Inside Cissbury, Issue 28, May 2024

“It really does feel like one big family!”

As Worthing’s leading social care charity, Guild Care has been providing a range of services to our local community for over 90 years. The charity provides services for older people, people living with dementia, and children & adults with learning disabilities.

Alex Brooks-Johnson, CEO of Guild Care, says, “Our vision is for everyone in need of care to live fulfilling, safe and secure lives. We want to make Worthing the best place in the UK to grow old, knowing that the right care is there for you as your individual needs change. It’s also important to foster a sense of wellbeing and we do that through lots of different community activities for people over 65, with a range of activities where they can make new friends and enjoy socialising together.”

CREATING CONNECTIONS

Guild Care’s Creating Connections activities include guided arts & crafts, singing for fun, quizzes and table tennis. These sessions are free to attend but are so popular that spaces must be booked in advance. The charity is seeking larger venues to accommodate more people who want to connect with others in a welcoming and fun environment.

HELP AT HOME

For those who need extra help with shopping or daily routines, Guild Care’s friendly home care

support services enable the more vulnerable in our communities to live independently.

SOCIAL EVENTS FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Daytime support is also offered to people living with dementia at Guild Care’s Haviland House Day Service in Goring-on-Sea. The team has just introduced a free, drop-in Dementia Choir, with caregivers invited to take part with their loved ones each month. More events are planned in the weeks ahead so it’s worth keeping in touch.

HOME SWEET HOME

Full-time care is provided at Guild Care’s three care homes, each of which has been individually designed with a comfortable, welcoming feel to

make people feel at home from the moment they arrive.

Joyce lives at Haviland House and says, “The staff are all fantastic! Nothing is ever too big of an ask and there’s a lovely family spirit here. My room also really feels like my own. I have all my pictures up on the wall, my own en-suite shower and a really comfy bed!”

Sue, Joyce’s daughter, feels that Haviland House has helped put her family at ease: “Haviland House has really made such a big difference to our whole family. It gives us peace of mind to know that mum is happy and well looked after, so we don’t need to worry about her falling ill or being alone.”

Joyce adds, “Everyone here is just so kind. You have absolutely everything you could need and it really does feel like home.”

A FOREVER HOME

Guild Care provides a full range of care services that adapt to deliver the right level of care as needs change, to offer stability, peace of mind, and a forever home for all.

For more information about any of Guild Care’s services, or to become a volunteer, please visit guildcare.org or call their friendly team on 01903 327327

For couples or individuals, our fully inclusive services adapt to deliver the right level of care wherever our residents are on their journey, providing a forever home for all as needs change

Contact our friendly customer relationship team to find out more

01903 327327

enquiry@guildcare.org

www.guildcare.org

We provide:

• 24/ 7 nursing care as standard

• Market-leading staffing levels

• Spacious, en-suite rooms

• A varied calendar of activities

• Delicious, nutritious food

Linfield House combines superb residential living with 24-hour expert nursing care and dedicated dementia suites.

The home is situated adjacent to the lovely Victoria Park not far from the centre of Worthing, offering easy access to shops, the library and seafront

Welcome

Well here we are heading towards Summer! Worthing Festival will be a fantastic start, kicking off in June. You can get a taste for what is to come on p27.

Running between the 8th and 23rd June, there will be fantastic free events as well as ticketed events. If you fancy any of the ticketed events, I recommend that you keep an early look out to avoid disappointment.

Speaking of events, we were given the honour of being in the audience for this year’s Gang Show. We were given front row seats!

The highlight for us was that several of our distributors were in the cast, both current and past. It was an absolute joy to see them shine on stage - and none of them broke a leg!

Thank you for all of our wonderful feedback, keep it coming (good and bad). We cover some topics of varied opinions and will continue to do so. We love a great debate!

Keep in touch!

Liana :)

CELEBRATES

Call 01903 357003 or email

Publisher - liana@insidepublications.ltd feedback@insidepublications.ltd events@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

Designer - Andy Beavis

CONTRIBUTORS

Russ Iden (Illustrator) | Bryan Turner MRPharmS

Caroline Osella | Simon Rigler | Chris Hare

Sean Hellett | Tracie Davey | 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.

Please recycle this Newspaper when you have finished with it.

The Hardest Geezer

27 year old Russ Cook challenged himself to run the entire length of Africa, raising money along the way! He is the first person in the world to ever achieve this phenomenal feat.

We all know that Worthing is a special place, and that over the years has produced some pretty special people. Well, this month, if you didn’t already know, Worthing has a SUPER amazing achievement to celebrate by a local resident.

Starting in Cape Agulhas on April 22nd 2023, he completed his journey in Bizerte, Tunisia on 7th April 2024 running approximately 386 Marathons in 240 days!

Russ is a former pupil of Vale School who’s staff and pupils were avidly egging Russ on through his final miles, the school posted on Facebook with an image of Russ doing the long jump on a Sports Day. Russ ran up the West Coast of the entire length of Africa, running through sandstorms, through day and night, through desserts, jungles and mountains and was “fried” by the sun during the day, pushing himself through pain as he went. As he ran, he shared his journey on his social media platforms. He described his challenges and shared his self-motivational mantras, which in turn he shared with his followers, to inspire

Vale School

Today at 15:35 • ��

All the pupils and staff of Vale School are cheering for one of our awesome former pupils Hardest Geezer - as he runs his final marathon in Tunisia today. What an amazing personal achievement and a great inspiration to us all.

Here he is taking part in a Vale School Sports day - back in the day

Hardest

visit Vale School and inspire the next generation of runners.

people to push through any challenges they might have in their daily lives.

Before leaving, he popped into Heart of Glass Tattoos in the Royal Arcade in Worthing to get his passport number tattooed on his wrist. Russ realised the potential risks of running through the territory he had chosen, so knowing his passport number was essential. A terrifying kidnapping in Congo, proved his fears about the dangers to be true.

On Russ’s return, he had reached a huge amount of donations towards his two chosen charities, and at the time of writing this article had reached 93% of his £1,000,000 target. One of the charities Russ is raising money for is The Running Charity, supporting people experiencing homelessness or complex needs through running. The second charity is Sandblast who educate through events about Saharawi people and promotes talent, self reliance, knowledge and support links through projects in Saharawi refugee camps.

No one has ever run the length of Africa before.

If you would like to help Russ to achieve his target, you can do so through this link

https://givestar.io/gs/ PROJECTAFRICA.

Geezer Please come back to

Russ doing the long-jump on Sports Day, taken from Facebook

Russ after completing his journey. Taken from Facebook.

Mother’s tragic tale told in 24-miles!

Proud local CIC, Billy and Beyond, presented their latest fundraising initiative on Saturday 6th April, 24 & Beyond. 33 people walked 24 miles on a route passing locations significant to the life and premature passing of Billy Mullin.

Walkers started at Royal Sussex County Hospital, Billy’s birthplace, and finished at Kings Hospital, where he died three days after his 24th birthday having obliviously taken too pure MDMA.

Billly and Beyond founder and Billy’s Mother, Nicci Parish, said: “Doing this journey was incredibly emotional but I am hoping it will raise lots of awareness on the dangers of recreational drugs.”

“If it starts one conversation or makes someone think twice after hearing Billy’s story, it’s all worthwhile” said Parish.

All 33 who took part congregated halfway at Worthing Hospital, the town Billy lived in and the A&E and ITU he was initially treated at.

The hospital kindly arranged a space for the meeting point. Melanie Peters, from The Social Media Rocket, helped organise local businesses donations for walker refreshments.

South East Coast Ambulance Service arranged an ambulance, with paramedics who attended Billy’s 999 call, to be there. Members of Worthing Hospital’s ITU team came down to show their support.

Samantha Lorraine Caiels, who partook in the walk, said: “With a 14-year-old daughter, I truly believe knowledge is power.”

“The work Nicci and the team at Billy and Beyond do is inspirational. That’s what moved me to take part. They have taken Billy’s story and created a community that allows children and young adults to have a safe space which promotes honesty, drug

safety and awareness” continued Caiels.

Worthing Thunder basketball club offered their support. Senior and junior players joined the group at the hospital and town crier, Bob Smytherman, saw them off on the beginning of their second leg to Worthing train station.

Just outside the hospital, a hearse, generously donated by Ian Hart Funeral service, saw Billy’s family and friends gather while poignantly playing My Chemical Romance’s ‘Welcome to the Black Parade’. Billy’s funeral song provided everybody opportunity to reflect on how he never came home again.

The hearse’s emptiness emotively warned others of recreational drug’s universal Russian Roulette risk.

“The work Billy and Beyond does can save lives” said director, Amy Thorley. “As a mother of three teenagers I know how vital it is to educate parents and young people about the dangers of drugs and give

them the knowledge to make informed choices.”

After arriving at Croydon, the group finished at Kings College Hospital, meeting Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation founder, Fiona Spargo-Mabbs, enroute. Groups from both organisations joined forces, fronted by two mothers carrying the common burden of recreational drug’s most dire consequences. Fiona’s son, Dan, died aged 16 in the same Liver Ward as Billy.

“Educating people to save just a few is a huge inspiration” reflected Katie Mcfarlane. “No matter what pain and heartache I go through, seeing others make a difference makes me want to do the same.”

A short service to remember both Billy and Dan subsequently took place in Kings’ Chapel.

Written by Henry Parish, Billy’s brother

Photos courtesy of Graham Franks

The increased cost of living continues to shock many. Interest rates have rocketed and the cost of every day goods and utilities keeps rising. When retired, this is a particular pinch point as income is often fixed with little way to boost it.

Once savings have depleted, many retirees find themselves asset rich and cash poor, with all their money tied up in their homes. One option is to downsize to release equity to support their standard of living. For those that don’t want to move, there are also options in the later life market.

