More than game

by Sian Maidment

You would pause at the breath-taking natural beauty of a stag in the wild. The culinary reputation of The White Hart Inn on the B2028 just north of Wakehurst Place, deserves the same reverence.

The White Hart Inn, West Hoathly, with its cosy restaurant and lofted bar barn, is as magnificent and striking as the princely beast it is named after. And, like the antlered namesake, only glimpsed views from the road revealing its presence, it belongs to its country setting. This country link is felt in the menu too, as seasonal game is now a feature of the choices available. Creative and imaginative, it includes wood pigeon, for example, so rare to see, and cooked rare too.

“My Head Chef sleeps, lives and breathes food and cooking. He’s terribly enthusiastic.” Dotty, the brains and landlady, shares, with affection, her pride and belief in James 'Jimmy' Grey. Driving hard, unfaltering, messages home about the importance of high standards and first principles, not countenancing a microwave ping or portion control from frozen, Dotty champions her dedicated chef and the rest of her young team. “We’re not on a time slot. Everything here is cooked to order.” Clearly the wood pigeon and other starter of wild and field mushroom ravioli were as fresh to our table as they had started in the kitchen. Succulent slices of this rich, gloriously dense, and toothsome meat, served with a delicate combination of salad leaves, topped coquettishly with a rich red-purple pansy flower, made a very satisfying starter. The ravioli, softly poached pasta parcels with lightly aromatic mushroom filling, was silky smooth, earthy ecstasy.

Dotty and Jimmy, never still, are “continuously trying to source new suppliers, looking for new ideas and inspiration”. The excellent menu reflects this. “Partridge, pheasant, venison… ” Dotty, her articulated fingers stroking the air like an Indian dancer, lists the weekend specials with their focus on game which, added to the fish selection and main menu, means “there is choice for everyone; food flexibility.”

The balance of the menu, coupled with accurate and real descriptions, makes your decision very difficult indeed. After some deliberation we chose calves liver with cream and brandy and sardines with samphire. The liver was soft, creamy heaven and the glistening shoal of sardines, presented in turbulent relief with the impossible to describe but addictively delicious samphire, were firm and flavoursome, their spines lifting clean away.

Exacting standards have established The White Hart Inn as a Sunday lunch venue of repute with Sussex sirloin beef and venison building on that reputation. Whether you’re looking for à la carte, plat du jour, specials, or a Christmas treat, The White Hart Inn has the space and choice to accommodate all permutations.

The White Hart Inn
Ardingly Road, West Hoathly,
East Grinstead RH19 4RA
Tel. 01342 715217

East Grinstead’s Best Kept Secret

by Sheila Fennings

East Grinstead Museum, tucked away in the heart of the town, is probably East Grinstead’s best kept secret. The Museum has just celebrated receiving 20,000 visitors since it opened in its new building in September 2006.

The new building, winner of a Mid Sussex Council Architecture Award, provides a modern and accessible venue for local people and visitors alike. There is an incredible sense of space in the main gallery with its interesting and varied permanent displays that explore the history of East Grinstead and its surrounding villages. Artefacts, ephemera, memorabilia and images are displayed in a way that is simple, colourful and engaging. These are interspersed with touch-screen interactives and a specially edited film that brings the past alive.

Temporary exhibitions, which focus on local organisations and anniversaries, change every three or four months. The current exhibition, which runs until the end of January 2010 is about Sackville College. This magnificent Jacobean building, described as “the architectural gem of East Grinstead” is celebrating 400 years as an almshouse. The exhibition explains why it was built and who by. There is also mention of several of the 99 wardens who have been in charge, the best known being the Rev John Mason Neale who wrote many hymns and carols, among them Good King Wenceslas. The highlight of the exhibition is a recreation of one of the rooms in the college. Originally a kitchen, it then became the refectory and today is used a Common Room for the 14 residents.

Curator's Corner, a dedicated 'hands on' area, provides lots of activities and quizzes for younger visitors.

Creative activities for children's are held regularly, usually in school holidays. Forthcoming activities are The Big Draw on Tuesday, 27th October – work with local artists to create a collage of Sackville College to celebrate its 400th anniversary, and Christmas Fun and Crafts on Sunday, 6th December – lots of things to make and do for Christmas.

The Museum receives no guaranteed funding, so the profit from the small Museum shop and donations from visitors are needed to help with the running costs.

With free admission, longer opening hours and a convenient location behind East Grinstead’s historic medieval high street, dropping by for a visit is now a local habit!

East Grinstead Museum

Old Market Yard, Cantelupe Road,

East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 3XA

Tel: 01342 323075

www.eastgrinsteadmuseum.org.uk

Opening Times:

Wednesdays to Saturdays 10am-4pm,

Sundays and Bank Holidays 2-5pm

Closed over the Christmas period

FREE admission

Bend it like Bowley

Rupert Taylor on Funeral Services in Hassocks:

Former footballer Paul Bowley is such a lively character that it seems hard to believe that his chosen specialised subject is, to put it bluntly, death.

He was a centre-forward in the old-fashioned mould who was not afraid to put himself about a bit and delighted in upsetting opposition defences. Now he does the opposite. As a funeral director, he instils calm, comfort and compassion for the bereaved at a time that can be both traumatic and heart-breaking. Most importantly, he ensures that those who have died are treated with dignity and respect.

My preconception of a funeral director was somebody grim and dressed in black. Think Private Fraser from television’s Dad’s Army, a cousin of the Grim Reaper, then forget it.

“Arranging a funeral can be grim, but a smile can break the ice – compassion with a bit of humour,” said Paul.

He showed me up to his lair above his business in the heart of Hassocks wearing a black suit all right, but enlivened by braces of pink and blue hearts and a snazzy silk tie – just one of 150 colourful examples at his disposal. The lair itself is a celebration of life – memorabilia from Paul’s chequered football career and his adoration of the rock band Queen, and lead singer Freddie Mercury in particular, adorn the walls. It’s a glorious mixture of framed club shirts, old footballs and Freddie in his pomp.

Woodingdean-born Paul’s early prowess as a player captured Brighton’s eye and he signed schoolboy forms with the club at the age of 12 in the early 1970s, with every confidence that he would progress to Albion’s professional ranks.

So how does a funeral director become a funeral director after being almost famous as a footballer?

Brian Clough. The appointment in 1974 of the Derby County boss and TV pundit as manager of Brighton was seen as an extraordinary coup at the Goldstone Ground, a fillip for a club languishing in the old Third Division of the Football League.

But Clough promptly scrapped the club’s youth policy on his arrival – which left Paul out in the cold. Ironically, he signed as an apprentice for Clough’s old side Derby after scoring a hat-trick in a trial match.

His career at the Baseball Ground was restricted by the fact that Derby were one of the finest teams in England and first team opportunities were limited, but he took comfort from the fact that he cleaned the boots of such luminaries as Francis Lee, Charlie George and Archie Gemmell – and amongst reserve team games he played at mighty Manchester United’s Old Trafford.

A brief and miserable spell followed with Athlone in the Irish League and his promising football aspirations slowly unravelled: Eastbourne United, Hurstpierpoint and finally Preston Dynamos in the Sussex Sunday League.

