage in the day. The healing effects of meditation have been of huge benefit to me. I feel that meditation grows love. The benefits of silence became so evident that I wanted to share them with others, so ten years ago we opened the doors of the Cowdray Chapel in Easebourne to people in the
These fascinating and colourful works of art are now displayed across the Estate. As a family, we particularly enjoy seeing them on the walls in the Clubhouse at Cowdray Golf. Special editions of these paintings are also available in the Living Area of the Cowdray Farm Shop. I love art and creating things. I was a keen sculptress and a while ago I created a piece depicting my feelings around meditation. It took a while to perfect and I named it ‘The Meditator’. I have since made it into a piece of jewellery which you can see on www.themeditator.com.
community and started drop-in sessions with Sandrine Cranswick who is a Mindfulness trained teacher. Sandrine is in the Chapel every Tuesday offering courses in Mindfulness and on a Wednesday evening she offers Drop-In Meditation which is free and open to all. The Chapel forms part of Cowdray Hall where we also offer yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and other classes as well as a
Because of the pleasure I’ve always found in art, I decided to revive the only remaining part of the historic Cowdray Ruins which survived the devastating fire of 1793, and turn it into a place where people could learn artistic skills. 4
Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019 now has 22 bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, most with stunning views. Guests are able to use the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis court and croquet lawn and enjoy the many lovely areas outside to sit and enjoy the surroundings of the beautiful parkland. It is the perfect house for events, weddings or exclusive private breaks, and it is wonderful that we are now able to share the experience of living there, if only for a short time, with people from all over the world. At the same time, it was important to refresh our holiday cottages and golf club bedroom accommodation to achieving consistent standards and presentation across the estate.
Bringing the Tower Room back to life was a challenge but it now oozes atmosphere and history and is filled with light from massive windows. It has been fully refurbished and equipped with oak
Lately I have overseen the re-design of the interior of the Golf Club to create a new bar and eating area, which again was a lovely project to work on. I am sure something will crop up again soon to draw my attention. We are very fortunate to have appointed a dynamic CEO in Jonathan Russell who has helped take us forward. Jonathan could not have done this without an enthusiastic team of committed staff who understand our vision of being an estate that cares about the land and the community around us but at the same time achieving the fine balance of continuing to be a commercially sustainable business.
easels, large tables and apparatus for grinding pigments for making paints.
We hope that more people will come and visit this beautiful area and enjoy all the activities which we offer on the Cowdray Estate. But none of this could have been accomplished without the love and support of my family and friends. In every aspect of life, human contact is vital and kindness to others is paramount.
I was fortunate to have met Dr David Cranswick, who trained at Camberwell School of Art and the Royal Academy and is a PhD supervisor at the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, London. He offers painting workshops at Cowdray demonstrating the painting techniques of the 14th -18th centuries giving students a practical understanding of the working methods of the masters of the Renaissance. You can find out more about his courses at www.cowdray.co.uk.
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More recently, refurbishing Cowdray House was a much bigger project and an amazing, allconsuming experience.
A Thought for Everyday:
It was not an easy house to live in as a family as it was so huge. We made the decision to move out and I spent the next few years completely redecorating the house to make it into a luxurious country house destination. Whilst still retaining the house’s historic features, my aim was to create a more modern, comfortable and stylish interior and, as well as a number of entertaining spaces, it
Be Kind to Everything That lives.
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Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019
Planning: Residential Care and Sand Pits
Aerial View of Grange Centre The Midhurst Society has been involved in several planning issues recently, making our views known to the relevant authorities and receiving some press coverage.
I would suggest that the remit of any local authority is to provide the best services affordable that your communities need.� This led to an angry exchange of words between us and CDC but was partially resolved when they accepted an invitation to come to Midhurst and face questions. The issue is still open, but in January 2019 the South Downs National Park Authority, despite their recommendations for retail use for the site in their own Local Plan, stated they are not averse to the idea of a residential nursing home. The report advises the developer what aspects of the proposal would need to be changed in order to receive planning consent. We will respond if and when a planning application is submitted.
Chichester DC announced that it had accepted an offer from a developer to build a residential care home on the site of the old Grange Centre (behind ugly hoardings for the last few years). We sent this message to CDC: “Recent activity on social media has indicated there is strong resistance to the idea of a care home on this site. There are several care homes in and around Midhurst, and there can be no justification for using this prime location for yet another. On our own Facebook page, we have seen an incredible amount of support for the idea of a swimming pool: 2,500 views; 21 shares; 162 likes; 97 comments. There have been no adverse reactions. Looking at rising national levels of obesity a swimming pool would appear to be an excellent idea and one which would complement the existing facilities in The Grange Centre. It is admirable that CDC is seeking to maximise the financial returns for the ultimate benefit of the taxpayer, but that should not involve providing something that is not wanted or needed.
Response to The Manning Report on Soft Sand Extraction in the South Downs National Park Even more controversially, after the SDNPA had removed from their Local Plan several sites that had been identified as having potential for the quarrying of soft sand, a Government Inspector insisted that they be reconsidered. We submitted this argument: 6
Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019 be very proud of. They are living, working landscapes that need careful stewardship, for the benefit and enjoyment of all.” “Long before their formal designation, National Parks and AONBs were recognised as special places, providing rich inspiration for visitors through their natural beauty and the traditions and culture of rural life that contributed to this. Sustaining these historic, often fragile features of our landscapes is critical to ensuring that they remain some of the best places to visit in the country.”
Quarrying at Pendean today There has been widespread condemnation of the proposal to re-examine sites in the SDNP which are deemed to have the potential for the industrial extraction of soft sand. Several organisations, with more resources than The Midhurst Society, are looking at technical and legal aspects of the proposal. We, representing our members and followers, present a simple, non-technical argument as to why soft sand should not be extracted from within the SDNP. We would suggest that the Inspector has failed to recognise the basic purpose of a National Park.
