Issue 20 May 2026
Community Magazine for East Grinstead and the surrounding villages
Welcome the May 2026 issue of the Town Crier
The cover photograph is by our resident genius with a camera, East Grinstead photographer, Russell Prain. Find him on Instagram.
Hello!
For local charities, community groups, clubs, artists and businesses, the Town Crier is the place to be seen.
For its fast-growing audience that means a wealth of interesting articles, features and local news to enjoy.
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, we provide space for you to advertise at very affordable rates which you can find here.
The door is now wide open for your submissions for the June 2026 issue so don’t miss out, send us your contributions today!
For more information, tour the Town Crier website or Email: egtowncrier@gmail.com
In this issue
Local Artist of the Month page 3
Lingfield Farmers Market page 5
Meridian FM page 6
St Swithun’s Restoration Trust p 9
EG Probus Club page 9
Ashdown Probus Club page 10
Crawley Down Ladies Choir p 11
Brendoncare page 13
Summer Bowls Event page 15
MNDAssociation page 16
East Grinstead Society page 17
The Machine’s in Overdrive p 19
Alison Earnshaw’s column p 21
Dormansland YWI page 23
Making it Count maths tuition p25
CAP page 27
The Feelgood Station page 28
The EGArt Society page 29
Meridian Rotary page 30
Portland Vets page 32
Mouthy Marketing page 33
Handy Insomnia Remedy p35
Local Artist of the Month Tony Stenson
Tony was born in Chesterfield and liked painting from a young age and was helped and encouraged by his teachers at school. He did consider making it his career but he had also learnt to play the piano from the age of 5 and thought being a piano teacher might be more beneficial.
He went on to train at Trinity College of Music which necessitated moving to London – where he lived until the 1990s.
Tony has been a professional musician since 1963 and his first job as Musical Director was at the theatre at the end of Cromer Pier! So much for teaching.
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After 2 years at Cromer most of his career was spent in the West End. For a few years he was MD to Matt Monro and accompanied him on UK and worldwide tours, including two visits to Australia, the Philippines and Canada.
Back to the West End to be guest conductor on Evita and then on to the King and I with Yul Brynner at the London Palladium, inc. the 1979 Royal Variety Performance. He stayed at the Palladium to MD that year’s pantomime and later, Singing in the Rain with Tommy Steele.
Most of the 1980’s were spent being MD for the London productions of CATS and Starlight Express. During the 90’s he joined the RSC and was MD for countless productions both at the Barbican, Plymouth and Newcastle, and was MD of the RSC production of Don Carlos in Brooklyn, New York in May 2000.
Throughout his career he found time for art when time allowedhowever once he retired in 2001 it was then he started to take up painting again. At around this time Tony moved to Surrey and still lives there.
Music did not leave his life though – he taught piano, composed a lot, recording several CDs of his compositions and he enjoyed working with local societies. He was MD for the Crawley Operatic Society then for 10 years worked with the Tunbridge Wells Operatic Society and Trinity Theatre (again in TW).
He joined East Grinstead Art Society, having been introduced to the Group by friends, and has thoroughly enjoyed meeting fellow artists, submitting pictures for exhibitions and learning about new medias.
The Lingfield Farmers Market returns!
Lingfield Farmers Market returns on Sunday 14th June, running from 9am to 1pm at Lingfield Primary School.
What started as a small local market with just 15 stalls has grown into a much-loved monthly event, now featuring 27 fantastic regular stallholders. It’s become a real community highlight, with a warm, friendly atmosphere and something for everyone to enjoy a proper community Sunday.
Visitors can browse a wonderful selection of fresh local produce, including fruit and vegetables, artisan breads and pastries, honey, cakes and pâtisseries, as well as a brilliant butcher, cheeses,
plants, and flowers. There’s also plenty more to discover, from dusts, rubs and spices to unique speciality items.
If you’re after something savoury, a delicious BBQ will be cooking on the day perfect for a relaxed breakfast. You can also grab a tea or coffee and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the market.
We’re excited to now offer a selection of alcoholic drinks too, including locally produced beer, cider, gin, and cocktails, adding even more to the vibrant market experience.
Come along and enjoy a morning celebrating the very best of local producers we look forward to seeing you there.
Visit our website for more info .
