Village Tweet - October 2021 by Village Tweet

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84-year-old Dave raises £2000 for St Catherine’s in epic skydive Issue No. 131

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October 2021

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

t last, after many months, things really do seem to be pretty much back to normal, or at least the ‘new normal’. Sure, masks are sometimes still being worn, especially in crowded spaces such as trains and some shops but many activities are now going ahead, evidenced by reports in this issue of several events that have taken place over the summer – and well attended too, with a number of charity events reporting record takings. Further proof, if any were needed, that things are on the up is a packed What’s On section with plenty to do in October. Grahame Cover: Dave’s second skydive in memory of his wife, Sheila, raised £2000 for St Catherine’s Hospice. (His first jump in 2018 raised £1500.) See page 9

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Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7, 9 St Catherine’s Hospice: 84-year-old skydives and raises £2000 for hospice . . . . .9 Royal British Legion: We are back! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Recipe: Pumpkin pie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Horsham Museum & Art Gallery: Reopens with an exhibition by Judith Hurst . . .15 Horsham District Council: Climate Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Tapestry Day Care: New support initiative for older people . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Skydive: Another one! This time to raise funds for spinal research . . . . . . . . . . . .18 West Sussex Community Minibus: October and November trips . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Bad Teacher? Advice on how to discuss teacher/child problems . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Loxwood Village Fête: Post-lockdown fête raised a record £7000! . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Renegades: The Renegades have got stile! (The puns just keep on coming!) . . .27 Loxwood Society: Closes after 24 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Kids Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 St Catherine’s Hospice: The importance of saying goodbye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Billingshurst Fire Station: Charity car wash a huge success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 A Good Read: October’s book reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Sussex Green Living: Launch of Sussex Green Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 BilliGreen: Looking back on a busy and productive summer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Wey & Arun Canal Trust: Ash dieback strikes canal bank trees . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 The Spaniel Diaries: The continuing adventures of Billy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Yvonne Fleece: A new start… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Garden View: Tidy up time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 John Nash: Just a thought… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Billingshurst Lions Club: Why I joined the Lions! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Spot the Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48, 51 Formula Woman: Calling women with a lust for speed! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 What’s On near you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52-54 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

What next for employees following Furlough? The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will end on 1 October 2021, and it is expected that this will have a significant impact on both employers and employees as they adjust to life after furlough. From 1 October, employers will have to retain those employees who were previously on furlough and revert to their normal terms and conditions of employment in connection with wages, or otherwise agree a variation to the employees’ terms and/or wages, or take steps to restructure and reorganise their business including redundancies. Those employees on furlough have had the benefit of the CJRS throughout the pandemic, but they now face a potential redundancy situation and the next few weeks are a critical and anxious time as there is no further transitional period and all Government assistance to employers ceased at the end of September.

It is anticipated that this could lead to employers being required to begin redundancy warning and consultation processes if they need to release employees. There may be a number of reasons to do this including insufficient demand for their products or services, they do not have funds to retain their employees, they have too many employees, they wish to reduce costs, they have become more efficient over the pandemic, or just wish to review how their business operates. If you find yourself facing redundancy and would like to seek advice please get in touch with me to talk through your situation. I can assist with the redundancy process, termination packages and settlement agreements, setting up new businesses, advising on terms and conditions of employment and any disputes which may arise from your employment or its termination.

Call: 07398 311633 Email: nigel.targett@coolebevisllp.com www.coolebevislaw.com

Nigel Targett, Employment Partner at Coole Bevis, comments on the ending of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

We’re offering new sales instructions for a limited time* at a rate of just 0.75% to homeowners in Billingshurst & surrounding villages to celebrate officially being the best estate agent in our area. If you would like to take advantage of this special offer, contact us today.

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Open for online sales Go to www.housecoren.co.uk to buy our debut sparkling wine, Boco by House Coren.

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Coffee break / Legal services

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Village Tweet Quick Crossword

Solution on page 9

BT Exchange New Commuter Car Park BT Exchange Car Park is now a commuter car park, only 200 yards / 3 minute walk from Horsham Railway Station!

Pavilions in the Park

BT Exchange Commuter Car Park

Horsham Railway Station 200 yards / 3 minute walk

Times

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Available Monday – Saturday

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Different ways to pay We offer flexible payment options through the MiPermit app. This gives you a virtual permit, no need to have cash and you can manage your own account via the app. Available on App Store and Google Store. Pay & Display (cash and contactless) is available if required.

For more information contact: parking@horsham.gov.uk

Charity / Private hire

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84-year-old Dave’s second skydive for St Catherine’s Hospice

ave’s wife Sheila died at our hospice six years ago after being diagnosed with pancreatic and lung cancer. After receiving bereavement support from the hospice team, Dave began fundraising for St Catherine’s as a way to give back for the support he and Sheila received, and to make sure they can continue to provide care for others who need them. In 2018, at 81 years old, Dave completed his first skydive in aid of the hospice. In September, at 84 years old, he undertook his second! Here, he shares why. “Initially Sheila was sent to Guildford Hospital. Medically they were great, but it felt a little bit like Waterloo Station as it was very busy there. Getting Sheila into the hospice was such a positive experience – the team were so kind and caring and it was very tranquil. After Sheila died, I also had counselling. I’ve kept in touch with your hospice ever since”. Fundraising gave Dave a sense of purpose after Sheila died. Dave says, “I started fundraising with a jazz band event which raised about £1,000 and I then arranged another event myself which raised a further £800. I’ve also volunteered at different runs to cheer on other hospice supporters. St Catherine’s does so much for so many people and I really like to show my appreciation for that.” He did his first skydive for St Catherine’s in 2018 and managed to raise over £1,500. “It was wonderful! The freefall is pretty scary as you’ve got no sense of orientation but once the canopy opens up it’s the most tranquil thing. The instructor offered for me to take the controls but I declined and just asked that he make the experience

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last as long as possible. “In the end, we were the first jumpers out of the plane but the second to last getting to the ground. The instructor said that he’s done over 1,600 jumps, but that mine was in the top 100 for him – I think he knew how much I enjoyed it.” A skydive is definitely not for everyone; once you’ve done it your adrenaline is running pretty high. Dave recalls, “I remember that one of my sons who came along to watch me had to take me for a cup of tea before I drove home last time to calm me down! A friend took me this time. “If Sheila were here now, she’d tell me I’m ‘a daft old bugger’, but I know she’d be so supportive. It’s definitely been hard raising money this year with the lack of contact thanks to the pandemic, but I get so much support from one of my sons and his family. I know that my friends from my clubs will support me too. “I would like to say a really big thank you to everyone who has sponsored me offline and online. After two cancellations, I’m pleased to say that I made the jump last Tuesday. The weather was glorious and the experience fantastic. I’m a very happy old man.” Dave has now raised over £2,000 for his second skydive. If you’d like to support Dave in his skydive and help him raise even more money for St Catherine’s Hospice please visit: justgiving.com/ fundraising/dave-rose5. Or to make a donation to support your local hospice please visit: www.stch.org.uk/donate or call (01293) 447361. Laura Stocker, St Catherine’s Hospice Photo: Dave and Sheila. See front cover for skydive photo

Village Tweet Quick Crossword Solution Puzzle on page 7 Across: 1, HEAL. 3, ALTHOUGH. 9, ROBBERY. 10, GECKO. 11, COME A CROPPER. 13, PAUNCH. 15, WEIRDO. 17, ATHLETES FOOT. 20, CRUST. 21, PERFECT. 22, REHASHED. SNIP. Down: 1, HARD COPY. 2, ALBUM. 4, LAYERS. 5, HIGH PRESSURE. 6, UNCLEAR. 7, HOOT. 8, RECALCULATES. 12, FOOTSTEP. 14, UNTRUTH. 16, STAPLE. 18, OCEAN. 19, SCAR.

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Community

Royal British Legion, Billingshurst – We are Back!

his year the Royal British Legion is celebrating its 100th birthday, but difficult times have severely restrained our fundraising and branch activities. Due to recent tragic events in Afghanistan, we are anticipating that the Royal British Legion will be required to give more help to our veterans and servicemen and women. On Sunday 14th November, our Billingshurst Annual Parade and Remembrance Day Ceremony at the War Memorial, will be followed by a Morning Service at St Mary’s Church. We are extremely grateful to the Billingshurst Parish Council, who have taken on the responsibilities of marshalling and road closures, that have allowed the Parade to return this year. We will be publishing further details in due course. This year’s Poppy Appeal will be from 30th October and will run till Saturday 13th November 2021. We are looking for volunteers to help with our static fundraising stalls. One will be at the Station and the other outside Sainsbury’s. The Station will have a presence from 6.30am till 10.30am and Sainsbury’s from 9am till 1pm.

Poppy boxes and collecting tins will be distributed to strategic locations around the village as normal, but door-to-door collections will be limited due to the possible on-going restrictions with COVID. If you would like to participate and join our team, (we ask volunteers to participate for no more than an hour at a time,) please contact: Tom Blair, Billingshurst Poppy Appeal Organiser, tel: 07925 551148 or e-mail: thomasblair19@yahoo.co.uk. We are also looking for a volunteer to take on the important position of Branch Secretary. John Jones has served as our Secretary for close on 39 years and it is time we allowed him to retire from this role, from which he has given us tremendous support and leadership. If you can help please contact Colin Banks, Branch President, e-mail: colinbanks1940@yahoo.com or Rob Nicholl, Branch Chairman, e-mail: billingshurst.chairman@rbl.community. Graeme McAlpine Photo: Paul Berry and John Jones taking the salute at the Billingshurst Remembrance Parade 2017

A message from your County Councillor Dear Residents, I hope everyone has had a good summer despite the weather and had the opportunity for time off or a staycation of some sort. With schools, colleges and universities back, some form of normality has returned although we still have to be cautious. Please keep safe as the seasons change: As we approach autumn and the seasons change, many of us will be spending more time indoors. COVID-19 is still with us, so it is important not to let our guard down and do all we can to stop the spread of coronavirus as we head into winter by following the guidance below: – Test regularly – order or pick up test kits, or have a supervised test at a local pharmacy. – Have both doses of the vaccination. – Remember hands, face, space, let fresh air in. Local vaccination update: As of 8th September, 659,105 people over 16 in West Sussex have had one dose of the vaccine. Everyone is still able to come forward for a vaccination – there is no time limit. If you are yet to have your first dose please visit a walk-in service to receive your vaccine. Teenagers aged 16 and 17 can now go to a number of walk-in clinics across West Sussex. There is no need for an appointment and they can go with friends or family. Walk-in clinics are taking place in Angmering, Bognor Regis, Chichester, Crawley and Haywards Heath as well as many other locations. Some children aged 12 to 15 are also now eligible to have a vaccine. Hedges and Ditches: This spring and summer has seen exponential growth of vegetation along public roads and now that the nesting season has come to an end (31st August) landowners are encouraged to cut back their hedges and

public footpaths. If you are a riparian owner you are also responsible for maintaining the watercourse that borders or runs through your property so this is a good time to clear your ditches to avoid flooding and keep the water flowing. Improve your wellbeing: Coronavirus has had a huge impact on many aspects of our lives including our wellbeing and habits. Increased stress, weight gain due to changes in eating habits and levels of activity plus changes to drinking and smoking patterns are all factors that may have affected our wellbeing and ability to cope. If you are looking for inspiration and practical tips to improve your health visit the West Sussex Wellbeing and Better Health websites. Critical support to Afghan nationals arriving in the UK: The County Council is providing critical support to Afghan nationals arriving in the UK from Afghanistan and is committed to supporting the Government’s Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy and ‘Operation Warm Welcome’. The Council is also working closely with District and Borough Council partners to identify suitable properties which can be used to provide long-term accommodation for Afghan families who have arrived in the UK. If anyone wishes to find out how they can help, please visit our website where there are details of local and national organisations accepting financial and practical donations. For further information about County Council services, please visit the website www.westsussex.gov.uk or contact me on amanda.jupp@ westsussex.gov.uk or mobile 07775 776513. Best wishes Amanda

Religion / Out and about / Christmas

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We have but one world…

BARGAINS GALORE AT

ANSELLS

How well are we doing with this calling? As we look to planting for next harvest perhaps we can commit some time to reviewing how we personally respond to the environment. It may involve change such as recycling thoughtfully. Perhaps talking to political leaders about concerns of the environment. How about the carbon footprint we leave on the earth? One thoughtful response during this season of Harvest is to give thanks for what we have. Alongside thankfulness perhaps this year we might commit ourselves to tending our World more attentively. This could lead to a harvest of change that ensures harvests continue to bless all. In the first book of the Bible there is the picture of God launching this wonderful world into existence and appointing humankind as custodians. “Then the Lord God placed humans in the garden of Eden to cultivate it and guard it.” (Genesis 2 verse 15.)

