Every 2nd Saturday of the month except August Next Meeting November 9th 9.30-12 noon
We meet 2nd Saturday of every month at Horam Village Hall TN21 0JE (A267) Next Session 11th November 2023 - 9.30-12 noon
We meet 2nd Saturday of every month at Horam Village Hall TN21 0JE (A267)
Come & enjoy some refreshments while you wait, we hope to see you!
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 November 2023 - 9.30-12 noon
Next Session 11th May 2024 - 9.30am -11 am
We hope to see you! Help us preserve our environment and dent our throw-away culture.
Help us preserve our environment and dent our throw-away culture
We hope to see you! Help us preserve our environment and dent our throw-away culture.
Items we repair include: computers, electrical items, cycles, minor mechanical problems, furniture and small sewing repairs
Everyone is welcome & all services are free, but donations are welcome
Everyone is welcome - Yummy home-baked cakes & refreshments while you wait!
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
Everyone is welcome - join us for home-baked cakes & refreshments
On most occasions we will be able to repair: computers - electrical items - furniture - cycles bookbinding - minor mechanical problems - small sewing repairs - knife sharpening - clocks
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
Cherry Spring Studio and Ooh Art are hosting an Art and Craft Showcase at Punnetts Town Village Hall on 15th November, from 7-9pm.
If you are arty or thinking of trying something new and creative this is a chance to see what’s on offer locally for adults and children.
The local artists will be there on the evening to chat about classes and workshops on offer with examples of the work they do from watercolour, mixed media, acrylics, drawing, calligraphy, basket making and felting.
There will be some super art materials & kits to buy and a colourful gallery of art to purchase. Vouchers will be available too.
Please call Karen from more information on 07482 261006
After School Classes for Children
Watercolour & Acrylics for Adults
Half Term Workshops
Arty Parties for any age
Private Tuition
Art Classes for Children & Adults
e cherryspringstudio@outlook.com
Studio@Vines Cross TN21 9EN
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
HART
Motor Services
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
• Back and Neck Pain • Arthritic Pain
Jane Richmond - B.A., B.Sc (Hons) Ost
• Sporting Injuries • Tension Headaches
• Shoulder Pain
• Sciatic Pain
Safe and effective treatment for adults and children including:
• Pregnancy related Discomfort
INHOLMES OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE
Horam Healthcare Clinic
• Back and Neck Pain • Arthritic Pain
• Sporting Injuries • Tension Headaches
• Shoulder Pain • Sciatic Pain
Jane Richmond - B.A., B.Sc (Hons) Ost
• Pregnancy related Discomfort
Safe and effective for adults and children including:
l Back and Neck Pain
l Arthritic Pain
l Sporting Injuries
20 Years clinical experience, using a wide range of osteopathic techniques and acupuncture, tailored for each individual patient.
l Tension Headaches
l Shoulder Pain
l Sciatic Pain
l Pregnancy Related Discomfort 07957 572929
Safe and effective treatment for adults and children including:
• Back and Neck Pain • Arthritic Pain
20 Years clinical experience, using a wide range of osteopathic techniques and acupuncture, tailored for each individual patient.
• Sporting Injuries • Tension Headaches
• Shoulder Pain • Sciatic Pain
Easy access and on-site parking in the centre of Burgess Hill.
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
Podiatry/Chiropody
Home Visiting Service
Jane Stoner BSc(Hons) MRCPod HCPC registered
• 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!
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
NEWS FROM CORNELIE USBORNE
Horam Neighbourhood Plan: Congratulations!
By the time you will read this, Wealden District Council will have adopted the HNP.
This is a great achievement and comes after 5 years and more than 5000 hours of hard work by Sue Lane, chair, a core group of three and seven other members of the Steering Group.
The referendum on 26th September 2024 resulted in: 518 (94.01%) of those who voted, were in favour, 33 (5.9%) against.
The HNP is now part of the Development Plan and will be used to determine planning applications in the Horam parish. The percentage of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) passed to Horam PC will increase from 15% to 25% and the cap per dwelling within the Parish will be lifted.
Couch to Carbon Zero
Wealden has teamed up with Couch to Carbon Zero to deliver a 10-day Sprint to help you complete 10 actions to reduce your carbon footprint. It’s designed to help all of us slash our personal footprints in five minutes a day. Find out more at https://letstalk.wealden.gov. uk/couch-to-carbon-zero. Its fun, it quick and often quite surprising!
