March 2021 Parish News

TURNERS HILL PARISH NEWS MARCH 2021 PUBLISHED BY ST LEONARD’S CHURCH Edition Number 404

STEP BY STEP BACK TO NORMALITY Gates might not be fully open, but they’re beginning to creak ajar as we head out on Government’s four-step end to England’s lockdown. Schools re-open on March 8 and limited outdoor socialising will be allowed by the end of the month. At the same time, certain sporting activities will be allowed to resume. A bit further down the line, nonessential shops should get back to business; and our pubs and restaurants could open their outdoor spaces. Then, step by further liberating step, we could be back to full normality come mid summer. This springtime light at the end of winter’s grim tunnel is largely down to the highly-successful vaccination programme which has already inoculated the elderly and most vulnerable and now rolls on to treat the whole community. For this, we extend sincere heartfelt thanks to the NHS and all in its dedicated workforce.

HARTMIRES APPEALS CREMATORIUM TURN DOWN High on the village agenda this month is news that Hartmires Investments Ltd has appealed to the Secretary of State against Mid Sussex District Council’s refusal of its application to build a crematorium in Turners Hill. Details are provided on the Parish Council’s pages inside, together with a letter from MSDC on its website.

A Public Inquiry into the appeal is to be held as a virtual event on May 11, opening at 10.00. Anyone wishing to attend should check Parish Council information on how to proceed. Written representations need to be submitted by Monday March 15 to: Robert Wordworth, Planning Inspectorate Case Officer, Planning Inspectorate, 3/26 Hawk Wing, Templequay House, 2 The Square, Bristol BS1 6PN. Quote Planning Inspectorate Reference APP/D3830/W/21/3266563 – otherwise letters will not count.

Contact details: robert.wordsworth@planninginspectorate.gov.uk Tel: 0303 444 5608

INSIDE THIS EDITION: VILLAGE NEWS includes up-dates from four active community associations; the CRICKET CLUB is getting set for a challenging new season; and the FIRE STATION reports on recent emergencies. Our CENTRE-SPREAD INTERVIEW features friendly American villager ERIC HALL. A special survey into outbreaks of DOG THEFT is announced. OBITUARIES pay tribute to two recentlydeceased residents JOHN OLIVER and COLIN JOYNER. Sadly, we also record the death last month of MARK ‘FRED’ BRISTOW. All this - plus more - inside….. ______________________________

THE PARISH CHURCH, ST LEONARD’S, TURNERS HILL PROVISIONAL SERVICES FOR MARCH 2021 At the time of writing the church is expected to remain closed until March 14.

The following services are provisional, depending on permission to re-open.

Sunday March 14 (Mothering Sunday)

10.30 Parish Communion

Wednesday March 17

14.00 Holy Communion (BCP)

Sunday March 21 (Lent 5)

10.30 Parish Communion

Wednesday March 24

14.00 Holy Communion (BCP)

Sunday March 28 (Palm Sunday)

10.30 Parish Communion

Wednesday March 31

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 GLIMMER OF HOPE ON HORIZON As I write we are still in Lockdown with a promise of news to come.

The snow has fallen, but there are daffodils pushing through with their triumphant yellow flowers.

Where snow has blown away the snowdrops are in flower too. More senior villagers have had their first injection of the vaccine and there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon.

DIOCESE OFFERS COURSE FOR LENT The Diocese of Chichester has prepared a Lent Course. It invites reflection on what minimum requirements need to be present for a diocese to participate in the mission of God. In the light of that reflection, it asks for prayer about how our unity with God, and in the Body of Christ, might grow and deepen, that the world might believe (John 17:21). Resources for all five weeks, including guidance notes, Bible notes, prayer diaries and course material are available. Contact me for more details.

SERVICES AVAILABLE ONLINE – BUT HOPE TO RE-OPEN THIS MONTH Most churches remain closed because the virus is still infecting some 20,000 people a day, with hospitals full to bursting. However, the numbers are coming down. Even though we hope the church will be able to re-open soon, we have to prepare for possible ongoing closure. A very kind parishioner has provided the licences needed to put services online. If you would like to receive schedule details as they become available, please let me know.

If improvement continues, schools may open again for all pupils from March 8; and hopefully we will be able to re-open our churches. I am therefore pencilling in the church diary from the March 14 which is Mothering Sunday. I doubt we will be able to have the normal school Mothering Sunday service in church, but we are exploring the options.

ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING On March 21 we are due to have our Annual Parochial Church Meeting. Last year it had to be delayed until October, but it wasn't possible to have a normal meeting even then. It might be necessary to have an internet video meeting. Please let me know if you would like an invitation. The link for the meeting would be sent to you together with the paperwork close to the time of the meeting. You need to be on the Church Electoral Roll to attend an Annual Parochial Church Meeting.

PLANNING FOR EASTER…… AND BEYOND Palm Sunday and Holy Week are being planned both from the point of view that we can use the church, but also with digital backup if that proves impossible. Easter Day is at the beginning of April and there is time to think about that later. (My video editing skills are increasing by the week!)

