THE TOWN CRIER EAST GRINSTEAD EDITION ISSUE 14 November 2025
The Town Crier
Serving the communities of East Grinstead, Forest Row, Lingfield. Crawley Down and the neighbouring areas
Let’s Thrive!
Issue 14 November 2025
Hello!
Welcome to the November 2025 Issue of the Town Crier!
Enjoy the rich variety of contributions from local charities, community groups, clubs, artists and businesses. They exemplify the vibrance, vitality and cultural strength-in-depth 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 December 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
Maths in Music page 2
Crawley Down Ladies Choir page 5
GiveA Lunch page 6
Christians Against Poverty page 8
Community People page 10
Community First Responders page 12
Lead with Love page 14
Brendoncare Stildon page 16
Noel Time like the Present page18
Lingfield Farmers Market page 21
The Feelgood Factor page 24
Her Move page 25
Gill Bustamane’s Column page 27
Mouthy Marketing page 30
Modality Mud Sussex PPG page 31
Chapter and Worse page 33
Satire page 35
Poem page 36
How to Basically page 39
Prostate Screening Event page 43
Maths in Music
Maths tutor, Helen Chisholm’s monthly column gives valuable tips on how to excel or help your children excel at maths.
As the darker evenings draw in, November is the perfect month to explore one of the most beautiful connections between creativity and logic: the link between maths and music. Though they might seem worlds apart, the two share a deep rhythm of structure, pattern, and proportion.
Beats, Rhythm, and Patterns
Every piece of music is built on patterns. When we clap along to a beat or tap our foot to a song, we’re engaging with the mathematical concept of rhythm. Repeated sequences such as 4-beat bars or 8-note phrases demonstrate counting, sequencing, and grouping, all core mathematical ideas. Composers, like mathematicians, use patterns to create structure and predictability, often breaking them to create surprise or contrast just like solving a puzzle.
Fractions and Timing in Songs
Musical notes are a wonderful way to visualise fractions. A whole note can be divided into halves (minims), quarters (crotchets), eighths (quavers), and so on.
Reading music involves understanding how these fractions fit into a bar or measure, ensuring the timing stays consistent. For example, two half notes equal one whole note just as two halves make a whole in maths. Children who play an instrument or enjoy singing are constantly practising mathematical thinking, even if they don’t realise it!
Exploring Maths Through Music at Home
Families can try simple rhythmic challenges clapping in time to a 4/4 beat or creating a repeating rhythm pattern with instruments or even kitchen utensils. Counting beats, layering rhythms, or exploring musical apps all build mathematical awareness in a creative and enjoyable way.
This November, why not let music bring maths to life? Whether through song, rhythm, or pattern, children can discover that numbers don’t just count they dance!
For optimum benefit to the human community, its civilisation should be grown organically from its grassroots.
We are now growing one.
AsAutumn brings the chillier weather and darker evening, The Crawley Down Ladies Choir continues to practise on Monday evenings in the Birch Room at The Haven Centre, Crawley Down for their upcoming matinée concert which is being held in the Dorothy Hatswell Hall at The Haven on Saturday December 13th starting at 2pm.
We will be singing a selection of both carols and Christmas Songs, offering a cheerful start to the Christmas period with some ‘guest acts’ thrown in as well.
We do hope you will come along to support us. We are a self-funding, amateur, community choir of ladies who sing for the pure pleasure of it and to spread that feel-good factor to others. We hold 2 concerts a year at The Haven Centre and also sing out on request. More information can be found on our website: crawleydownladieschoir.co.uk
Meantime, may we wish each and every one of you a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.
Transform a Child's Day: Support Give a Lunch
In the heart of our community, a silent yet profound struggle often goes unnoticed.
In the face of a rising cost of living, despite the best efforts of parents and guardians, many children attend school without a proper meal, their young minds and bodies yearning for nourishment. This is where Surrey based charity Give a Lunch steps in –a beacon of help for these young souls.
A stagging 4.3 million people live in poverty in the UK, with 40% of those being children who are not eligible for the free school meal scheme provided by the government.
Since our inception, Give A Lunch has been more than just a charity; we’ve been a lifeline for children who are ineligible for free school meals through government schemes. Our mission is simple yet impactful: ensuring no child in our community goes through a school day on an empty stomach.
A milestone of compassion: Over 1000 School Lunches Donated
Our journey so far has been nothing short of inspiring. Through the generosity of our donors, we have successfully provided over 1000 school lunches.
This milestone is not just a number; it represents 1000 days where children could learn, play and grow without the pangs of hunger holding them back.
