Sussex Local Magazine Storrington - December 2019

December 2019

Storrington - Ashington - Cootham - Sullington - Thakeham - Washington Local news and events through the door to 6,600 homes in this area every month

WIN! Trial glider flight CHARITY Sussex Pathways helping offenders

WHAT’S ON

Christmas special

WIN TICKETS!

Cinderella & Wizard of Oz family pantomime tickets

NEWS

Local councils, charity & schools

GARDENS

Winter gardening

PLUS

Health, Recipe, Prize Crossword, Young Readers’ Puzzles, Local Walks, Local Groups & Charity, Business Directory

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December 2019 Cover image Storrington from the air Win a glider flight p43 www.southdowngliding.co.uk

Welcome...

to the festive December issue where you’ll find lots of seasonal events included in the What’s On section starting on page 4.

Our December recipe is also geared towards the celebratory season - Stuffed Crown Prince (it’s a squash!). If you are worried about overindulging this month, take some tips from health expert Heather Smith who has some advice to keep you on track health-wise.

There’s plenty to look at in this month’s issue including three competitions! There’s a chance to win pantomime tickets to Cinderella and also the Wizard of Oz as well as a trial glider flight!

Our main feature this month profiles the charity Sussex Pathways. A small charity supporting people leaving prison, helping them resettle into community life and not revert to their former ways.

We continue to discuss Storrington’s dreadful air quality and publish more reader letters.

Zero emission Electric Vehicles (EVs) are the subject of our motoring feature along with the winner of the 2019 Best Electric Car Award.

Did you know EVs are poised to become a more popular choice than Diesel cars?

Andrew Staib looks at what to do in the garden at this time of year. Get the youngsters involved and have some fun making a winter collage or singing carols around an open fire.

Season’s Greetings,

Kris & Jeff

Quote of the month "There's no such thing as a vote that doesn't matter." - BARACK OBAMA

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. Views and opinions of contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher.

What's On Walks Storrington Air Quality Charity & Community Sussex Pathways charity profile Crossword Recipe - Stuffed Crown Prince In Your Garden - Winter gardening WIN! A trial glider flight Schools news WIN! Wizard of Oz pantomime tickets WIN! Cinderella pantomime tickets Young readers' puzzles Motoring - the rise of the EV Health & Wellbeing Storrington neighbourhood wardens Storrington history Parish council news Business directory Advertiser Index

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Kay Publishing Ltd PO Box 2237 Pulborough RH20 9AH info@sussexlocal.net www.sussexlocal.net

01903 868474

Established in 2007, we publish and hand-deliver seven editions free of charge to over 45,000 homes and businesses every month.

Display advertising starts at just £24 a month per edition (1/8th).

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Seven editions across West Sussex Arundel - Arundel, Amberley, Burpham, Climping, Fontwell, Ford, Slindon, Walberton & Yapton Total addresses - 6,700 Barnham - Barnham, Eastergate, Westergate, Aldingbourne, Oving, & Tangmere Total addresses - 5,400 Chichester - Chichester centre & suburbs Total addresses - 7,800 Findon - Findon Valley, Findon Village, Nepcote, High Salvington, Clapham & Patching plus Salvington/Selden (south of A27) Total addresses - 6,200 Midhurst & Petworth - Midhurst, Petworth, Easebourne Total addresses - 7,100 Pulborough - Pulborough, Bury, Coldwaltham, Fittleworth, Marehill, Nutbourne, Stopham, West Chiltington village and Common.

Total addresses - 5,500 Storrington - Storrington, Ashington, Cootham Thakeham, Sullington & Washington. Total addresses - 6,600

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Though all the new regulations, standards and inspections seem endless, the ethos at Woodlands has not changed here in twenty five years, “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 Dementia Care, take enormous pride in their team with the results of a ROOM AVAILABLE NOW! “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 cheer 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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Walks

Local Walks - December All walks are led by friendly, trained volunteers - please do check with the leaders named below for full details and for any last minute changes.

Health walks are 30 – 90 minutes, supported by Walking for Health & Horsham District Council (HDS). Level 2 & Level 3 are more challenging, for fitter walkers, supported by HDC. Sun 1 10:00am Kings Building & Houghton 4.3 miles 1 hr 45 mins Level 3 Meet at the car park just off Whiteways round about BN18 9FD at the junction of the A29 . Dogs welcome. Refreshments provided.

Mick 01903 74597 Wed 4 10:00am Henfield Byways 2-3 miles 1 hr Health Meet Henfield Library, High Street, Henfield, BN5 9HN. Lovely walk around the twittens, ginnells and snickets of Henfield. No dogs.

Anne 01273 493671 Fri 6 11:00am Southwater 2.6 miles 1 hr 15 mins Health Meet in the Visitor Centre car park of the Country Park, RH13 9UN. Not suitable for wheelchairs or prams. Sorry no dogs.

Alex 01403 273751 Sat 7 2:00pm Kithurst South Circular 3 miles 1.5 hrs Level 2 Meet at Kithurst Hill car park, off the Storrington to Amberley Road (B2139).

The walk is level and has no steep hills. Dogs welcome.

Mick 01903 745971 Sun 8 10am Harrow Hill 6.5 miles 3 hrs Level 3 Meet at Kithurst Hill carpark. Hills and stiles. Dogs welcome, refreshments Mick 01903 745971 Tue 10 12:00pm Horsham Park 3.3 miles 1 hr 15 mins Level 2 Meet at Horsham Park bandstand by café, RH12 1RJ. Carol 01403 263201 Wed 12 10:30am Horsham Park Stroll 1+ mile 30 or 60 mins Health Meet at bandstand in Carfax (RH12 1FD). Choose a 30 or 60 mins flat walk.

Suitable for elderly and those recovering from illness. Dogs on a lead.

Doreen 01403 230293 Sat 14 9:00am Wiston/Steyning Dog Walk 2 miles 1 hr 15 mins Level 2 Meet at Steyning Cricket Pavilion, BN44 3LE. Maximum of two dogs Ann 01903 297553 Sat 14 2:00pm Under the Downs 3.6 miles 1 hr 45 mins Level 2 Meet at Storrington Rec. Ground Car Park RH20 4BG. Dogs welcome Mick 01903 745971 Sun 15 10:00am Sandgate Park & Sullington 3.6 miles 1 hr 45 mins Level 2 Meet at Storrington Rec. Ground Car Park RH20 4BG. Mick 01903 745971 Sun 15 12:30pm Storrington Christmas Social Join us for our traditional Christmas Social with its delicious food & our annual quiz. Tickets £3.50 from walk leaders on Storrington Walks or from Mick.

Mick 01903 745971 Mon 16 10:00am Pulborough Brooks 5 miles 2.5 hrs Level 2 Meet in overspill cp at Pulborough Wild Brooks visitor centre at Wigginholt Irene 07790 420752 Fri 20 10:30am St Mary’s Church, Horsham 2.5 miles 1.5 hrs Health Meet outside St Mary’s Church in Causeway, Horsham, RH12 1HE Wheelchairs and buggies welcome. Free refreshments & dogs welcome Viv Tobutt 01403 260783 Sat 21 2pm Hareswith 3.9 miles 1.5 hrs Level 3 Meet at Storrington Rec. Ground Car Park, Storrington RH20 4BG. Mick 01903 745971 Sun 22 10am Washington, Ashington & Wiston 6 miles 2.5 hrs Level 3 Meet at Washington South Downs Way car park. Dogs welcome.