Paul was disillusioned and unhappy. He felt his future would have progressed at Brighton if it had not been for Clough swinging the axe – and he was of the generation that went on to enjoy top-flight and FA Cup success. Suddenly he was too old for the game, married and with a job on a building site.

He owes his rebirth, he says, to his former father-in-law Bob Forsyth who launched him as a coffin maker for the family undertaking business in 1980 and taught him all there was to know.

Paul, now 51, worked his way up through the ranks and decided to go solo in Hassocks 12 years ago. He has never looked back, and bubbles with down-to-earth enthusiasm about his job. His policy is simple: “I’m open at any time of day. I’ve been wearing flip-slops and shorts when I’ve been washing the car on a Sunday and someone’s got in touch, but what’s most important is the family we’re serving.” Bowley Funeral Service won the Golden Charter Funeral Planner of the Year award in 2001.

Clients can make their final journey in style, from horse-drawn hearse to motorcycle sidecar, from wicker basket to camper van! Paul added: “We look after those loved ones who have died, but essentially look after those who are left behind. They are the ones who need our help the most.”

Bowley Funeral Service
30 Keymer Road, Hassocks, West Sussex BN6 8AN
Tel. 01273 841711
www.bowleyfuneralservice.co.uk

Art and craft in Hassocks

Please come and celebrate the talents of local Artists and Crafts people at the Hassocks Art and Craft Fair to be held on Sunday, 22nd November 12 midday to 4pm at The Adastra Hall, Keymer Road in Hassocks.
 
In addition to the stunning variety of work on show there will also be a selection of unusual and mouthwatering cakes and delicious home-made vegetarian soup as well as filled rolls, teas, juices and coffee all available to buy.
 
Entrance and parking is free so please come along and support this local event and enjoy locally produced goods and food.

For further information please contacct Penny Wadsworth on 01273 844100 or email PLWadsworth@aol.com

Support local dressage riders

This fashion show is being held on 6th October in aid of supporting riders to compete for the Southern teams in the Home International being held in Scotland in October.

It will be a fantastic night with masses of high street designer labels at discount prices if you fancy buying or just come along for a girly night out! – buying a ticket will be supporting the riders as well as buying clothes so the more people we can get there the better!!

Any Gents that have received this please can you pass on to any ladies in your life as it is a girly only affair I’m afraid!

Enquiries to sharonwalker@britishdressage.co.uk

Christmas shopping in Hurstpierpoint

Antiques, Collectable and Fine Food Fair,
Hurstpierpoint Village Centre
Sunday, 22nd November 2009, 10am-4pm
  
More than 500 visitors are expected to attend this popular annual pre-Christmas Fair.
 
This year some 24 stalls have been booked by top antique dealers offering ceramics, silver items, precious and costume jewellery, tableware, and collectables such as  maps, prints, paintings, ornaments and glassware. Children`s toys and games will be on offer as well as special Christmas gift items and a “lucky dip”.
 
The Fine Food Hall will have a mouth-watering range of seasonal food goodies from award winning Sussex suppliers such as Say Cheese, Stratta Oils, Relish In Spice, Chocoholly and Payne`s South Downs Honey, wax candles and Christmas gifts. Mrs Huttys` range of baked goods, cakes, pies and preserves will be back by popular demand. Bookers wines will be sold by the glass and bottle with special sparkling Christmas packs.
 
Rosemary Burns and her team will provide tea, coffee and “lite bites” such as toasted sandwiches and cakes in the cafe throughout the day. This year`s featured charities are St. Catherine`s Hospice and Knowles Tooth, Langton Lane, Hurstpierpoint which gives holiday breaks and support to children.
 
Entrance charge is 5Op – free for accompanied children under 14. For more information please call Cllr. Gina Field on 01273 843012 or email gina@ginafield.co.uk. (event organized by Hurstpierpoint Conservatives).

Any questions?

On Friday 23 October, Manor Field Primary School will be hosting the Radio 4 Any Questions? programme, which will be broadcast live that evening from our school hall!

Friday 23 October
Radio 4 Any Questions?
Manor Field Primary School, Junction Road, Burgess Hill
The topical discussion programme, chaired by Jonathan Dimbleby, in which a panel of personalities from the worlds of politics, media and elsewhere are posed questions by the audience will be broadcast live from the school.    The audience is expected to play a positive role by contributing useful questions on current issues of national interest ˆ which will get people talking! ˆ and bearing in mind the interests of the panel that evening and the events of that week.  A limited number of tickets are available on a first come, first served basis; anyone wishing to enquire should contact the school on 01444 233368.  Members of the audience are asked to arrive between 6.45 and 7.15 pm.

Party in Pink

The Lloyd family of Hurstpierpoint alongside Katie French and Lynette Awdry from the Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital have successfully raised over £2,000 for Breast Cancer Care.
They organised a fundraiser at Hurstpierpoint College on 19th September 2009, after the Lloyd’s lost their beloved Jan, a former employee of South Downs Living, to the disease in August 2008.
It was a spectacular evening of great fun: a curry dinner, a fully licensed bar, a fantastic raffle which raised £1,000 alone for the cause and live music from Bandana featuring Secret Dream (our own talented 8 strong function band made up of family, college staff and friends).
The organisers would like to thank Hurst College for all their support and every single individual who made the event possible. Look out for future events from Party in Pink Sussex and if you would like to help in the future or wish to donate money to the cause please email partyinpinksussex@gmail.com <mailto:partyinpinksussex@gmail.com>
  

Ambrose gets on his bike for charity

Here's a pic of the Bike Ride which we completed in about 2 hours and so far we have raised £11,620 for Chestnut Tree House.

Anyone who wants to give can still do so on www.justgiving.com/Ambrose-Harcourt/

Thank you for your help.
Ambrose Harcourt

Photo: by Jim Holden


Ambrose Harcourt PR
Audley House
Hove Street
HOVE
East Sussex
BN3 2DE

Tel: +44 (0) 1273 206111
Fax: +44 (0) 1273 206116

www.ambroseharcourtpr.co.uk

Fabulous Family Fun Day at Chestnut Tree House

Hundreds of visitors flocked to Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th September for the charity’s annual Open Day and Family Fun Day as part of the national Children’s Hospice Week celebrations (21st – 27th September 2009).
The Family Fun Day on Saturday 26th September was opened at 10am by children's TV presenters, Jez Edwards and Michael Absalom.  The two celebrities stayed on to chat with fans, sign autographs and then judged the special ‘In the Night Garden’ fancy dress competition. Winners included Summer Hunt as the best Upsy Daisy Fairy, Henry Thorne as the best Iggle Piggle, and Elsie Campbell as the best Tombliboo
For older supporters – and many of the Dads - celebrity footballer and former Welsh goalkeeper, Paul Jones, spent the afternoon doing a special penalty shoot out to help raise money.  Paul and his wife, Annette, are great supporters of Chestnut Tree House and have already raised thousands of pounds for the charity.
Visitors were able to take tours of the house to see what their support and fundraising have achieved as well as having the opportunity to meet our very special nursing staff and see our wonderful facilities.
The beautiful weather meant that visitors stayed on to enjoy entertainment from Dance Infinity, The Supreme Sussex Twirlers, Re-choired and West Chiltington Silver Band.  There were also plenty of stalls including raffles, books, plants, jewellery, face painting and cakes, plus displays from the Starting Handle Club vintage cars, Littlehampton Fire Station and Cuddle-me-do petting zoo. REAC helped to keep the car park running smoothly.
Said Events Fundraiser, Tanya Hunt, “We were delighted to be able to fling open our doors and show our local community our special House.  It was fantastic to see so many of our loyal supporters – and lots of new ones.  We raised over £5,000 and would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped on the day and to all our visitors for supporting Chestnut Tree House.”



