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Thursday, 31 March 2011

Baby Signing Classes

Baby Signers - Why wait to 'talk' to your baby?
Workshops & classes starting at

Heights Health & Fitness
49 The Martlets
Burgess Hill West Sussex RH15 9NN
www.heightshealthclub.co.uk

Call Emma Finlay-Smith 07702 273913 or go to www.babysigners.co.uk. for information.

Mid Sussex Wine Society

King Edward Hall, Lindfield, 8pm
Tuesday 5th April

A wine tasting presented by Lucy Driver of South Down Cellars.

Meeting and Membership information from Angela Seward 01444 484447.

Sussex Air Ambulance Coffee Morning

'Coffee & Cakes' morning to raise funds for Sussex Air Ambulance
10am- 12 noon
Saturday 2nd April
United Reformed Church
High Street
Lindfield

Enjoy a slice of cake or buy the whole thing to enjoy later!

Bliss Glamour Evening

Bliss Glamour Evening
Thursday 19th May 4-8pm, with celebrity make-up artist Daniel Sandler


Tickets are £10.00, redeemable against purchases on the evening and include a goody bag to take home.
Make-up demonstrations, mini treatments available but must be booked in advance.
For ticket sales call Bliss on 01444 415 700.

bliss
therapeutic and rejuvenating treatments
4 Chelsea Walk
8-14 The Broadway
Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 3AP

www.blissbeauty.info

GLEE's Matthew Morrison comes to the Brighton Centre


The much-anticipated debut single “Summer Rain” and self-titled debut album by Matthew Morrison will be released by Mercury Records on May 30th 2011. Fans will also get to see the ‘Glee’ star in action on his first ever UK tour, which is coming to The Brighton Centre on Saturday 11th June 2011.

Matthew will be showcasing tracks from his hotly anticipated self-titled album, plus a variety of ‘mash ups’ from popular ‘Glee’ songs.

The single, “Summer Rain” was co-written by Matthew with Claude Kelly (Bruno Mars, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera) and the Norwegian duo known as Espionage, who produced the track in New York City.

“Summer Rain” is the first track from Morrison’s upcoming debut album, which features duets with the legendary Sir Elton John and Hollywood A-Lister Gwyneth Paltrow. The self-entitled album ‘Matthew Morrison’ is launched following the global success of Glee and Matthew’s role as Glee club leader, Will Schuester.

Californian born Matthew Morrison is best known to millions as the eternally optimistic high school teacher and de facto glee club director, Will Schuester, on the FOX television network’s runaway hit comedy series “Glee.” The show ranks as the #1 entertainment program on broadcast television among Adults 18-34, Teens and Female Teens.

Matthew has been nominated for Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe awards, and shared the 2009 SAG (Screen Actors Guild) Award for Best Performance by an Ensemble in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical, for “Glee.”

Matthew is no stranger to musical theatre, vocal performance and dance, which he studied at New York University’s renowned Tisch School of the Arts. His first big Broadway break came as heartthrob Link Larkin in the hit Hairspray. Matthew was later nominated for a Tony Award for his role in The Light in the Piazza. He received a Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for 10 Million Miles. Morrison also starred in the Tony Award-winning revival of South Pacific at New York’s Lincoln Center Theater.

Cuckfield NSPCC Plant Sale

Saturday 7 May 10.15 - 1.30
Cuckfield NSPCC Plant Sale
Brinkley Lodge, London Road, Cuckfield, RH17 5EU

Popular annual plant sale - perennials, bedding plants, vegetable plants, excellent value.
Homemade refreshments and attractive garden to wander around.
For details call 01444 459579 / 453582

Paws & Claws Spring Fair

Saturday 2nd April 10am - 12 noon
Adastra Hall, Hassocks

Paws & Claws Spring Fair
Lots of bargains on the stalls, refreshments also available.

Wednesday, 30 March 2011

Table Top Sale: Haven Centre, Crawley Down

Table Top Sale at the Haven Centre, Crawley Down
Saturday 30th April 2011
Doors Open: 2pm to 4pm

Entrance: 30pence per Adult
Last Chance to buy those Bargains until September 2011!!
Don't Miss Out! Come & See Us
Refreshments Available
Tel: 01342716791/716437.

Vineyard Tours at Court Garden Vineyard, Ditchling

Vineyard Tours at Court Garden Vineyard
Court Gardens Farm

Orchard Lane, Ditchling, East Sussex BN6 8TH

Saturday 2 April
3pm, £8 per person
To book please phone 01273 844479

Fashion show with 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

Who will take the lead?

by Di Morgan

Tomorrow night after work I will find myself on a train to Doncaster with an overnight bag and my Border Collie Mazer to make a training film. For us it will be just another day in the life of a volunteer.

I am a board member for the Kennel Club Accreditation of Instructors Scheme (KCAI), set up in 2001 to address the problem that anyone can call themselves a dog trainer or behaviourist, whether or not they have any qualifications. Now, 10 years later, we have a healthy membership, a nationally recognised qualification endorsed by City & Guilds NPTC and an assessor training scheme, all of which benefit the general public looking for dog training classes or support.

Progress has largely been made possible by the efforts of volunteers, all of whom have years of experience organizing local training and events and who have now come together to work co-operatively. We have different backgrounds, interests and skills, but we all share the common aim to make the Scheme the best in the world. Like other committees we have had to learn to work together, make changes and overcome problems, but it has all been worthwhile in achieving the results.
As the KCAI Scheme is about ‘great teachers’, we wanted to put a together a film showing some great (and not so great!) teaching that could be used in training assessors. Mazer and I shall have fun and learn more about the process of making a film, which for me also fits well with the day job.

Oh yes, the day job. I work for Action in rural Sussex (AirS), a charity working with rural communities throughout Sussex. AirS has a close relationship with local councils, village hall committees and other groups and this year we celebrate 80 years of providing practical help and support to villages in Sussex. We also assist in identifying needs and issues in rural Sussex and we champion these with policy and decision makers, helping to ensure that there is a rural voice for Sussex.

My post as Quality and Training Manager has brought me into contact with many committees, and through being a volunteer myself I understand some of the challenges that they face. Community activists have to be strong characters in order to keep the momentum going. On the other hand, without intending to, they can often prevent other people coming through their group who will be critical in its future sustainability. Having fixed terms of office for committee members can facilitate the process of encouraging new ideas and enthusiasm and avoiding stagnation.

Some groups worry that they will not have enough people coming forward to replace committee members, but in fact people may hold back if the committee seem to be a permanent feature. This may be because they do not wish to upset the status quo or because they think that they are not required!
The rules of the KCAI Board mean that I will go before I have reached my ‘sell by’ date. I will still have enthusiasm for the Scheme and will hopefully go with appreciation for my efforts, but most importantly I will end my term of office knowing that my place will be taken by others who will carry the work forward with different skills and methods.


If you would like help with any aspects of committee skills training, please contact Di Morgan on 01273 407320 or
diane.morgan@ruralsussex.org.uk

Lindfield Horticultural Society in April

Saturday 2 April – Lindfield Horticultural Society Spring Show
Spring will come to the King Edward Hall with hundreds of daffodils and other spring blooms! For entries see Schedule or phone 483236. Open to the public 2.00pm to 4.45pm. Entry 50p, children free. Homemade afternoon teas.

Wednesday 14 April – Lindfield Horticultural Society
8pm in the King Edward Hall. Steven Moore, of Rapkyns Nursery in Broad Oak, East Sussex, will talk on Spring and Seasonal Colour. Rapkyns is a cottage garden nursery specializing in hardy perennials, shrubs and climbers. All welcome. 8pm in the King Edward Hall. Entry 50p for members, £1 for non-members.

www.lindfieldhorts.org.uk

Bishops Home Hardware, Forest Row

If price, choice, quality and service are what you are looking for, then a visit to Bishops Home Hardware store should be at the top of your shopping list!

Home Hardware stores are all indepently owned, therefore personal attention and first class customer service are paramount to us. With many years of experience, our expert product knowledge ensures you will find the right product for the job together with free and friendly advice!

Should you not receive your copy of Bishops, Spring DIY and Housewares due out on 14th February contact Claire on (01342) 822740 or email claire@sbishops.co.uk.