May is being mentioned for a further easing of the rules and we have opened up the administration for weddings again and have even pencilled in dates from May onwards. Meanwhile, we each have our part to play in controlling the virus and improving the chances of a glorious summer ahead.

God of compassion, whose Son Jesus Christ, the child of Mary, shared the life of a home in Nazareth, and on the cross drew the whole human family to himself: strengthen us in our daily living that in joy and in sorrow we may know the power of your presence to bind together and to heal; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

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 on 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 March 2.

- Chris Marsh, Clerk to the Council ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY SET FOR TUESDAY MAY 18 AT 19.30 The Parish Council has set the date for our Annual Parish Meeting. At time of publication, government had not changed the virtual meetings law due to end on May 7. A decision on how the Parish Assembly takes place will, therefore, be made nearer the time following government guidance. Details will be on our website and in the the Parish News. Topic for a keynote presentation was discussed at the recent monthly meeting and once a speaker has been confirmed, details will be similarly circulated.

Please remember, this is also your opportunity to discuss anything with your Parish Councillors, find out what they do and ask any questions you would like answered.

HARTMIRE INVESTMENTS CREMATORIUM APPEAL MSDC Ref: AP/21/0009 – Planning Inspectorate Ref: APP/D3830/W/21/3266563 Hartmire Investments Ltd has appealed against Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) refusal of its planning application for an “Outline application for a single chapel crematorium with a single abated cremator and natural burial site with associated access, car parking, landscaping and drainage. All matters reserved apart from access” at “Land North of, Turners Hill Road, Turners Hill, West Sussex.”

A public inquiry is to be held as a virtual event opening on May 11 at 10.00. Documents relating to the appeal can be viewed on the MSDC website: https://pa.midsussex.gov.uk/online-applications/ and select the ‘Appeals’ tab using the reference AP/21/0009. Anyone wishing to attend the Inquiry must make their interest known to the Planning Inspectorate Case Officer as soon as possible prior to the inquiry, either by e-mail or telephone. A letter from MSDC with the full details is on the Parish Council website. However, please be aware that all written submissions to the application and appeal will be taken into account by the Inspector and re-stating the same points will not add any additional weight to them.

For details of the Parish Council’s response to the Hartmires Planning Application DM/21/0014 which was with regard to renewal of planning consent DM/18/0677, please visit the MSDC website and add the planning reference number, or view the Parish Council’s draft minutes for February once they are on our website.

NATIONAL CENSUS DAY: SUNDAY MARCH 21 By taking part, you can help inform decisions about services that shape your community, such as healthcare, education and transport. Ahead of Census Day the Office for National Statistics will send every household a letter in the post with an access code and instructions.

It’s important that you fill in your census questionnaire because it gives the Office for National Statistics the most detailed information about our society. Without the information you share, it would be more difficult to understand our community’s needs and plan and fund public services.

Census Day is officially on Sunday March 21, but there will be an extensive window in which to complete it, from early March, when households will be receiving the Census packs, up to the beginning of May. Census 2021 will be the first digital-first census. It is easy to do and can be done on any device. You will get an access code from the Office for National Statistics. Simply go online and enter the code into their secure website to get started. If you need help, there is an online help area and help by phone (01329 444972) as well as help through various forms of social media.

SALT BIN GUIDANCE West Sussex County Council (WSCC) recommends a spread rate of approximately 20 grams of salt/grit per square metres when hand salting. Although salt/grit can be spread effectively with shovels, care is required to ensure over-salting does not occur. In fact, 20 grams is a very small amount. You don’t need a lot of salt to protect a footway. Use it sparingly. Over-salting is damaging to the environment and a waste of a limited resource.

The white board in the photo is one metre square and has 20 grams of salt/grit spread across it. You will observe that you do not need a lot of salt to protect the footways. Spread it evenly and your salt will last longer and cover a greater area.

The salt in the bins around the village is for use on footpaths and roads and should not be used for personal reasons i.e. on a drive or the footpath on your property leading to your front door.

WSCC only fill the bins once a year and only then if they are less than 50% full. This is usually carried out in the autumn. After that, the Parish Council has to ask our appointed local farmer to fill up bins and we do not have an infinite supply of salt stored. Once gone, salt will not be replenished until the following autumn.

GATWICK IMPLEMENTS NORTH TERMINAL DROP-OFF CHARGE From March 8, Gatwick Airport Limited will introduce a £5 charge for vehicles which drop off passengers directly outside its North Terminal, where all flights are currently operating to and from.

The charge will be extended to the South Terminal forecourt at a later date. The initiative is designed to help reduce traffic congestion and emissions for the surrounding area, as well as being a deterrent for a carled recovery once more regular travel resumes after COVID-19 national lockdown. The charge will also create a vital new revenue stream for the airport, providing further protection for local jobs as the negative economic impacts of the pandemic continue.

