deck the halls...
the season in style in the heart of the South Downs at Tottington Manor & TERRA Restaurant.
Editor’s Letter
Remembrance in November is a very important time in the village, and as always Henfield Parish Council and local Churches invite you to commemorate with them across three different events, details of which you’ll find on page 17.
The main act of remembrance on Sunday 10th November takes place at St Peter’s Church and then at the Cagefoot Lane War Memorial, culminating with a short service and two-minute silence. The parade, led by Brighton and Hove City Brass, is always a memorable one with our local organisations and residents coming out in great numbers to pay their respects. Please join them to fill Henfield High Street for this period of reflection of past conflicts, and hope for peace during current turbulent times.
The Henfield Hall is a solid ‘constant’ in village life, it sits in the heart of the village and has been part of so many of our daily lives and special times. Please celebrate with the Trustees as the Hall reaches its 50th year this November, a huge amount of hard work and fundraising is continual to keep this wonderful asset functioning well and serving our community. Thank you to all the volunteers and staff who make it happen.
Best wishes
Emma Cole, Editor
Copy deadline & contacts
06 What’s On from the BN5 area
09 News from the BN5 area
17 Local Interest Remembrance in Henfield
22 Local History
Henfield Hall 50th anniversary
24 Local Interest
Christmas Magic Displays Competition
30 Entertainment
Henfield Theatre Company’s Scrooge
38 Countryside Bringing Beavers Back
42 Countryside
Henfield’s Giant Redwoods
46 Local Interest
Karyn Bailey obituary
62 Index Of local advertisers
Many thanks to our editorial and photographic contributors this month:
Elaine Goodyear, Horsham District Council, Mandy Ainsworth, Mike Russell, Steve Bailey, Sarah Butler and Jonathan Aikens.
Cover photograph of standard bearer Mike Marshall at the 2023 Henfield remembrance parade, taken by Helen Boosey, Woodmancote & Henfield Parish Magazine. Additional design by Ali at Fuzz Media. BN5 magazine is printed on 100% FSC approved managed forests paper using vegetable-based inks.
Copy deadline for advertisements or editorial submissions for the December 24 issue of BN5 magazine is Friday 1 November.
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
Theatre Company Jumble
Sat 2 November, 2pm, Henfield Hall
Have a pre-Christmas clear-out! Bric-a-brac, jumble, auction, tea and cakes, in aid of Henfield Theatre Company. Donations welcomed from 9.30am.
Christmas Coffee Morning
Tues 5 November, 10am-12 noon, Henfield Hall
Henfield & District Self Help Group welcome you to the Garden Room for coffee, mince pies, gifts, crafts and a grand draw! £1.50 entrance. Cash only please.
Charities Christmas Fair
Sat 9 November, 10am-1pm, Henfield Hall
Back again raising lots of money for local and national charities, this event is a must for early Christmas gift shopping for great causes. 50p entry, u18s free.
Lancing College Open Day
Sat 16 November, various times, Lancing College Tours of the school and activities for prospective students and parents of yr9, scan QR code on p3 for further details or email admissions@lancing.org.uk
Pre-loved Needlecraft Sale
Sun 3 November, 10am, Henfield Hall
Textile stash sale, book a table if you’d like to sell (£13) or come along for a bargain! Profits donated to charity. Fabrics, yarns, threads, books. sjsfisher@btinternet.com
St Peter’s Primary Open Day
Sat 9 November, 10am, St Peter’s CE Primary By appointment – if your child starts school Sept 2025 please book your place to see the school. Dates also available 13th at 2pm & 15th at 9.30am.
Remembrance Day Service & Parade
Sun 10 November, 9.10am muster @ Cagefoot Lane Service at St Peter’s 9.45am, parade departs for Cagefoot Lane War Memorial at 10.30am. Wreath laying, short service and two-minute silence at 11am. Further details p17.
Trio of Topics
Weds 20 Nov, 10am, Henfield Hall Garden Room Henfield Computer Club present on three topics; changing your device, two-factor authentication and getting a better deal for your utility bills. henfieldcomputerclub@gmail.com
Dark Skies
Weds 20 November, 7pm, Henfield Hall
Garden Room
Talk by Dan Oakley for SH2030 on the importance of dark skies for people and wildlife. Talk starts 7.30pm after refreshments.
Leonardslee Lights
Fri 22 November – Mon 30 December, various times
Enjoy the magical illuminated gardens at Leonardslee, Lower Beeding, with light, sound and colour. Booking essential, www.leonardleegardens.co.uk
Glow Wild
Thurs 28 November – 1st January 2025, various times, Wakehurst
Lantern trail for the whole family with a new route and art installations. Booking essential, www.kew.org/wakehurst
Christmas Ball
Saturday 30 November, 7pm, Henfield Hall
Organised by St Peter’s Primary PTA. 2 course meal, live music, grand auction. Follow their social media for ticket sale date.
Tottington Christmas Market
Fri 22 November, 5pm, Tottington Manor
Tottington’s Christmas Lights will be switched on at 5pm, followed by a Christmas Gift Market. Donations to charity, go to www.tottingtonmanor.co.uk to book.
Christmas at Nymans
Sat 23 November – Sun 5 January, various times
Step through the wardrobe and into Narnia at Nymans this Christmas. Event included in admission fee. See details and book at www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Christmas Market
Sat 30 November, 10am-3pm, Henfield Hall
Sponsored by the Henfield Weekly Market, showcasing beautiful gifts, many handmade. Hot & cold snacks and drinks available.
www.alisoncrowejewellery.co.uk
Free local delivery Commissions taken
01273 492932 or 07977 095549
info@alisoncrowejewellery.co.uk alisoncrowejewellery alisoncrowejewellery
St Peter’s School Open Day
Is your child starting school next September? If so, why not come to our open morning on Saturday 9th November to see inside St. Peter’s and hear from Mrs Maurice, our Headteacher and meet our EYFS Team. The morning will give you an insight into how the St. Peter’s curriculum design and school environment enable all children to thrive and achieve their potential inside and out of the classroom. We will be open between 10am and 12 noon, with talks from Mrs Maurice at 10.15am and 11.15am.
Alternatively, why not come to one of our other sessions – Wednesday 13th November at 2pm or Friday 15th November at 9.30am. To attend please register your interest by emailing office@ Stpetershenfield.org.uk. We look forward to welcoming to St. Peter’s.
