Nia Fiesta Hove Town Hall

Nia Fiesta

Sat 10th April Hove Town Hall.
A Fabulous 'Fiesta' day of Nia
with Helen Terry...World Class Nia Presenter & Intl Master Trainer.

Helen Terry, Nia Intl Master Trainer and World Class Presenter...Opens the Fiesta with a Classic Nia Class, followed by two delicious Nia Workshops. The Fiesta Finale is the unique, magical  'Blue Electric Storm' Dance Party which Helen brings to  the Uk for the first time!!
All of the Nia Fiesta is suitable for Every Body, even if you have never experienced Nia before!
Enrich and deepen your Nia practice with Helen's caring, chilled, clarity & creativity ;-)
Connect with Nia Lovers from all over the place...teachers, students, fans...Come to some or all of the events on the day...

Nia Fiesta Programme           

First...
Try A Taster Nia Class for FREE!!
10-11am
Come and join our Massive FREE     'Morning Magic' Nia Class led by Helen Terry Intl Master Trainer & World Class Nia Presenter.
Let Helen guide you through a Magic  Morning experience.Wake up your  body mind and your unique spirit... be guided in your dance towards greater health & wellbeing.... Let Nia love your body ...Feel  your body move the way it was designed to move..The Body's Way...Move with pleasure and awareness, at your own level, in your own way. Whatever your age, weight, sex, fitness level or personality type...If you love to dance ( even ...or especially if you feel uncoordinated) Love your body and come to Play ;-)

We are hoping this will be the BIGGEST recorded Nia Class ever
.....Definitely in the UK! Possibly Europe and Maybe the WORLD!! ;-)
Come and join us...make it happen...;-)
 
Next....
12-2pm Workshop £25
Nia &The Pleasure of Movement' with Helen  Terry.                                            
Learn to listen to your body, Be guided  to listen more intimately & through this find ways to move more freely, with greater pleasure and freedom. Increase the ease, hear the rhythum of your body. Let your body move in ways guided by the listening, guided in Nia to strengthen, where needed, tighten where required, guided to soften and stretch where you  feel stiff and restricted.
Passionately connect with and enjoy the pleasure of moving your body, in ways that guide your whole self, your body, your mind  &
your unique spirit .....towards greater health.

Then....3-5pm Workshop       £25
'Nia & The Pleasure of Healing' with Helen Terry                                  
Connect to your body in new and exciting ways...learn how to heal and transform your body through Nia movement. Learn to connect to to the Nia
movements in persoanal and individual ways...connecting to the movement forms  within Nia to heal yourself in holistic ways that integrate your body your mind and your own unique spirit towards greater all round health.

Learn some of the Nia techniques that stimulate and enliven your Brain! & release tension, stress and their symptoms. Above all else...enjoy a
delicious delight of sensing 'Pleasure' in your body ;-)



Finale..........Doors open 7.30pm for
The 'Blue Electric Storm' Dance Party with Helen Terry & Guests!  
A Magical Nia Dance experience, plus entertainment, great food, licensed bar, & air-conditioned balcony overlooking dance floor £25

Helen Terry, Nia Intl Master Trainer & World Class Presenter..brings The 'BlueElectric Storm' Dance Party to the UK for the first time. A huge Nia dance event full of Music , Movement and Magic!

If you love to dance...come and join a unique interactive Nia Dance experience with Entertainment , Great Food (  buffet included- georgous,healthy stuff!), Licensed Bar. Dance delights of the most delicious kind & guests to entertain you  ;-) This is a Giant Nia Gathering...lets all dance together!

The  Whole Day Package £50!! Save £25

Treat yourself & come to all the sessions,  benefit from having time to enjoy,  to linger, rest and energise ;-) There will be plenty to look at and do between sessions and refreshments are available all day.

To Register your place in the Free Nia Class or on the Workshops or Dance Party, please  go to www.niaacademy.co.uk <http://www.niaacademy.co.uk>  & click on the Fiesta Register Now Button. You can use pay pal, cards, or click a link to pay by another means.

Rockinghorse eases the strain with overnight bags

Children’s charity Rockinghorse presented the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, Brighton, with overnight bags to help make emergency stays at the hospital less daunting for both children and parents.

This was the first delivery of bags in what will be an ongoing scheme set up by the charity to ease the strain on emergency hospital visits. The bags are filled with all the essentials for an unexpected overnight stay, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, teddy bear and children’s book.
 
Local company, Family Investments has donated over 1,000 teddy bears and children’s books for the bags and Purity Laboratories in Ireland has given tubes of its Beverly Hills Formula toothpaste.

Faye Russell, Community Programme Manager at Family Investments, explained why it was important to get involved: “Having a child admitted to hospital is an extremely stressful experience for both the parents and the child and so anything that relieves that stress just a little is worthwhile, which is why we’re proud to be supporting such a valuable scheme.”

The bags will be presented to the hospital's Ward Sister, Janet Hall, by Rockinghorse Chief Executive Gavin Fisher, who said of the donation: "It is a simple way that we can help lessen the pressure on families at what is such a difficult time and we're hugely grateful to all of the companies who have contributed items to go into the bags."

If you are interested in donating items for the overnight bags or you would like to find out how you can get involved and help the charity work towards its aim of making life better for sick children in hospital, please call 01273 730286 or visit www.rockinghorse.org.uk <http://www.rockinghorse.org.uk/> .

Photo 001 (L-R): Janet Hall, Ward Sister at The Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital; Gavin Fisher, Chief Executive at Rockinghorse; and Faye Russell, Community Programme Manager at Family Investments, gather around the overnight bags at the hospital.
 
Photo 014 (L-R): As above
 
Photo 020 (L-R): Maddy Hovey having a rest on a pile of overnight bags, donated to The Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital by Rockinghorse.
 
Photo 024 (L-R): Maddy Hovey looking through the contents of Rockinghorse’s overnight bags with mum, Karen Hill.

Jojo boutique in Cuckfield

It is great to have NoaNoa at jojo boutique in Cuckfield, West Sussex.

Not only is the boutique on your doorstep, it saves you having to immerse yourself in the stress of heading to the city.

More good news is the boutique also has the highly addictive Seasalt coming at the end of the month as well as Nila Rubia's very new and exiting cotton collection.

If I have not convinced you to take a peek then maybe you will change your mind if I tell you that jojo has Aspia leather flip flops and sandals, and Noa Noa shoes are arriving soon.

jojo Boutique
2 High Street
Cuckfield
West Sussex RH17 5EN

01444 413551

Burgess Hill Runners

The Burgess Hill Runners have been running since 1993. We now have a group just for beginners which started in November last year under the banner of Run in England, who are associated with England Athletics. It's all based around trying to get people fit and running etc. Since starting the group we have about 11 regulars but we are aware that we will have to constantly promote ourselves to get new beginners to come along.

We meet on Wednesdays at 6.30pm at Burgess Hill School for Girls, Keymer Road, Burgess Hill.  Meet at the gym in the senior school. Group Leaders: Contact Jan Lavis on 07985 422333 or email janlavis@googlemail.com or Di Delderfield on 01444 480463 or email diane.delderfield@rsml.co.uk

Di says: “Personally, I’ve been running for 15 years. My first ambition was to run a marathon. I started running around the block until I learnt how to run and breathe! My first race was a 1⁄4 marathon! I met some great people and members of my local running club. Since joining the club I’ve achieved my ambition and made some lifetime friends. I’d like to help others achieve whatever running goals they’d like to set for themselves. Running in a group is a great way to keep in touch, make friends and stay fit and healthy. Time flies by when you’re running and having a good old natter.”

