Sussex Living magazine is a free monthly A4 glossy magazine for Mid Sussex with community and lifestyle editorial. We put more copies into Mid Sussex than any other quality publication, paid or free. 19,000 copies are printed and distributed throughout Mid Sussex and the surrounding villages. In the same area, a local county magazine, the Sunday Times and Cosmopolitan Magazine, circulate less than 3,000 copies between them.
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Family Fun Sunday September 5th: Knowles Tooth Children's Centre, Hurstpierpoint
Family Fun Sunday September 5th. 2-5pm. Relaxing afternoon for the whole family enjoying stalls, bouncy castle, dance display from Lets Dance ,activities, BBQ, beer tent, fun dog show and much more. For more information call 01273 832363 or visit our website www.familysupportwork.org.uk Adult entry £2, children entry and parking free. Knowles Tooth Children's Centre, Langton Lane, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex BN6 9EZ
ALBOURNE VILLAGE SHOW, 4th September at the Village Hall and on the Green
The very popular Albourne Village Show will be held this year on the 4th September at the Village Hall and on the Green. This is an event at which the local residents can come together to enjoy a fun and relaxed afternoon but of course all are welcome. This is a show of the traditional kind with lots of attractions including craft stalls and an auction of produce.
There will be several classes in which to enter not only your flowers but also your fruit and vegetables. Cakes and preserves will be judged and there will be a photography class, this one being judged by the public. Refreshments will be available throughout the show and there will be the chance to buy cakes and plants to take home.
Last year, for the first time, apple pressing was introduced and this was a big success. You are welcome to bring us your apples which, for a small charge, we will turn into juice. We will also be selling freshly pressed juice and other apple products.
So, now is the time to start thinking about what to grow for next year. When you buy your seeds perhaps you could consider buying an extra pack of giant onion seeds or recommended show varieties of runner bean. On the other hand any pack of seeds has the potential to produce a winner. It could just be the way you grow them that will put you among the prizes. Maybe you have a secret recipe for fertiliser or a foolproof way to protect your marrows from the slugs. It’s all good fun but with a spirit of competition running throughout. There will be classes for the children too which are bound to be fun.
As always, help is needed to organise the show. If you would like to help in any way at all, big or small, please contact Margaret Butler on 01273 834827. Don’t worry if you have never been involved in anything like this before. It’s a first for all of those involved who would welcome your input.
There will be several classes in which to enter not only your flowers but also your fruit and vegetables. Cakes and preserves will be judged and there will be a photography class, this one being judged by the public. Refreshments will be available throughout the show and there will be the chance to buy cakes and plants to take home.
Last year, for the first time, apple pressing was introduced and this was a big success. You are welcome to bring us your apples which, for a small charge, we will turn into juice. We will also be selling freshly pressed juice and other apple products.
So, now is the time to start thinking about what to grow for next year. When you buy your seeds perhaps you could consider buying an extra pack of giant onion seeds or recommended show varieties of runner bean. On the other hand any pack of seeds has the potential to produce a winner. It could just be the way you grow them that will put you among the prizes. Maybe you have a secret recipe for fertiliser or a foolproof way to protect your marrows from the slugs. It’s all good fun but with a spirit of competition running throughout. There will be classes for the children too which are bound to be fun.
As always, help is needed to organise the show. If you would like to help in any way at all, big or small, please contact Margaret Butler on 01273 834827. Don’t worry if you have never been involved in anything like this before. It’s a first for all of those involved who would welcome your input.
Guided Walk: Discover Hammonds Ridge, Burgess Hill
Saturday 4 September 2010, 2pm - 4pm (meet at 1.50pm)
Come along and discover Hammonds Ridge, its history, wildlife and it's views. Walk led by Heather Warne and other members of the Green Circle Network Group. Children welcome but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Bring a drink and binoculars if you have any. Please wear suitable footwear. Sorry, no dogs please.
Venue and ticket details: Hammonds Ridge, meet at entrance gate opposite Tesco roundabout Burgess Hill, off Jayne Murray Way, Burgess Hill, West Sussex
Organised by
The Friends of Burgess Hill Green Circle Network name
Mary Smith Secretary: 01444-242667
Website: http://www.bh-green-circle.org.uk
Come along and discover Hammonds Ridge, its history, wildlife and it's views. Walk led by Heather Warne and other members of the Green Circle Network Group. Children welcome but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Bring a drink and binoculars if you have any. Please wear suitable footwear. Sorry, no dogs please.
Venue and ticket details: Hammonds Ridge, meet at entrance gate opposite Tesco roundabout Burgess Hill, off Jayne Murray Way, Burgess Hill, West Sussex
Organised by
The Friends of Burgess Hill Green Circle Network name
Mary Smith Secretary: 01444-242667
Website: http://www.bh-green-circle.org.uk
Hurstpierpoint Flower Club 7.45pm Friday 3rd September
Mrs Debbie Damm of Hastings - Nature's Montage
We can guarantee a warm welcome at all our events and meetings. The club meets at 7.45pm on the first Friday in the month at Hurstpierpoint Village Centre, Trinity Road, Hurstpierpoint. The car park is free after 1800hrs.
Annual Subscription £10.00. Meetings - Members £5.00. Temporary Membership £6.00
Chairperson: Mrs Geraldine Davey 01273 845534
Secretary: Mrs Sandra Burford 01273 834168
We can guarantee a warm welcome at all our events and meetings. The club meets at 7.45pm on the first Friday in the month at Hurstpierpoint Village Centre, Trinity Road, Hurstpierpoint. The car park is free after 1800hrs.
Annual Subscription £10.00. Meetings - Members £5.00. Temporary Membership £6.00
Chairperson: Mrs Geraldine Davey 01273 845534
Secretary: Mrs Sandra Burford 01273 834168
Monday, 30 August 2010
Hurst Festival 2010
by Nicola Hobbs
It all began with one man and an idea: a dream to unite a community, a wish for people to share their talents, a desire to spread optimism and hope throughout a village.
Ten years ago, Kevin Carey had the idea to bring together the people of Hurstpierpoint and the surrounding area in a celebration of arts, entertainment and leisure. He talked to local entrepreneur and corporate strategist Michel Olszewski who assembled a group of enthusiasts to share the ambition, drive and enthusiasm to bring the idea of the Festival alive. A committee was formed, a taster day was organised and the Hurst Festival was born.
Now in its sixth year, the Hurst Festival has become a renowned and eagerly anticipated part of life in Mid Sussex – so much so that locals arrange their annual holidays so as not to miss out! With music, sport, magic, banquets and much more, the Festival takes a vast amount of work to coordinate.
The original committee included Margaret Carey, Bob Sampson, the amazing programme and website designer, and Steve Whitehead who does a great job on publicity; they are all still there. Margaret, who took over the chair from Michel three years ago, works with an ambitious group of 13 people from all walks of life: teachers, magistrates, mothers and drama school coaches make up just a few of the team of local entrepreneurs who dedicate their time, energy and creativity to the Festival. From scouting for musicians and delivering programmes door-to-door across the village, to maintaining a website and arranging insurance, the committee begins planning the next annual Festival as soon as the previous one has finished.
Margaret seems to live by the belief that in every community there is work to be done and in every heart there is the power to do it. As a prison reformer, magistrate, church warden, Chair of the board of a high risk sex offenders charity, mother of two and grandmother to seven, Margaret ‘doesn’t do stress’. She told me: “We don’t have problems, we only have challenges. Organising the Festival lifts my spirits. When you live in a village, you have to put something into to it to really feel its soul and make it your home. The people who get involved are those who want to share their good fortune with others.”
The Hurst Festival is not a replica of a national arts festival; it is a home grown event, nurtured by the people who originally planted its seeds. It has matured from a small affair involving local dance groups and child singers, to attracting the interest of artists from further afield. Performers at this year’s Festival include fusion consort group The 1607 Ensemble, Mark Chadwick, lead guitarist from The Levellers, and the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus. Remarkably, despite its growth, the Festival continues to promote the optimistic community spirit it was designed to celebrate.
Margaret and the committee have admirably managed the delicate balance of engaging locals of all ages, genders and backgrounds whilst also cultivating outside interest in the celebrations. She said: “It is an event for the community, by the community. The village is full of talent and people who can do amazing things and you don’t realise it. Providing them with the opportunity to share their passions and letting other people enjoy them is very fulfilling.” And she adds, “Sometimes people get pessimistic and really the world is a rather wonderful place. We live in an area that is safe and the surroundings are spectacular so we have something to celebrate.”
Margaret speaks humbly of her own work yet endlessly praises the committee team, the volunteers and the event’s sponsors. Over 60 people have offered to help the Festival run smoothly, reflecting the shared delight in seeing the community come together.
Rebecca Simpson and husband Scott run The Spirit Parlour which is offering festival goers the chance to go ghost hunting. The couple remain grounded, pragmatic and unpretentious, whilst still relishing in all that is ghoulish and magical. Both have always been fanatical about the afterlife and Rebecca spent her childhood days ‘press ganging’ school friends into psychic experiments. Now a nurse, she has shared some of the most intimate moments of people’s lives.
She said: “My career means that I have been very close to life and death so to start exploring ‘what comes next’ seemed a very natural step. Whether a being is on this side of life or the other, they deserve respect, understanding and fair treatment. Everyone, whether a believer or sceptic, has a story or strange unexplainable experience they want to share.”
Rebecca brought controversy to the Festival last year in her role in the Vagina Monologues, and this year’s spooky events are creating a storm of equal measure. She added: “The walks are a perfect blend of local history, folklore and spookiness; we want people to take a risk and come to our paranormal talk. The Festival is very brave inviting us; the committee are a wild and fabulous bunch so I hope we will do them proud.”
Pam Holmes is one of 24 artists generously opening their homes for the Festival as part of Hurstpierpoint Open Studios. Being made redundant from her computing job last year provided her with the perfect opportunity to turn her passion of stained glass art into a career. She said: “I remember seeing a beautiful mirror while on holiday in the Isle of Wight and thought ‘I can do that’. My father used to rebuild stained glass windows of churches after the war so he inspired me to transform my creative outlook on life into a career. I now work from a wooden cabin at the bottom of my garden creating wall hangings, mirrors and tea light holders out of stained glass.”
The festival will give Pam a chance to exhibit the fruits of her labour, which are also available at local shops and galleries, including Vanilla, one of Hurstpierpoint’s high street boutiques. Alexa King, a team member at Vanilla, which is also the Festival’s box office, praised the work of the committee in creating such an open and inclusive event, ‘quintessential of traditional community spirit’. She said: “It is extraordinary how people rally together to keep a young, perky and active identity to the area. Margaret is a true patron of the arts.”
The Hurst Festival was awarded charitable status at the beginning of the year, enabling it to support the community in more ways than ever before. Despite now having more policies to abide by, holes to jump through and responsibility on her shoulders, Margaret’s aim for the festival remains the same: “We have an open community and we want a Festival that echoes that. Our philosophy is to make as many events as possible free so that they’re accessible to everyone. We want to engage all groups and make them aware that they are part of a community and surrounded by support.”
Whether it is sculpture exhibitions and comedy nights that take your fancy, food tasting and Victorian drama which entice you, or ghost hunting and life-size table football that grab your attention, the Hurst Festival has something for everyone. The charity aims to “advance the education of the public in the visual and performing arts,” allowing the talent of the community to drive its success.
Along with the rest of the Festival committee, Margaret and Kevin are real pillars of the community. Both have dedicated their lives to charitable work. Kevin is Chair of e-inclusion charity HumanITy, sight-loss charity RNIB, and Ofcom’s radio community funding panel. Margaret helped set up the restorative justice charity Inside Out Trust¸ and the Margaret Carey Foundation has been named in her honour.
It is not just the success of the Festival itself that deserves to be celebrated, but the dedication and inspirational work of the people behind its triumphs. The Hurst Festival is the perfect example of how one idea can inspire a community and make a difference to everyone.
It all began with one man and an idea: a dream to unite a community, a wish for people to share their talents, a desire to spread optimism and hope throughout a village.
Ten years ago, Kevin Carey had the idea to bring together the people of Hurstpierpoint and the surrounding area in a celebration of arts, entertainment and leisure. He talked to local entrepreneur and corporate strategist Michel Olszewski who assembled a group of enthusiasts to share the ambition, drive and enthusiasm to bring the idea of the Festival alive. A committee was formed, a taster day was organised and the Hurst Festival was born.
Now in its sixth year, the Hurst Festival has become a renowned and eagerly anticipated part of life in Mid Sussex – so much so that locals arrange their annual holidays so as not to miss out! With music, sport, magic, banquets and much more, the Festival takes a vast amount of work to coordinate.
The original committee included Margaret Carey, Bob Sampson, the amazing programme and website designer, and Steve Whitehead who does a great job on publicity; they are all still there. Margaret, who took over the chair from Michel three years ago, works with an ambitious group of 13 people from all walks of life: teachers, magistrates, mothers and drama school coaches make up just a few of the team of local entrepreneurs who dedicate their time, energy and creativity to the Festival. From scouting for musicians and delivering programmes door-to-door across the village, to maintaining a website and arranging insurance, the committee begins planning the next annual Festival as soon as the previous one has finished.
Margaret seems to live by the belief that in every community there is work to be done and in every heart there is the power to do it. As a prison reformer, magistrate, church warden, Chair of the board of a high risk sex offenders charity, mother of two and grandmother to seven, Margaret ‘doesn’t do stress’. She told me: “We don’t have problems, we only have challenges. Organising the Festival lifts my spirits. When you live in a village, you have to put something into to it to really feel its soul and make it your home. The people who get involved are those who want to share their good fortune with others.”
The Hurst Festival is not a replica of a national arts festival; it is a home grown event, nurtured by the people who originally planted its seeds. It has matured from a small affair involving local dance groups and child singers, to attracting the interest of artists from further afield. Performers at this year’s Festival include fusion consort group The 1607 Ensemble, Mark Chadwick, lead guitarist from The Levellers, and the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus. Remarkably, despite its growth, the Festival continues to promote the optimistic community spirit it was designed to celebrate.
Margaret and the committee have admirably managed the delicate balance of engaging locals of all ages, genders and backgrounds whilst also cultivating outside interest in the celebrations. She said: “It is an event for the community, by the community. The village is full of talent and people who can do amazing things and you don’t realise it. Providing them with the opportunity to share their passions and letting other people enjoy them is very fulfilling.” And she adds, “Sometimes people get pessimistic and really the world is a rather wonderful place. We live in an area that is safe and the surroundings are spectacular so we have something to celebrate.”
Margaret speaks humbly of her own work yet endlessly praises the committee team, the volunteers and the event’s sponsors. Over 60 people have offered to help the Festival run smoothly, reflecting the shared delight in seeing the community come together.
Rebecca Simpson and husband Scott run The Spirit Parlour which is offering festival goers the chance to go ghost hunting. The couple remain grounded, pragmatic and unpretentious, whilst still relishing in all that is ghoulish and magical. Both have always been fanatical about the afterlife and Rebecca spent her childhood days ‘press ganging’ school friends into psychic experiments. Now a nurse, she has shared some of the most intimate moments of people’s lives.
