The Town Crier
Serving the communities of East Grinstead, Forest Row, Ashurst Wood, Lingfield, Dormansland, Newchapel, Turners Hill, Sharpthorne Crawley Down and the neighbouring areas
Issue 15 December 2025
Let’s Thrive!
] Welcome!
to the December 2025 issue of your Town Crier community magazine
Hello!
Enjoy this month’s wealth of contributions from local charities, community groups, clubs, artists and businesses. As ever we can be justifiably proud of the strength, vitality and creativity of our communities.
If you are a charity or any form of not-for-profit group, club or enterprise you will not be charged for being promoted in this magazine.
If you are a small local business, you can have one advertorial feature equivalent to a full page of advertising free of charge so as to make yourself known to our readers.
And if you are a local small business, we provide a limited amount of space for you to advertise at very reasonable rates which you can find here.
The door is now wide open for your submissions for the January 2026 issue.
For more information tour the website or
Email: egtowncrier@gmail.com
The cover photograph is by our resident genius with a camera, East Grinstead photographer, Russell Prain. Find him on Instagram.
In This issue
A Christmas Cactus page 2
Festive maths & the Joy of Puzzles page 4
The Forest Row Repair Café page 6
What to Spot on Local Walks page 9
Twelve Days of Safety page 11
The Hidden Stress of Giving page 14
Community People page 17
Winter Warming Tea Recipe page 22
The Gatwick Manor Estate page 24
Mouthy Marketing page 26
East Grinstead Lions page 28
How Was It ForYou? page 31
The East Grinstead Society page 32
The RH7 History Group page 33
Rotary Cut Out Cancer Campaign page 35
Christians Against Poverty page 38
Chapter and Worse page 39
How to Basically page 40
A Christmas Cactus
Town Crier columnist Alison Earnshaw describes how ‘Shirley’ finally grew up and turned over a new leaf!
Today we brought Shirley in from the cold. She’s pretty resilient but doesn’t like getting her feet wet and the Sussex December forecast of a cold-damp combo wouldn’t see her at her best. So, in she comes… not the easiest process as she’s no lightweight and careful doorway navigation is required for the process of hauling her in and finding her a cosy spot indoors.
So, with apologies to The Bard, “Who Is Shirley, What Is She?”
To clarify, Shirley is a 37-year-old Christmas Cactus, botanical name ‘Schlumbergera’.
I’m told these dramatic, seasonally flowering plants first originated in South America so they’re usually indoor plants here in the U.K. although Shirley does seem to do well over the Summer, sitting in her pot on a table in the garden until the bite of a first frost.
She has been greatly treasured since we were first introduced back in the 1980s. A tiny sprig from her parent plant, she was given to me by a dear friend, Shirley, hence the name.
This cutting didn’t thrive to start with. Although extra foliage developed over the years there were very few flowers to speak of until one Winter, when I moved the plant into my office at work. There she took up residence on top of the filing cabinet and this is when the magic happened!
Unexpectedly and fortuitously, a position with bright indirect light and, crucially, being left to her own devices in an unheated room with a cessation of over-watering through the Christmas break turned out to be ideal conditions for Shirley. I returned to work in January to be greeted by copious cascades of luxuriant red flowers… and she’s bloomed enthusiastically every Winter since.
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A Christmas Cactus continued from previous page
Fast forward a couple of decades and Shirley is now permanently back at home where she will remain indoors until Spring. Measuring several feet across, her glossy red and green Christmassy colours mark the onset of the festive season in our house.
Whilst I’d love to have an open log fire crackling in a Christmas hearth, sadly there’s no facility for such in my terraced house, so Shirley’s joyful flame-flowers provide an alternative living focal point for the room. Poinsettias or Red Cyclamen are also really effective in bringing a visual warm glow and lifting the spirits.
My first port of call in East Grinstead for all purchases botanical, either for myself (should Shirley need some company) or as gifts for others is ‘Orchard Nurseries’, located just along the A264 Holtye Road.
A friendly and knowledgeable independent retailer, I’ve always found them very welcoming and so helpful with advice. This December their ranks of deep-hued red, pink and purple cyclamens are an absolute joy.
They also have potted Christmas trees and a beautifully decorated sparkling Winter wonderland of a gift shop… just lovely!
I’m so glad I didn’t give up on Shirley those first few years when she stubbornly refused to flower. Now she’s all grown up, transformed into a mature and stately Christmas Cactus embodying the spirit of 37 years of my Christmas Past.
Bursting into spectacular bloom in December, she heralds the enjoyment of Christmas Present and… (as long as we bring her in from the chilly garden in good time to settle her contentedly in the lounge) … here’s hoping she will be with us for many years to come: Spirit of Christmas Future!
Alison is currently working on an original music and theatre production with 'Shot Full Of Rock & Friends'. To find out more go to: https://www.instagram.com/shotfullofrock/ www.shotfullofrock.co.uk
Festive Maths and The Joy of Puzzles
Maths tutor, Helen Chisholm’s monthly column gives valuable tips on how to excel or help your children excel at maths.
