elcome to the June issue of Village Tweet. Summer is here at last! June of course means it’s Carnival Time! This year’s Billingshurst Show & Carnival Procession is on 29th June with a theme of ‘Carnival of Champions’. Warm weather has been booked so come along and enjoy! See back cover. Why not give your business a summer boost? Download the Rate Card from our website (www.villagetweet.co.uk) or call me (07762 767084) for a no obligation chat. Grahame
Cover: 2024 Billingshurst Show & Carnival Procession: 1st prize was awarded to Parbrook Cubs for their interpretation of ‘Our Colourful Countryside’. Who will win this year? Come along on 29th June and find out!
Editorial and Advertising: Grahame Pearson: 07762 767084 editor@villagetweet.co.uk www.villagetweet.co.uk
• Annual Parking Discs (including any additional disc) are only £21 fixed price for the year.
• Digital E-Discs can be purchased for £20 per year via our weblink below.
The disc entitles you to park in the following car parks:
• Billingshurst: Six Bells, Library and Jengers Mead* Car Park
• Henfield: Coopers Way and Library Car Park
• Pulborough: Lower Street
• Roffey: Godwin Way
• Steyning: Fletchers Croft, Newmans Gardens and High Street
• Storrington: Library Car Park (North Street), Old Mill Square and Monastery Lane
* The disc is valid in the Horsham District Council car park only.
To purchase your Annual Parking Disc and for more information please visit www.horsham.gov.uk/annualparkingdisc
The current parking disc expires on 30 June 2025 scan this QR code, or call our customer contact centre on 01403 215100.
Terms and conditions apply. See website for details.
VE Day 80 –
A Shared Moment of Celebration
On Thursday 8th of May, the Billingshurst Branch of the Royal British Legion joined with the Parish Council to organise a programme of events to celebrate the 80th anniversary of ‘Victory in Europe Day’. VE Day marked the end of the Second World War in Europe, after nearly six years of conflict.
blessing by the Vicar, followed by a recording of Dame Vera Lynn’s When The Lights Go On Again
The proceedings started early, with a service at the War Memorial at St Mary’s Church. This observance commenced with prayers led by the Reverend David Beal and was followed by the playing of Churchill’s famous VE Day speech announcing that the war was over in Europe. Our Legion Branch Chairman, Rob Nicholl, then read the names from the War Memorial, remembering those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for the price of our freedom during the conflict.
Following the Last Post and Two Minutes Silence, there was a Laying of Wreaths by representatives of the Parish Council, Royal British Legion, Lions International, Scout and Guiding Associations, West Sussex Fire and Rescue, Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. The ceremony concluded with a prayer and
In the afternoon, the Parish Council hosted an Anniversary Tea at the Billingshurst Centre. There were sandwiches and cakes, along with a raffle and Prosecco bar. Entertainment was by our Legion Chairman and local crooner, Rob Nicoll. With the accompaniment of a traditional Scottish Piper, the evening culminated on Adversane Green with a lighting of a beacon, representing the ‘Light of Peace’ that emerged from the dreadful darkness of war. This was just one of over a thousand across the UK, and was accompanied by the singing of the great British hymn, I Vow To Thee My Country
Please set a date in your diary for Saturday 16th August when we will be celebrating VJ Day at Lower Station Road Recreation Ground.
Graeme McAlpine, Press Officer – Billingshurst Royal British Legion
Representing the Air Training Corps and Billingshurst Primary Academy at the wreath laying service at St Mary’s on 8th May were James (left) and Daniel. Photo: Alan Wright Photography
VE Day Celebration at Osmund Court
On 8th May 30 residents and their friends celebrated the 80th Anniversary of VE Day with a fun-packed afternoon which began at 1.15 and finished at 3.30 (though some residents were still in the mood to keep partying like Britain did on the 8th May 1945)!
Staff dressed up! We had Land Girls, an RAF Squadron Leader with her Spitfire and an Evacuee who nearly missed her train!
The afternoon began with a sing-along, and we shared our memories all together which was emotional for some listening.
We looked at WW2 memorabilia that was lent by Billingshurst Library and one of our residents,
Ray, displayed his WW2 model tanks and aircraft for us all to enjoy. We had a quiz and then escorted everyone into the dining room for an afternoon tea of delicious sandwiches, sausage rolls, Scotch eggs, scones and cakes washed down with a glass of Bucks Fizz. Fun, laughter and music echoed through Osmund Court on that special afternoon. The effort and hard work that it took to organise was very much appreciated by the residents. It was a beautiful event.
Sandra Myskow, Well Being & Carer at Osmund Court
Billingshurst based HR Consultant
Left: afternoon tea in the dining room.
Right: staff and residents enjoying the VE Day celebration
The Silver 25th Shipley Arts Festival
We were so grateful for such a large group of Shipley Arts Friends and supporters attending the Silver 25th Preview of Shipley Arts Festival.
Festival Friends were hosted by Revd Rupert Toovey DL together with sponsors in Tooveys, Matt Baker of NFU Mutual Horsham and Chichester, Nyetimber and Kreston Reeves. Performances included India’s number one tenor in Anando Mukerjee, Stradivarius Piano Trio and solos from String Academy.
The Festival’s founding group were present including Lady Christina Maude, Ginny de Zoete and Andrew Bernardi. We all originally met at Gordon Lindsay’s Durrance Manor with Peter Sanderson and our former priest Revd Pat Sinton supporting the ambitious plans. Our Patrons in Mark Burrell DL, Lord John Lytton DL, Uschi, Lord Francis and Lady Christina, Clare Davison, Jonathan and Caroline Lucas together with Sir Charles and Lady Issy Burrell help galvanised our communities through music.
String Academy having become a nationally recognised success with over 30 formers members now in the music profession.
We have a ‘dream team’ of musicians and they will feature in 2025 from Stradivarius Piano Trio to Roderick Williams, and with very generous support from our wonderful Tracey Carr.
