This weeks at Grub café & music bar, East Grinstead

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

Artist: Tinderbox plus support Bagful of hats
Date: Saturday 5th June
Tickets: £5 door/advance (www.wegottickets.com)

A night of feelgood , county influenced, toe tapping folk rock

"Tinderbox are an acoustic duo featuring Monique Houraghan with a distinctive 'honey-like' vocal, and Dan Tucker with an intricate finger style guitar technique.

2007 to 2010 have seen Tinderbox perform a number of headline shows to capacity crowds. Additionally, they have played support sets for high profile acts including Cara Dillon, Jon Allen, Corinne West, Kris Drever, Ben's Brother, Ralph McTell, Emily Maguire, Uiscedwr, Chris Difford and Megson.

In 2008 Tinderbox released their second studio album. 'Golden' was launched at Centre Stage in Bournemouth, with the band performing to a record-breaking audience. Maverick Magazine recently described 'Golden' as "Quite inspirational really...a masterpiece". Maverick went on to describe Tinderbox as being "Poised to ignite the acoustic...world". Acoustic Magazine featured a review of 'Golden' in their August 09 edition labelling the music 'Lovely, hooky and mellow'.

More recently, in April 2010 the duo launched their third studio album 'The State of Play' to a sell-out crowd. Guests who joined the duo on stage included folk guitar wizard Kevin Dempsey (Whippersnapper, Joe Broughton, Dave Swarbrick and Uiscedwr) as well as whole host of talent. BBC 6 Music's Tom Robinson described the music as 'Gorgeous'. Rock N Reel Magazine's Dai Jeffries added “...tunes (that) stick in the memory from the start", and Ian Peterson of Livewire quoted “Quite simply wonderful”.

Tinderbox have recently returned from a hugely successful tour of the USA and look forward to playing to new audiences in the UK over the coming months. With Monique's powerful voice and Dan's delectable guitar style Tinderbox are definitely one to keep an eye on."!!!

The Oasis, West Hoathly - Open Day

The aim of open days at The Oasis is to provide visitors with an enjoyable afternoon, learning about nature conservation. We have beautiful gardens, ancient woodland, and you can see meerkats close-up. Our educational approach is no-nonsense and has been frequently described as "refreshing".
We purposely limit the number of visitors at any one time (using an advance booking system) so that we can provide a quality experience through guided tours.
Open days are between May and August. You must book in advance. Please do so early to avoid disappointment. Send us a stamped addressed envelope for a leaflet with dates and further details.

The Wildlife For All Trust
The Oasis
Highbrook Lane
West Hoathly
Sussex RH19 4PL
Visit our website: www.wildlifeforall.org

Get Ready! Its serious PARTY time at Wakehurst Music Festival

Wakehurst Rocks………
Grab your friends, grab your tickets and Hit It!

Whether it’s the Magic of MOTOWN or the Sensation of SOUL you’ll be up and dancing to some of the best songs ever – so come on down to Wakehurst Place and dance as if no one’s watching!

Friday 18th June – Get Ready! It’s The Magic of MOTOWN – celebrate the magic of the Four Tops and The Temptations – Reach out I’ll be There, My Girl, Pappa was a Rolling Stone and I Can’t Help Myself. And there’[s more from the great Tamla Motown stable, sing along with Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder – this show is packed full of classics – How Sweet it is! This is the very best live Motown tribute concert show, and boasts a superbly choreographed cast, 36 million-selling hits, dozens of dazzling costume changes and that fabulous Detroit sound ……..You Heard it through the Grapevine – now book your tickets fast!

The Chicago Blues Brothers will stir your SOUL and get you movin’ and groovin’ to a mind-blowing concert of electrifying songs. This is an all singing, all dancing action packed evening as Jake and Elwood spread the word of soul according to the church of rhythm ‘n’ blues with a little help from Aretha Franklin, James Brown and Cab Calloway. Soul Man, Everybody Needs Somebody and Knock on Wood – get out your sunglasses, put on your dancing shoes – you won’t be able to sit still, this is a real mission to party – Hit it!

Wakehurst’s first music festival promises a great line-up and fantastic feel-good atmosphere, so bring your friends, bring your picnic and don’t forget the bubbly!

Other Festival highlights include Katherine Jenkins with the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Steve Sidwell, and special guests Straight No Chaser on June 17th and the Bootleg Beatles in concert and The Fabbagirls ABBA tribute band on Saturday 18th.

If you haven’t got your tickets the Box Office will be open at Wakehurst Place from 5pm on the night.

Tickets:
Gold Circle: Katherine Jenkins £40/Magic of Motown, Bootleg Beatles £35
Picnic: Katherine Jenkins £35/ Magic of Motown, Bootleg Beatles £30
Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) £95. Carers of disabled guests and children under 6 go free.
Children 6 – 16 £20
To Book Credit card hotline: 0871 230 3446 or online at www.kew.org/wakehurstmusicfestival Booking fees apply for phone and internet.
Bookings for picnic tickets only can also be made in person at Wakehurst Place Visitor Centre during Garden opening hours 10am – 6pm (no booking fee); or Clair Hall, Haywards Heath on 01444 455 440. £1.50 transaction fee over phone, no booking fees when booking in person. Box office hours Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm and Saturday 9am-1pm.
For VIP Hospitality in the Mansion, Stables suppers and Private Gazebos call 01753 626 910.
Groups Groups get 10% off for parties of 10+ Call 0844 412 4650
Timings Gates open at 5:30pm for hospitality packages;
6pm for picnic and Gold Circle; Concert starts 7.30; ends 10pm approx

Directions Wakehurst Place is on the B2028 just south of Turners Hill, and north of the village of Ardingly. From the M23 follow the brown signs.
Address Wakehurst Place, Ardingly, West Sussex, RH17 6TN

Hickstead: More live show jumping on Sky Sports

SKY SPORTS has extended its relationship with Hickstead to show the British Jumping Derby Meeting for the first time this June. The broadcast agreement with The Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead has also been extended.
Both major International Show jumping events will be broadcast exclusively live in HD for the next four years until 2013.
Hickstead is world famous for showjumping, and the British Jumping Derby Meeting and Longines Royal International Horse Show remain the highlights of the British Equestrian Calendar. This year Hickstead celebrates its 50th anniversary.
· Longines Royal International Horse Show – Sky Sports will show extensive live coverage of Hickstead from 29 July until 1 August 2010. The British team will be competing against nine other nations in the Meydan FEI Nations Cup of Great Britain. Also part of the four-day coverage will be the British Eventing Grand Prix, Sky Sports Speed Classic, The Old Lodge Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Longines King George V Gold Cup.
· The British Jumping Derby Meeting – Sky Sports will broadcast The British Jumping Derby Meeting for the first time from 25 - 27 June and show a full range of international showjumping classes. On Friday viewers can see the new Hickstead Master’s Challenge, a tribute to the All England Jumping Course’s founder, Douglas Bunn. Saturday sees the Bunn Leisure Speed Derby followed by the prestigious DFS Derby on Sunday.
Lizzie Bunn, Hickstead Director and Show Secretary commented: “We are thrilled that Sky Sports is going to televise both shows. We are celebrating our 50th anniversary this year and it is great news that Sky will be transmitting so much action from the International Arena”
Sue Ashworth of Sky Sports said: “We are delighted to reinforce our relationship with Hickstead and extend our coverage to include the Derby Meeting in June, particularly in this, Hickstead’s 50th year. This will be the fourth year we’ve shown our equestrian programming in high definition and with both Hickstead events included for the first time this year; Sky Sports viewers really will be getting the best possible quality coverage.”

New Magnetic Aerobikes are set to delight Spin devotees at Olympos Haywards Heath

As part of Freedom Leisure’s drive to continually improve facilities, Olympos Haywards Heath has just taken delivery of 13 new state-of-the-art M10 Magnetic Aerobikes.
The upgraded bikes are now available for use and are bound to be a hit with Spinning fans. The centre on Pasture Hill Road, Haywards Heath is the first Freedom Leisure centre within West Sussex to purchase the new M10 Aerobikes. The new equipment will reduce maintenance time and offers increased durability, meaning more Spinning time for customers.
Spinning classes are a great fun way to get a vigorous workout that burns calories and keeps muscles in shape. The new cutting-edge design of the new bikes will offer devotees to the classes at Olympos Haywards Heath more challenging classes, with a smoother ride.
As a result of this improvement, customers at the Olympos East Grinstead site will be able to start Spinning as part of the centre’s fitness programme. The centre will be receiving the existing 13 bikes from Freedom Leisure Haywards Heath. Class details will be issued shortly. Please visit the Freedom Leisure website for further details.
Spin classes are currently taking place at Freedom Leisure Haywards Heath six days a week and are open to members and non- members. These popular sessions provide an excellent cardiovascular workout and ensure customers can get in the saddle whatever the weather!
For information, please visit www.freedom-leisure.co.uk or contact Haywards Heath Centre on 0845 803 5518.

Joe Brown at the Martlets Hall, Burgess Hill

The Cheeky Chappie Rides Again
Back by public demand, one of the best loved, enduring and most acclaimed musicians Joe Brown is back on the road with a major tour. Joe Brown will call at the Martlets Hall, Burgess Hill on Sunday 13th June and Monday 14th June. Two hours of Joe at his very best performing many of his all-time favourite songs. From authentic gospel and timeless classics, to the country-based numbers he is deservedly renowned for his rock ‘n’ roll, to some of his own biggest hits – it’s a show that embraces a wide variety of styles.
But Joe won’t be alone on the 13th and 14th June, he will be performing with his band incorporating his son and record producer Pete Brown, who will be on stage all evening.
As Joe’s tour last year was packed with sell out houses all over the country, you’re definitely advised to book early this time to guarantee seats. Telephone the Box Office at Martlets Hall on 01444 242888, Tickets are £22.00
The sensational show is a musical journey you’ll not want to miss!

