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.
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.
Spring is in the air and there is so much to celebrate and enjoy as the season begins.
Schools, libraries, and bookshops will celebrate World Book Day on 7th March. This year’s theme is The Great Big Footy and Booky Quiz. Don’t forget Mother’s Day on 10th March and Easter is early this year, with Good Friday on 29th March. Then the clocks will go forward in the early hours of Easter Sunday on 31st March, essen ally giving you an hour less to consume all of those Easter eggs!
There is plenty going on in our local areas as usual, check out our What’s On pages and the website. Don’t forget to add your events on our website and then they will appear in the magazine too.
And finally please do use the local businesses in this magazine as without them this magazine would not exist.
Happy Easter!
Helen and the All about Magazines team
Countryside and cafes
with the Angmering Cycling Club
What be er way to discover the hidden delights of Sussex and its stunning scenery than with the Angmering Cycling Club.
Most weekends throughout the year the members of the Angmering Cycling Club head out on to the roads and cycle paths of West Sussex. We also have a calendar of special events which some mes take us further afield. As a community club we cater for all abili es, and for Road, Gravel, and Mountain bike riders.
On the road, we have social rides that are typically around 25 miles at a gentle pace. Then we have Intermediate rides of around 40 miles. Both categories also have occasional extended op ons so that members can choose to ride a longer distance. Then we have Inters+ and Club categories that will ride faster s ll and cover more ground.
Off‐road, our Gravel and MTB op ons vary in length and speed according to the terrain.
Of course, whilst this is all good for our fitness, mental wellbeing, and the like, it is important to properly fuel for the body to manage the ride back to our homes. So, for this reason, we also make sure to include one of the many amazing coffee shops and/or cafes into every route (some mes more than one), and occasionally we may also end the ride at a suitable watering hole.
This year, the membership has risen to around 148 members. Some of those have been with us since the club’s incep on. We have members ranging from their 20s to 70+. One thing is for sure; we all love riding our bikes and ea ng cake!
The club, which is affiliated to Bri sh Cycling, the na onal body for cycling in the UK, places a high emphasis on rider safety, with all rides led by trained ride leaders. Prospec ve members are allowed to come along as ‘guests’ for up to two rides before joining. Although based in Angmering, the Club has members from all over the county, including Worthing, Li lehampton, Rus ngton, East Preston and along the coast from Bognor Regis to Shoreham as well as members from Storrington and Pulborough. The Club has a ‘no drop’ policy meaning that any rider, who has a puncture or mechanical problem, will be helped to get them back on the road, or safely home.
If you are interested in understanding more about our club or want to know how to join, this can be found on the Club website h ps://www.angmeringcyclingclub.com or by emailing the club Secretary: secretary@angmeringcyclingclub.com
My Husband 4 Hire
When Darren and Gill moved to East Preston in early 2022, they were asked to provide services encompassing a wide range of ‘handyman’ and concierge needs, together with full management services.
Darren spent his working career in both the Armed Forces and Fire Service. This combined with over 25 years’ experience in property renova on and maintenance (both in the owned and rental sectors) means he has the exper se to handle a wide variety of prac cal services for the interior and exterior of your home and garden.
Whether it’s a door knob replacing, a curtain pole put up, a leaky tap fixed, or your new home ready to move into, he can help.
Is it pu ng up shelves, organising the TV moun ng, installing all your bathroom accessories, hanging the pictures and mirrors, or assembling those furniture flatpacks?
You may require prepara ons to be made if this isn’t your main residence, opening‐up your home, organising catering supplies or simply, nice clean sheets on the bed, for your arrival.
We can caretake your home, in your absence, or arrange for clearance, cleaning and prepara on of the home for sale, if you live far away.
Please call on 0777403530, or email me gill@myhusband4hire.co.uk
We quote you as accurately as possible, using an hourly basis for the smaller items, or a fixed quota on for anything larger.
Tes monial
“As I live a long way from my mother, it’s great to know that someone as trustworthy and prac cal as Darren can be called upon to assist her in the house and garden. She feels very comfortable having him the house, even though she lives alone.”
Cameron Butler
SATs at East Preston Junior School
As we reached the half‐way point of the year, the oldest junior school pupils start to look ahead to the end of their primary years, the transi on to secondary school, and the rite of passage that is the Year 6 tests – commonly known as SATs. Although the tests don’t hold any great importance for individuals, it is the children’s first encounter with formal exam condi ons for wri en test papers.
Over the course of a week, the children undertake tests in Reading, mathema cs, and grammar and spelling. With tests las ng between 15 minutes and an hour, it’s a new experience, but one that is prac sed in the familiar se ng of their own classrooms with their usual teachers. The aim is to help prepare the children for the real thing in May – not least by taking out any fear of the unknown!
Here some of the children reflect on their experience of prac sing the process in January.
Oliver:
This week was mock SATs week. All week we had one test every day. As the first papers were being handed out, I felt really excited, but I could see others were the opposite. If you are like this, remember these things: don’t be afraid because you should enjoy them; don’t get stressed as if you don’t do well it won’t ma er; try to get some prac ce in before the test and focus on the ques ons you struggle with.
Julia:
to use the Year 6 homework app, and that I should focus on the subjects I struggle with and it really helped. The type of ques ons they have in the reasoning paper include symmetry, graphs and percentage ques ons. I actually really enjoyed prac sing for it, because it is an experience and you do get treats a erwards, which is the best!
Leoni:
The reading paper was the easiest for me, and really boosted my confidence. When you start, you are given some things to read, and all you have to do on the reading test is find the right informa on in the reading to answer the ques ons. Honestly, it’s nothing to be afraid of.
Of course, with only 5 papers to complete over the week, there’s s ll plenty of me to con nue with the full range of the curriculum. In fact, during the same period, children were comple ng their Art projects focused on prin ng techniques. Each child designed their own prin ng pa ern to be carved on lino les, ready to be printed. Perhaps the greatest challenge is remembering that everything needs to be a mirror image! Perhaps those symmetry ques ons might have helped?
When you do mock SATS papers, it really feels like the proper one and when you start you just kind of begin to stress out. But remind yourself it’s not the real one. Also the teachers do tell you just to try your best and work hard. I prepared for the Reasoning maths paper by telling my mum it was coming up. She told me
Do you have achy joints and red muscles?
by Personal Trainer, Peter Buckland
I o en have people come to see me at the studio saying their joints feel achy and that their legs feel red. Even though there can be many reasons for this, there are a few simple things we can try, to see if we can make them feel a li le be er.
Not using your joints regularly and consistently doesn’t help, so we need to move more. Even if that means a simple walk every day or even a gentle bike ride. When your joints move they secrete a lubricant that helps with their movement.
As for the muscles, the most common reason for aches is that most people don’t drink enough water. Now when muscles are dehydrated, they don’t work very well and they can also feel pre y red too. So make sure you get enough water in, even through the colder months.
The last thing to look at would be overall strength in the muscles. Weak muscles will make them feel red and this can be easily
fixed with some very simple exercises such as si ng and standing without the use of the arms.
When your muscles are stronger, they will also help take some pressure off of your joints. So with a li le more ac vity, a few simple exercises and some water, you could feel much be er.
If you would like to learn more about this, please feel free to book in a free 30‐minute consulta on with me at the studio. We can have a chat about what you need help with and go from there.
Please contact me either by email at pete@physpt.co.uk or by phone on 07341 825 616.
Visit our website to:
• discover tips on improving your health and wellbeing
• view equipment to help you stay independent
• find support for carers
• learn about options for extra care and support.
Collabora ve Prac ce
at Coppice and Angmering Medical Centre
When you contact the surgery with a concern, either by telephone or eConsult, your issue will be triaged by either the duty GP or signpos ng clinician of the day. This will result in a number of outcomes: same day appointment (in person or telephone), a future telephone appointment or possibly advised to contact A&E/111. Once your concern is appropriately triaged you may find that you are booked in with a GP but you could also find that you see a Paramedic, an Advanced Nurse Prescriber, a Prac ce Nurse or a Health Care Assistant (we also have two Physiotherapists, a Mental Health Nurse and a Mental Health co‐ordinator). All of these clinicians are highly trained individuals, so if you are booked in to see one of them, please rest assured that we feel that they are the best clinician to see you and deal with your concerns. There are always GPs at the surgery who support our team of clinicians at all mes. The triage process has been adopted by many GP surgeries across the country and is the most
efficient process to ensure our pa ents see the most appropriate clinician to make you well again.
Opening Times: For telephone contact: 8am ‐ 6.30pm Monday to Friday in both clinics, apart from Fridays when the Coppice closes at 1pm. Doors are closed daily between 12.30pm to 1pm.
Extended access service for pre-arranged appointments: 6pm to 8pm weekdays at Angmering Medical Centre and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays, which alternates between Angmering Medical Centre and Fitzalan Medical Group.
Upcoming closure a ernoons: Required for essen al update training: 19th March, 18th April and 15th May – for mings, please see our website.
Expert advice on paying for care
Long-term care in your own home or in a residential care home is expensive, but with expert advice from independent financial specialists, Carewise can help you to make informed decisions on choosing and paying for the right care.
The Carewise care fees specialists are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and members of the Society of Later Life Advisers, so you can have peace of mind when discussing your finances.