Debt and Energy Support
Wealden Citizens Advice gives free, impartial advice on money, debt, benefits, housing or employment problems to residents across the district. The service is confidential and an invaluable resource, funded through the Wealden Community Grants programme. From April to June 2024, Wealden Citizen’s Advice has supported 1,375 clients, gained a total income of £672,961 for clients and had a total of £335,603 debt written off.
Contact the charity on 0808 278 7811 or 0800 144 88 48, 9am to 3pm, Monday-Friday, online www.wealdencitizensadvice.org.uk or by visiting their offices in Crowborough, Hailsham and Uckfield. Please call ahead to book an appointment.
People Matter
Wealden District Council have funded The People Matter Trust with £10,000 annually (2022 to 2025) through the Community Grants Programme. This supports employment training and coaching for the long-term unemployed. Over the past three months, People Matter has delivered support sessions in Hailsham library, All Saints Church in Crowborough, and Heathfield Kings Church, benefiting 48 Wealden residents by enhancing their employment prospects through training and comprehensive support. For further information please go to: https://ow.ly/EgSQ50SFPts
Do get in touch with any concerns, by email (preferred) or phone. Or come and see me at my monthly surgery at Heathfield & Horam Repair Café, Horam Village Hall, 9th November, 9.30-11.30am.
Cornelie Usborne, Green Party Councillor, Horam & Punnetts Town Cllr.cornelieusborne@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
acleansweephoram
Securing Your Legacy with a Lifetime Trust
Navigating the uncertainties of life can be challenging, but securing the future of your loved ones need not be. With a Lifetime Trust you can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that your assets have been safeguarded and will benefit your chosen loved ones exactly as you intend.
Many believe that Lifetime Trusts are only for the wealthy, but this is no longer the case with ordinary folk now owning their homes and looking to protect their assets. We have made Lifetime Trusts an affordable and practical solution and made it possible for anyone to secure their family’s future with the same protection and foresight that the wealthy have enjoyed for centuries.
Why choose a Lifetime Trust?
• Avoid the cost and delays of probate: Grant immediate access on your death to some or all of your assets held in trust without the need for probate.
• Control and protection: Claim full control over your assets and shield your family’s inheritance from divorce, creditors, and other predatory challenges.
• Ensure future care of your beneficiaries: Guarantee that the trust capital can assist your loved ones for generations; for example, for education, health care, and first homes.
• Retain more of your wealth: Strategically reduce or even eliminate potential inheritance tax liabilities for yourself and future generations.
Many believe setting up a trust means losing control; however, the reality is quite the opposite. With the right planning, a Lifetime Trust allows you to maintain full control over your assets both during your lifetime and after death. A Lifetime Trust ensures that your wishes regarding your assets are meticulously realised with precision and care.
By setting up a Lifetime Trust you can preserve your legacy, ensuring your intentions are fulfilled not just for the present, but also for future generations.
Leading the way in providing an AFFORDABLE PROFESSIONAL service
60
Services for November:
Sun 3rd 10.30am Family Communion (with children’s groups yrs1-6) Sun 10th 10.50am Remembrance Sunday All-Age
Sun 24th 10.30am Family Worship (with children’s groups yrs1-6)
The Sunday morning reading & sermon is available on our website within 24hrs of each service.
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
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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. Find out more at stwhospice.org
St Wilfrid’s Hospice helps people in Eastbourne, Seaford, Hailsham, Heathfield and Uckfield live well at the end of life. And we support their families and carers. With 70% of our funding coming from fundraising, gifts in wills, shops and donations, we need your help to keep offering care to local people.
HEATHFIELD SILVER BAND CHRIST MAS CONCERT
FRIDAY 6th DECEMBER 2024 7.30pm
STATE HALL, KINGS CHURCH, STATION ROAD, HEATHFIELD
Kennedy Chimney Sweeps
We are a father and son team and cater for all types of chimneys. We are registered stove installers who specialise in sweeping and servicing solid fuel appliances. burwashsweep@gmail.com
Heathfield Morning WI
Our next meeting is 10 - 12 Tuesday 12th November
We have a talk from
Beachy Head Chaplaincy
We meet 2nd Tuesday of the month
Just come along and meet sociable ladies
Do some activities, go on outings
Listen to some great speakers
Enjoy tea/coffee and a chat
If you would like to find out more email us at heathfieldmorningwi@gmail.com or speak to Devina on 07488279722
Visitors welcome for taster session & reduced membership at this time of year Main Hall, Union Church Station Road Heathfield TN21 8LB
HORAM PARISH NEWS
It is a time for celebration for the Parish Council. After a successful referendum the Horam Neighbourhood Plan has officially been made. It has taken 5 years of hard work and dedication by Cllr Lane, Cllr Billings, the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group and local resident’s input.