Jan says, "I started running seriously in 2000 to lose weight and get fit after finishing treatment for breast cancer.  From being unable to walk to the end of the road, I have since completed many marathons and several ultra marathons including the Dartmoor Discovery and Boddington 50K. I am a member of my local running club, Burgess Hill Runners, and regularly train and race with them. I am passionate about encouraging new people to take up running and Burgess Hill Runners have been keen to have a beginners group for some time. Already an inclusive and friendly club, the Run In England initiative has enabled Burgess Hill Runners to offer beginners the chance to run in a safe, friendly and supportive environment. The Run In England beginners group is the final piece in the jigsaw for the club and is the perfect way for me to share my enthusiasm and experience with new runners. Regardless of your ability, please come along and try our new group. It is a true beginner running group so please don't worry about being left behind.  We will have fun and you will get fit - trust me."

Goddards Green, Sussex. The Sportsman public house

Goddards Green boasts the Sportsman public house. Formerly, two pubs, the Magpie and the Sportsman, the buildings were knocked through into one. This establishment dates from about 1800, when it was recorded as a ‘beer house’.
The Sportsman, a Grade 2 listed building and now recently refurbished, is under new management. Sussex born Matt Palmer and Michael Dunne, have over 30 years experience in the restaurant and catering trade and welcome you to their new pub!
More parking is now available as we continue to improve the pub and its surroundings. We have free wi-fi, so why not pop in during the day, keep in touch with the world and have a lovely hot espresso to chase away those winter blues!
Families are most welcome as too are walkers and cyclists. Why not surf the internet on your PDA using our free wifi to find the next part of your route.
We are serving a range of local ales including Harvey’s of Lewes and Dark Star brewed in Ansty. Periodically we will source guest ales from other local breweries.

http://www.thesportsmanpub.com

Spring Half Term Fun at Brighton & Hove Museums

Are you looking for exciting, informative and creative hands-on activities for kids this Spring half term? Then come along and take part in some of the fantastic events at Brighton & Hove Museums. Take part in one of our Artist led workshops inspired by the Precious exhibition at Hove Museum, and make your own sculptures, or meet giant lizards, snakes as well as the world’s largest species of tarantula at the Booth Museum Mega Beasts event!

Sunday 14 February 
Bunting Bonanza
Brighton Museum
Take part in our drop in art workshop and be inspired by the Land Girls exhibition. Make bunting and flags for VE day!
10.30am-12.30pm, 2-4pm
Free, drop in *
All ages

Tuesday 16 February
Mould it! Sculpt it!
Hove Museum
Mould and play with objects to create your own sculpture with Precious artist Amy Douglas.
10.30am-4pm
£20 book in advance
8+

Wednesday 17 February
T-tastic
Brighton Museum
Be inspired by the Land Girls exhibition to make do and mend. Bring in an old t-shirt to re-invent using cutting and printing techniques.
10.30am-12.30, 2-4pm
Free, drop in*
All ages

Wednesday 17 February
Cardboard Sculpture
Hove Museum
Create your very own sculpture using recycled cardboard with Precious artist Andrew Mockett.
10am-12pm
£7.50 book in advance
5+

Saturday 20 February
Mega Beasts
Booth Museum
Meet giant lizards and snakes as well as the world’s largest species of tarantula!
10-30am-11.15am, 11.45am-12.30pm, 1-1.45pm, 2.15-3pm, 3.30-4.15pm
£5.50 per person, book in advance. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
All ages

Sunday 21 February
Fabulous Farm
Brighton Museum
Be inspired by the Land Girls exhibition and create a farm in a box. Bring along an old shoe box to create your own farmyard scene using paint and clay.
10.30am-12.30pm, 2-4.00pm
Free, drop in*
All ages

*Please be aware that drop-in events operate on a ‘first come first served’ basis until they reach full capacity.
For more information or to book telephone the Bookings Office on 03000 290902



The Royal Pavilion
Entrance in Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton
03000 290900
www.brighton-hove-pavilion.org.uk <http://www.brighton-hove-pavilion.org.uk/>
Open daily: April-September 9.30am-5.45pm (last admission 5pm), October-March 10am-5.15pm (last admission 4.30pm).  Closed 24 (from 2.30pm) 25 & 26 December
Admission fee payable
Wheelchair accessible (ground floor only), Accessible toilet, Baby changing facilities, tactile tours for visually impaired, Café, shop

Preston Manor
Preston Drove, Brighton BN1 6SD
03000 290900
www.brighton-hove-museums.org.uk <http://www.brighton-hove-museums.org.uk/>
Open to the general public from 1 April-30 September each year
Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 2-5pm, closed Mondays (including public holidays) Admission fee payable

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Entrance in Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton, BN1 1EE
03000 290900
www.brighton-hove-museums.org.uk <http://www.brighton-hove-museums.org.uk/>
Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm
Closed Monday (except public holidays, 10am-5pm) 23- 26 December, 31 December, I January
Free admission
Wheelchair accessible, accessible toilet, baby changing facilities, passenger lift
Gift shop, café

Hove Museum & Art Gallery
19 New Church Road, Hove BN3 4AB
03000 290900
www.brighton-hove-museums.org.uk <http://www.brighton-hove-museums.org.uk/>
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 2-5pm
Closed Monday (including public holidays); Good Friday, 23-26 December, 31 December, I January
Free admission
Fully accessible
Café, shop

Booth Museum of Natural History
194 Dyke Road, Brighton BN1 5AA
03000 290900
www.brighton-hove-museums.org.uk <http://www.brighton-hove-museums.org.uk/>
Open Monday-Wednesday, Friday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 2-5pm
Closed Thursday; Good Friday, 23- 27 December, 31 December, I January
Free admission
Wheelchair accessible
Shop

The Old Courtroom
118 Church Street (side entrance), Brighton BN1 1UD
Open for events Tel 03000 290902

Plumpton Racecourse brings back totesport Cheltenham Preview Evening

Plumpton Racecourse is bringing back it’s very popular totesport Cheltenham Festival Preview Evening on Friday 12th March.
 
Last held in 2007, the tote sponsored 2010 evening promises to be the best yet featuring a panel of distinguished racing celebrities including leading racehorse owner Andy Stewart, Channel 4 presenter Derek Thompson, betting pundit Mark “the Couch” Winstanley, Sussex trainer Nick Gifford and tote PR director George Primarolo.
 
The evening starts with a champagne reception at 7pm, followed by dinner, and the opportunity to watch the key trial races and debate the chances of the leading contenders for the main races at the 2010 Cheltenham Festival.
 
Tickets are only £47 and can be purchased online at www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk <http://www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk/> or from the Plumpton Racecourse office by calling 01273 890383.
 
Chief Executive of Plumpton Racecourse Claire Sheppard says “We are delighted to bring back this very popular evening, and with such a knowledgeable and entertaining panel. If you are planning to attend or have a bet at Cheltenham, you are sure to pick up some key information from those close to the leading fancies for the Festival”
 
George Primarolo of the tote says “Given the Festival starts just a few days after, Plumpton’s Cheltenham Preview Night gives racing enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to pick the brains of some of the industry’s leading figures before they do battle with the bookies the week after. It should be a really enjoyable evening.’

