Village Tweet - June 2020 by Village Tweet

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Hilda Clark (95) thanks the NHS by knitting baby hats for maternity wards @VillageTweet

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Billingshurst Covid-19 Support Group

June 2020 Help for those in need. See page 5

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

s I write this (14th May) the Lockdown has been relaxed a little; unlimited exercise is permitted and many people have returned to work. Social distancing is still paramount of course and if we all observe this we will hopefully prevent the R factor from rising enough to result in another Lockdown. Time will tell. Schools, leisure centres, many shops and all pubs and restaurants remain closed but hopefully before long they too will begin to open and life will seem a little more normal. Grahame Cover: Billingshurst resident Hilda Clark celebrated her 95th birthday on 15th May. An avid Village Tweet reader, she particularly enjoys John Nash’s column. Inspired by Captain Tom Hilda has been ‘doing her bit’ for the NHS by knitting woolly hats for maternity wards Photo: Harriet (Hilda’s cousin) Food & drink Recipe: Gin and tonic lemon cake . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Health & wellbeing Holly Stone, Hypnotherapist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 The Village Homecare Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Arun Valley Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Katherine Finn, Hyphotherapist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 About the house KJ Lammas Plumbing and Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Mike Lord Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 MW Wingate Painting & Decorating . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Ovens and More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Oven Cleaning Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 DM Handyman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 MPS Home Improvements Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Sussex Carpet Brokers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 GJ Coles, Builder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 JC Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Re-Nu Kitchens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 AC Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 GB Glazing Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Best Choice Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Flow-Serve Plumbing, Drainage, Heating . . . . . . . .23 N Francis Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 PJM, Building & Property Maintenance . . . . . . . . .23 1A Acclaim Floor Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Contents COPY DATE FOR JULY ISSUE: 5th JUNE 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: Cracks ’n’ crevises Jonathan Carter Tree Surgery . . . Fix-Up Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . REM Landscapes . . . . . . . . . . . . Scriven Arboriculture . . . . . . . . . . Village Nurseries . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bygone Gardening . . . . . . . . . . .

The paper used for Village Tweet has been responsibly sourced

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.26 .26 .26 .27 .27 .27 .29 .29

Miscellaneous Professional Services & Businesses Tulip Accounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Omni Davis Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 A/c’s Direct, Accounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Flackwoods Solicitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 NFU Mutual Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8, 9 Jim Hills Sports Warehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Dandelion Farewells, funerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Pest Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Rudgwick Fencing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Community/Out & About/Farming/Smallholding Ansells Vintage Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Billingshurst Covid-19 Support Group . . . . . . . . . .4, 5 St Mary’s Church: Stay safe with online services . . .5 Wey & Arun Canal Trust: Celebrating 25 years . . .11 Barns Green Half Marathon & 10k Races cancelled .12 Royal British Legion: VE Day Celebrations . . . . . . .17 Billingshurst Parish Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18, 19 Billingshurst Fire Station: Coronavirus . . . . . . . . . .21 St Catherine’s Hospice: The Big Fat Orange Quiz .34 John Nash’s Column: When we reminisce . . . . . . .28

Alba Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Apex Aerials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Hamilton Cole, TV & Satellite Equipment . . . . . . . .25 Park House Kitchens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OBC Features

Motoring and Private Hire Billingshurst Service, Repair & MOT Centre Petworth MOT Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lintott Auto Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sussex Towing Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-Team Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . .

.30 .30 .31 .31 .31

Miranda Rijks, short story: Wedding Blues . . . . . . .14 A Good Read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Little Tweeters! Weald School: Manufacturing PPE . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Weald School: LRC activities in Lockdown . . . . . . .24 Kids Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IBC

Games and quizzes Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 22 Spot the Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22, 31 Last But Not Least What’s On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32, 33 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Out & about / Accountancy / Insurance

Check out our competitive Advertising Rates: www.villagetweet.co.uk

BARGAINS GALORE AT

ANSELLS

VINTAGE SALE & MARKET Every Saturday 10am to 2pm FREE ENTRY & PARKING Stallholders welcome (tables £5) Antiques • Hornby Trains Furniture • Bric-a-Brac • Jewellery Garden Ornaments • Crafts etc ANSELLS, KIRDFORD ROAD, WISBOROUGH GREEN, RH14 0DD Book/details: (01403) 700633 or 07798 941940

Billingshurst Coronavirus Support Group

If you are Self-isolating, Struggling ć&#x2DC;&#x20AC;nancially, Anxious or lonely due to COVID-19 and you live in the RH14 9 area, then we can help.

Our team of over 100 volunteers can help with essential shopping, posting stamped letters, collecting medication, food parcels or a friendly chat.

If you need some (free) support, please call

01403 595003 (9am - 6pm)

or email

communityhelp@billingshurstfamily.church For more information, visit

https://billingshurst-support-group.org The Billingshurst Coronavirus Support Group is a partnership initiative between Billingshurst Family Church, St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church, Billingshurst Community Partnership, Billingshurst Parish Council, Billingshurst Community Minibus and Billingshurst Community Transport.

Covid-19 / Religion

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Billingshurst Coronavirus Support Group – Making a difference

t the time of writing (beginning of May) the BCSG have been active for over 6 weeks. During this time, they have responded to around 400 requests for help, delivered around 250 prescriptions, done over 120 shopping trips, had over 50 ‘friendly chat’ phone calls and delivered several food parcels. All this is having been made possible thanks to the efforts of their team of over 100 volunteers. One of the services that they are able to offer is help for those facing financial hardship during this crisis. Many on low incomes have struggled during the lockdown, have been unable to claim Government support, have had benefit delays or are simply struggling to make ends meet. Billingshurst Family Church, who form part of the support group, hold emergency parcels from the Horsham Foodbank here in the village. And thanks to some generous donations from local organisations and individuals they are able to supplement these parcels with fresh food items. Organisations that have donated include Billingshurst Parish Council, St. Mary’s Church, Billingshurst Rotary Club,

Billingshurst Lions and Horsham District Council. Those facing financial difficulty should not be reluctant to contact the support group. Just recently they helped a young family where the husband had just lost his job because of the lockdown. They were also able to offer assistance to a disabled person unable to manage on benefits. These are just two examples, but anyone struggling financially should get in contact with the group. Sue Gatland, who leads the team says, “We know that there are many local families facing hardships at the moment and would encourage folk to contact us for help!” The parcels that they provide contain enough basic food to feed individuals or families for three days. You can request a parcel by contacting the support helpline on (01403) 595003, emailing communityhelp@billingshurstfamily.church or by contacting the Billingshurst Family Church Office directly on (01403) 786706. All requests are treated sensitively and confidentially.