What does this mean for the parish
The Horam Neighbourhood Plan will develop a shared vision for the Horam Parish area and will be used to:
Influence what new buildings should look like i.e. type & design.
Protect the important green spaces that you have identified.
Protect local heritage assets that you have identified.
Retain important views that you have identified
Ensure that the small-scale, “enclosed” landscape character of the Parish, and its pattern of settlement, fields and woodlands, (that you have told us is important) is maintained.
Financially benefit the Parish. More money from developers via the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to spend within the Parish.
Essentially it is a tool to guide development and protect what matters most to residents. It means that local priorities are considered in future planning decisions but it’s not a tool that stops or grants permission for developments.
Cllr Lane spoke on behalf of the parish council against application WD/2023/2595/ MRM - 20 custom build homes on land at Chiddingly Road at the Wealden District Council Planning Committee South Meeting. WDC Cllr Greg Collins also spoke against the application. The application was unanimously refused.
Preparations are well underway for the Christmas Fun Night. The tree has been ordered and will be erected in good time for Thursday 5th December. The event is well supported by the local shops in the high street, the carol singers and brass band are booked, and it is time to get excited for a great community event.
We also hope some of the local children are enjoying the Horam Detached Youth Session on a Monday evening from 6pm-7pm which is open to children and young adults from the ages of 10 to 19 at the Horam recreation ground. Younger children are welcome if accompanied by an appropriate adult. The parish council continues to actively work with East Sussex County Council to find a permanent youth facility for the young people of Horam.
Please can any clubs or societies who wish to be listed on the parish council website contact the Clerk with their contact details. If existing groups have updated their details, please also inform the Clerk.
HORAM PARISH NEWS
The parish council are busy working on their Emergency Plan, the majority of councillors will be first aid trained by the end of October. Please contact the Clerk if you have any specialist skills which you would be willing to use in the case of a community emergency. For example, trained first aiders, nurses, doctors, tree surgeons or people with heavy duty machinery, it would be great to hear from you.
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. The council are now adding all the agenda documentation onto the website for public information.
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.
The parish council are continuing to liaise with the police regarding a new PCSO for the parish. There should be good news in the next couple of months. Please report any crimes or anti-social behaviour to the police through 101. They cannot investigate an incident unless there is a crime report.
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
NEWS FROM NUS GHANI
Remembrance brings us together in recognition of all who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country, defending the freedoms and values of our great nation and protecting our way of life.
The annual act of remembrance on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday binds us and the rest of the nation together in a sobering moment of reflection. As I join our communities every year on Remembrance Sunday to pay respects to our Armed Forces past and present, it is always an honour to stand with local veterans and meet those who serve our country at home or abroad today. I will also plant a remembrance cross in the Remembrance Garden at the Houses of Parliament, to represent the many fallen men and women from our constituency of Sussex Weald.
Our British Armed Forces are the ultimate defenders of our security and freedom. They are respected the world over and we depend on them to keep us safe at home and abroad. It is important that we also support our current military personnel, and I will continue to campaign for the recognition, care, and post-service security that they deserve.
This year, we will also continue thinking of our friends and allies in Ukraine and the brave soldiers as they continue to defend their country’s sovereignty against Russian aggression and fight for freedom. But while Putin’s illegal war continues, the rebuilding work is already underway. As Minister of State at the Department of Business and Trade and Minister for Europe at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, I oversaw the UK’s role in Ukraine reconstruction, co-chaired the UK-Ukraine Infrastructure Taskforce and hosted the Ukraine Recovery Conference, which brought together thousands of representatives from public and private sectors to commit support to Ukraine’s recovery and accelerate restoring its key services.
I continue supporting Ukrainian families living in Sussex Weald, but I know from my many meetings and correspondence with them that what they want most is to return home safely and reunite with their loved ones. The UK’s support for Ukraine must remain steadfast so that our efforts to help with the rebuilding of Ukraine will enable them to do just that.
