April 2009 www.westsussex.gov.uk Issue No. 37 Stay local for

How you can help the great days out! countryside... See page 3 Save money, be green, help local businesses - and have fun! Don’t despair if a costly foreign holiday is beyond your reach this year as the recession deepens. West Sussex has so much to offer right on your doorstep. The Easter holidays are Could you foster a upon us, and it won’t be long until summer is here, so take You CAN disabled child? time to discover what is close See page 4 to home, and save money by not travelling miles to visit attractions in distant locations. teach an If you are out and about with young people, make sure they have a free 3-in-1 card which gives them reduced bus old dog fares and discounts at shops and venues. See page 3 for details. Ditching the car and using public transport is a good way new to cut CO2 emissions. You will be supporting West Firefighters to the rescue! Sussex businesses if you stay local. Figures show that around tricks! See page 5 32,000 people in the county have jobs in the tourism industry. West Sussex is rich in heritage, culture, places of natural beauty, and tourist attractions. There are over 100 visitor attractions, 4071 kilometres of public rights of way, stately homes and castles, the South Downs, racecourses, art galleries, music and arts festivals, glorious gardens and world- Step back into our renowned motor sport events. Over half the county is Dog training is just one of 800 courses stunning past protected countryside offering available at venues across West Sussex. See page 11 some of the finest walking and Our Adult and Community Learning cycling in the UK, or you could Service brochure is out now so if you’ve visit one of our fine restaurants ever wanted to try your hand at Chinese or cosy country pubs, many of brush painting, digital photography, or See back which serve meals made from ballroom dancing, then now is your chance! local produce. Pick up your free copy of the brochure at page for If you need inspiration, your local Library or Help Point. Or visit check out the West Sussex Places www.westsussex.gov.uk/adulteducation YOUR to Visit Guide 2009 and Exploring West Sussex which lists guided distance paths, shorter walks, to view, or get copies of Rights of Way infor- chance to walks and rides in the county. and routes suitable for Exploring West Sussex at Tourist mation can be obtained The Interactive Map (iMap) wheelchair users and and Visitor Information on 01243 777620. win some is our online guide to the pushchairs, plus pubs, accom- Centres. Places to Visit guides You can also show county, designed for walkers, modation and information are in libraries, help points and your support for West fabulous riders, and cyclists. about tourist attractions in tourism information centres, Sussex by celebrating It shows all West Sussex the county. or by calling 01243 642119. Sussex Day on June 16. See days out! rights of way, as well as long Visit www.westsussex.gov.uk page 11 for more info. Special reader offer on eco-friendly ‘Bags of Taste’ ! See page 6 2 visit our website at www.westsussex.gov.uk More information - 01243 753830 BUILDING SERVICES CountyCouncil elections

General Domestic Building, Repairs & Maintenance Use From planning to completion we can help you with: Extensions, roofing, loft conversions, BWC is a list of approved your conservatories and much more traders vetted by our Trading Standards vote - Service and is designed every to protect both It’s time consumers and to make a one businesses against difference by counts! unfair practices. voting in the If you would like to County Council become a BWC election. If you are on the electoral trader, or want to find register, make sure you get to your one, call local polling station on Thursday June 4. Polling stations are open from early in 01243 642124 the morning till late in the evening, so don’t or go to our website under worry if you are at work that day - there will still Trading Standards. be time to vote either before or after. You need to PROPERTY MAINTENANCE vote at the station listed on your polling card - it should ✓Fully insured ✓Internal/External Decs be the nearest one to you. ✓Loft Insulation ✓Bathroom Renovations The county council provides the majority ✓Ceramic Tiling ✓Fascias and Guttering BEST of local government services, including CHOICE education, social care, roads, waste disposal, libraries, fire and rescue, and countryside management. Roofing & Construction 01903 773699 freephone: 0800 756 1372 Your questions answered online www.best-choice.info Do you have a question about answers online? Now you can. Council website. Early in the council tax benefits, maybe The top 100 questions summer we’re introducing you’re interested in foster care people call our Contact Centre online payments and appoint- or perhaps your blue badge is about are now on our website ment booking for our registra- about to expire but you’re not www.westsussex.gov.uk tion services. sure how to renew it. The Your Questions In the future, we hope B.PACY What’s your first thought? Answered list covers a huge you’ll be able to book, pay and Phone the County Council? range of issues. register for many more things! SPECIALIST IN Well, you could do that. But This is the first of many We’ll keep you updated on our PLASTERING & MOULDINGS wouldn’t it be easier to find the improvements to the County progress. • Brickwork • Extensions • Alterations • Driveways • Advice and guidance • Quick turnround Sign up for CARE SERVICES 01903 213996 07739 745655 online news✓ Let’s not Sign up for our e- [email protected] newsletter now and get the very latest county council Oakcroft Driveways Ltd. news delivered direct to Arun-Chichester-Crawley-Mid Block Paving, Paths, duck the your inbox every month. Sussex-Horsham-Worthing Patios and Driveways The newsletter provides a Handyperson: For those little jobs around the home: where you need www.oakcroftdriveways.co.uk someone you can trust; that can take from 15 minutes to about two Littlehampton combination of both commu- hours; and will make it safer, more secure, light, warm and homely. issues... nity and council news, with 01903 714831 Tel: 01444 474690 - Mid Sussex & Crawley (MSCr) direct links to further informa- Tel: 01903 788440 - Arun & Worthing (A&W) Tel: 01243 539988 – Chichester (C) tion on our website. Keep up to date with the Trades Register: Larger jobs Larger or specialist works (eg AF Harmes around the home and garden to help disabled adaptations) Plastering Specialists latest developments, new initia- you live independently, where you 01444 415475 MSCr and H; Damp Proofing tives, and projects and much need a contactor you can trust. 01903 788440 A&W and Tel 01444 474690 MSCr and Property Maintenance more, all presented in a friendly 01243 539988 Horsham (H). C 01444 236846 and colourful way. Go to our website and sign MOTORING SERVICES 07721 666337 [email protected] up from the homepage. GARDEN SERVICES West Sussex County Council: AANCHORNCHOR Switchboard: 01243 777100 24-hour Info: 0845 7581232 GaGGaragearaagege DDoorsoors LLtdtd ROOTS TO SHOOTS Editorial: 01243 753595 or: for supply, HORTICULTURAL SERVICES [email protected] Advertising: 01243 777431 installation Visit www. GARDENS/GROUNDS MAINTENANCE VIEWS NEEDED [email protected] and repairs LAWN CARE, RENOVATION OR CREATION Join the growing band of residents who are West Sussex Connections is delivered call Colin haresofsussex .co.uk PLANT DISPLAYS & ARBOREAL SERVICES giving their views on County Council by Royal Mail to around 350,000 COMPLETE SOFT LANDSCAPING SERVICE services via our e-panel. homes, is printed on 01903 851212 100% recycled paper and 01403 711952 The new panel members have taken part in two surveys so can be recycled. 07860 440709 Mobile: 07940 813610 far, one called ‘Getting to Know You’ asking them about their Terms and Conditions www.anchorgaragedoors.co.uk oro call us... Email: [email protected] interests. HaresHares of RustinRustingtongton 0019031903 772772222222 The accuracy or content of any Station Road, RustingtonRustington BN16 3BH www.rootstoshoots.co.uk They have also given useful views on how the County advertisement is not warranted by this Council’s website should be developed, such as what the public Council nor does this Council endorse should be able to do on there, things they would like to buy, or or guarantee any of the products or services advertised. The views take part in. expressed in this paper are not MovieMovie ddealseals fforor yyou!ou! Many other consultations are planned, including access to the necessarily those of the Council. County Council’s rural services, satisfaction with services and NHS supplement in this issue produced by West Sussex PCT. There’s a great choice of DVDs, with copies how you might like schools to be in the future. AUDIO While the credit crunch may affect of blockbuster films and children’s titles, as well You can still get involved by going to our website, emailing as foreign films, documentaries, music videos, the Insight team at [email protected], or calling If you are blind or partially sighted you the price of your weekly shopping bill, can listen to an audio version of West history features, and many others. Chris Tuke on 01243 777201. Sussex Connections. it doesn’t have to ruin your fun. The latest blockbusters will cost you a mere West Sussex Libraries hire out the latest To subscribe to this free service £3 for a one-week loan, while all other DVDs Join the residents e-panel at call 01243 777408, or email the name DVDs, including Blu-ray discs, at cheaper prices are £2.25 for a week. You must be a member of and address of the recipient to than most high street outlets. www.westsussex.gov.uk/residents-e-panel the Library, and joining up is quick, free and easy. [email protected] More information - 01243 753830 visit our website at www.westsussex.gov.uk 3

