Hello, Henfield! Meet REVIVE SUSSEX –Your Local Exterior Cleaning Experts
At REVIVE SUSSEX, we specialise in bringing the outside of your home back to life. From patios and driveways to gutters, walls, and roofs – if it’s outdoors, we can clean it!
A picture speaks a thousand words, and throughout this page, you’ll find some before-and-after examples of our work. Imagine your home looking just as good! Call us now to book a professional clean.
WHY CHOOSE REVIVE SUSSEX?
I’m Allen Coppin, and I run Revive Sussex. You might be wondering, “What makes us different?”
• A professional service with a personal touch – We’re a local business that truly cares.
• Clear communication from start to finish – Detailed quotes, full cost breakdowns, job updates, and a spotless clean-up afterward.
• Attention to detail – Because the little things matter! (And not because I have OCD and need everything to be perfect. Definitely not because of that!)
Scan the QR code to learn more about our services and see what we can do for you!
HOW CAN WE HELP?
• Driveway & Patio Cleaning – Restore your outdoor spaces and say goodbye to moss, algae, and dirt.
• Soft Washing – A safe and gentle method for cleaning walls, including render and cladding.
• Gutter Cleaning – Keep your gutters clear with our highsuction vacuum system.
• Roof Cleaning – A clean roof makes a world of difference. Spring bookings are filling up fast – contact us now to secure your spot!
PROUD TO BE WORKING IN HENFIELD
We love working with local communities – and nothing beats seeing our work brighten up the places we call home.
Scan the QR code for a special surprise or get in touch to see how we can help!
Spotted a dirty sign around town? You may have already seen us cleaning a few! If you notice any that could use a refresh, let us know, and let’s see if we can make it happen.
Transform your home’s exterior today –contact us to get started!
CONTACT US TODAY
Prefer a quick look at our services?
a
Editor’s Letter
Welcome to March BN5, the community news and events pages this month are absolutely full, it finally feels as if we’re heading towards spring! In celebration of the change of seasons, local photographer Paula Blake has kindly given us permission to use her stunning image of a blue tit for our front cover, we love the colours and hope it does herald the start of spring.
We are very pleased to bring you positive news about the progress of the Henfield Scout Community Building, which has been taking shape nicely, the team of volunteers can certainly see the end of the project in sight. The word ‘community’ in the name of the building is incredibly appropriate, not just because it’s for everyone, but because the build would never have happened without the seemingly endless support of local people, businesses and organisations. A labour of love, which we know will be appreciated when it’s open and in full use. Read more about the project on page 22.
Enjoy March, there’s lots happening in Henfield and our website is updated every few days, so please do keep checking the events pages.
Emma Cole, Editor
Copy deadline & contacts
06 What’s On from the BN5 area
09 News from the BN5 area
22 Local Interest Henfield Scout Community Centre
30 Charity Firefighters 3 Peaks Challenge
36 Local Interest Sustainable Food Choices
46 Local Interest Ambulances to Ukraine
54 Local Interest A Noda review of HTC’s Scrooge
62 Index Of local advertisers
Many thanks to our editorial and photographic contributors this month:
Susanne Crosby, Paul Samrah, Kevin Wadey and Jonathan Aikens.
Cover photograph of a blue tit with the kind permission of Paula Blake. You can see Paula’s work on the Henfield Birdwatch website www.henfieldbirdwatch.co.uk Additional graphic design by Ali at Fuzz Media.
BN5 magazine is printed by L&S Print, Worthing on 100% FSC approved managed forests paper using vegetable-based inks.
Copy deadline for advertisements or editorial submissions for the April issue of BN5 magazine is Friday 7 March.
If you have a local interest story for us please email editor@bn5magazine.co.uk. If your not-for-profit club, group or charity has an event you would like us to publish on our what’s on pages, please submit via our website www.henfieldbn5.co.uk, this gives you additional automatic website entry. Please note we no longer accept postal or email diary submissions due to potential inaccuracies when transcribing. Priority is given to local, charitable and non-repeating events when we are oversubscribed. Advertiser Terms and Conditions and all Disclaimers appear on our website. For advertising enquiries or to receive a media pack please email sales@bn5magazine.co.uk
Lancing College Sixth Form Open Day
Sat 1 March, Lancing College
Lancing College would like to extend a warm welcome to families looking at school places for Year 12 entry. See centrefold for details.
Henfield Annual Parish Meeting
Tue 4 March, 7pm, Henfield Hall
Meet your councillors and find out plans for 2025, as well as hear all about the 2024 projects, including the Year of Biodiversity. All welcome.
Music for All: Wurlitzer Organ Concert
Sun 2 March, 3-5.30pm, Singing Hills
Rounding off the season in fabulous style with the star resident organist from Norfolk’s ever popular Thursford Collection, Robert Wolfe.
New Plants: The Future for Your Garden
Fri 7 March, 7pm, Henfield Hall
Join Henfield Garden Club for a talk about recent introductions and discover plants that have not yet been launched.
Pilates Evolved: Taster
Day
Sat 8 March, Pilates Evolved Studio
Join Pilates teachers and massage therapists for a taster day. Booking essential. See page 22.
Coffee Morning
Sat 8 March, 10am-12pm, Henfield Hall
The Henfield Trefoil Guild welcome you to their Coffee Morning. Cakes, raffle, bric-a-brac, entry £1.5 includes tea/coffee.
The Henfield Ball
Sat 8 March, 7.30pm, Henfield Hall
Tickets £30 each including a drink on arrival, food from ‘Partage’ and live music from ‘What the Funk’.
Turner v Constable:
The Great British Paint-off
Mon 10 March, 2-3.45pm, Henfield Hall
The Arts Society Henfield. Guests welcome, entry £10.
Beekeeping Introductory Day
Sat 15 March, 9.30am-5pm, Rudgwick Village Hall
Join Wisborough Green Beekeepers Association (WGBKA) for an introduction to beekeeping. Tickets £45.
Small Dole Village Hall Open Morning
Sat 22 March 10am-12pm,
Small Dole Village Hall
An open morning with teas and coffees to celebrate National Village Hall Day.
Elizabeth Robins of Backsettown: A Talk
Tue 25 March, 7.30–9pm, Small Dole Village Hall
The Small Dole Tuesday group welcome Alan Barwick to present his talk on Elizabeth Robins of Backsettown.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime
Fri 28 & Sat 29 March, 7.30-10pm, Henfield Hall
Henfield Theatre Company brings back The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. Tickets www.henfieldtheatrecompany.com.
Getting the most from the NHS app
Wed 19 March, 10am-12pm, Henfield Hall
Join the Henfield Computer Club for a presentation on how to access the range of NHS services on smartphone, tablet or laptop.
Spring
Dance at Trenchmore
Sat 22 March 11am-4pm, Trenchmore Farm
Join the Trenchmore team, Mythago & friends for a wonderful free event.
u3a Tea & Plant Swap
Thu 27 March 2-4pm, The Steyning Centre
Swap your surplus perennial plants and find out what the u3a has to offer retired people.
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (15)
Tue 25 March 7:30pm, Henfield Hall
Cinemobile mobile cinema. Starring Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant. Tickets Marcus Grimes or www.cinemobile.uk
CRAFT SHOW
Exciting news from Sussex Prairies for 2025
Up until now Sussex Prairie Garden has been run by us as an intensively managed garden open to the public, but from 2025 Sussex Prairies will become Sussex Prairies Wild -an experimental rewilded garden and farmscape where we will continue to host exclusive workshops, private events and happenings.
How to Visit Sussex Prairies Wild
We shall be open for one month only in 2025 to the general public - the most beautiful month of August! We’ll be open from 2nd – 31st August, Wednesday through to Sunday, closed Mondays and Tuesdays except bank holiday Monday 25th August, when we shall joined by our favourite and most colourful spectacle of the Indian Summer Bazaar. You will soon be able to book your tickets for this special opening time!
We shall also welcome pre-booked “By Appointment” groups throughout the summer and autumn.
One-off openings will also happen for special happenings like Outdoor Theatre, e.g. The Three Inch Fools Outdoor Theatre Company will bring their hilarious comedy production of The Most Perilous Comedie of Elizabeth I, on Tuesday 26th August. Watch the website for more visiting opportunities as they are announced.
