Village Tweet - January 2023

elcome to the January issue of Village Tweet packed with lots of articles to hopefully chase those winter blues away!

As I write this (11th December) we have just had a smattering of snow and the temperature has dropped to minus 4°C. It may be pretty to look at but the energy crisis and rising cost of living is hitting us all hard, as are the various strikes. Let’s hope for a more cheerful 2023 and peace in the world, especially in Ukraine.

Grahame

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21 Renegades: Renegades have wheely good fun! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Billingshurst Fire Station: Happy New Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

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.

Christmas is often a time when problems already present within a marriage come to a head. January is often when people decide they want to make a break.

Divorce is a scary word, but if approached correctly the outcome can be positive for both parties.

What do you want from your settlement?

Think about your children, the house, and any shared finances. Try to remove emotion from the equation and be clear and realistic. Courts are not interested in why a relationship broke down and will try to be fair to both parties regardless. The fact your partner cheated will not mean that you get more money. It’s good to talk.

A divorce will be quicker, cheaper and less destructive if both parties co-operate and behave with maturity. Even if you can’t agree everything, try to remain civil because if you fall out and the divorce become acrimonious and prolonged,

savings and any equity in your house will get eaten up very quickly.

Discuss things like who will petition who for the divorce and what grounds they will cite, e.g. infidelity, unreasonable behaviour, or separation. Having a clear, uncontested plan will keep costs down.

Consider mediation

Mediation is not marriage counselling. It is there to help both parties agree on the key issues such as childcare arrangements, what happens to the house, what happens to savings, pensions and investments. If you can agree on these matters than all the lawyers really have to do is draw up the agreements. In this way and the need for an expensive court hearing is avoided.

Mediation works best if both parties commit to find a solution that works best for everyone. It is not always free, but it is much less expensive than legal fees.

Louise Addison

Do you have a new calendar decorating your kitchen or desk wall? Perhaps someone in the family has made you a bespoke one full of memories to make you smile. Maybe you have many people to organise so there is a detailed calendar, filled with columns for each person ensuring nothing is missed! As you turn to the first page of the calendar what are your feelings about 2023? Is there a sense of anticipation or anxiety?

Many of us take on new challenges or approaches to our everyday life at this time of year. There is a sense of reaching for improvements in health and habits. “Turning over a new leaf” often has a deep sense of being the best we can be and making the most of our potential and opportunities.

The pathways that we set out on in new seasons can seem hard

and overwhelming. Some of us challenge ourselves a bit too much, others not enough through fear of failure. The Bible paints a picture of God’s presence alongside us when we fail just as much as when we succeed. We are promised unfailing, abiding love every moment and on into eternity.

Psalm 23 is an often used part of the Bible. Look carefully, and you will see that promise of constant presence in every day of the coming year: “For you are with me!”

The Bible - Good News Version Psalm 23 verse 4

Heading quote by Muhammad Ali

Shakshuka

Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 30-40 minutes. Serves: 4 with bread

METHOD

1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan (with a lid) and add the onion. Fry gently until golden, then add the peppers and cook until they are soft. Stir in the garlic and spices and cook for another minute or two.

2. Pour in the tomatoes and mash roughly. Stir in the sugar and lemon juice. Bring to the boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Taste and season. Add a little more cayenne if you like your dishes spicier.

3. Make 4-8 hollows in the sauce and break an eggs gently into each one. Season lightly, and turn the heat down as low as possible, cover the pan with the lid and cook for about 10 minutes until the eggs are just set. Sprinkle with coriander and serve with crusty bread.

INGREDIENTS

4 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely sliced 1 red pepper, diced 1 green pepper, diced 6 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tsp sweet paprika ½ tsp cumin seeds ½-1 tsp cayenne pepper 800g tinned tomatoes (best quality you can find) 2 tsp soft brown sugar 1 tbsp lemon juice 4-8 eggs, depending on hunger Small bunch of fresh coriander, roughly chopped

Across: 1, TARTAN. 4, CAJOLE. 9, POLYGON. 10, ISSUE. 11, CRAWL. 12, THISTLE. 13, AGENDA. 15, TYRANT. 18, TACTILE. 20, PROBE. 22, ACTED. 23, CROWDED. 24, TARGET. 25, TENDER.

Down: 1, TOPIC. 2, RELEASE. 3, ANGEL. 5, AGILITY. 6, ONSET. 7, ELEMENT. 8, UNITE. 13, ATTRACT. 14, DWINDLE. 16, AVOIDED. 17, TEACH. 19, CATER. 20, PROVE. 21, EIDER.

Savvy meal choices can help save you money and reduce food waste

UK households waste 6.5 million tonnes of food every year, 4.5 million of which is edible at a cost of £14 billion. By being clever with our menu choices for the week, savvy storage ideas and using up leftovers, the average family of four can save £60 a month (or £720 a year) by reducing the amount of food they throw away. Now that winter is here and the cost-of-living crisis worsens, these savings could be just what we need.

In addition to the benefits to our pockets, 25-30% of global carbon emissions are created by growing and producing food alone so reducing food waste also helps our planet. So how do we get started? Here are some top tips to save food waste and money: Plan meals in advance – write a list of meals for the week and get creative with using up ingredients. For example, if you need one piece of chicken and half a butternut squash for a recipe on Monday, what other dishes can you make during the week to use up the rest? On websites like bbcgoodfood.com you can search by ingredients to select a recipe and lovefoodhatewaste.com have leftover food recipes to use up that half a squash. Portion control – with obesity rates continuing to rise in the UK looking at portion sizes is a good way to reduce food waste and your waistline. lovefoodhatewaste.com have a portion planner giving recommendations for adult and children size portions, using these will help you cook just

the right amount of food without having loads left over. Buy what you need – Britons throw away almost half a million tonnes of fresh vegetables and salad and a quarter of a million tonnes of fresh fruit a year, often because fresh produce is only available in pre-packed quantities. A recent study by WRAP has also shown that packaging fresh produce in single-use plastic doesn’t extend the life but forces people to buy more than they need. Look to buy fruit and veg loose to limit how much you buy. This should get easier as supermarkets are coming under pressure to increase their loose offerings. Check your fridge temperature – your fridge temperature should be below 5°C. This will keep your food fresher for longer.

