Parish News May 2019

TURNERS HILL PARISH NEWS MAY 2019 PUBLISHED BY ST LEONARD’S CHURCH Edition Number 386

SMOOTH ROAD AHEAD TO LOCAL ELECTIONS With our much-needed highway works completed on time and in good order, the village now has a smooth road ahead towards its next important community challenge: Mid Sussex local elections covering both Parish and District councils on Thursday May 2.

PARISH Nine candidates are standing for eight available places on Turners Hill Parish Council.

Their names, along with brief election statements, are given on Parish Council pages.

DISTRICT Five candidates are standing for three District Councillor places representing Crawley Down & Turners Hill Ward on Mid Sussex District Council.

They are: Sean Betts (Green Party); Philip Coote (Conservative); Bruce Forbes (Conservative); Ian Gibson (Independent); and Roger Webb (Conservative).

As usual, the village Polling Station will be in the Dove Suite at The Ark, open from 07.00 – 22.00 on May 2.

(Then, of course, there may be European Parliamentary Elections at the end of May.)

INSIDE THIS EDITION….

As ever, May promises to keep up its ‘merry month’ tradition with plenty of activities on the village agenda. All will be welcome to the Annual Parish Assembly on May 21 where residents can air their views, learn about the Parish Council and enjoy a presentation from Wakehurst Place’s Ian Parkinson. Later in the month, Turners Hill Twinning Association will be heading across the Channel for its annual visit to St Leger. Discount South of England Show tickets go on sale at The Ark on May 25.

All this and more inside…… ______________________________

THE PARISH CHURCH, ST LEONARD’S, TURNERS HILL SERVICES & EVENTS FOR MAY 2019 Prayer requests may be written in the book next to the Lady Chapel and will be included in Church prayers.

Enquiries about baptisms, marriages and funerals to Canon David Tickner.

Sunday May 5 (Easter 3)

08.00 Holy Communion (BCP) 10.30 Parish Communion (CW)

Sunday May 12 (Easter 4)

Collections for Christian Aid 08.00 Holy Communion (BCP) 10.30 Parish Communion (CW)

May 12-18

Christian Aid Week

Sunday May 19 (Easter 5)

08.00 Holy Communion (BCP) 10.30 Parish Communion (CW)

May 24-27

May Camp’s Wildfire Weekender

Sunday May 26 (Easter 6)

08.00 Holy Communion (BCP) 10.30 Parish Communion (CW)

Thursday May 30 (Ascension Day)

19.00 Holy Communion (CW)

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ST LEONARD’S CONTACT DETAILS Vicar:

Canon David Tickner

Churchwarden: Dominic Hawken Treasurer:

01342 715278

stleonardth@gmail.com

07831 440819

dominic@del.co.uk

Denise Bauldry

dlbauldry@gmail.com

PCC Secretary: Jackie Scott

01293 883314

jackiscott@aol.com

Friends:

Anwyn Daniels

01342 715344

nickanwyn@supanet.com

Bells:

Jo Barnes

Hall:

Tina Shea

jopbarnes@btinternet.com 01342 715322/07900 266738

Web: www.thparish.co.uk _______________________________________________________________________________

FROM THE VICARAGE Church Road, Turners Hill, RH10 4PB MAY-BE QUIET, MAY-BE BUSY……

As I write, May seems to be a rare quiet month. Past experience, however, warns me that expected quiet times do have a perverse habit of turning particularly busy. The way things are going who can tell?

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK - SUPPORT FOR SIERRA LEONE First thing that springs to mind is Christian Aid Week May 12-18.

Christian Aid Week was founded to fight for equality, dignity and freedom for all. We will be holding a church collection this year to support some of our most vulnerable communities in Sierra Leone. A lack of healthcare means Sierra Leone is the world’s most dangerous place to become a mum. Tragically, ten women will die today from giving birth there. Often before the birth there will be a long dangerous walk to a hospital and too many do not make it. Together we can fight for a just, equal world for people like these.

One initiative is for people to host a ‘Big Brekkie’ at home or at work to help raise funds for people around the world. Last year more than 2,500 people signed up for a Big Brekkie pack. By making toast in Towcester and porridge in Perth, participants helped deliver life-changing support. It brought friends and family together, breaking bread, sharing and raising funds.For further details visit www.christianaid.org.uk

‘WILDFIRE WEEKENDER’ FOR YOUNG PEOPLE For young people the Diocese of Chichester is this month organising May Camp’s ‘Wildfire Weekender.’

