Village Tweet - November 2022

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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.

Run Barns Green celebrates 40 years in style

On Sunday 25th September, over 1400 runners registered to take part in Run Barns Green. The event which started in 1982 was celebrating its 40th anniversary and it certainly did so in style.

Almost 550 runners took part in the Half Marathon race which started at 10am in perfect running conditions. First home in the women’s race was Penny Brook in a time of 1 hour 25 mins and 40 seconds followed by Dani Tarleton with Emma Footman third. The men’s race was won by Robert Brundish in a time of 1 hour 12 minutes and 30 seconds. Second was a former winner, James Baker with Xander Sproston third.

The event takes a huge amount of planning and almost 200 volunteers are involved. The Official Race Charity, St Catherine’s Hospice had a marquee on the Green and several volunteers shaking collecting buckets in the car parks. This wonderful local charity has helped many people from the local area and impressively over 70 runners who took part in the adult races were running on behalf of St Catherine’s.

The 10k race began at 10.20am and 500 runners lined up at the start. The men’s race was won by Michael Daly in a time of 33 minutes 32 seconds followed by Bradley Burke and Fraser MacNicoll. The Women’s 10k was won by Elspeth Turner in a time of 38 minutes 40 seconds followed by Kirsty Armstrong with Sarah Morris third.

Another innovation this year to honour former Chairman Vernon Jennings who died earlier this year, was the introduction of a new Colour Run for youngsters.

The first Jennings Junior Jog took place on the Village Green at 12.30pm after the two adult races were finished. and the new race gave primary school aged youngsters from 4 to 11 the chance to take part in a 750-metre colour run with every runner getting a wristband and a medal. The kids were bombarded by colour ‘bombs’ thrown by spectators, mums, dads and grandparents. It was great fun and the race is set to become a permanent feature of Run Barns Green.

Commenting on this year’s event, Race Director, Nigel Currie said, “We are absolutely delighted with the way the event has gone this year. It was great to watch the first Jennings Junior Jog and the enthusiasm from the kids and wave of noise from the youngsters and parents provided a fitting finale to a wonderful day.”

There was plenty of other activity on the Green itself. There were a number of different drinks and catering stalls as well as a funfair and plenty of music and entertainment for all the family.

Registrations for heavily discounted Early Bird Entry for the 2023 Runs Barns Green adult races are already open. Next year’s event will take place on Sunday 24th September and for further details just visit the Run Barns Green website: runbarnsgreen.org.uk

Nigel Currie, Run Barns Green Committee

Centre photo: Kids finishing the first Jennings Junior Jog

Top-left: Half Marathon winners (men)

Top-right: Half Marathon winners (women)

Bottom-left: 10k Race (men)

Bottom-right: 10k Race (women). Photos: Dan Stockwell

Official charity

hat a difference light makes. That trusty torch in your coat pocket that lights your way; the warm flicker of a candle on a meal table; the sunrise on a hazy autumn day; the dancing light of a bonfire night sparkler. In this season we notice and value light in a heightened way.

Light changes everything. A stumbling walk along a dark path can be transformed if a streetlight comes on. Rather like one of those difficult life decisions that can be transformed when a friend happens to say a wise word that makes a choice suddenly obvious. That feeling of safety when on a foggy drive the lights from your car shine bright. Perhaps this is similar to the way we can move forward and hopefully in challenging times by holding onto our values and beliefs even when the way ahead is foggy! Many of the rooms in my house could be improved by replacing a light bulb or finding added light sources. It may be seeking out what will bring light to our life in

Village Tweet Quick Crossword Solution

Puzzle on page 5

Across: 7,

the form of attitudes, choices and service to others would also bring improvement.

All this seeking out light might seem like hard work, but the Bible talks about God bringing us light as a gift. His forever gift of light comes through his son Jesus. No darkness can put out his light. No times of struggle can separate us from his life-giving light, love and presence

Jesus said in the Bible: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness.”

John 8 verse 12 Good News Bible Translation

As we live through this season of hardship may we all work together for each other’s good and bring light in the darkness. Come and join in with our activities at St Mary’s Church and find out more. Check out our website: www.stmarysbillingshurst.org

Parkin

Preparation time: 20 minutes. Cooking time: 30 minutes. Serves: 12

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / Gas Mk 4. Grease and line a 30 x 25 x 5 cm (12 x 10 x 2 inch) roasting tin with grease-proof paper.

2. Place the treacle, golden syrup, sugar and butter into a heavy-bottomed saucepan and heat gently until the butter has melted. Remove from the heat. Allow to cool a little then beat in the milk and the egg.

3. Sift the flour, ginger, bicarbonate of soda and salt into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the oatmeal and make a well in the centre.

4. Pour the liquid mixture into the well and beat thoroughly.

5. Pour into the roasting tin and bake in the centre of the oven until firm and springy.

6. Leave to cool in the tin. When cold wrap in greaseproof paper and leave for a couple of days in an airtight tin because the flavour of Parkin improves with keeping.

INGREDIENTS

225g / 8oz Plain flour

2 level tsps Ground ginger

1 level tsp Bicarbonate of Soda

½ level tsp salt

225g / 8oz Medium oatmeal

115g / 4oz Black treacle

115g / 4oz Golden syrup

115g / 4oz Soft light-brown sugar 115g / 4oz Unsalted butter 150ml / 5floz Milk

1 Egg beaten

Range

Bronze Turkeys

Looking Ahead: Billingshurst Dramatic Society in the Women’s Hall centenary year

Next year will be a big year for Billingshurst Dramatic Society as we celebrate our long association with the Women’s Hall in their centenary year.

The Hall opened in 1923 following the donation of land and money from local philanthropic sisters Ellen and Edith Beck, and, in 1926, the Mothers’ Garden which adjoins it was added. You might not have heard of the Beck sisters, but if you have ever visited the Women’s Hall then you will almost certainly have noticed their portraits which hang there, and evoke the era of suffrage and social reform in which they were so active.

We thought, therefore, that it would be a fitting tribute to offer two special productions next year.

The first is a new tongue-in-cheek dramatisation about the Beck sisters’ census evasion in 1911, in a village that wasn’t ready to consider giving women the vote back in 1911. when Billingshurst doesn’t seem to have been a very progressive place! This will be performed in conjunction with another one act suffragette play,

Our other production will be a sumptuous revival of Sheridan’s The Rivals, in a contemporary adaptation by BDS’s own Barry Syder. The first Billingshurst Dramatic Society performance took place back in 1942: it was a

production of The Rivals directed by Edward Marshall, so this seemed to be a good way to honour our unique history with the Women’s Hall.

Meanwhile, look out for our murder mystery at The Kings Head pub in November. This is an Inspector Waddington case, called Murder at Peacock Hall, featuring Colonel English-Mustard, and Clarissa Scarlett, among others. Fans of Cluedo might recognise a theme! Tickets are available directly from the pub, and there will be plenty of prizes for correctly guessing the identity of the murderer.

It’s a little way off, but a date for your diaries is our Christmas social at the Women’s Hall on Wednesday 7th December. There will be a read-through of a well-known Christmas play along with mulled wine and mince pies. All welcome! We are always looking for new members, whether fulfilling a desire to be on the stage, backstage, behind the scenes, front of house, pouring drinks at the bar, getting creative in the lighting box there is a role for everyone.

Ted Gooda Photo: The Women’s Hall

Tickets on sale now from The King’s Head

The Poignant Poppy

Why do we wear a poppy?