Photo: Jez Edwards (left) and Michael Absalom (right) cutting the ribbon to declare the Family Fun Day open. 
 


Janet Parsons
Communications Manager
St Barnabas House and Chestnut Tree House
Columbia Drive
Worthing
West Sussex
BN13 2QF
 
Tel: 01903 524106
www.stbh.org.uk <http://www.stbh.org.uk>
www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk <http://www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk>
 
St Barnabas House and Chestnut Tree House
St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Ltd is a charity registered in England (registered charity no 256789) and is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in England (registered company no 930107)
The registered address is Columbia Drive, Worthing, West Sussex, BN13 2QF
Tel: 01903 534030

Lewes: "Anodised Aluminium Jewellery" a talk by Sussex Guild Member Lorraine Gibby

"Anodised Aluminium Jewellery" a talk by Sussex Guild Member Lorraine Gibby
Sussex Guild Shop, North Wing Southover Grange, Southover Road, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1TP.
The hijacking of an industrial process for art!!
A short history of aluminium and its journey from precious to industry and back to precious. Tickets £6 in advance from the Guild Shop tel: 01273 479565. 7pm

National Gardens Scheme High Beeches Gardens Handcross

National Gardens Scheme
Sunday 27 September 2009 1.00pm
High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden opens in support of the National Gardens Scheme
High Beeches Gardens, High Beeches Lane, Handcross West Sussex RH17 6HQ
Tickets Price £6.00. Accompanied Children aged 14 and under free entry
High Beeches Gardens Sarah Bray Telephone number 01444 400589
gardens@highbeeches.com
http://www.highbeeches.com

Village Centre Hurstpierpoint Horticultural Society Autumn Show

Saturday, 26th September 1.00pm
Village Centre Hurstpierpoint Horticultural Society Autumn Show,
Chrysanthemums, dahlias, flowers, vegetables, fruit, cookery and children's sections. Entry open to all. For full details on how to exhibit simply pick up a schedule from Gibsons in Hurstpierpoint High Street. Homemade cake and tea available all afternoon. Pick up a bargain at the Grand Auction of donated exhibits at 4.00pm

Hot foot it to raise cash for Cats Protection

It’s not a challenge for the faint-hearted – a 20ft barefoot walk over burning hot coals – but charity Cats Protection is on the lookout for fearless cat lovers to take part in a sponsored firewalk.

The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will give participants the chance to walk across wood embers smouldering at 800 degrees without experiencing pain or injury.

A two-hour training session will be given before the event by firewalking experts who will be on hand throughout the evening.

The event, to be held at Brighton Racecourse, will raise cash for Cats Protection, the UK’s largest cat charity which rehomes 52,000 cats every year.

Participants will need to provide £25 registration fee and agree to a fundraising target of £150 in order to take part.

Cats Protection’s Events Organiser Julie Sharp said: “The firewalk is certainly quite a challenge and there’s no doubt participants will have to be pretty brave.

“However, many people who have completed a firewalk talk of how inspirational it is, so we hope that participants will find it a rewarding experience – especially as they will be raising much needed money for Cats Protection.”

Apart from providing the ultimate challenge for thrill-seekers, firewalking is an ancient religious and spiritual practice with the first recorded firewalk taking place in India 3000 years ago.

There are many theories as to why it is possible to walk over hot coals without pain or injury – including the poor heat conductivity of wood, the short contact time between the coals and feet, and adopting a ‘mind over matter’ approach.

Anyone wishing to take part is asked to fill out an application form which can be obtained from Julie Sharp at Cats Protection on 01825 741980 or email fundraising@cats.org.uk. Full fundraising support will be given for the event, which will take place at Brighton Racecourse, Freshfield Road, Brighton, from 6pm on Monday, 9 November.

Waggy Walk

All welcome – even if you don’t have a dog….
Have fun on our sponsored walk and help give thousands of abandoned dogs a happier, safer life.
Decide on the day whether to walk 3 or 6 miles.
You could dress as a dog, wear a dog-mask, have your face painted or even carry a toy dog.
There’ll be all kinds of other activities on the day too, from face painting, crazy competitions and fun games to story telling and of course doggy-goodies to buy, so bring the whole family…
Healthy fruit snacks and water for both walkers and their dogs will be offered during the day.
Visit www.waggywalks.org.uk  for more information or to register for the event.

Sunday 18th October 2009 at Stanmer Park in Brighton, 11am start.

Bomber Command: The Stirling

The commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the outbreak of Word War II has, together with Iraq and Afghanistan, rekindled the interest in the general public in Word War II.

Dame Vera Lynn DBE getting into the charts and rising, a new series on BBC1 about the Land Army adds further to this interest.

On Tuesday, 20th October in Ditchling Village Hall, the Stirling Aircraft Society in association with the Ditching Film Society are presenting 'The Stirling', a talk given by Bomber Command Veteran Bernard (Bunny) Mason, followed by a film about the Short Stirling which was Britain's largest wartime heavy bomber. The film contains historic wartime footage about the Stirling and Bomber Command.

All proceeds for this event will go to the Bomber Command Memorial Fund. Admission is £5 including coffee, payable at the door and the programme starts at 7.30pm.

Contact Bernard Mason on 01273 842352.

Chestnut Tree House Family Fun Day on Saturday 26 September 2009

Our annual Family Fun Day will take place on Saturday 26th September 2009 at Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice as part of the national Children’s Hospice Week celebrations (21st – 27th September 2009).
The Family Fun Day promises to be even more exciting this year as it will be opened at 10am by children's TV presenters, Jez Edwards and Michael Absalom.
At 11am, we have our special ‘In the Night Garden’ fancy dress competition and are asking all our young supporters to dress up as their favourite character from the popular Cbeebies TV programme.
Celebrity footballer and former Welsh goalkeeper, Paul Jones, will be holding a penalty shoot out.
Chestnut Tree House will be open on Saturday 26th September from 10am to 4pm and is located on the north side of the A27 at Dover Lane, Poling, between Arundel and Worthing.  Parking is available.

St Barnabas House and Chestnut Tree House
Columbia Drive
Worthing
West Sussex
BN13 2QF
 
Tel: 01903 524106
www.stbh.org.uk <http://www.stbh.org.uk>
www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk <http://www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk>

Hassocks: Star Cinema

Our November film will be The Young Victoria (Cert PG). Written by Julian Fellowes, the star-studded cast is led by Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend and also features Miranda Richardson and Jim Broadbent. The film is a dramatisation of the early years of Queen Victoria and her enduring romance with Prince Albert. The show will be on Friday 20 November. Doors open at 7 p.m. Film starts at 7.30 p.m. Tickets only available on the door. Prices £4/£3.50. Refreshments and raffle. Sherrian Guest Tel: 842081

BURGESS HILL DISTRICT LIONS CLUB

HO-HO-HO
Santa is returning to a BRAND NEW Grotto, courtesy of South Downs Nurseries, Brighton Road, Hassocks. He will arrive on SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21 and will be there every Saturday and Sunday till Christmas.
Saturdays: 10.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Sundays:    10.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. – 3.30 p.m.
For £2.50, each child will get a chance to talk to Santa and receive a present. All monies will go towards Lions local projects.
Hope to see you there.
Contact: Tony Parris, 01444 243003.

