RH Uncovered Haywards Heath Edition May 2016 Issue

HAYWARDS CRAWLEY HEATH EDITION - MAY 2016

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‘10 years on, and still going strong!’

OUR 10TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS BEGIN!

10 Questions To Ask Your Estate Agent Reader Competition WIN a Chip Chuck Garden Game

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Dividend planning

Question: I’ve heard about these dividend tax changes coming in. I run my own limited company, should I be doing anything about it?

Answer: Under the present rules, dividends have been the preferred way for business owners to pay themselves because they are paid net of a notional 10 per cent tax credit. This tax credit effectively meant basic rate taxpayers could enjoy their dividends tax-free.

However, in the Summer Budget, it was announced that from April 2016 the tax credit would be replaced by a Dividend Tax Allowance of £5,000. Dividend income over the Allowance will be liable for tax at the basic rate of 7.5 per cent, 32.5 per cent for the higher rate and 38.1 per cent for the additional rate.

Even under the new regime, dividends are still taxed at lower rates than other income and will continue not to attract National Insurance. But many people will see a rise in their tax bill.

The effects of the dividend allowance are far reaching. When coupled with other changes such as the new tax free allowance for interest, planning what your company will pay you from April 2016 requires much more care and attention. We strongly encourage all limited company owners to put in place a tax efficient fund extraction strategy for the year ahead. We offer this service to our clients as a planning exercise with ongoing support and would be happy to speak with you about our services.

Please contact us if this is of interest to you.

Landlords and tax relief on furnishings Question: I’ve heard Wear & Tear Allowance is coming to an end. What should I be doing?

Answer: Under current proposals, from next year the annual Wear and Tear Allowance will be removed.

The Wear and Tear Allowance serves to reduce property income and is available against lettings of furnished, residential properties. It was intended to account for the deterioration of the fixtures and fittings.

It does not cover fixtures that are deemed to be “integral” to the building, such as baths, toilets, etc.

Instead of the Wear and Tear Allowance, landlords will be able to deduct the actual costs they incur on replacing furnishings in the property; but no tax relief will be available on the initial cost of furnishing a property. The new relief will be available to unfurnished and part-furnished properties, as well as fully-furnished.

There are a number of recent and forthcoming changes that affect the tax treatment of rental income.

If you would like to discuss your affairs in more detail, please contact us.

TaxAssist Accountants Specialising in Small Businesses • • • • • •

Business Accounts and Taxation Self Assessment Bookkeeping, VAT, Payroll and RTI Fixed Fees - agreed in advance Business start ups CIS/IR 35 www.rhuncovered.co.uk

Call Fiona Gray for a free initial discussion without obligation on

01444 230777 Or email fionagray@taxassist.co.uk www.taxassist.co.uk/fionagray Kings House, 68 Victoria Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9LH

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WELCOME

Hello...

… and welcome to our new look magazine!

To celebrate our 10th birthday this month, we have had a makeover and are bubbling with excitement to finally share this with you. So why not grab a cuppa, get comfy and check out what our fresh, community focused magazine has to offer.

Inside this month, you can read the story behind Mantra Magazines, enjoy the very best community content and be in with a chance to win a Chip Chuck garden game.

Don’t forget you can contact our community writers by emailing featuresdesk@mantramagazines.co.uk if there’s something you would like to see in the magazine next month. It’s over to you!

The RH Team

Contents 6

24

COMMUNITY

26

Community News 24

HEALTH

Is your mole a friendly one?

26

FOOD & DRINK

42

National BBQ week, 28

LEISURE

Get into golf 30

GARDENS

Open Gardens 34

HOMES

10 Questions to ask your Estate Agent 38

TRAVEL

Bucket List

ADVERTISING SALES Nikki Relffe-Arnold nikki@mantramagazines.co.uk

UNCOVERED

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Mantra Magazines Ltd

CONTACT

Unit 32, Rowfant Business Centre Wallage Lane, Rowfant, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4NQ

WEBSITE

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David Arnold, Christine Seymour production@mantramagazines.co.uk

COMMUNITY PROJECTS MANAGER

ACCOUNTS

COMMUNITY EDITORIAL

Mandy Notridge, Credit@mantramagazines.co.uk

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info@mantramagazines.co.uk

ART & PRODUCTION

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Matthew Arnold, Matthew@mantramagazines.co.uk

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Heather Porter, Paula Wadey, Nadine Lindsay, Sally Nilson, Andrea Page

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Jacob White, Jacob@mantramagazines.co.uk Jacob White, Georgia Lambert Featuresdesk@mantramagazines.co.uk

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COMMUNITY Spotlight:

Mid Sussex Friends of the Earth

By Jacob White

W

ith a global-reach Friends of the Earth is a network of environmental organisations in more than 75 countries with a network of more than 200 local groups and Mid Sussex plays its own part in this internationalist organisation.

Mid Sussex Friends of the Earth was reformed in 2013, inspired according to member Rachel McNamara by the need for action against the proposed onshore oil and gas drilling in the Weald of Sussex.

Rachel says that the inspiration for national campaigns is the understanding that the wellbeing of people and the planet go hand in hand, and that the Earth is our home so wrecking it does not make sense.

“The Mid Sussex group have been busy campaigning since our reformation in 2013. We have actively campaigned against fracking, or onshore oil and gas exploration and this is an on-going issue here in the Weald as much of the area is covered by drilling licenses.’

This allows companies to apply for permission to extract fossil fuels from the Earth using various methods; these methods may include fracking. We believe that fossil fuels should stay in the ground, and that renewable energy is the way forward” Rachel said.

The group likes to be accessible to communities across the RH16 and RH17 postcodes, running stalls at fairs and fetes across Mid Sussex, speaking to people about what they can do to help and she hopes to up the ante in 2016.

“Sussex is facing environmental challenges such as the new runway proposal at Gatwick, increased building on greenfield sites, loss of biodiversity/habitats and our group seeks to look at these problems and see what we can do to help resolve them.’

“People can also speak to us at fetes and events; we were at the Haywards Heath Spring Festival in April on Muster Green and will be at the South of England show this year as well as other local events. Pop along and talk to us or even better join our group and help out!”

The group meets on the last Tuesday of the month (dates do occasionally vary – please check with the group) meeting in Haywards Heath.

Across the year, the group joins regional and national group gatherings to network, learn new things, discuss campaigns and ideas.

For more information about the Mid Sussex Friends of the Earth you can contact, Rachel McNamara on (01444) 891533, by email midsussexnature@live.co.uk or visit the group’s website - www.foe.co.uk/midsussex or Facebook page - www.facebook.com/midsussexfoe.

Want to be part of a future spotlight?

If your group or organisation is in the RH16 or RH17 postcode area, let me know, and you could feature in a future edition of RH Uncovered!

