THE TOWN CRIER 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

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.

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.

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.

Warmest regards,

Steve Cook

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 . . .

Grinstead photographer, Russell Prain. Find him on Instagram.

• 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

£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 Visit my website www.gillbustamante.com

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

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

• Healthy wholesome organic recipes

• Humour and satire

• Poetry and verse

• Book and film reviews

• Bright ideas

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

Become a Columist

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

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.

by Steve Ody

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.

As we step into 2025, I want to wish everyone a happy and prosperous year ahead. I hope it brings joy, success, and everything you hope for.

The Christmas festivities in East Grinstead began in spectacular fashion with the Big Reveal and the Christmas lights switch-on. This year, the switch-on honours were given to two incredible young residents, Oscar and Cain. Over the summer, these two remarkable boys walked 45 kilometres and collected an astonishing 37 kilograms of rubbish, showing that acts of kindness and care can make a big difference. Their contribution to our community made them the perfect choice to light up the town - both literally and figuratively!

December was a wonderfully busy and heartwarming month for myself and the Mayoress, filled with events that showcased the best of East Grinstead.

We enjoyed the magic of carols at Sackville College, the very place where Good King Wenceslas was written, and the East Grinstead Choral Society’s family concert at St. Swithun’s was an unforgettable evening of festive music.

Our sense of community shone as local volunteers and I helped pack 200 food bags for the East Grinstead Foodbank, ensuring support for those in need. Alongside the amazing Being Neighbourly team, we delivered goody bags to residents, spreading smiles and Christmas cheer and entertained some of our older residents with a Christmas lunch at The Old Dunnings Mill.

The Christmas Market was another highlight. While the weather forced a last-minute move indoors (well done EGTC), it was wonderful to see the event come together so beautifully, thanks to everyone who supported the day.

One particularly touching moment was joining Sackville School students for lunch with Age UK resi-

On Christmas Eve the Mayoress and I also had the privilege of helping the Greenaway Foundation deliver Christmas hampers to over 900 families in the local area who are facing financial challenges. This tremendous effort showed the generosity of so many people in our town.

Another memorable occasion was attending the East Grinstead Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club. It was a pleasure to meet our veterans and hear their stories while enjoying their company. I also had the honour of congratulating Andy White on raising over £3,000 for the club - an incredible achievement.

December ended on a high note as I joined a 500strong crowd to welcome James Cooper back to East Grinstead after completing his unbelievable 366th marathon of the year and raising over £120k in the process. His dedication was inspiring, and the community’s support for him was just as remarkable. I don’t think East Grinstead has been featured on TV so much!

The month truly highlighted the remarkable kindness and generosity that make East Grinstead such a special place to live. I’m proud to be part of a community where people continually go above and beyond to support one another.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making all the festivities and events so memorable. Here’s to a fantastic 2025 filled with community, connection, and celebration!

Find the Mayor’s blog here

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.

Two more guerilla knitting incidents have been brought to our attention. The first is by the bus stops on East Grinstead High Street, the second is on Herontye Drive.

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

Eat just one Brazil nut per day to get sufficient selenium

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.

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.

Use of both in the same sentence:

The boy’s hats were on the shelf. 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.

Feel Real Good! Slimming World Lingfield and Dormansland

by Sarah Roy

Hello Everyone! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year! I’m your Slimming World Consultant covering Lingfield & Dormansland, with groups held on Wednesdays at 5.30pm & 7.00 pm at the Dormansland Memorial Hall. Here’s my Story -

Remember the Lockdown? It affected us all in one way or another.

I had been a very active person who loved the outdoors, riding my bikes, dabbling in triathlons, walking with my hubby and dog and so on. Due to having had a Kidney transplant in December 2015, ve been on immunosuppressive medication, which meant I had to shield during the pandemic.

While shielding, to keep my morale up I tried to keep busy so I baked. I baked for myself and neighbours. Then the inevitable happened and I began to put on weight.

Normality returned but my weight didn’t. I knew I had to do something but I just didn’t have the drive to do it alone. My sister, Karen, who lives nearby signed us both up to a Countdown at the local Slimming World group so we could learn how it worked.