Scarlet poppies grow wild all over western Europe wherever the soil has been disturbed. The battles of the First World War churned up such vast areas of earth that millions of poppies germinated and bloomed, often around the bodies of the fallen soldiers.

A Canadian surgeon called John McRae wrote the poem In Flanders Fields, which many of us study in school. The poem is a haunting memorial to those soldiers who have died in any war and the imagery of the poppies is used to symbolise the deaths of those who fought. Why do we hold a two-minute silence? On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month the guns of World War One fell silent. Four years of fighting and devastation finally ended. The following year ceremonies of

remembrance took place on what was known as Armistice Day. An armistice is an agreement for the cessation of active hostilities between two sides in a war.

An Australian journalist, Edward George Honey first proposed a respectful silence to remember the dead. He wrote a letter to the London Evening News which was brought to the attention of King George V. The king issued a proclamation which called for a two-minute silence.

These days Armistice Day is more usually known as Remembrance Sunday and is a chance to honour the fallen soldiers of all conflicts.

In the light of the atrocities going on Ukraine this year, I hope you’ll think even more about your poppy and all it stands for.

Nicky Gray

Royal British Legion, Billingshurst, Remembrance Parade and Service: Sunday, 13th November

Remembrance Sunday is a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life. We remember the Armed Forces, and their families, from Britain and the Commonwealth, the vital role played by the emergency services and those that have lost their lives as a result of conflict or terrorism.

The Billingshurst Branch of The Royal British Legion will lead our Parade through the Village to the War Memorial for a Remembrance Ceremony. Following this there will be a Morning Service at St Mary’s Church led by the Reverend David Beal.

The Billingshurst Parish Council have once again kindly agreed to take responsibility for and organise the road closures to allow the parade to take place.

The Parade will form-up and march-off from Frenches Mead, no later than 10.25am, to arrive at the Billingshurst War Memorial for 10.45am. The Parade’s route will be from Frenches Mead, past Trinity United

Reformed Church, turning right at Meadows Wellbeing, up East Street and into Gratwicke Close.

We suggest those wishing to attend the Remembrance Ceremony at the War Memorial at St Mary’s Church, should arrive by 10.45am.

After the Morning Service, the parade will reform again in Gratwicke Close, leaving no later than 12.25pm, proceeding back down East Street and along the High Street to the Billingshurst Community Centre, where there will be refreshments available should anyone wish to join us.

We hope that you will join us on Remembrance Sunday, when the nation remembers and honours those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom.

For further information contact Colin Banks, Branch President and Remembrance Coordinator, e-mail: colinbanks1940@yahoo.com, tel: (01403) 784363. Graeme McAlpine, Press Officer

Photo: Scouts and Guides, 2021 Remembrance Parade

Billingshurst Rainbows needs you!

After 30 years, our Rainbow unit is at risk of closing; we need additional volunteers to keep the unit open.

Do you remember the fun you had at guiding or know someone that went to this Unit? Looking for a new fun and exciting challenge? Please come join us! You will be fully supported, have great fun and learn new skills. The girls are aged 4-7 and we currently meet each Wednesday during term time.

You could be part of the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK, with over 320,000 members. You could be one of over 80,000 amazing volunteers. We give girls and young women a space where they can be themselves, have fun, build brilliant friendships, gain valuable life skills and make a positive difference to their lives and their communities. Rainbows love to be active and work on their programme to gain their Rainbow Awards. The Rainbows highlights this term have been pond dipping, Clip & Climb and cooking.

We build girls’ confidence and raise their aspirations. We give them the chance to discover their full potential and encourage them to be a powerful force for good. We give them a space to have fun. Please contact www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or phone 0800 1695901 to find out more.

Sports Injury & Rehab Specialist at Meadows Wellbeing

Emma Wilson-Wild is a highly experienced MSc Sports Injury Therapist based at the popular Meadows Wellbeing practice in Billingshurst. Emma provides injury assessment, identification and treatment, as well as sports/occupational specific rehabilitation and injury prevention.

If you have sustained back or posture pain, muscle or ligament strains, nerve impingements or any other injuries from sport, work, an accident or even from gardening or other recreational activities, then Emma is your ‘go-to’ for the right assessment and treatment.

The Meadows Wellbeing Sports Injury and Rehabilitation service includes:

• Injury Assessment, Identification & Treatment

• Injury Prevention & Functional Movement Programs

• Manual Therapy (joint & soft tissue mobilisation)

• Strength & Flexibility Testing

• Trigger Point/Myofascial Release

• Dynamic/Kinesiology Taping

• Deep Tissue/Sports Massage

• Rehabilitation Programs

• Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) to build strength & recover faster Appointments last 30-60 minutes depending on the nature of your condition and response to treatment

and you will also receive excellent advice on how you can help yourself to continue to improve after your treatment to avoid further issues.

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

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Billingshurst

Weybridge

Chichester Market Day

9.00am Horsham & Sainsbury’s

Tuesday 8th 9.30am Paradise Park, Newhaven

Thursday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Wednesday

Tesco, Broadbridge Heath

Chichester. Option Baroque concert in Cathedral

Squires Garden Centre, Washington

Horsham & Sainsbury’s

Haskins Roundstone.

Barn Garden Centre for tea

Broadbridge Heath

&

Lions ROAR again in Local Schools

Billingshurst & District Lions Club is again supporting this youth initiative in Primary schools for children to think big and create world changing ideas through the Lions ROAR 22 competition in partnership with the education company 8billionideas.

Schools sponsored this year are: Barns Green, Loxwood, Pennthorpe, Rudgwick, Shipley, St Mary’s, Pulborough and Wisborough Green. Aimed at seven to ten year olds, groups of four in each class discuss ideas and possible solutions before creating a model, advertising poster and catchy jingle. Class winners then pitch their ideas to the whole school, who vote for the winner to represent them at the ROAR National Awards Day on 8th December.

Santa Prepares for Christmas

With Christmas fast approaching, Billingshurst & District Lions Club members are helping Santa dust off his Flying Bedstead ready for the traditional tours around Billingshurst, Barns Green, Loxwood, Rudgwick, Slinfold and Wisborough Green.

Santa and his Elves will again have his clever GPS tracker fixed to the bedstead, so his whereabouts can be followed each evening. Santa may also tempt Mrs Claus to join him again on occasions as she so enjoyed seeing all the children last year.

Full details of Santa’s itinerary and how to access the tracker will be available on the Club’s website

Loxwood Bridge Club raises £1400 for Halow

On 21st September, Loxwood Bridge for Fun Club hosted a charity fundraising event in North Hall, Loxwood, in aid of their adopted charity, Halow. Halow supports young people with learning disabilities. Their aim is to ensure that every young person with a learning disability has the same life choices and chances as anyone. Halow was founded in 2006 by Harriet, Amber, Laura, Oliver and William’s parents their initials spell Halow.

Our fundraising event was a tremendous success and raised just over £1,400. The event consisted of a Bridge afternoon for 64 people who then enjoyed a top quality afternoon tea which was very kindly prepared by our volunteers and was ably served with the help of some of the young people from Halow (pictured).

We would like to thank not only the volunteers who helped organise the event but also local companies and organisations who provided raffle prizes.

If you are interested in playing Bridge for Fun on a regular basis, please contact Gina Moore on ginamoore@btopenworld.com. We play every Wednesday afternoon at North Hall and as the title says, it is Bridge for fun. Graham & Gina Moore

www.billingshurst.org and on Facebook nearer the time.

