HORAM & VINES CROSS VILLAGE DIARY
October 2023

Full operator terms & conditions apply. Fares shown are per person based on two adults sharing and are subject to availability/change and may be withdrawn at any time. *FREE Drinks is applicable to new bookings on selected 2024 cruises, made between 5th Sep 2023 - 31st Oct 2023. The “All-Inclusive Drinks Upgrade” includes, where possible, selected house beers, house cider in cans, house wines, house spirits, draught soft drinks and mineral or spring water by the glass. E&OE.
⭐ Children’s classes ⭐ Private art lessons Cherry Spring Studio After school ⭐ Adults classes & workshops The Blacksmiths Saturday mornings ⭐ Arty parties, events & group bookings Nettlesworth Lane School holiday workshops ⭐ Commissions Vines Cross TN21 9EN
form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior permission of the publisher. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken in
preparation of the material in this publication and to ensure the accuracy of its content, no warranty is given as to its correctness. All adverts are submitted and approved by the advertiser and this does not imply a recommendation or necessarily the views of the publisher. You should make your own enquiries and comparisons as with any other form of advertising. We accept no liability for loss, damage or difficulties resulting from contacts made through the directory, from errors or omissions, from claims made by advertisers or from omissions or inaccuracies relating to an advertisement or other entry, regardless of how caused.
Sun 1st 10.30am Family Communion
(with children’s groups yrs1-6)
Sun 8th 10.30am Family Worship
(with children’s groups yrs1-6)
Sun 15th 10.00am Together@10Church for Everyone
Harvest Celebration
(please see information elsewhere in the Diary)
Sun 22nd 10.30am Family Worship
(with children’s groups yrs1-6)
Sun 29th 10.30am Family Worship
(with children’s groups yrs1-6)
An audio copy of the Sunday morning reading & sermon is available on our website within 24hrs of each service.
Other Activities:
Crossways - drop-in for refreshments & chat (Wed 10.00-12.00 - 04/10/23)
Bible Study - Growth Groups
Jumping Beans - Parent & Toddler Group (term-time -Thursdays 10.00-11.30)
Fellowship Group (Tuesday 31st October at 2.00pm)
Supporting Horam Christian Care Group
If you’d like the opportunity of talking, or if you’d like us to pray for or with you, please do make contact us:
Vicar: Revd PJ Guy 01435 813372 vicar@christchurchhoram.org
Warden: Maryanne Ford 01435 817769 Davina Jones 01323 844552
Hall Hire: Jane Thomas 01435 810398
www.christchurchhoram.org
It’s our church for everyonetogether@10 - at Christ Church Horam. Come along and find out what it’s all about!!!
We start with refreshments, chat, activities for children, then a service for ALL the family. Enjoy our Harvest Celebration on Sunday 15th October at 10.00am
For growing unity among Christians and other world issues.
……………………………………………………………….
Saturday October 7th 2023
9am to 7pm
(concluding worship service at 6:40pm)
VENUE: UNION CHURCH
……………………………………………………………
Come and join us for as long or short a time as you wish.
Everyone is Welcome
HORAM MANOR FARM
Re article in last issue allegedly from Horam Parish Council. There is more to the story than this. Please attend the Extraordinary Horam Council meeting on Thursday 28th September in Horam Centre, 7.30pm.
Cornelie Usborne, Green Councillor for Horam & Punnetts Town
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE
FROM AS LOW AS £5.75 A MONTH
Invites you to come and join us Tuesday 31st October at 2pm.
Our speaker is Sally from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
The meeting will be followed by afternoon tea.
ALL are welcome. Come and join us at Christ Church, Horebeech Lane, Horam, TN21 0DT
13 years specialist wound care NHS experience.
All aspects of podiatry & chiropody including:
Toenail cutting * Ingrowing toenails
Corns & calluses * Cracked heels
Athlete's foot * Verrucae therapies
Foot pain * Insoles & orthotics
Diabetic footcare & assessment
Appointments at the address formerly known as Horam Natural Therapy Centre and home visits available.