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

stunning flower of brilliant blue, the colour of a perfect bright sky recently took my breath away. (Ipomoea ‘Heavenly Blue’.) A friend had persevered in tending this plant and her care was worth the effort. I wonder how many of you have given care and attention to crops that now bless your world. This time of year is a traditional opportunity to look at the harvest that has come our way. Glancing at our village allotments there have been local harvests to celebrate! Some of us will be celebrating the beauty of a window box while others have had the huge task of whole fields to harvest. Whatever our situation, in this season we are invited to notice the bounty that our world has yet again provided. Our plates tell the story of an abundant earth. Yet this wonder of harvest is vulnerable to the care that we all give. The call to take stock and reflect on the environment that provides so much, needs our attention. The Bible reveals to us our creator who designed a world that could sustain and enrich us. This gift was long ago handed to humankind to treat with responsibility and care.

VINTAGE SALE & MARKET Every Saturday 10am to 2pm FREE ENTRY & PARKING Stallholders welcome (indoor tables £5, also storage units to let, £25 pw) 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

Free Range Local Bronze Turkeys Hand reared from day-old chicks in Itchingfield Will be ready for collection on Thursday, 23rd December 2021

Go to sussexfreerangeturkeys.co.uk for more information or call 07703 182971 A £15 deposit confirms the order

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

Food and drink / Accountancy

Pumpkin Pie The perfect Halloween treat… with no tricks! METHOD

1. Place the chopped pumpkin into a large saucepan, cover with water and bring to the boil. Cover with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain and allow to cool. The final colour of your pumpkin filling will depend on the colour of the squash you choose. Some have a more yellow flesh, like butternut squash and others like the winter squash have a much more orange flesh. They will both taste equally good! 2. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and use it to line a 22cm loose-bottomed flan tin. Chill for 15 minutes. Line the pastry with baking parchment and baking beans, then bake for 15 mins. Remove the beans and parchment, then bake for a further 10 minutes until the base is pale golden and biscuity. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. 3. Increase oven temperature to 220°C/200°C fan/gas 7. Push the cooled pumpkin through a sieve into a large bowl to make a puree. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, salt, nutmeg and half the cinnamon. Lightly beat together the eggs, melted butter and milk, then add to the pumpkin purée and mix well. Pour the mixture into the tart shell and bake for 10 minutes, Reduce the temperature to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4 and continue to bake for 35-40 minutes until the filling has just set. 4. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before removing the pie from the tin. You can mix the remaining cinnamon with the icing sugar and dust over the pie or decorate in a suitably spooky style.

Preparation time: 40 minutes. Cooking time: 1 hour 40 minutes plus chilling time. Serves: 8

INGREDIENTS

750g pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled, deseeded, and cut into chunks 350g sweet shortcrust pastry (make your own or buy ready-made) 140g caster sugar ½ tsp salt ½ tsp fresh nutmeg, grated 1 tsp cinnamon 2 eggs, beaten 25g butter, melted 175ml milk 1 tbsp icing sugar

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Horsham District

Community Climate Fund Help tackle climate change in Horsham District Funding available for community projects focusing on: • • • • •

Energy Water Waste minimisation Biodiversity Sustainable transport

Find out more Call Community Development on 01403 215358 or 01403 215216 Email community.development@ horsham.gov.uk Visit www.horsham.gov.uk/ communityclimatefund

Out and about / Environment

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Horsham Museum and Art Gallery reopens with blockbuster exhibition Illuminations – Contemporary Medieval Art by Judith Hurst, 2nd October-31st December

lluminations: they are stunning, colourful, unique, exquisitely drawn and crafted and better still draw their inspiration from the mediaeval world that has inspired so much of today’s films and books from Game of Thrones to computer games and books including Arthurian legends. The new art exhibition Illuminations – Contemporary Medieval Art by Judith Hurst, launches Horsham Museum’s calendar of forthcoming art exhibitions, and is a true blockbuster. Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture Cllr Roger Noel commented, “I am delighted that our Museum and Art Gallery is reopening with such a unique and prestigious exhibition which has such special connections to Horsham. “We are pleased to be given this opportunity to display Judith’s work that has been showcased formerly at the celebrated Bowes Museum and Art gallery, one of this country’s great art museums, John Ryland’s Library, Manchester, rightly considered custodians one of the finest collections of medieval manuscripts in the world, and the gothic masterpiece of Durham Cathedral. “It is a rare opportunity that you do not want to miss, so do please come along.” Judith was inspired by the Anglo Saxon and Viking world of the North East, where the great mediaeval manuscripts; the Lindisfarne gospels being the most well-known, but also the Durham Gospels and the stunning Codex Amiatinus from Jarrow, sent to Italy in the 8th century, created a deep rooted artistic culture. Using the craft and skills that the monks 1200 years ago practiced and perfected. Judith rather than copying the past, used those techniques to tell new stories. One such story is that of Horsham town, a place she never knew of until her daughter settled here. Then over three years of research, reflection and engagement Judith has woven an remarkable ‘carpet page’, a term that brings today’s art back to its very roots, as the glorious opening pages of those medieval masterpieces,

decorations that ‘carpet’ the page, capture people’s imagination and awe. For the Horsham page, Judith has surrounded the sheet of velum suspended in thin gold wire, allowing the vellum to expand and contract in the warm air, so creating a ‘living’ work. Around the outside Judith has created a gold setting with repoussé and embossing gold work with the Horsham dragon and the Horsham lion rampant. Then on the vellum itself Judith has linked the Rusper nuns, the St Leonard’s forest, the Bishop of Horsham, River Arun, local plants and legends, entwining all in tendrils of colour, intensely intricate and showing great delicacy, but also powerful because of the intensity of colour, so the image is not dazzled by the gold. All of this is set off in a hand crafted frame made by her husband John. One of these works on its own warrants an exhibition, but there are over 25 works on display, ranging from a few centimetres into nearly two metres, all demand your attention as you enter the room. Illuminations is a unique celebration of contemporary work inspired and drawing on 1200 year old skills. Unlike the great medieval masterpieces, the visitor has the chance to buy these unique works at prices ranging from £500 upwards. Horsham Museum is seeking funds to acquire the Horsham Page, to join its permanent collections, a work completed during the COVID pandemic and reflecting the museum going forward with renewed vigour as it reopens after its refresh. Horsham District Council’s Horsham Museum and Art Gallery reopens on Saturday 2nd October and will be open initially from Thursdays to Saturdays, though on the opening weekend it will also be open on Sunday 3rd October from 10am to 4pm. This allows our team of volunteers to be welcomed back after 18 months away. Look out in the local media for special events linked to this and other exhibitions at the museum. Rachel Weller, Administration Assistant, Horsham Museum & Art Gallery Judith Hurst’s Horsham carpet page

Horsham District Community Climate Fund Applications now invited for the next round of funding This summer the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report was published, painting a stark picture of the rate of climate change. But scientists say a catastrophe can be avoided if the world acts fast. With the UK hosting the 2021 United Nations climate summit, known as COP26, this November in Glasgow there is now a huge opportunity to act together to tackle climate change. Horsham District Council has set up a Community Climate Fund to support local communities that

share their vision of becoming a carbon neutral District. Your projects should be related to reducing carbon levels locally, reducing the use of resources such as energy and water, or encouraging the minimisation of waste. The next round of applications opens from 4th October to 12th November 2021. For more details see the advert opposite. Sarah Hogben, Horsham District Council

Billingshurst Leisure Centre launches COVID-19 & Long-COVID rehabilitation programme

illingshurst Leisure Centre is delighted to announce the launch of its COVID Recovery Programme, a new service for the local community designed to provide therapy and rehabilitation specifically for individuals who have endured COVID-19 or who have been affected by Long-COVID. More than two million people in the UK are struggling with the effects of COVID-19. For many, their experience is transformative and far more profound than an acute cough, fever, and period of isolation. With funding provided by Travis Perkins Managed Services and Places for People, Places Leisure fitness coaches at Billingshurst Leisure Centre have received industryaccredited qualifications from the CAWS® Rebuild™ training programme. CAWS® Rebuild™ certified coaches are equipped to work with individuals recovering from COVID19 and Long-COVID after the acute phase. Through the new COVID Recovery Programme, Billingshurst Leisure Centre are now ready to deliver this essential community support. CAWS® is an acclaimed industry training provider, accredited by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA). The Rebuild™ Programme was designed in direct response to the needs of individuals enduring COVID-19 and suffering with ongoing symptoms. The initiative was created by co-founders: Managing Director, Mel Spooner and Education Director, Dr Colin Robertson, both widely known throughout the healthcare, sports medicine, and the fitness industries. Both CAWS® and the Rebuild™ training programme are backed by ukactive and EuropeActive. Exercise referral software specialists, ReferAll, is also playing a critical role, setting up data management for the COVID Recovery Programme in its secure platform and replicating CAWS’ questionnaires to ensure accurate reporting Dale Whitford, General Manager, explains: “Thankfully, most individuals who contract COVID19 do not require hospitalisation. However, a period of recovery and restoration is vital for anyone who experiences COVID-19. Many people push themselves too far, too soon, which not only decreases their speed of recovery, but can also lead them to Long-COVID. Our COVID Recovery

Programme has been designed to offer support and inform COVID patients to make the right decisions from the start, so that they can recover as quickly as possible, avoid longer-term complications and make the virus a part of their past.” Dale continues: “Billingshurst Leisure Centre is ready to receive people who need help now. We are delivering support 1-2-1 and remotely. If you are looking for support and guidance or know somebody who is struggling and needs help, please contact us any time and have a chat with a member of our team.” Places Leisure’s CEO, Paul McPartlan added: “We are committed to supporting communities up and down the country, investing in bespoke programmes, training and services which help local people. In the wake of the pandemic, we have invested in even more initiatives and these funds have helped customers mitigate a myriad of issues arising from lockdown – be they financial, restricted training and education, or social isolation. “We are incredibly proud of the COVID Recovery Programme. Through training colleagues, we can in turn support local communities for the long term, helping people rebuild their health as we move forward from the challenges of the past year.” Kate Duckworth, Account Manager at Travis Perkins Managed Services says: “We are delighted that we have been able to support this project with Places for People and CAWS. COVID-19 has had and continues to have, a profound effect on the lives of people across the country. This is why initiatives like this are vitally important to local communities, ensuring those worst affected can go on to have healthy, happy lives.” In addition, Places Leisure will also be offering help to local schools and employers across England to support students and employees and will be working diligently to support the outstanding work of local general practitioners and primary care groups to identify members of the community who need help. To find out more visit www.placesleisure.org/ centres/billingshurst-leisure-centre or contact the team on (01403) 787500. Billingshurst Leisure Centre

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Health and wellbeing

Tapestry Day Club Tapestry Day Club is a not-for-profit social enterprise offering a different form of social support day for small groups of older people. Our aim is to create an environment within a host’s family home where our guests (2-5 per host) will feel supported and cared for, help reduce anxiety, have regular face-to-face contact with others, regain confidence and, equally as important, provide a high quality and regular respite care for our guests’ carers. With generous funding from West Sussex County Council via Age UK WSBH we are able to offer our day at a greatly reduced rate for those living in the HDC area. Our guests will benefit from a sociable day including various activities and a delicious home-cooked lunch in the home of a carefully vetted and fully trained ‘host’. All our hosts are excellent cooks and once vetted, are extensively trained and will have been fully DBS checked. Transport of our guests is part of TDC’s service and all our hosts’ cars are insured for business use and our hosts’ homes are fully risk assessed. We welcome enquiries from potential hosts to join our energetic team who would like to support their local community, be trained and well remunerated. For more information please phone (01403) 791020 or e-mail support@tapestrydayclub.co.uk and visit www.tapestrydayclub.co.uk

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SHORT MAT BOWLS Feeling ready to get out more and enjoy some gentle exercise?

