Village Tweet - December 2022

Welcome to the December issue of Village Tweet packed with lots of Christmassy articles and places to go during the forthcoming Festive Season.

2022 is a year many will be glad to see the back of. COVID may be less of a threat than it was a couple of years ago but the economy is in dire straits with rampant inflation thanks primarily to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Let’s hope for an end to the conflict and that 2023 will be a better year.

Merry Christmas! Grahame

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raise £1529 28

Ted Gooda poem: Village Inn 28

How Much is that Phone in the Window? Buy with your head, not your heart 30

Barns Green Players: It’s Pantomime time: Aladdin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Yvonne Fleece: The Rescue Mission 34

The Spaniel Diaries: The continuing adventures of Billy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Garden View: Poinsettia magic 36

St Catherine’s Hospice: New foundation stone laid at Pease Pottage . . . . . . . . .38 Spot the Difference 39, 41

Billingshurst Fire Station: Merry Christmas! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Kids Page: Puzzles for our Little Tweeters! 43 What’s On near you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44-46

LIFE IS FULL OF IMPORTANT CHOICES…. AND THE SAME IS TRUE OF YOUR FINANCES

Have you considered:

• how soon you will be able to retire, and if your plans will your fund your lifestyle?

• other options, if you are disappointed with the interest rates on your savings?

Here at NFU Mutual, we believe that everyone can benefit from taking financial advice and making a financial plan. That’s why we aim to make it easy to understand and accessible for everyone.

For a real conversation about your plans, call the team at Chichester & Horsham Agency on 01273 031898 or email ChichesterandHorsham@nfumutual.co.uk

NFU Mutual Financial Advisers advise on NFU Mutual products and selected products from specialist providers. When you get in touch, we’ll explain the advice services offered and the charges. Financial Advice is provided by NFU Mutual Select Investments Limited.

Chatan A Modi is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). And an introducer to NFU Mutual Select Investments Limited, a member of the NFU Mutual group of companies.

Solution on page 8

“In the bleak mid-winter…”

These words from a popular carol were written 150 years ago. As we sing them all these years later in 2022, this line could well have been written by a poet reflecting on today’s challenging winter. Indeed, a weariness, rather than Christmas good cheer is likely to be a commonly held state of mind as we look around. How are we going to manage to find Christmas joy and peace this year with so much around that brings anxiety?

Yet somehow the brightness of Christmas twinkling lights and shared celebrations of this festive season highlight a truth that joy cannot be extinguished. People find ways to bring each other encouragement and cheer. Think of those you know who continue steadfastly brightening their community come what may. An often-read verse at our carol service is: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.” John 1 verse 5 Bible Good News Translation

Hope, peace, and love are there to be found and shared in the midst of difficulty and struggle. They are the best gifts to bring within our community and those who mean much to us personally. Rather than questions of affording expensive presents and

luxurious food, perhaps we could find new creativity in our preparations. There are some presents no wrapping paper is big enough for! Hope peace and love come in many forms. What would bring someone you know peace? A visit, a phone call, an apology. How might love to change your behaviour and habits this Christmas? What words and actions might bring hope into someone’s life?

The Bible shares the enormity of God’s love for this World and its people so in need of rescuing. The story of eternal love and presence of God with us is for ever. Hope, peace and God’s light can lead us through the bleakest of times.

As you read this Carols will be filling the air as Christmas preparations get underway. When you hear “in the bleak mid-winter” take a moment to ponder the greatest gift of God’s own son, born in rough stable, prepared to give his life for us. Hold on to the true joy of the Christmas season.

In the bleak mid winter A stable-place sufficed The Lord God Almighty — Jesus Christ.

Vivace Chorus presents Conductor: Jeremy Backhouse

Festive Terrine METHOD

1. Cook the onion gently for 10 minutes until softened and translucent. Pour in the brandy if using and cook for 30 seconds. Empty the onions into a large bowl and allow to cool.

2. Preheat oven to 180°C / 160°C fan / Gas mark 4. If using the bacon, line a 2lb loaf tin with 10 of the rashers making sure you leave part of the rashers hanging over the edge of the tin. To the cooled onion in the bowl, add the chopped chicken, minced pork or turkey, and the rest of the chosen ingredients, with the thyme leaves, nutmeg, and a generous amount of seasoning. Mix thoroughly.

3. Press the resulting mixture into the loaf tin, levelling off the surface. If you're using bacon fold the overhanging rashers over the filling. Fold any overhanging bacon over the filling and cover with the remaining rashers. Press down again. Cover the top with a lightly oiled sheet of cooking foil and press this down on top of the loaf tin. Then wrap the tin securely in a double layer of foil and place into a roasting tin.

4. Boil the kettle then half-fill the roasting tin with boiling water and carefully transfer to the oven. Cook for 90 minutes until the terrine feels solid when the top is pressed. Lift tin out of the water, remove the outer layers of foil, leaving only the greased foil layer in place. Then carefully pour out any liquid from the terrine to prevent it setting as jelly. Leave to cool. Place a weight on top of the foil layer (tins of beans or even a house brick will do) and chill overnight.

5. Remove the terrine from the fridge and release it from the tin a couple of hours before serving, to allow it to come to room temperature. Slice and serve with chutneys, and warm crusty bread.

Preparation time: 30 minutes. Cooking time: 2 hours plus chilling time. Serves: 8

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp. olive oil, plus extra to brush 1 onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp. brandy, (optional) 12 rashers smoked streaky bacon (optional) 2 skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces (about 1cm) 500g minced pork or turkey. 50g frozen peas OR 50g roughly chopped pistachios OR 50g chopped walnuts 50g dried cranberries or 50g chopped dried apricots or 50g chopped dried prunes ¾ tsp freshly grated nutmeg Leaves from two sprigs of fresh thyme Plenty of seasoning

Across: 2, ELVES. 5, MERRY. 6, SUGAR PLUM. 8, SNOW. 9, WREATH. 12, CHIMNEY. 13, BAUBLE. 16, CANDY CANE. 19, STAR. 20, NATIVITY. 21, RUDOLPH. 22, KRINGLE. 23, GRINCH. 24, DRUMMER. Down: 1, JINGLE. 2, EGGNOG. 3, SCROOGE. 4, IVY. 5, MISTLETOE. 7, EPIPHANY. 10, HOLLY. 11, NUTCRACKER. 14, GINGERBREAD. 15, FROSTY. 16, CAROL. 17, NORTH POLE. 18. SLEIGH. 19. STOCKING.

A delicious and easy terrine that looks impressive but is easy to adapt to ingredients you have available.

NORDMANN

NORDMANN CHRISTMAS TREES

CHRISTMAS TREES

• Beautiful Christmas Trees grown on our family owned plantation at Furze View, Five Oaks Road (A264), Five Oaks, Nr. Slinfold, RH13 0RH.

• Beautiful Christmas Trees grown on our family owned plantation at Furze View, Five Oaks Road (A264), Five Oaks, Nr.Slinfold. RH13 0RH

• The real start to a traditional Christmas is all about choosing and cutting your own super-fresh Christmas Tree from our plantation. We have lots of freshly cut Christmas Trees to choose from too.

• The children love to choose the tree and Mum & Dad can cut it down! We also have lots of Christmas Trees (freshly cut daily) to choose from too.

• Choose to cut your own, from our freshly pre-cut selection, or one of our potted trees. We offer stands, wreaths, wreath making kits and kindling.

• £35, Our beautiful (non-drop) Nordmann Christmas Trees, any height, are only £35 with this ‘Village Tweet’ advert.

• Open every day from Friday 25th November, closing on Wednesday 21st December. Open every day of the week from 9am to 4pm (weekends require a pre-booked slot: www.furzefirs.co.uk).

• Open every day from Saturday 25th November from 9am until 6pm.

New artisan market launches in Billingshurst

Just in time for Christmas, an exciting new outdoor market launched in Billingshurst on Sunday 16th October.

The Billingshurst Artisan Market in the Six Bells pub car park in the village centre was officially declared open by Horsham District Council Chairman Cllr Kate Rowbottom and the Chair of Billingshurst Parish Council Cllr Paul Berry

The market takes place every third Sunday of the month with the next market taking place on 18th December – a perfect opportunity for some Christmas shopping.

The market is managed by The Great Little Farmers Market CIC and is supported by a licence and initial funding to help with promotional materials from Horsham District Council.

The first market was a great success, with exceptional feedback received from both traders and the public. Commenting on the new market, Horsham District Council Cllr Jonathan Chowen, Leader and Cabinet Member for the Local Economy, said, “Local outdoor markets are crucial in helping town and village centres thrive. They support new business start-ups to test their products and services in a retail environment, as well as offering outlets for local producers.”

Like all markets, Billingshurst Artisan Market

provides local entrepreneurs the opportunity to ‘get offline’, sell their products in-person and obtain valuable face-to-face feedback from the public which can prove vital for growing a business.

From fresh vegan doughnuts, tasty bagels and locally produced beer to handmade crafts and gifts, the market offers a wide range of artisan food and produce with something unique for everyone. Keep an eye out for pies, vegan brownies, and more exciting products.

Sharon Leppard of The Great Little Farmers Market CIC, who manages the new market, commented, “Supporting our local businesses is so important.”

Are you a local food vendor or producer and interested in being involved in the Billingshurst Artisan Market? Get in touch with the organisers via: billingshurstartisanmarket.com/index.php/contact-us or they can also be contacted through Facebook and Instagram (@BillingshurstArtisanMarket).

Heather Pepper, Horsham District Council

Left: some of the stalls at the Six Bells.

