THE TOWN CRIER ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2025

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

The Town Crier

Serving the communities of East Grinstead, Forest Row, Hartfield, Ashurst Wood, Lingfield, Dormansland, Crawley Down, Felbridge, Newchapel and the surrounding areas

Issue 4 January 2025

Let’s help one another to do well and prosper 1

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Welcome to the January 2025 Issue of the Town Crier

It’s been an absolute pleasure putting this together, not least because it has enabled me to make the acquaintance of so many generous, able and public-spirited people.

It is my hope to grow the Town Crier itself into a vibrant grassroots community.

Communities flourish to the degree that their constituent members and groups are in good communication with one another and with their community as a whole.

And they become valuable in proportion to the good will and willingness to help of their members.

By those yardsticks, I’d say the community is in good shape despite the vagaries thrown at it by exterior influences.

The cover photograph and the one above are by our resident genius with a camera, East Grinstead photographer, Russell Prain.

Find him on Instagram.

Indeed, it seems to me that we may well be playing midwife to a new renaissance.

But I’ll leave you to form you own opinions. Take a look through the magazine and see the wealth and diversity of communication on offer.

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And don’t forget you can be part of it too if you aren’t already. Take a look around the Town Crier website that hosts this issue to find out how.

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Warmest regards,

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Steve Cook

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In this issue Here are just some of the rich selection of features in this issue. To find the rest please feel free to explore . . .

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Guerilla Knitters strike again as two more Pillar Boxes acquire Natty Hats Feel Real Good! Slimming World Lingfield & Dormansland The Man Who Killed England A Happy New Year from Mayor of East Grinstead Pet Care Tips by Portland Vets Learn, Grow, and Give Back - Community People .

Top Tips for Saving Money this Winter Forest Row Repair Cafe Dinosaurs may have worn Hats Plastic Elvis is back You don’t need a cape to save lives The East Grinstead Society Wellhealthy -Tips for staying well this Winter

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

£15 per lesson - pay when you drop in, don't pay when you don't.

Oil Painting and General Art Club (All levels of ability) MONDAYS - 10.30 to 12.30 am. For you if you wish to specialise in oil painting or if you want to use your own chosen medium but with help where you need it. I begin each session with a demonstration in oil painting.

How to Paint in Watercolours for Beginners and Beyond MONDAYS - 1.00pm to 3.00pm. The format of the course is that I demonstrate each part of the painting in stages and after each demo the class does their own bit. I then demo again as many times as needed until the painting is completed.

Tea, coffee, brilliant tuition and silly banter included. Limited spaces are available so please contact me to tell me what you need.

Venue: The Old Court House (near Police Station) East Court, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH193LT Email to check availability here: artist@gillbustamante.com

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Visit my website www.gillbustamante.com

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Become a Columist

Dear Reader . . . .

The door is now wide open for your submissions for the February issue. Here’s a rough guide to the type of features we are looking for: •

Information, news, updates, announcements about your club, society, charity, good cause, art, event, community activity, show, service or small local business

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Promote yourself as an artist (photographer, painter, sculptor, band, musician, composer, film-maker, cartoonist etc.)

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Healthy wholesome organic recipes

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Humour and satire

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Poetry and verse

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Book and film reviews

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Bright ideas

I’m very pleased to acknowledge those who have kindly agreed to contribute a column of tips and advice each month for the general edification and enlightenment of the community. We now have twelve excellent public-spirited columnists and you’ll find them featured through this issue. If you feel you have something to offer and would like to join their noble ranks and become a columnist, please let me know.

Become a Benefactor Benefactors are those who have helped keep the Town Crier show on the road by making a voluntary donation. Their help is very much appreciated.

Become a Sponsor

And I’m sure there are many other topics I haven’t thought of so be daring, be creative! Get in touch. Email: egtowncrier@gmail.com

We now have our first sponsors who have chosen to support the Town Crier through paid advertisements. A huge THANK YOU is due here, too.

Something new from the Feelgood Station Imagine your favourite magazine has just come through your letter box - or into your email inbox, the way the Town Crier does!

Well now you can LISTEN to one on The Feel Good Station! The all new Feelgood Morning Magazine Show is brought to you every weekday morning, between 9 - 11, by Lester Jones and Judith Thomson with a host of other regular contributors, which will soon be including Steve Cook, the Editor of the magazine you are now reading!

Their features include everything from gardening to classical music and if you would like to contribute something to our show then do get in touch with us!

So what do you like to find in a magazine? Household hints, recipes, money saving tips, a weekly horoscope perhaps, competitions, news items and much, much more – that is what you’ll find within the ‘pages’ of our magazine and all geared to make you Feel Good!

So take a light-hearted look at life, with Lester and Judith. Hear them at thefeelgoodstation.uk or on Simple Radio, Deezer and Alexa Skills or get The Feelgood Station App. 4

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Happy New Year from the Mayor of East Grinstead! dents. The students prepared the food, hosted the afternoon, and even organised a lively bingo session. It was a heartwarming example of young people giving back to the community.

On Christmas Eve the Mayoress and I also had the privilege of helping the Greenaway Foundation deby Steve Ody liver Christmas hampers to over 900 families in the local area who are facing financial challenges. This As we step into 2025, I want to wish everyone a haptremendous effort py and prosperous year ahead. I hope it brings joy, showed the generosity success, and everything you hope for. of so many people in The Christmas festivities in East Grinstead began in our town. spectacular fashion with the Big Reveal and the Another memorable Christmas lights switch-on. This year, the switch-on occasion was attending honours were given to two incredible young the East Grinstead residents, Oscar and Cain. Over the summer, these Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club. It was a two remarkable boys walked 45 kilometres and colpleasure to meet our veterans and hear their stories lected an astonishing 37 kilograms of rubbish, showwhile enjoying their company. I also had the honour ing that acts of kindness and care can make a big difof congratulating Andy White on raising over £3,000 ference. Their contribution to our community made for the club - an incredible them the perfect choice to light up the town - both achievement. literally and figuratively!

December ended on a high December was a wonderfully busy and heartwarming note as I joined a 500month for myself and the Mayoress, filled with events strong crowd to welcome that showcased the best of East Grinstead.

James Cooper back to East We enjoyed the magic of carols at Sackville College, Grinstead after completing the very place where Good King Wenceslas was writ- his unbelievable 366th marathon of the year and ten, and the East Grinstead Choral Society’s family concert at St. Swithun’s was an unforgettable evening raising over £120k in the process. His dedication was of festive music. inspiring, and the commuOur sense of community shone as local volunteers nity’s support for him was and I helped pack 200 food bags for the East Grinjust as remarkable. I don’t stead Foodbank, ensuring support for those in need. think East Grinstead has Alongside the amazing Being Neighbourly team, we been featured on TV so much! delivered goody bags to residents, spreading smiles and Christmas cheer and entertained some of our old- The month truly highlighted the remarkable kindness er residents with a Christmas lunch at The Old Dun- and generosity that make East Grinstead such a special place to live. I’m proud to be part of a communinings Mill. ty where people continually go above and beyond to The Christmas Market was another highlight. While support one another. the weather forced a last-minute move indoors (well done EGTC), it was wonderful to see the event come Thank you to everyone who contributed to making all together so beautifully, thanks to everyone who sup- the festivities and events so memorable. Here’s to a fantastic 2025 filled with community, connection, and ported the day. celebration!

One particularly touching moment was joining SackFind the Mayor’s blog here ville School students for lunch with Age UK resi5

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Guerilla Knitters strike again as two more Pillar Boxes acquire Natty Hats In our December issue we featured the natty hat acquired— courtesy of a very creative, public-spirited as-yet-anonymous citizen with considerable knitting skills— by the pillar box at the corner of Coronation Road in East Grinstead.

second is on Herontye Drive.

Two more guerilla knitting incidents have been brought to our attention.

The first is by the bus stops on East Grinstead High Street, the

Are there any more out there? If so, take a picture and send it in.

The public have a right to know about this sort of thing. I’m also wondering whether this is just a local phenomenon or indeed whether we might have started a national trend.

LIFE HACK

GRAMMAR TIPS

When to use s an when to use ‘s Adding an s to a word makes it plural (more than one) EXAMPLES: one hat, two hats, many hats.

When you add ‘s to a word you are signifying “of”, ownership or possession.

EXAMPLEs: (1) the boy’s hat , where boy’s means “of the boy” i.e., the hat of the boy (2) my mum’s shoe where “mum’s” means “of mum”, i.e the shoe of my mum.

Eat just one Brazil nut per day to get Use of both in the same sentence: sufficient selenium The boy’s hats were on the shelf.

Selenium is a trace mineral with many health benefits that include:     

Thyroid health A well-functioning immune system Male and female reproductive health Heart health Brain health

Everybody’s different but as a rough guide, just one Brazil nut a day pretty much covers your body’s need for selenium.

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My mum’s shoes are black.

When signifying something that belongs to more than one person or thing use s’ EXAMPLE The nurse’s (just one nurse) uniform was blue.

The nurses’ (several or many nurses) uniforms were all blue.

The boys’ (more than one boy) knees were muddy after the match.

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Feel Real Good!

Slimming World Lingfield and Dormansland

by Sarah Roy

We joined the group each week and our weight began to fall off. We were given support and encouragement Hello Everyone! I hope you along the way. We made new all had a lovely Christmas friends and looked forward to and New Year! I’m your attending group each week.

Slimming World Consultant covering Lingfield & Dormansland, with groups Within 6 months I’d lost 3 held on Wednesdays at 5.30pm & 7.00 pm at the stone and reached my personal Dormansland Memorial Hall. Here’s my Story target weight that I felt happy with. I was elated! My clothes Remember the Lockdown? It affected us all in one fit me again; it was like finding way or another. a new wardrobe. My confidence came back. I began I had been a very active person who loved the cycling again and I enjoyed finding “me” again. My outdoors, riding my bikes, dabbling in triathlons, mojo came back! Shortly after, I decided to find out walking with my hubby and dog and so on. Due to more about becoming a Slimming World Consultant having had a Kidney transplant in December 2015, and helping others learn the benefits it brings to peoI’ve been on immunosuppressive medication, which ple, including: meant I had to shield during the • Losing weight pandemic.

