Inside Cissbury, Issue 24, January 2024 by insidecommunity

JANUARY 2024 ISSUE 24

CISSBURY

COVERING FINDON VILLAGE, VALLEY AND HIGH SALVINGTON

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

A DEEPER LOOK AT

TRANSFORMATION AT

A SEXY IMP

SUSSEX SEABED RESTORATION

YOUNG PEOPLE’S HUB

AND A DUMB DOG VICAR

WORTHING’S OLDEST EXISTING FUNERAL FAMILY SINCE 1901

IAN HART Funeral Service Ltd

www.ianhart.org Chris Cook Funeral Director

Sam Hart Funeral Director

Jane James Cert. FP. F.I.F.D.C. Funeral Director

Ian Hart Dip. FD. L.M.B.I.F.D. Funeral Director

For more information please contact 01903 206299

Worthing’s oldest existing funeral directing family, serving locally for over 100 years. Quality funeral services £2,399 allyour professional Ourfrom family are(includes here for familyfees, traditional coffin, hearse, full service at the Gordon Chapel, Cremation fee, Ministers Fee and Doctors Fee).

ian@ianhartfuneralservices.co.uk

PLEASE MENTION INSIDE PUBLICATIONS WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

Donate to our shops

The money raised in our shops helps to support older people, people living with dementia, and children and adults with learning disabilities

Give your pre-loved items a new lease of life! Donate to one of our superstore donation centres with parking The Greenhouse Meadow Road, East Worthing BN11 2SA

Littlehampton Duke Street, Littlehampton BN17 6EU Woods Way Woods Way, Goring BN12 4QY

We have twelve shops in the area, visit www.guildcare.org/shops to find your nearest Free Collection Service We can collect your furniture and large volume donations 01903 205303

Volunteer with us, email our team today at volunteering@guildcare.org Guild Care is a registered charity, number 1044658

CONTENTS INSIDE 3

Welcome By the time you are reading this, it will be after Christmas and either heading towards the New Year, or perhaps even just after! So, HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our lovely readers from all of us at INSIDE. Let’s hope 2024 brings greater stability for all. Last month, we celebrated our contributors on the front cover. This time, I want to thank all of our advertisers. Without them, there would be no INSIDE. Not only do our advertisers use our service to connect to potential customers, they also support all of the community information that you are all reading every month. New to the team for 2024 is Matthew Bingham. If you run a local business, you might see Matthew out and about with his sales hat on. Thank you for reading!

Liana :)

HEALTH AND WELLBEING Do we need Vitamin D? �� 4 COMMUNITY Worthing Community Chest �� 7 Findon Valley Residents Association ��10 LOOK BACK Looking Back Over the Last Year at INSIDE and a Snap Shot of 2024 �� 8 LOCAL CREATIVE FUNDING Get Funding for Creative Projects �� 11 @WORTHINGETHNOGRAPHIC Learn from and with Each Other ��12 YOUNG PEOPLE’S HUB Transformations at West Tarring’s Young People’s Hub �� 13 SUSSEX SEABED RESTORATION Sussex Seabed Restoration Project ��14 LOCAL HISTORY A Sexy Imp and a Dumb Dog Vicar ��16 SPORTS The biggest bout of them all: Worthing Fencing Club ��18 Worthing FC Women’s team ��19 Genesis Performing Arts Secures Spot to Represent England at Prestigious Dance World Cup ��20 Worthing Rugby Club �� 21,27 #LETSSUSITOUT Partnerships for the Goals ��22 EVENTS ��26 PUZZLES AND EVENTS ��28 EDUCATION Worthing Students Present at Professional Conference ��29 FEEDBACK ��30 INDEX ��30 BUSINESS Celebrating a Year of Success with Worthing and Adur Chamber! �� 31

FOR ENQUIRIES Call 01903 357003 or email Publisher - liana@insidepublications.ltd Content - esme@insidepublications.ltd Sales - matthew@insidepublications.ltd www.insidepublications.ltd To secure your spot in our upcoming issue or to discuss tailored advertising solutions, reach out to our dedicated team. Booking deadline for advertising is the 10th of the month prior to the month of print. For any distribution enquiries or feedback distribution@insidepublications.ltd Founder & Editor - Liana Naylor Assistant - Esme Wakeford Designer - Andy Beavis CONTRIBUTORS Russ Iden (Cover Image) | Bryan Turner MRPharmS Caroline Osella | Simon Rigler | Chris Hare Esme Wakeford | Henry Parish Delivered free to your homes. Copyright Inside Magazines 2024. Inside Magazines cannot be held responsible for the claims and accuracy of adverts or editorial content, or the effects of those claims. All dates and details are believed to be correct at time of going to press. No responsibility can be taken for subsequent changes.

You can join INSIDE on social media @InsideMagazines @insidemagazines

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Please recycle this Newspaper when you have finished with it.

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⚪ ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ INSIDE HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Do we need

Vitamin D?

Bryan Turner MRPharmS

noticeable trend in pharmacy, over the last few years, is the vastly increased prescribing of Vitamin D supplements. This was comparatively rare in the early years of my career, but increased testing over the last decade or so is revealing that a significant proportion of the population is deficient in Vit D. Some surgeries may find that as many as half of their patients are deficient, and even as many as 1 in 6 are seriously deficient. It is widely known that we need Vit D for strong bones and teeth, but it is also needed for healthy muscles, and a deficiency can lead to tiredness and fatigue. Vit D helps to keep your immune system working well, this is important during the winter months. It also helps to improve heart health and brain function. Vit D is available in some foods, such as tuna, salmon, herring, red meat, liver and egg yolks. Vegetarian and vegan diets can be problematic in this regard. However, Vit D is not easily absorbed from food. Thankfully the body can manufacture its own supply. When we are outdoors in the spring and summer, most people will make enough Vit D from sunlight falling on bare skin. Around 20-30 minutes of exposure on the face and forearms will provide enough. Between October and early March the sun is too low in the sky to enable us to make our own Vit D. During this part of the year the NHS recommends a Vit D supplement. People with darker skin, those who are housebound or are in hospital for long periods of time, and those who cover up when they are out and about will have particular problem with making their own Vit D and it is recommended that these

groups take a supplement all year round. In these dark winter months, many people suffer with low mood, and this is known as “Seasonal Affective Disorder”. Although there has been little research into this, a Vit D supplement could well be a useful remedy for those who are suffering. Newborn (neo-natal) babies sometimes have very low levels of Vit D. This type of deficiency can cause muscle spasms, fits and breathing diﬃculties for the baby. For this reason, the NHS recommends that children who are breastfeeding are given Vit D drops. Babies who are bottle fed, and taking at least 500ml of formula each day, do not need the drops as formula milk has added Vit D. No mother who is breastfeeding her baby should switch to formula for this reason alone, as mother’s milk has many other advantages over formula. New mothers should ask their midwife or health visitor for advice. The NHS also recommends that children aged 1 to 4 years old should be given a daily supplement throughout the year. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are also recommended to take a supplement. Vit D supplements are widely available in pharmacies and health food stores. It is available in a multitude of strengths, and it can be a confusing purchase as the strength can be quoted on the pack either as micrograms or as international units. The NHS recommended dose from 1 year upwards to adulthood is 10 micrograms which is the same as 400 international units. Much higher strengths are available, but they are not necessary for most people. If in doubt, check with a pharmacist or other health professional for advice.

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ADVERTORIAL

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olar panels have become an increasingly popular option for homeowners in the UK seeking to save on energy costs while embracing sustainable living. Beyond their environmental benefits, one of the most compelling aspects of solar panels is their ability to pay for themselves over time. Let’s delve into how this investment in renewable energy can yield financial returns in the UK. The first way solar panels pay for themselves is through the savings on electricity bills. By generating your own electricity, you decrease the amount of energy purchased from the grid, thereby lowering monthly utility expenses. The amount saved depends on various factors, including the size of the solar panel system and the household’s energy consumption. Moreover, the excess electricity produced can be sold back to the National Grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. This initiative ensures that homeowners are paid for the surplus energy they generate, further contributing to the financial return on their solar investment. Another significant financial benefit is the increase in property value. Homes equipped with solar panels are often more attractive to buyers due to reduced energy bills and the potential for earning through the SEG scheme. Studies have shown

The period over which solar panels pay for themselves is also effected by how much electricity the home owner uses, lower users have longer pay back periods of up to 13 years where as higher energy consumers may have to wait as little as 5 years to recoup their money. Despite the initial upfront cost of purchasing and installing solar panels, the long-term financial benefits outweigh the initial investment. With savings on energy bills, earnings from the SEG scheme, increased property value, and their durability, solar panels in the UK present a viable and rewarding option for homeowners aiming to both save money and reduce their carbon footprint. Investing in solar energy not only pays for itself but also paves the way for a sustainable and ecofriendly future. that solar panels can increase a property’s value, making them a worthwhile investment not only for immediate savings but also for potential future returns when selling the property. Additionally, the longevity and low maintenance of solar panels contribute to their costeffectiveness. With minimal upkeep requirements and warranties that can span 25 years or more, solar panels continue generating electricity long after they’ve paid for themselves, ensuring ongoing savings for homeowners.