Putting open packets whether its cheese or a pot of coleslaw in an airtight container, will help it last longer.

Freeze leftovers – if you’re not ready to eat your leftovers or have in-date food, put it in the freezer to eat at a later date.

Use By and Best Before dates – Use By dates are on products for food safety so always use up a product by its Use By date. If you’re not going to be able to, freeze it. Best Before dates are a recommendation based on the quality and taste of the product by that date, these products can be eaten past the date – just have a look at the product or take a sniff test before eating.

Melanie Nurse, Sussex Green Living

Photo: freeze food – whether fresh or leftovers – in convenient portion-sized containers

Joining the Lions is an ideal way for men and women, of all ages, to meet new friends, whilst making a worthwhile contribution as a real force for good in the local community.

Billingshurst & District Lions Club prides itself in being a locally independent club, friendly and welcoming – active and still young at heart after 50 years, with links to the world wide Lions Club International, but dedicated to serving the people of Billingshurst and the surrounding villages.

Please drop in and meet us for an informal chat, or call Viv Diggens: (01403) 752968, Mobile 07767 221908 or talk to a Lion in the Bookshop in Jengers Mead.

Follow Billingshurst Lions on Facebook and on their website www.billingshurstlions.org.

Harvey Holmes – Press Officer, Billingshurst & District Lions Club

Rates: www.villagetweet.co.uk

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Fertility and Birth are life-changing events. Make them the best they can possibly be. Hypnobirthing & Fertility Mentor Private and Group courses available jodalziel.co.uk Email: jo@jodalziel.co.uk Tel: 07779 095121

It costs less than you might think to advertise in Village Tweet. For our Rate Card visit www.villagetweet.co.uk and click on the ‘Advertise’ tab or call 07762 767084 today!

Health & Wellbeing in 2023 at Meadows Wellbeing

The New Year often brings with it a sense of fresh beginnings and maybe for some, a change in old habits and lifestyle – with a welcome ‘reset’ after the busy and often hectic festive period. If you feel that you could be focusing more on your health and wellbeing, or if there is something niggling health wise that you keep meaning to address, then now is the ideal time to start that all important wellbeing journey as we enter 2023.

Meadows Wellbeing is a health centre situated very conveniently in the centre of Billingshurst in the High Street. They offer an extensive and varied range of health and wellbeing treatments for everyone, at any age or stage of life, from babies and children upwards to adults. The friendly team of specialist health professionals based there are dedicated to improving your physical and emotional wellbeing via a range of Osteopathic, Complementary and Alternative treatments and therapies.

So if you haven’t been to see them before, you will discover that Meadows Wellbeing is a tranquil and distraction-free location you can come to locally to get support in all areas of your wellbeing – both physical and mental – all in one place.

If you happen to be passing by, please pop in to say hello and meet the team led by Jon Meadows –

they can help you to find the best treatments and therapies for you as an individual, to enable you to start your health and wellbeing journey in 2023 and beyond.

Appointments are available for Structural and Cranial Osteopathy for babies/children and adults, Counselling and Psychotherapy, 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), Hypnotherapy, 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.

Normal People –Sally Rooney

While this is a book written for adults I think older teens will find a lot to relate to.

Normal People follows Marianne and Connell through their angsty, often quite pretentious adolescent years (and who among us wasn’t at least a bit pretentious or obnoxious in their teens?) into the complications of early adulthood.

Rooney treads a fine line between evoking irritation at two flawed, slightly unlikeable people, while making those flaws and the angst seems so raw and real that as a reader we begin to care about them.

The novel is one about relationships and how they are affected by both class and social status. Marianne is a smart girl from an affluent family, but this does not protect her from being socially ostracised at school and emotionally abused at home. Connell on the other hand is from a working-class family and enjoys an easy popularity. Connell’s mother works as a cleaner for Marianne’s family, and the teens are drawn to each other and begin a secret sexual relationship, but it falls apart because Connell does not want his friends to find out.

By the time they meet again at university, Marianne is the popular one, and Connell is

feeling increasingly depressed and isolated. They are once more drawn to each other as they navigate through a world filled with social expectations. Through Marianne and Connell, Rooney examines our need to impress and perform for others in a world that seems to grow ever more connected online, with so many things left unsaid face-to-face.

Rooney has created a weird, awkward, compelling novel about weird, awkward, compelling people, who find what they really need – and a lot they don’t – in each other. As Marianne spirals into self-destruction and Connell looks for meaning in his life, how far will each of them go to save the other?

Escape Room – Christopher Edge

Ami is a clever, thoughtful girl who is gifted an escape room experience for her birthday. She’s excited arriving at The Escape, eager to solve puzzles and to make new friends.

But Ami and the children who enter the escape room with her, never have anticipated the dangers ahead or how far their strengths and fragile new friendship bonds would be tested. It seems that far from playing simply to win the escape room, they are fighting for the continuation of the entire planet!

The novel is aimed at ages 8-12. It’s short, fast paced, and full of twists and turns, so is particularly ideal for more reluctant readers, and the ending has quite a twist.

Paul Starkey – R.I.P. 6th November 2022

Paul Starkey was involved with Scouts & Guides for over 20 years. He joined the Fundraising Committee then, with both of his children in the group, he joined the Group Executive Committee too. Paul’s talent for creative design was gratefully received and he was soon involved in many events.

When the Billingshurst Rotary Club become involved in the organisation of The Billingshurst Show in 2001 representation was needed from the Guides & Scouts and Paul stepped up. He was asked to put together the show programme which went from strength to strength with Paul producing the programme, posters and website. Paul’s talent made it all look extremely professional.

In time Paul stepped up again to become Chair and guided the show in a firm but fair manner; he was professional, listened to everyone and always had the best interests of the show at heart. He was always on the lookout for the right attractions to keep people entertained.