Our 2025 Festival continues developing all these themes in a seres of 14 performances at the region’s stately homes, churches and our three fabulous public houses in Shipley. We will also be working with artists Svetlana Cameron and Michael Joseph.
Shipley Arts Festival is firmly established as the region’s preeminent Classical Music Festival.
25 years later the Silver Shipley Arts Festival Preview retains the original vision of international level musicians forming a community with annual new commissions such as Colin and Lucy West’s Descending Blue by Cecilia McDowall. Additionally youth music was to be at the centre of the Festival with
We will be furthering our exploration into Jazz in 2025, taking forwards our String Academy, and forming the Silver Strings Choir in Shipley Parish church. Some national names will be joining us, but for now, we would like to invite you to buy your tickets for the remaining concerts listed below. The full Shipley Arts Festival programme is available at www.bmglive.com
Thank you for your support in anticipation, and we cannot wait to share the music with you.
Andrew Bernardi Artistic Director, Stradivarius violinist
Photo: Bernardi Chamber Ensemble
A message of hope…
One of the great joys of living in this part of Sussex is the wonderful wildlife that we have around us. One memorable encounter happened a few years ago, walking on the South Downs near Sullington Church. And as I looked across the valley, there was a red kite soaring effortlessly over the landscape making the most of the thermals, and with only a very occasional flap of its wings. It was a captivating and beautiful sight, and one that I stopped to watch for quite some time. Several years later, I could still show you the exact place that I saw it.
Reflecting on that encounter, I was reminded of some words from Isaiah 40: Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
These words were originally addressed to a very dispirited group of people – the ancient Israelites living as hostages in a hostile land, Babylon. They had been there for 70 years, and any living memory of their homeland was slipping rapidly away.
To these people comes a message of hope from Isaiah. Part of that message is that relief is coming, that the people will be able to return home. But these verses are a reminder that sometimes the hard part is the waiting. The soaring eagle (not so different from a red kite!) is a wonderful picture of the way that God sustains us through those difficult times in life, those times when there seems no end to waiting.
Isaiah reminds us that, whatever we are facing, we can do so in the presence of the God who loves us, and strengthens us to face what is before us.
David Beal
Village Tweet Quick Crossword Solution on page 8
Strawberry Shortbread
for afternoon tea
METHOD
1. Toast the hazelnuts by spreading them out on a baking tray and placing them in the oven for 5 minutes. Use a timer so they don't burn.
2. When cool, grind them to a sand-like consistency in a blender, or chop finely, pop them in a polyethene bag and crush as finely as possible with a rolling pin.
3. Cream the butter and icing sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy, then gradually beat in the sifted flours or semolina, followed by the ground hazelnuts.
4. Bring the mixture together to make a dough. Place this in a polythene food bag and leave it in the fridge to rest for about 30 minutes. Then roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 5 mm (¼ inch).
5. Use a 9cm cutter to make 16 rounds of shortbread dough.
6. Arrange the biscuits on the baking trays and lightly prick each one with a fork. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove them from the oven and leave to cool on the trays for 10 minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Place the puree fruit in a bowl, sprinkle them with the sugar and leave for 30 minutes. After that, purée them in the food processor, then press them through a nylon sieve to remove the seeds. Cover and set aside.
8. Whisk the crème fraîche in a mixing bowl with an electric hand whisk until it becomes stiff, then add the custard and vanilla extract and whisk again until thick. Cover the mixture and chill until just before serving.
9. Reserve 8 strawberries for decoration. Roughly chop or slice the remainder. Spread equal quantities of the cream mixture over the biscuits, then arrange the strawberry pieces on top of eight. Spoon some purée over each one, then sandwich with the remaining cream-covered rounds. Now place a reserved strawberry on top of each one and finish off with a light dusting of icing sugar.
INGREDIENTS
Hazelnut shortbread
4 oz (110 g) hazelnuts
5 oz (150 g) softened butter
2½ oz (60 g) unrefined golden icing sugar, plus extra to serve
2½ oz (60 g) rice flour, sifted (or use dried semolina)
5 oz (150 g) plain flour, sifted, plus a little extra for rolling out
Run Wisborough is on the 8th June so not long now! The race is a chip-timed, multi-terrain course recognised by UK Athletics.
The event includes a 10km race, 5km race and the ever popular Children’s Colour Run. Make sure you sign up at www.runwisborough.co.uk for all the races!
How you can help make it a success?
What makes RunWisborough so special is that the whole village comes together and gets involved.
1) Enter the 10km, 5km or children’s colour run on line at www.runwisborough.co.uk.
2) Help to be a volunteer on the morning of the race – and get a bacon roll & a free drink as a thank
you. To volunteer please e-mail gkilford@aol.com to register.
3) Prepare ahead! There will be road closures in place so if you are a resident on the course, please:
3) a. Plan your journey around the road closure (approx. 9am to 12 noon)
3) b. Reschedule any food deliverables until before or after the road closures
There will be road closures signs in place before the race; we will contacting local residents on the course nearer the time.
And finally… Run Wisborough couldn’t run without the generous support of our sponsors (see below). Thank you.
Martin Lonsdale
Health and wellbeing / Funerals
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Bringing learning to life
At Billingshurst Primary Academy, children across the school enjoy a wide range of trips and enrichment opportunities that bring their learning to life and help them connect with the wider community.
Each year, educational visits and experiences are carefully chosen to complement the curriculum and deepen pupils’ understanding of their topics. Recently, Year 3 enjoyed a fascinating online workshop on Ancient Egypt delivered by the British Museum. This virtual tour and experience helped the children to explore the lives of pharaohs, the secrets of mummification, and the wonders of ancient artefacts. In the next few weeks, Year 2 pupils will visit the historic Arundel Castle as part of their learning about castles. They are really looking forward to walking through the grand halls and learning about the history of this amazing local castle. In addition, children in Years 3 and 5 have also benefited from multi-skills sports sessions at The Weald, developing teamwork and athletic confidence in a fun, supportive environment.
performed a selection of songs for the residents. Their joyful performance was warmly received and gave the choir a chance to share their talents and bring smiles to others.
