Sussex Local - Arundel - December 2017

December 2017

SUSSEX LOCAL

Arundel - Amberley - Climping - Fontwell - Ford - Slindon - Walberton Local news and events through the door to 6,500 homes in this area every month

THE ONE & ONLY Exclusive Interview with Chesney Hawkes

HISTORY

Christmas Traditions

GARDENING Highdown - the UK’s finest chalk garden

WHAT’S ON Christmas Events!

WIN! Panto Tickets to Snow White Ice Skating in Steyne Gardens

PLUS What’s On, Local Walks, Recipe, Prize Crossword, Gardening Local news, Local groups & charity, Business Directory

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December 2017 Cover image Mill Lane Arundel kindly supplied by Sheila Mills

Welcome...

It’s hard to believe we are at the end of another year! As you may expect, festive fairs and Santas galore dominate the What’s On section - see page 4. We also have a seasonal history article (p30) from Mark Philips on the origins of some of our Christmas time traditions.

Our main article is an exclusive interview with the “one and only” Chesney Hawkes, see page 26. The charming Chesney is staring in this year’s Worthing Theatres Pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (he’s the handsome prince, Oh yes he is!). We discussed his demanding showbusiness life and the Sussex Local team are looking forward to cheering for Chesney on our panto night out this month. You can also win tickets to see Chesney in Snow White, see page 28.

We also have Steyne Gardens Ice Skating tickets up for grabs - see page 12.

4 ...........................................................................What’s On 12 ....................................................Win! Ice Skating Tickets 14 ..................................................................................Recipe 16 .............................................Young Readers’ Puzzle Page 17 ......................................................................Local Schools 18 ........................................................................Local Walks 19 .....................................................................In Your Garden 22 .........................................................Charity & Community 26 ...................................Chesney Hawkes - The One & Only 30 ............................................History: Christmas Traditions 32 ..................................................................Prize Crossword 35 ..................................................................Property Doctor 35 .............................................................Business Directory 38 ...........................................................Index of Advertisers January booking deadline 1st Dec

SUSSEX & CHICHESTER LOCAL 01903 868 474

info@sussexlocal.net www.sussexlocal.net Kay Publishing Ltd PO Box 2237, Pulborough RH20 9AH Sussex Local & Chichester Local magazines are published monthly and delivered free of charge to over 38,300 homes and businesses in West Sussex. There are six editions and display advertising starts at just £24 a month per edition.

However eventful 2017 has been for you I hope you can look back at positive achievements and happy times. We’ve ended the year on a high with our new website which has just gone live, we hope you like the new format and features.

Meanwhile with Christmas just around the corner, we wish you peace, good health and the love and company of family and friends.

Seasons greetings,

Kris & Jeff

Words of Wisdom “What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store.

What if Christmas...perhaps... means a little bit more!” - DR SEUSS

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.

1. Arundel edition - Arundel, Amberley, Burpham, Climping, Fontwell, Ford, Slindon, Walberton & Yapton Total addresses - 6,500 2. Barnham edition - Barnham, Eastergate, Westergate, Aldingbourne, Oving, & Tangmere Total addresses - 5,200 3. Chichester edition - Chichester centre & suburbs Total addresses - 7,800 4. Findon edition - Findon Valley, Findon Village, Nepcote, High Salvington, Clapham & Patching plus Salvington/Selden (south of A27) Total addresses - 6,000 5. Pulborough edition - Pulborough, Bury, Coldwaltham, Fittleworth, Marehill, Nutbourne, Stopham, West Chiltington village and Common. Total addresses - 5,500 6. Storrington edition - Storrington, Ashington, Cootham Thakeham, Sullington & Washington. Total addresses - 6,200 The combined circulation of all six editions is over 38,300 addresses.

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Win ice skating tickets for Worthing Ice Rink Be in with a chance to win one of three pairs of tickets!

Worthing Ice Rink is open everyday except Christmas Day & Boxing Day until 28th January 2018 at Steyne Gardens Worthing. It’s located in a gigantic marquee so you are under cover whatever the weather.

This year they will continue to offer special sessions during off peak times for younger children (under 4 years) to have a go when the ice is quiet. Sessions will be Monday – Friday off peak from 10am– 3pm All ages over four years are welcome to skate whatever your level of ability. Their colony of penguins, led by Puddles & Pebbles will be returning from the South Pole to assist our younger skaters The café offers hot drinks and snacks so skaters and non-skaters alike can enjoy the atmosphere in the warmth of our giant marquee. They also cater for chil-

dren’s birthday and Christmas parties Off-Peak sessions run Monday – Friday, during school term time, and the 6:45pm-8:00pm session during weekends and school holidays. Peak times on weekends and school holidays 10.00am– 5.30pm.

For more information, FAQ'S and the purchase of Ice skating tickets go to www.worthingicerink.com

Win tickets to Worthing Ice Rink To be in with a chance of winning answer the following question: Q: Who assists Pebbles in leading the colony of penguins? a) Puddles b) Muddles c) Patrick Send your answer and full contact details including daytime telephone number to: Worthing Ice Rink Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough RH20 9AH or email competitions@sussexlocal.net Winner will be first entry drawn after 31st Dec. Please indicate if you wish to remain on our mailing list.

Though the new regulations, standards and inspections seem endless, the ethos at Woodlands has not changed here in twenty five years either, “Treat each resident as if they are your own parent”. Not difficult to understand, though challenging at times.

The staff, all highly qualified and very experienced in the field of ROOM AVAILABLE NOW! Dementia Care, take enormous pride in their team with the results of a “GOOD” in all five categories of the CQC Inspection Report.

However, the greatest reward is daily…seeing residents content, secure, and comfortable and feeling at home without social pressures. Being a small home, only fourteen residents, most residents get on together well! There is always a quiet corner if someone feels a little Me-time is in order!