Mick Denness 01903 Mon 23 10:45am North Heath, Horsham 2 miles 30 or 75 mins Health Meet Sussex Barn pub car park, off North Heath Lane, RH12 5PJ Ann & John 01403 268885 Sat 28 2:00pm Fryern Park 3 miles 1 hr 15 mins Level 2 Meet at Storrington Rec. Ground C.P Car Park RH20 4BG. Dogs welcome Mick 01903 745971 Sun 29 10am Figure of Eight 5 miles 2hrs 15 mins Level 3 Meet at Kithurst Hill car park Dogs welcome. Refreshments provided.

Mick 01903745971 Mon 30 10:30am Littleworth and around 5 miles 2.5 hrs Level 2 Meet at the Windmill Littleworth Lane Partridge Green RH13 8EJ. No dogs Jill 07780 701184

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Storrington Air Quality

The plot (air) thickens We have done some digging Thank you to everyone who has been in contact with supportive messages since we highlighted this issue a couple of months ago.

A brief history In a review of air quality in the District in 2000, Horsham District Council (HDC) reported, “The main conclusion was that the national air quality objectives were not likely to be exceeded at any location in the District.” The same conclusion was reached each year until 2007, when it reported that Storrington was exceeding the target for nitrogen dioxide. Air quality monitoring stations were installed, and upgraded in 2009.

In 2010 the report recommended an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) be declared for Storrington as emissions were being exceeded by up to 137%. It recommended that an Action Plan be completed and an Air Quality Steering Group was formed. This consisted of representatives from WSCC, HDC and Storrington Parish Council with other interested parties.

Its 2012 Action Plan stated “(Storrington) has areas of poor air quality predominantly attributable to traffic emissions” and that “emissions would need to be reduced by approximately 40% to meet the UK AQ objective.” It is clear therefore that “the Storrington Action Plan needs to be both ambitious and well researched to achieve any significant improvements in air quality.”

Suggestions for various improvements and impact assessments were handed to consultants, who reported in January 2013 “….the (Nitrogen Dioxide NO2) 40 µg.m-3 air quality objective is currently being exceeded at many locations where relevant human exposure exists within Storrington. The worst case locations are where traffic is often slow moving and congestion is known to occur close to the main junctions in Storrington and along the High Street. “ Nine scenarios from the Action Plan were modelled, including a “business as usual” scenario which assumed nothing was done. It concluded that there would be an improvement in NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide) emissions as cars became more efficient.

Other suggestions, such as installing a “shared surface in Old Mill Drive, imposing a 20mph speed restriction and opening Nightingale Lane to through traffic, were all modelled with the conclusion that these would make negligible difference. Similarly, a reduction of 75% of HGVs in the village would be needed to achieve less than the “safe” NO2 target of under 40 µg.m-3.

However, two suggestions were found to have the potential to solve the problem if adopted.

1. Low Emission Zone (LEZ). This would “limit access to the village for specific vehicle types not meeting specified emission standards (e.g. Euro V).” This would bring all emissions under the required level. A monitoring trial was set up in 2014, but ended due to

problems with collecting data due to unreliable mobile phone data connection, according to an unattributed and undated document on the HDC website.

2. “Gating”. This would see traffic lights installed on the fringes of the village to dynamically control the inflow of traffic, thereby allowing free flow through the centre. Free flowing traffic causes less pollution than queuing traffic. The report says, “The likely effect of the gating options on congestion in the town is not known”. It goes on to predict that if queuing traffic were reduced by 50% or more then the 40µg.m-3 target would again be reached.

A review carried out by officers of HDC and WSCC in June 2017 analysed some 18 measures to tackle the problem, two of which are those listed above. They repeated the issues with mobile phone data which stopped the LEZ trial. But, as we said to HDC this week, the mobile signal has been vastly improved since the installation of the new mast a couple of years ago, so we wonder why not try it again?

Similarly, the gating idea receives short shrift. The officials state, “As it appears very unlikely that it will be possible to implement this proposal, it is not recommended that this measure is a focus of Steering Group further investigation going forward.” Why is it not possible to set up a simple trial involving temporary traffic lights for a couple of months?

The Action Plan was supposed to be “ambitious and well -researched”. If two trials cannot be carried out on either of the only two proposals which can actually fix the problem, then surely that remit isn’t being addressed.

Of course these and many other questions might be answered if only we had access to what the authorities are doing and thinking. When researching this article, I searched for minutes of the Air Quality Steering Group, whose members include Parish Council Chair Anna Worthington-Lees and HDC Leader Ray Dawe. Apparently their meetings, which take place on an ad-hoc basis maybe “once or twice a year”, are informal and not recorded. So the latest document available to us seems to be from 2017.

In the meantime, some welcome news from Storrington Parish Council. Richard Evea, Chair of the Environment Committee has disbanded the spurious Air Quality Working Party in favour of simply letting the Committee itself work on the issue, with a “champion” for Air Quality and another for the wider Climate Change issues. Your views are welcome - info@sussexlocal.net

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Charity & Community

Recycling xmas trees

The Rotary Club of Storrington & Pulborough District together with Chanctonbury Lions Club are making arrangements to collect and recycle Christmas trees in early January for a minimum donation of just £5. If you live within 3 miles radius of Storrington & Pulborough, or within Ashington Village, call 07477 829967, or email recyclexmastree@hotmail.com, leaving your name, address, including postcode, and contact telephone number. The trees will be chipped, and the wood chips will be spread on footpaths across farmland. All proceeds to charities.

Storrington Conservation

At our well attended AGM on 26th October Chairman Mick Denness gave a brief summary of the activities of the Society over the past year and outlined plans for the future. These include extending our to include Hurston Warren. Our next work party will again be at Fryern Dell on 7th December starting at 10.00am.

The aim is to clear self-seeded trees around the pond. Healthy, gentle exercise with like minded people with a coffee break. Come along, there is the risk you may enjoy it! www.storringtonconservation.org.uk

Planting crocuses for Polio

Five children from Storrington Primary School recently joined the Rotary Club to help plant in excess of 3,000 purple crocus bulbs in the Memorial Pond area. The purpose was to commemorate World Polio

Storrington Primary school children planting crocuses

Day when Rotary Clubs recognise progress in the global fight to end polio. Purple is the colour that the recipients’ fingers are painted when they have received their mouth drops.

The Rotary Club kindly gave the children a bag of crocus bulbs to take back to plant outside the school where they will be seen by passers-by and visitors.

Our young people parade

What a fantastic turnout there was for the Storrington Rememberance Parade on a beautiful, crisp November day. All the young people’s organisations - Air Cadets, Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Brownies, Beavers and Rainbows looked fantastic as they marched with pride in their uniforms along the High Street to St Mary’s, where, joined by a large contingent of residents, they all observed the silence impeccably.

