elcome to the April Village Tweet. With the clocks having sprung forward it really feels like spring at last. And there is plenty going on in April, bringing us towards Easter, see the What’s On pages. For the book-lovers among us there is the BilliLit, Billingshurst’s book festival which takes place on the last weekend of April, see page 12. Or why not come along to the Plant-to-Plate Festival in Horsham on 26th April? See page 9. Billingshurst Showcase: 5th April. See page 23. Easter services are listed on the back cover for Billingshurst churches. Everyone welcome. Why not give your business a spring boost? We offer some amazing deals on series bookings. Download the Rate Card from our website (www.villagetweet.co.uk) or call me (07762 767084) for a no obligation chat. Grahame
Hospice care. It’s easing pain and bringing comfort, cherishing memories and creating new ones. It’s allowing anyone, anywhere, to embrace the life that’s left.
Scotland and on average, gifts left to UK hospices in Wills pay for the care of one in five patients.
Every year, UK hospices care for 300,000 people and support 60,000 family members, carers and friends, free of charge. However, with NHS and government funding providing on average less than a third of their costs and a national hospice funding crisis, UK hospices are facing unprecedented financial challenges.
That’s why seven local hospices –St Catherine’s Hospice, St Wilfrid’s Hospice (Eastbourne), St Barnabas House, Chestnut Tree House, Martlets, St Michael’s Hospice and St Wilfrid’s (Chichester) have joined together for This is Hospice Care, a national collaboration between 143 hospices across England, Scotland and Wales, brought together by Hospice UK
Six of the local hospices taking part provide care for adults, but Chestnut Tree House is a children’s hospice offering vital care and support to children and young people facing lifelimiting and life-threatening conditions. The hospice helps children and their families to make the most of their time together, ensuring they can live life to the full and say goodbye in the way that is right for them.
Every gift in every Will, no matter how large or small, makes a difference, helping local hospices to reach more people. This is critical considering as many as 90% of people who die in the UK would benefit from palliative care.
Leaving a gift in your Will is a deeply personal way to support your local hospice and show your commitment to protecting hospice care for future generations.
The This is Hospice Care campaign aims to raise awareness of adult and children’s hospice services, shift public perceptions of hospice care and educate people about the importance of gifts in Wills in providing sustainable income for hospice charities.
Karen Clarke, CEO of St Michael’s Hospice in Hastings said, “We’re thrilled to be a part of this important campaign that highlights the critical work hospices do and the lasting impact that gifts in Wills can have.”
Gifts in Wills are crucial to the survival and growth of hospices across England, Wales and
George and his partner Paul have each included a gift in their Will to St Catherine’s Hospice in Pease Pottage. George said, “St Catherine’s therapy team has been so helpful in getting me back on my feet – literally! After the hospice’s help, it was a no-brainer to leave something in our Wills. It’s good to know by leaving a gift we’re helping ensure other people can have the same care and support I’ve had.”
When David’s Mum Valerie died, he discovered that she had left a gift in her Will to St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne after they cared for her.
“Mum recognised how fortunate she was to fall under the care of St Wilfrid’s, an opportunity that not everybody receives,” explained David. “Although mum expressed her appreciation to St Wilfrid’s at every opportunity, she also wanted to make a financial gift, both to say ‘thank you’ and to make a small contribution that will hopefully help others have the same opportunity to receive high quality end of life care. I guess that was mum. Always thinking of others.”
To leave a gift in your Will and help hospice care live on for all, for now, forever search for your local hospice at: thisishospicecare.org.uk.
Laura Bland, Communications and PR Manager
Photo: Seven local hospices have joined a national campaign to raise awareness of hospice services and highlight the importance of gifts in Wills in funding hospice care
…it is still a beautiful world
One of the bleakest cries of despair in the Bible comes from Psalm 137: “How can we sing the Lord’s song while in a foreign land?” It’s a poem that comes out of the experience of being held captive in a land many miles from home. Their captors are demanding of their victims that they sing the songs of their homeland, the songs from their temple. But how is that possible in the misery they find themselves in?
Today, even a quick glance at the news reveals the depths of suffering in our world. It is a constant factor that we cannot escape, and yet in Church this month we’ll be celebrating Easter. How can we celebrate the joy of the resurrection, when we are surrounded by misery?
The answer lies not in the oftrepeated phrase that “life must go on”, but in something much deeper. Easter is about a hope that has stood the test of time, a hope that can sustain us through suffering because it was born out of suffering.
powerful teacher and healer, could do. There was so much good in Jesus. But now, all that hope, all that goodness, was as dead as Jesus’ lifeless body on the cross. Could there be any hope at all?
But the story doesn’t end there. Come the first Easter Day there was a remarkable discovery: the tomb where Jesus was buried was empty! Jesus had risen from the dead, and many of his friends encountered him. The resurrection of Jesus shows that death does not have the final word, that the love and goodness of God in Jesus are stronger even than the grave. Since the first Easter Day, this is a hope that has lifted and encouraged countless people in the darkest of times.
For those who lived through the events of Good Friday, it must have seemed as if all hope had gone. There was so much expectation of what Jesus, this
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In his famous piece Desiderata, Max Ehrmann wrote these words: “.…with all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world.” The message of Easter is that this is true, and more besides. Even in the darkest corners of this world, God is at work; even in suffering there is hope.
David Beal
Wednesday 2nd April 7:30pm
Mount Everest: The First Expeditions
Join Jamie Owen FRGS, Photographic Curator at the Royal Geographical Society, for a fascinating look at the first British expeditions to Mount Everest (1921–1924). These early attempts laid the groundwork for the nine expeditions that followed, culminating in the first successful summit in 1953.
With newly uncovered insights from the mountain itself, this presentation revisits the ambitions, challenges, and enduring legacy of those pioneering climbs.
Free to members of the Billingshurst Beck WI. Non-members very welcome, please email billingshurstbeckwi@wsfwi.co.uk to book your place for £6
Stanley Room, Billingshurst Community Centre & Conference Centre, Roman Way, Billingshurst RH14 9QW
Rhubarb Crumble Cake
Use in-season rhubarb to make this New York-style crumble cake
METHOD
Crumble Topping
Melt the butter in a saucepan. In a bowl sift together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder and salt. Stir through the sugar then add the melted butter and mix together with a spoon until it clumps together and becomes crumbly. Set aside.
