Shipley Parish News

Shipley White Storks part of a national re-introduction project

September 2019 60p Shipley Parish News

2 September 2019

Pat’s letter

Horsham, West Sussex

Dear Friends and Parishioners,

Thank you so much for my lovely retirement party and all the many good wishes for the future. Special thanks to Colin and Lucy for hosting it at the Old Vicarage, yourselves for all the entries in the book (which we will treasure), and God for answering prayers for a dry and sunny evening after a dismal start to the day!

Your generosity has been overwhelming as I look at all the wonderful gifts, which will remind us of nearly 19 happy years at Shipley. Thank you for the very substantial cheque, which I promise that we will use for proper holidays next year, as instructed.

Bernard and I leave Shipley with so many happy memories to treasure. We continue to thank God for calling us to such a special place and supportive community. We can now understand how Paul felt when he wrote to the Philippians (Ch1, v3-5) “ I thank my God every time I remember you ….because of your sharing of the good news from the first day until now”.

With our very best wishes and prayers that the Church will grow, flourish, and continue to take its place in the community in the future.

Pat and Bernard

3 Shipley Parish News

4 September 2019

Parish directory

Church Gavin Kenny T: 01403 734387 Wardens Meadowcroft, Polecat Lane, E: [email protected] Copsale, RH13 6QR

Sarah Nuttall T: 01403 733878 College Farm, Church Lane, E: [email protected] Southwater RH13 9BT

Honorary Colin West E: [email protected] Treasurer The Old Vicarage, School Lane, Shipley, RH13 8PL

Honorary Jo Nunn E: [email protected] Secretary

Organist and Peter Sanderson Choirmaster E: [email protected]

Assistant Anne Haimes Organist

Sunday School Liz Cockerill E: [email protected]

Safeguarding Andy Guy E: [email protected] officer

Bell Captain Simon Meyer E: [email protected]

Bell Secretary Sue Meyer

Andrew Hall Jane Gardner Amanda Jupp E: [email protected]

Magazine John Davies E: [email protected] advertising

Magazine Lucy West E: [email protected] subscriptions The Old Vicarage, School Lane, Shipley, RH13 8PL

Magazine Greg & Rachel Huitson-Little E: [email protected] editors

5 Shipley Parish News

The Churchwardens’ letter

As I sit down to write these words I find it hard to believe that we are already a month in to our Interregnum, there has been so much for Sarah and I to learn and our fair share of mistakes and near missus but with the huge support we have had from everyone hopefully nothing has been too disastrous, please bear with us and we will get better I promise! I have met with the Arch-Deacon and she was clear that she is actively looking for a replacement Priest-in-Charge for Pat and that we are not going to be merged with another Parish, and so I look forward to the future with renewed vigour, although we need to be patient as it is highly likely to take about 12 months to find someone, but if you do find yourself sat next to a vicar at some point, please see if they would be interested in coming to Shipley! We don’t have to wait for the Bishop to find someone if we find them ourselves. The diocese is intending to let out the Vicarage while we are waiting to find our new Priest-in-Charge, after doing some maintenance and decorating, so do not be alarmed if you see workmen going in and out. Also please be aware that once the Vicarage has been let we can no longer use the drive for parking, even for those who find it hard to walk far, therefore could I ask everyone who is more able to try and leave the parking spaces near the Church for those who are not, supporting each other is the Christian thing to do! I have also been to see Pat and Bernard, who are now moved back into their house in Horsham, Pat has also kindly agreed to take the Services (8am & 10am) on the 15th September and our Harvest Festival on the 6th October, so please make a note for your diaries. We will also be having our Harvest Lunch on the 6th October and we’ll get a list at the back of Church for you to put your names down. I know that Pat has written a letter to us all, which you will find elsewhere in this edition of the magazine, but I would just like to repeat this extract from her last Sermon to us:

“Over the past eighteen and a half years it has been an amazing privilege to serve the Parish – sharing with you all the ups and downs of life – all the laughter and the tears. Anything that I have done which has been deemed good is to God’s glory. His grace and strength has sustained my ministry on this journey. Right from the beginning I have felt supported by you all and the wider community. Also, of course, Bernard has been a great support and help along the way for we work as a team in both ministry and marriage. I leave as your Priest-in-Charge with so many happy memories. I am tempted to one day write a book about them; from wedding dress malfunctions and

6 September 2019

extraordinary funerals to visiting royalty and politicians, amongst many others. I pray that the light of Christ will continue to shine brightly in the Parish of Shipley and that the person who is appointed here in due course will be as happy as I have been. So thank you for all your love, support and prayers and may God bless you in the years to come.”

