Village Tweet - December 2019 by Village Tweet

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Christmas Fayre Lantern Walk

Christmas Cracker @VillageTweet

www.villagetweet.co.uk

See page 27

December 2019

CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY AND LOCAL BUSINESS Billingshurst • Barns Green • Five Oaks • Ifold • Kirdford • Loxwood • Plaistow • Slinfold • Wisborough Green

Editorial and advertising enquiries: 07762 767084, editor@villagetweet.co.uk

Contents

hristmas comes early to Billingshurst! This year, on the 14th December we have ‘Christmas in a Day’. Instead of the usual BilliFest, and as a finale to Horsham District’s Year of Culture, we have not one but three big events for you… At 10am-3pm in Billingshurst Community Centre is the first event, the Christmas Fayre, followed by the much publicised Lantern Walk as the second event. This leaves the Library car park at 4pm, the walk ending at Station Road Gardens for a Light & Music Show with hot food at 4.45pm. The day is rounded off with the third event: Christmas Cracker, a special concert with audience participation in the Leisure Centre. Details on page 27, also see page 11 (Lantern Walk) and page 15 (Christmas Cracker). A bonus event is the Christmas Tales by Torchlight by the Library at 3pm (which will segue nicely into the Lantern Walk), see page 16. (Note: Christmas Cracker and Tales by Torchlight must be pre-booked.) Grahame

Cover: Christmas coffee. Based on an image by Marco Verch Food & drink Recipe: Mini Panettone . . . . Wisborough Green Market . Onslow Arms pub . . . . . . . . The Kings Head pub . . . . . . Sussex Free Range Turkeys

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Health & wellbeing Age UK: Help at Home . . . . . . Healthwatch West Sussex . . . . Katherine Finn, Hyphotherapist PilatesWise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rebecca Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . Billingshurst Leisure Centre . . Santa Rosa Beauty . . . . . . . . . The Natural Way . . . . . . . . . . . Holly Stone, Hypnotherapist . . Park & Brown, opticians . . . . .

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About the house Fowlers, Estate Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 KJ Lammas Plumbing & Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 1A Acclaim Floor Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Biji Property Services Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Ron Osborne Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Flow-Serve Plumbing, Drainage, Heating . . . . . . . .25 Heath Windows Ltd (Southern) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 MW Wingate Painting & Decorating . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Rudgwick Fencing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Alba Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Delta Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Millar Property Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Norsat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Oven Cleaning Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 AC Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Goring Road Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 GJ Coles, Builder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 MPS Home Improvements Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 DM Handyman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 PJM, Building & Property Maintenance . . . . . . . . .33 Pro Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Re-Nu Kitchens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Apex Aerials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Hamilton Cole, TV & Satellite Equipment . . . . . . . .34 Lee’s Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 N Francis Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Oven Rescue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Sussex Carpet Brokers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Best Choice Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Cadiss, Bathrooms & Kitchens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Miss Mop Domestic Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Park House Kitchens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OBC Little Tweeters! Weald School: Periodic Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Yvonne Fleece: Across Time and Space . . . . . . . .30 Kids Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Features Introvert’s Guide to the Chrristmas Office Party . . .12 Christopher Sullivan Poetry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 A Good Read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 SPR Centre: Food for thought . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

COPY DATE FOR JANUARY ISSUE: 6th DECEMBER Published by A272 Design, PO Box 371, Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 4AS

Editorial and Advertising: Grahame Pearson 07762 767084 editor@villagetweet.co.uk Website Design: Stephen Pearson

www.villagetweet.co.uk Printed by: The Lavenham Press, Suffolk Disclaimer: All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith. However, A272 Design cannot take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. © No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

Garden Tweet! DW Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Garden View: The holly and the ivy Jonathan Carter Tree Surgery . . . . . Bygone Gardening . . . . . . . . . . . . . REM Landscapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clayton Turner Trees & Gardens . . Rotary Club: Station Road Gardens West Chiltington Floral Club . . . . . . Versatile Gardening Services . . . . . Village Nurseries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The paper used for Village Tweet has been responsibly sourced . . . . . . . . . .

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Miscellaneous Professional Services & Businesses Flackwoods Solicitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 A/c’s Direct, Accounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Jim Hills Sports Warehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Furze Firs, Christmas Trees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Dandelion Farewells, Funerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Daisy’s Dogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Pest Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Pet Pooch Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Fishers Farm Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IBC Community/Out & About/Farming/Smallholding Hepworth Brewery: Recruitment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Ingfield Manor School: Recruitment . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Ansells Vintage Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 St Catherine’s Hospice: HeARTs auction . . . . . . . .10 Billingshurst Community Partnership: Lantern Walk . .11 Carolyn Gibbs: A thank you message . . . . . . . . . . .12 Billingshurst Scouts: 90 years old . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Billingshurst Scouts: Christmas Post . . . . . . . . . . .13 Lights On for Macmillan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 John Nash’s Column: Light up the evening . . . . . .14 Billingshurst Choral Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Leconfield Singers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Billingshurst Library: Christmas Tales by Torchlight . .16 St Gabriel’s Church: Christmas dates . . . . . . . . . . .16 St Gabriel’s Church: Nativity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 St Mary’s Church: Christmas dates . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 St Mary’s Church: Sue King in Kenya . . . . . . . . . . .17 Community Minibus (Billingshurst) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 St Catherine’s Hospice: Firewalk . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Billingshurst Scouts: Bag packing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Billingshurst Lions Clubs: Mobility Scooter Safety . .22 Loxwood Community Gardens: Litter pick-up . . . . .22 Horsham Museum & Gallery: Snow and Ice . . . . . . .24 Billingshurst Parish Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26-27 Wey & Arun Canal Trust: 2 Bridge projects . . . . . .28 Billingshurst Fire Station: Happy Christmas . . . . . .29 Barns Green Players: Beauty & the Beast . . . . . . .34 Horsham Museum & Gallery: Light and Laughter . . .37 Petworth House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Motoring and Private Hire Macs Private Hire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Billingshurst Service, Repair & MOT Centre Petworth MOT Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-Team Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lintott Auto Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sussex Towing Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Billy’s Motorcycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Games and quizzes Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 6 Spot the Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43, 45 Last But Not Least What’s On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48-50 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

The Fowlers Billingshurst team would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year and thank all of their clients for helping to make 2019 a record breaking year. The areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest-established, independent family firm To arrange a free market appraisal of your property please call us on 01403 786787.

Editorial and advertising enquiries: 07762 767084, editor@villagetweet.co.uk

Coffee break / Legal services

Village Tweet Quick Crossword

Solution on page 6

Remembrance Day / Accountancy

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Royal British Legion, Billingshurst Poppy Appeal & Remembrance Parade & Service, 10th November Poppy Appeal 2019 Wearing a poppy is never compulsory but is greatly appreciated by those who it is intended to support. In 2019 the Billingshurst branch of the Royal British Legion raised £14,747 through the Poppy Appeal, for which we thank you. The red poppy is a symbol of Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. Wearing one is a show of support for the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces, veterans and their families. It represents all those who lost their lives on active service in all conflicts. It also honours the contribution of civilian services and the uniformed services which contribute to national peace and security and acknowledges innocent civilians who have lost their lives in conflict and acts of terrorism. In 2018 the Poppy Appeal raised over £50 million to help support serving and exserving members of the Armed Forces community and their families. Remembrance Parade and Service 2019 This year Billingshurst commemorated the service and sacrifice, friendship and collaboration of the men and women who fought together in 1944,

ensuring the sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten. The Billingshurst Remembrance Service ceremony was held on Sunday the 10th November at the War Memorial at St Mary’s Church, Billingshurst. As in previous years the Royal British Legion led a parade through the village, forming-up in Frenches Mead and marching to the Memorial for the Remembrance Service which was followed by a Morning Service led by the Rev David Beal at St Mary’s Church. After the service the parade reformed, proceeding along the High Street to the Billingshurst Community Centre. Thank you to those who joined us Sarah Peay collecting on Remembrance Sunday when the at Billingshurst Station nation remembered and honoured those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom. For further information about Billingshurst branch of the Royal British Legion, please contact Colin Banks, Branch President, tel: (01403) 784363. Graeme McAlpine Photos: Graeme McAlpine and Richard Banks

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Recruitment / Sport *

Domestic Supervisor £15,834 per annum. We require a creative and experienced individual to manage and provide an excellent standard of cleaning across our school. The successful candidate must be well organised and flexible, a good communicator, have high standards of service, and offer a friendly approach and a can-do attitude Essential skills and experience • To ensure weekly timesheets, cleaning logs and cleaning rotas are maintained and up to date • To ensure stock is monitored and replenished as necessary • To manage the day to day effectiveness and operation of the domestic team. • To complete formal supervisions and appraisals of a small team of domestic staff. • To ensure adequate cover of the Domestic Team at all times, including through holiday periods. • To partake in the upkeep of the school environment, ensuring high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. • To follow all health and safety guidelines • To oversee the residential facility and ensure areas of compliance for regulatory inspections (ie. COSHH sheets completed) • To actively complete bedroom changeovers for short break provisions (cleaning, bedding etc). • Close liaison with Head of Care and Premises lead to identify areas for development. • Develop rapport with key contractors / suppliers. For further information and an application pack please contact Jane Hart-Coombes Tel: 01403 782294 or emal: jane.hart-coombes@ambitoeducation.co.uk Closing date for applications: 29th November 2019 at 9am Interviews scheduled: 9th December A Centre of Excellence for Conductive Education

Sales Administrator Full time position based at Hepworth & Co Brewery between Billingshurst & Pulborough, own transport essential. Working in a small team you will be required to process customer & contract orders from calls, emails & in person. Training will be given but knowledge of Excel, Outlook & Word is essential. For more information see: www.hepworthbrewery.co.uk Please send your application to: adrennan@hepworthbrewery.co.uk (no agencies please)

Village Tweet Quick Crossword Solution Puzzle on page 4 Across: 1, SUBURBS. 5, OBEY. 10, FIT. 11, PROPELLER. 12, EYE UP. 13, TAILOR. 15, COBBLE. 17, TINKLE. 18, TURRET. 20, EVENT. 23, EXCITABLE. 24, AWE. 25, HARP. 26, MEASLES. Down: 2, UNTIE. 3, UNPOPULARITY. 4, BOOST. 6, BULLOCK. 7, YARN. 8, OFFENCE. 9, DECISIVENESS. 14, KESTREL. 16, BOUNCER. 19, TABLE. 21, ERASE. 22, MESH.

Volunteer Required Are you looking for a new and rewarding challenge? Ingfield Manor school is a special educational provision for children 3-19 years with neurological motor impairments such as cerebral palsy. We are looking for a volunteer to help us manage our student resources. This will include; organising library books, completing checklists of stock items, filing and tidying of resource cupboards. Days and hours are negotiable, but we would be looking for a minimum commitment of 4 hours per week. As an organisation we are committed to ensuring the safeguarding of all our students and therefore any willing volunteer who may successfully take up this position may be subject to a DBS check. Please call Jane Hart-Coombes (01403) 782294 or email jane.hart-coombes@ambitoeducation.co.uk

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Jim Hills Sports Warehouse

Competing with online prices!

25% off all goods over £20 ls a e D s a m t is r h C l ia Spec 50%-plus off end-of-line Tennis, squash & badminton rackets Hi-Tec Trainers & Football Boots From just £9.99! Junior 10-6, Adult 7-14 Only while stocks last!