Cake
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 160°C fan / Gas mark 4. Line a13x9ʺ pan with greaseproof paper so the paper overhangs the sides of the pan.
2. Sift together the flours, salt, baking powder and ground ginger, adding the bran from the wholewheat flour.
3. Place the brown sugar, softened butter, and vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on medium speed until fluffy and pale.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until well combined.
5. Fold in one third of the flour mixture gently. Add half of the buttermilk and mix until just combined. Add the next third of the flour mixture and fold in. Add the remaining buttermilk, mix it in then add the remaining third of the flour and fold until just combined. Finally mix everything together gently for another 30 seconds to make a smooth batter.
From 10am-4pm on Saturday 26th April, Horsham will come alive to celebrate green living – perfect for mums, dads, and little ones alike.
Spread across four venues in central Horsham, it’s a day packed with local food, expert talks and eco-friendly fun that will inspire you and your family to live more sustainably.
At The Hub you will find simple energy-saving hacks to reduce utility bills and, through our Horsham Repair Café, look at fixing that zip, clock or kettle. You can top up on the essentials at the Refill Shop and find free food at the Horsham Community Fridge, and don’t forget to treat yourself to local artisan delights at the food and drink stalls.
Line up, line up, do we have a treat for you… with a programme of nutritionists, experts on sustainable living, intolerance-friendly chefs and more highlighting how eating healthily can have benefits for the planet. Our lineup of Food Talks & Demos will have you wanting to try it at home.
Stop off at the Bishopric Market on your way between the venues, hosting fresh fruit, veggies, plants, and even retro pre-loved treasures for your home. Enjoy live music, meet warmhearted volunteers, and explore the vibrant eco float highlighting way to lighten your carbon footprint.
Gardening & Games, where green thumbs can get their hands dirty with composting and wildlifefriendly gardening advice, engage in the Seedling Swap, immerse themselves in the land of the bees and learn how to reduce their food waste. There will be fun activities for the kids, including a nature trail and eco story time, and talks on the importance of soil-friendly gardening. This venue will be busy!
Newly Opened Cafe & Deli
Whether you’re already passionate about taking care of our planet or just starting out, the Plant to Plate Festival has something for everyone. Bring your family and friends, learn new ways to live more sustainably, and join us in building a brighter, greener future for Sussex – one plant and one plate at a time!
Visit www.sussexgreenliving.org.uk/ events-calendar. Mark your calendars – we can’t wait to see you there!
Rosie Brown, Sussex Green Living
JAPANESE EVENING
We will be hosting our annual Japanese Evening on Friday 2nd May between 4pm and 7:30pm to introduce Japanese culture to the local community.
Activities include a traditional tea ceremony, Kendo display, origami and student presentations. We will be serving Japanese Curry and Rice for our visitors to sample. We hope that you can join us.
Places are limited so please call or email to register your interest.
A vibrant and nurturing co-educational setting from Nursery to GCSE.
To book a tour of the school, please visit our website or contact us on 01483 277313. Taster days and childcare vouchers available.
Duke of Kent School, Peaslake Road, Ewhurst, Surrey, GU6 7NS www.dukeofkentschool.org.uk
Dandelion Farewells warmly invites you to contact us if you have any questions about the funeral you need to arrange.
We are committed to enabling families to plan a funeral that is personal, meaningful and affordable. We will support you to create a farewell that is appropriate and unique, thereby taking away much of the strain of planning such a signi昀cant event. We will be with you every step of the way.
Church View, Billingshurst Road Wisborough Green, West Sussex RH14 0DY
At Billingshurst Primary Academy, we want our community to thrive in all aspects of their school life. We embrace, teach, support and live our ABC values, encouraging Ambition, building Belonging and developing Courage in all we do.
Our curriculum is fully inclusive, encouraging every child to engage and flourish. It is broad, balanced, progressive and exciting, supporting all our children as they grow into independent, confident, articulate learners who are ready for the next stage of their education and life beyond in modern Britain.
At Billingshurst, we are proud to have a number of pupil-led groups who contribute to the running and development of our school. Our School Council meets regularly to discuss school initiatives and feedback the views of the children to school leaders. Currently, the Council is leading a school-wide project linked to our value of belonging. They have delivered assemblies throughout school to encourage peers to get to know their lunchtime staff.
International Women’s Day, they thought about strong female role models in history. The group was interested in finding out about Harriet Tubman, a freedom fighter, Maria Reiche, an archaeologist; Misty Copeland, the first African American lead ballerina and Irene Sendlerowa, a war hero in WW2.
Finally, our Eco Committee has been working hard to save energy and be environmentally friendly in our school and local community. They recently transformed used crisp packets into keyrings and sold this to raise money. They were also lucky enough to visit a local solar farm in Five Oaks after taking part in a two-hour workshop at school.
Our Equality Group has been busy planning a school assembly focusing on hidden disabilities and how we all learn in different ways. To celebrate
If you would like to find out more information about Billingshurst Primary Academy, please visit our school website: www.billingshurstprimary.org.uk Alternatively, please follow our social media channels to keep up to date with all the learning and exciting events from across our school: Facebook – @billingshurstprimary Instagram – @BillingshurstPrimaryAcademy
BilliLit is back for a second year and Billingshurst’s book festival promises to be even bigger and better in 2025.
Due to popular demand, the event will now take place over three days in the last weekend of April
Our first event is a Poetry Open Mic at the Women’s Hall on Friday 25th April. All are welcome and anyone who wishes to is in with a chance of reading their poems; host Simon Zec (poetry editor at the Real Press and an accomplished performance poet himself) will draw readers’ names randomly.