Could you help tell our community’s story?
Meridian FM, East Grinstead’s local community radio station, is looking for new volunteers to help us expand our coverage of local news, sport and community events.
For nearly two decades Meridian FM has been broadcasting for the people of East Grinstead and the surrounding area, sharing music, interviews, local information and stories that matter to our community. Now we’re looking to grow our team and bring even more local voices and local stories to the airwaves.
We’re particularly keen to hear from people who are interested in reporting on community events, local sport, charities, theatre, music and other activities happening in our area. If you’ve ever attended a local event and thought “more people should hear about this”, then you may already have the instincts of a great community reporter.
Join Meridian FM
The good news is that you don’t need previous radio experience. What matters most is enthusiasm, curiosity and reliability. We can provide guidance and support to help you develop skills such as interviewing, storytelling, recording audio and preparing short pieces for broadcast.
There are lots of different ways to get involved. Some volunteers enjoy attending local events and interviewing organisers or participants. Others prefer covering grassroots sport, reporting match results and talking to players and coaches. Some volunteers are interested in presenting or conducting interviews on air, while others prefer helping behind the scenes by editing audio or helping prepare content.
Volunteering with Meridian FM can be a great way to build
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confidence, meet interesting people and develop media skills, while also making a real contribution to the community. Whether you can help once a month or on a more regular basis, every contribution helps us shine a spotlight on the people and organisations that make our area special.
We’re especially interested in hearing from people who are passionate about their community and would enjoy becoming one of
Meridian FM’s community correspondents, helping us keep listeners informed about what’s happening in their neighbourhood, club, or organisation.
If you’ve ever been curious about how radio works, this could be a great opportunity to get involved and learn something new while supporting your local station.
If you’d like to find out more about volunteering with Meridian FM, please visit meridianfm.com or email admin@meridianfm.com.
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EASTGRINSTEAD&DISTRICTPROBUS CLUB
• TheprimarypurposeofProbusistoprovideaforumandfellowshipfor retiredPRO-fessionalBUS-inessmenwhoenjoyopportunitiestomeetwith othersandtolistentoguestspeakersonawidevarietyofsubjects
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Pleasevisitourwebsiteforcontactdetails www.probuseastgrinstead.org.uk
On Monday 13th April the Ashdown Probus Club held its regular monthly luncheon at Crowborough Beacon Golf Club followed by its Annual General Meeting.
Peter Hobbs was elected President for 2026-27 and immediately oversaw an historic vote to allow membership rights to women who will in future be able to enjoy full participation in the Club and its programme of activities including monthly luncheon attendance, organised walks, golf, croquet and the varied programme of outings and other functions.
The 2026 outings programme started in January with a well-attended tour of the Tallow Chandlers Livery Hall in the City of London followed by lunch at Ye Olde Watling pub.
The first of this year’s golf events is to be held at London Beach Golf and Country Club Tenterden on 17th/18th May and later this month there is a tour of the Salters Company livery hall and lunch at Williamsons Tavern in the City. Our regular visits to the TWODS production of “Evita” and the Rude Mechanicals open air theatre production
“The Wife” are scheduled for Tunbridge Wells this month and Wadhurst in July.
Club membership is drawn from a wide area around Crowborough, stretching from Tunbridge Wells, Danehill and East Grinstead, to Uckfield, Heathfield, Wadhurst and villages and hamlets in between.
Full details of the Club and its activities can be found on the website: www.ashdownprobus.org.uk
Anyone interested in membership should contact the Secretary: info@ashdownprobus.org.uk or Mobile: 07782 358100.
The merry month of May is finally here. The Crawley Down Ladies Choir returned in April following the Easter break to continue practising for their Summer concert.
Our concert will be held on Saturday 13th June in the Dorothy Hatswell hall at The Haven Centre, Crawley Down, starting at 7.30pm.
Suddenly it gets closer with not so many practice evenings to go before then (7 at the time of writing). We will be singing a variety of songs ranging from music from stage
musicals and films to classic to pop and more. There will also be guest acts performing.
Entry is by ticket; we hold a raffle and there will be a ‘retiring collection’ at the end.
No, it's not to boost our retirement funds but rather a collection taken as the audience leaves, the proceeds of which go in their entirety to our chosen charity St. Catherine’s Hospice, a cause close to many a heart.
