Serving the Communities of Tillington, Duncton & Upwaltham

Home , Duncton, Fittleworth, Graffham, Petworth, Selham, Stopham

ISSUE 50 DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 FREE

Holy Trinity, Duncton

Recipe: A New Christmas Kids’ The Crew is Chocolate Beginning Drinks Pages Rock Steady Bombe In the P.12-14 P.20 P.32 P.34-35 Middle P PHILLIPS CONTRACTORS LTD Agricultural & Industrial Building Contractors

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● Country Dining ● Real Ale ● Log Fires ● Quiet Garden ● Accommodation The Horse Guards Inn Tillington, West Sussex GU28 9AF 01798 342 332 www.thehorseguardsinn.co.uk

K & J CATERING FOR ANY OCCASION

1 The Gardens, Fittleworth, Pulborough West Sussex RH20 1HT

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1 The perfect venue for your event, class, indoor or outdoor activity, wedding reception or other special occasion Set in its own extensive grounds with large car park and stunning views of the Downs, the hall’s excellent facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, main hall with seating for 80, separate meeting room with conference table and large AV screen.

Competitive hire rates. Discounts for Duncton parishioners. Step-free access throughout. Accessible loo.

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Tel 01798 344 213 M 07779 11 33 43 Email: [email protected]

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The Badgers

Petworth

The Badgers is a friendly, privately owned freehouse nestled in the heart of the South Downs but you may also be interested to know we offer an outside catering service, ranging from a small family barbeque to a full spit roast: a cold buffet to a four-course meal for a wedding, anniversary, christening or birthday party, including all options in between! We can cater for your event at your home, in a marquee or at the village hall. Please do get in touch to discuss the possibilities for your event: 01798 342651 or email Clare at [email protected] 01798 342651 or e-mail: [email protected]

4 WEST SUSSEX PAVING AND LANDSCAPING (TILLINGTON)

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5 THE PARISHES OF TILLINGTON, DUNCTON & UPWALTHAM Priest in Charge: Rev’d Dr. David Crook 01798 865473 Licensed Lay Reader Annie Sneller 01798 342507 Patron: Lord Egremont, Petworth House ALL HALLOWS, TILLINGTON Churchwardens: Ian Fergusson 01798 345150 Mark Lavington 01798 344489 Deputy Churchwarden: Nigel Williams 01798 342656 Treasurer: David Miles 01798 343512 Sacristan: Lee Lavington 01798 344489 Bell Ringers’ Secretary: Barbara Neighbour 01798 344700 Church Flowers Rota: Gillie Ross 01798 342 231 Organist: Brian Knowles 01798 342017 HOLY TRINITY, DUNCTON Churchwarden: Louise Hartley 01798 344990 Treasurer: Liz Beadsley 01798 343582 Sacristan: Rota basis

ST MARY THE VIRGIN, UPWALTHAM Churchwardens: David Tupper 01798 342343 Sue Kearsey 01798 343145 Treasurer: David Tupper 01798 342343 MAGAZINE Editor Editorial Board, contact 01798 342151 Websites: www.allhallowstillington.org www.tillington.net www.duncton.org www.stmarysupwaltham.com

PROMOTING, MARKETING OR SELLING? ADVERTISE IN THIS MAGAZINE For further information including advertising rates, please contact: Tina Bahns 18 The Harrows, Tillington, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 9AN

Telephone: 01798 342256 E-mail [email protected]

When contacting our advertisers, please mention this magazine.

ARTICLES or CONTRIBUTIONS: to [email protected]. Or by hand to the Old Post House, Tillington, GU28 9AF by 14th of month.

6 TILLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Chairman: Tom Compton 01798 344824 Vice-Chairman: Roger Morgan-Grenville 01798 342081

Councillors: Luzaan Allison, Jo Clevely, Charles Drake, Bill Creasey, Andrina Lunt, Fran Rhys-Evans, Sue Wickham

Parish Clerk: Jean Huggett [email protected] 01798 343906 County Councillor: Janet Duncton 01798 344914 District Councillor: Eileen Lintill 01798 342948

TILLINGTON VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Chairman: Jon Pollard 01798 368246 Vice-Chairman: Mike Wheller 01798 342680 Treasurer: David Miles 01798 343512 Secretary: Jon Pollard 01798 368246 Bookings Clerk: Kate Knight 07989 620 857 01798 865982 [email protected]

DUNCTON PARISH COUNCIL Chairman: Peter Thomas 01798 344352 Vice-Chairman: Hilary O’Sullivan 01798 344769 Parish Clerk: Hannah-Louise O’Callaghan [email protected] 01798 865189. Councillors: Vincent Leysen 01798 343213 Nigel Clifford 01798 344602 Keith Napthine 01798 669365 County Councillor: David Bradford 07922 865735 District Councillor: Alan Sutton 01798 342452

MANAGEMENT TRUSTEES OF DUNCTON HALL AND RECREATION GROUND Chairman: Vacant Treasurer: Andrew Beadsley 01798 343582 Secretary: Alison Pindell 01798 343332 Committee Members: Tom Cole, Katherine Minchin, Hilary O’Sullivan, Peter Thomas

ALL ENQUIRIES [email protected]

7 EDITORIAL

We have a wonderful bumper edition for our readers for Christmas and New Year. Thanks to so many from the Three Parishes who have sent in articles and contributions this month. Duncton has excelled, providing so many things for us to enjoy. Ollie Hartley's special wine tips for Christmas, Peter Thomas helping us peek into the secret winter world of bees and Geoffrey and Tuema Pattie’s Desert Island Discs, to name a few.

The good news that Reverend David Crook has been appointed to lead the Three Parishes as priest in charge has been announced (see pages 12-14). We look forward to his becoming a familiar friend in our communities. Please put the dates of Christmas services and celebrations in your diaries.

Perhaps many of us have spent much of our lives feeling more or less in control of our projects, plans and aspirations. We have had peace in our time, social security, health care, education and opportunity. We have known levels of predict- ability and safety not known by the generations before us. Many of us have little experience of injustice.

The pandemic and the prospect of global warming have perhaps made us think again. We are in uncharted waters. Our forbears faced terrible wars and upheav- al, famine and disease, with fewer resources, and perhaps were more resilient in the face of the unknown.

As we see the end of 2020 and turn towards 2021 maybe we can reflect on the ways we have been encouraged by stories of courage and kindness, boosted by the generosity and solidarity of family and friends, and how some things this year have actually been better - things we can use to fortify us for the future.

The following passage was quoted by King George VI in his 1939 Christmas Day broadcast to the British Empire, when things looked unbearably bleak and frightening.

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”

And he replied: “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.” So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.

The editorial team wish you all a very happy Christmas, peace in your hearts and good health into 2021.

8 AS FROM THE RECTORY

I have just been reading an introduction to some ideas for a scaled-down, socially distanced Christmas, written by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York I feel sure that they are right in reflecting that Christmas will look and feel different this year. At the point of writing this, in mid-November, we do not know what restrictions will be in force a month from now, but our family gatherings are likely to be smaller and it seems doubtful whether we shall be singing Christmas carols in our churches. Sorry to disappoint, but kissing strangers under the mistletoe looks to be a complete no-no too. Buying a kitchen calendar was my worst investment of 2020, and probably yours, too, but, to be deeply serious, we shall look back on this year with horror, as we think of all, around the world, who have lost loved ones. We stand in solidarity with families with relatives in care homes and hospitals where visiting has been restricted or prohibited. We sympathise with all who have lost their jobs or been furloughed, with those who are having to make difficult choices between heating and eating and for those experiencing any kind of economic hardship. We think of, and pray for, people whose medical treatment has been interrupted or postponed. And yet, we have cause to be thankful to NHS and other key workers who main- tained essential services throughout the lockdowns. Thank goodness for stoical school children and their resilient teachers. It is good that so many people have been able to continue working remotely, from their homes, and great, too, that most of us have risen to the challenge of becoming more IT-proficient. One year ago, the term ‘Zoom’ would have conjured up the image of a retro ice-lolly. Today it is the principal mechanism of providing church worship in our villages. As the Archbishops say, what has not changed is the Christmas story and the meaning of Jesus’ birth. Our Christmas services for Tillington, Duncton and Up- waltham are planned and you will find details of these in the magazine. Exact details may have to change in the light of the overall public-health context and gov- ernment restrictions, but, regardless of whether we are outside or inside, sharing hospitality and singing carols or not, our churches will offer the message of Chris- tian hope and joy via Christmas school events, crib and carol services and our worship on Christmas Day. The story of the Saviour’s birth, long foretold in the Old Testament, tells of God’s love for the world. This year has been a trial, but the signs of hope are now breaking through. Thanks be to God for brilliant research scientists and the prospect of a vaccine to combat Covid-19, and of 2021 being a much better year. I am thrilled to begin work as your priest in the beautiful villages of Tillington, Duncton and Upwaltham. I look forward to getting to know you, hearing your stories and accompanying you on life’s journey. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all! In friendship, David Crook 9 NOTICE BOARD

Send your notices to [email protected], headed Notice Board. The Tillington and Duncton Facebook pages have proved useful for some of us - use these as well. his instead!

