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The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

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For and by the communities of East Grinstead, Forest Issue 16 January 2026 Row, Ashurst Wood, Lingfield, Dormansland, Newchapel, Crawley Down, Turners Hill and the surrounding areas

Issue 16 January 2026

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

Welcome! to the January 2026 issue of your Town Crier community magazine The cover photograph is by our resident genius with a camera, East Grinstead photographer, Russell Prain. Find him on Instagram.

Hello!

In this issue: Alison Earnshaw page 2

Enjoy this month’s wealth of contributions from local charities, community groups, clubs, artists and businesses. communities.

Crawley Down Ladies Choir p5 Lingfield Farmers Market p6

If you are a charity or any form of notfor-profit group, club or enterprise you will not be charged for being promoted in this magazine.

Helen Chisholm Maths Tuition p7 Warrior Arts and Fitness page 8

If you are a small local business, you can have one advertorial feature equivalent to a full page of advertising free of charge so as to make yourself known to our readers. And if you are a local small business, we provide a limited amount of space for you to advertise at very reasonable rates which you can find here. The door is now wide open for your submissions for the February 2026 issue. For more information tour the website or Email: egtowncrier@gmail.com

Samantha Ford Unique Wellth p10 Community First Responders p12 Ross Symonds, Ecologist page 14 Christians Against Poverty p16 Judith Thomson page 18 Community People page 20 East Grinstead Lions page 22 Modality Mid Sussex PPG p24 Calling Young Artists page 25 Mouthy Marketing page 27

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

A Prickly Aid to Procrastination Town Crier columnist Alison Earnshaw acquires a new garden resident. rolling gait, having emerged from the corner of the decking. Closer inspection revealed a small gap through which he was making his exits and entrances and almost immediately we noticed a reduction in our garden slug population, which we’re crediting to Spike.

Christmas and New Year celebrations are now firmly in the rear-view mirror! Decorations re-boxed and relegated to the attic once more, appreciation expressed for hospitality or gifts received and the last of the Baileys enthusiastically ‘tidied up’… or is that last one just me? Thoughts now turn to new leaves to be turned over and resolutions nagging to be made.

Relating the story of our new resident to family and friends, I was surprised to see how many, especially younger folk, would say something along the lines of “I love hedgehogs but I’ve never seen a real one”. Thinking back, I realised I could probably count my own sightings through the decades on one hand. I do particularly remember, years ago, spotting a mother hedgehog with three baby hoglets, exact replicas in miniature, waddling along a nocturnal pavement and disappearing under a hedge. Apart from that particularly momentous sighting I’ve probably only seen an individual hedgehog two or three times before Spike moved in under the decking.

New Year is of course the traditional time to reflect upon the year just gone and look ahead to prospective joys and challenges as we head into 2026. Most of my resolutions are rather prosaic in nature; I will tidy that cupboard, I will walk for short journeys and leave the car in the garage… the usual suspects! There’s one garden task in particular that’s been waiting reproachfully in the wings for a while and should have been a priority this year: upgrading the decking. However, I’m delighted to say that it won’t be happening any time soon and for the best of reasons… we’ve acquired a hedgehog! We’ve named him ‘Spike’, he’s made his home under the decking and he is our prickly aid to procrastination since we would hate to disturb such a welcome and novel garden resident. The first sightings of Spike were in late Summer 2025. He would appear at dusk, waddling across the garden with a

I’m told the U.K. hedgehog population has experienced a massive decline this century and although not officially endangered, they are currently classed as vulnerable. Continued on next page

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

Alison Earnshaw continued from previous page Information from hedgehog rescues such as Hurst Hedgehog Haven, Tiggywinkles or Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue (famously championed by Queen’s Brian May) indicates the need to facilitate access between gardens with a CD sized hole in fences so hedgehogs can roam. It’s also important to check bonfires or piles of wood before potentially disturbing hiding places where they might be hibernating. In our case, we’ve had no hesitation in deleting that New Year decking upgrade project for as long as it remains Spike’s safe haven. Hopefully he’ll remain in situ throughout 2026 to reward us with regular sightings and to wage war on the garden pests who appear in battalions each

