Chichester Local Magazine February 2017

February 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

SULLIVAN’S HEROES Helping disabled children

WIN!

Tickets to see Half Man Half Biscuit Book - Secret Shore

PLUS

PUZZLES

For younger readers Plus Prize Crossword

LOCAL NEWS

Charity & Community

What’s On, Local Walks, Recipe, Prize Crossword, Motoring, Local Groups, Local area & charity news, Business Directory

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February 2017 Cover Photo Psalms & pancakes at Chichester Cathedral by Christopher Ison

Welcome...

To February the month of Chinese New Year, Shrove Tuesday (aka Pancake Day 28th February), Valentines Day and already another school holiday... and so the new year charges on.

Our main article this month puts the spotlight on local charity Sullivan’s Heroes.

See page 24. Set up in 2014, Sullivan’s Heroes offers fundraising support to help families with disabled children make vital adaptations to their homes.

This month Andrew from Glorious Gardens talks about ponds with plenty of ideas and tips for how best to incorporate one into your garden. Gardening page 28.

If you feel the need for some comfort food, our February recipe is a real winter treat steamed pudding. See page 19.

This month you can win a book on Sussex folklore and also tickets to see Indie band Half Man Half Biscuit. See our competitions on page 14.

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...........................................................................What’s On ...................................................................Motoring news ........................Win! Tickets to see Half Man Half Biscuit ..................................................Win! Book - Secret Shore ............................................Young Readers’ Puzzle Page ........................................................................Local Walks ................................................................................Recipe ..............................................Charity & Community News ................................................................Prize Crossword .....................................Charity Profile: Sullivan’s Heroes ...................................................................In Your Garden ..............................................................Business Directory ...........................................................Index of Advertisers

March Booking Deadline 1st February

SUSSEX & CHICHESTER LOCAL 01903 868 474 info@sussexlocal.net www.sussexlocal.net Kay Publishing Ltd PO Box 2237, Pulborough RH20 Sussex Local & Chichester Local magazines are published monthly and delivered free of charge to over 30,800 homes and businesses in West Sussex. There are five editions and display advertising starts at just £23 a month per edition.

Take a look at our What’s On guide (from page 4) for ideas for things to do with the children during half term at the end of this month. Plus local markets, community groups, theatre and talks. Extra events which don’t make our print deadline are also listed on our website. It is free to add a charity or not-for-profit event, simply visit www.sussexlocal.net/whats_on.htm Thanks for reading!

Kris & Jeff

Words of Wit & Wisdom “There is no point at which you can say, ‘Well I’m successful now. I might as well take a nap.” – CARRIE FISHER Disclaimer - Whilst advertisements are printed in good faith, Sussex Local (Kay Publishing Ltd) is an independent company and does not endorse products or services that appear in this magazine. Sussex Local cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions or claims made by contributors.

The views and opinions of contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Arundel edition - Arundel, Barnham, Burpham, Climping, Fontwell, Ford, Slindon, Walberton & Yapton Total homes - 7,000 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 - 6,000 The combined circulation of all five editions is over 30,800 homes.

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10 What’s On

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12 What’s On / Motoring

CHICHESTER LOCAL

Motoring news

Ignorance of AdBlue could cause 20,000 breakdowns in VW agrees to pay $4.3bn fine in 2017 says AA Ignorance could lead US over “Dieselgate” to more than 20,000 Volkswagen has agreed to pay a $4.3 billion (£3.5bn) fine in the US in a draft settlement with the American authorities over the Dieselgate emissions scandal. It will plead guilty to breaking US laws in a move aimed to close off the legal action in the States before the Trump administration change. www.carmagazine.co.uk

Car of the Year 2017 The seven shortlisted finalists for COTY 2017 are:  Alfa Romeo Giulia (below)  Citroen C3  Mercedes E-Class  Nissan Micra  Peugeot 3008  Toyota C-HR  Volvo S90/V90 The 2016 winner was the Vauxhall/Opel Astra. www.carmagazine.co.uk

diesel car drivers breaking down this year because they have run out of AdBlue, says the AA. The organisation is currently attending more than 1,000 AdBlue-related breakdowns a month, and it claims that number could almost double if consumers and companies don’t swot up on the technology.

AdBlue is a urea-based substance used to reduce the emissions of harmful nitrogen oxide particles from diesel engines through a process called selective catalytic reduction, or SCR. Although many modern diesel engines use the additive, the AA says it is not yet widely understood by motorists.

