Need an excuse for a party? 17th March is St Patrick’s Day, see page 31. Too young to down a pint of Guinness? Why not try our St Patrick’s Day Spot the Difference on page 37!
Mother’s Day is on 30th March. We take a different look on celebrating this day if your mother is living with dementia. See page 6.
Now that winter is behind us why not give your business a spring boost? Our rates are highly competitive and we offer some amazing deals on series bookings. Don’t have an ad? We offer a free design service. Download the Rate Card from our website (www.villagetweet.co.uk) or call me (07762 767084) for a no obligation chat. Grahame
Editorial and Advertising: Grahame Pearson: 07762 767084 editor@villagetweet.co.uk www.villagetweet.co.uk
Since our last article in the December issue, the children have been learning about the Arctic, the Antarctic and which animals live at each one.
Have you heard of a young Gentoo Penguin called Jonty, who ended up at the Arctic instead of the Antarctic on his journey to discover where he came from? If not, I recommend reading Jonty Gentoo by Julia Donaldson.
On the subject of books, the children also made a reading igloo from milk bottles as well as Polar Bear Paw Print Biscuits.
We have been learning about spring, with a particular focus on bees… buzzzzzzz!
The Dauxwood garden has taken a battering this winter and we are looking to upgrade our rotten wooden fences with a nice new metal one. We are also installing more allweather surfacing to form a pathway down to our climbing frame. To do this, we rely on initiatives such as the Horsham Lottery and our fundraising events; Easter Fayre, Christmas Market, twice-yearly quiz nights and our Summer Fun Day
preschool, you will understand why we need to put measures in place to help make the junction safer for parents, children, staff and other pedestrians. Especially after a lorry crashed into the safety barriers last year. At the moment there are no signs indicating that the preschool is there so we, as a committee and preschool, are to make some signs to increase awareness. West Sussex Highways will look to install some official signs that show motorists a school is on the corner and improve the line markings. We will also work with the Parish Council to increase the regularity of hedge cutting and vegetation clearance so that the crossing can be kept as visible as possible all year round.
There is our spring Gardening Afternoon on Saturday 15th March where we aim to tidy the garden up after the winter and make it ready for the children to use. Please come along and help us if you have some free time and want to support a local cause – many hands make light work!
Lastly, we have had good meetings with West Sussex Highways about ways that we can improve road safety around the preschool. If you have tried to cross Natts Lane or Lower Station Road to the
Our Easter Fayre is on Thursday 3rd April where the Easter Bunny may make an appearance and the children will enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt and decorate Easter biscuits, whilst the parents (and staff) can indulge in Hot Cross Buns.
Previously Tesco have kindly donated towards our Easter Fayre and we are hoping that they continue to support us this year.
We are also looking for a new treasurer to take over from July 2025, with a view to beginning the handover process from Easter. If you have accounting or bookkeeping experience, have the time and would like to assist us for two or three years perhaps then we would love to hear from you.
Tom Skilleter
Co-Chair, Dauxwood Preschool Committee
Top: reading igloo constructed from empty milk bottles Bottom: the hazardous crossing near the preschool
Remember Mother’s Day
Even when your mother cannot. Mother’s Day: 30th March
My mother was diagnosed with dementia three years ago and her cognitive decline has been rapid. This time of year, is difficult. She always loved Mother’s Day and delighted in cards and flowers and being spoiled.
When I became a mother she reciprocated by making sure my husband knew he was responsible for spoiling me until my son was old enough to take responsibility. It made me smile when I found her little reminder notes for him.
But now things are different. Mum only remembers me sometimes and my brother hardly at all. Yet some days she’s lucid and funny and quite like her old self. All we can do is celebrate Mother’s Day on her terms. Reminisce – Familiar faces and old photos can bring joy and comfort to someone living with dementia, even if the person can’t remember the names. Look at old photos together and describe them for your loved one as you go through them. Avoid asking questions like, “Do you remember…?” as that might make your mother one feel
Asembarrassed and ashamed.
Adapt old favourites – Dementia can impact a person’s ability to do things as they previously did, so it’s important to be adaptable. If your mother enjoyed going to a certain restaurant, order-in food from that establishment instead. If they enjoyed playing a musical instrument but can’t anymore, listen to their favourite music with them.
The gift of time – Quality time together is one of the best Mother’s Day gifts we can give. Focus on those activities that bring joy and let go of activities that seem too stressful.
Flowers – These can be especially good for someone living with dementia; the scent can trigger memories, promote positive feelings, and stimulate the brain.
Make your own Mother’s Day card – Write a Mothers’ Day card and read it out loud. Even if she can no longer grasp the full meaning, the act of writing it and communicating your love can help lift your own spirits.
Sarah Davey
Lent: a chance to simplify…
someone who loves gadgets and technology, I do find that I have to remind myself from time to time of that old adage: “Keep it simple, stupid!” Do I really need to haul a heavy bag full of camera and lenses with me, when I could probably just use the camera in my phone?
And if I can end up carrying far more clutter than I need, the same can be true of life in general. It’s all too easy for life to get more complicated and cluttered than it needs to, and it helps to be reminded to keep things simple. Focus on what matters, and don’t get bogged down with lots of unnecessary stuff.
As March begins, so too does Lent. For lots of people, Lent is associated with giving something up: chocolate, cakes… whatever it might be. But there is more to Lent than merely trying to shed an inch or two from our waistline.
For those of us who are Christian, the season of Lent is a time to take stock of ourselves, and focus on the priorities of life. What really matters? And what is just clutter? It’s an annual
reminder to keep things simple, and to concentrate on what is probably the top priority in life: relationships. Our relationship with God, and our relationships with each other. What makes those relationships work, what strengthens them, is love. Love offered to us, and love given by us. We look to God as both the source of love and our example of love. As one of the writers in the Bible puts it: “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” (1 John 4.16)
Whether or not we are people of faith, the call to keep things simple is always worth heeding. And if you are looking for something to give up in Lent this year, then maybe it’s worth choosing something that clutters up and gets in the way of what must be one of our top priorities: relationships. It may be that by keeping things simpler, we grow closer to those we love.
David Beal
Teriyaki and Lime-Glazed Chicken Wings
METHOD
A zingy supper dish
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan/ gas 8.