Spring, ready to tuck in to the tender Hosta shoots with relish. So Happy New Year to Spike, our very own hedgehog in residence and a most welcome prickly aid to procrastination! Alison is currently working on an original music and theatre production with 'Shot Full Of Rock & Friends'. To find out more go to: https://www.instagram.com/shotfullofroc k/ www.shotfullofrock.co.uk

THE NOTICE BOARD

Can you help? I am looking for a house to rent in or near East Grinstead Ideally, four bedrooms garden and parking Rent in the region of £1800-£2000 pcm If you have something or know someone who does, please contact Siobhan (phone 07563 594 659) 3

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

The Crawley Down Ladies Choir returned from the Christmas break on January 12th to begin practising for their Summer concert to be held in the evening of June 13th in the Dorothy Hatswell Hall at The Haven Centre, in Crawley Down. The ”Come and Sing” evening on our first day back, January 12th, is a chance for anyone to do just what it says … Come along and Sing with us and perhaps even become a member.

Why not come along? You can be assured of a warm welcome into our group of amateur singers with no audition required. We are a choir comprised of soprano and alto voices and sing a broad range of pieces both old and new, from Christmas songs and favourite carols at Christmas to more secular music such as songs from the musicals, pop, rock and other genres. If you are interested in joining us please contact Elaine 07799 6523032 for details or see our website for more information at crawleydownladieschoir.co.uk

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

Lingfield Farmers Market a New Year Thank You As we step into a brand-new year, we would like to wish everyone in Lingfield and the surrounding villages a very Happy New Year. Lingfield Farmers Market wouldn’t be what it is without you — our loyal shoppers, friendly faces, stallholders, and local supporters who turn up month after month, whatever the weather. Your continued support means so much. Every visit, every chat, every purchase helps keep this wonderful community market alive and thriving.

There will be no market in January, but we are delighted to be back on Sunday 8th February Lingfield Primary School 9am – 1pm

The market has grown into more than just a place to shop. It’s a place to catch up with neighbours, enjoy great food, discover new local producers, and soak up the friendly village atmosphere that makes Lingfield so special. Supporting the market means supporting small, independent businesses who are passionate about what they do — from fresh local produce and artisan foods to handmade gifts and seasonal treats.

We would love to see both familiar faces and new visitors in the year ahead. So please keep coming along, bring a friend, a neighbour, grab a coffee, and make the market part of your monthly routine. Together, we can continue to grow a market that truly belongs to the community. Thank you for being part of Lingfield Farmers Market — we can’t wait to welcome you back in February!

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

Number Sense: Building Strong Foundations Maths tutor, Helen Chisholm’s monthly column gives valuable tips on how to excel or help your children excel at maths.

Mental Strategies for Manipulating Numbers Encouraging children to work flexibly with numbers builds fluency and confidence. Strategies such as partitioning numbers, rounding and adjusting, or spotting number bonds help children calculate efficiently in their heads. For example, recognising that 49 + 23 can be thought of as 50 + 22 makes maths feel manageable and logical.

As we step into a brand-new year, I’d like to wish all families in our community a very Happy New Year. January is a time for fresh starts, renewed confidence, and setting strong foundations—and in maths, there is no better place to begin than with number sense. What Is Number Sense? Number sense is a child’s ability to understand numbers, how they relate to each other, and how they can be manipulated. It goes beyond being able to follow a written method. Children with strong number sense can estimate, spot errors, and choose efficient strategies rather than relying on memorised steps.

Why Number Sense Matters Strong number sense underpins every area of maths—from arithmetic and algebra to problem-solving and exams. Gaps in this foundation often explain why children struggle later on, even if they appear to “know the methods”.