Join us for online worship!

his week the swifts returned to their familiar home around the church building. Their acrobatic, agile and loud dance through the skies are comforting. We are blessed to have their seasonal company once more in present times that are filled with the strange and unfamiliar. If they could report back from their flight around our village what would they see? The soundscape is now a quieter one. You can hear the voices of children playing, and the air is alive with birdsong. The happy barks of excited dogs and the sizzle of household barbecues are also there. The sound of applause on Thursday night as we thank those who keep us safe might also surprise them. A solitary church bell rings clear on the hour and at 10am on a Sunday morning as Rev. David Beal enters the Church to pray on the behalf of congregations who would normally be gathering. This building is a spiritual home to many and a place where countless important family occasions have been conducted over 900 years: weddings, baptisms, funerals. This church on the hill is daily walked past by so many and seen from afar. The registers record the names of so many individuals and families who have faced the challenges of their generation: everyday challenges of putting bread on the table in times of national shortage or unemployment; how to raise a healthy and happy family or deal with grief. Suffering, joy and hope are not noted in our registers but when you talk to villagers the stories of resilience and community strength are a testimony to the wonder of working through the impact of local,

national and world events together. Many tell of how God has been alongside them through all the ups and downs of life. Jesus is described as ‘Emmanuel’, God with us. This heavenly company means we can never be alone. No shut door keeps him out. The love he brings to us stays beyond this present life into our heavenly home and community.

St. Mary’s is here to serve the village in all seasons, and we are here for you now. You can come to church through online worship. On our website – www.stmarysbillingshurst.org – you will find dedicated adult, youth and children’s sessions. If you don’t have the internet write to the church office – we can provide CDs or DVDs. Most importantly, if you would like us to pray for you – just ask. Tel: (01403) 782332 or e-mail: office@stmarysbillingshurst.org.

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

Food and drink / Accountancy

Gin & Tonic with Lemon Drizzle Cake

METHOD

1. Line a 1Kg loaf tin 2. Preheat oven to 180°C / Gas Mark 4. Cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light. Add the eggs a little at a time and beat until combined. Carefully fold in the flour and the finely grated zest of both lemons. 3. Add the juice of 1 lemon and 100ml of gin, then pour into the lined tin. Bake in the centre of the oven for 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. 4. Remove from the oven and leave to cool slightly in the tin while you make the drizzle. 5. Combine the rest of the gin, the granulated sugar, tonic water (if using) and juice of 1 lemon in a bowl. Puncture the surface of the cake all over with a skewer, then pour the drizzle over. 6. Don’t remove the cake from the tin until it’s cold and the sugary topping has crystallised. Serve with crème fraiche… and a G&T of course.

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Perfect for afternoon tea Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 45 mins. Serves 8-10.

INGREDIENTS

3 large eggs, beaten 240g butter at room temperature 240g caster sugar 240g self-raising flour 2 large lemons 200ml gin 25ml tonic water (optional – elderflower is particularly nice) 130g granulated sugar

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!

Coffee break / Legal services

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Village Tweet Quick Crossword

Solution on page 22

HAVE YOU GOT THE INSURANCE YOU NEED? When did you last walk around your house looking in cupboards to check your contents insurance is adequate? Do you live in a larger, higher-value home, or have a number of expensive items – perhaps jewellery and watches, fine art or collections, or even designer interiors with beautiful curtains and tech. Standard insurance may not be fully protecting you. You may be better protected by an insurance product which enables you to adapt your policy to meet your specific needs – such as agreeing values, increasing cover limits. WHAT IS UNDERINSURANCE? To be ‘underinsured’ means that the amount you’re covered for is less than the cost of rebuilding, replacing, or repairing. For example, if you had a fire at your home, and your ‘sums insured’ is only £30,000, but the actual cost to replace your contents is £100,000 then you’re underinsured and the reality is your policy won’t pay out beyond £30,000, leaving you with a hefty bill. DO YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU OWN? Try to take account of the true value of everything you own – both buildings and contents. If you’re unsure of the difference between the two, imagine your house could be lifted off the ground and tipped upside down. Everything that falls out is contents. The rest should be covered by buildings insurance. Also don’t forget about items such as artwork or jewellery that you might have inherited or purchased a long time ago – their value may have changed significantly. HOW CAN YOU BE CERTAIN EVERYTHING IS COVERED? Not only does Bespoke insurance from NFU Mutual offer many specialist features as standard, but unlike many other insurers who have moved online, the team at NFU Mutual value a real conversation with you to fully understand your needs, enabling them to tailor cover right down to the finest detail. Contact NFU Mutual Henfield on 01273 025715 to speak to Nick or Tracey or visit nfumutual.co.uk for more information.

Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited.

Take time to walk around your house and use the table below as a guide to the amount of contents you need to be insured for. Remember, you should look at how much items are to replace from new as in the event of a claim you can get new for old cover. Exclusions may apply. Living room

Bedrooms

Curtains

Clothes – including suits

Furniture

Shoes and handbags

Books and ornaments

Jewellery

Electrical appliances

Bed linen and curtains

Pictures

Furniture

Other

Electrical items

Kitchen/utility room

Other

Electrical appliances

Bathroom

Kitchenware e.g. pans, cutlery

Bath linen

Furniture Rugs Pictures and linen

Furniture

Other cupboards Dining room

Toiletries and make-up £

Other Other rooms

Office Garage

Diningware – china, glasses, silverware

Outbuildings

Other

Attic Other electrical appliances Other

“At NFU Mutual Henﬁeld we pride ourselves on taking the necessary time to make sure we are providing the right level cover for you to protect your home and contents should the worse happen.” – Chets Modi, Agent.

