Village Tweet - March 2023

Several readers have asked me if Peter Faulding, author of What Lies Beneath (See ad opposite and featured in last month’s A Good Read), is the same Peter Faulding of Specialist Group International who has been called in to help find missing person Nicola Bulley. Yes, he is. As I write this (12th February) Nicola is still missing but Peter’s input has been incisive and a great help to local police. I can also recommend What Lies Beneath, an absolutely fascinating read.

At last spring is just around the corner and with all the doom and gloom in the News (including the tragic earthquake in Turkey and Syria) will be particularly welcome.

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A Different Kind of Mother’s Day

Sunday 19th March is Mother’s Day. Many of us will wake up to our offspring proudly offering us a wobbly tray of breakfast. But for the 400,000 children in the social care system there may be no one in their lives to appreciate their efforts of burned toast and soggy cereal.

This is where foster parents are invaluable. Fostering is an opportunity for individuals and families to make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children who are unable to live with their biological families, by providing a safe and loving environment for them. Fostering provides opportunity to make a difference in their lives and help them reach their full potential.

Children in the care system have often experienced significant trauma or upheaval in

their lives, and foster families provide children with a sense of stability and security, creating an environment in which they can heal and grow and learn to form positive relationships with others.

There is currently a shortage of foster carers, leading to long waits to place children. The basic requirements for fostering are that you are at least 21 years old (there is no upper age limit as long as you are fit and healthy), have a spare bedroom, and have permanent leave to remain in the UK.

Foster carers receive an allowance for each child they foster and training is available.

If you feel that you have what it takes to be a foster mother there are resources and information available at www.fosteringpeople.co.uk

Jamie Maxfield

Premium sparkling wine from Billingshurst

Locally available

The Horsham Cellar

Horsham Carfax

Joanna’s Boutique Tea Room

Storrington

The Billi Tap

Billingshurst

Pretty Things

Horsham

The Chequers Inn

Rowhook

Firebird Brewery

Rudgwick

Jeremy’s 2 Cowfold

New House Farm

Horsham

The Fox Inn

Rudgwick

Kissingate Brewery

Lower Beeding

The Anchor Tap

Horsham

Order online at housecoren.co.uk

Please enjoy Boco responsibly

“Inside this fabulously opulent bottle is a beautifully pale sparkling wine packed with gorgeous fruity notes.”

Tamara Hinson, Evening Standard

What a powerful experience it is when someone takes the time to listen to us. The gift of attentive listening when someone focuses carefully on us to hear what is on our heart. Many have had little opportunity of this while others know what it means to be the centre of being heard.

In friendships and family life how about looking for more opportunities to give each other

time to truly listen. It is an art form that takes practice and habit of mind. The Bible portrays God who listens and hears us every day of our life. Attentive listening has been modelled to us by God himself. I love the LORD, because he hears me; he listens to my prayers. He listens to me every time I call to him.

Bible – Psalm 116 Good News Translation

In this time of spring where the sound of birds fills our ears and the joys of nature bursting into life around us there is much to listen to. Perhaps we could give ourselves the challenge of listening with more care to those around us.

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Village Tweet Quick Crossword Solution on

page 8

Garlic and Herb Prawns

A light and tasty supper

Preparation time: 25 minutes plus marinating time. Cooking time: 5-6 minutes. Serves: 2

METHOD

1. Rinse the prawns. Use a sharp knife to slice along the back of each prawn from head end to tail and remove the thin black intestine.

2. Mix the lemon juice with the garlic, herbs and butter to form a paste. Season well with salt and pepper and spread the paste over the prawns. Leave to marinate for 30 minutes.

3. Preheat a frying pan. Fry the prawns until cooked, tossing them several times to distribute the heat evenly.

4. Turn out on to warm plates and drizzle with the juices from the pan.

5. Serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread.

Village Tweet Quick Crossword Solution

Puzzle on page 7

Across: 1, CABARET. 4, EERIE. 7, RADAR. 9, UPRIGHT. 10, INERTIA. 11, RULER. 12, DESPOT. 14, CLERIC. 18, AMPLE. 20, HAGGARD. 22, SPORRAN. 23, CROWN. 24, ENTRY. 25, ECHIDNA.

Down: 1, CARRIED. 2, BADGE. 3, TOUCAN. 4, ERROR. 5, REGULAR. 6, ENTER. 8, RATIO. 13, SUPPORT. 15, LOGIC. 16, CADENZA. 17, CHANGE. 18, AISLE. 19, EARLY. 21, AVOID.

INGREDIENTS

12 Raw prawns in their shells

Juice of half a lemon

2 Garlic cloves – crushed

3 tbsp Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 tbsp chopped fresh dill

3 tbsp softened butter

Salt and pepper

Billingshurst Community Larder

Aseed of an idea planted in a conversation with the members of local eco-group BilliGreen has led to an exciting new initiative coming soon to Billingshurst.

The Billingshurst Community Larder has been set up to help reduce food waste and provide a source of free, usable food to our community. Did you know that over 3 million tonnes of food wasted across the food industry each year is good-to-eat when it’s discarded? And that goodto-eat wasted food is enough for an estimated 7 billion meals? (Source: Fare Share).

The Community Larder will be managed, underwritten and funded by the Billingshurst Community Partnership (BCP) but it will be run in partnership between BCP, BilliGreen, Weald School, Churches Together and a number of other local volunteers. The larder is registered as a food business. All volunteers are trained in correct food handling and hygiene.

Supermarkets and other food retail outlets use special apps to alert our food collection team that waste food is available for collection. The donated food is then sorted, weighed, and stored

ready for distribution from the Weald School House at our regular Open Morning. Initially this will be Wednesdays, 10am-12pm only. The plan is to open sometime in midFebruary. Watch out for local announcements for the exact date.

Unlike a Foodbank, anyone can access food from the larder. While the food is free, cash donations are gratefully received to help with running costs. People will be limited to a maximum number of different items, subject to what is available each week.

Reducing food waste is the key aim, but helping anyone who needs food is also a great benefit.

Watch out for announcements of our Opening Day at our Facebook page @Billingshurst Community Larder and other local social media pages.

Julia Jepps

THE SIX BELLS

Why not join us this Easter for our annual Easter Egg hunt on the 9th of April at 12 O'Clock. Let the kids hunt in the garden whilst you sit down and enjoy one of our famous Badger bitters, refreshing lagers or even a glass of wine. Don’t forget to order one of our renowned roast dinners either! Remember to bring your own baskets.

Why not treat them this coming Mother’s Day on the 19th of March to one of our renowned roasts! Choose from Roast Topside of Beef, 1/2 Roast Chicken, Roast Pork Belly or even a Vegetable Wellington.

DAY

Wakoos at the Women’s Hall

If you are out and about in the village at school time every day, you may be intrigued by a crocodile of happy children in high-vis jackets heading up Alick’s Hill. They have been at Wakoos Breakfast Club and are being escorted to school. The children will be back in the afternoon for a variety of activities inside the Women’s Hall and outside in the Mothers’ Garden playground, followed by tea.

Our new building behind the hall, known as Cooper’s Cabin, with its modern kitchen has proved invaluable in the preparation of hot meals for the children. They sit in the hall waiting with anticipation for the meal to be served!

Wakoos (Weald Activities for Kids Out Of School) was set up in 1988 at the Weald School with just three babies in the original group. The Crèche, as it was called, was based in a small room at the school, later moving to a hut to cater for its growing clientele.

Over the years, a playgroup and before- and

after-school clubs were added, and it became known as Wakoos with its own premises on the Weald School site. The number of children using Wakoos went on increasing so the management, looking for an overspill, discovered the facilities at the Women’s Hall suited their needs perfectly. As one of those responsible for the setting up of the original crèche, along with a fellow trustee involved in its expansion, we are delighted that Wakoos found the Women’s Hall.

Would Ellen and Edith Beck, back in 1923, ever have imagined seeing that crocodile of children making the most of their legacy one hundred years later?