Our packed programme of workshops will continue apace with a big focus on craft, holistic and Horticultural offerings. It really is time to get reacquainted with your creative side! why not join us with your friends and family on one of our many and varied workshops which we shall continue to host throughout the spring, summer and autumn. Where in the wild will we be?
Sussex Prairies came from nature and now will fully return to nature again, and our focus for our farm and garden will be to develop our biodiverse habitat.
Tackling the global biodiversity and climate change crises starts with local action. We are actively working with local wildlife groups and initiatives to improve the habitat we have already and will keep you updated with wildlife at the forefront of our business!
Rewilding is a large-scale restoration of ecosystems that aims to allow nature to take care of itself, to restore the web of life in nature, including habitats, natural processes, and missing species. For example, at Sussex Prairies we shall start this process by refocusing on our prairie garden borders, meadows, ponds and woodland areas.
Rewilding reintroduces missing species when appropriate and at the right time. It creates biodiverse habitats, for example at Sussex Prairies our aim will be to provide more wildlife-friendly zones such as bird scrapes, hedges and scrub areas.
Rewilding aims to balance people and nature, and help people reconnect with wild nature. Our programme of workshops and garden activities will seek to open up further wildlife and nature interactions over time.
Pauline & Paul McBride
Partridge Green Horticultural Society
The Partridge Green Horticultural Society is a friendly and informal group of local gardeners, we are delighted to welcome anyone (of any age and experience) keen to enhance their green fingers and spaces.
Whether you enjoy growing fruit, flowers, veg,
herbs, a pot plant or a window box you will find like-minded people, interesting talks, the odd outing and good home-made cakes and refreshments. Our annual August Show will tempt you into trying your skills in fields other than produce and flowers: baking, preserves, homemade wines and spirits, flower arranging, handicrafts, photography, calligraphy and fun challenges for children.
We look forward to seeing you; meetings are held on the last Thursday of the month from February to April, October and November at 7.30pm. See our website for further details.
Current annual membership fees: Single £6 or family £10.
Susie Jacobsen
Introduction to Beekeeping Day
Are you, or is someone you know, one of the many people who have thought of investigating keeping bees, but didn’t know what it involves? Wisborough Green Beekeepers Association (WGBKA) have an “Introduction to Beekeeping” day on Saturday 15th March in Rudgwick Village Hall.
It is tailored for those who may have an interest in keeping bees but aren’t sure if it is for them. The day is packed with all the information needed to become a beekeeper, including the time
needed, basic equipment, costs and where to site beehives.
This is a popular annual event that has been run since 2006 and tutored by very experienced beekeepers. It has introduced several hundred people to the craft. For those who wish to go further, there will be a free follow-up session at the large and well equipped WGBKA teaching apiary, where you can handle bees under supervision. This provides the opportunity to learn and achieve a reasonable level of competence using someone else’s facilities before buying bees and equipment. The course is also suitable for those who may have just started beekeeping but
Wanted By Collector
OLD VICTORIAN BOTTLES, POT LIDS & ENAMEL SIGNS
Contact Henry
have had little or no guidance.
WGBKA members live in West Sussex and South Surrey, within about 15-20 miles of Wisborough Green.
Further information for beekeepers and nonbeekeepers about the Introduction to Beekeeping Day and general beekeeping can be found on the WGBKA website www.wgbka.org.uk.
Robert Brown
Henfield Wild Violets Women’s Institute
Henfield Wild Violets WI held a “guess the weight of the cake” competition, sang carols and gave out free mulled wine and mince pies outside Cornerweighs at the festive Henfield Late Night Shopping event on 6th December. Proceeds of £83.00 were donated to “Safe in Sussex”, a charity providing help and support for people affected by domestic abuse. This charity is committed to raising awareness of domestic abuse, educating people, and promoting healthy relationships.
Henfield Wilds Violets WI will be celebrating their 9th anniversary in March and are planning a full programme for 2025. Our aim is to give local women the opportunity to meet and make new friends, experience fun activities, hear interesting talks by a variety of speakers, and give them opportunities to discuss relevant national issues. Members votes on these issues are then fed back to the National Women’s Institute resolutions and resulting campaigns.
We meet in the Henfield Hall at 9.45am on the 2nd Friday of the month. Visitors can attend two meetings free before deciding if they would like to join. An optional lunch is offered so that members can continue to chat, socialise and get to know one another. We look forward to welcoming you.
Angela Lightburn
Small Dole Tuesday Group
For those who do not know who we are, hopefully this will enlighten you. We are a mixed social group that meet on the Fourth Tuesday evening of most months at the Small Dole Village Hall to hear a range of very interesting talks from a range of excellent speakers, followed by refreshments. The group have rebranded last year from Club to Group. We are the same friendly, welcoming group and would love to have new faces at our meetings. The evening starts at 7.15pm for 7.30pm start, ending by 9.30pm at the latest. There are plenty of parking spaces beside the hall. There is a small fee on the door, no booking is required, and we hold a monthly raffle.
To give you a flavour of the forthcoming talks, we kick off with local historian Alan Barwick on 28th March talking about novelist and suffragette
Elizabeth Robins. Other dates are April 22nd Rommie Rescue the dog rescue charity, May 27th Stories from the Sussex Downs, then June 24th Murders and Misdemeanours. See our group page on www.henfieldbn5.co.uk for more details nearer the dates. We break for the summer months then start again in September. At the beginning and end of each term we do hold social events which are fun, including our annual meal at the Fox. If you require any further information regarding the group or talks, email chairperson kj.batesonuk@btinternet.com. We look forward to meeting you.
Kay Bateson
In training for England’s Strongest Man
My name is Shane Nye, I run a small specialist bodybuilding and fitness gym in Henfield. I am currently in training for England’s Strongest Man competition and would like to ask Henfield residents to support me to achieve success at this national competition. My small gym, Powerhouse Gym, is facing some challenges and we need to purchase some important equipment, we have set up a Go Fund Me page for anyone who can support our venture.
I love to help others to achieve their fitness and health goals, and our small, friendly gym has become a great place for local people, we currently have four people training for England’s Strongest Man qualifiers, please help me to keep it open and thriving.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-our-gymcommunity-we-are-in-need-of-your-help
Shane Nye
MP makes a formal objection to plans for 191 Henfield houses
Andrew Griffith MP (Arundel and South Downs) has written to Horsham District Council to formally object to plans put forward for a large housing development which is not in the Henfield Neighbourhood Plan.
Croudace Homes have applied to the Council for outline planning for houses on land adjacent to Furners Lane, with access from Charlwood Drive. It is currently 8.6 hectares of agricultural land with mature trees and hedgerows.
Andrew Griffith has previously shared his deep concern that rural parts of West Sussex are increasingly on the frontline of all new development in the country. This, he said, is a tractable problem if residents and their elected representatives can work together to help to defend farmland and green fields from unnecessary development. In his letter, Mr Griffith points out that residents from Henfield have shared their concerns with
him, including loss of green fields and wildlife habitats, road access which would impact traffic on Wantley Hill, and the significant pressures it would put on the local infrastructure in the village ‘reducing the quality of life for residents’.
The MP has highlighted the exceptional level of development already absorbed by Henfield in recent years and says that new housing should now only come forward through the agreed Henfield Neighbourhood Plan allocations.
Andrew Griffith said: “It is objectionable that, yet another developer wants to have a go at Henfield. Henfield has already taken far more than its share of new development in recent years, much of which was developer-led and not plan-led. This latest proposal threatens to erode the rurality of the village, ignores the adopted neighbourhood plan, and will burden local infrastructure significantly. It is simply not okay to continue building out large scale developments on rural green fields. The LibDem and Green controlled Horsham District Council, as the local planning authority, must challenge this application and listen to Henfield’s residents.”
The office of Andrew Griffith, MP
Steyning Schools 1960s Reunion
Aimed at all those Henfield area pupils who attended both the Steyning Secondary School, Steyning Grammar School and the new Comprehensive School in the 1960’s, there will be a meeting of ex-pupils on Tuesday 18th March from 10am to 12.00 midday and 2-4pm at the old Steyning Grammar School in Church Street, Steyning.
On that day the school’s Old Grammarians are attending the school for a reunion event. I am part of a small group that have been working on the school’s archives and putting together an exhibition in Chatfields at the old school for all those who are interested in the school’s history -especially those who were pupils in past years. There may be some former pupils who are interested in attending and meeting other former pupils and seeing all the photographs and other
materials that we have been archiving and displaying. They may find themselves in school photographs or mentioned in school magazines or other school records.
