News from Hammerwood Park, East Grinstead

Dear Friends

D'Arcy Trinkwon has kindly sent details of his exceptional concert next Sunday. It's exceptional as it's on the only organ in England made by the Cavaille Coll firm, famous for the instrument at St Sulpice in Paris which inspired so much of the most enjoyable organ repertoire that we hear today. It's at Farnborough Abbey at 3pm and details are below. I'm not going to be able to make it, but it will certainly be worth the trip.

Adolfo Barabino is performing next at Ardingly on Monday 9th August at 7.30pm and is playing Galuppi, Beethoven, Part and Chopin. Please ring 07929 875 634 for tickets. Last week, he and his friend Michele D’Ambrosio performed Beethoven very inspiringly at Hammerwood and so many people came that we had to move furniture out of the Library to fit them in. The audience were so spellbound that no-one wanted to move for the interval and the performance carried straight on. . . I had intended to put some of the concert onto YouTube but this week my internet server has been beset by problems which have demanded immediate attention. (If you are looking to get away for a week of summer, then www.latroba.co.uk/regions might provide the temptation.)

In view of the brilliance of both Adolfo and Michele, it was sad that the audience to the concert at Emerson College in Forest Row, featuring Clementi, Prokofiev and Schumann only numbered 25. Musicians really do need audiences to justify exercising their talents rather than pursuing merely venal careers. . . In due course I will try to put some of the concert onto YouTube in the hope that a better audience might come to hear Meastro Ambrosio in the Autumn.

Meanwhile, one might beware of giving Microsoft Flight Simulator to young people . . . Combined with a love of history, one never knows what might result . . .
http://www.amazon.co.uk/History-Aviation-Alderney-Edward-Pinnegar/dp/1848689 810 will be available from next week and is interesting holiday reading. It's first pre-publication review from a reviewer without prior interest in aircraft nor the island of Alderney read:
The text of Edward Pinnegar’s remarkable book arrived for review at a most inconvenient time (I was meant to busy doing innumerable dull things – and, even more inconveniently, it was quite impossible to put it down... because it is entertaining and absorbing – written in an inimitable style: efficient & witty.

Amusingly the publisher was entirely unaware that the author was only 14 years old and now, having written the book, is plunged into a controversy about a firesale of an airline in the light of budget cuts:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/england/realmedia/spotlight/channel islands/channelislands?size=16x9&bgc=C0C0C0&nbram=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1&bbwm=1
(Click on "Launch this in standalone player" and advance the slider nearly halfway along to 5:07)

Best wishes
David Pinnegar B.Sc. A.R.C.S.
Hammerwood Park
East Grinstead
West Sussex RH19 3QE
Tel 01342 850594

Sunday, 1 August 2010 at 3pm

D'Arcy Trinkwon

Organ recital at St Michael's Abbey, Farnborough
GU14 7NQ

I'm playing French Romantic works on the beautiful Cavaille-Coll organ in the lovely setting of Farnborough Abbey, an remarkable oasis in the centre of Farnborough.
It's quite a setting, and the chapel is remarkable - see their website and the famous connections!

The use of all these superlatives is quite justified... as you would see.

BOELY: Offertoire pour le Jour de Paques
FRANCK: Fantaisie in A
FRANCK: Pastorale, Op.19
VIERNE: Impromptu, Op.54/2
VIERNE: Divertissement, Op.31/11
DUBOIS: Chant Pastorale & Fiat Lux
DUPONT: Meditation
JONGEN: Menuet-Scherzo, Op.53 No.2
LANGLAIS: Chant Heroique, Op.40
WIDOR: Cantabile & Finale from Symphonie No.8 in B

Multimap reference: http://www.multimap.com/maps/?qs=farnborough+abbey&countryCode =GB#map=51.29585,-0.75087|18|4&bd=useful_information&loc=GB:51.29635:-0.7495 2:16|GU14%207NQ|GU14%207NQ

It's not the easiest entrance to spot...

FREE ADMISSION: retiring collection

http://www.cavaille-coll.co.uk

http://www.farnboroughabbey.org/

St Leonards Mayfield Open Mornings

St Leonards-Mayfield School is an independent Catholic boarding and day school for girls, located within the quiet East Sussex village of Mayfield. For more information, contact admissions@mayfieldgirls.org.

‘Mayfield girls achieve outstanding standards in public examinations’ – ISI Inspection Report

Each girl is encouraged to set herself academic goals and is then supported to find the confidence, determination and love of learning to achieve them. The result is some of the highest public examination grades in the country and university places at a wide range of leading institutions.

‘The ceramics department is probably the finest of any independent girls’ school in the country’ – Tatler’s Schools Guide 2010

Mayfield has a reputation as the country’s leading secondary school for ceramics, and has won several national awards. Creativity – not just in the expressive arts but in the humanities, sciences and social sciences – lies at the heart of the School’s educational philosophy.

‘The quality of boarding education is outstanding’ – ISI Inspection Report

The boarding houses are intended to provide a home from home, during the school day and beyond. Our girls enjoy a stimulating environment where the pleasures of home are interwoven with a work and activity schedule designed to encourage them to educate themselves in the fullest sense of the word.

‘The school is an exemplary model of the dynamic effects which can be achieved by an education based on faith and love’ – ISI Inspection Report

Our Catholic faith is at the heart of all we do: it offers a framework of moral and spiritual values for pupils to take forward and share. In the same way that in the classroom we expect girls to engage, challenge and learn, so too we encourage them to question, reflect and respond to their faith.

Open Mornings (09.45 – 12.30):
17th Sept 2010
9th November 2010
22nd March 2011
6th May 2011

On Open Mornings, the Headmistress speaks with parents about life at Mayfield; the Head Girl and two of the younger pupils impart a glimpse into their own experiences of the School; and students lead guided tours of the buildings and grounds. Lunch provides visitors with an opportunity to meet with parents whose daughters are already at Mayfield, and speak to senior staff and subject teachers about the academic, extra-curricular, pastoral and spiritual life of the school.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service: Chinese Lantern Blaze Danger

People are being urged to beware of sparking fires when using Chinese Lanterns during the warm weather.

The call comes from West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service, which has attended blazes involving Chinese Lanterns.

It is also supporting warnings about the lanterns from farmers and coastguards.

Roger Wood, Community Fire and Road Safety Manager, said: "Chinese Lanterns, along with Wish Lanterns, are made of paper, often non-fire retardant, supported by a wire frame with a holder at the bottom for a solid fuel cell.

"We are fortunate the incidents we have attended involving Chinese Lanterns have not been serious and we have been able to deal with them effectively.

"But there is a growing concern over cases where the embers from the fuel cell can continue to glow for several minutes after the flames have gone out and then fall from the lantern as it flies.

"These lanterns have the potential to start a fire even in normal use as well as the possibility that hot, glowing fuel could land on people or animals."

The National Farmers Union has also raised concerns over the lanterns and the potentially serious risk they cause to animals that could eat the wire as well as fire damage to crops and land.

Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said "We would recommend that anyone using Chinese Lanterns follow the manufacturers instructions and proceed with care and caution at all times.

"We ask that people think carefully when planning to use them about their location."

Another area of concern, which has been highlighted by both the Fire and Rescue Service and Coastguards, follows a series of false alarms where the lanterns had been mistaken for distress flares.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is asking people to let them know in adavance if planning to let off any Chinese Lanterns in coastal areas.

For further information on Fire Safety please contact the Community Safety Team on 01243 642878 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire

More opportunities for Burgess Hill Youth Centre

Park Centre, Burgess Hill has been given funding so it can open every school holiday for a year.

The youth club, which is run by West Sussex County Council’s Youth Service, secured £5,000 from the Youth Opportunities Fund to open every holiday for three days each week from 12 noon-4pm, starting this summer break.

Young people from the youth club applied for the funding because they felt there wasn’t anywhere for them to meet with their friends and take part in activities during the holidays.

The holiday club is in addition to the normal youth club, which opens during term-times only, and runs four nights a week.

The club in Park Road, Burgess Hill, provides a place for young people to relax, play pool, make arts and crafts and play sports in a safe place.

They also have a number of specialised activities for people to take part in, including Duke of Edinburgh training and ‘Sky’s the limit’ which provides courses in anything from plumbing to rock climbing, babysitting, and dance classes.

For more information, visit www.yourspacewestsussex.co.uk/parkcentre or call Toby Wilson, Neighbourhood Youth Worker on 01444 235560.

Paddle Power! West Sussex Firefighters prepare for cross-channel kayak challenge

Two firefighters from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are preparing for a cross-channel charity challenge using nothing but paddle power to propel them from Dover to Calais.

Angela Gates, a Youth Instructor at Bognor Fire Station and Jenny Cradock, a firefighter at Horsham will be kayaking the 22 mile distance at the end of September hoping to raise £2000 for the Sussex Snowdrop Trust, the charity that cares for children with life-threatening or terminal diseases in their own home.