Join us for an Easter Egg Treasure Hunt at the Women’s Hall on Easter Monday 11th April for children under 11. Look out for details in next month’s Village Tweet.

Jane Chittenden

Photos, left to right: The original three babies in the Weald Crèche, 1988. Present day Wakoos staff, Megan and Izzy

Billingshurst Ukulele Group (BilliUke)

Singing has been proven to influence the body to relax, reduce blood pressure and lower anxiety. Bringing people together around a shared and safe interest is a powerful antidote to an increasingly polarised society. Learning a new skill is wonderful for building confidence and keeping our brains active and finally it is said that it is nearly impossible to pick up a ukulele and not smile.

In fact it is difficult to think of reasons for not joining BilliUke (the Billingshurst Ukulele Group) every second and fourth Wednesday in The Six Bells, Billingshurst between 7.30pm and 9.30pm.

All ages, beginners, and seasoned uke players are welcome. We have a few spare ukes available for absolute beginners and we always get underway with some simple songs and strums. It is pretty certain that even an absolute beginner can find themselves playing and singing along to a recognisable tune within ten minutes of starting.

You can find out more about us on the internet at www.billiuke.com where you can explore our song book, on our Facebook page BilliUke or better still come down to the Bells and be assured of a warm welcome. There is no entrance fee BUT we do ask that in return for the pub generously hosting us that you give the pub your custom across the bar. See you there!

David Hart on behalf of BilliUke

‘Beck and Calling’ – tickets available now

Local English Literature teacher and writer Ted Gooda has penned a brand new one-act play for Billingshurst Dramatic Society which explores the story of the women who ‘vanished for the vote’ on the night of the 1911 census – including Billingshurst’s very own suffragist sisters, Ellen and Edith Beck, perhaps better known to Billingshurst villagers for bequeathing the Women’s Hall and the Mother’s Garden.

The production of Beck and Calling will take place on the 13th, 14th and 15th April, and will form part of the centenary celebrations for the Women’s Hall. Gooda: “As someone who has used the Women’s Hall for drama rehearsals for more than 30 years, I’ve long been fascinated by the portraits of the two Beck sisters which hang there, and wanted to write something to commemorate their unique history in the village.”

Gooda’s play explores a lesser-known story of the women of the larger movement towards women’s suffrage, when a number of women were united in their determination to boycott the census because, “if we don’t count then we won’t be counted.”

The drama explores what might have happened in the Beck household on census night, at a time when great courage would have been needed; not just to break the law for a political belief, but to do so in such a close-knit community as Billingshurst, where the ripples and

Stanley Room, Billingshurst Community Centre

First Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm

Wednesday 1st March 2023 at 7.30pm

Join us for a talk from Natasha, a qualified life coach at GET LIFTED.

Inspired by coaches such as Tony Robbins and Dr Joe Dispenza, among others, Natasha see’s clients from all over the world who are looking to achieve their own personal goals.

Have you ever felt that you were stuck, sad or depressed and maybe you weren’t even sure why? What if there was more out there for you? What if you could live your perfect life? What if you were more than enough? What if you were AMAZING? What if?

Find Natasha at natasha.lifted

Free to members of the Billingshurst Beck WI or visitors £4 including refreshments. Contact us billingshurstbeckwi@wsfwi.co.uk

The WI provides women with fun and friendship, plus the chance to learn new skills, get involved within the community and take part in a wide range of activities.

repercussions of such action would have had great consequence.

“I’ve always wondered if I would have been strong enough to be a suffragist or suffragette, particularly in the early years of campaigning before the ideologies had gained popular

momentum,” explains Gooda. The cast is made up of BDS favourites old and new, including Sue Pollard, Lucy Cooper, Trevor Bishop, Denise Robinson, Jane Brough, Julia Jepps, Kathryn Attwood, Sophie-Belle Carnell, Caroline Newell, Natalie van de Braam and Peter Burton, and will be directed by Ted and her husband, Will Gooda.

The historical setting will resonate for a contemporary audience in a political climate where sometimes the staunchest defenders of the status quo are those who are worst affected by it.

Alongside the one-act play, speeches, sketches and music from the era will be performed.

Tickets for Beck and Calling are available online at www.billingshurstdramaticsociety.com or directly from Mansell McTaggarts on Billingshurst High Street.

Ted Gooda

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.

Photos: Sue Pollard (left) plays Edith Beck, Denise Robinson plays Ellen Back in Ted Gooda’s Beck and Calling

Support Hub for Cost of Living & Climate Crises

It is easy to focus on finances and ignore the climate just now, when the cost-of-living crisis is hitting us so hard. However, the two are fundamentally interlinked. Reassessing how we live and what we consume ultimately saves resources for our planet and puts money into our pockets too.

Following the success of our monthly pop-up Sussex Green Hub, we want to establish a permanent Community Climate Hub in Horsham. It will provide a permanent venue for the Horsham Repair Café as well as a home for the Horsham Community Fridge and a Library of Things (a tool rental service in collaboration with Horsham MakerSpace) and a baby clothes bundle rental scheme. We plan to offer a bottle refill service for household cleaning and personal hygiene products, a green book library, venue for environmental film screenings, talks, and workshops.

These types of hubs are popping-up all around us: Lewes, Shoreham, and Worthing, for example, and they are a great support to the local offering

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initiatives and education that allow everyone to make changes to their life that have a positive impact on the planet AND save them money.

We’ve found premises in the Bishopric but need to raise money to bring our plans to fruition. Once our hub is established, we will then help set up a number of satellite hubs across West Sussex. This approach has already proved very successful with our recycling schemes in the villages.

We are applying for funding through grants, but we are also seeking philanthropists and businesses who support our ambition and can help bring this exciting project to life. If you or your business can offer any suggestions, contacts or financing, please contact Carrie Cort, on 07768 212833 or cort@sussexgreenliving.co.uk.

Learn more about Sussex Green Living and join us: www.sussexgreenliving.co.uk.

Carrie Cort, Founder, Sussex Green Living

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Billingshurst Emergency Assistance Team (BEAT)

After a very successful session in January, BEAT will be arranging some more defibrillator and CPR awareness sessions this year.

The sessions are designed to give people the confidence to help if they were ever unfortunate enough to come across someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest. The team will demonstrate and talk through using a defibrillator and preforming chest compressions and people will have a

chance to ask questions and have a go themselves. Sessions will be held in Billingshurst, on Tuesday evenings and should last just over an hour.

If you would be interested in attending a session, please contact us ideally via Facebook (Billingshurst Emergency Assistance Team) or call, WhatsApp or text 07880 507666.

Paul Berry

Illustration: Horsham Community Climate Hub Plan 2023

Cytoplan Now Available at Meadows Wellbeing

Did you know that the Meadows Wellbeing Health Coach, Sarah Malzer, is also a Cytoplan Practitioner?

Cytoplan are a British-owned and independent provider of a unique range of supplements and wholefood vitamins and minerals.

Understanding which supplements/vitamins to take can be confusing, so Sarah is available to help you choose and there’s also a special discount code that can be used when making a purchase on the Cytoplan website – simply contact the Meadows Wellbeing team for further details.

Meadows Wellbeing is situated very conveniently in the centre of Billingshurst in the High Street. They offer an extensive and varied range of health and wellbeing treatments for everyone, at any age or stage of life, from babies and children upwards to adults. The friendly team of specialist health professionals based there are dedicated to improving your physical and emotional wellbeing via a range of Osteopathic, Complementary and Alternative treatments and therapies.

Appointments are available for Structural and Cranial Osteopathy for babies/children and adults, Counselling and Psychotherapy, Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Reflexology, Foot Health Care, Sports Rehabilitation/Injury, Soft Tissue/ Sports Massage and Swedish/Holistic Massage.

There’s also Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Hypnotherapy, Blood Flow Restriction Training, Aromatherapy Massage, Reiki, Indian Head Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Luxury Facials, Health Coaching and Ear Wax Removal.

