April 2021 Parish News

TURNERS HILL PARISH NEWS APRIL 2021 PUBLISHED BY ST LEONARD’S CHURCH Edition Number 405

VILLAGE SPRINGING FORWARD

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locks have moved on, days become brighter and evenings lighter as we spring forward into April. Especially, this month brings Easter with our churches open for services welcoming new life, new hope and new opportunity. Coming after a fearsome year of severe lockdown measures against a deadly global pandemic, this April comes not just with jaunty spring flowers, but also blooms with promise of better times ahead. New beginnings will be appropriately marked by children taking part in a funfilled, round-the-village Easter Egg Hunt organised by the Free Church (see back page). It will be followed by the return of outdoor hospitality at the Red Lion and the re-opening of our non-essential shops. They will join those dedicated vital retailers who have served the community so well over lockdown. On behalf of everyone, Parish News extends grateful thanks.

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!

INSIDE THIS EDITION: There’s big change at the RED LION this month following retirement of popular landlord GRAHAM MARTYN. Our CENTRE-SPREAD INTERVIEW introduces the pub’s NEW ‘MINE HOST’ MICK HARRIS AND BUSINESS PARTNER/CHEF FRASER EWELL. VILLAGE NEWS lists first new season fixtures for our CRICKET CLUB; and announces the provisional date for this year’s VILLAGE FETE and WHS SUMMER SHOW. Our FIRE STATION reports on RECENT MAJOR FIRE EMERGENCIES. PARISH COUNCIL outlines plans for RECREATION GROUND IMPROVEMENTS and county POLICE & CRIME COMMISSIONER gives feedback on the recent DOG THEFT SURVEY. Our BACK PAGE publicises the FREE CHURCH EASTER EGG HUNT. Sadly, OBITUARY pays tribute to recently-deceased resident MARK ‘FRED’ BRISTOW. All this and more inside…… ______________________________

THE PARISH CHURCH, ST LEONARD’S, TURNERS HILL SERVICE INFORMATION FOR APRIL 2021 See FROM THE VICARAGE on opposite page for news of Church re-opening and essential anti-Covid health & safety rules.

Sunday April 4 (Easter Day)

10.30 Parish Communion

Wednesday April 7

14.00 Holy Communion (BCP)

Sunday April 11 (Easter 2)

10.30 Parish Communion

Wednesday April 14

14.00 Holy Communion (BCP)

Sunday April 18 (Easter 3)

10.30 Parish Communion

Wednesday April 21

14.00 Holy Communion (BCP)

Sunday April 25 (Easter 4)

10.30 Parish Communion

Wednesday April 28

14.00 Holy Communion (BCP)

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

Bells: Jo Barnes Hall: Tina Shea Web: www.thparish.co.uk

barbarapodbury@gmail.com jopbarnes@btinternet.com

01342 715322/07900 266738

FROM THE VICARAGE Church Road, Turners Hill, RH10 4PB CHURCH RE-OPENS ON EASTER DAY Easter Day is a time of great Christian joy and we are thankful that our church will now be open for traditional, time-honoured service. The proposal for church re-opening was approved at a recent meeting of the Deanery Chapter and has been ratified by our own Parish Church Council (PCC).

It is good news, but we must nevertheless take great care in keeping safe and abiding strictly to vital anti-Covid safety measures. I must admit to feeling vulnerable to possibilities of people not abiding by the regulations (e.g. limited numbers, social distancing, mask wearing, not mingling, Track & Trace, sanitising, avoiding singing and so on). There have been numerous news stories about faith groups, undertakers and crematoria being fined for breaches of health and safety rules. I and our PCC have to accept equal shares of the risk and any consequent penalty. I do, however, consider the risk to be low and feel it is right to join the Deanery in church re-opening.

PLEASE NOTIFY IF WISHING TO ATTEND Government rules continue to severely restrict numbers allowed to use the church. Those wishing to attend on Easter Day should please inform me, Canon David, by e-mail or telephone message.

Please ensure to leave your contact details.

I look forward to welcoming those able to be with us on Easter Day and beyond.

ON-LINE WORSHIP CONTINUES Otherwise, I continue to produce weekly Youtube videos of Music, Prayers and Readings for each Sunday (please email me if you want the links). I have also produced child-friendly videos for the school which normally joins us for religious celebrations during this season.

I am afraid that the advertised links to BBC and Church of England services only occur nearer the time of broadcast. Just in case, there is an existing Easter Service for 2020 from Wolsey Chapel on YouTube at https://youtu.be/GLwKVgkcMaE

NEW LIFE, NEW HOPE – THE SPIRIT OF EASTER In his book ‘The Dignity of Difference’ Rabbi Jonathan Sacks writes: “One of the most important distinctions I have learned in the course of reflection on Jewish history is the difference between optimism and hope. Optimism is the belief that things will get better. Hope is the belief that, together, we can make things better. Optimism is a passive virtue, hope an active one. It takes no courage to be an optimist, but it takes a great deal of courage to have hope."