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Jim Hills Sports Warehouse

Competing with online prices!

Here’s hoping that we will be allowed to Please visit our website regularly for updates

We have a great range of New Stock offering a MINIMUM of 20% off all items retailing at £20 plus! Plus up to 50% off ‘end of lines’ Simply the best for Service and Price!

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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Community / Health and wellbeing

hen the first fee-paying passengers cruised along the Wey & Arun Canal back in 1995, few members could have imagined that Trust would be celebrating 25 years of public boat trips and this year welcoming more than 1,000 passengers on boat trips just in the Christmas and New Year period alone. The inaugural boat trip on 28th May 1995 – the first time a narrowboat had traversed that part of the canal in 125 years – was for invited guests only on a 1¼ mile restored stretch from Drungewick, passing under Barnsill Bridge to Baldwin’s Knob Lock. The cruise also saw the naming of the trip boat used, Zachariah Keppel, after the contractor appointed by the Wey & Arun Junction Canal Company to construct the canal in 1813. The boat had been donated to the Wey & Arun Canal Trust in 1993. Its first owners were Cyril & Thelma Wood and their son Leslie, from Guildford, who named it Elsetee, a mash-up of their names. The family then sold the boat to Nigel Thorne of Ash, who moored it at Gun’s Mouth in Shalford, Surrey. From there it found its way to the Wey & Arun Canal Trust, but the boat was disused and in a sorry state so the Trust transported it by road to Redlands Farm in Plaistow, West Sussex, for extensive refurbishment by volunteers and refitting as a public trip boat. Thinking commercially, Trust directors saw the opportunity to raise funds for restoration by charging the public to cruise along the canal and so the first public cruises began. These first trips had to be prebooked and were for 30 passengers maximum, and also included a guided walk alongside the boat trip. Passengers started their half-hour walk at the Onslow Arms pub and then returned by boat, and had another walk back to the pub. Back then passengers were charged £3 for the experience – which in 1995 would have bought them two pints at the Onslow Arms. Special cruises soon followed, with the first Santa cruises taking place in 1998.

As the Trust was to learn, though, it wasn’t always plain sailing operating a public trip boat operation. In 2001 Easter Special Cruises were planned for the first time but had to be cancelled due to foot and mouth precautions. The Onslow Arms was also closed for refurbishment until May (and at that time they provided the only nearby loos). Today there’s no shortage of conveniences, and the Wey & Arun Canal Trust owns three boats, with the greener and electric powered Wiggonholt taking the majority of boat trippers, instead of the diesel Zachariah Keppel, supplemented by Josias Jessop, which seats nine. Wiggonholt is licensed to carry up to 48 passengers and has been adapted to accommodate wheelchairs with a toilet and access ramp. The trip boat route has changed too since the first cruises set out. Restoration has seen the completion of Brewhurst Bridge and Lock, Devil’s Hole Lock, Loxwood Road Crossing (a £2m+ project) and Southland Lock, creating a three-and-a-half mile showpiece restored canal section. Passengers no longer have to walk the canal to reach the boats, but are met at the dedicated Canal Centre at Loxwood (by the Onslow Arms), serving as tourist information hub as well as visitor centre. Trust chairman Sally Schupke says, “Things have certainly moved on in 25 years, but we’re still proud that so many get so much enjoyment from a relaxing cruise to take in the stunning scenery here, along with the thousands who enjoy its towpaths for walking, cycling and riding.” The 25th anniversary will be marked with special events during 2020 and a programme of public boat trips and special cruises will resume when coronavirus restrictions are lifted. Gill Davies Press and Publications Assistant Photo: The Elsetee prior to restoration

e Homecare S g a l l erv Vi Home help, companionship, shopping, light housework, meal prep, and lots more…

ice

The

Wey & Arun Canal Trust marks 25 years of boat trips

Katy Clayton-Turner 01403 730663 or 07922 425157 www.villagehomecareservice.co.uk thevillagehomecareservice@gmail.com

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

Marathon / Job vacancies

Cancelled: Barns Green Half Marathon & 10k races

ecause of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the decision has been taken to cancel the Barns Green Half Marathon and 10k races this year. The event was due to take place on Sunday 27th September but the Barns Green Half Marathon and 10k committee met (remotely) to discuss the current situation and with deep regret took the decision that in the best interests of everyone the event should be cancelled this year. It was felt that because of the nature of the event and the large numbers of people involved in the participation and organisation on the day, that taking this decision at an early stage would be helpful and beneficial to everyone. Members of the committee are now liaising with all the different groups involved in the races and organisation such as running organisations, runners, sponsors, suppliers, charities, musical bands and other on-Green entertainment, WSCC, Christ’s Hospital School and all the volunteers, groups and societies to explain the impact of this decision. The Barns Green Half Marathon began in 1982 and this year’s race would have been its 38th running. The event has only been cancelled once before – in 1987, when the great storm swept across the country and affected West Sussex particularly badly. The Barns Green Half Marathon and 10k races

will return next year and the races will take place on Sunday 26th September 2021. Commenting on the cancellation, Chairman, Vernon Jennings (pictured) said, “We are hugely disappointed to have to make this decision, but we were unanimous that it was the right thing to do at this time. Our unique races are a very important community event and over the years we have raised a lot of money for charity and for all the various local clubs and societies that help to stage the event. We rely totally on the great work and efforts of volunteers. Unlike most other races, we do everything ourselves and my committee shoulders all the responsibilities that go with staging a major public event. It is about this time of year that we start ordering various significant items that are required on race day – control unit, barriers, toilets, medals, merchandise, etc. In the current climate this would have left us financially vulnerable. I hope everyone understands our decision and I would just like to thank my committee for their great support and to say to everyone at these uncertain times, please keep yourself safe and let’s all stay positive and look forward to things returning to normal at some time in the future. As our race motto says, Vincit qui Patitur – he who endures will succeed! Nigel Currie, Barns Green Half Marathon Committee