Please come along if you are interested. Barry Scutt
Henfield Cricket Club 2025 season
Henfield Cricket Club, which is over 250 years old, is preparing for the start of the new cricket season in April with a reinvigorated committee. The Club and its members have a determination to build on the legacy of the late and much missed Conway Thorns, whose family have been part of the Club for eight generations.
Conway’s son, Kevin, has now joined the committee alongside Martin Secrett and the new Chair, Paul Samrah. Whilst Mick & Sam Cleary and David Jemmett have stepped back (but fortunately not away completely) after many years of tireless unpaid work for the Club.
We have three Saturday teams and a Sunday afternoon friendly team. On late Friday afternoons, starting in April, we will once again offer All-Stars cricket (a starter option for Under 8s & below) - we have Under 9s playing softball cricket (Saturday mornings), with Under 11s (Sunday mornings), Under 13s & Under 15s (Monday nights).
We are always looking for players - men, women and children of any age.
Please do pop down to the Common on Friday evenings, from early April through to when the school holidays start in late July, when the Colts are practising. Our well stocked bar is open to all - serving the cheapest drinks in the village! - and there will be a regular BBQ.
You don’t have to be a member to watch entertaining local village cricket and have a drink (or two) at the bar in the Pavilion. Henfield Cricket Club is the pride of Henfield and your support is greatly appreciated.
For further information, please email chairman@ henfieldcricketclub.com
Paul Samrah, Chair, Henfield CC
Henfield Garden Club
This month’s talk (Friday 7th March, 7pm) is by Graham Spencer: “New Plants – The Future For Your Garden’. All gardeners get excited by the prospect of a new plant. This talk provides an opportunity to get excited by recent introductions and by plants that have not yet been launched. In this talk, Graham gives an insight into the new plant development process, including a brief introduction to Plant Variety Rights and the commercial aspects of new variety development, as well as a discussion of the qualities required to make a new plant a success. This is followed by an illustrated discussion of some of the new plants that have recently been introduced or are about to be launched through Plants For Europe – which inevitably gets the note-takers in the Next month’s talk (Tuesday 1st April, 7pm) is by Steve Bustin “Ghosts, Guns and Guerilla Gardening”the life and times of Ellen Willmott.
Steve Bustin gardens in the city garden in Brighton that he shares with his husband and dog and counts Thalictrum ‘Elin’ as his (current) favourite hardy plant. He’s also a big fan of aeoniums and holds part of a dispersed National Collection of Noel Burr daffodils.
Steve is a former Chair of Seedy Sunday Brighton, the UK’s oldest and largest community seed swap event and has written about gardens and gardening for magazines including Amateur
Gardening, Beautiful Gardens and US title Pith & Vigor. He has also previously opened his garden in the National Garden Scheme.
Adrian Jessup
News from the Henfield Hall
I can’t quite believe we are already in March, watching the daffodils pop up in my garden always brings me joy. The hall is also preparing for Spring, and the caretakers are getting ready to transform the garden. It’s going to be a lovely space to have a party in the warmer months as the Garden room opens out on to it, there are a few dates left in the summer so do consider it if you are having any kind of celebration.
We have a jumble sale and a Speed Quiz coming to the hall this month which are both bound to be popular. We are also looking forward to a reprise of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, by the Henfield Theatre Company a superb production.
There is also a Vintage and Retro fair and a very useful Dog First Aid Course.
Here’s to a warm Spring and a busy Hall!
Caroline Allan
Meet your Councillors - Henfield Annual Parish Meeting
The 2025 Henfield Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Tuesday 4th March at 7pm in the Henfield Hall. This is your chance to ask questions and talk about life in Henfield.
This year, after a short presentation and Q&A slot, Henfield Parish Councillors invite you to join them in a relaxed atmosphere for a cup of tea/coffee or a glass of wine.
You will have the opportunity to discuss the work of Parish Council and share your views about Henfield with individual Councillors. There will be various displays on current projects, such as the Year of Biodiversity (2024) and Henfield Museum.
We look forward to seeing you.
Elaine Goodyear – Chairman, Henfield Parish Council
Henfield
Downmere Farm 1st Anniversary
Downmere Farm - Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning Centre in Poynings is celebrating its first anniversary. Miniature donkeys Tom and Basil have also turned 1 year old, and love to meet everyone on arrival and are often found in the kitchen looking for a carrot treat. They have been working with neurodivergent children and enjoy the attention, in particular tummy rubs which is wonderful and sensory as well as a great way to warm hands on their soft fur. They love to go out and about for walks with clients when the opportunity arises, and are ready to commence training in preparation for care home and hospice visits within the local community later this year. Their appearance at the Poynings village fete last summer was a big hit, and will be appearing again this summer as they love being stroked and making new friends. Suitable transport for the residential visits is needed, as they are precious cargo and not much bigger than a large dog.
The ponies, horses and donkeys have enjoyed working with children in care providing a muchneeded outlet, and regular source of unconditional love whilst regulating the children through challenging times. Equine connection begins with a feeling - trust, respect, understanding as they communicate from the heart it brings awareness to our own enabling the pathway to open for learning,
and connection. They teach us that emotions are the bridge to true communication, and equine beauty is not solely in physical form but in their spirit - the way they move, and connect, and how they show us to be present. Every horse tells a story, and every moment with them is a gift reminding us of the beauty in stillness, the power in trust and the joy of connection. They are true reflections of nature’s grace and wisdom, and when we take the time to listen they show us the power of empathy and emotional connection.
Adults have also benefitted from their time at Downmere, working through various mental health challenges and also healing grief within the heart and body Our clients range from four years old to 85 years.
We are welcoming spring calling us forwards into new beginnings with more purpose and potential for the year ahead. All sessions take place on the ground with no riding involved, and are tailored to the individual. For further information www. downmerefarm.com or on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Claudia Nicholson
Henfield Youth Club seeks Committee Members and Trustees
Do you care about the youth of our village and the amazing facility of our Youth Club? Could you
be the Committee Member/Trustee who can help us move forward with improving and updating our premises and what we can provide for our youngsters? We are thriving and have more young people than ever attending, more than 100 a week - Tuesdays Juniors, Wednesdays Quiet Session, Thursdays Seniors, Fridays Poppin Cafe. We rely upon grants and fundraising and are constantly looking at ways we can improve our building - any skills and enthusiasm that you can bring will be of enormous help.
See our website www.henfieldyouthclub.co.uk or if you would like to come and see us in action please contact Debbie on henfieldyouthclub@tiscali.co.uk
In appreciation of all our supporters we are holding a Thank You Tea at the Youth Club on Sunday 16th March at 3pm. If we have missed sending you an invitation or you would like to come along and see the Youth Club, please contact Debbie and you will be made most welcome.
You can still vote for our teenagers babysitting/ first aid course in Tesco Holmbush and Tesco Express in Upper Shoreham Road until the end of March, more votes, more funding!
Jackie Griffiths
Fulking Village Hall Fundraising appeal
An urgent fundraising campaign has been launched this month to raise £85,000 to purchase Fulking Village Hall and the accompanying former Chapel from the Church.
The campaign launched by Fulking Village Hall Charitable Incorporated Organisation needs to raise the funds to complete the purchase by the
The Charity wishes to purchase the site to safeguard its future and then plans to secure additional funding to make major improvements to the buildings. If you would like to donate or to support their fundraising please contact: fulkingvillagehall@gmail.com or find our more on the Fulking Village Hall Facebook page.
Peter Boarder, Trustee, Fulking Village Hall CIO
Ten Little Toes Baby Bank
Ten Little Toes may have moved to Crawley in 2023, but our heart and soul is still very much in supporting families across West Sussex. We’re busy in our new hub helping more families than ever who are experiencing the hardship and crisis caused by rising bills and costs.
If you are struggling to afford the basics for your children and don’t know where to turn to get some help, we’re here for you. We can help with clothing, prams, cots, and more for your children between the ages of 0-12. We work on a referral basis but it’s a simple process - reach out to any professional involved with your family, GP, Health Visitor, your child’s school, family worker, club leader - and ask them to put in a referral for you. We’re here to help.
We are a registered charity, and our community is at the heart of everything we do. We rely on donations of great quality clothing, equipment and items to ensure that we can support those who need us. If you think you might be able to donate items that would help, please pop by our Facebook page and see our latest wish list. This will tell you what we can and can’t take right now (space is limited) and how to donate.
