s I type this we are in another heatwave but the nights are drawing in and it will soon be autumn! However, there is plenty going – have a flick through the What’s On pages starting on page 43.
Run Barns Green takes place on 28th September – if you’re not taking part why not pop along and cheer the runners on? See page 12.
Does your business need a boost? Our rates are highly competitive and with all the new homes in the area your ad reaches more potential customers than ever! Our Rate Card is at www.villagetweet.co.uk or call me on 07762 767084 for a no obligation chat on how Village Tweet can promote your business. Grahame
Editorial and Advertising: Grahame Pearson: 07762 767084 editor@villagetweet.co.uk www.villagetweet.co.uk
Boco (’bo-co’): Old West Sussex dialect meaning ‘lots of’/’much.’ From French, ‘Beaucoup’.
Classical concert in Billingshurst to raise funds for historic church’s transformation
The Shipley Arts Festival will close its landmark 25th anniversary season with a special concert on Sunday, 21st September at 6.30pm, held at the historic St Mary’s Church, Billingshurst.
The evening features the acclaimed Stradivarius Piano Trio – violinist Andrew Bernardi, pianist Maria Marchant, and cellist Jonathan Few – performing a rich and evocative programme of chamber music. Audiences will be treated to excerpts from Ravel’s Piano Trio in A minor, first premiered in 1915, the dynamic Mendelssohn Piano Trio No.1 in D minor, and the lyrical Fantasy Trio by English composer John Ireland.
More than a celebration of classical music, the concert is also a heartfelt effort to support the St Mary’s Transformation Project – an ambitious initiative to reimagine the 12th-century church as a fully accessible, inclusive, and vibrant hub for the growing Billingshurst community.
With a population nearing 10,000 and expanding,
the village is in need of spaces that encourage connection, creativity, and care. The project aims to provide just that by improving access, installing modern facilities, and transforming the ancient interior into a flexible space for concerts, exhibitions, and community events.
“We want to open the doors of St Mary’s Church to share the space with the whole community,” said the church’s vicar.
Expect an evening of musical excellence and community spirit – a fitting finale for a festival that has long celebrated the arts in the heart of Sussex.
Book your seats now via the BMG Live Box Office (www.bmglive.com) to enjoy an evening of worldclass music in the wonderful setting of St Mary’s Church, all for a great cause. Please sign up for our free newsletter on the website and be first to hear about future concerts.
Tim
Foulsham
Stradivarius Piano Trio – Andrew Bernardi, Maria Marchant and Jonathan Few. Photo: Sir Charles Burrell
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It’s September – the end of the holidays; the beginning of a new school year. The end of the summer, and the beginning of the autumn. Beginnings and endings flow into each other –in his poem Litle Giddings, TS Eliot wrote: “What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.”
Go into any church, and you will usually find somewhere – in a window, on a kneeler, on a hanging or a carving, these two characters: AΩ. Alpha and Omega, the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet. This motif is a reminder of some words from the Book of Revelation: “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
These are words that are attributed to Jesus.
In St Mary’s, you’ll find these letters
AΩ prominently on our Easter candle. We light this at every baptism that takes place in the church, and also every funeral. This candle with these letters stands as a very visible reminder that Jesus is the beginning and the end, that he encompasses all our beginnings and endings, that the whole of our existence is lived enfolded in his love.
It may be that this month sees significant beginnings and endings for you, or it may be that it’s a month in which life continues on an even keel. But whatever befalls us, we are always within the beginning and the ending that is Jesus himself.
David Beal
Village Tweet Quick Crossword Solution on page 8
Aubergine Parmigiana Lasagne
A great vegetarian dish that can be prepared ahead of time
METHOD
1. The sauce: Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium heat and fry the garlic for 1 minute until golden. Add the sugar and vinegar, simmer for 30 seconds, then add the tomatoes. Season with salt and return to a simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside. This can be prepared up to two days ahead and chilled until required.
2. Heat a griddle or large frying pan over a mediumhigh heat. Brush the aubergine slices on both sides with the olive oil and season with a little salt. Gridle the slices in batches until softened and slightly charred (ensure the heat isn’t too high or the aubergine will char before it softens). Transfer the cooked slices to a plate as you go.
3. To assemble: Place a third of the aubergine slices in a layer over the base of a rectangular or square oven-proof dish, then pour over a third of the sauce. Scatter with a small handful of both cheeses and half the basil. Keep most of the cheese for the top. Cover the aubergine layer with half the lasagne sheets. Repeat once more, then finish with a final layer of aubergines topped with the rest of the sauce. Scatter the remaining cheese over the top. After leaving to cool completely this can be frozen so it’s a great dish to prepare ahead for busy families. Defrost fully before cooking.
4. Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Place the dish on a baking tray and bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is golden and the sauce is bubbling at the edges. Leave to cool for at least 10 minutes, then scatter with the reserved basil and serve with a green salad.
1 bunch of basil leaves roughly chopped, leaving some for garnish
8 dried lasagne sheets (egg lasagne sheets work best)
For the tomato sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
6 garlic cloves finely sliced chopped
¼ tsp golden caster sugar
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
3 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
Erratum: The recipe for April’s Rhubarb Crumble Cake recipe was incomplete, here is the missing text:
7. Sprinkle half the rhubarb over the top of the batter, then spread two thirds of the crumb mixture, then the remaining rhubarb followed by the rest of the mixture.
8. Place the pan so that the top is level with the centre of the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You don’t need a thermometer to check if it’s done but it does make things easier. The temperature of the cake in the centre should be about 95°C when it’s cooked. Remove from the oven and cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Use the excess greaseproof paper to remove cake from the pan.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely. Sprinkle with icing sugar, cut into squares, and serve with thick yogurt or crème fraîche.
After many years of dedicated and loyal service, our Poppy Appeal Co-ordinator, Tom Blair, has stood down and we are seeking a volunteer to take his place and help the Royal British Legion organise our important fund raising effort in the Billingshurst area.
You do not need to be a Legion member to help this worthy cause and we are looking for people to join our team of astounding ‘Poppy’ volunteers from the Village and nearby.
The support through the Poppy Appeal is a lifeline for thousands of serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. Locally, we aim to annually raise in excess of £10,000. This money is used helping those veterans and service men and women in need.
Many will recall seeing Tom, (normally wearing his kilt), every morning at Billingshurst Station, ‘come rain or shine’ shaking his Poppy ‘tin’ as the morning commuters head into London and we wish to thank him for been such a stalwart organiser of our local Poppy Appeal over many years. His dedication has helped to boost the much needed funds for the Legion to continue its work.
If you could possibly help coordinate our Poppy Appeal, or would like to help as a collector, please contact our Branch Chairman, Rob Nicholl, e-mail: billingshurst.chairman@rbl.community.
We need more volunteers to help them continue their work. The group raises funds by: Catering wakes & parties, Selling cakes, preserves and gifts at fetes & markets, Running monthly movie nights in Billingshurst and more!
We would especially welcome someone who can help with the organisational side of the group — but any time you can give, whether baking, helping at events, or lending a hand behind the scenes, will make a real difference.
Why join? Be part of a friendly, supportive team, help raise vital funds for local care, meet new people and get involved in your community.
For more information, please contact us Tel: 01730 811121, SC-TR.mpc-charity@nhs.net www.mpc-midhurstmacmillan.org
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Community / Out and about / Crafts
Coming soon to The Women’s Hall
We are looking forward to some exciting autumn events and activities at the Women’s Hall. To prepare for the season’s change, we are holding a Women’s Wellness Day on Saturday 27th September, 10am-4pm. Led by two experienced facilitators, Helen and Jo, participants will be taken through gentle movement, relaxation and rest, self-reflection and discussion and self-care exercises. Healthy refreshments will be served during the day including a light lunch. Ticket: £50. To book email juliajepps@yahoo.co.uk or via the link on the poster opposite.
