elcome to the May Village Tweet 8th May is of course the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. The Billingshurst branch of the Royal British Legion and the Revd David Beale will be conducting a wreath-laying service at the Billingshurst War Memorial at 8 a.m. – early so that people can attend before going to work. The back cover has details of two more events later that day to mark the occasion: Billingshurst Parish Council are laying on an Afternoon Tea at the Community Centre at 2.30-4.30pm while at 9.30 p.m. the Beacon is being lit at Adversane Green. Grahame
Editorial and Advertising: Grahame Pearson: 07762 767084 editor@villagetweet.co.uk www.villagetweet.co.uk
You know that feeling when you’re convinced the group of people over there are whispering about you, or you’re convinced that Angela from accounts is giving you side-eye? Even when we know that it’s unlikely to be true we still feel self-conscious, right?
Blue Dot Theory is a (real) psychological concept that explores how we as individuals perceive threats or problems based on our expectations, not the actual frequency of negative stimuli. It derived from cognitive science research and has significant implications for helping us to understand our social interactions, especially how we interpret and react to the behaviours of others.
The idea is simple: if we’re asked to find blue dots in a series of images, we will reliably identify them. However, if the number of blue dots is gradually reduced we start labelling purple dots as blue just to maintain the pattern. Our mind won’t accept that there are now fewer blue dots — instead, it adjusts its standards to keep perceiving them. This same phenomenon happens socially. In interactions, we all ‘scan’ for negative signals – dishonesty, aggression, rudeness, manipulation, bias, etc. In a hostile environment where real threats are common, we’re good at accurately identifying them. But as actual negative behaviours decrease – perhaps due to safer environments, increased awareness, or better communication – we don’t necessarily become more relaxed. Instead, we may start perceiving even harmless behaviours as threats.
This is where Blue Dot Theory becomes crucial: when we expect to find something wrong, we will find it, even if it’s not actually there. In social contexts, this manifests in various ways. For example, in a workplace where discrimination has been significantly reduced, we might still interpret neutral or even positive actions as discriminatory, because our minds are primed to expect and detect inequality. On social media, we might label a differing opinion as ‘toxic’ or ‘harmful’ when in fact it’s just a mildly dissenting view.
Blue Dot Theory reminds us that perception isn’t static –it shifts with context. As real-world problems get resolved, our thresholds for what we consider ‘problematic’ behaviour can lower, sometimes to the point where our social radar becomes hypersensitive. While vigilance can be protective, hypervigilance can erode trust and cause miscommunication.
This doesn’t mean concerns about subtle social issues aren’t valid – microaggressions and implicit biases are definitely real, as is gas-lighting behaviour. But Blue Dot Theory can encourage us to ask: are we seeing the situation clearly, or are we expanding our definitions to fill a void?
In conclusion, Blue Dot Theory sheds light on how our expectations shape our perceptions during social interactions. It challenges us to recalibrate our awareness – to recognise real issues without creating imagined ones. It encourages critical thinking, empathy, and a more measured approach to interpreting the actions and intentions of others.
Louise Addison
Seeking tranquility in turbulent times
As I write this in early April there’s a great deal of uncertainty following the imposition of import tariffs in America, and the response of her trading partners. How the situation will have unfolded by the time you read this is anyone’s guess! In recent years we might, with some justification, think that we are living in turbulent times. And when times are turbulent, where do we turn for hope and help?
For many of us, that hope and help comes not from the great and the good, but rather from those who know and love us. The people who will stand by us in good times and bad, who will offer a listening ear and give us the assistance we need.
by mountains, and if you lift your eyes there, you will see them. But they are no source of help. Who knows what, or who, might be lurking there?
The Bible points us to another source of help and hope: God. One of the most famous of the Psalms, 121, starts with these words: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from?” This poem was written some 3,000 years ago, when Jerusalem, as now, was living through turbulent times. Jerusalem is surrounded
The answer the writer gives to the question is this: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” In the words that follow, there’s a description of the many ways in which God is alongside his people throughout life. It concludes with these lovely words: “… the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and for evermore.”
The whole psalm speaks of a God who stands alongside us whatever life may throw at us.
If those who love us provide help and hope in turbulent times, the good news is that God loves us with an unwavering love, and stands by us through the best and the worst of times. That’s a hope worth hanging on to in these uncertain and turbulent times!
David Beal
Christ’s Hospital Choral Society: Summer Concert
‘A celebration of summer’ will take place on 7th June, presented by Christ’s Hospital Choral Society.
The concert will feature, amongst others, Serenade to Music by Vaughan Williams and A Fancy of Folksongs by Cecila McDowell. The joyful tunes and lyrics will put a smile on your face!
This year the concert will be in the prestigious setting of the wood-panelled Court Room, Christ’s Hospital School, RH13 0LJ under direction of Jonathan Lee.
Tickets are available from the box office or via CHchoralsoc.org, where further details are also available.