Finally, as we look towards the end of the academic year, we are extremely excited for our Year 6 production of Pied Piper. The production is always a highlight of the year and allows the children to showcase their singing, acting and dancing skills.
Beyond curriculum-linked trips, children at Billingshurst Primary Academy are encouraged to develop links with our local community. Following the success of our Country Dancers, our Key Stage 2 Choir recently visited Derwent Lodge Care Home where they
These rich experiences are a key part of the academy’s commitment to developing curious, ambitious, courageous learners who feel they truly belong. By connecting classroom learning with the wider world, we hope to give children an education that is not only broad and balanced, but memorable. Summer Fun Day!
Please join us for our Summer Fun Day on Saturday 7th June, 11am-2pm. There will be inflatables, games, tombolas and much more! It promises to be a wonderful day and all are welcome.
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
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
Sun-Smart Fashion
Choose clothing with built-in UV protection this summer
As public awareness of the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation grows, clothing manufacturers have begun to create garments in fabrics designed to shield the skin from the sun’s harmful rays, reducing the risk of sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer.
What Makes Fabrics UV Protecting?
UV-protective fabrics are engineered to block or absorb harmful UV radiation. The effectiveness of these fabrics depends on several factors:
Weave Density: Tightly woven fabrics provide better protection as they limit the amount of UV light that can penetrate through the material.
can significantly increase the fabric’s UV protection factor.
Colour and Thickness: Darker and heavier fabrics generally offer more UV protection than lighter and thinner ones because they absorb more UV radiation.
Material Type: Certain fibres, such as polyester and nylon, naturally offer higher UV protection compared to others like cotton. These synthetic fibres can be treated or blended with other materials to enhance their UV-blocking capabilities.
Chemical Treatments: Some fabrics are treated with UV-absorbing chemicals or dyes that enhance their ability to block UV radiation. These treatments
When shopping for UV-protective clothing, it is important to look for specific labels that indicate the level of protection provided. The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating system is commonly used, similar to the SPF rating for sunscreens. A UPF rating of 30 to 49 indicates very good protection, while a UPF of 50+ offers excellent protection.
Additionally, look for label markings such as the British Standard BS EN 13758-1 certification, which ensures the fabric meets the required standards for UV protection. Garments with these labels provide assurance that they offer effective protection against harmful UV radiation, allowing you and your children to enjoy outdoor activities safely.
Louise Addison
A Good Read
June’s selection from Tash Donovan
Only The Innocent –
Rachel Abbott
Rachel Abbott is a consummate storyteller with a knack for peeling away the perfect facades her characters present to the world. Only the Innocent is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of guilt, innocence, and the dark secrets people try to bury. The story centres around the mysterious death of a young woman, found murdered in her home, seemingly without a trace of the killer. The case is handed to Detective Tom Douglas, a seasoned investigator with a keen eye for details and a deep commitment to finding the truth.
As Tom digs deeper, he uncovers a web of lies surrounding the victim, who led a seemingly perfect life. Friends, family, and colleagues all claim innocence, but each of them harbours a hidden truth. Among them is Olivia, a woman whose past is tightly linked to the victim’s. She becomes embroiled in the investigation, though her own secrets raise suspicions about her involvement in the murder.
the way of the plot. If you fall in love with Tom and his team you’re in for a treat because there are ten more books after this one; each as intricately plotted as the last.
Murder Most Unladylike – Robin Stevens
This the first book in the captivating Murder Most Unladylike series, blending mystery, friendship, and adventure in a delightful setting. The story follows two schoolmates, Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong, who attend Deepdean School for Girls in 1934 England. Daisy, the fearless and clever leader, and Hazel, her thoughtful and observant companion, form the Wells & Wong Detective Society, determined to solve any mystery that comes their way.
The story twists and turns as Tom navigates a maze of false leads and buried emotions, all while questioning whether he can trust anyone, including those closest to him. As the investigation reaches its peak, startling revelations about the victim and the suspects begin to surface, leaving Tom (and the reader) wondering if anyone is truly innocent.
Tom is no maverick detective. His team are a dedicated and tight-knit group. The details of police procedures offer a fascinating insight into how good policing works, but they never get in
When the school’s gym teacher, Miss Bell, is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Daisy and Hazel take it upon themselves to investigate, despite the potential danger of going against the grown-ups’ advice.
The girls quickly discover that Miss Bell’s death is not an accident – it’s murder. But the more they investigate, the more secrets about their school and its staff begin to surface, and the deeper they find themselves entangled in a web of mystery.
As the duo navigates the clues, they must rely on their wits, bravery, and unshakeable friendship to uncover the truth. Along the way, they learn that not everything is as it seems, and that even in the safest of places, danger can lurk just around the corner.
Murder Most Unladylike is a fast-paced mystery that will have young readers hooked from the first page to the thrilling final reveal.
DO YOU NEED YOUR OVEN CLEANED?
Billingshurst based Oven Cleaning Direct clean ovens – it’s what we do! Call Kevin: 07769 675662 with any questions or to arrange a visit
Email: kevatocdhorsham@hotmail.com www.ovencleaningdirect-horsham.co.uk I can make your oven, hob & barbecue like new again! Oven Cleaning Direct
If spray foam is fitted to your property it can mean that it may be un-mortgageable, meaning when you come to sell your property the new owners may not be able to secure a mortgage due to the spray foam installed between your rafters. If you have spray foam fitted in your roof, if left it can cause rafters and timbers to rot. The spray foam in your roof can be removed by our professional roofing team, rafters will be sanded down and wood filled and treated. Spray foam will be removed from your property and disposed of safely.