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COMMUNITY INSIDE ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ ⚪

Worthing Community Chest

orthing Community Chest, the local charity committed to community enrichment, is pioneering a new fundraising approach that aligns with the United Nation’s Goals for Sustainable Development. The charity is harnessing the power of these global objectives to drive positive change within the Worthing community, recognising that global challenges often require local solutions. By embracing the United Nation’s Goals, the charity is demonstrating a remarkable commitment to enriching lives in the heart of Worthing. A PERSONALISED APPROACH “At Worthing Community Chest, we believe in the power of personalised giving,” said Vicky Vaughan, Partnerships & Strategy Co-ordinator at Worthing Community Chest. “Our innovative fundraising approach enables donors to specify which Goal resonates with them most, ensuring their contributions are aligned with their values.” When preparing their wills, donors can select from a range of Global Goals, for example, Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing or Goal 14: Life

Below Water, to direct their support towards the groups we fund that focus in these areas. This level of personalisation empowers donors to be active participants in shaping the future of their community. CREATING A LASTING LEGACY This groundbreaking initiative extends to Worthing Community Chest’s Wills and Legacy Programme, allowing donors to leave a legacy that carries forward their values and aspirations, as well as supporting their chosen Global Goal. We’re excited to announce that Ann-Marie ShineNewton from Lion Wills and Estates has joined our panel of solicitors and will-writing experts, setting a strong foundation for this exciting new venture. JOIN US IN ENRICHING WORTHING Worthing Community Chest invites individuals and businesses alike to join in this exciting journey of community enrichment through the United Nations Global Goals. Together, we can unlock treasures, foster sustainability, and create lasting change in Worthing.

Contact: Vicky Vaughan, 07909 693172, vicky@worthingcommunitychest.org https://www.worthingcommunitychest.org

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⚪ ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ INSIDE LOOK BACK

Looking back over the last year at INSIDE and a snap shot of 2024

ell what a year! We started the year printing A5 magazines, having reduced the size from the more popular B5 in 2022 to mitigate a huge hike in paper costs. I would never have guessed that this change and diminishing size of the publications would lead us to what we produce today. Frustrated by the lack of space in the A5 magazines, I sought to remedy what I saw as a strangulation of our articles. I knew from feedback that readers were struggling to read small print, but we had so much information to share from our amazing contributors. One of our contributors and avid supporters – Caroline Osella, @worthingethnographic (an anthropologist who writes a blog called Worthing by Accident) had been on a road trip and vacation around Kent and came across a publication called the Whitstable Whistler. Luckily for us, Caroline, sent a copy in to me. I looked at it for a few months, and found myself enjoying the warmth of the images in the publication, and the space for articles. So, that was the start of our journey to these newspapers. At every meeting I go to, or even if I am simply shopping or walking, I am stopped by people who know what I do, to be told “what a good move” the new format is. I agree, the articles are easier to read. The adverts have more space and are more engaging, so advertisers are also happy….we’ve attracted different types of advertisers. I am told again and again that people, who previously may not have picked the old format up to read, now read INSIDE! The amazing thing is that the content is very similar to before, so what a difference the format makes! Along with the change of format, we welcomed the lovely Esme Wakeford to the team. Esme has always enjoyed reading and writing. When she attended Goldsmith’s University to complete

Liana Naylor

her BA in Anthropology (with visual practice), she did so with the intention of becoming a journalist. Not necessarily a “news” journalist, her intention was to give a voice to the unheard – ethical journalism. As her time with INSIDE has developed, her visual practice experience (photography and film) has improved our social media presence, and she is developing great relationships with organisations and individuals in our town. When I attend meetings, along with the comments about the publications, I get many lovely comments about Esme, her work and her nature. Another new member of our team, is Henry Parish, our volunteer sports journalist. Henry is on a gap year before going to University to pursue his career, and is volunteering with us to build his experience and portfolio. Henry, who appears very quiet and shy on first appearances, is a lovely character who engages very well with people he meets. His kind nature is evident and it’s a pleasure to have him with us. Make the most of reading his articles while he is with us! Rounding off 2023, we supported Worthing Business Improvement District (previously Worthing Town Centre

Initiative) with the Christmas tree trail around the town centre. Ours was number 4, and had a lovely position near the entrance to the Ice Rink on Steyne Gardens. Coming in 2024, we will be working very closely with Worthing Festival. Growing on the success of last year, this grass roots festival is currently lead by Time for Worthing and local councillor Rita Garner, but the intention is to grow the underpinning organisational structure year on year, so that local performers, artists and venues will be able to run the festival themselves. We will also be working closely with Steve Allnut from Sussex Seabed Restoration…my dream is a cartoonised story for children each month based on seabed characters, in collaboration with Russ Iden, our cover illustrator. Watch this space, as there may be competitions to name the characters in coming months. We will have articles from time to time about Steve’s work too (like the one we have this month), aimed at the general readers. We are very fortunate to have caught Steve’s attention, because he really is one in a million in terms of his solo efforts. Lastly, we have Matthew Bingham joining in 2024, for very much needed help with our sales. So, if you see him out and about, give him a smile!

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⚪ ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ INSIDE COMMUNITY

Findon Valley Residents’ Association

e hope everyone enjoyed Christmas and the New Year. Looking back, FVRA certainly had a very busy 2023. Our Open Meeting in March was well attended, and the Coronation Big Lunch street party in May was enjoyed by all. Our October Big Concert with Brighton Big Band and the Rock Choir was a great success. Not forgetting the popular monthly Artisan Markets, the Jubilee Memorial Garden, the ongoing Cissbury Fields project and joint activities with Vale School. We also keep reminding our councillors about regular issues such as parking, pot holes, rat running etc! Sadly we had to cancel our planned Christmas Extravaganza on 7th December due to the dire weather forecast. This was a great shame, as our volunteer team had put so much effort into planning the event and everyone was looking forward to it. But not with monsoon-like wind and rain! We’ll make Christmas 2024’s Extravaganza bigger and better. Please join FVRA if you haven’t already done so! We need your support to continue to represent our great community. See our website www.fvra.org. uk to pay safely (just £5 per year!) by direct debit through the Charities Aid Foundation. Alternatively pick up a form from Findon Valley Library, or see us at the markets. Diary dates: the first Artisan market of the year is on Sunday 28th January at our usual venue Lime Tree Surgery car park. Our Annual Open Meeting and AGM is 2pm on Saturday 9th March at the Free Church Hall including a talk on developments at Lime Tree Surgery. Our elected councillors and MP will be there also to take questions. Please come along and support your community.

Wishing everybody a healthy and successful 2024. The FVRA Team. Reg’d Charity no. 267009.

LOCAL CREATIVE FUNDING OPPORTUNITY INSIDE ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ 11

Get funding for creative projects in 2024 from the Adur & Worthing Trust

he Adur & Worthing Trust are excited to announce the launch of the next round of Creative Commissions small grant funding, with grants of £500 - £1000 up for grabs. The Trust wants to commission more works of art – these could be in any shape or form, for example a painting, a comedy performance, a community participation dance project, a piece of new music, a film, a literary work or a new exciting event. The Trust funded ten exciting projects in 2023 and are inviting applications from across Adur & Worthing. Applications open on 16 January, with a virtual and in-person launch at Colonnade House, featuring live Q&A with the Chair of the Trust. A second in-person launch event is to be held at Freedom Works - Fabric, Lancing, on 25 January, 6:00pm - 7:30pm. Book onto a free launch event on the Colonnade House website: https:// colonnadehouse.co.uk/event/creativecommissions-2024/ 2023 saw a varied selection of funded projects ranging from community choirs to life drawing. Podcasts to printmaking. As usual, the funded projects showcased the diversity, talent and ingenuity of creatives based in Adur & Worthing. The launch of the scheme is also part of Develop Week at Colonnade House, featuring talks, workshops and sessions for those working in the creative industries. Join the launch and be inspired to apply for a grant in 2024 to bring your project to life. THE FUNDED PROJECTS OF 2023 • Artist and Educator Alison Wain partnered with local artists and environmental organisations to host sessions at beaches in Adur. This process has been recorded through film; creating a documentary highlighting children’s voices, thoughts and ideas on environmental issues. • Friends of Independent Lives celebrated Disability Pride Month in Worthing for the very first time. The project shared the stories of 10 disabled people from Worthing & Adur with local communities throughout July. Participants had the opportunity to take part in free online or face-to-face creative writing workshops to develop a piece of creative writing to feature on a postcard telling their personal story.

• Highdown Gardens sprung to life with creativity during the Spring of 2023. Custodian, Gwenn Parker-Tregoat, coordinated workshops and events by Rainbow Shakespeare Theatre, Figment Arts, Creative Waves, Scrap Space and Glad Rags. The Downs were then brought to the town, with an exhibition and installation at Colonnade House. • The Circular Space in Shoreham-by-Sea became a hive of activity this Summer. Karolyn Mnich and Claire Lemmon together with Over the Moon at The Circular Space in Shoreham brought together adults and children of all ages and abilities to have the opportunity to have a go at printmaking processes such as; silkscreen, collagraph and relief printing. The Summer of Print project culminated in an exhibition of the participants’ work at The Circular Space. • Sing for the King! After a successful Christmas concert, the dementia friendly choir ‘Stay Vocal’ rehearsed and performed at St Symphorian’s Church, Durrington, to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III, alongside poetry readings and intergenerational performances with local schools. • Take a deep breath and step ‘Into the Wellderness’. Filmmaker Morgan Andrews, collaborated with The Wellderness CIC to interview and work with participants who access the service. Morgan will include local illustrators and musicians in the film, whilst also showcasing the natural beauty of Adur & Worthing. The final cut of the film will premiere in January 2024. • When comic books and electronic music collide. Acid Box is a participatory arts project run by Sara Kenney and her team of freelancers at Wowbagger Productions, based in Worthing. Activities took place from March to

December 2023 – digitally on a global level and in person within Worthing, Lancing and Littlehampton. • Superstar Arts took their new podcast series out and about! Service users took to the mic with a focus on culture and creativity in Worthing, they spoke with Amanda O’Reilly from Worthing Theatres & Museums, local artist Russ Iden, gallery coordinator Joe Cox from Colonnade House and even the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Suspiciously Elvis. • Life Drawing but on a giant scale. One of the projects funded during the inaugural Worthing Festival. The Drawing Room took over The Venue for a day of life drawing including two stages for the life models to create both costumed and nude poses themed on the art of various Surrealist artists, like Rene Magritte and Claude Cahun. • Worthing Film Club was the recipient of the Worthing Festival Award. Caroline Mullins and the rest of her team delved into archives to research the history of cinemas in Worthing, created a short documentary highlighting the current cinemas in town - and a celebration of filmmakers of the future, with an exhibition and showreel at the Connaught Theatre and Colonnade House. You can see all the funded projects from 2023 on the Colonnade House website colonnadehouse.co.uk/about/creativecommissions/. Applications close midnight 3 March 2024. About the Trust: Adur & Worthing Trust was formed in 2015 and is a registered charity and Company Limited by Guarantee. The Trust aims to stimulate the economy, employment, regeneration and infrastructure in the local creative and digital sector both physically and virtually. It actively supports Adur & Worthing Councils strategy A Commitment to Culture by encouraging inclusive cultural activities, expanding opportunities to participate in the arts and raising the profile and reputation of Adur and Worthing for cultural excellence and innovation.

