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The Town Crier

Online Goodwill Magazine for East Grinstead, Lingfield, Forest Row, Copthorne, Crawley Down, Turners Hill, Ashurst Wood, Dormansland and the surrounding areas

Issue 25, October 2026

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

Acknowledgement: this month’s sponsors and benefactors

Welcome to the October 2026 issue of the Town Crier! Once again, a huge thank-you to everyone who contributed to creating this best-yet issue. For full details of how to get your charity, community activity, business or art in this magazine, please browse the website at www.towncrier.uk and/or contact me at egtowncrier@gmail.com

In this issue

Cover picture by local photographer Russell Prain. Find him on Instagram

Two Lingfield Farmers Markets! Page 2 The Expert Property Shop. Page 5 The Natural History Society. Page 12 East Grinstead Bonfire Returns! Page 13 Recipe of the Month. Page 14 Community People. Page 15 Ashdown Probus Club. Page 17 Diagrama Adoption. Page 18 Hospice Seeks Volunteer Drivers. Page 22 Help us Get to World Jamboree! Page 24 Courage Beyond the Battlefield. Page 26 The East Grinstead Society. Page 29 The RH7 History Group. Page 31 Christians Against Poverty. Page 32 Dormansland YWI News Update. Page 33 East Surrey Council – an Update. Page 34 Feelgood Radio. Page 35 Don’t Leave Hospice Care to Chance! Page 36 The Art of Getting Stuck by Helen Chisholm. Page 38 Meridian Rotary. Page 39 Endless Love by Bonx Trigwell. Page 40 Artist of the Month – Sue Gail. Page 42 Cheers to 15 Years! Page 45 Secure your Place on the Sahara Trek! Page 46 Jazz Festival Winning Photos. Page 48 Lights! Camera! Action! Page 49 Passkeys a double edge Saviour by Roger Lyon. Page 50 A Letter to Nice People. Page 53 and Dear Editor Page 53 East Grinstead Shines. Page 54 HerMove: Girls’ Football. Page 56 Crawley Down Ladies’ Choir. Page 57

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Two Lingfield Farmers Markets in November! Could your school or sports club raise money with us?

Lingfield Farmers Market is growing — and we need your support!

We would love to hear from schools and sports clubs in Lingfield, Dormansland or East Grinstead who might like to run a barbecue at the market as a fundraising opportunity.

Following the success of our regular monthly market and increasing demand from both our wonderful local stallholders and the community, we are delighted to be holding two markets in November.

This could be a great way for a school, sports club or student group to raise money, with students or club members getting involved in running the barbecue on the day. If your school or club would be interested, please get in touch — we’d love to hear from you. lingfieldfarmersmarket@gmail.com

Sunday 8th November – our usual second-Sunday market – plus Sunday 29th November – our special additional pre-Christmas market Both 9am–1pm at Lingfield Primary School

Most importantly, we need you!

We have a fantastic selection of local stallholders bringing fresh, delicious and locally produced food, drinks and other goodies to the market. With Christmas approaching, we will also be welcoming craft stalls, so if you are a local maker or know a craft business that would like to join us, please get in touch at lingfieldfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

The market is developing really well, but for it to continue and grow, we need good local footfall. So please spread the word, bring your friends and family, and come along and support the local businesses and producers who are making Lingfield Farmers Market happen. Come for the shopping, stay for a coffee and a chat, and help us build a thriving local market for everyone in our community.

We are also still looking for a local butcher/ meat producer and fishmonger to join our market and help us build an even greater range of local produce.

Lingfield Farmers Market — local, friendly and growing. We hope to see you there! Find us on Facebook

Please email us lingfieldfarmersmarket@gmail.com

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Thinking of Letting Your Home? What First-Time Landlords Should Know Some useful advice by Tina Reimer of the Expert Property Shop some potentially expensive pitfalls. How much rent could your home bring you?

Perhaps you’re moving away for work, have inherited a property, are moving in with a partner, or are simply wondering whether your home could provide you with an additional income.

Rental values can vary considerably depending on the type of property, its condition and, of course, its location. Proximity to East Grinstead town centre, the railway station, schools and local amenities can all make a difference, as can practical features such as parking, a garden or additional storage.

Whatever the reason, becoming a landlord can be an exciting opportunity but there is a little more to it than finding a tenant and handing over the keys. Here in East Grinstead, we are fortunate to live in an area that has plenty to offer potential tenants. With its bustling town centre, beautiful surrounding countryside and convenient connections to London, Gatwick and neighbouring towns and villages, it attracts a wide variety of people looking for somewhere to call home.

The local rental market includes everything from one-bedroom apartments to larger family homes, so rental values can vary considerably. Getting an up-to-date rental valuation is a useful first step and can help you decide whether letting your property makes financial sense. Is your property suitable to become someone else’s home? Looking at your property through a tenant’s eyes can really help you understand what you might need to do before putting it on the rental market.

There are many reasons why people choose to rent rather than buy. Some may not yet be in a position to obtain a mortgage, while others may be professionals who have recently moved to the UK and don't yet meet a lender's criteria. Others simply prefer the flexibility that renting can offer.

You don’t necessarily need to spend thousands of pounds preparing a property for rent. Often, it’s the simple things that make the biggest difference. A clean, well-maintained home with fresh, neutral decoration Continued on next page

If you’re thinking about letting your property, there are a few things worth considering before you begin — and being prepared can help you avoid

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Letting your Home continued from previous page and everything working as it should will usually make a much better first impression.

anything provided by the landlord may bring additional maintenance and replacement considerations.

Take a good look around. Is the paintwork clean and in good condition? What condition are the carpets in? Kitchens and bathrooms don’t have to be brand new, but they should be clean, functional and well ventilated. Ensuring that the property can be kept warm, properly ventilated and free from damp and mould is particularly important.

You’ll also need to decide whether to offer the property furnished or unfurnished. There are tenants looking for both, so it is worth taking advice on what is most appropriate for your particular property and the local market. What are your responsibilities as a landlord? Letting a property comes with legal and safety responsibilities, and these are an important part of being a landlord.

Think about the practical things you would look for if you were moving in yourself. Is there enough storage? Is the garden manageable? Does the property feel light and welcoming?

Depending on the property and circumstances, your responsibilities may include safety checks, energyefficiency requirements, deposit protection, providing the correct documentation and making sure the property is safe and suitable for your tenants.

And what about those little maintenance jobs you’ve been meaning to tackle: would now be a good time to get them done? Taking care of these things before marketing can help your property make a good first impression and attract tenants who will hopefully appreciate and look after their new home.

That may sound like a lot, particularly if you are becoming a landlord for the first time. This is where a good letting or managing agent can be invaluable, helping you understand what is required and keeping you informed about your responsibilities.

You will also need to decide what you are going to provide. When we first became landlords, we were advised to think carefully before supplying appliances such as fridges, washing machines and tumble dryers, as

There have been significant changes within the private rented sector, so getting up-to-date advice before letting Continued on page 8

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CLICK HERE TO VSIT WEBSITE 7

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

Letting your Home continued from page 6 your property is particularly important. Legislation and requirements change, and relying on what you did the last time you rented out a property, even if it was only a few years ago, may no longer be enough.