Venue: Martlets Hall, Burgess Hill
Date: Sunday 13th June and Monday 14th June 2010
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £22.00
Tel: 01444 242888

More improvements for Hickstead's International Arena

World specialist appointed to improve turf!
STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute) has been appointed by Hickstead to improve the standard of the surface in the International Arena. The turfgrass experts will also manage the installation of a new, state-of-the-art surface next year.
STRI is a market leader in the turfgrass industry and in 2007 renovated the surface at the Royal Dublin Society.
Hickstead director Edward Bunn said: “We are are always looking to improve the going in the International Arena and delighted to be working with the world’s leading expert in this area. They will be monitoring the arena during the shows over the next two months. Together we will be measuring a number of performance criteria such as hardness, traction, drainage, grass cover and hoof penetration.”
Richard Hayden, Director of Operations at STRI, together with the Bunn family presented an improvement plan at a meeting with the participating Chefs d’Equipes during the La Baule show jumping event in France last week.
Richard Hayden commented: “We are confident that the improvements we make to the surface for 2010 will ensure the riders see a notable difference in their performance. Last year’s event was criticised when the footing failed to hold up following severe weather conditions.
“This August we will begin reconstructing the arena in a similar way to the renovations we managed at the Royal Dublin Society, giving Hickstead a quality surface to be proud of. We will be re-grading the subsoil and updating all drainage and irrigation systems. The new turf will be grown from seed, and with the improvements in the infrastructure will demonstrate both strength and durability.”
The appointment of STRI has won the seal of approval from John Roche, FEI Director of Jumping, who has backed plans to improve the surface and encouraged support from the riders, stating that the science based approach STRI provide is the correct way to proceed.

Sussex Business supports local food and drink producers

Despite the economic climate, major Sussex firms have come out in force to support the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2010/11, following a bumper year last year when over 9000 votes were made by the public for over 300 food and drink businesses.
Haywards Heath-based catering recruitment firm, Blue Spark Organisation, has joined the sponsors of the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2010/11 and Lewes-based Harveys Brewery has also become a category sponsor. Long-term sponsors have continued to support the scheme, including top legal firm Mayo Wynne Baxter; Musgrave Retail Partners, who own Budgens; and leading Sussex accountancy firm, Knill James; along with A Taste of Sussex.
Natural PR organises the awards which will open for voting on 10th June, with a launch event kicking off the South of England Show at Ardingly, with the new Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, Jim Paice MP, as guest speaker. Details of this year’s awards categories will be revealed then along with details on how the public can vote for their favourite local food and drink businesses.
Said Paula Seager of Natural PR: “Our sponsors are the lifeblood of the awards scheme. They are all great supporters of the local food and farming community and their commitment and involvement in how the scheme works is crucial to helping make this scheme something which genuinely helps to boost the local market for our wonderful Sussex fare.”

Photo: Sussex businesses support Sussex Food & Drink Awards (left to right, back row then front row: Paula Seager, Miles Jenner, Kevin Powell, Clive Beddall OBE, Neil Barron, Jonathon Bayne, Laura Winter, Simon Baillie-Hamilton, Dhrutee Davé, Hilary Knight).

Celebrations at Sans Frontiere Marketing in Lewes

Spanish sounds and abstract art at After Show Party!The champagne corks popped and the sunshine flooded through the giant picture windows at the drinks reception hosted by Sans Frontiere Marketing at their Lewes studios on 21st May 2010.
The event celebrated a successful art exhibition (part of the Brighton Festival Open House Art Trail), as well as a year of growth for the Marketing agency whose clients include the ferry operator LD Lines, Heart FM and Central Sussex College. Audrey Evans is CEO of Sans Frontiere and is passionate about supporting talented artists.
A repertoire of Spanish and South American pieces performed live by Brighton Classical Guitarist Paul Richards enhanced the summer vibe at the party. The exhibiting painters themselves were all in residence: Rolf Lorenz, Sally Clark-Lowes and Anya Rajah, offering the eclectic gathering of Lewes business people and art collectors the chance to discuss their paintings in person.
Stickers were stuck on party-goers’ backs to create the party game ‘Guess which artist am I?’. This received a mixed reaction with many fearing their lack of art knowledge would be exposed. Clues such as a ‘munching’ mime to help one attendee guess that she was Edvard Munch were a valuable help

Sparks Charity Coffee Morning: The Links College Worthing 28 May 2010

Marie Curie Cancer Care - Blooming Great Tea Party

Marie Curie Cancer Care would like to appeal to the residents of Sussex to show your support by getting involved in the Blooming Great Tea Party event by hosting your own Tea party. Its running from the 12th June to the 12th July and with just three weeks to go the countdown is on to get involved in this one of a kind event. It can be anything from a small gathering in the garden with friends to a large community celebration.
Blooming Great Tea Party has been successfully running for three years and is a funfilled occasion, bringing family and friends together. Ideas such as a mad hatter theme, cake competitions and raffles are among some of the things participants will be doing to raise money alongside traditional tea and cakes.
Last year you helped raise £8,000 across Sussex and due to its huge success we hope to raise an amazing £26,000 this summer. The funds raised will go towards providing vital nursing care for terminally ill people in your area.
Community Events Fundraiser for Sussex Layla Sebbah says ‘An event like Blooming Great Tea Party is an amazing opportunity for everyone to get involved and have a brilliant time. Every person who contributes will make a big difference.’
To sign up visit the website at www.mariecurie.org.uk <http://www.mariecurie.org.uk/> or call 08700 340 040 for more information

South Downs Society fights the Horncroft Common scheme

You Can’t Put a Hole Where a Hole Don’t belong!
Campaign group the South Downs Society has called on West Sussex County Council to reject a bid to take 1.5 million tonnes of sand from a new site near Fittleworth in the South Downs National Park over a 20 year period.
The Society is working with local residents and other environmental groups to fight the scheme, at a site known as Horncroft Common. Said Society Planning Officer Steve Ankers, “Only recently we celebrated the establishment of the new National Park and its inclusion of a large area of fine sandstone landscape in Hampshire and West Sussex. That just has to be a crucial factor in any future planning decisions. National planning policy says that sites within the Park can only be considered in very special circumstances, and when it’s clear that there are no suitable sites outside. The County Council hasn’t done that work yet. This would have a major environmental impact in a very sensitive part of the Park.”
The planning application, put in by landowners, the Barlavington Estate, was the subject of extensive public consultation before being submitted but has triggered many objections from local residents and three parish councils. Until April next year, when the new National Park Authority takes on responsibility for planning, decisions rest with the local planning authorities.
Steve Ankers again, “Most of the councils in the Park want to have much of the planning work delegated back to them by the Park Authority. How West Sussex handle this one will be a test of their credentials.”

Mid Season Madness at JoJo Boutique in Cuckfield

Mid season madness at jojo Boutique: Spring noa noa now 40 percent off!
jojo Boutique, 2 High Street, Cuckfield, West Sussex RH17 5EN
01444 413551
www.jojoboutique.co.uk

Bluebell Railway Open Weekend at East Grinstead

On Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th June, there will be an opportunity to visit the new Bluebell Railway Station site at East Grinstead and walk across the viaduct to the north end of the Municipal Tip, which will hopefully soon be removed.
This will give an opportunity to see the track laid and in place, from the station platform, as far as the tip in readiness for the waist trains that will now be removing the tip by rail.
Since last October many residents have requested the chance to re walk the route and Bluebell will once again open the site, with members of the extension team on hand to answer any questions and guide visitors.
This really will be the final chance to walk across the viaduct
The station will be open from 10.a.m to 4.p.m. Admission tickets are priced at £4.00 if purchased before 31st May or £5.00 from 1st June and on the day
Local residents who live alongside the line have been invited to visit the site as guests.
For further information, please call the Bluebell Railway Customer Service number 01825 72080.

Borde Hill Garden Opens The New Harry’s Adventure Playground

To commemorate its 45th year, Borde Hill Garden has built a NEW Adventure Playground to provide an inspiring and health-enhancing play area for the benefit of children in all age groups. This facility is away from a number of endangered tree species in our original playground site and is now in the more attractive parkland overlooking the lakes. This move protects the ecology of Sussex whilst ensuring our stunning, botanically-rich Garden brings pleasure to families for many years to come.
The new play area is now open to visitors of Borde Hill Garden ready for children to enjoy spring half term.
Designed by Julian Cochrayne, Chelsea Flower Show award winner, the faced and natural wood construction will include a raised walkway, balance beams and a challenging zip-line for older children, plus a safe, fun area for toddlers.
Andrewjohn Stephenson Clarke, Chairman of the Directors for Borde Hill Garden Ltd, explained: “As an award-winning botanical family attraction and a registered charity, Borde Hill strives to ensure our Grade II* listed heritage garden continues to be entertaining, educational and energising for everyone, both adults and children alike. Our key aims in commissioning the design of the new playground was to provide a safe and stimulating play area, allowing children to explore their creativity, enjoy adventurous exercise and make new friends, while learning about their environment and experiencing the beauty of the countryside. It has been named ‘Harry’s Playground’ after my son.’’

Borde Hill Garden is open 22 March -12 Sept & 23-31 Oct, daily 10am-6pm.
Entry Prices: Adult £7.50, concessions £6.50 and child £4.50. Yearly tickets are also available for families and garden lovers.
House tours can be arranged for group bookings. In addition to the Garden, Borde Hill hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Visit www.bordehill.co.uk <http://www.bordehill.co.uk/> for information on the garden, events, children’s adventure playground, fishing lakes and other family activities.

