Village Tweet - May 2020 by Village Tweet

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May 2020

Billingshurst Covid-19 Support Group 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

Contents

th May 1945: the small bedroom of a miner’s cottage in Darton, a South Yorkshire mining village near Barnsley. My grandmother had just given birth to Edward, my uncle. There was a growing commotion in the street outside and my grandfather, a miner known for his dry wit, went over to the window and turned to his wife. “Ay up, lass, they’ve put out all t’ flags for thee!” For those who lived through the war, VE Day was a day never to be forgotten. And this May sees the 75th anniversary of the occasion. (See page 3.) So why am I not talking about Coronavirus? Switch on the News and that’s all there is. And rightly so, of course. But with the VE Day anniversary looming I am conscious that there is a link between the war and what we are going through now. The country is once again under threat and we are all pulling together to defeat the enemy. 75 years ago it was Hitler; today it is Covid-19. We will beat it. Grahame

Cover: Re-enacting VE Day. Photo by David Sims Food & drink Recipe: Store Cupboard Soup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Health & wellbeing Holly Stone, Hypnotherapist . . The Village Homecare Service Katherine Finn, Hyphotherapist The Natural Way . . . . . . . . . . .

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About the house Oven Cleaning Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Flow-Serve Plumbing, Drainage, Heating . . . . . . . .18 MW Wingate Painting & Decorating . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Evans Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Heath Windows Ltd (Southern) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Re-Nu Kitchens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 1A Acclaim Floor Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 N Francis Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 PJM, Building & Property Maintenance . . . . . . . . .23 Terry Clohessey Painting & Decorating . . . . . . . . .23 Alba Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 GB Glazing Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Lee’s Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 MPS Home Improvements Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 GJ Coles, Builder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 JC Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Apex Aerials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 DM Handyman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Hamilton Cole, TV & Satellite Equipment . . . . . . . .27 Sussex Carpet Brokers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 AC Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Best Choice Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Park House Kitchens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OBC Features Royal British Legion: VE Day 75th Anniversary . . . .3 Miranda Rijks, short story: Thank you . . . . . . . . . . .16 Home Gym . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 A Good Read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Spaniel Diaries by Jeannette Douglas . . . . . . . . . .30 Little Tweeters! Weald School: Coronavirus & the LRC . . . . . . . . . .13 Yvonne Fleece: The Pond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Kids Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

COPY DATE FOR JUNE ISSUE: 8th MAY 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! Garden View: Gardening from JMB Gardening Services . . . Jonathan Carter Tree Surgery Village Nurseries . . . . . . . . . . Bygone Gardening . . . . . . . . DW Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . REM Landscapes . . . . . . . . .

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

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Miscellaneous Professional Services & Businesses Flackwoods Solicitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 A/c’s Direct, Accounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Jim Hills Sports Warehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Billingshurst Tennis Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Dandelion Farewells, funerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Freeman Brothers, funerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Pest Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Rudgwick Fencing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Community/Out & About/Farming/Smallholding Village Tweet: Coronavirus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Billingshurst Covid-19 Support Group . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Horsham District Council: Coronavirus . . . . . . . . . . .5 Royal British Legion: Branch Secretary vacancy . . .6 Slinfold Primary School: Caretaker vacancy . . . . . . .6 St Mary’s Church: Coronavirus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Age UK Horsham District: Coronavirus . . . . . . . . . . .9 Community Minibus (Billingshurst) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Ansells Vintage Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Sussex Green Living: Coronavirus & Recycling . . .11 St Catherine’s Hospice: Coronavirus . . . . . . . . . . .12 Slinfold School: Summer Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Horsham Museum & Gallery: Alison Milner-Gulland .22 Billingshurst Parish Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-21 St Catherine’s Hospice: Firewalk report . . . . . . . . .29 Plaistow Pre-School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 John Nash’s Column: House visitors . . . . . . . . . . .24 Billingshurst Fire Station: Coronavirus . . . . . . . . . .38 Motoring and Private Hire Billingshurst Service, Repair & MOT Centre Petworth MOT Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lintott Auto Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sussex Towing Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-Team Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Games and quizzes Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 8 Spot the Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32, 35 Last But Not Least What’s On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36-37 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

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Covid-19 / VE Day 75th Anniversary

VILLAGE

tweet &

Covid-19

When the lockdown started it was uncertain whether we would be able to continue publishing Village Tweet. ‘What if the printing company closes?’ ‘What if Royal Mail can no longer deliver?’ Thankfully our printing company continues to operate – with a skeleton staff so as to maintain safe social distancing. And Royal Mail will continue their excellent door-to-door service bringing Village Tweet to your letterbox. At the time of writing (9th April) it is uncertain how long the lockdown will continue. A review is imminent and it may be extended. Hopefully, come May, things may be a little more relaxed but the fact is no one knows. What is certain is that Village Tweet – your community magazine – will continue, albeit with fewer pages, to keep you informed. This is made possible by its advertisers, our printers and Royal Mail and we are grateful to them all for their ongoing support in this crisis. Grahame Pearson, Publisher and Editor

something they could take part in. There was also an air of anti-climax. The hardships of the war years had taken their toll on many people and left them with little energy for rejoicing in Britain, the strain of air raids, the strictures of wartime life and the impact of rationing all left their mark on a weary population who knew there were more difficulties yet to endure. Difficulties and hardship that would last – rebuilding our country and facing shortages until 1954. Foot note: Sadly, due to the Coronavirus and all its implications events marking VE Day have had to be postponed. In addition many Legion meetings have been cancelled including our Annual Poppy Appeal Evening at Fishers Farm on 28th April. We remain available for any help or assistance required by members and friends during this crisis. Colin Banks, Branch President

Also see pages 16 and 32

Victory in Europe: 8th May 1945

t’s an iconic photograph – one that has been used across the world to highlight the celebrations on VE Day – the end of the Second World War in Europe. It’s a tantalising photo; it’s impossible to look at it without wanting to know more about those two young women smiling for the camera in the Trafalgar Square fountains on 8th May 1945. On that day millions of people across the world celebrated Allied Victory in Europe but VE day did not signal an end to the Second World War. Churchill declared the 8th May a public holiday but many Allied servicemen who had fought their way through Europe prepared for their transfer to the Far East and the Pacific, where fighting would continue until August 1945. Amid the street parties and rejoicing in our towns and cities many people mourned the death of a friend or relative, or worried about those who were still serving overseas. For many of the widows the war had produced, the noise and jubilation as people celebrated VE Day was too much to bear and not

If you are in the At Risk Group in the RH14 9 area we can Help!

Billingshurst Covid-19 Support Group has been set up by community groups in Billingshurst. The scheme is intended to assist those who are self-isolating but are unable to carry out daily tasks (as listed below) themselves. We are able to help with essential shopping, posting letters, collecting medication and a friendly chat.

If you need some (free) support, please call us on (01403) 595003 (9am-6pm) or email us at communityhelp@billingshurstfamily.church The Billingshurst Covid-19 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

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Billingshurst Covid-19 Support Group

t the time of writing this article (1st April) the Billingshurst Covid-19 Support Group has been up and running for a mere 10 days. In that time we have had over 100 lovely people contacting us volunteering to help with collecting and delivering prescriptions, shopping and just being on the end of the phone for a friendly chat. You are all amazing people to give your time! Without you we would not be able to support the most vulnerable and elderly in our community. So a big Thank You to you all! Because of this small group of volunteers, we have, so far, been able to help 87 people with essential shopping and prescriptions; that’s in just over one week which is brilliant! The Billingshurst Covid-19 Support Group will support people from the RH14 9 (Billingshurst, Five Oaks & Adversane) area for as long as we are needed in the coming months. We are all residents representing several organisations from Billingshurst and have formed a cohesive and well organised group thanks to the considerable skill sets of the individuals involved. It has been a lot of hard work and we are proud of what we achieved in such a short space of time.