On Sunday 26th October our annual Hallowe’en Ghost Trail takes place from 10am until 1pm. The trail is fun rather than very scary, so suitable for young children, and there will also be traditional games like apple bobbing, spooky crafting and the chance to meet a witch or two. Adults can buy hot drinks and delicious cakes, whilst their children enjoy our fun activities and have a free drink and biscuit. Fancy dress is optional but welcome. Entry is free. Looking further ahead, we will have some exciting news to share about a new Christmas event. We are also delighted to be the host venue for Billingshurst Dramatic Society’s production of Blithe Spirit in September and family panto, Sleeping Beauty, in January 2026.
Don’t forget, the Hall is available to hire for parties, family gatherings, group activities and classes – enquiries via billingshurstwomenshall@gmail.com. Information about the Hall and events can be found at www.billingshurstwomenshall.co.uk. Julia Jepps
Loxwood Jazz Club
Fresh from Jools Holland’s Summer Tour, Derek Nash returns to Loxwood!
The Derek Nash / Simon Bates Quartet play the music of Gerry Mulligan and Paul Desmond, giants in the world of jazz saxophone on Tuesday 16th September. Jools Holland’s lead alto saxophonist Derek is internationally renowned. He has worked with a who’s who of the music business including Tom Jones, Eric Clapton, Amy Winehouse, Michael Bublé and Sir Paul McCartney.
Joining them is Jamie Cullum’s rhythm section, bassist Geoff Gascoyne and Dutch drummer Sebastiaan DeKrom - both highly respected in their fields.
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
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Run Barns Green – final call for entries
There are only a few weeks to go now until Run Barns Green 2025. This year’s event takes place on Sunday 28th September and will be made up of four races giving runners of all ages and abilities a chance to take part and get their hands on a bronze, silver or even gold medal.
As well as the Half Marathon race, now in its 43rd year, there will be a 10k race and a 5K race for those runners who don’t want to take on the longer race distances. Also, following on from the success of the inaugural run for 4-11 year olds, the Jennings Junior Jog will take place at 12.30pm on race day.
of Christ’s Hospital School taking in some of the most scenic countryside in West Sussex.
Run Barns Green is organised entirely by volunteers and all the surplus funds are given to the various societies, organisations and sports clubs who help out with car parking, marshalling, manning water stations, handing out medals, catering and various other roles.
The three adult races follow routes on closed roads through the lanes of Barns Green, Itchingfield, Dragons Green, and through the magnificent grounds
For the 10th year running, the official race charity will be St Catherine’s Hospice who do such wonderful work in the local area and who Run Barns Green are delighted to be able to support. There is plenty of free car parking close to the race start and finish and for all runners, there is a warm up exercise routine prior to all the races including the Junior race. For the adult races there is chip timing for each runner as well as pacemakers running who will help runners to achieve their target finish time. All finishers in the four races will receive a medal as a momento of their achievement with gold, silver and bronze medals up for grabs in the adult races.
Full details of how to enter one of the races at this year’s Run Barns Green are at runbarnsgreen.org.uk.
Nigel Currie, Chairman, Run Barns Green Committee
Judith Dandy
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Photo: Horsham MP John Milne starting last year’s Half Marathon
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Fertility Campaign takes urgent message to Parliament amid NHS IVF cuts in Sussex
Fertility Action’s visit highlights growing national crisis in fertility care
In July, Fertility Action – the UK’s new national fertility charity – returned to Parliament to call for urgent reform in fertility care, following alarming cuts to NHS-funded IVF across the country.
Led by Founder, CEO and local businesswoman Katie Rollings, the charity’s team of advocates and trustees met with MPs and Peers to share lived experiences and campaign for fair access to fertility treatment. The meeting, hosted by Andrew Griffith MP, was part of the charity’s Fertility Access Campaign, launched in January to address what it calls a growing national health equity crisis.
Cuts to fertility services have sparked concern, particularly in Sussex, where NHS funding was reduced from three IVF cycles to just one. Other regions, including Greater Manchester, East Midlands, Cheshire & Merseyside and Yorkshire, are currently consulting on similar changes – raising fears that more patients may lose access to care.
As well as advocating for equal access to NHS fertility services, Fertility Action is also campaigning for male fertility to be included in the Government’s upcoming Men’s Health Strategy – arguing that sperm health is a key indicator of men’s overall wellbeing.
Dr Anand Patel, a GP and men’s health advocate, said, “Low sperm count can be the first sign of serious health issues like cardiovascular disease or hormone disorders. Yet male fertility is rarely addressed in medical training.”
“We’re witnessing a national health failure,” said Katie Rollings. “People are being denied medical treatment based on where they live. Fertility is a medical need – not a lifestyle choice. Everybody deserves the opportunity to try for the family they dream of.”
Dr Carole Gilling-Smith, Medical Director of the Agora Fertility Group in Sussex, warned that cuts disproportionately affect those unable to afford private treatment. “Infertility is a medical condition, and this is healthcare discrimination. We must stop allowing short-term financial decisions to dictate care.”
Consultant Urologist
Professor Jonathan Ramsay added, “In 2023, more than 50,000 couples had IVF – and around half involved male fertility issues. Yet men are often overlooked as patients. This needs to change.”
The July visit to Parliament included crossparty discussions, personal testimonies, and calls for immediate Government action to protect fertility care for future generations.
Fertility Action continues its work nationally, raising awareness and pushing for lasting and mandated policy change.
For more information, please visit www.fertilityaction.org or follow @Fertility.Action on Instagram.
Katie Rollings
Photo: Fertility Access Team. From left: Ian Stones, Katie Rollings, Grace Lee-Brindle, Emma Whitney, Natalie Silverman, Carole Gilling-Smith, Lalana Songra, Michael Close
A Good Read
September’s selection from Tash Donovan
The Man Who Hated Football
–
Will Buckley Full disclosure, I love football and come from a long line of Villa supporters (don’t judge me), but I confess I missed this book entirely until I was gifted a copy quite recently. Set at the start of the Millennium, The Man Who Hated Football is a sharp, darkly comic portrait of a man unravelling under the weight of modern life and the beautiful game.
Jimmy Stirling is a football reporter who’s grown to loathe the sport he covers. His editor despises him, his wife may be having an affair, and his own sense of self-worth is circling the drain. Between his needy twins, a crumbling marriage, and a mortgage he can’t afford, Jimmy finds solace only in pints at his local pubs and the occasional cigarette – though even those comforts are tinged with guilt and futility.
As the world shifts around him – both personally and globally – Jimmy is forced to confront his own failings and the absurdities of the football industry.
Buckley, a seasoned sports journalist himself, delivers a biting satire of media culture and masculinity in crisis, filled with wit, pathos, and painfully relatable moments. If you enjoy Nick Hornby or Jonathan Coe, this novel offers a poignant-but-funny exploration of one man’s slow-motion collapse – and the faint hope of redemption.
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The Unlucky Eleven – Phil Earle
Phil Earle has crafted a delightful and humorous tale, perfect for younger readers aged 5 to 7. The story centres on Stanley and his football team, the Saints, who are experiencing an unprecedented streak of bad luck – ranging from bizarre injuries to mysterious illnesses and cancelled games. Convinced that their misfortunes stem from a cursed football kit, the team embarks on a series of comical attempts to lift the supposed curse including putting garlic in their socks! However, their efforts only seem to exacerbate their troubles, leading them to consider giving up on the season altogether.
Undeterred, Stanley devises a final plan to break the curse and rally his teammates for one last game.