2019 was a huge success; we had our best show ever and made over £10,000. It was a real a team effort with Paul leading the way. The Red Arrows and

the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Lancaster flypast started the show – a real highlight for everyone. Post-COVID the show returned in 2022 and thanks to Zoom, Paul was still leading the way despite his failing health. He welcomed people within the committee, sharing out jobs that he had previously done. It was a massive community event with a Hurricane flypast and set the tone for the future of the show about which he was so passionate.

Aside from the show, Paul used his talent to produce the Christmas Post stamps and cards for the Guides & Scouts. The young people all design the stamps and the best six are produced to sell to the community for delivery of their Christmas cards around the village.

Paul was a hardworking, quiet and pleasant person which hid a will to make the show a success. He was a pivotal part of our community. It was a privilege to work with him and experience the inspiration and leadership he gave, growing the show over the years and leaving us such a legacy. He will be missed.

Thank You Paul; Rest in Peace.

Natalie Evans

Photo: steam trains were just one of Paul’s many interests

Chairman

the Billingshurst Show, Paul Starkey will also be fondly remembered by the Billingshurst Rotary Club and Scouts & Guides

Happy New Year folks

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.

I hope you’ve had a great Christmas and had the chance to gather your loved ones around you in these rather difficult times.

As I have to write this a month before publishing, I could not foresee what the weather would be like over the festive season, so I can only hope that it was not an obstacle to you over the holiday period. If not so good though, then I wondered if this might help fill in a few moments for you…

In 1871 Arthur Wynne was born in Liverpool. His father was editor of the local newspaper The Liverpool Mercury. At the age of 19 Arthur emigrated to Pittsburgh in America where he started work on the local Pittsburgh Press paper. Then, moving on to New York City, he joined the New York World paper.

All very interesting I hear you say but so what?

Our Arthur then invented the bane of my life. The first crossword puzzle. I’m one of those sad folk who can’t leave a crossword untouched. I have to have a go. Trouble is… I’m useless at the darn things. They ask such stupid questions. How the devil should I know what is top of the hit parade in Kazakhstan?, etc.

All right, I joke, but you get my gist. Obscure questions that fall onto numb brain cells are not the real problem though. It’s those posers that I know

full well the answer to, but the solution refuses to come to the surface of conscious thought. I sit there with furrowed brow, staring into space, brain frantically searching through those synapses that are still functioning. In the end the paper is thrown down in disgust amid much muttering. Then later in the day, when I pick up the wretched thing again, the answer is there immediately. Why? Arthur has a lot to answer for!

Sadly I can’t resist them. Not, I should add though, those blasted cryptic ones. As an example, ‘Slight knowledge in US author about source of literature’ (7)? No, I haven’t a clue either.

What? You got it! Mumble! (And if you didn’t the answer is at the end.)

Anyway, it brings to mind a coach trip I had many years ago in France. It was on the outskirts of Paris, that, as we drove slowly past a rural cemetery, the guide remarked that the man who had invented the crossword was actually buried there. On our question of where about his grave was to be found, he smilingly remarked, “Fourth row up, three across, second down.” Bugger!

So dear friends, do you have a go at this daily torture? If you do, try the one in the centre of this page. It’s from 21st December, 1913, and is the world’s first crossword that Arthur composed for the New York World

Oh, yes, the answer to that cryptic clue is ‘Inkling’. You work it out, I’m going to bed!

John Nash

Women’s Hall is 100 this year!

Perhaps, when you have been walking past 81 High Street, Billingshurst, you have wondered about the quaint building tucked away in its own grounds next to the children’s playground. It is, in fact, the Women’s Hall which, if you are a woman and resident of Billingshurst, actually belongs to you!

In 1923, sisters Edith and Ellen Beck very generously donated the land and the hall to the women of Billingshurst, giving them a safe space to meet. The Misses Beck, who were passionate about rights for women, stipulated that if ever the hall and land were sold, all women who lived within a seven-mile radius of the village would share the profits – but that was then! Expansion and inflation means it would not amount to much, these days!

In 1926 the sisters also gifted the Mothers’ Garden, which is a children’s playground next to the hall, with a selection of swings, slides and climbing frames, providing a space for children and their families to play together.

Managed by a group of Trustees and a caretaker, the Hall – which includes a stage,

dressing/cloakrooms, a small meeting room and a fully functional modern kitchen – is available for a variety of uses in the community, and now, of course, is not just restricted to women! A sample of current hirers are Yoga, Karate, pre-school Music Bus, Billingshurst Dramatic Society and a breakfast and after-school club.

In 2023 the Hall celebrates its centenary year and the Trustees are looking forward to welcoming as many of the community as possible to some of our planned events to mark this special year – keep an eye out for our regular articles and announcements in Village Tweet throughout the year.

If you have never visited the Women’s Hall, we hope you will come and take the opportunity to become acquainted with this unique building and find out why people fall in love with it.

And if you have any anecdotes or memories of using the Hall, e.g. as a Brownie, at playschool, baby clinic, parties, etc we would love to hear from you. Please contact Lucy at ljfcooper@aol.com.

Jane Chittenden, Chair of Trustees

The Women’s Hall. Photo: Billingshurst Dramatic Society

Billingshurst Parish Council

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

Happy New Year!

Councillors

and

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

Billingshurst Christmas Fayre

Well, what a wonderful day was had on Saturday 3rd December! Many thanks to all who supported the Billingshurst Christmas Fayre including visitors, stall holders, staff, volunteers and Councillors. Also, huge thanks must go to those local retailers and businesses who donated prizes for our raffle. The whole day was a resounding success, and we look forward to holding a similar event in December 2023.

Traffic Calming – An update

Residents will recall that we submitted a comprehensive draft scheme for traffic calming etc in High Street and East Street to WSCC last spring. This is the response which was received on 1st December. You can be assured we sent a very strong reply, requesting a meeting. Watch this space!...

I am sorry for the delay in providing you feedback on your application for a Community Highways Scheme at this location. I regret to inform you that your application was not successful on this occasion and has not been included in the 2023/24 design programme.