Woodlands House is a care home for elderly people with short term memory, dementia confusion, and Alzheimer’s disease. The families of residents at Woodlands have recognised, that whilst becoming less able to live independently, even with home-care, their remaining skills and abilities can be more successfully maintained given specialist care earlier, rather than later.

The environment which is comfortable and homely with all soft furnishings, gives the warmth and understanding normally associated with family care. It is also borne in mind how families feel when first leaving and later visiting loved ones. It is important they feel comfortable and confident in the care being provided.

Activities, passive and active are encouraged throughout the day by trained care staff. The importance of recognising, nurturing and encouraging the residents remaining skills and ability to communicate is of paramount importance to the quality of care given at Woodlands House.

Christmas is coming, and like everyone else we will be preparing homemade mince pies, Christmas Cake and loads of shortbread! Decorations will cheers us up as we look out at the birds and squirrels scurrying around for their supper while residents patiently wait for the warm aromas of baking indicating supper and Christmas are on their way! Another year at Woodlands!

Oonagh Manager/Proprietor: house.woodlands@gmail.com 01903725458 or 07815762623

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Computer Care

What can you do with your old tech?

by Alan Stainer

With Christmas just around the corner, you may be wondering what to do with your old computers and gadgets. Something I do quite often is fix up busted old PCs and laptops, install a secure and lightweight operating system on them like Linux and then use either for myself or my kids. With the addition of Linux they make a great and inexpensive gift for security conscious parents to give to their children.

What if a device cannot be saved? Is it destined for Silicon Heaven and the community tip, or can you do something else with it? I know from experience that old CDs make good bird scarers. Just tie a string through the middle and hang them around your fruit and veg.

The keys from old keyboards lend themselves to several uses, because they are easily detachable and can be stuck to things. Fridge magnets anyone? How about a decorative picture frame with a personalised message?

A quick search online will return lots of ideas with instructions for making things from old PC and laptop components. The Kinder Living team will have a special Kinder Christmas stand at Horsham’s Rotary Club Charity Christmas Market in December. I’ll be there, so if you have any questions or suggestions, why not stop by and say hello. www.alansitsolutions.com

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14 Recipe

Gingerbread Cookies Make tree hanging cookies for Christmas Ingredients - makes 20 cookies  125g margarine or softened butter  200g soft light brown sugar  2tbsp golden syrup  1 large egg  1/2tsp vanilla extract  350g plain flour  1tsp baking powder  3tsp ground ginger  1tsp ground cinnamon  A little milk

Method: 1. Place all the ingredients in a blender and slowly blend until you have a firm, smooth paste, adding a little milk if really too stiff. Chill for 1-2 hours

SUSSEX LOCAL 2. Preheat the oven to Mark 4/350F/ 180C. Divide the dough into two sections and then roll out between two fine sheets of parchment or non-stick baking sheets. Don’t roll too thin as it can break if you wish to hang the shapes.

3. Next, cut out shapes, and then carefully transfer to a non-stick baking tray or sheet.(Make a hole for a ribbon now).

4. Bake for 12-15 minutes until firm.

5. Leave until really cold before decorating or inserting a ribbon.

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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16 Puzzles

Young Readers’ Puzzle Page Wordsearch - Dance Styles

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 2nd word is

BALLET JAZZ RUMBA

CONGA JIVE STREET

DISCO LATIN SWING

IRISH MODERN WALTZ

Number Tower

Maze Help the hungry mouse reach his tasty cheese! Start at the arrow on the top of the maze.

Answers can be found on our website after the 1st of December www.sussexlocal.net

Fill the tower so that every square contains a number.

The value of each square in the number tower is the sum of the two squares directly under it.

To sponsor this feature please contact us on 01903 868474 or email info@sussexlocal.net Sponsor for just ÂŁ25 per month plus a monthly prize

Local Schools 17

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Amberley School Africa Day at Amberley School African drums and dancing lit up a cold Autumn day at Amberley Primary School with exciting rhythms and the colours of Africa. Pupils of Amberley and Coldwaltham Schools came together to enjoy an exciting day celebrating links to schools in Africa.

the wider world. Global links are important to help our children learn about different cultures across the world and we also want to support Averil and Ros in their charitable efforts.”

African dancers and drummers gave tuition in these performing arts and visiting speakers shared their experiences and taught African songs. The children also took part in African arts and crafts as well as learning about what it would be like to go to school in Africa (and of course how different it is to rural Sussex).

The day culminated in a dance and drum performance enjoyed by the parents, staff and children of both schools. Ray Jackson, Chair of Governors

Jon Gilbert, Head Teacher at both schools explained, “Two local ladies, Averil Sessions of Amberley village and Ros Hoare who is a Governor at Amberley School are actively involved with school charities in Malawi and Gambia respectively. As rural schools, we are very conscious we need to ensure our children are aware of

Bury School

A good time to be at School The light at this time of year really does show off the fantastic part of the world we live in. Our many visitors this year always comment on the stunning setting and how lucky we are to work and grow up here – indeed we are.

School has been an incredibly busy place with years 5 and 6 enjoying their week-long residential at Hindleap Warren. We were delighted with the feedback from the staff there about just how polite our children were throughout the week. We welcomed three new children into the class and a residential was the perfect way for all of the children to build on their teamwork at the start of the year.

Once back, the children were hard at work learning about Brilliant Bury with the rest of the school – a great advantage of being a small school is being to have whole school topics that mean children of all ages can support each other and work with teachers who are passionate for their subjects. As part of the topic the children visited local villagers and photographed their houses (with permission of course!) before using their maths skills to create ceramic repli-

cas of the village. The visitors to our open day were blown away by the quality of the work the children had produced – due in no small part to the excellent work of their teachers and local helpers.