Storrington Remembrance Parade

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Charity & Community

Your letters - Air Quality Dear Editor, Certainly people leaving their car engines running whilst stationary is an issue - and two traffic light systems fairly close together don't improve matters; but we should not dismiss the heavy goods vehicle problem. I work in the local Oxfam shop, and see the number of these vehicles which use Storrington as a short cut every day. The local council could do something about this if they had the will. We must keep the pressure on. Liz Armstrong, Storrington.

Dear Editor, Many people have covered options for improving traffic flow through the village and I would like to add that I'm also for just one set of pedestrian lights to operate; we don't have to spend a fortune putting a new set in, just stop one set from operating initially! I do live and shop in the village and always use a crossing.

Quite often we're held up by a delivery lorry outside The Moon - why not limit this parking space so that only 'deliveries' are allowed during daylight hours.

I suggest making North Road and Spierbridge Road one-way, which would allow delivery lorries to remain close to the premises they're visiting (Lloyds and One Stop for example) and also disabled drivers would be able to park safely to collect their prescriptions, exiting down the Western end of Spierbridge Road? This would also improve the thoroughfare past the many residents' parked cars, which make it difficult to negotiate a passageway through, when faced with traffic

from the opposite direction, especially at school in/out times.

It's virtually impossible to exit Monastery Lane without getting wiped out and, once again, queuing traffic entering the Esso Station can cause quite a disturbance to flow. With the new surgery are we Ex Parish Councillor going to need traffic Mark Lewis protesting lights here? Would that about Storrington’s pollution help or make the pollution worse? Drusilla Phillips, Storrington Dear Editor, From daily observation at the Esso garage it would appear that there is more cars flowing into Storrington from Amberley than Pulborough. I hope your excellent article continues to create discussion. Graham Nicholson, Storrington

Shop volunteers needed Save the Children store in Storrington is looking for Volunteers. Save the Children is the world's leading independent organisation for children, our mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives. If you think you could help please call Sarah on 07828 258979.

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01903 863 539 07508 475 442

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Charity Profile

Sussex Pathways

Supporting ex-offenders to build successful futures in Sussex.

By Georgia Brown 46% of adults are reconvicted within one year of their release from prison. For those serving sentences of less than 12 months, this increases to 58%. When considering why individuals reoffend in Sussex, factors including lack of housing, reduced employment and increased risk of homelessness play a significant role in the reason why people are returning to crime after their release. Furthermore, with a January inspection placing East Sussex’s largest prison, HMP Lewes under “special measures” for prisoner violence, extreme drug abuse and increased self-harm, the unstable reality many offenders in Sussex face, both during and after their sentence, holds an uncertain future.

Help to resettle For over a decade, Lewes-based charity Sussex Pathways has worked tirelessly to tackle the negative reality for many people leaving prison. Their volunteers support ex-offenders both before and after release, helping them to make positive life choices, and to resettle into the local community. Sussex Pathways achieve this through the provision of their Volunteer Key Worker services for prison leavers, as well as rehabilitation support within prisons and a restorative justice service that works pre and post-release with perpetrators and victims of crime.

Shirl Tanner, CEO at Sussex Pathways explains that it is often harder for offenders to leave prison than it is to enter prison. “Consider this, someone facing prison with a drug or alcohol addiction has the opportunity to get clean during their sentence, gain self respect and mutual respect from their peers and the Officers. Yet, when they leave prison, they have nothing to return to but the lifestyle they once had. They quickly slip into old habits, return to sleeping under the Pier, continue lacking support from others.” A Sussex Pathways Volunteer Key Worker can make the difference to an exoffender’s life by giving them an alternative narrative to focus on. Shirl says having support from a volunteer can determine the difference between an exoffender relapsing on drugs, alcohol and crime as soon as they have been released, or never going back to drugs and homelessness again. Sussex Pathways volunteers work with those in prison for up to six weeks before their release date to ensure they have support in getting accommodation and attending prerelease appointments to steer them in the right direction towards independence.

Support in prison Sussex Pathways also run courses in prison, focusing on life skills and mindfulness, giving prisoners the tools to understand how they can take responsibility for their actions. The volunteers help prisoners to recognise what skills they may be lacking and how they can develop these before being released back

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Charity Profile

into the community. The volunteers also create a safe space within the prisons where offenders can go to discuss their concerns about facing life when released back into the community. All this contributes to reducing reoffending and creating safer communities in the local area.

No government funding Shirl continues, “We take referrals on a daily basis, we have leaflets and posters around the prison, staff wear t-shirts stating they are from Sussex Pathways we always make ourselves approachable to prisoners, and work alongside other agencies in the prison to increase the support. If anyone needs our help, all they need to do is reach out.” According to Shirl, Sussex Pathways is only a small charity that relies entirely on funding and donations as they have no support from the government. Shirl says, “funding helps to pay for everything from the courses we have to offer, to core costs, to staffing. Without funding, Sussex Pathways simply wouldn't exist.”

Success stories Lucy Edwards, Project Manager at Sussex Pathways reflects on a time an ex-prisoner benefited from the services the charity has to offer. The letter ‘D’ will be used to protect the individual’s identity.

“D was due to be released from HMP Lewes with no fixed abode, despite having a mental health diagnosis and having received no housing support whilst in custody” Lucy said. Before his release, D engaged with a Sussex Pathways mentor who helped him arrange a meeting with the housing officer based in the prison, in an attempt to secure accommodation ready for his release. Lucy continued, “on D’s release day, a mentor from our charity met him at the gate and attended the Council to present as homeless.” From the moment he was released, a Sussex Pathways volunteer supported D in his journey towards securing permanent housing. This is part of the charity’s ‘Through the Gate’ Volunteer Key Worker scheme, where volunteers are trained to work alongside individuals leading up to release from prison. Volunteer Key Workers will begin supporting people in prison approximately 6 weeks pre-release and will meet with them at the gate on the day of release and continue to provide weekly support in the community for up to six months.

Lucy continues, “However, despite D having acquired medical information pre-release stating the medication he takes to treat his mental health diagnosis and a letter from the prison’s healthcare department, he was told that he did not possess enough evidence to place him in priority housing.”

D had been successful in securing a fund to finance some B&B accommodation, which he and his mentor used in an attempt to secure some temporary accommodation instead. However, D had not yet received his necessary identification documents that he had applied for, meaning he was unable to book a bed in temporary accommodation. Lucy recalls D becoming

increasingly frustrated, “he even began to speak of committing another offence in order to go back to prison, as at least he would have somewhere to sleep if he did so.”

Eventually, with support from his Sussex Pathways Volunteer Key Worker, D was placed in temporary accommodation. However, leaving prison had an increasingly negative effect on his mental health. D became paranoid and felt unsafe in his own accommodation. Lucy said, “after this incident, D fled Brighton as he did not feel safe and went to London, yet he continued to have telephone contact with his Sussex Pathways mentor, where she was able to form links

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Charity Profile / Legal

with the local Salvation Army in an act of continued support. Although D was very unwell, he continued to make contact with his mentor requesting help and guidance. D was visited in hospital and the mentor liaised with hospital staff and attended a review meeting that took place. D was displaying very paranoid thoughts and would not trust any hospital staff, eat the food or allow them to attempt to support him.”