A Day of Winning for Burgess Hill Show Jumping Teams

Six equestrian teams from Burgess Hill School for Girls had a winning day competing at an inter-school show jumping event held at Hickstead on Thursday 17th September.
The 20 riders, who ranged from a young lady in the Junior School to a student in the Upper Sixth year of the Senior School, competed in three classes and were successfully placed in all of them.
Mrs Carruthers, Head of Art and organiser of equestrian activities in the Senior School, said “This was a wonderful way for our riders to start the Autumn term.  It is particularly pleasing that students of all ages can compete together in the riding teams, with the older girls supporting their younger teammates.  The more able riders participate together whatever their age, and even the parents get actively involved.  The riding teams are now an established and thriving area of our extra-curricular activities.”

Forthcoming Open Day:
Saturday 3rd October 2009 - 10am to 1pm

Burgess Hill School for Girls
Keymer Road
Burgess Hill
West Sussex
RH15 0EG
Tel: (01444) 241050

Bowling for love

Adastra Bowling Club was chosen exclusively by the BBC to feature in one of their radio programmes. Through the summer a reporter visited the club and interviewed many members. The programme is called “Bowling for Love” and is a portrait of Adastra Bowling Club in Hassocks, that follows the friendships and romances formed on and off the green. The programme showed quite clearly that our bowls club is more than a club for elderly people but a thriving essential part of the community where members can not only stay active but can improve the quality of there life and find and make new friends. The members, in supporting the community, entered the “Hassocks in Bloom” competition for the best garden and came first in their category this year. There is a Social section that promote their functions, mainly at the club house, where members can get together and socialise. If you are interested in knowing more about the club try Hassocks Online on the internet, phone James Avery (Hon Secretary 01273 843399) or email Peter Sale, publicity, at petergillsale@talktalk.net
 
The Club has a history going back many years and has always had their clubhouse at their green in Adastra Park. The original clubhouse soon became too small and new, more modern one was built This served their purpose for many years until it was extended, as it is now. Once it was open to Ladies and Gentlemen separate facilities had to be provided and in line with modern day regulations it has been adapted to the needs of disabled people. The members do all they can to open the club to more and more local people, especially younger people, and this year they had well over 120 people come to the green and try their hand at bowling. This numbers includes a group of some twenty children, between the ages of 11 and 15 from the Karrot Klub who came for a fun evening. Two of our latest members are an elderly man who has just been diagnosed with a serious illness and thinks that joining the Club will keep him more active and give him a fuller life through the difficult years ahead, and, at the other end, a twelve year old schoolboy who came with his granddad to one of our open sessions and immediately joined as a junior member.  

Albourne Village Craft Fayres

Come and buy your locally made Christmas gifts at the Albourne Village Craft Fayres.
 
There are 3 Craft Fayres taking place in the Village Hall on

Saturday 3rd October
 
Saturday 7th November
 
Sunday 6th December
 
The doors will be open from 10.30am to 2.00pm
  
Admission on the door is just 50p.
  
There will be refreshments available including drinks and homemade cakes.
 
If you are interested in having a stall at the Craft Fayres, please contact Jerry Butler on 01273 834827 or Lesley Ritchie on 01273 832191.
 

AMBROSE HARCOURT CYCLE CHALLENGE

Ambrose Harcourt takes on his own personal challenge, cycling from Worthing Pier to Brighton Pier on Sunday 27th September 2009.  Setting out at 10am, Ambrose will be helping Chestnut Tree House launch a new campaign, Chestnut’s Challenge.  He agreed to undertake the cycle ride at an event in June when another hospice supporter pledged to donate an amazing £11,500 if this challenge is completed by Ambrose.
 
Rayleigh Cycle Centre based in Chatsworth Road, Worthing has given Ambrose a brand new Raleigh Beach Cruiser, “The Drift” to use for the sponsored Bike ride.
James Dowdeswell, the Owner said, “This is our way as a business to support the charity and we hope others give something to help this very worthy cause.”
 
Ambrose is still looking for more sponsorship from as many sources as possible, companies, organisations or individuals willing to support his efforts and an open invitation to encourage the many riders who will be joining him on the Chestnut Challenge. Please see the link below for sponsorship.
 
Ambrose Harcourt is a long-standing supporter of Chestnut Tree House and has been a Patron since 2000.  After a successful appeal to build the house, the service opened in 2003 and is now the only children’s hospice in Sussex.  Chestnut Tree House currently cares for 180 children and their families from all over Sussex.  Our aim is to care for every life-limited child, but we know that for every child we help, there is another child in Sussex that we are not reaching. 
 
Without support, families with life-limited children face overwhelming hardship and struggle.  That’s why we have launched Chestnut’s Challenge, a major project involving everyone in Sussex over the next three years.  We have the facilities and the staff to reach our goal but we lack the funds.  We would like to offer all local life-limited children and their families the opportunity to make the most of every precious day they have together.
 
Ambrose will set off from Worthing Pier at 10am on Sunday 27th September.  He will be joined by a small group of supporters and friends, stopping along the way to promote Chestnut Tree House.
 
For more information on this challenge and to support Ambrose please visit:
 
www.justgiving.com/Ambrose-Harcourt <http://www.justgiving.com/Ambrose-Harcourt>

Website: www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk <http://www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/>

FREE Golf Coaching taster sessions at Pyecombe Golf Club

Pyecombe Golf Club is holding FREE GOLF COACHING TASTER SESSIONS for Over 50's from 1pm-2.30pm on the 1st & 8th October, for everyone from 11am-12.30pm on the 3rd, 10th & 17th October & 1st November and for Parents & children from 1pm-2.30pm on the 27th & 29th October and 11am-12.30pm on the 28th & 30th October.
The taster sessions are open to beginners/non members and provide an ideal opportunity to experience the game of golf.  To book a lesson with a PGA Professional please telephone Pyecombe Golf Club on 01273 845372, golf clubs and balls are provided free of charge.
FREE Golf Coaching and the above activities are part of the Club Coaching initiative provided by the English Golf Union (EGU) and the English Women’s Golf Association (EWGA).  It is designed to help people of any age, gender or background to experience the game of golf.  Details of all participating venues can be found at www.getintogolf.org <http://www.getintogolf.org/>  
Sussex Golf Partnership is also helping to develop golf within the county by supporting golf clubs, players, coaches and volunteers. See  http://www.sussexgolfpartnership.org <http://www.sussexgolfpartnership.org/> for more information.

Many golf clubs have been able to offer Free Golf Coaching taster sessions for a number of years through their relationship with the EGU and EWGA and have introduced thousands of beginners to golf and golf clubs. It is one of several initiatives jointly provided by the EGU and EWGA via England Golf’s ‘Whole Sport Plan’ for golf and is an integral part of England Golf’s vision to ‘Grow the Game’.