Dear homeowner, my name is Cliff and I am the owner of C&S Roofing Specialists Ltd. My team and I are professional roofing contractors. I am a great believer in prevention is better than sure. So my team and I are offering a moss removal service which entails all moss removed and to repoint any defective cement works from the ridge line and re-cement any broken gables, we always allow up to 15 broken or slipped tiles. What this offer ensures is a overall roof clean and minor repairs, all gutters and downpipes will be cleaned once job is finished. This service is from as little as £295 and will 100% prevent you from having large roof repairs or roof replacement.
Renegades go wild in the woods
If you go down to the woods today… you’ll find a full cohort of wild things! The Renegades and younger Rascals joined forces for an evening exploration of local fields and woods.
“It’s hard to explain the impact of wonderful freedom on the kids. They just love a simple walk in the woods – though of course with the Renegades it is never just a simple walk,” laughs Group Leader Gareth Miller
“After a proper safety talk, we had fast and fun games of tag and manhunt before we got into the woods themselves. We had been talking about Donald Trump and his impact on the world, and the kids asked about the original native Americans. That led to a discussion about peoples like the Lakota and to a long-held ambition to build our own tepee so that the children can get to sleep in one.
“We were specifically looking for wild garlic and for the kind of fallen wood lengths that would help to make the tepee, and we found loads. We were also doing a recce for a stream walk – literally walking the length of a stream – that we will be doing in the next few weeks.”
Thanks to the wonderful Hyde Housing Trust and
their generous donation and to Nutritionist Anna Cash, we have also been continuing our nutrition work with the kids and most recently made fish with vegetables on the barbecue.
The Renegades is also expanding.
“We have been invited to run Renegades sessions in Alfold every Friday evening and have had the most amazing welcome. There are so many children who need activities, it’s great to add Alfold to the portfolio but we need another minibus to keep up with demand. Please help!” says Gareth.
We have also welcomed two new members of staff –Sam is our new Youth Club Manager and Gemma is helping behind the scenes with our administration tasks – thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund.
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
Photos: making the tepee, a nutritious barbecued fish supper
Billingshurst Parish Council
Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre Roman Way, Billingshurst, RH14 9QW
Billingshurst in Bloom 2025
On the opposite page you will see the entry form for the Billingshurst in Bloom Front Garden competition. Last year we had a record number of entries and this year, we will be asking the esteemed judges from Billingshurst Horticultural Society to choose their ‘Best in Show’ entry. This could be a front garden, a hanging basket, tub or trough, every entry is in with the chance of winning the coveted ‘Best in Show’ award. Even if you haven’t entered before, please consider doing so this year and perhaps encourage any green fingered neighbours to do the same.
Billingshurst Open Gardens
Continuing on the floral theme, this year for the first time, the Billingshurst Community Partnership have organised an Open Gardens Day. It is being held on Sunday 22nd June between 2pm & 5pm. Tickets and a map cost £5 (and cover 2 adults and 2 children under 16), and will be available on the day from 1.30pm in front of the Library and admit entry to 6 private gardens, as well as inviting attendees to view the work being done at the Surgery Gardens by Billigreen, Station Road Gardens and the Allotments at Manor Fields. This is bound to be a wonderful day so do consider supporting it if you can.
Billingshurst Activity Day –
Saturday 9th August
Following the success of the debut event in 2024, Billingshurst Parish Council, supported by the Neighbourhood Wardens and Billingshurst Lions are once again hosting a free Family Activity Day at Jubilee Fields on Saturday 9th August, between 12pm & 4pm. The aim is to give visitors of all ages a taste of some activities to tempt them out of their armchairs and into doing something active and fun! Activities on offer include skateboarding, climbing wall, bushcraft, dancing, fishing and much much more! Why not come along and try something new?
Billingshurst Tennis Club
Did you know that there is a public court available to hire at the Tennis Club located at Lower Station Road Recreation Ground? If you would like to join the club or enquire about hiring the public court, please email billingshursttennis@gmail.com
Billingshurst Community Transport
Do you have some spare time? Are you able to drive? Do you live in the parishes of Billingshurst, Shipley, Loxwood, Ifold or Plaistow? If so, the Billingshurst Community Transport Scheme need volunteer drivers and would like to hear from you. To find out more about the scheme and see whether you can help, please contact the scheme manager Graeme Acraman on 01403 787696.
Station Road Community Volunteer Gardening Days
Could you spare an hour or two to volunteer at Station Road Community Gardens at one or more of their Gardening Days? Upcoming dates across the summer are Saturday 7th June, 5th July and 2nd August. There is no need to be an expert, just pop along any time between 9.30am & 12 noon; refreshments are available for volunteers and even if you can only manage an hour or two here and there, every little bit helps.
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 (June)
3rd: Planning & Environment Committee
11th: Working Practices Committee
25th: Billingshurst Centre & F&GP Committees
BILLINGSHURST ‘IN BLOOM’
LOCAL COMPETITION – 2025
Back in 2018, the Parish Council started holding its own local ‘In Bloom’ competition encouraging residents to enter their front gardens into a just for fun local contest.
Over the years (other than in 2020 for obvious reasons) the competition has grown in popularity; the categories have been tweaked here and there and now include a specific entry for the Best Pollinator Garden. Entrants for this category will also be judged on the gardens’ biodiversity in providing nourishment for our pollinators. This may include a few daisies or clover left to grow in the lawn, or planting which would specifically appeal to insects, birds, butterflies and mammals.