Lifetime mortgages are gaining in popularity with those aged 55 years plus that need funds but don’t want to move home. These schemes enable you to release a small lump sum to cover initial needs alongside a facility to draw further funds as needed, in lumps as low as £500 at a time. Interest is only charged on the funds drawn down so spending can be actively managed.

This enables those with a shortfall each month to draw down funds that can then be used to maintain lifestyle or even just pay heating bills! Interest can be paid either in full, or in part, but if unaffordable, interest can be rolled up and doesn’t have to be repaid until you either move home, move into care or pass away. Interest rates are fixed for life so you know exactly what you will have to pay, and if you move home you can take the scheme with you.

To find out more contact Emerald Finance on 01903 222940

Worthing community groups invited to express an interest in development funding

Community groups and organisations are being invited to find out if their projects are eligible for funding ahead of the re-opening of Worthing Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Neighbourhood Fund.

Applications for the fund will open in May, but the council is inviting groups to express an interest now by filling out a simple form.

The Worthing CIL Neighbourhood Fund is made up of a proportion of the payments collected from developers building in the local area, to offset the impact felt by residents.

The fund covers one-off project costs

up to a maximum of £15,000, with over £205,000 available for groups to bid for.

Last year the fund was expanded to make it more inclusive and easier to apply for and 45 groups successfully secured funding for a wide range of projects that are benefitting people across Worthing.

Feedback on the changes to the fund was collected through the year and the council has used this to shape the funding priorities for 2024.

Groups advised the council that caring for the environment and providing more opportunities for young people are top priorities, as well as greater collaboration and sharing of resources with each other.

The council was also asked to support groups to learn about how they could become more inclusive and welcoming to diverse communities.

To help support groups to achieve these priorities, this year the council will prioritise projects focused on helping Worthing’s residents and communities become more connected within and across neighbourhoods and more involved in designing projects.

Groups will be encouraged to collaborate with one another to design projects that focus on improving health

and wellbeing, tackling environmental issues, caring for Worthing’s neighbourhoods, and growing community co-operation.

A series of community workshop events will take place in May, offering groups the chance to find out more about the fund and get an opportunity to network with each other.

Thursday 9th May from 9:30am to 11:30am in the Shaftesbury Room at Worthing Leisure Centre on Shaftesbury Avenue

Thursday 9th May from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Northbrook Barn Community Centre on Squadron Drive

Friday 10th May from 10am to midday at The Sidney Walter Centre on Sussex Road

Visit https://www.adur-worthing.gov. uk/worthing-cil/neighbourhoodfund/ to sign up for the community workshop events and find answers to some frequently asked questions.

23 years in business, in West End of Worthing. 30+ years Professional Piercing experience across the team. All female piercers, continually training and keeping abreast with advancements in the industry.

Stockists of the worlds’ leading artisan body jewellers

BVLA - Body Vision Los Angeles

• Danila Tarcinale Jewellery

• Buddha Jewelry • Anatometal • Junipurr Jewelry • People’s Jewelry

• Industrial Strength

• Inari Organics • Neometal Jewelry

You’ve decided on your new piercing, understood the importance of sterilisation processes and why we use needles. Let’s talk jewellery choices.

Nickel is one of the most common allergens triggering reactions in individuals with sensitivities.

Sterling silver is a popular jewellery choice, but it is made up of silver and other metals; such as copper. Copper has a high nickel contentit tarnishes when exposed to the air, moisture or certain chemicals. How often has that favourite necklace needed cleaning and polishing from being stored, marked your neck black or green? Don’t let that happen to your piercing - it can’t be wiped clean! Low grade, unidentified metals, will have nickel content, it is a cheap mass producing metal, popular with low priced accessory outlets.

Making a good choice of metal for your piercing can significantly impact the healing process and longevity of your piercing. Metals, such as titanium, gold and niobium, are known to be less likely to cause allergic reactions or skin irritation, discolouration and general discomfort. They are biocompatible with the body; less likely to react negatively making these metals ideal for piercings.

At Flux Piercing we only pierce you with certified and verified high quality metals - implant-grade titanium and 14k or 18k gold - they are durable and resistant to tarnishing, less likely to corrode or degrade over time, ensuring that your jewellery remains safe and comfortable to wear.

We are here 7 days a week, happy to help, explain and assist in the best choices for you. You have one body make the choices that count!

• According to research there’s a greater acreage of gardens than nature reserves in England, that’s why in a changing climate our gardens are SO important.

• There are 23 million gardens in the UK, and each one, whatever their size, can play a part in reversing biodiversity loss.

• The parts of your garden which feature water support more life per area than any other habitat.

• Whether you have a balcony, a window box, an urban patch or an acre or more, start thinking of it as an eco-system in its own right and a steppingstone in connecting habitats to create wildlife corridors.

BE INSPIRED!

With so many of our National Garden Scheme gardens showcasing water in its myriad forms here are just a few of West Sussex gardens, opening in June, to inspire you.

PEELERS RETREAT ARUNDEL

https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/ garden/23227/peelers-retreat

This inspirational space is a delight, with plenty of areas to sit and relax, enjoying delicious teas. Interlocking beds packed with year-round colour and scent, shaded by specimen trees, inventive water feature and rill, raised fish pond and a working Victorian fireplace.

Peelers Retreat 70 Ford Road Arundel

BN18 9EX is open for the National Garden Scheme on Sat 8, Tue 18, Sat 22 June, Tue 2, Sat 6 July, Tue 20, Sat 24 Aug, Tue 3, Sat 7, Sat 21 Sept, Sat 5 Oct (2pm-5pm). Admission £5, children free. Book online on the NGS website or pay on the day. Home-made teas.

The National Garden Scheme and the Importance of Water in our Gardens

Water is the life blood that supports all life on earth and is vital to any garden. The National Garden Scheme is partnered with WWT to promote a wider understanding of the importance of wetlands and water in nature and in our gardens – we share information on how to create mini-wetlands in our gardens and how to conserve water in the increasingly hot summers. With over 1,700 National Garden Scheme gardens mentioning water in their descriptions the importance of this life-giving element is clear.

From natural swimming ponds and stately rills to barrel ponds and water gardens in Belfast sinks, the variety of water in our gardens is inspiring. While water features provide fabulous depths to garden design, it also supports a wide variety of water loving plants and attracts wildlife too.

Visits also by arrangement from April to October for groups of up to 24. see NGS website for details.

FITTLEWORTH HOUSE, PULBOROUGH

https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/ garden/14546/fittleworth-house

A 3-acre tranquil, romantic, country garden with walled kitchen garden growing a wide range of fruit, vegetables and flowers including a large collection of dahlias. Large glasshouse and old potting shed, mixed flower borders, roses, rhododendrons, lawns and a feature pond. A magnificent 115ft tall cedar overlooks the wisteria covered Grade II listed Georgian house (not open). Wild garden, long grass areas and stream.

Fittleworth House Bedham Lane Fittleworth Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1JH is open for the National Garden Scheme on Wed 12th, 19th June, Wed 10th, 17th, 24th July, Wed 7th August (2pm-5pm). Admission £5, children free. Book online on the NGS website or pay on the day. Light refreshments.

Visits also by arrangement 22 Apr to 23 Aug for groups of 8 to 40. Weekdays only see NGS website for details.

FOXWOOD BARN FONTWELL

https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/ garden/43318/foxwood-barn

The garden at Foxwood Barn was developed from a green field site five years ago. This almost two acre garden has been developed into different areas and features a wildlife pond, a rose and gravel garden, patio areas and a dry riverbed. There are herbaceous borders, wildflower areas and

a small orchard and kitchen garden. There is a separate picnic area adjacent to a paddock with donkeys and ponies.

The garden at Foxwood Barn Foxwood Barn Fontwell Arundel BN18 0SR is open for the National Garden Scheme on Sat 1st and Sun 2nd June (2pm-5pm). Admission £6, children free. Book online on the NGS website or pay on the day. Home-made teas.

Visits also by arrangement June to Aug for groups of 10 to 30. Afternoon or evening visits. See NGS website for details.

BUMBLE FARM LOXWOOD

https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/ garden/45488/bumble-farm

Delightful large country garden. Passionately and imaginatively created by enthusiastic owner over the past 20 yrs. An interesting garden with a series of circular lawns surrounded by borders, full of mass drift, repeat planting of harmonious perennials, roses, shrubs, and more. A newly developed white garden, wisteria pergola, kitchen and cutting garden, fountains and various seating areas.

Bumble Farm Drungewick Lane

Loxwood Billingshurst RH14 0RS is open for the National Garden Scheme on Sat 1st June, Sat 15th June and Sunday 16th June (12pm – 5pm). Admission £6, children free. Book online on the NGS website or pay on the day. Home-made teas.

THE OLD VICARAGE, WASHINGTON

https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/ garden/21793/the-old-vicarage

Gardens of 3½ acres set around 1832 Regency house (not open). The front is formally laid out with topiary, wide

lawn, mixed border and contemporary water sculpture. The rear features new and mature trees from C19, herbaceous borders, water garden and stunning uninterrupted views of the North Downs. The Japanese garden with waterfall and pond leads to a large copse, stream, treehouse and stumpery.

The Old Vicarage The Street Washington, West Sussex RH20 4AS is open for the National Garden Scheme every Thursday to 10th October 2024 (10am-5pm) Admission £7, children free. Book online on the NGS website. Also open Sun 30th June, and Mon 26th August and by arrangement, see NGS website for details. Self-service light refreshments.

BIGNOR PARK PULBOROUGH

https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/ garden/1900/bignor-park

11 acres of peaceful garden to explore with magnificent views of the South Downs. Interesting trees, shrubs, wildflower areas with swathes of daffodils in spring. The walled flower garden has been replanted with herbaceous borders. Temple, Greek loggia, Zen pond and unusual sculptures.