Meadows Wellbeing, 57 High Street, Billingshurst is open weekdays 9am-7pm and Saturday 9am-1pm. Please call (01403) 786081, email info@meadowswellbeing.com or visit www.meadowswellbeing.com to make an enquiry or to book an appointment. Gift vouchers are also available starting at £25. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @MeadowsWellbeing.

MEADOWS WELLBEING

Your Friendly Door-to-Door Service

Spring is just around the corner, so why not make the most of the weather and enjoy getting out with West Sussex Minibus.

The Association has a long history of supporting the local community. Operating a fleet of 10 minibuses across the county, this registered charity is run entirely by volunteers. They offer individuals the chance to stay active and assist those who live away from public transport links to remain independent. It is an affordable service providing residents with the added convenience of being picked up and dropped back at their homes every trip. It is the perfect way of keeping in touch with old friends and meeting new ones.

West Sussex Minibus, Billingshurst, run a full schedule which includes Scenic Drives to the seaside towns of Eastbourne and Worthing, lunch and afternoon tea outings, plus Mystery trips and excursions to popular attractions like Tangmere Airport Museum, Denbies vineyard and Silent Pool distillery. In addition, there are shopping trips

to Horsham, Shoreham (Holmbush), Bognor Regis and Chichester.

A year-round calendar and frequent departures mean you can be out as often as you wish.

Minibuses seating around 9 passengers are used, making for a friendly and informal service. It welcomes all age groups, with trip fares held at affordable levels. The service is door to door with help on hand to support passengers getting on and off the minibus, plus assistance carrying shopping to your house.

From the Billingshurst Division, the whole of the RH14 9 postcode is served. Including Billingshurst, the minibus service area extends to The Haven, Coneyhurst and Adversane. In addition, Wisborough Green Division and Petworth Division covering Kirdford, offer separate, dedicated schedules of trips.

Annual Membership is just £10, plus a per-trip fare. Alternatively, try the service with a Day Membership of £1.

Billingshurst Schedule March

Make a Difference in your Community

Membership for individuals provides an annual calendar of excursions comprising a mix of shopping trips and social outings. Behind all activities is a welcoming and friendly team of volunteers who support members on every step of their journey. West Sussex Minibus likes to get to know all its members and ensure everyone feels well cared for and informed so that they can make the most of their membership.

As an all-volunteer organisation, the charity relies on people from the community to help run services. Everyone who volunteers plays a pivotal role in enabling West Sussex Minibus to provide services to the local community of West Sussex. With a variety of Volunteering roles available, you can select the most suitable for you depending on your skills and the time you wish to commit. It may be a few hours a week or a day a month; there is complete flexibility to fit with the Volunteers existing responsibilities.

Each Division has a dedicated team of volunteers to support the running of its services. Roles include Minibus Drivers who safely drive members to their destinations, Passenger Escorts who assist members whilst travelling on one of their services and Memberships Administrators to support payments and reconciliation, alongside Trips Planners to research destinations, venues and attractions for future trips. Everyone who joins plays an essential role and will experience first-hand what difference the service makes to members’ lives.

If you are active and enjoy meeting people, then volunteering with West Sussex Minibus could be for you. You will be helping to ensure the ongoing success of the charity and the services offered in your local community.

New Members and Volunteers are always welcome. Come and have a chat with us at our tea afternoon in St Gabriel’s Hall, Billingshurst on Saturday 4th March from 2.30.

A Good Read

March’s selection from book reviewer Tash Donovan

My Name is Lucy Barton – Elizabeth Strout

It’s Mother’s Day this month and in spite of all the saccharine cards in the shops we know that mother and daughter relationships are often not straightforward.

Lucy Barton is both a mother and a daughter. She has a floundering marriage and is in hospital with complications following what should have been a routine operation. Her husband who dislikes hospitals and declines to visit, arranges instead for her estranged mother to sit with her.

Strout’s novel is about a mother and daughter relationship steeped in sadness. Lucy spent her childhood craving maternal love, while her mother seemed incapable of providing it.

This poignant and deeply moving novel explores the complexities of family, love, and forgiveness. Told from Lucy’s viewpoint, the story takes us on a journey through her childhood and into adult life, as she reflects on events in her past and her relationship with her mother.

The novel is written in a simple and straightforward style that somehow belies the emotional depth of the story. Strout’s writing is evocative and powerful; she’s a master of capturing the nuances of human emotion. The characters and their relationships are richly drawn, and relatable. Lucy’s relationship with her mother is at the core of the novel, and Strout explores its dynamics

with sensitivity and insight. Themes of family, love, and forgiveness are woven throughout and Strout’s writing reflects on the passage of time, the power of memory and the strength of the human spirit. There is much in this novel that is not stated explicitly. The reader is left to do some work and the result is a wise, thought-provoking book.

The Invisible String – Patricia Karst, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

The Invisible String is a charming children’s book that teaches about the bonds of love and connection that exist between all people. The story tells of two siblings who learn about the ‘invisible string’ that connects everyone to everyone else, and how this connection can bring comfort and reassurance during difficult times.

Joanne Lew-Vriethoff’s colourful illustrations, perfectly capture the warmth and love that the story conveys. The text is simple and easy to understand, making it perfect for very young children. The message of the book is one of hope and reassurance, and it would be a valuable tool for parents and caregivers to help children understand the concept of connection and the importance of loving support network.

The Invisible String is delightful and uplifting, and will resonate with readers of all ages. It is a perfect addition to any child’s library, and will be read and enjoyed for years to come.

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The Renegades go free!

Thanks to the generous community spirit of organisations like The Postcode Society and The Sussex Community Foundation with their lifesaving grants, the Renegades Youth Club is going free. As belts are being tightened around the country, the usual membership contribution of £10 a month has been made a voluntary contribution.

Group Leader Gareth Miller said, “The most important thing is to offer all the wonderful opportunities that the Renegades can give to as many children as possible. We know that some families are having to count every penny, so it made sense to us that we’d take one cost out of the equation – but we could only afford to do it because of the grants we have been lucky enough to receive. We won’t be able to do it for ever, but we will offer it for as long as we can.”

And while the club may be free, the activities are no less exciting and varied. Thanks to the continued good graces and help from the Billingshurst Minibus charity we were able to take the kids to Huxley’s Bird of Prey Centre in Horsham.

“It was a Saturday morning of screaming kookaburras, which was hysterical, and the kids

absolutely loved being able to just sit with some amazing birds of prey of all varieties. Rain stopped flights unfortunately, but it was breathtaking just to see so many different birds – from giant golden eagles to huge owls to vultures and falcons.” comments Gareth. Also, due to popular request, the Renegades had a second visit from Storrington herpetologist Drew Hicks, with her collection of snakes and a beared dragon this month. The children also had fun larping (shooting each other with sponge tipped arrows) and creating ice art after the Wey & Arun canal was too frozen to canoe on it.

“We also welcomed the

Chinese Year of the Rabbit with some mad games, a feast of home-made dumplings and meatballs, and finished it off the evening by letting off 30 eco-friendly lanterns… which apparently got some interest from the local community who thought they were UFOs!”

The Renegades is a Registered Charity. Membership is free or a voluntary contribution of £10 a month. Please contact Gareth Miller on 07801 862550 or Damian Dixon on 07484 130189 for further information.

Vanda Rumney

Photos: Renegades with falcon and snake

GB Glazing Ltd

Billingshurst Parish Council

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

Billingshurst Showcase 2023

How often have you heard people say that they didn’t even know your organisation existed? In 2019, Billingshurst Parish Council hosted a Showcase event at the Billingshurst Centre in Roman Way, which was incredibly popular and very well attended. On Saturday 18th March between 11.30am-2.30pm we are doing it all again! This is an excellent opportunity for local groups and organisations to chat to visitors and showcase what they are all about. There is no charge for the organisations or visitors to attend and light refreshments will be available. It promises to be a great day, so we look forward to seeing you there!