Alice Timmins
St Barnabas
House
When someone is cared for by St Barnabas, their loved ones become part of the hospice family too. Light Up a Life brings together people in our community to celebrate the lives of our loved ones and the joy they brought to our lives. Jan’s
story below explains how important St Barnabas House is to our local community.
A loyal friend with an infectious laugh, Jan enjoyed good health until, approaching her 70th birthday, when she started complaining of pain in her upper abdomen. By the time Jan was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the prognosis was not hopeful. “People say you can’t see someone’s pain, but I could,” says Jan’s sister, Lyn. “Even when she managed to get some rest, it was terrible to think she would wake up the next day and go through it all again. Until St Barnabas came on board, I felt so alone. When we were referred to the hospice, everything changed.
“It was such a comfort to us knowing we could call St Barnabas for advice and support, and we knew we wanted to spend her final days together at the hospice. When they said they had a bed available, we were overjoyed. We just knew it was the right place for her.
“If you can support St Barnabas with a donation, I know how much of a difference it will make to families just like mine,” says Lyn. “Every donation, no matter how small, means the hospice will continue to be there to help other people in our community.”
www.stbh.org.uk/light-up-a-life
Jenny Mark-Bell
SH2030 celebrate five years!
Congratulations to the volunteers at Sustainable Henfield 2030 who celebrated their 5th anniversary in the Henfield Hall on 18 September. They enjoyed a wonderful birthday party to thank all the volunteers, businesses and groups who have supported them and often or given up their time.
It’s been an incredibly busy five years for SH2030, the work is ongoing but they have set up some lasting initiatives already, including a comprehensive recycling scheme, hard-working action groups for biodiversity, carbon footprinting, consumer issues and transport solutions.
Members are warmly welcomed, go to www. sustainablehenfield2030.org to find out more.
Editor
Kindersley Trust Grant Applications
The Kindersley Trust would like to invite applications for grants from Clubs and Societies (but not individuals) in the Henfield area. Grant applications need to be for a specific project or item but not for general running costs. Since 1980 we have awarded grants to over 30 different organisations in the village, many receiving multiple grants, totalling over £100,000.
Check
Your application should be sent to Eric Holder either by post to 22 Manor Close, Henfield BN5 9LB or by email to ejholder966@gmail.com and should be received by November 20th.
Eric Holder
Team Bank House Gates raise money for the Henfield Haven
The amazing team at Bank House Electric Gates took part in the Tough Mudder run back in September, completing five miles over 12 obstacles. Tiffinny Myatt-Wells from Bank House Gates said; “It was a real challenge but the team stuck together and helped each other, surprisingly they’re all keen to compete again next year! We have donated £1,000 to the Henfield Haven to celebrate their achievements.”
Chairman Digby Stephenson, accepting the donation on behalf of Henfield Haven CIO, said; “Huge thanks to Bank House Gates for this wonderful donation, and congratulations to the team for completing the challenge. Their continued support of the Haven is really appreciated and goes a long way to helping us provide daycare and services for the most vulnerable in our village, including those living with dementia and their carers. I thank them on behalf of everyone who benefits from The Henfield Haven’s services.”
Editor
Garden and Arts Festival 2025
Following the success of the 25th Henfield Garden and Arts Festival in June, we are pleased to announce that the festival will be taking place on 7-8 June next year, so please put a date in your diaries.
A new Garden & Arts Committee has been formed to plan the festival, which will follow a similar format to recent years. The committee includes some members who have been involved for several years, and new members who are keen to contribute their energy and ideas.
The festival is a community- based event that gives the residents of Henfield and visitors from
beyond a chance to see some of the beautiful gardens in the village, both big and small, and enjoy the offerings of local artists and musicians. The festival also provides a great opportunity to raise money for charity. Last year an impressive £15,115.81 was raised by exhibitors for their chosen charities.
If you have not opened your garden before, why not think about it? Or maybe you and your neighbours would like to get together and create a front garden display? The committee will be putting out a call soon for applications to take part. Please keep an eye open for announcements in BN5, and visit the festival website www.henfieldgardenandarts.net Henfield Garden & Arts Committee
Charities Christmas Fair
The Charities Christmas Fair will this year be held on Saturday, 9th November in the Henfield Hall. Doors open at 10am and the Fair runs until 1pm. Many national and local charities will be taking part, offering a wide variety of Christmas-related goods, as well as stalls selling home-made cakes and savouries. There will be the usual tombolas, games and much more. The entrance fee is 50p with under 16’s free, and refreshments will be available throughout the Fair.
All proceeds from the event go to charity, so please don’t miss this opportunity to support your
favourite charities, do your Christmas shopping and enjoy all the fun of the Fair!
Marilyn Jones
Partridge Green Players – home grown talent!
An extraordinary thing has taken place in local drama society Partridge Green Players, they have developed not one, but two playwrights from amongst their members!
Drew Richardson started writing fiction, whilst researching stories as an amateur historian. He went on to write monologues for the Players to read and then wrote ‘Cinders, the Panto that Rocks’, the first panto that the Players had tried for many years. It was a huge success, incorporating ten children plus many new adult members. This year, Drew has written a highly successful radio play based on German spies in the Second World War, called the ‘Enemy at my Door’.
Gill Martin started by writing small essays and playlets, and then also wrote monologues on the theme of Covid, which were subsequently performed by the Players. Gill has since gone on to write a novel, and recently written a full-length play; ‘The PG Village Calendar’, which will run from 11-14 December. Tickets are available from ticketsource.co.uk/partridge-green-players and via their box office on 0333 666 3366.
They are also producing a Calendar Girls style calendar for 2025. It has been produced in memory of the Players’ late treasurer. Profits from sales of the calendar will be divided between Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Service and the British Heart Foundation. They are on sale on the Ticketsource website and from various outlets in Partridge Green.
To join this friendly group please get in touch,I info@pgplayers.org, or see their Facebook page.
Liz Ganney
World’s Highest Bike Ride
With a Brompton bicycle strapped to his back, local adventurer and Henfield resident Neil Laughton has set a new Guinness World Record for the highest altitude bike ride.
Neil and Nepali Sirdar Nima Kanchha Sherpa reached the summit of Putha Huinchuli, a 7,246m peak in northwest Nepal, and set a new Guinness World Record for the highest altitude bike ride.
The pair rode their bikes at the summit, breaking the previous record of 7,211m set in 2009. The new record is awaiting verification by Guinness World Records.
Neil said: “It was a tough challenge, but we’ve had an incredible adventure.”