2. Line a large baking tray with greaseproof paper. Place the chicken wings in a large bowl. Sprinkle over the rice flour or baking powder and mix with your hands until the wings are coated. Season well with salt and pepper. 3. Spread the coated wings across the baking tray in a single layer. Bake for 20 mins.
4. While chicken is cooking, make the teriyaki glaze. Into a small pan add the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar and 150ml water. Cook over a medium heat for 4-5 mins until the glaze is bubbling and slightly thickened. Mix two tbsp of the glaze with the cornflour, then pour mixture back into the pot, whisking continuously. Simmer for 2-3 mins until thickened. Squeeze in the lime juice.
5. Remove the chicken from the oven at 20 mins and tip them into a bowl. Reserve a few tablespoons of the glaze and pour the rest over the wings, making sure they’re well coated. Spread them over the baking tray again and return to the oven for another 20 mins. When they’re cooked, remove from the oven, top with the reserved glaze, then sprinkle with the lime zest, spring onions and chilli. Serve with fluffy jasmine rice.
1 red chilli – remove seeds and chop finely Jasmine rice to serve
Sussex Green Living – Plant to Plate Festival
Growing together – Food – Fun – Family – Free
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.
The Quaker Meeting House will play host to an array of expert talks and demonstrations, including how to avoid that problematic and unrecyclable packaging and ideas on how to cook tasty meals that are healthy for yourselves and the planet.
At the Sussex Green Hub, in the United Reformed Church, you will find simple energysaving 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.
At the Unitarian Church, green thumbs can get wildlife-friendly gardening tips from the experts and take home some seedlings. There is the chance to get your hands dirty with composting and food waste reduction advice, as well as nature activities for the kids.
Monday-Saturday 9.30am-5.00pm Also: The Alfold Larder Chapel Field Close, Alfold, GU6 8HA
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 warm-hearted volunteers, and explore the vibrant eco float highlighting way to lighten your carbon footprint.
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
Making sustainable food choices
Did you know that you can make really simple food choices that will help reduce your individual or family’s carbon footprint, protect the environment and save you ££’s?
See the article on the adjoining page to find out more.
Food and drink / Tennis
Making Sustainable Food Choices
Two national campaigns this month help us to focus on how to reduce our food waste: Cultivation Street, celebrating community gardening, and Food Waste Action Week, from Love Food Hate Waste. Both these campaigns aim to get people thinking about how to grow, buy, and eat food sustainably, reducing waste and so reducing your costs and benefiting the environment.
A shocking 40+% of our household waste in Horsham District is food, and salad and fresh vegetables make up 27% of our food waste! A recent report by WRAP estimates the average family loses around £80 per month on food nationally.
Cultivation Street (cultivationstreet.com) helps encourage you to grow in any space, and some foods are simple to grow in even very small spaces, for example herbs and lettuce on your balcony or kitchen, or you can join a community allotment.
Local Initiatives
Have you visited your local Community Larder in Billingshurst? Here you can rescue free food from local grocery stores which would otherwise be wasted. There are also two community gardens you can get involved with. Visit our Get Involved webpage for more Sustainable Food suggestions: horsham.gov.uk/get-involved-inclimate-action
Food Waste Action Week (lovefoodhatewaste.com) focuses on how much food is wasted around the UK and how we can help reduce this waste. From buying loose fruit and veg rather than large bags, through to freezing leftovers, or visiting your local Community Larder, there are many ways to think about how to buy wisely and reduce your waste. There are also ways to share the food you won’t use, such as the Olio App (olioapp.com/en).
Community Larders
• Billingshurst Community Larder: School House, Weald School, RH14 9RY www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id=100089558274502 (Open Weds, 10-12noon)
Community Gardening and Allotments
• Station Road Community Gardens: Station Road, RH14 9NY
• www.facebook.com/FOGBillie or email sps197@hotmail.com
Meets first Saturday of each month, 9.30am-1pm.
• Billingshurst Allotments: billingshurst-allotments.co.uk or bhallotments@hotmail.co.uk or 01403 785372.
Sarah Hogben,
Horsham
District Council
SLINFOLD TENNIS CLUB
• Three all-weather, all-year floodlit artificial clay courts
• Ample barrier-operated access to private car parking
• Bespoke modern clubhouse and large seated veranda and terrace for meet-ups, quizzes and socials
• Thriving club sessions suitable for all abilities
• Competitive team tennis in Sussex leagues as well as internal tournaments
• LTA-registered coaching for Adults and Juniors, starters and team players
• Highly competitive membership fee – Adult at £160 pa and Juniors at £35 pa
Please visit the Slinfold Tennis Club website for further information: clubspark.lta.org.uk/slinfoldtennisclub or find us on facebook
Photo: Billingshurst Community Larder
Renegadessss celebrate the snake
The Renegades Youth Club, and its younger sibling the Rascals, had a hisss-terical event to welcome the Chinese New Year and see the Year of the Snake slither in.
“We held a full club family event to celebrate Chinese New Year and it was great fun,” says Group Leader Gareth Miller. “We decorated our new home, Kirdford Village Hall, with lots of red lanterns and Chinese decorations after a trip to the wonderful Wing Yip supermarket in Croydon so the place looked very festive. We played lots of games – including What the Chinese Ever Did For Me, which taught the kids just how much of modern life was first invented (often thousands of years ago) by the Chinese. The notion of them inventing the game of football always blows the children’s minds, as does the story of how they invented forensics. The Chinese military general and philosopher Sun Tzu once famously solved a murder in a village by asking all its residents to bring out their knives into the village square and the one that flies settled on flushed out the killer… and that was 2500 years ago!
devoured. We made Egg Fried Rice the traditional way, pork, chicken and beef dumplings and sliced some mad fruit... dragon fruit, dragon balls, jack fruit, lychees and even Chinese pears and lemons. The children are sponges and it is important to stretch their minds and their experiences,” says Gareth.
After a three month hiatus, both youth clubs are now back in action on a Monday night in Kirdford and on a Sunday morning canoeing on the Wey & Arun canal. “We may gradually build in more nights, depending on the help and support we get, as we head towards spring and summer but we have lots of exciting things planned in the meantime. We will be making bat boxes, doing prehistoric spit and finger painting, astronomy and reptiles – anything we can think of to entertain the kids and keep them off the streets and their consoles.”