The children have been treated to visits from authors, a photography team(teaching the children how to use professional camera equipment), a specialist PE teacher and a poet!

Children from Fittleworth Primary school joined with us at Bury to work with the poet, Rachel Long.

Not only did the children get to experience working with a poet, it was also great for the children to start getting to know more of their peers before they move on to secondary school in the not too distant future.

Christmas is very much on the horizon now with carols, glitter and nativities galore at school – a great time of the year to be at school.

Thomas Moore, Headteacher, Bury School www.bury.w-sussex.sch.uk Twitter: @BuryCEPrimary

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Local Walks - December 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 be cancelled, if unsure please check, contact 01243 534589 health@chichester.gov.uk www.chichesterwellbeing.org.uk. L = Walk Leader Mon 4th

10.30am

Petworth Parks Dog Face

L: Gerald

1 hr 30 mins

3 miles

Tues 5th 12.00pm Christmas Lunch & Walk L: Helen 1hr 20 mins Walk and lunch at Chichester Yacht Club. Please book in advance (01243 534817 or email smiles@chichester.gov.uk). Meet at Chichester Yacht Club

3 miles

Thurs 7th 09.30am Chichester Canal Meet at Chichester Canal, Basin Road, Chichester PO19 8DT

30 mins

1 mile

Fri 8th 10.30am Poling Ponds L: Peter Circular walk via Angmering village to Poling Ponds. Meet: Rustington Golf Centre car park, BN16 4NB

2 hrs

4 miles

Sun 10th 10.30am Burpham L: Dominic Hilly walk with some stiles. Lovely views. Meet at the public car park behind the George at Burpham, BN18 9RR

2 hrs

4 miles

Tues 12th 10.30am Chichester City Walls L: Janet Meet by the aviary just inside the entrance to Priory Park in Guildhall Street

1 hr

1 mile

Come and see the fallow deer, The Monument & a surprise Dog’s Face.

Meet at The Horse Guards Inn, Upperton Road, Tillington, GU28 9AF

L: Helen

Thurs 14th 10.30am Midhurst Queen Elizabeth Oak L: Peter 2 hrs Circular walk past Cowdray ruins and Polo grounds to the 1000 year old oak.

Meet at main car park just north of the centre of Midhurst, behind the bus station

4 miles

Sat 16th 10.30am Slindon House L: Dominic 2 hrs 30 mins Through woods to Slindon House. Meet: National Trust Car Park, Dukes Road, Slindon

4.5 miles

Mon 18th 10.30am Emsworth Ramble Meet in Emsworth town square

1 hr 30 mins

2.5 miles

Mon 18th 09.30am Selsey East Beach L: Helen Meet in East Beach Car Park in Selsey – it is a pay and display

30 mins

1 mile

Tue 19th 09.30am Chichester Canal L: Helen A flat walk at a gentle pace, suitable for beginners. Meet: Chichester Canal, Basin Road, Chichester PO19 8DT

30 mins

1 mile

Thurs 21st 10.30am Burpham L: Jane Hilly walk with some stiles. Lovely views. Meet at the public car park behind the George at Burpham, BN18 9RR

2 hrs

4 miles

L: Anne

Fri 22nd 10.30am Middleton Beach & Elmer Woods L: Peter 1 hr 30 mins Walk along Middleton's shoreline and through Elmer woods. Flat walk that may be muddy in places. Meet in free car park just off Elmer Road in Middleton village

3 miles

Sat 30th 10.30am Black Rabbit, Arundel L: Dominic 2 hrs Easy, flat riverside walk, no stiles. Meet at Mill Road car park by river in town centre (charge) BN18 9AA

3/5 miles

Tues 2nd Jan 10.30am Goodwood Trundle L: Bruce New year's resolution walk. Meet: Goodwood - Trundle Triangle, SU879113

4.4 miles

2 hrs 10 mins

Weds 3rd Jan 10.30am Canal Walk L: Janet 1 hr 30 mins Return by bus. Bring bus pass or money for fare. Can be muddy in places when wet.

Meet at Chichester Canal, Basin Road, Chichester, PO19 8DT

3.5 miles

Gardening

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In Your Garden Monthly gardening ideas and tasks by Andrew Staib, Principle Designer of Glorious Gardens Highdown Garden - A heritage garden at our doorstep Highdown Garden in Worthing is one of the best green secrets in the Sussex. It is the biggest and finest chalk garden in the UK with wonderful tree and shrub specimens and a mecca for anyone who wants to know what they can grow if their garden is chalky and therefore alkaline.

“There is myself and two other full time workers plus we have an apprentice at the moment and a volunteer two days a week who was the daughter of the Head Gardener who worked here many years ago.

“This is the finest chalk garden in the UK and we have the National Collection of Sir Fredrick Stern Introduced Plants here. We have the largest Cotoneaster in Europe and reputedly the biggest Himalayan Musk Rose outside of China.” He points to an absolutely exquisite and delicate tree. “And that is the largest Chinese Weeping Hornbeam in the UK”. The sun pours through the delicate leaves. “The seed was brought back by Reginald Farer in 1913.

We have a lot of berry trees for Autumn interest as it is mainly a Spring and Summer garden in terms of colour.”

It is also a very atmospheric garden, a labyrinth of small and larger spaces with different levels including a fish pond, a larger pond at the foot of the chalk cliff and lawn areas for children. Originally the area was a lime quarry in the 18th Century where chalk was burnt to produce lime for agriculture and building.

The lime building is still in the garden.

In 1909 Sir Fredrick Stern, a rich Edwardian, bought up the site and tried to turn it into tennis courts. However glare from the chalk cliff put players off and Stern went about trying to solve the problem by lowering a workman on ropes to try and dig out planting pockets in the chalk to plant and hopefully cover up with plants the whole of the cliff face. When this failed a love affair ensured, as Sir Stern spent the rest of his life leaning and experimenting with plants to create a garden that would grow on chalk.

