Lindfield Times December 2006

• Three churches Christmas services pullout • Armistice Day pictures •• Dramatic Club success • Latest on High Street tree pollarding •

Issue No.18 December 2006

A monthly guide for the people of Lindfield. Circulation: 4,000

Page 2 Lindfield Times

Cover image:The cricketpavillion under a show shower.

© Lindfield Times 2006

Copydate for January issueof Lindfield Times:Monday 11th December

EditorJeremy CrooksTel: 01444 487454Email:[email protected]

Photography by: Picsnapperwww.picsnapper.co.ukPrinted by: Swan Presswww.swanpress.co.ukDesign by: Kipperwww.kippercreative.com

1st Lindfield Horticultural Society Social

2nd Adventurers Art Club Sale of unframed works

7th Country Market 10am-11.15am(Sheila Hobbs 438896)

8th Charity Supper Dance in aid of St.Peter & St James Hospice (Mrs Cramp 244274)

11th Hickory & Lindfield MontessoriNativity Play

14th Country Market 10am-11.15am(Sheila Hobbs 438896)

15th Lindfield Nursery Nativity Play

21st Country Market 10am-11.15am(Sheila Hobbs 438896)

31st Lindfield Club Dance

EVENTS AT

King Edward HallBookings: 01444 487445

THE LAST pre Christmas opening date for theCountry Market is Dec 21st. We will be closedDec 28th, & Jan 4th. Opening again for businesson Jan 11th 2007.

Last chance at Market

December 2006 Page 3

LINDFIELD DRAMATIC Club recent productionof Noel Coward's Hay Fever at the King EdwardHall was a resounding Success.

On three nights towards the end of Octoberthe KEH was packed to the rafters as eachperformance was completely sold out.

The Club, which had until this spring beenstruggling to recruit new members, ran anexhibition called Lindfield Limelight celebrating70 years of Drama in Lindfield. From thisexhibition they managed to recruit 5 newmembers which enabled them to proceed withthis current production.

The success of this event has now attractedmany more members and the club is thrivingand they are planning their next production forspring 2007.There will be two productions ayear in the future.

After holding a 70th anniversary celebrationdinner for members old and new at the BentArms on November 25th, our next event will

be a Christmas Club Evening on Monday 11thDecember.This will include a fun quiz and achance to chat about ideas for next year, andwould be an ideal occasion for anyoneinterested in joining to come along and meetthe team.

Anyone wishing to get involved in thisvibrant club is asked to contact Rex Cooper831512 or Tim Bishop 450604

To be or not to be:Lindfield Dramatic Club

REGISTERED CHILDMINDERjust outside lindfield has vacancies for under 5's. Having been a nanny for 12 yrs andchildminder 2 years I have wealth ofexperience caring for children 0-8 yrs.From tantrums and toilet training, to checking homework and care ofnewborn babies!!!Call Hannah on 01444 473440 or 07925 941358

fact anyone who finds themselves in need. Some10.5 million people – that’s one in six of theUK population - are eligible to approach us forhelp.

On Sunday 12th November at 2.45pm ourproud village came to a complete standstill asthe memorial parade set off and marched upthe high street, to All Saints Church, lead bystandard bearers from Lindfield’s branch of theRoyal British Legion.They were supported byThe Boys Brigade, Beaver Scouts and manyrepresentatives from local organisationsincluding local councillors and members of theLindfield branch of the RBL.

Ex-service men and women proudly adornedthere medals marching with pride to thechurch, stopping at the memorial. Receiving thelast post, the bearers lowered their Standard fora 2 minute silence.The traffic was stopped byConstable Leates from Mid Sussex Police asengines remained silent in respect for the fallen.

This year many children took part in theservice and the Branch wishes to express theirthanks to the Principals and children of


‘IS THE POPPY APPEAL still relevant?’ some ask.Sadly, events in Iraq and Afghanistan haveshown us that, 85 years after the first PoppyDay was held to help soldiers returning fromWWI, the cost of war remains the same. Everyyear many thousands of serving and ex-Servicepeople and their families who have fallen onhard times continue to approach The RoyalBritish Legion for help.

That’s why the Poppy Appeal is as needednow as it ever has been. Last year the Appealraised a record total of £24.7 million and yetthis only accounts for a third of the £75 millionrequired to fund the Legion’s vital work. Muchof this money goes to fund Poppy Support, theLegion’s range of welfare services set up tosupport those who have served and continue toserve in the British Armed Forces.

It’s not just older people who benefit fromPoppy Support. The Legion helps people of allages, providing financial, social and emotionalhelp to all those who have been affected byconflict. Beneficiaries range from children towidows, from single mothers to pensioners, in

Remembrance in the village


Lindfield and Blackthorns Primary and theTavistock and Summerhill Schools fororganising this. A poignant poem wasbeautifully read by Sebastian Masters and GraceHodgkinson of Lindfield Primary School...

Wreaths were laid by dignitaries and localchildren from the schools. One young man, EdenDean aged 4 from Lindfield, was intently listeningto his mum as he quizzed her over the meaningof poppy day. Eden was left feeling proud, as hisuncle is in the army and this little soldier soonunderstood the cause of the poppy appeal.

They shall not grow old as we are left grow old.Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morning,We will remember them


AS THE QUOTE SAYS “In this world nothing iscertain but death and taxes”.

Increasingly, Inheritance Tax (or IHT) is, withthe rise in house prices over recent years,ensuring that the two combine!

A survey carried out by the Halifax found that,in the five years up to 2004, the number ofestates liable to Inheritance Tax had risen by 72%.

Unfortunately the rise in property prices,particularly in London and the South East, hasnot been matched by rises in the IHT threshold.The current value below which no IHT ispayable is £285,000, so for many the value oftheir property alone makes them liable to IHT.