Understanding Place Value Place value lies at the heart of all maths learning. Knowing that the “3” in 3,482 represents three thousands— not just a digit—is essential for success with calculations, decimals, fractions, and percentages. When place value is secure, children are far more confident tackling new concepts as they move through school.

January is the perfect time to strengthen these core skills. With consistent practice, encouragement, and a focus on understanding rather than speed, children can build the confidence they need for a successful year in maths. Here’s to a year of progress, curiosity, and growing confidence with numbers!

Find Helen on Facebook 7

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

Building Strength, Confidence and Community: Inside Warrior Arts & Fitness

Saturday 21st February 2026 February Forest Row Repair Café Show some love for your broken belongings and bring them to us for the chance of rekindling their lives.

In a world that moves faster every day, finding a place to grow stronger—physically, mentally, and socially—has never been more important.

Find us in the Community Centre, Forest Row RH18 5DZ. 10am-1.00pm with last orders at 12.30.

That’s exactly what Warrior Arts & Fitness offers to our local community: a welcoming academy where discipline meets confidence, and beginners are just as valued as seasoned martial artists. With 14 classes every week, plus 1-to-1 private tuition, Warrior Arts & Fitness is designed to fit around real lives. Whether you’re a parent looking for a positive outlet for your child, an adult keen to improve fitness and self-defence skills, or someone stepping onto the mats for the very first time, there is a class tailored for you. Continued on next page

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

Warrior Arts and Fitness continued from previous page The academy proudly offers training in a diverse range of martial arts disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Self-Defence, and Filipino Kali. Each art brings its own strengths— ground grappling, close-range efficiency, practical personal safety, and weapons-based coordination—creating well-rounded students who are confident in both body and mind. For younger members of the community, the Warrior Kids Academy provides a bespoke programme that focuses on confidence, respect, coordination, and discipline in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. These classes help children build life skills that extend far beyond the training floor. New to martial arts? Warrior Arts & Fitness has recently introduced beginner-focused classes, specifically designed to remove the intimidation factor and help newcomers progress at a comfortable pace. No prior experience or fitness level is required—just a willingness to learn. At its heart, Warrior Arts & Fitness is more than a training centre. It’s a community built on encouragement, resilience, and personal growth—where everyone is welcome, and every journey matters. For more information or to get started: Contact: Matt – 07713 086557

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

Helping you live a freer, healthier life This month, Samantha Ford of Unique Welllth presents

Listening to Your Body Before It Shouts January is often seen as a fresh start — a month for resolutions, new plans, and ambitious goals. But as a health coach and someone who works closely with the realities of daily life, I can tell you this: your body doesn’t need a dramatic reset. It needs regular and consistent attention, awareness, and habits that actually fit the life you’re living. After the busy, festive season, many of us are carrying extra fatigue, despite the ‘break’, disrupted sleep from different routines, and even the lingering effects of stress. These aren’t emergencies in the dramatic sense, but they are warning signs — gentle nudges from your body that shouldn’t be ignored. The earlier you notice them, the easier it is to respond, and the less likely they are to escalate into bigger issues. The Subtle Signs Your body speaks in ways that are easy to miss. Some common cues include: •

Feeling unusually tired, even after what feels like enough rest.

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Digestive discomfort, bloating, or changes in appetite.

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ineffective, shallow breathing, or tension in the shoulders and neck.

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Mood shifts, irritability, or difficulty focusing.

These signals are your body saying: “I need support, attention, and gentleness.” When ignored, they can snowball — low energy leads to skipped meals, missed exercise, or poor sleep, which in turn affects stress, immunity, and overall wellbeing. Why “Starting Over” Rarely Works It’s tempting in January to launch into big changes — new diets, intense workout schedules, or a complete overhaul of routines. The problem is these plans are usually designed for an idealised version of life: perfect mornings, uninterrupted routines, and endless motivation. Real life rarely looks like that. Work is busy, family demands fluctuate, and energy isn’t as constant as it needs to be. Continued on next page

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

Unique Wellth continued from previous page

These small actions can prevent minor signals from becoming bigger issues and help your body regain balance after the busyness of December.

