All about East Preston and Kingston is independently published. 3,500 copies are distributed free to homes in the villages.
Thank You
to all the businesses and the library who hold extra copies of the magazine. We would also like to thank all of the advertisers as without them, this magazine would not be possible.
November 2024 deadlines
Editorial submissions and advertising copy by 2nd October. Finished artwork by 4th October.
Disclaimer
All about East Preston and Kingston cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions or endorse companies, products or services that appear in the magazine.
Autumn is here, the days are getting shorter and the clocks go back on 27th October. I love pulling out my woolly jumpers and getting my boots and scarves out to wrap up against the colder weather.
We have many local events to look forward to such as the annual Scarecrow Trail in Ferring from 26th October to 3rd November. The Worthing Beer and Cider Festival returns on 25th and 26th October at the Guildbourne Centre, and Littlehampton will be hosting its annual bonfire on 26th October.
We also have Halloween on 31st October, which originates from an ancient Celtic festival, Samhain, which celebrated the harvest yield and the end of the summer. Today, children enjoy ‘Tricking and Treating’ in their costumes, with Bramley Green in Angmering being a popular destination featuring some amazingly decorated houses.
Don’t forget to add your events to our newly updated website, including your posters.
Happy reading!
Helen and the All about Magazines team
Royal Visitor Opens Blind Veterans
Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Edinburgh, visited the Blind Veterans new south coast home in Rus ngton, seeing first‐hand the difference the charity makes to the lives of the blind veterans we support.
Blind Veterans UK Rus ngton Centre Manager
Lesley Garven MBE, said: “A er an ini al phased opening, par cularly ensuring that our small number of permanent residents were se led in, the building is now opera ng at full capacity, welcoming blind veterans from across the country for holidays, themed and ac vity weeks and for specific training and rehabilita on. We had over 80 years of history at our Brighton centre, but we’ve had such a warm welcome from the local community in Rus ngton that I know we’ll be making all new memories here.”
On the tour of the building, The Duchess of Edinburgh met with veterans who served in WWII and blind veteran archers. She also tried her hand at some mosaic making with veterans who enjoy art and cra .
Her Royal Highness also assisted with the ceremonial reburial of a me capsule dug up from our former centre in Brighton and marched to Rus ngton by a group of blind veterans last summer.
The me capsule, buried in 2015 to mark 100 years of Blind Veterans UK, contains items and documents detailing the organisa on’s history. Among them is a talking watch, the first piece of equipment offered to every Blind Veterans UK beneficiary. The capsule will be opened in 2115, 100 years a er it was buried.
The Duchess also unveiled a very special plaque, carved from wood and made by two
blind veterans, Peter and Gary, who have been supported by the charity to con nue their hobby of woodworking.
One of the blind veterans who had the opportunity to meet The Duchess was Alan Walker. Alan started the whole visit off when he was given the responsibility of raising the Royal Standard when the Royal party arrived.
He also had the opportunity to talk to Her Royal Highness in the new gym.
Alan said: “I serve as a standard bearer for Blind Veterans UK, so it really is the ul mate honour to raise that Royal Standard for the me The Duchess of Edinburgh was with us.
“I was also proud to speak to Her Royal Highness and get across the impact the charity has had on me since I lost my sight.”
Alan lost his sight on Christmas Day in 2012. He was hospitalised with a pneumococcal infec on in his eyes and brain, which caused him to become completely blind in his le eye and have only 30 per cent sight in his right.
He began to receive support from Blind Veterans UK in 2013 and since then, we have supported him in retraining as a gym instructor.
He now represents the charity at events na onwide as a standard bearer.
He was also one of a group of blind veterans who contributed to the design and layout of the new Rus ngton Centre.
Ferring’s Annual Scarecrow Festival
As the autumn leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, it’s that time of year again when the Ferring Scarecrow Festival comes to life. This year marks the 5th annual festival, set to take place from 26th October to 3rd November.
The festival is not just about fun and creativity; it’s also an opportunity to support a great cause: The Community Dementia Hive ‐Beehive Care. The Ferring Scarecrow Festival is a fantastic event that brings the community together in a spirit of creativity and giving. It provides a platform for individuals and families to showcase their artistic talents by building unique and imaginative scarecrows. .
One of the key supporters of this year’s festival is The Orange Tree Ferring, whose generous sponsorship has made this event possible. Their support not only helps in organising the festival but also in raising funds for The Community Dementia Hive ‐ Beehive Care.
Trail maps are available from 26th October from The Orange Tree and are £1 a map.
Please do come along and see our amazing scarecrows. We can't wait to see everyone's creativity flourish in the village and see the joy the scarecrow festival brings to everyone.
Golf Club Ladies Raising Funds for Breast Cancer
Jenny Jenns and Kay Mar n from East Preston organised the annual Breast Cancer Now Charity Day at Hill Barn Golf Club this summer. They represent the Ladies Sec on of the club and it was a great success, raising a grand total of £3,375.14. With fantas c support and generosity from all sec ons of the club and also the willing help of some member’s wives, a special day was ensured.
There was a buzzing atmosphere on the day created by a very successful Plant Sales Stall and a Pre‐Loved Ladies Golf Wear rail that did very well. The Natural Skin Care Products stall also proved popular.
Players were ‘announced’ at the first tee, with several groups coming from Worthing GC to support the day.
The generous prizes donated by many local businesses and entertainment centres, ensured there was something to interest everyone.
Following on from this successful event, a music night with supper was arranged for the 17th August. Three members of the clubs men’s sec on, The Valley Beats, played for us in two sessions, picking popular tunes that were enjoyed by all who a ended. The evening was a
huge success and raised a further £628.50. Jenny Jenns and Kay Mar n, organisers of both events, could not have had the success they had without the involvement and support of all three sec ons of Hill Barn Golf Club and its management.
The Annual Canvass has begun
Arun District Council has begun the annual canvass for electoral registra on, and you may soon receive an important le er through your door.
To start the process, we are sending le ers to around 9,500 households over the next month and if you receive one of these le ers you need to respond by 29th September 2024. This is so we can make sure we have the correct informa on about who lives at your address at present. It is a legal obliga on to respond. The le er contains clear instruc ons about what you need to do.
If you don’t receive one of these le ers in the next few weeks, then we will be in touch in November instead, either by email or by le er, and we will share more informa on about that nearer the me.
We are required by law to undertake the annual canvass to make sure our electoral register is complete and accurate. The le ers and emails we send will tell you what you need to do – please read them carefully.
If your name is on the le er you receive, then you are already on the electoral register, so you do not need to register again unless your circumstances change.
If you’re not registered, your name will not appear on the le er. The easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register‐to‐vote.
In either case, you will s ll need to respond to the le er.
You can find more informa on about the annual canvass on our website, and answers to frequently asked ques ons, updated regularly, at www.arun.gov.uk/canvass.
If you need more informa on, please contact our Electoral Services team on 01903 737616 or email canvassresponse@arun.gov.uk. You can also find out more about electoral registra on at www.arun.gov.uk/registra on .
New House Captains at EPJS
As East Preston Junior School returned to school in September 2024, with more than 350 children enrolled at the school, it has reached its largest for over 50 years – but notably not its largest size ever. Although the building only grew to its current size in 2018, the number of pupils was once even larger.
Just before the opening of East Preston Infants in May 1973, some 420‐plus children were packed into the classrooms of East Preston Primary – no doubt some readers of this very magazine being among them! Classes of 38 or more were the norm, and one can presume there wasn’t much call for a computer suite at the me!
Now, with classes rarely topping 30 and 12 classroom bases as well as a library and computer room, teaching kitchen and mee ng room, the school is once again full to the brim.
At the start of each school year, from among the 90 Year 6 children, we select our house captains. In fact, the process begins back in the summer term when the out‐going house captains adver se and then interview candidates for the role, handing over their responsibili es as they move on to secondary school. Two representa ves are chosen from each house: Romans (red), Saxons (blue), Vikings (yellow) and Normans (green). These, too, have changed their names over the years, and children of 1973 may recognise the colours but not the names.
The new house captains take on a number of roles, including leading tours around the school for prospec ve families and employees, welcoming guests on special occasions, and represen ng the school at key occasions such as Remembrance Sunday.
They are also responsible, each week, for the totalling of house points awarded across the school. Children in every class collect counters in recogni on of their good work, manners and kindness to others, and each contributes towards the house totals. Weekly totals are shared in assembly, with the house cup presented each term to the winning house.
This year also sees the introduc on of a new role, which will involve children across the school. Following the success of the World Cup, football remains a popular pas me at school. Managing several games across field and playground requires plenty of referees, so this year applica ons are open for children to complete a mini‐referees course in school.
Zach, our visi ng PE coach, will be training around 30 referees this term to help supervise games and make the final call on some of those trickier decisions, providing some structure to the games, and an opportunity to learn some new skills.