Decide how involved you want to be Some landlords enjoy managing their own properties, while others prefer an agent to take care of the day-to-day responsibilities. Before deciding, think realistically about the time you have available. Who will deal with a leaking tap on a Sunday? Who will arrange safety checks, inspections and repairs, keep up with changing legislation or respond when a tenant has a problem?

It is also important to make sure that the correct tenancy documentation is in place and that you understand the agreement you are entering into with your tenants. Finding the right tenant matters Naturally, landlords want to know that their rent will be paid, but finding the right tenant is about much more than that.

Using a managing agent can make letting your property much simpler, particularly if you don’t live nearby or don’t have the time or confidence to manage everything yourself. A good agent can also help you understand and keep on top of the regulations that apply to your property and tenancy. There isn’t one right answer. The important thing is choosing an approach that works for you while ensuring that both the property and your tenants are properly looked after.

Good referencing, affordability checks and clear communication can help create a successful tenancy from the outset. Landlords can also consider products such as rent guarantee and legal expenses insurance, subject to the policy terms and eligibility requirements, to provide additional protection if problems arise.

Take advice before you take the plunge If you have a property in East Grinstead or one of the surrounding villages and are considering letting it, a good starting point is simply finding out what your home could achieve in the current rental market. You may decide that becoming a landlord is right for you — or you may Continued on next page

Equally important is being a good landlord: dealing with maintenance promptly, communicating clearly and remembering that, while it remains your property, it is your tenant’s home. A positive landlord-and-tenant relationship can make the whole experience much easier for everyone.

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Letting your Home continued form previous page decide it isn’t. Either way, understanding the potential rental income, likely tenant market, costs and responsibilities will help you make a more informed decision. After all, successful letting isn’t simply about owning the right property. It’s about being prepared, understanding your responsibilities and providing a home that somebody else will be happy to live in. And if you have a property sitting empty or your circumstances have changed, letting could provide another option worth exploring. Instead of the property simply costing you money each month, it could potentially provide an income while giving someone else a place they are proud to call home. Done well, that can be a positive outcome for both landlord and tenant.

East Grinstead Torchlit Parade, Bonfire and Fireworks Volunteers Needed! Volunteers are needed on the evening of Saturday 17th October for no more than four hours to help our members marshal the bonfire parade. If you can help, please email marshalling.egcbonfire@outlook.com with your name and phone number.

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The Natural History Society On Monday 19th October East Grinstead Natural History Society invite you to an interesting and entertaining talk on The Living Shoreline. Steve Homewood has done an in-depth study of Seaford Bay and his talk will be beautifully illustrated as he is a naturalist and wildlife photographer. Please come along at 7.30 pm to Trinity Methodist Church, Lingfield Road. Refreshments provided £4.50 on the door and £3.00 for members

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East Grinstead Community Bonfire Returns This October! honour our unique Sussex heritage: our local history, the shared values that bind us to one another and to our friends across the Continent. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, new to the town, or visiting from near or far, you will find a warm welcome here.

Mark your calendars and dust off your warm coats Saturday, 17th October is the night the East Grinstead Community Bonfire returns to light up our skies and bring our town together in one of our most beloved traditions!

So put it in your diary: Saturday, 17th October. Wrap up warm, bring your family and friends, and come out to cheer on the procession and welcome our international guests. Support your local bonfire, an event run by the community, for the community.

This year’s celebration promises to be truly extra special, as we proudly welcome honoured guests from all five of our cherished twinned towns to stand alongside us. Representatives from Bourg-de-Péage (France), Mindelheim (Germany), Sant Feliu de Guíxols (Spain), Schwaz (Austria) and Verbania (Italy) will be walking, cheering, and celebrating right here in our Bonfire Procession. This will strengthen the enduring international bonds that have made East Grinstead a true bridge across Europe. It is a wonderful chance to greet old friends, make new connections, and show our visitors the very best of our community spirit.

For full details on procession routes, exact timings, and ways you can get involved or support the event, please keep an eye on our official community updates. Visiting Drumming Bands Feel the energy rise as outstanding percussion ensembles lead the way, filling the air with powerful, infectious beats that echo through our streets and set the perfect rhythm for the night ahead.

The evening springs to life from 18:00, filling our historic town centre with crackling fire, thundering rhythms, glowing torches, and vivid colour. Here’s what awaits you:

Traditional Bonfire & Fireworks at East Court The procession culminates at East Court, where we gather for the dramatic lighting of our great Continued on next page

Grand Torchlight Procession, This is far more than just a show; it is a celebration of who we are. We

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Recipe of the Month

Community Bonfire continued from previous page community bonfire, an ancient symbol of gathering and renewal. As the flames rise, we’ll follow with a breathtaking fireworks display designed to light up the autumn sky in a brilliant cascade of colour, noise, and wonder.

A simple, spicy herbal tea Here is how to make a refreshing and very healthy herbal tea: Ingredients – use organic ingredients wherever possible/ One cinnamon stick

One teaspoon of ground ginger

Pick up your official event programme from these trusted local stockists:

One teaspoon of cloves One teaspoon of ground mint

- Stones Family Butchers - The Railway Pub

Approx one tablespoon of dried nettle leaves

- The Engine Room

Two cups of boiling water

- Mad Dog Coffee Lounge

Put the ingredients in a teapot. Add the boiling water. Allow to step for ten minutes, then drink.

- One Middle Row - Chocabox Community Gift Shop - The Sussex Arms - East Grinstead Town Council at the Library Finally, a massive thank you to all our Captains, Members, volunteers and people from the community who have helped us in 2026. Without whom we wouldn't be able to put on this fantastic event. Let’s make this the brightest, most welcoming East Grinstead Bonfire yet! See you there!

CLICK HERE

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Thank you, East Grinstead! Community People ran their yearly networking session on 17th September for community groups and charities in East Grinstead and surrounding areas. Networking and connecting locally is of key importance, getting out to meet others working within the same community provides peer support, opportunity for partnership working and knowledge sharing. Many connections were made and pastries consumed! Thank you to all our member groups for your time, passion and all you do to support people in the local community. 51 people attended from local community organisations from East Grinstead Foodbank to Carers Support to SEDS Connective amongst many others supporting all areas of people’s lives and needs. Many thanks also to Trinity Methodist Church for such a generous welcome and allowing us the use of their Welcome Café for the morning - we really appreciate it! Continued on next page

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Community People continued from previous page Church, business, community sector and councils are all connected in providing support to the local community and the networking event is a place where we can all come together. We also welcomed representatives from funding organisations; Mid Sussex District Council, Sussex Community Foundation, The Common Good Trust, East Grinstead Memorial Estate, Homity Trust and The National Lottery Community Fund. Funding is increasingly difficult in today’s environment but essential for groups to survive and thrive, so putting a face to a funder is of real value and gives confidence to groups to be robust and succeed in their funding strategies. The next networking event in East Grinstead will take place September 2027, but meanwhile, please see here for our full listing of events including sector forums.