Sustainable health comes not from doing more, but from doing what is realistic, repeatable, and supportive — even on tired days. By noticing your body’s early cues, you can make small, consistent adjustments that protect your energy, digestion, and mental wellbeing.

You’re Already Ahead If you’ve made even one small positive change recently — slowed down your meals, taken a few mindful breaths, or protected a quiet moment in your day — you’re already building foundations that will support the months ahead. January isn’t about starting over; it’s about continuation, awareness, and kindness towards yourself.

Simple Ways to Listen and Respond You don’t need a complete life redesign to feel better. Some practical steps include: •

Pause and breathe: Start meals with three slow breaths to support digestion and calm your nervous system.

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Check your energy: Notice when you feel tired, and allow yourself a short rest or gentle movement instead of pushing through.

For those looking for more guidance, I explore these principles in detail in my January newsletter, sharing practical steps to support energy, digestion, and wellbeing without unrealistic expectations. Small, realistic shifts can make a bigger difference than the most ambitious resolutions ever could.

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Prioritise one nonnegotiable habit: It could be a proper lunch break, a short walk, or a consistent bedtime — something that supports your baseline health.

Winter can feel long and heavy, but by listening to your body before it shouts, noticing the subtle signs, and reinforcing simple, repeatable habits, you can start 2026 feeling steady, supported, and in tune with your real life.

•

Notice patterns: Keep a simple journal of energy levels, meals, and mood to identify what helps or hinders you.

Find Samantha at Unique WELLth, where surviving stress is challenged, giving way to calmer days, increased energy, and a life that feels more like yours again. www.Uniquewellth.coach

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

The Quieter Emergencies of Winter: What We Don’t Always See Another issue that increases significantly in winter is isolation. Shorter days and cold weather mean people are more likely to stay indoors and see fewer people. For those living alone, days can pass without meaningful contact. This can impact mental health, or mean health problems go unnoticed, medications aren’t taken properly, and small issues escalate before anyone realises something is wrong.

When people think of emergencies, they often picture flashing lights, urgency, and dramatic moments. But many of the situations we attend as community responders in winter are much quieter — and often preventable. January, in particular, brings a unique set of challenges. The weather is colder, routines are disrupted, and for many people the festive period is followed by exhaustion, financial strain, or loneliness. These factors combine to create what I often think of as the quieter emergencies of winter.

One condition that is often misunderstood — and more common than people think — is hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when the body’s temperature drops too low, and it doesn’t only happen outdoors. We too often see it develop indoors, particularly in older adults or those trying to reduce heating costs.

One of the most common issues we see is falls, especially among older residents. Icy pavements, poor lighting, even bulky winter clothing, and reduced mobility all increase the risk.

Early signs can be subtle: feeling unusually tired, cold, or confused; slow and shallow breathing. Because these symptoms can look like general illness or fatigue, they’re easy to dismiss.

A simple slip without injury can lead to long periods spent on the floor, which in itself can become dangerous. Even indoors someone can get cold, shock can creep in, and inability to get help can turn what started as a minor fall into a serious situation.

Continue on next page

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

First Responders continued from previous page

Second, keeping warm safely is vital. Heating the room you spend most time in, wearing layers, staying hydrated, and eating regular meals all help the body maintain temperature.

But hypothermia is serious and can become life-threatening if not addressed promptly. For tips on what to do treat hypothermia check out https://www.sja.org.uk/first-aidadvice/hypothermia/

Finally, it’s important to remember this: asking for help is never a burden. Community responders and emergency services would always rather be called early than arrive late to a situation that has become much more serious.