Free Post‐Budget Review Appointments:
Pre‐Register Now
The Prime Minister has told us that the Budget will be “painful”.
The Budget will be on 30th October 2024.
We expect nega ve changes to Inheritance Tax and pensions.
We expect nega ve changes to Capital Gains Tax.
Once the Budget changes come in, what will they mean for you, your family and your estate?
We will be offering free, personalised review appointments in November.
Appointments can take place at our office in Arundel, at your home, or as a video call.
The number of appointments will be limited and we expect demand to be high.
Pre‐register now by calling 01903 927055 or emailing ssampson@monangozze .com
S tches in Time
Kni ng and crochet have been enjoying a resurgence in popularity among all genera ons over the past few years. Both cra s have rich histories spanning centuries and have evolved from prac cal necessi es to crea ve ar s c hobbies.
The exact origins of kni ng remain uncertain, but the oldest known kni ed artefacts are socks from Egypt da ng to the 11th century CE. These finely cra ed footwear items featured complex use of colour and short‐row heels, sugges ng that kni ng techniques were already well‐developed by this me. Earlier fabric‐making techniques like nålebinding (knotless kni ng), which uses a single needle to create loops, were precursors and date back some 6000 years. Some Romano‐Egyp an toe‐socks from the 3rd‐5th centuries CE have structures so similar to kni ng that the cop c s tch of nålebinding is considered the most likely forerunner.
Kni ng probably spread from the Middle East to Europe between 1000‐1500 CE. By the 13th century, skilled Muslim kni ers were employed by Spanish Chris an royal families, as evidenced by intricate kni ed items found in royal tombs. The 14th century saw kni ng become more widespread across Europe. Archaeological finds from medieval ci es and tax records indicate kni ed goods were in common everyday use. There was even a fashion for pain ng the Virgin Mary kni ng during this era. These pain ngs are collec vely known as the kni ng Madonnas.
The inven on of the mechanical kni ng machine by William Lee in 1589 marked a significant turning point. It was ini ally rejected by Queen Elizabeth I, who thought it might cause increased unemployment during a period of economic depression, but his innova on eventually revolu onized tex le produc on.
In the Victorian era, hand‐kni ng became a popular parlour cra , and was used to create fine laces, bags, and baby clothes. The early 20th century kni ng was popularised by Bri sh royalty and Parisian designers.
Crochet is a younger cra than kni ng and is believed to have developed in the early 19th century. It seems to have evolved from an
ancient form of embroidery used in Turkey (now Türkiye), India, Persia (now Iran), and North Africa. Crochet gained popularity in Europe in the 1800s as a less expensive alterna ve to lace. Queen Victoria learned to crochet and helped popularize the cra . During the Irish potato famine of the 1840s, crochet became an important source of income for many Irish women.
Both kni ng and crochet increased in popularity during the World Wars, as women made socks and mi ens for the troops.
Today, kni ng and crochet con nue to evolve with new techniques, materials, and applica ons. They’re used not only for tradi onal garments and accessories but also in fine art, sculpture, and even scien fic applica ons, such as wearable electronics and so robo cs. There are many millennial kni ers and crocheters, helped by popular celebri es like Tom Daley kni ng at the Olympics, actress Amanda Seyfried kni ng in the park and Demi Lovato kni ng on a plane.
The prevalence of kni ng in our villages has been proven by the many yarn bomb installa ons around, including the latest poppy cascade by the East Preston Yarn Bombers, which is unveiled on 26th October at 11am at St Mary’s Church on Vicarage Lane. This shows that kni ng and croche ng are enduring and adaptable cra s to be enjoyed by all.
Property Lawyer, Melissa Hubbard
E J Moyle LLP Solicitors
Melissa has now been at E J Moyle LLP for six months working as a solicitor within the Property Department alongside Lisa May and Rob Fawce , and supported by our Paralegal and Assistants.
Melissa has primarily been dealing with an array of residen al conveyancing ma ers, from transfers of equity through to freehold and leasehold sales and purchases.
She has also assisted on aspects of commercial property in providing independent legal advice and dealing with lease assignments.
Rob Fawce , our Managing Partner and Head of Property, says, “Melissa has already proved herself to be a capable and valuable member of the team”.
The Property Team has a wealth of knowledge on both residen al and commercial ma ers, and we are commi ed to providing the best legal service that we can for our clients.
If you would like any advice in rela on to your property ma ers, please let us know – we would be very happy to help you.
Tel: Melissa on 01903 725143
Email: mhubbard@moyle.co.uk
Alterna vely, you can complete an online client enquiry form at www.moyle.co.uk
call 01273 732993 or email
Upcoming Autumn Budget
Richard Cohen, FPFS ACII MCSI Chartered Financial Planner
Nsure Financial Services 01903 821010
Don’t sit in the dark when it comes to your investments
It’s that me of year again when many of us will focus on what the Chancellor will outline in the forthcoming Autumn Budget. With any new government, there is a tendency to use the goodwill factor, especially when there are five years for the electorate to forget any so‐called nega vity, so it will be interes ng to see what Racheal Reeves sets out and where she thinks this governments priori es lie.
To balance the books taxes are going to have to rise. With changes to the big three, Income Tax, VAT and Na onal Insurance ruled out during the elec on campaign, it may mean significant rises on the way in other areas.
One of the op ons could be to bring Capital Gains Tax inline with Income Tax; this would increase the tax paid on gains by between 10 per cent and 20 per cent depending on assets sold and the tax status of the seller; another could be to limit the amounts you can invest in your pension, this would reduce the amount of tax relief any individual would get up front and therefore reduce the amount eligible for tax relief growth during the investment period. Finally, the discussion about Inheritance Tax will no doubt rear its head again at some point, with the possibility of new tax thresholds for larger estates or changes to the current reliefs.
Whenever there are changes to the tax system, there are winners and losers, but whatever happens, don’t let it be an excuse for procras na on. When it comes to investments, although higher taxa on is likely to reduce your net return going forward, some return is be er than no return at all. U lising your op ons and exploring ways to make your money work harder is always be er than si ng in the dark.
What’s On in and around East Preston and Kingston
If you would like your event to appear in the ‘What’s On’ pages, please add it to our website www.allaboutmagazines.co.uk/my‐events/create
Wed 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd October ‐ 18:30
The English Civil War Lecture Series
Historian Chris Hare’s fascina ng talks about the English Civil War will have a focus on Sussex and Arundel. Tickets £20 for all four talks. Pre‐booking essen al. Call 01903 885666 or email office@arundelmuseum.org or
Saturday 5th October ‐ 10:00 to 12:00 Lancing Prep Worthing Open Morning (Broadwater Road, Worthing, BN14 8HU)
Listen to a welcome talk from the head, hear pupil’s sharing their experiences, meet the staff, and tour the school’s beau ful grounds. For more info, email lshelton@lancing.org.uk
Sunday 6th October ‐ 10:00 to 15:30
Rus ngton An ques & Collectables Fair (The Woodlands Centre, Woodlands Ave, Rustington)
Each month around 30 stallholders come a end selling a wide variety of an ques and collectables, memorabilia, postcards, stanhopes, medical, cameras, toys, books, maps etc. Superb hot and cold refreshments available. For details, call 07563 589725.
Listen to Beethoven’s s rring Leonore Overture No. 3 and Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony. Virtuoso bassoonist Siping Guo performs Rossini’s rarely heard concerto, and the new Composer‐in‐Residence, Ansel Chaloner‐Hughes’ first composi on for the WPO will be given its world première. Tickets available from the Worthing Theatres and Museum box office or online at www.wtm.uk/events/wpo‐autumn‐classics
Monday 7th October ‐ 15:30 to 16:30
Construc on Club (East Preston Library)
Use your imagina on to design and build using Lego and other great construc on materials For ages 6+. Club is on every Monday in October. Children must be accompanied by a parent/carer during this ac vity.