Anyone who does not wish to pay the charge will be able to drop-off or pick-up passengers in the airport’s longstay car parks with two hours free parking and a free shuttle bus to the terminal. Alternatively, passengers can arrive by public transport, taking advantage of the significant improvements to train and bus services to the airport in recent years. To summarise: • Free drop off or pick up will be available at the airport’s long stay car park.

• The new revenue stream will provide further protection for jobs at the airport.

• Initiative will help deter a car-led recovery alongside reduction in traffic congestion and emissions at Gatwick and the surrounding areas.

• Blue badge holders will be exempt from the charge.

Visit www.gatwickairport.com/dropoff for full details

HOW TO DEAL WITH LEAKING TAPS & BURST PIPES Melting snow and ice can result in leaking taps and burst pipes. If your pipes have burst, turn off your stop tap; turn off electrics at the fuse box if water is leaking near any electrical appliances; open all taps to drain the system quickly; soak up/block off escaping water with thick towels; and call a qualified plumber. To find your nearest WaterSafe accredited plumber visit watersafe.org.uk If water has leaked near electrics or into any electrical appliances, switch them off at the mains Turn off taps once the pipework is repaired to avoid further flooding If your pipes have frozen, turn off the water supply at the stop tap; slowly thaw the pipe with a warm towel (it is recommended using your tumble dryer or soaking them in warm water) or a hairdryer, starting at the end nearest to the tap. Never use a naked flame or blowtorch.

Southern Water has further advice on how to keep your home protected from the cold on their website: https://www.southeastwater.co.uk/my-water-supply/protect-your-pipes-this-winter.

In an emergency, customers can call Southern Water 24/7 on 0330 303 0368. Calls charged at a local rate.

Continued on following page……

Parish Council continued…..

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.

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.

AVOID VACCINATION SCAMS The COVID-19 vaccination is ONLY available from the NHS and it is FREE - you will never be asked to pay for it or give your bank details. Beware of fake vaccination appointment texts and emails which contain a confirmation link and look very similar to the genuine texts. https://www.sussexhealthandcare.uk/keepsussexsafe/sussex-covid-19-vaccination-programme

The Ark IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES, THE ARK IS AGAIN 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 WORTH HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Martyn Mason

Hello everyone: I sincerely hope that this article finds you all well and safe in these, the most difficult and unprecedented times we have had to endure.

Like other associations and societies, all events in 2020 were cancelled due to this pandemic; and it seems that 2021 has started in a similar way. Our first event, the Spring Show at the Haven planned for Saturday March 27 is again cancelled.

Nevertheless, on a more positive note we are hoping our proposed Plant & Garden Jumble Sale in May at Crawley Down Allotments will be able to go ahead (fingers crossed!) We will keep you informed in forthcoming editions.

Wishing you all the best of health and many thanks to all the NHS workers for their wonderful efforts to fight this pandemic. Please Stay Safe, wear a mask and distance.

GRAVETYE’S GEORGE BLOGG WINS SIXTH MICHELIN STAR Congratulations to Chef George Blogg who has picked up yet another Michelin Star for Gravetye Manor.

The awards, delayed till this year because of Covid, helped George bring the hotel its sixth Michelin on the trot. However, other nearby star winners are available, as the saying has it. Tristan Restaurant at Horsham gained one as did Interlude at Lower Beeding. And nearer still, The Cat at West Hoathly won a Bib Gourmand awarded for venues serving good food at moderate prices. Roll on the chance to spend all that saved-up lock-down cash on a local night out.

ARTS SOCIETY TURNERS HILL

Lesley Croucher

We continue with our Zoom talks with East Grinstead Arts Society, as hopefully the weather improves, spring blooms and arms get vaccinated! We would love you to join us.

On March 9 at 11.00 Bertie Pearce talks about “The Dancing Faun – a personal story of a Masterpiece”. Bertie gave us a magical presentation at The Ark the Christmas before last.

On March 23 at 11.00 Sarah Cove of TV fame presents “Fakes and Fortune (or, have I discovered a Constable in my Attic?)”.

For more details look at our website https://theartssocietyturnershill.org.uk/ or contact me and I will forward the links. Lesley Croucher Chairman 01342 716831 / lccroucher@btinternet.com

HILLTOP WI Mary Deacon So ‘Zoom’ is definitely the word of 2020/21 and whoever would have thought that we could now not manage without it. Yvonne Price, Chairman of West Sussex WI Federation, gave us a great trip down memory lane at our January meeting, talking and showing photos of perfumes and after-shaves through the ages. Chanel No. 5, 4711 and Brut brought up many stories and raised laughter. The evening was definitely a winner. At our February meeting we welcomed a retired Royal Ballet member telling us about her life as a dancer. We are still encouraging some members to give Zoom a go, but of course it is not for everyone.

Our March meeting falls on St Patrick’s Day and we had hoped to have the Irish Dancers who were postponed from last year, but of course this is not to be. A quiz and ‘Show and Tell’ of ‘Something Green’ is planned instead.