West Sussex County Council develops a programme of works by considering all community requests against a pre-determined scoring matrix. The matrix assesses schemes against defined criteria such as: Alignment with

the West Sussex Transport Plan, Deliverability and Adherence with Technical Standards/ Policies. All assessments are moderated to ensure the criteria is applied consistently by officers and this approach ensures the County Council invests limited resources in the highest priority projects around the County. However, I can inform you that your application was not progressed as we feel the existing problems are from the volume of traffic rather than speeding issues. We would advise you to apply for a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to progress a 20mph zone in Billingshurst. We would also combine another application to apply for the S115 process of the Highways Act 1980 to install village gateways as you enter Billingshurst. We also spoke with our traffic signals team who confirmed that removing the existing roundabout and replacing with threeway signals would not comply with National Guidance as there isn’t sufficient room on the public highway.

Bird Nesting Season

Did you know that wild birds are protected by law? This is particularly important during the bird nesting season which typically lasts from early spring until late July. Hedge cutting, vegetation clearance and tree work activities can have a devastating effect on the nesting

www.billingshurst.gov.uk

sites of wild birds. If you intend to carry out works at your property, please be mindful that birds may be nesting. If you require further advice as to what is and isn’t permitted during this time, please read the Wildlife & Countryside Act, or contact the RSPB for advice.

A tribute to Martin May-Hills

Readers may remember last year, we featured the tragic story of local Billingshurst resident Martin May-Hills who passed away in November 2021, after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 32. Martin’s wife Stephanie was determined to raise funds towards a defibrillator in Martin’s memory, and she and her brother Tom took on an overnight walk from Bognor Pier to Brighton Pier in May.

As a result of this, and a number of other fundraising initiatives, their fundraising total exceeded an astonishing £11,000+ . Last autumn, 2 new public access defibrillator sites were set up in Billingshurst, both funded from the fantastic total raised by Steph & Tom.

BEAT, Billingshurst’s Community First Responder Group has agreed to take on future responsibility for the sites, both of which are registered with the Ambulance Service. Thanks go to the staff and management at the Kings Head, and Latimer, the development arm of the Clarion Housing Group for allowing these sites to be set up. Huge thanks also go to SADS UK, a charity that helps to prevent premature loss of life and improve the lives of those adversely affected by cardiac arrhythmia. SADS UK have given Steph a significant amount of support and advice since Martin’s death, and they too will be receiving a donation from the funds raised. Steph & Tom, together with the BEAT Responders Group, are continuing to work together with local associations to set up additional sites in residential areas in 2023. What an incredible achievement by this amazing local family, and a wonderful legacy to Martin, a man who is loved and missed daily.

Warming up in Billingshurst

Mindful that many residents are worried about keeping warm this winter, Billingshurst Centre and Parish Council are pleased to welcome anyone to the Centre’s Stanley Room every Friday from 20th January to 31st March 10am-Noon for a free hot drink and a sit down. Details are still to be finalised, but Neighbourhood Wardens Julie and Barry will be on hand, and we plan to have a different jigsaw each week, a stack of magazines, the local newspaper and Radio 2!

Billingshurst Community Transport

Do you have some spare time? Are you able to drive? Do you live in the parishes of Billingshurst, Shipley, Loxwood, Ifold or Plaistow? If so, the Billingshurst Community Transport Scheme urgently needs more volunteer drivers. To find out more about the scheme and see whether you can help, please contact Graeme at the Community Transport office on (01403) 787696.

Updates from the Neighbourhood Wardens

Monthly reports are produced by the Billingshurst Neighbourhood Wardens Barry & Julie. These can be found along with other info about the Wardens, what they can and can’t do and their contact information by visiting the Council’s website www.billingshurst.gov.uk and clicking on the ‘Community’ tab along the top of the homepage. The Wardens will be holding the following Drop-In sessions in the first quarter of 2023.

Saturday 7th January 9.30am-11.30am, New Lidl Store Friday 10th February 5.00pm-7.00pm, Jengers Mead Saturday 4th March 9.30am-11.30am, Sainsbury’s

Upcoming Council meetings

All meetings are held at the Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre (normally commencing at 7.30pm), and agendas are always posted on the Parish Council’s website www.billingshurst.gov.uk

Pictured are Steph and Tom and BEAT’s Chair and Community First Responder, Paul.

Renegades have wheely good fun!

The foggy, dark and rainy nights may not make you want to prise your fingers off the tea mug or away from the log burner, but they haven’t stopped the Renegades Youth Club from going kar-azy… go-karting.

Thanks to a private donation, three dads working tirelessly and fantastic local mechanic Ian Keywood, the Renegades have their own off-road go-kart that is finally in top working order.

“It was just the best night when we tried it out for the first time,” says Group Leader Gareth Miller, “as we were able to get our beloved Ferrarired, two-seater, cool-as-a-cucumber go-kart out for a proper session…with a big turn out of kids and some even bigger kids (i.e. their dads) also in tow.

“So, in the murky darkness that was lit only by our own floodlights, we took the kids bouncing down the lane – all strapped in and wearing helmets of course – and every time I looked at them all I could see was the whites of their teeth and I’m now nearly deaf from all the screaming!

“Halfway through the evening the fog rolled in so we were then driving through an old pea-souper but, kids being kids, even the most unsure members ended up asking if we could go faster!

“We deeply appreciate the kindness of Clive Stickland and Tina Finch of Burchett’s Farm for letting us use their land. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

But Gareth, as ever, is hungry to do even better for the children. “We have one go-kart but we want more. We’re trying to build two more and ultimately I’d love five or six so that we can overload the kids’ minds with fun… safe fun but fun nonetheless. They utterly loved it,” laughs Gareth. “The children give me back way more than I could ever give them – they are amazing.

“We’ve had a fantastic year… so much fun, a rapidly growing membership, a new home and a number of very welcome grants but we want to offer the kids even more next year so watch this space. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone and a huge thank you for all your help and support.”

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: the Renegades’ go-kart, more on the way!

‘Happy New Year’ from Billingshurst Fire Station

We hope all of our readers had a safe and enjoyable Christmas. A Happy New Year to you all.