100% Donation Policy: Every Pound Goes to the Children
Unique to our approach is our commitment to financial transparency. We make the commitment that every pound raised through this appeal will directly support schools in East Grinstead.
This means that every pound you donate goes directly towards providing lunches for children in need.
When you choose to support Give a Lunch you can be certain that your entire contribution is making a tangible difference in a child’s life.
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Christmas Cards That Actually Give Back
For the first time, Give A Lunch is
Give A Lunch continued from previous page
Christmas Cards That Actually Give Back
For the first time, Give A Lunch is spreading festive cheer in a brand-new way, with our Christmas card collection. Proudly designed and printed in the UK using sustainable materials, each pack of 10 cards costs £5, and every pack sold provides one school lunch for a local child. You can order your cards directly on our website at givealunch.co.uk, making it easy to give twice this Christmas.
How you can help
Your support can make a real difference in the daily life of a child in our community. A single donation can turn a day of hunger into a day filled with hope and opportunity, while a monthly contribution provides ongoing support, giving a child the security of knowing where their next meal will come from.
Make a Donation: visit our website givealunch.co.uk to make a one-time or recurring donation. No amount is too small to make a big difference.
Spread the Word: share our mission with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Fundraise: contact us on the website to discuss volunteering to help us in our fundraising and awareness campaigns.
High Sheriff of West Sussex Visits CAP
to hear about Community Impact
We were honoured to welcome The High Sheriff of West Sussex for a visit to learn more about the lifechanging work of Christians Against Poverty (CAP) in East Grinstead and the difference our local debt centre is making across the community.
The visit offered a valuable opportunity to share stories of hope and transformation from people who have faced the challenges of debt, poverty, and financial uncertainty and to highlight the practical and compassionate support CAP provides.
Through free debt help, money coaching, and community partnerships, CAP empowers individuals and families to take control of their finances, rebuild confidence and find renewed hope for the future. During the visit, the High Sheriff met with staff and volunteers who dedicate their time to working alongside clients, offering not only financial guidance but also emotional, practical, and spiritual support.
Many local residents continue to experience the effects of rising living costs, unexpected financial pressures
and the mental strain that often accompanies debt.
The High Sheriff expressed deep appreciation for the work being done to support some of the most vulnerable members of society and recognised the vital role that faithbased and community organisations play in strengthening local resilience and wellbeing.
The visit came at a particularly relevant time, coinciding with Talk Money Week 2025 (3–7 November) a national campaign led by the Money and Pensions Service that encourages people to have more open and confident conversations about money.
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With many households still feeling the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis, Talk Money Week serves as an important reminder that seeking help early can make all the difference and that no one should face financial worries alone.
“We were delighted to welcome the High Sheriff and to share how CAP is changing lives here in East Grinstead and the surrounding villages,” said the Centre Manager. “It’s encouraging to know our work is valued, especially at a time when so many people are facing financial challenges.”
We are deeply grateful for the High Sheriff’s encouragement and recognition of CAP’s ongoing efforts to serve our community with compassion, dignity and hope.
For free, confidential debt help or to learn more about CAP’s services, visit http://www.capuk.org or call 0800 328 0006.
Working in partnership with Jubilee Community Church, East Grinstead http://www.jcceg.co.uk
But also don’t forget to JOIN US ON SATURDAY 15TH NOVEMBER 10AM to 1PM
At the Community Centre Forest Row
For our final Repair Café of the year
Join Us for the Community and 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
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eer your time and skills to help the community grow and thrive.
Community People continued from previous page 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 – 12pm.
Where: Meridian Hall, East Court College Lane, 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 more about Community People: Home - Community People
Warning: features some attempted probing and quite a lot of running away
CLICK HERE
Join the Earth Resistance (Library Branch)
We’re Not Delivering Letters
We’re Delivering Lifesaving Help!
If you’ve spotted someone in a red jacket dashing out of a car with a medical bag in hand, you might have wondered if the post has taken an urgent turn!
Recently, one of our East Grinstead Community First Responders (CFRs) was mistaken for a member of the Royal Mail an understandable mix up as we do wear red, not green. But also, a good reminder that not everyone knows who we are or what we do.
So, here’s a reminder.
We’re frontline volunteers with the Southeast Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb), trained to attend life-threatening emergencies in our local community. When someone dials 999, the nearest ambulance might still be several miles away but if a Community First Responder is available, we can often get there within minutes to start vital care before the ambulance arrives.
We don’t replace the ambulance crews: we’re the bridge that buys time. Whether it’s performing CPR,
using a defibrillator, controlling bleeding, or simply offering reassurance in those tense first few minutes those moments can make all the difference.