Hope to see you there! Esther Clark
Village Tweet Quick Crossword Solution on page 8
Loxwood Jazz Club
The battle of the clarinets…!
Two of the country’s top clarinettists are battling it out on stage on 20th May! Join us to hear a mix of recognisable jazz favourites and tunes from the great American songbook.
Julian Stringle (pictured) has worked with a wide variety of artists including George Chisholm, Kenny Ball, Don Lusher, Cleo Laine & Sir John Dankworth, Digby Fairweather, Marc Almond, George Melly, Chas & Dave and the pop acts The Spice Girls, Meatloaf and Tina Turner.
“Julian has a very rare talent and a great band. I’m a big fan”, Sir Michael Parkinson.
Usually celebrated for his sax playing, Simon Bates became a Grade 8 clarinettist aged 12 and has never lost his love of the instrument. As his first study at college, he’s played the clarinet in classical orchestras, many jazz settings including Ronnie Scott’s and with the great Van Morrison.
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
Asparagus Tart
Asparagus has such a short season. Make the most of it with this delicious tart
METHOD
1. If you’re not using ready made pastry you’ll need to make the dough.
2. Sift the flour and a good pinch of salt in a large bowl. Grate the butter into the bowl.
3. Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles rough breadcrumbs (or use the pulse function on a food processor).
4. Mix in the egg yolk and bring the mix together into a dough. If it’s too crumbly to form into a ball, add a little cold water. Don’t le the dough get too wet, or it will shrink in the oven.
5. Wrap the dough and chill it in the fridge for 20 minutes to make it easier to work.
6. Grease a 22cm-diameter tart tin. Heat the oven to 200°C /180°C fan / gas 6. Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it into a circle on a lightly floured surface until large enough to line the tin, then carefully lift it into the tin, and press the pastry into the sides. Trim the excess, and prick the base with a fork, then line with baking paper and fill with baking beans, or rice.
7. Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly golden, then carefully remove the paper and baking beans. Return the tart base to the oven for five minutes.Snap the woody bits from the base of the asparagus, then steam the spears for a few minutes, but leave al dente because they will cook more in the oven.
8. Chop the asparagus into 1.5cm lengths and set the pretty tops aside for later. Place half the chopped stalks into a food processor and blitz to a puree.
9. Pour the double cream into a jug, then beat in the eggs. Mix in the asparagus puree and grated cheese then season well with salt and white pepper.
10. Arrange the remaining asparagus pieces, including the tops, on the base of the pastry, then pour the egg mixture over the top to fill the case.
11. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, until set and golden on top, but it should wobble a little in the middle. Leave to cool, then serve.
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
Newly Opened Cafe & Deli
Billingshurst beyond the classroom
At Billingshurst Primary Academy, we have three school values that are at the core of everything we do…
Ambition: We will strive for excellence, constantly pushing for personal and collective growth. Belonging: We will respect the diverse world in which we live, value differences and build an inclusive community where everyone can thrive. Courage: We will persevere through challenges and have the confidence to take risks in order to achieve our goals.
Outside of the classroom, we have had an extremely busy few months with a wide range of events taking place. Our EYFS and KS1 children took part in a wonderful Easter bonnet parade and there were some fabulous creations! Thank you to our local Village Wardens for joining us to help choose our winners. Year 5 children went on residential to Lodge Hill and showed great courage to spend the night away from home. They had a great time and learnt many new skills including archery and orienteering. A group of Year 6 girls went to The Weald to take part in the ‘This Girl Can’ sports event. They played netball, hockey and football against other local
schools, demonstrating excellent team skills and resilience.
As part of our local community, we are always looking for ways to build and develop links. Recently, our country dancers visited Derwent Lodge Care Home and performed seven dances for residents. They had great fun and will certainly be back! We can’t wait for our next visit when our KS2 Choir will visit to perform the songs they have been learning since February half term.
As we move into the summer term, the whole Billingshurst Primary family is really looking forward to welcoming a full cohort of 90 reception children in September and we hope they are all excited to join us. Throughout this term we have a number of exciting events planned to help new starters settle and we hope many of you will be able to join us for our Summer Fun Day on Saturday 7th June!
Come experience the joy and energy of Laughing Yoga, a unique and uplifting practice that combines intentional laughter with deep breathing to boost your mood, relieve stress, and improve overall well-being.
Join us for an evening of fun, relaxation, and positive energy led by Billingshurst Laughter Club—you’ll leave feeling lighter, happier, and refreshed! Laugh your stress away.
It’s Exam Season
Five ways to help destress your teen
Exams can be a major source of anxiety for teenagers, but with the right support, you can help ease the pressure and set them up for success. Here are five effective ways to help reduce exam stress in your teen:
Encourage healthy study habits – Help your teen create a realistic and structured study plan. Breaking revision into manageable chunks with regular breaks prevents overwhelm and boosts productivity. Encourage active techniques like practice questions or teaching others, rather than just rereading notes.
