BN5 Magazine May 2024

Henfield | Small Dole | Woodmancote | Blackstone | Edburton | Fulking

Spring at

Rushfields

Springtime for you and your garden

Get Growing!

Rushfields 40th Anniversary Flower Show, Saturday August 31st

Come and join us for a fun flower show – an opportunity to show off your harvest and compete for a rosette! Open to all: classes are Flowers, Fruit and Veg and Cooking, and kids categories – find more details on our website!

Plant Centre • Farm Shop • Café

Plant Centre & Farm Shop Open: Monday – Sunday, 9.00am – 5.30pm

Café Open: Monday – 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!

• This is the month to plant out annual plants like geraniums, petunias, busy lizzies and begonias, either in the ground or in hanging baskets.

• Remove any faded flowers from spring flowering shrubs and climbers to encourage second flowering. Deadhead rhododendrons as and when it is needed.

• Feed poorly growing lawns with a feed such as Evergreen Fast Grass. Continue to mow and regularly pick up clippings. It may be necessary to apply a weedkiller if you see any weeds coming through.

• Check new rose growth for pests and diseases, and spray with Roseclear if necessary. When planting container grown roses, sprinkle root grow at the bottom of the hole and ensure the area is well watered throughout any dry periods.

• Now’s the time to plant out courgettes, beans, tomatoes, sweetcorn and salad crops. You will need to erect support for climbing plants such as runner beans out of canes or similar.

It’s May again, time for more footballing fun in Henfield! If you haven’t ever attended the Henfield Football Club Youth Tournament, then please give it a go this year, it’s great fun. It’s become a lovely community event, especially for those with young children, with lots to entertain and some fantastic football. Just make sure you’re cheering for the ones in black & white stripes!

Henfield is very busy this month, we’ve got a huge amount of local events happening and a few nice ones further afield, including Steyning (with their Vintage Revival) and Ditchling (the Mac’s Farm Open Day). We ran out of space in BN5 so please do head over to our website - the events section has everything there, full details plus quick booking links. You can search by event type and by date, and also link through to find out about the organisations running the events.

We’ve enjoyed creating articles around our Walks theme this month, thank you to Emily at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens for giving us lots of beautiful images for our front cover. The new adventure park is fantastic, another great day out for the family.

Thanks for reading, enjoy the spring weather!

Emma Cole, Editor

Many thanks to our editorial and photographic contributors this month;

Joe Penfold, Karen Crawford Clark, Libby Morris, Emily Grey, Sarah Butler and Paul Samrah. Cover photograph courtesy of Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, with additional design by Ream Creative.

BN5 magazine is printed on 100% FSC approved managed forests paper at Gemini Print in Shoreham and is printed using vegetable-based inks.

Copy deadline & contacts

Copy deadline for advertisements or editorial submissions for the June 24 issue of BN5 magazine is Friday 3 May.

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

Teen Talk

Wed 1 May, 7.30pm, Henfield Youth Club

Free event giving guidance and practical strategies to connect with your teen, with Rachael Martin, Teen Therapist. henfieldyouthclub@tiscali.com

Woodmancote Place Open Day

Sat 4 May, 11am-6pm, Woodmancote Place

Join Woodmancote Place and Tribeca Tipis for a wedding showcase event. See www.woodmancoteplace.com for details

An Enemy at my Door

Wed 8, plus 9, 10, 11 May, 7.30pm, Partridge Green Village Hall

WWII drama especially written for Partridge Green Players. See www.henfieldbn5.co.uk for details.

Scoot Jam

Sat 11 May, 1-5pm, Henfield Skate Park

For age 6+ years. Displays, coaching, competition and music, presented by Henfield Parish Council.

See news pages for details.

Friends of St Peter’s AGM

Thurs 2 May, 7.30-9pm, Corpus Christi Hall

AGM followed by a talk by Susie Russell-Smith from Cornerweighs; ‘Sweet Tooth, Bitter Truth’. All welcome.

Steyning Vintage Revival

Sun 5 May, 11am-4pm Steyning High Street

Vintage cars, buses, traction engines and steam machinery on display with bands and entertainment. Go to www.visitsteyning.co.uk for details

Henfield LADYbirds Quiz

Fri 10 May, 7pm, Henfield Hall

Tables of 8, £80 per table with delicious ploughman’s supper included. To book email sandy.keilthy@gmail.com

Henfield Artisan Market

Sun 12 May, 10am-2pm, Henfield Hall Car Park

The Artisan Market is back! Delicious temptations and beautiful creations from your favourite local suppliers and producers. Go to www.hiddenhenfield.co.uk for more info.

Great Betley Wedding Fair

Sun 12 May, 10am-3.30pm, Great Betley Farmhouse, BN5 9QT

Meet the best suppliers in a gorgeous showcase venue. More details www.inclusiveeventsuk.com

The Mac’s Farm Ditchling Open Day

Sat 18 May, 10am-4pm, Ditchling

Fun-packed family day at Mac’s Farm. Music, meet the animals, Farmers’ Market, bar, play area, tours and much more. Adults £6, U16s £4, U3s free. Go to www.themacsfarm.co.uk to book.

Saints & Sinners on the Road

Sat 18 May, 7pm, St Peter’s Church

Evening of secular and sacred music and storytelling from musicians John Holmstrom & Dominic Dring, with special guests. £10 suggested donation, email mcintosh.roz@gmail.com for tickets.

Big Bird Bash Walks

24, 25, 26, 27 May, various times and venues

Henfield Birdwatch fundraising walks, see news pages for details or go to www.henfieldbn5.co.uk/ events/event-categories/outdoors to view all.

Are you Net Zero Ready?

Wed 15 May, 7.30pm, Henfield Hall

SH2030 present a panel of experts talking about their experience with heat panels, EVs and solar panels. www.sustainablehenfield2030.org

Henfield FC Youth Tournament

Sat 18 & Sun 19 May, 9am-5pm, The King’s Field

Annual youth tournament and family fun weekend, all welcome to enjoy football action, food and entertainment. www.henfieldfc.com

Discover Electric

Fri 24 May, 9am-4pm, Parkside, Horsham

HDC host a free event all about the benefits of EVs with the opportunity to test-drive and find out all about operating costs. www.horsham.gov.uk

Protect your child’s Mental Health

Thurs 30 May, 7.30pm, Henfield Haven

Friends of Henfield Medical Centre present a talk looking at personal, social and environmental factors. Free. Book your place by email jandpbates@gmail.com

Dr Lambe leaves Henfield Medical Centre

Henfield residents said a big thank you to Dr. Cheryl Lambe, who has left Henfield Medical Centre after 22 years of GP service in the village. Cheryl is leaving General Practice to continue her passion, working as a Consultant Fertility Specialist in Brighton’s The Agora Clinic.

Cheryl will be greatly missed at Henfield Medical Centre and leaves with our good wishes and the best of luck in her future career. She was thrilled to receive so many cards, gifts, flowers and good wishes from her patients, friends and colleagues on her last day on 26 March. Look out for a longer article in our June issue.