The industrial-scale extraction and transport of soft sand and other minerals within a National Park for use outside a National Park is a gross violation of the Government's plan for the management of National Parks for the benefit of future generations. The extraction processes and the thousands of associated lorry journeys would result in intolerable levels of noise, dust and pollution. The existing condition of roads within the SDNP is poor, with authorities unable to keep pace with the regular appearance of deep pot-holes. Part of the cause is the transport of quarry waste and infill, in heavy lorries, on roads not designed for that purpose.
The following quotes are taken from 8-Point Plan for England’s National Parks March 2016:
Our small towns and villages already have pollution hotspots where monitoring would likely reveal that EU regulations are being breached, particularly on roads that habitually have stationery traffic. It would be cynical, if not criminal, to impose yet more pollution on residents of these areas.
“Covering nearly 10% of the country, containing some of our most memorable landscapes and almost 30% of our internationally important wildlife sites, National Parks are national treasures at the heart of our national identity.”
We would also like to point out the inconsistency by which an authority within a National Park has to become an expert in resources available outside its area of jurisdiction. It should not be for the SDNPA to suggest alternative deposits of soft sand and other minerals; the role of the SDNPA should be limited to what is happening inside their National Park. It is for the construction industry and/or Central Government to identify alternative sources of supply, including imports from other countries and manufactured sand.
“This plan sets out our ambition to put National Parks at the heart of the way we think about the environment and how we manage it for future generations. We want as many young people as possible to learn about and experience the natural environment. National Parks are a great way in: inspiring environments that can be lifelong sources of wellbeing, identity, adventure and pride.” “National Parks are the soul of Britain. They are the centre of our imagination. When people think of Britain, wherever they are, they imagine these landscapes. I’d like to make sure that everyone in Britain and more visitors from around the world have the unique experience of going to our National Parks.”
The Right Hon Secretary of State, Michael Gove, addressed the issue in his 25-year Environment Plan (HLWS392): “Respecting nature’s intrinsic value, and the value of all life, is critical to our mission. For this reason, we safeguard cherished landscapes from economic exploitation, protect the welfare of sentient animals and
“Our National Parks are the jewels in the crown of our beautiful countryside and something to 7
Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019 Some 90% of the country ISN'T National Park. It would be ludicrous for a National Park to be exploited for the benefit of housing and construction in the other 90% of the country. In his report the Inspector is recommending a dereliction of the careful stewardship demanded by the Government's 8-Point Plan. The Society has also made representations on various other planning applications, including the old tennis court at Lamberts Lane, the proposed extension to the Centurion Way, and the redevelopment of Dundee House.
strive to preserve endangered woodland and plant life, not to mention the greening of our urban environments."
“The Knowledge”: North of the Downs. Almost a Cross Word Puzzle. Compiled by PJT. How many of these questions can you answer? You might need long memories for some of them! Cryptic clues with local answers. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Founder, girl in cured pork? (6) West of here, little Roger consumed. (6) What is the value of your cat? (8) Mind your head in this narrow road (4,4) Whose church? (2,4) Northern alms house (7) [see picture below]
7. River in water otherwise (6) 8. Is this Greek hunter in the cinema? (5) 9. Suit-makers in the open air? Not quite (7,5) 10. When this old grocer’s closed. you'll find a cull ensues (7) 11. Sounds like this old garage steals cattle (8) 12. Would you get a chocolate egg at this old petrol station? (8) 13. Are the Roundheads far away? Just the opposite! (8,5) 14. Has the eagle landed at this spa? (6) 15. Would this pub use Flemish Bond? (11,4) 16. Should this road be on the golf course? (3,7) 17. Is it Glasgow Round? No. (9,6) 18. Is this Sir Winston's favourite street? (6,4) Answers on Page 26
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Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019
Society Project: Defibrillator comes to North Street On Monday 14 January 2019, The Midhurst Society and Tesco 'opened' a defibrillator outside the Tesco store in North Street. Funding came from the Mrs E G Carne Legacy (under the control of The Midhurst Society) and the charity Tesco Bags of Help. Several years ago, The Midhurst Society received a very generous legacy from Mrs. E G Carne who lived in Easebourne. Last summer a Society member suggested using some of the legacy funds to buy a defibrillator for Midhurst.
used by anyone. Let's hope it is never needed! What they said: “We are delighted that we have been able to install this life-saving equipment in memory of Mrs. Carne. It has been a pleasure to work with Tesco on this project.” (Harvey Tordoff, Organiser, The Midhurst Society) “It means a lot to us that we have been able to work with The Midhurst Society for the benefit of the community.” (Dave Woods, Store Manager, Tesco) “Midhurst Town Council are thrilled to see this defibrillator installed in North Street and offer our thanks and congratulations to all concerned.” (Judy Fowler, Midhurst Town Council)
“Dave Woods, Tesco, and Harvey Tordoff, The Midhurst Society: courtesy of Midhurst & Petworth Observer The Society asked Midhurst Town Council for permission to place a defibrillator in the former public telephone kiosk in North Street, but were told that it's earmarked for tourist information. The next approach was to Tesco, where Store Manager Dave Woods was delighted with the idea. He said that defibrillators have been placed in many Tesco stores, and all Tesco staff are trained in their use. He even offered to apply for funding from the charity Tesco Bags of Help. And so, the proceeds from the sale of plastic bags contributed half the cost of this defibrillator, with the other half paid for by The Midhurst Society.