Right: HDC Chairman Kate Rowbottom declares Billingshurst Artisan Market open.

Left, Sharon Leppard, right, Paul Berry

Hammond’s Yard, Haven Road, Five Oaks, near Billingshurst, RH14 9BE

Santa’s Busy Christmas Programme 2022

Billingshurst & District Lions Club is pleased to announce the itinerary for Santa’s tours this year with his ‘Flying Bedstead’. Along with his Elves (pictured) and occasionally accompanied by Mrs Claus, Santa’s whereabouts can be followed each evening on ‘Track Santa’ by downloading the ‘Track Server’ app and entering the user name ‘BDLC’.

Friday 2nd Dec Billingshurst: Holders Close, Platts Meadow, Pond Close, Newbridge Road, Morris Drive, Berrall Way, Barrow Close, Turner Avenue, Luxford Way.

Monday 5th Dec Loxwood: Nursery Green, Nicholsfield, Glebelands, Badgers Way, Farm Close, Willets Way, Spy Lane, Oak Grove.

Tuesday 6th Dec Barns Green: The Hordens, Finians Field, Smugglers Way, Six Acres Close, Salt Box Close, Bramble Close, Sycamore Rise, Willow Close.

Wednesday 7th Dec Billingshurst: Daux Avenue, Brookfield Way, Dauxwood Close, Meadow View, Field End, Woodlands Way, Rosier Way, Daux Way, Station View, Groomsland Drive, Kennilworth Place, Hurstlands, Cranham Avenue, Bridgewater Close.

Thursday 8th Dec Billingshurst: The Alders, Rhodes Way, Puttocks Way, Evershed Close, Challen Street, Gravett Close, Muggeridge Road, Hillyfield, Dadswell Drive.

Friday 9th Dec Billingshurst: Cleve Way, Clevelands, Silver Lane, Dell Lane, Gratwick Close, St Gabriels Road, Gorselands, Nightingale Walk, Easton Crescent, Treetops, Willow Drive, Broomfield Drive, Maple Road, Birch Drive

Saturday 10th Dec Rudgwick: Kilnfield Road, Pondfield Road, Woodfield Road, Thurne Way, Foxholes, Furze Road

Monday 12th Dec Wisborough Green: Butts Meadow, Carters Way, The Luth, School Road, Bluebell Meadows.

Tuesday 13th Dec Billingshurst: Marringdean Road Estates, Woodcroft, Honeysuckle Drive, Hawthorn Way, Blackthorn Avenue, The Brambles, Oak Road, Owl Close, Ash Lane, Longhurst Drive, Briar Lane.

Wednesday 14th Dec Slinfold: Six Acres, Streetfield Road, Greenfield Road, The Graftons, Lowfield Road and Bluecoat Pond.

Thursday 15th Dec Billingshurst: Carpenters, Forge Way, Bellinus Drive, Freeman’s Close, The Wadeys, Stemp Drive, Wicks Road, Renton Close, Farriers Close, Ostlers View, Cedars Farm Close, Anvil Close, Saddlers Close

Friday 16th Dec Billingshurst: Barnfield, Farhalls Close, Newman’s Way, Luggs Close, Rosehill, Caffyn’s Rise, Little East Street. Roman Way, Saxon Close, Norman Close.

Tuesday 20th Dec Billingshurst: Coombe Hill, Frenches Mead, Lakers Meadow, Mill Way, Rowan Drive, Cherry Tree Close, Pine Close, Maple Close, Arun Road.

Follow Billingshurst Lions on Facebook & on website www.billingshurstlions.org. And don’t forget to visit the Lions Charity Bookshop in Jengers Mead where you can now buy Bookshop Gift Vouchers and Lions Christmas Cards in aid of Brain Tumour Research Harvey Holmes Press Officer, Billingshurst & District Lions Club

Billingshurst

Billingshurst Royal British Legion Remembrance Parade and Ceremony:

The Billingshurst Branch of The Royal British Legion held their Remembrance Parade through the Village from Frenches Mead to the War Memorial at St Mary’s Church, for the Remembrance Ceremony at 11am, Sunday 13th November. After the Ceremony, the Reverend David Beal conducted a Special Remembrance Service at St Mary’s Church.

Remembrance Sunday is an opportunity to pause and reflect, give thanks and honour the memory of those who gave their lives to defend our democratic freedoms. We participate in Remembrance to never forget. We remember friends, family members and acquaintances who have shown courage, unity and sacrifice during active service from the First World War right up to the present day.

Once again, the Parade through the Village was organised and marshalled by the Billingshurst Parish Council. The Parade was led by the Legion’s Branch Chair, Rob Nicholl, with the salute being received,

Sunday, 13th November

along the route by RBL Branch President, Colin Banks, alongside Parish Council Chair, Paul Berry and President of the Billingshurst & District Lions Club, Richard Melcio

The RBL remains resolute to ensure the unique contribution of the Armed Forces, emergency and civilian services are never forgotten. This year, we remembered veterans of the Falklands Conflict and WW2 and those who continue to play a vital role in service to Britain today.

The Royal British Legion is working hard to support the most vulnerable in society, be it older veterans that we care for, those who suffer from social isolation, or those who are simply overwhelmed by the challenges associated with the cost-of-living crisis. We can only continue to provide these services with your help.

For further information about the work of the Royal British Legion Branch, please contact Branch Chair, Rob Nicholl, email: billingshurst.chairman@rbl.community. Graeme McAlpine, Press Officer

Photo: 2022 Remembrance Ceremony at the War Memorial

Meadows Wellbeing in Billingshurst has recently welcomed a new Counsellor, Lisa Williamson, to its growing team of wellbeing specialists. Lisa joins fellow counsellors Will Low and Tracy Brower – all three are members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Lisa has a particular interest in relational trauma, grief, and addiction and provides counselling for persons affected by cancer.

Lisa explains “My aim is to cocreate a warm, confidential, and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their way of being in the world. I believe that with courage, perseverance, and understanding ourselves more deeply, we all have the capacity to find our own path towards greater fulfilment in life. Having a ‘trusted other’ to witness and validate our unique story, with compassion and sensitivity, can help reveal such possibilities.”

Your counselling can be short or long term, whichever suits your needs. It can be hard to know what to expect, so Meadows Wellbeing offer a free initial telephone consultation to discuss what you are looking for and whether you feel comfortable to

embark on this journey together with your counsellor.

As well as Counselling and Psychotherapy, appointments are also available for Structural and Cranial Osteopathy for babies/children and adults, Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Reflexology, Foot Health Care, Sports Rehabilitation/Injury, Soft Tissue/ Sports Massage and Swedish/Holistic Massage. There’s also Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Blood Flow Restriction Training, Aromatherapy Massage, Reiki, Indian Head Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Luxury Facials, Health Coaching and Ear Wax Removal.

Meadows Wellbeing, 57 High Street, Billingshurst is open weekdays 9am-7pm and Saturday 9am-1pm. Please call (01403) 786081, email info@meadowswellbeing.com or visit www.meadowswellbeing.com to make an enquiry or to book an appointment. Gift vouchers are also available starting at £25. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @MeadowsWellbeing.

Meadows Wellbeing Welcomes New Counsellor MEADOWS

WELLBEING

belle birth & fertility

Fertility

Birth

life-changing

Billingshurst Schedule December

Date Time Trip Description

Thursday 1st 9.00am Horsham & Sainsbury’s

Thursday 1st 2.00pm Lidl Billingshurst

Friday 2nd 9.30am Haskins Roundstone. Christmas Shopping & lunch

Tuesday 6th 9.00am Winchester Christmas Market

Thursday 8th 1.00pm Tesco Broadbridge Heath

Friday 9th 10.00am Lidl Billingshurst

Tuesday 13th 1.00pm Camelia Botnar

Wednesday 14th 11.15am Christmas Lunch at the Old Tollgate

Thursday 15th 9.00am Horsham & Sainsbury’s

Saturday 17th 6.00pm Christ’s Hospital Choral Society Carol Concert

Monday 19th 10.00am Lidl Billingshurst

Wednesday 21st 10.00am Chichester Market Day

Thursday 22nd 1.00pm Tesco Broadbridge Heath

Thursday 29th 9.00am Horsham & Sainsbury’s Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all the minibus volunteers!

Rates:

One Day in December – Josie Silver

It’s the time of year for a feel-good romantic novel, one that can be enjoyed curled up under a blanket with a nutmeg-spiced hot chocolate.

Laurie is unlucky in love and stuck in a career rut. One day she is sitting on a bus when she spots a man reading at the bus stop. He looks up, their eyes meet and somewhere there is a spark. Laurie can’t stop thinking about him, wondering if they will ever meet. Her best friend and roommate Sarah is Laurie’s opposite. She introduces Jack, her new boyfriend to Laurie, anxious that they will hit it off except… her boyfriend is the man from the bus stop, the guy that Laurie has been dreaming about. No surprises here… classic romantic chick-lit so far.

Cue heartbreak and hiccups, and the quest not to hurt a friend while pursuing your own ‘happily ever after’. But this novel actually spans a decade (unusual for a romance) of friendship, fate, unrequited feelings, forgiveness, heartache, and love. It’s not a typical love story… there’s good character development. It’s told both from Laurie and Jack’s perspectives, with the reader privy to their thoughts and feelings. It has all the nostalgia (and a few of the clichés) of a Richard Curtis film, but the trio of central characters clearly care deeply about each other. Their friendship feels genuine, which in turn makes us

care about them and gives the story its heart.

If this book doesn’t get made into a film at some point, I’ll be very surprised.

