Common Interests December 2022

CONTENTS

Editor’s Letter

Subscriptions and how to pay Village Emergency

Driving in the Rain Veteran Washout

Healthy Foot Forward

Escape from War

Recipe: Kutia Sweetwheat Berry Pudding

Queen of Seed

Horizontal Fireworks

A Gardener’s Month

Finding Father

St Mark’s School

Classifieds Staplefield Seasonal Shindig

Welcome to December’s Common Interests. By the time you read this, the village will already be feeling a little festive, with the pavilion Christmas tree going up and the smell of turkey and Brussels sprouts wafting from the pubs, as they start preparing their seasonal fayre. Christmas is traditionally a time to gather with family and friends, which is something I’m sure many of us will be valuing more this year, after recent seasonal celebrations being curtailed by Covid.

Our Ukrainian guests in the village will be experiencing a very different kind of Christmas, separated from loved ones and familiar traditions, but I hope that by including them in our celebrations, we can make it a little easier and give them happy memories at a difficult time. Maryna Ponomarenko talked to us about her life since she left Ukraine and the welcome she’s received here in Sussex. She also shares with us a special seasonal recipe that reminds her of home.

This issue’s common-inspired cover was illustrated by our very own designer, Jo Harrison. We have reports on November events in the village, including a very wet Veteran Car Run and Village Bonfire, and a missing person search that demonstrated how communal efforts can save lives. Father Vlad tells us a personal story about a recent and surprising discovery, and we have our usual features on gardening, reflexology, school reports and Reverend Carl’s monthly musings. You will also find details on how to pay your annual subscription to Common Interests, which is now due.

On behalf of the Common Interests team, I’d like to thank all our contributors, advertisers and readers for their support this year, and wish everyone a very happy Christmas. See you in 2023!

Jane Pedgrift Common Interests Editor

SUBSCRIPTIONS

We are now asking readers to pay their annual subscriptions to Common Interests.

Basic subscription £15

Digital subscription £15

Postal subscription £25

Business subscription £50 (includes multiple copies to distribute at your business, plus 2 half page adverts)

There are several ways you can pay:

BACS: Sort code 601026 Account number: 16213289

Account name: Jane Pedgrift

Paypal: commoninterestsadvertising@gmail.com

Cash: in an envelope to The Victory Inn

Please use your surname or business name as reference for all payment methods

For digital subscriptions, please contact us by email commoninterestsadvertising@gmail.com and we will send you details on how to access online edition

For postal subscriptions, please contact us with your full postal address

All proceeds from subscriptions and advertising, after printing costs, will be donated to Staplefield Association. The Association has a long history of funding village projects and events. If you would feel you would like to donate more than the basic subscription, the money will be put to good use in the local community.

Many thanks in advance for your support.

Advertise in

RATES

• Classifieds - £5 pcm or £50 p.a.

• 1/4 page - £20 pcm or £200 p.a.

• 1/2 page - £30 pcm or £300 p.a.

• Full page - £50 pcm or £500 p.a.

Why not take this opportunity to advertise in this much-loved village paper, delivered to over 200 households and distributed in our two great pubs, school and churches.

• Advertorials for full page subscribers - £100

• Flyer inserts - £100 per issue

For more information contact Becs Redfern via Whatsapp 07792 976409 or email: commoninterestsadvertising@gmail.com

DEADLINE FOR JANUARY EDITION DECEMBER 16th

Contribute to

LOOKING FOR PIECES ON:

Favourite walks

Nature photography

Upcoming events/past event reports

Food & drink

We’re looking for local contributors! Would you like to add to this great publication by writing a piece or sharing something creative you’ve done or that interests you?

Get in touch by email: commoninterestsadvertising @gmail.com

DEADLINE FOR JANUARY

EDITION DECEMBER 16th

Villager profiles

Health & well-being

Style/fashion

Cycling

Real Ale reviews

Environmental issues

Arts & crafts

Travel Science and Technology

Music, entertainment and the arts

VILLAGE EMERGENCY

WhatsApp to the rescue

by Paul Hunter

After the successful conclusion to last month’s search for a gentleman who had become lost and fallen badly while out walking, I’ve had a few thoughts that are worth sharing.

The Staplefield village Facebook group was instrumental in finding him. A posting on there and subsequent comments of a sighting eventually led to his rescue.

