Parish News July August 2021

TURNERS HILL PARISH NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2021 PUBLISHED BY ST LEONARD’S CHURCH FINAL EDITION - Number 408

HAPPY NEWS AS VILLAGE FETE RETURNS

T

his may sadly be our final edition, but it brings happy news of the village coming together once more for longawaited summer fun and friendship at the much-welcome return of our Turners Hill Village Fete & Fun Dog Show on Sunday July 18.

It promises lively entertainment, barbecue, bar, plenty of welcoming stalls, afternoon teas, Fire & Rescue demos, prize raffle and all the fun of the fair. (See poster inside.)

With Covid lockdown rules putting paid to last year’s event, this summer’s Village Fete will be that bit extra-special.

•Happy fete days are here again Regrettably, however, continuing restrictions mean that Worth Horticultural Society’s Summer Show cannot, as usual, take place in The Ark alongside the open-air Fete.

INSIDE THIS EDITION……

An early ‘FOND FAREWELL’ is extended by CANON DAVID TICKNER in FROM THE VICARAGE; and CENTRE-PAGE INTERVIEW welcomes REV. CHRISTINE KEYTE. Messages from two Sussex charities are included in PARISH COUNCIL pages.

VILLAGE NEWS celebrates our Cricket Club’s winning streak and brings news from local clubs and organisations, including the latest Fire & Rescue emergency reports.

SCHOOL REPORT gets ready for special end-of-term activities. WORTH ABBEY announces that Monks have elected a NEW ABBOT. NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH alerts us to a new COVID VACCINATION PASSPORT SCAM, while an inside-back page NATURE NOTE explains the PLUS-SIDE OF WASPS. And finally, our very last BACK PAGE feature offers a special PARISH NEWS FAREWELL MESSAGE. All this – and more – inside… ______________________________

THE PARISH CHURCH, ST LEONARD’S, TURNERS HILL SERVICES FOR JULY & AUGUST 2021 Sunday July 4 Trinity 5

10.30 Parish Communion 15.00 Baptism

Wednesday July 7

14.00 Holy Communion

Saturday July 10

14.30 Wedding

Sunday July 11 Trinity 6 (Sea Sunday)

10.30 Parish Communion

Wednesday July 14

14.00 Holy Communion

Friday July 16

14.00 Wedding

Sunday July 18 Trinity 7

10.30 Parish Communion

Wednesday July 21`

14.00 Holy Communion

Sunday July 25 Trinity 8

10.30 Parish Communion

Wednesday July 28

14.00 Holy Communion

Sunday August 1 Trinity 9

10.30 Parish Communion

Sunday August 8 Trinity 10

10.30 Parish Communion

Sunday August 15 Trinity 11

10.30 Parish Communion

Sunday August 22 Trinity 12

10.30 Parish Communion

Sunday August 29 Trinity 13

10.30 Parish Communion

NB: All Wednesday afternoon Holy Communion services for August are cancelled. _____________________________________________________________________________

ST LEONARD’S CONTACT DETAILS Vicar: Canon David Tickner 01342 715278 stleonardth@gmail.com Churchwarden: Dominic Hawken 07831 440819 dominic@del.co.uk Treasurer: Denise Bauldry 01342 604825 dlbauldry@gmail.com PCC Secretary: To be advised Friends: Barbara Podbury 01342 714899 barbarapodbury@gmail.com Bells: Jo Barnes jopbarnes@btinternet.com Hall: Tina Shea 01342 715322/07900 266738 Web: www.thparish.co.uk _____________________________________________________________________________

FROM THE VICARAGE Church Road, Turners Hill, RH10 4PB FOND FAREWELL AND GRATEFUL THANKS This will be my last 'From the Vicarage' for our Parish News. I arrived as Honorary Priest in Charge in December 2013 and have been so lucky to be allowed to continue beyond the original appointment term which ended in 2018. Sadly, the end of my extension period is imminent and I must leave.

Since the future will be the creation of a brand new Parish of Crawley Down with Turners Hill, this will also be the last edition of Turners Hill Parish News. Our publication, with news of the whole community and distributed to every house in the village, began in the 1980s. Since then we have all seen so many changes and – especially during the Covid-19 pandemic - the pace of change has accelerated. Communication for many of us has hinged around the internet and video meetings.

I will use our website www.thparish.co.uk to keep communication going until I finally leave.

We all owe such a huge debt of gratitude to the succession of Parish News editors, including our latest editorial team Tony Cocklin and John Roberts. We are also extremely grateful to our contributors, our advertisers, our generous donors, members of our management team and to our crew of distributors who have delivered the Parish News around the village over many years in all weathers. Thank you all so much.

DELAY TO ‘ STAGE-FOUR’ LOCKDOWN LIFTING Our Prime Minister last month announced a delay to Stage Four of the Roadmap. At the same time, it was also announced that the number of wedding guests could be increased. However, this news came with a qualification that strict social distancing should remain. This means that we cannot increase the number allowed in church. We have weddings booked for July 10 and 16 and if Stage Four had taken place on June 21 there would have been no need for the 72-hour gap between services.