Mara Ragaiolo BSC (Hons) Podiatry. HCPC registered and member of the College of Podiatry.
Mob: 077031 56799
Horam Natural Therapy Centre, High Street, Horam, TN21 0EL.
Sadly, due to Victorian health & safety regulations, only children of under 14” shoulder measurement may be employed.
Make sure your fireplace is safe with a professional sweep.
• All types of residential chimneys swept.
• Wood & multi-fuel stoves cleaned and serviced.
• Inspection & preparation of all chimneys for stove installation.
• Bird guards & cowls fitted.
• RSPB nominated bird removal man for East Sussex.
• Smoke test & certification for every sweep.
• Member of Association of Professional Independent Chimney Sweeps (APICS).
• Now certified woodburner installer.
Ross Atabey on 01435 812153/07941 315214
Email: acleansweep009@gmail.com
acleansweephoram
How can sports massage help you?
-relieves tension
-improves circulation
-enhances wellbeing
-eases sore/tight muscles
-improves joint mobility
-increase flexibility & range of motion
Fully air conditioned studio in Horam or mobile service available.
Appointments: 1 hour = £40 45 minutes = £35
Each massage caters for your needs – relax and unwind!
Tel: 07786 220179 Email: mariasmassage21@gmail.com
Website: mariasmassage.co.uk
Exercising in a relaxed atmosphere enjoying the fun that exercise produces through the release of endorphins.
Please book your space with Nancy on 07881 941360 or email at nancyprocterpilates@gmail.com www.nancyprocterpilates.com
For a brochure please call Jane on 01435 813418 / 07817 429594 or email:
janeappleby691@gmail.com
Saturday 7th October 2023:
1.00pm - Special Guest: ‘Cutting the ribbon’
Join us anytime 12.30pm-4.00pm at the Village Hall for:
• FREE refreshments
• Stoolball demonstration and on the GAP itself:
• Penny Farthing demo
• Heathfield Road Runners
• Maynards Green School cyclists
• You - having a walk!!
Our grateful thanks go to the following for funding the GAP project:
Ray Wicker - for all your Double glazing and Carpentry needs!
Double glazing:
• Replacement of windows and doors in UPVC, aluminium and timber.
• Service & repairs to your existing double glazed windows eg replace old misted glass units, replace broken handles, hinges and locks, re-trim and seal old windows.
• Install UPVC fascia, soffit and guttering - full replacment or cap over.
• Install new or replace shiplap cladding in UPVC or timber.
Carpentry:
• Hang doors, fit door liners, architrave, locks, handles skirting etc.
• Custom built in wardrobes/shelves, build flat pack furniture etc.
• Stud walls, insulation board, plasterboard.
• Build garden sheds, summer houses, garden decking etc.
• Fit curtain poles and blinds.
• Replace kitchen/bathroom silicone.
• Install new kitchen carcases, doors etc.
All jobs considered big or small. Please call Ray Wicker on 07960 503844
• perfect venue, access onto extensive grounds
• banqueting package (up to 104 people, 36 hours)
• make it your own (extend hall with marquee, playground for children) - have a brilliant day
• you won’t believe how competitive our rate is
• book it online, pay us a visit...
Please save the date for the parish council open evening on Friday 13th October.
Many residents have contributed to our Neighbourhood Plan. Now we’d like to hear more from you.
To this end we have organised the first Parish Council Open Evening for you to meet your councillors and hear what we do. But much more importantly, We want to hear from you what we might do together! And please help us by volunteering on community projects.
Horam Parish Council Open Evening
Friday, 13 October 2023, Horam Village Hall, 7 – 9 pm
Everyone is welcome!
Refreshments will be served.
More exciting news - The parish council will be hosting a Skate Jam on Tuesday 9th April 2024. The event will be well publicised nearer the time and will encourage children and adults of all abilities to join in.