Held at Plumpton Racecourse over the Spring bank holiday weekend May 24 – 27, the programme is packed with seminars, workshops, activities including archery, graffiti, axe throwing and a whole range of exciting workshops, as well as seminars exploring everything from ‘is there a God?’ to ‘how can we reduce single-use plastic in our daily lives?’ There will be time to create space to worship, pray, learn and meet God. Also, as part of the diocesan Year of Vocation 2019, vocation guides will be on site; and there’ll be opportunity to find out about Pursuit, the new Diocesan gap year. Book through www.maycamp.org or by contacting youth@chichester.anglican.org Youth groups not ready for the whole weekend can visit for a day. In addition, interested youth leaders are invited to visit and see what goes on. Anyone wishing to get involved in other ways - volunteering for one of many roles or donating financially - should contact Dan at youth@chichester.anglican.org

ASCENSION DAY Ascension Day celebrates Jesus’s ascension to heaven after he was resurrected on Easter Day. Traditionally we remember how the responsibility for God’s work passes to Jesus’ disciples and thereafter to the church.

Grant, we pray, almighty God, that as we believe your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the heavens, so we in heart and mind may also ascend and with him continually dwell; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

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

TEL: 01342 712226 E-mail: turnershillpc@btconnect.com Web: www.turnershillcouncil.co.uk

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

Council meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month starting at 19.30, with 15 minutes for public participation. You are very welcome to join us for part or all of any meeting. The agenda is displayed in advance on the village notice board and on our website. Our next meeting is on Tuesday May 14.

PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS – CANDIDATES & THEIR STATEMENTS Nine candidates standing for eight available places on Turners Hill Parish Council at local elections taking place on Thursday May 2 are listed below. Each was invited to give a short statement on reasons for wishing to serve as a Parish Councillor.

Bruce Forbes – “I am proud to have been both a District and Parish Councillor for eight years. I am standing again for the Parish Council as this gives me the ability to represent the wishes and views of the residents and Parish Council of Turners Hill at District Council. I am committed to maintaining the strategic gap between our villages.”

Ian Gibson – “I believe firmly that local communities are best placed to make the key decisions for the future of their local area. After six years as a Councillor in Crawley Down, I believe that I can make a significant contribution to Turners Hill Parish Council.”

Sue Hughesdon – “I have lived in this area all of my life and have a lot of ties to Turners Hill. I attended the village school and grew up in the friendly community that it is known for. I am looking forward to being able to represent the village so that my children and their friends can enjoy it as much as I did.”

Chris Jarvis – “I’ve been a Parish Councillor for the last four years and find it very rewarding. I am also a School Governor and a member of the Parish Church Council. I enjoy being part of Turners Hill and hope to continue doing my bit for the village.”

Tracy Mugridge – “I am standing for election because I am extremely concerned at the number of new homes being built in Turners Hill. I hope to improve communications and transparency between our Village and the Council for any future building or road-works, and for residents’ and business owners’ opinions to be heard. “

Owen O’Grady –“Being a Councillor is very rewarding - I’m proud to represent our local community. I care about our village and want to make it a safe and enjoyable environment for all to live in. I would like to have the chance to make a huge difference to the quality of life for people in and around Turners Hill.”

Adam Palin – “With my wife Charlotte, who grew up in the village and is Deputy Head of the school, I share a profound commitment to Turners Hill. I have been proud to serve on the Parish Council since early 2017 and would relish the opportunity to continue helping to shape its future.”

Mark Staples – “I have 20 years’ experience as a public servant and with a young family who are growing up in Turners Hill, I truly understand the importance of striving to ensure that the village retains its character and aesthetic and remains a safe place to live for all of its residents.”

Carole Steggles – “Parish Councillors should communicate with the people within the Parish and be prepared to listen to their needs enabling concerns to be voiced not fester. I support affordable houses to rent; appropriate additional primary school places and GP surgeries; road safety and enforced speed limits.”

• Candidate election statements will also be posted on the Parish Council website.

ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY Taking place at The Ark on Tuesday May 21, starting at 19.30, this year’s Parish Assembly will feature Iain Parkinson from Wakehurst Place as guest speaker. Iain is the Living Collections and Conservation Manager, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and his talk is entitled ‘Celestial Meadows’.

All residents are invited to the Parish Assembly and this will also be your opportunity to meet and talk to new members of the Parish Council.

SOUTH OF ENGLAND SHOW TICKETS The show is on from June 6 -8 and once again discounted tickets will be available for the residents of Turners Hill. Costing £15, tickets will be sold at The Ark on Saturday May 25 and June 1 between 10.00 and 12.00, as well as Wednesday June 5 from 17.00 – 19.00.

ST CATHERINE’S HOSPICE – MAKE A WILL FORTNIGHT St Catherine’s Hospice is holding its annual Make a Will Fortnight from May 13 – 24. The scheme is supported by local solicitors who are giving their time free, in return for a donation to the hospice.