“This is great news, but this isn't all that we're working on. We are in talks with members of Midhurst Sports Association with a view to installing a defibrillator at the Cowdray Pavilion.” (Mike Balmforth, Chairman, The Midhurst Society)
This is an example of different parts of the community coming together for the common good. The defibrillator is now in place, outside Tesco and next to the pedestrian crossing; probably the busiest part of Midhurst. Tesco staff will assist if necessary, but it is designed to be
Supporters gather outside Tesco in North Street. Photo: courtesy of Midhurst & Petworth Observer. 9
Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019
From the Archives: A Letter from Richard Cobden. [Abridged from Midhurst Magazine Autumn 1994] Richard Cobden was one of the great social reformers of the nineteenth century, and he was born in Heyshott, just outside Midhurst. He returned later in life and converted the house in which he was born into what is now known as Dunford House. It contains many artefacts from Cobden's days and is currently the subject of a bid from Cobden's
descendants and local people to preserve it for posterity. Cobden is best known for his work to repeal the Corn Laws which were responsible in part for the grinding poverty in which many families found themselves. The Laws were repealed in 1846, shortly before this letter was written. Cobden is then still taking a keen interest in the plight of workers.
Midhurst, 6 October 1850. My dear friend, I have been for some weeks in one of the most secluded corners of England. Although my letter is dated from the quiet borough of Midhurst, the house I am living in is about one and a half miles distant, in the neighbouring parish of Heyshott. The roof that shelters me is the one under which I was born, and the room where I sleep the one in which I first drew breath. It is an old farmhouse, which for many years has been turned into labourers' cottages. With the aid of a whitewasher and a carpenter, we have made a comfortable weather-proof retreat for the summer; we are surrounded by pleasant woods, and within a couple of miles from the summit of the South Downs, where we have the finest air and some of the prettiest views in England.
We have a population of under three hundred in our parish. The acreage is about 2,000, of which one proprietor, Colonel Wyndham, owns 1,200. He is non-resident, as indeed are all our other proprietors. The clergyman is also non-resident; he lives in the village of Stedham, about three miles distant. He comes over to perform services on Sundays alternately in the morning and the afternoon. The church is in a ruinous state, the tower having fallen down many years ago. We have no school and no schoolmaster, unless I give that title to a couple of cottages, where illiterate old women collect a score or two of infants, whilst their parents are in the fields. Add to these disadvantages, the farmers are generally deficient of capital and do not employ so many labourers as they might. The 10
Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019 rates have been up to this time about 6s in the ÂŁ. We are not under the new poor law but in a Gilbert's union, and almost all our expense is for out-door relief.
effects of the free trade policy. Signed, R Cobden. To Henry Ashworth Esq, Turton, Bolton, Lancashire
Here then is a picture which will lead you to expect when you visit us a very ignorant and poor population. There is no post office in the village. Every morning an old man (Aleck Elcomb), aged bout 70, goes into Midhurst for letters. He charges a penny for every despatch he carries, including such miscellaneous articles as horse collars, legs of mutton, empty sacks and wheelbarrows. His letter bag for the whole village contains on average from two to three letters daily, including newspapers. The only newspapers which enter the parish are two copies of 'Bell's Weekly Messenger', a sound old Tory protectionist, much patronised by drowsy farmers.
(Originally reprinted from the hunt magazine, Horn and Hound, by kind permission of the editor, Dr. R S O Rees.) Note: there were twenty shillings (s) in a pound.
Cobden’s grave in West Lavington The wages paid by the farms are very low, not exceeding 8s a week. What surprises me is to observe how well the poor fellows work, and how long they last. These labourers generally have a garden, and an allotment of a quarter of an acre. The labourers who live in my cottages have pigs in their sties, but I believe it is not normally so.
Update: The residents of Heyshott have got together with a view to 'saving' the Dunford House, birthplace of Richard Cobden. The Midhurst Society communicated with organisations that we thought might get involved (National Trust, English Heritage) to no avail.
I have satisfied myself that however badly off the labourers may be at present, their condition was worse in times of high-priced corn. In 1847 when bread was double its present price, the wages of the farm labourers were not raised more than two to three shillings a week. At that time, a man with his family spent all he earned on bread, and still had not enough to maintain his household.
Then, some of the descendants of Cobden became aware of the situation and joined forces with the locals.
I have it both from the labourers themselves and the millers from whom they buy their flour that they ran so deeply into debt for food during the high prices of 1847 that they have scarcely been able to pay off their score. The class feeling among the agricultural labourers is in favour of a cheap loaf. They dare not say much about it openly, but their instincts are serving them in the absence of economical knowledge, and they are unanimously against the protectionists. This world's end spot is about the last place which will feel the good
Nick Cobden Wright, great-great-greatgrandson of Richard Cobden, outside Dunford House. We helped increase awareness with Facebook posts. The situation is ongoing, and we wish them well.
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Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019
Walking with Richard: The Severals Wood Only a mile west of Midhurst is the Severals Wood, a place well known for its bird life; this is a pleasant stroll of 2.5 km (1.5 miles) under its pine woods.
Birds throughout this woodland include great spotted woodpeckers, wrens, blackbirds, chaffinches and chiffchaffs. Look out for climbing corydalis entwined among plants here, too.
In the car, head for a small lay-by at SU869207, on the minor Severals Road running south off the A272, but beware the very sharp turn if coming from Midhurst as you enter this minor road. The parking bay, for three cars, is almost 300 m from the main road.
Next, cross over the tracks, taking the yellow arrow route: this leads to a dense, damp woodland with hidden soggy pits. Turn right on the next yellow arrow, where you'll find the path begins to circle left, and finally eastsouth-east. Look down for clumps of densely tufted remote sedge (Carex remota) growing low along this muddy path.
From here walk west on the white arrow route – this track is also the Serpent Trail. Along the way you'll see masses of Scots pines, some birch and some rhododendron, which in early June have a heavy blossom – mind the roots crossing your path, which will trip the unwary.
Turn left next, onto the white arrow route, and head northward for the next 800m. You will pass over two cross-tracks, as well as a 'Mellor's shed' (remember your Lady Chatterley's Lover), in which wrens now roost and a grey squirrel has vented frustration on the interior.