For further information please contact:
EGU/EWGA Golf Development Team
Tel: 01526 354500
E-mail: development@englishgolfunion.org

Major Boost For Special Education In Mid Sussex

A consultation has been launched on 21st September by West Sussex County Council on an exciting and innovative approach to improve learning for children with special educational needs in Mid Sussex.  
This is part of a wider strategy in the county to ensure that these children are included in the local community of schools, and that they have access to the best possible facilities and the best possible opportunities to reach their potential.
The project will result in the creation of an all-through, purpose-built school for 2-14 year-olds on a shared campus with London Meed Primary School and Oakmeeds Community College in Burgess Hill.  
This will provide a unique opportunity for children and young people from all of the schools to benefit from being together and from sharing their learning experiences.
The ground-breaking initiative, drawn up in full collaboration with all the headteachers and their governing bodies, will ensure that the children aged 2-14 who currently attend Newick House, Burgess Hill, and Court Meadow, Cuckfield, will come together in state-of-the-art facilities on the new site.
It is proposed that older children attending Court Meadow – which provides education up to 19 years of age – and Newick House – up to 16 – will continue to attend their respective schools for up to two years.  Significant adaptations and much needed refurbishments will be made to ensure that the facilities are appropriate.
A second phase of the project is then planned to develop new 14-19 provision drawing on all the facilities available for young people of this age in the local area.
Peter Griffiths, West Sussex Cabinet Member for Education and Schools, said today: “These are very exciting proposals.  We have been trying for many years to improve provision for children with special educational needs in Mid Sussex.
“In the past lack of funding and potential site issues have meant that a project on this scale has not been able to proceed.  However, the significant active engagement of all the headteachers and their governing bodies in the development of these new proposals means we can take a significant leap forward.  
“Now we need the wider community’s help in making this a reality.”
The public consultation ends on 2nd November.
Booklets are being distributed to all pupils, parents, staff, governors and neighbouring authorities, West Sussex Primary Care trust and both the Church of England and Roman Catholic dioceses.
Public meetings will be held at Court Meadow and Newick House in October.
This formal stage of consultation gives six weeks for stakeholders and members of the public to make representations.
A final decision will be taken in February or March 2010.

For further information please contact Nigel Galloway on 01243 777722 or email nigel.galloway@westsussex.gov.uk
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For King and Country

The Royal Pavilion
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2009
11am-4pm


It is the year 1817 and at the Royal Pavilion, the Prince Regent is preparing to review the dashing Sussex militia. However, soldiers from the regular army are pouring scorn on these 'part-time locals'.

The Prince Regent is joined by Sergeant George Alderton, recruiting officer with ‘The Sussex’ the 35th Regiment of Foot, Private John Coe who is questioning his duty as a husband and father and his wife Mrs Mary Coe.

Come to the Royal Pavilion on either Saturday 3 or Sunday 4 October and watch this fully costumed cast of characters bring history to life.
Includes displays of Regency fencing by the Sussex Rapier School.

Brighton & Hove Residents (with proof of residency, council tax or other utility bill) £4.40 plus up to four accompanying children free
Adult £8.80
Child (5-15yrs) £5.10

For further information telephone 03000 290902

www.royalpavilion.org.uk/events

Support Cancer Journey

Christmas Special - Rockin' on Heaven's Door

Rockin’ on Heaven’s Door

Date: Saturday 12 December, 2009
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Olympos, Triangle Way, Burgess Hill, W Sussex RH15 8WA

Tickets: Adult: £20 Conc: £15 Child: £10 Ticket hotline: 01444 255115/876060 Online: www.itsmagic.org.uk <http://www.itsmagic.org.uk>

ROCKIN’ ON HEAVEN’S DOOR sends shivers down the spine with spookily convincing portrayals of musical giants Presley, Orbison, Holly, The Big Bopper and ‘Jerry Lee Lewis’, whose piano bursts into ‘flames’ during Great Balls of Fire. Now in its 12th fantastic year, ROHD has received acclaim throughout the UK and Europe. Backed by a superb five piece band, this show delivers the feel-good factor from start to finish. ONE MILLION PEOPLE CAN’T BE WRONG!

The War At Home

Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove City Council presents:

The War at Home
A one day seminar
Saturday 10 October 2009 10.30am-4.30pm
It is 70 years since the outbreak of World War II. Find out from the specialists how people in Sussex lived during the war, drawing on expert knowledge of the times, personal diaries and period film footage. Contributors include
· Marguerite Patten OBE home economist and author
· Professor Dorothy Sheridan from Mass Observation Archive at Sussex University
· Frank Gray from Screen Archive South East

David Blackmur, Plumpton College Head of Horticulture

David Blackmur, Plumpton College Head of Horticulture, judged at the Burgess Hill gardens and allotment society, Saturday 6 September 2009, held at Cyprus Hall, Burgess Hill. Many entries were received for this Autumn show, ranging from flowers, vegetables, preserves and cakes to children's exhibits, floating flower heads, cacti and plants.
Members of this thriving local society were on hand to explain about the exhibits and inform about the show and their society. Visitors to the show were impressed by the range of exhibits, which were artistically arranged to show their best. They admired the colourful, spectacular and often scented, array of exhibits arranged around the hall.
A long queue eager to get into the hall were rewarded by a dazzling display exhibited in the hall and they were rewarded by sampling delicious cakes and refreshments at the show .
David Blackmur, staff and students are now busy with the teaching at start of the Autumn term at Plumpton College, as well as planning the shows which they attend. The Horticulture and Floristry Department is certainly successful, having just been awarded bronze and silver medals at this year's Hampton Court flower show as well as medals at the South of England show.
Enquirers can find out more about this local land based College by meeting the staff at forthcoming shows, visiting the website or at the next Information Morning on Saturday 7 November 2009. www.plumpton.ac.uk

Family Bonfire and Fireworks at Danny

The 14th Hurst Family Bonfire & Fireworks evening will be celebrated with a bumper display of fireworks from our regular pyrotechnic masters, on Sunday 1st November.

Families are again welcome to share the event to be held in Danny Park, New Way Lane, Hurstpierpoint. This year the event is being organised by Hurstpierpoint Gymnastics Club with assistance from Birchwood Grove PTA, the Friends of Hassocks Infants School, Hurstpierpoint Parish Council and Oldland Mill Trust. All of these groups will benefit from your support.

The Hassocks will be running their ever popular BBQ, come and enjoy the evening.

Take a 'Guy' to the Best Guy Competition before ten to six and one child will be given free admission.

Free parking on site.

Food available on site.

5.30 pm Gates open

6.00 pm Best Guy Competition

6.30 pm Fireworks Display

6.50 pm Bonfire lit with all the Guys and the Best Guy on top

Advance tickets prices are by far the best value available unchanged at last years prices.

Children Under 3 or with a Guy are free (one Guy gives admittance to one child)

Children or adults £5 on the gate or only £3 in advance

Families including up to two adults and three children £15, but still only £9 in advance.

Advance tickets will be available in Hurstpierpoint from the Minthouse and Pierpoint Pets and in Hassocks from Marchants or the Friends of Hassocks Infants School, and in Burgess Hill from Birchwood Grove PTA.

For safety reasons - No private fireworks or sparklers etc.

Get one of your five-a-day at the Low Weald!