Voting in Elections this May

Horsham District Council (HDC) has announced that there will be full District and Parish elections on Thursday 4th May 2023

This May 2023 will be the first time that voter identification will be required to be shown by all voters at a polling station. This has been introduced under the Elections Act 2022. Voters need to show an approved form of photo identity before voting in a polling station, the ID does not have to be current, provided the likeness is still true. The document must be an original document. See full list of photo ID accepted at GOV.UK or contact HDC on (01403) 215100. Anyone without suitable photo identification, will be able to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC).

Funding success for the Billingshurst Centre

We are delighted to report that HDC has formally approved our bid for £145,148.45 of S106 funds towards major improvements to the Centre building totalling £177,000.

The residue will be made up of CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) funds and facilitate the refurbishment of toilets, two sets of automatic doors at the main entrance, and

new windows and chair storage area in the Main Hall. Architects who will also project manage the scheme have been instructed to proceed. The works will be the biggest improvements to the Centre building since the extension was completed approximately 20 years ago.

Have you ever thought about serving the community by becoming a Billingshurst Parish Councillor?

To encourage residents to think about putting themselves forward in May 2023 when the 15 councillor places on the current council all fall vacant, the Parish Council is holding two very informal pop-in and find-out sessions in March. Being held on Saturday 11th March 10am-noon and Wednesday 15th March 5-7pm, officers and existing councillors will be on hand to answer questions about what the Council does, what Councillors do, and everything in-between, and offer you a tea or coffee!

You won’t be asked to sign anything there and then, but if you are interested in putting yourself forward, we can direct you to Horsham District Council who manage the election process.

HM Queen’s Green Canopy

As part of the celebrations of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee last year, people were invited to help create a lasting legacy by planting trees for the Queen’s Green Canopy

In support of this, Horsham District Council kindly offered to donate a tree to each of the District’s Parishes and Neighbourhood Councils to be planted in a suitable location on either District or Parish Council land.

Billingshurst Parish Council took up this offer and were happy to receive a wellestablished young oak, which was planted last autumn at Clevelands Gardens.

The Chairmen of Billingshurst Parish and Horsham District Councils, Cllrs Paul Berry and Kate Rowbottom , respectively, are pictured below, next to the fine new specimen.

infrastructures, transport links and opportunities for local employment.

You can visit the HDC website on the following link for further updates in due course www.horsham.gov.uk/planning/local-plan

Time to get walking again!

With spring on its way we start to think about getting out to walk in the beautiful English countryside again, but where to find new and interesting walks? Walking in Sussex www.walkinginengland.co.uk/sussex has loads of walks to download and print, free. It also has books of walks, details of all the walking groups in the county and much more.

Whether you want to walk on your own or with a group all the information is there in one place. John Harris (who maintains the website) said, “There is so much walking information on the web but it is difficult to find. Walking in Sussex (part of the Walking in England website) has brought it together in one place so whether you are walking from home, or away on holiday, you will be able to find a walk suitable for you.” With walks from half a mile to twelve miles plus long, and a note of suitability for pushchairs and wheelchairs, everyone can find a walk to enjoy. So, home or away, check out the websites and get walking!

Citizens Advice Billingshurst –Drop in Sessions

Billingshurst Choral Society –Opera Gala

The Billingshurst Choral Society will be holding their Opera Gala on 29th April, 7.30 pm at Fishers Farm Theatre

More information and tickets available from billingshurstchoralsociety.org.uk

Horsham District Council (HDC) –Local Plan Update

In January, senior councillors of Horsham District Council voted to pause the development of the Horsham District Local Plan until later in the year. The Plan, which was set to go to a Regulation 19 consultation in February 2023 sets out how the district will deliver the required number of homes in a sustainable way, supporting the requirements to be water neutral and the delivery of community

The Citizens Advice Service can help if you are worried about a problem including cost of living, benefits, debt, housing, employment and much more. They will be holding drop-in sessions at Billingshurst Library between 10.00am & 1.00pm on the following Fridays: 3rd March, 17th March, 31st March, 14th April and 28th April.

If you are unable to make it to one of the drop-in sessions but would like to chat or get some free and confidential advice, call the Adviceline on 0808 278 7969: Monday to Friday 9.00am-4.30pm.

Upcoming Council meetings

All meetings are held at the Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre (normally commencing at 7.30pm), and agendas are always posted on the Parish Council’s website www.billingshurst.gov.uk

Upcoming Meetings (March)

1st: Full Council & Trustees

2nd: Planning & Environment Committee

15th: Property Committee

29th: Billingshurst Centre and F&GP Committees

The Adventure Begins

Once upon a time on a small farm near Billingshurst… Magnus

and Poppy were fed up. This was third time and they were getting sick of it. They’d been cooped up in the back of the packed car for a very long journey. At least the first time they’d had a stop for walk and a pee, but the second time it had been dark, and Nanny and Grandad were grumping at each other especially when Nanny said, “Oh, we’ve gone the wrong way. Turn around, dear.” No breaks then.

Mind you, the time in between when they’d all ‘got there’ was very interesting. Firstly, Nanny had let them out for a wee run and walk. Then she’d put them in their pushchair and they all went into an office building. The receptionist, Abby, made a fuss of them as they went past.

In the office, Abby brought Nanny a cup of tea and the ‘boss’ lady Kerry came in. “Oh, you’ve made my day; you’ve brought babies!” Magnus and Poppy were happy to hear that and they decided, after conferring with one another, that they would do their mum proud so they lay down quietly and listened. They listened and listened for a very long time, but they did not stir. Nanny was so pleased with them. When the humans had finished talking several people came in and all of them remarked how good the two little dogs had been. Kerry even gave them both a treat which of course they made short work of.

Finally, they got out to have to a little sniff around and then jumped back in the car.

They drove down the road a bit and Nanny let them out into a strange house. She let them off

their lead to have a roam and set the table (sort of) for their lunch. After she unpacked it, Nanny even shared some with Magnus and Poppy. After lunch Grandad brought the boxes in from the car and Nanny unpacked them.

Meanwhile Magnus and Poppy were checking the place out. It certainly smelled different and there were lots of different spaces to explore. They wondered why they were there. Even though it was strange, when someone knocked on the door, they immediately guarded it and barked. It was Billy who was on the maintenance team. They had a good sniff and announced that all was well.

As it was getting late, Nanny and Grandad packed them up again and set off. This was the second long journey and it took a very long time.

So here they were again, stuck in the back of the car which was all packed with stuff, and barely enough room for their little bodies. However, this time they knew where they were going so it wasn’t too bad. Nanny said it was an adventure at the new house. They were curious too about what would happen next… Where would they sleep? Where would they go for walks? And would there be other dogs to meet and play with or squirrels to chase?

So, as their adventure really began, they said goodbye for a little while, to that little farm in Billingshurst.

Yvonne Fleece

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‘…barely enough room for their little bodies’

The Third Month

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.

Hi, my dear friends,

At last… spring is around the corner and the month of March is upon us.

How have you all fared in the water world we have had to endure over the winter months? I’ve gained two webbed feet! In my farming life I have had to spend far too much time in those wondrously delicate items of foot wear… the Wellie! As a result, and as a rebellion against the rubber monsters, I’m now addicted to wearing canvas type shoes, great for comfort as well as for their supreme lightness. However, this winter, in the puddle strewn lanes of our villages, they have had a nasty tendency to ravenously absorb every drop of moisture possible. Sucking, with obvious enjoyment, at even the smallest amount of water until they are fully satisfied with the squelching noise that emanates from them as I paddle homewards. So, Trench Foot threatens…but, damn it, I’m not going back to the rubber monstrosities!

March was the first month of the early Roman calendar and was named after Mars, the Roman god of war. This, they felt, was the time of year to resume military campaigns after the interruption of winter. Sadly… what’s changed!