To enter, please complete the form below and return it to the Parish Council Offices by 20th June. This year, for the first time, we are asking our judges to choose their ‘Best in Show’ entry. This award could be for any entry in any category so every entry has an equal opportunity of winning! Judging will take place in early July, with awards being presented in September. (You can enter no more than three categories, and all displays must be visible from the street.) Each entry will be judged on Impact, Care & Attention and Horticultural Content. However, you don’t need to be a gardening expert; if you enjoy pottering around and your front garden looks good, why not give it a go and enter the competition! Entries will be judged as either Bronze, Silver, Silver-Gilt & Gold ensuring every entrant will be presented with a certificate.
1 Best Small Front Garden (under 5 metres frontage)
2 Best Large Front Garden (5 metres and over frontage)
3 Best Domestic Basket
4 Best Domestic Tub/Window Box
5 Best Public House
6 Best Commercial Tub/Basket/ Window Box
7 Best Residential Premises (Flats, Care Home, Sheltered Housing, etc)
8 Best Pollinator Garden
Sussex Green Living – recycling scheme expands
Recycle More, Waste Less: Join our local collection for hard-to-recycle items
We are delighted to have expanded our special recycling scheme!
Certain items cannot go in your council recycling bin but can be recycled at specific retailers (usually in larger towns), or through other schemes to raise money for charity.
But now you can drop them in one of Sussex Green Living’s recycling bins. Scan the QR code or visit the website below to find out what you can recycle and where. Our volunteers will direct these waste resources to the best recycling or reuse facility. Every small action helps.
https://www.sussexgreenliving.org.uk/single-use
• Many items can’t go in your home recycling bin – but we can take them.
• Bring things like pens, toothbrushes, batteries, vapes and old tech.
• New for 2025: corks, crayons, used stamps, glasses, and even helium balloons.
• Everything collected helps local charities and the planet.
• Drop items at pop-up events or your local collection point.
Your local collection points are: Barns Green Chapel House, Chapel Road, RH13 0PR. Open to the public 24/7
Billingshurst
The Community Larder, The Weald School, Station Road, RH14 9RY 10am-12 noon, every Wednesday Slinfold
Slinfold Indoor Market, Village Hall, RH13 0RP 10am-2pm, every third Saturday of the month Marianne Lindfield, Climate Engagement Officer, Sussex Green Living
PJM FOR ALL YOUR PROPERTY NEEDS
A little of what we do:
New builds and extensions
Refurbishments and conversions Property maintenance
Loft conversions Electrics Plumbing Bathroom and Kitchen installation
Wood / multi-fuel burning stoves, chimneys and flue installation Oak framed garages Paving, patios and decking Solar Photo Voltaic systems And much more
Please follow the contact details below for your competitive free no obligation quote PJM, 6 Northlands Cottages, Northlands Road, Warnham, West Sussex RH12 3SQ
Mobile: Peter 07976 816311
Landline: 01306 627306
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Billingshurst based family business with over 20 years experience in the building trade. Full Refurbishments, Extensions, Conversions and Alterations, Oak framed garages/car ports/porches, Fully bespoke timber garden rooms/studios, Driveways, Patios, Kitchens, Carpentry and more… We pride ourselves on attention to detail and offering a personal service, keeping the client informed every step of the way.
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Please call to discuss any project on 07970 729903 Graeme Brunt, GB Electrical
Essential barbecue safety tips from Billingshurst Fire Station
If you are having a picnic in a park or open space – don’t use a barbecue (including disposables); grass can be very dry and a fire can start and spread quickly. This puts people, homes, property and wildlife in danger. You can help to reduce the risk of a fire by not using any naked flames in the open.
If you do barbecue at home it is important to check you have taken the right safety precautions:
• Don’t use a barbecue on a balcony. Flames, sparks and hot embers can cause a fire and spread quickly to other parts of the building.
• Never light a barbecue in an enclosed space and don’t use accelerants to get it going.
• Position your barbecue on level ground (not decking) and keep it well away from anything that may catch fire such as sheds, fences or trees.
• Avoid distractions from people around you and never leave the barbecue unattended.
• Avoid drinking alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue.
• Keep children, pets and garden games a safe distance from the barbecue. Have a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergency use.
• After cooking, let the barbecue cool and make sure it is properly out –
• smouldering ashes can give off dangerous carbon monoxide fumes and can be fatal.
Twitter: @Station49Fire
Facebook: Billingshurst Fire Station
Dan Game, Billingshurst Fire Station
Photo: barbecues are fun but always follow safety precautions
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The Spaniel Diaries
Isn’t this year flying by? I have just celebrated my 9th birthday! Mum bought us both steak, and even better, it’s Goose’s birthday in a few days so we get steak dinner allover again!
I am officially middle-aged and therefore I should be allowed a certain amount of middle-aged spread but Mum is still being strict about my food intake – that is not fair and I am being starved! I have taken to nipping out to the bottom of the garden and gobbling up cat poo… until Mum caught me and wired off the area and moved plant pots around so the cat can no longer get there. Mum was disgusted with me and as a punishment I had a bath and had my mouth and teeth cleaned and she also gave me a worming tablet for good measure… in revenge I shall be even more keen on rolling in fox poo!
I am helping with Goose’s training at the moment. He is so keen to get his prize that when Mum throws a dummy for him he races off after it before he is asked so it’s now my job to collect some of the dummies – we do have an understanding that no smelly canvas ones are allowed and I much prefer the rubber fake duck ones!
The real ducks have their ducklings now so after a training session we sit quietly by the pond while Mum puts some food out for them; they have started to recognise us now and come over ready to be fed, Mum uses the floating stuff so they can stay on the water and enjoy their food!
We have been going out later in the evenings so it’s
cooler for us all as Mum wilts in the heat too! We all absolutely love the cool woods at this time of year and have noticed more deer than ever, luckily myself and Goose are used to them and know we are not allowed to chase them but a few owners get caught out by their dogs taking off after them. Mum says it’s best to keep us dogs on a lead if you are walking in areas where there is likely to be deer or livestock around.