Tuesday 8th October ‐ 19:15 to 20:45
Van Gogh, trois aperçus de sa vie (Angmering Community Centre, Foxwood Avenue)
Come to the Rus ngton & District Anglo French Circle for a talk about Vincent Van Gogh and the places that influenced his work. All levels of French are welcome, with visuals to help. Visitors £5. If you wish to a end, please email anglofrenchrus ngton@gmail.com
Friday 11th October ‐ 18:15 to 21:30
Music Night with Emma Cranham (Mewsbrook Park Café, Hendon Avenue, Li lehampton)
Emma will be singing covers of songs from the 1950s to current chart hits. Tickets £22 pp, includes a two‐course meal. £2 from each cket goes into the café’s charitable fund. To book, go to www.mewsbrookparkcafe.co.uk/events/
Sunday 13th October ‐ 14:30 to 16:45
The Worthing Wurlitzer Concert: Robert Wolfe (Assembly Hall, Stoke Abbo Road, Worthing, BN11 1HQ)
Robert Wolfe is recognised as one of the world’s leading interpreters of the theatre organ. Acclaimed for his sheer ar stry, and renowned for his musicality, he is without ques on one of the top Bri sh organists. Book online at h ps://wtm.uk/events/wurlitzer‐organ‐concert‐robert‐wolfe
Tuesday 15th October ‐ 09:30 to 12:00
Art Society Arun Talk: The Brilliance of Brunel (Woodlands Centre, Woodlands Ave, Rus ngton)
Ian Swankie talks about how Brunel changed the face of the English landscape, merging art with engineering and science. Everyone welcome. Guests £7 at the door. For more info, email enquiries@thearunartssociety.org
Wednesday 16th October ‐ 14:00 to 16:00
Arundel Walking Tours: a virtual tour (Rus ngton Museum, Samuel Wickens Centre, Broadmark Lane)
A pictorial tour of the historical places in Arundel, including those used in the film,
“Wicked Li le Le ers”. This event is free. To book, call the museum on 01903 788478.
Wednesday 16th to Friday 18th October ‐19:30; Saturday 19th October ‐ 14:30 & 19:30
Iolanthe (Windmill Theatre, Windmill Road)
Having been postponed a er last year’s fire, the classic Gilbert & Sullivan opere a is finally being performed by LPOS (formally known at Li lehampton Players Opera c Society). Tickets £13 (concessions £11) available now from www. cketsource.co.uk/lpos
Saturday 19th October 2024 to Sunday 26th
January 2025 ‐ mes vary
Art show: Surface Ma er (Worthing Museum and Gallery, Chapel Rd, BN11 1HP)
A group show of ceramics and printmaking by local ar sts and cra speople, including Susan Davies, Michael Lainchbury and Peon Boyle and Johanna Tricklebank. Free entry. More details at see www.wtm.uk/events/surface‐ma er
Saturday 19th October ‐ 10:00 to 16:00 East Preston Ar san Market (East Preston Village Hall, Sea Road, BN16 1LP)
Come along and shop for unique arts and cra s, original pain ngs, handmade ar san items, local products and a tasty treat or two. Refreshments available plus a raffle.
Sunday 20th October ‐ 10:00
Worthing Seafront 10K (start Beach House Grounds next to Splashpoint, Brighton Road)
Join hundreds of fellow runners weaving through the seaside streets. For details, go to www.mccpromo ons.com/e/worthing‐seafront ‐10k‐3733
Monday 21st October ‐ 19:30 to 21:30 Gardeners’ Ques on Time (The Conserva ve Hall, Sea Road)
Ask the panel your gardening ques ons. Solve your hor cultural problems! Free entry for East Preston & Kingston Hor cultural Society members. £5 for non‐members. Please ring 01903 782191 to book in advance if requiring a light supper (£3 extra). Drinks sold separately. Friday 25th and Sat 26th October ‐ mes vary Worthing Beer and Cider Fes val (The Rooms Worthing, Guildbourne Centre, BN11 1LZ)
Drinks from local and countrywide producers on sale. Piglets Pantry of Worthing is offering a
range of food, including vegetarian and vegan op ons. Drinks will be at or below pub prices. Get ckets from h ps://tckty.camra.org.uk/ e/274/26th‐worthing‐beer‐cider‐fes val‐2024 Friday 25th October ‐ 18:00 to 19:00 (any age), 20:00 to 22:00 (adults only)
Halloween Silent Disco (The Beach Cafe, Sea Road, Li lehampton)
The Silent DJs and The Beach Li lehampton bring the spooky back following last year’s sell out event. Fancy dress is a must. This silent disco will wake the dead! Doors open 15 minutes before each event. Book now before it sells out! h ps://thesilentdjs.net/buy‐ ckets
Saturday 26th October ‐ 9:30 to 10:30 and 10:45 to 11:45
Li le Lions Halloween Party (The Angmering School Gymnasium, Sta on Road)
Special party for under‐5s. For details and to book ckets see the link on Facebook. Go to www.facebook.com/theli legi shack
Saturday 26th October ‐ mes tbc
Li lehampton Bonfire Night (The Green, Li lehampton seafront)
This is an event not to be missed! From the torchlit parade to the bonfire itself, it’s a truly spectacular night for everyone. For details, see www.li lehamptonbonfiresociety.co.uk
Wednesday 30th October ‐ 18:30 to 20:30
Silent Reading Party (Pier Road Coffee & Art, The HighStreet, Li lehampton)
Bring a book, grab a coffee (maybe some cake; absolutely no crisps!) and sit with other readers for a brief chat un l the so music starts, then it’s reading me. Break at half me for a drink and toilet break and then back to it! Booking is essen al. Pop in to book your space or message on www.facebook.com/pierroadcoffeeart
Calling all ghouls, zombies and werewolves! Celebrate Halloween with the best party band in the land. The venue will be transformed into a house of terror for one night only. Each cket purchased raises money for Guildcare. www.thefactorylive.co.uk/event/ murdochshalloween
Council Tax charges on second homes
and empty proper es
Council Tax charges on second homes in Arun are to be doubled, along with Council Tax due on proper es that have been empty for at least a year. This follows a change in the law as part of the Levelling‐up and Regenera on Act 2023, which means councils can now charge a council tax premium on proper es that are not someone’s main residence but are substan ally furnished.
The change, which was approved by Arun District Council’s Policy and Finance Commi ee on 7th March 2024 and Full Council on 13th March 2024, must be agreed a year before the first charges are made. We will charge the new rate on second homes from 1st April 2025.
The act also allows councils to add a supplementary charge to the amount of Council Tax due on proper es that have been le ‘unoccupied or substan ally unfurnished’ for at least a year (previously two years). This change came into effect on 1st April this year.
There are some exemp ons, such as if a resident has recently died, if a home is being
ac vely marketed for sale or rent, or if major repairs are underway.
Councillor Mar n Lury, Leader of the Council, Arun District Council, said: “It doesn’t seem right that homes in Arun are si ng empty when rents are rising, housing wai ng lists are growing and ge ng on the property ladder is out of reach for so many people.
“We hope that increasing these charges will lead to a number of proper es being sold or let, which in turn will have a posi ve impact on housing supply across the district. We will be wri ng to those affected very soon.”
See Arun District Council on www.arun.gov.uk
“I really couldn’t exist without the help of Guild Care. This is truly a lifeline service for me which I couldn’t do without.”
Home Care client
Person-centred care and support in your own home
Guild Care are Worthing’s leading and most established social care charity. Our vison is for all people in need of care to live fulfilling, safe and secure lives. Our home care service enables older people and vulnerable adults to lead better quality lives whilst remaining safe and comfortable in their own homes. We offer support with:
Personal care Companionship Respite
Household duties Well-being checks Medication
Meal preparation We cover: Worthing, Ferring, Goring, Rustington, East Preston, Lancing, Shoreham, Angmering and surrounding areas. Join our team, we are looking for dedicated carers.
homecare@guildcare.org Get in touch with our friendly team for more details 01903 528637 or 07866 781827
www.guildcare.org/homecare
Guild Care is a registered charity, number 1044658.
Christmas Tree Fes val team
is all fir‐ed up for ac on!
Kirs e and Phil talk about “Loca on, Loca on, Loca on”, Tony Blair trumpeted “Educa on, Educa on, Educa on” but for the Friends of St Mary’s church, it’s “Prepara on, Prepara on, Prepara on” as they gear up to bring you this year’s hugely an cipated Christmas Tree Fes val.
The biennial community event features dozens of uniquely decorated trees displayed along the ancient aisles and aims to raise essen al funds to repair and preserve East Preston’s beau ful parish church, the oldest working building in the village.
Thousands of visitors have flocked to its previous Christmas Tree Fes vals, perhaps because they are always a wonderful way to welcome the fes ve season.
Not surprisingly, there’s so much work involved that prepara ons begin almost as soon as the last Christmas Tree Fes val has ended new tree sponsors have to be found, licences applied for, raffle prizes sought and the children’s choir booked to men on just a few of the tasks!
And then there’s the refreshments: a café serving hot drinks, scrump ous cakes and light meals runs throughout the three‐day fes val in the adjacent Spire Room.
Such a big event requires a small army of helpers, or “fes val makers”, so if you fancy being one of this friendly, welcoming team, maybe helping with refreshments, the raffle, stewarding or the tombola, please email friendsofstmarysep@gmail.com
Meanwhile, a compe on has taken place at East Preston Junior School to create a poster for the fes val and a worthy winner has been chosen. All will be revealed in a future magazine ar cle. Then look out for the winning design around the village in the run‐up to the “big switch on,” when all the trees suddenly sparkle into life.
This year’s Christmas Tree Fes val runs from 13th‐15th December at St Mary’s church in Vicarage Lane, East Preston. You are all warmly invited to this winter wonderland.