Illustrated by Steve May, the book combines engaging storytelling with lively artwork, making it accessible and entertaining for early readers. It will appeal to children who are developing their reading skills. The narrative not only delivers laughs but also imparts valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and the power of self-belief.
The Unlucky Eleven is a charming read that will resonate with young football enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a good underdog story.
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F–
resh from the success of our summer production, My Mother Said I Never Should, rehearsals are in full swing for our next play later this month! Billingshurst Dramatic Society are proud to present Blithe Spirit – a farce of ‘near perfection’ by the great Noel Coward – directed by former TV producer, Nick Thorogood. Fun, laughs and ghostly goings on are sure to entertain, and raise plenty of laughs.
This classic comedy explores what happens when author Charles Condomine (played by Will Gooda) invites local eccentric and spiritual medium, Madam Arcati (Sue Pollard), to dinner in order to hold a seance and learn the secrets of the charlatans who claim to “speak to the other side”. No one attending expects more than some innocent fun… but then, unexpectedly, the ghost of Charles’s first wife, Elvira (Di Pospisil) suddenly appears – and this is just the start of the mayhem.
history having been first performed by the company back in 1998. For Sue Pollard this is a second appearance in the play – she starred in the 1998 show as Charles’ second wife Ruth (played this time round by Angela Sheahan), but long-time supporters of the society may remember that BDS favourite, Rene Humphries, Sue’s mother, actually performed the role of Madame Arcati back in 1998!
Written in just six days, Blithe Spirit premiered on Broadway in 1941 and is well known for the 1945 film adaption, but it’s also a part of BDS
Blithe Spirit runs from Thursday 18th to Saturday 20th September at the Women’s Hall. Doors open at 7pm and curtain up at 7.45pm. Tickets are selling fast from our High Street box office at Mansell MacTaggart or online from the BDS website www.billingshurstdramaticsociety.com. Get ready for an evening of laughs, ghosts and farcical supernatural hi-jinx!
Ted Gooda
in ‘Blithe Spirit’
Photo: Sue Pollard (seen here in July’s ‘My Mother Said I Never Should’) will be playing Madame Arcati
Sam’s Plastering
Glorious Food, Glorious Planet
Three Horsham events unite for a greener
future
Horsham town centre will come alive with colour, conversation and climate-conscious action on Saturday 27th September as three events join forces to offer a celebration of sustainable living, seasonal food and local creativity.
At the heart of the day is the Sussex Green Hub and the Horsham Repair Café at the United Reformed Church on Springfield Road from 10am to 2.30pm. Regularly drawing people from across the district, the Hub offers a welcoming space for anyone looking to have items repaired, reduce waste, save energy, learn new skills and connect with like-minded organisations. This month, visitors can also explore a special focus on food waste and composting, with advice from West Sussex County Council and a hands-on talk at 12 noon sharing real-life experiences of composting systems including hotbins, wormeries and Green Johanna digesters.
The Horsham Community Fridge will also be there from 10am to 11am, redistributing surplus food that would otherwise go to landfill, a practical way to tackle food waste and support the local community. Shoppers can also stock up on low-impact essentials at the Hub’s household refill station, offering everything from cleaning products to shampoo.
Just a short walk away, the Apple Day 2025
celebration at Horsham Unitarian Church on Worthing Road promises a joyful familyfriendly gathering in the hall and garden from 10.30am to 2.30pm. Alongside apple tasting, homemade puddings and fresh juice, the event will include live morris dancing, nature trails and apple-themed art activities. At 2pm, a talk on community orchards will offer inspiration for how these shared spaces can nourish both people and the planet.
Meanwhile in Piries Place, Vegan Fest Horsham will be hosting a lively outdoor market from 9.30am to 3.30pm with up to 16 stalls offering plant-based food, sweet and savoury treats, natural bodycare and sustainable household refills, another great opportunity to top up your essentials while supporting ethical producers.
Organisers are encouraging visitors to explore all three events on foot and make the most of the unique atmosphere in town that day. Entry is free and everyone is welcome, with delicious food, handmade goods and sustainable refills available to browse and buy throughout the day.
Bring your refill containers, carrier bags and curiosity and enjoy a day of food, fun and inspiration for a greener future.
www.sussexgreenliving.org.uk/events-calendar Marianne Lindfield, Sussex Green Living
Photo: Horsham Community Fridge
A Time to Reflect
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.
For just for a few lines folks, I would like to return to the subject that has dominated the last 65-odd years of my life. Apples!
Those of you who grow them in your gardens will with luck have a gorgeous crop hanging on every branch following the wonderful warmth of this year’s early frost-free spring. I hope that with a tad more rain you will be rewarded by a heavy crop to enjoy as autumn brings them to ripeness. It’s not these though that I am now referring to. It’s the variety Bramley and its appearance this year in my main-shop store. I won’t say its name but if you go there for your apple crumble’s main ingredient you will surely have seen the same as me.
Now, Bramleys are large apples, but, somehow this store has shrunk them. They are no bigger than any other sweet apple that they sell. Core them and peel them and there’s nothing left! So may I please send a request out: big Bramleys please, not stuff that should have gone to the juicer! There! That feels better!
So, dear reader how has your summer been? I mowed my lawn on the 1st of July. Well, I cut the daisy heads off and filled the mower box with moss and clover flowers. I then went on holiday for two weeks. On my return I would usually have to face a six inch hay
meadow to toil through. Not this year. The only green was a few desperate clover leaves trying to show defiance against the sun’s burning, the rest was a dark brown where even the moss had given up the will to live and relinquished its territory to whatever grass roots lurked beneath the parched soil. Can’t water of course, hose pipe ban! Still, small mercies, I can forget the mower for a couple more weeks… with luck.
Changing the subject once more, how many of you have faced moving house lately? We are slowly coming around to face that task after over half a century of living in the same house. A family raised, a long life lived. Soon we will move to a smaller abode and somehow the debris of all those years that has accumulated over that time around us will have to face four choices. Take, bin, burn, or give away! How do you select from so many memories? How do you choose which means more to you than some other thing? Even the smallest item in some corner of the house or shed, cupboard or attic, recalls a place or event that brings smiles or tears as you remember the story that surrounds it. I feel we may well be going to face the most brutal experience when the time comes. A whole new experience for us, and as the months pass and I will try to keep you up to date on the whole episode as it happens.
Bless you for listening.
John Nash
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Billingshurst Parish Council
Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre Roman Way, Billingshurst, RH14 9QW
Family Activity Day a huge success!
Billingshurst’s second Family Activity Day attracted hundreds of visitors on 9th August, eager to sample a multitude of free activities including axe-throwing, archery, bushcraft and a climbing wall. Arranged by the Parish Council with support from the Neighbourhood Wardens and BSRA, with sponsorship from Billingshurst Lions and Horsham District Council, youngsters were also able to have a go at fishing and lots of other activities. Completing the line up were traditional vintage fairground attractions, bouncy castle, refreshments and ice cream van. Music and prizes were on offer at the skatepark which remains as popular at it did when it was officially opened last summer. The aim of the day had been to give youngsters a chance to try some physical activities and in doing so hopefully piqued their interest to take up a physical hobby. One of the more unusual attractions was the Wild Science Classroom experience, showing eager youngsters scorpions, snakes and other creepie crawlies. Parish Clerk Greg Burt said, “Once again we had lots of feedback from visitors telling us what they enjoyed and what else they would like to see in future years. It is great that they appreciated it and are already looking forward to next year’s!”
Goodbye & Thank You
Billingshurst Parish Council said a sad goodbye to the Billingshurst Centre Manager Sarah Newell who had worked for the Council since 2003, an incredible 21½ years. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Sarah for her hard work, dedication and commitment to the Centre, Council and community, and wish her all the very best with her future plans.
