King Edward Hall

 

How many wonder,
As they pass the Hall,
Know that four and twenty years
Went past
Until, at last
An idea became reality.

Gift of money, gifts or grounds
So Burt and Norman
For two thousand pounds
Could build to Mr. Tower’s plan.

Nineteen eleven
Had just begun
The Hall was opened with a song.
An epic poem
Music and tea.
At last the Hall
Had come to be,
Titled with a regal name.

Soon came the war
The Hall as hospital
Where wounded soldiers
Gazed across the peaceful pond.
Another war
Canadians were at the door
To welcome
With laughter, games and fun
Lindfield’s and others’ young
Hiding from the city’s bombs.

Wars over
Lindfield had its Hall again
For meetings and displays,
Clubs and plans for village life
And celebration days.

So many bless the day
Now a hundred years away,
When King Edward Hall
Opened up its doors
To villagers’ applause
For all it is
For all it does
Now a part
Of Lindfield’s living heart.

Anthony Baird, 2010

Ditchling History Project - The Place of Fairs in English Social History

Fri 4 Feb 2011, 7.30 pm

Ditchling Village Hall, Lewes Road, Ditchling, East Sussex
The Ditchling History Project is delighted and proud to sponsor an illustrated talk by Robert Harris titled:

“The place of Fairs in English social history”

on Friday February 4th 2011 in Ditchling Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.

Many of us have difficulty tracing our family history back to the middle of the 19th century let alone knowing what business the family were in then and still, today, being in the same business. And yet that is the case with the present day Harris Brothers who, with their wives and families, run the “very English tradition” of a fairground started by their ancestor John in the 1860’s.

Some things have changed in those one hundred and fifty years. John Harris started with horse powered roundabouts and went on, with his sons, to be the first operator in Sussex of steam powered roundabouts. Some things haven’t. One of his sons bought the first set of gallopers and it is still being used today, albeit rebuilt and renovated. What are ‘gallopers’? I hear you say. No, they’re not horses, but if you want to find out what they are do come along to this talk.

Tickets are £6 including a glass of wine or soft drink and are available from the Post Office or Parkers in Ditchling High Street or by phoning Penney Pepler 01273 835770, Tom Dufty 844110, Roma Leon 843113, Janet Cragg 845383

Admission: Tickets are £6 including a glass of wine or soft drink - see details above.

Events at McIndoe Surgical Centre, East Grinstead

Tuesday 8 February

Gastric Banding – Complimentary Consultations. McIndoe Surgical Centre, Holtye Road, East Grinstead.

To find out more about Gastric Banding at McIndoe Surgical Centre take advantage of our complimentary consultations with an experienced Bariatric Surgeon. To reserve your space please contact our Helpline on 0800 917 4922 or go online and book at www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk – events page.

Burgess Hill Fairtrade Festival 2011 - Events

February

Sat 26th Feb
Rock for Fairtrade
The Last Carnival
The Crossroads Band UK
After the Fire
7.30pm-10.30pm
Martlets Hall
Burgess Hill RH15 9NN
Tickets £10 each or 4 for £30
01444 242888

March

Friday 4th March
Classics and Cake
7.30pm - 9.30 pm
St John The Evangelist Church
Burgess Hill
RH15 9AA
Tickets £5 which includes refreshments
01444 242888

Sat 5th March
Grand Ceilidh
With Kates Kitchen Band
7.30pm - 10 pm
Martlets Hall
Burgess Hill RH15 9NN
Tickets £9.00 each or £32 for 4
Call 01444 242888

Sunday 6th March
Folk and Fairtrade
Spiers and Boden headline with
Gareth Davies-Jone and Julie Hall
7.30 pm - 10. 30 pm
Martlets Hall
Burgess Hill RH15 9NN
Tickets £14 each
Call 01444 242888

Wed 9th March
Fairtrade Debate
A debate between the Fairtrade Foundation and the Adam Smith Institute.
7.30pm - 9.30 pm
The Woolpack Pub
West Street
Burgess Hill
RH15 8NN

Sat 10th March
Fairtrade Fashion Show time TBC
The Woolpack Pub
West Street
Burgess Hill
RH15 8NN

Sat 12th March
Burgess Hill "does the choir"
Join us in our community Anthem specially written for the Fairtrade Festival
Venue to be confirmed

Sun 13th March
Combined Church service
Revd Mark Sowerby
Bishop of Horsham
4.00 pm - 5.30 pm
St John The Evangelist Church
RH15 9AA

Cats Protection: Sussex cat seeks election to Downing Street

A homeless cat from Sussex is hoping to roam the corridors of power after being put forward as Cats Protection’s candidate to become the next feline to live at 10 Downing Street.

Harry, a ten-year-old tabby who is currently in care at Cats Protection’s National Cat Adoption Centre in Chelwood Gate, Sussex, came first in a poll run by the cat charity, following news that the top feline job in the country is up for grabs.

The charity set up a poll on its Facebook page featuring a line-up of cat candidates in the running for the role. The shortlisted cats were picked by the charity for their suitability for this most high-profile role and members of the public were invited to vote for the cat they believed best fitted the bill.

Details about Harry will now be forwarded on to Downing Street so David Cameron can decide if he wishes to give Harry a home.

Karen Thompson, Deputy Manager of the National Cat Adoption Centre, said: “Harry would be the perfect candidate to live at Number 10. He’s a friendly and affectionate character who used to live in a care home where he would cuddle up to the residents. As a result he’d be well used to the comings and goings at Downing Street and would be a big hit with the Cabinet and other guests. And you could say he’s already done his bit for the Big Society! We’re delighted that he’s won Cats Protection’s election and we hope he gets the call from Number 10.”

Cats Protection’s Director of Communications, Nick Edmans, said: “Following our invitation to the Prime Minister to provide one of the 7,000 cats in our care with a new home we decided to help him decide by asking the public to vote for the cat they wanted to see entering Downing Street. Harry was a clear winner and we are sure he will excel at his new role should he be invited to Downing Street.”

Speculation over the return of a cat has been rife since rats were spotted scuttling around the famous street on recent news bulletins. Prime Minister David Cameron's spokesman confirmed earlier in the week that there was a ‘pro-cat faction within the building’ that wants to restore feline anti-rodent patrols.

If a new cat takes up residence at Downing Street it would be the first such official appointment since stalwart Humphrey's eight-year spell ended when he retired within months of Tony Blair taking power in 1997.

He was succeeded for a short period in 2007 by Sybil, the pet of then chancellor Alistair Darling but the renowned mouser failed to settle and returned to Scotland.

Members of the public who would like to offer a home to a cat or make a donation to help the charity continue its cat welfare work, please call Cats Protection’s national Helpline on 03000 12 12 12 or check out www.cats.org.uk for further information.

Celebrating the heart of Lindfield

by Nicola Hobbs

Once upon a time a small village, just north of Haywards Heath, received a visit from King Edward VII. The reigning monarch, who passed away shortly after his visit to Lindfield, was the inspiration for the creation of a public hall.

On11th January 1911, King Edward Hall in Lindfield, was declared open, and this month the event is being commemorated in its centenary celebrations.

Events will be held throughout the year in recognition of the Hall as a centrepiece of village life. Celebrations kick off with an entertainment evening at The Lindfield Club and continue with centenary events ranging from an invitation-only reception and a tea party for those born and bred in Lindfield, to the annual Village Run, Fun Run and Village Day. Lindfield Dramatic Society is marking the Centenary by performing an amalgamation of sketches and songs, each covering a decade from 1911 to 2011. Lindfield’s History Project Group is also exhibiting their research on the 100-year history of King Edward Hall and Lindfield.

“We pride ourselves on the fact that the Hall is owned by the village for the village. It has great power in bringing the community together,” says Mrs Gwen Newcombe, author of Celebrating 100 years: The Story of King Edward Hall’. “The Hall has always been a massive part of my life. My father was Chairman of King Edward Hall many years ago and had a grocery store on the High Street. He always said that Lindfield was the best kept village so I decided to expand my family history project to encompass the story of King Edward Hall and now, almost accidently, I have written a book on it.”

King Edward Hall is now a well-used and highly respected part of village life. Run by three trustees and a Management Committee; all officials have been elected due to their passion and commitment to making the Hall central to village life.

