March 2017
CHICHESTER LOCAL and events to 7,000 5,900 homes homes in in this this area area every every month month through the door LocalLocal newsnews and events to over through the door
ST WILFRID’S HOSPICE Celebrating 30 years with a new hospice coming to Bosham
LOCAL NEWS
Charity & Community
WIN!
Family weekend ticket to Joy Festival Family ticket to The Very Hungry Caterpillar
PUZZLES
For Younger Readers Plus Prize Crossword
PLUS
What’s On, Local Walks, Recipe, Prize Crossword, Gardening, Local Groups, Local area & charity news, Business Directory
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March 2017 Cover Photo Bosham kindly supplied by Mrs Sheila Mills
Welcome... Spring is certainly on the way, at the time of writing, daffodils are pushing up in our garden and the evenings are getting lighter every day. Spring is a great time to join one of the many free local walks, see page 18. Andrew from Glorious Gardens is also thinking of Spring and gardeners’ enduring love of growing. In this month’s gardening feature, Andrew suggests planting your own vegetable plot. Go on, it’s not too late and you could be reaping the rewards in a few short months! See page 28. Our main article this month puts the spotlight on the area’s main Hospice - St Wildrid’s. We talk to CEO - Alison Moorey about the Hospice’s 30 year anniversary this year and the brand new hospice coming to Bosham. See page 24. We have a fantastic competition for you on page 16. You can win a family weekend ticket to Joy Festival. Taking place from 16th to 18th June in the beautiful grounds of Groombridge Place near Tunbridge Wells, Joy is a unique festival that brings together live music, shopping and food! You can also win a family ticket to see the delightful “Very Hungry Caterpillar” at the Connaught Theatre, Worthing. See page 13. Our March recipe is “seriously good soda bread”. It is an easy bread for beginners and so moreish - page 19. Thanks for reading!
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...........................................................................What’s On .......Win family ticket to see The Very Hungry Caterpillar ............................................Young Readers’ Puzzle Page .......................Win family weekend ticket to Joy Festival ........................................................................Local Walks ................................................................................Recipe ..............................................Charity & Community News ................................................................Prize Crossword .................................Charity Profile: St Wilfrid’s Hospice ...................................................................In Your Garden ...........................................................Index of Advertisers ..............................................................Business Directory
April Deadlines Bookings, editorial - 1st March Finished artwork, events - 7th March
SUSSEX & CHICHESTER LOCAL 01903 868 474
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Arundel edition - Arundel, Barnham, Burpham, Climping, Fontwell, Ford, Slindon, Walberton & Yapton Total homes - 6,800 Chichester edition - Chichester suburbs Total homes - 7,000 Findon edition - Findon Valley, Findon Village, Nepcote, High Salvington, Clapham & Patching plus Salvington/Selden (south of A27) Total homes - 6,000 Pulborough edition - Pulborough, Bury, Coldwaltham, Fittleworth, Marehill, Nutbourne, Stopham, West Chiltington village and Common. Total homes - 5,500 Storrington edition - Storrington, Amberley, Ashington, Cootham Thakeham, Sullington & Washington. Total homes - 6,200 The combined circulation of all five editions is over 30,800 homes.
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What’s On
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www.scbnvioletflameevents.co.uk
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Competition
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Win a family ticket to see The Very Hungry Caterpillar The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by author/illustrator Eric Carle has delighted generations of readers it was first published in 1969 selling more than 41 million copies worldwide. Eric’s well-known books captivated readers with his iconic colourful hand-painted tissue paper collage illustrations and distinctively simple stories, introducing generations of children to a bigger, brighter world – and to their first experience of reading itself. Now, the timeless classic makes it way off the page and onto the stage in this critically acclaimed production featuring a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets, faithfully adapting four of Eric Carle stories; The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly, and of course, the star of the show – The Very Hungry Caterpillar. “Do yourself a favour: If the Very Hungry Caterpillar show is playing near you, see it. And take your favourite small person. They will be changed for the better” Live Theatre UK
The show is playing at the Worthing Connaught Theatre, on Friday 21st (2pm) & Saturday 22nd April (11am & 2pm). Tickets are available from the Worthing Theatres Box Office by visiting their website at www.worthingtheatres.co.uk or by calling them direct on 01903 206 206.
We have a family ticket to give away for Friday 21st April For your chance to win, just answer the following : Q: Who wrote the book the Very Hungry Caterpillar a) Enid Blyton b) Susan Smith c) Eric Carle. Send your answer and full contact details including daytime telephone number to: ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’ Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough RH20 9AH or email competitions@sussexlocal.net Winner will be first entry drawn after the closing date 31st March 2017. Please indicate if you wish to remain on our mailing list.
CHICHESTER LOCAL
14 Puzzles
Young Readers’ Puzzle Page Wordsearch
Maze
Find the listed words in the grid. Words may be hidden horizontally, vertically or diagonally and in either a forwards or backwards direction.