Our membership year has been moved from January to April and we would, of course, still welcome new members from April. Who knows when we can meet in person? With amazing progress of the vaccine programme, fingers crossed it will be soon.

Please check out our website for the calendar of events for this year www.turnershillwi.co.uk or phone me on (01342) 715303 for more information.

CRICKETERS GET READY FOR LEAGUE ACTION

Mick Litchfield

As I write, we have just endured the long cold spell of weather, suggesting spring might be somewhat delayed. Never mind, as the days do grow longer and warmer, that sense of anticipation builds as thoughts turn to the season’s start in May. Preparatory work will begin on the cricket ground in mid-March as weather allows. It’s always hard work, but definitely worth it.

Unfortunately, the current Covid restrictions have meant that, with all other clubs, any indoor training has not been possible. However, all being well and subject to the restrictions in place at the time, Turners Hill Cricket Club will start pre-season training in mid-April when we move up to the ground for outdoor practice. This season will see our main club training session fall on Wednesday evenings from 18.15 onwards. This is a change from previous seasons when the club trained on Thursdays or Fridays, and is made simply because the majority of members can make Wednesday. That said, there will always be a few of us practicing on other evenings, so if any potential members cannot make Wednesdays do not be deterred – there will always be a few of us around most nights. Just contact me (number below) if you are interested.

This forthcoming season will see the club playing in Division 10 (Central) of the Sussex League.

Each division has ten teams and each team plays the other home and away, giving 18 league matches all played on Saturdays through the summer. Matches start at 13.00 and are in the 40- overs- a- side, win- orlose format. The League has recently finalised its Fixture List and I will I will provide monthly fixtures to the Parish News for those who might like to come along and watch us in action.

We always welcome new players, so the usual call goes out – young or old, male or female, whatever your standard - if you are interested in playing for us, call me, Mick Litchfield, on 07736 237050 or come along one Wednesday evening from mid-April.

TURNERS HILL TWINNING ASSOCIATION

Thelma Mason

After holding a French Quiz compiled by Helen Wykes in January, we are staging a virtual meal: 'Do Something French.' Photographs are to be sent in from our homes via the association’s new Facebook page. A prize for the most entertaining entry has been generously donated by Marion and Umberto of Dal Nonno Restaurant, Crawley Down.

With again no cross-Channel visit this year from our friends in St Leger, nor any socials or fund-raising events able to take place we are having to be a little more inventive.

Our Committee has decided to request a deferment of the AGM until we are able to meet outside. At that time, I will be standing down as Chairperson after 12 years of service.

My time with the Twinning has been a huge privilege. Membership of our association has grown and both Martyn and I have made some great friends. We will continue as members in which ever way the association continues.

NEWS COMES FROM FAR AND WIDE Items of interest reach the Parish News in all kinds of roundabout ways. Take for example Charlie Norman and former next-door neighbour Sue Elson.

Charlie lived all his life on the north of the village at Stonecroft until he moved to East Anglia a couple of years ago. He still keeps a toe-hold in the parish, as does Sue who bought a home slap bang in the middle of the village, but spends half the year with partner Peter at his house in Canada.

That’s where lockdown trapped them, but Charlie equally stuck miles away from Turners Hill in Cambridgeshire still has news of them both. He reports: “They’ve been in the wars. Peter had a heart problem and Sue was in a car crash, but happily both are ok now.”

Good wishes to them and when we can gather there again we hope to see them all in the pub.

MARK ‘FRED’ BRISTOW RIP Alongside his many friends in the village the Parish News was shocked to hear about the death of Mark ‘Fred’ Bristow. We are told he died last month aged 54 while at work in East Grinstead. Our sincere condolences go out to his family. His funeral takes place at Surrey & Sussex Crematorium on Friday March 12 at 13.30. The cortege will depart from the family home at Mantlemas Cottages, Lion Lane.

It is hoped to publish a tribute to ‘Fred’ in next month’s edition.

CALLS DROP, BUT FIRE CREWS STILL BUSY

Watch Manager Lee Aggett

Calls dropped slightly over the month of February, but road traffic collisions and building fires still kept the crews busy.

HEAD-ON ROAD CRASH A head-on road traffic collision approximately two miles from the Station had crews in attendance within minutes of the call with reports one of the vehicles leaking fuel. Crews’ initial concern was that there was now a risk of a fire starting. Fortunately everyone had already evacuated the vehicles with only minor injuries. Crews made the scene and vehicles safe before handing over to the Police.

GARAGE FIRE IN EAST GRINSTEAD Crews from Turners Hill, East Grinstead and Lingfield attended a domestic garage fire in East Grinstead.

On arrival the garage was heavily engulfed in flames.. There was no vehicle involved, but the garage was used for storing equipment which fuelled the fire. Crews from East Grinstead and Turners Hill extinguished the blaze with a high pressure hose reel whilst wearing breathing apparatus.