We were given a warm welcome and made to feel at ease. We listened to the New Member talk on the basics of Slimming World and were each given our member packs to read and guide us while at home.

I was impressed that it wasn’t a fad diet; it was all based on healthy eating. I also loved learning about the psychology of how/why we eat what we eat, which was covered in the Choose Success book. Since being active is included and supported as part of the journey, it fit really well with my lost passion for the outdoors. Most of all, I loved that I was in control and could decide how much weight I wanted to lose, set my own target.

We joined the group each week and our weight began to fall off. We were given support and encouragement along the way. We made new friends and looked forward to attending group each week.

Within 6 months I’d lost 3 stone and reached my personal target weight that I felt happy with. I was elated! My clothes fit me again; it was like finding a new wardrobe. My confidence came back. I began cycling again and I enjoyed finding “me” again. My mojo came back! Shortly after, I decided to find out more about becoming a Slimming World Consultant and helping others learn the benefits it brings to people, including:

• Losing weight

• Gaining confidence

• How it can help with diabetics

• Help with Smoking Help with Drinking

• Reduced weight on joints

• Losing weight for an operation & Recovery after an operation

• Fitting into old clothes again

• Feeling more comfortable, and much more…

I applied, had my interviews, completed my intensive (but fun!) training, studied, sat and passed my 9 diplomas and am very proud to say that today, I am loving my role as a Slimming World Consultant. I opened the Lingfield & Dormansland group on 1st November 2023 (and Edenbridge on 30th January 2024) and have never looked back.

If making that decision to lose weight and become healthier is something you’re thinking of doing, then I’d love to hear from you.

Give me a call on 07786554159. Come and listen to my New Member talk either at 5.30 pm or 7.00 pm - absolutely no obligationyou’ll be made to feel very welcome.

It could be the best decision you’ll make to get you back to feeling “you” and feeling real good!

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

Release date: 9 January 2025

The Cabinets of the three Sussex upper tier Councils have today agreed to submit an expression of interest to be considered for the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme indicating support for a Sussex Mayoral Strategic Authority which could unlock new powers for the region.

The Government’s white paper on English Devolution states that Mayoral Strategic Authorities will bring funding and local decision-making powers down from central government to deliver on economic growth, jobs and skills, housing and transport.

A Mayoral Strategic Authority could give the people of Sussex a stronger voice in how national decisions affect them and greater power to shape major projects across the area.

If the Government accepts the initial proposal for Sussex to join the devolution priority programme, the Government will run a consultation to obtain residents’ views.

West Sussex County Council Leader, Cllr Paul Marshall, said: “We were pleased to receive the clarity needed from the Government which clearly identified the benefits an elected Mayor and strategic authority would bring to Sussex. By bringing powers down from central government on transport, infrastructure 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

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 across Sussex. I’m keen to move swiftly with the Government and all tiers of local government across the region to take advantage of the opportunities being presented to us.”

Leader of East Sussex County Council, Cllr Keith Glazier, said: “This is historic for Sussex; bringing together the three authorities and our partners to discuss the future of local government in the area and the benefits to our residents, businesses, and communities it could bring. We have all looked closely at the Government’s white paper, together discussed its benefits and what it offers and believe that we have come to the right decision to put forward an expression of interest for a Strategic Mayoral Authority for Sussex.”

The Government’s White Paper set out in detail the key areas that a strategic authority would be in control of to drive growth and provide support on shaping public services. These include:

• Transport and local infrastructure

• Skills and employment support

• Housing and strategic planning

• Economic development and regeneration

• Environment and climate change

• Health, wellbeing and public service reform

• Public safety

READ THE FULL DOCUMENT HERE

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

thing then! I was still a teenager, so to me it was the right thing to do.