It seems that some drivers may be totally unaware that cars with AdBlue tanks may need a top-up between services, particularly if the vehicle does high mileage, and that the car will not start if the AdBlue tank runs dry. www.pressassociation.com

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14 Competitions

Win tickets to see ‘Half Man Half Biscuit’ At Worthing Assembly Hall on Friday 17th March Back in 1985, Half Man Half Biscuit sat comfortably at the top of the indie album chart.

This may not seem so much of an achievement, unless you take a look back at the other contenders in the chart at that time. Acts such as Depeche Mode, New Order and The Cult were all on the scene, and you could guarantee that none of them managed to hit the number one spot with an album that had been recorded in just a couple of days and for around £30. Throughout changing times they have spanned the decades, released 13 full-length albums and dropped a thousandand-one pop culture references; from BBC Radio's Charles Nove to former England cricketer Fred Titmus.

Their latest album 'Urge for Offal', sees more of lead man Nigel Blackwell’s surreal observations on everyday life. A few shining examples are 'Old age killed my teenage

bride' and 'Baguette dilemma for the Booker Prize guy".

So grab your Joy Division Oven Gloves and don your Dukla Prague away kit, as The Biscuit are coming to town.

Tickets for the Worthing Assembly Hall show on Friday 17th March are available from the Box Office on 01903 206 206 or visit the Worthing Theatres website www.worthingtheatres.co.uk/half-man-halfbiscuit. Tickets (advance) - £21.50.

Win a pair of tickets to see ‘Half Man Half Biscuit’ Q: What is the name of Half Man Half Biscuit’s latest Album?

A: DHSS B: Urge for Offal C: Mondays Mornings Send answer and your name, address, daytime telephone and email to: ’Biscuit’ Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough RH20 9AH or email all the above details to: competitions@sussexlocal.net Winner will be first entry drawn after closing date 28th Feb 2017. Please indicate on your email or tick here if you wish to remain on our mailing list.

Win a Copy of ‘The Secret Shore Tales of Folklore and Smuggling’ Once upon a time there lived a dragon in a deep, dark pool at Lyminster that terrorised the local community until it was killed by a brave farm lad armed only with a poisoned pudding! Once upon a time a mill once used by a smuggler collapsed in a storm, sending a millstone hurtling down the hill until it hit and crushed to death a man at Angmering. Once upon a time great supernatural horse appeared in a shimmering mist to the terror of lonely travellers. Once upon a time the ghost of an executed highwayman haunted his own gibbet high up on the downs near Burpham.

‘Once upon a time,’ is the starting point of many folk stories and recalls an age when the lines between fact and fantasy were far more blurred than today. People accepted that strange, inexplicable things happened and put it down to the activity of unseen forces.

In his new book, historian, Chris Hare delves into the world of folklore in Sussex and Hampshire and attempts to separate historical fact from fantasy. This new book, The Secret Shore: tales of folklore and smuggling from Sussex and Hampshire, is published by the South Downs Society, and is a result of a two year long Heritage Lottery funded project. It is a companion to the newly released CD,

South Coast Songs and Shanties. The Secret Shore: tales of folklore and smuggling from Sussex and Hampshire, is also available, price £10 from local libraries and museums or from the South Downs Society’s website - www.southdownssociety.org.uk/shop

Win a copy of ’The Secret Shore’ Simply answer the following question.

Q: How was the Lyminster dragon killed? a) With a sword b) It drowned c) Poison Pudding Send your answer and full contact details including daytime telephone number to: ‘The Secret Shore’ Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough RH20 9AH or email competitions@sussexlocal.net Winner will be first entry drawn after the closing date 28th February 2017. Please indicate if you wish to remain on our mailing list.

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16 Puzzles

Young Readers’ Puzzle Page Wordsearch

Anagram

Find the listed words in the grid. Words may be hidden horizontally, vertically or diagonally and in either a forwards or backwards direction.

Trace the lines connecting the circles to find out what the second word is.

BACON BANANA CEREAL

COFFEE EGGS JUICE

MILK TOAST PANCAKES TOMATOES TEA

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 46.

But can you work out what those three numbers are?