@WORTHINGETHNOGRAPHIC

Learning from and with Each Other The thigh bone’s connected to the hip bone. The hip bone’s connected to the backbone. The backbone’s connected to the neck bone.

any of us know this old song about the body, but when it comes to the social body well, we often forget about those joints and joinings. Laptop on, another Zoom meeting. One by one, the squares light up, like a lockdown tik-tok choir. A hasty round of intros and we’re off. The national evaluators speak first. We’ll be gathering data on the impact of these projects. I’ll just screen share our ‘theory of change’ framework. The community arts rep raises a hand. Can we avoid over-complication? We’ve been using the ‘outcomes star’ - it’s pretty simple, quick, and gets to the heart of it. The neighbourhood community organisation rep is not convinced. Even that sounds a bit complicated - we usually just bung a quick questionnaire at people. To be honest, we often sit and fill it in with them. You can’t be expecting people to answer a load of questions or fill in forms every time you run an activity. A local authority rep has had their virtual hand icon raised for ages now and finally gets to speak. They lean forward, looking worried.

Caroline Osella

We have to remember that the data all has to go in the final report - and we risk not getting further funding if we don’t provide a solid evaluation. We can’t avoid the data collection part. We suggest ‘most significant change’ - it’s well-recognised, and the data collection shouldn’t be too difficult - but we do need to agree a bit of uniformity across projects. The neighbourhood community organisation rep scowls. They struggle hard enough, putting on activities and getting the community supported, without all this blooming paperwork all the time. It all takes time and scarce resource. Other people in the meeting get their chance to chime in. Someone from the Arts Council (one of the several funders for the project). Someone from a local GP’s patient group. An NHS Social Prescriber. A Lived Experience mental health champion. A PhD researcher from the University Social Policy department who’s doing some research work with the projects. The 3 people in this tik-tok choir who come from 3 different local authority directorates - Health & Care; Children & Young People; Neighbourhoods - turn out to have different systems, experiences and ideas about how a funded project should have its impact assessed.

Caroline Osella writes @ https://worthingethnographic.com/

Nobody has turned up from the local business that’s offering part-funding in the form of sponsorship: they’re busy out making the money that help support projects. The community arts rep looks close to tears. The neighbourhood community rep looks anxious. One of the local authority reps looks a bit angry - maybe they’re not used to this kind of pushback in meetings? We all take a deep breath and start again. After an hour, an agreed format emerges for how to do the important task of making sure that all the extraordinary work being done in the community by the ‘music for wellbeing’ projects gets recorded, recognised and assessed for what worked best and what needs a rethink. This is the world of multistakeholder partnerships and of collaborations - both civil society-public and the publicprivate ones. Authentic democracy is diﬃcult, and meetings can be messy - but everybody’s learning a lot. Note: this is a fictional portmanteau scenario and not based on any realworld cases.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S HUB INSIDE ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ ⚪

BEFORE

Transformations at West Tarring’s

Young People’s Hub

AWAITING TRANSFORMATION

n the October issue, Cllr Carl Walker emphasised a forward-thinking strategy for Worthing, prioritising the role of residents and local groups in addressing town-specific issues and initiatives. The Worthing Borough Council revitalised the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) neighbourhood fund. This effort resulted in 45 community groups and voluntary sector organisations successfully securing over £577,000 from the CIL fund. Among the beneficiaries is the West Tarring Young People’s Hub (WTYPHUB). Lucy Jenner, a trustee of this hub, shared insights into the exciting transformations currently underway. The hub, rooted in a rich history dating back to the days of an old Victorian bakery, and then a Young Boys Club, has evolved into a cherished establishment, supporting young people of all ages and walks of life. The big hall at the WTYPHUB currently serves as one of Worthing’s oldest preschools, welcoming children as young as two years old. Lucy Jenner is a dedicated member of

AFTER

a hardworking team comprising of four committed trustees who share a common experience of facing diverse parenting challenges. Together, their collective goal is to establish a community centre accessible to various groups. Their aim is to create a safe space for young people and their families to access support and socialise. This could include conversations about mental health, bullying, neurodivergence, eating disorders and more. Their proactive approach involves actively engaging with schools, ranging from preschool to secondary levels, as well as collaborating

Esme Wakeford

with medical professionals and the broader community to actively seek input and feedback. Builders arrived on the 21st November and swiftly transformed the place, installing new ﬂooring, furniture and an impressive kitchen, partly through generous donations. These designated areas are designed to cater to different group settings, providing safe havens for parents and children seeking additional support. The plan for the Christmas holidays is to transform the main hall. We’re looking forward to seeing the results!

We would love to say a special thank you to Roger at Wicks, all the lovely men at Barkers of Tarring, Howdens, S&S Painting and Decorating, Switch Electrical, James Austen Kitchen Specialist and Property Maintenance and Goring Road Carpet Centre for their invaluable support and dedication. For more information or to get involved, please contact us at: 07495347539 To stay updated, you can follow us on: Facebook: West Tarring Young People’s Hub-wtyphub | Instagram: @wtyphub

⚪ ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ INSIDE SUSSEX SEABED RESTORATION

Sussex Seabed Restoration Project

C Esme Wakeford

an you remember our October front cover two months back? The illustration showcased a snapshot of our local inspiring NHS worker Steve Allnutt who, after over three decades of freediving, witnessed the gradual decline of kelp along the Sussex seabeds. Motivated by his profound love for the sea, Steve took it upon himself to singlehandedly rewild the Sussex seabed. His unwavering dedication to this endeavour not only captured local attention but also garnered international acclaim! What started as a simple lockdown pastime has evolved into a global recognition of his heroic efforts. Last month, I visited Steve at his home in Lancing, which also houses his ‘Kelp Hub.’ Sat sipping some tea, Steve shared what had inspired him to undertake this pursuit. “So, I’ve been diving in Sussex waters since 1994, and over that time, I’ve collected an awful lot of knowledge about the coastline from Selsey down to Seaford. I became inspired to regenerate the seabed because over the years, we’ve lost so much kelp. During lockdown, and not being able to play football as well as I used to, I needed a new hobby, and it turned into kelp restoration. At the time, there was a lot of awareness about issues with kelp across the Sussex coastline, so I thought to myself, ‘well, I’m a freediver, I film underwater, I love my fitness and my

swimming, so I’ll give kelp restoration a good ol’ go.’” Steve then set up the Sussex Seabed Restoration Project. When he began active Kelp restoration, he secured crowd funding to aid in the recovery of the seabeds. With no ongoing seabed restoration in the UK, he connected with individuals from other parts of the world on Instagram. “I started looking on Instagram at other Kelp restoration projects on a global level. There was a lady from Canada, who was also bored during lockdown, who spent her evenings in Vancouver teaching me online. I bought all the equipment she advised me to buy from the crowd funder. I started growing Kelp and that’s how it started with the Kelp Restoration Project, and then that went on the TV and it snowballed from there onwards.” Something that also inspires Steve to keep going is how it’s accessible for most members of the community to watch and engage with. “Many people learn in different ways, and I believe an evidence-based approach is crucial. You involve your face, and film the process, using hand gestures underwater to demonstrate actions. There’s a lot of body language involved in practical activities. Since communication is impossible underwater, pointing at what you’re doing and then describing

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it afterwards allows people to engage in their own way.” The power of social media, film and Steve’s impressive skill of freediving have been crucial to the amazing restoration of the seabeds. Without Steve, we wouldn’t know what our Sussex seabeds look like. “After completing so many dives, I end up swimming the same route repeatedly. Whether I’m heading down to Selsey or Seaford, I almost create a mental map of the sea. Having done these swims hundreds of times, I remember the best spots and revisit them, filming and editing videos to share on social media. People are often surprised by the clarity of the sea in these videos and how much is visible, such as Stringrays and more. It engages viewers and helps them realise the diverse marine life that exists along the coastline. In a recent radio interview, I mentioned that with a substantial budget, an exceptional underwater nature video showcasing the abundant biodiversity could be created here. Many people aren’t aware of the richness of our waters, though there’s a noticeable absence of Kelp.” Steve explained that there are three keystone species along the Sussex coastline, which are Oysters, Kelp and Mussels. Kelp creates an underwater forest.