This gives people an opportunity to get their financial affairs in order and support St Catherine’s at the same time. For further information contact Andy Perry on 01293 447369 or visit www.stch.org.uk/mawf

WASTE FREIGHTER DATE Next visit of the household refuse and garden waste freighter will be on Sunday June 2. The freighter will be behind The Ark from 10.00 to 11.00; and then at Turners Hill Park between 11.10 and 12.00. Help and directions will be on hand. It is important to use these special services to ensure they continue. Future scheduled dates are September 1, November 10 and February 9, 2020. Please remember that the following items cannot be accepted: Electrical items; tyres, rubble, hardcore, baths, shower trays, toilets, sinks, gas canisters and paint pots with any contents. Please take these items to a Household Waste and Recycling Site. Full details can be found at http://www.recycleforwestsusex.org/recyling-sites

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.’

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 / SENIOR RAILCARD REMINDER Contact the Parish Clerk regarding issue and renewal of reduced-rate Senior Railcards and Bus Passes. Full advice and guidance will be provided. Call or e-mail as shown above.

MOBILE LIBRARY West Sussex Mobile Library Service welcomes new members and can be contacted during regular visits to Turners Hill Park. For dates/times of visits, check the Notice Board at The Ark, Turners Hill Park and The Millennium Notice Board. Details also available at www.westsussex.gov/libraries or from 01403 224353

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VILLAGE NEWS ‘BEST-EVER’ GREAT VILLAGE DARTS MATCH

John Roberts

In 38 years of the great village pub challenge for the St Leonard’s Church Shield, all who took part in this year’s contest agreed it produced two of the best-ever social evenings.

Large turn-outs of players for both the Red Lion and The Crown certainly helped the two-leg match produce evenings packed with raucous atmosphere as did the closeness of the battle until near the end.

In the first leg at the Lion, Shield holders The Crown raced into an early 3-0 lead before the Lion settled down and won a few games, but then it was nip and tuck all the way with the tension building as the Lion just edged ahead with a ‘half-time’ lead of 10-9.

Next week the great darts circus rolled up at The Crown for the second leg. Again The Crown gleefully snatched the first three games. It was especially pleasing to see David ‘Hank’ Manktelow not only turn up and play after his stroke, but was even among those first three Crown winners.

Once again the Lion settled down and began to win some games, but again it was still desperately close until with the aggregate scores level at 16-16, the Lion belatedly roared and romped away to win by the overall score of 21-16 to regain the Shield.

Each evening ended with the now traditional Landlords Challenge in which the winning publican buys drinks for anybody still in the pub. Alas, that proved an expensive time for Phil at The Crown who lost both games to the Lion’s Graham Martyn.

More important, though, than all that hilarity was the massive contribution the two mine-hosts made to the occasions with surperb buffet spreads and generous help with raffle prizes.

Thanks indeed to all those who donated prizes and took part in helping the evenings raise a superb £558 total towards St.Leonard’s Church upkeep.

Also thanks to Sue and Joe Loftus for helping organise The Crown team; and to Lesley for the Crown and Sally at the Lion for such determined hassling of raffle tickets. Congrats one and all.

•Having regained the Shield, a Lion darts team travelled a week later to Staplefield for one of their occasional friendlies against the Jolly Tanners. In a fine battle, at the end of the evening the score after singles and doubles matches was level 8-8. A decider went down to the wire with both sides needing a double and after several attempts the Tanners got there first to win 9-8.

HILLTOP WI Mary Deacon Recent road works and closures in the village forced us to cancel our Spring Clean, but this would have happened on the day anyway as the weather was extremely wet. At least we had good intentions.

May sees our Resolutions meeting when we will vote on whether to support the two issues which gained most votes nationally from the six originally put forward. Both ‘A call against the decline in rural buses’ and ‘Don’t fear the smear’ are very good subjects for the WI to campaign for - and it has been shown in the past that the WI can play an important part in promoting key issues in society.

We have welcomed some new members this year but there is always room for more. Any ladies interested in joining us for a ‘taster’ evening, please contact me via our website www.turnershillwi.co.uk or phone Barbara Cowley on 715709.

OPEN GARDENS CANCELLED

Thelma Mason

Regrettably, the Turners Hill Open Gardens event, originally being planned for Sunday May 5 will not now be taking place.

ST LEONARD’S EASTER LILIES REMEMBER LOVED ONES

True to village tradition, Easter at St Leonard’s featured displays of lilies in honour of departed loved ones. This year, a total of 60 lilies – symbolic Easter blooms – were donated in personal remembrance. Easter lily organiser Beryl Crowhurst is pictured arranging the displays.

______________________________ ARTS SOCIETY TURNERS HILL

Nigel Emery

Antonio Gaudi and his Architecture in Barcelona Our meeting on May 28 will see Anthea Streeter MEd (Harvard) take us to this hugely popular Mediterranean port, city and holiday destination, the skyline of which is dominated by one building, La Sagrada Familiar.