But there was a certain amount of luck, some coincidences and a considerable delay.

When he was eventually found, he had lain face down in the brambles, with his hands trapped beneath him, for

almost six hours. Facebook had proved vital, but relatively slow as it’s not something that all of us check regularly. In fact, I suspect that most of us over 60 (that’s me) and most under 30 don’t really use it at all. That’s a lot of wasted resource.

This led me to setting up a ‘Staplefield SOS’ WhatsApp group that we can use for just such an emergency. It is not a group designed for chat. The group can be used by anyone in any sort of a fix: lost people, lost pets, escaped animals, urgent lift to hospital, pulling out of a ditch, stuck in snow, unable to get food, power cuts, fallen trees etc etc.

In no way is the group a substitute for the emergency

services but it should give reassurance and, hopefully, friendly help will always be at hand.

If you think that this group might be useful to you, or that there are times when you might be able to offer assistance (owner of a 4WD vehicle perhaps) text Paul Hunter on 0751-589-4109.

If you don’t text you can always phone, or email phhunter22@gmail.com

And another thing… speak.large.brambles

I don’t know if any of you have tried to describe a bramble patch in the middle of some

fields to the emergency services but it’s not easy. Both the Sussex Police and Ambulance use ‘What Three Words’ (Google it if you haven’t heard of it.) as a means of identifying a location.

It could even be useful if calling an ambulance to your house. If your house doesn’t have a number how long would an ambulance take to find your house in the middle of the night?

DRIVING IN THE RAIN

Cressida de Little describes how her first vintage car run in the driving seat didn’t make it to Staplefield

After 18 years on the London to Brighton Vintage Car Run with my father, Rodney de Little, 2022 was the first on my own. We bought the 1901 Hurtu in 2017. It had been off the road for over 50 years and didn’t work. After another father-daughter project, and a two year break due to lockdowns, we were finally ready for this year’s run.

Driving the Hurtu through the centre of London in the pouring rain amongst buses, modern cars, drunks staggering out from nightclubs and another 300

veterans, where you need at least three hands and cannot hear your engine, totally easy, right? The only way to know your engine is still running is the vibration pattern of your mudguards.

normally with mist coming in across the serpentine and often rain giving everything a reflection. This year it was already pouring with rain; we were already soaked in the five minutes it took to get to the starting area.

Being a 1901 vintage, we are slower and start before the 1904 cars. Halfway along the drive to the starting area, we stopped to let another entrant reverse into their space. We went to drive away and nothing happened. the car was jammed. I had managed to engage both first gear and reverse.

We had split one of the collets that hold the half shaft in place. The start line marshals were more than happy to guard the multiple legs that projected from under the car. With some very nifty jamming of reverse gear out of the way and jubilee clips holding the half shaft in place we were able to roll towards the start line and out of everybody’s way.

Constitution Hill, past Buckingham Palace, down The Mall and back on ourselves to pass Big Ben, the Houses of parliament and Westminster Abbey.

On the other side of Lambeth bridge, we had to change down from 2nd to 1st on a long gradual incline. It became apparent that we had damaged first gear at the start, this meant we had no first gear. We had to come up with a new driving method. Passengers out, push off so I didn’t damage 2nd gear or the clutch too much, and hope the passengers could catch up and jump back on!

I always enjoy the start, it gives you a real idea of what it must have been like in period, with 500 veteran cars with oil lamps glowing in the dawn light,

We left 40 minutes late but in my head I had decided that just rolling over the start line would be a great achievement. So, through the start we rolled, waved on by police through Wellington Arch, down

After Lambeth, you have to weave your way through countless traffic lights. With no first gear I was using the clutch hard and at most traffic lights it was not releasing. It soon became apparent that this was down to something else inside the gearbox. We decided, mainly due to the weather, not to look inside the gear box. We found that I could press the pedal down far enough to engage the brake.

We soldiered on for another six or so miles, with the clutch intermittently releasing. and pulled into the first official coffee stop. This was an opportunity to wring out our clothes, top up with water, oil, fuel and catch up with a few other participants.

We set off for the Purley to Crawley leg and were doing well, with passengers and driver working as a great team. At Redhill we got as far up the hill as we could in second, but without first we would be pushing the rest of the way up.