Lights on in West Sussex
It is hard to believe that autumn will soon be on its way and nights will be drawing in. If you are aware of footway or street lighting which isn’t working, please report it to SSE via their
‘Lights On In West Sussex’ website www.lightsoninwestsussex.co.uk or by telephoning their Customer Service Team on 0800 048 2435. You will need the column number of the faulty light and the road name. This is an excellent service and easily accessible for all residents.
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.
Jubilee Fields Fireworks
The Jubilee Fields Fireworks is due to be held on Friday 31st October. Keep an eye out locally over the next few weeks to find out more information on where to purchase tickets.
Hello & Welcome!
The Parish Council is delighted to welcome its newest employee Dan Fox who has recently commenced work as the manager of the Billingshurst Centre. We wish Dan all the very best in his new role.
We can help!
Don’t forget, if your community group or organisation has any events, meetings or fetes coming up later this year, and you would like help with advertising, please email liz@billingshurst.gov.uk and we will do what we can to help promote it.
We regularly help to advertise events for Billingshurst Choral Society, Billingshurst WI, Billingshurst Horticultural Society Flower Show, Billingshurst Primary School and Billingshurst MacMillan Group to name just a few!
Billingshurst Centre – Hall Hire
Did you know that there are several rooms (including the main hall) available at the Billingshurst Centre for hire at competitive prices? Ring (01403) 787690 or email reception@billingshurst.gov.uk to check availability at this excellent local venue.
Billingshurst Christmas Fayre 2025 – Saturday 6th December
Yes, at the time of writing it is only August! But here at the Parish Council we like to do a little forward planning, and as we want the Billingshurst Christmas Fayre 2025 to be the biggest and best yet, we thought we would start the process off early! We hope this event will again be supported by the local community, organisations, traders and charities and would love to hear from you if you would like to be involved. To find out more, please contact our colleague Sarah Meyer on (01403) 782555 or email sarah@billingshurst.gov.uk. In the meantime, pop the above date in your diaries and keep an eye on the Parish Council website, social media pages and notice boards for further updates about the day and what exciting things will be happening!
Sign up to our Council E-Newsletter
In response to requests from residents who wanted the Council to expand on the different ways it engages with residents, you can now sign up to receive emails directly from the Council; this is entirely voluntary and is GDPR compliant. You can be assured you will not be bombarded with hundreds of emails, but it could be that we want to notify you of an important planning application, a public consultation or a severe weather warning. You can unsubscribe at any time so why not give it a try? You can subscribe searching the NEWSFEED page of our website www.billingshurst.gov.uk.
The Depot
Billingshurst Parish Council’s youth and community venue “The Depot” continues to host multiple groups and hirers. With a large kitchen and relaxing community space it’s the perfect informal location for breakout sessions, workshops, 1to1s or smaller meetings. If your local organisation would like to use it, then please contact the council on the details below. The latest group to join us at the Depot is Billingshurst Wargaming Club. The Club is open to those 14+ who can come along to play, build, paint or just chat about all things wargaming. Whilst the club is mainly focused on Warhammer 40,000 and other Games Workshop systems, it’s open to any suggestions for other games.
Access for Emergency Services
The Council often receives complaints about inconsiderate parking. When parking, it is important to not only think about the safety of road users and pedestrians but to also consider the needs of our emergency services should they need to get somewhere quickly.
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 (September)
2nd: Planning & Environment Committee
3rd: Full Council & Trustees
10th: Working Practices
24th: Billingshurst Centre & F&GP Committees
University Challenge
What to expect from higher education
Hoorah! You’ve done it. All the hard work paid off and you’ve passed your A-levels. It’s September and University beckons, but are you ready?
It’s easy to assume that uni will be ‘like school but bigger,’ but that’s not the case.
In school, while you will have been encouraged to do some independent thinking and research, much of what you learned was broken down and served up in manageable chunks.
At university study is fastpaced and students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning. This is a major adjustment for most young people, and many struggle to adapt. A common complaint from higher education tutors is that their students have never learned how to learn!
your tutor directly. Most people who work in higher education are passionate about their subject and will be happy to help. Talk to them as soon as the problem arises though, don’t wait until the day before an assignment is due!
Tutorials and seminars are your chance to take the initiative. Make the most of them. Go in armed with any questions and thoughts you have. The more you put into university study, the more you’ll get out of it.
Stella Cottrell has produced The Study Skills Handbook (around £15 on Amazon) which I would recommend to all new students. It aims to help you learn how to sort, process, and recall all the information you’ll be required to absorb.
Today’s students also have to grapple with the rise of generative AI. This was not the case even five years ago. Universities are adapting quickly, but a good resource for students is David Meechan’s recently published book Generative AI for Students: The Essential Guide to Using Artificial Intelligence for Study at University (also around £15 on Amazon). Don’t be put off by the dry title, it’s packed with useful information in an easy-to-follow format, to help student enhance their academic work efficiently and ethically.
At least 60% of first year undergraduates feel out of their depth at times, so you won’t be alone if this happens to you. If you’re struggling, talk to
If you are neurodivergent, disabled or have a specific learning difficulty like dyslexia, make yourself known to the Student Learning Service. They offer support and run advice sessions.
It’s not just the academic side of life which requires adjustment. You may be moving to the other side of the UK or from the countryside to a city. Try to arrange to spend a weekend in the new area during the summer. Familiarise yourself with the transport system and local amenities and it won’t seem quite as strange when term starts. Think about how you’ll manage your finances and don’t be too proud to talk your parents about this aspect of independent living. They’ve been through similar situations even if they didn’t attend university themselves.
Finally, university is also about making new friends. Attend any ‘welcome’ events and sign up for one or two clubs. Don’t over-commit yourself in the early days though because you’ll already have a lot to deal with.
Most people look back on their time at university with fond memories. It’s an exciting time. Prepare well, work hard, and don’t forget to enjoy yourself. You’ve earned it.
Sarah Davey
Local children’s art lights up Fittleworth Village
In July the Young Arts team from The Arts Society West Sussex organised the 7th PopUp Art Exhibition for schools in our area.
Opened by Stewart Collins, artistic director of the Petworth Festival, it was a wonderful showcase for the art that is being taught in our local schools. 18 schools took part, including Billingshurst Primary Academy and The Weald Community School
Prior to the exhibition we ran workshops in some schools, studying the work of Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese Artist, with the invaluable input of Maureen Wells, an inspirational Art Educator. The work was displayed to great effect at the exhibition, with its bold colours and use of coloured dots for which Kusama is well known. White frames were left out during the exhibition for children to have fun creating their own installation.
work. Colours, design and form were imaginatively displayed by Year 4s in the Primary School, inspired by Gillian Ayres and Year 8s at The Weald produced some fascinating Self Identity Collages.
We were also fortunate enough to be able to display Rebecca Egan’s beautiful ‘Mixed Feelings’ self portrait. Rebecca, from Farlington School, was runner up in the prestigious national Arts Society A Level competition. Understandably it attracted much attention.
One person who was particularly impressed with the portrait, as well as the high standard of work at the exhibition was MP Andrew Griffith
It was a hugely successful exhibition thanks to the number of schools taking part and the large number of pieces of work, offered.
Christine Parker, The Arts Society West Sussex
Both Billingshurst Primary Academy and The Weald Community School offered some stunning
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Left: Some of the art from local schools. Right: Rebecca Egan (Farlington School) with MP Andrew Griffith
SPRAY FOAM REMOVAL FROM £995
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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.