“The Hall exists side by side with the rest of the village. We have a happy community arrangement with the School and Church Halls. From sharing chairs and tables to arranging back-up space in emergencies, we work together so things run smoothly,” says Brian Newcombe, Chairman of King Edward Hall. “Without the dedication of the Hall’s officers and other volunteers none of the community would be able to benefit from such a wonderful building. Everyone involved is fanatical about keeping the role and character of the Hall going – to bring the people of Lindfield together,” he adds.

The idea of a public hall was not always so popular; original plans to build a hall for the village had been drawn up 24 years earlier in 1887 by Dr Daunt, of Pierpoint House – now a Grade II listed building in Lindfield High Street. The idea of a public hall as a Jubilee Memorial to Queen Victoria met with resistance, and the scheme was stopped due to its unpopularity.

But, after nearly a quarter of a century, minds had changed and there was consensus in Lindfield that a hall was needed for village activities. Villagers organised fetes, ran bazaars and received donations to raise the £2,200 to pay for the building of the Hall – equivalent to £125,532 in today’s money according to The National Archives.

The land for the Hall was donated by Mr. William Sturdy of Paxhill Park¸ now home to Lindfield Golf Club. The architect for the building was Mr Walter Towers, who owned Old Place. With its timber frame, mullioned windows and tall chimney stacks, Old Place remains arguably the most beautiful building in Lindfield High Street. Local builders Norman & Burt, renowned for building St Andrews Church in Junction Road, Burgess Hill, were responsible for building the Hall.

On 11th January 1911 the Hall was opened by Colonel Dudley Sampson of Buxhalls, Suffolk. As a member of the 34th Border Regiment and a notable figure in Indian warfare, Col. Sampson drew on his experience of war and peace in his opening speech, finishing with a moving verse:

Our work is done. Let others see
That all things work in peace and harmony.
In kindly fellowship may one and all
Through future years foregather in this Hall.
Remembering in gratitude what we
In the old did for posterity.
In the past 100 years many people have foregathered in King Edward Hall and it has proven an essential part of village life.

During the First World War Mrs. Godfrey Hooper, a Commandant and volunteer for The British Red Cross, ran a hospital from the Hall. Soldiers from the Western Front recuperated in the Hall and Mrs. Hooper nursed many Belgian soldiers. She was gallantly awarded a Belgian Order of the Crown and an MBE in recognition of her kindness and heroism.

Throughout the Second World War, King Edward Hall was used as a reception and training centre for evacuees. School lessons were held in the Hall and Canadian troops, who were stationed at many of the old houses in the village, enjoyed social events there. Lindfield Players, the village drama group, cheered the soldiers and dances were held for the young people in the village. Tea parties for the elderly were organised and the Hall was used for fundraising events to buy comforts for the Canadian troops.

Until 1982, a small room in the Hall was used as the village library, giving it its current name, The Old Library. Despite initial disapproval of proposals for a public hall in 1887, demand for use of the Hall grew so much that an extension was required. In 1977, King Edward Hall was expanded and The Jubilee Room was built to mark the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. The Lindfield Club, established as a village social club, under the terms of the original trust deed, is based on the first floor of the Hall, and now has 1,600 members.

Today, King Edward Hall is a regular meeting place for more than 30 organisations. “The Hall has grown to meet the needs of everyone. With new clubs and groups hiring the Hall, new users are able to appreciate it,” says Gillian Alderman, Honorary Secretary of King Edward Hall. “We have maintained our principle of meeting the running costs of the Hall from our hirings, which can be challenging at times, as the maintenance of a 100-year old building can be financially demanding. The money for major refurbishments at the Hall have mainly been met from our big fundraising events, like Village Day, and from donations and occasional grants.”

King Edward Hall is currently used to 70% capacity and there is a growing need for community space, igniting the idea of a possible extension to the Hall. Local groups, ranging from the Mid Sussex Wine Club and The Royal British Legion, to The Bonfire Society, Socotots and three Women’s Institutes, all benefit from the Hall. Funds raised through hiring out the Hall for clubs and events, including wedding receptions, film shows, art exhibitions, keep fit classes and nursery schools, help meet the costs of maintaining the Hall. It is a beautiful and much loved building at the centre of Lindfield, kindling community spirit and bestowing a heart for village life.

Celebrating 100 Years: The Story of King Edward Hall, Lindfield by Gwen Newcombe
is on sale for £6.50, with all proceeds donated to the King Edward Hall. Please contact
Brian Newcombe on 01444 482425.

www.kingedwardhall.org.uk

Sculpture to mark 700th St Lawrence Fair in Hurstpierpoint

To mark the 700th St Lawrence Fair in Hurstpierpoint in 2013, a group of village organisations, led by the Parish Council and including the Fair committee, are commissioning a commemorative sculpture for the village green and a competition for it has been launched this month.

Since the 14th Century the village of Hurstpierpoint has celebrated the Feast of St Lawrence with a village fair, which is one of the oldest in the United Kingdom.

King Edward II granted a charter which allowed one fair a year to be held to celebrate St Lawrence, the patron saint of the village. For the first stage the organisers have asked for expressions of interest and outlines from artists by Monday March 21st.

It is intended to then select a shortlist and those successful will be asked to provide further details, and a model, in time for an exhibition as part of the Hurst Festival in September this year.

The unveiling is planned for the 700th anniversary of the Fair in July 2013.

For more information and an entry pack please e-mail Hurstpierpoint Parish Council on:

hurstpierpoint.pc@btinternet.com

or write to them at:

Hurstpierpoint and Sayers Common Parish Council, Parish Council Office, Trinity Road, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, West Sussex BN6 9UY

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

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 nuthatch@price

 pintail@clark

 woodpecker@price

Henfield Garden Club

Tuesday 1st February
Henfield Garden Club
Talk by John Marde entitled "Shrubs and Pruning"
Henfield Hall, 7.30pm
All welcome. Members free,
Non-members £3 entry.
Further information 01273 493754

Mid Sussex Sinfonia

Saturday 5 February, 19.30
Mid Sussex Sinfonia Concert, Clair Hall, Haywards Heath.

Conductor Peter Fender, Leader Martin Palmer. Fauré Overture-Masques et Bergamasques, Fauré Pavane, Wagner Siegfried Idyll and Beethoven Symphony No 3 “Eroica”. Tickets available from Carousel Music, 7 Commercial Square, Haywards Heath (tel. 01444 417654) or MSS Ticket Sales (tel 01825 712640 or 01444 450649). Adults £8.50 in advance, £10 on the door, under 18s £1.

Zumba with Curves in Haywards Heath

Zumba with Curves Circuit classes for February:

Mondays 5.45pm and 6.15pm
Tuesdays 9.30am and 10am
Wednesdays 5.45pm and 6.15pm
Thursdays 9.30am and 10am

Curves, 71a South Road, Haywards Heath
01444 416721

Fork to fork

Juliet Merrifield on the simple pleasures of vegetable gardening!!

My winter vegetable garden looks threadbare so it’s time to turn to the store cupboard. A few seeds of winter squash planted in May means I have a wonderfully flexible and tasty ingredient for winter soups, stews and other dishes. If you’re curious about the difference between winter squash and pumpkin, for me a pumpkin has to be orange and the right shape for carving into a jack o’lantern for Halloween, while the rest of the winter squash family contains better flavour in an amazing array of shapes, colours and sizes. My favourite winter squash for taste is Blue Kuri, a Japanese variety with a blue/green skin that stores for months (the flavour gets better with age). Moschata and Marina di Chioggia are good too.

Growing winter squash is easy, but be warned that if you feed them well (as you should) they will sprawl over as much of your garden as you will allow. Plant the seeds in May, either directly in the ground or in little pots. Following the Native Americans I make a mound with compost or well-rotted manure and usually put three plants onto it, but if you’re short of spreading space you could put just one. Sinking a flowerpot into the mound will make it easier to water the plants down to the roots (and they do like a lot of water!). As the tendrils spread you can tidy them into shape by turning them into a circle or spiral, or just to fit the shape of your bed.

