Common Interests November 2022

CONTENTS

Editor’s Letter

Staplefield Feeds the Troops

Healthy Foot Forward

The Artists Next Door

A Family Recipe

Queen of Seed

A Gardener’s Month

Don’t Keep the Red Flag Flying

Service for Healthcare Workers A School Trip

Staplefield Fete AGM Report

Editor’s Letter

Welcome to November’s Common Interests. This month starts with a bang as we will be gathering to celebrate Bonfire Night and raise money for St Mark’s School on Wednesday 2nd. Then, on Sunday 6th the hordes descend on the village for the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. We are fortunate (or not?) to be in one of the best locations to watch the ‘Old Crocks’ run, and it’s also an opportunity for car enthusiasts to view classic cars, as many car clubs gather in the village around the Common. We explore the origins of the run and a little of its history in this issue.

November is, of course, also the time we remember and honour lives lost in conflict. With this in mind, we have delved into Staplefield Archives to bring you the story of the Staplefield Canteen, and how the village worked together to welcome and cater to the many troops that were stationed in the area during WWII.

Alongside our regular features from St Mark’s Church and School, and our gardening goddesses Sacha and Maria, we have a new recipe feature that

we want you to contribute to. We need you to send us your favourite recipes that are simple, much-repeated and have a little story attached.

Staplefield’s creative talent is showcased in an article by our own artistic genius and designer Jo Harrison. She talks to her next-door neighbours Andrea and Pete about their art and inspirations. Thanks to all our contributors and advertisers this month, and special thanks to Tim Campbell-Smith who provided our suitably seasonal front cover picture.

Jane Pedgrift Common Interests Editor

Tim Campbell-Smith

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STAPLEFIELD FEEDS THE TROOPS

The village hall played its part in World War II with a canteen for the Canadian Army

The idea of running a canteen in Staplefield for troops billeted locally came from Maud Messel of Nymans. Daphne Dengate, her long-time assistant, wrote in her memoirs, that Mrs Messel’s involvement with the Sussex Red Cross went back to the First World War.

The canteen opened in the Village Hall on Sunday 19th May 1940. The first regiment it served was the 57th (Newfoundland) Heavy Regiment. With very little rationing at first, supplies were relatively easy to obtain. The

canteen ran partially through donations from local residents, much like today’s food banks.

Staplefield Place hosted the canteen until August 1940 when the 29th Infantry Brigade Group set up headquarters there. The canteen then moved to Stone Court, with improved facilities, including a games room and writing room.

After the 29th Brigade left, the canteen returned to the Village Hall. There it began to cater on a larger scale. It also became something of a social club, with concerts, dances, lectures and film screenings.

In December 1942, the 18th Canadian Field Ambulance (Quebec) arrived in the village. With a reputation for “rowdiness and disorder”, the French Canadians had been excluded from canteen facilities in other areas. Staplefield welcomed them, however. The French Canadians, grateful for the hospitality, made themselves feel at home. They established a baseball league and played ball games on the Common. Miss Dengate reported that “shouts could be heard up Tanyard Lane nearly as far as Old House”!

Initially, the language and cultural differences caused confusion. Requests from the troops for ‘Coke’ and ‘Pepsi’ were met with bafflement, but plentiful supplies were obtained and quickly ran out due to popularity. It was also hard to meet the demand for cakes and confectionary. The troops did find the coffee much better than “the hot liquid that mas-

queraded as coffee” that they had experienced previously in this country! Before the Canadian officers left they entertained the canteen volunteers at Stone Court, to thank them for their work. In June 1942, they were replaced by the 8th Canadian Field Ambulance (Calgary). Many of the troops, from rural backgrounds and with agricultural experience, worked on local farms during their time here.

The Staplefield Canteen continued to cater for the stomachs and social needs of troops stationed locally until the end of the war.

Image top of this page: In 1949, Maud Messel unveiled a plaque in the Village Hall, commemorating the regiments that were accommodated. The unveiling coincided with the addition of a committee room, cloakrooms and all-electric kitchen.