Join us at Billingshurst Community Centre every Tuesday from 2 til 4 for Short Mat Bowls – whether you’ve played before or not Phone Alan Barnes on

(01403) 783721

Dear Patients, We would like to take this opportunity to remind you to book in for your flu vaccination as well as your Covid booster vaccination this winter. We are excited to be offering the Covid booster vaccination on site this time around. We won’t be sending out reminder letters this year, however, clinics will be operating much the same as last year, including running on Saturdays. Please see our website’s Flu vaccination page or select 5 on our phone system for more details. Many thanks, Billingshurst Surgery

01403 782931 www.billingshurstsurgery.co.uk 17

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Charity / Health and wellbeing

Skydive in aid of Spinal Research

any of you in and around Billingshurst will either know Ray Chick as the treasurer and one of the fundraisers for the Billingshurst Macmillan Cancer Support Group or as one of the Committee of the Billingshurst Horticultural Society whose successful summer show took place recently in the Billingshurst Community Centre on 21 August. The Billingshurst Macmillan Cancer Support Group is blessed with the most amazing and enthusiastic Chair, Terri Ashpool, who three years ago did a tandem skydive in aid of Macmillan to celebrate her 50th birthday. It was at this time that Ray volunteered to do a similar skydive to celebrate his 70th birthday in 2021. Like many others Ray was unable to celebrate his 70th birthday earlier in the year due to COVID lockdown so the tandem skydive eventually took place on Sunday 22nd August after two cancellations due to poor weather at Netheravon in Wiltshire, home to the Red Devils Army Parachute Team. A past work colleague of

Ray was the treasurer of Spinal Research who was paralysed playing rugby in his 20s and confined to a wheelchair until his death in 2019 and it was in his memory and for Spinal Research that Ray did his skydive. So far he has raised over £2,750 towards funding further research for a cure for spinal paralysis. Ray reports that he had the most amazing instructor who had done over 5,500 jumps and made him feel very safe and relaxed. He and his instructor were last out of the plane (15 parachutists cramped on the floor of a Cessna 208 Caravan) and fell from 14,000ft to 6,000ft in what seemed like just seconds before the instructor pulled the ripcord and another 1,000ft before the parachute opened. It was shear bliss after that as the instructor rotated the parachute slowly pointing out all the landmarks as they floated ever so slowly down (Stonehenge, Boscombe Down, etc). Asked if he would do it again Ray said, “It was a truly wonderful experience and I’m so pleased I did it, but would I do it again? Possibly, but not definitely!” Photos: Ray (in rugby shirt) before, after and during his skydive!

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Dandelion Farewells supporting Baby Loss Awareness Week, October 2021 9-15th October is Baby Loss Awareness Week. In recognition of the personal stories and the charities offering support, we are giving over our magazine page to a very special family and their fundraising project, formed from their own experience: Ride4Ruby – a 330 mile bike ride from London to Paris in memory of our daughter, Ruby, was due to take place in April 2020, however due to Covid-19 this was postponed. Chris (Ruby’s daddy), Richard (Ruby’s Uncle) and our good friend Ben have made the decision to reschedule their challenge to 2022 where we hope the bike ride will go ahead. This has not put a stop to their training though, and in October this year Chris, Richard and Ben will cycle 187 miles on part of the UK’s National Cycle Highway from Bristol to Bude as part of our ongoing fundraising for the Little Roo Neonatal Fund. On Wednesday 5th June 2019 at 4:09am our daughter Ruby was born just a few hours after her due date. We had a wonderful textbook pregnancy and labour, however during the final stages of labour Ruby did not receive oxygen, and therefore, after resuscitation, she was left with a brain injury called Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). Ruby was transferred from East Surrey Hospital to Ashford & St Peters Hospital in Chertsey where she was cared for in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Chris and I were able to stay in one of the five family rooms in the NICU whilst our immediate family stayed closed by. Ruby tried so hard for two and a half days to live, however there was sadly no improvement on her brain activity and therefore we, as her mummy and daddy, had to make the worst decision anyone should ever have to make, and that was to remove her life support. On Friday, June 7, at 6.57pm we said goodnight to our beautiful, dark haired baby girl, Ruby. Whilst this was the hardest thing we have ever had to go through, we were able to do it with such dignity and care with thanks to the incredible NICU team and our family by our side. We were able to do all the normal things any mummy and daddy would do in the first few days of their newborns life. After we had said goodnight to Ruby we were able to stay together as a family for a further three days in the Daffodil Bereavement Room. Whilst we made plans for Ruby’s Celebration, Judith, Jo and their wonderful team at Dandelion Farewells in Wisborough Green cared for our daughter with empathy and sensitivity, enabling us to create many more treasured memories together as a family. The Ride4Ruby team have already raised an outstanding amount of over £11,000 for the Little Roo Neonatal Fund based at Ashford & St Peters. More about the ride and charity can be found on the fundraising page – www.virginmoneygiving.com/Ride4Ruby2020

Dandelion Farewells Limited Church View, Billingshurst Road, Wisborough Green, West Sussex RH14 0DY t: 01403 701001 • e: judith@dandelionfarewells.com www.dandelionfarewells.com Registered No: 9176987

Health and wellbeing

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At Phoenix Care we are dedicated to providing person-centred and exemplary health, domestic, social and personal homecare to those in Billingshurst, Horsham, Pulborough, Storrington and the surrounding areas. If you would like to find out more about the services we offer, please contact us using the details below or visit our website. sarah.marshall@phoenixcaresussex.co.uk

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ongoing support. Don’t take my word… “Tina has been our support during the last months, weeks, days of my husband’s life. She was with him when he passed at home as we were desperate not to have him in hospital with COVID and on his own. She has been wonderful. Very caring, extremely knowledgable and competent, always punctual and reliable as his needs changed. My husband loved her from the moment she came into our lives.” Sue (wife of client) “Floor washed, lunch made, clocks changed. I cried when I got up. You have two angels in heaven and we have one here with us: YOU! We were saying yesterday that we believe a higher being sent you to us at the right time for a special reason. You are being guided by your angels. Our whole family rates you so highly, we have flowers here for you to collect.” Maureen (wife of client) Photo: pony therapy session

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Fireworks

Aurora wins Firework Championships!

urora Fireworks are a local firework display company who has had the privilege of working locally in the Billingshurst area for many years. We are looking forward to entertaining the community again this year after the lockdowns for the Pandemic meant that last year’s events could not take place. During the past 18 months when swathes of companies involved in the events industry have been closed Aurora took part in The British Fireworks Championships, Plymouth, 2021 and are delighted to announce that on 19th August became Champions! The winning display was fired second on the second night of the competition beating 5 companies over the two evenings. Each display lasts 10 minutes and began with a traffic light start of a red then amber then green shell. The displays were all fired electronically, and the standard was exceptionally high over the two nights. It was broadcast via Plymouthlive which may be viewed on Youtube – search for ‘Aurora Fireworks – British

Fireworks Championships (Plymouth 2021) 1st place prize winners’. The winning display itself had in excess of 2700 cues and had around 700 shots in the finale alone! A team of 16 were on site on the day but many months of show design, preparation of Risk Assessments and documentation as well as physically preparing the display prior to leaving our base had taken place. As a part of their environmental policy Aurora used no plastic components in the display and single use plastic was kept to a minimum. This is in line with Plymouth’s ambition to become a zero single-use plastic city. Also included in the finale were British-produced large calibre shells for the first time in many years! The entire Aurora Fireworks Team are really looking forward to this bonfire season with over 50 displays scheduled. Hope to see you there! Robert Byles Aurora Fireworks Ltd Photo: Aurora’s winning display – see text for YouTube link

Health and wellbeing / Community

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West Sussex Community Minibus Association (Billingshurst) We recommend use of face masks and use of hand sanitiser / sanitising wipes on our minibus. We offer a friendly door to door service for anyone in the ‘RH14 9xx’ area!

October and November 2021 Schedule – Provisional Thursday 7th Oct 1.15pm Tesco’s Broadbridge Heath Friday 8th Oct 1.15pm Shoreham Airport Wednesday 13th Oct 10.00am Chichester Thursday 14th Oct 9.00am Horsham & Sainsbury’s Tuesday 19th Oct 9.30am Worthing Thursday 21st Oct 1.15pm Tesco’s Broadbridge Heath Thursday 28th Oct 9.00am Horsham & Sainsbury’s Friday 29th Oct 12.15pm Audrey Hart Memorial – Cricketers Arms, Wisborough Green Tuesday 2nd Nov 9.30am Worthing Tuesday 21st Nov 9.30am Bognor Regis Wednesday 22nd Nov 10.00am Chichester Thursday 23rd Nov 9.00am Horsham & Sainsbury’s 1.15pm Horsham & Tesco’s Friday 24th Nov 1.15pm Horsham Hilliers Tuesday 28th Nov 9.30am Old Barn for lunch then afternoon at Camilia Botnar Wednesday 29th Nov 9.30am Eastbourne & Paradise Park Thursday 30th Nov 9.00am Horsham & Sainsbury’s 1.15pm Tesco’s Broadbridge Heath We’re also taking bookings for Friday 29th October at 12.15pm, when we’ll take a bus to a memorial event for Audrey Hart at The Cricketers Arms in Wisborough Green

To book, telephone Geraldine Pike: (01403) 786147 If you’re interested in finding out more about our service, either as a passenger or a volunteer, please contact Steve O’Dowd, email: billingshurst.minibus@btinternet. com or tel: (01403) 784428. Thank you. Registered Charity No. 1173818

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Little Tweeters! / About the house “The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is good. Pupils are generally keen to succeed and invest energy and enthusiasm into their learning.” Ofsted 2018 – A Good School

‘Shipley is a lovely school.’ Parent comment, July 2021 At Shipley, our rich and exciting curriculum equips children with the skills and knowledge they need to be lifelong learners. Learning is fun, connected and full of new experiences. Children are nurtured and supported by experienced staff and there are high academic expectations. We make the most of our beautiful, traffic-free surroundings with plenty of opportunities for learning outside the classroom.