Email me: featuresdesk@mantramagazines.co.uk and put RH16 & RH17 Uncovered Spotlight in the email subject

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ADVERTISEMENT

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Dolphin House, 33 Muster Green, Haywards Heath, RH16 4AL Free parking available on site

COMMUNITY

Oh what a Carry On! Danehill to Downing Street Remembering Peter Butterworth and Janet Brown

By Jacob White

T

his month marks the fifth anniversary of the passing of Janet Brown, former Danehill resident known to millions for her brilliant impersonations of Hilda Ogden, Esther Rantzen and most famously former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for which she is best remembered.

Janet and her husband, the comedy actor and comedian Peter Butterworth, star of a total of 16 Carry On films are affectionately remembered

by Betty Muddell whose late husband Dick was a gardener for the couple at their country retreat in the Mid Sussex countryside.

Betty fondly recalls: “They were a lovely couple, really genuinely lovely. Peter was a funny man – he was even more comical in person than he was on screen when in character.’

“I remember his humour, he once offered to sponsor me slimming. He said ‘I cannot lift you Mrs M or I’ll get a hernia.’ He was only saying it in jest and that was him all over.”

Peter, born in February 1919 in Cheshire made his Carry On debut in Carry on Cowboy before making a further 15 appearances in the popular comedy franchise. He was also a regular on children’s television and radio programmes and appeared in Doctor Who.

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The sixth most prolific Carry On performer, Peter married actress and impersonator Janet Brown in 1947. The couple had two children, Tyler Butterworth who is now an actor born in 1959 and Emma Butterworth who was born three years later, Emma died in 1996 aged just 34.

“Peter idolised the children. I remember watching TV a couple of years ago and Tyler was appearing - he is just a spitting image of his father, incredible!” said Betty.

In January 1979, whilst starring as Widow Twankey in Aladdin at the Coventry Theatre, Peter was found dead in his hotel room of a suspected heart attack after failing to arrive for an afternoon matinee performance. Out of respect the rest of the pantomime’s run was cancelled.

Gaining considerable fame in the 1970s with her performances on the BBC’s Mike Yarwood Show and BBC Radio’s The News Huddlines, Brown’s career grew from strength to strength but it was after the General Election of 1979 that it really snowballed.

She became a Margaret Thatcher impersonator, appearing in the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only as the then Prime Minister. The two even became friends meeting over the years at both Downing Street and Chequers.

Betty, says: “Janet loved Sussex but remained proud of her Scottish roots. She was a successful and attractive woman but despite this she didn’t bother with anyone else after Peter’s death.”

Following a brief illness, Margaret Thatcher’s double Brown who spent the rest of her life in Sussex died in a Hove nursing home aged 87.

She successfully juggled a career and family whilst remaining a popular and versatile perfomer. She is buried beside Peter in Danehill cemetery.

Peter Butterworth: February, 4 1919 – January, 16 1979 & Janet Brown: December, 14 1923 – May, 27 2011.

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COMMUNITY

Music and movement for a good cause!

Friends of Sussex Hospices 21st Anniversary

By Jacob White

This year marks the 21st anniversary for Friends of Sussex Hospices (FSH) which works to support all 12 hospice care providers across Sussex serving both adults and children and as part of the anniversary celebrations the charity is holding events to raise funds and its profile.

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Celebratory Evening of Music was held at Cumnor House in Danehill on March 5 presented by Strictly Come Dancing finalist and BBC presenter, Katie Derham who is also a Patron of St Peter & St James Hospice near Chailey.

Performers included international opera singers Felicity Lott, Jean Rigby and Sally Matthews, as well as Ashley Holland and Finnur Bjarnason who were joined by up and coming Sussex young choir, Viva Voce, under the direction of Liz Brice.

Chair of the event, Lisa Welton, said: “Cumnor House came alive with a dazzling musical extravaganza of opera, jazz and show-stopping favourites from the American songbook.’

“Fabulous food and local wines supplied by our wonderful sponsors meant guests left on a musical high! It was a truly magical evening, and we were overwhelmed by the generosity of so many.”

The concert raised in excess of £17,000 for Friends of Sussex Hospices and the group is still receiving donations hot on the heels of the event from guests who attended.

FSH was started by a small group of volunteers

in 1995 to raise money to help build The Martlets Hospice in Hove. Since then it has grown considerably to support all hospice care providers across East and West Sussex. An impressive £1.5 million has been distributed to date. The charity is entirely volunteer run.

The main event for the year will be held on September 3 at Danny House, Hurstpierpoint.

Festival 21 will be an action packed afternoon and evening of entertainment which will include an air display, battle re-enactments and a laser light show.

In addition, as a lasting legacy, the charity has created the Sussex Hospices Trail, a 200 mile circular long distance footpath comprising 26

Photographs courtesy of Roger Bloxham

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connected walks linking all 12 Sussex hospice care providers. The trail can be used for fundraising events or just enjoyed by walkers, who may be remembering a friend or family member they hold dear.

In line with Cecily Saunders – founder of the hospice movement – FSH believes hospice care and support should ensure that no-one should die in avoidable pain, suffering or emotional distress.

If you would like to donate or help with any future fundraising, Friends of Sussex Hospices can be contacted via the details below: Registered Office: Framfield Grange, Framfield, East Sussex, TN22 5PN Tel: 01825 890494 Email: info@friendsofsussexhospices.org.uk Online: friendsofsussexhospices.org.uk Twitter: @SussexHospices

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COMMUNITY

Chip Chuck, a game for the whole family!

By Georgia Lambert

L

indfield based and family run, Chip Chuck Ltd are a small but passionate business who are excited to introduce their must-have garden game to people of all ages across Sussex and beyond.

The game was first played by the founders, Chris and Madeline Best and they were instantly hooked! After introducing the game to their family and friends, they decided to share the fun with a wider audience and in 2014 Chip Chuck Ltd was born in partnership with Chris’ son, Richard.

The team updated the design and rules of the game to create a product that is more accessible for players of all ages and abilities. The game is environmentally friendly and made from sustainably sourced Acacia wood created

by Alexander Rose. It retails at £39.99, and additional chips are sold on the website, in case someone gets a little too competitive and loses a chip in the next door neighbour’s hedge!

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The game consists of two identical box halves, placed three metres apart and two sets of five wooden chips.

The chips are thrown one at a time from behind one box half towards and aiming at the

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other, scoring points depending on which section of the box the chips lands in. Players take it in turns until someone reaches the final score of twenty-one points or higher. The element of luck in this game is paramount and keeps it very exciting – it only takes one lucky chip to make a master of any player!

Another bonus is that ‘it takes longer to open a beer than it does to set the game up!’

Chris and Madeline have a close connection with St Peter and St James Hospice, knowing friends and family who have received care there. ‘The hospice itself is a very special place and the work they do is extraordinary and comforting towards the patients and

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families’. They kindly decided to donate a box to the hospice as a contribution to their gardens to encourage a fun and engaging distraction for families and loved ones. As a thank you, Chip Chuck Ltd donates £5 to St Peter and St James hospice with every game sold at the hospice.