The main festival event is BilliLit’s Super Saturday where authors will be in conversation and giving talks all day long. You can buy a full day pass which gives you entry to all of the author talks as well as the chance to browse the books at the Petworth pop-up bookshop and TJ’s Secondhand Book Emporium, or sample the sweet treats at the Booklovers Café. Alternatively, you can drop in to individual sessions for £5 a time. Among the authors in conversation are Eleanor Anstruther showcasing her prizewinning novels, Steve Sheppard discussing his comic spy thrillers, and Iain Miskimmin presenting his meticulously researched Not a Foot Back, a story of Dunkirk in
World War II. Abi Smith will spills the beans on the secrets of ghostwriting with Ted Gooda; Dee Blick shares her journey from addict to author of The Boutique, and Peter Gladwin of Nutbourne Vineyards will discuss his book An English Vineyard Cookbook – accompanied by a tutored, interactive wine tasting with some snacks made from their farm produce! The final event of the day programme will be the results of the flash-fiction competition. It’s not too late to get your entry in.
In the evening there is a theatrical double-bill: Lights & Bushels will present Barry Syder’s My Second Best Bed at 7pm, followed by Oaks & Pines Theatre Company with Mannequim by Ted Gooda & Lexy Medwell at 8.30pm, in preview before it transfers to Brighton Fringe.
Sunday is the writers’ day, with a host of different workshops to choose from, including How to Get Published, Objects and Visual Art in Poetry, How to Structure a Gripping Novel and How to Promote your Book
So come along and savour the literary – and culinary – delights!
Ted Gouda and Julia Jepps
How’s your Latin? The centurian is urging you to ‘read more’!
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Locally based CQC Registered Care Provider Call us today or check our website to learn more about our services
Date Time Trip Description
Tuesday 1st 9.30am Nymans House & Garden. (Fare £8, NT & RHS Members free, Non-NT Members £20)
Friday 25th 10.00am Polesden Lacey Garden and Coffee (Fare £8 and £15 entrance fee, NT members free entrance)
Tuesday 29th 10.00am Mystery Drive, stop for lunch
Kitchens and Bathrooms
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A Good Read
All Systems Red –Martha Wells
This is the first novella in the Murderbot Diaries series. It’s a riveting and witty exploration of identity, autonomy and humanity through the perspective of a self-aware security bot. The protagonist, a rogue SecUnit that refers to itself as ‘Murderbot’, has hacked its governor module, gaining freedom from its programming. Despite this, Murderbot prefers to spend its time consuming media rather than engaging with humans or exploring its newfound independence.
The story follows Murderbot as it reluctantly protects a group of scientists on a survey mission to an uncharted planet. When their mission is jeopardised by a rival corporation’s sabotage, Murderbot must confront its fear of human interaction in order to save its clients. Through its interactions, Murderbot reveals a deep internal struggle with its purpose, autonomy, and desire to remain emotionally distant, even as it inadvertently forms bonds with the humans it protects.
Wells’ narrative is fast paced, infused with sharp humour and keen observations about humanity’s flaws and resilience. Murderbot’s voice is sarcastic, introspective and touchingly relatable, which means the reader will find themselves rooting for the reluctant hero. The novella raises questions about free will, artificial intelligence and the meaning of personhood, all without sacrificing any of the plot’s tension and action.
Troofriend – Kirsty Applebaum
TrooFriend is a compelling novel aimed at ages 1014 that explores themes of friendship, technology and ethical dilemmas in a world increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence. The story follows Sarah, a lonely girl with too-busy parents, who longs for a pet. Instead, her parents buy her a ‘TrooFriend’ – a highly advanced robot companion designed to mimic human interactions but programmed never to harm or deceive. As Sarah bonds with her TrooFriend, who she names Ivy, their relationship begins to blur the lines between real and artificial connections, forcing Sarah to confront questions about authenticity, trust and what it truly means to have a friend, and to be one.
Applebaum captures the struggles of growing up, feeling isolated and misunderstood, while interweaving an intriguing exploration of AI ethics. Ivy’s character raises questions about free will, identity, and the role of technology in human lives. Despite Ivy’s advanced programming, her inability to feel emotions or act outside her directives creates some poignant moments.
Although officially sci-fi, sceptics of the genre shouldn’t be put off. This is character-driven storytelling with added sharp commentary on technology and human relationships. The blend of humour and high-stakes adventure makes it a winner for all readers.
The book’s pacing is brisk, and the dialogue feels authentic. Its nuanced themes will ensure there’s plenty of material for discussion. Applebaum balances the moral dilemmas posed by AI with Sarah’s personal journey, creating a layered narrative that is both accessible and thought-provoking.
TrooFriend is a novel for today’s children, experiencing the complexities of human relationships alongside the implications of their tech-driven future. Although aimed at early teens it’s actually a valuable read for all ages.
Because we work in our clients’ homes, not on building sites, we employ a different breed of builders. Our team are local tradesmen who care about the quality of their work and your home. Cooper Homes are members of The Guild of Master Craftsmen A home we have recently completed. Large photos show front and back of the completed property, small photos show ‘before’ Cooper Homes is a traditional family run local builder with a difference. We specialise in home extensions, from conception to creation
Billingshurst Parish Council
Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre
Roman Way, Billingshurst, RH14 9QW
Barry Barnes RIP
The Council is very sad to report that former councillor Barry Barnes passed away in late February. He was very well known around the parish and had retired from the Parish Council in May 2023 after serving a remarkable 55-year term. Barry was a passionate and committed councillor, well respected and admired by his fellow councillors, Parish Council staff and members of the community alike. In May 2023, the Parish Council rewarded Barry’s incredible service to the community by naming a room at the Billingshurst Centre where committee meetings (often chaired by Barry) had been held for many years. The ‘Barnes Room’ was where Barry was also awarded a Certificate of Achievement by the Chair of West Sussex County Council in recognition of his huge commitment and service to the people of Billingshurst over the years. Barry will be very much missed by all who knew him and the Council sends its sincere condolences to Barry’s family.
Billingshurst In Bloom 2025
Don’t forget, next month we will have the entry form for the Billingshurst in Bloom Front Garden competition . Even if you haven’t entered before, please consider doing so this year and perhaps encourage any green fingered neighbours to do the same.