Goings On at Dauxwood Pre-school
It has been an eventful summer at Dauxwood Pre-school…
The Dauxwood family said goodbye to our beloved Pre-school Manager, Debbie Summerfield, who retired at the end of the school year. Debbie has been a terrific servant to Dauxwood Pre-school and has a wealth of experience. The Dauxwood Pre-school Group Committee would like to wish Debbie all the best and thank her for her many years of service. Debbie has been pivotal in the success of the preschool and shaping so many young people into who they are today.
We would also like to thank Debbie for creating a wonderful pre-school environment for our children and providing first class training and mentoring to the staff that work with her.
towards our fundraising.
There are many projects in-hand at the pre-school, such as raising funds for a new metal perimeter fence, new storage solutions and a canopy area out the front.
Debbie loves bumping into children in the village who have, over the years, passed through Dauxwood Pre-school and seeing them grow up! Deputy Manager Shona Crawford will step into the Manager role from September.
Debbie went out on a high, as Dauxwood Preschool won the trophy for best float as part of the Billinghurst Show Carnival Procession. We also received prize money, which was very gratefully received and will help us with our fundraising projects.
The staff and children worked so hard to create decorations for the float, which were assembled onto the trailer on the morning of the Show.
Our topic, in line with Carnival of Champions theme, was the England Lionesses, successful European Championships win of 2022 and, a few days later, winners again!
We were so pleased to win, especially as so much of the decorations on display were made by the children.
We also held our annual Summer Fun Day on Saturday 12th July, which raised just under £950
We were very thankful to receive donations and sponsorship from the following local businesses: South Downs Light Rail, Masonry Fitness, West Sussex Fire & Rescue, Amberley Museum, Fishers Farm, Gatwick Aviation Museum, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, Kinsbrook Vineyard, Little Street, Out of Bounds, Truffles Bakery, Washbrooks Family Farm, Calli’s Corner, Sophie Benning Hair, Tiffany Hair at Home, AM Beauty, Tesco Express and Tesco Pulborough, Jenger’s Craft Bakery and Fowlers Estate Agents.
It was a great day with so much on offer from cakes, ice lollies and hot dogs, a tombola, lucky envelope game, the raffle, hook a duck, facepainting, nails & temporary tattoos, Beat the Keeper and many more games and stalls.
Following on from discussions with West Sussex Highways, we are also looking to install a new sign at the preschool that alerts drivers, especially those coming along Maringdean Road, that the Pre-school is located on the corner of Natts Lane and to SLOW DOWN. Thanks to Plumridge & Peters Ltd who have assisted us so far. If any local businesses would like to donate towards this important sign, then please contact us on dauxwoodcommittee@gmail.com. Tom Skilleter
Co-Chair, Dauxwood Preschool Committee
Dauxwood Pre-school float at the Billingshurst Show Carnival Procession. Photo: Alan Wright Photograpy
JAPANESE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE OPEN DAY
We will be hosting our annual Japanese Festival of Culture on Sunday 19th October 2025 from 10am to 4.30pm.
Our students will put on events for your enjoyment including themed classrooms, traditional tea ceremony, Kendo display, and bazaar. Concert at 2pm.
Food and refreshments will be available for purchase from 11am-2pm. Card payments preferred.
Guildford Road, Rudgwick, Nr Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 3BE
Tel: (01403) 822107
www.rikkyo.co.uk 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
The Renegades go wild!
They may have recently learned how to fight fires at Crawley fire station (see last month’s Village Tweet), but this month the Renegades Youth Club got a flaming good lesson in how to start them too!
“I was lucky enough to go on safari to Tanzania this summer and spend some time with the incredible Masai people. During a walking safari in the African bush, we were shown how to light a safe fire just using two pieces of wood, a palm frond and elephant dung – who knew! – and it was fascinating,” laughs
Group Leader Gareth Miller
stripped the bark to make the bows and, like the Masai, we rubbed dirt on our hands to improve control – it worked brilliantly – and I taught them some Swahili while we were working.
“I wanted to share it with the kids as I knew they would love it. So, we did a magical mystery trip in the minibus and went into woods just outside Petworth. As we were sadly missing some of the key ingredients – elephant dung is a bit hard to come by in deepest West Sussex – we had to resort to a prehistoric form of fire lighting using the bow drill. As the name suggests, it involves ‘drilling’ one piece of wood into another by spinning it, using a ‘bow’, and the fire lights from the friction.
We cut spruce branches to double hand size and
“In addition, the Masai taught us about the use of plants for everything from medicine to soap. We have become so dislocated from the natural world and so I really want to teach the children much more about what is growing all around them. Willow bark, for example, can be used to reduce pain, yarrow to help with cuts, while stinging nettles can be an anti-inflammatory, says Gareth.”
The Renegades has also planned day trips while the children are off school –from Monkey World (inspired by Tanzania!) to the beach – so it continues to be a busy summer. The Renegades is a charity and open to all children aged 7 to 18. If you would like a taster session, visit www.renegadesyc.org or ring Gareth on 07801 862550.
Vanda Rumney
Photos: Masai fire-lighting was inspirational for Renegades
“Pupils feel happy in their nurturing and vibrant school. Each morning, confident and resilient pupils arrive eager to start their learning. Forging positive relationships is at the heart of daily life.” Ofsted 2024
At Shipley our rich and exciting curriculum equips children with the skills and knowledge to be lifelong learners. There are high academic expectations but learning is also fun and experiential. Children are nurtured and supported by experienced staff. We make the most of our beautiful and peaceful location by providing meaningful opportunities for learning outside the classroom.
“Leaders create a nurturing culture where people are cherished and supported.” SIAMS 2025
Come and see for yourself what makes Shipley such a special place to learn and grow – we look forward to welcoming you. Call the office team on (01403) 741298 or email office@shipley.w-sussex.sch.uk to book a visit.
West Sussex Minibus is a community transport charity that helps individuals to thrive. Its mission is to enable residents to stay active and foster a strong sense of belonging, thereby preventing isolation and loneliness.
They provide a range of practical shopping trips and social outings throughout the year. It is a membershipbased service that welcomes individuals of all ages. Eight divisions service the county, each operating buses seating up to eight passengers to keep the service personal and friendly.
For many of its members, the service is a lifeline, providing the chance to stay in touch with friends, visit new places and gain companionship.
One of the following roles may be the ideal starting point for your volunteering experience.
Minibus Drivers
Pick up members from their homes, drive them safely to the planned destination and return them home after every trip. Drivers need to be confident and hold a D1 category licence. If you took your driving test before January 1997, a D1 entitlement was generally granted. Check your licence.
As an all-volunteer organisation, West Sussex Minibus owes its continued success to those individuals who generously offer their skills and time. People volunteer for many reasons. A change in personal circumstances is where it often begins. If you are reasonably fit, enjoy meeting people and have a few hours to spare, that’s all that is needed.
Administrator
Passenger Escorts
Work alongside the driver as a team. Welcome members to each trip, collect fares, and assist passengers throughout the journey.
Assist the team in spreading the word about the service and outings offered, and support activities that grow the membership.
Hop on Board!
Be part of something meaningful with West Sussex Minibus, Billingshurst. To volunteer or find out more, call us on 0300 772 7735. Together, we can keep our community moving.
Village Tweet Spot the Difference
The Spaniel Diaries
We have survived the summer heat so far! Mum is so pleased it has cooled down and we are back to training in the evenings instead of hiding under the trees in the shade.
The harvest is already done so we are very lucky to have permission to walk on miles of stubble fields, Mum would like to take the horses for a good gallop but unfortunately due to the lack of rain the ground is still like concrete –even the big downpours during last week’s thunderstorms haven’t made much difference!