Our service is available to the most vulnerable in our community. These people are: • Anyone over 70 • Anyone with an underlying health problem that Covid-19 could exacerbate or could have serious consequences for. • Anyone presenting symptoms of Covid-19 – whether confirmed or not and any age • Anyone living in a household where someone has Covid-19 or is still quarantined • Anyone who identifies as being in the government At Risk Group We cannot do shopping for you if you are under 70 years old and because you are scared to go out! But we can offer you a friendly chat if you are anxious about your situation, or what’s happening in the world. We ask that residents do not abuse the service we offer. While we will help where we can, please remember that all the volunteers are putting themselves at risk by going out and shopping for you. We all hope that we will be through this crisis period soon, but in the meantime please get in touch if you need help or advice. Denise Campbell, Billingshurst Covid-19 Support Group Tel: (01403) 595003 (9am-6pm only) E-mail: communityhelp@billingshurstfamily.church

Community Volunteer Hubs for Horsham District during the Coronavirus outbreak

orsham District Council is extremely grateful to the many residents of the Horsham District who have come forward so far to volunteer their help to the elderly and vulnerable while confined to their homes during the current Coronavirus situation. Already some 20 Community Voluntary Hubs have been set up by volunteers with support from the Council. These hubs are manned by teams of volunteers, giving both practical and emotional support to those who need it. However, we are aware that there are also lots of other volunteering groups and individuals who are doing great work to pull together and offer support. In order to ensure that all areas of the District are being adequately covered, we would appreciate it if you could let us know any details of how you are volunteering to help people by e-mailing covid-19.support@horsham.gov.uk. If you have set up your own Hub or have a support group and have not already been contacted by the Council, please e-mail the details to us, so

we can keep an up-to-date list of what support is available across the District and where there are any potential gaps. The Council is currently also collating a list of anyone who would like to help in the Hubs. If you would like to offer your help and become a volunteer, please visit the Horsham District Council website and sign up at: www.horsham. gov.uk/community/ coronavirus-communitysupport. On this same webpage you can also let the Council know about anyone who is vulnerable and needs help. Many groups and individuals are coming together to make a real difference to the lives of others and Horsham District Council would like to thank all those volunteers who have selflessly offered their support. We could not do this without your continued support and we really appreciate it. Heather Pepper Horsham District Council

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Religion / Job vacancies

Spiritual doors remain open during lockdown

oors have been shut tight and normal days seem a distant memory. Yet despite the COVID-19 crisis Billingshurst community has remained connected and supportive of each other. Thoughtful concern and practical actions have sprung up everywhere. Humorous pictures and videos pop into our inboxes to help us find a smile. Friends have picked up their telephone for a comforting chat. Families separated by continents find ways of being there for each other. A daily life where it is only us and our thoughts to keep us company is a challenge. Resilience and fortitude have helped people carry on and re-shape their lives. New talents have been discovered, and books kept in a pile for that rainy day dusted off. Photo albums have been bought out and garden projects tackled. Seeds have been planted whose fruits just might grace our plates one day! So, what about our hearts and emotions as we lie awake at night puzzling through what is really important to us? How are we going to cope with growing challenges? The longing for improved relationships with our families and those we need to cherish more can be a strain. Then there is the search for patience with one or two who might be irritating us and the challenges of

daily life such as home schooling. Some of us may be lying there wondering how we are going to pay the bills with reduced pay and a business that has begun to wobble. In these times of reflection may you find deep inner strength, seeking out what really matters in your life. May you be able to re-build with hope in your heart. As a church community we will do our best to support you. You matter! You are not on your own. Please look on our website (www.stmarysbillingshurst.org) for resources or just send us an e-mail. We have committed to pray constantly for the village and receive prayer requests. Contributing to our village response team has been a priority. The Bible talks about God being present with each of us. He is like a light that no darkness can ever extinguish. We are told that Jesus has gone before us into heaven to prepare a place for us. We will always have a heavenly and a loving Father to welcome us. May your home be filled with peace and new hope.

Royal British Legion Billingshurst Branch

Wanted:

Branch Secretary Due to health issues our current Branch Secretary wishes to step down We are seeking someone who supports the Armed Forces and veterans but does not necessarily have to be ex-service. The ideal candidate would have IT and computer skills. Relevant orientation and training will be given and he/she will work closely with the Branch Chairman and Branch Treasurer. Non Legion members are welcome to apply. Contact Colin Banks (Branch President/Chairman) on tel: (01403) 784363 or by post: 16 Broomfield Drive, Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 9TJ

Part time Caretaker/Cleaner We are looking for an enthusiastic person who would enjoy looking after our school and maintaining our environment to a high standard. The hours are 30 per week which may include unlocking in the morning and cleaning and locking up in the late afternoon/evening. We would be prepared to split the position to offer both a cleaning and a caretaking role. We need someone with excellent DIY and caretaking skills. Flexible hours will be required during the school holidays. Closing date for applications Monday 30th April We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; The successful candidate will be subject to satisfactory reference checks and a Disclosure & Barring Service check.

For details and an application form please call 01403 790253 or email the school at office@slinfold.w-sussex.sch.uk

Coffee break / Legal services

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Village Tweet Quick Crossword

Solution on page 8

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Food and drink / Accountancy

Store cupboard soup A delicious supper

Preparation time: 20 minutes. Cooking time: 1 hour. Serves 4.

METHOD

1. Peel and finely chop the onions and carrots (or substitutes). Trim and finely chop the celery, peel and finely chop the garlic. Dice the bacon, ham or smoked tofu. 2. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat, add the bacon, ham or tofu and fry slowly until crispy, then crumble in the dried chilli or add the chilli flakes or powder, and add the dried thyme, onion, carrot, celery and garlic. 3. Cook gently with the lid on for about 15 minutes, or until all the vegetables are soft, then add the lentils and 1 litre water or vegetable stock. 4. Bring to the boil and simmer until the lentils are soft. If using mixed lentils, choose the longest cooking time listed on the packets (so if mixing green and red that would be the cooking time of the green lentils.) 5. Drain the beans or peas and add them to the soup. Thin the soup with water if required. Bring the soup back to the boil and simmer for another 10 minutes. Taste and season as required. 6. Ladle into bowls and serve with bread.

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INGREDIENTS

2 onions (red or white whatever is available) 2 carrots (or sweet potato, parsnips or a mixture) 3 sticks celery 2 cloves garlic 6 rashers smoked streaky bacon (any bacon can be used; or even thick ham or smoked tofu) Olive oil ½ a dried chilli, pinch of chilli flakes or ¼ tsp chilli powder ½ teaspoon dried thyme 200 g dried lentils, (or any lentils, even a mixture) 1 stock cube (vegetable or chicken) – optional 1 x 410 g tin of any plain beans (cannellini / haricot / kidney / mixed etc. A tin of peas could even be used!)

Village Tweet Quick Crossword Solution Puzzle on page 7 Across: 1, ZEST. 3, DELIVERS. 8, BANQUET. 9, LABEL. 10, ACTOR. 11, EMBARGO. 12, LARYNX. 13, CROWDS. 16, NEAREST. 18, TASTE. 20, URGED. 21, EARLIER. 22, DELICATE. 23, UGLY. Down: 1, ZEBRA. 2, SENATOR. 4, EITHER. 5, EMBER. 6, SALOONS. 7, GUARANTEED. 9, LABORATORY. 12, LANGUID. 14, WISHING. 15, ATTEST. 17, ANGEL. 19, EARLY.