It’s that me of year again
Richard Cohen, FPFS ACII MCSI Chartered Financial Planner
Nsure Financial Services 01903 821010
For many, this is the point of the year that signifies change, especially when it comes to financial ma ers. It’s certainly the me of year when my team sees an increase in calls and emails asking for advice regarding tax allowances and closing off the year in the most economical way.
Within the next few weeks, we will witness another tax year close and a new one open. If you have savings, ISA’s or pensions, this can be a busy period and ming can make a huge difference.
ISA’s are generally my first point of call when it comes to evalua ng where to put your money, especially at this late stage in the year. Each of you has a £20,000 allowance each tax year, so if you haven’t made the most of it yet, it’s certainly a good place to start. Remember, ISA’s are essen ally tax free savings/investment accounts, so any returns you earn fall outside of income tax, and capital gains.
As I’ve men oned capital gains tax, it’s worth poin ng out the allowance for capital gains has halved from £6,000 pa to £3,000 pa for the 24/25 tax year period and beyond. Of course ISA’s shield you from these changes anyway, so this is yet another reason to make sure you use your allowance or as much of it as you can.
Pensions are another interes ng op on too, for those of you under 75, even if you haven’t earned an income, you can s ll pay £2,880 and benefit from £720 tax relief.
My advice is generally to make a plan for your investments early in the tax year, this way it allows you to make the most of the en re period, rather than trying to cram it in towards the end.
Totally Bu ons
Totally Bu ons have opened a new unique shop in Anchor Springs, Li lehampton, opposite the bus sta on, selling JUST bu ons (including organic melt in your mouth chocolate bu ons) and 400 different colours of Gutermann thread.
You will find bu on gi s and bu on project ideas with the tools to help. We have a huge range of bu ons loose, in tubes, on cards, a fantas c display of novelty bu ons in wood and nylon (plas c), vintage and the very popular American Dress‐It‐Up Bu ons. The shop specialises in end‐of‐line bu ons, once they are gone, they are gone!
We have been trading online since 2008 www.totallybu ons.com where we stock over 5000 different styles, colours and sizes of beau ful, unusual and exquisite bu ons, in many materials: shell, wood, metal, fabric, beaded, coconut, horn, polyester, acrylic, vintage, glass and ceramic but also prac cal, useful bu ons. The website offers a click and collect service to pick up your orders from the shop, where you will be able to browse to see if
anything else catches your eye. It is like being in a candy store but without the calories! (Bah Humbug Sweets is next door if you want some of those!)
Our ethos is to create a wonderful, calm, shopping experience with our customer care being very important to us. We treat customers as individuals and will go the extra mile to help where we can, each and every one of you is very important to us. Free parking discs are available at Li lehampton Tyres across the road from us.
Julie and the team look forward to seeing you soon.
Ear Wax Removal with Yana
My name is Yana and I’ve worked in healthcare for the last 10 years, including the last three years in Worthing. I hold an NVQ4 in health and social care and a cer ficate as an Aural Care Prac oner. I now provide home visits using the latest and one of the most effec ve, safest and gentlest ways to remove stubborn and excess ear wax, using the Microsuc on technique. It is now the gold standard for safe ear wax removal and is also quicker than most other methods.
I use the Tympa health equipment which allows me to look into your ears and take photos or videos of your ears in real me. There is now no need to have the wax removed by je ng water into your ears, which is uncomfortable and can some me be painful.
Microsuc on involves using a gentle suc on device to remove any earwax that may be blocking your ear or causing discomfort.
Once the procedure is finished, I can check your ears to ensure that all of the earwax has been removed. In one 30‐minute appointment, the earwax can be removed and bring relief to your ears, all in the comfort of your own home and for only £60, for both ears.
To book an appointment call or text Yana 07747 443558 or email removeearwaxuk@gmail.com.
Go electric or s ck to petrol/diesel?
by Jerry Luff
from GoFindCars.com,
your local car finder and seller
Despite pressure from governments worldwide to reduce vehicle emissions, the la er part of 2022 saw the prime minister set back the ban on brand new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035 (could the goalpost get moved again before then?).
Electric cars are becoming more mainstream, and with the push from both government and industry, why are so many of us s ll not sold on the idea? A er all, we’re told they’re greener, more efficient and par cularly cool. So why are so many of us hanging back? Let’s explore. EVs are considerably more expensive to buy from the showroom but used examples can be harder to shi as there’s legi mate concern about ba ery longevity. This means current residual values are o en disappoin ng.
Nowadays electricity costs don’t offer the saving they once did either. Are the public in less of a rush to take the leap?
Back in 2017 fleetnews.co.uk reported that when spending £75 in a petrol or diesel car (returning 55mpg), an average EV would make a fuel saving of £28 on a 700 mile trip. Now 7 years later and judging by the hugely inflated cost of my own electricity bill at home, I’m not convinced there’s a worthy saving to be made.
Servicing‐wise, the UK Government’s own website es mates that the maintenance saving on an average EV works out at £150 per year. However, this fails to men on whether this factors in the cost of an expensive replacement ba ery once its cells expire in 10 or 15 years.
Michelin Tyres state on their website that the average electric sports car has a ba ery weight of a whopping 400kgs. In reality this equates to more tyre wear from both the addi onal torque of an electric motor, as well as the ba ery weight. So you’re going to need special tyres that cost more (designed to manage the weight as well as reduce perceived road noise due to the absence of a roaring engine). Consider the impact that addi onal weight has on your discs and pads (not to men on your wallet).
Environmentally speaking, producing an electric car releases roughly the same amount of CO2 as a petrol or diesel car, but then you have to add in the produc on of the ba ery. Es mates
suggest that 150kg of CO2 are released for every 1 Kilowa hour (kWh) of ba ery capacity. For electric cars to have a decent range (say 300 miles) between charges, they need a ba ery that’s at least 60kWh in capacity. This equates to a further 9 tonnes of CO2 being emi ed during the making of each and every electric car. It’s nothing short of staggering, but apart from the kudos benefits there are s ll big incen ves for business users. Things start to look much more interes ng if your company supplies you with a car as a ‘benefit in kind’ and the maintenance is therefore covered for you. According to the Bri sh Vehicle Rental and Leasing Associa on, over half of new business contract hire deliveries are now ba ery powered.
Un l April 2025 tax rates are frozen at just 2% of the car’s value, whereas even the most efficient petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicles are taxed at 25% or more. Although the tax bands will increase every April from 2025 onwards, at each new financial year, HM Treasury has confirmed that those incen ves will remain in place un l at least 2028.
Whether you’re turned on by an electric car or not, brand new petrol and diesels are here to stay for at least another 11 years. The reality is when the last one rolls off the produc on line it will s ll be on the roads with millions of others for years to come. Unless an electric car is on your bucket list, could it be worth wai ng a decade to see how much be er they get before par ng with your hard‐earned cash?
What’s On in and around East Preston and Kingston
Please add your events to our website https://allaboutmagazines.co.uk/add/event if you would like your event to appear in the ‘What’s On’ pages.
Friday 1st March ‐ 14:00
World Day of Prayer (St Mary the Virgin, Vicarage Lane, East Preston)
The service will be followed by refreshments in the spire room. All are warmly welcome ‐ so make this a date in the diary!
Sunday 3rd March ‐ 10:00 to 15:30
Antiques and Collectors Fair (Woodlands Centre, Woodlands Avenue, Rustington)
At this popular monthly event, stalls sell various items, including coins, stamps, glass, pottery, costumery, books and more. Refreshments and on‐site parking available. Only £1 entry.
Tuesday 5th March ‐ 19:30 to 21:00
Worthing Antique, Arts and Collectors’ Club Ceramics Talk (Chichester Room, Field Place, Manor House, Durrington‐on‐Sea, BN13 1NP)
Listen to ceramic expert Nick Panes discuss the Richard Champion collection. This small, friendly club meets on the first Tuesday of the month. All are welcome. Non‐members £7.50, or become a member for £35 p/a. For more information, call Andy 07984 403890
Wednesday 6th March ‐ 14:30 to 16:00
Knit and Natter (East Preston Library)
Everyone is welcome. Simply turn up, bring your knitting, crocheting or stitching and enjoy a good chat.
Wednesday 6th March ‐ 18:30 to 21:30 Micro Scalextric Formula One Race Night (English Martyrs Church Hall, Goring Way, Goring)
Scalextric racers of all ages are welcome to join in some Formula One fun at Worthing HO Racing’s monthly meeting. Adults £3, under‐16s £2. Find out more at www.whoracing.org.uk
Wednesday 6th March ‐ 19:00 to 21:00
Brushes Art Club: Re‐interpreting a black and white picture (Broadwater Parish Rooms, Broadwater Street West, Worthing)
Bring your own monochrome picture or photo‐graph to be drawn and re‐interpreted as
a colour painting. To find out more, email Alan Moore at amoore16@sky.com.
Saturday 9th March ‐ 10:30 to 16:00
Spring Fayre (Offington Park Methodist Church, South Farm Road, Worthing)
Craft fayre selling all types of crafts, including papercrafts, jewellery, candles, soaps, knitted toys, embroidery and decoupage.