A

Boy

Called Christmas – Matt Haig, illustrated by Chris Mould

This enthralling tale tells the story of Father Christmas as a boy. It’s touching, funny and packed with memorable characters Nikolas and his lumberjack father Joel are poor. Miika (a mouse) is his Nikolas’s only friend. In his whole life Nikolas has only received two Christmas presents: a sleigh and a turnip doll. Then Anders the Hunter comes to recruit Joel to work on a mission for the King. If they can prove the existence of Elves they will be rewarded handsomely.

Keen to improve their circumstances, Joel heads off, leaving Nikolas to be looked after by his horrible Aunt Carlotta.

When Joel doesn’t return Nikolas begins to worry and eventually sets out with Miika on the long and treacherous journey to find his father.

Along the way there is Elf Village, a kidnapped elf, a naughty Truth Pixie that likes to watch people’s heads explode, and an unpleasant Troll named Sebastian. There is also, of course, a flying reindeer. Haig does not disappoint with the ending, explaining how Nikolas finally finds his purpose, by becoming Father Christmas.

A Boy Called Christmas is the perfect festive story to read to children on the run-up to Christmas. As a bonus it is beautifully illustrated by Chris Mould. One you will return to each Christmas.

All Change for Christmas Things are different now

Ispent Christmas 2019 working hospital shifts until Christmas Eve. Using logistical planning worthy of the British army I shopped, attended two concerts and a Nativity play in three different schools (on the same day of course), bought and wrapped gifts, decorated the house, attended two work parties, entertained my extended family, offended my mother over our choice of food, and my aunty over allowing our 17-year-old to have a beer, and I cried myself to sleep on Christmas Night.

I spent Christmas 2020 working on the frontline in COVID care. My family celebrated the day without me or a turkey, and I cried myself to sleep on Christmas Night.

Last year, in early December, while discussing how much of a ‘normal’ Christmas might be possible, my husband announced, “I don’t want to go back to normal Christmases.” And suddenly I loved him more than ever.

So, last year we kept Christmas small, just us and the children and a small twinkly tree. We ate chocolate for breakfast, played board games, went for a walk, watched a film, ate my husband’s amazing sticky Chinese chicken wings for lunch, read books, played cards, then ate Christmas pudding for supper followed by marshmallows toasted on the fire. I relaxed completely and shed no tears.

This year I asked what everyone wanted to do. The consensus was that last year was great but there were some aspects of our previous Christmases that my children and husband missed. We therefore took the chance to recalibrate the festive season, and this is what they came up with… Things we loved about Christmas last year: NO HOUSE GUESTS (everyone)

Playing board games (everyone)

Toasting marshmallows (the children)

Long walk (me and husband)

Things we missed about Christmas last year: Singing in the church carol service (my husband) Ice skating (everyone)

Going to see The Nutcracker (ballet-mad ten-yearold)

Attending the Christmas lights switch-on (everyone)

Family tobogganing night in the snow dome (everyone)

New things we’d like to try this year:

Go to a local stately home to see the lights (everyone) Go to a German market (husband and me) Make a gingerbread house! (the kids)

We’re still hosting immediate family for a couple of days between Christmas and New Year, and extended family are invited to visit for ONE of those days. Not everyone is happy about this state of affairs but I’m not going back to the pre-2020 madness of festive martyrdom, trying to be all things to all people and stressing over whether everyone else’s Christmas is perfect at the expense of my sanity. If COVID showed us anything, it’s that life is precious, fragile, and unpredictable. It forced us to make decisions about who we wanted to spend our time and energy on. The pandemic was a catalyst for change for our family, and I suspect it might be the same for other folk too.

Will Christmas ever be the same? I don’t know, but different doesn’t mean worse. We can make new traditions that are more personal and meaningful than before and may even look back and wonder why we didn’t shake things up earlier.

Merry Christmas!

Tania Brown

“This won’t hurt!”

John Nash is a retired, well sort of retired, fruit farm manager in Kirdford who enjoys scribbling about life on the farm from the now to days gone by.

Dear friends, I just have to tell you of a terrible event that I was recently subjected to, and wonder if you too have experienced similar.

It happened in early October, but I fear that at the time the trauma of it all was too much to talk about until my nerves had recovered enough to let me recall the gory details accurately.

I had been pre-warned about what was to happen… but I ignored the signs and walked straight into the lion’s den.

I had received a letter, and a resulting call required my presence at a designated venue. The place I had been summoned to was full of silent men and women. A long queue of shuffling feet and muted coughing had formed outside the doorway into an ancient hall. Inside, amidst bustling, shadowy figures, I was seated with my back to a large table. My date of birth was recorded for posterity, and my name for assurance that I was indeed the one they wanted. My coat was removed and placed out of sight behind me. I couldn’t turn to see as my back was rigid against the table’s hard edge. Both my arms were lifted to shoulder level and my sleeves pushed up to expose the naked flesh. Two faces, covered with masks, stared at me as they plunged what I’m convinced were daggers of sharpened steel, into my quivering biceps.

“There you are, Mr Nash. All done. Off you go.”

That was my number five COVID jab, plus a new winter flu jab at the same time!

All right… I know… big girls blouse… typical male… mountain out of a mole hill, etc.

What is it about that pin prick that can raise such apprehension at times? I can well understand it if it’s that pre-dental jab when an upper front tooth needs attention. The way that needle gets larger and larger as it approaches your molars. The moment when you are convinced the needle is half way up your left nostril as the dentist numbs your gums. A fact that is confirmed later when you find you can’t speak properly and drinking requires a clean shirt to be put on as most of

the cup’s contents refuses to stay in your mouth and cascades down your chin and decorates your bib-line, and it’s only by touch or reflection that you are reassured that you still have a nose.

But… aren’t we lucky to have these protections available to us and a health service that works so hard to keep us safe.

All these ramblings brought me to wondering when this idea of sticking needles into ourselves to cure problems first started. I know the practice of acupuncture is over 3000 years old and many still regard acting as a live voodoo doll a beneficial activity… but when was actually pumping things into us first tried?

In 1628 William Harvey introduced the knowledge of how blood circulation occurred. Various methods of intravenous injections were then experimented on in Germany in that year, and later in 1656 by Christopher Wren yes, the architect and several other scientists along with Physicist Robert Boyle. Their equipment was, to say the least, basic! In 1667, published applications show that it consisted mainly of animal bladders and enema syringes. A tad eye watering don’t you think?

I refuse to list the various ingredients of these infusions as I fail to see what they were meant to do anyway! Suffice to say, because of the occurrence of several lethal accidents, these infusions soon fell out of favour!

Roll on to 1853 when French surgeon C Pravachol invented a small syringe with a piston driven by a screw which allowed for accurate dosage. This also had a sharp needle attached which meant no dissection was needed to introduce the contents into the patient (whom I assume was some poor devil being soothingly calmed with the aid of ropes and burly assistants).

So medicine advances, and we all live longer.

There, now tell me… aren’t you glad we live in this period of time?

That needle doesn’t seem so bad now, does it?

NHS, thank you!

By the way, have you had your next jab yet? No? Something to look forward to then.

Happy Christmas, folks!

John Nash

Duchess of Oldenburg

An occasional mini-series on apple varieties… Just for a change, a Russian-bred apple. First known about in the early 17th century. Probably arose in the Tula area. Originally Borovinka. From Russia it spread to Germany and Sweden. Then sent to England some time between 1817 and 1824. Finally in 1835 it was sent to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society.

This is just two years after the birth of the Duchess whose name it carries. She was the great granddaughter of the Emperor Paul 1st of Russia. It has carried several different names over the years

including just plain Oldenburg and also Duchess Charlamowsky.

A very beautiful apple. Striped and mottled in red and pale yellow. The fruit is savoury with a sharp bite, juicy, soft, with a deep cream flesh. Cooks to a light purée.

Very popular in Victorian times and was widely planted in the USA. Still grown in Russia, Northern Europe, and as Charlamowsky in Sweden where it is still a valued fruit.

Available from specialist nurseries like Keepers.

John Nash

The Art of Scepticism

How to think critically

Over a year after the losing the US presidential election Donald Trump still maintains he won – by a ‘landslide’ –even after multiple recounts, audits and ‘forensic’ testing all proved him wrong. But why do tens of millions of Americans still think he’s telling the truth?

Critical thinking and scepticism are dying skills. You read a post on Twitter and because other people agree with it you assume it’s true. We don’t ask the important questions. Who made the initial post? What expertise do they have? What facts do they have to back up their claims? Where do those facts come from? Can they be trusted? Do they have something to gain?

Without applying some critical thought, we end up falling down the rabbit hole and starting to believe all sorts of nonsensical conspiracy theories from the Earth being flat (yes, there is a growing Flat Earth movement), all the way up to the world being run by an elite race of childeating vampires (the basic QAnon premise!).

So, how do you combat the deluge of misinformation, misunderstanding and barefaced lies surrounding us in today’s permanently connected life?

Use Carl Sagan’s Baloney Detector.

Carl Sagan was a leading scientist, philosopher and astronomer who saw how society was losing touch with reality in the 80’s and 90’s. He predicted our current situation and tried hard to combat the rejection of facts and truths.

The baloney (or BS) detector is a set of rules you should follow to validate any argument people present to you. There are a number of steps, but I’ll take you through the main ones you should apply to claims you hear.

1. Check the facts. There must be facts to back up the claim. These must be independently confirmed by a trusted source.

2. Don’t trust someone just because they are in authority.

3. Explore other explanations. Can you disprove them? Explanations that survive disproval stand a better chance of being correct.