One fabulous thing about the long, hot summer we have had is that the hedges are literally dripping in blackberries – I find them absolutely delicious and I love accompanying Mum on her foraging missions as I get to pluck off the ones that are low down! Mum now has a freezer full of delicious fruit to turn into crumbles, jams and the odd bottle of a cheeky blackberry gin! Hopefully she takes it easy on that! The next mission will be for collecting sloes which are also in abundance this year – there’s nothing better than the freshness of nature’s bounty and wandering around on a warm autumnal evening collecting it (just make sure you have permission if you are on private land) but all along the South Downs the hedges along the public footpaths are full of delicious autumn berries – we have never been brave enough to
forage mushrooms though as Mum says she doesn’t know enough about them!
As summer slowly slips away we are seeing some spectacular sunsets; Mum is on a mission to take as many lovely photos as she can especially with us dogs in! Although I am really handsome I hate having my picture taken and I make it my mission to either close my eyes or loll my tongue around when the camera is pointing at me – laying on my back is also hilarious and makes Mum exasperated! Goose is a little goody two shoes and poses for the camera – he’s a social media butterfly where I prefer to be rummaging in a bush or digging a hole!
Spot the Difference - Solution
on page 33
Goose’s halo did slip the other day when Mum caught him plucking the almost-ripe tomatoes off the plants he could reach and chewing them up and spitting them out! I told him it was a tennis ball tree and he believed me –Mum retaliated by putting the plants on a table out of his reach, thankfully they were in grow bags!
The nights are really starting to draw in now and it’s lovely to have the chilly mornings with that tangy smell of autumn in the air; it won’t be long before we are curling up in front of the wood burner of an evening and Mum will be scrubbing mud off the walls!
Until next time, enjoy the season, Billy.
Jeannette Douglas
Garden View The Brilliance of Bulbs
There’s nothing quite like the joy of seeing the first green shoots poke through the soil after a long, grey winter. For us gardeners, planting bulbs in autumn is a bit like giving our future self a present –come spring, our garden will be bursting with colour, and all we had to do was plan ahead.
But before we get into favourites and showstoppers, let’s talk bulbs. A bulb is essentially a tiny underground storage unit, packed with all the energy a plant needs to produce roots, leaves, and, most importantly, flowers. When we plant a bulb in autumn, it lies dormant through winter. As temperatures rise and daylight increases, the bulb wakes up, using its stored energy to shoot up and flower, often well before other plants have got going.
‘Queen of Night’. There’s a tulip for everyone.
If you fancy something more unusual, try Fritillaria meleagris, known as snake’s head fritillary, with its delicate, nodding, chequered flowers. Or go for Scilla siberica, a hardy, vivid blue flower that’s perfect for under trees or dotted through lawns.
To create a long-lasting display, aim for a mix of early-, mid-, and late-spring bloomers. Daffodils, with their golden trumpets, are reliable, low-maintenance, and available in countless varieties. Compact ‘Tête-à-Tête’ is ideal for pots or front-of-border spots, while creamy white ‘Thalia’ brings a touch of elegance.
Tulips are another must-have, offering rich colour and drama. Depending on your garden they may not always be perennial so if you’re not lucky, replanting fresh bulbs each year will guarantee a bold display. The choice of colours is infinite, from white and palest pinks through classic reds and oranges to deep purples like
Plant bulbs in welldrained soil, about three times as deep as the bulb is tall, and water them in. If your soil is on the heavy side, a bit of added grit or compost can help.
To maximise your chances of repeat displays in years to come, a little more planning ahead is required. Once flowering is over apply a liquid fertilizer high in potassium (like tomato feed). Feed while the leaves are still green as this is when bulbs are busy replenishing their energy reserves through photosynthesis. Keep feeding until the foliage begins to yellow and die back naturally –don’t be tempted to cut it early.
Bulbs are one of my greatest pleasures, partly because I always forget I’d planted them until they pop up out of nowhere to make me smile in early spring. So, grab your trowel and get planting. With a little forward planning (and a dash of tomato feed), your spring garden will be the envy of the neighbourhood.
Happy gardening!
Rachael Leverton
FENCING
Volunteers Honoured at St Catherine’s Hospice Awards Ceremony
Volunteers from across Sussex and Surrey were celebrated at the annual St Catherine’s Hospice Volunteer Awards, held in June at the beautiful Greentrees Estate in Balcombe, kindly donated by generous supporters of the charity.
Hosted by hospice patron and broadcaster Nicholas Owen, with support from St Catherine’s Chief Executive, Giles Tomsett, the afternoon event recognised the invaluable contribution of volunteers from across the charity, some of whom have been giving their time, energy and expertise for decades.
Outstanding Contribution to Fundraising Volunteering, Volunteer Team of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering Demonstrating our Hospice Values and Volunteer of the Year 2025.
The awards, which coincided with National Volunteers’ Week, highlighted the extraordinary impact volunteers make across every corner of the hospice. This includes patient care, supporting in the hospice kitchen, helping with administrative tasks, and raising much-needed income in charity shops and at community events.
Over 100 guests gathered to enjoy a warm and reflective afternoon, which was kindly sponsored by Crowne Plaza –London Gatwick. The event included speeches, an award ceremony and a celebratory afternoon tea.
In total, 43 volunteers received Long Service Awards, marking milestone anniversaries from five to an incredible 40 years of volunteering. Together, these individuals have given an astonishing 585 years of service to St Catherine’s.
Alongside the Long Service Awards, six special awards were also presented, following a record 45 nominations, across the following categories: Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering, Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering (under the age of 25),
TREE SURGERY
Climbing Sectional Dismantling
Crown Reductions Felling Pruning STUMP GRINDING
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Eileen Dunn was awarded for her outstanding contribution to volunteering, demonstrating the hospice values. Eileen said, “I am so proud and overwhelmed to receive such a prestigious award from my colleagues at St Catherine’s. Volunteering has added a new chapter to my life and the team always make me feel so valued when I come in for my volunteering shift. The awards ceremony was a really special afternoon full of celebration that highlighted how much St Catherine’s appreciates all of their volunteers.”
In his remarks Giles Tomsett paid tribute to the dedication and compassion shown by every volunteer, “At St Catherine’s we’re supported by nearly 1000 dedicated volunteers. You each make a difference, not only to the individuals we care for, but to the entire community we serve. Whether you’ve been with us for four months or four decades, your contribution is deeply valued. This event is our chance to say thank you, and to share in the joy of your individual and group achievements.”
For more information on volunteering at the hospice visit www.stch.org.uk/volunteer Suzanna Bouhassane, St Catherine’s Hospice
Top: Awards Ceremony.
Bottom: Winner of ‘Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering Demonstrating our Hospice Values’ award category, Eileen Dunn, with Volunteering Team Manager, Avril Roberts and Greg Andrews, St Catherine’s Hospice Trustee
West Chiltington Floral Club
(Affiliated to NAFAS)
Tuesday 16th September, 7 for 7.30pm start
We welcome
Brenda Bull
with her demonstration ‘Ancient Routes’ Visitors are most welcome, £7 on the door. Sales table, Refreshments and Raffle. West Chiltington Village Hall, Mill Road, RH20 2PZ. For more information, please contact Brenda (01798) 813712 or Carol (01798) 813608
Email: wchiltfloralclub@gmail.com
L of a Question!
If you took your driving test again would you pass?
Are you a better than average driver? When asked, most people assert that they are but that would be impossible mathematically!
Every day as I drive to and from work it seems that I encounter just about every lunatic and his mother. People on their phones apparently texting; men shaving and women applying eyeliner in their rearview mirror while zooming along in the fast lane. People who don’t use their headlights and fog lights correctly, or at all! And last week I was nearly taken off the road completely by someone who failed to check their blind spot before they began an overtaking manoeuvre. I muttered a few choice words, then caught sight of a speed sign and realised that actually I was driving nearly 10 miles per hour over the speed limit… hmm, maybe I was one of the idiots on another driver’s journey. This was a sobering thought.
advanced road skills. It was this last one which interested me particularly and I asked my instructor to assess my normal driving standard.