PPE / Health and wellbeing / Funerals

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Weald School making Face Shields in the fight against Covid-19

he Weald School is determined to help address the shortage of PPE by making face shields for frontline workers in the fight against Covid-19. Although schools currently remain closed for most children, key workers are continuing to work and keep everyone safe, and the schools are providing valuable

childcare for the children of those workers. During the Easter holidays, the Design and Technology department at The Weald – led by D&T teachers Mr Hobbs and Miss

Newman – along with a few students in school have been using laser cutters to manufacture masks for those in critical roles. So far an incredible 470 masks have been produced and the effort continues as requests continue to come in. This amazing achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the many kind donations from local people and businesses. Masks have so far been distributed to Royal Surrey County Hospital, local pharmacies, GP practices and care homes, among others. The face shields produced are reusable as the visors can be repeatedly sanitised. The school is also providing spare visors so that users are protected for longer. The Weald is one of 270 schools nationwide making masks during the Coronavirus crisis. Alison Brown Central Administration Team Photo: Royal Surrey County Hospital nurses wearing Weald School face shields

Judith Dandy Independent Funeral Director Dandelion Farewells warmly invites you to contact us if you have any questions about the funeral you need to arrange. We are committed to enabling families to plan a funeral that is personal, meaningful and affordable. We will support you to create a farewell that is appropriate and unique, thereby taking away much of the strain of planning such a signi昀cant event. We will be with you every step of the way. Church View, Billingshurst Road Wisborough Green, West Sussex RH14 0DY

e: judith@dandelionfarewells.com t: 01403 701001 m: 07769 336022

www.dandelionfarewells.com

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Short story

Wedding Blues A short story written exclusively for Village Tweet by local author Miranda Rijks

nnabel bought her hat in the January sales. It wasn’t really a hat, more like a fascinator, with sparkling woven fabric and a large peacock feather that glistened with azures, greens and mauves. The colouring reminded her a little of bottle flies. Matt and Emily hadn’t announced their engagement yet, but Annabel had seen how they looked at each other over the Christmas table, and when Matt asked whether he could have Grandma’s engagement ring, well, he didn’t need to say anymore, did he? Annabel was right. The engagement was announced three days after Emily’s birthday in February, the wedding planned for June. “It’s all a bit quick, don’t you think?” Annabel asked her best friend Megan, as they settled down at the farmhouse table with freshly baked ginger biscuits and large mugs of tea. “I thought the young had long, drawn out engagements these days.” “Perhaps she’s pregnant,” Megan mused, adding a third spoonful of sugar to her tea. Annabel ignored the comment. “We haven’t even met her parents yet. They’re travelling. A world cruise to celebrate her father’s retirement. I offered to help with the wedding planning, what with her mother being away, but I got firmly rejected.” “That’s a bit off,” Megan said, frowning. “What do you know about the family?” “Very little. The surname is Smith and they live near Midhurst. We’re meeting them the Sunday after next.” Thirty years ago, twenty-two-year-old Annabel walked up the aisle clutching her father’s arm. It was a grandiose affair in a large imposing church, bedecked with white roses and trailing ivy. The bride glanced up demurely through her veil, her eyes seeking out Robert, her fiancé. But Robert’s eyes were locked onto someone else’s. Annabel looked over her shoulder to see who Robert was gazing at. Janie. One of her three adult bridesmaids. “We are gathered here today…” intoned the vicar. “I can’t do it.” Robert whispered, his eyes welling up. “I’m sorry, Annabel.” And he turned and fled down the aisle, the clip clop of Janie’s heels reverberating through the sacred space as she ran after him. The congregation gasped. Three years later, with a heart barely healed, Annabel met William. They got married in Horsham’s registry office. Bearing in mind her scarring experiences, it is hardly surprising that Annabel feels on edge at the thought of her son’s wedding, so when the lockdown comes along, she is, in a strange kind of way, deeply relieved. “Get out of London, come to us in Sussex,” Annabel suggested over the phone to Matt. “We’ll see,” he said. “I think Emily would rather be with her parents.” “What’s wrong with our home? It’s quite big enough for you to have your own space.” “Emily hasn’t seen her parents for three months. It was touch and go whether they’d be able to get home from their cruise.” “You should come here, and Emily can go to her parents,”

Annabel said. She knew she was being churlish, but she didn’t want to lose her son. “No, Mum. We’re staying together. We’ll come and see you as soon as we can.” “What’s happening about the wedding?” Annabel asked. “We’ve got to postpone it. We’ll be sending out emails.” Annabel felt a strange relief that the big wedding was to be delayed, and frankly, she was in no hurry to meet Emily’s parents. Perhaps once they had spent a few weeks in lockdown all together, the wedding might be called off. One week before their original wedding date, Matt and Emily sent out an email announcing that they would be having an online ceremony via Zoom. Emily’s cousin was a registrar and although the nuptials were unlikely to be legal, they wanted to get married anyway. They would do it all over again properly, after lockdown. “What a lovely idea,” William said. “You’ll be able to wear your hat.” When the day dawned, Annabel got up very early to wash and blow-dry her hair. She sprayed her grey roots with a coloured mousse, and carefully applied her makeup. She put on her new purple dress and wedged the fascinator hat on the top of her head. She twirled around in the full-length mirror, happy with the way she looked. At 11.30am, William switched on the computer. He clicked on the link and up popped several faces all in their own square boxes. “Hi, Mum and Dad!” Matt said. It took a moment for Annabel to work out which box his face was in. “I’d just like to introduce you to everyone. Emily, my bride-to-be.” He put his arm around her shoulder, and she leaned into him, smiling. “And my parents-in-law, Simon and Janie Smith.” “Hello!” The older couple in the adjacent square to Emily and Matt, jiggled their fingers in some kind of a mock wave. “It’s so lovely to meet you,” Simon Smith enthused. But Annabel’s eyes were fixed on his wife. She recognised those green eyes and heart-shaped face. Annabel lunged for the mouse and clicked the End Meeting button. “What did you do that for?” William asked, as the screen disappeared. “It’s the bitch who ruined my life.” “What do you mean?” “Emily’s mother is Jane McKenna. Jane McKenna went off with my fiancé. She stole the love of my life.” William paused for a moment as the statement sank in. “The reason I didn’t want to get married in a church was because I was stood up at the altar. Robert was the love of my life and that cow stole him!” She jabbed a finger at the darkened screen. William pushed his chair back and stood up. He walked slowly across the room, into the kitchen and out of the back door. 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.