4. Don’t believe something just because you like the sound of it.

5. If something can be measured, measure 5. it, or get reliable data from an expert source.

6. If one argument relies on another and another, they all must work or the whole chain fails.

7. Occam’s Razor if two arguments work, the simplest is usually the better one.

8. Can you falsify the argument? If there’s no possible way you can test an argument to see if it’s true, it’s not a good argument.

So, when you next read about aliens from Jupiter replacing members of the Government with robot clones, think to yourself. Is this true? How many have been replaced? Can we test this theory? Who is saying this? Can they be trusted? Is this the likeliest explanation?

I leave you to ponder that one!

James Bates

Billingshurst Parish Council

Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre Roman Way, Billingshurst, RH14 9QW

Merry Christmas!

Councillors and staff at Billingshurst Parish Council would like to wish residents a Merry Christmas and a very happy and healthy 2023

Sussex Police Hub – Billingshurst

Billingshurst Police Hub is currently looking for volunteers to join their team. The Police Hub office (based at the Billingshurst Centre), is run successfully by a team of volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to support the community, liaising between the public and the Police. The volunteer role consists of answering the telephone, data entry on the Police computer, a point of contact on the front counter, filing and relaying information from the public to the Horsham Prevention Team.

If you would like to know more about the role, please contact PCSO Adrian Bell at adrian.bell@ sussex.police.uk. Volunteers are sourced locally in Billingshurst so they have a strong understanding of the local community and priorities. Ideally candidates will be able to volunteer a few hours between Mondays and Fridays and other days when required.

Tackling Speeding Vehicles in the Parish

At the suggestion of local residents concerned about speeding traffic, the Parish Council has purchased a limited number of A4 vinyl stickers to go on wheelie bins. The idea is that motorists see lots of such stickers on bin days and hopefully moderate their speed. (Leaving bins out all the time doesn’t have the same impact, research has shown.) So, if you would like a sticker, you can collect one (per household) from the reception of the Billingshurst Centre. Please bring along anything with your address on so we can ensure they are distributed only to parishioners

Dogs Trust – Canine Care Card

The Canine Care Card is a free service, which helps to ensure your dog’s future, in the event of you either passing away, receiving a life-changing diagnosis, or moving into a care home.

This can often be a great concern to some people, who perhaps do not have a family member or friend in a position to look after their dog, should the worst happen.

Therefore, by signing up to the service, Dogs Trust can offer peace of mind, reassuring you that your faithful friend will be well cared for by the charity.

If you would like to find out more, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk and search for ‘Canine Care Card’. Alternatively, the Dogs Trust can be contacted on (01273) 466971.

Boxing Sessions at the Billingshurst Centre

The Boxing Sessions organised by Billingshurst Neighbourhood Wardens Julie & Barry continue to go from strength to strength.

The sessions are for young people between the ages of 11 - 17. No need to book, just come along to the Billingshurst Centre on Wednesday afternoons between 4.00 - 5.00pm. Upcoming Meetings (December)

Centre and F&GP Committees

This festive season, families in Billingshurst will be able to have a fun walk with this augmented reality storytrail.

As part of local Christmas celebrations, from 10th December to the New Year, Billingshurst Community Partnership has teamed up with High Street Safari to run a free family trail. This innovative experience lets participants, using their smartphones, choose what happens in the story. Players not only hunt down missing Christmas presents along the route, but they can also make story choices, choose-your-adventure style. At each stop players can then ‘release’ the cheeky Christmas Imps and see them burst to life in augmented reality.

Hunt for the Lost Toys is located at ten stops around the village centre.Families will be guided on their trip by The Luminauts, a team of superheroes, on an adventure as they find the lost presents and conclude the story.

The trail takes about 45 minutes but can be completed in more than one visit. It’s completely free for families and groups to take part in and they win a free, digital fun pack at the end.

To find out more, visit www.highstreetsafari.com

Gillian Knight Co-Chair, Billingshurst Community Partnership

Renegades are ahead of the carve!

Renegades Youth Club carved out some fab-boo-lous fun as the Hallowe’en pumpkin season arrived with a gourd old fashioned bang.

“We had the campfires burning and hot chocolate to keep everyone warm, and the kids had great fun carving their pumpkins together. They created a real mixture of faces – from a shotgun spray technique to the ones who carefully sculpted out all the features – while we told horror stories. It had to be horror and not ghost stories despite the time of year… blood and gore is what they love!” laughs Group Leader Gareth Miller

Once their carving expertise had been exhausted – with not a cut finger, courtesy of regular knife practise – the children did what they seem to love best. “Always the most wonderful experience is to watch the children literally light up like firecrackers when you let them loose in the dark! We play a Manhunt game in the grounds of our new home and the energy they give off could solve the current fuel crisis!” says Gareth. “It is also a principle of the club that we ask the kids what they want to do rather than tell them – they get that all day – and it really works.”

The Renegades is delighted to announce that the club now operates out of Loxwood Village Hall – with

a big thank you to the organising committee there for their support. Mixed activities take place there on a Monday night, art & craft and acrobatics are on a Thursday night and archery on a Friday night. Carpentry is in Wisborough Green on a Tuesday and canoeing on the Wey & Arun canal on a Sunday morning.

The other great news is that the club has been awarded two more grants. “Because the Postcode Society has seen what a difference they made with the purchase of canoes and a trailer, and that there is no end to our ambition, they have generously given us another substantial grant,” says Gareth.

“Thanks must also go to Katie Bourne, the county’s Police & Crime Commissioner, for a wonderful grant to continue the work we are doing in trying to reach more and more children with the work we are doing. Renegade children and parents alike say a huge thank you to both organisations.”

The Renegades is a Registered Charity. Membership costs £10 a month. Please contact Gareth Miller on 07801 862550 or Damian Dixon on 07484 130189 for further information.

Vanda Rumney

Photo: Renegades with the fruits of their labour!

Billingshurst Macmillan Coffee Mornings raise £1529

Billingshurst has been very busy with three Macmillan Coffee Mornings taking place.

Tony Allen organised one on Friday 30th September at Jubilee Court there were cakes, refreshments and a raffle, enjoyed by all the residents and friends and family. A total of £170 was raised,

On Tuesday 25th October The King’s Head, Billingshurst held their annual coffee morning. Kelly from the pub said, “We had a fun-packed morning that raised money for a great cause, close to our hearts. Fresh teas, coffees and tables full of home-baked cakes, scones and sausage rolls, all baked by staff and customers. Thanks to all the local businesses that donated prizes to our raffle, we were able to give away vouchers, hampers and lots more!” An amazing £650 was raised.

Saturday 29th October, The Billingshurst Group held their annual coffee morning. Refreshments and cakes were sold in the cafe section and there were also many tables, selling Jills Crafts, our delicious homemade cakes and preserves, lots of Christmas goodies, flowers/plant from Culberry Nursery, a tombola and our ever popular Hamper Raffle, the event was very well attended and a magnificent sum of £709 was raised.

All monies raised from these coffee mornings, will go to help those affected by cancer in the local area. For any more information please contact Terri: 07711 470635

Terri Ashpool

Village Inn

By Ted Gooda

The inns in Billingshurst have an ancient history. The Six Bells appears in the census of 1341, while The Kings’ Arms is complimented in William Cobbet’s 1830 Rural Rides. In the 1980s I came with my family to live in The King’s Head, which had been a coaching inn in the seventeenth century, and was acutely conscious of moving into a building with a ‘history’.

Two red cartwheels stand in the passageway, recalling old hostlers at the ancient hostelry; resting point on London stagecoach Sussex artery. Archives insist on wheeling through the archway of time to create new chronicles. The long-ago is here and now with ghostly imprints on each barstool. At first the pub was the only three-storeyed place in the village, and the pint-sized stories grew. We started a new fire when we moved in. The inn closed for weeks with an unstable chimney stack; old smoke kindled in wispy trails, rising to join who knows whom? Hearty faces spoofed through pre-Google arguments growing pale at last orders: Wurzel and that damn dawg, the whisky-swilling actuary, John the egg. They’re there still. In the end we’re all just passing through. We pause a while; share a tale over a nip or two.

Pam (Billingshurst Fundraising Group) accepts the cheque from Oonagh and Kelly (The King’s Head)

Photo of The King’s Head: Grahame Pearson

How Much is that Phone in the Window?

Mobile phones are expensive. I mean really expensive. The latest iPhones and top of the range Android phones cost upwards of £1000 so they are a big financial commitment. But are they value for money? Is a £1000 phone any better than one which costs £200?

When you watch a phone advert it’s easy to believe that owning the latest model will make your life infinitely better. With ultrahigh resolution screens, multiple professional quality cameras and massively powerful computing engines, you could easily use your phone to replace your laptop, camera, TV and, at a push, your spouse!

But how many of these fantastic features will you actually use?

Most of use our phones for fairly mundane, low-power tasks. We text, check our social media, post selfies or snapshots, watch YouTube videos, make quick videos to post on social media, play a game and some of us even use them to make phone calls. But none of these tasks require any of the high-end features that are pushing the cost of your phone through the roof.

Budget phones summon up the image of a piece of sad plastic that struggles to turn on, let alone do anything useful. But there’s a big difference between ‘budget’ and ‘great value for money.’

Big brand names such as Apple and Samsung market their phones as status symbols. Pulling out the latest iPhone or flipping open your foldable Samsung is the same as wearing a

Rolex watch or rocking up in your sports car. If you enjoy that feeling and are happy with the cost then these are the phones for you.