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 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.
CROSSWAYS COFFEE MORNING
Wednesday 6th November 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.
Ana's Flowers Horam
Horam WI
We meet on the First Tuesday of every month 2pm - 4pm at West End, Christ Church, Horebeech Lane, TN21 0DT
At November’s Meeting
Marco Seymour will be entertaining us with his fascinating talk
THE HISTORY OF MAGIC
Ladies, come and join in the fun!. Come and check us out!
Age Concern Heathfield & District is an independent Charity, providing services for the Elderly and disabled in the TN21 area.
We are in urgent need of volunteer drivers to join our Medical Car Service
Drivers use their own cars, to transport clients to and from medical appointments, including local hospitals, doctors, denFst etc.
All expenses are covered by the Charity.
Full training is provided
Volunteers are required to have an enhanced DBS, funded by the Charity
For more information, please contact 01435 866960 secretary@ageconcernheathfield.org.uk
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
What’s On This November
Health Walk, Newnham Way car park, 5th at 10:30am.
Warbleton Brass Band, Concert of remembrance, Heathfield State Hall, Friday 8th, 7:30pm. See page 29 for more details.
Warbleton & District History Group, a special opening evening event about the 1st World War. Monday 11th, 7:30 for 8pm start, The Dunn Village Hall, Rushlake Green, for about an hour's talk, free tea/coffee and biscuits. Cost, £3 per visit or £15 for the year.
Ceramic Christmas Gift & Decoration Workshop, 7th, 12th, 14th & 19th Join us for a lovely festive workshop where you'll get to make a selection of porcelain Christmas decorations. To book https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thewaldron/1412672
The Parkside Fireworks "party" will take place on Friday 8th, from 5pm, To book parkside.onlineticketseller.com
Health Walk, Old Station platform, 12th at 10:30am.
Art and Craft Showcase, Punnetts Town Village Hall, Friday 15th, 7pm - 9pm, see page 9 for more details.
The Jungle book Christmas at Bates, Saturday 16th November – 5th January, 11am – 3:30pm.
The Handmade Christmas Market, Punnetts Town Village Hall, Sunday 17th, 10:30am – 3pm.
Quiz Night, Burwash Pavilion Cricket Clubhouse, Friday 29th, from 7pm, see page 38 for more details.
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN HEATHFIELD & DISTRICT Invites you to WELCOME BAPTIST CHURCH on Sunday November 24th 2024 at 6.00 pm for A United Evening Service of Worship & Praise
St Michael’s Hospice Countdown to Christmas Pop-Up Market at Etchingham, Village Hall, Etchingham, TN19 7BY on Saturday 30th, 9:30am -12pm.
HORAM’S CHRISTMAS FUN
FROM 5.30 TO 8.00 PM
LATE NIGHT SHOPPPING
SANTA’S GROTTO
CHILDREN’S TREASURE HUNT
Uniting generations in the glorious setting of Heathfield Park Cricket Club The Pavilion Old Heathfield East Sussex TN21 9AE
TUESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY 10am - 3.30pm
Lunch Qi Gon Days Out
Afternoon Tea Knitting Watercolour Painting
Dancing & Bingo 2-4pm every 2nd & 4th Thursday at The Union Church Heathfield
Thorndale
FURNISHERS LTD
Come & see our wide range of leather & fabric sofas & chairs, dining & bedroom furniture & our extensive beautiful range of beds. All prices, all qualities.
At Thorndale we have gifts such as plants, pictures, mirrors, ornamental items, lamps, clocks & of course loads of dining & bedroom furniture, beds & three-piece suites
Current Open Times
Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm
Saturdays 10am to 4pm
Sundays 10am to 2pm
Bank Holidays 10am to 4pm
IT’S OK TO BE BEAR LIKE
You are NOT lazy or flawed, nature is pulling you to slow like the life around you, we can incorporate Bear energy into our lives by remembering to take time inward;
To rest and rejuvenate in daily mini hibernations. As humans we don’t hibernate, but we may need more sleep, and some researchers have found that humans may still have the genes to hibernate which has significant implications on our sleep patterns and sleep needs.