Grey squirrels may be peeling cones, and even biting off unripe green cones, and scattering the bits on your path. Note a few plants of ling and an occasional dense white patch of heath bedstraw along the edge of the path – not very common.
Then come to a five-crossway, where you should turn right to take the white arrow route. This brings you back to the Severals Road, where you turn left and walk for 120 m. I head back to Morris, one of several in the Midhurst area.
After 500 m turn sharply left, still on the white arrow route. Soon you'll arrive at an open area of cleared forest, overlooked by a deerstalkers' hide – this should be a natural habitat for nightjars. These birds – big moth-catchers related to the swifts – will make a loud reeling noise like crickets at around 9.30 p.m. each summer evening. Note the patches of Yorkshire fog grass and sweet vernal grass at the track junction, where the Serpent Trail goes off west – you should continue south, keeping to the cleared area to your left. Take note of the splendid honeysuckle here, which is the foodplant of the white admiral butterfly's caterpillar – these big black and white butterflies should be here in July. There is one small broom brush here, too.
[Taken from the book 52 Favourite West Sussex Walks by Richard Williamson (published by Summersdale, 2012) and reproduced here by kind permission of the author with whom copyright remains].
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Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019
The Severals is one of a number of sites within the South Downs National Park that is identified by a Government Inspector as having the potential for the quarrying of soft sand for use in the construction industry throughout the country.
We have written to SDNPA expressing the view that such exploitation goes against the very nature of a National Park – as defined by Government. The full text of our letter can be found on our web site.
What will these flora and fauna think of their habitat being dozed and trucked away? 13
Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019
Bridget's Midhurst Meanderings mathematical tiles that look like brick. Inside, lofty rooms are accessed by a magnificent cantilevered staircase. The house's history is yet to be researched.
Hello! My name is Bridget Howard, and I am a local historian. In these meanderings I will take you around Midhurst, discussing our old buildings and our street names. I shall hope to encourage you to look for clues to our past. Let's begin with Clock House, the imposing property in North Street, and its environs.
Everyone living in, or visiting, Midhurst is aware that it is built on the side of a hill, but few people know the differences in height between the different areas of the town; for example, North Mill is 71.2 ft above sea-level, Clock House is 80 ft, the parish church is 108.7 ft and South Pond Bridge is 83 ft. These are measurements made in the late 19th century by the Ordnance Survey whose 'benchmark' (a horizontal line with an arrow pointing upwards from below it) is carved in the stone of the building. At Clock House, it is on the left front corner. Can you find the others?
It stands at the corner with Lamberts Lane. This seems to be a 20th century name, but Lambert himself has been forgotten. In the Middle Ages it was Dyer's Lane. Midhurst men only existed in the Old Town, surrounded by open countryside. There was a flourishing cloth trade, but the men who dyed the wool had to work and live some distance away. They stank! The woad used to produce blue wool gave off a foul smell.
Another Midhurst feature (seen on the south wall of Clock House) is galleting, little flecks of ironstone set into the mortar for decoration and to add strength. It is seen on large Georgian properties such as Garton's Cafe, formerly the Town Hall, on the North Street Indian Restaurant, formerly a Cowdray family residence, and on Bierton House in Edinburgh Square. And in Lambert's Lane you will find an 'ironstone cottage' known as Lassiters, the only one of its kind in Midhurst.
It permeated their hair, skin and clothes. Nothing would get rid of it. They also used urine to 'fix' other natural dyes. No girl would want to marry a dyer. The Lane continued through today's Angel Yard, leading to the river where the wool was washed. The present North Street was a muddy track leading to Easebourne. In the 19th century Dyer's Lane became Wetters Lane, referring to the use of the river. In the 18th century it was known as Whore's Lane.
There's so much to see in Midhurst! Next time: a quiz, and a look at the church bells that have rung out in Midhurst over the centuries.
The Clock House was built in two stages. The older part is now the back. The newer portion facing North Street is more elegant. The two canted bays of Venetian windows are clad with
[Bridget has published many of the series of Midhurst Society leaflets available on the early history of the town. They can be viewed or downloaded, on www.midhurstsociety.org.uk. As she says, there is so much to find out about this lovely town in England!] 14
Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019
POEM: Ode to the 272 - with Apologies to: Sir John Betjeman and Miss Joan Hunter. Miss K Lovett-White, Miss K Lovett-White So lovely by day, so lovely by night. What wonderful, breath-taking journeys we took, Through England, through Europe; each cranny, each nook. I drove you to Paris, and on down to Nice, One year we kept driving and ended in Greece, We lingered in Tuscany, stayed on in Rome, But my favourite journey was bringing you home. When we came back to Sussex you breathed out a sigh, With a stretch of your arm and your back and your thigh, I slowed down to savour the flavour of you, Flaxen hair flowing on the A two-seven-two. Those overseas memories started to fade As soon as we entered a West Sussex glade, With the ducks on the duck pond at Wisborough Green And the locals and yokels outside The Queen. Oh, merry old England! How good to be here With the meat and two veg and a pint of warm beer. And you in your gingham, a smile on your face And me by your side like a three-legged race. We dawdle past scenes of your triumphs of yore The golf course at Cowdray where you bellowed “fore!” You strode down the fairways, relaxed and at ease, The only girl there who played off the men’s tees. And polo at Midhurst, what bliss! Oh, what joy! Astride your young pony you rode like a boy. I watched from afar near a thicket of gorse. Oh, lucky your captain! Lucky your horse! And so, past the church by the river at Trotton, Riviera adventures now all but forgotten Up the hill, round the bend, you kick off your shoe, The sun’s going down on the two-seven-two. I pull into your drive with the fading of light, Beside me, eyes closed, Miss Kate Lovett-White. I sit there in silence. You rouse from your doze. You yawn and you smile and you wrinkle your nose. I break the enchantment and open your door. You step onto the gravel. The end of our tour. You graciously say “thanks awf’ly, old chap.” I say “you’re most welcome” And touch my peaked cap. © Harvey Tordoff 15
Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019
Local History: Did Goering and Ribbenbtrop Really Come to Midhurst? By
Peter Sydenham When making a short visit in the 1980s to his favourite English locality, Peter Sydenham stayed at the Spread Eagle hotel. He took a four-poster bedroom; on the wall was a notice telling that an infamous Nazi stayed there just before WW2.