Help the hungry mouse reach his tasty cheese! Start at the arrow on the top left of the maze.
ACROBAT MAGICIAN PERFORMER
AUDIENCE UNICYCLE TIGHTROPE
CANNON TENT TRAPEZE
CLOWN STILTS MONKEY
Sudoku
Find the Sum
Place the numbers 1 – 6 once in each row, column and 3x2 bold-lined box
Three of the numbers in the box below add up to 48. But can you work out what those three numbers are?
Answers can be found on our website after 1st March www.sussexlocal.net
To sponsor this feature please contact us on 01903 868474 or email info@sussexlocal.net Sponsor for just £25 per month plus a monthly prize
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CHICHESTER LOCAL
16 Competition
Win a family weekend ticket to Joy Festival 16-18th June Groombridge Place, Tunbridge Wells Joy is an innovative, eclectic and unique festival that brings together the latest trends in creative shopping, gastronomy, music and lifestyle. Celebrate summer with eclectic and joyous live music and dancing featuring Squeeze’s Chris Difford, samba, jazz, steel drums and flamenco. Enjoy amazing acrobats and magicians, birds of prey displays, sensational street food, pop up bars, a vintage funfair and creative workshops for all the family. Set in the beautiful grounds of Groombridge Place, a 17th Century moated Manor House near Tunbridge Wells, Joy features an amazing collection of exhibitors: pop up shops, boutiques and Night Market encompassing fashion, homewares, interior and garden design, artisan food, art and vintage. Camp under the stars in a walled garden in a teepee, bell tent, yurt or VW Camper Van. Explore glorious formal gardens alongside roaming peacocks, wild fallow deer and the famous zedonk!
Take a canal boat ride to a wondrous enchanted forest with giant tree swings, a raised boardwalk with zip wires, wooden bridges, a maze, Pirate Ship, teepees and Gypsy caravans. Indulge yourself with a healing spa treatment, sauna or hot tub. Head deeper into the forest and discover the Secret Illuminated Valley and Wild Child: a family party with DJ’s by day and a grown up party by night. Early Bird Day, Weekend & Camping tickets on Sale until 28 February www.joyfestival.co.uk
Win a family weekend ticket worth £100! Q: What is the name of the party in the forest ? a) “Wild Child”
b) “Bad Boy”
c) “Orphan Annie”
Send your answer and full contact details including daytime telephone number to: ‘Joy Festival, PO Box 2237, Pulborough RH20 9AH or email competitions@sussexlocal.net Winner will be first entry drawn after the closing date 31st March 2017. Please indicate if you wish to remain on our/Joy Festival’s mailing list.
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18 Walks
CHICHESTER LOCAL
Local Walks - March These walks are supported by Chichester District Council, are led by volunteers and are designed to cater for all ages and abilities. No booking is required but please arrive 10 mins before the walk is due to start. Dogs are welcome unless otherwise stated but must be kept on the lead. If the weather is poor the walk may be cancelled, if unsure please check, contact 01243 534589 health@chichester.gov.uk www.chichesterwellbeing.org.uk. L = Walk Leader Thurs 2nd 10.30am Eartham L: Peter 2 hours 4 miles Walk up into Eartham woods and back down Stane Street. Ups and downs with one short steep climb. Free Forestry Commission car park on the right, ¾ of a mile north of The George PH Sun 5th 10.30am Black Rabbit L: Dominic 2 hours 5 or 3 miles An easy, flat riverside walk, no stiles. Mill Road car park by river in town centre (charge) Mon 6th 10.30am Emsworth L: Anne 1½ hours 2½ miles Through meadows to Emsworth and back. In Emsworth Town Square. Park in public car park (pay & display) Tues 7th 10am Selsey L: Helen 30 mins 1 mile Suitable for beginners. Selsey Centre Car Park, Manor Road, Selsey, Chichester PO20 0SE Weds 8th 10am Harting Down L: Fiona 2 hours 4 miles Meet at Harting Down car park off the B214. This will get you ready for spring, with it hills, views and just sheer exhilaration from the fresh sea breezes from over the downs Fiona 07767 400039 Mon 13th 10.30am Emsworth to Prinsted L: Anne 1½ hours 3 miles Suitable for beginners. An easy flat walk. Emsworth town square Tues 14th 10.30am Marina Stroll L: Judy 1 hour 3/4 mile Suitable for beginners. At car park near Boathouse Café at Marina Wed 15th 10.45am Climping L: Dominic 1 hr 15 m 2½ miles Along dunes and beach to Climping Mill, then across fields to Ferry Road and Rope Walk to club. Arun Yacht Club Car Park, Rope Walk, Littlehampton, BN17 5DL. Wed 15th 11.15am Midhurst L: Helen 30mins 1 mile Entrance to The Grange Leisure Centre Bepton Road, Midhurst GU29 9HD Thurs 16th 10.30am Angmering & Hammerpot L: Peter 2 hours 4 miles A mainly flat walk through woods and meadows. Car park in the woods at the Dover. Map ref TQ061065 Mon 20th 10.30am Emsworth to Langstone L: Anne 2½ hours 4 miles A level walk along the foreshore to Langstone returning via the fields and Warblington church. Possible refreshment break at The Ship, Langstone. Town square, Emsworth Monday 20th 10.30am Chichester Oaklands L: Helen 30 mins 1 mile A gentle paced walk suitable for beginners. Meet: Entrance to Chichester Festival Theatre, PO19 6AP There is a pay & display car park (70p for an hour) Helen on 07921 278 860 Tues 21st 10.30am Marina to Dell Quay L: Janet 1 1/2 hours 3 ½ - 4 miles A flat walk, can be muddy. Park at Chichester Marina car park (free), PO20 7EJ Fri 24th 10.30am West Marden L: Jane 2 ½ hours 5 miles A pleasant walk with some hills and stiles through woodland and open countryside with some good views. Meet: West Marden on the corner of Noredown Way Sat 25th 10.30am Whiteways L: Dominic 1½ hours 3 ½ miles Walk along Monarch Way and South Downs Way Whiteways car park on A29. This is a hilly walk Monday 27th 10.30am Chilgrove L: Andrew 2 hours 4 miles Up Chilgrove Hill and back through Wildhams Wood White Horse inn. Chilgrove car park Tuesday 28th 10.30am Highdown Hill L: Jane 1½ hours 2 ½ miles A hilltop walk with gentle slopes and good views. 