Most importantly, Sussex Pathways did not give up on D. His mentor took forward actions that needed to be resolved, including helping to set up his bank account and organising his benefit payments, by talking with a money advice service and providing necessary information to the hospital and D on this matter. Lucy said, “D remains in hospital; however, his mental health is improving and he is beginning to engage with staff there. Sussex Pathways aims to support D again in the community once he is discharged.”

The Volunteer Programme & Restorative Justice Sussex Pathways prides itself on its volunteers, who run the charity completely independently without any government support. They train and support the volunteers to achieve the effective resettlement into the community for people leaving prison and directly provide a range of services, as well as mobilising the support of partner organisations.

The Volunteer Key Worker programme promotes progression towards education, training and employment. It supports the development of life skills such

as improving personal relationships and interpersonal and communication skills as well as helping to integrate into the community. Furthermore, Sussex Pathways run a unique “Restorative Pathways” programme, which provides a volunteer-based Restorative Justice service; enabling victims to tell offenders about the real impact of their crime and to get answers to questions. Restorative Justice also offers the offender an opportunity to understand the impact and to say ‘sorry’, hoping to make amends with those who have been affected. This is an incredibly moving and empowering opportunity for all parties involved and is managed in a safe and structured environment.

If you would like to support Sussex Pathways and their extensive efforts to secure a positive future for ex-prisoners and their communities, please donate at www.sussexpathways.org.uk/make-a-donation

A little bit about us

By Emma Wells MIPW Will Writer Nsure Estate Planning Service was born through a demand from our sister company’s existing financial services clients. Nsure Chartered Financial Planners were already implicitly trusted to manage their clients finances throughout their lives. They wanted us to help protect and secure their assets for their loved ones should they ever become unable to manage to do so themselves.

As a company we made the decision that if we were going to provide an Estate Planning service that we would only do so if we became regulated in this area, keeping things in line with the many other services that we offer. With this in mind our staff trained and subsequently passed examinations with The Institute of Professional Will writers (IPW) enabling us to become members.

We looked at the local Will writing market and concluded that despite it being overcrowded that we would embark on providing our clients with a service that makes us stand out from the crowd. We are currently the only Institute of Professional Will writers members in Worthing. Coupled with regulation, our financial services grounding means that our clients have immediate access to some of the most

knowledgeable, highly qualified financial planners not just in Worthing but in the country. This means that we don’t need to pass our clients onto other companies in the same way solicitors or unregulated Will writers do.

We aim to be jargon-free and to guide our clients though the various processes as smoothly as possible. Our clients feel that they understand the process that they have undertaken and the reasons behind various decisions that they have made along the way. We do offer home visits but equally our clients are welcome to come to our office. Many clients find that visiting us confirms that we are a local company with dedicated support staff working in a professional environment.

Our goal is to provide a service that our clients benefit from, feel confident using and that makes them go on to recommend us. Being empathetic and treating everyone how we would want our own family to be treated is what makes us tick and from the independently verified reviews submitted to the IPW, it seems that we are getting it right.

Contact Emma Wells: 01903 821010 or email: Emma.wells@nsure.co.uk.

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32 Crossword

Prize Crossword

Win a ÂŁ30 voucher for The Frankland Arms

Storrington December 2019 October 2019 solution below:

Winner: Sheila Willis from Ashington. Congratulations and thank you to all who entered.

Finish the crossword and fill out the box below with the letters from the shaded squares. Work out the anagram

Across 6 Under-employment? (4-4,3) 8 Places to go after school? (4) 9 Vigorous exercises (8) 10 Features of tornados (6,6) 12 Climatically warm (4-8) 15 Squeezing firmly (8) 16 Reporter's output (4) 17 Mix new lemonade for a fabric expert (11)

Down 1 Unresolved issue (4,8) 2 French vineyards (4) 3 Epistle Apostle (2,4) 4 Lacking any sense of standards or principles (6) 5 Horn of Africa republic (8) 7 Effusive display of approval (12) 11 Quantified (8) 13 Rotates rapidly (6) 14 Punching combination (3-3) 16 Summer getaway (4)

Send the word above to: Sussex Local Crossword, PO Box 2237 Pulborough, RH20 9AH or you can enter it online at our website www.sussexlocal.net/crosswords Closing date: 31st Dec 2019.

Win a ÂŁ30 meal voucher

FOR A MEAL FOR TWO to use for

The Frankland Arms Washington

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

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

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

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

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

Answer from yellow box: .................................................................................

Valid for 3 months after issue. No change given.

Cannot be exchanged for cash value.

London Rd, Washington RH20 4AL www.thefranklandarms.com

Sussex Local 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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Recipe

Merrily Stuffed Crown Prince

A gem to enjoy with your Christmas dinner!

2. Place the Crown Ingredients All available @Village_Larder, Washington, next to Squires Garden Centre • 1 Crown Prince squash 1.5kg, carve a lid 2 inches down from the centre and remove seeds • 5 tbsp olive oil • 1 tin 400g lentils • 1 large brown onion, diced • 4 garlic cloves, minced • 200g chestnuts, roasted, peeled and roughly chopped or ready prepared vacuum-packed chestnuts will be perfect too • 200g chestnut mushrooms, finely diced • 1 bag spinach, washed • 2 tsp mixed herbs • 3 tbsp ‘Loft pickles’ cranberry sauce (plus an extra tbsp for serving) • Pinch of nutmeg • Salt and pepper to season • 100g crumbly soft cheese, I used Sussex Slipcote

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees

Prince in an ovenproof dish, coat with 3 tbsp of olive oil inside and out, place in the oven for 30 minutes and set aside.

3. In a separate pan sauté the onions in the remaining olive oil for 5 minutes or until the onions start to colour. Then combine all the remaining ingredients, except the cheese, with the onions, season well and cook for a further 10 minutes.

4. Spoon the contents of the pan into the partially baked Crown Prince and return to the oven for 45 mins.

5. Remove your cooked stuffed crown prince from the oven and place on a serving plate, sprinkle over some crumbly cheese and dollop on a healthy spoonful of cranberry sauce.

Recipe supplied by Hollie from Village Larder at Squires Garden Centre Washington, RH20 4AL.

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In Your Garden Monthly gardening ideas and tasks

by Andrew Staib, Principal Designer of Glorious Gardens Gardening in Winter There’s lots to do in our gardens in Winter but we can go out with our welly boots in a leisurely way, knowing there’s not much that is urgent.

You can really clean your greenhouse now, washing down the insides of the glass and opening up all of the doors and windows for the frosts to kill any insects.

Old grow bags can be composted and tools sharpened.

Vegetables Everlasting Spinach and Kale can still be harvested, as well as potatoes and Jerusalem artichokes dug up from the ground, or pots emptied, to reveal these golden delights. If you find any green tomatoes these can be made into green tomato chutney and figs into a green fig jam.

Tender plants Exotic plants like Australian Tree Ferns and Bananas can be wrapped in cloche once you have removed the leaves to stop the frosty air penetrating the cells of these tropical plants. Also pots that might not be as frost hardy as they seem can be wrapped in bubble wrap and stowed away in sheds or in a sheltered part of the garden. If they have tender plants in them, they can be stored in a greenhouse but they will need some watering over the Winter months.

