January Films:
8pm Friday 7th January Letter from an Unknown Woman
8pm Friday 14th January The Class
8pm Friday 21st January The White Ribbon
8pm Friday 28th January The Turning Point
Most screenings are in Freshfield Hall, Forest Row RH18 5ES on Fridays at 8pm, with tea and cake beforehand.
Prices: Annual membership: £8/£6 (concessions)
Members' admission to each film: £4/£3.50 (concessions)
Day membership (ie ticket price if you turn up on the door): £5/£4 (concessions)
www.forestrowfilmsociety.org
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.
Friday, 31 December 2010
New Years Disco
Friday, 31 December
8.30pm – 01.00am
Clayton & Keymer Royal British Legion, Woodsland Road, Hassocks.
Come on down and see the New Year in with friends and family. With local DJs. All guests are welcome. Call 01273 845829 for all enquiries.
8.30pm – 01.00am
Clayton & Keymer Royal British Legion, Woodsland Road, Hassocks.
Come on down and see the New Year in with friends and family. With local DJs. All guests are welcome. Call 01273 845829 for all enquiries.
Fork to Fork: Juliet Merrifield on the pleasures of vegetable gardening
It’s not just because I’m half Welsh that I love leeks: they taste good, are useful in lots of different dishes, and they sit patiently in the garden all winter waiting to be needed. They do take up space for a lot of the year, so if you have a tiny garden they may not be the best use of space. Growing leeks was transformed for me when I discovered there are early and late varieties, so with some careful planning I can have leeks from September to May.
Early varieties, like Pandora, are ready to eat from September to January. I planted mine in modules in the greenhouse in late January. Late varieties, like Atlanta, will withstand any winter weather thrown at them and won’t start to go to seed until the warm weather starts in April or May. I planted mine in modules in March. Both varieties should be potted on to a larger container as they grow to avoid their roots being constricted. I moved mine outside once they got big enough to handle, and then moved them again in August to their final destination. They are not fussy about being moved when they are small. The best thing about planting leeks is getting to use a tool called a dibber – makes me feel like a proper gardener. Though any fat pointed stick would do – use it to make a deep hole and drop the leek in, feet first. Fill the hole with water and the soil will slowly wash in over the roots. All of the leek that is under the soil will be white, so you want it to be as deep as possible. If your soil is not that deep you can fool the leeks by putting a cardboard toilet roll holder over it, filled with soil.
In our house leeks are part of many different dishes, from soups to risottos, pies to pastas. But in this recipe leeks star in their own show – and a good one it is too.
Juliet Merrifield is a member of HKD Transition.
This group of residents of Hassocks, Hurstpierpoint, Keymer and Ditchling is working to create a sustainable community by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, scaling down our carbon footprint and increasing our resilience to the changes that lie ahead. The group has projects on local food, garden shares and energy efficiency.
For more information, please email info@hkdtransition.org.uk or visit www.hkdtransition.org.uk
Braised Leeks (for 4)
6 large leeks (or more smaller ones)
2-3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion or 3 shallots, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
125 ml dry white wine
250 ml vegetable stock
Heat the oven to 200C/400F/Mark 6. Trim off the roots and coarse dark green leaves of the leeks and slice in half lengthwise. Wash thoroughly to make sure no dirt is left between the layers. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and sear the leeks for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, cut side first. Transfer to a shallow ovenproof dish, cut sides up. Fry the onion/shallots and thyme until soft and beginning to colour (5 minutes) and add the wine. Bring to the boil and reduce by half, then add the stock and bring back to boiling point. Pour over the leeks and braise in the oven for around 30 minutes.
Sussex Wildlife Trust: Wild About…Birds
Next year find out more about our feathered friends with Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT).
As well as the Trust’s popular six month course, An Introduction to Birds and Birdwatching, there’s also the chance in the coming year to enjoy a series of one-day Sussex Bird Safaris at several different locations across the county.
Both courses are run by SWT ornithological expert Mike Russell and aimed at those who are just embarking on their interest in birds as well as those with some basic general knowledge.
The six month introductory course is taught through a combination of indoor meetings on Tuesday evenings at Woods Mill near Henfield, partnered with outdoor field trips on Saturdays to some of the best bird sites in Sussex including Pulborough Brooks, Seven Sisters Country Park and Pagham Harbour.
Alternatively the Sussex Bird Safaris are a series of six weekday events held throughout 2011 to cover a variety of birds and a wide range of habitats in Sussex.
Mike Russell explains, ‘Whether you wish to experience the concise one-day safaris or the more extensive six month course both extend throughout 2011 and enable us to see winter birds, spring migration and listen to birdsong during the nesting season.’
An Introduction to Birds and Birdwatching starts on Tuesday 18 January
Members/SWT volunteers £115/Concessions £80/Non-members £130
Sussex Bird Safaris start on Tuesday 8 February
Members/Concessions £24/Non-members £34
For enrolment or further details please ring 01273 497561 or see our website www.sussexwt.org.uk/events/courses_diary/index.htm
As well as the Trust’s popular six month course, An Introduction to Birds and Birdwatching, there’s also the chance in the coming year to enjoy a series of one-day Sussex Bird Safaris at several different locations across the county.
Both courses are run by SWT ornithological expert Mike Russell and aimed at those who are just embarking on their interest in birds as well as those with some basic general knowledge.
The six month introductory course is taught through a combination of indoor meetings on Tuesday evenings at Woods Mill near Henfield, partnered with outdoor field trips on Saturdays to some of the best bird sites in Sussex including Pulborough Brooks, Seven Sisters Country Park and Pagham Harbour.
Alternatively the Sussex Bird Safaris are a series of six weekday events held throughout 2011 to cover a variety of birds and a wide range of habitats in Sussex.
Mike Russell explains, ‘Whether you wish to experience the concise one-day safaris or the more extensive six month course both extend throughout 2011 and enable us to see winter birds, spring migration and listen to birdsong during the nesting season.’
An Introduction to Birds and Birdwatching starts on Tuesday 18 January
Members/SWT volunteers £115/Concessions £80/Non-members £130
Sussex Bird Safaris start on Tuesday 8 February
Members/Concessions £24/Non-members £34
For enrolment or further details please ring 01273 497561 or see our website www.sussexwt.org.uk/events/courses_diary/index.htm
avocet@early
nuthatch@price
pintail@clark
woodpecker@price
Lindfield Exhibition
As part of the celebrations of the Centenary of the King Edward Hall, the Lindfield History Project Group has produced an exhibition which will be open to the public on Wednesday 12 January 2011 from 2.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. in the Old Library.
The title of the Exhibition is "THE KING EDWARD HALL : A CENTURY AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY" Additionally, there will be a small part of the exhibition on "LINDFIELD IN 1911" (No charge for admission).
The title of the Exhibition is "THE KING EDWARD HALL : A CENTURY AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY" Additionally, there will be a small part of the exhibition on "LINDFIELD IN 1911" (No charge for admission).
Thursday, 30 December 2010
New Years Eve Party
'Party Night' with Karaoke and free entry. Call 01273 834717.
The White Horse, Albourne Road, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex BN6 9SP
Every Sunday 3-5pm Helen from Desperate Hurst Wives Live Music
Thai food, sit in and takeaway available 5 days a week ( not Thursday/Sun)
The White Horse, Albourne Road, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex BN6 9SP
Every Sunday 3-5pm Helen from Desperate Hurst Wives Live Music
Thai food, sit in and takeaway available 5 days a week ( not Thursday/Sun)
Hassocks Boxing Club
The Hassocks Boxing Club meets every Saturday morning at 09:30 at Downlands Community School in Hassocks; everyone is welcome!
We have a portable boxing ring and a punch-bag, but our basic equipment such as gloves, pads and wraps are becoming old and need replacing. If there are any local business people who would be prepared to sponsor Hassocks Boxing Club; we would be most grateful.
For further information contact Dave on: 07702237159.
We have a portable boxing ring and a punch-bag, but our basic equipment such as gloves, pads and wraps are becoming old and need replacing. If there are any local business people who would be prepared to sponsor Hassocks Boxing Club; we would be most grateful.
For further information contact Dave on: 07702237159.
Lindfield Horticultural Society
Wednesday 12 January 8.00
King Edward Hall, Lindfield.
Our first talk of the year is a very topical one. Paul Templeton will talk on Vegetables and Vegetables Growing. Paul has 40 years experience as a Horticulturalist, including 15 years as a College Lecturer, so whether you’re an experienced veg grower or just starting out, he should have some tips for you. All welcome. www.lindfieldhorts.org.uk
King Edward Hall, Lindfield.
Our first talk of the year is a very topical one. Paul Templeton will talk on Vegetables and Vegetables Growing. Paul has 40 years experience as a Horticulturalist, including 15 years as a College Lecturer, so whether you’re an experienced veg grower or just starting out, he should have some tips for you. All welcome. www.lindfieldhorts.org.uk
Burgess Hill Local History Society
14th January 2011
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF WAR
Luke Barber will talk about the advances in archaeological research which are extending our knowledge of warfare.
All meetings are held in the Cyprus Hall, Cyprus Road, Burgess Hill, starting at 8pm
Admission: Members - £1.00
Visitors - £2.00
Members of other Local History Societies are admitted at the Member's rate upon production of current Membership card.
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF WAR
Luke Barber will talk about the advances in archaeological research which are extending our knowledge of warfare.
All meetings are held in the Cyprus Hall, Cyprus Road, Burgess Hill, starting at 8pm
Admission: Members - £1.00
Visitors - £2.00
Members of other Local History Societies are admitted at the Member's rate upon production of current Membership card.
At The Races Sussex National Raceday at Plumpton Racecourse
Racegoers can welcome in the New Year with friends and family at Plumpton Racecourse’s At The Races Sussex National Raceday on Sunday 2nd January.
The highlight of Plumpton’s richest race meeting of the season is the £15,000 At The Races Sussex National over a marathon three miles five furlongs, a race that can be a stepping-stone for potential Aintree Grand National runners.
A festive atmosphere is guaranteed with mulled wine and live music from popular Irish band “The Reel Strings”.
There is also a tremendous supporting card which is sure to attract many of the UK’s leading trainers and jockeys. These include the £10,000 At The Races Sky 415 Novices Chase over 2 miles 1 furlong, one of the qualifying races for Plumpton’s £60,000 Cheltenham Festival Bonus.
Plumpton is operating one enclosure for the majority of its racemeetings in 2011. Adult admission tickets are just £14 in advance if booked online at www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk and include a free guide to the day’s racing. Accompanied children under 18 are free of charge, and Seniors (60+) also benefit from a £5 discount.
Doors open at 11.00am with a tipster panel at 11.50am and the first race underway at 12.35pm. Full details can be found at www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk or by calling the Racecourse Office on 01273 890383.
The highlight of Plumpton’s richest race meeting of the season is the £15,000 At The Races Sussex National over a marathon three miles five furlongs, a race that can be a stepping-stone for potential Aintree Grand National runners.
A festive atmosphere is guaranteed with mulled wine and live music from popular Irish band “The Reel Strings”.
There is also a tremendous supporting card which is sure to attract many of the UK’s leading trainers and jockeys. These include the £10,000 At The Races Sky 415 Novices Chase over 2 miles 1 furlong, one of the qualifying races for Plumpton’s £60,000 Cheltenham Festival Bonus.
Plumpton is operating one enclosure for the majority of its racemeetings in 2011. Adult admission tickets are just £14 in advance if booked online at www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk and include a free guide to the day’s racing. Accompanied children under 18 are free of charge, and Seniors (60+) also benefit from a £5 discount.
Doors open at 11.00am with a tipster panel at 11.50am and the first race underway at 12.35pm. Full details can be found at www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk or by calling the Racecourse Office on 01273 890383.
Nuffield Health Haywards Heath Hospital
Prevention of ski injuries
A talk given by a Chartered Physiotherapist on the benefits of exercise with follow up training available
Make sure you make the most of your ski and snow board holiday by preparing yourself.
Thursday 20th January 19.00hr
Nuffield Health Haywards Heath Hospital
Burrell Road
Haywards Heath
RH16 1UD
A talk given by a Chartered Physiotherapist on the benefits of exercise with follow up training available
Make sure you make the most of your ski and snow board holiday by preparing yourself.
Thursday 20th January 19.00hr
Nuffield Health Haywards Heath Hospital
Burrell Road
Haywards Heath
RH16 1UD
Wednesday, 29 December 2010
Rogers Ceramics Tile Sale NOW ON
Gigantic January Savings: up to 50% off
Haywards Heath showroom: Stunning wall and floor tiles
Sale on: 29th-31th December and 4th-22nd January
Spencer House, Mill Green Business Estate,
Mill Green Road, Haywards Heath RH16 1XQ.
Tel: 01444 458157 www.rogers-ceramics.com
AND Crawley showroom with beautiful bathrooms too
Sale on: 29th-31st December and 4th-23rd January
Unit 3, Metcalf Way, County Oak, Crawley RH11 7SU
Tel: 01293 612244 www.rogers-ceramics.com
Haywards Heath showroom: Stunning wall and floor tiles
Sale on: 29th-31th December and 4th-22nd January
Spencer House, Mill Green Business Estate,
Mill Green Road, Haywards Heath RH16 1XQ.
Tel: 01444 458157 www.rogers-ceramics.com
AND Crawley showroom with beautiful bathrooms too
Sale on: 29th-31st December and 4th-23rd January
Unit 3, Metcalf Way, County Oak, Crawley RH11 7SU
Tel: 01293 612244 www.rogers-ceramics.com
January Events at Clayton & Keymer Royal British Legion\
Saturday 15th January 8.30pm – 11.30pm
Come and enjoy a friendly evening of entertainment At Clayton & Keymer Royal British Legion, Woodsland Road, Hassocks with soloist will Kane singing 50s & 60s country rock, new to the club.
All guest welcome. 01273 845829 for all enquiries.
Every Thursday starting from 13th January 8.30pm – 10pm
Quiz Night
At Clayton & Keymer Royal British Legion, Woodsland Road, Hassocks
£1 per person all teams welcome, cash prizes / Irish raffle follows
All guest welcome, 01273 845829 for all enquires
Saturday 29th January 8.30pm – 11.30pm
Come and enjoy a friendly evening of entertainment
At Clayton & Keymer Royal British Legion, Woodsland Road, Hassocks, With local duo Hound Dogs, playing classic 50s 60s rock & roll
All guest welcome. 01273 845829 for all enquires
Every Friday from 7th January 8pm to 10pm
Bingo Night
At Clayton & Keymer Royal British Legion, Woodsland Road, Hassocks
Cash prizes / Raffle,
All guests are welcome, 01273 845829 for all enquires
Come and enjoy a friendly evening of entertainment At Clayton & Keymer Royal British Legion, Woodsland Road, Hassocks with soloist will Kane singing 50s & 60s country rock, new to the club.