Make 2009 the year you get involved in the West Sussex countryside in a practical way. Here are two ways you can help make a difference: Until the 1960s and Dr Beeching’s infamous axing But like everything, trees need protection to help of many rural lines, the railway between Guildford them thrive, and all across the county teams of volun- and Shoreham was bustling with steam trains teers are doing their best to conserve trees in their ferrying passengers between the many stations communities. dotted along its route. The County Council was one of the first to support The route was disused until the County Council the national Tree Warden scheme, introduced in 1990, started to transform it into a route for cyclists, walkers which has provided a national force of volunteers dedi- and horse-riders in 1984. cated to their local environ- The Old Station House at ment. West Grinstead and its platform A major part of their remains. The site now contains a work includes surveying trees picnic area as well as original and gathering information railway houses. about them, in order to find The Station House provides out what help is needed, and the base for the Low Weald to identify threats to trees’ Countryside Rangers, including welfare and report them to Geraldine Fewster and Pauline the local authorities. Chandler, pictured left. But Tree Wardens’ work There is an old railway branches out into all kinds of carriage that contains the areas and activities, including Downs Link’s Visitor Information looking out for early signs of Centre, which is open to the disease, decay and vandalism, public most Sundays and is the planting new trees and setting place to go for information. But up tree nurseries using seeds to run the visitor centre and collected locally. help conserve the Downs Link, John Cooban, pictured the Countryside Rangers always here, from Three Bridges, has need volunteers to help with been a Tree Warden for nearly conservation work to maintain ten years. the route, man the information John gives an insight into how centre as well as providing help the role and responsibilities of Green with the guided walks and events run by the Rangers. a Tree Warden differs according to the local area: “In Call 01403 864001 to find out more. Crawley many of the trees are in urban situations. This makes them important because they have a lot of people volunteers BRANCH OUT AND living around them. “In an urban setting trees are needed to give shade BE A TREE WARDEN and shelter. Their value is felt in many ways - environ- Where would we be without trees? It’s easy to get mental and financial. They make a lot of difference to a complacent about the things that quite literally surround lot of people, but because of their setting they are also you in West Sussex, but the humble tree is one of the vulnerable to damage and sometimes abuse.” most important features of the natural landscape, For more details about becoming a Tree Warden needed! providing a valuable eco-system beneath its branches, in email [email protected] or ring which oxygen is produced and life can flourish. 01243 642119. Advertisement

The valuable role village shops play in the community has been recognised by our County Cash help Local Committees. They have been helping local stores maintain trade in these credit crunch times with small grants. for local Nearly 20 shops have received a total of £42,530 in seven County Local Committee areas. The Committees also encouraged shopkeepers to work with the UK-wide Business Link, which people offers free advice, support and information. Business Link has been helping the shops to iden- nesses, was to give them the opportunity to tify potential ways of improving the service they discuss their concerns about the recession and offer their communities. how the County Council can help them. The grants from the County Local Commit- The Chief Executive of Rolls Royce and the tees have helped to make the improvements Managing Director of Ricardos, the Shoreham possible. based international engineering company, spoke Beating the credit crunch was also on the about the global issues affecting businesses. menu at a businesses breakfast hosted by Adur They also led a discussion about the local County Local Committee. factors that were impacting on businesses. The aim of the breakfast, which was attended More information on Business Link at by more than 40 people representing local busi- www.BusinessLink.gov.uk ★ MORE ★ 3 IN 1 DISCOUNTS There are great offers for 3 in Guildford and Brighton, and a proof of age. You can 1 cardholders at the moment, Freespirit in Brighton, and download an application form where you can get a 10% O’Neill in Brighton. at www.your3in1.co.uk or call discount at Millets in Chich- Anyone aged five to 19 who 01243 777330. ester, Burgess Hill, Southsea, lives in West Sussex can sign up If you are a business and Portsmouth, Worthing and for a 3 in 1 card - which gives would like to offer a discount - Brighton, Blacks in Worthing, cheaper bus fares, discounts at it’s free! - call 01243 777431. a whole range of businesses, 4 visit our website at www.westsussex.gov.uk More information - 01243 753830

Ann Potter decided to become a foster carer back in the 1980s when a friend with two special needs children needed to undergo surgery and there was no respite support for her. Ann said: “Seeing that my friend had no form of respite care help, should she want a bit of a break or some help, made me want to specialise in caring for children with special needs.” Since 2003, Ann and her husband Andy have been fostering children. They permanently foster a child, as well as offering respite care, short breaks and emergency placements. This is mainly for children with disabilities to give parents and other foster carers a break. Short breaks help disabled children and young people to spend time away from their families, develop independence, and to enjoy themselves! Ann gave up her job to take on the responsibilities of fostering full-time, while Andy combines shift-work with lending a hand. The couple, from Horsham, can care for up to three chil- dren. Currently they are looking after Amy, she has special needs and is totally dependent. This enables her family to have a short break and her parents to be able to spend time with their son. Their long-term foster child Ashley likes having other children around to play with and also For more enjoys helping out. information about fostering: The Potters take their foster children out in the Horsham and Crawley area, such as Complete an enquiry to the park, walking the dog or to the form on our website: theatre, just adapting the outing slightly to www.westsussex.gov.uk/fostering accommodate the needs of the children. Call us free on : Andy said: “We try to get the children out A special job 0800 121 6508 of the house for a while, to have some fun, just like you would with any other children.” PlumptonPlumpton CollegeCollege Supporting People Land-based courses to inspire Advertisement Full or part time courses, from school programmes through to Some people - for example, because they have a mental independent way of life. degree level. Course taster days for school students. health problem, a learning difficulty or because of the frail- John is enthusiastic about Supporting People as he wants to see Bespoke courses for employers. Apprenticeships. Train to Gain. ties of old age - have trouble with the everyday tasks that the quality of vulnerable peoples’ lives changed for the better. He Open Day. Saturday 9th May 2009, 10am - 5pm allow most of us to live independently. But with help from the says: “It should mean more independence for vulnerable people and Cost: £5 adult, concs, free for under 16s. Displays of all courses in action! Trade stands. Food hall. Plant sales. Wine tastings & sales. Craft fair. Supporting People scheme it’s possible for them to live fulfilling and more ways of being included in their local communities. They Farm displays. Small animals. Fun dog show. Floristry & sales active lives in the community. should be able to enjoy life and not just exist.” Tel: 01273 890454 Until three years ago John Goodchild lived in a housing scheme Around 10,000 people in West Sussex already benefit from the email:[email protected] www.plumpton.ac.uk with 24-hour care but now receives help to live independently in scheme, which is currently being overhauled, and residents will have Ditchling Road, Plumpton, Nr Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 3AE Bognor Regis through twice-weekly visits from a support worker the chance to have their say about the review. Centres at Plumpton, Netherfield, Flimwell and Robertsbridge from mental health charity MIND. He is there as a ‘back-stop’ to For more information call: 01243 382822, or visit: help John with any difficulties he www.westsussex.gov.uk/supporting people might be having with his new Keep it real Mum. No Limit in West Advertisement Real nappies are cool! Sussex! Twenty-six social workers joined the team at the County Council as a result of the first round of the No Limits campaign last year. The campaign, which aims to raise awareness of Go on, try them social work in West Sussex, ran in October. That first wave led to the recruitment of 11 people to work in chil- out. It‛s the really dren’s services and eight people for adults’ services.

