Horam & Vines Cross Village Diary

Horam and Vines

Cross Village Diary May 2024

Bring on the Sunshine

Telephone: 01435 873070

Email: info@woodhilldental.co.uk

Website: www.woodhilldental.co.uk

Address:

Woodhill Dental Centre

Sussex TN20 6BW

WE’VE RECENTLY EXPANDED! TAKING ON NEW PATIENTS

Reasons to join us in 2024

What we have to offer:

A full range of dental services including cosmetic dentistry and in house implant placement

Facial aesthetics carried out purely by doctors

Invisalign® - barely visible tooth straightening treatments

A newly renovated surgery with top of the range, state of the art equipment and CadCam Technology

Late night opening until 7pm on Thursday

A friendly team always available to help and support

Practice Plan - available for adults from as little as £10 per month, and £5 per month for children

0% APR Finance options available (subject to T&C’s)

Referral Scheme - recommend us to your family and friends and receive 50% off your next check up for every successful referral

£10 OFF HYGIENIST WITH THIS

£10 OFF HYGIENIST WITH THIS ADVERT ADVERT

£20 OFF NEW PATIENT £20 OFF NEW PATIENT EXAMINATIONS WITH THIS ADVERT EXAMINATIONS WITH THIS ADVERT

PLEASE QUOTE ‘

PLEASE QUOTE ‘ VILLAGE DIARY VILLAGE DIARY ’ AT ’ AT TIME OF BOOKING TIME OF BOOKING

www.facebook.com/woodhilldentalcentre

Lunch Qi Gong Days Out

Afternoon Tea Knitting Watercolour Painting

Singing Baking Crafting & Creating

Dancing Games

NEW FOR 2024

Community Bingo & Tea Dancing Union Church Heathfield

Fun with the Children

generations in

Every other Thursday from 2pm

Uniting generations in the glorious setting of Heathfield Park Cricket Club, The Pavilion, Old Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 9AE 10-4pm Tuesday, Thursday & Friday

Park Cricket Club, The Pavilion, Old Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 9AE 10-3.30pm Tuesday, Thursday & Friday

10-3.30pm Thursday & Friday

If you would love to come along or know someone that would Call Rachel on 07971 032667

If you would love to come along or know someone that would call Rachel on 07971 032667

07971 032667 Follow us

www.youngatheart.me.uk

www.youngatheart.me.uk

We meet 2nd Saturday of every month at Horam Village Hall TN21 0JE (A267)

We meet 2nd Saturday of every month at Horam Village Hall TN21 0JE (A267)

Next Session 9th December 2023 - 9.30-12 noon

Next Session 9th December 2023 - 9.30-12 noon

Next Session 11th November 2023 - 9.30-12 noon

Next Session 11th May 2024 - 9.30am -11 am

Next Session 11th November 2023 - 9.30-12 noon

We hope to see you! Help us preserve our environment and dent our throw-away culture. Everyone is welcome - Yummy home-baked cakes & refreshments while you wait!

We hope to see you! Help us preserve our environment and dent our throw-away culture. Everyone is welcome - Yummy home-baked cakes & refreshments while you wait!

Items we repair include: computers, electrical items, cycles, minor mechanical problems, furniture and small sewing repairs

Items we repair include: computers, electrical items, cycles, minor mechanical problems, furniture and small sewing repairs

On most occasions we will be able to repair: computers - electrical items - cyclesminor mechanical problems - furniture - small sewing repairs

On most occasions we will be able to repair: computers - electrical items - cyclesminor mechanical problems - furniture - small sewing repairs

Everyone is welcome - join us for home-baked cakes & refreshments

Everyone is welcome - join us for home-baked cakes & refreshments

Email repaircafeheathfieldandhoram@outlook.com

Email repaircafeheathfieldandhoram@outlook.com

https://sites.google.com/view/heathfieldrepaircafe/home?pli=1

https://sites.google.com/view/heathfieldrepaircafe/home?pli=1

please contact Dawn 07545 784767 or

PODIATRIST & CHIROPODIST

Over 13 years NHS experience

Mara Ragaiolo BSc (Hons) Podiatry

HCPC registered and a member of the College of Podiatry

Now at Horam Healthcare Clinic, High Street, Horam TN21 0EL

All aspects of Podiatry and Chiropody including: Nail Cutting, Ingrowing Toenails, Corns and Callus, Verrucae Therapies, Foot Pain, & Diabetic Footcare and Assessment.