Winter squash can be left on the vine until the threat of frost. When you harvest leave several inches of stem attached. This will shrivel like an umbilical cord and ensure a good seal at the most vulnerable place for rot to start. Keep the squash in a cool, frost-free space until you’re ready to cook. A large winter squash will supply many meals, from soups to main dishes to desserts (once cut it will keep uncooked in the fridge for several days or frozen for months).

One of my favourite American recipes is Pumpkin Bread – a not-too-sweet bread to eat buttered or with cream cheese.

Pumpkin Bread

90ml sunflower oil
225g black treacle
175g pumpkin or winter squash, cooked (chop into chunks and simmer in water until soft), peeled and pureed
2 eggs, beaten
½ tsp each of cinnamon and nutmeg
¼ tsp each of cloves, allspice, and ginger
300g plain white flour
1 tbsp baking powder
Optional: a couple of handfuls of raisins and chopped nuts

Beat together the oil, treacle, pumpkin, eggs and spices. Mix the flour and baking powder together, add and mix well. Add raisins and nuts if liked. The mixture should be thick but not solid (add a little milk if needed). Pour into a well-oiled loaf pan and bake at Gas Mark 3/325F/160C for about an hour.

NB. The recipe also works with gluten-free flour and 1½ tsp of xanthan gum, but you will need more milk to get the right consistency.


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

Cosmetic Surgery Open Evening at McIndoe Surgical Centre

Wednesday 2 February

Cosmetic Surgery Open Evening. McIndoe Surgical Centre, Holtye Road, East Grinstead.

McIndoe Surgical Centre is a specialist hospital for plastic surgery. A great environment to come along and find out about a variety of cosmetic procedures. All events are free to attend and hosted by a Plastic Surgeon. To reserve your space please contact our Helpline on 0800 917 4922 or go online and book at www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk – events page.

Lindfield Films

All tickets for the showing of the film "The King's Speech" at the King Edward Hall in Lindfield on 17 February have now been sold. A further showing of this film has now been arranged for the following
Thursday, 24 February, at 7.45 p.m. Tickets for this second show only will be available from the Bookstop in Lindfield but not until Thursday 3 February. Price £5-50

English Touring Opera Spring 2011 at The Hawth, Crawley

Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox by Tobias Picker, 31 March, 7.00pm (UK première of full version), featuring local schoolchildren from St Andrews C of E Primary School alongside ETO’s professional cast

Puccini, Il tabarro and Gianni Schicchi, 1 April, 7.30pm
Mozart, La clemenza di Tito, 2 April, 7.30pm

English Touring Opera returns to The Hawth, Crawley with an exciting programme featuring the UK première tour of an opera based on Roald Dahl’s children’s book, Fantastic Mr Fox by Tobias Picker alongside rarely-performed masterpieces by Mozart and Puccini. ETO visits 17 venues across the length and breadth of the UK during the Spring tour, from Truro to Perth; Belfast to Norwich.

Fantastic Mr Fox explores the relationship between man and nature - pitting three farmers and their digger (played by acclaimed mezzo-soprano Fiona Kimm) against a fox and his family. Cunning to the last, Mr Fox (played by exciting young baritone Nicholas Merryweather) devises a plan to “outfox” the blundering villains. The production, directed by ETO’s award-winning artistic associate Tim Yealland, features professional soloists alongside 21 local school children from St Andrews C of E Primary School who play a skulk of fox cubs and a chorus of trees. ETO’s production is the UK première of the full version of Tobias Picker’s adaptation of Roald Dahl short story, with a libretto by Donald Sturrock.

On 1 April, ETO presents a performance featuring two, one-hour long Puccini operas. These two short works, Il tabarro and Gianni Schicchi are Puccini’s most perfect and perfectly contrasting masterpieces. Il tabarro is a moody, grotesque thriller that takes place on barge in Paris and Gianni Schicchi, a sparkling Florentine comedy featuring popular tenor Nicholas Sherratt who last performed as Ernesto in Don Pasquale with ETO on their Spring 2010 tour.

Completing ETO’s Spring season in Crawley is La clemenza di Tito, a bold production of a rarely-performed masterpiece by Mozart. ETO has a proud history of presenting exceptional productions of Mozart at The Hawth, the last being The Marriage of Figaro in the spring of 2010. Bringing this colourful production to the Crawley is a cast of fearless singers, including Julia Riley (acclaimed in ETO’s past production of Anna Bolena) playing Sesto, who is torn between his loyality to the emperor Titus (Mark Wilde) and his love for Vitellia (Gillian Ramm).

James Conway, General Director of English Touring Opera, says “We had a splendid 2010, with big audiences and handsome shows in the spring, and a really distinctive season in the autumn. Our value-for-money approach and our real passion for opera set us apart. This hugely ambitious Spring tour of classical, verismo and new opera shows that we have no intention of cutting back on our real business – making extraordinary opera in ordinary places – whatever the economic weather.”

Construction & Surveying Ltd

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Centrally located in Crawely Down, we cover most areas of West and East Sussex, Surrey, Kent and South London.

We are qualified building surveyors, experienced in defect diagnosis, and making recommendations for your proposals, or if your are looking to buy a property to alter into your dream family home, or an investor looking to turn the property around making the most of the current house prices.

Abbo Thompson MCIOB, MBEng. Has over 25 years experience within the construction field, being both a qualified surveyor and project manager, as well as a qualified and experienced tradesman, understand both the practicalities and the eccentricities of the industry can guide you through the maze of bureaucracy surrounding building projects and engaging and supervising contractors.

Please fee free to visit our website www. Constructionandsurveying.webs.com for further information, or call to arrange a free initial appointment to discuss your requirements and proposals.

Abbo Thompson, MCIOB, MBEng.
01342 477 577 / Mob: 07885 606967
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Uckfield’s rich cultural life highlighted at meeting

Uckfield’s rich cultural life was highlighted at a meeting of the town’s Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday evening (January 26).

Speakers talked about the Uckfield Festival, the Uckfield Community Technology College carnival group Spiritus and the introduction of live broadcasts of opera, ballet and plays at the Uckfield Picture House.

The meeting was held at Pilgrim Hall, Easons Green, hosted by Michael and Maggie Lee, who are due to retire from running the Christian conference centre at the end of March.

Cinema owner Kevin Markwick told Chamber members how the Picture House had evolved over the years with the most recent changes being the introduction of 3D in 2009 and the switch from film to digital operation last year.

He said the broadcasting of live events was proving “phenomenally successful”.

The Metropolitan Opera was coming live from New York accompanied by background interviews and chance to see behind the stage.

Productions were being broadcast live by satellite from the National Theatre too. On February 3 King Lear was scheduled and two screens at the Picture House were already sold out.

Mr Markwick also talked of plans to offer one of the cinema auditoriums as a venue for corporate functions.

He invited Chamber members to a reception on March 1 to learn more about ways it could be used.

Uckfield Festival co-chairman Bob De’Ath reported that while the festival made a loss in 2009 that had since been recouped and a small profit was made in 2010.

He added programme planning for this year was well under way and appealed for Chamber members to support the festival by taking part in it.

“We do seem to have a wonderful mix of talent in this town and the festival is all about harnessing and allowing it to develop,” he said.

Mr De’Ath talked about the success of the carnival group Spiritus which had grown out of a festival initiative. Seventy-five youngsters, for example, took part in the Mayor’s Thames Festival, the only group of its kind from outside London to do so.

Clare Summons, a teacher at Uckfield Community Technology College, added there was a possibility Spiritus could get to the Olympic Games in 2012.

Chamber president Peter Gale, a partner at accountants Swindells, told members that the Festive Fantasies magazine raised more than £3,000 and £2,000 of that was contributed towards Uckfield’s Christmas lights.

He rated the late night shopping event as the “best ever”.

Mr Gale also said the Chamber continued pressing for a car park to be opened on disused land opposite the Uckfield railway station. Wealden MP Charles Hendry had offered support and a meeting had been requested with the relevant authorities.

Five new members were welcomed at the meeting. They were Nick Starbuck of Limelight Networks Ltd which deals with employment law; Martin Prestage of Martin Prestage Communications, a copywriter; Dean Ash of DM and C Ash Ltd, drylining specialist; Christina Ewbank of Lookers Mercedes-Benz, Eastbourne, Mercedes dealership, and Sue Austen-Jones of Easy PC Teaching.