After more than a year of disruption from Covid-19 there is a danger that we slip into a time of optimism, but that we fail to generate an atmosphere of hope. As the vaccine enables us to open up our lives again they will be different - what has been called 'the new normal'. We could patch up what is left, but best by far is the chance to make things better than they were before.

Easter has always been important for being about new life. Spring is about new life. In the spirit of Easter the Christian Church was born. In the spirit of Easter the ‘new normal’ is something to hope for.

God of glory, by the raising of your Son you have broken the chains of death and hell; fill your Church with faith and hope; for a new day has dawned and the way to life stands open in our Saviour Jesus Christ.

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.

During the current pandemic, Council meetings are still being held on the first Tuesday of each month starting at 19.30, with 15 minutes for public participation, but they are being held on-line. You are very welcome to join us for part or all of any meeting. Please e-mail the Clerk with your question about any item on the agenda and she will let you have the password and log in. The agenda will not be displayed in advance on the village notice board, but will be on the Council website (details above). Our next meeting is on April 6.

- Chris Marsh, Clerk to the Council RECREATION GROUND PLAY AREA IMPROVEMENTS Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) will be carrying out another survey on the play area in the recreation ground. MSDC is currently talking to suppliers to find the best equipment available to meet both its budget and the needs of local residents, as per the consultation that took place between December 2020 and January 2021.

Consultation for play area improvements revealed a desire for a skate facility and outdoor fitness equipment. There have also been enquiries regarding the basketball hoop. Accordingly, MSDC will be running a simple online poll in order to define exactly what local people really want.

Possible options will be:  Option 1 - Half pipe for bikes, skateboards and scooters  Option 2 - Outdoor fitness equipment  Option 3 - New basketball shooting practice area Regarding Option 2 (Outdoor fitness equipment), MSDC will seek more information on what people mean when they say ‘outdoor fitness,’ as there is such a huge variety of possibilities.

At the time of print, we were unable to provide the precise date of when the consultation would start, but it has been suggested that it might have been March 22 and would run for a month.

Please check the MSDC website on: www.midsussex.gov.uk/leisure-sport/playgrounds/ In addition, once we have full details, please check on our website - details at the top of the page.

MSDC is particularly interested in teenagers completing the survey so they can get a feel for what they would really like. This is because some of the Section 106 money passed to MSDC from the recent developments in the village is specifically earmarked for the benefit of youths/teenagers.

ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY: TUESDAY MAY 18 AT 19:30 We are hoping that one of the Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) for Copthorne/Crawley Down/Turners Hill will be able to join this meeting whether it is held virtually or in person. We will be able to give more details in the May edition, but if you have any questions, please send them into the Parish Council (e-mail address at the top of the page) and we will pass them on. We will ask the Parish News if they would kindly publish the questions and answers in June - and we will add them to our website.

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’s, Selsfield Road’ or if it has a number on the post, please give the number.

WSCC POST-16 TRANSPORT POLICY CONSULTATION West Sussex County Council (WSCC) asks for views each year about the Post-16 Transport Policy Statement. The consultation aims to make sure the information in the Policy Statement is up to date and complete. The Policy Statement sets out the help that is available through WSCC, schools, colleges and transport operators for young people of sixth-form age and those who are 19+ with an Education Health and Care Plan to get to school or college. A consultation is now open and runs until Friday April 25.

It is available at: https://yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk/post-16-transport-policy-statement-2021-22 There is also a helpful link on the Parish Council website under ‘News and Events.’

Further information/guidance can be obtained via email at post16travel@westsussex.gov.uk or by phone to 01243 777100. Responses will be considered before WSCC’s Post-16 Transport Policy statement is published at the end of May

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 Contact the Parish Clerk regarding issue and renewal of Pensionable Age Bus Passes. Full advice and guidance will be provided on current procedures. Call or e-mail as shown above or check out our website where full details are given.

The Ark IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES, THE ARK IS STILL CLOSED.

We will reopen to those Clubs that have returned once we have been advised it is safe to do so.

In the meantime: Other independent services may continue, 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 LEAGUE CRICKET BOWLS IN NEXT MONTH

Mick Litchfield

Preparatory work has started on the cricket ground as we aim to turn back winter and get things ready for the season. One might have thouught warmer weather would accompany such preparation, so it did seem odd as I sat on a roller earlier last month wrapped up against a north wind!

Never mind, we are on track and will be ready to start on time – in glorious sunshine, of course.

As I write, all clubs are waiting final guidance from the ECB as to how we approach the season and which Covid protocols will be in place when we play. Early indications are that while the League programme will begin as planned on May 1, matches may be subject (early season) to similar restrictions as last year. That is, we actually play cricket, but must comply with sanitisation rules - limited use of pavilion, and so on.

This may change as Government rules are updated through the season. Nonetheless, it will be a full season and we can’t wait to get out there and actually play.