You can do things to grow Oysters and Mussels, such as Oyster hatcheries and various initiatives. I focused on Kelp because I like gardening

“The entire ecosystem relies on these three keystone species, each playing a crucial role. From the seabed upwards, Kelp creates a vital protection, serving as a nursery and habitat for various species. Over decades since the 1980’s, their removal has left us with the barren seabed we see today. The ongoing effort aims to restore and bring back the baseline from decades ago.” “You can do things to grow Oysters and Mussels, such as Oyster hatcheries and various initiatives. I focused on Kelp because I like gardening… Something I’ve always said about this project is that it’s basically gardening underwater in your garage. The Mussels are coming back naturally and apparently there are signs that the Oysters are doing alright. However, the Kelp along the Sussex coastline has shown little progress, so active Kelp restoration can only help.” On the topic of hatcheries, Steve successfully hatched over 700 Cuttlefish eggs as part of his Sussex Seabed

Restoration Project last summer, which was an incredible success. “I would collect these eggs, hatch them in my Kelp hub, and release them back into the sea, documenting their return with the camera. It was all part of the active rewilding, which is what the Project is all about.” If you’re curious, Cuttlefish eggs look like a collection of Blackcurrants stuck together, so keep an eye out on the coastline! “This year, I’m hoping to go out to sea loads. I’ve seeded up 65 reels of Kelp lines, which is a very large amount. I’ve also seeded numerous stones, and I’m collaborating with the University of Sussex. So, I’m hoping to undertake extensive deployment this Summer. Last year marked the first year of active Sussex Kelp restoration, during which I spent most of my summer planting one area of Kelp off Worthing. This year, I’m hoping to conduct various trials on different grounds, including Mussel beds, various rocky areas and the ﬂatter seabed, just to find out which works best and see what the results are like at the end of September.” Steve’s inspirational journey reinforces the love for our local sea. His remarkable story serves as a reminder that if a local NHS worker can initiate a project like this, then anyone can!

⚪ ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ INSIDE LOCAL HISTORY

Bishop’s Palace, Tarring

A Sexy Imp I and a Dumb Dog Vicar Chris Hare

n the Bishop’s Palace at West Tarring, a remarkably carved wooden figure can be found. Protected in a glass cabinet, the figure is believed to date back to the early seventeenth century. He is grinning in a rather licentious, even malignant way, which should come as no surprise as he appears to be an imp or demon or similar supernatural creature. As we look down the figure, we see great ﬂames leaping out from below his belly, clearly suggestive of malevolent sexual energy. Originally to be seen on one of the great high posts of the palace, he must have been detached during a subsequent restoration. We are all familiar with gargoyles on the outside of churches, with their gurning faces and other wild expressions. These medieval adornments were supposed to keep bad spirits from getting inside the church. Sometimes they occur inside churches, but I have never seen one to compare to the imp of Tarring. It should also be noted that the Tarring figure is

inside the palace – a bishop’s palace – high up in the roof space, looking down on the people in the building below. We cannot know what inspired the master sculptor who created our imp, nor can we know if he was commissioned for his work or whether he secretly placed it among the timbers. We do know that it has been dated back to the early seventeenth century, and this could be significant. These were the years of great religious and social upheaval in England – years that led, in 1642, to the outbreak of civil war. Two bishops of Chichester at this time, Richard Curtis, and George Carlton, were well known for their Protestant fervour. Although it would not be correct to count them as Puritans, they may well have encouraged this group with their emphasis on preaching and bible-reading, as opposed to ‘High Church’ and Catholic practices that favoured ritual and the veneration of saints. One Catholic-leaning bishop was denounced for being “an old Popish rogue.” As time went on, it became clear that the east of Sussex – especially the far east around Rye, Burwash, and Battle - were strongholds of Puritanism, while the lands in the far west of the county, including Chichester and Midhurst, tended to look back with nostalgia to the days before the Reformation. Justices of the Peace increasingly used their powers to impose their religious ideas on local populations. They might close down alehouses reputed to be of a lewd or drunken character. The ‘inn at Goring’ was one such hostelry that suffered in this way. On other occasions, magistrates might seek to curtail or even ban pastimes and sports popular with the common people, such as May Day and Christmas revels, or the playing of stoolball (particularly if being played on a Sunday). Which brings us back to the imp of Tarring: was he put there in the Bishop’s Palace to mock and ridicule Protestant ideas? Or was he put there at a time when local people were inﬂuenced by older folkloric ideas that suggested a figure of fiery fertility would bring good luck to the building and all who worked there? It is surprising how the Civil War managed to insinuate its way into even the remotest parts of Sussex. Hard as it is

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to believe today, when Worthing sprawls in all directions and has a population of 112,000, back in the times of Charles I and Cromwell, the villages and hamlets that today constitute the Borough of Worthing numberered only a few hundred inhabitants. Yet, still conﬂict came. The congregation of Worthing Chapel seem to have fallen out with those of St. Mary’s at Broadwater, which was their mother church. So deeply did the doctrinal disagreements run, that the Rector of Broadwater ordered the demolition of Worthing Chapel (no one today knows where this chapel stood, although it was once suggested that it might have been in the vicinity of the present-day Lidl car park in North Street). At Durrington, the vicar, the Rev. William Stanley, was an ardent Royalist and even joined the Royalist Army when war broke out in 1642. His congregation seem to have been supporters of Parliament. They accused Stanley of neglecting his duties and delivering sermons that were unintelligible. Stanley was probably one of those ministers that Puritans called ‘dumb dogs’ – clergy who did not know their scripture and were more interested in living off tithes than studying their bibles. In last month’s edition, I described the siege of Arundel Castle and the incursion of opposing armies into the county. It was during the winter of 1643/1644, that General William Waller’s army passed this way. In their wake, came the Puritan militias from eastern Sussex with Colonel Herbert Morley leading from the front. Not only was William Stanley expelled as minister for Durrington at this time, but much of the church was damaged and pulled down. It is not known if this was as

a result of fighting around the church, or whether zealous Puritans took vengeance on “an ungodly house.” These were indeed heady days. All across England, strange and radical sects appeared. There were the Levellers demanding votes for all; the Diggers calling for the abolition of private property; the Fifth Monarchists, expecting the imminent return of Christ; The Ranters, who revelled in debauchery of all kinds; and the Quakers, who believed everyone had ‘the inner light’ of Christ within them. Locally, it was The Clubmen who made the biggest impact. They can be described as angry neutrals, or “a curse on both your houses.” They didn’t want to fight for the King or for Parliament, but wanted all armies to be ejected from Sussex so that they could return to the quiet, unhurried lives they had once enjoyed. Clubmen gathered on the Downs and formed an armed encampment at Walberton. At Arundel Castle, the military governor, William Morley (the younger brother of Herbert), ordered

Colonel Norton to attack and disperse the Clubmen, whom he described as “a vulgar multitude, ignorant of manners.” These were indeed dangerous and unpredictable times. Hundreds of Quakers were arrested on spurious grounds that had little basis in law. Quakers upset the wealthy classes by their failure to acknowledge social differences, which included refusing to raise their hats to their social superiors and calling everyone – even the local lords – by their Christian names. That might not seem very outrageous to us today, but in a strictly hierarchal society, such omissions were unthinkable. Many Quakers languished in Horsham Gaol. They wrote to the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell, asking for redress and he agreed to meet their leader, George Fox. The two men discussed theology, quoting scripture to each other in support of their opposing views. Although Cromwell could not agree with the Quakers, neither would he be complicit in their persecution and ordered the release of all those languishing in Horsham Gaol.

Chris is giving a series of four illustrated talks on the Civil War in Sussex, the talks chart the origins of the war, the two separate campaigns that were fought, and the consequences and aftermath of the conﬂict, that were considerable. The talks take place on Saturday afternoons at the Sidney Walter Centre on 27th January, 24th February, 30th March, and 27th April. It is free to book, but donations gratefully received at the end of each session. Book at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ it-happened-here-the-english-civil-war-in-sussex-in-four-illustrated-talkstickets-734259047577 Chris Hare’s books on Worthing - ‘Worthing in the Bad Old Days’ and ‘Worthing Under Attack,’ are available from Worthing Museum, and Denyer News at Goring. ‘Hilaire Belloc, the politics of living,’ and ‘The Secret Shore,’ (smuggling and folklore), are available from Steyning Bookshop and Arundel Museum.

⚪ ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ INSIDE SPORTS

The biggest bout of them all:

Worthing Fencing Club THE CLUB’S HISTORY: A STORY OF STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE (OR PISTE IN THIS CASE) Formed in 2012, the club can lay claim to surviving a global pandemic, which served to be a hammer blow to the fencing community along the South Coast. Since then, only three clubs remain along our part of the South Coast, with Worthing joining Brighton and Chichester as the others still running. The pandemic didn’t put an end to the club, but it severely damaged it. Drawn to the club by seeing that his next-door neighbour, the previous owner of the club, fenced, Steve Jones decided to join. Steve quickly recognised that the sport was constantly striving to acquire more qualified coaches and decided to become a coach, working his way through the levels. As a level two coach, he took over running the club when the previous owner decided to relinquish the reins after the pandemic. Steve’s story of not bearing the idea of there being no place for local fencers to immerse themselves in the sport he loves, mirrored his head coach, Lewis’s experience. Now a level five coach, Lewis moved from the North, where he had fenced since 2002. He started coaching at just 16-years-old, and recognises the importance of thriving grassroots clubs in sustaining a sport. This formed the basis of his decision to join Steve in his venture. Together, they re-arranged their schedules to ensure the club could still survive.

In most combat sports, victory is thought to be achieved by removing human emotion from the battle, leaving only basic human instinct to help us fend for ourselves. Love and passion are regarded two of the most important human emotions, something Worthing Fencing Club has to thank for winning its own battle - the battle to survive.