A further seven people were appointed internally From Social Workers to Senior Practitioners and Team Managers, we have a variety of cool thing to do! from the County Council. opportunities for you in both our Adults and Childrens' Teams. To hear the A second wave of the No Limits campaign ran in experience of our current staff and how to apply please visit February to encourage even more people to apply for www.nolimitsatwestsussex.co.uk social work positions, and more campaigns are being planned. For further information including current vacancies and videos of West Sussex social workers talking about Contact us on: their job, visit the website at www.nolimitsatwestsussex.co.uk 01243 642106 www.nolimitsatwestsussex.co.uk Advertisement for your FREE £100 Cotton Nappy Starter Pack D.9729 More information - 01243 753830 visit our website at www.westsussex.gov.uk 5 Canine Read nine all about it! There are 36 Libraries and three mobile libraries in West Sussex, offering a wide range of books, DVDs, CDs and audio books - with many top titles on offer. They are completely free to nine... join - so fight the recession by joining now. The new Crawley Library opened in December and over the first five weeks more than 2,000 people joined, and 53,674 books and audio-visual titles were borrowed. The Library is the biggest in the county and houses a large array of services over three floors, including a teen section, a café, and has 1,500 Asian books in six languages. Chichester Library has been refurbished and is celebrating with lots of events in April and Rescuing May, including a visit from this dog was a piece of cake for our firefighters. They used cameras were used to rescue a cow that was children’s author Fiona and a lot of digging when he got stuck stuck in a watery ditch off the A283 at Cummings, a ‘Wii Games down a hole at Chanctonbury Ring - Pulborough. Day,’ the world famous but he was eventually tempted out “If an animal is in distress, we will ‘Where’s Wally’ hiding in with a chocolate muffin and reunited immediately dispatch one of our places around the town with his owners. animal rescue units. Rescues - from and a performance of However, ropes and muscle power small family pets to large farm animals African drumming. Visit - are all treated compassionately,” said our website under Kevin Trust, from the Fire and Rescue Libraries for more details. Service. Cash boost for priceless pictures More than 8,000 historic pictures of Crawley have been digitised and are now accessible on library computers as part of the An independent watchdog has given Crawley Digital Heritage Project. our Fire and Rescue Service a top four The pictures, and other items, including 60 maps, 119 books, out of four rating for its performance newspaper cuttings and guidebooks are from the Roger Bastable in 2008-09. Collection, one of the town’s best known local historians. He left The Audit Commission said the Service is his entire collected works to Crawley Library and the Local ‘Performing Strongly - well above the Studies department that has been named in his honour. minimum requirement’. In the future the project hopes to involve schools and commu- The Commission predicts further success nity groups to create digital presentations on heritage projects and for the Service, praising not just their digitise privately owned photographs and documents at heritage response to emergencies, but also how they open days on a mobile scanning unit. made more effective use of their people and For more information call 01903 704811, or visit our website resources to carry out safety initiatives. and click on Libraries and Archives. Advertisement Safety advice for you Royal Bay Claremont Gardens - Our specialist team of Assured Retirement Living Community Fire Safety Advisers help vulnerable people in West Sussex to Companionship? Independence? Security? stay safe. Their role is to support fire- For Sale - individual properties fighters carrying out Home Fire Safety Checks. Show Cottage open for viewing The four (pictured left) - · Royal Bay Guaranteed Purchase Plan Derek Covill, Steve Peck, Paula Bishop and Mark Holland - · Contact us to learn more about ‘Try Before You Buy’ specialise in high-risk groups. · 20 Linked Garden Cottages They fit smoke alarms for · Independent living with like minded people the deaf, and others linked to Careline and Lifeline systems, · House Manager to offer support visit the elderly, people with · Fine dining cuisine in restaurant setting disabilities, ethnic minorities, and arrange talks to community For a detailed colour brochure or appointment to view groups. Advertisement More information can be the cottages please ring Charles Peck on 01243 816666 found on our website. or visit our website www.claremontgardens.co.uk

Claremont Gardens and Claremont Lodge both situated at Fontwell Park, Eastergate, West Sussex PO20 3RY. Between Chichester and Arundel just off the A27 on the A29.

Claremont Lodge - NursingNow Carewith SCHOOL Care Home • FREE NURSING CARE entitlements TERM DATES · Arguably West Sussex’s finest Care Home Summer Term: · For full time or respite care by professional staff Starts Monday 20 April and finishes on Wednesday 22 July. · Social and activities programme Half Term: Monday 25 to · Colour coordinated interior designed rooms Friday 29 May inclusive. · Landscaped gardens and grounds Advertisement Autumn Term: Starts Thursday 3 September Please call 0845 125 6166 2009 and finishes on Friday 18 or visit our websites www.royalbay.co.uk December. Half Term: Monday 26 to www.claremontlodgecarehome.co.uk Friday 30 October inclusive. 6 visit our website at www.westsussex.gov.uk More information - 01243 753830 MAKING Children get active at Cobnor THEIR

ailing, kayaking, orienteering, climbing and archery are MARK just some of the activities young people can try at a SChichester Harbour centre. A record - Cobnor Activities Centre is a charity that works in partnership shattering 24,543 with our Youth Service, which provides the centre with an annual young people ✗ grant and staffing costs. Always wanting to extend the activities voted in this available, new equipment has been bought including a chairboat to year’s West accommodate wheelchair passengers and others with mobility diffi- Sussex Youth culties, along with their carers. Cabinet elections. The Centre provides activities for a wide range of young people, That’s three times more than including those who attend pupil referral units. It also has close links with schools in the county and runs a residential programme for last year and means one in five teenagers with learning difficulties. young people aged between 11 and It can accommodate up to 34 people at a time. The Centre also 19 in the county voted. has a camping field with tents for up to 60 people, including a It puts West Sussex in second marquee and a portable kitchen. There are summer camps for 8 to place in the UK Youth Parliament 14 years olds. League, following Kent, which had The Centre’s overall aim is to encourage children’s sporting just over 30,000 votes. skills, as well as teaching them about teamwork and building their There was also a record 210 social skills. candidates from a diverse range of For more information, phone 01243 572791, email [email protected], visit www.cobnor.com or come along to a backgrounds and four of them were Family Fun Day on 13 June, to try canoeing, climbing and trips in the elected to the UK Youth Parliament. Chairboat. Call the centre to reserve a place. For more info on the Youth Cabinet visit www.yourspacewestsussex.co.uk Get your Bags of Taste! How will you use yours? Our Bags of Taste are made of tough, environmentally- friendly jute and can be used time and again - unlike some plastic ones which split after a few uses. They are also much roomier than some other bags for life, perfect for plenty of food items, books, paperwork or picnics! You can buy yours for just £2.95 (plus 50p post and Advertisement packing). To get yours call LearnLearn ttoo ddriverive 01243 756842 or go to our LearnLearn ttoo ddriverive website and tap in ‘Bags of Taste’ on our e-shop. Alternatively send a cheque made payable to WSCC for likelike tthehe eexpertsxperts the total sum of £3.45 for one bag. If you would like to buy multiple bags, then please call the number above for bulk buying discounts! Stockists include Bairds, Climping, Dyke Farm Shop - Sussex Safer Roads Pulborough, Fruit & Veg Patch, Storrington, Buchan Country Park, Crawley, Adsdean and The Grange, Funtington, Lurgashall onon tthehe Winery, and Grapes, Worthing. The next issue of Taste West Sussex, out in June, will be filled with informative YoungYoung DDrivers’rivers’ features about local food businesses, recipes, farmers’ SkillsSkills CCourseourse markets, foodie events and more. Aged between 17-25? HATE HURTS You could benefit and Help is at hand if you’ve been the calling, threats of violence, graffiti, damage to improve your driving victim of hate crime in West Sussex. property, offensive literature and assault. skills and awareness Our Harm Reduction Team has launched a Incidents often cause alarm, distress or harass- through this on-road Hate Incident Support Service with Victim ment, but aren’t necessarily criminal. Support Sussex. Call the Hate incident: Don’t support it - course with Advanced After an incident is reported, Victim Support report it line on 0845 0751 021 or visit Driving Instructors - run by West Sussex County Council in offer emotional support and guidance plus prac- www.westsussex.gov.uk/harmreduction partnership with ‘Skid-Control’ on the skid pan at Goodwood tical help to people who have been on the Alternatively, you can speak to other agencies Motor Circuit. receiving end of incidents where it’s believed that such as Sussex Police, Citizens Advice Bureaux, a person has been targeted because of their race, local housing departments, schools, teachers and Plus, you will be offered the opportunity to drive a Ferrari! The course, ethnicity, sexuality, gender or disability. youth workers. which is heavily subsidised by West Sussex County Council, costs just £60.00 or £120.00 when including the Ferrari drive. Harm Reduction Co-ordinator Beverly If an incident is particularly serious and there Knight said: “Reporting hate incidents is very is a risk to anybody involved dial 999. Our Gift Vouchers, which are valid for a year, make a great present, especially when choosing the important as it shows us where the problem For more information on the West Sussex exciting Ferrari drive option. This will give you the chance to drive 3 laps (app. 7 miles) of Goodwood areas are and helps us to improve services to Harm Reduction Team call 01243 382964 or Motor Circuit at the wheel of this prestigious car! The only place you can speed is a racetrack! deal with these incidents.” email: harmreduction@ westsussex. gov.uk For information call 08452 600 650 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk Examples of hate incidents include name NHS supplement

Your Guide to Local Health Services

in West Sussex www.westsussexpct.nhs.uk

How can I stay fi t How can I have my say What’s the best way to get and healthy? about local healthcare? help if I am not feeling well? Lifelong health and wellbeing for everyone in West Sussex

This guide from West Sussex Primary Care Trust (PCT) aims to tell you more about the healthcare services that are available across West Sussex. It offers you tips for staying fi t and healthy and who to contact for more information and support. If you are unsure about whether you should treat a condition at home or visit your pharmacist or GP, our guide to getting the right treatment will help. There’s also a list of useful contacts.