A booklet detailing the history of the canteen also included many letters of appreciation from those that it served.

HEALTHY FOOT FORWARD

Norma Leppard recommends reflexology for body equilibrium

In this busy world, many of us do not take the time to look after our feet. It often said that “If you look after your feet the rest of your body will look after itself”.

Reflexology is a gentle art of therapeutic foot massage. It works on the precise reflex points on the feet, based on the premise that reflex areas on the feet correspond with all body parts. The idea of reflexology is to return the body to a state of equilibrium and balance.

What reflexology really offers is a chance to peacefully relax whilst enjoying a non-invasive treatment, and, hopefully, feeling wonderful afterwards.

A full reflexology treatment and consultation can last an hour – more if you wish to chat. During that time, your feet soak in beautiful Neals Yard Organic products, followed by a foot scrub. Then whilst lying on a bed, the treatment commences with an inspection of the soles of your feet. Lavender and tea tree body

powder is applied with a structured massage of the feet, followed by a lymphatic massage, using almond oil, and finishing with controlled breathing exercises.

Taking one hour a month out of your busy schedule, reflexology can assist with building immunity to colds, flu and many other ailments that are around at this time of the year. It can balance, and assist with many other complaints, such as headaches, eye strain, ear infections, neck and shoulder pain, sciatica, etc.

Reflexology is for everyone, young and old. If you feel you could benefit from a reflexology therapeutic treatment, please contact me directly.

Next month I shall explain a little more about Maternity Reflexology, Reflexology for Babies too

Keep well and healthy everyone, enjoy these lovely Autumn days.

Staplefield based artisan flower grower and floral designer; growing and styling beautiful seasonal flowers for bouquets, weddings, farewell flowers and all occasions.

THE ARTISTS NEXT DOOR

Jo Harrison admires creative neighbours, Andrea Rennie and Pete Sadler

Home Farm Cottages are a hive of artistic industry. Andrea and her partner Pete (the log) are talented artists working in very different mediums.

Andrea is an accomplished draftsperson, printmaker, silk painter and former sculpture student. Born into a creative family, art and craft come as second nature to her.

Always working on a project, Andrea takes the natural world as her inspiration. Her work is detailed and intricate, from the flowing colours on silk to the delicate ink drawings which she

completed using fine liners and a magnifying glass.

Pete, a tree surgeon by trade, works differently. When he finds a piece of wood that lends itself to a particular shape (and the mood takes him) he will sit

using a blade or chisel and carve away to make a moon, a figure, or, in one case, interlocked hands. We can’t illustrate the latter piece because it was stolen when it was on display at the Red Lion at Turners Hill. That, says Pete, is as good a testimonial as any. Both artists have real faith in each other’s expertise and, as

is often the case with talented but modest people, find it easier to enthuse about each other’s work, and it’s easy to see why.

Images Overleaf top: Abstract silk painting; overleaf bottom: rooster in ink fineliner. This page

Top left: Jellyfish three colour linocut; Top right: carved wooden moon; Bottom left: Portrait in ink fineliner; Bottom right: Hare linocut.

ELIZABETH HOOPER SHARES A BELOVED FAMILY RECIPE

LEMON AND AMARETTI PARFAIT (ICE CREAM CAKE)

100g amaretti biscuits

(crunchy not soft)

1 x 397g tin sweetened condensed milk

Juice and zest of 4 lemons

300ml double cream

Fresh raspberries/raspberry coulis and extra crushed amaretti biscuits to serve

Cookery writer Caroline Young gave me this recipe many years ago, and it’s been a firm favourite with family and friends ever since.

Caroline collaborated with celebrated cookery writer Katie Stewart, who in the 1960’s and 70’s wrote a popular column in The Times, and was a Cuckfield resident for over 40 years. In the late 1990’s the two writers held demonstrations in local villages and the venues were always packed with enthusiastic fans. These included a small group from Staplefield, one of whom was our much loved and missed Ann Baker of Home Farm, who was an incredible cook.

This recipe is so simple, yet delicious, and makes a great alternative to Christmas pudding for those that dislike it or prefer something lighter.