Plumpton Racecourse
Plumpton, East Sussex, BN7 3AL
Tel 01273 890383
www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk

Gfest II at Grub Café, East Grinstead

gfest II:  5 star local acts, a fantastic local venue (Chequer Mead) for a great local charity (Meridian FM transmitter fund)
25th February, 7.30pm

Tickets: £10 in advance from Chequer Mead Theatre www.chequermead.org.uk
3 De La Warr Road, East Grinstead, RH19 3BS 01342 302 000

Gfest is the brainchild of Grub Café & Music bar owner Steven Price. Grub has promoted all of the featured acts throughout the year at Grub but wanted the chance to see how they would perform with the full production the chequer mead theatre can offer. The first Gfest was held in September and raised £300 towards new equipment at Peanut Ward (QVH).

gfest II, will showcase the talents of:

Jemima Price Band
Sussex based singer-songwriter Jemima Price released her solo debut album "Easy" to glowing reviews. She was compared by Time Out to Kate Bush and was hailed as a "talent to watch" by Cosmopolitan, whilst Q Magazine found it "...sensual and psychedelic," stating "she has the potential to outperform any of the season's crop of female singer-songwriters."

Jono Harrison
Jono Harrison, multi-instrumentalist, singer, tunesmith, writes songs which tug at the emotions and stir the soul. He has been likened to Paul Simon, Damien Rice and Chris Martin to name a few. Jono will be showcasing songs from his new EP, "The Raging Sea. A brooding selection, spanning fairytales of New York to themes of love, lost innocence and mortality, this recording documents two years of soul-searching, yet also looks into the future with wide eyes.

Bernice Macdonald
"Being compared to Joni Mitchell and Laura Nyro is quite something for a young female singer/songwriter to live up to but Bernice MacDonald has a very bright future ahead of her.  A four star R2 review of her album Garden, and now accompanied by a six-strong live band, Bernice's sound combines her own upbeat, poppy lyrics with a folk-tinged backing which works beautifully

 Abi-May
16 years old but already making an impact with her music. She is the latest talent to emerge from the internationally acclaimed BRIT School whose previous students include Leona Lewis,  Kate Nash, Amy Winehouse, Katie Melua and Adele. She writes songs from the heart that take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions - and all delivered with a voice of power and beauty that never fails to draws you into her performance.

Sorrel Nation
Sorrel is a local singer/songwriter currently grabbing attention with her hauntingly beautiful voice. Previously performing with folk band Electric Hoedown, she launched a solo career last year and has been a regular at the Grub while gigging extensively elsewhere, including a support slot to mad-cap genius John Otway. Sorrel writes her own material as well as delivering inspired interpretations of other work with influences ranging from Priscilla Ahn to Kings of Leon amongst many others.2010 sees her performing with folk legends Martin Carthy, Dave Swarbrick and Martin Simpson on the back of some spine-tingling performances.

Chequer Mead Theatre
East Grinstead, RH19 3LT


Grub Café & Music Bar
110-112 London road, East Grinstead, RH19 1EP
www.grubonline.co.uk | info@grubonline.co.uk
01342 313139

Haywards Heath based Carpet Cleaning Services offer hallway free in Feb 2010

Lavender Carpet Cleaning Services 07954 315210
FREE ESTIMATES
Hallway FREE for FEB 2010 on secured bookings

National Park must "engage and consult not dictate"

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert has said that the success of the new South Downs National Park will depend on the willingness of the new Park Authority “to engage and consult” with local communities, especially farmers, and not dictate”.
 
The MP’s comments came ahead of a meeting this week at which local farmers and landowners will discuss their involvement in the new South Downs National Park.
 
The South Downs will be designated as a national park on 31 March this year, but the National Park Authority will not take on its full statutory powers until April 2011.
 
In an interview with the South Downs Society’s publication ‘The Downsman’, Mr Herbert said that he shared their members’ enthusiasm for the Downs.
 
But the MP said “a special challenge” was the size of the new Park.  “The Lake District was the biggest National Park with a population of 42,000.  We have 120,000 people and it will have to be handled differently.
 
“Perhaps the most important thing is to make sure local communities are included.  Much of what I see locally that is successful is about partnership and voluntary effort.
 
“It will be very important to look at the accountability arrangements, the devolution of planning decisions, and making sure there is strong engagement with the farming community.  Success will be down to good leadership and the willingness to engage and consult and not to dictate.  It is only through the goodwill of the farmers doing the right thing that we can achieve the outcomes that we want.”
 
Mr Herbert said that on balance he would not have confirmed the National Park because of his concerns about accountability, but now that the decision had been made, the important thing was to make the Park a success and bring along all the people who have big concerns about it.
 
The Shadow Environment Secretary also said that a future Conservative Government would maintain support for the National Parks: “It is important all governments remain committed to the National Parks and to protecting them. They are the crown jewels of our landscape and have a very important part to play in terms of public enjoyment of the countryside and bridging the divide between country and town.”
 
On Friday (29 January) Mr Herbert will be at Goodwood House near Chichester to speak at a seminar that will bring together farmers and landowners from across the South Downs to discuss the impact of the National Park.

FUNKY FUND RAISING FOR HAITI - Clair Hall Haywards Heath this Friday 29 January, 2010 – 7.30pm

Clair Hall this Friday 29 January, 2010 – 7.30pm
The Soul Katz are an 11-piece soul, rhythm 'n' blues band and were formed 15 years ago, being originally known as TC & The Soul Kats.
Based in Sussex, with its roots in Haywards Heath, the nucleus of the band has stayed the same for most of it's 15 year history and now performs mainly private functions and the occasional local public gig. Five years ago, drummer Paul Stenning decided to organise a fundraising gig for the Tsunami disaster appeal which was a great success, raising some £3,000 for the DEC Charity.
This year, following the tragedy of the Haiti Earthquake, The Soul Katz felt strongly that they wanted to raise valuable funds for the DEC Appeal again and they have teamed up with Tim French, It's Magic Events and Freedom Leisure and pooled resources to put on a great evening's entertainment at very short notice, including support from the fantastic Gran Cassa band - an insanely funky 7-piece musical cocktail of a band consisting of drums, percussion, sax, bass, guitar and male and female vocalists – a heady mix of all the good things in life and based in Surrey - http://www.grancassa.com.
All parties involved in this project have very generously donated their time and services free of charge, so please come down to the Clair Hall, Haywards Heath on Friday night and help raise money for this very worthy cause! Tickets are just £7 and all proceeds go to the DEC Fund.
No matter what your age the aim is to create a party atmosphere whilst raising much needed funds for the people of Haiti.
Tickets available: In person The Locker Room, The Broadway, Clair Hall, Perrymount Road or Tel: 01444 455440 and online www.itsmagic.org.uk
For additional information, photos or sponsorship opportunities contact Sarah Brook, It’s Magic Events 01444 255115 sarah@itsmagic.org.uk www.itsmagic.org.uk

Room On The Broom - live on stage at The Hawth, Crawley

A spellbinding new adventure from the creators of The Gruffalo!
Adapted from the best-selling book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

“an enjoyable and energetic hour performed by a genuinely engaging young cast”
THE GUARDIAN
Fasten your seatbelts for a rip-roaring ride on a truly magnificent broom!
From the makers of the smash hit stage production of The Gruffalo comes this magical and musical adaptation of Room on the Broom. A sell out at the Edinburgh Festival last summer, this dazzling new production is set to delight children and their grown-ups on tour across the UK this Spring.
 