Ordinarily, whether or not you will have anIHT liability depends upon both the value ofyour estate when you die and any gifts that youhave made in the preceding seven years.

In addition to the value of your home, whichis likely to be the most significant element ofany estate, your estate will include all yourproperty and assets less your liabilities.

There are some important exemptions… inparticular, anything given or left to a spouse isexempt from IHT. Normally, this would meanthat between them married couples only benefitfrom one IHT-free band of £285,000. Carefultax planning can enable married couples tobenefit from two such exempt bands, leading topotentially significant savings in tax.

Other exemptions enable certain gifts to bemade during your lifetime without any IHTconsequence, including gifts of up to £3,000 ayear. For those who run a business or ownagricultural property, further reliefs are available.

When considering your IHT position, particularattention will need to be paid to the tax-effectiveness of your will and you should thereforeensure that this is reviewed at regular intervals.

For further information about this or any othertax or accounting issue, contact Simon Power ofPRB Martin Pollins LLP in Haywards Heath.

A TEAM OF four ladies from Lindfield TennisClub travelled to The Hop Farm, Paddock Woodin Kent, on 30th September to take part in aLadies Driving Challenge.This event had beenorganised by Marie Curie Cancer Care to raisemuch needed funds for provision of specialnurses to look after terminally ill patients intheir own homes, supported by their families.

This charity had gathered together fleets ofvehicles including double decker buses,articulated lorries, tankers, flat bed trucks, and, last but not least, fire engines. The contestantsdrove a vehicle from each of five categories,guided by a professional driver whosecompany had loaned them and their transportfor the occasion.

The day raised £20,755-00 and gave us a lotof fun whilst doing it. The ultimate momentwas to drive the fire engine with sirens blaringand blue lights flashing.

Our team, aptly named Lindfield TennisRacqueteers, raised £540-00. We are grateful toall our sponsors.

For tennis enquiries please ring Jenny BaileyTel 01444 459376.

Inheritance taxTennis Truckers


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This story relates to events in August 2003.

LENNY LODGE, who is a coach for LindfieldJuniors, was fortunate to win a football coachcompetition in the London Evening Standardwhich was an all expenses paid trip for 11players (plus a guardian each) to lead outArsenal against Manchester United in theCommunity Shield at the Millennium Stadiumin Cardiff.

Lindfield Juniors set off for Cardiff onSaturday morning travelling in style by luxurycoach and arrived at a training ground bymidday where football coaching took place fortheir routine for the big day.

They were then taken to their hotel and, aftera quick shower and a change of clothes, had anaudience with Sir Geoff Hurst followed by apresentation to Lenny Lodge and the coach ofthe team that was representing ManchesterUnited (Corpus Christie from Oldham).

Another early start the next day saw morepractice at a sports ground before theyoungsters arrived at the Millennium Stadium.

The changing room was situated next toManchester United’s and a final 45 minutepractice took place on the pitch for the boys.

An added bonus to the day was that fivecoaches from Lindfield's group of guardians

(Lenny Lodge, Simon Stevens, Glenn Furminger,Graham Watson and Gary Wall) were requiredto assist on the pitch for the coaching routine.

Twenty minutes before kick off and with60,000 people watching the Arsenal team wasannounced with each Lindfield boy running onto the pitch to take up the players position onthe field.

This was a fantastic experience for the boysto run individually onto the pitch and wave tothe crowd.

The boys then went into a coaching routinewith the Lindfield coaches of running with theball to demonstrate their skills which wasfollowed by each player taking separate turns ofrunning with the ball from the half way lineand shooting for goal (with a defender inpursuit).

Lindfield did Arsenal proud by scoring alltheir goals whilst goalkeeper James Howardkept the Manchester United supportersfrustrated being beaten only the once.

The boys then returned to the tunnel and ledout the Arsenal team for the actual match PaulLodge was at the front with Patrick Viera andwished him good luck; Patrick thanked him andpresented him with the Arsenal pennant to keep.

A fantastic weekend which will live with theboys forever.

Extra special day for local footballersTeam: PaulLodge, JamesHoward, JamesWatson, HenrySims, JamesDowell, TomCannell, CharliePearce, EddieBoucher,TomShambrook,Chris Wall,Matthew Stevens


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2007 Lindfield CalendarThis new calendar of the village is now on sale in most retail outlets in the High Street for £3.50 or 3 for £10.

All proceeds go to the Lindfield Bonfire Societyand they too will be calling door to door topromote the calendar in early December.

It’s a view of Lindfield never seen before, aview from the rooftops; a birds eye view.

Lets keep the Bonfire Night in Lindfield ‘a night to remember’!

For information or sales please phoneJeremy Crooks 487454

ON SALE

NOW


LINDFIELD’S VICAR,The Reverend Dr JamesClarke, has been made a Canon.

His appointment as Prebendary, of Seaford inChichester Cathedral has been made by theBishop of Chichester.

Canon Clarke commented “This is an honourfor Lindfield and for me personally and I lookforward to serving the diocese in this new way.”

Prebendary is the technical term for theCanons of Chichester and collectively theyform the Senate of the diocese as well asthe College of Canons of theCathedral.

They preach occasionally at theCathedral and the bishop calls themtogether from time to time to takecounsel on various important mattersof current concern to the church.

Canon Clarke has recently celebrated his tenthanniversary as Vicar of Lindfield. He waspreviously Chaplain to the College of St Mark & StJohn in Plymouth and prior to that vicar of fourcountry parishes on the west coast of Wales. He ismarried to Chris and they have two children Siân,22, and Richard, 20.

Prior to ordination, Canon Clarke was based atthe David Bruce Research Centre in the

Department of American Studies at theUniversity of Keele where he undertook

research in US politics and history,specialising in congressional andpresidential relations and Americanpre-Civil War political theory.

There will be a service ofinstallation (called a “collation”) at the

Cathedral on February 3 2007.