Turners Hill Cricket Club will start outdoor practice in mid-April, as weather conditions – and Covid restrictions - permit. These formal training sessions will be on Wednesday evenings from 18.15 onwards.

In addition, as mentioned in last month’s report, there will be players training on other evenings depending on availability. Do come along if you are interested – contact details below.

This season sees us in Division 10 (Central) of the Sussex Cricket League. All matches are on Saturday and start at 13.00. May fixtures are:    

Saturday May 8: Crawley Down II - Home Saturday May 15: Balcombe II - Away Saturday May 22: Burgess Hill III -Home Saturday May 29 -Poynings II -Away

We always welcome new players, so if you are interested in turning out for us call me, Mick Litchfield, on 07736 237050 or come along to the cricket ground one Wednesday evening from mid-April.

HILLTOP WI ZOOMS AHEAD

Mary Deacon

Our Zoom meetings continue and the members who are joining in seem to enjoy them and appreciate that it is our only option at the moment.

We celebrated St Patrick’s Day with a ‘show and tell’ of something green or Irish which did cause a few laughs, along with a fun quiz based on St Patrick, Ireland and March. Our Speaker was Jade Williams who gave a most interesting insight into ‘Womens’ Circles’ and their importance in women’s lives.

We have Colin McFarlin from Mid Sussex District Council talking to us at our April 21 meeting about recycling and how we can help our planet. I am sure there will be plenty of questions about the odd bits and pieces we have and whether they can be recycled or not.

We continue our Zoom ‘coffee mornings’ in between meetings and have now realised the advantage of ‘breakout’ rooms –they are correct when they say we are never too old to learn new things!!

Of course, we are all looking forward to warmer weather, our second vaccinations and being soon able to meet up again in small groups, albeit outside.

We wish all the readers of the Turners Hill Parish News a very happy Easter and best wishes for a more ‘normal’ time ahead.

Please check out our website for the calendar of events for this year - www.turnershillwi.co.uk - or phone me on 715303 for more information.

We are very much open to new members at the start of our new year with subscriptions due in April.

Cost for this year only is £22.40, as Hilltop WI is waiving its portion of the whole amount as a goodwill gesture and ‘thank you’ to our members for sticking with us in difficult times.

PUB NEWS: LION OPENS OUTDOORS; CROWN WAITS FOR FULL SERVICE As the Government’s rusty key slowly unlocks our Covid-restricted lives again, the Red Lion is set to reopen for service outside on April 12 whilst The Crown stays firmly closed.

New landlords Mick Harris and Fraser Ewell were due to complete the Lion change with incumbent Graham Martyn on March 30; and April 12 is their first day in action (see John Roberts centre-spread interview)..

Meanwhile Phil Shoubridge at The Crown takes a more cautious approach to Boris Johnson’s so-called ‘road map’ to normality. He will remain closed till pubs are allowed to serve indoors too on May 17.

Phil said: “It’s an economic decision. You can’t rely on the weather. It’s bad enough for one event, let alone a whole month sitting outside. And anybody who thinks I can’t be bothered to open is not thinking straight.

“Assuming May 17 will be on still, that’s when we’ll open with a bang.”

VILLAGE FETE & WHS SUMMER SHOW SET FOR JULY 18 Further down the line, provisional plans are in place for a welcome return of our Village Fete & Fun Dog Show alongside Worth Horticultural Society’s Grand Summer Show. Subject to Covid-related lockdown restrictions, these joint events will take place at The Ark and Recreation Ground on Sunday, July 18.

Having cancelled these summertime highlights last year, both WHS and the Village Fete committee are hoping they can make successful returns for 2021. Further up-dates will be provided in coming months.

ARTS SOCIETY TURNERS HILL

Lesley Croucher

As spring blossoms and birds begin nest building, we continue with our Zoom talks, joining with East Grinstead Arts Society and hoping we may be back at the Ark in September.

Forthcoming event dates are: April 8: We are off to Rome for a virtual tour of its ‘Monumental Squares and Fountains’ with Stuart Harvey.

April 13: David Wright gives us ‘A Brief History of Wine.’

April 20: We have a Special Interest Day featuring, two talks by Andrew Prince entitled ‘Jewels, Style and the Image of Power,’ looking at jewellery and fashion 1929-1959 followed by a talk tracing the jewels through history as they are recycled!

April 27: Ian Cockburn will be talking on ‘Moorish Architecture: The Legacy of a Vanished Kingdom’ - Alhambra, Cordoba and Alkazar of Seville.

All talks are at 11.00 and cost £5 for visitors. For more details visit our website https://theartssocietyturnershill.org.uk/ Contact me and I will forward the links.

We would love you to join us. Lesley Croucher Chairman 01342 716831 / lccroucher@btinternet.com

SCOUTS SEEK VOLUNTEERS AS LOCKDOWN ENDS

Denise Baulch

Our 1st Turners Hill and Crawley Down Scout group is part of the biggest youth movement in the world.

We have run scouting in our area for more than 70 years. Starting age for children to begin their scouting journeys is from six years onwards.