FOR SALE Hen-coop or house with run, very good condition.– 01798 342638 - buyer collects from Duncton.

MEN’S BREAKFAST TALKS

MEN'S (& LADIES’) BREAKFAST SPEAKERS FOR DECEMBER & JANUARY

Saturday, December 5th: Nick Ferrier, head of Jackson-Stops, top Estate Agents in Midhurst.

Saturday, January 2nd: PCSO Jess Chambers - "our Bobby on the Beat".

Both by Zoom - details from [email protected] CAKE SALE TILLINGTON, Saturday, 12th December

To help raise much-needed funds for the church, we are setting up a cake stall opposite All Hallows Church on 12th December from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

A variety of delicious cakes, Christmas puddings, homemade bread, sausage rolls, scones, mince pies, quiche, and other goodies will be on offer.

For this we really need your help - please start baking! We will be delighted to receive your donations, sweet or savoury.

If there is anything you specifically want, let us know. If you cannot attend, let us know and we can drop off your order.

Please ring Carmen Woodhatch on 344777 or Sheila Davies on 343351 if you are able to help with baking.

PLEASE SUPPORT US – IT SHOULD BE FUN!! 10 AN ANTIDOTE TO LOCKDOWN 3 FREE GUIDED WALKS

Monday December 7th at 10.30 PETWORTH PARK Leader: Gerald. Time: 1.5 hours. Distance: 3 miles. Get to know your Park! See the largest deer herd in England. A chance to enjoy the picturesque and peaceful countryside in and around Petworth Park. Dogs welcome. Meet: The Horse Guards Inn, Upperton Road, Tillington GU28 9AF. Contact Gerald on 07748 597 568 if uncertain.

Wednesday January 6th at 10.30 TILLINGTON via PITSHILL HOUSE Leader: Gerald. Time: 1.5 hours. Distance 3 miles. Come and enjoy the picturesque and peaceful countryside in and around Tillington, via vineyards and then to Pitshill House. Dogs welcome. Meet: The Horse Guards Inn, Upperton Road, Tillington GU28 9AF. Contact Gerald on 07748 597 568 if uncertain.

And also on the same day

Wednesday January 6th at 1.00 p.m. SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS PETWORTH SURGERY Guided Walk. Everybody is welcome. Leader : Dr. Dawn Thompson Time : 30 minutes. Distance: 1 mile. Come & enjoy a flat walk at a gentle pace. Lovely views. We will have regular stops. Meet : Petworth Doctors’ Surgery, Grove Street, Petworth GU28 0LP. Free parking at Surgery. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of the Walk. Dogs welcome. Telephone 01798 342248 (Dr Thompson at Petworth Surgery) if uncertain.

11 A NEW PRIEST and A NEW BEGINNING IN THE THREE PARISHES

A WARM WELCOME TO DAVID CROOK FROM TILLINGTON

On behalf of us all in Tillington, we warmly welcome David Crook to the parish as our new Priest in Charge. We look forward to getting to know David better as he starts his ministry, and we are confident that he will lead us with fresh energy into a new chapter in our parish life. We have the reputation, in our corner of West Sussex, of being a very friendly and active community, and we are sure David will see evidence of this as he gets to know us.

Some of you will already have met David, as he has been kind enough to help us out from time to time in the 14 months that we have been without a priest. He introduces himself elsewhere in this magazine. He has recently been part- time priest in charge of Fittleworth and Stopham and will continue in this post, but he will now take on the full-time rôle of looking after five parishes by adding our three (Tillington, Duncton and Upwaltham) to his existing two. A brief summary of how we got to where we are is probably a good idea. We adver- tised twice for someone to take on the existing part-time post as priest of our three parishes but this did not produce a satisfactory candidate. We were then actively encouraged by the diocese to consider a merged living of five parishes under David. After long and hard consideration by the Churchwardens and PCC of the consequences, to Tillington in particular, of such a merger, and how these could be settled advantageously, we were happy to agree to the proposal.

The main area of our concern related to the sharing of David’s time – one person cannot be in five places at once – and how this would affect the pattern of services. Another obvious change from the past would be that there would no longer be a priest living in Tillington - David will continue to reside in the Fittleworth Rectory. With a few historic exceptions, there has been a resident priest for many centuries—the presence of the two large rectories (old and new) in the village bears this out—and having a priest in evidence and living on-site counts for a lot. Thanks to the great generosity of both our patron, Lord Egremont, and the Chichester diocese, we have secured the use of the cottage (532d) almost directly opposite the church as a Church meeting house and priest’s working space, with the facilities of toilet and kitchen. The building is currently being renovated. David has said that it is his intention to make as full use of it as he can for an official base in this parish. This is very encouraging, as is his intention to be with us at as many village events as possible when life returns to normal.

A pattern of regular services has been put together by David. The Tillington Churchwardens and PCC are happy with it and it should satisfy all the parishes. We are very fortunate to have available the services of our resident Lay Reader, Annie Sneller. The service pattern may need adjustment in the light of future experience but we are happy that it is a good and fair way forward. 12 The Rectory reverts to the care of the diocese and it has already been put up for rental.

It is early days and we will have to see how all the practical detail works out, but we are confident that the formal and pastoral ministry of the Christian church in Tillington can go forward with confidence and new energy under the leadership, and in the good hands, of the Reverend Dr David Crook.

WELCOME, DAVID! The Tillington Churchwardens

DUNCTON WELCOMES REV’D. DR. DAVID CROOK

Holy Trinity P.C.C. is delighted to welcome David to our village and church as our new Priest in Charge. We look forward to enjoying his services, being already familiar with his ministry style through the services he has kindly taken during the interregnum. David’s in-depth local knowledge of our pocket of West Sussex will be helpful in getting to know our rural village - quirks and all!

For Duncton C.E. Junior School, David’s appointment is a very exciting opportunity. His 30 year career in education as a teacher and lecturer in History prior to ordination will be invaluable experience, along with his Governor roles, firstly at Easebourne school, and now at Fittleworth school. David will be taking weekly school assemblies at Duncton, along with a Governor rôle.

We are very fortunate now to have a full-time Priest in Charge, and welcome the opportunity to build new relationships, and worship with Fittleworth and Stopham parishes, whilst maintaining our existing links with Upwaltham and Tillington. The stability and dedication that David will bring to all our churches is incredibly positive, and will be a huge factor towards assuring their future sustainability. We are grateful to Acting Archdeacon Rev’d. Derek Welsman, and Bishop Martin of Chichester, for their support and guidance with David’s appointment.

In accordance with enthusiastic and time-honoured Duncton custom, we look forward to all being together soon to raise a glass to toast David’s very welcome arrival.

Louise Hartley – Holy Trinity Church Warden

… AND A WARM WELCOME FROM UPWALTHAM

See article by Sue Kearsey on page 35.

13 INTRODUCING MYSELF - DAVID CROOK

I am delighted to introduce myself as Priest-in-Charge of Tillington, Duncton and Upwaltham, while remaining parish priest for Fittleworth and Stopham. I was born in 1964, raised in Northampton and proceeded in 1982 to Liverpool University, where I studied history and trained as a secondary-school teacher. Af- ter teaching in Birmingham, Nuneaton and Milton Keynes, plus a brief spell at Leicester University, I worked at the Uni- versity of London for 16 years. But when difficult times hit the department I was leading, with the heaviest of hearts I accepted voluntary redundancy in 2010. I took a period out of employment to clear my head, completed some writing projects and did some voluntary work. By the time I returned to secular employment, at Brunel University, I was ‘in discernment’ for public ministry and, after being recommended for training, I proceeded to Westcott House, Cam- bridge, in 2013. I know this area of West Sussex well, because I had four very happy years as Curate at Easebourne, Lodsworth and Selham, before moving to Fittleworth and Stopham, on a half-time basis, in 2019. Truly, I hope you will find me positioned halfway-up (or -down) the Church of England candle: central, liberal and inclusive. What that really means is I want to be a parish priest for everyone. The menu of church services across five churches will reflect that aspiration. For the past 30 years, I have been married to Karen. We have two sons. Hugh is 23 and works in London as a patent attorney. Guy is now in the first year of two, studying for A levels, at Collyer’s Sixth-Form College in Horsham. I love the theatre, films, and all sorts of music and I collect old radios, a pas- sion which no-one in my family shares (or understands). My first cricket and football allegiances are to Northampton(shire), but I am no stranger to Craven Cottage, home of Fulham FC. I look forward to being your parish priest. Face-to-face meetings look tricky for a while yet, but we can Zoom, telephone or email. Please contact me on 01798 865473 or [email protected].