Come and see for yourself what makes Shipley such a special place to learn and grow – we look forward to welcoming you. Call the office on (01403) 741298 or email office@shipley.w-sussex.sch.uk Headteacher: Mrs Jen Harvey, School Lane, Shipley, Horsham, RH13 8PL

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Little Tweeters! / About the house

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Bad Teacher? What to do when your child has issues with their teacher

ost parents worry a little at the beginning of a school year; will the new teacher be a good fit for my child? Usually things work out fine, even if there are a few rocky moments initially. But if problems persist, what is the best way to handle it? Reading emotional signals isn’t easy but as a parent it’s usually wise to trust your instincts. Riding out a year with a difficult teacher can help a child learn resilience and problem-solving. We can probably all remember at least one teacher with a ‘reputation’ from our own school days. It requires careful judgement. One child might be able to rationalise (with a little parental support) that harsh criticism says more about the teacher than it does about themself, while another may become anxious and stop enjoying school. You know your child best. If you feel there might be a problem try to get as much detail as possible. The idea is to get a more concrete sense of your child’s viewpoint. Probe gently and casually to avoid causing distress, do make sure that it’s not an overreaction to normal teacher behaviour. Tell your child that you’re going to write down what you’ve been told so you can have a conversation with the teacher. Make it clear that you care about what’s happening, and that their concerns are going to be heard, but that you are not going in to make trouble. If you decide to speak with the teacher, don’t try to catch them at drop-off or pick-up time. Book an appointment. Approach the situation as someone seeking help in solving a problem. Use inclusive language and explain the situation using as many of your child’s own words as possible – that is why it is

useful to write down what you were told. Saying, “Can you help me understand why Kiera seems so anxious before school?’ is better than “Kiera says you’re mean to her.” This will help not to escalate the situation. Teachers are human and some are very sensitive. Do your best to reassure them that you’re not blaming them. However, you are there to advocate for your child so try not to be derailed if the teacher becomes defensive. Stay calm and repeat that you’re simply trying to understand what’s going on. Ideally, the teacher will shed light on the situation, and you can have a mutually useful conversation that will help them teach your child effectively. But at the very least you’ll understand more about how the teacher communicates. They may be taciturn, or snarky or perfectly nice but just not very genial. Then you can talk to your child about how some people are not as smiley or patient as others but they aren’t necessarily a horrible person. Of course, if the meeting doesn’t go well you might have to take it higher, maybe to the head of year, or the deputy head. Explain the steps you’ve taken and stress that you are concerned about your child’s education. You might be given the option of another meeting with the teacher, or they might decide to deal with the situation in house. If nothing changes, remain calm, but be firm and make it clear you’re not going away. As a last resort request a move to another class. It’s upsetting as a parent to watch your child struggle. But remember, even if the outcome isn’t perfect, watching how you deal with things in a calm, rational and encouraging manner will teach them a great life lesson. Sarah Davey

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Out and about / About the house

Loxwood Village Fête & Fun Dog Show raises £7000

“W

hat an amazing day out for the family and how nice it was to get the whole village together for a fun day to meet old friends and make new acquaintances.” This was one of the comments made by a visitor to the Loxwood Village Fête and Dog Show that was held on Saturday 21st August at North Hall, Loxwood. Unfortunately due to COVID, we had to cancel the 2020 Fête and to postpone this year’s to August rather than the normal June date. However, this did not stop local people turning out in force to support their village despite the inclement weather. The support for the whole show was immense, people supported the stalls, the café and bar and all the sideshows. The Dog Show was a tremendous success with a record number of entries. The overall takings for the show were the

best ever at just over £7,000. Once our expenses have been calculated we think we will be donating around £5,000 to local good causes who have applied for funds. The Fête Committee would like to thank our helpers, sponsors, advertisers, people who donated prizes for the Tombola and the Grand Draw and the team who help set up and dismantle the show. We are still desperately looking for a couple of people who would like to become involved with the Committee to help organise future shows. If you would like to join in, please contact Graham Moore on (01403) 751722 or e-mail ginamoore@ btopenworld.com. A date for your diary: 4th June 2022 will be next year’s Loxwood Village Fête and Fun Dog Show. Graham Moore The Renegades ran an archery activity at the fête which proved hugely popular with parents and children alike

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Little Tweeters! / About the house

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The Renegades have got stile!

he Renegades Youth Club has been getting a handle on gate repairs this month as the young members are encouraged to do their bit for the local community. “Local farmer and Renegades supporter Clive Stickland had mentioned to me that a gate in a neighbouring field had been broken for some time,” says Group Leader Gareth Miller. “It made me think that it was a perfect opportunity for the kids to learn about their social responsibilities while having some practical hands-on fun.” A group of members got together the tools they needed to make the repairs (thanks as ever to the National Lottery for providing them!) and set off to the problem gate. Under Gareth’s watchful eye, they worked together and set about the repairs using clamps, grinders, drills, saws and hammers. “It was not an easy job as the gate was literally falling apart but they worked well together, creating splints for the broken bars and repairing the gate lock. I was very proud of them.” Gareth and co-Group Leader Damian Dixon have also been teaching the kids how to make shelves to go on their workshop walls, again putting the fun in functional learning. As the school summer holidays came to a soggy close, Gareth ran a final day trip to Brighton. “Good old

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British weather meant it was a bit too cold and miserable for the beach, so the older ones went shopping and I took the younger ones onto the pier. Hot chocolate and chips saved the day… not to mention the karaoke on the bus!” The Renegades was delighted to be asked to run an archery activity at the Loxwood Village Fete, and it proved hugely popular with parents and children alike with nonstop queues. We would also like to say an enormous thank you to the Wisborough Green market team for their amazingly generous donation of £500 from the proceeds of the market raffle. “We were honoured when the Wisborough market team offered to make us their monthly charity but we were completely blown away when the figure turned out to be so high. It goes a long way towards getting all of the life jackets, ready for our longcherished dream of having a fleet of canoes for the children. Such generosity is heart-warming.” The Renegades is a Registered Charity. Membership costs £10 a month. Please contact Gareth Miller on 07801 862550 or Damian Dixon on 07484 130189 for further information. Vanda Rumney Photo: Renegades – is there any end to their talents?!

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

Christmas Fayre – 2021 Billingshurst Parish Council, along with the Billingshurst Centre, is delighted to offer groups and organisations the opportunity to be part of the 2021 Christmas Fayre. The Fayre is due to be held on Saturday 4th December from 10am - 3pm at the Billingshurst Centre in Roman Way. We are hoping that this event will be supported by the local community, local organisations, traders and charities and we would love you to be involved! To find out more about how you or your organisation can get involved, please contact Sarah on (01403) 782555 or email sarah@billingshurst.gov.uk. Meanwhile, keep an eye on our website, social media pages and notice boards for more details about the day and what will be happening!

HM Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

Street Parties for HM Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022

Are you considering holding a street party to celebrate HM Queen’s Platinum Jubilee? If so, it will be necessary to officially close the road and to do this residents have to apply for a Temporary Road Closure Order. Horsham District Council (HDC) has a lot of information on its website to help residents with their applications. There is no charge or insurance requirement if the road closure is for a street party. Visit the HDC website www.horsham.gov.uk/ community/plananevent.

Plant a Tree for Jubilee In support of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, the Parish Council is hoping to plant more trees in the parish. Last autumn, 27 trees were planted around the parish, funded by Community

Infrastructure Levy (CIL) held by the Council, and proved very popular leading to requests from residents for even more trees. The Council is now asking residents to suggest further locations for trees and also inviting donations which the Council will match on a £ for £ basis from its CIL fund. It costs £200 to supply and plant each sturdy standard-sized specimen. Suggestions for sites must be for land deemed highway, which in the main are grass verges. (If in doubt, send in your suggestions anyway.) Please send a simple sketch map to the Parish Office, by post or e-mail. Each site will be assessed for suitability in terms of sightlines, underground utilities etc. Donations can be way of cheques payable to Billingshurst Parish Council or via BACS: Billingshurst Parish Council / Sort code 60-02-31 / AC No. 95980784. Please put TREE DONATION as the reference. Trees will be planted in the autumn of 2022.

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

Billingshurst Parish Council

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Parcels of Highway land for sale

The Cinnamon Trust

The Parish Council is aware of a number of parcels of land which have recently been advertised for sale online, but which also lie within the highway maintained by West Sussex County Council at the public expense. West Sussex County Council (WSCC) is responsible for this land in its capacity as the Local Highway Authority and therefore the land is, as such, protected by statute from encroachment or obstruction. The County Council, as the Highway Authority, has a duty to assert and protect the rights of the public to the use and enjoyment of the highway under Section 130 of the Highways Act 1980. If land falls within the highway maintainable at the public expense, although the underlying freehold of the land can be sold, any purchaser of land such as this will need to be aware that, should they wish to carry out any development on the land, including fencing or obstructing the land in any way or the removal of anything currently on it, they will need to contact and obtain permission from the highway authority before undertaking such works. Understandably, the County Council cannot keep abreast of every online sale but as soon as they are made aware, usually by local residents, the Council’s Legal Services Team proceed to contact the Auctioneers to advise on the highway status of the land. If residents would like to discuss the situation further or report further potential sales, the Land and Property Information Team can be contacted either by email landandpropertyinfo@westsussex.gov.uk or by telephone (01243) 777100.

The Cinnamon Trust is a national charity for elderly and terminally ill people and their pets. They help by taking out dogs who may be missing their daily walk. More information is available by visiting their website www.cinnamon.org.uk, emailing volunteer@cinnamon.org.uk or by telephoning (01736) 757900.

Billingshurst Women’s Institute (WI) Did you know that the ladies of Billingshurst WI have recommenced their monthly meetings? Meetings are held at the Billingshurst Centre on the 2nd Thursday of each month between 2.30pm - 4.30pm. The organisation provides an opportunity to make friends, listen to good speakers, learn new skills and participate in a wide range of activities. If you would like to join the group or find out more, you can email the Secretary at billingshurstwi@wsfwi.co.uk or telephone (01403) 780810.

Horsham District Draft Local Plan Following Horsham District Council’s publication of its new Draft Local Plan some weeks ago, (since withdrawn pending need to comply with latest government advice), the Parish Council has been reconsidering its own position. It previously objected to any large scale development, as it felt that the village had already had enough. However, with at least one site likely to be given the greenlight by HDC, the Parish Council is wondering whether it should support a site that either is the least worst or maybe gives the most community benefit to the parish. Please keep an eye on social media, websites and meeting agendas to follow the Parish’s deliberation of this important matter.

Remembrance Sunday As local branches of the Royal British Legion are no longer permitted to apply for road closures for Annual Remembrance Day Parades in November, following a national directive, the Parish Council has agreed to take on this role. The Parade, which forms part of the village’s traditional Remembrance Day activities will broadly follow the usual route from Frenches Mead to St. Mary’s Church, and then afterwards from the Church, up to the Billingshurst Centre. Please be mindful of road closures between 10.15am and 12.30pm on Sunday 14th November.

Upcoming Council meetings All meetings are back to being held at the Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre (normally commencing at 7.30pm), and agendas are always posted on the Parish Council’s website www.billingshurst.gov.uk. Upcoming Meetings (October) 7th: Planning & Environment Committee 13th: Working Practices Committee 27th: Billingshurst Centre and F&GP Committees

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Community / About the house

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The Loxwood Society: 1997-2021

he Loxwood Society was formally disbanded at its Annual General Meeting held at North Hall, Loxwood on 23rd July 2021 as the current Committee had decided to stand down and there were not adequate nominations to form a new Committee. The Society was formed in 1997 with a Mission Statement defined as “The conservation of the beauty and character of Loxwood. In particular, to complement the Parish Council in ensuring that local development is appropriate to the needs and character of the village”. The formation came about after a Government Planning Inspector recommended that the village boundary be extended to allow up to 32 houses, now Willetts Way, to be built against the wishes of both the Parish and District Councils. Dismayed by this, a group of concerned residents from several parts of the village decided to get together to fight this decision. Since inception, the Loxwood Society has had involvement and influenced many issues including Village Design Statement, change of design of the parapets on the new Wey and Arun Canal Bridge,

the Village Voice newsletter, which has been circulated to the Parish on a regular basis, the Kill your Speed campaign, Community Action Plan, Neighbourhood Plan and Litter Picking in conjunction with the Loxwood Community Gardens Initiative. Donations have been given from the Society to help fight the developments at Dunsfold Park and Crouchlands Farm. The Society has also hosted many events in the village, such as talks about the Wey and Arun Canal, the Cokelers of Loxwood, Petworth House and has supported initiatives such as delivery of Welcome Packs, the Village Fête and fundraising social events such as a Race Night, Skittle Evening and the Annual Barbecue. With a strong Parish Council and the inception of the Neighbourhood Plan and many more village social activities the role of the Loxwood Society has diminished considerably and it was no longer fulfilling its initial objectives. However, many members of the Society’s committee continue to be involved in the management of other activities in the village. Graham and Gina Moore Photo: 2019’s Litter Picking Morning typical of the Society’s activites