If you’d like to make a dona on to this year’s Christmas Tree Fes val, please follow the link via this QR code.”
Hoping for a century of films shows
The East Preston Film Society’s first film show, Jane Eyre, was on the 31st October 2011 and its 95th, Vindica on Swim, on the 29th May 2024. All film shows have taken place at the Conserva ve Hall, East Preston. Paul Amoo explains where the money raised from the shows has been spent.
Monies raised have gone to provide our village with the following ameni es:
1. Outside light for the Conserva ve Hall side entrance
2. Ninety burgundy comfy chairs for use by Conserva ve Hall hirers
3. Portable projector
4. Wooden bench (o/s 90 North Lane)
5. Flower planters (North Lane junc on with Roundstone Drive)
6. Bicycle storage hoops (Village Green car park and o/s Conserva ve Hall, both in Sea Road)
7. Dog poo bin (Elm Avenue junc on with North Lane)
8. Fixed outdoor table tennis table (Lashmar Rec)
9. Portable outdoor floodlight
10. Fixed outdoor concrete table football (Lashmar Rec)
13. Signage for East Preston Cricket Club (Sea Road)
14. Outdoor exercise equipment (by the tennis courts in Warren Rec, Sea Road)
15. Li er bin (Mill pond Road junc on with Warren Crescent)
16. Li er bin (North Lane bus stop, opposite Hares Garage)
And the list of local groups donated to include:
Friends of East Preston Schools
Our Lady, Star of the Sea Catholic Church Youth Group
The Martlets
East Preston Flora Club
East Preston Football Club Youth Sec on
East Preston Cricket Club Colts Sec on
East Preston Fes val Commi ee
East Preston Twinning Associa on
Li lehampton and Rus ngton Branch of Contact the Elderly Charity
St Wilfrid’s Catholic School
Our Lady, Star of the Sea Catholic Church New Beginnings Group
East Preston Royal Bri sh Legion Women’s Sec on
East Preston Parish Council
Our Lady, Star of the Sea Catholic Church Christmas Day Lunch Funds
To local youngsters engaged in spor ng and fund raising events
Complementary film ckets to numerous local groups as raffle prizes
Li lehampton Community Fridge on Tour ‐ East Preston
East Preston Yarnbombers
In addi on other benefits have included:
Suppor ng new‐to‐the‐village local businesses by invi ng them to film shows so as to introduce themselves and encourage villagers to do business with them
Enhancing community cohesion by enabling those who would otherwise not venture out at night to a end cinema on their doorstep.
Promote the spending of the East Preston Pound in East Preston by having local businesses donate shop vouchers as raffle prizes.
During the summer of 2024, the Conserva ve Hall closed as a community venue and the ques on con nually asked of me, was whether the showing of new cinema c films in our village would con nue?
Having no venue, it would have been easy to say “no venue, no more films”. However, doing so would have disappointed many people personally known to me as friends, neighbours and fellow villagers.
No ng that the show must go on, East Preston Infant School’s Claire New and Steve Hill have kindly agreed to host the next five films in the school hall. Films include The Cri c, starring Ian McKellen, and Firebrand with Alicia Vikander.
East Preston Estate Agents Cooper Adams have generously sponsored 92 of the 95 films shown and will sponsor the next five films, too.
Tickets for 30th October film, The Cri c, are currently on sale in Dizzy and Seaview Stores, both in Sea Road.
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Proteins: Your Immunity Booster
Nathalie Sansonetti BA, MA, DNN, Dip AIT
Nutritional
Therapist
&
Health Coach
, New Leaf Nutrition 07980 620010 / nathalie@newleafnutrition.co.uk / www.newleafnutrition.co.uk
As we age, maintaining a strong immune system is, and protein plays a crucial role in keeping it in top shape. Unfortunately, many of my older clients don’t eat enough protein, which can weaken immunity and increase the risk of infec ons.
Here’s why protein is so important for your immune health and how you can easily add more to your diet.
Protein is essen al for crea ng and repairing the cells of the immune system, such as white blood cells, which fight off infec ons.
It also helps produce an bodies proteins that detect and neutralise harmful pathogens like bacteria and viruses. Many enzymes and hormones involved in immune response are also made from protein. Importantly, proteins support gut health, which is vital since about
70 per cent of the immune system is located in the gut. Adequate protein helps maintain the gut lining, preven ng harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream.
Protein also helps preserve muscle mass, providing a reserve of amino acids that the body can use in mes of illness or stress. In addi on, specific amino acids directly support immune cell func on and wound healing. Finally, protein helps to keep sugar cravings at bay, an important point when you know that sugar weakens immunity.
To boost your protein intake, include foods like chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, organic dairy products, pulses, nuts, seeds, and quinoa. Aim to have a source of protein with every meal and snack to help keep your immune system strong and ready to fight off infec ons.
A much‐loved sweet shop
by Graham Lewis with acknowledgements to Richard Standing
A thatched co age in Sea Road, East Preston, was once frequently visited by village schoolchildren –as it had a sweet shop in the front garden.
Bay Tree Co age, opposite the Conserva ve Hall, is Grade II listed and one of the few ancient houses surviving in East Preston, being several centuries old and, up to 1842, the home of six genera ons of the Baker family, yeomen farmers of varying fortune. In the opinion of local historian Richard Standing, over 200 years ownership of a farm in the village by one family is a record that will not now be surpassed.
The archive photo below, da ng from 1935, shows that a small mber shop had been added to the front of the north end of the co age. It is not certain when this small confec oners and newsagents shop was built it may be seen in several old postcard photographs but it was in opera on by 1930 with Mrs Cha ield in charge. She can be seen in the photo.
A Times newspaper headline board outside the shop shows the words “Further Rio ng at Brest”, a reference to violence during strikes in French ports in 1935 against a French government economy campaign.
This sweet shop was very popular with the children who a ended the village school in what is now Dizzy’s charity shop and Cooper Adams estate agents. One former pupil, Claire
Meadows, later recalled her visits to the shop. “We had pocket money to spend on sweets each week, a penny at first, then tuppence, and eventually threepence by the me we reached the age of ten. To buy our sweets, we ventured a li le further down the street to Mrs Cha ield’s sweet shop which was two joined together sheds in the front garden of Bay Tree Co age opposite the school. It would take a quarter of an hour longer to choose what we wanted and a great variety could be got if we had four farthings worth of different boiled sweets in separate bags. Lemon sherbets were my favourite and you could have two ounces for a penny. They had a lot of powdered sugar with them to stop them s cking to each other.”
In 1944, Mrs Cha ield died and the house and shop were leased to Frederick Brigden. The newsagents/confec oners Hedgers Library, familiar to many older residents, began in the Bay Tree shop hut but in 1954 the building was demolished. Hedgers Library moved across the road to the shop at no. 43, where it con nued trading un l it closed down in 2018, following the death of Peter Field. He had spent his life working at Hedgers newsagents, star ng as a paper boy aged 12 and la erly running the business for over two decades.
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Caring for your kids’ teeth
by Peter Saner, Clinical Director
As the evenings draw in and the kids se le back into something of a school rou ne, we thought it might be useful to pass on some advice about making sure your children or grandchildren have healthy teeth.
In the Year 6 oral health survey last year, 16% of Year 6 pupils in England had experience of tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by ea ng sugar, which feeds the bacteria that live in your mouth and turns into acid and eats into the tooth, allowing the bacteria to move into the tooth and con nue the process of decay further. Le long enough, this will cause pain and eventually infec on in the bone around the tooth. The best way to avoid decay is to reduce the frequency and amount of sugar intake. Sadly, our 21st century diet is built around regular sugary meals and snacks, but it is possible to beat the system and choose to eat healthily.
The second thing to reduce the risk of decay is to brush your teeth and your children’s teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least a couple of mes a day. Most toothpaste contains fluoride, so just check the label when you are buying it. You don’t need anything special, as long as you are using it. People o en ask if an electric toothbrush is worth it for children, and it can help, but the risk is that they just enjoy the noise and waving it somewhere near the teeth. Whatever brush you have, it needs to be used on every tooth and every surface of every tooth, which takes me and skill. As they say: “Brush the ones you want to keep”. Let your child have a go, but un l they have the skill to write with joined up wri ng go over the brushing for them.
The third thing is to get your children’s teeth checked regularly. Access to dental care has become very difficult in recent years for all
sorts of reasons, the poli cs of which I won’t get into, but as parents we need to invest in our children’s health and get them used to regular dental visits. At Ferring Dental Prac ce, we have a Children’s Membership which is just £6.63/ month and includes all check‐ups, x‐rays and preven ve treatments. In addi on, as a benefit for our Adult Subscrip on Members, we don’t charge for their children’s check‐ups. If going to the den st has been something you thought you’d get round to some me, and it’s been niggling you that you haven’t yet got round to it, please give us a call on 01903 246858 and book in. Maybe get the whole family back on track and avoid being one of those suddenly suffering in pain because they didn’t know what was going on. If you’re worried, we won’t tell you off, we’ll just be glad to help. Half term is coming up soon. Why not sort it out now, for then.