Anthea’s lavishly illustrated talk informs us about the architect and his influence on the buildings of Barcelona. Anyone who has visited the city will know the extraordinary buildings of this great Catalonia architect, who spent his life working there at the turn of the 20th century. Undulating and raking forms, coloured ceramic tiles and intricate wrought ironwork all feature in Gaudi’s highly unusual designs, which he created for patrons who were prospering at the time of Barcelona’s industrial expansion. Gaudi's fantastical architecture can be broadly categorised under the term Art Nouveau (confusingly termed ‘Modernisme’ in Catalonia). Gaudi went further than his European contemporaries in developing a 'New Art.’ He used his deep love of nature not only as a decorative means but also as a structural basis for a brand new form of architecture. His tree-like columns are shown to great effect at his most famous work, the Temple of La Sagrada Familia. Overall, the appearance of La Sagrada Familia, even in its still-unfinished state, is considered so exceptional that many say it will be one of the world's most outstanding buildings when completed - possibly in 2026, the centenary of Gaudi’s death.

Do come along. Doors open at 10.15 for free tea and coffee. The talk will begin at 11.00 and lasts an hour. Visitors are welcome at a nominal charge of £5. Please call Nigel Emery on 01293 414655 or email nigel.emery@gmail.com to book your place.

TURNERS HILL TWINNING ASSOCIATION

Thelma Mason

It was agreed at our Committee Meeting to donate £300 to the Air Ambulance, Kent Surrey and Sussex, from our raffle at the French Dinner in March, a cheque was sent to them to include the £31 collected in their tins on the evening.

A very enjoyable Music Social took place last month. We thank Dave Hook for organising such a good evening. There is no social this month as we look forward to our visit to St Leger on the 30th, Committee member Helen Wykes is offering some conversational French lessons prior to the visit.

LONGEST DAY MID-SUMMER RUN/WALK

Barbara Podbury

A family evening event to be held from St Leonard’s Church with a run and walk across our beautiful countryside is planned for the Longest Day, Friday June 21, starting at 19.00.

An approximate four- mile course through Tulley’s Farm and along the Worth Way, turning at Crawley Down will follow the route of the annual Boxing Day Run. Please put the date in your diaries and join in for the run, walk or to picnic in the church grounds after the event. Entry will require registration and a fee of £5 per participant, £3 per under 16s, free for under 10s, or £5 per family walking.

All proceeds from this event will go to St Catherine’s Hospice. There will be a raffle and music at the hall after the event. Enquiries to Barbara Podbury, mobile:- 07775697033 or email:barbarapodbury@gmail.com More details in the June Parish News.

MARBLES: TOLLEYMEN OUT, BUT NOT DOWN

John Roberts

Our ever-optimistic village players made their now traditional early exit from the World and British Marbles Championship at Easter, but all was not entirely lost.

Tolleymen skipper Will Aitchison said: “The encouraging thing was that we had enough to put out two teams, one entirely of younger players.”

The Tolleymen went out in the second round against a strong Black Dog Boozers side from Crawley, eventual losing finalists to one of the German sides.

Scores were close at first at 10-6 to the Dog, but a break of seven by Colin Gardiner and then another of 11 destroyed resistance with the Tolleymen going down 10-25.

Alas in the first round our young Lions team led by Will’s son Danny succumbed heavily 6-19 to the Yorkshire Meds, but as Will said: “They will improve and they are the future.”

One bright spot was Tolleymen newcomer Leo Beirne reaching the quarter-final of the Golden Oldies contest for Over-50s before losing 4-2 to Neil Ward from the Boozers.

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Paul Smith of the Johnson Jets from Crawley was in stunning form as ever with a break of 19 in beating Colin Gardiner in the Individuals Final.

Even that paled against what is believed a world record break by Chris, one of the German players, who dispatched 43 of the 49 marbles in the ring in helping his team to the Final.

Watching that, Leo summed up the day for the Turners Hill teams: “It’s been quite a learning curve.” + •Next major event on the Tolleymen fixture list will be the annual invitation marbles tournament at the Red Lion later this summer. Watch out for details.

ALL ABOUT M-E-N (Motivation, Exercise, Nutrition) Mid Sussex District Council Wellbeing team is inviting residents to join a new group for men focusing on Motivation, Exercise and Nutrition (MEN) .

Finding time and space to think about health and wellbeing can be difficult. That is why Mid Sussex Wellbeing has set up a new 12-week plan to help support male residents in making adjustments which will help them to have healthier futures.

Meetings take place at Haywards Heath Football Club, Hanbury Stadium in Allen Road RH16 3PT. Each get-together will consist of 45 minutes on nutrition and healthy life-style subjects, followed by a 45-minute exercise session. The sessions kicked-off on April 24, from 18.00-20.00 and will continue for 12-weeks. Total cost per person is £20.