In preparation for the challenge, the daring duo are being put through their paces in a gruelling training regime - clocking up the miles on the gym rowing machine, building strength and balance through a weights and core stability programme and hitting the water as often as possible for vital paddling practice.

Angela, who works with young people on West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service‚s FireBreak courses said:

„As firefighters we are used to tough environments and to getting wet, but nothing quite like this! We are hoping to make the crossing in around 7 hours, depending on the weather. We will be accompanied by a safety boat because the channel is the busiest shipping lane in the world and also to assist with the landing in Calais because the French authorities are pretty strict about small craft landing on their beaches.‰

Jenny, who volunteers for the Snowdrop Trust in her spare time, explained why they chose the Chichester-based charity: „I‚ve seen first hand the fantastic work that the Snowdrop Trust do ˆ they provide not just the vital care for children in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, but also give emotional, practical and financial support to their families as well.‰

„We‚ve just begun the process of looking for a corporate sponsor ˆ we‚re hoping to attract a local business to support our challenge‰, added Angela. „We both feel really passionate about raising as much as we can for the charity.‰

If you would like to support the girls in their fundraising efforts you can do so by making a donation in person to Angela at Bognor Fire Station or Jenny at Horsham Fire Station or by visiting the online fundraising page www.justgiving.com/angela-gates or www.justgiving.com/jenny-cradock where donations go directly to the Snowdrop Trust.

For corporate sponsorship enquiries, please contact Angela on 07747 778021

Photo: Jenny Cradock (left), Angela Gates (right)

Balcombe: ‘A Musical Treat for a Late Summer’s Evening’

Saturday 18th September 19.30

‘A Musical Treat for a Late Summer’s Evening’

St Mary’s Church, Balcombe.

An evening of classical treats and well known favourites from more recent years performed by the talented Tyburn String Quartet, from the Royal Academy of Music, who have already given a number of successful recitals around the country and were recently heard on Radio 3. Also taking part will be Charlotte Marshall, whose repertoire ranges from singing principal roles in musical shows and G&S operettas, to Mozart’s Mass in C Minor. Accompanying her at the piano and giving a short organ recital will be David Moore FRCO, Assistant Director of Music at Hampstead Parish Church and teacher at London Oratory School.

Tickets £10 - please call 01444 81137

Sussex Wildlife Trust: Higher Goals for Nature

Dr Tony Whitbread, Chief Executive of Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) is urging the coalition government to raise its ambitions for nature and make a positive change for wildlife and the UK’s natural environment.

With the announcement on Monday 26 July of a public consultation on The White Paper on the Natural Environment, Dr Whitbread says, “The Government now has a major opportunity to help society achieve higher goals for nature. It must look at the legislation, policies and funding mechanisms required to restore wildlife and habitats on a landscape-scale. A bigger, better, more joined-up way of allowing nature to thrive is essential - not only for our wildlife but for people too.”

The White Paper is a real opportunity to lay the foundations of nature conservation for the 21st century. Dr Whitbread adds,

“Nature is not a luxury. With the UK facing unprecedented economic uncertainty and pressures for energy generation, food production and housing, there is a risk we overlook the very basis of our economy and our society – the natural environment upon which this all depends.”

SWT, along with all wildlife trusts across the country, has been working for many years with local people, businesses, organisation and authorities on a landscape-scale for nature conservation. The Wildlife Trusts believe its vision for ‘A Living Landscape’ needs to be the fundamental framework for the White Paper for Nature.

Marie Curie: Walk Ten

As a Local Marie Curie Nurse, I am inviting local walkers to make the most of the great British summer evenings by taking part in a fabulous evening of sunset strolling, picnicking and entertainment, taking place at Beaulieu, Hampshire on Saturday 4th September. Walk Ten Beaulieu is one of a series of unique twilight 10k walks, taking place at stunning locations around the UK this summer-many of which are usually closed to the public during the evenings. Walk Ten, Beaulieu, is supported by HomeServe, and all those who take part from Sussex will help to fund more nursing care for terminally ill patients in their local area.

The walk aims to attract around 500 people to this magical evening which will begin at 6pm with a 10k walk in the heart of the New Forest National Park. The route winds through the picturesque village of Beaulieu and follows the tranquil Beaulieu River to the unique 18th century village of Buckler’s Hard. After the walk finishes there will be time to settle down with a picnic and enjoy the entertainment, before gathering at 10pm to celebrate that Marie Curie Nurse’s all around the UK are beginning their overnight shifts in patient’s homes.

For more information about your nearest Walk Ten go to www.mariecurie.org.uk/walkten or call 08700 340 040

Yours
Sarah Richardson

Tunes of Glory is coming to Ardingly

A unique afternoon and evening’s entertainment is promised in the heart of Sussex at Ardingly Showground on Saturday 4 September.

‘Tunes of Glory’ features five of Britain’s top military bands on parade together with the sensational soprano Hayley Westenra and classical singing quartet Blake live in concert.

The event begins at 1pm when the Ardingly Showground opens to ‘Tunes of Glory’ ticket-holders. People can spend an afternoon visiting a huge variety of exhibitions and sideshows, enjoying a picnic or sampling some of the delicious fare on offer together with a tempting range of beverages. Admire the huge collection of classic cars on display alongside an array of military vehicles dating back to World War II jeeps and half-tracks.

Dad’s Army and David Shepherd
There will be all kinds of attractions including much-loved Dad’s Army who will be on parade outside their own Home Guard sandbagged encampment. Another special guest for the afternoon is celebrated wildlife and aviation artist David Shepherd CBE, who will have a wide range of prints and original works of art on display. Look out, too for the Swingtime Sweethearts performing evergreen great songs from the Forties and Fifties.

Battle of Britain Spitfire Tribute
In the late afternoon look out for the Tigers free-fall parachute team. Later guests will hear the unmistakeable sound of a Merlin engine - the signal for all eyes to turn skyward to view the flypast of a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. In this 70th anniversary year of the RAF’s ‘Finest Hour’ what better way to pay tribute to those young men who defied the Luftwaffe in the summer of 1940. Invited veterans in the audience will include Peter Ayerst DFC, a former fighter pilot who flew in action in every year of World War II.

Superb Music from the Royal Marines and the Gurkhas
From 6pm guests may take their seats inside the famous Ardingly Arena in the heart of the Showground. Soon the ‘Tunes of Glory’ Military Tattoo will commence when the world-famous Band of the Royal Marines, the 80-strong Royal British Legion Youth Band, the colourful Reading Pipe Band and the Pipe Band of the Gurkhas will entertain us with a host of favourite military music.

Those Classical blokes from Blake
For the second half of this spectacular evening all eyes will turn to the full-size concert stage specially erected at one end of the arena. Here a 40-strong Concert Orchestra will perform a stirring selection of music including the themes from 633 Squadron, The Great Escape and the Battle of Britain.

Later the Orchestra will accompany the hugely popular classical quartet, Blake, as they entertain the audience with some of their most mesmerising songs. Blake are great fans of the wonderful Dame Vera Lynn and will delight in singing especially for this great British legend, guest of honour at Tunes of Glory.

Hayley Westenra sings for Dame Vera Lynn
The night becomes even more magical when star soprano Hayley Westenra takes to the stage. New Zealander Hayley has rocketed to world fame in just a few short years. Hayley will doubtless be singing the lovely, lilting ‘Pokarekare Ana’ but as another huge fan of Dame Vera Lynn, we can doubtless look forward to this sensational songstress paying a special tribute to the one and only ‘Forces Sweetheart’.

Spectacular torchlight parade and fireworks finale
The audience can also expect a rip-roaring finale from Hayley as the Ardingly sky fills with a spectacular laser show and fireworks display and the arena sees the return of the massed military bands. In tandem with the bands and adding a uniquely Sussex theme to the event will be a torchlight parade of Bonfire Boys and Girls in their colourful costumes.

Truly, Tunes of Glory promises to be a brilliant afternoon and evening of excitement, spectacle and colour, great music and great memories.

Arena seats cost from just £33 each. Book online at www.tunesofglory.co.uk or call 01273 556959.

Bluebell Railway Anniversary Weekend

As the Bluebell Railway celebrates 50 years of running the first privately preserved steam passenger railway in England, August the 7th to be exact, there will be a weekend of activities including the visit of guest locomotive "Furness 20" the oldest working standard gauge steam engine in Britain. This engine was built in 1863 in Manchester.

There will be an intensive service all weekend starting on Friday 6th from. approx 10.a.m It will also be possible for a supplement of £5 to travel from Kingscote, in the observation car, behind Furness, to view the most southerly part of the municipal tip blocking the track into East Grinstead.