“We have been so excited to see the interest and enthusiasm for Chip Chuck at the various events. More importantly, we have been blown away by the generosity of people so happy to donate to the Hospice for the fantastic work they do in our local community”.

The game has proved its popularity within the community, attracting men, women, children and the elderly all trying their luck to score the highest! Madeline and Chris have taken part in many local events within the community and have held tournaments of their own with friends and family to find the ultimate champion.

During the summer of 2016, Chip Chuck will be featured at a handful of exciting events:

Events: 2nd May: Cuckoo Fair, Cuckfield 21st May: Hospice Open Garden – St Peter and St James hospice 30th May: Maresfield Village Day 4th June: Lindfield Village Day 12th June: Hospice Open Garden, Lindfield 18th June: Forest Row Family Day

You can find them on social media and at www.chipchuck.co.uk

CHIP CHUCK COMPETITION To Stand the chance of winning one of the two games of Chip Chuck we have to give away visit www.rhuncovered.co.uk

COMMUNITY

Growing up in Ardingly in the 1950s

By Georgia Lambert

To many, growing up in a village during the 1950s was a clearly and dearly remembered way of life. Residents will often talk about living in villages during that era with a cherished sentimentality and nostalgia, despite the still ever-present memory of the Second World War.

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uring the 1940’s women’s roles and expectations evolved rapidly when the male population joined the armed forces. Sparking an opportunity for women to replace male employment roles and pursue careers. However after the war, many women were expected to make the transition back to the stereotypical ‘housewife’ role and men returned to work in their communities.

Many villagers who were born in the 1950’s vividly remember how different life was as children compared to modern day life.

"Following the ways of wartime, food rationing still existed. Before sweet rationing ended in February 1953, the most prized present a child would get in their stockings on Christmas morning would be an orange and a dinky two ounce bar of chocolate, bought from Mace’s Confectioners on the High Street."

Nowadays it is a rare sight to see a group of children outside creating their own fun because the development in technology is persistent. It wasn’t until the late fifties that black and white televisions made their way into British households

On the whole, life seemed simple but enriching with plenty to do.

Ardingly during the 1950’s was a lively little village with high employment. One particular villager, Cheryl Bettam vividly remembers her childhood; "I remember seeing mothers out and about with their children in Silvercross Coachbuilt prams buying fresh and organic groceries from the general store in College Road. On the whole, families didn’t own fridges and supermarkets didn’t exist, so they would buy their food daily which meant there was less food wasted by living this way of life.’

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and even then, the freedom of the outdoors beckoned lively children.

"In those days, children played in the streets and fields without the fear of traffic or the obstruction of parked cars. Hopscotch, making dens and skipping were among the activities we would play" said, Cheryl.

Technology was scarce and the minority owned a black and white television therefore, it was never a surprise to see kids playing outside and helping themselves to healthy doses of fresh air.

Cheryl explained that Ardingly was a close-knit and trusting community, so much so that people would leave their front doors on the latch and hang a key on a piece of string behind the letterbox for children that weren’t at school to come and go as they please.

Each garden was bordered with low picket

fences and it was a great opportunity for neighbours to catch up across the wall.

As well as knowing your neighbours by name, the villagers would greet the local policeman with a cheery wave and friendly conversation as he patrolled through Ardingly on his bike.

In the absence of cars and pavements, people would either walk or cycle to and from work or school; "I would always be very excited to get the bus into Haywards Heath on a Saturday morning." Cheryl said with her lips curling into a smile.

On the whole, the village was self-sufficient.

With a local doctor’s surgery held in Attlee Cottage in College Road and other local shops dotted around the village. During the fifties, children seemed to retain childish innocence filled with fun and games and maybe the odd chore here and there!

The Garth

There will be another opportunity this year to visit the garden of the Garth in Newchapel Road, Lingfield, which will be opening under the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) on Saturday May 7 and Sunday May 8 2016.

Every year under the NGS, more than 3,700 privately-owned gardens across England and Wales are opened to welcome around 750,000 visitors. The NGS was founded in 1927 to raise money for nurses by opening gardens of interest to the public.

Now, the money raised from opening these gardens supports seven charities: Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices, Carers Trust, the Queen’s Nursing Institute, Perennial and the National Trust.

On average more than £2.5 million is raised each year. In 2014 the Garth raised £2,052 for the NGS from entrance tickets.

The Garth dates back to 1729 when Lingfield parish drew up a contract with a local carpenter, Thomas Stanford, to build a new workhouse later divided into cottages.

It was then purchased in 1918 by Stanley Hazell, who employed Godfrey to convert it into a single house and design the garden.

The garden has been altered and simplified in the later 20th century; however, it retains many key features of his design.

David and Lana, the owners will be opening the gardens for The NGS on May 7th and 8th from 2.00 to 5.30 both days, admission £5 with children free.

COMMUNITY

Martin King Vs Parkinson’s

By Georgia Lambert

I

n 1993, Martin King was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and has devoted his life to defying the expectations of the condition.

Parkinson’s is a progressive disease that impacts the body’s movement, speech and co-ordination. It is evidenced by the deficiency of a neurotransmitter called ‘Dopamine’ resulting from the loss of brain cells.

127,000 people in the UK have been diagnosed with the disease and 20% of those, are under the age of forty.

As it stands, there isn’t a known cure for the condition but Martin and his partner, who also suffers from Parkinson's, have proven that hope is far from lost.

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‘Parkinson’s won’t kill you, unless you’re holding a chainsaw!’ Martin expressed – his unapologetically witty humour shined through as I spoke to him. Having a sense of humour is an important coping mechanism to stay happy through the dark times. Martin went on to explain about the ever-present prejudices that people with the condition have to face daily. After his diagnosis, his speech started to slur and his posture became impaired, creating the illusion that he was drunk. Sadly he has been turned away from pubs, restaurants

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and taxis because they have simply judged a book by its cover.

However, Martin has attended and made the most out of a range of therapies provided by Parkinson’s UK and the NHS including Aquafit and speech and language therapy.

Alongside taking medication each day, Martin attends regular sessions with aquatic physiotherapists in the pool to strengthen his muscles, reduce pain and improve the heart and blood circulation.

Attending speech and language therapy, Martin found

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his preferred way of doing the exercises was dabbling in karaoke ‘It was a great way to strengthen my facial muscles as I had to articulate the lyrics along with the melody’. With a rich interest in creative writing, Martin followed in the footsteps of his role model, Sir John Betjeman, who was Poet Laureate writer and broadcaster who also suffered with Parkinson’s disease. Martin has spent his free time writing a first-person novel about politics and industrial espionage which keeps his mind responsive as he suffered from dyslexia at an early age. In addition to novel

writing, he found writing and performing poetry cathartic and this naturally progressed into heartfelt song-writing and playing blues music with a backing band. A memorable gig was a half an hour slot on stage, held at the St James’ Theatre in London at the launch of Parkinson’s UK. His gigs for charity are publicised by word of mouth, mixed media and on local radio stations.