Editor

HFC U12s donate TV to Haven

During a recent meeting at the Haven HHCIO chairman Digby Stephenson apologised for the fact that the flat screen TV being used for the presentation was only working intermittently. Henfield Football Club treasurer Kate Hudson was in the audience and quickly offered to replace it with funds raised by their U12 Boys team. Their generous donation was handed over by a delegation from the football club, including chairmen Joe Penfold and Sam Witherden, with three members of various Youth teams. The Haven

is hugely grateful for the gift, which is already being put to full use as part of our day-care services. Joe Penfold said: “We pride ourselves on being a community club, we feel that all football clubs at whatever level should be at the heart of the community they represent. It was so lovely to see all the residents at the unveiling and a special touch that Rohan, a former Henfield FC player whose picture is on the wall in the clubhouse, did the official unveiling of the TV. We hope The Haven get hours of entertainment from it.”

Digby Stephenson

Henfield Youth Club

At Youth Club, we are continuing to think of fun, exciting opportunities for our young people. At the end of April, we had our DJ workshop from Tons of Sound, which was a huge success. Coming up, we have our Teen Talk for parents and teenagers with teen therapist Rachael Martin, as well as a graffiti workshop plus more. We have been very lucky to secure funding from Sussex Community Foundation to support our Wednesday evening projects, meaning we can offer so much more! As always, we are continuously on the lookout for anyone who could offer their skills for our project nights, so please get in touch if you think you could help! We are hoping to take on some more volunteer leaders for our junior and senior sessions. We are now seeing almost 100 young people throughout the week and it would be great to have volunteers who could share their skills and enthusiasm. Even one evening a week could make all the difference to our young people, helping them to develop their confidence and independence. In particularly, we are keen to find someone who would be able to engage our young people in team games and sports. Please get in touch at henfieldyc@gmail.com if you think you could be of help in any way.

Lucy Watson

Artist’s Open House visits Rushfields

Artist’s Open Houses returns this May, with over 150 venues and even more artists across Brighton & Hove opening their doors and welcoming visitors to explore a variety of arts and crafts. The festival is free to attend and will take place over all four weekends in May. Celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, Rushfields Plant Centre is thrilled to be taking part in Artist Open Houses by hosting artist in residence Nikki Loy of The Wandering Gallery (usually based in Small Dole), and her mobile studio from the Weds 8 - Sunday 12 of May. Colin Langridge, Rushfields Founder, said: “We are delighted to welcome Nikki Loy, the AOH community and all our familiar faces, and we can’t wait to host these events this spring.”

Nikki Loy is a multi-media maker, whose creativity spans from illustration, oil painting and crafts, to carpentry and campervan building - which includes her beautiful mobile studio in an exlibrary bus! Come and experience this unique artist at Rushfields and enjoy their farm shop, plant centre and cafe as well! See www.nikkiloy. com / www.rushfields.com / www.aoh.org.uk for more information.

Nikki Loy

Protecting your child’s mental health

The Friends of Henfield Medical Practice Trust (FHMPT) invite you to a talk at the Henfield Haven at 7.30pm on Thursday 30 May. The subject is ‘Protecting your Child’s Mental Health’ and the talk looks at the personal, social and environmental factors affecting mental health. It considers which factors we can influence as parents, when we need to seek professional help, and what strategies we can give young people to help them protect their own wellbeing.

See posters around the village and for more details, but please note that as space is limited

at the Haven it is essential to book your place by email to jandpbates@gmail.com or by telephoning from early May to 01273 493172.

Peter Bates

Ladies - Stoolball Needs You

We know you have seen our articles in previous years and have been awaiting our 2024 announcement for the new stoolball season… this year come and join us! Get your sports gear on and come and try our unique Sussex team game, similar to cricket, but different! Blackstone Ladies Stoolball play home matches at the Allfield Ground in Blackstone (the Woodmancote end of Blackstone Lane) just a few minutes’ drive from Henfield, playing Tuesday or Thursday evenings May to September, starts at 6.15pm and finished by 8.30-8.45pm. Away games are played at Partridge Green, Lindfield, Ditchling and North Chailey with lift sharing an option for non-drivers. The club provides all equipment to play. Match fees £1 are per game and club membership is £10 a year which includes insurance cover. Go on – do it this year, you know you want to!

For further information and a fixture list please contact Sonia Fry soniahalls@googlemail.com or mobile 07968 174894. For more information on Stoolball England see www.stoolball.org.uk .

Sonia Fry

Grants of up to £5k to become greener

From 2 April, Horsham District businesses with a climate-friendly project idea will be able to apply for up to £5,000 from Horsham District Council’s new Green LEAP Small Business Grant Scheme.

Green LEAP is an exciting addition to the Council’s popular ongoing LEAP grant scheme, with a fresh focus on supporting start-ups and small business to achieve their climate ambitions. Through Green LEAP, grants of up to £5,000 will be available to fund or part-fund climate-friendly business projects. Grants of up to £2,000 may be considered for other projects.

Green LEAP will invite applications for a broad range of projects, such as solutions to help reduce, reuse, and recycle waste, switching to LED lighting and reducing water use. To

be eligible to apply, your business must be in Horsham District, be registered with Companies House or HMRC and have fewer than 20 full-time employees. You will also need to be able to meet the 25% match funding requirement and provide a business plan. Applicants will be asked to demonstrate in their business plan how their Green LEAP project is connected to achieving their climate ambitions.

Find out more about Green LEAP and how to apply at: www.horsham.gov.uk/leap.

Horsham District Council

News on the number 17 bus

Good morning, since being elected as your County Councillor I have been determined to make progress on improving the number 17 bus service.

Together with local residents and the Cabinet member for highways I have been relentlessly campaigning for this and so I’m delighted to be able to share the following: WSCC have provisionally agreed to enter into an enhanced bus partnership with Stagecoach to delivery an enhanced service with the number 17 bus route. This will include: an improved evening service; a Sunday service; and increased frequency during the day.

WSCC have also been successful in securing a bid which will be used to buy 43 hydrogen buses and I’ve been told that some of these will be used on the 17 route. The enhanced timetable will start from early in the next financial year (probably May) and I will let you know as soon as I have more information on this.

Sarah Payne

Mobile Advice Hub to help vulnerable residents

Horsham Matters, which supports residents suffering from food and energy poverty, is taking its advice services on the road in a bid to ensure residents across the Horsham District can access face-to-face support on issues such as housing, utilities, budgeting, benefits and debt. The results of the charity’s Hidden Poverty survey last year found many residents did not know where to access support and information and so the charity has launched the Mobile Advice Hub to address this need.

A vehicle kindly donated by GT Railways, has

been refurbished to provide a comfortable and accessible meeting space and an area to carry emergency food and will travel on a regular schedule across Horsham District to groups, coffee mornings and community centres, providing support and advice to those most vulnerable. The charity is initially launching the service in a pilot area which includes Slinfold, Itchingfield, Warnham, Barns Green and Broadbridge Heath, before it launches it across the district.