He sponsored some of the great plant collectors of the day to go to China and other far flung places to bring back seeds so he could continue his experiments. For example, as you enter the garden a huge avenue of Pittisporums welcomes you. They were planted right at the beginning of the birth of the garden in 1909.

In the 1970’s another passion was born. Gary Prescod as a child used to grow plants on his little balcony in South London. He went on to study Natural Science at Cambridge University and the Chelsea Physics garden. He is now Head Gardener at Highdown and loves the place.

Gary Prescod, Head Gardener

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He brings my attention to an enormous puts their spade in the soil and hits chalk shrub about 12 foot high with masses of red this garden has huge amounts to offer. berries. That is a Viburnum betulifolium.

You can see smaller plants like Liriope, DianEarnest Wilson, nicknamed “Chinese Wilthus, Stocks, Knuatia, Wall flowers, Geranison”, brought that seed back with him 100 ums, Sarcococca and Epimedium and years ago.” The birds don’t like the berries shrubs like the Euonymous europa. Unusual so some of the clusters stay on the plants like Virginia Pokeweed and Canary branches till the next year’s flowering. And Island Echiums as well as mature trees like that is Euonymous grandiflora salicifolius Gleditsia Sunburst, Pittisporum, Holme Oak which George Forrest brought back in seed plus a rare Afganistan Judas Tree can all be form in 1914.”

Viburnum seen in the garden and it will give you confiThe mature specimens in the garden read betulifolium dence to go out and buy them. There is even a blue floretted Hydrangea aspera villosa like a Who’s Who of early 20th Century that dates back to the 1920’s. Because bulbs are plant collectors and many of the mature trees were shallow rooted Daffodils and Cyclamen go well as well grown from the original seeds. as Winter Aconites and there is a huge collection of “Chalk is very difficult to grow on. The top soil is often Snowdrops. In fact for the first time Highdown will only inches deep and roots find it hard both to peneopen its gates on a Sunday in February to offer a trate and then find any nutrients. Then the water and Snowdrop tour. nutrients constantly drain out. We mulch as much as we can but still in Summer the leaves can look faded as the plants dry out. There are some surprising exceptions to what one thinks one can grows here. That for example!” He points to a lovely specimen of an Arbutus unedo, the Mediterranean Strawberry tree with it’s vivid smooth bark that is normally considered an acid lover. “This Yew tree is a rare yellow fruiting variety and every Autumn the branches turn yellow as birds try to wipe the poisonous seed from the fruit they want to eat.” For the local gardener who

Gary is passionate about the garden and has recently applied for Heritage Lottery Funding. “My wish is for this garden to be properly conserved so that everyone can recognise its importance. For example that huge Acer grisem over there was grown from seed brought back by Chinese Wilson. Of the 100 seeds that were then grown by the Veich Nursery, which specialised in exotic and rare species, only a handful remain. And they are dying out in China which makes its preservation that much more important.”

Gardening

through the door “We have recently got Kew Gardens Millennium Seed bank involved. We want to create a Visitor Centre here, interactive stations for children and label the plants to help inform people of the rare specimens they are looking at. Also there are so many documents that relate to the garden that I don’t have time to go through and archive. Apparently there were over 500 species of plant introductions here at one time.

We have so little time we haven’t even got a proper audit of what is still growing.”

Unbelievably, entrance to Highdown incurs no cost and is upkept by Worthing council, as in 1967 Sir Stern’s widow passed the garden onto the people of Worthing so they could enjoy it for free. (Their beautiful flint mansion is now the hotel that can be seen next door.) The garden receives up to 30,000 visitors each year but it is so intricate that it retains an intimate feeling.

Places to visit Obviously it is the time of Christmas Fairs, Arundel by Candlelight and ice skating at the Pavillion in Brighton are just a few things to do!

Happy Christmas everyone, and give your back a well earned rest.

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December tasks  Plant trees and hedges taken straight from the field. They are normally called ‘bareroot’ and are half the price and settle nicely into the cool moist earth.  Harvest tomatoes If you have any tomatoes left in the green house they will still ripen in a bowl in the sun indoors  It is still ok to order and plant bulbs. The soil is still very warm even if the air isn’t.  Prune heavily sapping trees like Birches now and Grape vines before the winter sets in.  Harvest the rest of your root crops and lift and store your Dahlia bulbs.  Relax! Don’t worry if your garden looks messy.

The more mess the better for wildlife that needs a place to hide away during the winter. You will have time to clean your beds in Spring. Laziness now is creating a 5 star hotel for wildlife.  However where needs must, continue to rake up leaves and store them separately from the summer’s grass clippings as they need a different process to break down quickly.

VALENTINE MAINTENANCE SERVICES Internal & External Painting Patios Plumbing Tiling All Gardening and Fencing Work All House and Garden Clearance All Guttering Work General Building Call Phil on 07789 278677 FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

Grounds maintenance Seasoned Commercial mowing logs for sale Fencing & gates Digger plus driver hire Land clearance & treeworks Green waste removal

Fully licensed waste carrier 07968 346387 / 01798 879248 hjslandservices@iCloud.com

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Sussex Snippets After hearing the news that the majority of hospital admissions for children were for teeth extractions “Figures for the 2015-16 financial year show there more than 3,000 hospital admissions for under 18s needing tooth extractions” – Yasmine Djadoudi, BBC Live reporter, Gateway Dental of Burgess Hill decided to begin an initiative to make children aware of the importance of oral hygiene. They started delivering presentations to children from local schools and liaised with West Sussex County Council’s Public Health team who provided supportive health promotion materials – the objectives being to reduce the number of referrals to hospitals for extractions by encouraging a healthy diet, regular attendance to the dentist and a comprehensive and thorough explanation/demonstration of how children can maintain healthy teeth at home. www.nhs.uk/change4life, In his formal response to the public consultation on the bypass, which closed in October, Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert has urged Highways England to take forward plans for an Arundel bypass which he says “must go ahead” – stating his belief that “the case for a fully-dualled, offline A27 Arundel bypass is very strong and widely supported.” After analysing the responses Highways England are expected to publish

SUSSEX LOCAL their Preferred Route Announcement at the start of next year, which will be followed by a statutory public consultation on the route in Summer 2018.