Neighbourhood Wardens
If you need to make contact with our Neighbourhood Wardens, you can either email billingshurstwardens@horsham.gov.uk or contact by telephone instead; see numbers below:
Maria Colenso: 07795 051516
Louisa Hull: 07795 051529
Traffic Calming Update
As previously reported the Parish Council is taking forward a proposal to install Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) and gateway features at all the main entrances to the village using s106 monies for transport improvements. Simultaneously we have also agreed with WSCC that we will submit a Community Highways Scheme, to reduce the speed in the High Street from West Street to Hilland Roundabout. However, there has been some further discussion about
what side roads should be included and it is felt that Roman Way should also be included. If you have any comments about this, please let us know or take part in the poll on the Council’s Facebook page.
Billingshurst Horticultural Society Plant Sale
The spring time Plant Sale is being held at the Women’s Hall, High Street, Billingshurst on Saturday 10th May between 10am and 12 noon. Admission is FREE and all are welcome to attend. There will be refreshments, a raffle, produce and a cake stall.
Upcoming Council meetings
All meetings are held at the Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre (normally commencing at 7pm but are occasionally subject to short notice change). Agendas and supporting documents, where applicable, are always posted on the Parish Council’s website www.billingshurst.gov.uk.
Upcoming Meetings (April)
1st: Planning & Environment Committee
9th: Working Practices
30th: Billingshurst Centre & F&GP Committees
Barry Barnes (left) receiving his award in 2023
Renegades turnip the beet on healthy eating!
As Easter approaches, the mantra ‘Eat well, feel well’ is berry much at the heart of The Renegades youth club and its younger sibling, Rascals.
“Healthy cooking for rurally isolated young people has long been one of the cornerstones of our activities,” says Group Leader Gareth Miller. “The wonderful Hyde Housing Trust have supported us financially in our efforts to teach the kids about nutrition, wholesome cooking and to explore cuisines like Mexican, Moroccan and Polish. This will broaden the palates and knowledge of young people as they experiment with ingredients, discover new herbs and spices and earn practical kitchen skills.”
Local Nutritional Therapist Anna Cash has joined the Renegades family to teach the children that what they eat has a direct impact on their physical and mental health. She says, “Nutritional Therapy can be a powerful tool for supporting all kids, but especially neurodiverse children and teens as the right nutrition can help regulate mood, behaviour, focus and overall brain function by addressing nutrient deficiencies, gut health and inflammation.
“At Renegades we teach them why fibre, protein,
healthy fats, vitamins and minerals are important for their health, empowering them to make changes and take what they have learnt home to their families.
“We take their favourite foods and make them more nutritious, incorporating the above food groups and telling them how these foods can support their health. For instance, we made spaghetti bolognaise, a big family favourite, but had them making their own spaghetti from scratch, using fresh tomatoes to make the tomato sauce for the bolognaise and adding lentils for extra fibre and to bulk the meal out so it was cheaper per person.
“We also made pancakes on Shrove Tuesday but encouraged them to add some nutritious toppings such as cheese, ham, mushrooms, strawberries, bananas, blueberries as well as the traditional fresh lemon and orange juice. Of course, the most fun part was flipping the pancakes!”
The Renegades is a charity and is currently free (or a voluntary £10 a month). If you would like a taster session, visit www.renegadesyc.org or ring Gareth on 07801 862550.
Vanda Rumney
Photo: pancakes with nutritous toppings – flipping lovely!
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Easter is well and truly on its way – the clocks have finally gone forward, the weather is warming up and we are all feeling good!
It’s been a long dark winter but we made it – the headtorch is confined to the cupboard and we are enjoying nice long evening walks in the daylight! It’s taken us all a few days to get used to the clocks changing – I was fast asleep when Mum came downstairs on the first morning but the best thing was I got breakfast early – a measly amount in my book – but early all the same!
I have been badgering Mum to buy us some doggy Easter eggs but she says I’m on a diet again. I got a glimpse of the fridge and it’s full of human chocolate – talk about double standards apparently it’s kept well out of our way so we can’t get hold of it as human chocolate is bad for us dogs. Mum has however bought us these lovely toys that can be filled up with biscuits. She says it’s to stop me eating my food so fast and that it will be better for me not to inhale it – I must admit I do enjoy it though especially as we can now get out in the sunshine for a more leisurely breakfast.
birds and humans must stick to paths to avoid trampling their eggs – there will be signs up locally so please check for them and obey them to help our feathered friends!
It goes without saying we must also be kept on our leads around livestock. The little lambs are enjoying the spring sunshine now and cattle are being turned out – we always avoid walking through fields with cattle in them especially ones with young as they can become curious about us dogs and this can lead to accidents if they become startled or excited.
One thing Mum is being careful about is what plants are growing in the garden as some can be toxic to us dogs, even tulips and daffodils can make us poorly, luckily she doesn’t have to worry too much about me as I only like to bury socks out there but Goose is still very silly and we wouldn’t put it past him to try to eat daffodils or any other odd plants and flowers, so he’s always supervised!
We’ve been getting out into the countryside now it’s so lovely with all the bluebells starting to bloom – Mum will take some photos of us – I really have better things to do like finding logs and burying them in the undergrowth; it’s my ambition to relocate every log in Sussex!
There are a few areas where we have to stay on our leads from March until June to protect ground nesting
We have also visited a lovely new beach as the closest one says we can’t go there during the holiday season –it’s a shame really as Mum said humans leave more mess than us dogs, we don’t put broken glass everywhere and leave barbecues on the beach, but, hey ho, that’s the rules and the new beach is gorgeous and very empty so we get to have a good run and swim in peace!
Until next time, Billy.
Jeannette Douglas
Garden View
Grow your own herb garden
Growing a herb garden is a rewarding and practical way to add fresh flavours to your cooking while enhancing an outdoor or indoor space with greenery and fragrance. It’s easy to create a beautiful and productive herb garden in almost any space, indoor or outdoor.
Herbs are pretty forgiving and can be grown in a variety of pots, planters and raised beds, depending on your available space and aesthetic preferences.
Clay or terracotta pots provide excellent drainage and a rustic look but dry out quickly, so frequent watering is required.
Wooden planters are a good option for a natural aesthetic, but they need to be constructed from untreated or food-safe wood to avoid chemical leaching.
Window boxes are perfect for growing kitchen herbs being close to where you cook, ensuring easy access to fresh ingredients.
your favourites such as lemon mint, lemon thyme and purple sage.