Join a witch and her cat as they fly happily along on their broomstick – until a mighty wind blasts her hat, bow and wand away into the night!   With the help of a daft dog, a beautiful bird and a friendly frog, the lost belongings are retrieved. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK! - it snaps in two! When a hungry dragon appears, who will save the poor witch?
Room on the Broom is an ideal introduction to theatre for pre and primary school children and their families; with plenty of songs, laughs and fun for both children and adults!

Watch a sneak preview online at www.roomonthebroomlive.co.uk <http://www.roomonthebroomlive.co.uk>
A magical, musical delight for children aged 3+
ENDS
For images and all other press enquiries, including interviews with the cast and competitions, please contact Dulcie Ball at Mobius Industries: dulcie@mobiusindustries.com <mailto:dulcie@mobiusindustries.com>  or call 020 7836 3864

Listings information:
 
Venue: The Hawth, Crawley
Dates: 8th – 9th February 2010
Performance times:
Monday 8th February 4.30pm
Tuesday 9th February 10am & 1pm
Box Office:  01293 553636
Book online: https://tickets.hawth.co.uk/public/default.asp <https://tickets.hawth.co.uk/public/default.asp>
Tickets: £11

HaitiAid at The Point Church Burgess Hill

A benefit gig for the crisis in Haiti has been organised by Burgess Hill Town Fairtrade and St Paul's Catholic College with help from The Point Church, Burgess Hill . Called HaitiAid it brings together 3 bands from different music traditions but with the same aim of raising money to help the relief effort in Haiti. The gig features TOUCHSTONE, a local retro folk rock band, who will get your feet tapping. It is followed with the first of the 2 headline acts. THE PURITANS are a well regarded Indie/Alternative rock band who have been compared to The Cure. Again the band is locally based but with a good following across the south of England. Finally, the gig sees the return to Burgess Hill of AFTER THE FIRE following their barnstorming concert in November. They are a prog rock band that enjoyed success in the eighties. All the bands are giving their services free for the night.
 
The benefit takes place on Saturday 30th January at St Paul's Catholic College. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start. Tickets have been priced at £5.00 (but obviously we would like people to donate more). Tickets are available from the College, The Help Point in the Council Offices and Oakmeeds College.

Plumpton hosts NHS public meeting

Wednesday, February 3 at 7.30pm in Plumpton Village Hall.
 
PLUMPTON is hosting an open meeting with leading figures in the Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust (BSUH). Among those present will be the Trust’s Chairman Julian Lee and Chief Executive Duncan Selbie.
The Trust runs the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath and the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and the meeting will cover the Trust’s vision for services, including maternity and accident and emergency, the redevelopment of the Royal Sussex County Hospital and proposals to become a Foundation Trust.
The idea is to bring the Trust closer to the community and to give people, in this case particularly in rural communities, the opportunity to be involved with the Trust’s work and development. There will be plenty of time to ask questions.
The meeting will also be attended by Lewes District Councillor Tom Hawthorne, Ditchling based GP Dr Martin Toynbee and Carole Nicholson of Plumpton who is a non-executive director of the Trust.
Carole explained “BSUH understands the importance of community involvement and engagement. It can only provide what people want if it takes the time to hear what they like or dislike.
BSUH wishes to become a Foundation Trust and wants to sign people up to become members of it.”
Whilst there are a number of formal consultation events taking place elsewhere during the next two months, they will be concentrated in the main towns, this one is an opportunity for local rural communities to learn what is going on and a real opportunity to have a say in the vision for the future.
The meeting is open to all including from other nearby communities and light refreshments will be available.

First ShelterBoxes arrive in Port au Prince

The first ShelterBoxes have arrived in Port au Prince and hundreds more are due to arrive later today.
The ShelterBox Response Team of David Eby (US), Wayne Robinson (US) and Mark Pearson (UK), who have been in Haiti’s capital since Thursday, took delivery of the first ShelterBoxes at Port au Prince airport yesterday.
The team say twelve of these boxes will be used to build an emergency field hospital at the airport.
‘We are helping build a field hospital with these tents at the airport,’ said Mark Pearson. ‘These are desperate conditions, amputations are happening every half hour. There’s an urgent need for tents at hospitals and this is our first priority.’
ShelterBox Head of Operations John Leach said: ‘The safety of our staff in Haiti is of paramount importance.
‘We are working with the agencies on the ground to ensure that ShelterBoxes are not only distributed speedily and efficiently, but that our team on the ground is able to work in a safe environment.’
Hundreds more boxes are due to arrive into Port au Prince later today from Miami on a chartered aircraft. Thousands more ShelterBoxes are being packed and shipped from ShelterBox HQ in the UK.
ShelterBox Founder and CEO Tom Henderson said: ‘The devastation in Haiti has moved everyone here. We now have our boxes on the ground and it’s a privilege to help. The scale of devastation is huge.
‘By the sheer grit and determination of our staff and volunteers we have been able to respond in record time. Our thanks go to the teams of volunteers, as well as to our donors, who have allowed us to do this.
‘ShelterBox relies entirely on public donations and people’s generosity. We receive no institutional funding and no DEC money. I’d urge, if you can, to help us.’

Public donations are vital to ShelterBox’s continuing work around the world. To make a donation please ring 0300 0300 500 or go towww.shelterbox.org <http://www.shelterbox.org> to donate online and get the latest updates on the charity’s response to the Haiti earthquake.

Haywards Heath Rotary Club Launch Haiti Earthquake Appeal

As a result of the recent earthquake disaster, members of the Rotary Club of Haywards Heath have launched an urgent appeal in order to purchase and send a number of much needed shelter boxes to Haiti.

The appeal was launched with a donation of £3,000.00 from 'The Highbrook Trust'. Members of the Rotary Club will be collecting at Sainsbury's Haywards Heath this Thursday/Friday/Saturday 21st, 22nd and 23rd January, anyone wishing to make a significant donation should contact Tim Briggs, President of the Rotary Club of Haywards Heath on 01444 457145.

Ghosts at Preston Manor, Brighton

Are you brave enough to spend the night in Brighton’s most haunted house? Preston Manor dares you to take part in a special ghost investigation on Saturday 13 February or Saturday 13 March from 8pm-2am.

Be prepared to be scared as you explore the house and discover its haunted history and then take part in a paranormal vigil led by a guest medium.
 
For serious enthusiasts and the curiously brave (over 18s only)
To book call 03000 290902

Find out more about the Caspian Group www.thecaspiangroup.co.uk <http://www.thecaspiangroup.co.uk/>

Preston Manor and Gardens
Preston Drove, Brighton BN1 6SD

Environment Committee urges Council to rethink

Countryside organizations have today welcomed the recommendation that West Sussex County Council should reconsider its position on rights of way in the South Downs National Park.  The recommendation was made by the County Council's environment committee which said they felt the South Downs Society, the Access Forum, parish councils and other county councils should be consulted before a final decision was made.

John Songhurst, Chairman of the South Downs Society, said: "We think the County Council's environment committee has come up with the right recommendation, and we hope Councillor Urquhart will put her decision on hold until there's been time to consult with relevant groups.

"One of the most important consultees is the National Park Authority, which will be set up in its shadow form in April.  We think seeking the views of the South Downs Joint Committee will also be very helpful to Councillor Urquhart.  They have been doing a great job of managing the rights of way in the Sussex part of the Downs for nearly twenty years, and will continue in this role until April 2011."