Rockinghorse Children’s Charity smashed through its £500,000 appeal target two months before the end of the year, as it celebrated its Golden Jubilee at The Grand Hotel in Brighton recently, playing host to over 400 of the charity’s supporters – raising £112,000 at the ball itself, every penny of which will be going towards the appeal. Best known as the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton, Rockinghorse raises money to make services stimulating, cutting-edge and accessible for the many babies, children and young people who need them. www.rockinghorse.org.uk.

The West Sussex Plan sets out how the County Council plans to shape its services over the next five years with a focus on - giving children and young people the best start in life; ensuring West Sussex is a prosperous place; having strong, safe and sustainable communities; supporting people in later life to remain independent and being a council that works for its communities. The plan contains WSCCs vision for West Sussex and what the council is trying to achieve for residents and for the county, and also sets out those differences will be made and how residents will know whether WSCC has been successful in achieving them. www.westsussex.gov.uk/plan An anti-sexting app from Childline is using humour to help teenagers in West Sussex deal with unwanted requests for sexual images of themselves - sexting was the most viewed topic on the Childline website last year with 221,840 page views - and the free app offers young people a gallery of images and animations called GIFs they can send in response to requests for sexual pictures and to deal with difficult sexting situations. The Zipit app has been updated as new figures from Childline reveal the NSPCC service held 2,634 counselling sessions across the UK about sexting and self-generated explicit images in 2016/17. www.giphy.com/zipit www.childline.org.uk Members of the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner’s groundbreaking Youth and Elders’ Commissions have been honoured at a celebratory event to thank them for their outstanding contributions. Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne paid tribute to “their award-winning work and the impact they have had on policing, both nationally and locally” which have “surpassed anything we expected when they were originally set up.” www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk

Notices to info@sussexlocal.net Events on www.sussexlocal.net

Charity & Community

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Policing

Sussex Police Crime Commissioner (SPCC) Katy Bourne visited Arundel Town Council recently and residents were able to quiz her on the rise of petty crime in the town.

My questions were on the possibility of a community warden for Arundel, to be partially funded by Sussex Police. Despite being in control of the budget for Sussex Police she wouldn’t accept that this was something she should do.

I always find Katy Bourne bit like Tigger, she bounces in and then bounces out, but I find there is no real substance in what she says and in Sussex our policing is in a mess. Katy’s campaign in 2012 was for a bobby in every village, well I would like a bobby in every town at least, and the scrapping of Police Community Support Officers (PCSO’s) was a retrograde step in my opinion.

When our MP Rt Hon Nick Herbert was Police Minister he pioneered the concept of PCCs, expecting and hoping that people with real business experience could help change policing and drive innovation.

I stood as a candidate for SPCC, and hoped to introduce systems thinking - which we have used successfully at Arun District Council – originally pioneered by Toyota to increase efficient and empower the workforce. Every week Toyota executives would visit a

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plant, walk the floor, talk to the staff and get ideas for improving production. They would then have a working lunch and decide on a plan to action these ideas.

Cheshire Constabulary has introduced a similar approach.

Sussex Police is very bureaucratic, and the front line police are frustrated with the top down Control and Command structure; they would love to be empowered to make decisions on the ground without all the bureaucracy. We need innovation to cut office costs and allow more resources on the front line - we need substance and vision not Tigger.

Until next time.

Paul Dendle is Arundel & Walberton’s Ward member on Arun District Council.

Email - cllr.paul.dendle@arun.gov.uk

Petworth Farmers Market This month Petworth Farmers Market will take place on Saturday 16th December -instead of the usual fourth Saturday of the month.

Open from 9am-1pm the market offers a choice of fresh, local produce, a Charity Tearoom, a live band and a friendly, lively atmosphere. There is also an additional indoor market to browse.

Contact: Petworth Town Council: Email clerk@petworth-tc.gov.uk or Leesa Barrett: Email leesasnotjustalpines@gmail.com 07900 815636

Notices to info@sussexlocal.net Please enter events on our website www.sussexlocal.net for printing and social media distribution

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Charity Himalayas Trek

Littlehampton St Wilfrid’s Hospice is holding a new event at which everyone is welcome to come and remember loved ones at this special time of year.

The ‘Lights of Love’ event is taking place on Sunday 17th December from 4-6pm at Hotham Park, Bognor Regis. LED tea light candles will be available for a suggested donation to ‘light’ in memory of a loved one. The Hospice’s choir and Spirit FM will be attending, there will be stalls offering festive fare and the popular Hotham Park Café will be open.

Once again this year, St. Wilfrid’s will be running a Christmas appeal. St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Chichester Tel: 01243 755827 www.stwh.co.uk

SUSSEX LOCAL New Patron for Arundel Museum

Arundel Museum is delighted to announce that Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra has graciously consented to become a Patron of the Museum.

HRH Princess Alexandra visited Arundel Museum in May of this year in order to officially open the Museum Gallery. She will join his Grace the Duke of Norfolk as one of the two Patrons of the Museum.