Promote sleep and nutrition – Lack of sleep and poor nutrition can heighten stress and reduce concentration. Ensure your teen is getting 8-10 hours of sleep and eating balanced meals. Limit caffeine and sugar, especially in the evenings, and encourage brain-boosting foods
like leafy greens, whole grains, and omega-3s. Create a calm environment – A quiet, organised study space can make a big difference. Remove distractions like phones and TV during study sessions. Offer emotional support without adding pressure –sometimes, just knowing someone is in their corner helps lower anxiety. Encourage physical activity – Exercise is a natural stress reliever. Whether it’s a walk, dancing, cycling, or a sports game, encourage your teen to move daily. It improves mood, focus and sleep.
Normalise feelings and celebrate effort – Let your teen know it’s okay to feel nervous. Remind them that their worth isn’t defined by grades, and celebrate effort over outcomes. Building resilience and self-belief is just as important as academic success.
Tracey Anderson
GCSE French & Spanish Tutoring
Expert Support for Exam Success!
Looking for a dedicated tutor to help your child excel in GCSE French or Spanish? I’m a qualified school teacher based in Billingshurst, offering tailored lessons to boost confidence and grades.
Higher & Foundation tiers covered
Speaking, listening, reading & writing practice
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
Face-to-face or online lessons available
Personalised support for exam success
Get in touch for a no-obligation chat! Dimitra Arya. Tel: 07510 538436
Email: adtutors2015@gmail.com
Domiciliary care provides the
What can we offer?
• Personal Care
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• Live-in Care Locally based CQC Registered
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.
Church View, Billingshurst Road Wisborough Green, West Sussex RH14 0DY
Tapestry Day Club – the innovative dementia support service – is opening up more day clubs in West Sussex in the areas of Billingshurst, Slinfold, Wisborough Green and Loxwood.
Tapestry Day Club provide a ‘home-from-home’ supportive place for people living with early stage dementia. Their day clubs, which take place in their trained hosts’ family homes, offer engaging activities such as music, art, gentle exercise, and reminiscence therapy, helping their guests stay active and socially connected.
Trained staff ensure a friendly and safe atmosphere, giving families peace of mind while offering muchneeded respite for carers.
This vital community initiative will be a lifeline for many in the area.
To find out more and info on how to join, visit tapestrydayclub.co.uk, e-mail support@tapestrydayclub.co.uk or call (01403) 610345.
Anderley Wade, Managing Director/Co-Founder, Tapestry Day Club
On the Red Hill: Where Four Lives Fell into Place – Mike Parker
This is an evocative and deeply personal exploration of place, identity, and belonging. Set in rural Wales, the memoir chronicles Parker’s life alongside his partner, Peredur, after they inherit a farmhouse, Rhiw Goch, from an older gay couple, Reg and George. The book is both a tribute to these men and a meditation on the ways lives intertwine with the land and community.
Structured around the four seasons, the narrative intertwines Parker’s reflections on his own experiences with the lives of Reg and George, whose unconventional partnership in mid-20th-century Britain defied social norms. Through photographs, journals, and anecdotes, Parker brings their story to life, portraying them as pioneers who lived with integrity and grace. The book delves into themes of love, resilience, and the changing rural landscape, weaving historical and personal narratives into a rich tapestry.
Parker’s lyrical prose vividly captures the beauty of the Welsh countryside and its complex history. His deep connection to the land and its people is palpable, and his exploration of identity and queer history is both tender and profound. The book’s pacing is meditative, reflecting the rhythms of rural life. This is not a book to race through, more one to savour.
On the Red Hill is a moving and beautifully written work that transcends the personal to touch on universal themes of belonging, heritage, and the passage of time. It is a celebration of love, memory, and the enduring connection between people and place.
Arthur and Me – Sarah Todd Taylor Arthur and Me is a charming, whimsical tale that blends adventure, humour, and history.
Tomos is struggling on the school history trip. They are supposed to be studying King Arthur, but the class bully has taken his lunch and he seems to be in constant trouble. Then he falls down a hole and manages to wake the real King Arthur. While this is something of a surprise to both of them, it seems that Tomos finally has a chance to impress his teacher.
But Arthur, with all his grandeur, chivalry and medieval quirks, struggles to adapt to the modern world, leading to a series of madcap adventures.
As Tomos tries to help Arthur return to his own time the two form an unlikely friendship. Arthur’s chivalric code often clashes hilariously with modern sensibilities but it also inspires Tomos to find courage and integrity in his own life. Together, they navigate obstacles, uncover hidden truths and ultimately learn valuable lessons about bravery, friendship, and self-discovery.
The wit and storytelling is pitched at ages around seven to nine and will leave young readers reflecting on what it means to be a true hero.