Membership of the Renegades (10-18) and Rascals (7-9) is currently either free or open to a voluntary donation. For a taster session please contact Gareth on 07801 862550.
Vanda
Rumney
“The kids also cooked Chinese food, which they then
Photo: some of the children celebrating Chinese New Year
Run Wisborough
Wisborough Green, 8th June
With the days getting longer and the weather improving, what would be better than stretching the legs and using that time to get ready for Run Wisborough on the 8th June!
The event is chip-timed, multiterrain course, and recognised by UK athletics.
Sign up at www.runwisborough.co.uk, for all races including the 10km, 5km & the children’s colour run.
We have had a fantastic response on entries so far, thank you to all that have signed up so far, so do sign up if you want to join in!
Our primary sponsor Bluecoats Sports have put loads of helpful tips and schedules together to help prepare for the race, visit @bluecoatsports on Instagram & checkout our ‘Running’ highlight to see the instructors demonstrate these exercises.
We have been blown away by the support especially by our sponsors, a big shout out to all our sponsors for your support, check out our website to see all the sponsors!
Did you know that all money raised by the event is reinvested into the village focused on sporting activities, so a win win for everyone involved!
Martin Lonsdale
Domiciliary care provides the
What can we offer?
• Personal Care
• Meal Preparation
• Medication Management
• Housekeeping
• Transport to Medical and
• Social Appointments
• Respite Care
• End-of-life Care
• Palliative Care
• Live-in Care
Who can we support?
• Adults aged 18 and above
• Those living with long-term
• conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, Motor Neurone Disease, Cancer
• Those struggling with Mobility
• and Frailty
• Physical disability
• Mental health conditions
CQC
Call us today or check our website to learn more about our services
Judith Dandy Independent Funeral Director
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.
Saturday 1st 12.45pm Gilbert & Sullivan: Yeoman of the Guard (Leatherhead). Fully booked, waiting list only
Tuesday 4th 10.00am Newbridge Garden Centre
Wednesday 5th 10.00am Chichester Market Day
Thursday 6th 9.00am Horsham & Sainsbury’s
Thursday 6th 1.30pm Tesco
Wednesday 12th 1.00pm Squires Garden Centre
Thursday 13th 9.00am Horsham & Sainsbury’s
Thursday 13th 2.30pm Lidl
Saturday 15th 2.30pm Minibus Afternoon Tea St Gabriel’s
Thursday 20th 9.00am Horsham & Sainsbury’s
Thursday 20th 1.30pm Tesco
Friday 21st 10.30am Drive over South Downs to Rustington
Tuesday 25th 11.00am Old Barn Garden Centre
Thursday 27th 9.00am Horsham & Sainsbury’s
Thursday 27th 1.30pm Tesco
Friday 28th 10.00am Tangmere
A Good Read
March’s selection from Tash Donovan – plus a local author
Dear Girls – Ali Wong
Ali Wong’s Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice for Living Your Best Life is a candid, hilarious and heartfelt collection of essays written as a letter to her two daughters.
Wong weaves her trademark raunchy humour with deep personal reflections on love, career, motherhood, and identity. The essays explore her journey from a struggling comedian to a celebrated star, with insights into her Vietnamese-Chinese heritage, her unconventional marriage and the challenges of being a working mother in comedy.
Wong’s voice is unapologetically bold and refreshingly honest, providing a raw look into topics that are often taboo, such as bodily functions, sexual escapades, and the gritty realities of childbirth. The book balances laughout-loud anecdotes – like tales of wild nights in her youth – with touching reflections on her immigrant parents’ sacrifices and the legacy she hopes to leave for her daughters. Wong’s ability to blend humour with heartfelt wisdom is a testament to her skill as a storyteller.
While Dear Girls is riotously funny, it is also a love letter to her daughters and a guide for navigating life’s complexities. The book’s strength lies in its authenticity; Wong never sugarcoats her struggles or triumphs. The explicit content and unabashed humour may not appeal to more demure readers… you have been warned, but I laughed so hard I gave myself rib-cramps! Enjoy.
Ruby’s Café, The Tail of the Missing Sausage – Elizabeth Huntly, local author Ruby’s Café, The Tail of the Missing Sausage is a heartwarming story about Ruby, a German Shepherd, who decides to open a café for all animals. The staff are her three friends, Ember a black Labrador, Sizzle a border collie and Daisy a red Labrador. The customers are horses, a fox, a mouse, a crow, and an owl. The dogs and horses are or have been real-life animals with whom the author has been closely involved.
LOCAL AUTHOR
The story reveals that a customer’s order arrives at the table incomplete, with one sausage missing. What could have happened to it? Naturally the missing sausage has to be thoroughly investigated, and when the demise of the missing sausage is finally revealed, the story demonstrates honesty, kindness, forgiveness and friendship. Ruby’s Café, The Tail of the Missing Sausage will delight young children and adults who read the story to children.
Beautifully illustrated, the book is available online from Amazon, Waterstones, Blackwells, WH Smith and Browns. Price around £8.99. (As we go to press it is just £7.59 on Amazon and has excellent reviews. Ed.) It is also available as an e-book and on Kindle.
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 – Horsham
About the house
Find
“Very
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
Wisborough Green Beekeepers Association
Introduction to Beekeeping Day
A one-day course suitable for Beginners, Improvers and Non-Beekeepers
Rudgwick Village Hall, Guildford Road, Bucks Green, West Sussex RH12 3JJ Saturday 15th March. Assemble from 9.00 for 9.30am-5.00pm approx
Are you, or someone you know, one of the many people who have thought of investigating keeping bees, but didn’t know what it involves?
Wisborough Green Beekeepers Association (WGBKA) have an Introduction to Beekeeping day on Saturday 15th March in Rudgwick Village Hall. It is tailored for those who may have an interest in keeping bees, but aren’t sure if it is for them or not. The day is packed with all the information needed to become a beekeeper, including the time needed, basic equipment, costs and where to site beehives.
This is a popular annual event that has been run since 2006 and tutored by very experienced beekeepers. It has introduced several hundred people to the craft. For those who wish to go further, there will be a free follow-up session at the large and well
equipped WGBKA teaching apiary, where you can handle bees under supervision. This provides the opportunity to learn and achieve a reasonable level of competence using someone else’s facilities before buying bees and equipment. The course is also suitable for those who may have just started beekeeping, but have had little or no guidance.