14 THE “MUST HAVE ACCESSORY OF 2020”

Who would have thought at the start of the year that the must have accessory for 2020 would not be a Gucci hand bag, but would be PPE (personal protec- tive equipment). Working in the NHS I have seen the different stages of this coming into use and the variations of how to wear them. Under the nose? Un- der the chin? People have gradually got the hang of it and now feel less self- conscious than at first.

The working day has changed and everything takes longer to do, due to the whole sequence of processes we have to go through. Most other people in their usual lives just put a mask on/off and get on with life, but we have to wash hands before/during/after until our hands and face are sore by the end of the day. Of course we are still expected to do as much work and deal with as many patients. It’s not been easy for the patients either, having to wear protec- tion to see doctors and with concerns about even going at all.

Getting hold of the PPE has not always been easy and at one stage there was a weekly count of stock on a nationwide basis. The generosity and initiative of businesses, colleges and individuals in supplying face masks and shields (using their 3D printers) and hand sanitizer from gin makers was very welcome. There were times when the gin might have been useful as well!

At one time we were having to collect patients from their cars and we were instructed they were in a particular make of car. My car identification has im- proved considerably, although it wasn’t always as easy to indentify the patients in their masks. In general, patients’ patience and understanding has been commendable in these difficult times.

We are still smiling behind the masks even if you can’t see. It’s interesting to see how the younger age group very quickly accept PPE as normal. The other day, a toddler in reception, faced with an alien wearing all sorts of gear, just gurgled at me and smiled as if it was perfectly normal.

One of the many working in the NHS

A big “thank you” to all our carers and all key workers. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

15 BEES AT THE BOTTOM OF MY GARDEN

We are all used to seeing honeybees in the summer. But what do they do in winter? Throughout the summer bees build up stores of honey to feed the colony through the cold winter months. It is important to emphasize ‘colony’, because the bees that foraged endlessly in summer to collect nectar and pollen live for only about 6 weeks before they die exhausted. Bees do not strive for their own self-preservation but only for the survival of the colony and its queen. The queen is the only bee that lives through summer and winter. Winter bees emerge in late autumn, they are more robust than summer bees and live for several months and typically number about 1,000 in an average colony.

To get through the winter a colony needs about 20kg of honey. Fortunately for the beekeeper, in a good summer a strong colony produces a surplus, sometimes 20-30kg or more. Having harvested any surplus honey in early August, the beekeeper must ensure that bees have sufficient stores to get them through the winter. It is customary to give a sugar solution made up at the rate of 2lbs of sugar dissolved in one pint of water. Over a period of two to three weeks bees can take up 10kg of the sugar solution, which they convert into honey to supplement their stores.

As the temperatures drop, bees become less active: on a warm winter’s day some may be seen but most remain in the hive. To survive the bitter cold of the winter they must remain warm and they do this by clustering in a tight ball around the queen. They generate heat by vibrating their flight muscles without beating their wings. They move around the cluster rather like the emperor pen- guins in the Antarctic, though in three dimensions, each taking a turn on the outside of the cluster before moving back towards the centre. Generating warmth requires energy, and energy comes from consuming the honey accu- mulated and stored in the summer.

On a winter’s morning when you are enjoying a slice of warm toast and honey for breakfast, think of the bees hunkered down in their hive and make a resolu- tion to plant more bee-friendly plants next year.

Peter Thomas

16 THIS MONTH’S PET PORTRAIT

A working dog for all seasons. Our Sporting Lucas Terrier, Cassie, hard at work in Flexham Park amongst the wild daffodils, sizing up the fungi in Lords Wood, at leisure on West Wittering Beach and playing in some rare snow. Even a working dog has to relax somewhen!

Neil and Teresa Humphris

17 FAVOURITE WEDDING PRESENT

After reading November’s magazine, we decided to think about our favourite presents, given to us for our wedding, some 48 years ago. A hard task, as we were fortunate enough to receive many beautiful and varied gifts from family, friends and colleagues from across several countries.

We opted not to have a wedding list— we simply accepted what everyone thought we would need for a life together and were amazed by everyone’s generosity, thoughtfulness and imagination. We agreed though that one spe- cific gift captured both of our hearts and has remained a favourite throughout our marriage. It is a beautiful Persian Nain rug given to us by my parents.

The rug has travelled with us through several countries whilst we were working overseas and it has looked as beautiful on the vast expanses of marbled floors in our apartments in Tehran, Dubai and Saudi as it has on the wooden floors of various houses we have owned through the years in the UK. It has a rather intricate design in blue and cream, woven in wool and silk, and it seems to get better with age. Occasionally we vary the décor, but the rug is always at the heart of what we do.

Many feet have trodden on this rug, many children have played on this rug and now the family dogs enjoy lying on it too. We love it as much now as we did when it was first received, and it will certainly outlive us. Even though the colours may eventually fade with time, to us the beauty and sentiment of this rug will never diminish.

Carmen & Rodney Woodhatch We look forward to hearing from more of our readers on the subject of favourite wedding presents - Ed.

What's the most popular Christmas wine? “I don't like Brussel sprouts!”

18 LONG-TAILED TITS - THE TIES THAT BIND

by Michael Blencowe of the Sussex Wildlife Trust

“Who are these people?” You’ve hardly seen them all year yet here you are, paper hat askew, squashed between them on the sofa at Christmas. On a branch out in the cold darkness of the garden, also sandwiched between aunts, brothers, cousins and daughters, a tiny bird is asking a similar question.

Long-tailed tits and humans are two of Britain’s most social species. And, just like a visit from your relatives, the arrival of a long-tailed tit flock in your garden can turn tranquillity into chaos. It’s like someone has emptied a box of feathered fireworks over the fence. They manically bicker on the bird feeder and swing acrobatically upside-down on the fat balls, all the while trilling, rat- tling and screaming ‘eee-heee-heee’ like a troupe of Michael Jackson imper- sonators. What you’re witnessing is a group of roving relatives, roaming the neighbourhood to pillage your peanuts. This posse of outlaws consists of in- laws, brothers, sons and daughters. With their gorgeous pink, black and white plumage and those ridiculously long tails, these flying lollypops must qualify for Britain’s cutest bird. Then, suddenly, they’re gone and the pulse rate of the garden returns to normal.

By late winter the extended family will drift apart to find new partners, ready to start new families. In March, the foundations are laid for an epic construction. Moss building bricks are lashed together with ropes of sticky spider’s webs. The walls rise, a camouflage cladding of lichen is added to the roof and a cosy filling of a thousand feathers lines the interior. The end result looks a crocheted stomach and soon there will be plenty of rumbling from inside as eight hungry chicks demand to be fed. But raising a large family can take its toll. The constant hunt for insects can exhaust a parent almost to breaking point. And that’s when something unusual and wonderful happens. Their family arrives to save them. Aunties and uncles who have not been successful in raising their own family that year will selflessly help the parents and feed their nephews and nieces.

Once the children have flown the nest the whole gang remains together and joins with other siblings to form your chaotic neighbourhood feeding flock. But the biggest challenge of the year still awaits: winter. Freezing night-time temperatures exact a heavy toll on our garden birds. And that’s why at Christ- mas, hidden deep in a hedge, you’ll find the extended family of long-tailed tits huddled together on a frosty branch, sharing their warmth and surviving. Like them, we can all extend a warm wing to surround and support our family and friends this Christmas, whether near or far. Because none of us can get through this on our own.

19 CHRISTMAS DRINKING

With the Summer season of rosé and cooling cocktails well and truly over, we are now in the season of game, warming food and, of course, Christmas. Over 30 years in the drinks trade I have lost count of the number of times I have been asked what I drink on Christmas Day. This year, to compensate for whatever restrictions we are under come December 25th, I will certainly be cheer- ing myself up by having something a little more special than usual. Looking through what our local shops stock, there is a super spread of delicious drinks to be had. Here are some ideas …

For festive fizz, we don’t need to look too far at all. If you are a bit bored by Prosecco, pop into Hennings and take a look at the Upperton Aurora 2014 (RRP £30.95 per bottle) which is a blend of all three main champagne varie- tals, dry, crisp and perfect to drink right the way through Christmas Day. You might also try the Roebuck Estate Classic Cuvée which is available online at www.roebuckestates.co.uk—or I am sure you could pick it up from the office in Upperton by prior arrangement. Both are delicious and an easy stagger from The Horse Guards.