Lion Christmas Cards

Billingshurst Lions very much appreciate all the generous contributions received by Santa and his Elves. This year for the first time, you can also contribute by buying Lion Christmas Cards on sale in the Bookshop in Jengers Mead, in support of Brain Tumour Research.

Gift Vouchers

Billingshurst Lions have also introduced Bookshop Gift Vouchers for giving to family and friends to spend on books of their choice. Choose the amount you wish to give with purchases simply deducted from the total given. Not just for Christmas, Gift Vouchers will be available throughout the year for birthdays or just as a ‘thank-you’ to someone special.

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

And don’t forget to visit the Lions Charity Bookshop in Jengers Mead! Harvey Holmes Press Officer, Billingshurst & District Lions Club

Photo: The new Bookshop Gift Voucher, available in the Lions Bookshop in Jengers Mead, not just for Christmas, but available all year for family and friends to select books of their choice

Billingshurst Beck WI

Billingshurst has had a long history of having a WI, and now in 2022, a new evening group has formed.

With 20 members and growing rapidly, Billingshurst Beck WI has been named to reflect the prominent Beck sisters who gifted a Hall to the women of Billingshurst.

We celebrated our first official meeting with a toast to our late Queen Elizabeth II and a slice of her favourite cake: Battenberg.

Then we got the dice rolling with a game of Beetle which brought many laughs and helped us to get to know one another.

We have an exciting programme planned for the next 12 months but we are always looking for new members to bring their skills and knowledge to share with us.

Perhaps you have an interesting hobby, can talk about a topic that you are passionate about or maybe a friend, or a neighbour, has an unusual job or interest they would like to come and talk to us about.

We meet on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm in the Stanley Room at the Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre on Roman Way, the next meeting being on 2nd November when we have a visiting speaker from the West Sussex Dialect Project. (Visitors welcome: £4). All meetings will of course be listed in the What’s On pages each month.

We want to hear from you so do feel free to email us at: billingshurstbeckwi@wsfwi.co.uk Jenni Spice

The Book of Form and Emptiness –Ruth Ozeki

This is the most beautiful and unusual book I have read for a while. With themes of love, family, grief, mental health, and substance abuse it sounds heavy, but be assured that though the book is heavy at 548 pages, the story is not.

Benny Oh is a 14year-old boy whose father dies in an unfortunate accident. Benny and his mother Annabelle grieve in their different ways. Annabelle begins to hoard while Benny starts to hear the voices of the objects in his home speak to him; the socks which want to be with their partner and books which want to be organised on the shelf. Benny finds this constant noise unsettling and intrusive and retreats to the library where all the things use their quiet voices, and where he meets some wonderful off-grid characters who provide a moving insight into mental ill-health.

The Book actually narrates the novel. The Book is a character in its own right and interacts with Benny directing him to be the hero of his own story. They even disagree over how to tell the family’s back story, particularly when it comes to his mother’s sex life.

Ozeki blurs the line between Benny’s hallucinations and the reality of The Book. Do the objects really talk to him?

Tash Donovan

Infused with warmth and wisdom the novel has some great characters, like the landlady’s evil son who is hell bent on evicting Benny and Annabelle, and a Marie Kondo character who Anabelle appeals to for help, shining a light on how our relationships are impacted by the importance we give to material belongings and the clutter we allow in our lives.

This is an enchanting and highly original novel. I read it then listened to the audio book, narrated by Kerry Shale, which I have to say was even better!

You Choose Pippa Goodhart (Author) & Nick Sharratt (Illustrator)

Imagine you could go anywhere, meet anyone, and do anything. Where would you live? Where would you sleep? Who would be your friends? What games would you play?

This beautifully illustrated book (Nick Sharratt never disappoints) has a simple concept: each doublepage is packed with detailed drawings of different things that a child can choose.

There is a set of destinations including beaches, cities, towns, forests, an island, and a desert. There are pages of different people, and different foods, etc.

There is so much to discuss with a young child as you turn the pages. Choices can be ordinary or wildly absurd.

You Choose is a wonderful springboard for young children to tell their own stories.

Pre-COVID we hosted an annual bonfire party for friends. We’re not big on planning but we follow the four Fs –Friends, Flame, Food & Fireworks. Our little bonfire bash afforded our social group the opportunity to meet together informally to enjoy life’s simple things: food, warmth, companionship and laughter, and we really missed it in 2020 and 2021, so this year we’re planning to bring it back. If you fancy hosting your own get together I’ll share our ‘recipe for success’ here.

Let’s start with the bonfire. There is a ‘proper’ way to build a fire which determines how long it will last and the amount of heat it gives off. It’s best to arrange kindling (twigs, cardboard and small pieces of wood) in a sort of wigwam shape over a base of tinder (paper, wood shavings or fire-lighters) and then add more bulky pieces of wood and logs which ignite more slowly but burn longer. Light the fire about 20-30 minutes before the party is due to start so that it is burning merrily when your guests arrive. Some people don’t like the idea of a Guy Fawkes, but if it appeals to you, you can hold a Guy Fawkes competition with prizes for the best or the funniest. Our garden is small, so we don’t have room for huge effigies, so we dress up our Halloween skeleton as Guy and he gets a seat of honour at our garden table… that’s probably weird but it’s our party so you don’t get to judge!

No gathering is complete without food. November weather is traditionally cold and damp, so home-made soup, served in old mugs is always welcome. Guests often want to contribute to the food table. We have no rules so this usually

results in a completely random selection of goodies, though we always provide hot dogs with fried onions (is there anything on earth that can beat that smell?) and homemade parkin (See the recipe on page 8. Ed), mainly because parkin is easy, and I can make it when I remember. Like I said, we’re not big on planning.

Fireworks are a must of course. They are also expensive in large quantities so don’t be shy about asking your guests to bring along a banger or two. Even with a substantial financial outlay, your display is unlikely to be hugely impressive, but that is absolutely not the point of a home-grown bonfire night party. It’s amazing how much enjoyment can be gleaned from the humblest box of shop-bought rockets. Invest in lots of sparklers too. Everyone loves sparklers, even adults, so be sure to have a good supply at hand, with matches to light them with and a bucket of water to extinguish them otherwise you'll be sweeping up rusty metal stems for months! Always remember the Firework Code (See opposite. Ed) and stay safe at all times.

Other tips we have learned from (sometimes bitter) personal experience is to make sure that carpets are protected if people are going to be in and out of the house, especially if the ground outside is wet, and have a supply of torches on hand if your bonfire is located some distance from the back door (which to be honest, it should be!)

For me, the key to hosting a successful bonfire party is similar to handling fireworks – set everything up, light the fuse, then step away and allow the magic to happen.

Happy Bonfire Night!

Kate McCarthy

Make sure you buy fireworks from licensed in-store and online retailers. Do NOT buy fireworks from unknown retailers on social media sites. Remember it is illegal for people under 18 to buy fireworks.

Before letting off fireworks, read all the safety instructions on the box, so you know important things like how far away people need to stand. Our friends at Aurora Fireworks (see their ad in last month’s Village Tweet, page 47) will be able to give you all the advice needed if buying fireworks. There are also local displays for you to attend by trained technicians, whichever you decide to do, stay safe and enjoy.