We hope to see you there.
Further information about the choir can be found on our website:
crawleydownladieschoir.co.uk
East Grinstead care home senior carer graduates as a nurse associate
A senior carer at an East Grinstead care home is celebrating a major career milestone. Traian ‘Tino’ Onciul, who has worked at Brendoncare Stildon for 10 years, has qualified as a graduate nurse associate.
Brendoncare offered him the chance to embark on the two-year Nurse Associate apprenticeship in partnership with the University of Chichester, which Tino completed alongside his full-time work.
Commenting on his graduation, Michael Crutchley, Brendoncare’s Chief Executive who presented Tino with his Certificate of Congratulations, said:
“We are incredibly proud of his amazing achievement. This is a great example of how Brendoncare, as an organisation, encourages and supports its talented team members to further their careers with qualifications that will enhance their skills. This in turn is of benefit to the residents to whom Tino and his colleagues deliver exemplary care every day.”
Tino originally trained in
psychology in Romania, graduating with a bachelor’s degree, then worked as a psychotherapist for several years. Eighteen years ago, Tino and his wife moved to the UK, both of them deciding to work in care.
He says: “I have always enjoyed supporting people. Care felt like a natural continuation of my interest in understanding and helping others.”
After gaining experience in a variety of residential and dementia care homes, he completed NVQ Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, progressing into a Senior Carer role. Around ten years ago, he joined the Brendoncare Stildon team as a Senior Carer.
In this role, his responsibilities have included supporting nursing staff, leading shifts, allocating workloads, managing medications, and ensuring consistently high standards of person-centred care for residents.
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While working at Brendoncare Stildon, his interest in nursing steadily grew. Encouraged by nursing colleagues who mentored him on the floor, he began assisting with clinical procedures and sought additional training through the apprenticeship.
Reflecting on his two years of study, Tino said: “The highlight was the people -my fellow trainees, the incredible university team, and the support from my workplace made all the difference.”
Balancing study, work, and family life presented challenges, particularly while caring for a six-month-old baby and a 12year-old child, but strong support from managers and colleagues helped him succeed.
Tino adds: “From the very beginning, Brendoncare believed in me. The opportunity, the encouragement, and the ongoing workplace support made this possible.
“Even on the most challenging days, the work is never boring.
Brendoncare places people at the centre of everything: training, care quality, and genuine personcentred values. Over the years, it has truly become my family.”
Tino explains how graduating has changed his role at Brendoncare Stildon. “I have much more confidence in my day to day dealing with my colleagues. On a personal level, it has re-lit my fire and thirst for more and as a result, I will try to continue increasing my knowledge and qualifications.”
To anyone considering a career in care, he says: “Caring is about making a difference in someone’s life. Whatever the setting, it touches everyone involved on a deeply personal level. It can be challenging, but the satisfaction it brings is something few other careers can match.”
For more information, please contact:
Alison Reijman, Media & Content Executive, The
Brendoncare Foundation
Tel: 01962 852133 Email: areijman@brendoncare.org.uk
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Traian ‘Tino’ Onciul receives his Certificate of Congratulations from Michael Crutchley, Chief Executive of Brendoncare. With them are his Brendoncare Stildon colleagues Sergiu Szabisan (RN), Louisa White (Clinical Deputy), and Katy Miller (General Manager)
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About Brendoncare
Brendoncare is a registered charity (no. 326508) based in Winchester that runs seven care homes in Hampshire, Wiltshire, and West Sussex and five extra care housing developments for older people. It also provides community support services for older people in Hampshire including nearly 40 in-person and online clubs, online events, telephone, and digital support.
Big Summer Bowls Event –Open Day for Beginners
Sunday 24th May from 2-4pm.
Another opportunity for you to come along and join Bowls England Summer Bowls Event.
And another opportunity for a Taster and for you to have a go at Lawn Bowls.
Where: Mount Noddy, off St Johns Road, East Grinstead
Everyone is welcome, just bring flat shoes that are comfortable. We will provide bowls you can use.
It will be a fun and social afternoon for you to have a go at this great sport. No experience is needed – just come along and give it a go. We can’t wait to see you on the green!
www.egbc.org.uk
The East Grinstead Natural
History Society
would like to welcome you all to their next meeting.