I generally go for white wines that have a slightly richer flavour than the average Pinot Grigio, which can be a bit puny. I have just picked up a case of Ma- con-Lugny, Les Genevrières, Louis Latour 2018 from Hennings (RRP £12.99 per bottle) and it is a proper white Burgundy for less than half the price of some grander names and just as good—lovely with salmon or turkey. If you prefer something with a lighter, drier touch, ask Hennings for their Muscadet sur lie, Clos des Morinières at the same price.

I head to the southern Rhône where the grenache based red wines are the perfect soulmate for the winter months – spicy, warming and ripe. The Côtes-du- Rhône, E Guigal 2016 from Majestic is great value at £11.99 (if you buy a mixed 6 bottles). Also drinking well is the Lopez de Haro Crianza 2017 which is available from £10.99 per bottle from Hennings and both the Graffham and Heath End shops too. If the FTSE picks up a little, Waitrose have the delicious Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine Font de Michelle, in stock at £28.99 per bottle and don’t be afraid of serving it slightly chilled … 10 minutes in the fridge gingers it up nicely.

If you like a glass of port or two over Christmas, Hennings will guide you towards something to suit your taste and pocket, but why not try their Blandy’s 10 year old Bual instead? From Madeira, it is rich and slightly sweet but just a little different. It is currently on offer at £17.95 per 50cl bottle.

20 Finally, rum. I have found this to be a very satisfactory alternative to whisky or brandy! Serve with ice, neat or with a little water. H’mmm. Very good. Majestic stock the excellent Plantation, 5-year-old rum at £29.99 per bottle but for the most special I have tasted in a long time (ever?) I spied on the top shelf at Hennings yesterday the outstanding Ron Zacapa XO rum at £110.00 per bottle.

Spend a little more, drink a lot better!

Ollie Hartley

RUM TRUFFLES

Making rum truffles has been a family tradition in our household for the last forty years. There is a comfort in bringing out the old recipes at Christmas time and this is a cosy activity to do during the dark afternoons of winter.

Ingredients

4oz plain chocolate 4 oz unsalted butter 10 oz sieved icing sugar 4 tsp rum or 2 tsp rum essence 3 oz chocolate vermicelli Sweet cases and a box

Melt chocolate in a bowl in a microwave or over a saucepan of hot water. Stir in the butter once the chocolate has melted and keep stirring until the butter has melted and has blended in. Now add the rum or rum essence. Add the sieved icing sugar, then spread on a plate and cool in the fridge.

When cool, roll into small balls and dip in the vermicelli. Pop in the sweet cases and present in a box. Helen Clifford

21 CHOCOHOLICS’ QUIZ 1. A Mars a day helps you work rest and play was an advertising slogan be- gun in 1959. Had you followed the advice (if old enough) how many tonnes of Mars would you have consumed by now. (a) 2 ; (b) 4 ; (c) 6 . 2. In 1824 John Cadbury began selling tea, coffee and drinking chocolate on Bull Street in which English city? 3. Solve the following chocolatey anagrams: (a) Key I Or; (b) Bedrock Elude. (c) Labor In; d) A Dirk Limy. 4. What mountain is illustrated on Toblerone? 5. Which ancient civilisation used chocolate as currency? 6. According to Guinness World of Records, the largest chocolate bar by area was created in Rotterdam in February 2020. How big was it? a) 230 m2; b) 383 m2 or c) 520 m2. 7. Is the melting point of chocolate above or below body temperature? 8. Identify these chocolate bars:

9. Which chocolate bar is shaped like a frog? 10. What are the American Equivalents of the Milky Way and Mars Bar? 11. Describe these ‘Quality Street’.

12. Which country is the home of Godiva chocolate? 13 Which chocolate bar was marketed with the line “It’s not for Girls”? 14. Which famous chocolate bar was/is “full of Eastern promise”? 15. Finally, ‘La Madeline au Truffe’ created by Danish chocolatier Fritz Knipschildt, envelops a rare French Perigord truffle in rich ganache, which is then rolled in dark chocolate and exquisite cocoa powder. Question: at $250 a piece (£2,000 a pound), is it worth it? a) No, never. b) Depends on who is buying. c) Wait - I’m just working out how many Creme Eggs I could buy .... (Answers on page 53) 22 TILLINGTON PARISH PATH INSPECTION–AUTUMN 2020

This autumn saw the annual inspection of our Tillington footpaths - 16.2 miles (28km) of them - for the West Sussex County Council. WSCC feels it is important to keep these Rights of Way open and accessible to all, especially in these Covid-related times when exercise is considered an excellent antidote to it. We are fortunate to have over a mile of disabled-access paths around Pitshill House. An inspection involves sorting the problems into categories of High, Medium and Low depending on their severity. The number of problem categories this year was: Highs – 1; Mediums 1; Low - 3. 'Highs' are trees across path, bro- ken stiles etc.; 'mediums' are less serious, where paths are still useable, and 'low' are even lesser priorities. In normal times, all these problems would be fixed in the next two weeks. But this is by far the lowest number of problems ever in Tillington. The low number is a credit to those of you who report different problems to me throughout the year, which are then attended to. Inspections also now involve checking on Ash Dieback. There is one tree at River overhanging the path and I am recommending its removal . If anybody else spots a potential Ash Dieback please let me know. Partly because of the seriousness of the disease, the Parish Council is about to advertise for a Tree Warden. This is a delightful, low-pressure, local volunteer rôle that will take one into the great outdoors, and where one can learn, and help pass on, all about our trees. One ongoing problem is the crossing of the water meadows at the bottom of South Dean Lane. The path runs parallel to the river towards the bottom of Grittenham Farm and onto the Lod Bridge boundary at Halfway Bridge. With the water table so high that even in wellington boots it could be dangerous sinking in, the WSCC had plans this Summer to re-lay the duck boards there. Please continue to keep me posted about problems.

Gerald, Footpath Warden, 01798 342151

Who hides in the bakery at Christmas? A mince spy!

What do you get if you cross Santa with a duck? A Christmas Quacker! 23 KEEPING CHRISTMAS

by Eleanor Farjeon

How will you your Christmas keep? Feasting, fasting, or asleep? Will you laugh or will you pray, Or will you forget the day?

Be it kept with joy or pray’r, Keep of either some to spare; Whatsoever brings the day, Do not keep but give away.

TILLINGTON CHRISTMAS SERVICES SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES

CHRISTINGLE: Sunday December 6th at 4pm Let us know if you’d like a ‘Christingle in a bag’ delivered to your home and bring it to the churchyard at 4pm for a short candlelit service. CRIB SERVICE: Tuesday December 22nd at 10am. Outdoor Nativity Pro- cession starting at the Village Hall at 10am and ending up outside the church (see website for more details). We have a pony, a sheep and a goat but need you to join in too!! Come dressed as Mary, Joseph, a shepherd or a king or just be you! Costumes available if needed - let us know what you need and we’ll drop it off to you beforehand. CHRISTMAS DA: Friday 9.30 Holy Communion with Rev'd David Crook, where children will be warmly welcomed and we’d love to know what presents you’ve received. Bring it with you if it's not too big! Sunday January 3rd at 9.30 All Age Service. Celebrating Epiphany - the coming of the Wise Men. Contact Annie (342507), Gerald (342151) or Shelley (345150) for more info. 24 REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

Act of Commemoration, All Hallows Church Tillington

On Sunday 8th November the Revd. John Bundock led a brief but intensely moving Act of Remembrance and Commemoration at the two world war memorials in Tillington. The names of the 27 fallen from the parish were read out, followed by the toll of the Church clock over the Downs at 11.00am, and two minutes’ silence. Wreaths from the British Legion, and from Gillie Ross on behalf of the Parish, were laid at both memorials. “We will remember

TILLINGTON LOCAL CARE – SUPPORT FOR OUR COMMUNITY

The TLC committee is always looking to provide that little extra support to all who need it, especially during these difficult times. We would like to remind you that although we are unable to provide driving support at the present time, we are still able to help with other things. Please do pick up the phone and ring Tillington Local Care (07910 234862) if you need any support, whether it is for prescription or food pick-ups, advice for financial support, or to arrange to borrow a wheelchair, we will do our best to help you.

The TLC committee members are also happy to talk and listen if you just need a friendly ear and someone to chat to, all in complete confidence. Perhaps you are not sure of the latest Covid rules and regulations? Ask us! If we don’t know, we will do our best to find the answers for you. Please don’t hesitate to call any one of us. Our telephone numbers are:

Carmen Woodhatch 344777 Ian Fergusson 345150 Gerald G-C 342151 Mark Lavington 344489 Andrina Lunt 07771331863 Malcolm Ring 861301 Mike Wheller 342680

Carmen Woodhatch - Chairman

What do you get when What do snowmen you cross a pine cone eat for lunch? and a polar bear? Snowburgers! A fur tree!