On farms across the country it’s one of the busiest months…

Lambing has started as 16 million ewes across the country give birth to the new members of flocks in fields and barns around the land. Most – as I vividly recall – in the wee small hours of the night! I have a very big soft spot for these critters though. I think lambs are the most endearing and beautiful of all the young farm animals. From their first bleat, to the stampede of a frolicking mob of them as they charge around a meadow in the warmth of the spring sunshine, they are a delight for the heart and soul. Once they grow up though… that’s another story!

On those dairy farms who like to have spring calving, sheds are made ready for the events. They like the prospect of fresh spring grass for the mothers and their calves. Meanwhile, cows who have spent the coldest of the winter months in the warmth of barns and stalls, eagerly await their release into the waiting pastures. The sight of these large animals, who are normally so sedate

and dignified, frolicking around a field with legs kicking, udders flying, and tails raised like flagpoles is just so uplifting to the spirits.

In the orchards of the land, blossom buds are starting to swell and burst, and as the month lengthens, growers eye the sky for the clear evening and north-eastern breeze that can herald the first of the spring frosts. Too early to damage the later blossoms of apple and pear, but already a threat to plum, currant and cherry.

Over the last 60-odd years that I have witnessed around the orchards, this early season has moved quite significantly. Once, back in the ’sixties, we expected full bloom in the orchards around the 12th to 15th of May, now it’s moved two weeks earlier and from the end of April the sleepless night period starts. Those two weeks of extra frost worry has been the cause of many grey hairs I suspect. On the arable farms, the chance to protect the winter wheat and barley crops from the ravages of pest and disease is being taken before the spring rains can make tractor work more difficult. Meanwhile the sowing of spring wheat is in full flow. The autumn sown crop will crop in the late summer, while the spring sown will fill the later autumn days with the roar of the combine. In general the harder winter wheat has a higher protein content and is more ideal for pasta and bread, while the spring sown with its lower protein content lends itself to pastries and cakes.

Soon, with the trees sprouting leaf and the birds busy nest-making, the countryside will come alive again with the sounds of nature. Rooks noisily fighting for nesting places; the young birds having to make their new nest ever higher up in the rookery as the existing nests are claimed by the older members of the parliament.

Tits desperate to time their hatching to the burst of caterpillars that hang on those single threads from the leaves of the oaks. Magpies and Jays seeking out the nests that they’ve memorised the position of, ready to steal the eggs before mother finishes laying and starts her sitting.

Busy month March.

The 15th of the month in Roman times was the day on which all debts should be settled. Shakespeare said we should beware of that day

it was called the Ides. Then, perhaps just to prove a point, it was the day that Julius Caesar was murdered.

Happy days… and dry feet!

John Nash

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The Spaniel Diaries

Hi, all. The spaniel diaries are coming from my pen this month. I’m Mav, better known as the idiot or so Billy likes to think! I am not an idiot, it’s just because I do as I’m told and I love pleasing mum that he thinks I’m a goody two shoes.

I have had to step up as Billy hasn’t been very well but I’m pleased to say he’s on the mend after a trip top the doggy doctor. He’s not best impressed at the moment because he’s not allowed to come out on walks with us so at the moment it’s me and little bro Goose having all the fun of training – although Billy would rather skip the training and sneak off sniffing! He also has the hump because he’s on a boring diet and has to take tablets, I have told him he must put up with it and it won’t be long before he’s back in the fields having fun again!

I have a couple of exciting days coming up by the sounds of things. Mum has been talking about a training workshop. This means that I’ll be having lots of fun; my favourite thing to do is to run and find things mum has put down or hidden for me. Mum says I gallop like a racehorse when sent to get one of my dummies. I never see the horses run, they are fat and just stand and eat grass so they can’t really be racehorses surely?

With the help of a friendly farmer, mum is taking me to see and learn to behave around the white fluffy things that look like clouds on legs. Mum calls them sheep and I always go on my lead when near them as they are easily scared by us dogs and mum says many will be having their lambs soon so she wants to make sure everyone

is safe and happy. I don’t mind having my lead popped on and mum has spent hours training me to be a good boy and return to her when called. She often makes a fuss of me, lets me have my ball or a tasty snack so I’m keen to get back quickly as I get something nice or get to do something exciting like hunting for my ball!

Spring is really coming now and mum is loving the longer days. My brother the puppy who is not so puppy-like now is starting his education. I have told him to ignore Billy as he will tell him to do naughty things just to get him in trouble, although Goose can be quite annoying so maybe I should just let him! Mum says I was much better behaved at his age! He is going through a phase of digging everything up in the garden which is driving mum mad as her spring flowers are getting wrecked; Goose really has no respect for flowers at all and was delighted with himself for pulling up a primrose and galloping around with it refusing to be caught!

I was a little sneaky as a puppy I must admit, but that puppy is devious! He has learnt to evade capture quite well and soon knows when time’s up and mum wants him back in the car. She used to use me as bait by sitting me next to her and showing me a tennis ball and he would come running but he’s got wise to that now and mum has resorted to chucking sausage in the car and trapping him! He’ll soon wise up but in the meantime I get sausage too so it’s not all bad. Hopefully Billy will be back in charge of the pen next time – I have to fly, there’s retrieves to collect and woodland to be explored!

Jeannette Douglas

The importance of pet dental health

It is very important to look after your pet’s dental health. Dental disease affects 9 in 10 dogs and 7 in 10 cats. Dental disease left untreated can cause chronic pain and discomfort in your pet as well as affecting the lungs, kidneys, heart and liver. Both dental home care and regular dental checks at the vets will provide your pet with a healthier and happier life.

Home care including daily teeth brushing, feeding an appropriate diet and encouraging play with tooth friendly toys is essential to your pet’s dental health. We recommend starting to brush your pet’s teeth as early in their life as possible, especially with kittens as it is harder to introduce adult cats to the process. If you notice any symptoms such as bad breath, drooling, abnormal chewing or bleeding gums, contact your vet to have your pet’s teeth checked.

Rabbits and guinea pigs have teeth which grow at a rate of about 2mm per week making it integral to provide them with an abrasive diet such as grass supplemented with hay.

Sophie Hall B.V.Sc., M.R.C.V.S.

I’m a fairly recent convert to the delights of the dahlia. When I first began gardening seriously, I considered them a bit vulgar and blousy… not to mention needy. Then I saw a fantastic display in my friend’s garden and in a Damascene moment I suddenly saw the light, and I’ve been growing them ever since. With just a little know-how, they are actually easy to grow and care for.

When choosing dahlias consider the size and type of flower head you want, as well as the height of the plant. Dwarf varieties are great for patio pots, but there are also varieties tall enough be used as a centrepiece in a border. They are planted as tubers right about now. Look for strong, healthy tubers and check the labels carefully to make sure they are suitable for your climate and soil type. They should be planted after the last frost, in a well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. By well-drained I mean soil which allows water to percolate through it reasonably quickly and not pool. If your soil is too heavy, or alternatively too free draining (so nutrients wash away), the best remedy is to dig in lots of organic matter such as compost, well-rotted farm manure, or shredded leaves. This will condition the soil so it maintains the right amounts of water and air for better plant growth and increased biological activity.

Dig a hole about 10-15cm deep and position the tuber, with the eye (the little dip) facing upward, then cover with soil. Water well and mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Dahlias are quite thirsty plants so require regular watering, especially during dry spells, and they

should be fed every two weeks with a high-potash fertilizer. Pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Stake tall varieties to prevent them from falling over in windy weather. This sounds needy but they will repay this attention handsomely with their glorious blooms. Deadhead by removing the faded blooms regularly to encourage even more flowers. Cut the stem back to just above the next pair of leaves.

Unfortunately, dahlias are not frost-hardy, so it’s important to lift the tubers in the autumn before the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place. Leave the stems and foliage to die back, then carefully lift the tubers, brushing off any soil, and let them dry out for a few days. Store them in a frost-free place, such as a shed or garage, until the spring when you can plant them out again.