2 stiles. There is also a free chalk garden to visit and a café. Park at Highdown car park Thursday 30th 10.30am Iping/Stedham Common L: Jane 3½ hours 6.75 miles A longer walk taking in Iping and Stedham Common and the River Rother. Has stiles and is undulating. Iping Common Car Park SU852220 Friday 31st 10.30am Sutton Common L:Peter 2 hours 4.5 miles Walk through woodlands and sandy heathland (3 stiles) Meet: Lord's Piece car park, RH20 1HG Call Peter on 07920 461392 if uncertain
Recipe 19
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Seriously Good Soda Bread If you have never made bread before this is an easy one to start with and so moreish! It improves if you wrap in foil and keep for a day. Makes 1 large loaf result should be a soft Ingredients. dough.
250g plain flour 2tsp salt 15g bicarbonate of soda 250g wholemeal flour 140g porridge oats 1-2tbsp clear honey, warm enough to pour 1tbsp black treacle, warm enough to pour 500ml buttermilk or milk
Method: 1. Heat the oven to 400F/200C/gas MARK6. Line a baking sheet or 1kg/2lg loaf tin. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Make a well in the middle and pour in honey, treacle and milk. Work everything together with hands, or a wooden spoon - but hands are always best for bread! The
wettish but manageable
2. With clean floured hands shape the dough on baking sheet into a round, or place it tin. Pop in oven and reduce heat a little to 375C/190F/gas mark 5. Cook for about 45 minutes or until it sounds hollow when tapped underneath. Cool on a wire rack, covered with a clean tea towel. 3. Invert the pudding onto a heated dish. Serve with a few tablespoons of a good apricot jam warmed through with a little lemon juice. Cookery Courses for all Why not give a Voucher for the perfect gift? Contact Alex 01243 532240 www.cookwithalex.co.uk
20 Charity & Community
Sussex Snippets Take a look at how books, reading and your local library can help you stay healthy and well during Wellbeing Month in libraries this March. There is something for everyone with at least 60 events happening in libraries throughout the county - activities include laughter workshops, stress reduction sessions and wellbeing MOTs – and information on all events, as well as regular library activities such as knit and natter, relax with colouring and board games, can be found on www.westsussex.gov.uk/ libraryevents. West Sussex Highways has authorised a crackdown on Heavy Goods Vehicles parking over verges and footways. The County Council has advised district and borough councils to issue penalty notices to any HGV parked wholly or partly on a footway or verge – regardless of whether there are waiting restrictions on the road or not - HGVs found to park on central reservations will also be affected and anyone wishing to report issues concerning HGVs parking in their areas should contact their district or borough council. www.westsussex.gov.uk/news/crackdown-on-hgvparking-over-verges-and-pavements/ Due to popular demand, Sussex Wildlife Trust is expanding its programme of monthly weekend Nature & Bushcraft groups for families to enjoy outdoor fun, explore and connect with the natural world across the county this spring. Sessions are open to all but are discounted for family members of Sussex Wildlife Trust, all children must be accompanied by an adult and booking is essential. For details please, contact: www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlifewatch or www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/naturetots The Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance has the perfect opportunity for those looking for a New Year challenge – places in the Brighton 10K on Sunday 9th April and an opportunity to achieve a personal goal, whilst raising funds for a good cause. All team members will be invited to a pre-race meeting, where John Feeney from Pure Sports Performance will an-