Duncan Orr of Swindells gave a talk about pension rules and Mark Vaesen, managing director of Blue Planet Internet Solutions, told members about his company celebrating its tenth anniversary and planning a networking event at the end of February.

He also said the Chamber website was being redesigned and the new look should be ready in about a month.

Uckfield Community Technology College principal Hugh Hennebry spoke about plans for an all-weather pitch and about fund-raising getting under way to cover the cost of the project.

Chamber secretary Ian Blackaller reported on the progress of plans for a trip for members to the Houses of Parliament. This is due to take place on March 7 and will include lunch with Wealden MP Charles Hendry in a private dining room.

The next meeting of the Chamber of Commerce will be the agm on March 31. It is due to be held at UCTC.

21st Sussex Beer & Cider Festival

Double Celebrations at the 21st Sussex Beer & Cider Festival
Hove Centre, Hove
10-12 March 23011

There will be double celebrations at this years Sussex Beer and Cider Festival which will be held at Hove Centre, Hove on 10th – 12th March 2011.

CAMRA the Campaign for Real Ale was formed 40 years ago and this is the 21st Sussex Beer and Cider Festival. To help the celebrations a special Anniversay Ale, brewed in Sussex will be on sale.

Real ale has never been so popular and sales are booming. To cope with the expected huge demand there will be over 220 on sale plus a large selection of ciders, perries, country wines and British and foreign bottled beers. The downstairs bar has been designated as the LocAle Bar and will be selling only beers from breweries in Sussex.

The festival sessions with ticket prices are as follows:-

Thursday evening 5pm – 11pm £4
Friday lunchtime 11am – 3pm £2
Friday evening 5pm – 11pm £7
Saturday lunchtime 11am – 3pm £4
Saturday evening 5pm – 10pm £6 (£3 concessions)

Advance tickets for the Festival will be on sale from the 17th January to 3rd March at the usual outlets (Brighton & Hove: Hove & Brighton Centres, (there is a booking fee whether on line or by phone); Evening Star, Sir Charles Napier; Shoreham: Buckingham Arms; Horsham, Beer Essentials; Lewes: Gardener's Arms; Worthing: Selden Arms, or by post from:- SCBCF Ticket Sales, 13 Rudyard Road, Woodingdean, Brighton BN2 6UB (Tel: 07807 105803). For postal applications, please state the session(s) for which you require tickets, and enclose a 9 x 4 SAE with your payment, which should be by cheque or Postal Order made payable to “CAMRA Sussex Beer Festival”.

As record attendances are expected and to avoid disappointment on the day, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance for ALL sessions. The ticket price includes a souvenir programme and, for CAMRA members, beer tokens worth £2 on presentation of their membership card. For the Saturday evening, half price tickets will be available to students buying tickets at the Hove Centre on production of a Students Union card. If you look under 25 please bring ID.

Rhythm Method will be the live entertainment on Saturday night in the Main Hall.

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

This year the festival charity will be St. Dunstans, Ovingdean.

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

For all enquiries call 07807 105803 or email sussexbeerfestival@yahoo.co.uk. or go to www.sussexbeerfestival.co.uk for further information.

Mid Sussex District Council News: Road repair work in Bolney and Hurstpierpoint

Work to repair sections of several roads in Bolney and Hurstpierpoint is due to start from Monday January 31.

The West Sussex County Council schemes, totalling £30,000, are in advance of surface dressing in the areas later this year.

The work will be carried out on:

• Monday January 31 – in Buncton Lane, Bolney
• Tuesday February 1 – in Bishopstone Lane and Pomper Lane, Hurstpierpoint
• Wednesday February 2 – in Pookbourne Lane, Hurstpierpoint
• Friday February 4 – in High Hatch Lane, Hurstpierpoint
• Monday February 7 – in Danworth Lane, Hurstpierpoint

The schemes should be completed in one day, apart from the Pomper Lane and Pookbourne Lane schemes which will take up to two days to complete, weather permitting.

Work will take place from 7.30am to 4pm.

Each road will be closed while work is taking place. Residents will still be able to access their properties during the closures.

Part-time courses at Plumpton College

1st February 2011 Veterinary Nurse Reception Training
1st - 2nd February 2011 Pork Butchery at Netherfield
3rd February 2011 Sausage Making at Netherfield
3rd February 2011 An Income from Your Kitchen at Netherfield
3rd February 2011 Dog Agility
4th February 2011 Deer Fencing
4th February 2011 PA1
6th February 2011 Handling & Husbandry of exotics for Vet Nurses
7th February 2011 Venison Butchery at Netherfield
8th February 2011 Poultry Processing at Netherfield
8th February 2011 Allotment Gardening
8th February 2011 BHS Riding & Road Safety Exam: 15th February 2011
10th February 2011 Food Smoking at Netherfield
12th February 2011 Brickwork 2
14th February 2011 Salami Making at Netherfield
14th - 15th February 2011 PA6
14th - 18th February 2011 Climb Trees & Perform Aerial Rescue
17th February 2011 Woodland Archaeology at Flimwell
17th February 2011 Lambing at Netherfield
17th February 2011 Plan & Plant an Orchard at Netherfield
18th February 2011 Livestock Transport Certificate at Netherfield
20th February 2011 Canine & Feline Behaviour
21st - 22nd February 2011 PA2
24th February 2011 Production of Organic Fruit & Vegetables at Netherfield
25th February 2011 Establish a New Field Hedge at Netherfield
25th February 2011 1 Day First Aid
25th February 2011 Pet Micro Chipping
26th February 2011 Paving
28th February 2011 Intensive Wine Workshops
1st March 2011 BHS Riding & Road Safety Exam: 8th March 2011
3rd March 2011 Homeopathy for Beginners at Netherfield
4th March 2010 WSET Novice to Professional Wine Course
5th March 2011 Lawns
10th March 2011 Lambing at Netherfield
11th March 2011 Improving Pastures for Better Returns at Netherfield
12th March 2011 Propagation
14th March 2011 The Practicalities of Growing Vegetables
14th March 2011 More About Meat Master Class at Netherfield
14th March 2011 Hakkasan 'standard' training day
15th March 2011 BHS Riding & Road Safety Exam: 22nd March 2011
15th - 16th March 2011 Pork Butchery at Netherfield
15th - 17th March 2011 Use of Chainsaw from Rope & Harness
17th March 2011 Sausage Making at Netherfield
17th March 2011 Production & Marketing of Fruit & Vegetables at Netherfield
18th March 2011 Post & Rail Fencing at Netherfield
18th March 2011 PA1
19th March 2011 Hand Tied Wedding Flowers

Part time courses
Plumpton College
t: 01273 890454
e: enquiries@plumpton.ac.uk
www.plumpton.ac.uk

Mid Sussex District Council News

Council cracks down on offending dog owners!

The new zero-tolerance policy for offending dog owners is coming into force next month across Mid Sussex.

Following a long period of education and warnings, the Council will be enforcing Dog Control Orders from 1 February. If a dog owner is spotted breaking the law, a Fixed Penalty Notice to the value of £75 will be issued. If the Notice is paid within 10 days, the fine will be reduced to £50.

Signs are being displayed on sites to inform dog owners of the new Orders and details of the Orders can also be found at www.midsussex.gov.uk/dogfouling. Leaflets explaining the Orders are available in the libraries, most pet shops and vet surgeries in Mid Sussex or can be requested from the Park Rangers.

Residents are being asked to report any incidents that they have witnessed of dog owners not complying with the legislation. Details, such as description of owner and dog, location, date and time, will help Council Officers to identify offenders. Please report all information to the Council on 01444 458166 or email rangers@midsussex.gov.uk.

“I am delighted that we now have zero-tolerance on this matter,” said Cllr Gary Marsh, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Investment and Regeneration. “Nobody should have to put up with the mess left from offending dog owners’ actions and, with the help from our residents, we can put a stop to it.”

“The majority of dog owners in Mid Sussex are responsible and clear up after their pets. However, there are some people who do not have their dogs under control and who let their dogs foul in public places. Dog Control Orders will help to make the district’s parks, open spaces and footpaths cleaner and safer for all,” said Vanessa Head, Central Area Ranger at Mid Sussex District Council.