We operate from Monday to Thursday evenings and also the occasional weekend for camping or attending events. We are open to boys and girls (yes girls can join Scouts).

The group is run by some amazing volunteer leaders who are very supportive of each other and make the evenings fun filled and full of laughter.

With the end of lockdown in sight, we are on the look-out for volunteers to help with Cubs and Scouts.

We are seeking helpers, assistants, and leaders so we can get our group of fantastic young people back to scouting (it’s not quite the same on Zoom).

What kind of people are we looking for? The simple answer is: all kinds. Section Assistants are welcome in all shapes and sizes, so long as they are committed to helping our young people experience life-enhancing activities and develop new skills.. There is room for all within the Scouting movement.If you cannot commit to weekly meetings, but still would like to volunteer, please do get in touch about other roles that would help our group. If interested in volunteering please contact me, Denise Baulch at denise.baulch@egscouts.org.uk To add your child to our waiting list, contact Membership-THCD@egscouts.org.uk

FIRE CREWS TACKLE THREE MAJOR BLAZES Watch Manager Lee Aggett During a busy seven-day period last month crews dealt with three major fire emergencies: DOG RESCUED FROM HORLEY HOUSE FIRE

First was an extensive house fire in Horley with the blaze spreading from the kitchen, throughout the home and into the loft. Crews were also sent from Crawley, Salfords and Reigate. With the occupier not at home, crews wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and rescued the family dog.

TEN HOURS FIGHTING CRAWLEY HOTEL BLAZE

A major hotel fire in Crawley had Turners Hill crews mobilised to the incident just after 15.00.

Further crews were also sent from Surrey and West Sussex. At at the peak of the incident a total of 15 appliances and two Ariel ladder platforms were in attendance to deal with the developing blaze on the hotel’s fifth floor. After ten hours, Turners Hill crews returned to Station at 01.00, with relief crews remaining in place the following day before the incident was closed.

DANGEROUS SHED FIRE EXTINGUISHED

In Sharpthorne a large shed fire spreading dangerously towards the house had four appliances sent to the incident from Turners Hill and Haywards Heath, plus two from East Sussex. Turners Hill crew was first to arrive and quickly started extinguishing the fire to prevent it spreading into the nearby property. As other crews arrived to provide more water, the blaze was brought under control. It is believed the fire was started accidentally by an electrical fault. Crews were at the incident for approximately two hours, but returned later to check that a gas cylinder removed from the fire had cooled before we were able to hand the incident back to the home owner.

PARK PAGE Turners Hill Park Residents Association SPRING ARRIVES WITH GARDEN FLOWERS – AND A NEW PICNIC TABLE Spring is here with much lighter early mornings and evenings. Gardens on the Park are beginning to wake up from winter and are full of spring flowers, making a very colourful picture. With an eye to milder weather to come - and the gradual relaxing of distancing rules - the Park team has installed our new picnic table on the green. At the same time, many residents have taken advantage of the recent spell of good weather by having garden groundwork carried out.

NEW HOME ALMOST READY Our Park team has been working hard on the new home and its residents will soon be in occupation.

Our homes and Park still remain popular.

STILL QUIET UNDER LOCKDOWN RULES It remains very quiet on the park at present with everyone complying with the current lockdown rules, although several of us take the opportunity to walk for the exercise hour allowed.

That's all for now from the Park – and best wishes to all in the village.

Hopefully we will have more news next month.

WORRIED ABOUT BEING HACKED? A MESSAGE FROM ACTION FRAUD More than 15,000 hacked emails and social media accounts have been reported in one year, according to Action Fraud, the National Fraud & Cyber Security Reporting Centre. The following is a special message circulated to communities throughout the UK by Action Fraud.

It warns about dangers and recommends online security measures….

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f a hacker got into your email or social media account, what would they find? Health and banking information? Names and contact details for your friends and family? Private photos and messages?

For most people, it’s at least one of those.

Your email and social media accounts contain a wealth of personal information about you, which makes them a lucrative target for cyber criminals. Between February 2020 and February 2021, Action Fraud received 15,214 reports about email and social media account hacking. The majority of reports (88%) were made by individuals, with 12% of reports being made by businesses. Analysis of the crime reports revealed that Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat were the most affected social media accounts, with phishing messages being the most common tactic used by cyber criminals to lure unsuspecting victims.

Motivation behind the hacks are varied and can range from financial gain, to revenge or personal amusement. Some victims are extorted for money, whilst others have their accounts used to send malicious links to their contacts. One victim who had multiple email and social media accounts hacked paid more than £2,000 to regain access to them. Another victim reported that her hacked Facebook account was used to trick her friends into sending money into a PayPal account they thought belonged to her.

Secure your email and social media accounts in just a few minutes. Here's what you need to do: 1: Use a strong and separate password for your email, as well as other important accounts, such as your banking or social media accounts.

2: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). It will help to stop hackers from getting into your online accounts, even if they have your password.