All guest welcome. 01273 845829 for all enquiries.
Every Thursday starting from 13th January 8.30pm – 10pm
Quiz Night
At Clayton & Keymer Royal British Legion, Woodsland Road, Hassocks
£1 per person all teams welcome, cash prizes / Irish raffle follows
All guest welcome, 01273 845829 for all enquires
Saturday 29th January 8.30pm – 11.30pm
Come and enjoy a friendly evening of entertainment
At Clayton & Keymer Royal British Legion, Woodsland Road, Hassocks, With local duo Hound Dogs, playing classic 50s 60s rock & roll
All guest welcome. 01273 845829 for all enquires
Every Friday from 7th January 8pm to 10pm
Bingo Night
At Clayton & Keymer Royal British Legion, Woodsland Road, Hassocks
Cash prizes / Raffle,
All guests are welcome, 01273 845829 for all enquires
Haywards Heath Horticultural Society
All events take place at the Centenary Hall, St Wilfrid’s Way, Haywards Heath.
Contact phone number 01444 471733
Talks Entry fee: £2.00. Free refreshments. Start 7.45pm
Raffle and Plant sale
20th January
A Natural History of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland; a talk by Patrick Coulcher, a well known local author
Contact phone number 01444 471733
Talks Entry fee: £2.00. Free refreshments. Start 7.45pm
Raffle and Plant sale
20th January
A Natural History of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland; a talk by Patrick Coulcher, a well known local author
Ditchling Film Society in January
Broken Embraces (Cert. 15)
Film in High Definition - Ditchling Film Society
Thu 13 Jan 2011, 8.00 pm to 10.15 pm
Ditchling Village Hall, Lewes Road, Ditchling, East Sussex
Director: Pedro Almodóvar. Spain 2009. 127min
A luminous Penélope Cruz stars as an actress who sacrifices everything for true love in Almodóvar’s acclaimed new tale of sex, secrets and cinema. When her father becomes gravely ill, beautiful Lena (Cruz) consents to a relationship with her boss, a very wealthy, much-older man who pays for her father’s hospitalization and provides her a lavish lifestyle. But Lena’s dream is to act and soon she falls for the director of her first film - a project bankrolled by her husband to keep her near. An intriguing film of great intelligence and formal beauty, With a complex plot full of cinematic allusions - this is a sombre, subtle work from Almodóvar.
Admission: Members Free. Guests and temporary members £4 payable at the door. Doors open from 7:30 pm.
Contact: John Jenkins 01273 846359.
Film in High Definition - Ditchling Film Society
Thu 13 Jan 2011, 8.00 pm to 10.15 pm
Ditchling Village Hall, Lewes Road, Ditchling, East Sussex
Director: Pedro Almodóvar. Spain 2009. 127min
A luminous Penélope Cruz stars as an actress who sacrifices everything for true love in Almodóvar’s acclaimed new tale of sex, secrets and cinema. When her father becomes gravely ill, beautiful Lena (Cruz) consents to a relationship with her boss, a very wealthy, much-older man who pays for her father’s hospitalization and provides her a lavish lifestyle. But Lena’s dream is to act and soon she falls for the director of her first film - a project bankrolled by her husband to keep her near. An intriguing film of great intelligence and formal beauty, With a complex plot full of cinematic allusions - this is a sombre, subtle work from Almodóvar.
Admission: Members Free. Guests and temporary members £4 payable at the door. Doors open from 7:30 pm.
Contact: John Jenkins 01273 846359.
Ditchling Players: The Ditchling Story
The Ditchling Story – 17th January 2011
In May 2011 the Ditchling Players intend to stage ‘The Ditchling Story’ (a history of Ditchling told in words and music from Saxon times to the present day). This is an original work specially written for the Players by one of our members, Michael Legat, who also wrote the highly successful ‘Our Finest Hour’.
There are numerous roles of varying sizes and ages to be filled and we are offering the opportunity to anybody who would like to be involved in this exciting project to come along to a meeting at Ditchling Village Hall on Monday 17th January at 7.30pm.
If you would be interested in taking part please either come along on the night or contact us by phone or e-mail on either 01273 843227 peterkirk@btinternet.com or 01273 844868 davidtettersell@btinternet.com
In May 2011 the Ditchling Players intend to stage ‘The Ditchling Story’ (a history of Ditchling told in words and music from Saxon times to the present day). This is an original work specially written for the Players by one of our members, Michael Legat, who also wrote the highly successful ‘Our Finest Hour’.
There are numerous roles of varying sizes and ages to be filled and we are offering the opportunity to anybody who would like to be involved in this exciting project to come along to a meeting at Ditchling Village Hall on Monday 17th January at 7.30pm.
If you would be interested in taking part please either come along on the night or contact us by phone or e-mail on either 01273 843227 peterkirk@btinternet.com or 01273 844868 davidtettersell@btinternet.com
Record Amount of Food Donated for Free Christmas Haywards Heath Bootcamp!
In true Christmas spirit, Sussex Bootcamps have had a great turnout for their annual free week of Turkey-Busting Bootcamp. Haywards Heath Bootcampers raised a record amount of food for Emmaus Homeless Charity Brighton and Crawley Open House Homeless Shelter.
Ben Davis, co-owner of Sussex Bootcamps, dropped a van full of food donations off at Crawley Open House and had a chat with Manager Pam to find out more about what they do over Christmas. “Over Christmas we have 48 people for Christmas Dinner and up to 60 people a day in our day centre for buffets all over the Christmas period. We are usually lucky enough to get more than enough donations but it all tends to be last minute so often we don’t know what we have until the day. As well as food, we provide hot showers, warm clothing, bedding and advice workers. We have a wonderful team of staff who always offer a non judgemental friendly environment for anyone who needs us. Thank you Sussex Bootcamps for your generosity.”
Steve Cork, Ben’s business partner, says the business feels very strongly about giving back to the community. “We want to celebrate the success of our Fitness Bootcamps, feel it is important to appreciate all we have, especially our health, and to help those less fortunate by collecting food from everyone who attends.”
Sussex Bootcamps are taking a well earned rest over Christmas before starting the next round of Bootcamps on January 4th. If you are interested in losing those Christmas pounds and starting the New Year off well, please visit our website www.sussexbootcamps.co.uk, email us at info@sussexbootcamps.co.uk or call 01444 340 030. We look forward to helping you improve your life!
Ben Davis, co-owner of Sussex Bootcamps, dropped a van full of food donations off at Crawley Open House and had a chat with Manager Pam to find out more about what they do over Christmas. “Over Christmas we have 48 people for Christmas Dinner and up to 60 people a day in our day centre for buffets all over the Christmas period. We are usually lucky enough to get more than enough donations but it all tends to be last minute so often we don’t know what we have until the day. As well as food, we provide hot showers, warm clothing, bedding and advice workers. We have a wonderful team of staff who always offer a non judgemental friendly environment for anyone who needs us. Thank you Sussex Bootcamps for your generosity.”
Steve Cork, Ben’s business partner, says the business feels very strongly about giving back to the community. “We want to celebrate the success of our Fitness Bootcamps, feel it is important to appreciate all we have, especially our health, and to help those less fortunate by collecting food from everyone who attends.”
Sussex Bootcamps are taking a well earned rest over Christmas before starting the next round of Bootcamps on January 4th. If you are interested in losing those Christmas pounds and starting the New Year off well, please visit our website www.sussexbootcamps.co.uk, email us at info@sussexbootcamps.co.uk or call 01444 340 030. We look forward to helping you improve your life!
Barnsgate Manor is now open for dinner
Barnsgate Manor at Herons Ghyll on the A26 between Crowborough and Uckfield is now open for dinner in the newly refurbished Manor House Restaurant, Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm. Last orders is at 9pm. They are offering a traditional English menu and an example menu can be seen on their website www.barnsgate.co.uk To book, call 01825 713366.
The attractive Manor House Restaurant and Tea Room are open all year round from 10am to 5pm. Visitors can also sit out on the spacious terrace in good weather and enjoy one of the finest panoramic views of the Sussex countryside, whilst having morning coffee, lunch (12 noon to 2pm) or afternoon tea. You are welcome to walk around Barnsgate's many acres and enjoy the peace and tranquillity, see the many animals, including Angora goats, donkeys, sheep and llamas, which are so popular with visitors. There is ample free parking for 150 cars.
Barnsgate has been extremely popular for many years for catering for all kinds of private functions, including wedding receptions and civil ceremonies, birthday and anniversary parties, Christmas parties, group barbecues and business conferences and meetings.
To see all Barnsgate Manor has to offer, go to www.barnsgate.co.uk
The attractive Manor House Restaurant and Tea Room are open all year round from 10am to 5pm. Visitors can also sit out on the spacious terrace in good weather and enjoy one of the finest panoramic views of the Sussex countryside, whilst having morning coffee, lunch (12 noon to 2pm) or afternoon tea. You are welcome to walk around Barnsgate's many acres and enjoy the peace and tranquillity, see the many animals, including Angora goats, donkeys, sheep and llamas, which are so popular with visitors. There is ample free parking for 150 cars.
Barnsgate has been extremely popular for many years for catering for all kinds of private functions, including wedding receptions and civil ceremonies, birthday and anniversary parties, Christmas parties, group barbecues and business conferences and meetings.
To see all Barnsgate Manor has to offer, go to www.barnsgate.co.uk
Tuesday, 28 December 2010
MID SUSSEX CHRISTMAS TRANSPORT FAIR
Sales of road & rail transport and related items including trams, trolleybuses, buses, commercial vehicles, railway, & more Books, DVDs, ephemera, greeting cards, magazines, memorabilia, models, photographs, postcards, tickets, videos, etc.
Thursday 30 December
10:00 TO 15:00 Admission £1.50 (Accompanied U16 Free)
CLAIR HALL Perrymount Road HAYWARDS HEATH RH16 3DN Sussex RH16 3DN
www.midsussextransportfair.co.uk
Thursday 30 December
10:00 TO 15:00 Admission £1.50 (Accompanied U16 Free)
CLAIR HALL Perrymount Road HAYWARDS HEATH RH16 3DN Sussex RH16 3DN
www.midsussextransportfair.co.uk
Home Sweet Home
by Ruth Lawrence
South facing multi-storey apartments: numerous bedrooms, prime location, sheltered, snug and dry with no predatory neighbours. An estate agent would have been proud.
My homemade insect boxes ticked all the right boxes: they were inhabited, hadn’t rotted, disintegrated or fallen over and had cost nothing to construct. In early summer, I’d trawled the garden centres, standing wide-eyed and bedazzled in the aisles by the burgeoning choice of bijou shelters, but had gone home empty handed. They all just looked too perfect.
I didn’t want a planed, varnished version of something a bee-sized human would live in. Nor did I want something that resembled a miniature new build on the outskirts of Swindon. I found a log, drilled it with holes and nailed it, facing south, leaving it up to chance and the whim of scouting insects.
Now, as browning, withering autumn blows through the trees, my insect house looks as though it’s fulfilled its purpose. Muddy deposits mark which entrances have inhabitants; judging by the interest these mini homes are as popular as a beachfront penthouse in Brighton’s Sussex Square!
If you possess a drill and belong to the Blue Peter school of 1970s DIY, you can easily make a few yourself. Find a log or sturdy piece of untreated wood and drill holes of varying sizes from about 4mm up to 10mm diameter into the side, being careful not to go right through. Add a flat roof to dispel rain if you like, and nail it to the sunny side of a fence post (not a tree), angling it slightly down to keep rain from the holes. Experiment by making a few and placing them in different areas to discover which locations prove popular.
There are no building regs or planning applications with these homes; you can afford to be creative and inventive, so grab your tools and start building. The insects are waiting.
South facing multi-storey apartments: numerous bedrooms, prime location, sheltered, snug and dry with no predatory neighbours. An estate agent would have been proud.
My homemade insect boxes ticked all the right boxes: they were inhabited, hadn’t rotted, disintegrated or fallen over and had cost nothing to construct. In early summer, I’d trawled the garden centres, standing wide-eyed and bedazzled in the aisles by the burgeoning choice of bijou shelters, but had gone home empty handed. They all just looked too perfect.
I didn’t want a planed, varnished version of something a bee-sized human would live in. Nor did I want something that resembled a miniature new build on the outskirts of Swindon. I found a log, drilled it with holes and nailed it, facing south, leaving it up to chance and the whim of scouting insects.
Now, as browning, withering autumn blows through the trees, my insect house looks as though it’s fulfilled its purpose. Muddy deposits mark which entrances have inhabitants; judging by the interest these mini homes are as popular as a beachfront penthouse in Brighton’s Sussex Square!
If you possess a drill and belong to the Blue Peter school of 1970s DIY, you can easily make a few yourself. Find a log or sturdy piece of untreated wood and drill holes of varying sizes from about 4mm up to 10mm diameter into the side, being careful not to go right through. Add a flat roof to dispel rain if you like, and nail it to the sunny side of a fence post (not a tree), angling it slightly down to keep rain from the holes. Experiment by making a few and placing them in different areas to discover which locations prove popular.
There are no building regs or planning applications with these homes; you can afford to be creative and inventive, so grab your tools and start building. The insects are waiting.
Brighton Half Marathon launches training day
With the new year around the corner and the Brighton Half Marathon approaching fast the organisers have confirmed the details of their training day, taking place on Saturday 22nd January 2011 at the Thistle, Brighton.
The training day is aimed at runners of all levels who want professional advice and expert guidance on how to maximise their running potential and performance in the Brighton Half Marathon. Held one month before the race day on Sunday 20th February 2011, you can make sure that you are on track with your training, get familiar with the route, meet like-minded people and get that extra push to inspire you to run a little bit faster and maybe shave a couple of minutes off your PB! The aim is to deliver the best information, advice and techniques so that everyone will go away feeling inspired, motivated, knowledgeable and most importantly ready for the race.
As part of the training day you will also get the opportunity to listen to an inspirational talk by Commonwealth gold medal winner and ex Olympian Michael East and ex-Commonwealth athlete Patrick Davoren and quiz them about anything from best kit to tips on how to be a better runner and overcome those mental hurdles.
Elle and Mitch Phillips from Studio57 Sports Injury Clinic and Sol Gilbert and Alex Backhouse from ZT Fitness will be on site to share their expert knowledge about injury prevention and treatment, take you out for a run combined with light conditioning training and advise on the best warm up and stretching techniques as well as specific strengthening exercises for runners. Brooks and Sweatshop will provide the opportunity to test products and find the best kit options for you at the training day on 22nd January 2011. Lucozade Sport is supporting the event through the training runs and online via their dedicated website, and a Lucozade Sport Scientist will be offering the products and advice needed on the day to maximise your performance in the Brighton Half Marathon.