At the Parish Council meeting on 13th September, it was resolved to submit the Plan and Background Documents to Wealden District Council before the end of September 2023 (this submission is known as Regulation 15).
WDC must then arrange a further, final round of consultation (known as the Regulation 16 stage) before it goes to an Examiner for independent examination.
The final plan then must be subjected to a local referendum before it can be adopted.
The parish council are considering adopting the piece of land between Four Seasons and the A267. However, discussions past and present with the developer Brookworth who own the land, have proved frustrating with little progress so far. The council are working hard to find a way forward and would welcome any comments or suggestions from the residents at the up-coming open evening.
The window for charities and organisations to apply for a grant will be closing on the 9th of October. The grants are available to support initiatives in the local community and to help create opportunities for the residents of Horam.
Please report any crimes or anti-social behaviour to the police through 101. They cannot investigate an incident unless there is a crime report.
The parish council office hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Friday: 10am – 1pm
You can contact the Parish Council by email, post or telephone.
Parish Clerk: clerk@horam.com , 01435 812151 or 07900 576236
The Clerk, Horam Parish Council, The Horam Centre, High Street, Horam, East Sussex
Community and wildlife to benefit as the GAP – Get Active Pathway at Horam Recreation Ground receives grants from The Veolia Environmental Trust, Horam Parish Council , Biffa Award, Pro Eco and Lodge Group Care UK Ltd.
Before the installation Horam Recreation Ground was waterlogged for most of the year. The new allweather path will allow visitors to enjoy the recreation ground all year round
Horam Village Hall and Recreation Ground charity has received grants from The Veolia Environmental Trust, Horam Parish Council and Biffa Award ; a multi-million-pound fund that helps to build communities and transform lives through awarding grants to community and environmental projects across the UK, as part of the Government's Landfill Communities Fund. They are grateful for the remainder of the project funding from Pro Eco and Lodge Group Care UK Ltd
Our next meeting is on Tuesday 10th October 2023 10am to 12pm at
The Coffee Lounge
Union Church
Station Road
Heathfield TN21 8LB
We are a new WI that meet in the morning and would like you to join us.
Just come along. Meet sociable ladies. Do some activities. Go on an outing. Listen to some great speakers.
If you would like to find out more - you can email us at heathfieldmorningwi@gmail.com .
A group for 0-3s and their carers
Term-time: Thursdays 10.00am-11.30am (50p per morning)
Horebeech Lane
Horam TN21 0DT
LARGE and SMALL TOYS + SINGING REFRESHMENTS + FRIENDSHIP www.christchurchhoram.org
Therapies and treatments available in a quiet and relaxed setting in Horam
These are some of the treatments we offer :-
Kinesiology
Hypnotherapy & NLP
Massage
Reflexology
Beauty treatments using 100% natural products
Biofeedback therapy using the amazing QUEX ED device
Weightloss Help
Give us a call to book something you fancy … all our therapists also offer vouchers which make great gifts
Tel Daynna - 07770 820673
Email – Daynna@the-crystal-rooms.co.uk www.the-crystal-rooms.co.uk
WINDOW
YOU
CLEAN WINDOWS WITH OUR PURE WATER SYSTEM.
We can clean all of the below up to 60ft.
Windows, solar panels, fascias, soffits & conservatories.
For a free no obligation quotation call or email us today! DBS Checked and approved.
Telephone Jason 01435 408048 ~ 07739 039944
Email: ascleaning@live.co.uk
ORCHARD FRAMING
www.orchardframing.co.uk
ORCHARD FRAMING BESPOKE FRAMERS
UNIT 4, MERRYDOWN BUSINESS PARK, DISCOVERY WAY, HORAM
( entrance opposite the village hall ) 01435 812075
All framing requirements covered, off the shelf frames and mounts.
Email: info@orchardframing.co.uk Closed Monday.