Dr Tony Whitbread of the Sussex Wildlife Trust said: "Looking after rights of way is part of wider countryside management so it is important to get this right for both landscape and nature conservation.  We therefore welcome the environment committee's recommendation yesterday and are delighted that Council Urquhart is considering wider consultation on the matter".

Rodney Chambers, Sussex Chairman of the Campaign to Protect Rural England said "Sussex taxpayers could lose out if the County Council jump the gun. It is still very early days in the setting up of the National Park, and consultation with all parties will be crucial to getting the best value for money on the public's behalf".

Ruth Chambers of the Campaign for National Parks said: "Whilst we think that the National Park is best-placed to look after the paths in the South Downs, we welcome Councillor Urquhart's statement that if the rights of way were managed by West Sussex, the County Council would work in partnership with the National Park, would agree protocols, and would standardize the way paths were managed across the National Park."

Kate Ashbrook of the Open Spaces Society said: "We welcome Councillor Urquhart's statement yesterday that if the County Council took back the management of rights of way, that decision wouldn't be set in stone, and could be reviewed in the future."  

Special events at The Sportsman, Goddards Green

Book now for our special nights in February:
 
Burns Night Dinner:

Traditional piper with four course set dinner menu

Sun 24th Jan – 6.30pm for 7.00pm
Mon 25th Jan –7.00pm for 7.30pm
 
Valentine’s Evening Dinner:

Sat 13th & 14th Feb – set three course romantic candle light dinner menu

St Patrick’s Night:

Wed 17th March – set Irish themed menu, Guinness promo, live Irish band from 8.00pm
 
For reservations call The Sportsman at Goddards Green on 01273 01444 233460.

Sporting students at Plumpton College

2nd year students from the Outdoor Adventurous Activities Department at Plumpton College are a keen and charitable bunch! On Wednesday 20 January they are staging an outdoors challenge with a difference. The event is called ‘United By Adventure’ and it will present students with the chance to learn new skills, socialise with other sports departments, be challenged physically as well as mentally, and be brought closer as a team, while  enjoying themselves in a picturesque environment at Plumpton College.
Plumpton College will host two other invited colleges, including Shuttleworth College from Bedfordshire, to participate in some team activities. The five teams of ten students each will undertake 12 different challenges, with each challenge  varying in difficulty, to provide a strategy game. The students have to decide which order to do them in and  pass a  time limit designed so none of the team will do all of the challenges. This team building exercise is part of their working towards sports organising module in the National Diploma course.
The Department is a strong and successful one, as last year graduating students managed a 100% pass rate and, even better, a 100% employment rate.  Former students are now successfully employed within the outdoor pursuits industry throughout the UK as well as in France and Spain. These students are certainly on to a winning course!

Mums and babies in Hassocks

Dear South Downs Living,
Our postnatal group was formed in October last year by Hassocks Health Visitors, for first-time mums living in the Hassocks area whose babies were born in late June or July. Postnatal classes are usually offered to all women in Hassocks after the birth of their child, but due to the unusually high amount of births in July 2009 the class was limited to first-time mums on this occasion. The classes took place once a week at the Hassocks Health Centre, and covered various topics of concern to new mums, such as illness prevention, weaning and child safety. One of the most important benefits of the course, however, was for new parents to gain a support network in the village.
Being a new, stay-at-home parent can be very isolating, which was a worry for many of us in the group. Most of us were not from Hassocks originally, and we would commute to London or elsewhere every day prior to becoming parents, actually spending very little time in the village, making it difficult to make contacts. The postnatal group, however, has helped to make us a part of the community, as well as allowing us to support each other through a very tough, albeit rewarding time. Our group has continued to meet once a week since the postnatal course ended, and now includes a stay-at-home dad.
Having friends in London who have had babies, I know that unless they enrol in private parenting classes, there are very few opportunities for them to meet other parents in their area. Parent and baby groups often focus around a particular activity, leaving little time for the parents to interact. The service provided by the Hassocks Health Visitors is part of what helps set this area apart as such a friendly, supportive and desirable place to live.
However, I am sorry to say that we are finding it increasingly difficult to find a place to meet, due to a lack of facilities, and also hostile attitudes we have encountered from some Hassocks venues. We have now been turfed out of two places, for no apparent reason as both are extremely quiet on the Tuesday mornings when we choose to have our meetings, so our babies cannot possibly be disturbing anyone. For a village with such a strong community spirit, and one that is so family-centric, it seems ludicrous that a group of mums can't find a friendly place to meet for two hours a week!
We are now looking into hiring a hall for our meetings, as we don't appear to be welcome at any of the local businesses. I am hoping that by drawing attention to this shortfall in the magazine, it might encourage some people to change their attitudes towards mums and babies, after all families help make the community stronger. Given the rise in young families moving to Hassocks in recent years, it would make sense for local businesses to be more considerate towards mother's groups.
Yours faithfully,
Vivienne Cavagnoli

Ditchling Mummers entertain

The 24th year of Ditchling Mummers was marked on 16 January 2010 with the presentation of a cheque for £1050, to St Peter and St James Hospice. This was collected at their performance on Boxing Day of the Ovingdean Mummers play at the Bull Hotel in Ditchling. Over 250 people watched the play, and Morris dancing by Ditchling Morris.
Members of the Mummers made the presentation to Carol Hughes and other members of staff at the Hospice.

Barnsgate Manor

Barnsgate Manor, situated on the A26 between Crowborough and Uckfield, nestles on the edge of the spectacular Ashdown Forest. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the magnificent panoramic view to the South Downs in the distance. See a video clip on the Contact Us page on their website.
 
Barnsgate Manor has established itself as one of the most popular Wedding venues in East Sussex for Wedding receptions and civil ceremonies. Their unique, all-inclusive wedding packages for up to 200 guests offer tremendous value and provide an unforgettable wedding experience.
 
Barnsgate is renowned for hosting private celebration parties and lunches and dinners for Special Occasions, such as Valentine’s Day, Mothering Sunday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Party Night Dinner Dances, plus conferences, business meetings and corporate barbecues. It is also an extremely popular venue for tea & coffee and lunches in the Manor House throughout the year, or on the spacious terrace, weather permitting. Barnsgate has a reputation for its excellent food, wonderful facilities and excellent service.
 
Visitors are welcome to walk around Barnsgate’s many acres and enjoy the peace and tranquillity. See the vines, the attractive buildings and the many animals in different parts of the grounds. You can also browse in the gift shop, which sells a wide range of good quality goods, including a variety of wines.
 
For full details, including brochures, menus and lots of testimonials for weddings, parties and their restaurant, go towww.barnsgate.co.uk <http://www.barnsgate.co.uk/> .
 