The team raised funds for the Tenzing Norgay School in the remote village of Karakot. “The people of Nepal have always treated us with
incredible kindness. So when I saw the condition of its dilapidated school where 70 children were being taught in a freezing cold classroom without insulation, proper flooring and very little furniture, I was appalled and felt moved to do something about it.”
Neil rode a Brompton folding bike while Nima used a traditional Cube mountain bike. Neil continued: “This is just the sort of adventure I enjoy. A big physical and mental challenge, travelling to a beautiful and remote location with friends and raising money for a very good cause.”
Jon Card
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
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
Downsman Hike
Saturday 5th October saw the culmination of months of practice and planning by volunteers and young people in the 1st Henfield Scout Group as they took part in the annual Downsman Hike.
We had three teams out on the hills, a senior Scouts team (average age 13 years) doing a 25-mile team hike, a junior Scout team (average age 11 years) in a 15-mile and for the first time a cub team (average age 9) undertaking an 11-mile hike, all over the Sussex South Downs. All teams smashed it, completing their routes in good times and everyone that took part having a great time.
I had the privilege of walking with our Scouts junior team as they are under 12 and needed an adult with them and they covered the 15-mile hilly distance in good time, worked well as a team, were polite to all members of the public they met and had smiles when they crossed the line. That experience was duplicated by our other teams, so as I couldn’t ask for more!
It is great that we had adults who volunteered to give up their time to help in both the event and the practices, but most importantly, it was great to have young people who wanted to challenge themselves to achieve things they thought they couldn’t do!
“A
We are looking for more dedicated volunteers to deliver similar hiking experiences, so if you’re interested, please get in touch.
Mark Williams
New date for Henfield Fair and Show
Henfield Fair has a new date for 2025, Saturday 13th September. The change became necessary because of important work on Henfield Common, one element being a programme of traditional meadow management to increase wildlife value. For the Fair to take place on Henfield Common North, it was essential to find a date that would not disrupt this work, thank you to the Joint Commons Committee, BP Guild and committee members for working to find the new date. Weather is naturally a risk, but we are hopeful that 2025 will be a lucky year. Any early expressions of interest for local club stalls please get in touch by email henfieldcommonsummerfair@outlook.com.
Andrea May
Henfield Probus and RNLI 200
Henfield Probus Club is again meeting on the third Tuesday of every month for lunch at The White Hart. The Club welcomes and offers membership to professional or business men and women who are retired or near to retiring. Every month, prior to a two-course meal, there is an
Daisies
interesting talk about community-related matters or on a subject relevant to older people. The club organises social outings several times a year.
The next meeting is on Tuesday 19th November at 12 noon. The speaker will be from RNLI, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. It will be an informative talk about the work the RNLI does and their life-saving activities.
If you would like to find out more about the club, are interested in becoming a member or would just like to come along to hear about the RNLI, please contact Anne or David Hubner at d.hubner@btinternet.com
Arun Agarwal
Raising funds for St Peter’s School
Can you help raise vital funds for our village school? St. Peter’s CofE Primary School PTA has in place some great events and initiatives and would really appreciate your support.
Cash for Currency: We are collecting foreign coins and banknotes, which we can then turn into a useful cash donation for our school. Donations can be dropped into Stokes and the school office.
ASDA Cashpot for Schools: Asda is making millions of pounds available to donate to primary schools across the UK – all you have to do is opt in through the Asda Rewards App, choose ‘St. Peter’s CofE Primary School’ then shop and scan
in store or shop online at www.asda.com until 30th November. It takes less than a minute and doesn’t cost you a penny!
Your School Lottery: For as little as £1 a week, you can be in with a chance of winning! There’s a local winner every week, and you are also entered into a draw for £25,000! It’s open to everyone, not just parents, so please enter here www. yourschoollottery.co.uk/lottery/school/st-petershenfield
EasyFundraising App: Each time you shop with many well-known brands, use the #easyfundraising app and you will be raising money for our school. Minimal effort and zero expense to you! It’s completely free and takes just two minutes to sign up, see the PTA Facebook page for the link.
Nikky
Smith, St.
Peter’s CofE Primary School PTA
Henfield Computer Club
Henfield Computer Club invite you to join us for our next presentation on Weds 20th November 1000-1200, covering three key topics.
Are you looking to change your device? Have you considered a refurbished one and are you getting the most out of your mobile? Making the most of your free calls vs landline costs, cheaper tariffs now available, how easy it is to change, get a better signal, what is Sim only?
What is two-factor authentication?
Are you paying over the odds on your utility bills, broadband, car insurance, breakdown cover or house insurance, and are you entitled to more support? We can assist you with online forms and eligibility checking such as applying for a disabled badge, attendance allowance, pension credit, etc.
Join us in the Garden Room at The Henfield Hall on Wed 20th Nov 10am -12 noon, 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
Warren Playgroup Tesco scheme
The Warren Playgroup are applying for a grant from Tesco Stronger Starts Scheme, to replace our climbing frame which is 20 years old and an essential part of our Playgroup equipment. The scheme runs from October to mid-January. Please support your local nursery by voting with your blue token when you shop at Tesco Shoreham or Tesco Holmbush, each time you shop. Thank you.
Lisa Ward
Henfield Parish Council Remembrance Commemorations 2024
All residents are invited to participate in the following events:
Poppy Cross event
Friday 8th November 2024, 11am at St Peter’s Church and later at the Henfield Cemetery
Year 6 pupils from St Peter’s School will attend a brief service at St Peter’s Church. They will read out a short eulogy for each of those buried in the cemetery and afterwards place a Poppy Cross on each of the graves of the fallen soldiers. The final poppy cross will be laid at the Memorial Wall, along with the reading out of the names of the fallen who are buried elsewhere and prayers will be said to end the proceedings.
Remembrance Day Parade and Service
Sunday 10th November 2024
Muster is by the Cagefoot Lane War Memorial at 9.10am with the Parade will be moving off at 9.20am, headed by the Brighton and Hove City Brass Band.
A Service will be held at St Peter’s Church starting at 9.45am. At 10.30am, after the Church Service, the Parade will reform and march back to Cagefoot Lane War Memorial for a short Service which will include the wreath laying by a number of local organisations, the remainder of the Service and two-minute silence at 11am.
Orders of Service will be provided at the Church and at the War Memorial.
Armistice Day
Monday 11th November 2024
Gather at the War Memorial from about 10.50am, marshals will halt the traffic immediately before 11.00am and the Last Post will sound. After two-minute silence a whistle will blow and the Reveille will sound to signify the event has finished and traffic will move again.