Payment by Cash, Cheque or Bank Transfer.

To book an appointment with Mara at Horam Healthcare Clinic

Tel: Pauline on 01435 866227 where you can also leave a message at anytime.

Home Visiting Service also available.

To book a Home Visit with Mara call 07703156799 or email tmfootcare@mail.com

Stepping Stones Podiatr y

• Professional and friendly service in the comfort of your home.

• All aspects of foot and nail care.

• Areas covered: Heathfield, Horam, Mayfield, Uckfield and surrounding villages.

To arrange a visit: 07809 210836 steppingstonespodiatry@gmail.com www.steppingstonespodiatry.co.uk

MARIA SMITH SPORTS & REMEDIAL MASSAGE THERAPY

How can sports massage help you? -relieves tension -eases sore/tight muscles -improves circulation -improves joint mobility -enhances wellbeing -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

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

For a brochure please call Jane on 01435 813418 / 07817 429594 or email: janeappleby691@gmail.com

SHANNON WALDEN-LOWE – PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC COUNSELLOR

MNCPS Accred. BA Social Work. Cert. in Trauma -Focussed Therapy

Welcome, my private practice The Space Between counselling provides a space to explore & resolve what may be causing you h harm, difficulty or distress Working with individuals aged 14 and over from a welcoming, confidential space at the Horam Healthcare Clinic.

Short or Long-term Therapy | Available Mondays (AM) & Wednesdays (PM)

A decade of experience in working with people of all ages to achieve positive change T: 07908 690211 E E: TheSpaceBetweenCounselling@gmail.com W: www.thespacebetweencounselling.co.uk

Local window and door installers. We can supply and install all your new windows and doors or support with just installing.

For example: UPVC | Composite | Aluminium | Sliding | Folding | French We offer 10 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee on all installs and we are a registered surveyor and installer with FENSA.

Get in touch for a free no obligation quote today

Email: info@leeswindowsanddoors.co.uk Mobile/Whatsapp: 07376 270 921

: 07872 170586

PROTECT YOUR ASSETS AND SECURE YOUR FAMILY'S FUTURE

• Our Will Writers are accredited members of the Society of Will Writers with years of experience in estate planning

• We offer home visits across East and West Sussex for your convenience

• As a qualified lawyer, I can provide the best advice around all aspects of your Will and Lasting Power of Attorney

Sussex Will Writers Limited, Suite A, 39A High Street, Heathfield, TN21 8HU

Contact: 01435 511600 or emma.headworth@sussexwillwritersltd.co.uk

Website: www.Sussexwillwriters.com

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

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Have you questions or comments on the wealden local plan?

Most people will have heard that Wealden District Council (WDC) has published its new draft Local Plan and that it is proposing to plan for the massive growth of Horam.

It can be seen on WDC’s website (or just search on Google). It is also available to inspect at The Horam Centre (Parish Council Office) during normal office hours.

The development sites are listed in Policy SA1 and shown on Policies Map 35.

Local WDC councillors helpfully arranged a public meeting for local people on the on 26th April, but there will also be the chance to ask questions of WDC officers (who drafted the Plan) at the Horam Village Hall on Saturday 4th May (10am – 4pm).

We plan to attend these events and have a number of questions ourselves, including:

- is it reasonable to ask Horam to double in size in 15 years, when every other villageand town - is being asked to accommodate much lower growth proportionally?

- do you think the character of Horam as a rural village can still be retained (or is this the price to pay for trying to cram so much housing in the Low Weald)?

- given the lead-in times and build-out rates for large housing schemes, do you agree that building 750 houses is likely to still be going on beyond the plan period (to 2040) – and that Horam will feel like a permanent building site?

- what hard plans are in place to ensure that the residents of another 1,000 or so homes (and existing residents) will have sufficient doctors, dentists, pharmacy services (which seem over-stretched now)?

- Given that we see traffic queuing already at Horam (notably at the A267 junctions with the High Street and Horebeech Lane), what impact will such a large amount of extra development (along with that proposed at Hailsham/Hellingly) have on Horam? (Also, where are details of how the Coxlow Farm site will be accessed, or links within it, which are needed to sensibly comment?)