Section 4 is titled, ‘So they Say’: ‘Probably the most infamous visitors the hotel has received are Hermann Goering (added here, Founder of the dreaded Gestapo and later Commander-In-Chief of the Luftwaffe Air Force) and (Joachim) Von Ribbentrop, Hitler’s Ambassador in London just before the Second World War. Perhaps the hotel’s name alone attracted them! They dined at The Spread Eagle Hotel one evening in July 1939, after attending the ‘Glorious Goodwood’ race meeting. Apparently, Goering had previously been to see the Leonardslee Estate, near Horsham, having selected it as his future headquarters, in the presumption that a German invasion of Britain would be successful [perhaps they backed losers at Goodwood too!].’
Around 2104 he started to research this most unlikely finding. As the story unfolded from the murky past of legend mixed with fact, local residents Tania Pons and Ian Wegg, took part in delving into this intriguing event. Was it fact, or pure fiction? The first artefact of direct interest is a page on display in the bar, apparently taken from the hotel’s pre-war Alien’s Register.
Edward James, hotel manager at the time, later added to the story by email:
Page on display in the hotel bar.
‘Hitler wanted to base himself in the South East of England and he was keen on Leonardslee House/Gardens (now a private house again) for his Head Office but others in his party were very keen on the Spread Eagle.
The bottom caption reads: ‘This signature of Von Ribbentrop was made when he was Hitler’s Ambassador to England. He and Hermann Goering, together with four other officers, dined at the Spread Eagle in July 1939 (date uncertain) when attending Goodwood Races. Lieut. E.G. Hollist, who still (1978) lives near Midhurst, remembers the occasion well as he was also dining at the hotel that evening. It seems to have subsequently transpired that Goering had been to Leonardslee near Horsham, then the home of Lady Muriel Loder. He had selected this beautiful estate as his Headquarters after the invasion of England (Operation “Sea Lion”, the German invasion plan 1940 refers to this.)’
Leonardslee Gardens. Thank heavens Hitler did not become its owner in the 1940s! Goering and Von Ribbentrop, and the German Ambassador dining at the Spread, were reputedly overheard at dinner suggesting this would be a perfect base. They both stayed and Von Ribbentrop was a regular as he and many of the German
Another statement to be considered is the entry in the Hotel’s history booklet The Spread Eagle Hotel, Midhurst of 2012. 16
Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019 Cabinet were keen race goers to Goodwood. But it is only hearsay.’’
It was then confirmed that Rudolph, his son, was actually at a posh high school in London for 1937.
If this story is true it would be an amazing event to have happened! But is it? The ‘time team’ sleuths attacked these statements from several directions.
Rudolph von Ribbentrop, was 17 yrs. old in 1937. Here he has won his Iron Cross.
First, whose were the Nazi signatures there? Was the Ribbentrop name seen there, of one the most infamous Nazi trio (Adolph Hitler, Hermann Goering and Joachim von Ribbentrop), who were found jointly guilty in the post-war trials in Nuremberg of being the people who started WW2. It certainly looks like a Ribbentrop signature: and it was signed in as the Ambassador from Germany.
In that year the British Union of Fascists BUF held summer camps near Brighton. It is quite probable then that the signature entry was by Rudolph, not Joachim. If Joachim’s replacement Ambassador was present at that meeting, and he himself was present, leaving it to Rudolph, or even a staffer of the hotel, to sign - then Joachim may have been there but did not sign anything.
Joachim von Ribbentrop; he loved the British aristocratic way of life.
Unrelated, independent, evidence had been found that stated Joachim was in Cornwall during the 1937 summer. There he told a local man that he would become King of Cornwall, and live in the St. Michael’s Mount castle, when the Nazis took over England. But that is another story in the second Memoirs book!
Next, take a look at the timing. Delving into when Ribbentrop was in England as the Ambassador, it turns out that 1937 was the only year he had held that post there. He became the German Foreign Minister in the following year.
So, we now turn to the statement that a Lieut. E.G. Hollist overheard their conversation. He certainly existed, being from a long-standing local family. He had been in the British army in India and had returned to Midhurst just before 1937. But, was he able to recognise that it was Goering and Ribbentrop he heard or saw? Perhaps, was it in reality Rudolph with a party of fascists down south for the summer camps?
So, what was the actual date of the register entry? Mining down into newspaper entries established that the two ladies who signed in just before the Ribbentrop signature, would have been there in 1937, not in 1939. Goering had a passion for designing his own uniforms! The case is not looking that sound. More study of their biographies and other sources strongly suggested that Goering was not able to be there at all due to vital attendances in Germany – he was the head of the Luftwaffe Air Force, the main attack force for supporting Hitler’s major land invasions.
From strong evidence Goering was not there. At the start of 1937 para-political parties in Britain were not permitted to wear uniforms at functions. But assuming these black-shirt fascists were prepared to break the new law, they would have paraded as a ‘gang’ of Nazis in their all so recognisable black outfits, with those highly polished, black jack boots and a red swastika on their arm band?
This all said, one then needs to look carefully at that Joachim Ribbentrop signature. Comparing it with sources of high veracity, it does not look like his. It lacks the strong backward slope and digital style of Joachim’s. Also, the first initial looks much more like an ‘R’, than a ‘J’.
