Village Tweet - December 2020 by Village Tweet

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ILLAGE

Issue No. 121

10 Years of Village Tweet! See page 24 @VillageTweet

www.villagetweet.co.uk

December 2020

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

uch uncertain times… no sooner had the November issue of Village Tweet been dispatched to the printers did we find ourselves in lockdown for the second time. This obviously affected some of our advertisers – pubs, leisure centres and ‘non-essential’ shops for example – who once again found themselves unable to trade. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. We’ve learnt a lot from the first lockdown on how the virus spreads. Also, importantly, we now have masks to protect ourselves and those around us. As we go to press the word from the government is that the lockdown is set to end on 2nd December. Fingers crossed! Let’s hope we can all enjoy Christmas! Grahame Cover: We wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas as we celebrate ten years of Village Tweet! See page 24.

Contents COPY DATE FOR JANUARY ISSUE: 4th 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.

The paper used for Village Tweet has been responsibly sourced

Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4, 6 Scout Movement: Remembrance Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Recipe: Parmesan biscuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Royal Britsh Legion: Remembrance Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Miranda Rijks Short Story: Christmas socks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 A Good Read: Book Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Billingshurst Lions Club: Santa’s on his way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Village Tweet celebrates 10 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24, 25 Scout Movement: Scouts in Lockdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 St Catherine’s Hospice: Midnight Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Yvonne Fleece: We three from Billingshurst came . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 John Nash: A taste of Christmas once . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 The Spaniel Diaries: The continuing adventures of Billy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Garden View: Hardworking ivy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Renegades Youth Group: Fish, Fright, Fireworks and Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Billingshurst Rotary Club: 5Lockdown and Remembrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Spot the Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43, 45 Safe in Sussex: Gingerbread House competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Obituary: Stella Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 What’s On near you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48, 49 Billingshurst Fire Station: Merry Christmas from the Firefighters . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Kids Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

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

Coffee break / Legal services / Accountancy

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Legal services / Private hire / Out & about

Village Tweet Quick Crossword Solution Puzzle on page 4 Across: 1, GAMBIT. 4, ARCANE. 9, OBJECTS. 10, IRATE. 11, ACRE. 12, BAFFLING. 14, PLUTO. 16, ELEGY. 20, CONTEMPT. 21, EPEE. 24, NIECE. 25, TABLETS. 26, SINGLE. 27, JEWELS. Down: 1, GLOBAL. 2, MAJOR. 3, INCH. 5, RAINFALL. 6, AMAZING. 7, EMERGE. 8, USUAL. 13, ETHEREAL. 15, LANTERN. 17, SCENES. 18, SPOTS. 19, BEASTS. 22, PIECE. 23, OBOE.

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Insurance / Out and about / Sport *

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Religion / Christmas

Christmas star still shines

y Re di NO our ser sa W tu ve pp to rk oi av ey nt o m id en t

o you know the meaning of your name? Have you ever had the joy of choosing a name for a baby? Reading the story of Christmas, we are given an insight into God’s nature. By giving his son the name Emmanuel, God promised he would always be with us. Emmanuel means God with us. The longing so many of us have experienced in this pandemic time is to be with those we love. In the name Emmanuel we see the picture of a God who offers us that indestructible connection. God with us, bringing light into our World. As we write this article it is unclear how Christmas will be celebrated so please look at our website to check what is happening. We can tell you about an exciting journey our knitted Nativity figures (see photo), the Posada family, who love to travel through advent and keep us smiling as we wait for Christmas. They may only be 20cm tall but they have big adventures! Brighten your day by keeping up with their blog: posada.stmarysbillinghsurst.org. You can help them this year with their star theme. • Create a star decoration for us to hang in the church porch. Please bring to our office by 14th December. • Nominate a ‘Star of Christmas’ and tell us why you thought of them; someone you know (e.g. ‘My

mum makes Christmas really special by…’), someone from the community (‘My teacher is a star because…’), or even someone famous (‘Santa is a star of Christmas because…’) It might be a nativity character! You can print a ‘Star of Christmas’ certificate from our website and present it to them (if you know them). • Take a photo of your star decoration with your nominated ‘Star of Christmas’. If you can’t photograph the actual person (they may not want to be on our blog) please draw a picture of Photo: Emma Eade them, or take your star to a place where they are, or use something that will remind us all of them. For example, if your Star of Christmas is a teacher, you could photograph your star decoration outside the school, or with your school logo/uniform. • Send us your photo and tell us about your Star of Christmas to posada@stmarysbillingshurst.org. We will blog these to tell this year’s story. (Please check if anyone in the photograph is happy to be on the internet, and if they are under 18 please check if their parents are happy with this too.) Christmas celebrations may be different this year, but the Christmas truth is that light and love remain unchanged. Love wins and holds us close.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS from Canon Tim and the Catholic Church Family of St Gabriel’s, Billingshurst Christmas Eve: Carols and Readings from 11 p.m. Midnight Mass at 11.30 p.m. Christmas Day: Mass at 10.30 a.m.

Free Range Local Bronze Turkeys Hand reared from day-old chicks in Itchingfield Will be ready for collection on Wednesday, 23rd December 2020

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Remembrance / Accountancy

Scouting and Guiding Doorstep Remembrance Day

his year was a very different Remembrance Sunday. Instead of the traditional parade and church service, members of Scouting and Guiding stood outside their front doors to pay their respects at 11am for the two-minute silence. There was a great turnout from all units and parents shared pictures for their leaders to see. There was a real sense of togetherness even though we were all apart. Due to the impending lockdown, some units were able to lay their own wreaths in small socially distant services including Oaklands Beavers, Parbrook Cubs and Billingshurst Rainbows and Guides.

The other Scouting and Guiding wreaths were laid by unit leaders before Remembrance Sunday. On Zoom the Rainbows made poppy pictures with finger painting to mark the occasion; these all looked really effective. The Brownies all made Poppy wreaths together and the Guides made poppy pinwheels. For more information on Scouting and Guiding in Billingshurst, e-mail Zoe: gsl@1stbillingshurst.org.uk or Natalie: dounhurst@gmail.com. Natalie Evans, Unit Leader, 2nd Billingshurst Guides Top: photo collages showing doorstep two-minute silence Below: Parbrook Cubs and Billingshurst Guides wreath laying at the War memorial

Food and drink

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Parmesan Biscuits Great for gifts!

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350F/Gas 4. 2. Place the butter and flour into a bowl of a food processor with the salt, cayenne, mustard powder, and cheeses. Rub the fat into the flour mixture then gradually bring the mixture together to form a dough. Don’t add egg or water. Wrap the dough in clingfilm and leave to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. 3. Lightly flour a work surface and gently roll out the pastry to about 1cm thick. Cut out the biscuits using festive cutters. Lay them out on a greased baking tray about 2cm apart. You might need two trays. 4. Brush the surface of each biscuit with the beaten egg and sprinkle over a little finely grated parmesan. Bake for 10 minutes, or until they are golden-brown. 5. Remove from the oven and carefully lift the biscuits off the tray using a palette knife, then place on a rack to cool. They will keep well in a sealed container for a few days.