Open Monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm, Saturdays 8.30am-5pm

Large FREE car park Hillside Farm, Billingshurst Rd (A272), Coolham, West Sussex RH13 8QN Check our WEBSITE for details and directions: 5H s ou ws er ie m ev Nu R

www.jimhillssports.co.uk e-mail: jimhillssports2@aol.com

Tel. 01403 741116

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Food and drink

Mini Panettone

Little festive treats

METHOD

1. Soak the fruit overnight in the orange juice. Mix flour, salt, yeast and milk with a dough hook. Gradually mix in two beaten eggs and the vanilla. Knead until the dough is smooth and springy. Leave in a bowl, covered with a damp cloth and allow to rise until doubled in size. 2. Add the sugar, butter and the yolk from the remaining egg. Mix again until the dough is smooth again. Add the fruit and zest and knead quickly until it’s all incorporated into the dough. Leave in a bowl, covered with a damp cloth, in a cool place for at least two hours until doubled in size again. You can leave it in the fridge overnight if you prefer. 3. Line a large, six-holed muffin tray with paper cases. Divide the dough into six portions and roll into balls. Place one ball into each muffin case, cover with a damp cloth and leave for 20 minutes. 4. Heat the oven to 180°C / 160 fan or Gas mark 4. Brush the tops of the panettones with the remaining egg whites and dust with caster sugar. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the muffins have risen and are golden in colour. Leave to cool on a wire rack. Variation: Add some brandy to the overnight soak in orange juice for a little extra kick.

BARGAINS GALORE AT

ANSELLS

VINTAGE SALE & MARKET Every Saturday 10am to 2pm FREE ENTRY & PARKING

Stallholders welcome (tables £5) Antiques • Hornby Trains Bric-a-Brac • Jewellery Garden Ornaments • Crafts etc ANSELLS, KIRDFORD ROAD, WISBOROUGH GREEN, RH14 0DD Book/details: (01403) 700633 or 07798 941940

Preparation time: 45 minutes (allow 4-5 hours for proving time). Cooking time: 20 minutes. Makes 6

INGREDIENTS 250g good quality plain flour 1 tsp dried yeast Pinch of salt 100ml whole milk, warmed (not hot) 3 eggs (Two beaten together, 1 extra) 1 tsp vanilla extract 50g golden caster sugar, plus extra for dusting 100g softened butter Zest and juice of one orange 100g raisins 100g sultanas 100g mixed peel (or you can substitute cranberries)

Food and drink / Private hire Voted

West Sussex Pub of the Year 2019

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THE KINGS HEAD North Sussex

CAMRA PUB OF THE MONTH June 2017

RESTAURANT OPEN WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY

LIVE MUSIC IN DECEMBER Sat 7th: Throbbin Hood, Sat 14th: Joe 90, Sat 21st: The T-Slammers, Sat 28th: The Mama Cane Band, Tues 31st: DJ Retro KingsHead Billingshurst

@kingsheadbhurst

40 High Street, Billingshurst, RH14 9NY Tel: (01403) 782012 Mon-Fri & Sun: 11am-11pm. Sat: 11am-12 midnight

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Village Tweet

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November 2019 t.co.uk www.villagetwee BUSINESS Green AND LOCAL • Wisborough

@VillageTweet

Billingshurst

ITY THE COMMUN Loxwood • Plaistow • Slinfold • CONNECTING Ifold • Kirdford • Five Oaks •

• Barns Green

It costs less than you might think to advertise in Village Tweet. For our Rate Card visit www.villagetweet.co.uk and click on the ‘Advertise’ tab or call 07762 767084 today!

Mac’s Private Hire 24 hours a day – 7 days a week

01403 701 842 07917 850 746 Airports - Social & Business - Lady Driver Available Wisborough Green Based

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Charity

Auction of local hospice’s heart sculptures raises over £50,000

t Catherine’s Hospice HeART to Heart trail, headline sponsored by Thakeham, brought joy to parks, high streets, shopping centres and cultural venues across Surrey and Sussex throughout the summer. But the popular trail came to a thrilling end on Wednesday 30th October when the 26 beautiful heart sculptures, were sold at an exclusive auction. Over 100 people came together to place a bid on a heart they loved, to try to make it theirs forever. There was plenty of competitive bidding and in total more than £50,000 was raised. Ellie Our Angel attracted the highest bid on the night, selling for £12,000. And For the Love of Nature and Doreen also proved popular, selling for £10,000 and £4,000. Welland Medical were thrilled to win the Bee Kind heart. Chris Primett, Managing Director, said, “St Catherine’s has been our company’s charity for over ten years and many of our employees have a special connection with their unique work. This heart is in special memory of one of our colleagues, who recently lost his fight with cancer, and the years he spent designing products to help improve the lives of others. The heart will take pride of place in our office for everyone to enjoy.” Matt Turner was also a winning bidder of two hearts: Keepsake and Abstract Love. He said, “I’m an art enthusiast so I was very keen to own some of these amazing works of art. My wife was a fan of Keepsake; we’ve only been married a year and I wanted to treat her. I chose Abstract Love as it will look fantastic in the office.” As part of the evening, bidders heard from Wendy Buckingham, whose husband Ken was cared for by St Catherine’s. She shared the impact of the hospice’s care on her family and asked people to bid as generously as possible.

And bidders were in safe hands with experienced auctioneer, Hugh Edmeades. Hugh said, “I’ve led hundreds of auctions but it was wonderful to be a part of something that has meant so much to the local community. Each of the hearts had its own story to tell and I’m thrilled that we were able to raise so much money for such a worthy cause.” Hannah Liles, St Catherine’s Events Manager said, “HeART to Heart has been an incredibly special project for our hospice. And the response from our community has been amazing. People have really supported our hearts and HeART to Heart activities. So our auction was a fitting end! It’s sad seeing the hearts go but it’s lovely that they’ve found new homes. And people’s generosity has been overwhelming. Overall, HeART to Heart has raised more than £170,000. This will help St Catherine’s to provide more care and support to more terminally ill people, and their family and friends, in the future. It will make a huge difference to people in the community all around us. On behalf of the hospice and all those we care for, I’d like to thank all the artists, sponsors and supporters who’ve made HeART to Heart such a success.” St Catherine’s can currently only care for one in three people. But with the support of the community, the hospice wants to make sure that in the future no one has to face death and loss alone. The success of HeART to Heart has taken the local charity a step closer to this ambition. For more information, please visit: www.stch.org.uk/ hearts, or to find out about St Catherine’s future events or to make a donation, please visit: www.stch.org.uk Laura Mitchell, St Catherine’s Hospice Top: Matt Turner successfully bid on Keepsake Below: The HeART to Heart artists

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Christmas

Billingshurst’s first Lantern Walk

up the walk to create a very exciting atmosphere. When we get to Station Road Gardens, there will be a Light Show to music being organising by a team of young people from Billingshurst, and several food and drink stalls for you to enjoy. After the Light Show, Billingshurst Choral Society will be hosting a Christmas Cracker Concert in the Leisure Centre starting at 6.30pm. Tickets will be available on the door for those who haven’t bought them in advance. Cost is just £10 for adults and children over 16. Under 16s free. We’re hoping for a big turnout for this first Lantern Walk Community event! Don’t miss out! Get involved! And Join in the Fun! See you there! Denise Campbell, Chair, Billingshurst Community Partnership Ltd

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lans are now well underway for Billingshurst’s first Lantern Walk on 14th December with a wide range of clubs and groups and the Primary school getting involved in making Lanterns. The lanterns are being made out of willow and tissue paper so they are completely biodegradable; they will not be released into the atmosphere and will be lit with LED tea lights (in case you were wondering). If you would like to get involved in making Lanterns for the event pop along to CC’S Emporium in Jengers Mead on Saturday 7th Dec, 10am-1pm. Places are limited because of space, so please get your name on the list by going into the shop beforehand if you don’t want to miss out. The Lantern Walk itself takes place on Saturday 14th December. There will be a limited number of spare lanterns for people to carry on the day for those who haven’t made a lantern. These will be given out on a first come, first served basis when we start congregating in the Library car park at about 3.30pm. Even if you don’t have a lantern, please come and join the walk. Boom Tribe, a drumming band will be heading

Free Range Local Bronze Turkeys Hand reared from day-old chicks in Itchingfield Will be ready for collection from our farm in Itchingfield, near Barns Green on Tuesday, 24th December. Go to sussexfreerangeturkeys.co.uk for more info. Weights are approximately 7-8kg. A £15 deposit confirms the order

Call 07703 182971

NORDMANN CHRISTMAS TREES NORDMANN Beautiful Christmas Trees grown on our family • owned plantation at Furze View,TREES Five Oaks Road CHRISTMAS (A264), Five Oaks, Nr. Slinfold, RH13 0RH. Beautiful Christmas grown on our family owned The real start to aTrees traditional Christmas is all • •about plantation at Furze View, Five Oaks Road (A264), Five choosing and cutting your own super-fresh

• •

Oaks, Nr.Slinfold. RH13 0RH Christmas Tree from our plantation. We have lots •ofThe children to chooseTrees the tree Mum & Dad too. freshly cutlove Christmas toand choose from can cut it down! We also have lots of Save £5. Visit our plantation onChristmas Monday to Trees (freshly cut daily) to choose from too. Friday (when we are quieter) to receive £5 off •any £35,ofOur beautiful (non-drop) NordmannChristmas Christmas our beautiful Nordmann Trees, with any height, only £35 with this Trees this are Village Tweet ad.‘Village Tweet’ advert. Open every day from Saturday 23rd November. from 9am 25th to 5pm. •Open Openweekends every day from Saturday November from Open weekdays from 10am to 5pm. 9am until 6pm.

www.furzefirs.co.uk 07706 947565 To cut youryour own boots tree don’t to bring a saw! Bring and forget wrap up warm!

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Christmas / Charity

The Introvert’s Guide to the Office Christmas Party

ffice Christmas parties are strange affairs where we drink and socialise with folk we might not choose to drink and socialise with on any other night of the year. At best they offer a bit of cringeworthy fun, at worst they strike fear into our hearts. Introverts in particular struggle with enforced bonhomie at large events. For those of us who aren’t social butterflies, what are our options? Do we have to endure the occasion, or might it be possible to enjoy it? Dutch courage may seem like the only way to get through the evening but tanking up on alcohol will almost certainly make things worse and could leave you vulnerable. Although it’s a party in name, remember this is a workrelated event so limit your alcohol intake to ensure you remain in control of your faculties, especially if under the influence you feel you might be tempted to give vent to your feelings of frustration at being passed over for promotion! A good rule of thumb is no more than two alcoholic drinks at any work function… even a festive one. Remember that you may need to face your colleagues the next day! It is estimated that at least 25% of the population are introverts so at least a quarter of your co-workers probably feel like you do about the party. Look for people standing on the edge, fidgeting with their glass and looking awkward, maybe pretending to look ‘busy’on their phones while in reality using the phone as an excuse not to socialise. These are your people so take a

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deep breath and strike up a conversation with them. Concentrate on effective eye contact when you introduce yourself. Get into the habit of noticing the other person’s eye colour. Don’t worry about remembering it or commenting on it, just notice it. This helps to create an instant nonverbal connection and build rapport. It makes you seem confident, trustworthy and likeable. Have a few safe conversation topics in your armoury: good ones are the weather, movies, restaurants, books (you can either find common ground or ask for and offer recommendations), and light news topics (steer clear of Brexit though, and anything to do with the forthcoming election). Also avoid work talk, that’s not the point of the event. If you’re stuck in a conversation with someone you find offensive, dull or with whom you have nothing in common it can be hard to keep a conversation going. A polite “So nice to chat with you, catch you later…” should be an adequate sign-off as you make your leave. The point of a party is to mingle so this won’t seem unfriendly. Remember, even if you would rather undergo root canal surgery than attend the office party it’s worth showing your face. Go along, have a drink and a mince pie then make a polite-butearly exit if you really can’t cope. People won’t generally mind or even remember that you left early but they might question why you didn’t show up at all. Tracey Anderson

Harvest Supper raises £647 for The Forgotten Children of the Land of Lakes & Volcanoes, Nicaragua The Harvest Supper and Talk on 23rd October by Jan and Lyn Roberts from Wildlife Camerawork, in aid of The Forgotten Children of the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes, was a great success. £647 was raised for further equipment and educational opportunities. Thanks to all who came and supported us, to Denise Campbell and Carol Terry for providing a wonderful meal, to the Chapel for hosting the event. and to CC’s Emporium for selling tickets. Carolyn Gibbs