1. Line a 2lb loaf tin with greaseproof paper or clingfilm

2. Lightly crush amaretti biscuits into large crumbs

3. Mix condensed milk with lemon juice and zest in bowl. This will thicken slightly

4. In a separate bowl, whip double cream to a soft peak consistency

5. Fold the lemon mixture into the whipped cream

6. Place about a quarter of the biscuit crumbs in loaf tin to cover bottom, then add about a quarter of the cream mixture on top. Continue with layers until all biscuits and cream are used, finishing with a layer of biscuit crumbs.

7. Cover and freeze in tin.

8. Slice off portions as you need them and garnish with fresh raspberries or raspberry coulis and extra crushed amaretti biscuits.

QUEEN OF SEED

Sacha Brown gets her nose into seed catalogues and goes slug hunting in her pyjamas

Growth slows down rapidly at this time of year, but because I sow successionally, with the aim of eating fresh all year round, I am still harvesting some crops. The last of the tomatoes and chilli are being made into various chutneys, jams and pickles, while outside I am harvesting fennel, celeriac, celery and chard.

Brassicas such as kale and cabbages are at a point where they are can be picked for fresh greens. I still have a lot of carrots, grown in a tub filled with sandy soil. Soon the carrots and celery will be processed with onions and frozen for use later. I like to chop them up all together and freeze in batches – they make a great base for soups.

I transplanted small seedlings of lettuce, oriental salad leaves and spring onions which are growing

nicely in the greenhouse. Having had no slugs all summer, they are out in force, demolishing the pakchoi which, as it’s my favourite, is a tragedy! I don’t use chemicals in the garden, even so-called ‘organic’ ones. The only way to safely remove slugs is to pick them up so that they can be disposed of. It’s a common sight to see me at night in the garden in my pyjamas and a head torch!

Early November is the end of the sowing season, the gap until new year is time to take stock, reflect and plan. At the moment I have my nose in catalogues to order spring bulbs, such as tulips, narcissi and iris. It is a good idea to get these now because good varieties will sell out.

Lastly, I have just launched my Queen Of Seed Advent Calendar. It’s a fun way to stock up on seeds. Each day is a surprise filled with some flower, herb or vegetable seeds for you to grow next season. You’ll receive 25 envelopes filled with seeds, 25 wooden pegs and string to hang the envelopes on. It makes a lovely present or just treat yourself!

To order one, use the link

www.queenofseed.co.uk/ product/queen-of-seed-adventcalendar

A GARDENER’S MONTH

Maria Hardy adds to her collection of dried plants ready for Christmas decoration

Falling leaves, morning mists, warm days and cool nights: the year is winding down but there is still plenty to keep us occupied and to enjoy in the garden. The intensity of the colours of the leaves turning before falling, burnt oranges and vibrant jewel colours are simply spectacular in the beautiful autumn sunshine that we have enjoyed on many days during October. The bright pinky purple of the cyclamen blooming at the foot of an oak tree adds a clashing pop of colour in my garden.

I’ve spent the last few weeks harvesting anything that can be dried to add to my collection of “everlasting” flowers. My kitchen is full of bunches of statice, honesty, oats and barley hanging from the beams. Tin buckets of nigella and poppy seed heads are stacked in the corners whilst straw flowers and roses are dried in the dark of the airing cupboard to preserve their colours, all waiting to be used

in autumnal wreaths and arrangements, Christmas wreaths and decorations.

You will also see my dried flowers dressing the tables at The Bolney Wine Estate, replacing the fresh flowers that I provided through the summer months.

As autumn progresses I continue to clear beds, sow seeds and lift and divide early summer flowering perennials to reinvigorate old tired clumps and make new plants for free; who doesn’t love a free plant?!

I’m also now planning for Christmas wreaths and florals.