Letters will have been given to each shop fronting the High Street explaining what is happening and inviting them to join in by holding two-minute silence.
A Wreath will be laid on behalf of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Henfield Parish Council
Step through the wardrobe into Narnia at Nymans this Christmas. Explore enchanting scenes from this classic story on a magical, festive journey through our decorated house.
A trail in the garden takes families on a voyage to Narnia, from the White Witch’s kingdom to the Beavers’ cottage.
Normal admission applies
nationaltrust.org.uk/nymans Narnia.com
Fulking, Henfield
EPC D | Council Tax A
£1,350pcm
Beautiful one bedroom cottage in rural location.
Henfield
EPC C | Council Tax D
£1,600pcm
3 bedroom semi detached house in quiet cul-de-sac with garage and garden.
Woodmancote, Henfield
£1,150pcm
(inclusive of utilities except Council Tax)
EPC D | Council Tax B
First floor one bedroom flat set in beautiful location overlooking the South Downs. Over 45s only.
Poynings, Henfield
EPC E | Council Tax C
£1,350pcm
Pretty 2 bedroom cottage located under the South Downs with parking and courtyard garden.
Trash or Treasure?
It’s not only us that live in a ‘throw-away’ society. This is something that has been happening for hundreds of years.
The Victorian’s were particularly good at this, filling old quarries & abandoned spaces with anything from food waste to unwanted furniture & daily waste.
A vast wealth of social history still lies undiscovered in these places and even at the backs of some people’s gardens. There is a fascinating side to this rubbish... old bottles & pot lids!
The 1970’s saw a massive interest in this genre of collecting, with people digging into the depths of these old rubbish dumps, unearthing a wealth of history.
Most towns and villages had their own brewers of beer, mineral waters & ginger beer, makers of meat pastes, dairy products, cold creams, tooth paste & assorted chemists potions. All of these products were sold either in glass or stoneware containers & bottles. Once used, people just threw them away into rubbish dumps, hedgerows or ponds to be forgotten for a hundred years or more.
A large number of manufacturers produced bottles & pot lids in their thousands, so many are quite common, but there are also new and unheard of brewers and manufacturers being unearthed on a yearly basis. However, some of them were so short lived, it is hard to research them, but that is where the fun begins!
dumps are unearthed & destroyed in hours, as time is money, meaning that this vast wealth of history is lost forever. It is really now only the digger drivers & site workers that
As the towns and surrounding areas are being redeveloped at a quickening pace, old rubbish dumps, from cottage garden tips to community
I’ve been passionate about this genre of collecting for over 40 years. To me, it isn’t trash, it really is treasure!
Henfield Hall’s 50TH ANNIVERSARY 1974 - 2024
For many years the old Assembly Rooms in Henfield High Street, built in 1885 and now home to three shops, provided the meeting place and functions rooms for the village. It served as Library, Parish Council Office, a supper room, a dance floor and temporary Post Office sorting office at Christmas.
Eric Whittome, Chairman of Henfield Parish Council during the 1960s, reported that there were “…difficulties in continuing to maintain the Assembly Rooms in the High Street due to rising costs”, so in 1966 a committee was formed to consider a new site for village rooms. It was decided to build the new village hall on Greenfields market garden, behind the George Hotel in the High Street.
The Planning committee started work in 1971 and fundraising began. The many societies that would be using the new hall made donations, and the then Henfield Tipnoak WI generously donated £2,000 for the kitchen.
Planning permission was granted in November 1972, and local building company R Vinall Ltd. commenced work in autumn 1973. The original estimated cost was £77,000. Building
progressed into 1974 and was finally completed at a cost of £110,000.
The new Henfield Village Hall was formally opened on 16 November 1974 by Sir Peter Mursell MBE, former chairman of West Sussex County Council. There was a whole day of celebrations, including an exhibition of local clubs and groups, members of the Village Produce Association serving a Ploughman’s Lunch, and the WI serving afternoon tea. According to the Programme of Events, the bar opened at 11.45am – it’s interesting to think how many G&T’s will have been served since! Celebrations culminated in a ‘Concert by Candlelight’ performed by Seaford Silver Band, including Close Harmonies and a band with synthesizers, keyboard and drums.
In 1993 further expansion created additional space for the Parish Office and Museum, alongside an improved foyer. The Garden Room was added in 2000.
The Hall is home to the Henfield Parish Council offices, as well as the Henfield Museum. During some major renovations and redecoration in 2021 it was given a new lease of life with a spruce up to the foyer, garden room and main hall – including new furniture, furnishings, lighting and a fix to the leaky roof. Most of the hard work
was done by a team of volunteers, including members of Henfield Theatre Company, with generous support from local businesses. It was the first village building in Henfield to install solar panels in 2022, helping to future-proof, cut costs and work towards carbon-neutrality.
Since 1974 the Henfield Hall has continued to be the Home of the community of Henfield and is now a registered charity. The Trustees administer the Hall as a CIO for the benefit of the residents of Henfield, Shermanbury and Woodmancote and work hard in their voluntary roles to keep the Hall in great condition and for future generations to enjoy.
The Henfield Hall is host to numerous successful Henfield Theatre Company productions and has been a venue for many parties, family events and village meetings over the years. Aside from this, it provides a regular meeting place for Henfield’s numerous and varied local clubs, groups and charities.
We’d like you to join us in saying ‘Happy Birthday’ to the Henfield Hall! Please do consider the Hall for your next celebration and help keep this wonderful resource safe and wellused for the next 50 years.
www.henfieldhall.co.uk
Elaine Goodyear (on behalf of the Trustees)
There’s no better time to shop local than Christmas, and Henfield High Street will be filled with extra sparkle this year – with a great opportunity for you to win a wonderful prize! Shops up and down Henfield High Street are entering the Horsham District-wide ‘Christmas Magic Displays Competition’, and they’d love you to vote for them – it’s completely free and you could win a fabulous prize! It’s all part of Horsham District Council’s ‘Buy Local Gift Happy’ campaign this year. The competition will celebrate the beautifully sparkling festive windows and displays which help to make villages like Henfield a magical place to be over the festive period.
What can I win?