25 TILLINGTON CHURCH SERVICES AND DUTIES (Subject to any Coronavirus restrictions)

DECEMBER 2020 Sidesmen and/ Date Day Time Service or Readers The Second Sunday 6th 4.00 pm Christingle Service t.b.a. of Advent The Third Sunday 13th 9.30 am Holy Communion Mrs Pye of Advent The Fourth Sunday 20th 6.00 pm Carol Service t.b.a. of Advent Outdoor Crib 22nd Tuesday 10.00 am Service All Age Service with 25th CHRISTMAS DAY 9.30 am Mr Garrow Holy Communion 27th N.B. NO SERVICES

N.B. The Church is open for the services on 6th, 13th, 20th and 25th December. Otherwise it is closed.

JANUARY 2021 Sidesmen and/ Date Day Time Service or Readers All Age Family 3rd The Epiphany 9.30 am t.b.a. Service The Baptism of 10th 9.30 am Holy Communion Mr Sneller Christ The Second Sunday 9.30am Holy Communion Mrs Gresham- of Epiphany Cooke 17th

Zoom Service* 6.00pm The Third Sunday Morning Prayer 24th 9.30 am Mrs Ross of Epiphany Service United Parishes com- The Fourth Sunday Check bined service 31st t.b.a. of Epiphany website N.B. time and venue to be confirmed N.B. The Church is open for the services on 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th January Otherwise it is closed.

*Please e-mail Annie Sneller ( [email protected] ) for the Zoom link.

26 All the words in the left hand column all say HAPPY CHRISTMAS but in which language? Can you marry them up??

Buon Natale Bangladeshi счастливого рождества French Feliz Natal Chinese Feliz Navidad Gaelic Frohe Weihnachten German God jul Greek Joyeux Noel Italian καλά Χριστούγεννα Japanese Krismasi njema Malay Ikrisimusi emyoli Norwegian Merii Kurisumasu Polish Nadolig Llawen Portuguese Nollaig shona duit Russian Selamat Hari Natal Spanish Shèngdàn kuàilè Swahili Shubho bôṛodin Welsh Ukhisimusi Omuhle Xhosa Wesołych Świąt Zulu

50g porridge oats 150g jumbo oats 50g mixed nuts 25g pumpkin seeds 25g sunflower seeds 50g golden caster sugar 4 tbsp sunflower oil 2 tbsp maple syrup ½ tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp mixed spice ½ tsp ground ginger 100g sultanas 100g apricots, chopped mixture of sweets (we used silver balls, chocolate beans, jelly sweets and hundreds and thousands)

STEP 1 Heat oven to 140C/120C fan/gas 1. Put all the ingredients (except the apricots, sultanas and sweets) in a large bowl. Stir everything well, then spread out onto two baking trays in an even layer. Put the tray in the oven for 40 mins. STEP 2 Leave the granola to cool on the tray, then break it up into small chunks and stir in the sultanas and apricots. STEP 3 Put the granola in a jar ready for breakfast. To make it suitable for magic reindeer, put a few spoonfuls into a small paper bag and mix in some sweets. STEP 4 Tie with string or a ribbon and add a fun label for Father Christmas to find.

PS It is nice for us to eat as well on Christmas Day!

What kind of candy is never on time? ChocoLATE. What do you call a lamb covered in chocolate? A candy baaa. What do you get when you dip a kitten in chocolate? A Kitty Kat bar. What is an astronaut’s favorite chocolate? A Mars bar. What is a monkey’s favorite cookie? Chocolate chimp. What Christmas carol do candy bars sing? Almond Joy To The World. Why did the donut visit the dentist? He needed a chocolate filling. Why did the chocolate bar go to the dentist? He had a chip in his tooth.. DUNCTON CHURCH SERVICES FOR DECEMBER & JANUARY

Sunday 3rd Sunday of 6pm Carol Service December 13th Advent Reader: Followed by re- Sidesman: Mrs Denham Mrs Hartley freshments Thursday Christmas Eve Christmas Eve 4.30pm December 24th Crib Service Reader: Sidesman: Mrs Denham Mrs Aitchison Sunday 1st Sunday after 11am Family January 10th Epiphany Communion Reader: Sidesman Mrs Aitchison Sir Geoffrey Pattie Sunday 3rd Sunday after BCP 10.30am 24th January Epiphany Communion Reader: Mrs Sidesman: Mrs Hartley Denham HOLY FLOWERS COLOURS DUSTERS 13th & 24th Mrs Darley Mrs Darley Purple December 10th & 24th Mrs Burden Mrs Burden Green January

DUNCTON CARES

National Covid-19 lockdown is with us again. The current lockdown is due to finish on December 2nd, but there is always the likelihood that it will be extended or reintroduced at some time in the future.

Christmas is often a lonely time for many and is likely to be worse this year. Duncton Cares is a group of villagers who would like to hear from anyone who would like some help or to chat to someone: a friendly ear to listen and maybe find a neighbour to call in and have a cup of tea or a phone call from time to time if we are locked down.

Sue Thomas and Geoffrey Pattie are the first points of call - just pick up the phone and say ‘Hello’.

Sue Thomas 0759 696 9071 Geoffrey Pattie 07801 712142

A reminder that Milk & More deliver to your doorstep three times a week in this area. They can deliver most items including milk, food and vegetables.

27 DUNCTON REMEMBERS

Lessons of the Past and Lessons for the Future

On Sunday 8th November in a poignant setting in the churchyard of Holy Trini- ty, the congregation stood apart but remembered together the fallen of the two World Wars and later conflicts, and listened to a thoughtful address from Sir Geoffrey Pattie, reminding us of how our forbears overcame adversity, that pandemics are not new and how the tenet of the Rule of Law underpinned the support Britain received from the Commonwealth in some of her darkest times. Here are some extracts from what he said:

In November 1918 an influenza epidemic killed over 50 million people, exceed- ing even the slaughter of the First World War . That generation and the generation that followed into the Second World War would not understand if we, their successors, let a mere pandemic prevent us from remembering and salut- ing the sacrifice that they made for us.

We may be denied access to our churches but we cannot be denied a gathering in our churchyards, and this we are doing. The absence from our churches underlines the sense of disappointment and even distress in congregations who feel that the decision by the Church authorities not to seek an exemption to the law is contrary to the teaching of Jesus Christ .

Huge numbers of the dead in two World Wars came from what was the Empire and became the Commonwealth. In 1914 the Motherland was at war and in 1940 Britain stood alone against Nazi Germany. Why did they come to our aid in their thousands across vast distances? It was more than ties of history and family; it was a complete identification with the beliefs and values that emanat- ed from this country. Those values, centred on the Rule of Law, gave great strength to the countries that evolved into the Commonwealth.

Of course mistakes were made as the Empire evolved into the unique interna- tional body that is the Commonwealth, but we seem nowadays to want to focus on those errors and try to rewrite history. We should at this time of Remem- brance be grateful for the help and support we received as a nation.

Loyalty, affection , concern for others and the Rule of Law are the bequest that the Commonwealth, inspired by Britain, has given to the world. These are the qualities which we prize and recall with gratitude and are the qualities which will carry our nation through the current pandemic to better times ahead.

Whilst we could not sit in our church, everyone was moved by the service in the open air on the Remembrance Sunday we won’t forget, when we stood on the grass and listened to Malcolm Brinson’s playing of the organ through the open church doors.

28 DESERT ISLAND DISCS

A joint selection by Geoffrey and Tuema Pattie

1. Bernstein West Side Story - this goes back to London in 1959 when we were getting to know each other We are great lovers of opera, particularly at Glyndebourne and Covent Garden and in one special year at Bayreuth :- 2. Tchaikovsky - Prince Gremin’s Aria from Eugene Onegin. 3. Verdi - Don Carlos and Roderigo duet from Don Carlos (Domingo and Nucci recording). 4. Wagner - Prelude to Tristan and Isolde (our Bayreuth item). 5. Richard Strauss - ‘Im Abendrot’ from the Four Last Songs (Jessye Norman). 6. Anon. - ‘She Moved through the Fair’ - Irish traditional air. 7. Richard Strauss - closing duet from Der Rosenkavalier (Renée Fleming and Alice Coote). 8. Beethoven – last movement of the Choral Symphony No 9.

Our luxury item would be a mosquito net and our books would be The Selected Poems of U. A. Fanthorpe (Tuema) and In Search of Genghis Khan by Tim Severin (Geoffrey).