Luckily our tender vehicle could lend a hand pushing.

After another couple of miles the engine just stopped. We assumed that, like others, rain was getting into the electrics. We spent over an hour replacing every electrical component, sometimes twice. But there was no life in the old car. Thankfully, I had persuaded my father to let me take a spare contact breaker that we could fit. The car fired on first compression and we carried on.

The car was running really well coming through Horley and down the Gatwick bypass. We pulled into the halfway stop at Crawley around 3pm where my Goddaughter and her mother where waiting and demanded I stripped off and had new dry clothes.

We had just 1.5 hrs for the second half of the run. To officially finish you have to arrive by 4:30pm at Madeira Drive in Brighton! This just wasn’t possible,

so we loaded the incredibly frustrating yet loveable Hurtu into the recovery vehicle and headed for Brighton to watch the last few stragglers, like ourselves, crossing the finish line.

VETERAN WASHOUT

Plans to set up a marquee on the common during the vintage car run proved controversial

The “old crocks run”, or, as the organisers prefer it, the veteran car rally, proved controversial this year after the village pubs heard on the grapevine that the Parish Council had allowed an insurance company, Hagerty, to erect a large marquee on the common, serving complimentary refreshments to spectators and participants.

As BBC Radio Sussex had reported, Staplefield is reckoned to be the best place to view the London to Brighton run. The event is also one of the busiest days of the year for the village pubs.

No one consulted the pubs in advance, so Jane Pedgrift, of The Victory Inn, took to Facebook to ask what people thought about the idea. “We are extremely angry and disappointed at this decision, which will undoubtedly

adversely affect sales at both TheVictory and The Tanners,” she said.

Chris Brazier of The Jolly Tanners added that times are hard for pubs. “We do not need a well-heeled insurance company, flashing the cash, to detract from the pubs here who have invested years of effort to service the trade on a vintage car rally day.”

Most comments on Facebook from villagers agreed, and many contacted the Parish Council to voice their dissatisfaction.

In a message posted on the Parish Council’s website, Bob Birthwright, Vice Chair Ansty and Staplefield Parish Council, said that, in his view, “There has been a lot of misinformation circulated around the village regarding the erection of a marquee on the common for the London to Brighton vintage car rally.”

Mr Birthwright insisted “The parish council is very supportive of the community in Staplefield and with the village population dropping and a pub for sale, all we wanted to do was to encourage visitors and bring more income into the village.”

It was another wet weekend in the village for the run, with much of the common under water. According to Mr Birthwright, “As it turned out, Hagerty’s decided not to erect the marquee on the muddy ground and with the terrible weather forecast and the vociferous complaints from locals, they decided to pull out.“

“This situation could have been avoided if the Parish Council had consulted with ourselves and The Jolly Tanners” said Jane Pedgrift, adding “I’m sure an acceptable compromise could have been agreed”.

To read the full statement from Councillor Birthwright, visit the link below, or use the QR code. London to Brighton Car Run - Ansty and Staplefield Parish Council, Ansty, Haywards Heath

http://www.anstystaplefield-pc.gov.uk/community/ ansty-and-staplefield-parish-council-15093/news/londonto-brighton-car-run-59447

HEALTHY FOOT FORWARD

Norma Leppard explains how reflexology prepares mothers for the birthing process.

Maternity reflexology is aimed at women during pre-conception, pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period. Maternity reflexologists work alongside midwifes, obstetricians and doctors, offering the best care for all.

As I mentioned last month, reflexology is based on the idea that the body is reflected on the feet through a system of reflexes. The reflexologist’s objective is to stimulate these reflexes, and return the body to a state of equilibrium and balance.

During pregnancy your body goes through significant physical changes which affect your hormonal, emotional and physiological balance. Taking an hour once a month for a therapeutic foot massage not only assists the mother but baby too. This treatment can alleviate discomfort from fatigue, headaches, backache and many more. It offers the mother relief and relaxation.

Sessions consist of a full consultation, foot soak/scrub, structured massage on the reflex points of the foot, followed by a lymphatic drainage massage. Breathing techniques also prepare for the birthing process. These treatments may not always reduce the time in labour, but they do ensure balance within the body, allowing a quicker recovery.

Babies can receive treatments should they suffer with colic, reflux, constipation and so on. This treatment is carried out carefully with gentle massage, and often sends baby to sleep. Mothers and babies benefit from a treatment four to six weeks after the birth.