Village Vicar becomes Canon

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As from the 1st December

David & Nicola McCarthy

will no longer own

Harmony Pharmacy.

We would like to thank all

our customers and staff

for their support over the

past few years. It has

been a pleasure serving

the community.


Temple Bird SOLICITORS

The Village has a new solicitor practising at Temple Bird Solicitors in the High Street.

Tim Rodemark has been with the firm for some time but moved to Lindfield a few weeks

ago. Tim is a solicitor of over 20 years standing and lives locally with his family. He has

worked for many years in the Sussex area and brings a wealth of experience in Property

related matters. Tim heads the Property Department at Temple Bird which also has

offices in Eastbourne. In running the Lindfield office, he joins the Conveyancing team

there dealing with Sales, Purchases, Remortgages and other property transactions.

The Lindfield office also deals with Private Client work including Will Preparation, the

Administration of Estates, Trusts, Inheritance Tax Planning and Court of Protection

cases. If you are aged 55 or over we can prepare a basic Will free of charge.

Some of the Temple Bird Team

For any enquiries about their services, please contact:

Tim Rodemark, Geoffrey Wintle or Jean Gant for Conveyancing matters

Martin Loughlin for Wills

Michael Todman for Administration of Estates

Temple Bird Solicitors

69 High Street

Lindfield

West Sussex

RH16 2HN

T. 01444 482851 F. 01444 482384

E. [email protected]


VILLAGERS WILL be awareof the active part that thePreservation Society hastaken in the debate aboutthe appropriate treemaintenance program thatWest Sussex County Councilshould adopt for our trees inthe High Street andCompton Road after manyyears of neglect.

As David Macmillan saidin his previous article, ourHigh Street Lime trees areLindfield’s Crowning Gloryand based on theindependent expert opinionthat the Society hasobtained, should be subject to an urgent returnto a pollarding routine.

The planning notices submitted by WSCC tocarry out minor trimming of the High Streettrees rather than pollarding, and an even moreworrying proposal to fell some Compton Roadtrees while pollarding others in that road; wentbefore Mid Sussex District Council’s Central AreaPlanning Committee on Thursday 26th October.

John Jesson represented the Society thatevening and spoke with Parish Councillor AlisonStevenson along with a resident from ComptonRoad in support of a return to pollarding as partof a proper tree management program and againstWSCC’s notices.The MSDC committee debatedboth applications and decided as follows:

High Street: The committee could notactually raise an objection to WSCC's notice todo the stated work as the expiry date hadpassed, but they did agree to send arecommendation to WSCC to pollard. It now isin WSCC's court to come forward with anothernotice, which would be received favourably, to

take the further step and pollardCompton Road:The committee agreed that

Tree Preservation Orders be put on all six treesthreatened with felling and to raise no objectionto those to be pollarded.The samerecommendation to pollard will be made toWSCC who will now have to submit a furthernotification.

WSCC enacted the pollarding of theCompton Road trees in early November and it isunderstood from a notice on the ParishCouncil’s Notice Board that it is intended to dothe “height reductions” to the High Street treesduring the week commencing 20th November.

A meeting was arranged by WSCC with theParish Council and the Society on the 7thNovember, to progress the appropriatetreatment for the High Street trees. John Jesson& Michael Davies from our ManagementCommittee attended that meeting for theSociety and report that WSCC have agreed thatthe Parish Council and the Society need to betaken fully into consultation (including the new

Lindfield’s Crowning Glory


expert’s report the Parish Council hascommissioned setting out a long term planencompassing restoring pollards and keepingthem that way and considering the future of thewhole of the High Street tree population,including fresh planting and the replacement ofover mature trees all of which is to ensure longterm continuity of a healthy and safe treestock.) and believe that we shall move on nowto the right solution.The vital step is for theParish Council to agree the process at theirmeeting on 28th November.

The Society trusts that all councillors willensure that they are available that evening andwe would hope that a number of interestedvillagers would also attend, as the future ofLindfield’s Crowning Glory very much dependson that report and the support that the ParishCouncil gives to a return to a propermanagement program for our Lime Trees.

The Society’s objective throughout thisdebate has been to “restore pollards”, which isnot quite the same as pollarding, as it allows amore cautious approach to achieving pollards ifthe experts deem that prudent in the interests ofthe trees. We want to avoid the worst whichcould happen, namely that by next winter therehas been an accidental collapse of a tree boughin the High Street, insurance considerationshave prevailed, trees will be felled, floweringcherries planted in replacement and there willNO MONEY left in the WSCC budget to use forLindfield's High Street trees.The presentdialogue with all the parties involved meansthat this need not happen and our WSCCCouncillor Margaret Johnson and their HighwayNetwork Manager, Stuart Smith have, givenassurances that funding will be available toimplement the right solution, when agreed.

Alan Gomme, Lindfield Preservation Society

LINDFIELDCHRISTMAS FESTIVAL NIGHT

WEDNESDAY 6th DECEMBER 20066.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

LINDFIELD HIGH STREETANDUNITED REFORMED CHURCH


Whatever happened to Mickand Sandy Russell?

IT WAS back in 1985 that Mick and Sandy Russellfirst started alluring Lindfield residents with thearomas emanating from their fish and chip vanon Lindfield Common.The great British takeawayhad arrived, but it was not without it initialproblems. Once the license had been appliedmany residents in true Lindfield Style came outof the woodwork to complain about theproposal.The regular long queues on a Fridaynight suggested that the vocal minority, excusethe pun, had had their chips.

To this day the business has been continued byGary Sudds and is now an established part ofLindfield village life.

Enquiries to the whereabouts of Mick andSandy led them to a distant island of the WestCoast of Thailand called Krabi. After selling uplock, stock and barrel they set about establishingthemselves by constructing a home of theirdreams to retire in. Little did they know theywould have to cope with a Tsunami and militarycoup in recent years and Sandy spends a lot oftime on the computer and growing orchids.Mick cures his own bacon and enjoys fishing and

breeds Koi carp. Sandy’s father (84) potters in thegarden nurturing seedlings.