Paying for long‐term care
What you need to know
Understandably, the thought of needing long‐term care may not be a topic that many people like to dwell on. Nowadays, advances in technology, home adapta ons and home care visits can support people to maintain their independence, and live safely at home for longer. However, there may come a me when this may not be enough, and you may need to consider pu ng long‐term care support in place.
Whether it’s employing a live‐in carer or a move into a residen al or nursing home, the care costs involved are likely to be high. With average costs of residen al care in England in 2023 almost £50,000 a year, and over £65,000 when nursing care is included*, it’s important for people to consider how they will fund their long‐term care costs in a sustainable way, which makes best use of their finances.
According to data from the Office for Na onal Sta s cs, the southeast region has the highest propor on of self‐funders in care homes ‐ 47.5 per cent ‐ that is, people who pay for their own care and support in full.
So, what steps can you take, if you or someone in your family, is likely to be self‐funding their long‐term care costs? We recommend that you start thinking about this at an early stage, and avoid the pressure of having to take immediate ac on in a crisis situa on.
This will give you more me to research and consider:
The type of care that you would prefer –Would a live‐in carer be more suitable or would you prefer to live in a residen al se ng? It might be worth contac ng and visi ng different care homes to compare the providers.
The different op ons to pay the care fees and which would be most suitable for you –There are financial products available, such as care annui es, to pay for care fees. It is recommended you speak to an independent care fees adviser to understand the available op ons (see right for details of Carewise).
Arranging Power of A orney for someone to act on your behalf if you’re not able to –Think about members of your family, or friends who you wish to appoint as your a orney. This can take around 8‐10 weeks to register, and some mes longer, so it’s best to have this in place before you need it.
You can also discuss and share your wishes with your friends and family. This will help to reduce pressure on them, should they need to take decisions on your behalf in the future.
All this can sound quite daun ng, but the posi ve news is that there is informa on and support available.
Get specialist independent financial advice from Carewise
Set up by West Sussex County Council in partnership with Age UK, West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, the Society of Later Life Advisers, and West Sussex Partners in Care, the Carewise care funding scheme offers impar al informa on and advice to guide you through all these decisions.
The Carewise panel of care fees advisers are independent financial advisers and members of the Society of Later Life Advisers, so you can be reassured that you’ll receive expert advice you can trust.
They can:
Review your financial situa on
Guide you through the many products and op ons available to you
Provide independent advice from across the whole financial market.
In addi on to their professional qualifica ons, the advisers are also trained in safeguarding adults, checked by the Disclosure and Barring Service, and are approved by the Trading Standards’ Buy with Confidence scheme.
As well as care funding, they are also qualified to provide advice on related areas such as inheritance tax, pensions, and las ng power of a orney.
Your first consulta on is free, so you have nothing to lose by exploring the different op ons, and ensuring that you choose the most cost‐effec ve way of paying for your long‐term care.
Contact Carewise today to find out more. www.carewiseadvice.com carewise@westsussex.gov.uk 0330 2227000
Do your research
Carewise is the perfect place to start on your care planning journey, but there are also many other reliable sources of informa on that you can turn to when you begin thinking about planning your care.
Money Helper
Get government‐backed financial advice from www.moneyhelper.org.uk
Which?
See the ‘Financing later life care’ sec on at www.which.co.uk
Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) –www.societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk
Phone 0333 2020454
Email: admin@societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk
Living well in your community: West Sussex Care Guide
Informa on and advice about care and support services in West Sussex, including lis ngs of home care and residen al/nursing care home providers.
www.westsussex.go.uk/careguide publica ons@westsussex.gov.uk 01243 642121
2 thick slices of lightly toasted bread 2oz / 50g cheddar or Gruyere cheese Method
Peel and thinly slice the onions. Heat the bu er in a medium‐sized saucepan. Add the onions and sugar and fry gently over a low heat for 10‐20 minutes, s rring frequently. The sugar will caramelise to a nice golden brown coa ng the onions. Be careful not to let it s ck and burn though, especially towards the end.
Add the stock and soy sauce, and season to taste with salt and black pepper. Put a lid on the pan and simmer for approximately 30 minutes un l the onions are so and star ng to disintegrate.
Grate or thinly slice the cheese. Divide the soup between two heatproof bowls. Float a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl of soup, and top with the sliced or grated cheese.
Grill for 2‐3 minutes un l the cheese is melted and bubbling (which is why you have to use heatproof soup bowls!)
Serve with more crusty fresh bread.
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Preparing Your Garden for Winter Expert Advice from Alasdair Urquhart
With the UK’s unpredictable climate poten ally presen ng difficult condi ons for gardeners this winter, Alasdair Urquhart, Haskins Garden Centre’s in‐house plant expert, has shared his top ps to ready your garden for the challenging season ahead.
Garden prepara on
Wildlife support
“Winter can be a tough season for gardens, but a proac ve approach will help maintain a haven for plants and wildlife, se ng the stage for a thriving display of colourful flowers come spring. One of the first steps is to improve soil condi ons by applying a good depth of mulch, which can also insulate tender herbaceous perennials. Mulch will addi onally provide food for nutrient‐hungry plants, like roses. You can also collect fallen leaves to make a leaf mould that can be used to improve your soil quality the following year.
“It’s prudent to take cu ngs of your favourite tender plants in case of unexpected cold snaps. I’d also suggest li ing tender bulbs like cannas and dahlias to store in a dry place over winter and moving vulnerable plants to sheltered spots, like greenhouses or conservatories.
“Take me to aerate, scarify, and top dress your lawn to improve soil drainage and reduce compac on. Caring for your lawn appropriately ahead of winter will help it quickly recover once warmer temperatures arrive.
“It’s not all about prepara on and survival though; sow hardy crops like winter le uce and oriental leaf mixes, or plant spring‐flowering bulbs. Plan ng winter crops early will provide vibrant blooms to enjoy over spring. I also like to add cloches to raised beds to extend the growing season by crea ng a warmer microclimate for your crops.”
“Prepare a space that supports wildlife overwintering to enhance your garden’s ecosystem in the long run. Introduce places for creatures to hibernate, such as log piles, leaf piles, and bug hotels for pollinators. You should also clean bird baths and feeders regularly to ensure birds have a reliable source of water and food. Providing shelter and breeding grounds for wildlife will help create a balanced garden that does not require pes cides or chemicals. Addi onally, when clearing garden leaves, leave a small pile for overwintering animals. It’s a simple task that provides crucial shelter for wildlife during the colder months, encouraging biodiversity.”
General maintenance and care
“Winters in the UK are becoming we er, so deal with moss and algae buildup while temperatures are above 10°C to avoid slippery surfaces.
Clean
gu ers regularly to prevent water buildup. I’d also suggest using a tap guard to avoid the risk of a burst pipe in sub‐zero temperatures.
“Once deciduous shrubs and trees start shedding leaves, prune back to encourage growth in the spring. If you have outdoor furniture, it’s unlikely to be used any me soon, so cover it to keep it in p‐top shape.”
Giant Hogweed
A local resident has asked us to publicise the fact that there is Giant Hogweed in the area, which can cause nasty, long‐term injuries. The Woodland Trust describes Giant Hogweed as “a non‐na ve invasive plant that can cause burns with its sap.”
Giant hogweed looks like an enormous cow parsley plant. When it’s fully grown, it can reach towering heights of between 1.5m to 5m and have a spread of between 1 and 2m. It forms a rose e of jagged, lobed leaves in the first year before sending up a flower spike in the second year and then se ng seed. The sap of the giant hogweed contains furocoumarin, which makes skin extremely sensi ve to sunlight (phytophotoderma s). If the sap gets onto your skin and it’s then exposed to the sun, your skin can blister badly. Blistering can then recur over months and even years. This is known as phytotoxicity. The best way to avoid injury is to familiarise yourself with the plant and avoid contact with your skin. Brushing through patches of giant hogweed and exposing yourself to plants that have been cut might cause you to get sap on your skin. If you do get giant hogweed sap on your skin, be sure to wash the area thoroughly and immediately. Seek medical advice and do not expose the area to sunlight for a few days. For more informa on and advice, go to the website. Please visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2022/06/giant ‐hogweed‐facts
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Many of us know someone affected by breast cancer, so this October, why not help raise awareness and money to help counter this terrible disease?