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

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

are a lot more excited about it than us. There is so much to think about here when it comes to it: Christmas 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

Do I sometimes miss living in France? Yes. It is where I was born after all. But do I like living here? I really do! Although I cannot go and buy my fresh oven baguette early in the morning to have with my breakfast, I have made a life here and s what I like about living in East Grinstead: being such a small town and having lived here quite a while now, I now know a lot of people, even if just by sight. Most days when I set foot outside, I end up having a conversation with a perfect stranger, someone I hardly know or a friend I bump into. And it is easy around here to strike conversations with t think that would be possible in a

t need a car or public 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

Dominique Cook MCIL, Dip.Trans.CIOL

French translator and interpreter

www.linguafrancafrenchtranslations.com domicook64@gmail.com

The above photo is by Russell Prain. Find him on Instagram.

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.

All re-homed dogs should be vaccinated, neutered (if old enough), microchipped, and up-to-date on flea and worm treatments. If a rescue does not offer RBU (rescue back up), walk away. A reputable rescue will always want a dog returned to them if things don't work out.

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.

Here to Help

Finally, remember that rescues are currently unregulated and don't require licenses. If you have any doubts, it's best to walk away.

If you're still set on buying a puppy, it's important to take your time and consider important factors like breed suitability.

For example, a high-energy dog like a Border Collie won't be happy without regular exercise.

Size matters too! A tiny toy dog could struggle with boisterous toddlers, while large breeds cost more to insure, feed, and neuter.

Puppy Contracts: Use Them!

If you're buying a puppy, we strongly advise printing and taking a Puppy Contract. You can download a free copy from puppycontract.org.uk. A Puppy Contract not only helps create an agreement

The team at Portland Vets are always happy to help with pre-purchase advice. It can be helpful to check how much things like parasite control and neutering will cost, especially once your chosen dog reaches their adult weight.

You can even pre-book our complimentary puppy development checks (once you have a collection date) that are provided monthly as part of our vaccination programme. In these appointments our nurses can support you with training, behavioural issues and also things such as neutering and tooth brushing. They will also weigh them and then recommend and administer (if necessary) their monthly worming and flea treatment.

PortlandVetsaretheonlyindependentvetsinEast Grinstead& ForestRowandare a family-owned practice focused on quality pet care. They have generously agreed to contribute a monthly pet care column in the Town Crier. WEBSITE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM

Understanding the Importance of Square and Cube Numbers in Math

by Helen Chisholm

Happy New Year to you all! And welcome to 2025!

It wasn’t until I was pondering on the topic to add to this month’s Town Crier when I realised that 2025 is a square number - it equals 45 x 45 (45 multiplied 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.

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

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.

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

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

By understanding the significance of these numbers, students gain a deeper appreciation of math and its practical relevance.

So, as we step into 2025, let’s celebrate its perfect square and the learning opportunities it offers!

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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!.

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 Theatre in East Grinstead is opening its doors for a special event that’s all about community, connection and making a difference. The Community Volunteer Fair 2025 will take place between 11am and 1pm, giving everyone a chance to explore new opportunities, meet incredible people, and discover the power of giving back.

Why You Should Attend

Whether you’re looking for new experiences, eager to share your skills, or simply someone with a passion for making the world a better place, this event is for you.

Learn, Grow, and Give Back

Volunteering offers more than just a way to give back. It’s a chance to develop skills, explore new interests, and meet like-minded people. You’ll be amazed at what you can learn about yourself while helping others.

This event isn’t just about volunteering; it’s about community. No matter your background, skills, or experience, you’ll find a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Come as you are - whether you’re ready to sign up on the spot or simply curious about what’s out there.

Enjoy a Delicious Community Lunch!

We will be serving up a FREE community lunch so that you can connect with others and enjoy the warm sense of togetherness that only great food and good company can provide.

Event Details

When: Saturday, 1st February 2025 • Time: 11am –1pm

Where: The Chequer Mead Theatre, De La Warr Road, East Grinstead RH19 3BS, Who’s Invited: Everyone!

A

Start 2025 with a day that’s meaningful, 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

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.

But The Shed at Forest Row is different: it is a community shed, welcoming everyone over 18 and embracing women, the elderly, the needy and, vitally, community members who feel lonely or isolated.

Right from the get-go, the Shed is offering woodwork and carpentry, and the chance to build anything from our own work benches – our first project! – to planters for the community, shelving for the home, or even sculptures and ornaments to adorn that home.