Krabi’s expat community are oftentreated to professionally cooked Fishand Chips whilst downing someexotic cocktail as a sundowner onthe beach.

Mick and Sandy would like to beremembered to all their old friendsand customers in the Lindfield area.

(If you know of anyone who wasbased in Lindfield and has movedaway and would like to establish alink please feel free to contact us atthe Lindfield times. All past editionsof the Lindfield Times are available atwww.lindfieldtimes.co.uk.)

Lindfield revisited

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TAVISTOCK AND SUMMERHILL has arich and colourful history.The school’scurrent location in Summerhill Lane, isonly part of our story. Belvedere Schoolin Bolnore road, Haywards Heath, wasfounded in 1888 and run by theGregory brothers. In 1939 the schoolmoved to its current location and wasre-named Summerhill Court. MeanwhileTavistock Hall, in Devon, relocated toHeathfield, East Sussex.These twoschools joined together in the AutumnTerm of 1973 and became the Tavistockand Summerhill School of today.

Past pupils contact us with your memories:[email protected]

A bit of school history

COUNSELLING offers clients the opportunity totalk privately about feelings and experiences in away which can bring enormous relief.Counsellors can help people to understand moreabout themselves and their lives, enabling clientsto gain greater insight into their problems.Thiscan help clients to cope with their lives moreeffectively and to feel more in control.

The psychodynamic approach considers the wayin which current difficulties may have their roots inthe past. Painful feelings can be expressed safely andconfidentially within the counselling relationship,where they can be talked about and understood.

My name is Audrey Pike and I am a qualifiedcounsellor with a background in education,registered with the British Association ofCounselling and Psychotherapy and workingwithin their ethical framework. Please see myadvertisement (right) for details of my newcounselling practice in Lindfield.

Its good to talk


IT’S THAT TIME of year again when everyone’sfeeling dull & in need of detoxification,so why not Detox in style at Utopia Spa atAlexander House.

Detoxing is a great way of removingimpurities & toxins from the body. If toxins areleft to build up they can often make us feellethargic, tired, cause cellulite, cause excessiveweight gain, increase stress levels & overall makeyou feel very unbalanced.That’s why the art ofDetoxing is to get it right – combine a healthyeating plan with an achievable exercise regime.

Why not kickstart yourprogramme with aSpa Relaxation Daysuch as the MarineDetox Experience.This package hasbeen put togetherto treat & detox thewhole body fromhead to toe. Detoxin style at UtopiaSpa combining the use of the relaxing spafacilities with the detoxifying face & bodytreatments.

This Relaxation Day includes full use of thespa facilities, Refreshments & pastries on arrival,a two-course lunch in Reflections Brasserie andthe Marine Prescription Facial & the DetoxCocoon Wrap.

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To get you started Utopia Spa are offering ‘The Marine Detox Experience’ at £130 (Saving £40) if you mention this article.Subject to availability.

Gemma BerryUtopia Spa – Group Treatment Manager

Detox in Style

Tiger Arts newsTHE LUNCHTIME concert in December will beon the 13th at 1.00pm with lunches served inthe Tiger lounge from 12.15.

John Baker (Tenor) will sing and DavidOllosson will play and also accompany John onthe organ.

The Stand Up Inn 47 The High Street, Lindfield,

West Sussex RH16 2HN01444 482 995

A Village Real Ale pub with a relaxed atmosphere and open log fire.

A range of ciders and perrys, and a variety of bottled Belgian and German beers plus a fine selection of wines. Champagne is also

available on request. We have a Darts Board, Bar Billards Table and Chess Table.

A Variety of Hot Pasties including Steak and Dark Star Ale, Pork and Black Rat Cider and

Vegetarian & Stilton. Ground Coffee, and a range of Teas available.

Both available in Decaf.

Forthcoming Events:

Live Music Night: Sunday 10th December 2006 - 8pm

- WOB -A talented man with a huge voice

and bouncy personality.

New Years Eve:Sunday 31st December 2006

Fancy Dress Cowboys and Indians.

Come Along and Enjoy the Fun!


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Telephone: +44 (0)1342 714914 Facsimile: +44 (0)1342 717328 E-mail: [email protected]

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CRANBERRY AND RASPBERRY RELISHMakes about 300ml

Put 1 small finely chopped onion and 3tbsred wine vinegar into a pan and cook, stirring,1-2 min or until the onion has softened.

Stir in 4tbs orange marmalade, 1tbs gratedfresh ginger and 250g each of fresh or frozencranberries and raspberries (not thawed).

Continue to cook over low heat, stirringoccasionally, until the fruits have softened (thecranberries will pop) and the mixture hasthickened slightly.

Pot, cool, cover and refrigerate.REALLY no time? Add a drained can ofmandarin orange segments and a handful ofbroken walnuts to a jar of whole cranberryrelish and gently heat before serving.

Dried cranberries add a sweet/sharp flavourto cakes and muffins. Lightly toast thick slices ofthis quick bread and serve spread with creamcheese for Christmas breakfast.

CRANBERRY BANANA BREADMeasure 3tbs milk and 1tbs white wine vinegarinto a bowl and leave for 10 min.

Preheat the oven to 160C. Butter and line a23x13cm loaf pan.

Beat 115g soft butter and 200g caster sugaruntil pale and fluffy then beat in 2 medium-sized eggs.

Mash 3 medium-sized bananas with a forkthen beat into the butter mixture.

Sift over 300g plain flour, 1tsp bicarbonate ofsoda and blend in together with the milk mixture.

Stir in 75g dried cranberries. Spoon evenlyinto the loaf pan.