Answers can be found on our website after 1st February 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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18 Walks

CHICHESTER LOCAL

Local Walks - February 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. 01243 534589 health@chichester.gov.uk www.chichesterwellbeing.org.uk. L = Walk Leader Thurs 2nd 10.30am Pagham L: Jane 2 hours 4 miles A flat walk taking in parts of Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve and Seashore. Some stiles and can be muddy and slippery underfoot. Car park at the junction of Sea Lane and The Parade Thurs 2nd 10.30am Westgate L: Helen 30minutes 1 mile Entrance to Westgate Leisure Centre, PO19 1RJ Helen 07921 278 860 Fri 3rd 10.30am Middleton Beach L: Peter 1 hour 30 mins 3 miles A flat walk along Middleton's shoreline and through Elmer woods. Free car park just off Elmer Road in Middleton village by the Jubilee Hall and playing fields Mon 6th 10.30am Tillington Via Pitshill L: Gerald 1 hour 30 minutes 3 miles Picturesque and peaceful countryside in and around Tillington, via vineyards & then to Pitshill, Tillingtons mansion.The Horse Guards Inn, Upperton Road, Tillington, GU28 9AF Gerald on 07748 597 568 Mon 6th 10.30am Selsey L: Helen 30mins 1 mile Selsey Centre Car Park, Manor Road, Selsey, Chichester PO20 0SE Tues 7th 10.30am Canal Walk L: Janet 1 hour 30 minutes 5 miles Return by bus. Can be muddy in places when wet. Chichester Canal, Basin Road, Chichester PO19 8DT Weds 8th 10.30am Graffam L: Bruce 2 hours 5 mins 4.3 miles Ascent 80m. Might be muddy. See parts of Graffham and Lavington Commons, Seaford College and horses.

Graffham Recreation Ground - SU931176 (Nearest postcode GU28 0QB) Fri 10th 10.30am Nutbourne & Prinsted L: Jane 2 hours 4 miles Flat 4 mile walk through woodland to the harbour shoreline and back through farmland and fields. At the entrance to Maybush Copse, which is about 200yds down Cot Lane on the right hand side Sat 11th 10.30am Slindon Woods L: Dominic 1 hour 15mins 2¼ miles Generally flat, some muddy areas and short inclines. National Trust Car Park, Dukes Road, Slindon Tues 14th 10.30am West Wittering L: Judy 1 hour 2 miles A gentle pace walk for beginners. On the green opposite The Old House at Home pub at West Wittering Weds 15th 10.30am Drovers Estate L: Fiona 2 hours 4 miles Primary school at Singleton, park in the layby. A wander around Levin Down and Lady’s Wood on this old woodland estate Fiona 07767400039 Fri 17th 10.30am Compton L: Jane 1 hour 45mins 3½ miles Not suitable for beginners. No Dogs. Recreation ground car park just as you enter the village of Compton Mon 20th 10.30am Midhurst L: Helen 30minutes 1 mile Suitable for beginners. Entrance to The Grange Leisure Centre Bepton Road, Midhurst, GU29 9HD Mon 20th 10.30am Duncton L – Simon 1 hour 30 mins 3 miles A circular walk passing through Burton Park and past Duncton Mill . Mainly flat and on good paths.

Parking along Willets Close on the approach to Duncton C of E School . Some parking also available nearby Tues 21st 10.30am Chichester L: Janet 30 minutes.

1 mile By the aviary just inside the entrance to Priory Park in Guildhall Street. No dogs allowed in the park Tues 21st 10.30am Catherington Lith L: Bruce 2 hours.

4 miles Ascent 120m. Lovely walk through the nature reserve, Yoells Copse and Catherington Down, Catherington Lith Car Park SU695144 ( Nearest postcode PO8 0EZ ) Weds 22nd 10.45am Arun Riverbank L: Dominic 2 hours 4 miles Flat river bank walk returning by same route. Arun Yacht Club Thurs 23rd 10.00am Bosham L: Jane 2 hours 4 miles A flat 4 mile walk starts at the Cathedral Mon 27th 10.30am Westgate L: Helen 30mins.

1 mile A flat walk at a gentle pace, suitable for beginners. Entrance to Westgate Leisure Centre, PO19 1RJ Mon 27th 10.30am Petworth House L: Gerald 1 hour 30 mins 3 miles See the daffodils, camellias and, maybe, the azaleas, in a riot of colour in Petworth House's Pleasure Ground. The Horse Guards Inn, Upperton Road, Tillington GU28 9AF

Recipe 19

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Lemon & Apricot Microwave Pudding Perfect for this time of the year, deliciously fruity to serve with custard, ice cream or a fruit sauce Ingredients. Serves 4-6:      

110g ready to eat dried apricots, finely chopped 85g butter or margarine 1tsp finely grated lemon rind or zest 2 x size 1 or 2 eggs, beaten together 110g self-raising flour, sifted 2tbsp lemon juice

Method: 1. Cream the fat, sugar and lemon zest until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs gradually, then fold in the flour, apricots and lemon juice. Mix well.

2. Spoon into a lightly grease a 1.2litre ovenproof bowl (with room for the pudding to rise). Stand the bowl on an upturned saucer in the microwave.