• Gaining confidence • How it can help with diabetics While shielding, to keep my • Help with Smoking morale up I tried to keep busy Help with Drinking so I baked. I baked for myself • Reduced weight on joints and neighbours. Then the • Losing weight for an operation & Recovery after inevitable happened and I began an operation to put on weight.

• Fitting into old clothes again • Feeling more comfortable, and much more…

Normality returned but my weight didn’t. I knew I had to do something but I just didn’t have the drive to I applied, had my interviews, completed my intensive do it alone. My sister, Karen, who lives nearby signed us both up to a Countdown at the local Slim- (but fun!) training, studied, sat and passed my 9 diming World group so we could learn how it worked. plomas and am very proud to say that today, I am loving my role as a Slimming World Consultant. I We were given a warm welcome and made to feel at opened the Lingfield & Dormansland group on 1st November 2023 (and Edenbridge on 30th January ease. We listened to the New Member talk on the 2024) and have never looked back. basics of Slimming World and were each given our member packs to read and guide us while at home.

If making that decision to lose weight and become healthier is something you’re thinking of doing, then I was impressed that it wasn’t a fad diet; it was all I’d love to hear from you. based on healthy eating. I also loved learning about the psychology of how/why we eat what we eat, Give me a call on 07786554159. which was covered in the Choose Success book.

Since being active is included and supported as part Come and listen to my New Member talk either at of the journey, it fit really well with my lost passion 5.30 pm or 7.00 pm - absolutely no obligation you’ll be made to feel very welcome. for the outdoors. Most of all, I loved that I was in control and could decide how much weight I wanted It could be the best decision you’ll make to get you to lose, set my own target. back to feeling “you” and feeling real good!

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The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

I thought the following announcement by the West Sussex County Council would be worth featuring in that any move to flow the power, decision-making and accountability away from remote central government and in the direction of the local communities and their citizenry is desirable. I invite you to take a look at this proposal and form your own opinion. At the very least, it is important that the community knows and understands what the higher echelons of power are working towards.

- Steve Cook, Editor

Sussex Councils agree to submit expression of interest on devolution

wellbeing of our residents and communities.”

Cllr Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council said: “This is an exciting and significant step to unlock new powers and resources for communities Release date: 9 January 2025 across Sussex. I’m keen to move swiftly with the The Cabinets of the three Sussex upper tier Councils Government and all tiers of local government across have today agreed to submit an expression of interest the region to take advantage of the opportunities being presented to us.” to be considered for the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme indicating support for a Sussex Mayoral Strategic Authority which could unlock new Leader of East Sussex County Council, Cllr Keith Glazier, said: “This is historic for Sussex; bringing powers for the region. together the three authorities and our partners to discuss the future of local government in the area and The Government’s white paper on English Devoluthe benefits to our residents, businesses, and commution states that Mayoral Strategic Authorities will nities it could bring. We have all looked closely at the bring funding and local decision-making powers down from central government to deliver on econom- Government’s white paper, together discussed its benefits and what it offers and believe that we have ic growth, jobs and skills, housing and transport. come to the right decision to put forward an expresA Mayoral Strategic Authority could give the people sion of interest for a Strategic Mayoral Authority for of Sussex a stronger voice in how national decisions Sussex.” affect them and greater power to shape major projects The Government’s White Paper set out in detail the across the area. key areas that a strategic authority would be in control of to drive growth and provide support on shapIf the Government accepts the initial proposal for Sussex to join the devolution priority programme, the ing public services. These include: Government will run a consultation to obtain resi• Transport and local infrastructure dents’ views.

• Skills and employment support West Sussex County Council Leader, Cllr Paul Mar- • Housing and strategic planning • Economic development and regeneration shall, said: “We were pleased to receive the clarity needed from the Government which clearly identified • Environment and climate change the benefits an elected Mayor and strategic authority • Health, wellbeing and public service reform • Public safety would bring to Sussex. By bringing powers down from central government on transport, infrastructure READ THE FULL DOCUMENT HERE and health, we can join services and plans together that will enable more efficient and strategic decision making which will help boost our economy and the 8

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Introducing Emmeline Gabrielle, Artist I’m Emmeline, a French artist based in East Grinstead.

I always had the desire to create and express myself and the turning point in my artistic career came when I discovered watercolour painting.

My style evolves constantly, embodied by an eclectic and multifaceted spirit that is represented in both my teaching and artwork.

I teach watercolour painting courses for all abilities at Chequer Mead in East Grinstead and I also lead occasional workshops in the area.

To keep up to date with my classes and artwork check out my website www.emmelinegabrielle.com or find me on Instagram @emmeline.gabrielle

Workshops & Courses I teach a wide range of subjects and themes, accessible to all abilities.

The focus of my teaching is as much about the process and enjoyment one gets out of painting as it is the outcome itself. I guide my students with simple techniques and helpful tips whilst encouraging their individuality. More information

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The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

The Man Who Killed England by Steve Cook Last night England perished in my sleep; Her cry for help was tangled in my dreams.

Smothered by their folds, held baby-like and weak, I may have stirred but was not woken by her screams.

And fleece the flock with fey agendum hid Behind “solutions” that always honest men bear ill, Who – while he tighter nails our coffin lid – Sees his coffers and psychotic dreams fulfilled.

And when dawn broke with dismal light I woke To winter’s paean hung upon the barbs of her defeat, Her wilted rose by blight of bare-faced liars choked, Her people strangled by their own elite.

I paid my tax and (honest) never broke the law And drove with care along the middle of the road And if I could I would have done much more But the medication then kicked in and so I dozed.

From a thousand tiny wounds of small neglects, The talents of her people frittered all away, Asset-stripped and sick with tax and debt Did she expire in slow inglorious decay.

Somehow I missed the better part of this glum tale, The diagnostic why’s and wherefores of our plight, Or perhaps we citizens were spared the odd detail The “who” and “how” kept out of sight.

A million lenses framed her agonized demise, Snapped each and every knife-twist of her pain, Freeze-framed, re-wound and then in some archive Each mishap stored from whence reviewed again.

For fear that we might make sense of it and wake And understanding fill us with its power, So that energised we might stir and then re-take From feral hands the febrile stem of the nation’s flower.

Fine-etched the small components of her death I knew, Slept through but studied after the event, In armchair ease with dull detachment viewed, Like a soap or sitcom scripted for lament.

Men of ill intent usurped the offices of state And so the state ere long was organised for crime ‘Gainst we for whom their scams did seal the fate Of a nation pushed, not fallen, to decline.

It seemed to me she got the rough end of the script: Good people never should be written from the plot, But the moving tape records and serves its writ: No rewinds change the truth of it one jot.

Yet every one of us ne’er less did play our part, For where we dare not look does evil bloom And the sum of all our blind eyes turned grew vast And for the spread of evil obligingly made room.

Commercial breaks and sitcoms came and went, Like prosy time-released each to its slot, But the tape ran on until all life was spent And just before the end it seems that I dozed off.

The collective irresponsibilities of folk in truth Do government’s tomfoolery comprise, For where from decency they hold themselves aloof, Entrusting it to criminals, it dies.

But slumber carries with it its own curse, That he who sleeps is doomed at last to wake And there the TV waits to tell the worst Of what he tried to miss but never could escape.

Behind each sorry aspect of this mess there lies Some criminal self-serving with intent, For good men’s efforts never would contrive To snare good men in such predicament.

I watched each documented exposé – I did my bit – That mapped each sorry twist of her decline And somberly agreed how bad was all of it, That something should be done while there’s still time.

For evil to take root and win the day Alone requires that good men all do naught: They sleep or wait or look away And so forfeit the battles they never truly fought.

How dutifully I watched each televised debate Confirming it was all some governmental wrong And what could anybody do but wait For some new messianic nut to come along

I would have fought of course, I always planned To rise and join the fray.

I hope you will forgive I lived life second-hand; I thought of it but my armchair barred the way.

Attention local poets and lyricists!

Submit your verse to the Town Crier. See website for details 10

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

The trials and tribulations of a French expat and translator are a lot more excited about it than us. There is so in Old Grinny much to think about here when it comes to it: ChristAs the end of 2024 drew near, I took pause to reflect upon my life in East Grinstead since I first arrived here from France in the 1980s at the tender age of 17.

mas crackers, Christmas cards, mince pies, stocking fillers, making Christmas cakes and puddings months earlier! And Boxing Day is quite a big deal but not Christmas Eve, whereas for us French people, Christmas Eve is very important, but Boxing Day does not exist.

In fact, I arrived first in Lingfield as an au pair, full of excitement and also with some butterflies in my stomach, not knowing really what life had in store for Do I sometimes miss living in France? Yes. It is where I was born after all. But do I like living here? I me in this (for me) New Land. really do! Although I cannot go and buy my fresh I had been born and grown up in a fairly big town in just-out-of-the-oven baguette early in the morning to France and life in a village was quite different and a have with my breakfast, I have made a life here and challenge. Not least of these challenges was the irreg- here’s what I like about living in East Grinstead: ular bus services that meant I used to have to walk being such a small town and having lived here quite a from Lingfield to the East Grinstead town centre while now, I now know a lot of people, even if just quite a trek one might say - for my English lessons. by sight. Most days when I set foot outside, I end up having a conversation with a perfect stranger, I moved to East Grinstead the year after, and have someone I hardly know or a friend I bump into. And spent most of my life here since. it is easy around here to strike conversations with strangers. I don’t think that would be possible in a Now, when I first arrived, I thought there were not major town. that many differences between French and British people. In a way there aren’t but in a way, there are! I can walk anywhere, I don’t need a car or public One thing I had to learn to do pretty quickly, was to queue in an orderly fashion, including to get onto the bus. I did get a few dark looks to start with as I broke that unspoken rule. But I like that rule, it’s quite civilised really.

transport much. And most of all, this is a safe town.

Of course it is not perfect, and though not British or born in Old Grinny, for better or for worse, I do feel that this is my home town.

Vive East Grinstead!

I also had to stop trying to hug and kiss everyone I met on the cheek, as it was definitely not the done thing then! I was still a teenager, so to me it was the right thing to do.