On Saturday and Sunday, there will be a Special Vintage Bus Tour of the old line from Kingscote to East Grinstead which will include travelling under ten arch Hill Place Viaduct.

At Sheffield Park, there will be model railways to visit, an opportunity to view from the pit in the engine shed, locomotive "Stowe" together with a line up of Maunsell locomotives to view. The Bessemer Arms Restaurant and Bar will be open all weekend.

At Horsted Keynes Station there will be a Railway Bazaar and Real Ale Bar open, in the paddock. The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway locomotive "Typhoon" and coach will be giving rides in the carriage and wagon department. There will also be behind the scenes tours of the carriage shed and many static locomotives to view. Blue Circle, also a visiting locomotive, will be on show.

On Saturday, 7th August there will be a special Pullman breakfast Service leaving at 9.0.a.m. This will be for first class ticket holders plus a £20 supplement. Booking for this is essential and should be done through the Sales and Information Office at Sheffield Park on 01825 720800

The whole weekend will have a grand finale with a cavalcade of steam on Sunday afternoon.

More detailed information may also be available through the web-site www.bluebell-railway.com

Hounds for Heroes: Sussex Police's Sgt Garry goes the distance for charity!

Sgt Garry Botterill felt so inspired when he learnt about the charity Hounds for Heroes that he committed himself to running 26.2 miles in the South Downs Marathon - fulfilling a personal achievement and raising over £500 at the same time!

The charity provides specially trained assistance dogs to those injured in the line of duty from both the UK Armed Forces and emergency services.

Garry, who is based on the Local Support Team in Littlehampton, heard about the charity from his wife Martina and became interested. "I was looking for a challenge and thought that running the marathon would be a good way of combining the two," he said.

Recently, Garry presented a cheque for £529.50 to Allen Parton, Founder of Hounds for Heroes, who came to Chichester police station with his assistance dog EJ.

"It was a real pleasure to meet Alan and EJ," said Garry, who is already planning his next run. "My wife did a portrait of the EJ which she donated to the charity and I was delighted to be able to give Alan the cheque. I'm so grateful to all my colleagues and friends who supported me.

"I hope that by raising the money for Hounds for Heroes I can raise the profile of such an amazing charity within the police service and encourage others to take part in a charity event for them."

For further information, visit the website at www.houndsforheroes.com

The Weald of Sussex Art Club Exhibition 2010

Exhibition and sale of 

original affordable paintings

by member artists

Martlets Hall, Burgess Hill

Wed 20 - Fri 22 October: 

10am-5pm

Sat 23 October:

10am-3.45pm

The Weald of Sussex Art Club 

is pleased to offer its support to the 

Friends of Chailey Heritage 

during the exhibition.

St Peter & St James Hospice: Sponsored Toddle & Fun Family Picnic

St Peter & St James Hospice are holding their 4th annual Fun Family Picnic on Wednesday 4th August at Beech Hurst Gardens from 11-2pm. Adding to the excitement this year will be a sponsored toddle for children aged 0-5yrs, starting at 11.35am. Just for fun, toddlers will go round a 500m track inside the beautiful gardens of Beech Hurst. Entry is free, all we ask is that you raise some sponsorship. Pre-registration is preferred, but entry on the day will be allowed from 11am if the parent/guardian of the child is there to sign the consent form and walk with them. The picnic and an entertainer will take place afterwards for all ages; bring your own picnic - the entertainer is free! Other activities will be available on a pay per play basis including face painting and rides on the steam trains plus much more. See www.stpeter-stjames.org.uk or call fundraising on 01444 471598 for further details.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service: Bonfire Safety Advice

Firefighters are urging people to follow some basic safety advice if they are building bonfires this summer.

The warning follows a sharp rise in the number of 999 calls to West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to extinguish either unattended or out of control bonfires across the county.

Over the last five days the Fire Service has been called to extinguish 10 uncontrolled bonfires either in open ground or resident's gardens.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue's Community Fire Safety Officer Jackie Boyle said:

"Because we've had a prolonged period of hot sunny weather the risk of fire spreading or getting out of control is increased. Ideally we would advise householders not to have bonfires, the safest most environmentally friendly and responsible way to dispose of your garden waste is to use, wherever possible, a green waste collection service, take it to your local recycling centre, or even compost it."

"If a bonfire is not properly controlled there is a very real danger that it could spread to fences, sheds, hedges, garden furniture, or even nearby buildings. If you are going to have a bonfire please follow some basic precautions to protect yourself, your property and the environment."

BONFIRE SAFETY ADVICE

. Let your neighbours know when you are planning to have your bonfire.
. Do not burn household rubbish or anything containing plastic, foam or paint - they create noxious fumes.
. Avoid having a bonfire in windy weather conditions.
. Build your bonfire well away from hedges, fences, sheds or buildings.
. Keep bonfires to a manageable size and evenly built so that they collapse inwards as they burn.
. Never light bonfires using flammable liquids such as petrol or BBQ lighter fluids.
. Keep children and pets well away from the area.
. Do not leave a bonfire unattended or leave it to smoulder - put it out.
. Only burn dry material.
. If a bonfire does get out of control, do not attempt to tackle it yourself - call 999.

Fire safety advice is free and easy to access from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. For more information, please contact the Community Safety Team on 01243 642878 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire

St Catherine's Hospice: Crawley 10k launches with a plea to raise cash in a tache!

It’s three months until hundreds of locals will line up at the K2 leisure centre start line for the annual Crawley 10k on Sunday October 17th, held in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice.

And this time, there’s a twist. The hospice organisers and sponsors Gatwick Honda are urging people to sign up and get sponsored for going the distance for the charity - with facial hair!

“Whether it’s a stick-on handlebar or home-grown designer stubble, the choice is yours, and we know it’s going to make this year’s race even more memorable!” says organiser Jen Wickham.

“The Crawley 10k is a really important fundraiser for us, as we’re an independent charity and we really do rely on the generosity of local people and businesses to provide our free end of life care and support for all throughout mid Sussex and East Surrey.”

“The race is open to men and women of all standards from regular club runner to beginner, and with 12 weeks to go until the race, it’s a great fitness goal to aim for.” Jen adds.

Martin White from race sponsors Gatwick Honda says, “We’re delighted to be able to support this event for the second year running. At Honda we know a thing or two about what looks good out on the road, and this October the only style is a running vest and a moustache!”

Application forms are available by calling Jen Wickham on 01293 447364 (check), or you can apply online following the links from www.stch.org.uk

And the fabulous facial furniture in our launch picture is courtesy of Smiffy’s.



Photo:
Left to right: the new Honda CRZ; Martin White of race sponsors Gatwick Honda with Michael Beasley and Jen Wickham of St Catherine’s Hospice

Sussex Police: H99 on Twitter

The whereabouts of the Sussex Police helicopter have flown over to Twitter.

From now on The Twitter feed replaces the popular function on the Sussex Police website "what's the helicopter doing over my house".

Inspector Simon Pettett from the Air Operations Unit said: "H900 provides a unique service to Sussex, undertaking over 1,500 tasks each year, from major incidents and life-threatening road traffic collisions, to missing person searches and crimes in progress. When people see the helicopter over their house, they want to know what we're doing."

The crew, consisting of a police observer, pilot and paramedic, 'tweet' what they've been doing when they arrive back at the hangar in Shoreham.

Christine Smith, multi-media producer for Sussex Police, said: "The way people interact and access information has changed dramatically and the police need to keep up with these changes. Not only can everyone follow the helicopter's movements as they did before on our website, on Twitter they can interact with the officers, view photos and give feedback, proving to be far more engaging and exciting for everyone."

Among the variety of recent tweets from the crew, they've included airlifting injured people to hospital, successfully finding a missing person, and locating a stolen boat.

To follow the Sussex Police helicopter and ambulance log on to http://twitter.com/suspol_heli.

Thoughts on social care ...

Social care's profile is starting to change for the better after years in the doldrums. The message is that few jobs are as rewarding or as diverse in a guaranteed growth sector whatever the economic situation.

Meanwhile, although the recession is bad news for most, it is guaranteed to bring new blood to the sector. As a sure-fire growth area it is one that people turn to in times of high unemployment.

With workforce numbers already around 1.5 million in England alone, and with more people above the age of 65 than under 16 for the first time, we will need far more community support workers in the future and they all have to be trained to meet government legislation. This training falls upon the employer and looking at the above statistics it shows that companies like mine has to make a big investment in the future of home care.

Sally Corbin
Care & Company Ltd
1a The Martlets
Burgess Hill
RH15 9NN
Tel. 01444 871345
Fax.01444 871376

West Sussex County Council News: Parking in Hurstpierpoint

A proposal to change parking and loading arrangements in Hurstpierpoint High Street will be discussed at the next public meeting of South Mid Sussex County Local Committee.

The proposals are contained in a report drawn up by West Sussex County Council’s Highways Team after Hurstpierpoint Parish Council highlighted the need for change.