RAINFALL FOR OCTOBER 2020

Year October Year Total 2020 242mms 734mms 2019 141mms 660mms

2018 51mms 710mms 2017 46mms 727mms

2016 26mms 647mms

For November so far we have had 51mms. The total for the year is typical for our area in recent years. John Mayes, Haymarsh 01798 368345

29 GARDENING NOTES FOR DECEMBER 2020

Here I am writing this towards the end of November looking out on to 6 great spires of delphiniums surrounded by rose bushes. Don’t worry if you haven’t finished planting tulips, the soil needs a frost, preferably, to rid the soil of tulip fire disease, but keep the bulbs in a dry place and remember to plant them twice their depth in the soil.

Plant broad beans as soon as possible - we have had no Petworth Fair to give us the nudge to get them in this year. Plant garlic, onions and shallot sets, so easy and very productive. Pigeons are a pest, so all brassicas should be covered in mesh or netting, and remember the stakes ready for the broad beans and sprouts. Prune autumn flowering raspberry canes down to the soil, as the new canes bear the fruit. It’s a good time for pruning apple and pear trees and any deciduous trees such as acers and birches. Without the foliage it is so much easier to renovate and get a good shape.

Tidy the borders of fallen leaves etc., move any plants that have got too big or are needed for cuttings, gather up those leaves of roses affected by blackspot (but NOT for the compost heap), and mulch the surrounding soil with compost. Protect any borderline hardy plants such as agapanthus, (bracken is good, or straw). Lift dahlia tubers and store them in a cool, dry place. It is a great time for planting bare root hedging, shrubs, trees and roses (which are much cheap- er). Put tender perennial plants in the greenhouse for cuttings, e.g. geraniums and bacopa, and trim those which will be used for next year. Take hardwood cuttings of roses, so easy - follow the instructions given on Gardeners World website if you need help.

I have the serious problem of suspected honey fungus on the roots of a prunus that died last year. If it proves positive we have the hard work of digging the root out down to 2 feet, lining the hole with a heavy duty plastic and hoping the black “bootlaces” haven’t spread from the infected roots through the soil. They can do untold damage to neighbouring plants and shrubs. We will also douse the area with Jeyes Fluid.

During January, start forcing rhubarb. Prune wisteria to the last two buds. Cut off leaves of hellebores. Cut back ornamental grasses.

Christmas is coming, hooray! Lovely fire, feet up, plant catalogues, dream a lot!

Best wishes for 2021,

Gillie Ross.

30 POEM FOR A NEW YEAR

By Matt Goodfellow

Something’s moving in, I hear the weather in the wind, sense the tension of a sheep-field and the pilgrimage of fins. Something’s not the same, I taste the sap and feel the grain, hear the rolling of the rowan ringing, singing in a change. Something’s set to start, there’s meadow-music in the dark and the clouds that shroud the mountain slowly, softly start to part. ______

GUMBER FARM

In response to the question posed in last month’s Three Parishes Magazine asking the whereabouts of Gumber Farm, we received the following directions:- Up Duncton Hill, and over the top, down and around the bend “known as the Kennels”. Along the straight and past Upwaltham Church, up the Benges and over the top, and down the other side. Turn left for Eartham and Slindon. In half a mile turn left into Eartham Wood car park. Park your car and walk north-east on to Monarch’s way. Head out of Eartham Wood, on to the downs passing over a junction of footpaths, carry on, on Monarch’s way Turn right down a track and in half a mile you are now at Gumber Farm

Dennis Clark, Upperton ______

Do you have spare Christmas Decorations?

Petworth Cottage Nursing Home would welcome decorations to help bring cheer to residents over the festive season.

Call PCNH on 01798 342785 if you are able to help.

Signature Recipe

CHOCOLATE BOMBE

from Janet Gourd

Writing on behalf of my Mother, Janet Gourd: what a memorable day our family had when my Mum turned out her first Chocolate Bombe—yummy yum! Having been tried and tasted for over 28 years in Tillington, her now well- rehearsed dessert has travelled from Worcestershire to West Sussex, Surrey to Suffolk and across the seas to Australia. My school chum, now a chef near Sydney, scribbled down the recipe on her last visit. When a close relative knew he was coming to stay, he would pick up the phone and simply say ‘Bombe!’ (just a subtle reminder.) Many chocolate-loving chops have been defeated by the richness of a seemingly small slice, prior to an informed warning ‘It’s got rum in it!’ If you fancy taking on the chocolate challenge, you might find the following recipe very satisfying!

Stage 1 - The Cake Grease and flour two 7-inch sandwich tins. Cake Ingredients:

Cream sugar and butter/margarine until soft 140g self raising flour and white. Break the eggs into a bowl and 30g cocoa beat thoroughly. Set oven to Gas Mark 6 or o 170g butter or margarine 200 C. Add a little of the beaten egg to the 170g caster sugar butter/margarine mixture and stir carefully. 3 large eggs Add a little flour and sieved cocoa and stir gently. Continue in this way, adding egg, flour and cocoa alternately until thoroughly mixed. Divide the mixture equally between the two tins. Place tins on middle shelf of oven; cooking time 20 minutes. Test by gently pressing the top of the cake – if firm to touch, the cake is cooked

Stage 2 Sauce Ingredients: Cut the sponge cake into cubes. Place cocoa, 15g cocoa coffee, syrup, milk and rum in a saucepan. Half pt. milk Heat until dissolved and simmer for 2 minutes, 2 tsp. instant coffee powder stirring continuously. Pour mixture over the 3 tbsp. golden syrup cake, mix and place in a well-greased pudding 1 tbsp. rum basin. Cover with cling-film and place in the fridge overnight.

Unmould onto a large plate.

32 WHAT’S IN A CARD

This year, a well known shop is offering a card with the wish “Merry Percymas.” Really? I can imagine my children at the age of three or four saying “That’s silly, Mummy”. The concept of Christmas cards was to send a personal greeting in tangible form; not the corporate e-cards that flood your in-box from people whose secretaries go through a folder of business cards, type in the e-mail addresses and hit “send” to a few hundred people they don’t know. Nor the cheesy e-cards that play a tune and take up two minutes of your time to watch some graphics of a robin in a snowy forest. Not even to save the planet from cardboard does this go down well. Call me hard to please, but nor do the self-portrait cards sent out by public figures which get centre stage on the mantelpiece because people want you to notice that they are on close enough terms with, say, the PM to receive one (but do you really want his picture?) There is room on the mantelpiece here, though, if the Cambrid- ges should send a photo card with their bonny children. Pink Percies might fly! Nor do charity cards escape comment. Similar bland pictures each year relying on our goodwill but no meaningful message. The Christmas card is an opportunity to tell us what our money has achieved in the past year. Especially in this most difficult year. Did they manage to retain staff; did the CEO volunteer a paycut when staff were put on furlough? Most deserve a B minus – could try harder. The first commercial Christmas card produced in 1843 for civil servant, Sir Henry Cole, by his friend Royal Academician John Calcott Horsley, depicted the Cole family (children included) enjoying a few glasses of wine. Sir Henry was responsible for promoting what was to become the Post Office and the thud on the doormat in December of handwritten cards has for me always been part of the build-up to Christmas. But the thuds grow fewer each year. Why bother, when you can send an e-mail or WhatsApp message? No longer are cards carefully chosen as they used to be and lovingly handwritten with snippets of news and a personal message in a familiar hand – takes up far too much time. Or is it the cost of the postage stamps that has all but killed off the card? Perhaps this year will be different. Locked down or on furlough, unable maybe to join family, there might be an opportunity to resurrect the good old-fashioned Christmas card and send by ‘snail mail’, a tangible sign that you have been thinking of someone enough to give them a little of your time. Sir Henry might have been onto something. If we abandon Christmas cards, we may lose our postman—the only person we got to talk to in person anyway for much of the past year. Imagine life with no red van, no red letterboxes and no cheery postman’s smile to brighten the day. Sue Laker 33 My Sporting Past