Contact: Arundel Museum, Mill road, Arundel, BN18 9PA. 01903 885 866 office@arundelmuseum.org www.arundelmuseum.org

Top Manager Joins Museum

A top museum manager with experience at some of the leading museums both here and abroad is returning to her home city to take on the role of manager at The Novium Museum. Over the past 15 years, Stephanie Thorndyke has worked at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice and the Cass Sculpture Foundation where she managed the London Sculpture Gallery. Stephanie, who is a former Chichester High School student, has held a number of positions at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, over the last twelve years, working extensively on their world-class temporary and touring exhibition programme. 01243 77588 www.thenovium.org.uk

Christmas presents that last a lifetime!

By Richard Cohen FPFS ACII MCSI Chartered Financial Planner Parents and grandparents are increasingly giving children money instead of buying them gifts for Christmas and birthdays. The future for our young is paved with the need for bigger deposits to buy a home, higher education costs and of course inflation.

Whilst some may criticise for showing a lack of imagination, in the long run it can bring more long term happiness than this year’s long forgotten top toy.

Savings accounts and premium bonds are familiar ideas but two less considered options are pensions and ISAs. Pensions Children are allowed to have up to £3,600 paid into a pension each tax year, despite the fact they are unlikely to be earning. Realistically it will be relatives paying on their behalf. However, the child still receives the tax relief, with contributions grossed up by 20%. Therefore for the maximum £3,600 to be paid in you only pay £2,880. If you were to pay a more typical £100 into a pension £125 would actually be invested.

It may seem extreme to consider pensions for a child but money paid in early can really make a difference.

If you paid £100 after tax relief, left it invested for 50 years, assumed a 5% growth rate after charges it would be worth £1,146.

Currently you cannot access your pension until you are at least 55 – often considered a disadvantage.

However, you may be pleased that they cannot access this money at 18 when they may not spend it appropriately.

Junior ISAs As with their adult equivalents you have both a savings account version and an investment version of a junior ISA. Which is most appropriate depends on attitudes to risk and the child’s age. Generally speaking the younger the child the more likely it is that the investment option will be appropriate. The maximum that can be paid in is £4,080 each year, but you do not get tax relief, so a £4,080 contribution costs you just that. The money grows tax free and the account is theirs to do with as they wish when they are 18.

So this year consider a gift that gives your children and grandchildren more than just a Happy Christmas!

For more details visit www.nsurefinancial.co.uk or to arrange a free review please call 01903 821010

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26 People & Events

SUSSEX LOCAL

The One & Only Editor Kris Thomas meets 90's pop legend Chesney Hawkes star of this year's Worthing Theatres Pantomime - for an exclusive interview with the 'pop prince'.

I met the affable Chesney Hawkes at the Worthing Assembly Hall for the Snow White Pantomime press launch in early September. Chesney is playing the prince in this year's Worthing Theatre's production, and as well as meeting the press, the cast were meeting up for the first time. Chesney was relaxed and easy to chat to, his boyish, casual looks not testament to his hectic lifestyle split between the UK and his home in Los Angeles. "Yes I do have a lot of air miles" he tells me.

"I'm constantly on the road" he says "back and forth all the time, sometimes even every couple of weeks".

Chesney tours a lot and at the time of our interview he had just finished the festival season. He also did an acoustic tour this year plus worked on cruises for

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the first time. "It's tough at times being away from the family" he says but told me he still enjoys being out on the road. Chesney comes across as genuinely upbeat and lively, the only time he sounds a little weary is when I ask him when he gets to see his family, "Not very often at the moment" he sighs, "I'm trying to figure out how to make that work a bit better.

Thank goodness for Skype" he adds.

Now in his mid 40s Chesney has enjoyed a varied show-business career since the age of 19 when he appeared as the title character in the film Buddy's Song. In March 1991 he released his biggest hit single "The One and Only" from the film's soundtrack.

The catchy pop song is one of the most well known 90's tracks.

On the subject of his most well-known hit, Chesney claims the song now "has a life of its own" and has developed a bit of a cult following over the years. The single was number one in the UK charts for 5 weeks in March and April 1991 and number one in many other countries across Europe as well as Japan and it also made it into the top 10 in America. When I ask Chesney if he still likes the song that made him famous he tells me 'yes' but adds, "I've had my ups and downs with it over the years". The song was written by good friend Nik Kershaw and Chesney told me he was glad that Nik wrote it although, of course, he would have loved to have written it himself.

through the door Chesney is an experienced performer, describing himself selfmockingly as "a Thespian darling!" He has appeared in West End shows and discusses the pressure of performing to a West End crowd, "West End audiences are very demanding! 'Impress me' they say, also if you're not getting the numbers, you're out! There's always a show waiting in the wings to take over". I ask Chesney about his biggest influences, "Top would be Beatles, in particular John Lennon, then Prince, Bowie, The Kinks, Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello".

Born in Windsor (someone needs to update Wikipedia), Chesney grew up in Sunningdale Berkshire and has lived in West London for most of his life until five years ago when he moved to Los Angeles where he has a wife and three children aged 16, 14 and 11.

Chesney told me the children are now old enough to "cope without daddy" but that "the youngest is feeling it and doesn't like me being away so much".

His proudest achievement aside from having a massive hit single is his children. "Gotta be the kids" he says "definitely my best creation". He continues, "they are very much into music and performing arts, my eldest son is at a 'Fame-like' school in LA, he's a 'theatre kid' basically and he loves all of this. Last year when I did panto I brought him along to some of the shows and he ended up being in the show! So the kids are very much following in my footsteps". I ask him if his wife (also a Kristina spelt with a 'K') approves of this, "she does and she doesn't you know, and I'm the same" he says, "it's tough, being a working actor and musical theatre is a really hard road actually, you have to be incredibly talented and even when you do get the good jobs it's still not really great money, unless you're in Hamilton in the West End or something".