We’re planning a longer feature in the next edition of BN5 - so do look out for us. We can’t wait to tell you more about our work.
Amanda Lusted
Help Raise Funds for St. Peter’s C of E Primary School
We currently have a number of fundraising initiatives to help support our school.
The Henfield Ball: Our exciting new event is on Saturday, 8th March at The Henfield Hall, doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are £30 each which includes a drink on arrival, delicious food from ‘Partage’ (an exciting new collaboration between Jez from Goodness and Henfield chef Shane Cannon) and fantastic live music from ‘What The Funk’.
In addition, there will be a licensed bar and the opportunity to win big prizes. Dress to impress and get your dancing shoes on! Tickets are available from Swains, Marcus Grimes Estate Agents and at www.ticketsource.co.uk/st-petersprimary-school-pta
Cash for Currency: Donate your foreign coins and banknotes. Drop them off at Stokes or St Peter’s School office to help us turn them into muchneeded funds.
Your School Lottery: For just £1 a week, you could win weekly prizes and be entered into a £25,000 jackpot draw. Open to everyone—buy tickets here: www.yourschoollottery.co.uk/lottery/ schoolst-peters-henfield
EasyFundraising App: Shop with top brands using the #easyfundraising app to raise money for the school, for free. It only takes 2 minutes to sign up, go to www.easyfundraising.org.uk/support-agood-cause Together, small actions can lead to big changes!
Nikky Smith, St. Peter’s C of E Primary School PTA
Getting the most from the NHS app
Henfield Computer Club invite you to join us for our next Presentation on Wed 19th March.
The NHS App provides a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
This app will enable you to access your digital health and care services. Helping you to stay well, get well, and manage your health. You can view test results, order prescriptions and much more. The app can be used to access a plethora of information and data relating to our own personal health.
Join us in the Garden Room at The Henfield Hall on Wed 19th March 10am-12 midday, with the presentation lasting no more than hour, a chance to ask questions and enjoy some refreshments. If you’d like to come along, please let us know at henfieldcomputerclub@gmail.com £2 for members and £3 for guests.
Dawn Butcher, Henfield Computer Club
Food waste collections are coming to Horsham
A phased roll-out of weekly food waste collections will launch in March 2026, with household refuse and recycling collections continuing as usual every two weeks. Horsham District councillors approved plans for weekly food waste collections back in March 2024.
Food waste collections are being introduced to help us improve our recycling rates as well as to comply with the Government’s simpler recycling scheme which was introduced to create consistency in the way recycling, food waste and
garden waste are collected across the country. Currently some 41.5% of the rubbish in an average Horsham District waste bin is made up of food waste.
Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste for Horsham District Council Cllr Jay Mercer commented: “I am delighted that we will be starting our food waste collections for residents in spring 2026. When it comes to overall recycling, we have a great track record here in the Horsham District. Thanks to our amazing residents we currently recycle over 51% of our waste products which is the highest recycling rate in West Sussex.
“However, there is always more progress we can make, and introducing a weekly food waste collection will go a long way to further reducing the levels of food waste that go to waste and will help boost our overall recycling rates.”
Households with a kerbside collection will receive a five-litre caddy to use in the kitchen and a 23-litre food waste caddy to place out on collection day. Whilst food waste will be collected weekly, all collections of rubbish, recycling and garden waste (if subscribed to) will continue to be collected fortnightly.
By diverting food waste, it can be recycled via anaerobic digestion into bio-fertiliser and energy. The bio-fertiliser will be used as fertiliser for
farmers’ fields and the energy will power the anaerobic digestion facility, with any excess being exported to the national grid to be used in homes. The food waste collections are initially being partfunded by the Government. We start collecting commercial food waste from local businesses from March 2025.
To receive updates and timely reminders of all your collections, please download the Horsham District Council mobile app. Alternatively you can visit: www.horsham.gov.uk/waste-recycling-andbins/household-bin-collections/food-waste Horsham District Council
Ninebarrow to visit Henfield
After their steady rise to the top of the national folk roots scene over the last decade, duo Ninebarrow (Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere) will be performing on Saturday 5th April at St Peter’s Church in Henfield as part of their national tour this spring.
Described by Mark Radcliffe as sounding ‘like two halves of one voice’ and by Mercury Music Prize nominee Kate Rusby as ‘absolutely amazing’, the Dorset-based duo combine trade-mark harmony singing and magical instrumentation, delivering original songs that are inspired and rooted in the landscape and history of the British Isles. As well as crafting unique and engaging original material, Ninebarrow also take a widerange of traditional folk songs and rework them in their own, distinctive way.
Named after Nine Barrow Down in Dorset’s Purbeck hills, the duo have produced five critically
acclaimed albums with their 2021 record, ‘A Pocket Full of Acorns’, released to a raft of four and five star reviews in the folk and mainstream media.
The concert starts at 7pm (with doors at 6:30pm) and tickets are available from www.ninebarrow.co.uk/gigs St Peter’s Church
Tea & Plant Swap
The Steyning & District u3a Tea & Plant Swap is free for u3a members and non-members alike. Not only is this a plant swap, but it’s a good way to find out what the u3a has to offer those who have retired from full time work. Joining the u3a is a great way to share your interests with other like-minded people, learn new things and make new friends.
With around 400 members and some 50 interest groups, our members share a wide range of learning and leisure activities, from the Arts, Music, Languages and Discussion groups to Wine Appreciation and many more.
If you have any plants that are surplus to your needs, why not bring them along to the Coombe Court at the Steyning Centre? Not only will you find a good home for your unwanted plants, but you might find a new plant for your garden. For more information about the u3a, please contact the Membership Secretary, Diana Couling on 07990 532030 or go to www.steyninganddistrictu3a.org.uk
Lesley Cresswell
Hope & Aid donations for Ukraine
Advance notice; we will be collecting items to send to Ukraine in March at Corpus Christi Church Hall, The Tanyard, BN59PE. The collection dates are Monday 24th, Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th March, 10am-2pm.
We specifically need donations of the following items: Tinned vegetables, beans, pulses, fish and meat. Dried beans, chickpeas, lentils, flour, pasta. Chocolate, energy bars, packet soups, black tea, rapeseed or sunflower oil. Emergency or camping rations. Sanitary products, nappies, toothbrushes and toothpaste. New underwear for men, women and children, except bras, which can be clean and as-new. Soap, shampoo, body wash. Power banks for phone charging. Camping mats, washing powder, blankets, ideally fleece. Sleeping bags in stuff-sacks. Please spread the word to any friends, society or group that you belong to. If you are at school or a member of any club, why not arrange to have a collection? It’s amazing how wonderful it is to support the Refugees and to understand the comfort it brings when the truck arrives. Please call 07802 847234 for further information.
Celia Emmott
Let’s get buddy systems going!
We are so lucky in Henfield to have so many groups and activities to join in. However, some people face difficulties getting out of the house –whether lack of transport, not wanting to go out on a dark evening or feeling shy.
A buddy system is very quick fix that any group can put in place and that can be literally life changing. It just means putting members who can help with transport and accompanying in touch with those who’d like a lift or companion.
Some groups are already doing this but Access Henfield urges everyone to get on board so we can all enjoy village life to the full.
Sara Williams
Challenge Annie Update
Huge congratulations to Anne Dewdney, who made it through her first two months of challenges with flying colours! She achieved 100 press-ups a day in January, and when the totals on her Just Giving started rising, she upped her game to 150 a day, then 200 in the final week! Thank you to sponsor Henfield Home Checks for your wonderful support.
At the beginning of February, Annie and team took part in HenRox Henfield at Henfield Leisure Centre. We’d like to thank the local organisations who generously sponsored each of the various HenRox activities, including Henfield Tennis Club, Rushfields Plant Centre & Farm Shop, CH Roofing, PHB Contractors and Pentland Poultry Farm.
Anne is now focussed on her training schedule for the Henfield Half Marathon in March, which will be sponsored by specialist bespoke joinery company Lee McCatty Joinery at The Piggery, Henfield.
The Challenge Annie Just Giving total at the time of going to print is an incredible £5,230, more than 50% of the target! A huge thank you to everyone who has sponsored, it’s very encouraging to Anne as she embarks on her next fitness challenge.
Emma
Cole
SATURDAY 1st MARCH 11am
VACANCY
Do you need to prioritise your health and wellbeing?