Borde Hill Garden
Balcombe Road, Haywards Heath
West Sussex, RH16 1XP
01444 450326
www.bordehill.co.uk

Next week at Grub café & music bar, East Grinstead

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

Artist: Daddy (tommy womack/will kimborough) plus support from Blind River Scare
Date: Friday 28th May
Tickets: £7.50 door/advance (www.wegottickets.com)

"The musical approach is rustic, recalling hints of Dylan, the Band, Clapton, the Allman Brothers, and Little Feat. Give this Daddy the respect it deserves."
New York Times

While DADDY primarily tours as an acoustic duo, the full band made its official industry debut at this year's SXSW Music Festival in Austin, TX with three blistering shows in one day. Comprised of Kimbrough & Womack, and heavy-hitter A-listers John Deaderick (Dixie Chicks, Michael McDonald, Patty Griffin), Paul Griffith (one of Nashville’s most sought-after session drummers) and Dave Jacques (John Prine, Emmylou Harris), the band could not afford the trip.
Armed with a lot of content, creativity and a small window of time, DADDY asked their fans for help getting the band to SXSW '09 in Austin, TX. In return for a small donation, each fan received a limited-edition, one-of-a-kind "Live At Norm's" CD package with 12 tracks from recent live recordings, including several new songs from their forthcoming studio album - FOR A SECOND TIME. The band raised over $4,000 in nine days. After returning from Texas, DADDY followed up with another fan-exclusive limited-edition CD - "Rare & Unreleased, Vol. 1" - which helped fund the final stages of the new release.
The band wanted to show appreciation to those early believers. On Mother's Day, the band launched a "Name Your Own Price" pre-order campaign. DADDY was gambling, but the average price offered by fans was a generous $15.36 (more than double that of the average price paid by Radiohead fans). In addition to the new CD, the pre-order campaign was expanded to offer exclusive DADDY mugs, magnets and steins as well as One-Of-A-Kind Hand Illustrated DADDY Ties, Two DADDYs (Will AND Tommy) to Play Ball with your kids for 90-minute session, One DADDY (Will or Tommy) to Mow Your Yard and Autographed, and an Original Artwork-embellished Toro Rake and Vac Leaf Blower, which sold to one lucky fan in Pomeroy, IA. "Everybody's looking for a new angle nowadays, something nobody's tried before, and garden implements are IT," says Womack. "What says 'Daddy' better than a leaf-blower? Okay, an outdoor grill maybe, but we're not going to ship an outdoor grill."
DADDY's new studio record - FOR A SECOND TIME - was released just in time for Father's Day '09. Consistent with the band’s 2005 fan-favorite live CD - AT THE WOMEN'S CLUB - DADDY's new album is a seamless mesh of rock, gospel, rockabilly and gritty juke-joint blues.

Artist: Mark Olson (Usa) plus Society (Crawley’s finest)
Date: Thursday 3rd June
Tickets: £8.50 door/advance (www.wegottickets.com)

A night of feelgood , county influenced, toe tapping folk rock.
The sun-soaked political reggae of Bob Marley certainly isn’t the most obvious parallel to make when discussing the music of folk troubadour Mark Olson, but while discussing the song “Kingsnake” from his upcoming solo album, Many Colored Kite, Olson makes a compelling argument:
“I really like Bob Marley’s lyrical attitude—the way he forcefully delivers his lyrics means everything to him. When I first heard him, I must have been nineteen or something; it was all very mysterious to me, and I didn’t get it then. But as time’s gone by, I realize that he’s very direct. He has a point of view and a philosophy, and though my point of view and my philosophy are different, I try to be direct like that.”
This philosophical directness has been a constant in a career that’s spanned a quarter century. As a founding member and principal singer/songwriter of The Jayhawks, Olson spent a decade at the front of the alt-country movement, until leaving the band—and the familiar environs of Minneapolis—in 1995, for the California desert.
While The Jayhawks were experimenting with pop and rock influences and earning mainstream appeal, Olson wanted to strip back down to the essentials. He formed The Creekdippers with then-wife Victoria Williams and violinist Mike Russell, paring his brand of timeless folk down to a desert roots ramble.
After a decade with The Creekdippers, Olson left the desert for the train cars of Europe, creating what would become his 2007 solo debut, The Salvation Blues, a poetic rumination on redemption that earned him comparisons to the likes of Gram Parsons and Bob Dylan.
During that journey, he reconnected with former Jayhawks partner Gary Louris and in 2009 they released their first album together in fourteen years, Ready For The Flood.
Many Colored Kite is both a culmination of everything that came before it, and an exploration of uncharted waters. Recorded over a month’s time in Portland with producer/engineer Beau Raymond (Chris Robinson, Devendra Banhart), the album finds Olson embracing a decidedly brighter path towards the future, exploring themes of freedom and struggle, isolation and belonging, spirituality and love.
He translates that idea of Bob Marley’s lyrical directness into a beautiful simplicity of expression, creating “little moral stories,” as he calls them. Album opener “Little Bird Of Freedom,” which features folk-jazz chanteuse Jolie Holland, is an acknowledgement of both personal and universal struggle, which the title track, written at a park in Oslo, Norway, takes a step further. “To me, a ‘many colored kite’ is the idea that instead of having a restrictive world, let’s have an inclusive one, where it’s good for people to have different ideas, different faiths, different languages.”
Olson also turns inward. There’s “Your Life Beside Us,” about “a spiritual longing for good in one’s life,” and the lush, string-laden “Beehive,” calling upon his love of metaphor to describe the evolution of religion into a destructive, rather than healing force. Most surprising is “Morning Dove,” a “miracle song” inspired by a flock of doves that appeared right as he finished building his home. It marks the first time in his entire career that Olson performs completely solo and acoustic. “I’ve always been in bands or groups; I’ve always liked playing off of other people,” he says. “But this song seemed so direct and personal, that I just went for it.”
A message of positivity weaves through Many Colored Kite, offering up a nearly radiant version of Olson that not only hearkens back to his Creekdippers days, but also looks forward to the future of folk. There’s the sweetly melodic “No Time To Live Without Her,” inspired by the simple love songs of the ‘60s, featuring ethereal harmonies from influential British folksinger Vashti Bunyan. “Bluebell Song,” inspired by flowers dotted along miles of Texas highway, recounts the experience of sharing those slices of Americana with his two international bandmates, Norwegian singer and multi-instrumentalist Ingunn Ringvold and Italian violinist Michele Gazich.
The experience of being on the road with people close to him is what ultimately shapes the narrative of the album. In this case, thousands of miles spent in vans, trains, and planes for The Salvation Blues led to the creation of Many Colored Kite. “It was more than a band—Ingunn was my girlfriend and Michele was this guy whose company I really enjoyed—and the way to keep that going was to write a new album together.”
So you have the Laurel Canyon vibe of “Wind And Rain,” borne from a lonely drive through rural Nebraska and the urge to pull over and stage an impromptu performance on a small-town bandstand. There’s “More Hours,” a sweet retelling of a conversation between Olson and Ringvold on a desert road. And the freak folk echoes of “Scholastica,” about meeting a nun of the same name in New Mexico.
Ultimately, Many Colored Kite is a statement album. It’s Mark Olson acknowledging the past, but making a conscious decision to lift up and continue his journey forward. “Let’s face it—I worked hard on this record. I put everything I had into this one. I tried to play my best, sing my best, and write my best. I want this to look towards the future, and I hope our story goes on.”

Henfield Theatre Company: The Roses of Eyam

Henfield Theatre Company will be proudly presenting performances of “The Roses of Eyam” by Don Taylor at 7.30 pm on the evenings of 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th July 2010 at St. Peter’s Church and Churchyard, Henfield, West Sussex.
This historical drama is based on the events that occurred in the ‘Plague Village’ of Eyam in Derbyshire, between September 1665 and December 1666. The play is ideally suited in the atmospheric setting of a Norman church, has a large cast, is performed in the round and portrays confrontation, as well as a passionate and sustained emotion.
Tickets, priced £9 (which includes programme and soft refreshments), will be available from the box office at Henfield Furnishings, High Street, Henfield, West Sussex, BN5 9DB (tel: 01273 492204) from Tuesday 15th June 2010.
A true and heartrending story that shines as a good deed in a naughty world.

Lloyd Howells from East Grinstead, stars in The Bill

TV Stardom Beckons for Lloyd from Ariel Drama Academy.
A budding thespian has been handed a starring role in The Bill. Lloyd Howells from East Grinstead, will play the seriously ill son of a leading character in the long-running ITV police drama.
The Felbridge Primary School pupil has taken on a range of roles since he hit the headlines last year with his part in the story of Enid Blyton, starring Helena Bonham Carter.
He has also acted with Oscar-nominated Pete Postlethwaite in the film Waving at Trains and he has also appeared in an episode of Holby City.
Lloyd was seen in Tuesday's episode as the boy suffering from leukaemia and the second part of the story is next Tuesday.
His father Gareth said, "He loves acting, and finds working on set easier than working on stage. He is a very happy boy and not in the least bit boastful".
Lloyd has been attending Ariel Drama Academy in East Grinstead since we opened 8 months ago.

Midsummer Cats Dream at Cats Protection near Haywards Heath

June 27th 10am – 4pm Free Entry

Stalls 
Behind the scenes tours of the centre
Games
Tombola
Raffle
Bouncy Castle
Facepainting
And much , much ,more.
Come and see all our wonderful cats ,all looking for a new  loving home.

National Cat Centre
Chelwood Gate
West Sussex RH17 7TT

www.cats.org.uk
Reception: 08707 708 649
Helpline: 03000 12 12 12 

Me, Baby and Toddler Show, East Grinstead

Events at Ditchling Museum

Exhibition 2010
‘A View from Ditchling: Looking at Sussex’
1 May – 14 November 2010
Opening times
Tuesday to Saturday & Bank Holidays
Entrance fees
Adults £3.50 Concessions £2 Students £1
Children free
This exhibition celebrates the influence of the Sussex landscape, both built and natural, on artists who have lived in Ditchling. Works on display include rarely seen childhood drawings by Eric Gill of views from his Brighton home as well as works by David Jones and Frank Brangwyn. Also included is the major work, Ditchling Beacon by Charles Knight, that captures the majestic Sussex Downs perfectly.