A GAME OF REFLEXES: FENCING IN A NUTSHELL Fencing involves two people squaring off in intense bouts consisting of three rounds of three-minute periods, aiming to record a total of fifteen hits. If this number isn’t reached, the person with the highest number of hits wins. These demanding fights take place in the piste or playing area. Each piste is 1.5 meters wide, consisting of a centre line surrounded by two “en guarde” lines, with the warning line positioned a further 3 meters back. The warning line, as its name suggests, alerts the fencer that they are just 2 meters away from the rear limit. The piste

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Worthing FC Women - 1 Norwich City Women - 1 17th November: Honours even, but plenty to talk about measures a total of 14 meters in length. Worthing Fencing Club specialises in the Épée form of fencing, one of three forms the sport can take (Foil and Saber are the other two), which has been part of the Summer Olympic programme since the second renewal of the games in Paris 1900. The word “Épée” is derived from a 19th century fighting weapon called “Épée de Combat” meaning “small sword”. The weapon is 110cm long with a 90cm blade, weighing 770 grams. The rules permit thrusting only with the tip, which is blunted. Anywhere on the body is a target. Unlike other forms of fencing, there is no right of way regarding the direction of attack, making it a far more tactical fight of reflexes. Reflexes are tested to the limit with the double hit rules, as each must be within 40 milliseconds of each other to be counted as valid. SO MUCH MORE THAN FENCING: THE FRUITS OF THEIR LABOUR After just a couple of conversations with those participating, it became abundantly clear how much not only fencing but also this club means to them. Though fencing was the reason many of them joined the club, they have a community where friendship and camaraderie lie at the centre of their values. Even more remarkable are the individual stories behind why people have chosen to take part. For someone like Sam, one of the club’s younger members, fencing has allowed him to “build confidence, improve reflexes and feel safer in everyday life”. Not only that, but Sam also mentioned that it enabled him to boost his selfesteem, as he takes pride in “getting along with everyone”. Sam’s feeling of being accepted is something that is important to everyone, but none more so perhaps than Marcus. Having tried a fencing club near his home in Guildford, which required him to have all the kit before he started, his Mum decided to bring him all the way down to Worthing so that he could try the sport without having to worry about the cost of equipment if he didn’t continue. Though Marcus raves about the people, it was his Mum who gave a particularly glowing review of the environment Steve and Lewis have fostered, saying “Marcus

has learning diﬃculties and they have been nothing but accommodating, always making him feel part of it.” A benefit of fencing for younger individuals is enabling their inner warrior to emerge, a point the club’s youngest fencer, Freya, can certainly attest to. One moment, she’s the politest young woman you could ever hope to meet. Yet, the moment the mask goes down, she transforms into one of the fiercest and bravest warriors, despite facing opponents who tower over her. Her skill and bravery have earned her the first grade on her journey, one of nine achievable grades in Épée Fencing, as she chases one of her dreams of fencing in competition. One member in particular shares their unwavering devotion to fencing with everyone else there. Alex has fenced for years, participating in multiple sessions a week in his home city of Kyiv, Ukraine. The club has provided him an outlet to continue his passion. To say that Alex lives for fencing is an understatement. If he’s not taking part in his own bouts, in which he performs at an unsurprisingly high level of proficiency, he’s oﬃciating or simply encouraging his teammates and friends. When asked about what fencing has taught him that he can apply to everyday life, he responded, “It has helped me become more polite, fair and ambitious.” SUBVERTING EXPECTATIONS AND PROVIDING A SPORT FOR LIFE: Everybody I spoke to told me that they’d been surprised not only by how fun and detailed the sport is but how welcoming and friendly everyone else at the club is. It allows them to feel accepted and part of the group. Steve and Lewis’s constraint-led approach genuinely puts fencers first by getting them in the thick of the battle right away. So, whatever your age, if you have a love for movie sword fights or want to join a group where everyone is treated with warmth, friendship and camaraderie, you can try a new sport without the anxiety of wondering whether your kit, worth hundreds of pounds, will be worth it. Sessions take place on a Friday 7:00pm until 8:30pm at Durrington High School, costing £10 for adults and £8 for juniors.

hird-placed Norwich City arrived at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium seeking three points against a Worthing side aiming to bounce back from a 5-0 defeat by league leaders AFC Wimbledon. Goals from Chloe Winchester and Ellie Smith meant both sides left a wet and windy late Autumn afternoon with something to smile about. The visitors from Norfolk attacked into the wind in the first period, their strong early start becoming even more impressive as Lauren Tomlinson made a couple of threatening runs down the left ﬂank. The Rebels soon found their footing in the game, sparing the blushes of the visitors in the 8th minute when Becki Bath picked up a stray ball in dangerous range of the goal. However, she fell short of putting the home side in an early lead as she struck just wide. The pressure from Norwich continued, and the home side had Danielle Rowe and Chloe Winchester in the centre of midfield to thank for keeping the sides on level terms. Winchester would get her reward shortly after in the 19th minute when she pounced on a loose ball in the box and calmly slotted home a shot just outside the six-yard line, giving the Rebels an early lead. The goal proved to be the pivotal moment in the half as Worthing took a 1-0 lead into the halftime break. The second half somewhat mirrored the beginning of the first, as the away team came on the ascendency once again, led by Lauren Tomlinson, whose threatening shot narrowly missed. The Canaries capitalised on their continual pressure in the 52nd minute when Ellen Smith scored with a powerful header from close range following a corner. With the score now level, the intensity of the match increased, giving the referee plenty to do as the half progressed. After the visitors equalised, the tension continued to rise, only subsiding in the 59th minute when Hayley Bridge went down after a tough challenge, causing a lengthy stoppage as she had to be stretchered off the field with what appeared a very nasty injury. We send her our best wishes for her recovery. That ushered in the most open spell, as Worthing’s Rachel Palmer being unlucky not to convert a chance that fell at her feet after the ball ricocheted countless times in the Norwich box. Worthing substitute Niamh Andersson added threat with energetic runs in the match’s later minutes. The real guilt-edged chance fell to the away side later on when Rachel Lawrence failed to hit the target from close range after latching onto Worthing keeper Lauren Dolbear’s parry, which fell perfectly for the Norwich midfielder, bringing this intense Women’s National League Division One South East tie to a close. In the end, Martin Herdman’s Canaries and John Donoghue’s Rebels earned a point each for their efforts as the Rebels prepare for their final two outings of this calendar year. The outing ended in defeat away at Ashford Town. The second was against 4th placed Cambridge United the following weekend.

⚪ ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ INSIDE SPORTS

Genesis Performing Arts Secures Spot to Represent England at Prestigious Dance World Cup

upils from Worthing-based dance school, Genesis Performing Arts, are set to make a mark on the international stage once again, as they have successfully earned a coveted spot to represent Team England at the Dance World Cup in Prague next year. Amidst fierce competition with close to 6,000 entries, a talented team of 56 dancers, aged 7-20 years, have successfully auditioned, securing their place in the esteemed event. At the Dance World Cup, taking place Jun/Jul 2024, the Genesis team will showcase their prowess across an impressive array of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, show dance, national, tap, street dance, lyrical and musical theatre. Their participation will encompass an impressive 55 routines, comprising 24 groups, 18 solos, and 13 duets/trios — marking the largest team the school has ever assembled and one of the largest in the entire country. Regarded as the foremost global dance competition for children and young adults, the Dance World Cup draws over 120,000 participants from 62 countries annually, highlighting the intensity of the competition. Genesis Performing Arts, despite being established only 18 months ago, aims to build on the success of their 2023 competition in Braga, where they secured 65 medals, along with top 10 finishes in all their performances.

Notably, Genesis Performing Arts proudly sponsors a young Ukrainian refugee, who will be among the talented individuals representing Team England as an integral part of the Genesis team. This commitment to inclusivity and support, demonstrates their dedication to fostering diverse talent and providing opportunities for all. Victoria Hampson, the principal of Genesis Performing Arts, expressed her immense pride in the team’s accomplishment, stating, “I’m beyond proud of this hardworking team. To have so many dances through to the finals is an amazing achievement. For their talent to be recognised, and for them all to be dancing on the world stage, is going to be a fantastic experience. Rehearsals are already underway, and I’ve no doubt they will all give their very best performance. The hard work starts now both in the studios and with the whole Genesis family fundraising, as involvement is upwards of £3,500 per pupil.” In preparation for the international showcase, Genesis Performing Arts and its talented dancers will engage in a series of fundraising activities to cover entry fees, membership fees, costumes, kit and rehearsal expenses. Businesses interested in sponsoring the team or providing support are encouraged to contact genesisworthing@gmail.com.