Dominique Cook MCIL, Dip.Trans.CIOL French translator and interpreter

And of course, I had to get used to the different cuisine.

www.linguafrancafrenchtranslations.com domicook64@gmail.com

But as life went on, I learned to navigate through the cultural differences between the French and the British way of life. Christmas is one time of the year when those differences really show up: the British

The above photo is by Russell Prain.

Find him on Instagram.

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The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

New Year, New Pet?

by Portland Vets

Are you thinking of adding a puppy to your family in 2025? There's much to consider when contemplating a new pet.

Many dogs in rescues are awaiting their forever homes. It's crucial to ensure your chosen rescue is ethical, not a puppy farm in disguise.

Do they have a concerning endless supply of puppies?

Have you visited and seen the conditions the dogs are being kept in? Does the rescue insist on a home check? If not, alarm bells should ring.

between you and the seller, but it also guides you to ask the right questions about the puppy's health and background. This is especially important when emotions take over and all you can think about is taking home your new addition.

Be Prepared To Walk Away If the seller is reluctant to complete a puppy contract, walk away. No reputable seller would be unwilling to use one. Raising that you would like to use one early on, prevents you from bonding with a puppy that may become too difficult to leave behind.

All re-homed dogs should be vaccinated, neutered (if old enough), microchipped, and up-to-date on flea and worm treatHere to Help ments. If a rescue does not offer RBU (rescue back up), walk away. A reputable rescue will always want The team at Portland Vets are always happy to help with pre-purchase advice. It can be helpful to check a dog returned to them if things don't work out. how much things like parasite control and neutering Finally, remember that rescues are currently unregu- will cost, especially once your chosen dog reaches their adult weight. lated and don't require licenses. If you have any doubts, it's best to walk away.

You can even pre-book our complimentary puppy If you're still set on buying a puppy, it's important to development checks (once you have a collection date) that are provided monthly as part of our vactake your time and consider important factors like cination programme. In these appointments our nursbreed suitability. es can support you with training, behavioural issues For example, a high-energy dog like a Border Collie and also things such as neutering and tooth brushing. won't be happy without regular exercise.

They will also weigh them and then recommend and administer (if necessary) their monthly worming and Size matters too! A tiny toy dog could struggle with flea treatment. boisterous toddlers, while large breeds cost more to Portland Vets are the only independent vets in East insure, feed, and neuter.

Grinstead & Forest Row and are a family-owned practice focused on quality pet care. They Puppy Contracts: Use Them! have generously agreed to contribute a If you're buying a puppy, we strongly advise printing monthly pet care column in the Town Crier. and taking a Puppy Contract. You can download a free copy from puppycontract.org.uk. A Puppy ConWEBSITE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM tract not only helps create an agreement 12

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Understanding the Importance of Square and Cube Numbers in Math

by Helen Chisholm Happy New Year to you all! And welcome to 2025!

cube numbers can improve students’ mental math abilities, making problem-solving faster and more intuitive.

By understanding the significance of these numbers, It wasn’t until I was pon- students gain a deeper appreciation of math and its dering on the topic to add practical relevance. to this month’s Town Crier when I realised that 2025 So, as we step into 2025, let’s celebrate its perfect is a square number - it equals 45 x 45 (45 multiplied square and the learning opportunities it offers! by itself).

This fascinating fact inspired me to explore the importance and relevance of square and cube numbers in mathematics. These concepts are not just essential for exams but have practical applications in the world around us.

Maths tutor, Helen Chisholm, has very kindly agreed to contribute a monthly column giving valuable tips on how to excel, or help your children excel at maths.

Square numbers arise when a number is multiplied by itself, such as 1 squared =1, 2 squared = 4 and so on.

CONTACT HER AT makingitcountmathstuition@gmail.com

Similarly, cube numbers are formed by multiplying a number by itself twice, such as 1 cubed =1, 2 cubed = 8 and 3 cubed = 27.

Understanding these numbers helps build foundational skills in algebra, geometry, and problemsolving strategies.

Why Are These Numbers Important?

1. Real-World Applications: Square and cube numbers appear in various fields such as architecture, engineering, and computer science. For example, square numbers help in calculating the area of square-shaped spaces, while cube numbers are used to determine the volume of cubes and rectangular prisms.

What’s on In & Around East Grinstead Things to see and do Community

2. Pattern Recognition: Exploring square and cube numbers encourages students to recognize numerical patterns, a skill that is crucial for higher-level math.

3. Preparation for Advanced Topics: Concepts such as the Pythagorean theorem, quadratic equations, and volume calculations in geometry all rely on an understanding of square and cube numbers.

4. Mental Math Skills: Recognising square and 13

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Come and check out our new timetable.

There is something for everyone.

We’d love to see you!

Lingua Franca

Translations into and from French

30 years experience.

Calls made to French-speaking countries on your behalf.

Holder of the Diploma in Translation from the Chartered Institute of Linguists.

Member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists.

Contact Dominique on domicook64@gmail.com Phone 07948702788 14

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

possible, with additional funding available to ensure no child is excluded for financial reasons.

A Community in Harmony The East Grinstead Children’s Choir is more than just music; it’s a celebration of community spirit, accessibility, and the transformative power of the arts.

Established in 2024 by local musicians, the choir was born from a heartfelt mission to provide inclusive musical opportunities for children amidst dwindling arts funding.

For the founders, who created the choir after experiencing the loss of a baby, it was a poignant reminder to seize the moment and give back to the community.

Open to children aged 4-11, the choir meets every Wednesday at the Chequer Mead Theatre, offering a vibrant mix of instrumental lessons and vocal coaching.

While the Children’s Choir has flourished, there is still a gap for youth aged 12-19, with private lessons and age appropriate choirs requiring additional funding which we provide. The choir remains committed to expanding its reach and ensuring no young person is left without the opportunity to find their voice.

By joining or supporting the East Grinstead Children’s Choir, you’re not just encouraging musical skill; you’re helping build a stronger, more connected community. Together, let’s create harmony for the future.

For more info go here Or email info@egchildrenschoir.co.uk

Between 16:00-17:00, budding musicians can learn to play the keyboard, ukulele, or recorder.

From 17:00-18:00, the children come together for choir practice, supported by professional music teachers who nurture their talent and confidence.

This spring term, the choir will be exploring the magical world of musicals, bringing favourite show tunes to life. The organisation is proud to keep fees as low as 15

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

THE EAST GRINSTEAD SOCIETY The East Grinstead Society is an independent association, which exists to maintain and enhance the Town’s distinctive character by monitoring planning applications and the amenities in the Town and its surroundings. It was formed in 1968 after the demolition of a substantial late 15th Century house in the High Street, despite strong local opposition. The Society was determined that the rest of the historic buildings in the High Street should be preserved. As a result, these are now part of the Town’s “Conservation Area”.

Evening meetings are held during the year. The Society has also produced “Town Trails” which describe walks through the historic parts of the town reflecting its heritage, cultural events and recognition of notable members and residents. (Available from the Museum, the Library, the Bookshop and the Society).

The Society publishes regular “Bulletins” which are the results of historical research and which are available on its website.

The Society holds monthly meetings with speakers on subjects of local interest.

During 2024 presentations included “The Bluebell Railway”, “Sussex During the First World War”, “Nutley Windmill”, “Arts & Craft Around East Grinstead” and “Lewes & Bonfire Night”.

See the programme for 2025 on the next page.

The Wednesday meetings start at 7.30pm in the Glen Vue Community Hub, Railway Approach, with no charge for members and £5/non-member. Annual subscription of £15 includes Newsletters and Bulletins. You will find an application form and more information on the East Grinstead Society website at www.eastgrinsteadsociety.org 16

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

The EAST GRINSTEAD SOCIETY PROGRAMME 2025 January No meeting Wednesday 19 February THE REAL DICK WHITTINGTON AND THE BREWERS OF LONDON by Caroline Metcalfe. Caroline tells us the real story of Richard Whittington, from the benefactor of Whittington College at Felbridge and his quarrels with the Brewers of London, to the well-loved pantomime legend.

Wednesday 19 March WILLIAM ROBINSON AND GRAVETYE by Fiona Humphreys. The talk will cover William Robinson, naturalistic gardener, his home at Gravetye Manor and the Gravetye volunteering programme.

Wednesday 16 April THE COMMONWEALTH GRAVES COMMISSION by Melanie Gibson Braton. Melanie will discuss both well-known and less well-known graves in France and Belgium from personal knowledge and will also cover the Unknown Warrior story.

Monday 5 May MAY FAIR: Society Stall in the High Street. 10am – 4pm. An opportunity to find out who we are and what we do, plus a tombola with fantastic prizes and a chance to purchase yummy homemade preserves!

Wednesday 14 May KING HENRY III AND THE BATTLE OF LEWES by James Dickinson. Henry was a weak man who incited a baronial rebellion led by Simon de Montfort. Simon defeated the King’s forces at the Battle of Lewes In 1264. James will cover the full story of the battle which led to the beginnings of Parliament.

Wednesday 18 June CROP CIRCLES by Andy Thomas. With stunning visuals, Andy explores the extraordinary phenomenon of crop circles and the many varied and imaginative theories put forward over the years to explain them.

Wednesday 16 July SUMMER DRINKS AND OPEN FORUM Discussion on local issues including Planning, Development and Heritage.

August No meeting Wednesday 17 September GRACE KIMMINS AND CHAILEY HERITAGE by Ros Black. The fascinating story of Grace Kimmins from her social work in Bermondsey slums in the 1890s, to the founding of her unique craft school for disabled boys in 1908 and the takeover of the Chailey Heritage by the NHS in 1948.

Wednesday 15 October A WEALDEN WOMAN’S WAR by Penny Harris. Penny’s talk tells the story of Edwina Hall’s life in the WAAF and her marriage to a one-legged Spitfire pilot.

Wednesday 19 November 58th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. An assessment of the year and election of your new Committee. Followed by “Bonx & Bryan” an informal discussion between two well-known local raconteurs who will share their interesting local anecdotes.