Late Autumn to-do list

• Continue to clear summer beds and add to the compost heap

• Collect fallen leaves to make leaf mould and/or add to the compost heap

• Plant spring bulbs in containers, layering early and later varieties for a succession of blooms and top with violas for colour throughout winter

• Plant spring bulbs for naturalising in borders and grass

• Plant bare roots, perennials, evergreens and shrubs whilst the ground is still warm

• Lift dahlias after the frosts kill them off, remove the foliage and clean the tubers, allow to dry before storing for the winter ready to replant next spring

• Harvest remaining fruit, such as apples and pears, before they are damaged by frost

• Lift and divide early summer flowering perennials

• Don’t forget to enjoy those beautiful autumn colours!

Maria Hardy is a Staplefield based artisanal flower grower and floral designer

www.tangleandwild.co.uk

DON’T KEEP THE RED FLAG FLYING

Jane Pedgrift tells the history of one of Staplefield’s annual highlights

What we now know as the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run originated in 1896, when, on 14th November, the ‘Locomotives on the Highway Act’ came into force. This raised the speed limit for motor vehicles from 4mph to 14mph, and abolished the requirement for a person to walk with a red flag in front of a car.

The event, a celebration of this legal change, was fittingly named ‘The Emancipation Run’. A red flag was symbolically destroyed before the cars set off, an event that was re-enacted in 1996 a century later.

The Emancipation Run ran from the Metropole Hotel in London to the Metropole Hotel in Brighton, mostly along what was then the A23. Fifty eight vehicles were listed to take part. After drop-outs, just 13 or 14 made it to Brighton. The run continued as an annual event until 1903 when the speed limit was raised to the dizzy heights of 20mph.

In 1927, the run was re-introduced and has become the world’s longest running motoring event. The event has only missed a few years…1939-45 (WW2), 1947 (petrol rationing) and, more recently, in 2020 and the Covid pandemic.

HM The Queen took part in 1971 in a 1900 Daimler 56C driven by Evelyn Mawer, former president of the Veteran Car Club. The car, originally purchased by her great grandfather, King Edward VII in 1900 when he was Prince of Wales, is now on display in the museum at Sandringham. HRH Prince Michael of Kent has been a regular participant in a variety

of vehicles, including the 1900 Daimler that the Queen travelled in.

Other notable participants were racing drivers Stirling Moss and Nigel Mansell, DJ Chris Evans, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, Olympian Sir Steve Redgrave and Bake-off star Paul Hollywood.

The 1953 film Genevieve, a comedy about two friends who entered the run accompanied by their wives, depicted the escalating competitiveness between them, resulting in attempts to sabotage each other. The car, Genevieve, was a 1904 Darracq 12-HP.

The Royal 1900 Daimler 56c

It is now in the Dutch National Motor Museum and still regularly participates in the run.

SERVICE FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS

On Sunday 23 October, Father Vlad Nikiforov, of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Staplefield, presided at a special service of thanksgiving for the healthcare workers at St Paul’s church Haywards Heath.

About a hundred healthcare workers were present to receive a solemn blessing. Bishop Richard Moth, of Arundel and Brighton also awarded a medal to the staff of Princess Royal hospital in recognition of their heroic work. After the service they were treated to tea with a great choice of cakes.

THE BLESSING

Blessed are the doctors, nurses, hospital staff, chaplains.

Blessed are your hands that are raw from scrubbing and sanitizing.

Blessed are your shoulders that carry the weight of life and death.

Blessed are your feet that are aching from standing at bedside and running between rooms.

Blessed are your hearts that are frightened and breaking.

Blessed are your families who sacrifice their own comfort so that we need not be alone in our suffering.

Blessed are you who look upon this sacred work of healthcare as a gift.

Blessed are you those who have had enough.

Blessed are you who are overwhelmed.

Blessed are you who are found weeping in secret corners of an emergency room so that we might see a strong face to greet our need.

Blessed are you who weep openly with us, so that even our tears have companions.

Blessed are you, O God: quietly holding each of us along the way.

Come quickly, abide unceasingly.

Love us while we see the worst, and give us the help we need to see our way out.

Father Vlad celebrates Mass at 5 pm on Saturdays at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in the village

Fr Vlad delivers a trolley load of cakes for the party.