As the long nights of winter give the moon her opportunity to take centre stage. Just as the moon goes through phases so do we. Sometimes we are bright and full, other times nothing but a sliver, regardless you are always whole, complete and more than enough. the concept of ‘wintering’ can be useful in the workplace and can involve:
• Slowing down - taking your time, settling in and making small shifts in your day-to-day life.
• Resting- Allowing yourself to rest and retreat and making rest and reflection a priority.
• Listening to your instincts - paying attention to what is calling you.
• Lowering expectations - stepping back from anything that puts unnecessary pressure on you.
• Creating space- deliberately doing less, saying no to more.
The concept of wintering is a way to describe how to prepare for and manage difficult emotions similar to how we prepare for the winter months. How to embrace emotional wintering:
Accept that emotions are cyclical and normal.
Allow time to recover and make space to recuperate.
Reduce expectations of yourself.
Change habits.
Nourish yourself.
There’s much you can do to comfort yourself, improve your mood and embrace the changes as you are wintering either emotionally or seasonally.
With love and strength Michelle xxx
Michelle jane, hosts workshops helping companies boost company wellbeing and productivity, and works with clients 1:1 online or in person giving them tools to find their joy and purpose.
WINDOW CLEANING
GARDENING DIARY
If there's ice in November that will bear a duck, there'll be nothing after but sludge and muck."
The weather this month is rarely an incentive to be upsidedown in the herbaceous border, but the abandonment of the garden to its own devices during the dark months is a great mistake, as there is as always much to be done, right through winter. Autumn digging will have been started by Battle of Britain Day with the digging-in of compost, manure and shoddy. This digging-over should have been completed by Trafalgar Day, and may at the latest be completed by the Kings Birthday. No need to break down the clods as rain and frost over the winter will render the diggings down to a good workable condition. In the established border deep digging will not be possible, but a light forking between the shrubs will help to aerate the soil, whilst digging in any compost, dung, leaves and annual weeds will increase the humus content of the soil. All good things.
This month is a good time to plant roses, fruit trees and ornamental deciduous trees and shrubs. It is surprising how much root they will make by Christmas if planted whilst there is still some warmth left in the soil. Firm staking is essential with any new planting and should never be an afterthought; moving roots are fatal to the prospects of newly planted trees and shrubs. Autumn bonfires, surely one of the great joys of gardening; A still and misty November morning, a crackling bonfire, a thermos of sweet tea and a long pipe comprise all the gardener may ever hope for. Having established working or even friendly relations with our non-asthmatic or bronchial neighbours, we should not feel guilty at spending a whole morning leaning on our rakes, musing at the flames, and breathing in the evocative scents of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, benzene, particulates and the sundry other volatile organic compounds that make up the loveliest of the autumn fragrances. Aside from the sheer idle enjoyment of it all, this is the only way to dispose of rose leaves with mildew or black spot, apple and pear leaves with scab, whitefly-infested cabbage and Sprout leaves, and blighted tomato and potato foliage. Putting such stuffs in the 'Green bin' may risk spreading disease through the bags of compost thus sold on, likewise putting it on our own compost heaps ensures disease next year. We are told that composting creates Methane, a greenhouse gas twenty times as effective as the Carbon dioxide released by a bonfire.
The lawn may need some attention at this time of year; we aid drainage and increase aeration through the easing of any compaction; A garden fork pushed in half way and jerked backwards will effectively loosen the top layers, the lawn should be worked over in this way every six to eight inches, this may seem an onerous job, and as we may still be wheezy from our morning by the bonfire, may be profitably delegated to any under-employed youths we may discover about the house or indeed any child deemed physically capable of moderate to hard labour.
The collecting-up of leaves continues apace, it is important to keep the bulk of them off the grass, especially sycamore and the larger leaves; a yellowing lawn heading into winter is not the thing. Real afficionados of leaf mould will keep the mould of years constantly moving from one bin to the next and exclude Sycamore and other big shiny leaves, but however you make it, though low in nutrients, the resulting mixture is a good conditioner of the soil, very useful for us South Saxons plodding about in our Sussex clay.
Pruning of apples and pears should begin this month. We have not room enough here to go into all the methods of pruning but for those of us who are worried by the obscurities of pruning lore, first identify your tree and refer to the literature before sallying forth, genned up and
armed with the secateurs; bush trees are frequently overpruned which results in jungles of new growth the following year but very little fruit; much better to cut back individual branches, either those dead, diseased or crossing, than to cut back all the branches. Plums and cherries should not be pruned during the winter months because of the risk of silver leaf infection.