The proposals include:

· Replacing the current limit of one hour to 30 minutes.
· An additional 6m (6.5 yards) of limited waiting on the south side opposite the Theatre, replacing No Waiting at Any Time.
· Providing a loading bay approximately 24m (25.5 yards) long on the south side of High Street for Goods Vehicles Only, loading limited to one hour, no return within hour.
· Extending the No Waiting at Any Time parking restriction southwards on the B2117 Brighton Road by approximately 25m (26.5 yards).

Colin Wilsdon, Committee Chairman, said: “The aim of the proposals is to make the High Street safer for all road users and at the same time encourage shopper turnover.”

The meeting is being held at Age UK, St Alban’s Hall, Fairfield Road, Burgess Hill, on Tuesday 27 July, between 7pm-9pm.

News from Hammerwood Park, East Grinstead

Dear Friends

With Michele D`Ambrosio Adolfo is performing on Saturday at Hammerwood at 4pm and Michele is performing at Emerson College, Forest Row, on Sunday, details to be announced at Hammerwood on Saturday.

I don't normally give full details of performers, but for your information, it's below, together with the full programme of both concerts. Adolfo is exceptional in regarding the keyboard in front of his not as a mere keyboard, but beyond that, a whole orchestra and this comes through in his playing. To hear four Beethoven sonatas in one concert, and played with orchestral nuances, will be a fantastic priviledge and opportunity, especially on an instrument tuned appropriately for this repertoire. Tickets £10/£12 as usual with children free, please phone 01342 850594 if you would like to come.

We owe great thanks to Michael Gamble who has regulated the action of the Bechstein and will carry out further work over the winter. Already it almost feels like a different instrument. He has also restrung the Emerich Betsy Forte-Piano and we are tuning this to a stronger temperament suitable for Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. More work is needed on the action of this instrument and if anyone would like to contribute towards this in sponsorship, both these pianos provide considerable insight into the 19th century repertoire. The Bechstein was one of the first Bechsteins to come to England and carried over characteristics of pianos earlier in the century whilst the Betsy was one of the last Viennese Forte-Pianos but which looked forward to the modern instrument. Performances on these two special instruments, together with their special tuning, provide an experience unattainable in the concert hall world of hired-in, modern, standard pianos.

Guided tour on Saturday 2pm - Tea, 3.15pm - Concert 4pm

The Emerson concert looks interesting also with Clementi, a contemporary of Mozart and Schumann, and I will be tuning the piano there over the weekend to a suitable unequal temperament.

Looking forward to seeing you - AND PLEASE TRY TO BRING CHILDREN . . .

Best wishes
David Pinnegar BSc ARCS
Hammerwood Park
East Grinstead
West Sussex RH19 3QE
Tel +44 1342 850594

L. v. Beethoven 4 Sonatas op.27 no.2 "Moonlight" Adagio sostenuto
Allegretto
Presto agitato

op.31 no.2 "The tempest" Largo - Allegro
Adagio
Allegretto
Adolfo Barabino piano

op.53 "Waldstein" Allegro con brio
Introduzione Molto adagio
Rondo Allegretto moderato
Prestissimo

op.57 "Appassionata" Allegro assai
Andante con moto
Allegro ma non troppo

Michele D`Ambrosio piano

Born in Genoa, Adolfo Barabino studied under Emilio Bonino. At a very young age he started an intensive concert career performing in several European countries and later throughout the world.

He concluded his studies with Kazimierz Morski and Andrej Jasinski, winning the "European Selection Winners & Masters" in Munich and as a result was invited to perform at the Gasteig and at the Chamber Music Festival in Prague.

Adolfo lives in England where he recently made his debut with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and regularly plays in the major concert halls.

He is currently recording the complete works of Chopin with Claudio Records and after a recent recital at St. John's, Smith Square in London he was invited to record the sonatas of Domenico Scarlatti.

He has made numerous live recordings, including playing Maurice Ravel's Erard for "Canal 2" in France, for "Radio Classica" in

Madrid and in South Americawhere his performances of Chopin's two piano concertos with the Symphonic Orchestras of Venezuela, Lima and Cuba were broadcast by several national television networks.

In Europe he has given recitals in numerous capital cities and concerts in collaboration with the Budapest Festival Orchestra, the National RTV Romanian Orchestra and the Orchestra Filarmonica Marchigiana.

Adolfo Barabino has held masterclasses throughout the world and has given many lectures on the approach to the keyboard and on "Sound as a tool of communication".

Critics describe him as having "...a velvet touch and great virtuosity" and "...a great talent with very deep musicality...", and have stated that "...rarely can you hear such a beautiful sound, full of nuances...".

Michele D’Ambrosio was born in Rome and studied piano with Viviana Buzzai at the S.Cecilia Conservatory where he graduated with honours. He subsequently studied with Hans Leygraf, Aldo Ciccolini, He has performed in many places in Italy and elsewhere both as a soloist and with a variety of chamber groups. He has collaborated with, amongst others, Konstantin Bogino and Luciano Giuliani. n 2001, the centennial of Joaquìn Rodrigo’s birth, he recorded a CD containing an anthology of piano pieces by the famous Spanish composer for the “Tempi Moderni” label. In 2005 another CD followed, this time featuring the work of the young Italian musician Davide Farace. He has also recorded for Radiouno, Radiotre and Radio Vaticana.

M. CLEMENTI (1752 1832) Piano Sonata in F sharp minor op. 26 n. 2
- Allegro con espressione
- Lento e patetico
- Presto

S. PROKOFIEFF (1891 1953) Piano Sonata n. 7 op. 83
- Allegro inquieto/Andantino
- Andante caloroso
- Precipitato

R. SCHUMANN (1810 1856) Carnaval, op. 9
- Préambule
- Pierrot
- Arlequin
- Valse noble
- Eusebius
- Florestan
- Coquette
- Replique
- Papillons
- A.S.C.H. S.C.H.A.
- Chiarina
- Chopin
- Estrella
- Reconnaissance
- Pantalon et Colombine
- Valse allemande
- Paganini (Intermezzo)
- Aveu
- Promenade
- Pause
- Marche des “Davidsbundler” contre les Philistins

West Sussex County Council News: Safer Routes to School scheme near Hassocks starts next week

A new pedestrian route will make it safer for families to walk to and from Albourne CE Primary School near Hassocks.

Work on the £71,000 Safer Routes to School scheme from West Sussex County Council will start on Monday July 26.

It will involve creating lowered kerbs, a pedestrian island and tactile paving to help visually impaired people, on the B2118 London Road near to its junction with the A281 Henfield Road. The kerb will also be widened to reduce the speed of vehicles at the junction.

A new footpath across the nearby playing field which links the B2118 London Road and The Street, will also be built.

Additional improvements will be made to the pedestrian crossing in The Street, between Barn Close and the village hall, and to road signs and markings in the area.

The scheme is scheduled to take up to five weeks to complete, weather permitting. It will be carried Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm.

Temporary three-way traffic lights will be in operation in B2118 London Road, and on-street parking may be restricted while work takes place.

Sussex Police: Crime continues to fall in Sussex

Crime has continued to fall in Sussex, down 6% in 2009/10, putting the county in the top 12 of the lowest crime rates in England and Wales.

Home Office figures released on Thursday (July 15), show improvements across most categories of crime, in particular those involving vehicles, an area identified in Sussex as performing poorly in a HMIC (Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary) report earlier this year, but down now by 12%. More than three-quarters of vehicle crime victims are now satisfied with the Force's response to their experience.

Crimes of violence against the person have dropped 1.8%, domestic burglaries by 8.2% and robberies by 9.5%. Work on burglaries has continued to be a priority in the county and the number of domestic burglaries has been reduced by more than 65% since 1998/99, from 10,946 to 3,794.

Detections are also included in the Home Office bulletin, showing Sussex to have a 29% detection rate against the national average of 26%. Sussex people are generally happy with policing in the county with 59% saying that the Force does an excellent or good job - this against a national figure of 56%.

Chief Constable Martin Richards said: "We are very pleased with these latest figures, which show that Sussex not only continues to be a relatively safe place crime-wise, but is actually moving 'up the table' nationally. We recognise that this is not just down to the efforts of Sussex Police. We have been working closely with our partners and together we are determined to drive down crime yet further as part of our commitment to serving Sussex.

"Whilst overall crime is down, however, in some areas there is still more for us to do and we recognise that this must be achieved against a background of significant budgetary and possibly, staffing cuts. In these times everyone can do their bit to help the police and our partner agencies to reduce crime even further and we will focus our efforts on what matters most to our communities."

Sussex Police Authority chairman Laurie Bush said: "I am delighted with the latest set of results showing a continuing downward trend in crime rates in Sussex and the progress made by Sussex Police in comparison to other forces.