WGBKA members live in West Sussex and south Surrey, within about 15-20 miles of Wisborough Green. If you know someone who might be interested, please let them know, or maybe you are looking for an unusual, but useful present for someone – well, here it is! Vouchers are available. Further information for beekeepers and nonbeekeepers about the Introduction to Beekeeping Day and general beekeeping can be found on the WGBKA website www.wgbka.org.uk. Robert Brown, WGBKA
Billingshurst Parish Council
Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre Roman Way, Billingshurst, RH14 9QW
Billingshurst Showcase 2025
Pop a note in your diaries to come along to the Showcase which is being held on Saturday 5th April at the Billingshurst Centre between 11.30am & 2.30pm. This is your opportunity to find out more about the clubs, groups, charities and societies available in our parish. If you are part of an organisation wishing to be part of this event, then please telephone (01403) 782555 or e-mail sarah@billingshurst.gov.uk. There is no charge to attend this event for visitors or stands, light refreshments will be available. It promises to be a great day, we look forward to seeing you there.
Billingshurst In Bloom 2025
Look out in next month’s publication for an 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.
Goodbye & Thank you
At the end of January, long-standing Billingshurst Neighbourhood Warden Julie Green was presented with flowers and gift vouchers by work colleagues to mark the commencement of her well-earned retirement. Parish Council Clerk Greg Burt made the presentation at the Friday Coffee Morning in the Billingshurst Centre which Julie had hosted with her fellow warden, saying that Julie was a lovely, caring and hard-working lady who had made a real difference to the parish and would be greatly missed.
Hello & Welcome!
The Parish Council is delighted to welcome its newest employee Richard Plant who commenced work in early February. Richard will be looking after the Planning & Environment Committee of the Council amongst other responsibilities. We wish him well in his new role.
Grant Policy
The Parish Council has reviewed its Grant Policy. From 1st April 2025, grant applications will now be considered twice per year, at the April and September meetings of the Finance & General Purposes Committee. Applications, together with all supporting documentation, must be received by the 15th of those months and no later. It is the intention to award 50% of the available budget on each occasion. The grant application form can be found on the Council Documents page of the Council’s website; website address below.
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 (March)
4th: Planning & Environment Committee
5th: Annual Parish Meeting of Electors
12th: Full Council & Trustees
19th: Property Committee Meeting
26th: Billingshurst Centre & F&GP Committees
Scouts and Guides / About the house
Wisborough Green Scouts Return!
Wisborough Green Scout Group is opening a Monday night unit and new members are welcome.
The unit meets from 7-8.30pm and the Scouts take part in a varied programme covering Outdoors, Adventure, Skills, Teamwork, Team Leadership, Personal Challenges and a host more. There’ll be fires, hikes and camping and a whole lot of fun.
Scouts is for boys and girls aged 10½ to 14, all abilities and backgrounds are welcome, you don’t need to have been a Cub or a Beaver; you might have friends in the troop or you might be looking to make some new ones. Everyone is welcome at Scouts.
But it’s not just for the young people; we are looking for one or two adults to join our Cub and Scout teams to allow us to open the doors to more young people. WG Scout Group is going from strength to strength and we are looking forward to welcome lots of new faces over the coming weeks and months. To register your interest please contact us wisgreen@pandpcouts.org.uk.
Chris Evans, Wisborough Green Scouts
2nd Billingshurst Guides have visit from local MP
2nd Billingshurst Guides were lucky enough to have a visit from our local MP, John Mile and Councillor Alex Jeffries.
John spoke to the Guides about his journey to becoming a Member of Parliament, what it means, what happens and the hard work that goes with it. We had arranged ourselves on two sides to replicate the House of Commons, with John and Alex taking the Speakers’ chairs, where they invited questions from the Guides. It was a really engaging evening; we learnt lots and the Guides got to ask their questions, addressing things that mattered to them. We would like to thank John and Alex for taking time to visit the Guides.
We have spaces for Guides aged 10 to 14. We meet each week in term time. Or, if you are an adult and would like to volunteer we would love to have you with our unit. Find out more at www.girlguiding.org.uk/joinus or for adults www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-forvolunteers/volunteer-roles-in-guiding.
Natalie Evans, 2nd Billingshurst Guides
About the house / Pest control
HAMILTON COLE
Aerial/Satellite
Electrical
Replacement
Copying
RETAILER
Flat
DAB/FM Radios
Domes c Appliances
Freestanding/Built
Please follow the contact details below for your competitive
St Patrick’s Day, celebrated on 17th March, honours St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
St Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland during the 5th century and is famously associated with the shamrock, which he used to explain the Holy Trinity.
Over time, the day has evolved into a worldwide celebration of Irish culture, featuring parades, music, food and vibrant green decorations.
Throwing a St Patrick’s Day party is a great way to embrace the Irish spirit! Start with themed decorations: adorn your chosen space with shamrocks, green tableware, leprechaun hats, and twinkling fairy lights for a festive atmosphere. A banner that says ‘Happy St Patrick’s Day’ will complete the look.
For food, serve traditional Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie or Irish soda bread. Add green to your menu with spinach dip, green-tinted cupcakes, and green cocktails like a shamrock martini. Make sure there’s plenty of Irish coffee. No party is complete without entertainment! Create a playlist of Irish folk music or modern Irish bands like U2, Pillow Queens or Lankum. Consider hosting fun games like a gold coin scavenger hunt, an Irish trivia quiz or a ‘best-dressed’ contest for guests in creative outfits.
Lastly, offer guests a taste of Irish heritage by reading an Irish blessing or a fairy story. Your St Patrick’s Day party will leave guests feeling lucky to have celebrated with you!
Caroline Keefe
Welcome to spring! At last the days are longer and the promise of summer is in the air. It’s lovely to hear the birds singing away and getting ready for the nesting season. Mum has put up some new bird feeders and is obsessed with something she calls Merlin on her phone; it’s one of those app things that tells her what sort of birds are around by recording their songs, at least it stops her from constantly making my handsome self pose for photos! Mum is really surprised by just how many different birds live near us, she’s even been putting out the hair she brushes off us dogs and the horses so they can use it for nesting.