About the house M.W. Wingate

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Books / About the house

A Good Read June’s selection from book reviewer Katherine Gillespie Call the Midwife – Jennifer Worth If in lockdown you’ve been re-watching the entire wonderful BBC series Call the Midwife, you might want to take the time to read the books on which it’s based. Jennifer Worth’s bestselling memoirs recall stories of life, birth and death in London’s East End during the 1950’s. It opens as Jennifer – then fresh-faced young Jenny Lee – arrives at Nonnatus House, a community of nuns who provide midwifery and district nursing for the close-knit families of the dockers of Poplar, and follows her as she lives and learns among them. Jenny is an honest and sympathetic narrator, quick to point out her own failings. The nuns, from calm, steady Sister Julienne to mischievous Sister Monica Joan are characterised beautifully, and Jenny’s fellow midwives are a memorable bunch. But it is the people of the East End who burst from the pages – from terrified runaways to hardy mothers of four (and even twenty-four!), from seedy pimps to rough and ready dockers; all are described so vividly that they practically step out to meet you. The backdrop is almost a character in itself. As the book progresses, the reader begins to understand something of the history of the area – bombed heavily during the war, it has not recovered by the time Jenny arrives, and many families are caught in limbo, unable to do anything about their appalling living conditions. This element is explored in further detail in the subsequent volumes of the trilogy, particularly in Shadows of the Workhouse. And, of course, there are the birth stories. Every

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birth is different, and the book contains comic, tragic and poignant experiences. Worth balances human interest and medical detail deftly, never talking down to the reader but never baffling them with complex terminology, as she guides us through the emotions as well as the technicalities. For anyone with an interest in birth, midwifery, social history or just a good story, this is a must read. The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins We’ve watched all the Hunger Games films again while in lockdown. They are a great lead-in to the books which, if possible, paint an even more vivid picture. Collins’ dystopian vision of Panem is even more sinister on the page. This land, which was once America, is now divided into twelve districts, controlled by the Capitol and subjugated both by hunger and by the yearly tradition of ‘reaping’ one boy and one girl from each area to fight to the death in a televised theatre of cruelty. In order to save her sister from this fate, Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her place. Instantly her life changes as she is taken first to the Capitol for a series of rituals, and then thrust into the Games themselves. To complicate matters further, she must decide whether her fellow ‘tribute’ from District 12, Peeta, can be trusted or whether he must be sacrificed in order for Katniss to save herself. This was the novel that turned my reluctant teenage reader into one who stayed up well into the small hours to finish it. And like all the best fantasy writing, it allows us to reflect on our own world, and how we treat others. No bad thing right now.

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VE Day Celebrations / About the house

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VE (Victory in Europe) Day in 1945, saw millions take to the streets to celebrate peace after years of war. But because of the coronavirus outbreak, Billingshurst had to commemorate the 75th VE Day anniversary at home, observing social distancing. The Royal British Legion called on the nation to pay tribute to the sacrifice of the Second World War generation, including a two-minute silence at 11am. Billingshurst held ‘Stay at Home’ street celebrations with houses decorated in patriotic red, white and blue. (Photo shows the Smith family of Broomfield Drive: Chris, Abi, their children and Abi’s in-laws in uniform). On 8th May 1945, with the war in the Far East still ongoing, Winston Churchill cautioned: “We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing; but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead”, a speech relevant now, more than ever, because of the pandemic affecting us all. If you would like to know more about The Royal British Legion in Billingshurst e-mail our Chairman Rob Nicholl: billingshurst.chairman@rbl.community

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

Meetings Given the Covid-19 outbreak, meetings of the Council are currently on hold. Please keep an eye on the Council’s website and social media for updates as and when meetings are due to recommence.

Access for Emergency Services The Council often receives complaints about inconsiderate parking. When parking, it is important to not only think about the safety of road users and pedestrians but to also consider the needs of our emergency services should they need to get somewhere quickly.

Billingshurst Coronavirus Support Group We are proud to be part of the Billingshurst Coronavirus Support Group. If you require any help because you are self-isolating or struggling financially, please telephone 01403 595003 or visit the Support Group website at billingshurst-support-group.org to find out more about what help is available.

Updates from the Neighbourhood Wardens Monthly reports are produced by the Billingshurst Neighbourhood Wardens. These can be found along with other info about the Wardens, what they can and can’t do and their contact information by visiting the Council’s website www.billingshurst.gov.uk and clicking on the ‘Community’ tab along the top of the homepage.

Tree Planting in the Parish Residents may remember that the Council asked for suggestions for locations for planting trees on highway land in the autumn of 2020. The Parish Council has resolved to use £5,000 from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) at its disposal, to plant the trees. A number of suggestions were received and these have been sent to colleagues at WSCC who are now assessing site suitability. Look out for further updates on this subject in future editions of the Village Tweet publication.