And yes we wear red!
Unlike the ambulance personnel, who wear green, our red uniforms identify us as volunteers with SECAmb’s Community First Responder scheme. So if you see someone in red parked at the roadside, carrying a medical kit, and looking a little more flustered than your average postie… it’s probably one of us! And we might be struggling to find our patient, so all help is much appreciated if you know the area.
The Challenges of Darker Nights and Why Visibility Matters
With the clocks having recently changed and the darker evenings now upon us, we’d love to ask for a little help from the local community.
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Community First Responders
continued from previous page are poorly lit or unmarked. Add a bit of rain or fog, and finding the right door can feel like a treasure hunt in the dark. But when seconds count, we don’t want to waste any time.
We don’t have sirens or blue lights, and we respond solo in our own vehicles so locating a property quickly, especially at night, can be a real challenge.
Simple things can make a huge difference:
• Ensure your house number or name is clearly visible from the road reflective numbers are ideal.
• Turn on an outside light if you’ve called for help or are expecting someone to arrive.
• If safe to do so, have someone look out for us and signal as we approach.
These small actions can shave valuable seconds off our arrival time and those seconds can truly save lives.
We’ve had times where we’ve been searching up and down the same lane because the house number was hidden behind an overgrown bush, or the only identifying sign was at the bottom of a driveway disappearing into the shadows. Imagine the relief for both us and the patient when we finally find the right door!
So, if you do one thing this winter to help your community, make it this: check how easy your home is to find after dark. You might never need us but if you or your neighbour ever does, you’ll be glad you did.
Proud to Serve Our Community
Every CFR in East Grinstead is a volunteer. We give our time freely because we care deeply about our town and the people who live here. We’re trained, equipped, and supported by SECAmb, and we attend a wide range of calls, from cardiac arrests and breathing problems to falls, strokes, and medical collapses. And this is across all ages: Sam, the Team Leader, has attended patients as young as 11 days old through to 101 years of age.
You’ll see us at local events too, raising awareness or offering CPR demonstrations. If you’d like to help us spread the word, simply tell one other person about the life savers in red it could make a real difference. So next time you see someone in red, sporting the NHS badge and Community First Responder title, you’ll know who we are.
Stay safe, stay visible, and thank you for helping us help you.
Helping you live a freer, healthier life
This month, Samantha Ford of Unique Welllth presents
Lead With Love in Times of Stress: a November Invitation
Stress doesn’t take a holiday just because it’s out of “Stress Awareness Month.” That’s why as November approaches, we have a powerful alignment to lean into: International Stress Awareness Week (3–7 November 2025). According to ISMA (the International Stress Management Association), this week spotlights how organisations & environments can better support wellbeing and psychological safety in daily life and work.
As someone committed to whole-person health, I see an opportunity: to blend the #LeadWithLove ethos (a theme used by stress awareness organisations) with the strategic, systemic focus ISMA is bringing this year. Because managing stress isn’t just an internal game it’s relational and environmental too.
Why November Matters More Than a Date
International Stress Awareness Week brings visibility and legitimacy to issues of stress, burnout, and wellness. On Wednesday 5 November 2025, Stress Awareness Day will be the focal
point with global media, webinars, and events.
This moment gives us permission to speak about stress in a more public and communal way to frame it not as an individual failure, but as a shared challenge deeply influenced by our surroundings: workplaces, relationships, expectations. ISMA’s 2025 theme emphasises “optimising employee wellbeing through strategic stress management.” In other words, it's not enough to just “cope better” we also need structures, norms, and cultures that support us.
By bringing in the compassionate, “lead with love” lens, you can humanise what otherwise risks sounding institutional or mechanical.
Compassion as Strategy: Key Shifts to Embed
Here are four ways you can lead with love this November inside yourself and in your sphere in alignment with both personal and systemic stress awareness:
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Self-Compassion Over SelfCritique
In pressure moments, the inner voice often turns harsh. But self-criticism increases stress activation, lowers resilience, and diminishes performance. Instead, treat yourself with the gentleness you’d offer a friend: “I’m facing a lot; I’ll do the best I can now.” Pause, breathe, and ask yourself what it truly needs.
Micro Rituals That Humanise Systems
In workplaces, families, or partnerships, small moments of care carry disproportionate weight. A check-in, a “How are you really?”, a kind acknowledgment can shift the tone especially in environments that feel transactional. These micro rituals soften tension, build trust, and communicate safety.