Some ideas for group plantings: Mediterranean herbs – Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano and Sage – These herbs prefer drier soil and full sun, making them perfect companions in the same container.
Hanging baskets are ideal for small spaces; they also allow trailing herbs like thyme and oregano to cascade beautifully.
Recycled containers such as tin cans, masons’ jars, grocers’ wooden crates and old sinks all make excellent and free containers to create a quirky, unique herb garden.
Whatever container you choose, ensure it has drainage holes to prevent root rot.
For a functional and attractive herb garden, select a combination of herbs that thrive well together and are useful in the kitchen. Obviously think about the herbs you use a lot, and plant these, but also consider unusual variations on
Soft-leafed herbs – Basil, Parsley and Coriander – These require more moisture and partial sun, making them a great trio in a different planter.
Aromatics – Mint, Lemon Balm, and Chives – These herbs are fast-growing and versatile. Mint in particular should be planted separately to prevent it from smothering all the other plants.
Tea garden herbs –Chamomile, Lavender and Lemon Verbena – These are great for herbal tea-lovers and grow well together.
Once planted, most herbs thrive on a bare minimum of attention. Mediterranean herbs do best in full sun and require less water. Others are happy in partial sun and their soil should be moist but not soggy.
If you use herbs regularly in cooking, the constant trimming naturally encourages bushier growth and prevent them from flowering too early.
If you have a bit of a glut I recommend freezing sprigs or bunches of leaves in water, packed in ice cube trays. You can throw a few cubes into a casserole or soup or teapot whenever you like.
Happy gardening!
Rachael Leverton
Loxwood Village Fete & Fun Dog Show
SATURDAY 14th JUNE 2025
The very successful and eagerly awaited Village Fete and Fun Dog Show will take place in the grounds of North Hall. Our team have already started work to make this year’s Fete better than ever. Over the last five years our Village Fete has raised over £30,000 which has been donated to many various good causes in our village. But more importantly it provides an excellent opportunity for our community to come together. We are looking for support in the following areas:
Setting Up the Fete
We are looking for people who can come along for half a day on Friday 13th or a couple of hours on Saturday 14th in the morning to help set up our side shows, gazebos, signage, etc.
Taking Down the Fete
This is the one most important area where we need lots of help. At the end of the Fete day we need to dismantle all the gazebos, side shows, main arena and signage, etc
Tombola and Grand Draw
Good quality prizes needed for these attractions. For the Tombola we would really appreciate bottles and unwanted gifts.
Manning a Side Show
We would like to involve as many village people either running a side show, helping out on the bar, on the BBQ, in the kitchen or selling Grand Draw tickets. Our rota will ensure that you normally spend no more than one hour helping out. If you are able to help in any of these areas please contact: Graham Moore ginamoore@btopenworld.com (01403) 751722 Sandra Evans sandra.evans99@gmail.com (01403) 752775
How about a murder mystery?
John Nash is a retired, well sort of retired, fruit farm manager in Kirdford who enjoys scribbling about life on the farm from the now to days gone by.
Dear reader,
I had an idea to chat on about this news that had appeared on many news channels, all about the sudden reduction of the pension age and the abolition of inheritance tax. But I guessed that you’d look at the date and realise… so I’ll change the subject.
I have decided to become a TV critic for this piece, and for this one only. I’ll explain.
I’ve been watching a lot of television since retiring. I love those thriller programmes. You know… dead body, nice detective, friendly assassin and a sweet dog. Well, I’ve got a few things to say. I particularly love what I call traditional detective stories, simple themes, body found, police puzzled, clever detective with slightly thick sidekick, solves murder, meets girl, walks off to soft music and glorious sunset.
immediately dies and the permanently bristle-faced singer from the ship, along with his beautiful crew member companion, go forth and in 60 minutes only, find the killer. While this is going on we benefit by having a quick viewing of the locality, as well as the suspense each week of wondering when the two of them will eventually ‘get it together’.
Most of these stories manage to go from start to finish in exactly one hour, minus adverts. At some point a few years ago writers or producers decided that this 60 minutes was not long enough. Two hours should be needed to solve the mystery. Leading this line of thought was a small cluster of villages called Midsomer. Here, in the beautiful English countryside, a steady supply of locals would succumb to a range of unusual deaths caused by equally unusual members of the local community.
Good fun, easy watching, and although bloodthirsty in its presentation, never really threatening in practice. Just don’t go visit there!
Alongside this village scenario there is also one programme that has set sail on a cruise liner. Each week it arrives at a new location where someone
TREE SURGERY
JONATHAN CARTER
NPTC
However, there is a new format around now. Not just an hour or maybe two hours to find the perpetrator of the murder(s) but now extended to six hours. Two episodes a week over a three-week period. This I think is to allow the viewer to be fully conversant with not just all the participants, but to understand them from a multitude of scenes, from backdated times to the present. I’m afraid this does not assist me at all. The original murder – there are often multiples – rarely happens until nearly the end of episode one. Most of the preceding time is spent padding out the lives of the aforementioned participants! I get lost very quickly on these stories. By the time week two, episode three arrives I cannot for the life of me remember who’s who, or even who’s dead! They may be wonderful ways of exploring the stories in minute detail, but I’m afraid the huge time lag between the six hours spread over those three weeks is just too long. Box set required and a clear afternoon on a wet Sunday perhaps?
So, my dear reader, what’s your feelings on these murder mysteries. Do you follow Vera or Morse, or one of the other storylines that circle round the sudden and usually violent departure of some poor soul.
I love them… even those where I finish watching and then wander off to bed still not really fully aware of who really done it… or why!