If you want a phone that has almost all the features of the top brands: screen, cameras, powerful processor, etc, there are a range of less well-known brands that will deliver all this for a lower cost. Many of these are from Chinese manufacturers where components and labour costs are lower. You’ll still get a high quality product, and the phone will power through all of your day-to-day tasks with room to spare, but people won’t recognise the logo on the back.

For example, my 12-yearold needed a new phone and we wanted to get one that would be fun to use rather than the low-powered basic model he’d started out with. I came across a phone from Xiaomi, the Redmi Note 9. This has a powerful octa core processor (whatever that is!), loads of memory, 64 GB of storage space, ultra high resolution screen, three high resolution specialist cameras, fast charge, and long battery life all for the very pocket friendly cost of £150. From a pre-teenage point of view, he’s pleased as punch with the power and quality of the phone. Form a parent point of view, I’m delighted with the price.

So, when buying a new phone my advice is to be honest about what you’re going to use it for. If you feel a premium phone is worth the money go for it. If you want a phone that does everything and is a pleasure to use but is easy on your pocket, shop around.

Tom Hancock

Rates: www.villagetweet.co.uk

Barns Green Players are back and it’s Panto time again! This January (hopefully) we will be performing Aladdin postponed due to COVID. It will be the first show for three years so everyone is very excited and desperately keen to get back on stage to entertain you.

There will be a total of seven shows performed over two weekends this January. The shows will be in the Barns Green Village Hall on Friday 20th (evening), Saturday 21st (afternoon and evening), Sunday 22nd (afternoon), Friday 27th (evening), and Saturday 28th (afternoon and evening). The afternoon performances begin at 2pm and evening performances at 7.30pm and there is plenty of free car parking.

Neale Francis is the Director this year. “We were all so disappointed to have to cancel last year’s show but it has only made us more excited about being able to stage the show this January. Aladdin is a classic pantomime story and it will give our wonderful cast of actors, dancers and singers a chance to display their full range of talents. It will also create some big challenges for our technical department as there are lots of magical

special effects! We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at one of the performances”. There will be singalongs and sweets for the children and opportunities for the audience to join in with the fun with lots of shouting and screaming. For the evening performances there is a licensed bar serving a variety of alcoholic and soft drinks as well as sweets.

If you are regulars at the Barns Green Players Panto you will know just what a terrific show they put on and if you haven’t been before you are in for a real treat.

Tickets cost just £14 for adults and £10 for children. (All tickets on both Saturday evenings are £14) There is a special price of just £10 for all tickets on Friday 20th January.

We look forward to welcoming you for some great fun and entertainment.

Tickets are available to book direct from the website: www.barnsgreenplayers.co.uk or through the box office – 01403 730017.

Nigel Currie

Photo: Nigel Baker plays the Genie and Alex Finch is Aladdin in the Barns Green Players pantomime, Aladdin this January

The Rescue Mission

Once upon a time on a small farm near Billingshurst…

AsMagnus and Poppy were snoozing away one late December afternoon, Poppy started twitching and jerking in her sleep. Magnus growled and told her to stop. But when she woke up, Poppy was terribly upset. “Oh, Magnus,” she wailed, “I’ve had the most terrible dream.” She went on, “It was dark and foggy and a man and a woman were lost and couldn’t find their way and they had to get there really soon because a baby was on the way.” It seemed so real I knew I needed to help. What shall we do?

Magnus had her explain it all again, nodded and began. “This is an emergency. We must go now! We have to go back to sleep and send ourselves back in time and space to where they are and help them. Come close to me and I’ll help you.”

So they snuggled down together and dreamt themselves back into time and space. The stars sped past and with a whoosh, Poppy and Magnus landed on a path covered with stones in the dark and fog. Not a light could be seen.

Poppy shuddered with the cold and wailed, “Ooh, it’s too dark and I’m soooo cold.” “Sshush,” countered Magnus. “Listen.” Soon they heard the plop, plop of animal hoofsteps. They smelt the animal too – a donkey, and the humans.

With relief the dogs approached and bowed, “May we be of assistance?” Magnus enquired. The man noticed the little dogs and asked, “Can you help? I think we’re lost.” Magnus turned to Poppy: “You’re faster than me and your nose is better. Go ahead a bit and get us on the right road. I’ll go with the humans and make sure they are OK.” (Actually he was rather hoping for a bit of a lift on the donkey because his legs weren’t too good.)

So Poppy raced ahead, her little nose in the air, and soon found the right road. “Follow me!,” she barked as she sprinted on. She kept coming back to make sure they had kept to the right road. Before long they came up out if the fog and there ahead were the lights of a busy town. Magnus meanwhile kept the lady warm with

his snuggly fur, because he indeed had got a lift. The humans and the dogs came to the town’s only inn but were turned away because there was no room. The humans were frantic because the baby was coming. Poppy did what she did best. She raised her little head, opened her mouth and out came the most horrible, plaintive, screaming howl. The innkeeper came out to see what was making all the noise looked down saw the little dog, her mouth ready for another howl. “No, don’t!” he cried. “You’re freaking out all my guests. What do you want?” Magnus spoke up in his most authoritative voice, “My man, this lady needs a place to stay. Her baby is coming. Do you want her to have it in the street? And Poppy to keep howling in protest?” The innkeeper thought for a bit and quickly weighed up his options street and howling and lost reputation, or find

“Well, we do have a little shed out the back for the animals. Will that do?” Magnus looked up at the man and off to the shed they all went, unpacked and had a little rest.

That night the baby came and the lady wrapped him up and put him in a food trough on a bed of soft sweetsmelling hay. The dogs joined the other animals to look at him. The baby’s little eyes opened and he smiled at them. The lady said, “Thank you little dogs, God answered our prayer through you. You are very special in his eyes.” Magnus and Poppy swelled with pride. Just as the sun came up some shepherds came and there was sweet singing.

The little dogs could have stayed for ever, but Magnus said, “Nanny will be up soon. We’d better get back.” So, they snuggled together and dreamed their way through time and space to their own home on the sofa of their own little house on that little farm near Billingshurst.

Yvonne and the farm friends wish you all a lovely Christmas.

Yvonne Fleece

The Spaniel Diaries

Ho, ho, ho! Here we are in December already! The biggest thing I’m hoping for this year is for santa to collect that puppy and give it to someone else! He’s really annoying, trying to play all the time when I just want to wander around and sniff, and he’s teething so he’s not averse to trying to chomp on me, very annoying indeed. As usual that idiot Mav thrives on such juvenile attention, neither of them will be a gentleman like me.

I really can’t wait to see what chaos that puppy causes with the Christmas tree, that’ll teach mum a lesson and hopefully she’ll lock the little monster in the garden although I won’t get my hopes up about that!

One thing I love about this time of year is our yummy treats in the morning from the thing called an advent calendar, I make sure I’m first in line and give mum my best “Feed me” look! She does tell me off for trying to sit on the puppy, which is getting difficult now as he’s almost as big as me.

Mum is being careful with human treats like chocolate and mince pies to make sure us dogs can’t

reach them as they will make us poorly, and things such as cooked bones are kept well away from us too, I don’t mind as we get our traditional steak, hmmm, I really must try to pinch the puppy’s one!

I think mum is despairing about the amount of mud at the moment. As you can imagine, we spaniels love to get very dirty indeed running around the woods and fields. I did laugh when she made the puppy wear a fleece jacket as he’s so small he gets absolutely plastered in mud, especially if I jump on him too his face said it all how unimpressed he was with the jacket! Now and again mum takes us to the beach “for a change,” she says, but I’m sure she does it to escape from the mud and give us a bit of a clean! She does keep a close eye out for palm oil being washed up though, the beach is wonderful in winter, often deserted and we have such a lovely time!

So a new year is only days away, let’s hope it’s a better one and brings promise and hope and that you all can make some wonderful memories. Billy.

Jeannette Douglas

In the UK, poinsettias have become as entwined with Christmas as holly and mistletoe. Yet poinsettias are actually subtropical plants, native to central America and Mexico, requiring temperatures of between 10 and 21 degrees centigrade to survive.

The bright red ‘flowers’ are really bracts, surrounding the real flowers, which are tiny and insignificant.

They are notoriously difficult to persuade to flower again so it is with some pride that I tell you my current poinsettia is seven years old, huge, and flowers every year.

If you want to try this, fertilize the plant once a month then cut back the stems in February to promote new growth. In May repot it to a larger container.

From late September to 1st December cover the plant between 6pm and 8am as poinsettias need long periods of darkness in order to persuade the bracts to turn red. At the beginning of December you should have a beautiful flowering poinsettia.

But if this sounds too much like hard work… well, you can always buy another one!

As it’s the festive season I thought I’d finish with a traditional Christmas story, explaining how the poinsettia came to be associated with this time of year.

If you buy a poinsettia for someone this year it might be nice to tell them the story when you give them the plant:

In Mexico, there once lived a little girl called Pepita who came from a very poor family.

Every year, she and her brother Pablo looked

forward to the big Christmas festival in their village. A manger scene would be set up in the church and the days before Christmas were filled with parades and parties. On Christmas Eve the whole village would attend church and all the children would place a gift for the baby Jesus next to the manger.

One year Pepita’s family had no money at all to buy such a gift so it was with a sad heart that Pepita walked to the church that Christmas Eve and as they drew closer she began to weep.

“Little Pepita, why do you cry?” asked her older brother Pablo.

“Because I have no gift for the Christ child,” she answered.

“Oh Pepita, even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be accepted by him,” said Pablo, comforting her.

Pepita considered this for a while then gathered a handful of weeds from the roadside verge and fashioned them into a small posy. But as she entered the church her heart felt heavier than before.