Chesney's future plans include a new album of Americana songs which he is currently putting together plus lots of touring which has already been set up for next year. He continues to write and produce music for other people in LA. Chesney says he prefers a very specific brief when writing for other people, "if you know what they want, then you've got more of a chance of not wasting time!".

"I'm not really one for regrets" he tells me. "Even where things didn't work out it has brought me here to where I am now, the highs as well as the lows have

People & Events

Grace Parker’s autobiography cover

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28 People & Events / Competition made me who I am personally and professionally. I'm happy, I wouldn't be who I was right now if it wasn't for the ups and downs".

I ask Chesney about his favourite Sussex places, "I do love Brighton, it's a real melting-pot, they call it 'London by the Sea'. It's a very vibrant city and I've always had a soft spot for Brighton, I love the fact that it's a small community kind of town but very mixed with all sorts of different people." By contrast on his home in America, "LA is a massive, sprawling metropolis with no real centre, we live in the valley, just on the other side of the hill from Hollywood. We are ten minutes from the crazy centre and are only about 40 minutes from Malibu so can still get to the beach".

Chesney told me he was excited to be part of the Snow White production, "I love a bit of panto" he told me. Snow White is Chesney's fifth appearance in a pantomime so he knows the drill and admits he enjoys being cast as the romantic lead role but "would love to play a baddie" - watch this space!

Talking about the pantomime Chesney describes the experience

SUSSEX LOCAL as 'full on'. The show runs from 1st December until 1st January with 2 sometimes 3 shows a day all over the festive period. Rehearsals will start in mid November which all adds up to a daunting number of performances. “Oh yes it does�!

Chesney Hawkes is appearing in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Worthing Pavilion Theatre from 1st December to 1st January inclusive. For full show times, details of other cast members and ticket details visit www.worthingtheatres.co.uk or telephone the box office on 01903 206206.

WIN! Family Ticket to Snow White 31st December 6pm We have a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to give away for the New Year's Eve show at 6pm.

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question: Which character is Chesney playing in Snow White? A: The Prince B: The Dame C: Buttons.

Send your answer and full name and contact details to: Snow White Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough, RH20 9AH or send your answer and your full contact details by email to: competitions@sussexlocal.net. Good luck!

Closing date: 20th December 2017

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30 Local History

SUSSEX LOCAL

The History Behind our Christmas Traditions

By Arundel historian Mark Phillips

he added the ‘banger’ that This month I have changed The very first public Christmas card made a loud noise when the usual format from an pulling the ‘cracker’ apart.

Arundel-connected article Unfortunately for Thomas to one on the history of the idea was copied by Christmas traditions in other manufactures, so he England. decided to replace the The first recorded use of sweet with a surprise gift. the word ‘Christmas’ was The paper hat was not in 1038 when a book from added until the early Saxon England used the 1900s and by the end of words ‘Cristes Maesse’. the 1930s, the poems had Christmas cards been replaced by jokes.

In 1843 John Calcott Christmas crib Horsley designed and printed the first Christmas card The Christmas crib originated in Medieval times, in for Sir Henry Cole who wanted a card he could send to Italy. In 1223, Saint Francis of Assisi is said to have friends to wish them a ‘Merry Christmas’. The two side used a crib to explain to the local people of Assisi the panels of the card depict people carrying out good Christmas story. It seems that the part played by anideeds with the centre panel showing a family Christmals in the Christmas story also comes from the early mas party. The inclusion of alcohol ensured that Cole 13th century as the Bible does not mention them. and Horsley received a bit of an earful from the British Temperance Movement. This was the first Christmas Boxing Day card to be sold to the public.

Since they would have to wait on their masters on Christmas presents Christmas Day, the servants of the wealthy would For many years the giving of small gifts had traditionoften be allowed the next day (December 26, Boxing ally been at New Year, but this moved to Christmas Day) to visit their families. Their employer would give during the Victorian era. Initially gifts were rather modeach servant a box to take home containing gifts and est – fruit, nuts, sweets and small handmade items bonuses and sometimes even leftover food. that were usually hung on the family Christmas tree.

Mince pies As giving presents became more central to the season Mince pies have been a regular part of Christmas and grew to be larger, they moved under the tree. celebrations since as early as the 16th century when Christmas carols they were coffin or cradle shaped and contained real Caroling, the singing of traditional Christmas carols in minced meat along with a mix of dried fruits and the street or public places is one of the oldest cusspices. It was felt appropriate to celebrate Christ’s toms still practised in Britain. The traditional period to birthday with a pie containing spices from his home sing carols was originally from St Thomas's Day land. It was traditional to make a wish with the first (December 21) until the morning of Christmas Day. bite of your first mince pie. Also, if you refused the The tradition of carol singers going from door to door first mince pie someone offered you over Christmas, came about because they were banned from you would suffer bad luck. churches in the Middle Ages because the singers Christmas pudding took the word ‘carol’ literally - it means to sing and dance in a circle which, as one can imagine, severely Christmas pudding in Medieval England was a spicy disrupted the church services. It is a common myth porridge made from boiled wheat, currants, egg yolk, that the singing of Christmas carols in England was dried fruit and spices (if available) known as banned between 1647 and 1660 by Oliver Cromwell. ‘frumenty’. The mixture was left to cool and set beIt was the Godly or parliamentary party which fore being served. Love them or hate them… The year clamped down on the overall celebrating of Christmas 1587 is the first recorded date we have of Brussels and other saints’ and holy days. sprouts being used in cooking. In our house, Christmas would not be Christmas without the traditional Christmas crackers sprouts!

In 1846 Thomas Smith wrapped a sugar almond Finally - your house has no chimney? sweet in tissue paper, with a twist either side of the centrally-placed sweet. These sold well but only at No problem, children! In modern homes without chimChristmas. A few years later Thomas came up with the neys Father Christmas (not the more recent Santa) idea of including a small poem, often a love poem, uses a magical key that unlocks all doors. Best with the sweet as many of his crackers were bought wishes to you all for the forthcoming magical season by men to give to women. It was not until 1860 that of Christmas.