By scanning the QR code in shop windows (or following the link in this article) you can win one of four fabulous prizes:
• A thrilling and immersive escape room experience for up to eight people at Major Mindgames, Horsham
• A wonderful tour, tasting and delicious lunch with a bottle of wine for two at Nutbourne Vineyard, Pulborough
A MESSAGE TO LOCAL BUSINESSES:
• An enjoyable bagel baking experience day for four with Jacob’s Bagels, Pulborough
• And for Henfield displays only, you can win a Hamper of Henfield goodies, donated by local businesses!
Why is this good for my local village?
• You’ll be supporting your local High Street and each shop will get some great district-wide promotion, helping to keep our local economy busy at this important time
• The winning business will receive a great prize from Horsham District Council
When will voting take place?
Voting takes place from Monday 2 December to Sunday 15 December, with the winners announced w/c 16 December. You will be invited to vote for your favourite displays based on the photos provided by businesses, featured online. You can also vote for other windows across the District. It’s easy to enter, just scan the QR code next to one of the window displays. In collaboration with BN5 magazine, there is an additional prize draw for voting for your favourite Henfield window.
If you haven’t entered yet, please hurry – entries close on Friday 1 November. Fill in a simple expression of interest form via the Council website www.horsham.gov.uk/visualmerchandising Once you have completed the form, the Council will contact you via email with simple step-by-step instructions regarding your involvement in the competition. Be prepared to take a high-quality photo of your display. Don’t forget to ask your loyal customers to support your business in this campaign, using social media and reminding your customers at the till. May the best display win! For more information on how to vote in December, visit: www.horsham.gov.uk/buylocal
SCAN ME
CHRISTMAS IS UPON US
Prepare to celebrate Christmas in a stylish way with our incredible deals and offers! Whether you’re organizing an office party or a family and friends gathering, we have something that will suit everyone’s needs. Make this holiday season unforgettable with our exclusive Christmas packages. Now taking bookings for Christmas Parties however big or small.
SPECIAL OFFER MON-FRI – ONLY £15
Chicken or Vegetable Curry served with Rice or Pie served with Mash and a Pint (we offer a selection of pies)
HEY THERE, FOODIES!
If you’re craving something unique in Henfield, look no further than the Wheatsheaf Pub.
This place isn’t your average spot, it’s a mix of boho vibes and the coolest cooking styles around. Get ready for a mouthwatering mash-up: think hearty English classics hanging out with the tastiest traditional Brazilian dishes. And guess what? It’s all happening in the heart of West Sussex’s countryside.
Come join us for a one of a kind food journey that will leave your taste buds dancing. Don’t miss out on this deliciously different experience!
With your Loyalty Card
Valid Mon - Fri, plus Sun 4-6pm only
Special Light Lunch Menu Mon-Fri 12-2.30pm (not valid with other discounts) Sunday Roast 12pm-4pm 20% off drinks
CHristMas at
singing
HiLLs 2024 Festive LunCH Menu
Available Monday to Saturday 2nd to 24th December
Two Courses £32.50 per person / Three Courses £39.50 per person
starters
Cream of Parsnip & Thyme Soup (V) Cheese Twist
Chicken Liver Parfait Sage Butter, Crostini
Crayfish & Avocado Cocktail Granary Bread
Spiced Cauliflower, Pomegranate, Cashew Salad (GF) (VE)
Vegan Mint Yoghurt
(Includes Christmas Crackers)
Main Courses
Traditional Roast Turkey Cranberry & Chestnut Stuffing, Pigs in Blankets, Roast Potatoes Red Wine Jus
Marmalade Glazed Duck Breast Roast Potatoes
Black Cherry & Kirsch Jus
Oven Roasted Red Snapper (GF)
Herb Crushed New Potatoes, Pea Puree, Red Pepper Coulis
Mushroom Brie & Cranberry Wellington (V)
Vegan Roast Potatoes, Vegan Pigs in Blankets, Chive Beurre Blanc
All main courses above served with a panache of seasonal vegetables
*Menu allergens available on request
Desserts
Christmas Pudding (V) Brandy Sauce
Biscoff Cheesecake Espresso Ice Cream
Profiteroles filled with Chantilly Cream (V)
Chocolate & Hazelnut Sauce
Festive Spiced Fruit Salad (VE) (GF)
English Sparking Wine Sorbet
Followed by Coffee & Mints
Festive Carvery LunCH
Two Courses from £30.00 per person (Main Course & Dessert) / Three Courses £39.00 per person Served on Sundays - 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd December
Private Hire CHristMas Party nigHts
£47.00 per person (minimum 50 people required) Three Course Festive Menu, Christmas Crackers & Disco until 12:30am
Boxing Day BrunCH
Various brunch options available from £7.50, served from 09:30 to 2.00pm
(Full menu details on our website www.singinghills.co.uk)
ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED
For all enquiries please contact our Events Department 01273 835353 Option 2, or email dawn@singinghills.co.uk
Singing Hills Golf Centre, Muddleswood Road, Albourne, West Sussex BN6 9EB
Richard Bates, Henfield resident and consultant solicitor at Cognitive Law in Brighton, comments on ways to revoke a will.
Most people tend revoke all or part of their wills by signing a new will or codicil. To be clear, this is the preferable way to proceed. However, there are other circumstances in which revocation can arise, but they can come with complications.
Under s.20 of the Wills Act 1837, a will can be revoked by “burning, tearing or otherwise destroying the same by the testator or by some person in his presence and by his direction with the intention of revoking the same”. You will see that there are two elements:
(1) Physical destruction is required so, just crossing out wording or writing “revoked” will not usually be sufficient. That said, it’s possible that partial destruction may revoke only the part of the will that was actually destroyed. The test is whether the remainder of the will is intelligible and can still operate as a whole, without the destroyed part.
(2) In addition, there must be an intention to revoke and the Court may ask for evidence of this. Accidental destruction does not necessarily amount to revocation. If destroyed by accident, the Court will seek evidence to establish the contents of the Will, such as by a photocopy, or perhaps seeking witness statements.
However, this week, when told of his death, I learned that a client of mine accidentally revoked his will by an altogether different method.
Just before he died, my client unexpectedly married a girlfriend from his much younger days with whom he had always had a close relationship. Unfortunately, and despite this romantic (re)union, by virtue of s. 18 (1) of the Administration of Justice Act 1982 marriage or a civil partnership automatically revokes a will unless it was signed (a) in expectation of marriage/civil partnership to a particular person, and (b) when the person did not intend for their will to be revoked by that union.
In this particular case, the circumstances fail on point (a) as the idea of marriage came ‘out of the blue’, long after the will was signed. It remains to be seen if the Rules of Intestacy will direct all of the client’s assets to his new wife, as was intended, or whether a proportion will now pass to his estranged children, which was definitely not what he wished.