Covid-19 / Community / Out and about

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Age UK Horsham District needs your help!

s a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, the charity has adapted their services to continue offering emotional and practical help to older people locally during this difficult time. These services include: • Information and advice on finances, social care, housing and welfare benefits • Telephone befriending for those feeling lonely and needing support • Doorstep deliveries of essentials and medication, as well as activity kits (knitting kits, CDs/DVDs, books and jigsaws) • Welfare and Safety Support for the most vulnerable, including help with tasks such as cleaning, shopping and laundry • Wellbeing advice, to keep older people mentally and physically healthy during isolation. The charity urgently needs funding to be able to continue delivering these vital services throughout the pandemic – you can help by making a donation online to their emergency appeal: www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/ Emergency-Covid-Appeal Alternatively you can donate any of the

following items to them at Lavinia House, Dukes Square, Horsham, RH12 1GZ between 8.30am-4pm Monday to Friday: Tinned meat, fish, vegetables and soup Long-life milk Microwavable foods not needing refrigeration Eggs and bread (fresh or part baked) Toilet rolls and cleaning products Also needed: Jigsaws/puzzles Knitting wool and needles Craft kits DVDs and CDs Books If you’d like to access any of the services above, or you’re worried about an older friend or family member at this time, please call Age UK Horsham District on (01403) 260560 or email info@ageukhorshamdistrict. org.uk Nicky Fuller, Rural Outreach Development Worker Age UK Horsham District

West Sussex Community Minibus Association (Billingshurst)

We’re still here! Hello from all at the Minibus. At time of writing our minibus has been off the road for over three weeks, and is taking an enforced break, while all our passengers and volunteers try and stay safe. We will be organising trips as soon as things get back to normal. We hope to run the Isle of Wight trip in the autumn, and to attend the Glenn Miller concert in Worthing (7th November). We hope to plan to visit the newly refurbished and extended Christ’s Hospital theatre. We are part of the Billingshurst Covid-19 Community Support group (01403 595003) and we are ready to help with shopping and the like. Please give us a call if you need anything. We have registered the minibus through West Sussex County Council to be available for medical and other transportation if needed. In March one of our dearest passengers, Audrey Hart, passed away. She was a lively and engaging lady, full of life, and a stalwart user and supporter of our service. She’ll be sadly missed by crew and fellow passengers alike. We will continue to be positive and we’re sure that the minibus will once again be a central part of our community. Thanks and keep safe. Steve O’Dowd Local Coordinator Registered Charity No. 1173818

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

d he s is ar bl ta ye Es

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

* Sport / Tennis / Covid-19

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Sussex Green Living: ‘Please keep recycling single-use plastic during the Covid-19 crisis’

ussex Green Living is appealing for help in the homes with single-use plastic recycling during the Covid-19 crisis. Since 2012 Sussex Green Living with the help of lots of volunteers have been recycling specific single-use plastics. The materials are sent to and recycled by a company called TerraCycle. Carrie Cort, founder of Sussex Green Living is appealing for help. “Over the last year the volume of donations has grown ten-fold; we have a wonderful team of volunteers we call the SGL Wombles who were helping sort every Wednesday afternoon at the Quaker Meeting House.” She continues, “We had to make the decision to stop the sorting sessions last week due to Covid-19”. Two volunteers are going to try to keep the lesser volume now being received, sorted and dispatched to TerraCyle. Helen Whittington, the onsite warden of the Quaker Meeting House will daily clean the handles on the bins in the meeting house garden, this being the main drop-off location in the district (although there are six other parish locations and schools who also collect). Joy Carter, endearingly called Chief Womble is going

to remove the recycling to a remote location (using personal protective gear) prior to sorting after 72 hours. At this very difficult time Sussex Green Living is appealing to local collectors to try and collect and stockpile at home, or sort as seen in the photo, then supply sorted items making it quicker and easier for Joy to dispatch. Joy says, “TerraCycle employ huge numbers of staff and are doing a brilliant job, if we suddenly stop dispatching materials to them staff will lose their jobs and the service will stop.” Sussex Green Living has dispatched hundreds of thousands of tonnes over the last eight years; an in December 2018 they started collecting crisp packets and have recycled 105,708! Learn more here: www.sussexgreenliving.co.uk/ recycling-zone/single-use. And for what can and can’t be recycled see: www.sussexgreenliving.co.uk/sussex-green-livingrecycling-guide-2. The good news is that the UK is bringing in new legislation in 2023 that will make rubbish the responsibility of businesses that create it. Carrie Cort, Founder, Sussex Green Living

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Charity

St Catherine’s Hospice seeks community’s support

hile many of us are in lockdown at home, staff at St Catherine’s Hospice continue to provide vital care and support to local terminally ill people across our community. Never has their care been more important, but it’s only thanks to the generosity of readers like you that St Catherine’s can be there at a time it’s needed most. As a local charity, the well-loved hospice has already seen a severe impact on its funding because of coronavirus, so Claire Irving, St Catherine’s Chief Executive asked us to share this message with you. “As your local hospice, we’re proud to help people in our community through the most difficult of times. Now, more than ever, we must look after one another. “The impacts of coronavirus are profound, and my thoughts are with you at this extremely challenging and uncertain time. Today, more than ever, our relationships with our loved ones feel important. We’re taking extra time to reach out and connect with those we care about. To look out for friends, neighbours, and people more vulnerable than we are. To be there for each other. To rally together and support one another. “At St Catherine’s we’re determined not to let people in our community down at this most crucial of times. I want to reassure you that we’re continuing to support people as we do 365 days per year. We’ve made swift changes to the way we operate to make sure that we’re still able to safely provide care for local people, on our wards and in our community. “But we can only continue to do this with your support. And we’ve never needed your support more than we do now. “Our expert nurses, therapists and doctors are still providing care in our hospice and in people’s homes. Our nursing and bereavement teams also continue to offer people advice and reassurance, day and night, via our phonelines. “Even though we continue to provide this vital care, coronavirus means that we’ve seen a severe impact on our funding. Many of our fundraising events are having to be cancelled or indefinitely postponed, and our 15 charity shops, which bring in vital funds, are temporarily closed to safeguard our staff and community. “That’s why I’m asking for your urgent help today. Please will you donate whatever you can afford to keep St Catherine’s going through this most difficult time? “By donating whatever you can afford, you’re making sure vulnerable people in your community

can have hospice support. It’s support they need now more than ever. “Our supporter care team is waiting for your call on (01293) 447361 or you can donate quickly and easily online at www.stch.org.uk/ BeThere. “We’re all experiencing challenges we never expected to face, and I’m conscious that you may have your own difficulties at the moment so I’m particularly grateful for anything you’re able to donate. “As a local charity we rely on people like you to be able to provide our expert care and support. “I’m humbled by my many dedicated colleagues who are providing outstanding care and support, on the frontline and behind the scenes, during this exceptionally challenging time. But we know we’re not alone in facing challenges. These are tough times for us all. “What has bolstered us, and continues to do so, is the amazing love and support we’ve received from people in our community. We’ve received essential items, treats for our hardworking staff and donations. We’re incredibly grateful for it all. “Knowing how much our hospice means to people like you keeps us going through the hardest days. It makes us determined to do you – our supporters and our community proud. It makes us determined to keep providing outstanding care. “And it makes us determined, with your help, to make sure that nobody in our community has to face death and loss alone. By working together we can look after local people through this crisis. We know it won’t be easy, but together, we’ll do it. “I hope you and your loved ones are keeping safe and well and have everything you need. Let’s all continue to be there for each other until this situation passes. Because it will pass. “Thank you so much for being there for your local hospice and helping us to continue to be there for your community – your family, friends and neighbours. “Remember you can make a donation by calling our supporter care team on (01293) 447361 or online at: www.stch.org.uk/BeThere. And do connect with us on social media if you can. Search St Catherine’s Hospice Crawley on Facebook, @stCHospice on Twitter and stcatherinescrawley on Instagram. Our online community is a source of great strength and companionship for our collective supporters and our staff and we’d love for you to be a part of it.” Laura Mitchell, St Catherine’s Hospice Photo: Claire Irving, Chief Executive, St Catherine’s Hospice

Covid-19 / Funerals / Health & wellbeing

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Weald School: Coronavirus closure How to remotely run a school library on a day-to-day basis

ith just 24 hours’ notice our numbers were reduced to year 7, 11, 12 & 13. Such was the impact of the Coronavirus crisis. The students came into the LRC to borrow books for the time they were home from school. Some came willingly in break or lunch, while others came during lesson time with their English teachers. On Friday 20th March we bade farewell to our year 11 and 13 students, many tutors and students completely thrown by this turn of events. This wasn’t the end-ofyear we had envisaged for our students, no tutor group party, prom or end-of-year assembly. Staff pulled together and made a video and the students had their hoodies and an assembly; the shock of no exams wrong-footed us all. The weekend passed in a flurry of sorting our spaces out, Monday morning arrived much too quickly. My first hurdle was to decide, how do you take a predominantly paper and printed word school library online to enable students to access it from home? As we are a Google Suite school I created four Google classrooms or virtual spaces and a Padlet: LRC KS3 Classroom which serves Year 7 & 8 (age group 11-13),