THE CREW IS ROCK STEADY

“Eat more steak and drink Guinness! Please tell your parents that from me: we need to build you up!” Such were the instructions I duly took home from school and related to my parents at the end of the summer term when I was 14. My mother pretended to be shocked: “And I used to think that Mr Mathew was such a nice man!”, though she could hardly keep the budding smile from turning up the corners of her lips. Let me explain: despite being boringly studious in my lessons, my sporting achievements at my school on the Welsh borders had been unremarkable at best. Tallish, thin, not very strong and very slow, I was wholly ineffective on the rug- by field, especially when competing with young tough Welshmen who, unlike me, had been tackling, passing, rucking and mauling since they were able to stand. My football skills were, and have always been, virtually non-existent, and although I was a little better at cricket, rowing was my last realistic chance of any sporting credibility. I had spent that summer term learning mostly about the pain of rowing: sitting bolt upright on the wooden seats became purgatory after an hour or so (the later introduction of holes in the seats for the bones in one’s posterior to fit into was greeted with audible ecstasy by rowers worldwide), and the roughing up of wooden handles of the old heavy blades with a saw to improve one’s grip when wet was hyper-efficient in producing blisters on your hands: I think my record was 27 after one early-season training weekend. Rowing (goes the well-worn trope) is like banging your head against a brick wall: it’s lovely when you stop. In that pre-composite material era, the boats and oars were all wooden, and usually (to me, anyway) extremely heavy, especially the clinker-built and the extra wide learner “tub” boats. Along with many of the rest of my spindly year group I found the physical demands of the sport disturbingly demanding, and I was not at all confident of achieving anything of any note in this last main sporting opportunity at my school. But then … The head of rowing, John Hartland, had spotted in me some germ of ability of which I had been morosely unaware, and to my astonishment I soon found myself in fours, eights, pairs and especially in a double scull, usually as stroke. Be- hind me sat my bow-side crew-mate Robin Williams who went on to row for Great Britain as a Lightweight, and later as a coach guided Cambridge to 7 victories in the Boat Race, and also the women’s pair that won the first UK gold medal in the 2012 Olympics. On my 17th birthday we achieved an excellent 2nd place in our class at the Tide- way Eights Head of the River Race (the same as the Boat Race’s 4.25 mile course but in the opposite direction as the tide dictates), but things really started

34 to take off with our double scull. John Hartland was training us ridiculously hard (as we thought then: 3 hours a day, 6 days a week. This would now be considered as light training …!) and then one day stunned us with the news that he was putting us forward for national selection for the Junior World Rowing Champi- onships to be held that summer in Lucerne. It was not to be: the ulnar nerve in my right arm became trapped and inflamed and required an operation, and I spent the cauldron of Henley Regatta week in July 1976 sweating on a hospital bed reading reports of the Stourport crew (whom we had already beaten) making the final of the double sculls. More injuries were to follow: I was just above the maximum qualifying weight for Lightweight class rowing, and far too small for Heavyweight. I was stroke for my university eight, but, with five UK National Championship gold-medal winners in it and an average weight of over 16 stones, I struggled to keep up in the training, straining my wrist, pulling leg and back muscles, then breaking a metacarpal when a weight fell off a piece of gym apparatus onto my right hand. Rowing is extraordinarily tough and usually painful, and is also the most demanding of sports: veteran categories start at 27! Every major muscle in the body is used 100% of the time, and in a 2000 metre race you can burn through as many calories as a marathon runner does in two hours. As you approach the cli- max of every race, your balance, rhythm, technique and co-ordination with your crewmates all need to be at their absolute best, just when your energy fuel tank is down to fumes, the pain is at its greatest, and your brain has turned to tapioca. “That is precisely why you are in a crew, and not a team,” a national coach once told us. “Teams play sport, but you don’t play rowing: you row. It’s far too serious for playing.” The crew of 1976 have stayed in contact and last year we met up for our school rowing club’s 150th anniversary. A large house had been booked for the weekend, overlooking our beloved River Wye, but we still approached the event with some trepidation, not sure how we would all get along at close quarters over 40 years later. We need not have worried: having gone through so much pain together in both training and races for so many years, and sharing crushing defeats as well as the exhilaration of victories, someone that weekend remarked that we had never fallen out, never argued amongst ourselves, and were still as close a group of peers as we were amid the red mist of combat on the water over 40 years ago. We will no doubt continue to meet up when we can and reminisce about the glory days, real or anecdotal … One thing has definitely not changed, however: our almost universally-expanded waistlines when compared those on view in the 1976 crew photo bear witness to the fact that steak and Guinness are both still solidly on today’s menu. Duncan Lovett 35 P A C T NEWS Petworth Area Churches Together -

working together in harmony

NEWS FOR DECEMBER

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – an advance date for the diary – Sun- day 17th January 2021 is the launch service and plans for the complete week will become clear based on Covid-regulations nearer the time. The theme is ‘Abide in my love … you shall bear much fruit’ from John 15 – once again a great opportunity to go deeper in your relationship with Jesus and with those in the community around you. ‘You didn’t choose me, but I’ve chosen and commissioned you to go into the world to bear fruit. And your fruit will last, because whatever you ask of my Father, for my sake, he will give it to you. So this is my parting command; Love one another deeply!’ John 15:16-17.

The Website for PACT has a link to all of our churches, where you can find details of how to get in touch with the clergy and access their online meetings. https://petworthareachurchestogether.com/

[email protected] www.petworthareachurchestogether.com

PETWORTH AND DISTRICT OVER 60’S

THE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE

It’s been a very strange year—our doors have been closed since the end of March. No daily chats, cups of tea, Bingo, games , no coffee mornings, no outing or Christmas Tea. We have taken this opportunity to smarten up the Centre but no-one (except the House Committee) has had the chance to see the result.

I hope our members have all been able to keep well and cheerful. I’d like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and peaceful and healthy New Year and look forward to the day we can all get together again.

Caroline Stoneman House Committee Chairman

What do Elves post on social media? Elf-ies!

What is Santa’s favourite music? Wrap!

36 MUSINGS FROM THE VALLEY

When you look up the word “churchwarden” in the dictionary it says two people elected to be responsible for the church property and money. But it is so much more. Over the last few months the churchwardens of the 3 Parishes have been meeting to help select a new vicar for you. As we talk together you realise how different the jobs of being churchwarden are. Those who live in the village of Tillington have a larger population to draw from for your readers, flower ladies, cleaners, and bell ringers. You are able to have breakfast mornings, fêtes and Christmas Fairs. Steering you along the way you have Fergie, Mark, Annie and a very active PCC. You have been able to have church services during the pandemic [on Zoom - Ed.]. Duncton has Louise who has been our mastermind in compiling our church profile and arranging all our ongoing meetings. Louise also has a village and school around the church, so has people to draw from to give her much-needed help. To come to Upwaltham - so few houses, so few people. You will say we only have a service once a month, and year on year that is easy to arrange. But there is the upkeep of the church, fund raising, cleaning, flowers, churchyard, and creating a church of interest, to receive our many visitors. In the thirty years of being churchwarden. I am so proud of what we have achieved with our memorials for the fifteen airman and our never to be forgot- ten memorial service, as well as the repair work to the outside and the interior of the chancel. Reaching 81, I think about the future. My generation grew up with school assemblies, hymns and prayers. These assemblies seem few and far between now and are not held in many schools. How does the next generation view religion? But at the moment all is well, a new vicar David is full of enthusiasm, the future looks good as he says, “Great times ahead. Enjoy your Christmas Sue Kearsey Upwaltham

37 Back to School… by Pupils at Duncton Junior School

Now we are back at school we have to wash our hands all the time and have to stay in our bubbles, and not go to close to each other, it’s been amaz- ing seeing all my friends again. Cora (Year 3)

Everyday when I go into school, I know there is always a new challenge to crack in my learning! By Wilf (Year 6)

Duncton

Duncton is the best school I’ve ever been too. Under these difficult circumstances, the staff are doing a wonderful job. Nine o’ clock is when we start the eventful day of fun activities and lessons. Colourful trees cover the border of our vast playground space. Teachers make everything easy to understand. Our fantastic equipment makes learning fun. Never will Duncton fail to impress.

By Oliver L (Year 6)

38 Days at Duncton Determination with everything we do. Understanding life skills and friendship. Never stop believing in ourselves and always have hope. Creativity and lots of imagination in our school. The teachers are very funny and supportive. On Friday we have a cake raffle with homemade cakes by the pupils. Nothing stops us from having fun! By Elphina (Year 6)

A Day at Duncton

My favourite thing about A day at Duncton. going back to school is see- A day of fun. A day of freedom ing my friends, I wish I Come, come, come! could hug them but keep- Explore our field. ing them safe is more im- Explore our gardens. portant. I really enjoy Explore the woods. making fact files in science. Yes you could!

Elze (Year 4) Win the raffle. Win a certificate. Win a cake that our stu- dents make.

Now the end is nearly here, Bye for now, Before I drag you here!

By Isabel (Year 6)

Office: The Long Barn, Dye House Lane, Duncton Petworth, GU28 0LF

40 COUNTRY PAWS DOG WALKING

A flexible and reliable local dog walker.