Creative sessions are supervised by experienced mentors who know their stuff, giving newcomers to woodwork a great chance to learn new and useful

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.”

And on that note, The Shed at Forest Row is working in tandem with Second Life and the village’s thriving Repair Café to promote a more responsible attitude to the products we buy and, all too frequently, dispose of too hastily.

“So many electrical and electronic appliances can be fixed very simply when they go wrong – so bring them to the Repair Café before you chuck them out and buy that new gadget,” says Repair Café founder Sara Smart. “We fix dozens of things every month, items that people were about to chuck out.”

Continued on next page

THE SHED continued from previous page

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.”

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!

H E S H E D

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.

The very latest micro-imaging technology and algorithms that enable researchers to painstakingly sift fact from fiction have facilitated a minutely close scrutiny of hundreds of fossils from the Jurassic Period.

This five-year-long study had brought to light facts about the dinosaurs that will cause us to reevaluate everything we thought we knew about these magnificent yet extensively misunderstood creatures.

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 brontosaurus is believed to have favoured the balaclava in an effort not to be recognized.

Your submissions for the Town Crier humour and satire feature are most welcome!

Please send them to egtowncrier@gmail.com

Saturday 18th January 2025

Start the New Year with a good resolution to rescue all your broken items from being thrown in the bin.

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

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

]Our members also enjoyed singing for The Monday Club and The Open Door Club before Christmas.

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.

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.

For further information about the choir, see our website at https://crawleydownladieschoir.co.uk

The Importance of being Outside in Nature

Especially in Winter

by Ross Symonds Founder of A to Bee Ecology

It’s easy to hunker down and stay cosy indoors when the days get shorter and the temperature drops. After all, winter has a reputation for being a time to hibernate. But stepping outside, even when it’s chilly, can work wonders for both your body and mind. And here’s the thing: nature in winter has a magic all of its own. Whether you’re out for a mindful stroll or foraging for wild treasures, getting outside in the colder months can leave you feeling refreshed, restored, and reconnected.

Why Nature is Good for Us – Even in Winter

We’ve all felt it: that instant lift when we’re surrounded by trees, fresh air, and open skies. And the science backs it up. A study published in People and Nature found that spending just two hours a week in nature even in short bursts - has a big impact on our health and happiness. The best part? It doesn’t matter what time of year it is. A frosty woodland walk or a wander through a hedgerow on a crisp winter morning can be just as beneficial as a sunny summer ramble. Another study in Science Advances found that people living in cities who spent time in green spaces had lower stress and felt happier overall. Being outside lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and encourages us to focus on the present moment - whether it’s the crunch of leaves underfoot, a robin darting across your path, or the soft winter sun on your face. This is particularly powerful in winter, when many of us struggle with low energy, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and a lack of motivation.

What Makes Winter Special?

Winter has a slower, quieter beauty that’s easy to miss if you don’t take the time to look. The air feels fresher, the world seems calmer, and you notice the little things - like delicate frost patterns on leaves or the intricate silhouettes of bare branches against a pale sky. There’s no buzzing of insects or dense greenery to distract you, just the stillness of a season that invites reflection and mindfulness. Even a short winter walk can clear your head and shake off that sluggish, indoorsy feeling. It’s about pausing, noticing, and connecting with what’s around you - whether that’s the call of a bird, the earthy smell of damp soil, or the way the light changes through the day. You come back inside feeling clearer and more

grounded.

Foraging: The Perfect Winter Motivation

If you need a reason to get outside in winter, foraging is a great one. You might think of foraging as a spring and summer activity, but there’s plenty to discover in the colder months. In fact, winter foraging is all about finding the hidden gems of the season.

Hardy greens like chickweed, cleavers, and dandelion still thrive in sheltered spots, offering fresh, nutritious additions to salads, teas, and soups. Roots like burdock and dandelion are at their best in winter earthy, rich, and perfect for roasting or making warming medicinal teas.