LRC KS4 Classroom which has year 9, 10 & 11 (age group 13-16), LRC KS5 Classroom for year 12 & 13 (our sixth formers aged 16-18), and LRC Staffroom for all our staff though this is mostly only accessed by teaching staff. Our brilliant support staff can access the same content through the final platform on Padlet. Most of my links come from Twitter. I am also adding other content such as ideas of books to read, a reminder to use the West Sussex Library through the app RB digital which has books, comics, and magazines to borrow. A joke of the day, Boggle, challenges, authors giving read-alouds of their books, keeping a diary, etc. I am currently working on a folder of ideas for Easter to help keep the students amused while cooped up indoors. Colouring sheets, travelling the world, recipes and books that complements the countries visited. As the weather improves, I will be adding bird spotting, gardening and many other topics to the different LRC classrooms and Padlet. Mrs Jane Fella, LRC Manager & Tutor Photo: Weald’s Learning Resource Centre now closed for the duration

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‘Elves and Fairies’ That’s the theme for Slinfold School’s Summer Fair on Sunday 17th May

linfold CE Primary and Pre-School are £7000 last year, which is amazing for such a small delighted to invite you to their celebrated village and school. The money raised by the PTA over Summer Fair which will be held on Sunday the year pays for the whole school to attend Forest 17th May from 12-3pm. Schools and also funds If the physical event is postponed due Along with the usual extra-curricular activities and to Coronavirus, we will be holding barbecue and bar learning – so far this year we an online event in lieu! refreshments, we will be have funded playground Keep in touch, email: enjoying the mystical theme enhancements, theatre visits slinfoldschoolpta@ with themed magic and and school discos. With your gmail.com. balloon modelling, face support this year, we hope to Nic painting and many other of be able to make more our usual attractions such as improvements to the a live band: the 19 teaching tools. Noughties. We also welcome Our PTA work hard all year some physical challenges round to raise funds – we from our afterschool sporting run several events including clubs and local Scout group. a weekly cake raffle – but we We have invited many would not be able to achieve Last year’s Summer Fair retail stalls to join us this any of this success without year to add to the attraction. the tremendous support from the headteachers, the We are running a raffle and auction, with great school staff, parents and extended family who attend prizes generously donated by local companies, as well our events. as other chances to win a prize. Please come along to join us at our number one Pick up a programme from a local business for event and enjoy every second! more information. See you all on Sunday 17th May for a fabulous Slinfold’s Summer Fair has always been a fantastic day out! day out for the whole family with high attendance Nic Lewis and record-breaking fundraising. We raised over Treasurer, Friends of Slinfold School Association

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Short story

Thank you A short story written exclusively for Village Tweet by local author Miranda Rijks

“Y

ou know what the rules are. You’ve got to stay within our property, so no further than the barbed wire fence.” The kids rushed outside, thrilled to be free. Mark and Lena stared at each other. “It’s a total mess!” Mark said, running his hands through his dusty hair. “Yes, but it’s all ours. We’re in the countryside, in a farmhouse with fields. It’s amazing!” “Other than the fact the house is tumbling down and the fields haven’t been managed in at least twenty years.” “Oh, come on!” Lena elbowed her husband. “Let’s make the most of the being stuck at home. We can start the renovations straight away. Do it ourselves.” “And since when do you know how to plaster walls or put in new windows?” “We’ll learn. Everything can be learned from the internet.” And then her voice faded away. They didn’t have a phone line or connection to the internet and goodness knows when it would be installed with the world having fallen to pieces. Even so, how many people unexpectedly inherit a farmhouse with several acres of land? Never in her wildest dreams did she think Uncle Patrick would leave the property to her. He wasn’t even her real uncle. Mark turned and took himself to the room he had sequestered as his office. The only area on the top floor that had a couple of bars of 3G. If he was lucky. Lena sighed. She’d make a start herself then. At least she could scrub the place down. She knew she was one of the lucky ones. Most of her friends were in Coronavirus lockdown in small city centre apartments with no access to green space. Not for the first time, she wondered how previous generations felt during the war. As she was on her knees, scrubbing the flagstones, she remembered her great grandmother telling her in heavily accented English how she had to escape Czechoslovakia with two babies in tow, having left her mother behind who would subsequently perish in the camps. Talking her way onto the last train from Prague to Milan, she took a boat from Genoa destined for Yokohama, Japan, which fortuitously stopped off in Liverpool. She had no idea if she would be reunited with her husband or see any of her family ever again. “You must never forget how wonderful the English were,” she said, repeatedly. “They saved our lives and I am proud to call myself British.” Lena’s grandfather took it one step further, refusing to accept his pension, so grateful he was for being saved by Britain. Lena missed her great grandparents, whom she was so lucky to have known, and often wondered what they would think of the dire situation the world now faced. And she felt sad that all of those VE Day celebrations had to be put on hold. An hour later, the children were back in the house, their trousers covered in mud, cobwebs in their hair. “Mum! Mum! We’ve found a secret den!” Lena followed her children across the overgrown garden and down to where it sloped away to the field. And then Oliver disappeared.

“Oliver! Oliver! Come back at once!” Her voice was strained, reflecting the panic she felt most days in these uncertain times. Molly giggled. “He’s in here.” To Lena’s amazement the children had found a bunker hidden underneath the slope, almost completely concealed by foliage and tangled weeds. Made from concrete it looked solid, with a steel plate door which was open just wide enough for her to slip inside. It was dark and smelled of damp and rotten leaves. “It’s a bit creepy but I don’t mind the spiders, not really,” Molly said. “We found a box.” Oliver proudly held up a small wooden box, the size of an egg carton. It was covered in dust and spiders’ webs. “Oh,” Lena found herself unable to speak. She wondered when this shelter was last occupied. “We found the box wedged into the corner.” Oliver pointed out a small hole in the wall. “Can we open it?” Molly asked, excitedly. For a horrible moment, Lena wondered if it was a casket and all they would find inside would be ashes. “Let’s take it up to the house and clean it down first.” As they peeled away the branches and tramped through the overgrown grass, something threw a shadow across the sun. Lena looked up and saw a large crane swoop across the sky. “Did you know that in ancient mythology, cranes symbolise healing and peacefulness?” She smiled as she realised how much she had learned through homeschooling. Mark was in the ancient kitchen making a cup of tea. Lena carefully wiped the box down with a damp cloth, watched excitedly by the children. And then, carefully, she tried to open the box. There was no lock, but it seemed stuck. “Come on!” Molly urged. Lena took a small knife and wedged it under the lid which then snapped back. “What’s in it?” Oliver leaned forwards his eyes wide with anticipation. “Oh, it’s empty.” Both children groaned with disappointment. “It’s not completely empty.” Lena ran her fingers over the inexpertly carved letters in the lid, which read: Never forget… to show your gratitude… to say thank you. “What does that mean?” Molly asked. Mark smiled. Lena thought about the soldiers and civilians who sacrificed so much for liberty during the Second World War, and she thought about all the people who were putting themselves at risk in the NHS today. Those people who were rallying to support their communities and making sure everyone stayed safe and had enough food and medicine. “It’s VE Day today. We may not be able to attend parties but what shall we do to say thank you instead?” 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.