John Nash
West Chiltington Floral Club
(Affiliated to NAFAS)
Tuesday 15th April, 7 for 7.30pm start
Robin Ramsey
‘Growing Dahlias the Withypitts Way’ Visitors are most welcome, £7 on the door. Refreshments and sales table. Dahlia plants £5. The meeting will be held at West Chiltington Village Hall, Mill Road, RH20 2PZ. For more information, please contact Brenda (01798) 813712 or Carol (01798) 813608 Email: wchiltfloralclub@gmail.com
07762 767084, editor@villagetweet.co.uk
What’s On near you
What’s On – April
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 £3 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 MonSeniors Coffee Club. St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst. 10.30am-12 noon. (No meetings August.) Coffee & homemade cake, chatter & laughter, and often armchair exercises! A great way to start the week and make new friends. The Community Minibus is available if transport is needed. New members very welcome! More info: (01403) 786706 for more information
Every MonIggy’s at The Nest. Trinity United Reformed Church, Billingshurst. 10am-12pm. Midwife-led family drop-in group, supported by qualified volunteers. Skilled breastfeeding support. We welcome babies to crawler/cruisers. Come and meet local new mums for tea, cake and a chat. Free but donations are very welcome. Weekly updates on Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/yrArMPFMBGx1NksW
Every MonChair Yoga. Billingshurst Community Centre. 10-11am. For those who want to feel the benefits of yoga, but from a chair! All welcome. £10. Sue, tel: 07716 350584 or e-mail sue@yogawithsue.co.uk
Every Mon Billingshurst Men’s Shed. Station Road Gardens. 10am. Part of the Men’s Shed movement, we are a Tues & Weds group of men AND women who meet to talk, drink tea and coffee, make and repair things. Contact & 1st Sat Keith Witt, Chairman, tel: (01403) 785821 or e-mail: billimensshed@outlook.com
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 1.30pm. 22a East Street, Horsham, RH12 1HL. 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 TuesChair Yoga. Kelsey Hall, Ifold. 2.30-3.30pm. For those who want to feel the benefits of yoga, but from a chair! All welcome. £10. Sue, tel: 07716 350584 or e-mail sue@yogawithsue.co.uk
Every Tues Billingshurst Short Mat Bowls. Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre. 2-4pm
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. We meet in Billingshurst. 7-9.30pm. Welcoming & helpful, just bring your project. No fees. Sarah, tel: 07817 699865 for meeting venue details
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 Tues Horsham Bridge Club. Online BBO 7pm & Face-to-Face 7.15pm. 22a East Sreet, Horsham RH12 1HL & Thurs Graham Walker, tel: (01403) 734156. 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 Weds Blue Idol Open Day. Blue Idol Quaker Meeting House, Oldhouse Lane, RH13 8QP. 10am-1pm. Discover 19 Mar-Oct local history and spend time in this peaceful place. www.blueidol.org. Tel: (01403) 740039
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, phone Alison on (01403) 588181
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 Weds Billingshurst Rock Choir. Billingshurst Community Centre. 7.30-9pm, term times. No experience required. A friendly choir singing upbeat pop, rock & Motown. Book a FREE taster session at www.rockchoir.com
Every WedsLoxwood Bridge for Fun. North Hall, Loxwood. 2pm. For more information contact Gina Moore, tel: (01403) 751722 or e-mail: ginamoore@btopenworld.com
What’s
On near you
Every Weds Yoga Class for all abilities. Billingshurst Community Centre. 7.30-8.30pm. Book via www.yogawithmelita.co.uk
Every evenBilliUke: Billingshurst’s Own Ukulele Jam! The Kings Arms, 7 for 7.30pm start. If you already have week, Weds a 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. Meetings: billiuke.com/ev.php
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 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 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 only: bookwhen.com/clubbercisehayleym. Latest updates: facebook.com/clubbercisewithhayley
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 FriBillingshurst Bowling Club. Just behind Station Road Gardens welcomes you to come and try the Apr-Sep game of Lawn Bowls. No previous experience required, from 6 pm to 7.30 pm with refreshments after, just turn up or call Barry on 07858 407537 or email: billingshurstbowlsclub@gmail.com for more details
Every Sat Dempsey School of Irish Dancing for children aged 5+. Billingshurst Community Centre. 9 & 10am. Nicola, e-mail: dempseyirishdance@gmail.com
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 ATTEND ANY OF THE REGULAR ENTRIES (ABOVE) AND FOUND THEM TO BE NO LONGER ACTIVE PLEASE LET VILLAGE TWEET KNOW
1 Apr Billingshurst Ladies Who Latte group. Sir Roger Tichborne, Alfold. Every 1st Tuesday, 9.45-11.45am. Networking group for female business owners. Share, support, learn & have fun with other entrepreneurs. £5
1 Apr The Arts Society West Sussex lecture by Timothy Walker: ‘The Subtle Science and Exact Art of Colour in English Garden Design’. Fittleworth Village Hall. Doors open 1.15, lecture 2pm followed by tea and coffee Visitors (£10) most welcome. Contact Gilly Myers, tel: 07805 731663 or email: westsussex@theartssociety.org www.theartssocietywestsussex.org
1 Apr Parish Council Planning & Environmental Committee meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7pm
2 Apr Billingshurst Beck WI Talk: ‘Mount Everest: The First Expeditions’. Stanley Room, Billingshurst Centre, Roman Way. For more information email: billingshurstbeckwi@wsfwi.co.uk. See page 6
2 Apr The Arts Society South Downs lecture by Barbara Askew: ‘Charles I: King and Collector. Celebrates 400th Anniversary of his accession to the throne in 1625’. Fittleworth Village Hall, EH20 1JB. 10.45am (preceded by coffee at 9.50am). Members free, visitors welcome, £8. (No booking required.) Further details: www.theartssocietysouthdowns.org.uk or Jane Allison, tel: (01798) 813314
3 Apr Arts Society Rudgwick lecture: ‘Troy: The City of Art & Myth’ by James Renshaw, lecturer at the Victoria & Albert museum. Village Hall. 10.45am (coffee 10am). Visitors welcome, £8 (payable at the door). Please contact Lyn Betts, tel: (01403) 822649 or email: bettslyn@btinternet.com in advance
3 Apr Billingshurst Horticultural Society Talk: ‘Clever Ways with Vegetables’ by Martyn Cox, Award winning Garden Writer, Amateur Gardening & Garden Journalist of the Year 2022. St Gabriel’s Hall, East Street, 7.30-8.30pm followed by refreshments. Admission free to members. Visitors welcome £3. Mrs S Wells, tel: (01403) 784159
3 Apr 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
3 Apr 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 Apr Billingshurst Showcase. Billingshurst Centre. 11.30am-2.30pm. The aim is for local organisations, clubs, etc to showcase to residents of Billingshurst and surrounding areas. To book a table contact Sarah, tel: (01403) 782555 or email: sarah@billingshurst.gov.uk. See page 23
5 Apr Craft and Chat Group. Unitarian Chapel, Billingshurst. Every 1st Saturday, 12.15-3.45pm. Bring your own project. Refreshments on offer. Tel: (01403)785116
5 Apr Community Gardening Day. Station Road Gardens. Drop-in any time between 9.30am-1pm. Weeding, dead-heading & general tidying. Refreshments for all helpers. Mens Shed will also be open
9 Apr Messy Church! Billingshurst Community Centre. 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
9 Apr Parish Council Working Practices Committee meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7pm
10 Apr Billingshurst WI Talk by Ian Worsley, Sailor & circumnavigator, about his part in the 2nd Whitbread Round the World Race. Community Centre, Roman Way. 1.30pm. WI members enjoy interesting speakers, making new friends and socialising in each other’s company. Visitors welcome, £5. Tel: (01403) 257531
10 Apr 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
An unforgettable night awaits at St Catherine’s Hospice Midnight Walk
The St Catherine’s Hospice’s popular Midnight Walk returns to the streets of Horsham on Saturday 7th June from 8pm.