For any more information do contact me, I would be happy to discuss any treatments required.

Until next time keep well all. norma.reflexologytherapy

ESCAPE FROM WAR

Maryna Ponomarenko talked to Becs Redfern, her host in the village, about leaving Ukraine for Staplefield

Hi I’m Maryna! I’m 23 years old and come from Sumy, on the border of Ukraine/Russia. I arrived in the UK in September.

I love to travel, but this was a situation I have never come across. My journey here was interesting. Contrasted with the efficient acceptance of my visa and the rapid transit at Gatwick, Amsterdam was a nightmare!

Arriving at Gatwick was the first time I had been met with a board with my name on it. I was surprised to see a tiny person holding it up! My first words to Becs weren’t ‘Hello’ but ‘You are so little!’ My first impressions of Staplefield started before I arrived due to Facetimes and photos. Actually arriving here, I felt at home – surrounded by nature. And then to be welcomed by two excited children, one in a sparkly party dress – the feeling is hard to describe.

How are you enjoying living in the UK?

When I arrived it was such a whirlwind – we didn’t stop getting things sorted for two weeks. I felt so supported and secure. I knew I had employment, as Janet and Jane at the Victory had already offered me a job on my second evening here, at the Queen’s memorial Beacon lighting. I’ve now worked at the Victory for two months and I love it! I really appreciate this feeling of being welcomed and supported by the whole community.

What are the most striking differences to life in the UK as opposed to Ukraine?

So many! But the main ones are – the humour….

The level of trust that everyone has in each other in the UK surprised me – I really like and respect it. We just don’t have this in the Ukraine except between family and friends So, the elephant in the room…

I never expected to leave Ukraine. When war broke out I was in the middle of my 10-day holiday. I didn’t get the chance

to properly hug, kiss or say goodbye to my family. I just left with a small suitcase.

I don’t wish on anyone the feeling of complete helplessness and even guilt I had in the first few weeks. I had a crazy desire to go back to Ukraine but there was no way!

I was in the Netherlands – I didn’t choose to be there – I was stuck and really scared. It was difficult mentally. When I heard a familiar language (Russian) being spoken in my place of work, I felt comforted. Who would have known that I had just met the person who would introduce me to the Redfern family?

My family is still in Sumy – there is no way in or out. There is no electricity and air raid warnings are going off constantly. Men are not being allowed to leave Ukraine.

I feel grateful and appreciate what has been done for me. I offer my heartfelt thanks to the Redfern family, the Victory Inn family and everyone who has been part of my UK story so far. I can’t wait to see the festive period in the UK – its famous!!!

TRADITIONAL UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS DISH KUTIA – SWEETWHEAT BERRY PUDDING

This is a special dish served on Christmas Eve – it is meant to bring on good harvest for the year to come. Traditionally it is important to have 12 different dishes on the table and we take this round to my godparents. In our family, we often make it with barley rather than wheat berries but the method is the same!

1 1/2 cups wheat berries (we used Hard White Winter Wheat Berries)

4 1/2 cups of milk (of your choice)

3/4 cups poppy seeds

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup raisins

2/3 cup dry apricots, chopped

2/3 cup chopped nuts (we use walnuts)

1/8 tsp salt

To serve – apple compote.

Instructions:

1. Rinse wheatberries / barley and soak overnight. Make sure that they are completely covered!

2. Next day – drain the grains & place in a heavy bottomed pan & cover with the milk and bring to the boil. Once boiling reduce the heat to a simmer and then cook until the grains are soft. This can take 3 hours! Make sure that the grains remain submerged – you might need to add more milk.

3. While the wheat berries are on the stove, rinse 3/4 cups of poppy seeds thoroughly in a fine mesh sieve, drain well, and transfer to a medium sauce pan and add 3 cups water. Over medium heat, bring to a simmer (Don’t boil). Turn off. Cover with lid and let it sit for 30 min. Return to a simmer (don’t boil). Turn off. Cover and let it sit for another 30 minutes. Drain poppy seeds. Blend the poppy seeds in a food processor.

4. Roast the nuts

5. When wheat berries get very tender, drain off the milk in a glass measuring cup. Keep 1/2 cup of the cooked milk and discard the rest. Combine 1/2 cup of honey with 1/2 cup of saved milk and stir until combined.