Health and wellbeing / About the house

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Don’t go to the Gym! Bring the Gym to you!

very new health or cancer scare that doctors uncover seems to come with the standard, “Keep fit, lose weight and eat healthy foods to minimise the risk…” statement. We know it’s true but finding time to get to the gym is difficult when our lives are so busy. And, with the current lockdown there’s never been a better time to bring the gym to your home. If you have an area that’s big enough for you to lie down in, with your arms stretched out to either side, with a few extra inches for good measure you’ve got enough space to do a workout at home. No matter what your initial fitness level, aims and budget are you can start to exercise in the comfort of your own home. Basic Fitness If you’re after basic fitness you can try a home HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) session. All you need is a timer or smartphone app and a workout program – there are loads of videos on YouTube for every fitness level. HIIT works on short bursts of exercise, up to about one minute, with rests of maybe 30 seconds in between. It gets your heart rate up and gives you a great workout in a very short space of time. Exercises range from simple marching on the spot, squats, and leg raises right through to advanced press-ups and handstands, but all doable in the aforementioned space. An exercise mat might help for any lying-down exercises and a resistance band or small set of weights is a useful addition, but that’s about all you’ll need. Three 20-minute sessions per week and you’ll really start to see some results. Do it in the morning before breakfast for maximum fat-burning efficiency, and to set you up for the day. Strength Building your strength can also be done at home. Calisthenics is a form of training that uses your

Yourl loca ly d r f ienen ov er clean

body weight instead of free-standing weights. Each exercise has a series of progressions from easy to very hard. Take the simple press-up as an example. Start doing them while standing and leaning against a wall. As you move your feet further from the wall it gets harder. Eventually you’ll be able to do a full press-up on the ground. Then try positioning your hands closer to your waistline so you are leaning forwards as you press up – it’s getting harder now. Then try leaning so far forwards your feet leave the floor and you’re into a planche position – not for the faint hearted! Other calisthenics exercises need some basic equipment. Dips will need a set of dip bars. Pull-ups will need some pull-up bars. But all of these are relatively cheap to purchase and take up minimal space when not in use. What about exercise machines? If you’re starting out my advice is to avoid machines until you know what you like. You'll probably only have enough space and cash for one, and they are not portable so once you’ve got it you’re stuck with it. Build up your basic fitness and strength first and then decide what you want to do. Once your body starts to show some results you might even be tempted to venture down to the gym to take advantage of a wider range of equipment! Be sensible Always be careful with your body. Seek professional advice before starting any exercise regime. Make sure you’re working safely and within your capabilities. Start easy and work up to the harder progressions. If you have any signs of pain or discomfort, STOP! Rest, recover and assess the situation. Above all have fun getting fit and healthy. Robert Grant

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Books / About the house

A Good Read May’s selection from book reviewer Willow Coby Glass Geishas – Susanna Quinn Susanna Quinn’s novel, Glass Geishas, is a thriller set in modern day Tokyo – specifically in the notorious Roppongi district, where everything has a price. As the novel opens, Steph, the principal character, is just arriving in Japan with the specific aim of making as much money as possible as quickly as possible. However, her friend Annabel seems to have vanished – and her other friend Julia does not seem to recognise her, let alone welcome her. Something is clearly wrong. Having found Annabel’s abandoned diary, Steph sets out to find out what has happened to her friend and quickly becomes involved in the hostess trade. As the novel moves on, Steph’s own quest is intercut with two other storylines. The first, a set of e-mails from Chastity, an established hostess, shows the harsh reality of the life that Steph is moving into. The second, the memoirs of Mamasan, owner of one of Roppongi’s oldest clubs, explores how the trade has developed and changed over time. By the end of the novel, these strands are drawn together into a twisting conclusion which will keep you gripped. Quinn has clearly drawn on some of the recent writing about Japan and the significance of the geisha. However, her portrait is far from romanticised, and while her hostesses are certainly as elegant and glamorous as the traditional geisha and maiko, Steph’s world revolves around alcohol, sex and money – a fragile combination which puts her in significant danger. If the novel has a fault, it is in the slow reveal of Annabel’s diary – it is hard to believe that Steph, curious as she is, would not read the whole book at once. However, this is a minor point, and by stringing

this out, Quinn is able to keep us guessing at what has happened to Steph’s friend – and what will happen to Steph herself – making us turn the pages rapidly as the end approaches. I picked this book up in a secondhand book shop while on holiday. It appears to be out of print at the moment but there are cheap secondhand copies available and I recommend you seek one out. Mad Girl – Bryony Gordon Mental health is in the news a lot these days with high profile campaigns by the younger royals to raise awareness, and discussions over funding for people who need help. When we talk about mental health it helps to reduce the stigma surrounding the issues, and people have been shown to be more likely to seek help. And this is where the book by Daily Telegraph columnist Bryony Gordon comes in. This is a funny, inspiring, and a frank look at mental illness as Bryony recounts her own personal experiences. Starting in her childhood when she developed OCD and bulimia she looks back on her experiences and doesn’t shy away from reality of her life back then. A pervasive fear that she had killed someone but had forgotten about it led to her to try to find some aspect of her life that she could control – which led to the bulimia. Each chapter then leads the reader through different phases of her life as it begins to spiral out of control with drug abuse, before an inspiring trip to the Arctic Circle as part of her job helps her to turn her life around. It was a slow process, but she finally decides to take control and starts on the journey that led her to the present day. This is a must-read for everyone, regardless of how good, or otherwise, your life currently is. We all struggle at times and Bryony’s story provides plenty of food for thought.

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About the house

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

Goodbye & Thank You The Council says goodbye and thank you to Sue Kingston for the service she has offered the community since joining the Council back in 2014. Sue was an active member of the Council and had built up a great deal of knowledge and experience especially regarding planning and matters relating to the working practices of the Council. At the time of going to press, the vacancy has been publicised. Please keep an eye out on the council’s website or social media for updates.

Update on 83a High Street Last summer parishioners supported the purchase of a property in the High Street by the Parish Council, the ground floor of which would host youth activities. The acquisition was completed in the autumn and the Council arranged for the outside to be tidied in the interim. Professionals have since been preparing plans to formally separate the two floors, so the upstairs flat can be rented out to tenants and the ground floor let to Sussex Clubs for Young People (SCYP). Planning permission and Building Regulations approvals are currently lodged and quotes are being obtained. A draft lease has been prepared for SCYP.

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.

Meetings Given the Covid-19 outbreak, meetings of the Council are currently on hold. At the time of writing, officers are investigating ways in

which ‘virtual’ meetings can be held. Please keep an eye on the Council’s website and social media for updates as and when these are available.

Operation Crackdown Anti-social driving can be reported online through Operation Crackdown www.operationcrackdown.org. Reports must be made by the person witnessing the behaviour. (mobile phone use, bad driving, no seatbelt, rude or aggressive behaviour – NOT parking)

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

Billingshurst Parish Council

@BillingshurstPC

A message from

Cllr. Paul Berry Chairman of Billingshurst Parish Council We have all faced enormous challenges arising from the COVID-19 crisis. I hope you and your families are weathering the storm and are coping in the extraordinary times we have all been facing. I would like to say a huge thank you to all the retailers, pubs and take-aways in and around Billingshurst who have kept us fed and supplied with essentials during the crisis. The staff and management of these businesses whether they be our larger â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;big nameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; retailers or the smaller independent companies, have had to change their working practices hugely, and as a result must have put themselves at an increased risk. Those in healthcare have done an amazing job too, these include pharmacy, surgery, carers and NHS staff. Our postmen and women, refuse collectors, delivery drivers, Parish Council Litter Wardens and Public Toilet contractors have continued to offer an exceptional service to our residents as have teachers and playgroup staff. We should all be hugely proud of how quickly local organisations mobilised at the start of the crisis in setting up the Billingshurst Covid-19 Support Group (see article on page 5.) Those who set up the scheme did not have any templates to follow, they were setting up a scheme from scratch which nobody could have ever imagined we would ever have needed. Many volunteers came forward to help vulnerable people with shopping, obtaining medication, offering a listening ear and reassuring presence at the end of the phone. I am sure I speak on behalf of everyone in our parish when I say a huge thank you to all the people who have supported and are continuing to support our local community during these exceptional and challenging times.