The new year brings some exciting events, which we will start to make plans for. First we look forward to welcoming you to our Charity Car Wash in March. The date for this will be in next months issue.

During the spring, we will then announce the date for our Summer Open Day, the most enjoyable event for us and our local community. A chance to come and meet the crew at your local Fire Station. We will have stalls, raffles and live demonstrations, including Ladder Drills, Road Traffic Collision and the Chip Pan Fire display.

Please take extra care during the icy conditions we’ve been waking up to in recents mornings. Here are some tips:

• Be prepared for bad weather – check the local and national weather forecasts. Listen to local and national radio for travel information. Tell

someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive.

• In snowy conditions make sure you are equipped with warm clothes, food, boots and a torch.

• Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out and carry a screen scraper and de-icer. You can keep yourself and others safe, by:

• Slowing down.

• Keeping a greater distance between yourself and the vehicle in front, (in bad weather increase the 2 second

• rule to 4 seconds or even more if icy).

• Allowing extra time to complete your journey.

• Keeping your mobile fully charged. On colder days be particularly careful on tree lined roads – the trees prevent the sun’s warmth from reaching the road, which may still be icy when all around has thawed.

Twitter: @Station49Fire

Facebook: Billingshurst Fire Station Dan Game, Billingshurst Fire Station

Stanley Room, Billingshurst Community Centre

First Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm

Wednesday 4th January 2023 at 7.30pm

We need to talk about pesticides…

Join Mela Davidson and Neela Marr from BilliGreen (Billingshurst’s environmental group) for a discussion about the chemicals that get sprayed on our food, gardens and streets - and how they are harming our health, nature and the environment. How can you limit your exposure to pesticide residues on food? And why we should be going ‘back to the future’ in our gardens and public spaces!

Poisoning ourselves and the planet – don’t be part of it!

• Start with your garden: tips on ‘nature friendly’ pest control

• Reduce your exposure: what are ‘the dirty dozen’ the foods most affected by agricultural pesticide residues?

• Be the change: sign our petition to local shops and ask WSCC to find an alternative to spraying glyphosate on our streets

Free to members of the Billingshurst Beck WI or visitors £4 including refreshments. Contact us billingshurstbeckwi@wsfwi.co.uk

A Day to Remember

Once upon a time on a small farm near Upper Hutt, New Zealand…

Nannypaused for breath. She’d been looking at it all the time she’d been here. It had tempted her. It had challenged her. It had even frightened her a bit. But this morning she had taken the ‘bull by the horns’ and now she was doing it. And she was halfway up. A well for the horses was just up ahead and she pushed herself a bit harder. Having reached it she caught her breath and marvelled at the physics of this self-replenishing well way up here in the hillside.

She knew from ancient geography lessons that the streams, which flowed down the bush covered gullies on either side of the hill, seeped out of the hill at some point, but this mechanical marvel was fed by neither of the streams. It was pumped uphill and was selfactivated when the horse had a drink. But she’d never seen a horse at it; it was far too steep even for the horses to go.

Having gathered herself, breath and energy, Nanny continued to clamber up the hill. The going had got harder, because there was soil creep (other ancient geography lessons where one learned with wonder about how soil on hills resembled slipping, sagging stockings –even tights?). Nevertheless, the ledges did provide handholds. She now had to navigate the dried out skeletons of English gorse. The gorse’s ancestors, having been brought to the colony by not forward-thinking farmers, little realising that New Zealand conditions would make gorse a curse rather than a great fence-like barrier. It was early spring in November so it hadn’t yet burst into life. The summit was now in sight. The fence line at the

top’s last few metres were a struggle and now Nanny was reduced to clambering up the last few ‘soil wrinkles’ until she finally sat down by the fence. It was so steep up there that she put paid to any idea of trying to climb the side fence to find the source of the gully streams. She just sat gratefully in the sunshine and enjoyed her ascent.

She hadn’t been there long when she heard a shout. A long way off, but a shout nonetheless. Niwa, who looked after the farm animals was hailing her with a makeshift loudhailer made from an orange traffic cone. It was time to go.

The descent was easier, sort of, but Nanny was a little afraid she’d lose her balance (a common occurrence) and topple forward roly-polying down the hill. It didn’t bear thinking about. She made herself be super careful, so she didn’t think about it. Past the well onto the broad bit then through the gate and down to the house.

It was the penultimate day of a great holiday and they were celebrating her great grandson’s second birthday at an animal park. The achievement and the Animal Park visit made it a Day to Remember in a series of Days to Remember including a wedding, four dog shows in one weekend (very successful) and an afternoon tea fit for a queen.

But at the end of that day Nanny began to turn her thoughts miles away across the globe to her home, her family, her little dogs and that little farm near Billingshurst.

Fleece Steeper than it looks. Photo: Yvonne Fleece

Yvonne

St Catherine’s Hospice is calling on walkers to join its trek team along the iconic Jurassic Coast taking place from 7th-9th July 2023.

The marathon distance trek will cover 26.2 miles across two days, with 14 miles on Saturday 8th July and 12.2 miles on Sunday 9th July. The route is from Lulworth Cove to Studland along the beautiful coastal path with stunning views out to sea and the surrounding landscape.

Accommodation will be provided in a campsite in Worth Matravers. All food and refreshments will be provided throughout the weekend and walkers will be able to walk with a small daypack, leaving their belongings safely at the campsite.

The Jurassic Coast was England’s first natural World Heritage Site. Situated in southern England, it stretches 95 miles from Orcombe Point to Old Harry Rocks within the counties of Dorset and Devon and offers gorgeous scenery, brilliant beaches and quaint towns steeped in history.

Rates: www.villagetweet.co.uk

Registration for the event costs £95 and there are several options for sponsorship.

Emma Butler, Fundraiser at St Catherine’s said, “We are so excited to be organising our first ever Jurassic Coast trek. It’s wonderful to be able to bring our fantastic supporters together to experience a special weekend away of fresh air, beautiful views and the knowledge that every step they take will be helping St Catherine’s provide vital end of life and palliative care to individuals and their families, at the toughest of times.”