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Scouts / Charity / Christmas

1st Billingshurst Scout Group’s 90th Birthday

n Monday 4th November 2019 1st Billingshurst Scout Group was 90 years old! To mark this milestone occasion a celebration was held at the HQ in the form of a party and sausage sizzle. The evening started with members of the two Beaver Colonies playing party games. They then had their sausages followed by looking at the displays and making their contribution to the three Ideas Trees. They were asked for ideas for future activities, what they valued in life generally and a favourite memory of Scouting. This was the pattern followed by the Cubs and Scouts. Also present were the Young Leaders in the Group and adult Leaders. At 6.30pm there were as many members of the Group present as possible. A special cake was cut by the youngest Beaver Scout and one of the older Scouts. Everyone then gathered for a group photograph. As well as the current members of the Group

members of the Executive Committee, two of the District Team and some of the past leaders also joined us. The Beavers then left, followed by the Cubs at 7.30 leaving the Scouts to chat to the former leaders about their time in the Group. After the Scouts left the adults remained for a short celebration together. Thanks to everyone who helped make the evening happen. A special mention must be made for the Scouts who did a sterling job in the kitchen providing everyone with sausages and snacks. May Scouting continue in Billingshurst for many years to come. Tracey Parker, Oaklands Beaver leader, 1st Billingshurst Scout Group Top: Joint Beaver and Scout cake cutting. Bottom: Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and adult leaders. Photos: Alan Wright Photography

Lights On for Macmillan My name is Chris. Four years ago I sadly lost my mum to cancer. It was a really hard time for my family and me. Christmas was my mum’s favourite time of year, which inspired me to create a beautiful Christmas light display in her memory, raising money for Macmillan. I wanted to help other families who are suffering and have lost loved ones to cancer. I really do hope that one day we will be able to find more cures and give families more hope and support for the hard times that lay ahead. I started to decorate my bungalow with the help from my partner, Tanya Burch, and her cousin Kevin, at the beginning of September, as it can take up to 3 months to complete. I would like to thank J&J Creations for the amazing Christmas Star they have built for me. Please pop down and see my wonderful display and help me raise as much money as I can for Macmillan Cancer Support. I will be having the lights on every evening from 1st December until the New Year from 6pm-12.30am at 9 Ash Lane, Billingshurst. Chris

s mp Sta t just cos p

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Christmas

Light up the evening John Nash is a retired, well sort of retired, fruit farm manager in Kirdford who enjoys scribbling about life on the farm from the now to days gone by. ells bells, folks… another year nearly over. It’s true what they say: the older you get, the faster time passes. When you’re young summers last forever, holidays pass so slowly, and winters seem to be one long round of slides and snowballs. Now, as the years pass by, the months fly and the seasons shorten to a fuzzy blur. So, now we look forward to Christmas and the festivities that herald the end of one year and the start of another. For many of us males this means we can anticipate the looming task of the Christmas decorations. I know you ladies are best suited to take a senior role in this, and certainly as far as colour, beauty and design are concerned, us blokes are left far behind in the artistic stakes. However, the first task usually involves the finding and rescue of last year’s remnants that are buried somewhere under the past twelve months’ detritus up there in the back of the loft. Lofts are secret places. Places of redundant objects. Objects that we have tried to convince ourselves we may one day need… all the while knowing full well in our heart of hearts that they will only ever see the light of day again as they are thrown into the waiting skip. So we pull and push through the debris. Broken garden chairs, old vinyl records, stacks of dusty curtains and out-of-date clothes, even the odd piece of Meccano and Scalextric track. Spiders scamper for the darker regions and a light mist of dust fills the air as we plough on. At last, the two or three boxes of decorations emerge, albeit all too often stacked under a banana box full of old books. Books are heavy. A banana box full of them is more than any mortal should be required to shift within the confines of a loft space. Your own fault of course, only you could have put that lot there in the first place! Much muttering will follow as you sweat and strain to bring the pretty contents into the light of day once more. Then it’s sorting time. Half will be looked at and then rapidly re-packed as redundant but, for some unknown reason, still wanted. A further half of what’s still left will be thrown away as looking too scruffy. It was scruffy when it was put away of course but I guess over the intervening months our taste in tat has altered! The remainder is an assortment of tinsel, glass baubles, paper chains and a collection of coloured lights. In many households there may be the addition of an artificial – and thus everlasting – Christmas Tree. I can assure you now… if this ‘artificial tree’ is in any form electrical, it is not everlasting! It will wait until Christmas Eve – when the shops are closed – and then cease to work, light up, or do whatever it’s supposed to do. I speak from experience. As an aside here I must comment on one piece that in a moment of madness we purchased a few years ago. This comprises of a long cord that is strung along the

length of our hallway. From this cord dangles a Father Christmas in the guise of a parachutist carrying his parcels. Very attractive. As we pass him by he detects and reacts to our presents by sliding backward and forward along this cord while belting out ‘White Christmas’ at full blast. For perhaps 30 seconds this amuses and entertains, then it rapidly aggravates in a rising surge until we could easily commit ‘Santacide’! We try to pass him by without him waking. It can’t be done! He should be ejected. He’s a pain. We know, however, that he will be there every year for ever. From such are families traditions founded! Anyway… By far the biggest thrill for us chaps nowadays is the need for the modern requirement of an outdoor ‘light fantastic’ display. Some go to magnificent lengths with their scenarios. Santa charging across the lawn with his reindeer lit up; all dusted with snow and loaded with presents on his colourful sleigh. Cascades of twinkling lights falling from the eaves of the house and a softly lit snowman watching the whole scene from a corner of the manicured lawn. I must say, I do admire the terrific effort that some families go to and full marks for the resulting joy it brings to themselves, the children, their neighbours and passers-by. I’m afraid I fall far short of these good folk. I have just one tree growing in my front garden on which I like to demonstrate my skill in ornamental light artistry. And so, from the attic, once more, I retrieve last year’s lights. These lights were removed from the tree last January by pulling hard on one end. Here and there it got stuck in the branches. That’s not unusual.It always happens. Brawn gets it unstuck. When it was up, it worked. Now, I know, it will not. I really do know it won’t, so why the devil did I put it away? You tell me! I buy a new string of lights from the garden centre. They must rub their hands with glee at this time of the year as they espy yet another male studying the collection of lights that decorate the passageway leading to Santa’s grotto, and smirk to themselves as another purchase is made in haste at the peak of Christmas prices. Back home the long line of lights is unboxed and with the aid of the washing line prop, it is drooped in what I vainly hope is an attractive form, over the waiting branches. Thankfully once darkness falls it does indeed take on a very forgiving display, its twinkling lights dancing in the bare branches as they wave in the frosty breeze, their shape constantly changing as they sway, and as your perspective alters as you approach or leave. Such skill, such artistry. Hmmm! So brace yourselves, lads. Gird your loins and prepare for the coming battle. One thing I’m sure of though. I guarantee that whatever the result of your efforts, they will be greeted with joy by those who pass by in the cold of a winter evening. You tried, and you did your best. No one can ask for more. Well done! Happy Christmas. John Nash

Poetry / Christmas / Choral

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Poetry from Plaistow Another in an occasional series of poems by Plaistow resident

Christopher Sullivan Change Winter won’t you come along, there’s nothing left of autumn now. The trees have lost their snappy clothes, discarded wet upon the ground. Gold and russet waved goodbye, reveal a grey intransient sky. Decoration swept away. Winter arrogant and strong, no promises of colour here. Everything is cold or cosy, you understand no compromise. Red faces laugh as fires glow, while frozen hearts die in the snow. You’ve stolen half the day. Celebrations filed away; the season has become a chore. Dreams are borne to balmy days as expectation starts to mount. Life come feed and paint the scene, I’m tired of winter cold and mean. You’ve suddenly grown old.

A Christmas Christma Cracker! following the Lantern walk Saturday 14th December 2019 6:30pm Billingshurst Leisure Centre Doors open at 5:30pm

Billingshurst Choral Society Petworth Town Band with audience participation & children from Billingshurst Primary School Adults £10

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New shapes rise as life appears, youth replaces hopelessness. Spring is something I can smell, punctual yet awe inspiring. Suddenly it’s hope that leads, nature’s young serve different needs. Questioning and bold. It seems an age or two that’s past, since I felt the sun’s caress. Will summer ever warm the wind and dry the fields of sodden grass. Life is ripe it’s time to lie beneath the sun in clear blue sky. A search for kinder weather. Summer, healing, shows her hand, never uninvited comes. Ever friendly to the land, the countryside is kind and free. Overcoats and bitter days seem a million miles away. Afternoons that last forever. Another blink and autumn falls, the sap is in its last retreat. And now the summer, disappeared, I can’t let go, it’s gone too soon. Leaves once fleshy, green and strong are brown and struggle to hold on. It’s time for change.

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Christmas

St Gabriel’s Nativity

t a time when so many Christmas traditions have been swept aside, this year the children and young people of St Gabriel’s Church family are preparing to present a traditional Nativity Play entitled God with Us. The play will be performed on the afternoon of Sunday 22nd December at 4pm in St Gabriel’s Catholic Church, East Street, Billingshurst, with hot drinks and mince pies in the church hall afterwards. We hope that being involved in or coming to watch a nativity play in the run up to Christmas day will help to bring families together to enjoy and celebrate the story of the very first Christmas. Taking part in a traditional nativity play, we believe, is a rite of passage for all children. Many of you will

have fond recollections of playing the part of perhaps an innkeeper, a shepherd or an angel, and we would like to create similar happy memories for today’s youngsters too. We plan to hold three short rehearsals at about 11.30am on 1st, 8th and 15th December after our 10.30am Sunday Mass. If you have a child of primary school age who would like to take part please contact the Parish Office on (01403) 782128 or email parish@ st-gabriel-crispin.org.uk. Most importantly though, you are all most warmly invited to come along and see the story of how just over two thousand years ago Jesus came to earth to be with us, an event that is still transforming lives to this day. Father Alan, Priest of St Gabriel’s Church

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Christmas Tales by Torchlight Saturday 14th December 3pm - 3.45pm Everyone Welcome

Join us for a special Christmas story time

Billingshurst Library Mill Lane, RH14 9JZ. 01403 783145 Everyone is welcome at our regular activities and special events and activities. Visit www.westsussex.gov.uk for our inclusion statement.

from Father Alan and the Catholic Church Family of St Gabriel’s, Billingshurst The Bethlehem Stable on display from Sunday 15th December in the entrance to St Gabriel’s Church, 18 East Street. We hope you can find time to fit in a visit. Children’s Nativity Play Sunday 22nd December, 4pm Christmas Eve: Carols at 11.15 p.m. Midnight Mass at 11.30 p.m. Christmas Day: Mass at 10.30 a.m.