Boundaries as Acts of Love
Saying “no” or “not now” can feel threatening or selfish. But when done from awareness and love, boundaries protect you. If you’re better resourced internally, you can engage more generously when you choose to engage.
Structural Awareness & Advocacy
Remember ISMA’s emphasis: optimising wellbeing requires intentional structures. That might
look like advocating (in a workplace, board, team) for psychological safety, clarity, break culture, or feedback norms. You don’t have to lead a revolution but even planting a seed of conversation can shift the system and that works for the home environment too.
A November Invitation (Your Gentle Challenge)
Here’s a simple way to lean into this idea of compassion + strategic awareness:
Pick one day during 3–7 November (and then beyond) to be extra intentional with a “lead with love” micro-action (e.g. pause before replying to an angry message, ask a colleague how they’re doing, or give yourself a “reset minute”).
Notice where your environment is draining a work norm, a hidden expectation, a relational default. Then ask: “How might a small adjustment a boundary, a conversation, a ritual help?”
Reflect, journal, or talk about how compassion + strategy interact. Where does your inner work meet external change?
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Why This Matters to Your Journey & Mine
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Why This Matters to Your Journey & Mine
When we only treat stress as a personal problem, we miss half the story. Systems, relationships, cultures they all influence how resilience or burnout shows up. By anchoring your messaging in both human compassion and environmental awareness, you speak to the whole person navigating a complex world.
If you’d like help translating these ideas into your day-to-day in your relationships, your work, or your routines I’d be glad to guide you there. Let’s make November more than a month let’s make it a turning point.
Feel free to contact me directly at samantha@uniquewellth.coach or check out the website www.uniquewellth.coach
News from Brendoncare Stildon care home
Get ready to unwrap the magic of the season at Brendoncare Stildon care home’s annual Christmas Fair, happening on Saturday 29th November from 2pm to 4pm.
This annual heartwarming event promises festive fun for all ages, with a special treat for younger visits: a visit to Santa’s Grotto!
Children will have the chance to meet Father Christmas himself, listen to him reading a story, and hand-deliver their letters sharing their Christmas wishes
Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.
Brendoncare Stildon, which is in Dorset Avenue, East Grinstead, is also seeking volunteers from the local community to help support resident activities and outings.
If you have a few hours to spare and would like to make a difference, please call the care home, 01342 305750.
Noel Time Like the Present
Town Crier columnist Alison Earnshaw sources local gifts to post abroad
November is upon us, with the Festive Season just around the corner! Whilst I prefer to leave most preparations until well into December, there’s one task that can’t be postponed… dispatching cards and gifts to friends and family overseas. E-mail and e-cards are an option but I do like to send small tokens from here in the U.K. to loved ones in the U.S. and Australia.
This year I’m determined to avoid a costly mistake made in 2024 which was underestimating the price of postage. I miscalculated just a millimetre or two in packaging sizes which meant that the cost of stamps dwarfed the price of my carefully chosen small gifts.
Always shopping in our local East Grinstead High Street shops when I can, I had a bit of an early recce to see what might work better this year. Criteria were for any finds to be light in weight, small in dimensions, economical in cost, nothing edible, breakable or with fragrance… so quite a few caveats!
First port of call was ‘Emma Louise’, a delightful independent shop in East Grinstead High Street. They stock some absolutely beautiful gifts,
including little soft decorative items that could be easily packaged. I also spotted costume jewellery pieces suitable to pop into a small package envelope with a bit of bubble wrap. At the back of the shop I discovered some ‘Summer Scarves’; unseasonal here perhaps, but certainly not in Australia! Having visited Alice Springs in December a few years ago, I still recall the forty-degree heat; a surreal juxtaposition with the Christmas trees and decorations in the shop windows and lining the streets.
Next stop on the High Street was ‘Twelve Middle Row’. A wide selection of little keyrings and coin purses caught my eye… light in weight, small in size and good value in cost: all boxes ticked! White Stuff and FatFace have a range of festive socks; yes it’s the ‘pedestrian’ choice (sorry for the pun!) but always a welcome gift for friends abroad as the designs aren’t perhaps what would be readily available beyond our shores.
In ‘The Bookshop’ I found very postage-friendly small books and East Grinstead Library has colourful Continued on next page
Alison Earnshaw continued from previous page bookmarks that would make a very lightweight enclosure. The town Museum stocks East Grinstead pictorial tea-towels. I’ve bought and posted these abroad in previous years and it’s nice to think that those images of our historic medieval buildings accompany the washing up of my American friends in Louisiana or California and Australian friends in Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania! My final destination was the National Trust shop at Standen
House where I located small advent-calendar cards portraying British wildlife and some gorgeous William Morris pattern notebooks, handkerchiefs and socks.