Leaves You can keep tidying leaves and can create mounds of them in different corners of the garden to give hibernating hedgehogs and insects a place to sleep and be protected from birds.

Leaves can be composted and it’s best that they have their own separate container as they break down in a different way from other garden and compost waste. By the Spring, depending on the softness of the leaf, they might even be ready for next Summer to put onto the beds. (Oak leaves take forever).

Make sure that there are some containers lying about where fresh water can collect for wildlife. Also resist the urge to prune ivy until later in the Spring, as over the Winter it is a valuable food source for all sorts of creatures.

Gardening

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Gardening

Outdoor fun with (or without) children As well as foraging on a country walk, you can collect an assortment of interesting foliage and berries for a front door wreath. Take some gardening wire and use a few rounds to make a sturdy circle of wire. Then you can simply weave in the foliage. Ferns, branches of Yew, Pyracantha berries, Holly leaves and berries, variegated or normal Ivy plus sticks of cinnamon and dried orange slices.

You can forage with the kids or grandchildren and

collect leaves, nuts, old pieces of crockery, bones and wood and using PVA glue, stick them onto a wooden board, making a collage that you can then enhance with glitter or paint. These can make thoughtful and cheap Christmas presents as well!

Snail Races, this is only for the brave. Collect some snails with the kids, put them on a path, draw a finish line and yell “Go!� Mesmerising fun, though quite dangerous.

Finally, it is tempting in Winter to snuggle up indoors with the TV but there is nothing more wonderful than toasting marshmallows around an open fire. Print off some carol sheets and start a new family tradition.

New planting If your garden is lacking colour at this time of year, think of introducing some of the great famous hardy Winter plants like Witch hazel (Hamemelis), Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), Winter honeysuckle (Lonicera purpusii) and Winter Cherry (Prunus autumnalis).

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Gardening Services

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Gardening

December events Obviously it is the time of Christmas Fairs. Horsham Sunday Christmas market, the Uckfield Festival of Christmas, Arundel by Candlelight and ice-skating at the Pavilion in Brighton are just a few things to do!

Happy Christmas Everyone and give your back a wellearned rest.

December tasks • Plant - It’s the right time to plant trees and hedges taken straight from the field. They are normally called ‘bareroot’ as opposed to ‘container grown’.

They are half the price and settle nicely into the cool moist earth. It is still ok to order and plant bulbs. The soil is still very warm even if the air isn’t.

• Prune - You can 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.

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Competition

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Southdown Gliding Club Fantastic views over Sussex

Southdown Gliding Club has a fantastic position beside the South Downs, the views of Sussex are just super. They are a volunteer run club using a lovely modern fleet of both 2 seat and single seat gliders, which stay up using the up-currents called thermals.

They have about 240 members from all walks of life, usual flying days are Wednesdays and the weekends. Well qualified instructors can teach you to fly so that you can fly safely across the countryside when conditions are suitable.

The club distance record is over 800 kilometres, out and back home in a day. An exceptional feat, which won the “Skysailing” trophy for the greatest distance, which has been awarded since 1930. A more normal day’s distance may be 300km. Gliding is a brilliant leveller, anyone can do it. Youngsters can even go solo when they get to 14 years old and venture across country when they’re 16.

The club have winch evenings for groups like the Scouts. It’s exciting and helps pilots to keep their hand in. The children come down with beaming faces every time! About a quarter of the membership are juniors, they are very good at letting each other know what’s going on. If conditions are good enough they may have extra flying days during the week.

An instructor may run a course to teach a group of student pilots. Learning with others at the same time really helps. They have recently updated the clubhouse, it’s a smart and comfortable place to relax after a wonderful flight.

For more info visit www.southdowngliding.co.uk.

Win a trial glide at Southdown Gliding Club To enter the competition answer the question below: Q: What is the club distance record? a) Over 800km b) Over 300km c) Over 500km Send your answer and contact details to: Southdown Gliding Club Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough, RH20 9AH or enter online at www.sussexlocal.net/ features/competitions Winner drawn after 31st December 2019. Please indicate if you wish to remain on our mailing list.

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Schools

Storrington Primary Songscape

As part of the 2019 Horsham District Year of Culture, Storrington Primary School were invited to take part in the Songscape Project - a district wide project to write original songs, alongside professional musicians, about local stories and legends and perform them in a massed choral and orchestral concert.

The children chose to write their song about the world's first glider flight by Jose Weiss, that took place from Amberley Mount in 1909. Alongside Mark Bradbury (professional opera singer and choral director) and Christopher Hussey (professional composer, arranger, orchestrator, audio producer and educational author) from Songbuilders, a group of children

Steyning Grammar School 9B football team

generated their own ideas about what it would have been like to take part in that first flight and created rhythms, words, structures and melodies to use in their song. They worked hard to learn their completed song that Mark and Christopher arranged and then rehearsed with other groups across the district to learn other original songs ready for their performance.

On Sunday 20th October all the groups taking part came together at Christ's Hospital Big School to perform the original music to the public. The evening was a marvellous celebration of singing and community; a huge well done to all the children who took part and challenged themselves for this exciting project.

Storrington Primary would like to thank Anita Momot for taking the photos.

01903 742047 www.storringtonprimary.co.uk

There was a great buzz from students, the audience and the music teaching and technician team. We saw the jazz band, brass band, rock factory groups and the KS3 Church Street/Rock Road choir. There were also solo singing, piano and drumming performances.

The opportunity to perform is a key priority to the subject and the school. The value of younger students seeing the older students perform is invaluable, as is the chance to share it with a wider audience. A great night of real musical skill!

KS3 Church Street/Rock Road choir

Congratulations to our Year 9B Football team who were crowned District Champions. A very well contested final against Chatsmore. A great season topped off with some silverware!!

The new 'James Brynin Building' at Steyning Grammar School's Shooting Field campus is taking shape quickly. 10 superb English classrooms replacing the infamous 'huts' which will be consigned to history.

James was a former student, killed in active service in Afghanistan - we are proud to name the building in his memory. #Steyningfamily #WeWillNotForget.

Steyning Grammar School music department autumn concert saw a fantastic range of performances from different musical genres and across the key stages.

Year 11 students visited three places of worship in Sussex including St Peter's Church, Al Medinah Mosque in Brighton and Worthing Mosque. This consequentially informed their current studies of Islam and Christianity in preparation for their upcoming GCSE’s as students were able to identify key links between theory and practice. #curiosity.

Luke Talbot Assistant Headteacher, www.sgs.uk.net

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Competition

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Wizard of Oz Panto

Follow the yellow brick road to the Brighton Attenborough Centre Directed by James Weisz of JW Productions, which has brought family theatre to Brighton including The Jungle Book and Peter Pan. The Wizard of Oz is packed with toe-tapping musical numbers and comic routines, now with gorgeous new sets and sumptuous costumes.

We have a family ticket available to see the Wizard of Oz panto at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, Brighton on 22nd December 2019.

For more information call the Box Office on 01273 678822 or visit www.attenboroughcentre.com.