Allow 5-6 minutes on Medium-High (60-70% power in a 650 Watt Microwave).

3. The top will feel soft at first but will cook through on standing (4-5 mins) or until top becomes firm.

To test insert a fine skewer into the middle, it should come out clean. If not continue for a further ½ -1 minute.

4. Invert the pudding onto a heated dish. Serve with a few tablespoons of a good apricot jam warmed through with a little lemon juice (c) www.cookwithalex.co.uk Cookery Courses for all Why not give a Voucher for the perfect gift?

Contact Alex 01243 532240 www.cookwithalex.co.uk

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Sussex Snippets Recycling rates are rising across the county, rising from 41.6 percent in 2014/15 to 42.3 percent in 2015/16, representing a 2,400 increase in tonnage, which equals a saving of over £200,000 in landfill tax. Recycling initiatives have included rewarding residents who recycled correctly with a ‘gold star’ bin sticker across some parts of Adur and Worthing and trialling the use of recycling bags in poor performing areas. For more details: www.recycleforwestsussex.org @westsussexwaste on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest.

West Sussex County Council has announced that the charity Carers Support West Sussex is to continue to provide specialist support to the county’s family and friends carers, having retained the contract to provide a countywide carers information, advice, assessment and support service. The service includes: a helpline; carer assessments; referrals to carer respite services; individual and group support; carer support in hospital settings; carer support in hospital settings and help for young adult carers aged 18-25 years. Contact: Carers Support West Sussex on 0300 028 8888 www.carerssupport.org.uk The RAF has announced a new £410m military transport contract, part of which has been awarded to Thales, a defence contractor with offices in Manor Royal, Crawley.

CHICHESTER LOCAL West Sussex County Council is advising poultry owners that the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone will be extended until 28 February. To protect birds from avian flu, anyone who keeps poultry such as chickens, ducks and geese, even as pets, must stop them coming into contact with wild birds, and there is also a nationwide ban on poultry shows and gatherings. Contact: www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu Did you know that West Sussex residents have free access to a huge range of books, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers and comics 24 hours a day seven days a week at the eLibrary? The eLibrary is part of West Sussex County Council’s library service and is completely free with library customers able to download ten books and ten audio titles for up to three weeks; loans automatically expire at the end of the lending period so there are no late fees. Contact: www.westsussex.gov.uk/ebooks The RSPB is encouraging everyone to look out for something with a WOW factor this winter – from deer ruts and starling murmurations to amazing views. For instance, they say, you could use the longer nights to wrap up warm and go stargazing as a family. Contact: ww2.rspb.org.uk/kids-and-schools/kids-and-families/ wild-challenge/activities/nature-wow West Sussex Trading Standards has been advising restaurants and takeaways that mutton is not interchangeable with lamb in menu descriptions, after restaurants have been found to be advertising lamb dishes but using mutton in the actual recipe. If you have concerns about the description of a meal, contact Trading Standards via Citizens’ Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506 or report it online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/tsreport.

Social workers in West Sussex have been described as ‘brilliant’ and a ‘life saver’ in an independent survey of local families – the recently published West Sussex Parent Survey, collated feedback from 90 parents currently receiving services from Children’s social care and early help support from the Think Family service.

The survey was conducted by Professor Eileen Munro whose influential review of child protection was published in 2011.

Chichester District Council Cabinet Members are recommending to its Full Council to support a re-run of the Chichester A27 consultation, including the options that were previously dropped. Cabinet Members want the council to formally request that a new consultation on improvements to the A27 around Chichester is carried out by Highways England. They believe that this should include a range of options, including the two previously developed northern bypass options; and want Highways England to urgently publish the results of the consultation, held between July and September of last year. This recommendation was due to be put to the Council in late January.

If agreed, they will write to the Minister.

Notices to info@sussexlocal.net

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Cathedral receives £250,000 The First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund has awarded Chichester Cathedral a grant of £250,000 towards the urgent recovering and restoration of the Quire roof. The grant marks a very welcome start to one of the Cathedral’s most significant fundraising challenges – to raise £4.8 million to repair and restore the high roofs. The grant, awarded to Chichester Cathedral’s Restoration and DevelopmentTrust, is a significant contribution towards the first phase of the project, which begins with the roof of the Quire. This section of the high roof is in most urgent need of repair, estimated to cost £1,324,800, and will be followed by repairs to the South Transept, Nave, and finally the North Transept.