If the weather is too inclement for outdoors work we may without guilt retire to the shed to sharpen and grease the tools, whilst casting occassional smug glances through the panes at the dragooned and unhappy youths and children labouring over the lawn. The mower should have done its work for the year and we may aim to see it serviced, oiled and safely in winter quarters by the beginning of Advent, thus easing the burden on the gentlemen who service them, and so averting the grumbling in Spring when the hordes descend, trunks full of mowers for immediate servicing.
RIVER MEAD NURSERY
Foords Lane, Vines Cross, Horam, East Sussex TN21 9HB
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
Why Babies Suck…
We see images of babies with dummies in their mouths all the time. Dolls are sold with dummies to little girls (and boys!) to emulate the ways a parent will soothe their babies. But why on earth would a baby happily suck on a bit of plastic in the first place?
First of all we need to look at the what and why of a human baby. A baby comes pre-programmed for survival (just as well, given my early mothering experiences!). Although they might seem oh-so vulnerable, with their little delicate bones and naked wobbly heads, their ‘alarm’ system, aka crying, makes sure we don’t forget about them or put them down for any length of time. In a baby’s primitive mind (and most mammals) being fed or held means you are surviving. And the more you are fed and held, the more this feeling grows. Coupled with this, there is a soothing reflex in a baby’s mouth. It is positioned just between the hard and soft palate at the back of the top of the mouth. Rub this with just about anything and most babies, up to the age of around 4 months, will start to suck. To them it feels like everything is working perfectly in the world. Some babies, just like some people, have a far greater need for reassurance than others. For some babies dummies just don’t cut it (especially those with tongue tie or high arched palates, another article for another day!). And some babies are just born chill. But for some, life without something to convince them they are ‘surviving’ at all times can be miserable for their parents.
I’m aware dummies can be a bit ‘marmite’. But until you’ve parented a baby with a really high level of comfort need, don’t knock it. As I say to my clients “choose your hard” – you can either forgo the dummy and potentially have an unsettled baby who needs to suck. Or you can give them a dummy and go through the pain of taking it away later. However, two things to note, babies generally this need/reflex to suck around 4-5 months and soon after food gets involved (hurrah!). Also, none of them are going to be going to university with a dummy plugged in their mouths, so try and be kind to yourselves and your parenting choices. They ultimately have to be right for you and your family.
Trudi Dawson is a Doula, Holistic Sleep Coach and Infant Feeding Specialist. For Postnatal Support Sessions get in touch via trudi@motheringmojo.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
COMMERCIAL PREMISES TO RENT
Various ground floor and first floor units.
All with A1 and B1 permissions. Suitable office/retail/storage.
Secure location close to village centre.
Horam Village Hall and Recreation Ground
Annual Meeting
Wednesday 20th November 7pm at the village hall
We would like to invite you to our AGM to find out what the trustees of Horam Village Hall and Recreation Ground have been doing.
We hope you have been enjoying the GAP – Get Active Pathway – which is now a year old! With funding from Wealden DC we have been able to install 4 memorial benches, 2 litterbins and 2 bikes racks which have really enhanced the recreation ground. We also planted a couple of fruit trees as part of Village Halls week. We were so pleased with the community support for our Crowdfunder project raising over £10K, we currently have several applications submitted to large grant funders for the remainder of the project costs so watch this space! Phase 3 of the GAP project, the loop around the bottom field of the Recreation Ground is still planned and when complete the loop will be a figure of 8 pathway measuring 1 km.