Thank you

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Out and about / About the house

Alison Milner-Gulland – a Life in Art Horsham Museum & Art Gallery, until 27th June (Coronavirus permitting)

nd what a life, from Oxford to Syria, Russia to Washington, South Downs to desert, etching to collage, print to pastel, crayon to ceramics Alison MilnerGulland has had a richly rewarding life, creating along the way outstanding works of art. Now Horsham Museum & Art Gallery, in conjunction with Toovey’s Auction House, are delighted to showcase her remarkable art in the new temporary exhibition, Alison Milner-Gulland – a Life in Art, as Alison celebrates her 80th birthday. For over 60 years, Alison has always challenged herself and the viewer with her eye, her uniquely creative vision that combines powerful narrative along with the poetry of art. Where we would see a half-burnt door as a failed attempt at burning rubbish, Alison sees it as the ‘canvas’ to portray the ravages of a shattered peace, drawing on the sights she saw in the Middle East, using the symbol of the dove in turmoil, the narrative force. This powerful work contrasts with her exploration of the mythic drama of her next-door neighbour Chanctonbury Ring. Here Alison uses print, etching and collage to illustrate the tales of this magical place she explores on an almost daily basis. Alison’s work also portrays great beauty, from the moonlight over the sea, to tangled flowers growing in her garden, outside her back door. The images of the everyday, from the farrier shoeing her horse, to sheep in the snow, to seeing graffiti on

the walls of the world, all have found expression in the colourful and vibrant art works. Such drama of the immediate and today are contrasted with paintings and prints of long held stories and beliefs, especially the Greco-Roman and Christian iconography. Her time spent in and studying Russia and their Eastern orthodox imagery sees the icon re-invented for the contemporary, becoming a symbol of today’s stories, but rooted in 1000 years of artistic heritage. Rupert Toovey who has known the artist for over twenty years has selected the works for Alison Milner Gulland – a Life in Art. This close friendship enabled Alison to open up and explain the paintings as well as making available rarely seen works. This has added real depth to the exhibition which spans over 40 years of artistic creativity. This partnership along with the partnership between Toovey’s and Horsham Museum and Art Gallery has created a highlight of 2020, an exhibition where the creative talent and ability of Alison MilnerGulland shines through. Horsham Museum & Art Gallery is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, free admission. For more information see www.horshammuseum.org. Rachel Weller, Administration Assistant, Horsham Museum & Art Gallery Top: Alison in her Washington studio. Bottom: Moonlight over the Sea. ©Toovey’s Auction House

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About the house

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Community

House visitors 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.

e have all been going through very difficult times in the months since Christmas, and the world is reeling from the effects of Coronavirus. I had a thought to write a piece praising the wonderful work that has been done by all those who have struggled to fight the infection, who supply and feed us, and work to protect us. From the medical staff in hospitals and clinics, the suppliers who keep us in food, and – for us who live out in the sticks – the village shops and friendly folk who keep our communities together. Their unselfish efforts will I hope be remembered for many years to come. I think, though, that there are those who are far more accomplished in putting into words the thanks that we owe these people. So, now for something completely different… Living in the countryside I’ve long been able to accept that I must at times share my abode with various visitors. I don’t refer here to the odd visit from relatives or friends. Rather, it’s the other members of the countryside around me. In the winter time the area above my head, in the darkness of the loft, a whole multitude of little critters sleep out the winter among the debris of unwanted household artefacts. I say unwanted, but when they were put there it was in the fond belief that one day they would be desperately needed. They won’t of course, but that’s another story. These beasties are the hidden ones. Bats, for certain. The occasional mouse, guaranteed. And a whole menagerie of creepy crawlies that lurk in the darkest corners, just waiting to crawl into my clothing as I crawl around, so that they can re-appear once I’m settled watching the tele later in the evening. They are not a nuisance, and with just the rarest of appearances they only make themselves known after an occasional trek through the aforementioned debris. In the spring we do get invaded by a sudden influx of flies. Not little tiny house flies, but damn great big things that we assumed had spent the winter tucked up under the tiles that hang from the side of the house. Well, that was my first thought, but as they were then found buzzing frantically inside the windows of every room in the house it’s obvious that they too must have been resident in ‘the space up there’ and had just been waiting for a

touch of warmth to wake them up. Then, seeking the smallest gap between the loft lid and its surround, they followed a crack of light that drew them into my part of the abode. For a week or so they awaited daily eviction from the property, then they are gone… to reappear once more the following spring. We did, though, have one visitor who made a place for herself in our hearts. We indeed grew very fond of her. She appeared one evening as we sat watching some forgotten programme on the box. It was a sudden movement that caught our attention. She scuttled from under the settee and was half way across the carpet before she stopped for a good look at the room around her. A truly chunky house spider. Obviously female – only the girls get that big in arachnid circles. We sat still watching her and she in turn returned the compliment, frozen with one leg raised and her two front palps waving slowly at us. After a pause of several minutes she came out of her trance and made a dash for cover under the nearest armchair. Over the next few weeks it became clear that she found these digs very much to her liking. Each evening she would be frozen in a position somewhere on the walls or ceiling of the room, there to stay unmoving for the duration of our stay. The next day it would be in a different place – but always in clear and plain sight. She was our pest exterminator. No other beastie dared to enter the room and survive. She grew bigger and fatter on the infiltrators. I called her Gladys. I would always greet her on entering the room and wish her a “Good night, Gladys,” as I switched the light out last thing in the evening. She was part of the family! I mean, how daft can a grown man get. A fat, black spider, taking over the ownership of your front room, and instead of grabbing her and ejecting her out the door I looked for her in fond anticipation… and gave her a name! Then came the day Gladys was not there. We searched for her but she had gone. Where, we know not. Certainly not up the hoover, that particular piece of apparatus had been used with great care in her patrol area. No competitor was found. She had just done a runner! Sad tale isn’t it? Makes you wonder doesn’t it? Of course… I know… I’m an idiot… I must be, mustn’t I? But, then… do you share your house too? Stay safe folks. John Nash

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About the house

Ltd

Billingshurst based family business with over 20 years experience in the building trade. Full Refurbishments, Conversions and Alterations, Oak framed garages/car ports/porches, Fully bespoke timber garden rooms/studios, Driveways, Fencing, Repointing, Patios, Kitchens, Carpentry and more…

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Your local traditional Father & Son team

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07810 077274 or 01403 731152 25

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Little Tweeters! / About the house

The Pond

Once upon a time on a small farm near Billingshurst…

n January Nanny had a conversation with James the gardening person about digging a pond. James was not keen. “Alright,” thought Nanny to herself, “I’ll do it myself said the little red hen,” or so she thought. The spirit was willing but the body was not. With a bad knee – even after a jab from the doctor, digging was not an option. Sadly she had to let the idea go. But then something happened… On 24th March the schools closed and the country went into lockdown. Suddenly Nanny had four teenagers ‘free’ to do some digging. Or so she thought. She had put out a general plea on the Sunday and only Izzie and Mary indicated they wanted to help. Despite the limited offers of help Nanny’s spirits rose. So, late on Monday morning (had to factor in teen sleep-ins) Nanny and the two girls arrived in the designated spot and Nanny “Dig, Izzie, dig!” showed them how to do it. Slice through the grass on four sides, push in spade, lift the clod and place grass down at side of the proposed pond. For about four hours they toiled with a few drink breaks and lunch. By the end of the day the pond had begun to take shape. Nanny was able to transfer one of the trees – the one her friend Barbara had given her last year – into the edge of the pond. Tuesday followed Monday and the girls continued to dig – square slice dig and place clods. As the ground was very wet, this first stage was very hard work. By Wednesday the first layer was completed and the pond was more or less in the shape of a square. Although traditionally ponds are supposed to be roundish, Nanny thought better of looking a gift horse in the mouth and told the girls how pleased she was. By Thursday Nanny had planted two more of

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Barbara’s trees into the edges of the pond. Also by Thursday it was mostly Izzie who turned up and worked diligently for an hour or two although Mary did help a bit. During week two, Izzie had to do an assignment for college so she had less time (and energy, and inclination) to work on the pond, but she spent several spaces of time over the weekend. Even Nanny, now the really hard work was done, chipped away on the softer edges, so that by the Wednesday of that week the pond was deep enough to be filled. Because the sides were higher it made the pond look even deeper. A fourth tree was planted. Anne came down to inspect the work. “Why is it square?”, she asked Nanny. “Because that is how it emerged,” Nanny told her and that was that. Now it could be filled. Nanny had some leftover bits from other ponds so she used them for the bottom. Not enough scraps so some old black plastic was scrounged. Held down with some big stones left over from a shipment which had been sitting in the garden for about five years, the pond was ready. The hose was stretched to the edge of the pond and the tap was ceremonially turned on by Izzie. It took a long time to fill. “Are we going to have fish?” Mary asked. “No,” replied Nanny, “It wouldn’t be safe for them.” “What about frogs?” “If they come.” “Ducks?” “If they come. We can’t have ducks or geese ourselves because of the foxes. Let’s just wait and see.” And that is how it ended. Let’s just wait and see who comes to visit the Pond on that little farm near Billingshurst. Yvonne Fleece