CHICHESTER LOCAL swer questions, along with the opportunity to meet the charity’s crew and have a tour of the helicopter (subject to medical emergencies); runners will also receive support and advice from the charity’s fundraising team and a personalised running vest. email laurene@kssairambulance.org.uk or call Lauren on 01622 833 833, www.kssairambulance.org.uk/ involved/BrightonMarathon West Sussex Labour Party leaders have accused Tory councillors of cheating on the elderly, infirm and disabled by cutting £48million from social care budgets since 2010. The amount spend on Adult social care last year (2015/16) was £167.3million compared to £203.5m in 2010/11 – with budget cuts in five out of six years amounting to £48.5million – whilst at the same time the growth in the elderly population in West Sussex has pushed up costs of social care to new highs and put increasing pressure on the NHS. www.southdownslabour.com A woman who is transforming people’s lives through learning and skills at Novus has been recognised for her ‘outstanding’ work and best practice at HMP Ford. Offender learning multi-skills instructor Sian Hawes has been praised by the Butler Trust, which celebrates the work of people in prisons, probation and youth justice settings and rewards them at an annual awards ceremony where the Trust’s patron, HRH The Princess Royal, will present awards and commendations to up to 30 people, including four Novus staff members, at a ceremony at St James’ Palace on March 9th. www.butlertrust.org.uk www.novus.ac.uk West Sussex Guitar Club enjoys ensemble classes every Monday afternoon 1.30-3.30pm, and the Guitar Orchestra and the Performance Workshop meet fortnightly at 7.45pm and 6.30pm respectively. They also have professional concerts, club nights, festivals, parties and recitals – on Saturday 1st April at 7.30pm they have the Paul Gregory Trio recital at their Recital Hall, 46 Sudley Road, Bognor Regis, PO21 1ER; tickets are £14 non-members, £10 members, half price students and children free. Contact: 01243 866462
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Fundraiser Takes to the Road
Cancer nurse, Rusty Taphouse from Highleigh, near Sidlesham, has signed up for the challenge of cycling from London to Paris to raise awareness (and vital funds) for Myeloma UK. Rusty, who is more used to power walking and running marathons, has raised in excess of £20,000 over ten years for various charities including Breast Cancer Care, St Wilfrids Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support and Prostate Cancer. 2017 marks 15 years since Rusty's mum died from Myeloma - an increasingly common and complex cancer of the plasma cells, which are found in bone marrow and protect the body against infection. The drugs and treatment options available now were not available then, and new advances in the treatment of Myeloma are being made all the time. Rusty is aiming to raise over £1,500 for Myeloma UK by sponsorship and by holding other events in the area between now and the start of the challenge in May. Contact: rusty.taphouse@btinternet.com www.justgiving.com/ rusty-taphouse www.myeloma.org.uk
Pets of the Month
This month The Cat & Rabbit Rescue Centre (CRRC) would like to find a new home for sisters Malinda and Madelina. Malinda is white and tortoiseshell and Madelina is white and black, and they are both fifteen years old and arrived at the Centre last November, as their owners could no longer keep them at home. Both cats have health issues Madelina has cancer on her nose, whilst Malinda has cancer on her ears, and The Centre would love the cats to have as much time as possible with their new owners. Madelina is on full foster plan, which means
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The Centre covers all vet problems relating to her cancer treatment; Malinda is on part foster, which means she can see The Centre’s vet for any problems with her ear. If you think you can offer Malinda and Madelina a new home, contact The Cat & Rabbit Rescue Centre on 01243 641409 Email: info@crrc.co.uk
St Wilfrid’s Dream Wheelers
St Wilfrid’s Hospice is planning a Dream Wheelers Ride, a fun and relaxed bike tour around scenic Normandy over two days/three nights in June. The Hospice is inviting cyclists of all abilities to join in and raise funds for its Dreambuilding project to build a new Hospice for the community. The Dream Wheelers Ride runs from Thursday 15th to Sunday 18th June taking in 101 miles of scenic French countryside. Registration costs £400, and it is hoped that participants will also raise at least £500. To register: www.dreambuilding.org.uk 01243 214146, Email: dbfundraising@stwh.co.uk St. Wilfrid’s Hospice, Chichester www.stwh.co.uk
Council Tax Increase Proposal
The cabinet at Chichester District Council (CDC) has backed proposals to increase the average council tax bill by 10p a week, which would mean the average taxpayer paying £2.90 a week for services provided by the council. Their proposal will now be discussed at the Full Council meeting on 7 March where a final decision will be made. CDC charges one of the lowest council tax rates in the country due to the amount of efficiencies it has made over the past few years. The Valuation Office places your property into a band, depending upon property size and where you live, if you think your home is in the wrong band you should contact the Valuation Office. Contact: 03000 501501 or visit www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/index.htm
Thumbs-up for Council Services
At a recent meeting, Chichester District Council’s cabinet was told by a review that its contract services team was delivering an outstanding service. Chichester Contract Services, based in Westhampnett, is responsible for recycling and waste collections, street cleaning; keeping streets clean and tidy, maintaining public gardens, providing public toilets and managing parks and cemeteries. The city was ranked as 35 out of 229 waste authorities for its dry recycling levels and noted for providing a high standard of street cleansing, particularly in the city centre and other areas of high footfall.