She said: “My career means that I have been very close to life and death so to start exploring ‘what comes next’ seemed a very natural step. Whether a being is on this side of life or the other, they deserve respect, understanding and fair treatment. Everyone, whether a believer or sceptic, has a story or strange unexplainable experience they want to share.”
Rebecca brought controversy to the Festival last year in her role in the Vagina Monologues, and this year’s spooky events are creating a storm of equal measure. She added: “The walks are a perfect blend of local history, folklore and spookiness; we want people to take a risk and come to our paranormal talk. The Festival is very brave inviting us; the committee are a wild and fabulous bunch so I hope we will do them proud.”
Pam Holmes is one of 24 artists generously opening their homes for the Festival as part of Hurstpierpoint Open Studios. Being made redundant from her computing job last year provided her with the perfect opportunity to turn her passion of stained glass art into a career. She said: “I remember seeing a beautiful mirror while on holiday in the Isle of Wight and thought ‘I can do that’. My father used to rebuild stained glass windows of churches after the war so he inspired me to transform my creative outlook on life into a career. I now work from a wooden cabin at the bottom of my garden creating wall hangings, mirrors and tea light holders out of stained glass.”
The festival will give Pam a chance to exhibit the fruits of her labour, which are also available at local shops and galleries, including Vanilla, one of Hurstpierpoint’s high street boutiques. Alexa King, a team member at Vanilla, which is also the Festival’s box office, praised the work of the committee in creating such an open and inclusive event, ‘quintessential of traditional community spirit’. She said: “It is extraordinary how people rally together to keep a young, perky and active identity to the area. Margaret is a true patron of the arts.”
The Hurst Festival was awarded charitable status at the beginning of the year, enabling it to support the community in more ways than ever before. Despite now having more policies to abide by, holes to jump through and responsibility on her shoulders, Margaret’s aim for the festival remains the same: “We have an open community and we want a Festival that echoes that. Our philosophy is to make as many events as possible free so that they’re accessible to everyone. We want to engage all groups and make them aware that they are part of a community and surrounded by support.”
Whether it is sculpture exhibitions and comedy nights that take your fancy, food tasting and Victorian drama which entice you, or ghost hunting and life-size table football that grab your attention, the Hurst Festival has something for everyone. The charity aims to “advance the education of the public in the visual and performing arts,” allowing the talent of the community to drive its success.
Along with the rest of the Festival committee, Margaret and Kevin are real pillars of the community. Both have dedicated their lives to charitable work. Kevin is Chair of e-inclusion charity HumanITy, sight-loss charity RNIB, and Ofcom’s radio community funding panel. Margaret helped set up the restorative justice charity Inside Out Trust¸ and the Margaret Carey Foundation has been named in her honour.
It is not just the success of the Festival itself that deserves to be celebrated, but the dedication and inspirational work of the people behind its triumphs. The Hurst Festival is the perfect example of how one idea can inspire a community and make a difference to everyone.
Hurst Festival 2010
18 September – 2 October
Free copies of the Hurst Festival 2010 programme
are available through South Downs Living distribution points.
Further information can be found at
www.hurstfestival.org
If you would like to be involved in next year’s Festival,
please contact committee@hurstfestival.org
18 September – 2 October
Free copies of the Hurst Festival 2010 programme
are available through South Downs Living distribution points.
Further information can be found at
www.hurstfestival.org
If you would like to be involved in next year’s Festival,
please contact committee@hurstfestival.org
Sunday, 29 August 2010
Grate Fires of Sussex, Haywards Heath – warming the hearths of Sussex
by Lisa de Silva
Over the last 30 years, Grate Fires of Sussex has seen trends come and go, but what remains is their policy of treating every customer as an individual and offering a truly personal service.
When my parents-in-law started the business in the late 1970s, gas fires were something of a novelty. They had one installed in their home and took out an advert in the local paper inviting people to come and see it,” laughs Kim Bishop who, along with her husband Tony, now owns and runs Grate Fires of Sussex.
33 years later, business is still going strong at the store in Haywards Heath and it remains a family affair, with Kim and Tony’s son Ollie, Kim’s brother and sister-in-law all involved in the business. “We pride ourselves on building relationships with our clients,” Kim tells me. “Everyone has different needs when it comes to the size of fires and fireplaces and that’s why we offer a made-to-measure service on mantels, fires and accessories, such as fire baskets and fire guards. We can also colour-match surrounds to wooden floors and furniture and we do all the installation work ourselves.” This bespoke service and high level of customer care has helped to build Grate Fires a very loyal client base.
As testament to their professionalism and experience, the store has just teamed up with Laura Ashley and now supplies the home furnishing retailer’s full range of mantels, gas and electric fires.
In terms of trends, Kim tells me that customers are now much more conscious of green and environmental issues. Advanced technology also means that fire appliances are now more energy efficient and sophisticated than ever before. Arriving in the shop, I was mesmerised by what looked like a plasma TV hanging on the wall. It was in fact a Celsi electric fireplace, mounted on wall brackets! Heralded as the future by many, it is designed to have the look and sound of a real fire, but comes with a remote control allowing you to adjust the room temperature, the look and volume of the fire and the mood lighting. “It’s a fantastic product,” says Kim. “You don’t need a chimney, just a flat wall and a power point.”
Along with selling both gas and electric fires, the store also sells a wide range of mantels in both limestone and wood and everything associated with solid fuel fires, including fire baskets, grates, coal buckets, log baskets, ash pans, companion sets and even chestnut roasters. What’s more, having been established for so long, Kim is usually in a position to source fire accessories that people may have had years ago, but can no longer find.
Whether you’re a modernist or a traditionalist at heart, Grate Fires of Sussex seem to have everything you need to keep your home fires burning this winter. ■
Over the last 30 years, Grate Fires of Sussex has seen trends come and go, but what remains is their policy of treating every customer as an individual and offering a truly personal service.
When my parents-in-law started the business in the late 1970s, gas fires were something of a novelty. They had one installed in their home and took out an advert in the local paper inviting people to come and see it,” laughs Kim Bishop who, along with her husband Tony, now owns and runs Grate Fires of Sussex.
33 years later, business is still going strong at the store in Haywards Heath and it remains a family affair, with Kim and Tony’s son Ollie, Kim’s brother and sister-in-law all involved in the business. “We pride ourselves on building relationships with our clients,” Kim tells me. “Everyone has different needs when it comes to the size of fires and fireplaces and that’s why we offer a made-to-measure service on mantels, fires and accessories, such as fire baskets and fire guards. We can also colour-match surrounds to wooden floors and furniture and we do all the installation work ourselves.” This bespoke service and high level of customer care has helped to build Grate Fires a very loyal client base.
As testament to their professionalism and experience, the store has just teamed up with Laura Ashley and now supplies the home furnishing retailer’s full range of mantels, gas and electric fires.
In terms of trends, Kim tells me that customers are now much more conscious of green and environmental issues. Advanced technology also means that fire appliances are now more energy efficient and sophisticated than ever before. Arriving in the shop, I was mesmerised by what looked like a plasma TV hanging on the wall. It was in fact a Celsi electric fireplace, mounted on wall brackets! Heralded as the future by many, it is designed to have the look and sound of a real fire, but comes with a remote control allowing you to adjust the room temperature, the look and volume of the fire and the mood lighting. “It’s a fantastic product,” says Kim. “You don’t need a chimney, just a flat wall and a power point.”
Along with selling both gas and electric fires, the store also sells a wide range of mantels in both limestone and wood and everything associated with solid fuel fires, including fire baskets, grates, coal buckets, log baskets, ash pans, companion sets and even chestnut roasters. What’s more, having been established for so long, Kim is usually in a position to source fire accessories that people may have had years ago, but can no longer find.
Whether you’re a modernist or a traditionalist at heart, Grate Fires of Sussex seem to have everything you need to keep your home fires burning this winter. ■
Grate Fires of Sussex
9 Commercial Square, Haywards Heath
West Sussex RH16 1DW | Tel. 01444 452626
www.gratefires.co.uk
9 Commercial Square, Haywards Heath
West Sussex RH16 1DW | Tel. 01444 452626
www.gratefires.co.uk
Prayer and support at Hassocks URC – a job for life
by Peter Scotland
In an increasingly stressful and hectic world, praying is a job for life. Come and join us at Hassocks URC on Saturday 25 September for ideas and opportunities to explore this.
We’re celebrating harvest, and holding an Eight 2 Eight day: the Church will be open from 8am to 8pm when we shall be showcasing some of the work we support through the year. During the day we are offering ways to support this work through prayer, with many different suggestions about how to pray, and why we pray. There will be activities for everyone, including children, DVDs to watch, ways to meditate and times to be quiet.
Eight 2 Eight will be celebrating the work of Whizz-Kidz, raising money to provide essential mobility equipment, such as powered and manual wheelchairs, to support young disabled people to lead active and fun childhoods. The charity also provides wheelchair skills training and other club activities like sport and work placements to build young people’s confidence as they enter adulthood. Whizz-Kidz has drawn attention to the fact that there are an estimated 70,000 disabled children in the UK who could benefit from the right mobility equipment for them. During 2010 we want to help some of these children as we raise money for Whizz-Kidz.
Eight 2 Eight will highlight the work of the Bible Society. The Bible Society was formed in 1804. It exists because millions of people lack the Bible in a language they can understand, in a form they can use or at a price they can afford. At the same time millions still have no understanding of the Bible’s value for them and their communities. The Bible Society’s vision is to see a day when the Bible’s God-given revelation, inspiration and wisdom are shaping the lives and communities of people everywhere. During 2010 we are supporting this work as the Bible Society continues its work of translating the Bible, and making it available to people across the world.
We are committed to helping people in Gaza and the Occupied Territories through Christian Aid. Eight 2 Eight will tell you about the different ways in which we offer help and support to people in the Occupied Territories and Gaza. There will be a small display of craft work and other items from the Occupied Territories, as well as a stall selling goods from Palestine.
Come and see us on Saturday 25 September – there’s a warm welcome for everyone. The Traidcraft Stall will be at the front of the Church, we shall be showing the film Silence by local film maker, Nicky Thwaites, reflecting on ways people explore silence in our local communities here in Mid Sussex. Tea and coffee will be served in Powell House next door. Our prayer and our support is a job for life. Call in during the day to see us at work. ■
In an increasingly stressful and hectic world, praying is a job for life. Come and join us at Hassocks URC on Saturday 25 September for ideas and opportunities to explore this.
We’re celebrating harvest, and holding an Eight 2 Eight day: the Church will be open from 8am to 8pm when we shall be showcasing some of the work we support through the year. During the day we are offering ways to support this work through prayer, with many different suggestions about how to pray, and why we pray. There will be activities for everyone, including children, DVDs to watch, ways to meditate and times to be quiet.
Eight 2 Eight will be celebrating the work of Whizz-Kidz, raising money to provide essential mobility equipment, such as powered and manual wheelchairs, to support young disabled people to lead active and fun childhoods. The charity also provides wheelchair skills training and other club activities like sport and work placements to build young people’s confidence as they enter adulthood. Whizz-Kidz has drawn attention to the fact that there are an estimated 70,000 disabled children in the UK who could benefit from the right mobility equipment for them. During 2010 we want to help some of these children as we raise money for Whizz-Kidz.
Eight 2 Eight will highlight the work of the Bible Society. The Bible Society was formed in 1804. It exists because millions of people lack the Bible in a language they can understand, in a form they can use or at a price they can afford. At the same time millions still have no understanding of the Bible’s value for them and their communities. The Bible Society’s vision is to see a day when the Bible’s God-given revelation, inspiration and wisdom are shaping the lives and communities of people everywhere. During 2010 we are supporting this work as the Bible Society continues its work of translating the Bible, and making it available to people across the world.
We are committed to helping people in Gaza and the Occupied Territories through Christian Aid. Eight 2 Eight will tell you about the different ways in which we offer help and support to people in the Occupied Territories and Gaza. There will be a small display of craft work and other items from the Occupied Territories, as well as a stall selling goods from Palestine.
Come and see us on Saturday 25 September – there’s a warm welcome for everyone. The Traidcraft Stall will be at the front of the Church, we shall be showing the film Silence by local film maker, Nicky Thwaites, reflecting on ways people explore silence in our local communities here in Mid Sussex. Tea and coffee will be served in Powell House next door. Our prayer and our support is a job for life. Call in during the day to see us at work. ■
Hassocks United Reformed Church
23 Keymer Road, Hassocks,
West Sussex BN6 8AB
Tel. 01273 834094
For details about Whizz-Kidz, visit
www.whizz-kidz.org.uk
23 Keymer Road, Hassocks,
West Sussex BN6 8AB
Tel. 01273 834094
For details about Whizz-Kidz, visit
www.whizz-kidz.org.uk
Saturday, 28 August 2010
Burgess Hill Bonfire Night 2010
by Wendy Dennett
A free event for the community, Burgess Hill Bonfire Night – including the spectacular Torchlight Procession and Fireworks Display – is the culmination of 10 months’ hard work by a core of devoted volunteers.
Well, it’s that time of year again – but then it’s always that time of year for the members of Burgess Hill Bonfire Society. Apart from a slight ‘breather’ after last year’s event, the preparations for this year’s Bonfire Night began almost immediately.
Our first priority is always fundraising. We need to make sure we have enough in the kitty to give the people of Burgess Hill the splendid spectacle of a wonderful fireworks display and procession, year after year. You may have seen us in the town centre on Town Day this year, and we have many other fundraising events throughout the year. Watch out for Smugglers or Aztecs coming your way soon to sell our procession programmes which are full of information about the Society as well as a running list for what happens on the day.
You’d be surprised at how much work goes on behind the scenes. An Event Management Plan has to be written, road closures have to be agreed, invitations to visiting societies have to go out in good time, costumes have to be prepared, monthly meetings held, not to mention the Health and Safety issues that have to be looked into. All this keeps our members nicely busy!
Nearer the time we start work on making the fire banners, flaming silhouettes of topical news items, (who can forget the ‘dancer’ in 2008!), or a theme pertinent to Burgess Hill (suggestions always welcome!).
On the night itself, preparing the bonfire takes a large chunk of the morning. Securing a bountiful supply of pallets is one thing, but building it – well, that’s something else entirely! Suffice to say that, last year, I discovered some muscles in my arms I didn’t know I had…
Making sure the bonfire will burn in the right way – not too fast, not too slow, and without collapsing dangerously – is a skill in itself. And I’m sure it gets a little bigger every year. We are also introducing a ‘Build a Guy’ competition this year. The fireworks are set for us by a professional company, and to get such spectacular displays as we have had in the past, this takes the best part of the day to set up.
The procession itself starts with a moment of Remembrance at the War Memorial, and then begins its journey through the town to eventually bring it to the bonfire site at Fairfield recreation ground. The sight of all the fabulous costumes, the fiery torches and the sound of the marching bands makes it a truly wonderful experience, either watching it pass or walking in it alongside friends and family. All the money collected en route is donated to local charities, so don’t forget to dig around the back of the sofa and empty your pockets of loose change!
When the procession reaches the site, there are various awards to be decided upon, including Best Costume and Best Visiting Society. After that the fireworks can begin and the bonfire is lit. At the end of the night, you will find some of our members patrolling the route backwards to make sure we haven’t left too much evidence of having been there.