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News Update Ashdown Probus Club is making early preparations for its Christmas lunch at the Crowborough Beacon Golf Club, where its monthly lunches are held, after an active year of activities. These have included a revival of the annual picnic, attended by over 30 members and partners, golf competitions, visits to two London livery companies, each followed by lunch, and visits to local dramatic productions in Groombridge and Tunbridge Wells. In addition, there have been a regular programme of monthly walks by three walking groups, each walk generally followed by a pub lunch. A President's lunch at

an Eastbourne hotel next March concludes the annual programme cycle. The club is open to men and women who are retired or partly retired and who have been either professionals or business people. Membership is centred on Crowborough but representatives also come from Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead, Heathfield, Rotherfield, Uckfield, Wadhurst, Nutley and Eastbourne and surrounding villages. Anyone interested in joining the club should either approach a member or apply online to info@ashdownprobus.org.uk

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Roxy from BBC’s The Traitors highlights how adoption can give children the security and love of family life A new campaign ‘Every Day is Everything’ featuring The Traitors star Roxy Hotchkiss is encouraging more people to consider adoption and discover how the everyday moments of family life can mean everything to a child.

Judy Wilson and Roxy Wilson

Roxy Hotchkiss, who appeared on the BBC’s hit programme The Traitors, has spoken openly about her experience of adoption and the difference having a permanent family made to her childhood. Roxy and Judy are among those featured in Every Day is Everything, a new film from the national You Can Adopt campaign, which celebrates the ordinary moments of family life and the extraordinary difference they can make to children who have experienced uncertainty. Roxy said: “Being adopted by my mum gave me the stability, security and unconditional love every child should have – hearing the words ‘love you’ before bed each night and knowing someone is always going to be there for me. For a child who has experienced instability, those things mean everything.”

Judy Wilson, Roxy’s adoptive mum said: "Through my work, I'd seen firsthand how much children need stability, love and a place to truly belong. But it wasn't until I became Roxy's mum that I really understood how powerful the ordinary, everyday moments can be. As soon as I met Roxy, I fell in love with her, and so did my three boys. From that moment on, she was simply our daughter. “Looking back, it's the smaller things that stand out most to me – hearing the children laughing together, sharing family meals and simply being there for one another day after day. Life wasn't perfect. Our house was busy, noisy and often chaotic, but it was full of love, fun and support. Those everyday moments helped Roxy feel secure, valued and that she truly belonged. “Adopting Roxy was the best thing I've ever done. Seeing the confident, caring woman and mum Continued on next page

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Diagrama Adoption continued from previous page she has become reminds me that every child deserves the security and sense of belonging that growing up in a permanent family provides."

children needing permanent families and the number of people coming forward to adopt. For Roxy, those everyday moments of family life became part of the childhood she could rely on. For another child waiting for adoption, they could be the beginning of a completely new chapter.

For the Diagrama Adoption team, Roxy’s story is a powerful reminder of the positive impact adoption can have. Adoption gives children who cannot return to their birth families the opportunity to grow up in a safe, secure and permanent family, surrounded by the love and consistency that can help them thrive.

Diagrama Adoption supports children and families throughout the adoption journey, from the initial enquiry and assessment through to post-adoption support and they are encouraging anyone who has ever wondered whether they could adopt to take that first, informal step to find out more at one of their online information events.

Kate Patel, Head of Fostering and Adoption at Diagrama Foundation, said: “Roxy’s story beautifully illustrates what adoption can give a child. It is not about grand gestures; it is about being there, day after day, and creating the ordinary family moments that many of us take for granted. “We want people to see adoption as a positive journey and to understand that you do not have to be a perfect parent, own your own home or have everything worked out before you get in touch. What matters is being able to offer a child love, commitment, patience and a safe place to call home.” The need for more adoptive families remains significant. New analysis published as part of the You Can Adopt campaign highlights a growing difference between the number of

To find out more about adoption visit www.diagramaadoption.org.uk To sign up to a free Adoption Information Event visit www.diagramaadoption.org.uk/events Diagrama Adoption is a voluntary independent, adoption agency, dedicated to finding loving families who can offer a permanent home for children across London, Kent, Sussex and Surrey. Diagrama Foundation is a Kent-based charity that supports vulnerable children, young people, and adults to live their best life. Its services include Duckyls Farm, a 100-acre care home in West Sussex for residents with learning disabilities.

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Local hospice seeks volunteer van drivers to power Christmas Tree Collection St Catherine's Hospice is urgently seeking more than 30 volunteer drivers with access to a van to help collect and recycle hundreds of Christmas trees across Surrey and West Sussex this January, helping raise vital funds for local hospice care. Last year's appeal raised more than £24,000 for St Catherine's, and the charity hopes to exceed that total in 2026 with the help of volunteer drivers and collectors. Collections will take place on 9, 11 and 12 January, with volunteers able to choose from a range of shifts. Volunteer drivers will be given a planned route for their van and will typically collect around 40 trees from local households each shift. Volunteers can sign up for one shift, one day or multiple collection days. If you don’t have a van but want to get involved, you can! St Catherine’s is also keen to hear from people who can volunteer as assistants to help van drivers collect Christmas trees, or at one of the drop-off sites across Surrey and Sussex. Emma Collins, Events and Campaigns Fundraiser at St Catherine's, said: "We're looking for more than 30 volunteer drivers who can bring along their van, and another 30 volunteer assistants, to make our

Volunteer van drivers helping collect Christmas trees across West Sussex and East Surrey

Christmas Tree Collection a success. Every tree collected helps raise vital funds that helps us deliver our specialist palliative and end-of-life care to our local community. "Last year the appeal raised more than £24,000, and with the support of our volunteers we hope to raise even more this January. Whether you can spare a morning, a day, or all three collection days, we'd love to hear from you." Andy Little, a volunteer driver who collected Christmas trees earlier this year, said: "St Catherine’s Hospice is very close to my heart after the care they Continued on next page

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Local Hospice seeks volunteer drivers continued rom previous page provided for my late mother. So, when I was asked to help with the Christmas tree collection, it was a pleasure to get involved. It was a great day, and I really enjoyed working alongside everyone while helping to raise vital funds for such an important charity.” Anyone with access to a van or keen to help with the collections to support St Catherine’s this January is encouraged to sign up at www.stch.org.uk/tree-collections St Catherine’s Hospice provides specialist palliative and end of life care to people living with a terminal or life-limiting condition and their families across West Sussex and East Surrey. Every year, the hospice cares for around 2,000 people living with a terminal or lifelimiting illness on its hospice Ward or out in the community. Visit our website: www.stch.org.uk

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HELP US GET TO WORLD JAMBOREE! An adventure of a lifetime! The next World Scout Jamboree is just around the corner, and East Grinstead Scouts are on a mission to make it there. We need YOUR help to get us to Poland in August 2027! The World Scout Jamboree is the ultimate scouting event that brings together Scouts from all over the world for ten days of unforgettable fun, adventure, and learning. The very first Jamboree was held back in 1920 in London, England, with 8,000 Scouts from 34 countries. Since then, it's become a global tradition that takes place every four years in different parts of the world. From camping and hiking to community service, skill-building challenges, and cultural exchanges, it's the kind of event that creates memories that last a lifetime. And guess what? The next one is happening in Gdansk, Poland, and it’s even more special because it marks the 120th anniversary of Scouting! We can’t wait to be a part of this historic event, but we need your support to make it happen.