With four distances to choose from – 20, 13, 7 or 2 miles – the Midnight Walk isn’t your usual walk. It’s a heartfelt celebration of togetherness, warmth, and the power of giving back.
Whether you walk to remember a loved one, or to immerse yourself in the unforgettable atmosphere, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss!
Money raised at this memorable event helps to provide specialist end of life care and support to people living with a terminal or life-limiting condition across West Sussex and East Surrey when it’s needed most.
walk’s quite social. I’ve enjoyed the walk other years and I’m looking forward to taking part again this year.”
86-year-old Ian McGill was the first person to sign up to this year’s Midnight Walk. This year will be his third time taking part in the charity challenge. Ian said, “My wife Barbara passed away under St Catherine’s care in 2023. Doing the Midnight Walk is a nice way to say thank you for the care we had and to give something back. I’d encourage others to take part because the
Emma Butler, Midnight Walk event manager at St Catherine’s said, “Last year over 700 people took part in the Midnight Walk cheered on by 140 volunteers. They raised £109,000 which is pretty incredible! This year we’re hoping even more people will consider walking and fundraising or volunteering for the Midnight Walk.”
Ready to step up and do something amazing? Sign up at www.stch.org.uk/midnightwalk or call St Catherine’s Fundraising Team on (01293) 447361. Sign up by 7th May. Entry is £30 per adult and £15 for under 18s.
Entry fees go towards the cost of running the event and include a free T-shirt, refreshments and medal.
Or perhaps you’d prefer to volunteer instead? If you’d like to donate your time to support St Catherine’s visit the hospice’s dedicated webpage to sign up: www.stch.org.uk/volunteer-at-the-midnight-walk-2025
Laura Bland, Communications and PR Manager
Photo: People taking part in the 2024 Midnight Walk 2024
What’s On near you
11 Apr
11 Apr
12 Apr
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. Email secretary: billywineandbeer@gmail.com. www.billingshurstwineandbeercircle.com
Out of this World! Billingshurst Library. 2.30-3.30pm. Storytime and crafts for children aged 4+. Get ready to launch into libraries and join our galactic adventure, with stellar space stories and a cosmic craft activity. Pre-booking essential, as places are limited: https://arena.westsussex.gov.uk/events#
Billingshurst Dementia Café. United Reformed Church Hall, Second and fourth Saturday of every month (December 2nd Sat only), from 10am-12pm. Please join us for tea, coffee & cake. All welcome
12 Apr Blue Idol Open Day. Blue Idol Quaker Meeting House, Oldhouse Lane, RH13 8QP. 2nd Sat, April-October, 10am-1pm. Discover local history & spend time in this peaceful place. www.blueidol.org. Tel: (01403) 740039
12 Apr Live Music: T Rextasy: ‘The Greatest Hits Tour’ Cranleigh Arts Centre. 8pm. Performing around the world for over 20 years, T Rextasy is now accepted as the world’s only official live tribute band dedicated to Marc Bolan & T Rex, and the only band endorsed by Marc Bolan’s family and ex-members of T Rex. Tickets £27.50: (01483) 278000 (Tues-Sat 10am-4pm) or visit cranleigharts.org
14 Apr
Billingshurst & District Probus Club is a social group of retired and semi-retired business people –ladies and gentlemen welcome. Monthly meetings in Loxwood’s North Hall every second Monday 10.30 for 11.00am with a talk by an invited speaker. Monthly walks with pub lunch, and a range of other activities and events. Email mike.gibbs009@gmail.com for details
15 Apr 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
20 Apr
Billingshurst Artisan Market. Six Bells car park. 9.30am-1.30pm. Local foods and crafts
21 Apr Laughter Yoga Club. Unitarian Hall (side door), Billingshurst, RH14 9QS. (Park Lakers Mead.) 1-2pm. £6. Boosts seratonine and nervous systems & improves wellbeing! Non-profit-making club. All welcome. Contact Linda, tel: 07806.327917, email: lstevenson201854@gmail.com
21 Apr Billinghurst Lions Club Car Boot Sale. Six Bells Car Park (by Library car park). 9am - 12 noon. Contact Sandy Duck to book a space, tel: (01403) 786146 or e-mail - sandyduck@btinternet.com
21 Apr 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
22 Apr Loxwood Jazz Club: John Etheridge. Village Hall. Doors open 7.30pm. 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. For more info and to purchase tickets online visit www.loxwoodjazz.co.uk
22 Apr John Suchet: In Search of Beethoven – A Personal Journey. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 2pm. Former Classic FM presenter, journalist and newscaster John Suchet is a lifelong fan of Beethoven. Tickets £15: (01483) 278000 (Tues-Sat 10am-4pm) or visit cranleigharts.org
23 Apr The Booming Lovelies. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 7pm. Ladies of a certain age, with verses on everything from nostalgia for the last century to lost loves, the menopause and the joys and complexities of modern life. Tickets £10: (01483) 278000 (Tues-Sat 10am-4pm) or visit cranleigharts.org
24 Apr 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
25 Apr Billingshurst Film Night. ‘Timotheé Chalamet as BOB DYLAN, A COMPLETE UNKNOWN’. Billingshurst Conference & Community Centre. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Refreshments, raffle and sales table – proceeds go to the Midhurst Macmillan Service. Tickets £8 from www.touringcinema.com or Austens Home Hardware, 48-52 High Street or on the door
25-27 Apr BilliLit Festival. Women’s Hall, High Street. Parking: Library car park. Info: juliajepps@yahoo.co.uk or tgooda100@gmail.com or via Facebook @Billilit. See page 12