To sign up for the Jurassic Coast Trek or to find out more please visit our website www.stch.org.uk and search ‘Jurassic Coast Trek’.

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 more information about St Catherine’s or to make a donation please visit stch.org.uk.

Melanie Bidwell, Fundraising Assistant – Supporter Acquisition

Rates:

The Spaniel Diaries

Happy New year everyone! Let’s hope it’s better than the last. Mum was talking about the cost of living the other day, she said she’ll probably end up sharing our dog food at this rate, ermmm I hope not as it means less for me and I seem to be on a diet again, of course that smug little upstart gets more than me under the excuse that he’s a growing puppy. Personally I think that’s not true!

When he was a puppy I was hoping that Santa would take him and give him to someone else for Christmas but sadly that didn’t happen, so I will have to resign myself to the fact that he’s here for good. He’s actually a little bit more bearable now his puppy needle teeth have fallen out – at least he won’t be trying to give me ear piercings now! Mum has actually started taking him out training. Good luck with that, he’s an utter monster, but he seems to be coming back tired, so she’s either sedating him or his brain has actually started to work!

Everywhere has been so muddy recently, I am disgusted to be having to wear a ridiculous fleece coat – all because Mum is fed up with us shaking mud everywhere after our walks. What has been enormous fun is we have been spending more time on the beach, it’s damp but mud free and mum

says it’s lovely very first thing in the morning when it’s just us with the whole beach to ourselves! Mum has got an amazing head torch and we have flashing lights on our collars which is a hindrance as I can’t sneak off! Mum is careful to keep us away from any debris washed up on the beach though and keeps a special eye out for palm oil, chunks of nasty poisonous stuff.

Maverick is at least useful now as he’s happy to entertain the puppy, Lord only knows why but he seems to love running around and tussling with the silly thing. I keep well out of the way, believe me, their shenanigans are hectic! And that puppy has a thing about water, the only puddle in a 50-acre field and guess where he is?

Leaping around like a demented sea lion doing a circus routine in the muddy water! I personally thought it was hilarious but mum didn’t!

Mum is looking forward to the spring when the nights start to get lighter – I love the long evenings but it does mean extra training for us!

Now January is underway it’s literally just a few weeks away, so hang in there and spring will soon be upon us!

Until next time, stay safe.

Jeannette Douglas

Why vaccinate your dog?

A vaccine against a disease is like a wanted poster for a virus or bacteria for the body to recognise and learn how to respond to the disease in the most effective way possible. Vaccines can either be dead or live attenuated (part of the virus or bacteria is altered to make it less effective) and the version of each will depend on how the vaccine itself was stabilized and developed. For the core vaccination of dogs, we would always recommend protecting against:

• Distemper – a virus with neurological signs that, due to vaccination, is rarely seen any more. There’s no direct treatment as infected dogs will frequently pass away of the infection.

• Adenovirus – A virus that can cause liver failure as well as other organ failure. There’s no treatment for this disease either and while mild cases can be supported through an infection, severe cases will not make it.

• Parvovirus – Probably the most well known disease we vaccinate against. Parvo can cause vomiting and diarrhoea even in vaccinated dogs. While many can be intensively nursed through this viral infection, it can still be fatal in unvaccinated and young dogs.

• Leptospirosis – A bacteria that is found in dirty water causing liver and kidney disease. This bacteria can also infect people causing the same disease. Vaccination can be against two strains or four strains.

To keep your dog fully protected, you should visit your vet once per year for a health check and booster vaccination.

Sophie Hall B.V.Sc., M.R.C.V.S.

Ilove a garden planted for winter. There are so many plants with wonderful shape and interesting evergreen foliage. But the thing that draws me out into any garden is scent, and fragrance is particularly uplifting in the depths of winter.

Getting outdoors into natural daylight, even on a cold, dank day is a mood booster. If you need an excuse to don woolly hat and gloves then what better than winter-flowering shrubs. Even better if you can cut a few sprigs to take back indoors. Chimonanthus praecox, known as Wintersweet (pictured) is the type of shrub that looks rather unexciting in spring and summer, but in winter once established (which may take a couple of years) the bare branches erupt with lovely waxy yellow flowers which have an intense sweet and spicy scent.

For a little spot near the front or back door, think about Daphne bholua, a shade-loving, tiny, evergreen shrub which produces delicate pink or white blooms that look like they are made from fondant icing. They have a rich floral, old-fashioned scent.

If space is limited you also try Sarcococca hookeriana. This too is a shade-lover and it produces a very powerful jasmine-like scent which carries well on the breeze.

If you have more space and would like

something more robust then plant Viburnum x bodnantense. It produces pompoms of flowers in pastel pink or white which smell of warm vanilla and lilac. It also has an extremely long flowering season, starting in mid-autumn and going right through until early spring.

All of the above flowers can be cut, and will last for several days in a vase. But January is also the perfect time to enjoy gardening indoors. My teenage son collects cacti and was gifted a striking, ornamental cactus with funky foliage a couple of years ago, called Epiphyllum anguliger, the wavy-edge leaves which oscillate along the stem give rise to its more common name, the Fishbone Cactus. As well as looking handsome all year round it has the delightful bonus of producing large creamy white flowers in winter which emit a wonderful scent in the evening; just one bloom can fill a room with a sweet fragrance.

You don’t have to be deprived of scent in the winter months. Make a New Year’s resolution to bring some fragrance into your garden, and your home.

Happy gardening. Rachel Leverton

So India Charity Night for Macmillan raises £265

Once again Mujib and his team at So India, Pulborough hosted a Charity night, with funds raised going to the Midhurst Macmillan Service.

The evening was full of wonderful food and also a raffle. A total of £265 was raised.

Terri Ashpool from the Billingshurst Group said a big thank you to all at So India and all that attended.

Terri Ashpool

Students create inspiring art in Repair Cafe Challenge

When thinking about living an environmentally sustainable life, the first thing most people think about is the 3 Rs: ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’. As part of Sussex Green Living’s education outreach programme, we initiated a School Challenge looking at how you can reduce waste by repairing.