The training day starts at 10 am and finishes at 4.30 pm.
Dates have also been confirmed for the dedicated Brighton Half Marathon Days in association with Brooks for Friday 14th January and Friday 28th January 2011 from 11 am to 4 pm at Sweatshop in Queens Road, Brighton. A team of experts will be on hand offering gait analysis and specific advice for all Brighton Half Marathon runners leading up to the race day.
Places for the Brighton Half Marathon Training Day are limited and great value at £30 which includes a light lunch, refreshments at breaks and a Brighton Half Marathon and Brooks co-branded technical t-shirt. Go to http://www.brightonhalfmarathon.com/runners_workshop.php to book your place now.
The Brighton Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 20th February 2011 and is organised by and the main fundraiser for The Sussex Beacon, one of only two care centres of its kind in England providing innovative services to meet the changing needs of people living with HIV.
Details about the Brighton Half Marathon Training Day, registration, route maps and how to join the volunteering team can be found on www.brightonhalfmarathon.com . You can also join the Facebook page www.facebook.com/BrightonHalfMarathon or follow ‘BrightonHalf’ on Twitter.
The training day is aimed at runners of all levels who want professional advice and expert guidance on how to maximise their running potential and performance in the Brighton Half Marathon. Held one month before the race day on Sunday 20th February 2011, you can make sure that you are on track with your training, get familiar with the route, meet like-minded people and get that extra push to inspire you to run a little bit faster and maybe shave a couple of minutes off your PB! The aim is to deliver the best information, advice and techniques so that everyone will go away feeling inspired, motivated, knowledgeable and most importantly ready for the race.
As part of the training day you will also get the opportunity to listen to an inspirational talk by Commonwealth gold medal winner and ex Olympian Michael East and ex-Commonwealth athlete Patrick Davoren and quiz them about anything from best kit to tips on how to be a better runner and overcome those mental hurdles.
Elle and Mitch Phillips from Studio57 Sports Injury Clinic and Sol Gilbert and Alex Backhouse from ZT Fitness will be on site to share their expert knowledge about injury prevention and treatment, take you out for a run combined with light conditioning training and advise on the best warm up and stretching techniques as well as specific strengthening exercises for runners. Brooks and Sweatshop will provide the opportunity to test products and find the best kit options for you at the training day on 22nd January 2011. Lucozade Sport is supporting the event through the training runs and online via their dedicated website, and a Lucozade Sport Scientist will be offering the products and advice needed on the day to maximise your performance in the Brighton Half Marathon.
The training day starts at 10 am and finishes at 4.30 pm.
Dates have also been confirmed for the dedicated Brighton Half Marathon Days in association with Brooks for Friday 14th January and Friday 28th January 2011 from 11 am to 4 pm at Sweatshop in Queens Road, Brighton. A team of experts will be on hand offering gait analysis and specific advice for all Brighton Half Marathon runners leading up to the race day.
Places for the Brighton Half Marathon Training Day are limited and great value at £30 which includes a light lunch, refreshments at breaks and a Brighton Half Marathon and Brooks co-branded technical t-shirt. Go to http://www.brightonhalfmarathon.com/runners_workshop.php to book your place now.
The Brighton Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 20th February 2011 and is organised by and the main fundraiser for The Sussex Beacon, one of only two care centres of its kind in England providing innovative services to meet the changing needs of people living with HIV.
Details about the Brighton Half Marathon Training Day, registration, route maps and how to join the volunteering team can be found on www.brightonhalfmarathon.com . You can also join the Facebook page www.facebook.com/BrightonHalfMarathon or follow ‘BrightonHalf’ on Twitter.
Lindfield Film Show
The next film show at the King Edward Hall on Thursday 20 January at 7.45 p.m. will be "ANOTHER YEAR" (Cert 12A) starring Jim Broadbent.
Tickets, price £5-50, including refreshments, are on sale at the Bookstop in Lindfield.
Tickets, price £5-50, including refreshments, are on sale at the Bookstop in Lindfield.
Monday, 27 December 2010
Mid Sussex District Council Christmas Opening Hours
Mid Sussex District Council’s offices will be open on Wednesday 29, Thursday 30 and Friday 31 December.
The Council’s Oaklands offices at Haywards Heath will be open from 8.45am until 5.15pm on 29 and 30 of December. On Friday 31 December they will be open from 8.45am until 4.15pm.
The Customer Contact Centre will open from 8.30am until 5.30pm on the 29 and 30 December. On Friday 31 December it will open from 8.30am until 4.15pm.
The main alteration to opening hours during the Christmas period is that the offices and Customer Contact Centre will be closed to the public from 1pm on Friday 24 December and will re-open on Wednesday 29 December. The offices will also be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 3 January before normal opening hours resume on Tuesday 4 January 2011.
Details of the leisure centre Christmas opening times can be found online at www.freedom-leisure.co.uk
The Council’s Oaklands offices at Haywards Heath will be open from 8.45am until 5.15pm on 29 and 30 of December. On Friday 31 December they will be open from 8.45am until 4.15pm.
The Customer Contact Centre will open from 8.30am until 5.30pm on the 29 and 30 December. On Friday 31 December it will open from 8.30am until 4.15pm.
The main alteration to opening hours during the Christmas period is that the offices and Customer Contact Centre will be closed to the public from 1pm on Friday 24 December and will re-open on Wednesday 29 December. The offices will also be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 3 January before normal opening hours resume on Tuesday 4 January 2011.
Details of the leisure centre Christmas opening times can be found online at www.freedom-leisure.co.uk
Follow in the footsteps of Royalty at Historic Cowdray
Award winning Cowdray is one of England’s most important early Tudor courtier’s houses, visited by Henry VIII, Edward VI and Elizabeth I. Partially destroyed by fire in 1793, its magnificent ruins are set in the beautiful landscaped grounds of Cowdray Park.
Cowdray makes a stunning backdrop for your special day. Hire of this unique Tudor building gives you full use of the grounds, with far-reaching views across the rest of Cowdray Park. You and your guests would arrive via the 16th Century iron gates, commissioned in the 1530s for the arrival of Henry VIII. You will follow his footsteps, and those of Edward VI and Elizabeth I, as you approach the magnificent Gatehouse and enter this magical building.
A blessing of any faith can take place in the historic Chapel or any room you choose. Welcome receptions can be held in the open air courtyard, or under cover in the Wine Cellar and Tudor kitchen. A marquee would host the party itself, with easy access for both organisers and guests alike.
Hire includes the opportunity to have amazing wedding photos amongst the lovely walls and rooms of the house, and everything is floodlit after dark. The venue is closed to the public on Fridays and Saturdays, so you will have the site all to yourselves.
The helpful, friendly team does everything possible to make your preparations as straightforward as possible. Become one of only a handful of couples who have had the privilege of celebrating at stunning Cowdray.
For more information please contact the Wedding Specialists at Cowdray Heritage Trust on 01730 814347 or email: info@cowdray.org.uk
www.cowdray.org.uk
Cowdray makes a stunning backdrop for your special day. Hire of this unique Tudor building gives you full use of the grounds, with far-reaching views across the rest of Cowdray Park. You and your guests would arrive via the 16th Century iron gates, commissioned in the 1530s for the arrival of Henry VIII. You will follow his footsteps, and those of Edward VI and Elizabeth I, as you approach the magnificent Gatehouse and enter this magical building.
A blessing of any faith can take place in the historic Chapel or any room you choose. Welcome receptions can be held in the open air courtyard, or under cover in the Wine Cellar and Tudor kitchen. A marquee would host the party itself, with easy access for both organisers and guests alike.
Hire includes the opportunity to have amazing wedding photos amongst the lovely walls and rooms of the house, and everything is floodlit after dark. The venue is closed to the public on Fridays and Saturdays, so you will have the site all to yourselves.
The helpful, friendly team does everything possible to make your preparations as straightforward as possible. Become one of only a handful of couples who have had the privilege of celebrating at stunning Cowdray.
For more information please contact the Wedding Specialists at Cowdray Heritage Trust on 01730 814347 or email: info@cowdray.org.uk
www.cowdray.org.uk
Light Up Hassocks
Happy New Year from everyone on the WI Community Group Light Up Hassocks Committee. We hope you’ll agree that the lights really brightened up the village during the dark December evenings and they were the result of lots of local people and businesses working together. The community spirit in Hassocks really helped to make it happen.
Josh Pay (pictured below with myself) who designed the winning poster in the competition at the Infant School did a fantastic job of switching the lights on and we were grateful to the Friends of Hassocks Infants School for enabling Light Up Hassocks to be part of the school’s Christmas fundraising event on 25th November.
We were blessed with a cold, clear evening and hundreds of people came along to see the results of all our efforts. Christmas carols were sung beautifully by Hassocks Infants School Choir, children from Windmills School with the WI choir and the Churches Together choir. Altogether a wonderful atmosphere was created and it was great to see some of the local traders staying open late that evening.
When all the final pledges have been collected, we will have reached the £5,000 target for providing the 2010 lights. We need to say a big “thank you” to all the local traders, residents, community groups, Hassocks Market manager Kate and the market traders for all the donations, whether financial or by providing raffle prizes.
Barratt Homes of Clayton Mills made a generous donation of £500 and Hassocks Infants School held a non uniform Day which raised over £200. “Thank you” to all the children, parents, families and friends of the school who helped with this.
Another big “thank you” must go to Roger Booth Associates who have supported the printing of our publicity material and given useful advice after the Hassocks Community Partnership, with the help of Roger Booth and his team, stepped in at the last minute last year to organise the lights. We are also extremely grateful to the previous Light Up Hassocks Committee led by Connie Forster, for their invaluable advice & support.
I have read in the newspapers that some villages were not able to have any lights for Christmas 2010 so we can be very proud that the people of Hassocks came together and raised the money for our own display.
Lucinda Hawkes
Josh Pay (pictured below with myself) who designed the winning poster in the competition at the Infant School did a fantastic job of switching the lights on and we were grateful to the Friends of Hassocks Infants School for enabling Light Up Hassocks to be part of the school’s Christmas fundraising event on 25th November.
We were blessed with a cold, clear evening and hundreds of people came along to see the results of all our efforts. Christmas carols were sung beautifully by Hassocks Infants School Choir, children from Windmills School with the WI choir and the Churches Together choir. Altogether a wonderful atmosphere was created and it was great to see some of the local traders staying open late that evening.
When all the final pledges have been collected, we will have reached the £5,000 target for providing the 2010 lights. We need to say a big “thank you” to all the local traders, residents, community groups, Hassocks Market manager Kate and the market traders for all the donations, whether financial or by providing raffle prizes.
Barratt Homes of Clayton Mills made a generous donation of £500 and Hassocks Infants School held a non uniform Day which raised over £200. “Thank you” to all the children, parents, families and friends of the school who helped with this.
Another big “thank you” must go to Roger Booth Associates who have supported the printing of our publicity material and given useful advice after the Hassocks Community Partnership, with the help of Roger Booth and his team, stepped in at the last minute last year to organise the lights. We are also extremely grateful to the previous Light Up Hassocks Committee led by Connie Forster, for their invaluable advice & support.
I have read in the newspapers that some villages were not able to have any lights for Christmas 2010 so we can be very proud that the people of Hassocks came together and raised the money for our own display.
Lucinda Hawkes
Sunday, 26 December 2010
Henfield Theatre Company: The Pompeii Panto
Henfield Theatre Company will be proudly presenting ‘The Pompeii Panto’, by Jim Sperinck, at 7.30 pm on the evenings of 5th to 8th January with matinees at 2.30 pm on 8th and 9th January 2011 at The Henfield Hall, Henfield, West Sussex.
We offer you a traditional family pantomime, directed by Kevin Locke, with musical direction by Mike Ainscough. Although ancient Rome was not built in a day, we promise a great job in demolishing all it stands for in a couple of hours. Instead of fairies and princesses, there are Romans galore, but still retaining all the true elements of pantomime.
Tickets, priced £9 and £11, will be available from the box office at Stevens, High Street, Henfield, BN5 9DA (tel: 01273 492141) from 6th December 2010.
For children under 16 years of age and for pensioners over 65 years of age a discount of £2 per ticket is offered, provided the advance booking is made, paid for and received at the box office before 12.00 noon on Friday 3rd December 2010.
So why not complete the festive season with this marvellous fun entertainment for the entire family?
Sponsored by The Plough and normandyfrance.com holiday house rentals.
We offer you a traditional family pantomime, directed by Kevin Locke, with musical direction by Mike Ainscough. Although ancient Rome was not built in a day, we promise a great job in demolishing all it stands for in a couple of hours. Instead of fairies and princesses, there are Romans galore, but still retaining all the true elements of pantomime.
Tickets, priced £9 and £11, will be available from the box office at Stevens, High Street, Henfield, BN5 9DA (tel: 01273 492141) from 6th December 2010.
For children under 16 years of age and for pensioners over 65 years of age a discount of £2 per ticket is offered, provided the advance booking is made, paid for and received at the box office before 12.00 noon on Friday 3rd December 2010.
So why not complete the festive season with this marvellous fun entertainment for the entire family?
Sponsored by The Plough and normandyfrance.com holiday house rentals.
The Book Den: Read all about it!
by Roger Linn
The strange thing about second hand bookshops is that they operate in a different time zone from everywhere else.
How else can you explain why a 5 minute browse always takes an hour? Or why a ‘quick look round’ takes up the rest of the morning? Of course, it’s not really a slowing down of time, rather it is the delight of unexpectedly coming across books that you remember as old friends combined with the joy of discovering new ones. And because the people who run these bookshops know how seductive is the lure of prospecting for hidden treasures, they’ll let you enjoy the search without interruption, save only perhaps a polite ‘Is there anything in particular...?’
The Book Den in Burgess Hill, which is run by the Burgess Hill District Lions, is one of my favourite stores because not only does it fulfil all the criteria required for me lose track of time, but it is well organised and managed. At the north end of Church Walk, almost next door to the Post Office, the shop is bright, open and busy. The books are catalogued well and displayed in a way that shows how much the volunteers care. They take great pride in their work, and it shows.
The Lions have been in the ‘book business’ for some time, graduating from the well-remembered barrow in the market place, through a succession of shop premises, to the opening of the Book Den in its present home three years ago. While I was chatting to Tony Parris – the Lions’ spokesperson – about the shop’s success, we were constantly interrupted by people arriving to donate books, so I asked the shop manager Lion Colin Owen if they were ever overwhelmed with stock. “Absolutely not,” he laughed, “we sell 1,600 to 1,700 books a week here and that’s probably about half of what we have on display. We also have a back-up storage facility at Hickstead, so to answer your question: no we can’t have too many books. We love people to donate them.”