Now, however, the Sunday Service will be affected and the congregations for July 11 and 18 will need to be advised that the church has not had the usual safety gap.

The Prime Minister also stressed that if Stage Four does go ahead we will still be living with the virus and commentators are speculating that even after July 19 there will still be restrictions. There is no news about lifting the ban on singing hymns etc.

TURNERS HILL – A SPECIAL PLACE IN OUR HEARTS I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all. In the early 1960s when Bishop Roger painted a picture of life as a Parish Priest I felt called to it very strongly. As a young clergyman you tend to be given challenging parishes which are still rewarding, but not quite like Bishop Roger's picture.

Later in retirement we came to Turners Hill and this has indeed been like Bishop Roger's attractive description. It feels like a family not only in church, but also widely throughout the village.

If life and times in this village were turned into a TV series, it would be compelling viewing.

We are so very grateful for your love, your humour, your teasing, your friendship and your support.

Wherever we are you have a special place in our hearts. May God's Blessing rest here richly.

Merciful God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as pass our understanding: pour into our hearts such love toward you that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

TURNERS HILL PARISH COUNCIL THE ARK, MOUNT LANE, TURNERS HILL, WEST SUSSEX, RH10 4RA

TEL: 01342 712226 E-mail: office@turnershillparishcouncil.gov.uk Web: www.turnershillparishcouncil.gov.uk

The Parish Council Office is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 09.00 and 12.30, but a message can be left at any time or an e-mail sent to the above e-mail address.

Council meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month starting at 19.30, with 15 minutes for public participation. You are very welcome to join us for part or all of any meeting. The agenda is displayed in advance on the village notice board and on our website. Our next meeting is on Tuesday July 6. - Chris Marsh, Clerk to the Council VOLUNTEER DRIVER SOUGHT FOR COMMUNITY OUTREACH BUS Sussex charity Turning Tides has organised a community outreach bus and is now seeking a volunteer driver. The bus is a vintage vehicle and will provide community outreach support in the Mid Sussex and Horsham areas for rough sleepers or those insecurely housed. Support operations in Mid Sussex will take place on Wednesdays, going through the district, parking in District Council car parks and providing support including hot drinks and small meals, washing facilities, plus internet access. Support with housing, benefits, and health issues will also be offered by Turning Tides staff.

The bus will not carry passengers while moving, as support service takes place only when parked. Clients leave the bus before moving to the next location. The driver does not require any special licence due to the type of bus that it is and because it is not travelling with passengers. It will however be driving down Mid Sussex and Horsham country lanes and parking in agreed car park places, so the work would likely suit someone comfortable driving a large vehicle.

Turning Tides is looking for a volunteer for only about two days per month, but more could be done if interested. The driver does not need to interact with clients. If they did wish to be more involved, that would be helpful in building a sense of community around the bus. There would however be no lone working with clients. If interested, contact Mid Sussex Outreach Manager: rebecca.sowerby@turning-tides.org.uk. For more information on Turning Tides, please go to https://www.turning-tides.org.uk/

FIRST-FLOOR FLAT AVAILABLE AT GRANTHAM CLOSE, SOUTH CHAILEY A little community that hides away in South Chailey known as Grantham Close currently has a first-floor flat vacancy. Grantham Close is run by a group of local volunteers who act as trustees and the site is managed day to day by a Scheme Manager.

The Almshouse at Grantham Close is designed to provide independent living, enabling people to live without the worry of maintaining a property. Formed from the legacy of Lady Sybil Grantham, they have more than 35 flats. Each has its own kitchen, bedroom, lounge and bathroom. In addition there is also a launderette on site, with washing machines and tumble dryer.

Entering Grantham Close you get the feeling of peace and tranquillity, all properties are well cared for and the gardens are well-manicured. Some gardens are attended by residents and there is also a main garden tucked away, that catches the sun and is warm even when windy. A hidden vegetable patch produces an array of veggies grown by green-fingered residents.

In addition, Grantham Close has a contemporary community lounge where social evenings (darts matches, quiz nights, keep fit, bingo and many theme nights) have been enjoyed by all. Residents, staff and trustees are all involved and there is a great spirit of togetherness. This, of course, has been prior to Covid!

Hopefully activities will resume with the atmosphere rekindled very shortly, much to the joy of the residents who have coped extremely well during difficult times.

The trustees work tirelessly with the Almshouse Association and other local businesses to offer a sustainable location with the residents playing a huge part in their success.

Providing housing gives trustees great pleasure and satisfaction knowing they can offer well-kept homes for local people and taking away the worries of maintaining them.

If you would like to find out more about affordable housing, provided at South Chailey please contact the Scheme Manager on 01273 400466; or email theoffice@granthamclose.org.uk

HEDGE CUTTING Ideal time of year to trim hedges is during the autumn and winter months. This allows nesting birds and their young to remain undisturbed during the spring and early summer.