After the service with the framed medal which will hang on the wall of the hospital chapel.

A SCHOOL TRIP

Dan Holmes, Assistant Headteacher

REPORT ON THE STAPLEFIELD FETE AGM 20.10.2022

Laurel Class (Years 5 and 6) had a fabulous three day stay at PGL, Windmill Hill from Sunday 16th to Wednesday 19th October. Over the course of the stay, they undertook many challenging events including abseiling and ascending a climbing wall.

A particularly challenging team building activity that many undertook was called, ‘All Aboard’: the harnessed children climbed up a telegraph pole that had a very small wooden platform on top of it. Up to four of them could reach the top. Once in place, they then performed a variety of trust exercises.

Stomachs churned when the children went on ‘The Giant

Swing’ - literally being winched up and then released! There was fun on land and water too. Many children tried fencing for the first time and they paired up for excellent instruction and games canoeing on the large pond.

Outside of the activities, we enjoyed lots of great food and fun in the evenings. Each child got a certificate of completion and a chance to visit the gift shop.

All the children represented our community very well and truly lived out our school values.

Can’t wait ‘til next year!

www.st-marks.w-sussex.sch.uk

The 2022/23 committee has now been elected in what can only be described as a “ cabinet reshuffle’ . Taking over from myself as Chair - Sam Butler, Vice Chair - Janet Shepherd , Secretary is Susie Robertson and Geoff Crosta remains Treasurer. Tracey Millis remains in charge of stall bookings and organising portaloos, bins etc , Crispin Salimbeni remains the Village Hall representative and Zoe Carlisle still represents St Marks School FOSM . Emilie BlytheNaylor also remains but there is a vacancy for a representative for St Mark’s Church .

As per The Terms of Reference, the three beneficiariesnamely St Mark’s School, St Mark’s Church and the Village

Hall each receive 30% of the net profit and therefore each receive £2,25 . The remaining 10% ie £750 is available for village projects. It was suggested that this could provide a bench for the village play area near the bus stop, discussions are still ongoing. A huge thank you to all those who made this result possible and I wish the Committee all the best for the continuing success of the Fete.

For further information or to pledge support please contact Sam Butler tel: 07941 434149 or email: subtler4970@yahoo.com.

For stalls contact: Tracey Millis tel: 07538952835 or email: traceymillis63@gmail.com

Maggs Chamberlain

Cleaning Help Needed

St Mark’s Church needs regular cleaning, and we would be very grateful if any person, or group of people, feel they can help. It involves sweeping and polishing and really is not a big task if undertaken regularly.

If you can help, please contact the church office (01444 400221), Lizzie Reynolds (07887 637084) or Helen Arnold (07540 816170)

Many thanks.

Lizzie and Helen (Wardens)

COMMUNITY PANTRY

The churches in our parish set up the pantry to offer weekly provisions of food to those within the parishes who are in need of help and support.

We invite anyone in need to get in touch via Rev Carl Smith at handcrossrectory@gmail.com or on 01444 400221. You are welcome to call in to All Saints on Saturday morning between 10 and 11.30am. Stay for free tea, coffee and biscuits, and chat to someone on our friendly team.

You can donate non-perishable items at the Hardware & Craft shop in Handcross High Street, at All Saints on Saturday morning. St Mary’s and St Mark’s churches are also open all day.

Financial donations can be made as cash (marked ‘Pantry’) to the hardware shop, or by BACS (sort code 40-24-33, account 81842242, account name Slaugham PCC, reference ‘Pantry’ or ‘CP’).

If you would like to be a donation point for collection, or need any other information, contact Barbara Butfoy at butfoybabs@hotmail.co.uk or on 01444 401706 or 07853 228605.

Christmas preparations!

As Christmas approaches, it would be nice to have some special items in stock at the Pantry to make hampers for families.