Global Adventurer:
End of season sale will be commencing shortly, for further details please contact Bob on (01342) 825069 or email info@globaladventurer.co.uk.

S Bishop & Son Ltd:
Established Building Contractors with over 116 years experience, old family values together with up to date building techniques means we know what we’re talking about. Contact Claire on (01342) 822840 or email claire@sbishops.co.uk

Bishops Home Hardware
The Square, Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5ES
01342 822740

Classic Cars for St Peter & St James Hospice!

Sunday 15th May sees the return of The Forester Run for classic and vintage cars, supporting St Peter & St James Hospice, Wivelsfield Green. In 2009 The Forester Run organised by local members of the TR Register and the Austin Healey Club raised the fantastic sum of £3000 for the hospice when 60 cars took part.

This year, we have space on the run for 70 cars that will take part in a planned drive through the glorious Sussex and Kent countryside. Starting at Sheffield Park Station on the Bluebell Railway, with a midway stop at Bodiam Castle and returning to the hospice for a tasty hog roast and prize giving.

The Run is open to all cars built up to 1985. That is unless you own something interesting or unusual. Entries to date range from an E-Type Jaguar to an Isetta Bubble car! For further details and an entry form, contact the organisers. John Hopkins on 07970 183010 or john_hopkins1@hotmail.com or Steve & Gill Everest on 01444 235801 or stephen@peaks.demon.co.uk

The closing date for entries is 3rd May 2011.

Tuesday, 29 March 2011

Hydratone CACI non-surgical face lift treatments available in East Grinstead!

Hydratone is a new treatment from CACI International specifically developed for individuals with busy lives, that are short on time, and in need of a treatment that can deliver effective results, within the quickest possible time frame.

The Hydratone procedure takes just 10 minutes to perform yet provides immediate and intensive skin hydration and face firming.

Progressive results are achieved through a course of treatments, but for optimum effect, the Hydratone treatment works spectacularly when combined with the traditional CACI non-surgical lifting technique.

Contact:
Aisha Elallam DthD, RCT, Naturopath, Complimentary functional medicine
3 Harvest Hill, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 4BU
Tel. 01342 324717

Dietary mineral vitamin therapy, deep tissue massage, lymph drainage, colonic hydrotherapy, cleansing, slimming, individually designed programmes, CACI (non-surgical face lift), applied kinesiology … and more

Burgess Hill gets active!

Burgess Hill Gets Active is a fantastic event taking place on Sunday 26 June 2011 in St. John’s Park, showcasing the huge variety of indoor and outdoor activities available to keep us physically active. But you don’t have to wait until the summer to get involved – there is an open evening in January to whet your appetite.

The aim of Burgess Hill Gets Active is to provide a showcase for all the sports and activity groups in the area, covering all ages from toddlers to older people. Activities could include outdoor and indoor sports (e.g. rugby, football, tennis, badminton, table tennis etc); martial arts, yoga, tai chi and dance; bounce and roll sessions for toddlers and short-mat bowls and chairobics for older residents.

There will also be a healthy-living element to the day including blood pressure testing, stress and weight management and quitting smoking. There will also be the chance to discover some healthy eating temptations, such as smoothies, and to see cookery demonstrations. There will be a Skate Jam competition as part of the event too.

For more information please telephone 01444 247726 and ask for Jennifer O'Grady.

Bryan Adams to perform at the Brighton Centre

Live Nation are delighted to announce that Rock superstar Bryan Adams, shall be plugging in once again and hitting the road with a full band this November/December to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of his 3 x platinum selling album ‘Waking Up The Neighbours’. The show will be coming to the Brighton Centre on Wednesday 7th December.

Bryan will be performing a set that will honour not only the 20th Anniversary of ‘Waking Up The Neighbours’, but also his endless catalogue of anthemic hits including "Cuts Like A Knife", "Summer of '69", "Kids Wanna Rock", "Can't Stop This Thing We've Started", "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You", “Heaven” and “Run To You”, to name but a few.

Since it’s release in 1991, ‘Waking Up The Neighbours’ has sold 16 million copies worldwide, reaching the number 1 spot in 8 countries. It spawned huge hits such as ‘Can’t Stop This Thing We Started’, ‘There Will Never Be Another tonight’ and the massive number 1 smash hit ‘(Everything I do) I Do It For You’ which remained at the number one spot in the UK for 16 consecutive weeks (the longest in UK Chart History).

As Canada's best known ambassador, Bryan Adams has spent the last three decades making music history. He has sold over 65 million records, toured six continents and achieved #1 status in over 40 countries around the world. He has been awarded the Order of Canada and in 2006, was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the Juno Awards in Halifax. He has been nominated for, and won several Academy Awards, Golden Globes and Grammy's.

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 1st April 2011 and are available at www.brightoncentre.co.uk.

St George's Day Military Exhibition

23rd April 10am-4pm

30+ military vehicles on display in Martell's carpark. Zulu war re-enactors with live weapon fire. Free Airfix model Spitfire painting, live music, military face painting .... and much more. All in support of Help for Heroes.

Martells
Queens Road, East Grinstead

Want to be a decision maker?

Local government elections will take place in 2011 and Mid Sussex District Council is inviting anyone interested in becoming a candidate to find out more, get involved and make a difference.

Councils are made up of local people taking decisions on behalf of the community. In many Councils, including Mid Sussex, local government elections take place every four years, with over 20,000 local councillors being elected across England and Wales.

On Thursday 5 May 2011 Mid Sussex will hold elections for District Councillors, as well as for Town and Parish Councils throughout the District. It is also the probable date for the referendum on possible changes to the parliamentary voting system.

District Councillors represent residents in their Ward and all residents of the District. They are involved in making decisions about how the Council is run, what services the Council should provide, and how the Council should spend its money. The kind of issues which Councillors decide include those involving local services - such as refuse and recycling, planning and licensing applications, council tax charges and budgets – ensuring these are delivered effectively and efficiently. Councillors also have a strong community role in campaigning on local issues, working in partnership and supporting local organisations.

If you would like to become a candidate then you should attend the Election Candidate Briefing planned for 18 January 2011, which will cover issues such as the timetable for elections, nomination process and the roles of agents, among other practical issues. At that time a full candidate briefing pack, ‘Be a Councillor’ will also be available on the Council’s web pages.

For more information about becoming a councillor, elections or voting please visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/council or contact 01444 477003.

The nomination period will follow the official election announcement and is expected to open in March and run until 4 April 2011.

Jewellery Classes at Giraffe Gems in April

Friday 1st April 10.30-12.30
Beginners’ Beading class

Wednesday 6th April 10.30_12.30
Suede and Pearl Lariat

Thursday 7th April 2pm _4pm
Beginners beading class

Friday 8th April 10.30_12.30
Children’s Class, Leaves and Flower cluster necklace

Wednesday 13th April 10.30-12.30
Beginners beading class

Wednesday 13th April 2-4pm
Dazzling squares bracelet

Thursday 14th April 10.30_12.30
Children's class- Butterfly pendant necklace

Tuesday 19th April 2-4pm
Watch bracelet.

Wednesday 20th April 10.30-12.30
Children's class-Berti Bag Keeper and memory wire bracelet

Thursday 28th April 10.30-12.30
Safety pin bracelet

Saturday 30th April 10.30-12.30
Beginner's beading class


Giraffe Gems
Ote Hall Farm Business Park,
Janes Lane, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 0SR
Tel. 01444 248475

Round Table treats old folk



Over 60 pensioners from two Age UK branches and other local pensioner groups had an afternoon of fun courtesy of local Round Tablers

Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath and district Round Table continued their 18 year tradition and entertained pensioners from around Mid Sussex with music, memories and afternoon tea on Sunday 27th March.

Vanguard Productions provided that stage show with a nostalgic celebration of the golden days of radio including songs from Dame Vera Lynn, Adam Faith, Elvis Presley and many more. Tea, sandwiches, cakes and the odd sherry or two added to the party atmosphere.

The event, held at Adastra Hall in Hassocks, was entirely funded by Round Table with proceeds from their various charity collection activities undertaken throughout the year. Pensioners from the Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath branches of Age UK and other local pensioner groups in Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint were invited.