Saturday 9th March ‐ 10:30 to 13:00
Worthing’s Blue Plaque Signs (various locations in Worthing)
The Sussex Pathfinders walking group is leaving the hills and fields to discover the wealth of people connected to Worthing who have been honoured with blue plaques. Meet in Marine Gardens off West Parade. For more information, see www.sussexpathfinders.org.uk
Saturday 9th March ‐ 18:00 to 01:00
RNLI 200th Anniversary Celebration Ball ‐Littlehampton (Fontwell Park Racecourse)
Join RNLI Littlehampton at this black tie ball to celebrate the RNLI’s 200th anniversary. Tickets £55 from www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rnli‐200th‐anniversary‐celebration‐ball‐littlehampton‐registration‐803805001397
Monday 11th March ‐ 19:30
Talk on Tree Surgery by Lesley Baker (Conservative Hall, Sea Road, East Preston)
Free to members. Non‐members £5. Call 01903 782191 to book in advance if requiring a light supper (£3 extra). Drinks sold separately.
This exhibition showcases a range of brand‐new artwork created by the talented Superstar artists who have been, inspired by trips to Highdown Gardens and Angmering Woods. Superstar Arts is a registered charity based in Worthing, that provides creative projects for adults with learning disabilities.
Tuesday 12th March ‐ 19:15 to 20:45
Tour de France talk (Angmering Community Centre, Bramley Green)
This month’s talk to the Anglo‐French Circle about Le Tour de France will be delivered via Zoom. All levels of French are welcome. Visitors, please email if you wish to attend anglofrenchrustington@gmail.com.
Wed 13th to Sat 16th March ‐ 19:45
Going Green ‐ a tragic comedy (Woodlands Centre, Woodlands Avenue, Rustington)
The Rustington Players are performing this topical comedy play by David Tristram. Tickets available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/ rustingtonplayers or call 07546 306438
Thursday 14th March ‐ 14:30
South Downs Film Makers show (Woodlands Centre, Woodlands Avenue, Rustington)
The Ferring‐based South Downs Film Makers club make award‐winning dramas, comedies and documentaries. Here’s a chance to see some of their recent productions. All welcome. Entry £3 at the door or free for Rustington Heritage Association members.
Thursday 14th March ‐ 19:00 to 21:15
Foreign Film evening (West Worthing Baptist Church, South Street, BN14 7LU)
The Worthing Twinning Association is showing the 1989 French film Lola Rennt (aka Run, Lola, Run) with English subtitles. Ticket £5 includes a glass of wine or juice and doughnut. Non‐members are most welcome. Full details at www.WorthingTwinningAssociation.org
Saturday 16th March ‐ 10:00 to 15:00
East Preston Artisan Market and Mini Makers
Funtime (East Preston Village Hall)
Shop for unique art, handmade artisan items, local products and a tasty treat or two, plus there will be creative activities for children.
Sunday 17th March ‐ 14:30 to 17:00
St. Patrick’s Day Concert ‐ Springtime in Ireland (Woodlands Centre, Woodlands Ave‐nue, Rustington)
Enjoy an afternoon of varied Irish music. Tickets £10 includes tea, coffee or juice served in the interval. Tickets available from the box office on 01903 773947 or 07939 420937.
Tuesday 19th March ‐ 09:45 to 12:00
The Art Society Arun Talk ‐ Grace Darling & the Fine Art of Saving Lives at Sea (Woodlands Centre, Woodlands Avenue, Rustington)
Grace Darling became the ‘poster girl’ of the RNLI, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. Guests £7 at the door. Everyone wel‐come, so grab a coffee and enjoy the talk!
Wednesday 20th March ‐ 19:00 to 21:00
Joe Dowden Local Professional Artist (Broadwater Parish Rooms, Broadwater Street West, Worthing)
Join Brushes Art Club for a ‘Masterclass’ from renowned local artist Joe Dowden on painting and using watercolours. Bring your materials and paint along with Joe. To find out more, email Alan Moore at amoore16@sky.com.
Wed 20th to Sat 23rd March ‐ 19:30
And Then There Were None (Ferring Village Hall, Ferring Street)
Watch the Ferring Amateur Dramatics Society’s performance of this intriguing Agatha Christie mystery. Ticket £12 each, available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/fad
Saturday 23rd March ‐ 19:30 to 22:30
East Preston W.I. presents Henry VIII (East Preston Junior School Hall)
Back by popular demand, Tony Harris, comedi‐an, professional actor and raconteur will be performing as Henry VIII. Bring your own drink and nibbles. Tickets £5 from Anne‐Marie: call 01903 774370. Everyone welcome.
Tuesday 26th March ‐ 19:00 to 22:00
Film Show Night ‐ Wicked Little Letters (Angmering Community Centre)
Don’t miss this film shot locally in Arundel and Worthing, and starring Olivia Coleman and Jessie Buckley. Tickets £7.50 available from Centre office, cash only, or online at www.cinemobile.co.uk
Tuesday 26th March ‐ 19:15
The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice Auditions (Ferring Village Hall, Ferring Street)
Whether it’s acting or helping backstage, come along to the audition with the Ferring Amateur Dramatics Society. For more details, see www.ferring‐drama.org.uk
Self‐Love Is Underrated
Nathalie Sansonetti BA, MA, DNN, Dip AIT
Nutritional Therapist & Health Coach, New Leaf Nutrition
Growing up with abusive brothers (and pre y absent parents) made me into a tough child. I rejected my own feelings and tastes, hungry for their love and acceptance.
I learnt early on that I needed to change my appearance and behaviour to 'deserve' and receive love from anyone.
I constantly encounter these beliefs and behaviours in my work and personal life. We tend to conform to get accepted. We think that it may even lead to love. We believe and treasure others' views and opinions of ourselves more than our own too.
Of course, we understand that these views reflect the 'world out there', and do not o en represent our own internal opinions and views. But their power to influence us and our self‐acceptance is undeniable.
Personally, it’s taken me years of rocky roads and hard knocks but I’m now very comfortable saying that I accept and love myself uncondi onally. I have found that one par cular prac ce has made a huge difference to my development: Me a medita on. Rooted in Buddhist tradi on, this is a powerful way to increase compassion and love towards yourself and others.
How it works: close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, then repeat over and over (out loud or not): "May I be happy, may I be safe, may I be healthy, may I live with ease." Then a er a few mes, repeat these using anyone else you want to focus on.
Self‐love (and love for others) begins with self‐compassion.
Postman on a penny farthing
by Graham Lewis
with acknowledgements to Richard Standing & Herbert Goatcher
In 1897 a five‐year‐old boy called Herbert Goatcher came to live with his grandparents at Preston Co age, staying there for ten years or so. In his old age, Herbert made some notes about his me in East Preston and passed these to local historian Richard Standing. We are fortunate, therefore, to have some personal glimpses into village life during the late Victorian and the Edwardian eras.
One of Herbert’s early recollec ons was of seeing the postman arriving on a penny‐farthing bicycle to clear the postbox, while he also remembered the men on Preston Place farm cu ng corn with scythes, tying the sheaves with straw bonds and being followed by women and children gleaning – that is, collec ng the small pieces of corn le behind.
Life wasn’t always as orderly. “One incident s ll firmly in my mind,” wrote Herbert, “is of Guy Fawkes night when young men rolled lighted tar barrels up the road and started a bonfire in front of Preston Co age. The village constable had been sent to Li lehampton to help control the celebra ons there, so there was no one to maintain order in the village. The lads raided the nearby allotments for anything that would burn, including the policeman’s bean and pea s cks. I can s ll picture Granny bringing out her cradle for the fire, with the remark that she would not need that again. The fire on the road went on un l well a er midnight. In the morning, carters taking their horses to work had difficulty in ge ng them round the corner because of the s ll hot ashes.”
Herbert a ended the school in what is now Dizzy, the charity shop. “The only means of hea ng, of what was quite a large room, was the free standing Tortoise stove, which only took the edge off the cold on bi er days,” he recalled. “The desks were pulled away from the wall and we all went round the room in a crocodile stamping our feet, clapping our hands, and reci ng our tables. I don’t know about the rest but I certainly learnt my tables.”
He also a ended the Sunday School run by Amy Warren, one of the four daughters of Reginald Warren of Preston Place (now Preston Hall). “In the spring she used to organise a
Preston Co age in 1901. Herbert’s grandfather, George Corney, stands on the le of the picture.
Cowslip Sunday, and a gang of us used to walk across the fields from Kingston to Ferring Brooks, on a Saturday a ernoon. At that me there were masses of cowslips there and we took baskets full of them, duly bunched up, and on Sunday a ernoon they were taken to a service in the church, a er which they were packed up and sent to the poor children in the East End of London.”
The coastguards were s ll ac ve at that me, looking out for smugglers, and each evening the beach was patrolled, with a walk to the west to meet an officer from Li lehampton at Rus ngton, and to the east to link with a Worthing man at Goring. “As an older boy,” Herbert said, “it was one of my treats, and a li le adventure, to go with the patrolman, but we never encountered any smugglers.” Mind you, his recollec ons men on that the roof of Preston Co age had a trough through the centre. “I was told that smuggled brandy found its way up there, and it was not unknown for the Preven ve Officer to be having a drink li le knowing what was over his head.”