Wednesday 17 December WEST HOATHLY PRIEST HOUSE by Antony Smith. The story of the Grade II fifteenth century house once owned by Anne of Cleves and Thomas Cromwell followed by Christmas drinks and mince pies!.

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The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Learn, Grow, and Give Back Join the 2025 Community Volunteer Fair: A Day for Everyone to Get Involved

Warm Welcome for All On Saturday 1st February 2025, The Chequer Mead This event isn’t just about volunteering; it’s about Theatre in East Grinstead is opening its doors for a community. No matter your background, skills, or special event that’s all about community, connection experience, you’ll find a friendly and inclusive and making a difference. The Community Volunteer atmosphere. Come as you are - whether you’re ready Fair 2025 will take place between 11am and 1pm, giv- to sign up on the spot or simply curious about what’s ing everyone a chance to explore new opportunities, out there. meet incredible people, and discover the power of Enjoy a Delicious Community Lunch! giving back.

We will be serving up a FREE community lunch so Why You Should Attend that you can connect with others and enjoy the warm Whether you’re looking for new experiences, eager to sense of togetherness that only great food and good share your skills, or simply someone with a passion company can provide. for making the world a better place, this event is for Event Details you.

When: Saturday, 1st February 2025 • Time: 11am – Learn, Grow, and Give Back 1pm Volunteering offers more than just a way to give back. Where: The Chequer Mead Theatre, De La Warr It’s a chance to develop skills, explore new interests, Road, East Grinstead RH19 3BS, and meet like-minded people. You’ll be amazed at Who’s Invited: Everyone! what you can learn about yourself while helping Start 2025 with a others. day that’s meaningA ful, inspiring, and welcoming to all.

Join us at the Community Volunteer Fair and discover how you can be part of something bigger. This event is proudly organised

by Community People Mid Sussex (Registered Charity No.1158780) and sponsored by HSBC, united by a shared goal of supporting and strengthening local communities.

Community People Mid Sussex has a vision of building stronger, more connected communities by working alongside the individuals who make a difference. Our new name aligns with the organisation’s core mission of supporting and empowering local people to drive positive social change. For over ten years, we have been a vital resource for volunteers and community groups across Mid Sussex, helping to foster collaboration and deliver social impact. The rebrand to Community People from MSVA (Mid Sussex Voluntary Action) highlights our people-focused approach. For further information about Community People Mid Sussex visit: www.communitypeople.org.uk 18

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

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The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Unlocking the Creative Energy of the Community skills.

The Shed will also enable people to develop their skills in a wide variety of other areas – everything is on the agenda, from fabrics and traditional crafts to working with metal, stone, ceramics and even repairing furniture and fixtures.

Creative Space opens in Forest Row

Pioneering Shed project launches community workshop for people to build things, fix things, set up projects, chat and connect Stand by for something truly exciting: The Shed at Forest Row has opened its doors for the first time!

This bold initiative promises to unlock the creative energy of the community, providing a warm, welcoming space for people to meet, share ideas and shape wood, metal, textiles or almost any material into practical objects for the benefit of the village, for themselves or for selling at local markets.

The idea of Men’s Sheds is already familiar, having started in Australia in the 1990s.

Later, art, pottery and other creative workshops will be added, depending on what people want and ask for: The Shed at Forest Row is a flexible community initiative that reflects the wishes of the community, and it will respond to what people want.

And like so many community initiatives, the Shed sprang from the vision of an energetic group of local volunteers and will continue to be run by volunteers.

“We’re very grateful to our Parish Council for their support for our project,” says Helen Munro, one of the earliest members of the group. “Local businesses have also shown their support,” Helen continues, “in particular FrowResource, which runs the Second Life community shop and is a prominent voice in encouraging the re-use and up-cycling of objects and materials to reduce waste and unnecessary consumption in the village.”

But The Shed at Forest Row is different: it is a And on that note, The Shed at Forest Row is workcommunity shed, welcoming everyone over 18 and ing in tandem with Second Life and the village’s embracing women, the elderly, the needy and, vitally, thriving Repair Café to promote a more responsible community members who feel lonely or isolated. attitude to the products we buy and, all too frequently, dispose of too hastily.

Right from the get-go, the Shed is offering woodwork and carpentry, and the chance to build anything from “So many electrical and electronic appliances can be our own work benches – our first project! – to fixed very simply when they go wrong – so bring planters for the community, shelving for the home, or them to the Repair Café before you chuck them out even sculptures and ornaments to adorn that home. and buy that new gadget,” says Repair Café founder Sara Smart. “We fix dozens of things every month, Creative sessions are supervised by experienced items that people were about to chuck out.” mentors who know their stuff, giving newcomers to woodwork a great chance to learn new and useful Continued on next page 20

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

THE SHED—continued from previous page

T H E

With that in mind, many of the experienced volunteer experts at the Repair Café are poised to sign up for The Shed at Forest Row, and that includes specialists in textiles, ceramics, bikes, electronics and even clock-making and furniture restoration.

“People will have the satisfaction of being able to help repair their own items,” says Fleur Britten, another member of the launch team. “Of course, not everything will happen right away and much depends on what people tell us that they want and what skills and trades are hidden away in the community.”

S H E D

As well as people who’d like to sign up and learn, we’re looking for a pool of founder members who already know their stuff and who would be happy to help others and facilitate sessions. The Shed is also on the lookout for people who can join the team to help with everything from communications and book-keeping to carpentry, IT, caretaking and maintenance.

We’re also accepting donations of tools, materials and equipment to help us get off to a flying start.

Do you have anything useful sitting unused in your shed? Let us know!

So, finally, here’s the what, where and when of The Shed at Forest Row: Where: The Shed at Forest Row is located at the Cube workshop, just behind the Community Centre on Hartfield Road, Forest Row, RH18 5DZ. When? Weekly Saturday morning sessions from 10am are planned from early February.

How? Join us on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/TheShedAtForestRow for more information or email us at theshedforestrow@gmail.com or just show up on the day and get yourself booked in. No appointment needed!

We look forward to seeing you there!

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The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Dinosaurs May Have Worn Hats, Scientists Believe Study Results in Shock New Discovery about Life in the Jurassic A recent re-examination of prehistoric fossils by scientists at the Natural History Museum in Neasden has resulted in discoveries that have shaken the scientific world to its core.

A case in point is what the study has revealed about the dinosaurs' penchant for wearing hats.

Whilst the bowler hat was favoured by Tyrannosaurus Rex, the sartorially elegant Velociraptor could be distinguished by its top hat.

The very latest micro-imaging technology and algorithms that enable researchers to painstakingly sift fact from fiction have facilitated a minutely close The brontosaurus is believed to have favoured the scrutiny of hundreds of fossils from the Jurassic balaclava in an effort not to be recognized.

Period.

Your submissions for the Town Crier humour This five-year-long study had brought to light facts and satire feature are most welcome! about the dinosaurs that will cause us to reevaluate everything we thought we knew about these Please send them to egtowncrier@gmail.com magnificent yet extensively misunderstood creatures.

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The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Saturday 18th2025 January 2025 Saturday 18th January January Forest Row Repair Café Start the New a good resolution Start theYear Newwith Year with a goodto rescue all your broken items from being resolution to rescue all your thrown in the bin. from being thrown broken items Find us in the Community Centre, Forest in10am-1.00pm the bin. with last orRow RH18 5DZ. ders at 12.30.

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

Saturday 15th February 2025 Do you have a broken item that you love but Don’t know how to fix it? bring it to us to see if we can help.

Find us in the Community Centre, Forest Row RH18 5DZ.

10am-1.00pm with last orders at 12.30.

Crawley Down Ladies’ Choir Having been successful in obtaining a grant from Mid Sussex District Council, we were able to purchase some new equipment and immediately put it to good use for the concert, and with it, we hope to increase the number of outside singing events within the community that we can now offer.

The choir enjoyed a successful, well attended Christmas concert in December – our first with our new Musical Director, Kathleen Shuster.

At the moment we have commenced our Spring term, and are meeting every Monday evening from 7.30 – 9.30pm in the Birch Room at The Haven Centre, learning a wide variety of music from traditional folk to Bond favourites in preparation for our Summer concert, which will be on the evening of 14th June 2025.

]Our members also enjoyed singing for The Monday For further information about the choir, see our website at https://crawleydownladieschoir.co.uk Club and The Open Door Club before Christmas.

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The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

The Importance of being Outside in Nature Especially in Winter

by Ross Symonds grounded.

Founder of A to Foraging: The Perfect Winter Motivation It’s easy to hunker down and Bee Ecology If you need a reason to get outside in winter, foraging stay cosy indoors when the days get shorter and the temperature drops. After all, winter is a great one. You might think of foraging as a spring has a reputation for being a time to hibernate. But and summer activity, but there’s plenty to discover in stepping outside, even when it’s chilly, can work the colder months. In fact, winter foraging is all about wonders for both your body and mind. And here’s the finding the hidden gems of the season. thing: nature in winter has a magic all of its own.

Whether you’re out for a mindful stroll or foraging for Hardy greens like chickweed, cleavers, and dandelion still thrive in sheltered spots, offering fresh, nutritious wild treasures, getting outside in the colder months additions to salads, teas, and soups. Roots like burcan leave you feeling refreshed, restored, and recondock and dandelion are at their best in winter—earthy, nected. rich, and perfect for roasting or making warming Why Nature is Good for Us – Even in Winter medicinal teas.