Valerie Manor: Home from home

by Ruth Lawrence

The relaxed smile of one elderly resident said it all: “We’re just like one big family.”

These were the words of Zoe Bates, owner and manager of the 17th century Valerie Manor Residential Care home near Upper Beeding.

The Home has a string of awards to its name, including being one of seven finalists for the National Care Team of the Year and a finalist in the prestigious Care Innovator of the Year.

Currently completing a major extension to provide a nursing wing with state-of-the-art beds, the home is also on a large recruitment drive for care assistants and Registered Nurses. The new wing means an increase of 15 registered places to 23, over half of which can be for nursing care. There is a spacious new dining room with high ceilings and a stunning new conservatory with spectacular views across the landscaped garden towards the South Downs.

The garden will be a real feature, incorporating easy access and raised flower beds that encourage residents to get involved. The staff will have new facilities too; care work is a demanding profession and it’s important to have facilities that make the job enjoyable and comfortable.

Zoe’s philosophy is simple: “All staff treat all residents as a member of their own family,” a maxim that has resulted in a waiting list for rooms. Residents are involved in choosing carpets, fittings and even room names. These are delightfully named after birds – Kingfisher, Swan and Nightingale were my favourites.

There is a packed programme of activities on offer including arts, crafts and painting; it was great to see residents’ work framed for everyone to enjoy. There is an outing of choice each week – apparently the seaside, small animal farms and garden centres are the most requested trips. There are themed lunches, singalongs, fresh flower arranging and vegetable growing classes as well as exercise classes run by Zoe’s mum, who runs her own business called Let’s Dance. Even Zoe’s newly retired dad carries out maintenance at the Manor.

Valerie Manor has close links with local nurses, doctors and pharmacists. There’s even a dedicated GP who looks after the Home and holds regular monitoring and medication reviews. Prices for residential care start at £550 per week per room all inclusive.

All the rooms will have broadband, satellite connection and wi-fi access. With user-friendly touch screens, staff can show photos that have been emailed from friends and family, which is invaluable for those with distant relatives.

Valerie Manor really seems to resonate with a family feel and residents soon feel part of the extended family. I suddenly realised why the lady I saw earlier was smiling: Valerie Manor is not just a home. It is her home.


Valerie Manor Residential Home
Henfield Road, Upper Beeding,
West Sussex BN44 3TF
Tel: 01903 812105
www.valeriemanor.co.uk
email: zoe@valeriemanor.co.uk

The History of Railway Signalling

The History of Railway Signalling - Jim Swift
Thursday 17 February 2011
8:00pm
Wivelsfield Village Hall

Railway signalling and safety has come a long way from the man waving the flag, through semaphore and electric signalling to the latest in-cab train controls. Jim Swift’s talk will include a 10-minute driver’s eye view video of Eurostar Paris to London.

Conditions are not ideal ....

Roger Linn’s guide to some of the characters you’ll meet on the piste…

Among the most important people you’ll meet on your skiing holiday are the travel company reps. They’ll meet you at the airport which serves your resort. Easily recognisable, they are the healthy-looking group who stand, all teeth and clipboards, sizing you up as you stagger through the Terminal in the final stages of heat exhaustion. (It really wasn’t necessary to wear your thermals on the journey, let alone your ski boots!) As you lurch about trying to find one who has at least heard of your resort and who is prepared to look for your name amongst those on their clipboard, remember that they have been up since four in the morning trying to get rid of your predecessors.

Reps have developed their own language. It can be confusing because it sounds a lot like yours, but it often uses phrases which have an entirely different meaning to those you’ve come to understand. It’s worth learning a few of these before you go. For instance ‘Conditions are not ideal’, usually said on the bus on the way to your destination hotel, means ‘It hasn’t snowed for a month’. Similarly, ‘The Crazy Bear bar has a great atmosphere’ means ‘The Crazy Bear bar gives me free drinks’. And if, at any stage in your journey to or from anywhere, the rep says ‘There may be a slight delay’ you can get your pyjamas out. Reps secretly refer to all skiers as ‘Billies’ – creatures who behave like sheep without that animal’s natural intelligence and initiative. As rep folklore would have it, holidaymakers have a memory span of four seconds and an ability to lose important documents which verges on the uncanny.

The chalet girl is the next most important person you’ll meet in the mountains. They all have names ending in ‘a’ – Jacintha, Amanda, even Onomatopoeia will do – and they can all make carrot cake. Determinedly enthusiastic, they try to ensure that everybody has a good time, although you may not think so on learning that the rugby players in the next door chalet have been invited to join you for a fancy dress party. They like people who make their own beds and are particularly fond of being ordered around by the punters’ children.

Zeal is a quality wholly absent in the employees of the ski-lift company. Do not suffer under the misconception that they are paid to help skiers. Their role in life is to protect the machinery and see that it is not damaged by those travelling on it. So, when you lose a ski whilst being carried up the mountain, do not expect the liftman to slow down the chair and allow you to dismount with dignity. He will assess the somersault with full twist you are about to perform in trying to get off the chair as an event which represents little danger to the machinery and one which might even enliven an otherwise dull morning.

Ski Instructors, many of whom have humble occupations in the summer months, take on the stature of demi-gods in the winter. To be mistaken for one is the summit of every skier’s ambition. They speak a creative form of English gleaned from their charges over the years, but you will certainly recognise the word ‘stop’ – if only because they only shout it at you when it is manifestly impossible to do so.

Of the many other skiing types you will meet, the most puzzling will be the little queues of people looking like dwarfs dressed by an army surplus store. They are snowboarders and nobody knows why they trudge in single file, or look so depressed. Talking to them can ruin your credibility.

Ski well!

Friendly advice and family solutions

by Roger Linn

I am tempted to say that as a well-respected firm of local solicitors, Colemans can certainly cut the mustard.


However, Sue Booth, Partner in the firm and head of the Matrimonial and Family side of the practice, would certainly have heard the joke before, so I left it out of our interview. Colemans have been serving the Mid Sussex community for 90 years now. Of the firm’s five divisions – Private Client, Matrimonial and Family, Property, Commercial, Litigation and Employment – Sue’s is the most recent, having been launched with her arrival four years ago.

A qualified mediator, Sue has the supreme gift of putting people at their ease. This is done without any artifice and, as an interviewer myself, I know how rare the skill is. No surprise then that she has helped hundreds of clients in her 20 years’ experience of dealing with the legal intricacies that surround the breakdown of a marriage. “It must be a very stressful way of earning a living?” I ventured. “It can be,” Sue replied, “but I do this job because I can make a positive difference in people’s lives. Obviously, it’s stressful for my clients because divorce can be a highly emotional time for them, but I have a responsibility to de-stress the situation as much as possible.”

“Tea and sympathy?” I suggested. “Not quite,“ laughed Sue. “I try to be empathetic – it’s very important – but I have to be pragmatic as well. While the mechanics of a divorce are relatively straightforward, negotiating a good settlement can be very complex and I have to devote all my knowledge and experience to getting the best deal possible.” “Are most of your cases adversarial then?” I asked. “Not if I can help it,” said Sue. “Animosity is rarely helpful and I am a member of Resolution, a nationwide body of family solicitors which promotes a non-confrontational approach to family problems to try to find solutions that satisfy the needs of the whole family, especially where children are involved. Obviously, despite this approach, there are times when I have no alternative but to robustly fight my client’s corner.”

Of course, Sue’s work is not related solely to divorce and it includes a wide range of other family matters such as disputes surrounding children, separation agreements, financial settlements and, perhaps more recently, advice on pre-nuptial agreements – hardly romantic but very practical! On that note, I discovered that whilst obtaining a divorce might only take between three and six months and cost around a thousand pounds or so, achieving a fair financial settlement without a ‘pre-nup’ can be much more time-consuming and costly.

Sue sees her role as that of a knowledgeable guide through the legal complexities of matrimonial problems but also considers it very important to support her clients on the journey they have to take through the emotional turmoil of a break-up. I think she would be a very good person to have on your side.