Another quiet emergency is what we might call a “near miss” — chest discomfort ignored because it “didn’t seem bad enough,” dizziness put down to being tired, or breathlessness dismissed as a lingering cold. In January especially, people are reluctant to “bother” services or worry about adding pressure to the system. This hesitation can delay help when early action would have made things much simpler.

Winter doesn’t have to be risky, but it does require awareness. By paying attention to the quieter signs, looking out for one another, and acting sooner rather than later, we can help keep our community safer through the coldest months of the year.

What makes these situations particularly challenging is that they often develop slowly. There’s no obvious moment where someone thinks, this is an emergency. Instead, there’s a gradual build-up — a fall that doesn’t seem serious, a few days without proper warmth, a growing sense of not feeling quite right.

Find out more about Community First Responders

So what can help? First, checking in on one another matters more than people realise.

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

Who Lives Here? A Winter Walk Through our Local Wildlife Winter is often thought of as a quiet season. The flowers have faded, insects are hidden away, and trees stand bare. But ecologically, winter is one of the best times to understand what really lives around us. With leaves and long grass gone, the structure of the landscape becomes clearer. Hedges, ditches, field boundaries and old trackways are easier to see, and these features matter. They act as wildlife corridors, allowing animals to move between habitats. Research consistently shows that connected landscapes support far more species than fragmented ones. Look down as you walk and you may notice tracks in mud or frost. Foxes, badgers and deer leave distinctive prints, while birds create recognisable patterns as they hop and feed. These signs show how animals conserve energy in winter, often using the same routes repeatedly when food is scarce. Trees also offer important clues at this time of year. Bud shape, bark texture and branching patterns allow identification long before leaves appear. This matters because different tree species support very different numbers of insects.

Native trees such as oak and birch support hundreds of associated invertebrates, forming the foundation of local food webs. Bird behaviour changes in winter too. Many species form mixed feeding flocks, a well-documented survival strategy that improves foraging success and reduces the risk of predation. Hedgerows and scrub become especially valuable, offering shelter as well as berries and overwintering insects. Even what appears dead is doing vital work. Fallen leaves protect and enrich the soil, dead wood supports fungi and beetles, and mosses and lichens continue growing through winter damp. These organisms drive nutrient cycling and soil health, supporting the wider ecosystem year-round

Continued on next page

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

Winter Wildlife continued from previous page You don’t need specialist training to notice any of this. Slowing down, looking closely, and asking simple questions — who passes through here, what feeds on this plant, where might an animal shelter on a cold night? — can reveal a great deal. This way of reading the landscape is central to the guided ecology and foraging sessions I run locally, where we explore seasonal wildlife signs and learn how plants, animals and people are connected to the same places. Winter, far from being empty, is one of the richest times of year once you know how to look. Written by Ross Symonds, an East Grinstead–based ecologist and habitat worker, who runs local ecology and foraging sessions throughout the year. Check him out at linktr.ee/rosstheecologist

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

Four ways to keep your New Year’s resolutions by Fiona Straszynski

Keeping your New Year’s resolutions isn’t easy, but here are some simple tips to help motivate you to achieve your goals this year. But first, I just wanted to share how delighted and deeply honoured I was to represent Christians Against Poverty at a Christmas Reception at no. 10 Downing Street, celebrating those who serve their communities. It was an amazing experience and a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible impact of CAP’s work in bringing hope and practical support to people facing financial hardship. I felt incredibly humbled to have been invited and so thankful for the amazing staff, volunteers, churches, and supporters who faithfully help bring hope, dignity and lasting transformation to people’s lives every day.