At West Sussex PCT our role is to improve the Despite West Sussex having one of the GPs are offering extended health of people in West Sussex, reduce healthiest and wealthiest populations health inequalities and make sure in England, within our county people have access to safe, there are areas of deprivation, high-quality health services. with some groups of people suffering far One of the ways that opening hours We are committed to greater ill health we can make sure that and earlier death everyone in West improving your health than others. 87% of GP Sussex has the safe, high-quality and and that of your family, We have clear Your family doctor is probably one of the surgeries in West accessible services to reducing health plans to try and fi rst people you want to see if you become they deserve is by change this. Over Sussex have working together inequalities and making the next fi ve ill, but sometimes things can get in the way: extended their - people who live sure you have access years we will be working 9-5, picking the children up from in West Sussex, offering you more school, taking them to their friends. opening hours. healthcare staff, to safe, high quality, choice and control patients, and local over your care and authorities. Our new accessible services. services. As well as That is why we have been working hard with membership scheme is treating people with ill local doctors this year to further increase the just one way you can have health, we will be tackling number of GP surgeries in West Sussex that your say about the causes of ill health. offer you the chance to see a doctor outside local services. You will see us focusing more on traditional surgery hours. More patients are now smoking and alcohol and investing in reducing able to see their doctor where they want, when childhood obesity. We will also be improving they want. But our work is not yet done. We will services for people who have had a stroke, continue to monitor take up of the appointment have cancer or heart problems and investing times offered and work with patients and GPs to in services for children and mums-to-be. ensure you get the best possible service.

Find out more about our vision for health To fi nd out if your GP offers services on our website at: extended access, please call your www.westsussexpct.nhs.uk/about-us/ surgery direct, contact PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) strategic-commissioning-plan on 01243 534035 or visit NHS Choices www.nhs.uk 2 Lifelong health and wellbeing for everyone in West Sussex NHS supplement Visit our website at www.westsussexpct.nhs.uk How are we Alcohol: know your uni Do you really know how much you are drinking? doing? How many units are in your glass of wine or your pint of lager? If you regularly drink more than your recommended daily limit of alcohol (three to four units for men, two to three units for women) this can increase your risk of certain illnesses such as cancer, heart The Healthcare Commission - the disease, liver disease or stroke. But understanding units can be confusing, and many of us don’t national, independent watchdog for the health service - assesses understand what one unit is, let alone how many are in the glass we order at the bar. Primary Care Trusts against a range of targets each year. Each organisation gets two ratings: one for its use of resources and the other for quality of services. The ratings are in four categories: excellent, good, fair or weak. The annual health check for 2007/2008 rated Areas where we scored well included West Sussex PCT ‘good’ for our use of resources. managing our budget; taking into account This is a great result as the previous year we the views of patients, carers and others in were rated ‘weak’ and it refl ects the work we designing, planning, delivering and improving have done to turn around a £42 million defi cit healthcare services; improving care for in our budget and break even. Not being in debt people with long term conditions; and means we now have a sound fi nancial basis for tackling childhood obesity. improving healthcare and services for patients. But we know there are areas where For more information and to try our units calculator, visit www.nhs.uk/units We were rated ‘fair’ for quality of services, improvements can be made, including further For information, support and advice contact: which means that we have maintained our reducing the number of cancer deaths, previous rating. While we are pleased we improving access to services for stroke patients UÊÊ7iÃÌÊ-ÕÃÃiÝÊ ÀÕ}Ê>˜`Ê
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We want to improve the quality of life, life expectancy and access to high quality, safe services for everyone, wherever they live in West Sussex. Get involved & How do we spend make a differen Do you have your money? ideas about how Join our membership scheme to improve local health services? We have more than one billion pounds to spend each year on health services for local people - that’s more than We have set up the Membership Scheme to help you have your one thousand pounds for every person in West Sussex. We are committed to using this money say on how more than one billion pounds of public money is to improve your health and to provide safe and high quality services. Investing in your health and used to fund the local NHS every year. wellbeing is as important to us as providing safe services; we should always be working to prevent you from falling ill as well as making you better. As a member, your views will infl uence not only the PCT’s day-to- day work, but also our longer term goals for improving your health. From April 2008 to March this year, we will have spent £1,102 million on your health services. Membership is free and how much involvement you have is up to you. Hospital Services - £512m Mental Health Services - £95m All hospital services including ambulance, Hospital and community based mental specialist, maternity and Accident & health services. If you are interested in joining or would like more Emergency. information, please contact the Membership Scheme Learning diffi culties - £33m Manager on 01903 707408 or email membership. Primary Care - £143m Services for people with learning [email protected]. GPs, dental, and optical services. diffi culties, delivered in partnership with West Sussex Medicines - £140m County Council. Prescriptions for medicines Continuing and Funded issued by GPs. Care - £39m Community Health Health care packages for people with continuing health care to be Services - £86m Supporting kids Community hospitals and needs and funded nursing care community based care, including for people in nursing homes. nurses, health visitors, and therapists. PCT Headquarters - £54m a PCT Headquarters staff and buildings, healthy weight including public health, fi nance, and health care commissioning. Includes contingency The UK has seen childhood obesity increase in We understand that reserves of £10m. recent years, and West Sussex is no different. it is not always easy for Nationally, nearly three out of every ten 10-11 children or their families year olds are over a healthy weight and, unless to come forward to we take action, nine out of every ten children will access support, be overweight by 2050. but there are At West Sussex PCT we are committed to helping programmes Helping you to stay healthy you lead a healthy lifestyle and supporting those in place that who need to lose weight. We work closely with can help. families to ensure they are getting the right help We would As part of our plans to help people live longer and enjoy healthier lives, we will be taking a more and support. We also work with encourage proactive approach in helping you to manage your health. Starting in June, GPs in West Sussex will healthcare staff to offer the anyone with be looking at your NHS healthcare records to see who could benefi t from help to manage their health best health services to help concerns to more effectively and avoid emergency hospital treatment. Your privacy will be assured. people lose weight safely speak to their GP or and sensibly. practice nurse. If you would like more information about this initiative please contact your local surgery and speak to the practice manager or reception staff who Change4Life helps families to eat better, move more and live longer. Lots of information will be pleased to help you. If you would prefer not to be involved in this is available on the website, including a free, personalised action plan to help your family initiative please advise your local surgery’s practice manager. become healthier. Go to www.nhs.uk/change4life/ or call 0300 123 4567. Visitvisit our our website website at www.westsussexpct.nhs.ukat www.westsussexpct.nhs.uk NHS supplement Lifelong health and wellbeing for everyone in West Sussex 3 its Eating Top tips

Base your meals around starchy foods Get active and try to be a Here’s a quick guide… for Starchy foods such as bread, cereals, healthy weight rice, pasta and potatoes are a really Crash diets aren’t good for your health A pint of lager (ABV 4%) = 2.3 units important part of a healthy diet. and they don’t work in the longer term. health Try to choose wholegrain varieties of The way to reach a healthy weight – Alcopop (ABV 5%) (275ml) = 1.4 units starchy foods. and stay there – is to change your A healthy diet can make a big difference to our lifestyle gradually. Eat lots of fruit and veg A vodka and coke (25ml) = 1 unit health and wellbeing. Drink plenty of water Eating healthily can You can choose from fresh, frozen, tinned, dried or juiced fruit and We should be drinking about 6 to 8 A large vodka and coke (35ml) = 1.4 units help you to be a healthy weight vegetables, but remember potatoes count glasses (1.2 litres) of water, or other and can prevent, as a starchy food, not fruit and veg! fluids, every day to stop us getting A shot of tequila (25ml) = 1 unit dehydrated. or reduce the Eat more fish severity of, A standard glass of wine (175ml) = 1.4 units Aim for at least two portions of fish a Don’t skip breakfast diseases such week, including a portion of oily fish. Missing meals doesn’t help us lose weight as heart disease, and it isn’t good for us. A large glass of wine stroke and diabetes (250ml) = 1.9 units Cut down on saturated fat and sugar and help to reduce Try to cut down on food that is the risk of developing high in saturated fat, choosing Find out more about how to A bottle of wine some cancers. foods that are rich in unsaturated make healthier choices at (750ml) = 8.3 units But what is a healthy diet and how fat instead. www.eatwell.gov.uk. You can also can you achieve it? The key is to eat the right find lots of ideas for healthy amount of food for how active you are and eat Try to eat less salt kids and families, including a free a range of foods to make sure you’re getting a No more than 6g a day personalised action plan at balanced diet. www.nhs.uk/change4life/.

Are there things Getting the best start in life you would like to say, but don’t In West Sussex, we are offering breastfeeding know who support to thousands of mums. We run nce breastfeeding groups across the county and to talk to? mums are being trained as peer supporters to run breastfeeding sessions themselves and provide support and encouragement. Breast milk gives babies all the nutrients they need for the fi rst six months of life and Patient Advice & Liaison Service helps to protect them and you from infection and diseases. Find your local breastfeeding PALS is a free confi dential service offering information and advice support group at: We would encourage any mum who feels they www.westsussexpct.nhs.uk/ about local health services. We aim to resolve concerns about your need that extra bit of support to fi nd their care quickly and informally and can provide information about nearest group and come along. healthy-living/breastfeeding health services, voluntary organisations and support groups.