Sue Booth
Colemans Solicitors
Paddockhall Chambers, Paddockhall Road,
Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 1HF
Tel. 01444 459555
www.colemans-solicitors.com

Brighton Half Marathon coming soon

The Brighton Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 20th February 2011, and if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to make a difference to somebody else’s life or do something for a charity then this is your chance to do both! The Brighton Half Marathon, organised by Brighton based charity The Sussex Beacon, is currently looking for volunteers to help make the 21st anniversary race a successful and unforgettable event for runners and spectators alike.

There are various roles available to suit your lifestyle and the amount of time you can commit, even a couple of hours of your time can make a difference. Get in touch with Lisette Glanvill on 01273 694 222 or send an email to lisette.glanvill@sussexbeacon.org.uk if you are willing to spare a few hours of your time. You can also check out the ‘How to get involved’ section on the website for further details, just go to www.brightonhalfmarathon.com

The Brighton Half Marathon is organised by and the main fundraiser for The Sussex Beacon, a unique centre providing innovative services to meet the changing needs of people living with HIV. One of only two care centres of its kind in England, The Sussex Beacon cares for people via a ten-bedded in-patient unit, Day Care and Health Management Services. They also run a monthly women and family service. For more details about the charity please visit www.sussexbeacon.org.uk.

Brighton Consort

Saturday 19 February, 19.30
Brighton Consort
St George’s Church, Kemp Town, Brighton BN2 1ED

Bonjour, Monsieur Bouzignac: a concert of choral music by this rarely performed, 17th century master of the French Baroque. As a contrast, the Consort will also sing Francis Poulenc’s “Four Motets for the Season of Lent”. Written in 1938-39, when Europe was in turmoil, these short pieces evoke the pain and suffering of Passiontide. This will be the choir’s first concert with its new director, Katie Thomas, a professional conductor and singer who performs regularly with well known ensembles such as the Monteverdi Choir and Polyphony. Tickets £10 (£8 concessions) from www.brightonconsort.org.uk, 01273 833746 or on the door.

Beady Eye coming to the Brighton Centre

The Brighton Centre is delighted to announce that on Wednesday 27th April, BEADY EYE will perform at the venue.

The band (Liam Gallagher, Gem Archer, Andy Bell and Chris Sharrock) will be giving fans a first live taste of their premiere album in a series of concerts, which is proving to be one of the most hotly anticipated live debuts the UK has ever seen.

Supplemented by Matt Jones on keyboards and Jeff Wootton on bass this is not a performance to be missed.

Tickets go on sale on Friday 28th January 2011 and are available at www.brightoncentre.co.uk

Where can you pick up a copy of Sussex Living magazine?

Albourne   Harper & Eede
Ansty   The Ansty Cross, Service Station
Balcombe   The Cowdray, Balcombe Tea Rooms
Bolney   Eight Bells, Bolney Stage, United Service Station
Bolnore Village   Somerfield
Burgess Hill   Burgess Financial Services, P & S Gallagher, Something Shiny, Waitrose, Olympos, Market Place Shopping Centre, Help Point, Munchies, LJ’s Café
North Chailey   May Cottage Tea Rooms
South Chailey   South Chailey Stores
Cooksbridge   The Rainbow Inn, McBeans Orchids
Crawley Down   Denture Care Centre, The Haven Centre
Cuckfield   Reeves Pantry, Sparks Farm Shop, Wealden Stores, Co-Op
Ditchling   Oaks Poultry Farm, Post Office
Ditchling Common   The Royal Oak
East Chiltington   The Jolly Sportsman
East Grinstead   Sportsman Wine Bar, Waitrose, Chequer Mead Arts Centre, Sainsbury’s, Martells, East Grinstead Library, East Grinstead Museum, East Grinstead Station, Queen Victoria Hospital
Edburton   Springs Smoked Salmon
Forest Row   Co-Op, Social Club
Fulking   Shepherd and Dog
Goddards Green   The Sportsman
Handcross   Handcross Hardware and Craft
Hassocks   Budgens, Pavilion Electrics, Identity, Indigo, Hassocks Station
Haywards Heath   Archies Sandwich Bar, Strands, Hair Passion, Sarah Lacey Dry Cleaning, Grape & Grain, Bewarm TV, Fox & Hounds, Kelly’s Attic, Sainsbury’s, Clair Hall, The Orchards Shopping Centre, Nuffield Health Hospital, Tile People, Pet & Garden Warehouse, Co-Op, Café Elvira (Borde Hill), O Delice, Antares Real Wood Floors, Tesco Express
Henfield  Budgens, Stokes
Hickstead  Shell Service Station, The Hickstead Hotel
Hurstpierpoint   Co-Op, Janton News, The White Horse, Feathers, Washbrooks Farm
Keymer   Keymer News, The Greyhound Inn
Lindfield   Heart & Soul, Clough’s, Co-op, Glyn Thomas Butchers, Limes
Lingfield   Costcutter, Merritt Management, Lingfield Station
Newick   The Royal Oak, SVS Village Stores
Offham   The Chalk Pit, Blacksmiths Arms
Plumpton   The Plough, Half Moon, Plumpton Racecourse
Plumpton Green   Village Store and Post Office
Poynings   The Royal Oak, Rushfields Garden Centre
Pyecombe   Pyecombe Golf Club, The Plough Inn, BP Service Station
Sayers Common   The Duke of York
Scaynes Hill   The Sloop Inn
Sheffield Park   Bluebell Railway
Slaugham   The Chequers
Small Dole   Small Dole Stores and Post Office
Staplefield   Jolly Tanners, The Victory Inn
Turners Hill   Tulley’s Farm
Upper Beeding   Post Office
West Hoathly   The White Hart
Westmeston   Middleton Common Farm
Wineham   The Royal Oak
Wivelsfield   The Cock Inn
Wivelsfield Green   Post Office

Photo Exhibition at Barnsgate Manor

Local Sussex photographer, Craig Williams, is holding a photographic exhibition at Barnsgate Manor. The event will showcase Craig’s recent work. The photos are all on the theme of Sussex.

The photographs cover subjects such as the Downs, Ashdown Forest and The Weald. Some of the photos have been included in Craig’s recent book “Glimpses of the Forest”. The exhibition will show case recent landscapes, wildlife and macro photography undertaken by Craig.

The event is being held from the 5th March to 12th March. Admission is free and the exhibition is open from 10am to 4pm. The venue is Barnsgate Manor, which can be found just off the A26 between Uckfield and Crowborough.

For more information, contact Craig Williams on 01825 712373 or via email: craigwilliamsphotos@gmail.com

South Downs Way Dream Hiking Challenge

Bringing joy to terminally and seriously ill children by fulfilling their treasured dreams.


Charity no 800248
South Downs Way Dream Hiking Challenge
18th-21st May 2011
In conjunction with b-footloose

An exciting opportunity to walk the South Downs Way from Winchester to Eastbourne. Join a small group taking on the challenge of walking this historic route over 5 days to raise money for Dreams Come True.

Day 1 – Our first day sees us walk from the historic town of Winchester over rolling countryside and takes us up Butser Hill to East Meon. (20 miles)
Day 2 – After heading off early, we continue, encountering ancient sites and varied terrain as we head to our finish point in Graffham.(20 miles)
Day 3 – From Graffham, we are afforded glorious views over the South Coast as we head on to Upper Beeding. (24 miles)
Day 4 – Upper Beeding onwards sees us trek down through the Devils Dyke and up to Ditchling Beacon before we arrive at Rodmell. (19 miles)
Day 5 – Rodmell to Eastbourne is the final push and allows some of the most spectacular scenery of all as we cross the Seven Sisters and pass Beachy head to our finishing point in Eastbourne (18 miles)

What’s included: All accommodation en route, meals, walking guide, transfer of luggage, newsletter with fund raising support, tips and ideas.

Simply pay a £100 non-refundable registration fee and return together with your completed application form by Friday 28th January 2011. We ask that you pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship of £500.

Contact Martin Neal on 01730 815000/0800 0886013 for an application form or visit www.dctc.org.uk for more details. 

Vintage Glamour on Lindfield's High Street

by Lisa de Silva

“Out there the world can be harsh and fast moving, but in here we’ve created an oasis of calm, where time can stand still.”