July
Audience: Families
Title: Little Museum Visitor x 3
Date: Monday 5 July, Monday 12 July, Monday 19 July
Time: 1.30 – 2.45pm
Age: 2 ½ - 4 years
Price: £2 per workshop (parents free)
Fun, hands-on creative sessions for the mini-visitor and parent, packed full of sticking, drawing, story-telling and object discovery. Each workshop will have a different theme and focus, so come and be inspired. Booking is essential, and workshops can be individually booked.

Audience: Families
Title: Landscape in a Box: Children’s Art Day
Date: Sunday 18 July
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Age: 3 years + parents
Price: £5 (parents free)
Celebrate Children’s Art Day and join our artist-led workshop. Be inspired by the exhibition ‘A View from Ditchling; Looking at Sussex’ and build your own mini-landscape in a box. Bring a shoebox of any shape or size. Booking is essential.

Audience: Families
Title: Ditchling Museum: drop-in day
Date: Monday 26 July
Time: 10am – 1pm
Age: All ages
Price: £1 per adult, (normal admission £3.50), children free
The perfect place to be during the summer holidays; we create the activities and we clear up the mess! This drop-in day will give you the opportunity to visit the museum at a reduced price and get involved in a range of creative activities for all ages. So come and see what you can discover. Booking is not required.

September
Audience: Adult
Event: Evening lecture
Title: The Art of the Silversmith: Dunstan Pruden and his legacy; Lecturer: Anton Pruden
Date: Wednesday 22 September
Time: Lecture starts 7.30pm
Price: £7
The silversmith Dunstan Pruden joined the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic on Ditchling Common in 1932. His work, which included the famous Pruden Chalice in the Metropolitan Cathedral, Liverpool, influenced a whole generation of craftworkers. He also taught some of the most famous modern silversmiths, such as Gerald Benney, at Brighton College of Art. To mark Ditchling Museum’s Silver Jubilee this lecture will explore the work of Dunstan Pruden, his legacy, and Anton Pruden’s continuation of his grandfather’s work within Ditchling today. Booking is essential.
Anton Pruden is the third generation of silversmiths within the Pruden family and he had his first experience of working in silver at a very early age in his grandfather’s workshop on Ditchling Common. In 1988 Anton Pruden and Rebecca Smith set up Pruden and Smith in Ditchling, moving to the old Ditchling Press building on the crossroads in 1996, and this now houses both their workshops and a gallery for contemporary silversmithing and jewellery.

Borde Hill, Haywards Heath, opens the New Harry's Adventure Playground

To commemorate its 45th year, Borde Hill Garden has built a NEW Adventure Playground to provide an inspiring and health-enhancing play area for the benefit of children in all age groups. This facility is away from a number of endangered tree species in our original playground site and is now in the more attractive parkland overlooking the lakes. This move protects the ecology of Sussex whilst ensuring our stunning, botanically-rich Garden brings pleasure to families for many years to come.

The new play area is now open to visitors of Borde Hill Garden ready for children to enjoy spring half term.

Designed by Julian Cochrayne, Chelsea Flower Show award winner, the faced and natural wood construction will include a raised walkway, balance beams and a challenging zip-line for older children, plus a safe, fun area for toddlers.

Andrewjohn Stephenson Clarke, Chairman of the Directors for Borde Hill Garden Ltd, explained: “As an award-winning botanical family attraction and a registered charity, Borde Hill strives to ensure our Grade II* listed heritage garden continues to be entertaining, educational and energising for everyone, both adults and children alike. Our key aims in commissioning the design of the new playground was to provide a safe and stimulating play area, allowing children to explore their creativity, enjoy adventurous exercise and make new friends, while learning about their environment and experiencing the beauty of the countryside. It has been named ‘Harry’s Playground’ after my son.’’

Borde Hill Garden is open 22 March -12 Sept & 23-31 Oct, daily 10am-6pm.

Entry Prices: Adult £7.50, concessions £6.50 and child £4.50. Yearly tickets are also available for families and garden lovers.

House tours can be arranged for group bookings. In addition to the Garden, Borde Hill hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Visit www.bordehill.co.uk for information on the garden, events, children’s adventure playground, fishing lakes and other family activities.

Borde Hill Garden, Balcombe Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 1XP
01444 450326 www.bordehill.co.uk

David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year

The David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year opens with a private preview in the company of actor Robert Lindsay, David Shepherd CBE and David Gower OBE, on Monday 24th May from 5.30pm.
The winner of the title and the £10,000 top prize will be announced by Robert Lindsay at 7.30pm.
You can now view the complete short-list and exhibition catalogue online at: http://www.davidshepherd.org/news-events/detail.php?id=001159

Wildlife Artist of the Year 2010 & Three Generations Exhibition
Mall Galleries, London 24 - 29 May
Plus an 'Evening of Conservation' Mall Galleries Wednesday 26 May
To book tickets for Wildlife Artist of the Year Preview evening on the 24th or the Conservation evening on the 26th call DSWF on 01483 272323

For more information go to www.davidshephed.org
DSWF is a charity (No. 1106893) and a Company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (No. 4918382)
Registered office: 50 Broadway, London, SW1H 0BL VAT Reg No. 414001815.

The Downs Without a Car? It’s a Breeze from Brighton!

Yes it’s more than possible to get out to the ‘Downs on your Doorstep’ without a car – in fact it’s not only easy but surprisingly cheap. And here’s a list of just some of the benefits of a car-free leisure trip:

• You’re free to give the kids your undivided attention
• Superior views of the scenery en route
• Reduces your carbon footprint
• Freedom from car park charges
• Freedom from traffic jams
• Freedom from road rage
• Freedom to have a drink
• Freedom to relax, sit back and enjoy the journey

‘Breeze up to the Downs’ is a partnership, between Brighton & Hove City Council, The National Trust and South Downs Joint Committee, whose mission is to improve access by bus to the popular downland destinations of Devil’s Dyke, Stanmer Park and Ditchling Beacon. Download the route guides and timetable info leaflets at www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/breezebuses or phone 01273 292480.

Devil’s Dyke
Of course Devil’s Dyke’s great for kite flying, walks, ice creams, views, history and a child-friendly pub restaurant – but what about the bus trip? All buses on this route are double deckers and are usually open top (27 June to 31August) so you’ll get grandstand views – plus the chance to point things out to the kids without having to worry about keeping your eyes on the road! A popular (but steep) walk from Devil’s Dyke is to the Royal Oak pub at Poynings or the Shepherd & Dog at Fulking. Both pubs have large gardens.
The open top 77 bus runs seven days a week (27 June to 31 August). It runs about every half hour from Brighton Pier (Grand Junction Road); Western Road opposite Churchill Square or Brighton Station (just across the road, outside the Queen’s Head pub).
If you come to Brighton on the train, show your train tickets to the bus driver to get 2 adult return bus tickets to Devil’s Dyke for the price of one – or a 33% discount if just one adult. Children go free with an adult: up to two children under 16 per adult.

Stanmer Park
Another great place that’s easy to get to on the bus is Stanmer Park. The number 25 runs every few minutes from Churchill Square, Old Steine or anywhere along Lewes Road.
At weekends there’s a special ‘Breeze’ service – the number 78 - which runs every hour. It takes you right to the top of Stanmer Park for the café, plant nurseries and rural museum. The 78 leaves on the hour from Old Steine (southwest corner, stop U) and also calls at Brighton Station (stop A). Once in Stanmer Park you can get on or off the bus anywhere you like.

Ditchling Beacon
If you’re up for some rugged terrain (and if you won’t miss the lack of loos!) then a trip to Ditchling Beacon on the ‘Breeze’ 79 bus will also go down well. The 79 runs Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays all summer. The views are stunning and it’s another great place for kite flying – or a walk along the South Downs Way.
There’s usually an ice cream van at the Beacon. The intrepid among you can walk the seven miles to Devil’s Dyke to link up with the 77 bus back to Brighton. Or walk the 3 miles to Stanmer Park to catch the number 78.
The 79 bus starts from Old Steine (southwest corner, stop U) and also calls at Brighton Station (stop A). Buses run every hour.

Bargain Bus Fares
On ‘Breeze’ buses 77, 78 and 79 to Devil’s Dyke, Stanmer Park & Ditchling Beacon, each adult can take up to 2 children free. The adult return fare is £5 – but if you’re coming to Brighton by train, show your train ticket to the bus driver and get either ‘2-for-1’- or one third off if you’re the only adult in the party.
If travelling into Brighton by bus from anywhere in Mid Sussex, ask your bus driver for an Explorer ticket. The Explorer ticket will cover you for unlimited bus travel for the day on any bus company’s routes in Sussex. Plan your journey door-do-door at www.traveline.info

Where to find out more…

As well as the weekend Breeze bus services there are many other frequent, daily bus routes that will get you out to the Downs around Brighton & Hove – and to places such as Rottingdean, Seven Sisters Country Park, Cuckmere Haven and Beachy Head. See www.buses.co.uk

The Brighton & Hove City Council public transport team on 01273 292480 are always happy to help you plan a car-free day out! Or, to plan any journey door to door by bus (and train) go to www.traveline.info or phone them on 0871 200 22 33.