MOTORWAY FALSE ALARM Crews from Crawley, Horsham and Turners Hill were sent to the M23 in response to reports of a van on fire. On arrival it was discovered that the alarm was caused due to steam coming from a blown engine.

WELCOME TO NEW RECRUIT Crews would like to welcome our latest recruit to Turners Hill, Tom Killick. Tom is currently attending his last week at training school before he becomes available to serve the station on March 1.

PARK PAGE Turners Hill Park Residents Association WEATHERING THE ‘BEAST FROM THE EAST’ Well, here we are at the beginning of March. The weather last month gave us a shock with another 'Beast From The East' which left the park looking very beautiful covered in snow. Our Park Manager was out on the first day (Sunday) gritting the roads to keep them safe and open for residents. He and his team were also busy gritting during the following days for which we were very grateful.

Small birds were very busy at our feeders finding it difficult to obtain feed from the ground and we were kept busy filling them up.

Our shop gallantly kept open during this time and was a life-saver for our residents without cars.

PRIZE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS As mentioned last month, several residents decorated their homes and windows for Christmas which made a very enjoyable sight for residents and visitors around the Park. It was particularly pleasing to see in the February edition that a home in Siskin Avenue won Third Prize in the Parish Competition.

Well done everyone who took part!

PARK STAYS QUIET AS LOCKDOWN CONTINUES Otherwise, it remains very quiet on the Park at present as everyone continues to comply with current lockdown rules, although several of us take the opportunity to walk for the allowed exercise hour.

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

OBITUARIES JOHN OLIVER – ‘A truly prominent village person’ He was rightly regarded as a truly prominent person in many ways. For a start, John Oliver stood well over six feet tall and from years of army service never lost his ramrod military bearing. John just couldn’t be missed as he regularly marched around the village with a golden retriever in tow, toured far and wide on his motorbikes, took active part in field sports or held lively court among many friends in the Red Lion. At the same time, John had a distinguished military record and later built a successful business. He and his beloved wife Sue became popular, well-respected members of the Turners Hill community. This tribute is taken from the funeral eulogy prepared by their close friend Phil Glover…..

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bove one of the Red Lion’s cosy nooks alongside the bar, there’s a brass plaque which reads ‘John Oliver’s Corner.’ It was commissioned as a 60th birthday gift by Sue and commemorates John’s generous, gregarious nature. He simply loved being among friends, sharing jokes, pulling legs and telling stories in the convivial setting of his favourite corner at the village pub.

John was born on June 17, 1937, in Cheshire and was an only child.

At an early age his parents took over the Railway pub in Stockport and the family lived on the premises. This, perhaps, is where his fondness for pubs began.

In 1954, John enlisted into the Army Intelligence Corps. A few years later he was recruited to the Special Air Service (SAS) and saw action in the Malayan Emergency of 1948-60.

On leaving the army, John opened a newsagent shop in Manchester.

It was here that he met and married his first wife Lynne. They had three daughters, Mahala, Joanne and Jonquil.

The marriage ended and John moved south to join the Rothmans Tobacco Company as a salesman. They were looking for tall men to market their ‘King Size’ cigarette brand. John was the perfect choice.

•John Oliver In 1967 he met his present wife Sue who was then working for a rival tobacco company. After a rollercoaster courtship, they married in 1969. Their two sons, James and Angus were born a few years later.

After marrying, John and Sue moved to Godstone. He started a new job with publisher Mitchell Beazley.

As Import/Export Sales Manager, John began to travel the wide world on business trips.

In 1984, John struck out on his own, opening an enterprising bookshop specialising in remainder books.

Within a few years, he successfully owned six shops in the South East. John and Sue moved to Turners Hill in 2001 and he retired six years later.

Away from business, John enjoyed playing and watching sport. He competed in tennis at Junior Wimbledon and played squash and lacrosse to high standards. In field sports, John was local shoot member and an excellent shot. He had been introduced to East Grinstead Rugby Club where he and Sue made many lifelong friends. John’s army days left him with a lifelong passion for dogs and motorcycles. On one latterday motorbike adventures, John bought a sweatshirt emblazoned ‘Adventure before Dementia.’ He wore this vow of commitment to the very end.

John was a big, gentle man with a big personality, big heart and big presence. He will be missed.

John Dewar Oliver was born on June 17, 1937. He died on January 22, 2021, aged 83.

He leaves behind his wife Sue, five children, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. John’s funeral took place on February 9, 2021, at Surrey & Sussex Crematorium. A special plaque is to be installed in memory of him at the Red Lion. ____________________

COLIN JOYNER - Much admired life-long villager One of the very few people with the distinction of having been a Turners Hill person for his entire lifetime, Colin Joyner was a much-admired and well-loved village personality in so many ways over so many years. Along with his wife Joyce (who pre-deceased him), Colin played an important part in helping to build the lively, caring community Turners Hill has become.