A very interesting talk about Folly Wildlife Rescue Centre based in Tunbridge Wells.
On Monday 18th May at Trinity Methodist Church, Lingfield Road, East Grinstead RH19 2HA.
7.30 pm (£4.50 on the door) £3.00 for members. Refreshments will be provided.
Scientists Have Discovered
Recent ground-breaking studies by Scientists at the Neasden Research Institute have revealed that women who are slightly overweight live longer than men who mention it.
MND association in partnership with The Mid Sussex Football League
The MSFL cup competition finals are allowing MND to use the occasion for a 'Bucket Collection'.
The first at Crowborough FC inApril continues with nine other finals across Sussex.
The money collected will go to Motor Neurone DiseaseAssociation, West Sussex North branch, enabling support for those suffering with MND.
“This is a first for the MSFL,” says Director Michael Stratford “and it gives me great satisfaction in watching two organisations working in partnership, we started this campaign after the loss of respected East Grinstead referee Mark Jackson who sadly passed with MND.”
Donations available via Michael.stratford@mndassociation.org 07837 916087
Michael Stratford with MSFL Chair Duncan Brooker
Photo: MND Chair
The Machine's in Overdrive
© 2018 Steve Cook
The machine's in overdrive manufacturing threat,
In a desperate ploy to overwhelm and keep everyone upset,
To fracture and divide the resurgent Human Nation,
Lest peace breaks out and we usher in an Age of Cooperation.
Keep brother fighting brother and kin fighting kin,
With war forever simmering and the planet in a spin
Create universal scarcity and enslave the race with debt,
Constrained by economics, by uncertainty beset.
The strategy of the Overlords for the past ten thousand years
Has been divide and conquer using propagandised fears.
But the Human Nation's changing and the game's begun to fail.
The dinosaur is dying, but beware its thrashing tail!
The
Part I: Hell hath no Fury . . .
A tale of gangsters, demons, assassins, killer clergy and satanic corporations. Welcome to Planet Earth. Funny as hell.
Read excerpt Buy now
Answers on a Postcard Please!
Alison Earnshaw recalls the halcyon days of the holiday picturepostcard and suggests an updated alternative.
When did you last receive a postcard from a friend or relative away on holiday? That brightly coloured little card landing on the doormat, making a change from the usual bank statements and bills, familiar handwriting on the flipside and sometimes arriving a long time after it was originally posted. There was often no rhyme or reason to transit times… a card from the Greek Islands could arrive in a week; from Bonnie Scotland it could be a month or more.
I used to love receiving them and particularly treasure some from my parents, written and sent when they were travelling around New Zealand some thirty-plus years ago. My mother would send a postcard from every destination on their trip of a lifetime. There’s one written whilst on a coach trip; shaky handwriting as their bus made its way along a bumpy road. Another has a small coffee mark on one corner, a decades-old throwback to a little café, far away now both in time and distance, where they’d stopped for a leisurely lunch in Queenstown.
I’m the same age now as they were then and it’s a special thing to realise that wherever they were they thought of my siblings and I via these little rectangular picture cards. The excitement and enjoyment of their big trip jumps off the card with every biro-stroke of my late mother’s handwriting.
A variety of factors has led to the near-extinction of the holiday postcard, not least the skyrocketing price of postage. A photo on the phone with an accompanying WhatsApp message is undoubtedly more immediate, economical and convenient but I’m going to try and make a case for humble postcards, archaic though they may seem!
Most importantly, recipients really do appreciate them. I’ve made a point of sending regular postcards to family and friends, especially those in later life. My late father, who was in residential care for the last years of his very long life, described how post would be placed on residents’ tables at
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breakfast and how lovely it was to get a small item of personal post to start the day.
Of course, we’re all more mindful of privacy concerns than in the old days of the postcard with its message on display for all to read, innocuous though the content usually was… typically praise or complaints about the weather followed by a description of the food! In order to allow for this, I bought a pack of cheap envelopes and pop each postcard inside. Another good thing about a postcard is that space is limited… a detailed, newsy epistle is not the aim here. It’s just a quick written snapshot of a moment, accompanied by warm wishes… and crucially the awareness on the part of the recipient that you were thinking of them.