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About the house

APEX AERIALS

Family Run Local Retailer / Service Provider

Southern Ltd YOUR LOCAL AERIAL COMPANY Est. 1985

New Aerials Supplied Existing Aerials Serviced TV, DAB, FM Aerials Digital Aerial Upgrades Extra TV, Satellite, Tel. Points Satellite Dish Install & Repair

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Charity / About the house

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Brave ‘soles’ face the flames for St Catherine’s Hospice Firewalk

he Carfax in Horsham was sizzling on the evening of Friday 13th March when more than 80 people walked across fire to raise money for St Catherine’s Hospice. Crowds were entertained with fire dancers, a LED light show, and music while brave ‘soles’ taking part had a briefing from UK Firewalk staff. They shared their top tips for successful firewalking, before people hot-footed it across 15 feet of redhot embers. Among them was Kelly Petch. She said, “Wow, what an experience the Firewalk was! It was exhilarating, challenging and terrifying all at the same time, but I didn’t feel a thing. It just felt like walking on gravel. The sense of achievement is phenomenal. And I’m really proud of my son Lochlan who did the Lego walk too. He said it felt prickly and he loved everyone cheering him on! We raised over £500 for St Catherine’s who gave care and support to my Mum in her own home when she needed it most. As a family we’ll be forever grateful to St Catherine’s and will continue to help raise money to aid their amazing services.” Kevin Uphill from Avondale also took on the challenge. He said, “I’ve done a few things for charity over the years from a parachute jump to marathons and cycling, but when a colleague elected me for the St Catherine’s Firewalk, I felt far more trepidation! St Catherine’s helped my Mum in her final months and were the sole reason my Dad was able to cope with her at home right to the end. She had a lovely home, and her being there was

how it should be, but it wouldn’t have been possible without St Catherine’s, so I wanted to support them. Armed with a great cause, myself and my Co-Director Tim Hardman set out to fundraise for our Firewalk challenge. We soon found ourselves with £2,580 in donations, thanks to some amazing donors, yet still no idea how we would complete it! On Friday we turned up after a very busy week at work to see a burning fire pit. After a detailed safety talk we faced the flames. The first step was the hardest, it felt totally unnatural and illogical, yet the science protected us. Before I knew it, I was across the line, feeling pretty smug, and very grateful to be able to help such a fine cause.” As well as the main Firewalk, brave under 18s faced a tough challenge of their own, braving a pit full of Lego bricks barefoot. Fran Palliser, Event Projects Fundraiser at St Catherine’s said, “We’d like to thank everyone who braved the flames, Lego bricks or came out and supported our Firewalk on Friday evening. It was a brilliant night and it was humbling to watch people pushing themselves outside of their comfort zones to raise money to support terminally ill people in their community. If you’re interested in volunteering with St Catherine’s, please visit www.stch.org.uk, contact their Volunteering Team on (01293) 447351 or email volunteering@stch.org.uk. Laura Mitchell, St Catherine’s Hospice Red hot embers or Lego bricks? Photos: Steve James

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Pets

The Spaniel Diaries

ell, what a weird time we are having. As I am penning my memoirs the humans are all very worried about about a disease they might catch. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even affected my activities as a busy spaniel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get my morning walk at the moment, myself and Maverick just get told to go in the garden instead. â&#x20AC;&#x201A; â&#x20AC;&#x201A; I have to say I do miss my morning beach run, but mum is doing a thing called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;social distancingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and says thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s too many people on the beach already, even early in the morning, although I do wish Maverick the idiot would socially distance himself from me! Mum says itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really serious and an important person called the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Prime Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has told everyone they must stay indoors and only come out for essential shopping and exercise or to go to work. Even a very important lady called The Queen has addressed the nation and told us we must all do our bit. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen her before on the picture box thing in the living room at a time the humans call Christmas, I call it extra yummy food time! â&#x20AC;&#x201A; â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Mum has actually been using all the stuff she has put in the freezer and forgotten about so she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to go to a place called the supermarket and queue up for ages, Dad says this is a miracle and some stuff must date back from the stone ages but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good for us dogs too as we are getting some delicious bones that have been buried under all the human stuff! â&#x20AC;&#x201A; â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Mum has had more time off work lately which is nice, but we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been able to go training with She Who Must Be Obeyed which I think is nice but Mum and Mav the creep are missing very much. Mum has been doing some extra training with us TO DEL MO THE 9,0 IVE NT ON 00 RED HLY LY HO BY M ME R AG S IN OYA YO L MA UR IL AR EA

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in the evenings as we are so very lucky to still get our exercise at the pony paddocks, and with the spring here at last thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of bunnies for us to sniff out too! Even the pony takes no notice of us now. She must lead quite a boring life â&#x20AC;&#x201C; she never seems to do anything other than wandering around eating grass, but apparently thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what ponies do. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m glad Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a dog; we have so much more fun! â&#x20AC;&#x201A; â&#x20AC;&#x201A; On a brighter note, the evenings are now lighter so we get to stay out later while Mum does jobs around the stables. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great fun, especially when we get to chase mice in the straw barn. I am missing our pub walks very much, Mav the idiot hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been on one of these yet as he was simply too much of a baby to have such a long walk. He really is a pain and often mucks up my plans but I can at least make sure he gets the blame for any chewed up items in the house although I have to admit to digging up the flowerbed as I got caught red pawed with no way of blaming Mav as he was in the house next to Mum â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such a creep. â&#x20AC;&#x201A; â&#x20AC;&#x201A; I hope we get to go on one of those things they call a holiday this year. We get to go to fun new places and explore new sniffs. Mum was talking about Wales, I thought they were big things that live in the sea but apparently thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a beautiful country called the same name, Mum said weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have to see what happens with the disease as to whether we can go on a jaunt or not. I hope we do, forests and mountains sound fun. â&#x20AC;&#x201A; â&#x20AC;&#x201A; I really hope you have all stayed safe and well during what has been a very difficult time for all of us in the UK. Hopefully I can write a more cheerful entry to my diary for next month. Billy. Jeannette Douglas

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Garden Tweet!

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Garden View

Gardening from scraps

t’s a difficult time right now and lots of gardeners are taking solace in their plot. But we’re seeing a whole new group of people coming to gardening by an unusual route. With more people locked down at home right now, trips out to garden centres falling under ‘unnecessary journeys’, and empty shelves at the supermarket, people are wondering if there’s anything they can grow easily at home with limited specialist supplies. The answer is yes, and it’s possible with minimal equipment to set up some home-grown produce on a windowsill or balcony. It’s something fun to with the kids too. You don’t need flowerpots; yogurt pots and ice-cream tubs will do. For something deeper chop the tops off 2-litre milk containers. Be as creative as you like – just punch a couple of drainage holes in the bases. Garlic. If you can spare a couple of cloves of garlic you can plant them and grow your own garlic bulbs! Put the pots of planted garlic in full sun. They will sprout and send up a stalk. Chop this off and the bulb will then put all of its energy into growing large bulbs. Potatoes. Cut a few centimetres of a chunk from a potato that includes one or two eyes. Let it dry out for a day or two then plant with the eyes facing upwards. Pumpkins and squashes. These grow fairly easily from seeds found in the centre of the gourd. Scallions/spring onions. Cut off the last couple

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of centimetres of each onion leaving the bulb and roots. Plant in a pot, leaving a portion of each stem sticking out above the soil. Water regularly, and the onions will start growing. Harvest the green portion of the plant, and it will continue to regrow more greens. You can do this two to three times before needing to plant more bulbs. Carrots. Carrot tops can be placed in shallow water in a saucer and will sprout tasty greens. You can use these to make a carrot-top green pesto. You can also regrow the plant by cutting a couple of centimetres from the top of a carrot. Stick a toothpick into either side of the carrot stump and balance it on top of a small glass. Fill the glass with water so that the liquid barely touches the bottom edge of the stump. Set this glass on a windowsill out of direct sunlight. Add water as it evaporates, and roots will sprout from the carrot edge. Plant it out in a pot. Romaine. This lettuce has narrow leaves that form a tall head. Cut off a couple of centimetres from the bottom of the romaine stalk, place it in water and after a week or so roots will form. When they are slightly longer than the leaves growing from the top you can plant it out. To harvest, pick the outer leaves leaving the inner leaves. It should keep producing for months. Happy scrappy gardening! Rachel Leverton

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Little Tweeters! / Garden Tweet!