Lastly, for now, Lieut. Hollist can be regarded as being an upright person of good standing. He would surely have seen the page on display in the hotel bar with reference to his statement. Some suggest he would, most likely have objected to the statement being on public showing! 17
Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019
So where does all that research verification leave us? Sadly, we get this point that they may have been there after all! But, almost certainly, not Goering.
What do you think? Was this really a story concocted by the hotel management of the day to attract interest in the hotel by Yanks staying and drinking there in the later years of WW2 and after? It worked; they sent artefacts to the hotel that were claimed to have been Goering’s.
---------------------------------------------------------------[This account is an extract of the fuller report, to be published in Midhurst WW2 Memoirs: 2 Evil Rising: Good Awakening. The help there by Tania Pons and Ian Wegg is much appreciated. The ‘time team’ would like to see other evidence of this visit for it is still far from settled. Issues are: • • • •
When was the page of the register first put up in the bar of the Spread? Where is the rest of that Alien Register? Lieut. E.G. Hollist’s son may still be alive. Who is he, and where does he live? Does any maturing resident recall the event? – would have to be 90 plus years old now.
Is anyone interested in joining the ‘time team’ hunt for the truth? If so, do make contact. ----------------------------------------------------------
Where: and What is it About?
[Answer is on page 26]
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Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019
Meet the Committee: Claire Cox We came to live in Midhurst in 1964. My third child was born here and we have remained in the same house in Bepton village. I was born in Hertfordshire, went to a school called St Helens, Northwood, and then took secretarial training in London.
line of these lovely dogs. We also became a Friend of Chichester Festival theatre, and have been seeing most of their productions ever since. Theatre has always been an enormous interest to me and we are so lucky to have such a marvelous one so near. We also became members of the Arts Society (NADFAS) and U3A and joined a bridge club, where we have been members for the last 20 years.
I had a number of interesting jobs, including working as a PA for IATA (International Air Transport Association) with whom I did some travelling. Then I married, I lived in various places with my husband, Brian, who worked for ICI.
We have added eight grandchildren to our family, and they of course have been a great joy. I did a stint at the Intermediate School as a school governor, and also joined the Bepton Parish Council.
We came here because Brian took a job with Plant Protection, an ICI company, at Fernhurst. Moving to Midhurst was a very good thing to do. We lived in the middle of the countryside, with wonderful walks all round us, near to a busy town with good schools, so were
Cowslips at Bepton; a lovely local village ‘with no shop, post office, nor a village hall’. I remained a Councillor for 28 years, five of them as Chairman and enjoyed being involved in local affairs. During this time, my husband look early retirement and we were able to travel extensively. As we both had brothers in Australia and my sister lived in California, this was a great chance to see a bit of the world.
lucky to be able to remain here for the rest of Brian’s career. I was busy with children, a big garden, had a part time job for some years, played some golf and managed to get back to riding again which was my childhood passion. We bought a Golden Retriever and over the next forty years, bred two litters from her, and two litters from her grand-daughter, so had a continuous
I eventually left the Parish council, thinking that was enough, but was persuaded to join the Midhurst Society Committee, and will retire this year, having done six years. I have much enjoyed my time on the committee, was glad to be involved, and gained a lot of local knowledge. I can recommend it to anyone thinking of joining the committee. [Claire has been our most effective Administrative Officer. Thankyou Claire for your faithful contribution: a hard act to follow.] 19
Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019 the Midhurst ambulance Station was sold in 2016 for residential development, we were given to believe that a vehicle would be based at the Fire Station in New Road. We investigated, and discovered that an informal agreement had been reached between SECAMB and the Fire Station, but that it had been referred to WSCC for a formal agreement. That was 18 months ago. We are pursuing the matter!
Campaigns: Looking After Your Interests We often get involved in issues that might not be our direct concern, but that we feel might help Midhurst and surrounding villages become a better place to live, work and relax.
We are concerned by the number of empty retail units in North Street, and when we heard that the newly-formed Midhurst Business Network were prepared to sponsor the planting of trees or shrubs (in large planters) in North Street we decided it was an idea with backing.
Following the closure of the residential unit known as the Bailey Ward in Midhurst Community Hospital we added our support to the various bodies and individuals calling for an urgent review. This is now taking place, and it seems highly likely that Riverbank Medical Centre will become the new hub for the entire area of West Sussex north of the Downs.
Facebook again, and an email to Midhurst Town Council urging them to accept the offer. Trees make the shopping experience so much more enjoyable, and happy shoppers can help persuade retailers to move into town. And trees absorb CO2. What's not to like? Let's do it! The residents of Cocking formed a community group to raise funds for the purchase of the village pub, which has been closed for a couple of years. They intend running it as a pub/restaurant/shop/post office/community centre. We regarded this as a wonderful example of a community showing initiative and enterprise, and we offered moral support with posts on our Facebook page. We understand they are close to reaching their target!
We have also insisted that Rotherfield Mews, which has been empty for many years and is now looking rather dilapidated, is included in any long-term plans. Ambulance response times were published recently, showing that it takes an average of 16
Another issue under consideration is that of the future of Cobden’s Dunford House in Heyshott ‌ see page 11. Let us know of your concerns.
minutes for an ambulance to reach Midhurst. This is double the target response time. When 20
Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019
Book Review: The Housekeeper's Tale by Tessa Boase Whether reading or watching TV we all like to escape our mundane reality by entering the world of someone else. Occupants of 'The Big House' have always provided good drama, not least for the contrasting lives of those above and below stairs. But whereas many of the rich and famous have left memoirs and records, their servants' stories are less well documented. To redress this imbalance Sarah Boase tells the story of the housekeeper, the overlooked but central figure of every big house. In fact, this is the story of six housekeepers, covering a wide range of periods and circumstances. I was attracted to the book because one of the stories concerns Sarah Wells, unlikely housekeeper at Uppark (our 'local' stately home); mother of HG Wells, and whose story I already knew from many visits to the house. Recently I attended a talk given by Ms Boase in the old school building in Midhurst where Bertie (HG) had been both pupil and pupil teacher. And I bought the book. Unusually for a servant, Sarah's diary has survived, and we have her actual thoughts and observations. Housekeeper number five, Grace Higgens, also kept a diary, an invaluable record of her time at Charleston providing wonderful insights into the Bloomsbury Set. And the last housekeeper, presented in an epilogue, is still in situ and could tell her own story.
their own; to fall in love, to marry, to have children. No matter how intimate the relationship between housekeeper and employer family, a serious transgression such as getting pregnant could easily result in dismissal, with the middleaged or elderly woman left to fend for herself. And before our current benefits culture, fending wasn't easy.