There seems to be a dearth of really nice contemporary picturepostcards of even the most scenic spots. If anyone knows of a local outlet that sells up to date cards doing justice to our amazing Sussex historic buildings and countryside, I’d be delighted to buy some!
Meanwhile I’ve had some postcards of my own printed, just snaps taken locally on my phone, which I then had printed onto postcards, greeting cards and notebooks. I usually have this done at ‘EMS Design & Print’ in East Grinstead, who I’ve always found to be incredibly efficient and helpful.
I was delighted when a few of my cards and notebooks were sold to raise money for animal welfare charities. It was also a particular honour when a friend asked if she could have 50 of my postcards to use as invitations for a milestone birthday party, with more later for her to handwrite thank-you notes.
So don’t ‘write off’ the humble picture postcard quite yet… instead ‘write on’ those cards, just a brief note, and send ‘em off. Who knows, they may be treasured memories for someone down the line!
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/ and www.shotfullofrock.co.uk
News update from Dormansland YWI
How lovely to see all the gardens blooming and everyone out and about!
May saw us welcoming the Ashurst Wood Morris Men for a demonstration and a chance to join in, a great evening for everyone.
June will welcome Mary who will be telling us all about her adventures in Uganda.
We are gearing up to our fundraising event to be held in June, come along to The Memorial Hall on 13th June from 2.00pm. Everybody welcome!
We always like to welcome new members to our meetings which are held at Parish Rooms in The Platt at 8.00pm usually on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
If you would like more information, please contact us via the membership enquiry on the website www.ywidormansland.org.uk. or call Fiona on 07836 334794.
Our full meeting schedule and information about the subgroups can be found on our website.
East Grinstead Jazz Club every 1st Tuesday of the month
Book for June 2nd 7.30pm £22 tickets https://www.chequermead.co.uk/whats-on
Decimals & Percentages Made Simple
Maths
tutor, Helen Chisholm’s monthly column gives valuable tips on how to excel or help your children excel at maths.
As children progress in maths, decimals and percentages begin to appear more frequently and for many, they can feel a little confusing at first. However, with a strong understanding of place value and some clear connections, these topics can become much more approachable.
Understanding Place Value with Decimals
Decimals are simply an extension of our number system. Just as we have tens, hundreds, and thousands, we also have tenths, hundredths, and thousandths. The key is recognising that each place value becomes ten times smaller as we move to the right of the decimal point. For example, in the number 3.47, the “4” represents four tenths, and the “7” represents seven hundredths. Using place value charts or visual models can really help children see how these numbers are structured.
Making Connections: Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
One of the most powerful skills in maths is understanding how fractions, decimals, and
percentages link together. For example, ½, 0.5, and 50% all represent the same value. Helping children move between these forms builds flexibility and confidence. Rather than memorising conversions, it’s far more effective to explore these relationships through diagrams, number lines, and real examples.
Real-Life Maths: Where It All Matters
Decimals and percentages are used constantly in everyday life. From working out discounts in shops to understanding interest on savings, these skills help children make sense of the world around them. Asking questions like, “What is 25% off this price?” or “Is this a good deal?” encourages practical application and deeper thinking.
With time, practice, and clear connections, decimals and percentages can become less about rules and more about understanding. When children see how these ideas fit together, their confidence grows— and maths starts to feel far more manageable.
GURKHA AT WOODCOCK, Woodcock Hill, Felbridge, East Grinstead, RH19 2RE
Charity Meal set menu Monday 8th June 6.30 for 7pm eating Menu
Pappadoms with pickles
*
Junglee Bhaji (Tempura Vegetables), Sweet Chilli Chicken, Lamb Samosa
*
Kathmandu Chicken (Chicken Curry), Lamb Saag (Lamb in spinach sauce), Vegetable Curry, Tarka Dall (Yellow lentils), Rice and naan bread
OR
Pizza as a main course
We receive all of the above in dishes on the table for self-service. £25 cost with £10 donated to Cut out Cancer, plus bring cash for a whip round for the staff.
There will be a raffle.
To book your place please contact Jane at jane@meridianrotary.co.uk
As we are limited on numbers, we request a £5 per person non-refundable deposit payable online to A/c :Trustees of the Rotary Club of East Grinstead Meridian Trust; Sort Code: 30-92-92; Account number: 00460897
To help the restaurant please pay full price by Friday 5th June quoting your name and number of meals required, plus whether pizza is preferred. The restaurant will endeavour to accommodate guest numbers per table.