Photo: Courtesy of Transport Marketing

Plumpton Vilage Action Plan

SAVE ENERGY – SAVE MONEY – AT HOME
Plumpton Village Action Plan is once again taking the initiative by arranging an event that will help people to save energy in their own homes, whilst protecting the environment and cutting down on their energy bills.
Members of the Plumpton Goes Green team will be assisted by representatives of Action in Rural Sussex and Lewes District Council and they are hoping that some residents will volunteer to measure the energy use in their own homes, using free energy devices.
There will be much on hand to explain how energy savings can be made for the benefit of both the environment and people’s pockets. Real experts will be there to discuss the pros and cons of each method, including wood-burning stoves, solar panels, photo-voltaic cells, ground heat source pumps to name but a few.
For many this will provide an opportunity to really understand a lot of the talk about energy savings that can be made, cutting down on waste, the real environmental impact and, importantly, how it can all make it easier on the pocket.
The event will be held at 7.30pm in Plumpton Village Hall on Thursday, May 27. All are welcome.

Grand Summer Fete Ingfield Manor School, opened by Dame Vera Lynn

Grand Summer Fete, Sunday 13 June at Ingfield Manor School, Five Oaks. Open at 2pm by Jem Stansfield (from BBC TVs ‘Bang Goes Theory’) and Dame Vera Lynn. Companion Dog Show at 1pm, entries from noon. Attractions include Miniature Steam Railway, Concert Band, Ladies Choir, Belly Dancers, Canine Partners display, Fire Engine, Rowing Machine competition, World War II plane flypast, Remote Controlled Miniature Tanks Roundabout, Car Display, Fair Organ, Baseball Speed Radar, Barbecue, Beer Tent, Home Made Cakes, Massive Bouncy Castle, Face Painting, Plant sale and much more. Grand Draw at 5pm. Fun in the sun for all the family.

The Sportsman, Cuckfield Road, Goddards Green: Music

Sunday 30 May, 19.00
The Sportsman, Cuckfield Road, Goddards Green,
BN6 9LQ.
Join us for a relaxing and fun evening with Joe Cool, Maltese solo artist/singer. Modern and clslasical music. Call 01444 233460.

A spot of romance at Burgess Hill Library

She is a Sunday Times best-seller and has been described as writing ‘witty and generous romance’. Now romantic novelist Katie Fforde is visiting Burgess Hill Library.
The author will be at the Library (RH15 9NN), on Thursday June 10 at 7pm, the day her new book ‘A Perfect Proposal’ is launched.
She will discuss her experiences of being a writer and read extracts from the new book.
Katie has been an author since 1995, after she had the third of her three children. The Sunday Times best-seller was for her novel ‘Going Dutch’, and her other books include ‘Love Letters’.
Brad Watson OBE, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member responsible for Libraries, said: “Katie has said she draws from her own experiences for a lot of her stories, so this talk should prove very interesting.
“Our author visits have proved to be very successful and the Library Service aims to hold a range of events at our Libraries, including live music, history talks and art exhibitions.”
The event is £3, which includes refreshments. Tickets are available from the Library. Call 01444 265549.

The Bluebell Railway, East Grinstead Station

Work in building the new Bluebell Railway Platform at East Grinstead and track laying towards the north end of the tip continues apace.
Two special events at East Grinstead have been arranged.
Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th June, the site will be open for viewing with the final opportunity to walk across the ten arch Hill Place Viaduct.
Visitors will be able to view the station platform which is nearing completion as well as viewing the track laid, from the new platform down to the north end of Imberhorne cutting, the site of the rubbish tip.
There will be an opportunity for local residents to talk to members of the Bluebell Extension Team involved in building the new line.
The station site will be open from 10am until 4pm and admission tickets are priced at £4.00 per person if purchased before the 31st May or £5.00 on the day.
On Saturday 3rd July, the Bluebell Railway will formally open the new station platform with a special ceremony to mark the occasion. More details on this at a later date.
For further information please contact Customer Services on 01825 720800.

Sussex Wildlife Trust – July Listings

1 Thursday 19:30-22:00
An Evening with Nightjars
Discover more about one of Britain's most mysterious birds, the nightjar with Sussex Wildlife Trust. Starting with an indoor session at Spring Hill Farm, near Forest Row, Ashdown Forest followed by a walk on the forest to hear the birds themselves. Please bring a torch and insect repellent. The walk will depend on the location of the nightjars but is unlikely to be more than one mile in length. Meet at Spring Hill Farm, near Forest Row. Grid Map Ref: TQ 406344. Sorry no dogs. No public transport.
Booking essential please ring 01273 497561

3 Saturday 10:00-12:30
Dragonflies and Damselflies of Old Lodge
A gentle walk with Sussex Wildlife Trust around Old Lodge Nature Reserve set in the Ashdown Forest looking at the varied heathland wildlife including dragonflies and damselflies. Meet at the Old Lodge car park on the B2026. Grid Map ref: TQ 469306. Sorry no dogs. No disabled access. Donations appreciated.

4 Sunday 10:30
Walk on the Wild Side
A free event for 10 – 18 year olds, organised by Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Youth Council.
Come and discover the landscape and wildlife of the spectacular South Downs. Join us on one of three walks taking place across the county, each about five miles long. Find out why the Downs are so special, get involved with some practical activities and enjoy a special celebration at the finish.
Choose your walk to start at Amberley (West Sussex), near Brighton (Central Sussex) or at Seven Sisters (East Sussex). Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult. Donations appreciated.
For further details and registration see www.sussexwt.org.uk and click on ‘Events’

4 Sunday 13:00-16:00
Time Travellers – Wildlife Watch Roadshow
Travel into the past and join Sussex Wildlife Trust for a historical walk around the Ashdown Forest discovering who used to live here and how important the wildlife was to them. Find out what animals remain here today and how the forest survives. Hands-on activities and guided walk at 14:00. Paths not suitable for pushchairs. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs welcome on leads. Toilets available. No disabled access. Donations appreciated.
Booking essential please ring 01273 497561

10 Saturday 10:30-16:00
Buchan-by-the-Sea
Enjoy all the fun of the seaside at Buchan Park, Crawley with Sussex Wildlife Trust. Come along to our marine special and find out about some of the creatures that live in the sea around our coast with lots of craft activities and marine games. Take part in a competition to design your own edible boat. Design it at home, bring along the materials and build it on the day to see if it will float on the lake. Buchan Countryside Centre, Buchan Country Park, Crawley. Grid Map Ref: TQ 246347. Nearest bus service to Dorsten Square, Bewbush, Crawley. Nearest station Ifield (1.5 mile walk). All children must be accompanied by an adult. Free, drop-in event (small charge for materials).
Run in conjunction with West Sussex County Council.

10 Saturday 19:30-22:00
Musical Magic at the Mill
An evening of musical magic inspired by the natural world with Sussex Wildlife Trust. Enjoy a summer’s evening stroll around Woods Mill nature reserve listening to musicians and singers along the way. The walk includes superb views towards the South Downs and finishes up by weaving a magical path through a candlelit woodland. The event is subject to suitable weather as all the performances are outside. Disabled toilets and partial wheelchair access. Sorry no dogs. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking essential please ring 01273 497561

BBC'S NEW 'WILD' APPEAL BUILDS ON SUSSEX CONSERVATION SUCCESS

The BBC is asking Britain to go wild for wildlife in a new season aimed at raising awareness and money to help save threatened species and wild places around the world.
The 2010 Wild Season follows the success of 2007’s Saving Planet Earth, which raised almost £2 million for conservation projects both internationally and in the UK, including the Sussex Wildlife Trust’s work to help save the Adonis Blue butterfly at the Trust’s Malling Down nature reserve near Lewes and two rare species of bat in West Weald.
The campaign was launched live on The One Show on Tuesday 18 May by the BBC Wildlife Fund, and will culminate in a live fundraising extravaganza – Wild Night In – on BBC Two on Sunday 20 June. Presenters Kate Humble, Chris Packham and Martin Hughes-Games will be joined by David Attenborough, Graham Norton and Edith Bowman and a host of other celebrity guests and conservationists in a two-hour action-packed programme celebrating the earth’s amazing biodiversity.
Wildlife enthusiasts of all ages are encouraged to join the appeal and a special fundraising pack, full of ideas of how to go ‘Wild for Money’ at school, work or home, is available from the BBC Wildlife Fund’s website – www.bbc.co.uk/wild.
As well as suggesting weird and wonderful ways to raise money such as an “Animal Olympics” themed school sports day or dressing up as a wild animal at work, you can also sign up for the Wild newsletter and learn more about the campaign.
Timed to mark the International Year of Biodiversity 2010, the Wild Season follows the success of the BBC Wildlife Fund’s first live appeal programme, Saving Planet Earth, broadcast in 2007.
Charities which benefited include the Sussex Wildlife Trust which was awarded a £5,000 grant for its work to help save the Adonis Blue butterfly and £66,000 to protect the Barbastelle and Bechstein’s bats.
The discovery of the importance of the horseshoe vetch plant in the life cycle of the Adonis Blue butterfly has enabled conservationists to apply management techniques which encourage the plant to grow, resulting in a greater abundance of butterflies. The Sussex Wildlife Trust is reporting sightings of this butterfly this spring.
The Barbastelle and Bechstein’s bats are two of our rarest and most elusive species. They are animals which depend on both mature woodlands to roost in and the wider landscape to forage for insects. Sussex Wildlife Trust’s innovative project ensures the whole landscape is managed to support these amazing bats and their habitats.
Wild Night In will celebrate some of the other amazing success stories following the 2007 appeal, which include securing a vital land corridor for rare African elephants in Namibia by enabling them to move between protected reserves safe from harassment by people and poachers, and a programme of rabies prevention vaccinations for Ethiopian wolves facing potential disaster.
Chris, Kate and Martin will also host a lively discussion amongst those who really care about protecting many of the threatened species across the world.
Money raised in the Wild appeal will be distributed via grants to UK registered charities involved in conservation work either around the world or on our doorsteps. Themes for 2010 are helping to save our species, conserving, restoring and creating wildlife habitats, homes for wildlife and engaging people.
Kate Humble, who also presents Springwatch, says: “Wildlife is vanishing from our planet at an alarming rate, with many beautiful creatures which contribute to the rich quality of our planet under threat. All living things rely on biodiversity to survive and we are the custodians of the wildlife on this planet - without us, they have no voice.
“I hope everyone will join together to support the Wild appeal and celebrate the wonder of our natural world through conservation, whether it’s restoring humble habitats for dormice or saving majestic species like tigers or Galapagos tortoises. Let’s all go truly wild and help bring our most vulnerable wildlife back from the brink of extinction.”
Fundraising packs are also available at many of the Springwatch Wild Days Out – exciting family days of discovery aimed at inspiring people to get close to local wildlife and do something for nature. Hundreds of events are taking place across the country in May and June as part of the popular Breathing Places campaign organised by BBC Learning. Activities range from building a bat box to hunting for creepy crawlies and from worm charming to local tree trail walks.
Kate, Chris and Martin also return with fellow presenter Simon King for a new season of Springwatch this week, beginning with three themed one-hour TV specials on Monday 17 May, Wednesday 19 May and Thursday 20 May at 8pm on BBC Two.
Chris Packham provides an up to date report on climate change and its effect on UK wildlife; nature super-sleuth Simon King takes a closer look at the UK’s urban wildlife; and cameraman Gordon Buchanan takes to the high seas around the UK in search of killer whales.
The brand new nightly series of Springwatch returns to BBC Two on Monday 31 May, live from 8-9pm each Monday to Thursday for three weeks, with its audience-led sister programme Springwatch Unsprung each Friday from 8 - 8.30pm.
Wild Night In is broadcast on BBC Two on Sunday 20 June, from 8 -10pm.