Preparation time: 20 minutes plus resting time. Cooking time: 10-20. Makes about 24

INGREDIENTS

100g cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks 100g plain flour, plus extra for flouring Pinch salt Pinch cayenne pepper 1 heaped tsp mustard powder 50g finely grated mature cheddar 50g finely grated parmesan, or similar vegetarian hard cheese, plus a little extra 1 egg, beaten

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It costs less than you might think to advertise in Village Tweet. RATE CAknRowD... For our Rate Card visit to d All you nee...ab out advertising in www.villagetweet.co.uk V eet tw t V and click on the twee ‘Advertise’ tab or call 07762 767084 today!

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Remembrance / Charity / Funerals

Remembrance Day 2020 – Thank you

robably a year we would wish not to experience again at Remembrance time. Not only have we been severely restricted by COVID-19 but the weather was extremely unkind for the days leading up to Remembrance Sunday. We were unable this year to carry out our door-to-door collection or to have our voluntary team at normal static points in the village and I know our officers and volunteers were desperately disappointed. We were able to have a presence at the Railway Station thanks to an excellent Southern Rail Staff who accommodated us on Platform One, keeping us supplied with refreshments during the cold, wet and windy weather. Despite this, we were unable to raise our normal amounts for Poppy Appeal with so few people travelling. However, two of our loyal supporters were able to man a COVID-19 restricted location in the High Street for two mornings and raised a magnificent £500, our grateful thanks for their extraordinary efforts. No Morning Service on Remembrance Sunday morning but thanks to the support of The Rev David Beal and St Mary’s Church we were able to hold our Act of Dedication at the War Memorial on the Wednesday before lockdown; which was recorded for viewing on Remembrance Sunday Morning. Thank you,

David. To watch the video just type ‘Billingshurst Remembers’ into the YouTube search box. No parade but the continued support from the Scouts & Guides, Rotary Club and Lions International and other organisations was much appreciated. We are enormously proud of the excellent rapport built up over the years but particularly this year during difficult times. Our thanks also to the Wisborough Green team and management staff at Fishers Farm. Similarly, our thanks to the Parish Council for their neverfailing support for the Royal British Legion. Our High Street once again displayed our Poppies and our ‘not forgotten Soldiers’ paraded on the Green leading to the War Memorial. We felt so proud. Our official Poppy Organiser each year puts in enormous effort and this year due to COVID-19 restrictions has not been easy. On Remembrance Sunday and 11th November the village and organisations joined the Royal British Legion in a ‘doorstep tribute’ and observed two minutes silence. A fitting end to this year’s events. Thank you all. Colin Banks, Branch President and Robert Nicoll, Branch Chairman Photo: Rev David Beal

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One stop wellbeing for 2020/21 Bringing you a wide range of new courses and programmes - many of which are free, the Health and Wellbeing Team are here to help you put yourself first and focus on your goals. 1-2-1 Appointments Whether you’re looking to lose weight, get fitter, deal with stress, kick a habit, or simply improve your general wellbeing, our team offers one-to-one advice and support to help you access local services and improve your health and wellbeing. Wellbeing Package Through three separate sessions this new free programme focusses on emotional wellbeing (managing stress, anxiety and sleep issues), healthy eating and nutrition and physical activity. Our Advisors will tailor the package to you to ensure you get the best out of the sessions and help you to achieve your goals.

Due to current Covid-19 restrictions some of the workshops and activities listed below will take place online or by telephone. Please keep an eye on our website for updates. Ready for your WoW Our new 12 week Weight Off Workshops (WOW) are focused on nutrition and healthy eating plus learning strategies to help you change habits and behaviours to live a healthier lifestyle. Move More To support anyone who would like to take their first steps to getting active we offer a range of courses such as Learn to Run, Exercise to Music, Swim4Health and Outdoor Fitness that aim to improve your confidence in a fun and friendly environment whilst increasing your activity levels.

Quit the sticks Trained advisors are able to provide Stop Smoking Advice, where they’ll be able to offer one to one support if you want to quit smoking – this includes advice on Nicotine Replacement Therapy and providing this where appropriate. Alcohol Advice Support is now on offer to help anyone who is worried about their drinking or drinking at levels that may be putting their health at risk. Our Alcohol Wellbeing Advisor will provide non-judgmental one to one support to help you modify your drinking to lower risk levels.

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* Health and wellbeing / Short story

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Christmas Socks A short story written exclusively for Village Tweet by local author Miranda Rijks

addie closed the bedroom door gently and leaned against it, letting silent tears slip down her cheeks. When she first started caring for Dora, she found the old woman cantankerous and judgemental, and she sympathised with Dora’s family members who visited as little as possible. But over the past few years, she grew to love the elderly lady, smiling at Dora’s acerbic humour and enjoying the many peaceful hours when the two of them sat side by side knitting sock after sock while listening to Radio 4. She will miss Dora. No one is sure exactly how old Dora Smythe was. Brian, the postman, delivered celebratory cards from Buckingham Palace wishing her a happy birthday every June for a few years, so she must have been well over one hundred and five. Maddie walked down the imposing oak staircase and into the living room. There were thirty-two little parcels placed on the floor in front of the fireplace, each wrapped up in brown paper and tied with string. The recipients’ names were scrawled in barely decipherable writing. These were Dora’s Christmas presents; one for every member of her family and a few kindly people from the village who bothered to ask after her. Maddie sighed. She had little doubt that Dora’s family would be swooping down within the next couple of days, eager to discover who was to inherit the big house and who would get the collection of antique clocks, the silver platters and fine oil paintings. Maddie reckoned she was the only person in the world who would actually miss Dora. Two weeks later and just four days before Christmas, Felix Carruthers, Dora’s pompous grandson, arrived, peeling off his black leather gloves and thick black woollen coat, before signalling to Maddie that she should sit down. “I would like to thank you for looking after Dora. The house will be sold in the New Year. As we no longer have any need for your services, I’m letting you go.” He produced a creased envelope and handed it to her. “There’s a cheque for payment for the rest of the month,” he said. “I’m going to lock the house up, so I’d like you to leave by the end of the day.” “You’re chucking me out so quickly?” Maddie stared at Felix in horror. Where was she expected to go at that time of year? There was no way she could afford to fly back home to her family in Auckland just before Christmas. “You can hardly expect us to keep you on with Dora gone!” Felix said, rolling his eyes. Maddie stood up. “The Christmas presents from

Dora for you and your family are on the table,” she said. “Not more pairs of socks!” Felix exclaimed with a scowl. “They’re ugly, scratchy and totally useless. We give them to the charity shop when we can be bothered. Otherwise they go straight into the bin.” Maddie turned around and walked out of the room. Some weeks later, Maddie received a phone call. “This is Anton Faulkner. I’m the executor of Dora Smythe’s will and she has left you a legacy. The code is embedded in your Christmas present; a pair of socks, I believe.” Maddie sat down with a bump. She was wearing the socks: a particularly fine pair knitted in a Fair Isle pattern with pale blue and cream merino yarn. “If you use the Morse code, you’ll be able to decipher what you have been left.” Maddie burst out laughing. Clever old Dora. “One stitch in the darker colour is a dot and three stitches, also in the darker colour, are a dash.” Maddie pulled off her socks. It took her a while to decipher what was written in them and when she did, she double- and triple-checked. Tears sprung to her eyes as she read the message aloud. “To whoever owns these socks, I leave my house and all my cash in the bank.” Unsurprisingly, there was the biggest furore. Most of Dora’s sock recipients had either thrown them away or donated them to charity. Dora’s relatives scoured all the local charity shops in an attempt to retrieve their socks, but how could anyone tell whether they were knitted by Dora or another kindly, unsuspecting knitter who unwittingly included a morse code in their socks? Besides which, many pairs had already found new owners. One young man whose home was a cardboard box, came forward with his pair of red and fawn coloured socks which he had gratefully received. The knitted morse code stated, “To whoever owns these socks, I leave my collection of antique clocks.” Felix was apoplectic with rage. He fully expected the clocks to be his. Unsurprisingly, the family are mounting a legal challenge to the will. Mr Faulkner thinks they will lose, but Maddie doesn’t mind what the outcome is. She just misses her old friend Dora. Miranda Rijks writes psychological thrillers set in West Sussex, published by Inkubator Books. Paperbacks and ebooks are available on Amazon. Find out more at www.mirandarijks.com.