With her head bowed she approached the altar and knelt to lay her posy before the manger.

Suddenly the tiny bouquet burst into blooms of brilliant red starry flowers and all who saw them were sure they had witnessed a Christmas miracle.

The flowers are known as Flores de Noche Buena in Mexico which translates as Flowers of the Holy Night.

Happy Christmas, Rachel Leverton

Foundation Stones laid at St Catherine’s new hospice site in Pease Pottage

St Catherine’s Hospice marked a milestone moment on Wednesday 9th November by unveiling two new foundation stones at its new hospice site in Pease Pottage.

The event was 40 years to the day since Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother laid the original foundation stone at its Malthouse Road, Crawley, hospice in 1982.

Hosted by St Catherine’s Chairman Terry O’Leary, local dignitaries, key supporters, staff and volunteers attended the ceremony on the site of the new £19.5M hospice which is due to open in autumn 2023.

The first foundation stone to be uncovered paid tribute to all the people and organisations who have been instrumental in founding, building and sustaining the hospice over the last 40 years and into the future. It was unveiled by Sir Richard Kleinwort, Trustee of the Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust and Sarah Bray, Chair of the New Horizons Appeal, who have supported the hospice since its very beginning.

The second foundation stone paid tribute to everyone who has worked and volunteered at St Catherine’s and to those who will shape its future, thanks to their loyalty and hard work. This stone was unveiled by Ann Dutton, St Catherine’s longest serving volunteer who joined two weeks before the Malthouse Road hospice opened, and Senior Specialist Nurse, Jackie Chipps, the longest serving staff member, who has provided expert care for 31 years.

The new stones were proudly revealed alongside the original St Catherine’s foundation stone which been relocated from the current hospice building on Malthouse Road.

Terry O’Leary said, “Forty years ago on 9th November 1982, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother laid this foundation stone at our Malthouse Road site and around a year later St Catherine’s admitted our first patients at what was then our state-of-the-art new hospice.

“Today we are celebrating the people who make our work possible the generous people of West Sussex and East Surrey whose donations enable our work and the amazing staff and volunteers who care for those in our community when they most need that care as they approach dying and death.

“I became involved with St Catherine’s back in 2013 with my wife, Jenny, who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and subsequently died in the care of the hospice the following year. I will always be deeply grateful for the way St Catherine’s helped us through that difficult and anxious time. I continued my involvement after Jenny’s death and then in 2016 I was appointed to the role of Chair of Trustees.

“I inherited the early stages of the ambitious plan which has taken us to where we are today and will transform how we deliver care. There have been times through the twists and turns of the past six years when I have wondered if we would get here, particularly during the significant challenges posed by the pandemic.

“But we have, and we’ve done so thanks to the generosity of our donors, the support of our community and the tenacity and determination of our talented staff.

“Over 40 years ago, a group of local people showed their own tenacity and determination and drew on the support and generosity of our local community to build Malthouse Road where many of us will always have fond and sad memories.

“Today we remember our founders with admiration and with gratitude as we build, literally, the next important phase in the history of St Catherine’s.”

St Catherine’s Hospice provides end-of-life care and support to terminally ill people and their families across Crawley, Horsham, East Surrey and mid-Sussex. For information or to make a donation visit stch.org.uk. Anna Jackson, St Catherine’s Hospice

Photos: St Catherine’s longest serving volunteer Ann Dutton with longest serving staff member Jackie Chipps, next to the new foundation stones

Merry Christmas from Billingshurst Fire Station

We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! This will be the last article of the year, so on behalf of the crew at Billingshurst Fire Station, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable Christmas. Please look out for elderly neighbours who might be on their own this Christmas. A quick checkin and a chat for 20 minutes could go a long way. Perhaps offer to help with any groceries they may need; it could save them a journey in the cold and wet weather.

Thank you to all the crew who are going to be available and on-call over the festive period. A time where we should all be spending time with our families and friends. However, we will be available in case our local community needs us.

In past years, we’ve always been called out on Christmas Day, and although cold turkey is nice, we would much prefer it warm and with our families. Please take extra care when cooking your Christmas dinners!

This year has been another busy year with plenty of things happening on station, and we are very much looking forward to 2023. We will be holding our Charity Car Wash in March, and also planning an Open Day during the summer. Dates for these to be confirmed in the spring and will of course be listed in the What’s On pages. Until next year, stay safe and we hope you all have a fantastic Christmas.

Twitter: @Station49Fire

Facebook: Billingshurst Fire Station

Dan Game, Billingshurst Fire Station

What’s On near you

What’s On – December

Every Mon Billingshurst Men’s Shed. We currently meet at the Billingshurst scout hut in Lower Station Road. 10am to noon. Part of the Men’s Shed movement, we are a group of men AND women who meet to talk, drink tea & coffee, make and repair things and plan the creation of our permanent home in the village. Contact David Ambrose, Secretary, tel: (01403) 786284 or e-mail: billimensshed@outlook.com

Every MonKnit & Natter. Billingshurst Library. 10.30am-midday. Open to anyone that likes to knit, crochet, sew and chat! Meet new friends, swap tips and ideas. No need to book. All ages and abilities welcome. Further info: drop in or call Bev at Billingshurst Library on (01403) 783145

Every Mon Horsham Matters Hub on the Move Foodbank. Billingshurst Library car park, 10-11.30am

Every MonTable Tennis. St Mary’s Room, East St, Billingshurst. 2-4pm. A sociable group for all ages. Includes tea & biscuits normally. Suggested donation to church funds £2 per session. Tony, tel: (01403) 783496

Every MonBOOSTfit Horsham. The Forest School, Comptons Lane, RH13 5NT. Judgement & pressure free fitness for all. Clare Lawton, tel: 07983 976 601 or e-mail: clareboostfit@outlook.com. www.boostfit.com

Every MonChair Yoga. Kelsey Hall, Ifold. 2.15-3pm. For those who want to feel the benefits of yoga, but from a chair! All welcome. £5. Kim, tel: 07780 439155 or e-mail whiterosechairyoga@outlook.com

Every MonSeniors’ Coffee Morning. St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst. 10.30am to 12 noon. £3 a head. Transport available. Tel: (01403) 786706

Every Mon,Shipley Men’s Shed. Shipley football ground off Dragon’s Lane. Part of the international Men’s Shed Tues & Weds organisation. For men interested in woodwork or wish to spend time with like-minded, local chaps. www.HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org. Tel: Philip, 07786 070939 or email: info@HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org

Every MonWisborough Green Short Mat Bowls Club. Village Hall. Mons 2.30-4.30pm, Weds 1.30-3.30pm. & Weds New members & visitors welcome. £2.50 (includes Tea/Coffee & biscuits). Trial session free for newcomers. Further information: www.wisboroughgreen.org or contact Keith Carter on 01403 700502

Every MonHorsham Bridge Club. Face-to-Face. 22a East Street, Horsham, RH12 1HL. 1.30pm. Graham & Weds Walker, tel: (01403) 734156. www.horshambridge.co.uk

Every Mon Clubbercise with Hayley. St Gabriel's Church Hall, Billingshurst. 7.45-8.30pm. Aerobic exercise class & Thurs for all fitness levels, 16 and over. Darkened room with flashing disco lights and music (90s to now). Pre-bookings only: bookwhen.com/clubbercisehayleym. Updates: facebook.com/clubbercisewithhayley

Every Tues Billingshurst Short Mat Bowls. Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre. 2-4pm. £4 per session. Come and try a game. It’s great fun with friendly people in a small club. Further details please contact Alan Barnes, tel: (01403) 783721

Every Tues Billingshurst Choral Society Practice. Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre. 7.30-9.45pm. New members welcome. Tel: Keith Paul on 07989 412997

Every TuesStitch & Knit. Six Bells, Billingshurst. 7-9.30pm. Welcoming & helpful, just bring your project & make new friends. No fees. Sarah, tel: 07817 699865 (leave message)

Every Tues Slinfold Concert Band rehearsal. Slinfold Village Hall from 7.30-9.30pm. Brass, woodwind and percussion players all welcome. www.slinfoldconcertband.org

Every TuesWalking Football. 10-11.30am. Shipley football ground off Dragon’s Lane (Holbrook Club in mid-Winter). Followed by refreshments. Men & women welcome. www.HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org. Tel: Philip, 07786 070939 or email: info@HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org

Every TuesBOOSTfit Billingshurst. Billingshurst Leisure Centre, RH14 9RY. Judgement & pressure free fitness for all. Clare Lawton, tel: 07983 976 601 or e-mail: clareboostfit@outlook.com. www.boostfit.com

Every Tues Drop in Baby Zone! St Mary’s Room, East St, Billingshurst. 1.30-3pm. Space to meet other parents/carers & their babies (under 1yr. Free. Booking not required. Email: Emma babies@stmarysbillingshurst.org

Every Tues Preschool Ballet and street dance classes. Jubilee Fields, Billingshurst. VMA Dance run fun, friendly & Thurs classes for preschool children. Free trial then £4pw pre-booked. 07879 773705 www.vmadance.co.uk

Every TuesHorsham Bridge Club. Online BBO. 7pm. Graham Walker, tel: (01403) 734156. & Thurs www.horshambridge.co.uk

Every Tues Pétanque Club. Shipley Football Ground, 10.15 for 10.30am start (*spring/summer/autumn, Friday, 6.30pm) & Fri* Coffee after. Equipment provided. All ages and abilities. www.HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org. Tel: Russell, 07803 259190 or email: info@HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org

Every WedsHorsham Accordion Band. Practises in Slinfold Chapel from 7.30-9.30pm. Varied repertoire. Band Leader Mags Fisher tel: (01403) 790717 or email: magsfisher@btinternet.com