26 Apr Long-Nosed Puppets: ‘Shoe Baby’. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 10.30am & 1pm. Awarded best children’s show of Brighton Festival, Shoe Baby is a magical puppet show adapted from the book by Joyce Dunbar with music written by Tom Gray of the award-winning band Gomez. Aimed at 2-6-year-olds. £7 Adult, £5 Child: (01483) 278000 (Tues-Sat 10am-4pm) or visit cranleigharts.org
26 Apr Billingshurst Dementia Café. United Reformed Church Hall, Second and fourth Saturday of every month (December 2nd Sat only), from 10am-12pm. Please join us for tea, coffee & cake. All welcome
26 Apr 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. Tel: 07946 069998, e-mail: mpcbillingshurst@gmail.com
26 Apr Sussex Green Living Plant-to-Plate Festival. Horsham. 10am-4pm. See page 9
26 Apr Cranleigh Art & Crafts Society Demonstration by Aurora Spain: ‘Metal Foil on Acrylics’ The Band Room, Village Way, Cranleigh GU6 8AF. 2.30pm. Visitors welcome £5. Info: info@caacs.co.uk
28 Apr Pulborough Film night. ‘Timotheé Chalamet as BOB DYLAN, A COMPLETE UNKNOWN’. Pulborough Village Hall. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £8 from Pulborough Village Hall, on the door or on line from www.touringcinema.com
30 Apr The Wild Murphys. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 7.30pm. Join us for an unforgettable night of handclapping, toe-tapping music with the award-winning The Wild Murphys, renowned for their lively covers of Irish songs for 20 years. Experience two electrifying sets, featuring hits from their acclaimed One Night In Dublin theatre show, mixed with some timeless country classics, and some great stories from two decades on the road. Tickets £23: (01483) 278000 (Tues-Sat 10am-4pm) or visit cranleigharts.org
30 Apr Parish Council Billingshurst Centre & F&GP Committees meetings. Billingshurst Centre. 7 & 7.30pm 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
Lions Charity Golf Day ’25 in support of SERV
SERV stands for ‘Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers’, the charity chosen by Billingshurst & District Lions Club President, Paul Roberts, as the beneficiary from this year’s Charity Golf Day, at Slinfold Golf & Country Club on Friday, 30th May.
SERV, often known as ‘The Blood Runners’, is a registered charity, formed in 1981, providing a prompt and reliable means of transporting urgent blood products, X-rays, patient notes, time-critical laboratory samples and test results between hospitals and other medical facilities for the NHS across Sussex.
The service is provided free of charge, 365 days a year between 7pm and 6am, Monday to Friday, and 24 hours during weekends and Bank Holidays. Special requests can also be considered. This allows hospitals to focus resources on patient care and reduce transport costs.
represent excellent value, with entry fees including a pre-round bacon roll and coffee, 18 holes of golf, returning for a two-course lunch and coffee. Raffle tickets will be on sale before the golf and prizes drawn during play.
SERV Sussex has no paid officers; volunteers, men and women, from 21 to over 70, who come from all walks of life, give their time free, use private vehicles and pay for all fuel and running costs. The operation needs to raise £20,000 every year and is entirely dependant on donations.
Entries for the Golf Day are invited from teams of four: male, female or mixed. Stableford scoring will apply using full Course Handicap. Lions Golf Days
A-Team
There will be an Auction of a number of valuable items at some stage during the meal. Prizes will be awarded for the best team scores, (two scores to count on each hole) and special prizes on selected holes.
To enter, all details, together with an entry form for teams to complete online, can be found on our website billingshurstlions.org where you can also find other information about Billingshurst Lions activities, including a schedule of donations the club made during 2024.
Follow Billingshurst Lions on Facebook and www.billingshurstlions.org
Harvey Holmes – Press Officer, Billingshurst & District Lions Club
Photo: Happy Golfers at a previous Billingshurst Lions Charity Golf Day. For 2025, President, Paul Roberts, has nominated SERV as beneficiaries, who provide a voluntary service transporting vital supplies on behalf of the NHS
ADVERTISERS INDEX April 2025
Happy Easter
Come celebrate with us!
Trinity URC:
Good Friday 18th April
Service at 10am
Easter Sunday 20th April
Communion Service at 10.30am.
Billingshurst Family Church:
Maundy Thursday 17th April
Low table meal with gospel reading of the Last Supper at 7:30pm
Good Friday 18th April
Good Friday breakfast service at 8:30am
Easter Sunday 20th April
Baptism service at 10am
St Mary's:
Maundy Thursday 17th April
7:30pm Holy Communion, followed by silent vigil
Good Friday 18th April
10:00am Family Worship
2:00pm Good Friday Liturgy
Easter Day 20th April
5:45am Sunrise Service (at Jubilee Fields)
10:00am Easter Celebration Communion
St Gabriel's:
Palm Sunday 13th April
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Mass at 9:15am
Maundy Thursday 17th April
Maundy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper 8pm at Our Lady of Consolation, West Grinstead
Good Friday 18th April
Good Friday Solemn Liturgy of the Lord's Passion at 3pm
Holy Saturday 19th April
Holy Saturday The Solemn Vigil of Easter 8.30pm Our Lady of Consolation, West Grinstead
Easter Sunday 20th April
Easter Sunday Mass 9:15am
On Good Friday, the churches are together partaking in a walk of witness from 11am starting at St Gabriel’s, carrying the cross and praying in the community