"Together with the force and other partners, we aim to continue this positive direction of travel, but equally recognise the challenges presented to us by the current financial position. We remain committed to ensuring that Sussex remains a safe place to live and to ensuring that policing in Sussex meets the needs of our communities."

Hassocks, Keymer and Ditchling Transition Group: The Big Lunch

The warm weather saw dozens of families take to the streets of Hassocks and Keymer to enjoy a Big Lunch together on July 18. The Big Lunch is a one-day get together with neighbours involving anything from a simple lunch to a full-blown street party with DJs and a home cooked feast.

At Lodge Lane in Keymer, residents held their second annual big lunch with more than 40 getting together to hold a street party with barbecue, games and corn dolly making. North Bank in Hassocks also hosted a lunch. And a similar event was organised by residents at The Crescent in Keymer .

All events were supported by Hassocks, Keymer and Ditchling Transition Group, which aims to help build stronger local communities to cope with peak oil and climate change.

Gordon Knott, who helped host the Lodge Lane lunch, said: “It was wonderful to sit down, talk to neighbours and get to know people better. It’s also a great way to share stories about the area, its past, history and characters. We held our first lunch last year and it’s quickly becoming a regular date in the diary. The only thing is that at the rate we are growing we are going to need a bigger barbecue!”

Hassocks, Keymer and Ditchling Transitition Group (www.hkdtransition.org.uk) is holding its first Annual General Meeting at The Green Room, Adastra Hall, Hassocks, at 7.45pm on 22 September. All welcome. For more details and to sign up to the newsletter and mailing list email

info@hkdtransition.org.uk

Carnival Day at Burgess Hill School

Year 10 and Lower Sixth students held a Carnival Day on Monday 12th July to raise money for charity. Lizzie Lynch, Lower Sixth, reported on the event.

Despite slightly rainy and cloudy conditions both Year 10 and Lower Sixth persevered on the penultimate day of term to produce a fantastic charity event in which the proceeds went to help the school’s main charities.

Put together in only four weeks, the girls had the challenge to create an event on a budget that would be able to cater for Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils.

The School Officer team aided the Year 10s in their ideas and planning process and divided the year group into four continents: Africa, Antarctica, Europe and America. By doing so the students then had a theme under which they could base their stalls.

This allowed all sorts of imaginative stands ranging from an ‘America’s next top model’ themed makeover to an African football penalty shoot out. There were white chocolate fountains for Antartica and ‘Guess the amount of pasta in a jar’ for Europe.

We were also lucky enough to hire both popcorn and candy floss machines from a Brighton based firm, Ace Tech Leisure, which proved to be incredibly popular with the students throughout the afternoon.

The amount of effort and enthusiasm shown by all the students involved in the event this close to the end of term must be highly commended; again producing a memorable occasion that really helped to round off the term in an exciting and vibrant way.

Written by Lizzie Lynch, Lower Sixth

Sussex Police: 15-year-old pedestrian killed on M23 in Crawley

Police are appealing for witnesses after a pedestrian was killed following a collision with a car on the M23, Crawley, northbound between junction 10 and 10A at around 1.50am this morning (Sunday 18 July).

Chief Superintendent Paul Morrison said: "This is an extremely tragic event and our sympathy is with the family and friends of the young man. Family liaison officers are with them to offer support as they try to come to terms with their loss and will be working with the school to offer further support.

"The victim had been with relatives at a family function earlier in the evening and police are investigating to establish how he came to be walking on the motorway."

The 15-year-old boy from Burgess Hill sadly died after being hit by a black Nissan Note as he walked along the first and second lanes of the carriageway, a mile from the nearest sliproad.

After the boy was initially hit by the Nissan, several other vehicles traveling on the motorway struck the body, including a heavy goods vehicle and an ambulance. The exact number of vehicles the body came into collision with is currently unknown.

One of the vehicles to hit the body was an unmarked police car, which was not responding to an incident. As a matter of standard procedure the IPCC has been informed.

The identity of the victim is not available at this time while all family members are informed. A post-mortem is not expected for the next few days.

No arrests have been made following the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Harlington.

Is this a Sleep walk or am I dreaming? Ladies stride out for St Peter & St James!

The third Sleep Walk took place on Saturday 17th July, with 500 women walking to help St Peter & St James Hospice in Chailey raise much needed funds.
Once again there was fun and much laughter as the Hospice’s “Girls’ Night out with a difference” hit the streets of Haywards Heath and Lindfield.
Starting and finishing at The Olympos Leisure Centre in Haywards Heath, the ladies set off for the 10k walk wearing many colourful and varied versions of what they go to sleep in! From fairies, complete with wings, to faces made up as cats and ears to go with them, the stars of the sleep walk enjoyed themselves as they walked the route being cheered on by the many marshalls guiding them on their way.
Gill Cronin, Head of Fundraising for the Hospice said “Once again we have had a very successful Sleep Walk, with over £45,000 being pledged on the night – an amazing amount! Thank you to everyone who took part and to the veritable army of volunteers – our marshalls, our sponsors, especially Icon Live, Nova Direct Mail, and Profiles Health and Beauty in Hassocks, Burgess Hill Haywards Heath & District Round Table for cooking hundreds of bacon rolls and serving multiple cups of tea and coffee – all with a smile!, the staff at the leisure centre for all their help and my amazing Fundraising Team who constantly amaze me with their ability to cope with whatever I throw at them! The feeling of warmth and enjoyment from all of the walkers as they were cheered back into the leisure centre is something that will stay with me for a long time!”
Photographs from the night were taken by Eddie Howland and are available to buy with a percentage from every picture bought going to St Peter & St James. Go www.stpeter-stjames.org.uk for more details.
So that you can plan for next year the date will be Saturday 16th July – at midnight! See you all then!

West Sussex County Council News

Cuckfield Local, an environmental group, has been granted £1,500 to produce fair trade, non-plastic bags to be sold in the village.
The money was given by Central Mid Sussex County Local Committee (CLC).
Slaugham Parish Council has also been awarded £1,000 towards the cost of a survey assessing housing needs in the parish.
Pete Bradbury, CLC Chairman, said: “The grants are given on the proviso they benefit the community.
“Local organisations should see if they fit the bill and apply for the funding.”

West Sussex County Council News

A £250,000 drainage and carriageway improvement scheme in Selsfield Road, West Hoathly, near East Grinstead, will start on Monday July 26.

The West Sussex County Council scheme will involve installing new pipes, and extra road gullies to absorb excess surface water to prevent property and carriageway flooding.

There will also be tree works, road surface repairs and road markings will be renewed.

Part of Selsfield Road, between Vowels Lane and Broadfield, will be closed for the duration of the scheme.

A signed diversion route in both directions will be via Selsfield Road, B2110 East Street, Turners Hill Road, Brooklands Way, Beeching Way, A22 Lewes Road, Hindleap Lane, Plaw Hatch Lane, Top Road, The Hollow and Chapel Row.

Lionel Barnard, the County Council’s Deputy Leader with responsibility for Highways and Transport, said: “We apologise for the inconvenience of this work, but it is essential to ensure flooding risk is reduced as much as possible.

“We have tried our best to minimise disruption in the area by carrying out the works during the school summer holidays, so there will be less traffic.”

The work is scheduled to take up to five weeks to complete, weather permitting. It will carried out Monday to Friday from 7am to 7pm, and on Saturdays from 7am to 1pm.

British Heart Foundation Sponsored Ride

The annual British Heart Foundation Sponsored Ride is moving to a new venue at Eastlands Estate near Horsham by kind permission of Mr Bernard Slade, on Sunday 5th September 2010. The ride is over ten miles of spectacular Sussex countryside. Magnificent views of the Downs and glimpses into the beautiful gardens and lakes of Leonardslee.

All levels of riders are encouraged to come to try the ride. The course is designed to give a fun day for horse and rider. There are interesting jumps including water ones, all of which are optional. There are many prizes and rosettes to be awarded, an official photographer, catering and as always an opportunity for some new tack. Riders are encouraged to raise as much sponsorship as possible for the British Heart Foundation. Heart disease is the UK’s biggest killer and the most common cause of premature death in the UK.

Come and enjoy a great start for you and your horse this autumn, for further details please send a stamped addressed envelope to Jane Green Kaines Orchard, Slugwash Lane, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH17 7TD

Ariel Drama Academy

Following on with there success in Drama, dance and singing in their Burgess Hill and East Grinstead location, they have decided to open up the doors for the Youth of Crawley.

Boosting a creative, inspired group of tutors, who realise the importance of a progressive environment where everyone can realize their true potential.

‘So why Ariel, well unlike some groups that provide a short term outlet for children's energy. We encourage every student to stretch their individual talents to the absolute limit, which keeps them constantly motivated, and develop life skills that they are keen to progress. Says Principle Neil Hopson

Nigel Harman, the Theatre companies Patron will be opening the School on the 18th September.