It’s that time of the year again where the weather has changed which makes the roads more hazardous. Make sure your car is prepared for winter. Here are some tips: Make sure wipers and lights are in good working order. Check that

Bonfire Night & Road Safety Advice Image: Vintage Firework Code poster still valid today

tyres have plenty of tread depth. If unsure, visit a local garage to advise you. Try to keep plenty of fuel in the tank; you never know when you might get delayed. Don’t use water to defrost the windows it can quickly re-freeze or, if hot water, it may crack the glass. Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive. Keep your mobile phone fully charged. In wet conditions maintain a greater distance between yourself and the vehicle in front (increase the two-second rule to four) and if icy leave an even greater gap. 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

Shopping!

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.

What, dear reader, are your personal likes and dislikes about this activity?

I would guess that like a lot of men, I have very mixed feelings about this occupation. I call it an occupation as I can’t really refer to it as a hobby, although I do believe some do carry it into the realms of an art form.

The males of our species in general I would suggest have a distinct aversion to the task.

We will go to buy trousers. We enter a shop selling trousers. We select a pair of trousers. We exit with trousers. We go home. Job done. Sometimes, with luck, they even fit!

Confess it fellas… we are hopeless at shopping!

I would suggest that our lovely feminine members approach the task in a completely different frame of mind. They have a much more adventurist approach to the task of buying something. In fact I suspect that on many occasions the target item they are seeking is, at that early stage of the proceedings, completely unknown.

time I can feel an irrational niggle starting to surface. No, it’s when a complete aisle change is made, especially when it’s to one that I’ve already pushed my argumentative trolley along ten minutes ago.

Next, is the fact that my soft fruit purchases, which are usually placed so as to come first in the sales lines, are then subjected to being buried under everything else in the store. I do try to keep them safe, honest, but somehow by the end of my wanderings they are submerged under virtually every other item on my list. I’m afraid that no amount of plastic casing can withstand the weight of a four-pack of cranberry juice without reducing the contents to a mush! OK, my fault I guess, mumble, mumble.

Finally, the one that really fires me up. This is the one that I’m very interested to hear your own opinions of. (Emails will be forwarded. Ed.)

The tills.

Bereft of staff and customers!

Just a little while ago what appeared to be a good half of the manned tills disappeared to be replaced by those unmanned do-it-yourself things. Now, I don’t mind putting a small basket through such places, but a whole trolley load? No way. Some four weeks ago it was demonstrated to me that a lot of fellow shoppers felt the same way…

They will dart from underwear to shoes with no apparent hesitation, and seem by natural intuition, to know exactly what goes with what, and where, in the last dozen shops they’ve dragged us round, that item can be found.

However, it’s not this clothing shopping that I wish to discuss here. It’s the general, run of the mill, weekly food shop that has stung my mouse and keyboard into action.

For convenient shopping we cannot fault our lovely village shops. We owe them a great deal in the way that they offer us such service for what is often darn hard work for very little return. So, please do your best to visit them as often as you can.

I would guess that, like the majority of families, we shop on a weekly basis at a large supermarket. I won’t say which one though I suspect the general principles apply to them all. The one we use is a great store, with a huge selection of produce as well as most other household items that would fulfil the needs of most shopping lists, but I do have a few issues and I wonder if these strike a cord with any of you good folks too.

I realise that many of these have been made for good commercial reasons, and I sympathise with them but, oh boy!, do they aggravate at the time.

First of course comes the movement of products from their usual position to a new place around the store. It may be only a few feet or to just the other side of the aisle, not too bad really, although at the

It was a Wednesday morning. The unmanned area had a light sprinkling of heros. Of the main till line, just three yes, three were manned. Needless to say a long queue had formed down the aisles opposite each of these.

Funnily enough the banter was good, despite some eye-rolling, general tutting, and a 20-minute wait. This, however, did little to aid the children’s ice lollies and my rum and raisin ice cream (a lovely variety but inclined to be very soft in the first place) that sat on the top of my pile of goodies. Eventually, after most folk refused the efforts of one of the staff to be encouraged to move to the empty wilderness of the unmanned area, a frantic call over the Tannoy summoned more staff to the lines, and movement was restored.

I guess the stores think this modern innovation will speed up our shopping experience. Make it easier without so much queuing, while maybe reducing staffing levels. Perhaps it will. Not for me though. I’m one of the older ones. I like that little chat as my goods beep their way past the barcode reader. To grumble as yet another item hasn’t got a code attached and someone is sent off to find a replacement. To moan about the potatoes and carrots scattered freestyle around the trolley because I’m too tight to pay 30p x2 for reusable veg bags.

Perhaps I’m getting to be a cussed old git.

It’s fun though, isn’t it. Isn’t it?

John Nash

Grey

grey

Afew years ago, I noticed that younger women were dying their hair grey. As a 45year-old woman the irony was not lost on me. There I was paying to dye my hair back to its original chestnut while the 23-year-old sitting at the next basin was paying the same to achieve my silver locks. WHY was I doing this?

One of the many downsides of colouring hair is that you have to repeat the process every three to eight weeks. I was closer to three-weekly and was planning my life around my roots. Then there was the expense. In spite of Davina McCall’s exhortations home dying did not look professional and my bathroom needed a deep clean afterwards. Finally, I was beginning to notice that dyed hair just didn’t look authentic on me. My skin looked just a little bit ‘off’ next to my hair colour. So, I decided to embrace the grey. Why do we go grey anyway?

Each hair grows from a follicle which contains cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce two types of pigments: eumelanin (dark brown or black), and pheomelanin (reddish yellow). In combination they are responsible for our hair colour. As we age the melanocytes in the hair follicle start to die and the hair becomes more transparent. Grey hair still has some melanin, but not enough to give us back our youthful hue. White hair has no melanin. The process of going grey Lots of people opt for a shorter haircut but it’s not essential. I didn’t. I decided I’d grow mine to shoulder length and brazen it out. My hair is still fairly thick so I wanted to make the most of it. My hairdresser recommend a textured cut to give it volume and movement. I still hated it for the first three months, as my roots came in, and I wore hats a lot. I nearly caved in at one point but my wonderful hairdresser talked me off the ledge. By six months I

was loving the changes.

My hairdresser recommended that I used products with a bit of shine. Grey hair loses its natural shine and can look less healthy. I love to use a hair oil from about halfway down my hair, which softens and moisturises it. I don’t use it all the way up the roots because it does weigh the hair down a little.

One bonus of being grey is that I have to wash my hair less. Grey hair is naturally drier so whereas before I was washing it every day or every other day, now I usually wash it every three or four days.

Another good recommendation was a specialist ‘purple’ shampoo and conditioner. “Don’t freak out when you first see it,” my hairdresser warned me. “It’s very purple, but it will brighten your grey hair and remove yellow tones.” Then she added, “Only use it once a week though or you’ll end up lilac!” It works like a charm. I love how silver my hair looks when I use it but I’m mindful of her warning.

My biggest concern was about looking ‘old.’ It didn’t take me long to realise that if I didn’t embrace more colour in my wardrobe that is exactly what would happen. I switched to a brighter lipstick and added some jewel-coloured tops and statement earrings to my previously all black wardrobe. I even updated my spectacles to a bright coloured frame. In addition, I keep my hair in a modern, more youthful cut and I love the fact that the colour now complements rather than competes with my skin tone.

Four years on I’m nearly 50 but I no longer worry about my roots, and I’m saving a fortune at the hairdresser. It’s not for everyone but I’d definitely recommend going grey because of the freedom it brings.

Charlotte Harris

Billingshurst Parish Council

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

Billingshurst in Bloom – Awards Night!