Village Tweet Spot the Difference

8th May is the 75th Anniversary of VE Day celebrating Victory in Europe in 1945. Can you spot the 15 differences with these ć&#x2DC;&#x20AC;ags of the Allied nations? And how many ć&#x2DC;&#x20AC;ags can you name?

Solution on page 35

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Garden Tweet! / Pest control / Fencing

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Motoring

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Motoring

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Spot the Difference - Solution Charleshurst Farm, Plaistow RH14 0NY Honest, Friendly & Reliable Garage Business in Plaistow covering all the local areas Servicing, General Repairs, MOTs, Fault Diagnostic Reading Ring Tom on 01403 751775 or 07786 056552 www.lintottautoservices.com

Answers (Flags left-to-right): British Empire, United States, Soviet Union, Netherlands, France, China, Poland, Greece, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, British India, South Africa, Yugoslavia, Norway, The Philippines, Denmark, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Brazil.

Puzzle on page 32

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What’s on near you

What’s On – May 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. Off Station Road Gardens. May-Aug, from 6pm. Come along and have a go. New members most welcome, no experience necessary. Contact Beryl on (01403) 784599 or Barry on 07858 407537 for further information or visit www.billingshurstbowlingclub.co.uk Every Fri Open days at The Blue Idol. Quaker Meeting House, Oldhouse Lane, Coolham, RH13 8QP. 10am-4pm. (March-November.) www.blueidol.org, Facebook @BlueIdolQuakers, (01403) 740174 Every 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 2 & 30 May 3 May 3 May 4 May 5 May 5 May

6 May 7 May 7 May 8 May 8 May 9 May 9 May 10 May 11-16 May 13 May 13 May 14 May 14 May 16 May 17 May 18 May 19 May 19 May 21 May 22 May 23 May

27 May 28 May 28-30 May 30-31 May

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Parishes Wildlife Group: Parish Mapping. Meet Wisborough Green Village Hall, 9.30am. participants will be issued with a ‘square’ to cover, Ecological Consultant Bruce Middleton will provide training. Jill Sutcliffe, tel: (01403) 700395 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 Fittleworth Garden Trail. Cancelled due to Coronavirus 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 The Arts Society – West Sussex lecture by Nicola Moorby: ‘Turner vs Constable: The Great British Paint Off!’. Fittleworth Village Hall. 2pm (doors open 1.40). Lectures held on all matters relating to the arts on the first Tuesday of the month. Tea & coffee is served after the lecture. Visitors welcome, £5. New members welcome: Jackie Buckler, tel: (01903) 411086 or email: jackiebuckler@sky.com. Visit theartssocietywestsussex.org The Arts Society – South Downs lecture by Jenifer Toynbee-Holmes. Postponed due to Coronavirus 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 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 Plaistow Pre-school Maypole Fete. Cancelled due to Coronavirus Billingshurst and District Wine and Beer Circle meeting. Cancelled due to Corona virus Billingshurst Horticultural Society Annual Plant Sale. 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 River Arun Boat Rally. Details see weyarun.org.uk/events54. See April’s Village Tweet, page 43 Horsham Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society: ‘Sister Act!’ Capitol Theatre, Horsham. Starring three Billingshurst mums! Tickets and info: www.haods.co.uk See April’s Village Tweet, page 30 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 Billingshurst WI Meeting. Cancelled due to Coronavirus. Secretary, tel: (01403) 780810 Billingshurst Horticultural Society Meeting. Illustrated talk. Cancelled due to Coronavirus Ifold Food & Country Fair. Cancelled due to Coronavirus Slinfold CE Primary School Summer Fair. 12 noon-3pm. There will be an online event if cancelled due to Coronavirus, e-mail: slinfoldschoolpta@gmail.com for update. See page 15 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 Loxwood Jazz & Blues Club. Cancelled due to Corona virus St Mary’s Guild Members’ talk: ‘Treasures in the Attic’. St Mary’s Room, East Street, Billingshurst. 10.30am. We are a friendly women’s group and we welcome visitors. Beryl Peacock (01403) 782835 Billingshurst Community Partnership Informal Gathering: Young People & Children. Thursday Billingshurst Centre. 7pm. See March’s Village Tweet, page 39 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 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 Quiet Garden Afternoon at The Blue Idol. Quaker Meeting House, Oldhouse Lane, Coolham, RH13 8QP. 2-4.30pm. (Last Weds of the month, April-Sept.) Enjoy peace in the garden. Stay as long as you like. Refreshments. Free, all welcome, wheelchair accessible. Further information 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 Billingshurst Dramatic Society presents ‘Murdered to Death’. Postponed due to Coronavirus Floral Fringe. Cancelled due to Coronavirus

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

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

Fire station / Advertisers Index

Billingshurst firefighters and Covid-19

irst of all, we would like to apologise for our last article which thanked everyone for attending our car wash. Needless to say, with the unforeseen lockdown the car wash was cancelled. As I’m sure you realise, we have to write these articles a few weeks in advance. A new date will be published in the summer. With Covid-19 being the talking point for most of March and April, we have had to make changes on station as well to try and protect the crew and public. No station activity or training going ahead, but the crews keeping their competency up by doing online learning from home. We are of course still responding to calls as normal but keeping crews to a minimum. We have had to cancel all the peripheral work such as station visits, school visits and community fire safety work. This will all be reorganised once life gets back to normal. We are not sure how long this is all going to last. However, we urge people to keep following the government’s

guidance. The quicker we do, the quicker we get back to some kind of normality. We hope you all stay safe and well during this difficult time. It’s nice to see the community sticking together and trying to help those who need it, so please don’t ever stop that. Let’s hope we can report some exciting new events happening in next month’s issue. We will have a lot to catch up and very much looking forward to doing this. In the meantime, take care everyone. Finally, we are pleased to see people jointly applauding the NHS on many evenings at 8pm. We obviously work closely with paramedics so fully support this gesture. Well done, all NHS workers! Twitter: @Station49Fire Facebook: Billingshurst Fire Station Dan Game, Billingshurst Fire Station Photo: Billingshurst firefighters and paramedics in happier pre-Covid-19 times

ADVERTISERS INDEX May 2020 1A Acclaim Floor Care ......................22

Flow-serve Plumbing, Drainage,

Oven Cleaning Direct........................17

A-Team Mechanics............................35

Heating..........................................18

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

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

Freeman Brothers, funerals ..............14

Pest Man...........................................33

AC Decor...........................................29

GB Glazing Ltd..................................25

Petworth MOT Centre .......................34

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

GJ Coles, builder ..............................26

Plaistow Pre-School..............................32

Ansells Market.....................................9

Hamilton Cole TV & Satellite

PJM Building & Property Maintenance .23

Apex Aerials ......................................27

Equipment .....................................27

REM Landscapes..............................33

Best Choice Roofing .........................29

Heath Windows Ltd (Southern).........19

Re-Nu Kitchens.................................19

Billingshurst Covid-19 Suport Group...4

Holly Stone Hypnotherapy ................13

Royal British Legion ............................6

Billingshurst Parish Council .........20-21

JC Plumbing......................................26

Rudgwick Fencing.............................33

Billingshurst Service, Repair &

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

Slinfold Primary School.......................6

MOT Centre ..................................34

JMB Gardening Services ..................31

St Mary’s church .................................6

Billingshurst Tennis Club ...................11

Jonathan Carter Tree Surgery ..........31

Sussex Carpet Brokers .....................28

Bygone Gardening ............................33

Katherine Finn Hypnotherapy ...........15

Sussex Towing Brackets ...................35

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

Lee’s Locks .......................................25

Terry Clohessey Painting &

DM Handyman ..................................27

Lintott Auto Services .........................35

Decorating.....................................23

DW Gardens .....................................33

MW Wingate Painting & Decorating .18

The Natural Way ...............................15

Evans Electrical.................................19

MPS Home Improvements Ltd..........25

Village Homecare..............................13

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

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

Village Nurseries ...............................32

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