- why was the fact that Marle Green is not recognised in Officers’ reports as a separate hamlet allowed to be overlooked?

- given all the work undertaken locally on the Horam Neighbourhood Plan*, including residents’ priorities, could WDC have used this to inform the WLP?

Anyway, these are just some of our thoughts. To get your own views across, you need to respond to the WDC consultation by Friday 10th May (5pm).

[* The independent examination of the Horam Neighbourhood Plan is ongoing.]

David Marlow & Sue Lane (HNP Steering Group members)

NEWS FROM CORNELIE USBORNE

DRAFT

LOCAL

PLAN Exhibition IN HORAM,

4 May, 10-4, Horam Village Hall.

Your two District Councillors Greg Collins and Cornelie Usborne will be there. So will Cllr Ian Tysh, Portfolio Holder, Planning and Environment (who knows the draft better than most). Of course, Wealden officers will explain their material and answer questions.

Response to Nus Ghani’s letter in last month’ issue

Her call for residents to respond to Wealden’s draft Local Plan is welcome, but sadly her comments about housing numbers and prices are misleading and untrue.

• Neither the council nor the Alliance parties proposed any numbers last year. The draft proposes a lower number than her government’s target for Wealden of 1200 houses per year. The previous District administration failed to get the 2019 plan adopted, wrongly believing that they could persuade central government to reduce housing targets. A developer-led free for all followed.

• Ms Ghani professes “to see the need for affordable homes”; but her government’s planning system focuses on guaranteeing developers’ profits of c. 20% rather than on affordable housing (set at a totally inadequate percentage of the vastly overpriced market housing), or on providing infrastructure. Might this be connected to developers donating 15-20% of the Conservative Party’s income? How else does Ms Ghani explain the large number of 4-5 bed-housing recent built all over our green fields instead of 2-3 bed dwellings which is what is needed locally? The draft promises to increase the number of smaller (and cheaper) homes and reduce that of larger and expensive ones. It also proposed more affordable and social housing.

Come and see me at the Repair Café, Horam Village Hall, 11 May, 9.30-11am.

Cornelie Usborne, Green Party councillor for Horam & Punnetts Town, cllr.cornelie.usborne@wealden.gov.uk, 07979336401

Chimney Sweep

Sadly, due to Victorian health & safety regulations, only children of under 14” shoulder measurement may be employed.

A Clean Sweep - your local chimney sweep

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

Fred. Olsen Travel Agents

with OVER 130 YEARS collective industry experience... Heathfield

CRUISE FROM DOVER

Set sail with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines from Dover and indulge in your choice of exclusive perks! Whether you're dreaming of an onboard shopping spree, stress-free parking, or seamless door-to-door transfers - we've got you covered. Embark on a journey of luxury, relaxation, and discovery, with breathtaking destinations awaiting you. Don't miss your chance to elevate your cruise experience! Book now...

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DISCOVERING THE CASTLES & CULTURES OF THE BALTICS

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SCENIC LANDSCAPES & WILDLIFE OF THE BRITISH ISLES

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Olsen

ROYS PLUMBING SERVICES

Full bathroom installation service  Taps, Water Tanks, Cylinders, Radiators Drains, Gutters, Emergency Call Out

All types of plumbing undertaken

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Call Roy Varley 01435 866312/07920 144067

Local, Friendly, Fully Reliable professional  service, NO CALL OUT CHARGE, Free estimates, All Work Full Guaranteed, NO HIDDEN COSTS.

01435 869010

• Drainage

• Fencing

• Brickwork

• Grass Cutting

• Shrub Clearance/Hedge Cutting

• Footings

• Patios

07585391165

contact@bggroundworks.co.uk

Trailer Hire Covering Sussex, Kent & Surrey Call Steve Riddle on 0845 108 6447 or 07936 435193

or email steve@smalltrailers4u.co.uk

FULLY INSURED FULLY INSURED

Offering a friendly service with over 20 years experience. Car & trailer servicing, repairs & M.O.T’s. 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.