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t Worthing Rugby Club, our numbers have been growing steadily over the last few years and with our first class facilities, we are a designated Centre of Excellence for Sussex Rugby. The Raiders are the 1st XV of Worthing Rugby Club playing in National Division Two South, which means we are the first club in Sussex in the third tier of English Rugby. The Raiders play matches at home and away and it is really worth catching them in action on a Saturday. We have several men’s teams other than the Raiders so that senior men can play with those of a similar standard. Acknowledging our “Rugby for All” policy, our lower XVs and Social rugby play a significant part in the life of the club and are always keen to welcome new or old players looking to have fun with likeminded players. Woman’s rugby has become one of the fastest growing sports in the UK. Through a combination of a shift in culture and some impressive results, the ladies and girls teams at Worthing are bigger and more successful than ever, earning the recognition at the club that they quite rightly deserved. With the Women’s Rugby World Cup taking place in the UK in 2025 and Brighton being picked as a venue for matches, there is a real interest and a buzz about women’s rugby at the moment. Worthing have pitched to be a support club for one of the ladies teams attending the World Cup and we hope that we will be successful in this bid, as this will bring elite athletes to our training grounds. The women’s team are called the Warriors and their culture exemplifies The Code of Rugby: Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship

(TREDS) and the whole team are role models within the club. The Warriors have grown in size, skill and performance and are now a real force to be reckoned with locally. They have a social team for beginners and a side for league matches. Rugby is a sport for everyone and the Warriors have seen their numbers grow through social media advertising. They have attracted completely new players, players from other sports and rugby returners. The girls section has grown in numbers and reputation with Worthing RFC being a pathway to Premiership rugby

and ultimately the Red Roses. Recently, we have had 4 of the leaving U18s join Harlequins women, one of our current U18s, Emma Blackburn, is in the England U18 squad. Several of our squad currently play for Sussex U18s and U16s. We work closely with Worthing College and their rugby academy, supporting many players who study there. Last season, we had two Italian U21s players in the squad as well as players from clubs across the UK who are studying there. Several of our U16s and U14s girls have been selected for the elite Ultimate 7s Rugby Academy training with England players. The U18 Girls have made it to the National Cup quarter-finals for the last two seasons and hope to do better this year. The U16s are also in the National Cup and in the Sussex League. The U14s are currently top of the county league. There are also groups for U12 girls and we have specific girls’ training sessions for 10s and under on Tuesday evenings which has grown in the last 3 years from 6 members to over 25 girls taking part. Girls train on Tuesdays and Sundays at the club. There are strong junior boys teams at Worthing, our Colts players (U17 and U18s) are currently undefeated this season. We have good squad sizes in all age groups and go through into the minis and children in reception year group. There is a 4 week trial period before membership is required. So, it is a good way to come along, see what the club has to offer and to find out if rugby is the right sport for you/your children/grandchildren. Worthing RFC hosts many events throughout the year. Our popular Firework night has people coming from across the region to attend. Free Flicks on the Pitch outdoor cinema has proved very popular over the last 2 years. We host a number of events and festivals. The clubhouse and facilities are available for hire; we have many groups who are regulars or attend annual events at ours. We host the largest festival of girls’ rugby in the country with over 800 girls from 45 teams across the UK competing over the early May Bank Holiday. This festival has grown over the years and is a massively important fixture in the rugby diary. The men and womens teams take part in the 7s Festival at the club in June which is always a great date in the calendar with many guest ales and ciders available to try. This year, the junior boys are staging their first weekend festival and the minis have two dates in the diary for day festivals.

If you have ever thought rugby might be the sport for you, you want to get fit or just meet some new friends, then come along and give rugby a try. Contact oﬃce@worthingrfc. com for more information.

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Partnerships for the Goals

17 PARTNERSHIPS

FOR THE GOALS

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February 2024

big part of UN Sustainable Development Goal 17 focuses on different sectors and actors working together in an integrated manner by pooling financial resources, knowledge and expertise towards a shared goal of climate mitigation and adaptation. The logic behind it is to strengthen and maintain capabilities. A good example of this would be local councils working hand in hand with local climate related community groups, individuals and charities. A recent doughnut economics workshop by Worthing council talked about keeping projects fair, green and local. Working in partnership with local groups going forward is an excellent way to gain expertise and pool resources to address climate change issues. For it to work effectively would require transparency, valuing each organisation’s mission and projects and an understanding of capacity. Multi stakeholder partnerships are definitely the way forward to strengthen our resources and make effective use of limited finances. Globally, the effective use of financing is essential to give support to developing countries in their efforts to promote sustainable development by way of loss and damage. This has been promised to developing nations in the Global South by countries in the Global North, who are responsible for emissions and driving climate change. Finance is also needed for sustainable development locally. Charities cannot rely

on goodwill alone. If we value the work they do and want local partnerships to lead towns to a safe transition and to a sustainable future, they need sustaining financially. If councils keep projects and work local and work together with the community, they can help sustain these groups and their work. There are many excellent examples of local groups striving for similar purposes - too many to mention here. They are supported by Community Works who provide learning and networking opportunities to bring together councils, businesses and voluntary sector organisations to tackle local issues, find solutions and identify funding. A key organisation that understands the many achievements and challenges that groups face. CREW is keen to pursue local discussion around disaster assessment and risk reduction for our community. There are big questions around ensuring food security, clean water and sanitation. Looking ahead, partnership working and bringing together multiple expertise is key to finding solutions. We recently had a family member in hospital and although recovered, they were waiting for many weeks for a short-term rehabilitation home. This meant taking up a hospital bed and getting depressed and frustrated at nothing happening despite being well. We were told Zachary Merton was unable to take them as they had been ﬂooded for over a week, and on top of that, 40 patients had to be moved out from there to other facilities. This highlights how

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climate change will affect infrastructure and worsen damage to our hospitals in future with extended periods of heavy rain and sea level rise. Worthing Hospital is at serious risk of flooding. Back in 2012, Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust board stated Worthing Hospital is vulnerable to flooding because of its position with the underground Teville stream, which runs across the town. After a fifth serious bout of flooding in seven years at Worthing Hospital in 2012, it brought the cost of repairs to £350,000. During the flood, staff at Worthing Hospital had to work flat out to keep the hospital going during heavy rain. A report said damage included the lifts, mortuary, postgraduate medical centre and basement areas of the hospital. The Water Group are looking into flood risks in Worthing. Contact debbie@ worthingcrew.co.uk if you are interested in this subject and local adaptation. If you’re interested in climate science costingsolutions@yahoo.co.uk, education sarah@worthingcrew.co.uk, food security debbie@worthingcrew.co.uk and our RE Group (recycling, repurposing, reusing …) kathy@worthingcrew.co.uk Global partnerships and negotiations continue at COP28 as this article is being written. A fuller roundup will be available next month once the conference completes. However, It looks very much like the vested interests of the oil business are controlling the output and resisting change. Hopefully other countries will declare on their own an end to fossil fuels. Especially as we have all the renewable energy technology we need to make this reality if we wanted to. Sadly, it has already been announced that COP29 will be in Azerbaijan - another oil rich economy

engaging in communicative activities in English. CREW are holding a Veganuary Fair on 13th January 11am to 3pm. Come and join us to try delicious free food samples and tasters, nutrition advice, raﬄe, tombola, competitions and information and recipes. All our events are FREE and are to care for our community whilst building climate resilience. For more details go to crew. eventbrite.co.uk Finally we would like to say a huge thank you to all our supporters, partners and volunteers that made it possible for the CREW centre to be realised as we celebrate our first year. We will continue to strive towards building community resilience in the face of climate crisis and look forward to achieving our aims for 2024 to make Worthing a more sustainable town. To date CREW have put on approximately 120 events, collaborated and helped coordinate Worthing’s Net Zero Climate Conference 2023 and have engaged with more than 2500 individuals. We have set up campaign groups to work on vital activities such as Food Security and Youth engagement. We’ve also published eighteen articles in our local monthly INSIDE on climate change and sustainability issues reaching 45,000 residents every month. Thank you Liana! We have a lot more to do and hope with your help and everyone working together we can bring about the action needed for our local community to thrive and push for national action to protect our future.

trying to hang on to its wealth. New year resolution? Get involved nationally or locally with a group to drive meaningful climate action. Tell your children when they ask ‘when you knew, what did you do?’ that you did something. New Year aspirations? How about joining one of our groups discussing and working on ways to give Worthing a sustainable future. OR JUST, Vote for Climate (locally and nationally) Vote with your money for the future you want. (Think wisely about your purchases and their carbon footprint, who you bank with and what your pension invests in etc). Reduce/stop ﬂying, driving. Reduce/stop eating meat and dairy. LOOK AFTER YOURSELF. Why not come along to ‘Boost your Wellbeing in the Wilderness’ 17th January to connect with nature (bookable through The Wellderness page - eventbrite. co.uk/o/the-wellderness-33061943833) or use the space through our online wellbeing Climate Cafe on 24th January to talk about how you feel with others who share the same concerns. Energy Awareness, Support and Winter Warmth Advice is available 31st January - you can win an air fryer or slow cooker just for attending! Our solar panel advice sessions run every month so you can find out whether you would benefit from solar panels being fitted to your home. Stitch it Don’t Ditch it! A regular fun session for upcycling or repairing pre-loved clothing. Refugees cuppa and chat sessions run every Thursday at CREW facilitated by an ESOL tutor. An informal weekly meet up to interact and share experiences/tips while

If you would like to connect with CREW volunteers in the centre or deliver an event with us, get in touch info@worthingcrew.co.uk. Amberlouise Everitt Chair & CoFounder worthingcrew.co.uk Charity no. 1198526 We are asking for your help to ensure our climate centre has a sense of security & stability, enabling our community to become more resilient, prepared and able to adapt to the changes occurring now & in the coming years. Please consider making a donation no matter how small. Thank you.

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Our Cover Illustrator Raises £4,800 for Hospice Worthing Artist Russ Iden’s Captain Shaun the Pirate went to auction recently, raising money for Martlets Hospice in Hove. It sold for £4,800 as part of the Shaun the Sheep Art Trail. A grand total of over £750,000 was raised for the charity. You can find Russ’ artwork in Montague Gallery, Portland Road and at the Studio at the Lido in Worthing. He is available for commissions via www.mooks.co.uk Pictured below with Brightonian Fatboy Slim who helped to promote the art trail.

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Love to Move and time to chat Love to Move is a fun, age and dementia friendly seated movement programme to music. It is suited to older adults, those living with dementia, MS and Parkinson’s and their carers. Delivered by British Gymnastics’ Love to Move coaches. There will be a nominal charge. After the class, there will be refreshments and time to chat. Supported and sponsored by:

Wednesdays 11.15 – 12.15pm Heene Community Centre, Worthing BN11 4PL To book your seat please contact: anna.c.shaw@icloud.com

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SUNDAY CONCERT – Sunday 28 January, 2.30pm th

Michael Wooldridge plays Featuring popular music, big band numbers and music from the shows

THE Assembly Hall, Stoke Abbott Road, Worthing BN11 1HQ Admission £15.00 Booking online or phone the box office on 01903 206206. Bar open for refreshments from 1.30pm, Hall access from 2.00 pm. Event promoted by The Sussex Theatre Organ Trust, registered charity 281001. Tickets may be purchased on the door or from our ticket

agent Worthing Theatres & Museum through their box office (01903 206206) and online at wtm.uk. WTM acts as the commercial agent on behalf of the promoter and producer of this event.