Charity / Christmas

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Kenya – a life changing experience

read with a feeling of déjà vu the piece in last month’s Village Tweet about The Weald School’s trip to Kenya. I spent a life-changing three months in Kenya in the summer with the charity Mission Direct helping lead three separate groups of volunteers who came out to work among the people. Mission Direct provides the opportunity for anyone to experience the challenges of many Third World countries: Africa, Brazil, Cambodia and many others. Volunteers signing up for two weeks (or longer) live and work in designated projects in those countries. I met 25 diverse and lovely people who, like me, came to Kenya in the summer. Their ages ranged from 15 to 83 and we have all remained in touch with each other. We all built special bonds and relationships between one other – and of course special friendships they formed with the Kenyans. It was a humbling and challenging time for

everyone and one none of us will ever forget. On Sunday 9th December at St Mary’s Church at both the 9.30 and 11a.m. services, Barry Mayes, volunteer manager at Mission Direct will be coming to talk about the charity, the work they do and the part volunteers play. He will talk about the various projects that are happening in 2020 and you can hear how you can be involved. So if you would like to hear more about how you can volunteer to join these amazing teams next year or you know someone – whatever their age, from grandchild to grandparent, or maybe a whole family – come along on 9th December. It might be something you’ve always had on your bucket list but thought it was too late. Believe me, it isn’t. Sue King, St Mary’s Church, Billingshurst Photos: A beautiful country but one with extreme poverty. Volunteering really can make a difference

Like every Church St Mary’s will be very busy this Christmas celebrating the gift of God’s Son to the world. We would love you to come and join in our celebrations. Here are some of the highlights: Sunday 1st December At 4pm we will be holding our Christingle service. Everyone will receive a Christingle and the church will be aglow as the candles shine out as we welcome Jesus as the light of the world. Those of us who have been collecting for the Childrens’ Society will have their donations blessed. Sunday 22nd December At 6.30pm there will be Carols by Candlelight lit by our famous cartwheel candelabras. The story of God’s love for his creation will be told and there will be mulled wine and mince pies afterwards. Christmas Eve On Christmas Eve at 4pm we will hold the eagerly anticipated Nativity service. Come dressed as your favourite Christmas character: Mary, Joseph, Shepherds, Kings or sheep. There will be room for all, and favourite Carols will be sung. Midnight Communion starts at 11pm and for the first time this year we will get to sing the full version of O Come All Ye faithful including this verse: Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be glory given; Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing. Christmas Day On Christmas Day there will be a Communion service at 9am particularly helpful for those who either have to travel on Christmas Day or those preparing for guests at home. At 10.30am we will have our main Christmas Communion with Hark the Herald Angels Sing providing a fitting finale to a joyous welcome. We promise to get you back home in time for Christmas Dinner and the Queen’s speech! Whether or not we see you over the festive season we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from St Mary’s.

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Community / Health and wellbeing

West Sussex Community Minibus Association (Billingshurst) December Schedule Wednesday 4th Thursday 5th Friday 6th Tuesday 10th Wednesday 11th Thursday 12th Tuesday 17th Thursday 19th Thursday 19th Friday 27th

10.00am 9.00am 1.00pm 10.00am 10.00am 9.00am 11.45am 9.00am 6.30pm 9.30am

Roundstones Haskins for lunch and Christmas shopping Horsham & Sainsbury’s 1.15pm Horsham & Tesco’s Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Christ's Hospital School Horsham Christmas shopping Chichester Market Day Horsham & Sainsbury’s 1.15pm Tesco’s Broadbridge Heath Christmas lunch, Old Tollgate, Bramber Horsham & Sainsbury’s 1.15pm Horsham & Tesco’s Christmas Carol Service, the Chapel, Christ’s Hospital School Bognor Regis

To book your place please telephone Geraldine Pike: (01403) 786147 We now offer a friendly door to door service for anyone in the RH14 9xx area! We hope to see you all at the Billingshurst Christmas Fayre on Saturday 14th December Please book trips at least 24 hours in advance so we can ensure our crews have correct pick-up information! If you’re interested in finding out more about our service, either as a passenger or a volunteer, please contact Steve O’Dowd, email: billingshurst.minibus@btinternet. com or tel: (01403) 784428. Thank you. Registered Charity No. 1173818

Healthwatch are supporting the proposed North Chichester Integrated Health Hub engagement. As part of this we have been providing regular updates. Below is the link for the latest video update by Dr Emma Woodcock, a GP at Loxwood Medical Practice.

Help at Home from your local Charity Age UK Horsham District Do you need that extra bit of help with every day chores – contact us today for a FREE assessment from our experienced team.

https://www.healthwatchwestsussex.co.uk/news/201 9-10-16/making-midhurst-integrated-communityhealth-hub-reality Regular

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Reliable Reputable

North Chichester Integrated Health Hub please contact Cheryl Berry cheryl.berry@healthwatchwestsussex.co.uk or or mobile mobile 07966529756. 07966529756. For general information you can contact us in several ways: Telephone 0300 012 0122, Email helpdesk@healthwatchwestsussex.co.uk, Website www.healthwatchwestsussex.co.uk. Also follow us on Facebook, Twitter.

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Health and wellbeing / Funerals

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Billingshurst Leisure Centre Fitness Suite Upgrade

illingshurst Leisure Centre is thrilled to announce that in October the Fitness Suite had an upgrade to its fitness equipment. The centre had the following equipment added: • Watt bike • 2 Les Mills Virtual bikes • SKIERG • Octane Max Trainer Also the functional training area was extended with the following equipment added: • TKO Soft Plyo Box • TKO Tyre Slam Balls • Hyperwear Sandbells Benefits of Functional Training Functional training can be worked into almost any training routine. By introducing more variety to your workouts, you increase your potential to burn fat and build muscle. This makes your workouts well-rounded and minimises the risk of having gaps in your routine. Functional training workouts are also designed to improve the way you are moving throughout everyday life. As a member you can take advantage of the free ‘Your Journey’ which includes 1 to 1 sessions with a Personal Trainer who will tailor a programme to suit your needs. Billingshurst Leisure Centre offers memberships

from as little as £23.00 per month. If you would like to book a tour or try a free 5-day pass call the team on 01403 787500 or email enquiries@ billingshurstleisurecentre.co.uk and quote Village Tweet to claim your free pass. Billingshurst Leisure Centre offers a wide variety of workout classes ranging from BoxFit, Aqua, Circuits and Les Mills classes which include Body Pump and Body Attack. Follow our social media pages to find out more. Billingshurst Leisure Centre also offers plenty to keep the children entertained, including trampoline and gymnastics classes. There are supervised 11+ gym sessions running in the afternoons and at weekends. Our popular Holiday Day Camp runs during holidays, for just £23.50 which includes arts, crafts and swimming. We also offer swimming lessons for all ages and abilities, from parent and baby through to school aged children and adult classes. To find out more please contact the swimming co-ordinators on swimming@ billingshurstleisurecentre.co.uk or 01403 787500. Why not follow us on social media to keep up to date on all of our activities: Billingshurst Leisure Centre

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Charity / Health and wellbeing

Hot foot to Horsham for Hospice Firewalk

t Catherine’s Hospice is getting ready to heat up Horsham with its second ever Firewalk! Now, the local charity is looking for brave ‘soles’ to come forward and face the flames to raise funds for terminally ill people in their community. St Catherine’s is looking for 100 or more fearless fundraisers to put their bravery to the test and walk barefoot across 15 feet of red hot embers. Taking place on Friday 13th March 2020 at 7pm, in the Carfax, the thrilling Firewalk isn’t for the faint hearted! People will be in safe hands as the event is held in partnership with UK Firewalk. And their expert staff will share the secrets of successful firewalking with everyone who takes part before they face the flames. Alongside the Firewalk, there’s also a Lego brick walk for under 18s who are keen to prove they’re not ‘bricking it’ and tackle their own challenge to raise money for their local hospice. Anyone who has stepped on a stray Lego brick before might argue that this challenge takes more guts than the Firewalk itself! Arron Trott, Events Fundraiser at St Catherine’s said, “We’re really excited to bring such a great challenge to Horsham. We hope lots of you will brave our first Horsham Firewalk or Lego walk and help us

make the night a sizzling success! It’s a brilliant thing to be able to say you’ve hot footed across fire for your local hospice, and we can’t wait to celebrate with all our amazing firewalkers. Your efforts have never been more important because at the moment we can only care for one in three local people who need hospice care. But in the future, we want to be there for everyone facing death and bereavement. This is only going to be possible with your support.” Think you can take the heat? Then don’t delay, get your space today! Places are limited so book early. Fire up and register before Friday 17th January to quality for an early bird registration of £20. After 17th January it’s £25 to register. To take part you’ll also need to raise at least £150 sponsorship. Registration for the under 18s Lego walk is £10 and brave brick walkers are asked to try and raise £50 each. Sign up online at: www.stch.org.uk/firewalk, call St Catherine’s events team on (01293) 447355 or email events@stch.org.uk. Laura Mitchell, St Catherine’s Hospice Photo: St Catherine’s 2018 Firewalk in Crawley. 2020 sees the Firewalk move to Horsham

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On Saturday 12th October Billingshurst Scouts and Guides went bag packing at Tesco, Pulborough. We had a very successful day fund raising, chatting to the public and showing the great things that we do. All of the young people were cheerful and happy to pack peoples shopping and talk about the fun and exciting activities we do! We are raising funds for the Scout and Guide hut and decorating our new extension that has recently been built. We had a fantastic day and raised and amazing amount £868.25. If you would like to be part of Girlguiding in the area visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/joinus or call 0800 1695901. If you’d like more details on Scouting within Billingshurst, please visit www.1stbillingshurst.org.uk or email our Group Scout Leader gsl@1stbillingshurst.org.uk. Natalie Evans, 2nd Billingshurst Guides Unit Leader

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Health and wellbeing / Community

Mobility Scooter Tutors come to Billingshurst

ver 350,000 mobility scooters are in use in the UK and you see them everywhere as they are so useful for people who cannot walk far. Unfortunately there have been many scooter accidents with some resulting in serious injuries and even deaths. Horsham Scooter Safety is run by volunteers who recently carried out 90minute Safety Sessions at Billingshurst Community Centre in association with Billingshurst Lions Club. Their aim is to encourage existing mobility scooter drivers (and powered wheelchair users) to be safer by recognising and dealing correctly with hazards, understanding the rules on scooter driving and knowing more about their scooters. They also encourage and welcome those thinking of obtaining a scooter in the near future. It will give confidence, can help in the buying decision and they are shown the correct way to

drive rather than ‘picking up bad habits as they go along’. Over 90 scooter drivers have already benefited from attending Safety Sessions which have also been held in Horsham, Pulborough and Henfield. Further local sessions are planned and if you drive a scooter, you should consider booking your FREE place. This is not a test; there is no ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’ but a sincere attempt to help drivers become more confident and safer on their scooters. A website can be viewed at horshamscootersafety.org.uk and they can be contacted by phone on (01403) 269384 to book your place on the next Safety Session. David Jessop, Horsham Scooter Safety Photo: a friendly Scooter Tutor accompanying a lady on her scooter in Billingshurst, pointing out hazards and how to deal with them

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On Sunday 13th October, 22 very hardy villagers turned out in wet conditions to ensure that Loxwood looked a village that they were proud to live in. This event was the fourth biannual litter picking morning that has been organised by The Loxwood Community Gardens Initiative team in conjunction with The Loxwood Society. Over a period of approximately two hours, we managed to collect 21 full sacks of general litter including bottles, cans, crisp packets and take-away containers as well as four car tyres and a gas cylinder. Our keen volunteers covered all the areas of the village, North Hall grounds, as well as the Sports Club area. We made a special effort to cover the whole length of Drungewick Lane as this appears to be an area where people throw cans and rubbish out of their car windows on a regular basis. Many thanks to all of our volunteers who made the morning really worthwhile and makes us all feel proud to be a part of a community that cares about the village and the environment we live in. Graham Moore

Books / About the house

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A Good Read December’s selection from book reviewer Willow Coby Disobedience – Naomi Alderman Look beneath the surface of British life and you will find many different communities and cultures – some more hidden than others. Naomi Alderman’s 2006 debut novel deals with one such hidden, but long-standing culture: Orthodox Judaism. Ronit is a young woman living in New York. She emigrated to America as a way of escaping the strict Orthodox Jewish community that she had belonged to in London. But one day she receives a phone call. Her father – an esteemed and respected Rabbi – has died. Torn by duty, the desire for a sense of closure, and uncertainty of what she will find, Ronit makes the journey back home. At the very least she can clear out her father’s house and maybe reconcile with some part of her past. However, this journey sets her on a collision course between her new modern life and traditional Jewry. Not least an encounter with her childhood girlfriend, Esti, and a reminder that tradition is a powerful force and one resistant to change. Received with some controversy when published this is a fascinating insight into a world that is often hidden. A community trying to hold onto their traditions when the modern world is changing. Brought up in a Jewish community, Alderman writes convincingly from the perspective of her characters and peppers the novel with Jewish theology, thought, and culture (including some delicious sounding Jewish recipes in the appendix).