The woolies in the fields have their lambs with them now so Mum is extra careful and makes sure we are on our leads during our rambles when they are around and she always makes sure gates are firmly closed behind us after we have been through. Mum says that us dogs, being strangers to them, can cause them to worry so we keep a very wide berth, although the cheeky elderly ones on the farm will follow us because they know Mum has a biscuit for them when she checks them over when their own Mum is away on holiday – who'd have thought sheep would be partial to a Rich Tea!
using the spot on flea treatments on us because we swim too much and she doesn’t want it washing into the streams and causing problems so we have special tablets from the vets now, they taste disgusting but I must admit I’m much happier without ticks on me, especially since we walk in grassy woodland areas and according to mum we are both tick magnets! Mum doesn’t want the ticks to make us ill as they carry nasties such as Lymes disease –apparently you humans can catch it as well so cover your legs if walking in tick infested areas and keep an eye out for ticks attaching to you. See a doctor if you become unwell after a tick bite.
As tick season is nearly here mum has given us the dreaded tablet, Goose is silly and just eats his in his food but I’m clever and I play mum into giving me something really delicious! I scored tinned salmon this time so I did eat my tablet in the end! Mum has stopped
Another thing to watch out for as the weather warms up are adders – the country’s only venomous snake. Mum says as our climate warms up they are becoming more common. They love warm areas especially heathland and are common in parts of the South Downs. It’s best to keep us inquisitive dogs on a lead in such areas. If we get bitten we must be kept as quiet and still as possible and taken to the nearest emergency vet. Signs of a bite include swelling, lameness, muscle stiffness, drooling and vomiting. If you suspect we’ve been bitten act fast. We are also enjoying lots more swimming, both in the sea and some safe local streams, it’s just the best fun on a warm day to gallop through the water then run up to Mum and shake it all over her!
Enjoy the spring. Until next time, Billy.
Jeannette Douglas
Garden View Bedding plants
Bedding plants are a staple of springtime gardening and nurseries are full of them at the moment. They’re little powerhouses of vibrant colours which we as gardeners can use to brighten our plot.
Bedding plants are simply short-term plants, usually annuals or biennials, which are grown for their decorative flowers or foliage. They’re typically planted in beds, borders, containers or hanging baskets to provide a stunning display for a specific season, such as spring or summer.
Unlike perennials, which return year after year, bedding plants complete their life cycle in one season, making them ideal for gardeners who love to experiment and refresh their displays annually.
At the moment I’m planting up pansies, petunias, begonias, geraniums and marigolds. There are so many varieties, with something to suit every garden and colour scheme.
How to use bedding plants
Plan your display – For a formal look, plant them in neat rows or symmetrical patterns in flowerbeds. For a more relaxed vibe, mix different species in containers or hanging baskets.
Prepare the soil – Bedding plants thrive in free-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Before planting, prepare the ground by removing weeds, loosening the soil, and adding compost or slow-release fertilizer.
They are such a quick and affordable way to inject colour and interest into a garden. Their fastgrowing nature means you can create an eye-catching display in a matter of weeks, perfect for filling gaps in borders or brightening up patios and balconies.
They’re also incredibly versatile, thriving in various settings, from formal gardens to informal cottage styles. Many bedding plants attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which I love to encourage because they contribute to a healthy ecosystem. Additionally, they allow gardeners to experiment with assorted colour schemes and layouts each year.
TREE SURGERY
Planting tips – Spring bedding can be planted straight away. Wait until the risk of frost has passed (usually late May) before planting summer bedding plants. Space them according to their requirements to ensure healthy growth and avoid overcrowding.
Caring for your plants –Regular watering, especially during dry spells, is essential. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering and use liquid feed every few weeks for the best display.
For a year-round garden display, consider seasonal bedding. Spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils can take centre stage early in the year, followed by vibrant summer bedding, and finished off with hardy winter options like violas or ornamental cabbages.
Versatile, affordable and pretty, bedding plants are an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels. Whether you’re filling a formal border or adding flair to a balcony, they will bring a splash of joy to any outdoor space.
Rachael Leverton
Chiltington
Floral Club
(Affiliated to NAFAS)
Tues 18th March, 7 for 7.30pm start Nina Tucknott with her demonstration ‘Fashionable Flowers’ Refreshments and raffle. Free (normally £7). 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
Leaving the winter behind
Station Road Community Gardens, Billingshurst
We’ve had a few cold and damp months down at Station Road Gardens, but that hasn’t stopped us from continuing with our development and maintenance activities…
We’ve recently been donated a large number of Euonymus bushes, which we’ve been using to line some of the pathways, and we’ve also been donated a sizeable Acer which we've found a home for.
It’s been great to see the gardens being enjoyed and used regularly throughout the winter, with both the playground and the ball court being used most days.
The gardens are looking great for the time of year, which is testament to the hard work being put in by our volunteers who spend time tending the various sections, and as we get into spring and beyond, we have an array of colours and scents to look forward to as the plants and trees spring back into life!
until September 9.30am1pm – with plenty of cake, coffee and tea to keep us going, and we welcome anyone who would like to join in.
We would like to extend our thanks to Billingshurst Horticultural Society for their donation towards the ongoing development of the gardens, and to those of you who have donated trees or plants over the years, helping to turn the gardens into what they are today.
We are currently planning our regular volunteer mornings for spring and summer 2025, when we will meet on the second Saturday of each month from April
Whilst the gardens themselves are Council owned, the extensive selection of trees and plants at Station Road Community Gardens is developed and maintained by our team of volunteers, and would welcome any keen horticulturalists join our team for two reasons…
Firstly, if you would like to ‘adopt’ a particular bed within the gardens, and be responsible for maintaining it, then please do let us know.
Secondly, we would welcome anyone who would like to join Friends of Station Road Gardens management team, to help with the planning and organisation of our ongoing maintenance and development projects; if this is of interest to you, we’d really like to hear from you.
If you would like to know more about us, come and visit our stand at Billingshurst Showcase on Saturday 5th April or drop me an e-mail at sps197@hotmail.com
Hopefully, you’ll all get to enjoy the gardens at some point during the year!
Stuart Sexton, Chairman, Friends of Station Road Gardens
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,
March… the month of the mad hare as well as being the month that Monopoly, the telephone and Silly Putty were invented, along with polio vaccine, the washing machine, Coca Cola and the rubber band. Busy month, March.