Horsham Matters is working in collaboration with other organisations, including Citizens Advice, Age UK and Horsham District Council to maximise the use of the Support on the Move mobile advice hub and ensure that the most appropriate advice agency attends a location based on available data.

Amalia Lovett

Revd Paul leaves Henfield

It was lovely to see a ‘full house’ as Revd. Paul took his last sermon at St. Peter’s Church in Henfield at Easter. The service was followed by some beautiful singing and the presentation of gifts from the congregation & PCC.

We would like to thank both Revd Paul and his wife Jan for their incredible contribution to the village over the years and for being a breath of fresh air in Henfield, Woodmancote and

Shermanbury. He’s been a huge influence at St Peters School Henfield and his love of working with young people, (both at the school and at Little Fishes) is apparent. His work behind the scenes, supporting local charities, clubs and groups, as well as Henfield Parish Council, has often been unseen.

He’s been a great friend to many people, regardless of their involvement with the Church, and has been there for us all during the happy times of celebration as well as the sad times. He will be missed! We wish Paul and Jan the best of luck and all our Henfield love as they start their new lives at St Paul’s in Chichester.

Editor

Henfield Big Bird Bash!

Over the weekend of Friday 24 – Monday 27 May Henfield Birdwatch is running its ‘Henfield Big Bird Bash!’ You can take part in a number of ways: simply report the number of species you see in your garden over the weekend, random sightings as you walk around the parish or even

Image © Kenneth McIntosh

take your own walk and report your sightings at sightings@henfieldbirdwatch.co.uk . We are raising money for the Henfield Haven over the weekend see www.henfieldbirdwatch.co.uk/ on how to donate.

You can also sign up for one of the following guided walks by contacting the walk leader, all five walks are listed on the BN5 website with details of locations, distances and times. Go to www.henfieldbn5.co.uk/events.event-categories/ outdoors to see them all.

Friday 24th May Furners Lane, Bylesborough, Morley & Park Farms, Wantley. Leave Village Hall 7.30am, approx 4hrs. Contact Hazel on hazelhaylock@rocketmail.com or 07802 899876.

Saturday 25th May Downslink to Betley, riverside to New Inn and back via Hollands Lane. Leave Downslink Car Park by The Old Railway pub 6.30am, approx 4½ hours. Contact Paul paulcolewildlife@gmail.com or 07841 924726.

Sunday 26th May Henfield Common, Woodmancote woods, Furners Lane. Leave Village Hall 8.30am, approx 3½ hours. Contact Will greengardendesign@hotmail.com or 07710 289638

Monday 27th May Downslink to Streatham Bridge, riverside to New Inn and back via Frogshole & Rye Farm. Leave Hollands Lane end of Downslink near the Old Steam Mill 8.30am, approx 4 hours. Contact Val chetsford@talk21. com or 01273 494723

Monday 27th May Reserve, Mill stream opposite Woods Mill, Downslink to Streatham Bridge, back via West Mill Farm. Leave Woods Mill Car Park 6.00pm, approx 3½ hours. Contact Mike mikerussell51@yahoo.co.uk

Henfield parish is a great place to see and hear birds and at this time of year most of the summer migrants will have arrived and well into their breeding cycle as will all the resident birds and it will be great to have as many people take part and find out how many species we play host to. The results of the list will be published a few weeks following the weekend on the Henfield Birdwatch website.

Mike Russell

Mudlarks in Henfield

The Mudlarks of London Town will be in The Henfield Hall on Saturday 11 May - see the March and April issues of BN5 for full details. The exhibition of finds will be in the Whittome Hall from 11am to 4.30pm, with the talk by Graham du Heaume and Monika Buttling-Smith in the Garden Room at 3pm. Both are free to paid-up members of the Friends of Henfield Museum, but there is a charge for non-members of £2 for the exhibition and £3 for the talk, payable on the day. As seating in the Garden Room is limited, to make sure of your place please arrive and be seated in good time for the 3pm start.

Peter Bates

Help for Ukraine

Henfield have been so amazing in their help and support with Ukraine over the past two years, however as the war continues, I am forced to do another collection.

We will collect from the Corpus Christi Church Hall Henfield in May on the following days: Monday 20, Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22, from 10am-2pm and Thursday 24 from 2-7pm. For a list of items needs go to www.henfieldbn5.co.uk/events/aid-for-ukraine or call 07802 847234.

Celia Emmott

www.cinemobile.uk

Check our website for updates

Cinema at the Henfield Hall brought to you by Sofia Coppola’s PRISCILLA (15)

Tuesday 21 May 7:30pm

Tickets from Marcus Grimes, High Street, Henfield IN PERSON ONLY. Advance tickets can be purchased by credit card ONLINE from www.CineMobile.uk

Image © Alison Playle

Thank you Paul, and happy retirement!

We’d like to wish Paul Samrah a very happy retirement as he leaves Moore Kingston Smith this month. Paul is a regular contributor to BN5 with his financial column, in fact he’s written for us since our very first magazine in 2005, that’s 214 deadlines met, and always on time!

Many of you will know Paul as a huge Brighton and Hove Albion fan. He has won awards for his many contributions, including Sky Sports Fan of the Year in 2008 and a special award from the FA at Buckingham Palace as part of their 150 year celebrations in 2013. His work was instrumental in saving the Club after he discovered accounting irregularities, he then led a successful campaign to secure planning for the stadium at Falmer. We would like to say a huge thank you to Paul for keeping BN5 readers informed and interested with his regular financial column, it’s been an absolute pleasure to work with him.

Editor

Wellbeing Clinic at Weekly Market

Step onto our body composition scales to find out your fat percentage, muscle mass, bone mass, visceral fat, hydration levels and more! You will have the chance to talk through your results, confidentially, with a wellbeing advisor and decide on any steps you might want to take to help improve your health and lifestyle.

Appointments will take place in the Parish office at the front of the building on Monday, 20 May from 9am-11.30am at the Henfield Hall, booking essential. Please check into your appointment at the wellbeing stall in the foyer. See www. henfieldbn5.co.uk/events/wellbeing-clinic-athenfield-weekly-market for further details. Please note that the Wellbeing MOT is not suitable if you are pregnant, have a pace maker, metal prosthesis, an artificial limb or internal medical device which can be operated remotely.

Horsham District Council, Wellbeing Team

Mrs Babel retires

Just over a year ago it was decided by Mrs B that she will be stepping down from working here at Little India after 35 years. As most of you know our father had a serious heart attack (plus a triple bypass surgery) two years ago; unfortunately his recovery hasn’t gone according to plan and needs someone with him throughout the day. He

Image © MKS LLP

has his good days but with that comes his bad days. We will continue to be there of course for him but Mum feels in the long run something has to give so she has made this decision.