My absolute favourite is dahlia ‘Chimborazo’ which is a pretty collarette dahlia, bearing deep crimson-red outer petals around an inner collar of pale yellow. It is about a metre tall so will need to be staked and is suited to growing in a mixed, herbaceous border. It also makes an excellent cut flower.

If you are after a dwarf plant try ‘Figaro’ which is a dwarf ‘landscape’ dahlia with semi-double flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. It works well as bedding and in containers, and blooms from planting time until the first frosts.

Happy gardening.

Rachel Leverton

DW Gardens

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West Chiltington Floral Club

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Tuesday 21st March, 7 for 7.30pm start. We welcome Barbara Caldecourt with her demonstration ‘Calendar Moments’ Visitors welcome: FREE for this meeting (normally £5). The meeting will be held at West Chiltington Village Hall, Mill Road, RH20 2PZ. For more information, please contact Brenda (01798) 813712 or Carol (01798) 813608

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Lions’ first ‘Drop In’ session a success

Billingshurst & District Lions Club was pleased to welcome a number of men and women at its first ‘Drop In’ session at the Billingshurst Community Centre, on Friday, 20th January. Visitors were given the opportunity to learn more about the Lions and the valuable work they do in the local community and to discuss their own ideas and experiences.

In addition to Billingshurst, the club embraces Barns Green, Kirdford, Loxwood, Plaistow, Rudgwick, Slinfold and Wisborough Green. Billingshurst & District Lions are keen for more people to help, maybe as volunteers, in supporting the Lions’ motto, ‘We Serve’. Many who came expressed a wish to be more involved with the community, with opportunities helping in the Lions Charity Bookshop in Jengers Mead, Community Service and Projects, but, especially with Fund Raising including:-

• Race Night, Saturday,18th March, proceeds shared between Scouts attending the 25th World Scout Jamboree 2023 in Korea and Billingshurst Boxing Club

• Car Boot Sales, Easter Monday, 10th April; 1st May Bank Holiday; Spring Bank Holiday, 29th May and Summer Bank Holiday, 28th August.

• Easter Egg Prize Draw, the weeks before Good Friday

• Charity Golf Day, Thursday, 25th May for a nominated charity, not forgetting…

• Santa’s Christmas Tours with his ‘Flying Bedstead’ around the villages in December.

The Club has an active social calendar, with outings to various places of interest, evening meals, quiz night, country walks and a casual lunchtime get-together once a month at a local pub.

Should anyone have been unable to ‘Drop In’ on 20th January and would like to be involved, please call Viv Diggens on (01403) 752968, mobile 07767 221908 or talk to a Lion in the Jengers Mead Bookshop.

Special thanks to Freeman Brothers Funeral Directors Community Printing Scheme for generously producing the ‘Drop In’ leaflets for distribution prior to the event.

Return of Car Boots Sales

On dates shown above. From 9am-12 noon, Six Bells car park (near the Library). To book a space e-mail: sandyduck@btinternet.com, tel: 07717 822 804. £10 a car, £15 a van. NO TRADERS. Follow Billingshurst & District Lions on Facebook and on their website www.billingshurstlions.org.

And don’t forget to visit the Lions Charity Bookshop in Jengers Mead!

Harvey Holmes – Press Officer, Billingshurst & District Lions Club

Photo: Discussing the benefits of being in the Lions at January’s ‘Drop In’ session

What’s On – March

Every Mon Billingshurst Men’s Shed. We currently meet at the Billingshurst scout hut in Lower Station Road. 10am to noon. Part of the Men’s Shed movement, we are a group of men AND women who meet to talk, drink tea & coffee, make and repair things and plan the creation of our permanent home in the village. Contact David Ambrose, Secretary, tel: (01403) 786284 or e-mail: billimensshed@outlook.com

Every MonKnit & Natter. Billingshurst Library. 10.30am-midday. Open to anyone that likes to knit, crochet, sew and chat! Meet new friends, swap tips and ideas. No need to book. All ages and abilities welcome. Further info: drop in or call Bev at Billingshurst Library on (01403) 783145

Every Mon Horsham Matters Hub on the Move Foodbank. Billingshurst Library car park, 10-11.30am

Every MonTable Tennis. St Mary’s Room, East St, Billingshurst. 2-4pm. A sociable group for all ages. Includes tea & biscuits normally. Suggested donation to church funds £2 per session. Tony, tel: (01403) 783496

Every MonBOOSTfit Horsham. The Forest School, Comptons Lane, RH13 5NT. Judgement & pressure free fitness for all. Clare Lawton, tel: 07983 976 601 or e-mail: clareboostfit@outlook.com. www.boostfit.com

Every MonChair Yoga. Kelsey Hall, Ifold. 2.15-3pm. For those who want to feel the benefits of yoga, but from a chair! All welcome. £5. Kim, tel: 07780 439155 or e-mail whiterosechairyoga@outlook.com

Every MonSeniors’ Coffee Morning. St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst. 10.30am to 12 noon. £3 a head. Transport available. Tel: (01403) 786706

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 MonWisborough 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 MonHorsham Bridge Club. Face-to-Face. 22a East Street, Horsham, RH12 1HL. 1.30pm. Graham & Weds Walker, tel: (01403) 734156. www.horshambridge.co.uk

Every Mon Clubbercise with Hayley. Mon: Dial Post Village Hall, RH13 8NH; Thurs: St Gabriel’s Church Hall, & Thurs Billingshurst. 7.45-8.30pm. Aerobic exercise class for all fitness levels, 16 and over. Darkened room with flashing disco lights and music (90s to now). Pre-bookings only: bookwhen.com/clubbercisehayleym. Updates: facebook.com/clubbercisewithhayley

Every Tues Billingshurst Short Mat Bowls. Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre. 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 Alan Barnes, tel: (01403) 783721

Every Tues Billingshurst Choral Society Practice. Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre. 7.30-9.45pm. New members welcome. Tel: Keith Paul on 07989 412997

Every TuesStitch & 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 Slinfold Concert Band rehearsal. Slinfold Village Hall from 7.30-9.30pm. Brass, woodwind and percussion players all welcome. www.slinfoldconcertband.org

Every TuesWalking 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 TuesBOOSTfit Billingshurst. Billingshurst Leisure Centre, RH14 9RY. Judgement & pressure free fitness for all. Clare Lawton, tel: 07983 976 601 or e-mail: clareboostfit@outlook.com. www.boostfit.com

Every Tues Drop in Baby Zone! St Mary’s Room, East St, Billingshurst. 1.30-3pm. Space to meet other parents/carers & their babies (under 1yr. Free. Booking not required. Email: Emma babies@stmarysbillingshurst.org

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 TuesHorsham Bridge Club. Online BBO. 7pm. Graham Walker, tel: (01403) 734156. & Thurs www.horshambridge.co.uk

Every Tues Pétanque Club. Shipley Football Ground, 10.15 for 10.30am start (*spring/summer/autumn, Friday, 6.30pm) & Fri* Coffee after. Equipment provided. All ages and abilities. www.HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org. Tel: Russell, 07803 259190 or email: info@HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org

Every WedsHorsham 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 WedsThe Millennium Bridge Club. Storrington Village Hall, 1.30-4.30pm. All abilities. Please contact: Barbara: (01903) 741365 or daisy.campling@btinternet.com

Every WedsLine dancing. St Gabriel’s Church Hall. Improvers 6-7.15pm, intermediates 7.15-9.30pm. Details from Maureen, tel: 07774 828282

Every WedsBillingshurst 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 WedsBillingshurst 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 Weds Horsham Bridge Club. Online BBO. 2pm. Graham Walker, tel: (01403) 734156. www.horshambridge.co.uk

Every WedsLoxwood Bridge for Fun. North Hall, Loxwood. 2pm. For more information contact Gina Moore, tel: (01403) 751722 or e-mail: ginamoore@btopenworld.com