Barnsgate Manor,
Herons Ghyll, Nr Uckfield
East Sussex, TN22 4DB
Tel: 01825 713366
Email: info@barnsgate.co.uk

Pyecombe Golf Club¹s greens about to get even greener

Pyecombe Golf Club, which already holds awards for its environmental management policy, is about to go greener with the installation of a ground source heat pump which will significantly reduce its carbon footprint.
Pyecombe Golf Club is situated on chalk downland about five miles north of Brighton and is proud of its 110 year old heritage and its environment.  The clubhouse’s present heating system needs replacement and in a bid to bring down escalating heating and hot-water bills and maintenance costs the club has chosen  the heat pump solution, which gives the added benefit of reducing carbon emissions.    
Ground source heat pumps convert low-level solar heat, present in the ground, into high-level heat via a heat exchanger to a refrigerant.  A ground loop, filled with brine, is buried underground and the brine pumped round to be maintained at the same  temperature as the ground by absorbing the solar heat in the ground. This heat is used to evaporate a refrigerant and the heat pump acts like a refrigerator in reverse. Inside the clubhouse the recovered heat will be used for space heating and hot water.
What is special about Pyecombe’s venture is that the heat pump is to be installed in an existing building rather than in a new-build, which presents particular problems for the space heating. In addition the system will have to be able to cope with sudden surges in demand for hot water when dozens of players need to shower after a competition. The original part of the clubhouse was built before the second war and has been extended and modified many times in its history. In addressing the problems of selection and location of radiators, building heat losses, and hot water storage the Club’s project team have been assisted by the technical input of their selected main contractor Ecovision Systems, a company based on the Highgrove Estate in Gloucestershire. Measures have also been implemented to conserve energy by the fitting of movement switches in areas not always occupied, additional insulation and reduced-flow shower heads.
The Club set up a small project team to implement the project and received initial valuable advice from the West Sussex Sustainable Business Partnership. The team have considered all the renewable energy systems that could be installed and compared them to simply replacing a new-for-old system. Capital and running costs were used as criteria. Because of its location and dependency on LPG the payback of a renewable energy system is attractive. This payback period has been vastly improved by the receipt of a generous grant from the Low Carbon Buildings Programme. Once the system is up and running the Club expects to cut its heating fuel bills by approximately three quarters and its CO2 emissions by two thirds .
Chris Openshaw, a retired engineer and a former Captain of Pyecombe who is a member of the Club’s team working on the project was asked why the options of solar and wind energy were eliminated. He said “Solar and wind energy systems on their own would not meet the club’s demands. However when the heat pump system is commissioned and the operating costs verified then these systems can be added to reduce even further the dependency on fossil fuel produced energy.”
The ground collector loop will be accommodated in six boreholes located in a field adjacent the clubhouse. The drilling contractor has already started work and the whole system is scheduled to be operational by the end of March/early April.

Attached photographs show
1. close-up of a red-legged partridge on the 9th hole (the course is also a habitat for deer, hares, pheasants, etc).
2. a photo of drilling work which began this week outside the clubhouse.

HIGH FLYING TRUST DOES IT AGAIN!

Due to the fantastic success of our Skydive last October, the Dame Vera Lynn Trust for Children with Cerebral Palsy has booked Sunday 2nd May at Headcorn Aerodrome for a repeat performance. We have a special charity rate of £220 payable to the aerodrome and a minimum sponsorship of £125 required by the charity – 20 places available.  One of our participants last October said:  “no wonder birds sing when they are flying – I just flew out into the air screaming for joy!”.  
 
If you want to scream for joy from 12,000 feet up, please ring Rosie, Regional Fundraiser, at the Trust office 01403 780444 or email rosie.wyer@dvltrust.org.uk
 

HOW TO MAKE 2010 YOURHEALTHIEST AND BEST YEAR EVER!

  *  Sussex's 5 leading experts in weight loss, nutrition, fitness, optimum health and personal care reveal the secrets to making 2010 your healthiest and best year ever!
    * Get £100 in FREE GIFTS instantly...just for registering now!
    * Help us raise money for "St Peters And St James Hospice" providing in-patient and day care facilities for terminally ill patients.

There’s no cost to attend this special event, all we ask is that you make a small donation to "St Peters And St James Hospice" at the door when you arrive (optional, but encouraged).

    * Over £1000 in prizes given away to attendees!
    * Come get your “best body blueprint” and help a great Sussex charity at the same time.
    * Accept our challenge and discover how to take complete control over your health and body in 2010.

The event is on Thursday February 4th, 2010 from 7 - 9pm at Clair Hall (Clair Hall, Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 3DN).
Register now for your free gifts and tickets!

For enquiries or general questions about Sussex's “How To Make 2010 Your Healthiest and Best Year Ever!” please contact:

Ben Davis
Sussex Bootcamps
17, The Priory Business Centre
Syresham Gardens
Haywards Heath
West Sussex, RH16 3LB
Phone: 01444 340 030
Email: info@sussexbootcamps.co.uk

Enjoy Sussex 2010! New Visitor Guide & Website attracts visitors to Sussex

As the snow melts, many thoughts drift to summer time and holidays to come. Potential visitors to rural Sussex can now refer to the new Enjoy Sussex Visitor Guide 2010 which offers a wealth of essential and practical information about what to see and do in our part of Sussex.

Enjoy Sussex 2010 is produced in partnership by Lewes, Horsham, Mid-Sussex and Wealden District Councils, covering an area stretching West to East from Pulborough to Burwash, and north to south from Horsham to Seaford Head.

Hot off the press, the free glossy brochure includes details of nationally quality assessed accommodation and attractions, giving tourists and visitors an insight into some of England's finest countryside and coast, including the new South Downs National Park, Ashdown Forest and the famous Seven Sisters, illustrating Enjoy Sussex as the perfect destination for a day visit, relaxing short break or a longer holiday.

To complement the 2010 guide, www.enjoysussex.info <http://www.enjoysussex.info/> offers online booking and information to assist potential visitors in discovering the vibrant, award-winning and extraordinary character of this beautiful part of rural Sussex.

Tourism plays an essential role in improving and maintaining a successful and buoyant local economy. This practical and attractive guide and website combination is just one of the measures the four local authorities are offering to ensure that new and repeat visitors continue to visit the area, bringing in vital revenue and supporting local jobs.

Copies of the complete guide are available free of charge from ‘Enjoy Sussex Tourism’ by calling Tel: (01271) 336173.  Alternatively, contact one of the following Tourist Information Facilities across the Enjoy Sussex destination area:

Lewes Tourist Information Centre 187 High Street Lewes 01273 483448 Email: lewes.tic@lewes.gov.uk <mailto:lewes.tic@lewes.gov.uk>
Seaford Tourist Information Centre 37 Church Street Seaford 01323 897426  Email:  seaford.tic@lewes.gov.uk <mailto:seaford.tic@lewes.gov.uk>
Horsham Tourist Information Centre 9 The Causeway Horsham 01403 211661 Email: tourist.information@horsham.gov.uk <mailto:tourist.information@horsham.gov.uk>  
Burgess Hill Tourist Information Centre 96 Church Walk Burgess Hill 01444 238202 Email: touristinformation@burgesshill.gov.uk
East Grinstead Tourism Initiative Library Buildings West Street East Grinstead 01342 410121  Email: tourism@eastgrinstead.gov.uk <mailto:tourism@eastgrinstead.gov.uk>
Tourism at Wealden District Council 01892 602886 Email: regeneration@wealden.gov.uk <mailto:regeneration@wealden.gov.uk>    

South Downs paths controversy

The South Downs Society praised the Councillors who have stepped in to question the County Council's controversial position on public paths in the South Downs.  

Last month, the County Council announced it wanted to take back the day-to-day maintenance of footpaths and bridleways in the South Downs when the National Park Authority comes into being.  This decision was heavily criticized by the South Downs Society.

Now Derek Deedman, Councillor for Bramber Castle, has called-in the decision, meaning the issue is now subject to full scrutiny and cannot yet be confirmed.  