3: If you can't access your account, search the company's online support or help pages. You'll find information about how to recover your account.

For detailed instructions on how to reset your password or enable 2FA on your accounts, visit: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/secureyouraccounts

______________________________ POLICE WARNING: COURIER FRAUD IN WEST SUSSEX Sussex Police is urging residents stay alert following cases of courier fraud being reported in West Sussex. Courier fraud is when a fraudster calls the victim pretending to be from the police or a bank and asks for money under false pretences. They will arrange for someone to pick up the money from the victim’s home, leaving the victim out of pocket. Most recent cases have involved the suspect taking the victim’s bank card and withdrawing money from their account.

In West Sussex during February, police received at least 24 reports of courier fraud relating to vulnerable victims, with £2,000 being the average loss.

PC Bernadette Lawrie, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer, said: "Criminals continue to exploit people through this appalling method and we are urging the public to be cautious of unexpected phone calls from people asking for personal information. The police or your bank will never ask you to withdraw money or hand over your bank cards.

“If you believe you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, you can report information via our website or by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.

“Please pass this advice onto your loved ones, particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable.”

For more information about about fraud and means of protection, please visit the website: https://www.sussex.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/

A VILLAGE VIEW FOR SEASONAL REFLECTION

Picture by John Roberts

•Daffs bloom and Easter brings new hope after so many recent deaths in the village. This peaceful scene in St Leonard’s Church graveyard, looking out over Jez Wheatland’s sheep and the Sussex countryside provides a view for seasonal reflection. ______________________________ HUGE PUBLIC RESPONSE TO DOG THEFT SURVEY Some 124,729 people responded to the national dog theft survey featured in last month’s Parish News.

The survey conducted by Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne in partnership with the Association of PCCs revealed that an overwhelming majority of respondents believed that dog theft was a “serious problem” and thieves should face stiffer sentences.

More than 75 per cent of dog owners reported they were more scared of walking pets because of the heightened risk they would be stolen.

PCC Bourne stated: “I would like to thank everybody who took part in this unique survey which elicited such a huge public response. Pets are part of people’s family and the devastating emotional impact of this crime should no longer be overlooked. There is a clear message that police forces need to communicate better with the public on this matter. Public perception and fear have increased massively, so much so that nearly 83 per cent respondents are scared of walking their dogs at night.”

Full information on findings of the survey and special action against dog theft being taken by Sussex Police is available at the PCC website – www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk

OBITUARY MARK ‘FRED’ BRISTOW Large gatherings of family, friends and neighbours on Lion Lane’s lower green to applaud and bid farewell to Mark Bristow as his funeral cortege left the family home said much about the love and respect in which he was held by so many. Especially, it marked the shock and sadness at his sudden, untimely death at the age of 53. Mark was a well-known, popular village personality and devoted family man. He has been described as a “livewire,” full of fun and energy, but blesssed with a heart of gold. This tribute is based on the funeral eulogy prepared by Mark’s family….

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any could be forgiven for not knowing his real Christian name. Mark was universally known in and around the village as ‘Fred.’ It was a nickname bestowed in a fond, light-hearted way by his Headmaster at Turners Hill Primary School, the late Eric Dawes. It stayed with him for the rest of his life.

Mark was born to Roger and Sheila Bristow at Cuckfield Hospital on October 18, 1968. He was followed by sisters Kate three years later and Lisa in 1974. The family had moved from nearby Selsfield to Turners Hill in 1971.

After primary school in the village, Mark (or ‘Fred’) went on to Imberhorne School, East Grinstead where he made many lifelong friends. After completing his education, Mark began his working life with Kevington Brickworks at Rowfant. He became skilled as a top cutter - and was even featured in one of the company’s advertisements.

More recently, Mark worked for Mid Sussex Timber at East Grinstead where he enjoyed a fulfilling career and built a wide friendship.

Away from work, he had many other interests. Mark took up boxing with his Uncle Richard at East Grinstead Amateur Boxing Club. One highlight was meeting local hero, the former World Middleweight Champion Alan Minter. He enjoyed football and was a staunch fan of Arsenal FC. • Mark ‘Fred’ Bristow One key interest with which he will always be associated was his little car in which he could often be seen buzzing around the village and surrounding areas.

Mark also had a softer, more intellectual side. He recently shared with his Dad, Roger, that he liked classical music because he found it soothing.

Family was always very important to Mark. He was proud to become uncle to Kate’s and Lisa’s children, Rhys, Amy, Harry and Emma. Along with the whole family, Mark was deeply saddened by the death after a long illness of his mother Sheila in January, 2018. After her passing, Mark moved back to the family home, providing comfort and support to his father Roger.

Tragically, Mark collapsed and died at work on February 8. His colleagues and the paramedics called to the scene did all they could to assist him. Roger, Kate, Lisa and the family have extended heartfelt thanks to everyone for all they did in trying to do so.