Every 2ndBilliUke: Billingshurst’s Own Ukulele Jam! Billingshurst Centre, 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 ThursStitch & 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 Clubbercise with Hayley. St Gabriel’s Church Hall, Billingshurst. 7.45-8.30pm. Aerobic exercise class for

all fitness levels16 and over. Darkened room with flashing disco lights and music (90s to now). Pre-bookings only: bookwhen.com/clubbercisehayleym. Latest updates: facebook.com/clubbercisewithhayley

Every Thurs Wildlife walkabouts. RSPB Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve, Wiggonholt, RH20 2EL. 10am-12 noon. £8 per person (£2.50 for RSPB members). (01798) 875851. www.rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks

Every Thurs HDC Health Walk. Billingshurst (2). Meet 11am, Library car park, Billingshurst (TQ086260). Parking free with annnual permit or 75p per hour. 2¼ miles, flat, easy. 1 hour. Chris (01403) 782745. All HDC walks are guided, free and sociable. Led by trained volunteers; no need to book, just turn-up

Every Thurs Crafts and Natter group. The Chapel, Spy Lane, Loxwood, RH14 0SQ. 11am-3pm

Every ThursBoard Games for Adults. Billingshurst Library. 2-3pm. Open to all. Games include chess, scrabble, backgammon and more! Further info: drop in or call Bev at Billingshurst Library on (01403) 783145

Every 1st & ‘We Care’ meeting for carers and people with dementia. Glebe Centre, Ewhurst, GU6 7PY. 10.30am3rd Thurs 12.30. Refreshments, friendship, chat & activities. Carol: 07775 865125 or carol@highedser.co.uk

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 Blue Idol Open Day. Oldhouse Lane, Coolham, RH13 8QP. 10am-1pm. Visit this historic building and discover local history. www.blueidol.org. Tel: (01403) 740039

Every SatIndoor 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 Sat Dempsey School of Irish Dancing for children aged 5+. Billingshurst Community Centre. 9 & 10am. Nicola, e-mail: dempseyirishdance@gmail.com

Every SatBoard Games for Families. Billingshurst Library. 11am-1pm. Drop in to play board games with other families. Further info: drop in or call Bev at Billingshurst Library on (01403) 783145

Every SatAmities Boules Club. Foresters Arms, Kirdford. New members always welcome. Sats: 10.45 for & Weds 11am start, finish 1.30pm. Weds (summer only, weather permitting): 2pm. David, tel: (01483) 278346

Every Sun Sussex Sunday Walkers offer led walks every Sunday throughout the year. For more information please view our website www.sussexsundaywalkers.org.uk or email wealdmen@hotmail.com

Every SunThe Emmanuel Fellowship meet every Sunday at ‘The Chapel’, Spy Lane, Loxwood, RH14 0SQ. 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 ATTEND ANY OF THE REGULAR ENTRIES (ABOVE) AND FOUND THEM TO BE NO LONGER ACTIVE PLEASE LET VILLAGE TWEET KNOW

1 Mar Billingshurst Wednesday Group Talk: ‘This is Your Life’. Three Wednesday Group members talk about their lives. With coffee and cake. St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst, 10am. Hazel Barnes, tel: (01403) 780660 or email: buzzhazel@gmail.com

1 Mar Billingshurst Beck WI Talk by Life Coach Natasha at Get Lifted. Stanley Room, Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre, Roman Way, RH14 9QW. 7.30pm. Non-WI members welcome, £4 including refreshments. For further information tel: (01444) 483682 or email: billingshurstbeckwi@wsfi.co.uk

1 Mar The Arts Society – South Downs lecture by Sarah Lenton: ‘All Done on Ginger Beer’ Fittleworth Village Hall. 10.45am Achievements of Lilian Baylis, manager of The Old Vic and Sadlers Wells, founder of English National Opera, the National Theatre and The Royal Ballet. Visitors welcome, £7, Jane Allison, tel: (01798) 813314 or e-mail: jane@theallisonfamily.co.uk. www.theartssocietysouthdowns.org.uk

1 Mar Parish Council Full Council & Trustees meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7.30pm

2 Mar 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

2 Mar Billingshurst Horticultural Society Talk: ‘Woolbeding Gardens’ by Paul Gallivan. St Gabriel’s Hall, East Street, 8pm. Admission free to members. Visitors welcome £3 (including refreshments). Mrs S Wells, tel: (01403) 784159

2 Mar Parish Council Planning & Environmental Committee meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7.30pm

2 Mar Wisborough Green Evening WI. Wisborough Green Village Hall. 7.45pm. Every first Thursday. Visitors welcome for taster session. Please contact wisboroughgreenWI@wsfwi.co.uk for our latest calendar of activities, and membership details

3 Mar World Day of Prayer: A Service for Everyone. St Gabriel’s Church. 10.30am. All welcome. Refreshments

3, 17, 31 Mar Citizens Advice Billingshurst – Drop-in Sessions. Billingshurst Library, between 10am and 1pm. Offering help and advice for cost of living, benefits, debt, housing, employment and much more.

4 Mar Wisborough Green Beekeepers Association: ‘Introduction to Beekeeping’ 1-day course. Rudgwick Village Hall, RH12 3JJ. 9.30am-5pm. £45 via: www.wgbka.org.uk. See February’s Village Tweet, page 47

4 Mar Richard Francsics Grand Piano Recital. North Hall, Loxwood. Tickets £15 from Peter Winney, tel: (01403) 752377 or e-mail: patpet.winney@gmail. com. See February’s Village Tweet, page 39

5 Mar Indoor Antiques Market & Collectors Sale. Ansell’s Yard, Kirdford Road, Wisborough Green, RH14 0DD. 10am-2pm. No entrance fee. Tables available £5 (must be pre-booked), also storage units to let, £25 pw. Telephone (01403) 700633 or 07798 941940

7 Mar The Arts Society West Sussex lecture by Roger Butler: ‘Canal History & Heritage (Including Wey & Arun Canal)’. Fittleworth Village Hall. Doors open 1.40, lecture 2pm followed by tea and coffee Visitors welcome, £7. Tel: (01903) 411086 or email: jackiebuckler@sky.com. www.theartssocietywestsussex.org

7 Mar Pulborough Computer Club Evening. Pulborough Village Hall. 7.30pm. (1st Tues except Jan) An eve with a friendly group with varying levels of IT knowledge & skills. No need to book. Members £2, guests £3

8 Mar Messy Church! Billingshurst Community Centre. 3.45-5.45pm. 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. Contact Beth at St Mary’s for more information, e-mail: familyworker@stmarysbillingshurst.org. www.messychurch.org.uk

8 Mar Billingshurst Wednesday Group Presentation: ‘The Knepp Castle Estate’. St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst, 10am. Hazel Barnes, tel: (01403) 780660 or email: buzzhazel@gmail.com

9 Mar Billingshurst Weald Probus Club men’s group meeting. Stanley Room, Community Centre. 10 for 10.15am12 noon. Every 2nd Thurs except Dec. Alan Galer, tel: 07956 443228 or email: alan.galer@btinternet.com

9 Mar Billingshurst Local History Society Talk by Dr Janet Pennington: ‘A history of the Adur Valley in West Sussex’. Billingshurst Community and Conference Centre, 7.30pm. Membership £20 per annum. Visitors £5 per meeting. Ms G Knight, tel: (01403) 451401, email: g.j.s.knight@btinternet.com

9 Mar Billingshurst WI Talk: ‘Life of a Film and TV Extra’ by Jonathan Cann. Stanley Room, Community Centre, Roman Way. 2.30pm. Room not available until 2.15pm. Interesting speakers, hobby groups, various outings. Visitors welcome. Secretary, tel: (01403) 780810

9 Mar Live Music: Open Mic Night. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 7.30pm. All musicians from opera to rap invited. The evening is supported by a house band and hosted by Nigel Sanctuary. Please email: jackie@cranleigharts.org to find out more or book a slot. Free entry. www.cranleighartscentre.org

10 Mar Billingshurst and District Wine and Beer Circle meeting. Circle meets 2nd Friday (except August) at St Gabriel’s Hall, East Street, 8pm. New members welcome. Contact Chris 07790 762052 or Linda 07806 327917. Email: edwinstevenson51@gmail.com. www.billingshurstwineandbeercircle.com

11 Mar Brinsbury Open Morning. Brinsbury Campus, Pulborough, RH20 1DL. 10am-1pm. Your opportunity to talk to our friendly staff to help you decide which course is right for you.