Tea Dance – Saturday 13 January, 2.00pm th

50/50 Ballroom and Sequence Dancing

THE Assembly Hall, Stoke Abbott Road, Worthing BN11 1HQ With live music played on the Wurlitzer Organ by Cameron Lloyd Admission £13.00 to include tea or coffee and cake during the interval. Advance booking is strongly recommended either online or phone the box office on 01903 206206. Bar open for refreshments from 12.30pm, Dance Hall access from 1.30 pm. Event promoted by The Sussex Theatre Organ Trust, registered charity 281001. Tickets may be purchased on the door or from our ticket

agent Worthing Theatres & Museum through their box office (01903 206206) and online at wtm.uk. WTM acts as the commercial agent on behalf of the promoter and producer of this event.

⚪ ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ INSIDE EVENTS

Still Life with Anna Twinam-Cauchi

Jazz Night: Roger Beaujolais Quartet Celebrate 40 years of incredible Jazz music from one of the very best Jazz musicians and his multi-talented quartet. We are delighted to be again hosting Jazz Nights in the Pavilion Atrium. Intimate evenings of great music performed by both local artists and visiting soloists. Roger Beaujolais is celebrating 40 years as a professional musician this year and has released 21 albums and had over 250 compositions recorded and released in that time. Roger is more of an old-school jazz musician being completely self-taught although, as he didn’t start performing till he was nearly 30, he has taken a unique route which has covered a lot of ground musically, including jump/jive (with the Chevalier Brothers), pop (with Fairground Attraction), Latin jazz (with The Beaujolais Band) and jazz funk (with Vibraphonic) – all of which Roger considers to be his equivalent of going to college. Along the way, he became the first vibist in the UK to make a living solely from playing vibraphone. Currently, Roger plays mostly with his quartet and also as a featured artist around the UK. He has also been in demand as a session musician and has recorded with artists as diverse as Robert Plant, Paul Weller, Kirsty MacColl, Morrissey, Fairground Attraction, Roni Size, Alison Limerick and Guy Chambers. Roger Beaujolais Quartet: Roger Beaujolais, vibraphone Neal Richardson, piano Miles Danso, double bass Alex Eberhard, drums 01903 206206 boxoﬃce@wtm.uk 24 January 2024 7:30pm Pavilion Theatre Atrium, Marine Parade, Worthing, BN11 3PX

Enjoy learning the basics of still life drawing with unique objects from Worthing Musuem’s collection. Fancy drawing a still life using artefacts from a Museum collection? Each object tells a story and when you put those objects together something happens. One to one tuition if wished in a friendly relaxing environment. For absolute beginners and those who have some experience. Drawing equipment and paper will be supplied or bring your own if you wish.

20 January 2024 Book tickets in advance from Worthing Museum, Chapel Rd, Worthing, BN11 1HP 01903 206206 boxoﬃce@wtm.uk

Suspiciously Elvis Celebrating Elvis Presley’s 89th Birthday Party with Suspiciously Elvis + Full Live Band Elvis Presley would be turning 89 on the 8th Jan 2024, so we are going to celebrate his Birthday in style! Suspiciously Elvis returns to Worthing with his full live band, not to be missed by any Elvis fan! Playing two hours of the very best of the King. With deejay ‘Dave Mumbles’ spinning rock and roll tunes.

6 January 2024 7pm - 11pm The Factory Live, 9A Ivy Arch Rd, Worthing, BN14 8BX

Worthing Voices People like to sing. It can be at home or at a music festival, a concert, a football match, in a church, anywhere. One good way of having a sing is with a choir. Worthing Voices is a choir that has been around since 2009 giving concerts in aid of charities. With the Anniversary Orchestra it has helped to raise thousands of pounds for good causes. It is a fairly small choir aiming to have 30 to 40 singers for a concert. But since the covid crisis it has been diﬃcult to achieve anything like those numbers. It is a mixed choir of women’s and men’s voices that welcomes people of all ages and musical abilities. It is not essential to be able to read music and no audition is required. The music covers a broad range from arrangements of songs from the shows or traditional folk tunes to jazz numbers and Christmas carols and other items for the seasons of the year. The choir and orchestra regularly put on a concert on the lines of last night of the proms. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings for about an hour and a half. The choir is very keen to recruit new members so that it can carry on the good work. If you are interested please call Michael Finch on 01903 507056 for further information.

Walter Wall Multi Ply Walter Wall is back for another year at Colonnade House with his latest collection of work ‘Multi Ply’. For Walter, playing with different materials, sometimes the familiar can transform into the unexpected. Starting with a piece of ply, possibilities open up and evolved into ‘Multi Ply’. As well as being open on the lead up to Christmas, you will be able to continue

enjoying Walter’s work through the windows of Colonnade House until the New Year.

Until 07 January 2024 10am - 5pm Colonnade House 47 Warwick St, Worthing BN11 3DH

SPORTS EXTRA INSIDE ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ ⚪

Worthing Raiders 33 – 43 Tonbridge Juddians:

Henry Parish

Worthing just edged out in intense scrap

n 25th November, having narrowly fallen to Sevenoaks the week prior, Worthing Raiders’ Coach Fred Pierrepont decided to make three changes to the side, bringing in Balazs Magda, Dan Sargeant and Ed Grinsted to replace Dan Featherstone, Finley Glass and Dan Macadams. The Raiders faced a Tonbridge side whose travels haven’t been as fruitful as their seventh seed in the league would suggest, only picking up one win out of a possible four outings away from home so far this season. Any optimism the home team may have felt heading into the match quickly evaporated on the 6th minute when Tonbridge broke into an early lead courtesy of a Howard Packman try which was converted by Sam Evans. If the first try was due to the Juddians’ strength, Worthing really were the architects of their own downfall with the second as Packman latched onto a misplaced pass, kicking it down the line as he chased the ball to notch up their second try of the afternoon. The pairing of Packman and Evans gave the Juddians an early 0-14 lead. The Raiders, who haven’t tasted victory since the middle of October, responded quickly with devastating effect. Cameron Dobinson’s try got the home side off the mark as 20-year-old Fly Half Joshua Bellamy failed to convert, something he wouldn’t repeat nine minutes later when he converted Joseph Knight’s try to put the Raiders within two points of their Tonbridge opposition. The visitors pressure wouldn’t relent, this time using brute force as Will Holling was the one to bring the ball over the touch line. Tonbridge really began to stamp their authority on the match, not wishing the first half to end as Alex Brown scored in the 40th minute. There were no prizes for guessing it was Sam Evans at it once again, demonstrating devastating accuracy with his conversions in the first half. Even the Raiders’ penalty try on the 26th minute couldn’t prevent the Juddians taking a 14-point lead into half time.

Exiting the break, Fred Pierrepont decided to make two changes, bringing in Grant Gatford for his 100th National League appearance and Dan Macadams for Balazs Magda and William Gearing Grief. The changes seemed to make an instant impact as 25-year-old Scrum Half William Rigelsford and captain Jack Forrest both cashed in on the first ten minutes of the second half with Joshua Bellamy on hand to convert both, a spell in the match which put the Raiders tantalisingly close to Tonbridge with the gap being just seven points. Following this, the match entered its most brutal phase, with the consequences not being spared on either side. The ﬂurry of cards and penalties resulted in the side from Tonbridge Wells taking a more comfortable ten-point lead into the latter exchanges of the match. The intensity wouldn’t subside though, ending up with Tonbridge Forward Perry Parker being dismissed with a red card as oﬃcials Conor Boyle, Gavin Scott and Andre Van Zijl all grappled with two sides embroiled in a bitter battle on the South Coast. The overt aggression melted away into assertion which increased the force applied to each tackle. Both sides really did begin to bear the wounds of battle, none more so than Harrison Sims who rather nonchalantly (considering the injury) asked the pitch side medic to relocate his dislocated finger during play, just demonstrating the determination and hunger of the home side. Having earned themselves a penalty in the 68th minute, it was yet again Sam Evans whose penalty restored the Juddians’ lead back to ten, a lead which would prove unassailable in the end. Tonbridge’s day out at Roundstone Lane earned them their sixth win of the season. In contrast, the Raiders’ search for their third win of the season continued well into December, with their game the next week being a defeat against Esher. Their final two games of the calendar year would take place in the comforts of home against Wimbledon and Dorking.