Continued on next page

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World Jamboree continued from previous page Meet the East Grinstead Reps: Scarlett, Austin & Hayden! We’re super excited to introduce the three amazing Scouts from East Grinstead who have been selected to represent our community at the World Jamboree. After an intense selection process, Scarlett, Austin, and Hayden have been chosen to join the West Sussex contingent, a group of Scouts from across the area who will travel and camp together at the event. The Goal: Fundraising for Travel & Gear! Getting to the World Jamboree is no small feat. It requires a lot of planning, preparation, and most importantly, fundraising! Scarlett, Austin, and Hayden, along with the rest of the West Sussex Scouts, will be raising money to cover travel costs, camping gear, and all the equipment they’ll need for this epic journey. We’ve got some awesome fundraising ideas lined up already, from bake sales to sponsored events, but we’ll need the help of the entire community to hit our target. Every penny raised will go directly toward making this dream a reality for our Scouts.

Visit the World’ s Scout Jamboree website to find out more 25

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Courage Beyond the Battlefield: The Medals of Sir Archibald McIndoe A significant collection of medals awarded to Sir Archibald McIndoe CBE, the pioneering plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Queen Victoria Hospital (QVH), East Grinstead, was presented for public display at East Grinstead Museum on Tuesday 15 September. During Sir Archibald’s distinguished career, he was awarded an impressive collection of medals honouring his innovative work, which are now on longterm loan to the museum. These medals have generously been donated by Nicholas McIndoe Walters, grandson of Sir Archibald, on behalf of the McIndoe family.

to lead fulfilling and productive lives”. Come and see this new collection of medals on your next visit to the museum. Discover the fascinating stories behind the medal collection, inspired by new research by Nicholas McIndoe Walters highlighting their personal histories.

The unveiling of the medals at the museum and their formal presentation took place on, Tuesday 15th September, Battle of Britain Day. Andy Bliss, Chair of East Grinstead Museum said, “Today we honour the formidably brave RAF and Allied aircrews who fought for the nation’s survival during the Battle of Britain. It is fitting today also to honour Sir Archibald McIndoe and his brilliant team of medics at the QVH, men and women, who pressed medical science forward to help some of the most seriously injured survivors rebuild their lives. We are proud to display these medals which honour a great man and a great team who enabled these heroes

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LINGFIELD OLD TOWN By Bill Stevenson previously the original Star Inn. It was closed around 1935 when the brewery built the present Star In in Church Road. The Star Cottages were originally three shops; their original windows can be seen although now blocked-up. Past these buildings you come to Church Gate Cottage. This is Grade 2 listed and was also a shop dating from the end of the 16th Century. In the early part of the 20th Century, it was a sweet shop.

Lingfield Old Town is the glory of Lingfield. It is located in a short street between Church Road and Lingfield Parish Church. It is a collection of listed buildings, which once were the commercial centre of Lingfield. The first building on your left as you leave Church Road is Pollards House and Cottage. Originally built towards the end of the 15th century, the projection at the front was built around 1500 to act as a butcher’s shop (the barn at the back was the slaughterhouse). It remained as such until well after WW2. It is grade 1 listed and is of national importance as it is a very rare example of a medieval shop. Facing Pollards are the Star Cottages and Church House. These buildings date from the early 18th century and are grade 2 listed. Church House was

Facing Church Gate Cottage is Old Town House, a Grade 2 listed timber framed house dating from the end of the 16th Century. It was a grocer’s until well after WW2. The part of the house nearest the churchyard was burnt down in 1900 and the present structure, with the large windows, was re-built around 1910. Behind this building is Old Town Cottage, which can be viewed from the churchyard. It was possibly originally connected to Old Town House and dates from the early 17th Century. Our next talk is on Monday 9th November at the Jennings Hall, behind the Community Centre in the High Street, Lingfield. Jeremy Clarke will speak about Continued on next page

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Lingfield Old Town continued from previous page “The Rudds and Raikes of Felbridge Park”. The talks start at 8pm, with doors open from 7:30pm. Prior to the talk the Hayward History Centre will briefly hold its Annual Meeting. Non-members are very welcome to attend our meetings - there is a £2.50 charge for visitors. For more details of future talks, see the “Events” page on our website, “rh7.org”. If you have any historical queries about our area the please contact us by email at mailto:rh7histsoc@gmail.com.

Five reasons we should all care about stopping poverty here in East Grinstead At Christians Against Poverty (CAP), we believe that tackling UK poverty should be on everybody’s priority list. Here are five reasons why.

Millions are going without essentials Every person should have access to the basic essentials they need to survive, such as food and a warm, safe home, but millions in the UK are skipping meals or going without heating and electricity. With positive actions we can help one household at a time out of debt and poverty and strengthen our communities.

One in five of us lives in poverty Millions of people across the UK currently live in poverty and it’s on our doorstep here in East Grinstead. We may not always see it but there are families in our area who are struggling with spiralling debts and are unable to afford their basic needs. This is an issue that’s much bigger, and much closer, than you might realise.

Our future is at risk Of the millions living in poverty in the UK, many are children. We know that financial difficulty affects all aspects of childhood, including schoolwork and friendships. With so many children at risk of falling behind in life, there will be an inevitable impact on the future of our society if we don’t work together to tackle poverty and give kids the best opportunity to thrive and be successful in life.

It impacts our local health services The negative effect of severe financial difficulty on a person’s physical and mental health directly impacts other public services, such as the NHS and mental health support. Many of those who seek debt help from CAP tell us their financial situation has affected their health in some way. For some, it worsened an existing condition, while it caused new health problems for others.

Continued on next page

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Christians against Poverty continued from previous page Ending UK poverty will take all of us It’s crucial that MPs from all political parties have tackling poverty as a high priority on their agenda. You can join CAP’s campaigning community at capuk.org/campaign to receive regular updates on how you can take part in the fight against poverty. Worried About Debt or Financial Difficulties? CAP is committed to fighting poverty and helping people to gain control of their finances. Visit capuk.org/help to find out more. The East Grinstead CAP Debt Centre supports East Grinstead and all the surrounding villages offering free, confidential, face-to-face debt help. You’re not alone. We’re here to help! Call FREE on 0800 328 0006

News update from Dormansland YWI So in December we have Pete Allen coming to talk to us about the History of Pantomine. Oh yes, he is!!!

September saw some last-minute changes to our organised schedule, and we were very grateful to Susan Howe for stepping in at the last minute to tell us about “The Indiscreet Revelations of a Tour Guide” which was totally fascinating.

We will also be getting in the Christmas spirit with our now memorable ‘Xmas gift’ game. We are already planning the meetings for the beginning of ’27. They will be including games, a war correspondent and plenty more!

October has informed us all about scams and frauds and how to protect ourselves, hopefully we are all more aware of how we can look after our finances better and keep them and ourselves safe. November will see us bracing ourselves to get our pelvic floors in good order - in a fun way! This will take place after our AGM. A group of us will be travelling to the West End in November, to see Moulin Rouge! Obviously, we have begun to think about Christmas! Omg, I have said it!!

We always like to welcome new members to our meetings which are held at Parish Rooms in The Platt at 8.00pm usually on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. If you would like more information, please contact us via the membership enquiry on the website or call Fiona on 07836 334794. Our full meeting schedule and information about the subgroups can also be found on our website at www.ywidormansland.org.uk.

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

East Surrey Council – An Update By Councillor Nick Greenfield East Surrey Council, Lingfield Ward One key recent decision was to approve Woodhatch Place in Reigate as the new Council's main office. This is potentially a short-term arrangement but provides a practical and costeffective base, ensuring we can operate from day one while longerterm property plans are developed.