11 Mar Christ’s Hospital Choral Society workshop, led by well-known Peter Allwood: ‘Mozart’s Requiem’ Christ’s Hospital. 10.30 for 11am-4.30pm. Singers will rehearse the complete Requiem prior to its performance on 19th March. Please bring lunch. Non CHCS members welcome. Tickets £20 includes score loan. For further information or to reserve your place visit www.chchoralsoc.org

11 Mar Billingshurst Dramatic Society Jumble Sale. Women’s Hall, Billingshurst. 2-4pm. Please bring your items to the hall on the Saturday morning from 10am onwards until 1pm. If that is not possible, please contact Julia Jepps on 07770 549981 to arrange collection prior to the event

11 Mar Cranleigh Art & Crafts Society Talk by Ronnie Ireland: ‘Theatrical figures’. Band Room, Village Way, Cranleigh. 2.30-4.30pm. Free, £5 for non members. Info and to book: www.caacs.co.uk

11 Mar Billingshurst Dementia Café. United Reformed Church Hall, Second Saturday of every month, from 10am-12pm. Please join us for tea, coffee and cake. All are welcome

11, 15 Mar Billingshurst Parish Councillor – Drop-in sessions. Billingshurst Centre. 11th March 10am-12 noon, 15th March 5-7pm. Informal find-out sessions about being a Councillor. See page 22

14 Mar Live Music: Yehudi Menuhin School Concert. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 1pm. Programme includes works by Bach, Mendelssohn and Turnage. Free entry. www.cranleighartscentre.org

15 Mar Billingshurst Wednesday Group Talk by Jamie Harris, Head Gardener at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens St Mary’s Room, 10am. Hazel Barnes, tel: (01403) 780660 or email: buzzhazel@gmail.com

15 Mar Parish Council Property Committee meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7.30pm

16 Mar 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

17 Mar Macmillan Film night. ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’. Billingshurst Conference & Community Centre. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Refreshments, raffle and Macmillan stall. Tickets £7 from www.touringcinema.com or Austens Home Hardware, 48-52 High Street or Terri Ashpool, tel: 07711 470635 or on the door (subject to availability)

17 Mar Churches Together in Billingshurst Talk by Roger Pask about Sanctuary, a Chichester-based charity that supports refugees and asylum seekers. St Mary’s Church. 7.30pm. Wine and nibbles from 7pm. Free entry – retiring collection

18 Mar Billingshurst Showcase. Billingshurst Centre. 11.30am-2.30pm. The aim is for local organisations, clubs, etc to showcase what they are about, to residents of Billingshurst and the surrounding areas. To book a table please contact Sarah, tel: (01403) 782555 or email: sarah@billingshurst.gov.uk

18 Mar Vivace Chorus: Duke Ellington. Guildford G Live. 7.30pm. Concert for jazz band and choir, featuring soprano Joanna Forbes L’Estrange and tap dancer Annette Walker. They’ll also sing Bob Chilcott’s highly popular A Little Jazz Mass and Will Todd’s Songs of Peace. Tickets & info: vivacechorus.org.uk

18 Mar Cranleigh Art & Crafts Society Workshop by papier maché sculpture and painter Louise Grundy. Band Room, Village Way, Cranleigh. 10am-4pm. Info and to book: www.caacs.co.uk

19 Mar Christ’s Hospital Choral Society: ‘Mozart’s Requiem’. Christ’s Hospital. Info: www.chchoralsoc.org

19 Mar Billingshurst Artisan Market. Six Bells car park. 9.30am-1.30pm. Local foods and crafts. See page 10

20 Mar Macmillan Film night. ‘ Wanna Dance with Somebody’’. Pulborough Village Hall. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Refreshments, raffle and Macmillan stall. Tickets £7 from www.touringcinema.com or Pulborough Village Hall or Terri Ashpool, tel: 07711 470635 or on the door (subject to availability)

20 Mar Laughter Yoga Club. Unitarian Hall (side door), Billingshurst, RH14 9QS. (Park Lakers Mead.) 11am to 12.00noon. £6. Boosts seratonine and nervous systems & improves wellbeing! Non-profit-making club. All welcome. Contact Linda, tel: 07806.327917, email: lstevenson201854@gmail.com

20 Mar Billingshurst Lions Club Meeting. Sports Pavilion, Jubilee Fields, Billingshurst. 7.30pm. For information about the Club contact Viv Diggens on (01403) 752968 or call in at the Lions Bookshop, Jengers Mead

21 Mar Loxwood Jazz Club. Village Hall. With candle-lit tables and a licensed bar, it has a very intimate atmosphere with international standard jazz. Tickets £15 from Peter Winney, tel: (01403) 752377

21 Mar St Mary’s Guild Members’ Meeting. St Mary’s Room, East Street, Billingshurst. 10.30am. We are a friendly women’s group and we welcome visitors. Beryl Peacock (01403) 782835

22 Mar Billingshurst Wednesday Group presentation by retired Police Inspector George Smith: ‘A Life of Crime’. St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst, 10am. Hazel Barnes, tel: (01403) 780660 or email: buzzhazel@gmail.com

23 Mar Sing for Pleasure. (4th Thursday except December: 3rd Thursday.) 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

24 Mar The Mother’s Fire. Nature connection group for mothers and children of all ages at a beautiful, secure farm in Billingshurst. 10.30am. Runs on Friday dates from February to December, check the booking site for full list of dates and timings. Visit www.acornsandembers.co.uk for more info and to book

Billingshurst Fire Station Charity Car Wash

On Saturday 25th March we will be holding a charity car wash at Billingshurst Fire Station. The event will start from 10am.

We will be raising money for The Firefighters Charity, which is a UK fire family’s charity. They are there for every member of the extensive fire service community. They will help all members to live healthier and happier lives. They do this by providing a broad range of health and wellbeing services, online and in person.

We will be offering hot/cold drinks and cakes while you wait for your vehicle to be cleaned. All we ask for is a donation.

The fire engine will be available for the children to look at, plus it’s a great opportunity to meet your local fire crew.

It’s always a fun day, supported by the local community very well, which we greatly appreciate. In recent years we’ve had all kind of vehicles ranging from horseboxes, camper vans, post office vans, threewheelers and even mobility scooters! Come and surprise us!

See you all on the 25th.

Twitter: @Station49Fire

Facebook: Billingshurst Fire Station

Dan Game, Billingshurst Fire Station

25 Mar Kids’ Craft: Easter Crowns with Claire and Emma. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 9.30am & 10.30am. Claire is a secondary school trained Art teacher and Emma is a trained Primary school teacher with 7 years’ experience at the Sure Start Children's Centre. £8 per session. www.cranleighartscentre.org

25 Mar Pulborough Village Market wih Easter Tombola. Pulborough Village Hall, Swan View, RH20 2BF. 9am-12 noon. Fresh produce, bread, local honey, plants, local crafts 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: 07711 470635, e-mail: terriashpool@uwclub.net

25 Mar Cranleigh Camera Club Annual Exhibition. Judge: David Smith LRPS, CPAGB. Cranleigh Village Hall, 10am-4pm. Wide range of prints and digital images on show. Non-members welcome. Free entry. Refreshments available. www.cranleighcameraclub.co.uk

25 Mar Billingshurst Fire Brigade Charity Car Wash. Billingshurst Fire Station. 10am-3pm. Please come along, have your car (or any vehicle) washed and support The Firefighters’ Charity. See page 41

29 Mar Parish Council Billingshurst Centre & F&GP Committees meetings. Billingshurst Centre. 7 & 7.30pm 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

Photo taken at the March 2022 car wash

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