So, I’m good to go without leaving the borders of East Grinstead. Time to get wrapping, customs declaration labelling and checking of Royal Mail last postage dates done and dusted before heading to the Post Office… and after all that, surely it’s not too early to partake of a cheeky Christmas cocktail? Cheers… and here’s to happy posting to our loved ones overseas!
Alison is currently working on an original music and theatre production with 'Shot Full Of Rock & Friends'. To find out more go to:
Market at Lingfield Primary School is going from strength to strength and locals are loving it!
Bursting with fantastic local produce, artisan bakes, crafts, and seasonal treats, it’s become a mustvisit community event. The next market takes place on Saturday 14th December, from 9am to 1pm, and promises a festive mix of favourite stalls and exciting new faces.
If you haven’t yet popped by, now’s the perfect time to discover what all the buzz is about meet passionate local producers, sample delicious food, and enjoy the friendly village atmosphere. With Christmas just around the corner, it’s a wonderful way to shop small, support local, and pick up unique gifts or fresh festive ingredients.
And there’s more good news! Due to popular demand, an extra market is being added on Saturday 21st December this time in support of theAirAmbulance Charity. It’s a
great chance to enjoy the market’s lively spirit while helping raise funds for a truly vital local service.
So mark your calendars, bring your shopping bags, and join us for two December dates packed with community spirit, great food, and festive fun. Let’s make both markets our biggest yet!
The Feelgood Factor by
Well November the 5th has been and gone now and for most people, I guess, the date means only one thing - Bonfire Night! But for me it means something else as well because November 5th was also the day that a Protestant Dutchman landed on our shores and made his way to London to depose the Catholic King James II and declare himself ruler in his place. He met with barely any opposition. In fact, he'd been invited to come over and do exactly that by some of the most important people in England.
Judith Thomson
The Dutchman was William of Orange, subsequently to be King William the third. He was, in fact, James’ nephew and his son-in-law, married as he was to James’ daughter, Mary, who would have been next in line to the throne had James not recently had a son, whom he was planning to bring up as a Catholic.
There was obviously a lot more to the story than that, as you will discover if you read The Orange Autumn, the fourth book in my Philip Devalle series (Available at The Bookshop in East Grinstead as well as from my website judiththomson.com) but sometimes I feel that ‘less is more’ when it comes to engaging someone’s interest!
This is the principle we work on when it comes to The Feelgood Station too. Lester Jones and I felt that too many radio stations, didn’t engage with their listeners. They were just too bland, and we felt we could do better. Over three years later, with cast of 25 other brilliant Presenters, we’ve proved we can! LESS aimless chatter, MORE great music and entertaining Shows, all day every day. But don’t take my word for it, tune in to thefeelgoodstation.uk, or find us on our App, Deezer, Simple Radio or Alexa!
East Grinstead’s Women are on the Move!
Led by our Town Mayor, John Belsey and proudly supported by local MP Mims Davies, Dame Kelly Holmes, and Olympic champion
Sally Gunnell OBE, HerMove is all about helping women and girls across our town get active, feel good, and enjoy moving – in whatever way suits them best.
Since its launch earlier this year, HerMove has already made a real impact. From HerMove Live at East Grinstead Sports Club, Mayors Girls Football Cup to East Grinstead Rugby Clubs Rugby Fest and Cross Country at East Court, hundreds of women and girls have joined in –many trying something new for the first time. The result? Smiles, new friendships, and growing confidence through movement.
One of the best things about HerMove is that it’s not about competition – it’s about connection. Whether you’re rediscovering movement after a break, wanting to start something new, juggling busy family life, or simply looking for a bit of “me time”, there’s something for everyone.
Now, HerMove is looking for local
ambassadors – women who’d love to share their stories and help inspire others. You don’t need to be super sporty; just passionate about encouraging others to take that first step to being active.
“HerMove has already shown how powerful it can be when our community comes together to support one another,” says Mayor John Belsey “We’re seeing women and girls of all ages finding joy, confidence, and friendship through movement – and that’s something to celebrate.”
Dame Kelly Holmes adds, “HerMove is brilliant - it is all about keeping moving, just being active or taking part in sport and being social, all of which is brilliant for your physical and mental health - doing something for you.”
Together, we can keep East Grinstead moving – one step at a time. To find out more or become a HerMove Ambassador, please visit HerMove.uk
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HerMove picture gallery
In this monthly column, Forest Row’s renowned artist Gill Bustamante, shares some of her hard-won knowhow with all you budding artists out there
The secret of drawing in proportion
If you’ve ever watched street artists capturing likenesses when sketching people or if you watch TV artists draw accurately you may wonder how they do it? There are many methods covered in books andYouTube videos for learning to draw which are all usable. But what do they all boil down to?