It’s crunch time at the Low Weald next month, with the annual Apple Day taking place on Sunday October 4.

The family event is held at West Grinstead Old Station Orchard, behind the Orchard Restaurant on the A272, from 11am to 3pm.

There’s fruity fun with apple games for all the family, an apple press, and information on pruning apple trees.

Other activities include face painting and mask making, and how to make bee hotels, bird boxes and feeders.

There will also be wildlife gardening tips, information on bee keeping and traditional woodland crafts such as a rake maker and a walking stick maker.

West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “Find out more about the traditional British apple at this fun event. Bring along your own British apples to be pressed, but make sure you remember to bring containers to put the juice in.”

Visitors can also enjoy refreshments and visit the railway carriage information centre.

There is limited parking at West Grinstead Old Railway Station, so visitors are encouraged to use the Downs Link to get to Apple Day – on foot, bike or horse.

A map of the Downs Link can be found at www.westsussex.gov.uk. For further information contact the Low Weald Countryside Rangers on 01403 864001.

Plumpton College

Centres at Plumpton, Netherfield, Flimwell and Robertsbridge

Land Based courses to inspire you.

Full time or part time courses from school programmes through to Degree level in:

Agriculture, Agricultural and Construction Machinery,
Animal Management and Veterinary Nursing, Countryside and Environment, Equine Studies,
Floristry and Horticultural Machinery, Forestry and Arboriculture, Garden Design, Horticulture, Landscape Construction, Metalsmithing and Silversmithing,
Rural Business Management, Sports Turf Management, Sport (Outdoor Education),
Wine Business and Wine Production.

Taster sessions for school students in years 10/11:

Monday 26th October  –Thursday 29th October 2009

Environmental and Land based Studies Diploma:  
Taster sessions for school students in Year 9 only: Friday 30 th October 2009

Information Morning for all courses:

Saturday 7th November 2009, 9am-12.30pm

Taster sessions for school students in years 10/11:

Monday 15th –Thursday 18th February 2010

Environmental and Land based Studies Diploma:  
Taster sessions for school students inYear 9 only: Friday 19th February, 2010

Information Morning for all courses:

Saturday 6th March 2010, 9am-12.30pm

Open Day. Saturday 8th May 2010, 10am-5pm.

Plumpton College
Ditchling Road, Plumpton, Nr. Lewes
East Sussex BN7 3AE
 
e: enquiries@plumpton.ac.uk <mailto:enquiries@plumpton.ac.uk>
t: 01273 890454
f: 01273 890071
www.plumpton.ac.uk

Edburton and Fulking celebrate success of their ambitious church restoration project

The local community of Edburton and Fulking marked the completion of the major £300,000 restoration programme at historic St Andrew’s Church with a spectacular flower festival and two special thanksgiving services.
The church, founded by Eadburgh, grand daughter of Alfred the Great in the first half of the tenth century, is recognised as of architectural and historic importance in its Grade 2* listing. It is a landmark on the South Downs Way and to the villagers of Edburton and Fulking, has for centuries been a focus, not just for the worship of God, but for much of the day-to-day life of the whole community.
Spectacular flower displays
St Andrew’s was filled with flowers during the three-day flower festival from Friday 11th September to Sunday 13th September. Over 40 spectacular displays were designed and assembled by local flower arrangers from the Henfield Flower Club, with the help of members of the Steyning Flower Club and local parishioners. All the flowers for the festival were generously donated by the parishioners and Friends of St Andrew’s in memory of their loved ones.
Over 1200 people visited the festival over the three days; admission, refreshments, the sale of cakes baked by the local community, service collections and donations raised over  £6,500 for future work on the church.
On Sunday 6th September a thanksgiving service for all parishioners saw a congregation that completely filled the church. This was followed on Friday 11th September by a special Songs of Praise Thanksgiving service for major donors and fundraising campaign event organisers to coincide with the opening day of the flower festival. The service was conducted by Rev Graham Jeffery, with contributions from The Ven Roger Combes, Archdeacon of Horsham, Canon Alan Spray and Rev Caroline Currer. Lancing College Choral Scholars and organist Neil Cox, Director of Chapel Music at Lancing College also performed.
Responding to thanks for their performance, Neil Cox commented: “We are delighted to have sung at the Songs of Praise Thanksgiving Service on Friday evening. St Andrew’s, Edburton is one of the neighbouring churches to Lancing College and its Chapel. The restoration project at St Andrew’s is hugely impressive and we understand its importance. “
Henfield Flower Club has a wealth of experience in church flower festivals. The club has staged three previous flower festivals at St Andrew’s and twelve in other local churches, and together with the Sussex Flower Clubs, the Chapel of Lancing College.  These events have raised considerable sums for restoration work. Accepting thanks on behalf of her members, Jean Sinclair-Young, Vice President of the Henfield Flower Club, said: “Our members know St Andrew’s Church very well as this is the fourth flower festival we’ve staged here. This church has been such a central part of the community for over a millennium that we are always pleased to highlight its qualities with our flower displays”.
Community achievement
Everyone who has been involved in the campaign as a donor, an event organiser or both, should feel proud of what has been achieved. The failing structure of the church has been made sound, new facilities installed to add to its comfort and the old, gloomy interior made more open, light and welcoming.
The restoration is a major achievement for such a small local community of around 150 households served by the Church. The community’s generosity and commitment has raised over £300,000 and seen this ambitious project through to successful completion; it has preserved this important church for its parishioners and visitors for another millennium.
Further work
Although the programme of work initially planned has now been completed, further maintenance work will always become needed and fund raising activities will continue.
Work recently identified includes new stone flooring in the chancel to match that laid in the rest of the church and a new paved meeting area, handrail and widened pathway outside the porch. It is also planned to fit external doors to enhance the porch entrance as well as reducing draughts; this work has been postponed as bats appear to be using the porch. All these final works are budgeted to cost in excess of £35,000 in 2010.
Special thanks
The St Andrew’s Restoration Campaign would particularly like to thank:
The Late Terry Willis for the gift of the field to the west of the church
Viridor for its donations through the Landfill Tax Scheme
The Alban Fund as well as the Wolfson Foundation/Council for the Care of Churches, The Garfield Weston Foundation and several other charities and trusts for their generosity.
The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme.
The Archdeacon of Horsham’s Loan Fund
Tony Brooks for donating the proceeds of his book “The Changing Times of Fulking & Edburton 1900 – 2007”.
Numerous individual donors, the St Andrew’s congregation and parishioners.
The R&M Marketing team for publicity work including Crisp Litho, York Printing Services and Manor Creative for help with printing and FML for PR support.
Jill and Ian Malby for producing the Flower Festival leaflets and entry programme
The St Andrew’s “Church Mice” and other helpers for organising many fund raising events since 2002 and providing catering during the three days of the Flower Festival.
 

Lancing College Choir joins in celebration of local church restoration project

Lancing College Choral Scholars and organist Neil Cox, Director of Chapel Music at Lancing College joined the local community of Edburton and Fulking in marking the completion of their major, £300,000 restoration programme at historic St Andrew’s Church.

The choir made a real impact at a special Songs of Praise Thanksgiving service for major donors and fundraising campaign event organisers on Friday 11^th September. The service, which coincided with the first day of a three-day flower festival at the church, was conducted by Rev Graham Jeffery , with contributions from The Ven Roger Combes, Archdeacon of Horsham, Canon Alan Spray and Rev Caroline Currer.