Bake for 50-60 min or until the bread testscooked. Cool for 5 min before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely. May befrozen.

Have a great Christmas.Caroline Young

What’s cooking in December?Lindfield Times lights a winter fire with Caroline Young

THE CRANBERRY is a relatively recent addition to our festive meals but has long been a stapleingredient of American turkey dinners both for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Wild cranberries wereharvested by the American Indians and then by the English settlers in the New England states wherethey must have been a welcome addition to their very spartan diet. Cranberries are mentioned inold recipe books written by the very first settlers including the Shakers, the Pennsylvanian Dutchand the Pilgrim Fathers (or more likely, Pilgrim Mothers!).

Cranberries grow in sandy bogs on low trailing vines and were originally harvested using largewooden scoops resembling combs.Today most of the fruit is harvested ‘dry’ using a mechanicalpicker that resembles a lawn mower and the fruit is often transported back to the packing plants byhelicopter to protect the vines and the bogs. Less expensive ‘wet’ harvesting, where the bogs areflooded and the fruit collected by floating machines, is used for fruit to be made into juices andsauces. Knowing the history of these little tart berries perhaps we should accord them a littlerespect.

Instead of opening a jar of cranberry sauce, try this very simple but delicious relish which canbe made a week ahead and then gently warmed in the oven or microwave before serving with roastturkey, pork, goose or duck. Packed in a pretty container it would also be a very welcome gift.

There is much today that masks the real meaning of Christmas. It was John Betjeman who wrote ‘Some ways indeed are very odd, By which we hail the birth of God.’ With a stinging wit Betjemandispenses with much that we call Christmas today, before settling on the heart of the celebration:

“The time draws near the birth of Christ’. A present that cannot be pricedGiven two thousand years agoYet if God had not given soHe still would be a distant strangerAnd not the Baby in the manger.’

No longer a stranger, the Bible opens to us the identity and mission ofthat Baby. As the angel declared, he is called “Immanuel - which means‘God with us” and “Jesus, because he will save his people from theirsins.” Such bold claims demand investigation. So this year, amid all thefestivities, why not take time to consider the Christ in Christmas.Service times are listed over the page, and we'd love you to join us.

We wish everyone in Lindfield a very happy Christmas.

James Clarke, Vicar of LindfieldTrevor Lewis, Minister, Evangelical Free ChurchDavid Jones, Secretary, United Reformed Church

A priceless Christmas gift

17th December 8:00am Holy Communion10:30am “Joy to the World” - a Christmas celebration for all the family4:30pm Service of lessons & carols (1)6.30pm Service of lessons & Carols (2)

Both services followed by mince pies in the Tiger

24th December, Christmas Eve10.30am Christ in the Carols - a look at what some familiar carols say about Christ3.30pm Christingle Service (1)5:00pm Christingle Service (2)11:15pm Midnight Communion

25th December, Christmas Day8:00am Christmas Communion9:30am All age Christmas Communion11:00am Christmas Communion

31st December8:00am Holy Communion9:30am All age worship11:15am Looking backwards - Looking forwards11:30 pm Watchnight service at the Evangelical Free Church

All Saints Church

17th December 10.30am Jigsaw Peace – Service for all the family

Everybody welcome followed by refreshments4.0pm Carols by Candlelight.

Join us singing traditional carols and afterwards for mince pies and coffee

21st December 7.30 pm Traditional Carol Concert in aid of Charity

with Copthorne Silver Band and Lindfield URC Singers

24th December, Christmas Eve10.30 am Family Service.‘The Real Meaning of Christmas’6.30pm “What Christmas means to me”

A reflection with testimony, carols and song.

25th December, Christmas Day10.30am Celebrating Jesus’ Birth

31st December10.30am Family Service with Communion

United Reformed Church

Evangelical Free ChurchFriday 1st December 12noon-3pm Friends Unlimited lunch and Christmas concert

by Lindfield Primary choir [tickets 1.50, phone 483150 to book]

Sunday 10th December 10.30am-3pm All age service of Hope and Christmas lunch [book free place on 483150]

Friday 15th December12noon-3pm Friends Unlimited Poetry party [tickets 1.50, phone 483150 to book]

Sunday 17th December10.30am ‘It’s a Boy’ Nativity service 6.30pm ‘Carols by Candle light’ service

Wednesday 20th December6pm-7.15pm Children's Christmas party for 3-11 year olds

[phone 483150 to book free places]

Thursday 21st December7.30pm-9pm Chill-zone Christmas party for teenagers

24th December, Christmas Eve10.30am ‘Songs of Praise’ service

25th December, Christmas Day10.30am Family service

Sunday 31st December10.30am New Year’s Eve worship service11pm-12am New Year’s Eve Three Churches

Watchnight service[coffee served from 10.30pm]



ON A LOVELY crisp, chilly night on Sat 4th ofNovember 8,000 people gathered on Lindfieldcommon to watch one of the major spectaclesin the Haywards Heath and Lindfield Calendar.This is Bonfire night Lindfield Style and theBonfire Society didn't disappoint.

Over £3,500 was raised on the night, whichwill be distributed amongst various children'scharities.

The event now costs over £9,000 to stageand the Bonfire Society work all year raisingmoney from various fundraising events in orderto finance the show.This year we have createdsome Calendars with pictures of Lindfield inthem in order to pay for some of next yearsevent.They are £3.50 each or 3 for £10. Pleasebuy them as this will help to ensure the futureof the event for future years.

Bonfirespectacular Mrs Janet Irwin

EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT& PRIVATE TUTOR

All ages & Stages Children & Adults

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USING A DIAL UP connection for Internetaccess and emailing is a slow & frustratingexperience. Trudging through all those sitestrying to find what you want is a nightmareand keeping your computer secure and virusprotected … well, it’s almost impossible. Now,some might say “that’s all very well, but I can’tafford Broadband”. But I think it’s a case ofyou can’t afford NOT to.