On 7 September, Angela Rayner told Parliament that decisions on Local Government Reform had been withdrawn in 4 areas and put on pause in 16 more whilst a review is carried out. As a result, local elections scheduled for May 2027 in East and West Sussex will go ahead as normal using existing Council boundaries, rather than being replaced by a new unitary council.

It is good to have certainty that East Surrey Council will continue to take over in April 2027. What is less clear is the nature of the information that the Government has which caused them to pause elsewhere. There is clearly legal advice (which they are entitled to withhold) but also financial or other advice about the risks of creating new councils such as ours. Are we, in effect, Guinea Pigs? It is hard to tell.

The existence of our own East Surrey Council will not be directly affected, and work continues to ensure a safe and legal transfer of the existing Council services to the new Council on 1 April 2027. On 20 May 2026, we agreed on an implementation plan which has three phases. Good progress has been made. The plan is closely monitored and updated as we go along. We are now in its last phase – reviewing the configuration of services and providing blueprints for the takeover in April.

This is not a party-political issue. If there are potential problems, we deserve to be told what they are so that we can plan ahead.

Existing Council officers continue to work hard to give us the information we need, and recommendations have been made about how services should be split between East and West Surrey. Many will have to remain hosted for some time by East Surrey, whilst used by both East and West. A good example of this is the numerous IT systems which may take as long as three years to fully unravel.

I raised a Motion at our full Council meeting on 24 September asking that the Leader of the Council do write to the Minister to seek more information. Unfortunately, the Motion was defeated with 17 for, 38 against and 3 abstentions. I will therefore write my own letter to the Minister and let you know what, if any, response I receive.

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

In last month’s magazine article, I mentioned that we at the Feelgood Station were celebrating our 4th birthday. We are very proud to tell you that we now regularly reach over 6000 listeners from all over the world, not a bad achievement for an Internet Radio Station run locally and for such a short amount of time! So, what makes us so popular? Well, for one thing, we are proud to be different from many of the mainline radio stations. Being independent, we can broadcast exactly what we like without any of the restrictions imposed upon the presenters at some of the other stations and each of OUR wonderful presenters, whilst totally embracing our feel-good principles, have their own ideas about what makes a great radio show. This is why every show is so individual and why we can broadcast such a very wide range of musical entertainment combined with fun, chat and fascinating facts! Lester Jones and I, for example, host a Morning Magazine Show every weekday morning when we choose a theme and come up with all sorts of music and quirky facts related to it. Lester and I are also ‘In our Lounge’ on a Sunday afternoon, when we remember what life, childhood, and entertainment was like back in the 50s. We both bring you our own shows, too, on Saturdays when I take a Look at Love and Romance in the morning and Lester hosts The Junior Fishing Show in the evening. For more information about these and the many other shows on our station, or to see our Timetable on our Facebook page or visit our website thefeelgoodstation.uk You can listen to us there as well or find us on our own App, Deezer, Simple Radio or Alexa Skills. Our shows are also available on Mixcloud.

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

Crawley resident urges community: "Don't leave hospice care to chance" This Hospice Care Week (5 - 11 October), St Catherine's Hospice is joining hospices across the UK to urge people not to leave hospice care to chance. As demand for end-of-life care continues to grow, the charity is highlighting the vital difference hospice support makes to local families and the importance of community support in securing its future. Hospice care eases the physical and emotional pain of death and dying, helping people focus on living, right until the end. But Hospice UK warns that nearly one in three people in the UK do not get the care they need at the end of their lives, and where someone lives can affect their chance of getting the support they need.

Caption: Crawley resident Bob, who is supporting Hospice Care Week, with his wife Heather who was cared for by St Catherine's "On the Sunday before she passed away, things were desperate, and I was struggling. Once Heather was on the Ward at the hospice, I knew that she would be in the professional hands of their caring staff. "The nurses couldn't do enough. The whole way that the room was set out, the facilities, the advice available; it was amazing. My children and I spent as much time as we could with Heather, we were always made to feel welcome.

Crawley resident, Bob Beeson, is joining St Catherine's call for the community to help ensure everyone who needs hospice care can access it, now and in the future.

"The care, attention and love we received was just amazing. It was, I felt, the end that Heather deserved."

Bob shares his family's experience of hospice care after his wife Heather spent her final days on St Catherine's Ward:

Bob shares how his experience of hospice care goes beyond end of life:

"When I needed the extra help in the last few days of Heather's life, St Catherine's were there for us.

Continued on next page

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

St Catherines Hospice continued from previous page "I cared for Heather at home for as long as possible. Nurses from St Catherine's Community Team would come and visit every couple of weeks to assess Heather's condition. They were always there in the background, so I knew they were there when we needed them.

"This Hospice Care Week, we're asking people to remember that hospice care doesn't happen by chance. It's made possible thanks to communities that choose to support their local hospice. Every donation, volunteer hour and fundraising effort helps ensure we're there for local families when they need us most."

"Three months after Heather passed away, I got an invitation to attend group bereavement support sessions at St Catherine's. I didn't hesitate. The sessions put everything into perspective. It was very comforting to understand the grief process and helped me see it in a different light. The whole experience was surprisingly enjoyable, as well as informative, reassuring and comforting. It was amazing."

Help St Catherine’s be there through the precious memories, final goodbyes and moments after. Every donation matters when time is short: www.stch.org.uk/donate

Paula McGoveney, Director of Income Generation and Marketing from St Catherine's Hospice, says: "Hospice care transforms lives, helping people live well for as long as possible and ensuring families receive the support they need before and after a loved one's death. "Government funding only covers around a third of the cost of delivering our care. The generosity of local people is what enables us to continue providing our specialist support for patients and their families across West Sussex and East Surrey.

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

The Art of Getting Stuck Maths tutor, Helen Chisholm’s monthly column gives valuable tips on how to excel or help your children excel at maths

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One of the most important things children can learn in maths isn't a particular method or formula; it is what to do when they don't know the answer straight away.

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Sometimes simply changing the question from “What's the answer?” to “What could I try?” can make a huge difference.

For some children, getting stuck can feel like failure. They may immediately say, “I can't do it!” or wait for someone to tell them what to do. But being stuck is actually a very normal and valuable part of learning. It gives children an opportunity to think, try different approaches and develop resilience.

Building Resilience Learning to persevere through a tricky maths problem develops skills that extend far beyond mathematics. Children learn that finding something difficult doesn't mean they aren't capable—it means they are learning something new. Celebrating the thinking, effort and perseverance involved, rather than simply praising a correct answer, can help build this mindset.

Productive Struggle In maths, we sometimes talk about productive struggle. This means giving children enough time and encouragement to wrestle with a problem before stepping in to help. It doesn't mean leaving them frustrated for ages! Instead, it means allowing them to experience that moment of “I'm not sure…” and then helping them find a way forward.

The next time your child gets stuck on a maths question, resist the temptation to immediately provide the answer. Instead, give them some thinking time and ask, “What could you try next?”

What Can I Try? When a child is stuck, encourage them to ask themselves a few simple questions:

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Can I try a simpler example? Can I use a different method? Can I work backwards?

Sometimes, the most valuable part of a maths problem isn't reaching the answer—it's discovering that you can find a way through.

What do I already know? Can I draw a picture or diagram?