For further information about the BBC Wildlife Fund and Wild Night In: Lindsay Smith 0117 974 2322 (Mon-Wed) or Beth Regan 0117 974 2319 (Wed-Fri). lindsay.smith@bbc.co.uk/ beth.regan@bbc.co.uk
Further information about Springwatch Wild Days Out: Sarah Sherwin 01442 823141/ 07836 549486. sarah.sherwin@broadstreetcommunications.co.uk
Further information about Springwatch, Springwatch Specials and Springwatch Unsprung: Sonia Cooper, Front Desk 0208 576 9900. Sonia.cooper@bbc.co.uk

Hassocks Jazz Club

''HASSOCKS JAZZ CLUB''
Traditional New Orleans Jazz performed by Bill Phelan's Muskrat Ramblers,
Tuesday June 8th and 22nd (2nd and 4th Tuesday in the month)

Admission £5 on the door
The HASSOCKS HOTEL, Station Approach, Hassocks. 8pm - 10.30pm
Everyone is welcome to enjoy top quality jazz in a friendly atmosphere with a nice dance floor and drinks at sensible prices.
01273 842113 or 01444 241603

Hurstpierpoint, The Players Theatre, Lord of the Flies

Its at The Players Theatre, High Street Hurstpierpoint. Fri and Sat 21, 22 May. 7.30pm.
Its the first play produced by a new seniors group of Top Hats and Tutus aged 10-13 yrs of age.

Synopsis:
Our rendition of William Goldings classic Lord of the Flies.
The World is at war.
We have sent our children to safety on an aircraft, we are not sure where they are going…...

Join us as we follow the adventures and journeys both literal and personal encountered by ten very different school children left unsupervised in a new and formidable environment for weeks on end.

How will they survive?

Family Fun Day at St Dunstan's, Ovingdean

St Dunstan’s the national charity providing lifelong support and rehabilitation to blind ex-Service men and women are hosting a Family Fun Day on Saturday 26th June 2010.
The fun starts at 11am with the Seaside Saunter, an 8mile walk along Brighton’s seafront to the Hove Peace Statue, with the aim to raise money for St Dunstan’s.
Also on the day a fate will be held on the grounds of St Dunstan’s Centre in Ovingdean and everyone is welcome to join us for a day of free activities for the whole family.
To register for the Seaside Saunter, go to: www.st-dunstans.org.uk/seaside <http://www.st-dunstans.org.uk/seaside> or Telephone: 01273 391406. This is a leisurely walk open to people of all abilities.
To join the Family Fun Day just come along to St Dunstan’s, Greenways, Ovingdean, BN2 7BS, from 12 noon, through until 4pm.

We are also looking for volunteers to help us at the Family Fun Day – if you can help, please contact us at fundraising@st-dunstans.org.uk

Chandlers Building Supplies - Commotion in the ocean

Chandlers Building Supplies is searching for a local tradesman or woman who is always up for a challenge to take part in their Chandlers Champion charity campaign.
Adrenaline junkies are being invited to apply to act as a superhero and take part in a white water rafting experience to raise money for a charity of their choice in June.
The day will start with our Champion being kitted out in all the equipment and taking part in a full safety briefing, before climbing into the six person raft.  It’s then time for them to discover their sense of adventure as a guide takes them on a series of breathtaking twists, turns and drops on the white water course.
Tim Parsons, Branch Manager at Chandlers in Lewes commented:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who has always wanted to try out an extreme sport but has never actually got round to it, whilst raising money for a great cause at the same time.”
Daring tradesmen and women will experience the rapids for free but would be expected to raise a minimum of £250 for their chosen charity.
Potential Chandlers Champions can write to Chandlers at chandlersthanet@pmwcom.co.uk or Chandlers Champion, c/o PMW Communications, Stane Court, Stane Street, Billingshurst, West Sussex, RH14 9HP to nominate themselves to take part.

*All Champions must be over 18 years and fit and healthy

Exhibition: in the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin, North Stoke, Amberley, Arundel

Art and Memory: AN EXHIBITION OF TWENTY MEMORIALS FROM THE ART & MEMORY COLLECTION
30th May to 31st October 2010
in the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin, North Stoke, Amberley, Arundel, BN18 9LS

This exhibition is mounted by The Memorial Arts Charity in association with The Friends of St Mary the Virgin, North Stoke, by permission of The Churches Conservation Trust and Amberley Parochial Church Council. Since the 1980s, the Memorial Arts Charity has been promoting beautiful and suitable memorials, and the understanding of how a good memorial can honour those who have died, both now and for posterity. The works shown are by distinguished designers and letter-carvers working in stone and wood. This is a unique opportunity to see them in a churchyard setting. Descriptions of the history of memorials and their modern interpretation will be on display in the Church, and there is a fully-illustrated catalogue with an introduction by Libby Purves. This contains articles describing the philosophy and some of the practical aspects of the exhibition. The exhibition is sponsored by Horsham District Council, The Sussex Community Foundation, The Churches Conservation Trust and the Monumental Company. The installation work has been undertaken through the generosity of the monumental masons HD Tribe Limited.

The exhibition will be opened on 29th May by The Worshipful Christopher Clark QC, Chancellor of the Dioceses of Winchester and Portsmouth.

The exhibition is open daily from Sunday 30th May between 11 to 4. North Stoke is reached from Houghton Bridge, just west of Amberley Station. The lane runs south off the B2139 and is marked ‘North Stoke’. The church is right at the end of the lane about 2 miles down. There is easy parking.

Further information from Janet Aidin (Friends’ Secretary) The Old Rectory, Wiggonholt, Pulborough RH20 2EL 01798 872531 janet@aidin.co.uk.

News and Events at Hammerwood Park, nr East Grinstead

Dear Friends

It was a long winter and everyone seemed to hibernate . . . so the second half of the year promises to make up for all that, starting off with two concerts in June on Saturday 5th June at 4pm and Friday 18th at 7.45pm. There are also some concerts by D'Arcy Trinkwon and Hugh Potton on weblinks at the bottom of this email on 21st May and 3rd June and we are planning piano, double piano, lute, harp and organ concerts for July through to December.
Tickets £12 non members, £10 members and NO CHARGE for children

PLEASE put these dates in your diary and COME - please telephone 01342 850594 to reserve seats and if you can book early, knowing that we have more than 20 in the audience a week before saves a lot of stress.

Meanwhile, we have been hosting a pop-group, "The Shortwave Set" who have been using the library as a recording studio and incorporating sounds of real instruments at Hammerwood. Instead of using wholly electronic instruments they have included the foot-blown chamber organ in the library, harpsichord, piano, tuba, french horn, cornett and no doubt more! Their music is tuneful, adventurous and fun and we hope you'll enjoy the disc when it comes out.

4pm Saturday 5th June
We have a brilliant young singer, Rhys Jupiter and his accompaniest, David Earl, a noted accompaniest and composer from Cambridge.