David Brookshaw from the South Downs Society said: "We were astounded that the County Council made this controversial decision before the National Park Authority is even in existence and without any meaningful consultation with the public and interest groups.  It's a no-brainer that paths in the South Downs should be managed by the National Park Authority.  They will have the volunteers and resources to do a top class job and will be best-placed to take over from the South Downs Joint Committee, who have been doing this work for nearly twenty years."

He continued: "Our message to the County Council is that public access to the South Downs is a very important issue.  The decision should not be rushed, and it is vital that the National Park Authority is involved in discussions.  

"We are delighted that Derek Deedman and other Councillors on West Sussex County Council feel as strongly as we do about this issue and have taken the step of calling-in the decision."

Councillor Derek Deedman's action to call-in the decision for full scrutiny was supported by Councillors Morwen Milson, Nigel Dennis, Bob Smytherman, Simon McDougall, Frances Oppler and James Walsh.  

New Horizons Appeal at Gravetye Manor

THE volunteer ladies of the New Horizons Appeal in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice have a new initiative for 2010 to entice local residents to have a special lunch whilst supporting a very worthy cause.
 
The Lunch Club, invites you to join for just £20 and attend two very special lunches in 2010.  The first at Gravetye Manor, Turners Hill, in April, Chef Mark Raffan has designed a special menu; his wife, head gardener, is ready to provide a guided tour of the gardens of this exquisite historic Elizabethan manor house.  The second lunch in October is thanks to Horsham MP Rt Hon Francis Maude.  Enjoy lunch in the House of Commons with mystery guest speaker. Lunch Club members also receive Special Facilities at The Garden and Local Produce Fair in May and the Autumn Gift Fair in September at Knepp Castle, Shipley.  

Please do join by contacting Paul Daly on 01293 447367/ pauladaly@stch.org.uk.
 
Picture: Gravetye Manor

Forest Row Visual Art Show

The Ashdown Artists and Artisans Group, is holding a major visual arts exhibition on 13 February.
The Ashdown Artists and artisans are building on the runaway success of its inaugural event and holding a major visual arts exhibition in February. More than 1000 people ­ buyers, art critics and the media (local and national) ­ attended its Christmas fair in late November.
"Our February exhibition will be a showcase for highly-talented visual artists ­ painters, sculptors and photographers ­ from the local area. There will be some superb work on display. A lot of our artists are already highly successful and many others are very much up and coming. This is a fantastic
opportunity for people to see, enjoy and invest in top quality examples of their work," says Cathie Hubert, events co-ordinator .
The exhibition will be held in the Dick Chester rooms at Michael Hall School, Forest Row on the 13 February, 10am ­ 4pm. There will a private press viewing at 7pm on Friday 12 February.
Ashdown Forest has long been home to a wealth of artists and artisans of all sorts ­ from painters, installation artists, sculptors and photographers, to musicians, actors, storytellers and writers.
The group is, for the very first time, bringing these artists and artisans together to exchange ideas and skills, support each other and help each other develop and promote their diverse and beautiful work as widely as possible.
Managed by a committee of artists, t is open to anyone who lives in or close to the Ashdown Forest area and who creates with their hands. All are welcome, from established painters, sculptors and craftspeople to people who simply love to create and make things.
For more information about the exhibition and to book for the press viewing, contact Cathie Hubert Tel: 07 923 178 033, Email: cathscot@hotmail.com
Exhibition date: Saturday 13 February, 10am to 4pm
Press and guests viewing: 7pm Friday 12 February
Event location: Dick Chester rooms, Michael Hall School, Forest Row
How to get there: search RH18 5JA on www.multimap.co.uk <http://www.multimap.co.uk/>

20th Sussex Beer and Cider Festival, Hove

20th  SUSSEX BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL
 
HOVE CENTRE
 
HOVE
 
11th – 13th MARCH 2010
   

Sussex CAMRA Branches are proud to announce that the 20th Sussex Beer and Cider Festival will be held at Hove Centre, Hove on 11th – 13th March 2010.
 
Sales of real ale are increasing so to cope with the expected big demand, a record number of beers, well over 220, will be available this year plus a large selection of ciders, perries, country wines and British and foreign bottled beers. The downstairs bar has been designated as the Sussex Bar and will be selling only those beers from breweries in Sussex.
 
The festival sessions with ticket prices are as follows:-
 
Thursday evening                  5pm – 11pm         £3.50
Friday lunchtime                   11am – 3pm          £3
Friday evening                       5pm – 11pm         £6
Saturday lunchtime               11am – 3pm          £3
Saturday evening                   5pm – 10pm         £5 (£3 concessions)

Tickets for the Festival will be available at the usual outlets (Brighton & Hove:  Hove & Brighton Centres,  Evening Star, Sir Charles Napier; Shoreham:  Buckingham Arms;  Horsham, Beer Essentials; Lewes:  Gardener's Arms; Worthing: Selden Arms, or by post from SCBCF Ticket Sales, 13 Rudyard Road, Woodingdean, Brighton BN2 6UB  (Tel: 07807 105803). For postal applications, please state the session(s) for which you require tickets, and enclose a large SAE with your payment, which should be by cheque or Postal Order made payable to “CAMRA Sussex Beer Festival”.

To avoid disappointment on the day it is advisable to buy tickets in advance particularly for the very popular Friday and Saturday evening sessions which always sell out. The ticket price includes a souvenir programme and, for CAMRA members, beer tokens worth £2 on presentation of their membership card. For the Saturday evening, a £2 concession will be available to students buying tickets at the Hove Centre on production of a Students Union card.

There will be live entertainment on the Friday night and Saturday night in the Main Hall.

Hot and cold food plus vegetarian options will be on sale in the balcony area as well as soft drinks, teas and coffees.

This year the festival charity will be Headway based in Newick.

The Hove Centre has full disabled facilities and is a short walk from Hove Station.

For further information call 07807 105 803 , or email sxbeerfest.logo@btconnect.com or go to www.sussexbeerfestival.co.uk for further information.

Plumpton College in the snow

Students at Plumpton College, East Sussex built an igloo on the front field of the extensive estate.  These residential students are busy with their studies which include floristry, equine, agriculture and wine,  from a wide range of land based studies.
The students live in purpose built accommodation within a campus set in attractive grounds, within the newly created South Downs National Park.

Not only does Plumpton College never close whatever the weather, it seizes every opportunity to erect new facilities!

Schools lead the way in star studded Fairtrade festival

Burgess Hill’s award winning Fairtrade festival kicks off on Wednesday 24th February with an all Schools variety show. Every school and college in Burgess Hill is taking part in a show that includes extracts from the hit stage show The Lion King, Bollywood dancing, African songs and percussion, music and songs from the Caribbean and original raps and dances. There should be up to 200 children and students taking part and it will be a colourful and lively opening to the Festival. It takes place at St Paul’s RC College with doors opening at 6.30pm.

Then on Sunday 28th February, and in a truly major coup for Burgess Hill, top BBC newsreader, George Alagiah OBE will be chairing a Fairtrade panel Debate at the Martlets Hall. As Burgess Hill Fairtrade Chair Robert Eggleston said, “as the former patron of the Fairtrade Foundation, George takes a keen interest in trade justice issues, and having someone of his status chair this event is a great honour.” The panellists include Serena Tierney (Lib Dem candidate for Mid Sussex); Katy Bourne (Chair East Sussex Conservative Women's Association); David Boot (Lab candidate for Mid Sussex) and Richard Anstead (Fairtrade Foundation).