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

Meridian Rotary’s Local Fundraising Project 2026/2027 garden area to grow and harvest fruit, vegetables and flowers and in doing so create a wellbeing garden. Long term, a café is envisaged where students can sell to the staff and community, developing their entrepreneurial and communication skills.

Following Meridian Rotary’s appeal for fundraising projects, we received 17 requests. They were all reviewed and some of the smaller ones have already received funds from us. Of the larger projects, the Club felt it would be appropriate to support the youth of East Grinstead. We are excited to announce that we have chosen a project at Sackville School where they hope to create a dedicated Vocational skills and Wellness Centre in the unused school bungalow and associated garden. This will provide students with a safe, welcoming and purposeful environment in which to learn, grow and develop essential life skills. The centre will offer practical learning opportunities, including trade skills, basic food preparation, gardening and outdoor education, alongside activities that support emotional wellbeing, resilience, confidence and positive relationships. This innovative space will help re-engage students who may struggle in a traditional classroom setting, improve their engagement and self-belief, and equip them with valuable skills for future education, apprenticeships, employment and independent living.

With support from our town residents and businesses, we can enable Sackville School to create a nurturing, inclusive and inspiring facility that makes a lasting difference to the lives of our young people.

Plans include creation of an outdoor workshop and development of the

QR Code for the Just Giving page

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

Endless Love A true story by local author Bonx Trigwell A call came many years ago from a neighbour in the High Street that an elderly resident who was 91 was finding it hard to manage her garden and could I help.

‘Yes; it was dear’ she said with misty eyes, ‘Myself and John, he was an army Captain and a very proud and kind man you know, used to stay there during the first world war and we stayed in the Sackville suite on the third floor; the view of the garden, and especially the Ashdown forest was breathtaking’

After working for most of the day she was so pleased she asked me to stay for dinner that night as she was cooking beef Bourguignon; her late husband’s favourite.

‘I can just imagine’ I agreed, sipping from a glass of Château Mouton Rothschild, and the label on the bottle said 1916.

As we tucked into a most excellent meal she looked at me and smiled.

‘And of course the summer house at the bottom of the garden... Well!’ she said with excited eyes.

‘I remember being your age’ she said, with a twinkle in her eye.

‘I’m intrigued; tell me more?’

‘Do you drink in the Dorset Arms?’ she added.

She giggled lightly, blinking her age weary eyes and put down her silver fork.

‘Oh yes’ I replied.

‘We used to go down to the oval summer house at midnight; too... you know?’

‘Of course I remember it as a girl; twenty-one I was and it was the most majestic and resplendent Hotel in the South; Persian carpets, crystal chandeliers and the most exquisite service I had ever experienced’

‘For a midnight feast?’ I enquired innocently.

Continued on next page

‘Sounds like fun’ I smiled.

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

Endless Love continued from previous page ‘Hey, are you okay?’

‘No, you silly young man, to make love as we didn’t want to disturb the other guests at the Hotel’ she chuckled.

‘He... he... he never came back you know’ ‘I’m so sorry’ I said and reached out and took her frail bony hand which was cold, and shaking.

‘Oh... okay then’ I laughed. ‘The Summer house was immaculately furnished and there was a big old couch; the pattern was of huge red and white roses and it was so very comfortable as I seem to recall’

Three months later Lucy passed away and her cottage was sold on; at the same time the Dorset Arms Hotel had closed and was being revamped as a public house and offices for a major wine distribution company.

She giggled again and took a deep sip of wine.

The garden out the back had become a jungle and was unapproachable as the storms of 1987 had caused total destruction and after tree surgeons had removed most of the broken and twisted wood, I was called in the redesign the garden.

‘Of course no-one knew of our passionate encounters but we used to make love until the sunrise and sneak back to our suite just in time for breakfast’

On a cold December morning I noticed a large Holly tree, covered in bright red berries and there was a white dove feasting away on the succulent fruits. .. and behind that was an oval structure that had remained hidden for over 75 years.

I looked at her and her face was incandescent. ‘Of course the next day John was shipped off as the war in France was coming to a close; he had proposed to me on the couch and we were set to marry in the coming months’

I trimmed the holly back and behind it was the remains of the oval summer house and two huge trees had crashed through its roof and destroyed almost the entire building.

Her face suddenly turned very sombre and a tear leaked from her eye.

Continued on next page

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

Endless Love continued from previous page But on the back wall was a tatty couch with a red and white rose pattern; it was rotten and mildewed and the wooden frame had disintegrated. But next to that was a small table, and on it there stood a gleaming crystal vase. As the sun broke through the cloud illuminating the ruin, in the vase was one red rose and one white rose; they looked like they had just been placed there moments ago. I took the roses and, cutting them off leaving about eight inches above the leaf node, I planted them in a secure place in the Portland garden; where they still reside to this day and every year produce some of the most beautiful and fragrant roses I have ever seen.

Artist of the Month

Sue Gail I have painted under the name of Sue Gail since I was 15. I've always spent a lot of time painting and drawing and knew that's what I wanted to do when I left school. Unfortunately, my Secondary Modern school didn't allow students in the more academic classes of each year to take Art, but my parents fought for me to be able to and so I finally sat it and passed in 1966.

and enrolled at the end of that year. The Harrow School of Art and Technology was starting a new course on Drawing and Painting, which is what I wanted. Living in Hertfordshire I didn't qualify for a grant to a Middlesex School but my parents paid my first year fees and equipment and then on the strength of my first year's work I won a grant for the remaining two years.

I needed 4 G.C.E passes to apply for my chosen Art School, but forsaking some classes in order to take Art, I only got two others but nevertheless, on the strength of my Art folio that I took to my interview, I was accepted,

In 1969 I passed my exam in all the subjects studied, which included drawing and painting for illustrations. Printing processes, such as silk screen, etching and lithography. Lettering, type setting Continued on next page

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

Sue Gail continued from previous page on a press, anatomy study. The colour wheel and perspective and Art appreciation. Then came the task of walking your work around the Studios to find a job. I was offered 3 in different studios in London but as I was by now also engaged, I didn't want my meagre starting wage to be used up in train fares. So eventually I accepted a job, not in Art but a huge wood veneer Showroom in London but with a reasonable wage. I spent a year doing that, as well as marrying in the Summer and then went to work in a fabric and haberdashery shop in Gerrards Cross which saved a lot on travel. I did the odd commission painting though having found great enjoyment in Drawing and or painting Architecture, and so I did house portraits. Then we moved to Slough when my husband changed his job in the Police force to Traffic. There I joined a local Art Society and was able to do regular exhibiting and sold pretty well. I still worked in a store selling dress fabrics in Slough and learnt to dress out the stands which was fun. By now I had three sons, so life was pretty hectic. My husband left the police force and became a coach driver. In 1986 my mother died and my father moved in with us but eventually we moved to Somerset. The Arts were wonderful there. I was able to steward at the Art Centre as well as have my 43 own

exhibitions there, and later a regular exhibition at a gallery in town. A different Art group meant new opportunities, and I also joined the committee. I was asked to do a series of illustrations with chat about the locality in Dorset for The Dorset Life Magazine When my marriage ended, I was living in a small village in Dorset. I ran an art class there once a week, as well continuing exhibitions. Eventually meeting my now husband and moving to Crawley down in the Southeast. At 77 I don’t do as much as I used to, but the sketch book still comes in handy.