Mrs Babel said: “Hello Everyone. I can’t believe it’s been 35 years I’ve been working here. I’ve seen my children go to primary school, secondary school, college, university and beyond; all while being in Henfield serving all our amazing customers since 1989 to whom have become good friends! Once again thank you all! I’m sure I’ll see you all around the village.”

Beppa Babel

Henfield Hall bookings now online!

The Henfield Hall new online booking system and availability calendar is now live using a system called ‘Hallmaster’ and can be found on their website at www.henfieldhall.org.uk/booking . The new system will bring some big advantages including: a clear and immediate view of the Henfield Hall availability to enable you to plan your meetings or events more effectively and quickly; the ability to make a booking in real time (we will confirm your booking via email); and visibility of how much you booking will cost. We hope this will encourage more people to use the great facilities the Hall has to offer and booking will be quick and easy. The Henfield Hall is a registered charity and relies on the support of the village. For enquiries contact hhenquiries@ henfieldhall.org.uk

Elaine Goodyear, Henfield Hall Trustee

Are You ‘Net Zero’ Ready?

We’ve all heard the term ‘net zero’ and many are probably aware that the government has ambitious targets for cutting carbon emissions, but few of us know what we can do to get to get there in our own homes and lives. Come and find out at a public meeting hosted by Sustainable Henfield

To answer all your questions Sustainable Henfield has put together a panel of experts and homeowners who will be talking about their experience with heat pumps, solar panels and electric cars on Wednesday 15 May in the Henfield Hall at 7.30pm. Not all of these technologies will be for everyone, but some might be for you. Come along and find out how to take the steps that could make your life net zero. The meeting will be hosted by Vas Siantonas, the SH2030 energy coordinator. Light refreshments and a warm welcome will be available from 7pm.

Justine Johnstone

Tea and Chat at Henfield Library

Join us at Henfield Library for a friendly gettogether at our monthly Tea and Chat afternoons starting Friday 3 May 2.30pm-4pm. Come and enjoy a free tea or coffee whilst chatting with others in the welcoming space of the library. You can find out what the library has to offer, help complete our community jigsaw, or just sit back and relax! Held the first Friday of every month, Tea and Chat will take place on Friday 3 May, Friday 7 June, Friday 5 July, Friday 2 August, Friday 6 September, and Friday 4 October. No need to book, just pop in!

Beverley Kinahan, Families & Wellbeing Librarian

Oral Histories Project

Are you recently retired and would like a voluntary role with the Friends of Henfield Museum?

We have been running an oral histories project for some 30 plus years: collecting memories from people who have lived here for most of their lives. We have an archive of recorded recollections which show how the village has changed over the

years. There are more people to interview and we need someone to edit, organize excerpts from the recordings to use on the website and generally assist with the project through all its stages.

A small team of volunteers are already in place, with our own project laptop with software for recording, transcribing and editing by topic. We now need someone who is tech savvy to take on and develop the leadership of this, our own Henfield Oral History Project. You will be able to develop the role according to how much time you have available. For more information, please visit www.henfieldmuseum.org/oralhistories. If this is something you would like to do please contact me at: secfriendsofhenfieldmuseum@gmail.com

Rose Sharp, Friends of Henfield Museum

Henfielder’s put to the test on recycling

Recycling might not seem the sexiest topic for a quiz night but Henfielders threw themselves with enthusiasm into Sustainable Henfield’s ‘test your knowledge of recycling’ evening. Ruth Robotham and her team dumped a pile of hard-to-decide recycling on each table and participants had to decide what to do with each item. There were few wrong answers, but it took a lot of lively discussion and some head-scratching to get there on the trickier pieces.

Ruth followed the quiz with an informative talk about recycling and what happens to different materials. There was also a lot of discussion about reducing packaging – such as supporting refill shops like Cornerweighs and Rushfields and not using paper bags for fruit and vegetables unless necessary. Shops tell us that they are happy to sell most fresh produce loose and ask that if we do take paper bags, we bring them back to reuse the next time.

Recycling can get complicated but the basic rules for the blue topped bin are simple: Keep items clean, dry and loose (no items inside other items); Don’t follow instructions on packaging as they are misleading; No items smaller than a jam jar lid, unless metal; For more information and to find out where to recycle items in the village visit www. sustainablehenfield2030.org. Ruth is a West Sussex Waste Prevention Volunteer Adviser and is happy to talk to individuals or groups about recycling. Contact her on ruthrobotham0@gmail.com.

Ruth Robotham

Discover Electric Show

Horsham District Council is hosting a free regional event for people and businesses of West Sussex and beyond to learn all about the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) on Friday 24 May at their Parkside premises in Horsham from 9am to 2pm.

The event, Discover Electric, which is being organised by the Council in partnership with Let’s Experience Electric, is free to attend and open to everyone with an interest in switching to EVs and more sustainable motoring to help reduce carbon emissions on our roads.

The event will showcase a broad range of EVs with the opportunity to get behind the wheel and go for a test drive. Experts will be on hand to give presentations and answers questions on all aspects of electric motoring; environmental performance, operation costs, charging infrastructures and more.

The Council is working in partnership with leading UK charging infrastructure company Connected Kerb, event organisers Let’s Experience Electric, energy efficiency specialists Energy Saving Trust, West Sussex County Council and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The event is being funded by DEFRA’s Air Quality Grant.

Horsham District Council

Rainbows could close without volunteer help!

A small, friendly team urgently need more people to join them. No prior experience is needed, we will show you what to do. You don’t need to have any special skills, just a willingness to try new things. Based in Henfield it is only a 90 minutes a week commitment, term time only. The role is

about helping to allow girls and young women in Henfield to be part of the largest female only organisation in the World - Guiding. We currently have a number of girls on waiting lists who might never get to be a part of this amazing organisation due to a lack of adult volunteers. We need help to keep existing Rainbow, Brownie and Guide units open, especially our Rainbow units. Our numbers of volunteers have been falling each year, with very, very few new volunteers coming forward. We all work and have families too, but we also do volunteer for Guiding because we enjoy it and so could you. So, can you help us? For more information please register your interest at www.girlguiding.org.uk

Natalie Denning

Scoot Jam in Henfield

After the success of last year’s Skate Jam, Henfield Parish Council are organising a Scoot Jam at the Henfield Skate Park on Saturday 11 May, 1-5pm. It’s kindly sponsored by Stokes of Henfield and will feature pro-scooter freestyle rider Terry Price. There will be a pro trick display, a competition, games and challenges plus some skills tuition. For those new to the sport helmets & scooters will be provided, if you’re over 6 years old and want to have a go, please come along.

Terry says: “I have been riding scooters since folding scooters were first invented back in 1999. I have a passion for anything and everything that

promotes this sport, that’s why coaching the next generation of riders is close to my heart. I have reached the top of this sport and now I’m teaching the next generation!”