Tuesday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturday 9am - 1pm* 01435 812075
• Neck & shoulder pain
• Sciatica
• Frozen shoulders & RSI
• Arthritis & joint stiffness
• Headaches & migraines
• Stress/tension
• Sports Injuries
• and much more....
Our Osteopaths are Specialists in:
• Baby, Mum & Child Osteopathy
• Cranial Osteopathy
• Animal Osteopathy
We are taking all necessary steps to keep our patients and us safe in light of Coronavirus, therefore your appointment may feel a little different if you have visited us before.
Ground floor premises with disabled access. Weekday, early evening & Saturday appointments available.
Call our dedicated booking line below to make an appointment. Located
‘Our aim is to provide each resident with a caring and secure environment and the means to live life to the full extent, with privacy, independence and dignity’.
En suite and garden view rooms available
For enquiries call us on 01435 812170
Vines Cross Road, Horam TN21 0HF
G
T 01825 872998
M 07801 230678
e cliffmarchant@btinternet.com
Kate Raven
ALSO: BLINDS, CUSHIONS, CURTAINS, PELMETS, SWAGS AND TAILS. Tracks and poles supplied and fitted. Private tuition available.
KATE RAVEN - 07967 828389
PROFESSIONAL CURTAIN MAKER TO THE TRADE FOR 30 YEARS
Beavers, Cubs, Scouts Explorer, Paul Sutton, 01435 813023/07803 051048.
Bowling Club, Alan Archer, 01435 865536.
Cross In Hand Bridge Club, Jan Moore, 01435 863001.
Heathfield & Horam Football Club, Becki Chiweda 07366 034310.
Brownies, Mary Jones, 07814 373402.
Christ Church Fellowship, Pamela Blakey, 01435 810348.
Dementia Supper Clubs, Lyn Leeves, 07740 338120.
Diamond Dance, Lizzie Owen, 01435 812543/07985 306178.
Eastbourne & District Canine Society, Mrs Chris Cleland, 01323 506151.
Heathfield Choral Society, Chris Thompson, 01323 833921, chairman@heathfieldchoral.org.uk
Heathfield & District Horticultural Society, Nick Jeggo, 01435 830725.
Heathfield Folk & Dance Club, Joy Charlesworth, 01435 873551, sec@heathfieldfolk.org.uk
Heathfield Food & Wine Circle, Lorraine Cooley, 01435 812704.
Heathfield Road Runners, Fleur Blanford, 01435 812926, info@heathfieldroadrunners.com
Heathfield Bridge Club, Richard Gatwood, 01323 764384.
Heathfield Repair Cafe https://www.facebook.com/Repair_Cafe_TN21 or email us at heathfieldrepaircafe@outlook.com
Heathfield Silver Band, Mallory Hansford, 01435 862398, mallory@heathfieldsilverband.org
Horam Christian Care Group to Ann Procter 01435 812157.
Horam Parish Allotment Society, Carol Curd 01435 812756.
Horam Parish Council, Horam Centre, Jackie Cottrell, 01435 812151.
Horam Flower Show, Dave Cooley on 01435 812704
Horam Fun Day, Dave Sutton, 01435 812462/07889 652586.
Horam Guides, Jo Sutton, 01435 813023.
Horam & Heathfield Flower Club, Phyllis Stevens, 01435 863224.
Horam Pre-school, Angela Wood, 01435 813295.
Horam Tennis Club, Sara Goodacre, 07484 121445, horamtennisclub@gmail.com.
Horam Residents Group, Lucy Atabey, 01435 812153.
Horam Toddlers, Gill Delves, 01435 408405.
Horam Village Hall. For hire or information call Angela Wood on 01435 813295.
Horam WI, Kim Dunn, 01435 813942.
Manor Oak Surgery, 018255 732333. Out of hours Doctor, Between 8-8.30am 01825 732 333 & 6-6.30pm 0300 5555 252.
Non emergency medical, 111.