Do you need to prioritise your health and wellbeing?
Do you need to prioritise your health and wellbeing?
Spring forward this March and join us at the friendly Pilates Evolved studios on Henfield High Street
Spring forward this March and join us at the friendly Pilates Evolved studios on Henfield High Street
Spring forward this March and join us at the friendly Pilates Evolved studios on Henfield High Street
Taster Day - Saturday 8th March
Taster Day - Saturday 8th March
Taster Day - Saturday 8th March
Prebook to join us with a discount!
Prebook
Prebook to join us with a discount!
Join our team of Pilates Teachers and Massage Therapists for a 'Taster Day' of Pilates and Wellbeing Therapies including:
Join our team of Pilates Teachers and Massage Therapists for a 'Taster Day' of Pilates and Wellbeing Therapies including:
Join our team of Pilates Teachers and Massage Therapists for a 'Taster Day' of Pilates and Wellbeing Therapies including:
Pilates Barre Taster Class - Saturday class starting March!
Pilates Barre Taster Class - Saturday class starting March!
Pilates Intermediate Taster Class - Saturday class starting March!
Pilates Intermediate Taster Class - Saturday class starting March!
Pilates Intermediate Taster Class - Saturday class starting March!
Beginners Pilates Workshop - Saturday class starting March!
Pilates Barre Taster Class - Saturday class starting March! Remedial/Sports Massage -
Henfield Scout Community Centre – on the home straight!
Henfield has a long history of Scouting. It is the oldest existing troop in the world, formed in 1907, shortly after Baden-Powell’s first Brownsea Island camp. Captain AG Wade, who lived in Henfield, had travelled back from Africa with Robert Baden Powell, and heard of his plans for a Scouting movement, which he described to his sister Audrey. The 1st Henfield troop was formally registered by Audrey in May 1908 with a group of 36 boys, and Scouting has flourished in the village ever since.
The 1st Henfield Scouts met in an old carpentry workshop at Hackett’s Barn, and then as the troop grew it moved on to what is now the Henfield Club. Frank Clarke, a local councillor and benefactor donated the land and hut at Cagefoot Lane; and in the 1960s the B-P Guild built the wooden hut most recently used.
This wooden building did well to stand for over 60 years, but it became rotten and unsafe,
so the Scouts vacated in 2022 to take up temporary residency in Small Dole. Local people will remember many generations of talk of replacing the building, and seemingly endless fundraising; some of these plans came close to
floated. Internal walls will be erected, lighting installed and the exterior groundworks levelled by Peter Booth ready for planting. A kitchen (already donated) will be installed, solar panels, rainwater harvesting and an air-source heat pump installed (thanks to a Rampion grant). Give or take a few finishing touches, all the elements of the build will be completed, ready to welcome Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and any local community groups who may like to use this first-class facility.
“This
Dave Malkin has been involved with the project since he was GSL (Group Scout Leader) at Henfield in the mid-90s. 30 years later, he’s finally reaching the closing stages of the project, after countless hours of work. The team of 12 volunteers he leads, (seven of whom are B-P Guildsmen), have pushed forward even when the odds were against them. At various times they’ve achieved (and then lost), then regained grants all over again; come up against planning issues and a family of badgers who decided to set up camp (in true Scouting style) and faced tough fundraising challenges and spiralling costs postCovid. Their determination is finally paying off, they just need a little more help from the village to reach the line!
Ex-Scout and surveyor James Standing has managed to achieve donations of flooring, paving and various building materials from his industry contacts, whilst giving countless hours to the project, along with fellow surveyor Graham Norris. Every donated item has been well-used, and not a penny of the hard-earned donations has been wasted. Thank you to every one of you who has
or fundraise? Dave would love to hear from you if so. He is also keen to speak with anyone who would offer them a loan, the Clarkes Mead Trust are able to pay 2.5% interest rate in return.
FUN QUIZ
When the building is finally occupied and brought to life with the noise and energy of young people learning the skills and life-lessons of Scouting, all this hard work will be worthwhile. Dave and the team have shown incredible levels of dedication. Please help them to complete this important legacy for the village.
Emma Cole
They couldn’t have achieved such a spectacular building on a shoestring budget without incredible generosity from local individuals and businesses. Huge thanks go to everyone who has donated, and special thanks must go to Rich Little of Platform 3 Design, the architect who donated his services at no charge. Electrical works and alarms were donated by Allsaved Ltd, and LEDs by Ecolite Ltd. Alex Knight of Owl Construction Sussex has pledged the work of carpenters for five days, and Lime Designs in Dorking donated an entire kitchen, currently being stored by Fiona Ayres and Rob Laughton from Stokes.
DONATE TODAY
To donate, scan the QR code on this page or go to www.gofundme.com and put Henfield Scout Community Centre Building Appeal in the search box. For other donations (cash, cheque, goods or loans) please contact Dave Malkin on 07929 840321 or email david.malkin@henfield-scout-cc.org
The Clarkes Mead Trust: Registered Charity 305885.
Shermanbury
£2,195pcm
EPC D
Council Tax E
Detached 4 bedroom, two bathroom bungalow with large rear garden and parking.
Steyning
£1,350pcm
EPC D
Council Tax C
2 bedroom semi detached house with rear garden and garage. 6 month let.
Have you visited the Pavilion Restaurant at Singing Hills?
Special Spring Lunch Menu
Available Monday-Saturday Two Courses £17.00 / Three Courses £24.50
Starters:
Sweet Chili Beef
Sesame soy noodle salad
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Crunchy Salad (v)
Soup of the Day
Crusty Ciabatta (v)
Main Courses:
Lamb & Bacon Barley Hash
Cheesy colcannon mash & warm bread
Salmon & Coconut Green Curry
Steamed rice, sweetcorn fritter
Triple Cheese Macaroni Bites
Sweet potato, ketchup and mixed leaves (v)
Desserts:
Rhubarb & Apple Crumble
With custard (v)
Fresh Fruit Salad (v)
Dessert of the Day * Our food contains Allergens which
On Sundays we serve our Traditional Carvery Two Courses from £28.00 (Main Course & Dessert) / Three Courses £ 37.00
Singing Hills Golf Centre, Muddleswood Road, Albourne, West Sussex, BN6 9EB Tel: 01273 835353 / Email: dawn@singinghills.co.uk / www.singinghills.co.uk
Henf ield Landscapes
Over 7 years’ experience in the garden and landscaping business. Competitive prices and great service. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quotation.
“A well-designed outdoor space can transform your home & enhance your quality of life”
Please Contact Lynn for further information 01273 492821 | terryscross@btconnect.com Woodmancote, Henfield, BN5 9SX www.terryscross.co.uk Call 07546 106 022 or email jasgonzalez20@gmail.com
TERRYS CROSS HOUSE
Terrys Cross House is a small, friendly, registered care home providing a high standard of care in stunning surroundings. We welcome all applicants. We occasionally also have vacancies in Bramwell Lodge, our flats designed for independent living.
With exceptional service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Tottington Manor offers the perfect setting to enjoy quality time together this Mother’s Day. Enjoy Sunday lunch in our award-winning TERRA Restaurant, made with the best local ingredients, or opt for a delicious Afternoon Tea with all the traditional trimmings, all while taking in our breathtaking views of the South Downs.
Bookings are now open for Mother’s Day.
Reserve your table at tottingtonmanor.co.uk 01903 815757 | reservations@tottingtonmanor.co.uk
Complete Interior & Exterior Renovations
Landscaping Projects
Bespoke Garden Rooms
Small local business based in Henfield, with over 18 years’ experience.
Crafting excellence
• Bespoke furniture design & creation
• Window repairs
• Wall panelling
• Bedroom & lounge furniture
• General carpentry
003005 E: abbotsgrangecarpentry@gmail.com
Repointing work
Window cleaning
Exterior surface cleaning (patios, driveways etc)
Roofing repairs
Henfield Firefighters take on the famous Three Peaks Challenge
In June this year, members of the crew from Henfield Fire Station will be attempting the famous Three Peaks Challenge, scaling Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) within just 24 hours. These famous three peaks are the tallest peak in Scotland, England and Wales, the tallest being Ben Nevis at 1,345m.
The team will begin their climb in the early hours of Saturday 7th June and aim to complete the challenge the following morning. Not for the faint hearted, it’s a challenge that is completed by only 40% of those that attempt it, and involves climbing a total of 9,843ft over a distance of 26
miles. Added to this, there are 11 hours of driving between climbs.