Bignor Park Pulborough RH20 1HG is open for the National Garden Scheme on Tuesday 4th June and Tue 3rd September (2pm-5pm). Admission £5, children free. Book online on the NGS website or pay on the day. Home-made teas.

RYMANS APULDRAM

https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/ garden/4769/rymans

Walled and other gardens surrounding C15 stone house (not open); bulbs, flowering shrubs, roses, ponds, and potager. Many unusual and rare trees and shrubs. In late spring the wisterias are spectacular. Hybrid musk roses fill the walled garden in June and in late summer the garden is filled with dahlias, sedums, late roses, sages and Japanese anemones.

Rymans Appledram Lane South Apuldram Chichester PO20 7EG is open for the National Garden Scheme on Sun 23 June and Sun 15 Sept (2-5). Admission £6, children free. Home-made teas at St Mary’s Church, Apuldram. Refreshments in aid of St Mary’s Church, Apuldram. Visits also by arrangement 1 Apr to 3 Oct for groups of 10 to 30 see NGS website for details.

ST MARY’S HOUSE GARDEN BRAMBER

https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/ garden/11007/st-marys-house-gardens

5 acres including formal topiary, large prehistoric Ginkgo biloba and magnificent Magnolia grandiflora around enchanting

NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME INSIDE ⚪ ⚪

timber-framed medieval house (not open for NGS). Victorian Secret Gardens with a splendid 140ft fruit wall with pineapple pits, Rural Museum, Terracotta Garden, Jubilee Rose Garden, King’s Garden and circular Poetry Garden. Woodland walk and Landscape Water Garden. In the heart of the South Downs National Park. WC facilities. Wheelchair access with level paths throughout.

St Mary’s House Gardens Bramber BN44 3WE Is open for the National Garden Scheme on Fri 28 and Sat 29 June (2pm5.30pm). Admission £8.50, children £5. Book online on the NGS website or pay on the day. Home- made teas.

ST BARNABUS HOUSE

https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/ garden/36325/st-barnabas-house

Join one of the accompanied tours through the patient gardens, these will be held throughout the day. After which, take a relaxing wander through the hospice grounds, which have a central courtyard garden like an exotic atrium with seating, water features and abundant foliage from tree ferns, magnolias and katsura trees. Outside a large pond with fountainaerator adds tranquillity with the sound of running water. Lavender maze, meadow and productive vegetable plot. Bees hives, kindly donated by the Worthing Division of the West Sussex Beekeepers Associations (BKA). Good disability access to the site, central courtyard, main surrounding gardens and car park.

The garden at St Barnabus House 2 Titnore Lane, Goring-By-Sea, Worthing West Sussex BN12 6NZ is open for the National Garden Scheme on Sat 29th June (11am-4pm). Admission £5, children free. Book online on the NGS website. Teas. Refreshments & plants in aid of St Barnabas House hospice.

THE HIDDEN GARDEN, SELSEY

https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/ garden/44771/the-hidden-garden

The Hidden Garden is a community gardening project encouraging local people to become involved with growing fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers as well as providing spaces for wildlife to thrive. The garden is open to people of all ages and abilities, organised by the Selsey Community Forum but looked after by a dedicated group of local volunteers. Partial wheelchair access over grass paths. Park behind Selsey Library or in front of the Academy School on School Ln. You will see The Bridge Support Centre, enter through the gate & The Hidden Garden is behind the centre.

The Hidden Garden School Lane (behind Selsey Library) Selsey Chichester

PO20 9EH is open for the National Garden Scheme on Sun 30 June (10am4pm). Admission £5, children free. Book online on the NGS website or pay on the day. Home-made teas. Partial wheelchair access over grass paths. Park behind Selsey Library or in front of the Academy School on School Lane. You will see The Bridge Support Centre, enter through the gate & The Hidden Garden is behind the centre.

PARSONAGE FARM KIRDFORD

https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/ garden/18581/parsonage-farm

Major garden in beautiful setting developed over 30 years with fruit theme and many unusual plants. Formally laid out on grand scale with long vistas. C18 walled garden with borders in apricot, orange, scarlet and crimson. Topiary walk, pleached lime allée, tulip tree avenue, rose borders and vegetable garden with trained fruit. Turf amphitheatre, autumn shrubbery, yew cloisters and jungle walk.

Parsonage Farm Kirdford, near Billingshurst RH14 0NH is open for the National Garden Scheme on Fri 21 June and Sun 8 Sept (2pm-6pm). Admission £8, children free. Pay on the day. Home-made teas (cash only). Refreshments in aid of The Jane Lemon Foundation.

LODSBRIDGE MILL SELHAM

https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/ garden/45737/lodsbridge-mill

A 20-acre estate in the South Downs National Park with a house (not open) that was a former C18 watermill on the banks of the River Rother, enhanced by mature willows and a timber-decked suspension footbridge. A broad grassy glade is bordered by shrubs and trees, there is also a cottage garden, a disused canal and a belt of mixed mature woodland to explore. A beautiful landscape for gentle walking and taking in the stunning views.

Lodsbridge Mill Selham, Petworth GU28 0PL is open for the National Garden Scheme on 6th July (10am-6pm). Admission £8, children free. Book online on the NGS website. Home-made teas.

To learn more about the National Garden Scheme, discover your perfect garden or find out how to open your own garden, visit https://ngs.org.uk, download the National Garden Scheme app or purchase the National Garden Scheme’s Garden Visitor’s Handbook, which is published annually and available via ngs.org.uk/shop and at all good book retailers.

For all West Sussex NGS gardens opening in June you can also use the following link

https://ngs.org.uk/west-sussex-june-gardens/

Fear of the Feminine

St. Melangell

Chris Hare

There have been moments in my research of local history that have stopped me in my tracks, and, in a sense, transported me right back to former times. More than that, they have also forced me to reconsider our national story and how easy it is to destroy that which previous generations took centuries to create.

My most recent research, on Sussex during the Civil War, led me to consider the causes of that conflict, which were clearly sown in the previous century. As I read about these events and considered their implications

It dawned on me that one of the greatest, perhaps the greatest consequence of the ‘Reformation’ of the reign of Henry VIII was its impact on women.

Have you ever wondered why modern feminism arose so forcefully in this country and the English speaking world? Why did it not emerge in China, India, or Africa?

Some might argue this was simply because women were more oppressed in these cultures than our own and therefore more effectively silenced. Or others might point out that Britain, as the first industrialised and the first predominantly urban society, was bound to create the conditions for social upheaval and a challenge to existing orthodoxies.

I am sure there is much truth in both these assertions, but I think there is another factor, rarely considered, that may help explain why women came to feel marginalised in England, and why this led to a political reaction; and I think the answer lies in the events of the sixteenth century.

Medieval England had a great many saints, and an even greater number of holy places associated with them. There were shrines, relics, holy wells, and folk stories that were the mainstay of everyday life. The great event of a medieval person’s year was a pilgrimage, and a pilgrimage over a great distance to a place of special veneration could well be the outstanding event in one’s life.

Many of these saints were women. Highest of all in place of veneration, second only to Christ himself, was the Virgin Mary. It was to the Virgin, ‘The Mother of the World’, that people would pray for relief from the perils and misfortunes of their daily lives; but there were many other female saints. Locally, there was St. Lewinna, who for centuries was greatly venerated in the county of Sussex, and whose shrine was found at Seaford. Lewinna had been martyred for her faith and was widely esteemed for her courage. It is said that the town of Lewes was named after her. For hundreds of years Sussex people walked to her shrine and prayed to her for help and intercession.

The greatest Sussex shrine was that to St. Richard at Chichester Cathedral. On a recent trip to remotest mid-Wales, my wife and I visited the rebuilt shrine of St. Melangell, who is always shown carrying a hare, or with a hare at her feet (obviously having the surname ‘Hare’ very much attracts me to this saint!). Female saints and imagery were everywhere in medieval Britain.

Long before Christianity, there would have been male and female deities. Indeed the Sun itself was regarded as male, and the Moon as female. Water was generally associated with the feminine, and the land with the masculine. So, it is not too fanciful to suggest that this balance, this harmony between the sexes, was extremely ancient and vital to a harmonious world.

Then there was a change, an incalculable rupture; the effects of which are still with us till this day. In the 1530s, King Henry VIII, the only king of this country to have had not just one, but two wives put to death, embarked on a process of destruction and desolation, the like of which was without parallel, before or since. The King, along with his ruthless and avaricious henchman,

Thomas Cromwell, seized all the lands and property belonging to monasteries, convents, and abbeys, and enriched themselves by selling these great estates to the highest bidder. It was theft and rapine thinly disguised as religious reform.

Part of this process of ‘reformation’ included the destruction of nearly all the holy places that had been central to people’s lives for generations. Both the shrines to St. Lewinna and St. Richard were obliterated. Some of Lewinna’s holy remains had earlier been spirited away to safety in France. Effigies of female saints were especially singled out for retribution. Even the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham was carted off to London and publically burned.

It was not only effigies that were burned; people where too. Elizabeth Barton, known as the ‘Maid of Kent’, attracted large crowds when she warned the King that he was being beguiled by black magic. The King listened to her warnings and ordered her to be burned at the stake as a heretic; but if anyone was a heretic, it was the King himself.

Following Henry VIII and Thomas Cromwell’s ravening rampage, the feminine was entirely erased from the cultural and religious life of England. There was no female face left to the church: only the face of the King and his compliant bishops remained. It was, I would argue, a revolution steeped in misogyny.

This wholly unnatural state of affairs could not be maintained indefinitely. During the following century, the simmering

conflicts unleashed by Henry VIII, led to Civil War, and to the execution of another king: Charles I. Women were prominent at this time, both in demanding an end to war, with peace protests in London, or in their involvement with the various radical sects that emerged at this time, such as the Levellers, the Diggers, the Fifth Monarchists, the Muggletonians, or the wild and sensuous, Ranters. Anna Trapnell, was a visionary, a prophetess, accused by her detractors of being in league with the Devil.