Non emergency police, 101.
Oxney Vines Cross Tug @ War, Mike Hutch, 07850 382619.
Pottery Club, Sue Ramsay-Smith, 01435 810390.
Rainbows, Brenda Macklin, 01435 812018.
RSPCA, 0300 1234 999.
The Kit Wilson Trust for Animal Welfare – 01825 830444.
Vines Cross Bonfire Society, Mark Woods, 07976 426286.
Vines Cross Community Association (VCCA) Ian Evans 07867 553440
Wealden Youth Choir, Tea Killick, 07808 222535.
Welcome Art Group, Lee Smith, 01435 862110.
• Curtains • Blinds
• Tracks & Poles
• Soft Furnishings
Free local measuring service
_________________
Tel: 01435 812768
email: flo.landais@icloud.com
l Curtains
l Blinds
l Tracks & Poles
l Soft Furnishings
Free local measuring service
Tel: 01435 812768
email: flo.landais@icloud.com
Here is a proof of your advertisement which will appear in this edition of Your Please check carefully. If you wish to amend your advertisemnt in any way, Your Little Black Book is produced in association with Page to Page Design Contact by e-mail: pagetopage7@gmail.com or telephone: 01435 868300.
FULLY INSURED FULLY INSURED HART
We will proceed to publish as shown above unless we receive any Thursday 18th October 2018
Motor Services
Thank you for advertising in Your Little Black Book.
Offering a friendly service with over 20 years experience. Car & trailer servicing, repairs & M.O.T’s.
Date Proofed: 09.03.18
Remarks:
TRAILER HIRE AVAILABLE. Car trailers, box trailers & horse boxes.
• Collection & delivery service. FREE within a 5 mile radius from garage.
• Courtesy car available if required.
Date Passed:
01435 408568
• Mini service.
• Full service.
• Diagnostics
• Holiday check from £20.
• Winter check from £20.
• Clutches, exhausts & brakes.
Follow the road out of Horam High Street to Maynards Green, turn left at the oast house Unit 18, Bridge Farm, Horam, East Sussex, TN21 0BP
If you are considering new copy or illustration changes, please forward Tuesday 16th October, otherwise your advertisement will printed
Buy from the hens at Riverside Farm, Laundry Lane, Vines Cross. Also available at Pomfrets Butchers, Spar Broad Oak & Davies & Son.
Tel 01435 812588
CONSUMER ADVICE: KEEP REFRIGERATED AFTER PURCHASE
Riverside Farm, Laundry Lane, Vines Cross, East Sussex TN21 9ED
Egg stamping explanation
0 = Organic, 1 = Free Range, 2 = Barn, 3 = Cage, UK = Origin, 99999 = Producer ID
Rain, wind and cloud often characterise our weather in October, though we may hope for an Indian summer about the middle of the month when a short spell of mellow anticyclonic weather often occurs. We should be taking full advantage of these gentle spells to finish up our autumn digging. Deadline Trafalgar Day.
Weeds make a strong showing in autumn, so that hoe should be doing brisk work; for great mischief they will do if left unchecked at this late season.
We may now make a start with tidying up the perennials in the herbaceous border, some gardeners prefer to leave the old top growth on the plant for winter protection whilst some like to clear away the old growth once flowering is finished, this allows the soil to be more effectively forked over, though this removal of the top cover gives less protection from frost.