“Making a decision to think about exercise and nutrition is the most important step”, said Wellbeing Team Leader Nick Hurley.

“Our aim is to help create new healthy habits, giving an understanding of nutrition and finding exercise which will suit their needs. The group gives time and space to allow us to support everyone with the changes they want to make, bringing benefits which we hope will continue well past the end of the course.”

To find out more, or to book a place on the M-E-N (Motivation, Exercise and Nutrition) meetings please contact wellbeing@midsussex.gov.uk or call 01444 477191.

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PARK PAGE Turners Hill Park Residents Association

By SHEILA CALDWELL SPRING HAS SPRUNG Spring has arrived, despite the cool winds we experienced. Primroses and forsythia are having a real heyday – I have never seen them so profuse.

Birds are building nests in readiness for their youngsters and it is a real joy to watch the bird feeders getting busy.

WORK ON THE PARK Although our Park Managers have been on a well deserved holiday, work on the park continued – always so much to be done.

LIVELY AGM Our AGM was held on Monday April 15. Although attendance was lower than normal, the meeting was very lively indeed.

– Advertisement Much to our delight we have been successful in enrolling two new members for the committee, with another resident expressing interest.

We feel confident that they will contribute greatly to the workforce.

Now that all the present members have been re-elected and the two extra members proposed and seconded at the AGM, we can again get down to the grind and continue the work we do for our residents.

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WORTH ABBEY TURNERS HILL COMMUNITY REGULAR MASS TIMES (All at the Abbey unless otherwise stated) Weekday Mass: Saturday Morning Mass: Sunday Masses: Holidays of Obligation:

08.00 in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and 17.30 for the Concelebrated Mass.

09.00.

Saturday at 17.00; Sunday at 09.30, concelebrated; and 11.30 at St Dunstan’s, West Hoathly.

08.00 and 17.30. On the day before, at 19.30 (Vigil Mass).

WORTH ABBEY CONTACT POINTS Parish Priest – Fr Paul Fleetwood Parish Secretary – Maria Stribbling 01342 710313/parish@worth.org.uk Worth Abbey on the web – www.worthabbeyparish.co.uk ___________________________________________________________________________ NEW WAY TO REPORT CRIME IN SUSSEX Police Forces across England and Wales are using a new system called Single Online Home (SOH) – a policing portal which allows the public to easily report crimes, incidents and provide information online.

Sussex Neighbourhood Watch advises that the police non-emergency phone number 101 remains available when personal contact is required. However, using SOH reduces wait times for those reporting crimes, incidents or simply providing information to police.

The organisation states: “Reporting online via SOH is easy and effective. It has been positively endorsed by a number of NHW members who have had the opportunity to use it.”

The new portal can be found on the home page of the recently-up-dated Sussex Police website www.sussex.police.uk NHW advises that SOH should not be used for an emergency – dialling 999 remains the means of contact if there is danger to a person or if a crime is being committed.

All reports submitted via SOH will receive an immediate acknowledgement. Reports are reviewed in live time and within 48 hours Sussex Police will provide a personal response from a named staff member •Contact Sussex Neighbourhood Watch via its website www.sussexnwfed.org.uk

SCHOOL REPORT by Jo Wigmore THE EASTER STORY Our RE Easter Day began in classes, where the children heard the Easter Story. We then gathered together in the hall for Collective Worship, which was led by Canon David. The children sat in a cross formation in front of a hot cross bun and Canon David spoke about the cross. In the hall, there were boxes which each had clues linking to the Easter Story. Volunteers revealed the items in five of the six boxes and the children tried to work out which part of the story they related to.

Throughout the rest of the day, the children visited each classroom/station to explore an aspect of Easter.

Towards the end of the afternoon, the children all returned to the hall to discover that when they opened the final box it was empty! Geoff Chapman then led Collective Worship to explain that the box being empty related to the tomb being empty because Jesus came back to life and that is what Christians celebrate at Easter. The children then had a wonderful time going on an Easter egg hunt.

They enjoyed the day immensely.

Below are some quotes taken from diary entries that children in Birch class wrote the day after our Easter Day. Amy – Yesterday was amazing. In the morning, we went to the hall and had hot cross buns.

Phoebe (station 1) – Jesus arrived in Jerusalem and the crowd waved palm leaves and lay their coats down to make a path. We wrote our hopes and dreams on palm leaves.

Jack and Scarlett (station 2) – I learned that Jesus was a really different king. Jesus was like a servant, but people knew that he was a king and the son of God. We could have our feet washed.

That’s what Jesus did for his disciples.

Jasmine (station 3) – We did a freeze frame of the last supper.

George and Oliver (station 4) – I enjoyed it because I liked colouring in prayers.