• 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

 Full building surveys and homebuyers

 Architectural

 Non lending valuation advice

 Planning and building regulations approvals

 Building defects investigation

 Schedules of condition

 Buildings insurance assessment and claims

 Party wall matters

 Property finder and advice

 Small acreage land management advice

Services for May:

Sun 5th 10.30am Family Communion (with children’s groups yrs1-6)

Sun 12th 10.30am 3.00pm Family Worship

(with children’s group yrs1-6)

Service of Thanksgiving & Remembrance

(please see information elsewhere in the Diary)

Sun 19th 10.00am Together@10Church for Everyone

(please see information elsewhere in the Diary)

Sun 26th 10.30am Family Worship (with children’s groups yrs1-6)

(followed by Annual Parochial Church Meeting)

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 (Wednesday 10.00-12.00 - 01/05/24)

Bible Study - Growth Groups

Jumping Beans - Parent & Toddler Group (term-time -Thursdays 10.00-11.30)

Fellowship Group

Supporting Horam Christian Care Group

(Tuesday 14.00 - 28/05/24)

Christianity Explored Course - Starting soon!

Please contact the Vicar if you are interested.

If you’d like the opportunity of a chat, or if you’d like us to pray for or with you, please do make contact: Vicar: Revd PJ Guy 01435 813372 vicar@christchurchhoram.org

Wardens: Maryanne Ford 01435 817769

Davina Jones 07809 545397

Hall Hire: Jane Thomas 01435 810398 www.christchurchhoram.org

Term-time:

A family based business with over 10 year’s fitting experience. A Bathroom & Kitchen Installation Specialist with experience in all ranges of products, including European ranges. Our other services include:

All your plumbing needs

Including cylinders, storage tanks, kitchen appliances, taps & tap washers

Floor & wall tiling

Ceramic, porcelain & mosaics

Silicon sealing & re-sealing Showers, baths & sinks

Carpentry, Including flooring, door hanging, stud walls

Free “No Obligation” Quotations & Advice

GEORGE 07947746265 www.gsbinteriors.co.uk

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

Heathfield Morning WI are holding a

on Saturday 18th May 2024 at the Union Church Hall, Station Road, Heathfield, East Sussex

10.00 am – 12.00 noon

v RESIDENTIAL CARE v DAYCARE v RESPITE CARE

‘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

Wednesday 1st May 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.

CHERRY TREE COURT

Welcomes you 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

CROSSWAYS COFFEE MORNING

Wednesday 1st November 10am-12noon at Christchurch, Horebeech Lane, Horam.

EVERYONE WILL BE MADE WELCOME 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 you all.

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, with chat, activities for the children, then a service for ALL the family. Why not enjoy it with us!!

Our together@10 Service is on S Sunday 1 9 t h A p ril at 10.00am

Page 1 of 1

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.

Heathfield Morning WI

Our next meeting is on 14th May 10am to 12pm

Come & join us for a talk on

The history of Batemans at

The Main Hall

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 social 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

HORAM AND HEATHFIELD FLOWER CLUB

Friendship Through Flowers

We meet every second Thursday of the month excluding January

Doors open 7pm commencing at 7.30pm

Heathfield Community Centre Sheepsetting Lane

Heathfield TN21 0XG

Contact details

Phyllis Stevens 01435 863224

Horam WI

We meet on the

First Tuesday of every month 2pm - 4pm at

West End, Christchurch, Horebeech Lane, Horam

May’s meeting includes Making Miniature Paper Posies plus our chance to vote on this year’s National WI resolution ‘Dental Health Matters’

Ladies, you are always welcome and every meeting always includes time for a cuppa and a chat!

Contact us for more details and a friendly chat

T: Kim 01435 813942 horamwi@gmail.com www.east-sussex/thewi.org.uk/find-wi/horam

Christ Church Fellowship

We invite you to come and join us on Tuesday 28th May 2pm

Our speaker is Fiona Gilpin

From Emerge Advocacy Christian Charity

2024 Dates

The meeting will be followed by afternoon tea

Monday Tea Club

April 22nd

ALL WELCOME

from 3.00pm to 4.00pm at Horam Chapel

We have an interesting speaker followed by afternoon tea

All are Welcome

We meet at Christ Church

Horebeech Lane Horam TN21 0DT

HORAM PARISH COUNCIL NEWS

Thank you to all the parents and children who attended the parish council’s Skate Jam on 9th April. Although the weather wasn’t kind the event was still well attended and enjoyed by all. There were prizes for every participant and the council would like this to be an annual event. Cllr Cornelie Usborne has resigned from the parish council but will continue her work as a Wealden District Councillor.