Winter is also a time to turn your attention to trees. Pine needles, for example, are packed with Vitamin C and make a beautifully fragrant immune-boosting tea that’s perfect for keeping winter colds at bay. You can also look for fungi like velvet shank mushrooms, which thrive in the colder months on frosty logs and tree stumps. Foraging in winter encourages you to slow down and really look. It reminds us that nature is alive and thriving, even when it seems quiet. And let’s be honest, there’s something deeply satisfying about gathering wild food to bring home and enjoy, especially on a chilly day.

More Than Just Fresh Air

Being outdoors in winter isn’t just about getting some exercise or finding wild food. It’s about connectingto the land, to the seasons, and to ourselves. Whether you’re walking, sitting quietly, or gathering plants, winter nature time gives you the space to step back from the noise of daily life and reconnect with something simpler and deeper.

So this winter, wrap up warm, lace up your boots, and head outside. Look for the subtle details, the hidden life, and the quiet beauty that makes this season so special. Whether you’re foraging for wild greens, brewing a pine needle tea, or just taking a deep breath of crisp air, you’ll feel the benefits long after you head back indoors.

Our foraging season starts in April and tickets are available here, linktr.ee/rosstheecologist

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.

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.

During the pandemic, like so many, I hit a rough patch, which spilled out to the following years, I was highly anxious and depressed, working from home with next to no social life. I knew I needed a change, but didn't know what that change should be.

At the start of 2024, I was fortunate enough to embark on some life coaching sessions which helped me reset my focus and realise that I was the only one in control of my happiness. I'd always had a passion for beauty and skincare and loved the idea of helping others feel good about themselves, so with a new-found enthusiasm, I embarked on an exciting new journey. I decided to enroll myself in beauty training courses, learning everything from facials and massages to lash extensions and brow treatments. I worked hard to learn as much as I could and to perfect my skills.

I started my business as a mobile therapist under the name of 'Beautiful Brows & Lush Lashes + Skincare', building my clientele and gaining a reputation for being a friendly, passionate and skilled professional.

My business grew rapidly, which is when I decided to take a leap of faith and in October 2024, I opened my own studio, nestled within a charming clinic in East Grinstead, where I work alongside an incredibly skilled and knowledgeable aesthetic nurse.

As my business continued to evolve, I decided to change the business name to better reflect my brand, knowledge and services and am now proudly known as 'The SLB Beauty Studio'.

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

my treatments give to my wonderful clients.

My studio offers a variety of services, including:

Eyelash and Brow Services

Facials

Million Dollar Skincare

Microneedling

Dermaplaning

Chemical Peels

Hydrofacials

Massage

Hair Loss & Body Treatments

Waxing

I'm so proud of what I've accomplished and I'm excited to continue helping my clients look and feel their best.

I am also incredibly excited to announce that this article will be my first of many for 'The Town Crier', as I have been invited to write a monthly article, in which I will provide my 'top tips' and provide advice on all things beauty and skincare related.

So, if you're looking for an ‘above and beyond’ beauty experience or want to tackle your skincare concerns, why not make an appointment at Beautiful Brows & Lush Lashes + Skincare and experience the difference today.

I am taking on new clients and it would be my pleasure to welcome you to my studio. Book today and receive 15% off your first treatment*.

1st Floor, 14 High Street, East Grinstead, RH19 3AW

Phone 07834 825 397

VISIT

WEBSITE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM

Broad Horizons

The creative career of East Grinstead artist William de Wilde

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.

Since early childhood I have been fascinated by the natural world, especially flowers, trees and the many animals dependent on them for survival. I studied biology at school followed by medicine at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, but my first love has always been drawing and painting.

As a teenager, I was inspired by the works of Peter Paul Rubens in Antwerp where my grandparents lived. Here I first really experienced the power and emotional energy paintings can elicit in us.

I gave up my medical training to become a surgeon to study art and design at Dartington College of Arts and a year’s teacher training at Rolle College under the guidance of the internationally renowned painter Alan Cotton. I had a twenty-year teaching career as Head of Art and Design before retiring to concentrate on my own work.

See gallery on next page

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.