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

Health & wellbeing / Upholstery

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Books / About the house

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A Good Read December’s selection from book reviewer Willow Coby Patsy – Nicole Dennis-Benn Patsy grew up in an impoverished town in Jamaica and struggles to make ends meet, raising her five-year-old daughter, Tru. But she has a dream. A dream that lies across the ocean in a city that never sleeps, watched over by Lady Liberty. She isn’t the only one. Many have left Jamaica for America, sending home details of their new lives. But you can’t just leave Jamaica and head to the US. When Patsy is finally granted a visa, it is only a visitor one. And just for her, not Tru. And so, leaving her daughter behind with her previously absent father, she begins her life as an undocumented migrant. It soon becomes clear that life in New York is not what she thought it would be. Dennis-Benn has created an engrossing novel showing the reality of the plight of migrants. Spanning a decade, it switches between Patsy and her new life and Tru’s childhood as she grows up without her mother. It says something about her skills as a writer that she has created a central character that is so flawed and yet likeable at the same time. The dialogue switches effortlessly between English and Jamaican patois, leaving you, the reader, as an inhabitant of the two worlds that Patsy herself occupies. Will she ever be reunited with her daughter and how does a decision taken so long ago affect the two of them as life moves on around them in two vastly different countries?

The Boy at the Back of the Class – Onjali Q Rauf In a similar vein we have a story for children about what it is like to be a stranger in a strange land. The difference here is that Ahmet is not an economic migrant, but a refugee, fleeing civil war in Syria. He arrives one day at the start of term and sits in a chair at the back of the class and carries a tattered old red backpack. He is quiet and spends break and lunchtime in Seclusion. The 9 and ¾-year-old narrator and their friends don’t know why he stays apart and are determined to find out why. When they finally learn of Ahmet’s story, they are determined to help him and seek the help of the one person in the country that they know can help: The Queen. A moving story, The Boy at the Back of the Class directly challenges attitudes towards refugees and the children encounter adults who are sympathetic towards his plight, but also those who are not. Simple events show the kindness of strangers (the gift of a pomegranate) and gives hope that this next generation can be the one to bring in a change of attitude and a realisation that we are all one humanity. All too often we are quick to judge – and Rauf uses a very clever technique to bring this to the fore, leaving the reader re-evaluating everything they have read with just a few pages to go – rather than accepting. Ahmet’s story is sadly not just a story created in an author’s imagination but is one that too many children are experiencing – tattered backpack and all.

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Christmas / About the house

Santa’s On His Way

anta and his Elves know how important it is to maintain the tradition of touring Billingshurst and the surrounding villages in December, particularly in this difficult year, to bring much needed Christmas cheer. Billingshurst Lions have been busy helping devise a plan for this to be achieved safely for everyone involved, in the hope that restrictions will allow it to go ahead after the present lockdown is scheduled to end on 2nd December. Please check our Facebook page and our website (www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/ billingshurst) for the latest information. After his 40-year-old sleigh became unsafe, Santa now has a twinkling ‘Flying Bedstead’ complete with glittering bed-knobs, which sits on the roof of a car and, with no trailer, can now visit the narrow roads on the large housing estates being built in the area. Provided we can go ahead, inevitably, there will be changes from previous years: • Santa will walk behind his Bedstead waving to everyone from a safe distance, but sadly, no ‘selfies’ and he will be unable to give out sweets, • We will not be knocking on doors nor delivering our usual ‘Billion’, but you can read about our recent achievements and activities on display in the bookshop window.

Donations may be difficult, but these will be gratefully received either by paying online through our website www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/ billingshurst or, if open, at our Bookshop in Jengers Mead and/or by using one of our ‘Feed the Lions’ collecting Jars. Santa’s routes and timetable are on the Billingshurst Lions Facebook page and on the website. Santa has a clever GPS tracker fixed to the Bedstead, so his whereabouts can be tracked each evening. It’s called ‘Track Santa’ and you can find the link on our website or by downloading the Track Server app and entering the user name BDLC. Paul Roberts, Elf in Charge, says, “It is important that we try and maintain as many traditions as possible in such difficult and stressful times. As ever, any donation you feel able to make in support of our charitable work would be most appreciated. Thank you”. Thanks go to Station Garage, Broadbridge Heath, for the generous loan of a Skoda Octavia Estate, PD Motors, Billingshurst, for the loan of batteries for the music and lights and DG Clifton & Sons at Wharf Farm for out-of-season storage of Santa’s Bedstead. Harvey Holmes Photo: Santa’s ‘Flying Bedstead’ ready to go

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About the house

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

Merry Christmas! At the end of a very trying year for us all, Councillors and staff at Billingshurst Parish Council would like to wish residents a Merry Christmas and a very happy and healthy 2021 Goodbye & Thank You The Council says goodbye and thank you to Alan Grant for the significant service he has offered the community since first joining the Council back in the year 2000. Alan has been a very active member of the Council and his vast knowledge and experience has been invaluable to staff members and councillors over the last 20 years, he will be greatly missed.

School Admissions for September 2021 Was your child born between 1st September 2016 and 31st August 2017? The School Admission Application process is now open and applications will need to be submitted by 15th January 2021 at the latest. For more information call 03330 142903 or to apply online visit www.westsussex. gov.uk/admissions.

Money! Money! Money! The Parish Council has a modest Grants Budget to help local charities, and not-forprofit groups. So, if your good cause operates in Billingshurst or provides a service to those who live in the Parish, and needs a few pounds to help with new

project, please consider applying for a grant; applications can be made at any time of the year. Please visit the Council’s website noted on this page, click on Council, scroll down to Council documents where you will find more details on the Council’s Grant Policy and an application form. In addition, the Council currently receives 15% of all CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) generated by new development in the Parish. This will increase to 25% once the Neighbourhood Plan is formally adopted. The Parish Council would be pleased to receive suggestions on how this money should be allocated. It doesn’t necessarily have to be used on any Council’s land, as long it as it improves infrastructure that benefits the community. Please send any suggestions, even if just ideas, to the Parish Council.