The reason is that gum disease happens quietly. It’s rarely painful. O en pa ents will only discover that they have it because a den st or hygienist tells them they have it.
Gum disease – there is hope
by Peter Saner, Clinical Director, Abbots Lodge Dental Prac ce
At the risk of repea ng myself and on the assump on that no one is cu ng out these ar cles and building them into a handy reference book, I’d like to revisit the subject of gum (periodontal) disease.
Pa ents get used to bleeding gums and it’s usually years into the progression of the disease that the teeth start to move and get loose and by then it’s much harder to fix. All that me the disease has been also messing up other systems in the body and le untreated can s mulate chronic heart disease and strokes. Untreated gum disease is associated with 168% increased risk of heart a ack, 250% increased risk of stroke, 500% increased risk of respiratory disease to name a few. These are all diseases that mess up the enjoyment of our later years and so I’m passionate about helping pa ents to avoid them by whatever means I can. That’s why at Abbots Lodge Dental Prac ce we check the health of your gums every me you come and when we see disease we treat it.
What causes gum disease?
The germs that live in your mouth (plaque), if le at the join between the gum and the tooth are the s mulus for gum disease. We all brush our teeth – well, all except a few teenage boys – but o en we are in a rush or just not sure how to do it effec vely. For some people at some mes in life that doesn’t ma er that much. Don’t assume you are one of them, because in most people given enough plaque and other factors such as smoking or stress will lead the immune system to overreact to the presence of the germs and the join between
the gum and the tooth breaks down and the disease gets going with loss of bone support and eventually loss of the teeth. Once the immune system has switched on in this way it’s geared up to this destruc ve pa ern and so once a periodontal pa ent – always a periodontal pa ent.
That sounds miserable ‐ Is there any hope?
Yes there is. It starts with effec ve daily cleaning of the teeth. Your own toothbrush in your own bathroom. Taking me using li le “TePe” brushes between the teeth to get to the places a normal brush can’t reach. Where the a achment of the gum to the tooth has broken down you need help to sort that out as this creates a pocket where the plaque gets on without being disturbed by your super brushing. Here at Abbots Lodge Dental Prac ce we usually use our laser to help reset the a achment of the gum to the tooth to eliminate the pockets and allow you to maintain the gums. This is proving to be the most effec ve tool that we have and many pa ents who thought they were on the road to losing teeth now have their mouths back under control and should be able to go on to enjoy many years of ea ng, smiling and living well.
If you’re worried, why not come and see us and let us help you with that. Call 01903 783154 or book online at www.abbotslodge.com
ISP Fostering
“You’re giving a young person a chance to do what they’re supposed to do and be who they’re supposed to be. That’s a gi .”
ISP is an independent fostering agency that was founded by foster parents. ISP and its extraordinary team of foster parents have helped to rebuild the lives of thousands of children and young people across the county, providing a blanket of care whilst guiding foster parents with professional therapeu c services.
Emma and Ufuk are foster parents who were matched with a li le boy last December. They have been fostering with ISP Fostering since October 2022 but started their fostering journey in 2014.
The couple have four adult children together, one of whom was adopted, and felt they could offer a safe and loving home to a child that needed one. Emma balances her role as a foster parent with being on the ISP ac vity commi ee in her local area and Ufuk fosters alongside his job in a care home.
Belonging to a family
Emma spoke about the joy she gets from sharing her family with a child who may not be able to be with their own; children in foster care need a loving home for all sorts of reasons, including unwell parents, neglect and abuse or family breakdown. She explained how the families of foster parents, such as their siblings and parents become ‘foster uncles and aun es’ or ‘foster grandparents’.
“We try and make family life as normal as possible for them,” Emma said. “There are a lot of things you just can’t make normal for foster children, so showing them an extended family and the great things that come with family feels so important.”
Ufuk, who is Turkish, explained that all of his and Emma’s children refer to him as ‘Baba’ which means father in Turkish.
He said: “The children in our care also end up calling me ‘Baba’, like my kids do. The tle might not mean anything to them but it does give them a sense of belonging. It also gives me a huge sense of pride when they feel comfortable enough to call me that.”
‘You have been given the honour of looking a er a gi ’
Emma, while reminiscing about welcoming her current foster child in December 2021, likened fostering to receiving a gi . She said: “You’re giving a young person a chance to do what they’re supposed to do and be who they’re supposed to be.
“They’re a gi and you’ve been given the honour of looking a er a gi It doesn’t always feel like that every day but you have. These children deserve a home and they deserve a safe space.”
Support for foster parents
Ufuk spoke about his me working with ISP, saying: “We’ve felt 110% supported. We couldn’t have done what we’ve done without the support we’ve received.
“The training we receive is so valuable because it refines who we are and helps us get to the next level in terms of the support we can offer.”
Agreeing with the sen ment, Emma explained that she has felt looked a er and understood every step of the way, “Everyone here, and it doesn’t ma er what work or job they do, they all know who we are and they all know the children.
“And that is a real blessing because we just didn’t get that level of understanding at previous foster agencies. Our concept of fostering has been transformed because of who we work with now.”
If you would like to know
more about becoming a foster parent, call our friendly team on 0800 0857 989 or please visit h ps://ispfostering.org.uk/offices/west‐sussex/
The Windmill is back!
Li lehampton, 10th August 2023. A day of black smoke on the seafront, shocked bystanders, social media awash with specula on, and a large gathering of fire crews pumping considerable amounts of water towards a blazing building.
The end of the day brought calm, but also regret for the Harvester restaurant, which had been reduced to a burnt‐out shell. The fire had started in its kitchen, and the staff living above the restaurant had been made homeless. But there was also a great deal of relief. There had been no casual es, and Li lehampton fire crews (with the help of several others from as far away as East Sussex) had performed a miracle by saving the adjacent Windmill Theatre against enormous odds.
Many Li lehampton people were exceedingly grateful to them for their efforts, as the fire had brought into sharp relief just how much the town values its theatre. The Windmill’s troubles were not over, though. The theatre’s flat‐roofed foyer and side studio had suffered water damage, while the roof itself had received structural damage when a por on of the burning Harvester collapsed onto it. The Windmill was pronounced unsafe to use and closed for repairs, with the immediate cancella on of its exis ng bookings. Many local amateur theatre companies found themselves hun ng for new venues for their upcoming performances, or postponing them to future dates – among them, Li lehampton Musical Comedy Society, who had to pause their run of The Wedding Singer a er just one night.
Since then, the remains of the ruined restaurant have been carefully demolished, and the Windmill now stands proudly – if in isola on – against the skyline. As it was a ached to the much larger structure of the Harvester for so long, visitors to Li lehampton could be forgiven for not really looking at the theatre in detail, even though it has performed that role for almost 100 years.
The Windmill’s story begins in 1912 when it
was built as a large shelter pavilion; it was converted into a theatre by the Urban District Council 15 years later, but traces of its original purpose can s ll be seen today. Once external features, the shelter’s pillars now form very visible aspects of the Windmill’s auditorium, and if you look carefully at the roof outside, you can s ll just see their raised ends, although they are mostly obscured by more recent addi ons.
The theatre con nued to evolve in the late 1960’s and early 70’s, gaining its now‐familiar name as well as a bar and restaurant a ached to what is now the foyer. Further addi ons came in the 1980s, as the crea on of a second dressing room allowed men and women to change costumes separately – but this upwards trajectory was not to last. Fast‐forward to the early 2000s, and the Windmill was being threatened with closure.
There were outpourings of public feeling, including marches and mee ngs in support of the theatre, and a compromise was agreed.
The bar and restaurant were demolished, and a large, privately owned restaurant built in its place, while ADC also arranged for external organisa ons to take over opera on of the Windmill. It is currently run by the non‐profit organisa on Freedom Leisure, under the name ’The Windmill Entertainment Centre’, though the building remains ‘The Windmill Theatre’ to locals.
As for the future of the Windmill, Freedom Leisure and ADC have been very proac ve, repairs are running to schedule, and at me of wri ng the theatre is set to reopen in mid‐March: welcome and exci ng news. The studio, with its brand‐new sprung floor, will be open for dance classes and other types of rehearsal, the cinema will be available and, most importantly for a theatre, live performances will return to the Windmill’ s stage.
LPOS Musical Produc ons (formerly Li lehampton Players Opera c Society) will lead the way in treading the theatre’s new boards, bringing an exci ng, funny, and hugely entertaining produc on of the classic musical The Pajama Game to the Windmill between 17th and 19th April. Li lehampton Musical Comedy Society are also set to return to the theatre this summer, performing a concert (fi ngly named ’Home Again’) on 21st and 22nd June, before reviving their interrupted run of The Wedding Singer. And that is only a taste of the theatrical fun planned for the months a er the building reopens.
So: THE WINDMILL IS BACK. Keep your eyes open for further exci ng updates and events, and get ready to be entertained! We look forward to seeing you there.
Family Law
It is an unfortunate fact that not all marriages are successful. When a relationship breaks down it is not unusual for one or both parties to seek to dissolve the marriage or to obtain a formal decree of judicial separation.
If you are married and want to permanently end your marriage, you should apply for a divorce. If you are in a civil partnership and want to permanently end your civil partnership, you should apply for a dissolu on. Both divorce and dissolu on are ways to end a legally binding rela onship.