Are you a Stamp Collector?
The Chichester & District Philatelic Society is inviting all stamp collectors to join them. Meetings are held locally, with guest speakers and display evenings, Contact Martha Brown on 01243-779645 for details and further information.
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CHICHESTER LOCAL
22 Crossword
Prize Crossword
Win a £10 Marks and Spencer voucher
Chichester March 2017 January 2017 solution shown below.
Winner: Sue Chichester
Barty
from
Congratulations and thank you to all who entered. Entries to: Sussex Local Crossword, PO Box 2237 Pulborough, RH20 9AH or scan and email the page to crosswords@sussexlocal.net
Across
Down
1 3 9 10 11 12 13 15 17 18 20 21 22 23
1 Place too much importance on (13) 2 Worthiness (5) 4 Intelligence activity (6) 5 Obfuscation (12) 6 Form a mental picture (7) 7 Unenthusiastically (4-9) 8 Showing total commitment (12) 14 Modern type of paint (7) 16 Reach a specified level (6) 19 Brief appearance (5)
Units of electrical resistance (4) Amaze (8) Terrestrial (7) Petite (5) Laud (5) Sustain with food (7) Fine; great (6) Mineral of lead sulphide (6) Alongside each other (7) Implied (5) Arm of a body of water (5) Taken as true (7) Encrypting (8) Cunning (4)
Name:............................................................................................................... Full address: ................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................... Postcode: ......................................................................................................... Email: ............................................................................................................... Phone: .............................................................................................................. Mobile: ............................................................................................................
Closing date: 31st March 2017 Good luck!
£10 Win a £10 M&S voucher
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Finance
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Year-End Tax Planning By Mark Lloyd, Senior Financial Adviser, Investment Solutions, Worthing As the tax year end is approaching now is the time to surely review your personal finances. This Article highlights some of the key areas to consider and implement before the end of the present tax year – it is not too late! Pension Contributions The maximum pension contribution on which tax relief can be claimed in any one year is £40,000, but if funds are being withdrawn under a Flexible Drawdown arrangement, then the limit reduces to £10,000 and is set to reduce again to £4,000 with effect from 6th April 2017. Carry-forward unused Allowance Provided that the Annual Allowance for pension contributions has been used in full in any one year, it is permitted to carry forward any unused allowance from up to 3 previous years. Pension Lifetime Allowance The maximum sum which can be saved in a pension scheme over the course of a lifetime, without incurring tax charges, is currently £1 million, having been reduced from £1.25 million on 6th April 2016. However, in the same way as with previous reductions in the Lifetime Allowance, it is possible within strictly defined limits to preserve larger sums by applying to H M Revenue & Customs for “protection” before a tax year ends. ISA Allowance The maximum amount which can be contributed to an ISA in 2016/17 is £15,240, but this will increase to £20,000 as from 6th April 2017. Both spouses are entitled to their own allowance. Capital Gains Tax It is worth checking to ensure that the £11,100 exemption from CGT is used each year by both members of a married couple, to shield gains on investments which are not held with a “tax-protected wrapper”, such as an ISA. Child Benefit The value of Child Benefit begins to reduce when the recipient’s adjusted net income exceeds £50,000 per year and ceases altogether when it reaches £60,000. However, the value of adjusted net income will be reduced by the amount of any pension contribution, thus enabling Child Benefit to be reclaimed. Personal Allowance A similar principle applies to the Personal Tax Allowance – currently £11,000 per annum and increasing to £11,500 per annum as from 6th April 2017. When a taxpayer’s income exceeds £100,000 per annum, the Personal Allowance starts to be reduced and it ceases altogether when income reaches £122,000 per annum. The effect is that income between these two levels is taxed at up to 60%. However, in the same way as with Child Benefit, the threshold will be reduced by the amount of any pension contributions.
Inheritance Tax Gifts can be made each tax year, which will reduce the value of an estate for the purposes of Inheritance Tax. The annual exemption is £3,000 and if this is not fully used in one year, the balance can be carried forward to the next. The most valuable exemption applies to outright gifts of unlimited value, which are made more than 7 years before the death of the donor. Therefore, these “potentially exempt transfers” become wholly exempt from Inheritance Tax. Need advice? At Investment Solutions, we are an Award-winning Chartered Firm of Independent Financial Advisors. Feel free to contact us on 01903 214640 Further information is available via our website: www.investment-solutions.co.uk The information in this Article does not constitute advice. Please remember that past performance is not necessarily a guide to future returns. The value of units and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.