Think about it.You can now get really fastBroadband and Phone packages for about £30 amonth*.This will typically INCLUDE your linerental and most of your calls, home AND abroad,immediately saving money on the average phonebill! It’s a bargain!

With the speed that Broadband gives you,surfing the Internet becomes a joy! Lookingfor great deals is now easy. Save hundreds ofpounds by getting the best offers on all kindsof purchases from insurance to holidays. Allhigh street goods can be sourced at theircheapest on-line using price comparison sitessuch as www.kelkoo.co.uk andwww.pricerunner.co.uk.

Then there’s the millions of bargains to be hadon EBAY, and you can sell your unwanted clutteron there too, thereby MAKING MONEY!

In addition www.uswitch.com will allow youto compare theprices of all yourutility suppliersand this willsave you in theregion of £500a year on itsown.

It all starts to make sense.Your on-line savingshave more than paid for your Broadbandsubscription.You’ve been able to do this from thecomfort of your own home and saved yourself alot of shoe leather!

So, not only have you saved time and moneyby getting Broadband you have opened up awhole new world of possibilities.

Dial-up is dead,long live Broadband!* try www.plus.net

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DECEMBER IS a quietmonth for events in theLindfield HorticulturalSociety with only theChristmas Social which isalready sold out.However the Officers andCommittee of the Society would like to wish allour Members and Supporters a very merryChristmas and a happy and healthy New Yearwith a growing season similar to this year butjust a little warmer in May, a little cooler in Julyand a more even spread of the rain!

The Society is looking forward to a fullprogramme in 2007, with three major Shows,seven Evening Talks, three Coffee Mornings,several Plant Sales, two Outings, the ChristmasSocial and the regular opening of the SundriesCentre Shop. It is really well worth being aMember, to join or to rejoin ring Tom Hugheson 415270

Lindfield Horicultural Society


IN MY LAST column I promised to report backon the Primary Care Trust’s public meeting thatI attended with my Parliamentary colleague,Nick Herbert, on the 13th September inHaywards Heath.These events sometimes seemdisappointing since it is clear that the HealthAuthority apparently paid no attention toanything said to them, and local people in MidSussex look as though they are going to have topay for the failure of the Government’s policyon the Health Service with reduced services.

The local community are together committedto preventing the Primary Care Trust from

taking away the A&E at the Princess RoyalHospital and to maintaining a full maternityservice. As everyone in Lindfield knows it is agrowing area, and why, when the population isrising the Health Service should be diminishedis quite beyond any form of logic.There is avery long way to go on all of this and I amimmensely grateful for the very handsomesupport that Lindfield provided at the march inHaywards Heath on the 14th October and insignatures to our petition.

Ahead of the march I spoke in a debate in theHouse of Commons on the NHS on the 11thOctober. During the debate I emphasised to theSecretary of State that since I became theMember of Parliament for Mid Sussex in 1997there have been four reviews of local hospitalservices. Whilst I recognise the positive changeswithin the NHS over the last few years andindeed the level of investment, the manner inwhich the Government is interfering with thefundamental infrastructure of the health serviceis a fatal mistake. Only 18 months ago I wasgiven an assurance on the floor of the House ofCommons by the Minister of State that “There isno question of A and E services beingdowngraded or becoming a minor injuries unit.That is not going to happen” – I will beholding the Secretary of State for Health toaccount.

At the time of going to print the definiteproposals within the Creating an NHS Fit forthe Future consultation(www.surreysussexfitforthefuture.nhs.uk) havenot yet been announced, but already we havesecured 45,722 signatures on the petition toSupport the Princess Royal Hospital. If you have

update from

NICHOLAS SOAMESwww.nicholassoames.org.uk

T 020 7 219 4143 T 01444 452 590 F 020 7 219 2998 [email protected]


not already done so please visit the campaignwebsite at http://www.supportprh.com or callthe campaign office on 01444 452 590 andpledge your support.

The petition will be presented to theSecretary of State in the near future.

If you would like to receive email updates onthe campaign please send your email details [email protected]

Turning to another issue of local and indeednational concern is the future of the Post Officenetwork. I recently undertook a survey amongstthe Postmasters in my constituency on thewithdrawal of Government support for the PostOffice Card Account. I am most grateful to allthe Postmasters who took the time to respond;70% of them thought that the removal of thePost Office Card Account will jeopardise theviability of their business.

My Parliamentary colleagues and I are callingon the Government to review their decision toremove the POCA.The long-term future of thenetwork will be best secured if the Post Officeis opened up to new markets and newcustomers. Post Offices must be able to offer abroader range of services; we are pushing formore Post Offices to become one stop shops forCentral Government services.

If you would like to get in touch withNicholas Soames, please write to him at theHouse of Commons, London SW1A 0AA, oremail him at [email protected]

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YEAR SIX PUPILS at Blackthorns, Emily Berryand Zoë Atherton have been working flat out toproduce a poetry book they plan to sell at theschool’s forthcoming Christmas Fair.

Emily, a keen poet approached her friendZoë, an able artist, to see whether she wouldlike to illustrate a book containing a collectionof winter and Christmas themed poems. Zoejumped at the chance and the rest as they sayis history!

The book will be unveiled at the school’sever popular Christmas Fair on Saturday, 2December. The girls will split the proceeds oftheir sales between Christian Aid, the school’spreferred charity and the Friends ofBlackthorns – who will use it to develop theschool’s new library.

Commenting on the girls’ initiative, headteacher, Ruth Schofield said:

“Emily and Zoë’s generosity is touching and Iam sure the money raised by their book willhelp make the library a great place for ourchildren to learn in many years to come.”