We have had two hay cuts in the meadow area and were pleased to receive help from volunteers especially the children who loved getting stuck in and seeing the biodiversity up close Our resident groups – preschool, tennis, football, bowls, allotments and scouting groups are all thriving and we welcome the new Community Garden in the lower field. Look out for their activities open to the public. We also welcomed CATS club running a vibrant school holiday play scheme. From January we will have a regular group every evening midweek so you can take part in singing, dancing or exercising. Check our calendar via our website for public events at the weekend and our social media for updates. If you can please support us with the Wealden Lottery, we are really benefiting from funds raised each draw, we receive 50p for every £1 spent on tickets
Sign up here. https://www.wealdencommunitylottery.co.uk
News From The Meadow At Horam Recreation Ground
As part of the GAP (Get Active Pathway) Project at the recreation we decided back in 2022 to stop cutting the grass in the area by the tennis courts and the oak tree to allow it to 'rewild', the term rewilding can mean many different things but generally includes restoring natural habitats to improve the biodiversity of an area. With the installation of the path we want to create an environment where the biodiversity is improved so the area becomes a nice place to spend time. We carried out our second annual haycut in over this summer. Children (and adults) delighted with the wildflowers and wildlife we found in the process. We collected the Wild carrot seed heads and dispersed them along with yellow rattle seed. The latter is a parasitic plant that attacks roots of grass therefore over time the wild flowers will spread and grass will become less. As well as grasshoppers and crickets we saw camouflage crab spiders so called as they walk sideways. Plenty of common frogs which are a sign of good biodiversity as they are making the area their home. Ground beetle and flea beetles so called as they jump if you get close. Large white butterflies, hawker dragonflies and a speckled wood butterfly which lives near wood edges. We needed a slo-mo camera to capture the baby spiders using their web lines called gossamer to parachute and disperse from the dock plants. We do hope you enjoy these wildlife updates so look out whilst on your walks.
Foreword
WORLD WAR ONE LONG DISTANCE LOVE STORY
Abbreviated from the memoirs of Grace Hobden.
By Steve Ziegler
The following article is an abbreviated version of a love story between my great uncle Jabez (‘Jim’) Hobden and Mary Morley.
Jim was the elder brother of Grace my grandmother. Mary Morley was a friend of Grace’s elder sister Lily and lived and worked as a nanny for a wealthy Eastbourne family. The Bonner family had business interests in Argentina and decided to move out there in 1913, expecting Mary to follow them. Jim was beginning to form a friendship with Mary and was distraught when she told him of her intentions ‘A chance of a lifetime.’ He was terribly shy and did not show how he truly felt about her. He decided to follow her out to Argentina, dramatic events were to intervene, including a World War!
Jabez Durrant Hobden or ‘Jim’ as he preferred to be called was born at Old Castle, Dallington, East Sussex in 1889. He struggled at school and yet developed the most beautiful copper plate writing.
On finishing his school years, he realised there were few opportunities in the local area, apart from farming. He loved working with the family’s horses and learnt a lot from his father John and his brother Fred, who was the carter man of the family. On leaving school in 1901 at 12 years of age he got a job working for his older brother John Hobden, junior, who was the manager of Bradford’s Diary in Grove Road, Eastbourne. Jim got a job as a milk roundsman and collected money from his customers at the end of each week. It was hard work but not as arduous as working on the family farm at Dallington and later at Warbleton Priory; he did miss the family’s horses though. Towards 1910, rather shyly he had begun a friendship with Mary Morley, a friend of his sister Lily.
Mary worked as a nanny for the Bonner family in Eastbourne. She looked after their two children, Ruby Victoria, and Fredrick. Her hours were long but she adored the children. Jim thought she was beautiful and well spoken, he just had trouble telling her so! By 1913 Mr Bonner’s business interests in Argentina had increased and he decided to
move his family out to Buenos Aires. Mary was expected to follow them. Shocked by this sudden change of events she had to make her mind up quickly. She was excited by the idea of new horizons but, obviously sad at leaving her family and friends, including her friendship with ‘Jim.’ She decided to go!
In November 1913 she set sail with the Bonner’s on the steamship R.M.S.P. “Drina”, heading for Argentina.
Jim around 1911, paying a visit to the family at Warbleton Priory, where they had moved to in 1906. Showing off his brand-new bicycle.
Three weeks later they arrived in Buenos Aires. Meanwhile, back in Eastbourne Jim became more depressed by the day. He confided his torture to his ever-listening sister Lily, sharing his true feelings towards Mary. Lily said that apart from going out to Argentina to find her, he would have to accept the situation and move on with his life. He made up his mind, he would go and find her, propose, and find a job in Argentina.