As a team we have a target to raise £2,500 for the amazing Firefighters Charity, to support the incredible work they do for firefighters across the UK.
Our fire and rescue services are always there for us when we need them, helping us at the lowest and most terrifying moments of our lives. To do that, they need to be physically and mentally well, at work and at home. The charity’s role is crucial, it takes care of each and every firefighter for life; working as their health and wellbeing companion,
supporting them to ensure that they can be there for you when you need them.
The Charity supports past and present fire and rescue service personnel, whatever their role, as well as their spouses, families and many other eligible individuals across a diverse community of around 300,000 people. They help with physical problems and recovery from injury or surgery, mental health, nursing, social wellbeing and financial hardship, bereavement, retirement, befriending, and support for firefighters’ families when life is difficult. They also run a Crisis Line which is open 24 hours a day and manned by trained clinicians who understand the fire community. It helps to save lives, giving someone who is having suicidal thoughts or going through a mental health crisis the support they need.
Training is well underway with frequent hikes on the South Downs Way, which is ideal for climb training, and the crew are working hard to make sure we are fit and ready for the challenge. They fit training in around busy working days, call outs and drill nights, working as a team and supporting each other.
To follow us on our training and challenge journey please see our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram, and if you see us out walking, please say hi!
Kevin Wadey
How you can help...
We really appreciate all your messages of support, as well as much- needed donations which are gratefully received via our Just Giving page.
www.justgiving.com/team/station56henfield All donations make a difference and keep our morale up as we train.
We’d also love local businesses to sponsor us or help with kit expenses, please get in touch if you think you can help.
TRADITIONAL CRAFT BUTCHERY SERVED WITH SKILL AND PASSION For collection or delivery, order forms in store, online or on social media
Our own recipe sausages | Exceptionally succulent beef from our own dry-ager Low food miles | High welfare meat | Sourced from local farmers and graziers
NORTON MEWS | COOPERS WAY | HENFIELD | BN5 9EQ TUES - FRI 8.30am – 5.30pm SWAINS FARM SHOP | BRIGHTON ROAD | BN5 9RP MON - SAT 8.30am – 6pm SUN 10am - 4pm
www. southdownsbutchery.co.uk FOLLOW US: SOUTHDOWNSBUTCHERY
SWAINS HENFIELD
Our Guide to School Open Events
If you are navigating the maze of potential schools for your child, school open events are your golden ticket to go beyond the glossy brochures and really get a feel for what a school is all about. Here are Lancing College’s top tips of what to look out for and those questions to ask:
SCHOOL VIBES • When you walk through those doors, take a minute to soak in the atmosphere. Is it buzzing with energy, or does it feel more like a library? Ask yourself if the general vibe aligns with what you envision for your child’s learning environment.
ETHOS AND VALUES • Don’t shy away from chatting to teachers and other staff about what makes the school tick. Ask about their approach to character development, co-curriculars, and how they handle tricky stuff like conflicts or challenges. You want to know if the school’s values align to your own.
CURRICULUM • Dig deep into what and how they are teaching. Research shows that a well-rounded curriculum is key. Ask about the approach to learning, the mix of subjects, and how they cater to different learning styles. Remember it is not just about passing exams, it is about fostering a lifelong love of learning!
LEAGUE TABLES • Schools are like people, they have different strengths. The one at the top might have the best Maths results but struggle with nurturing creativity. Do not be blinded by numbers; be swayed by what aligns with your child’s journey.
All schools welcome prospective parents and pupils to termly Open Events and/or private tours providing the opportunity to explore the campuses, meet staff and pupils, and get a taste of what makes the schools extraordinary.
Making Sustainable Food Choices
This month we are focusing on how to reduce our food waste to link with two national campaigns; Cultivation Street, celebrating community gardening, no matter the size, and Food Waste Action Week, from Love Food Hate Waste. Both these campaigns aim to get people thinking about how to grow, buy, and eat food sustainably, reducing waste and so reducing your costs and benefiting the environment.
Did you know that a shocking 40+% of the waste in our household bins in Horsham District is food! and the most recent report by WRAP estimates the average family with children loses around £80 per month on food nationally.
While not everyone has the time or money for an allotment plot, or the space for a larger garden, Cultivation Street www.cultivationstreet.com helps encourage you to grow in any space, no matter how small, and showcases the transformative power of gardening as a communal activity, to improve mental health and encourage biodiversity. Some foods are simple to grow in small spaces and will mean you won’t waste as much. You
could grow herbs and lettuce on your balcony or kitchen – salad and fresh vegetables make up 27% of our food waste! Or you can share an allotment with a friend or join a community allotment.
The Food Waste Action Week www.lovefood hatewaste.com focuses on how much food is wasted around the UK, and how we can help reduce this waste. From buying loose fruit and veg, rather than large bags, through to freezing left-overs for other meals or visiting your local Community Fridge and Pantry, there are so many ways to think about how to buy wisely and reduce your waste. There are also ways to share the food you won’t use, such as the Olio App www.olioapp.com/en
FIND OUT MORE
• Have you visited your local Community Fridge in Henfield? Here you can rescue free food from local grocery stores which would otherwise be wasted (see details below).
• Visit our Get Involved webpage for more tips and suggestions: horsham.gov.uk/get-involvedin-climate-action
Horsham District Council
HENFIELD COMMUNITY FRIDGE
Organised by a team of friendly volunteers who collect donations from various local shops including Swains, Cornerweighs and Sainsbury’s. Everyone is welcome.
Making sustainable food
Henfield Leisure Centre, Northcroft, BN5 9QB. www.henfield.gov.uk/news/community-fridge Open Tues from 5pm and Fri & Sat from 9am. Once the food is gone, we close, usually within 1.5hrs!
Making sustainable food choices
Did you know that you can make really simple food choices that will help reduce your individual or family’s carbon footprint, protect the environment and save you ££’s?
See the article on the adjoining page to find out more.
www.horsham.gov. uk/get-involvedin-climate-action
Appointments available
Monday - Friday.
Michelle Brennan Caitlin McCaffery Tom Fletcher Chiropractor Chiropractor Chiropractor 01273 494680 1, Bowden House, Church Street, Henfield
- NHS / private patients
- See patients within 24hrs
- Six Month Smiles®
- Facial aesthetics / wrinkle reduction
- Free Cosmetic consultation
- Your safety is our priority
- We follow all NHS Covid-19 protocols
- Family friendly practice
- 24 months interest free treatment
Think of Mallards...
PAIN-FREE DENTISTRY
For over 150 years the syringe has seen little advancement in its technology, the Wand pain-free injections brings the administration of anaesthesia to the 21st century! Using its computer controlled flow rates it ensures that the anaesthesia is delivered below your pain threshold.
With pain-free injections you can relax about visiting your dentist. Here are a few reasons why you might want to have treatment using the wand:
• Pain free treatment
• No risk of long term effects such as paraesthesia
• Virtually no numbness or pain after the treatment
• Able to numb just one tooth
• More comfort for you and the dentist
Melissa Stepney
• Pick up and collection of your pet
• General Consultations
• Booster vaccinations
• Claw clips and Anal gland expression
• Some behaviour consultations
• Home visits for Euthanasia
*Discount home visits for £60 available
House, High Street Henfield, West Sussex, BN5 9DA
I want easy and accessible parking. We have ample parking and both our practices have private I want to go to a practice that is well equipped to provide a high level of care. We have all the latest equipment from key-hole surgery to heated dog and cat kennels. Our experienced vets are able to perform the majority of procedures at our practice without the need for you to go elsewhere.
High Street, Partridge Green RH 13 8HU
I want to go to a practice which I can trust and where both my pet and I feel comfortable. We’re an independent practice and pride ourselves on offering a personal and welcoming service. We strive to develop a long-term, positive relationship with all our clients. I want to see the same vet and have confidence All our veterinary surgeons are compassionate and experienced –there’s very little we haven’t seen before. Continuity of care is highly important and we make sure that your pet gets to see the vet that they prefer wherever possible!