The First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund is administered by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and provides grants for cathedrals to undertake urgent repair work. Contact 01243 782595, info@chichestercathedral.org.uk www.chichestercathedral.org.uk

Pupils Feel Long Arm of the Law

Children in Apollo Class at Eastergate C E Primary School enjoyed a visit by a Neighbour Schools Officer

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from Sussex Police recently, as part of their topic on Crime & Punishment through the ages.

The youngsters, aged between 10 and 11, spent time with the Sussex Neighbourhood Police Officer to get first-hand knowledge of modern policing techniques and issues, the role of police officers and police staff and the investigation of crimes. Apollo Class had also enjoyed a trip to the Tower of London as part of the same topic, enjoying the opportunity to link some of the history they had learned in the classroom with interactive workshops at the Tower. Contact: Acting Head Teacher, Andrea Jacob - 01243 542297 or email head@eastergate.w-sussex.sch.uk

Children & Family Centre News The Chichester Nursery School Children & Family Centre has published its Spring Programme offering information on the various courses and groups running this term. There are a range of courses for all aspects of early parenthood – from the New Parent’s Coffee Afternoon - offering informal advice and support, and an opportunity to share the highs and lows of being a parent, to a monthly Sleep Support Group offering advice and support around sleep routines for children of varying ages. There is also a permanent base at the centre for health visitors and midwives and has a Community Café. Crèche/extra nursery sessions are available, for only £1.50 per child per hour, whilst parents are attending groups and courses. All courses/groups need to be booked in advance – unless the course is designated drop-in.

St James’ Road, Chichester, PO19 7AB Tel: (01243) 642950 Email: office@chichesternursery.org www.chichesternursery.org

Pets of the Month Daim and Topic were born at the Cat & Rabbit Rescue Centre (CRRC) in January 2016. Both females, Daim is the grey fluffy rabbit and Topic is the black and fluffy. They are looking for a new home together, with an owner who would be confident in brushing their fluffy coats on a daily basis. CRRC’s next Viewing Day is on Saturday 25th February from12-2pm.

Contact: The Cat & Rabbit Rescue Centre Holborow Lodge, Chalder Lane, Sidlesham, PO20 7RJ Tel: 01243 641409 Email: info@crrc.co.uk www.crrc.co.uk facebook: www.facebook.com/ catandrabbitrescuecentre

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Commuters Back Rail Protest Labour Party members spent the morning and evening rush hours talking to commuters at Hassocks, Pulborough and Arundel Stations recently. The action happened as rail fares in Sussex went up by nearly two percent - double last year’s increase - despite a year of cancellations, delays and a failing service from Southern that has seen commuters lose jobs, move home and miss vital appointments. Labour member and Pulborough commuter Jane Mote said “The majority of commuters we spoke to have lost days at work and had their family lives severely disrupted because of Southern’s appalling service and backed our call for the Government to strip Southern of their franchise. They were pleased to see our protest and promised to write to their MPs to ask the government to put passengers first, not profit." Labour is calling for the railways to be brought into public ownership and put passengers before profits. www.southdownslabour.com

Sussex Wildlife Trust Courses Sussex Wildlife Trusts (SWT) has published its programme of wildlife courses for 2017. SWT education courses typically consist of an indoor teaching ses-

CHICHESTER LOCAL sion followed by a chance to get out ‘in the field’ with an expert. There are courses to suit everybody from beginners to amateur naturalists. Last year almost all of the Trust’s courses sold out and hundreds of people learned about, experienced and enjoyed the wildlife of Sussex. There are a range of courses, and this year’s programme includes a new course from bestselling author Tristan Gooley teaching a Natural Navigation Course (7 July) as well as courses for insectlovers, bird-watchers, botanists and courses teaching you how to mange your garden and other areas for wildlife. Full details can be found on the SWT website. sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk

Notices to info@sussexlocal.net

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Crossword

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Prize Crossword

Win a £10 Marks and Spencer voucher

Chichester February 2017 December 2016 solution shown below.

Winner: Paula Chichester

Penfold

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 Sector of a population (11) 9 Boredom (5) 10 Pot (3) 11 Pointed weapon (5) 12 Eg incisors and molars (5) 13 Military people (8) 16 Study done to prepare for an event (8) 18 Path to follow (5) 21 Small firework (5) 22 Also (3) 23 Breed of dog (5) 24 Quality of being timeless (11)

2 Ardently; keenly (7) 3 Position on top of (7) 4 Pierre-Auguste ___ : French artist (6) 5 Inapt (anag) (5) 6 Accustom (5) 7 Revive (11) 8 Unimaginable (11) 14 Variant of a thing (7) 15 Small rounded lumps (7) 17 Musical dramas (6) 19 In the company of (5) 20 Nearby (5)

Name: ...............................................................................................................