It is this philosophy that has inspired Inger and Peter Moss to revive The Toll House in Lindfield’s High Street, selling a beautiful range of vintage clothing, accessories, jewellery and homewares. “The whole experience of The Toll House is based on memories. It’s about remembering your mum, your grandmother, your childhood, all the memories that make people happy.”

Vintage is having a media moment, fired by the popularity of programmes like Mad Men and Downton Abbey. With many celebrities and socialites choosing to wear vintage over traditional designer styles, vintage clothing is now more accessible, more mainstream and more acceptable than ever before. While teenagers and younger people have always shopped for vintage pieces, many more of us are now coming to rely on vintage clothing to add style and individuality to our wardrobes.

“At one time the vintage market was polarised,” Inger explains. “There was the high-end designer dresses, often recycled by celebrities at the Oscars, and then there was jumble. Today, as vintage has become more mainstream, people are realising that you can get something in the middle, quality clothing which is unique, at prices which represent great value for money.”

It seems appropriate that such a retro shop is based in one of Lindfield’s oldest houses. The Toll House dates back to 1630 and is a charming building with a wonderful atmosphere. Visiting the shop is like walking around someone’s home and it has been beautifully styled with vintage shop fittings and mirrors. The stock is displayed in a series of rooms, one of which is a proper ‘dressing room’ and there is also a welcoming café.

Everything The Toll House sells is in pristine ‘as new’ condition. Inger sources her clothing and shoes from specialist vintage fairs in London and Brighton and has also built up relationships with a number of suppliers on the other side of the Atlantic, as the US is a great source of vintage clothing. Current stock includes a fantastic array of vintage day dresses, eveningwear, suits, coats and accessories, alongside some gorgeous footwear and a range of handbags, sourced by a specialist buyer who travels throughout Europe.

Vintage clothing is different. Wearing vintage is like wearing an haute couture original, as nobody else will have the same thing. What’s more, you usually get a quality that is rarely found these days, which means luxurious fabrics, hand finishing, unusual buttons, hand embroidery, handmade lace, crochet, appliqué and beading.

Vintage also offers fantastic value for money, giving you a distinctive style and if there’s a big social event coming up and you want to make a head-turning entrance in a slinky gown from the 1930s or a tailored suit from the 1950s, Inger is more than happy to source a touch of vintage glamour for you. In terms of fitting, The Toll House uses a local seamstress for alterations. Owing to the quality of the craftsmanship, many vintage items were made with generous seam allowances and hems, which allow for alterations to be made, meaning modern women can get a custom fit.

“You need to have an eye for vintage,” Inger tells me. “You have to see something in an auction or market and visualise how it could look once it’s been cleaned and presented in an attractive environment. All the team here have a talent for that and are passionate about vintage. I’ve been really lucky with the people around me. They have all helped to fill the shop with such wonderful things.”

These people include Charlotte and Anna who scour auctions and markets for the homewares room, which is full of nostalgic items such as crockery, glassware and cake stands, and Natalie who sources a treasure trove of vintage costume jewellery for The Toll House, hand selecting every piece from the four corners of the World.

Another essential member of the team is Maria who runs the café, also styled with a retro flair –
a lovely place to relax and meet friends. The café gives the shop another dimension. All the cakes are handmade by local people and customers love having their tea served in old-fashioned cups and saucers from a vintage teapot. It also incorporates a ‘men’s room’ with armchairs, where men can sit and enjoy a coffee while their partners shop, or browse the range of vintage cufflinks, hats and scarves on offer.

In the spring, Inger plans to launch a range of hats and handbags for special occasions. These products will be new and there will be the opportunity to dye them to match an outfit. Plans are afoot to convert a room at the top of the house into a salon where women can bring their outfit to try on with various hats and bags in a relaxed and informal setting.

Essentially though, The Toll House is all about vintage. Inger tells me that she loves changing people’s perceptions. “Often people come in thinking that vintage is not really their thing, but when they see the beauty and quality of the clothing and accessories, their horizons are broadened and they realise they can get a beautifully crafted one-off dress, which is as good as new, for a fraction of the price of a designer piece.”


The Toll House
56 High Street, Lindfield,
West Sussex RH16 2HL
Tel. 01444 482200

Charity begins at JoJo Boutique in Cuckfield

JoJo Boutique raised just over £10,000 for various charities during 2010 which is a staggering amount: The boutique lent £250 through Lend with CARE, to help a small boutique in TOGO.

Jo Dennis, owner of JoJo Boutique, said "I think this way of giving is new and innovative making a difference - by supporting entrepreneurs around the globe you will make a direct and beneficial impact within the community as well as getting your money back in monthly instalments - its the win-win scenario I like".

68 Children in two schools in northern India are in full time education thanks to the boutique, a tribe in Niger and another in Bolivia were grateful for JoJo Boutique buying jewellery and scarfs and giving them enough money to feed themselves for a month.

The boutique has photo shoots every quarter using LOVELY LOCAL LADIES and the last two shoots the models showed off the collections at Jeremy's Restaurant in June and at Ockenden Manor in October to raise an additional £7,000 for the NSPCC and Breast Cancer Care.

Jo Dennis said: "The next fashion show will be an evening event at Jeremy's Restaurant on 26th May 2011. Tickets will be £65 which includes a donation and a 3 course dinner, fashion show and a bit of Bollywood magic; the beneficiary will be CARE International raising money for children in India and I hope we will be able to raise a significant amount to really make a difference and give them hope for a better future."

To book your tickets contact ward@careinternational.org

Top of the World in Hassocks

Friday/Saturday 25th/26th February
'Top of the World' at the Adastra Hall in Hassocks on Friday 25th February at 7.30p.m. and Saturday 26th at 2p.m.    Local Concert Party, 'Friends and Neighbours' present song, dance and your very own sing-a-longs with advance tickets at £4 each going on sale on Monday 14th February at Pavilion Electrics in Keymer Road, Hassocks or by ringing 01273 845291. Please join us in what will be our our 34th year of entertaining locally.
Over those years we have donated thousands of pounds to local Groups; various Charities, Medical and otherwise and in 2009 gave £500 to our local Health Centre for them to purchase a notice board for the Children's area and monies towards the new chairs - how posh they look do they not!! Last year we donated £500 to the Hurst and Hassocks Medical Responders and £100 to the 'Talkabout on Tape' – all this made possible by the generosity of our audiences at our February shows so please come along and support us on the 25th or 26th. We look forward to seeing you there.

Haven Centre, Crawley Down

Haven Centre & Brownies' Spring Craft Fair
Crawley Down
26th March 2011
Doors Open: 2pm - 4pm
Entrance: 50 pence per adult
Lots of Stalls with Gifts for those Special Occasions.
Refreshments Available 01342 716791/716437

Mid Sussex District Council News

Parking Strategy for the next ten years is agreed!

Mid Sussex District Council agreed the Parking Strategy at the Full Council Meeting held on Wednesday 19 January. The consultation was held in autumn 2010 during which all Mid Sussex residents and key stakeholders were invited to comment on the plans for parking over the next decade. The Council would like to thank all those who took the time in responding to the survey.

To reach this point, the Strategy was discussed at the Better Lives Advisory Group Meetings before going to the Full Council Meeting where the decision was made to adopt the Parking Strategy with its seven aims and objectives (see Notes to Editors).

The consultation was run for three months and all in Mid Sussex were invited to contribute on the District Council’s website and through the local newspapers promoting the press releases.

“I am so grateful to everyone who became involved in this,” said Councillor Pru Moore, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Sustainability. “To have a vision for parking for the next ten years is excellent and a great deal of time and energy has gone into ensuring that the aims and objectives meet our community’s requirements.

“As Councillors, we have a duty to encourage people to see, visit and shop in Mid Sussex, to keep our economy buoyant. The fact that there are no plans in the Parking Strategy, or our proposed budget, for next year to increase parking charges should be welcomed news. This means that the one-hour charge stays at 60p – as it has for the last seven years.”

The Strategy can be read online at www.midsussex.gov.uk/parking

Curves: The shape of things to come

by Lisa de Silva

Do you want to improve your looks, fitness, confidence and energy levels in a supportive and empowering environment?