It takes around 20 volunteers to maintain and run the store six days a week, and the Lions are always looking for willing hands, because the money the Lions Club generates is put to such excellent use in our community, whether it is providing a football strip for some disadvantaged children, making donations to causes like Help for Heroes or simply presenting a greenhouse to the Royal George Day Centre.
As an organisation, the Lions Club is dedicated to ‘improving local people’s quality of life’ and I like to think that the Book Den meets that aim on its own, as well as the contribution it makes in raising funds for other good works.
The Book Den
99 Church Walk, Burgess Hill, RH15 9AS
Tel. 01444 233278
Can you assist? The Burgess Hill District Lions are looking for additional volunteers who would be prepared to work half days for a very worthy cause. If you think this is the job for you, please contact John Gee on 01444 236558 or Colin Weavil on 01444 246877.
The strange thing about second hand bookshops is that they operate in a different time zone from everywhere else.
How else can you explain why a 5 minute browse always takes an hour? Or why a ‘quick look round’ takes up the rest of the morning? Of course, it’s not really a slowing down of time, rather it is the delight of unexpectedly coming across books that you remember as old friends combined with the joy of discovering new ones. And because the people who run these bookshops know how seductive is the lure of prospecting for hidden treasures, they’ll let you enjoy the search without interruption, save only perhaps a polite ‘Is there anything in particular...?’
The Book Den in Burgess Hill, which is run by the Burgess Hill District Lions, is one of my favourite stores because not only does it fulfil all the criteria required for me lose track of time, but it is well organised and managed. At the north end of Church Walk, almost next door to the Post Office, the shop is bright, open and busy. The books are catalogued well and displayed in a way that shows how much the volunteers care. They take great pride in their work, and it shows.
The Lions have been in the ‘book business’ for some time, graduating from the well-remembered barrow in the market place, through a succession of shop premises, to the opening of the Book Den in its present home three years ago. While I was chatting to Tony Parris – the Lions’ spokesperson – about the shop’s success, we were constantly interrupted by people arriving to donate books, so I asked the shop manager Lion Colin Owen if they were ever overwhelmed with stock. “Absolutely not,” he laughed, “we sell 1,600 to 1,700 books a week here and that’s probably about half of what we have on display. We also have a back-up storage facility at Hickstead, so to answer your question: no we can’t have too many books. We love people to donate them.”
It takes around 20 volunteers to maintain and run the store six days a week, and the Lions are always looking for willing hands, because the money the Lions Club generates is put to such excellent use in our community, whether it is providing a football strip for some disadvantaged children, making donations to causes like Help for Heroes or simply presenting a greenhouse to the Royal George Day Centre.
As an organisation, the Lions Club is dedicated to ‘improving local people’s quality of life’ and I like to think that the Book Den meets that aim on its own, as well as the contribution it makes in raising funds for other good works.
The Book Den
99 Church Walk, Burgess Hill, RH15 9AS
Tel. 01444 233278
Can you assist? The Burgess Hill District Lions are looking for additional volunteers who would be prepared to work half days for a very worthy cause. If you think this is the job for you, please contact John Gee on 01444 236558 or Colin Weavil on 01444 246877.
Balcombe History Society
Wednesday 19th January
PENELOPE GREENWOOD – The Balcombe Estate – an illustrated talk on the Estate, Family, Balcombe Place, Stone Hall, Farms, Woodlands, Finances, etc. With support from four Heads of Departments taking part and to answer questions.
All meetings will be held at the Victory Hall, Balcombe, starting at 8pm.
PENELOPE GREENWOOD – The Balcombe Estate – an illustrated talk on the Estate, Family, Balcombe Place, Stone Hall, Farms, Woodlands, Finances, etc. With support from four Heads of Departments taking part and to answer questions.
All meetings will be held at the Victory Hall, Balcombe, starting at 8pm.
Saturday, 25 December 2010
Is it OK to cancel Christmas?
by Lisa de Silva
Last month the Queen announced that she was cancelling the Buckingham Palace staff Christmas party. Apparently, as the nation struggles with hardship, she wanted to show her solidarity. Big mistake, Liz.
What happened to ‘make do and mend’? Surely our monarch should be setting us an example, not adding to the misery?
By cancelling the Royal Christmas Party, Liz has given the green light to cancel Christmas parties throughout the kingdom. But at a time of doom and gloom, a little bit of sparkle goes a long way in boosting morale – and it doesn’t have to cost the earth.
If I can’t afford to take 12 Small Boys to watch Chelsea play Man U to celebrate my child’s birthday, we can organise our own match in the park, with tea and cake back at the house. If I can’t afford for Teenage Daughter to take six friends to New York on a mini-break, they can watch Manhattan, drink coffee, eat pizza and give each other glamorous Big Apple makeovers.
What Liz should have down was to downsize – guests could each bring a bottle and a plate of food, their top three music tracks, a secret Santa present and a list of parlour games to play. Huge fun, minimal cost.
With Christmas fast approaching, we can’t just cancel, however financially stretched we might be feeling. So it’s essential to appreciate that what we all remember – young and old – are shared experiences, not how expensive the wine was, and not the remote controlled plastic under the tree.
In this way, Christmas on a budget can end up being more fun and meaningful, as you use all your powers of creativity to hand-make gifts and wrappings, make your own decorations, send eCards with personalised photographs and organise games to play.
So, remember: it’s not about the stuff, it’s the experience that counts.
Merry Christmas!
Last month the Queen announced that she was cancelling the Buckingham Palace staff Christmas party. Apparently, as the nation struggles with hardship, she wanted to show her solidarity. Big mistake, Liz.
What happened to ‘make do and mend’? Surely our monarch should be setting us an example, not adding to the misery?
By cancelling the Royal Christmas Party, Liz has given the green light to cancel Christmas parties throughout the kingdom. But at a time of doom and gloom, a little bit of sparkle goes a long way in boosting morale – and it doesn’t have to cost the earth.
If I can’t afford to take 12 Small Boys to watch Chelsea play Man U to celebrate my child’s birthday, we can organise our own match in the park, with tea and cake back at the house. If I can’t afford for Teenage Daughter to take six friends to New York on a mini-break, they can watch Manhattan, drink coffee, eat pizza and give each other glamorous Big Apple makeovers.
What Liz should have down was to downsize – guests could each bring a bottle and a plate of food, their top three music tracks, a secret Santa present and a list of parlour games to play. Huge fun, minimal cost.
With Christmas fast approaching, we can’t just cancel, however financially stretched we might be feeling. So it’s essential to appreciate that what we all remember – young and old – are shared experiences, not how expensive the wine was, and not the remote controlled plastic under the tree.
In this way, Christmas on a budget can end up being more fun and meaningful, as you use all your powers of creativity to hand-make gifts and wrappings, make your own decorations, send eCards with personalised photographs and organise games to play.
So, remember: it’s not about the stuff, it’s the experience that counts.
Merry Christmas!
Katherine Jenkins is coming back to Sussex
Whilst on her American Tour, It’s Magic are thrilled that Katherine has announced that she is pleased to return to Haywards Heath for a summer concert next July 9th. Tickets will be on sale from 1st February to register your interest email info@itsmagic.org.uk
Dick Whittington at Clair Hall, Haywards Heath
The Weald Theatre Group proudly presents their 68th annual charity pantomime: Dick Whittington and his cat.
The show runs from 12th - 15th January at The Clair Hall Haywards Heath.
Tel. 01444 455440
www.wealdtheatre.co.uk
The show runs from 12th - 15th January at The Clair Hall Haywards Heath.
Tel. 01444 455440
www.wealdtheatre.co.uk
Friday, 24 December 2010
Forest Row Film Society
January Films:
8pm Friday 7th January Letter from an Unknown Woman
8pm Friday 14th January The Class
8pm Friday 21st January The White Ribbon
8pm Friday 28th January The Turning Point
Most screenings are in Freshfield Hall, Forest Row RH18 5ES on Fridays at 8pm, with tea and cake beforehand.
Prices: Annual membership: £8/£6 (concessions)
Members' admission to each film: £4/£3.50 (concessions)
Day membership (ie ticket price if you turn up on the door): £5/£4 (concessions)
www.forestrowfilmsociety.org
8pm Friday 7th January Letter from an Unknown Woman
8pm Friday 14th January The Class
8pm Friday 21st January The White Ribbon
8pm Friday 28th January The Turning Point
Most screenings are in Freshfield Hall, Forest Row RH18 5ES on Fridays at 8pm, with tea and cake beforehand.
Prices: Annual membership: £8/£6 (concessions)
Members' admission to each film: £4/£3.50 (concessions)
Day membership (ie ticket price if you turn up on the door): £5/£4 (concessions)
www.forestrowfilmsociety.org
Lunchtime Concert at Holy Trinity Church, Cuckfield
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, CUCKFIELD.
Lunchtime Concert series continues on Monday, 3rd January at 1.00pm with talented flautist Ashley Beauchamp. Currently the principle flautist with Brighton Youth Orchestra, Ashley's programme will include works by Debussy, Faure, Chaminade, Mozart and Ian Clark.
Admission free. Retiring collection in aid of the Church's Reordering Project Appeal.
Lunchtime Concert series continues on Monday, 3rd January at 1.00pm with talented flautist Ashley Beauchamp. Currently the principle flautist with Brighton Youth Orchestra, Ashley's programme will include works by Debussy, Faure, Chaminade, Mozart and Ian Clark.
Admission free. Retiring collection in aid of the Church's Reordering Project Appeal.
Lindfield Walk
by Les Campbell
Ask any Lindfield resident and they will tell you that theirs is the prettiest village in the county. Here’s your chance to find out if it’s true!
Start from The Wilderness car park (GR349258) in Lindfield, which is situated at the northern end of the attractive tree-lined high street (turn off at The Bent Arms public house into Bushes Lane, then left into The Wilderness).
Exit the car park at the top left hand corner, pass a school, and turn right past a row of houses to pick up a narrow confined path to your left. The path bears right and then left, eventually joining a concrete road at Hangman’s Acre. Turn right along this track, which drops downhill to cross a stream, then rises slightly uphill again. Shortly, look out for a signed path to your left and follow this enclosed path to cross two footbridges before joining a tarmac drive which you follow out to a road at Walstead Common.
Cross to the footpath opposite and follow in the direction indicated, crossing the drive to Nether Walstead, then across another field curving right towards a cluster of buildings. On reaching the dwellings, go over a stile and keep to the right of a garage to pass through a gap in the hedge. Follow the wide grassy track ahead to another stile where you should bear half left across open pasture to woodland.
Cross a footbridge and bear right on a narrow path through woodland to a three-way junction of paths. Turn sharp right here to cross a stream bearing slightly uphill through pasture to the obvious stile ahead leading into woodland.
Go over the stile and into the wood and shortly, where the path divides, take the right fork and follow the obvious confined path out to the B2111 at Renkum Stud Farm. Cross the road to Snowdrop Lane opposite, and follow this quiet lane uphill passing The Snowdrop pub on top of the hill. At the 30mph sign turn right, and follow Lyoth Lane which drops steadily downhill to cross a stream before rising uphill again. Where the lane bears left, go right over a stile on a signed footpath. Keep right through an avenue of trees, eventually leading to a kissing gate and cross the open area ahead to a gate and stile beside dwellings. Go over the stile and side-step to your left to pick up a narrow path through woodland which leads out to Gravelye Lane.
Cross to the pavement on the opposite side and turn right crossing William Allen Lane. Opposite a bus shelter, turn left on a narrow path between gardens which crosses a stream, then bears right to cross an estate road leading out to Lindfield Common. Cross the common to the far right-hand corner to join the B2028 in the vicinity of the pond. Turn right and walk up the High Street admiring the many fine buildings on either side. At the Bent Arms, turn right into Bushes Lane then left into The Wilderness and the car park.
Distance: 4 miles of moderately undulating terrain along established tracks and paths
Stiles: 6
Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer Map No. 135
Parking: There is normally adequate parking at the free car park in The Wilderness, but please be aware that parking is limited to four hours on Sundays.
Refreshment: There are four excellent pubs in Lindfield High Street: The White Horse, The Red Lion, The Stand Up Inn and The Bent Arms. There are also a couple of tea rooms.
Ask any Lindfield resident and they will tell you that theirs is the prettiest village in the county. Here’s your chance to find out if it’s true!
Start from The Wilderness car park (GR349258) in Lindfield, which is situated at the northern end of the attractive tree-lined high street (turn off at The Bent Arms public house into Bushes Lane, then left into The Wilderness).
Exit the car park at the top left hand corner, pass a school, and turn right past a row of houses to pick up a narrow confined path to your left. The path bears right and then left, eventually joining a concrete road at Hangman’s Acre. Turn right along this track, which drops downhill to cross a stream, then rises slightly uphill again. Shortly, look out for a signed path to your left and follow this enclosed path to cross two footbridges before joining a tarmac drive which you follow out to a road at Walstead Common.
Cross to the footpath opposite and follow in the direction indicated, crossing the drive to Nether Walstead, then across another field curving right towards a cluster of buildings. On reaching the dwellings, go over a stile and keep to the right of a garage to pass through a gap in the hedge. Follow the wide grassy track ahead to another stile where you should bear half left across open pasture to woodland.
Cross a footbridge and bear right on a narrow path through woodland to a three-way junction of paths. Turn sharp right here to cross a stream bearing slightly uphill through pasture to the obvious stile ahead leading into woodland.
Go over the stile and into the wood and shortly, where the path divides, take the right fork and follow the obvious confined path out to the B2111 at Renkum Stud Farm. Cross the road to Snowdrop Lane opposite, and follow this quiet lane uphill passing The Snowdrop pub on top of the hill. At the 30mph sign turn right, and follow Lyoth Lane which drops steadily downhill to cross a stream before rising uphill again. Where the lane bears left, go right over a stile on a signed footpath. Keep right through an avenue of trees, eventually leading to a kissing gate and cross the open area ahead to a gate and stile beside dwellings. Go over the stile and side-step to your left to pick up a narrow path through woodland which leads out to Gravelye Lane.
Cross to the pavement on the opposite side and turn right crossing William Allen Lane. Opposite a bus shelter, turn left on a narrow path between gardens which crosses a stream, then bears right to cross an estate road leading out to Lindfield Common. Cross the common to the far right-hand corner to join the B2028 in the vicinity of the pond. Turn right and walk up the High Street admiring the many fine buildings on either side. At the Bent Arms, turn right into Bushes Lane then left into The Wilderness and the car park.