Full address: .................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................

Postcode:..........................................................................................................

Email:................................................................................................................

Phone:...............................................................................................................

Mobile: .............................................................................................................

Closing date: 28th February 2017 Good luck!

£10 Win a £10 M&S voucher

voucher provided by

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CHICHESTER LOCAL

Sullivan’s Heroes Building brighter futures for disabled children. By Lynn Smith There are numerous families in the United Kingdom living with disabled children who find that they need to adapt their homes to meet the child’s care and health requirements. Whilst specific council grants may be available towards the cost of adapting properties, in many cases these may fall short of the total costs and families find that additional funds, which can often be quite substantial, are required for the building project. Finding these additional funds can be an issue.

Based in Turners Hill, West Sussex, Sullivan’s Heroes supports disabled children in Sussex, Surrey and counties further afield, by offering fundraising support specifically for these vital home adaptations. The charity provides a fundraising platform and financial grants to help families create the optimal environment to continue to care for their disabled child at home, safely and with dignity.

Fiona and Richard Smith set up the charity having

been through the process of adapting their house for their son Sullivan, discovering in the process that there was little in the way of financial assistance towards costs of adaptation that exceeded the council awarded Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). The overall costs of the Smith’s adaptations were way in excess of that provided by the DFG and, unable to find a specific charity that might help with their funding, Fiona and Richard set about organising their own fundraising.

Born in December 2011, Sullivan was diagnosed as having an extremely rare form of muscle myopathy, called Congenital Fibre Type Disproportion, resulting in general muscle weakness. He was also diagnosed with severely impaired cardiac function, cardiomyopathy. The extreme rarity of having the two conditions combined is illustrated by the fact that Sullivan was only the fourth recorded case worldwide.

During 2014, with the support of friends, family, the local community and sometimes complete strangers – all now known affectionately as Sullivan’s Heroes – ninety percent of the target was raised. The Smith’s describe the response and support received as, “overwhelming and heartwarming.” Sadly, after successfully raising funds themselves through various initiatives, to meet the costs of their home adaptations, Sullivan passed away in January 2015 shortly before the work on the family’s home was completed.

As a result of their experiences, Fiona and Richard decided to set up a charity to assist other families in situations similar to their own, to help those families carry out their own fundraising for their child’s needs.

As Fiona says: “Each one of them also classifies as one of ‘Sullivan’s Heroes’, for the obstacles they tirelessly endure and overcome each and every day.”

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Local Charity

Registered in August 2015, Sullivan’s Heroes website was officially launched and became operational in February 2016.

care and health workers.

The charity’s plan is to increase the number of families being supported year on year as the charity grows, and to support more families nationwide as funds increase.

Fiona and Richard vowed to drive the charity in Sullivan’s name: “As a lasting legacy to our inspiring and truly amazing little boy.”

Since then they have strived to build brighter futures for other families in their son’s memory through the fundraising efforts of Sullivan’s Heroes; seeking donations from individuals and businesses alike to ensure ongoing grants are available for families and their disabled children. In addition to providing grants towards the cost of home adaptations, the charity provides a website platform where families can set up their own fundraising towards building costs. Families such as the Gee family whose nine year old son, Noah, suffers from Cerebral Palsy, and who needs to be lifted everywhere. The Gee’s are aiming to raise £45,000 towards property adaptations that will allow a wheelchair accessible lift to be installed straight into Noah’s bedroom along with a ceiling hoist and an adapted bathroom so that all of Noah’s personal care needs can be met with dignity.

Since its launch, Sullivan’s Heroes has supported eleven disabled children and their families, through fundraising for their child’s home disability adaptations. The charity has also provided advocacy and information around their home adaptations for over sixty other families and their child’s relevant social

Fundraising success has already been seen with two families having reached their targets required for their building adaptations works. Plus grants have been paid to three families towards their works in progress, which will enable them to complete those home adaptations, necessary to fully meet their child’s care, health and safety needs.

Richard Smith says, “It took us over eighteen months to overcome all the hurdles to get Sullivan’s Heroes off the ground, but we are absolutely delighted that we have now been able to realise this incredibly important resource in our son’s memory for families who are in the same situation we were, with nowhere to turn.”

He added, “We don’t have the skills to save lives, but we certainly have the ability to change lives and that is what we are setting out to do, just like the many people who have helped us as parents and Sullivan throughout his life.”