The parish council will be welcoming a new member of staff to the team. Hilary Pyle has over 20 years of local government experience and will be an asset to the Horam parish. The council will be purchasing a new stair climber which is a device to enable wheelchair access to the office and meetings. Watch this space!!

The council are working closely with the owner of road which is used to access the village hall/bowls club/scout hut and football fields regarding the repair work to the large pothole on entry.

The WDC Draft Local Plan consultation is being held on Saturday 4th May at the Horam Village Hall. The Local Plan will help shape the future development of the village and your feedback will be very important. Please contact the Clerk if you would like any further information.

Please join us at the Annual Parish Assembly which is being held on Thursday 16th May at the Horam Village Hall at 6.45pm. This is a public meeting of the electorate where you can have your say about the area you live in, what you are happy about and what you would like to change. There will also be guest speakers from Wealden Works, the High Weald National Landscapes and a defibrillator training session from the Heathfield & Waldron First Responders.

All the meetings of the council are public meetings. Please come along and have your say. There is a public participation part at the beginning of each meeting where members of the public are invited to speak on any of the agenda items. The agenda for any council meeting is always published at least 3 days before the meeting and is available on the council website https://horam.com/ and the parish council notice boards. These are located at the Horam Centre and in the Memorial Garden.

If you have any accessibility issues regarding physically attending a council meeting please contact the Clerk directly who will arrange access to the meeting via zoom.

The Parish Council wish to clarify that they are a non-party political corporate body. Community Speed Watch is a scheme run by volunteers and administered by Sussex Police. Please contact Jane Trott the local administrator at jane.trott@btinternet.com if you wish to be involved or visit https://www.communityspeedwatch.org/FRONT-v2-Home.php

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: 9.30am – 12.30pm

Wednesday: 9.30am – 12.30pm

Thursday: 9.30am – 12.30pm

Friday: 10.00am – 1.00pm

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.

Please come along to the Parish Council’s

Annual Parish Assembly

Thursday 16th May at 6.45pm

The Horam Village Hall

We want to hear your views about the area in which you live !!

Guest speakers

Defibrilator training

I am sure that like me, you were deeply saddened to hear the news about His Majesty The King and The Princess of Wales’s recent cancer diagnosis. My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family, and I wish both His Majesty and Her Royal Highness a full and speedy recovery.

This sad news has brought into focus how impossible cancer is to avoid, how it can affect any of us, and how it is never far away. We all know someone who is impacted by this dreadful disease, and like many families across Wealden, my family too has been affected by cancer and its devastating consequences.

The impact of cancer on a young person is particularly heart-breaking. The diagnosis of childhood cancer is some of the worst news a parent can possibly receive, and as children often cannot advocate for themselves, we must do it for them. I continue supporting several local families that have been impacted by childhood cancer, including in Mayfield, Crowborough and Forest Row, and I have called for more awareness, genetic testing and more funding for research for childhood cancer.

However, there is some good news and thanks to ongoing breakthroughs in research, cancer survival in the UK has doubled in the last 50 years. Some cancers are prevented completely, and an early diagnosis really can change lives and outcomes.

During the pandemic, the country’s endeavour was used to tackle the virus and we must now remain committed to applying this same spirit to tackling cancer. I welcome the Government’s commitment to reducing waiting times for cancer care and multi-billion-pound investment to help deliver millions of additional checks, scans, and operations, and expand the number of surgical hubs across the country.

I am hugely grateful for the range of healthcare services provided in Wealden and across East Sussex, and I would like to strongly encourage anyone who is worried and may have symptoms to get them checked out. Please do make sure that you attend your screening appointment, and get the ball rolling early on treatment, if required.

HEATHFIELD CHURCHES TOGETHER IN HEATHFIELD & DISTRICT

The Bible Comes to Life

For three days in late March, Churches Together in Heathfield & District hosted a very interesting exhibition, in Union Church, about the life and culture of the Jewish and early Christian people in Biblical times. It was presented by a team from CMJ, Christian Mission to the Jews. They appeared each day in period costume and explained in considerable detail the items that were on display and their significance for the Jewish people and of course to Jesus himself who grew up and ministered in the Jewish society of his time.