6. Place cooked wheat berries in a mixing bowl, add the ground poppy seeds, raisins, apricots, roasted nuts, honey-milk mixture and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together and place in an casserole & bake for 20 minutes uncovered at 170.

7. Remove it from the oven, cover with foil and let it rest for 15 min. It can be served warm or cold. The longer it sits, the more flavour it will have. If kept in the fridge Kutia will last in the fridge for 2 weeks!

QUEEN OF SEED

Sacha Brown cautions against being too scrupulous when leaf sweeping

I am watching the rain pour down, waiting for it to slow up so I can harvest some greens, leeks and herbs to go with dinner this evening. There’s nothing quite as nice as popping into the garden for your dinner, with a little planning you can get fresh food all year round.

year, when the checklist of what to do in the garden decreases and nature dictates that there isn’t much left to sow and plant until mid-February and the days start to lengthen again. It’s nice to have a bit of time to plan and imagine how the garden will be next year.

chicken-wire pen where it slowly breaks down into lovely organic leaf mould. Mixed with potting compost, it can be a great source of nutrients.

I keep my veggie space clear of leaves and debris which helps to prevent slugs from hiding. I rake the lawn, but otherwise let things be. Having a naturally ‘messy’ garden (no leaf-blowing!) allows small creatures to hibernate and survive winter. So please don’t be too scrupulous in your tidying.

My geraniums, succulents and tender herbs have been moved inside too. These will survive winter pretty well if kept frost free. If you don’t have a greenhouse just move to a windowsill.

The joyful busyness of sowing, planting, growing and harvesting is brilliant, but I like this time of

Currently on the veggie patch there are the greens, namely cabbages and kale, the last remaining cauliflowers, leeks, celeriac, chard, carrots and some herbs such as parsley and chervil. I had some fabulous broccoli at my other patch but the deer got there before I did!

Talking about harvests, I have my yearly round up of leaves to rake. I live with a huge Oak which means that the garden is under a foot of leaves! The leaf litter is raked up and placed in a

Remember to move tender plants inside before we get frost. This week I lifted dahlia roots to store inside for the winter. It’s an easy job, simply lift up the roots, discard any soft ones, wash off the mud and store in a dry place with newspaper in between.

This weekend I will start on Christmas wreaths, all fully foraged of course, using all natural materials. I use a mix of whatever I find on the forest floor, together with dried flowers from the garden. It’s so much fun and gets me in the mood for the Christmas festivities; I always make a few and gift them to friends and family too.

Until next time, I hope you all have a really lovely Christmas, Sacha x www.queenofseed.co.uk

HORIZONTAL FIREWORKS

A dramatic frontline report of Staplefield’s bonfire night

Staplefield’s annual Bonfire Party was a night to remember that will be seared into the memory of all present for years to come. This family friendly evening is the perfect mix of naked flames, high explosives, dark muddy fields and alcohol, making it a firm fixture the village calendar. 2022 did not disappoint with the rain and high winds adding to the seasonal fun.

The evening started in traditional pagan fashion, with large burning sticks liberally distributed and paraded from The Victory car park to the Beacon Field. In glorious unison they set alight the impressive

pyre of hedge cuttings and pallets topped with a fine red leather sofa on which an impressive Guy was nonchalantly reclining.

Families huddled together, young lovers held hands romantically and small children were raised aloft to celebrate the brutal torture, execution and disembowelment of someone who thought the government was corrupt and unfit for purpose. They sure knew how to keep the wokerati under control in those days!

The evening then got into full swing with the ignition of fireworks timed to the sweet music of appreciative “oooo’s”, and “ahhhh’s”. Then the

“eeeek’s” came as the bespoke horizontal firework(s) made their way indiscriminately towards the crowd to the thrill of all present. Once parents had stopped shielding their children,

the show resumed to a glorious crescendo of aerial explosions and general relief for the communal safety of all.

One dazed onlooker said “I haven’t felt this much adrenaline since the new bus shelter was erected.” “If only we had a retired member of the fire brigade in the village to ensure everyone’s safety,” speculated another. “I’m from Balcombe and nothing as interesting as this happens in my village,” said one dour-looking guest. And a regular attendee concluded “As Staplefield Bonfire nights go, it’s up there with the great fire ball of 2015”.