Round Table Chairman, Mark Bennett, said “Our tea party is always a popular event, we’ve been doing it for 18 years now so we have it down to a fine art.

“There’s a lot of work and organisation beforehand as we prepare the food ourselves and we provide the transport and entertainment; but it’s worth it when you see the smiles on everyone’s faces.”

Donna Parker from Age UK West Sussex said, “It’s wonderful that Round Table take the time and effort to organise this event every year. Our members from Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath really enjoy the whole afternoon as it brings back some special memories for them; they are really well looked after.”

Henfield Theatre Company: Annie

This ever popular Broadway musical is on its’ way to The Henfield Hall, Henfield, West Sussex and will arrive on the 18th to the 21st May 2011 at 7.30 pm with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30 pm.

Henfield Theatre Company are delighted to announce their production of ANNIE, directed by Ann Atkins with musical direction by Dave Barnett and proudly sponsored by Annie’s Baskets in Albourne Road, Henfield – 01273 494062.

This great musical, based on the comic strip Little Orphan Annie, has a double cast of children, drawn from Henfield and surrounding villages, together with a strong and talented adult cast and is an excellent, unmissable family show.

Tickets are priced at £9 and £11 and are available from the box office at Henfield Furnishings, High Street, Henfield – 01273 490080 from Monday 25th April, or download an advanced booking form on www.henfieldtheatrecompany.com.

Monday, 28 March 2011

Sussex Living on air at Meridian FM


This month we’ve been working with Meridian FM, the Community Radio station for East Grinstead and beyond. Emma Stevenson, our Account Manager for the East Grinstead area, has been live on air for the last two Fridays.

Their Mid Morning Show, Monday to Friday from 9 to 12, is in association with Sussex Living magazine. Listen on 107FM or online at www.meridianfm.com. On Fridays this month we will be live on air with presenter Eddie Castle, along with invited guests. We are hoping to introduce radio listeners to people we are covering in our magazine. Local personalities will also be invited, including Lynne Sims, organiser of Spring Day in East Grinstead on 10th April.

Listen on 107FM
or online at www.meridianfm.com

Rushfields Farm Shop

With our locally sourced meat and handmade sausages, the butchery at Rushfields Farm Shop continues to grow in popularity.

Since opening six months ago Rushfields Farm Shop has sold over 2 tons of sausages and to celebrate we are launching ‘The Rushfields Sausage Club’. Members of our online club will receive a monthly email with news of what’s happening in the Farm Shop, new varieties of sausages and exclusive offers available to members only. To join The Sausage Club go online to www.rushfieldsfarmshop.co.uk or call into the shop and pick up an application form.

With the BBQ season around the corner, why not use the voucher on this leaflet to stock up on our sausages.



Did you know? 
If you laid all the sausages we’ve sold end to end they would go round the London eye more than 6 times!

Our best selling sausage is the Poynings Breakfast; we’ve sold over 500 kilos since September.

Midnight Tango at the Brighton Centre

The Brighton Centre are delighted to announce that on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st June 2011, the amazing dance duo Vincent and Flavia will be performing at the venue with their incredible show, Midnight Tango!

Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace have dazzled television audiences for six series of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing with their stunning Tango routines. Now they have created their own live show - Midnight Tango – a breathtaking evening bringing all the drama, sensuality and elegance of this most exciting of dance forms to life.

Set in a late night bar in downtown Buenos Aires and featuring some of the finest Tango dancers in the world, Midnight Tango, takes you on a journey into a heart of this intoxicating city. As danger and excitement, joy and jealousy, pain and passion all combine – this is a spectacular and explosive evening not to be missed!

To book tickets simply visit www.brightoncentre.co.uk

Lancing College: Bicentenary of Revd Nathaniel Woodard

A very significant year of special events began on Monday 21 March with Eucharist in Lancing College Chapel, to celebrate the birth of Nathaniel Woodard, Founder of the College. The preacher was the Rt Revd John Inge, Bishop of Worcester, who was ordained while working at Lancing. The full Chapel Choir was in attendance. Guests included distinguished OLs (former Lancing pupils), dignitaries and governors.

The Revd Nathaniel Woodard recognised the importance of excellent education for all sectors of society. He began to realise this vision when he purchased 500 acres of land and started to build Lancing College, and the foundations of its famous Chapel in 1868. This was the first of the Woodard Schools, which reflect his aim “to provide a good and complete education… of sound principle and sound knowledge, firmly grounded in the Christian faith.” Lancing College has gone from strength to strength and is internationally recognised as one of the UK’s leading independent schools.

In the evening of 21 March, Christopher Hampton, the celebrated playwright, screenwriter and film director, who was educated at Lancing, delivered the Evelyn Waugh lecture entitled ‘Lancing and After’. Evelyn Waugh was a pupil at Lancing during the 1930s, and a portrait bust, which has been presented to the School, was unveiled by Tom Waugh, its sculptor and grandson of Evelyn Waugh.

Bicentenary Service

Bishop John Inge, Sir Robert Woodard, Jim Woodhouse

Fr Richard Harrison, Canon Clover, Bishop Lindsay by Founder's Tomb

Jonathan Gillespie, Head Master
Sir Robert Woodard

Tom Waugh (l), Alexander Waugh, (r) with new bust of Evelyn Waugh
in the Sanderson Room (old library) at Lancing College

Lingfield Park: Spring Family Fun Day


Spring Family Fun day featuring the FreeBetting.co.uk International Trial – Saturday 9th April

Head to Lingfield Park for a big day of racing for all ages. The feature race is the FreeBetting.co.uk International Trial – run over a mile for 3 year old horses that are looking to confirm their reputations as contenders for the forthcoming classic year.

Customers also won’t miss a moment of the action from Aintree as we’ll be showing live coverage of the most famous race in the world - the Grand National.

Bring the family along as there is lots of free entertainment around course. For those with a competitive streak, they can take part in our Nintendo Wii ‘Power Bowling’ Tournament and our golf simulator. There are prizes to be won for the best performances!
There’ll also be face-painting, balloon-modelling and the opportunity to decorate a piece of pottery to take home.

Ever wanted to see behind the scenes of the racecourse? We’ll be running a tour at 12.45pm to show you where the horses are saddled, where the jockeys get weighed and you’ll have the opportunity to learn to ride a winning finish on our mechanical horse!

Paul Shrimpton, Managing Director, says “our family days are always great fun with lots to do but this day also features a high standard of racing to satisfy the racing enthusiasts. We understand how difficult it can be finding somewhere that will entertain the whole family without breaking the bank. We’ve been doing a lot of work behind the scenes listening to our customers and hopefully we’ve hit the mark by making all entertainment free once you’re on course.”

Tickets for this event are on sale now. Purchased before 5pm on Wednesday 6th April, adult tickets are just £13.50 (£15 on the day). Concessions are available at the gate for over 60’s and students upon proof of status whilst accompanied children and young people aged under 18 are admitted free of charge.

Go to Lingfieldpark.co.uk for details or call 01342 834 800. Join us, you’re welcome!

Sunday, 27 March 2011

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.

Balcombe's Royal Wedding Celebrations

Order of Ceremonies
Ticket Sales from 28th March

9am
Screening of Wedding - Victory Hall - Free entry

10am
Family Activities - Social Club - £2 per child

12.30pm
Street Party - Stockcroft Road
Bring your own Picnic
Tickets £1 from Threads

2.30pm
"Ritz Style" Jazz Tea-
afternoon tea with the New City Jazz Band
Victory Hall
Tickets £5 from Threads

8pm
Reception - with live band, dancing and buffet
Victory Hall
Tickets £12.50 from Balcombe Stores

10pm
Fireworks - gather outside Victory Hall for viewing

Get your Garden Blooming this Spring at Rushfields

Sat 9th & Sun 10th April
Come along to our B-B-Q Launch Weekend, featuring:

• NapoleoN Gourmet Grills, quality gas grills, propane grills, infrared grills.
• DaN Cook combining exclusive Scandinavian design with high quality and functionality.

There will be free barbecued food.
All food is locally sourced and available in our Farm Shop.