Sullivan’s Heroes receives no government or statutory funding and so relies heavily on donations from companies, charities and the general public as well as various fundraising events and activities. The charity has also received support from local organisations and charities donating both direct to the charity and

CHICHESTER LOCAL

26 Local Charity / Finance to the families it supports, with local companies providing funds, services and resources to the charity; fundraising events hosted by local organisations plus direct donations together with sponsored events and fundraising activities - such as marathons, skydives and cycle races - undertaken by members of the public. Key fundraising events throughout 2016 included popular sales of jewellery and gifts at local fetes, carnivals, school fairs and companies, and Sullivan’s Heroes will be attending many events throughout 2017, continuing with the jewellery and gift sales, and running fundraising campaigns throughout the year.

Fiona and Richard are the charity’s sole members of staff, unpaid, and, as yet, there is no requirement for volunteers to assist with the running of the charity, although Fiona Smith says that this requirement may

change as the charity grows. The charity welcomes volunteers to assist at fundraising events and activities throughout the year, and potentially for administration duties. Interested volunteers need have no particular expertise or background – “just a desire to help raise awareness of the charity and raise funds for disabled children” - although a current driving licence would be beneficial, home working opportunities are also available.

When asked what she sees as the greatest challenge faced by Sullivan’s Heroes in the future, Fiona Smith’s reply echoes that of most self-funded charitable organisations: “The greatest challenge faced by Sullivan’s Heroes is to raise sufficient funds to ensure that all families applying to the charity for a financial grant for their disabled child’s building adaptations can be supported.”

Fiona and Richard would like to thank all everyone who has helped them build the charity to this point – and to invite anyone who has any fundraising events, activities and ideas they’d like to share; or who would like to apply for a grant or to fundraise through Sullivan’s Heroes, to get in touch with them.

Sullivan’s Heroes Contact: hello@sullivansheroes.org www.sullivansheroes.org

A Tax Break for Business Owners

By Richard Cohen JP FPFS ACII MCSI Chartered Financial Planner The changes to dividends that came into effect this year have increased the tax bills for many people who run their own business. However, there is an underused way of being able to treat your life insurance as a business expense and therefore reduce your tax bill.

This can be done through a “Relevant Life Policy” which is a stand-alone death-in-service plan. As it is classed as a death-in-service plan there are no tax implications for the employee even though the employer is paying the premiums, i.e. the employee pays no income tax and national insurance on this benefit.

To add to the tax saving the employer will be normally be able to claim the premium as a business expense and therefore pay no corporation tax on the premiums. Also, unlike certain other employer paid for life insurance, the lump sum paid out on death will not be added to your lifetime allowance for pension purposes. This means a Relevant Life Policy has a big advantage over death-inservice in a registered pension scheme if you have significant pension funds and are close to the lifetime limit.

In short, the tax benefit of writing life insurance as a Relevant Life Policy can be huge as this example

shows. Let’s assume you have a £100 per month life insurance premium. If you pay for it yourself out of net income and you are a 40% taxpayer, your company will have paid you £172.40 gross (with £69 income tax and £3.40 national insurance deducted). The company will then have paid £23.80 employer’s national insurance on this, giving it a total gross cost of £196.20. After 20% corporation tax relief of £39.20 the net cost to the company is £157.

But if you take out a Relevant Life Policy with the company paying the £100 premium, the company obtains 20% corporation tax relief of £20, and the net cost is only £80. The net cost of the premium has nearly halved! This can make it worth re-writing existing personal life insurance policies as relevant life policies, even if they were written relatively recently and the premiums are still competitive. This is one of the many legitimate tax planning opportunities open to business owners, as always speak to your financial adviser for further information. 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 where to put one as there might not be many options.

With a medium to large garden you can look to where a pond might naturally occur. Normally this would be at a low point of the garden where you could imagine a stream would find its way to.

If you decide to have a more formal pond then you have more choice as the statement you are making is: Here is a perfect body of water that I am placing here. Especially in modern gardens the geometry of the design or the view from house can determine where it goes.

Ponds: The Heart of The Garden A pond in your garden is one of the most precious things you can do for yourself! It is a veritable "All-YouCan-Eat" restaurant for wildlife, with birds, insects and mammals using the water to breed, drink, hide, feed and clean themselves.

There is always something going on, from the landing of a noble dragonfly onto a lillypad, the primordial wiggle of Spring tadpoles to a Blackbird drinking on a hot day.

A pond opens up to the sky and acts like a mirror lighting up a corner of the garden and it is a sensitive skin that trembles with every breeze. Whether formal or natural, a pond gives the garden a deeper, cooler dimension and offers a calming influence especially if you have a stream or a small fountain bubbling away.