Every WedsThe Millennium Bridge Club. Storrington Village Hall, 1.30-4.30pm. All abilities. Please contact: Barbara: (01903) 741365 or daisy.campling@btinternet.com

Every WedsLine dancing. St Gabriel’s Church Hall. Improvers 6-7.15pm, intermediates 7.15-9.30pm. Details from Maureen, tel: 07774 828282

Every WedsBillingshurst Bell Ringing practice. St Mary’s Church, Billingshurst. 7.30-9.15pm. New learners and visitors welcome, just turn up. For information email Kathy at kathyfitzp@hotmail.co.uk

Every Weds The Leconfield Singers. United Reformed Church, Petworth. 8-10pm. Mixed voice non-audition community choir. Newcomers welcome. More details and term times see www.leconfieldsingers.co.uk

Every WedsBillingshurst Rock Choir. Primary School. 7.30-9pm, term times. No experience required. A friendly choir singing upbeat pop, rock and Motown. Book a FREE taster session at www.rockchoir.com

Every Weds Horsham Bridge Club. Online BBO. 2pm. Graham Walker, tel: (01403) 734156. www.horshambridge.co.uk

Every WedsLoxwood Bridge for Fun. North Hall, Loxwood. 2pm. For more information contact Gina Moore, tel: (01403) 751722 or e-mail: ginamoore@btopenworld.com

Every 2ndBilliUke: Billingshurst’s Own Ukulele Jam! Billingshurst Centre, from 7.30pm. If you already have a & 4th Weds ukulele, or are thinking about getting one, please come along and join us. It’s a fun couple of hours and you also get to make new friends from the village and beyond. www.billiuke.com

Every ThursStitch & Knit. 10am-12.30pm. We rove round local cafés & car share, lifts may be possible. Welcoming & helpful, just bring your project. No fees. Sarah, tel: 07817 699865 (leave message)

Every Thurs Clubbercise with Hayley. St Gabriel’s Church Hall, Billingshurst. 7.45-8.30pm. Aerobic exercise class for all fitness levels16 and over. Darkened room with flashing disco lights and music (90s to now). Pre-bookings

Rates: www.villagetweet.co.uk

What’s On near you

only: bookwhen.com/clubbercisehayleym. Latest updates: facebook.com/clubbercisewithhayley

Every Thurs Wildlife walkabouts. RSPB Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve, Wiggonholt, RH20 2EL. 10am-12 noon. £8 per person (£2.50 for RSPB members). (01798) 875851. www.rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks

Every Thurs HDC Health Walk. Billingshurst (2). Meet 11am, Library car park, Billingshurst (TQ086260). Parking free with annnual permit or 75p per hour. 2¼ miles, flat, easy. 1 hour. Chris (01403) 782745. All HDC walks are guided, free and sociable. Led by trained volunteers; no need to book, just turn-up

Every Thurs Crafts and Natter group. The Chapel, Spy Lane, Loxwood, RH14 0SQ. 11am-3pm

Every 1st & ‘We Care’ meeting for carers and people with dementia. Glebe Centre, Ewhurst, GU6 7PY. 10.30am3rd Thurs 12.30. Refreshments, friendship, chat & activities. Carol: 07775 865125 or carol@highedser.co.uk

Every Fri VMA Dance classes for children 2-18yrs. Jubilee Fields, Billingshurst. Classes in Ballet, Street Dance & Contemporary. Free Trial available then £5pw pre-booked. 07879 773705 www.vmadance.co.uk

AlternateThe Mother’s Fire. Nature connection group for mothers and children of all ages. 10am-12noon at a Fridays*, beautiful, secure farm in Billingshurst. *Contact hello@acornsandembers.co.uk or visit Feb-Dec www.acornsandembers.co.uk for a full list of dates, more info and to book

Every SatIndoor table top sale and market. Ansell’s Yard, Kirdford Road, Wisborough Green, RH14 0DD. 10am-2pm. No entrance fee. Tables £5 (must be pre-booked). Tel: (01403) 700633 or 07798 941940

Every Sat Dempsey School of Irish Dancing for children aged 5+. Billingshurst Community Centre. 9 & 10am. Nicola, e-mail: dempseyirishdance@gmail.com

Every SatAmities Boules Club. Foresters Arms, Kirdford. New members always welcome. Sats: 10.45 for & Weds 11am start, finish 1.30pm. Weds (summer only, weather permitting): 2pm. David, tel: (01483) 278346

Every Sun Sussex Sunday Walkers offer led walks every Sunday throughout the year. For more information please view our website www.sussexsundaywalkers.org.uk or email wealdmen@hotmail.com

Every SunThe Emmanuel Fellowship meet every Sunday at ‘The Chapel’, Spy Lane, Loxwood, RH14 0SQ. 10.30am for about an hour with refreshments afterwards. www.emmanuelfellowship.co.uk

SPACE IS TIGHT IN THE WHAT’S ON PAGES. IF ANYONE HAS TRIED TO TAKE PART IN ANY OF THE REGULAR ENTRIES (ABOVE) AND FOUND THEM TO BE NO LONGER AVAILABLE PLEASE LET VILLAGE TWEET KNOW

1 Dec Midhurst Macmillan Tree of Hope Service. St Mary’s Church, Easebourne. 6.30pm. Remember an absent loved one, friend or colleague who won’t be with you this Christmas. Dedicate a light to them on the Macmillan Tree of Hope and enter their name in this year’s Book of Love. Mince pies & mulled wine. For dedication form tel: (01730) 811121 or e-mail: SC-TR.MidhurstMacmillan@nhs.net

1 Dec Parish Council Planning & Environmental Committee meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7.30pm

1 Dec Wisborough Green Evening WI. Wisborough Green Village Hall. 7.45pm. Every first Thursday. Visitors welcome for taster session. Please contact wisboroughgreenWI@wsfwi.co.uk for our latest calendar of activities, and membership details

1 Dec Reading Friends. Billingshurst Library. 10.30-11.30am. Are you interested in meeting new friends, having a good chat and sharing your love of books? Everyone welcome, just turn up. Tel: (01403) 783145

2 Dec Macmillan Film night. ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’. Billingshurst Conference & Community Centre. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Refreshments, raffle & Macmillan stall. Tickets £7 from www.touringcinema.com or Austens Home Hardware, 48-52 High Street or Terri Ashpool, tel: 07711 470635 or on the door

3 Dec Billingshurst Christmas Fayre. Billingshurst Centre. 10am-3pm. See page 25

3 Dec Community Drum Circle. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 2pm. This fun, noisy, family friendly event is open to everyone and anyone. No musical experience is necessary, and all drums and percussion are provided. It is all about taking part and having fun so come along, grab a drum, and have a go! Tickets £5 (Family £15): (01483) 278000 (Tues-Sat 10am-4pm) or visit www.cranleighartscentre.org

3 Dec Festive Wreath Making (Adults). West Chiltington Lane, Billingshurst. 11am-1.30pm. We will start with tea and tasty baked goods. Create a natural wreath of willow and foraged greenery for your front door. No experience is needed, all materials provided. We’ll close our time together with a light lunch of hot soup and bread by the fire. 12 spaces. Book at www.acornsandembers.co.uk/eventsandworkshops

3 Dec Live Music: Dominic Alldis – An Evening of Jazz and Wine. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 7.30pm. Enjoy this festive Christmas gig with piano/vocal (Dominic Alldis), Bass (Andrew Cleyndert) and Guitar (Colin Oxley). Including special guest jazz trumpet player Jay Phelps. Tickets £25 inc cheese and wine: (01483) 278000 (Tues-Sat 10am-4pm) or visit www.cranleighartscentre.org

4 Dec Indoor Antiques Market & Collectors Sale. Ansell’s Yard, Kirdford Road, Wisborough Green, RH14 0DD. 10am-2pm. No entrance fee. Tables available £5 (must be pre-booked), also storage units to let, £25 pw. Telephone (01403) 700633 or 07798 941940

6 Dec The Arts Society West Sussex lecture by Sandy Burnett: ‘Tchaikovsky to Tin Pan Alley’. Fittleworth Village Hall. Doors open 1.40, lecture 2pm followed by tea and coffee. Visitors (£7 cash only) most welcome. Tel: (01903) 411086 or email: jackiebuckler@sky.com www.theartssocietywestsussex.org

6 Dec Three Crowns Christmas Fayre. Wisborough Green. 3.30-9pm.

6 Dec Pulborough Computer Club Evening. Pulborough Village Hall. 7.30pm. (Every 1st Tues) An evening with a friendly group with varying levels of IT knowledge & skills. No need to book. Members £2, guests £3

6 Dec Laughter Yoga Club. Unitarian Hall (side door), Billingshurst, RH14 9TB. (Park Lakers Mead.) 1.35 for 1.45pm start till 2.45pm. £6. Boosts seratonine and nervous systems & improves wellbeing! Non-profitmaking club. All welcome. Contact Linda, tel: 07806.327917, email: lstevenson201854@gmail.com

6-24 Dec Meath Midwinter Exhibition. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 10am-4pm. Come in from the cold for this heart-warming, eclectic exhibition of wintery works from the people supported by The Meath Epilepsy Charity.Taking inspiration from the natural world, classic winter tales and the story of Christmas itself, this imaginative, multimedia exploration of the winter season is proudly presented by adults who live with complex epilepsy and disabilities. Free. www.cranleighartscentre.org

7 Dec The Arts Society – South Downs lecture by Barry Venning: ‘Christmas with Giles, grandmother and family’ Fittleworth Village Hall, RH20 1JB. 10.45am (coffee 9.50am) Visitors welcome, £7, contact Jane Allison, tel: (01798) 813314 or e-mail: jane@theallisonfamily.co.uk. www.theartssocietysouthdowns.org.uk

What’s On near you

7 Dec Billingshurst Dramatic Society Christmas Social. Women’s Hall. 7.30pm. There will be a read-through of a well-known Christmas play along with mulled wine and mince pies. All welcome!