Entrants in the Billingshurst in Bloom competition received their awards from the Chairman of the Parish Council, Cllr Paul Berry at the Billingshurst Centre in late September, following a 2-year absence due to you-know-what! Residents and businesses received certificates in a number of categories, which had been judged by eminent gardeners from Billingshurst Horticultural Society. Once again, the Judges commented that whilst judging they passed many excellent gardens which hadn’t entered. If your business would like to sponsor a planter in the village or perhaps donate a trophy for one of the In Bloom categories next year, please contact the Parish Council. Thanks again to all those who entered or helped in some way this summer.

Billingshurst Choral Society –November concert

Billingshurst Choral Society are looking forward to their next concert on 19th November at St Gabriel’s Church at 7.30 pm. The choir will perform Schubert’s lyrical Mass in G and the seasonal Christmas Oratorio by Camille Saint-Saens. The programme also includes an instrumental piece by Debussy for harp and strings Danse Sacree et Danse Profane. Tickets from £15 available online via the Choral Society website www.billingshurstchoralsociety.org.uk or on the door. Why not book yourself a ticket and join them for a wonderful musical evening?

Christmas Best Dressed Shop Window Competition 2022

2022 will be the 17th year of the Parish Council’s best dressed shop window competition. Judging will take place during the week commencing Monday 5th December and the winner will be notified as soon as possible afterwards. A commemorative shield engraved with the winner’s name and year will be presented to the best with certificates for the two runners up. All shops and businesses in the High Street, Jengers Mead and around Billingshurst Station have an equal chance of winning the competition and there is no need for you to formally enter, our judge(s) will consider every shop/business which has a Christmas window display.

South & South East in Bloom

Billingshurst was well represented at Farnham Maltings on 23rd September for the annual South & South East in Bloom Awards. Both Station Road Gardens and the village itself managed to maintain their previous standings of Silver Gilt and Silver respectively. Representing the Parish Council were Property Committee Chairman Cllr Sandy Duck and Parish Clerk Greg Burt; representing the Friends of Station Road Gardens was its former Chairman Keith Brown. Billingshurst’s very own Bee Man, Kevin Tuffs was presented with the region’s Biodiversity Award. Thanks to all Council staff, contractors and volunteers, particularly those from BilliGreen, who helped make the village and Station Road Community Gardens look so good over this challenging summer and for their hard work all year round.

Traffic Calming Update

Following the public consultation in the New Year into possible traffic calming in East St and High St, the draft scheme together with all the many comments from residents were submitted to WSCC under its annual Community Highways Scheme. The closing date for this was the end of July. We understand that they receive many bids, which all have to be carefully evaluated and scored against WSCC priorities to help decide which ones can be approved. County Cllr. Mrs Amanda Jupp advised our September Council meeting that our bid has apparently passed Stage 1 and will now go forward for further consid eration. As soon as we hear anything, we will let you know.

www.billingshurst.gov.uk

council@billingshurst.gov.uk

Football Crazy

It can’t have escaped your notice that we are in the midst of the World Cup Fever! So here are a few World Cup facts for footie novices and experts alike.

The first World Cup took place back in 1930. Jules Rimet, a French football administrator who was the third and longest serving President of FIFA, wanted to create an international competition between men’s football teams. The first World Cup tournament consisted of thirteen invited teams and took place in Uruguay, who won the competition.

The World Cup has been played every four years since this inaugural tournament except in 1942 and 1946 when it was suspended because of World War II. Hence it has been held 21 times; 2022 will coincidentally be the 22nd World cup.

In 2018 Russia automatically qualified as the host country, with the remaining 210 nations competing for the remaining 31 places during 872 matches. Following the international condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Russians were banned from the 2022 World Cup. Their scheduled opponents in the playoffs at the time of the ban were Poland, who were given a bye through to the final — where they beat Sweden to book their ticket to Qatar 2022.

The Russian football authorities did appeal the decision, but their case was thrown out by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Brazil has won the most World Cups with five, while Italy and Germany are close behind with

four each.

The World Cup is usually held in June and July but the host this year are Qatar. The subtropical desert climate there results in extremely hot summers, with highs averaging between 32-27°C. As the temperature often exceeds these averages, the authorities felt it would be too dangerous to play soccer. So as part of their winning bid for hosting the World Cup, Qatar agreed to stage the tournament in November and December, where typical temperatures are a more comfortable 2126°C.

The winning team is awarded the World Cup Trophy. Although the team gets to enjoy celebrating and being photographed with the trophy after the final, they don’t get to take it away with them. They are sent home with a replica. The current Jules Rimet trophy has been presented to winning teams since 1970. It is made of 18-carat gold and weighs in at 13.5 pounds (just over 6kg). At the inception of the tournament in 1930 FIFA decided that if any nation won three finals, they would be given the trophy to keep. In 1970 Brazil achieved this feat when they defeated Italy in the final in Mexico, so the trophy was presented to the Brazilian Sports Confederation. It was placed on display on the third floor of the CBF offices in Rio. 13 years later on the night of 19th of December, the security guard was overpowered by a group of thieves and the trophy disappeared. It has never been found.

Nicky Gray

Renegades put the Awe in Autumn!

sessions often finish with a look up into the night sky.

Gareth continues, “There’s nothing quite like showing young people how to use a telescope, and then watch their reaction when they see – with their naked eyes Jupiter bright and shiny in an inky black sky for the first time.”

Home-made tortillas, cooked over a firepit, keep the children both messily floured and fed!

warm…

the kids love it

it feels like camp.

“We have been also been taking the children on night walks – often in the rain – with dog mascot, German Shepherd Dixie, on protection duty. Other activity nights have included carpentry, cookery and art.

“The art nights have been a lot of fun, getting the children to try charcoal drawing, painting, photography and even 3D computer design. The most interesting and revealing thing was to stand them at an easel and give them just ten seconds to draw each other and then move round to the next easel and do the same thing in five seconds. It gets their back brain working – they have no time to be self-conscious or try too hard. It frees their arms and their brains to just capture what they see,” says Gareth, who is himself an artist.

One benefit of it getting darker much earlier is that

Says Gareth, “One special joy for me is watching the children confidently and competently handle the carpentry tools. We’ve got them making wooden utensils and proper furniture and a special mention must go to Ben who is making a coracle from scratch, including routing, sawing, chiselling, sanding and even steam bending.”

The Renegades would still like a home. We are looking for an existing building with external space (we can refurbish), or a field where we can put up a green, off-grid building. If you have any suggestions, please get in touch.

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: Art nights joins the growing and varied list of activities

Wey & Arun Canal Trust news round-up

Feeling the heat

The combination of a dry winter and spring and the joint warmest summer on record took its toll on water levels on the Wey & Arun Canal and for the first time since 2018 the Trust was forced to postpone boat trips from its Loxwood wharf from the end of July.

Usually in times of little or no rainfall the Trust is given permission to pump water from nearby rivers, but with their levels so low that wasn’t possible. It was also important to keep the existing water it had to ensure oxygen levels in the canal didn’t fall and risk the health of the fish and other wildlife in the canal, so calling a halt to summer trips was the only option.

Volunteers made good use of the extra time off, though, and working parties took the opportunity to give tripboats a fresh coat of paint ready for the time when water levels rise and cruises can resume.

The team also got ahead on preparations for Christmas trips and the popular Santa Cruises are now available to book at www.weyarun.org.uk.

Improvements at Loxwood

Volunteers from across the UK spent a week helping out regular Wey & Arun Canal Trust volunteers at the restored section at Loxwood recently as part of a Waterway Recovery Group summer camp.