Rhys will be singing from a selection of Classical pop - Annie’s song, Imagine, Field of gold, Alleluia; Folk/ English traditional - Sally Gardens, She's like the swallow (unccompanied), Where'ere you walk,
Beautiful Dreamer, All through the night; Musicals - The point of no return, Whistle down the wind, Do you hear the people Sing; Italian - Nella Fantasia, Caruso, Mala Femmena, Amarilli Mia Bella, La Donne e mobile

David Earl will be performing:
Beethoven - Sonata in C Opus 53 "Waldstein"
Debussy - Prelude "The girl with the flaxen hair"
Chopin - Fantasie-Impromtu
Liszt - Concert Etude "Waldesrauchen"
Rachmaninoff - 3 Preludes from Opus 23:
No 5 in G minor, No 4 in D major, No 2 in B flat major
David Earl - "Lotuses": from Piano Suite No 3 "Mandalas"

Under Tim Byrham Wigfield, Rhys became Head Chorister at St Georges Chapel Windsor and then gained a top music scholarship to Charterhouse, Godalming. Solo experience includes the Queens 80th Birthday celebration, and 9/11commemoration in New York, the Barbican and the Royal Albert Hall.
Rhys has worked with top musicians including Rachel Portman, David Charles Abel, Stuart Barr, Veronica Vessey Cambell, Tim Sutton, Martin Elliot, John Flinders and Joyce Ellis as well as Adolfo Barabino both in musicianship and Italian pronunciation. http://www.rhysjupiter.com

David Earl is an accomplished pianist and composer with a long and distinguished international career. He teaches at Cambridge University where his most recent collaboration in December 2009 was ‘Light Matter’ celebrating 800 years of science through dance, music and visual art. at the Senate House, Cambridge.
http://www.davidearl-pianist.net/

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Meanwhile D'Arcy Trinkwon is performing on the Welte organ at Saloman's House at Tunbridge Wells on 21st May
http://www.organmatters.co.uk/index.php/topic,89.0.html and Hugh Potton is performing a chamber music evening at Boxgrove on 3rd June
http://www.organmatters.co.uk/index.php/topic,90.0.html together with 5th June Beethoven's Emperor Concerto and the Rachmaninov 3rd piano concerto
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Friday 18th June 7.45pm.
MARK SHEPHERD - Director of Music at Charterhouse is performing a great organ recital which he describes:
Walton's Orb and Sceptre (arr McKie/Shepherd) - because it's fun,
Bach An die wasserflussen Babylon, double pedal one, - because it's sublimely beautiful;
Bach Christ unser Herr zum Jordan Kamm, - because it manages to be both profound and lively;
the sicilienne from the Suite of Duruflé - because every meal needs a sorbet, and the
Carillon Sortie of Mulet - because I should have learnt it 25 years ago but need to now

As you can tell, Mark is great fun.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgYkHA128ws
As a performer also he impresses me not only for his technique but because he performs relaxed, taking it all in his stride and being very human
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Uj9MORwoF0
and making it all seem so easy.

Best wishes

David Pinnegar B.Sc. A.R.C.S.
Hammerwood Park
East Grinstead Sussex RH19 3QE - UK
Tel +44 1342 850594
www.hammerwoodpark.com

Fun-tastic golf in Cuckfield

by Roger Linn

Eight years of hard work has turned Robert and Lucy Dickman’s dream of running their own golfing business into a reality.
When I arrived to interview them at their busy Cuckfield Golf Centre, I found all the staff standing in a circle having their regular Friday ‘Ra Ra’ meeting. Apart from having a great name, the meeting is an opportunity for them to tell each other what’s going on in their individual areas of the business; to share the ‘buzz’; exchange ideas and generally to maintain the dynamism that has made the Golf Centre such a happy place to work and of course, to play golf.
“We want to make golf accessible to everybody,” said Robert. “Nobody should feel intimidated by the game and I love to see a family setting off together. Golf is fun and we try to deliver that experience to everybody who comes here, whether they’re members or guests, adults or children.” In fact, that’s a promise that is evident throughout the Centre, from the café/bar ‘Room With A View’ with its truly spectacular panoramic terrace views, to the busy coaching stances. And, as you would expect from a golf club that’s proud to call itself a family golf centre, there’s something for everyone. There are Get Kids Going clinics for ages 2-7; Young Masters Golf group coaching; Ladies Masters Golf group coaching together with Men’s, Ladies’ and Senior weekly golf clinics. Throughout these teaching groups the emphasis is on FUN.
The Centre now has five teaching professionals “and we need all of them, “said Lucy. “We’ve made a huge investment in the course and now it’s in such good condition we want people to get out there and experience it. And, of course, they can take full advantage of our golf fitness centre and our indoor practice and teaching facilities.”
“I’ve heard they also come just for the café and the shop,” I interjected. “They do,” laughed Lucy, who runs her own collection of ladies’ fashion golf clothing from the Cuckfield Golf Centre. “We’ve called it ‘Swing Out Sister’ and it’s the largest in-stock ladies clothing collection in the South of England. We cover sizes ranging from 6-22 and the range includes ten different well-known brand names.”
Golfing Societies too are welcome here and, unlike many clubs, Cuckfield does not insist on a sizeable minimum number of players. Instead, a ‘society’ with as few as six members is welcome and there are a variety of ‘packages’ available for weekdays and weekends.
The Cuckfield Golf Centre has become a thriving, local business and its friendly atmosphere is a direct result of the infectious enthusiasm of its young owners.

Cuckfield Golf Centre
Staplefield Road, Cuckfield,
West Sussex RH17 5HY
Tel. 01444 459999
www.cuckfieldgolf.co.uk

Hassocks fundraiser celebrates success as important art collection is secured

A Hassocks man has ensured an important collection of political caricatures from the Regency period is on its way to Sussex.
Just a few weeks after Robert Yates headed-up the newly created Royal Pavilion and Museums Foundation, he faced a need to find £58,870 to secure the 235 prints for Brighton, creating a national collection second only to that held by the British Museum.
Despite funding of £15,000 from the Victoria and Albert Grant fund, £7,000 from The Pilgrim Trust, £14,624 promised support from The Art Fund, and £22,246 from the foundation's own reserves, there was still a shortfall of £15,000.
The 43 year-old professional fundraiser, from Parklands Road, turned to the Friends of the Royal Pavilion and Museums. An appeal to members brought in £18,920, nearly £4,000 more than required. The excess will now be used towards the cost of conserving the caricatures.
A jubilant Mr Yates said, “We’ve done it. “Thanks to the generosity of the Foundation’s supporters we have saved this important part of the golden age of political caricatures”, “These philanthropic individuals stepped in to allow us to secure the deal when the whole project looked in jeopardy. Thanks to them we have these works of immense historic value as part of our collection.”
The political cartoons of their day date from the end of the 18th century to the middle of the 19th. They are now in the safe hands of the Royal Pavilion & Museum’s fine art team for cataloguing, cleaning and restoration. It is hoped that many can be put on public display once sufficient money has been raised for the exhibition to be staged. “How timely it would be to hold this next year”, says the head of fundraising, “on the 200th anniversary of the Regency Act – but it depends on the generosity of potential sponsors to make that happen.”
With the current appeal for a good cartoon to capture the mood, and the British love of seeing politicians lampooned, this collection has lost none of its appeal. The caricatures display vividly officials and elder statesman of the day being ridiculed – almost as a symbol of recognition and importance.
Despite the success of its first appeal, the Foundation know they have a tough time ahead. “Saving the caricatures was just the tip of a very big iceberg”, adds Mr Yates. “There is still an enormous amount to do to support the world-famous Royal Pavilion and the city’s cultural heritage, but I am confident that residents of Sussex will rally round and help us in our endeavours.” One thing the charity says supporters can do is become a member. Details online at www.brighton-hove-pavilion.org.uk
Although it’s not unusual for individual prints to come up for sale, it is extremely rare that such an extensive collection becomes available. What makes these 235 prints so unique is that they portray George IV in his roles as Prince of Wales, Prince Regent as well as King.
The prints, from Lord Baker of Dorking’s extensive collection, are by artists from the golden age of political caricature (1784-1832) – and include James Gillray (1757-1815), Thomas Rowlandson (1756-1827), George Cruikshank (1792-1878), Isaac Cruikshank (1756-1811) and his son Isaac
Robert Cruikshank (1789-1856), William ‘Paul Pry’ Heath (1795-1840), William Dent (fl. 1783-1793), and Theodore Lane (fl.1800-1828).
It has been a long-held aim of the Royal Pavilion to become a centre for George IV studies. Acquiring this collection has added greatly to the aspiration. “They are incomparable, and offer an extraordinary insight into the politics, the costume, the manner, the very fabric of life in the Regency period”, according to Jenny Lund, curator of fine art. ”Not only do they bring a vivid immediacy to historical events, they are of unsurpassed research value.” “The Royal Pavilion & Museums already owns and displays work by artists such as James Gillray, Thomas Rowlandson, George Cruikshank, and William
Heath, and so adding Lord Baker’s collection of caricatures from the Regency period resonates strongly not just with our current holdings, but with our collections policy generally”, she adds.
Taken as a whole, the prints offer a wonderful insight not only into the politics of the period, but also into the costume, manner, and social life of the Regency period.

Next week at Grub café & music bar, East Grinstead

Thursday 20th May: Grinstock Comedy Club, £13
Friday 21st May: Sarah Macdougall plus support. £7.50
Saturday 22nd; Marybeth Damico plus support. £7.50
 

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

Artist: Sarah Macdougall plus support from Martin Messent
Date: Friday 21st May
Tickets: £7.50 door/advance (www.wegottickets.com)
Sarah MacDougall has made quite a splash in the last few years. This up and coming alt.country/ indie folksinger has been everywhere and anywhere with her heartfelt songs and original style and lyrics, and has won over audiences from Vancouver to the UK to Poland. Over the past two years Sarah has toured Canada, UK and Scandinavia several times, and there isn't anywhere she has played where she hasn't left a mark on her listener. On her recent tours, Sarah has often been called a favorite at festivals, and she has been getting rave reviews for her latest c.d., Across the Atlantic, (Copperspine Records 2009).
This Swedish- born, Canadian based songwriter has been compared to great singers like Eliza Gilkyson, Buffy Saint Marie, Joan Baez, Tracy Chapman, Feist, Johnny Cash, Danny Michel and Christine Fellows, just to name a few.
2009's "Across the Atlantic" is Sarah's first official release (released on Vancouver indie label Copperspine records). This raw but polished and richly textured album features ten songs with serious stick-in-your-head melodies and poignant, sometimes quirky lyrics. Shifting back and forth between driving up-tempo ditties and bittersweet ballads, it is an album that celebrates train hopping and dancing in the rain. It also tackles heavy subjects such as having to leave someone across the Atlantic, and poverty. Sarah writes simple yet multi-layered songs that sometimes make you want to tap your toes and sing along. Sometimes they will break your heart.
Sarah's stamp is everywhere on this record, as a performer, producer, and audio engineer. 'I wanted to write an album that sticks in your head and grabs a hold of your heart', says Sarah. 'And I also wanted to prove myself as a producer and audio-engineer, because I am incredibly passionate about sound!'
And she certainly has proved that she is could produce, write and record an album that is both heartfelt and elegantly produced. Herizon magazine described Across the Atlantic as having 'a heart that beats strongly- unique in this day of over-produced music for the masses. A self-produced album that is restrained and elegant in execution, Across the Atlantic highlights an emerging talent breathing new life into old musical forms'
Sarah's music has been heard on CBC (including Vinyl Cafe), BBC (including Bob Harris) as well as on Lufthansa airplanes! She has played everything from coffee shops to theatres, along with small and large festivals in Canada and the UK. She has shared stages with Todd Snider, James Keelaghan and Kimmie Rhodes, and toured Canada with Kate Reid and Joanna Chapman-Smith, and the UK with fellow Canadian band Po'Girl.
Sarah most often tours solo or with trusted friend and virtuoso lapsteel player Tim Tweedale (Headwater, Viper Central). She is currently working on her upcoming album, which should be available for the world's ears in 2010.
WWW.SARAHMACDOUGALL.COM