Suitable items would include the following:

Boxes of biscuits

(e.g. Family Circle)

Shortbread

Small selection boxes

Chocolate bars

Chocolate Biscuits

(e.g. KitKat, Penguin)

Mince pies

Small cakes

(similar to Mr Kipling sizes)

Crisps, Twiglets, Pringles, Cheddars

Biscuits for cheese, cream crackers

Lemonade, cola

Squash, cartons of fruit juice

Trifle mixes in packets

REMEMBER

Reverend Carl Smith, St Mark’s Church

November is always a month when we remember. Whether it is using a rhyme for children to remember the date for fireworks or gathering around a memorial to remember those who gave their lives. It is important to remember our history, but I wonder if this November we need an extra level of remembering – remembering those who may be forgotten by others. Even locally, we can forget or not even know about the need around us. Sometimes that need is hidden, sometimes we choose not to see it, and sometimes we

are too distracted by our own lives and issues to notice –but the needs are there.

The Handcross Community Pantry was founded in 2019 because we became aware of some of those needs in local parishes. But the heart of the pantry is so much more than giving food to people in need. It is about supporting each other and blessing each other.

As I type this, Radio 2 has just premiered a new track by Queen featuring some rediscovered vocals by Freddie Mercury. The message of the song is that,

when it comes down to the hard things in life, the only option is to face them alone. Thankfully these lyrics simply are not true.

No one should ever feel that they have to face any struggles alone. Maybe they feel as if no-one can help them or would want to help them. Maybe they feel too proud or ashamed to ask for help. Maybe they are worried what might happen if they admit they need help. Whatever the reason, we need to ensure that we do all we can for them to know that they are not forgotten.

If you are in a position to be able to think of others and want to help, why not speak to us about the work of the Handcross Community Pantry? Ask us how you could get involved in something that seeks to ensure that no one is forgotten and that no one has to suffer alone.

Regardless of what Freddie Mercury may have thought –you do not have to face this difficult winter alone!

CHURCH TIME TABLE NOV 2022

Communion

St Mary’s Informal Praise

All Saints Spotlight

St Mark’s Common Worship Communion

St Mary’s Morning Worship

Noticeboard

Where to find out what is happening

Village Lunch

The next village lunch, held at the Village Hall, is scheduled for Thursday 15th December, 12.30pm for 1pm. A welcome opportunity to meet and chat with old friends, and fabulous value at £6.00 for a home-cooked meal. Please contact Carole and Andrew on (01444)413571 or carolehayward70@gmail.com to reserve your place.

Staplefield Village Hall

Planning an event? Why not use Staplefield’s Village Hall? Special rates for Staplefield residents.

Main hall – £17.00 per hour (villagers: £11 per hour)

Committee Room – £7.00 per hour (villagers £5.00 per hour)

The main hall facilities include use of catering kitchen, crockery and cutlery, a bar area and a PA system.

For booking enquiries, phone 01444 400617

Handcross District Community Bus

Driven by volunteers, the bus runs from Staplefield to Horsham (and back) on Wednesdays (Route 6) and on Fridays (Route 4). It takes in different destinations on the way.

Concessionary Travel Passes Accepted

For more information contact 01444 400212 www.handcrosscommunity bus.co.uk

The Victory will be closed in November from Monday 7th and will reopen on Thursday 24th

Staplefield Women’s Group Christmas Party

The allure of delicious recipes from our absolute favourite Imogen Tyler and the chance to taste them on the night

Plus (if you need more inducement!) Mulled wine, mince pies and plenty of other nibbles that you won’t be able to resist.

Lots of great conversation.

Guests are very welcome so please bring a friend or two (or three!)

7:45 Pm. 1st December at the Village Hall

Guests £3.00 including refreshments

Please let Judith know (01444 401379) by the 22nd November if you are able to join us so we can manage the catering

If you have never been to a SWG meeting now is the TIME!

TRY IT - YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE!!!

LEASE OF LIFE

From the committee of the Staplefield Association

Congratulations and thanks from all at Staplefield Association to Jane and the new Common Interests team. They have done a wonderful job in giving the magazine a new lease of life.