It was so relaxing . . .

Clark (station 5) – We looked at the crucifixion in Lego.

Oakley – Yesterday was incredible. We found out that the box was empty because the women saw the tomb was empty and they were amazed.

JOHN ROBERTS INTERVIEWS……

Every proper village should have its blacksmith. Although many may not realise it, Turners Hill has its own in the figure of Tom Fieldwick whose family have lived here for generations. John Roberts met Tom to hammer out a few details…..

Red hot tongs, horse shoes bashed out on an anvil and a snorting horse waiting to be shod is the popular traditional image of a smithy. These days however it’s all welding and fabrication for blacksmiths like Tom Fieldwick and mobile farriers tend to do the horse-shoeing.

Tom grew up straightaway with a work ethic some way removed from the romantic smithy portrait.

Born in hospital at Haywards Heath his childhood was here at Turners Hill in the family home in Medway and by the time he was 13 was getting stuck into a paper round before school each day.

He remembers: “I used to get up at 6.30am every morning and deliver around the village seven days a week for the then Corner Shop and do the local papers too on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.”

Tom, 33, was at school in the village before moving on to Imberhorne and admits: “I was a bit tired at school, but it was a job opportunity to earn some money so you were going to do it.”

Admirably, instead of squandering it on sweets, Tom saved most of his money with one eccentric project in mind: “I saved until I had enough for my first £50 note! I’d never seen one, never held one till that day. I think I spent part of it then on a yo-yo, but I had a Post Office account and put most of the excess in there to get me through school holidays.”

So a level-headed and determined young lad, then. For a while he took an early work experience job with Sutton and Southern Water doing jobs in different trades like and plumbing and welding and some days in the office: “I was so bored with office work I fell asleep in there. That’s when I decided I must do work with my hands, but I wanted to do something a bit different.”

Tom took on an apprenticeship with Jason and Melvyn Willie in Anvils Blacksmith over at Sharpthorne and recalls: “ I did a lot of standing and watching and cleaning up the workshop at first,” but soon he was in proper action.

He said: “ It was Rule One to be a step ahead all the time and have the next hot iron ready for them – strike while the iron’s hot – every second counts. It was good old-fashioned work with oldfashioned technique. If you weren’t ahead they’d let you know about it too, but it was a brilliant learning curve.”

Tom mainly worked in his apprenticeship on ornate gates and railings on jobs in a ten-mile radius including exhibits like an iron and copper weather vane at the South of England Show.

Aged just 16 Tom also entered for Young Craftsman of The Year at the Edenbridge and Oxted Show and came second. Next year he was second again only losing to fellow and older apprentice Scott Taylor, but the third year at 18 he was Fully Commended for his traditional workmanship by the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths when he made a traditional iron gate with copper roses flowing through it.

More competition success followed in the Skill Weld contest held at Crawley College where

…… TOM THE BLACKSMITH Tom attended one day a week as part of his apprenticeship. He won the Under 21 section and to the amazement of the judges was also overall runner-up in the whole competition. He was on his way.

As an apprentice Tom was earning £88 a week and remembers: “My friends were all earning three times that, but I was firmly told I was doing something special and it would stand me in good stead in the long run.”

When he was 20, his apprenticeship ended, Tom stayed another nine years forging his career with Jason and Melvyn Willie and said: “I couldn’t go any higher so I shook hands and left and decided to start my own business at East Grinstead called Fieldwick’s Forge with a workshop over at Blackham.”

Work ranged from small repairs to major jobs making gates, railings and sculptures. His first commission was for the cross on the front of Turners Hill school and he also made the flower basket round the Turners Hill sign on the village green as well as helping out with work for local businesses and travelling across England on major projects.

However, Tom says that after two years working for himself he decided to step away and downsize explaining: “It was all becoming too many structures and not enough ornate work.

Also finding some land to have a workshop locally was just proving too much so I decided to get a job again, but also to keep Fieldwick’s Forge going, but only focusing that on the ornate work I enjoy plus helping with small jobs for local connections.”

He joined Builders Beams at Crawley as a coded welder, but says the job satisfaction for him was not there. Word got out that he planned to leave and he was head hunted by four firms but says: “ The one that stood out for me was Andrew Peters who I’d met on a huge job at a mansion in Surrey, all marble floors and ceilings. There was a grand staircase ,with a £70,000 chandelier at the top, which needed ornate railings and more for bedroom balconies too.

“The bloke who started working on it didn’t stay, but claimed it would never be finished because ‘nobody can do what I do.’ I said, ‘Well they haven’t met me yet. If anybody can finish it I can.’ I proved myself and it looks fantastic, real job satisfaction.”

These days Tom has moved into a house at East Grinstead with his girlfriend Elaine Newby, 28, a hairdresser whom he first met when she was working with his sister Hayley at Studio 106.