As the festive season begins, many families look for simple, meaningful activities to enjoy together.
December is a wonderful time to show children that maths can be creative, hands-on, and full of wonder.
Here are three festive ideas that bring mathematical thinking to life in a relaxed, enjoyable way.
Explore Snowflake Symmetry
Snowflakes are perfect for introducing children to the beauty of symmetry.
Each snowflake follows a six-point geometric pattern, formed through repeating reflections in nature.
Try making paper snowflakes at home and challenge children to spot the lines of symmetry in their creations.
Older learners might compare different designs and discuss how small changes can create completely new patterns.
This is a gentle way to build spatial reasoning while celebrating winter’s natural artistry.
Turn Gift-Wrapping into a Maths Challenge
Every household wraps at least a few gifts in December, and this is a brilliant opportunity to explore measurement and estimation.
Children can work out how much paper is needed for different shapes, test how many ribbons fit around a box, or decide the most efficient way to fold paper with the least waste.
Decorating the tree can also become a fun puzzle can they space baubles evenly or estimate how many lights are needed to wrap around it?
These real-world tasks quietly strengthen problem-solving skills.
Enjoy Festive Puzzles Together
Whether it’s a Christmas Sudoku, a logic puzzle, or a code-cracking game, puzzles build concentration and strategic thinking. Younger children might enjoy spotting patterns in bauble designs, completing simple number trails, or creating their own Christmas maths quiz for the family. The goal is enjoyment and curiosity not getting everything right.
This December, weaving a little playful maths into family traditions can spark confidence, creativity, and plenty of festive smiles.
Find Helen on Facebook
Regulars of Forest Row Repair Café will know that if you’ve been directed to the bike room for a repair, you’ll often hear the laughter first.
This is where volunteers Renny Leach, Jeremy Paine, John Hayes and Nick Fenner power through not just bike fixes, but also blade-sharpening, and repairs of small furniture items, garden tools, sewing machines, wetsuits, inflatables and, well, anything that can be resurrected with the right glue, nails, patches, or, simply, repair smarts.
Between them, they have a vast bank of knowledge.
Renny from Forest Row, a “nearly” retired biotech director, is driven by his scientific interest “to explore how things work and how they can be repaired” (impressively, he’s also rebuilt, plumbed and rewired three houses). Jeremy, a retired police officer from Scaynes Hill, is also self-taught, with a talent for garden tools (thanks to the needs of his
Meet the Menders
As part of an ongoing series, Fleur Britten meets the bike room volunteers
son-in-law, a landscape gardener).
John, a gardener from Sheffield Park and self-taught “tinkerer”, is motivated by a dislike of “throwing stuff away”.
And Nick, who grew up watching his father construct a glasshouse nursery business largely out of war surplus materials, seems “to have inherited his liking of making and fixing things” (even as a boy, Nick was undertaking complex car repairs).
The room buzzes with camaraderie. “We always ask each other's opinion if something’s tricky, and often collaborate to make repairs quicker,” says Jeremy.
Naturally, the good cheer extends to customers too.
“It’s rewarding to see people leave with a smile, especially if I’ve been able to teach something useful,” says Renny.
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Forest Row Repair Café continued from previous page “We have lots of fun,” Jeremy adds, “and always ask the clients about themselves.”
Indeed, when chatting to one lady, Jeremy recounts, “she disclosed that she was on her own and this made things difficult. She asked if we also ran a dating service.” Well, the Repair Café is a great place to meet like-minded people.
The Nature of East Grinstead in Winter: What to Spot on Local Walks
by Ross Symonds, Ecologist
Winter often appears quiet, but it’s one of the most revealing times to explore the woods, fields, and hedgerows around East Grinstead. With the canopy bare and the landscape stripped back, the countryside shows its structure more clearly, and many species become easier to spot.
Robins and Winter Thrushes
Robins hold their territories throughout winter, and their bright song is one of the season’s most recognisable sounds. Older Sussex folklore calls the robin “the winter king,” believed to carry the fire of the old year into the new. Alongside them, fieldfares and redwings arrive from Scandinavia, gathering on hedgerows and orchard edges to feed on berries and windfall fruit.
Holly, Ivy and Yew
These evergreens have long been symbols of endurance. Holly berries sustain birds through the harshest spells, while ivy continues providing nectar to the last insects of the year. Yew, one of Britain’s most ancient native trees, has been associated with quiet protection and longevity for centuries likely why it appears so often in churchyards.
Winter Fungi
Despite the cold, fungi remain active. Velvet shank can survive deep frost, glowing amber on fallen wood, while candle-snuff fungus rises like tiny antlers from mossy stumps. Their presence is a reminder that the woodland ecosystem never truly sleeps.
Hedgerow Highlights
Rosehips, hawthorn berries and lingering blackberry leaves all remain through December. Hawthorn traditionally a tree of luck and boundary-keeping is particularly important for winter birds. These stubborn flashes of colour show how vital our hedgerows are, both ecologically and culturally.