OUTREACH POST OFFICE AT THE ARK The Outreach Post Office is at The Ark on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 10.00 to 12.00. Please do make use of this service to ensure it remains viable.

STREET LIGHTS Please continue to report any problems to the Clerk giving the exact location of the street light, for example: ‘opposite Tarana, Selsfield Road’ or if it has a number on the post, please give the number.

DIAL 105 TO REPORT POWER CUTS Should you experience a power cut please call 105 for UK Power Networks, the company which maintains electricity cables in our area. If you need extra support during a power cut they recommend that you add your details to their Priority Services Register. This does not mean you will get power back any quicker, but they can offer additional support and help. Call them free on 0800 316 3105 or sign up on-line at www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority.

PENSIONABLE AGE BUS PASSES If you already have an older or disabled person’ concessionary bus pass you do not need to take any action.

Your current bus pass will continue to be valid and will be renewed automatically. If you are applying for a new bus pass, or if you have any questions about your current pass, then please use the following contact details:  Bus Pass Information Line (local rate): 0330 222 6222;  West Sussex Bus Pass, PO Box 212, Waterlooville, PO7 6ZN  E-mail: buspass@westsussex.gov.uk  Web: www.westsussex.gov.uk/buses

The Ark IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES, THE ARK IS UNDERGOING A PHASED RE-OPENING. If you wish to enquire about a booking, please call or e-mail the office Other independent services have continued but clients are advised to check in advance: Osteopath treatments - call Jo Barber on 01342 712266 Comfort Foot Care Clinics – call Victoria Vaughn on 07593 630863 Outreach Post Office service in The Deck Room (Every Tuesday and Friday 10.00–12.00)

VILLAGE NEWS CRICKET CLUB HITS WINNING STREAK Mick Litchfield Results continue to go our way – now it’s played seven - won seven, with one game cancelled due to wet weather. Our scheduled home fixture against Division leaders Burgess Hill III was cancelled. Despite the pitch being covered, heavy rain had seeped through and we were unable to play.

So, off the next week to meet Poynings II. A beautiful setting on a glorious day – but the week’s rain made for a damp pitch. Losing the toss and being put in to bat, scoring runs was hard going until the necessary acceleration came. Eventually we closed on 200 for 8. Poynings never really kept up with the run rate, eventually being bowled out for 119.

Next we were at home to old adversaries Lingfield III. Winning the toss (a first!) and batting, Turners Hill posted 188 for 5. Lingfield started slowly, until a couple of good overs got them back into it. Despite a valiant effort, Lingfield closed on 177 – another win for us.

Next up was another home match against Ditchling II. Losing the toss but invited to bat, Turners Hill made a very good start until suddenly we saw an England-like collapse, with us being nine wickets down for 165 runs. Skipper Jay Ansley then proceeded to cart the ball to all parts, hitting a superb 107 not out in a 75-run last wicket partnership. Hill thus closed by posting a challenging 230 for 9. Ditchling started the reply well, but eventually the asking rate was too much and they finished with 196 for 8. Our sixth win At the end of a very wet week, the match away at Ansty IV looked likely to be cancelled. Hats off to the Ansty groundstaff as they worked hard to get the pitch ready and play went ahead. Delayed start meant that a reduced-overs match (35/35) was played. Winning the toss, Jay Ansley had no hesitation in asking Ansty IV to bat. A solid bowling performance saw Ansty close on 135 for 8.

Turners Hill chased this down with no real drama – opener Matt Lake hitting 50 not out and Jay Ansley 41 not out - as we closed on 136 for 1.

So, some excellent performances with bat, ball and in the field. Well done to all players.

As I write it is raining (as if we need more), but let’s hope we do indeed get a glorious summer with plenty of cricket.

Remaining League fixtures are:  July 3 Lewes Priory II  July 10 Crawley Down II  July 10 Balcombe II  July 24 Burgess Hill III  July 31 Poynings II  August 7 Lingfield III  August 14 Ditchling II  August 21 Ansty IV  August 28 Edenbidge II  Sept 4 Lewes Priory II

Away Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Home

As ever, the usual call is made: if you are interested, call me, Mick Litchfield, on 07736 237050 or come along one Wednesday evening, or indeed on a Match Day. .

ARTS SOCIETY TURNERS HILL Lesley Croucher Thank you for letting us contribute to Turners Hill Parish News over the years. We look forward to being involved in whatever publication the merged parishes evolve.

We are starting our usual summer break at The Arts Society, but will be back on Tuesday September 29 for a talk by Rupert Willoughby on ‘Basingstoke and it Contribution to World Culture.’ You will be surprised at what noble Basingstoke has buried underneath the concrete!

What I cannot answer yet is the format. Will we be back at The Ark, still on Zoom or some hybrid form? Watch this space, or rather whatever fills it.