Gathering up a portfolio of transferable skills, Martin promotes the Parkinson’s UK charity goals and visions to ensure that different voices from those suffering

and their families are heard while simultaneously making a difference to ultimately undermine the condition. He is a member of the Mid Sussex branch of the charity, attends meetings in many forums and lectures university students about living with Parkinson’s disease. Martin is an active member of the Scaynes Hill community and has organised art groups, Scaynes Hill Time Team and village day fetes, raising money for local wildlife trusts and charities. ‘Stay engaged, stay current, keep your actions relevant and others will become aware and interested.’

COMMUNITY

What’s On 7th - 8th May 2016, Saturday - Sunday, 2-5.30pm - The Garth Garden The Garth in Newchapel Road, Lingfield, which will be opening under the National Gardens Scheme (NGS).

David and Lana, the owners will be opening the gardens for the (NGS). The money raised from opening (NGS) gardens supports seven charities: Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices, Carers Trust, the Queen’s Nursing Institute, Perennial and the National Trust. Admission £5 with children free.

7th May 2016, Saturday, 10am-3pm Ashdown Arts’ Pop-up Exhibition, Art & Craft Sale Ashdown Arts are holding regular monthly exhibitions with art and craft sales. The Garden Room, The Community Centre, Forest Row. Original art you can afford and demonstrations.

11th May 2016, Wednesday, 8-10pm Haywards Heath - - Illustrated talk.

The Mid-Sussex Franco-British Society At the Function Suite, Clair Hall, Perrymount Road, Haywards RH16 3DN. Illustrated talk in French by Dr. Micheline Maupoint on ‘La Photo de Presse publicitaire des années 50-60, témoignage d’une Epoque’.

All members and visitors are most welcome.

For further information, please contact the Secretary, Mrs. Barbara Stevens, on 01444 452385.

The annual Society membership is £20 Visitor’s fee is £4 per evening, payable at meetings.

13th May 2016, Sunday, 11am -3pm The Cat's Protection Charity Homing Event Broadbridge Heath Village Centre, Wickhurst Lane, Horsham. RH12 3LY. Contact Clara (Homing Officer), Crawley, Reigate & District Cats Protection. Branch Telephone Number: 0345 371 2734. Homing Line: 01293 226155. Website: www.catsprotection.co.uk<http://www. catsprotection.co.uk/ 15th May 2016, Sunday, 10am - 3pm Indoor Food and Craft Market The Boship (Lions) Hotel, Nr. Hellingly. BN27 4AT. Free entry. Free parking. Easy access, no stairs. Indoor Market offering wide range of local produce & unique handmade items. Helping raise funds for local charities.

Contact: thecraftyno.3@gmail.com 16th May 2016, Monday, 7.45pm East Grinstead Natural History Society A Talk on 'A Year on a Surrey Farm' by Richard Lowe.

At St Barnabas Church Hall, Dunnings Rd, East Grinstead starting at 19.45. Visitors £4.50 including refreshments.

Contact Terriss Bacon on 01342 315051 for more details 18th May 2016, Wednesday, 10am-3pm East Grinstead - Mid Week Collectors Fair At Chequer Mead Arts Centre, De la Warr Road, East Grinstead, RH19 3BS. Coins, Postcards, Stamps.

Ephemera and other collectables. Admission free, Car Parks, Cafeteria. Enquiries: 01342 327554.

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19th May 2016, Thursday, 10.30am-3.30pm New Horizon’s Garden and Produce Fair St Catherine’s Hospice To take place in the grounds of Cuckfield Park.

The prestigious fair has become known as West Sussex’s mini ‘Chelsea’, bringing together wide-ranging traders, specialist plants, garden products and local food.

Entrance £4 and a stall preview ahead of public entrance, from 8:30am £12.50. For more information, contact New Horizon’s Appeal Co-Ordinator Suzanne Connor on 01293 447367 or email newhorizons@stch.org.uk 20th May 2016, Friday, 7.30pm East Grinstead Society Villans and Victims of the Past A talk by Phil Armstrong about the old police cells in Brighton, site of the only murder of a Chief Constable in England. Meetings are held in the Main Hall, East Court, College Lane, RH19 3LT. Members £1.00, non-members £3.00.

20th May 2016, Friday, 2-4pm East Grinstead U3A Singing for Pleasure May Concert in Aid of East Grinstead Age UK. At the Jubilee Community Centre, Charlwoods Road, East Grinstead RH19 3HL. Age UK East Grinstead and District is for a place where everyone has the opportunity for a good quality later life. www.ageuk.org.uk. Admission is £5 on the door to include refreshments and raffle tickets will be on sale. Doors will open at 1.30pm.

23rd May 2016, Monday, 2pm Tandridge Handicraft Sociey - Presents a talk entitled 'Glimpses iif Britain' by Gail Lowther At the Woodhouse Centre, Hoskins Road car park, opposite Tandridge Leisure Centre, Oxted RH8 9HT. Visitors are welcome, £5 entry including tea and biscuits.

Come and join us, we are always keen to welcome new members with similar interests. Further details on our website www.tandridgehandicraftsociety.org.uk or contact Jenny Beal on 01883 620730.

25th May 2016, Wednesday, 8pm East Grinstead RSPB Local Group Illustrated Talk: Poles Apart- The fragile lives of Snowy Owls, Penguins and other wildlife at both ends of the world by Dr Michael Leach. At Main Hall, East Court, College Lane, East Grinstead, RH19 3LT. Visitors £5.

Contact Lesley Berry on 01342 324955 29th May 2016, Sunday Mud Monster Run - Action for Children At Stuart Way, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4RR. Take part in a truly muddy run of 5k, 10k or 20k through the West Sussex countryside and help us to work with some of the UK’s most vulnerable and neglected children.

Secure your place from just £37 and you can save 10% on your entry fee when you use our special discount code. No minimum sponsorship required and every runnerwill get a free medal, T-shirt and goody bag at the end. Don't miss out, sign up now! Email: ruth.dean @actionforchildren.org.uk or TEXT Mud Monsters to 07525 734104

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London Temple Garden Tours

West Park Road, Newchapel, Surrey RH7 6NB | Phone: 01342 837 952

Tuesday - Friday from 9am - 7pm • Free Entrance • Free Parking • Free Buffet Lunch For Groups of 10+ Reservations Necessary My name is Nick Palmer and I’m privileged to be the head gardener here at the London England Temple.

I have worked in Horticulture all my adult life having served as an apprentice at Brighton Parks and Gardens. I was even helping to train gardeners for them at the Sussex Parks Training Centre.