Trusted and Experienced Chartered Financial Planners
Investment Advice Pension Advice and Planning Equity Release & Mortgages Estate Planning and advice on Inheritances Specialist advice for High Net Worth Individuals and High Earners Investment Solutions, Grafton House, 26 Grafton Road, Worthing BN11 1QT 01903 214640 / ifa@investment-solutions.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/financialadviserworthing
Twitter: @investment_sols www.investement-solutions.co.uk ‘Investment Solutions’ is the trading name of Investment Solutions Wealth Management Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
24 Local Charity Profile
CHICHESTER LOCAL
Support near the end St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Donnington is 30 years old this year and a new hospice is being built in Bosham. By Veronica Cowan. CEO - Alison Moorey
St Wilfrid’s Hospice is an independent local charity, which began with the formation of St Wilfrid’s Hospice (South Coast) Ltd, to raise money to build a hospice. The fund-raising appeal was officially launched at the Assembly Rooms in Chichester, the first Matron was Pat Camilleri, and the new premises were in Donnington. It is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and 2017 also sees the launch of the public fundraising phase for the new, state-of-the-art Hospice being built in Bosham, at Oakcroft Nursery, in Walton Lane. Although Bosham Parish Council supported the desire for new premises, it raised objections to the original plans, but Chichester District Council’s planning committee voted 9-5 in favour of the move. It also granted approval for 21 new homes to be built on St.
Wilfrid’s Donnington site and Alison Moorey, Chief Executive, said it is anticipated that £2 million will come from its sale. Kier will begin construction of the new building in July 2017, and the project is expected to cost at least £15.5million. As to what is driving the need for a new hospice, Ms. Moorey said referrals are increasing, and the Donnington hospice and site are too small to meet the current or forecast future need. “In recent years there has been a significant growth in services with a corresponding increase in the number of staff and volunteers on site [on top of which] the building and infrastructure are in need of upgrading or replacement,” she explained. With the expansion of services constrained by space limitations and an ageing building, redevelopment of the existing site was not an acceptable option in terms of costs, meeting the Hospice’s needs, and good stewardship of funds. Ms. Moorey noted that the new hospice would provide almost 50% more working space and incorporate the kind of 21st-century facilities urgently needed to deliver end-of-life care for patients, support for loved ones, and help the service continue to meet the growing and changing needs of those with cancer and life-limiting illnesses. There is no link between the Chichester site and the hospice in Eastbourne of the same name, she said, adding: “We are both independent charities. We do have informal links with all Sussex hospices, however, and all charitable hospices are members of Hospice UK, the national charity that supports the work of all hospices by providing a strong voice for hospice care.” The Hospice has a Board of 13 trustees, who serve for up to a 9-year period. Is it difficult to get qualified
through the door trustees, and how important are they in securing funding? “Our current trustees have a good mix of skills and we regularly carry out skills audits to ensure [they] represent a good cross-section of expertise. We have been fortunate to attract such a knowledgeable and experienced group of trustees and this is another testament to the high regard [in which] the Hospice is held across our community. It is not their role to find funding but it is one of their responsibilities to support approaches we make to potential funders as required.” As to funding, is there a drive to attract more NHS funding, or would it be preferable to have sufficient private funding to run the service without having to rely on the NHS? “All our services are provided free of charge and we have to raise some £7million every year, of which we currently only get 13% from the NHS, “she explains. Are there any national or international grants available? “The Hospice receives grants from local and national trusts and foundations and the DREAMBUILDING campaign [new hospice] has also received two international grants. We are currently fundraising for both revenue support (£7m pa) and the DREAMBUILDING project (at least £15.5m), so it is important we run a swift capital campaign that does not destabilise our ongoing revenue fundraising.” She said legacies - big or small - are “terrifically important” and contribute to the day-to-day running of the Hospice, as well as providing a major contribution to the DREAMBUILDING campaign. “We are enormously grateful to anyone who chooses to leave the Hospice a gift in their Will as this will help us continue to deliver our services for many years to come. Annually we promote our ‘Make a Will Fortnight’, when local solicitors offer their services to people who want to write or amend their wills; instead of a fee to the solicitor a donation to the Hospice is sought.” With dire stories in the national media about - primarily older - patients waiting hours for emergency admission to NHS hospitals, I asked whether there tends to be a waiting list for a bed in the Hospice where a sufferer’s condition deteriorates. Ms. Moorey explained that most services are provided in peoples’ homes so the focus is on getting support to them in the place they prefer to be where possible. She continued: “All
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of our work is prioritised by the clinical team and admissions to the in-patient unit are organised very carefully to make sure we meet the most pressing needs. The average occupancy of our inpatient unit is 87% and there are times when we may have a short waiting list. We do have other services such as Hospice at Home who can support people with care at home if someone needs to wait for a bed to become available.” As to how patients access services, Ms. Moorey said the Hospice receives referrals from GPs, St Richard’s Hospital and other healthcare professionals, adding: “Unlike most hospices we also take referrals from patients themselves or their family members, but the majority of referrals come from a health care professional who is already supporting the patient and family.”