OASiS HOT TuBS
Now open at Rushfields Plant Centre. Come and see us at our Spa Roadshow on Sat 9th & Sun 10th April.

Rushfields Plant Centre
Henfield Road, Poynings, Brighton BN45 7AY
Tel: 01273 857445
www.rushfields.com

Saturday, 26 March 2011

Luxury Gulet Cruise in Turkey

The beauty of a luxury Gulet cruise in Turkey, sometimes referred to as a Blue cruise is simply to enjoy the luxury of cruising in your privately chartered Gulet, along the wonderful Turkish Mediterranean and Aegean coast, also known as the Turkish Riviera, anchoring in new, unspoilt bays of your choice every day.

In the evenings, you will watch the sunset at sea, while the ship’s cook prepares a delicious Turkish dinner for you and your company. For those who don’t want just to relax, sporting activities like snorkeling, fishing, windsurfing etc off the Gulet are always available.

www.luxuryvillasturkey go to luxury gulet- Prences Funda or e mail liratur@superonline.com

April at the Royal British Legion

Saturday 2nd April: Straw Dogs
5 piece Celtic party band featuring Dan Wheale from “Fran Classic” a great night of Irish music
All members and guest are welcome, free entry contact 01273 845829

Saturday 9th April: Mel
Solo artist, performing covers from the 70s onwards, the little lady with a powerful voice,
All members and guest are welcome, free entry contact 01273 845829

Saturday 23rd April: RAMBUNKSHOOSH
Back by popular demand local guys Steve & Paul, performing a tribute to 60s instrumental & rock music
All members and guest are welcome, free entry contact 01273 845829

Saturday 30th April: 501
5 piece band performing covers from classic rock / blues & ballads, one of the best bands in Sussex
All members and guest are welcome, free entry contact 01273 845829


Clayton & Keymer Royal British Legion
Woodsland Road Hassocks

Historic Day for South Downs National Park

On Friday 1 April, campaigners from the South Downs Society will gather in Petersfield and on the Seven Sisters and will mark two important events in the history of the South Downs. The first is the coming into full operation of the South Downs National Park Authority, which on 1 April takes on its important planning and access duties. The second is the 85th anniversary of the South Downs Society’s landmark campaign to stop the building of a new town on the Seven Sisters.

Robert Cheesman, Chairman of the South Downs Society, said “The campaign for a National Park for the South Downs has taken over sixty years, and on 1 April, a critical element of those many years of work falls into place. On this day, the National Park Authority becomes fully operational and takes on its legal powers. For over 80 years, we have called for the South Downs to be safeguarded, and as the National Park Society, we look forward to helping the new Authority achieve its goals of protecting the National Park, and helping the public to enjoy this very special part of Britain.”

Margaret Paren, Chair of the South Downs National Park, said “The South Downs National Park Authority is the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the South Downs. All of the communities within the Park will be able to look to the Authority for leadership in protecting and enhancing the Downs over the years to come. We look forward to continuing to work with South Downs Society and other partners to keep the South Downs special. What better way to celebrate this day than a walk across the Downs.’’

The public is invited to join in on the celebratory 5 mile walk in Sussex. The walk starts at 10.15 from the East Dean Village car park just off Gilberts Drive (to Birling Gap) from the A259, close to the bus stop for the 12 and 12A buses which run from Eastbourne and Brighton. The walk is a steady climb to the Sarsen Stone Memorial, which pays tribute to the campaigners of 1926, and then goes along the Seven Sisters to Birling Gap where there will be a stop for refreshments. Charles Peck, Vice Chair of the National Park Authority, will be present to celebrate the day.

And in Petersfied, South Downs Society supporters will be mounting an exhibition and taking part in the celebrations in The Square organized by Petersfield Tomorrow during the day. The Petersfield event will run from 11.45am to 2pm, with an official ceremony from 11.45am to 12.15pm.

The South Downs National Park is one of fifteen National Parks in the UK. It is administered by the South Downs National Park Authority which works to conserve and enhance the unique environment of the National Park, and in particular the special qualities of its landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage. It encourages everyone to understand and enjoy the South Downs’ special qualities, and it has a duty to support the social and economic well-being of local communities in ways that sustain the National Park’s special character. From 1 April, it will be the Planning Authority. This means it will consider all significant planning applications, and it may decide to call-in other, smaller applications which may nevertheless have an important impact on the Park. It will also be responsible for areas of access land, such as Seven Sisters, Harting Down and Butser Hill.

In 1926, just three years after the formation of the South Downs Society, its members found out that developers had purchased the Crowlink Estate on the Seven Sisters and proposed building a new town there. The Society had just 28 days to raise £17,000 - £5 million in today’s money – to buy the land back and protect it for the nation. Thousands of people joined the Society’s campaign, including Rudyard Kipling, and after a massive public rally on the Seven Sisters, the money was raised, and the land purchased and donated to the National Trust.

West Sussex Firefighters clean up for charity

On Saturday 19th March firefighters from 11 Stations across West Sussex raised an amazing £3592 when they took part in a national car wash in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity.

The sun was shining and local residents were in high spirits as their cars got the emergency clean treatment in return for a charity donation.

District Commander Andy Tonks said: „The Firefighters Charity relies entirely on the donations it receives from the general public and the firefighting community.

„So I‚d like to say a huge thank you on behalf of the Fire and Rescue Service to local residents for their generosity and support on the day as well a thank you to all those colleagues who volunteered their time.‰

A special mention and thank you goes out to the wives and families of the crew from Billingshurst Station as they took over the washing service when the crew were called out to attend a fire.

The amounts raised by each Fire Station were:

Arundel ˆ £622
Billingshurst - £752
Bognor - £487
Chichester - £275
East Preston - £80
East Wittering - £388
Keymer - £310
Littlehampton - £423
Petworth - £350
Selsey - £190
Shoreham-By-Sea - £274

Friday, 25 March 2011

The Great Cuckfield Debate

Friday 15th April, 8pm
Queens Hall, Cuckfield

The Great Cuckfield Debate: Is Cuckfield a Town or a Village? 


The motions will be proposed by Nicholas Soames and Stephen Cockburn and seconded by two sixth formers. Organised by the Parish Council, this is a strictly non-political event with the aim of stimulating interest in the Parish Council elections to be held on 5th May. Friday, 15th April, 8 pm at the Queen's Hall Tickets £10 each to include a ploughmans supper. Tickets available from the Parish Council office (numbers limited to 100) Licensed Bar All proceeds to the Independent State of Cuckfield.

Events at McIndoe Surgical Centre, East Grinstead

Wednesday 6 April
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.


Tuesday 12 April
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.


Tuesday 26 April
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.

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.

Balcombe History Society

Tuesday 12th April
JOAN DUTTON – Highley Manor; Upstairs, Downstairs - The present Highley Manor, built late in the reign of Queen Victoria, was home to a family who took full opportunity to live the life of the privileged classes. This lifestyle was only to last for a very short time – until the outbreak of the Second World War. This illustrated talk will be the story of the people who lived and worked there.

All meetings will be held at the Victory Hall, Balcombe, starting at 8pm.
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.”


Saddlescombe Farm Open Day

Sunday 17th April sees the National Trust’s farmstead at Saddlescombe open to the public - a rare opportunity to visit this secluded hamlet on the South Downs –once home to the Knights Templar.

As life returns to the farm for one day, a master carpenter will be busy in the workshop; logs will be sawn in the only working sawpit in Sussex and expert guides will be relating the story of Saddlescombe from the past 1000 years. In the wattle house you can try your hand at making sheep hurdles. Families can hunt for clues to solve the puzzles on the treasure hunt.

Visitors will get a unique glimpse of this farm that time forgot, with its blacksmith’s forge, 400 year old barn and even a donkey tread wheel which once provided water to the whole farm. There’s also the chance to explore the Tudor wing of the manor house and see the produce of its kitchen garden and orchard.

For those wishing to explore a little further, there’s an opportunity to join a National Trust Warden on a tour of the surrounding Downland.

The farm will be open between 10.30am and 4 pm. Charges for this special event will be £5 for adults £2 for children. Family ticket £11. £1 for parking. Teas, homemade cakes and lunches will be available from the Hiker’s Rest café.