Here, his two nieces Sarah Litchfield and Louise Jupp pay fond tribute……

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his is the story of Colin, who lived in Turners Hill for all of his 93 years. Colin had three sisters – twins Marion, Shirley, and younger sister Angela. He attended the village school where he made an early mark. One day, he and some classmates were about to get the cane. They had to bend down with hands on their knees. As the cane was coming near, Colin looked up at the headmaster and said, “Please sir, couldn’t you make it leapfrog?” This was, perhaps, the start of a sense of humour that he carried forward for the rest of his life. Colin was also an accomplished pianist and won several prizes. On leaving school he took up carpentry – so becoming a joiner by trade as well as by name.

Much to his mum's disgust, just after WW2 Colin signed up to join the services, specifically the elite Paratroop Regiment. He hated his first few jumps, but eventually got used to throwing himself out of a plane. He was posted to Palestine during the time that Israel was claiming its independence. After leaving the forces Colin returned to his old job at Rowfant timber yard, followed by Harbours at Copthorne.

It can't have been long after his return home for the final time that he met and fell in love with Joyce. Colin and Joyce married in Bethel Chapel, Turners Hill in June 1951. They moved into a little flat in Withypitts and didn't stray very far away in their happy marriage of 67 years.

•Colin Joyner They were both so proud to receive a special telegram from the HM The Queen on celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.

Colin and Joyce spent many happy holidays abroad during their marriage. They visited numerous places in Europe, with Lanzarote being their favourite. Colin loved his holidays – even going on a flight and river cruise in his early 90s.

Throughout his life, Colin was a great sportsman and sports fan. He won many cups playing darts at The Crown and played both football and cricket to high standards. After giving up his playing days, Colin turned his attention to watching sport and was a passionate fan of both Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion, taking his young nephew Neil to matches.

Colin also had quite a few hobbies over the years including setting up and running his own model train set; reading books (both war-based and novels), doing crosswords and looking after their many dogs.

Colin was fortunate to have caring friends and neighbours who took his treasured dog Ben for walks when he was unwell or in hospital.

He enjoyed his 90th birthday which was celebrated at Tarana restaurant with family and friends.

We hope that Colin has found the love of his life Joyce again, and that they have resumed their laughs and trips out. We will miss you Col. Safe travels.

-_Sarah and Lou Colin Brooks Joyner was born on March 15, 1927. He died on January 13, 2021, aged 93.

His funeral took place at Surrey & Sussex Crematorium on January 29, 2021. ______________________________

JOHN ROBERTS INTERVIEWS……

American Eric Hall is a relative newcomer to Turners Hill, moving here only two years ago, but already he has been having an impact on the village. His publicspirited litter picking all over the place has been highlighted in the Parish News and makes a welcome complement to similar efforts by Mavis Stanbridge. And he is a firm hit with neighbours in Withypitts too, as John Roberts has been finding out….

B

eing a US Air Force man for nearly 25 years, Eric Hall found himself posted to bases dotted around East Anglia and grew to know our quaint ways fairly well. Thus it seemed only natural to live here after he retired from the military life.

Eric, 53, and born in Boston, enthused: “I spent a total nine years here with the Air Force and I loved it and still do. Really, there’s nothing I don’t like about the UK.” Foundations for this love were laid in the 1990’s with a posting to RAF Bentwaters near Ipswich, long since closed, where he could indulge his efforts at golf on links thereabouts.

Life became even better when his father arrived on a visit from the States and they drove up to savour the ace of clubs, viewing The Open at Muirfield.

After postings in Germany and home in America Eric was back here again, this time based at RAF Lakenheath near Cambridge. His Air Force role was as a dental-lab technician He lived off-base at the village of Mundford and reckons: “In some ways it was a bit like Turners Hill. It had a St.Leonard’s Church and even its pub was The Crown. Like here, I made plenty of friends.”

One of them was Baroness Breckland of Howarth, a cross-bencher in the House of Lords.

Eric says: “She invited me to tea on the terrace there. Not only that, the Lords was in session too so I listened to them debating a terrorism bill.”

Then there were pubs round about and a brewery to visit and to top it all off another trip to The Open, this time at Troon. Life over here was beginning to appeal more and more, but it would have to wait.

Baseball giants Eric had another sojourn back home this time living in New Jersey where his leisure time was sullied by roosting halfway between two baseball giants. He explained: “I love baseball and was living midway between the Philadelphia ‘Phillies’ and the New York Mets. The only trouble was that I support the Atlanta Braves so I wasn’t interested in either of them!”

By 2008 Eric was back in England for a third time, posted to RAF Aleonbury near Peterborough. Incidentally, although these bases have an RAF name to them, they are all US Air Force stations, but with an RAF commander overall.

Eric said: “This was a real change in my life. I was in the process of finalising divorce from my wife Carrie.”