Some 15 visitors gave up their time to help construct canoe landing stages and make towpath improvements during the working holiday.

With the canal increasingly used by canoeists, kayakers and paddleboarders the Trust was keen to add suitable landing stages and the extra pairs of hands meant four were constructed in just a week.

The landing stages were funded with a grant from the Canoe Foundation and are made to British Canoeing standards with locally sourced Douglas Fir which was also sawn at a local timber mill.

As well as constructing the landing stages, the volunteers helped resurface sections of the towpath which often suffered during bad weather.

The towpath work was made possible thanks to a donation from the Loxwood Fete Committee and Loxwood Parish Council

Progress on bridge building project in Surrey

The Trust is restoring a section of canal at Birtley, near Bramley, to create a length of waterway suitable for kayaks, paddleboards and canoes to use, and work is well underway to construct the second of two bridges in this picturesque area.

The canal is blocked by a causeway that carries a bridleway and cycleway so volunteers have constructed a diversion to allow right of way use to continue while the bridge itself is being built and have re-opened the circular permissive path leading from the Downs Link which had been temporarily shut. Working parties will carry out the majority of the construction work, with contractors used for specialist jobs. Piling contractors were on site in late August and volunteers are now beginning work on the bridge foundations.

The bridge will be a manually operated lift bridge which raises to allow boats to travel beneath. A lift mechanism will also be fitted to the bridge several hundred metres to the south, which currently has a temporary fixed deck.

Anniversary Poddle 2023 set for Sunday 4th June

Next year marks the 50th Poddle sponsored walk and as such the 2023 event will be a particularly special one.

The 12-mile walk will start in the grounds of Petworth House, where in 1813 the 3rd Earl of Egremont backed an act of Parliament authorising the building of the Wey and Arun Junction Canal which extended the navigation from Newbridge in West Sussex to Stonebridge Wharf south of Guildford on the Godalming portion of the river Wey.

Everyone is invited to join this annual event on Sunday 4th June, so save the date and look out for more details on social media and at www.weyarun.org.uk

.

Gill Davies, Press and Publications Assistant

Top: Volunteer preparing the boat for winter. Photo: Alan Wright Photography

Bottom: Loxwood towpath work. Photo: Dave Miller

Charles Dickens famously said,

“Procrastination is the thief of time.”

Procrastination is intentionally delaying completing a task despite knowing it will have negative consequences. It’s a form of self-sabotage, which reduces the time available to complete the task, while increasing stress levels. So why do we do it?

Amygdala hijack. The amygdala is the part of the brain which moderates our fear response. When we are distressed the rational part of our brain (the pre-frontal cortex) shuts down leaving the amygdala in charge. If we feel negative towards a task and our brain interprets this as distress, the amygdala steps in to persuade us NOT to do it. Instant gratification. Humans tend to repeat tasks when our brain rewards us with a dopamine hit. Procrastinating by watching cat videos on YouTube feels good in the present, like a reward, so we keep delaying tasks until procrastination becomes a chronic habit. Present bias. We are more focused on who we are and how we feel today, than for our future self. We don’t dwell on how our current decisions will impact us in a few weeks or months. We actually process information about our current self and future self in separate parts of the brain. Functional MRI scans reveal that we view our future-self in the same way we view a stranger. So it’s easier for us to defer tasks and decisions that favour our future self, and instead choose instant gratification which provide pleasure right now.

Stopping procrastination

There is not a one-size-fits-all solution but there are some tools which might help. Choose the ones that resonate with you. Focus on the why. Will the task benefit someone

else? Extrinsic motivation can sometimes be a powerful tool. “If don’t do this I will be letting them down.” If it’s you who will benefit try writing down why you’re doing the task. A written reminder will help keep you focussed. Eat the frog. If you knew you had to eat a live frog, you’d want to get the task finished first thing, then get on with your day knowing nothing else was going to be that bad. Eating the frog suggests that if we tackle an unpleasant task early in the day, everything else will seem easier.

Eat the Elephant. It’s an old joke: “How do you eat an elephant?” “One bite at a time.” Break a task down for small easy wins. That way you build momentum gradually, and don’t feel overwhelmed.

The 3/5/10 Minute Rule.

Tell yourself you only have to do the task for three, five or ten minutes. Most likely, when the timer goes off you will have the built enough momentum to want to continue.

The pressure cooker method. If you feel like you need a sense of urgency to complete tasks give yourself a certain amount of time to get all or part of the job done. Set a timer, or download a productivity app. Body doubling. Ask someone to sit with you while you complete the task. Studies show that having someone else in the room while you are working (even if they are just doing their own thing), really helps some people focus. Reward. Promise yourself a reward when you complete your task. Be specific: a scented bubble bath; an episode of your favourite sit com; a jam donut… whatever works for you. Procrastination is a human trait. We can’t eradicate it, but we can learn to manage our time better.

Tracey Anderson

With the cost of living crunch a daily worry, some people are facing difficult choices about giving up their family pets. Animal rescues are already full, but under pressure every day to take in more animals when their resources are already stretched to breaking point.

Responding to this crisis, two Billingshurst women have co-founded a local Pet Food Bank with the mission of ‘keeping people and pets together’. They are Andrea Charlwood, well known locally for her work as a cat, wildlife and pet rescuer. The other is Julia Jepps, a successful fundraiser for animal rescues over many years through events and online shows.

How does it work? The Pet Food Bank has already started to gather donations of pet food from local villagers, keen to help. Retailers are also being asked to have donation bins or give end-of-date stock to swell the bank’s stores. The donated food will then be distributed to those most in need. People needing this support might include:

• People awaiting benefit payments;

• People on low incomes facing unexpected bills such as a vet’s bill;

• People on benefits who may be struggling to make

ends meet;

• Anyone experiencing financial problems due to health issues;

• Recently unemployed people;

• Victims of domestic abuse;

• Senior citizens on limited fixed incomes. Those needing assistance can selfrefer using the form found via the Facebook page: Billingshurst and Surrounding Area Pet Food Bank. Information is collected about the pets and their needs – this is entirely confidential. If accepted, a package of food will be put together according to the pets’ needs. Each recipient will be asked to collect the food from a central collection point. For anyone unable to walk or drive to the central point, delivery may be possible. Donated food cannot be passed on or sold –unwanted items must be returned.

To donate food for cats, dogs and small pets (not live food for reptiles), request support or volunteer please either message us via our aforementioned Facebook page or email us at billipetfoodbank@ gmail.com. Let’s help people keep their much-loved pets at this financially challenging time.

Julia Jepps

The Spaniel Diaries

What a month! Firstly I was very sad that HM Queen Elizabeth II has passed away. The whole family loved her and she loved us dogs too, it was a sad day in my house as we all watched the funeral, even that horror of a puppy sat quietly for once.

Talking of the horror of a pup it still hasn’t gone anywhere, I do have a feeling it’s now a permanent fixture. It’s very annoying and always wants to play, and of course that idiot Mav likes to indulge it in a game. What is also annoying and so not fair is it gets fed more than I do, can you believe that! Apparently I get fat too easily and do not need three meals a day wheras the walking teeth needs to grow into a big strong boy. Erm, I don’t think so!

I do, however, give him his due in that he’s a very clean boy and mum should be grateful for my showing him that toilet is done outside and not in the dog bed and rolled in, ugghh! I do need to teach him to roll in fox poo though, the day he does that will be the day he goes up in my estimation!