“The rules here are: no men, no mirrors and no make-up,” explains Rubina Khan, who together with her husband, Jamel, owns the women-only Curves gym in Haywards Heath. “It means that people feel at home here. There’s a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere,” Jamel tells me.

As time constraints can be a limiting factor for some women, the Curves fitness system provides a 90 minute workout in just 30 minutes, burning up to 500 calories, combining resistance training, sustained cardio-activity, warm-up, cool-down and stretching. “Resistance or strength training has often been overlooked in women’s fitness, but it is a crucial element in helping to build muscle and strengthen bones and is a fantastic way to help prevent osteoporosis,” explains Rubina.

The Curves concept involves an ongoing circuit of resistance machines and cardio-vascular exercise, performed at 30 second intervals, with each circuit cleverly designed to give a complete body workout. The machinery works on a hydraulic basis: the faster you go, the greater the resistance and so is suitable for the very frail, to the very fit and a heartrate check is performed every eight minutes to ensure members are exercising at a healthy level. Helping, motivating and celebrating with you is the circuit coach, offering members all the benefits of a personal trainer within a group environment.

Rubina originally trained as an architect, but a growing awareness of health issues led her to retrain as a personal trainer and she is now a GP referral trainer, meaning she is qualified to train people with various medical conditions. “My desire is to help people and show them the benefits of Curves. Whether somebody wants to lose weight, tone up or improve their general level of health, I am passionate about the Curves system,” says Rubina.

Curves will soon launch an exciting new development, incorporating a Zumba dance element into the workout, designed to increase the fitness fun. What’s more, the Curves workout has been proven to burn body fat, raise metabolism and protect muscle to such an extent that the Fitness Industry Association (FIA) has endorsed Curves as the only fitness company that actually delivers what it promises.

Rubina and Jamel are strong believers in giving back to the community and Curves is involved in an ongoing programme of events that support both local and national charities. At a recent Ladies Night, members could even try their hand at a spot of fundraising pole dancing!

Curves is offering women a great environment to get fit – do call to find out how they can help you.


Curves
71a South Road, Haywards Heath,
West Sussex RH16 4LQ
Tel. 01444 416721

Sussex Living for Mid Sussex

We distribute 19,000 copies mostly to our pick-up points in supermarkets (like Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsburys), railway stations and local shops for our readers to pick up. We also send copies to doctors’ and dentists’ surgeries, to hotels like Gravetye Manor, Ockenden Manor, Lingfield Marriot, Alexander House Hotel and also to private hospitals and to pubs and restaurants for the benefit of guests, clients and visitors.

The Damned at the Brighton Centre

The Brighton Centre are delighted to announce that legendary punk band, The Damned will be performing at the venue on Sunday 13th November 2011.

On this special 35th anniversary of one of the UK’s first pioneering punk bands, The Damned will perform a one off show like no other featuring a spectacular two hour set.

Performing their debut album in its entirety DAMNED, DAMNED, DAMNED plus the whole of the bands classic Black album, along with all the favourite Damned songs, this will be a fantastic show and is a must for any damned or punk fan.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity, tickets are available at www.brightoncentre.co.uk.

Lunchtime Concert

ROBERT HAMMERSLEY, HARPSICHORD

Holy Trinity Church, Cuckfield continues the Lunchtime Concert Series on Monday 7th February at 1pm with a recital on the harpsichord by Robert Hammersley. Robert has had a long and distinguished musical career as a conductor, singer, composer and teacher. He first played harpsichord with the Guildford Chamber Orchestra which he founded in 1968, and has given very popular lecture recitals in various locations in Oxford and the South East. For part of Monday's concert Robert will be joined by recorder players Michele Branscombe and Nick and Ruth Wetherall.

Admission free. Retiring collection in aid of the Church's reordering project.

Mid Sussex District Council News

Talk to the experts about saving energy!

Rapidly rising fuel prices and the recent VAT increase mean it is now costing more than ever to heat our homes. Mid Sussex District Council is keen to help local residents through these tough times with free, impartial advice on how to save energy and money.

The average UK household spends £1,200 on fuel and power each year, a significant amount of money that could be reduced if steps are taken to make homes more energy efficient. If residents are worried about paying their fuel bills or have a burning question to ask about improving energy efficiency in the home, they can now pop into their local library to gain valuable advice and borrow an energy monitor.

Portable energy monitors show residents home much energy they are using in their home and provides an idea of how much that energy use is costing. The monitors are loaned out for three weeks at a time and the lending scheme has proved to be extremely popular with residents since it was introduced last November.

Mid Sussex District Council has arranged for helpful, impartial energy advisors to be available to answer questions on the following dates:

Burgess Hill Library – Friday 4 February, 9.30am – 5.30pm
East Grinstead Library – Tuesday 15 February, 9.30am – 2.00pm
Haywards Heath Library – Tuesday 15 February, 9.30am – 5.30pm

“With energy prices rising, a small change in energy use can make a big difference to your bills,” said Councillor Pru Moore, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Sustainability. “These energy advice drop in sessions are so handy because you don’t need book an appointment, simply go along and find out how to prevent climate change and get lower energy bills too!

“Around one third of UK carbon dioxide emissions come from the energy we use in our homes and this shows how much energy and money we could be saving if our homes were a little more efficient. Making just a few small changes in each home soon mounts up and together we can make a huge difference to the amount of energy we save as a nation.”

For more information about Mid Sussex District Council’s energy saving initiatives contact Sustainability Officer Celia Austin on 01444 477370, email CeliaA@midsussex.gov.uk or visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/warmth.

Duran Duran at The Brighton Centre

Tickets On Sale Friday 28th January 9:30am!!

The Brighton Centre are delighted to announce that after a long absence from the live performance arena in the UK, British rock legends, Duran Duran, will performing at the venue on Monday 30th May 2011.

The shows will mark the band’s first European performances in support of their critically acclaimed, new album ‘ALL YOU NEED IS NOW’ (produced by Mark Ronson), and the start of a world tour that will last well into 2012.

A nine track version of Duran Duran’s latest studio record was first released exclusively on iTunes on December 21, 2010 and hit the #1 spot on download charts in 15 countries (including the UK). An expanded version of the new record will be released in late March – in both digital and physical formats.

The original line up of SIMON LE BON, NICK RHODES, JOHN TAYLOR and ROGER TAYLOR will perform to over 150,000 fans in 11 arena concerts throughout the UK in May. The band will showcase material from their new record, along with classic hits from across their 30 year career.

The “ALL YOU NEED IS NOW” arena tour will be Duran Duran’s first in seven years, following their hugely successful 2004 Astronaut Arena Tour, which saw the band perform to sold out crowds for 17 nights, including a five-night residency at London’s Wembley Arena.

Duran Duran’s stunning new album: “ALL YOU NEED IS NOW”, has already been proclaimed a triumph by fans and critics alike, as buzz continues to build towards the release of the full length record in March. Produced by Grammy Award-winner Mark Ronson (Amy Winehouse, Adele, Kaiser Chiefs, Lily Allen) and mixed by Spike Stent (Madonna, Björk, No Doubt), it features guest vocals/rap from longtime Duran Duran pal/collaborator Ana Matronic of the Scissor Sisters and R&B/neo-soul superstar Kelis; while Owen Pallett of Arcade Fire contributes the album’s string arrangements. “ALL YOU NEED IS NOW” is a return-to-roots homage to Duran Duran’s most celebrated musical panache, which has already been dubbed by its producer as the “imaginary follow up to Rio that never was.”

Throughout their outstanding career Duran Duran has sold more than 80 million records, with 30 chart toppers in the UK, 18 American hit singles and a global presence that guarantees them huge concert audiences on five continents.

Now a seemingly unstoppable force, with no fewer than five prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards under their belts in the last few years alone (MTV Video Music Awards, the Brit Awards, the Ivor Novellos, Q Magazine and the Spanish Ondas), the four original members of Duran Duran are in a category with only a handful of other internationally acclaimed artists.

As this new chapter begins, they have nothing left to prove, but everything to play for. So for them and their loyal army of fans… All You Need Is Now!

Tickets are available at www.brightoncentre.co.uk