We also get invitations to attend other town and village processions in Sussex throughout the Bonfire Season. It’s a chance to represent your town, and meet and make friends. This of course includes the huge celebrations in Lewes on 5 November where every Society in Sussex walks through the town in a mammoth procession! Remember, remember... ■
History of the Burgess Hill Bonfire Society
In 1897 it was reported that “up to this time very little notice has been taken of the Gunpowder Plot Anniversary in Burgess Hill beyond the dragging of a blazing tar barrel through the streets and the annual bonfire and fireworks display at Mr Walliehs Academy at Holmsdale House.”
The first Burgess Hill Bonfire Society was formed in September 1894, with the Society’s headquarters at the Burgess Hill Inn. The first organised procession in the town was attended by 170 members, nearly all in character dress and bearing torches, the scene being a most brilliant and spectacular one. A tremendous bonfire in a field near the Consitutional Club was a “scorcher”.
The Burgess Hill Bonfire Society that we know today was formed in 1969 and there have been many changes since, the most obvious being the addition of Smugglers within the Society ranks. Our Smugglers march in their distinctive colours of green and black, the old Burgess Hill Football Club colours. To keep with the traditions of bonfire the reformed Society have reintroduced flaming fire carts (barrels) to the procession. Our first Pioneer costume has not changed since the society reformed in 1969. We are still proud to walk in our spectacular Aztec Indian costumes – based on an advert for the then popular Cadbury’s Aztec bar and selected by the Society when BHBS reformed in 1969.
A free event for the community, Burgess Hill Bonfire Night – including the spectacular Torchlight Procession and Fireworks Display – is the culmination of 10 months’ hard work by a core of devoted volunteers.
Well, it’s that time of year again – but then it’s always that time of year for the members of Burgess Hill Bonfire Society. Apart from a slight ‘breather’ after last year’s event, the preparations for this year’s Bonfire Night began almost immediately.
Our first priority is always fundraising. We need to make sure we have enough in the kitty to give the people of Burgess Hill the splendid spectacle of a wonderful fireworks display and procession, year after year. You may have seen us in the town centre on Town Day this year, and we have many other fundraising events throughout the year. Watch out for Smugglers or Aztecs coming your way soon to sell our procession programmes which are full of information about the Society as well as a running list for what happens on the day.
You’d be surprised at how much work goes on behind the scenes. An Event Management Plan has to be written, road closures have to be agreed, invitations to visiting societies have to go out in good time, costumes have to be prepared, monthly meetings held, not to mention the Health and Safety issues that have to be looked into. All this keeps our members nicely busy!
Nearer the time we start work on making the fire banners, flaming silhouettes of topical news items, (who can forget the ‘dancer’ in 2008!), or a theme pertinent to Burgess Hill (suggestions always welcome!).
On the night itself, preparing the bonfire takes a large chunk of the morning. Securing a bountiful supply of pallets is one thing, but building it – well, that’s something else entirely! Suffice to say that, last year, I discovered some muscles in my arms I didn’t know I had…
Making sure the bonfire will burn in the right way – not too fast, not too slow, and without collapsing dangerously – is a skill in itself. And I’m sure it gets a little bigger every year. We are also introducing a ‘Build a Guy’ competition this year. The fireworks are set for us by a professional company, and to get such spectacular displays as we have had in the past, this takes the best part of the day to set up.
The procession itself starts with a moment of Remembrance at the War Memorial, and then begins its journey through the town to eventually bring it to the bonfire site at Fairfield recreation ground. The sight of all the fabulous costumes, the fiery torches and the sound of the marching bands makes it a truly wonderful experience, either watching it pass or walking in it alongside friends and family. All the money collected en route is donated to local charities, so don’t forget to dig around the back of the sofa and empty your pockets of loose change!
When the procession reaches the site, there are various awards to be decided upon, including Best Costume and Best Visiting Society. After that the fireworks can begin and the bonfire is lit. At the end of the night, you will find some of our members patrolling the route backwards to make sure we haven’t left too much evidence of having been there.
We also get invitations to attend other town and village processions in Sussex throughout the Bonfire Season. It’s a chance to represent your town, and meet and make friends. This of course includes the huge celebrations in Lewes on 5 November where every Society in Sussex walks through the town in a mammoth procession! Remember, remember... ■
History of the Burgess Hill Bonfire Society
In 1897 it was reported that “up to this time very little notice has been taken of the Gunpowder Plot Anniversary in Burgess Hill beyond the dragging of a blazing tar barrel through the streets and the annual bonfire and fireworks display at Mr Walliehs Academy at Holmsdale House.”
The first Burgess Hill Bonfire Society was formed in September 1894, with the Society’s headquarters at the Burgess Hill Inn. The first organised procession in the town was attended by 170 members, nearly all in character dress and bearing torches, the scene being a most brilliant and spectacular one. A tremendous bonfire in a field near the Consitutional Club was a “scorcher”.
The Burgess Hill Bonfire Society that we know today was formed in 1969 and there have been many changes since, the most obvious being the addition of Smugglers within the Society ranks. Our Smugglers march in their distinctive colours of green and black, the old Burgess Hill Football Club colours. To keep with the traditions of bonfire the reformed Society have reintroduced flaming fire carts (barrels) to the procession. Our first Pioneer costume has not changed since the society reformed in 1969. We are still proud to walk in our spectacular Aztec Indian costumes – based on an advert for the then popular Cadbury’s Aztec bar and selected by the Society when BHBS reformed in 1969.
A new beginning at The Snowdrop Inn, Lindfield
by Nicole Tata
When Sally Jarrett walked into The Snowdrop Inn just over 18 years ago, she announced to her parents: “One day I’ll be running this pub.” Now it’s her name above the door.
Together with her husband Dave, Sally took on the huge task of transforming what was a sad, unloved establishment into her vision of what a proper pub should be: an easy, friendly meeting place for the community. “We want The Snowdrop to be a real local pub with good old fashioned values; where everyone can relax and feel welcome.”
Their dream of running a pub turned to reality when they took over the day-to-day management of a pub in Devon, helping out a friend in need. “I guess there’s only one way to find out if a publican’s life is right for you – and we loved it!” So when, closer to home, The Snowdrop became available, they didn’t waste any more time.
After weeks of building work, Sally and Dave are deservedly proud of their newly refurbished pub. Spotlessly clean and immaculately presented in a friendly, country cottage style (minus the chintz, the fuss and any tankards that may have once hung from the ceiling), there’s a warm smile that greets you and everyone in your party.
The new Sports Bar – complete with pub games, WiFi and Lcd TV – is a modern take on the traditional ‘public bar’. A cosy seating area around a large open fire invites you to park yourself in squishy armchairs, and there’s a spacious restaurant area and comfy saloon bar which opens out to the patio at the front, so you can listen to birdsong in this rural part of Lindfield.
The Snowdrop does a full range of classic pub food dishes – all cooked fresh to order by chef Rafael Carrillo – which I was looking forward to sampling on my recent visit there with the other half. We chose wisely, with our hearts: Chicken Wings (£4.50), grilled and marinated in chef spices – sweet, hot and fingerlickin’ good, perfect for sharing as a starter. Choosing the main course was easy – it always is for us steak girls! Eight ounces of lovely, juicy, rare ribeye arrived with mushroom, salad and chips (£9.50), and didn’t last long on my plate. Jon’s eyes lit up when he spotted his ultimate comfort food: Sussex Ham, Eggs (two!) and Chips (£6.00). Did he dip his chips into the soft egg yolk? Of course he did. Did he polish off the whole generous plateful without much so much as a ‘had a nice day, darling?’ You betcha. With a delicious home-made Bread & Butter Pudding (£4.50) to finish – marmalade being the secret ingredient in creating this rich, all-time favourite dish – we felt truly looked after.
“We’ve only been open eight weeks and the locals have flocked back. They love it now!” Sally said. If you’re looking for a warm and welcoming neighbourhood pub that does great home cooked food, and where an evening out with friends doesn’t have to break the bank, I think I’ve just found it. ■
When Sally Jarrett walked into The Snowdrop Inn just over 18 years ago, she announced to her parents: “One day I’ll be running this pub.” Now it’s her name above the door.
Together with her husband Dave, Sally took on the huge task of transforming what was a sad, unloved establishment into her vision of what a proper pub should be: an easy, friendly meeting place for the community. “We want The Snowdrop to be a real local pub with good old fashioned values; where everyone can relax and feel welcome.”
Their dream of running a pub turned to reality when they took over the day-to-day management of a pub in Devon, helping out a friend in need. “I guess there’s only one way to find out if a publican’s life is right for you – and we loved it!” So when, closer to home, The Snowdrop became available, they didn’t waste any more time.
After weeks of building work, Sally and Dave are deservedly proud of their newly refurbished pub. Spotlessly clean and immaculately presented in a friendly, country cottage style (minus the chintz, the fuss and any tankards that may have once hung from the ceiling), there’s a warm smile that greets you and everyone in your party.
The new Sports Bar – complete with pub games, WiFi and Lcd TV – is a modern take on the traditional ‘public bar’. A cosy seating area around a large open fire invites you to park yourself in squishy armchairs, and there’s a spacious restaurant area and comfy saloon bar which opens out to the patio at the front, so you can listen to birdsong in this rural part of Lindfield.
The Snowdrop does a full range of classic pub food dishes – all cooked fresh to order by chef Rafael Carrillo – which I was looking forward to sampling on my recent visit there with the other half. We chose wisely, with our hearts: Chicken Wings (£4.50), grilled and marinated in chef spices – sweet, hot and fingerlickin’ good, perfect for sharing as a starter. Choosing the main course was easy – it always is for us steak girls! Eight ounces of lovely, juicy, rare ribeye arrived with mushroom, salad and chips (£9.50), and didn’t last long on my plate. Jon’s eyes lit up when he spotted his ultimate comfort food: Sussex Ham, Eggs (two!) and Chips (£6.00). Did he dip his chips into the soft egg yolk? Of course he did. Did he polish off the whole generous plateful without much so much as a ‘had a nice day, darling?’ You betcha. With a delicious home-made Bread & Butter Pudding (£4.50) to finish – marmalade being the secret ingredient in creating this rich, all-time favourite dish – we felt truly looked after.
“We’ve only been open eight weeks and the locals have flocked back. They love it now!” Sally said. If you’re looking for a warm and welcoming neighbourhood pub that does great home cooked food, and where an evening out with friends doesn’t have to break the bank, I think I’ve just found it. ■
The Snowdrop Inn
Snowdrop Lane, Lindfield,
West Sussex RH16 2QE
Tel. 01444 440664
www.snowdropinn.com
Snowdrop Lane, Lindfield,
West Sussex RH16 2QE
Tel. 01444 440664
www.snowdropinn.com
Friday, 27 August 2010
The Cat Inn, West Hoathly, has got the cream
by Nicole Tata
When was the last time you took your boss out to lunch – with no hidden agenda? Exactly. The Cat Inn in West Hoathly surpassed all our expectations and would have been the perfect backdrop for a calculated charm offensive.
We knew The Cat Inn was special the moment we walked in. Andrew Russell and his staff – professional, attentive, amiable in just the right amount – were intent on giving us the royal treatment. But not just us, all customers, and for a rainy Wednesday afternoon there were surprisingly many of them in this tiny village off the beaten track.
You can almost sense the warm embrace of this historic 16th century inn. Oozing rustic charm from every nook and cranny, you feel safe and snug despite the generosity of space that surrounds you. No minding your head as you try to squeeze under low ceiling beams here; at The Cat you walk tall! The warm honeyed tones of the wooden beams, bar and mix-and-match tables and chairs come together to create an earthy yet thoroughly modern ambience.
Roger and I sat in the light and airy garden room overlooking the outside terrace. Lunch arrived quickly: an array of easy-to-understand dishes, faultlessly presented without pomp or circumstance. To start: Oak Smoked Salmon Belly with Beetroot and Horseradish Relish and Rare Roast Beef with Truffled Rocket and Parmesan. Both starters were disarmingly honest in their simplicity, with flavours there for all to taste: fresh, true and just delicious.
For mains, I chose the classic Harveys Beer Battered Fish & Chips which, according to Andrew, gets the most compliments. “We had visitors from the States here recently who said this was the best fish and chips they’d ever tasted. And you know how fussy New Yorkers are!” The fish was hake, caught that day off Hastings, so beautifully tender it needed no persuasion to fall off the fork. Roger decided to go for a more summery dish: Goats Cheese Bruschetta and Roast Figs with Rocket and Pomegranate Dressing. A fantastic combination of colours, flavours and textures on the p(a)late, he was particularly taken by the figs. “Any chance of some more?” he enquired cheekily.
Having been so totally blown away by the first two courses, I didn’t think I had any superlatives left to describe dessert. Wrong! How could you not fall in love with Warm Roasted Peach with Saffron Syrup and Champagne Sorbet, perfectly executed to tantalise all six senses at once? And Valrhona Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Sauce and White Chocolate Ice Cream – delivering a long, slow and deliciously torturous death by chocolate!
The heavens opened over lunch and, after weeks of summer sunshine, the long awaited rain poured down onto the parched Sussex countryside. As thunder cracked outside and the warm dark chocolate sauce threatened to lull me into perfect oblivion, I pondered over the culinary miracle that had just taken place.
And then we met Max – Max Leonard, the Cat’s head chef, that is – and it all made sense. Imagine reading your favourite book and then meeting its author!
Building his experience and reputation at high end gastropubs The Chequers in Maresfield (recently taken over by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White) and The George & Dragon at Speldhurst near Tunbridge Wells, Max is the engine that drives the Cat Inn’s kitchen. He is the cat’s meow! Full of youthful enthusiasm but with the gravitas that comes from years of experience, he is articulate and passionate about the one thing that matters to him: really, REALLY good food.
“We use all the techniques of fine dining – proper cooking! – to make classic pub style dishes, perhaps with the odd surprise dish thrown in,” he explains. Max and his team are keen to stress that The Cat Inn is most definitely a pub, not a fancy restaurant. “It’s not so much about how pretty a plate looks but how good the quality of the ingredients is. We want to serve really great food to ordinary people who come here for a good meal out.”
The philosophy underpinning everything that goes on in the Cat’s kitchen is what Max calls ‘provenance cooking’. It’s about what’s in season, what’s fresh and what’s available and as locally sourced as possible. “Our eggs come from a farm 5 minutes down the road ... all our veg are organic and from a 20 mile radius.” He uses his hands to outline “huge, furball peaches” from East Hoathly that will be ready for the table by next week.
Building relationships with local suppliers is key to Max’s approach of never compromising on quality. “All my fish is caught fresh off Rye; I get it direct from the day boat from a guy I’ve known for years and I know it is the best.” Then he tells me how he heard, quite by chance, of a local hobby farmer who rears rare breed pigs nearby. “I got in touch straight away and today I’ve had half a Duke of Berkshire pig delivered!”
Andrew is clearly happy with the success of his thriving village inn. “We’re full! We’re doing 700 covers a week,” he smiles. He and Roger parted as best buddies, having bonded over assorted i-gadgetry. Personally, I quite liked the fact that there was no mobile signal, meaning no annoying ringtones that would have spoilt the near magical atmosphere. Back in the real world, it occurred to me that I hadn’t asked for a payrise.
When was the last time you took your boss out to lunch – with no hidden agenda? Exactly. The Cat Inn in West Hoathly surpassed all our expectations and would have been the perfect backdrop for a calculated charm offensive.