The event raised £622.50 for St Mark’s School. A big thank you to everyone involved.

A GARDENER’S MONTH

Maria Hardy Maria Hardy suggests Christmas gifts for gardeners

November passed in a confusion of weather, with torrential rains, glorious sunshine and temperatures in the late teens. My garden is certainly very confused with rhododendron, roses, salvia, and penstomen all defiantly still blooming at the time of writing. Yet time does not stand still, Christmas is just around the corner and wreath prep is the name of the game!

I love foraging for ingredients to dress my wreaths. I’ve been gathering up pine cones from my garden to add to my dried flowers. I’ve also been drying orange and lime slices in the aga – my kitchen smells like Christmas already!

With thoughts turning to Christmas, I’ve put together a short list of suggestions for gifts for the gardeners in your life. (Or is it just my Christmas wish list?!) My favourite gardening book of 2022 has to be “From Seed to Bloom,” by Milli Proust. Milli

grows and styles flowers from her beautiful gardens in Pulborough. A source of beautifully photographed inspiration and education. A book full of generously shared knowledge and experience, lots of seasonal guidance, tips on growing as well as designing with flowers. Signed copies are available from www.milliproust.com

On my tools wish list is a

Niwaki

Hori Hori, a Japanese trowel resembling a knife more than a trowel. The hori hori has multiple uses, meaning fewer tools to carry around the garden. It comes with a canvas holder that loops through a belt. Used for planting and weeding, the sharp blade deals well with roots and is great for prising ivy and creepers off walls and fences. It has something of a cult following! Available from www.niwaki.com

For the difficult to buy for, how about seeds? There isn’t a gardener I know who doesn’t love to grow from seed.

Each tiny seed represents a promise of life and beauty to follow. Our very own Staplefield based ‘Queen of Seed,’ Sacha Brown (see page 16) offers a seed subscription for both cut flowers and vegetables. Milli Proust also sells seeds, gathered from her gardens, in beautifully illustrated packets.

If experiences are your gift of choice, Nymans Gardens has a family friendly Beatrix Potter experience. The Glow Wild winter lantern trail at Wakehurst is on my list, or check out Leonardslee Gardens for a plethora of upcoming events including guided tree walks, calligraphy, photography and perfume making workshops.

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas.

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

www.tangleandwild.co.uk

FINDING FATHER

from father to son, pointed to Northern Europe, not to the Jewish population. Maybe the results were unsound? But my cousin was correctly identified. I contacted him. “Oh yes,” he said, “your father adopted you when you were one-year old. In the family we all knew, we just did not tell you.” His mother, my aunt, confirmed it.

Who is my biological father then? Is he alive? They could not say.

biological father was killed eight days before the war ended. A navy lieutenant, he was buried at sea. My mum was about four months pregnant at that time. My Jewish father, who had been in love with my mum for some time, stepped in and took the child of his fallen comrade as his own.

Vlad Nikiforov made a surprise discovery when researching his family history

My mother was Russian but my father was Jewish from the South East of Ukraine. When I was nine, we made a car journey of 1500 miles to Crimea passing his birthplace. This was only 11 years after the end of WW2. The lines of trenches were still visible and went on for miles. The landscape was dotted with newly erected war memorials over common graves. My father had entered military pilot school just before the war. Just 16 at the time, he lied about his age to be admitted. He finished the course as the war was in full flow.

Pilots did not last long. My father survived because he failed his final exam. He crashed his plane, damaged his spine and was written off to the ground forces.

I was approaching 70 when I began to show interest in my roots. What if there are relatives that I know nothing about? My parents were long dead, I was their only child. There were a few relatives from my mother’s side left but I knew nobody from my father’s side. Maybe I would find some relatives in Israel?

I submitted my DNA to a company that kept millions of samples. The results were shocking. It appeared that I had no Jewish ancestry. My Y-chromosome, which passes

I browsed my mum’s archive of photographs. Could it be her school sweetheart?

There were eight boys in her class. Five were killed in the war. I noticed that mum had more pictures of one of them.

I found him on the Russian Internet. When the war began, he was sent to a naval academy in the Far East. He graduated in spring 1945 and was given home leave for just a few days. I was probably conceived in one of those days.