Five ways to look after your mental health
Money and mental health struggles often come as a package. When finances are difficult, our mental health can take a hit, and vice versa: poor mental health can lead to difficulty managing money. Here are five ways to help you look after your mental health.
Talk it out
When it comes to our finances, we too often feel we must face the problem alone. Many people feel too ashamed or embarrassed to seek help but find that when they finally reach out, things start to change! If you’re struggling with money, open up to someone you trust, or get free help from an organisation like Christians Against Poverty (CAP). You can find out about all the services we offer at capuk.org/help.
Write it down
Our emotions can easily build up and become too much to bear. Putting your thoughts down on paper can help you processhowyou’refeelingandprovide a healthy outlet for anger, frustration, grief and lots of other emotions.
Sweat it off
According to the NHS, physical exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that help to improve our mood. However, you don’t need an expensive gym membership or pricey equipment to do this –walking, running and playing games in the park are all great ways to get a bit more active (and they’re free!).
Cook it up
The food we eat affects not only our physical health, but our mental wellbeing too. Planning your meals before you head to the shop can help you choose healthier options and cut down on non-essential costs, bringing a little peace of mind.
Know it well
Whatever emotions you’re feeling, it’s important to know that they are valid and worth taking seriously. You can honour this by taking the time to get to know your emotions better, learning about what causes you to feel a certain way and why. This might include speaking to a trustworthy source such as Samaritans (call 116123) or SHOUT (text 85258) or asking yourGP about counselling.
By Judith Thomson
I would like to begin this time by thanking once again the lovely people of East Grinstead who stopped to chat to me and buy my historical novels when I was outside The Bookshop on the first Saturday of the month. John, the owner of that marvellous, historic building is a great supporter of local authors and always makes me welcome, especially if the weather is good enough for me to sell my books out in the street because, as he says, he doesn’t like authors
cluttering up his shop!!! If you would like to find out more about my books, please pop in there or visit me here.
We at the Feelgood Station are also supporters of local people. Although, as an internet Radio Station we broadcast worldwide, we are based here, in Sussex, and we are happy to hear from you and give you the opportunity to come on our Morning Magazine Show, which I present every weekday morning with fellow Station owner, Lester Jones, to talk about your upcoming events, charity fundraising or small business ventures. On my own weekend Judith Looks at Love and Romance show I always welcome local musical talent, so do contact me if you would like to talk about your music on air and have me include one of your tracks.
But of course, The Feelgood Station is not just about Lester and me - we have lots of other regular presenters bringing you every type of music from every decade. You can listen either at http://www.thefeelgoodstation.uk or on Simple Radio, Deezer and Alexa or download our own Feelgood Station App. And a big thank you to everyone who is already doing just that!
Take a look at our Show Timetables on our website, there is sure to be something there for YOU!
The East GrinsteadArt Society
Upcoming Meetings
13th May - Marcus Finch - Seascape inAcrylic demonstration
10thJune Anne-Marie BrodyTips and advice on Members’ Paintings
30thJuly - 13thAugust -Annual
Art Exhibition atGlenVue Community Hub, RailwayApproachMondays to Fridays
The East Grinstead Art Society has a display in the window of the Broadley Brothers in the High Street featuring some of the beautiful paintings of its members.
We are pleased to preset a few samples from the display
Meridian Rotary’s First Colour Run
April 19th 2026 was the date for the first East Grinstead Meridian Rotary’s first Colour Run to raise more funds for Rotary’s Cut out Cancer campaign.
A Colour run is a “Fun run” of up to 5k during which, at various points along the route, coloured cornflour is thrown over the participants – the event is based on the Indian festival Holi. It was suggested as a good way to raise funds which is open to all ages and abilities and can involve the whole community. People pay to take part and are provided with a white T Shirt, sunglasses and a sachet of throwing powder. We were also able to secure at no cost – bananas from Waitrose and bottles of water from South-East Water.