Georgina Campsey, HPC Youth Coordinator

Christian Aid Lunch

This year’s Christian Aid lunch will be held in Corpus Christi Church Hall on Friday 10 May from 12-2pm, organised by Maureen Dexter. There will be a communal lunch of home-made soup with bread and cheese, so please come and join us for lunch and fellowship, and at the same time contribute to Christian Aid’s vital work with partners overseas Christian Aid Week in 2024 is from 12 to 18 May, and we hope for a bumper turnout.

Peter Bates

Recycle your makeup for the Haven

Did you know that your old make-up packaging can raise funds for the Henfield Haven? As part of the Terracycle recycling programme, Burt’s Bees pay for make-up containers from all manufacturers to be recycled, raising money for good causes. Terracycle takes packaging that can’t be placed in our Recycling Bins, and processes them in specialist plants to make materials that can be sold for use in new products. Here in Henfield we are very lucky to

have Natasha’s Beauty Salon collecting make-up packaging for the scheme, and the funds that come back to the village go to support the Haven. To use the scheme all you need to do is empty out and clean as much as possible your old eye shadow compacts, body cream flexible plastic and metallic plastic tubes, flexible packaging for facial wipes, lip and cheek highlighter and bronzer sticks, mascara tubes and wands, and lip glosses and lip balms – no other products, sorry!

Take them to Natasha’s where you can pop them in the small blue wheelie bin next to the other refuse bins. Sustainable Henfield will collect the packaging from there, sort it and do the rest. The most recent collection produced 8kg for recycling. Thank you for supporting this valuable scheme which really helps the community as well as reducing the waste in our bins. And a very big thank you to Natasha for keeping the collection bin outside her salon for the past 3½ years.

Ruth Robotham

Marcus Grimes Estate Agents are delighted to announce that their Henfield Branch are the GOLD winners of the British Property Awards for Henfield and Hurstpierpoint –for the second time!

The agents are independently judged via mystery shoppers against a set of 25 criteria to obtain a balanced overview of their customer service levels.

“I am absolutely delighted with this award and immensely proud of the dedicated Henfield sales and lettings teams who have performed outstandingly throughout the extensive judging period. The market has been extremely challenging over the past 12 months which makes it even more rewarding”

Marcus Grimes, Company Principal

Nestled in the picturesque heart of the South Downs, within Tottington Manor, lies the stunningly refurbished TERRA restaurant. We invite guests to join us to indulge in a culinary journey like no other. Renowned for its commitment to sustainability and quality, TERRA proudly champions locally sourced produce, ensuring a menu that reflects the rich bounty of the region.

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Springtime enchantment awaits

“A walk through nature is all the therapy I need,” wrote Wallace J. Nichols. And at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in springtime, nature provides the ultimate therapy session. Based just outside of Horsham, this enchanting destination explodes with colour, captivating scents, and a renewed sense of wonder for visitors of all ages.

Spring’s arrival at Leonardslee is a masterpiece in progress. The two-century-old rhododendron and azalea collection, meticulously curated over generations, takes centre stage. These magnificent shrubs erupt in a vibrant spectacle, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking tapestry of colour.

Beyond the floral masterpiece, Leonardslee offers a journey of discovery. Following the Spring Walk, a path that winds down the valley toward the seven lakes, visitors are enveloped in vibrant tunnels of colour, while reflections dance on the tranquil water’s surface at the bottom of the valley.

Step off the beaten track and explore the spring detours, encountering over 150 sculptures from local and international artists nestled amongst the vibrant blooms. The estate’s commitment to biodiversity is evident throughout the gardens. Surrounded by captivating woodlands, glades and lakes, the gardens provide a sanctuary for an array of wildlife. Watch playful squirrels scamper by, listen to the sounds of bees buzzing through the blooms, and catch a glimpse of fallow deer or the free-roaming wallabies. Springtime brings the estate to life with a vibrant display of birdlife – electric blue kingfishers darting through the air, yellow wagtails flitting by, herons gracefully

stalking the lakes, and even buzzards soaring overhead. Look closely, and you might be lucky enough to see the new life gracing the estate, from baby joeys peeking from their pouches to fluffy goslings taking their first wobbly steps.

Leonardslee offers an escape into a world of natural beauty, a place where the worries of everyday life melt away with every step. So, take a deep breath of fresh spring air, immerse yourself in this picturesque landscape, and reconnect with nature’s wonder.

New for this spring, Leonardslee offers a delightful addition for families – a brand-new play park! Designed to spark imagination and ignite a sense of adventure, this immersive space caters to children of all ages. Junior explorers can embark on mini Leonardslee House adventures, while older children can conquer the climbing challenges, zipline, and explore St. Leonards Dragon. The park seamlessly blends learning with play, encouraging families to bond and explore together in an inclusive environment.

Emily Grey

Visit Leonardslee today and Live Life in Full Bloom! Day tickets and memberships available. Visit www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk for more information.

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HFC tournament set for footie and family fun

Henfield Football Club are excited for the return of its youth football tournament! This year’s tournament, which is the 11th the club has hosted since its inaugural tournament in 2012, is taking place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May on the Kingsfield. It will see 170 youth teams from across Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire taking part.

The tournament, whose headline sponsor is Pagoda Security, will feature matches across age groups ranging from age six to 14 with over

“The number of clubs signing up to the tournament has been unprecedented. ”

600 medals being handed out. Henfield Football Club will be strongly represented with both boys’ and girls’ teams and will be looking to add to the success of last year when the Henfield U15 girls team won their age group - the first time in the Tournament’s history.

Fun for all the family

As well as watching the exciting football action on the pitches across the Kingsfield and at St Peter’s CofE Primary School, there are also lots of other attractions to keep tournament visitors entertained including a Inflatables Barrista Coffee Project, bar, ice creams, burgers, Goodness smoothies and sweet and cakes stalls.

“...it would be great if the whole community could come down and support the event”

All welcome at tournament

Tournament director Joe Warner said: “The number of clubs signing up to the tournament has been unprecedented. There is so much buzz and excitement for it, it would be great if the whole community could come down and support the event. The first matches will start at 9am on both days, with games until 5pm on Saturday and 4pm on Sunday. The club warmly welcomes everyone to come along and enjoy the football action and great atmosphere of the event, but parking is very limited, so if you live locally you are advised to walk to the Kingsfield if possible.

Sam Witherden, Henfield Football Club co-chair, said: “We are thrilled to bring the tournament back this year, an event which has been over a year in the planning. We can’t wait to welcome visitors to our wonderful football club and to our beautiful village over the tournament weekend.”

Game on with local business support

He adds: “We are delighted to have had such brilliant support from local businesses who are helping to sponsor each age group’s trophies and medals, which will mean so much to the players. The club is also very grateful to Henfield Parish Council, Henfield Leisure Centre and Henfield Medical Centre for their support over the tournament weekend.”If you want any more information about the tournament please contact: tournament@henfieldfc.com or follow the club on Facebook at Henfield Football Club and on Instagram at henfieldfootballclub.