Secret Suffragette – Barbara Mitchelhill In the years just before the First World War the suffragette movement in England was in full swing and it is this that provides the setting for his historical novel. Daisy is 12 years old and dreams of following in the footsteps of Florence Nightingale and becoming a nurse. However, it’s not that simple. Born and bred in Bow, London, her family is poor with her parents working hard to try to afford even the basics. So, the pressure is on for her to leave school and work in the local factory. After all, according to her father, why does a girl need to be educated? Then one day the Suffragettes arrive and start holding meetings to encourage people to support their cause. Despite instructions from her father, Daisy and her mother sneak off to attend one. This single event leads to her family being turned upside down and propels Daisy into a world that she could never have imagined – yet one that seems perfectly normal and logical to us today. A world where women have the right to vote and live their lives as they wish. A world where the politicians will have no choice but to listen to the demands of education and rights for all. This is a great introduction to the suffragette movement for young readers, and it will no doubt come as a shock to many that women and girls were treated as second class citizens only 100 years ago.

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Out and about / About the house

‘Kingdom of Snow and Ice’ Horsham Museum & Art Gallery, open now until 14th December

orsham Museum & Art Gallery is delighted to host Kingdom of Snow and Ice by Wendy and Michael Ball. This wonderful exhibition is filled with beautiful photographs taken by Sussex-based husband and wife, Wendy and Michael Ball. The photographs in the exhibition were taken during a visit to Svalbard located off the coast of Norway, near to the North Pole. Wendy and Michael were part of a group of just twelve photographers to get a place on the Artic trip and felt privileged to have the opportunity to capture their encounters with the amazing animals whose existence is threatened by the actions of humanity. Printed onto aluminium dibond, the photographs are crisp and clear, allowing you to imagine that you are there at the moment the image was captured. Wendy was inspired to take up photography by her father who was, himself, a keen photographer. After retiring she had the time to build her skills and begin to take photographs for pleasure. Each image is a record of that moment and has the power to transport her back to the time it was taken. Her keen eye has earned her

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several Highly Commended awards in the British and Scottish Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards. Wendy has also been shortlisted three times for the International Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards. Michael’s interest in photography stemmed from his love of wildlife and travel, and his photographs serve as poignant reminders of his visits to other countries. He credits his membership of Steyning Camera Club with honing his technical skills, and encouraging him to continue to develop his craft. Visitors can purchase their own prints of Wendy and Michael’s photographs in the museum shop. We have a range of items for sale, including images produced on aluminium and traditional mounted prints, as well as lovely range of greetings cards starting at just £2.50. The exhibition runs until Saturday 14th December in Horsham Museum & Art Gallery’s Photography Gallery. Horsham Museum & Art Gallery is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, free admission. For more information see www.horshammuseum.org. Rachel Weller, Administration Assistant, Horsham Museum & Art Gallery

Ron Osborne Roofing All domestic roofing repairs and new roofs undertaken Tiles • Slates • Flat roofs Lead and hard metal specialist Over 30 years’ experience Testimonials available Call 01403 786776 Mobile 07926 397592 Email ronleadwork@yahoo.co.uk

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About the house

Based in Broadbridge Heath, we specialise in the supply and fit of all styles of windows, doors and conservatories including PVC, Aluminum, Bi‐fold, composite, sliding and traditional. For a free, no obligation quote, please contact our friendly professional team 01403 259593 info@heath‐windows.co.uk www.heath‐windows.co.uk

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Billingshurst Parish Council Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre Roman Way, Billingshurst, RH14 9QW

Merry Christmas! Councillors and staff at Billingshurst Parish Council would like to wish residents a Merry Christmas and a very happy and healthy 2020

Christmas Best Dressed Shop Window Competition 2019 2019 will be the 14th year of the Parish Council’s best dressed shop window competition. Judging will take place during the week commencing Monday 16th December and the winner will be notified as soon as possible afterwards. A certificate will be given for display in your shop and the commemorative shield engraved with the winner’s name and year. All shops and businesses have an equal chance of winning the competition and there is no need for you to formally enter – our judge(s) will consider every High Street and Jengers Mead window which has a Christmas display.

Dementia Café Did you know that there is a Dementia Café held at the United Reformed Church hall on the second Saturday of each month from 10.00am - midday? The café is for people with dementia and their family, friends and carers to call in and share a cup of tea, coffee and homemade cakes and have a chat in a safe environment. All are welcome to attend. Upcoming Meetings (December) 5th: Planning & Environment Committee (7.30pm) 11th: Neighbourhood Plan Working Party (6.30pm) 18th: Billingshurst Centre (7.00pm) & F&GP Committee (7.30pm)

Cold Alert This is a free service for residents of Sussex providing cold weather alerts to vulnerable individuals. It is open over the winter from November 2019 through to March 2020. To find out more or to register your interest, please telephone (01273) 481692, drop an email to information@coldalert.info or visit the website www.coldalert.info.

Billingshurst Centre – Hall Hire Did you know that you can hire the Main Hall at the Billingshurst Centre for your kids party for only £16.23 per hour? (Minimum booking 3 hours) Ring 01403 787690 or email reception@billingshurst.gov.uk to check availability

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Lantern Walk 3.30pm Assemble Library car park. 4pm Procession departs: Mill Lane, High Street and Station Road. 4.45pm Arrives Station Road Gardens for a Light and Music Show, hot food and refreshments available

Christmas Cracker Billingshurst Choral Society in concert with Petworth Town Band

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Community / About the house

Trust launches Crowdfunding campaign after bridge building success

olunteers have pulled out all the stops to help the Wey & Arun Canal Trust sprint ahead with two ambitious bridge building projects. The Trust has launched a Crowdfunding campaign to help continue the success. At Birtley, near Bramley, in Surrey, volunteers have not only been responsible for the planning and design of a new bridge, but have constructed the supporting structure in just a matter of months. The lift bridge will allow the Trust to create a picturesque 2.5km circular canalside walk in the area, leading from the Downs Link path, and is one of two bridges needed. Teams began creating an access track and towpath at the end of last year, but work on the bridge itself began in July. With the help of visiting Waterway Recovery Group summer camps and weekend visits, and ongoing support from the Trust’s own volunteers, the bridge structure is complete and ready for its steel deck. The Trust has set up a Crowdfunding page to raise funds to pay for equipment and materials needed to complete the Birtley project and the second bridge needed. Investors receive rewards in return for their donations – a £20 donation gets the investor a year’s Wey & Arun Canal Trust membership, while donations of more than

£500 qualify for a private half-day boat charter on the restored section of the canal at Loxwood in West Sussex for a party of up to 48 people. The Crowdfunder site can be found at https://www.crowdfunder. co.uk/birtley-bridges. Elsewhere, teams have been building a bridge at Harsfold, near Wisborough Green in West Sussex. Volunteers have spent the past few months created a bridleway and footpath diversion, and work on the bridge itself is now well underway, with the aim of completion before next summer. Chairman Sally Schupke said, “We are immensely proud of our volunteers and their hard work and commitment shown to getting the projects at Birtley and Harsfold off to such flying starts. The quality of workmanship is incredibly high and we can’t wait to show visitors what we can achieve. We hope the public gets behind our Crowdfunding and supports us in providing what will be a valuable leisure amenity for Bramley, and an important wildlife corridor.” Gill Davies, Press and Publications Assistant Photo: Volunteers have started work on constructing the bridge at Harsfold, near Wisborough Green

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Community / About the house

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‘Merry Christmas’ from Billingshurst Fire Station

here has 2019 gone! Well, gone it has so we are wishing all our readers a very Merry Christmas. We would also like to wish you a safe, healthy and happy 2020. 2019 has been a very successful year at Station 49. Charity Car Wash, Open Day, station visits from local groups, plus all the safe and wellbeing visits we complete. Some of our crew are in the process of promotion, showing their dedication and commitment to the fire service and to help the new recruits that join the team. Good luck with your final exams next year. We all cover at least 50 hours each per week on call, some covering more than 80 hours. This is because we have a motivated and hard working team in protecting their community. Well done to everyone involved. I hope you get to spend some well deserved ‘off call’ time over Christmas to spend with family and friends. These are the

most important people. This is meant to be a ‘part-time’ job. However, I don’t know any other part-time jobs where you provide these hours. A big well done to all Retained Firefighters. We have had a variety of calls this year, and are always ready for when our alerters go off, let’s hope we can finish our Christmas dinners this year! We hope you and your families have a safe and enjoyable Christmas. You don’t want us gate-crashing your parties. We look forward to engaging with the community again next year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all. Twitter: @Station49Fire Facebook: Billingshurst Fire Station Dan Game, Billingshurst Fire Station Photo: The poppy bedecked fire engine setting off for this year’s Remembrance Sunday parade

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Little Tweeters! / About the house

Across Time and Space

Once upon a time on a small farm near Billingshurst…

t had been a long and busy morning and after lunch Nanny fell asleep on the couch and she dreamed… Aaron was whispering to Anageorgia, “How come you got chosen to go to the Christmas thingie?” “Because I was different,” Anageorgia replied, turning her back and flicking her tail at him. Aaron thoughtfully chewed his cud some more. Then he had a great idea. Excitedly he gathered all the girls together and whispered his idea to them. It seemed the others had wanted to go to the Christmas thingie too. “But I’m a bit old for this,” worried Siobahn . “Nonsense!” the others said. “You go first and it won’t be so far.” So they all agreed and lay down in a group and together dreamed themselves into time and space to where the baby and his mother were resting ‘The sheep rose up on their hind legs amidst the hay and straw… There wasn’t anyone around except Sam the spider working on his web to entertain the baby in the morning. And a young boy with a drum. Aaron whispered to the drummer boy who smiled, nodded his head and began to a beat on his drum. It was a light and measured beat which made the sheep’s hearts beat and their feet want to dance. Led by Siobahn they began to dance: step, step, step, hop, back, step, step, hop. Soon they were joined by a piper who happened by and brought his tune, an Irish jig tune. As he began to play the sheep all rose up on their hind legs and found themselves magically dressed in elves costumes dancing a jig which made the baby laugh with joy and clap his hands. The mother smiled too. The dance lasted quite a long time and then it was

a hing Wis Happy veryristmas Ch all my to omers t cus

back to the drummer boy and his step, step, step, hop beat which finally got softer and softer as, one by one, beginning with Siobahn they lay down close to the baby, huffing a little. “That was wonderful,” said the mother. “Whose idea was that?” “It was Aaron’s,” Siobahn told her. “We were all sad we couldn’t come last year so we dreamed ourselves into the here and now so we could all meet the baby.” Aaron was blushing – if a sheep could blush – and was quite bashful. The mother patted his head and admired his curling horns. “That’s wonderful, Aaron,” she said. “I wish everyone would come and meet the baby and learn what love really is. But rest now because you are all really tired.” So they did. Dawn came and and danced an Irish jig…’ when the sheep awoke they found themselves back in their own paddock. They felt peculiarly stiff in the back legs. But after stretching and having some breakfast they were all able to think about their dance and did a little step, step, hop dance to the faint drummer’s beat. “Didn’t we have a good time?” murmured Ellie to Ethel. “The best bit was meeting the boy, don’t you think?” Ethel agreed as did all the others. “I hope we can go again.” Nanny woke to a drumming beat only to find it was a neighbour knocking at the door. “I’ve just had the most marvellous dream,” she yawned. “Do you want a cup of coffee? I’ll tell you all about it.” Those of us on the little farm near Billingshurst wish you a very Blessed Christmas and an interesting New Year. Yvonne Fleece

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About the house

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Little Tweeters! / About the house

Weald School’s Periodic Table – Art meets Science!