In short, if you are unhappy with the contents of your will, please deal with it properly by getting a will or codicil prepared by a solicitor or other appropriately qualified and insured professional.
If you would like to discuss these themes further, please do get in touch on 01273 284012 or richard.bates@cognitivelaw.co.uk. You can find out more about me 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.
Step into Christmas Magic with Henfield Theatre Company’s Heartwarming Musical:
This January, join us at The Henfield Hall for an unforgettable journey through the timeless tale of “Scrooge”, brought to life by the talented cast of Henfield Theatre Company. Adapted from the beloved story by Charles Dickens and written by Leslie Bricusse, this musical captures the true spirit of Christmas, complete with joyful songs, heartwarming moments, and, of course, a little holiday magic.
The story opens on Christmas Eve of 1860, in the heart of Cheapside, London, where the chilly air is alive with the sound of carols. Ebenezer Scrooge (played by Paul Crowe), however, thinks nothing of Christmas. He is the surviving partner of Scrooge and Marley, private merchant bankers and moneylenders. His overworked and underpaid clerk, Bob Cratchit (Dave Purchase), struggles to care for his family. Ebenezer dismisses invitations to a family gathering from his nephew, Harry (Ven Malyon), and continues to treat local folk with disdain. His only focus is making money.
Can Scrooge be made to rediscover the warmth of Christmas and be made to ‘like life’?
Maybe the visits of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet-to-Come will help, with the assistance of his deceased business partner Marley (Pete Ingledew). For sure, something must change if Scrooge’s miserable life is to be saved from eternal damnation. In fact,
once you see Scrooge’s past life, you may even feel sorry for him.
In her directorial debut Mandy Ainsworth, also known for running our popular Theatre School for children, said: “Following our recent successes of bringing our Youth Theatre and Adult Theatre together in productions, we now bring some of our Theatre School children onto the stage for the very first time. I am thoroughly enjoying seeing these children develop in both skills and confidence, putting into practice what they have learnt in our Theatre School sessions, and helping to bring this much-loved story to life alongside our talented adults and young people.”
Mandy Ainsworth
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
Performances are at the Henfield Hall on 9th and 10th January 2025 at 7.30pm, and with two performances on 11th January 2025 at 1pm and 6pm.
Tickets are priced at £15 for floor seating and £17.50 for raised seating, and are on sale via www.henfieldtheatrecompany.com and at Stevens Estate Agents in Henfield High Street. This production is kindly sponsored by Coles Automotive.
Rushfields Christmas at
Enjoy Christmas shopping without the stress
We will be Open Monday 23rd Dec
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!
• Move your houseplants to areas of the house that get higher light levels as the light levels outside drop.
• Buy your fleece and fleece jackets ready for the winter frosts.
• Look out for your garden birds –make sure water is accessible and provide calorie rich foods such as fat balls, sunflower hearts and peanuts.
• Tidy the garden and use the remains to create wildlife habitats – piles of logs with a little bit of leaf mulch scattered around the base will be a haven for garden insects!
• Give your compost bin some attention – chop up any fading bedding plants, annual plants that have gone over and leftover fruit and vegetable crops to add to your compost bin, and then tuck it in under a piece of carpet to keep it warm.
Leonardslee Lights
As the crisp winter nights descend, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in Horsham, West Sussex, transforms into an enchanting realm - awash with light, sound and colour. The annual Leonardslee Lights event, running from 22 November to 30 December, invites visitors to embark on a magical journey through the historic 240-acre estate.
This year’s Leonardslee Lights promises to be even more spectacular than ever before. A completely new route has been designed, leading visitors through a captivating 60-90 minute adventure. Immerse yourself in the stunning illuminations, impressive installations, ethereal soundscapes, and live performances that bring the gardens to life.
Imagine strolling through the stunning landscape of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, filled with 1000’s of twinkling lights, where towering trees seem to dance and glow. Hear immersive music as you wander through the illuminated woodland paths. Feel the magic in the air as you encounter character-based interactive performances that will leave you spellbound.
From the moment you step onto the estate, you will be transported to a world of wonder. The intricate light displays, combined with the natural beauty of the gardens, create a truly unforgettable experience. As you wander through the illuminated pathways, you will be amazed by the creativity and artistry on display.
Beyond the light trail, Leonardslee Lights offers a festive atmosphere with a boutique Christmas market, delicious seasonal food and drink, and vintage funfair rides. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, enjoy Leonardslee Lights in sensory comfort with a Quiet Night available to book with reduced volume of crowds and sound on 5 December.
Flexible tickets start from £17.50 and Leonardslee members can enjoy free or discounted tickets. Tickets can be changed to any other available date and trail entry time with the same ticket price up until 31 October.
This year Leonardslee Lights introduces tickets with a free shuttle bus service. Leonardslee Lights + Shuttle Bus ticket holders can enjoy a free return shuttle bus from Horsham Station directly to the event, taking the hassle out of your festive experience. And if you’re a Leonardslee member, the magic doesn’t stop there. You’re entitled to a free Leonardslee Light ticket per member, all for less than £1 per week when signing up for joint membership via Direct Debit.
Don’t miss this opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones. Book your tickets early and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of Leonardslee Lights. There is free parking for this event.
Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens
Bringing Beavers back to Britain
Beavers are gradually returning to the British Countryside after an absence of over 400 years. They are true ecosystem engineers; capable of transforming landscapes by building dams across ditches and streams and felling trees. Beavercreated wetlands are fabulous for birds such as Teal, Snipe and Sandpipers, and also increase the abundance of bats, amphibians and other wetland wildlife.
Whilst these wetlands also bring many benefits to society by storing water, reducing flooding and improving the quality of the water flowing downstream, their return doesn’t come without controversy. Artificial drainage systems designed to enable farming and development can be obstructed, and some fishermen believe they will impact on fish migration.
Although beavers have been introduced into fenced enclosures in England since 2003, the only licenced wild release has been into the River Otter in Devon where the Devon Wildlife Trust ran a government-sanctioned trial to study their effects in the wider landscape. This showed the effects to be generally positive, and that issues arising could be managed.
Following the success of this trial, the government announced in 2020 that beavers would be recognised as a native resident species once again and given legal protection. Other wild populations have sprung up through escapes and unlicensed ‘beaver bombing’ and there are now large numbers of wild beavers living in at least five river catchments, and smaller numbers elsewhere.