Make a budget – and stick to it Our finances often dictate our way of life. To keep things manageable, it helps to make a budget. With so many things going out during the month – from one-off expenses to direct debits – how can we keep on top of it? Knowing your finances really helps make sure you have that safety net for when times get tough. If you’re struggling to create a budget, visit capuk.org/budgeting for some free resources. Plan ahead No matter what your resolution, making a plan is the key to getting it done. Having a step-by-step strategy means that you’re far more likely to be able to stick to it. If you plan to eat healthier, create a meal plan. If you plan to exercise more, schedule your workouts. Keep things simple It’s easy to overcomplicate simple things. When your mind becomes clouded, take some time to reflect. Whether that’s going for a walk or checking in with a friend, you need a clear head and a balanced mindset to keep any resolution or hit any goal. Continued on next page

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

CAP continued from previous page Remember why you started, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself by chasing perfection. Ask for help You don’t have to go at it alone. Having someone to talk to or check in with can really put things into perspective. Sometimes, getting tied up in the pursuit of goals can distract us from looking after ourselves. Visit capuk.org/help to find out more. The East Grinstead CAP Debt Centre supports East Grinstead and all surrounding villages—offering free, confidential, face-to-face debt help. You’re not alone

At Christians Against Poverty (CAP), we offer a variety of free services to give practical and emotional support to those on low incomes or struggling with unmanageable debt. Whether it’s living well on a low income with a CAP Life Skills course or getting back into work with CAP Job Clubs, our services are open to everyone. Visit capuk.org for more information. Let’s continue the year with hope!

SCRIPT A poem If life is a play all I can say

I value your opinion So I have set up an online survey form on the home page of the Town Crier website at www.towncrier.uk Its purpose is to get your feedback on how your Town Crier can be strengthened and improved. And I value your suggestions and ideas. Please let me know what you think!

It isn’t well scripted For I’ve a sense that the plot Has gone and kind of drifted And I’ve gotten my lines all Muddled and twisted Or even forgotten If I’m hero or victim Or both or neither And lost sight of the fact I started out as the writer.

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

Welcome to January Reflections by Judith Thomson of Feelgood Radio. January always seems to be the longest month of the year to me. Christmas is over, the decorations are back in the attic and you just have to get on with it and work through the cold, wet weather towards Spring. But January is a significant month, none the less, a time of reflection upon what has been, and for making your plans for how to make the coming year the best it can be.

I've certainly been pleased to welcome some brilliant musicians and singers as my guests.

As we look forward to the adventures and opportunities that may be awaiting us in the year ahead, we also dwell upon the memories we’ve made from the year that’s just left us, don’t we?

I am always especially pleased to invite local talent onto my show, so if you would like to record a little chat with me and send me a track of your music I would be delighted to include you during 2026.

I hope you made some wonderful ones. Here at The Feelgood Station we can look back on another successful year, a year in which some great new presenters joined us and lots of new listeners as well!

Our plans for this year are to keep on bringing you lively and entertaining shows and the very best in music and, of course, to keep you feeling good because that is what we aim to do at thefeelgoodstation.uk. We are also available on our App, Simple Radio, Deezer & Alexa.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our loyal listeners, both on live radio and on Mixcloud, and all the guests who have come on our shows last year. Regarding my own Saturday show, Judith looks at Love and Romance,

And my own plans? To begin the 8th historical novel in my Philip Devalle series! You can discover my other books at The Bookshop or on my website: judiththomson.com

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

Click here to watch video 19

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

Join Us for the Community & Volunteer Fair – Saturday 31st January 2026 Community People is all about people coming together to make a difference.

From environmental projects and youth activities to arts, sports, and neighbourhood initiatives, there’s something for every interest and every schedule.

We support communities to thrive by championing local voices, creating opportunities, and encouraging action on what matters most.

You might find a new hobby, make lasting friendships, or be inspired to volunteer your time and skills to help the community grow and thrive.

Volunteering is at the heart of what we do — it’s how individuals turn passion into real impact. By working with local groups, businesses, and partners, we help create positive change that lasts.

Even a small contribution can make a big difference, and this event is the perfect place to learn how you can play your part.

Start the new year by connecting, sharing, and making a difference!