Your experiences also help us to make positive changes to local services. Over the past year we have dealt with over 2,500 issues Sexual health and requests for information from patients, carers, relatives If you have any If you have a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia and staff. concerns about your or gonorrhoea, you might not know it, as there are often no sexual health, symptoms. But sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can have a You can contact the Patient Advice & Liaison Service please see a health major impact on your health, causing infl ammation of the testicles, (PALS) for information, advice and support - please professional and get pelvic infl ammatory disease and infertility. We offer a free and see page 4 for further details. the help and support confi dential sexual health service, which includes screening and you need. treatment for sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and HIV, contraception, pregnancy tests, counselling and information and advice.

Find out more about your local sexual health services at Our advisors www.westsussexpct.nhs.uk/our-services/sexual-health-services/ work across the county and offer Smoking help and support Smoking & Keeping you out with quitting – from start to fi nish. Pregnancy The most damaging effects of smoking during of hospital pregnancy happen in months four to nine. This means that if you stop smoking within the fi rst three months your baby is still likely West Sussex Health, the PCT’s own provider to be a healthy weight. of community services, has nurses and Smoking during pregnancy can cause serious therapists working together as integrated problems including complications during teams known as ‘virtual wards’. Working Stopping smoking is the single most important thing that you labour, increased risk of miscarriage, premature with their local communities they provide a birth and even stillbirth. range of high quality care to support people can do for your health and wellbeing – and that of your family. in their own homes and avoid unnecessary It can also affect your baby’s health, including admission to hospital. lower birth weight and weakness; slower Linking closely and liaising directly with GPs It isn’t easy to do, but hundreds of people have already managed to stop smoking this year with the growth; a higher chance of cot death; and West Sussex County Council Adults help of their local NHS. Smokers will double their chances of success if they use nicotine replacement and damage to airways which could cause Services (social services), the community therapy like patches or gum, and they will double their chances again if they also use specialist NHS breathing problems or asthma. Stop Smoking support. wards provide care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Also working in partnership with the

For expert advice and support, please Out of Hours Service when GP surgeries Give yourself the best chance of success. Speak to your GP, visit one of our participating call the NHS Pregnancy Smoking are closed. Visit the website for more pharmacies or call the West Sussex Stop Smoking helpline on 01903 708000. Helpline on 0800 169 9 169. information www.westsussexpct.nhs.uk. 4 Lifelong health and wellbeing for everyone in West Sussex NHS supplement Visit our website at www.westsussexpct.nhs.uk Get the Useful contacts

West Sussex Primary Care Trust PALS (Patient Advice and right treatment www.westsussexpct.nhs.uk Liaison Service) 01903 708400 PALS provides help, information, advice and support to help sort out concerns or queries By making the right choice of treatment at the right time you can NHS Choices you may have about local services and can get the health services you need from your NHS. www.nhs.uk advise you on how best to resolve problems The NHS Choices website provides NHS about healthcare. information and services, including UÊÊ œÀÌ Ê >ÃÌÊ­ À>܏iÞ]ÊœÀà >“]Ê Self care GP (family doctor) information about local health services Chanctonbury, Mid Sussex) and hospitals, tips on healthy living and 01293 600399 Many everyday illnesses can be managed at Your local GP practice provides a comprehensive information about conditions and treatment. home. A pharmacist can advise you about over- range of services including general medical UÊÊ-œÕÌ Ê >ÃÌÊ­
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À՘]Ê7œÀÌ ˆ˜}®ÊÊ the-counter remedies and pain relief. advice and treatment. Anyone who urgently NHS Direct 01903 505456 needs to see a doctor or other health 0845 4647 or www.nhs.uk UÊÊ7iÃÌÊ­ ˆV iÃÌiÀ]Ê œ}˜œÀÊ,i}ˆÃ]Ê ˆ` ÕÀÃÌ®ÊÊ professional should be able to do so as quickly NHS Direct provides expert, confidential Ask your pharmacist 01243 534035 as possible. If you require more specialised care health advice, as well as information on For medicines advice they will refer you to a specialist service local health services. UÊ “>ˆÊ[email protected] and minor ailments you or hospital. should have a chat with your pharmacist. They GP Out of Hours Service Local Hospitals are qualified to give free, Mental Healthline East Surrey Hospital, Redhill A&E expert advice without an If you have an urgent health problem when 01737 768511 0845 300 27 27 appointment. Opening your surgery is closed, you can phone the Out Support and information is available, A&E times are displayed in the of Hours Service on 0300 130 1313. This service Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath 24 hours a day, for anyone experiencing pharmacy shop window is not for repeat prescriptions, test results or 01444 441881 mental health problems and their carers. and some local newspapers, routine appointments. You can also contact NHS Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead MIU or information can be Direct on 0845 4647 for advice and information. 01342 414000 Mind Information Line obtained from NHS Direct Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton A&E 0845 766 0163 or www.westsussexpct.nhs.uk. Emergency Dental Service 01273 696955 Southlands Hospital, Shoreham Samaritans If you have a dental emergency the first point NHS Direct 0845 4647 01273 455 622 of contact should be your local dentist or NHS 08457 90 90 90 Contact the 24-hour helpline on 0845 4647 Direct on 0845 4647. If you want details of St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester A&E 01243 788122 or visit www.nhs.uk for expert, confidential dentists offering NHS services, you can phone Stop Smoking Support advice and information. The service is available the local dental helpline on 0300 1000 899 or Worthing Hospital A&E If you want to stop smoking call the West 24 hours a day, every day. visit www.nhs.uk 01903 205111 Sussex Stop Smoking helpline on 01903 708000 or the National NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 9 169. Urgent Treatment Centre and Minor Injuries Units Community Hospitals Before going to Accident and Emergency (A&E) consider if you would get the right Arundel and District Community Hospital treatment at a Minor Injury Unit (MIU) or Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) which deal with 01903 882543 Sexual Health Helpline injuries like cuts, bruises and fractures, but not chest pains. Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital MIU 0800 567 123 01243 865418 Free and confidential service, available Crawley Hospital Urgent Treatment Centre 01293 600300 ext 4141 24 hours every day. Open 24 hours a day (including weekends and bank holidays) Crawley Hospital UTC 01293 600300 There are Minor Injury Units at Sexual Health Services Horsham Hospital MIU Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital 01243 623564 01403 227000 0845 111 3456 All West Sussex services for Sexually Horsham Hospital 01293 600300 ext 7202 Kleinwort Intermediate Centre, Haywards Heath Transmitted Infections and Community Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead 01342 414375 01444 445600 Zachary Merton Hospital in Rustington 01903 858100 Contraception can be contacted on the Midhurst Community Hospital above number. The Minor Injury Units are open Monday-Friday (daytime) but closed weekends and bank holidays 01730 819112 (except Queen Victoria Hospital which is open weekends). Salvington Lodge, Worthing 01903 266399 Age Concern Information Line A&E and 999 calls Zachary Merton Hospital, Rustington MIU 0800 009966 01903 858100 Information and advice for older people, their Accident and Emergency (A&E) services and 999 calls to the ambulance service are relatives, friends and carers. for serious accidents, critical and life-threatening emergencies only, such as loss of consciousness, severe chest pain and/or loss of blood. Carers Support Service Childline 0800 1111 24 hour helpline for children The A&E departments in West Sussex at St Richard’s Hospital (Chichester), the Princess Royal Hospital Help for anyone who is caring for a relative (Haywards Heath) and Worthing Hospital are open 24 hours every day. or friend who is ill, disabled or frail. If you think a patient is suffering from one of the following you must dial 999 for UÊÊ œÀÌ Ê>˜`Ê ˆ`Ê-ÕÃÃiÝÊÊ ICIS: Information for Life an ambulance: 01293 657040 A friendly ‘information bank’ helping people in West Sussex find information to UÊÊ i>ÀÌÊ>ÌÌ>VŽÊ­i}ÊV iÃÌÊ«>ˆ˜ÊvœÀʓœÀiÊÌ >˜Ê£xʓˆ˜ÕÌiÃ®Ê UÊÊ7œÀÌ ˆ˜}Ê>˜`Ê ˆÃÌÀˆVÌÊ help them through difficult or challenging UÊÃÕ``i˜Ê՘iÝ«>ˆ˜i`Êà œÀ̘iÃÃʜvÊLÀi>Ì Ê 01903 528600 circumstances, and enabling people to find UÊ i>ÛÞÊLii`ˆ˜}Ê UÊÊ œ}˜œÀÊ,i}ˆÃ]Ê ˆV iÃÌiÀÊ>˜`Ê,ÕÀ>ÊÊ care, support or advice services. UÊÊ՘Vœ˜ÃVˆœÕØiÃÃÊ­iÛi˜ÊˆvÊÌ iÊ«>̈i˜ÌÊ >ÃÊÀi}>ˆ˜i`ÊVœ˜ÃVˆœÕØiÃÃ®Ê 01243 537011 Enquiry Line: Voice and text UÊÌÀ>Փ>̈VÊL>VŽÉ눘>É˜iVŽÊ«>ˆ˜ UÊÊ7iÃÌÊ-ÕÃÃiÝÊ >ÀiÀÃÊ 0800 859929 (freephone) www.westsussexcarers.org.uk www.icis-info4life.org.uk You should also call for an ambulance if: UÊޜÕÊÌ ˆ˜ŽÊÌ iÊ«>̈i˜Ì½Ãʈ˜iÃÃʜÀʈ˜ÕÀÞʈÃʏˆvi‡Ì Ài>Ìi˜ˆ˜}Ê UÊÊޜÕÊÌ ˆ˜ŽÊÌ iʈ˜iÃÃʜÀʈ˜ÕÀÞʓ>ÞÊLiVœ“iÊܜÀÃi]ʜÀÊiÛi˜Êˆvi‡Ì Ài>Ìi˜ˆ˜}Ê on the way to the hospital UʓœÛˆ˜}ÊÌ iÊ«>̈i˜ÌÉÃÊÜˆÌ œÕÌÊΈi`Ê«iœ«iÊVœÕ`ÊV>ÕÃiÊvÕÀÌ iÀʈ˜ÕÀÞÊ UÊÌ iÊ«>̈i˜Ìʘii`ÃÊÌ iÊΈÃʜÀÊiµÕˆ«“i˜ÌʜvÊÌ iÊ>“LՏ>˜ViÊÃiÀۈViÊ>˜`ʈÌÃÊ«iÀܘ˜iÊ UÊÊÌÀ>vwVÊVœ˜`ˆÌˆœ˜ÃÊVœÕ`ÊV>ÕÃiÊ>Ê`i>Þʈ˜Ê}iÌ̈˜}ÊÌ iÊ«iÀܘÊÌœÊ œÃ«ˆÌ>Ê>˜`Ê̈“iÊVœÕ`Ê be critical If you would like a copy of this supplement in another format such as large print, taped version or in The Causeway It is important people know when to call an ambulance, when to use A&E and Goring-by-Sea when to go to their doctor or pharmacist. If we all use the right treatment at another language please contact Worthing the right time, we keep services free for the people who really need them. the PCT on 01903 708440. West Sussex BN12 6BT More information - 01243 753830 visit our website at www.westsussex.gov.uk 7