Some of the items to see were; a replica of the Arc of the Covenant which was carried all through the desert by the Jews who escaped from Egypt, a mock-up of the sort of tent they would have lived in during the desert years and some of the furnishings and utensils they would have had. There was a manikin dressed as a shepherd and there was even a life-sized stuffed camel with a colourful saddle and headdress! A large and beautiful model showed what the temple in Jerusalem would have looked like in the time of Jesus and there were some very old Hebrew scrolls, including one written on leather. The large one which would have been kept in the temple had a lovely velvet case decorated with jewels. We also saw items illustrating and explaining a number of Jewish festivals, including of course the Passover which we know Jesus and his family attended in Jerusalem and which was being celebrated there at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion. All of this led up to the final table showing articles about the life and death and resurrection of Jesus.

We had a fairly steady stream of visitors, including three classes from local primary schools. Their headteacher came with one group and he commented that it was a fantastic learning experience for the children. Many adults stayed much longer than they had expected to and said it was very enjoyable and they learned a lot! If you didn’t call in to this exhibition, you missed a treat!

Sue Mumford

MAY GARDENING DIARY

' A wet and windy May fills the barns with corn and hay '

In the borders and vegetable garden routine hoeing should be encouraged; regular hoeing kills the weeds, loosens compaction, aerates the soil and breaks up the capillary action and so reduces evaporation. The borders are left looking fresh and shipshape. A hoe vigorously plied is one of the great aids to good growth.

For those gardeners with 'Hoers' Elbow', the alternative is the mulch. The main rules are that it should be laid deep, at least four inches and away from any stems, the ground should have first had a thorough soaking (From rain, not hose), this locked-away moisture may be retained for a considerable time. Any raw or uncomposted material should be avoided. Green waste, wood shavings, straw or wood bark, when used fresh may lead to denitrification of the soil. Yes, bacteria in the soil which usually convert nitrogen into useable nitrates can become starved of oxygen and so are forced to separate the oxygen molecules from the soil-bound nitrates, which are then lost to the atmosphere, we write this not only to appear clever and well-read, it really does happen, especially on undug slightly acid soil, that being just what we have here in our corner of the county. If mulch you must, then a thorough digging-over and removal of perennial weeds followed by a dressing of nitrogen should be carried out first.

In the veg patch it is important to thin previously sown crops, this job brooks no delay; overcrowding in the nursery can weaken and distend plants to such a degree that they may never fully recover their figures.

We may now sow seeds of French and runner beans in those deep compost filled trenches the reader prepared in March. Peas, carrots, parsnip, lettuce, radish and spinach may also be sown now.

Brussels sprouts need a long season to fully develop, so the quicker they can be transplanted to their permanent quarters the better. Brassicas always planted firmly. It is customary to pinch out the tops of Broad Beans when in flower, this should greatly reduce infestation of black fly. Early Potatoes should be earthed up little and often.

Rhododendrons and Azaleas may have any dead flowers picked off to allow new growth to form. Any pruning here must be carried out immediately after flowering and before next year's flower buds form. As Daffodils and other early flowering bulbs finish flowering it is as well to remove dead flowers to prevent seed formation and encourage the growth of the bulbs. Irksome and unsightly obstacles to our mowers they may be, but the dying foliage must be allowed to wither in its own time.

Any remaining pruning of Forsythia may now be completed, leaving the youngest shoots, as they will bear the best blooms next year.

And so, with the mercury rising, and the Song Thrush in full cry, we may look forward to that finest of Spring sights; the first appearance of the semi-naked, tattooed and egg-white young gentlemen strutting up Horam high Street.

Seasonal Recipe of the Month May

Introducing seasonal recipe of the month, each month a recipe will be published showcasing a seasonal vegetable. If you have a recipe you would like to share, please email to horamvillagediary@gmail.com.

This month’s recipe is spinach & halloumi salad, enjoy!

You will need the following ingredients:

250g halloumi cheese

200g bag spinach

2 large oranges

1 bunch of mint leaves

Lets get started: Slice the halloumi and griddle for 3-4 mins each side until charred. Tip the spinach and half the mint onto a large platter. Segment the oranges and pour any orange juice from the chopping board into a bowl, and squeeze the pith to get juices from there too. Scatter the orange pieces over the spinach. Chop the remaining mint and mix with the orange juice, 2 tbsp olive oil and some seasoning. Place the halloumi slices on top of the salad and pour the dressing over. Serve with warm bread of choice.

RIVER MEAD NURSERY

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

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