Dahlias may be lifted once the foliage has blackened, there is little point in leaving them in beyond the end of the month as tuber growth will be completed by then. Around the middle of the month we can may start planting out wallflowers, polyanthus, forget-me-nots, Sweet Williams, Canterbury bells, foxgloves and other similar plants which are grown as biennials or for a spring bedding display. Before putting these in, the soil should be dug to a spade’s depth. Fertiliser may be added but only of the slow releasing types, i.e bone meal and not a quick release nitrogen based spring or summer fertiliser. The last cut of the lawn will now take place, the blade height may be lifted; no golfing green cuts in October. The vegetable plot. Push ahead with autumn digging. We dwelt on dung and its cousins at length in the last issue but it is worth reminding ourselves again that September and October are the months to dig in old horse droppings or compost, especially important for brassicas, not too much for the root crops or you may end up with amusingly shaped vegetables next year. Bastard trench heavy ground, throwing in newspaper, Christmas jumpers, gossip magazines, sharp sand, compost and rats; anything to improve the texture and workability of our clay. Only after a morning of bastard trenching may we, without guilt or self-reproach, indulge in a long pipe in the potting shed. Make the most of the last of the Runner and French beans by picking all sizeable beans daily, especially if frost is forecast. Autumn sown broad beans are a must, there is no finer sight than the cotyledons of broad beans pushing through at Christmas, and bodes well for an early and black fly resistant crop in spring. In anticipation of rain and gale, it is very important to firmly stake Brussels sprouts. All brassicas need to be firmly planted; they greatly resent any movement or looseness around the roots. Top growth of Jerusalem artichokes can be cut down but no need to lift the roots as they may be dug as required. Beware of a surfeit of this root in polite company.
Sites for November planting of fruit trees may be thoroughly prepared now by digging in plenty of old manure with a handful of bonemeal. It pays to do this well in advance of planting to allow the mix to fester down and the air to escape, likewise new rose beds should be thoroughly prepared, especially so on our clay soil. Rambler roses may now be pruned and trained, the aim is to cut out as much of the growth that has already
'For every fog in October, a snow in winter.'
flowered, those that make strong growth from the base should have the old stems cut out at ground level whilst those which make little basal growth should have the old growth cut back to a point just above that at which the strong new growth starts.
Now that the cricket season is over we may bestir ourselves to switch off the wireless set, knock out our pipes, end our ruminations over the onions drying in the shed and get out into the garden, there are jobs to do wherever we look and we are losing three minutes of light a day, so we can ill afford any tardiness in the garden.
Foords Lane, Vines Cross, Horam, East Sussex TN21 9HB
Telephone No. 01435 813353 Email – info@rivermeadnursery.co.uk
Website - www.rivermeadnursery.co.uk
We have a wide selection of plants:Bedding Plants, Herbs, Vegetable Plants, Perennials, Shrubs, Fruit Bushes, Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees, Grasses, Cacti, Agaves.
Also available –
Home grown produce (seasonal vegetables, herbs, fruit, cut flowers and eggs).
Opening Times: Winter 9am-dusk Monday - Saturday
In the last month (mid-August to mid Sept), the following decisions, appeals and applications are notable.
Appeal Decision – Linda House, Little London Road, Horam
An application against WDC’s refusal of planning permission for the demolition of Linda House and the erection of 34 dwellings (WDC ref WD/2021/2458/MAJ) has been dismissed by a Planning Inspector. At the Appeal District Councillor Cornelie Usborne, Parish Councillor Andy Billings and several residents spoke against the development. The Inspector found that:
“The proposal would cause significant harm to the High Weald AONB, a landscape which has the highest status of protection.”
Appeal Decision - Horam Manor Bungalow, Horam Road, Horam TN21 0JD
An application against WDC’s refusal of planning permission for the demolition of 2 derelict bungalows and the erection of 6 dwellings (WDC ref WD/2022/1180/O) has been dismissed. The planning Inspector found that there would be “harm in relation to the effect of this particular proposal on the living conditions of future occupants as well as the character and appearance of the area. Cumulatively, these harms would be considerable and long lasting”
Appeal Submitted - Land adjacent Burfield, Maynards Green Road, Maynards Green, Horam, TN21 0DG (WDC ref WD/2022/3355/O) This appeal is against WDC’s refusal of planning permission for the erection of one dwelling on the grounds that: “The proposal fails to conserve or enhance the High Weald AONB or protect the wider character of the area.” Any representations on this appeal must be submitted in writing to The Planning Inspectorate by 12 October 2023, (Planning Inspectorate Ref: APP/C1435/W/23/3322028) https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ViewCase. aspx?caseid=3322028
Application Withdrawn - Cherry Orchard Hanging Birch Lane (WDC ref WD/2023/1642/PIP) This application for permission in principle for 4 detached dwellings with garages has been withdrawn.