We have found a perfect little swimming spot on one of our walks, a lovely shallow part of a slow-flowing river. Goose absolutely loves to swim now and it’s really nice for us to have a cool off in towards the end of the walk – Mum was also absolutely delighted to catch sight of an elusive kingfisher further up the river so we had to sit very still while she (unsuccessfully) tried to take a picture!
Tic season is well and truly underway. On our last walk Mum picked loads of the little critters off of us; they were literally dropping onto us from the long grass at the edge of the path! We have a special tablet to stop nasties as Mum doesn’t use spot-on treatments any more because of the impact on the environment.
Goose took part in a scurry at a dog show and did really well – he absolutely loves to work (show off). I was really proud of him as was Mum. I made sure that I got half of the bag of treats he won seeing as I’m his guide and mentor – when it suits me that is!
Until next time, Billy.
Jeannette Douglas
Garden View
Create a pollinator-friendly garden
As our gardens burst into life this month, so too do the essential workers of the natural world – the pollinators. Bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and even some beetles and birds play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring our food crops thrive. Without them, many of the fruits, vegetables, and flowers we love would cease to exist.
But pollinators are under threat. Habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change have all contributed to a worrying decline in their numbers. The good news is that we gardeners can make a real difference. By creating pollinator-friendly spaces, we support wildlife and also enjoy more vibrant, biodiverse, and resilient gardens.
Start with nectar-rich plants. One of the most effective ways to attract pollinators is by planting flowers rich in nectar and pollen. Bees and butterflies are drawn to brightly coloured, open-faced blooms that are easy to access. In June, classic choices like lavender, catmint (Nepeta), foxgloves, alliums, and single dahlias are excellent options. For continuous feeding, aim to stagger blooms from early spring to late autumn. Start with crocuses and primroses in spring, then echinacea and verbena bonariensis in summer, followed by Michaelmas daisies and sedum in the autumn. Include single-flowered varieties instead of (or as well as) doubles, which may look impressive but often lack accessible nectar. Herbs like thyme, oregano, marjoram, and borage do double duty –delicious in the kitchen and brilliant for bees.
of our garden can be transformed into a haven with a wildflower patch. Native wildflowers are perfectly suited to local pollinators and usually require less care than cultivated plants. A wildflower mix containing cornflowers, poppies, oxeye daisies, and red clover can be sown on bare soil or incorporated into a lawn. These not only attract a wide range of insects but add natural charm to an outdoor space.
Letting parts of your lawn grow long or reducing mowing frequency is another easy win. Long grass provides shelter for insects and allows naturally occurring wild plants like clover and buttercups to bloom.
Embrace wildlife-friendly gardening. Beyond planting, there are simple techniques that make a big impact. Avoid pesticides and herbicides, which can harm pollinators directly or deplete their food sources. Choose organic or natural alternatives where possible.
Provide shelter and water by leaving a pile of logs or twigs for insects to hide in and hang up a bee hotel. Provide a shallow dish of water with stones for insects to land on to offer crucial hydration during hot spells.
By turning our gardens into mini sanctuaries for pollinators, we play an active role in protecting biodiversity. And in return, we will enjoy a garden buzzing with life – more flowers, more fruit, and the joyful hum of nature in balance.
Happy gardening!
Create a wildflower patch. Even a small corner
TREE SURGERY
Rachael Leverton
Billingshurst Open Gardens
Sunday 22nd June, 2-5pm
Ticket & Map £5
(Admits up to 2 adults & 2 children under 16)
Tickets available on the
day from 1.30pm
in front of the Library
Tickets admit entry to 6 private gardens (on the day only) as well as inviting you to view the work being done at the Surgery gardens by BilliGreen, Station Road Gardens and the Allotments at Manor Fields
Organised
by
Loxwood Jazz Club
Have you heard of Gypsy Jazz?
You may have heard it called Gypsy Swing, Hot-Club Jazz or Jazz Manouche, but it’s a popular idiom inspired by the Romani guitarist Jean ‘Django’ Reinhardt in conjunction with the French jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli. Michael Parkinson featured Grappelli on several of his shows, prompting a lasting resurgence in Gypsy Jazz.
On Tuesday 17th June in Loxwood, our host Simon Bates will replace Grappelli’s violin with the clarinet. He will be joined by Sam Carelse who is one of the finest Gypsy Jazz singers in the business. Based in Brighton, she has performed in prestige venues such as The Grand, Ronnie Scott’s and the Brighton Dome and fronts the band Amuse Manouche. The band also features virtuoso guitarist Jason Henson who has worked with such luminaries as Bobby Wellins, Jim Mullen and Alan Barnes.
Doors open at 7.30pm with music starting at 8pm in North Hall, Loxwood RH14 0SF. Tickets £15 available at John Murray Butchers in Loxwood (cash only) or online at: www.loxwoodjazz.co.uk.
If you have any queries or to be added to Simon’s mailing list, please email: tickets@loxwoodjazz.co.uk.
Find out more about Loxwood Jazz from www.loxwoodjazz.co.uk or Facebook: Loxwood Jazz
Garden Tweet! / Pest control / Firewood
West Chiltington Floral Club
(Affiliated to NAFAS)
Tuesday 17th June, 7 for 7.30pm start
We welcome Barbara Caldecourt with her demonstration ‘Snap Shot’ Visitors are most welcome, £7 on the door. Refreshments and sales table.
West Chiltington Village Hall, Mill Road, RH20 2PZ. For more information, please contact Brenda (01798) 813712 or Carol (01798) 813608 Email: wchiltfloralclub@gmail.com
Tree Surgeons • Stump Removal
Hedge Installation & Maintenance
Garden Landscaping & Maintenance Groundworks
Fencing Supplied & Erected
Rubbish Clearance
Roof, Chimney & Gutter Repairs
Treacle tart… how hard can it be?