Proportion, regarding drawing, means getting the dimensions of a composition and the relationships between height, width and depth so that they look convincing. Not necessarily 100% accurate but definitely convincing.
It took me a while to figure out what the common denominator in all the drawing methods come down to and it is simple but requires practice and training your eye and your hands. In essence, you have to first concentrate on drawing one thing in a composition until you feel it is reasonably accurate in its dimensions. No matter how you do it, just get one thing correct.
To illustrate this, the drawing of the dog was made by first drawing just the head. I then used the measurement
of the head, from the top to the bottom of the mouth, to plot in all the other parts of the composition.
Of course, anyone reading this who does not draw will say this is easier said than done but nevertheless, this is the bottom line, and it can be learned by anyone who wants to practise a bit.
And why learn to draw? Because it helps you to really LOOK at things and notice things you have not seen before. Which tends to carry into your life and whatever problems you are dealing with. Drawing takes you out of the mundane and is something anyone with a pencil can do!
Why You Should Make Friends with Your Competitors
Monthly Marketing Tips by Alice Watkyn of Mouthy Marketing
“Keep your friends close; keep your enemies closer.” – Sun Tzu, Chinese General and author of The Art of War.
Scared of your competitors? Don’t be.
Running a small business can feel lonely. You’re making decisions on your own, guessing what will work, and hoping you’re keeping up with everything from new tech to price changes. When things get confusing, there’s rarely someone who truly understands. Except maybe your competitors.
They’re in the same boat. They know the same frustrations and face the same challenges. And that makes them some of the most useful people you can talk to.
Your competitors might have already found the supplier you’ve been searching for or tested the software you’re unsure about. You can swap advice, share resources, and keep each other updated on what’s changing in your industry
I’ve lost count of the number of times a competitor has sent work my way because I took the time to get to know them.
Sometimes a job didn’t fit their skills, or they were simply too busy. I’ve done the same in return. Those conversations build trust –and trust builds opportunity.
If they’re local, suggest a coffee. It’s less awkward than it sounds. If they’re not, connect on LinkedIn and engage with their posts. Listen to what they’re talking about and join the conversation.
You’ll gain perspective, confidence, and maybe even a few new clients. Collaboration keeps your business stronger and your ideas fresher.
Competitors aren’t the enemy. They’re often the only people who really understand what it takes to do what you do.
So, take Sun Tzu’s advice – not for battle, but for business.
Modality Mid Sussex Patient Participation
Group
Newsletter November 2025
CQC Report
We're delighted that the CQC Report rated Modality Mid Sussex as “Good Overall” during the recent audit. We have been working hard with Modality throughout this period to ensure that there is constructive patient input. Through our unique position as the official representatives for all patients across all four practices, we are continuing to work with, and challenge the Practice, to deliver more appointments and services.
AGM
Last month, we held our AGM at the Glen Vue Centre on Railway Approach in East Grinstead. The AGM was open to the public and saw the Chair, Glynn Roche step down after 7 years leading the Committee. We are all grateful for the time and effort Glynn put into the PPG and we wish him well.
Stepping down too was Julie Cooper, our Treasurer and Secretary. Julie has dedicated a lot of time and effort into supporting the PPG and we wish her well too.
Taking over from Glynn as Chair is Eddie Vermeer. Eddie had been with the PPG for a number of years and brings a wealth of experience from across the NHS as well as adultsocial care. Joining Eddie will be Michael Mancey as Vice Chair. Since joining the PPG, Michael has worked tirelessly promoting its benefits and attendingmanymeetingsonbehalf of the PPG to ensure we truly represent Modality Mid Sussex patients.
Digital Inclusion
In our last newsletter, we talked about a long-term goal of the PPGto help support those patients struggling with technology to access new online services, from Rapid Health to the NHS App. We are partnering with other organisations, including Age UK, to help deliver training across all of the Practices. We will be running out first trial soon in Turners Hill before we look to roll this out further across the full MMS patient area.
If you would like to know more, or would like to get involved, please email us at digitalinclusion@modalitymidsussex ppg.org and we will be in contact.
Whether it's you, or someone you know that needs support using
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technology, or if you've got a few hours to help, please do get in contact with us.
Chapter and Worse
This month's book musings by Miles McQ
I'd like to start with a vote of thanks to John and his Bookshop team for arranging the talk given a few weeks ago by Gyles Brandreth.