A decree of judicial separa on is a Court Order, however, legally separated couples will s ll be married. In judicial separa on cases the Court has the same range of powers as it does in divorce cases in terms of dividing assets and arranging child/ren custody and maintenance. The main difference being that unlike divorce or dissolu on where a Pension Sharing Order can be made, a Court may only be able to make an Order to offset or make a Pension A achment Order. If there are children under 18 the Court must be satisfied that proper arrangements are in place.
A fair division of the family assets, including the matrimonial home, has to be worked out. In the majority of cases this is achieved by negotiation between Solicitors and agreement between the parties. We emphasise negotiation and agreement rather than conflict and confrontation in the application of the principles of matrimonial law to the special circumstances of each individual case.
We can also advise in relation to family protection, domestic violence, injunctions, wardships, adoption, contact and childcare protection proceedings.
Our Family Team is based at 2A Broadmark Parade, Rustington, BN16 2NE
Sharon Lyon – 01903 784447
slyon@moyle.co.uk
Tracy Randall‐May – 01903 784447
TrandallMay@moyle.co.uk
You can also complete an online enquiry at www.moyle.co.uk
Guinness Chocolate Puddings
Indulgent, slightly boozy chocolate puddings
Prepara on me: 25 mins
Cooking me: 18 mins
Add 1 hr chilling me.
Serves 4
Ingredients
150g unsalted bu er, plus extra for ramekins
200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), roughly chopped
90g golden caster sugar
3 large eggs
90ml Guinness
Good quality ice cream to serve Method
Bu er four 9 x 5cm ramekins and chill.
Place the bu er, chocolate and a generous pinch of salt into a heatproof bowl. Set over a small pan of barely‐simmering water and s r un l melted, then remove from the heat and leave to cool a li le.
Place the sugar and eggs into a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric whisk un l pale, doubled in volume and thick enough to leave a trail. Gently fold in the melted chocolate and the Guinness. Spoon the mixture into the ramekins, then chill in the fridge for 1 hr. In the mean me, place a baking tray on the top shelf of the oven and heat to 200C/180C fan, gas 6.
Place the chilled ramekins on the hot baking tray and bake for 18 mins. Remove from the oven and leave to stand for a minute. The centres will sink a li le. Pop a scoop of ice cream into the hollow and serve. Happy St. Patrick's Day.
County Lines and Cuckooing
County lines is the name given to drug dealing where organised crime groups (OCGs) use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from ci es into smaller towns, villages and rural areas. They exploit vulnerable people, including children, those who are lonely, isolated or suffering with addic on or mental health issues, by recrui ng them to distribute the drugs – this is referred to as “drug running”. Criminals may also take over and use a vulnerable person’s home as their base of opera ons for dealing drugs. This is known as ‘cuckooing’. It’s common for OCGs to use a property for a short amount of me, moving to other addresses frequently to reduce the chances of being caught.
There are several signs to look out for which may indicate that someone is involved in county lines:
Repeatedly going missing from school or home and being found in other areas
Having money, new clothes or electronic devices with no explana on how they paid for them
Receiving a high number of texts and / or phone calls, and being secre ve about who they’re speaking to
Decline in school or work performance
Significant changes in their emo onal or physical well‐being
If you’re concerned that someone may be a vic m of cuckooing, here are the signs to look out for:
Changes in their daily rou ne
Frequent visitors at unsociable hours
Unusual smells coming from a property
Suspicious or unfamiliar vehicles outside an address
If you’re concerned about drug related crime in your area or think someone may be a vic m of drug exploita on, please contact us online or on 101.
Alterna vely, you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers‐uk.org
Fantas c Fer lizer
by Rachael Leverton
March is famously temperamental and if the soil where you are is s ll wet and cold then it’s wise to delay plan ng and sowing un l the temperature rises.
Plant nutrient reserves are low at this me of year so, as the soil warms up, it’s me to think about fer liser.
Many gardeners are a bit frightened of fer liser. All those chemical symbols on the side of the packet are rather reminiscent of school chemistry lessons. In fact, the basics are quite simple.
NPK ‐ This can be observed on the side of most fer liser packages. The le ers stand for:
N ‐ Nitrogen, P ‐ Phosphorous and K ‐Potassium. Together these are known as the macro‐nutrients and each of them has its own use. Nitrogen primarily feeds the leafy above‐the‐ground parts of the plants. Phosphorous promotes strong roots. Potassium makes grass hardier, promotes germina on and improves vegetable and fruit yields.
The propor ons of each macro‐nutrient will be printed on the packet. Equal amounts of each nutrient make for a good general‐purpose fer liser.
A lawn will need a good balance of nitrogen and phosphorus to guarantee lush green grass with a healthy root system capable of withstanding dry spells.
There are other macro‐nutrients: Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen, which plants obtain freely from the air and water; and calcium, magnesium, and sulphur, which should be present in any good general‐purpose fer liser.
Plants also need micro‐nutrients: Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Boron, and Molybdenum. Plants take all these nutrients and build everything they need from scratch, including vitamins. What plants cannot do is absorb vitamins directly from things such as pet food, milk or so‐called fer lisers which contain vitamins, proteins, and fats.
So don’t be in midated by fer liser. Decide what your plants need then read the label. It’s easy as ABC… or rather NPK!
SOLICITORS
200 years and coun ng
Li lehampton RNLI is part of a dis nguished heritage
2024 marks the 200th anniversary of the forma on of the RNLI, the Royal Na onal Lifeboat Ins tu on. The RNLI is a charity dedicated to saving lives at sea and is supported by an ocean of volunteers and the incredible generosity of members of the public.
The RNLI has 238 lifeboat sta ons in the UK and Ireland, as well as RNLI lifeguards on seasonal duty at more than 240 beaches, including Li lehampton and Bognor Regis.
Li lehampton RNLI Lifeboat Sta on’s recorded history goes back to 1840, but those visi ng Li lehampton Harbour on the east bank of the River Arun, near Fisherman’s Quay, will be greeted by a modern lifeboat sta on built in 2002. It is home to two inshore lifeboats named Ray of Hope (a D‐Class single engine) and Renee Sherman (a B‐Class twin engine). Several of the sta on’s lifeboats, now re red, were proud to carry the name Blue Peter I for 50 years from 1967 un l 2017. Li lehampton RNLI is run en rely by volunteers and its crew are on call 24/7, ready to save lives at sea in local waters.
Li lehampton RNLI will be star ng its 200th anniversary celebra ons with a special gala ball, which will be held at Fontwell Racecourse on 9th March from 7pm. Tickets are £55 per person and further details can be found at h ps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rnli‐200th‐anniversary‐celebra on‐ball‐li lehampton A whole host of extra special events are planned throughout 2024, including on 6th May an a empt to create a giant ‘200’ in coins outside Li lehampton RNLI Lifeboat Sta on;
its ever‐popular Open Day on 21st July and Fish Supper evening on 4th October; as well as the fun and bracing December Dip – which will be back for a third year on 7th December. Li lehampton RNLI’s shop will also be selling an exclusive range of 200th anniversary items throughout the year.
Nick White, Li lehampton RNLI’s Lifeboat Opera ons Manager, said: ‘Li lehampton has a long and close rela onship with the RNLI. As a town, we have always received strong support and over the years many local men and women have volunteered to help their community. All our volunteers play a crucial role in saving lives at sea. None of their efforts would be possible without the support of the public, to which we are extremely grateful. Thank you so much for your support.’
Kipps, the new Half a sixpence Musical
Worthing Musical Theatre Company (WMTC) is well known for its large‐scale musicals at the Pavilion Theatre. The company produces two shows annually and boasts a large and varied membership. Recent hits include ‘School of Rock’, ‘Our House’, and ‘My Fair Lady’.
‘Kipps, the new Half a sixpence Musical’ is currently well into rehearsal for performances in March, and although the cast has been working very hard on this fabulous show, the company has decided to diversify.
With such a wealth of talent within the membership, the Company will be trialling some comedy ‘Radio Plays’ with the first performances at East Preston Conservative Hall, featuring some of the cast of ‘Kipps’.
Just as in the good old days of radio comedy, a cast of four will read their scripts live at a microphone. Two plays will be performed, both by David Tristram, along with some classic radio sketches. Nominated as one of Creative Black Country's prestigious 100 Masters, David is one of the UK's most popular and performed comedy playwrights. On average, one of his 29 published comedies is being performed somewhere in the world every single day. These plays tell the story of an amateur dramatics group in the fictional town of ‘Little Grimley’ in Yorkshire. Anyone who has ever been involved in the world of amdram will recognise both the hilarious characters and the plot lines.
The first play is ‘Last Tango In little Grimley’ in which we find that the Little Grimley Amateur Dramatic Society has serious business to conduct. With a dire financial position facing them, the committee comes up with a novel way of balancing the books.
The second play is 'The Fat Lady Sings In little Grimley'. Does the new 'Grimly‐Upon ‐Neenton
Amateur Dramatic Society' pose an existential threat to our heroes in Little Grimley? Desperate measures may be needed.
The late great Stanley Holloway is buried at St Mary’s Church in East Preston, and the players will be recreating one of his famous monologues.