Mum was quite excited to receive a parcel this week. I also got excited because it looked very much like a big beautiful fluffy dog blanket, but alas it’s not YET! Mum is adament that she’s not putting the heating on unless it’s sub-zero, so she has bought two massive heated blankets to snuggle up with as it’s going to be cheaper than putting on the gas! We dogs are going to be used

as hot water bottles too I really don’t mind as I adore cuddles, not sure how that puppy is going to like it though, he whirls around like a feral thing so good luck trying to cuddle him!

Mum is already teaching the monster of a puppy to sit and to walk nicely on the lead. He absolutely loves tennis balls too and spends ages hunting in the grass, I personally don’t get the attraction with the things, give me a sock anyday!

Hmmm, I can blame the puppy for the missing socks! Yay, especially since mum caught him swinging on the curtains just the other day!

Now Bonfire Night is upon us mum is making sure we are happy and comfortable. Luckily Mav and I aren’t really too bothered about the bangs but we’ll see how the piranha in a puppy costume goes; mum has made sure he’s got a comfortable den and plenty of tasty treats and toys around too. Some pets really struggle and mum says they need to be kept inside especially when it’s dark and to make sure microchips are upto date in case they do escape.

Don’t forget to check for our little prickly hedgehog friends before lighting the bonfire too!

Well, it will soon be Christmas so I can’t wait to see what he makes of the Christmas tree!

Until next time, have fun! Jeannette Douglas

Christmas preparations

As the nights are getting longer and the days are colder, many of us look forward to Christmas with decorations, presents and daily treats from advent calendars. We humans know what all this means but from the eyes of a cat or dog, this can all appear very strange and confusing.

Once a year we bring out boxes of shiny, twinkly decorations from the loft or garage which may have collected a decent layer of dust or storage mites while being tucked away. This can cause our pets to sneeze or itch if they’re sensitive to a higher exposure than normal. We can help reduce the exposure by taking those boxes outside first, giving everything a good shake and dust off before we start to put them up. Only put a few things up every day so your pet can acclimatise to the new decorations first.

Advent calendars are a wonderful treat for us in December and it makes sense that we want our pet to share the joy with their own advent calendars. If you do wish to give those daily treats, make sure you reduce their usual food a little so those waistlines don’t get too stretched over Christmas!

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

Autumn is well advanced and following some brilliant colour, the trees and shrubs have shed most of their leaves. Many of us will have been busy tidying our plots in preparation for winter. However, if you've ever fancied growing your own fruit then now is the perfect time to put in a little extra effort.

From now until spring is the best window to plant fruit trees because now is the time that nurseries are selling bare-root trees. ‘Bare-root’ simply means without pots or soil. Bare root trees are cheaper than those grown in pots, but they are quick to establish providing you follow a few simple steps:

Before you plant the tree, soak the roots in a bucket of water for at least two hours, so it gets a good drink.

Prepare a large enough area, at least one metre in diameter. This means that if you are planting in a lawn you’ll need to remove an area of turf to the same diameter to stop the grass competing with the new tree for nutrients and water.

Wherever you plant, make sure you dig in lots of organic matter this could be garden compost, leaf mould, or well-rotted manure. Make sure you dig it all around the area where the hole will be, rather than just into the hole itself, because this will encourage the new tree to put roots out into the surrounding soil, helping it to establish quickly.

The hole for the new tree needs to be roomy enough so that the roots will not be crammed

together.

Drive a stake into the ground to a depth of at least 60cm. This will provide support for your fledgling tree.

If you are planting a grafted tree, there will be a clear join where it was grafted on to the rootstock. This join should remain above the soil level when planted. It’s easier if there are two of you; one to hold the tree at the correct level, and one to backfill the hole around the roots. The person holding the tree should shake the trunk gently as the hole is filled, so that soil gets in between all the roots.

Once you’ve filled the hole, firm the soil gently with your foot. Don’t compact the soil too much. Then drag more soil over the compressed area.

Use a soft rubber tie to secure the tree to the stake at a height of 60cm. Too low and the tree won’t be secure; too high and the tree won’t flex enough in the wind. Allowing the tree to flex a little encourages more root growth and results in a stronger tree.

Finally, water in well and apply a 5cm layer of organic mulch over the area but NOT touching the trunk, because it might rot. The mulch helps to suppress weeds, provide insulation, and retain moisture.

Your tree should now be fine until spring when we’ll talk about ongoing care.

Happy Gardening! Rachel Leverton

Heidi’s holiday

Once upon a time on a small farm near Billingshurst…

Onceupon a time on a small farm near Billingshurst or, rather, at a small caravan near Selsey, Heidi the schnauzer was busy eating breakfast. Nanny usually put the crunchies down in the morning like today and they could all graze as they wanted. Heidi always let Poppy eat her crunchies but growled when Magnus tried to. She really loved Poppy except when she got too demanding and Heidi had to give her a growling to set her right.

Here they were in the beginning of October and today the sun was shining. Yesterday, there had been a great big wind and everything rocked and flapped all day. Nanny had taken them for a run while it was still windy and nearly got blown over trying to pick up a big poo.

As she went outside for a wee Heidi was a bit worried. She listened as well as she could about what was going to happen, but as she was a bit deaf (like Grandad) she wasn’t sure about what was going to happen. She did know that she and Nanny had gone in the car to a garden and there they visited a lady in a motor chair. The lady said, “Hello, Heidi, it’s your Mummy,” and she patted Heidi. “Oh my dog,” thought Heidi, “Who’s this?” The lady seemed familiar but Heidi couldn’t quite place her. She sat by Nanny as close as possible while the humans talked and occasionally the lady in the chair would talk to Heidi repeating, “Hello, darling, it’s your Mummy.”

Heidi was a bit confused as she had some vague memories about the lady but she’d had such a good time at the little farm near Billingshurst, that she couldn’t quite bring her previous life back into focus.

Anyway, things went back to normal but still people talked and still Heidi didn’t quite hear or understand. Until they went back to the garden again to meet the lady in the motor chair. This time Nanny let her go and meet the lady ahead of her and Heidi went over to say hello. This was fine, since she knew they’d met this lady before and she was friendly. The lady started to talk to her. “Hello, my darling,” she said, “I’m coming

home soon and we can meet Darcy. Do you remember Darcy the cat? Did you miss me? What a lovely girl you are.” Nanny lifted Heidi up onto the lady’s lap and she settled down looking longingly at the biscuits the ladies were pushing into their mouths. “No,” said the lady, “you aren’t allowed chocolate, my darling. It’s not good for you.”

Then Nanny told the lady they had to go home because she wanted to pack for their time at the caravan. “This’ll be your last time, Heidi,” Nanny said. “You’re going home to your Mummy next week.” Heidi didn’t want to hear that and closed her ears.

So here they were back at the caravan and Heidi was eating her crunchies. Nanny took them for some walks in the great big paddock and then she promised she’d take Heidi and Poppy to the beach in the afternoon. The girls liked the beach but Magnus did not.

Nanny put them both onto her scooter and off they scootered to the beach. The girls had a great roam and Nanny selected a few stones to put in her Selsey garden. It was a bit windy and had got colder but it was good.

All too soon though the time ended and Nanny packed all Heidi’s blankets, bowls and crunchies and took her to her Mummy’s house.

Nanny and Grandad were sad to let her go. And Sara was broken hearted. She didn’t like the idea of Heidi anywhere else but with them. But it was time. Her Mummy was home from her long stay in hospital and loved her and so it was only right Heidi went home. Poppy howled for a bit and then was distracted by treats and a run. Magnus heaved a sigh of relief. He didn’t really like sharing his mum. Poppy was certainly bad enough!