For more details look at our website https://theartssocietyturnershill.org.uk/ Contact me and I will forward any links.We would love you to join us and wish you all a good summer. Lesley Croucher Chairman - 01342 716831 / lccroucher@btinternet.com WORTH HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY – SUMMER SHOW OFF

Martyn Mason

Sadly I must inform you that with the delayed Government easing guidelines on Covid-19 Worth Horticultural Society have taken the difficult decision to cancel their forthcoming Summer Show at the Ark on Sunday July 18.

Nevertheless we are exploring the possibility of a coach visit to RHS Garden Wisley later in the year, of which we will keep you informed as to date and cost.

We will also be having a stall at the forthcoming Crawley Down Village Fayre on Saturday September 11 where we will be selling Spring bulbs. We hope to see you there.

HILLTOP WI - GETTING BACK TO ‘NEAR NORMAL’

Mary Deacon

We are slowly and carefully getting back to near normal. We have been able to meet up in person a few times in gardens and a few members enjoyed a very informal game of tennis one afternoon. We have had what we hope will be our last Zoom WI meeting in June, but of course as we all know, this is very uncertain and we will adapt as necessary. Our June Speaker, Janie Ramsay, told us about the Duchess of Windsor’s jewellery and some of the history of her marriage to Edward VIII with some lovely photos of these beautiful jewels.

Over the summer we will, weather permitting, have outdoor meetings and start again on September 15 hopefully back in the Dove Suite, with a talk about ‘Working with Ghosts at Hampton Court.’

This will be followed on October 20 by ‘The Colonel’s a Woman, So What?’ on November 17 by our AGM; and on December 8 by ‘Sugar Modelling Figures’.

Please keep an eye on our website www.turnershillwi.co.uk for updates and photos.

We have booked a stand at the Turners Hill Village Fete for Sunday July 18 where we will be selling home baked cakes, savouries and more.

Some of our ladies are back to Walking Netball along with with members from Crawley Down WI. You do not have to be a WI member to join this, so if interested please contact me on 715303.

We meet on a Monday evening, 19.00 on the outside court at Oriel School.

New WI members are always welcome; we are a very social group and have had great support from our members over the past difficult year. Happy summer everyone.

GETTING SET FOR JULY MARBLES TOURNAMENT

John Roberts

Even as you read this Will Aitchison, skipper of our village marbles team The Tollymen, is ’phoning around other outfits inviting them to a summer tournament on rings behind the Red Lion. Last year Covid cancelled the eagerly-awaited contest, but if enough teams respond it is planned to go ahead on Saturday July 24, gathering at 13.00 for a 14.00 nose drop.

Will says: “Apart from top teams from the annual World Championships each Good Friday, the Tollymen invite complete beginners to take part here so they can learn all about this traditional game. Hopefully, too, we can find new talent and they gain a flavour of a real contest under rules.”

Indeed, everybody taking part will want to gain a flavour since Harveys Brewery has traditionally provided prizes of a pin of Best Bitter for the winning team and a crate of ‘Blues’ for the individual winner.

Do roll along….

FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE REPORT

Watch Manager Lee Aggett

A large range of calls has been attended by crews last month: HOUSE FIRE IN CRAWLEY A large house fire in the Bewbush area of Crawley had crews from Crawley, Horsham and Turners Hill attending. Despite intensive damage to the property crews managed to save some of the occupiers’ possessions and stop the fire spreading to neighbouring properties.

90 YEAR OLD MAN RESCUED We received a call from the ambulance service asking for our assistance to extricate a 90-year-old gentleman from the first floor of his property, after it is believed he fell and suffered possible spinal injuries. Great care was taken to make sure no further injuries were caused while we transferred him to the ambulance.

DORMANSLAND WOOD PILE BLAZE A call from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service to assist Lingfield fire crews, had Turners Hill responding to a large pile of logs and wood chippings well alight in Dormansland. The Fire service was in attendance for approximately two hours to extinguish the blaze.

THEN – A GREAT MORNING AT SCHOOL Four of the crew had a great morning when they attended Turners Hill Primary School to offer fire safety advice and with the sun shining it was a great opportunity for the children to use the hose from the fire appliance to squirt some water while seeing the truck in action.

JR FUND-RAISING CURTAIN LOWERS After 40 years fund-raising around the village for St Leonard’s Church and with parishes merging imminently, John Roberts (known simply as ‘JR’ to most of the village) has decided to bow out - but not before one last appearance this month on Sea Sunday, July 11.

John explains: “After four decades of this weird old bloke pestering people for their cash and now aged 82, it’s time for somebody else to have a go with fresh ideas. Mainly I hope it’s been fun parting with your bawbees.

“It all started 40 years ago with a sponsored walk around the village. Even then such jaunts were becoming old hat and it was not a howling success. More fun involvement was needed. Thus were born three main events. The highly popular Mid Summer Jazz Thrash in the Red Lion back garden ran for 20 years with live bands plus free home-made cold food (no stinking barbeques!) donated by village ladies and included in the modest ticket price.