Responding to thanks for their performance, Neil Cox commented: “We are delighted to have sung at the Songs of Praise Thanksgiving Service on Friday evening. St Andrew’s Edburton is one of the neighbouring churches to Lancing College and its Chapel. The restoration project at St Andrew’s is hugely impressive and we understand its importance”.

The Friends of Lancing Chapel raise funds for the upkeep of the Chapel, which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. Standing above the Adur Valley, Lancing College Chapel is always an impressive sight and one of the best-known Sussex landmarks. Anyone who has seen the Chapel, even from afar, will recognise it as much more than a ‘school chapel’; it is an impressive, French Gothic style, sandstone monument to the founder of the College, Nathaniel Woodard, and his life’s work. At the western end, the 32-foot-diameter Rose Window – one of the largest in England – is made up of over 30,000 pieces of glass and its heraldic elements depict the unity of the schools of the Woodard Corporation in their central Minster.

The Henfield Flower Club, who designed and arranged the St Andrew’s flower festival with the help of members of the Steyning Flower Club and local parishioners, has a wealth of experience in church flower festivals. The club also staged a flower festival in the Chapel of Lancing College in 2003 to help raise funds for the restoration of stonework that had been damaged by its exposed position.

Pictures:

1. Jonathan Gillespie, Head Master Lancing College, read one of the lessons at the St Andrew’s thanksgiving service. Here with Reverend Graham Jeffrey and Reverend Caroline Currer.

2. Lancing College Choral Scholars.

Paws make prizes and this year we've a Brucie bonus

Stars of stage and screen are showing their support for unwanted moggies by kindly donating their ‘paw prints’ to raise money for the UK’s leading feline welfare charity Cats Protection.

Family favourites Bruce Forsyth CBE, Sir David Jason, Sir Jimmy Savile and even musical legend Phil Collins are among a large list of pawsonalities who are taking part in this year’s Celebrity Paws auction, which will run from 1 October to 10 October 2009.

Now in its third year, Cats Protection’s Celebrity Paws Auction raises much needed funds for the charity, which helps around 157,000 cats and kittens every year. Celebrities were asked to draw around their hand, sign it, and style it in their own unique way. The drawings are then auctioned on eBay and past auctions have raised in excess of £3,000 for the charity.

Kate Bunting, the charity’s PR Manager, said: “We have had an amazing response to Celebrity Paws this year and we are very grateful to our celebrity supporters for contributing their own special works of art. The paw prints are all completely authentic so I hope people will get bidding - it’s a real chance to get your hands on a one-of-kind item whilst supporting a good cause.”

Money raised from this year’s auction will go towards building a new Homing Centre in Ferndown, Dorset, which will make it simpler and easier for the public to adopt cats. The new centre will revolutionise the way unwanted cats are rehomed in the UK and support the work of the volunteer-run branches in the region.

For the chance to get your paws on these works of art and to find out who else has donated their one-off paw print to Cats Protection, please visit www.cats.org.uk/celebritypaws <http://www.cats.org.uk/celebritypaws>

For more information about the auction, or to make a donation to help the charity continue its cat welfare work, please call Cats Protection’s national Helpline on 08702 099 099.

Contemporary Craft at Brighton Museum

Opening Tuesday 6 October 2009, a new display of highlights from Brighton & Hove Museums’ craft collection shows the beauty and variety of contemporary craft. It celebrates both local makers and national names.

The museums’ contemporary craft collection contains over 300 pieces. With works by many leading regional and international makers, it celebrates the diversity of skills, creative ideas, and innovation that have contributed to the development of British contemporary craft over the past 40 years.

Now on display at Brighton Museum is the latest acquisition for the craft collection (and the first time on display): three bangles in silver, aluminium and 22 carat gold, by Jane Adam. Jane Adam is committed to pushing the boundaries of the art of jewellery, both in her use of materials and by experimenting with new techniques. The bangles demonstrate her mastery of form, design and technique.

Other highlights include
 * a ceramic tableau Pastoral Scene, by regional maker Penny Green. The fanciful figurative tableau makes 16th century historical references and has a theatrical presence.
 * two three-dimensional textile pieces Vibration and Melon by Tadek Beutlich made from wool and esparto grass. Beutlich works without the restrictions of a loom, using a technique he developed called ‘free warp tapestry’ to create abstract forms.
 * The well-known maker Cynthia Cousens is represented by Plume Brooch made from silver. An expressive piece concerned with movement and energy, it is closely influenced by the rhythm, flow and ebb of the sea.
 * Knitted items by Jo Cranston include Large Zigzag Lace Scarf and Filament Strands Scarf. Machine-knitted from 100% lamb’s wool, they are made using computer design technology.

Located on the upper floor, off the Café Balcony, the new display opens on 6 October 2009. Admission is free.

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Entrance in Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton BN1 1EE
 03000 290900
 www.virtualmuseum.info <http://www.brighton.virtualmuseum.info/>
 Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm
 Closed Monday (except public holidays 10am-5pm); 24 December (from 2.30pm), 25 & 26 December
 Free admission
 Wheelchair accessible, wheelchairs available, accessible toilet, baby changing facilities, passenger lift
 Gift shop, cafe

The Works Launch: Winner of National Bedtime Reading Event

The 2007 competition winner, June Morley, mum-of-three from Hassocks, Brighton, scooped first prize with her delightful story ‘Little Mole and the Fading Sun’. June’s winning title is to be published by Walker Books for Midpoint Press and will shortly be distributed nationwide and on sale exclusively at The Works Stores.

The Works, ‘Britain’s Leading Discount Book Store’ is now gearing up for their second reading awareness campaign; National Children’s Poetry Competition 2009, running from Monday 14th September 2009.

The Works will again be working in association with the charity Book Aid International and children’s book publishers Walker Books to highlight the importance of reading to children.

As part of the awareness campaign, children are being invited to take part in our National Children’s Poetry Competition with the chance of seeing their poem and illustrations published and on sale exclusively at The Works stores throughout the UK, plus, every winner will receive a bundle of books from Walker Books.

Book Aid International, a charity dedicated to promoting literacy in developing countries, will be receiving a £1,000 donation in support of their commitment.

The high street chain with over 250 stores nationwide won huge acclaim for the Bedtime Reading Event 2007, with a nomination for children’s book promotion of the year from trade magazine The Bookseller.

For full details of how to enter our 2009 competition, visit www.theworks.co.uk <http://www.theworks.co.uk/> .

Family Fun Day

Our annual Family Fun Day will take place on Saturday 26th September 2009 at Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice as part of the national Children’s Hospice Week celebrations (21st – 27th September 2009).
The Family Fun Day promises to be even more exciting this year as it will be opened at 10am by children's TV presenters, Jez Edwards and Michael Absalom.
At 11am, we have our special ‘In the Night Garden’ fancy dress competition and would like all our young supporters to dress up as their favourite character - there will be special ‘In the Night Garden’ prizes for the best IgglePiggle, Upsy-Daisy, Makka Pakka, Tombliboos, Pontipines, and Wottingers. We have a special ‘In the Night Garden’ scene and want to get as many young fans together as possible all in their costumes. Please see photo attached of young fan and supporter, Laura-May Macpherson, who has already got her costume ready and will be coming along on the day!
For older supporters, celebrity footballer and former Welsh goalkeeper, Paul Jones, will be holding a penalty shoot out.
Plus, we will have plenty of stalls and entertainment including birds of prey, Sumo suits, The Beach Hog Harley Owners Club, Starting Handle Club vintage cars, West Chiltington Silver Band, teddy tombola, raffle, jewellery, gifts, refreshments and much much more!