I admit to feeling pleasantly surprised when, after we’d driven around for a while, he said, “Not bad actually.” If he’d left it there I’d have been happy but... “Unfortunately,” he added, “You’ve picked up a few bad habits over the years.” His main criticism was that I under-used my mirrors (at least I didn’t use them to retouch my lipstick while negotiating a roundabout), and he was not at all impressed by my parallel parking skills which is probably a fair assessment.
I enjoyed the session and found it valuable, so valuable that I’ve booked a half-day course which includes use of a skid pad – after my disastrous showing in the theory test I think I need some help handling icy conditions!
When I got home I looked up the theory part of the current driving test. I passed my own test back in the eighties before this became a requirement. I found an online mock exam and took it without doing any preparation. I passed but not with the full marks I imagined I’d get. I scored 45 out of 50 – the pass mark is 43. All the questions I got wrong were those about icy conditions. I fared somewhat better in the hazard awareness test scoring 68 out of 75 (pass mark 44).
I didn’t feel up to taking my practical test again, but I did book a taster session at a local centre which offers advanced driving-skills packages, including skid-pan training, defensive driving, and
•
•
•
Perhaps a few more of us would benefit from a refresher course. Anything which makes us safer drivers has to be good thing doesn’t it?
Sarah Davey
Most common bad habits
• Driving too fast – especially through built-up areas, roadworks and during wet weather.
• Under-use of mirrors.
• Not looking far enough ahead – less reaction time to hazards.
• Tailgating – driving too close to the car in front.
• Wrong seating position – generally set too low which affects visibility.
We
We
What’s On near you / Motoring
What’s On – September
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 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 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 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 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
07762 767084 or
07762 767084, editor@villagetweet.co.uk
What’s On near you
Every Tues Billingshurst Short Mat Bowls. Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre. 2-4pm
Every Tues Preschool Ballet and street dance classes. Jubilee Fields, Billingshurst. VMA Dance run fun, friendly & Thurs classes for preschool children. Free trial then £4pw pre-booked. 07879 773705 www.vmadance.co.uk
Every Tues Horsham Bridge Club. Online BBO 7pm & Face-to-Face 7.15pm. 22a East Sreet, Horsham RH12 1HL & Thurs Graham Walker, tel: (01403) 734156. www.horshambridge.co.uk
Every Tues Pétanque Club. Shipley Football Ground, 10.15 for 10.30am start (*spring/summer/autumn, Friday, 6.30pm) & Fri* Coffee after. Equipment provided. All ages and abilities. www.HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org. Tel: Russell, 07803 259190 or email: info@HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org
Every Weds Blue Idol Open Day. Blue Idol Quaker Meeting House, Oldhouse Lane, RH13 8QP. 10am-1pm. Discover Mar-Oct local history and spend time in this peaceful place. www.blueidol.org. Tel: (01403) 740039
Every WedsHorsham Accordion Band. Practises in Slinfold Chapel from 7.30-9.30pm. Varied repertoire. Band Leader Mags Fisher tel: (01403) 790717 or email: magsfisher@btinternet.com
Every WedsThe Millennium Bridge Club. Storrington Village Hall, 1.30-4.30pm. All abilities. Please contact: Barbara: (01903) 741365 or daisy.campling@btinternet.com
Every WedsLine dancing. St Gabriel’s Church Hall. Improvers 6-7.15pm, intermediates 7.15-9.30pm. Details from Maureen, tel: 07774 828282
Every WedsBillingshurst Bell Ringing practice. St Mary’s Church, Billingshurst. 7.30-9.15pm. New learners and visitors welcome, just turn up. For information, phone Alison on (01403) 588181
Every Weds The Leconfield Singers. United Reformed Church, Petworth. 8-10pm. Mixed voice non-audition community choir. Newcomers welcome. More details and term times see www.leconfieldsingers.co.uk
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 WedsBillingshurst Community Larder. School House, The Weald School, Billingshurst. 10am-12 noon. Come and find free food and help save food waste. All welcome. Please bring bags. Parking: Leisure Centre Car Park. Facebook: Billingshurst Community Larder. (Not open in Christmas/New Year week)
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
2 Sep 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
2 Sep Billingshurst Community Bridge Club. Meets 1st Tuesday of each month, venue varies and depends on numbers, contact Jan Buttinger, e-mail: janbuttinger@gmail.com
2 Sep Parish Council Planning & Environmental Committee meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7pm
2 Sep The Arts Society West Sussex lecture by Sarah Leyton: ‘Everything you need to know about the Royal Ballet in 60 minutes’. Fittleworth Village Hall. Doors open 1.15, lecture 2pm followed by tea and coffee Visitors (£10) most welcome. Contact Gilly Myers, tel: 07805 731663 or email: westsussex@theartssociety.org. www.theartssocietywestsussex.org
3 Sep The Arts Society South Downs lecture by Bertie Pearce: ‘Now You See it Now You Don’t – The Art of Visual Deception’ Fittleworth Village Hall, EH20 1JB. 10.45am (preceded by coffee at 9.50am). Members free, visitors welcome, £8. (No booking required.) Further details: www.theartssocietysouthdowns.org.uk or Jane Allison, tel: (01798) 813314
3 Sep Parish Council Full Council & Trustees meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7pm
4 Sep 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
Charity / What’s On near you
Lions’ continuing involvement with schools
Schools form an important part of the support Billingshurst & District Lions provide throughout the community.
Pre-schools – Dauxwood, St Gabriels and Wakoos in Billingshurst, Barns Green, Loxwood, Plaistow, Rudgwick and Slinfold. All are given a selection of books to take home and open with their parents.
Primary schools – Billingshurst Academy, Barns Green, Loxwood, Plaistow & Kirdford, Rudgwick, Shipley, Slinfold, St. Mary’s Pulborough, William Penn at Coolham and Wisborough Green. Again, Book Giveaways are popular.
Seven schools entered a new art competition: What Farmers Do For Us. Certificates and Lions Bookshop gift vouchers were presented to the winners with certificates for the runners up.
During the summer term, eight schools took part in a Butterfly Project. Garden Packs, including seeds, were provided earlier in the year for a garden, before schools ordered caterpillars and watched them evolve into butterflies – witnessing one of nature’s wonders.
Outdoor Projects were completed at Loxwood, Plaistow & Kirdford, Shipley and William Penn, with others planned for Barns Green, Rudgwick and St Mary’s.
Lions organised a book stall at the Billingshurst Academy Fun Day and sold cakes and drinks at
Barns Green Summer Fete, proceeds from both events donated to the schools. Lions later provided an emotional Flamingo Surprise for Barns Green school leavers. Lions also helped at a Puzzle Day at Shipley, whilst Rudgwick and Plaistow & Kirdford schools are involved in our Winter Coat Appeal
Children at Ingfield Manor enjoyed a Book-Giveaway and took part in the Butterfly Project; with Lions organising car parking at their Summer Fete.
At The Weald Community School, Lions helped with transport and during the Seniors Easter Lunch Party, and then on the gates at Weald Fest Lions are also sponsoring this year’s Gold Awards.
Viv Diggens, School Coordinator, says, “There’s more – six schools are taking part in a new ROAR campaign, challenging children for ideas to change the world, in the autumn term”. Further information on billingshurst.org and Facebook.