Horam Neighbourhood Plan (HNP)
There was a high level of agreement and supporting comments for the Plan from Residents. We are now in the process of finalising the updating of the Neighbourhood Plan in response to consultees comments. The Plan and Background Papers will then be submitted to WDC. (see Horam Parish Council page for further details)
David Marlow & Sue Lane (HNP Steering Group members)
Young at Heart have kicked off with a “bang” again or perhaps a “whoosh”! Punnetts Town School joined us last week and their current topic is “travel in time”. We decided to try out Mentos and Diet Coke experiment - yes it did work! Hosting from Heathfield Park Cricket Club means we have plenty of space to use especially while the weather is so good! On Tuesday we joined Parkside School and members and children produced stained glass windows of Emus! All individual but masterpieces in their own way! They always say, “it’s the taking part that counts” - that’s everything Young at Heart encourages - a day of distraction. On Friday we joined Five Ashes School - competitive games of snakes and ladders - it’s always a pleasure seeing our members playing something new - George, aged 95, first time! Nobody should be lonely! Please contact Rachel if you have a friend or relative who might be interested! Kindly sponsored by Wealden Funeral Services and Trevaskis Consulting Ltd.
Jane
Knee pain is very common, both from sports injuries and the wear and tear of day-to-day life. Knee joints serve a vital role in supporting your body weight and are put through added pressure when you walk, run or jump. Injuries include sprains, swollen or torn ligaments, damaged cartilage, and runner’s knee. Sports injuries tend to affect one knee; pain in both knees is more common with arthritis. Risk is increased as you get older, from being overweight and from high-impact sports.
Anatomy: The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. It joins the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia), with a smaller bone running along the lateral (outside) of the tibia (the fibula) and the kneecap (patella) at the front. The thigh muscles that move the knee joint attach to the bones by tendons. Ligaments attach bones together, providing stability to the knee. The cruciate (cross) ligaments in the centre of the joint: anterior prevents the tibia sliding forward on the femur; posterior prevents the tibia sliding backwards on the femur. The collateral ligaments on the outer (lateral) and inner (medial) sides of the joint prevent sideways movement of the joint. C-shaped menisci (cartilage) medial and lateral form shock absorption between the tibia and femur. Bursae, fluid-filled sacs help the knee move smoothly.
Symptoms: Common symptoms include pain, tenderness, discomfort and stiffness in the knee with limited mobility; also swelling, redness and muscle spasms. You will need to see your doctor if you cannot weight bear on your knee, you have severe pain when not weight bearing, especially at night; your knee locks or clicks painfully, keeps giving way, looks deformed, you cannot fully straighten or bend it; you have pain, swelling, numbness or tingling in the calf of the affected knee; you have fever, redness or heat around the knee or it is very swollen; the pain hasn’t improved in a few weeks or is still severe after a few days of home care.
Causes: Common causes from overuse or injury are: sprains and strains, tendonitis, bursitis (housemaid’s knee), anterior knee pain around the kneecap, Osgood-Schlatter disease in teenagers, iliotibial band (hip to knee) syndrome, medial plica syndrome affecting a fold of tissue in the knee joint, broken fragments of bone or cartilage in the joint, torn ligaments or tendons, bleeding in the joint. Cartilage damage from wear and tear or acute injury, partially dislocated kneecap (patellar) and diseases like gout, septic arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Diagnosis: The doctor will examine the movement of your knee and may arrange extra tests such as X-rays, MRI or blood tests.