From a local perspective, the most important group for women were the Society of Friends, better known as the Quakers. Dozens of Quaker women in Sussex were arrested and imprisoned for their beliefs. They spoke at meetings and addressed crowds. This was not something women had not done before.

In the eighteenth and nineteenth century, women are found to the fore in the more radical strains of Methodism and also the Salvation Army, which gave equal status to men and women in their ranks. Critics bemoaned ‘the unnatural condition’ of women in positions of leadership and authority. Twenty years later in the 1900s, militant suffragettes began a violent campaign of protest for the right to vote. This aggressive and confrontational behaviour was often condemned, not just because of its illegality, but because of women behaving in a way considered more male than feminine.

In the 1920s, the extraordinary Vera Pragnell, created a ‘back-to-the-land’ community at Heath Common in the parish of Washington, where she hoped people could find rest and spiritual awakening in her rural treat. Denis Earle, a local artist, painted a portrait of her looking rather saint-like. Vera and Denis later married. There are always many causes for social change and rarely does history shift under the traction of one single dynamic. Yet, the more I consider it, the more convinced I am that the attempt to expunge the feminine from the spiritual and cultural life of this country in the sixteenth century led to an inevitable female reaction in the centuries that followed. Indeed, readers may think there are other aspects of our life today that have been shaped, across the centuries, by some very dark and malevolent impulses unleashed in this country nearly 500 years ago.

Chris is giving a number of illustrated talks and guided walks as part of the Worthing Festival, one of which is titled “‘The Devil in the Women’ - The feminine in local history, literature, and folklore. Friday 14th June, 7pm at the Sidney Walter Centre, Worthing. Booking in advance essential.

Details of this and all Chris’ talks and walks can be found at https://form.jotform.com/240353845375056 or scanning the QR code.

Anna Trapnell and the Devil

King Henry VIII

TACKLING THE CLIMATE & NATURE CRISIS TOGETHER

By Sean Hellett - CREW CoFounder & Trustee

The bill is a plan for a new UK law that addresses the full extent of the climate and nature crisis in line with the most up-todate science. The bill is the only proposed legislation before the UK Parliament that ensures a comprehensive and joined-up approach to the emergency.

While the existing Environment Act only offers to halt the decline of nature by 2030, the CAN bill commits to reversing the destruction of nature by 2030.

Weaning ourselves off fossil fuels

You may have heard of a parliamentary bill called the CEE bill (Climate and Ecology Emergency bill) tabled in 2020. Unfortunately, as a private members bill, it ran out of debating time. A new bill called the CAN (Climate and Nature) bill had its first reading on 21st March 2024largely with the same content.

means big changes. So it’s important that everyone is on board with them. That’s why the bill also calls for a climate and nature assembly to help Government and Parliament develop an emergency strategy on the way forward.

The bill, written by scientists, experts and campaigners, was first introduced in Parliament by Caroline Lucas MP in September 2020, and now has the backing of over 150 parliamentarians representing all major political parties.

Briefly, the bill states:

The objectives are to ensure that the United Kingdom;

a) reduces its overall contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions to net zero at a rate consistent with;

ii) limiting the global mean temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to preindustrial levels as defined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; and

iii) fulfilling its obligations and commitments under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, taking into account the United Kingdom’s and other countries’ common but differentiated responsibilities, and respective capabilities, considering national circumstances (‘the climate target’); and

b) halts and reverses its overall contribution to the degradation and loss of nature in the United Kingdom and overseas by;

iii) increasing the health, abundance, diversity and resilience of

species, populations, habitats and ecosystems so that by 2030, and measured against a baseline of 2020, nature is visibly and measurably on the path of recovery;

iv) fulfilling its obligations under the UNCBD and its protocols and the commitments set out in the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature and the KunmingMontreal Global Biodiversity Framework; and

v) following the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (‘the nature target’).

The bill would require the government to include annual interim targets consistent with the achievement of the objectives and the Secretary of State must take all reasonable steps to meet those annual interim targets.

It requires the UK to end exploration and development of new fossil fuel deposits.

Up until now the UK has easily been able to advertise great progress with decarbonising. This is partly due to the reference year, used in the Paris agreement, being just before the UK decommissioned its coal fired power stations!

More importantly, however, the bill calls for an expert independent body

to establish a Climate and Nature Assembly (‘the Assembly’) comprising a representative sample of the United Kingdom population.

We at CREW will be supporting the bill and the campaign organised by Zero hour. The campaign is to lobby MPs to support the bill and in the forthcoming general election to pledge to ONLY vote for a candidate that openly supports the Bill. You can see on the website which prospective candidates in Worthing support the bill.

MEET THE

Feel empowered to take action on climate change and sustainable living!

Our youth climate project is underway and our first fortnightly session was held at CREW on Tuesday 16th April. The next one will be on Tuesday 30th at 6:30pm.

The session was delivered in collaboration with the EYE project. Next Generation is aimed at 12+ years but we hope to have a younger group age 7 to 11 years called Planet Protectors running later on in the year.

Tell all your friends and family! Get in touch with us at nextgeneration@ worthingcrew.co.uk

CREW are still seeking premises.

Having a central hub is key to allow CREW to continue its work with the urgency required in order to safeguard our local population and find answers to adaptation and mitigation where we can. We have many exciting and challenging projects running as well as our community events, all integral to building community resilience. Our current lease will end in June and we do not anticipate the renewal of our meanwhile lease. However, CREW is not going away! We will continue renting space for our regular events, pop-ups and markets/fairs until we find a new home. We have had eighteen months of inspirational, motivational and dedicated hard work and we are beyond proud of what we have achieved. We have shown that we are delivering many of A&W and WSCC climate commitments, offering adaptation, mitigation and wellbeing support to our community, as well as improving their climate score cards (see further info below). Should we be unable to find an alternative building immediately we will still deliver on our commitments. Please let us know of any ideas for partnerships, shared space or empty buildings needing some community love!

As climate change consequences and its knock on effects continue to raise alarm, our community needs to have a safe space in which to turn to, discuss and work together to ensure our town is safe and thriving despite the obstacles and challenges that we will face.

Contact us on info@worthingcrew.co.uk if you can support us in finding a central space. Or subscribe to our newsletter!

Don’t forget about our weekly events!! Coming up soon we have Sussex Blazing Saddles, Solar Panels advice, the Online Climate Cafe, Stitch it, Don’t Ditch it!!, Bread and Roses at Maybridge Keystone Centre, Mindful Monthly Collage, Monthly Vegan Fairs, Rain Gardens: Reducing Flood Risk One House at a Time, Wildflower Walk & Moth Trap and more! Go to crew.eventbrite.co.uk for further information and to book!

No emotional attachments –Tyler Fairbairn:

“You can’t attach emotion to the sport. If you only play basketball because you love it, you’re not going to want to play the minute that love fades, it’s going to start taking a toll on you,”

“I’ve never heard anyone say that. It’s interesting…”

“People are surprised when I say I don’t love basketball. I do it because I’m really interested in it, it helps me with my routine and you can see an outcome from it… I believe making it the only thing you do is harmful. I might be alone in saying that.”

Despite the great chasm between medieval sport and top-level basketball today, one element is common to both, they’re fought in a cauldron of emotion, much of it irrational. The cheering, chestbeating intensity of basketball, with supporters encircling the enemy while demanding their team go for the kill – in this case scoring and demoralising the opposition as much as possible. It’s a sport built on poking the bear, evoking the most violent response possible and testing whether you can take it.

Then there are those that are the antidote to that cauldron, bringing their cold, emotionless and systematic approach to the game. And that is precisely the bracket Worthing Thunder’s Tyler Fairbairn sits.

His career, now in year five, has been an almost continuous ascent. The 20-yearold started playing for Kingston Wildcats before joining London Westside Rangers a season later.

Despite the adversity of going weeks

without training, his Rangers side ended up league and playoff champions that season, much of it thanks to Tyler’s ever reliable source of motivation – coach Pat Avorkliyah.

“Coach Pat was intense,” Tyler recalls, “he had us doing seven-hour workouts every day.”

“You could never say it, but I thought it was a little much,” he said, with a smile spreading above a grimace of remembered aches and pains.

Despite putting “his mind in the right place”, obsessive training like this may have opposed the value central to his life - balance. An old school grafter, teamed with a modern grasp on over saturation, his “interests” are broad. A keen reader, committed to religion, while studying earth sciences at university, the routes to escaping the stresses of basketball aren’t a massive voyage.

His career has one other unique point –his twin brother, John. The pair have made every step together in basketball since the age of 15. You might expect brotherly competition to underpin their rapid rise to the top of English basketball. Nothing could be further from the truth.

“We’ve always had the idea that we can compete with everyone else in the world, (but not each other),” Tyler said.

“I can’t say anyone has been more important for my mental state than my brother. It’s a massive advantage.”

They continued to develop, under the watchful eye of Marvin Addy, a former Thunder player, someone who is still

central to their development. Five seasons later, representing the very team their original coach did, the journey was not, however linear it appeared, simple to Tyler. A systematic thinker, his path has been about fitting the jigsaw together.

“Itchen (where he headed after Westside) and Solent was very important for my mental side. I viewed basketball individualistically. I felt it owed me something.”

“(Coach) Matt (Guymon) and Jack (O’Keeffe) were very good at sorting my mental side out. I was a mess with that,” Tyler admitted.

“Not making the division one team (at Solent) was a recent setback. It was my main goal for the season.”

“I dealt with it by focusing on the positives. Being guaranteed a much bigger role and playing under Matt and Jack helped.”