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SUSSEX LOCAL

32 Crossword

Prize Crossword

Win a £10 Marks & Spencer’s voucher

Arundel December 2017 October 2017 solution shown below.

Winner: Mrs Martin from Arundel 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 5 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 19 20 21

1 Bend or coil (4) 2 Eluded (6) 3 Cut of beef (4,5) 4 Holy (6) 6 Regime (anag) (6) 7 Beat easily (8) 11 Burner mixing air and gas (9) 12 Undeserving (8) 13 _____ Reed: English actor (6) 14 Designed for male and female use (6) 15 Not level (6) 17 Sheet of floating ice (4)

Most lucid (8) Payment to a landlord (4) Furnish with new weapons (5) Teller (7) Sets out on a journey (7) Modernised (7) Relaxed (7) Waterproof fabric (7) Inns (7) Take delight in (5) Thread (4) Swap (8)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closing date: 31st 2017 Good luck!

December

£10 Win a £10 M&S voucher

voucher provided by

SUSSEX LOCAL magazine

Sponsor this Crossword - call 01903 868474 for details.

Sussex Local & Comfort Keepers UK may wish to keep in touch with occasional information and offers. We will never share your details with third parties. Please tick if you would like to receive such information.

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34

SUSSEX LOCAL

Property / Business Directory

through the door

A leaky restaurant

By Chris Ennis FRICS

Firstly, I must thank those readers who pointed out the two errors in last month’s Sussex Local article. England’s world cup victory was, of course in 1966 and Francis Chichester sailed solo round the world in 1967. I hope my surveying is better than my memory!

When you enter a restaurant, you can be excused for only noticing the detail of only the eating areas. There is frequently another side to such buildings, which, like any other property require regular maintenance.

These days many eating houses have food hygiene rating stickers in the windows, though their display is not yet obligatory. Look for a ‘number 5’… That’s a good start!

Over the years I have surveyed many such buildings.

In one Brighton takeaway shop I found rats, and food being prepared by a bare footed employee sitting on the floor. Alright, it was some 25 years ago, but the memory lingers on. Sanitary areas vary from very poor to impeccable, but all too often there are taps left running, cisterns overflowing and cracked chinaware.

I was reminded of these problems only recently when I was called in to solve the problem of rainwater leaking

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into a restaurant dining area. The building was leased to a national high turnover food chain, and whenever it rained, their clients were getting wet. The cause of the problem was not clear to see. The restaurant management were very concerned to rectify the issue since their reputation was hard earned, and so easily lost.

I turned out at short notice and made my way to the roofs, all of which were approached by an external rusting stairway. Plus, the asbestos profiled sheet roofs were in generally poor condition, but with care I could see an obscure section of guttering that was completely obstructed with vegetation and last year’s seagull’s nest. Very often valley gutters formed between two pitched roofs are the cause of water ingress issues during periods of heavy precipitation.

On a commercial building clearing gutters is a specialist operation using water jets, special brushes and pipes. The same system can also be used on residential buildings where gutters are in need of cleaning after the Autumn leaf fall. Easily sorted!

Chris Ennis FRICS is a Chartered Surveyor Tel: 01903 261217 email: surveyor1@talktalk.net

Business Directory

Advertisers call 01903 868 474 or email info@sussexlocal.net 3cm box £60 + VAT for 6 months, artwork included.

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SUSSEX LOCAL

36 Business Directory Clearance & Removals

Drains / Cesspits

Garden/Property Main.

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Property Services

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Roofing

Pest Control Plumbing & Heating

Your advertisement here

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plus VAT - includes design call 01903 868 474

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38 Business Directory / Advertiser Index Taxis / Private Hire

Tree Surgeons cont.

TV Aerial & Satellites

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Bathrooms Bathe in Safety Coastline Bathrooms Blinds Direct Blinds Carpets & Flooring Coastal Carpets (West Sussex) Ltd Charity St Barnabas House and Chestnut Tree House Cleaning Miss Mop Ltd Molly Maid Conservatories and Garden Rooms Greenspace (UK) Limited Room Outside Curtains and Blinds Hope and Ted Drainage The Drain Guys Ltd Elderly Care A Woodlands House Barnham Manor Ltd Clapham Village Care Home Furniture CFS Furniture Garden Design Earth Architecture Glorious Gardens Gardeners Chantry Green Health and Fitness Your Next Move Home Entertainment Bowers & Wilkins

28 5 27 33 10 14 14 39 40 33 34 12 9 23 33 20 19 21 7 13

Horse Manure Sussex Manures Ltd 19 Independent Financial Advisors NSure 25 The Mellor Practice 29 Kitchen Doors Dream Doors Barnham 15 Land Services HJS Land Services 21 Leisure Arundel Lido 6 Nursing & Care Services Prime Care at Home 23 Optician Barnham Optical Ltd 29 Painters & Decorators Gary Block Painting & Decorating 33 PCP Painters & Decorators 34 Pest Control Temppest Enviromental Services 29 Property for Sale H D Marketing 11 Property Maintenance Valentine Property Maintenance 21 Pub/Restaurant Ilex Inns Ltd 8 Security and Locksmiths Invader Security Solutions Ltd 34 Solicitors Green Wright Chalton Annis Solicitors 2 Tree Surgeon Ashwood Tree Surgery 20 TV & Electrical Hamilton Cole 13 Vet Arun Veterinary Group 31 Visitor Attraction Worthing Ice Rinks 7 Windows Doors Conservatories Attwater Home Improvements 26 Rustington Windows 22

January issue booking deadline 1st December 01903 868474

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