Then the Soviet Union went into the war with Japan. My

Mum’s best friend, who was about to graduate from medical school, provided a hospital registration form for an official birth certificate. They registered me as new-born when I was in fact one year old. My father’s name stood on that certificate. All my life I wondered why I looked a bit older than my peers.

I cannot imagine a better father for myself. I only regret that I did not tell him that when he was alive.

Rev Vladimir Nikiforov (Father Vlad) is Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Staplefield

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

ST MARK’S SCHOOL

Dan Holmes, Assistant Headteacher

It’s been a very busy November at St Mark’s with the children taking part in a range of sporting events with other schools including a high energy Sports Hall competition where they were highly commended for displaying our values of respect and perseverance.

All children have been involved in two fabulous workshopsone exploring themes from antibullying week using dramatic scenarios and creative processes and another celebrating the World Cup through learning dances from different participating nations: England, Brazil, Spain and Germany.

as our wonderful colleague and parent Barry Hartfield passed away after a very short illness. Never was the job title caretaker more accurately given. He was a wonderful person of incredible kindness and we miss him every day.

We were also fortunate to receive a video from Mid Sussex MP, Mims Davies, to help launch our learning about democratic process in this country in Parliament Week. It has also been a profoundly sad time for the school community too,

As December approaches, we are readying ourselves to celebrate the season of advent with Nativity performances, Carol and Christingle services and a pantomime! Yo! Ho! Ho!

Photos: This page and right topAnti-bullying week activities

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

St Mark’s School Sports Hall competition

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)

Staplefield Seasonal Shindig

Staplefield Seasonal Shindig

Wednesday 21 st December from 6pm at The Victory

Raising funds for St Mark’s School and Handcross Community Pantry

At last, an opportunity for the community to gather for festive fun…..music, barbecue, seasonal goods, stalls, face-painting and carols around the tree. Raffle and silent auction.

This is a community event, and we need you to contribute the following:

• Christmas baked goods to sell on the night

• Raffle prizes….eg homemade produce, gifts and crafts

• Auctionable items…. eg services, vouchers, experiences

• Loan of firepits and logs to burn

Please contact Jane or Janet at The Victory if you’d like to help or donate. Thanks!

CHARITY ON FIRE

AID FOR REFUGEES

We have three wish lists. Our lists for women and children fluctuates quite a bit, but we always struggle to keep up with demand for the following items.

• MEN - Coats, Jumpers, jeans and joggers

On Thursday 20 October, 15 brave supporters of the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity took part in their annual firewalk. Friends and family gathered round to watch the burning flames for a truly inspirational event.

The challengers raised an amazing £6376 to support our 57 families for a week

of sessions, including speech, language, music, conductive education and swimming.

We cannot thank these fearless firewalkers for their effort, time and energy.

For more information on Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity or to make a donation visit: www.dvlcc.org.uk

Sussex Aid For Refugees works with Refugees Welcome Crawley to help to meet the basic needs of those arriving locally who are seeking safety and sanctuary. We provide footwear and clothing, newborn packs and baby equipment, toys and games, mobility aids, hygiene items, bikes, laptops, smart phones. We also provide English lessons and craft sessions, all wrapped up in care, compassion and respect.

We also help with signposting to legal or mental health support. We help with form filling, sourcing volunteer opportunities and are always here with a friendly and sympathetic ear.

Follow us on Facebook, as we post urgent appeals and up-to-date lists of what refugees need.

• MEN - Comfy casual footwear suitable for winter size 7,8,9

• ALL - New underwear and socks for men, women and children

• ALL - Body lotion

• WOMEN - New and unused cosmetics

• CHILDREN - Lego, duplo, stickle bricks, shape sorters, orchard toys games, Lamaze baby toys.

Becs Redfern has agreed to do a collection for us (deadline 15 December). If you would like to donate, contact her on commoninterestsadvertising@ gmail.com

WE ARE NEVER ALONE

Reverend Carl Smith, St Mark’s Church

In 1980, the day before Christmas, Richard Ballenger’s mother in Anderson, South Carolina, was busy wrapping packages and asked her young son to clean her shoes. Soon, with the proud smile that only a seven-year-old can muster, he presented the shoes for inspection. His mother was so pleased that she gave him a quarter.