Distance: 4 miles of moderately undulating terrain along established tracks and paths
Stiles: 6
Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer Map No. 135
Parking: There is normally adequate parking at the free car park in The Wilderness, but please be aware that parking is limited to four hours on Sundays.
Refreshment: There are four excellent pubs in Lindfield High Street: The White Horse, The Red Lion, The Stand Up Inn and The Bent Arms. There are also a couple of tea rooms.
What makes for a Merry Christmas?
by Nicola Hobbs
Christmas is likely to evoke thoughts of joy and generosity, of family reunions and friendship, but for many of us Christmas places huge demands on our physical and emotional energy.
High expectations, too much pressure and, for some, painful memories, can put a strain on the seasonal spirit. “Christmas is a time for relaxing, seeing family and throwing away the to-do list, but it isn’t without its pressures” says Jane, 56, of Hurstpierpoint. “As the festivities draw nearer I often find myself worrying about juggling spending time with relatives with food shopping for gatherings and wrapping presents.”
But Christmas stress can be positive; it stimulates the mind and energises the body, providing an opportunity to put tensions and anxieties to good use.
In his book, The Little Book of Christmas Stress, Rohan Candappa tells us to “face the facts: Christmas is the central festivity of out over-indulgent lives, because beneath the surface gloss of its glorification of greed, it is, in essence, a celebration of stress.”
Parties and get-togethers over the festive period provide us with the perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends and converse with distant relatives. But enforced togetherness over the holiday period can bring light to the irritable habits and annoying tendencies of those closest to us which seem bearable at other times of the year.
Last year Relate, the family mediation service, reported a 50% surge in phone calls regarding divorce proceedings over the festive period. Derek Bedlow from InsideDivorce.com calls Christmas a ‘relationship minefield.’ “Christmas is a nightmare for anyone with an even remotely shaky relationship. From disappointing presents to discovering a loved one has misbehaved at an office party, there are just so many opportunities for things to go badly,” he says.
From husbands not comparing their wife’s Christmas dinner unfavourably to their mother’s, to women avoiding weighing up their partner’s post-turkey physique against David Beckham’s, relationship-saving advice services give amusing guidance for ensuring optimum Christmas love.
We can embrace our animal instincts and use the automatic fight or flight response created from the disruption to our daily working routines to motivate and inspire. Traditions give us a link to the past, but being a slave to convention can make us feel trapped. Although our predictable festive practices give us a sense of security, we do not have to stick rigidly to our usual Christmas customs just because they are ‘traditional’– neither the Queen’s Speech or Boxing Day charades are compulsory.
“I love Christmas at home – opening stockings at 5am, snuggling down in front of the television, going on a long walk to help dinner settle... but there is always the expectation that next year’s Christmas should be even bigger and better,” says Lucy, 21, from Hassocks. “This year I’ll be in Bangkok in for the festive season so I will have the chance to experience it in a totally different culture. I will miss my family and friends and all the parties and presents, but knowing I will be doing something out of the ordinary for Christmas has taken my usual high expectations away.”
Dr Tim Kasser and Dr Kennon Sheldon, research psychologists, found that 50% of people report significant amounts of stress over the holiday period. They identified five areas of activities to transform fretful stress into festive spirit, helping us to spread the Christmas cheer*:
Kasser and Sheldon also found that materialistic aspects of the season may undermine happiness. Considering the financial burden Christmas places on many families, especially in the current economic climate, this is a revelation for purse strings and heartstrings alike. But limiting our present budget does not mean that we cannot spoil those we love.
We all moan about how commercialised Christmas has become and most of us have so many ‘things’ in our life that another scented candle or pair of novelty socks will go unappreciated. Considering a more creative approach to gift giving can provide far greater satisfaction for both giver and receiver. Words, thoughts and pictures will mean more to a distant relative than an expensive purchase. And the pleasure of receiving a unique, hand crafted gift can only be matched by the relaxation and joy of making it.
“I hate how Christmas has become so money-orientated,” says Craig, 19, from Keymer. “I’ve decided to make my uncle a collage of photographs from his last birthday as it’s more personal than something you can just buy from a shop. I’m studying so I can’t afford to buy extravagant gifts, but it won’t stop me from enjoying Christmas.”
High expectations, imposed intimacy and financial strain can all create stress at Christmas time. But what about children? Overexcited, out-of-control and overtired monsters with an aim to make as much chaos and mess as possible, relegating parents to temporary slavery? Or lively, optimistic enthusiasts, inspiring excitement and merriment? No matter our age, we all remember the simple joy of waking up on Christmas morning knowing that it was a time for family and love, sharing and laughter (and that Santa had visited overnight!).
Rediscovering our inner child could be the answer to a stress-free Christmas, reliving the days when tales of Bethlehem and Rudolph, of Angel Gabriel, turtle doves and soot-covered beards were more important than making sure besieging guests were sufficiently entertained and roast potatoes were of optimum crispness.
No fretting about the pine needles that lay scattered on the floor, no feeling guilty for receiving a Christmas card from that second cousin you haven’t been in contact with for years and realising that you didn’t send them one, no worrying about upsetting Great Uncle Harold or old Aunt Mable with your contemporary opinions, and no stressing over the number of calories all those chocolates contained.
It is time for us all to positively embrace the stress of Christmas – to become a child once again, to wake up and smell the turkey and enjoy the spirituality and the kindness, the humanity and the excitement, the peace and the goodwill. The true meaning of Christmas. n
Tried and tested ways to boost your festive spirit:
- Spend time with your family
- Participate in religious activities
- Maintain traditions (decorating the Christmas tree, carol singing etc)
- Help others (perhaps through charity work or school fetes)
- Enjoy the sensual aspects of the holiday season (e.g. good food)
*Source: T.Kasser & K. Sheldon (2002), Journal of Happiness Studies
Beech Hurst Gardens wins Green Flag Award
Green Flag Award parks are delivering more of what the public wants compared to parks that are not flying the flag, according to research by one of the sector’s leading organisations. In Mid Sussex, Beech Hurst Gardens proudly flies The Green Flag, a benchmark national standard for the best parks and green spaces in the UK.
A survey of 16,000 park users by parks improvement charity, GreenSpace, has provided further confirmation that Green Flag Award parks are the best in the country. When asked how satisfied they were with their chosen park, more than 90% of Green Flag Award park visitors said they were very satisfied or satisfied, compared to only 65% of visitors to non Green Flag parks.
Less than 3% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with an awarded site compared to 16% who were either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their non Green Flag park.
With the Christmas shopping season in full flow, Beech Hurst Gardens offers the perfect retreat for stressed out shoppers looking to take a short break from the hustle and bustle of the town centre shops. Visitors can now enjoy the recent landscaping improvements to open up a corner of the gardens and to create a new rhododendron walk. For complete relaxation, visitors can also take pleasure in a cup of coffee and a piece of cake in the warm of the café/restaurant.
“We are blessed with a fantastic open space in Beech Hurst Gardens”, said Councillor Pru Moore, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Sustainability. “It contains a wide variety of leisure activities to entertain visitors of all age ranges. The sport facilities include lawn and artificial lawn bowls, tennis, croquet and petanque. Visitors can stroll whilst enjoying wonderful views to the South Downs. The seasonal miniature steam railway is one of the longest in the Country and is very popular. It is one of a great number of open spaces across the District which we maintain and treasure on behalf of residents.”
Paul Todd, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager said: “We know that Green Flag Award parks are the best in the country and these survey results only confirm that for us. Parks and green spaces are judged against strict criteria before they are awarded with a Green Flag. Not only must they be clean, welcoming, safe and well-maintained, they should be engaging well within their community, have practices in place to preserve the environment and be well managed and marketed.
“A park that flies a Green Flag is assuring its visitors of high standards in all three areas.”
These results were taken from GreenSTAT, GreenSpace’s extensive visitor survey system which records users’ views of their local park, providing a complete toolset for an authority or managing organisation to collect views, patterns of use and satisfaction data; helping them to provide services and facilities that the public want and need.
Residents can help to maintain the beautiful surroundings at Beech Hurst Gardens by joining the local friends group. If you would like to become involved in horticultural maintenance within the garden then contact Mid Sussex District Council Landscape Contracts Manager David Terry on 01444 477439 or email DavidT@midsussex.gov.uk
A survey of 16,000 park users by parks improvement charity, GreenSpace, has provided further confirmation that Green Flag Award parks are the best in the country. When asked how satisfied they were with their chosen park, more than 90% of Green Flag Award park visitors said they were very satisfied or satisfied, compared to only 65% of visitors to non Green Flag parks.
Less than 3% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with an awarded site compared to 16% who were either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their non Green Flag park.
With the Christmas shopping season in full flow, Beech Hurst Gardens offers the perfect retreat for stressed out shoppers looking to take a short break from the hustle and bustle of the town centre shops. Visitors can now enjoy the recent landscaping improvements to open up a corner of the gardens and to create a new rhododendron walk. For complete relaxation, visitors can also take pleasure in a cup of coffee and a piece of cake in the warm of the café/restaurant.
“We are blessed with a fantastic open space in Beech Hurst Gardens”, said Councillor Pru Moore, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Sustainability. “It contains a wide variety of leisure activities to entertain visitors of all age ranges. The sport facilities include lawn and artificial lawn bowls, tennis, croquet and petanque. Visitors can stroll whilst enjoying wonderful views to the South Downs. The seasonal miniature steam railway is one of the longest in the Country and is very popular. It is one of a great number of open spaces across the District which we maintain and treasure on behalf of residents.”
Paul Todd, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager said: “We know that Green Flag Award parks are the best in the country and these survey results only confirm that for us. Parks and green spaces are judged against strict criteria before they are awarded with a Green Flag. Not only must they be clean, welcoming, safe and well-maintained, they should be engaging well within their community, have practices in place to preserve the environment and be well managed and marketed.
“A park that flies a Green Flag is assuring its visitors of high standards in all three areas.”
These results were taken from GreenSTAT, GreenSpace’s extensive visitor survey system which records users’ views of their local park, providing a complete toolset for an authority or managing organisation to collect views, patterns of use and satisfaction data; helping them to provide services and facilities that the public want and need.
Residents can help to maintain the beautiful surroundings at Beech Hurst Gardens by joining the local friends group. If you would like to become involved in horticultural maintenance within the garden then contact Mid Sussex District Council Landscape Contracts Manager David Terry on 01444 477439 or email DavidT@midsussex.gov.uk
Lantern Cottage Bed & Breakfast, Keymer, Hassocks
Situated in a peaceful location on the boundary of the new South Downs National Park.
Comfortable rooms with Freeview TV/DVD and wireless broadband.
Facilities include an elegant guest lounge, dining room (serving full English breakfast) and gardens.
Excellent value with discounts available on request for mid-week or longer stays.
Prices from £35 per person, per night.
The Crescent, Keymer, Hassocks, West Sussex BN6 8RB
Tel: 01273 845495
www.lanterncottagesussex.co.uk
Comfortable rooms with Freeview TV/DVD and wireless broadband.
Facilities include an elegant guest lounge, dining room (serving full English breakfast) and gardens.
Excellent value with discounts available on request for mid-week or longer stays.
Prices from £35 per person, per night.
The Crescent, Keymer, Hassocks, West Sussex BN6 8RB
Tel: 01273 845495
www.lanterncottagesussex.co.uk
Events at McIndoe Surgical Centre, East Grinstead
12 January
Free Mini Cosmetic Surgery consultations available at McIndoe Treatment Rooms in Tunbridge Wells
To reserve your space contact the McIndoe Helpline on 0800 917 4922 .
For further information www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk
19 January
Cosmetic Surgery Open Evening at McIndoe Surgical Centre East Grinstead
To reserve your space contact the McIndoe Helpline on 0800 917 4922
This is a free informal event.
For further information www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk
2 February
Cosmetic Surgery Open Evening at McIndoe Surgical Centre East Grinstead
To reserve your space contact the McIndoe Helpline on 0800 917 4922
This is a free informal event.
For further information www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk
17 February
Cosmetic Surgery Open Evening at McIndoe Surgical Centre East Grinstead
To reserve your space contact the McIndoe Helpline on 0800 917 4922
This is a free informal event.
For further information www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk
McIndoe Surgical Centre
Holtye Road, East Grinstead,
West Sussex. RH19 3EB
T: 01342 330387
www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk
Free Mini Cosmetic Surgery consultations available at McIndoe Treatment Rooms in Tunbridge Wells
To reserve your space contact the McIndoe Helpline on 0800 917 4922 .
For further information www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk
19 January
Cosmetic Surgery Open Evening at McIndoe Surgical Centre East Grinstead
To reserve your space contact the McIndoe Helpline on 0800 917 4922
This is a free informal event.
For further information www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk
2 February
Cosmetic Surgery Open Evening at McIndoe Surgical Centre East Grinstead
To reserve your space contact the McIndoe Helpline on 0800 917 4922
This is a free informal event.
For further information www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk
17 February
Cosmetic Surgery Open Evening at McIndoe Surgical Centre East Grinstead
To reserve your space contact the McIndoe Helpline on 0800 917 4922
This is a free informal event.
For further information www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk
McIndoe Surgical Centre
Holtye Road, East Grinstead,
West Sussex. RH19 3EB
T: 01342 330387
www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk
Burgess Hill Philatelic Society 2011 Programme
All meetings are held on Wednesdays at Oaks Hall, Burgess Hill School for Girls, Keymer Road, Burgess Hill, 7.30 pm for 7.45 pm. Non-member are welcome. Contact Jim Etherington (Secretary) on 01273 471897.
January 12
Members' Evening and Instant Auction.
January 26
Henfield – A Sussex Village - Alan Barwick (Wealden Postcard Society)
February 16
German Occupation of Norway - Doreen Day
February 23
President’s Evening
March 9
Society E.G.M. followed by Members' Displays beginning with E., F or G. – 10 sheets
March 23
France – The First Hundred Years - Roy Ferguson
April 6
Visit from Littlehampton & Rustington Philatelic Society
April 20
Great Western Railways of Canada – Brian Stalker
May 4
Baltic States during WWII – Rex Dixon
May 18
AGM and Auction
January 12
Members' Evening and Instant Auction.
January 26
Henfield – A Sussex Village - Alan Barwick (Wealden Postcard Society)
February 16
German Occupation of Norway - Doreen Day
February 23
President’s Evening
March 9
Society E.G.M. followed by Members' Displays beginning with E., F or G. – 10 sheets
March 23
France – The First Hundred Years - Roy Ferguson
April 6
Visit from Littlehampton & Rustington Philatelic Society
April 20
Great Western Railways of Canada – Brian Stalker
May 4
Baltic States during WWII – Rex Dixon
May 18
AGM and Auction
Thursday, 23 December 2010
East Grinstead: St Swithun's Church
by Simon Kerr
The church tower of St Swithun’s in East Grinstead dominates the skyline and can be seen not just in the town and surroundings but from the two counties adjacent.