Spring into Summer with some great ideas for fun in the sun!

£3 per 16: Shark Egg Case Hunt; 16: Downs Link Challenge 3-6: Murdered to Death Appledram, Birdham Rd, Chich- April: person (all ages), Meet at Pagham Spit car park, Charity Walk and Ride; by Wick Theatre ester, 01243 773828, 4: Billingshurst 2pm, Chichester Harbour Rd, Pagham, at [email protected] Company; Barn Theatre, www.bluesonfarm.co.uk Harbour Education Centre, Dell 10.30am.More info: 01243 www.downslinkchallenge.co.uk Southwick Street, Southwick, Choral Society performs 20: National Garden Quay, 01243 512301, 641508. 01273 597094 or www.wick Dvorak’s “Stabat Mater”; 22: Flower Demonstra- Scheme; The Priest House, www.conservancy.co.uk theatre.co.uk 7:30pm, Weald Recreation 16: Echo Project’s ‘Pegs tion “Sculpturesque” by North Lane, West Hoathly, Centre, 01798 813748, 10: Shoreham Oratorio with Personality’; Make Hazel McGregor; The Forest 5-13: South Downs Way 01342 810479, email tickets@billingshurstchoral Choir presents Good Friday your own wooden clothes peg School, Horsham, 01903 Walk; Full details on: 01903 [email protected] society.org Concert; 7.30pm, St Mary de people, 1pm to 4pm, The Lodge, 892837. 813381 or www.southdowns 21: Adur Lions’ Donkey Haura Church, Shoreham, free Hotham Park, Bognor Regis. way.com 6: Egg and Shell Hunt; 23: National Garden Derby and Fun Day; entry with a retiring collection, Children must be accompanied Hunt for shells and do a Scheme; The Priest House, 7: A Night in Venice; 6pm, Donkey races, beer tent, vintage 01273 465495, by an adult, £1 per child, 07889 harbour-themed quiz to win North Lane, West Hoathly, St Paul's Catholic College, cars, stalls and sideshows, 12pm www.shoreham-oratorio- 097156. chocolate eggs, dress to get 01342 810479, email Burgess Hill, 01273 890598, to 5pm, Buckingham Park, muddy and bring a small bucket choir.co.uk 26: Gardeners’ Question [email protected] www.sussexchorus.org Shoreham, Val Roberts 01903 for your finds, no dogs please, 10: Worthing Philhar- 751259, roberts764@ Time; Panel of experts to give 24: The Big Church Day 7: Burgess Hill Round monic Choir; Performing btinternet.com gardening advice and help, bring Out; 2.30pm to 10pm (gates Table & Lions Clubs’ Mozart’s Requiem and works by samples of your difficult plants open at 12pm), Wiston House, bike ride; start and finish at 26: Flower Demonstra- Charpentier and Mendelssohn, on the day, 2.30pm, tickets £10, Steyning, Oakmeeds Community School, tion “Whatever the Season” 7.30pm, Assembly Hall, Stoke St Mary’s, Bramber. 01903 www.purashop.com/purat- Station Road, Burgess Hill, 9am by Bridget Warrington; The Abbot Road, Worthing, 01903 814390. ickets start, proceeds go to local chari- Forest School, Horsham, 01903 CAMELIA BOTNAR BISTRO 206206, ties, entry fee £10 adults £5 for 892837. OPEN DAILY FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCHES, www.theatres.worthing.gov.uk 26: Not So Creepy SNACKS, CAKES & TEAS & SUNDAY ROASTS accompanied children (aged 10- Crawlies; Unearth bugs at 28: Cat & Rabbit Rescue 11: Watercolour Work- May: 17), phone 07855 327234, Pagham Harbour, cost £3 per Centre’s ‘Fun Dog Show & shop, Bluebells; £45 pay 13-16: Henfield Theatre www.burgesshill NOW licensed child. Meet at Pagham Harbour Garden Party’; on the day, Findon Village Hall, Company present the bikeride.co.uk, to sell Alcohol Visitor Centre, Selsey Rd, Sidle- 10am, entries from 10.30am, dog near Worthing, joe@joe musical Carousel; The Henfield [email protected] sham, at 10.30am. More info: show from 11.30am, £2.50 entry dowden.com, Hall, Henfield. Tickets: 01273 01243 641508. 18-21: Blues on the Farm fee includes drink and a cake, www.joedowden.com 492204. Festival; Tickets from £25 for Holborow Lodge, Chalder Lane, 14: ‘The Garden Fair’ in adults, from £12.50 for children Sidlesham, 02392 377806 aid of St Catherine’s Hospice; June: under 14, Pump Bottom Farm, including specialist plant 3: Watercolour work- Advertisement suppliers and local food and shop - Meadow with drink producers, 10.30am to Poppies and Barn; 1.30pm 3.30pm, Summers Place, Billing- Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre, Amberley, Near Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9LT. to 6.00pm, Sompting Commu- 7(RIÀFH#DPEHUOH\PXVHXPFRXN shurst, Elizabeth Curry 01293 nity Centre, Loose Lane, 07887 447367, 998499, email joe@joe Over 30 special events being [email protected], Ancient Castle & Stately Home dowden.com www.stch.org.uk held this year The English Arts Chorale The Collector Children’s activities at Chichester Cathedral Earl’s Garden Vintage vehicle shows We cannot accept Rachmaninov VESPERS responsibility for events Lauridsen O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM OUR GLORIOUS NEW ATTRACTION Food & drink festivals we publicise. Byrd MASS FOR FOUR VOICES Opened by Please phone venues Booking on 01737 762097 HRH The Prince of Wales www.amberleymuseum.co.uk beforehand to check or at www.englisharts.org information. Saturday, 16 May at 7.30 pm