We’ve all felt it: that instant lift when we’re surrounded by trees, fresh air, and open skies. And the science Winter is also a time to turn your attention to trees. backs it up. A study published in People and Nature Pine needles, for example, are packed with Vitamin C found that spending just two hours a week in nature— and make a beautifully fragrant immune-boosting tea even in short bursts - has a big impact on our health that’s perfect for keeping winter colds at bay. You can and happiness. The best part? It doesn’t matter what also look for fungi like velvet shank mushrooms, time of year it is. A frosty woodland walk or a wander which thrive in the colder months on frosty logs and through a hedgerow on a crisp winter morning can be tree stumps. Foraging in winter encourages you to just as beneficial as a sunny summer ramble. Another slow down and really look. It reminds us that nature is study in Science Advances found that people living in alive and thriving, even when it seems quiet. And let’s cities who spent time in green spaces had lower stress be honest, there’s something deeply satisfying about and felt happier overall. Being outside lowers cortisol gathering wild food to bring home and enjoy, espe(the stress hormone) and encourages us to focus on the cially on a chilly day. present moment - whether it’s the crunch of leaves underfoot, a robin darting across your path, or the soft More Than Just Fresh Air winter sun on your face. This is particularly powerful Being outdoors in winter isn’t just about getting some in winter, when many of us struggle with low energy, exercise or finding wild food. It’s about connecting Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and a lack of mo- to the land, to the seasons, and to ourselves. Whether tivation. you’re walking, sitting quietly, or gathering plants, winter nature time gives you the space to step back What Makes Winter Special? from the noise of daily life and reconnect with someWinter has a slower, quieter beauty that’s easy to miss thing simpler and deeper. if you don’t take the time to look. The air feels fresher, the world seems calmer, and you notice the little So this winter, wrap up warm, lace up your boots, and things - like delicate frost patterns on leaves or the head outside. Look for the subtle details, the hidden intricate silhouettes of bare branches against a pale life, and the quiet beauty that makes this season so sky. There’s no buzzing of insects or dense greenery special. Whether you’re foraging for wild greens, to distract you, just the stillness of a season that inbrewing a pine needle tea, or just taking a deep breath vites reflection and mindfulness. of crisp air, you’ll feel the benefits long after you head Even a short winter walk can clear your head and back indoors. shake off that sluggish, indoorsy feeling. It’s about pausing, noticing, and connecting with what’s around Our foraging season starts in April and tickets are available here, linktr.ee/rosstheecologist you - whether that’s the call of a bird, the earthy smell Website AtoBee Ecology Blog of damp soil, or the way the light changes through the Instagram @atobeeecology day. You come back inside feeling clearer and more 24

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

My Journey to Becoming a Beauty Business Owner by Sarah Dell I'm a 35-year-old mum of one, plus two awesome stepchildren and the owner of The SLB Beauty Studio, based on East Grinstead High Street.

my treatments give to my wonderful clients.

My studio offers a variety of services, including:

I never thought I'd be here, sharing the story of how I went from a 17-year career in finance to owning my own beauty business. It's been a wild ride, but a rewarding one.

Eyelash and Brow Services Facials Million Dollar Skincare Microneedling Dermaplaning During the pandemic, like so many, I hit a rough Chemical Peels patch, which spilled out to the following years, I was Hydrofacials highly anxious and depressed, working from home Massage with next to no social life. I knew I needed a change, Hair Loss & Body Treatments but didn't know what that change should be.

Waxing At the start of 2024, I was fortunate enough to I'm so proud of what I've accomplished and I'm embark on some life coaching sessions which helped excited to continue helping my clients look and feel me reset my focus and realise that I was the only one their best. in control of my happiness. I'd always had a passion for beauty and skincare and loved the idea of helping I am also incredibly excited to announce that this others feel good about themselves, so with a article will be my first of many for 'The Town Crier', new-found enthusiasm, I embarked on an exciting as I have been invited to write a monthly article, in new journey. I decided to enroll myself in beauty which I will provide my 'top tips' and provide advice training courses, learning everything from facials and on all things beauty and skincare related. massages to lash extensions and brow treatments. I worked hard to learn as much as I could and to So, if you're looking for an ‘above and beyond’ perfect my skills. beauty experience or want to tackle your skincare concerns, why not make an appointment at Beautiful I started my business as a mobile therapist under the Brows & Lush Lashes + name of 'Beautiful Brows & Lush Lashes + SkinSkincare and experience care', building my clientele and gaining a reputation the difference today. for being a friendly, passionate and skilled professional.

I am taking on new clients and it would be My business grew rapidly, which is when I decided my pleasure to welcome to take a leap of faith and in October 2024, I opened you to my studio. Book my own studio, nestled within a charming clinic in today and receive 15% East Grinstead, where I work alongside an incredibly off your first treatment*. skilled and knowledgeable aesthetic nurse.

1st Floor, 14 High Street, East Grinstead, As my business continued to evolve, I decided to change the business name to better reflect my brand, RH19 3AW knowledge and services and am now proudly known Phone 07834 825 397 as 'The SLB Beauty Studio'.

I'm so grateful for the opportunity to do what I love VISIT every day and to see the amazing boost of confidence WEBSITE 25

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Broad Horizons

The creative career of East Grinstead artist William de Wilde See gallery on next page

Moving to East Grinstead twenty-five years ago has played an influential part in my life and development as an artist.

Meeting and becoming friends with many local artists has not only broadened my horizons but also introduced me to different ways of working.

Some in and around town may remember my time at the South East School of Art (SESA) at East Court or various exhibitions at the much-missed Greenstede Gallery at Chequer Mead.

Here is a short account of how I work, how I got to this point and what I’m currently up to.

Over the years I have “dabbled” in many areas of the visual arts. Although photography, printing, video, ceramics, textile design and stone carving have all played a part in my journey, drawing and painting have remained central to the way I work and think.

I use a variety of art mediums; watercolour, gouache, acrylic, oil, ink, pastel, graphite and colour pencil. I try to approach each new project with fresh eyes and work in scale from miniature, through various sizes and shapes of canvas and wood panel, to mural.

I have exhibited in London with both the RI (Royal Institute of painters in watercolour) and the SGFA (Society of Graphic Fine Artists). Two of my portraits of Sol Campbell were auctioned at Bonhams for the Willow Foundation. I also have pictures in both public and private collections in several countries.

Three of my exhibitions have been filmed by the BBC. At an exhibition of my flower paintings in 2008, I was invited to attend meetings of the Florilegium Society at Chelsea Physic Garden.

Here, under the guidance of several expert members, I honed my botanical illustration skills and was honoured to be elected a painting member in 2016.

This has been of particular significance for me as my father had been Master of the Society of Apothecaries, the original founders of the garden in 1673.

Since early childhood I have been fascinated by the natural world, especially flowers, trees and the many I also started volunteering for the National Trust in 2016 by becoming a member of the Nymans animals dependent on them for survival. I studied biology at school followed by medicine at St. Barthol- Florilegium Society illustrating rare and aging plants. omew’s Hospital, but my first love has always been To my delight and pleasant surprise, in January 2024 drawing and painting.

I was elected a Society of Botanical Artists Fellow (SBAF).

As a teenager, I was inspired by the works of Peter 2025 will see me pursuing a “head down, bottom up” Paul Rubens in Antwerp where my grandparents existence studying and recording the wild plants lived. Here I first really experienced the power and growing on the roadside verges in Sussex for the emotional energy paintings can elicit in us.

SBA. I gave up my medical training to become a surgeon to study art and design at Dartington College of Arts and I shall also further my work with the National Trust as an artist-in-residence at Munstead Wood in Surrey, a year’s teacher training at Rolle College under the guidance of the internationally renowned painter Alan Gertrude Jekyll’s old home and world famous garden.

Cotton. I had a twenty-year teaching career as Head If you are interested in seeing more of my work or of Art and Design before retiring to concentrate on contacting me, my website is my own work. www.williamdewilde.org

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The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

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The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Digital Dentures – What’s the Difference and What Are They?

by Dipesh Patel of Bluebell Dental Are you wearing poor-fitting or old dentures current- discomfort. Also, issues with the fit of the denture ly or needing dentures? Considering new ones? Well, were often not seen until the prosthesis had been what’s the difference between ones made completed. conventionally and digitally?

The utilisation of digital technology means that these We’ve (thankfully) come a long way since I started initial stages have been completely revolutionised, making dentures 25 years ago. We’d first take precreating a world of difference for the dentist and the liminary impressions – prints or moulds – of your patient! teeth, which were an unpleasant and somewhat messy way to start off the process. Patients would gag, the Instead of impressions, patients are scanned slowly materials were uncomfortably cold or warm, and the and carefully. This allows the patients to be far more patient would have to sit still for minutes, before the comfortable, even allowing them rest breaks during material was uncomfortably pulled out and checked. the scan, as we methodically take digital images of After this, the impressions would be sent off to the the mouth. We, the dentists, can also look and check laboratory, following being disinfected in a solution, for discrepancies prior to the denture actually being to allow custom-made trays to be made to take a sec- sent to the laboratory and construction started. ond set of impressions – cue, even more discomfort and mess.

Additionally, the scan only needs to be done once, and can be sent to the laboratory immediately, with These would then again be disinfected and sent back an ability for them to communicate any accuracy isto the laboratory, both of which would cause distor- sues to us, as a second set of eyes. tion to what we had done, from the pulling of the material out the mouth, the solution to disinfect causing This, coupled with no disinfection and postage remoisture uptake and expansion of the material and quirements/delays, further removes the creation of the bouncing around of the impressions in the post, inaccuracies to the eventual fit of the dentures as all affecting the eventual fit of the denture. mentioned above. So, in conclusion, all in all, a resulting denture which is made more cleanly, accuArrival at the laboratory would in turn result in more rately, comfortably and rapidly! distortion, from further disinfection and the mould needing to be “poured -up” in plaster and being alSpeak to your dentist about the benefits of a digitallylowed to set, before the denture could even start to be made denture today. With a variety of materials now constructed, thus, inevitably and negatively affecting to choose from – chrome, acrylic, flexible and others the fit of the denture to the patient.

– your dentist can help you to select the best type for your mouth and individual requirements.

The two sets of impressions also resulted in a longer time to make the prosthesis and two rounds of patient FACEBOOK EMAIL INSTAGRAM 28

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Top Tips for Saving Money this Winter 10. Consider renting or clubbing together with neighbours to buy a thermal imaging camera so you can see where your drafts are.

Winter can be a challenging time financially, with heating costs and holiday expenses adding up quickly.

Here are some practical tips from How To Basically to help you save money while staying warm and comfortable: 1. Have an Energy Performance Certificate done on your home (c. £70).

2. Ask your energy supplier and Local Authority what they offer to help with your energy efficiency.

For example, the Energy Company Obligation and Home Upgrade Grant.

3. Check which energy tariff you're on and if applicable use energy-thirsty appliances (anything that needs heat like a washing machine) set to operate during the lower tariff time.