It must have been a very powerful image, as the town of East Grinstead sits 400ft above sea level, with the tower being an important way marker for those using the narrow tracks that passed through this part of the world.
First mentioned back in 1100 AD, St Swithun’s nearly 1,000-year history very much reflects the fortunes and misfortunes of East Grinstead. No-one knows exactly what the original church looked like, but the first known pictures from the late 18th century show a church very much of the 14th and 15th century style. Prosperous and well funded, no doubt by the ironmasters who were making a fortune smelting and forging in the surrounding countryside. The iron ore, orange traces of which are still to be found in streams and ponds around and about, at length was displaced by cheaper sources and the discovery of coal in the Midlands and north of the country and there was to be a long period of decline in the town’s fortunes.
Sad echoes of a turbulent past can be found in the churchyard, with the memorial to Anne Tree, Thomas Dungate and John Forman, the three martyrs burnt to death in 1556 for refusing to renounce their Protestant beliefs.
It was in 1785 that calamity struck with the collapse of the tower, not due to an earthquake, but poor workmanship following repairs after a lightning strike nearly a hundred years before. According to a report at the time, “the badness of the materials being nothing but a case of indifferent stone filled with rubbish.” On Saturday 12th November 1785 the noise of a considerable quantity of stone falling brought 100 people running to the churchyard. “A great crack widened and zig-zagged up the stone wall of the tower.” Then, shortly before 2pm, the tower split and parts of it crashed down ending in the destruction of two-thirds of the church.
The re-building was a long-winded affair with money hard to find, and even at one stage needing a special Act of Parliament to provide the funds. At length the new building emerged to a design by the celebrated architect James Wyatt, who also re-modelled the house at Sheffield Park. It had been a long haul with the final costs being settled in 1876 and amounting to some £30,000, which equates to £1,371,000 today.
Still standing proudly on its sandstone hill, St Swithun’s also boasts the largest peal of bells in Sussex, with the bells being recast in 1982 and augmented to a peal of 13 bells. It also contains what is reputed to be one of the earliest iron graveslabs in the country, now to be found in the floor of the nave.
A church, though, is more than just a building, the purpose it serves is far more important. Someone recently wrote that St Swithun’s had “a warm and friendly atmosphere and a great feeling of Christian love. This is what the Church of England should be about.”
The people of East Grinstead are proud of their parish church and raised over £500,000 for a restoration programme still in progress to put it in a sound state of repair and renewal. For its members it is a base for the worship and service that characterise the Christian life. It is open every day for regular services and for those seeking a place of peace and quiet for reflection or prayer. It is also used for special occasions of all kinds, not only religious celebrations but concerts and other events too. The building, the clergy and the members are always available to help in whatever way they can.
www.swithun.co.uk
St Swithun’s Church
Church Lane, East Grinstead,
West Sussex RH19 3AZ
Tel. 01342 323 307
Christmas Services:
Christmas Eve
4.30pm Toddler Crib Service
6pm Crib Service
11.30pm Midnight Mass
Christmas Day
8am Eucharist
10am All Age Eucharist
Boxing Day
10am Said Eucharist with Hymns
4pm Evening Prayer
In praise of the advertorial
by Roger Linn
Advertorials have become increasingly popular with our advertising clients and readers alike, so we asked Roger Linn, one of the magazine’s regular contributors, to explain why they differ from other kinds of adverts, how he approaches the subject and what makes them so effective.
Over the last three years, I’ve written some fifty advertorials for the Living magazine. In the course of that endeavour, I’ve met some really interesting people and I’ve learned a lot about the huge range of businesses and services that make up the Mid Sussex community.
Amongst the people I’ve interviewed are an accountant, a funeral director, the marketing director of a large retail concern, the owners of several small retail businesses, the owner of a retirement home, a dentist, an oculist, a publican, a chef, golf club managers, independent financial advisers and not forgetting the lovely young lady who runs a liquid waste collection company. And in my experience, someone talking passionately about their own business makes that business interesting, whatever it is.
For most of these clients it was the first time they had used an advertorial rather than an advertisement (called a ‘display advert’ in the trade) and many of them weren’t sure what to expect. Happily, they were very satisfied with the results, but I am sure there are still potential clients for whom the distinction between a display advertisement and an advertorial is unclear.
Everybody knows what an advert is. You buy space in a publication and fill it with words and pictures of your choosing. In a magazine like Sussex Living, it can be very cost-effective indeed, especially for delivering short, clear messages. However, the magazine’s sole responsibility is in faithfully reproducing the advertisement in print, even if the editorial and design team can sometimes help out with advice. And that is the most significant difference between a display advert and an advertorial.
In an advertorial, the magazine’s writers, editors and designers work to create an article that will arrest and hold the readers’ attention, because we know they enjoy reading editorial articles and advertorials alike. An advertorial can’t do ‘special offers’, but it can deliver a refreshing, human interest view of a business and its people.
My role in this team is firstly to interview the client and then to write about what I discover. However, before meeting the client I do some background work, including preliminary research into the client’s business, the competitive environment in which it operates, previous advertising and so on. That way I hope to avoid wasting precious interview time by asking questions to which I should already know the answers. But one question I always ask is ‘What exactly do you want to achieve?’ Often the client hasn’t really thought this through, so it is a very good place to start because an advertorial can be written in any number of ways to produce a variety of results. Some typical answers to this question are ‘Deliver more customers’, ‘Raise my profile’, ‘Introduce my new service’, ‘Correct a false impression’, ‘Launch my business’ and many more. They are all perfectly possible and an advertorial is a very effective way of achieving these aims.
It is important, however, to keep the content of the advertorial light and interesting. It is not a brochure or a website which can be packed with detailed information under separate subject headings, but a lively conversation piece which shows off the business from a new and sometimes surprising perspective.
That way it will be read, digested and remembered by our readers. And the kind of business doesn’t matter in the slightest. What matters is the passion and commitment of the owner. It is my job to reflect that and to ask the questions that will reveal the appropriate aspects of the business.
Of course, it is very important not to get in the way of the story the client wants to tell, but to help them tell it better. Advertorial writers should be like good referees in that the reader shouldn’t notice them. The writing should be straightforward, unfussy and, most importantly, transparently honest. Complicated metaphors and flattering comparisons simply undermine the effectiveness of the medium and may be rejected by the editor who examines all work before it is passed to the design team. When the final layout is ready the pages are always returned to the client for approval before appearing in the magazine.
It’s my privilege to interview people who are putting everything into creating successful commercial ventures and I find it impossible not to be fired with enthusiasm for their success. If I can capture half of that emotion in their advertorial, I know it’s going to be a good read. That’s the power of the advertorial.
Advertorials have become increasingly popular with our advertising clients and readers alike, so we asked Roger Linn, one of the magazine’s regular contributors, to explain why they differ from other kinds of adverts, how he approaches the subject and what makes them so effective.
Over the last three years, I’ve written some fifty advertorials for the Living magazine. In the course of that endeavour, I’ve met some really interesting people and I’ve learned a lot about the huge range of businesses and services that make up the Mid Sussex community.
Amongst the people I’ve interviewed are an accountant, a funeral director, the marketing director of a large retail concern, the owners of several small retail businesses, the owner of a retirement home, a dentist, an oculist, a publican, a chef, golf club managers, independent financial advisers and not forgetting the lovely young lady who runs a liquid waste collection company. And in my experience, someone talking passionately about their own business makes that business interesting, whatever it is.
For most of these clients it was the first time they had used an advertorial rather than an advertisement (called a ‘display advert’ in the trade) and many of them weren’t sure what to expect. Happily, they were very satisfied with the results, but I am sure there are still potential clients for whom the distinction between a display advertisement and an advertorial is unclear.
Everybody knows what an advert is. You buy space in a publication and fill it with words and pictures of your choosing. In a magazine like Sussex Living, it can be very cost-effective indeed, especially for delivering short, clear messages. However, the magazine’s sole responsibility is in faithfully reproducing the advertisement in print, even if the editorial and design team can sometimes help out with advice. And that is the most significant difference between a display advert and an advertorial.
In an advertorial, the magazine’s writers, editors and designers work to create an article that will arrest and hold the readers’ attention, because we know they enjoy reading editorial articles and advertorials alike. An advertorial can’t do ‘special offers’, but it can deliver a refreshing, human interest view of a business and its people.
My role in this team is firstly to interview the client and then to write about what I discover. However, before meeting the client I do some background work, including preliminary research into the client’s business, the competitive environment in which it operates, previous advertising and so on. That way I hope to avoid wasting precious interview time by asking questions to which I should already know the answers. But one question I always ask is ‘What exactly do you want to achieve?’ Often the client hasn’t really thought this through, so it is a very good place to start because an advertorial can be written in any number of ways to produce a variety of results. Some typical answers to this question are ‘Deliver more customers’, ‘Raise my profile’, ‘Introduce my new service’, ‘Correct a false impression’, ‘Launch my business’ and many more. They are all perfectly possible and an advertorial is a very effective way of achieving these aims.
It is important, however, to keep the content of the advertorial light and interesting. It is not a brochure or a website which can be packed with detailed information under separate subject headings, but a lively conversation piece which shows off the business from a new and sometimes surprising perspective.
That way it will be read, digested and remembered by our readers. And the kind of business doesn’t matter in the slightest. What matters is the passion and commitment of the owner. It is my job to reflect that and to ask the questions that will reveal the appropriate aspects of the business.
Of course, it is very important not to get in the way of the story the client wants to tell, but to help them tell it better. Advertorial writers should be like good referees in that the reader shouldn’t notice them. The writing should be straightforward, unfussy and, most importantly, transparently honest. Complicated metaphors and flattering comparisons simply undermine the effectiveness of the medium and may be rejected by the editor who examines all work before it is passed to the design team. When the final layout is ready the pages are always returned to the client for approval before appearing in the magazine.
It’s my privilege to interview people who are putting everything into creating successful commercial ventures and I find it impossible not to be fired with enthusiasm for their success. If I can capture half of that emotion in their advertorial, I know it’s going to be a good read. That’s the power of the advertorial.
Burgess Hill Football Club Fixtures
Saturday 27/11/2010 Metropolitan police 3.00pm
Saturday 18/12/2010 Faversham Town 3.00pm
Monday 27/12/2010 Leatherhead 3.00pm
Saturday 08/01/2011 Horsham YMCA 3.00pm
Saturday 29/01/2011 Whyteleafe 3.00pm
Saturday 05/02/2011 Whitstable Town 3.00pm
Saturday 19/02/2011 Chatham Town 3.00pm
Saturday 12/03/2011 Fleet Town 3.00pm
Saturday 26/03/2011 Worthing 3.00pm
Saturday 09/04/2011 Merstham 3.00pm
Saturday 23/04/2011 Dulwich hamlet 3.00pm
Saturday 30/04/2011 Ramsgate 3.00pm
Burgess Hill Football Club 1st team Home Matches. Leylands Park, Maple Drive, Burgess Hill RH15 8DL. Tickets £8.00 Adults, £6.00 Senior Citizens/Conc, £2.00 (Junior under 16)
Saturday 18/12/2010 Faversham Town 3.00pm
Monday 27/12/2010 Leatherhead 3.00pm
Saturday 08/01/2011 Horsham YMCA 3.00pm
Saturday 29/01/2011 Whyteleafe 3.00pm
Saturday 05/02/2011 Whitstable Town 3.00pm
Saturday 19/02/2011 Chatham Town 3.00pm
Saturday 12/03/2011 Fleet Town 3.00pm
Saturday 26/03/2011 Worthing 3.00pm
Saturday 09/04/2011 Merstham 3.00pm
Saturday 23/04/2011 Dulwich hamlet 3.00pm
Saturday 30/04/2011 Ramsgate 3.00pm
Burgess Hill Football Club 1st team Home Matches. Leylands Park, Maple Drive, Burgess Hill RH15 8DL. Tickets £8.00 Adults, £6.00 Senior Citizens/Conc, £2.00 (Junior under 16)
Muhala Mtonga: Reaching for the stars
by Nicola Hobbs
After enduring a traumatic early childhood, Muhala Mtonga expressed his anxiety through teenage defiance before finally finding his escape in dance.
Muhala is an African name meaning ‘wick’, one of man’s greatest inventions. Development of the wick allowed the creation of candles, providing a focal point of flickering light for families to gather around and be together.
After a few short texts with Muhala – combined with my investigation into his striking name and my gullible belief in anything etymological, horoscopical or philosophical – I had already construed Muhala as a sincere young man with family at the heart of his life, before we had even met. And I wasn’t wrong.
With humble pride, 19-year-old Muhala welcomes me into his flat in Hassocks, which he moved into last year. This is no ordinary teenage dwelling – no mountains of dirty dishes, no empty bottles of beer and no piles of worn clothes heaped on the floor. Muhala has made his flat into a proper home, an achievement few students his age can profess.
“Some people had written me off as a no-hoper, so I love it when they’re surprised that I have my own place,” he admits, demonstrating his determination to use the setbacks he has encountered in life as motivation to achieve. “I come from a big family – one big sister, two brothers and two little sisters – so I do miss the buzz of everyone goofing around together, but not the rush to the bathroom in the morning!” Evidence, if I needed it, of Muhala’s family devotion.
Leaving his home in Africa after the death of his mother at just four years old, Muhala has drawn on the challenges of his past as inspiration to pursue a career in dance and performance. “My dad and I left Africa after my mum passed away. He was part of a circus so we travelled all around the world to perform,” he says, as if belonging to a circus is a normal part of everyone’s childhood. “I was an acrobat and a magic man. I was only little, so I was the cute one who would close the show by saying thank you to the audience in about 30 different languages,” he adds.
After his father, Adam, decided it would be best for Muhala to settle down in England get an education, they moved to Blackpool where Adam met Rose, Muhala’s stepmum. The whole family, including Catherine, now 25, Jarrad, 20, and Albert, 17, Rose’s children from a previous relationship, were drawn to the charms of Brighton’s South Coast where they lived for a few years before making Hassocks their home.
“It was really difficult getting used to life in England,” Muhala says, which isn’t surprising as, although fluent in three languages, he didn’t speak any English when he arrived in the country. “I got on with my brother, Jarrad, straight away and when I started school, I met Jesse Brooker, who became my mentor and best friend. We are still best mates of today,” he adds, once again revealing his loyalty to those close to him.