We knew The Cat Inn was special the moment we walked in. Andrew Russell and his staff – professional, attentive, amiable in just the right amount – were intent on giving us the royal treatment. But not just us, all customers, and for a rainy Wednesday afternoon there were surprisingly many of them in this tiny village off the beaten track.
You can almost sense the warm embrace of this historic 16th century inn. Oozing rustic charm from every nook and cranny, you feel safe and snug despite the generosity of space that surrounds you. No minding your head as you try to squeeze under low ceiling beams here; at The Cat you walk tall! The warm honeyed tones of the wooden beams, bar and mix-and-match tables and chairs come together to create an earthy yet thoroughly modern ambience.
Roger and I sat in the light and airy garden room overlooking the outside terrace. Lunch arrived quickly: an array of easy-to-understand dishes, faultlessly presented without pomp or circumstance. To start: Oak Smoked Salmon Belly with Beetroot and Horseradish Relish and Rare Roast Beef with Truffled Rocket and Parmesan. Both starters were disarmingly honest in their simplicity, with flavours there for all to taste: fresh, true and just delicious.
For mains, I chose the classic Harveys Beer Battered Fish & Chips which, according to Andrew, gets the most compliments. “We had visitors from the States here recently who said this was the best fish and chips they’d ever tasted. And you know how fussy New Yorkers are!” The fish was hake, caught that day off Hastings, so beautifully tender it needed no persuasion to fall off the fork. Roger decided to go for a more summery dish: Goats Cheese Bruschetta and Roast Figs with Rocket and Pomegranate Dressing. A fantastic combination of colours, flavours and textures on the p(a)late, he was particularly taken by the figs. “Any chance of some more?” he enquired cheekily.
Having been so totally blown away by the first two courses, I didn’t think I had any superlatives left to describe dessert. Wrong! How could you not fall in love with Warm Roasted Peach with Saffron Syrup and Champagne Sorbet, perfectly executed to tantalise all six senses at once? And Valrhona Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Sauce and White Chocolate Ice Cream – delivering a long, slow and deliciously torturous death by chocolate!
The heavens opened over lunch and, after weeks of summer sunshine, the long awaited rain poured down onto the parched Sussex countryside. As thunder cracked outside and the warm dark chocolate sauce threatened to lull me into perfect oblivion, I pondered over the culinary miracle that had just taken place.
And then we met Max – Max Leonard, the Cat’s head chef, that is – and it all made sense. Imagine reading your favourite book and then meeting its author!
Building his experience and reputation at high end gastropubs The Chequers in Maresfield (recently taken over by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White) and The George & Dragon at Speldhurst near Tunbridge Wells, Max is the engine that drives the Cat Inn’s kitchen. He is the cat’s meow! Full of youthful enthusiasm but with the gravitas that comes from years of experience, he is articulate and passionate about the one thing that matters to him: really, REALLY good food.
“We use all the techniques of fine dining – proper cooking! – to make classic pub style dishes, perhaps with the odd surprise dish thrown in,” he explains. Max and his team are keen to stress that The Cat Inn is most definitely a pub, not a fancy restaurant. “It’s not so much about how pretty a plate looks but how good the quality of the ingredients is. We want to serve really great food to ordinary people who come here for a good meal out.”
The philosophy underpinning everything that goes on in the Cat’s kitchen is what Max calls ‘provenance cooking’. It’s about what’s in season, what’s fresh and what’s available and as locally sourced as possible. “Our eggs come from a farm 5 minutes down the road ... all our veg are organic and from a 20 mile radius.” He uses his hands to outline “huge, furball peaches” from East Hoathly that will be ready for the table by next week.
Building relationships with local suppliers is key to Max’s approach of never compromising on quality. “All my fish is caught fresh off Rye; I get it direct from the day boat from a guy I’ve known for years and I know it is the best.” Then he tells me how he heard, quite by chance, of a local hobby farmer who rears rare breed pigs nearby. “I got in touch straight away and today I’ve had half a Duke of Berkshire pig delivered!”
Andrew is clearly happy with the success of his thriving village inn. “We’re full! We’re doing 700 covers a week,” he smiles. He and Roger parted as best buddies, having bonded over assorted i-gadgetry. Personally, I quite liked the fact that there was no mobile signal, meaning no annoying ringtones that would have spoilt the near magical atmosphere. Back in the real world, it occurred to me that I hadn’t asked for a payrise.
The Cat Inn
Queen’s Square, West Hoathly
West Sussex
RH19 4PP
Tel: 01342 810369
www.catinn.co.uk
Queen’s Square, West Hoathly
West Sussex
RH19 4PP
Tel: 01342 810369
www.catinn.co.uk
Holly Jefferies - Hurstpierpoint Songstress
For those of you asking to hear the music of Holly Jefferies (see page 81-81) of this month's South Downs Living - here's a link - Holly
Pets as Therapy
by Roger Linn
Fee Lee is a farmer’s wife and a part-time veterinary nurse, so she obviously has lots of time on her hands.
That’s as long as you ignore the two children, seven dogs, two cats, a 79 year old tortoise called Hot Rod, two horses, a Harris hawk, Bantam chickens and the two foxhound puppies she’s looking after for the local hunt. In fact, she has so much energy we could save a fortune by plugging her into the National Grid. And now she’s just become a Pets As Therapy (PAT) Volunteer, although I should say that she and Nobby, her five year old Patterdale terrier, have become PAT Volunteers because they work very much as a team.
Pets As Therapy is a wonderful charity whose members and their pets visit a very wide range of people who can benefit from the warmth and affection the animals offer unconditionally. It is a long list, but includes adults and children in hospitals, hospices, schools, nursing homes, people recovering from strokes or suffering from clinical depression – they go anywhere where there is a need and Pets as Therapy can help. Before acceptance, the pet’s temperament is carefully assessed and the animal is tested to make sure that it has the sort of calm and friendly nature essential to the role. Pedigree doesn’t matter here; temperament is everything.
Fee and Nobby passed their test with flying colours and are regular visitors at Chailey Heritage where Nobby brings joy to children suffering from neurological conditions. Fee describes Nobby, with whom she has a very special bond, as “bomb proof” because of his amazingly stoical temperament. This, of course, is particularly valuable around physically challenged children and young adults. “He’s had his paws run over by a wheelchair on more than one occasion,” says Fee, “but there’s no question in my mind that he understands his role. I have an enormous sense of pride in watching a child’s face transformed with the delight of touching Nobby’s soft black head or ears. And I’ve been very moved watching the interaction between this very special little dog and the children. Humble too,” she adds, “really, I’m just his chauffeur!”
As if he knew we were talking about him, Nobby gave a huge yawn, rolled over onto his back and contemplated the ceiling.
Over 130,000 people a week benefit from Pets As Therapy with some 4,500 dogs and 100 cats visiting throughout the UK. If you would like to find out more about the charity, visit
Fee Lee is a farmer’s wife and a part-time veterinary nurse, so she obviously has lots of time on her hands.
That’s as long as you ignore the two children, seven dogs, two cats, a 79 year old tortoise called Hot Rod, two horses, a Harris hawk, Bantam chickens and the two foxhound puppies she’s looking after for the local hunt. In fact, she has so much energy we could save a fortune by plugging her into the National Grid. And now she’s just become a Pets As Therapy (PAT) Volunteer, although I should say that she and Nobby, her five year old Patterdale terrier, have become PAT Volunteers because they work very much as a team.
Pets As Therapy is a wonderful charity whose members and their pets visit a very wide range of people who can benefit from the warmth and affection the animals offer unconditionally. It is a long list, but includes adults and children in hospitals, hospices, schools, nursing homes, people recovering from strokes or suffering from clinical depression – they go anywhere where there is a need and Pets as Therapy can help. Before acceptance, the pet’s temperament is carefully assessed and the animal is tested to make sure that it has the sort of calm and friendly nature essential to the role. Pedigree doesn’t matter here; temperament is everything.
Fee and Nobby passed their test with flying colours and are regular visitors at Chailey Heritage where Nobby brings joy to children suffering from neurological conditions. Fee describes Nobby, with whom she has a very special bond, as “bomb proof” because of his amazingly stoical temperament. This, of course, is particularly valuable around physically challenged children and young adults. “He’s had his paws run over by a wheelchair on more than one occasion,” says Fee, “but there’s no question in my mind that he understands his role. I have an enormous sense of pride in watching a child’s face transformed with the delight of touching Nobby’s soft black head or ears. And I’ve been very moved watching the interaction between this very special little dog and the children. Humble too,” she adds, “really, I’m just his chauffeur!”
As if he knew we were talking about him, Nobby gave a huge yawn, rolled over onto his back and contemplated the ceiling.
Over 130,000 people a week benefit from Pets As Therapy with some 4,500 dogs and 100 cats visiting throughout the UK. If you would like to find out more about the charity, visit
www.petsastherapy.org
or telephone 01451 829641
or telephone 01451 829641
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Welcome to Robins Nest Day Nursery
by Lisa de Silva
When primary school teacher Anna James was first looking for childcare for her son Tom, nothing met her expectations. What could she do?
With the help of her mum, Jenny Hyde, who herself had 30 years’ experience of working in childcare, the duo decided to set up a nursery of their own. Pooling experience and resources, they opened the doors to Robin’s Nest Nursery in 1998.
Since then the nursery has thrived and now incorporates a cosy Baby Unit alongside the main nursery, both conveniently situated within a stone’s throw of Haywards Heath station.
Not surprisingly, the business is a real family affair. “Our whole philosophy is based on creating a family atmosphere,” Jenny tells me. “We know that the personal touch is the most important factor in childcare and so we aim to reflect a child’s home routines. If they nap at a certain time, or only eat specific snack items, we will work around that.”
All the staff are qualified, motivated and more: they love the children and it shows. Each child has a key person who is responsible for all aspects of that child’s care, from changing nappies to working on their learning journal. “We also have key group time, when staff can spend quiet time with their key group of children and help to build confidence in those that may be shy,” Jenny explains.
Belinda, the cook, (and mum to one staff member) is hugely proud of the fact that Trading Standards have tested and rated her food as the highest possible quality. “It’s fantastic having Belinda,” says Jenny. “If a child says ‘I love apple crumble’, then it’s often possible for her to make it that day. She also uses the produce we’ve grown in our garden here.”
The outside space is a great asset the children really enjoy; both the baby unit and the nursery have safe and secure gardens. Children are encouraged to follow their own instincts in deciding where to play – as they would do if they were at home – and each room is dedicated to a different area of the curriculum: messy, reading, role-playing, activity and learning, complete with IT facilities. “We have found that if you let children decide what they want to play with, they enjoy and engage with what they’re doing much better than if you’re trying to impose a strict timetable on their activities,” says Jenny.
Parents are encouraged to join the family atmosphere; there are several social events throughout the year. They can also call the nursery at any time. “It’s really important to us that parents feel as comfortable as their children. We have a huge responsibility in caring for their children and it’s one we don’t take lightly.”
When primary school teacher Anna James was first looking for childcare for her son Tom, nothing met her expectations. What could she do?
With the help of her mum, Jenny Hyde, who herself had 30 years’ experience of working in childcare, the duo decided to set up a nursery of their own. Pooling experience and resources, they opened the doors to Robin’s Nest Nursery in 1998.
Since then the nursery has thrived and now incorporates a cosy Baby Unit alongside the main nursery, both conveniently situated within a stone’s throw of Haywards Heath station.
Not surprisingly, the business is a real family affair. “Our whole philosophy is based on creating a family atmosphere,” Jenny tells me. “We know that the personal touch is the most important factor in childcare and so we aim to reflect a child’s home routines. If they nap at a certain time, or only eat specific snack items, we will work around that.”
All the staff are qualified, motivated and more: they love the children and it shows. Each child has a key person who is responsible for all aspects of that child’s care, from changing nappies to working on their learning journal. “We also have key group time, when staff can spend quiet time with their key group of children and help to build confidence in those that may be shy,” Jenny explains.
Belinda, the cook, (and mum to one staff member) is hugely proud of the fact that Trading Standards have tested and rated her food as the highest possible quality. “It’s fantastic having Belinda,” says Jenny. “If a child says ‘I love apple crumble’, then it’s often possible for her to make it that day. She also uses the produce we’ve grown in our garden here.”
The outside space is a great asset the children really enjoy; both the baby unit and the nursery have safe and secure gardens. Children are encouraged to follow their own instincts in deciding where to play – as they would do if they were at home – and each room is dedicated to a different area of the curriculum: messy, reading, role-playing, activity and learning, complete with IT facilities. “We have found that if you let children decide what they want to play with, they enjoy and engage with what they’re doing much better than if you’re trying to impose a strict timetable on their activities,” says Jenny.
Parents are encouraged to join the family atmosphere; there are several social events throughout the year. They can also call the nursery at any time. “It’s really important to us that parents feel as comfortable as their children. We have a huge responsibility in caring for their children and it’s one we don’t take lightly.”
Robins Nest Day Nursery
47 Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath,
West Sussex RH16 3BN | Tel. 01444 413103
www.robinsnestnursery.co.uk
47 Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath,
West Sussex RH16 3BN | Tel. 01444 413103
www.robinsnestnursery.co.uk
Let’s light up Hassocks for Christmas
by Lucinda Hawkes
It’s only three months until December, when shop windows will be decorated and the Hassocks Christmas lights will once again stand out against the darker skies. But will they?
For many years, Keymer Road has been decorated with lights during December and early January. Last year, however, there was a real possibility that the village would be left without any.
The Light Up Hassocks committee led by Connie Forster, which had been raising funds to install and maintain the lights each year, was disbanded during 2009 and, despite appeals, no-one came forward to take over the project. The Hassocks Community Partnership decided that the village couldn’t lose the lights and, with the help of Roger Booth and his team, managed to book some lights at the last moment. Since then, the Hassocks WI – which has a number of special interest groups – has formed a WI Community Group which is supported by Hassocks Community Partnership.
We now have to raise the funds so that we can make sure Hassocks sparkles in December. Look out for us selling raffle tickets and collecting at Hassocks Village Market on Saturday 25th September. On the morning of Saturday 16th October we will be holding a coffee morning at the URC Church Hall. Please support these fundraisers. Also look out for our collection boxes at Roger Booth’s and other local shops during September. Any change you can spare will be welcome – ‘every little’ really does help!
We look forward to showing off the new lights at a ‘Switch On’ ceremony during the evening of Thursday 25th November. If you have any questions, fundraising ideas or would like to make a donation, please contact Lucinda Hawkes on 01273 841872.
It’s only three months until December, when shop windows will be decorated and the Hassocks Christmas lights will once again stand out against the darker skies. But will they?
For many years, Keymer Road has been decorated with lights during December and early January. Last year, however, there was a real possibility that the village would be left without any.
The Light Up Hassocks committee led by Connie Forster, which had been raising funds to install and maintain the lights each year, was disbanded during 2009 and, despite appeals, no-one came forward to take over the project. The Hassocks Community Partnership decided that the village couldn’t lose the lights and, with the help of Roger Booth and his team, managed to book some lights at the last moment. Since then, the Hassocks WI – which has a number of special interest groups – has formed a WI Community Group which is supported by Hassocks Community Partnership.