I also started volunteering for the National Trust in 2016 by becoming a member of the Nymans Florilegium Society illustrating rare and aging plants.

To my delight and pleasant surprise, in January 2024 I was elected a Society of Botanical Artists Fellow (SBAF).

2025 will see me pursuing a “head down, bottom up” existence studying and recording the wild plants growing on the roadside verges in Sussex for the SBA.

I shall also further my work with the National Trust as an artist-in-residence at Munstead Wood in Surrey, Gertrude Jekyll’s old home and world famous garden.

If you are interested in seeing more of my work or contacting me, my website is www.williamdewilde.org

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

by Dipesh Patel of Bluebell Dental

Are you wearing poor-fitting or old dentures currently or needing dentures? Considering new ones? Well, what’s the difference between ones made conventionally and digitally?

We’ve (thankfully) come a long way since I started making dentures 25 years ago. We’d first take preliminary impressions – prints or moulds – of your teeth, which were an unpleasant and somewhat messy way to start off the process. Patients would gag, the materials were uncomfortably cold or warm, and the patient would have to sit still for minutes, before the material was uncomfortably pulled out and checked. After this, the impressions would be sent off to the laboratory, following being disinfected in a solution, to allow custom-made trays to be made to take a second set of impressions – cue, even more discomfort and mess.

These would then again be disinfected and sent back to the laboratory, both of which would cause distortion to what we had done, from the pulling of the material out the mouth, the solution to disinfect causing moisture uptake and expansion of the material and the bouncing around of the impressions in the post, all affecting the eventual fit of the denture.

Arrival at the laboratory would in turn result in more distortion, from further disinfection and the mould needing to be “poured -up” in plaster and being allowed to set, before the denture could even start to be constructed, thus, inevitably and negatively affecting the fit of the denture to the patient.

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

discomfort. Also, issues with the fit of the denture were often not seen until the prosthesis had been completed.

The utilisation of digital technology means that these initial stages have been completely revolutionised, creating a world of difference for the dentist and the patient!

Instead of impressions, patients are scanned slowly and carefully. This allows the patients to be far more comfortable, even allowing them rest breaks during the scan, as we methodically take digital images of the mouth. We, the dentists, can also look and check for discrepancies prior to the denture actually being sent to the laboratory and construction started.

Additionally, the scan only needs to be done once, and can be sent to the laboratory immediately, with an ability for them to communicate any accuracy issues to us, as a second set of eyes.

This, coupled with no disinfection and postage requirements/delays, further removes the creation of inaccuracies to the eventual fit of the dentures as mentioned above. So, in conclusion, all in all, a resulting denture which is made more cleanly, accurately, comfortably and rapidly!

Speak to your dentist about the benefits of a digitallymade denture today. With a variety of materials now to choose from – chrome, acrylic, flexible and others – your dentist can help you to select the best type for your mouth and individual requirements. FACEBOOK EMAIL

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.

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).

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.

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.

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 insulatedincluding 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.

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.

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 and hand

For more information Or email littlemousebabycastings@gmail.com

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!

• Free 15-Minute Recording: This quick, practical guide is packed with tips and strategies to help your New Year’s resolutions stick beyond January.

• Gentle Cleanse and Reset Guide: Co-created with Simone from Simone Yoga, we're really proud of this guide which offers simple recipes, gentle movement practices, and an assessment to help you refresh your body and mind.

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

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:

• Stay motivated when life gets busy.

• Turn big goals into manageable steps.

• Reignite your enthusiasm if it starts to wane.

A Gentle Start: Cleanse and Reset

Kick off the year with the Gentle Cleanse and Reset Guide, which Simone and I are delighted to bring you.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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 Club’s Secretary (Brendan) on 0345 833 9506

• or our Membership Secretary (Jill) via Facebook

• or email eganddlions@gmail.com.

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

The One that Nearly GotAway

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

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

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.

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.

Something interesting, engaging, fascinating or amusing to report?

Email us on egtowncrier@gmail.com

The Cat is Back!

Plastic Elvis returns to the Stage for a one-off Charity Fundraiser inAid 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Taylor-Made Dreams Office: 01892 956460 Website: www.taylormadedreams.org.uk

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

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!