tudents at The Weald School in Billingshurst have been able to participate in the International Year of the Periodic Table thanks to a grant being awarded by the Royal Society of Chemistry. The money has been used to produce a large, wall-mounted, tiled version of the periodic table. The International Year of the Periodic Table is celebrating the 150th anniversary since Dmitri Mendeleev discovered the layout of the periodic table based on the properties of the chemical elements, a design which today’s periodic table is based on. Students in years 7 and 8 were each allocated chemical elements and asked to research the properties, history or uses of their element and then to design a tile. Every tile was judged and the winning designs were printed on to ceramic tiles and hung as a permanent display in the Science department as a

constant reminder to the students about the importance of the elements and why they are arranged as Mendeleev placed them. Students and visitors alike, passing through the department, are drawn to the colourful display. Everyone appreciates different aspects of the designs as they are so varied and eye-catching. The display gives our students some information about each element, they are seen gazing at the tiled elements and pointing out aspects that they have seen. The Weald School is very grateful for the opportunity provided by the Royal Society of Chemistry as this project would not have been realised without their support. Alison Brown, Central Administration Team Photos: some of the Weald students and their periodic table tiles

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About the house

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Out and about / About the house

It’s Pantomime time: Beauty & the Beast

n Villeneuve, near Paris, a beautiful young girl, Belle, lives with her father, a clockmaker. The village is dominated by Gaston a former soldier who has a huge ego and an eye for the ladies! Gaston’s sidekick, LeFou, works for him and organises all Gaston’s business and other matters. Gaston is desperate to marry Belle but she is not interested in him. One day a Prince arrives in the village from the castle in Borgogne with his two assistants, Lumiere and Cogsworth. They have travelled to Villeneuve to get the Prince’s favourite clock fixed by Maurice, Belle’s father. However, the Prince and Belle get on well and when Maurice tells Gaston that he will never marry his beloved daughter Belle, Gaston and LeFou realise that they have to take drastic action to win over Belle. They hatch a devious plan which involves Agatha, on old witch with mysterious magical powers. They plan to put a spell on the Prince, the castle and all those that live there. Will their plan succeed? What will happen to all the wonderful characters who work for the Prince at the castle? Will Lumiere and Cogsworth ever stop fighting? Will Gaston win over Belle? Yes, it’s Panto time again! And this January it’s Beauty and the Beast. There will be a total of 6 shows performed over two weekends in Barns Green Village Hall. The shows are on Friday 17th (evening), Saturday 20th (afternoon and evening), Friday 24th

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(evening), and Saturday 25th (afternoon and evening). The afternoon performances begin at 2pm and evening performances at 7.30pm Graeme Muncer is the Director this year. “I am really excited about this year’s pantomime. Beauty and the Beast is a classic love story which is perfect for pantomime. It will give our wonderful cast of actors, dancers and singers a chance to display their full range of talents. It will also create some new challenges for our costume department! We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at one of the performances.” There will be singalongs and sweets for the kids and opportunities for the audience to join in with the fun with lots of shouting and screaming. For the evening performances there is a licensed bar serving a variety of alcoholic and soft drinks as well as sweets. . If you are regulars at the Barns Green Players Panto you will know just what a terrific show they put on and if you haven’t been before you are in for a real treat. Tickets are now on sale and cost just £13 for adults and £9 for children. (All tickets on both Saturday evenings are £13) There is a special price of just £9 for all tickets on Friday 17th January. Tickets are available via www.barnsgreenplayers.co.uk or through the box office: (01403) 731566. NIgel Currie Photo: Graeme Muncer is Directing this year’s Pantomime and will also appear in the production as the Dame

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About the house

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Out and about / About the house

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‘Light and Laughter’ Horsham Museum & Art Gallery, open now until 3rd January

orsham Museum & Art Gallery is delighted to be hosting a new exhibition, Light and Laughter by local artist Cherry Parsons. Cherry was born and bred in Horsham. In her youth she dreamt of studying dress design at college, but for various reasons wasn’t able to go. She went on to channel her creative passion into her own boutique before becoming a fulltime mother. Cherry’s dream of higher education became a reality when she accompanied her eldest daughter to her interview at Northbrook College, Horsham. After a meeting with the Head Tutor Cherry was offered a place to study alongside her delighted daughter. Cherry has exhibited work through The Farlington Art Group run by Rosalind Sprey. She also accepts commissions and has produced artworks which are displayed at Sedgwick House and Springfield Park. Having joined Horsham Artists Open Studios, Cherry has also held successful Open House exhibitions.

Working mainly in acrylics or oils, she enjoys creating portraiture, seascapes and landscapes. Her work incorporates light, reflections, water or humour. The amusing new range of artworks that capture characterful seagulls provide Cherry with a mental rest from the concentration of her other artwork and make her smile whenever she sees them. Having spent much of her time caring for children, parents and beautiful grandchildren, Cherry is now revelling in having the time and space to indulge her passion. Light and Laughter is open now and will run until 3rd January in the Watercolour Gallery. Cherry’s original artworks, mounted prints, and a range of greetings card will be available to purchase for the duration of the exhibition. Horsham Museum & Art Gallery is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, free admission. For more information see www.horshammuseum.org. Rachel Weller, Administration Assistant, Horsham Museum & Art Gallery

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Pets / Pest control

Food for thought

ith Christmas fast approaching, our cupboards are starting to fill up with festive goodies, mince pies, fruit cakes, luxury chocolates and the like, all of which are delicious if a little indulgent for us humans but can make our pets very poorly indeed. Make sure your dog or cat has no access to any of the foods mentioned in this article. Beware of leaving wrapped foodie presents accessible to your pet, especially dogs which often see removing the wrapping paper to get to the food inside as a wonderful game. Try to avoid edible Christmas tree decorations which are often chocolate based. The most common foodstuff around the home over the festive period has got to be chocolate! Chocolate contains theobromine which can cause kidney failure; dark chocolate contains a higher concentration so is particularly dangerous. If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate contact your vet straight away as prompt treatment can save lives. Smaller dogs are at a much higher risk of toxicity. Grapes and raisins are found in many things such as cakes, biscuits and of course mince pies. Not much is known about the toxic compound in raisins and grapes but we do know it causes liver and kidney failure so make sure these foodstuffs are kept well away from pets. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many foodstuffs, especially sugar free and diet versions of food and drinks so check labels carefully. Xylitol can cause hypoglycaemia leading to liver failure and blood clotting disorders. If you use peanut butter for Kong toys, etc, please check the label as food manufacturers have now started using xylitol in peanut butter. Better still, buy pet friendly peanut butter at your pet store. Avocados have become a very trendy super food lately but they are in fact toxic to dogs, they contain a substance called persin which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs.

Onions are often found in the delicious stuffing we have with our turkey. They cause gastrointestinal irritation and can cause red blood cell damage; signs of illness are not often immediate and occur after a few days so make sure onions and indeed garlic and chives are kept well away from pets. Alcohol has a huge impact on dogs even in small doses. The drink not only causes intoxication as it does in humans, but it can lead to sickness, diarrhoea and even central nervous system damage. Cooked bones. Giving your dog a raw uncooked bone to chew on is great, but avoid cooked bones at all cost. These can easily splinter and in large quantities cause constipation or at worst, a perforation of the gut which can be fatal. Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that can affect your dog’s muscles and nervous system resulting in weakness, swollen limbs and panting. As exciting as Christmas is try not to overfeed pets. Keep their diets as normal as possible and don’t overdo the treats. Choose treats which are healthy and natural; there’s a huge range of safe, healthy and natural treats available from your local independent pet shop. If you must feed your dog a Christmas dinner stick to turkey meat and vegetables such as carrots, and even the odd brussels sprout in moderation – a good way to get rid of lingering dinner guests if you dog has wind too! Make sure guests don’t feed your pets without your permission – not all people are pet savvy and may feed your pet something toxic without realising it while thinking they are being kind. And lastly make sure pets have a safe space in a quiet room they can retreat to if the celebrations become too much, and let’s face it, escaping for a dog walk after dinner is a great way to relax and escape the hubbub ourselves! Have a fantastic Christmas and a Happy New Year! Jeannette Douglas, SPR Centre. www.sprcentre.com

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Garden Tweet!

The holly and the ivy The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown, of all the trees that are in the wood the holly bears the crown. here’s no doubt that holly and ivy are synonymous with Christmas. This dates back to pre-Christian era when pagans used evergreen decorations in their midwinter celebrations. It’s not hard to see why they were attracted to these beautiful plants which offer a promise of better times to come during the most barren time of the year. Early Christians adopted them too and imbued holly particularly with Christian symbolism. In the carol, ivy isn’t actually mentioned again until the last verse which is a repeat of the first. It has a cameo role because of earlier songs, such as The Contest of The Ivy and The Holly, in which the attributes of holly (male) and ivy (female) are compared. Our ancestors lived close to the earth and the seasons and were open to symbolism. As modern gardeners we might be sceptical of the symbolism, but we can embrace the glory of these seasonal plants. Ivy (Hedera) comes in many sizes, from the tinyleaved ‘Spetchley’ to the hand-sized leaves of ‘Maple leaf’. It also comes in a beautiful variety of colours from the rich green, crimped leaves of ‘Parsley crested’ which makes great ground cover, to the gorgeous red-stemmed yellow leaves of the climber ‘Sunrise’. For winter baskets I’d recommend the lime-

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green ‘Ursula’ and her greyleaved friend ‘Frederick’. Ivy is a doddle to grow. There are only a few things to remember. Cut it back in spring to encourage new growth and take cuttings between October and March when the growth is woody. Yellow varieties need sunshine and don’t let any of it grow into your eaves. Other than that, it is your undemanding gardening friend. Holly (Ilex) is pretty easygoing too. It will grow almost anywhere except really water-logged soil. It’s tolerant of pollution, salt and wind and grows really slowly, so it’s great for small gardens in the city and by the sea. Protect it from rabbits if they frequent your garden as they love to eat the bark. Trim it in August if you have to and remove plain green shoots on variegated varieties. Take cuttings in the late summer or autumn. It does resent root disturbance once it’s established so make sure you plant it in the right place first time. Hollies are male or female but not necessarily named to help you distinguish; ‘Silver Queen’ is actually male and ‘Martin’ is female! You’ll need both for berries so talk to an expert at the nursery or garden centre to be sure, or Google the answer on your phone! If you only have room for one holly bush, grow a self-fertile variety such as ‘J C Van Tol’. Rachel Leverton

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Garden Tweet!