Together, we can make our town a place where everyone feels connected, supported, and proud to belong.

The Community & Volunteer Fair is your chance to discover what’s happening right on your doorstep, meet friendly faces, and find out how you can get involved in shaping a stronger, happier community.

When: 31st January 2026 from 10am to 12pm Where: Meridian Hall, East Court College, RH19 3LT

Whether you’ve lived here for years or just moved to the area, everyone is welcome. Come along to enjoy a free hot drink, a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and plenty of opportunities to chat with local groups, charities, and clubs.

Come for the coffee, stay for the connections and leave feeling inspired to make 2026 a year of community, kindness, and collaboration! Find out more about Community People

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

Sponsor the Town Crier If you are a local business, we provide a limited amount of space for you to help yourself and your community by sponsoring the Town Crier through paid advertising. Click here for more info

The East Grinstead & District Lions Club a Wii fit and balance board. In August, East Grinstead and District Lions past President, Sharan Billings suffered an unexpected major stroke. She spent nine weeks in East Surrey Hospital. Thankfully, Sharan is now on the road to recovery after intensive physiotherapy with the stroke physio team. During that time, Sharan learnt that not all the equipment needed to aid stroke recovery is provided by the Trust and they are grateful of charitable donations in order to properly facilitate their classes. Sharan asked what item of equipment would be useful and the team suggested

Sharan was delighted to be able to present the items donated by the East Grinstead Lions Club to the physio team.

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

Modality Mid Sussex Patient Participation Group Newsletter Number 6. January 2025 Firstly, we wish a HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2026 to our readers.

to exchange ideas on how to improve the service we provide.

We are a group of volunteer patients working hard, in collaboration with, but independently of, Modality Mid Sussex, to improve the patient experience at the four MMS health centres in East Grinstead, Crawley Down and Burgess Hill. We need more volunteers to join the committee and help us in our mission. Your input is as big or small as you can manage but can have a significant impact!

This is becoming more important as the ongoing cutbacks in the NHS impact on the service they provide. We also supply support to other local health and social services, e.g. Age UK. We are currently in the early stages of providing practical aid to patients that are challenged by the use of digital communication now used increasingly by the NHS, including health centres, commonly labelled Digital Inclusion. This is an ongoing programme which we plan to make available to all of our patients, wherever they live. It will commence as a trial in Turners Hill on 21 January with plans for further programmes in East Grinstead.

We're keen to ensure all patients are aware of who we are, and how we actively work to promote better experiences and outcomes for all patients of Modality across Mid Sussex. We're more active in local publications such as the East Grinstead Town Crier, a variety of local newsletters and notice boards in all four health centres. We also have a website*, a Facebook page, and are increasing our use of social media to help reach as many people as possible. We would welcome suggestions for additional methods of communication.

We acknowledge criticisms made by patients and actively advise MMS on ways that we believe that they can improve the service they provide to their patient, e.g. better communication - post operative care – more appointments. Find out more at: https://modalitymidsussexppg.org

We are part of a Sussex wide network of PPGs that meet regularly

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

by Steve Cook

And Nestled among the Bleak Crags of my Imagination . . .

With Burns Night coming up on January 25th (the day before my birthday which to be fair is a somewhat less momentous occasion), I thought I'd commemorate the occasion with the following excerpt from my tonguein-cheek supernatural thriller, “Death Whisperer" which was the only effort of mine I could find that was even remotely appropriate. This, if nothing else, proves the adage that some people will try anything to get attention. The excerpt refers to Castle MacLaird, an ancient Scottish castle nestled among the bleak crags of my imagination. Here it is: “Situated just south of the village of Ledaig, it was built in the late 16th Century and crouched like the fossilised carcass of some vast, disconsolate beast on a rocky promontory overlooking Ardmucknish Bay and the entrance to Loch Etive. “A combination of fortress and residence, the castle was also constructed, so rumour has it, to intimidate the MacDougall fortress, Dunstaffnage, to the South. “It had no moat but it did have the