Of course, in recent years there has been much discussion of the decline of the British High Street as shoppers respond to the siren call and convenience of Amazon (or my own Achilles Heel, QVC!).

East Grinstead 2024 sadly included a goodbye to ‘Broadleys’ and farewell to ‘Clarks’ but we now have new arrivals ‘Crew’ and ‘Barnes & Fadden’ to swell the ranks of our High Street outlets. There’s a full and varied contingent of charity shops and cafés that appeared to be doing a roaring trade during December; some eclectic gems to be unearthed in 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.

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

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 elves, ‘The Ship’ [right] an array of sparkling foliage with baubles and in the ‘Future Audio’ window [below] a model tram trundled up and down a short piece of track through a snowy landscape. The number of children I saw gathered entranced by this simple scene took me back to Croydon cade back in the day Christmas memories was being fascinated by its

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/

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."

CFRs are trained volunteers who respond to emergencies in their local communities, often arriving before an ambulance. Dressed in distinctive red uniforms, they provide critical care and reassurance in those vital moments before the team in green can take over. These local heroes bridge the gap between the call for help and the arrival of advanced medical support, ensuring patients receive life-saving attention as quickly as possible.

Who Are Community First Responders?

CFRs are everyday people from all walks of life who dedicate their time to helping others. From teachers and office workers to retirees and students, they share a common passion for making a difference. While they don’t replace the full time Ambulance Service members, their role is crucial in supporting them, especially during peak times or in rural areas where an ambulance may take longer to arrive.

CFRs undergo rigorous training approved by the ambulance service, equipping them with the skills needed to handle emergencies such as cardiac arrests, strokes, and severe bleeding. They are trained to use defibrillators, administer oxygen, and provide basic life support skills that can mean the difference between life and death.

What Do CFRs Do?

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

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 establishment in 2009, these volunteers have become an integral part of the local healthcare system, attending countless incidents. From attending 13-day old babies to 101-year-old residents, across a wide range of medical conditions. Their dedication ensures that help is never far away.

CFRs also play an educational role in their communities, offering CPR and defibrillator awareness sessions to the public and local groups. By empowering others with life-saving skills, they extend their impact beyond individual emergencies.

Why Are CFRs Needed?

CFRs provide invaluable support, ensuring help reaches patients as quickly as possible, particularly in remote or densely populated areas.

Their volunteer status doesn’t diminish their professionalism. CFRs are committed, compassionate, and always ready to act, often juggling their personal lives and jobs to be on call for their communities.

How Can You Support CFRs?

CFR groups, like East Grinstead CFRs, can benefit greatly by raising awareness. Spreading the word about the Ambulance Service Members in Red can help get them to patients quicker.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

This month, I invite you to:

• Start your day with three slow, conscious breaths

• Take walking breaks, even if just for five minutes

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

Until then…Breathe slow!

You can find Judith Rayner on Instagram or Facebook for local workshops and events

Or go to: www.walkandtalk4success.com Contact judith@walkandtalk4success.com

NASAAstronauts to train in Sussex?

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.

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”.

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.

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

Help make Lives better!

TakeAction on Dementia

by Fiona Haywood of Being Neighbourly

Hi everyone!

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

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.

We are a member of the East Grinstead Dementia Action Alliance, along with other community organisations, whose purpose is to make East Grinstead more dementia friendly. So we are opening this training session to community organisations, local businesses and any interested individuals.

Venue - Chequer Mead Auditorium

Date Thursday 30th January

Time 11am to 12.15

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 achieved. We are so pleased they are coming to give us this training and help us to improve our dementia support at the theatre.

The training is free but we would appreciate you

• 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

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

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.

I thought of how many artists there are living in our communities and wondered what would happen if, say, twenty of them got together, pooled their resources, formed a collective and rented the premises. They would then have a lot of space in which to set up a gallery where each member could display and sell their work. This would be painters, sculptors and so forth, perhaps even poets and other artists.

If not Broadleys, perhaps there are other empty premises that could be utilised.