Visitors can take a tour of our special house to see what their support and fundraising has achieved. The tours are informal and there's no need to book – people can just turn up, wander round the house, learn more about the care we provide and meet some of our very special nursing staff.

Chestnut Tree House will be open on Saturday 26th September from 10am to 4pm and is located on the north side of the A27 at Dover Lane, Poling, between Arundel and Worthing. Parking is available.

St Barnabas House and Chestnut Tree House
Columbia Drive
Worthing
West Sussex
BN13 2QF

Tel: 01903 524106
www.stbh.org.uk <http://www.stbh.org.uk>
www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk <http://www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk>

Nature Notes from Sussex Wildlife Trust

October
Autumn is in full swing by October.  Colourful leaves transform the trees and as the nights draw in, animals and insects begin their winter hibernation.

Wildlife Watching

Fungi
A warm wet autumn results in a wonderful array of mushrooms and toadstools.  Woodlands, both deciduous and coniferous, and old pastures are the best places to find fungi.  However they can be found everywhere – in parks, gardens and on lawns.  The mushrooms and toadstools visible at this time of year are the fruiting bodies.  The mycelium or main part of the fungus is hidden from view in the ground or in rotting matter.  Fungi play a vital role in breaking down organic material, including dead leaf litter and dead animals, as they return the resulting nutrients back to the soil for plants to re-use.

Autumn Colour
Autumn produces some of nature’s most vibrant colours with deciduous trees and shrubs dropping leaves by a process known as senescence. As chlorophyll, the green pigment in leaves, starts to break down, other pigments show through to give yellows and oranges, reds, blues and purples.  Ideal conditions for the best autumn colours are sunny days followed by crisp, cold nights but one stormy night can easily strip hedgerows and woodlands of leaves at this time of year and change the whole look of the landscape.

One of the best ways to help wildlife in Sussex is in your own garden or green space.

Gardening Tips

• Leave mature ivy uncut if possible, as it is an excellent late source of nectar for insects.
• Make a leaf pile for hibernating mammals and ground-feeding birds overwintering in the UK.
  

To find out more about our nature reserves or for any other wildlife queries ring our free hotline – WildCall –  on 01273 494777 or alternatively visit the advice pages on our website www.sussexwt.org.uk/wildlife/index.htm

Wivelsfield Green Pre-School – Stream Dipping Outing 25th June 2009.

The children from Wivelsfield Green Pre-School were thrilled to go on a stream dipping outing as part of the term's theme of "mini-beasts". The children wrote up their trip as follows:

We met at Sue’s House and put on our wellies and sunhats. We carried our nets and buckets and held hands as we had to cross the road to get to the stream.
We walked over to the stream and went down the steep bank.
Sam fell into the stream but he caught a big fish in his net!
We jumped across the stream and walked along to do some more fishing. Julie slid over on her bottom and then Rachael’s feet slipped into the water!!
We did some more ‘dipping’ and then tried to count the fish that we had caught, but there were too many – we also caught a large bug and a ‘sluggy’ thing!
Ethan and Sue then put all the fish and bugs back into the stream.

We went back to Sue’s and changed into our shoes (Sam changed all his clothes!!) and when we had been to the toilet and washed our hands we sat in the garden for our snack.

After that we walked to the park – we played on the slide, swings, motorbike and elephant rockers and the helicopter climbing frame.
When we had had enough we all ran down the field and waited at the gate to walk back to Sue’s house where we had another cold drink and a play in the garden.

We finished by sitting down indoors quietly where we did our ‘R’ sounds of the week and wrote this story about the fun time we all had stream dipping!!

Moorcroft 10th Anniversary Raceday at Plumpton

Plumpton Racecourse - Moorcroft 10th Anniversary raceday on Monday 19th October 2009
Doors open 11.30am, 1st Race 2.20pm

Every year some 3,000 horses drop out of the racing game.  A number of them are young and fit enough to take up a quite different role.  The transformation from a racehorse to a recreational or companion horse can be a slow process, but very rewarding.
 
The Moorcroft Racehorse Welfare Centre’s primary concern is to find the right horse for the right person and to assure previous owners that their horse has gone to a very special home.
 
The Moorcroft Racehorse Welfare Centre is entirely self-funded and we very much hope that you will attend the Moorcroft Raceday at Plumpton Racecourse and help support the work of this most worthwhile charity.

The Gods in the Landscape - Artwave 2009 competition

Artists wait with bated breath to find out who will be the winner of the competition sponsored by the ancient Order of Bards, Druids and Ovates.

As the doors of the Artwave open-houses close, the creative flow is kept alive until the 24th September with a special competition. This year Artwave festival organisers have welcomed visual art interpretations of the title ‘The Gods in the Landscape’ from anyone wishing to enter.

The 2009 competition has invited submissions to be presented in any medium 2D or 3D which is open to seniors 16 years and over. For the first time a separate category is open to juniors, ages 8-15 years, with the challenge being that the work must be no bigger than one foot square in total including frame.

Now in its fourth year this competition will see pieces selected from all over the county exhibited at the Crypt Gallery in Seaford, from Friday 18th – Thursday 24th September. All entrants are invited to a presentation at 12:30pm on Friday 18th September when the senior prize of £100 and junior prize of £25 will be awarded.

For more information visit www.artwavefestival.org <http://www.artwavefestival.org/>

Medieval Army Marches Through Sussex Village

The mid-point of Hurst Festival 2009 is reached this weekend with Saturday focussed on the village High Street with events moving to nearby Danny Park on Sunday.
On Saturday an army of medieval soldiers will march down the village High Street at lunchtime, members of the Medieval Siege Society, which is camping at Danny Park ahead of its display the following day.
At the same time there will be live open-air music from local musicians entertaining shoppers.
Sunday sees the biggest event of the Festival – a Medieval Fair at Danny House, with jousting, the Siege Society, birds of prey and other displays.
There will be a free bus service to Danny Park from Hassocks Station and Trinity Road Car Park in Hurstpierpoint. Special traffic controls will be in force around the village so those attending should follow signs. The park will open at 10 a.m. and displays start at 11 a.m. Events continue through the day to end at 5 p.m. when the park will close.
The following evening, Monday 21st September, Screen Archive Southeast will be joining with Rattlebag Poets and Musicians to present an evening of silent films accompanied by poetry and music at Hurstpierpoint College.
Poet and songwriter Chris Sykes will be performing his unique blend of humour and insight at The White Horse on Thursday September 24th and the Festival ends on Saturday September 26th with a Fine Food and Drink Market and, in the evening, a wild time with the Counterfeit Blues Brothers at the Village Centre.
There are other Festival events during the week and a full listing can be found on the festival website at:
www.hurstfestival.org
Tickets can also be booked through the site or bought from The Mint House Bookshop in Hurstpierpoint High Street.