Our school challenge for Horsham District Schools was supported by a Horsham District Community Lottery Grant, a donation from a Horsham councillor and kindly judged by Horsham artist, Morag Warrack

The challenge invited students to learn about repair cafés, what they do and how they help reduce waste on our planet. There are items that could be repaired but often people don’t have the skillset to make repairs. Repair cafés are run by volunteers who have both a passion and the expertise to repair electrical, mechanical and textile items. The premise is that you can take along your items and for a small donation, they will try to fix them while you stay, watch and hopefully learn a new skill at the same time.

The pupils were asked to create a poster of their local repair café and share it in their local community.

Sussex Green Living supported the schools by delivering assemblies, classroom sessions with eco councils and school visits with our Inspiration Eco Station (seen in lower photo).

The standard of artwork was very high and some beautiful posters were created. The pupils also

found some creative ways to promote their posters from school newsletters and local church noticeboards to displaying in the windows of local houses and the school website. Look out for the posters in your area

Congratulations to Lola from William Penn Primary School who wins first prize “Lola’s poster was very easy to understand and connect with what the repair café is all about. She had good use of colours and choice of images.” said challenge judge, Morag.

Second prize was award to Group 1 from Northolmes Junior School Eco Club. Their poster showed an excellent understanding of the link between repairing, recycling and wildlife. Highly Commended awards were also given to:

• Year 4 Sycamore Class at Arunside Primary School Harriet at Holy Trinity School

• Group 3 at Northolmes Junior School Eco Club

• Holly at St Peters School, Henfield

• Ava at Steyning Primary School

• Eve and Pippa at West Chiltington Primary School

• Isabelle at William Penn Primary School

Entries can be viewed at www.sussexgreenliving. org.uk which also provides listings for repair cafés in West Sussex.

Carrie Cort, Founder, Sussex Green Living

Top: winning poster from Lolo of William Penn Primary School. Bottom: Sussex Green Living volunteer Mariya Salahuddin promoting the Challenge at Billingshurst Primary School

Did you know that the first New Year’s resolutions are believed to date back over 4000 years? The Babylonians are said to have started the tradition during their festival of Akitu, a 12-day new year celebration, during which they pledged their loyalty to the reigning king, planted crops and made promises to the gods to pay their debts, and return any borrowed items.

The history of new year’s resolutions continued in ancient Rome, where the Emperor Julius Caesar introduced a new calendar in 46BC, which made 1st January the start of the new year.

Jumping to 1800, the tradition of failing to keep New Year’s resolutions was common enough that people satirised the practice. Walker’s Hibernian published a series of joke resolutions, such as ‘Statesmen have resolved to have no other object than the good of their country’. Perhaps this resolution should be at the top of every politician’s list for 2023!

The word ‘resolution’ is a noun that means ‘promise’. The most popular resolutions for January 2022 (according to a survey commissioned by GoCompare) were connected with improving fitness, losing weight and saving money. The beginning of a new year always brings about the urge to embark on trying something different, taking the plunge and involving ourselves in an exciting new hobby or project.

That new hobby could well be joining a choir. Many studies have been carried out over the past few years, focusing on the mental and general health benefits of singing and the evidence is overwhelming. Not only does it benefit your health, it also broadens the mind, refines the intellect, makes one happy and gives life added zest.

So… what are you waiting for?

Village Tweet readers have a friendly, lively and well-established choir on their doorstep.

Billingshurst Choral Society (BCS) has around 65 members and enjoys a wide repertoire ranging from Handel, Bach, Beethoven and Schubert to modern composers such as Chilcott, Goodall, Jenkins, Rutter and Todd.

Under the baton of Music Director, Marcio da Silva, rehearsals will begin again on 10th January for an Opera Gala Evening. Why not take the plunge and join BCS any Tuesday evening at Billingshurst Community and Conference Centre for a taster session… you can be assured of a warm welcome.

Check out www.billingshurstchoralsociety.org.uk and click on ‘Join Us’ for further details.

BCS wishes all Village Tweet readers a happy and healthy 2023.

Rates: www.villagetweet.co.uk

What’s On near you

What’s On – January

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. Mon: Dial Post Village Hall, RH13 8NH; Thurs: St Gabriel’s Church Hall, & Thurs Billingshurst. 7.45-8.30pm. Aerobic exercise class 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

What’s On near you

all fitness levels16 and over. Darkened room with flashing disco lights and music (90s to now). Pre-bookings 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

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 Jan 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

3 Jan 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

4 Jan Billingshurst Beck WI Talk by BilliGreen: ‘Pesticides’. Stanley Room, Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre, Roman Way. 7.30pm. Non-WI members welcome, £4 including refreshments. For further information tel: (01444) 483682 or email: yvonnebee@wsfwi.co.uk. See page 27

5 Jan Parish Council Full Council & Trustees meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7.30pm

5 Jan 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

5 Jan 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

11 Jan Billingshurst Wednesday Group Talk by Neil Sadler: ‘(Almost) Death in Paradise: the Caribbean –pirates & rum’. St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst, 10am. Hazel Barnes, tel: 07711 470635 or email: buzzhazel@gmail.com

11 Jan Parish Council Property Committee meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7.30pm

11 Jan for Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) 10-week course: ‘Judge & Jury’. Billingshurst

10 weeksCommunity & Conference Centre, Roman Way, RH14 9QW, 2-4pm. Half-term: 22nd Feb. Tutor is Peter Blood. Fee £100 for 20 hours’ tuition. Enrol online: wea.org.uk or telephone 0300 303 3464

12 Jan Billingshurst Local History Society Social. Billingshurst Community and Conference Centre, 7.30pm. Nibbles and drinks courtesy of your Committee, with a Raffle and quiz for fun. Membership £20 per annum. Visitors £5 per meeting. Ms G Knight, tel: (01403) 451401, email: g.j.s.knight@btinternet.com