But the result would be that the area would have its own art gallery or active arts centre and one way to lift a community or indeed a nation is to help their imaginative artists to flourish.

What do you think of this idea in principle?

Making a Meaningful Difference

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.

“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.”

“. . .[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.”

“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.”

“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.”

Best wishes

Founder & Chairman

The

Greenaway Foundation

WEBSITE

ARECIPE THAT WON’T KILLYOU

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Waste not, want not.

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 illness, so achieving the right balance with the mind and body promotes positive physical and mental wellbeing. In general, the Ayurveda system takes a natural and holistic approach to all aspects of health and wellbeing. According to Ayurvedic custom, a weekly massage is recommended to help balance the body energies – wouldn’t that be nice!

The modern-day concept of the Indian Head Massage was first introduced into the UK by Dr Narendra Mehta, who arrived from India in the early 1970’s. He began to miss the benefits of a regular head massage and decided to develop it in the west. He created the techniques and style we use today on the scalp, neck, shoulders, upper arms and face.

This type of massage has increasingly become popular and has many benefits for all. Dr Mehta’s form of Indian Head Massage is also referred to as Champissage.

In the West, we tend to view the scalp as a separate part of the body and rarely give it the attention it needs – unless we are at the hairdressers or barbers. But more and more people see the benefits of looking after the scalp and Indian head massage has become so popular that it is a staple treatment in many spas and salons. Its popularity is due to the huge benefits, effectiveness and accessibility, as it can be done with or without oil, sitting up or laying down

and practised on anyone!

The benefits

The benefits of an Indian head massage are numerous and are immediately felt during the treatment but also continues long after it has finished:

Relaxing, calming and revitalising

Relaxes the muscles and reduces tension

Reduces stress and anxiety

Aids better sleep

Improves focus and concentration

Helps the lymphatic system and detoxification

Stimulates circulation, helping hair growth and skin condition

Soothes nerve endings

Improves mindful breathing

Relief from stiff muscles, improving mobility in the joints

Relief from headaches, earaches, eye strain, sinus congestion and jaw ache

Increased energy levels and reduces lethargy

Improves immune system

Due to all these great benefits it’s no wonder it has become a firm favourite for many to improve wellbeing in our busy modern-day life. If you wish to enjoy the benefits of an Indian head massage or treat someone special to improve their wellbeing please visit www.simone-yoga.co.uk/massage or email: simone@simone-yoga.co.uk

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.

First of all, what is the endocrine system? Our endocrine system is a collection of glands, including the thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and pituitary gland (to name a few), that secrete hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones regulate a wide range of bodily functions, from energy levels, sleep, appetite, body temperature and metabolism to stress responses and reproductive health.

So as you can imagine, when this system is out of balance it can have a huge impact on our New Year health goals. We can experience fatigue, poor digestion and even weight-gain owing to our hormones not functioning effectively.

After the indulgence of Christmas, it’s tempting to swing to the opposite extreme with strict diets and punishing exercise routines. But this harsh approach can backfire and can essentially become

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…

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.

On the topic of sleep - prioritise it! We are still ‘wintering’ and our circadian rhythm is set to rest season and our natural urge is to get more sleep at this time of year. So satisfy that urge. It’s not the time of year to be up late each evening prepping healthy meals for the next day, or for implementing a new early-morning routine! The endocrine system needs rest.

Emotionally…prioritise joy. Small acts of joy in every day can make a huge difference to regulating your endocrine health and benefit your mindset.

My key message: if it makes you miserable, don’t do it. Adjust, reframe, and try again.

Email me: sally@bodyphonics.co.uk Follow me on Instagram

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.

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

An eye for Beauty

We are pleased to present the wonderful design and photography of local artist Stefania Priori

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

Continued on next page

First we’ll let Sefania introduce herself . . .

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.

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.

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

Are you passionate about your community and looking to make a real difference?

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.

But to continue growing and reaching more listeners, we need your help!

We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team. Whether you're interested in becoming a presenter, helping with sound engineering, supporting local news and sports coverage, or getting involved in

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

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 meaningfulyour 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.