Loo of the Year Award – Platinum! The Parish Council is delighted to have retained the prestigious ‘Platinum’ Grade in the Loo of the Year Awards for its facility in Mill Lane, Billingshurst. Council Clerk Greg Burt said “The public toilets are one of the most important facilities provided by the Parish and highly valued by residents, shoppers and visitors. This award is testament to the ongoing hard work and daily checking of the public toilet facility by our Litter Wardens and to the service we receive from contractor Pyzer Cleaning Services”.

www.billingshurst.gov.uk Email: council@billingshurst.gov.uk 01403 782555 / twitter@BillingshurstPC

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Access onto Council land The Parish Council has recently decided to try to regularise by way of a licence, for the benefit of council and residents, the issue of private gates from private gardens onto council land, such as recreation grounds. This has been prompted by a recent request to install such a gate which was licensed accordingly. Many such gates have been in existence for many years. Any resident with a gate onto Parish Council land is invited to contact the Council, with a view to obtaining such a licence, at zero cost.

Billigreen & Sussex Green Living Residents who may be interested in learning more about single-use plastic recycling and ways in which you can do more, please visit the following websites for more information www.sussexgreenliving.co.uk. Their mission is to advance the education of the public in the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment, in particular by educating the public about how to adopt an environmentally friendly lifestyle and improve their ability to reduce their negative impact on the environment. You can also find out more about the BilliGreen Scheme by visiting the Parish Council’s website and looking under the Newsfeed tab.

Vacancy for a Parish Councillor At the time of writing, the Parish Council has one councillor vacancy. If you would be interested in applying for the position, please visit the Council website www.billingshurst. gov.uk and click the Council tab, then click Council Documents and complete the Co-option Application Form. The form should either be sent to the Clerk of the Council Greg Burt either via post to the Parish Office address or via email clerk@billingshurst.gov.uk.

A Message from Cllr. Paul Berry – Chairman of the Council As we near the end of an unprecedented year, I wanted again to offer sincere thanks on behalf of the Council to everyone involved in supporting our community during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. I think that as a community, we have never valued our

key-workers more. These of course include all NHS staff, carers, shop workers, postal workers, delivery drivers and teachers, to name but a few. We have also seen a huge number of volunteers come forward to help, whether this has been helping existing organisations and the newly formed COVID-19 Support Group, or just looking out for and supporting their neighbours; I offer sincere thanks to them all. As well as the fear of ourselves or our loved ones falling ill, and the huge impact the crisis has had on people’s employment and income, the situation has also been frustrating as so many of the good things which normally happen over the course of the year in our community have been forced to stop. From a council perspective, a number of projects which should have moved forward this year have been delayed. We can only hope that 2021 is a more positive year overall and it will be great to start to really progress some of these projects during the next year. I am sure that we will all be grateful that the New Year should start with the new spine road being open and the roadworks north of the village well behind us. I am humbled by the strength, resilience, care and patience our community has shown this year. I am sure we will all face more challenges as the crisis is far from over however, I am sure that as a community we will continue to pull together in times of need. On behalf of Billingshurst Parish Council, I would like to wish parishioners a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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Scouting / About the house

The Scouting Movement in these (ever) changing times

eptember 2020 saw the return to outside meetings after hours putting together Risk Assessments and making sure we had the relevant PPE and cleaning equipment. It was great to see our members outside enjoying the light evenings and the good weather and having an amazing time after the last few months of Lockdown. Since their return, the Beavers have taken part in lots of fun games including an Athletics evening with games such as socially distanced hockey, throwing bean bags into a hoop, running, jumping etc. There was even a trip to Jubilee Fields for a Mini Beast Hunt. All the children loved being outside, seeing their friends from a distance and taking part in something different. They have remained very active during these first few weeks which is great for their health and wellbeing and makes Beavers the perfect end to the school day. There was a worry that it would be difficult to keep the children two metres apart, especially when they are with the same friends at school all day. However, they have adjusted well to the guidelines and managed to stay within their individual hoops and space as instructed. The Cubs have taken part in lots of outdoor games on the field outside the Scout Hut, Splat being a firm favourite! Anything that involves them being outside, jumping around and having fun has been a success. Sometimes it is the simplest things that bring the most joy. We have also worked on the Communicator badge learning about Morse Code with our torches and Semaphore with glow sticks. The Cubs learnt that if they communicate well together then they can make things and work together without being too close. Having to explain

and instruct to their team members as well as listen to what they were being told are great skills they have learnt and benefited from. We have also used the natural resources on the field by making tracks with leaves, sticks and stones. It was fun following those with torches on a dark evening. Scouts have really benefited from being outside with an action-packed programme this term including a Mini Olympics session, Tree & Plant Identification, Campfire Cooking, fire lighting, a photo treasure hunt, recycling and Pioneering. Scouts also had an amazing visit to a Ski Centre in Aldershot where they took part in dry slope Skiing! These are all exciting activities that our members enjoy and which count towards earning their badges. The benefits of being outside, having fun and learning new and exciting activities have proved invaluable during this uncertain time. The feedback from parents has been brilliant; our members love being outside, meeting new friends and having fun. We will continue to provide a varied and exciting programme to our members in these challenging times. At the time of writing the second lockdown has just been announced. We are all well equipped to move our sessions to Zoom for the time being. Our members know what to expect and will be excitedly waiting for the time when we can meet again faceto-face. For now, though, we will keep on scouting safely during Lockdown 2. Monica Frisby, Leader, 1st Billingshurst Scout Group Photo: Cubs learning Semaphore with the aid of glow sticks –and socially distanced of course!

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About the house

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Charity / About the house

Join St Catherine’s Hospice Midnight Walk this Christmas

t Catherine’s Hospice Midnight Walk is one of the local charity’s largest fundraising events raising vital funds to help terminally ill people across our community. After postponing the original Midnight Walk in June, the local hospice is thrilled to announce the Midnight Walk is back! Taking place on Saturday 12th December from 4pm, this is your chance to do something amazing and help end the year on a positive note! Sign up today and show local families facing terminal illness that they aren’t alone. Due to COVID-19, the community can’t all walk through Horsham together, so the Midnight Walk will be a bit different but no less special! St Catherine’s is calling on people like you to get together with a small group of friends and family and walk your own 2, 7, 13 or 20 mile Midnight Walk. While you do, you’ll know that other hospice supporters are doing the same thing at the same time. The local hospice will send you everything you need to take part and fundraise safely, and on the night St Catherine’s staff will set you off walking in style, with a special Facebook Live pre-walk celebration including entertainment, inspiration and a virtual warm up. To help bring everyone together, and to collectively honour all those people we love and miss, this year, the hospice has set up a beautiful, virtual Memory Wall where walkers are encouraged to share a story, picture, or thought about someone they’re walking for. 2020 has been a challenging year, but this is your chance to make a difference when it’s needed most. By taking part, you’ll make sure that this Christmas: • St Catherine’s friendly nurses can continue to make essential visits to people in their homes • People caring for someone they love can pick up the phone, day or night, to the hospice’s expert team and

ll my ing a s Wishstomer fe & cu y, sa pp ee a ha ovid-fr as C istm Chr

get vital advice and reassurance • People staying at the hospice can continue to safely see their family over the festive season Because nobody should feel alone, especially at Christmas. Not feeling alone is important for us all, but it’s especially important for people, like Earl, living with a terminal illness… Earlier this year coronavirus meant Earl had to temporarily stop visiting St Catherine’s Living Well Centre. He was disappointed and worried that he’d become isolated, but thanks to generous supporters, the hospice was able to set up a brand-new Telephone Buddy service. (See Village Tweet, August 2020.) Now, every week, people like Earl receive a friendly phone call from a trained volunteer. Earl said, “The Telephone Buddy service has made such a difference to me. I’m classified as extremely vulnerable so I’m not able to go out and I only get the odd conversation with people. Speaking to my buddy, Graham, has been a lifeline. A lot of laughing goes on during our calls, and it’s something for me to look forward to each week.” By taking part in the Midnight Walk you can make sure more people in your community have something to look forward to, and someone to laugh with, this Christmas. That’s a priceless gift. St Catherine’s really needs your support. Coronavirus has hit the local charity hard and this year there’s a predicted drop in income of around £1.5 million. So, will you do something incredible this Christmas? Will you walk, along with your community, to remember the people you love and to support St Catherine’s? Sign up online at: www.stch.org.uk/midnightwalk or call St Catherine’s friendly team on (01293) 447355 today to register over the phone. Laura Mitchell, St Catherine’s Hospice Photo: Walk for St Catherine’s with a group of friends. Cool!