In their final eulogy message to Mark the family stated: “We thank you Mark for the good times, laughter shared and your love and devotion to your family. Thank you for simply being you. May you be reunited with family and friends gone before you.

Knowing you will live on in our hearts always. Rest in peace Mark – may you rest gently….”

- Roger, Kate, Lisa & family

Mark ‘Fred’ Bristow was born on October 18, 1968. He died on February 8, 2021, aged 53.

His funeral took place at Surrey & Sussex Crematorium on March 12, 2021.

When allowed, the family will be holding a memorial celebration of Mark’s life at the Red Lion. ______________________________

JOHN ROBERTS INTERVIEWS……

Providing Government does not change its mind yet again, an Englishman’s right to enjoy a pint in a village pub garden is set to be restored on April 12. What joy!

And as the Red Lion re-opens, regulars are in for an extra treat in welcoming new landlord Mick Harris and his business partner/chef Fraser Ewell. Before the great day John Roberts joined the pair to hear about them and their plans for the pub, especially as ex- incumbent Graham Martyn will be a hard act to follow……

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any customers must have sat in the Red Lion and imagined it being their pub. Mick Harris who lives at Selsfield has been a long-time regular and fulfilled the dream.

Early last month Mick and business partner Fraser Ewell heard that Harvey’s had granted them joint-tenancy on a five-year lease. They officially took over the Lion on March 30 and Mick vowed: “We aim to run it as the locals like it. They are the backbone. I should know. I’ve been using it long enough!”

Whilst the Lion rarely has troublesome drinkers, both Mick and Fraser should be able to deal with them. Mick had 12 years in the Grenadier Guards, including three tours in Northern Ireland during ‘the Troubles’ and Fraser was 14 years an officer in HM Prisons, in a Category A establishment.

Stand back. Respect!

Tell you what – for those who don’t know the pair already, let’s get to know a bit about them before we look at their ideas for the Lion.

Although he certainly does not look it, Mick, a big strong character as you might expect in a Guardsman, is 70. He was born at Gainsborough, Lincs, and spent his childhood in children’s homes.

He said: “My parents died when I was I was young so I was in children’s homes at Horncastle and Skegness till I was 15. It wasn’t hard or anything. The people were very nice and anyway I hadn’t known any different kind of childhood.”

Army life beckoned Young Mick went into the adult world working as a locomotive shunter at Scunthorpe steelworks, but when he was 21 the Army life beckoned. He wanted a varied lifestyle and the Grenadier Guards certainly provided it.

After square-bashing at Purbright he was based in Chelsea before tours abroad began. In Hong Kong he patrolled the Chinese border: “In the day we kept out the Chinese hordes and at night we joined the Chinese hordes in Wanchai!”

Seemingly he was too busy to learn how to use chopsticks, but one bit of local culture stayed with him. As a keen rugby man he loved the Hong Kong Sevens and said: “I’ve been going back every year for the Sevens, but alas, that’s it now.”

In Germany Mick was a section commander on Exercise Crusader, the biggest mobilisation of troops since the Second World War: “We were digging in and learning war-craft.”

On his three tours of Northern Ireland life was different again.

He recalls: “Things were fairly relaxed on the first tour in Belfast. We had ‘tea stops’ and people were quite sympathetic. Then it began to change.”

As tensions rose Mick was walking past a shop when a bomb went off: “I woke up three days later with 180 stitches in me. My helmet had been blown off and 100 stitches were in my scalp. Two weeks later I was told ‘Ok, you’re fit now. You can go back on duty.”

Apart from his Belfast tours Mick was also posted to the then rural badlands of Fermanagh around the small village of Belleck: “We’d search farms and find all kinds of stuff, arms and the like. ‘Oh,’ the farmers would say, ‘how did that get there?’

“Later lawyers got involved in what we were doing and everything got so stringent it was ridiculous.”

……MICK ‘Mine Host’ HARRIS After 12 years Mick felt the need for change and left the Army in the rank of Staff Sergeant to set up a kitchen-fitting business at Woking, but later gave it up for a year living in Spain: “It was my ‘gap year.’ I was just very late in life having it.”

He returned to start his own drainage firm in 2000 working till the present on large corporate contracts in London, mainly for Network Rail digging drains, laying pipes, tackling drainage in office blocks, and even roofing, at huge sites like Victoria Station.

Mick would have to work at night as train activity died down: “We’d be in at 10pm and out by 5am. Then there was work to do at home in the day.

There wasn’t much time for a kip, but I only need six hours.

Sleep has been a luxury so working pub hours won’t worry me.”

It’s been a busy life so far, but in the middle of it all Mick has somehow found time to get married and divorced four times.

He does a swift recap: •Mick (left) and Fraser shake on their new Red Lion partnership “Let’s see. The first was Susan for nine years. That ended after I joined the Army, came home early on leave and found her with somebody else.

“Second was Joan. That only lasted two weeks. Then there was Melanie and that one lasted longest, 13 years. Finally came Louise.” Many will remember their big reception at The Crown, but alas that match failed too: “We were together for two years with another year sorting out the divorce. I’ve worked out that all those divorces have cost me more than £1,500,000.”