Saddlescombe Farm is ¾mile east of the Devil’s Dyke. It can be reached by taking the award winning open top 77 bus from Brighton to the Devil’s Dyke, and walking the South Downs Way from there. Car parking at the farm will be signposted on the day on Saddlescombe Road, between Poynings and the Devil’s Dyke Road from the A27.

For more information please call the National Trust on 01273 857712

Peter Joannou and The Cool Legends Show




www.pjcoollegends.co.uk

Thursday, 24 March 2011

Free Mole Check Day

McIndoe Surgical Centre are once again holding a Free Mole Check Day on 21st May as part of our Sun Awareness Campaign 2011. Place are extremely limited so please call early to avoid disappointment. 0800 917 4922 or visit www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk

McIndoe Surgical Centre, Holtye Road, East Grinstead

Ashdown Forest Festival

Saturday 21st May, 12-4pm, free, at the Ashdown Forest Visitor Centre.



A celebration of all things Ashdown; make a ‘horned’ sheep's headdress, make your own charcoal sticks and join our fun drawing workshop, create a memento from brightly coloured fleece, explore ancient fire making, wild food, woodland craft demonstrations and archery as you learn how we have lived off the Forest, past and present.

Then join a ‘flock’ that journeys through the Forest to decorate the giant sheep sculpture at the end of the day. There will also be a prize for the child who brings along the best home-made shepherd's crook (see highweald.org for details).

The ‘flock’ will begin it’s procession from the Centre at 3.30pm, eight different activities will run throughout the afternoon, you could also join one of the tours around ‘Coppice Week’, to see traditional woodland craft demonstrations and a huge charcoal burn; the traditional way its been made for thousands of years! Catering from Dinkyccino and Pizza Verde, the UK’s only log fired, mobile pizza oven, as well as delicious tea and cakes!

Ashdown Forest Visitor Centre, Coleman’s hatch road, one mile east of the Wych Cross junction on the A22. FREE admission and activities!

For more information go to www.highweald.org/ashfest or call 01580 879500.

AshFest is a partnership event brought to you by the Conservators of Ashdown Forest, the High Weald AONB Unit, Same Sky, East Sussex Archaeology and Museums Partnership (ESAMP), Sussex Wildlife Trust and Esus Forestry, as part of the Weald Forest Ridge Landscape Partnership Scheme, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Freedom Leisure raises money for Comic Relief


Freedom Leisure centres throughout Sussex have been working with their local communities to raise funds for Comic Relief. The annual fund raising extravaganza took place at a number of leisure centres on Friday 18th March with Freedom Leisure staff, members and visitors taking part in fun, quirky and sometimes challenging events, and raising a grand total of £1823.

Funds for this worthwhile charity were raised at seven Freedom Leisure sites. Staff and visitors at K2 Crawley took part in a special one hour Red Nose Day Box Fit session. Bexhill Leisure Pool hosted a fun Pyjama Aqaufit class, whilst visitors to The Dolphin were able to get their cars washed or take part in a jelly throwing contest. Other centres got into the Red Nose Day spirit by hosting fancy dress fitness classes, shaking donation buckets around the centres and selling Red Nose Day themed cakes and biscuits. Finally, several Freedom Leisure staff at Kings Centre completed the challenge of rowing the 22 mile equivalent to crossing the English Channel to raise funds.

Jeff Hart, Freedom Leisure Managing Director said “Comic Relief gives all of us an excuse to do something fun or challenging for a good cause. Freedom Leisure is thrilled to have raised this much money for Comic Relief and thank everyone who took part and donated on the day. We look forward to next year and raising even more money.”

For further information on your local Freedom Leisure centre please visit
www.freedom-leisure.co.uk


 

Henfield Garden Club

Saturday 16 April
Henfield Hall, 10.00-12noon

Henfield Garden Club

Annual Plant Sale and Coffee Morning
Entry 50p including coffee/tea and biscuit.
Cakes for sale and Tombola Stall.
Also Garden Tools and related garden items for sale.
For more information phone 01273 493754.
All welcome.

Wednesday, 23 March 2011

Sussex Enterprise: The Budget

Sussex Enterprise, the Chamber of Commerce for Sussex, gave a cautionary welcome to today’s Budget and questions whether it will, in practice, deliver a stable platform for private sector growth. Today’s budget was billed as ‘rescue to reform to recovery’ and is an ‘urgent call for action’ for Britain. The Chamber welcomed several measures announced, including:
  • 43 tax reliefs to be scrapped as part of simplification of tax code
  • £350m of business regulation to be scrapped
  • Corporation tax to be cut by 2% in April, not 1% as previously planned
  • 21 "enterprise zones" to be launched, backed by tax incentives
  • No new regulation on firms with fewer than 10 staff for three years
  • New rules to require planners to prioritise growth and jobs
  • Fuel duty to be cut by 1p per litre from 1800 GMT, the planned 4p per litre rise due in April to be delayed to 2012 and an annual fuel duty escalator to be scrapped until 2015.
Commenting on the budget, Mark Froud, Chief Executive of Sussex Enterprise said: “The budget gives the right sentiment but business will question how these changes will work in practice. Business welcomes the introduction of new rules requiring all planners to prioritize growth and jobs but what does this mean given the Localism Bill? How will this work in practice? They will also welcome no new employment regulations on firms with less than 10 employees and start-ups but what about all of the other SMEs? Also, corporation tax is to be cut by 2% in April, not 1% as previously planned, but the irony is that no one is making any profit! A thorough review of the full Budget report will undoubtedly highlight the true impact on the economy.”

Offering babysitting and photography services to you ....



This year I am traveling to Malawi with 10 school friends from Hurstpierpoint College. I need to raise £2000 to get out there to build a classroom for children that don’t benefit from the same education system as yours do. In fact many have to be taught outside under a tree, many would find this idilic but when it is 25 children in the boiling heat, hardly any water and nothing to write on it becomes far from useful.

So where can you help? The services I offer are professional and affordable, my photography prices are unbeatable with no costs for photos, just my time. Its the same with my baby sitting, a low rate and great service. For charity, it is vital to give a sustainably good service to my customers to get as much business and raise as much money for a cause that is second to none. So you know there is no doubt that you will experience an impeccable service.

Ring to book: 07738019951
or email me to book: harryhitchens@me.com
go to: www.harryhitchens.com to view my portfolio


Taoist Tai Chi in Hurstpierpoint

Did you know that Taoist Tai Chi has been taught in Hurstpierpoint for six years and in Mid Sussex since 1995?

A new Beginners class is starting on the 27th April in the Village Centre on Wednesdays from 19.45 to 21.45 and the course will last for about 4 months.

Students then move on to the Continuing class in the same location and on the same night and to the Practice class in the Scout hall on a Tuesday morning.

So what is Taoist Tai Chi? The Taoist Tai Chi Society internal art of Taijiquan is a set of 108 gentle movements that promote health and well being for people of all ages and in all health conditions.

It is distinguished at the physical level by its emphasis on the full extension of limbs and the continuous turning of the waist and spine in order to exercise the whole body.

At the mental and spiritual level, it is a method of ‘taming the heart’ and developing an attitude of calm, compassion and reduced self-centeredness during practice and in daily life. This aspect is cultivated in particular through the International Taoist Tai Chi Society’s volunteer ethos.

What is the International Taoist Tai Chi Society (ITTCS)? The ITTCS was founded by Master Moy Lin-Shin over 40 years ago when he moved from china to Canada in 1970. He devoted the remainder of his life to fulfilling the Society’s objective’s by helping many people restore and maintain their health through the practice of the internal arts that he taught. Master Moy was careful to point out that these teachings were more than just a set of movements; they encompassed practical wisdom for living, drawing upon the richness of the Chinese culture and Taoist traditions.

The ITTCS is a global volunteer organization with more than 500 locations in 28 countries. Members are able to attend classes in all these locations.

What about Taoist Tai Chi in Great Britain? Thirty years ago Master Moy encouraged one of his students moving to England to begin teaching classes in Essex and the TTCSGB was founded and now offers classes throughout the country.

In keeping with Master Moy’s vision of compassion and service to others, all instructors are nationally accredited volunteers and most of the administrative work is done by volunteers.