All the churches in Burgess Hill are supporting the Fairtrade Festival this year and will be holding Fairtrade church services on either Sunday 28th February or Sunday 7th March.

The climax of the Festival takes place in the Martlets Hall over three days from Friday 5th March to Sunday 7th March in what has been billed as a big festival weekend. This brings together some of the finest names in the acoustic music scene for gigs on Friday and Sunday with a Fairtrade Fair and ceilidh being held on the Saturday.

On Friday 5th March there is Acoustic Fairtrade at the Martlets Hall with Phil Beer (half of Show of Hands, Feast of Fiddles and ex Albion Band). Joining Phil on the night will be 3 Daft Monkeys , a 3 piece band that plays a mix of music that fuses traditional, gypsy and ska. Completing the line up will be acoustic duo Gareth Davies Jones and Rob Halligan as part of their national Fairtrade tour.

On Saturday 6th March the town hosts its now annual Fairtrade Fair. There will be an increased number of organisations taking part this year so it promises to be a fantastic event with a great opportunity to sample and buy Fairtrade and fairly traded products. In the evening ASHA, a leading festival band return for the annual Grand Ceilidh.

Finally the Fairtrade Festival closes on Sunday 7th March with its 4th annual benefit for Fair-trade & Stop The Traffik with an event billed as Folk Fairtrade & Freedom. There is a stun-ning line up which includes Chris Wood (2009 BBC2 Folk Singer of the Year), Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson, two legends from the traditional music and acoustic music scene, performing as a trio with Chris Parkinson. The night opens with local singer/songwriter Julie Hall who is in the middle of one of her busiest periods as an artist and worship leader.

The theme for Fairtrade Fortnight is the Great Swap. “The aim,” said Robert Eggleston, “is to get as many people in towns across Britain swapping to Fairtrade goods wherever possible. By doing this we help to make a real difference to the lives of farmers and their families in developing communities. We are using this year’s Fairtrade Festival to encourage more and more people, retailers, business organisations and voluntary groups to switch to Fairtrade whenever they can.”

Supermarket ombudsman needed to ensure a fair market

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert has pledged to create a supermarket ombudsman to “curb abuses of power” by the major food retailers.
 
Speaking at the Oxford Farming Conference this morning (5 January), Mr Herbert said it was a move that will bring significant benefits to both farmers and consumers and would not cost the taxpayer a penny.
 
The creation of an ombudsman, who will investigate complaints from suppliers and arbitrate on disputes between supermarkets and producers, was recommended by the Competition Commission but the Government has so far failed to act.
 
The Shadow Environment Secretary also called for a “new age of agriculture” where farmers and producers are valued and given the backing they need to maintain the country’s ability to feed itself.
 
Mr Herbert said: “The Government’s belated recognition that food security matters will have little credibility after more than a decade in which they have devalued British agriculture and allowed domestic production to decline.
 
“It’s not enough to talk loosely about a fair market or the need for better labelling.  We need action, with a supermarket ombudsman and legislation to enforce honest labelling if the retailers won’t act.  It’s meaningless to talk about a competitive agricultural industry while increasing the regulatory burden on farmers and failing to take the necessary action to deal with Bovine TB.
 
“For too long, farming has been treated by government at best as though it doesn’t matter and at worst as an expensive problem.  The short-sighted response to the decades of food surplus was to believe that domestic production was no longer important. But today we face the extraordinary new challenge of feeding a rapidly rising global population against a background of profound environmental change, and now even those who have been careless about farming can see that food production matters again.”
 
Criticising the Government’s lack of focus on farming, Mr Herbert said: “The last decade was characterised by the creation of a government department whose name didn’t even mention farming or agriculture.  Now we are entering a new age of agriculture, where farming matters once more.  The goal must be to increase global production sustainably, feeding the world without depleting natural resources.”
 
The MP added: “In this new age of agriculture, British farming has a bright future.  But that requires a new start, where government understands that we cannot take farmers closer to the market while undermining their ability to compete.  If we want to ensure food security in 2030 and beyond, we need to begin by valuing the agricultural industry that will deliver it.”
 
Announcing that a future Conservative Government will create a supermarket ombudsman, set up as a dedicated unit in the Office of Fair Trading, Mr Herbert said:
 
“Supermarkets deliver real benefits but some aspects of the way they treat their suppliers can harm consumers as well as producers.  We have a new code of practice which outlaws unacceptable practices such as retrospective discounting, but this isn’t worth the paper it is written on without effective enforcement.
 
“While the Government dithers the Conservatives are clear: we will introduce an ombudsman to curb abuses of power which undermine our farmers and act against the long-term interest of consumers.  As the Competition Commission has made clear, failure to do so could result in reduced investment by suppliers, lower product quality, and less product choice, with potentially higher prices in the long run.  It is time to act.”

Army And Afghan Appeal Raceday at Plumpton raises more than £220,000

The Army And Afghan Appeal Raceday at Plumpton Racecourse on Monday 16th November 2009 has raised more than £220,000 for the Army Benevolent Fund and Sandy Gall’s Afghanistan Appeal.
 
The Appeal, helping both the military and civilian victims of the conflict in Afghanistan, raised this substantial sum through a memorable Plumpton raceday including sponsorship, donations and a wonderful lunch and auction with an Afghan theme including kites and Herati glasses.
 
Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter of the Army Benevolent Fund said “We in the Army Benevolent Fund are delighted with this financial result. It was a great day out and so to have such a substantial sum raised to help soldiers, former soldiers and their families as well is superb.”  
 
Sandy Gall said “Brilliant.  It far outweighs expectations.  It's hard to explain just how much this means to SGAA and the multitude of disabled Afghans it will help - including hundreds of children with Club Foot and DDH [Displacement of the Hip].  It will give a big boost to our a big boost to our physiotherapy programme and the appointment of our senior woman physiotherapist as the head of the Afghan Physiotherapy Institute.”   

Society criticizes County Council's decision on National Park

Environmental group the South Downs Society today called on West Sussex County Council to reverse its decision to prevent the new South Downs National Park Authority from looking after footpaths in the Park.
 
While the County Council has been happy until now to pass maintenance responsibility for rights of way to the temporary South Downs Joint Committee, they have decided not to allow the new permanent Park Authority the chance to continue the good work.
 
Said Dave Brookshaw, Chair of the Society’s Access and Rights of Way Committee, “This is an extraordinary and very sad decision by the County Council.  Our members spend a lot of time walking or riding on the Downs and are well aware of the improvements that have been achieved by the Joint Committee and its staff in the Downs compared with the standards achieved by the County Council elsewhere.  The creation of the National Park should mean that things continue to improve but it now looks like West Sussex are happy to see things deteriorate again.”
 
The Society had previously written to the County Council – which for a long time fought the creation of the National Park – urging it to retain at least the current arrangements while the new Park Authority was being set up.  The Society believes that the new Park Authority’s focus of effort, continuity of funding, ability to use volunteers and attract external resources to the work, mean it would be best placed to look after the paths in the Downs and ensure a consistent approach and standards across the National Park, to the benefit of both walkers and landowners.
 
Said Dave Brookshaw, “This seems a very rushed decision.  There has been no consultation by the County Council – if there had been, groups like ourselves would have been able to explain just how much better the paths have been since the Council handed them over.  Let’s hope, once the County Council has got over losing the battle over the creation of the National Park, that they can come to sensible arrangements with the new Park Authority so we can all enjoy the South Downs”.