The gardens here at the Temple are some 28 acres excluding the buildings, and are a traditional English country garden with wonderful walks through the parkland. These walks vary from a small stroll around the Temple itself where we have traditional Because the garden houses the Temple it is a flower beds with spring and summer bedding garden for quiet meditation, a place for prayer, a displays to the magnificent Rhododendron walks which are breath taking when in flower in May. place to come and think through life’s challenges, a place to find peace and comfort. For this reason pets We have woodland walks that have Bluebells, are not welcome here and we invite our wood anemones in, not to mention the trees, visitors to respect the quiet space of others, Oaks, Atlantic Ceders, Lime Trees, and Yew Trees also enjoying the garden and the peace and the list goes on. Spring flowers include Daffodils, tranquillity found here. Families are always Tulips, and Forget-me-nots to name a few and welcome and it is to be noted that uniting if you know where to look little surprises like families is one of the main reasons for a temple. the Snake Head Fritillaries.

COVER STORY

10 Years on and still going strong!

“From small acorns, mighty oaks grow” It’s a well-known phrase and one which fits perfectly for us as we celebrate ten successful years in the publishing industry!

A

We grew up in the Crawley Down and Copthorne area and felt it was about time someone shared some good news and championed local people – celebrating all that makes a Nikki Relffe-Arnold, co-founder, community, including its businesses.” recalls how watching the show by chance, gave her the idea With more than half of to set-up the company behind new businesses not surviving the Uncovered series of titles beyond five years (according to which today reaches more than commercial insurer RSA), what is 115,800 households in the the recipe for success that Nikki South East. and Matthew have cooked-up?

Here they share their advice With the seed now firmly with anyone thinking of taking sown, Nikki got in touch with the plunge and starting-up their her creative cousin Matthew own business…

Arnold and the rest, as they say, is history! The motivation to “For a start-up to be successful launch a community magazine according to Nikki and Matthew you need some key attributes – be brave, and do your homework was a strong desire to change – you need to find out if there’s the negative news agenda a requirement for what you have of the RH10 area at the on offer. When you launch you time in 2006. need to tell as many people as possible. Be vocal! Set aside Nikki explains “The local plenty of money for marketing papers seemed full of doom this will get the word out about and gloom and we wanted to your new enterprise! change that. small seed was planted one lunch-time during an episode of the BBC’s consumer and business show Working Lunch.

When we launched, we didn’t have a local magazine in which to shout-about ourselves – today, people have the RH & TN Uncovered titles!”

Mantra Magazines, originally named RH10 Uncovered, started life in May 2006 on a dining room table, before a spare room, then a garden shed, which eventually was out-grown too.

They expanded from just one title covering the RH10 postcode to now six titles and the company has worked out of offices in Rowfant since 2010.

Community and family are core values at the heart of the business. In the early days, it was staffed exclusively by family members; alongside Nikki and Matthew were Nikki’s niece Nadine and Matthew’s brother David. Nikki’s late aunt Theresa even came trans-Atlantic from Vancouver to help sell the vision of the magazine to local businesses for six months!

Making Memories: Nikki and Matthew laugh as they recall the time Matthew was ‘rescued’ whilst taking a photo for the launch issue’s front cover. He was lying on his back in a flower bed at Snowhill Garden Centre, trying to get the perfect shot of some blossom when an elderly couple thought he had collapsed! Nikki chuckles as she recalls “They rushed to his aid but in fact he was simply trying to find an angle of the blossom so as to get the sky in the background. Certainly a memorable moment for me.

Still makes me laugh ten years-on!”

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The number of staff has since grown from just two in 2006 to 12 in 2016. In addition, there are a further eight community writers.

“Challenges surround becoming bigger, more magazines means more staff.

As a result it’s like spinning plates, but we are lucky to have the most amazing team who are as passionate about the magazine and community as we are” says Matthew.

Already the largest publisher of door to door magazines in the South East of England, Nikki and Matthew are determined not to rest on their laurels.

They have plans to launch more magazines and develop the business further with exciting ideas for the next ten years!

Thank you to YOU, our readers: We’ve been blown away by the warm and positive response from our recent reader survey.

Without our readers, we wouldn’t have a business so it’s essential that we listen and respond to feedback to remain a must-read magazine.

We are really proud of our new redesign and cannot wait to hear what you think!

“We’ve recently recruited new community writers across all our titles to immerse ourselves even more into the community, creating content that our readers will anticipate and enjoy.

During the years we have met some amazing people who have achieved or done some incredible things – this keeps us inspired and aiming high!” says Nikki.

And to finish with our opening analogy of an Oak tree, Mantra Magazines is now established, strong and thriving. Our ambition is to flourish and grow for many years at the heart of the communities we serve. To do so, we need you to keep telling us what you would like to see from your favourite community magazine so please get in touch!

Lovely words from just some of our supporters since day one...

A sign of how important the magazines have become to local business, is the loyal customer base who keep on advertising, many having grown with the business since its early days.

Dirty Ovens:

Tiltwood Heating:

Denture Care:

“Although I advertise in other publications, I think the magazines offer a good broad readership, and for me advertising in Crawley, it helps to reach-out to customers unlike other publications. I have generated a good number of customers through the magazine. Happy anniversary to Nikki and Matthew and thanks for all the help and support over the years.”

“What I have always liked about the RH Uncovered magazine is that I know everyone gets one in their house, unlike other magazines that you have to go and pick up.

“RH Uncovered has been great for us! We were offered a very competitive advertising rate and the reaction to our adverts has been phenomenal! We’re now cutting back our advertising elsewhere.

Bill Grey - Dirty Ovens

I know that each and every month everyone will have one indoors and this is the reason I have advertised in the magazines for the last 10 years!”

Derek Fruen - Tiltwood Heating

It goes without saying happy anniversary to all the guys at the magazine, thanks for everything!”

Karen Ellis - Denture Care Centre

COMMUNITY

Community Groups Monday -

Alzheimers & Dementia Support Group (Mid Sussex) - First Monday of the month - 7-9.00pm

for carers of those with Dementia. Talks with people who have knowledge to help those in need. Age Concern, Perrymount Rd, Haywards Heath, RH16 3DN Colemans Hatch Bowling Club - Join us on Mondays(2.30 p.m.) and Thursdays(5.00 p.m.) to try this inexpensive, active but relaxing sport. Dress code is casual; just bring flat-soled shoes. Bowls provided. Carol Beamond 01342 823674 - carolbeamond@hotmail.com Isle of Thorns Bowls Club - Join our very friendly club on Monday (2.00 p.m.) and Thursday (6.00 p.m.) to play a relaxing game of bowls in the beautiful Ashdown forest. No experience necessary. We are at Lewes Road, Chelwood Gate, on the Ashdown Forest. Contact Barbara Bird: 01342 323861 www.iotbowls.co.uk Minton Badminton Club - Meets at Victory Hall, Balcombe - 01444 400054

Rotary Club , (Haywards Heath) Community voluntary group - Now meet

Mondays at the Birch Hotel, Haywards Heath for 6.30pm.