The cast of four are: Phil Davis, Suzanne Britten, Jo‐Jo O’Brien, and Tim Kimber.
WMTC promises an evening of mirth and merriment. Performances will be on the 19th and 20th April, doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, the evening will finish around 9.15pm.
Scan the QR for tickets or go to: https:/www.ticketsource.co.uk/ worthing‐musical‐theatre‐company
Tickets for ‘Kipps’ can be purchased at: https://wtm.uk/events/wmtc‐kipps‐the‐new‐half‐a‐sixpence/
Looking Back on our 25th Year at
Littlehampton Shopmobility
Littlehampton Shopmobility was registered as a charity with the Charity Commission way back in June 1998, so has now been going for over a quarter of a century! What a journey this charity has had over the 25 years, what with having won two na onal awards, being nominated as one of the top Shopmobility schemes in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 and extending a membership with Worthing and Bognor Regis Shopmobility schemes (although sadly Worthing Shopmobility closed down in 2020). In 2018, Li lehampton Shopmobility was also presented with a Merit Award by the Town Mayor.
The charity’s amazing patrons are the Duchess of Norfolk and the Lady Colin Campbell, we are very grateful for their support.
On Monday, 19th June 2023, Li lehampton Shopmobility held an Open Day to celebrate our 25 years and were delighted that the Town Mayor, Cllr Freddie Tandy and the Chairman of Arun District Council, Cllr Alison Cooper a ended. Other guests who a ended included many Town Council Officers, Town traders, past and present customers and friends of the charity. The Raffle held at the close of the a ernoon raised £140.
Another Christmas Raffle was held on 8th December which raised £136 and the charity thanks all those who bought raffle ckets and donated gi s as prizes.
Li lehampton Shopmobility’s services include the hire of scooters, wheelchairs, walkers and crutches to enable customers to live as independent lives as possible.
Li lehampton Shopmobility’s suppliers are the well known Clearwell Mobility and many of their products are on sale in the shop. A free Clearwell Mobility catalogue is offered to all customers and the charity can order direct
from Clearwell all products in the catalogue and deliver to the charity’s shop for collec on.
Other services provided are a Pit Stop Service (by appointment) where if a customer owns their own scooter and wants it valeted and the tyres checked this can be done.
The charity is happy to accept any disability equipment in very good condition to sell as some customers find it not worth buying a new aid if they have a temporary disability after an operation.
Alan Gammon retired as Chairman of the charity at the AGM in September 2023 after nearly a ten‐year tenure. He was then asked to become our Honorary President in recognition for all his hard work over the years and he has also become our Treasurer.
Littlehampton Shopmobility is most grateful to the team of Trustees and Volunteers of the charity; our sincerest thanks to them.
For more information about Littlehampton Shopmobility contact June Caffyn at Littlehampton.shopmobility@gmail.com. They are based at The Bradbury Centre, 1‐5 St Martin’s Lane, Littlehampton BN17 6BS.
Mark Humphries
Owner, The Ethical Pet Shop
Mark and Tina Humphries have just opened ‘The Ethical Pet Shop’ at 9 Sea Road East Preston selling mainly raw dog food and natural treats, but also catering for cats, birds, hedgehogs, with other pet requirements considered. Previously a ending trade/rural shows for some years, they now look forward to building on a sound business founda on. They can discuss any specific requirements customers have, drawing on knowledge built up from a life me of owning dogs. Tina is also a City & Guilds qualified dog groomer, with two addi onal resident groomers catering for nail clips to full grooms.
What do you like best about East Preston?
The community spirit and how welcoming and suppor ve everyone has been since we opened.
How long have you lived in/around East Preston? I have lived in Li lehampton, Angmering and Rus ngton all my life and now live on the border of East Preston.
Where is your favourite place to go in/around East Preston? The beach with our four dogs –you can’t beat it, and ironically it is the driest place to go this me of year.
What is your favourite local restaurant? Without any doubt, So India. Absolutely fabulous food and great staff.
What was your first car and your favourite thing about it? Aus n Allegro, canary yellow. It cost me £610 and although not cool like other cars, at least I wasn’t walking, and it was mine. Which living person do you most admire? David A enborough – legend.
How would you spend a million pounds? Too late, my wife has already spent it!
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why? Back to South Africa where we were married as we have always promised we would take the children – 20 years ago and they are s ll wai ng!
If you could go back in me, where would you go? Back to the 80’s. What a great decade for music and growing up in my late teens.
What is your favourite smell?
You can’t beat a bacon sandwich – it must be brown sauce though.
What is your proudest spor ng achievement?
Always loved football but never really achieved anything, so I’m glad my youngest daughter is now living ‘my’ dream.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Probably our dogs which are very much the inspira on behind our business.
What is your favourite city in the world? You can’t go wrong with London. We have spent many a weekend there in the past but it’s not somewhere we could live as we miss the coast too much.
What do you do in your spare me?
Currently very li le of that, but a BBQ/Firepit and some food and drink with friends.
What/who is the greatest love in your life?
My wife Tina for how hard she works to achieve her dream.
What is your most memorable learning experience? Two things which have served me well so far ‐ courtesy costs nothing, and respect is a two way thing.
What would your mo o be?
Nothing comes to those who choose to spend their life on the sofa.
The benefits of visi ng gardens in winter
New research published by leading garden charity the Na onal Garden Scheme, confirms the important health benefits that visi ng a garden in the darkest days of winter can provide.
“Visits to our snowdrop and spring flower gardens are always a popular start to the garden visi ng season and this latest research gives us more of an insight into why that is,” says Na onal Garden Scheme chief execu ve, George Plumptre. “Exis ng research generally links the health benefits of garden visi ng to the summer months when most gardens are at their abundant best. But our new research highlights the benefits of visi ng in winter and, as well as comparing those to visi ng in summer, shows how a winter visit helps combat the par cular seasonal challenges that we all face at that me of year.”
The report also examines the effect of nature on wellbeing for visitors during the winter.
Key findings include:
Wellbeing significantly improved a er visi ng the gardens in winter. Visitors felt more relaxed, happy and excited in the gardens, and less stressed, sad and bored.
The more me visitors spent in the winter gardens, the higher their wellbeing.
The level of wellbeing was similarly high for visitors in winter and summer, sugges ng that visi ng gardens during either season is likely to carry benefits. But the average level of wellbeing before entering the gardens in winter was lower than in summer, meaning that those visi ng in winter showed the greatest increase in wellbeing.
The more nature visitors observed in the gardens, such as birds, insects, and water, the higher their wellbeing.
Visitors described, in their own words, a number of posi ve feelings while visi ng the winter gardens. They felt relaxed and calm, happy and upli ed, interested and inspired, apprecia ve of the gardens, immersed and at one with nature, and hopeful for spring.
Visitors par cularly liked the plants and flowers that could be found in the gardens during winter. Almost half of all visitors (47.6%) men oned liking the snowdrops, 29.2% appreciated the emergence of spring growth,
and 28.2% the scent of flowers like Daphne. A third of respondents (33.3%) also appreciated being able to
see the structure, design and views of and from the garden, given the lower amount of foliage at that me of year.
You can visit a wealth of beau ful Na onal Garden Scheme West Sussex gardens over the next few months including Sandhill Farm House, one of the gardens that took part in the study.
Sunday 17th March ‐
Denmans Garden, Fontwell BN18 0SU
Saturday 23rd March and Sunday 24th March ‐Downs Place, South Har ng GU31 5P
Friday 29th March ‐
Judy’s Co age Garden, Worthing BN13 2AE
Thursday 29th February, Tuesday 5th March –Tour of Crossland Flower Nursery, Walberton BN18 0AX
Tuesday 9th April
Bignor Park, Pulborough RH20 1HG
Saturday 13th April –Rymans, Apuldram, Chichester PO20 7EG
Saturday 20th April, Tuesday 23rd April –Peelers Retreat, 70 Ford Road, Arundel BN18 9EX
Sunday 21st April –New mber Place, New mber BN6 9BU
Wednesday 24th April, Wednesday 1st May ‐Fi leworth House, Bedham Lane, Fi leworth, Pulborough RH20 1JH
Saturday 27th April ‐
Warnham Park, Warnham, Horsham RH12 3RP
Details of all these gardens can be found on the Na onal Garden Scheme Website: h ps://ngs.org.uk. Enter the garden name in the drop‐down menu ‐ Find A Garden/ Search by garden.
Exci ng new programme for 2024 at
the Weald & Downland Living Museum
Founded in 1970, the award‐winning Weald & Downland Living Museum is a unique outdoor a rac on that offers visitors a first‐hand glimpse into rural living over the centuries.
Set over 40 acres in the South Downs Na onal Park, the Museum is home to a collec on of 50 historic buildings da ng from 950AD to the 19th century.
Re‐erected from their original sites in southeast England, they include homes and farmsteads as well as a working mill, bakehouse, forge and dairy. There are also six historic gardens and a wide range of tradi onal trades and cra s to discover, in addi on to an extensive learning programme. Since incep on, the Museum has strived to conserve the collec on, with the aim of teaching future genera ons how to keep heritage cra s and rural tradi ons alive.
This year they are hos ng a variety of interpreta on weekends to showcase different aspects of rural working life, bringing the past into the present so visitors can learn from our ancestors.