Mark Elliott is an ecological consultant who is involved nationally in the UK Beaver Introduction Programme that includes the Knepp Re-wilding Project that
will have consequences for the River Adur locally. Mark is a Sussex lad having been brought up in Hassocks and from a very early age he developed a passion for anything that lives in wetlands. At the age of 10, he became a founding member of the Sussex Amphibian and Reptile Group.
This passion led him to a varied and interesting conservation career including a time at the Sussex Wildlife Trust as their Wetlands Officer. He has also worked for the Environment Agency and West Sussex County Council before he moved to the Devon Wildlife Trust and became responsible for leading the first government sponsored trial on the River Otter in Devon. Mark has also been involved with the Knepp Wildling Project since the early days and has run many of the beaver safaris there in recent years. He now offers training events on Beaver Ecology there.
Mike Russell, chair, Henfield Birdwatch
Mark’s talk is on Friday 1st November at 7.30pm in the Henfield Hall. Everyone is welcome. There is an entrance fee of £3, or free to Henfield Birdwatch members.
Henfield
EPC C | Council Tax C
£350,000
Two bedroom EOT with parking. Easy walking distance to the High Street, Primary School and surrounding countryside.
Henfield
EPC D | Council Tax E
Henfield
£360,000
£450,000
Detached cottage in a quiet backwater in a central location. 2 bedrooms, 3 receptions. Pretty cottage garden.
EPC D | Council Tax C
Charming two bedroom mid terrace cottage, Henfield Common North. A few minutes walk to the High Street and next to woodland and countryside walks.
Henfield
EPC D | Council Tax F
£535,000
Character cottage with garage in popular road just off the village High Street. 2 reception rooms, 2 bedrooms.
Appointments available
Monday - Friday.
Michelle Brennan Caitlin McCaffery Tom Fletcher Chiropractor Chiropractor Chiropractor 01273 494680 1, Bowden House, Church Street, Henfield
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A Redwood Renaissance in Henfield
In a far-off time at the height of the pioneer days of the American West, the enterprising mining engineer John Matthew stood in the still freshly minted state of California. Several days ride to the south lay the old Spanish fort and rapidly growing mining and port town of San Francisco. Many days northwards, a gradual stream of settlers was arriving, having travelled the Oregon Trail from the east by wagon across wild plains of uncountable bison.
Local native peoples considered the giants sacred beings worthy of protection, their names including Gááhs-tcho, keehl and k’vsh-chn. Fallen trunks had many uses, both practical and ritualistic. The first botanical realisation had come from astounded gold miner Augustus Dowd in spring 1852, stumbling upon a grove of up to 100 metre high ‘Mammoth Trees’ one day, while stalking a grizzly bear.
Before the miner, stood the mammoths of the Calaveras Grove. In Matthew’s words: “I stepped round several 30 yards in circumference, while one which had fallen has a hollow inside fit to stable 50 horses. This gigantic Methusalem forest of the olden time seems to have extended back into periods anterior to any but geological record. The whole surface of the ground is strewed with immense trunks, or their remains, in every stage of decay, in many instances covered with vegetation - so as to look like green earthen mounds the mural vestiges (of) ancient camps...” They would come to be known as Sequoiadendron gigantea, or Giant Redwoods, the scientific name referencing both their size, and either the seed sequencing and/or the famous Cherokee chief and linguist. Some would turn out to be millennia old and by far the most massive trees ever found, surpassing 300ft in height, only outdone on the latter by its cousin the Coastal Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens). Bending down over a fallen titan, the task of collecting the seeds from their giant cones began. After a long journey by cargo vessel, the first letter of seed specimens from both giant and coastal varieties were delivered to Matthew’s father Patrick in Perthshire in August 1853, the species being formally written up in the Gardener’s Chronicle by that December. News no doubt went straight to William Hooker, head of Kew Gardens. It’s
“A summer thunderstorm hit the tree, the tallest for many miles, striking chunks of trunk off...”
unlikely that it took long before his friend and Henfield’s ‘Nestor of British Botanists’, William Borrer, acquired a specimen for his own famous garden of 6600 species at Barrow Hill - probably planted by his enterprising head gardener Charles Green. Through generations of the family and final abandonment of the garden and demolition of the house in the 1950s, the tree stood tall - alongside a few other survivors from the garden (one, the evergreen Lucombe Oak, survives today). It would stand another 50 years, alongside the modern Mill Drive housing estate that replaced the mansion, greenhouses and gardens.
One summer night in 2009, the end came in dramatic style. A summer thunderstorm hit the tree, the tallest for many miles, striking chunks of trunk off and crushing two unfortunate cars below. Within a day, tree surgeons removed the titan, a gap opening in Henfield, awaiting a new dawn.
In October 2022, giant redwoods were to return after a 13-year absence. With the lost redwood posted to Facebook as part of Project Arborea, a kind donor - Rory O’ Gorman from Croydon - saw the tale and very kindly offered to donate two teenage Sequoia Gigantea. These he had grown in pots from seed originally from Kew Gardensproviding a fine circle back to the rare plants sent to Kew on Borrer’s death in 1862. Safely delivered by Rory to Henfield in the summer, the trees were planted by two of Henfield’s tree wardens - John Willis and Tony Baker - and the writer. The first at the community orchard behind Henfield Common and the second at Flocktons, adjacent to Stonepit Lane. If you’re wondering about the spot on Mill Drive where the old redwood had stood; it had already been replaced by another species of tree as part of the village planting drive. In May 2023, the Scouts and Sustainable Henfield 2030 spent a day tending to the orchard trees, also awarding them all their own plaques!
Two years later the Common tree is doing well, a skywards evocation of Borrer’s giant. The Stonepit tree very sadly fell victim to marauding deer or sheep lunchtime, prompting a prison level
of protection for its surviving sibling. I hope that it will stand tall in decades and centuries to come, a reminder of Henfield’s pioneering botanical legacy and of the wonder these trees engendered when first reported here 170-odd years ago.
Robert S. Gordon, 2024 landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu, patrickmatthew.com, https://stem.hcoe.net
Submit a Tree to Arborea
Started in 2019, Arborea is an artistic wander through some of Henfield’s most characterful trees, channelled through the voice of residents, artists and anyone inspired by our local natural history. This project run by the Friends of Henfield Museum doesn’t make a distinction between the trees in ‘isolation’ or more overtly interwoven with us, the human subject. Submissions via all recording media from young and old, individuals and groups are welcomed! A few possibilities are photos, drawings, field recordings, song, poetry, prose and memories.