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Charity / About the house

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“Despite the pandemic we were able to say goodbye one by one”

his month Gemma Francis and her brother-in-law Dean Carden are running their first London Marathon for St Catherine’s Hospice in Crawley. Here Gemma shares why they’re taking on this challenge. “My Mam Marilyn was amazing. I know everyone thinks their Mam is, but she really was. Mam met Richard at her church, and they fell madly in love. We always used to take the mickey out of them as they were like teenagers, always holding hands on the sofa, but Richard showed Mam what true love was. “It was Richard who was cared for by St Catherine’s first. When he was diagnosed with cancer of the gullet Mam put her life on hold to care for him. Unfortunately, his cancer spread and in March 2019 he was taken to the hospice. “At the same time Mam suddenly got very unwell and was taken to East Surrey Hospital. There, doctors found a tumour and told me and my sister that there was nothing they could do. We were told Richard had a couple of days left to live. “My sister and I flitted between St Catherine’s visiting Richard and the hospital visiting Mam. Despite how unwell she was herself, Mam was desperate to see Richard. Between the hospital and St Catherine’s they arranged for Mam to go to the hospice in her hospital bed to say goodbye. Richard passed away later that evening. Just 24 hours after losing the love of her life Mam was told she had terminal cancer. “When Mam started to become really unwell at home my sister, who was caring for her, knew that she needed more support. Mam had always been clear that she didn’t want us caring for her at home as she became less well and that she wanted to be at St Catherine’s. “In April 2020 Mam was admitted to the hospice. It was the middle of the coronavirus pandemic so the hospice was adhering to strict guidelines, but they were incredible. Even though the nurses and doctors were all

risking their own lives, they gave Mam beautiful care and gave us the chance to be by her side. The nurses even helped Mam make video calls so she could talk to my brothers who live up north. “Mam was in the hospice for two weeks. There were a lot of us who needed to say our goodbyes to Mam but despite the pandemic we were all able to say goodbye one by one. “When Mam died my brothers were waiting outside in the car park and a nurse went to speak to them out there. These sound like little things but they mattered so much. Even with everything that was happening in the world, there was the right level of support, communication and understanding. “So, in October Dean and I are running our first London Marathon in Mam and Richard’s memory. It’s our way of contributing to the hospice and saying thank you for the care they gave. When we found out we’d got marathon places we screamed with delight. “We’re hoping to raise at least £10,000 for the hospice and have already raised £6,000. Fundraising has given our family something positive to focus on. We’ve been busy fundraising now. Dean held a charity golf day at Sweetwoods Park Golf Club in September and our children have been selling their toys online to help raise money. “If Mam knew about our challenge, I think she’d be very happy. On marathon day we know she and Richard will be with us watching. Richard will be drinking his red wine, Mam will be drinking her tea and they’ll both be eating their beloved Bourbon biscuits!” Even though the marathon will have taken place by the time you read this you can still support Gemma and Dean with their fundraising. Please visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/gemma-deanmarathon21. Laura Mitchell, St Catherine’s Hospice Photo: Marilyn and Richard

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Fire station / About the house

Charity Car Wash a Huge Success

e would like to thank everyone that attended our Charity Car Wash on 11th September. It was great to finally be able to host this event which we try and to do twice a year. Due to COVID, this was the first in over 18 months. We raised a staggering £1200 in four hours. Thank you to everyone that came along and showed their support. All money raised will go to the Firefighters Charity – a charity very close to our hearts. We will be looking to do the next one in March plus an Open Day next year, so lots to look forward to. As ever we had a great variety of

vehicles which was good to see, both for us and the many spectators, lured along by the tea and cakes! We did have a laugh when the motorhome pulled in! Thank you once again to everyone that helped out on the day. We have a new recruit finishing his final stages of the recruitment process, so fingers crossed I can introduce him in next month’s Village Tweet. Twitter: @Station49Fire Facebook: Billingshurst Fire Station Dan Game, Billingshurst Fire Station Photos: everything from horseboxes to motorhomes turned up for a wash!

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Books / About the house

A Good Read October’s selection from book reviewer Tash Donovan Ghost Story – Peter Straub Although Straub had written a couple of novels before this, Ghost Story was the book that made his name. It was written in the late ’seventies, and is an epic creeping horror that has influenced many other writers including Stephen King. It is set in a small fictional town, where the elderly members of The Chowder Society meet regularly to tell each other spooky stories over a few drinks. The book opens with a seemingly unconnected tale and then the death of one of the group. Each of the remaining members begin to experience similar, nightmarish dreams. Contacting the nephew of their dead friend, they find he also has something to contribute to their shared nocturnal visions, forcing them to explore people and events from their collective past – a past they’d much rather forget. The novel, although good in its own right, is also a tribute to ghost stories in general. Straub obviously set out to pay his respects to the genre and there are nods to Nathaniel Hawthorne and MR James among others. There’s a main overarching plot that incorporates a few shorter stories. Straub was clearly having fun, and he includes most of the ingredients for a classic scary story. It’s not fast paced but the tension builds nicely, and a real sense of menace develops as Straub draws all the threads together for the climax.

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It’s a must for fans of all things scary. The storytelling is superb and it’s definitely a good read for Halloween. In the Night Kitchen – Maurice Sendak Another book from the ’seventies, In the Night Kitchen is not as well-known as Sendak’s other dreamscape, Where the Wild Things Are, but is every bit as magical, with beautiful illustrations. The story is a fragmented, comic book romp through a child’s dream. A stream-ofconsciousness, random, quirky, child’s-eye-view of the world, set in a sort of kitchen-cumcityscape built from giant boxes of baking ingredients. Written in a poetic metre that stretches and contracts with the ebb and flow of the action, it’s almost as much fun for an adult to read as for a child to listen. My children (aged 5 and 3) love it, but I will issue a nudity warning to those parents who may not appreciate some of the illustrations. The little boy Mickey is naked for most of the book, which my threeyear-old found utterly hilarious for some reason. My husband had no problem with the nudity, but he wasn’t fond of the Oliver Hardy look-alike bakers, proving that even Sendak can’t please everyone. Giant milk bottles, planes made from bread: for me, Sendak is a master storyteller who doesn’t talk down to his audience. It’s highly stylised and like Where the Wild Things Are it feels slightly of its time, but that doesn’t matter; the kids feel a mixture of intrigue, excitement, trepidation, and wonder – it’s perfect storytelling.

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About the house

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Sussex Green Hub

t Sussex Green Hub, on the last Saturday of every month, there will be a range of environmental services, solutions and advice, along with lots of friendly and welcoming volunteers who want to help you take small green steps to save money and the planet. There is also a community café where you can enjoy a drink and light refreshments. At the hub you will find: Horsham Repair Café volunteers will be on hand to help people learn how to repair household electrical and mechanical devices, computers, clothing and other items. Horsham Community Fridge offers excess food from local businesses, supermarkets and allotments that would otherwise be wasted, and makes it available to everyone in the Community. Renewable energy service. Sussex Green Living (SGL) offer advice on reducing energy use in the home, a cost comparison and switching to clean renewable energy. It takes less than five minutes to look at your current electricity and gas (if you use it) suppliers. Let us help you purchase clean energy which is power generated from renewable sources – sun, wind, water (rivers, tides or wave power) and biofuels. Recycling advice. SGL volunteers will be available to talk about household recycling, what you can and can’t put in your council kerbside bins and lots of ideas as to

Environment / About the house

how you can recycle more single-use plastics through our TerraCycle recycling scheme and through the supermarkets who generate so much of the waste. Transition Horsham will be present to talk about sustainable living with a particular focus on growing food and making gardens more wildlife friendly. They have a community allotment and are always looking for more members of the public to join them. Horsham Eco Churches help churches and individuals respond as they care for God’s wonderful world. Eco Refill service. We have a great range to choose from: Bio D, Ecoleaf and Faith in Nature are all great environmentally sound products and cover virtually all your household requirements in an eco friendly product! Prices are normally well below commercial supermarket price. Reading. We will be offering a book exchange, bring along any read books and exchange for another, or donate your book for someone else to enjoy. Where & when. United Reform Church, 45 Springfield Road, Horsham RH12 1PT (behind Wilko just off West Street). Last Saturday of the month, 10am-4pm. www.sussexgreenliving.co.uk/sussex-green-hub Nancy Brock, Sustainable Southwater

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About the house

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Environment / About the house

A busy summer for BilliGreen

illingshurst’s community-wide environmental group, BilliGreen, have had a busy summer… Please, Don’t Mow! Have you noticed some longer verges this summer and our recently introduced signs with their simple, positive message: ‘NATURE ON THE GO! Please, don’t mow!’? The verges and recreation areas managed under the scheme are now full of fascinating insect life. Please take a moment to look, listen and wonder at the ability of nature to bounce back. Swifts at St Mary’s Church In June we met with Tim Foulsham of St Mary’s Church transformation project to watch swifts hunting for their airborne insect prey. In July we had the pleasure of welcoming David Campbell, swift champion from Sussex Ornithological Society, who spent time with BilliGreen members to help formulate a swift conservation plan. We are most grateful to a local carpenter who has offered to build some of the swift nesting boxes. Litter pick We were joined by community wardens (Julie and Barry), MP Jeremy Quin, WSCC councillors Amanda and Nigel Jupp and local volunteers to complete a litter pick in the Weald School field off of Luxford Way. Butterfly walk Led by Michael Blencowe of Sussex Wildlife Trust,

BilliGreen members enjoyed a butterfly walk around the village, trying to catch a glimpse of the purple hairstreak, purple emperor and white letter hairstreak to name a few. Picnic in the Park In August we really enjoyed meeting the locals who popped in to the BilliGreen tent at the Picnic in the Park in Station Road Gardens. Despite the scorching heat we had a great day chatting about BilliGreen projects and sharing experiences with likeminded people. Single Use Plastic Recycling Our volunteers continue to meet fortnightly to sort the plastics collected in the bins at The Chapel. They have now recycled nearly 500kg of plastics since starting a year ago. Coming soon We are planning our next litter pick in the coming months as well as a bat walk around the area for anyone interested. We are working alongside the Billingshurst Men’s shed and some local volunteers to build and install some bat boxes in the local area. To get involved in any of our projects email BilliGreenGroup@gmail.com or follow BilliGreen on Facebook. Helen Toole and Kimberley Thwaites

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About the house

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Community / Aircraft noise / Pets

Ash dieback hits trees along Wey & Arun Canal

s most readers will be aware, native ash trees in Britain have been devastated by ash dieback disease, and those growing along the canal are no exception. It is forecast that the disease, caused by a fungus imported from Asia, will kill about 80% of ash trees across the UK, and both young and mature trees are affected. Dying and dead trees can pose a risk to the public and canal users as their branches become brittle and trunks pappy, making them unstable, so the Wey & Arun Canal Trust brought in an arboricultural expert to survey the Loxwood stretch to identify those trees suffering from ash dieback and create a plan for their safe removal. Independent arboricultural consultant Mark Welby inspected the canal from Barnsill Bridge to Gennets Bridge and has provided the Trust with a comprehensive guide to the condition of trees in that area. As a result all ash trees that appear to be in decline as a result of ash dieback have been identified for removal over a three-year period. Those that appear to be healthy will be left in the hope some may have a degree of resistance as a small percentage of ash trees will be tolerant to the disease. A tree felling licence has been obtained from the Forestry Commission and over the coming winter months Trust volunteers and contractors will be out along the towpath. We aim to keep disruption to a

minimum, but please bear with us while we carry out these necessary works. Earlier this year more than 100 native saplings were planted along the canal thanks to a donation from the Woodland Trust. Ash dieback symptoms: ● Leaves develop dark patches in the summer. ● They then wilt and discolour to black. Leaves might shed early. ● Dieback of the shoots and leaves is visible in the summer. ● Lesions develop where branches meet the trunk. These are often diamond-shaped and dark brown. ● Inner bark looks brownish-grey under the lesions. ● New growth from previously dormant buds further down the trunk. This is known as epicormic growth and is a common response to stress in trees. (Source: Woodland Trust) Gill Davies, Press and Publications Assistant