As a young man it was the month that work on the farm started to get into full swing. In those days I would have the dreaded job of rolling and harrowing the meadows. I say “dreaded” with good reason. The harrowing part was not too bad in that it could be done at a good speed. The tractor pulling the spiked harrow over the grass to aerate the soil and level out any mole hills, etc. The rolling, though, was different, the heavy roller doing its job best if towed along at a pace that would only just beat a tortoise on steroids. Not only boring… but on the open tractors of those days… darn cold! The main pleasure of the whole job was the look of the final result. Whole meadows adorned with beautiful even stripes looking like giant manicured lawns.
Anyway, back to now, and I’ve a different subject to look at this month, folks. This is the bewildering spectacle of the World Wide Web…
it, you use it too I’ll bet, and we all have had the fun of hunt-the-parcel-in-the-dark when, on getting home and looking at our iPad or smartphone we find the message, “Your parcel has been delivered”. What follows is like playing hide and seek in the cold rain with a torch and carpet slippers.
No, the things that I’m still bewildered by carry such names as TikTok and X. I have peeked at them and understand that they have an enormous number of followers, but I do find them just a little alarming. TikTok seems to be an open platform for anyone, anywhere, broaching a subject of their desire, which is then praised, scorned, loved or loathed in various amounts by anyone who wishes to take up a position, all replies confined to just two lines of writing. Mind you, in many cases one line would have been more than enough so that restriction is probably for the best!
For several years now I’ve used the web to perform endless tasks relating to the farms and my own personal wants. It’s almost compulsory to do so much of modern office work via this format. From wages to farm grants, meetings to prescriptions, the keyboard is king. In fact, only recently I have joined the ever increasing number who use this to have Out of Office meetings with several people in many different locations all joining to discuss a certain subject without the requirement of getting off their kitchen seats. I do find though that I’m busy looking beyond the speakers, trying to see what their rooms look like half the time instead of listening to the subject being discussed! How it works I’ve no idea, and I don’t actually think I want to know!
However, it’s some other services that over the last few years have expanded on to the scene that have me perplexed. I confess I’m a constant user of that wonder of modern armchair shopping… Amazon. Go on, admit
X is a mystery to me. Formally known as Twitter and owned by the richest man in the world, I have had a look. I understand it’s known as a social platform, a place to chat, put your point of view forward, agree or disagree with others and push your business into a wider public domain. Mr Trump is a regular contributor with over 99 million followers. So far I’ve resisted.
You can also of course play games online, anything from chess to solitaire, crossword puzzles to Snap. In fact thousands of others. There are some subjects, however, like banking, where it’s almost compulsory as it now requires a 40-mile return journey to find the nearest branch. So much for convenience.
So, how are all you folk doing on this modern tech road? Loving or loathing? A whole new world, isn’t it. See and chat to your family on the other side of the world as they show you round their garden… for free. Watch films, listen to music, at any time, anywhere. A testament to the great advancement in modern technology, and a signpost to the things that await us in times to come.
It’s just that, at times, I would just love once more to be sat on that tractor seat, bouncing across that cold meadow in the chill of a March wind, and wondering whether the blasted Rayburn would still be alight when I got home for tea. Ah well!
John Nash
Spot the Difference - Solution
Slot Car Racing in Ifold
Formed in 2014 the Ifold Slot Car Racing Association (ISCRA) has been a great success with members meeting every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at Kelsey Hall, Chalk Road, Ifold from 7pm.
The club can now accommodate one or two new members
• 20-lap races, usually 3 heats per evening with coffee breaks and banter between heats
• Having fun is more important than winning
• Cars are mostly Scalextric, Revell, Slot-It, NSR, etc – new or dug out from the loft!
Please email mark.ponton@btinternet.com to arrange to come along to a race meeting
Weald School Greenpower Racing Team
Team Weald is a Greenpower Racing Team that runs as an afterschool club for the Weald Secondary School.
There are two formulas that we race in, F24 for ages 11-16 and F24+ for ages 16-25. The aim of both is to see how far you can get your car to go on a single set of batteries (2 x 12V lead acid). F24 has pit stops and lasts for 1.5 hours, F24+ is a single driver for one hour.
We have nearly 40 students involved in the team doing everything from driving, race strategy, pit crew, video, photography and social media.
We have four cars currently which allows us to attend a variety of races and give plenty of the students a chance to get behind the wheel and race. Many of our drivers do karting too but for many of them, this is their only racing experience.
In 2024 we raced at Goodwood, Mallory Park, Lotus, Castle Combe and Dunsfold Park; we won at Lotus and Mallory Park and picked up a podium place at Goodwood too.
Over the winter we’ve been working on projects including re-working one of the front axles, bringing one of our cars out of storage which has needed a lot of cleaning and wheel straightening, building new battery boxes and integrating the new year 7s into the team; while our F24+car ‘X’ is undergoing a complete rebuild which we hope will result in a complete new chassis.
The team is run by volunteers with a small budget and we are currently looking for sponsors to support us throughout the season as well as building a new workshop at the Weald to house our cars and support equipment. If you would be interested in learning more about this then please contact cevans@theweald.org.uk.
See Team Weald at www.teamweald.org.uk or on Instagram @teamweald.
Thank you to all of our sponsors which now includes CEVAC, Forza Cloud and Universal Trailers. Chris Evans, Greenpower Car Coordinator
Gatwick runway application – update
What’s the situation with Gatwick’s new runway, airspace change, and what is the impact for us?
Here is a quick summary of the current situation. For more information, please visit www.cagne.org.
The Committee on Climate Change was clear in its report to Parliament in 2024 – there should be no airport expansions until a national framework is in place to control the growth of aviation emissions.
Gatwick Airport applied for a new runway using the planning process of a Development Consent Order (DCO) – the hearings for this took place last year. The recommendation by the Planning Inspectorate is now with the Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander MP) for her consideration. The airport and stakeholders had until 17th January to respond to further queries.
The SoS is due to make her decision on 27th February. However, as Luton Airport’s decision (with fewer changes) has been delayed until April, CAGNE hopes Gatwick’s decision will also be delayed, giving time for more fundraising.