“The other two, still going strong until the panicdemic lock-down struck, were the Fair Game Draw and the annual village inter-pub darts matches. Alas, selling squares on the renowned Fair Game Draw boards became gradually more difficult as folk began waving plastic about to pay for drinks in pubs and less carried cash.

“I shall miss all the banter, though. Sample: ‘That church roof must be gold-plated by now.’ Answer: ‘If I had a quid every time I’ve heard that, it would be fixed by now!’ ” Annual two-leg darts matches began between the Red Lion and the then Punch Bowl with sometimes 23 in each team and everybody paying to play to raise money. When the bowl became Tarana, matches continued between the Lion and The Crown. These now more or less run themselves and it is hoped they carry on.

After lockdown interference, it is planned to hold the next two legs in the autumn. The first leg will constitute the missing match last year and this year’s will be the second leg.

“Thanks here to Crown landlord Phil Shoubridge for everything he has so willingly done to help with all fund raising and also to recently-retired Lion publican Graham Martyn.”

…..BUT, SEA SUNDAY TO COME Meanwhile there is Sea Sunday to come. For a final time JR will be waving his collecting tin around the village – at a suitably social distance, natch – for the Mission to Seafarers. This is to help the Mission’s work via the Church supporting crews around the globe who battle not only the elements, but too often appalling conditions created by their employers’ neglect so they can bring you your grub and other goods.

John adds: “On July 11, let’s hear that tin rattle one more once.”

PARK PAGE Turners Hill Park Residents Association DISMAY AT PARISH NEWS CLOSURE Residents have greeted with dismay that this issue may well be the final one. We have a strong delivery network on the Park and our Parish News is delivered as soon as possible, whatever the weather. Everyone looks forward to receiving each month’s copy with village news, especially those who are long time residents of both the village and park. Our thanks go to the team who have worked to bring the news to us for so many years

NEW RESIDENTS ARRIVE & MORE HOMES FOR SALE It continues to be quiet here at the park, although we have several new residents, but also several homes again being put up for sale. The homes continue to sell quickly, with some being refurbished before new

residents move in.

AGM POSTPONED The Residents Association Committee have agreed to postpone this year's AGM until April 2022 when hopefully we will be back to some normality and able to meet residents inside. All of the committee have agreed to stand until then.

TRAFFIC SPEED PROBLEMS The committee is currently discussing and reviewing the long-standing problem of speed on the park, especially on Siskin Avenue and the entrance to the Park. This is of course made worse by the increase of delivery vehicles to our vulnerable residents since Covid.

THANKS AGAIN TO AL AT PARK STORES Our grateful thanks must again be given to Al at Park Stores for his considerable help in obtaining items which customers have requested, but more importantly for his deliveries around the Park before making his way home at night. We hope that residents continue to support this valuable part of our community.

BEST WISHES Our best wishes go to the village, the news team and we wish Canon David and his wife Janet good luck in their retirement.

_______________________________________________________________________________

1st Turners Hill and Crawley Down Scout Group Since our last report all sections have returned to face-to-face meetings and we have been so lucky to have had, with a couple of exceptions, some wonderful weather which has enabled the majority of meetings to take place outdoors using Kings Georges Field, The Haven Field and the woodland behind Larchwood.

This has enabled all sections to include many of the requirements for the Outdoor Activity Badges.

All 22 members of the Scout Troop have learned to tie required knots, build bridges, develop mapping and compass skills, deliver emergency aid, understand the new Countryside code and acquire knowledge of camping safety.

In addition there has been safe fire-lighting and cooking. On the menu have been toasted marshmallows, baked apples and bananas with chocolate buttons, sausages, breakfast kebabs and a meat stew all cooked on sticks or in foil. Nobody likes to spend time washing-up.

All the new Scouts, 15 of them, have settled into the Troop and are hopefully learning Skills for Life.

If you would like to join our growing membership as a Leader please contact bob.atkins@egscouts.org.uk

_______________________________________________________________________________

SCHOOL REPORT READY FOR END OF SCHOOL YEAR FUN As the school year is nearing its end, rehearsals are in full swing for the Key Stage 2 Production and Sports Day is around the corner. It is lovely for the children to be able take part in the usual activities that happen around this time of year – all Covid safe, of course.

FOND FAREWELL TO CANON DAVID We will be saying a very fond and extremely sad farewell to Canon David at the end of this term.

He has been an inspiration to both pupils and staff with his enthusiasm for life and the fun and amusement he has provided whilst regaling us all with his fabulous stories and experiences. It has been priceless.

We wish him and Janet good health and much happiness in this new chapter of their lives.

CHILDREN DELIGHTED AT FIRE & RESCUE DEMONSTRATION We have had a visit from the Turners Hill Fire Station across the road.

Our Fire & Rescue Service crew showed us around the fire truck and how it works.

To the children’s delight, they were also allowed to use the fire hose to hit targets. They also learned who to call in an emergency.