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Ross Symonds continued from previous page
Winter may be the quiet season, but it’s rich with small details, stories, and wildlife that are easy to miss in the busier months. Aslow wander through the hedgerows or woods might reveal more than you expect.
If you’d like to explore the season more deeply, I’m running two winter events locally:
Xmas Hedgerow Cocktail Night
Thursday 18th December, 8pm –The Engine Room, East Grinstead –£30pp
Five wild cocktails, foraged snacks, and a relaxed talk on the plants and stories behind winter hedgerow ingredients. Yule Lights: Family Lantern Walk & Story Trail
Saturday 20th December, 2:30–4:30pm – Busses Farm, East Grinstead – £10 per child, adults free
A gentle woodland walk exploring lantern light, winter wildlife, and seasonal folklore for families.
Booking links can be found via my Linktree: linktr.ee/rosstheecologist
The 12 Days of Safety
Simple Tips to Stop You Meeting your Local Community First Responder This Festive Season!
December is one of the busiest times of year for ambulance crews, hospitals, and Community First Responders. While it’s a season of celebration, it’s also a time when accidents, illnesses, and avoidable emergencies spike dramatically.
The good news? Many of the most common Christmas-related callouts are completely preventable with a few simple habits.
Here are the 12 Days of Safety a practical, easy-to-follow guide to help you and your loved ones stay well, stay warm, and stay away from hospital this festive season.
1. Candle Safety
Candles, decorations and dry winter foliage are a risky combination.
Never leave candles unattended, keep them away from curtains or greenery, and always use sturdy holders. Ahuge number of house fires in December start this way, and most are avoidable with simple awareness.
2. Don’t Overload Electrical Sockets
Fairy lights, heaters, chargers and festive displays all running at once can overload plugs. Use extension leads responsibly and look for signs of wear and tear or overheating. So urce
3. Watch theAlcohol Intake
Many falls, burns, and avoidable accidents happen when someone has “just one more.” Pace yourself, drink water alongside alcohol, and look out for friends and family members who may be getting a bit unsteady.
4. Slippery Paths and Icy Drives
One of the biggest causes of winter injuries especially for older adults is slipping on ice. Grit paths, wear sturdy shoes, and take extra care in the early morning and late evening when ice is most likely.
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12 Days of Safety continued from previous page
5. Kitchen Safety on the Big Day
Hot fat, crowded kitchens, and a festive tipple create a perfect storm. Keep pan handles turned in, keep children out from underfoot, and use timers to avoid distraction-related accidents.
6. Look Out for Vulnerable Neighbours
Cold weather can worsen breathing problems, heart conditions, and mobility issues. A quick knock on the door or a phone call to check on someone more vulnerable can make all the difference and sometimes prevent the need for a 999 call altogether.
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7. Keep Pathways Clear for Emergency Access
If you’re expecting visitors or family staying over, make sure driveways, steps, and hallways are clutter-free. It will help prevent falls and injuries in an environment they’re less familiar with and if needed helps the ambulance service get to you quicker and safer.
8. Know the Signs of Serious Illness
Early recognition saves lives. Learn the FAST signs for stroke, the symptoms of a heart attack (not indigestion), and when breathing difficulties require urgent help
12 Days of Safety continued from previous page
9. 999 vs 111 Know Which to Use
999 is for life-threatening emergencies like serious road traffic accidents, strokes and heart attacks.
Get help from 111 if you’re not sure if you need to call 999, NHS 111 can check your symptoms and tell you what to do. You can also check your symptoms online.
Source
10. Manage Long-Term Conditions Carefully
Cold weather can worsen asthma, COPD, and heart issues. Make sure medications are stocked up, inhalers
are within reach, and careline devices are worn.
11. Avoid Heavy Lifting
From moving furniture to carrying Christmas trees or heavy boxes, December is prime time for back injuries.
Lift slowly, bend your knees, and ask for help when needed.
12. Check Your Smoke Alarms
It takes seconds and could save a life.
Test your smoke alarms, replace batteries if needed, and ensure everyone in the home knows the escape route.
Helping You Stay Safe and Well
With a little awareness, you can enjoy the season fully while reducing pressure on local NHS and emergency services.
Wishing you all a joyful, safe, and healthy festive season from your local team in red.
Find out more about Community First Responders
Helping you live a freer, healthier life
This month, Samantha Ford of Unique Welllth presents
The Hidden Stress of Giving
How to Make This Festive Season More Meaningful and Less Draining
Christmas is often painted as a season of joy, generosity, and connection and yes that’s the goal but for many people, the festive season feels more like a pressure cooker than a holiday.
Between buying gifts, hosting, social commitments, work deadlines, and trying to “make it magical,” the act of giving can quietly shift from something heartfelt to something burdensome.
And when that happens, our wellbeing tends to pay the price.