Brighton Panto is back and will be putting on a magical Christmas show for all the family. Follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City for an adventure which is truly out of this world.

Dorothy and her dog Toto get transported to the wonderful world of Oz, where they learn that the only way to get back home is to visit the great and powerful Wizard. On their journey to the Emerald City, they meet a Scarecrow – who is in need of a brain, a Tin Man – who is in need of a heart, and a Lion – who could really do with some courage. The four together embark on an adventure to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz!

Win a family ticket to see the Wizard of Oz Panto To enter the competition answer the question below: Q: What colour is the brick road in Wizard of Oz? a) Red b) Yellow c) Blue Send your answer and contact details to: Wizard of Oz Panto Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough, RH20 9AH or enter online at www.sussexlocal.net/ features/competitions Winner drawn after 16th December 2019. Please indicate if you wish to remain on our mailing list.

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Competition

Cinderella: The Pantomime You’re All Invited To The Ball!

Strictly Come Dancing favourite Ian Waite will be on stage as Dandini, the Prince’s loyal aide. He is joined

by Children’s TV presenter Naomi Wilkinson, who will star as Cinderella whilst Mark Read makes a welcome return as Prince Charming. Bad Girls actress Nicole Faraday as the Evil Stepmother and comedian Mark Jones as Cinderella’s best friend Buttons. This is the family pantomime not to be missed!

Winner can choose from 1st - 5th January 2020.

For more info visit www.worthingtheatres.co.uk.

The countdown is on to Worthing’s most spectacular Christmas pantomime yet!

Poor downtrodden Cinderella lives a life of misery, bullied and bossed around by her divaliscious stepsisters. But with her best friend Buttons by her side and the magical help of her Fairy Godmother, will Cinderella make it to the ball and back again before the clock strikes midnight?

Find out if the glass slipper fits and if Cinderella can find her happy ever after with the handsome Prince Charming in this classic tale filled with lots of laughter and plenty of traditional pantomime audience participation combined with stunning special effects, sparkling costumes and scenery and a sensational star cast.

Win a family ticket to see Cinderella: The Pantomime To enter the competition answer the question below: Q: What is the name of Cinderella's best friend? a) Dandini b) Buttons c) Fairy Godmother Send your answer and contact details to: Cinderella : The Pantomime Competition, PO Box 2237, Pulborough, RH20 9AH or enter online at www.sussexlocal.net/features/competitions Winner drawn after 20th December 2019. Please indicate if you wish to remain on our mailing list.

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Puzzles 47

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Motoring

Motoring News Electric cars set to overtake diesels in popularity According to research by DrivingElectric.com double the number of drivers are planning to buy an EV compared with two years ago.

More than one in five drivers now say their next car will be all-electric overtaking diesel and hybrid buying intentions for the first time - shooting EVs into second place as motorists’ preferred power option.

The findings are especially significant because they come from the mainstream car market, rather than an audience specifically interested in electric vehicles.

Vicky Parrott, Associate Editor of DrivingElectric.com, said: "This is a big moment for the EV market, with electric cars poised to become the second most popular type on the road. We’re now seeing a breakthrough in the perceptions of electric vehicles, from a niche phenomenon to a genuinely mainstream choice.”

EVs have now shot up to 22%, with diesel sliding to 19%, hybrids falling to 16% and petrol also significantly down, at 37%.

Kia e-Niro Wins Best Electric Car 2019 Kia scooped the title at the Business Car Awards 2019. These awards recognise manufacturers that demonstrate outstanding customer service as well as innovative products, and are judged by industry experts, including well-known road testers.

Delivering the verdict from the judges, Stuart Thomas, Director of Fleet and Accident Management at the AA, commented: “The Kia e-Niro combines the range capability of a premium electric car with the accessibility of a high-specification family crossover. The Kia makes the ownership experience of an electric car very easy and sets a new benchmark.”

All New Maserati Models to be Electrified Maserati has announced that all of its new models will adopt hybrid and battery electric propulsion systems. It has also said that all new Maserati, including the updated current models, will offer a range of autonomous driving capabilities. This is earmarked to happen in 2020 and the Maserati Ghibli, produced in Turin, will be the first hybrid electric propulsion for the brand. They add: “The first of the totally new Maserati to appear will be the eagerly anticipated sports car – packed with technology and reminiscent of Maserati’s traditional values.”

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Health & Wellbeing

Weight gain over Christmas

By Heather Smith

When you’ve made big steps towards your targets during the year, it’s easy to worry about gaining huge amounts of weight over Christmas and having to start again in January. One day of eating off-track is not going to make any difference in the long run. If you're going to eat off-track, do it consciously and feel no guilt!

But as we all know, Christmas Day itself isn't even the half of it. Add in the Advent calendar chocolate, the coffee shop Christmas specials, a few mince pies, several glasses of mulled wine and the leftovers after Christmas and we see the worry about gaining weight could be legitimate.

The first thing to keep in mind is that Christmas is not celebrated purely with food. You don't have to overeat in order for Christmas to be Christmas. It's a time to spend with people who are important to you, sharing experiences and making memories. Food is of course part of it, but it isn't the whole experience.

The next thing is to accept that there are some foods you only see at Christmas, and you are bound to want

to enjoy your favourites. That's fine, of course it’s fine.

Just plan in advance what you can't pass on, and what you're happy to skip.

Next, make it easy for yourself to stick to your plan.

My suggestion is to eat a healthy meal before you open the door to off-track foods or drinks. If it’s a party, have a proper meal before you go. If it’s Christmas Day, fill your plate with meat and veg before adding anything else.

Try to forward plan exercise as well as food. It’s too easy over Christmas to sit around eating excess calories. A workout a couple of hours before a big meal is a great idea as it will make sure more of the calories are actually needed by your body. Fasting is another good way to achieve this calorie need; but approach fasting with caution - if you're starving hungry and faced with a box of chocolates, it’s likely to not end well!

Finally, try to learn from past experience. Remember how uncomfortable that feeling of having overeaten is; the tummy cramps, the lethargic feeling - and getting out of breath just walking to the loo!

Heather Smith is a fat loss specialist Personal Trainer.

Get in touch for a free five-day meal plan www.fitbiztraining.co.uk

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Health & Wellbeing

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Paws for thought

How to avoid a visit to the vets this Christmas

The festive period can be a great time for all the family including our furry family but it is also the Dr Julian Hoad time when pets really do prove that they can get into anything. Chocolate isn’t the only food hazard to be aware of.

When we think of pets eating things that cause harm, we often think of dogs eating chocolate. While this is the most common poisoning that vets see, and chocolate will be in plentiful supply over Christmas, there are lots of other hazards we also need to consider that are abundant in our homes over the festive period. For example, raisins and sultanas, which are plentiful in Christmas puddings, are toxic to dogs.

A gift of a beautiful bunch of Lilies can be toxic to cats and other festive plants around the house such as mistletoe and Ivy are mildly toxic to our pets. A bowl of macadamia nuts left out to snack on for the humans is a danger to your dog if ingested. And then there is the alcohol, an inquisitive (or greedy) pet will investigate the drink left on a low table or the spillage on the floor and pets are far more susceptible to adverse effects of alcohol.