Meanwhile, what of Fraser?

“I’ve not had nearly as eventful a life, for a start I was only married once,” said Fraser, 56, who was born and raised at Southall, Middlesex and left school at 15. He worked in importexport at Heathrow before upping sticks to March in Cambridgeshire and became a warder at Category A prison Whitemore, home to some of the country’s most dangerous criminals.

Fraser’s less eventful life? He managed 14 years there relatively unscathed; that is to say ‘unscathed’ as he understands it.

He said: “I was stabbed once and out of action for six months. Each morning I would unlock this bloke’s cell and sing ‘Good morning sunshine.’ One day he said ‘Do that once more and I’ll stab you.’ Next morning I did, and he did.”

After this confined style of work, Fraser left for Crawley to enjoy moving about a bit by becoming a bus driver, but really hankered after a role in catering.

Continued on next page……

John Roberts Interviews continued……

“I love cooking,” said Fraser “so I got all my catering degrees and bought my own van selling curries, Chinese and burgers, but then Covid did for that.”

With the assistance of Sadie who is staying on in the kitchen, Fraser will have plenty of scope when the Lion can start serving food indoors and looks forward to producing traditional Sunday lunches once more.

Outside in the garden to begin with this month it will be simple fare – light bites, rolls, possibly a few chips.

One major change will be all-day opening every day. As Mick puts it:“When it’s quiet, one of us can get on with other jobs like mowing the lawn. People have been very kind and supportive about us taking over. I just hope they don’t all roll up at once!

“We won’t change the dynamics of the pub at all – so no new high-falutin’ ideas. We’ll be child tolerant. Young children will be very welcome if they sit quietly and are out by 8pm when they should be in bed anyway. And we’ll expect people not to sit there in singlets.

“Otherwise all the usual things like darts and marbles will continue, plus shoot dinners and the rest. The Union Flag will fly outside each day and the display cabinet will have a bit of military bearskin and tunic medals to reflect the landlord’s service in honour of the Queen.

“Graham has taught me all about keeping bitter and changing barrels and cleaning pipes.

He has been an absolute diamond and become a friend for life. As I say, the locals have been very supportive. There’s hasn’t been one adverse comment and we want to keep the pub the way they like it.” Three cheers to that, we say……

•Do you know somebody who would make a good subject to interview?

Perhaps you are a village newcomer with a story to tell.

Please do contact the Parish News. ______________________________ ERIC HALL IS OUR LOCAL ‘DIGITAL CHAMPION’ Last month’s Parish News drew attention to a new helpline to assist people needing support and guidance with digital skills by the Citizen Online charity.

Its special team of trained Digital Champions were available to give support simply by calling the free helpline number.

Turns out that one of those ‘Digital Champions’ is right alongside us in the form of village resident, Eric Hall, subject of our previous centre-spread interview.

Said Eric: “Citizens Online is a free, nationwide service helping people with digital/computer literacy. This entails helping people with basic computer problems, online shopping (such as groceries or prescriptions), video calling, and so forth. I am a Digital Champion for this organisation.”

Get more info at www.citizensonline.org.uk Better still - catch Eric for a helpful word when he’s out and about in the village….

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TURNERS HILL FREE CHURCH LOVING OUR NEIGHBOURS by Giancarlo Elia Light to the Nations Ministries*

O

nce I heard a godly man lamenting that in his congregation there was plenty of individual piety, enough erudite and well research teaching, but very little empathy and almost no compassion. He said: “When I face difficulties I would rather deal with an atheist than with a believer. If I share my problems with a believer, his reaction will be: ‘I will pray for you.’ ” However, an atheist has no one to pray to, therefore he has to do something at a practical level.” He was absolutely right. Even recently I was disappointed to witness how pious people reacted with immediate prayers when somebody was crying for help, but no one offered to do anything tangible, practical for the brother in distress.

It is somehow disturbing to see how the final judgment described by Jesus in Matthew 25:31-46 has nothing to do with orthodoxy, but everything in it is based on orthopraxy, namely on what we do right in the eyes of God in our relationships with our fellow human beings. What matters for the Lord is what we do to others, how we live our daily relationships with those around us, how we put into practice the golden rule in Matthew 7:12 “However you want others to treat you, so treat them”. Many still believe that the command is the negative one “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow”, formulated by Hillel a few years before Christ. Unfortunately obedience to that command has the effect of separating, leading us to widen the gaps between ourselves and others, in order to avoid any reciprocal hurt. I do not want to be hurt by you, so I do not hurt you, you stay there, I stay here. I can pray for you, but I do not get close to help you with my hands.

What Jesus commanded us is exactly the opposite, it is a positive command to take the initiative and to approach everyone with the deliberate intention of doing good to them, as we expect them to do good to us.