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Little Tweeters! / About the house

“We Three From Billingshurst Came…”

nce upon a time in a care home in Billingshurst lived three lovely ladies named Mary, Elizabeth and Ann. Living on the same floor and eating the same lunch at the same table they had become firm friends. Now, sitting together with the warm sunlight streaming into the lounge, waiting for the afternoon entertainment to arrive, their eyes slowly began to close when… Into the lounge trouped eight Shetland sheep. They seemed to be looking for someone, actually it was three someones they had been sent to find, and they found themselves around Mary, Elizabeth and Ann. The two groups eyed each other and waited. “Alright,” Siobhan the eldest sheep said. “Ethel, you take Mary, Luna you can take Elizabeth and Aaron you can take Elizabeth because she is bigger than the other two.” Orders having been given, the ladies climbed onto the backs of their allotted sheep and the flock Return to normality started towards the door. “I know the way,” insisted Ana-Georgia, “I’ve been before. Follow me!” and so they did. Travelling through time and space on the back of a sheep was a totally new experience for the ladies and they held onto the thick wool for dear life. When they stopped it was dark and cold. They found themselves wrapped in warm cloaks outside a rough shelter carved into the rock with a dim light shining from the inside. They heard some muted cries of pain and a man’s voice sounding terrified. Lifting themselves off their sheep, the ladies peered in to find a young woman having a baby and her frantic husband not knowing what to do. Well, the ladies knew what to do and they did. In no time at all it was all over, baby delivered, mum washed and dad being fortified with a stiff drink. The sheep had all found themselves comfortable beds in the straw and were having a bit of a snooze. Holding her baby in her arms the young woman

smiled at the ladies. “How did you get here?” she asked. “Well, it was the sheep,” said Elizabeth who had emerged as the spokeswoman. “One minute we were waiting for our entertainment and the next thing we were here.” “Oh,” said the young woman. “Is Ana-Georgia here, then? And you’ve brought others, I see. Well done!” She smiled and gave each one a cuddle and a little treat. She turned to the ladies. “These are very special sheep you know. They love my little baby and he loves them.” A murmur from the blanket agreed. By this time AnaGeorgia was glowing with delight. “I like to bring others to meet you,” she said. “It’s so exciting to watch them getting to know your son.” When each of the ladies had a cuddle with the baby they felt a wonderful peace come over them and a sense of joy they hadn’t felt for a long time. “It’s time to go,” interrupted for Ana-Georgia Siobhan. “The others are coming soon. Freya, you take Mary. This time, Elle, you take Ann, and Amy, you take Elizabeth. AnaGeorgia, you lead the way.” The ladies climbed on their sheep and once more they all travelled through time and space. “Goodbye, you lovely sheep,” chorused the three ladies as the sheep headed for the door. And through the other door came a carolsinging group and the ladies sat up; the entertainment had arrived. Elizabeth wondered when she went to bed that night where the little piece of silver sheep wool on her sleeve had come from. And on that little farm near Billingshurst Aaron and his harem smiled their sheepy smiles and huddled a little closer for the afternoon seemed particularly cold and the north wind was blowing across the paddock. (May you meet the baby yourself this Christmas.) Yvonne Fleece Photo: ‘Gary’

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Community / Fencing

A taste of Christmas… once 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. In 1825 a retired brewer bred an apple by planting some pips from a Ribstone Pippin. One of those pips grew well and there at Colnbrook Lawn near Slough Richard Cox grew the first Cox’s Orange Pippin. It was to become the most extensively planted apple in the UK and is regarded as the finest apple of all English varieties. Once regarded as the Taste of Christmas! I think that if the Cox’s Orange Pippin had been bred now it would have been relegated to the waste heap! Why? Well, it’s prone to scab, mildew loves it, canker thrives on it, plus cropping is not as heavy as more modern varieties. And… it’s a bugger to grow (any of you who have tried it in your gardens will know this). But… it has the most aromatic flesh of all the dessert varieties. No other apple comes near it. It will store until Christmas if picked correctly. It’s softer fleshed than many varieties but carries a complexity of aromatics that give it a spicy, honeyed, nutty, pear like taste when at its best. So why has it faded with modern taste? Its biggest enemy was the need to store it. When I first set foot in an orchard the Cox would be picked from late September through to mid to late October, in other words as they tree ripened. There was no rush! We picked them and by Christmas – which was their main market – most would be sold. Just a few carrying on into the New Year to battle with the Southern Hemisphere fruit that was then being allowed to come in. Then we joined… The Market. Suddenly the market at Christmas was flooded with fruit (you know, that golden variety) and prices collapsed. Something had to be done. Huge cold stores and

controlled atmosphere stores were built to store the fruit so it could be marketed over a much longer period. Snag is, to keep an apple that long you have to pick it before it’s fully ripe. Like so many other varieties, Cox’s picked early will ripen fine but it will never develop the true flavour that comes from a tree ripened apple. Our tastes changed. We started to buy with our eyes and not our taste buds. We wanted pretty, red, crisp, sweet and juicy apples, often to the detriment of flavour. The Cox – which had once carried a price bonus – now became just another apple on the shelf. With its much lower cropping rates it could never compete with the likes of Braeburn and Gala. Apples that cropped at double its rate! So, this is its story. For us folks who grew up with it, it’s a sad one, but things change. One other point of interest. At apple shows I’m often asked – usually by old wrinklies like me – why today’s Cox’s don’t look or taste like they did when they were young. They say they were smaller, greener, and had a rough skin and tasted different with more flavour. The taste difference is of course because they were tree ripened. They were greener and smaller because we grew them on old, big trees. We picked and sold everything. Now those small fruits stay on the orchard floor. Lastly, they had a rough skin because to fight scab we sprayed them with sulphur – the only thing we had at the time. Apples don’t like sulphur – it causes a smooth Russet on its skin. What’s the thing we use now for organic control of scab? Sulphur! Life’s full circle. Sad really. This most flavourful of apples, outdone by the looks and sweetness of others. Rather like me really! Happy Christmas. John Nash