On 6th ‐ 7th April, they will be hos ng their ‘Get Thri y’ weekend. From make do and mend, to upcycling and swapping, visitors can find out how people in the past reduced waste, saved money and turned unwanted items into something useful.
For those interested in gardening and botanicals, on 22nd ‐ 23rd June the Museum will celebrate the power of plants and flowers. Over this weekend, visitors can discover the history behind the use of plants and herbs in our diets and around our homes, from health and wellbeing to language and colours.
On 3rd ‐ 4th August, there will be an immersive experience as the Black Knight Historical Group help to bring Medieval history to life. Join us as they bless the First Fruits of Harvest with a tradi onal medieval fayre around the Museum’s Market Square.
Going into autumn on 14th ‐ 15th September,
the Museum will host its popular Made by Hand: Heritage Cra s and Skills Weekend. With many heritage cra s at risk of being lost forever, visitors can explore cra s and skills from the past and learn about how these can be conserved for our future. Throughout the weekend there will be demonstra ons from the Museum’s cra experts as well as visi ng members of the Heritage Cra Associa on, who will showcase cra s from the Red List of Historic Endangered Cra s.
On 12th ‐ 13th October, there will be a new Hedgerows and Harvest Weekend. Hedgerows are a crucial factor in the existence of many plants and animals, and over the weekend there will be opportuni es to learn about the diversity of the plants and insects that rely on them to survive.
The year will end with the Museum’s annual Tree Dressing celebra on in December, where visitors can take part in a special lantern procession around the site.
As well as a fascina ng programme of interpreta on weekends, the Museum will also host fun and educa onal family ac vi es during the school holidays. Whether 5 or 95, there is so much to explore and learn at the Museum.
You can find out more on their website at wealddown.co.uk
Vindica on Swim
Pioneering Brighton born swimmer, Mercedes Gleitze, is the subject of a new film almost a century a er an incredible endurance swim. In celebra on of Interna onal Women's Day, the much‐an cipated biopic Vindica on Swim is hi ng cinemas across the UK on the 8th of March, which dives into the extraordinary life of Mercedes Gleitze, who in 1927 became the first Bri sh woman to swim the English Channel.
The film depicts Mercedes’ upstream struggle in overcoming both the cold waters of the English Channel and the oppressive society of 1920s England. However, a er a rival comes forward claiming to have accomplished the same feat, Mercedes is forced into ba le to retain her record and her legacy.
Wri en and directed by award‐winning filmmaker Ellio Hasler, from Hove, Vindica on Swim stars Bri sh‐Irish actress Kirsten Callaghan in her debut role as Mercedes Gleitze, who trained for months in the English Channel before filming began. The film also stars John Locke (Darkest Hour, Poor Things, The Favourite) alongside James Wilby (Maurice, Gosford Park, Howards End) and Douglas Hodge (Joker, The Great, Black Mirror).
Aside from the Channel, Mercedes also became the first person to complete many other incredible swims around the world, including the Straits of Gibraltar, the Dardanelles and distance between Robben Island and Cape Town. Mercedes also made waves in Worthing itself, where in May 1933, she completed a mammoth 47‐hour endurance swim at the iconic Corpora on Baths.
With Vindica on Swim set to hit Worthing's cinemas, residents can revel in the knowledge that their town not only forms part of the legacy of Mercedes Gleitze but also served as backdrop to crucial scenes within the film. Key
sequences were shot over the course of the film’s produc on at Worthing Town Hall which doubles up as the Channel Swimming Associa on headquarters. The filming saw the likes of John Locke (Darkest Hour, The Favourite, Poor Things) and Victoria Summer (Saving Mr. Banks, Transformers) gracing the town’s streets. The likes of whom will be set to return to Worthing for Q&A screenings of Vindica on Swim.
As we celebrate Interna onal Women's Day, Vindica on Swim serves as a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit of a woman who dared to dream beyond the confines of her era. The film's release on the 8th of March invites Sussex residents to join the na onwide audience in commemora ng Interna onal Women's Day while paying homage to a local connec on that shaped Gleitze's remarkable legacy.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a sports fan, or simply someone seeking inspira on, Vindica on Swim promises a cinema c experience that celebrates not only the achievements of Mercedes Gleitze, but also the collec ve strength and determina on of women who have le an indelible mark on our world.
Details for screenings can be found at www.vindica onswimfilm.com or @vindica onswimfilm on social media.
Careers Roadshow
at The Angmering School
The Angmering School is thrilled to announce the upcoming Southern Employability Careers Roadshow, which will be held at The Lavinia Norfolk Centre on Thursday 18th April from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.
This exci ng event is being facilitated by The Aldingbourne Trust along with Work Aid, and will offer a fantas c opportunity for Key Stage 4 and Post 16 young people with disabili es to explore different career paths and gain valuable insights into various industries. The Roadshow will feature a range of employers and providers showcasing their businesses through stands and presenta ons, giving a endees the chance to learn about different career paths and job opportuni es available to them.
This is a great opportunity for students from local schools to connect with businesses and learn about the Local Labour Market Informa on. It is also an excellent opportunity for young people who require advice, guidance, or informa on regarding their careers.
All are welcome to a end the Roadshow, and the doors to The Lavinia Norfolk Centre will be open at 1.30pm. Refreshments will also be available for everyone a ending. The event is sure to be a great success, and we encourage all interested a endees to come and engage with the employers and providers on hand. The Southern Employability Careers Roadshow presents a unique opportunity for young people to explore different career paths and gain valuable insights into various industries. The event is open to all students from local schools and young people with disabili es, and we invite everyone to come and learn more about the amazing opportuni es available to them.
If you have any ques ons regarding the event, please contact Gavin Bowles, the Careers Manager: gbowles@theangmeringschool.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you at The Lavinia Norfolk Centre on Thursday 18th April!
Chatsmore Appeal: we say NO!
by Sir Peter Bo omley MP
Over three hundred local residents, community leaders and campaign supporters joined me on Chatsmore Farm at the beginning of February. We send this clear, united message to the Planning Inspectors heading the Appeal: NO!
The gathering came ahead of the Planning Inspector hearing Persimmon’s appeal against refusal of over 400 homes in the wrong place. Local people support Michael Gove’s words, “protect the gaps”, given in response to my ques ons in the House of Commons. Together, we have been successful so far.
Let us work together to keep the fields, maintain the natural gaps, only suppor ng developments where appropriate and where wanted. We value the farmed land and the managed natural environment. That is why many in Arun and Worthing chose to call the area their home.
If we pave over every verge and concrete every field, flooding will worsen, air quality will drop and wildlife will suffer.
We have to protect the environment. Focus on sensible developments of vital, new, good‐quality homes ‐ in the right places.
Resist a empts to cover every green gap and community space in our already ghtly bounded local area.
For further informa on on important campaigns locally and in Westminster, do sign up for regular updates by email. Please visit my website: www.SirPeterBo omley.com
Wicked Li le Hampton Exhibit
Li lehampton Museum is delighted to open a new micro‐exhibi on in the Museum Recep on, exploring the true story behind the Wicked Li le Le ers film.
The falling out of two friends living in Western Road, Li lehampton in the 1920s led to a fascina ng and bizarre series of events, involving libellous le ers, false accusa ons, and prison sentences. Curated by one of the Museum volunteers, and featuring local characters and places, this exhibit reveals details of the real‐life case; the police inves ga ons, the mul ple trials and the convic ons.
“At mes this case is scarcely believable, with its twis ng ‘whodunnit’ plot,” said Councillor Sean Lee, Chair of Li lehampton Town Council’s Community Resources Commi ee, “But it is all true and set against a backdrop of town life in Li lehampton in the 1920s.”
The exhibi on runs un l 26th March 2024 and is free to visit. More details can be found online at www.li lehamptonmuseum.co.uk
Artwork for Worthing Fes val ‘24
o
fficially revealed
The artwork for this year’s Worthing Fes val has officially been revealed. Aspiring ar st and BA (Hons) Fine Art student Jo Taswell is having one of her crea ons celebrated following a poster design compe on held with the talented students of Northbrook College.
The compe on provides a fantas c opportunity to showcase the work of the degree level students as well as celebra ng the con nuing collabora on between Northbrook College and Worthing Fes val.
The college’s crea ve students, covering fine art, prop making, tex les and photography, were invited to submit a piece which could be used as the ‘face’ of this year’s mul ‐arts fes val, which will bring together a host of events and ac vi es covering live music, dance, heritage, art, comedy and more this summer. Worthing Fes val ‘24 will run from 8th to 23rd June.
A er reviewing the submissions, the compe on’s judging panel unanimously selected Jo’s beau ful abstract seascape pain ng as the winning piece.
The panel comprised Helena Thomas, Principal, Kirste McCool, HE Quality Manager from Northbrook College, councillors Rita Garner, Dale Overton and Cathy Glynn‐Davies, Richard Manders from Colonnade House and Judy Fox from Time for Worthing.
Cllr Garner, Worthing’s cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: “We were once again blown away by the quality of this year’s submissions and I’d like to thank all the students for their wonderful work. Jo’s original and striking seascape exemplifies the wealth of crea ve talent in our coastal town and the surrounding region.”