And thus, as Nanny went to her granddaughter’s wedding in New Zealand, things sort of settled down on that little farm near Billingshurst as they waited for winter.

Yvonne Fleece

‘Now, what is that smell?’

Heads Up!

The latest in vehicle technology

Busier roads mean we need to use more of our concentration to monitor the traffic around us. Tightly enforced speed regulations mean we also need to watch our dashboard dials to keep on the right side of the law. Unfortunately, this means we have to take our eyes off the road frequently to read the gauges. Add in a sat-nav and a lot of our mental bandwidth could be diverted at any one time.

Enter the head-up display. These have been around for while and are fitted as standard on some premium cars. But third-party units are widely available and easy to install.

A head-up display is a small transparent unit which is mounted on top of the dashboard, in front of the driver. It displays information exactly where you need it – directly in the line of sight. Drivers get all the important information such as speed, warning signals and indicator arrows for

navigation without having to looking down to the instrument cluster or the secondary display, hence the name.

There are a few types of head-up display. Some project on to your windscreen, and these can be harder to see in some lighting conditions. Some have a semi reflective sheet of glass that’s designed to reflect the display while allowing you to see through it, very much like in fighter aircraft.

Most head-up units plug in to the OBD (onboard diagnostics) port in your car to get their information, and some models can connect to your phone and sat-nav which allows them to provide even more features in your line of vision.

Prices start at well under £100 there are lots to sift through on Amazon so you can boost your driving safety while channelling your inner Tom Cruise in Top Gun.

Tom Hancock

the

What’s On – November

Every Mon Billingshurst Men’s Shed. Call or e-mail for location. 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: davidandmar.ambrose1@btinternet.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)

Every

Every

abilities. www.HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org. Tel: Russell, 07803

email: info@HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org

in Slinfold Chapel from 7.30-9.30pm. Varied repertoire. Band

(01403) 790717

email: magsfisher@btinternet.com

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

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 Blue Idol Open Day. Oldhouse Lane, Coolham, RH13 8QP. 10am-1pm. Visit this historic building and Mar-Novdiscover local history. www.blueidol.org. Tel: (01403) 740039

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-Decwww.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 Nov 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

1 Nov The Arts Society West Sussex lecture by Hilary Guise: ‘Artists of the Montmartre’. 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

1 Nov Pulborough Computer Club Afternoon. Pulborough Village Hall. 2-3.30pm. A friendly group with varying levels of IT knowledge and skills. No need to book. Members £2, guests £3. www.pcclub.org.uk

2 Nov The Family Fire. A monthly 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

2 Nov The Arts Society – South Downs lecture by Giles Ramsay: ‘Greeks Where We Began’. 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

2 Nov Billingshurst Wednesday Group: Aaron Barton, Practice Manager at Billingshurst Surgery, will talk to us and answer questions. St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst, 10am. Hazel Barnes, tel: 07711 470635 or email: buzzhazel@gmail.com

2 Nov Billingshurst Beck WI Talk by Amy Stone: ‘The Dialect and Heritage Project’ Stanley Room, Billingshurst

Centre, Roman Way, RH14 9QW. 7.30pm. The talk will

Leeds Archive of Vernacular Culture, which relates to West Sussex.

refreshments. For further information tel: (01444) 483682 or email: yvonnebee@wsfwi.co.uk

Friends.

£4

Library. 10.30-11.30am. Are

having

Tel: (01403) 783145

Price. St Gabriel’s Hall,

Beryl

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

10 Nov 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

10 Nov Billingshurst WI Talk: ‘Penguins in the Desert’ by Dr Frances Hurd. Community Centre, Roman Way. 2.30pm. Room not available until 2.15pm. Interesting speakers, hobby groups, various outings. Visitors welcome. Secretary, tel: (01403) 780810

10 Nov Blood Cancer UK Horsham Branch Bridge Drive. Warnham Park, Warnham, RH12 3RP. 10.30am3pm. Prizes & raffle. £100 per table (£25 each) to include coffee, biscuits and a delicious lunch. For details contact Nicola, tel: (01403) 243492 or email: secretary.horshambloodwise@gmail.com

10 Nov 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

10 Nov Billingshurst Local History Society Talk: Fran Farrer Brown on Sussex Scenes: coast, countryside, castles and gardens. 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

11 Nov Loxwood Movie Night: ‘The Duke’. North Hall, RH14 0SF. 7 for 7.30 start. £5 on the door. Bar

11 Nov 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

12 Nov 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

13 Nov Billingshurst Remembrance Parade and Service. The Royal British Legion, Billingshurst branch, parade arrives at the War Memorial at 10.45am for a Remembrance Ceremony followed by Morning Service at St Mary’s Church. See page 11

15 Nov 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

15 Nov 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 Nov Barns Green & Itchingfield Women’s Institute Meeting. Barns Green Village Hall. 2.30pm followed by tea. New members welcome. For more information contact Annette Relph (01403) 732580

18 Nov Macmillan Film night. ‘Fisherman’s Friend: One and All ’. 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)

19 Nov Billingshurst Choral Society concert. St Gabriel’s, Billingshurst. 7.30pm. Schubert’s Mass in G and the Christmas Oratorio by Saint-Saens. £15 from www.billingshurstchoralsociety.org.uk or on the door

19 Nov Kids’ Craft: Mixed Media Collage. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 9.30-10.30am (3-5 years) & 10.30-11.30am (6+).The children will explore the art of collage and use their individual creativity to produce a piece of artwork on contact paper to take home. £8 per session. www.cranleighartscentre.org

19 Nov Vivace Chorus presents their 75th anniversary concert Feast! with The National Symphony Orchestra. G Live, Guildford (glive.co.uk). 7.30pm. Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast, songs by Vaughan Williams and Holst combine with The Lark Ascending, one of the best loved pieces of all time

19 Nov Live Music: Jazz Sabbath piano trio. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 7.30pm. £25 cabaret inc cheese & Wine, £21 Balconies inc wine only: (01483) 278000 (Tues-Sat 10am-4pm) or visit www.cranleighartscentre.org

19 Nov Billingshurst Artisan Market. Six Bells car park. 9.30am-1.30pm. See page 10

20 Nov The Vintage Jumble. Loxwood, North Hall, RH14 0SF. Affordable vintage and pre-loved finds from 20 traders. Refreshments available. Free parking. Dog-friendly. Early bird admission from 9.30. £2. Entry from 10 a.m. £1. juliajepps@yahoo.co.uk

21 Nov 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

21 Nov Macmillan Film night. ‘Fisherman’s Friend: One and All ’. 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)

23 Nov Billingshurst Wednesday Group: Traditional Sussex Foods – a presentation by Michelle King. St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst, 10am. Hazel Barnes, tel:07711 470635 or email: buzzhazel@gmail.com

24 Nov Sing for Pleasure. 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

24 Nov Open Mic Night. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 7.30pm. A new venture for Cranleigh Arts. We encourage all musicians from opera to rap to take the mic. Supported by a house band and hosted by local musician Nigel Sanctuary. Our fully stocked bar will be open all evening. Free entry. www.cranleighartscentre.org

26 Nov 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

30 Nov

Billingshurst Wednesday Group. For our final meeting before Christmas we will be entertained by KIPHRA, a team of handbell ringers from Kirdford. St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst, 10am. Hazel Barnes, tel: 07711 470635 or email: buzzhazel@gmail.com

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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