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Pet / Vets

The Spaniel Diaries

o, here we are back in lockdown. As I write, mum is especially fed up as it means training classes are suspended – “Yay!” I thought, but oh no, she’s just carrying on training us at home, I just humour her as I know exactly what I’m doing, Mav the idiot complies as he likes being a goody two shoes, but as I am far more handsome, in my opinion anyway, I get away with much more, all I have to do is look at mum and she relents! Mind you, she has been very pleased with me these last few weeks as I have been such a good boy and retrieving well, it’s totally worth it as I get extra biscuits and cuddles, plus I really can’t have that idiot Mav showing me up. That said, he was in the doghouse last week for jumping into a pond and refusing to come out – I have to admit I thought it was hilarious, I thought mum was going to have to go in at one point before the idiot decided to come out! Mind you I’m not going to forgive her for one thing she has done: she’s bought us dresses! Can you believe it? We have perfectly good fur but she keeps muttering about things called carpets and mud and wet, smelly dogs, I don’t see the problem myself, but oh no, out come the dresses. I look utterly ridiculous, although she thinks I look cute, Mav is equally disgusted with his, I think I shall encourage him to chew both of them up, they were expensive so hopefully she won’t replace them! We also have to wear these hideous light-up collars at night so mum can see

us, I must get Mav to chew these up as well, after all I need the cover of darkness to sneak off and roll in fox poo! We are spending more time indoors now the dark evenings and grotty rain is here; it’s not too bad as we get more toys and chews to keep us occupied, although I have noticed my dinner portion is getting smaller, mum says I mustn’t put on too much weight as it’s bad for my joints, so extra chews and treats mean less dinner. I’ll just nip over to dad when he has a sandwich, I always get something from him, just don’t tell mum, even the fat grass munchers they call horses get more in their dinner bowls than I do, I shall make sure I hang around in the kitchen when mum is cooking, she’s so messy and clumsy she often drops stuff and if I’m quick I get a sneaky snack! It’s not long until Christmas and the humans decide to drag a whole tree into the house, I’m not allowed sticks or mud but how is it fair they can have a whole tree?! I really hope Santa brings us a steak for Christmas as that is just delicious, I’m sure he’ll come this year as he’s magical and will still be able to bring some cheer to all the little humans! One thing I cannot wait for is the extra food and a long, long Christmas walk! Let’s hope the weather is kind and this weird lockdown goes away so we can all enjoy spending some time with our loved ones, we so need that this year. Stay safe all until next time. Billy. Jeannette Douglas

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Garden Tweet! / Indoor plants

Hardworking 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. olly is much coveted festive greenery but what about ivy, or Hedera to give it the botanical name? It makes up the trio of festive plants, the other being mistletoe, and frankly it's usually seen as a bit of a poor relation, misunderstood and mostly unloved. Yet ivy is a great workhorse in the garden. It’s evergreen, it attracts wildlife and is excellent on those northfacing walls and fences where nothing else seems to grow. It’s not just a dark green cloak either; there are many cultivars with different leaf shapes and variegated foliage. The variegated varieties are great in those areas that catch just a little sunlight during part of the day as they suddenly seem to illuminate a usually dull spot. Ivy is great for disguising an ugly wall, a bare fence, or an old tree stump. It’s a reliable and self-clinging climber if you choose the right variety and remember to prune it correctly. The young climbing stems are slender and flexible with small aerial roots that fix the shoot to a surface. Adult stems are thicker, self-supporting and do not have roots. Unlike mistletoe, ivy isn't parasitic so won’t harm trees but be careful about letting it grow on the walls of your house as it will damage weak mortar and pebbledash. If growing on a property it needs to be clipped back in spring and summer, so it doesn’t do any damage to the structure underneath. Don’t let it get into

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Garden View

gutters because it will clog them, then infiltrate under tiles or slates. Ivy is excellent ground cover. It will scramble over areas of poor soil and brighten the ground between shrubs during the dark winter months. Persian ivy, Hedera colchica, Dentata Variegata, is lovely because of its large, yellow-edged leaves. Hedera canariensis, Gloire de Marengo, is also good. Its red stems and large leaves with splashes of yellow looks rather splendid. If you need an area covered quickly try Hedera Hibernica, which is a vigorous native ivy. Hedera helix (pictured) is the other native ivy and this one has numerous cultivars including Goldheart, which has yellow-centred leaves, Green Ripple, with frilly edged leaves and ‘Buttercup’ which is bright yellow. If you love to support the wildlife in your garden, then ivy is a terrific plant. During autumn and early winter adult ivies produce small greenish-yellow flowers. These are especially rich in nectar so attract bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other insects, providing them with a place to overwinter. Birds like thrushes, blackbirds and robins enjoy the purple black berries which ripen from late winter to mid-spring, providing a much-needed winter food source. I hope I’ve made a good case for growing ivy in your garden. Holly might bear the crown, but I reckon ivy deserves a tiara at the very least! Happy gardening and Merry Christmas. Rachel Leverton

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Renegades: Fish, Fright, Fireworks & Fun!

ith the weary prospect of locked down lights going out perhaps even up to Christmas, the Renegades Youth Group was determined to give the teens and tweens an autumn start to remember. On top of the regular sessions of archery, carpentry, bushcraft and drama, the youngsters got reely hooked on the club’s inaugural fishing trip to a small section of the Arun… despite being wetter than the fish and having a zero success rate. “The fish saw us coming,” says Group Leader Gareth Miller. “And we managed to hook more tree roots and branches than anything else but the kids had a ball…and the grown-ups got a chance to sit down! A huge thank you to parents Steve D and Steve W for their help and support.” And be afraid, be very afraid – apparently sea fishing and crabbing are next on the agenda thanks to some fishy fathers who seem to have Jaws in their sights! Then came a fright night with a difference! The regular weekly night walk morphed into a Haunted Hallowe’en Hike. All of the youngsters turned up looking like Hammer House of Horror had met Zombie Dawn of the Dead… and they set off in high spirits… …until spirits of another kind leapt out of the wood at

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them and gloriously scared them half to death. Two of the parents had disappeared into the woods ahead of the hikers and downloaded ghoulish sounds to their phones to play at full pitch. Blair Witch eat your heart out! They soon revived with hot dogs and hot chocolate… and judicious use of make-up remover! Finally, the government’s announcements meant that our bonfire night was moved to 4th November, the eve of lockdown, and Aurora fireworks once again put the fizz in our firecrackers. It was distinctly chilly but burgers, sausages, hot chocolate and a glorious display warmed the proverbial cockles. And finally, a bit of great news – the Renegades has been formally confirmed as a charity, which gives us access to applying for more grants for the children. So keep your fingers crossed and be on the look out for canoes… and Jaws! The Renegades is a youth group for all local children (in roughly The Weald catchment area) aged 10-16. It costs £10 a month and can be joined by contacting Gareth on 07801 862550. Vanda Rumney Photo: “The fish saw us coming” was one of many feeble excuses for a zero catch – but fun was had by all which is what matters