In Kent and Sussex there are classes in Tunbridge Wells, Hildenborough, Bidborough, Crowborough, East Grinstead, Crawley, Haywards Heath, Sharpthorne, Hurstpierpoint, Hove, Brighton and Fishbourne. For more information on class locations and times visit www.taoist.org.uk.




Balcombe Village Craft Gift & Local Produce Market

Saturday 16 April, 10 - 2pm
Victory Hall, Balcombe


Free entry.

This month's Charity will be Cross Roads Care West Sussex who offer help for Adults & Children with various disabilities or health conditions and Neils Club for those with early signs of Dementia. They will run the refreshments and have the donated table. so please come and show your support. There will be a lovely Easter/Spring feeling with lovely stalls selling lovely products. Plus local produce, sausages, chutneys and jams, apple juice, plants etc outside in the car park.
Contact Glenda Thomson on 01444 811462.

The music of Queen at Borde Hill Garden

The sounds of Queen will rock Borde Hill Garden near Haywards Heath this summer at a spectacular concert in the estate grounds.

The Music of Queen – A Rock & Symphonic Spectacular celebrates the music of one of the truly iconic British bands and is set to be performed in a new, innovative and outstanding way on Saturday 13 August.

With over 300 million albums sold worldwide, over four decades of music and 18 number one albums to their names, Queen are recognized as one of the most influential rock bands of all times.

Following in the footsteps of the highly successful Jools Holland and 80’s concerts in 2009 & 2010, the show features a full rock band and stars from the West End smash hit musical ‘We Will Rock You’, combined with the 50-piece English National Orchestra, performing epic arrangements of these classic songs as never before.

"Stunning" and "awesome" are just two of the words which have been used to describe this concert experience and composer Richard Sidwell has done an incredible job in expanding original Queen arrangements into a completely new symphonic score.

Keith Louch, Director of IML Concerts, said “We are delighted to have secured this performance for Borde Hill and expect another great response from the local crowds. There is no doubt that, with the success of ‘We Will Rock You’ in London, the music of Queen is still as popular today as 20 years ago. I urge everyone to experience this extraordinary show, it is truly spectacular.”

With over sixty performers on stage this has to be one of the biggest rock shows on earth, featuring all of Queen's classic hits including: A Kind of Magic, Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga, We Are The Champions, Somebody To Love, Who Wants To Live Forever, Killer Queen, Don't Stop Me Now, Fat Bottomed Girls, I Want It All, and many more.

Gates open at 5.00pm with the programme commencing from 6.30pm. There will be a spectacular firework finale at approx 10pm

Tickets: Adult £35 / Child (ages 5-15) £15 / Under 5 years - free

This concert is picnic-style with no seating or cover provided so bring your own seating, rugs, cushions and your picnics. There will be a bar and catering outlets on site.

To view footage of the show visit the IML Concerts website www.imlconcerts.co.uk and see the atmosphere that thousands have witnessed since its’ inception in 2008.

To book tickets call IML Concerts 01603 660444 or on-line www.imlconcerts.co.uk

Tickets also available from Borde Hill Gardens on 01444 450326 or visit the property during normal opening hours.


SIGHTSAVERS hosts call centre for Comic Relief




Sussex charity Sightsavers’ headquarters at Grosvenor Hall in Bolnore Road, Haywards Heath received over 2000 calls and £78,465.85 (plus gift aid) in donations from the public as they hosted the Mid Sussex call centre for Red Nose Night on Friday 18 March.

As one of the chosen charities to benefit from this year’s Comic Relief, Sightsavers was delighted to be able to help on the night and over 130 staff and volunteers came in to help answer calls and take public pledges.

Said Sam Price, Head of UK Community Relationships, “This has been a really exciting time for Sightsavers and it has been amazing being part of Comic Relief this year. All the volunteers have had a fantastic evening and it has been a great way for us to give something back to Comic Relief and contribute on Red Nose night. We have been getting people in the mood all week by doing lots of funny activities including: ‘celebrity skittles’, ‘pin the nose on Lenny’ and a ‘comic cake bake’ and everyone has got involved.”

The majority of volunteers turned up in fancy dress wearing funny noses and crazy wigs and as well as answering phones, further ‘do something funny for money’ activities took place throughout the evening including more games of ‘pin the nose on Lenny’ and ‘celebrity skittles’. As promised, bride to be, Julie Harrison, Systems Administrator at Sightsavers, wore a veil and red nose as her own contribution of doing something funny for money as she answered calls to the public before dashing off to make final preparations for her wedding in Balcombe on the Saturday!

Sightsavers is thrilled to be one of the charities to benefit from this year’s Red Nose Day which will help with their work in more than 30 countries to prevent and cure blindness, and to support those who are visually impaired through education and training.

Working with its local partners, in 2009, Sightsavers protected over 21 million people against river blindness; performed over 273,000 sight-restoring cataract operations; and treated over 990,000 people for trachoma.

They also support the vital training of health professionals, the promotion of independence for people who are blind and inclusive education for blind and visually impaired children.

Sightsavers works in more than 30 countries to prevent and cure blindness, and to support those who are visually impaired through education and training.

To keep abreast of Sightsavers’ involvement with Comic Relief, see: www.sightsavers.org/comicrelief or follow @sightsavers on Twitter.

Newick Park

Friday 25th March
Murder at the Manor
Enjoy a 3 course dinner, whilst trying to work out 'who done it!' £45 per person.

Monday 9th May
Spring Lunch £25
Includes a 3 course Spring Lunch, followed by an afternoon relaxing in our grounds playing croquet, boules and other fun garden games.

Friday 13th May
Spring Dinner £38.50
Arrive at your leisure and spend the early evening playing various garden games. Includes canapes and a 4 course meal.

Spring Lunches at Newick Park:
£25 per person 3 course coffee and petit fours. Offer ends 31st May Monday-Saturday only. Term and conditions apply.

Newick Park, Newick
East Sussex BN8 4SB
Tel. 01825 723 633
www.newickpark.co.uk

70’s & 80’s Disco

70’s & 80’s Disco
Saturday 9th April
7:00pm to 12:30am

Best Western Birch Hotel
Lewes Rd, Haywards Heath, RH17 7SF

3 courses £28.50 per person. Why not stay the night for £28 per person B&B – rate only available if you are attending the event.

Best Western Birch Hotel
Lewes Road, Haywards Heath,
West Sussex, RH17 7SF
Web: - www.bw-birchhotel.co.uk
Main Switch Board: - 01444 451 565

News from Plumpton Racecourse

Plumpton Racecourse is staging a number of special behind the scenes events at its next racemeeting on Monday 28th March.

Whether you are a regular racegoer or have never been racing before, the programme of talks, tours and activities from racing professionals will give a unique insight into the world of horseracing.

These include a Farrier Demonstration, how to pick a winner in the Paddock, tours of the Weighing Room, Outside Broadcast Unit and Tote control room, and a guided trip to watch the start of a race. There will also be interviews with the Chairman of the Stewards, Clerk of the Course, Jockey, Trainer, Valet, Jockeys Physio, and Equine Vet.

You can also try riding out a finish yourself as a jockey on an Equisizer machine.

Full details of the programme are available at www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk or by calling the Racecourse Office on 01273 890383.

Plumpton also welcomes Plumpton Primary School on the 28th March as part of Racing to School programme. This is a free education programme for pupils and students which enriches a range of National Curriculum subjects, and hopefully sparks an interest in the sport of horseracing.

Racegoers travelling from Brighton enjoy a special non-stop bus service running from Brighton station leaving at 12.50pm. Train-travellers enjoy a short walk to the course from the adjacent Plumpton train station, and free parking is also available on the racecourse.

Tickets are available for purchase on the day for £16 for Adults, £11 for Seniors (on production of photo ID), and accompanied children under 18 are Free. The gates open at 12 noon, with the first of 7 races off at 2.10pm.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service News: Calling all Bikers!

There is still time to book your place on a BikeSafe Course at Arundel Fire Station this weekend (25th, 26th or 27th March).