We don’t often talk about the hidden stress of giving, but it shows up everywhere: the frantic shopping, the last-minute “just in case” presents, the ‘yeses,’ that over-commit us, the overspending, the invisible load of organising everyone else’s happiness, and the exhaustion that comes from trying to meet expectations often unspoken ones and even selfimposed.
What’s interesting is that, at its core, giving is meant to feel good.
Generosity boosts our mood, strengthens relationships, and even reduces stress hormones. But only when it’s done with intention not obligation and certainly not comparison.
Here are a few reasons the festive season can become overwhelming, and some gentle ways to reclaim the magic without sacrificing your energy, finances, or wellbeing.
1. Gift-Giving Has Become a Performance
With social media, advertising, and comparison culture, many people feel a silent pressure to make Christmas “Instagram-worthy.”
Bigger gifts. Perfect wrapping. Immaculately laid tables. But the truth is, the most meaningful gifts rarely need glitter.
Instead of striving for perfection, try shifting the question from “What will look impressive?” to “What will
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feel meaningful?”
Often, the simplest gestures a handwritten note, time together, a homemade treat, or offering help with a task create the most heartfelt impact.
2. Emotional Overload and PeoplePleasing
December is the month where boundaries often disappear. You say “yes” because you don’t want to disappoint. You go to events you’re too exhausted for. You spend money you didn’t intend to spend and worse still you don’t have. You stretch yourself thin to make things easier for others.
But giving from an empty cup isn’t giving it’s self-neglect.
Try this gentle boundary: “I’d love to help, here’s what I can realistically do.” It keeps you in the spirit of generosity without leaving you with little left to spare.
3. Financial Stress Behind the Scenes
The pressure to buy gifts (often multiple ones), contribute to parties, attend meals out, or join Secret Santas can add up quickly. And money worries are one of the biggest sources of December stress yet people rarely admit it.
Setting a limit isn’t being unkind. It’s being wise. Agreeing on spending caps, Unique Wellth continued from previous page
doing family gift draws or buying joint gifts to share the cost helps everyone breathe easier.
4. The Overlooked Gift: Presence
Studies show that the greatest wellbeing boost doesn’t come from giving things it comes from giving attention.
We underestimate how much people value:
• being listened to
• being laughed with
• being truly seen
• having someone show up
This year, consider gifting moments rather than materials: a winter walk, a coffee date, or cooking a simple meal together.
5. Protecting Your Own Wellbeing
This season, try asking yourself: “What kind of giving feels sustainable instead of draining?”
Maybe it’s being more intentional with your budget.
Maybe it’s saying no to an event. Maybe it’s choosing rest over rushing.
Maybe it’s focusing on connection rather than consumption.
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Unique Wellth continued from previous page
When you give from a calm, grounded place, the people around you feel it and you do too.
This festive season let’s remember that generosity isn’t measured in price tags or volume.
It’s measured in presence, intention, and the quality of the moments we create.
The greatest gift you can offer and receive is your wellbeing.
May this season bring you moments of calm, genuine connection, and the permission to look after yourself with the same care you offer others. Wishing you a wonderful, calm and restful festive season exactly as you need it to be.
Find Samantha at Unique WELLth, where surviving stress is challenged, giving way to calmer days, increased energy, and a life that feels more like yours again.
www.Uniquewellth.coach
Join Us for the Community & Volunteer Fair – Saturday 31st January 2026
Community People is all about people coming together to make a difference.
We support communities to thrive by championing local voices, creating opportunities, and encouraging action on what matters most.
Volunteering is at the heart of what we do it’s how individuals turn passion into real impact. By working with local groups, businesses, and partners, we help create positive change that lasts.
Start the new year by connecting, sharing, and making a difference!
The Community & Volunteer Fair is your chance to discover what’s happening right on your doorstep, meet friendly faces, and find out how you can get involved in shaping a stronger, happier community.
Whether you’ve lived here for years or just moved to the area, everyone is welcome. Come along to enjoy a free hot drink, a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and plenty of opportunities to chat with local groups, charities, and clubs.
From environmental projects and youth activities to arts, sports, and neighbourhood initiatives, there’s something for every interest and every schedule.
You might find a new hobby, make lasting friendships, or be inspired to volunteer your time and skills to help the community grow and thrive.
Even a small contribution can make a big difference, and this event is the perfect place to learn how you can play your part.
Together, we can make our town a place where everyone feels connected, supported, and proud to belong.
When: 31st January 2026 from 10am to 12pm
Where: Meridian Hall, East Court College, RH19 3LT
Come for the coffee, stay for the connections and leave feeling inspired to make 2026 a year of community, kindness, and collaboration!
Find out more about Community People
Sponsor the Town Crier
If you are a local business, we provide a limited amount of space for you to help yourself and your community by sponsoring the Town Crier through paid advertising. Click here for more info
Chinese Medicine Inspired Winter Warming Tea Recipe
With ginger, cinnamon, cardamom & star anise
Ingredients (serves 2–3 cups):
3–4 slices fresh ginger
1 small cinnamon stick
2 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
1 star anise
500–600 ml water
Optional: a teaspoon of honey, added once the tea has cooled slightly
Method:
Add all the herbs and spices to a small pot.