Pictured above are the Tutors who will be heading the School, which will be located out of St Wilfrid’s School, Crawley, and Nigel Harman our Patron is also pictured above.

Applications are flooding in, as the other Ariel location have a long waiting list, to download an application and to secure your place at the Academy please go to www.arielct.co.uk or call 01444 250407.

Sussex Wildlife Trust - September/October 2010 Events

Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 September
10:00 (Sat)-14:30 (Sun)
A Weekend with a View
Truleigh Hill Youth Hostel, West Sussex
Sussex Wildlife Trust and the Youth Hostel Association have teamed up to offer family adventure weekends away exploring the South Downs and the breathtaking countryside of Sussex.
Stay up at Truleigh Hill on the South Downs Way near Shoreham-by-Sea. Begin your adventure with a walk down the scarp slope of the Downs into the woodland at Tottington Woods (suitable for children aged 8 and above) Find out about the fascinating human and natural history of the area and discover the wonderful flora and fauna of the South Downs. Following an overnight stay at the Youth Hostel, enjoy a day of family activities at Woods Mill nature reserve, Henfield. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Sorry no dogs. No disabled access at youth Hostel. Includes accommodation and breakfast, lunch and evening meal.
Adults £47 Children (under 17) £39
Booking essential please ring 01273 497561

Sunday 17 October
10:00-12:30
Wildlife Tracking
Come and discover the art of looking for signs of wildlife within suburban Sussex. Search for the tracks, and other clues that animals leave behind in ancient woodland and meadows. Also spot other wildlife and birds on the way. Meet at Blunts Wood Crescent car park, Haywards Heath. Sorry no dogs, only guide dogs are welcome with prior arrangement. Some steep slopes on unsurfaced terrain. Nearest public transport is at Haywards Heath Railway Station. No toilets. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Donations appreciated.
Booking essential please ring Philip Haskell on 01444 414381(evenings) or Barbara Woods on 01444 412483 (evenings).
In partnership with the Friends of Blunts Wood

Saturday 23 October
11:00-13:00
Autumn Nuts at Woods Mill with Sussex Wildlife Trust
Explore the woods looking for the signs of autumn and think about how the woodland animals will survive the harsh winter ahead. Collect and plant a tree seed to take away with you, make a woodland crown and a clay tile picture using the nuts and seeds gathered on our woodland walk. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Woods Mill, Henfield. Sorry no dogs. Toilets. Wheelchair accessible and disabled toilets.
Members
Adults £5/child £6/family £13
Non-members
Adults £6/child £7/family £18
Booking essential please ring 01273 497561

Tuesday 26 October
14:00-16:00
Fun for All - Spotlight on Autumn with Sussex Wildlife Trust
Run especially for disabled children or young people and their siblings to enjoy Fun for All events are suitable for wheelchair users as all activities use fully accessible pathways. Explore the woods looking for the signs of autumn and think about how the woodland animals will survive the harsh winter ahead. Collect and plant a tree seed to take away with you, make a woodland crown and a clay tile picture using natural objects gathered on our woodland walk. Suitable for children age 6-11 years. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Woods Mill, Henfield. Sorry no dogs. Toilets. Wheelchair accessible and disabled toilets.
Members
Adults £5/child £6/family £13
Non-members
Adults £6/child £7/family £18
Booking essential please ring 01273 497561

West Sussex County Council News

Central Mid Sussex County Local Committee (CLC) has given the go-ahead for a public consultation to review on-street parking in Haywards Heath.

An informal consultation was held last May about proposed changes to the current waiting restrictions.

After examining the feedback from this consultation, the CLC decided to endorse a formal consultation of the proposals.

Pete Bradbury, CLC Chairman, said: “The formal consultation will give everyone concerned the chance to have their say on how these waiting restrictions are affecting them, and whether the proposals will improve the situation in the area.”

If there are no objections by the end of the consultation in the autumn, the proposals will be brought into operation.

For more information about future County Local Committee meetings across West Sussex, visit www.talkwithus.westsussex.gov.uk

Barnsgate Manor's second Wedding Fayre

... from fashion shows to helicopters

Barnsgate Manor at Herons Ghyll, on the A26 between Crowborough and Uckfield, is holding its second Wedding Fayre on Sunday, 5th September from 11am to 4pm. Entry is free and visitors will be offered a glass of Bucks Fizz and canapés on arrival. Over 200 people attended their first ever Wedding Fayre last year, since Barnsgate started hosting wedding receptions in 1989.

Over 20 of their suppliers will be exhibiting their products and services, from wedding flowers and cakes to vintage cars and helicopters. Two wedding dress fashion shows will be held during the day by Nicole, of Exclusively Elegant.

“It’s a good opportunity to come and see all of Barnsgate’s facilities, including the Manor House, the Ashdown restaurant and discotheque, and our two attractive venues for civil ceremonies, as well as enjoy the grounds and spectacular panoramic view over the South Downs. Our many animals are also a big favourite with visitors,” said Keith Johnson, the owner of Barnsgate.

Barnsgate Manor
Herons Ghyll, Nr Uckfield
East Sussex
TN22 4DB
Tel: 01825 713366
www.barnsgate.co.uk
Email: info@barnsgate.co.uk

Royal Horticultural Society: Slug and Snail Alert

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is sending out a slug and snail alert. Because of the recent and prolonged dry period both slugs and snails will have been dormant. However, with the forecast of heavy rain, the charity expects them to start moving about again and to be quite hungry. Hosta plants will be particularly vulnerable.

The RHS suggests a number of ways to protect plants. For those who prefer more natural ways of control, the charity suggests that it will be necessary to water in a new batch of nematodes (Nemaslug) as any distributed previously will have died in the dry soil. The nematodes used against slugs are microscopic worm-like creatures that enter the bodies of slugs and infect them with a fatal bacterial disease. Barriers, such as copper tapes round pots or mineral granules and egg shells sprinkled around plants are also useful to discourage slugs and snails getting to the plants.

Alternatively, proprietary slug pellets containing ferric phosphate or metaldehyde can be used if the infestation is particularly bad.

For further information the RHS has a web page with more handy tips. It can be found by searching for ‘Slugs’ on the RHS site www.rhs.org.uk. RHS members can also contact the RHS Advisory Service at http://www.rhs.org.uk/Gardening/Help-advice/RHS-Advisory-Service

Balcombe Village Market - 28 August

This month's Balcombe Village Craft, Gift & Local Produce market on August 28th will be for the actual Victory Hall Charity Reg No 227978.

Famous for its World War 1 Murals, and well worth a visit! (you might have seen the Ian Hislop documentary)

Plus lovely stalls to browse, inc Free Spirit clothes & accessories, Baroque beads, Philip Bird photography, plus cakes, Aileens chutneys & jam, sausages, cakes veg, apple juice, plants. Table & refreshments by the Victory Hall Management Team.

Free Entry
10 - 2pm

McIndoe Surgical Centre: Yummy tums for yummy mums!

3,268 is the number of tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) performed in 2009 according to the BAAPS website (The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons). That’s approx 9 operations every day across the UK! While breast augmentation is still the UK’s favourite procedure for women, plenty still have their lives enhanced by abdominoplasty and gain enormous self-confidence through the procedure. Reasons for the operation differ but childbirth and weight loss are the top motivators for patients nationwide.

Mark Pickford, a consultant plastic surgeon at the award wining McIndoe Surgical Centre said “sometimes called “tummy tuck”, abdominoplasty is designed to address problems with lower abdominal laxity and spare skin. Those patients who are suitable candidates for this kind of surgery will have often been through pregnancies with or without caesarean section, and occasionally patients will have had other abdominal procedures such as hysterectomy, the scarring from which has contributed to the variable appearance. In the last few years, abdominoplasty has become a relatively common intervention for patients who have experienced significant weight loss, either as a result of lifestyle changes, or bariatric/ weight control surgery.”

Abdominoplasty surgery involves removal of all the skin and subcutaneous tissue from the knicker line to the tummy button. Patients are left with a long, low scar, but a greatly enhanced appearance of the abdomen and the surgery also provides a valuable opportunity to repair the muscle layers of the tummy wall, and restore an improved profile to the entire tummy, and also enhance the waistline definition.

Most patients having a tummy tuck will be in hospital for two nights, and will be up and about before they leave hospital, and expected to manage with light activities at home. Serious complications are remarkably infrequent, and the vast majority of patients benefit enormously from the procedure, and are delighted with the results.

If you are interested in talking to Mark Pickford about abdominoplasty or any other surgical procedure please call our helpline on 0800 917 4922 or visit www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk for more information. Alternatively you could attend one of our free open evenings. Details are on the Events page on our website.