07769 675662
kevatocdhorsham@hotmail.com
Because we work in our clients’ homes, not on building sites, we employ a different breed of builders. Our team are local tradesmen who care about the quality of their work and your home. Cooper Homes are members of The Guild of Master Craftsmen A home we have recently completed. Large photos show front and back of the completed property, small photos show ‘before’ Cooper Homes is a traditional family run local builder with a difference. We specialise in home extensions, from conception to creation
Billingshurst Parish Council
Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre Roman Way, Billingshurst, RH14 9QW
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.
Have you heard about the Billingshurst Community Minibus?
The service is run for people less able to drive; in Billingshurst this covers anyone in the RH14 9-postcode area. There is no age restriction and some of the buses have cages to accommodate the storage of walking aids for passengers, and maybe one wheelchair. They run trips for shopping, garden centres, museums, seaside trips and some mystery tours; the trips available in May are noted on page 41 of this publication. The annual sub-cost per person is £10 and members pay a small charge for each individual trip to help with the cost of fuel, etc. The Community Minibus service relies upon the assistance of volunteers to drive and help, and without them, the service would not be able to provide the lifeline that is so important for some members. If you have some time to offer as a volunteer or wish to join the association as a new member, you can call 0300 772 7735. When you get through, press 1 for Billingshurst, then press 2 for any other business which will get you through to Alan who is the Local Organiser; you can also leave a message and someone will get back to you. Alternatively, should you wish to e-mail instead, the address is emailinfo@westsussexminibus.org.uk
Two new defibrillators for Billingshurst
Billingshurst has recently benefited from 2 new public access defibrillator sites. The sites have been set up by the Billingshurst Emergency Assistance Team (BEAT) and are located in Honeysuckle Drive
and Berrall Way. The cabinets for both defibrillators were funded by amazing local resident Stephanie May-Hills whose story has been featured in Village Tweet over the years. Steph, through her fundraising efforts for Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS UK), has now raised a staggering £27,165 in memory of her beloved husband Martin who passed away in November 2021. Setting up these two new sites has been a real community effort and BEAT is grateful to everyone who helped bring the projects to fruition. BEAT has set up around 30 public access sites over the past 20 years. Defibrillator batteries cost circa £300 and sets of pads around £50; these generally need replacing every 3 or 4 years depending on usage. If anyone would like to make a donation to BEAT to help the team continue to maintain its public access sites in Billingshurst and the surrounding areas, you can visit https:// beatresponders.org.uk/donations/donate-now to make your donation. Any donation, large or small helps to make a difference. Thank you.
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 (May)
6th: Planning & Environment Committee
7th: Full Council & Trustees
14th: Property Committee
28th: 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
Wey and Arun Canal – June events
In June, the Wey & Arun Canal Trust holds two of its most important annual events – a sponsored walk (known as the ‘Poddle’) and a Small Boat Rally – everyone is welcome to join in.
Sunday 1st June – Poddle 9 a.m.
The Poddle is an annual sponsored walk which raises important funds for the Trust. This year is its 52nd. Starting and ending in Loxwood, it’s twelve miles long, runs partially alongside the canal, and will take in two beautiful sections at Bonfire Hanger and within Dunsfold Park.
The Poddle is open to all and a comprehensive guide is provided with sign-posting throughout.
Included are morning and afternoon refreshment breaks and a lunch stop.
craft that can be launched on the river then please visit www.weyarun.org.uk and under ‘All Events’ (29th June 2025) select the ‘Small Boat Rally’ link.
If you are interested in either joining in or sponsoring those participating then please visit www.weyarun.org.uk and under ‘All Events’ (1 June 2025) select ‘The Poddle’ link.
Sunday 29th June – Small Boat Rally 4 p.m.
The Trust organises and facilitates a rally from Pulborough and Stopham on the River Arun to the southern end of the canal at Pallingham, a distance of approximately 2½ to 4 miles depending on your start point, riding the tides both ways.
If you are interested in joining and have a small
Volunteering Opportunities
The Trust is an entirely volunteerled organisation with around 3,000 members. Volunteers do almost everything (some heavy-duty civil engineering requires professional help) from rebuilding locks and bridges, clearing yet-to-berestored sections, maintaining tools and equipment to running boat cruises and producing magazines and web content to help spread the word.
If you have any of these skills or are willing to learn, the Trust would love to hear from you. Visit www.weyarun.org.uk and click on ‘Volunteer’.
Keep in Touch
Sign up to receive a monthly newsletter. Please visit www.weyarun.org.uk and click on ‘Sign up to our monthly Newsletter’.
Follow us on Facebook: Wey & Arun Canal Trust
Steve Bell, Volunteer, Wey & Arun Canal Trust
Photo: Small Boat Rally
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Please follow the contact details below for your competitive free no obligation quote PJM, 6 Northlands Cottages, Northlands Road, Warnham, West Sussex RH12 3SQ
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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.
The Spaniel Diaries
Wow – what a contrast we have had in the weather compared to this time last year!