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

Cheers to 15 years Crowborough care home toasts anniversary with afternoon tea party Heather View residents Juliet, Rosalind, Pat, Carol and Jean celebrating with team members A care home in Crowborough has pulled out all the stops to mark a special anniversary.

Sadie Hudson, Home Manager at Heather View, added: “It was a fantastic day celebrating our 15th birthday, made even more special by the wonderful music and the beautiful decorations.

It was celebration time at Care UK’s Heather View on Beacon Road, as residents and team members came together to honour the home’s 15th birthday with an afternoon tea party.

“The past 15 years have been filled with so many special moments for residents, families and team members. We’ve achieved accreditation from the Veterans Friendly Framework, were named among the top homes in the country, and have hosted countless parties for the community. Above all, it has been incredible to work alongside such a dedicated and compassionate team who make a real difference every day.

Residents and guests tapped their feet to live entertainment from Keith Hayman, who performed a host of nostalgic tunes. Everyone enjoyed delicious dishes, specially made by the home’s talented head chef, alongside a slice of birthday cake. Resident Juliet Rinkel, 84, said: "We had such a lovely afternoon, dancing with my friends and sitting down after working up an appetite to enjoy a lovely afternoon tea. The fruit scone and Victoria sponge were my favourites!"

“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to our team for making this a wonderful place to call home. This was definitely a birthday to remember!” Continued on next page

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

Cheers to 15 Years continued from previous page Heather View has been designed to deliver the highest standards of care and enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, and has plenty of space for activities. Facilities include a pub, music room, hair and beauty salon and cinema room. For more information about Heather View and to book your place at the event, please contact Customer Relations Manager Amy Gullett on 01892 882 154, email amy.gullett@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/heather-view

Secure your place on St Catherine's unforgettable Sahara Trek With just over a year to go until St Catherine's Hospice's exciting 40km Trek the Sahara challenge, adventurers are being encouraged to secure one of the few remaining places. From 3 to 8 November 2027, a small team of St Catherine’s supporters will journey across one of the world's most iconic landscapes, experiencing rolling golden dunes, stunning sunsets and unforgettable nights beneath the stars, all while raising vital funds for local hospice care. To explain the challenge in more detail, the hospice is Continued on next page

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

St Catherines Sahara Trek continued from previous page hosting an Information Evening on Tuesday 3 November 2026 at 7pm at their site in Pease Pottage. The event is open to anyone keen to find out more.

Emma Collins, Events and Campaigns Fundraiser at St Catherine’s, says: "We're thrilled that our trekkers will have the opportunity to experience such an incredible adventure while supporting local hospice care. Every step they take across the desert will help raise vital funds, enabling St Catherine's to continue to support families, carers and loved ones through the hardest days and nights."

Nik Dargue cared for his wife Jo at home at the end of her life, with the support of St Catherine's Hospice Community Team. He shares how he was inspired to sign up to Trek the Sahara in November 2027 in her memory:

To learn more about the challenge and register your place at the Information Evening, visit: https://www.stch.org.uk/event/trek-thesahara-2027-information-evening

"Jo was a hugely positive person, a great motivator and a real character. I'm doing Trek the Sahara in Jo's memory. I know she would be proud of me for trying new things and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

Get Well Soon JJ!

"By taking on this challenge, I'm opening the door to new experiences, new friendships and new opportunities. Giving something back to St Catherine's is immensely rewarding. Knowing that I'm giving to such a great cause and doing something good to help other people is beneficial for mind, body and soul."

Our valued columnist JJ Suttle, who is probably the country’s youngest food reviewer, is currently poorly with tonsillitis. Hence, no Epic Eats review in this issue. Hopefully, JJ will be back in November with another great review!

The support people get from hospices is invaluable. St Catherine's supported us when our whole world was turned upside down, so it's a no-brainer for me – of course I would support the charity that provided me with such an incredible service."

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

East Grinstead Jazz Festival Winning Photos East Grinstead Jazz Festival were very grateful to the Camera Club for taking up the challenge of photographing the festival around town. Six of their club members took up the challenge to capture the vibrant showcase of jazz. The photographers took almost 300 shots over the course of the festival. The festival organisers Jenny Green and David Kent ran a competition to find the best two pictures taken, which was no easy job! The first prize went to Andrew Brook for these two photos capturing the essence of the festival. The Jive Aces in the High Street and The Gospel Workshop participants.

2nd prize went to Paul Stuart for this photograph, showing the interaction between the musicians Jazz Africa! Concert on the Saturday night. Plans are underway for the town’s fourth Jazz Festival, taking place next year from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th August. The festival is seeking sponsors and volunteers who would like to support this exciting and growing event. For more information, visit https://www.eastgrinsteadj azzfestival.com

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

Lights, camera, action! East Grinstead care home hosts cinema club A care home in East Grinstead is welcoming the local community to a cinema club. On Monday 9th November, from 2pm–4pm, local people are invited to attend Care UK’s Mill View’s cinema club, on Sunnyside Close. During the sessions, which take place on the second Monday of every month, attendees will be shown a variety of classic ‘feel-good’ films in the comfort of the care home’s cinema, a safe, social and supportive environment. The initiative is designed to encourage those living alone who may be feeling isolated to come together to rewatch their favourite films and connect with others.

community, including those living with dementia and their loved ones caring for them. Watching older films has a multitude of benefits. Our cinema helps to combat loneliness and enables people who may not be able to get to the cinema enjoy a good film in a comfortable setting. The cinema helps people engage comfortably with others by telling stories and sharing thoughts. These sessions can also enable those caring for a loved one to meet others in a similar position, to show them they are not alone, and to allow them a space where they can share their experiences and feel supported too.

Family carers will also have the opportunity to meet others in a similar position, share experiences with one another and benefit from the expertise of the Mill View team. Visitors can enjoy refreshments during the film, as well as coffee and cake in the home’s café afterwards. Trish Banks, Home Manager at Mill View, said: “Here at Mill View, we strive to create a sense of belonging within the home and the wider

Continued on next page

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

Lights, camera, action! Continued from previous page "We look forward to welcoming the local community to our cinema club!" Mill View has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. It features state-of-the-art facilities including a cinema, hair and beauty salon and pub. For more information about Mill View, please email Customer Relations Manager Beverly Jordan at mailto:beverly.jordan@careuk.com, call 01342 590 415 or visit careuk.com/mill-view.

Passkeys: a double-edge saviour by Roger Lyon The end of passwords is in sight.

Sadly, other people can still break these systems with some ingenuity, whether by directing you to fake websites, diverting SMS messages, or simply wearing one down through repeated app alerts.

You may have seen the signs recently when logging into email or shopping sites: “create a passkey”. This is the new shiny toy for securing your accounts. What are passkeys, and are they the solution to online security? Read on…

Passkeys are intended to replace passwords: no password to lose, no second factor to manage. One day you can chuck away that password book…but not quite yet.

Passwords, while they are the bane of our lives, are a pretty smart idea: something you and another party both know that enables access to a service. The problem is that anyone with the password can pretend to be you. And the temptation to re-use the same password has been immense. On the road to mitigating passwords’ weaknesses, we have got used to supplying a second passcode, such as from an authenticator app or SMS message.