12 Jan Parish Council Planning & Environmental Committee meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7.30pm

12 Jan Billingshurst WI Talk by Tracey Smith, owner of Little Bean Café. Stanley Room, Community Centre, Roman Way. 2.30pm. Room not available until 2.15pm. Interesting speakers, hobby groups, various outings. Visitors welcome. Secretary, tel: (01403) 780810

12 Jan Billingshurst Weald Probus Club men’s group meeting. Stanley Room, Community Centre. 10 for 10.15am12 noon. Every 2nd Thurs except Dec. Alan Galer, tel: 07956 443228 or email: alan.galer@btinternet.com

13 Jan 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

13 Jan Macmillan Film night. ‘Mrs Harris goes to Paris’. Billingshurst Conference & Community Centre. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Refreshments, raffle and 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 (subject to availability)

13 Jan Loxwood Movie Night: ‘Mrs Harris goes to Paris’. North Hall. 7 for 7.30 start. £5 on the door. Bar

14 Jan Sound Bath. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 12pm. Experience the calming sounds of gongs, singing bowls and gentle percussion for relaxation and wellbeing. Sound sessions can have a wide range of benefits for our health and wellness. Participants should bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow, eye covering and water bottle. £20: (01483) 278000 (Tues-Sat 10am-4pm) or visit www.cranleighartscentre.org

14 Jan 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

15 Jan Billingshurst Artisan Market. Six Bells car park. 9.30am-1.30pm. Local foods and crafts. See page 8

16 Jan Macmillan Film night. ‘Mrs Harris goes to Paris’. Pulborough Village Hall. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Refreshments, raffle and Macmillan stall. Tickets £7 from www.touringcinema.com or Pulborough Village Hall or Terri Ashpool, tel: 07711 470635 or on the door (subject to availability)

Advertisers Index / What’s On near you

ADVERTISERS

A-Team Mechanics 39

A/c’s Direct, Accounting 9

Alba Plumbing 21

Assured Roofing Ltd 25 AWS Heating 16

Belle Birth & Fertilty 13

Best Choice Roofing 16

Billingshurst Artisan Market 8

Billingshurst Leisure Centre 11

Billingshurst Parish Council 22, 23

Billingshurst Service, Repair & MOT Centre 38

Billingshurst Tyres 40

Brazier Building 17

CAGNE 10

CJ Sewage Treatment 26

Coren Wine Ltd 3

Dandelion Farewells, funerals 10

Duke of Kent School 24

DW Gardens 34

Evans Electrical 24 Flackwoods Solicitors..........................6

Rates: www.villagetweet.co.uk

INDEX January 2023

Flow-serve Plumbing, Drainage, Heating 28

GB Glazing Ltd 28

George Potbury Forestry 35

GJ Coles, builder 19

Goring Road Carpet Centre 19

Hamilton Cole TV & Satellite Equipment 27

Holly Farm Log Services 35

Holly Stone Hypnotherapy 14

Horsham District Council 12

JC Plumbing 19

Jef Wilson Painting & Decorating 19

Jonathan Carter Tree Surgery 35

KJ Cox Solicitor 5

KJ Lammas Plumbing & Heating 15

Lee’s Locks 20

Mac’s Private Hire 8

Meadow Hall Veterinary Practice 33

Meadows Wellbeing 13

Miss Mop Domestic Cleaning 29

MW Wingate Painting & Decorating .21

MPS Home Improvements Ltd ..........20

N Francis Electrical Ltd 26

NFU Mutual Insurance 4

Oven Cleaning Direct 29

Oven Rescue 24

Park House Kitchens OBC

Pass the Keys 7

Peacocks Builders 21

Pest Man 34

Petworth MOT Centre 38 Pilates with Liz 13

PJM Building & Property Maintenance 31

PW Jordan Upholstery 16

Rebecca Beauty Therapist 14

Re-Nu Kitchens 17

Rikkyo School 29

Rudgwick Cabinets and Carpentry 27

Rudgwick Fencing 36

St Mary’s Church 6

Sussex Carpet Brokers 30

Sussex Towing Brackets 40

Titchmarsh Services, tree surgery ....37

Village Nurseries ...............................37

16 Jan 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

17 Jan 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

17 Jan 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

17 Jan Live Music: Fellowship Holders of The Philharmonia Orchestra. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 1pm. Enjoy fine chamber music in our series of monthly lunchtime concerts. Seating will be informal. Free Entry. Register on our website. Retiring collection. Free. www.cranleighartscentre.org

18 Jan Billingshurst Wednesday Group Talk: ‘Jubylee Bake’. Ellen Tomlinson will tell us about this award winning bakery for people with learning difficulties, based in Thakeham. St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst, 10am. Hazel Barnes, tel: 07711 470635 or email: buzzhazel@gmail.com

19 Jan 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

20 Jan Come & Meet the Billingshurst & District Lions. Billingshurst Centre. 3.30 to 7.30 pm. See page 10

20 21,22, 27 Barns Green Players Pantomime: ‘Aladdin’. Village Hall. 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th, 7.30pm; 21st, 22nd,

28 Jan28th, 2pm. Tickets £14 (£10 children): www.barnsgreenplayers.co.uk. See Dec Village Tweet, page 33

21 Jan Cranleigh Art & Crafts Society: Talk and demonstration by Textile teacher and artist Sue Cooper on gel printing. Band Hall, Village Way, Cranleigh. 2.30pm. Guests welcome, £5. To find out more information about the Society or if you are interested in joining please visit www.caacs.co.uk

25 Jan Billingshurst Wednesday Group Talk by Aaron Barton, Operations Manager, Billingshurst Surgery with Q&A session. St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst, 10am. Hazel Barnes, tel: 07711 470635 or email: buzzhazel@gmail.com

25 Jan Parish Council Billingshurst Centre & F&GP Committees meetings. Billingshurst Centre. 7 & 7.30pm

26 Jan 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

28 Jan Pulborough Village Market. (4th Saturday except December: 2nd Saturday.) Pulborough Village Hall, Swan View, RH20 2BF. 9am-12 noon. Fresh produce, bread, local honey, 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

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

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