Thanks to generous donations, CAGNE has put together a strong legal team of a senior climate change King’s Counsel, planning barrister, and qualified experts in surface transport, aviation noise and air quality. It was imperative to have a sufficiently qualified team to challenge Gatwick at the hearings and through submissions.
Gatwick’s lengthy documents for the new runway were somewhat disingenuous with the facts, as with the misinterpretation of government policy “to make best use of existing runway”. All had to be challenged – this is a new runway by the backdoor, with none of the financial commitments that Heathrow is having to offer with a new runway.
If it is a Yes from the Labour government, our legal team is ready, as there are so many reasons to challenge with a Judicial Review – not least, the planet’s wellbeing and that of residents of Sussex, Surrey and Kent.
Airspace change (FASIS) was not permitted in the DCO but, if Gatwick is to operate two runways, it is needed (in our opinion) to meet their forecasts and not cause more delays.
The public FASIS consultation has been delayed until 2027, but this hasn’t stopped Gatwick from continuing to redesign the airspace for maximum growth and efficiency. The government body (ACOG) identified the south of Gatwick for airspace growth, so this will be changed first, followed by the north (not necessarily used by the new runway).
Another tier of government organisation is being proposed to ensure that airspace change goes through but, sadly, any CO2 (and other environmental) savings will be lost with more planes flying.
The predictions are that ¾ of aviation fuel will still be fossil fuel in 2040 and beyond. The previous government set mandatory SAF (so-called Sustainable Aviation Fuel) use of 22% by 2040, as well as five production plants (none built or financed yet). However, SAF is not available in the vast quantities required by aviation. The problems are a lack of base material, the intense power required to produce it (sufficient green power not available), and delivery must be by road. SAF produces similar emissions to fossil fuel when burned, and contrails are not accounted for in any greenhouse gas figures. The uncomfortable truth is that the rise in emissions from airport expansions will almost entirely remove any reductions offered by SAF. Other alternative fuels are either still on the drawing board or create more issues for the planet than they solve.
For enquiries contact cagnegatwick@gmail.com
Loxwood Jazz Club
Most recognisable sax player of all time?
On Tuesday 18th March we’re celebrating the composer of Take Five, one of the best-selling jazz standards of all time. Paul Desmond stands out in jazz history for the distinctiveness of his sound – unlike the more aggressive styles prevalent in jazz, his easy listening, smooth, mellow sound has been called “Not a shout but an intimate conversation”.
A key member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, the album they co-wrote together, Time Out, became the first jazz album to sell more than one million copies.
Our host, Simon Bates, greatly influenced by Desmond, will be emulating his tones during an evening celebrating his music, interspersed with anecdotes from his life. Joining Simon in what would have been Desmond’s 100th year, is Dave Warren (guitar), Dominic Howles (bass) and Jeff Lardner (drums).
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 want 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
What’s On near you
What’s On – March
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 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. £5. 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
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
What’s On near you
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 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 Mar Craft and Chat Group. Unitarian Chapel, Billingshurst. Every 1st Saturday, 12.15-3.45pm. Bring your own project. Refreshments on offer. Tel: (01403)785116
1 Mar 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
4 Mar Parish Council Planning & Environmental Committee meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7pm
4 Mar The Arts Society West Sussex lecture by Viv Lawes: ‘Antoni Gaudí I Cornet (1852-1929) – Master builder of Barcelona’. 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
4 Mar 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
5 Mar Annual Parish Meeting of Electors. Billingshurst Centre. 7pm
5 Mar Billingshurst Wednesday Group Talk: Margaret Paren on the creation of the South Downs National Park and her involvement with the book, The Fight for the South Downs. St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst, 10am. No formal membership. £4 per talk. All welcome. Approx 1 hour followed by refreshments. Hazel Barnes, tel: (01403) 780660 or email: buzzhazel@gmail.com
5 Mar The Arts Society South Downs lecture by Antonia Gatward Cevizli: ‘The Big Three in Florence: Michelangelo, Leonardo & Raphael’. 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
6 Mar Arts Society Rudgwick lecture: ‘Vincent Van Gogh… Genius or Madman’ by Anthony Russell, cultural historian, writer & artist. Village Hall. 10.45am (coffee 10am). Visitors welcome, £8 (on the door). Please contact Lyn Betts, tel: (01403) 822649 or email: bettslyn@btinternet.com in advance
6 Mar Billingshurst Horticultural Society Talk: ‘Sweet Peas’ by Darren Everest, Chelsea Gold Medal Winner 2024 (Darren’s latest book will be for sale. Bring cash). 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
6 Mar 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
6 Mar 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
8 Mar Billingshurst Fire Brigade Charity Car Wash. Billingshurst Fire Station. 10am-2pm. Please come along, have your car (or any vehicle) washed and support The Firefighters’ Charity
8 Mar 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
8 Mar North Singers Quiz. North Hall. 7.30pm. Bar & Raffle. Tickets £10: James Dore (01403) 752999. See February’s Village Tweet, page 6
10 Mar Billingshurst and District Probus Club Open Meeting. North Hall, Loxwood. 11am. We a social group of retired and semi-retired business people – male and female. We hold an hour-long meeting every 2nd Monday of the month in Loxwood’s North Hall at which a talk is given by an invited speaker. We are inviting you to attend this open members’ meeting, following which there will be a free buffet and cash bar to allow guests the opportunity to meet existing members and find out more about the club. If you would like to come to our open meeting please email mike.gibbs009@gmail.com
12 Mar Parish Council Full Council & Trustees meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7pm
12 Mar 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:
12 Mar Billingshurst Wednesday Group Talk: Laura Uphill, Medical Herbalist on Natural Health, Food & Nutrition, Hedgerow Foods & Foraging, also what to eat, where & when. St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst, 10am. No formal membership. £4 per talk. All welcome. Approx 1 hour followed by refreshments. Hazel Barnes, tel: (01403) 780660 or email: buzzhazel@gmail.com