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 just wondered how many of you have of late become a little tired of the proliferation of cooking shows that seem to be taking over our normal TV programmes. I would think that most of you are quite enthusiastic when it comes to eating, but how many are so keen when we are confronted with such a ridiculous amount of possible combinations of recipes that are suggested you put before your family.
You know what I mean I’m sure. Everyone is on the tele – baking, boiling or roasting something. Cooking mounds of delicious meals for other celebrities or for the honour of getting a new apron and a handshake from Mr Hollywood. My own early learning curve is older. Pre even Fanny Cradock. The great Philip Harben started on BBC in 1936, but that I’m afraid was long before we even had a tele!
The reason I have written this piece is because through all these programmes I got to recall something that happened nearly 70 years ago. I was at my first job. Myself and another lad – both of us at the tender age of 15 – were in digs in a small three-room exchicken shed in Kentand were both employed at a local dairy farm. Two bedrooms a bathroom and a kitchencum-diner. Perfectly adequate for us two lads and no complaints on our behalf as to our welfare. We were fed by the farm at a local café but, though adequate, we still longed for the taste of ‘home cooking’.
several metal trays/dishes. I selected a round metal dish that looked ideal to make the tart. First flour and water –mix and spend many minutes squeezing and kneading into a pliable roll of what I fondly believed to be pastry. This I rolled out flat with the assistance of a pop bottle. I then carefully lined the tin with the great care and though I say so myself I felt it looked amazing.
Tate and Lyles golden syrup was then generously poured onto the top to finish the whole masterpiece. Then into the oven it went.
The dream…
… the reality
So, I decided one autumn evening that I was going to give us a treacle tart to bring back the memories of home. Why treacle tart? I really don’t know. I can only think that it sounded the easiest to do, and we already had the ingredients that we assumed necessary for the job. What could go wrong?
Our kitchen boasted two saucepans, a frying pan and
I think it’s time here to confess I’m no cook, not now, not then. For one thing I had never heard of the term ‘cook blind’. If I had, I would have probably thought it was some game you played while blindfolded. Not, as I later learnt, to cook the pastry first! Anyway after some time the oven door was slowly opened. Not so much by registering minutes passed, but more by realising that the smell of burning suggested all was not quite right. The tin was removed. Where in heaven’s name was the treacle topping? Just a puffed dish of blackened pastry lay before us.
I got a knife, then a scraper. We dug deep and found our filling. The blasted stuff had sunk through the pastry – or the pastry had risen though the filling – and now it was a molten mass of black sugary substance that had firmly welded itself to the bottom of the tin. Nothing would shift it. The complete dish and contents were relegated to the bin as none of the elements that made up the dish would separate from each other, with each one clinging to the other in a sticky, black lava. We opened a tin of beans as a substitute and vowed to relegate the need for anything more difficult than opening such a tin as a lost cause.
I now concentrate my cooking skills to the art of the fry-up. Far safer, and far less complicated.
So… if you like treacle tart… best buy one.
Happy days.
John Nash
07762 767084, editor@villagetweet.co.uk
What’s On near you
What’s On – June
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 Zumba with Michelle Vorster. Monday at Kelsey Hall, Ifold, RH14 0UD, 6pm. Wednesday at North Hall & Weds Loxwood, RH14 0SF, 6pm. Zumba takes the ‘work’ out of workout, by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for a calorie-burning dance fitness party for all to enjoy. Pre-book only: bookwhen.com/ michellevorster. Facebook: Zumba with Michelle Vorster. E-mail: Michelle77.zumba@gmail.com
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 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
What’s
On near you
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
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
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
3 Jun The Arts Society West Sussex lecture by Georgina Bexon: ‘The Australian Impressionists – A New Art for a New Country’. 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
3 Jun Billingshurst Community Bridge Club. Meets 1st Tuesday of each month, venue varies and depends on numbers, contact Jan Buttinger, e-mail: janbuttinger@gmail.com
3 Jun 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
3 Jun Billingshurst Community Bridge Club. Meets 1st Tuesday of each month, venue varies and depends on numbers, contact Jan Buttinger, e-mail: janbuttinger@gmail.com
3 Jun Parish Council Planning & Environmental Committee meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7pm
4 Jun The Arts Society South Downs lecture by Simon Seligman: Deborah ‘Debo’ Mitford, Cavendish, Devonshire Duchess, Housewife 1920-2014. 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
5 Jun Arts Society Rudgwick lecture: ‘Scandinavian Modern – Behind the Scenes’ by James Vaux. Village Hall. 10.45am (coffee 10am). Visitors welcome, donation from £8 (payable at the door). Please contact Lyn Betts, tel: (01403) 822649 or email: bettslyn@btinternet.com in advance
5 Jun 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 more info
5 Jun 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
7 Jun Billingshurst Primary Academy Summer Fun Day. 11am-2pm. Everyone welcome. See page 12
7 Jun St Catherine’s Hospice Midnight Walk. Horsham. 20, 13, 7 or 2 miles routes available. www.stch.org.uk/midnightwalk, or (01293) 447361. See April’s Village Tweet, page 40
7 Jun West Chiltington Silver Band: ‘Musicals Sing-along Concert’. Village Hall, Mill Road, RH20 2PZ. 7.30pm (Doors open 7pm). Songs from your favourite shows and films. Refreshments, bar, raffle and quiz. Tickets £10 (U16s free if accompanied by an adult) from Julie (simplythebest21@btinternet.com), Richard (rabarron@btinternet.com) or Nisa Local, Haglands Lane. See page 41