Plan ahead for half term and Christmas A full schedule of boat trips is set to run up until November at the wharf in Loxwood to make the most of the stunning autumnal season, and the boat crew are currently gearing up for the halfterm special Halloween trips on Wednesday 27th and Sunday 31st at 12 noon and 2pm. They are also planning for the everpopular Santa Trips. Bookings for all trips are via the website at www.weyandarun.co.uk and tickets are expected to sell fast

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Pets / Vets

The Spaniel Diaries

ell, what a hectic few weeks it’s been. The harvest has been done which means lots of activity on the farm; mum has been especially careful to keep us away from the tractors, they are big scary things! The horses have been especially good, apparently taking no notice of the monster machines as they go past the field – well, seeing how fat the grass munching machines are I’m not surprised they don’t run about much, too busy stuffing their faces! Even I have to admit that the shoots of grass are especially delicious! The other thing I love about autumn is the stubble fields. We get to walk new routes and I love to make the fat pigeons fly to give them some exercise after gorging themselves on spilt corn! I haven’t been in the best of moods with mum. You see I managed to hurt my leg, as much as I tried to hide the fact she noticed I was limping, so I was prodded and pulled and checked for cuts, and she pronounced “lead walks only”. Those words are ice to any spaniel’s heart… I have had the indignity of being lifted in and out of the car too, I have three perfectly good legs that mum doesn’t seem to have noticed, then I have had to watch that little toad Mav have a good run about while I, prince of Spaniels, is stuck on a lead. Grrrrr, well I did get my own back by refusing to let Mav out into the garden by lying right by the door and giving him ‘the look’! I must do that again, even though mum shifted me and told me off! Mav is getting his comeuppance though because mum has entered him in a competition – he really does make work for himself! She had

grand ideas of entering me, but I soon put paid to that by simply ignoring the disgusting canvas dummies I would be expected to put in my mouth, I have much better things to do such as sniff out bunnies and dig up molehills, the latter activity is very much frowned upon! Something exciting is going on at home – the zippy boxes that carry clothes have been dragged out of the spare room and that means an adventure with lots of new sniffs and walkies! I hear the humans talking of something called ‘Devon’ and the word ‘walking’ is being mentioned more and more! Hopefully they will leave Mav at home; he’s really insufferable when we are away and tries to get me to play with him at every opportunity, I am far too dignified to engage in such silly games, although I have occasionally indulged him when I’m sure mum isn’t looking! Mum is getting sad that it’s getting dark in the evenings now and soon the clocks will go back, curtailing our long evening walks, hopefully she’ll forget about training though, but somehow I doubt it, no such luck there. I expect I’ll be put on a diet again as mum doesn’t like me getting chubby, although I think she should put herself on one too, she has a fine liking for pizza for a start! Well, soon the chilly autumn nights will be here with a vengeance. I can only hope mum doesn’t get any ideas about trying to put us in silly coats again, especially as it will soon be wet muddy walks! Hopefully we’ll get a last little glimpse of summer sunshine before the cold and wet sets in. Until next time, stay safe! Jeannette Douglas

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Little Tweeters! / Fencing

A new start…

Once upon a time on a small farm near Billingshurst…

eremy Nuthatch peered cautiously around the to keep a weather eye out for them, he thought. corner of the fencepost ready to retreat at a And right next to the oaks by the fence there was moment’s notice. His little heart was pounding a great big new chicken house and run. It had a and if squirrels could sweat the fur above his eyes low-slung electric fence around it. Jeremy hadn’t would have been soaked. But the coast was clear. been zapped by an electric fence – yet. He wasn’t He breathed a sigh of relief and slowly and in a hurry to try that out either! vigilantly carried on across the lawn of the house There were no longer any pigs but he checked paddock. He headed straight for the oak trees out the sheep in the bottom paddock. He noted by the far fenceline and quickly they only came up at feeding time in scampered up far enough so he the evening so he didn’t think they could survey his new territory. would be much bother. And, oh joy, Well, it wasn’t really new territory there was no cat! for the Oakhatch Clan. Jeremy’s The bird feeders were still great, great, great, great grandfather there and even an extra peanut had established the territory about one. He understood why when 10 years ago when the new human the woodpecker family came to family had moved in. It was the bird visit, then just about every tit in feeders that had been the deciding the neighbourhood descended, factor. They were a ready alternate followed by the sparrows when they source of good grub. Somehow were done. It was a very busy place though, the territory had been Introducing Jeremy Nuthatch but Jeremy knew that at some point abandoned due to the foxes that in the winter he might have need of had moved in. Sadly, many of Jeremy’s ancestors it and hoped it wouldn’t be too dangerous to had met a sad fate at their paws. access. The big dog was gone but there were two But wasn’t as if it had been forgotten. On winter little dogs who could still give him chase. nights young squirrels were lulled to sleep with the There were also some newbies like him. stories about that little farm near Billingshurst; how Leisurely hopping across the lawn he’d met a James Edward the big ginger cat had fallen flat on Yaffle (green woodpecker) who was also was his face trying to pounce on the old Jeremy as he exploring new territory because the area from next climbed the ivy hedge; or Magnus’ failed attempts door wasn’t big enough. Jeremy thought the bird to catch him up the bird feeder; or the time he was very pretty and polite and he decided to be spent a whole day in deadlock with a jay arguing friendly to him as they were sort of on the same over whom the acorns on the tree belonged – that kind of adventure. one had to be resolved by Resident Crow’s As it was late summer when Jeremy arrived, intervention. So, when the Clan chose this Jeremy there was plenty of things to eat while he waited (eighth or ninth) to reclaim the territory, he had for the acorns to begin their tattoo on the shed roof. some idea about what to expect. After sorting out a very nice hole in the tree and As he looked across the paddocks, he noticed filling it with bits of hay, feathers and dog fur, some things which were decidedly the same. The Jeremy felt optimistic about his territory on the little foxes were still around – evidenced by many little farm near Billingshurst. piles of fox poo dotted around the field. He’d have Yvonne Fleece

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Garden Tweet! / Pest control

Tidy up Time

y October the garden can look a little tired: perennials collapse, leaves die back, and there’s debris everywhere. It can only mean one thing, clean up time. Cut Peonies, Leucanthemum, Nepeta, Delphiniums, Hardy Geraniums, and Phlox back to ground level, but leave anything with ornamental seed heads such as poppies, Alliums, and grasses. When the first frosts hit these plants will gain a new lease of life and add some sparkly architectural beauty to the garden. Leave more delicate perennials such as Penstemons with the top growth in place to provide some winter protection. You can cut them back in the spring just before new growth occurs. Herbaceous perennials can be divided now and moved around to fill gaps in the border. Perennials can become congested and tired, and flower less as they age. Dig up the clump and break it up with a sharp spade, selecting the best, newer chunks from the outside to replant. The dying centre of the

KEYWOOD TREE CARE

s, ve ted s, ol ct ce on ha la er to ta la cti u -re ow s, on ll p se y o n ( f l e d c wi n If rde s sh ase e rde s ga e s, le . W a a sin se c) p ay r G a u bu ho , et tod pul n s t o e e e r ee p gr ow Tw our m ge in lla d Vi r a u yo

Garden View

plant can be composted. Most plants need to be divided every three to five years but some more vigorous varieties like Achillea require it more often and others. The exception is Peonies, which hate any kind of disturbance. Leave them alone. Once the borders are cleared and plants have been relocated, it’s time to get rid of any weeds, which have flourished in the autumn sunshine. Then you can mulch using compost or leaf mould. Mulching helps to protect the more tender plants while improving the structure of the soil and generally making things look neater. Make a layer around 3-4cms deep but don’t cover the centre crown of any plants. Types of organic mulch include compost, bark, grass cuttings, composted manure, newspaper, shredded leaves and straw. Rachel Leverton

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Community

Just a thought… 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.

n the throws of the last two years of this pandemic, I’m sure, like me, you’ve had plenty of time to sit and reminisce. Times you’ve enjoyed over the years – birthdays, weddings, holidays – and sadly, even losing loved ones. It’s the brighter side though that I want to look back on here; there’s been enough gloom. So, let’s have a little of the lighter side of life. For those of you who have a few years tucked under your belts, you must, like me, find the speed of change in the world around us accelerating at a rate that can bewilder and confuse with ever increasing regularity. For a quick example, in the last year and a half I’ve carried virtually no cash in my pockets at all! A small piece of plastic, flashed over an equally small black box, has allowed me to shop with pockets devoid of anything other than a screwed up piece of tissue and my car keys. A slight change from pre-decimal days when you walked with a distinct lean to one side as the weight of a quid’s worth of coppers could jangle noisily away in your heavily reinforced trouser pocket. Childhood has altered too. The average baby now is born, and for a short while gurgles and burbs in equal amounts, and then by the time he or she attends primary school, childhood has passed them by and technology has become their mantra. “No Gramps, you’ve got to press the hash key!”– this from the five-year-old! It was so much simpler once upon a time. Let’s see how much you can recall of those days. For me, I grew up on a brand new estate. Built post-war to house the baby boom that had for some reason occurred when the men came home on leave from the forces. The place was full of us scruffy little devils. Short trousers, socks around the ankles, and shirts covered by jumpers knitted by doting grannies. The short trousers stayed on average until voices were on the point of breaking , or college beckoned. (Although the fact that clothing was rationed may have played a large part.) We played in the car-less streets until we were called in for bed and with double summer time operating this could be nearly ten o’clock if we were lucky. Various games rotated through the year with their own time period; they each had their own season. I never did figure out who decided the start or stop time but it was set in stone that it would happen. Marbles, fag cards, five stones (dabs),

conkers, and pavements marked with the chalk boxes of hop scotch. There was street entertainment from a few hawkers too. The rag and bone man was an eagerly awaited participant. His flatbed cart pulled by a reluctant horse was a regular. For an armful of old clothing he would offer either a couple of balloons or a small goldfish in a bag. We always chose the goldfish, and then shed tears as it was flushed down the loo a couple of days later after it had floated upside down to the surface of its improvised container (usually a large jam jar at best). You will notice no doubt that I haven’t mentioned the girls here yet. There’s a very good reason. We were, I’m sorry to admit, completely oblivious to them being the opposite sex! If there’s one thing that illustrates the speed that the modern male child grows in maturity over us old foggies it’s their recognition of girls! Ye Gods! They brag about their girlfriends at four, and by the time they reach teenage years are fully conversant in all aspects of the other gender. Sigh! Never mind, once we did cotton on, we did our best! All this said. I am in some ways envious of the modern child. I now look back on all the wonderful innovations that have been made in my time, and wonder at what the future has hidden up its sleeve for them to experience. I’m reminded of that old TV programme, Tomorrow’s World, hosted then by the wonderful Raymond Baxter. I can still recall him showing us the first hand-held adding machine and later that first mobile phone that resembled in its proportions and appearance a great big house brick! How things have changed since then. What wonders await our grandchildren in the years before them! Thankfully we can at last see a light at the end of the tunnel. A chance to return to a fairly normal life. Once more we can travel, meet friends, marry, and even leave this world with a crowd in attendance. So, remember these times my friends, especially you younger folk. Store away in the depths of your minds the many events that you experience as time passes by. Log those words that your loved ones have said to you and enjoy the memories that make up the passing years. Think of it rather like a patchwork quilt, with every memory a square that’s stitched into place as it occurs. Something you can then look at in future times and recall the memory that each square brings. Some are easy to spot, while some get faded or the edges blurred. No matter. Just pray that quilt gets to be a darn great big one! John Nash

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Community / Garden Tweet!