Pets 53 Temptation can lead to paying the ultimate price.

Tinsel, baubles and wrapping paper can look like a fun toy to play with for pets, but this can lead to ingestion of bits or the whole lot of it which may cause a life -threatening blockage. In the excitement of presents it is easy to leave new toys lying around which can also be a temptation to dogs to have a quick chew. Ingestion of batteries can cause serious lifethreatening problems.

While this is just a small list of potential hazards and there are many more we need to be aware of, it highlights the extra perils that the festive period can hold for inquisitive pets.

Overindulgence is a problem for pets as well as humans at this time of year. Over 60% of vets (British Veterinary Association 2018) think that pet obesity is the biggest health and welfare concern for pets. Giving extra treats over the festive period could be doing your pet much more harm than good and serious overindulgence by pets can lead to digestive problems.

The best way to have a happy and safe festive period for the whole family is to prepare and keep hazards away from pets to avoid unexpected trips to the vets!

Crossways Veterinary Group, School Hill, Storrington, 01903 743040 www.crosswaysvets.co.uk

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Finance

What is an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA)?

By Ivan Lyons Chartered Financial Planner

Broadly speaking there are two types of financial advisers, Independent and Restricted. An IFA is not tied to any particular product provider. IFAs are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to advise across all regulated investment and saving products in the UK and as such their advice is impartial.

Do I need one? A good IFA will offer • The ongoing support of a person you trust • A one-stop solution for financial advice • A full financial plan - how much must you save, invest, earn and borrow over your life to achieve your goals?

• “Whole of market” advice – hunting out the most suitable investments and products for you, from the thousands available • Full qualifications and FCA Authorisation – so you can be confident in the quality of advice you receive • Cover under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, just in case you are misadvised

We wish everyone a happy, healthy & wealthy year ahead

The Investment Solutions Team, Worthing

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Community

Storrington & Sullington Neighbourhood Wardens Monthly round-up It was an extremely busy but rewarding month for us.

Steve has settled in and we have formed a robust and effective partnership. Between us we have tackled various local issues. There have been instances of youth disorder in and around the library.

We have also strengthened ties with local businesses in the run up to the festive period and reassured the public with our scam talks. We are delighted that these talks are so well received.

We are also actively involved in a wider community based initiative which fits in with a road safety campaign, where the local paper boys/girls have their bikes checked to keep them safe and reduce the risk of accidents. The mornings and evenings are particularly dark now and this increases the risk of any mishaps. We have also been actively engaged with the Parking Enforcement Officers with traffic/ parking issues in and around Storrington Primary School.

As a direct result of the scam talks, we have been contacted directly about a rogue trader that visited a local address. We immediately acted upon the information received, Steve contacted the company

and checked and completed various checks that resulted in the matter being reported to Sussex Police and Trading Standards. We have also heard first hand of those who have disclosed personal details unwittingly, resulting in fraud. Please be vigilant and do not provide any details unless you are wholly satisfied the person you are dealing with is bona fide!

If you do see us out and about, please stop and say hello. We are excited about the run up to Christmas and we shall be assisting on the 5th December when the Christmas lights will be turned on.

Warden contact details Chris Poore: 07795 046743.

Steve Christian: 07789 943201 storrington-sullingtonwardens@horsham.gov.uk

Steve Christian

Chris Poore

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History 57

Candia (Sussexdown) The museum has recently had an excellent selection of photographs donated with information about ‘Candia’. Candia was built by Peter Gellatly in 1925 on land he purchased from Mr Hecks, and later became known as Sussexdown.

We would like to find out why on an ordinance survey map from 1937 it is named Kenburk! It was recorded in a 1939/40 Blue Book as (Candia) Duxbury, F, this was during WW2 when Canadian soldiers were billeted there. It was sold to a John Wolstenholme in 1946 and he renamed it Sussexdown.

After the death of Mr Wolstenholme it was sold in 1964 to RAFA and they kept the name Sussexdown.

In this photograph you can see the first extensions to convert it to a dual-purpose care home. Note the sweeping tree lined driveway.

Storrington Museum The Old School, School Lane, RH20 4LL 01903 740188 storringtonmuseum.com

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Parish Council News

Ashington Parish Council

Neighbourhood Plan update

The Neighbourhood Plan cannot move forward until some essential archaeological issues have been addressed. The evidence required will need to be scrutinised and commented upon by Historic England as well as the Steering Group, Planning Consultant & HDC. In other Parish Council news, we are delighted to have finally been able to start up our own Speedwatch Group. 14 volunteers have come forward and had training in November. The Parish Council is considering a request from the group to purchase the necessary equipment. Sites along London Road & Billingshurst Road have been approved by the Police and other sites may be considered in due course.

As part of a Working Party we have two Councillors, Ashington’s sole First Responder and other local experts looking at the number and distribution of defibrillators in the Parish. They are also reviewing volunteer numbers and training issues with a view to improving the provision in the Parish.

Other Councillors are looking at possible Eco/ Environmental projects that the Parish can get involved with. There are some projects that could be joint ventures with other village organisations that would help forge closer links between different groups within the village.

Storrington & Sullington Seasons Greetings Well it really does seem like this year has flown past and here we are at Christmas time again! I would like to wish all of our parishioners a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Storrington Christmas Night 5th December 6–8pm The event will start with songs from the Storrington Primary School choir and the switch on of the Streetlights. Father Christmas will be in the library and there will be a festive market, fun fair, entertainment and lots of shops will be open to offer seasonal refreshments. This annual event has always proved to be very popular amongst the community so if you are new to the village or haven’t attended before, please come along to see what it’s all about.

Rotary Club – Christmas Tree Recycling.

Once again the Rotary Club of Storrington and Pulborough District will be joining up with the Chanctonbury Lions Club to offer a Christmas Tree collection and recycling service. Available to anyone living within a 3 mile radius of Storrington and Pulborough, or within Ashington Village can take advantage of this offer by contributing a minimum donation of £5.

If you would like to save yourself the hassle of having to dispose of your tree after the festive period then please telephone 07477 829967 or email recyclexmastree@hotmail.com with your contact details.

The Council is now back up to our full complement of Neighbourhood Wardens as we welcome Christina Arnold to the Parish and Bryony Sparks back from maternity leave. Their main focus areas are youth interaction, environmental cleanliness, community engagement, elderly & vulnerable persons, anti-social behaviour/crime, parking/vehicles. If you see them out & about then please say ‘hello’.

The Parish Council wishes all residents a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year.

Email: clerk@ashingtonpc.org.uk Tel: 07851 009655 www.ashingtonpc.org.uk

Honorary Citizen Award I am pleased to report that the Parish Council has recently presented the award of Honorary Citizen to Archie Crutchlow. Archie has been a fantastic support to the Parish Council in helping to maintain the Storrington Memorial Pond.

He regularly fills the duck feed container and keeps the memorial garden looking at its best. He reports any problems at the Pond and assists our Premises Manager with any work required around the area.

The Parish Council is very happy that we have been able to recognise his assistance in this way.

Text by Anna Worthing-Lees, Parish Council Chairman.

For further information on any of the Parish Council’s activities, please contact the Clerk on 01903 746547.