Pour over the water and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavours to deepen.
Strain into cups and sweeten with a little honey if you wish.
Why This Tea Supports the Body in
Winter (According to Chinese Medicine)
Winter is the coldest, most Yin season of the year, and the body benefits from warmth, rest, and nourishment. This blend uses warming, aromatic spices that gently support circulation and help protect the body from cold.
Ginger (Shēng Jiāng 生姜)
Fresh ginger is warm and dispersing. It helps to move Qi, warm the centre, and gently drive out surface cold. It’s often
used in winter to support the digestion and to take the chill out of the body after being outdoors.
Cinnamon (Ròu Guì 肉桂 or Guì Zhī 桂枝 depending on the plant part)
Cinnamon warms the channels and supports the movement of Yang. In cold weather, when the body can feel sluggish or tight, cinnamon helps encourage warmth to flow outward, supporting circulation and easing cold hands and feet.
Cardamom (Bài Dòu Kòu 白豆蔻 /
Shā Rén 砂仁 in its broader category of aromatic herbs)
Cardamom is aromatic and gently warming. It awakens the digestive system and supports the transformation of food into usable Qi. In winter, when digestion can slow down, cardamom provides lightness and movement to counter the heavy, damp tendencies of the season.
StarAnise (Bā Jiǎo 八角) Star anise is warm, fragrant, and supportive of our internal systems. It helps to ease stagnation, encourage circulation, and bring a comforting depth to the blend. In cold months, its warmth helps counter internal cold and supports a sense of steadiness.
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Tea Recipe continued from previous page
In Chinese medicine, winter invites us to conserve energy, eat warm foods, and choose gentle daily rituals that keep the Yang fire supported.
A tea like this offers not just warmth, but a moment of pause a small act of seasonal care.
The International College of Oriental Medicine (ICOM) and Clinic at Van Buren House in Green Hedges Avenue East Grinstead RH19 1DZ a world-renowned Acupuncture college that has been supporting the local community for over 50 years
Please find them here
Where Farming and Conservation Work Hand in Hand: the Gotwick Manor Estate
Located on the outskirts of East Grinstead, Gotwick Manor Estate is a family-run farm where sustainability, nature and community is placed at our heart.
The Estate has a strong focus on biodiversity, conservation and a desire to make a positive difference for both people and our environment.
At the same time, we are also an active farm and we see no reason why farming and conservation can’t work hand in hand. We pride ourselves in taking great care of the land and the animals on it. You can find out more about the farm produce we offer as well as our other services online at www.gotwickanorestate.com.
The Estate comprises an equal split between grassland and woodland. The grassland is managed through the regenerative grazing of our flock of sheep. While in the woodland, continual management and selective thinning of trees maximises habitat diversity which in turn helps support a rich array of flora and fauna.
Through the process of gradually thinning trees, we are also able to produce highly sustainable firewood which we sell as split, seasoned logs in large bulk bags and small sack bags. We also have small net bags of
kindling and eco-friendly firelighters available online. Across the Estate there is a mix of residential and commercial properties, livery yards, and fishing lakes.
Recent advancements including the installation of ground- and airsource heat pumps, solar panel arrays and battery storage are increasing the sustainability of properties. While across the land, planting new hedgerows and establishing wildflowers meadows are helping to improve habitat quality and increase biodiversity.
During refurbishment works, existing infrastructure and materials have been reused or repurposed wherever possible.
For example, an indoor swimming pool, located in one of the barns was dated and inefficient. Rather than removing it, all rainwater collected from nearby roofs was redirected to the pool and it now serves as a rainwater storage tank. This water sits just 10m away from the walled garden and therefore serves as a perfect source to pump back for irrigation.
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Work in the walled garden is endless, and the Estate is always happy to have some helping hands.
So, if you fancy getting your hands dirty, doing a bit of weeding, pruning, flower cutting, veg picking then get in touch with us. In exchange we will supply you with tea, coffee, biscuits and you can take some produce away with you.
From time to time, we also have other volunteering opportunities. For example, last year we planted over 1600m of hedgerow (over 9000 trees). Follow us on social media to receive the latest updates on upcoming events.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading a little snippet into the work and life on Gotwick Manor Estate and we hope to see you soon.
Gotwick Manor Picture Gallery
5 Reasons Small Business Should Use Email Marketing
Monthly Marketing Tips by Alice Watkyn of Mouthy Marketing
Marketing can feel like juggling too many balls, but email is one tool that actually works for small retailers. It puts you in front of customers who already know your brand, without relying on social media algorithms or paid ads.
Reach customers directly
Email lands in inboxes where people pay attention. A short, focused message about a new product, a seasonal sale, or a back-in-stock alert is far more effective than dozens of social posts that get buried. Consistent emails build awareness without extra effort.