Jo, a mature student, originally studied at Northbrook but has now returned to the college a er rediscovering her passion for pain ng during lockdown. She is now in the process of comple ng a higher educa on fine
art degree at Northbrook College’s West Durrington campus. Jo said: “I’m delighted that my pain ng has been selected for the official artwork for Worthing Fes val 2024. I’m proud to be represen ng Northbrook College and, as a mature student studying BA (Hons) Fine Art, I hope to inspire other ar sts to return to educa on later in life. It is a real confidence boost and I look forward to seeing my work in print promo ng Worthing’s fantas c mul ‐arts fes val.”
Helena Thomas said: “We were incredibly proud of our rela onship with Worthing Fes val, and grateful for the opportuni es provided to our talented students.
“It’s important for our Northbrook College students to have the opportunity to work on ‘live’ projects for our local community, helping them to nego ate the transi on of academic work and bring it to life. We are so proud to see Jo’s work featuring so prominently, as part of this year’s fantas c fes val.”
New social media accounts have also been launched on Facebook, Instagram and X to create dedicated pages where people can learn more about the fes val and its events.
Dog walking volunteers needed
in Worthing by the Cinnamon Trust
The Cinnamon Trust is the na onal charity whose wonderful volunteers help people over re rement age and those in the la er stages of a terminal illness by offering all kinds of free pet care. We are looking for dog walking volunteers to help a resident of Worthing and their deligh ul dog who would love to go for a good walk.
Many elderly or ill pet owners worry about their ability to provide proper care for their animals and start looking to rehome what may be their only companion. This is where our na onal network of dedicated volunteers step in to offer support enabling them to stay together. We’ll walk the dog for a housebound owner, we’ll foster pets when owners need hospital or hospice care, and even clean out the bird cage or li er trays.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you can download our volunteer registra on form from our web site www.cinnamon.org.uk or email us at appeals@cinnamon.org.uk If you
would like to have a more in‐depth chat about becoming a volunteer, please call us during office hours (Monday‐Friday 9am‐5pm) on 01736 758 701, or you can check out our website www.cinnamon.org.uk for more details.
Pets can be registered with us so they will come into the trusts guardianship should the owner pass away or have to go into residen al care, they are then rehomed with one of our long term foster volunteers and will live with them for life but the trust pays the vets fees and provides holiday cover and ongoing support .
Dove Lodge Community Resource Centre
Arun Community Transport (ACT)
The resource centre at Dove Lodge is a not‐for‐profit charitable organisation offering affordable, fully‐serviced, accessible office space for long‐term rent or hourly hire in Littlehampton and is currently home to a number of local organisations, including Arun Community Transport.
Arun Community Transport is a charitable organisation which provides a volunteer service to our local community, providing transport for those unable to use public transport or to access transport easily. ACT covers the Arun District and hospitals in London, Brighton and beyond. There is an annual fee of £5, thereafter prices are based on a return journey and include 1.5 hours’ waiting time.
As a charity we are always seeking volunteers, both drivers and office staff. Drivers use their own vehicles and are able to claim mileage at 45p per mile for trips.
For more information please call 01903 792110, email office@actransport.org.uk or visit our website www.actransport.org.uk.
Dove Lodge has a variety of different room sizes suitable for a range of ac vi es, such as counselling, training, team mee ngs, wellbeing groups or arts and cra s. Our smallest is ideal as a quiet space to work or for a one‐to‐one mee ng. Our largest, for up to 40 people, is equipped with a tv/monitor, whiteboard and air condi oning making it a perfect space for team mee ngs, group ac vi es and training sessions. All rooms are available 7 days a week from 8am to 9pm and can be booked online. Our compe ve rates include Wi‐Fi and tea/coffee.
For further informa on or to view our facili es please contact us on: 01903 719451
info@dove‐lodge.org.uk www.dove‐lodge.org.uk
Cremation
Chislett
Worthing
Littlehampton Tennis
Social, Active and Passionate about Tennis!
Have you ever wanted to try tennis or brush up your skills in a friendly environment? Why not visit Littlehampton Community Tennis or Howard Lawn Tennis Club – both run by the highly experienced tennis coach Stewart Lister – and enjoy a free taster session of coaching and social play. Littlehampton Community Tennis is based at Maltravers Park and offers two group adult coaching sessions, one and half hours a week for £12 a month, or £5 a session. These are every Wednesday at 10am‐11.30am and Sunday at 10.30am‐12pm.
There are also three junior sessions, which are based on ability, held on Saturday and Sunday mornings, also for £12 a month or £5 a session. Racquets are supplied for the sessions. The coaching is based on teaching methods used at the leading Spanish academies, and incorporates stroke progression and drills specifically aimed at improving movement. “I work with a diverse range of people, from age four to retirees, covering the basics, to fast‐paced matches, to leisurely, social afternoons.
WTA events in 2023
“There is one common denominator: everyone leaves smiling. Tennis is one of the most accessible sports, with a range of health benefits for mind and body,” says Coach Stewart Lister.
If you would just like to play socially or you would welcome more competitive play, Howard Lawn Tennis Club offers this across the road, at Littlehampton Sportsfield, St Floras Road. The club is 108 years old this year. Howard Lawn offers social play, men's night, ladies’ night, friendly matches and currently has teams entered into the Sussex leagues for men's, ladies, seniors and Team Tennis. They also hold regular social events like BBQs courtside and outings. To arrange your free taster, get in touch with Helen or Stewart on 07868 111512 / 07716 278328. www.littlehamptontennis.com
Members of the Worthing Twinning Associa on had a most successful and enjoyable year in 2023, both with social events and mee ng up with our twin French and German partners.
The group visited our German twin area the Elztal (the Elz valley) in the southern Black Forest just north of Freiburg. Members stayed either as guests of members in the main town, Waldkirch, or in a central town hotel. We had superb sunny weather for the 5‐day July visit and our German hosts were most generous with hospitality and providing interes ng scenic visits around this wonderful mountain area. We look forward to their return visit to Worthing as many new friendships were formed. In June we were able to entertain members of our French twin town of Les Sables d’Olonne in the Vendée, again in superb sunny weather. The group visited Lancing College chapel, Perch on the pier, had tea and cake with the mayor in the town hall, a trip by coach to Bosham, Chichester and Arundel. A popular ou ng was to Brighton visi ng the Royal Pavilion, The
Lanes and M&S. They liked the double decker 700 bus trip from Worthing.
The WTA are planning a visit by our members to Les Sables d’Olonne in May this year so why not come and join us.
Les Sables is a seaside town with a long sandy beach and harbour that is the home base for the Vendée Golden Globe round the world yacht race.
The WTA have regular monthly French or German film evenings plus various social events and we now have over 100 members. Full details about the WTA ac vi es and how to become a member can be found on the website www.WorthingTwinningAssocia on.org
The Magic of the FA Cup
Bob Bond is a book illustrator from Goring by Sea. He pretends to be re red, but while his wife is out shopping, Bob sneaks back to his drawing board, picking up his pencil once again. His latest offering, quite mely, is a book of football cartoons.
“I never wanted to do footballers. When I began to illustrate children's comics I wanted to draw Cowboys and Indians. But the editor was not impressed, and asked me how I was with football? That was in the 1960s, and there was a World Cup happening. I would have agreed to anything...so the first pen and ink drawings I had published were po ed biographies of footballers like Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore.
“Like it or not, I was immediately pigeon‐holed as a 'football ar st' and was never asked to draw anything else. Since then I have, of course, illustrated other subjects. But mostly it has been football books and magazines.”
So THE MAGIC OF THE FA CUP (Pitch Publishing, £19.99) is a collec on of Bob's cartoons and
caricatures and is a treat for any football fan. Bob lives in Goring by Sea with his wife Janet. He confesses that the elder of his sons is a much be er ar st than himself, and now illustrates graphic stories from his home in Los Angeles.
The book is available from Amazon and other book stores. Should any reader want a signed copy of Bob's book, he can be reached on bobbond@live.co.uk
World Glaucoma Week
Supported by 4Sight Vision
4Sight Vision Support is suppor ng World Glaucoma Week from 10th to 16th March 2024, and at the same me highligh ng the importance of regular eye examina ons for everyone – this vital health check can detect a number of condi ons and prevent avoidable sight loss.
World Glaucoma Week aims to raise awareness on glaucoma, a chronic, progressive, degenera ve disorder of the op c nerve that produces characteris c visual field damage. It is the second cause of blindness, and importantly, it is irreversible. In its early stages, it is asymptoma c and if untreated, it may progress to blindness.
4Sight Vision Support provides support and specialist informa on to blind and sight impaired residents throughout West Sussex, including many people living with glaucoma. One of its key services is to promote the importance of regular eye health checks – in the case of glaucoma, with early treatment, the damage may be limited and sight may be
saved. 4Sight Vision Support
CEO Kirs e Thomas added:
“We hope by raising awareness of glaucoma, it will encourage all of us to have a regular eye examina on. Even those suffering from vision loss should con nue to do so as checking for further changes in the eyes can help make the best use of remaining vision and prevent any unnecessary further sight loss.”
To find out more about glaucoma and the importance of taking care of our sight call 01243 828555 or visit www.4sight.org.uk
For more details about World Glaucoma Week visit h ps://www.worldglaucomaweek.org/