Mum was tearing her hair out with the constant washing of our muddy wet towels after our walks. Now we have been treated to some beautiful sunshine and we are all making the most of it! I have been supervising the work in the vegetable garden but Mum tells me off for trying to bury the socks I have stolen from the laundry basket in the potato patch – I shall have to sneak around and find a new hiding place when Mum isn’t looking.
Goose, the silly pup has been taking part in some scurry competitions. He’s absolutely mad and just doesn’t stop running. Mum loves to watch him as he takes off like a rocket jumping over straw bales to grab a dummy and return, he’s really fast and it makes me exhausted to watch him – Mum knows better than to make me do this mad thing, last time she tried I made a point of sauntering out, lifting my leg on the first bale then having a sniff around, making many people laugh, including Mum. I can move fast enough when I want to, especially when I hear the fridge door open! (Anyone who can make a dog whistle make that sound would become very rich!)
keep everyone hydrated – Mum and Dad seem to prefer to stay hydrated by stopping at a thing called a pub, we have a lovely rest in the garden in the fresh air and if we are good the staff will bring us a tasty biscuit – although I feel short-changed when I see Mum scoffing cake!
We had a super day out for Mum’s birthday. We hired a boat and explored the countryside from the water – it was so lovely chugging up the waterway. We were excited to see Kingfishers; they were so beautiful and elusive, often just a flash of turquoise just before they hit the water!
Mum made the silly pup wear a life jacket as although he can swim he is neither elegant nor very good at it – unlike me. Mum said I must be part otter as I am so strong and graceful in the water whereas Goose looks like a frantic meerkat trying to tread water!
Mum has bought us some lovely travel bottles so we can enjoy cool clean water on the go. They just clip onto her bag and even have a little bowl built in. She always make sure there’s plenty of water for dogs and humans when we head off on our adventures; it’s important to
As the weather warms up Mum is taking us for our walks early in the morning and later evening when it’s cooling down and the sun is less intense, I like the early mornings when the sun is coming up, the air is cool, there’s dew on the grass which I love to roll in and the birds are singing away. It’s so peaceful too without a soul in sight – we are very lucky to live where we do with the sea one side and beautiful countryside the other and to be able to enjoy some long rambling walks and enjoy nature at it’s best!
Until next time, Billy.
Jeannette Douglas
Garden View
Seeds or plugs?
When it comes to growing our own vegetables, one of the first decisions we face is whether to start from seed or to buy young plug plants. Both methods have their advantages and drawbacks, and the right choice often depends on our experience, time, and gardening goals. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide which approach suits you best.
Sowing from seed
Pros: Sowing vegetables from seed offers variety, affordability, and satisfaction. Seed packets are relatively inexpensive, and one packet can yield dozens—if not hundreds— of plants. They also provide access to a broader range of varieties than you’ll typically find in garden centres. If you want heirloom tomatoes or rare purple carrots then seeds are your best bet.
been germinated and grown for a few weeks.
Pros: The biggest advantage here is convenience. You can skip the tricky germination stage and go straight to planting them in the ground or containers. This saves time and reduces the chances of early failure. Plug plants are therefore ideal for beginners or busy people who still like to garden. They’re a reliable choice for vegetables with long growing seasons, like tomatoes or peppers, especially if the weather is cooler and it isn’t practical for you to start the seeds off early indoors.
Starting from seed will also give you complete control over your plants’ early growth. You’ll know exactly how they’ve been treated, what compost has been used, and whether they’ve been exposed to any chemicals. For many gardeners, this transparency is a big plus.
Cons: However, growing from seed does require time, patience, and a little bit of skill. Seeds need the right conditions to germinate – usually warmth, moisture, and light – and some varieties are trickier than others. You’ll need to sow them at the right time, monitor them daily, and often transplant seedlings to bigger pots before they go into the ground. It’s rewarding, but not without effort.
Buying plug plants
Plug plants, also known as starts or transplants, are young vegetable plants that have already
Cons: The trade-off are cost and variety. Plug plants are more expensive than seeds and often come in limited selections. You may only find standard varieties, not the unique or heritage ones you could grow from seed. Additionally, you won’t know how the young plants were raised— some may have been treated with chemicals or stressed in transit.
So, it all really depends on your priorities. Seeds offer choice and value but require time and care. Plugs offer ease and speed but at a higher cost and with less variety. Many gardeners find a balance, starting some vegetables from seed and buying plugs for others. And remember, nothing is set in stone when you’re gardening. If plugs get you comfortable growing your own veg, maybe you’ll feel confident enough to try seeds next time. There’s always a next year when it comes to growing.
NPTC City & Guilds Qualified Fully Insured 07732 668518
How to queue jump
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,
May… its name going through various routes that lead eventually back to Maia, the Roman goddess of spring. It heralds that beautiful display of May blossom from the Hawthorn bushes that border our country lanes. Giving the birds a potential larder of red berries as the summer progresses. As children we used to call them Bread and Butter berries and beside eating a few (not particularly nice) they made superb ammunition for our peashooters.