Community and Rotary in Action Station Road Gardens Community Gardening Day, 12th October

ollowing the article in October’s Village Tweet, the Community Gardening Day organised by the Friends of Billingshurst & District Rotary Club was a resounding success on Saturday 12th October with around 50 attendees and helpers tucking up Station Road Gardens for the winter months. Local MP Jeremy Quin turned up as well having heard about the event on Facebook and was shown around the site by Keith Brown, Chairman of the FOG Group. The Billingshurst Neighbourhood Wardens were also there to help and by the end of the session, the gardens looked quite different. A special mention to Wakoos Children & Family Centre for allowing use of their kitchen which helped organisers with preparations for the picnic lunch for volunteers and to Jardiner Ltd who provided staff and machinery and removed a considerable amount of debris from the gardens. Without this sort of community involvement, these sorts of events just could not happen. Well done and thank you to everyone who attended and took part. The Friends of Billingshurst & District Rotary Club have ideas for an ongoing Community Gardening Club (more on that as it evolves), and

intend to hold a spring event in or around March to wake the gardens up for summer showing that Rotary are people of Action! Please can anyone who attended the October event please make contact with me, Sandy Duck, and provide me with your details, as both Keith Brown and I would like to personally thank all of you for the support you gave this day, and also keep you informed of any similar community events you may like to get involved in. Tel: (01403) 786146 or email: sandyduck@ btinternet.com. Another way of getting involved is to come along and have a drink with us on the 1st Monday of each month – 7pm in The Six Bells where we meet to share ideas on the needs of our lovely community and how together we can make them happen. Why not come along and share your ideas with us? Next meeting dates at The Six Bells are Monday 2nd December and Monday 6th January, 7pm both. Sandy Duck, Billingshurst & District Rotary Club Top: Volunteer Sarah Harvey. Photo: Tony Priestley Bottom: Taking a well earned tea break. Photo: Sarah Wilson

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The next meeting will be the Christmas show on 5th December at 7 for 7.30pm with Margaret Rumens’ demonstration entitled I’m Dreaming Of…, ticket price £14 to include a glass of wine. Please contact Andrea on (01798) 839188 to book tickets. The members’ New Year lunch will take place in January and our usual programme resumes with a demonstration by Linda Brayne on 18th February at 2pm. Unless otherwise stated, meetings are held at West Chiltington Village Hall, Mill Road, West Chiltington, RH20 2PZ, 7 for 7.30pm (1.30 for 2pm in February & November). For more information, please contact Brenda Bull on (01798) 813712. Brenda Bull

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Motoring

Winter Tyres Don’t be let down by your tyres this winter drive a lot and dread icy winter roads, but somehow the thought of parting with hard-earned cash for something as dull as tyres was a bit of a turn-off. Then, last November, I had to hire a car in Switzerland, and I was amazed at the handling of the little vehicle and the confidence I felt behind the wheel, in what can only be described as less-than-ideal weather conditions – for that read snow, snow and more snow. I mentioned it to the Swiss friend I was visiting. She looked astonished, “It’s the winter tyres,” she said matter-of-factly. “Everyone fits them here. We always wonder why so few British people use them.” I was sold. On my return I called in at my local tyre shop and asked for his advice. He suggested buying a set of cheap steel rims for my car on eBay and putting the winter tyres on those, storing the originals in my garage. (An added bonus is that winter salt won’t corrode your expensve alloy wheels.) The tyres we are talking about here do not have metal studs inserted into the tread. (Those are for

countries that have non-stop snow; use them on normal roads and the studs would wear out very quickly.) Winter tyres are simply designed to be used when temperatures are low and the roads are slippery. Of course, they are far more effective than summer tyres on snow and ice, but they will provide more grip and traction even on a bone dry surface just so long as the ambient temperature is less than 7°C. They are better at clearing standing water, too, so winter tyres are also safer than summer tyres when it’s raining. Winter tyres have a large number of tiny lateral grooves on the tread called sipes that grip to the road by biting into snow and ice. For example a winter tyre may have 1500 sipes compared to 200 on a summer tyre. The benifit of this is increased traction and shorter stopping distances. My friendly tyre-fitter suggests changing over to winter tyres in November and running with them until February/March depending on the weather. This year try some winter tyres. You will never regret it. They may even save your life! Sarah Davey

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What’s On near you

What’s On – December Every Mon

Table Tennis. St Mary’s Room, East St, Billingshurst, 2-4pm. An informal sociable group for all ages. Newcomers welcome, tea & biscuits included, £1 (goes to church funds). Tony, tel: (01403) 783496 Every 2nd Rotary Club. Blacksmiths Arms, Adversane. 7.30pm. Supper (£13) & talk. Visitors welcome. Social activities & 4th Mon & occasional business meetings. Stuart Pullen, Attendance Secretary, tel: (01798) 873791 or 07967 159034 Every Mon Wisborough Green Short Mat Bowls Club. Village Hall. Mons 2.30-4.30pm, Weds 1.30-3.30pm. & Weds New members & visitors welcome. £2.50 (includes Tea/Coffee & biscuits). Trial session free for newcomers. Further information: www.wisboroughgreen.org or contact Keith Carter on 01403 700502 Every Tues Stitch & Knit. Six Bells, Billingshurst. 7-9.30pm. Welcoming & helpful, just bring your project & make new friends. No fees. Sarah, tel: 07817 699865 (leave message) Every Tues Short mat bowls. Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre (formerly Village Hall). 2-4pm. £4 per session. Come and try a game. It’s great fun with friendly people in a small club. Further details please contact Joan, tel: (01403) 785082 or Henry, tel: 07522 626566 Every Tues Billingshurst Choral Society rehearsal. Billingshurst Primary School, 7.30-9.45pm during term time. New members always welcome. For details see www.billingshurstchoralsociety.org Every Tues Slinfold Concert Band rehearsal. Slinfold Village Hall from 7.30-9.30pm. Brass, woodwind and percussion players all welcome. www.slinfoldconcertband.org Every Tues Billingshurst Youth Club. United Reformed Church, West St, 7.30-9pm, term-time. 11-16 years. Varied activities such as indoor obstacle course, miniature football tournaments and crafts. £1 per session. Contact Ben Sheldon, Community Youth Worker, tel: 07763 302456, e-mail: ben.sheldon@horsham-matters.org.uk Every Tues Walking Football. 10-11am. Holbrook Club, Horsham (winter) or Shipley football ground off Dragon’s Lane. (Check website or phone for venue.) Followed by refreshments. Men & women welcome. www.HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org. Tel: 07786 070939 or email philipgibbs669@gmail.com Every Tues Drop in Baby Zone! St Mary’s Room, East Street, Billingshurst. 1.30-3pm. Meet other parents and their babies. Every week except between Xmas & New Year. Emma: babies@stmarysbillingshurst.org Every Tues Neighbourhood Warden drop-in sessions. Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre. 12-2pm Every Tues Shipley Men’s Shed. Shipley football ground off Dragon’s Lane. Part of the international Men’s Shed & Weds organisation. For men interested in woodwork or wish to spend time with like-minded, local chaps. www.HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org. Tel: 07786 070939 or email philipgibbs669@gmail.com Every Tues Preschool Ballet and street dance classes. Jubilee Fields, Billingshurst. VMA Dance run fun, friendly & Thurs classes for preschool children. Free trial then £4pw pre-booked. 07879 773705 www.vmadance.co.uk Every Tues Petanque Club. Meets Shipley Football Ground, Tues 10.45am for coffee and Fri 6.30pm. All equipment & Fri provided. All ages and abilities. Melanie, tel: (01403) 782134 or email: melcjrob@gmail.com Every Weds Horsham Accordion Band. Practises in Slinfold Chapel from 7.30-9.30pm. Varied repertoire. Band Leader Mags Fisher tel: (01403) 790717 or email: magsfisher@btinternet.com Every Weds The Millennium Bridge Club. Storrington Village Hall, 1.30-4.30pm. All abilities. Please contact: Barbara: (01903) 741365 or daisy.campling@btinternet.com Every Weds Line dancing. St Gabriel’s Church Hall 7-10 pm. All levels welcome, beginners from 7pm. Details from Maureen 07774 828282 Every Weds Billingshurst Bell Ringing practice. St Mary’s Church, Billingshurst. 7.30-9.15pm. New learners and visitors welcome, just turn up. For information email Kathy at kathyfitzp@hotmail.co.uk Every Weds The Leconfield Singers. United Reformed Church, Petworth. 8-10pm. Mixed voice non-audition community choir. Newcomers welcome. More details and term times see www.leconfieldsingers.co.uk Every Weds Billingshurst Rock Choir. Primary School. 7.30-9pm, term times. No experience required. A friendly choir singing upbeat pop, rock and Motown. Book a FREE taster session at www.rockchoir.com Every 2nd BilliUke: Billingshurst’s Own Ukulele Jam! The Six Bells, from 7.30pm. If you already have a & 4th Weds ukulele, or are thinking about getting one, please come along and join us. It’s a fun couple of hours and you also get to make new friends from the village and beyond. www.billiuke.com Every Thurs Stitch & Knit. 10am-12.30pm. We rove round local cafés & car share, lifts may be possible. Welcoming & helpful, just bring your project. No fees. Sarah, tel: 07817 699865 (leave message) Every Thurs HDC Health Walk. Billingshurst (2). Meet 11am, Library car park, Billingshurst (TQ086260). Parking free with annnual permit or 75p per hour. 2¼ miles, flat, easy. 1 hour. Chris (01403) 782745. All HDC walks are guided, free and sociable. Led by trained volunteers; no need to book, just turn-up Every Thurs Wildlife walkabouts. RSPB Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve, Wiggonholt, RH20 2EL. 10am-12 noon. We’re giving all sorts of nature a home and our regular gentle ramble is an ideal introduction to some of our very special wildlife. £8 per person (£2.50 for RSPB members). (01798) 875851. www.rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks Every Thurs Toddler Church. St Mary’s Church, Billingshurst. Term-time only, 12.15-2pm. Voluntary contribution for lunch £2.50 per family Every Thurs Spy Café. The Chapel, Spy Lane, Loxwood, RH14 0SS. 10am-4.30pm. Family-friendly. Fairtrade teas, coffee, hot chocolate, home-made cakes. Breakfasts & light lunches. www.emmanuelfellowship.co.uk Every Fri Southwater Friday Luncheon Club for the over 50s. Southwater Leisure Centre. 10am-2pm (Lunch 12-1pm). Booking essential, Lynn, tel: (01403) 733202, email: bookings@southwater.net Every Fri VMA Dance classes for children 2-18yrs. Jubilee Fields, Billingshurst. Classes in Ballet, Street Dance & Contemporary. Free Trial available then £5pw pre-booked. 07879 773705 www.vmadance.co.uk Every Fri Open days at The Blue Idol. Quaker Meeting House, Oldhouse Lane, Coolham, RH13 8QP. 10am-4pm. (March-November.) www.blueidol.org, Facebook @BlueIdolQuakers, (01403) 740174 Every Sat Indoor table top sale and market. Ansell’s Yard, Kirdford Road, Wisborough Green, RH14 0DD. 10am-2pm. No entrance fee. Tables £5 (must be pre-booked). Tel: (01403) 700633 or 07798 941940 Every Sun The Emmanuel Fellowship meet every Sunday at ‘The Chapel’, Spy Lane, Loxwood. 10.30am for about an hour with refreshments afterwards. www.emmanuelfellowship.co.uk