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PROPOSED SIGNAGE FOR THE HAMLET OF ADVERSANE Adversane residents have been campaigning for some years to have a traditional Village Sign on the green, similar to those at Billingshurst, Five Oaks and many Sussex villages. The idea is to help reinforce the identity of the hamlet and the sign may be combined with the replacement of the jumble sale of posts which border the edges of the open space. In an effort to move the scheme forward, talented residents have kindly come up with some suggestions which we would like to get your feedback on. Some of the designs are even functional too, serving either as a compass or weathervane. Please let us know which design you prefer, or perhaps there are elements of one that you like that you would like incorporated into another. Or, perhaps all the designs ignore a key feature of the immediate area that you feel has been overlooked. Either way, drop your thoughts to clerk@billingshurst.gov.uk. Once the preferred scheme is finalised, quotes can be sought and funds and permissions sought. Also, it would be great if it could all be made locally so if you or a company you know of might be able to help, or indeed if you are a budding designer and would like your own design considered, please drop us a line.

OPTIONS 1 and 2 Base and design in part reflects Wisborough Green community sign post

OPTIONS 3 and 4 Designed as a weathervane to give purpose to the community sign

OPTION 1 Symbolises the history of West Sussex with farming and blacksmithing. Similar design to Wisborough Green

OPTION 3 More modern design, silhouetted to match weathervane design. Symbolises the history of Blacksmiths, Agriculture and Malt houses, as well as the barn owls seen flying around Adversane

OPTION 2 More traditional design, with similar symbolism, but extended to include the Romans and livestock farming

OPTION 4 Symbolises history of Blacksmiths, Sheep farming and Malt houses, as well as West Sussex county heritage

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Fire station / About the house

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Billingshurst firefighters – Covid-19 update

ith lockdown restrictions slightly lifted, we would like to say a big thank you to all Emergency Services and key workers who have been working during the past few months while we were in lockdown and will continue to work during these difficult times. Although we now enter a bit of the unknown in the coming months and with the government’s guidances always being reviewed, we would still urge people to always follow these rules in the hope that we can see an end to this horrible virus. The next few months, or even the rest of the year could be very challenging for everyone. In the middle of May we were told that Retained Stations could go back to drill/training nights in split crews to keep crew numbers to a minimum. This was a positive move, as we can now carry out vital training evenings that are so important for our dayto-day roles. The past month has been busy for us, with the dry weather and people at home. We have attended our fair share of barbecue related fires, shed fires and plenty of fires in the open. We would like to say a big thank you to the local community for supporting us with the NHS and key workers clap at 8pm on a Thursday evening. What a fantastic way to bring a community together. We love to see people out there showing their support.

On the subject of showing support, residents are urged by Horsham District Council not to release sky lanterns to show their appreciation for NHS workers during the Covid-19 crisis. An unofficial social media campaign is asking people to release sky lanterns at 8pm on Thursdays as part of #clapforcarers, the national show of support for NHS and other key workers. However, in line with the National Fire Chief’s Council guidelines, the Council advises strongly against this activity. Sky lanterns pose huge risks to wildlife and livestock, with many documented cases of animals and birds dying from ingesting debris from lanterns once they eventually land. The lanterns are also a source of littering. We are still unsure on what’s happening with future events held at the fire station, so I’m afraid we cannot comment on any car washes or open days that we had originally planned for the summer. Of course, as soon as we know, we will update you. On behalf of everyone at Billingshurst Fire Station, keep up the good work with following the government’s guidance and we hope life can get back to normal soon. Twitter: @Station49Fire Facebook: Billingshurst Fire Station Dan Game, Billingshurst Fire Station Photo: Sky lanterns kill large numbers of livestock and birds – please do not use them as a way of thanking the NHS

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Kids of all ages / About the house

Village Tweet Spot the Difference

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About the house

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Little Tweeters! / About the house

How to maintain engagement in the Weald’s LRC during Lockdown

ne month of lockdown and the four LRC & padlet spaces are in full use. It is optional so not every student has to read the content. Jokes of the day have become a permanent fixture, although some of the jokes are so bad they are almost good. Easter holidays were eased with armchair travel together with virtual tours across the world to Peru, USA, Syria, India, the Netherlands, France and the UK. We even managed an off-world tour of the planet Mars with the rover vehicle and space food. Recipes to try ranged from burritos & quesadillas with fiesta rice to Dutch apple pie and traditional afternoon tea with scones. Students just needed to decide which goes on first, the jam or the cream. During the first week we sampled the virtual rides at Disney World, visited the Natural History Museum, London Docklands Museum, NASA and Brooklands Museum. We tried recipes from Italy, the Caribbean and China as well as climbing the Great Wall of China and travelling around the Caribbean with Simon Reeve on BBC iPlayer. Students have been encouraged to keep a diary – this helps with processing feelings and coping with the problems faced. It also acts as a historical record they can share with their families in the future if they wish. A fresh grid of letters for playing Boggle has

been uploaded each week, together with an entertainment timetable. This features all the author talks and live readings with timings available online, as well as The National Theatre and The Globe Theatre offering free screenings of past productions. Earth Day, Shakespeare’s Birthday, Poem in my Pocket, World Book Night and May the Fourth/Star Wars Day have all been celebrated with interactive links, books and poetry. The importance of reading is still central to our ethos in the LRC. E-books can be borrowed through West Sussex Libraries; audio books are available through Audible and BBC Sounds free of charge. The Reading Agency, Love Reading and Gingernuts of Horror also feature books for all ages. Wellbeing is at the forefront of our minds at the moment; the LRC spaces all have posts aimed at helping staff, students and their families cope during this challenging time. Happiful is a free online wellbeing magazine that I have been able to share as well as yoga videos to help find peace and calm. Mrs Jane Fella, LRC Manager & Tutor Top: Typical padlet screen packed with information and activities, some fun, some serious. Bottom: Virtual tour of Peru’s Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World!

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About the house

Family Run Local Retailer / Service Provider

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Garden Tweet!