The best bikers are the ones who never stop learning. BikeSafe offers Sussex motorcyclists the ideal opportunity to brush up on their riding skills, increase their knowledge on the power and capability of their bikes, as well as meeting other biking enthusiasts.

The 1-day course, held at Arundel Fire Station on Ford Road, combines both theory and practical assessment and is led by experienced motorcyclists from Sussex Police, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service, who share their insight and expertise to help participants become safer and more confident riders.

Tim Hale, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service manager and keen biker, said: "These courses are run by bikers for bikers. The day is relaxed and informal - we want everyone who attends to enjoy themselves while hopefully, at the same time, picking up some really practical advice and tips that will help keep them safe whilst they are riding on the county's roads."

The course costs just £50 and places are still available for this Friday, Saturday or Sunday. There are also a limited number of places available in April (15th, 16th and 17th). For more information on BikeSafe or to book a place ring 08444 151 206 or visit www.BikeSafe.co.uk

Tuesday, 22 March 2011

Stanford Spa: Free Permanent Make-up Consultations

Look like a Hollywood Superstar all the time – Sussex Permanent Make-Up are holding free no-obligation consultations on the following dates:

10am – 8pm Wednesday 23rd March
2pm – 6pm Saturday 26th March
10am – 8pm Wednesday 30th March
2pm – 6pm Saturday 2nd April
10am – 8pm Wednesday 6th April

The Stanford Spa
4 Stanford Terrace, Station Approach West
Hassocks BN6 8JF.

Call 01273 841948 to book or visit www.SussexPermanentMakeup.co.uk for recent client video testimonials.

Burgess Hill Choral Society



Come and sing with us – we welcome new members. No audition is necessary.

Our rehearsals and concerts are directed by Mike Wood, whose enthusiasm, skill and good-humoured techniques make rehearsals fun, and result in inspired performances.

Rehearsals:
Monday evenings from 8pm to 10pm between September and April in the United Reformed Church hall (entrance at side of the church), Junction Road, Burgess Hill.

Come and listen to our next concert:
Saturday 2nd April 2011 at 7:30pm
Mozart Requiem and Salieri Requiem
in St Andrew’s Church, Cants Lane, Burgess Hill.
Tickets from Burgess Hill Help Point, the Ticket Secretary 01444 831161, or at the door.

Or come and try a rehearsal:
preparation for our Christmas concert begins on 12th September 2011, and new members are welcome then.

If you’d like to give it a try, you can ...
- email the secretary: e.hall@edit.myzen.co.uk
- or complete a form on our website (see top of sheet)
- or phone 01273 834223 or 01273 890366.

www.burgesshillchoral.org.uk

Time For You

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

Russian music at Newtimber

Monday 23 May, 19.00
St. John the Evangelist Church
Newtimber. BN6 9BT


This is a special opportunity to hear a professional Russian male voice choir sing sacred and folk music. They are visiting England for a month from St. Petersburg and have received excellent reviews.

Our 13th century church is set in lovely countryside just north of the South Downs Parking is in an adjacent field. Ticket for £15 includes light refreshments.

Contact: shirleymurrell@btinternet.com or telephone 01273 857353

Wellbeing Fayre

Saturday 26th March 2011
Heathfield Community Centre
Sheepsetting Lane TN21 OXG
10.30am – 4.30pm
Admission £2.50 Charity Raffle

Treatment Taster Sessions £5,
Massage, Shiatsu, Reflexology & many more
Crystals, Books, Jewellery, Tibetan gifts,
Salt Lamps, Health/Beauty Products, Cards,
Candles & lots more unusual gifts
 01892 663895  01892 663895
 01892 662720  01892 662720

Fabulous Desperate Hurstwives

Saturday 26th March 2011

FABULOUS DESPERATE HURSTWIVES

Come along for a great evening of entertainment in aid of the RNLI in Hurstpierpoint Village Centre on Saturday 26th March 2011 - doors open at 7.15pm. Tickets at £12.50 each include a Ploughman’s supper. There will be a licensed bar and a raffle with some lovely prizes. Tickets will be available from the Mint House, 94 High Street Hurstpierpoint (834443), Shafers, Keymer Road, Hassocks or any Committee Member – look out for posters nearer the time for full details. Please come along and support this worthy cause – and have a fun night out at the same time!

Jo Kaddish (Chairman Hurstpierpoint and District Branch)
01273 843857

April Events at The Sportsman, Goddards Green

Saturday 23 April
St George’s Day
Come and celebrate St George's day with us. Traditional English menu.

How VERY quintessentially English!
St George’s Day Car Boot Sale
Saturday 23rd April
Sale open 830am - 12.30pm
Sellers set up from 8.00 am|
BREAKFAST AVAILABLE FROM 8.00AM

ALL PAID PITCHES INCLUDE ONE FREE "LANDLORDS" FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST
Cars £10 in advance £15 on day / vans £15 in advance / £20 on day
Pitch proceeds raised on the day will be added to sponsorship gained when “The Sportsman Girls” Race for Life at Ardingly on Saturday 16th July 2011

Friday 29th April
Royal wedding special, join us for the celebrations.

Sunday 1st May, 17.30-20.30
Swing Jazz Evening
‘Mark Wright – The King of Swing. An evening of cool sophistication.The greatest songs from the swing music and easy listening era from Sinatra to Andy Williams.’
Sunday menu & specials available for 12 – 8 pm

The Sportsman, Goddards Green, West Sussex BN6 9LQ
01444 233460
www.thesportsmanpub.com

St Francis Bowls Club

Coffee and Trial Morning

Sunday 17 April 2011
10.00-13.00
St Francis Bowls Club

(In the grounds of the Princess Royal Hospital), Lewes Road, Haywards Heath

Looking for a new club to join, come along and try the relatively inexpensive sport of lawn bowling. Some of our friendly and experienced bowlers will be there to help and give advice. All ages are welcome. (All we ask is that you bring flat shoes to wear on our newly refurbished grass rinks)

Monday, 21 March 2011

Sportingbet.com supporting Heros Winter Derby Day – Saturday 26th March

The Sportingbet.com Winter Derby Day is one of the feature days of the Lingfield Park racing calendar. Sportingbet are keen supporters of the HEROS charity and will once again be using this day to highlight the excellent work they do. HEROS re-homes and retrains a significant number of ex-racehorses each year, providing them with skills and training they need to have fulfilling lives once they leave the racing industry.

Before racing starts, Sportingbet.com will be holding a fantastic quiz show in the Pavilion Suite. “They think it’s a question of sport” will see two teams of racing celebrities pit their wits against question master, trainer Richard Phillips. Those taking part include ex- jockeys John Reid, Mick Fitzgerald and Graham Bradley, trainers Gay Kelleway, Stan Moore and TV commentator Derek ‘Tommo’ Thompson. Tickets for this great event are just £75 per person and include entry to the racecourse and brunch as well as this superb entertainment. Contact Heros on 01488 638820.

A superb charity race will begin the action on the track and places are still available. To be run over a mile, if you’re over 18, of sound body and mind(!) and fancy tasting the experience of race riding, please contact Nicky Adams on 01342 831 718.

The professionals will then take over with an action-packed card planned. The feature race is the Sportingbet.com supporting Heros Winter Derby. The Winter Derby is Britain’s first “Group” race of the year and is Lingfield Park’s most valuable day of All-Weather racing, attracting some of the very best all-weather horses and is a great finale to the winter flat season.

Previous champion jockey’s Frankie Dettori and Jamie Spencer have both won this prestigious race and with £50,000 prize money on offer, this years renewal is sure to be another top class event.

Paul Shrimpton, Managing Director, says “the Sportingbet.com Winter Derby is one of the most prominent race meetings of the year at Lingfield Park and it should prove to be an exciting showcase with quality horses. The fact that the day is in aid of the wonderful charity Heros, gives everyone another dimension to attend and we hope to help Sportingbet raise a lot of money for this worthy cause. ”

Tickets for this event are on sale now. Purchased before 5pm on Wednesday 23rd March, adult tickets are just £13.50 (£15 on the gate). Concessions are available on the day for over 60’s and students upon proof of status whilst accompanied children aged under 18 are admitted free of charge.

Go to Lingfieldpark.co.uk for details or call 01342 834 800. Join us, you’re welcome!