The blossom itself is very nearly the same as that of the Blackthorn, except that it flowers a months earlier and can give the viewer the aptly named ‘Blackthorn Winter’ as it shrouds the roadside hedges in snow like drifts. Its main gift, though, to a lot of country folk is its fruit: the sloe berry. How many winter nights are warmed up by a tot of sloe gin that’s been carefully matured in the depths of some warm cupboard.
Perhaps I should add, for identification of these two thorny critters, that the Blackthorn flowers before it produces leaves, while the Hawthorn comes into leaf before it produces flowers. Anyway, after that preamble. I have not spoken for quite a while now about my experiences as a young farm worker back in the ’sixties. I should perhaps explain that I came to this area of Sussex in the late ’fifties to Captain Masters’ Amblehurst farm over in Wisborough Green as a cow man. They had a lovely Jersey herd that was a delight to work with, beautiful cows and a very lovely farm, with both the milking herd and also a large orchard that produced cox and russet for the London markets. At the time I little realised that those orchards would take me into a profession I have spent my life following.
sweet aroma – it lingers, it’s warm and clinging, and you find if you work with it for any length of time, you can find its familiarity almost comforting! It does, however, have a secret that I was to find out… it has the power to disappear. Over a few weeks you find the smell has gone. It no longer hits you as you enter the shed. You brush against them all day long, pushing them out of the way, stroking their necks and heads, tying and releasing them after milking. It’s gone!
Now, I had no car but I did have a tractor. So every so often I would have to go up to the Wisborough stores for some groceries or cigarettes and would use the tractor to save time and my legs. This is where the power of those cows came into their own. In those days there were the two main grocery stores plus Jeff’s little shop next door to the Three Crowns and the delightful Panda beside the bus stop opposite. I would pull up on the tractor and stroll in to one or the other of the grocery shops expecting to have a long wait while the usual crowd of villagers chatted and discussed the vital gossip of that week. It was a miracle. It was like the parting of the Red Sea. A gap would appear between the waiting throng. Nothing was offered as an explanation, none was needed. I had adopted the aroma of the shed! I could smell nothing, but to those noses that had not been educated in the refined smell of the bovine world, this was a signal to stand aside and let the scruffy, stinking lad in the wellies and torn jersey go first. I would gratefully nod my thanks, buy my purchases and leave, presumably leaving my hallmark molecules to remain on their olfactory sensors for some time to come.
Such was my early days here in this wonderful part of the world. I loved every moment. That’s why I have stayed here for those intervening 60-plus years. Also, of course, nobody actually ever said to me, “John… you stink!”
These cows though. There is something I think you should know about these animals, especially in the winter when they can be confined to stall or barn for two or three months… they do get to whiff a bit! Those of you who have worked with cattle will know what I mean. It’s an aroma that at first may repel you but, give it a chance and somehow it permeates your being. It’s a
Finally, as an aside that may be of benefit to those of you who are under the weather, if you should partake of some medication only to find you’ve forgotten to give the bottle a good shake, may I suggest you just take a short drive round our lovely country roads, job done!
Love to you all.
John Nash
West Chiltington Floral Club
(Affiliated to NAFAS)
Please join us at our May Workshop with Graham King
Tuesday 20th May, 7pm start West Chiltington Village Hall, Mill Road, RH20 2PZ. Visitors are most welcome, £7 (please book in advance and contact Carol or Brenda for the worksheet regarding materials for the Workshop) For more information and to book a place: Brenda (01798) 813712 or Carol (01798) 813608 Email: wchiltfloralclub@gmail.com
Village Tweet Spot the Difference
07762 767084, editor@villagetweet.co.uk
What’s On near you
What’s On – May
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 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
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
1 May 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
1 May Reading Friends. Billingshurst Library. 10.30-11.30am. Are you interested in meeting new friends, having a good chat and sharing your love of books? Everyone welcome, just turn up. Tel: (01403) 783145
3 May Georgia Mancio & Alan Broadbent: ‘A Story Left Untold’. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 8pm. Multi-awardwinning vocalist/lyricist Georgia Mancio and double-Grammy-winning pianist/composer, Alan Broadbent, present their new album. Tickets £25: (01483) 278000 (Tues-Sat 10am-4pm) or visit cranleigharts.org
3 May Craft and Chat Group. Unitarian Chapel, Billingshurst. Every 1st Saturday, 12.15-3.45pm. Bring your own project. Refreshments on offer. Tel: (01403)785116
3 May 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 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 May Plaistow Preschool Maypole Fete. Plaistow Village Green. 12-4pm. Celebrating 80th anniversary of VE Day. Traditional Maypole Dancing, barbecue. bar, refreshments, dog show, raffle, live music
6 May The Arts Society West Sussex lecture by Ian Swankier: ‘Paul Cézanne – the Painters’ Painter’. 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
6 May 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