Once enough submissions are received, we hope to produce a book and physical museum displays, so, please do submit a tree! henfieldmuseum.org/arborea
Karyn Bailey 1953-2024: A Life of Caring & Community
It was the beautiful countryside setting that first attracted Karyn to make her home in Henfield, 30 years ago. Her love of nature was born of growing up with her grandmother in rural Warwickshire. Their small cottage had chickens but no electricity: Karyn studied for her school exams by the light of a hurricane lamp. Education changed her life, giving her the opportunity to become a teacher, a vocation she loved and served for more than two decades. Starting out in secondary schools, Karyn eventually found her calling teaching young children in Reception class. Her particular interest in special needs education, long before topics like ADHD and autism became widely understood, underscored her commitment to ensuring every child felt seen and valued. Karyn’s profound empathy stemmed from her own struggles, having battled low self-esteem and mental health challenges as a young woman. These experiences shaped her into a compassionate and understanding teacher, and her influence changed many lives. While at college in Manchester, a chance encounter at a disco brought Karyn together with her future husband Steve, a relationship that would blossom and endure for more than 50 years. Karyn was a natural nurturer, dedicated to her family and their two children, Sarah and David. She filled their lives with love, joy, and optimism. From parties in the garden and family outings, to making costumes for school plays, Karyn was the heart of her family. A job change for her husband Steve, prompted the family to move south and Karyn spotted the ideal home on the edge of Henfield. Her teaching career, however, was tragically cut short only two years later by an accident that left her with hidden disabilities and chronic pain.
Despite these limitations, Karyn continued to find ways to serve the community. She became a volunteer at the West Sussex council day centre, caring for people with dementia. Her empathy and ability to connect with older people made her a natural fit. When the centre faced closure due to budget cuts, it was Karyn who inspired a campaign to save it. Her efforts led to the transformation of the day centre into what is now the Henfield Haven. Karyn was involved in every aspect of the project, from organizing volunteers to redecorating and gardening. The community’s appreciation of her dedication is immortalized in “Karyn’s Kabin,” in the Haven garden.
Though Karyn’s physical capabilities diminished, her compassion for others never wavered. She turned online, running a mental health group where she counselled people, using her own experiences to offer comfort and advice. Under her guidance, the group grew into a supportive community of thousands, and her legacy of kindness continues through those she helped.
Karyn’s love for Henfield, her family, and her community was ever-present. In her final years, she took great joy in her grandchildren, spending as much time as she could with them. Her garden, filled with flowers, and her love for animals reflected her appreciation for the beauty of life. Karyn’s ability to connect with people, regardless of their background or struggles, made her an extraordinary person. Her spirit of giving, her boundless energy, and her attachment to Henfield will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing her and live on in the Henfield Haven.
Steve Bailey
I want easy and accessible parking. We have ample parking and both our practices have private car parks. 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.
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 in their care. 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!
CHRISTMAS
ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN
Order forms in store. Come in and chat with one of our team members who will be happy to help
There will be reduced hours during the Christmas and New Year Period
Free Range Bronze Turkeys from farmer Paul Tanner, Hampshire
Ducks | Geese | Boneless Turkey breasts wrapped in Bacon
30 day dry-aged Ribs of Beef | Gammon on the bone | Pigs in Blankets
Sumptuous curtains and interiors
Custom made curtains, roman blinds and soft furnishings
Cushions, headboards, bedspreads and upholstery
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Complete service for design, advice, quotation, and fitting, in the comfort of your own home East Barn Interiors Ltd 01403 865655 By appt: 6 Swallows Gate, Church Road, Mannings Heath, West Sussex RH13 6GQ www.eastbarninteriors.co.uk
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Interest Rate Cuts
As the Bank of England cuts interest rates for the first time in over four years, what are the implications for your investments?
The Bank of England did something unseen since 19 March 2020 this summer: it cut the Bank rate. The decision was a close call for the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC): five voted for the reduction while four favoured holding rates unchanged. However, that 5–4 margin reflected more a question of timing than direction.
After nearly a year with the Bank rate stuck at 5.25%, investors are now pondering two new questions: how fast will rates fall and how far? Unlike its counterpart in the United States, the Bank of England does not offer its own opinions on future rates. Instead, the Bank prefers to produce its economic outlook using the future interest rates implied by the UK money markets. These currently suggest that the Bank rate will be 4.2% in the third quarter of 2025, 3.8% a year later and 3.5% by the third quarter of 2027. Such numbers come with a health warning: unanticipated events can wreck the most carefully calibrated forecasts – as recent years have demonstrated.
Nevertheless, assuming no global pandemics, further wars or other international incidents, UK interest rates look set on a downward path, although a return to the near-zero rates of the 2010s is not on the radar according to those money market projections. Those rates were a prolonged response to the 2008 global financial crisis (followed by Covid-19) and are already beginning to appear an historic aberration.
Impact of falling rates
The expected steady decline in interest rates has several consequences for investors, including:
• New investors will see the return on fixed interest securities such as government bonds fall. This move is already underway, as investors buy to lock in current returns. For example, the benchmark 10-year government bond was yielding over 4.6% in October 2023, whereas by mid-August 2024 its yield was under 4%.
• Falling long-term bond yields go alongside a drop in annuity rates. If you are thinking about fixing all or part of your retirement income, delay could prove costly.
• Returns on cash deposits will drop as the Bank rate falls. So far in 2024 it has been easy to find cash returns above the rate of inflation, discouraging investors from leaving the investment sidelines. Inertia is a now a serious risk if you are sitting with cash. Wait too long before making your move into longterm assets and you could miss investment profits.
• Lower interest rates benefit companies, particularly smaller companies which tend to have higher borrowing. In the US, which is at a similar stage in the interest rate cycle, there have been signs that investors are switching their attention from the mega companies towards smaller companies.
• Mortgage rates have begun to decline, a trend further accelerated by heightened competition among lenders, leading to a noticeable reduction in fixed-rate deals, with five-year fixed mortgages now available at rates below 4%.
For advice on how you should approach an investment landscape of falling interest rates, talk to the Moore Kingston Smith Financial Planning Team.
Jonathan Aikens, Partner, Moore Kingston Smith LLP
T: 020 4582 1881 | E: jaikens@mks.co.uk
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Also at Heathrow, Romford, St Albans, City and West End (London)
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