On Christmas morning, as she put the shoes on to go to church, she noticed a lump in one shoe. She took it off and found a quarter wrapped in paper. Written on the paper in a child’s scrawl were the words, “I done it for love.”

This little story appears on 24th December in a much loved daily devotional by Brennan Manning that I sometimes use. It always touches me.

“I done it for love” captures so much of the spirit of Christmas. We give gifts because we love people – often agonising over

what might be just the right thing. We receive gifts from people who love and care for us. The tradition of gift giving is tied to the story of the Magi bringing gifts to Jesus at His birth. The gifts were each very symbolic and meaningful – just the right things for a baby who would die one day on a cross and rise to become King of Kings.

Why ever would the son of God choose to enter our world in the poorest place possible, in the most vulnerable and defenceless form imaginable – a baby in a manger? I have a feeling that Jesus would reply in the same vein as the little seven-year-old in the story: “I done it for love!”

In His great love for us, God comes into the poverty of a manger to show us that He can also find his way into the darkest and poorest places of our lives.

In His great love for us, God comes as a baby to make Himself as vulnerable and accessible to our hearts as He possibly could.

May the message of Christmas resound in your heart this Advent Season – God has come to us. He has entered into our world. He is Immanuel – God with us; with us in our

fears, our loneliness, our darknesses, our joys, our comforts, our ordinariness. Because of Christmas, we are never alone.

CHURCH TIME TABLE DEC 2022

St Mark’s Common Worship Communion

St Mary’s All Age Toy Service

All Saints Christingle

St Mark’s Prayer gathering

St Mary’s Communion

St Mark’s Carols by candlelight

All Saints Spotlight

Woodgate, Carols on the Green Pease Pottage

St Mark’s All Age Achristmas Celebration with Communion

St Mary’s All Age Christmas Celebration

All Saints Communion

Noticeboard

Where to find out what is happening

Flu jabs

Missed your flu jab? Handcross surgery still has vaccine supplies for registered patients at the Ouse Valley Practice. Contact: 01444 405750 Ouse Valley Practice www.ousevalleypractice.nhs.uk

Update on village sign renovations

Not much to report, but Chloe and Sam, the Staplefield blacksmiths, have agreed to take a look and submit a quote for the work to Staplefield Association in the new year.

Parish Council Elections

Elections for Ansty and Staplefield Parish Council will take place in May 2023. If you would like to get involved with decision-making that can benefit your local community, maybe you would consider putting yourself forward as a candidate? Further information on how you can do this will be published as it becomes available.

Handcross District Community Bus

Community Pantry

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

Metrobus

Route 271 runs from Crawley to Brighton (Royal Sussex County Hospital) Timetables, route maps and apps:

www.metrobus.co.uk/ services/MB/271

Handcross Community Pantry offers food provisions to those in need within the local parishes. Contact Rev Carl Smith at handcrossrectory@gmail.com or on 01444 400221.

You are welcome to call in to All Saints Handcross between 10 and 11.30am on Saturday morning. 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,

StaplefieldVillage 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)

at All Saints on Saturday morning. St Mary’s and St Mark’s churches are also open all day.

The Victory Inn in Staplefield can also accept donations.

Financial donations (marked ‘Pantry’) to Handcross hardware, or by BACS (sort code 40-24-33, account 81842242, account name Slaugham PCC, reference ‘Pantry’ or ‘CP’).

For any other information contact Barbara Butfoy: butfoybabs@hotmail.co.uk, 01444 401706 or 07853 228605

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

It’s Back by (un)popular demand: DAD

JOKE OR BAD JOKE?

Christmas special

Why is there only 25 letters in the Christmas alphabet. No L.

What’s a math’s teacher’s favourite favourite Christmas snack?

A mince pi

What do you call a reindeer with no eyes? No idea.

What do you get if you eat a Christmas tree decoration?

Tinselitis

It’s been much harder to buy advent calendars since Brexit. I think their days are numbered.

What do you call a reindeer with no eyes and no legs? Still no idea.

What’s the best Christmas present ever? A broken drum –you can’t beat it.

Why won’t Donald Trump be sat in the church on Midnight mass? Fake pews.

What do Santa’s Elves listen to while they work? Wrap music.

How did Darth Vader know what Luke Skywalker was getting for Christmas? He felt his presence.

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 ApplicationsMid 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