How they work is really simple: your device creates a pair of big numbers that are related through some complex mathematics as cryptographic keys. The website stores one, while the other remains a secret on your device. When you sign in, your device proves that it possesses that secret key through the same complex mathematics but Continued on next page

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

Passkeys continued from previous page without revealing the key. This is great: secure access with nothing to remember!

even if they cannot extract the passkey itself. Do enable good security access such as a passcode.

At a stroke, this defeats most phishing attacks. There is no password for the attacker to steal, and the passkey is tied to the genuine website.

Synchronising passkeys between your devices is a good idea, if only as insurance in case one device stops working.

This means that it cannot simply be handed to a convincing fake website.

Passkeys are often synchronised through a password-manager account such as Apple, Google or Microsoft offer. That synchronising account is really important and needs to have robust account recovery information to protect you well.

Other, more hidden threats are also reduced, such as attackers re-using old authentication data. And if hackers break into websites, your password will not be there for them to steal. That all sounds ideal. What is the reality? The transition to passkeys is going to be filled with fraudulent emails inviting you to create a passkey for your account by clicking on an inviting link…

Here is a basic checklist to help you protect your new herd of passkeys: use a strong device PIN or password; keep operating systems updated; secure your email accounts and review recovery options to ensure they are up to date;

Watch out! While some will be genuine, fraudulent ones will attempt to give the fraudster their own passkey access into your account. To avoid this, go directly to the account website, not through a link in any email.

and remove lost or obsolete device access promptly. Enjoy the fading memory of all those wonderful passwords…

What is the cost of passkeys? They put considerable reliance on the security of your device, whether phone or computer.

Roger Lyon is the proprietor

If someone gains access to your device, they may be able to act as you

RL Computer Solutions

of East Grinstead-based

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

A LETTER TO NICE PEOPLE by Steve Cook

I thought it timely to remind you That being nice isn’t being feeble, There’s power in things well meant. For kindness requires brave people And gentleness some strength. So be not ashamed, be bolder, Pour coals on your good intent, For our culture rests on your shoulders And without your endeavour, it’s spent!

Dear Editor A couple of weeks ago, my uncle Simon was told he had to go to jail. From that point on he became surly and downright aggressive and well-nigh impossible to get along with. His behaviour got so unpleasant that in the end we had to have a family meeting. We decided that his being sent to jail was no fault of ours and there was no excuse for his taking it out on the rest of the family. We were all pretty much agreed that he had left us no choice and as a family resolved that we would never play Monopoly with Uncle Simon again.

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

East Grinstead Shines at the Andy Ripley Memorial Run! Electric atmosphere, October sunshine and a town full of community spirit!

And they certainly weren't doing it alone! The encouragement from supporters, the enthusiasm of the volunteers and the buzz around the event created something truly special. From those taking their first steps into 10K running to seasoned runners who love being part of the race, everyone belonged. It was a wonderful reminder that community events are about so much more than the activity itself — they're about people coming together, supporting one another and celebrating what can be achieved collectively.

What a day! On Sunday 4th October, East Grinstead came together for the annual East Grinstead 10K, the Andy Ripley Memorial Run, organised and run by East Grinstead Run Club. And what a fantastic event it was! This year was extra special, with a recordbreaking 403 runners taking part — a wonderful milestone that reflects the growing popularity of the race and the fantastic support it receives from our local community. With temperatures feeling decidedly warm for October, the atmosphere was electric from start to finish. There was excitement, encouragement, laughter and an incredible sense of togetherness. East Grinstead was absolutely brilliant, with runners, volunteers, supporters and local businesses all playing their part in making the day such a huge success.

It really does take a village, and East Grinstead showed exactly how it's done! An event like this cannot happen without an enormous amount of support, and we are hugely grateful to our sponsors: Meridian Finance, Real Motion Sports Therapy and Pilates, Martell's, Gemcoe Asset Management and AEG Air Engineering Group.

One of the most special things about the 10K is that everyone has their own reason for being there. For some, it was the challenge of completing their very first 10K; for others, it was another opportunity to enjoy running, achieve a personal goal or simply soak up the atmosphere. Whatever their experience or motivation, every runner deserved to feel proud crossing that finish line.

Our thanks also go to Imberhorne School, DJ Terry (@euphoria_rock_), Liam at Sportssystems, Pulse South Coast Ambulance Team, Nice Work for our medals, the Lions Club for refreshments, West Sussex Rangers for use of the Worth Way, Graham at Continued next page

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

East Grinstead Shines continued from previous page Harlequine Photography and The Sign Company for our advertising materials. A special thank you to East Grinstead Waitrose for their generous donation of 400 bananas for the runners at the finish, as they so kindly do every year. We are also incredibly grateful to East Grinstead Runners and Being Neighbourly. Their marshals were essential to the event, and the race simply could not have happened without their time, dedication and support. Best of all, all money received goes to our local charities, Being Neighbourly and The Lions, meaning this wonderful event benefits our community beyond race day itself. To every runner, volunteer, marshal, sponsor, supplier, supporter and spectator — thank you! You helped create a day filled with energy, achievement and community pride. East Grinstead, you were fabulous. What a team, what an atmosphere and what a day to remember. We can't wait to do it all again next year!

The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

Girls’ football: recognising local talent and encouraging future players East Grinstead Town Football Club welcomed local school teams for the Under-16 Girls’ Mayor’s Cup on 1 October, with skill, team spirit and enjoyment at the heart of the occasion. Imberhorne overcame defending champions Sackville in a match that showcased the girls’ talent and enthusiasm. It was a celebration of local sporting ability and the pleasure of being part of a team. Competitions like the Mayor’s Cup offer girls the chance to represent their schools, test their skills and create lasting memories with their teammates. They can also inspire those on the sidelines to give football a go themselves. We want to build on that excitement by encouraging more girls in East Grinstead to try football, while exploring how girls and women can become involved in coaching and leadership across all sports. You do not need any previous playing experience to get started. You might want to learn something new, meet people or find a fun way to stay active. Whatever your reason, trying football could open the door to new friendships and experiences. There are plenty of ways to contribute beyond the pitch, too. Parents, older players and women in our community have encouragement, ideas and energy to offer. If coaching, supporting a team or stepping into a leadership role interests you, we would love you to explore the possibilities. Seeing women coach and lead can help girls imagine their own future in sport. Together, we can create a welcoming sporting community that supports and inspires the next generation. Interested in finding out more? Please email info@hermove.uk. Visit HerMove to find out more https://www.hermove.uk

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The Town Crier Issue 25 October 2026

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Crawley Down Ladies’ Choir Having returned for a new term on Monday 7th September with a "Come and Sing” evening the Crawley Down Ladies Choir is very pleased to have welcomed several new members. As the evenings continue to draw in we are busy practicing every Monday evening in the Birch Room at The Haven Centre with a new selection of carols and Christmas songs ready for our next concert, a matinée performance on 12th December starting at 2pm in the Dorothy Hatswell Hall at The Haven Centre, Hophurst Lane, Crawley Down. Sounds a long way off at the moment but it will be here quicker than we think so note the date on your calendar and watch out for more details soon. We do hope to see you there! For more information about the choir please see our website at: crawleydownladieschoir.co.uk

Goodbye for now The door is now open for your submissions for the November 2026 issue Please address all enquiries to egtowncrier@gmail.com 57