It was held in a packed St Swithun’s Church and having signed 350 copies of his latest book "Somewhere, a Boy and a Bear" he gave a captivating speech about its subject A.A. Milne and Winnie the Pooh.
To those of us lucky enough to have been read the Pooh books as young kids, they remain as fond memories -- and of course we have theAshdown Forest and Pooh Bridge right on our doorstep.
Gyles is, I would say, a national treasure -- try reading his memoir "Odd Boy Out' and gasp at his inability to not name-drop on every page!
But he does it with such charm and vivacity (and he has genuinely met with such an array of well-known people) that you have to forgive him...
Also to be recommended is Gyles' 'Dancing by the Light of the Moon', which is a collection of mostly well-known poems that he encourages the reader to learn and recite. (Good for him, for encouraging the learning of poetry!)
He's written a vast number of books, on everything from the late Queen to woolly jumpers (one of his trade-marks) to a series of mysteries with Oscar Wilde as the 'detective' I haven't read any of those yet, but apparently very enjoyable.
He also does a well thought-of podcast called 'Rosebud' where he gets interesting people to talk about their earliest memories. (Why 'Rosebud"? That leads us to 'Citizen Kane' by Orson Welles, outside the remit of this column...).
Gyles Brandreth was also an MP for a while, which could lead us to another ex-MP writer Rory Stewart - maybe next time...
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nation's most accomplished harpists. His latest album "Golden Harp Volume Nine" was released as recently as last November.
As one resident said, "He was always ready with a cheery snarl and liked nothing more than to have local children come to his castle for dinner. You'll be hard pressed to find anyone with a word to say against him. This is a tragedy that has gotten everyone thoroughly traumatised. He'll be sadly missed."
Happier times - Ogre pictured here celebrating the release of his latest album "Golden Harp"
Another local told this reporter, "What's the world coming to when law-abiding giants are not safe in their own castles? Kids these days have no respect. Why, only last week the Three Bears who live in the forest just around the corner had their porridge stolen right off their dinner table!"
Mr Ogre's funeral will take place next Thursday. He is survived by a very large widow.
POEM
Dewy with expectation Today opened like a flower ‘Til bad news like a bug crawled in And started to devour Its fragile petals hours by hour. I knew I must act swiftly Lest the day be dead soon after So I got out my best pesticide And sprayed the ruddy thing with laughter.
Many thanks to the Rotary Club for working its traditional Christmas Tree magic
Wallpapering
Wallpapering is one of the most satisfying ways to transform a room. Although it may seem difficult at first, with the right preparation, tools and patience it’s easier than you might think to achieve a perfectly good finish. With this guide we explain what you need to know to give it a try!
1. Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before you start, make sure you have all the tools and materials ready. It’s worth investing in goodquality equipment as it makes the job smoother and helps avoid costly mistakes.
Wallpaper
Firstly consider whether you need to use lining paper to cover imperfections (there are different lining grades with 800 being the thinnest and 2000 the thickest) this can be applied horizontally to avoid matching joining lines;
There are 3 main types of wallpaper: vinyl (hard wearing), embossed
useful for uneven poor quality walls) and paper (more prone to ripping depending on its thickness);
When you buy wallpaper check that all rolls have the same batch number printed on the label to ensure consistent colour and pattern.
Measure the width and height of each wall. Most wallpaper rolls are 10m long and 53 cm wide (roughly 3 drops on the wall). Divide wall width by paper width to estimate strips.
Always buy at least one extra roll of wallpaper. Patterns often need
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aligning; mistakes happen and allow extra for trimming.
Wallpaper paste (ready-mixed or powder)
Always read the label carefully to be clear on the amount of water needed and time it takes to be ready to use. Best to measure out the correct amount of clean water in a clean bucket and then add the applicable amount of paste to the water in the bucket. Different paste needs different amounts of water for different types of wallpaper.
Other tools needed:
For the paste: bucket and wide stirring implement;
Filling knife, filler and 120 grit sandpaper;
Step ladder;
Sponge and clean bucket of warm water.
Dust sheet (plastic backed), bin liner for old paper and off cuts
Pasting table (or clean flat surface);
Tape measure and pencil.
Sharp long scissors and a snap-off Stanley knife;
Wallpaper brush: buy a nice one!;
Pasting brush;
Plumb bob or spirit level/laser;
Long hard straight edge; and Seam roller (check wallpaper label as should not be used on some embossed papers).
2. Prepare the Walls
Good preparation is crucial for a smooth finish. Wallpaper won’t hide lumps, cracks or greasy marks so take your time at this stage.