Tuesday

1st Ardingly Rainbows Brownies, A uniformed organisation, - Part of Girl Guiding

UK. Tuesdays 5.30pm-7.00pm (term time) Hapstead Hall, High St, Ardingly. RH17 6TA. 01444 892717 All Saints Lindfield Tower Bells, - 7.45-9.00pm (practice) Venue: Lindfield All Saints, High St, Lindfield, RH16 2HS - Mrs B Dart 01444 482283 Friendship Club (Tea and Chat) - First Tuesday of the month. 2.30pm-4pm (except January) £1.00 for tea and cake. Ansty Village Hall, Deaks Lane, Ansty, RH17 5AS. Haywards Heath Women’s Institute - Meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Join us for book club, walking group, days out, arts and crafts and much more. haywardsheathwi@gmail.com or Tel : 01444 454925.

Knit and Natter - Do you like knitting, stitching or crocheting in company? Enjoy your hobby and meet new people at Haywards Heath Library. Beginners and experts all welcome. We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Contact Haywards Heath Library 01444 255444 for info.

Mid Sussex Friends of the Earth - Meet fortnightly on a Tuesday evening at 7.30pm venues vary (often Haywards Heath). Campaigns and activities throughout the year. For info call Rachel: 01444 891533 - midsussexnature@live.co.uk The Group - Are you a single man or woman, aged 45+? The Group meets in Burgess Hill on the second Tuesday evening of every month. Walking, golf, theatre, pub evenings, dinner, arts and music, singles holidays.

Not a dating agency but an opportunity to make new friends doing the things you enjoy. www.thegroup.org.uk

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RH Uncovered

The Sussex Harmonisers (Male Barbershop Chorus) - 7-10 p.m. (rehearsal) St Paul’s Catholic

College, Jane Murray Way, Burgess Hill, RH15 8GA. No need to read music! Just turn up or call Mike on 01444 415043

Wednesday

12th Haywards Heath Rainbows -

For girls aged 5-7 years. Meet Wednesdays 4.30pm5.45pm (term time only) Haywards Heath United Reformed Church Hall, 55 South Rd. 01444 233 825

Thursday

Adventurers Art Club - A club for anyone

interested in art. 7.30pm-9.30pm (term time) Cuckfield Old School, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath, RH17 5JZ www.adventurersart.co.uk Ardingly Choral Society - Non-audition choir, please contact for more information. 7.30pm (term time) - 01273 831264 . Venue: Ardingly College Music School, Ardingly, West Sussex, RH17 6SQ Ardingly Evening Women’s Institute Third Thursday of the month at 7.45pm. Venue: Ardingly Village Hall, Hapstead Hall, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, West Sussex.

Colemans Hatch Bowling Club - Join us on Thursdays(5.00 p.m.) to try this inexpensive, active but relaxing sport. Dress code is casual; just bring flat-soled shoes. Bowls provided. Carol Beamond 01342 823674 carolbeamond@hotmail.com Isle of Thorns Bowls Club - Join our very friendly club on Monday (2.00 p.m.) and Thursday (6.00 p.m.) to play a relaxing game of bowls in the beautiful Ashdown forest. No experience necessary and coaching available.

Just come along and try us out. We are at Lewes Road, Chelwood Gate Call Barbara Bird: 01342 323861 www.iotbowls.co.uk Tai Chi for health - All are welcome to a ‘free Introductory Evening’ to learn the slow, controlled and graceful movements of White Crane T’ai Chi. To learn more please come along on Thursday evenings to Edmonds Hall at Horley Town Council offices (rear entrance), Albert Rd, Horley from 7.30pm. Colin Hodsdon 07754 387676 Warden Park Badminton Park - 8pm - 10pm - at Warden Park Badminton School Cuckfield, Men & Woman with previous experience. 01444 471002 Youth Club - Albemarle Centre, ages 11 -14 , Thursday evening - 6.45pm to 8.45pm Duke of Edinburgh Open Award Centre training Contact Sarah on 01444 450492.

Friday

4Sight - A reading (book) and discussion group

for visually impaired people. 3rd Friday of the month 10.30am-12.00noon (except Aug and Dec) Haywards Heath Library Dorothy Lazenby - 01444 450947

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COMMUNITY Balcombe Flower Club - Last Friday of the month

(except Aug & Dec) - Victory Hall, Stockcroft Road, Balcombe, RH17 6HP. www.balcombevillage.co.uk Cuckfield Evening Flower Club - Meets on the second Friday of each month at 7.30pm at Queens Hall, Cuckfield. Call Sue Spooner on 01444 831602 for info.

Icebreakers Dining Club - A local dining club for the single over 40’s. We meet on Friday’s for a meal at different venues in the area, such as pubs, restaurants, country hotels. For more info call Jacquie on 01403273480 or vists www.icebreakersclub.co.uk

Various

Age UK West Sussex - Monday - Friday 9.00am-

4.00pm. 01444 450248. www.ageukwestsussex.org.uk The Redwood Activity Centre, Clair Hall, Perrymount Rd, Haywards Heath, RH16 3DN. Ardingly History Society - Hapstead Hall, Ardingly, W. Sussex, ww.ardingly.org

Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music - 43 Meadow Lane, Lindfield, Haywards Heath,

RH16 2RJ . Mrs G Paine : 01444 483454 (Honary Local Representative) Baha’is of Haywards Heath - Meet in an informal and friendly manner - We are all leaves of one branch on one tree. Contact Hannah on 01444 451783 50 Lucastes Avenue, Haywards Heath, RH16 1JY. Balcombe Tennis Club - Oldlands Av, 01444 811839 www.balcombetennisclub.co.uk Cowfold Short Mat Bowls Club - Roll-up sessions all year round, Monday 19:00 - 21:00 Wednesday 19:00 - 21:00 Thursday 14:30 to 16:30.

Contact Roger Hawke on 01444 881477

Haywards Heath Town Ladies Football Club

- 01444 257822. ww.hhtlfc.talktalk.net Thursday training and Sunday matches for ages 16-40 approx.

Hanbury Stadium, Haywards Heath. Training: Hurstpierpoint College.

The Dolphin Ladies Swimming Club - Looking for new members to swim on a Tuesday 9.00 am – 11.30 am at the Dolphin Leisure Centre or at Ardingly College pool on a Friday 8.30 am – 10.00 am term time. The teachers are voluntary and we are non profit making (also we support other charities on an annual basis). All ladies welcome whether unable to swim, need advice to improve or wish to attain competitive standard.