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26 Local Charity Profile / Finance St. Wilfrids Hospice has decided to reach out to more people who need non-cancer-related care, such as Dementia. What is driving this and would that require differently trained staff? She explained: “The Hospice exists to support people who are in the last year of their lives and have complex problems which can be helped by our special expertise. Although the majority of the people we support have cancer, the criteria for our services is based on need and not diagnosis. Many people living with other life-limiting illnesses such as Motor Neurone Disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease have benefitted from our care and support. We always work closely with other professionals who may also be involved with the patients’ care and we ensure our staff are given the necessary training to carry out their work.”
its service to be “outstandingly responsive” and noted that staff were “exceptional” at responding to changes in needs. How did she feel about the report? “We were very pleased with the CQC report [which] is a testament to all the hard work and dedication all of the staff and volunteers put in on a daily basis. These results highlight the high standards of care we pride ourselves on and will continue to set over the coming months and years. We were particularly pleased with the feedback and comments from patients and their loved ones; every day we receive such positive comments and this really matters to the staff and volunteers who work so hard to make a difference.” St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Grosvenor Road Chichester, PO19 8FP T: 01243 775302 E: general@stwh.co.uk For volunteering enquires please email: volunteers.office@stwh.co.uk
St. Wilfrid’s most recent CQC inspection report was rated overall as ‘Good’, although the CQC found
Pension Redundancy By Richard Cohen JP FPFS ACII MCSI Chartered Financial Planner Imagine if you’ve got yourself a job that is guaranteed to last for life where you didn’t actually have to turn up to work. You’ve done such a good job negotiating that your spouse will continue to receive a proportion of your pay when you die. The only catch is the job doesn’t start for a few years. Although this may sound like a fantasy but it is basically another way of looking at a defined benefit (often known as final salary) pension scheme. Now imagine a new financial director has taken over and realises from his perspective what a bad deal this is for the company. If it were a normal employee in this position they may be offered voluntary redundancy. In pension terms this is known as a transfer value (CETV). It is an offer of a lump sum payment to a personal pension by the company’s pension scheme in lieu of your normal rights under that scheme. Whether or not you should take the CETV depends on its value compared to what you are giving up and your circumstances. You need to look at the value of the benefits you are giving up compared to the lump sum
on offer, in much the same way as you would with the offer of voluntary redundancy from employment. Of course, with the CETV you haven’t got to consider your employability elsewhere. I sometimes hear people say that their old scheme is really good or really bad and they let that influence their decision as to whether to accept a CETV. If a scheme is really good, then it should be reflected in a really good CETV and vice versa. To continue the voluntary redundancy analogy, you would expect someone in a higher paying job to have a higher payment than someone in a lower paying job. Whether they should take it or not will depend on their circumstances. When people look back at their working lives redundancy is often seen as the best or worse thing that happened to them. In much the same way taking a CETV can be the best or the worst retirement planning decision you can make. For more details visit www.nsurefinancial.co.uk or to arrange a free review please call Sarah Gray on 01903 821010
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CHICHESTER LOCAL
28 Gardening
In Your Garden Monthly gardening ideas and tasks by Andrew Staib of Glorious Gardens minutes to do quite a large area. Look to buying a Swoe- they are light and extremely versatile. Raised Beds A raised bed is a vegetable bed that has been built above the pre existing ground levels, normally out of thick wood or sleepers and then filled with good quality soil. I am a fan of raised beds and there a number of reasons why I think they work. If you have very solid clay or chalk soil you can completely create your own soil profile by raising the bed above the ground level. This gives you trouble free and rich soil in order to maximise your yields.
Starting Your Own Vegetable Patch It’s not too late for this year! Go on- do it! Having your own veggie patch is more wonderful and miraculous than any technological device you could buy. Mud, drenched in sunlight, is woven suddenly into bright green beans, rich yellow potatoes, bright red tomatoes. It is an alchemy that is the essence of life itself and you can participate in it. After three decades of gardening I am still amazed when the first carrot leaves appear. Where did all that delicate green foliage come from? And deep into the ground the golden flesh travels down. Nothing plugs you into the seasons more than watching your bare earth explode with colour and textures. Then the harvest, then the withering as you pickle what is left of the year’s gifts. Not too much work Of course it also depends on how much space you have but generally a little and often is the key to starting out. In this way nothing will become too difficult a job. Ten minutes a day should be enough time to give your patch some water, pick off a few snails, hurl them over your least favourite neighbour’s fence, and tie up any loose tendrils. The second key to enjoying your patch is regular hoeing. If you hoe as soon as the weeds sprout then they will never dominate your veg and it will take a few of
If you have pernicious weeds like Ground Elder you can build a bed right on top, and as long as your bed is a good 40/50cm high, you can put a weed suppressant membrane down first and thereby have weed free gardening. Other advantages are: Easy to weed as you don't have to bend down so much, water and nutrients are more contained plus grass from the lawn doesn’t start growing into the beds.