We now have to raise the funds so that we can make sure Hassocks sparkles in December. Look out for us selling raffle tickets and collecting at Hassocks Village Market on Saturday 25th September. On the morning of Saturday 16th October we will be holding a coffee morning at the URC Church Hall. Please support these fundraisers. Also look out for our collection boxes at Roger Booth’s and other local shops during September. Any change you can spare will be welcome – ‘every little’ really does help!
We look forward to showing off the new lights at a ‘Switch On’ ceremony during the evening of Thursday 25th November. If you have any questions, fundraising ideas or would like to make a donation, please contact Lucinda Hawkes on 01273 841872.
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
The Curtain Exchange, Cuckfield
by Lisa de Silva
Improving or Moving? Make your home with new beautiful curtains.
Imagine walking into an emporium of beautiful colours, textures and fabrics, where sumptuous window dressings hang from every wall, spanning every shade of the colour spectrum. Welcome to The Curtain Exchange in Cuckfield.
Yet, if you thought that The Curtain Exchange dealt solely in second hand curtains, you might be surprised to learn that 80% of their business now comes from sales of new and bespoke curtains. “Yes, the name is something of a misnomer,” says Barbara Rudd who has run the Cuckfield branch of this franchised business for the past 20 years, recently assisted by her husband John. “The Curtain Exchange was initially set up during the 1980s when the fashion was for very elaborate swags and tails,” Barbara explains to me. “Owing to the costs involved, it made sense for people to recycle their curtains. But trends change.”
Contemporary curtains tend to be much simpler in style and more neutral in colour, which means that they are changed less frequently. So the company refocused its business and now new curtains are its main trade. In fact, The Curtain Exchange is the only place where you can buy luxury designer curtains off the peg. It is also one of the few places where clients can actually see fully finished curtains hanging up and then take them home for a test run. “Rather than relying on swatches of material, we want to give people a real feel for how a fabric will look as curtains. To make sure they’ll work for our clients, we let them take curtains home for 24 hours,” Barbara tells me.
This personal service lies at the heart of everything Barbara does. With 20 years of experience, she is wonderfully placed to advise clients on using the right colours, textures and fabrics to create the look they want to achieve. Her range of designer fabrics includes well known names such as Colefax & Fowler, Jane Churchill, Malabar, Designers Guild and Osborne & Little.
Once a client has decided on a fabric and a style, Barbara is with them every step of the way, from organising the fixtures and fitting through to the hanging. And it’s not just curtains either – The Curtain Exchange also offers Roman blinds, roller blinds, tracks and poles, re-upholstery and shutters.
Prices are kept highly competitive through the centralised buying power of the branch network. This means that The Curtain Exchange will often deal directly with the mill when buying fabric, passing any savings back to the client.
Barbara has dressed thousands of windows in her time – everything from one-up-and-downs to castles, for everyone from politicians to actors. She stocks a wide range of styles to accommodate most tastes, ranging from classic to contemporary, sheer opulence to minimalism. Whether you’re looking for bespoke, ready made or nearly new window dressings, The Curtain Exchange has luxury designer products that will indulge your home for years to come.
The Curtain Exchange
45 High Street, Cuckfield
West Sussex RH17 5JU
Tel. 01444 417000
www.thecurtainexchange.co.uk
45 High Street, Cuckfield
West Sussex RH17 5JU
Tel. 01444 417000
www.thecurtainexchange.co.uk
Lancing College GCSE Results 2010
Lancing College is pleased to announce strong GCSE results again this year:
616 of the 963 (64%) GCSEs taken by 90 pupils were graded A* or A.
27.5% of GCSEs taken were awarded A* grade.
87.5% of GCSEs taken were awarded A*, A or B grades.
The Head Master of Lancing College, Mr Jonathan Gillespie, commented:
“Congratulations to our GCSE candidates on their achievements! Many of these pleasing results are proof of the value added by GCSE courses at Lancing across a broad range of ability. GCSE is a stage on the educational journey rather than a final destination, and our pupils can now embark with confidence on their chosen A Level courses. Education is, of course, about so much more than just examination results, and the journey which now continues through the Sixth Form will see the further development of a wide range of skills both in the classroom and outside it.”
· Taha Uheba from Haywards Heath achieved 11A*s
· Callum Maxwell from Storrington achieved 5 A*s and 5 As
· Thomas Liddle from Washington achieved 9 A*s and 1A
· Hannah Mason from Bognor Regis achieved 6 A*s and 4 As
· Hector Loughton from Burgess Hill achieved 10 A*s
· Silas Lee from Brighton achieved 9 A*s and 1A
· Zara Hyde from Hove achieved 8 A*s and 2As
· Hugh Brünjes from Ovingdean achieved 8 A*s and 2 As
· Callum Hammond from Southwick achieved 7 A*s and 3As
· James McGilligan from Ovingdean achieved 6 A*s and 4 As
For further information please contact Sarah Linfield, Marketing Officer, Lancing College on 01273 465803.
616 of the 963 (64%) GCSEs taken by 90 pupils were graded A* or A.
27.5% of GCSEs taken were awarded A* grade.
87.5% of GCSEs taken were awarded A*, A or B grades.
The Head Master of Lancing College, Mr Jonathan Gillespie, commented:
“Congratulations to our GCSE candidates on their achievements! Many of these pleasing results are proof of the value added by GCSE courses at Lancing across a broad range of ability. GCSE is a stage on the educational journey rather than a final destination, and our pupils can now embark with confidence on their chosen A Level courses. Education is, of course, about so much more than just examination results, and the journey which now continues through the Sixth Form will see the further development of a wide range of skills both in the classroom and outside it.”
· Taha Uheba from Haywards Heath achieved 11A*s
· Callum Maxwell from Storrington achieved 5 A*s and 5 As
· Thomas Liddle from Washington achieved 9 A*s and 1A
· Hannah Mason from Bognor Regis achieved 6 A*s and 4 As
· Hector Loughton from Burgess Hill achieved 10 A*s
· Silas Lee from Brighton achieved 9 A*s and 1A
· Zara Hyde from Hove achieved 8 A*s and 2As
· Hugh Brünjes from Ovingdean achieved 8 A*s and 2 As
· Callum Hammond from Southwick achieved 7 A*s and 3As
· James McGilligan from Ovingdean achieved 6 A*s and 4 As
For further information please contact Sarah Linfield, Marketing Officer, Lancing College on 01273 465803.
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
Parking in Haywards Heath
On-street parking consultation for Haywards Heath and Lindfield
A formal consultation on changes to on-street parking in Haywards Heath and Lindfield will start on Thursday September 2.
The three-week consultation will allow people to give their views on a number of minor changes to waiting restrictions in various roads.
West Sussex County Council is holding the consultation in response to concerns about congestion and access difficulties and to look at parking restrictions which are no longer appropriate.
It follows an informal consultation earlier this year where people were asked to give their initial comments on the proposals.
West Sussex County Council Deputy Leader, Lionel Barnard, who has responsibility for Highways and Transport, said: “This consultation gives people another chance to have their say on these proposals and I would urge people to contact us if they have any comments or concerns so they can be considered before any changes are made.”
The proposals can be viewed at Haywards Heath Town Council Offices, Haywards Heath Library and at Lindfield Parish Council Offices.
Additional information and an online response form can be found on the County Council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk.
People can comment on the proposals by writing to the Parking Strategy Team, The Grange, Tower Street, Chichester, PO19 1RH.
People can also email their comments to parking@westsussex.gov.uk.
The consultation runs until September 23.
A formal consultation on changes to on-street parking in Haywards Heath and Lindfield will start on Thursday September 2.
The three-week consultation will allow people to give their views on a number of minor changes to waiting restrictions in various roads.
West Sussex County Council is holding the consultation in response to concerns about congestion and access difficulties and to look at parking restrictions which are no longer appropriate.
It follows an informal consultation earlier this year where people were asked to give their initial comments on the proposals.
West Sussex County Council Deputy Leader, Lionel Barnard, who has responsibility for Highways and Transport, said: “This consultation gives people another chance to have their say on these proposals and I would urge people to contact us if they have any comments or concerns so they can be considered before any changes are made.”
The proposals can be viewed at Haywards Heath Town Council Offices, Haywards Heath Library and at Lindfield Parish Council Offices.
Additional information and an online response form can be found on the County Council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk.
People can comment on the proposals by writing to the Parking Strategy Team, The Grange, Tower Street, Chichester, PO19 1RH.
People can also email their comments to parking@westsussex.gov.uk.
The consultation runs until September 23.
Ladies Day at Plumpton Racecourse
Advance booking offer saving £5 for Plumpton Racecourse Ladies Day on Sunday 19th September
Tickets are now on sale for Plumpton Racecourse’s first racemeeting of the season, Ladies Day, on Sunday 19th September with a special discount for advance bookings through the Plumpton Racecourse website.
Plumpton Racecourse reverts to one enclosure for Ladies Day, with admission tickets giving access to all public areas. Customers who book online at www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk before Monday 13th September pay only £10 per ticket, saving £5 on the on the day price of £15.
Ladies Day 2010 promises to be the biggest and best yet, with the star prize for the best dressed lady a two week all inclusive holiday for two in Barbados, courtesy of Almond Resorts.
Chief Executive Claire Sheppard said “Ladies Day is Plumpton’s most glamorous day of the year. We have plenty to keep everyone entertained all day – alongside 7 races and the fashion competitions, the Al Fresco Garden Area includes a Shopping Village, Heart Pamper Zone, live music, entertainers, and outdoor tables and chairs to relax and enjoy a beautiful day out in the heart of the Sussex countryside.”
“We are also introducing a Best Dressed Gentleman competition this year, with a prize of a Suit, Shirt, Tie and Cufflinks courtesy of celebrity Brighton designer Gresham Blake, so there are no excuses for the guys not looking dapper too.”
Ladies Day is a great day to bring the family racing with a funfair, face painting, and best dressed child competition, and children under 18 enjoy free admission.
Doors open at 11.30am, with the first race underway at 2pm. More information can be found at www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk
Tickets are now on sale for Plumpton Racecourse’s first racemeeting of the season, Ladies Day, on Sunday 19th September with a special discount for advance bookings through the Plumpton Racecourse website.
Plumpton Racecourse reverts to one enclosure for Ladies Day, with admission tickets giving access to all public areas. Customers who book online at www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk before Monday 13th September pay only £10 per ticket, saving £5 on the on the day price of £15.
Ladies Day 2010 promises to be the biggest and best yet, with the star prize for the best dressed lady a two week all inclusive holiday for two in Barbados, courtesy of Almond Resorts.
Chief Executive Claire Sheppard said “Ladies Day is Plumpton’s most glamorous day of the year. We have plenty to keep everyone entertained all day – alongside 7 races and the fashion competitions, the Al Fresco Garden Area includes a Shopping Village, Heart Pamper Zone, live music, entertainers, and outdoor tables and chairs to relax and enjoy a beautiful day out in the heart of the Sussex countryside.”
“We are also introducing a Best Dressed Gentleman competition this year, with a prize of a Suit, Shirt, Tie and Cufflinks courtesy of celebrity Brighton designer Gresham Blake, so there are no excuses for the guys not looking dapper too.”
Ladies Day is a great day to bring the family racing with a funfair, face painting, and best dressed child competition, and children under 18 enjoy free admission.
Doors open at 11.30am, with the first race underway at 2pm. More information can be found at www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk
Monday, 23 August 2010
Haywards Heath Town Day 2010
Victoria Park, Haywards Heath
11 September , from 12 noon
It's back, bigger and better than ever for 2010!
An action packed day of fun and family entertainment. Attractions will include rides, miniature railway, climbing wall, trampolines, tennis competitions, a skate jam, market and local community stalls and exciting demonstrations and competitions in the main arena.
This year the event will also include a large Eco Zone offering many eco friendly products, entertainment and ideas.
The search for new local singing talent will continue on the main stage with the finals of the towns very own karaoke competition along with many other stage acts.
From 6pm the stage will come alive with the battle of the bands organised by ‘RokSkool’ and entertainment provided by the fantastic local talents of ‘The Last Carnival'.
The whole event will conclude with a grand finale of fireworks set to classical music at 8pm.
11 September , from 12 noon
It's back, bigger and better than ever for 2010!
An action packed day of fun and family entertainment. Attractions will include rides, miniature railway, climbing wall, trampolines, tennis competitions, a skate jam, market and local community stalls and exciting demonstrations and competitions in the main arena.
This year the event will also include a large Eco Zone offering many eco friendly products, entertainment and ideas.
The search for new local singing talent will continue on the main stage with the finals of the towns very own karaoke competition along with many other stage acts.
From 6pm the stage will come alive with the battle of the bands organised by ‘RokSkool’ and entertainment provided by the fantastic local talents of ‘The Last Carnival'.
The whole event will conclude with a grand finale of fireworks set to classical music at 8pm.
Hartfield Village Fete & Fun Dog Show
Hartfield Village Fete & Fun Dog Show
Saturday 11th September 2010
12 noon - 4.30pm on the Town Croft
Grand Prize Draw
Your Chance to win £200
Fun Dog Show Classes
Waggiest Tail, Best Veteran, Prettiest Girl, Most Handsome Dog,
Saturday 11th September 2010
12 noon - 4.30pm on the Town Croft
Grand Prize Draw
Your Chance to win £200
Fun Dog Show Classes
Waggiest Tail, Best Veteran, Prettiest Girl, Most Handsome Dog,
Most Appealing Eyes, Dog Judge Would Most Like to Take Home.
A Fun Dog Show will take entries from 12 noon on the day and the Doggie Dash is back
A Fun Dog Show will take entries from 12 noon on the day and the Doggie Dash is back
by popular demand. There will also be the opportunity to have a fantastic,
professional photograph taken of your dog by our on-site photographer.
They say “A picture paints a thousand words”, so come along and let your dog do the talking!
Morris Dancing and St Mary's School Maypole Dance
Morris Dancing and St Mary's School Maypole Dance
Ferret Racing and New Exciting Fairground Organ
Archery, Bottle Tombola, Bric-a-Brac, Bouncy Castle, Cake Icing, Cakes, Produce & Preserves,
Candy Floss & Games, Childrens Books & Toys, Crepiery, Donkey Rides, Face Painting,
Fire Engine, Gifts & Glossy Books, Ice Cream, Paperback Books, Pimms,
Pets Corner, Strawberries & Cream, Teas and Vintage Cars.
12 noon: BBQ and Beer Ten opens
All proceeds to Hartfield community projects
Saturday, 21 August 2010
St Andrews Church, Edburton, celebrates Rev Graham Jeffery
An exceptional clergyman, a special community and a spectacular Church
The beautifully restored St Andrew's Church, Edburton, formed the perfect backdrop to a special service on Sunday 15 August celebrating the 50th anniversary of Rev Graham Jeffery's ordination as well as his 75th birthday.
Although retired, Graham is still very active in the community, helping anyone who needs it in his non judgemental way.
On Sunday, the church was packed with a 250-strong congregation for the service, conducted by Graham himself, assisted by Rev Caroline Currer, now responsible for all four Downland Churches of Edburton, Poynings, Pycombe, and Newtimber. By happy coincidence, she and her husband Allan were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. Also assisting were Rev Canon Stephen Sidebotham, who was ordained at exactly the same time as Graham at Winchester Cathedral, Rev Francesca Dixon and Rev Canon Alan Spray.