The three other housekeepers, however, are shadowy figures. Although Ms Boase was unstinting with her research she is reduced to 'imagining' encounters, conversations and reactions, so in the strictest sense it is not pure social history. Nevertheless, she has done a service to us and to the housekeepers themselves. Some record of their lives is now preserved for posterity. For me, the most striking aspect throughout was how little personal freedom was afforded to servants. 'Time off' was almost non-existent and they were not expected to have lives of
The writing is informal and chatty, and although I only bought the book for one story I read and enjoyed them all. Harvey Tordoff
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Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019
From the Chair Dear Members, Firstly, we hope you will enjoy our new format and extended editorial coverage in both printed and digital versions of issue 29 of the Midhurst Magazine.
Facebook This is a daily news-sheet for many people in our town now, with contributions mainly by
Something BIG happened in January; were you there? In January we invited Chichester District Councillor Tony Dignum and his wife Councillor Pam to the Memorial Hall to answer pre-submitted questions from the audience. This was following the decision by CDC to sell the Grange Development site to a care home developer. The news had caused uproar amongst residents across the whole town and it’s the first time one of our meetings had standing room only! For greater coverage, see page 24.
Harvey, but with some other followers of which we now have 450! Some ‘posts’ i.e. news items, have attracted as many as 2000 visitors namely the Grange development plan. Members often say to me “but I don’t do Facebook”; I tell them you don’t have to have an account, simply go to our website and click on the Facebook icon to go straight to our pages. It really is worthwhile; but, yes! it can very easily become addictive, be warned!
The Society and digital marketing Future of the Midhurst Magazine After tremendous efforts over many years by both Editor Graham Tite and Sheila Ryan, we decided to tackle the cost of production which was now dominating our expenses. Fortunately, one of our members Peter Sydenham, who launched his first book of ‘Midhurst WW2 Memoirs’ at last year’s AGM, showed us how we can dramatically reduce production costs and also offer a digital version. This gave us the ability to cover a diverse number of interesting new topics. We hope our members and readers like the new formula, and naturally we welcome feedback. New website Harvey Tordoff, working with an outside creative team, has put together a new website which he will be talking us through at our AGM. Personally, I am proud to share this with everyone I meet, not to mention friends and family. See www.midhurstsociety.org.uk
Who are we and why are we here? Over the year your Committee, in developing its position in the community, has constantly examined the fundamentals of what drives us to further the interests of the Society. Basically, it’s a belief in the founding principles of protecting and conserving what we think is right about the infrastructure, services and in particular the heritage of our town and surrounding villages. It has developed into a still wider brief and that is to provide a voice for concerns on planning issues that affect where and how we live and work. This is summarised on our website as follows: • Commenting and advising on significant planning proposals • Monitoring changes to listed buildings • Supporting other local heritage groups • Liaising with other local community groups to promote local heritage • Liaison with the National Park Authority • High quality lecture programme and twice-yearly magazine • Opportunities to contribute to and discuss local issues • Publishing books and other material of local interest To be on top of our game entails a lot of backroom discussion and research so we welcome all help, either from NEW Committee members, or simply those members who can help with ad hoc practical advice e.g. historical, local knowledge, planning, environmental expertise. 22
Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019 We NEED your help to continue the good work, so please don’t hesitate if you would like to help in any way.
New Members We have welcomed 29 new members for 2019 and we look to them as the future of the Society.
Membership Fees Announcement As a result of the magazine cost savings, and given the recent increase in membership fees, the increasing number of visitors and your many kind donations, your Committee is delighted to announce that the entry fee of ÂŁ3 to the talks charged to members will be suspended for the rest of 2019.
Yours sincerely, Michael Balmforth, Chairman PS We are currently seeking input and new thinking for the following activities so please come forward at any meeting, or simply attend one of our friendly and informal Committee Meetings: Treasury Magazine Editorship, print and digital Membership Planning Digital Marketing Talks
Members come Free! Join on the spot to save, and save! Talks Programme Peter Shaw, our talks organiser, has as usual, provided us with an entertaining series of monthly talks, but is more than happy to hear YOUR ideas on potential speakers past and future. Regrettably, due to increasing commitments Peter will be relinquishing his position next year having been with us for the last six years.
PPS We are currently in discussions with Rother Academy regarding further digital marketing activities; watch this space and check our website and Facebook!