Treatment: Depends on the severity and type of injury. Many injuries can be
treated at home or get better with time. Avoid stressing the joint, use ice packs and elevate the leg. Painkillers or anti-inflammatories may be advised as well as physical therapy or arthroscopy, keyhole surgery to look inside the joint to assess and repair any damage. More serious injuries may require further surgery.
Prevention: Stretching, warming up and cooling down for sports and workouts; wearing the right equipment such as good trainers for running, and knee pads for kneeling. Be prepared for your sport with good training. Attend to minor injuries before they become major. Listen to your body!
Osteopathic/Manual Management: Take a detailed case history to understand the nature of the problem and surrounding issues. Examine the knee, thigh and calf and all surrounding tissues; muscles, ligaments, nerves, fascia, etc., for movement, strength and functionality and assess motor nerve pathways. Consider the effect of the injury/condition on the whole body. Perform orthopaedic and neurological tests. Treat to reduce muscle tension and pain and improve joint alignment. Advice regarding specific strengthening and stretching exercises. Treatment may include manipulation, deep soft tissue massage, trigger point therapy, muscle energy techniques, fascial techniques, dry needling, etc.
Self Help: Stretching and strengthening are important for knee health, though if you have problems, it is important to do the correct exercises and avoid aggravating the issue. Heat or cold may be helpful as well as some ointments, depending on what the issue is. Videos on my YouTube Channel ‘Aether Bios’ on the playlist ‘Leg and Bum Workouts’: ‘Knee Strengthening Exercises’, ‘Quick and Easy Exercises – Knee Relief’, ‘Just Be with Your Knees’. Please only do what feels good and stay within your limits; remember that the key to stretching is listening to your body, backing off when you feel tension, approaching the tension gently and using the breath to encourage the body to let go and release tension; stay in your comfort zone.
We are happy to advise you on your health matters.
Lin Bridgeford DO KFRP MICAK MICRA FSCCO MSc
Registered Osteopath & Kinesiologist & Senior Yoga Teacher, Master Hypnosis and NLP Practitioner, Aether Bios Clinic, 01273 309557 07710 227038
www.osteo-info.co.uk YouTube search Aether Bios OR Lin Bridgeford, Instagram linbridgeford
https://linbridgeford.wordpress.com contains all my articles as blogs
Wednesday 4th October 10am - 12 noon at Christchurch, Horebeech Lane, Horam.
EVERYONE WILL BE MADE WECOME INCLUDING CHILDREN.
Meet with friends, make new friends and enjoy good coffee/tea and homemade cake. We meet the first Wednesday of every month, everybody is welcome.
We shall look forward to seeing all.
A warm welcome awaits you.
Every Monday we hold a bingo & raffle evening, join us from 6pm for a 6:30pm start.
Every Friday we gather for a coffee morning from 10:30am.
We look forward to seeing you! Find us opposite Horam Chapel.
For the rescue and re-homing of unwanted & abandoned animals, wildlife rescue & rehabilitation
Friendship through Flowers. We meet every second Thursday of the month excluding January. Doors open 7pm commencing at 7:30pm, Heathfield Community Centre, Sheep Setting Lane, Heathfield, TN21 OXG.
Contact details: Phyllis Stevens 01435 863224
Tel 01435 868836
Mobile 07885 950755
Company Established 25 yrs. Fully Insured. NCH ARB Approved - ARB Approved N.C.T.P Certified
We are very lucky to have such an amazing charity locally that cares for our wildlife. WRAS are always grateful for donations of towels, pillow slips, blankets and cat food. These items can be left at: Unit 8, The Shaw Barn, Whitesmith, BN8 6JD.
Why not visit their charity shop in Eastbourne? 01323 643111. Any animal in trouble call 0781 50 78234, for anything else call 01825 873003.
We believe that the most important people are your loved ones, and we would be honoured to look after them. We pride ourselves on providing compassionate, respectful and affordable funeral services - whatever your chosen funeral type.