Despite missing out on infant school, Muhala settled into Windmills Junior School before moving onto Downlands Community School, Hassocks, where he had his first chance to get involved in choreography.
“I’ve been dancing since I could walk, and I’ll continue dancing until I’m old and in a wheelchair”, he says laughing. “I knew after I choreographed a routine and taught it to other pupils at school that dancing and teaching was what I wanted to do. I want to make what I love doing into a career”, he adds.
After completing a National Diploma in Performing Arts at Northbook College, Worthing, Muhala is continuing the course to gain a degree in Musical Theatre. Although his main passion is hiphop dancing, the course has pushed Muhala to develop new skills.
“I want to be challenged in life. I can now do everything, from acting and singing to tap, ballet and jazz, to street and hiphop dancing”, he says proudly challenging the common gender stereotype of ballet as a profession for girls in pink tutus.
Muhala’s talent was soon spotted by the Body Shock Dance Company, a dance group focusing on hiphop and streetdance. He has since performed with the group at Ardingly’s South of England Show and for SNAP Dance Night, Fareham, a community project designed to provide a safe environment for young people, to have a good time away from the dangers of alcohol and drugs.
As Muhala tells me about his dancing accomplish-ments, I notice he has developed a strong moral conscience. “I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t like people telling me what to do. I’ve made lots of mistakes but I’ve picked myself up and learnt from them,” he divulges, absent of all secrecy and stealth. “I’ve had brushes with the law in the past but dancing has given me the opportunity to express myself and my emotions in a healthy way,” he discloses, his openness admirable.
Muhala’s talents are not limited to dancing; he has performed with Bouncing Clouds Theatre Company, Hove, and has featured as the leading actor in Northbrook’s productions.
After performing for Move It, London’s biggest dance event, and experiencing the ecstasy of auditioning for the Thriller movie, Muhala’s aspirations are huge.
“I’ve taught myself my whole life so I want to share that experience with others. In 10 years’ time I’d love to be dancing professionally in the West End and have my own dance company,” he says, inspiringly recognising that only the sky is the limit. “I want to travel the world and learn all about dancing in different cultures and write a book about everything I’ve learnt,” he adds.
But, like all young performers, Muhala underestimates his talents. Despite appearing self-confident, there is an element of innocence and insecurity to Muhala, worried he will make the wrong choices in life.
“My parents have always wanted me to pursue my dreams but I have had doubts about dancing. I want to dance and my life has always been about dancing but it is a big risk. Performing is so competitive that I need to think outside of the box if I want to succeed,” he says maturely. “I can’t imagine what my life would be like without dancing. I even dance when I’m at work!” he adds rolling his eyes, clearly grateful for the amount of understanding shown by his manager at Mid Sussex Golf Club.
Muhala’s commitment to dancing is patently obvious. He becomes slightly emotional as he bravely lets his guard down, revealing the pressure his aims for a dancing career have put on his relationships. “I’ve just broken up with my girlfriend because I wanted to concentrate on my uni course. Her and her my family have been through a lot. She has helped me through so much over the last four years but, as a dancer, I’m going to be travelling all over the place,” he says. “I do still care for her”, he adds honestly.
Son, brother and uncle, Muhala’s family are his motivations to achieve his ambitions. “I haven’t been the perfect son but my family has always been there for me when I needed them the most when I was down and out. Mum and Dad always told me to stay at the back when trouble happened, and to turn the other cheek. But only now I’m older can I appreciate how important that is,” he admits.
“I want to become better; I want to teach people what I didn’t know when I was younger; I want to prove a point to all the people who lost faith in me that I am good at what I do and that I can make something of my life. I am determined to dance and I will keep trying, no matter what,” he adds passionately.
Muhala has strength of mind and worldly insight far greater than what is initially apparent on first meeting the teenager. He refuses to play victim to the indifferences in his past and has overcome adversity with great desire, passion and drive.
“Losing my mum inspired me to do something with my life. I feel like I have achieved when I see people clapping and smiling after a performance. I hope that being able to make other people happy through my dancing will make her proud,” he says honourably.
After a few moments of deep reflection, Muhala smiles and tells me about his other inspiration – his dancing idol. “In Africa you have a birth name and a given English name. My given name is Michael, after Michael Jackson,” he says, swelling with pride. “When I was little, Michael Jackson came on the TV and I got up and danced, so it must be fate,” he adds with a chuckle.
Intrigued into the cultural practise of double naming, I research the origin of Muhala’s given name. Michael originates from the Hebrew name Mikha’el meaning ‘Who is like God?’. Clearly, no-one is like God; no-one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes and everyone is entitled to learn and grow from those mistakes. Muhala admits to having a troubled adolescence, but, like his English name implies, no one is faultless.
Having tasted the freedom of adulthood and experienced the thrills of achievement, Muhala’s transformation into an honest, brave and determined young man reassures me that he will become a dancing success for the future to watch out for.
After enduring a traumatic early childhood, Muhala Mtonga expressed his anxiety through teenage defiance before finally finding his escape in dance.
Muhala is an African name meaning ‘wick’, one of man’s greatest inventions. Development of the wick allowed the creation of candles, providing a focal point of flickering light for families to gather around and be together.
After a few short texts with Muhala – combined with my investigation into his striking name and my gullible belief in anything etymological, horoscopical or philosophical – I had already construed Muhala as a sincere young man with family at the heart of his life, before we had even met. And I wasn’t wrong.
With humble pride, 19-year-old Muhala welcomes me into his flat in Hassocks, which he moved into last year. This is no ordinary teenage dwelling – no mountains of dirty dishes, no empty bottles of beer and no piles of worn clothes heaped on the floor. Muhala has made his flat into a proper home, an achievement few students his age can profess.
“Some people had written me off as a no-hoper, so I love it when they’re surprised that I have my own place,” he admits, demonstrating his determination to use the setbacks he has encountered in life as motivation to achieve. “I come from a big family – one big sister, two brothers and two little sisters – so I do miss the buzz of everyone goofing around together, but not the rush to the bathroom in the morning!” Evidence, if I needed it, of Muhala’s family devotion.
Leaving his home in Africa after the death of his mother at just four years old, Muhala has drawn on the challenges of his past as inspiration to pursue a career in dance and performance. “My dad and I left Africa after my mum passed away. He was part of a circus so we travelled all around the world to perform,” he says, as if belonging to a circus is a normal part of everyone’s childhood. “I was an acrobat and a magic man. I was only little, so I was the cute one who would close the show by saying thank you to the audience in about 30 different languages,” he adds.
After his father, Adam, decided it would be best for Muhala to settle down in England get an education, they moved to Blackpool where Adam met Rose, Muhala’s stepmum. The whole family, including Catherine, now 25, Jarrad, 20, and Albert, 17, Rose’s children from a previous relationship, were drawn to the charms of Brighton’s South Coast where they lived for a few years before making Hassocks their home.
“It was really difficult getting used to life in England,” Muhala says, which isn’t surprising as, although fluent in three languages, he didn’t speak any English when he arrived in the country. “I got on with my brother, Jarrad, straight away and when I started school, I met Jesse Brooker, who became my mentor and best friend. We are still best mates of today,” he adds, once again revealing his loyalty to those close to him.
Despite missing out on infant school, Muhala settled into Windmills Junior School before moving onto Downlands Community School, Hassocks, where he had his first chance to get involved in choreography.
“I’ve been dancing since I could walk, and I’ll continue dancing until I’m old and in a wheelchair”, he says laughing. “I knew after I choreographed a routine and taught it to other pupils at school that dancing and teaching was what I wanted to do. I want to make what I love doing into a career”, he adds.
After completing a National Diploma in Performing Arts at Northbook College, Worthing, Muhala is continuing the course to gain a degree in Musical Theatre. Although his main passion is hiphop dancing, the course has pushed Muhala to develop new skills.
“I want to be challenged in life. I can now do everything, from acting and singing to tap, ballet and jazz, to street and hiphop dancing”, he says proudly challenging the common gender stereotype of ballet as a profession for girls in pink tutus.
Muhala’s talent was soon spotted by the Body Shock Dance Company, a dance group focusing on hiphop and streetdance. He has since performed with the group at Ardingly’s South of England Show and for SNAP Dance Night, Fareham, a community project designed to provide a safe environment for young people, to have a good time away from the dangers of alcohol and drugs.
As Muhala tells me about his dancing accomplish-ments, I notice he has developed a strong moral conscience. “I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t like people telling me what to do. I’ve made lots of mistakes but I’ve picked myself up and learnt from them,” he divulges, absent of all secrecy and stealth. “I’ve had brushes with the law in the past but dancing has given me the opportunity to express myself and my emotions in a healthy way,” he discloses, his openness admirable.
Muhala’s talents are not limited to dancing; he has performed with Bouncing Clouds Theatre Company, Hove, and has featured as the leading actor in Northbrook’s productions.
After performing for Move It, London’s biggest dance event, and experiencing the ecstasy of auditioning for the Thriller movie, Muhala’s aspirations are huge.
“I’ve taught myself my whole life so I want to share that experience with others. In 10 years’ time I’d love to be dancing professionally in the West End and have my own dance company,” he says, inspiringly recognising that only the sky is the limit. “I want to travel the world and learn all about dancing in different cultures and write a book about everything I’ve learnt,” he adds.
But, like all young performers, Muhala underestimates his talents. Despite appearing self-confident, there is an element of innocence and insecurity to Muhala, worried he will make the wrong choices in life.
“My parents have always wanted me to pursue my dreams but I have had doubts about dancing. I want to dance and my life has always been about dancing but it is a big risk. Performing is so competitive that I need to think outside of the box if I want to succeed,” he says maturely. “I can’t imagine what my life would be like without dancing. I even dance when I’m at work!” he adds rolling his eyes, clearly grateful for the amount of understanding shown by his manager at Mid Sussex Golf Club.
Muhala’s commitment to dancing is patently obvious. He becomes slightly emotional as he bravely lets his guard down, revealing the pressure his aims for a dancing career have put on his relationships. “I’ve just broken up with my girlfriend because I wanted to concentrate on my uni course. Her and her my family have been through a lot. She has helped me through so much over the last four years but, as a dancer, I’m going to be travelling all over the place,” he says. “I do still care for her”, he adds honestly.
Son, brother and uncle, Muhala’s family are his motivations to achieve his ambitions. “I haven’t been the perfect son but my family has always been there for me when I needed them the most when I was down and out. Mum and Dad always told me to stay at the back when trouble happened, and to turn the other cheek. But only now I’m older can I appreciate how important that is,” he admits.
“I want to become better; I want to teach people what I didn’t know when I was younger; I want to prove a point to all the people who lost faith in me that I am good at what I do and that I can make something of my life. I am determined to dance and I will keep trying, no matter what,” he adds passionately.
Muhala has strength of mind and worldly insight far greater than what is initially apparent on first meeting the teenager. He refuses to play victim to the indifferences in his past and has overcome adversity with great desire, passion and drive.
“Losing my mum inspired me to do something with my life. I feel like I have achieved when I see people clapping and smiling after a performance. I hope that being able to make other people happy through my dancing will make her proud,” he says honourably.
After a few moments of deep reflection, Muhala smiles and tells me about his other inspiration – his dancing idol. “In Africa you have a birth name and a given English name. My given name is Michael, after Michael Jackson,” he says, swelling with pride. “When I was little, Michael Jackson came on the TV and I got up and danced, so it must be fate,” he adds with a chuckle.
Intrigued into the cultural practise of double naming, I research the origin of Muhala’s given name. Michael originates from the Hebrew name Mikha’el meaning ‘Who is like God?’. Clearly, no-one is like God; no-one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes and everyone is entitled to learn and grow from those mistakes. Muhala admits to having a troubled adolescence, but, like his English name implies, no one is faultless.
Having tasted the freedom of adulthood and experienced the thrills of achievement, Muhala’s transformation into an honest, brave and determined young man reassures me that he will become a dancing success for the future to watch out for.
Ditchling Morris and Mummers 25th Year Christmas 2010
This year is the 25th time that Ditchling Morris and Mummers will appear at the Bull Hotel, Ditchling on Boxing Day. We shall perform the same play as that on the 26th December 1986 and we hope to have some of the original players taking part. We shall be collecting for charity and this year our charity is the St Peter and St James Hospice.
Mumming plays and Morris are part of our heritage and one of our principle aims and objectives is to promote this. We perform Morris dances in the Cotswold style and Mumming plays from Sussex of which there are 17 in total.
This year’s play comes from the village of Fittleworth. The village is about 2 miles from Pulborough in West Sussex.
Characters include Father Christmas, Billy Twing Twang, King George the Turkish Knight, Valiant Soldier, the Prince of Peace and of course the Doctor.
It is a very popular event and attracts well over 300 people from all over Sussex. Last year we raised over £1000 and our target this year is to exceed this figure.
Don’t miss this event on Sunday, 26 December at The Bull Hotel, Ditchling, at 1pm. We will have carol singing followed by the Mummers Play and Morris Dancing.
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
Mid Sussex Ramblers - Christmas Day Walk
Sat 25 December 10.30
Christmas Day Stroll from Newick. Festival of Winter Walks 1.
Newick Village Hall Car Park. Off A272 west of green.
Newick – Fletching Common – Great Rough – Cornwell’s Bank – Tilehouse Farm – Newick. Leader Paul.
Refreshments at pub at end of walk.
.5 miles
01825 722135
TQ416215
Christmas Day Stroll from Newick. Festival of Winter Walks 1.
Newick Village Hall Car Park. Off A272 west of green.
Newick – Fletching Common – Great Rough – Cornwell’s Bank – Tilehouse Farm – Newick. Leader Paul.
Refreshments at pub at end of walk.
.5 miles
01825 722135
TQ416215
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service News
'Your safety is top of our Christmas wish list!' say firefighters
With Christmas almost upon us, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is reminding people to celebrate safely over the festive season.
Christmas is a time for gathering together to celebrate with family and friends, but it is also a time when the risk of having a fire in our home increases - hundreds of people in the UK are injured each year during the festive season and more than 10% of all fire deaths occur in December.
Jackie Boyle, Community Fire & Road Safety Officer for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service says:
"During the inevitable hustle and bustle of Christmas, safety is often the last thing on anyone's mind but a number of factors mean that people may be at higher risk of fire. There may be more people in your home than normal and of course many will be indulging in a festive drink or two. When you add this to all the other traditional trappings of Christmas - trees, festive lighting, wrapping paper and candles to name but a few - it can be a lethal combination."
Firefighters have created their own twelve days of Christmas with some simple steps to reduce the risk of fire in your home and helping you and your family to enjoy a fire safe festive period.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service's 12 Days Of Christmas:
- Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Always use an RCD on outdoor electrical equipment (a safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the power).