Why I Joined the Lions

ollowing last month’s article encouraging men and women to consider supporting the Lions, current members of Billingshurst and District Lions Club were invited to comment on why they joined the Lions and what it means to them. The dominant feature in all responses was that Lions provides the opportunity to help people and to make a worthwhile contribution to the local community. “I had previously worked professionally with charitable organisations and wanted to continue this involvement in retirement, using skills and experience for the benefit of others”. Others felt the social side of Lions is important, especially to those new to the Billingshurst area, giving an immediate circle of contacts and new friends. “We particularly enjoy the varied programme of activities which helps us get to know people.” Some relish the challenge of holding office on a committee, such as Community Service, Projects or Fundraising introducing new ideas and seeing them through to fruition; while others prefer to help in other ways. “I enjoy the practical side of being in the Lions, helping on projects with repairs, decorating, gardening, etc., with no wish to chair any committee”. One member relates how he was fascinated seeing ‘Message in a Bottle’ (a plastic container with medical details kept in the fridge) at his local surgery. Making enquires, he learned about Lions over a pint and became

West Chiltington Floral Club (Affiliated to NAFAS)

Our next meeting will be our

Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 19th October, 7 for 7.30pm so do please come along. This is a great opportunity to meet up and to share ideas about future activities for our club. Unless otherwise stated, meetings are held at West Chiltington Village Hall, Mill Road, West Chiltington RH20 2PZ. Visitors welcome £5. For more information, please contact Brenda Bull on (01798) 813712

a member. At times members experienced personal problems and expressed gratitude for the kindness and support provided by the Club, helping them through difficult periods. It is clear from the responses that Lions means different things to different people, but as one member put it, “Being a Lion is about helping people in need and the contacts and friendships that come from being involved”. If you are new to Billingshurst, recently retired, or looking for a new challenge, learn more from Viv Diggens, tel: (01403) 752968, Mobile: 07767 221908 or e-mail: diggens2000@hotmail.com. (Regrettably we provided an incorrect contact telephone number last month and offer our sincere apologies to the person concerned.) Keep up to date with Billingshurst & District Lions Club on their Facebook page and on their new website www.billingshurstlions.org. Footnote: Santa needs an Amplifier This is an appeal from Santa to anyone who has an amplifier they no longer use and would be willing to either sell or donate it to the Lions to enable them to play his music this Christmas. Santa can be contacted at harveyholmes596@btinternet.com. Thank you. Harvey Holmes, Billingshurst & District Lions Club Image: Leaflet available from Jengers Mead Bookshop

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STUMP GRINDING

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Billingshurst Horticultural Society

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Kids of all ages! / Garden Tweet!

Halloween Spot the Difference

It’s Halloween on 31st October. Can you spot the 13 differences? Solution on page 51

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Motoring

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Formula Woman – what’s that? Are you female? Do you love driving? Then read on…

y name is Hayley, I'm 29 & live in Coolham. I am self-employed with two businesses – the first (my day job) as a domestic cleaner; the second and most recent as a Group Exercise to Music Instructor teaching Clubbercise (a dance fitness workout taught in a darkened room with glowsticks and disco lights). It’s been a bit of a bumpy road as the first lockdown hit just after I started my qualification, but through the powers of technology, I passed and brought my classes online for five months – I am now one month into teaching in real life! However, I have started another ‘adventure’ on top of this and after the last couple of years we’ve all had, why not? I have become a Formula Woman applicant. You may or may not have heard about this but it has been picking up momentum in the media. What is Formula Woman? In 2004, Formula Woman began with a televised motor racing competition open to novice female drivers - it had over 10,000 applicants competing to be crowned Formula Woman Champion. This time it is back to find six drivers who will compete, not against each other, but against their male counterparts in the televised 2022 GT Cup Series on ITV. The final six will have a fully sponsored drive in two of the McLaren 570S GT4s for the entire season. Formula Woman itself will televise our progress from our assessment day where we will take part in five assessments including two on the track: one karting, one car. The top 16 will then compete in a ‘shoot-out’ towards the end of the year with the final six going into training early next year for the season ahead. I’m afraid I can’t tell you much more about the competition as it is new and, being televised, it’s very much under wraps – even applicants don’t even get the inside scoop! I am feeling more excited than nervous at the moment. Apart from a handful of track days in my brother’s track day car, I am a complete novice. My Dad was a racer many moons ago and even Mum played

her part on the sidecars so it has become a passion for the whole family. When I was little I would be asked, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” and I would simply reply “To drive”. As soon as I turned 17 I was in a car having driving lessons. Now grown up (sort-of!) and working hard for a living being a racer has become a bit of a dream. Having not grown up in a gokart like the racers of today it’s hard to imagine that it could change – instead I take my passion for racing and put it into watching F1 of which I am an avid fan. However, through the powers of social media I stumbled across Formula Woman by chance and it was too good an opportunity to pass up: a competition for novice drivers who have the opportunity to show a natural racing talent is right up my street. It would be the stuff of dreams to make it to the top six, but just to be in a racing environment with like-minded ladies will be a fantastic experience and a big learning curve. Even after the competition, regardless of the outcome we are Formula Women for life and will receive continued support from the Formula Woman team in all aspects of motor racing. As with most motor racing, media and support is a key component. As applicants we have the option of finding personal sponsors; these sponsors can support us in many ways from our assessment fee; travel, accommodation and racing gear costs; to helping with costs for extra training with simulators, karts or track days. In return they will get their business/logo on our helmets and on the car during our televised assessment and as we progress through the competition they’ll also get plenty of mentions on applicants’ social media pages. If you are female, enjoy driving and reading this here is the link to the Formula Woman page: www.formulawoman.co.uk. And if you’d like to follow my progress here’s a link to my Instagram page where I have just started to document my Formula Woman journey: www.instagram.com/haylzmoore92. Hayley Moore

The 2004 Formula Woman championship – now it’s back!

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Motoring

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Motoring

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Puzzle on page 48

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What’s On near you

What’s On – October Every Mon Every Mon

Horsham Matters Hub on the Move Foodbank. Billingshurst Library car park, 10-11.30am 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 Mon BOOSTfit Horsham. The Forest School, Comptons Lane, RH13 5NT. Judgement & pressure free fitness for all. Clare Lawton, tel: 07983 976 601 or e-mail: clareboostfit@outlook.com. www.boostfit.com Every Mon Seniors’ Coffee Morning. St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst. 10.30am to 12 noon. £3 a head. Transport available. Tel: (01403) 786706 Every 2nd Rotary Club. Blacksmiths Arms, Adversane. 7.30pm. Supper (£13) & talk. Visitors welcome. Social activities & 4th Mon & occasional business meetings. Stuart Pullen, Attendance Secretary, tel: (01798) 873791 or 07967 159034 Every Mon, Shipley Men’s Shed. Shipley football ground off Dragon’s Lane. Part of the international Men’s Shed Tues & Weds organisation. For men interested in woodwork or wish to spend time with like-minded, local chaps. www.HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org. Tel: Philip, 07786 070939 or email: info@HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org Every Mon Wisborough Green Short Mat Bowls Club. Village Hall. Mons 2.30-4.30pm, Weds 1.30-3.30pm. & Weds New members & visitors welcome. £2.50 (includes Tea/Coffee & biscuits). Trial session free for newcomers. Further information: www.wisboroughgreen.org or contact Keith Carter on 01403 700502 Every Tues Billingshurst Short Mat Bowls. Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre. 2-4pm. £4 per session. Come and try a game. It’s great fun with friendly people in a small club. Further details please contact Alan Barnes, tel: (01403) 783721 Every Tues 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 Slinfold Concert Band rehearsal. Slinfold Village Hall from 7.30-9.30pm. Brass, woodwind and percussion players all welcome. www.slinfoldconcertband.org Every Tues Billingshurst Youth Club. Women’s Hall, High St, Billingshurst, 7.30-9pm, term-time. 11-16 years. Varied activities such as indoor obstacle course, miniature football tournaments and crafts. £1 per session. Contact Ben Sheldon, Community Youth Worker, tel: 07763 302456, e-mail: ben.sheldon@horsham-matters.org.uk Every Tues Walking Football. 10-11.30am. Shipley football ground off Dragon’s Lane (Holbrook Club in mid-Winter). Followed by refreshments. Men & women welcome. www.HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org. Tel: Philip, 07786 070939 or email: info@HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org Every Tues Neighbourhood Warden drop-in sessions. Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre. 12-2pm Every Tues BOOSTfit Billingshurst. Billingshurst Leisure Centre, RH14 9RY. Judgement & pressure free fitness for all. Clare Lawton, tel: 07983 976 601 or e-mail: clareboostfit@outlook.com. www.boostfit.com Every Tues Preschool Ballet and street dance classes. Jubilee Fields, Billingshurst. VMA Dance run fun, friendly & Thurs classes for preschool children. Free trial then £4pw pre-booked. 07879 773705 www.vmadance.co.uk Every Tues Pétanque Club. Shipley Football Ground, 10.15 for 10.30am start (*spring/summer/autumn, Friday, 6.30pm) & Fri* Coffee after. Equipment provided. All ages and abilities. www.HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org. Tel: Russell, 07803 259190 or email: info@HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org Every 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. Improvers 6-7.15pm, intermediates 7.15-9.30pm. Details from Maureen, tel: 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 Weds Yoga Flow. Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre. 6-7pm. Emily Apps, tel: 07976 226525 or email: emilyapps@yahoo.co.uk Every 2nd BilliUke: Billingshurst’s Own Ukulele Jam! The Six Bells, from 7.30pm. If you already have a & 4th Weds ukulele, or are thinking about getting one, please come along and join us. It’s a fun couple of hours and you also get to make new friends from the village and beyond. www.billiuke.com Every Thurs Stitch & Knit. 10am-12.30pm. We rove round local cafés & car share, lifts may be possible. Welcoming & helpful, just bring your project. No fees. Sarah, tel: 07817 699865 (leave message) Every Thurs HDC Health Walk. Billingshurst (2). Meet 11am, Library car park, Billingshurst (TQ086260). Parking free with annnual permit or 75p per hour. 2¼ miles, flat, easy. 1 hour. Chris (01403) 782745. All HDC walks are guided, free and sociable. Led by trained volunteers; no need to book, just turn-up Every Thurs Wildlife walkabouts. RSPB Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve, Wiggonholt, RH20 2EL. 10am-12 noon. £8 per person (£2.50 for RSPB members). (01798) 875851. www.rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks Every Thurs Crafts and Natter group. The Chapel, Spy Lane, Loxwood, RH14 0SQ. 11am-3pm Every Thurs Drop in Baby Zone! St Mary’s Room, East Street, Billingshurst. 10.30-11.30am Thurs & Fri plus 1.30& Fri 2.30pm Thurs. Meet other parents and their babies. Every week except between Xmas & New Year. Emma: babies@stmarysbillingshurst.org. Free spaces, book at babyzone.stmarysbillingshurst.org VMA Dance classes for children 2-18yrs. Jubilee Fields, Billingshurst. Classes in Ballet, Street Dance Every Fri & Contemporary. Free Trial available then £5pw pre-booked. 07879 773705 www.vmadance.co.uk Every Fri Nationwide Building Society. Billingshurst Community Centre. Cancelled due to coronavirus Blue Idol Open Day. Oldhouse Lane, Coolham, RH13 8QP. 10am-1pm. March-November. Visit this historic Every Fri building and discover local history. www.blueidol.org, Facebook @BlueIdolQuakers, (01403) 740039 Every Fri The Mother’s Fire. Nature connection group for mothers and children of all ages. 10am-12 noon at a beautiful, secure farm in Billingshurst, runs all year round. Contact hello@acornsandembers.co.uk for

What’s On near you Every Sat Every Sat Every Sat & Weds Every Sun

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more info or to book visit: bookwhen.com/acornsandembers (Places must be booked in advance) 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 Dempsey School of Irish Dancing for children aged 5+. Billingshurst Community Centre. 9 & 10am. Nicola, e-mail: dempseyirishdance@gmail.com Amities Boules Club. Foresters Arms, Kirdford. New members always welcome. Sats: 10.45 for 11am start, finish 1.30pm. Weds (summer only, weather permitting): 2pm. David, tel: (01483) 278346 The Emmanuel Fellowship meet every Sunday at ‘The Chapel’, Spy Lane, Loxwood, RH14 0SQ. 10.30am for about an hour with refreshments afterwards. www.emmanuelfellowship.co.uk