FUND-RAISING MARATHON At the time of writing, Mr Bentall, parent and lollipop man, is preparing for a 24-hour pool marathon to raise funds for the school. All the children are cheering for him and have been designing the posters that you may have seen around the village. Thank you Mr Bentall, we are very grateful! • See poster below

Prayer Thank you for helping us to be truthful and honest with our self and others.

Help us make sure we don’t lie in. ______________________________

Turners Hill Village Fete & Fun Dog Show Sponsored by OSCARS Pet Foods

SUNDAY 18th JULY 2021 12-5pm At The Ark/Recreation Ground Featuring: OSCAR’s Fun Dog Show * Stalls & Entertainments * All the Fun of the Fair* Meridian Radio * Fire & Rescue Demos Barbecue * Beer Tent * Afternoon Teas * Prize Raffle

All stall enquiries: turnershillfete@gmail.com

JOHN ROBERTS INTERVIEWS……

Barring upsets, St Leonard’s Church merges into one parish with All Saints, Crawley Down, after Canon David Tickner holds his last service here on October 31. Then Down’s vicar Rev. Christine Keyte will be looking after the combined new parish. John Roberts went to see her, but with three months to go he found that future plans are still as uncertain as a government ‘road map’ …

A

s vicars go, Christine Keyte could hardly be more of a contrast to Canon David.

For a start she is South African and only came to England 21 years ago. More than that, she spent 13 years in the Methodist Church, moved to the Anglican faith over here and Crawley Down is her first parish as a C-of-E priest.

Now she is faced with running St Leonard’s too, but remains unfazed.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here. It’s been quite a transition with Covid,” says Christine and adds firmly “but now we look to the future” Well, not quite yet. First, let’s look back on Christine’s time in South Africa. She was born in Johannesburg in the early 1970’s – “a lady never reveals her exact age” – and went to school there till she was 18.

However, she insists: “I was first ‘called’ to the ministry at 14.”

Even so she worked at a bookshop after leaving school while studying – and achieving – a BA degree in education and psychology at the South African equivalent of the Open University.

“By the time I’d finished it, at about 25, I fully knew I was called,” said Christine.

Her parents had always been supportive, so was husband Shaun whom she married aged 21.

•Rev Christine Keyte – ‘now we look to the future.’

“I met him in church too. His family had moved to the area and formed a workshop and wanted singers. So I joined.” And with Shaun the lasting result was perfect harmony.

With her calling established, Christine went through a priestly selection process in the Methodist Church and then had a thoroughly immersive learning curve with the John Wesley College in Soweto.

Said Christine: “I spent two days a week in college and the rest working as a priest in the township. It wasn’t easy because it was a dangerous place, very challenging because people were in poverty.

“I was ministering to those who didn’t have much, but were remarkable, very gracious.

On Sundays I took services and did visits.

“One imagines people always asking for help, but they were just happy to have a visit in their houses and the community took care of me. They taught me so much, like finding God’s grace in the midst of struggle.”

……REV. CHRISTINE KEYTE With this in-the-deep-end Soweto experience Christine was more than well equipped for anything in the Methodist Church when husband Shaun, who has family connections in the UK, announced he would like to move here.

They upped sticks. Shaun took a job with Shell in London and Christine carried on with a 13year Methodist ministry in churches at Banstead, Horley and Storrington. Then came yet another calling ,with Christine deciding to transfer to the Church of England.

Her son Jonathon, now 18 and studying at Chichester College, was a chorister at the city’s cathedral and Christine said: “ The Church’s choral tradition connected me with my Soweto experience; the diversity of the Church of England I enjoy too and Anglican thinking.

“The discernment process took two years followed by a year training as a curate at Rustington, a parish with a strong liturgical tradition.”

Ready for a parish After three more years as a curate Christine was told: “You’re ready now for a parish” and landed at All Saints, Crawley Down, four years ago and shortly at St.Leonard’s too. The merger is quite a challenge for a first CofE posting, but to Christine not entirely unexpected: “It was on the cards when I came.

“We are working on a plan with St Leonard’s and will have everything correct.”

Mercifully that includes sermons that do not go on too long: Christine assures: “You won’t get more than ten minutes from me. “ I want to work out what is best for both parishes. It’s not a take-over. There are opportunities for both. And we want what is best for both with limited resources.

“St Leonard’s will continue as a church – I see no reason why not. I’d rather we got things right for the merger than rush, even if it means time taken over decisions.”

Both Parochial Church Councils are holding regular meetings together and Christine confirms: “We have motivation going across both PCC’s. For example, we might do something for six months and if it doesn’t work we’ll try something else.”

Whatever happens, Christine says proudly she will be here to see it through: “I’m not planning to go anywhere. I’m a British citizen now.”

_____________________________________________________________________

THANK YOU, DAVID Although, of course, Canon David Tickner will be at St Leonard’s for a few months yet, this is the last opportunity for the Parish News to put a huge ‘thank you’ and a fond farewell into print. We are blessed to have had David as Honorary Priest in Charge. Equal thanks must go to his devoted wife Janet. Never without a friendly smile for everyone, Janet has given truly staunch support to David and the church in general.