13 Mar Billingshurst WI Activity Afternoon: A Practical Session of Chi Kung. 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
13 Mar 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 Mar Across a Love Locked Bridge. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 7.30pm. Following its acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe, a night of poetry and storytelling. Coming-of-age memoir lead seamlessly into adult reflections on life and loss. Tickets £10: (01483) 278000 (Tues-Sat 10am-4pm) or visit cranleigharts.org
14 Mar 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 Mar Billingshurst Film Night. ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy’. Billingshurst 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 or on the door
15 Mar Wisborough Green Beekeepers Association: ‘Introduction to Beekeeping’ 1-day course. Rudgwick Village Hall, RH12 3JJ. 9.30am-5pm. To book: www.wgbka.org.uk. See page 22
15 Mar Billinghurst Minibus Association Afternoon Tea. St Gabriel’s Church Hall. 2.30pm-5pm. All welcome
16 Mar Billingshurst Artisan Market. Six Bells car park. 9.30am-1.30pm. Local foods and crafts. See page 9
17 Mar Billingshurst Lions Club Meeting. Sports Pavilion, Jubilee Fields, Billingshurst. 7.30pm. For information about the Club contact Viv Diggens on (01403) 752968 or call in at the Lions Bookshop, Jengers Mead
17 Mar 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 Mar Pulborough Film night. ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy’. Pulborough Village Hall. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £8 from Pulborough Village Hall, on the door or on line from www.touringcinema.com
18 Mar 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
18 Mar Loxwood Jazz Club. 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 information and to purchase tickets online visit www.loxwoodjazz.co.uk
19 Mar Parish Council Property Committee meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7pm
19 Mar The Arts Society South Downs Special Interest Day lecture by Jane Choy-Thurlow: ‘Holland’s Golden Age: The Art of 17th Century Holland’. Fittleworth Village Hall, EH20 1JB. 10am-2pm. Two morning lectures, refreshments and lunch. Members £35, non-members £40. Bookings must be made in advance as tickets cannot be purchased on the day. We regret no refunds can be made. Further details: www.theartssocietysouthdowns.org.uk or nicky.donker@gmail.com, tel: (01798) 815824
19 Mar Billingshurst Wednesday Group Talk: ‘On the Edge’. Peter Bavestock is an amateur climber & has climbed in mountain ranges all over the world. Today he will talk about some of his experiences. St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst, 10am. No formal membership. £4 per talk. All welcome. Approx 1 hour followed by refreshments. Hazel Barnes, tel: (01403) 780660 or email: buzzhazel@gmail.com
22 Mar Cranleigh Art & Crafts Society Demonstration by Fiona Hooper: ‘A Landscape in oils using a palette knife’ The Band Room, Village Way, Cranleigh GU6 8AF. 2.30pm. Visitors welcome £5. Info: info@caacs.co.uk
22 Mar 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
22 Mar 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 Mar Parish Council Billingshurst Centre & F&GP Committees meetings. Billingshurst Centre. 7 & 7.30pm
26 Mar Live Music Showcase (Formally Open Mic). Cranleigh Arts Centre. 7.30pm. Live music show where local performers book a slot to entertain their neighbours. If you don’t want to perform just turn up on the night, grab a drink and enjoy the show. Free admission. cranleigharts.org
26 Mar Billingshurst Wednesday Group Talk by Bill Avenell: ‘What’s in a View and what makes it special?’ The artistic and historical significance of 10 iconic views in beautiful Sussex – come & find out more St Mary’s Room, Billingshurst, 10am. No formal membership. £4 per talk. All welcome. Approx 1 hour followed by refreshments. Hazel Barnes, tel: (01403) 780660 or email: buzzhazel@gmail.com
27 Mar 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
29 Mar Junktique, Collectables & Clutter Sale. West Chiltington Village Hall, Mill Road, RH20 2PZ. 10.15am-12.30pm (sellers ONLY, 9.15am). Cakes, produce, plant stalls. Refreshments. £1 (U12 free). Tables £12 – must book by 27th March. Tel: (01798) 813608, 07803 658377 or (01798) 813712
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 School Programme for 2025
Billingshurst & District Lions Club offer ten primary schools throughout the district a range of support, financial and practical, throughout the calendar year. Primary schools include Billingshsurst, Barns Green, William Penn at Coolham, Loxwood, Plaistow & Kirdford, St Mary’s (C of E) at Pulborough, Shipley, Slinfold, Rudgwick, Wisborough Green, as well as Ingfield Manor in Five Oaks.
Proposed Projects for 2025 include:
• Lions Book Give-aways for five schools (others - in alternate years)
– Whereby every child has the opportunity to select a free book of their choice to take home.
• ‘What Farms Do For Us’ Art Competition – A new innovation for the Spring Term. A Lions Bookshop Voucher will be awarded to the winner from each class.
school’s entry into ROAR 2025, which runs from March through to December, encouraging ideas to change the world.
• Link up with Billingshurst & District Lions Partners such as Little Lifesavers (teaching years 5 and 6 year CPR Skills to save lives) and Wild Tribe Hero Environmental Books (Safety in the Sea – new for 2025).
• Lions Outdoor Workday 2025 – A team of Lions offer a half day, often with parents, that will benefit the children, their learning and the school.
• Funded In-School Workshop – Repeating previous funding for something specific, chosen by the school, during 2025.
• Butterfly Garden Project – For Key Stage 1 children during the Summer Term, involving children creating a small garden around the study of the lifecycle of the butterfly.
• The ROAR 2025 Competition – Lions fund each
Return of Car Boot Sales for 2025
Billinghurst & District Lions Club now have dates for the ever popular Car Boot Sales, all at 9am-12 noon:
Easter Monday 21st April
Bank Holiday Monday 26th May
Bank Holiday Monday, 25th August
Location: Six Bells Car Park (off the Library car park)
Please contact Sandy Duck to book a space, tel: (01403) 786146 or 07717 822804 or e-mail: sandyduck@btinternet.com
Follow Billingshurst Lions on Facebook and www.billingshurstlions.org
Harvey Holmes – Press Officer, Billingshurst & District Lions Club
Photo kindly provided by St Mary’s (C of E) Primary School, showing children ‘Spoilt for Choice’ at a recent Lions Book Give-away
ADVERTISERS INDEX March 2025
A-Team Mechanics............................41
A/c’s Direct, Accounting ......................5
Ace Flow Plumbing ...........................21
Alba Plumbing ...................................23
Alfold Veterinary Practice ..................33
Best Choice Roofing .........................23
Billingshurst Artisan Market .................9
Billingshurst Parish Council 24, 25
Billingshurst Service, Repair & MOT Centre ..................................38