SPACE IS TIGHT IN THE WHAT’S ON PAGES. IF ANYONE HAS TRIED TO TAKE PART IN ANY OF THE REGULAR ENTRIES (ABOVE) AND FOUND THEM TO BE NO LONGER AVAILABLE PLEASE LET VILLAGE TWEET KNOW 2 Oct Terri’s Macmillan Home Sale. 26 Coombe Hill, Billingshurst. 10am-12 noon. Cakes and preserves can be pre-ordered terriashpool@uwclub.net or call (01403) 588996 3 Oct Indoor Antiques Market & Collectors Sale. Ansell’s Yard, Kirdford Road, Wisborough Green, RH14 0DD. 10am-2pm. No entrance fee. Tables available £5 (must be pre-booked), also storage units to let, £25 pw. Telephone (01403) 700633 or 07798 941940 5 Oct Trefoil Guild Meeting. Meetings are temporarily suspended due to COVID but we hope to restart them again in 2022. Julia, tel: (01403) 784363 5 Oct Laughter Yoga Club. Unitarian Hall (side door), Billingshurst, RH14 9TB. (Park Lakers Mead.) 1.35 for 1.45pm start till 2.45pm. £6. Boosts seratonine and nervous systems & improves wellbeing! Non-profitmaking club. All welcome. Contact Linda, tel: 07806.327917, email: lstevenson201854@gmail.com 6 Oct Billingshurst Wednesday Group welcomes Members Old & New to Coffee & Cake. St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst, 10am. Hazel Barnes, tel: (01403) 780660 or email: buzzhazel@gmail.com 6 Oct The Arts Society – South Downs lecture by Ian Swankie: ‘Pots & Frocks: The World of Grayson Perry’. Fittleworth Village Hall. 10.45am (preceded by AGM at 10.30am). Often controversial, Grayson Perry tackles difficult subjects in a poignant yet witty way and holds a mirror up to society. Visitors welcome, £6, contact Jane Allison, tel: (01798) 813314 or e-mail: jane@theallisonfamily.co.uk. www.theartssocietysouthdowns.org.uk 8 Oct Billingshurst and District Wine and Beer Circle meeting with Horsham cellars showing six wines: 3 reds, 3 whites. St Gabriel’s Hall, East Street. £7 members £9 non-members, tasting followed by buffet after three wines. Arrive 7.30pm. New members welcome. Contact Chris 07790 762052 or Linda 07806 327917. Email: edwinstevenson51@gmail.com. www.billingshurstwineandbeercircle.com 7 Oct Parish Council Planning & Environmental Committee meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7.30pm 7 Oct 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 7 Oct Reading Friends. Billingshurst Library. Temporarily suspended due to coronavirus 9 Oct Billingshurst Horticultural Society Buffet Supper. St Gabriel’s Parish Hall, East St, Billingshurst, 6.30 for 7pm. Members & friends, £10. To book please call (01403) 784599. See page 47 9 Oct Billingshurst Dementia Café. United Reformed Church Hall, Second Saturday of every month, from 10am-12pm. Please join us for tea, coffee and cake. All are welcome 11/12 Oct Billingshurst Dramatic Society: ‘Last Orders: Murder in the Pub’. The Kings Head, Billingshurst. 7.30pm. Tickets from The Kings Head. See August’s Village Tweet, page 9 13 Oct 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 13 Oct 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 13 Oct Billingshurst Wednesday Group: Pat Kingshott, who used to live and work in the Tower of London, will talk about the Crown Jewels. St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst, 10am. Hazel Barnes, tel: (01403) 780660 or email: buzzhazel@gmail.com 13 Oct The Arts Society – South Downs Special Interest Day by Lars Tharp: ‘Beyond Earth – Stone Age to Space Age’. Fittleworth Village Hall. 10am. A brief history of the world in clay. Members £30, non-members £35, pre-book via theartssocietysouthdowns.org.uk/Special/FutureSpecial.aspx 13 Oct Parish Council Working Practices Committee meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7.30pm 13 Oct Classical Music: The De Beauvoir Trio. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 7.30pm. The Trio explores music from a unique perspective, incorporating concepts from linguistics and literature studies to elevate their communication with one another and to the audience. Tickets £15 (£10 under 25s): (01483) 278000 (Tues-Sat 10am-4pm) or visit www.cranleighartscentre.org 14 Oct Billingshurst WI Annual General Meeting. Community Centre, Roman Way. 2.30pm. Members enjoy interesting speakers, hobby groups and various outings. Visitors welcome. Secretary, tel: (01403) 780810 14 Oct Billingshurst Local History Society AGM followed by Talk: Fran Farrer-Brown on Sussex Scenes. Billingshurst Community and Conference Centre, 7.30pm. Coast, countryside, castles and gardens. Revive old memories and discover new places. www.francesfarrerbrown.co.uk. Membership £20 per annum. Visitors £5 per meeting. Ms G Knight, tel: (01403) 451401, email: g.j.s.knight@btinternet.com 15 Oct Macmillan Film night. ‘The Courier’. Billingshurst Conference & Community Centre. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Refreshments, raffle and Macmillan stall. Tickets £6.50 from www.touringcinema.com or Austens Home Hardware, 48-52 High Street or Terri Ashpool, tel: (01403) 588996 or on the door 16 Oct Slinfold Village Cinema. Slinfold Village Hall. Doors 7pm. Film 7.30pm. Tickets £5 from Slinfold Village Stores or on the door. For film details see slinfoldvillagehall.co.uk/cinema/nextfilm.html Billingshurst Lions Club Meeting. Sports Pavilion, Jubilee Fields, Billingshurst. 7.30pm. For information 18 Oct about the Club contact Viv Diggens on (01403) 752068 or call in at the Lions Bookshop, Jengers Mead 18 Oct Macmillan Film night. ‘The Courier’. Pulborough Village Hall. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Refreshments,

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What’s On near you / Advertisers Index

raffle and Macmillan stall. Tickets £6.50 from www.touringcinema.com or Pulborough Village Hall or Terri Ashpool, tel: (01403) 588996 or on the door (subject to availability) Loxwood Jazz Club. Village Hall. With candle-lit tables and a licensed bar, it has a very intimate atmosphere with international standard jazz. Tickets £15 from Loxwood Village Store or Anita Bates on (01403) 752954 St Mary’s Guild Members’ Meeting. Temporarily suspended due to coronavirus West Chiltington Floral Club AGM. Village Hall. 7 for 7.30pm. See page 47 CAGNE virtual talk: The Air that we Breathe. 7pm. CAGNE, the umbrella aviation community and environment group for Sussex, Surrey and Kent, are delighted to offer you a unique opportunity to hear from international experts talking about how Gatwick Airport’s plan to rebuild the emergency runway as a second runway would further impact you, your children’s children and our planet. 1 hour with informal Q&A. FREE. E-mail to Book a Talk cagnegatwick@gmail.com Comedy Club. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 7.30pm. Bringing you some of our favourite artists off the telly, including Jen Brister, Ria Lina, Josh Berry and Nathan Cassidy plus some amazing support acts and an award-winning compere. Tickets £14: (01483) 278000 (Tues-Sat 10am-4pm) or visit www.cranleighartscentre.org Pulborough Village Market. Pulborough Village Hall, Swan View, RH20 2BF. 9am-12 noon. Fresh produce, bread, delicatessen, local honey, organic condiments, plants, local crafts and much more. Café serving a full English breakfast, tea/coffee and cakes. Free entry. Please like us on Facebook. Market Coordinator Terri Ashpool, tel: (01403) 588996, e-mail: terriashpool@uwclub.net Classical Music: Lunchtime Concert: Dinara Klinton. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 1pm. Dinara Klinton returns to Cranleigh with themes of Love, Nature and Russian culture including beautiful pieces by some lesser-known Russian composers. Free Access, Retiring cash collection for the classical concert series. www.cranleighartscentre.org Parish Council Billingshurst Centre & F&GP Committees meetings. Billingshurst Centre. 7 & 7.30pm Ewhurst Players: ‘The Lady in the Van’ by Alan Bennett, directed by Simon Fraser. Ewhurst Village Hall. Tickets via www.ticketsource.co.uk/ewhurstplayers or tel: (01483) 272378 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 The Dove Orchestra performs works by Grenville Richard Harding. St Mary’s, Horsham. See page 26

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

ADVERTISERS INDEX October 2021 A-Team Mechanics............................51 A/c’s Direct, Accounting ....................12 AC Decor...........................................26 Alba Plumbing...................................37 Alex Newson Tree Services..............47 Ansells Market...................................11 At Home Estates .................................4 Aurora Fireworks...............................22 Bat and Ball pub................................13 Best Choice Roofing .........................39 Billingshurst Horticultural Society......47 Billingshurst Leisure Centre ..............16 Billingshurst Parish Council ........28, 29 Billingshurst Service, Repair & MOT Centre ..................................50 Billingshurst Short Mat Bowls ...........17 Bluecoat Sports.................................19 BOOSTfit...........................................21 CAGNE .............................................42 Cancer Care Company .....................21 CJ Sewage Treatment ......................41 Coole Bevis Solicitors .........................3 Coren Wine Ltd ...................................5 Dandelion Farewells, funerals...........20 Dirt Bags Grooming ..........................42 DW Gardens .....................................45 Duke of Kent School .........................24

Evans Electrical.................................38 Flackwoods Solicitors..........................7 Flow-serve Plumbing, Drainage, Heating..........................................40 GB Glazing Ltd..................................41 GJ Coles, builder ..............................40 Goring Road Carpet Centre..............37 Hamilton Cole TV & Satellite Equipment .....................................39 Holly Stone Hypnotherapy ................23 Horsham District Council ..............8, 14 Horsham Matters (Dove Orchestra)..26 JC Plumbing......................................33 Jonathan Carter Tree Surgery ..........47 Keywood Tree Care ..........................45 Kings Head pub ................................13 KJ Lammas Plumbing & Heating ......25 Lee’s Locks .......................................38 Leigh Humphries, mobile hairdresser.21 LMC Auto Services .........................IBC Mac’s Private Hire...............................9 Meadow Hall Veterinary Practice ......43 Meadows Wellbeing ..........................18 Mike Lord Building ............................27 Miss Mop Domestic Cleaning ...........35 MW Wingate Painting & Decorating .33 MPS Home Improvements Ltd..........37

N Francis Electrical Ltd.....................35 NFU Mutual Insurance ........................6 Oven Cleaning Direct........................36 Oven Rescue ....................................34 P&W Jordan Upholstery....................26 Park House Kitchens.....................OBC Peacocks Builders.............................39 Pest Man...........................................45 Petworth MOT Centre .......................50 Phoenix Care ....................................21 PJM Building & Property Maintenance..................................41 Rebecca Beauty Therapist................23 Re-Nu Kitchens.................................35 Rudgwick Cabinets and Carpentry ...31 Rudgwick Fencing.............................44 Shipley Primary School.....................24 Shutters by Natalie............................24 St Mary’s Church...............................11 Sussex Carpet Brokers .....................30 Sussex Free Range Turkeys.............11 Sussex Towing Brackets ...................51 Titchmarsh Services, tree surgery ....48 Village Nurseries ...............................48 WG Tyres ..........................................51 WSCC ...............................................10

Village Tweet - October 2021

Articles inside

Billingshurst Lions Club: Why I joined the Lions

John Nash: Just a thought

The Spaniel Diaries: The continuing adventures of Billy

Yvonne Fleece: A new start

Formula Woman: Calling women with a lust for speed

Spot the Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Wey & Arun Canal Trust: Ash dieback strikes canal bank trees

West Sussex Community Minibus: October and November trips

Sussex Green Living: Launch of Sussex Green Hub

Loxwood Village Fête: Post-lockdown fête raised a record £7000

Skydive: Another one! This time to raise funds for spinal research

St Catherine’s Hospice: The importance of saying goodbye

Tapestry Day Care: New support initiative for older people

Royal British Legion: We are back

Loxwood Society: Closes after 24 years