Barnsgate Manor's second Wedding Fayre

... from fashion shows to helicopters

Barnsgate Manor at Herons Ghyll, on the A26 between Crowborough and Uckfield, is holding its second Wedding Fayre on Sunday, 5th September from 11am to 4pm. Entry is free and visitors will be offered a glass of Bucks Fizz and canapés on arrival. Over 200 people attended their first ever Wedding Fayre last year, since Barnsgate started hosting wedding receptions in 1989.

Over 20 of their suppliers will be exhibiting their products and services, from wedding flowers and cakes to vintage cars and helicopters. Two wedding dress fashion shows will be held during the day by Nicole, of Exclusively Elegant.

“It’s a good opportunity to come and see all of Barnsgate’s facilities, including the Manor House, the Ashdown restaurant and discotheque, and our two attractive venues for civil ceremonies, as well as enjoy the grounds and spectacular panoramic view over the South Downs. Our many animals are also a big favourite with visitors,” said Keith Johnson, the owner of Barnsgate.

Further information is available at www.barnsgate.co.uk.

Barnsgate Manor
Herons Ghyll, Nr Uckfield
East Sussex
TN22 4DB
Tel: 01825 713366
Email: info@barnsgate.co.uk

Mid Sussex Camera Club - now recruiting new members for the 2010/2011 season

During the summer 2010 the club will actively be seeking new members, so whatever your experience is within photography we want to hear from you, the club meets again in September or we would be very glad to meet you at one of our summer events. For more information on becoming a new member please contact Mr. Bryan Roberts on 01444 870416.

We meet on:
Mondays September to April 
19:30 for 20:00
The Mid Sussex (South) C.V.S. (Community Room, Upstairs),
38 Church Road, Burgess Hill, RH15 9AE.

All interested in photography (must be 18 or over) are welcome to attend. More details can be found on the club website www.midsussexcc.co.uk or by contacting the Club General Secretary on 01444 870416.

Programme 2010/11 Season

27th Sept 2010
The Three “E”s Rosie Armes FRPS

4th Oct
Greek Night (with no broken plates), Tony Bowall FRPS

11th Oct
To Infinity & Beyond Glyn Bareham LRPS.CPAGB.

18th Oct
Competition No 1, John Boots ARPS

25th Oct
Natural History Talk, Mervyn Seltzer ARPS

1st Nov
Photography and Community Michelle Knight

8th Nov
Competition No2 Theme "Dusk to Dawn", Ken Scott ARPS

15th Nov
The Camera Man, Steve Hall

17th Nov
SPA Inter Club Competition

22th Nov
AV fun with a camera, Norman Atkinson &Ken Rippengale

29th Nov
Natural History Comp Bob Webzell ARPS

6th Dec
Permajet, Demo Eve

13th Dec
Competition No3, Frank Page

20th Dec
Crawley CC Mix and Match Don Mitchell ARPS

27th Dec
No Meeting Xmas break

3th Jan 2011
No Meeting Xmas break

10th Jan
Miss Aniela Natalie Dybisz

24th Jan
Sussex Competition, Don Mitchell ARPS

31st Jan
More Panaramas, Cliff Carter

7th Feb
Competition No 4, Chris Coates ARPS & DPAGB

14th Feb
Visit to France, Steve Everest

21st Feb
John Wells Roadshow, John Wells FRPS

28th Feb
A Diver's Eye View, Paul Flandinette

7th Mar
Competition No 5, Steve Lawrenson ARPS

14th Mar
Park Cameras sponsored evening

21st Mar
Panel Competition, Bill Wisdon FRPS

28th Mar
To be advised

4th Apr
To Taste The Wind, Jon Baker M.FIAP, E.FIAP/Platinum

11th Apr
POY, Richard Walton FRPS

18th Apr
From Buenos Aires to Lguazu, Jan Roberts

25th Apr
No Meeting Easter break

3rd May
No Meeting May Bank Holiday

9th May
AGM



STOP PRESS
Summer Walk around Albourne: Monday 9th August:
Meet in Barn Close, Albourne at 7:15pm for a short walk to be followed by refreshments at The New Inn, Hurstpierpoint led by John Lazzell.

Turn2Us Charity Fair at Ardingly Showground

CHARITY FAIR
South of England Showground, Ardingly
Tuesday 12th October
10am – 4pm

❖ Over 55 Stalls ❖ New! The Beauty Box ❖ Café

Entrance: £4 to include raffle ticket

For information ring: 01342 850474

Turn2us helps people in financial need access the money available to them in welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help. It brings together an easy to use Benefits Checker and a Grants Search giving access to over 3,500 charitable funds – all available through www.turn2us.org.uk.

Elizabeth Finn Care is a charity registered in England and Wales: 207812 and Scotland: SC040987.

Turn2us is a trading name of Elizabeth Finn Care.
Elizabeth Finn Care is a charity that supports people struggling to cope with sudden or unexpected changes in their circumstances.
Elizabeth Finn Care was founded in 1897 and since that time the charity has given away over £130m to people in need. In 2009/2010 over 3,564 British and Irish citizens were given grants totalling £3,669,920.
The charity assists people who have contributed professionally to society and now need help themselves. Our individual packages of financial support reduce the vulnerability and isolation of people we help, allowing them greater control over their lives.
Our website is: www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk.
To enquire whether we can help financially call Freephone: 0800 413 220.

Get more active this summer at CURVES

At Curves, it takes just 30 minutes, 3 times a week to see real results. To lose inches and meet like-minded women, visit your local Curves and ask for the six-week trial offer. In addition, if you work out 3 times per week, you canjoin as a full member for FREE.
6 weeks for just £39 (conditions apply).

Haywards Heath:
Ashenground Community Centre, Southdown Close,
Haywards Heath RH16 4JR
Tel. 01444 416721 / 077798 39138

Hassocks:
16 Keymer Road, Hassocks
West Sussex BN6 8AN
Tel. 01273 841003

Mon, Wed and Fri 8am - 8pm
Tues and Thurs 9am - 1.45pm
Sat 8am-12pm

www.curves.co.uk

Senior Citizens' Summer Tea Party at Burgess Hill School

Senior citizens packed Croft Hall at Burgess Hill School for Girls for the annual Senior Citizens’ Summer Tea Party on Monday 5th July.

Guests were served drinks by Year 10 girls and conversation brewed between the senior citizens and girls. Years 8 to Sixth Form took to the stage to sing, dance and play musical instruments which was thoroughly enjoyed by the guests. Many of the senior citizens tapped along to the beat and sang along with the girls performing. It was a spectacular sight to see the generations all participating as one.

There was a short interval in which tea and cakes were served by the Year 10s and the conversations continued between other students and the guests.

The entertainment continued with Year 10 girls singing popular songs, such as ‘Fields of Gold’, ‘Smile’, ‘Lady is a Tramp’ and ‘Hallelujah’. Burgess Hill’s very own Glee Club ended the entertainment with an upbeat and joyful song.

Headmistress, Ann Aughwane, thanked the senior citizens for their continued support of the school and the girls for all their hard work in organising and creating the event. The senior citizens were given party bags as they left the event, which included various edible goodies!

Overall it was a pleasant day where generations merged as one to enjoy a stage of talented pupils and light conversation.

Written by Ellie Prail, Year 10

Burgess Hill Fairtrade Festival

At its recent AGM Burgess Hill Town Fairtrade agreed an ambitious festival programme for its 3rd Fairtrade Festival which will run during the first two weeks of March 2011.

The centrepiece of the Festival will be a Fairtrade town anthem and the plan is to assemble a choir of at least 500 people to perform it. Robert Eggleston, who was re-elected Chairman for a third year, said that “we are going to ask local school students to compose the anthem and intend to ask some professional songwriters to help them write it at a song workshop. We then want to bring together as wide a cross section of the Burgess Hill community as possible to take part in it”

Other Festival events include a Fairtrade t-shirt design competition, a Fairtrade fashion show, a ceilidh, a good time party night, a Fairtrade Fair, a classical recital, a combined church service and an acoustic evening. The Fairtrade group is also hoping to line up Show of Hands to perform. They appeared at the inaugural festival in 2008 when they sold out the Martlets. Finally the group is trying to set up a debate between Fairtrade and the Adam Smith Institute.

Robert Eggleston said, “this is our most ambitious festival yet and we hope that as many people in Burgess Hill will take part in and come to these events. The theme of Fairtrade Fortnight next year is ‘Show off your label’ and we want as many people in Burgess Hill to celebrate with us our status as a Fairtrade town and the work that Fairtrade does to help producers earn a living wage.”

To find out more about the Festival people can email Robert Eggleston at snowdrop1.music@virgin.net or look out for information on our festival website which is www.burgesshillfreedomfestival.com.