6 May Parish Council Planning & Environmental Committee meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7pm
7 May The Arts Society South Downs lecture by Lois Oliver: ‘Elisabeth-Louise Vigée Le Brun: Royal Portrait Artist and Trailblazer’. 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
7 May Billingshurst Beck WI Talk: ‘Laugh Your Stress Away with Laughing Yoga’. Stanley Room, Billingshurst Centre, Roman Way, 1st Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm. For more information email: billingshurstbeckwi@wsfwi.co.uk. See page 10
7 May Parish Council Full Council & Trustees meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7pm
8 May 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
8 May Billingshurst WI Talk by Malcolm Morton, a member of the Independent Monitoring Board, about his experiences at Ford Open Prison. 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
What’s On near you / Community
8 May VE Day 80th Anniversary: Wreath service. Billingshurst War Memorial, 8am
8 May VE Day 80th Anniversary: Lighting of the Beacon. Adversane Green. 9.30pm. See back cover
8 May VE Day 80th Anniversary: Afternoon Tea. Billingshurst Centre. 2.30-4.30pm. £10. See back cover
8 May Billingshurst Horticultural Society Talk: ‘Let’s Talk about Gardening’ by Jean Griffin, gardener, allotmenteer & presenter for BBC Radio Kent, Surrey & Sussex, Sunday Gardening Questions. 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
8 May Arts Society Rudgwick lecture: ‘The Bayeux Tapestry’ by Imogen Corrigan, Fellow of the Royal Historical Society & Memorials & Monuments Specialist for the Diocesan Advisory Committee for Canterbury. 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
9 May 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
10 May Billingshurst Horticultural Society Bargain Plant Sale. Women’s Hall, 10am-12 noon.Contributions please. Plants, cakes, produce. Raffle and refreshments. Free admission. Mrs S Wells, tel: (01403) 784159
10 May 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
10 May Billingshurst Dementia Café. United Reformed Church Hall, Second and fourth Saturday of every month (December 2nd Sat only), from 10am-12pm. Please join us for tea, coffee & cake. All welcome
12 May 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
14 May 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
14 May Parish Council Property Committee meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7pm
15 May The Arts Society South Downs day trip by coach to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Ampfield near Romsey Hampshire. If you would like to join us, please complete the booking form on the website www.theartssocietysouthdowns.org.uk. £38 per person. Pre-booking is essential. We regret no refunds can be made. Further details email: info@theartssocietysouthdowns.org.uk
16 May Billingshurst Film Night. ‘The Penguin Lessons’. Billingshurst Conference & Community Centre. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Refreshments, raffle and sales table – proceeds go to the Midhurst Macmillan Service. Tickets £8 from www.touringcinema.com or Austens Home Hardware, 48-52 High Street or on the door
17 May Cranleigh Art & Crafts Society Demonstration by Ronnie Ireland: ‘Developing ideas for Still Life’. The Band Room, Village Way, Cranleigh GU6 8AF. 2.30pm. Visitors welcome £5. Info: info@caacs.co.uk
18 May Billingshurst Artisan Market. Six Bells car park. 9.30am-1.30pm. Local foods and crafts
18 May The North Singers: ‘Spring Into Song’. North Hall, Loxwood. 3.30pm. Tickets £10 from James, tel: (01403) 752999 or e-mail: northsingers.loxwood@gmail.com. See page 7
19 May 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
19 May 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
19 May Pulborough Film night. ‘The Penguin Lessons’ Pulborough Village Hall. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £8 from Pulborough Village Hall, on the door or on line from www.touringcinema.com
20 May St Mary’s Guild Members’ Meeting. St Mary’s Room, East Street, Billingshurst. 10.30am. We are a friendly women’s group and we welcome visitors. Beryl Peacock (01403) 782835
20 May 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 info and to purchase tickets online visit www.loxwoodjazz.co.uk. See page 7
22 May 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
24 May Billingshurst Bowling ClubOpen Day. 11am-5pm. Just behind Station Road Gardens. Come and try the game of Lawn Bowls. No previous experience required, thereafter each Friday until September from 6 pm to 7.30 pm with refreshments after, just turn up or call Barry on 07858 407537 or email: billingshurstbowlsclub@gmail.com for more details
24 May 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
24 May 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 May Billinghurst Lions Club Car Boot Sale. Six Bells Car Park (by Library car park). 9am - 12 noon. Contact Sandy Duck to book a space, tel: (01403) 786146 or e-mail - sandyduck@btinternet.com
28 May Parish Council Billingshurst Centre & F&GP Committees meetings. Billingshurst Centre. 7 & 7.30pm Village Tweet will publish details of local events in this free What’s On section. Please email brief details to editor@villagetweet.co.uk together with contact or website details
West Sussex Minibus
Great Days Out For All
Warmer days are with us, so it is the perfect time to get out and about with West Sussex Minibus. The service is available to all ages and offers a convenient pick-up and drop-off straight from your front door. Whether you need a little help getting on and off the minibus or assistance with shopping bags, our team are always happy to lend a hand. Many regulars have shared how much they look forward to their outings and like that trip sizes are kept small. It is a great way to make new friends, and you can catch up with them every week.