Cracks ’n’ crevices

love a crevice. A little gap between the lawn and the path; a cracked paving slab, or a little hole in a wall. These are tiny pockets where magic can happen. Does the crack or crevice sit mainly in the sun or the shade? If it’s sunny, you have a choice of plants with silvery or aromatic foliage. If it’s shady, choices will be more limited but there are still plants to suit. When planting, buy the smallest plants you can and gently strip off most of the compost. Squeeze them carefully into the crack or hole, water them and top dress with grit unless the crevice is in a vertical surface (because the grit will fall out!). Accept that some plants won’t survive, but if you monitor them and nurture them a little in the first year, watering and pushing a little more compost in if the rain washes any way, then most plants will establish themselves. The most successful time of year to plant cracks and crevices is March and April but don’t restrict yourself, any of these are worth trying. Dianthus squarrosus. Russian dianthus produces mats of blue-grey leaves and single white flowers with a pretty scent. Androsace sarmentosa 'Sherriffii'. This little plant is my go-to because it’s sturdy, establishes easily and is topped with pretty pink rosettes in the spring. Aubrieta deltoidei. I was always a bit snobby about this plant but when I saw it smothering an ugly cracked concrete wall at my son’s school, I fell in love with it. The purple against the pale grey concrete looked amazing. It can be sheared back after flowering to keep it in check but basically it’s bomb-proof.

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Garden View

Arenaria alvacariensis. My ten-year-old calls these ’alien blobs’ which doesn’t do them any justice. They are really easy to establish and form an attractive green dome of tight foliage, smothered with small white flowers in late spring. Thymus serphyllum. Tiny-leaved thymes are great crevice plants, and useful in the kitchen! Erigeron karvinskianus. Sprinkle seeds into crevices and this tiny daisy will grow and then self-seed happily. It’s particularly good for dry, sunny areas. Sempervivum. I have had a love affair with houseleeks since my student days. I wedge them into every crack and crevice in my garden. They will settle in and create little colonies almost anywhere you shove them, adding texture and colour. They’re evergreen too. What’s not to love? Vinca. Periwinkles have the prettiest little flowers, available in white, purples and blues, that actually thrive in shade, so they are perfect for brightening that neglected corner of the patio – the bit with the loose paving stone that rarely gets any sun and always looks a bit drab. My dad referred to cracks ’n’ crevices plants as horticultural haberdashery! The tassels, beads and bows of the plant world, that cover the ugly seams and embellish the plain areas. I think that’s a brilliant description of these hardworking little plants. Happy gardening. Rachel Leverton

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Community

When we reminisce 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.

’m sure that, like me, many of you are suffering from the effects of the self-isolation that has been our destiny during the present crisis. I’m very fortunate that living on a farm I am still able to enjoy the countryside that many have either limited or no access too. So I did a small tour of the area around me and put some pictures onto our local village noticeboard. The resulting replies showed how it brought many memories back to locals who had been part of our apple-picking team in times gone by, and who therefore recognised the views shown. So when I then included this picture of the gang from over two decades ago I was asked if I would write about those days in my Village Tweet piece. I have spoken of the harvest before but with the new problems that have been laid before growers this year I felt I could take this opportunity to try and explain the daunting task that they now face. I viewed this old photo with very mixed emotions. All of these lovely folk came from the villages that surrounded us. They were our family. They came and went as their daily duties would allow. After the school drop, in between other part-time jobs, or as other tasks permitted. Never was it weather related. In the most appalling days of rain and mud they still came regardless of few having proper wet weather gear. In fact dear Jenny turned up in her old man’s best golfing gear one particularly nasty day! He was not a happy bunny! Looking closely at those faces also brought home to me those who are no longer with us. You scan an old photo like this and you come to realise the gaps that would now be there. Folk who you came to know so well. People who returned year after year, many bringing their children with them who in turn would themselves become regular attenders of the harvest. This was the scene all over the countryside on

countless farms for countless generations. The chatter, the laughter, the friendships built over years of meeting for the autumn bounty. Now, in less than one generation it has altered in a way that is proving desperate for the future of many fruit farms. The multitude of smaller orchards that once circled so many villages have all but gone, no longer able to be profitable in the age of central marketing. The few who are left have had to specialise in attracting a niche market: artisan ciders and juices, farmers’ markets, farm shops, etc. The resulting gap is now filled by the large growers. Those who can meet the high production and storage that’s needed to meet the demands of the modern market. This has now, because of the current worldwide clampdown on travel, created a massive problem. Where are the pickers? The small group of villagers who once gathered together on each farm have gone. They have been replaced by large enterprises that require huge numbers of pickers that no small village could ever supply. Pickers arrive from all over Europe to do the job, most living in permanent camps built on the farms to house and feed them over the long harvest periods. Now they may not be available! The crops will still be there for picking. Nature doesn’t stop for anyone. I hope that farms can find a way to overcome the problems they may well have to face over the coming season. So, look at that photo and see if there is anyone who you know or knew. For those of you who recognise themselves… thank you for being there. For those who wish they could have taken part I’m truly sorry you missed such times. For those who are no longer with us… I thank them so much for the memories. To all who have ever picked fruit in those past times...no words are needed. John Nash

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Garden Tweet! / Pest control / Fencing

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Motoring

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What’s On near you

What’s On – June 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: 07786 070939 or email philipgibbs669@gmail.com 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. 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. 10-11am. 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 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 at Shipley Football Ground, 10.15am for 10.30 start (in the summer months & Fri meet Friday, 6.30pm). Coffee after. All equipment provided. All ages and abilities welcome. www.HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org. 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). 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 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. Temporarily closed due to Coronavirus Every Fri Billingshurst Bowling Club Open Evenings. Temporarily suspended due to Coronavirus Every Fri Open days at The Blue Idol. Temporarily suspended due to Coronavirus. See website for details: www.blueidol.org 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 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 1 Jun 2 Jun 4 Jun 4 Jun 6 Jun 6 Jun 7 Jun 9 Jun 10 Jun 10 Jun 10 Jun 11 Jun 12 Jun 13 Jun 15 Jun 16 Jun 16 Jun 18 Jun 21 Jun 24 Jun 25 Jun 25 Jun 27 Jun