⚪ ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ INSIDE PUZZLES/EVENTS

CROSSWORD January 2024

Simon Rigler

ACROSS

DOWN

1 See 12A (10) 6 Sport - famous venues include St. Andrews (Scotland) and Augusta (USA) (4) 10 Blemish (5) 11 A vehicle that takes people to and from hospitals (9) 12 Many people will make one of more of these at the beginning of 2024? (3,4’1,10) 13 ___ Flynn, Australian actor, starred in The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) (5) 15 Breathing device enabling a person to swim face down in water (7) 17 ___ Falls - it spans the border between Ontario in Canada and the state of New York in U.S. (7) 19 Extreme; passionate (7) 21 Something given or provided without charge (colloq.) (7) 22 An island consisting of a circular coral reef surrounding a lagoon; examples include Bikini and Aitutaki (5) 24 Final; greatest (8) 27 Childish (9) 28 Fissure (5) 29 Infamous Roman emperor, lived A.D. 37 to 68 (4) 30 Determined; stubborn (10)

1 2 3 4 5

Corrode (4) Fall guy (9) Tall and thin; gangly (5) To work hard or with suffering (7) Roy ___ , U.S. singer of hits including ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ (1964) and ‘You Got It’ (1988) (7) 7 Proprietor; holder (5) 8 Someone who takes advantage of the generosity of others; leech (10) 9 Estrange; divide (8) 14 Guess (10) 16 Material for starting a fire (8) 18 Help parties involved in a dispute to find grounds for agreement (9) 20 Diﬃcult to find or catch (7) 21 Strength; suitability (7) 23 Bid (5) 25 Secretion of the body, to trap bacteria and dust particles (5) 26 Short satirical piece of writing or drama; often featured on U.S. TV show Saturday Night Live (4)

Worthing Twinning Association We now have 94 members and are planning a visit to our French twin town of Les Sables d’Olonne in the Vendée next year. We have regular monthly social events and look forward to sharing them with you in this publication in the coming months. We show a series of French and German films with English subtitles. The next is on Thursday January 11th at 7.00pm in West Worthing Baptist church hall, South Street Tarring. The cost is £5 which includes a glass of wine/juice and a doughnut. Non-members are most welcome. Full WTA details are on www.worthingtrinningassociation.org.

Worthing Speakers Club warmly invites those intrigued by the prospect of embarking on their public speaking journey and eager to usher in 2024 on a positive note. As proud members of the globally acclaimed Toastmasters International, our group is dedicated to assisting individuals in enhancing their speaking and leadership skills. People join our club for a myriad of reasons, be it honing workplace skills, refining English as a foreign language, preparing for a family speech, or simply embracing public speaking as an enjoyable hobby. Whatever your motivation, we welcome you with open arms and encouragement. Our upcoming meeting, scheduled for Thursday, January 11th, will be held at the Ardington Hotel in Steyne Gardens, running from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. This is a fantastic opportunity for guests to experience the supportive atmosphere of our club at no cost. To secure your spot or gather more information, feel free to reach out via email at worthingspeakers@gmail.com. Join us as we embark on a journey of growth and positive transformation in the realm of public speaking.

EDUCATION INSIDE ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ 29

Worthing Students Present at Professional Conference

hree Year 11 students from St. Oscar Romero Catholic School recently presented an academic paper at the annual conference of the Institute of Acoustics (IoA). After their success in the 2022 IoA Secondary School competition, they were invited to submit a paper for the conference. Ashton Billett, Emmeline Turner and Shay Wheeler conducted the scientific study, looking at the soundscape of their school environment and assessing the impact of loud noises, such as the school bells, on students and staff. During their investigation, they collected sound level measurements at 35 different locations around the school, repeating this 10 times during each day across a 5-day school week. After identifying issues with the school bells, they suggested possible solutions and presented these to the school leadership team and governors. The school is currently implementing their ideas and making changes to reduce the loudness of the bells. After the IoA competition win in 2022, Prof David Waddington (Professor of Environmental Acoustics, University of Salford) commented: “St. Oscar Romero Catholic School’s winning entry for the Institute of Acoustics Secondary School Competition 2022 is an outstanding project. This work combines a number of difficult areas of acoustics, including soundscapes, subjective testing, and environmental noise mitigation. These students clearly worked hard and produced a highly creditable result, and we welcome students of this calibre on the Acoustics courses at the University of Salford. My compliments to Physics teacher Mr Clarke, Headmaster Mr Bryne and his staff for their extracurricular support of this exciting and inventive project. With just a little effort, this work could be made into a conference paper and would be a popular presentation at

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the IOA Annual Conference. I hope to see them there in Winchester in October 2023.” The students worked on writing the conference paper and presented it at the Acoustics Conference 2023. This was the first time that school-aged students have presented at an IoA conference. Professor Stephen Dance (London South Bank University) stated: “It was lovely to see how the students coped when the boot was on the other foot and they were presenting to the experts. The level of professionalism showed maturity beyond their years. Real work problem identification and a practical approach to finding a solution was displayed.” Alistair Somerville, President of IoA, said: “This presentation was a great success, extremely well received by all those attending and a worthy addition to our conference programme. The students from St Oscar Romero school presented their work and handled questions with an assured confidence which impressed us all. Congratulations to Ashton, Emmeline and Shay for a well prepared and presented conference paper.” The students’ Physics teacher, Peter

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Clarke, expressed: “I am so proud of these students. To produce a scientific paper while still at secondary school is a fantastic accomplishment. Having the opportunity of presenting this to industry and academic experts was an unforgettable experience. They each have a bright future ahead of them.” Peter Byrne, Headteacher at St Oscar Romero’s Catholic School, said: “I am so incredibly proud of our students. To present a paper at a scientific conference, and to answer questions from university professors and industry experts with such confidence, is nothing short of remarkable. My thanks to Mr Clarke who both inspired and supported the students during the project.” The IoA is the UK’s professional body for those working in acoustics, noise and vibration. It was formed in 1974 from the amalgamation of the Acoustics Group of the Institute of Physics and the British Acoustical Society (a daughter society of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers). The Institute of Acoustics is a nominated body of the Engineering Council, offering registration at Chartered and Incorporated Engineer levels.

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Dear Liana, I much enjoy reading Inside West Worthing, it is both interesting and informative. However, I was disappointed that you chose to air the views of John Vaughan in the last edition of the paper. I have never met Mr Vaughan but his unpleasant and bitter comments about refugees are all too familiar and to me, unwelcome. I will not comment at length other than to say that labelling thousands of people he will never meet, or know, as “unproductive, lazy and idle” marks Mr Vaughan as a heartless and bitter person. We should take pride in the fact that oppressed people choose to seek solace and safety in our country. Britain has a long tradition of welcoming those who ﬂee from war and want...I hope we never slam our door on those in need of refuge. Bill Geddes.

Hello Esme,

Useful Information All Saints Church and Hall allsaintschurchfindonvalley.co.uk Findon Village Hall findonvillagehall.net Findon Village Preschool www.findonvillagepreschool.co.uk Residents’ Association High Salvington pamela.hsra@shawz.me.uk Findon Valley Residents’ Association www.fvra.org.uk

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I noticed your article about reviving the Sussex Kelp ‘forests’ with interest. The two pictures on pg. 17 are quite attractive but as you and anyone who walks the Worthing beach know, our water has never been so transparent; indeed it often is well mixed with sewage eﬄuent. Did your man Mr Allnutt take these pictures himself in an aquarium? And if you choose to look back at the Worthing papers from the mid-80s, a time you mentioned, the Worthing Council and the business community were desperately calling for the Kelp forests to be removed. Why? Well, when mid-summer storms caused huge clumps of kelp to be washed up on the beaches, the stench of rotting kelp drove away the summer tourist trade. In times past local farmers would take wagons down to the Worthing beach and load up the rotting kelp as free fertilizer for their fields. For some reason you did not mention the baleful reality of the bad smells, nor the older tradition of green marine recycling. If you are going to write in a public forum you really should consider your subject from all angles otherwise you risk being accused of just dumping propaganda on the public. However everyone starts somewhere so keep on writing. Regards, John from West Worthing

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Celebrating a Year of Success with Worthing and Adur Chamber! Here’s what one of our members recently said about us: “As a small business, Worthing & Adur Chamber allows me the ability to meet other local business owners who are facing the same economic issues. In taking the time to talk, I am supported in the knowledge that I am not alone. I can discuss aspects affecting me with likeminded individuals and hear how they are approaching these issues. The Chamber staff support me through discussion and sharing of events and ideas; they put me in touch with individuals who can assist and bring new skills to my business plan. I can use other members as soundboards and utilise aspects of benefit in my own business plans. Together we are stronger. I can face the current obstacles in the knowledge that I have supportive, caring people around me. These are invaluable aspects of business and allow me the strength to find the paths that work for me and my team!” Marnie Williams - Flux Piercing Ltd

Tracie Davey Chief Executive of Worthing and Adur Chamber reﬂects on 2023

s we bid farewell to another incredible year, we proudly celebrate our diverse members that make Worthing and Adur Chamber a thriving business community. For those readers who aren’t familiar with Worthing and Adur Chamber here’s a brief summary of what we are all about! We are a membership-based organisation that has been established for 100 years in the town. We are a not-for-profit organisation led by a team of 4 employees and supported by a voluntary board of business owners from the local area who are all passionate about making Worthing and Adur a great place to do business. Our belief is that Together Business is Stronger. We are all about promoting, supporting and connecting businesses and we do that in a number of ways as you can see below! CALLING ALL VENUES We are always on the lookout for new venues for our events so if you are a local venue and are interested in hosting one of our events please do reach out to Lauren@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk with any ideas on how we may be able to work together.

• Extensive choice of business networking and social events • Annual headline events including the Better Business Show, AGM & Chamber Summit • Member to member connections • Exclusive member only events • Promotion of members own events

If you are a local business owner or work in a business and want to grow your connections, collaborate, or just have an informal chat with the team please do reach out, our door is always open. You can see more about us here www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

• Social coverage across all digital channels • Editorial & digital opportunities on Chamber website, Connect & e-news • Promotion of your business offers • Member listing on the Chamber website and SEO opportunities • Yearly listing in Chamber Connect Magazine

• Regular updates on business support available • Signposting & guidance from the Chamber Team • Save money with member to member offers • Chamber member logo to download and display • Corporate rate for FIT4 membership to all chamber members

• Be part of the local business community • Representing the interest of local business on many committees, Councils and working groups • Access to local authorities and Government • Share your views on local & current issues

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