The first edition of Common Interests was in 1977. Early copies were on single pages but the size and coverage quickly increased, serving the village well over the years. Copies of the magazine from most years are in the Village Archive and make interesting reading. The village should be proud of the number of willing volunteers who have produced and

delivered the magazine over the last 45 years (even during the pandemic).

The magazine has always been part of the Staplefield Association, however going forward it will be independent. This means that subs will be paid directly to the magazine, and any funds leftover after printing costs will be donated to the Association. As always, the Association will contribute with news and articles.

Guy Sowden (Chair)

Carole Hayward (Treasurer)

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Just as a reminder we will be asking for subscriptions to Common Interests in December. Details and how to pay will be in next month’s Common Interests.

Common Interests Team

Jane Pedgrift - Editor in chief, Refreshments Co-ordinator

janepedgrift@gmail.com / Whatsapp only 07429 038870

Matt Shaw - Sports Editor, Local Reporter & Paparazzo

Jo Harrison - Art Director & Layout Wrangler

Web: jo@jo-harrison.co.uk | Instagram: @joelizaharrison

Rebecca Redfern - Advertising Manager, Music Correspondent

Michael Kenward OBE - Copy Boy

THE VICTORY INN | CHRISTMAS MENU

AMUSE BOUCHE

Roasted garlic and rosemary palmiers (vegan)

STARTERS

Baked potato and charred leek soup

With a smoked Goodweald croute (vegan/GF option available)

Salmon and crab ‘Scotch Egg’

With watercress hollandaise

Smoked venison carpaccio (GF)

With pickled pear, rocket, crispy shallots

Camembert and roasted grape brioche tart (V)

MAINS

Traditional Roast Turkey

Served with chestnut and sausage-meat

stuffing, homemade bread sauce, pigs in blankets, cranberry sauce

Slow-braised stout and \balsamic beef brisket (GF)

With sweet potato matchsticks

Smoked haddock fillet

With bubble and squeak pancake, bacon and mustard beurre blanc

Ginger beer-glazed gammon (GF)

With clementine relish

Celeriac Kiev (V)

Filled with sage and garlic butter, served with hazelnut pesto (vegan and gluten free options available on request)

All of the main come with roast potatoes, glazed Brussels sprouts and roasted root vegetables

DESSERTS

Traditional Homemade Christmas Pudding

With brandy sauce

Dark chocolate and sour cherry torte

With vanilla ice-cream (vegan option available)

Crema Catalana (GF)

Spanish-style creme brulee, infused with citrus and cinnamon

Sussex Cheeseboard (GF option available)

Selection of local cheeses with oat biscuits and chutney

Coffee and homemade chocolate peppermint bark

GF = Gluten free V=vegetarian

Two courses £25 Three courses £32

Available 1st to 24th December (Thursday to Saturday only)

Booking and pre-order essential

Find us:

Warninglid Road, Staplefield, West Sussex RH17 6EU

Contact us: info@thevictoryinnstaplefield.co.uk

01444 400463

USEFUL NUMBERS & LINKS

Princess Royal Hospital - 01444 441881

Doctor’s Surgery - Handcross 01444 405750

Doctor’s Surgery - Cuckfield 01444 458738

Sussex Police - 0845 607 0999

St. Mark’s School - 01444 400398

Warden Park School - 01444 457881

Community Bus - Christina Hampstead 01444 400212

Staplefield Village Hall - Pat Brixey 01444 400617

St Mark’s Church - Carl Smith 01444 400221

Our Lady of Fatima Church - (RC) 01444 401818

Refuge - 0808 2000 247

The Samaritans - 116 123

Recycling Centres (local tips)

Mid Sussex District Council

www.midsussex.gov.uk/waste-recycling/recycling-centres

View and Comment on Planning Applications -

Mid Sussex District Council

www.midsussex.gov.uk/planning-building/view-andcomment-on-planning-applications

Staplefield on Facebook

Keep up with village gossip

Missing pets, stray ponies, looking for a local handyperson, need a babysitter? Pass on details of local roadworks and floods. Or just share old photos. That’s just a taste of recent traffic on the village’s Facebook group.

Search ‘Staplefield Village Group’ on www.facebook.com