Successful season

So many Henfield teams across a range of age groups have had a great season. We are ending the season on a high with the U12 Boys (managed by David Jones) reaching the Horsham and District League Cup Final by beating Crawley & Maidenbower 1-0 in the semi-final. The Henfield Football Club Mens team (managed by Gemma Parsons) have reached the prestigious West Sussex League Tony Kopp cup final which is a massive achievement for the club after beating Brockham Badgers 4-1 in the semi-final on Easter Saturday. Both finals are to be held at The camping world stadium in Horsham please see all Henfield Football clubs social media for more updates.

Joe Penfold

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HDC Wellbeing Walks

May is National Walking Month which shines a light on all the benefits of getting in your steps. A good walk is so much more than stretching your legs. It’s one of the easiest ways to improve our health and stay connected to our community. Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. Our longstanding Wellbeing Walks programme has been getting people moving and helping friendships form for over 20 years.

The walks are sociable, free, and volunteer-led. They take place across the District and with over 30 to choose from each month, you are bound to find one for you. Our team of walk leaders carefully plan each route, meaning you can just turn up, take in your surroundings, and enjoy. Because you’re walking with others, you’ll feel safe. The group always sticks together so you don’t need to worry about being left behind. Each walk is graded depending on duration and difficulty so you can always start at Level 1 and build up to a Level 3.

Our walk leader John started leading walks in 2022 and runs two each month including one on Christmas Day and Boxing Day! He said: “The most rewarding aspect of leading a walk is hearing the sound of walkers chatting to each other.”

Trying something new can be daunting but you’ll always get the warmest of welcomes from our leaders. Some walkers attend regularly and others like a more occasional walk meaning you won’t be the only new face. You can turn up alone, with a family member or friend, or some walks even allow you to bring your dog.

Jill joined our programme in 2005 and has been leading weekly walks ever since. She commented: “The best thing about being a

leader is being in the beautiful countryside that our lovely District has to offer. The volunteer leaders are tremendous and of course meeting the walkers is also a privilege. Most walkers are like-minded people who appreciate the seasons, nature, and whatever elements the day of the walk brings. Walking is one of those few things which has so many positive effects. It can be mood-enhancing, endorphin-encouraging, friend-making, muscle-building, anxiety-reducing, problem-solving and I love it for all those things.”

Our walking timetable varies each month and an updated version is always available on our website: www.horsham.gov.uk/sport-and-leisure/ walking/wellbeing-walks. There’s no need to register or book ahead. It really is as easy as choosing a walk, putting on some comfy walking shoes and turning up!

The programme wouldn’t exist without our fantastic volunteers and we are always looking for new people to lead regular or occasional walks. If you enjoy walking and would like to lead a friendly group of walkers around a new or existing route, then we would like to hear from you!

Contact the Wellbeing team on 01403 215111 or email info@horshamdistrictwellbeing.org.uk.

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Dr. Karen Crawford Clarke, Executive Partner at Henfield Medical Centre, retires this month after 29 years GP service to the village. She tells us about the high points and the challenges of her career and how practising medicine has changed over that time. Having studied medicine at Edinburgh university I was attracted to General Practice as a specialty

It is with mixed emotions that we say farewell to Dr Karen Crawford Clarke, who will be retiring from Henfield Medical Centre on 8 May, after 29 years at the practice.

There can’t be a soul in the village who hasn’t been healed or helped by her, either at the surgery or through the social initiatives that she’s set up through the years.

Karen and her husband Rob have been stalwarts of the village since they moved here in 1995, when Karen became partner in the practice. Three wonderful children followed to make their family complete, and the village has been part of their journey every step of the way. She cherishes the strong Henfield community spirit and has very much embedded this in the surgery’s ethos.

Karen is a passionate supporter of the partnership model for general practice and has been a fierce advocate for patients through her career. Since 2015 Karen has been a Trustee of Henfield Haven. She has played a key role in setting up the local Befriending service to

Karen retires after 29 years at Henfield Medical Centre

because I loved the idea of becoming part of a community, really understanding it and getting to know my patients and their families - the importance of continuity of care.

I had got married to Rob and had Paddy by the time I qualified as a GP, and we decided to move to the South East to be closer to my parents and so that Rob could attend Brinsbury to study

support those who are socially isolated in the community. All of this has involved enormous amounts of additional work behind the scenes, including lobbying to stewards and politicians. Other roles have included being a GP trainer, Clinical Director and COVID vaccination leader. Most importantly she has been Senior Partner at the practice, guiding our way for the past decade.

Karen has a wonderful sense of humour, a curious mind and boundless energy. Some of you will know her as a worthy advocate on the tennis court! She is also an incredibly talented and passionate Flamenco dancer, a growing hobby for some years. You can frequently see Karen demonstrating her skills as a performer with a Brighton based Flamenco troupe.

We thank her for her care and commitment to patients and colleagues alike and wish her every happiness in her well-earned retirement. Karen, you will be missed! Don’t be a stranger at the Medical Centre!

Morven Banks, Practice Manager

Karen, pictured outside Henfield Medical Centre next to the Red Oak she and Rob planted 29 years ago.

horticulture. I was offered two partnerships in Sussex, but Henfield was the community that really attracted me, because it seemed proactive, self-contained and beautiful.

I love feeling part of the community that I serve and Henfield is pretty unique in having so much going on. I enjoy the Tennis Club and Leisure Centre and have always supported the Theatre Company. I know patients from being a mum at the school or from different clubs or societies, not just from the consultation.

The high points of my career have been working with a team of dedicated people: every day I witness members of the team going above-andbeyond to help people. I have gained so much from training future GPs and I love teaching them the nuances of the GP consultation, which is unlike consultations in other medical specialties. I love seeing trainees growing in skill and confidence during their year in practice with me. Managing to secure Henfield as a second vaccination site in our rural area of Chanctonbury was also a high point, and what a success we made of it! We took a big risk doing it, but knew that we had loyal support from the Parish Council, not to mention several local doctors, both retired and current. Crucially, we managed to run the campaign in one half of the building while the GPs continued consulting in the other half, so that patient care was not affected.

The most challenging aspects of general practice over the past 29 years have been the constant moving of goal posts by NHS England, adapting to a new GP contract on a yearly basis and keeping the practice financially viable when other practices were folding. The Covid pandemic was particularly challenging, with an accelerated pace of change that had to be rolled out. We had to place ourselves on the front line of the pandemic, there were many tragic stories from our patients

and colleagues and it was an emotional rollercoaster for us all at the surgery.

I took two sabbaticals during my career. During the first one I spent three fascinating months working as a GP in the different healthcare systems of France and Bermuda. During my second sabbatical last year I enjoyed a six week intensive flamenco course in Southern Spain, working on very different skills! I felt as if a great weight had been lifted from my shoulders and it was then that I realized how much the responsibility had affected me, leading to my commitment to retire this year. It is hard to say what I am most proud of. Every consultation has an element of satisfaction in trying to do the best for each patient in the allocated time. I’m proud just to be a GP and to be part of a successful practice that is still attracting brilliant GPs to join us. I’m proud of all the GPs I have trained. I’m proud of the difficult partnership situations that I have negotiated and navigated over the years. I’m proud of some clever diagnoses that I have made over the years that have made a difference to patient’s lives. I’m proud to act as an advocate for my patients when they need me. I’m proud of how we conducted ourselves in the pandemic.