11. To reduce drafts, seal gaps around doors and windows with insulation strips (or make your own stuffed draft excluder!).

12. Consider secondary glazing which is like cling film on a single glaze window.

13. Fill gaps in walls with caulk or expanding foam.

14. If you have an attic, ensure it’s insulated including the hatch.

15. Wear more clothes, lay rugs down, have thick curtains (drawn when dark and open in the day) and use electric blankets.

16. For relatively small batches of cooking use a pressure cooker or air fryer as they consume less energy than pans and ovens. Batch cooking also helps reduce energy use and saves you time.

4. Promptly submit energy readings (to avoid inaccurate estimated bills) and consider installation of a smart meter that sends readings automatically.

5. Make sure your thermostats are properly programmed (c. 20 degrees in day rooms & 18 degrees in bedrooms) 6. Check the correct pressure setting for your heating system, then bleed each radiator in turn, each time resetting the pressure.

7. If you have a hot water tank, make sure it has a cylinder jacket (you should not be able to see its copper construction).

For videos on these and other topics, check out How To Basically’s website How To Basically have very kindly agreed to contribute monthly practical tips for the benefit of our community.

Look for their column in next month’s issue for more helpful, empowering advice.

8. Check indoor hot water pipes are insulated with foam pipe lagging (e.g. Phenolic); 9. Check outdoor pipes are insulated with armaflex to prevent them bursting in freezing conditions.

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The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Cherish that Beautiful Newborn Stage forever With Little Mouse Baby Castings

by Lauren Pelling After having my own children I was looking for different ways to cherish that beautiful newborn stage forever.

Having their hands and feet cast was so important to me as they are only little once - my babies' beautiful casts are one of my most treasured possessions and will forever be displayed in my home.

Before I left to go on maternity leave, I was a Dental Practice manager and fully trained Dental Nurse with a qualification in impression taking.

I began to research how to create moulds for hands and feet and found that it was extremely similar to how we took impressions of the mouth. Once I had found baby-safe products and with lots of practice (mainly on our French Bulldog Mylo) I was able to take impressions and cast my own babies’ hands and feet.

Since my first attempts, I have done a lot of practice and been able to refine my technique.

In November 2023 I carried out a professional training course in London which has boosted my confidence and taught me techniques to create perfect casts.

I am very passionate about being able to create the same forever memory for others that I have for myself. Our babies are only small for such a short period of time and casting is the perfect way to capture the tiny creased hands and wrinkly toes forever.

I have a small studio at my home in East Grinstead where the casting appointments take place.

There are lots of display options for customers to choose from so that they can display it perfectly in their homes. The frames that I use are custom-made and hand-finished to the highest quality.

For more information Visit my website Or email littlemousebabycastings@gmail.com 30

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Well Healthy

Helping you live a freer, healthier life

This month, Samantha Ford of Unique Welllth presents:

Welcome 2025: Your Year of Health and Wellness Start 2025 on the right note with TWO amazing free resources to kick-start your health and wellness journey!

•

•

Resolutions That Stick Did you know most New Year’s resolutions fizzle out

by February? It’s not because you lack willpower— it’s often because the goals are unrealistic, or the tools to succeed are missing. Let’s change that this year!

My free 15-minute recording will show you how to:

Free 15-Minute Recording: This quick, practical • Stay motivated when life gets busy. guide is packed with tips and strategies to help • Turn big goals into manageable steps. your New Year’s resolutions stick beyond • Reignite your enthusiasm if it starts to wane.

January.

A Gentle Start: Cleanse and Reset Gentle Cleanse and Reset Guide: Co-created Kick off the year with the Gentle Cleanse and Reset with Simone from Simone Yoga, we're really Guide, which Simone and I are delighted to bring proud of this guide which offers simple recipes, you. gentle movement practices, and an assessment to help you refresh your body and mind.

This isn’t a restrictive detox—it’s a supportive way to refresh your body and mind while enjoying: • • •

Simple, nourishing recipes.

Gentle movement practices to restore energy.

An assessment to understand what your body truly needs.

Together, Simone and I want to make small changes feel achievable and enjoyable—because your health should feel like a celebration, not a chore.

Why 2025 Is Your Year Health isn’t just about what you eat or how much you move. It’s about feeling energised, confident, and ready to embrace life. Let’s make progress, not chase perfection. Small, consistent steps can lead to lifelong habits and big results.

Both are designed to fit into your busy life and help you feel more energised, confident, and in control of your health.

Let’s Do This Together Join my health and wellness community to access: • The free 15-minute recording.

• The Gentle Cleanse and Reset Guide.

• Inspiring articles and practical tips all year round.

You can access ALL of these great resources by joining my health and wellness community at www.uniquewellth.coach/towncrier 31

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Volunteering with the East Grinstead Lions Club

Are you looking to meet new people or wondering how to make a positive impact on your local community, then why not volunteer with East Grinstead Lions Club.

The One that Nearly Got Away

Volunteering is a great way to make new friends and extremely rewarding; knowing your efforts are directly helping the life of someone else.

In the December issue of the Town Crier we featured photos of the best of the displays from the Great Reveal.

East Grinstead Lions Club are a friendly, enthusiastic, welcoming group of volunteers, who are always needing an extra pair of hands to help with their extensive calendar of fundraising and community events.

But one display that we somehow managed to miss was this one from Future Audio on East Grinstead High Street.

Whether it’s helping setting up equipment, selling refreshments, car park marshalling, collecting with the Santa sleigh, selling raffle tickets and May Fair programmes or assisting in planning an event, there is always something you can help with.

I happened to be passing this morning (27th December) and was captivated by Future Audio’s charming and imaginative creation.

My photo doesn't really do it justice, not least because the tram featured in the picture moves back and forth along its track.

We meet on the first Monday of the month in the Dorset Arms at 7:30pm. If you would like to come along to one of our meetings and hear about what we do or would like to find out more about our volunteering opportunities, please contact: • • •

The least I could do was make a little space in the January issue to put the record straight and show off the one that almost got away.

the Club’s Secretary (Brendan) on 0345 833 9506 or our Membership Secretary (Jill) via Facebook or email eganddlions@gmail.com.

Something interesting, engaging, fascinating or amusing to report?

Email us on

Make a difference to peoples’ lives and make volunteering your New Year’s Resolution.

egtowncrier@gmail.com 32

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

The Cat is Back!

Plastic Elvis returns to the Stage for a one-off Charity Fundraiser in Aid of Taylor-Made Dreams Taylor-Made Dreams are incredibly grateful to be supported by the amazing Tim Vine, through his iconic Plastic Elvis show, which is being hosted and sponsored by Indigo Tax & Accountancy Ltd.

families. We hope to see you there; it’s going to be a fun night of music and fundraising!

Hold on to the side of your seats for a night of full throttle Rock ‘n Roll from the man who rewrote rock history. Your jaw will hit the floor when his charisma hits the stage.

Get your tickets here: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ indigo-tax-accountancy-ltd/tim-vine-isplastic-elvis/e-bvaopr

Tim will be supported by the legendary singer songwriter David Martin, who actually wrote four songs for the real Elvis!

Taylor-Made Dreams

Office: 01892 956460 Website: www.taylormadedreams.org.uk

Join Tim at the New Bury Theatre Hurstpierpoint College West Sussex on Sat 15 Feb 2025, 7:30PM. Tim has supported Taylor-Made Dreams at a number of events and we are continually grateful for his support. Attending a TMD event like Tim’s enables children with life-limiting illnesses to achieve their dreams.

Alongside dream making we provide many services such as: holistic therapy and counselling sessions, travel grants, medical sheepskin fleeces, photoshoots, personalised memory keepsakes, the sibling support service and a technology loan library.

Supporting a TMD event like Plastic Elvis, supports TMD’s services now and in the future for our

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The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Onwards and Upwards in 2025 Alison Earnshaw celebrates our Nation Of Shopkeepers

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a town in possession of a good High Street must be in want of… a cheery and prosperous December!

Well, the weather certainly wasn’t playing ball: rain, wind and Storm Darragh… although we did have the occasional Alpine-style blue sky with crisp, chilly sunshine to lift the East Grinstead community’s festive spirits!

and positive one.

A particular mention for ‘Penny Farthing’ the jewellers – their beautiful premises were breathtakingly decorated both inside and out, bringing my friend visiting East Grinstead for the first time to a standstill in the street in admiration.

‘Bullfrog Music’ had an assembly of cheerful toy Of course, in recent years there has been much dis- elves, ‘The Ship’ [right] an cussion of the decline of the British High array of sparkling foliage Street as shoppers respond to the siren call and con- with baubles and in the venience of Amazon (or my own Achilles ‘Future Audio’ window Heel, QVC!). [below] a model tram trundled up and down a short East Grinstead 2024 sadly included a goodbye to piece of track through a ‘Broadleys’ and farewell to ‘Clarks’ but we now snowy landscape. The numhave new arrivals ‘Crew’ and ‘Barnes & Fadden’ to ber of children I saw gathswell the ranks of our High Street outlets. There’s a ered entranced by this simfull and varied contingent of charity shops and cafés ple scene took me back to Croydon’s ‘Kennards’ Arthat appeared to be doing a roaring trade during cade back in the day… one of my earliest childhood December; some eclectic gems to be unearthed in Christmas memories was being fascinated by its the former and affordable treats in the latter. A much more positive alternative to the vacant premises that might otherwise be in their place.

So now that our halls are well and truly un-decked with 2024 receding in the rear-view mirror, one final backwards glance and a round of applause and sincere appreciation for all the shops and businesses who demonstrated so much effort and creativity in bringing twinkling Christmas cheer to their windows and interiors, enticing us into their warm, bright premises.

‘The Big Reveal’ launched the Christmas High Street at the end of November and even on the bleakest of days that ensued it was a joy to look at!

Any stray inclination towards a touch of ‘Bah Humbug’ that might have crossed my mind of a morning was usually eradicated by the cheerful efforts of baristas rocking reindeer antlers or sporting Santa hats.

decorated mock-tudor style shop fronts and yet here in East Grinstead we have the real thing!