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Arundel Castle, West Sussex. 01903 232324/731800 Just one of many Openstunning Saturday 4th April - reasonsSunday 1st November, to Tuesday visit to Please quote Ref: ALL700 Sunday inclusive throughout the season, plus Bank Holiday Mondays & August Mondays, 3rd, 10th, † For vehicles under 11 years old. 17th, & 24th. For more details, please call us on: 01903 882173 A47V5APR08 MC11.02.09 Any Age Concern detailed above is a registered charity. Advertisement 8 visit our website at www.westsussex.gov.uk More information - 01243 753830 GET OUT INTO YOUR GARDEN! We’ve got plenty of ideas Compost Converter: Composters need a for you to make the most mix of green and brown materials including: of the great outdoors while ✓ Grass cuttings, young annual weeds and helping the environment at cut flowers the same time. ✓ Cabbage leaves, teabags and egg shells FREE West Sussex Green Club The Better Tomorrows Community ✓ Seaweed and feathers ✓ Diverting Your Green Waste And Gardening Organically Interest company runs waste prevention Cardboard, hair and newspaper schemes for the County Council including West Sussex County Council in Most District and Borough Councils in providing bargain-priced Home Composters Don’t compost: ✖ partnership with the District and West Sussex have a kerbside and Food Waste Digesters. Butter, oil, salad dressings Borough Councils and Viridor Waste collection of recyclable material, ✖ But which one is right for you? Yo u Meat, bones, fish scraps Management Ltd have been running including garden waste. By home ✖ can find full details on our website, in the Rose prunings or thorny branches the West Sussex Green Club to help composting and utilising the green ✖ Pet or human waste residents understand the need for waste collection scheme in your area Better Tomorrows booklet, or by calling greater awareness of how to deal or visiting your local Household 01243 642106, but here’s a quick guide: See adverts below for bargain priced bins. with green waste and to promote a Waste Recycling Site (HWRS) you But if you haven’t room for one then more organic approach to gardening. can put your garden waste to good Food Waste Digester (Green Cone): ensure you take your garden waste to one of use.The garden waste is turned into Takes ALL food waste including meat, bones our 11 Household Waste Recycling Centres. Membership is free and open to organic soil conditioner that can now and dairy products and NO garden waste. Find your nearest one on our website. anyone living in West Sussex. All you be purchased at your local HWRS Best in the sun and needs to be dug into the need do is pledge a commitment to except East Grinstead and Worthing Some district and borough councils also soil with good drainage. home compost, use the garden waste as these sites are due to be upgraded. run waste collection schemes where your collection services and recycling Once completed soil conditioner will Food Waste Composter (Green garden waste is collected from the kerbside. facilities across the County as well as be available to purchase at these sites If you are still confused contact a Waste maintain a more organic approach to also. Johanna): Takes ALL food waste Prevention Advisor who are trained volun- your horticultural activities. including meat, bones and dairy Turning garden waste into organic soil AND requires a minimum 30% teers to help you divert waste from the Members receive quarterly newsletters conditioner is an example of closing garden waste. Best in the bin. Go to packed full of tips.There is even a the loop by making waste a resource. shade and does not require www.bettertomorrows.org.uk special club just for young budding drainage, or digging into the gardeners: The “Green Diggers”. The Reclaim Organic Soil Conditioner is £4 a bag or 3 bags for £10! soil. To join the West Sussex Green Club or for more information visit www.wsgreenclub.org. You can also call 01243 642106 . www.bettertomorrows.org.uk Page 13

Food Digester and Food Waste Composter Bins available from WSCC, District and Borough £17 Councils at a reduced price! FOOD WASTE DIGESTER FOOD WASTE COMPOSTER

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Please note digging required to install the Green Cone CallCall 08000800 005252 00462462 oror llogog oonn ttoo www.bettertomorrows.org.ukwww.bettertomorrows.org.uk Please quote Offer Code: CONA09 More information - 01243 753830 visit our website at www.westsussex.gov.uk 9 GoGo Advertisement South!South! Part of the popular South Downs Way that runs Advertisement through West Sussex has had a makeover. Gardens created and maintained by It is a popular route with Outstanding Natural Beauty Shakespeares Landscapes walkers, cyclists and horse (AONB.) 01243 553083 riders, as it offers For information about foot- picturesque views of the paths and bridleways, and to Portfolio and References available county’s landscape. plan your walk using our inter- www.landscapes-shakespeares.co.uk In partnership with Natural active map, visit 40 Orchard Way • Barnham • West Sussex England, our Rights of Way Team www.westsussex.gov.uk/prow have made improvements to the Advertisement route near Upper Beeding. The first phase involved replacing the steps up to the bridge deck, extending ramps and paths that run up and down the river banks and putting stone-filled fencing along the edge of the path to support and protect it and the riverbank. A new surface was also laid. The second phase widened and improved the path surface from the bridge out to the lay- by on the A283 Shoreham Road. This will benefit all future users making it easier to walk up and down the river. West Sussex is one of the most heavily wooded counties in the country and the high quality of its countryside has made parts of it, such as Chich- ester Harbour, Sussex Downs and High Weald, into an Area of Advertisement

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RUBBISH RESOURCE Sad, isn’ t it?

Sadder still, most of it could be eaten. This wasted THINK BEFORE food is a waste of money and a major contributor to climate change. To help throw less food away, a lot of fruit can be kept in the fridge so it lasts longer. YOU THROW For more ways to reduce your food waste, visit lovefoodhatewaste.com 10 visit our website at www.westsussex.gov.uk More information - 01243 753830 Join the ranks of volunteers?

More than 20 volunteers came forward to become ‘Sitters’ after reading an article in a recent edition of West Sussex Connec- tions. Could you join them? Our Sitting Service gives parents with disabled children some time off by arranging for volunteers to provide care for about four hours every fortnight at a time that is convenient. This could include evenings or activities during the day. Anne Thick is already a volunteer and admits: “I’m just a big kid at heart.” But it has led to her making a big differ- ence to Ian and Joanna Jones, of Worthing. Because what Anne’s really saying is: “I love children.” She has been looking after Ian and Joanna’s eldest daughter, Louisa, 12, who has learning difficulties and needs 24/7 care, for about 18 months. It’s only for a couple of hours every other week at times that are suitable to everyone. But it’s a couple of hours that means Ian and Joanna and their two other daughters, Madeleine, 11, and Susannah, six, can enjoy some of the simple pleasures we all take for granted. As Joanna says: “Having someone caring who you can trust implicitly means the pressure we face is eased. It refreshes us for the next day. Both Madeleine and Susannah love Anne, she’s now part of the family and we’ve become good friends,” said Joanna. Anne, who has two grown up daughters of her own, thinks Louisa is ‘fantastic’. She says: “I feel privileged to be treated like one of the family. But I love what I do. Whether I’m playing games with Louisa, bathing her, or putting her to bed, we always have such fun. At the same time, her mum and dad and sisters can enjoy time on their own. The whole point about the Sitting Service is it doesn’t require a lot of time from the volunteers - but it means so much to the families we visit.” You don't need specialist qualifications or specific experience to be a volunteer as full training is given in first aid, child protection, health and safety, communicating with disabled children and general disability issues. For more information contact Jess Elliott on 01243 642318 or see our website www.westsussex.gov.uk Helping Our ‘Lollipops’ Advertisement Stay Safe