It worked out. Under O’Keeffe and Guymon, his style blossomed. A professor in waiting, you can feel the data being crunched, collected and compiled every second he spends on the court. Every spin and twist calculated and executed to meticulous millimetre perfection. Each thought of shooting carefully considered and optimised. The result? A season where Tyler and John were inseparable to the eye and the stat sheet. Tyler averaged 14.2 points a game, including one match he scored an un-fathomable 41-points with 17 rebounds. John rarely failed to place immediately above or below his twin in the team’s season stats.

A slew of accolades followed – all south conference team for Elite Academy Basketball League (EABL), young player of the year for NBL division two south and selection for the Hoopsfix All Star Classic, an event showcasing upcoming basketball talent – before his division one break came east along the coast last summer.

This season was far from restful though. In one of the “tougher” seasons of his career, it has provided him an extra shade to the canvas of his career – the mental response to losing. Thunder suffered 8 defeats to single-digit margins.

“I’m happy with the mental improvements I’ve made. Learning to be un-bothered when I play badly was important for me.”

“If I have a bad game, I don’t think about it for three days (anymore),” he said.

One of the great thrills of sport is witnessing different characters’ response to success. While others roar with passion, or incite noise from the crowd, Tyler doesn’t do that. A knowing look maybe, or a walk brimming with confidence is preferred. Almost every season has added a lesson, and with it a layer of armour, making his progression an exciting prospect.

Henry Parish

Pickleball is currently one of sport’s trendiest exponents. The wave of popularity in the States, which is challenging tennis, is also expected to submerge the UK. Groups like Arun pickleball club may become the focus of its popularity in this country.

Self-proclaimed sports freak Claire McKnight discovered pickleball at the Manor in Devon. She, together with her family, spotted a gap in the sports club market and aimed to build a community around the sport.

“We wanted a club that was financially stable, competitive, fun, social and inclusive,” recounted Claire, whose role as Chair ensures the club sticks to its ethos. “We were keen there was no one person (who owned it). The club is owned by the community.”

Their membership surged to 50, with work extending beyond the continent.

They travelled to Uganda in February 2023 to donate equipment from the club and Pickleball England. A pickleball court was luxurious, despite it being defined by flour.

Their work continued when, in association with charity Well Spring, they provided nets to Ugandan schools. Over 50 attended an open session, but it was travelling through the slums enroute which drove home the cultural differences.

Many were playing bare foot on a court beside a tree and a four-foot drop.

Claire fondly recounted, “The health and safety talk I normally give was very different there.”

“They (people of Uganda) have such an attitude of gratitude. The biggest thing I learnt from that trip was to do something. We can’t solve world hunger and poverty, but we can make a difference to a small group of people.”

Their association with Pickleball England also led to them coaching at schools for children with additional needs.

Claire said: “I’m passionate about it. This is the most inclusive sport. I can get someone playing within an hour.”

THE WONDERKID SHOWING UP ITS PARENTS:

Born as the offspring of table tennis, badminton and tennis, pickleball was invented in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington. Its inventors - Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum - were looking for a game their children could play. It was declared their state’s sport 57-years later.

Played on a badminton sized court, using tennis style nets, players use paddles to hit a wiffle ball.

The double bounce rule, which confuses beginners, simply requires the ball to bounce both sides before you play to win the point. Unlike its popular parent, tennis, no volleys are allowed inside the “kitchen”, or no volley zone, which places the emphasis on finesse rather than brute force.

The origin of its quirky name has differing stories; one possibility is Pritchard’s wife, who’d previously

competitively rowed, named it after a pickle boat –a term referring to a thrown together crew. Others say it was named after Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, who frequently ran off with the ball.

Pickleball turned professional in 2019. The Association of Pickleball Players (APP), the tour sanctioned by the sport’s US governing body, and the Pickleball Players Association (PPA), have a combined 41 events.

Players combine at Major League Pickleball tournaments. Sports stars such as Naomi Osaka, Lebron James and Tom Brady have already invested in expansion teams.

A DROP IN THE OCEAN: WHAT THE PEOPLE SAY

UK clubs began forming in 2011. It’s projected, in 2030, to be worth £100M in the UK alone. There are already 270 venues to entertain its 7000 registered players.

Member Sharron became aware of the emerging sport after her son suggested she might enjoy it.

“It’s a nice group of people,” said Sharron, who’s only lived in the area for a year. “It doesn’t matter what level you are; everyone mixes with each other.”

Fellow members Ann Bird and Emily Whitbourne concur with Sharron’s ‘welcoming’ view, seeing the sport’s growth as part of societal desire to be more inclusive, saying: “There are no preconceptions. There’s a grandma (at the club) who comes along with her grandson – it’s intergenerational,” said Bird and Whitbourne.

In a world divided, with threats and uncertainty looming above all our heads, what we have already lost, and risk losing further, is good people enjoying not only their sport, but life in general.

Sunday May 12th 2024 9am-2:30pm ROUNDSTONE LANE

Our National Health Service for too long had a poor record for outcomes for cancer patients, when compared to similar countries such as France, Germany or the Netherlands. In blunt terms, this means that a UK citizen has less chance of still being alive five years after diagnosis than in those other countries. I have written in previous articles for INSIDE on subjects such as ovarian, cervical and bowel cancer. I have made the point in those articles that early diagnosis is the key to a better outcome, as this means that treatment can be started earlier, and the medics have more options.

In a rare NHS good news story, I welcome the Government’s Community Diagnostic Centre program. This is a project to initially deliver 160 diagnostic centres across the country by March 2025. In late 2023 they announced that the project was ahead of schedule, and all 160 would be open and operational a year early in 2024. The centre which is relevant to all of us in the Worthing area is located in Southlands Hospital in Shoreham which opened in October 2023. Not all centres are co-located within hospitals. In Bognor Regis, for example, the centre is located within the University of Chichester campus. In Brighton, it is on the site of the Falmer Community Stadium. In other towns, they have been sited in unused retail space in town centres. All of this is to make access easier and quicker. Some centres are scheduled to open 12 hours a day, 6 days a week.

The Shoreham centre offers X-ray, ultrasound, CT scanning and MRI, and offers a big boost to the previously existing facilities. According to a University Hospitals Sussex press release earlier this year,

NHS Community Diagnostic Centres

14,000 patients have already been seen, and the site has the capacity to see 45,000 patients annually. The equipment is said to be “state of the art”, and it is the first time that Southlands has had CT and MRI equipment permanently situated on site. Funding was secured to recruit 16 new radiographers for the service. Further development is planned at the site, to make other diagnostic testing available, including testing for heart problems, gynaecological and

lung function problems. These added services should be up and running by the autumn of 2024.

The result of all of this investment and work is that patients can have the right diagnosis made weeks (or maybe months) earlier, and their GP or hospital consultant can get on with discussing and initiating the correct treatment option. Maybe we can look forward to a time when the NHS can deliver the health outcomes that we know are possible.

HEALTH NEWS SNIPPETS

Measles is on the rise. An outbreak has been reported in Wales (April 9th), and other outbreaks have been reported across Europe. Measles is a distressing disease, and while most patients will recover, a significant few can develop deafness and some may die. Vaccination is the key to defeating this disease, and parents should make sure that they are up to date.

A new study has linked cannabis use to heart attacks and strokes. A large scale study in the USA has concluded that people who used cannabis daily had a 25% higher chance of a heart attack and a 42% higher chance of a stroke than those who did not use cannabis at all. This was after taking other risk factors such, as tobacco, into account.

Vaping has been shown to cause damage to the cells in the cheek. Vaping has been marketed as an aid to quitting smoking, but it should not be seen as a long term alternative to tobacco. A recent study has suggested that those who vape regularly are at risk of damage to the cells within the mouth, and that damage is similar to that seen with tobacco. If you vape, you are well advised to have a plan to reduce your use down to zero.

Bryan Turner MRPharmS

‘Paws for Wellbeing’ with Miss May

In her work as a Pets As Therapy visiting PAT Dog, Miss May helps people to ‘paws for well-being’. This month she focuses on how we can ‘take notice’ more and how this can benefit both our physical and mental health alongside our capacity to do well at home, school, work and in the community!

To ‘Take Notice’ is one of the ‘5 Ways to Well Being’ which emerged through a government backed research project in 2008, to look for five positive things we can do each day. Since then, they have been adopted in many organisations, schools and community settings, including the NHS. Of course dogs, like humans, are conditioned by their past experiences which can be both positive and negative, but they are much better than us at being able to live in the moment. For example, Miss May is very good at ‘Taking Notice’, being present and soaking up the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and sensations around her. When she’s out for her energetic walks on Cissbury Ring, she is completely absorbed by the environment, as she moves from one experience to another. She is bright and alert and each walk is a brand new adventure! Or, when Miss May is having a cuddle and tummy tickle with her Dad Clive, she is just in the zone, soaking up the love! In these situations, she is also helping Clive to be more mindful and present which is really good for his well being too!

When Miss May visits her hospital ward, or calls in to a care home people can’t help but to stop and take notice of her. She immediately becomes the focus of everyone’s attention and for a few moments she might help take their minds off their own worries and pressures. People notice her redgolden colour, the softness of her ears, the silkiness of her coat, the warmth of her body

Miss May Instagram @may_redgoldengirl

PAT details more information on volunteering

t. +44 (0)1865 590 308

w. https://petsastherapy.org

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Voluntary Services

Tel: 01903 205111

Ext: 85615 or Email: uhsussex.volunteers-wash@nhs.net

leaning on them and the wetness of her nose as she gently nudges them for a treat!

Research has shown that by simply stroking a dog we can lower our cortisol levels (the stress hormone) in our bodies, helping to reduce stress symptoms. In the same way, stroking a dog also increases oxytocin, otherwise known as the feelgood hormone. This makes us feel better, gives a mental health boost, and bonds us to the dog. Many studies show the psychological benefits of having a furry friend come to work, and a growing number of companies; Google, Innocent Drinks, Brew Dog, Mars Inc., Amazon, and Etsy, to name a few, offer a dog-friendly environment to reduce stress among their employees.