27 Jun

28 Jun 28 Jun

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Rotary Club monthly ‘Friends’ get together for new members. Six Bells, Billinghurst. 7pm. Come along and find out about what we do! Trefoil Guild Meeting. St Mary’s Room, East St, Billingshurst. 7.30-9pm. First Tuesday of the month. Open to all ex-Brownies, Guides & Guiders. Hillary, tel: (01403) 783792 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 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 Loxwood Village Fete & Fun Dog Show. Cancelled due to Coronavirus St Catherine’s Hospice Midnight Walk. Cancelled due to Coronavirus 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 Laughter Yoga Club. Unitarian Hall (side door), Billingshurst, RH14 9TB. (Park Lakers Mead.) 1.50pm. Boost immune system & improve your wellbeing! All welcome. Linda, tel: (01403) 452773 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 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 Meeting. Cancelled due to Coronavirus Billingshurst and District Wine and Beer Circle meeting. Cancelled due to Corona virus 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 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 St Mary’s Guild Members’ talk by Caroline Gibbs: ‘The Forgotten Children of the Land of Lakes and Water’. St Mary’s Room, East Street, Billingshurst. 10.30am. We are a friendly women’s group and we welcome visitors. Beryl Peacock (01403) 782835 Loxwood Jazz & Blues Club. Cancelled due to Corona virus 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 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 Quiet Garden Afternoon at The Blue Idol. Temporarily suspended due to Coronavirus. See website for details: www.blueidol.org 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 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 Retreat Day: ‘Remembering and Nurturing Your True Self – Feeling safe and peaceful in these unsettling times’. Blue Idol Quaker Meeting House, Oldhouse Lane, Coolham, RH13 8QP. 10.30am4pm. There will be a short time for a guided visualisation, gentle discussion, and about 3 hours peaceful silence to reflect, read, or write, or colour, or to simply sit in the Meeting House and the garden. Subject to Covid-19 restrictions, once booked you will be kept updated. www.blueidol.org/calendar 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 Show & Carnival Procession. Cancelled due to Coronavirus Billingshurst Horticultural Society outing to Borde Hill Gardens, Haywards Heath. Contact Beryl Barraclough to check if going ahead or cancelled, tel: (01043) 784599

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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Advertisers Index / Charity

ADVERTISERS INDEX June 2020 1A Acclaim Floor Care ......................24

Flackwoods Solicitors..........................7

NFU Mutual Insurance....................8, 9

A-Team Mechanics............................31

Flow-serve Plumbing, Drainage,

Omni Davis Insurance.........................3

A/c’s Direct, Accounting ......................6

Heating..........................................23

Oven Cleaning Direct........................16

AC Decor...........................................22

GB Glazing Ltd..................................22

Ovens & More ...................................15

Alba Plumbing...................................25

GJ Coles, builder ..............................21

Park House Kitchens.....................OBC

Ansells Market.....................................3

Hamilton Cole TV & Satellite

Pest Man...........................................29

Apex Aerials ......................................25

Equipment .....................................25

Arun Valley Pharmacy.......................12

Holly Stone Hypnotherapy ................11

PJM Building & Property Maintenance .23

Best Choice Roofing .........................23

JC Plumbing......................................21

REM Landscapes..............................27

Billingshurst Covid-19 Suport Group...4

Jim Hills Sports Warehouse..............10

Re-Nu Kitchens.................................21

Billingshurst Parish Council ........18, 19

Jonathan Carter Tree Surgery ..........26

Rudgwick Fencing.............................29

Billingshurst Service, Repair &

Katherine Finn Hypnotherapy ...........13

Scriven Arboriculture.........................27

MOT Centre ..................................30

KJ Lammas Plumbing & Heating ......15

St Mary’s church .................................5

Bygone Gardening ............................29

Lintott Auto Services .........................31

Sussex Carpet Brokers .....................20

Dandelion Farewells, funerals...........13

Mike Lord Building ............................15

Sussex Towing Brackets ...................31

DM Handyman ..................................17

MW Wingate Painting & Decorating .15

Tulip Accounting..................................3

DW Gardens .....................................26

MPS Home Improvements Ltd..........17

Village Homecare ..............................11

Fix-Up Gardens.................................27

N Francis Electrical Ltd.....................23

Village Nurseries ...............................29

St Catherine’s Hospice calls on community to get quizzical

t Catherine’s Hospice is calling on you, and your family and friends to test your knowledge in their weekly The Big Fat Orange Quiz! The local charity launched their first quiz in April with great success. More than 200 people joined them online for three rounds of questions, including an orange themed round, as a nod to St Catherine’s orange brand, and raised nearly £2,000 in the process. The Big Fat Orange Quiz runs on Facebook every Wednesday at 8pm in complete lockdown safety! Coming to you in the comfort of your own home, via a Facebook live stream, St Catherine’s encourages you to have some fun alongside others in your community while raising vital funds so the hospice can continue to be there for everyone who needs its expert care. All you need to take part is a pen and paper. Peter Nesbitt, St Catherine’s Hospice Volunteering Manager, had the honour of hosting the hospice’s first Big Orange Quiz. He said, “I was quite nervous beforehand as hosting a virtual quiz is different from the day job! But it was a fantastic evening. It was great to see so many people in our community playing along,

Petworth MOT Centre .......................30

and to see so many of our volunteers, support staff and nurses take part too. It was really nice for our clinical staff to see people’s messages of support for the amazing work they’re doing providing dedicated care and support on the frontline come through live. Personally, I was really overwhelmed by the level of support for St Catherine’s too. Seeing donations continue to rise was really exciting and the amount we raised exceeded all our expectations. “The money people generously donated will make a huge difference. It will allow us to support even more local people through this challenging time. We can’t thank everyone enough and we’re already looking forward to quiz number two!” For the latest updates on St Catherine’s Hospice The Big Orange Quiz please follow their Facebook event page: tinyurl.com/yaub6trc. To take part in the next quiz on Wednesday 3rd June at 8pm please log onto the St Catherine’s Hospice, Crawley page on Facebook. Please invite all your friends and family to join in too. Further June quizzes on 10th, 17th and 24th. Laura Mitchell, St Catherine’s Hospice

Little Tweeters!

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