Track what works
Open rates, clicks, and sales tell you exactly how customers respond. Small retailers can tweak campaigns quickly based on real data. This is far more useful than chasing trends or guessing what might work.
Affordable and scalable
Most email platforms let you start for free or very cheaply. You can grow your list gradually, sending more
messages as your audience grows. Unlike ads, email targets people who already want to hear from you, so you get more impact for less spend.
Make it personal
Addressing customers by name, suggesting products based on past purchases, or offering loyalty rewards increases engagement. Personal touches make customers feel valued without complicated tech or heavy data.
Drive sales, not just awareness
Email is a practical sales tool. Every message should have a clear purpose: launch a new collection, announce a promotion, or remind customers of something they love. Simple campaigns that deliver value keep your store front of mind and bring people back.
For small retailers, email is straightforward, measurable, and effective. Focus on clear messages, consistent delivery, and personal touches, and you’ll see customers returning without overcomplicating marketing.
East Grinstead
Lions
Senior Citizens’ Social and Tea Party
Afternoon
On Saturday 28th February 2026, the East Grinstead & District Lions Club are delighted to invite all Seniors to their delicious tea party and social afternoon. The event will run from 2:00pm-5:00pm, it is free to all and will again be held at Sackville School in the Main Hall.
This year the format will include a variety of entertainment including songs and a sing-along by East Grinstead’s own jazz singer, Jenny Green. There will also be plenty of time to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea, socialise and chat with friends, old and new.
At the end of the afternoon, every attendee will kindly be gifted a box of biscuits before going home. If you would like to attend, please ring 01342 318255 and leave a message or email eganddlions@gmail. com giving your name, contact number and we will get back to you. The Lions are delighted to have the invaluable assistance again of local community group, Being Neighbourly, in bringing you this event.
If you have mobility or transport issues, the Lions can provide transport to and from the event by minibus.
Please note there is no designated disabled parking at the school, but guests can be dropped off by the main entrance.
Please make your reservation by 14th February 2026, as we will be unable to accept requests after this date. Please also note that reservations are not transferable other than through the Lions and in advance. Although the event is free, any donations at the event to support the Lions’ charitable works and service in our community will, as ever, be gratefully received. “We look forward to welcoming you all!”
How was it for you?
by Judith Thomson
In a couple of weeks’ time, we’ll be greeting the friends and workmates we’ve not seen for few days with “Did you have a good Christmas?” The stock answer to that runs along the lines of “Great thanks, what about you?” Only the real miseries are going to come out with anything different because, let’s face it, we’re not really asking if they had a cold, or didn’t get the gifts they wanted or if Christmas dinner was a disaster!
But there is no such thing as a ‘one size
fits all’ Christmas, is there. Whether it’s filling the house with decorations and lights (I do that!).
Enjoying a cosy day with close family (that’s me too!) partying, going to a Carol Service or dressing up in matching family pyjamas, it’s whatever it means to YOU that’s important, whatever makes you FEEL GOOD.
Here at The Feelgood Station we try to do that every day of the year and, as the day approaches, each of our Presenters will be putting their own spin on their Christmas Shows because, let’s face it, on some of the mainstream stations you can hear the same music you’ve been hearing in the supermarket for weeks by simply putting on an old Christmas CD or choosing one of the Christmas selections on Deezer!
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who, this year, has joined our rapidly growing number of listeners. We’re here for you and it’s wonderful to know that you are out there for us. Whether you get excited about Christmas or dread it, it’s on its way, so, as they say, “see you on the other side!”
P.S. If you fancy giving someone a book for Christmas my 17th Century historical novels are on sale at The Bookshop or from judiththomsom.com
by Sue Macdonald
The Guest House in Lingfield (now housing the Community Library and Hayward History Centre archives) was originally a Wealden Hall House, built in 1475. The building has, in the past, been an ale house, called the ‘French Horn’, and was converted into 3 cottages, amongst other changes.
For many years it was thought that the building had been the guest house for visitors to the adjacent Collegiate Church. Recently, however, whilst looking at the history of the nearby St. Piers, a local historian discovered that it was in fact a farmhouse on land owned by the Sonds family.
The farm was originally called ‘Town or Church-stile Farm’as recorded in 1591. Church-stile was an urban farmstead as its land were detached from the farmhouse. There is no trace of it having been owned by the College in spite of its close proximity. .
The Guest House and The Haywards of Lingfield
The c1720 map of Magnus Deo Farm identifies lands to the east of Lingfield Common as ‘part of the lands of Town alias Church-stile farm and show the farmhouse adjacent to the Church.
Fast forward to 1896 when Charles Foster Hayward bought the row of cottages in North Street. He spent the following two years restoring the 15th Century building to is former glory.
Charles Hayward was a successful architect, best known for his design of the Boarding Houses at Harrow School and the Duke of Cornwall Hotel in Plymouth. He was a skilled draughtsman and was also a designer of furniture, and at least one of his bookcases, decorated by Dante Gabriel Rosetti, can be viewed in the V&A Storehouse in East London.