Along with diligent, loving clerical care and duty, David and Janet have very much been part of our community at large. They remain good, long-standing friends with so many of us.

As David says in his ‘From The Vicarage‘ message, wherever he and Janet are in the future, Turners Hill will always have a special place in their hearts. Likewise, they will always have a special place in the hearts of Turners Hill.

In the meanwhile, we look forward to David and Janet being part of our village for while longer and then giving them a true, celebratory Turners Hill send-off at the end of October.

_____________________________________________________________________

TURNERS HILL FREE CHURCH WHAT IS MAN? by Giancarlo Elia Light to the Nations Ministries*

“W

hat is man?” For centuries, poets, mystics and philosophers have looked for answers. Homer said: “Of all the creatures that creep and breathe on earth there is none more wretched than man.” Saint Bernard of Clairvaux: “Man is nothing else than a sack of dung, the food of

worms.”

Martin Luther: “We have altogether a confounded, corrupt and poisoned nature, both in body and in soul; throughout the whole of man is nothing that is good.”

Leonardo da Vinci: “Man and the animals are merely a passage for food, a tomb for other animals, a haven for the dead, giving life by the death of others, a coffer full of corruption.”

Jonathan Swift: “The most pernicious race of little odious vermin that nature ever suffered to crawl upon the surface of the earth.”

Anton Chekhov: “In nature a repulsive caterpillar turns into a lovely butterfly. But with human beings a lovely butterfly turns into a repulsive caterpillar.”

Albert Schweitzer: “Man has become a superman because he not only disposes of innate, physical forces, but because he is in command of latent forces in nature and because he can put them to his service. But the essential fact we must surely all feel in our hearts is that we are becoming inhuman in proportion as we become supermen.”

In the face of such pessimistic views, David asks the same question and through the Holy Spirit he finds the answer: “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For you have made him little lower than the angels, and you have crowned him with glory and honour.” Psalm 8:4-5.

When God created the natural world, the heavens, earth and all that they contain, plants and animals, He saw that all He made was good. Indeed creation possesses beauty and power, both manifestations of the personality of its Creator. Yet, it was not made in His imagine. Nothing, not even angels, was made in His imagine, except man, the crown of His creation and the only one among all that has been made who participates both in the natural and the spiritual worlds. Man was made a natural being out of clay and was made a spiritual being through the breath that came out of God. And God gave dominion over the entire natural world to man, Genesis 1:28, not to His angels.

And God loved man so much that He embraced his nature, not for a life time, but for ever, for all eternity: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus.” 1Timothy 2:5.

And God put His Spirit in man, not in His angels, and through His Spirit transforms man into His likeness, 2 Corinthians 3:18 and He makes man, not His angels, partaker of His own divine nature, 2 Peter 1:4.

We can only stand in awe when we find our answer to the question “what is man” not through our own speculations, but in Christ, in the love of God, in the eternal destiny that God has planned for man. *An itinerant ministry serving the entire body of Christ. For information, contact giancarlo@lttnm.org

________________________________________________________________________________

CHURCH SERVICES The church is open for regular Sunday services, subject to necessary health & safety requirements.

For full information on services and other activities, contact Free Church Elders via email: elders@thfchurch.org.uk ________________________________________________________________________________

WORTH ABBEY TURNERS HILL COMMUNITY DOM MARK BARRETT ELECTED NEW ABBOT Monks of Worth Abbey last month elected a new Abbot, Dom Mark Barrett, in succession to Abbot Luke Jolly, who is retiring having completed his term of office. English Benedictines choose their superior every eight years, after a process of prayerful discernment and discussion.

“The task of a Benedictine Abbot,” said Abbot Mark, “is to articulate the rhythm of the monastery and bring the many different gifts of the brethren together. It is a challenge to be asked to undertake this responsibility, and a genuine honour.”

Abbot Mark was born in West Yorkshire in 1957. He is a graduate of Cambridge and London Universities.

He has been a teacher of Christian Spirituality at both secondary and tertiary levels, and is the author of several books, including The Wind, the Fountain, and the Fire, the Bloomsbury Lent book of 2020.

The monastery has close ties with the neighbouring Worth School and supports the local Catholic Parish as well as offering retreats both online and in the Sussex countryside.

Monks of Worth Abbey have recently founded a small urban monastery in Brighton as part of their continuing support of Catholic life and youth ministry in that city and its universities.

• New Abbot Mark Barrett (right) is pictured with Abbot Geoffrey Scott, Abbot of Douai and First Assistant to the Abbot President of he English Benedictine Congregation who conducted the election.