With that done and living in digs near the base, he said: “I met my second wife Julie. She was my landlady! We married in 2010 and a year later had our daughter Evelyn.” Alas, two years ago they too were divorced, but before that they lived in New York with Eric having retired from the Air Force in 2014 in the rank of Master Sergeant. They laid plans to move to England for good: “It was partly politics, but also because of gun violence. “ Evelyn’s school by the time she was seven had gone through 15 lockdown drills regarding a shooting. So we thought it was an unsafe place. “ You know, even I had only picked up a gun twice in my life for clay pigeon shooting despite my time in the Air Force. The Geneva Convention forbids medics like me to carry a weapon.”

Julie and Evelyn came back to England and settled at Hartfield in July 2019 while Eric stayed behind organising a visa. Although divorced, Julie searched around on his behalf sending him videos of likely places for him to live nearby.

……OUR FRIENDLY AMERICAN “When the one of the Withypitts place arrived I knew it was just right for me and also I could be over to Hartfield in quick order, although unfortunately with lockdown that has been hard.

“I’ve made some wonderful friends in Turners Hill and I love the village setting. Last summer I invited all the neighbours in Withypitts to a socially-distanced street barbeque. Hopefully we can do it again this year. Some neighbours told me they didn’t know people on their own street and it took an American to bring them together! ” Meanwhile our American has been falling into village ways, among them wasting no time in getting a dog.

Called Lula, this mutt is a cross Spanish greyhound and pointer. They stride out on walks of two to six miles a day, but Eric says: “I never let her off the lead. She’s a rescue dog and has issues with others.”

He is still doing his litter picking and says: “Evelyn started me off when she came over to Withypitts and began clearing up. It’s very rare in Europe to find a lay-by littered like here and in the States. The Brits have a good thing going with footpaths, but carelessness spoils it.”

Immersing himself even more in local life, Eric has dined at The Crown and had a pint or two at Red Lion between lockdowns and is even that rare creature, an American who understands cricket.

He said: “Julie’s parents belonged to Dunstable Cricket Club and we had our reception in the pavilion. Really cricket is not that difficult to understand.”

Meanwhile Eric is busy studying. He already has an undergraduate degree in Homeland Security from the American Military University.

•Eric out and about with Lula He says the graduation ceremony was something to behold: “It was held at the Gaylord Hotel in Washington. It’s a huge place. There were 2,000 graduates and another 5,000 watching.

I’ve never seen anything like it.

Now Eric is going for a Masters degree in International Relations and Global Security, but admits: “What I’m going to do with it is a good question. Maybe get an embassy job.”

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•Do you know somebody who would make an interesting interview?

If so, do contact the Parish News.

TURNERS HILL FREE CHURCH LOOK FOR WHAT REALLY MATTERS by Giancarlo Elia Light to the Nations Ministries* “Man is not Alone” Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote: “There is an eternal cry in the world: God is beseeching man. Some are startled; others remain deaf. We are all looked for. An air of expectancy hovers over life.

Something is asked of man, of all men”.

The problem is that we are not discontent enough with our lives to stop and listen. Unfortunately, if we are discontent, often we are for the wrong reasons: we do not have enough of the world’s values, riches, popularity or success. Sadly some of those values have penetrated Christendom too. Often we value a church or ministry by numbers, memberships, size of the offerings, attendance, new churches planted and so on.

Should we apply the same criteria to the ministry of Jesus, we would consider Him a total failure.

That discontent is unholy and sterile, but there is another that is holy and leading to fruitfulness in Kingdom terms. In “Letter to a General” Antoine de Saint-Exupery wrote: “There is only one problem, only one in all the world. How can we restore to man a spiritual significance, a spiritual discontent… Don’t you see, we cannot live any longer on refrigerators, politics, balance-sheets and crossword puzzles. We simply cannot.”

That spiritual discontent is what we need to stop searching around us for values that will never satisfy us, and instead to start looking inside our hearts for what really matters. We need to stop listening to the many confusing and contradictory voices of all sorts that besiege us. Instead, we need to pay attention to the eternal cry of God who is searching for man. If we are unable to hear that cry, it is because it is hard to discern and it is hard to think in the midst of our contemporary gigantic cacophony. There is too much noise all around us and our minds get confused and disorganised, bombarded by masses of information, mostly unhelpful and useless. It is hard to discern, it is hard to think. When we are unable to think, we judge and judging, prejudice, stop us from knowing the truth and from being set free. It is a vicious circle. Carl Jung said: “Thinking is difficult, that is why most people judge.”

Sound, godly, spiritual thinking is what will help us to find the truth, to separate the precious from the worthless, to become aware of the falsity of so many claims, revelations, even theologies that are mancentred rather than Christ-centred.

Thanks be to God, we are only seconds from freedom and truth. We only need just a few precious moments, when we set aside the world around us, we literally switch off everything that has a switch on it and we say: “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”

Then we will be able to hear the voice of the One calling and we will pay attention. Then there will be a meaningful encounter, where the grace of God mixes with the accepting will of man, the desires of man are fulfilled by the satisfying presence of the Holy Spirit, the fear of man is dispelled by the unfathomable love of God, the despair of man is cancelled by the gift of faith. Let’s do it now: we all need a fresh, new encounter with the One calling, daily, for the rest of our lives. *An itinerant ministry serving the entire body of Christ. For information, contact giancarlo@lttnm.org

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CHURCH INFORMATION For current information/guidance on Church services and activities, please contact our Free Church Elders via email: elders@turnershillfreechurch.org.uk ________________________________________________________________________________

More Village News….