We also got the throwing powder sponsored by local businesses and charities. After months of planning the day was sunny but with a chilly wind. We assembled at 8am to put up gazebos, make a registration area, colour stations and Finish Line. East Grinstead Sports Club hosted the event for us and using their expertise and contacts at local running clubs and the Cricket Club
.
they marked out the course and provided marshals and powder throwers where necessary. Catering was provided at their outside café with a barbeque as well. Mims Davies the local MP was kind enough to be our Starter and James Cooper a local marathon runner presented Participation Certificates at the end
On the day about 150 people of all ages took part, getting thoroughly doused in eight different coloured powders and squirted with water pistols. There was much laughter and happy faces as seen in our photos. Opinions we sought from participants and those who did not take part in the event but watched and the consensus was that we should run the event again next year where more people would take part.
We allowed the charities who sponsored the event to put up their own gazebos. Meridian Rotary and Cut out Cancer also had their gazebos and Meridian held a tombola to raise extra funds.
The event generated a lot of interest in Cut Out Cancer and over £250 of
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Meridian Rotary Club continued from previous page donations were made on the Just Giving page. After expenses which were kept as low as possible the event raised just over £2000 which brings our total to date to just over £20,000 towards our target of £25,000 for Cut out Cancer.
Following the event we have been able to share the drone footage of the event plus many photos of people having fun, including the volunteers from Meridian Rotary!! This has really highlighted the fundraising that Rotary does within the Community. We have made many new contacts with other local charities and businesses which will serve us well in the future.
3 Marketing Tasks Small Businesses Should Do Every Week
Monthly Marketing Tips by Alice Watkyn of Mouthy Marketing
Small businesses are sometimes overwhelmed by marketing. But a few consistent actions each week can make a real difference over time.
1. Send One Email
Many small businesses avoid email marketing because they worry about annoying people.
Most customers forget about businesses surprisingly quickly unless they see them regularly. But email keeps your business front of mind.
Your email could include:
• A recent project
• A useful tip
• A common customer question
• A special offer
The goal is consistency, not perfection. Even short emails help remind people that your business exists and is active.
2. Ask for One Review
Reviews help build trust and
improve visibility online, especially for local businesses.
Make it a weekly habit to ask at least one happy customer for a review. A steady flow of genuine reviews looks far more natural than getting ten reviews at once and then none for six months.
Keep the request simple and send it soon after completing the work while the experience is still fresh.
3. Write One Blog Article
Blogging helps potential customers find your business through Google searches.
A simple way to find article ideas is to type your service into Google and look at the “People Also Ask” section. Those questions show what real people are searching for.
Choose one question and answer it in a 1,000-word blog article.
For example:
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• “How long does a boiler service take?”
• “What is the best flooring for pets?”
• “How much do solar panels save?”
If somebody searches that question and your article provides a useful answer, they may discover your business for the first time.
One helpful article every week builds into a library of content that continues attracting visitors long after it is published.
By Alice Watkyn, Mouthy Marketing
Can you help?
One of the successful ways of protecting your health and wellbeing is eating well.
So, tips for healthy eating definitely need to be featured in this magazine, along with healthy recipes
So I am looking to hear from anyone who would like to feature healthy eating tips and/or recipes.
Plus, a regular feature on food-growing section, so I am looking for advice, successful actions and similar input from people who grow their own crops, are a dab hand at allotmenteering, raising chickens and so forth. In particular, I am interested in articles by people who grow organically, chemical-free, no-dig permaculture and so forth.
And monthly DIY tips would be most welcome too.
So, if you have anything you’d like contribute on any of these subjects, please feel free to email me at any time and I’ll be very pleased to hear from you. The address is egtowncrier@gmail.com
Acupressure remedy for insomnia
This I believe is an acupressure technique, which I found by chance and discovered works very well for me when I have trouble – as I often do going to sleep.
restful. Once or twice I even fell asleep in the middle of doing it.
Nine times out of ten I’m fast asleep within minutes of doing this simple action and the sleep tends to be .
Give it a try and see whether it works for you.
Step 1: hold up your hand as shown in the photo.
Step 2: locate the small indentation just under the hand bone as marked in the photo.
Step 3: using firm gentle pressure with your other thumb, press the spot once a second for 20 seconds.
Step 4: then hold your thumb on the spot firmly for a further minute and a half or slightly longer.
And that’s it!
Sleep well!
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