Gardening
through the door Size and Materials At Glorious Gardens we rarely build a bed bigger than 1.2m across by 2.4 m in length as this size allows our clients to lean over and tend to their plants without having to stand on and compact the soil. In our experience it is better to build two beds this size next to each other than have one large one. The sides of the raised beds can be built from new pine sleepers or 2/3 inch thick wood. A lovely willow trellis can be screwed onto the outside to give a textured and rustic look. There is also composite woods, brick and flint walls that you can build if you want a more permanent structure. I normally don’t recommend Box hedging as they can harbour snails and slugs. A nice path of gravel can run around the bed, or a bark mulch or paving. Location Sun, sun, sun. Most vegetables need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight so if at all possible give them the best position possible even if it means selling the trampoline and kids and putting the beds in the middle of the lawn. Good growth will never be a problem if there is enough sun. Having said that one of my clients has their Veg patch in a very shady position with only dappled light and they are still able to grow Spinach, Carrots, Lettuce and Raspberries.
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Also make sure you have easy access to water- a hose that is ready for action or a water butt that collects water from a nearby shed. The worst thing is having to carry endless watering cans across the lawn. Also vegetables don’t like wind so make sure you create a wind break with twigs and screens while overtime a natural hedge can start developing behind. How to prepare the bed We use peat free planting compost which can be bought in bulk from landscape suppliers. We also mix this with some well rotted manure and few handfuls of bonemeal a month before sowing. Each year in the dormant season a layer of manure can be added so it is advisable to not fill the raised bed to the brim in your first year. In Autumn the soil can be turned over which allows any clods that have formed to break up in frosty weather as well as exposing any bugs to the cold which help mange their population. You can also look to growing winter vegetables or a green Manure. When and What to Sow For the purposes of this article we will look at sowing now in March. Many vegetable seeds are ready to go in now. The ones I will list below are bullet proof ones that I would, if it is your first year, try out first as they are the easiest to
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30 Gardening grow. You can read the back of the packet for more detailed sowing directions. The ones that can go straight in are: Beetroot, Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes, Beans, Peas, Leeks, Carrots and Spring Onions. Later on in May you could try buying punnet of Tomatoes, Corn and Corgettes until you have more confidence. Next year you could sow them indoors and pot them out. Spacing It is easy, with the passion of spring, to sow the seeds too close to each other. One just can’t believe they will grow so big- but the more space the better to give them chance to spread out and for you to have easy access when you are hoeing. You also want them to have enough air moving around them to prevent mildew and insects gathering. To save space, plants like Rhubarb can be grown in your normal herbaceous borders, as well as the most beautiful Ruby Chard (try it next to Lavender and pink Patio Roses!). Herbs can be grown in pots and Courgettes and Pumpkins can be grown on compost heaps in a sunny corner where they can spread out as much as they need. You can also grow cascading Cherry Tomatoes from a hanging basket! If you have a greenhouse this is the place to really have success with your South American vegetables like Tomatoes, Peppers, Chillies and Aubergines. Clock Repairs Stephen Jackman Clock Repairs Conservatories and Garden Rooms Room Outside Dentures Changing Faces Denture Clinic Electricians Danny H Electrician MJA Electrical Events Violet Flame Holistic Events Furniture CFS Furniture Garden Design Glorious Gardens Groundworks Cathedral Landscapes Home Entertainment Bowers & Wilkins Horse Manure Sussex Manures Ltd Independent Financial Advisors Investment Solutions Wealth Management Ltd NSure The Mellor Practice Motorhome & Caravan Servicing Motorhome & Caravan Services Nursing & Care Services Inter-County Nursing & Care Services Ltd
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What to do in March Pruning - You can give Shrubs like Cornus And Salix a hard prune back- look on the RHS website to see how ruthless you can be! If you haven’t finished pruning your roses, now is the last time to do them before they come into leaf. Ponds - If the water starts warming up you can start feeding the fish.
Bulbs - Look up summer flowering bulbs and tuber plants such as Dahlias. They can be planted now. Happy Gardening! Nursing Home Barchester Healthcare Ltd Painters & Decorators PCP Painters & Decorators Property Maintenance That's Handy Harry Roofing Icon Roofs Ltd Roofing and Gutters The Roof and Gutter People Solicitors Anderson Rowntree Solicitors Storage South Downs Storage Visitor Attraction West Dean Gardens Walks and Holidays Footprints of Sussex Windows Doors Conservatories Britannia Windows Rustington Windows
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