FACE MASK DANGER TO BIRDS – BE SURE TO LOP THE LOOP Disposal of used face masks has become an unpleasant, neccesary daily chore for all of us in these dire times. It can, however, not just be unpleasant, but downright dangerous for our bird life. Masks get picked up by feathered friends from land-fill sites, sewage treatment plants and even from gardens and roadsides. They are mistaken for food and the mask loops are known to cause severe, often fatal, internal strangulation.

Bird lovers are, therefore, urging us to ensure that mask ear loops are cut off and disposed of separately before masks are binned. It is important that when cutting the mask, it is held

by the loops and not the body of the mask.

WALKING IN SUSSEX – NEW WEBSITE SHOWS THE WAY With outdoor exercise becoming the daily norm for so many, especially in and around the village, a new website has been launched to promote rambling opportunities across the entire county.

The site – www.walkinginsussex.co.uk – offers hundreds of walks to download and print free of charge. It also has books of walks and contacts for walking groups in Sussex.

Said organiser John Harris: “There is so much walking information on the web, but it is difficult to find. Walking in Sussex (part of the Walking in England suite of websites) has brought it together in one place, so whether you are walking from home or away on holiday, you will be able to find a walk for you.

“With walks from half-a-mile to 12 miles-plus long and a note of suitability for pushchairs and wheelchairs, everyone can find a walk to enjoy.”

NEW INTERNET HELPLINE LAUNCHED A new helpline has been launched by the Citizens Online charity to assist people needing support and guidance with digital skills.

Sarah Collyer, the charity’s Digital Champion for Sussex stated: “If you know of anyone in your community who needs help with basic digital skills, gaining confidence online or support getting online they can all our FREE helpline on 0808 196 5883.

“One of our team of trained digital champions will offer friendly, patient support over the phone.

“Visit www.citizensonline.org.uk for more information or give me a call on 07917 446082 -or email sarah.collyer @citizensonline.org.uk

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NATIONAL SURVEY LEADS FIGHT AGAINST DOG THEFT Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, in partnership with the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners (APCC), last month launched a national survey, designed to understand public perception of dog theft, enforcement and the prosecution of offenders.

The Home Secretary is currently reviewing the issue of pet theft, and what future enforcement may look like with potentially tougher penalties for perpetrators.

Responses to this survey will help inform discussions that PCCs will have on this issue nationally and allow police forces to better understand the public's views on this crime and how they might improve their response to those concerns.

Demand for dogs as pets has increased during the coronavirus pandemic. The cost of some puppies, on Pets4Homes, is currently as high as £3,000, making them a valuable commodity to criminals.

According to Dog Lost, the UK's largest lost and found dog service, it is estimated thefts have risen by 250 per cent, with criminal gangs involved.

PCC Bourne says: “I am incredibly eager to get more detail around this issue and understand residents’ views and if they feel more could be done to respond to their concerns or for more preventative measures to be put in place to better protect their pets.

I hope that the results of this survey will give the Government the evidence it needs to take more robust action against perpetrators."

The 60-second survey will be open until 17:00 on Friday March 12 March. Make sure to have your say today: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/dogtheft ______________________________

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

If you would like to place an advertisement in the Turners Hill Parish News, which reaches more than 900 homes, please contact: Martyn Mason at martynmmason@aol.com

Linage Advert

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

The Red Lion

Lion Lane, Turners Hill RH10 4NU 01342 715416 Graham and Lorna welcome you to the Red Lion

www.redlionturnershill.com Free WI FI

Harvey’s Ales, Home Cooked Food served Six Days a Week Lunches Only Kitchen Closed Thursdays (Pub open as normal)

If you would like to place an advertisement in the Turners Hill Parish News, which reaches more than 900 homes, please contact: Martyn Mason at martynmmason@aol.com

PARISH NEWS NEXT EDITION Copy deadline for the APRIL Parish News edition will be TUESDAY MARCH 16 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……

OUR VILLAGE WINTER WONDERLAND For many it wasn’t the ‘Beast,’ but the ‘Feast’ From the East. Although it did, of course, bring difficulties in some ways, last month’s snow and ice brightened up the village bringing a feast of picturesque enjoyment to residents and visitors alike.

Now that the early signs of spring are (thankfully) emerging, we take a peek back at our winter wonderland with photographs taken and shared by local people.

•Above: A bright snowy blanket for St Leonard’s Church and Graveyard •Below: A glittering display of giant icicles by Alexander House Hotel

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SEE INSIDE BACK PAGE FOR APRIL EDITION DETAILS ___________________________________________________________________________