He said; “We enjoy socialising. We’ll always show up for meals with friends or a party. And we love to walk around Turners Hill each and every week and say hello to everybody. “ I’m not a sporting chap. I was called Bambi at school because I was always tripping over my own feet, but I like watching others play. I’d love to come back to Turners Hill one day, but I just can’t afford to live here at the moment. It’s turning into Millionaires Row, but who knows where I will be in ten years time.

“You’re always learning and I’am excited about my future. Taking on challenges and pushing boundaries is what I like. If I’m comfortable I’m not in the right place.”

•Pictured above: Fieldwick masterpiece – Tom’s elegant wrought iron staircase railings.

______________________________

A Sussex Notebook….

by Michael Horan

SUSSEX WON’T BE DRUV

I

t was the year 680 AD. Wilfrid, Bishop of Northumbria, had to make himself scarce. He had fallen foul of the Northumbrian king Ecgfrith (no, don’t even try pronouncing it). So he hurried as far south as he could, and came to Selsey in the kingdom of Sussex, to seek safety among the South Saxons.

South Saxons, the people of Sussex, were dyed-in-the-wool pagans. Some Irish missionary monks had already tried preaching to Sussex folk, pointing out the error of their ways and determined to convert them, but without success. Sussex people weren’t going to be told what to do.

In his turn, Bishop Wilfrid (not yet a saint) tried his hand at converting the pagan South Saxons, without any luck. Doubtless he too had bricks thrown at him. No harm done, though. The Sussex men had too much ale in them to throw straight.

Then Wilfrid had a cunning plan. The Sussex people were very fond of fish, but were not too hot at catching them. Wilfrid coached the fishermen – taking care not to instruct them – helping and encouraging them to learn better fishing techniques for themselves. Result! Grateful South Saxons were baptised, and lo! a three year drought ended instantly with a downpour.

This incontrovertible principle, that Sussex people don’t like being pushed about – Sussex won’t be druv – is perfectly summed up in this poem by W. Victor Cook: Some folks as comes to Sussex, They rackons as they knows A darn sight better what to do Then silly folks like me and you Could possibly suppose.

But them as comes to Sussex, They mustn’t push and shove, For Sussex will be Sussex, And Sussex won’t be druv.

Mus’ Wilfrid came to Selsey.

Us heaved a stone at he, Because he reckoned he could teach Our Sussex fishers how to reach The fishes in the sea.

But when he dwelt among us, Us gave un land and love, For Sussex will be Sussex, And Sussex won’t be druv.

All folks as comes to Sussex Must follow Sussex ways, And when they’ve larned to know us well There’s no place else they’d wish to dwell In all their blessed days.

There ant no place like Sussex Until you goos Above, But Sussex will be Sussex, And Sussex won’t be druv!

___________________________________________________________________________

cPastor: Geoff Chapman The Manse, North Street, Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex. RH10 4NS 01342 714546, geoff@thfchurch.org www.turnershillfreechurch.org.uk

Our weekly services are on Sundays at 10.30am Easter: Passed and Present Like pilgrims getting a first, hazy glimpse of their destination in the distance, the long Easter weekend has given us a chance to pause the year rushing by, enjoy the warmth, the birdsong and the blossom, and catch sight of the coming summer.

How fortunate we are in the temperate North that the turning of the seasons reinforces so powerfully the hope proclaimed by Christ’s resurrection: Loveliest of trees, the cherry now Is hung with bloom along the bough, And stands about the woodland ride Wearing white for Eastertide.

Amid the peace of family, good weather and seasonal joy it was especially heartbreaking to hear of the bombings of churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday; Christians and tourists deliberately targeted in an attempt to create terror.

A death toll so far of nearly 300 people. Individuals and families, there to celebrate the empty tomb, were wrenched violently into the gore of Good Friday and Golgotha, where human hatred was vented most fully, and all the ugliness and destruction of sin was bloodily displayed to history.

But surely those who targeted Christians on that Easter weekend cannot have understood the message of God through Jesus Christ: It is the cross itself that declares triumph in defeat, hope even in death, forgiveness to enemies and love in the face of hatred - and the resurrection is the guarantee of that message.

As with the martyrdom of Christians throughout the centuries, those hoping to sow terror will in the end reap a harvest of peace. The message of the cross will be more powerfully proclaimed: Jesus Christ makes sense of all our pain and suffering, and He is able to turn our greatest evils into eternal, glorious good.

Pastor Geoff Chapman

.

Little Angels Parent, Babies and Toddler Group: Tuesdays at 10.00 – 11.30, term time only. No charge.

Call Abby Chapman on 01342 714546 for more details Community Lunch, Friday May 24, 12.30 in the church hall. All Welcome.