I’m also honoured to have developed very special bonds with so many of my patients. I would definitely encourage young people to go into general practice, I believe it is the most difficult specialty in medicine, but the most rewarding, particularly if you care about people.

Retirement is going to be a new challenge! I think the transition might be hard for me after years of living and breathing general practice, almost to the exclusion of all else. I will miss the patients and the team and the constant mental challenge. Rob is worried about being a flamenco widower!

Karen Crawford Clarke

“...every day I witness members of the team going above-andbeyond to help people.”

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Richard Bates, Henfield resident and consultant solicitor at Cognitive Law in Brighton, considers when it might be appropriate to execute powers of attorney specific to your business.

WHAT IS A BUSINESS LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY (‘LPA’)?

An LPA is a document by which you authorise attorneys to make decisions on your behalf if you are mentally incapable, or if you simply wish to delegate decision-making. Many people have LPAs which deal with their personal finance and healthcare decisions. However, business owners often overlook decision-making in the context of their own businesses.

It is so important to consider the impact of incapacity for sole traders, or business owners who have a limited company, or a partnership. A Business LPA is a key part of any succession planning toolkit. This is because there is no guarantee that your business will be able to function properly if you have not made appropriate arrangements.

WHY IS A BUSINESS LPA IMPORTANT?

A Business LPA can be useful in many scenarios, such as if you’re abroad and physically unable to return to the UK, or if you have an accident or health crisis which affects your ability to make decisions.

Have you considered who would be empowered to pay suppliers, sign contracts, authorise payroll or access the business bank account? Failure to make such provision could lead to lost sales or contracts, defaulting on payments and even reputational damage.

A personal finance LPA may be suitable for business decisions, but it is important to understand that, for companies, a director’s appointment is personal and may only be discharged by the person holding that office: the office of a director is not a property right capable of being exercised by an attorney or other substitute or delegate of the person holding the office. More generally, are your personal attorneys the right people to making business decisions? Do they know the business and have they the right professional qualifications? Are they commercially minded? Might there be a conflict of interest in having the same people making personal and business decisions? Would you want your business partner’s spouse, for example, to suddenly be a decision-maker within the business?

The incapacity of a close family member within a family business can be very difficult to manage in any event and can be compounded where there may be competing interests, and the very business is at stake. It is important to check if your business has already made some provision for incapacity. There are also wider considerations around business governance documentation which ought to be considered as part of any business audit or review. The aim is to ensure that the right arrangements are in place, having due regard to equality and discrimination legislation.

It is very important to get advice as to whether a business LPA is needed for you and any co-owners and if you would like to discuss this further, please get in touch with Richard on 07866 547366 or via richard.bates@cognitivelaw.co.uk. You can also find out more at www.cognitivelaw.co.uk.

Cognitive Law Limited is registered in England & Wales under company number 9753152. Our Registered Office is Sussex Innovation Centre, Science Park Square, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9SB. We are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA Number 626344) and comply with the SRA Code of Conduct.

Spring is here! SH2030

Henfield, we’ve got off to a brilliant start to 2024, our year of celebrating nature! With spring emerging, our early plant species such as Lords and Ladies, Snowdrops and Daffodils are all showing, the beautiful, multi-coloured pink and purple flowers on Lungwort are in bloom, and the birds are building their nests for breeding season. Now is a good time to peg natural wool or spare pet hair to your washing line where the birds can find it to line their nests!

The team of volunteers behind Henfield Nature have been working hard to collaborate with all of our community groups to bring you wildlifeinspired events throughout this year. With our wildlife starting to wake up for the spring, these walks and talks are only set to increase in number, with interactive days out in nature to record and learn more about the wildlife that we have in our area planned throughout the year. All of the events related to the Henfield Year of Biodiversity are listed on the Parish Council website as well as the Henfield Nature blog (www.henfieldnature.wordpress.com) and Instagram page (HenfieldNature). The Nature blog is also a record of our journey as we travel through the seasons with posts on our most cherished places and species planned to keep you in the loop, along with guest posts by other community groups within Henfield.

As well as our planned events, Henfield Nature have also launched an online Nature Challenge using the biodiversity recording app iNaturalist. Our goal is to achieve 3,000 records made by 200 observers, and with the quietest time of the year for wildlife only just passing, we are incredibly proud to say that we have over 760 records made by 42 people at the time of writing. Some of the species seen include Grass Snake, Badger, Water Rail, Foxes and an absolute abundance of plants, insects and garden birds! It is incredibly easy to join this challenge, all you need to do is download the iNaturalist app to your phone, create an account and start photographing what you see. All records made within the parish boundary or Small Dole area will automatically be uploaded to the

project: Henfield Nature Challenge 2024.

For the real beginners out there, iNaturalist has a little sister app called ‘Seek’, which will identify and upload the wildlife that you see automatically. This challenge is designed to engage us with the wildlife around us when we’re out walking, regardless of age or nature knowledge. All observations made as part of the project are available to view on an interactive map, meaning that you can go visit new wildlife and places that you might not have seen before. This creates a wonderful community hive of places we have explored and the species we have seen on our journeys. The challenge is a wonderful activity for families and a great way to learn more about our wildlife.

Key upcoming Henfield Nature events for your diaries include an interactive day of recording at our ‘BioBlitz’ event on Saturday 8 June and our Stag Beetle and Bats walk which we are running on Wednesday 26 June and Wednesday the 3 July. All details of these events are on the Henfield Nature blog, including details of how to book your place. Follow the Sustainable Henfield 2030 blog to support us on our journey this year and we hope to see you at our events and going on adventures in this wonderful place that we are so lucky to call home.

www.sustainablehenfield2030.org

Libby Morris

GET READY FOR NO MOW MAY

The UK wild plant charity Plantlife is promoting No Mow May again this year, asking everyone who can, to leave lawns uncut for the month of May. Then in June and beyond try to leave part of the lawn for wildlife. This will help plants, fungi, pollinators and other wildlife as well as contributing to pollution reduction and locking away carbon from the atmosphere.

Since the 1930’s we’ve lost approximately 97% of our flower-rich meadows, and with them vital food sources for pollinating insects like bees and butterflies. But our lawns can help! With over 20 million gardens in the UK, even the smallest grassy patches add up to a valuable contribution. And you don’t have to do anything except sit back and watch the grass grow – literally! – for the month of May.

Plantlife also invite no-mowers to register their lawn or green space online at www.plantlife.org. uk/campaigns/no-mow-may-registration-2024/, to help the charity track the amount of land the UK is letting grow for nature. Participants are asked to share photos of their lawn’s progress on social media using #NoMowMay and to follow and tag Plantlife on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

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- 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

Spring Budget 2024

Jeremy Hunt’s second full Budget was very clearly delivered in the shadow of a General Election, with his speech peppered throughout with partisan comments and policies designed to put the Conservative Party on the front foot with the electorate.