The Bleak night

Is as lonely as the moon floating by,Like a lily pad on a pond,Still as a frozen sign post;Trees are pale like snow,Cold as ice,Snowflakes fall in the faint wind,A blanket of silver covers the ground,Like a glass of white wine spilled on the table, Stars glitter and gleam,Like a pin reflecting light,Silver rivers murmur,Like a bee humming;Orange fish swimming,Like fiery ambers;Emeralds sway in the crystal water,Leaves dancing in the frost and snow; Towers of houses flood the street,Frozen in the icy breeze.By Emily Berry

Poetry in motion



HAYWARDS HEATH & District Lions Club is avoluntary service organisation and is part ofLions International, the largest serviceorganisation in the world.The area covered bythe club stretches beyond the town of HaywardsHeath into the villages of Ardingly, Balcombe,Chailey, Cuckfield, Horsted Keynes, Lindfield,Scaynes Hill and Wivelsfield.

Membership of the club is by invitation andis open to men and women over the age of 21.There are at present 24 members, from allwalks of life, the common thread is that we arecaring individuals giving some of our spare freetime, enjoying what we are doing in thecompany of like-minded friends.The club isalways on the lookout for new members, peoplewho are willing to lend a hand so thatcommitments can be met and, where possible,

extended. Being a member may be looked uponas a constructive form of relaxation. Workingtogether on fund-raising and communityprojects can be very rewarding and, in addition,members and their families enjoy many socialoccasions throughout the year.

The Club meets at the Bent Arms, in LindfieldHigh Street, on the first Monday in each monthfor a ‘business meeting’ and on the thirdMonday in each month for a ‘dinner meeting’.All meetings start at 8pm.

The social activities of the club are many andvaried.There is the Annual Lunch that celebratesthe 'birthday' of the club, a Christmas Dinner, asummer barbeque, participation in skittles, toadin the hole and coits competitions. Dinnermeetings regularly become 'guest' nights, whena speaker is present – so you can invite friendsand family to these meetings.

Internationally, we are twinned with a LionsClub in Lyon, France and this year are visitingLyon in December. We will welcome membersof the Lyon Ouest Lions Club in 2007.

Our fund raising activities include the annualGood Friday Swimarathon, at the DolphinLeisure Centre, Christmas Carol streetcollections around Haywards Heath andLindfield and stalls at fetes. Our annual incomefor distribution is in the region of £15,000.Thecost of running the club is supported bymember’s subscriptions, which are £50 perannum.

If you are interested in helping us helpothers and wish to learn more about Lionsplease: Contact Colin Brunt, the Secretary, on0845 8335807, or come to our ‘business’meeting at the Bent Arms on the first Mondayof the month at 8pm.

You can be assured a warm welcome - wemeet in the bar for a drink before the meeting!

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YOGA HAS BEEN gifted to us from the east andmany people in the west are now enjoying thebenefits this ancient art brings.Yoga is not just anexercise class – it works on physical, mental andemotional levels and is a path to holistic healthbringing balance to the body, breath and mind.

With western lifestyles making so manydemands on our time, many people are seekingsupport for their busy lives, something to keepthem healthy, happy and engaged in the fullnessof life.Yoga can be that support, on the mat andbeyond it. If you would like to try this gentleart where postures are adapted to you ratherthan you the posture, do come along on aThursday evening and give it a try.

I looking forward to meeting you.Judie

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Dear NigelI have blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)

and have been given hygiene advice for cleansingmy eyes as well as antibiotic ointment. Do you haveany suggestions on something else I could take toreduce the infection? Or perhaps a cream I coulduse around my eyelids as they are dry and sore.

Victoria

Dear VictoriaInflammation of the lid margins is thought to be

caused by staphylococcal infection but I wouldsuggest that this infection occurs because of abreakdown of cells on the lid margins allowing thenatural bacteria on the body through the protectivelayer of skin. Because this bacterium is in thewrong place the body activates an immuneresponse causing more dust and disturbancearound this area.Antibiotic ointment may well helpto keep the infection to a manageable level but itwill not remove the reason for the cellularbreakdown which has allowed the infection to takehold in the first place.To help your body to cureitself of this distressing condition I would suggestyou tackle it from both sides.That is from within as

well as from without.To help reduce infectionwithout aggravating the lids I would suggest eyebaths of Euphrasia organic tincture diluted 5 dropsto an eye bath of tepid water three times dailyfollowed by a gentle dabbing with a tight weavecotton cloth followed by a gentle rubbing in ofcalendula organic oil all around and over the closedeye lids. Keep some calendula oil with you so youcan apply it frequently during the day as required.Obviously wash your hands well before and afterdoing so in order not to spread infection.Workingfrom within I would suggest you make sure yourdiet consists of at least 80% alkaline foods, drinkplenty of water and take omega 3 with each meal.Go on a 6 week liver and blood cleansing regimeusing Urtica dioca organic tincture (nettle juice) 5mill mixed with 5 mill of Tarraxacum organictincture (dandelion juice) taken in water 3 timesdaily before meals for 6 to 12 weeks.You wouldalso benefit from a homoeopathic constitutionalprescription which would give a boost to yourwhole system however you could take someSulphur 6x 3 times a day for 10 days as I haveoften found this useful in these cases.

Best of health, Nigel

NIGEL GARION-HUTCHINGS is a Homoeopath and stress management educator.Email your questions to [email protected] or write to Fullspectrum,WTA 33 High St,Lindfield, Sussex RH16 2HJ.

What’s the alternative?


Members of All Saints Church are planning tohost a Christmas Day lunch at The Tiger forpeople in the village who will be spendingChristmas on their own this year.

If you are a resident of Lindfield and wouldlike to know more about the event pleasetelephone the church office on 01444 482405.

Places will be limited so get in touch soon.

Bowls season ends in styleWe did not go out with a whimper or beingrained off, we went out fighting and in style.Our Finals Day went extremely well despite adeluge in the morning, but all matches wereplayed to a conclusion on the day.The new ClubSingles Champions are Adam Harding andShirley Foxwell.