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 At the Ark

*Painting *Decorating *Interior *Exterior *Domestic *Handy Man *Commercial Property Maintenance 2 Thornhill Cottages, Selsfield Road, Turners Hill RH10 4PP

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

The Crown at Turners Hill Traditional Sussex Pub and Restaurant Real Ale Pub, always serving Good food Telephone 01342 715218 Fax 01342 717056 East Street, Turners Hill, West Sussex RH10 4PT

Linage Advert

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

Dorte Hass IRONING 4 U

Ironing, Laundry, Dry Cleaning & Alterations We also clean your Duvets, Bedspreads, Pillows & other Household items Service washes and wash & finish available We sell Luxury Clothes Rails, Suit Covers, Dress Covers, Lint-removers & refills, Clothes Brushes Photocopying and Fax Service Also available

OPENING HOURS Tuesday 7.30am - 6pm, Wednesday,Thursday & Friday Friday 9am – 5pm Closed for Lunch 1pm -2pm Closed Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays & Bank Holidays

Parmeria Place, Lion Lane, Turners Hill TEL/FAX01342 717788

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 Seven Days a Week, Lunches Only A Warm Welcome to All Customers – Old and New

If you would like to place an advertisement in the Turners Hill Parish News, which reaches 900 homes, please contact: Martyn at advertising.parishnews@thparish.co.uk

VILLAGE CLUBS & ORGANISATIONS Arts Society Turners Hill Badminton Bellringing Bridge British Legion Brownies Circle Club Cricket Horticulture (WHS) Karate Little Angels Meditation Morris Dancing Pilates Socatots Tai Chi Twinkle Tots Twinning Village Fete Walking WI (Hilltop) Yoga

Contact Nigel Emery on 01293 414655 or nigel.emery@gmail.com Contact Ian Hacke on 01342 717309 Contact Jo Barnes – Jopbarnes@btinternet.com Contact Helen Kent on 01342 719779/ Betty LeckyThompson on 01293 547030 Contact Kay Webb on 01342 719029 Contact Tina Shea on 01342 715322 Contact Heather Eves – heather.eves@virgin.net Contact Mick Litchfield on 01342 713801 Contact Martyn Mason on 01342 714858 Contact Julia Turley on 01444 454827 or jtrenshinkan@btinternet.com Contact Free Church on 01342 714546 Contact Snesha Malde on 07941 708874 or snesha.malde@gmail.com Contact Sarah Hamilton on 01342 712240 Contact Laura Donoghue on 07821 391798 or ldonoghue1@btinternet.com Contact Marianne on 01444 440234 or info@socatots-sussex.co.uk Contact Peter or Rosemary Parsons on 01293 882990 or retep.p@talktalk.net Contact twinkletotsmusic@gmail.com Contact Thelma Mason on 01342 714858 Contact turnershillvillagefete@gmail.com Contact Barbara Podbury on 01342 714899 Contact Barbara Cowley on 01342 715709 Contact Snesha Malde on 07941 708874 or snesha.malde@gmail.com

The Ark – A Superb Venue for any occasion The PERFECT place to hold your birthday or anniversary celebration, wedding reception or any other social event.

Please see the Council website (www.turnershillcouncil.co.uk) for information on groups meeting at The Ark and all the information needed for you to hire The Ark for your own event, with photos and even plans for possible layouts.

For all bookings, including booking the court or football pitch, contact Mrs Chris Marsh, Parish Clerk – details on Council pages.

Osteopath treatments (call Jo Barber on 01342 712266) and Comfort Foot Care Clinics (call Victoria Vaughn on 07593 630 863) are available.

Post Office in Deck Room - Tuesday and Friday 10.00–12.0

VILLAGE DIARY MAY 2019 (Church service details on relevant church pages)

Thursday May 2

Mid Sussex Local Elections

Sunday May 5

Church Services

Sunday May 12

Church Services Start of Christian Aid Week

Tuesday May 14

Parish Council Meeting, The Ark

Wednesday May 15

Hilltop WI Meeting, The Ark

Sunday May 19

Church Services

Tuesday May 21

Parish Assembly, The Ark

Sunday May 26

Church Services

Tuesday May 28

Arts Society Meeting, The Ark

Thursday May 30

Twinning Visit to St Leger

Friday May 31

Community Lunch, Free Church

PARISH NEWS NEXT EDITION Copy deadline for the JUNE edition is MONDAY MAY 20 Editorial contributions, including letters for publication to: editor.parishnews@thparish.co.uk Advertising enquiries to: advertising.parishnews@thparish.co.uk Postal address: Turners Hill Parish News, The Vicarage, St Leonard’s Church, Church Road, Turners Hill RH10 4PB PARISH NEWS ONLINE: The Parish News is also available online Go to www.thparish.co.uk and click on ‘Parish News’ at ‘QUICK LINKS’