Jim had seen advertisements for immigrants to work on the ranches of the vast Pampas of Argentina. Horse trainers were required; just up Jim’s Street! He worked his passage out to South America on a steamship; hard arduous work, but worth it. On arrival with little money in his pocket, he needed to get a job straight away. Not understanding Spanish was a problem but he was able to get by and met several other British people looking for work. There was a large Welsh contingent of immigrants settled in Argentina. It did not take long to find employment as a horse trainer on a ranch. There was a problem, he was expected to leave
Mary with Ruby & Fredrick Bonner
Mary (right) with her friend ‘Lily’ Hobden
straight away. He needed the money but he was so hoping to meet up with Mary first. He quickly wrote a letter to her explaining he had arrived and the need to get a job, promising to meet up soon. He posted it before boarding a train for the interior. What he failed to understand and realise was the vast distances involved in a big country, hundreds of miles from Buenos Aires.Undeterred, Jim wrote to Mary all the time, she always replied which gave him hope for the future. (Many years later their daughter Margaret said there was a trunkful of letters and postcards they sent to each other while they were separated. After they had both died it was decided to burn all the correspondence as it was felt to be very personal).
On the vast Pampas the ranches were around 6,000 acres. ‘Free’ roaming herds of cattle and horses were identified by branding as in the wild west of the U.S.A.
Jim’s life began as a horse trainer and ‘Gaucho’ (cowboy) working on a ranch. He said it was an amazing experience to sleep out in the open on the Pampas under the southern night sky. South American Indian natives still roamed the Pampas in their tribes at this time, occasionally causing problems for ranch owners.
Working as a nanny to the Bonner’s children Mary had to wear a uniform with a stiffly starched high collar and cuffs, including an apron and a white hat perched on her head. All terribly unbearable in the heat of an Argentine summer.
Frightening for Mary was the occasional visit paid by the odd snake and tarantula to the Bonner house. One night in the childrens room one of the female servants suddenly let out a terrible scream, shouting, ‘Marie, Marie’, pointing in the direction of the ceiling plaster rossette , where a large hairy leg appeared. Keeping as calm as she could, she took control and called for one of the male servants, who produced a long pole with a hook on its end to remove the spider from the rossette.
Suddenly, in 1915 the Bonner family business took a dramatic turn for the worse. Mr Bonner lost everything almost overnight, and in dispair sufferred a nervous breakdown, ending with him fatelly shooting himself.
Soon after this terrible incident Mrs Bonner decided to quit Argentina quickly and return home, even though there was a war going on in Europe. She also had a new addition to the family; baby Dennis born in 1914 and only seven months old.
Mary wrote to Jim explaining the unfortunate events and that she would be returning with Mrs Bonner and children to England at the first opportunity.
On receiving her letter Jim was taken aback by the sudden turn in events. He was yet again in turmoil as they had not yet had the chance to meet up. He was just beginning to enjoy his new life on the Pampas and the wide open spaces.
Jim made up his mind that he too would return home, even though he knew on arrival
home he would almost certainly have to sign-up for the war. Mrs Bonner, the children and Mary set sail for home on board the ‘Highland Corrie’, arriving in London on the 18th January 1915.
Because of their sudden departure from Argentina Jim could not follow straight away. He wrote letters to Mary and his parents at Warbleton Priory to explain his intention of returning home as soon as possible.
On the 1st of April 1915 Jim’s return ship ‘Desna’ docked at Liverpool. He enlisted into the 2nd King Edwards Horse Regiment as ‘Trooper’ No 1449. He explained his situation and that he was heading for London. Jim was told to report to Hampton Court Barracks on arrival.
He made his way to London and finally for the first time in three years met up with his beloved Mary. It took a suicide and war to reunite them. This time he proposed to Mary; with such commitment; how could she refuse!
Read the next chapter for Jim & Mary next month.
Jim & Mary on their wedding day, spring 1915. Bridesmaids from left to right Grace Hobden, Elizabeth Bonner & Lily Hobden.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DISPLAY
Christmas is such a Happy time. A time to Rejoice and be of good cheer.
It’s a time for visiting light displays, So come and see
The one at Woodley this year. There’ll be More of a show than ever, to be sure!
And it’s all for Alzheimers (just like before.)
So gather together lots of money.
Tell your friends and relations too, I’ts for such a very good cause, so Make the
Effort, please do.
Find the display at Woodley, Little London Road, Horam, TN21 0BL, from 4:30pm - 9:30pm every evening starting on the 1st December to 2nd January.
Christ Church Fellowship
We invite you to come and join us on Tuesday 26th November at 2.pm For our traditional
Christmas Service
Our Vicar the Rev PJ Guy Will take the service
Afternoon tea will follow the service
We meet at Christ Church Horebeech Lane Horam TN21 0DT ALL WELCOME
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