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Remove old wallpaper. You can use a steamer (c.£40) and if so be mindful not to leave it in one place for too long as it can damage the wall.
Otherwise, a good sponge and warm water will do the job. First score the wall to help with the warm water soaking into it. The warm water reactivates the old wallpaper paste so you can scrape/lift off the old paper;
Put filler in any holes and allow to dry;
Rub your hand over the wall to feel for imperfections and stuck on bits (aka nibs), wrap 120 grit sandpaper around a block of wood and whilst wearing a decent face mask (e.g. JSP Force) give the wall a light sand then use a just damp cloth to ensure no dust remains.
Clean walls with sugar soap or else light washing up liquid mix, prime new plaster with a mist coat (contractor’s emulsion mixed with 3050% water) and let dry.
Turn off the electricity at the mains if loosening sockets or switch plates.
3. Measure and Plan
Plan your start point carefully. Do not start in a corner as it’s likely not to be 100% straight. Make your own straight line just away from a corner so there will subsequently be a length that wraps around a corner. Use a plumb bob/line or spirit level or laser to then mark a straight vertical pencil line for your first strip.
4. Cutting and Pasting the Wallpaper
Measure the height of the wall which is to be wallpapered then add at least an extra 20cm to allow for mistakes and imperfections.
Now measure your pasting table and mark a line from one end which is equal to the difference in length between the required length of paper and the length of the table (“Mark Line”):
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Roll out the paper face down on your pasting table. Match up to the end corners of the paper with that of the table. For paste-the-paper wallpaper: apply paste evenly and all over, paying special attention to the edges which dry out first. Crouch down and look down the paper to ensure you have applied paste consistently.
Pick up the end of the paper and fold it in on itself up to about half the length of the table (this is called ‘booking’):
Then pull the paper along the table enough to bring the other end up to the Mark Line. This way you know you have the correct length and know where to cut:
Then cut along the paper and paste the rest of it. Then read the instructions on the wallpaper label to ensure you allow the paste to soak in for the right amount of time. Thicker paper needs longer for the paste to soak in.
For paste-the-wall wallpaper: roll paste directly onto the wall and apply dry wallpaper.
While waiting for the paste to soak, wipe clean your pasting table.
5. Hanging the Wallpaper
“Size the wall” by putting a thin layer of paste on the wall to give you more manoeuvrability once the wallpaper is on it..
Position the first strip along your plumb line, leaving some excess at the top. Try not to allow the strip to drop too suddenly as it can tear. Smooth out air bubbles with the wallpaper brush, starting from the top and centre then pushing downwards and outward. Match patterns of each strip, you can move it a bit with hands spread wide over the paper but for major movement just peel off all the paper from the wall and start again. Push the brush into the corners of the top and bottom. Use your straight edge and sharp knife to trim it:
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6. Dealing with Tricky Areas
Turn off the power and loosen off the retaining screws on light switches and sockets. When dropping the paper over a light switch or socket allow it to droop over it then get a pair of sharp scissors, find the centre of the obstacle and cut to the corners of it being careful not to cut too much off. Then trim
For corners, snip a line into the corner with a pair of sharp scissors and press into the corner. Radiators: Turn off heating, remove radiator if possible or feed paper behind carefully .
7. Finishing Touches
Check for bubbles or loose edges, re-smooth if needed. Keep windows closed while drying. Refit socket covers and replace furniture once dry. Stand back and admire your work!
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If you’d like to book a group of you to learn wallpapering and other DIY jobs at our workshop just east of Haywards Heath, then please check out
www.howtobasically.co.uk or call Justin on 07957 420195
We hope you enjoyed reading this issue as much as we, the community, enjoyed creating it.
The doors are now open for your December submissions.
So please don’t delay and get you articles, announcements, artwork, news, poetry and recipes to us by 12th December 6pm It will be Christmas before you know it!
And
finally . . .
Prostate Screening Event
A huge thank you to PCaSO charity, East Grinstead & District Lions, phlebotomists and volunteers who made the 18th of October’s Prostate Screening event so slick and well-managed.
Thank you also to Town Mayor, John Belsey, and MP Mims Davies for popping along to give their support, the generous donation from the EG Runners of £3000 towards the cost of the event and the Town Council for providing the venue without charge.
937 tests were taken with 89 (9.5%) resulting in a High ‘Red’ reading. These men were advised to seek further medical advice.
Someone's life will undoubtably have been saved by attending the screening but if you were unable to get an appointment, please approach your GP for a test or look on the PCaSO website for information about other event dates and home testing kits.