A Nation Of Shopkeepers? Yes, thank goodness, and long may it last!

Alison is a former Modern Languages and S.E.N.D. teacher; currently working on an original music production with 'Shot Full Of Rock & Friends'.

To find out more, go to: www.shotfullofrock.co.uk and https://www.instagram.com/shotfullofrock/

Having worked in cafés in my younger years I know it’s extremely hard work at busy times but my personal experience whilst partaking of my daily Flat Whites during December was always a friendly 34

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

You don’t need a Cape to save Lives How our Community First Responders have transformed Emergency When someone experiences a medical emergency, every second counts.

You might think of the Ambulance Service in their green uniform rushing to the scene, but there’s another group working alongside them to save lives: Community First Responders (CFRs), the "ambulance service members in red."

odds of survival.

The Impact of CFRs The presence of CFRs has transformed emergency care in communities across the UK. Their rapid response has saved countless lives, provided comfort to patients, and supported families during traumatic events.

Take East Grinstead CFRs, for instance. Since their CFRs are trained volunteers who respond to emergencies in their local communities, often arriving establishment in 2009, these volunteers have become an integral part of the local healthcare system, before an ambulance. Dressed in distinctive red uniforms, they provide critical care and reassurance in attending countless incidents. From attending 13-day those vital moments before the team in green can take old babies to 101-year-old residents, across a wide range of medical conditions. Their dedication ensures over. These local heroes bridge the gap between the that help is never far away. call for help and the arrival of advanced medical support, ensuring patients receive life-saving attention CFRs also play an educational role in their as quickly as possible. communities, offering CPR and defibrillator awareness sessions to the public and local groups. By Who Are Community First Responders? empowering others with life-saving skills, they extend CFRs are everyday people from all walks of life who their impact beyond individual emergencies. dedicate their time to helping others. From teachers and office workers to retirees and students, they share Why Are CFRs Needed? a common passion for making a difference. While CFRs provide invaluable support, ensuring help they don’t replace the full time Ambulance Service reaches patients as quickly as possible, particularly in members, their role is crucial in supporting them, remote or densely populated areas. especially during peak times or in rural areas where Their volunteer status doesn’t diminish their an ambulance may take longer to arrive. professionalism. CFRs are committed, compassionate, CFRs undergo rigorous training approved by the and always ready to act, often juggling their personal ambulance service, equipping them with the skills lives and jobs to be on call for their communities. needed to handle emergencies such as cardiac arrests, strokes, and severe bleeding. They are trained to use How Can You Support CFRs? defibrillators, administer oxygen, and provide basic CFR groups, like East Grinstead CFRs, can benefit life support—skills that can mean the difference greatly by raising awareness. Spreading the word between life and death. about the Ambulance Service Members in Red can help get them to patients quicker.

What Do CFRs Do? So, the next time you see someone in a red uniform rushing to the scene, know that they are part of an incredible network of volunteers dedicated to protecting their communities. Community First Responders truly are local heroes, proving that you don’t need a cape to save lives!

When a 999 call is made, the ambulance service dispatches CFRs to life-threatening emergencies in their area. Armed with a medical kit, they often arrive within minutes. Their swift response can stabilise patients and deliver life-saving interventions while waiting for their colleagues in green.

For example, in the case of a cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR reduces the chance of survival by 10%. CFRs are community-based and being trained to perform high-quality CPR and use defibrillators they can significantly improving the

For more information or to support your local CFR team, visit www.egfirstresponders.co.uk 35

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Pause & Breathe with Judith Judith Rayner’s monthly column

Wintering Well • •

Notice when you're rushing and use your breath to slow down Give yourself permission to move at a winter's pace

Remember, January isn't a month for harsh transformations. It's a time for gentle awakening, for breathing into the spaces of possibility, for allowing your intentions to root deeply before they spring forth.

As January unfolds, there's often a frantic push to transform ourselves overnight – new year, new you anyone? New Year's resolutions that like fireworks are bright at first but quick to fade.

Next month, we'll explore how to maintain this gentle momentum as we move towards Spring.

Until then…Breathe slow!

What if we took our cue from nature instead?

Winter is nature's way of saying "slow down." Trees aren't rushing to grow new leaves, animals aren't racing to be more productive. They're simply being, resting, gathering energy for the seasons ahead.

This is where our breath becomes our greatest teacher. When we're rushing to reinvent ourselves, our breathing becomes shallow and quick - matching our anxious, hurried state. But just as winter invites a gentler pace, we can use our breath to ease into the new year mindfully and with clear intention to focus on what’s important.

You can find Judith Rayner on Instagram or Facebook for local workshops and events Or go to: www.walkandtalk4success.com

Contact judith@walkandtalk4success.com

NASA Astronauts to train in Sussex?

Try this: Instead of diving into dramatic life changes, take a moment to simply notice your breath. Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest. Feel the natural rhythm of your breathing. Now, gradually slow it down - like you're moving through honey - a 'wintering breath' - soft, slow, nurturing.

The United States space agency, NASA, today announced that in preparation for Moon landings planned for 2027 and 2028, it will be sending astronauts to Sussex in the UK for training.

Use this breathing pattern when you feel the urge to rush forward. Let each breath remind you that growth doesn't always mean action. Sometimes it means rest, reflection, and gentle movement.

A spokesperson for NASA, former astronaut Gus Gritt, explained that, “training astronauts to drive lunar buggies over the tough lunar terrain is the key to lunar colonisation”.

This month, I invite you to:

Finding terrestrial conditions that suitably mimic the driving conditions of the lunar surface had proven problematic until researchers discovered that the ruts and potholes of Sussex roads fit the bill very nicely.

•

Start your day with three slow, conscious breaths

•

Take walking breaks, even if just for five minutes 36

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

making a donation to Sage House if possible. Learn how to navigate the world of Dementia.

Help make Lives better!

Take Action on Dementia

by Fiona Haywood of Being Neighbourly Hi everyone!

We would like to draw your attention to the following message from Chequer Mead.

• • • • • • •

Please book your seat by calling the Chequer Mead box office 01342 302000 and together we can make East Grinstead a better place for those living with dementia.

Find out more about Being Neighbourly here

At Chequer Mead our aim is to be as inclusive as possible.

Therefore we have arranged a training session not only for all our staff and volunteers but for you and any of your team who may be interested to learn about dementia, and what we can do to make the lives of those living with dementia better.

What is dementia How do you perceive it?

The facts and figures The different types The person behind the disease Living well with Dementia How you can offer support

Here’s a Wild Idea I thought I’d run this by you to see if it grabs anybody.

As you know, Broadleys in the High Street has closed down and the premises are currently standing empty.

That’s quite a lot of floor space that could be put to good use.

We are a member of the East Grinstead Dementia Action Alliance, along with other community I thought of how many artists there are living in our organisations, whose purpose is to make East communities and wondered what would happen if, say, Grinstead more dementia friendly. So we are opening this training session to community organi- twenty of them got together, pooled their resources, sations, local businesses and any interested individu- formed a collective and rented the premises. They would then have a lot of space in which to set up a als. gallery where each member could display and sell their work. This would be painters, sculptors and so forth, Venue - Chequer Mead Auditorium perhaps even poets and other artists.

Date Thursday 30th January Time 11am to 12.15 If not Broadleys, perhaps there are other empty premises that could be utilised.

The training will be brought to you by the team at Sage House, whose knowledge and expertise of dementia support is proven with the work they have But the result would be that the area would have its own art gallery or active arts centre and one way to lift achieved. We are so pleased they are coming to a community or indeed a nation is to help their give us this training and help us to improve our imaginative artists to flourish. dementia support at the theatre.

The training is free but we would appreciate you

What do you think of this idea in principle?

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The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

A RECIPE THAT WON’T KILL YOU

Making a Meaningful Difference

For several years now, as part off making our household pretty much 100% chemical-free, we’ve been using a home-made enviromentally-friendly cleaning liquid that does a very, very good job and is made of natural ingredients.

Since 2011, the Greenaway Foundation has helped financially-challenged families in Crawley, Horley and East Grinstead, providing Christmas dinners to over 6,000 families and festive gifts to 10,000 children. I therefore thought it apt to share with you these excerpts from their recent newsletter.

We use it in the washing machine and as an all-round household cleaner, plus washing-up liquid. It is very good at getting stains out of the carpet, such as chocolate (me) or vomit (the cat).

“As we bid farewell to 2024, it is a fitting moment to reflect on the achievements and progress of The Greenaway Foundation over the past year. We embarked on an ambitious journey, setting ourselves significant goals both internally as a charity and externally within our local community.”

It is odourless although you can add drops of essential oils of your choice if you want it scented.

The recipe below will make enough to last up to three months at a cost of 1 to 2 quid depending on which soap you use. We use an expensive natural olive oil soap from France so the cost is around two quid for 4 -8 weeks, which is pretty cheap considering we use it for almost everything.

“. . .[W]e sought to elevate our Christmas initiatives, with a target of raising £125,000 to provide food for 1,000 families and fulfil 4,000 wishes. Additionally, we aimed to enhance our prom offerings to create unforgettable experiences for our young people.”

Here is the recipe.

Take a block of natural olive oil soap (at least 78% olive oil plus other natural oils). Cut off 100g of the soap and grate it using a cheese grater into a large saucepan.

“Our new website, launched in the spring, has already proven to be a tremendous success, and we are excited to announce plans for further enhancements this coming spring. In the autumn, we introduced a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, which has significantly improved our communication with families, volunteers, and local businesses.”

Add 1 litre of boiling water and stir thoroughly until the soap is all dissolved.

Allow the mixture to stand overnight.

Add 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda plus 2 tablespoons of soda crystals. Stir thoroughly.

“As we look ahead to 2025, we are filled with hope and motivation. . . .Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”

Add 1 litre of cold water. Stir thoroughly.

Add another litre of cold water. Stir thoroughly.

And that’s it. You now have cleaning fluid/washing machine soap/washing-up liquid for about 8 weeks.

Best wishes

We store ours in an old 5L plastic spring water container. You’ll need to give it a shake each time you use it.