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Community / Logs

Rotary’s Response to Lockdown

aul Harris, an Attorney in Chicago, gathered men from diverse backgrounds to meet for fellowship in 1905, and Rotary was formed with the motto: ‘Service Above Self’. It was not long before the group were involved in humanitarian projects, and in 1910 it became Rotary International, and eventually welcomed women members. There were 22 Rotary clubs in Britain during the Second World War. Now with 35,000 members in 200 countries, members are welcome at clubs all over the world when abroad. Rotary came to Billingshurst in 1988. Although current members have visited Rotary supported charities in Sumatra, Tanzania and polio eradication in India (recently one member founded a charity supporting children’s education in Nicaragua), now, however, the local community is the focus of our attention. Unable to hold the Billingshurst Show this year, and also prevented from manning Santa’s Grotto at Newbridge Nurseries, our fundraising has had to change. A Scarecrow Competition in the Village, and a sponsored walk along the South Downs Way, both reported in Village Tweet, have enabled us to

support Chestnut Tree House as well as Food Bank Boxes. We are working with The Lions and the Billingshurst Community Partnership to support local people. Several members are part of the local COVID-19 Support Group manning the help line, shopping and making masks. Friends of Rotary joined the Community Gardening Day, and it is hoped that this can start again after lockdown. The Bank Holiday Car Boot Sales last year raised funds for local people in need. Billingshurst and District Rotary Club would welcome new members who wish to make friends, and provide help to the local community. It is hoped we shall get back to normal meetings, but at the moment we have regular Zoom meetings and WhatsApp chats to maintain fellowship and swap ideas. Details can be found at: billingshurstrotary.org and Facebook. Helen Abbott, Billingshurst & District Rotary Club Photo: Peter Hooper laying the Billingshurst & District Rotary wreath at Billingshurst War Memorial, November 2020

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Christmas Spot the Difference

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Community / Garden Tweet!

Countdown to Gingerbread House Fun Day

n previous years, local businesses and groups have taken part in Safe in Sussex’s Gingerbread House Fun Day but this year the event is open to everyone. The 3rd Fun Day will be virtual and takes place on Friday, 11th December. The last two years have been a great success with local companies and groups coming together for team bonding and festive fun while raising vital funds for the charity. This year due to COVID19 plans have had to change with the introduction of a friends and family smaller gingerbread house decorating kit as well as the corporate competition. The Corporate/Groups Gingerbread Decorating Competition, like previous years, will continue with the winner getting the amazing Gingerbread House Decorating Competition Trophy for a year and having their Group/Business name engraved on it. Fay Millar from Brighton Cakes who makes the gingerbread packs will be judging once again this year, along with another yet to be announced judge, as judging the amazing creations is a difficult task. In previous years the gingerbread houses have been given to the refuges, but this year companies, groups and families will get to keep them and enjoy their creations to reduce the risk of possible infection. In addition to the corporate competition, a smaller Gingerbread pack option has been

designed so that individuals, couples and families can take part. There is no judging event, however Safe in Sussex will host a Gingerbread House Zoom event to allow people to show off their finished houses and enjoy some festive fun. Debbie West, Community and Corporate Fundraiser for Safe in Sussex said, “Our annual Gingerbread House Decorating Competition has been well supported by local businesses and groups for the last two years raising funds and awareness for the work of Safe in Sussex. This year we were determined that despite the pandemic the event would go ahead. I am so grateful that Fay Millar has once again stepped up to the challenge to create and bake the gingerbread houses flat packs for the competition as well as for the families and friend’s option. Like many charities fundraising during a pandemic is a challenge and we hope that as many businesses, groups and families as possible will get involved to help us to continue to be there for those in our community who are impacted by domestic abuse.” To find out more and to take part in this year’s event e-mail debbie.west@safeinsussex.org.uk. Debbie West, Community & Corporate Fundraiser Photo: Fay Millar of Brighton Cakes (left) with Anna Dyda, Rayner IOL, 2019 winner

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Obituary / Garden Tweet! / Logs Billingshurst loses a much loved long-time resident Stella Moore, having lived in Billingshurst for almost 50 years, died peacefully in mid-October in hospital. Stella was an active member of many clubs and societies including the Seniors Lunch Club, Horticultural Society, Historical Society, WEA and the Bowls Club among many others. She was also a former St Mary’s Church Warden. A keen walker, Stella met John, her husband to be, through the Youth Hostel Association. They married in Brighton in 1952 and, with John employed by the Colonial Service, soon departed for Nyasaland, where they oversaw the transition to independence and the country now known as Malawi. There they spent 15 very happy years, with John as an accountant and Stella working as a teacher in a local school. Returning to the UK in the 1970s (they drove a Hillman Imp all the way back from Africa!), they settled in Billingshurst and loved village life quickly immersing themselves in all it had to offer, walking the South Downs was a firm favourite. Although Stella didn’t have children, she and John adored their nieces and nephews and many a happy afternoon was spent at their former house and garden, Brook Cottage on Marringdean Road. Nicky Allington (niece)

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Spot the Difference - Solution

Puzzle on page 43

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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, Shipley Men’s Shed. Shipley football ground off Dragon’s Lane. Part of the international Men’s Shed Tues & Weds organisation. For men interested in woodwork or wish to spend time with like-minded, local chaps. www.HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org. Tel: Philip, 07786 070939 or email: info@HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org 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 Billingshurst Short Mat Bowls. Suspended until further notice due to coronavirus 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. Women’s Hall, High St, Billingshurst, 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. 10-11.30am. Shipley football ground off Dragon’s Lane (Holbrook Club in mid-Winter). Followed by refreshments. Men & women welcome. www.HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org. Tel: Philip, 07786 070939 or email: info@HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org 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 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 Pétanque Club. Meets at Shipley Football Ground, 10.15am for 10.30 start (*in the Spring/Summer/ & Fri* Autumn months meet Friday, 6.30pm). Coffee after. All equipment provided. All ages and abilities welcome. www.HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org. Tel: Russell, 07803 259190 or email: info@HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org 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). All HDC walks cancelled due to coronavirus Every Thurs Wildlife walkabouts. RSPB Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve, Wiggonholt, RH20 2EL. 10am-12 noon. 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 Spy Café. Temporarily closed due to coronavirus VMA Dance classes for children 2-18yrs. Jubilee Fields, Billingshurst. Classes in Ballet, Street Dance Every Fri & Contemporary. Free Trial available then £5pw pre-booked. 07879 773705 www.vmadance.co.uk Every Fri Nationwide Building Society. Billingshurst Community Centre. Cancelled due to coronavirus 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 SPACE IS TIGHT IN THE WHAT’S ON PAGES. IF ANYONE HAS TRIED TO TAKE PART IN ANY OF THE REGULAR ENTRIES (ABOVE) AND FOUND THEM TO BE NO LONGER AVAILABLE PLEASE LET VILLAGE TWEET KNOW