A new safety campaign to give greater protection to our reminding Lollipop people has been launched. drivers it is an offence not to stop when a It follows several reports of cars ignoring Lollipop person is holding out the ‘Stop’ signed crossing patrol staff who stand out in all weathers pole to bring traffic to a halt. to make sure children get to school safely. The advert has been designed to show that An eye-catching advert appears on the backs going through a ‘Lollipop’ stop sign is the same as of more than 70 County Council owned vehicles, driving through a red traffic light, and could mean three penalty points and a fine of up to £1,000. BUS NEWS ROUND-UP TEXT FOR TIMES The ‘Text for Times’ system Parish, District and Borough When you’re waiting for a bus uses satellite positioning to councils can apply for up to 50% if you’re in Worthing or track your bus. of the cost. Crawley, you will soon be able It is hoped the texting Already 75 new shelters The Fatal Four to get the times texted to service will be expanded in the have been built across the your mobile phone. future to include other areas of county since 2003, including A new easy-to-use system the county. ones in Pagham, Easebourne and will be introduced by the So look out for more infor- Tillington. MOBILE PHONES County Council in the summer, mation on our website. £40,000 is available this year, and the closing date for applica- which sends a text message TAKING SHELTER direct to your mobile phone, tions is April 30. EXCESS SPEED Tired of giving the ‘real’ time of the next The aim is waiting for three buses to arrive at the bus to benefit DRINK DRIVING the bus in stop you want. existing bus the rain? All you will need to do is travellers and Help is at NO SEAT BELT look at your bus stop’s unique encourage hand from eight letter code which will be more of us to the County clearly displayed at each stop. jump on Council. We You will then be able to text the board. are offering code to 84268, and the return See our grants to www.sussexsaferroads.gov.uk message will cost 25p plus your website under build new standard network charge. Bus in the A-Z. bus shelters. More information - 01243 753830 visit our website at www.westsussex.gov.uk 11 Join the Step back music into our makers! Our West Sussex Music Service has opened another two music centres for young people, in stunning Bognor Regis and Midhurst, taking the total to eight across the county. The centres offer excellent opportu- nities for young people to learn instru- ments and develop a passion for music. past! The new centres offer a wide range of activities from joining rock bands to ere are just a few of the images which form part classical groups. of the finest and largest photographic The Bognor Music Centre is at collection ever acquired by H Felpham Community College and offers our Library Service. samba music lessons, the chance to join Twelve specially-trained a steel band and to play rock or jazz. volunteers spent over a year Walter’s son William with friends on Worthing beach c.1896 The Midhurst Music Centre is at preserving, digitising and classifying Midhurst Rother College Lower School the 116,000 unique and historic and runs a musicianship class for mixed photographs of the county dating instruments and young people of any from the 1880s to 2000 by school age or ability can join. Worthing-based photography The Music Service, which has company Walter Gardiner. received three national diplomas for The images record many innovation and effectiveness from the aspects of life in the county including Woodcutter at Findon c. 1911 National Music Council, also has centres pin-sharp images of streets and build- in Worthing, Chichester, Crawley, ings from Worthing and surrounding towns and villages. Horsham, Haywards Heath and East Photographs include striking scenes from the countryside Grinstead. of shepherds, sheep-washers and wood-cutters taken just The Service also teaches in schools before these traditional occupations died out. There are also across the county. Carefully graded some very rare photographs showing Worthing during the musical activities range from pre-school Second World War. These include air raid shelters and the classes through to bands, orchestras and town’s defences. Strict censorship rules meant that very few choirs, catering for all abilities from photographs were ever taken in the town during the war. beginner to grade 8. Over 1,000 images from the Walter Gardiner collection If you would like to apply to learn an can be viewed on the Past Pictures website at: instrument, or know more about music www.westsussexpast.org.uk/pictures and 15 of them centres, call 01243 642361, email (including all featured on this page) are available to buy for [email protected]. You can get £12.50 each complete in hand-made 16” x 12” mounts ready more information and an application for framing. Contact Worthing Library on 01903 704809 Broadwater c.1925 form from our website search ‘music for further information. service’. Advertisement SOMETHING NEW… There was certainly ‘something new’ according to the old wedding day rhyme when this happy couple tied the knot. Riddhi Patel, 23, and husband Arpitkumar Upendrabhai Desai, 25, made local history when they were the first couple to be married at the new
 Crawley Register Office. The ceremony was performed by Registrar 7(%2%02)6!#9!.$).$%0%.$%.#% Dorothy Smith, who said: “The wedding went very well and the bride and groom and their families were -%%47!2-#/-0!.)/.3()0 delighted with the new Register Office. They all liked the building, the décor and set-up.” s/URRETIREMENTSUITESOFFERAFFORDABLE For more information about the new Office, see our website under Births Marriages and Deaths. COMFORTANDSECURITYINTHEHEARTOFTHIS To find out all about how and where to hold GLORIOUSCITY your ceremony in West Sussex pick up a copy of Ceremonies in West Sussex 2009. It is avail- s7EAREPARTOFTHENON PROlTMAKING able from all our Register Offices, by calling 01243 642122 or you can view it online on our website. !BBEYlELD'ROUP FEATUREDRECENTLY BYTHE""#NEWSASBEINGINLINEWITHTHE Fly the Flag for 'OVERNMENTAPPROVED@HIGHSTANDARDSOF EXCELLENCEINMEETINGTHENEEDSOFTHE Sussex INDIVIDUAL 7E CANHELPYOU EXPLOREOTHER Day OPTIONS IFYOUCANT Celebrate Sussex Day on June 16. CURRENTLYSELLYOUR To show your support, you can buy a West Sussex flag HOME from our e-shop for just £36, to fly proudly. #ALL*ULIANOWON It’s a chance to celebrate all aspects of your county, and CELEBRATE find out things you might not know about. ORVISITWWWABBEYFIELDCHIORG The date was chosen to coincide with St Richard’s Day. SUSSEX DAY! He was the Bishop of Chichester during the 13th century. Visit our website and search “e-shop.” 16th JUNE 12 visit our website at www.westsussex.gov.uk More information - 01243 753830 rvellous Day ! Ma West Sussex has some of the best s O sex and most varied attractions in the UK, and we have ut i us teamed up with some of them to offer you the chance n West S to win some FABULOUS prizes! Even if you are not a lucky winner, then check out their websites and plan a brilliant local day out!

BUTLINS BOGNOR REGIS: It’s now a trendy place to be FISHBOURNE ROMAN PALACE: Amazing excavated The attractions and the seen, according to the Sunday Times - so visit Butlins and enjoy the artefacts along with plans, reconstruction drawings and models and prizes you can win are: Splash Waterworld, top class entertainment, bowling, a cinema, an entertaining audio-visual programme. You can also see the largest amusements and much much more! Visit www.butlins.com collection of in-situ mosaics in Britain including the famous Cupid GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED 3,4,5 JULY: on a Dolphin. Visit www.sussexpast.co.uk or call 01243 785859 This has become the biggest international historic motor racing A family ticket worth £39 event in the world and this year will feature over 300 cars and One family ticket worth £20 FISHERS FARM PARK, Wisborough Green. A unique motorcycles for a celebration of racing machinery, from early mixture of farm animals and adventure play - the ideal place for WEALD AND DOWNLAND MUSEUM, Singleton. Edwardian steam cars to current F1 racers. Held in beautiful park- family visits, birthday parties, school trips and group outings. The Set in 50 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside where you can land the Festival has been described as the 'Garden Party of the Park is designed for families with children 2-10 years old. Visit wander amongst a fascinating collection of nearly 50 historic build- Gods'. Call 01243 755055 or www.goodwood.co.uk/tickets www.fishersfarmpark.co.uk or call 01403 700063 ings dating from the 13th to the 19th century, many with period One pair of Friday tickets worth £66 One family ticket for four people worth £46 gardens, together with farm animals, woodland walks and a picturesque lake. Visit www.wealddown.co.uk or call 01243 HARBOUR PARK, LITTLEHAMPTON: A great EARNLEY BUTTERFLIES AND GARDENS, near 811363 amusement centre with indoor and outdoor attractions including a Chichester. A wonderland of tropical butterflies and exotic birds, water chute, adventure golf, the Horror Hotel and children’s rides, One family ticket worth £24 animal and reptile rescue, themed gardens, crazy golf, a nostalgia making it a perfect setting come rain or shine! museum and lots more! Visit www.earnleybutterfliesand See www.harbourpark.com or call 01903 721200 To be in with a chance to win, gardens.co.uk or call 01243 512637 Ten free ride tickets worth £15 answer the following questions Five family tickets worth £120 each (the answers can all be found in this edition of West Sussex BLUEBELL RAILWAY: A fund-raising drive is being held to Connections AMBERLEY WORKING MUSEUM: A 36 acre open-air ): extend the line to East Grinstead and you can help by paying a museum dedicated to the industrial heritage of the south-east 1. How many people in West Sussex have jobs in ‘Tenner for a Tip’, and you will get a special certificate. Travel from containing a wide range of exhibits, including the Southdown bus the tourism industry? the Victorian age at Sheffield Park, to the 1930s at Horsted Keynes, collection. The Museum is also home to a number of resident 2. Where in West Sussex is there a new Library and to the 1950s at Kingscote. More information about the railway craftspeople who work to traditional methods. and Register Office? and how you can help the extension plans at Visit www.amberleymuseum.co.uk or call 01798 831370 3. Whose massive photographic collection has www.bluebell-railway.co.uk or call 01825 720825 (24 hours) One family ticket worth £26.50 plus one family meal worth £20 recently been acquired by the County Council? Two family tickets worth £33 each Send your entries with your contact details, marked (not valid for special event days) PETWORTH HOUSE: A magnificent country house and Attractions Competition stating the ticket(s) you would like FONTWELL PARK RACECOURSE: One of the park with an internationally important art collection, set in a 'Capa- to win to bility' Brown landscaped deer park and housing The National Trust's [email protected] friendliest and most intimate racecourses in the country, a very Communications Team, WSCC, West Street,or largest art collection plus fascinating servants' quarters with a 'state warm welcome always awaits at Fontwell Park - a diverse leisure Chichester, PO19 1RQ of the art' Victorian kitchen. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk or call , by venue that offers everything from horse racing to large outdoor 30 APRIL 2009. events such as concerts. Visit www.fontwellpark.co.uk or call 01798 343929 Please send a separate email for each ticket you would like to win. If you are entering by post, use a sepa- 01243 543335 One family ticket worth £26 rate entry for each one, but put them all in one envelope. Family Ticket for Race Day on 24 May worth £40. NEWNEW Spring/SummerSpring/Summer NEW FOR 2009 brochurebrochure outout now!now! We’re pleased to be working with West Sussex Adult & Chichester College Community Learning Service to offer new courses in the Chichester is pleased to launch a new and Pulborough programme of courses for area. the Spring and Summer 2009. Not only are we offering some firm favourites, but we also have many new and exciting classes available locally to you. From cooking to yoga and computing to Italian there really is something for everyone!

To request a copy of our Spring/Summer 2009 brochure please call 0845 075 1009 www.westsussex.gov.uk/adulteducation