In the UK, one woman is diagnosed every 10 minutes with breast cancer and every year in the UK, over 56,000 people receive a diagnosis. But, what many people do not know is that around 30 per cent of these are preventable through making lifestyle changes. This equates to around 17,000 breast cancer cases a year. Most common Cancer ‐ Breast is the most common type of cancer in women in the UK. Latest statistics show that breast cancer in UK women increased by 24 per cent between 1993 and 2018. But anyone can get breast cancer, including men; in fact breast cancer in UK men increased by 38 per cent between 1993 and 2018 in the 6569 age group.
Raising awareness ‐ As well as raising much‐needed funds, Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to raise awareness of the following healthy lifestyle choices you can make to reduce the risk of breast cancer:
Healthy diet ‐ Not being overweight and watching what you drink and eat can help reduce your breast cancer risk. Reducing how much alcohol you consume is good, but being teetotal is best of all. Cutting out red meat and processed meat and choosing fish or poultry or, best of all, a vegetarian or vegan diet which has a variety of vegetables, fruits, pulses and wholegrains reduces your risk as well as trying and get your weight down to suit your height.
Regular exercise – It is thought that being active and exercising regularly can reduce your
chances of breast cancer by around 20 per cent, and it significantly lowers your risk if you are a woman who has reached menopause.
The World Health Organisation recommends two and half hours of moderate exercise each week but the more you do, the better. Being active isn’t necessarily about going to the gym for hours at a time. Exercise can be incorporated into your daily life. At work or when you’re out shopping, take the steps instead of the lifts, or at home instead of going up your own stairs just once, do it two or three times or ten! Ditch the car for short journeys and walk as fast as possible when you do!
Be chemical aware – There are some chemicals in everyday items that can increase the risk of breast cancer. They are called EDCs or Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals. EDCs include parabens, PFAs, also known as ‘forever chemicals’, and bisphenols, and they are in many everyday household items such as cleaning products, cosmetics, plastic containers and air fresheners, just to name a few. So, do your homework and find out which of your household or personal items contain EDCs and phase out your use of them to reduce your breast cancer risk.
Why not get aware, get active and get involved this October. You could spend all 30 days doing an exercise‐based challenge or you could raise money to support breast cancer prevention. Visit www.breastcanceruk.org.uk for details.
Losing someone close to us is a painful and challenging experience. Our aim at H D Tribe is to make the whole funeral process as simple and as stress-free as possible for you, by offering a complete funeral service, ensured by H D Tribe’s long-established reputation for quality, dignity and reliability.
Carly joined the team in 2017 bringing with her almost 20 years’ experience within the funeral industry. She thrives on attention to detail and doing her very best for her families. She has 3 demanding children who keep her busy with motorbikes and horses when she isn’t at work. She has a passion for funky irregular choice shoes, be sure to check out her feet if you are in the office.
Carly Cripps
Shoebox Volunteers Needed
A big shout out for volunteers to help with this year Shoebox Appeal
Do you have two hours to spare between the 11th and 29th November 2024? Link to Hope Charity based in Ferring, need help from people that can sort dona ons, pack boxes, drive transits or help in our Ferring‐based warehouse.
We also need people that can sit and take Gi Aid Labels off or volunteer to lovingly repair any shoeboxes that have been damaged along the way. Whatever your skill or ability, there is a role for you with us.
In the world of Link to Hope, we think about Christmas all year round due to our Family & Elderly Shoebox Appeal. Every year since 1991, we have been sending out shoeboxes full of gi s to people who are suffering displacement, poverty and injus ce in Eastern Europe. In some cases, the people that receive a shoebox have no electricity, running water or bathrooms. However, due to the war in Ukraine, we are now also helping thousands of displaced people who did have normal, everyday lives but are now IDP’s (Internally
displaced people) They s ll live in their own country but are now refugees and own
nothing. Our Shoebox Appeal is an opportunity to send a box of simple gi s to a stranger so they know someone, somewhere cares. Through the Shoebox Appeal many educa on and social care projects have been established by Link to Hope and currently thousands of people are helped each day through kindergartens, soup kitchens, work skills lessons, clubs for children with special needs, feeding programmes, house rebuilding programmes and many more.
If you can give two hours, then please do contact us on 01903 529333 or email shoebox@linktohope.co.uk. There is unlimited tea, coffee and biscuits as well. Of course, if you are an individual, business, church, school or organisa on that would like to register to join in with the Shoebox Appeal, please visit www.linktohope.co.uk for more informa on.
The All about Magazines team volunteering 2023
Update from The Angmering School
at the start of the new academic year
The start of the new term at Angmering School has been met with excitement and an cipa on as students and staff eagerly welcomed the beginning of a new school year. The school’s open evening was a resounding success, a rac ng a large number of prospec ve students and parents who were keen to learn more about the school’s offerings. The event provided an opportunity for visitors to tour the facili es, meet teachers, and gain insight into the school’s academic, sports, and extracurricular programs.
The school community is looking forward to an exci ng and produc ve year ahead, with a focus on academic achievement, personal development, and building a strong sense of community. The staff at Angmering School are dedicated to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment where all students have the opportunity to excel and grow.
Former student of The Angmering School in West Sussex, Toby Collyer, made his Premier League debut on 1st September this year for Manchester United during their match against Liverpool. Collyer, 20, was brought on at half‐me to replace Casemiro in a match that ended in a 3‐0 defeat for Manchester United. Collyer, who joined Manchester United from Brighton and Hove Albion in 2022, has been praised by his former teachers for his hard work and determina on.
Ian Gooding, the assistant headteacher at Angmering School, described Collyer as “absolutely grounded” and highlighted his dedica on both in sports and academics during his school years. The young midfielder’s impressive rise to top‐ er football is seen as an inspiring example for current students.
Toby Collyer’s remarkable success in making his Premier League debut for Manchester United has served as a tremendous inspira on for our pupils as they embark on the new school year. His journey from our school to a prominent role in one of the world’s leading football clubs has ignited a newfound sense of determina on and passion among our students.
Toby’s achievements have demonstrated that with hard work, dedica on, and perseverance, anything is possible. His story has sparked a sense of op mism and mo va on among our pupils, as they set their sights on their own personal and academic goals for the upcoming school year. The impact of Toby’s success is evident in the renewed enthusiasm and drive that our students have brought to the start of the new academic term.
A very busy summer for the Lions
The Li lehampton and District Lions have been raising funds to support local causes by a ending summer fairs in East Preston, Worthing and Middleton, as well as weekly bookstalls in Rus ngton and suppor ng Love Local and Screen on the Green in Li lehampton. We were par cularly pleased to support the Armed Forces Day on the seafront.
We held a summer lunch and entertainment for senior ci zens in Li lehampton and the surrounding areas if you know someone who would appreciate an invita on, please let us know and a quiz that raised funds for the local RNLI, as well as organising the popular Rus ngton Charity Street Fair, this year in aid of Blind Veterans. We have supported lots of local charity quizzes, even winning one!
We are an ac ve group involved in many local events, such as helping with marshalling the Mewsbrook Park Easter Egg Hunt and Remembrance Day services.
One of our most important roles is suppor ng the local food banks, collec ng and distribu ng provisions to the local centres. In addi on, we purchase essen als and distribute them locally.
Suppor ng the new Arun Youth Project with their request for a gaming console was a pleasure.
As we move away from summer, we are planning the distribu on of Christmas gi parcels and our ever‐popular Christmas Gro o. Father Christmas will also be on tour, details of which will be available on Facebook soon.
We want to help support local worthy causes and individuals. Did you know we also cover Ferring, Arundel, Barnham, Angmering and Yapton and are keen to get even more involved in these areas?
We are always looking for new members, and we have monthly social events, for example, meals, theatre visits, quizzes and even a tour of the local recycling centre! If you can spare a few hours a month and are interested in joining us, please get in touch. Message us via Facebook, call us on 03458332748 or email li lehamptonlions@gmail.com.
County council plan to reduce emissions and increase climate resilience in West Sussex
The first phase of a six‐year plan to become carbon neutral and climate resilient by 2030 has been set out by West Sussex County Council. A Climate Action and Adaptation Plan for 2024–2027 has been published, which identifies 20 priority actions to be taken across the council and in partnership with key stakeholders in the county.
The actions are broken down into six pathways focusing on issues such as buildings and energy, transport, and nature and environment. Key actions include:
Continuing to decarbonise county council buildings, following the recently completed works on seven libraries, six fire stations, and a day centre
Installing electric vehicle chargepoints at key depots to enable county council vehicles to switch to electric models
Working closely with schools to help address their most pressing sustainability challenges
Working with partners to produce the West Sussex Local Nature Recovery Strategy
Supporting the clean energy transition for the community through Local Area Energy Planning and solar PV group purchasing schemes
Cllr Deborah Urquhart, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said:
“Protecting the environment underpins everything we do. Through this plan and our Climate Change Strategy, we have made a commitment to be carbon neutral and climate resilient in the county council’s own operations by 2030.