Positioning a Pond With smaller gardens you often don’t have a choice

Generally a pond does like an open sunny aspect but if you are limited you can put one under trees but you will need to factor in more maintenance time as you will forever be netting the leaves out in the Autumn though you can get a large sheet of netting to prevent them getting in.

A Natural Pond To make a pond look natural, as if has always been there and should be there and no where else in the garden, is one of my greatest challenges as a garden designer.

The amount of ponds that try to look natural and just look naff and cliched is heart breaking. So care must be taken in forming your vision of how you want the pond to look. The shape of the pond, what goes around the edges and the plants you choose both inside and around the pond will all contribute to the feeling that the pond is embedded into the landscape rather than sticking out like a well meaning but artificial creation.

A natural pond won’t have ornamental fish as they will eat all the eggs and little creatures in site. I will mainly talk about natural wildlife friendly ponds in this article.

Gardening

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Construction At its most basic, a pond is a hole in the ground with a pit of plastic to keep the water in! It is easy enough to make one yourself. The deeper you go, the colder the water will stay helping to prevent excessive weeds from growing on the water surface. Also if you decide to have fish they need this depth to hibernate from the colder layer of water that is exposed to the air above.

I always advise the bigger the better with ponds as once a grassy verge is created around the outside and marginal plants are grown on the shelving inside the pond, the size of the pond looks as if it has decreased considerably.

Shallow shelving that is built into the initial excavation of the hole is very important as it allows wildlife to have easy access (frogs spend most of their time outside a water source). Shelving also allows the growing of plants that need a shallow water base - normally 10-30cm deep. Some plants such as water lilies can eventually be encouraged to root at the very bottom of the pond but still often need to start their new life on a shelf.

Safety If you have young children who can't swim, or for some reason the land you are on can’t be guaranteed childfree, I would always recommend a plastic grid over the entire surface of the pond. Drowning is a real possibil-

29

ity before the kids get older but once they are confident in the water you can take the grid off.

Maintenance This issue turns a lot of people off ponds but if you are intent on having your pond as a wildlife sanctuary without fish there is very little to do. In fact new research suggests in takes up to 7 years for a full ecosystem of plant, insect and microbe life to establish in a new pond- so trying to clean it out all the time can interfere with this process. Once every 5 years you can take out some of the silt that has collected at the bottom though again research shows that many creatures depend on this for their habitat. The obvious skimming of the surface for any pondweed will be necessary but it quite a pleasant job and the weed can be composted.

If you are wanting fish or a clear water effect, this is where things get complicated when filters and pumps to oxygenation the water are needed. You will need a power supply and a place away from the pond to house the machinery.

Planting up Your Pond I would recommend getting expert advice when it comes to choosing plants. The reason for this is that some pond plants can be really invasive and after a couple of years take over. The RHS website has suitable warnings for some of the pond plants one needs to avoid.

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30 Gardening / Advertiser Index

Plants

What to do this February

You will need oxygenating plants that maintain the health of the pond water. Try Rigid Hornwort and Water Crowfoot. For floating plants, and ideally for wildlife you want 70% of the water surface covered up away from direct sunlight and prying predator birds, have a look at Frogbit and Amphibious bistort.

February is a great time to explore woodland. The bare bones of the earth are at rest and the quality of the forest is still and waiting for Spring. Also the evergreens like Ivy, Yew and Holly come into their own.

For marginal plants, that live on the shelves, try the delicate Water Forget-Me-Not and Marsh Marigold. Find out how tall water irises become before you try them in your pond. You want to be careful that they won’t look out of proportion as some can get to 6 foot.

Bog Garden Another addition to your pond can be a Bog Garden.

This is an area that is next to the pond (or it can exist as a separate space in your garden if you can't have a pond). This is a lined hole where you puncture the plastic to allow for minimal drainage. Then after you have put the soil back in you can plant all sorts of moisture loving plants like Rodgersia, Cookooflower and Astilbe that you might not have been able to if your garden is too dry.

Life is too short not to have your own pond. At a time when natural ponds are disappearing in our landscape you can also do your bit for giving wildlife a sanctuary and a place to cool off and replenish itself.

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Try visiting Angmering Park Estate Trust, Burton and Chingford Pond, Petworth House Woods, Slindon and The Warrens.

February Tasks  Now is the time to finish pruning your Roses and wysterias  Start to prune to the ground your deciduous ornamental grasses  Cut right back hardy shrubs like Cornus, Salix and Cotinus as well as Buddlea  Prune back into shape anything that has flowered during the winter like Winter Jasmine and Mahonia  Lift out any Snowdrops that have flowered and separate them and then replant them in different areas of the garden.  Start sowing leeks and onions if you have a greenhouse.

Happy Gardening!

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