In other words, it is an attitude of the heart that changes the command ‘love our neighbours like yourself’ from a feeling of love into a loving action. If we want to obey that command we need to take initiatives and do whatever is necessary for our neighbours, whenever we see or hear that they are in need. We do it without counting the cost, in the same extremely sacrificial way that God chose: “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son”John 3:16. In that way we become imitators of God, for whom love is not merely a feeling, but action, manifested through sacrificial and costly initiatives taken for the benefit of the objects of His love. It is not what I feel but what I will in my relationships with others that will allow me to stand in front of Christ on the day of judgment. *An itinerant ministry serving the entire body of Christ. For information, contact giancarlo@lttnm.org

EASTER SERVICES Free Church Easter Services are as follows: GOOD FRIDAY – Service on April 2 at 10.00 EASTER SUNDAY – Service on April 4 at 10.00 All welcome – Church will be open If unable to attend in person, services will be broadcast on Zoom.

For further information contact elders@thfchurch.org ********** NB: Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday April 3, 13.00/15.00, Church car park.

YEAR OF CHALLENGE FOR CHICHESTER CATHEDRAL by Cathy Clark* Over the last year, Chichester Cathedral faced many challenges and developed new means of staying connected with the wider community and providing means of support and resources.

When public worship was suspended last March, the Cathedral began live-streaming a weekly Sunday service. As limited public worship returned, additional services continue to be live-streamed and made available on the Cathedral’s website. Other special services are livestreamed including those on Remembrance Sunday, Advent & Christmas, Holy Week and more.

The Cathedral developed resources for worship and prayer at home, and has run online lectures, concerts, choral music, and arts events.

It has continued to support its partners including Chichester District Foodbank, UK Harvest and Stonepillow. Earlier this year with the Sussex Pub Group and Pallant House Gallery, the Cathedral launched the Friday Lunch Club which offered a free two course lunch to vulnerable or isolated residents in the city.

As we look forward to the easing of restrictions, the Cathedral hopes to welcome back more worshippers, visitors and other groups in the coming months.

Like many other institutions there have been serious financial implications: one important way of providing regular support is through the Chichester Cathedral Friends. Through project funding the Friends have made considerable contributions in maintaining and improving facilities and services and developing the Cathedral’s mission.

Current projects cover all areas of Cathedral life, including new toilet facilities in the North Transept (currently facilities are only available outside), new IT infrastructure, and improved Cathedral lighting.

In normal times, the Friends like to socialise and have fun too! Events throughout the year include talks, day trips, lunches and holidays. Joining the Friends is a way to enjoy new experiences and friendships whilst supporting the Cathedral’s work and sacred heritage.

For further information, please visit www.chichestercathedral.org.uk For details of the Friends scroll down the home page and find details under ‘Cathedral for the Community.’

Details of the Cathedral’s Holy Week activities are available to view at: https://www.chichestercathedral.org.uk/news/holy-week-2021-chichester-cathedral *Cathy Clark, Communications Assistant, Chichester Cathedral, takes early retirement after Easter. Future point of contact will be Ollie Tubb, Marketing & Communications Manager: oliver.tubb@chichestercathedral.org.uk

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EASTER AT WORTH ABBEY For full details of Easter Services please visit www.worthabbeyparish.co.uk Fr Paul can be contacted on 01342 710313 or via email parish@worth.org.uk _____________________________________________________________________

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

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PARISH NEWS NEXT EDITION Copy deadline for the MAY Parish News edition will be

MONDAY APRIL 19 Editorial contributions (including Letters to the Editor) should be sent to: editor.parishnews@thparish.co.uk Advertising enquiries should go to: advertising.parishnews@thparish.co.uk Post: TH Parish News, The Vicarage, St Leonard’s Church, Turners Hill RH10 4PB Parish News is also available online at: www.thparish.co.uk.

Click on ‘Parish News’ at ‘QUICK LINKS’

AND FINALLY……

EASTER FAMILY FUN FOR VILLAGE CHILDREN What better way to mark a rather special Easter-time and the future hope it promises, than with a seasonal tradition celebration centred on a new generation. Thanks to the Free Church, village children will be taking part in a fun-filled, family Easter Egg Hunt. It will no doubt bring much enjoyment to them and big smiles all-round. Happy Easter!

A FREE EVENT BY TURNERS HILL FREE CHURCH

EASTER EGG HUNT! Come and join the fun on an Easter Egg Hunt Around Turners Hill Village

SATURDAY APRIL 3 / 1-3 PM – TURNERS HILL COLLECT A MAP FROM THE CHURCH & FOLLOW THE TRAIL TO TRY AND FIND THE HIDDEN EGGS RETURN TO CHURCH TO COLLECT A SPECIAL EASTER GIFT PLEASE NOTE: ALL CHILDREN UNDER 16 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED

BY AN ADULT FAMILY/BUBBLE GROUPS OF 6 COVID RESTRICTIONS APPLY

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SEE INSIDE BACK PAGE FOR MAY EDITION DETAILS ___________________________________________________________________________