Osteopathy and Podiatry Specialists
Our Osteopaths can help with a variety of issues including: tension headaches
• back and neck problems • muscle and joint pains • pain from arthritis
• stress-related tension • postural problems • occupational/sporting injuries
Our Podiatrists offer a range of services including: nail cutting • corn and callus removal • verruca treatment • fungal nail/foot treatment • diabetic foot care • ingrown toenail treatment • biomechanical assessment • orthotic insole fitting NOW OFFERING SATURDAY PODIATRY APPOINTMENTS
For more information or to book an appointment, please visit the clinic, call our friendly reception team or visit our website www.southdowns-clinic.co.uk South Downs Clinic, 2 Brick Lane, Henfield West Sussex, BN5 9DB • 01273 493467
Jonathan and Veterinary Surgeries and progressed equipment. The when we relocated designed location
Our main surgery is at Henfield and is at Partridge Green. Our experienced nurses have a wide range of interests for everything you and your pet may
Hawthorn Vets is an independent, small animal practice with two We pride ourselves on offering a personal service and strive to develop a long-term, relationship with all of our clients.
Henfield Surgery Partridge Green Surgery
Hawthorn
•
•
•
•
• Foul and surface water
FOR
M: 07880 932075 hollingertrenching@gmail.com www.hollingertrenching.co.uk INTERIOR & EXTERIOR DECORATION All Aspects. Paperhanging, Furniture, Conservatories etc. Over 35 years experience. 07792 450878 Markadecorating@hotmail.co.uk
• Domestic, commercial & agricultural fencing
• Sheds, Summer houses & gates.
• Hard landscaping, concreting, brickwork
• Patios & Decking facebook.com/HenfieldFencingCompany Office: 01273 494867 Barry: 07719 570626 Email: henfieldfencing@gmail.com
Rushfields Spring at
Your independent Plant Centre for all the family
OPEN BANK HOLIDAY MONDAYS
Plant Centre • Farm Shop • Café
Plant Centre & Farm Shop Open: Tuesday – Sunday, 9.00am – 5.30pm Café Open: Tuesday – Sunday, 9.00am – 4.30pm
Henfield Road Poynings, Brighton BN45 7AY
Kathryn has been working in horticulture since the age of 16 and has decades of experience in how to get the most out of your garden this month!
• Prune bush and climbing roses early in the month, and feed with rose feed
• Plant summer flowering bulbs such as gladioli and lilies
• Plant onions and shallots
• Plant early potatoes such as Rocket, Pentland Javelin and Swift
• Cut back herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses that have been left standing over winter
• Start off dahlia tubers in pots or trays of damp peat-free compost but make sure they are protected from frost.
• Feed ericaceous shrubs, such as rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias with an ericaceous fertiliser
• Cut dogwoods and willows right down to the base to promote vigorous new growth
Ambulances to Ukraine
This time last year, I was asked by my good friend Douglas Elliott to join him on a convoy to Ukraine. The charity Medical Life Lines Ukraine (MLLU) buy ex-NHS ambulances at auction, service and fill them with medical aid. The ambulances are then driven to Lviv in Ukraine and given to Ukrainian hospitals and medical agencies. Having said a very quick yes – we set about fundraising the required minimum £15,000 required to join the September convoy.
In late August, I volunteered to collect a Fiat Ducato ambulance from an auction house in mid-Wales and drove it to a garage in Wimbledon, in preparation for the upcoming convoy. The ambulance had 147,000 miles on the clock –manual, diesel and in first class condition.
MLLU’s biggest convoy yet – eight ambulances including our Ducato – left for Folkestone in the early hours of Sunday 22nd September in darkness and amidst pouring rain. Connected by walkie-talkies and each ambulance numbered one to eight, we boarded the freight train to Calais.
In pairs, we drove on average for around 375 miles each day over 4 days, stopping every 2½ hours to swap drivers. We learnt how to stay in our convoy, overtaking together in a line with military precision! We travelled through seven countries; UK, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Poland and finally Ukraine.
On our 4th day, we made the short journey to the Przemysl border crossing with Ukraine. At least two miles out, hundreds of lorries were queued waiting to enter. This contrasted with the deserted carriageway leading from Ukraine, which was completely devoid of any traffic.
It took us three hours to clear passport control
and customs – and we entered Ukraine. We all felt a mixture of apprehension and relief that our mission was almost complete. The road to Lviv, Ukraine’s most westerly city, was light in traffic and we made good progress, notwithstanding the two miles of very deep potholes along the way.
We arrived in the afternoon and were met by various Ukraine health officials. Taking each ambulance in turn, with the help of a couple of Ukrainian interpreters, the gadgetry and controls were explained – the ‘blues & twos’, the electric stretchers, ramps and lifts etc.
Our ambulance had been allocated to the Donetsk Oblast region, where some of the heaviest fighting has been, with part of the area being Russian occupied for several years.
The two Ukrainian drivers were completely overwhelmed when they were told of the story of the fundraising and the charity behind it, they were moved to tears, as were we.
Soon we bade farewell to our loyal friend, DU18 BHP – to adventures unknown, but saving lives and helping innocent Ukrainians survive the horrors of war. I cannot deny that once again the tears welled. We had bonded with our ambulance, in a way that we never thought possible!
That night we met local dignitaries over dinner and moved on to a wine bar. Everything appeared normal in Lviv’s city centre, except as midnight approached, things changed. Cars driving erratically at speed, pedestrians with an extra pace in their step through the cobbled streets –why? The midnight curfew was minutes away. The bomb shelter signs were evident; we were in no doubt that the country was at war.
We were told to have a ‘grab bag’ (a bag containing just essentials) close at hand in our rooms, ready to grab and dash to the shelter upon hearing either the air raid siren or the app alert on our mobiles. Fortunately, our only night in Lviv passed off without incident and the next day we headed out to walk round the city.
Immediately on leaving the hotel, we felt the tension amongst the locals. Worry etched on faces, people walking purposefully, no window shopping. The demographics were stark to see – mostly women, but very few young men, on the streets.
And then they came – the sound of air raid sirens filling the air. Tension palpably increased, people looking for the nearest bomb shelter. And then just as soon as the warning was heard, the ‘stand down’ alert followed – this happened at least four times over four hours.
In the main square, two pictures with accompanying narrative were displayed - flowers beneath the notices. Funerals for the two noble soldiers, both less than 25 years old, were underway in the nearby cathedral. Strangers in tears and the soldiers’ families wailing in distress. War touches everyone, it takes no prisoners. Death and the danger of death was all around.
And yet, ‘normality’ continued. The streets were being cleaned, cafes were open for business – and even a photo shoot with a model was continuing in a nearby street.
After the funerals, we went into the cathedral to see displayed hundreds of photographs of the fallen, all soldiers originating from Lviv or its nearby towns.
We took a Bolt taxi, with patriotic Ukrainian music accompaniment, back to the Przemysl border crossing. Through into no man’s land, surrounded by wire fencing and barbed wire, it felt like a stage set – yet this was real. We were leaving a country at war – with no end in sight. We felt sad and cowardly, leaving a people in peril. We headed to Krakow for a couple of days.
Having visited before when we were last in Krakow, we again went to nearby Auschwitz & Birkenau concentration camps. Again, the tears flowed and we paid our respects to the millions slaughtered by the evil regime – and prayed that history is never ever repeated – as war continues on mainland Europe.
I am delighted to say we smashed our original £15,000 target - raising an incredible £40,500. Thank you to all our wonderful donors from Henfield and beyond. If you would like to donate (we are still raising funds for urgently needed tourniquets) please go to https://www.justgiving. com/page/mkscf-london-to-lviv
Paul Samrah
“Tom
A.C.T Pest Control
For the control of rodents and insects including mice, rats, squirrels, moles, ants, wasps, all other pest infestations and bird proofing undertaken. Call Andrew Tullett on Office: 01273 494050
• 28 years experience in pest control
Carpets & Luxury
Vinyl Flooring Supplied & Fitted
Serving Henfield for over 35 years
Free Estimates • Professional Advice Samples brought to your home
Bob Cragg bobcragg5@hotmail.co.uk
Credit & Debit cards accepted
• Domestic and commercial
• Approved local authority contractor • Local Henfield company • NPTA Registered • Fully insured
Advice
Powers of Attorney & the Court of Protection. Support for attorneys and carers. Wills and estates.
Home visits available.
Cognitive Law Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No 626344).
Registered Office: Sussex Innovation Centre Science Park Square, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9SB.