7 Dec The Family Fire. A seasonal celebration around the fire with tea, song, wild play and natural crafts. All ages and genders warmly welcomed, a heartfelt offering for every branch of the family tree. 10am-12 noon at a beautiful, secure farm in Billingshurst. Contact hello@acornsandembers.co.uk or visit www.acornsandembers.co.uk for more info and to book

7 Dec Parish Council Working Practices Committee meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7.30pm

7 Dec Billingshurst Wednesday Group. St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst, 10am. Hazel Barnes, tel: 07711 470635 or email: buzzhazel@gmail.com

7 Dec Billingshurst Beck WI Carols & Wreath Making Demonstration withh Chanel’s Crafty Corner. Stanley Room, Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre, Roman Way, RH14 9QW. 7.30pm. Raffle for a wreath. Non-WI members welcome, £4 including home-made mince pie & mulled wine. Donations welcome. For further information tel: (01444) 483682 or email: yvonnebee@wsfwi.co.uk

8 Dec Messy Church! Pavilion in Jubilee Fields. 3.45-5.45pm. Billingshurst churches welcome families to have fun with games, crafts, singing and stories. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Sit-down meal, donation. Contact Beth at St Mary’s for more information, e-mail: familyworker@stmarysbillingshurst.org. www.messychurch.org.uk

8 Dec Billingshurst Local History Society Talk by Andy Thomas: ‘Christmas, a Festive History’. Billingshurst Community and Conference Centre, 7.30pm. Membership £20 per annum. Visitors £5 per meeting. Ms G Knight, tel: (01403) 451401, email: g.j.s.knight@btinternet.com

8 Dec Billingshurst Horticultural Society Annual General Meeting. St Gabriel’s Hall, East Street, 8pm, followed by refreshments. Beryl Barraclough, tel: (01403) 784599

8 Dec Billingshurst WI Christmas Musical Extravaganza. Community Centre, Roman Way. 2.30pm. Room not available until 2.15pm. Interesting speakers, hobby groups, various outings. Visitors welcome. Secretary, tel: (01403) 780810

9 Dec Billingshurst and District Wine and Beer Circle meeting. Circle meets 2nd Friday (except August) at St Gabriel’s Hall, East Street, 8pm. New members welcome. Contact Chris 07790 762052 or Linda 07806 327917. Email: edwinstevenson51@gmail.com. www.billingshurstwineandbeercircle.com

9 Dec Loxwood Movie Night: ‘Elvis’. North Hall, RH14 0SF. 7 for 7.30 start. £5 on the door. Bar

10 Dec Billingshurst Dementia Café. United Reformed Church Hall, Second Saturday of every month, from 10am-12pm. Please join us for tea, coffee and cake. All are welcome

10 Dec Billingshurst Choral Society Christmas Carol Concert. Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre. 5.30pm. Refreshments provided by Chestnut Tree House, donations appreciated

10 Dec Pulborough Village Market. (4th Saturday except December: 2nd Saturday.) Pulborough Village Hall, Swan View, RH20 2BF. 9am-12 noon. Fresh produce, bread, delicatessen, local honey, organic condiments, plants, local crafts and much more. Café serving a full English breakfast, tea/coffee and cakes. Free entry. Please like us on Facebook. Market Coordinator Terri Ashpool, tel: 07711 470635, e-mail: terriashpool@uwclub.net

10 Dec Pulborough Village Market. Pulborough Village Hall, Swan View, RH20 2BF. 9am-12 noon. Fresh produce, bread, delicatessen, local honey, organic condiments, plants, local crafts and much more. Café serving a full English breakfast, tea/coffee and cakes. Free entry. Please like us on Facebook. Market Coordinator Terri Ashpool, tel: 07711 470635, e-mail: terriashpool@uwclub.net

10-31 Dec Hunt for the Lost Toys. Billingshurst fun walk. Details: www.highstreetsafari.com. See page 26

11 Dec Vivace Chorus presents the Mayor of Guildford’s Charity Carol Concert. Holy Trinity Church, Guildford. 7pm. Your favourite audience carols, plus a wonderful selection of traditional and contemporary carols sung by the choir. Wine, soft drinks and mince pies in the interval. Tickets £15 adults, £5 children, available at www.vivacechorus.org or on the door. See page 6

11 Dec The North Singers Christmas Concert. North Hall, Loxwood. 3.30pm. Tickets: £10. See page 6

14 Dec Parish Council Billingshurst Centre & F&GP Committees meetings. Billingshurst Centre. 7 & 7.30pm

15 Dec Barns Green & Itchingfield Women’s Institute Meeting. Barns Green Village Hall. 2.30pm followed by tea. New members welcome. Meetings 3rd Thurs of the month. For more information contact Annette Relph (01403) 732580

15 Dec Messy Church! Pavilion in Jubilee Fields. 3.45-5.45pm. Billingshurst churches welcome families to have fun with games, crafts, singing and stories. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Sit-down meal, donation. Contact Beth at St Mary’s for more information, e-mail: familyworker@stmarysbillingshurst.org. www.messychurch.org.uk

15 Dec Sing for Pleasure. (4th Thursday except December: 3rd Thursday.) Billingshurst Community Centre. 3.00-4.30pm. We are a friendly, informal group who enjoy a sing-along. If you are a lady or gentleman in the more mature age group, even if you think you can’t sing, we’d love you to join us for an enjoyable afternoon. £3, includes tea and biscuits

17 Dec The Leconfield Singers Christmas Concert. St Mary’s Church, Petworth. 6pm. Traditional and contemporary carols and Chilcott’s Little Jazz Mass. Highfield School Choir with English Philharmonia Brass. Tickets £10-20 (under 18s half price): www.leconfieldsingers.co.uk/events

18 Dec Billingshurst Artisan Market. Six Bells car park. 9.30am-1.30pm. Local foods and crafts. See page 10

19 Dec Billingshurst Lions Club Meeting. Sports Pavilion, Jubilee Fields, Billingshurst. 7.30pm. For information about the Club contact Viv Diggens on (01403) 752968 or call in at the Lions Bookshop, Jengers Mead

20 Dec Loxwood Jazz Club. Village Hall. With candle-lit tables and a licensed bar, it has a very intimate atmosphere with international standard jazz. Tickets £15 from Peter Winney, tel: (01403) 752377

20 Dec St Mary’s Guild Members’ Meeting. St Mary’s Room, East Street, Billingshurst. 10.30am. We are a friendly women’s group and we welcome visitors. Beryl Peacock (01403) 782835

Village Tweet will publish details of local events in this free What’s On section. Please email brief details to editor@villagetweet.co.uk together with contact or website details

ADVERTISERS INDEX December 2022

A-Team Mechanics 41

A/c’s Direct, Accounting 5

Alba Plumbing ...................................23

Assured Roofing Ltd 27

Aurora Fireworks 12

AWS Heating .....................................18

Belle Birth & Fertilty 15

Best Choice Roofing 22

Billingshurst Artisan Market 10

Billingshurst Leisure Centre 13

Billingshurst Parish Council ........24, 25

Billingshurst Service, Repair & MOT Centre 40

Billingshurst Tyres .............................42

Brazier Building 19

CAGNE 47

CJ Sewage Treatment 26

Coren Wine Ltd 3

Dandelion Farewells, funerals ...........10

Duke of Kent School 47

DW Gardens 36

Evans Electrical.................................29

Flackwoods Solicitors 9

Flow-serve Plumbing, Drainage, Heating 30

Furze Firs, Christmas trees 9

GB Glazing Ltd 30

George Potbury Forestry ..................37

GJ Coles, builder 23

Goring Road Carpet Centre 23

Hamilton Cole TV & Satellite Equipment 29

Hammonds, Christmas trees 11

Holly Farm Log Services 37

Holly Stone Hypnotherapy 14

JC Plumbing ......................................26

Jengers Craft Bakery 9

Jonathan Carter Tree Surgery 36

Keywood Tree Care ..........................37

KJ Cox Solicitor 7

KJ Lammas Plumbing & Heating 17

Lee’s Locks 31

Leigh Humphries, Mobile Hairstylst 15 Mac’s Private Hire ...............................8

Meadow Hall Veterinary Practice 35

Meadows Wellbeing 15

Mike Lord Building ............................29

Miss Mop Domestic Cleaning 21

MW Wingate Painting & Decorating .23

MPS Home Improvements Ltd 31

N Francis Electrical Ltd 26

NFU Mutual Insurance 4

North Singers ......................................6

Oven Cleaning Direct 28

Oven Rescue 31

Park House Kitchens .....................OBC

Pest Man 34

Petworth MOT Centre 40

Pilates with Liz 15

PJM Building & Property Maintenance ..................................33

PW Jordan Upholstery 22

Rebecca Beauty Therapist 14

Re-Nu Kitchens .................................21

Rudgwick Cabinets and Carpentry 19

Rudgwick Fencing 38

Southdown Gliding Club 16

St Mary’s Church 6

Sussex Carpet Brokers .....................32

Sussex Towing Brackets 41

Titchmarsh Services, tree surgery 39 Village Nurseries ...............................39 Vivace Chorus 6

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