So, what can we do to ‘Take Notice’ more intentionally? There’s no one size fits all, but here are 3 ‘Pawsitive Pointers’ from Clive and Miss May.

1. Practice Savouring – Savouring is defined as taking notice of and appreciating the positive aspects of life, and paying conscious attention to what gives us pleasure. This can be difficult, but try to routinely appreciate the beauty all around you, especially the little things that generate emotions such as awe and wonder, rather than taking things for granted.

• Get in touch with your senses. Eat more slowly, take the time to sniff the food or close your eyes while you’re taking a sip of wine.

• Absorb positive feelings during a special

moment, such as taking in a work of art or being out in nature.

• ‘Paws’ for a moment, consciously be aware of things you want to remember, such as the sound of a loved one’s laugh or a touching moment between two family members.

• Be proud of and savour your achievements. Don’t hesitate to pat yourself on the back and take credit for your efforts.

• Remember that good moments pass quickly. Remind yourself to consciously relish them!

2. Cultivate Mindfulness – Mindfulness is the ability to take notice and live each moment, easy or hard, as it unfolds, and accept it without judgment. Research suggests it can enhance physical health and improve mental wellbeing.

• One of the greatest psychological benefits of interacting with a dog is the opportunity for mindfulness — purposefully focusing your attention on the moment with your canine companion or other pets.

• Mindfulness is a component of relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, tai chi, massage, reflexology and meditation.

• Try an evidence-based meditation app like Headspace www.headspace.com. Many people find meditation helpful, but it’s not for everyone and that’s ok.

3. Have an Attitude of Gratitude – Gratitude means to notice and be thankful for the good things in life. It’s about being thankful for what we have, rather than always trying to get what we want! Gratitude is associated with many benefits including happiness, improved cardiovascular and immune functioning, better sleep, stronger bonds and friendships, higher school grades and less stress, anxiety and depression.

• Express thankfulness directly when you receive a gift or an act of kindness. Show appreciation.

• Pay a gratitude visit to someone you meant to thank but never got round to. Write them a note, and better still, read it out to them.

• Regularly reflect on 3 good things that have happened to you and write them in a journal, place them in a jar, or stick them on a wall. It doesn’t mean that we don’t have bad days and challenging times, but we can see the good things in life too.

We hope this affirms some things you already do and reminds you of new ways to take notice and enhance your well-being with or without a dog!

Safe in Sussex’s 6th annual Shocking Shirts and Funky Frocks Month!

West Sussex based domestic abuse charity Safe in Sussex will be asking the public, businesses and education establishments to support their 6th annual Shocking Shirts and Funky Frocks June to raise money to support those affected by domestic abuse across the county.

Safe in Sussex provides support in our four refuges and through one to one and group sessions. We engaged with well over 1000 adults and children last year.

How you can help us. Use the excuse of National Cream Tea Day on the 28th June to dress up and have afternoon tea - no one can say no to tea and cake, can they?

But if that does not work for you – how about holding that tea party on any day

in June, have a dress up or dress down day, organise a competition for the most shocking or funky outfit, or you can use the templates on our website for a colouring competition. We would just love you to get involved and have fun while helping raise funds for our service.

Fundraising Manager Kay Birch said: “One in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime – help us be there for them.”

To find out more about our services or how you can support us, please visit our website www.safeinsussex.org

You can link your fundraising efforts to our Justgiving page at https://www. justgiving.com/safeinsussex

Thank you and we look forward to seeing your photos – you can post them to SafeinSussex on Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/safeinsussex/ or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ safeinsussex/

From Pencils to Penalty Kicks

Bob Bond is a book illustrator. He pretends to be retired, but while his wife is out shopping, Bob sneaks back to his drawing board, picking up his pencil once again. His latest offering, quite timely, is a book of football cartoons.   ‘I never wanted to do footballers. When I began to illustrate children’s comics I wanted to draw Cowboys and Indians. But the editor was not impressed, and asked me how I was with football? That was in the 1960s, and there was a World Cup happening. I would have agreed to anything... so the first pen and ink drawings I had published were potted biographies of footballers like Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore.  ‘Like it or not, I was immediately pigeon-holed as a ‘football artist’ and was never asked to draw anything else. Since then I have, of course, illustrated other subjects. But mostly it has been football books and magazines.’

So THE MAGIC OF THE FA CUP (Pitch Publishing, 256 pages, £19.99) is a collection of Bob’s cartoons and caricatures and is a treat for any football fan.

Bob lives in Goring-by-Sea with his wife Janet. He confesses that the elder of his sons is a much better artist than himself, and now illustrates graphic stories from his home in Los Angeles.

Should any reader want a signed copy of Bob’s book, he can be reached on bobbond@live.co.uk

Don’t go it alone

Being a business owner can be a lonely place, especially when you are starting out. At the beginning it can be so overwhelming, being all things to all people. I speak from firsthand experience. When I opened my shop, back in 2002, I tried to do everything myself. It took me way too long to realise that some things just weren’t in my skill set. Then I had some pretty tough decisions to make, should I pay someone to do that for me? The time saved when you do the ‘stuff’ you are really good at, and pay someone to take some other tasks off your shoulders can pay off immeasurably.

When starting out in business, you will naturally be very cautious about who you work with and who you trust. You will go through many thought processes and uncertainties. But, in amongst all of that doubt, just remember you set up your business because you are brilliant at what you do and don’t ever forget that!

Here are a few of my top tips for “not going it alone”

BUILD YOUR TEAM

You may think ‘but I can’t afford a team right now’, but your team can also be those around you that you already trust. Maybe you have family or friends who are in business, who can share their knowledge and expertise and would be happy to be ‘on your team’. There are always people who are happy to help and be a listening ear. Think about who inspires you in business, you may not be able to pick up the phone to them, but look at what makes them successful and learn from their experiences.

CREATE A NETWORK

Connecting with likeminded people is probably one of the most important things you can do. You will meet business owners who are going through (or have gone through) exactly the same

as you. Every business owner experiences similar challenges, having days where they could happily chuck it all in, as well as days where they’d never look back. Being part of a business community is invaluable. I wasn’t and I know my journey in business would have been completely different if I had been. There are so many supportive networks out there, not just in person - there are also many virtual networks that you can tap into. Look at the types of businesses you’d most like to work with; How do they connect with other businesses? Which events do they go to?

SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE

People buy people, what better way to raise your profile than sharing your expertise. Think about how you might be able to tap into business networks and offer mini workshops, expert sessions, and share some top tips on social media. You may be able to open up your premises to host small workshops or meet ups.

DON’T BE A JACK OF ALL TRADES

Be a master at what you are really good at, the very reason you started the business in the first place. You’ll never be an expert at every skill needed to run a business, but there are people who are experts in the areas that you are not. And guess what … there are people out there who need what you are brilliant at!!! This again comes back to being present in your network, be the expert people need, be generous, be supportive and be memorable.

FINALLY … BE PART OF YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE!

Well, I would say that wouldn’t I, being the Chief Exec of this pretty fabulous organisation! But there’s a good reason I am… because I love business. I didn’t love running mine all the time but I REALLY love supporting business owners and so do the whole team. The words above are exactly

Tracie Davey, Chief Executive of Worthing & Adur Chamber, shares some thoughts and tips for starting out in business.

what our members said about us recently, pretty impressive I think!

The Chamber membership is entirely made up of people just like you, from people who have just started out on their journey to people who have been running their business for many, many years and like to ‘pay it forwards’. By being part of Worthing & Adur Chamber you are accessing in excess of 300 likeminded business people, along with a team who are passionate about seeing you succeed, and will do all they can to help you on your journey, no matter what stage you are at.

HERE’S WHAT A COUPLE OF MEMBERS THINK:

If

SNews from the Gardens

pring is finally in the air! Well, the gardens are tentatively revealing their budding blooms and getting ready for their sensational vernal displays. The team of staff and volunteers have been busy all winter, doing the hard, yet sometimes fairly invisible work, enabling the magic to happen. It has been wet, wet, wet and yet, they still showed up everyday. Well done all.

Along with our wonderful blossoms, we have a series of events to share with you: including a peony tour and our first art exhibition, come and join us whenever you can.

The gardens are open every single day of the year from 10am. Closing time varies depending on the season. Please check our website for more details. From Monday 1st April, you can visit until 7pm. As always, all donations and proceeds from our events go back into Highdown Gardens Trust, focusing on preservation, education and recreation, providing a legacy for future generations.We realise that these dates may be after some of you receive this publication, but hope to catch a few of you nonetheless! So join us this May if you can, to witness his legacy during our seasonal tours led by Highdown’s Curator, Alex New, and Peony enthusiast, Simon Hollingworth, taking you through the gardens’ iconic collection and sharing Highdown’s rich history along the way.

PEONY TOURS

Wednesday 1st & Thursday 2nd May 2024

10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm 1 hour, £8pp

Sir Fredrick Stern, creator of the gardens, had a particular love for peonies and not only bred them at Highdown, but wrote a monograph called ‘The Study of the genus Peonia’ in 1946 and out of all the plants he admired, peonies were amongst the ones he most experimented with.

“IN BLOOM”

A celebration of flowers through photography

Highdown Gallery

14th-26th May 2024

Highdown Gardens, Highdown Rise, Worthing, West Sussex, BN12 6FB

We’re very excited to be launching a new gallery and event space at Highdown Gardens: Highdown Gallery. The gardens have long been an inspiration for artists and we hope that the new gallery will enable us to showcase a variety of artworks to add to the enjoyment of visitors to the gardens. Our inaugural exhibition will feature the beautiful floral portraits of local fine art photographer, Steve Gallagher. You can find out more about Steve and his photography at stevegallagher.art, or simply come along to Highdown Gardens between 14th and 26th May to see his gorgeous work for yourself.