Passengers will have plenty of time to shop and catch up with friends over a coffee.
The friendly team here in Billingshurst helps residents stay active with a year-round schedule of trips. There are weekly shopping outings such as Horsham Sainsbury’s, Broadbridge Heath Tesco, or Billingshurst Lidl. Excursions to one of the larger garden centres like Old Barn Nursey, Dial Post, or Squires, Washington, are also a regular feature.
In addition, there are fun days out to choose from. Coming up soon are Scenic Excursions with lunch that include Lyndhurst, New Forest (25th June), Watercress Steam Train (9th July) and Beachy Head (22nd July). Alternatively, join us for a trip to Hollycombe Steam Museum (5th August) and Fiddler on the Roof, Eastbourne (5th November). With new destinations added every month, there is always something exciting to look forward to. Whether exploring familiar spots or discovering somewhere new, a great time is assured!
Residents in the RH14 9 postcode area, including The Haven, Coneyhurst, and Adversane, can take advantage of the service operating out of Billingshurst.
Annual Membership is £10 (Day Membership £1) with a nominal per-trip fare. New members are always welcome. Date
1-May 9:00 AM Horsham & Sainsbury’s
1-May 13:30 PM Tesco
7-May 10:30 AM Michelham Priory & Gardens
8-May 9:00 AM Horsham & Sainsbury’s
8-May 13:30 PM Tesco
9-May 10:00 AM Dorking & Market
14-May 10:00 AM Chichester Market Day
15-May 9:00 AM Horsham & Sainsbury’s
15-May 2:30 PM Lidl
20-May 13:00 PM Shoreham Airport for Tea
MAY SCHEDULE
21-May 10:00 AM Devils Punchbowl & Grayshott Pottery for Lunch
22-May 9:00 AM Horsham & Sainsbury’s
22-May 13:30 PM Tesco
27-May 11:00 AM Old Barn Garden Centre
28-May 11:00 AM Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens
29-May 9:00 AM Horsham & Sainsbury’s
29-May 13:30 PM Tesco
30-May 10:00 AM Notcutts and Ditchling Scenic Drive
Billingshurst Lions attend Lions Day with UN
For many years, Lions Club International (LCI) worldwide and Lions in the British Isles (designated Multiple District – MD105) have had a close working partnership with the United Nations, and every year events are held in New York, Europe and London to celebrate dedicated ongoing working together. The London UN Day event this year was held on Tuesday, 11th March, at the Palace of Westminster.
Billingshurst Lions had the opportunity to attend and the club was represented by Mark Clover and Luke Goddard. Proceedings began with an introduction from PCC Lion Viresh Paul, International Relations Officer from MD105 HQ in Birmingham, with a welcome to all guests from The Rt Hon Sir Roger Gale – Conservative MP for Herne Bay and Sandwich, the event sponsor.
Environment, Humanitarian issues, Hunger, Vision, and Youth. The Lions Club Global Service Framework comprises national and international projects alongside more focused and targeted efforts with local communities.
Presentations were made on the Future of Service and Lions Commitment to Service, with speakers covering the ‘Work of UNICEF’, ‘AI and the future of Service’ and ‘The Plight of the Refugee’ given by Ms Simone Schetman & Dr Natalia Kogut – Founders of Birmingham for the Ukraine.
Lions Club International has tripled its humanitarian impact in recent years on global causes embracing Childhood Cancer, Diabetes, Disaster Relief, the
Commenting on the event afterwards, Mark said, “I found the event to be very inspiring. Whilst I see how the Lions serve our local community on a daily basis, it’s great to be reminded how the Lions have an impact on an international level. It was also reassuring, and quite moving, to hear about the essential work being carried out by UNICEF and how they are helping children in war-torn parts of the world.”
Follow Billingshurst Lions on Facebook and www.billingshurstlions.org
And don’t forget the Lions Car Boot Sale – Six Bells car park, off the Library car park, Bank Holiday Monday, 26th May, 9am-12 noon. Contact Sandy Duck, tel: (01403) 786146, e-mail: sandyduck@btinternet.com
Harvey Holmes – Press Officer, Billingshurst & District Lions Club
Photo: Mark Clover and Luke Goddard at the ‘Lions Day with the United Nations’, Palace
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of Westminster, London
Join us at Adversane Green on 8th May as we light the beacon at 9.30pm (along with others nationwide) to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day We will be singing the hymn I Vow To Thee My Country immediately beforehand (hymn sheets provided) and a traditional Scottish Piper will top and tail the proceedings Refreshments, loos and first aid available. As usual there is no parking on site so please walk or cycle if possible, or park considerately and safely in surrounding roads