cold, restless waters of Ardmucknish Bay on three sides and a steep approach by winding path on the fourth. It had no portcullis but a very strong front door with a very large and very scary brass knocker. “In fact, it received a few lines of mention from the famous Scottish poet Rabbi Burns (not Robbie Burns, but a Jewish contemporary who happened to have the same surname - the two are often confused). The lines appeared in his epic battle poem ‘Gae Boil Ye Heed Ye English Poof’ : The tower McAbbadon upon yon shores O’er fine Ardmucknish Bay doth brood. Its shadow o’er the braw bricht moonlit brine hath cast despair Across the fair and seething sea’s uneasy waves, As if a shipwrecked ark abandoned to the Shades, Within its stoney heart a lair of devils made both grey and chilly. Built in ages dark and half forgot it squats with aspect grim Enough to give Clan MacDougall’s bravest hearts the willies . . . “

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

Calling all young artists and creative minds in East Grinstead! Whether it’s roaring flames, or the community coming together, show us what the Bonfire means to you. Why Enter? The winning design will be turned into the official badge sold across town and on our outmeets to other societies, to raise funds for the annual October celebrations. Not only will you see your artwork worn by hundreds of people, but you’ll also win a Family membership to EGCBonfire plus other goodies!

East Grinstead Museum and the East Grinstead Community Bonfire (EGCBonfire) are joining forces to find a winning design for the official 2026 Bonfire Badge and we want you to be the designer! The Challenge We are looking for a bold, bright, and imaginative design that captures the spirit of our town’s bonfire tradition.

Where? Pop into East Grinstead Museum from 11 am - 3.30 pm on Wednesday 18 February and complete your form in the museum - the form together with crayons, pastels, pens will be supplied and you can take your time to design it and watch some great videos of EGCBonfire at the same time! When? Deadline for all entries is Thursday 19 Februrary. If you've already completed your competition form, just bring it along to the museum on Wednesday 18 February and it will be included

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

Three Reasons Your Website Visitors Aren’t Buying Monthly Marketing Tips by Alice Watkyn of Mouthy Marketing Plenty of small business websites look amazing – yet still fail to compel people to buy. The issue usually sits in a few avoidable details that quietly push visitors away before they take action. Here are three of the most common conversion killers I see. 1. Too many calls to action Asking people to do everything usually leads to them doing nothing. Pages packed with buttons for calls, downloads, newsletters, quotes, demos, and blogs create decision fatigue.

Mobile users feel this most, especially on slower connections. Regularly check your page speed, compress images, remove unused plugins, and avoid unnecessary animations. Faster pages reduce bounce rates and improve conversions without changing a single word of copy. 3. Trust issues caused by language and visuals Trust breaks quickly online. Stock photos that look staged, exaggerated claims, and vague promises raise questions rather than reassurance.

Each page needs one clear primary action, e.g. ‘buy now’, ‘contact us’, ‘download’. Supporting actions can exist, though they should stay visually secondary. Simplicity helps people move forward with confidence.

Phrases like “industry-leading” or “best in the business” need proof. Testimonials, case studies, real photos, clear pricing signals, and accurate contact details help visitors believe what they are reading.

2. Slow loading pages Speed affects patience and trust. If your page takes several seconds to load, your visitor will have lost interest and gone elsewhere before the page has even loaded. Common causes include oversized images, videos and slideshows, cheap hosting, and bloated page builders.

Language matters too. Plain, specific wording builds credibility faster than hype. People want clarity and honesty before they commit. Conversion improvement usually comes from focus, speed, and trust. Fixing these three areas often delivers results without a full redesign.

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

Don’t forget, the door is now open for you to send your submissions for next month’s issue!

The East Grinstead Town Crier Issue 16 January 2026

See you in February!