The original large double-height window had been hidden, but fortunately not
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destroyed, during the various changes made to the building. It was restored to its former glory by Charles. After the completion of the restoration, Charles hosted a dinner party for the men, and their wives, who had been involved in the restoration. One of the firms involved in the work is still based in Lingfield.
In 1859 Charles was a member of the Victoria Rifles for 6 months. In 1861 he sailed on the steamship ‘Great Eastern’. During a storm he made a sketch of its Grand Saloon, a lithograph of which is now owned by the National Maritime Museum.
On his death, in July 1905, the Guest House was left to Charlotte, his second wife, (his first wife and the
mother of his 4 children had died in 1891). Arthur Hayward, the youngest child, was born in 1874. He trained as an architect and lived and worked in London. On the death of Charlotte, he inherited the house.
With Stanley Hazell he wrote a History of Lingfield. Arthur served in theArmy throughout WW1 and never married.
He decided to leave the house to the National Trust, but it would not agree with his stipulation, which was to leave the building as it was. Fortunately, Surrey County Council did agree and so the house was left in Trust for the people of Lingfield to be a Library and History Centre/Museum. We are very lucky to have this Grade II* listed building to house our Community Library and the Hayward History Centre archives.
Our next talk is on Monday 12th January at the Jennings Hall, behind the Lingfield & Dormansland Community Centre in the High Street, Lingfield.
Julian Pooley from the Surrey History Centre will speak about “Netherne”, the pioneering hospital in Redhill that treated mental illnesses.
The evening starts at 8pm, with doors open from 7:30pm.
Non-members are very welcome to attend our meetings - there is a £2.50 charge for visitors.
For more details of future talks, see the “Events” page on our website, “rh7.org”. If you have any historical queries about our area the please contact us by email at mailto:rh7histsoc@gmail.com.
Rotary Cut out Cancer Campaign
Since the Spring of 2025, Meridian Rotary Club of East Grinstead have been holding events to raise money for the purchase of surgical robotic equipment for the new Cancer and Surgical Innovation Centre at the Royal Surrey Hospital in Guildford.
The new theatres will allow a further 7000 more operations per year using the minimally invasive technique which allows much faster recovery time. The actual robot costs over £2,000,000. Our target is £25,000 towards the £1,000,000 which Rotary clubs within Guildford’s catchment area aim to raise.
We are at about £18,000 and hope that the East Grinstead Colour Run to be held in April will bring us close to our target. See the photo above of the robot with its control console.
We have been sent a testimonial from a local resident who received treatment at The Royal Surrey Hospital using one of their existing robots.
“Dear Jane,
I hope you’re well.
I wanted to reach out to you personally to express my heartfelt thanks for the incredible work you and everyone at the Rotary Club of East Grinstead are doing to raise funds for a new surgical robot at Guildford Hospital.
“My Dad lives in East Grinstead and was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer earlier this year. In October, he underwent major surgery at Guildford Hospital and thanks to the remarkable skill of the team there and the robotic surgical system they use, his operation was a complete success. We truly believe that the availability of that technology played a vital role in his outcome.
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I felt compelled to let you know just how important your fundraising efforts are. The new machine you are fundraising for, won’t just be a piece of equipment; it will quite literally give families like mine more time, more hope, and more futures to look forward to.
“Please pass on my gratitude to everyone involved. The work you are doing is extraordinary, and it will save lives.
“Warmest thanks,
Belinda & my dad, Peter x”
QR code for the Meridian Rotary’s Fundraising Page for Cut out Cancer
Free and low-cost Christmas activities for kids and families
December is a wonderful time in the year to enjoy festive activities with the family. The great news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to make the most of the Christmas season. Here are some ideas for free or cheap Christmas activities that you can do this Christmas time.
Discover your winter wonderland
Looking for a fun Christmas day out? Wrapping up warm and going out for a winter stroll is a great way to spend time as a family and get in the Christmas mood. Whether gazing at your local Christmas lights or exploring areas of natural beauty, there are plenty of free places decked out for Christmas. Local parks can feature festive decor, and some may have special Christmas nature trails, which can be a wonderful activity to do with the children.
Check community Facebook groups or council websites to see what’s in your area. For an extra treat, pack a flask of hot chocolate and some snacks from home for a fun winter picnic!
Get crafting for Christmas
There’s something special about making your own homemade decorations. Look out for free Christmas craft events in community centres, libraries and local churches.
A quick internet search should help you find what’s nearby. Or why not have a special crafting session at home?
Natural materials can be foraged from the garden, and inexpensive craft supplies found online or from charity shops. You could even download free Christmas activity sheets or colouring pages to keep children entertained. Put on some Christmas music, and you’ll be in the Christmas spirit in no time!
Attend free
church events
From Christingle services to nativities and carols by candlelight, many churches in the area will be hosting free Christmas events this month and some may even be running warm welcome hubs. Head over to one of these for the chance to meet new people, spend time together as a family, and celebrate the reason for the Christmas season.