“We have already made significant progress. We’ve helped to install 2,500 solar systems in people’s homes, and generated almost 17 million kWh of renewable energy last year from our solar farms and solar panels installed on our buildings.
“Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we will ever face so it’s important we do all we can to protect our environment. The significant changes we are now seeing in our climate are not only presenting difficulties for our communities, but also the work we do as a council to support them. It’s vital that we take steps now to address our carbon emissions and ensure we are ready to cope with the impacts of our changing climate.”
Read the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, find out more about how the county council is tackling climate change, and what you can do to help by visiting www.westsussex.gov.uk/leisure‐recreation‐and‐community/west‐sussex‐climate ‐action/. You can also sign up to receive a monthly environment and climate change eNewsletter.
Film and TV Highlights for October 2024
Whilst October is usually full of Halloween spookiness and horror, this season there’s an exci ng lineup of film and TV releases across various genres coming out.
Joker: Folie à Deux is the highly an cipated sequel to Joker (2019). Whilst specific plot details are s ll heavily under wraps, we can look forward to another dose of Joaquin Phoenix as the supervillain with a sick sense of humour. Joining him on this jocular jaunt is none other than Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. This movie promises to delve deeper into the psyche of the main characters, and the teaser makes it look like a star‐crossed romance begins somewhere in the depths of the Gotham City Asylum. Due to be released on the big screen on 4th October.
One of the most unusual film releases this October is Piece by Piece, a film depic ng the life of Pharrell Williams. It’s unusual because it’s animated using Lego blocks and features voices from the likes of Snoop Dogg, Jay‐Z, Jus n Timberlake, and Gwen Stefani. Be prepared to see a vibrant imagina ve journey into one of the music industry's most crea ve minds. In cinemas on 11th October.
Another long‐awaited Marvel Cinema c Universe instalment is out in October. Venom: The Last Dance is due for release on the 25th. With very few details available about the plot, we can surmise from the trailer that Eddie Brock and his resident alien symbiote Venom are on the run. There are clips of a skirmish in the Middle East, a tuxedoed Eddie in Las Vegas, and a moment when Venom takes over the body of a horse. Wildly unbelievable plotlines are made tolerable by dark humour and Tom Hardy’s presence on screen. Enjoy this offering, it may be the last we see of Venom for a while.
On Ne lix, the long‐awaited third season of Heartstopper sees Charlie and Nick naviga ng their rela onship in this coming‐of‐age series inspired by the graphic novels of Alice Oseman. Joy is set to be released on 25th October. The story centres around a nurse, a groundbreaking surgeon and a visionary scien st who go up against the church and the medical establishment to develop the first ‘test tube baby’ Louise Joy Brown. Starring Bill Nighy, Thomasin McKenzie and Charlie Murphy, this promises to be a great biopic.
Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Cro is due for release on Ne lix on 10th October. This animated series follows Lara (voiced by Hayley Atwell) right a er the most recent video game trilogy, which culminated in Shadow of the Tomb Raider in 2018.
In terms of pure Halloween viewing, Ne lix is offering The Pla orm 2 the dystopian, science fic on follow‐on from Spanish director Galder Gaztelu‐Urruita, which gives you plenty of me to watch the first film.
Amazon Prime is also set to release Totally Killer starring Kiernan Shipka as a teenager who travels back to 1987 to save her mother from a murderer.
Linda Healey
District Assistant Girlguiding East Preston & Angmering
I’ve been involved with Girlguiding in East Preston since 2000, when my daughter joined East Preston Brownie pack. There was a shortage of leaders, so I joined too and qualified as a leader in 2002. I was a Rainbow and Guide leader un l 2018. So much has changed since then; technology has played the largest part, allowing more access to experiences and resources. Girlguiding is s ll “Girl led” and that’s what ma ers most. In 2018, I became a District Assistant. I support the Division Commissioner and our local district team and represent Girlguiding East Preston & Angmering at community events.
What do you like best about East Preston? It’s a small village, unlikely to spread much further, great sense of community.
What do you like least about East Preston?
The East Preston railway crossing wai ng mes have got longer lately.
How long have you lived in or around East Preston? I moved to East Preston in November 1999 having spent 11 years in Durrington.
If you could change anything about East Preston, what would it be?
More parking by the sea.
What is your favourite local restaurant? La Cucina in Rus ngton. I love Italian food.
What is your earliest memory? I was about six or seven years old, holidaying at my grandma’s bungalow in East Wi ering near the beach, building sandcastles and swimming in the sea with my dad.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Being on horseback.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
An ar st and designer like my uncle. I was good at drawing when I was young, and he encouraged me. I used to love visi ng his design studio.
What was your first car and your favourite thing about it? A Ford Escort Mk 1 auto. I previously rode motorbikes, so having a car was brilliant, especially in winter or on rainy days, as I kept warm and dry.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Always buying plants for our garden. We have evergreens and perennials as the main plants, and I change the annuals with each season.
What is the best advice you have ever been given? Life is what you make it; the only person who can change it is you.
How would you spend £1 million?
I’d buy a detached property with a wraparound garden in East Preston, nearer the beach, with a workshop for my husband.
What is your favourite journey?
Driving home south along the A280 Long Furlong and seeing the view from the top of the hill. It reminds me I live in the countryside and not Middlesex where I was born.
What is your favourite gadget? My iPhone. It contains my diary, emails and social media accounts, which I use on a daily basis.
What is your screensaver at the moment?
On my Mac, the screensaver has the alpacas at Ferring Country Centre
What do you do in your spare me?
I’m a volunteer with Girlguiding and at Ferring Country Centre. I like gardening, horse riding, reading and cra s.
Which words or phrases do you think are most overused? “Can I get” (whatever happened to “please may I have?”), “I’m Like” (slang).
What is the most important lesson life has taught you? There is always something to be thankful for.
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UNBLOCKTOBER
Unblocktober is a month‐long na onal campaign aimed at improving the health of our drains, sewers and watercourses. Held every October since 2019, it encourages individuals, households, and businesses to adopt be er habits that prevent blockages and reduce environmental pollu on.
During October, there will be a public awareness campaign to highlight the problems caused by improper waste disposal. It will focus on educa ng people about what should and shouldn’t go down our drains and toilets.
Everyday items like wet wipes, fats, oils, and grease (collec vely known as FOG) can cause significant blockages, leading to ‘fatbergs’ and other costly plumbing issues.
Unblocktober is important for several reasons:
Environmental Protec on: Improper waste disposal can lead to blocked sewers, which in turn can cause raw sewage to overflow into rivers, streams, and oceans. This pollutes our waterways, harming wildlife and disrup ng ecosystems.
Preven ng Fatbergs: Fatbergs are massive accumula ons of FOG and non‐biodegradable items. They can cause extensive damage to sewer systems, leading to expensive repairs and increased water bills for everyone.
Public Health: Blocked sewers can lead to flooding and sewage overflows, posing serious health risks to the community.
Joining in Unblocktober is simple and impac ul:
Mindful Disposal: Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down the sink. Instead, let them cool and dispose of them in the bin.
Flush Wisely: Only flush the three Ps: pee, poo, and (toilet) paper. Dispose of wet wipes, sanitary products, and other non‐biodegradable items in the rubbish.
Spread the Word: Raise awareness by sharing ps and informa on about Unblocktober with friends, family, and colleagues.
By adop ng these prac ces, you can help protect the environment, prevent costly plumbing problems, and ensure cleaner, healthier waterways. Join Unblocktober and be part of the solu on!
Improving Future Healthcare
Could you help healthcare professionals of tomorrow learn about demen a?
Time for Demen a is an innova ve, award‐winning training programme designed to educate undergraduate healthcare professionals to improve their knowledge, a tude and empathy towards people with demen a and their carers.
Local families affected by demen a are being invited to take part in an award‐winning programme to help train the healthcare professionals of tomorrow and improve demen a care.
Alzheimer’s Society is excited to announce that this autumn, a new cohort of University of Chichester Nursing and Physiotherapy students will be taking part. We are now seeking families in the area who would like the opportunity to make a difference to training health professionals.
The concept of Time for Demen a is to give undergraduate healthcare students a chance to meet with a family living with demen a over me, to get to know them, see how demen a affects them, and see the changes and challenges they may face over me.
This unique way of learning gives students the opportunity to discover answers they won’t find in a textbook and enhance their professional development, therefore, improving future healthcare. Students meet with the same family for all five Time for Demen a visits over two academic years.
If you would like to know more about the programme, or you know someone with demen a and a family carer who would like to take part, please get in touch with us at mefordemen a@alzheimers.org.uk or call Louisa Young on 07738 741389.
Flu Jabs
While very few people now qualify for a free COVID vaccine, many people qualify for a free flu jab, including over 65s, diabe cs, asthma cs, people with chronic heart, liver or kidney disease, a BMI over 40, and carers and frontline health workers.