Midhurst Garden Club Gardens take a lot of, not always, pleasurable effort. Why not enjoy those gardens that use teams of gardeners to bed out each year and plant thousands of bulbs and other plants? The Midhurst Garden Club meets in the South Downs Memorial Hall on the second Monday of each month for a lecture by a renowned horticultural expert. Four to five visits a year to gardens and stately homes take place. This photo was taken on a Club visit to Arundel Castle last May. Twice a year, socials are arranged. We are a friendly club and all are welcome. www.midhurstgardenclub.co.uk
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Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019
Public Talks
Britain's first electric car! And he made Britain's first telephone. Unfortunately, there was no-one for him to call, so he had to install one at his friend's house across the road. Every time obstacles were placed in the way of his railway he came up with a brilliant solution. When the rails had to be re-routed onto a part of the beach that was underwater at hightide he simply put his carriage on long legs – and was obliged to keep lifebelts on board! In October the CEO of Brooklands Museum told us about the iconic race track, its history and famous drivers. It was the brainchild of Hugh Fortescue Locke King and his wife, Ethel, who had seen motorsports on the Continent and wanted something similar in this country. When the original circuit was opened in 1907 Dame Ethel was given the honour of leading the racing cars on the first lap, after which she was supposed to come into the pits to let the men race. Dame Ethel duly completed the first lap – and then put her foot down! This was too much fun to retire after one lap! And of course, the biggest attraction at the museum now is a certain aeroplane that made
The highlight of our recent talks was a Questions and Answers session in January with the Leader of Chichester DC, Tony Dignum and his wife and fellow-councillor Pam. Questions had been sought from members and followers in advance and these were put to the Councillors. The most hotlydebated topic concerned the proposal by CDC to accept an offer from a developer to build a residential care home on the site of the old Grange Centre. There was standing room only in the hall, and there was open hostility to the idea, but the Dignums assured us that this offer represented best value for all the tax-payers of the District - and that CDC needed to recoup some of the costs expended on the new Grange Centre. They felt that Midhurst needed a Care Home – and no offers had been received for retail or housing development. No resolutions were made, but we felt that a line of communication had been opened that would be useful in future. In March members and visitors were entertained with a truly informative talk, by Dawn from Salon du Chocolat, on all aspects of chocolate. And then we were given platters of samples of chocolate made from different beans, different countries. You had to cleanse your palate between each tasting with water. Or wine. What was that first one like again? The autumn of 2018 saw us presenting two talks on transport! In September Ian Gledhill gave a jaw-dropping presentation on the Magnus Volk Railway in Brighton, the oldest electric railway in the world. Volk was an extraordinary engineer and inventor. He also designed built and exported
history – and is instantly recognisable! More serious subjects were covered in November; with police advice on scams, and in February on how the Midhurst Community Land Trust is trying to provide affordable homes in the town. Members and guests had time off in December with a get-together at the Walled Garden (indoors) for pre-Christmas drinks and nibbles.
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Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019
Forthcoming Talks Programme: Organised by Peter Shaw Our 2019 talks continue to fascinate members and visitors. You will not find elsewhere, such a great set of topics so close to home. Meetings are held at 7pm in the well-appointed Memorial Hall, North Street. Midhurst, opposite the North Street car park.
On 19 September the topic is on running the Cowdray Estate. This is an opportunity to hear and meet the new CEO Jonathon Russell.
Entry charge, including refreshments, is £5 for visitors and £1 for students. Members have free entry for the 2019 programme. Consider joining the Society at a meeting – individual £15 per annum, and £25 for a family.
The 21 October meeting is magic. Bertie Pearce will present an Evening of Magic.
Having read about the exciting topics already presented this year here are what are still to come. The 23 May talk covers the Art Nouveau and Art Deco style in Architecture. Ian Gledhill returns to fascinate us with that period.
On 21 November we get to go Behind Closed Doors of Midhurst. This gives an inside look into some of the interesting Midhurst properties that have passed through the hands of JacksonStops.
In the 20 June talk Alan Chalmers gives an insight into the care he afforded VIP guests when they attended Wimbledon Centre Court functions. Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra and David Beckham get a mention on how they were hosted, in a world most people never experience.
Appreciation: For our relatively small district, the Talks Programme is exceptionally good. The program does not just happen. Our thanks go out to Talks Organiser, Peter Shaw. Take a bow, Peter! If you have any ideas do let us know. Our very own: Mother and Child by Philip Jackson. Originally placed on the wall of the Chapel of St Margaret's Convent Midhurst, Petersfield Road, West Sussex, it was commissioned by the Sisters of Mercy, and unveiled in 1990.
The 18 July talk is also sure to be a crowd pleaser. Our local Sculptor, Philip Jackson, is back to talk on sculptures in towns and the importance of their presence.
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Midhurst Magazine. Issue 29, April 2019
Issues of Interest for Reporting and Recording: Topics the Editorial Team Want. This list below covers the topics that are sought by the Editor. It is not exhaustive so do enquire if you have another idea. They should address local issues of the town, and the area from around Singleton to Fernhurst, and Petworth to Petersfield; and national or global matters of local
Answers to “Knowledge” on page 8 1. Hannam; 2. Rogate; 3. Petworth; 4. Duck Lane; 5. St Mary; 6. Ognells; 7. Rother 8. Orion; 9. Taylors Field; 10. Cullens; 11. Russells; 12. Easters; 13. Cavalier Close; 14. Aquila; 15. Bricklayers Arms; 16. The Fairway; 17. Edinburgh Square; 18. Church Hill
significance. Cover – colour gloss images invited Local photos and paintings (from all Midhurst societies) Letters to the Editor Where in the world are we? Local History feature(s) as full-page article Local poems or short prose North of the Downs Reader’s Submissions Social History Crossword, humour etc. Meet your societies of the District Seasonal articles Local walk, with map District development Reviews of local books, exhibitions, local theatre, etc. Society projects Advertisements are invited for the Back Cover
Answer to ‘Did You Know’ on page18 The plaque is located on the wall of Stockley Outdoor & Equestrian Store in North Street. The plaque was made by Stanley Brothers (Nuneaton brickmakers) to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee in 1897. -----------------------------------------It might have been the case once, but the new look Midhurst Magazine is right up there with interesting things going on now, and in the past of the Midhurst District.
Submissions are best sent as Word or pdf documents. Pictures may be separate, or be placed within the text. Where people wish to contribute, but cannot type or use digital means of preparation, they should contact the Editor to see if their written or verbal story can be converted to digital format for them.
Look out for more in Issue 30, to be published in Autumn 2019.
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