The service, introduced by Graham’s son Gabriel, was in Graham's own highly successful style; amusing but meaningful anecdotes replacing a formal sermon highlighting his view that a church service should be fun rather than an ordeal.
Gabriel not only paid personal tribute to Graham as a father but also to his remarkable ministry. “He has never turned anyone away, never said no to anyone, always treated everyone the same,” is how he characterised his 50 years service.
Communion was administered by all five priests using specially engraved glasses, one for each of the four Downland Churches with which Graham had been associated.
The special choir was complemented by Lou Beckerman local singer songwriter, concert performer and sound and song therapist. She made a guest appearance, singing to her own accompaniment on the guitar.
Following the service, the celebration continued with drinks and food set out in gazebos in an adjacent field. All the food was provided by the parishioners and prepared by the “Church Mice' – the local ladies who run such events for St Andrew’s Church. Marion Strachan, who organised the whole event devised by Graham's wife, Edith, was aided by colleagues Joyce Harris, Valerie Baillet, Sandra Windus, Elizabeth Baldwin, Linda Jones, Chris Wooldridge, Jane Warne, Gillian Treen and Pauline Agg.
Graham cut his cake after telling a story about a sermon which he thought was probably his most successful ever: nobody could hear because the microphone was switched off! He was presented with a book full of tributes written by parishioners in calligraphy by Elizabeth Baldwin and a special landscape of the view towards Newtimber on the frontis painted by well known local artist James Lightfoot.
Graham has been the inspiration behind the small community of 120 households in Edburton and Fulking raising over £300,000 for the restoration work at St Andrew’s Church. He will continue to serve St Andrew’s as well as the surrounding community by whom he will always be much loved and respected.
Picture 1:
Graham Jeffery conducted the service in his own highly successful style; amusing but meaningful anecdotes replacing a formal sermon highlighting his view that a church service should be fun rather than an ordeal.
Picture 2:
Communion used specially engraved glasses, one for each of the four Downland Churches with which Graham had been associated.
Picture 3:
The special choir was complemented by Lou Beckerman local singer songwriter, concert performer and sound and song therapist. She made a guest appearance, singing to her own accompaniment on the guitar.
Picture 4:
Graham Jeffery was presented with a book full of tributes written by parishioners in calligraphy by Elizabeth Baldwin and a special landscape of the view towards Newtimber on the frontis painted by well known local artist James Lightfoot.
Picture 5:
Following the service, the celebration continued with drinks and food set out in gazebos in an adjacent field. All the food was provided by the parishioners and prepared by the “Church Mice' – the local ladies who run such events for St Andrew’s Church. Marion Strachan, who organised the whole event devised by Graham's wife, Edith, was aided by colleagues Joyce Harris, Valerie Baillet, Sandra Windus, Elizabeth Baldwin, Linda Jones, Chris Wooldridge, Jane Warne, Gillian Treen and Pauline Agg.
The beautifully restored St Andrew's Church, Edburton, formed the perfect backdrop to a special service on Sunday 15 August celebrating the 50th anniversary of Rev Graham Jeffery's ordination as well as his 75th birthday.
Although retired, Graham is still very active in the community, helping anyone who needs it in his non judgemental way.
On Sunday, the church was packed with a 250-strong congregation for the service, conducted by Graham himself, assisted by Rev Caroline Currer, now responsible for all four Downland Churches of Edburton, Poynings, Pycombe, and Newtimber. By happy coincidence, she and her husband Allan were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. Also assisting were Rev Canon Stephen Sidebotham, who was ordained at exactly the same time as Graham at Winchester Cathedral, Rev Francesca Dixon and Rev Canon Alan Spray.
The service, introduced by Graham’s son Gabriel, was in Graham's own highly successful style; amusing but meaningful anecdotes replacing a formal sermon highlighting his view that a church service should be fun rather than an ordeal.
Gabriel not only paid personal tribute to Graham as a father but also to his remarkable ministry. “He has never turned anyone away, never said no to anyone, always treated everyone the same,” is how he characterised his 50 years service.
Communion was administered by all five priests using specially engraved glasses, one for each of the four Downland Churches with which Graham had been associated.
The special choir was complemented by Lou Beckerman local singer songwriter, concert performer and sound and song therapist. She made a guest appearance, singing to her own accompaniment on the guitar.
Following the service, the celebration continued with drinks and food set out in gazebos in an adjacent field. All the food was provided by the parishioners and prepared by the “Church Mice' – the local ladies who run such events for St Andrew’s Church. Marion Strachan, who organised the whole event devised by Graham's wife, Edith, was aided by colleagues Joyce Harris, Valerie Baillet, Sandra Windus, Elizabeth Baldwin, Linda Jones, Chris Wooldridge, Jane Warne, Gillian Treen and Pauline Agg.
Graham cut his cake after telling a story about a sermon which he thought was probably his most successful ever: nobody could hear because the microphone was switched off! He was presented with a book full of tributes written by parishioners in calligraphy by Elizabeth Baldwin and a special landscape of the view towards Newtimber on the frontis painted by well known local artist James Lightfoot.
Graham has been the inspiration behind the small community of 120 households in Edburton and Fulking raising over £300,000 for the restoration work at St Andrew’s Church. He will continue to serve St Andrew’s as well as the surrounding community by whom he will always be much loved and respected.
Picture 1:
Graham Jeffery conducted the service in his own highly successful style; amusing but meaningful anecdotes replacing a formal sermon highlighting his view that a church service should be fun rather than an ordeal.
Picture 2:
Communion used specially engraved glasses, one for each of the four Downland Churches with which Graham had been associated.
Picture 3:
The special choir was complemented by Lou Beckerman local singer songwriter, concert performer and sound and song therapist. She made a guest appearance, singing to her own accompaniment on the guitar.
Picture 4:
Graham Jeffery was presented with a book full of tributes written by parishioners in calligraphy by Elizabeth Baldwin and a special landscape of the view towards Newtimber on the frontis painted by well known local artist James Lightfoot.
Picture 5:
Following the service, the celebration continued with drinks and food set out in gazebos in an adjacent field. All the food was provided by the parishioners and prepared by the “Church Mice' – the local ladies who run such events for St Andrew’s Church. Marion Strachan, who organised the whole event devised by Graham's wife, Edith, was aided by colleagues Joyce Harris, Valerie Baillet, Sandra Windus, Elizabeth Baldwin, Linda Jones, Chris Wooldridge, Jane Warne, Gillian Treen and Pauline Agg.
Friday, 20 August 2010
Wicked Witches return to Borde Hill Garden, Haywards Heath, this Halloween
Saturday 23rd October -Sunday 31st October 2010
Following their scary popularity last year, the terrifying witches of Borde Hill will return to their haunted house in the enchanted garden this Halloween to keep intrepid young visitors on their toes in autumn half term.
Throughout Halloween Week, fearless explorers can take part in Borde Hill’s Spooktacular Hunt and search for the hair-raising clues hidden by the wicked witches that lead straight to their Haunted House. Once inside, only the bravest will dare to put their hand into the bubbling cauldron to pull out a trick or a treat.
Courageous children who survive meeting the witches can then enter the Ghost Tent and become a Vampire, Skeleton or Witch with a spooky faced paint or make a ghoulish mobile to hang at home to scare the family.
Borde Hill’s new Adventure Playground will be open for children of all ages, including a raised walkway, balance beams and a challenging zip-line for older children, plus a safe, fun area for toddlers.
Borde Hill Garden is open especially for the half-term week enabling visitors to enjoy the autumn splendour that extends into panoramic views across the lakes and the parkland. It is a special time of year with the wide varieties of acers, oaks, maples and limes in the park and woodland creating a dazzling display of colour, texture and shape. In the Azalea Ring, an enormous Cornus kousa (Japanese dogwood) takes centre stage appearing to be almost aflame with its spectacular autumnal orange red foliage.
Café Elvira and The Green Tree Gallery will be open for seasonal refreshments and early Christmas shopping. Dogs are permitted on a lead and pathways throughout the formal garden.
Garden open Saturday 23rd October to Sunday 31st October10 am–6pm (or dusk if earlier)
Adult £7.50, child £4.50, Friends of Borde Hill adult £20 and child £12. Annual Family tickets available on request.
Borde Hill Garden
Balcombe Road, Haywards Heath,
West Sussex RH16 1XP
Following their scary popularity last year, the terrifying witches of Borde Hill will return to their haunted house in the enchanted garden this Halloween to keep intrepid young visitors on their toes in autumn half term.
Throughout Halloween Week, fearless explorers can take part in Borde Hill’s Spooktacular Hunt and search for the hair-raising clues hidden by the wicked witches that lead straight to their Haunted House. Once inside, only the bravest will dare to put their hand into the bubbling cauldron to pull out a trick or a treat.
Courageous children who survive meeting the witches can then enter the Ghost Tent and become a Vampire, Skeleton or Witch with a spooky faced paint or make a ghoulish mobile to hang at home to scare the family.
Borde Hill’s new Adventure Playground will be open for children of all ages, including a raised walkway, balance beams and a challenging zip-line for older children, plus a safe, fun area for toddlers.
Borde Hill Garden is open especially for the half-term week enabling visitors to enjoy the autumn splendour that extends into panoramic views across the lakes and the parkland. It is a special time of year with the wide varieties of acers, oaks, maples and limes in the park and woodland creating a dazzling display of colour, texture and shape. In the Azalea Ring, an enormous Cornus kousa (Japanese dogwood) takes centre stage appearing to be almost aflame with its spectacular autumnal orange red foliage.
Café Elvira and The Green Tree Gallery will be open for seasonal refreshments and early Christmas shopping. Dogs are permitted on a lead and pathways throughout the formal garden.
Garden open Saturday 23rd October to Sunday 31st October10 am–6pm (or dusk if earlier)
Adult £7.50, child £4.50, Friends of Borde Hill adult £20 and child £12. Annual Family tickets available on request.
Borde Hill Garden
Balcombe Road, Haywards Heath,
West Sussex RH16 1XP
Bluebell Railway Honoured with Heritage Award
Volunteers at one of the country’s most loved heritage railways in Sussex are celebrating this weekend after winning a rare heritage award for their restoration efforts.
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) will present the Bluebell Railway and its volunteers with an Engineering Heritage Award (EHA) on Sunday (22) at Sheffield Park Station, near East Grinstead.
It had a starring role in the 1999 ITV production of the Railway Children and this month celebrated 50 years since the first train ran on what was the first preserved standard gauge passenger railway in the world.
Without the success of the pioneering effort in establishing the line (constructed in 1882), it is unlikely that many heritage railways would be operational today. The Bluebell Preservation Society, which will be receiving the award, looks after the railway and houses the largest collection of steam locomotives in the UK, after the National Railway Museum. It has a collection of almost 150 carriages and wagons.
IMechE Heritage Awards are granted to artefacts, sites or landmarks or groups that are either one of a kind and/or of significant engineering importance. Immediate past President of IMechE, Keith Millard, said: “Some of these items are the only existing examples. It is truly the dedication of the Society, its volunteers and the work they have all done that has made Bluebell undoubtedly one of the most famous heritage lines in the UK.”
Roy Watts, Chairman of the Society, added: “I am absolutely thrilled that the Bluebell Railway has been given this prestigious award, especially in our 50th anniversary Year. This really is a special award that recognises the efforts that have been made over those 50 years by people from all walks of life.
“It is not just about preserving locomotives, carriages and wagons but also the very skills and craftsmanship of a traditional railway, that very essence that keeps them operational both now and into the future long after they would normally have been retired or consigned to the scrapheap.”
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) will present the Bluebell Railway and its volunteers with an Engineering Heritage Award (EHA) on Sunday (22) at Sheffield Park Station, near East Grinstead.
It had a starring role in the 1999 ITV production of the Railway Children and this month celebrated 50 years since the first train ran on what was the first preserved standard gauge passenger railway in the world.
Without the success of the pioneering effort in establishing the line (constructed in 1882), it is unlikely that many heritage railways would be operational today. The Bluebell Preservation Society, which will be receiving the award, looks after the railway and houses the largest collection of steam locomotives in the UK, after the National Railway Museum. It has a collection of almost 150 carriages and wagons.
IMechE Heritage Awards are granted to artefacts, sites or landmarks or groups that are either one of a kind and/or of significant engineering importance. Immediate past President of IMechE, Keith Millard, said: “Some of these items are the only existing examples. It is truly the dedication of the Society, its volunteers and the work they have all done that has made Bluebell undoubtedly one of the most famous heritage lines in the UK.”
Roy Watts, Chairman of the Society, added: “I am absolutely thrilled that the Bluebell Railway has been given this prestigious award, especially in our 50th anniversary Year. This really is a special award that recognises the efforts that have been made over those 50 years by people from all walks of life.
“It is not just about preserving locomotives, carriages and wagons but also the very skills and craftsmanship of a traditional railway, that very essence that keeps them operational both now and into the future long after they would normally have been retired or consigned to the scrapheap.”
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Harlequin Papercrafts, Brighton
Harlequinpapercrafts.com is a new handmade card and papercrafts website based in Patcham, Brighton.
On the site you will find an extensive range of cards for all occasions – birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, thank you cards and many more in a wide variety of styles.
No two cards are the same as each card is hand made by Melanie Quin and therefore unique.
A bespoke card service is offered – just fill in a simple form to have a card made to your specification. Cards can be made in any colour or style, and can include the recipient’s name and/or age.
If requested, cards can be sent direct to the recipient (at no extra cost) with your own personal message printed inside the card.
New cards and other papercraft products are added to the site constantly, so make sure you check back regularly.
Contact: Melanie Quin
01273 552749
melaniequin@hotmail.com
www.harlequinpapercrafts.com
On the site you will find an extensive range of cards for all occasions – birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, thank you cards and many more in a wide variety of styles.
No two cards are the same as each card is hand made by Melanie Quin and therefore unique.
A bespoke card service is offered – just fill in a simple form to have a card made to your specification. Cards can be made in any colour or style, and can include the recipient’s name and/or age.
If requested, cards can be sent direct to the recipient (at no extra cost) with your own personal message printed inside the card.
New cards and other papercraft products are added to the site constantly, so make sure you check back regularly.
Contact: Melanie Quin
01273 552749
melaniequin@hotmail.com
www.harlequinpapercrafts.com
Morris Minor Rally and Country Craft Show at
Morris Minor Rally and Country Craft Show
Clapham & Patching Village Hall
Sunday 26th September
Clapham & Patching Village Hall
Sunday 26th September
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
My New Hair - new charity founded and inspired by Trevor Sorbie
Many, but not all, people face the prospect of losing their hair as part of their treatment for cancer. Hair loss can be one of the most distressing side effects of cancer treatment. Hair can also have particular significance across different cultures.
For short term or longer term hair loss sufferers, this distress is understandable as the way we feel about ourselves and how we look is closely linked to our feelings of self-esteem and self-confidence. It can also be a constant 'reminder' of your treatment for cancer.
Whether your hair loss be as a result or diagnosed as longer term alopecia, this may make you feel vulnerable. Karen's training with Trevor Sorbie supports both short term and long term sufferers which can effect men, women and children of all ages.