7 Jun Billingshurst Choral Society: A Celebration of Baroque Music. St Mary’s Church, Horsham. 7.30pm. Tickets £20 from www.billingshurstchoralsociety.org.uk. See May’s Village Tweet, page 6
7 Jun Christ’s Hospital Choral Society Summer Concert. Christ’s Hospital School, Horsham, RH13 0LJ. Tickets: chchoralsoc.org. See May’s Village Tweet, page 6
7 Jun Craft and Chat Group. Unitarian Chapel, Billingshurst. Every 1st Saturday, 12.15-3.45pm. Bring your own project. Refreshments on offer. Tel: (01403)785116
7 Jun 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
8 Jun Run Wisborough. 10km Race, 5km Race and Children’s Colour Run. For info and to sign up: www.runwisborough.co.uk. See page 10. Also February, page 5 and April, page 11
What’s On near you / Accountancy
9 Jun
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
11 Jun 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
11 Jun Parish Council Working Practices Committee meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7pm
12 Jun Billingshurst WI Talk by Kerry Vaughan, professional wildlife and pet portrait artist, also creator of silver jewellery. 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
12 Jun Billingshurst Weald Probus Club men’s group meeting. Stanley Room, Community Centre. 10 for 10.15am12 noon. Every 2nd Thurs except Dec. Alan Galer, tel: 07956 443228 or email: alan.galer@btinternet.com
13 Jun 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
14 Jun 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
14 Jun
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
15 Jun Billingshurst Artisan Market. Six Bells car park. 9.30am-1.30pm. Local foods and crafts
15 Jun Sussex Day. Parham House & Gardens, Pulborough TH20 4HR. 12-5pm. Over 30 stalls. See page 41
16 Jun 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
16 Jun 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
17 Jun 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
17Jun Loxwood Jazz Club: Sam Carelse. Village Hall. Doors open 7.30pm. Candle-lit tables and a licensed bar, 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. See page 32
19 Jun Billingshurst Horticultural Society Outing: Meadow Farm, Pulborough, RH20 1DF. Depart 2pm Library Car Park. The 2-acre garden built from scratch over the last 16 years by the owners is a hidden gem. Mrs S Wells, tel: (01403) 784159
21 Jun Cranleigh Art & Crafts Society Demonstration by Sharon Hurst: ‘The Four Stages of Watercolour’. The Band Room, Village Way, Cranleigh GU6 8AF. 2.30pm. Visitors welcome £5. Info: info@caacs.co.uk
21 Jun Plaistonbury Family Festival. Plaistow & Kirdford Primary School Field. 2.30-7pm. See page xx
22 Jun Billingshurst Open Gardens. 2-5pm. Ticket and map from 1.30pm in front of library. See page 32
25 Jun Parish Council Billingshurst Centre & F&GP Committees meetings. Billingshurst Centre. 7 & 7.30pm
26 Jun Sing for Pleasure. (4th Thursday except December: 3rd Thursday.) Billingshurst Community Centre. 3.00-4.30pm. We are a friendly, informal group who enjoy a sing-along. If you are a lady or gentleman in the more mature age group, even if you think you can’t sing, we’d love you to join us for an enjoyable afternoon. £3, includes tea and biscuits
28 Jun 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
28 Jun 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
29 Jun Billingshurst Show & Carnival Procession: ‘Carnival of Champions’. See back cover 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
Date Time Trip Description
Tuesday 3rd 10:30am Stansted House and Park
Wednesday 4th 10:00am Chichester Market Day
Thursday 5th 9:00am Horsham & Sainsbury’s
Thursday 5th 13:30pm Tesco
Friday 6th 9:00am Eastbourne
Saturday 7th 18:30pm Vivaldi Concert, St Mary’s Horsham
Tuesday 10th 9:00am Three Rivers Cruise, Southampton Docks
Thursday 12th 9:00am Horsham & Sainsbury’s
Thursday 12th 2:30pm Lidl
Friday 13th 11:00am Old Barn Garden Centre for Lunch
Wednesday 18th 10:30am Drive over South Downs to Littlehampton
Thursday 19th 9:00am Horsham & Sainsbury’s
Thursday 19th 13:30pm Tesco
Wednesday 25th 9:00am New Forest Drive to Lyndhurst for Lunch
Billingshurst & District Lions Club would like to thank everyone for their enthusiastic contribution towards making this year’s Easter Prize Draw a resounding success. In place of the traditional solitary Chocolate Egg, the prize featured a ‘Hamper for Sharing’, which included eggs and a selection of chocolate bars, something for all the family to share and enjoy.
In particular Billingshurst Lions would like to thank the ten participating venues who made it all possible by prominently displaying the hampers and collecting the proceeds.
In Billingshurst these included:
• Billingshurst Community Centre
• The Kings Arms
• The Kings Head
• Leonardo’s Barbers in Jengers Mead Others were:
• Barns Green Village Store
• The Foresters at Kirdford
• The Onslow Arms at Loxwood
• Slinfold Golf & Country Club
• The Bat & Ball at Wisborough Green Organised by the Lions FUNdraising Committee, all proceeds will be used to provide financial and practical support where needed throughout the community.
Lions Charity Golf Day
Also a special ‘thank you’ to all the Golfers, Slinfold Golf
& Country Club, Sponsors and to all those who donated prizes for ensuring another successful day raising funds this year for the Charity, ‘Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers’ SERV, often known as ‘The Blood Runners’, all volunteers providing free essential out-of-hours services for the NHS.
Thank You to those who ‘Feed the Lions’
We are led to believe that coins are going out of fashion but this isn’t the case with Billingshurst Lions! ‘Feed the Lions’ collecting jars are still very much in fashion. With over 100 Jars out in the community we look forward to seeing you in the bookshop again soon, where you can exchange your full jars for an empty replacement and enjoy browsing the bookshelves.
Follow Billingshurst Lions on Facebook and www.billingshurstlions.org
Harvey Holmes – Press Officer, Billingshurst & District Lions Club
Main photo: Rachael McGuire and her children, smiling winners of the Lions Bookshop Easter Hamper for Sharing. Smaller photo: SERV ‘Blood Runner’ bikes ready to go for the NHS