Founder & Chairman The Greenaway Foundation

You’ll probably find that when your supply runs out there is a soapy sludge at the bottom of your container. Don’t throw it away. Mx it in with the water when you make your next batch.

WEBSITE

Waste not, want not.

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The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Start your year by improving your wellbeing As we begin a new year, we generally try to create new and better habits for our wellbeing - be it going to the gym, eating healthier or taking time for ourselves. A great way to improve your wellbeing is through massage and in particular - Indian head massage.

Brief history of Indian Head Massage Indian head massage has been practised for thousands of years and as the name suggests it originates from India. The massage is based on the traditional system of medicine known as Ayurveda (meaning “knowledge of life”), which dates back in records to more than 3,000 years ago.

The system is based on the idea of maintaining balance of the vital energies in the body and mind. If there are any imbalances this could cause disease and and practised on anyone! illness, so achieving the right balance with the mind and body promotes positive physical and mental The benefits wellbeing. In general, the Ayurveda system takes a The benefits of an Indian head massage are numernatural and holistic approach to all aspects of health ous and are immediately felt during the treatment but and wellbeing. According to Ayurvedic custom, a also continues long after it has finished: weekly massage is recommended to help balance the body energies – wouldn’t that be nice!

Relaxing, calming and revitalising Relaxes the muscles and reduces tension The modern-day concept of the Indian Head MasReduces stress and anxiety sage was first introduced into the UK by Dr Aids better sleep Narendra Mehta, who arrived from India in the early Improves focus and concentration 1970’s. He began to miss the benefits of a regular Helps the lymphatic system and detoxification head massage and decided to develop it in the west.

Stimulates circulation, helping hair growth and He created the techniques and style we use today on skin condition the scalp, neck, shoulders, upper arms and face.

Soothes nerve endings Improves mindful breathing This type of massage has increasingly become popuRelief from stiff muscles, improving mobility in lar and has many benefits for all. Dr Mehta’s form of the joints Indian Head Massage is also referred to as Relief from headaches, earaches, eye strain, sinus Champissage. congestion and jaw ache Increased energy levels and reduces lethargy In the West, we tend to view the scalp as a separate Improves immune system part of the body and rarely give it the attention it needs – unless we are at the hairdressers or barbers. Due to all these great benefits it’s no wonder it has But more and more people see the benefits of look- become a firm favourite for many to improve wellbeing after the scalp and Indian head massage has be- ing in our busy modern-day life. If you wish to enjoy come so popular that it is a staple treatment in many the benefits of an Indian head massage or treat somespas and salons. Its popularity is due to the huge one special to improve their wellbeing please visit benefits, effectiveness and accessibility, as it can be www.simone-yoga.co.uk/massage or email: simodone with or without oil, sitting up or laying down ne@simone-yoga.co.uk 39

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Lack of Joy Could Be Damaging Your January Health Kick your own killjoy.

This isn’t to say you should bin your health-kick intentions! It’s merely a case of reframing them…

by Sally Hansen of Body Phonics As we step into January, many of us may be feeling eager to shed the indulgences of the festive season and embrace healthier habits, often by way of a ‘January Health-Kick’.

It’s easy to get swept up in this, with all of the special offers from fitness brands, influencers and retailers.

However, if your health kick feels like a deprivation or a chore rather than a joy, you could be sabotaging your efforts from the get-go.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), joy is the emotion associated with the endocrine system. A lack of joy and indeed additional stress placed on the body both physically and emotionally can throw this system out of balance.

Instead of viewing healthier eating as a punishment, shift your mindset. Try to avoid labelling foods as ‘bad’ and telling yourself you ‘can’t have’ them.

Try to make an active choice instead: ‘I’m choosing to only have a little of that today, then eat more of the other foods that align with my health goals’.

Changing how you talk about food is huge, and these small adjustments to your language can reinforce a positive relationship with food and help you sustain new habits without focussing on extreme restrictions.

When it comes to exercise, you need to enjoy it for it to be truly beneficial. If you dread your workouts, your stress levels may spike, counteracting the benefits and intentions of the physical activity.

Equally, if you are doing cardio workouts late at night this will create a spike in adrenaline and impact your sleep, leading to further negative knock-on effects.

Instead, find activities you genuinely enjoy and that fit into your day.

First of all, what is the endocrine system? Our endocrine system is a collection of glands, including On the topic of sleep - prioritise it! We are still the thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and pituitary ‘wintering’ and our circadian rhythm is set to rest gland (to name a few), that secrete hormones season and our natural urge is to get more sleep at into the bloodstream. These hormones regulate a wide this time of year. So satisfy that urge. It’s not the range of bodily functions, from energy levels, time of year to be up late each evening prepping sleep, appetite, body temperature and metabolism to healthy meals for the next day, or for implementing stress responses and reproductive health. a new early-morning routine! The endocrine system needs rest.

So as you can imagine, when this system is out of balance it can have a huge impact on our New Year Emotionally…prioritise joy. Small acts of joy in health goals. We can experience fatigue, poor every day can make a huge difference to regulating digestion and even weight-gain owing to our your endocrine health and benefit your mindset. hormones not functioning effectively.

My key message: if it makes you miserable, don’t do After the indulgence of Christmas, it’s tempting to it. Adjust, reframe, and try again. swing to the opposite extreme with strict diets and punishing exercise routines. But this harsh apEmail me: sally@bodyphonics.co.uk proach can backfire and can essentially become Follow me on Instagram 40

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Full House!

The East Grinstead Record Fair returns for the first time in 2025 on Saturday 15th February.

We have a full house of dealers from all over the South East selling thousands of quality vinyl records of all genres from the 1950’s to current date.

The venue is The Trinity Methodist Church, Lingfield Road, RH19 2HA, 9am until 3pm.

It’s free entry and there is free parking on site.

Please visit our Facebook page to see photos and videos of the fair along with details of events we may be involved in.

If you have a collection you would like to sell, contact the fair organiser Bob Smith on 07709154350 or message Bob through the fair’s Facebook page.

I look forward to seeing you

Your Help is Needed!

The St Catherine Hospice Charity Shop in London Road, East Grinstead is looking for more volunteers to join their team.

If you’d like to help them, visit their website here 41

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

An eye for Beauty

We are pleased to present the wonderful design and photography of local artist Stefania Priori First we’ll let Sefania introduce herself . . .

I have been taking photos for the last 30 years or so starting back when I was 18 with a Minolta and macro lens, progressing later to a Canon 20D then a full frame Canon 6d macro and standard lens.

I use my mighty apple phone for dog walks on the Ashdown Forest.

I do also take photographs of my garden flowers and plants but with a full frame camera as well as I can, a 6D canon with is a macro lens. It gives nice portrait-style shots of plants and flowers in the garden.

My main obsession was with flower garden portraits, following a garden design course at Plumpton College, South East UK. I even produced a range of greetings cards called Gorgeousbunch. Having been an avid watcher of Dragon’s Den, I launched them in 2017.

Alongside developing the cards, I designed a “save bee” logo from one of my macro photographs which features on the back of the cards.

Keep following me on Instagram. I will be uploading photos, more over time. Maybe buy one from the site and display on your wall. I’d be delighted to hear from you if you do … in fact I will be well chuffed!

Find me on Instagram: @steffpriori Visit my website:

View my greetings cards

View a portfolio of my work PHOTO GALLERY For all enquiries Email me at s.priori@icloud.com 42

Continued on next page

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Stefania Priori continued from previous page Here are some very fine examples of Stefania’s photography in the form of some beautiful shots of the Ashdown Forest

In a future issue of the Town Crier we’ll be featuring Stefania’s paintings.

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The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Small Business Marketing Nail the 3-7-27 Rule and Make an Impact

by Alice Watkyn of Mouthy Marketing Heard of the 3-7-27 rule? It’s an important set of numbers for small businesses to remember when they are planning their marketing.

What’s the 3-7-27 rule?

This rule suggests that it takes: interactions to get someone to remember your name. interactions for them to connect your name to your business. interactions before they see you as their first choice.

Basically, the more times they see or hear from you the more your brand starts to feel familiar.

Worried about bombarding clients or customers?

Consistent doesn’t mean spammy; it means showing up with purpose. Be useful. Offer tips that solve their problems, insights they didn’t know they needed, or offers they can’t refuse.

If you’re adding value by providing something genuinely useful or entertaining, you’re not pestering - you’re building trust.

Use all your channels – and use them well. This isn’t about uploading random content everywhere and hoping for the best. It’s about being smart with what you’ve got: Social media: Show up where your audience hangs out. Post regularly, but make it count.

Email marketing: Send newsletters or offers to stay top of their inbox (and mind).

Content marketing: Blog about what matters to them.

Educate, entertain, inspire – or all three.

Anything else you’ve got: Direct mail, events, and especially word-of-mouth.

The important thing is to keep it consistent. Use the same tone, same look and same feel across every platform. The 3-7-27 rule is about showing up often enough for people to not just notice you, but to trust you.

Do it thoughtfully, spread your message across all your channels, and you’ll be top-of-mind before you know it.

Find us on Facebook 44

The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Farewell for now!

We hope you enjoyed this issue of the Town Crier The February issue is already under construction so please don’t miss out and get your submissions in early.

Browse this website for more info and look out for Town Crier bulletins and updates

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The Town Crier East Grinstead Edition Issue #4 January 2025

Your Community Needs You! Join the Meridian FM Team Are you passionate about your community and looking to make a real difference?

fundraising and event management, there's a role for you.

Meridian FM is a dynamic, not-for-profit radio station dedicated to serving the people of East Grinstead, Crawley Down, Forest Row and beyond. Our mission is to deliver high-quality news, engaging talk shows, and a diverse mix of music genres while supporting local businesses, charities and events.

We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team. Whether you're interested in becoming a presenter, helping with But to continue growing sound engineering, supporting local news and and reaching more listeners, we need your sports coverage, or getting involved in help!

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With more than 40 dedicated volunteers already on board, we are a vibrant team with diverse backgrounds, and we welcome anyone willing to contribute a few hours a week. Join us and be part of something meaningful your skills and passion could help make Meridian FM the heart of local broadcasting for years to come!

Interested? Drop us an email at admin@meridianfm .com to find out how you can get involved.