Local hairdresser Karen Braysher of Hair On Wheels has joined up with 'My New Hair' a campaign lead by top hairdresser Trever Sorbie MBE.
My New Hair is designed to help patients with medical hair loss by making a wig more of a natural product to wear, in turn giving the patient back their self esteem and confidence, to this effect Karen has successfully completed a training course with Trever Sorbie at the L'Oreal academy in London July 2010 and now holds a Diploma in recognition of this achievement. www.mynewhair.org
Karen is part of a national network of 'My New Hair' trained hairdressers who support people with medical hair loss by; providing a wig personalisation service in a safe and private environment. For people who choose to wear a wig, some worry that this may look unnatural. The difference that a professionally cut wig can make should not be underestimated. It is possible to transform a wig from an 'obvious wig' into an individuals 'new hair'. Many people are unaware that this is possible and assume that a wig cannot be cut and styled further.
For enquires please contact me at: Karen@haironwheels.co.uk
01273 691453 or 0771 4819526
Ride the Wave – Artwave Festival 2010 28th August – 12th September.
The fifth annual Artwave competition, sponsored by the ancient Order of Bards, Druids and Ovates, is now officially open.
Artwave festival organisers are welcoming photographic submissions based on the interpretation of the title ‘Treasures of the Tribe’, with the competition open to both professional and amateur photographers.
In addition to the first prize of £75 and second prize of £25 the competition winner, runner up and selected entries will be available to view in Artwave’s new online visual art gallery www.artwavefestival.org from October 2010.
“This is a great opportunity for photographers, both amateur and professional, to use their creative instinct and we look forward to receiving a variety of entries” said Angie Osborne Artwave Co-ordinator.
One entry may be submitted per person and images must be taken within the Lewes District. Images must have been taken for the purpose of the competition and not submitted for any other competition or previously featured in any publication.
Full details, application forms and terms and conditions are now available on www.artwavefestival.org . The closing date is Friday 17th September, 12 noon, and submissions can be emailed to photocomp@lewes.gov.uk
Artwave festival organisers are welcoming photographic submissions based on the interpretation of the title ‘Treasures of the Tribe’, with the competition open to both professional and amateur photographers.
In addition to the first prize of £75 and second prize of £25 the competition winner, runner up and selected entries will be available to view in Artwave’s new online visual art gallery www.artwavefestival.org from October 2010.
“This is a great opportunity for photographers, both amateur and professional, to use their creative instinct and we look forward to receiving a variety of entries” said Angie Osborne Artwave Co-ordinator.
One entry may be submitted per person and images must be taken within the Lewes District. Images must have been taken for the purpose of the competition and not submitted for any other competition or previously featured in any publication.
Full details, application forms and terms and conditions are now available on www.artwavefestival.org . The closing date is Friday 17th September, 12 noon, and submissions can be emailed to photocomp@lewes.gov.uk
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
Drive In Movie at Plumpton Racecourse
Here Plumpton goes again with Mamma Mia!
Plumpton Racecourse is delighted to announce its second drive in movie evening on Saturday 18th September.
Moviegoers can enjoy the ultimate feel-good film Mamma Mia, on Europe’s biggest outdoor screen. Sing along with Meryl Streep, Julie Walters, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth to ABBA’s timeless songs including Dancing Queen, The Winner Takes It All, and Take A Chance on Me.
The best Mamma Mia themed fancy dress will win prizes, and with a funfair, car bingo and plenty of refreshments, it’s a great evening out for all the family.
Gates open at 6pm, with the movie starting at approximately 8.15pm (depending on sunset time).
Buying in advance on the Plumpton Racecourse website – www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk - is strongly recommended at only £25 per car up to a maximum of 5 in the car. The on the day price is £30.
Mamma Mia was chosen following feedback from those attending the first drive in movie at Plumpton in May, and visitors to Plumpton Racecourse’s stand at the South of England Show.
Full details can be found at www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk or by calling the Racecourse Office on 01273 890383.
Plumpton Racecourse is delighted to announce its second drive in movie evening on Saturday 18th September.
Moviegoers can enjoy the ultimate feel-good film Mamma Mia, on Europe’s biggest outdoor screen. Sing along with Meryl Streep, Julie Walters, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth to ABBA’s timeless songs including Dancing Queen, The Winner Takes It All, and Take A Chance on Me.
The best Mamma Mia themed fancy dress will win prizes, and with a funfair, car bingo and plenty of refreshments, it’s a great evening out for all the family.
Gates open at 6pm, with the movie starting at approximately 8.15pm (depending on sunset time).
Buying in advance on the Plumpton Racecourse website – www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk - is strongly recommended at only £25 per car up to a maximum of 5 in the car. The on the day price is £30.
Mamma Mia was chosen following feedback from those attending the first drive in movie at Plumpton in May, and visitors to Plumpton Racecourse’s stand at the South of England Show.
Full details can be found at www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk or by calling the Racecourse Office on 01273 890383.
Monday, 16 August 2010
Hike 4 Hospices - 21st and 22nd August
Next weekend - Saturday 21st August and Sunday 22nd August - sees the annual Hike4Hospices along South Downs Way.
Organised by the Sussex Rotary, it is a sponsored walk along 42 miles of the South Downs Way between Lewes and Goodwood in aid of four Sussex hospices – St Barnabas in Worthing, St Wilfrid’s in Chichester, The Martlets in Hove and St Peter & St James in Chailey.
Participants can either walk the whole 42 miles or just one of the sections, the shortest one is only five miles.
Last year’s walk attracted 400 walkers and raised a staggering £42,000!
It’s not too late to sign up and enjoy a healthy hike for your local hospice! Find out more at www.hike4hospices.co.uk or call 01903 743261 to get your entry form.
Organised by the Sussex Rotary, it is a sponsored walk along 42 miles of the South Downs Way between Lewes and Goodwood in aid of four Sussex hospices – St Barnabas in Worthing, St Wilfrid’s in Chichester, The Martlets in Hove and St Peter & St James in Chailey.
Participants can either walk the whole 42 miles or just one of the sections, the shortest one is only five miles.
Last year’s walk attracted 400 walkers and raised a staggering £42,000!
It’s not too late to sign up and enjoy a healthy hike for your local hospice! Find out more at www.hike4hospices.co.uk or call 01903 743261 to get your entry form.
Roar into autumn with the Dragon Boat Festival!
Round off the school summer holidays this year with a trip to the ever-popular Dragon Boats Festival, held in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice.
The colourful Festival, which takes place Sunday 5th September 10am – 4pm, promises to be a fabulous free day out for all the family. And this year, Dragon Boats has found a stately new home at Knepp Castle, Shipley, near Horsham just off the A272.
Juggling for your attention on the day will be stalls, tombolas, Samba band workshops - not to mention local teams racing on the lake in stunning 40ft Hong Kong style Dragon Boats. There’s also the chance to learn a Big-Top load of circus skills including stilt-walking, juggling and diablo.
With free parking for hundreds of vehicles on site and an easy to follow route map on our website – www.stch.org.uk - the Festival is set to be a real crowd pleaser.
Matthew Cornish, corporate fundraiser at St Catherine’s says, “It’s free for everyone to come along and support the teams on the day, and this year’s event has been organised to be really engaging so that all the family can enjoy themselves. Knepp is a fabulous setting and we hope that our regular supporters will come and join us there as we help raise funds for our end of life care services across mid Sussex and East Surrey.”
This year’s Dragon Boat Festival is kindly sponsored by Barclays, Edwards Vacuum, Meteor Meet and Greet Parking and Thomas Eggar LLP who will all be taking part on the day.
You can download your Dragon Boats map and find out more by following the link from the homepage of www.stch.org.uk
Picture:
St Catherine’s event organiser Matthew Cornish tries his hand at some of the circus skills you can learn on the day.
The colourful Festival, which takes place Sunday 5th September 10am – 4pm, promises to be a fabulous free day out for all the family. And this year, Dragon Boats has found a stately new home at Knepp Castle, Shipley, near Horsham just off the A272.
Juggling for your attention on the day will be stalls, tombolas, Samba band workshops - not to mention local teams racing on the lake in stunning 40ft Hong Kong style Dragon Boats. There’s also the chance to learn a Big-Top load of circus skills including stilt-walking, juggling and diablo.
With free parking for hundreds of vehicles on site and an easy to follow route map on our website – www.stch.org.uk - the Festival is set to be a real crowd pleaser.
Matthew Cornish, corporate fundraiser at St Catherine’s says, “It’s free for everyone to come along and support the teams on the day, and this year’s event has been organised to be really engaging so that all the family can enjoy themselves. Knepp is a fabulous setting and we hope that our regular supporters will come and join us there as we help raise funds for our end of life care services across mid Sussex and East Surrey.”
This year’s Dragon Boat Festival is kindly sponsored by Barclays, Edwards Vacuum, Meteor Meet and Greet Parking and Thomas Eggar LLP who will all be taking part on the day.
You can download your Dragon Boats map and find out more by following the link from the homepage of www.stch.org.uk
Picture:
St Catherine’s event organiser Matthew Cornish tries his hand at some of the circus skills you can learn on the day.
East Grinstead Station platform opening
On Saturday 4th September The Bluebell Railway will be opening the new Station Platform at East Grinstead with a short ceremony at 10.45am.
Shuttle services will then operate from the Station Platform to the north end of Imberhorne Cutting over the ten arch Hillplace Viaduct, to just before the old municipal tip.
The trains will consist of the 4VEP unit number 3417 "Gordon Pettitt" hauled by a Class 73 electro diesel locomotive.
The first public train will depart at 10.10am. This will be for special ticket holders only, but passengers with 'First Train' tickets are welcome to have extra rides from the 12.10 train onwards.
Subsequent trains will depart at 10 past the hour from 11.10am until 5.10pm. Normal shuttle day rover tickets are available on these services for unlimited travel. These are available in advance or on the day.
It will be possible to upgrade to first Class on board the train by paying a £1 supplement to include the return journey. There will be a special train & bus to connect with the first train from East Grinstead which will depart from Sheffield Park at 9.00am and Horsted Keynes at 9.17am. This will arrive at Kingscote at 9.28am. There will then be a 473 bus from Kingscote to East Grinstead leaving Kingscote at 9.41am. Normal fares apply on Bluebell Railway regular service steam trains all weekend and the 473 Metrobus.
On Sunday 5th September shuttle trains from East Grinstead to Imberhorne North will operate every hour from 10.10am until 5.10pm.
As car parking in East Grinstead is limited, why not park free of charge at either Sheffield Park Station or Horsted Keynes and take the Bluebell Steam Train to Kingscote to connect with the 473 bus to East Grinstead?
Tickets for the First Train and other services are available in advance from the Sales and Information Office at Sheffield Park or by telephoning 01825 720800.
For further details go to the web-site www.bluebell-railway.com
Shuttle services will then operate from the Station Platform to the north end of Imberhorne Cutting over the ten arch Hillplace Viaduct, to just before the old municipal tip.
The trains will consist of the 4VEP unit number 3417 "Gordon Pettitt" hauled by a Class 73 electro diesel locomotive.
The first public train will depart at 10.10am. This will be for special ticket holders only, but passengers with 'First Train' tickets are welcome to have extra rides from the 12.10 train onwards.
Subsequent trains will depart at 10 past the hour from 11.10am until 5.10pm. Normal shuttle day rover tickets are available on these services for unlimited travel. These are available in advance or on the day.
It will be possible to upgrade to first Class on board the train by paying a £1 supplement to include the return journey. There will be a special train & bus to connect with the first train from East Grinstead which will depart from Sheffield Park at 9.00am and Horsted Keynes at 9.17am. This will arrive at Kingscote at 9.28am. There will then be a 473 bus from Kingscote to East Grinstead leaving Kingscote at 9.41am. Normal fares apply on Bluebell Railway regular service steam trains all weekend and the 473 Metrobus.
On Sunday 5th September shuttle trains from East Grinstead to Imberhorne North will operate every hour from 10.10am until 5.10pm.
As car parking in East Grinstead is limited, why not park free of charge at either Sheffield Park Station or Horsted Keynes and take the Bluebell Steam Train to Kingscote to connect with the 473 bus to East Grinstead?
Tickets for the First Train and other services are available in advance from the Sales and Information Office at Sheffield Park or by telephoning 01825 720800.
For further details go to the web-site www.bluebell-railway.com
Sunday, 15 August 2010
Albourne Village Show
4th September 2010, 1.00pm-4.30pm
The Albourne Village Show has now become a popular, regular event in the Village. The two grand marquees housing the exhibits will still be the focus of the show with 100 classes of flowers, fruit, veg, preserves, cakes, crafts and much more. There are several special classes for chiledren. There will be a teas in the Village Hall, a barbecue, and a beer tent featuring local ales. In addition, several local organisations will be having stalls on the day and this year there will be a games tent primarily for children but all are welcome to fish for a duck, play your cards right or have a go at the hoopla - and more.
Following on from last years success there will be a craft tent housing several different types of craft stalls for you to see and buy and don’t forget the ever popular auction of produce at the end of the show.
Last year a star attraction was the apple pressing which will be repeated this year. Watch the apples crushed in the mill then pressed in the spindle press. Please bring along your surplus apples and for a small fee we will turn them into juice! We will be selling freshly pressed juice at the show. Please donate your unwanted apples if you do not want them juiced.
New for this year will be a stall selling apple products including ice lollies made with pure juice, jellies, chutneys, toffee apples and cakes.
As you can see, there will be lots to see and do so please come along and support us. Success depends on your participation. We also need your entries so get planning, planting and making without delay.
Remember – 1pm – 4.30pm, Saturday 4th September, at Albourne Village Hall and on the green. Parking is available near to the hall.
FOR A COPY OF THE SHOW SCHEDULE, INCLUDING ALL CLASSES, RULES AND HINTS, PLEASE GO TO www.albourneparishcouncil.co.uk or PHONE 01273 834827 OR 01273 833978
As always, help is needed to organise the show. If you would like to help in any way at all, big or small, please contact Margaret Butler on 01273 834827. Don’t worry if you have never been involved in anything like this before, you will be very welcome. We are delighted that several local businesses have sponsored classes which has made the show possible. There are still opportunities for sponsorship. Please contact us if you are interested in this aspect of the show.
The Albourne Village Show has now become a popular, regular event in the Village. The two grand marquees housing the exhibits will still be the focus of the show with 100 classes of flowers, fruit, veg, preserves, cakes, crafts and much more. There are several special classes for chiledren. There will be a teas in the Village Hall, a barbecue, and a beer tent featuring local ales. In addition, several local organisations will be having stalls on the day and this year there will be a games tent primarily for children but all are welcome to fish for a duck, play your cards right or have a go at the hoopla - and more.
Following on from last years success there will be a craft tent housing several different types of craft stalls for you to see and buy and don’t forget the ever popular auction of produce at the end of the show.
Last year a star attraction was the apple pressing which will be repeated this year. Watch the apples crushed in the mill then pressed in the spindle press. Please bring along your surplus apples and for a small fee we will turn them into juice! We will be selling freshly pressed juice at the show. Please donate your unwanted apples if you do not want them juiced.
New for this year will be a stall selling apple products including ice lollies made with pure juice, jellies, chutneys, toffee apples and cakes.