Some of the highlights:

Class 1 National Insurance - The main rate of Class 1 National Insurance Contributions (NICs) paid by employees will be cut from 10% to 8% with effect from 6 April. This is in addition to the 2% cut in Class 1 NIC that was announced in the 2023 Autumn Statement and that has applied since 6 January.

For an employee earning £35,000 a year, the reduction will be worth approximately £37 a month. For an employee earning £75,000 a year, the saving will be approximately £62 a month. No changes are being made to the rates of NICs paid by employers.

National Insurance Contributions for the self employed - Self-employed individuals (sole traders and partners) currently pay Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance Contributions (NICs). It was announced in the Autumn that Class 2 NICs will be abolished, and that the rate of Class 4 NICs on profits between £12,570 and £50,270 would be reduced from 9% to 8%, from 2024/25. It has now been announced that the rate of Class 4 NICs on those profits will in fact be reduced to 6%.

For a self-employed person with annual profits of £35,000, the total 3% reduction in Class 4 NICs will be worth approximately £673 per year.

High Income

Child Benefit Charge

(HICBC) reform - Families claiming child benefit, where at least one parent earns more than £50,000, currently have to repay some or all of the child benefit they receive by way of the HICBC. As things stand, a family with at least one parent earning more than £60,000 will repay all child benefit claimed. It is the responsibility of the higher earner to pay the tax charge by filling in a Tax Return, regardless of which parent makes the claim for child benefit.

From April, the HICBC threshold is being increased from £50,000 to £60,000. The rate at which the HICBC is calculated will be halved, so that child benefit will not be fully withdrawn

until the individual earns at least £80,000. A consultation will take place in due course to consider how the HICBC could be more fully reformed so that it can be based on household income rather than individual income.

The HICBC has been unpopular since it was first introduced in 2013. One of the main criticisms is that the rules are unfair in that a family with both parents earning £49,999 can retain their child benefit in full, whilst a family with one working parent earning £60,000 loses their child benefit entirely. Another criticism is that the assessment of the tax is overly complex, particularly for people who are employed and are taxed under PAYE.

Furnished Holiday Lets - Various tax reliefs and benefits currently apply where the letting out of residential property qualifies under the furnished holiday lets (FHL) rules. These special FHL rules are being abolished from 6 April 2025, meaning from then the letting of both FHLs and other properties will be subject to the same tax regime. There are strict rules that govern when a letting qualifies as a FHL. These can be difficult to meet but there are clear benefits when they are met. These include the fact that individual FHL owners can claim tax relief on mortgage interest at their marginal rates of up to 45%, rather than just 20% for other tenancies. In addition, FHL businesses qualify for capital allowances, profits count as relevant earnings for pension purposes, and disposals can also qualify for Business Asset Disposal Relief (i.e. a 10% capital gains tax rate). The removal of these benefits will be significant for those that qualify. However, the announcement is not hugely surprising following

concerns about locals in holiday hotspots not being able to buy or rent properties to live in.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on Residential Property - The main rates of CGT are 10% (to the extent that the gain falls within the individual’s basic rate band for Income Tax purposes) and 20%. These rates are currently increased to 18% and 28% for gains on the disposal of residential property and carried interest.

From 6 April, the higher rate of CGT on disposals of residential property will be reduced from 28% to 24%. All other rates will remain unchanged.

VAT registration threshold - From 1 April, the VAT registration threshold will increase from £85,000 to £90,000, with the VAT deregistration threshold increasing from £83,000 to £88,000. The current thresholds have been in place since Spring 2017.

This Budget looks almost certain to be the last fiscal event before the next general election; whatever the results of the election, it may well be quickly followed by another budget and further changes may not be too far off.

For further advice on this or other business issues, contact Paul Samrah on 0204 582 1730 or email psamrah@mks.co.uk

YOUR POTENTIAL, OUR EXPERTISE

Discover the personal and professional approach at Moore Kingston Smith LLP

Strategic business and personal tax planning

· Business management Audit and accountancy

Inheritance tax planning

Cloud bookkeeping and payroll

Contact Paul Samrah

Betchworth House, 57-65 Station Road, Redhill, Surrey RH1 1DL

psamrah@mks.co.uk

www.mks.co.uk/redhill

Also at Heathrow, Romford, St Albans, City and West End (London)

Estate Planning in Henfield

Husband and wife team Neil and Lisa have been assisting families with Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Business Succession Planning and Inheritance Tax Planning in Sussex since 1999. They have been working together since 2012 and launched their own company EPC Law in 2013. Serenity Life and EPC Law now operate side by side offering a full range of estate planning services.

In 2021 they moved to Henfield and now have a lovely new office in the High Street, with the support of Sydney. Here Lisa and Neil talk to us about being part of the village.

“We enjoy helping families get peace of mind by making sure their legacies are protected for their loved ones” explains Lisa. “Like most good familyfocused businesses, we take time to make sure that we are giving the most appropriate advice for each client.”

Neil has been working in financial services since 1985, giving advice since 1999 and has specialized in Estate Planning since 2010 as he explains: “I hold the necessary qualifications to practice as an Independent Financial Adviser and have successfully passed numerous vocational courses. He goes on: “As well as being an accredited trainer in Estate Planning, I’m currently studying to become a member of STEP.”

“As an ex-serviceman, I love the fact that the village gathers on Remembrance Sunday and I’m really happy to be getting involved with the local Scouts.”

Introductory Offers

Basic

Lasting

Their business has been inspired by Neil’s parents: “When they died, their wills were a mess. They assumed that my father would die first and he died eight days before my mum, which caused real problems, and added to the pain of an already challenging time. I swore I would never let that happen to any family that we helped. Our top tip for anyone is leave nothing to chance! Make sure that your wishes are clear!”

Neil and Lisa love being a part of the village as Lisa describes: “We see ourselves as being approachable and friendly, just like Henfield. Since moving to the village in 2021, we’ve felt welcomed by everyone we meet. The people are so friendly and have a wicked sense of humour! We love Relish in the village and do enjoy the odd glass of wine at The Plough and The Wheatsheaf.” Neil goes on:

Spring is coming...

ST. CHRISTOPHERS ROAD, HURSTPIERPOINT

£725,000

Five bedroom, three bathroom semi detached family house with garage.

If you’re thinking about marketing your property now the weather is warming up, we can help you gain the most interest by offering you FREE professional photography and floorplan, which we offer as standard to our clients.

SSTC, FURTHER HOMES WANTED

POYNINGS ROAD, FULKING

£2,750,000

Sitting within an extremely private and mature total plot of about 1.7 acres, the grounds of The Paddock are (like the internal accommodation) perfect for families and entertaining.

01273

www.fosterandcoestateagents.co.uk

mid-sussex@fosterandcoestateagents.co.uk