MONTHLY & PRIVATE GROUP TOURS

Discover Highdown through fascinating heritage and botanical tales.

Drop in on your spare time to our monthly guided tour or treat your group to a day trip: our guided tours are a unique chance to discover Highdown Gardens’ rich heritage, learn about the garden’s origins, its creators and VIP visitors, as well as spot the garden’s seasonal star plants.

MONTHLY DROP INS GUIDED TOURS

Last Thursday of every month (March to August) 2-3pm, £5 pp (children under 12 go free)

Tickets available on the day, however we recommend pre-booking online to avoid disappointment.

PRIVATE GROUP TOUR

These tours are delivered by Highdown staff and Tour Guide Volunteers.

POP-UP SHOP

Open weekly

Every Thursday and Friday afternoon (apart from bank holidays) 12.30-3.30pm

Our Pop Up Shop is run by friendly volunteers who are always happy to help. Among our stock you can find the perfect gift for nature and garden lovers:

• Hand thrown Victorian clay pots

• A range of lush herbaceous, succulents, climbers and shrubs

• Sussex Seed Balls unique gift boxes also available online from The Home of Sussex Seed Balls

• Vintage National Geographic magazines from the 1950s-1990s: an unusual birthday present!

• Second hand books (we welcome donations of nature & gardens books!)

Spring has arrived in Findon Valley!

We are looking forward to lots of community activities to get our residents outside and enjoying our lovely surroundings as the weather improves.

We were pleased to help children from the Vale School to sow wildflower seeds on the Gallops and thank them for their continued hard work and enthusiasm helping with the community garden.

The Friends of Findon Valley volunteer group have been busy mulching in the new fruit trees in the Community Orchard and the wet early spring has really brought the young trees on. Come and have a look next time you visit the Cissbury Fields and if you’d like to

get involved with future activities contact matthew@fvra.org.uk

Check out our new and updated website fvra.org.uk to find out what’s going on in the Valley.

Here are just a few things to pop on your calendar;

Artisan Market Sunday April 28th in the Limetree Surgery Car Park and the theme for our younger visitors will be a “Where’s Wally?” challenge.

Community Gardening Tuesday 7th May 2-3pm meet by the Library.

Artisan Market Sunday May 26th where we will have a fascinating collection of Then and Now photographs of Findon Valley to see.

Our committee are working on lots of other events, so keep

checking fvra.org.uk so you don’t miss out!

We are compiling an oral history of Findon Valley and have already been contacted by local residents who would like to share memories of the Valley in years gone by. If you would like to take part or have any old photographs, press cuttings or interesting stories to share please contact us; terry@fvra.org.uk or lorraine@fvra.org.uk or leave us a message at Findon Valley Library.

We are always happy to hear your views, so pop along and see the Team at the next Artisan Market or drop us an email via the website or contact us on Facebook. See you in the Valley!

IThe Diversity Advantage Works

magine this: there’s a new band of superheroes in Worthing. Glimmergon is tall with black hair and can hack into any computer in under 10 seconds; their superpower is that they can mind-read. Here’s Megathon - tall, black hair, a computer whizz and gifted with the ability to mind-read. A third member of the group, Shoonafon, can mind-read; they are tall and black haired, and there’s nothing they don’t know about computers and software. The fourth superhero … well, you get where this is going, right?

Because, what use would a team of superheroes be if they were all the same? Not as great as if they had different characteristics and abilities, right? Kids (and adults) get gripped by Marvel’s galaxy of heroes, by Scooby-Doo’s team of sleuths: we enjoy being able to identify with or love the different team members and their very distinct styles, personalities and skills.

We’re in a very tough moment, where private, public and third sector workplaces are struggling with shrinking budgets and how to make every bit of investment count. Managers of large organisations have been studying for a while how to build the best teams at work and how to get that competitive edge or offer a better-quality service. What’s interesting is the way that diversity has emerged as something significant here.

Workplace teams where the people in the team bring a range of different opinions, life experiences and perspectives are proven to throw up more innovation. Research also shows us that diverse teams produce creative solutions

When you put a bunch of people together who are very similar, then a team or organisation will be hit by group-think, lack of innovation, and a narrow range of approaches to problem-solving. Getting a range of different skills and characteristics onboard expands the capacity of what can be done.

and can offer better performance in problem-solving. Small enterprises who hope to take advantage of globalisation are finding that an ethnically diverse workforce helps them. One example: the earliest milk producers to get in on the kefir craze and start selling fermented milk products were able to do this because they had employees who come from cultures where kefir has long been a part of the diet. When everyone else was only selling yoghurt, a couple of companies listened to their workforce and took the risk of introducing kefir - now we’re all drinking it!

Some managers and consultants are identifying and recommending the

benefits attached to specific forms of diversity. “The autism advantage” is something being spoken about, as we shift from old-fashioned deficit models (disability, disadvantage) towards assetbased models (what specific things does this person bring?). An academic study by Anna Krzeminska and Sally Hawse notes that “focus, passion and attention to detail” are typically strengths that can be very valuable. Meanwhile, “justice sensitivity”, “creativity” “passion” and “making fast connections” show up as specific attributes of people with ADHD. In this kind of analysis, studies of diversity in the workplace are helping the shift towards talking about, not a disorder, but a difference - and as such, part of our normal human range of differences.

When you put a bunch of people together who are very similar, then a team or organisation will be hit by group-think, lack of innovation, and a narrow range of approaches to problemsolving. Getting a range of different skills and characteristics onboard expands the capacity of what can be done.

Diversity of genders, neurotypes, ethnicities and social backgrounds are all showing up as important for organisations that want to be strong and effective. Next month, I’ll finish this series with a look at cities and neighbourhoods and the kinds of benefits they find when they embrace diversity.

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

Caroline Osella

May 2024

WORTHING FESTIVAL

Countdown to

With just a month to go to this year’s Worthing Festival, now is the time to start planning your diary and getting those tickets booked!

This year’s festival spans two weeks (and three weekends), running from 8th to 23rd June, and will once again be jam-packed with a vast array of arts and cultural performance, workshops and events to suit all tastes and ages.

SCAN THE QR CODE

You can check out full events listings by scanning the QR code or head direct to timeforworthing.uk/worthingfestival/

LIVE MUSIC

The Heene Sessions at Heene Church Rooms are back after a sell-out success at last year’s festival. This year’s line up includes Indie acts Moonlight Parade with Loose Tongues + DJ General Lee, African Night Fever with Lukata - Afrobeat inspired rhythms and vocals - prepare to party! See listing for these and other Heene Sessions.

ALSO RETURNING FOR 2024

• Free Worthing Festival music stage at South Street Square 22nd / 23rd June

• Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra presents music from Derlioz, Debussy, Bruch and Mussorgsky, Worthing Assembly Hall  9th June3pm.

NEW FOR 2024

• Heroes of Dance Music: Richard Norris

- Q&A followed by DJ set. One half of The Grid, with Dave Ball (of Soft Cell). Norris was one of the first British producers to embrace acid house. Cellar Arts Club 15th June 7:30pm.

• Fun and family friendly BrookyFest - live music (from midday) and a special street market of local produce 23rd June until 7pm.

FAMILIES AND CHILDREN

• The Festival stage returns to South Street Square 8th & 9th June with a focus on performances for children - Free

• The Lion Inside  - A heart-warming tale about confidence, self-esteem 14, 15, 16th June, 11am and 2pm, Pavilion Theatre.

• Skateboarding fans from 14yrs+ can join Urban Beats Creative Networking and Skateboard Jam at Homefield Park, 8th June 5:30-7pm.

• Honey House Club creative sessions inspired by craft, nature and connection.

• Ages 18 months to 10 yrs - multiple dates - see listing for details.

MUSIC AND DANCE

NEW FOR 2024

• Worthing Festival of Dance and Musicexpect surprises at every turn, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry and talent within the community. Four venues across Worthing, 23rd June 12.30 - 2.30pm

ART AND CRAFT

• An opportunity to meet the artists including demonstrations and hands on activities at East Beach Studios 8th, 15th, 23 June, 12 - 3pm, Free.

• Sara Cook: Colour: Nature’s Way - using only natural dye, a new collection of botanical drawings in stitch. Colonnade House 8th and 9th June 10am - 5pm, Free.

HERITAGE AND HISTORY

• Town Centre Blue Plaque Guided Walk, 13th June, 2pm

• Bell Tower Open Morning at St Botolph’s Church, 22nd June, between 11am - 1pm

• Magic, Mystery, and Smuggling, a guided walk around Highdown Hill 9th June, 7pm until approximately 8.30pm

THEATRE

• Heal & Harrow. A humanising tribute to women who were executed during the Scottish Witch Trials which also explores historical beliefs in the supernatural and modern day parallels in our society, 22nd June, 7:30pm, Connaught Theatre.

SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT

• Alternative Market by Darkfest - indoors at the New Amsterdam Pub. Arts and crafts market on the edge of Goth / Horror / Dark sci-fi and the Surreal - local artists, authors, makers and crafters plus entertainment and live music. 16th June 12-4:30.

• Plastic Era - Sun Print Workshop (Cyanotypes) After a litter picking session immerse yourself on a journey of analysing plastic waste through Cyanotypes (Sun Printing). No previous experience needed! Heene Community Centre 22nd June, 11am.

As Part of Worthing Festival

Worthing Film Club Presents... A special on-location screening with Worthing Techno Militia at Hand Brewery, West Worthing.

An exhilarating cyber-trip into cinematic metal fetishism. Come, enter the realm of Tetsuo, where flesh meets machine.

You will be greeted by cyborgs, drink alongside fellow techno travellers and listen to an immersive electronic soundscape whilst watching bespoke visuals before the main feature, TETSUO: The Iron Man, starts.

After the film ends, Worthing Techno Militia take over, providing a suitably dystopian techno set for your delirium. Dance, drink, watch films and make metal!