What’s On near you 1-31 Dec 2 Dec 2 Dec 2 Dec 2 Dec 3 Dec

4 Dec 5 Dec 5 Dec 5 Dec 6 Dec 6 Dec

6 Dec 6 Dec 7 Dec 7 Dec 7 Dec 7 Dec 7 Dec 8 Dec 9 Dec 9 Dec

10 Dec 10 Dec 11 Dec 11 Dec 11 Dec 12 Dec 12 Dec 12 Dec 12 Dec

13 Dec

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Light Up Horsham. Marke Square, Horsham. Daily, 4-8pm. Regular ten-minute performances of festive projections, sounds, lights and a few surprises. A perfect treat while out Christmas shopping Rotary Club monthly ‘Friends’ get together for new members. Six Bells, Billinghurst. 7pm. Come along and find out about what we do! Macmillan Film night. ‘The Good Liar’’. Pulborough Village Hall. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Refreshments, raffle and Macmillan stall. Tickets £6 from www.touringcinema.com or Pulborough Village Hall or Terri Ashpool, tel: (01403) 588996 or on the door (subject to availability) Wisborough Green Horticultural Society Talk: ‘Friend or Foe (The good, the bad and the ugly)’ by Geoff Hawkins. Village Hall, 8pm. Coffee served before meeting. £2 non-members, £1 members Talk: ‘Wildlife photography underwater’. Horsham Natural History Society. Wesley Hall, London Road, Horsham, RH12 1AN (car park behind the hall). 7.30pm. This talk, by Linda Pitkin, includes weird and wonderful creatures from Indonesia. Events are held every Monday, details: www.hnhs.org.uk The Arts Society – West Sussex lecture by Diana Lloyd: ‘The History of Stained Glass as seen through the Christmas Story’. Fittleworth Village Hall. 2pm (doors open 1.40). Lectures held on all matters relating to the arts on the first Tuesday of the month. Mince pies and mulled wine will be served after the lecture. Visitors welcome, £5. New members welcome: Jackie Buckler, tel: (01903) 411086 or email: jackiebuckler@sky.com. Visit theartssocietywestsussex.org The Arts Society – South Downs lecture by Val Woodgate: ‘The Art of Christmas’. Fittleworth Village Hall. Coffee 9.50, lecture 10.45am. Visitors (£6) are very welcome. Hilary, tel: (01403) 785302. www.theartssocietysouthdowns.org.uk Wisborough Green WI Evening. Wisborough Green Village Hall. 8pm. Every first Thurs (except Jan: 2nd Thursday). No August meeting. Visitors welcome. Ruth Isaacs, Secretary: (01403) 785402 Parish Council Planning & Environmental Committee meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7.30pm Reading Friends. Billingshurst Library. 10.30-11.30am. Are you interested in meeting new friends, having a good chat and sharing your love of books? Everyone welcome, just turn up. Tel: (01403) 783145 Christmas Market Night. CC’S Emporium, Jengers Mead. 6-8.30pm. Christmas Goodies and Gifts from local crafters. Plus charity raffle, mulled wine & mince pies! See November’s Village Tweet, page 13 Macmillan Film night. ‘The Good Liar’. Billingshurst Conference & Community Centre. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Refreshments, raffle and Macmillan stall. Tickets £6 from www.touringcinema.com or Austens Home Hardware, 48-52 High Street or Terri Ashpool, tel: (01403) 588996 or on the door (subject to availability) Hepworth & Co. Christmas Cracker Evening. The New Brewery, Stane Street, RH20 1DJ. 5-9pm. Christmas Ales, live music, hot food. Seasonal goodies on sale. www.hepworthbrewery.co.uk Slinfold School Christmas Fair. 2.30-5pm. Santa, stalls, wood-fired pizza, crafts Mediaeval Baebes. St Mary’s Church, Horsham. Tickets £25 from www.mediaevalbaebes.com Craft Sale. Unitarian Church, Billingshurst. 10am-3pm. See November’s Village Tweet, page 15 Santa’s Christmas Cream Tea Fundraiser. Billingshurst Community Centre. 2-5pm. A fun family event. Stalls, raffle and of course, Santa! See November’s Village Tweet, page 19 Craft Sale. Unitarian Church, Billingshurst. 10am-3pm. Santa, locally made Christmas gifts. In aid of the children of Ometepe, Nicaragua. See November’s Village Tweet, page 15 Lantern Making! CC’S Emporium, 10am-1pm. Help make lanterns for the Lantern Walk on 14th December. See November’s Village Tweet, page 13 Aladdin Pantomime. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 11am and 2pm. Join Tale Gate Theatre Productions for the pantomime you wished for! Tickets £14.50 adult, £12 child, £48 family of 4: (01483) 278000 (Tues-Sat 10am-4.30pm) or visit www.cranleighartscentre.org Seniors Lunch Club Christmas Lunch. Community Centre. 12.30pm. Talk: ‘Butterflies in the countryside west of Arundel’. Horsham Natural History Society. Wesley Hall, London Road, Horsham, RH12 1AN (car park behind the hall). 7.30pm. This talk, by Neil Hulme, focuses on the wealth of butterflies found in a relatively small area of the countryside west of Arundel. Events are held every Monday, details: www.hnhs.org.uk Laughter Group. Unitarian Hall, Billingshurst. (Lakers Meadow small car park to rear.) 1.40pm for prompt 4.50 pm start. £6 session. Linda, tel: (01403) 452773 CDC Health Walk: Kirdford. Meet opposite The Half Moon, RH14 0LT (but not in their spaces), 10.30am. A level 3½ mile walk. 1½ hours. No dogs. www.chichester.gov.uk/heartsmart Five Star Swing at Christmas. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 7.30pm. All your favourite Christmas songs with the Big Band treatment – jazzing up those Jingle Bells Tickets £19.50, £18 under 25s: (01483) 278000 (Tues-Sat 10am-4.30pm) or visit www.cranleighartscentre.org Messy Church! Billingshurst Village Hall. 3.30-5.30pm. Billingshurst churches welcome families to have fun with games, crafts, singing and stories. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Sit-down meal, donation. www.messychurch.org.uk Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan Working Party meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 6.30pm Women’s Circle Meeting. Unitarian Chapel, Lakers Meadow, Billingshurst, RH14 9QS. Meets monthly to share wisdom, experience and sisterhood in a safe and friendly space. £5 on the night includes refreshments. Dates and themes at www.intentionalhealing.co.uk/events, or Sarah, tel: 07970 976877 Billingshurst WI Christmas Party. New venue: Stanley Room, Community Centre, Roman Way. 2.30pm. Interesting speakers, hobby groups, various outings. Visitors welcome. Secretary, tel: (01403) 782244 Billingshurst Local History Society Social and Raffle. Billingshurst Community and Conference Centre, 7.30pm. Including refreshments and homegrown entertainment! Membership £20 per annum. Visitors £5 per meeting. Ms G Knight, tel: (01403) 451401, email: g.j.s.knight@btinternet.com Wisborough Green Market. The Village Hall, 9am-12.30pm. Up to 30 stalls selling high quality local artisan foods & crafts. Stalls include: fresh fish, meat, bread, cheese, turkey products, cakes & jams, flowers, skin care and more. Relax with tea, coffee and home-made cakes by Macmillan volunteers. E-mail: wisboroughmarket@gmail.com Loxwood Movie Night: ‘Stan and Ollie. North Hall, RH14 0SF. 7 for 7.30 start. £5 on the door. Bar

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What’s On near you / Advertisers Index

13 Dec

HDC Health Walk. Barns Green (1). Meet 11am, new car park (yellow road markings) near the Village Hall, RH13 0PT (TQ128272). 2 miles. 1 hour. Chatter Cheema, tel: 07720 714306 13 Dec-5 Jan Peter Pan. The Capitol, Horsham. Box Office (01403) 750220. See November’s Village Tweet, page 5 14 Dec Christmas Tales by Torchlight. Billingshurst Library. 3-3.45pm. A special event for children. Free but must be booked in advance from the Library. Ties in with the Lantern Walk. See page 16 14 Dec Billingshurst Christmas in a Day: Christmas Fayre, Lantern Walk & Christmas Cracker. See page 27 14 Dec Billingshurst United Reformed Church Dementia Café. In the Church Hall, on the Second Saturday of every month, from 10am-12pm. Please join us for tea, coffee and cake. All are welcome 15 Dec The Leconfield Singers Christmas Carol Concert. St Mary’s Church, Petworth. 6pm. Shawn Kirchner’s Behold New Joy. Also choruses from Handel’s Messiah and a whole host of favourite carols with audience participation. Tickets: www.leconfieldsingers.co.uk/events. See page 15 16 Dec Billingshurst Lions Club Meeting. Sports Pavilion, Jubilee Fields, Billingshurst. 8pm. For information about the Club contact Alan Ridout on (01403) 871370 or call in at the Lions Bookshop, Jengers Mead 17 Dec St Mary’s Guild Christmas Morning. Please contact Beryl Peacock (01403) 782835 17 Dec Loxwood Jazz & Blues Club. Village Hall. With candlelit tables and a licensed bar, it has a very intimate atmosphere with international standard jazz and blues. All profits go towards the renovation Loxwood Village Hall. Tickets are priced at the amazing price of £10 each, available from Loxwood Village Stores or Anita Bates on (01403) 752954 18 Dec Parish Council Billingshurst Centre & F&GP Committees meetings. Billingshurst Centre. 7 & 7.30pm 19 Dec Sing for Pleasure. Billingshurst Community Centre. 3.00-4.30pm. We are a friendly, informal group who enjoy a sing-along. If you are a lady or gentleman in the more mature age group, even if you think you can’t sing, we’d love you to join us for an enjoyable afternoon. £3, includes tea and biscuits 19 Dec Barns Green & Itchingfield Women’s Institute Meeting. Barns Green Village Hall. 2.30pm followed by tea. New members welcome. Meetings 3rd Thurs of the month. For more information contact Annette Relph (01403) 732580 20 Dec The Ultimate 70s Glam Rock Show, in aid of Macmillan. Jubilee Sports Club, Billingshurst. 7.30pm. Tickets £12 in advance from Austens, Billingshurst or online at www.wegottickets.com/event/486148 21 Dec Pulborough Village Market. Pulborough Village Hall, Swan View, RH20 2BF. 9am-12.30pm. Fresh produce, bread, delicatessen, local honey, organic condiments, plants, local crafts, fairtrade goods and much more. Café serving a full English breakfast, tea/coffee and cakes. Free entry. Please like us on Facebook. Market Coordinator Terri Ashpool, tel: (01403) 588996, e-mail: terriashpool@uwclub.net 22 Dec St Gabriel’s Church Traditional Nativity Play: ‘God with Us’. 4pm. See page 16 27 Dec HDC Health Walk. Barns Green. Details as per 13th December walk

Village Tweet will publish details of local events in this free What’s On section. Please email brief details to editor@villagetweet.co.uk together with contact or website details

ADVERTISERS INDEX December 2019 1A Acclaim Floor Care ......................24 A-Team Mechanics............................45 A/c’s Direct, Accounting ......................5 AC Decor...........................................31 Age UK, Help at Home .....................18 Alba Plumbing...................................28 Ansells Market.....................................8 Apex Aerials ......................................34 Best Choice Roofing .........................37 Biji Property Services Ltd..................24 Billingshurst Choral Society ..............15 Billingshurst Library...........................16 Billingshurst Leisure Centre ..............20 Billingshurst Parish Council .........26-27 Billingshurst Service, Repair & MOT Centre ..................................44 Billy’s Motorcycles.............................46 Bygone Gardening ............................41 Cadiss Kitchens & Bathrooms ..........37 Clayton Turner Trees & Gardens ......42 Daisy’s Dogs .....................................38 Dandelion Farewells, funerals...........19 Delta Decor .......................................28 DM Handyman ..................................32 DW Gardens .....................................40 Fishers Farm Park ..........................IBC Furze Firs, Christmas Trees..............11 Flackwoods Solicitors..........................4

Flow-serve Plumbing, Drainage, Heating..........................................25 Fowlers Estate Agent ..........................3 GJ Coles, builder ..............................31 Goring Road Carpet Centre..............31 Hamilton Cole TV & Satellite Equipment .....................................34 Heath Windows Ltd (Southern).........25 Hepworth Brewery, vacancy ...............6 Holly Stone Hypnotherapy ................22 Ingfield Manor School, vacancies .......6 Jim Hills Sports Warehouse................7 Jonathan Carter Tree Surgery ..........40 Katherine Finn Hypnotherapy ...........19 Kings Head pub ..................................9 KJ Lammas Plumbing & Heating ......23 Leconfield Singers.............................15 Lee’s Locks .......................................35 Lintott Auto Services .........................45 Mac’s Private Hire...............................9 Millar Property Services ....................28 Miss Mop Domestic Cleaning ...........37 MW Wingate Painting & Decorating .25 MPS Home Improvements Ltd..........31 N Francis Electrical Ltd.....................35 Norsat................................................29 Onslow Arms pub................................9 Oven Cleaning Direct........................30

Oven Rescue ....................................35 Park & Brown, opticians....................22 Park House Kitchens.....................OBC Pest Man...........................................38 Pet Pooch Boutique ..........................39 Petworth House.................................41 Petworth MOT Centre .......................44 PilatesWise .......................................19 PJM Building & Property Maintenance .33 Pro Electrical.....................................33 Rebecca Beauty Therapist................19 REM Landscapes..............................41 Re-Nu Kitchens.................................33 Ron Osborne Roofing .......................24 Rudgwick Fencing.............................25 Scouts, Christmas Post.....................13 Santa Rosa Beauty ...........................21 St Gabriel’s, Christmas dates ...........16 St Mary’s, Christmas dates ...............17 Sussex Carpet Brokers .....................36 Sussex Free Range Turkeys.............11 Sussex Towing Brackets ...................45 The Natural Way ...............................21 Versatile Gardening Services............43 Village Nurseries ...............................43 Wisborough Green Market..................8