Burgess Hill Gardens & Allotments Association

Burgess Hill Gardens & Allotments Association: Spring Flower Show
Saturday 26th March
Cyprus Hall, 2pm - 4:15pm. Admission: 50p

Burgess Hill Gardens & Allotments Association: Open meeting
Wednesday 6th April
Cyprus Hall, 7:45pm.
Speaker: Dr. Peter Brandham, 'A Year at Kew'.
Admission: Members free, Visitors £1

Contact: Flo Whitaker
Burgess Hill Gardens & Allotments Association
Tel: 01444 245509

Lazy Hazy Days of Summer at Lingfield Park

Lingfield Park has a fantastic summer of events in prospect for the forthcoming months. The great party atmosphere which these events are known for will be in abundance as we showcase a mix of tribute bands with up-and-coming- artists, alongside some great racing.

As the weather turns warmer and the anticipation of summer grows, make sure you’ve got a ticket for one of the best local days out. Our evening programme begins at the end of May as we celebrate the local community, inviting them to join us for an evening at the races. Those living in Lingfield, Dormansland, Felcourt or Crowhurst will shortly be receiving a letter about how to claim their free tickets. As well as the horse-racing, there’ll be entertainment from the East Grinstead Concert Band and Professor Crump will be on hand to keep the children amused so put 21st May in your diary now.

We’ll showcase the Countryside on the 4th June with displays from the local hunts, terrier racing, birds of prey and the fantastic Indian Runner ducks who make up the ‘Quack Pack’!

Irish night makes a welcome return to Lingfield Park on 11th June. A full race card will begin the night, the Guinness will flow and top Irish girl band Wonderland will be headlining the stage, supported by Fanfair who will be well known to London Irish fans.

A touch of sophistication heads to Lingfield Park on 18th June as we welcome Ronnie Scott’s all star house band to perform live after racing.

The hugely popular Racing and Music Night series begins on 25th July with the Bon Jovi Experience – the only tribute act to sing with Jon Bon Jovi himself.

Saturday 16th July sees all five members of Take That 2 tribute band performing after racing. They come highly recommended by Jason Orange himself, in a recent BBC Radio 2 interview.

Saturday 23rd July is Ladies’ Night. An evening of glamour is in prospect with terrific prizes on offer for those who are deemed the most elegant. Performing live after racing will be Simon Webbe from Blue.

The glamour of the Rat Pack era will be bought back to life on Saturday 30th July by a superb male artist Atila. A talented singer in his own right, tonight he’ll be performing all the hits.

We’ll rock the house on Saturday 6th August with X-factor finalist Jamie Archer performing a range of classic songs to get the crowd dancing.

Saturday 13th August is our final evening meeting of the year and as yet, our artist is still under wraps...

The events from 25th June to 13th August will all conclude with a fantastic firework display.

Paul Shrimpton, Managing Director, says “we think this is the most exciting summer programme ever staged at Lingfield Park with a great mix of entertainment for all ages to complement the racing. I hope that the local community really get behind it and enjoy some terrific nights out – And if there is a special occasion what better way to celebrate it?”

Tickets for all these events are on sale now. Purchased at least two working days in advance, adult tickets are just £17 (£20 on the gate). Concessions are available on the day for over-60’s and students upon proof of status whilst accompanied children and young people aged under 18 are admitted free of charge.

Go to Lingfieldpark.co.uk for details or call 01342 834 800. Join us, you’re welcome!

Hurstpierpoint Horticultural Society

Tuesday 12 April, 19.45
Hurstpierpoint Horticultural Society
Village Hall, Hurstpierpoint


'Vegetable Marathon - The Fifty Vegetable Challenge'. An illustrated talk by Richard Bailey,
freelance lectuter and writer, formerly a university teacher of biology and environmental management.
Did Richard manage to grow fifty different vegetables in a year? Come along and find out. All welcome
entry £1 members £2 non-members.

Walk Plumpton Week

Sunday (March 27) will mark the start of Plumpton Village Action Plan’s initiative to interest residents and others to walk the footpaths in and around Plumpton.

Through the VAP Footpath Team three walks of varying lengths are being organised to celebrate British Summer Time and to demonstrate just how beautiful the surrounding countryside is. Let’s face it, some areas of the village are withIn the new South Downs National Park.

The first walk, for the dedicated walker, may involve catching the 12.51 train from Plumpton to Lewes. Then starting from the station at 13.00 it will be a breathtaking, seven mile downland walk back to Plumpton, culminating with tea at the Half Moon pub.

For those not quite so energetic there is an alternative trek that will leave the Half Moon pub at 14.00 for a circular walk of four and a half miles, again finishing up at the Half Moon for tea.
The less energetic can join the second walk at Plumpton Station at 14.45 to complete the one and a half mile stroll to the Half Moon.

Just the thought of the tea at the end of the journeys should make the thought of participation worthwhile.
Then on Saturday, April2 there is to be a Spring Flower Stroll around the village, led by Jacqui Hutson of the Plumpton Wildlife and Habitat Group. It will leave the Fountain pub at 11.00 and return there for brunch.

These activities provide a great opportunity for locals and visitors to socialise and experience the delights of the Plumpton environs.

During the week those exploring the Plumpton footpaths can pop into any of the village pubs and get something for free, provided that they are sporting muddy boots and a VAP Walks leaflet.

West Sussex Firefighters home from Japan

The West Sussex firefighters that flew to Japan to help the rescue operation after the earthquake and tsunami have returned safely back in the UK.

The UK-ISAR team landed at Manchester Airport on Saturday afternoon in a plane chartered by DFID, the government Department for International Development. The UK team included six members of the West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service's Technical Rescue Unit (TRU). They were driven to their base at Horley Fire Station where they were welcomed back to West Sussex by DCFO Sean Ruth. He said: "The images on TV have shown us the sheer scale of destruction in Japan and the difficult operational conditions the UK-ISAR team have been working in for the last week, so I‚m pleased they're home safe and well."

Two of the West Sussex team had only just returned from New Zealand, and DCFO Ruth expressed his appreciation for the extra cover provided by remaining TRU members whilst their colleagues were away.

"Two overseas deployments in such quick succession shows great personal commitment but it couldn't be done without the support of family and other team members who have stayed behind to maintain operational cover in West Sussex" said Mr Ruth.

The role of the West Sussex team was also praised by Pete Bradbury, the County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection.

"I think West Sussex will be proud to have a team of firefighters who can respond to international disasters as well as providing specialist rescue cover at home", said Mr Bradbury. "The situation facing people in parts of Japan is pretty desperate but our firefighters have been able to offer much needed help and support, and I think they have done a professional job in extremely difficult circumstances.

Sunday, 20 March 2011

Hurstpierpoint Singers

Our Spring Concert will be held on Saturday, 26th March at 7.30 p.m.in Holy Trinity Church, Hurstpierpoint. We shall perform the John Rutter Requiem and other works which will include items from Rutter’s idyllic “The Sprig of Thyme”, a cycle of folk song settings. Stephen Hope, our Music Director, will conduct.

Inspired to sing this lovely Requiem yourself? Come to our Choral Workshop at St. Peter’s Church, Henfield, on Saturday, 9th April. Registration at 1.45 p.m. with music, coffee and tea provided free of charge, but bring your own lunch and tea. Concert performance at 7.30 p.m. Confirmation and details will be available from Tel. 01273 833727 and 01273 833217.

All tickets £10 (children £5) will be available from Janton News, High Street, Hurstpierpoint; Pavilion Electrics, Keymer Road, Hassocks; Jasmins Florist, High Street, Henfield; Choir Members and on the door.

On 28th May we are off to Krakow for 7 days with orchestra, to sing with pride this lovely English music.

The 60th Anniversary of Hurst Singers was celebrated in style with a buffet supper and entertainment in November.

In July we shall form part of the Sussex Festival Chorus to perform the Bach Mass in B Minor for Charity, in Arundel Cathedral.

Enjoy singing? Then please do come and join us. Rehearsals on Mondays at 7.30 p.m. in the Methodist Church Hall, Cuckfield Road, Hurstpierpoint. All voices needed – no test!