_________________________________________________________________________

WORTH ABBEY PARISH For full details of Services please visit www.worthabbeyparish.co.uk Fr Paul can be contacted on 01342 710313 or via Parish@worth.org.uk _________________________________________________________________________

COVID VACCINE PASSPORT SCAM Neighbourhood Watch is alerting the public to a new email scam about a fake website purporting to be the NHS. As the poster below explains, the scam relates to Covid digital passports. Residents are asked to be extra careful and follow Neighbourhood Watch advice. More information can be found on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-vaccinationstatus-when-travelling-abroad

RAY FOSTER Garden & Forest Machinery Sales and Service  Quality Garden & Forest Machinery at Competitive Prices  Garden Tools  Safety Clothing and Boots  Oils and Sundries`  Apache Quad Bikes  Berg Karts (Pedal)  Bocarts (Petrol)  Repairs Please visit us at: Burleigh Quarry, East Street, Turners Hill 01342 714774

Aching joints or muscles?

Osteopath Jo Barber may be able to help you.

Jo helps people of all ages with a wide range of ailments to reduce pain, increase mobility and get a better night’s sleep.

AXA PPP and BUPA recognised.

Tel 01342 712266 The Ark, Mount Lane, Turners Hill, RH10 4RA

Linage Advert

Milborrow & Son Chimney Sweeps. Stove Installs, Liners, Blockages and Problems Solved. 01342 717900. Email flueologist@btinternet.com wwwmilborrowchimmeysweeps.co.uk

A NATURE NOTE: WHY BE WASPISH ABOUT WASPS? Summer’s here - so are pleasures of picnics and lazy al fresco dining. Except that is when pestering wasps are around to spoil the fun. Long-standing village resident and outdoor enthusiast Lesley Gibson recently came across an article in THE WEEK magazine which addressed the question ‘why are we so waspish about wasps?’

Lesley wanted to share the answer with us….

As THE WEEK’s article pointed out, according to wasp expert Dr. Seirian Sumner it was simple: we simply didn’t know what wasps do. They were under-appreciated. Now she was seeking to rectify that.

For a new paper, Dr Sumner and colleagues at University College London drew on existing research in order the make the case for wasps. They found evidence that wasps pollinate at least 960 plant species, including 164 that are dependent on them. The insect world’s “top predators,” wasps play a vital role in regulating insect populations and so protect a wide variety of crops. “Their nests and larvae are a source of human food; their venom has antimicrobial properties; and what’s more, they’re beautiful,” says Dr. Sumner, Wasps do not make honey, however, and they are not exactly benign. Whereas bees “buzz around harmlessly,” wasps like to capture insects, take them to their nests, lay eggs on them and them watch as as their young feast on the prey’s still-living bodies. “You don’t have to love them,” concludes Dr Sumner, “but they are useful.”

•Thanks to THE WEEK magazine for this summer nature note – and to Lesley for sharing it

AND FINALLY……

THANKS & FAREWELL

S

o, keyboards are closed and the printing press silent now that this final edition is out. After some 408 issues over more than 40 years, Turners Hill Parish News published by St Leonard’s Church goes into retirement.

As previously explained and again reported in this edition, it comes about because of imminent parochial change with St Leonard’s joining All Saints Crawley Down to create a brand new church parish covering the two villages. Along with other aspects of church activity, our Parish News closure is making way for an interesting future.

Although there had been church publications well before, it was in 1979 that the then St Leonard’s Vicar, the Rev. Alex MacLean, decided there was need for a news-sheet to cover the village as a whole and that copies should be delivered free to every household.

He set about the task with a manual typewriter and old-fashioned duplicator. A small voluntary team came in to help and the Parish News duly took off.

As the project progressed, editorship was taken over by legendary village figure, Eric Dawes. Known affectionately as ‘ED the ed,’ Eric edited and produced the Parish News (alongside his principal duties as Primary School Headmaster and many other community activities) until 2014 when he retired.

He was followed successfully as Editor by Alison Denley. Supported by a voluntary team, including her husband Andrew, Alison edited the Parish News for two years, until she retired because of ill-health. Very sadly, Alison died from cancer soon after. She was posthumously honoured with our Parish Council’s Civic Award.

The editorial support team of Tony Cocklin and John Roberts took over and has produced Turners Hill Parish News over the past six years up until this final edition when they too will retire.

Success of Parish News has not, however, just been down to editoral production.

There are many people and organisations to thank:      

Our distribution team led by Thelma Mason which has ensured without fail that copies have been regularly delivered to every home in Turners Hill; Our valued advertisers who have provided an essential revenue stream under the advertising sales management of Martyn Mason; Our many generous donors who have helped provide additional, much-needed financial support; Our joint treasurers Denise Bauldry and Sarah Hamilton who have diligently kept borderline Parish News accounts on the straight and narrow; Our many contributors who have kept important village news flowing in; and Of course, our many readers here in the village and further away.

Right now, prospects for a possible replacement publication are uncertain. Chances are, however, that a new village newsletter will emerge in one form or another. After all, to quote that old adage, you simply cannot have ‘community’ without ‘communication.’ ______________________________