Access a free Christmas Dinner
Many families struggling with poverty might not be able to afford a Christmas meal this year. Thankfully, there are organisations that provide free hampers, Christmas dinners and warm spaces for people that need them. Try your local church, foodbank or CAP centre to see what’s available in your area.
Worried About Debt or Financial Difficulties?
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CAP is committed to fighting poverty and helping people to gain control of their finances. Visit capuk.org/help to find out more. The East Grinstead CAP Debt Centre supports East Grinstead and all surrounding villages offering free, confidential, face-to-face debt help. You’re not alone. We’re here to help! Call FREE on 0800 328 0006
Chapter and Worse
This month's book musings by Miles McQ
On the book path again and taking up some leads from last month...
I said then that I hadn't read any of Gyles Brandreth's novels which have Oscar Wilde as the detective, so I thought I ought to -- I started with the first in the series "The Candlelight Murders".
Most enjoyable to spend time in the company of the fictionalised Wilde, directed through his paces by a clearly admiring and skilful author!
Also mentioned last month on the theme of writers who used to be MPs was Rory Stewart. His account of his time in the House "Politics on the Edge" is enlightening -- both as to the general inefficiency of the political system in this country, and as to his personal integrity in trying to make a change for the better. As we are on the political theme, "Patriot" is the autobiographical account ofAlexei Navalny's attempts to change the Russian political order for the better. Unfortunately, we know how that turned out for him personally, but again it is
admirable how his integrity shines through.
On the other side of the border, there is the Ukrainian writerAndrey Kurkov.
He's been writing for many years, mainly semi-comic novels like "Death and the Penguin", about a journalist who inherits a pet penguin and who gets a job writing obituaries of shady individuals who aren't dead yet, but often soon are...
More recently, he's directed his literary talents to chronicling the events happening in his country, as in the book "Our Daily War" which is a diaryformat rendering of a couple of years of experiences that most of us would have had no idea about...
To end a mention of the recent death of a very talented individual actor, director, teacher and prolific author, Elizabeth Bailey. She wrote a lot of romantic fiction, especially historical fiction: if that is your secret pleasure, then the Lady Fan Mystery series (first book -- "The Gilded Shroud") is to be recommended.
Top Tips for 2025
From How to Basically
Here at How To Basically we’re all about trying to help people of all ages and abilities to do practical things for themselves. This not only saves you money but it’s better for the environment and makes you feel good! We’ve had an amazing 2025 with hundreds of people coming through our workshop learning everything from using a power drill around the house, to fixing dripping taps and jump starting a car. Here are our top tips to help you on your way to a happy 2026:
1. If you’ve not done so already then now’s the time to make sure your thermostats are properly programmed (c. 20 degrees in day rooms & 18 degrees in bedrooms) and don’t forget to bleed your radiators.
Does everyone in your home know where the stopcock is? It’s what you’ll need to know in a hurry if there’s a leak so make sure it’s accessible and in working order;
For anyone who likes a woodwork project consider buying them a pallet breaker for Christmas! They cost about £30 and are an invaluable tool for easily taking apart pallets. Remember to ensure the pallet has an IPPC stamp with the letters HT on it (for “Heat Treated”) rather than MB (which stands for methyl bromide which is a nasty chemical).
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4. If you’re planning on some decorating over the festive season then remember it’s 60% preparation, 30% painting and 10% cleaning up!
5. When decorating, line your paint tray with a plastic bag or silver foil first so when it comes to cleaning you can lift this off and bin it rather than using lots of water to clean it.
6. If you’re decorating and need to carry on the next day, load up your paint brush and roller with paint then tightly wrap them in a plastic bag; then the next day you can unwrap them and continue using them the next day.
7. In the sales, consider buying a cordless 18 volt combi power drill (good mid-range brands include Dewalt and Makita) and a box set of drill bits and screw bits (£20). They are a mainstay of any DIY project.
8. For easily putting things up on a plasterboard wall consider using self-drill fixings. You can screw them straight into the wall; just be mindful not to over screw them as that can reduce their efficacy. Once flush with the wall stop screwing them in. Then you can screw in the screw that comes with them to the depth required.
9. If you’re putting a raw plug into brickwork then wrap some tape around the drill bit to mark the depth of the plug, that way you’ll know how deep to drill;
10. When drilling into brick or plasterboard consider fixing an old envelope to the wall just under where you’re drilling, that way it will catch all the dust;
11. If you’ve got a pile of drill bits: if it’s got a spikey end then that’s for wood, if an end that looks like a chisel then that’s for brick and plasterboard, if neither of these then its for metal or plastic (other than High Speed Steel drill bits which work for wood too but let’s try to keep it simple!).
If you’d like to organise a group of people to be taught DIY then please check out our web site www.howtobasically.co.uk and get in touch with Justin via jk: howtobasically.co.uk.
Don’t forget, the door is now open for you to send your submissions for next month’s issue!