The officers appointed to the Burgess Hill Town Fairtrade Group for the year are:
Robert Eggleston Chairman
Anna Hodgetts Vice –Chairman
Julie Hall Secretary
Jenny Kent Treasurer



Burgess Hill Town Fairtrade Steering Group
Wykeham Cottage, 50 Ferndale Road,
Burgess Hill
West Sussex, RH15 0HG
Tel: 01444 242953, 0794 779 2033
email: snowdrop1.music@virgin.net

60s Music Evening in Ditchling

Saturday October 16, 7.30pm

Following last year’s sell-out 60s music disco in Ditchling Village Hall, we plan to repeat the event on October 16 featuring, as before, DJ Andy Young and all those great bands of the 60s decade.

Come and dance to the Rolling Stones, Beatles, Kinks, Supremes, Manfred Mann and all your favourites and help raise money for two wildlife charities at the same time.

Tickets cost £10 (same as last year) and include light refreshments. A bar will be available. As numbers are strictly limited, it is advisable to book your tickets early to avoid being disappointed, which happened to some people last year. Tickets will be available from August 1 at Ditchling Post Office and Parkers or by phoning 01273 845361. NO TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR.

Make sure you get ‘Satisfaction’ by getting your ticket early – don’t risk turning ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ by leaving it too late!

Halloween and Charity Firewalk

The Fox Inn, Rudgwick, and The Dame Vera Lynn Trust fire up together for their Haloween and Charity Fire Walk!

The hottest date in town will be Friday 29th October at The Fox Inn, Rudgwick.

Come along for a fabulous evening of live music, delicious hot food and the opportunity to take part in the most amazing feat of your life...........

WALK ACROSS 20 FOOT OF 800 DEGREE BURNING COALS – possibly the shortest sponsored walk in the world!!

For more details and to download an application form please go to www.dvltrust.org.uk or www.foxinn.co.uk or call Rosie Wyer at The Dame Vera Lynn Trust on 01403 780444 rosie.wyer@dvltrust.org.uk

 

Walstead Place Garden Party: 14th August

Heavy Horses at High Beeches Gardens Meadow

On Sunday 15 August 2010, 11am-5pm enjoy the rare sight of heavy horses harrowing the wildflower meadow at High Beeches Gardens, in the traditional way. The magnificent horses belong to the Working Horse Trust and visit every year. There will also be a Country Market in the stable buildings.

Hamish aged 9, and Ellie-May age 8, are the horses who will be coming to High Beeches Gardens. They are half-brother and sister and each weigh about as much as a small car. Both are bay with brown bodies and sleek black manes and tails. Hamish has a sparkly personality and is mischievous and lively. He is also a hard-worker and is speedy enough to be used in cross country driving competitions. Ellie-May was orphaned as a foal and so has a particularly strong bond with people. She is built like a tank and is strong and steady. Ellie-May is larger than her brother and weighs in at around 900 kilograms.

Jo Ambrose of the Working Horses Trust says, “These are two fine young horses, in their prime. They adore their work and they love being made a fuss of. There will be plenty of opportunities for everyone to meet the horses and to pat them.”

The High Beeches wildflower meadow is the best example of a natural, acid hay meadow in Sussex and has not been ploughed or cultivated within living memory. In this sensitive environment working horses are ideal as they have a far less damaging impact on the ground and flora than heavy machinery. In August visitors to the garden can also enjoy the site of tall, blue Willow Gentians flowering throughout the woodland glades. This is the only site in the UK where these plants are naturalised.

The Working Horse Trust is bringing Ardennes horses to High Beeches. The Ardennes is one of the most ancient draught breeds in the world and is believed to be the founding stock for many working horse breeds. The Ardennes first arrived in the UK with the Roman legions and a second wave arrived with the Norman invaders in 1066. Today there are only around 40 Ardennes in the country and nine of these are at The Working Horse Trust. The Working Horse Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to preserving our heavy horse breeds.

Ardennes are extremely powerful and compact. Typically they weigh around 850 to 900 kg, even though they are comparatively short (the breed standard is around 15.3hands). The breed makes an excellent forestry horse and is widely used in Scandinavia, which is where the Trust’s stallion Brunte, father to several youngsters, came from. Ardennes are a versatile breed, capable of anything from basic agricultural work such as the harrowing they will be doing at High Beeches to high speed cross-country driving.

The Working Horse Trust has 18 horses of various breeds on its farm at Eridge, near Tunbridge Wells. The main aim of the Trust is to promote all heavy horse breeds to secure their future. This work has never been more important as the Shire, Clydesdale and Suffolk are all endangered species and are on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust Watchlist. The Suffolk, which is the rarest of all, is in serious danger with only about 300 animals registered with the Suffolk Horse Society.

The Working Horse Trust is volunteer-based and spends most of its time out and about with the horses combining jobs of work with open days – such as at High Beeches Gardens.

High Beeches is a beautiful, 27 acre woodland and water garden. For almost fifty years it has been in the care of the Boscawen/Bray gardening dynasty and it is this expert, continuous care which explains the remarkable quality and size of the many rare plants. English Heritage lists the gardens as Outstanding Historically.

High Beeches is particularly magnificent in autumn, with truly glorious displays of autumn colour. It has been rated the best garden for autumn colour in the south-east and is one of the top five gardens for autumn colour in England. High Beeches is signposted from Handcross village, West Sussex, just off the A23, within a short drive of the M25.

The gardens open 1-5pm everyday except Wednesday, until the end of October. Admission is £6.00. Accompanied children aged 14 years and under are admitted free of charge. Guided tours are available by prior appointment. The licensed Tearoom serves delicious, home-cooked food, fresh cream teas, snacks and light refreshments.

Sunday, 26 September High Beeches opens for the National Gardens Scheme.

Friday, 6 August and 8 and 22 October, learn how to use your digital camera to its full potential and take stunning photographs – 1 day workshops run by Park Cameras School of Photography. Please pre-book 01444 237070.

Sunday 17 October High Beeches opens from 11am-5pm for an Autumn Gift Fair in aid of the Parkinson’s Disease Society, Horsham Branch.

High Beeches closes for 2010 on Sunday 31 October and will reopen in March 2011.

Edenbridge and Oxted Agricultural Show

Bank Holiday Sunday 29th and Monday 30th August 2010
Ardenrun Showground

Ray Lane, Nr Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6LL

This year’s Edenbridge and Oxted Agricultural Show just off the A22 at Ray Lane, Lingfield RH7 6LL features the famous Cheshire Dog Display Team with a thrilling display of high speed agility races, fire jumping and police dog action. They will appear around noon on both days and at 3.35pm on Sunday 29th August and at 4.50pm on Bank Holiday Monday. Also in the main ring on Monday 30th will be one of the largest turnouts of horse-drawn Coaches and Four In Hand Carriages in the country – a rare spectacle from a byegone era.

New to the Show this year is an Antiques and Collectables Marquee. Come and browse for a family heirloom, an unusual gift or something to add to your collection.

Visit “The Gardening Roadshow” where you can talk with experts about your garden or allotment. That can be found in the magnificent Horticultural Marquee which also has inspiring displays of some of the finest flowers and vegetables grown in Britain this summer.

Every member of the family will find something unusual to see and do. Come and see the new breed of sheep, featured on the national news, which don’t need to be shorn in one of the largest livestock sections to be found at an agricultural show. Learn about beekeeping and cheesemaking. Have a go at fly fishing, clay shooting, archery, the laser challenge or drive on the four by four off-road course. Watch Falconry displays, the farriers at work, a Ferret road show, gun dog displays; listen to the Oatlands Pipe Band and a Jazz band, enjoy locally-produced British fare in the Food Hall and bag a bargain at over 300 shops.

Specially for the children there will be fairground rides, a carousel, a pets’ corner, baby farm animals and a crèche. Audition to read the news or the weather at the BBC Radio Surrey Roadshow, make crafts in the WI marquee and see rows and rows of magnificent Shires being prepared for showing in the Heavy Horse Village. Over 1,500 horses, ponies and donkeys will be competing in six rings from fun gymkhana classes to Horse of the Year Show qualifiers. Dogs are welcome at the show. Watch dog agility demonstrations, and on Bank Holiday Monday you can enter them in the Companion Dog Show, Terrier Racing and a Working Terrier Show.

The show culminates in the spectacular Grand Cattle Parade at 4.15 p.m. in the main ring on bank holiday Monday. Truly a sight to be seen!

For the first time this year you can book your tickets online. Including a new concessions ticket this year. Reduced price tickets can also be purchased at outlets around the area including Martells in East Grinstead. www.edenbridge-show.co.uk or 0906 7500 333 (75p per minute)for details and timetables. Under-5s, car parking and a special bus service are all free. The bus service runs from Lingfield Station to the Showground from 9am – 12.30pm returning to Lingfield Station from 2 – 5.30pm and is free for all local residents and visitors travelling by train. An advance Family Ticket for two adults and up to three children offers amazing value for a full day of entertainment for just £30.