What many people don’t realise is that even if you don’t fall into one of the ‘at risk’ categories, a flu jab is s ll a sensible precau on. You’ll have to pay, but it’s inexpensive (generally under £20) and many pharmacists administer the vaccine on their premises, so you won’t have to book a GP appointment or take me off work.
Why should an otherwise healthy person need a flu vaccine? Well, seasonal flu is a substan al and unpleasant illness, far worse than the common cold, with which it’s some mes confused. Flu generally requires a week or so off work to recover and can trigger other condi ons like bronchi s or pneumonia.
The average person with flu infects one or two other people through sneezing, coughing and touch. If you work with the general public, in a
shop or hair salon for example, you are more at risk of being exposed to the virus, so you might consider a flu jab a worthwhile investment.
A business owner may consider the impact a week off sick would have on their business and opt to protect themself for that reason.
Children are much more likely to pick up and pass on bugs as they are in such close proximity to each other all day. For this reason, teachers and parents might think it wise to have a jab.
Flu jabs are generally safe unless you have an allergy to eggs or have had a previous allergic reac on to a shot. So, discuss protec ng yourself with your pharmacist today.
Trick or Treat Etiquette
Trick or Treating, once primarily an American tradition, has firmly taken root in the UK. Love it or loathe it, the 31st October will bring with it groups of spookily clad youngsters, going door to door shouting “Trick or treat!” As they venture out into the night, it’s important for both trick‐or‐treaters and homeowners to observe some etiquette to ensure a fun evening for all.
Trick‐or‐Treaters:
Costumes and Manners: Dress up in your best costumes and be sure to say “please” and “thank you” when collecting treats. Politeness goes a long way in making a positive impression.
Respect Homes: Only visit homes that are clearly participating. A good indicator is if the house is decorated or has a lit pumpkin outside. If a house is dark or unadorned, it’s polite to move on. Not everyone likes unannounced visitors, no matter how cute they look.
Timing is Key: Stick to the early evening, ideally between 5 pm and 8 pm. This ensures you’re not disturbing households too late at night.
Stay Safe: Stay in a group and have an adult accompany young children. Carry a torch or wear reflective clothing to stay visible.
Householders
Signal Participation: If you’re happy to welcome trick‐or‐treaters, make it clear with decorations, a lit pumpkin, or leaving the porch light on.
Treats Only: Provide wrapped sweets and chocolates for hygiene and safety.
Respectful Refusals: If you prefer not to participate, simply leave your exterior lights off and consider putting up a polite sign indicating you’re not taking part.
Be Inclusive: Consider offering non‐food treats as well for children with allergies or dietary restrictions, such as stickers or small toys.
By following these simple guidelines, both trick‐or‐treaters and homeowners can enjoy a spooky, safe, and happy Halloween.
Get your electric blanket tested for free
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is running free electric blanket tes ng sessions for residents in October. Faulty electric blankets are a common cause of fire in the home. Last year, 36 per cent of the blankets tested by the service were defec ve and posed a serious risk of star ng a fire.
Regular tes ng is recommended for blankets over two years old to ensure they are s ll safe to use. Blankets over ten years old should be replaced.
A session is being held on 2nd October at Durrington Community Centre, 2 Romany Road, Worthing, BN13 3FJ, by appointment only. Residents can book an appointment to have their blanket tested by calling 0345 8729719.
WSFRS’s Safe and Well Manager Samantha Barber said: “We know lots of people will be planning to use their electric blankets to keep warm this winter, par cularly as the cost of living remains high. Of the 209 blankets we tested last year, 75 were deemed unsafe to use as they failed to meet safety standards, which posed a great fire risk. We would encourage residents to come and have their blankets
tested to ensure they have peace of mind that their blanket is s ll safe to use. Please book an appointment to meet our friendly team.”
Further advice on keeping safe and warm at home can be found online. Please go to www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire‐emergencies‐and‐crime/west‐sussex‐fire‐and‐rescue‐service/ home‐fire‐safety/electrical‐and‐hea ng‐appliance‐safety‐advice/
Li lehampton
Ladies Probus Club
Pride and Prejudice
Rus ngton Players next produc on is a new adapta on of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice at The Woodlands Centre, Rus ngton from Wednesday 13th to Saturday 16th November 2024 at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm).
We are a group of about 40 ladies who enjoy a monthly mee ng in convivial company and with a delicious lunch (we have to admit that the dessert trolley is only for special occasions) followed, usually, by a speaker. The talks cover a variety of topics and we welcome sugges ons from members.
We are also hoping to start a monthly Coffee Morning in the autumn as well as other social ac vi es ‐ and encourage our members to share their ideas.
We meet at Ham Manor Golf Club, Angmering, on the fourth Friday of each month.
This year, we celebrated our 40th Birthday with li le mementoes for our members. We also had lunches for Diwali, Burns Night, Chinese New Year and the King’s Corona on – all with suitably themed menus.
If you would like to learn more about us or join us for lunch, please contact Margaret, the Membership Secretary, preferably by email –daisypopslib@b nternet.com – so that she can send you some informa on about the club. Please include your phone number. If you would like to speak to Margaret, call 01903 787081. We look forward to hearing from you.
This new adapta on follows the engaging war of words and wit, between the independent‐minded Elizabeth Bennet and the enigma c Mr Darcy. Finding a husband is not Elizabeth’s priority, but with three sisters and an over‐zealous match‐making mother, it is difficult to escape the subject. All feelings of a rac on are muted by his pride and her prejudice, but as their worlds keep colliding, their a rac on increases.
Adapted by Nadya Henwood, who this year produced a po ed version in the Worthing Theatre Trail, and that script has been accepted for publica on by Lazy Bee Publishing. She is also currently in discussion with the organisers of the annual Jane Austen Fes val in Bath who are considering pu ng it on as one of their events next year. This will coincide with the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth.
Tickets are £12 from www. cketsource.co.uk/ rus ngtonplayers or call 07546 306438 (also on the door depending on availability).
Flourishing for 40 years
The blossoming of a very special partnership
Since its founda on in 1927, the Na onal Garden Scheme (NGS) has donated over £70 million to support some of the best‐loved nursing and health chari es in the UK. In that me, one of the most significant beneficiaries has been Macmillan Cancer Support, with 2024 marking 40 consecu ve years of dona ons from the Na onal Garden Scheme.
The generosity of NGS garden owners, volunteers and visitors has contributed over £19 million to support people living with cancer across the UK. This has funded over 150 Macmillan nurses, as well as making a major contribu on to the construc on of three brand‐new cancer centres.
Commen ng on the landmark anniversary, George Plumptre, Chief Execu ve of the Na onal Garden Scheme, said: “There are few charity partnerships in the UK that can boast such longevity or impact in the nursing sector. We are immensely proud of all that we have helped Macmillan Cancer Support achieve over the last 40 years both in terms of capital build projects and vital nursing services and we look forward to con nuing our remarkable partnership and helping them to support those living with cancer.”
For more about the partnership and associated case studies, visit www.ngs.org.uk/40yearsofpartnership/
You can help support Na onal Garden Scheme chari es by visi ng an NGS open garden.
Peelers Retreat, Arundel
Saturday 5th October 2.30pm‐5.30pm
This inspira onal space is a delight with plenty of shaded areas to sit and relax while enjoying delicious homemade teas. Interlocking beds are
packed with year‐round colour and scent, shaded by specimen trees. There’s an inven ve water feature including a rill, a raised fish pond, working Victorian fireplace and sculptures. Admission £5, children free: Book online at www.ngs.org.uk or pay on the day.
The Old Vicarage, Washington
Thursday 3rd and Thursday 10th October 10am ‐5pm
Gardens of three‐and‐a‐half‐acres set around an 1832 Regency house (not open). The front is formally laid out with topiary, wide lawn, mixed border and contemporary water sculpture. The rear features new and mature trees from the 19th century, herbaceous borders, a water garden and stunning uninterrupted views of the North Downs. Admission £7, children free: pre‐booking essen al, visit www.ngs.org.uk.
Denmans Garden, Fontwell
Sunday 27th October 11am‐6pm.
Created by Joyce Robinson, a brilliant pioneer in gravel gardening and former home of influen al landscape designer, John Brookes MBE. Denmans is a Grade II registered post‐war garden renowned for its curvilinear layout and complex plan ngs. Enjoy year‐round colour, unusual plants, structure and fragrance in the gravel gardens, faux riverbeds, in mate walled garden, ponds and conservatory. Light refreshments: Admission £9, children £6: Pre‐booking essen al, visit www.ngs.org.uk
Did you know you can visit virtual gardens on the Na onal Garden Scheme website. You can also buy a range of sunny yellow merchandise, which never fails to brighten your day. Soon you will be able to browse our range of Christmas cards. All funds raised from our shop will help ensure we can con nue to open our gates in support of vital nursing and health chari es. Please visit www.ngs.org.uk