Contact dolphinladies@gmail.com or view our website www.dolphinladiesswimmingclub.co.uk Ansty Garden Club - Last Wednesday of the month at 7.45pm at Ansty Village Hall, Deaks Lane, Ansty, West Sussex, RH17 5AS. Suzanne Mace (Secretary) 01444 459151 Lindfield Badminton Club - Secretary 01444 453559. Wednesdays 7.30 – 10pm - Oathall Community College, Haywards Heath. Men’s, Mixed and Ladies’ teams in local leagues - www.freewebs.com/lindfield Youth Club - Albemarle Centre, ages 15+ Wednesday evening - 7pm - 9pm, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Silver and Gold age 15+ Contact Sarah on 01444 450492.

HEALTH

Is your mole a friendly one?

We are not talking about the furry mammals that live in tunnels, but more importantly, melanoma which usually presents itself as little brown spots just like moles.

T

o know if they are friendly or not you need to keep an eye them. There are certain changes to the areas that need to be watched and if any of these happen you should contact your GP or skin cancer specialist straight away and explain what you have noticed.

Things to look out for:

• If they get lumpier across the surface or change in size • If the border of the area changes in shape • If they itch or bleed

1. Slip on a T-Shirt and other clothing to protect bare skin if you feel the heat is too much

• If they change in colour – particularly turning patchy

2. Slop on the sun cream (remember areas such as ears and neck)

• If the texture changes at all

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With school holidays soon upon us and the hope of good weather, The McIndoe Centre feels it our responsibility to re-inforce the Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap message:

www.rhuncovered.co.uk

3. Slap on a hat – the kind with a neck flap are great for kids

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4. Wrap on a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes At McIndoe, our plastic surgeons see a number of patients with skin cancers and whilst we don’t want to stop anyone from enjoying the sunshine we do ask you to do it sensibly.

Follow the four points and enjoy your day.

For further information call 0800 917 4922 or visit themcindoecentre.co.uk

 01342 718348

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FOOD AND DRINK

National BBQ Week

By Jacob White

B

etween May 30 and June 5 it’s National BBQ Week, so there’s never been a better time to grab the grill and enjoy the Great British summer al fresco style!

Now in its 20th year, organisers of the week hope to encourage us all to celebrate the warmer, drier days (let’s hope they are!) and lighter evenings with great food and drink. While most people stick to chicken, burgers and sausages, this is the time to be experimental…

Seafood is great on the barbie wrapped in foils and covered with herbs and lemon juice to make them extra delicious. If you do stick with the usual meats you can always marinate them.

Of course vegetarians are not excluded from the summer foodie fun with tasty baked potatoes to gorgeous vegetable kebabs. Summer food is all about fresh flavours.

Don’t forget the dessert options too…

You can’t go wrong with barbecued pineapple or bananas with a huge dollop of ice cream!

Once the food is sorted remember there’s a perfect drink to complement every dish: a taste of Spanish holidays with a jug of sangria or traditional English Pimms and some nonalcoholic tropical drinks should do the trick.

All you need now is to plan a get-together, grab some friends and finally the most important aspect - the sun (in Britain of course this cannot be guaranteed but a barbecue is always guaranteed fun!).

Barbecues are a great way to spend your summer leisure time but they have their own set of risks It’s all too easy to be distracted but some common sense preparation can ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. To avoid injuries or damage to property, follow these simple precautions:

General Safety: • Make sure your barbecue is in good working order • Ensure the barbecue is on a flat surface, well away from a shed, trees or shrubs • Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area • Never leave the barbecue unattended • Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies • Ensure the barbecue is cool before attempting to move it

For more information on National BBQ Week, see: nationalbbqweek.co.uk, facebook.com/NationalBBQWeek twitter.com/nationalbbqweek using the hashtag #NatBBQWeek

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Charcoal Barbecues: • Use only enough charcoal to cover the base to a depth of about 50mm (2 inches) • Only use recognised fire lighters or starter fuel and only on cold coals – use the minimum necessary and never use petrol • Never put hot ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin – they could melt the plastic and cause a fire • To safely extinguish the charcoal you must prevent oxygen from reaching it. Close the lid of the grill or smoker, as well as any vents or draft doors.

Gas Barbecues: • Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder • Change cylinders outdoors if possible or in a well ventilated area • If you suspect a leak to the cylinder or pipe work, brush soapy water around the joints and watch for bubbles – tighten to fix but do not overtighten • After cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before turning off at the controls to ensure any residual gas in the pipe work is used up

Fine Baps sandwich shop in Haywards Heath is under new management.

The lunchtime experts, offering quality, locally sourced ingredients.

We also cater for corporate lunches, light buffets and events.

01444 456444 hellofinebaps@gmail.com

55 The Broadway, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH10 7EY

Nikki Todd Catering Vintage Cream Tea  Weddings  Corporate Lunches  Outdoor Menus  Lunch Platters  Finger Buffet  Forked Buffet  Canapes selection Tel: 01342 770548 Mobile: 07594 595165 E-mail: Nikkitodd62@hotmail.com Web: www.nikki-todd-catering.co.uk

LEISURE

Get Into Golf Are you looking for a new summer challenge?

Do you want to get healthy and active whilst having fun?

Are you keen to meet new people or spend quality time with your partner and wondering what to do?

G

olf offers all these benefits and more!

It’s a game that it suits everyone regardless of age, fitness or ability so whether you want to keep healthy, burn calories or spend time with friends, golf is for you!

It’s great to play golf because, according to Campaign Manager of Get into Golf, Chrissie Owens: It’s a game for all!

The unique handicap system means everybody can play together, either socially or competitively. It is also flexible - you can play a full 18-holes or just nine, giving you all the game in half the time.

It keeps you active!

You will use more energy than you might think: playing 18-holes you will burn at least 900 calories, you will walk four to five miles and you will achieve the recommend 150 minutes of exercise a week.

Golf also offers all the known weight-loss benefits of walking

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combined with the toning and muscle strengthening that keeps your waistline in check and weight under control as you criss-cross the courses.

achievement, purpose and confidence. Setting targets and achieving them creates a feeling of accomplishment and golf allows you to do this.

It offers great networking opportunities!

With plenty of time for conversation, golf is a great way to meet new people and to spend quality time with friends or family. Friendships flourish thanks to the ready-made social life at the clubhouses.

It reduces stress levels!

Outdoor exercise can help reduce stress levels and enhance mood. Moderate exercise and swinging your clubs will get your blood pumping, triggering the release of natural mood-enhancing chemicals.

It offers you the chance to learn something new!

Learning something new can help you gain a sense of

It can help to improve your work-life balance!

Juggling work and home life can be tough. Golf offers you

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‘me time’ and is an antidote for workers who spend long sedentary hours sitting at a desk. Getting out in the fresh air can do you the world of good.

It can help you live longer and encourage a healthier life!

Golf ’s combination of outdoor exercise and social interaction can help you live longer; a study from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden noted playing golf can increase your life expectancy by up to five years.