Meetings December November 2019 2019 Infrastructure, Communications & Environment (ICE) Committee 6th November 7.00pm 4th Recreation & Property Committee 6th November 7.30pm 4th Planning & Development Committee 14th November 7.00pm 11th Full Parish Council - no full meeting in December 27th November Minutes can be found 7.00pm on storrington-pc.gov.uk

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Parish Council News

Thakeham PC Objection to Abingworth Homes’ latest proposals At the time of writing the Thakeham Parish Council (TPC) has strongly objected to proposals to increase house numbers in phase 3 of the Abingworth Meadows development to 77 houses. Horsham District Council’s (HDC) Development Committee will meet in December to discuss either the proposal in its current version or amended in some way. We will keep residents updated via our website and facebook page.

Village Shop The parish council shares the frustration of residents that, despite the technical adjudication being resolved, a settlement has still not been reached to allow the building to be completed and open for business. There are also safety/security concerns about scaffolding left in situ. We are pressing these issues with the parties, and HDC planners.

Community Transport As many readers will have seen, our latest Bulletin included a survey to gather information on residents' transport needs, and to prioritise plans to raise funding and spend it effectively. The closing date has passed and we are analysing the results.

Roads In relation to the long-promised Monaghans front-ofsite access changes (to discourage HGVs approaching via the narrow B2139 from the north), a contractor has now been appointed to carry out this work, although start date is subject to further detailed Highways permissions.

At the time of writing WSCC Highways are moving ahead in November with proposed improvements to the Rock Road roundabout (by the schools). Subject to any late reconsideration, this will include the full traffic light controls at the Water Lane roundabout.

Rights of Way: Thakeham and West Chiltington parish councils have agreed to find funds to complete the resurfacing of bridleway sections from High Bar Lane to Threals Lane and expects this work to be done in early spring 2020. We continue to look at other rights of way improvements, especially to connect central Thakeham better to Storrington.

Dog Waste An additional dog waste bin is due to be installed soon on the east side of the Abingworth football fields. HDC, who determine their location, have advised there are no other locations in Thakeham suitable for more of these bins.

Charlotte Dumbrill, Assistant Parish Clerk. Find us at thakehamparish.co.uk

Business Directory

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Business Directory

Advertisers call 01903 868 474 or email info@sussexlocal.net or book online at www.sussexlocal.net. 3cm box ÂŁ10 + VAT per month (including design) min 6 months. Any category.

Accounts / Book-keeping

Aerials / Satellites cont.

Bathrooms / Plumbing

Aerials / Satellites Blinds & Shutters

Appliance Servicing

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Business Directory Building / Carpentry

Care / Home Help cont.

Clearance

Carpet Cleaning

Computer Services

Chimney Sweep

Care / Home Help

Curtains & Soft Furnishings

Business Directory

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Electricians cont.

Garden Services

Drains / Cesspits

Gutters

Electricians

Fencing

Hair Dressers

Fuel

Health/Wellbeing

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Business Directory Heating / Plumbing

Heating / Plumbing cont.

Landscaping / Groundwork

Locksmiths

Logs

Business Directory

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Painting & Decorating cont.

Plastering

Pest Control

Private Hire / Taxi

Oven Cleaning

Painting & Decorating

Pet Sitting

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Business Directory Property Services

Roofing cont.

Tool / Equipment Hire

Tree Surgery

Removals

Roofing

Business Directory / Advertiser Index

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Tuition

Window Cleaning

Accountants ACS Direct Bathrooms Bathe in Safety Beauty Therapy Jessica's Beauty Rooms Ltd Biography Katarina Sherbourne Blinds Direct Blinds Builders Padwick Builders Ltd SD Building Services Builders & Architects Roberts Miller Redshaw Ltd Building and Construction Archibaldshaw Arundels Construction Ltd R&M Construction Building Services

55 33 46 55 26 49 40 40 41 57 57

Creber Builders 56 Car Servicing LMC Auto Services (Sussex) Ltd 2 O J Motors Ltd 48 Wiggs Auto Repairs Ltd 5 Carpets & Flooring Wall Bros 45 Carpets and Curtains Funnells 21 Charity Age UK Horsham District 42 St Barnabas House and Chestnut Tree House 24 Chiropractor Well Adjusted Health 52 Cleaning Astonish Cleaning Services 22 Calabash Mint 50 Miss Mop Ltd 35 Council Horsham District Council 17 Dentists Green Arbor Dental Practice 55 Pulborough Dental Care 51 Vitality Dental 19 Domestic Appliances Carters Domestic Appliances 68 Drains Drainjet 25 Dry Cleaning Gem Cleaners 42 Elderly Care A Woodlands House 14 Clapham Village Care Home 42 Events Greyhound Brewery Ltd 7 Farm Shop Village Larder Ltd 34 Fencing & Gardening Storrington Fencing & Garden Services 40 Food Suppliers Slightly Different Foods 16 Function Room Hire West Chiltington Hall 13 Furniture CFS Furniture 33 Garage Doors The Doors Group Limited 49 Garden Centre Squires Garden Centre 11 Village Nurseries 39 Garden Design Glorious Gardens 37 Greenacre Garden Design & Build 39 Garden Machinery Servicing Findon Garden Machinery 39 Gardeners Chantry Green 39 Tom Hoadley 38 Glass and Glazing Steyning Double Glazing 33 Gliding Lessons Southdown Gliding Club 43 Groundworks CTP Brickwork & Landscapes 36 Hairdresser Shampoo 59

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Health Club Impulse Leisure 51 Heating & Electrical Domestic Heating & Electrical Services Ltd 25 Heating and Boiler Engineers David Cooper Gas Technician 41 Horse Manure Sussex Manures Ltd 37 Hotel/Restaurant Old Tollgate Hotel & Restaurant 9 Independent Financial Advisors Investment Solutions Wealth Management Ltd 54 Jewellers Alexander Jewellers Ltd 55 Graham & Cadell 21 Kitchens & Bathrooms Alexander Worthing Ltd 27 Kitchens, Bathrooms, Bedrooms Dovetail Kitchens 60 Logs Storrington Sawmills 36 Massage Natural State Therapies 50 Osteopath Nicholas Coysh Osteopath 50 Oven Cleaning Oven Rescue 35 Ovens and More 35 Podiatry Podiatry Services 51 Pottery Painting Mambo Jambos 13 Restaurant Beefeater 8 River Moon Limited 6 Roofing J P Roofcare 25 Roofing and Gutters BM Roofing 27 Shutters Just Shutters 41 Slimming Slimming World Storrington 52 Travel & Holidays Michelle Murray Travel Counsellor 28 Old Mill Travel 28 Roadmark Travel 29 Sumners Ponds Fishery & Campsite 12 Tree Surgeon Andrew Gale Tree Surgery 38 Ashwood Tree Surgery 39 Head 4 Heights Tree Surgery 38 TV & Electrical Hamilton Cole 21 Upholsterer Appalossa Upholstery 41 Vet Crossways Animal Care 53 Will Writing Nsure Estate Planning Services Limited 31 Windows Doors Conservatories Unbeatable Conservatories Ltd 15