As you can see, there will be lots to see and do so please come along and support us. Success depends on your participation. We also need your entries so get planning, planting and making without delay.
Remember – 1pm – 4.30pm, Saturday 4th September, at Albourne Village Hall and on the green. Parking is available near to the hall.
FOR A COPY OF THE SHOW SCHEDULE, INCLUDING ALL CLASSES, RULES AND HINTS, PLEASE GO TO www.albourneparishcouncil.co.uk or PHONE 01273 834827 OR 01273 833978
As always, help is needed to organise the show. If you would like to help in any way at all, big or small, please contact Margaret Butler on 01273 834827. Don’t worry if you have never been involved in anything like this before, you will be very welcome. We are delighted that several local businesses have sponsored classes which has made the show possible. There are still opportunities for sponsorship. Please contact us if you are interested in this aspect of the show.
Saturday, 14 August 2010
HART life-savers cheque from the White Hart, Henfield
Henfield pub The White Hart handed over a cheque for £500 this week to HART - the Henfield Area Response Team - as part of their latest fund-raising efforts from quiz nights.
Landlord Gyles Culver said: "The response team do a fantastic job and it is tremendous to know that if we call in an emergency one of the response team is likely to be with us within minutes. Many lives have been saved as result."
The White Hart has raised more than £2,000 with quiz nights for HART, which has a team of responders on duty and more than 15 heart defibrillators around the village.
As a result, when calling 999 the ambulance service can direct a trained responder to a casualty who can be with the victim long before an ambulance arrives - often saving a life because of the fast response time.
Norman Rigby, treasurer of HART, said: "The White Hart is a great supporter and the money they have raised is vital to continue the service we offer round the clock."
Henfield was one of the first villages in Sussex to form a response team, led by local paramedic Dave Fletcher, and is one of the leading response teams in the South.
Latest HART recruit Andy Robotham was at the cheque presentation. He is now on duty as a trained responder.
Landlord Gyles Culver said: "The response team do a fantastic job and it is tremendous to know that if we call in an emergency one of the response team is likely to be with us within minutes. Many lives have been saved as result."
The White Hart has raised more than £2,000 with quiz nights for HART, which has a team of responders on duty and more than 15 heart defibrillators around the village.
As a result, when calling 999 the ambulance service can direct a trained responder to a casualty who can be with the victim long before an ambulance arrives - often saving a life because of the fast response time.
Norman Rigby, treasurer of HART, said: "The White Hart is a great supporter and the money they have raised is vital to continue the service we offer round the clock."
Henfield was one of the first villages in Sussex to form a response team, led by local paramedic Dave Fletcher, and is one of the leading response teams in the South.
Latest HART recruit Andy Robotham was at the cheque presentation. He is now on duty as a trained responder.
Friday, 13 August 2010
Lewes Artwav 2010: OUTSIDE Exhibition
OUTSIDE Four perspectives on Landscape
The Foundry Gallery, 32 North Street, Lewes BN7 2PH
Saturday 28 August – Sunday 12 September 2010
Wednesdays – Sundays 12.00 – 5.00
Tom Benjamin, Haydn Cottam, Andrew Fitchett, Gavin Lockheart
A programme of talks and workshops linked to the OUTSIDE Exhibition
All talks and workshops take place in the The Foundry Gallery except Seascape Painting.
To book ring 01273 486595/470376 Booking forms on www.artemis-arts.co.uk
Sat. 28 August 2.00 The Long Draw Family Workshop led by an artist Free
Sun. 29 August 3.00 Talk by Tom Benjamin Free
Tues. 31 August 10.00 – 4.00 2 day introduction to Observational Drawing
Wed. 1 Sept 10.00 – 4.00 with Andrew Fitchett Course Fee £55
Fri. 3 Sept 10.00 – 4.00 Painting in Oils with Tom Benjamin Course Fee £35
Sat. 4 Sept 2.00 The Long Draw Family Workshop led by an artist Free
Sun. 5 Sept 3.00 Talk by Andrew Fitchett Free
Wed. 8 Sept 10.00 – 4.00 Drawing with Light Haydn Cottam Course Fee £30
Wed 8 Sept 10.00 – 4.00 Seascape Painting Tom Benjamin Course Fee £100
Thurs. 9 Sept 10.00 – 4.00 3 day course excluding materials
Fri. 10 Sept 10.00 – 4.00 Outside or in Paddock Studios if wet
Sat 11 Sept 2.00 The Long Draw Family Workshop led by an artist Free
Sun 12 Sept 3.00 Talk by Haydn Cottam Free
The Foundry Gallery, 32 North Street, Lewes BN7 2PH
Saturday 28 August – Sunday 12 September 2010
Wednesdays – Sundays 12.00 – 5.00
Tom Benjamin, Haydn Cottam, Andrew Fitchett, Gavin Lockheart
A programme of talks and workshops linked to the OUTSIDE Exhibition
All talks and workshops take place in the The Foundry Gallery except Seascape Painting.
To book ring 01273 486595/470376 Booking forms on www.artemis-arts.co.uk
Sat. 28 August 2.00 The Long Draw Family Workshop led by an artist Free
Sun. 29 August 3.00 Talk by Tom Benjamin Free
Tues. 31 August 10.00 – 4.00 2 day introduction to Observational Drawing
Wed. 1 Sept 10.00 – 4.00 with Andrew Fitchett Course Fee £55
Fri. 3 Sept 10.00 – 4.00 Painting in Oils with Tom Benjamin Course Fee £35
Sat. 4 Sept 2.00 The Long Draw Family Workshop led by an artist Free
Sun. 5 Sept 3.00 Talk by Andrew Fitchett Free
Wed. 8 Sept 10.00 – 4.00 Drawing with Light Haydn Cottam Course Fee £30
Wed 8 Sept 10.00 – 4.00 Seascape Painting Tom Benjamin Course Fee £100
Thurs. 9 Sept 10.00 – 4.00 3 day course excluding materials
Fri. 10 Sept 10.00 – 4.00 Outside or in Paddock Studios if wet
Sat 11 Sept 2.00 The Long Draw Family Workshop led by an artist Free
Sun 12 Sept 3.00 Talk by Haydn Cottam Free
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Sponsor a duck for St Peter & St James Hospice
You’d be “Quackers” to miss this!
Cruise on the Ouse is a new event coming this September supporting St Peter & St James Hospice.
Sponsor a duck for £1, place him (or her!) on the River Ouse with the other ducks and the first to cross the finish line wins a fantastic prize.
Thanks to a donation of Marks & Spencer vouchers and a meal at Quench bar & kitchen in Burgess Hill the prizes will be
1st £150 M&S vouchers
2nd Meal at Quench to the value of £50 to include wine if you wish
3rd £50 M&S Vouchers
A great family fun day out with entertainment, face painting, food & drink, all being held on Saturday 4th September from 11am – 3pm at The Anchor at Barcombe Mills, near Lewes.
For more details or to sponsor a duck please contact the Fundraising Team on 01444 471598, fundraising@stpeter-stjames.org.uk or visit www.stpeter-stjames.org.uk
Rottingdean Windmill Art Exhibition
Four talented contemporary artists will be displaying their work at Rottingdean Windmill as part of the annual ‘ArtWave 2010’ visual arts festival. The artists Andy Dale, Russell Webb, Julia Rowe and Julian Rowe have all created work in response to the heritage site and the theme of 'Memory'. Entry to the exhibition is free of charge and the works will be on display over the course of three weekends (28-29 August, 4-5 September and 11-12 September) between 12noon-5pm daily.
The exhibition is in a Grade II* listed windmill, maintained by the Rottingdean Preservation Society and is usually only open to the public seven days each year, so this is a great opportunity to come and look inside. This landmark building is a situated in a beautiful spot on Beacon Hill on the Brighton to Newhaven A259 coast road. Beacon Hill is a Local Nature Reserve in the South Downs National Park so visitors could bring a picnic and enjoy the stunning sea views.
Exhibition organiser Minna Robertson said’ ‘this is a wonderful and unusual location for a contemporary art exhibition, we hope people will enjoy the setting as well as the art works on display. Rottingdean is a great place to visit, the village was home to the painter Edward Burne-Jones and his nephew Rudyard Kipling, so it has a long history of inspiring artists.’
This exhibition was organised by the group FEAT, formed of arts student alumni from the University of Sussex. The group aims to provide new creative and experimental opportunities for arts graduates, to commission and exhibit the work of contemporary visual artists in accessible venues, and to provide learning opportunities for the public and participants.
Beacon Mill is a black smock windmill, it was erected in 1802 and the last miller finished work here in the early 1880’s. It was saved from demolition by the Marquis of Abergavenny who had had the mill renovated in 1905. The first and ground floors are open to the public and interpretation information is available.
ArtWave is the annual visual arts festival for the Lewes District in East Sussex, showcasing the inspirational works of local artists and makers in venues across the District. For further information please see www.artwavefestival.org
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
Special guests trot in to see residents at Russettings Care Home, Balcombe
Residents at a Balcombe care home were thrilled when two special guests trotted in to pay them a visit.
Irish cob Barney, and Irish sports horse Alfie, met residents at Russettings Care Home, in Mill Lane, on Thursday. Thirteen-year-old Barney, who stands at 16 hands tall, and seven-year-old Alfie, who is 16.2 hands, allowed residents to pat and stroke them during the visit.
The home, which is owned by Alpha Care Homes, has had other animal visitors in the past including goats, sheep, rabbits and ducks, but the horses were by far the largest. The gentle giants belong to Peter Downing and his wife, Sue. Mr Downing, whose mother, Lucy Downing, is a resident at Russettings, said the event had been a huge hit with the residents and the horses.
“The visit went really well,” he said. “The horses have never done anything like this before but they were really good. They seemed to sense that they had to be on their best behaviour and they got right up close to people and wheelchairs so they could touch them.
“Barney doesn’t really like having his face stroked normally but he allowed the residents to touch and pet him without pulling away – and at one point he was so relaxed while he was being stroked that he almost dozed off.
“The weather was great and the residents really seemed to enjoy themselves,” he added.
After the event, residents were treated to a cream tea while Barney and Alfie tucked into some well-deserved hay.
Russettings Care Home manager, Elaine Robson, said: “The whole day was lovely. The horses were so well behaved and all of our residents thoroughly enjoyed it. One resident, Anne Blake, used to enjoy pony trekking and struck up quite a friendship with Barney.
“We would love to have them back at some point in the future.”
Residents are now looking forward to the home’s next event – an annual summer fete, which is being held from 12noon-4pm on August 21. The fete, which is open to the whole community, will include a tombola, raffle, barbecue and stalls. Animals from Cuddle-Me-Do petting farm will also be at the event from 2pm onwards.
Irish cob Barney, and Irish sports horse Alfie, met residents at Russettings Care Home, in Mill Lane, on Thursday. Thirteen-year-old Barney, who stands at 16 hands tall, and seven-year-old Alfie, who is 16.2 hands, allowed residents to pat and stroke them during the visit.
The home, which is owned by Alpha Care Homes, has had other animal visitors in the past including goats, sheep, rabbits and ducks, but the horses were by far the largest. The gentle giants belong to Peter Downing and his wife, Sue. Mr Downing, whose mother, Lucy Downing, is a resident at Russettings, said the event had been a huge hit with the residents and the horses.
“The visit went really well,” he said. “The horses have never done anything like this before but they were really good. They seemed to sense that they had to be on their best behaviour and they got right up close to people and wheelchairs so they could touch them.
“Barney doesn’t really like having his face stroked normally but he allowed the residents to touch and pet him without pulling away – and at one point he was so relaxed while he was being stroked that he almost dozed off.
After the event, residents were treated to a cream tea while Barney and Alfie tucked into some well-deserved hay.
Russettings Care Home manager, Elaine Robson, said: “The whole day was lovely. The horses were so well behaved and all of our residents thoroughly enjoyed it. One resident, Anne Blake, used to enjoy pony trekking and struck up quite a friendship with Barney.
“We would love to have them back at some point in the future.”
Residents are now looking forward to the home’s next event – an annual summer fete, which is being held from 12noon-4pm on August 21. The fete, which is open to the whole community, will include a tombola, raffle, barbecue and stalls. Animals from Cuddle-Me-Do petting farm will also be at the event from 2pm onwards.
McIndoe Surgical Centre: Top tips for successful cosmetic surgery
The Ugly Face of Beauty on Channel 4 opened our eyes to the vulnerability of women everywhere in their pursuit to correct imperfections. Would it surprise you to know that any doctor in the UK, who might not even be a specialist plastic surgeon, is allowed to perform cosmetic surgery procedures if the patient consents to the operation?
At McIndoe Surgical Centre in East Grinstead all our consultants are fully accredited and are on the specialist register of the General Medical Council. A number of our consultants who specialise in plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery are also members of leading professional bodies such as BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons) or BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeons).
Because we have chosen to concentrate on specific surgical specialties, you can be confident that our consultants are truly specialists in their fields and we can promise you the highest standard of patient care.
Top Tips for Successful Surgery
If you are considering cosmetic surgery remember to be SURE before you proceed
S : Check your Surgeon’s credentials and qualifications.
Feel free to ask your surgeon about his or her experience in performing the specific procedure you are planning to have
U: Understand what’s involved be informed about the potential risks and what your surgery involves this is important, particularly if you are having an unusual or complicated procedure that you are confident about the skills of your surgeon.
R: Be clear about the process of Recovery and the long term implications. Do not travel a long distance or overseas unless you are comfortable with arrangements to follow up and the management of any problems or complications which may arise.
E: Most important of all, make sure you thoroughly review your Expectations
Remember you can always change your mind. The fundamental reason for the surgery is to make your feel better about yourself, and if this is compromised, surgery should not proceed.
If you would like to know more about cosmetic surgery or would simply like the chance to speak to a qualified surgeon to find out what to look for when finding a consultant then please come along to one of our FREE Open Evenings at McIndoe Surgical Centre. Call 0800 917 4922 to book your place.
At McIndoe Surgical Centre in East Grinstead all our consultants are fully accredited and are on the specialist register of the General Medical Council. A number of our consultants who specialise in plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery are also members of leading professional bodies such as BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons) or BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeons).
Because we have chosen to concentrate on specific surgical specialties, you can be confident that our consultants are truly specialists in their fields and we can promise you the highest standard of patient care.
Top Tips for Successful Surgery
If you are considering cosmetic surgery remember to be SURE before you proceed
S : Check your Surgeon’s credentials and qualifications.
Feel free to ask your surgeon about his or her experience in performing the specific procedure you are planning to have
U: Understand what’s involved be informed about the potential risks and what your surgery involves this is important, particularly if you are having an unusual or complicated procedure that you are confident about the skills of your surgeon.
R: Be clear about the process of Recovery and the long term implications. Do not travel a long distance or overseas unless you are comfortable with arrangements to follow up and the management of any problems or complications which may arise.
E: Most important of all, make sure you thoroughly review your Expectations
Remember you can always change your mind. The fundamental reason for the surgery is to make your feel better about yourself, and if this is compromised, surgery should not proceed.
If you would like to know more about cosmetic surgery or would simply like the chance to speak to a qualified surgeon to find out what to look for when finding a consultant then please come along to one of our FREE Open Evenings at McIndoe Surgical Centre. Call 0800 917 4922 to book your place.
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