What’s On near you / Aircraft noise 2 Dec

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The Arts Society – South Downs Pandemic Online Talk by Ian Gledhill: ‘The Magic of Pantomime’. 10.30a.m. We regret this online Zoom talk is for members only. If you are interested in joining the lecture please contact Hilary, tel: (01403) 785302. We look forward to returning to Fittleworth Hall as soon as it is safe to do so. www.theartssocietysouthdowns.org.uk Reading Friends. Temporarily suspended due to coronavirus CDC Health Walk: Wey & Arun Canal (Loxwood). Meet in the Canal Centre car park, behind the Onslow Arms, RH14 0RD, 10.30am. A level 3½ mile walk. 1½ hours. Due to coronavirus 5 people max, pre-book at www.chichester.gov.uk/heartsmart or (01243) 521041 up to 1 week in advance Billingshurst Horticultural Society AGM. Cancelled due to coronavirus, Chairman writing to members 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 Macmillan Table Top Sale. 26 Coombe Hill, Billingshurst. 10am-12 noon. Home-made cakes, jam, honey, marmalade, books, Jill’s Crafts Indoor Antiques Market & Collectors Sale. Ansell’s Yard, Kirdford Road, Wisborough Green, RH14 0DD. 10am-2pm. No entrance fee. Tables available £8 (must be pre-booked). Telephone (01403) 700633 or 07798 941940 Billingshurst Carers Group (for carers of people with dementia or long-term condition). Longfield Manor, West Street, RH14 9LX. 2.30-4pm. (Every 2nd Weds.) info@carerssupport.org.uk or www.carerssupport.org.uk 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 Billingshurst WI. Cancelled due to coronavirus Billingshurst and District Wine and Beer Circle meeting. Cancelled due to coronavirus St Mary’s Guild Members’ Christmas Celebration. St Mary’s Room, East Street, Billingshurst. 10.30am. We are a friendly women’s group and we welcome visitors. Beryl Peacock (01403) 782835 Billingshurst United Reformed Church Dementia Café. Temporarily suspended due to coronavirus Loxwood Jazz & Blues Club. Cancelled due to coronavirus 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. Due to coronavirus 5 people max, pre-book at www.chichester.gov.uk/heartsmart or (01243) 521041 up to 1 week in advance 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 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 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 Quiet Garden Afternoon at The Blue Idol. Temporarily suspended due to coronavirus. See website for details: www.blueidol.org

IF ATTENDING A MEETING YOU MUST ADHERE TO THE GOVERNMENT’S ‘RULE OF SIX’ i.e. A MAXIMUM OF SIX PEOPLE AT ANY MEETING OR GATHERING. YOU RISK A £100 FINE FOR NON-COMPLIANCE

We have been notified of some events being cancelled due to coronavirus – these have been marked in red. For other events, where a phone number or e-mail is given you are advised to check. With Press lead times and government guidelines changing almost daily the onus is for the organisers to contact Village Tweet if your event is cancelled; we cannot make that decision for you! 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

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Fire Station / Advertisers Index

Merry Christmas from Billingshurst Fire Station

ll of us at your local Fire Station know Christmas will be different this year, but we hope it’s a safe and enjoyable one. This year has certainly been difficult for everyone, and we can only hope that 2021 is better. COVID-19 has changed 2020 for us all in many different ways. We have had to make changes at the fire station from March, with no charity car washes, open days, station visits and community work. The way in which we respond to emergency calls has changed, trying to keep us and the public safe. The fire engine and station has never been so clean, as we have a cleaning routine once we return back from each fire call. We hope in 2021 we can resume our car washes, open days and community work. COVID-19 hit the station in many different ways, but due to the hard working and committed personnel on station, we were still able to keep the community safe.

During the summer, we experienced our busiest spell at the fire station for years. With hot temperatures, we were being called out three or four times a day. This lasted throughout June, July and August. Well done to all the crew on station for their continued hard work on station and being on-call throughout the year. We hope you have an enjoyable Christmas. Look out for those who live alone, check they are OK. A little chat – under social distancing rules – will go a long way to someone who lives alone. We are positive that 2021 will be a better year, and look forward to updating you with events we will be able to hold next year. Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year Twitter: @Station49Fire Facebook: Billingshurst Fire Station Dan Game, Billingshurst Fire Station Top row, left to right: Ronnie, Tim, Jason. Bottom row, left to right: Connor, Dave, Andreas, Ilohna, Brian, Matt, Dan

ADVERTISERS INDEX December 2020 A-Team Mechanics............................47 A/c’s Direct, Accounting ....................12 AC Decor...........................................35 Air Ambulance...................................16 Alba Plumbing...................................33 Ansells Market.....................................6 Apex Aerials ......................................37 Arlo’s Toy Shop .................................11 Bat and Ball pub................................13 Best Choice Roofing .........................35 Billingshurst Parish Council ........26, 27 Billingshurst Service, Repair & MOT Centre ..................................46 Bygone Gardening ............................41 CAGNE .............................................49 Chef’s Farms.......................................3 Chiro Practical...................................17 CJ Sewage Treatment ......................32 Dandelion Farewells, funerals...........16 DGS Logs..........................................45 Daisy B Fitness .................................17 Direct LPAs .........................................4 DM Handyman ..................................31 DW Gardens .....................................40 Emma’s Sussex Kitchen ...................13 Essex Cares Ltd, recruitment............15 Evans Electrical.................................31 Flackwoods Solicitors..........................6 Flow-serve Plumbing, Drainage, Heating..........................................28

GB Glazing Ltd..................................32 GJ Coles, builder ..............................22 Goring Road Carpet Centre..............32 Hamilton Cole TV & Satellite Equipment .....................................37 Hammond’s, Christmas trees............10 Heritage Decorating ..........................22 Holly Stone Hypnotherapy ................20 Horsham District Council (Capitol)......8 Horsham District Council (Wellbeing) ....................................18 JC Plumbing......................................22 Jim Hills Sports Warehouse................9 Jonathan Carter Tree Surgery ..........43 Just Care...........................................17 Katherine Finn Hypnotherapy ...........17 Kings Head pub ................................13 KJ Lammas Plumbing & Heating ......21 Lee’s Locks .......................................37 Mac’s Private Hire...............................6 Meadow Hall Veterinary Practice ......38 Meadows Wellbeing ..........................20 Menace Scaffolding...........................23 Mike Lord Building ............................23 Miss Mop Domestic Cleaning ...........37 MW Wingate Painting & Decorating .28 MPS Home Improvements Ltd..........29 N Francis Electrical Ltd.....................33 NFP Forestry.....................................42 NFU Mutual Insurance ........................7

Nicole’s Indoor Plants .......................40 Omni Davis Insurance.........................8 Onslow Arms pub..............................13 Oven Cleaning Direct........................30 Oven Rescue ....................................29 P&W Jordan Upholstery....................20 Park House Kitchens.....................OBC Pest Man...........................................43 Pet Pooch Boutique ..........................39 Pet Portraits ........................................5 Petworth MOT Centre .......................46 PJM Building & Property Maintenance..................................33 Rebecca Beauty Therapist................17 REM Landscapes..............................45 Re-Nu Kitchens.................................29 Rudgwick Fencing.............................36 Scriven Arboriculture.........................44 Shelock Installations .........................23 St Gabriel’s church ............................11 St Mary’s church................................11 Sussex Carpet Brokers .....................34 Sussex Free Range Turkeys.............11 Sussex Towing Brackets ...................47 Titchmarsh Services, tree surgery ....41 TM Heating Engineers ......................31 Tulip Accounting..................................4 Village Homecare..............................20 Village Nurseries ...............................43

Little Tweeters!

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Village Tweet - December 2020

Articles inside

Garden View: Hardworking ivy

Safe in Sussex: Gingerbread House competition

The Spaniel Diaries: The continuing adventures of Billy

John Nash: A taste of Christmas once

Scout Movement: Scouts in Lockdown

Miranda Rijks Short Story: Christmas socks

Royal Britsh Legion: Remembrance Day

A Good Read: Book Reviews

Scout Movement: Remembrance Day

Recipe: Parmesan biscuits

Yvonne Fleece: We three from Billingshurst came