Scrooge – a Noda review
There are very few productions that can have you crying with laughter in one scene and a split second later have you crying with sadness. Scrooge done well is just such a production, and this was just that: packed with emotion, packed with every single person on the stage enjoying what they are doing and putting everything into it. Mandy Ainsworth has taken on a hugely ambitious task for her directorial debut and has achieved a remarkably detailed and authentic production which every single person in the audience, judging by the whooping and clapping, loved.
There were so many things to love about this production. The way the space was used is super: some set detail on the sides giving depth and moving furniture into place for the different locations worked really well: it had all the things
that you would expect of Scrooge including the four-poster bed with curtains around it. In some scenes all the actors were on at once and there were 26 of them for the group musical numbers, and they all knew where they were placed and spatially aware walking around, which must have been choreographed but looked natural.
Another aspect of this production which was superb were the way the projections are used: the balance between the light on the back wall and the actors still being lit on the stage was perfect. There were many of the projections that were moving, such as the flames in the fireplace in Scrooge’s house, the ghosts moving behind him when Marley visits, and the walking through the corridor of his big empty house and the projection moving along in time was fabulous.
As always with Henfield, the costumes were excellent. The multi-rolling changes with subtle costume additions or discards, such as nephew changing waistcoat to become Young Scrooge, worked very well. Attention to detail in the costumes is so important, including to trousers and hats, and utterly gorgeous: we know instantly what class of character we are seeing based on how they dress.
Jane Haines has done an exceptional job with musical direction. The vocal harmonies in the huge group numbers are truly magnificent: not just the usual harmonies that you would expect, but really well thought out and a joy to hear. The opening group number was amazing, and set the tone of what to expect from the show: quality. Some of the songs have very high notes and all the actors singing them had confidence to do so,
and hit them, which must have been part of the rehearsal process: this has paid off in spades. There wasn’t a pitch out of place, which was joyous.
Choreography by Chloe Purchase was also super and in homage to the original film which was such a lovely touch. The simple yet effective movements in for Isabelle in ‘Happiness’ were so lovely, contrasting with the joyful group dancing in ‘December the Twenty-fifth’ preceding it.
The whole cast did incredibly well, including different acting choices in the multi-rolling, and it would be entirely possible to laud each one of them for different aspects; but of course, highlights would include Paul Crowe as Scrooge. He held the stage brilliantly and managed to endear himself to the audience so they were willing him to become good in the end of the story. His singing style and ability to meet and hold those end long notes in songs was also well done.
There are so many standout moments in this show, such as the sublime voice of Ashtyn Roworth who sung the sweetest and most heartfelt version of ‘Happiness’ that must surely exist, drawing the whole audience into the heartbreak that follows. Ven Malyon’s emotional
pitching as Young Scrooge, completely in love with Isabelle by his physical stance and expression, and a second later completely disconnected from her sitting at his desk and cold: was superb. Chloe Purchase as Ethel Cratchitt was lovely; warm and not as abrasive as the character is usually played which was a nice choice.
All the children in the show were amazing: moving naturally into position, always acting and never dropping; and totally believable. Lonnie Tai-Chidlow shone particularly, multi-rolling between so many different characters. Harley Hills deserves and extra special mention as the best Tiny Tim ever: his emotional yet authentic portrayal was absolutely perfection. This role can quite often be over the top and too sickly sweet, but the balance he struck was just right, and his singing voice was absolutely adorable for this role: hopeful balanced with fragile. It made so many in the audience very teary eyed in ‘The Beautiful Day’, standing on the table in the Cratchitt house holding the audience in the palm of his hand. Incredibly well done.
The song that everyone remembers is of course ‘Thank You Very Much’ and this performance did not disappoint: even including dancing on top of the coffin. The lead voice was exactly right for this song, and had everyone in the audience clapping along in the scene as well as the finale. While there were a few hitches in parts of this particular show, everyone in the whole team, including all the actors, styled this out and carried on professionally with confidence, which was a joy to watch.
Congratulations to every single person on stage and in every part of this production, and to Mandy Ainsworth who has done a truly terrific job.
Susanne Crosby, Regional Representative NODA South East District 1
THEATRE SCHOOL AT HENFIELD
Henfield Theatre Company have introduced targeted workshops and drama training for young people of 8 years old and above, and it’s known as Henfield Theatre Company Theatre School. They brought some of these children into the Scrooge production this year and are now looking at doing a children-only production in the Autumn. Children are invited to get involved and join - no need to have attended the School previously.
Look out on their social media pages or website for information on this and auditions. For details contact 07762 233599 or email mandya1276@gmail.com. www.henfieldtheatrecompany.co.uk
Family run business in Henfield for 40 years
l Competitive prices
l Fast service
l Supplies for Cats, Dogs, Small Animals, Farm Animals, Horses, Reptiles, Birds & Fish
l Large range of Wild Bird Foods
Telephone orders for collection welcome or local deliveries
Mon-Fri 9am – 5.30pm, Sat 9am – 5pm
COOPERS WAY, HENFIELD 01273 495937
Henfield Homes Ltd
property maintenance and refurbishm
painting and decorating kitchens and bathrooms
painting and decorating kitchens and bath floor and wall tiling fencing and decking garage and loft conversions you and your home treated with respect
extensions
floor and wall tiling extensions and loft conversions
Tel 01273 491822 Mobile 07775 671167 www.henfieldhomes.co.uk
Raising Finance
Finances are critical to a business’s survival, so it’s essential to regularly monitor cash flow and manage peaks and troughs. Financing is available in different forms, each suited to various businesses. The key is to raise enough finance and choose the right type for your business.
TYPES OF FINANCE
1. Equity vs. Debt:
The two main types of finance are equity and debt. Equity involves investors contributing capital in exchange for ownership shares. Debt refers to borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. Debt usually has a lower cost because the risk to lenders is lower than that of equity investors.
2. Grants:
Grants are another form of finance but are typically sector- or location-specific. These can cover training costs or capital investment, often for regeneration projects. Contact your local chambers to learn more about available grants.
MAIN SOURCES OF FINANCE
• Equity Capital: Venture capitalists, business angels, or private individuals (including friends and family).
• Bank Loans: Including schemes like the Covid Recovery Loan.
• Bank Overdrafts
• Asset Financing: e.g., leasing.
• Joint Ventures & Strategic Alliances: These partnerships can reduce financing needs.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN RAISING FINANCE
1. Why and How Long:
Consider the purpose and duration of the finance you need. For example, startup costs require equity, while assets might be financed through a mix of debt and equity.
2. Type of Finance:
You’ll likely need a mix of finance types. Startup costs should be covered by equity, while assets can be funded through both equity and debt, considering the business’s size and ability to repay.
3. Know How Much You Need:
A solid business plan with realistic forecasts is essential. Update budgets regularly to avoid repeatedly seeking funds from investors.
4. Consider Funders’ Objectives:
What do your funders want? Is it a short-term or long-term investment? Will they provide just capital, or do they also want to offer advice and guidance?
5. Appoint an Advisor:
An experienced accountant can help guide you through the financing process and open doors to potential investors.
6. Business Plan:
Ensure your business plan is comprehensive and robust, addressing potential queries from investors.
7. Negotiating Realistically:
Be realistic with your demands. Unrealistic expectations can scare off potential funders and delay securing finance.
8. Focus on Running Your Business:
While raising finance is important, don’t lose sight of running your business. Juggling both tasks successfully is essential.
By understanding your business’s needs and the right financing options, you can secure the funding necessary for growth and success.
Jonathan Aikens, Partner, Moore Kingston Smith LLP T: 020 4582 1881 | E: jaikens@mks.co.uk
PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE
Assistance
Probate
Paperwork
Estate
Lasting
·
Discover the personal and professional approach at Moore Kingston Smith LLP
Strategic business and personal tax planning
Inheritance
Cloud bookkeeping and payroll
Contact Jonathan Aikens
Betchworth House, 57-65 Station Road, Redhill, Surrey RH1 1DL
JAikens@mks.co.uk 020 4582 1881 www.mks.co.uk/redhill
Also at Heathrow, Romford, St Albans, City and West End (London)
Henfield
£650,000
EPC D
Council Tax Band F
Four bedroom detached house easy walking distance of the primary school, High Street and surrounding countryside. Lovely larger than average rear garden.
Henfield
£730,000
EPC C
Council Tax Band F
Substantial 4/5 bedroom chalet style bungalow in the heart of the village and just a minutes walk to the High Street. Integral garage, ample parking and low maintenance garden.