I also do doggie day care in a homely environment. Insured and DBS checked. Pet First Aid & CPR Certificate. Phone 07533 023562 or email [email protected]

The Arts Society West Sussex THE ARTS SOCIETY We are pleased to announce our December talk SOUTH DOWNS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC—VIA ZOOM ‘Picturing the Nativity’ nd Wednesday 2 December 10.30 am will be aired on Zoom on Thursday The Magic of Pantomime December 10th at 11am Ian Gledhill

Wednesday 6th January 2021 10.30 am As Covid-19 restrictions remain in place we have rescheduled our 2020 programme James Whistler and the Gentle Art of of talks and visits to 2021 Making Enemies Douglas Skeggs The committee at West Sussex would like

We regret these online talks are for to wish everyone a Very Happy Christmas Members, but if you are interested in a trial For membership details and further information lecture please contact Hilary on please call Jackie Buckler on 01903411086 01403 785302 or email [email protected]

www.theartssocietysouthdowns.org.uk www.theartssocietywestsussex.org

David Doyle

Gardening Service

Are you on the church Local, reliable, flower rota? RHS-trained gardener We are here to help with ordering advice Call in for fresh cut flowers and bouquets. 07521 187827 Wedding and Event specialist. Deliveries. 01243 784060 [email protected] Jane Walker, Forge Flowers Stane Street, Halnaker Chichester www.janewalkerforgeflowers.co.uk [email protected] Tel. 01243 788484

GARDEN MACHINERY LIMITED Sales, Servicing & Repair of Garden Equipment

Ebernoe, Petworth, West Sussex. GU28 9LH Tel: 01428 707269 Fax 01428 707629 Email: [email protected] Company Registration no 7961115 LOGS SEASONED HARDWOOD CUT AND SPLIT TO ORDER Est. since 1992 Call for current prices FREE LOCAL DELIVERY Tel: 01730 815302 / 07787565544

43 44 NALDRETT GARDEN SERVICES

TURFING HEDGE CUTTING PATIOS FENCING PLANTING

Grass cutting and topping service for small paddocks, rough grass areas cut Compact tractors or pedestrian machines Michael and John Naldrett, Tel 01798 344013 mob, 07801 015156 or 01730 814927

DO YOU NEED A CARER? Experienced, qualified and conscientious carer with 20 years’ looking after people with disabilities and the elderly. Offers personal care at home

Local references available

Call Jamie Murray on 07817 140008 or 01798 344847

45 Bob Berry Garden Maintenance Hedge Cutting Grass Cutting Weeding

01798 343834

Handyman Maintenances & More

For all handyman jobs around the house

Bruce Whittington

Call 01403 820016, Mobile, 07773 045374

JACKMAN ARB P & W JORDAN Professional Arboricultural UPHOLSTERY Services A full range of upholstery Tree surgery: Tree reduction, Crown services thinning, tree felling, pollarding, crown for traditional and raising, dead wooding, stump grinding contemporary furniture. Full upholstery, Hedge maintenance: Hedge cutting, fitted and loose covers, thinning, pruning, planting and removal cushions, headboards Logs: Sustainably sourced seasoned and accessories hardwood logs, free local delivery Free quotation. All aspects of treework undertaken, Collection and delivery please call for a quote Contact Paul or Will: River Cottage, River, Petworth, West 01798 368008 Sussex, GU28 9AY www.pandwjordan- 01798 861521 upholstery.co.uk E: [email protected]

46 Independent Hair-dressing by

TRACY

30 Years Experience Now freelance Call TRACY 01243 537623 Or 07534870272

Bathrooms - Tiling Boiler Replacements – Servicing General Plumbing and Heating Gas Safe Registered – Unvented Cylinders Free Estimates – Competitive Rates – Fully Insured Local, Friendly and Reliable Service 07902 204504 – 01798 344204 [email protected]

Your Local Member of Parliament

Andrew Griffith MP

Working hard for residents of Arundel and South Downs

If you have issues you would like to raise or would like to attend one of my future surgeries please contact me:

House of Commons Westminster London SW1A 0AA

Email: [email protected] www.AndrewGriffithMP.com

48 Fully refurbished with central heating, modern kitchen and coffee shop Excellent facilities for weddings, parties and clubs Ideal for business use, away-days, seminars and exhibitions. Wall mounted projection screens in house catering and dining facilities for 10 – 90 people Disabled access and toilet, car park Excellent rates Contact: Mrs Kate Knight, 01798 865982 07989 620 857 [email protected] Caramel Softy:

Established 1964 General Building Contractors Employing our own tradesmen, we can help you with all building or maintenance works. Tel: 01483 208 408 E-mail: [email protected] www.ghinn.net

49 Add Years to the Life Your Carpets & Upholstery

Carpets Upholstery Curtains

Dry in 60 MINUTES

Our Ultra Dry Cleaning System Will Clean Your Carpets & Upholstery Beyond Compare

Free Estimates

Tel: 01730 814 965

Caring For Your Carpets for Over 20 Years www.the-professional-carpet-cleaners.co.uk

TILLINGTON PAVILION AND GROUNDS

Modern facility with fitted kitchen, changing rooms and dining area plus beautiful grounds with stunning, southerly views over the Downs

Available for functions, parties, meetings and sporting events Marquees available

For more information please contact the Parish Clerk Mrs Jean Huggett Tel: 01798 343906 Email: [email protected]

PETER CARTER MOBILE MECHANIC

ALL CARS & VANS CITROEN SPECIALIST SERVICED

Repairs PETWORTH W SUSSEX Brakes GU28 9BE Clutches Exhausts 01798 342467 Shocks Electrics Mobile: Cam belts FREE QUOTATIONS —– VERY GOOD RATES 07801528748

50 Andy Hill Roofing Contractor

01730 858630 or 07887 530741

• Tiling/Slating • GRP Flat roofing • Chimneys • Lead work • Fascias • Gutters

We offer a complete service from design to completion. No job is too small. Free estimate provided [email protected]

HARRISON BRIDGER

SALES LETTINGS PROPERTY SEARCHES VALUATIONS FRIENDLY LOCAL SERVICE RESIDENTIAL * COMMERCIAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL EXPERTS OFFERING INDIVIDUAL QUALITY SERVICES BASED IN THE HEART OF PETWORTH, WEST SUSSEX. COVERING PETWORTH THE SURROUNDING AREAS AND BEYOND.

THE OLD BANK HOUSE, MARKET SQUARE, PETWORTH, GU28 OAH Tel 01798 344134 /344594 harrison-bridger.co.uk [email protected]

51 VILLAGES DIRECTORY

Art Group Liz Wetherell 01730 815403 Book Club Liz Young 01798 343382 Cricket Club Graham Westmore 07966 218259 Footpath Warden Gerald G-Cooke 01798 342151 Friends of Tillington Church Sally Greenwell 01798 861242 Men’s Breakfast Gerald G-Cooke 01798 342151 Monthly Lunches Gillie Ross 01798 342231 Neighbourhood Watch (T’ton) Gerald G-Cooke 01798 342151 Petworth Community Minibus 01798 344898 Police non-urgent 101 x 585105 Urgent 999 Riding School Abbie Hodd 07713 614596 Scottish Dancing Iain Brooks 01798 342379 Stoolball Wendy Francis 01798 342790 Tennis Club Sophie Bamber 07810 790403 T’ton Charitable Trust Hugh Rolfe 01798 861369 T.L.C. Tillington Local Care 07910 234862 Women's Breakfast Shelley Fergusson 01798 345150 Croquet Club Katharine Minchin 01730 813586 Duncton Walkers John Mayes 01798 368345 Neighbourhood Watch Susan Thomas 01798 344352 Primary School Vanessa Dudman 01798 342402

TILLINGTON – See front pages for How can you tell Santa is Church, Bell Ringing, Parish Council and good at karate? Village Hall. Because he has a black belt!

DUNCTON – See front pages for Church,

Parish, Council and Village Hall.

UPWALTHAM -See front pages for Church. When is a boat just like snow?

When its adrift!

52 HAPPY CHRISTMAS QUIZ CHOCOHOLICS QUIZ ANSWERS ANSWERS 1. (c) - 6. Buon Natale Italian 2. Birmingham. счастливого рождества Russian 3. (a) Yorkie; (b) Double Decker; (d) Lion Feliz Natal Portuguese Bar; (d) Dairy Milk. Feliz Navidad Spanish 4. The Matterhorn. Frohe Weihnachten German 5. The Mayans. 6. (b) 383 m2 . God jul Norwegian 7. Below body temperature. Ikrisimusi emyoli xhosa 8. L-R: Twix, Crunchie, Mint Aero, Joyeux Noel French Snickers καλά Χριστούγεννα Greek 9. Freddo. Krismasi njema Swahilli 10. Milky Way is 3 Musketeers Bar and Merii Kurisumasu Japanese Mars Bar is Milky Way. Nadolig Llawen 11. L-R: Fudge, Hazlehut Caramel (used to Welsh be Brazil nut), Caramel Swirl and Nollaig shona duit Gaelic Coconut Eclair Selamat Hari Natal Malay 12. Belgium. Shèngdàn kuàilè Chinese 13. Yorkie. Shubho bôṛodin Bangladesh 14. (Fry’s) Turkish De- Ukhisimusi Omuhle Zulu light. 15. You choose. Wesołych Świąt Polish