- Candle safety - never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings and never leave candles unattended.
- Make sure your family and any guests staying know what to do in the event of a fire - make an escape plan.
- Decorations can burn easily - don't attach them to lights or heaters.
- Don't overload electrical sockets and take special care with Christmas lights.
- Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.
- Most fires start in the kitchen - so never leave cooking unattended.
- If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, store them in a metal box, read the instructions, never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.
- Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished.
- Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.
- Keep candles, lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
- Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas - make sure they are fire safe.
Would you or someone you know benefit from a Home Fire Safety Check? Call 0800 3286487 or log onto www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire to find out if you are eligible.
With Christmas almost upon us, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is reminding people to celebrate safely over the festive season.
Christmas is a time for gathering together to celebrate with family and friends, but it is also a time when the risk of having a fire in our home increases - hundreds of people in the UK are injured each year during the festive season and more than 10% of all fire deaths occur in December.
Jackie Boyle, Community Fire & Road Safety Officer for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service says:
"During the inevitable hustle and bustle of Christmas, safety is often the last thing on anyone's mind but a number of factors mean that people may be at higher risk of fire. There may be more people in your home than normal and of course many will be indulging in a festive drink or two. When you add this to all the other traditional trappings of Christmas - trees, festive lighting, wrapping paper and candles to name but a few - it can be a lethal combination."
Firefighters have created their own twelve days of Christmas with some simple steps to reduce the risk of fire in your home and helping you and your family to enjoy a fire safe festive period.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service's 12 Days Of Christmas:
- Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Always use an RCD on outdoor electrical equipment (a safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the power).
- Candle safety - never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings and never leave candles unattended.
- Make sure your family and any guests staying know what to do in the event of a fire - make an escape plan.
- Decorations can burn easily - don't attach them to lights or heaters.
- Don't overload electrical sockets and take special care with Christmas lights.
- Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.
- Most fires start in the kitchen - so never leave cooking unattended.
- If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, store them in a metal box, read the instructions, never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.
- Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished.
- Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.
- Keep candles, lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
- Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas - make sure they are fire safe.
Would you or someone you know benefit from a Home Fire Safety Check? Call 0800 3286487 or log onto www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire to find out if you are eligible.
Wolstonbury: Top of the hill
by Ruth Lawrence
The clocks had just turned back and I stood, breath rasping from the steep climb, on the summit of Wolstonbury Hill, wanting to pull back summer.
The view was magnificent: a 360 degree spread of downland and weald, the twin windmills, Jack and Jill, across the valley and the lowering sun tingeing everything in peachy light.
I stayed until the autumn sun faded and long shadows brought the ancient earthworks into sight. A Bronze Age ‘hillfort’ enclosure caps the summit and west of the Hill is a prominent plateau, thought to be the remains of an Iron Age fort. This would have protected the route which led from London to what is now Brighton; the area certainly has a buzzard’s eye view of the surrounding land and would have been a formidable place to attack.
In 1765 several human skeletons, thought to be Saxon, were found during flint digging on the hilltop. Inmates from Hurstpierpoint Workhouse extracted the flint from open pits and, although digging had ceased by 1862, it’s likely that large local collections were fuelled by finds made during quarrying. Flint digging was never the main activity at Wolstonbury; for 2000 years sheep farming has been prolific and recently they have been joined by a few llamas. I met a couple of them on the summit; they bring a hint of the Andes to the exposed chalk hillsides.
Wolstonbury is doubly protected. Mainly owned by the National Trust, part has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the diversity of plants and insects. It is only one of three places in Sussex to find the rare Man Orchid and Slender Bedstraw as well as a healthy population of other orchids. The Latin names of local plants read like incantations: Ophrys insectifera is the Fly Orchid, Listera ovata is Twyblade and Lotus corniculatus is Birds Foot Trefoil. Although I arrived too late in the season to find many flowers, I did notice a delicate Harebell, still tinged the colour of summer sky.
Numerous species of butterfly also make Wolstonbury their home including the rare Silver Spotted Skipper and the striking Adonis Blue. Five species have a Nationally Scarce Status including the Downland Chafer Beetle and the Large Chrysalis Snail. One unusual creature which inhabits seasonal ponds is the Fairy Shrimp which has legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Large grass covered anthills are strewn about the Hill, each housing up to a hundred thousand ants. This could explain the blue butterflies, as the larvae of the Adonis Blue and the Chalkhill Blue both have a symbiotic relationship with ants.
The rabbits we see on downland have an interesting history. Not an indigenous species, they were introduced by the Normans and Wolstonbury had a created warren as a source of income in the 16th and 17th centuries. These contained rabbits for selective culling and were looked after by a warrener who operated from a nearby hut. Downland rabbits were particularly flavoursome because of the aromatic herbs they nibbled from the short turf. A map of Wolstonbury Hill from 1666 shows an image of a man shooting rabbits in one corner and, at the top, greyhounds are chasing a hare, a once common sight throughout the Downs.
There is some folklore connected with Wolstonbury. King Alfred is supposed to have fought on the hill and there are ten horseshoes at The Bull in Ditchling that are said to have been cast by his ponies. These days the hill is flanked by horses at pasture; the area is criss-crossed by bridleways and provides ample off-road riding, the woodland tracks becoming slippery quagmires during the wet winter months.
The Friends of Wolstonbury are a group of volunteers who carry out vital maintenance and management throughout the year in collaboration with the National Trust. They also organise guided nature walks and always need new members to help with administration and publicity as well as practical duties.
Danny House, which sits at the northern foot of Wolstonbury, plays a significant role in the history of the Hill. Although the house was built in 1593, the medieval park of Danny was enclosed in 1343 by the last Sir Simon de Pierpoint. In 1652, Danny Great Park was a significant area of over 130 acres with meadow and arable land of over three times that size.
During the tail end of World War One, Lloyd George stayed at Danny House and it’s rumoured that he caused a major security scare by accidentally leaving secret documents on the Hill during one of his walks. The Hill saw action in World War Two when Canadian troops used it as a training ground prior to D Day. There is evidence of a 19th century rifle range, too, and some target gear still remains at Welcome Bottom to the south east of the summit.
An unusual tradition links nearby Hurstpierpoint College with the Hill. On Ascension Day, the entire school climbs the Hill and the choir sings the 17th century Hymus Eucharisticus. The headmaster then hands out money called Lowe’s Dole, originating from money left by the first headmaster, Canon Lowe, for the choir.
Although traffic noise from the A23 is a constant companion, it’s possible to sit in solitude at the breezy summit and imagine the peace of earlier times. Dave Bangs remembers in his book The Brighton Downs how in the early 1960s he took a photo of a horse-drawn haywain, piled with bales of winter feed for grazing cattle. 40 years later he discovered the remains of that same haywain among long grass near the cross dyke, south east of the summit, the oak frame and ironwork were still recognisable. It seems appropriate that the skeleton of the vehicle should be left where it once lived and worked.
Wolstonbury Hill wears its association with man like a garment: scarred by hillfort and burial site, tracked by pilgrimages and shepherds, it is a living example of how generations of Sussex people have been interconnected with the landscape that holds them.
Please contact the Friends of Wolstonbury on 07710 814 665 (Ian Pack, Chairman) for further information or visit www.wolstonbury.com
The clocks had just turned back and I stood, breath rasping from the steep climb, on the summit of Wolstonbury Hill, wanting to pull back summer.
The view was magnificent: a 360 degree spread of downland and weald, the twin windmills, Jack and Jill, across the valley and the lowering sun tingeing everything in peachy light.
I stayed until the autumn sun faded and long shadows brought the ancient earthworks into sight. A Bronze Age ‘hillfort’ enclosure caps the summit and west of the Hill is a prominent plateau, thought to be the remains of an Iron Age fort. This would have protected the route which led from London to what is now Brighton; the area certainly has a buzzard’s eye view of the surrounding land and would have been a formidable place to attack.
In 1765 several human skeletons, thought to be Saxon, were found during flint digging on the hilltop. Inmates from Hurstpierpoint Workhouse extracted the flint from open pits and, although digging had ceased by 1862, it’s likely that large local collections were fuelled by finds made during quarrying. Flint digging was never the main activity at Wolstonbury; for 2000 years sheep farming has been prolific and recently they have been joined by a few llamas. I met a couple of them on the summit; they bring a hint of the Andes to the exposed chalk hillsides.
Wolstonbury is doubly protected. Mainly owned by the National Trust, part has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the diversity of plants and insects. It is only one of three places in Sussex to find the rare Man Orchid and Slender Bedstraw as well as a healthy population of other orchids. The Latin names of local plants read like incantations: Ophrys insectifera is the Fly Orchid, Listera ovata is Twyblade and Lotus corniculatus is Birds Foot Trefoil. Although I arrived too late in the season to find many flowers, I did notice a delicate Harebell, still tinged the colour of summer sky.
Numerous species of butterfly also make Wolstonbury their home including the rare Silver Spotted Skipper and the striking Adonis Blue. Five species have a Nationally Scarce Status including the Downland Chafer Beetle and the Large Chrysalis Snail. One unusual creature which inhabits seasonal ponds is the Fairy Shrimp which has legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Large grass covered anthills are strewn about the Hill, each housing up to a hundred thousand ants. This could explain the blue butterflies, as the larvae of the Adonis Blue and the Chalkhill Blue both have a symbiotic relationship with ants.
The rabbits we see on downland have an interesting history. Not an indigenous species, they were introduced by the Normans and Wolstonbury had a created warren as a source of income in the 16th and 17th centuries. These contained rabbits for selective culling and were looked after by a warrener who operated from a nearby hut. Downland rabbits were particularly flavoursome because of the aromatic herbs they nibbled from the short turf. A map of Wolstonbury Hill from 1666 shows an image of a man shooting rabbits in one corner and, at the top, greyhounds are chasing a hare, a once common sight throughout the Downs.
The Friends of Wolstonbury are a group of volunteers who carry out vital maintenance and management throughout the year in collaboration with the National Trust. They also organise guided nature walks and always need new members to help with administration and publicity as well as practical duties.
Danny House, which sits at the northern foot of Wolstonbury, plays a significant role in the history of the Hill. Although the house was built in 1593, the medieval park of Danny was enclosed in 1343 by the last Sir Simon de Pierpoint. In 1652, Danny Great Park was a significant area of over 130 acres with meadow and arable land of over three times that size.
During the tail end of World War One, Lloyd George stayed at Danny House and it’s rumoured that he caused a major security scare by accidentally leaving secret documents on the Hill during one of his walks. The Hill saw action in World War Two when Canadian troops used it as a training ground prior to D Day. There is evidence of a 19th century rifle range, too, and some target gear still remains at Welcome Bottom to the south east of the summit.
An unusual tradition links nearby Hurstpierpoint College with the Hill. On Ascension Day, the entire school climbs the Hill and the choir sings the 17th century Hymus Eucharisticus. The headmaster then hands out money called Lowe’s Dole, originating from money left by the first headmaster, Canon Lowe, for the choir.
Although traffic noise from the A23 is a constant companion, it’s possible to sit in solitude at the breezy summit and imagine the peace of earlier times. Dave Bangs remembers in his book The Brighton Downs how in the early 1960s he took a photo of a horse-drawn haywain, piled with bales of winter feed for grazing cattle. 40 years later he discovered the remains of that same haywain among long grass near the cross dyke, south east of the summit, the oak frame and ironwork were still recognisable. It seems appropriate that the skeleton of the vehicle should be left where it once lived and worked.
Wolstonbury Hill wears its association with man like a garment: scarred by hillfort and burial site, tracked by pilgrimages and shepherds, it is a living example of how generations of Sussex people have been interconnected with the landscape that holds them.
Please contact the Friends of Wolstonbury on 07710 814 665 (Ian Pack, Chairman) for further information or visit www.wolstonbury.com
Road Safety Message for Primary School Children!
Following their well received sun awareness campaign this summer McIndoe Surgical Centre wanted to continue with their community messages and this time the focus has been on road safety.
Brochures were designed for every primary school child in East Grinstead giving them sound advice on how to cross roads safely and what to look out for when out and about, either on foot, cycling or in a car.
Working with West Sussex County Council’s Road Safety Team, McIndoe Surgical Centre successfully reached nearly 2,000 children with their campaign message which featured an East Grinstead lad who had been run over while crossing the road outside his school. He tells his story on the brochure to help warn other children of how careful they need to be.
As well as West Sussex Council’s involvement, local business Evans Cycles, offered to help with prizes for a Road Safety themed Word Search competition on the brochure and the entries were collected from each school. Chosen randomly the winners were: Lili Sotiriou from The Meads, Ashlea Whibley from Blackwell and Richard Lockwood from Baldwins Hill who each receive a Crackerjack cycling helmet and Hi-Visibility jacket. West Sussex County Council provided runners up prizes of Road Safety themed goody bags with an assortment of cool prizes inside.
Did you know 1784 children were killed or seriously injured in 2008 while walking or crossing roads in the UK. McIndoe Surgical Centre often see the end result of these types of accidents and have to provide reconstructive work for patients that have suffered accidents and trauma.
All in all it was another successful community information campaign with many families receiving this vital advice. If it saves just one child from a tragic accident it’s a job well done.
For the life you want to live please contact us on 0800 917 4922 or visit www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk for more information.
Brochures were designed for every primary school child in East Grinstead giving them sound advice on how to cross roads safely and what to look out for when out and about, either on foot, cycling or in a car.
Working with West Sussex County Council’s Road Safety Team, McIndoe Surgical Centre successfully reached nearly 2,000 children with their campaign message which featured an East Grinstead lad who had been run over while crossing the road outside his school. He tells his story on the brochure to help warn other children of how careful they need to be.
As well as West Sussex Council’s involvement, local business Evans Cycles, offered to help with prizes for a Road Safety themed Word Search competition on the brochure and the entries were collected from each school. Chosen randomly the winners were: Lili Sotiriou from The Meads, Ashlea Whibley from Blackwell and Richard Lockwood from Baldwins Hill who each receive a Crackerjack cycling helmet and Hi-Visibility jacket. West Sussex County Council provided runners up prizes of Road Safety themed goody bags with an assortment of cool prizes inside.
Did you know 1784 children were killed or seriously injured in 2008 while walking or crossing roads in the UK. McIndoe Surgical Centre often see the end result of these types of accidents and have to provide reconstructive work for patients that have suffered accidents and trauma.
All in all it was another successful community information campaign with many families receiving this vital advice. If it saves just one child from a tragic accident it’s a job well done.
For the life you want to live please contact us on 0800 917 4922 or visit www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk for more information.
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