Artist: Marybeth Damico plus support from Nicky Swann
Date: Saturday 22nd May
Tickets: £7.50 door/advance (www.wegottickets.com) An American singer-songwriter who lives in Germany, Marybeth D'Amico (pronounced Duh-MEE-co) came to songwriting relatively late in life. But she makes up for it with the passion she puts into her music.
A journalist by trade, in 2002 Marybeth had lost her position as an editor at an Amsterdam-based magazine. With some time on her hands, the wife and mother of two, who had recently taken up the guitar, began penning her first songs on the living room couch.
But it was the discovery of singer-songwriter Patty Griffin that gave her songwriting a sudden jolt. "What struck me was how emotionally riveting yet simple to play her songs were," says Marybeth. She began hungrily studying the songwriting craft not only of Griffin, but other contemporary singer-songwriters she admired, such as Lori McKenna, Antje Duvekot, Kathleen Edwards and Deb Talan.
Though drawn to dark themes, she also loved the melodic pop music from the 60's and 70's she grew up listening to: the Beatles, the Eagles, CSNY, the Mamas and the Papas, the Beach Boys, and classic singer-songwriters such as James Taylor, Carole King and Carly Simon. Growing up, music had played a prominent part in her life -- whether she was harmonizing with her siblings to the Peter Paul and Mary albums in their parents' record collection, starring in her high school musical or playing flute in the band.
By late 2003, Marybeth had a handful of songs, which she began singing at open mics in Munich. She also co-founded an alternative-country band, Far From Home. She took her first solo steps in 2006 with the five-song EP, Waiting to Fly, followed up with gigs in Bavaria and Holland.
Marybeth’s follow-on, the self-produced debut Heaven, Hell, Sin & Redemption, has received critical acclaim. Dutch Americana/Roots publication Altcountry.nl drew comparisons with the latest works of Lucinda Williams and Kathleen Edwards. HHSR debuted at #10 in the Euro Americana Charts and was selected as a top DIY pick in Performing Songwriter magazine. The independent debut eventually came to the attention of Continental Records, under which the labels Proper (UK) and In-Akustik (Germany) are re-releasing the album in November 2009.
Marybeth has toured in Germany, Holland and the UK and made her US debut in October 2009. She has shared stages along the way with Jeffrey Foucault, Rod Picott & Amanda Shires, Rachel Harrington and Zak Borden, Michael Weston King and Markus Rill.
Heaven, Hell, Sin & Redemption was recorded and produced in Austin, Texas by Bradley Kopp, who has worked with the likes of Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely, Iain Matthews, and Eliza Gilkyson. It features top-notch musicians such as Lloyd Maines on dobro and pedal steel, Richard Bowden on violin, David Webb on keyboards and Paul Pearcy on drums.
The album gets its' dark name from the characters that inhabit the ten songs: from the single mom who can't seem to settle in one place to the minister involved in a sex scandal; the young couple that decides to break away from a fundamentalist upbringing to the true-to-life story of a guy sitting on Death Row in Ohio. But no cause for depression here: most of the melodies are infectious and will have you humming along.

Military Exhibition at Martells, East Grinstead

Thank you all very much for your success in making this year’s show our best yet. We had fantastic weather and a great turnout and support from the public. We raised just over £1,100 on the day for Help The Heroes. Next years will be bigger and better in every way and if anyone has any ideas on how this can be achieved please do get in touch. We hope see to see you next year if not sooner (next year’s date is April 23rd St Georges day).
Darren Oomen
Toy Dept Manager
Martells

Ro-becca Stars in the Lindfield Arts Festival

The Infants at Burgess Hill School for Girls are so proud of their robot!
The girls brought in old toys that they no longer needed at home and used them to create an eco-robot for the Lindfield Arts Festival.
The pupils thought it was great to see how good old things could look when used in a new way. They wanted their robot to be a girl so they added a skirt, bunches and jewellery. Ideas for names were put into a hat and the name Ro-becca, suggested by Charlotte Hogbin in Year 2, was chosen and the Infants think it suits her!
Ro-becca will be displayed in the toy shop window in Lindfield during the Arts Festival which takes place 14-16h May.

Commotion in the Ocean! Chandlers Building Supplies: Chandlers Champion charity campaign

Chandlers Building Supplies is searching for a local tradesman or woman who is always up for a challenge to take part in their Chandlers Champion charity campaign.

Adrenaline junkies are being invited to apply to act as a superhero and take part in a white water rafting experience to raise money for a charity of their choice in June.

The day will start with our Champion being kitted out in all the equipment and taking part in a full safety briefing, before climbing into the six person raft.  It’s then time for them to discover their sense of adventure as a guide takes them on a series of breathtaking twists, turns and drops on the white water course.

Tim Parsons, Branch Manager at Chandlers in Lewes commented:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who has always wanted to try out an extreme sport but has never actually got round to it, whilst raising money for a great cause at the same time.”

Daring tradesmen and women will experience the rapids for free but would be expected to raise a minimum of £250 for their chosen charity.

Potential Chandlers Champions can write to Chandlers at chandlersthanet@pmwcom.co.uk or Chandlers Champion, c/o PMW Communications, Stane Court, Stane Street, Billingshurst, West Sussex, RH14 9HP to nominate themselves to take part.

*All Champions must be over 18 years and fit and healthy

Shoreham Dogs Trust Events this summer

Sunday 13th June
Dogs Trust Shoreham's Open Day & Fun Dog Show, Adur Recreation Ground, Shoreham by Sea

Sunday 19th September
PupAid , Stanmer Park, Brighton

Sunday 3rd October
Dogs Trust Waggy Walks, Stanmer Park, Brighton

Visit our website at http://www.dogstrust.org.uk <http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/>
Dogs Trust Shoreham - A Dog Is For Life

Registered Charity Numbers: 227523 & SC037843

Campaigner to lead the South Downs Society

The South Downs Society today announced that Society stalwart and experienced campaigner, Robert Cheesman, has been elected as its Chairman. He will be leading the Society during the crucial period when the National Park Authority is set up.
Robert’s priorities are to build a strong relationship with the National Park Authority, and to recruit more members from Hampshire and more younger members from across the Downs and further afield.
Robert Cheesman said: “We need to influence the National Park’s decisions in their shadow year and make sure they are strong ones. These decisions will shape the way the National Park is run for years to come.
“Our role is a very important one, “ he continued. “The Society has over 2,000 members who love the South Downs, and we have built up considerable expertise since our formation in 1923, so we have a lot to offer. We will be working hard to give advice and support to the National Park Authority, and also to monitor what they do. Sometimes we won’t agree with their proposals, and we may need to campaign to get them changed.”
“We also need to strengthen the Society by recruiting many more people who love the Downs. The support for the National Park in Hampshire was immense, and we will be inviting many people to join our ranks from this part of the Downs.
“And from Eastbourne to Winchester, and beyond the boundaries of the South Downs, young people played a vital part in winning National Park status. To ensure the National Park is protected well into the future, it’s important that we welcome many more youngsters into the Society and harness their passion for the Downs.”
Robert is an experienced countryside campaigner. He led the South Downs Campaign’s successful bid for Lewes to be included in the National Park.
New members joining Robert on the Society’s Board of Trustees are Penny Murray and Robert Self from Hampshire, Richard Mason from West Sussex, and Vicki Elcoate who is a member of the South Downs Joint Committee.

Hurstpierpoint Prep School

Playing in the garden at the New Inn today.

West Sussex County Council: Mid Sussex special schools plan gets the green light

The Independent Schools Adjudicator has formally endorsed West Sussex County Council’s plan to amalgamate Court Meadow and Newick House special schools in Mid Sussex from September 2012.
The proposal was put forward after extensive consultation with more than 1000 parents, carers, heads, teachers, governors, residents’ community interest groups and local councils of Burgess Hill and Mid Sussex.
The Adjudicator’s decision has been welcomed by Peter Griffiths, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Schools. It means the County can now apply for planning permission to create an all-through foundation school for children aged two to 14 with special educational needs.
It would be built on a campus shared with London Meed Primary School and Oakmeeds Community College in Burgess Hill. One of two existing special schools will be retained as a facility for 14 to 19-year-olds. Pupils will continue to attend their existing schools for up to two years.
Peter said: “This is excellent news for some of our most vulnerable children, and a good result for children’s learning generally. I am pleased that the Adjudicator has listened to the views of parents, governors and the professionals who are committed to working with our children with special educational needs.”
“However we do recognise that local people have understandable concerns about the proposed site and possible traffic congestion. We will be looking very carefully at these concerns as we design the new school and grounds. We will keep local residents informed about our proposals before and during the planning process.”
He added: “It is clear that the amalgamation is the right thing to do and I am particularly grateful for the major input from the outset of the Head teachers and governing bodies.”