Get into Golf is run by England Golf and supported

by Sport England National

Lottery Funding is offering low-cost beginner courses across the country to widen participation in the sport.

Starting from four weeks for £20 with equipment provided all you need to do if you are interested is

book and turn up on the day in comfortable clothing.

All sessions are taken by a PGA professional.

For more information visit getintogolf.org, email info@getintogolf.org or call 0800 118 2766.

GARDENS

Open Gardens

By Jacob White

St Catherine’s Hospice New Horizon’s Garden and Produce Fair

On Sunday May, 8 the Worrall family are kindly opening their seven-acre garden, Birchanger Gardens in Handcross to the public in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice.

With displays of azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias and a grassy avenue, lake, lily pond, pergola, Etruscan-style temple there will be much to see.

Open 2.00pm – 5.30pm with entrance £5 and children free. Dogs must be on leads. Free car parking and refreshments will be available.

For more information call Marian Erritt on 01444 413391.

Visit St Catherine Hospice at www.stch.org.uk for details of other gardens opening this year to raise funds.

Returning for 2016, St Catherine’s New Horizon’s Appeal Garden and Local Produce Fair is to take place in the grounds of Cuckfield Park on Thursday May, 19.

The prestigious fair has become known as West Sussex’s mini ‘Chelsea’, bringing together wide-ranging traders, specialist plants, garden products and local food.

Last year’s fair attracted more than 800 visitors browsing stalls. Since 1989, the appeal has raised more than £2.5 million for St Catherine’s.

Open 10.30am – 3.30pm, entrance £4, or £12.50 for stall preview ahead of public entrance from 8.30am.

For more information call New Horizon’s Appeal Co-Ordinator Suzanne Connor on 01293 447367 or email newhorizons@stch.org.uk

Birchanger Gardens

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We post regular community updates throughout the month www.facebook.com/RHUncovered

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HOMES

10 Questions to ask your Estate Agent

By Jacob White

Viewing a property can be a very daunting prospect! Picture it; you’re in someone else’s house, with a total stranger whose job it is to convince you to buy probably one of the most expensive things you’ll ever own.

M

aking a decision about a property is not something to take lightly, don’t let your manners get the better of you – ask questions about your potential dream home!

Here is our guide to the 10 questions you should be asking your estate agent: 1. Why are they selling?

It might sound simple but can be forgotten! The seller may be moving because there’s something wrong with the property, for example, noisy neighbours.

Listen for clues about whether their reason for moving might have a positive effect on any offer you may make.

A homeowner wanting a quick sale to move abroad may accept a lower offer than one moving to the other side of town!

2. How long has the property been marketed and how many viewings have there been?

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If it’s only just come onto the market and there have been lots of viewings, this could signal a problem when it comes to negotiating a discount on the price – the more people looking the more likely a bidding war will ensue! If it’s been a while, ask the agent’s opinion about the possible reasons why.

Is the asking price too high or could there be other reasons why it hasn’t sold?

this could indicate there may be an issue.

If however it has been owned by the same person for a long time, pay particular attention to the results of any survey carried out for any issues which have gone unnoticed by the owner.

5. Neighbours Of course you’ll want to know who your new neighbours are

Do your research before viewing – www.rightmove.co.uk is always a good place to start where you can find out asking prices for similar houses in the area and also a historical record of sale prices.

3. How low will they go?

If the seller is up for negotiation, don’t be afraid to ask just how low an offer the seller will accept. You never know you might save yourself thousands!

4. When did the owner buy the property?

If the property has been bought and sold fairly frequently,

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going to be, introduce yourself and ask about the area.

By using police.uk you will be able to check crime reports against the postcode.

6. Is there a chain and how long is it?

In an ideal world, you want a short chain – there’s less chance of someone pulling out,

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which can make the chain collapse. That’s not to say that longer chains don’t ever work out, but if you enter into a long chain do so with your eyes wide open!

7. What goods are included in the sale?

What’s included in the price? If there’s something specific to the property that you’ll struggle to replace when you move in ask if they can be included.

8. Council Tax Ask the agent which band the property is in, if they’re unsure, enter the property’s postcode into gov.uk/council-tax-bands to find out.

9. Have any renovations been done?

How did this change the property and who worked on it – professional builders or DIY-ers?

Did they have planning permission? For more information on planning permission, visit planningportal.gov.uk

10. How old is the boiler, and when was it last serviced?

When was the boiler installed? When was the last time it was serviced and is there a warranty?

Ask the estate agent to pop the heating on taking note of how quickly the property warms up.

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TRAVEL

Bucket List It’s the second edition of our bucket list feature, in which we share your dream things to do and places to visit – both in stunning Surrey and Sussex and further afield.

By Jacob White Pooh Corner, Ashdown Forest All too often, we forget the beauty we have on our very own doorstep – the rolling hills of the countryside, the miles upon miles of striking beaches and the acres of nature. When creating your very own to-visit list, don’t forget to include all those places and things you’ve wanted to do locally, but have always put off; just because you don’t need to travel far, it still very much counts!

Reader Gill Hudson from Haywards Heath has picked a topical local attraction. This year marks 90 years since the irresistible bear created

by English author A. A. Milne first appeared in print in the book Winnie-the-Pooh and Pooh Corner in the Ashdown Forest and is somewhere that Gill is planning to visit during the birthday celebrations.

I find myself driving through the Ashdown Forest a lot but never seem to find time to stop – one day I will stop and play Poohsticks!

Canadian Rockies by Rail From seeing the Northern Lights to trekking the Inca Trail in Peru, overseas travel rates highly on most people’s travel bucket lists.

Travelling is certainly on Jan Burlison-Rush’s wish list as the reader from Heathfield has picked a luxurious rest and relaxation trip to Canada in fine style by the form of rail travelling through the heartland of the big country – the Canadian Rockies, noted for its railway heritage.

“I have to say I would like to take a railway journey across the great mountains of Canada – a trip like this taking in the scenery would be exhilarating for me!”

The spellbinding diversity of the landscape of Canada makes rail travel across the country so popular and one journey not to be missed is the cross-country VIA Rail’s premier train; The Canadian, a fascinating four-night journey from Toronto to Vancouver, contact VIA Rail Canada for more information.

The Milne family lived beside a small stream with their farmhouse laying a short distance from a wooden bridge that they needed to cross to reach the Ashdown Forest; it was on one of these visits that A. A. Milne’s son Christopher and his Nanny played the game of Poohsticks.

There are no charges to visit Pooh Corner and they are open to the public throughout the year.

We’d love to know what’s on your bucket list!

Email: Featuresdesk@mantramagazines.co.uk, write to: Mantra Magazines, Unit 32, Rowfant Business Centre, Rowfant, West Sussex. RH10 4NQ or comment on our Facebook page: RHUncovered, or @RHUncovered on Twitter.

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