We invite you to take part and dress for the occasion.

WORTHING TWINNING ASSOCIATION Events for May

There will be a French film ‘Tous les Matins du Monde’ with English subtitles shown on Thursday May 9th at the Baptist Church Hall, South Street, Tarring at 7:00pm for a 7:15pm start. Cost £5 including a glass of wine/juice and doughnut. This is a historical film based on a novel of the same name, and centred on the lives of the composers Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe and Marin Marais, who lived in the reign of Louis XIV.

Preparations are well underway for thirty TWA members to visit our French twin town of Les Sables d’Olonne in the Vendée.

Further information on the WTA can be found at www.worthingtwinningassociation.org

Venue/Location:

Hand Brewery, Unit 6A, Garcia Trading Estate, West Worthing, BN13 1AL

Date: 15/06/2024

Time of event: 19:30

Running Time: 240 minutes

Price: £12.50 (includes free drink + snack)

Booking link

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/617134

YOU GROUP

Tuesday 21st May, Local Historian, Jane Dore, will give us the history of Durrington and Salvington before the First World War. What was really happening here in the Edwardian period? Jane will share true stories of poaching, mental illness, suicides, theatrical families and others that came to the village for various reasons. This was the era of thriving nurseries, the school and churches that served the community.

Venue: St. Symphorian’s Parish Centre Hall, Durrington Hill, BN13 3HU at 2:30pm.  £3.50pp including refreshments. Please arrive by 2:15pm. Further details available from 01903 268109 or email: theoffice@stsymphorians.co.uk

Friends of Brooklands Park (FOBP)

2nd May

Cycall adapted cycling session

Thursday 11-2:30pm

3rd May

Cycall adapted cycling session

Friday 11-2:30pm

8th May

FOBP Midweek Task Day 10:30am12:30pm. Volunteer at the park with gardening work

11th May

Cycall Adapted cycling session

Saturday 11-2:30pm

16th May

Cycall adapted cycling session

Thursday 11-2:30pm

18th May

Cycall Family Community Fun Day & Sponsored Bike Ride, hosted by the Mayor of Worthing

Saturday 11am-2pm

22nd May

FOBP Midweek Task Day, 10:30am–12:30pm Volunteer with gardening work

25th May

Cycall adapted cycling session

Saturday 11-2:30pm

30th May

Cycall adapted cycling session

Thursday 11-2:30pm.

31st May

Cycall adapted cycling session

Friday 11-2:30pm

For Cycall Adapted Cycling, booking is essential. Call Martine on 07784 918122 or email cycallworthing@gmail.com

Contact Friends of Brooklands Park at friendsofbrooklands@hotmail.com for details on our task days.

Sussex Gruffs Male Voice Choir

Sussex Gruffs Male Voice Choir is a community choir based in Worthing. We perform regularly in West Sussex, both to entertain and to raise money for charities and other worthy causes. We are always happy to welcome new members to our thriving group.

In addition to singing, we also organise social events for our members to enjoy each others company and to make new friends in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. You don’t need to be able to read music and we don’t hold auditions. So why not give it a try. Potential new members can come along to one of our rehearsals on the first Tuesday of each month. If you would like to know more, why not visit our website at: www.sussexgruffsmvc.co.uk/welcome

Broadwater and Worthing Cemetery

Alter Egos Tour

Saturday 4th May 2024 at 11:00am

Anyone who has walked around Broadwater and Worthing Cemetery in South Farm Road will probably have read a few of the names on the thousands of gravestones there. There are quite a few names that are shared with famous people, past and present, so our May tour will focus on this theme.

We will share details about the life of a person buried in the cemetery and will accompany it with a cameo of the celebrity with the same name.

Come and find out about the life of Mary Berry who, with her husband, ran a lodging house in Cobden Road, and Mary Berry the celebrated TV presenter of The Great

British Bake Off. Learn about Jane Austen, whose gravestone is in the form of an open book (which is appropriate considering her counterpart, the famous author), and John Noakes, a baker, who married three times in his lifetime – his third wife being some 44 years younger than him – who shares his name with the other John Noakes, the late Blue Peter presenter.

Also featured are The Adams Family, Florence Nightingale, and Henry Cooper. Other names may well have been spotted, and we know there is a Peter Kay amongst them, but not all have enough of a story to be included in our tour booklet.

Our tour starts at 11am by the chapels of Broadwater and Worthing Cemetery in South Farm Road. Refreshments are available for a small donation. (Please bring your own cup with you when ordering a tea or coffee from our refreshment stand. Thank you).

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

Doctors Surgery

Lime Tree Surgery

Lime Tree Avenue

Findon Valley Worthing

BN14 0DL tel:01903264101

Dear Liana

Just a brief ‘thank you” to Caroline Osella for her article “Diversity: Fear and Hatred”.

The content is excellent. It is vitally important to call out those who make racist/homophobic comments particularly about the admirable showcasing of local LGBTQI+ creative work by the Worthing Museum and Art Gallery and the installation by Gil Mualem Doron.

Everyone is a member of a minority group of some sort and we should all treat others with respect and politeness. It is pitiful that certain individuals  believe that being abusive and rude is better than treating others with that respect and politeness.

My long-term same-sex partner/husband of 30 years and I moved to Worthing almost a year ago. The move is to enable us both to work towards a less stressful life and joint retirement.

Thankfully, our experience of Worthing has been almost totally positive. We have been actively renovating the house in which we live and have experienced no homophobia from anyone who we have come into contact with (builders, plumbers, electricians etc etc).

Please keep up the good work.

Kind regards

Derek Williams

Hi Liana,

I’m delighted your Inside publications are doing so well and I particularly enjoyed the kelp and Fiesta articles this month. You probably have had several comments on the terrible spelling mistake in your welcome article where you conferred a noble title to our barren seabed that was repeated in the kelp article on p17. But in case you haven’t here’s mine.

Best wishes

Rob Ferguson

Hello Liana

Just to say I think it was courageous of Caroline Osella to write her piece about Diversity hate - and you for printing it - a very necessary intervention for which you will no doubt get some abuse.

Nathalie

knit.

Dear Liana

Thanks for the magazine again. Full of good articles as usual... loved Chris Hares stories of Devils Dyke. I didnt know why it was called that until I read the article. Seabed stories was great too and of course the Crossword by Simon was excellent.  I had to look up a couple of answers in the end though.

thanks again

*Jackie*

Hi Liana,

Thanks again for featuring my trek and quiz in the March INSIDE publications. The quiz night was a huge success and we raised £875 for CoppaFeel! I’ve now raised £2000 total!

Thanks, Mel

Really enjoyed this month’s edition, I didn’t appreciate what seaweed does for marine life till now!

Ryan – LinkedIn

COLONNADE HOUSE INSIDE

COLONNADE HOUSE

May, like other months, is full of new and exciting exhibitions. With new artists exhibiting with us for the first time and some familiar faces to look forward to seeing, there is something for everyone.

Bringing colour to the gallery, Pete Reilly will be sharing his portraits & pop art. Joe Cox will be sharing his love for cats in an unseen collection of ink drawings & illustrations.

Exhibiting in the studio gallery is Paula Tollett showing her work in progress photography project. Returning for their annual show, we have West Sussex Art Society with their 2024 exhibition.

Lastly, we have Richard Biddle and Claire Lemmon, exploring language and meaning in their upcoming exhibition ‘Disturb, Discover, Disrupt’. You can also join Howell and McConnell for their joint exhibition ‘Hi, Human Intelligence’.

JOE COX: MEOW!

14 - 18 May

Meow! Is a collection of bold and playful, cat themed artworks from Worthing based artist Joe Cox. His latest and previously unseen collection of ink drawings & illustrations perfect for any cat lover.

RICHARD

BIDDULPH & CLAIRE LEMMON: DISTURB, DISCOVER, DISRUPT

28 May - 02 June

Richard Biddle and Claire Lemmon have a shared interest in disturbing, discovering and disrupting the conventional and formulaic qualities of language and meaning. They will be exploring these elements in their joint exhibition.

PAULA TOLLETT WORK IN PROGRESS

14 - 18 May

Paula Tollett is a photographer based in Brighton. She will be exhibiting her work in progress project ‘Dwelling’ that explores the relationship between the landscape, time and memory.

HI

HUMAN INTELLIGENCE HOWELL AND MCCONNELL

28 May - 02 June

Exhibiting together for the second time at Colonnade House we have Howell and McConnell. Artistically, they come from very different backgrounds; one self taught and the other with a degree in Fine Art. They have come together for their joint exhibition Hi, Human Intelligence.

PETE REILLY: PORTRAITS AND POP ART

07 - 12 May

Shoreham based artist Pete Reilly will be exhibiting a selection of portraits and pop art. Inspired by bright primary colours, Pete will be bringing his colour and style to the gallery sharing work inspired by his favourite artists and influences.

WEST SUSSEX ART SOCIETY 2024

21 - 26 May

West Sussex Art Society is back for their annual exhibition at Colonnade House. With a variety of work on display in 2D and 3D mediums, with an equally varied subject matter, there is always something to see.

About Colonnade House

Colonnade House is the home of local art in Worthing, showcasing work by painters, printmakers, sculptors, photographers and more. On the ground floor there are two gallery spaces, and on the upper three floors are ten studios available to rent to people working in the creative industries. Find out more at colonnadehouse.co.uk/about

Colonnade House, 47 Warwick Street, Worthing, BN11 3DH

Tuesday - Saturday (+ some Sundays) 10:00am - 5:00pm colonnadehouse.co.uk

paula.tollett@adur-worthing.gov.uk 01903 221052

Images. 1. Joe Cox: Meow! 2. Pete Reilly 3. Joe Cox: Meow! 4. Paula Tollett: Untitled from the series Dwelling 5. West Sussex Art Society 6. Richard Biddle 7. Howell, from the exhibition Hi, Human Intelligence