During the Season we played 92 Friendlies,winning 64 with 26 losses and 2 draws. A fairreturn.

Sue Willmott and Stella Wellum won theirCounty Badges.

We raised around £2000 for charitable causes.We also played host to teams from All Saints

Church,The Witch, the Badminton Club,Masters & Son and the Dramatic Club at ourOpen Afternoon. Obviously proving it is a gamewhich is for everyone, as they all enjoyed it.

Finally we had an unexpected victory atBurgess Hill in the Final of The Nicholas SoamesTrophy.We faced an unbeaten Burgess Hill squadand won. Lindfield thus has the privilege of beingthe first Club to have its name on the trophy,which was presented on the day by Mr Soames.

Not a bad way to end the Season really, but weare already working and looking towards 2007.

Roger Green, Club Chairman

On your ownfor Christmas?

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IN THE YEAR 1006 the Vikings landed atSandwich and, in the words of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, “did as they were wont; theyravaged and burned and slew as they went”History tends to judge the English KingAethelred (the Unready) as having mishandledthe Viking threat. In due course, Englandwould fall to invasion from the Vikings whohad settled in France - the Normans.

At the other end of Christendom, onChristmas Day 1006 was born the futureEmperor Constantine X of Byzantium – thatgreat Christian Empire of the East, now goneand largely forgotten. Constantine’s task wasto defend what remained of Byzantiumagainst the Seljuk Turks. He mishandledthings, notoriously weakening the Empire’sdefences and thus contributing to the

downfall of Byzantium.But both men faced formidable opponents,

and being under pressure were understandablyliable to make mistakes. Although both werebad at defending their inheritance the finaloutcome was not so bad. In time the Vikingswho established themselves in Britain becameChristianized and peaceable. Had Byzantiumnot held out for as long as it did, Europewould have stood little chance against thearmies of the Caliph of Baghdad. We wouldnow be living in a very different world fromthe one we take for granted.

But here is a comparison between 1006and 2006 to think about. Some historians saythat towards the end of the first millenniumthere was a general terror that the end-timeforetold in the Book of Revelation was aboutto occur. It didn’t and in spite of all theupheavals of the age, the beginning of thesecond millennium saw a new hope andoptimism, manifested in widespread churchbuilding. Western Christendom was describedby someone at the time as “shaking off thedust of the ages and covering itself with awhite mantle of churches”.

Towards the end of the second millennium,many people were worried about animminent nuclear conflagration. The cold warpotential for nuclear destruction on anapocalyptic scale has now subsided, and weare into a new millennium. Can we say thatwe have the optimism for the future whichwas held by our ancestors 1,000 years ago?For all the ebb and flow of the interveningcenturies, their cultural and religious legacyhas benefited us all. For all our knowledgeand technology, what will our legacy be for 3006?

John Usher

A thousand years ago

Experienced Teacher of Primary and Dyslexic children available for numeracy and literacy support.

Sue King [email protected]

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FUNDAMENTAL CHANGES are coming topowers of attorney.You may be concerned thatyou or one of your relatives may becomeunable to manage their own affairs. For manypeople, the current Enduring Power of Attorney(EPA) will be more suitable than the newLasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

A standard EPA is limited to financial affairs.The LPA could be used to give much widerpowers. Any EPA or LPA should be signed onlyon legal advice as they give considerable rightsto the attorney.

Existing EPAs remain valid after LPAs areintroduced and can be made up to April 2007.Under an EPA, an attorney who wishes to

manage the affairs of the creator of the EPAmust apply to the Court. There are fewersafeguards for an LPA.The formalities forpreparing and signing an LPA are also morecomplex.

LPAs will allow you to name an “attorney forpersonal welfare”, who could make majordecisions about your care, about nursing homesand even about “life-sustaining” treatmentduring terminal illness.

We recommend that everyone give seriousconsideration to creating an EPA, which isprobably the better option.

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We offer a full range of legal services relating to the personal affairs of individuals and families.Our partners have extensive expertise in the following areas:-

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Free initial meetings available for family and matrimonial matters.

Our offices are located conveniently at 51 Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath and parking is available. Home visits can also be arranged.

Contact us on 01444 411333 or visit our web site at www.sgallico.co.uk


PLANTS MAKE great gifts, so what better timeto compile a wish list of garden superstars?Plants that not only earn their keep in terms ofdurability and reliability, but also have plenty ofoomph in the visual excitement stakes.

Alliums – planted in ribbons throughout theborders, it is possible to have different varietiesflowering from May right through toSeptember.The huge lollipop flowerheads of‘Purple Sensation’ look good enough to eat.

Euphorbias – whichever one you choose, youwill be onto a winner. ‘Fireglow’ with intenseorange flowering bracts in June, looks stunningwhen massed.

It may have been around for a thousandyears, but there is nothing old fashioned aboutbox hedging. Its crisp, clean lines lendthemselves to every design style. Buxussempervirens, the most commonly availablevariety, has stood up so well to this year’sclimatic challenges.

At this time of year, grasses really prove theirworth.The orangey tones of Carex testaceaenliven the winter garden so effectively.Theyprefer damp conditions and colour up best inthe sun.

Many bamboos should be approached withgreat caution, if not a machete in each hand.However a well-behaved specimen is a joy tobehold and they don’t come more obedient orstately than the black-stemmed Phyllostachysnigra. Positioned close to seating areas, one canenjoy the lovely swishy sounds as the windrustles through its apple green leaves.

These plants will provide a good display andhave the major benefit of requiring minimalmaintenance. Who said you can’t have yourChristmas cake and eat it too?!

Haut Talk by Karoline Baird of Lindfield-based Haughty Culture Garden Design,M: 07742 731967E: [email protected]

All I want for Christmas is…

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Documents

Lindfield Times December 2006