Harvey Holmes – Press Officer, Billingshurst & District Lions Club
Photo: Children at William Penn Primary School are proud of the Butterfly Garden they have created. Inset: a Painted Lady butterfly at Rudgwick Primary School
4 Sep 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
6 Sep Craft and Chat Group. Unitarian Chapel, Billingshurst. Every 1st Saturday, 12.15-3.45pm. Bring your own project. Refreshments on offer. Tel: (01403)785116
6 Sep 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
6 Sep 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. See page 42
8 Sep 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
10 Sep 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
10 Sep Parish Council Working Practices Committee meeting. Billingshurst Centre. 7pm
11 Sep Billingshurst WI Talk. Gillian Lloyd explores her experiences as a wildlife photographer: ‘Wildlife begins at 50’. Community Centre, Roman Way. 1.30pm. WI members enjoy interesting speakers and socialising in each other’s company. Visitors welcome, £5. Tel: (01403) 257531
11 Sep 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
11 Sep Billingshurst Wednesday Group Talk: George Reekie who will show us some of his stunning photography of vibrant Costa Rica – its wildlife and local culture. 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
12 Sep 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 Donna Townsend, secretary, e-mail: billywineandbeer@gmail.com or via Facebook. www.billingshurstwineandbeercircle.com
13 Sep Live Music: Purple Zeppelin. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 8pm. New Show for 2025! Tickets: £24 from Box Office (01483) 278000 or visit cranleigharts.org
13 Sep 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
13 Sep 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
15 Sep
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
15 Sep Royal British Legion Battle of Britain Day Pub Quiz Night. Kings Head, Billingshurst. 7.30 for 8pm start. More details from Rob Nicholl, e-mail: billingshurst.chairman@rbl.community
15 Sep Billingshurst Lions Club Meeting. Sports Pavilion, Jubilee Fields, Billingshurst. 7.30pm. For information about the Club contact Viv Diggens on (01403) 752968 or call in at the Lions Bookshop, Jengers Mead
16 Sep 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
16 Sep Janet Street Porter is Off The Leash! Cranleigh Arts Centre. 7.30pm. The nation's favourite p****d-off pensioner brings comedy, tragedy and gossip in equal measure, a tour de force rant against growing old gracefully. Tickets: £27.50 from Box Office (01483) 278000 or visit cranleigharts.org
16 Sep Loxwood Jazz Club: Derek Nash/Simon Bates Quartet. Village Hall. Doors open 7.30pm. With candle-lit tables and a licensed bar, it has a very intimate atmosphere with international standard jazz. Tickets £15 from Peter Winney, tel: (01403) 752377. For more info and to purchase tickets online visit www.loxwoodjazz.co.uk. See page 11
18-20 Sep
Billingshurst Dramatic Society: ‘Blithe Spirit’. Women’s Hall. Doors open at 7pm and curtain up at
7.45pm. Tickets: Mansell MacTaggart or www.billingshurstdramaticsociety.com. See page 18
Billingshurst Horticultural Society Outing: Wisley Gardens. Details: Mrs S Wells, tel: (01403) 784159
Billingshurst Film Night. ‘Salt Path’ 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 Cranleigh Art & Crafts Society Demonstration by Alison Saunders: ‘Mono Prints using Gelli Prints’. The Band Room, Village Way, Cranleigh GU6 8AF 2.30pm. Visitors welcome £5. Info: info@caacs.co.uk
Billingshurst Artisan Market. Six Bells car park. 9.30am-1.30pm. Local foods and crafts
Shipley Arts Festival concert. St Mary’s, Billingshurst. 6.30pm. Stradivarious Piano Trio. Tickets from £20 via: www.barnardimusicgroup.com See pages 4-5
NGS Open Garden. Meadow Farm, down Blackgate Lane, off A29 north of Pulborough. 1-5pm. Meadow Farm is a 2-acre garden, plus wildflower meadows. Designed by the owners and includes double borders, formal pond, gravel garden, white garden, orchard and pleached hornbeam avenue. Walled garden provides fruit, cut flowers and veg. Wildlife swimming pond with bog garden. Newly planted prairie style bed. Entry £7 per adult, children free. Homemade teas
Billingshurst Wednesday Group Talk: Historian James Dickinson will take us on a virtual tour of the Cathedral City of Chichester 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
CAGNE Airspace online meeting. 7.30pm. Residents are invited to understand airspace above their home, online meeting hosted by the umbrella aviation community and environment group for Sussex, Surrey and Kent, CAGNE. Meeting will enable everyone to ask questions about growth of Gatwick Airport. Book at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/airspace-above-your-home-explained-and-whatairspace-change-may-offer-tickets-1561273855129?aff=oddtdtcreator Also see www.cagne.org
Parish Council Billingshurst Centre & F&GP Committees meetings. Billingshurst Centre. 7 & 7.30pm Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) course: ‘Exploring Art and Design 1890 to 1960: Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Modernism’. Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre, Roman Way, RH14 9QW. Wednesdays, 2-4pm. Tutor is Kerry Van der Schraft (artist and Art teacher). Fee £160 (free for benefit claimants) for 10 sessions, half-term 29th October. Enrol online: wea.org.uk or telephone 0300 303 3464
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
Cranleigh Comedy Club (with ATIC Stand Up Comedy). Cranleigh Arts Centre. 8pm. Tickets: £17.50 from Box Office (01483) 278000 or visit cranleigharts.org
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 Women’s Wellbeing Day. Women’s Hall, Billingshurst. 10am-4pm. Self-care, gentle exercise, relaxation, group discussion and light refreshments. Information/booking: juliajepps@yahoo.co.uk. See page 11 Sussex Green Living 3 events in Horsham to celebrate sustainable living. Sussex Green Hub & Repair Café, United Reformed Church, 10am-2.30pm. Horsham Community Fridge, United Reformed Church, 10-11am. Appe Day, Horsham Unitarian Church, 10.30am-2.30pm. See page 20
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
Hundred Watt Club: Burlesque and Cabaret. Cranleigh Arts Centre. 7.30pm. Gorgeously ravishing, deliciously risqué and just a little bit ridiculous, travelling vaudeville show Hundred Watt Club bring a glittering line-up of vintage inspired burlesque showgirls, comedy, circus and cabaret acts to Cranleigh. Tickets: £20 from Box Office (01483) 278000 or visit cranleigharts.org
Run Barns Green. Half Marathon, 10km race, 5km race and Junior race. Register at runbarnsgreen.org.uk. See August’s Village Tweet, page 13 and this issue, page 12
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
Community / Advertisers Index
Date Time
Trip Description
Monday 1st 10:00 am Bosham Browse and Pub or Café Lunch
Tuesday 2nd 9:30 am Lewes Scenic Drive
Wednesday 3rd 10:30 am Michelham Priory £13 entry fee
Thursday 4th 9:00 am Horsham & Sainsbury’s
Thursday 4th 2:30 pm Lidl
Monday 8th 9:00 am
Tuesday 9th 11:00 am
Three Rivers Cruise – Limited Availability
Haskins Garden Centre for Lunch
Wednesday 10th 10:00 am Chichester Market Day
Thursday 11th 9:00 am Horsham & Sainsbury’s
Thursday 11th 13:30 pm Tesco
Tuesday 16th 9:00am Eastbourne
Thursday 18th 9.00 am Horsham & Sainsbury’s
Thursday 18th 13:30 pm Tesco
Friday 19th 18.30 pm
Blithe Spirit Comedy – Billingshurst
Tuesday 23rd 9:30 am Sussex Downs. Firle for Coffee and Birling Gap for Lunch
Wednesday 24th 11:00 am Worthing
Thursday 25th 9:00 am Horsham & Sainsbury’s
Thursday 25th 2.30 pm Lidl
Friday 26th 10:00 am Holmbush M&S, Tesco and Next
Monday 30th 11:00 am Old Barn Garden Centre for Lunch