Finally, I would like to thank everyone for all their support to Sarah and myself and all the hard work which goes on every day keeping Shipley running. There are almost certainly unsung heroes that Sarah and I do not know about, so if you have been doing a job for years and now find someone else doing it, please don’t think you have been sacked, it is almost certainly our fault and we just saw a job that needed doing. If this occurs just let us know that you have it in hand and we’ll be very grateful to let you carry on your good work in support of the Church and our Community.

Where there are errors, please forgive, Where there is work, please volunteer, Where there can be improvement, please let us know.

Yours in Christ Gavin and Sarah

From the Registers

Baptisms

Ivo Beauchamp Holt’

Funerals

Patricia Quinlan Jemima Lidbetter David Pearson

Interment of Ashes

Alan Wagstaff

7 Shipley Parish News

Church calendar: September

Sidesmen Reading and reader Prayers

1 September at 10:00am: Holy Communion Hebrews 12, Claire Ebdon V1 to V8 and V15 to V16 Peter Sanderson Josie Philips

8 September at 10:00am: Holy Communion Philemon, V1 to V21 Carole Cooper Audrey Bernardi Liz Blower

15 September at 8:00am: Said Communion 1 Timothy 1, V12 to V17 The Vicar Gavin Kenny

15 September at 10:00am: Family Service with Rev Pat Sinton Bob Phillips (to be confirmed) Mandy Jupp Nigel Jupp Liz Cockerill

22 September at 10:00am: Holy Communion 1 Timothy 2, V1 to V7 Richard Killner Sarah Nuttall Erica Smale

29 September at 10:00am: Mattins Hebrews 1, V5 to V14 Colin West Eve Kenny Lucy West

8 September 2019

6 October at 10:00am: Holy Communion and Harvest Festival with Rev Pat Sinton Ephesians 2, V19 to V22 Alan Haimes The Vicar Anne Haimes

Flower rota

Altar Vases Memorials

7 and 14 September Mandy Jupp Ann Roberts

21 and 28 September Lucy West Jane Sanderson

5 October —— Harvest decoration - all welcome ——

Cleaning rota

7 September Lucy West Christine Wyatt Claire Ebdon

14 September Jane Sanderson Peter Sanderson Caroline Dowse

21 September Claire Searle Sarah Nuttall Anne Pike

28 September Carole Cooper Chris Seymour Shirley Killner

5 October Annabel Jordon Ginny de Zoete Ros Wild

Thank you to everyone for your time and help so willingly given to the Church If you have some time to help keep the Church clean, please speak to Sarah

9 Shipley Parish News

Off Pat...

Peter Sanderson reports

With the retirement of the Reverend Pat as vicar of Shipley at the end of July after almost 18 years in our midst, we are all the sadder – but not the poorer. For what Pat has given to the parish and its inhabitants during her long tenure is a degree of love, service, and duty that’s almost incalculable, and hard to define.

We have been blessed with the care and compassion of one who learned her trade as a dedicated nurse, and who was then called to be ordained as one of the first woman priests of this diocese. She quietly went about her work among us with the devotion and great kindness that characterised the way in which she preached the Christian gospel, and offered care to anyone who needed it. From the very start, we felt, “here is a kind and motherly human being, whom we shall depend upon for spreading the Christian message, and who will perform the tasks of bringing us all together, encouraging us in our pursuit of happiness, introducing us to the holiness of Christ, and creating a sense of continuity, confidence and spiritual awareness within our own community”.

10 September 2019

The fondness in which she is held by those who know her was fully demonstrated at her leaving party, held on Saturday 27 July at the Old Vicarage, (Colin and Lucy West’s family home, kindly made available for the occasion; our sincere thanks to them both). A wonderfully large number of parishioners attended as we said our farewells to Pat and Bernard.

11 Shipley Parish News

Churchwarden Gavin Kenny addressed the company and reminded us of the remarkable statistics relating to Pat’s time as Priest in Charge of Shipley, and in particular, the growth of the size and diversity of the church congregation that has taken place during her time with us.

She and Bernard were then presented with gifts – a set of table mats, a photobook, and an engraved crystal bowl – together with a substantial financial donation to which many people had generously contributed.

The church choir gave a performance of the hymn “God be with you till we meet again”, and also sang a specially written re-arrangement of “The Church’s one foundation” with words suited to the occasion, which were specially written by our own Anne Haimes.

Deep in the heart of Sussex Where sheep and peasants dwell There is a church in Shipley Oh yes, we know it well; The choir is small in number But great in their intent, They sing a rousing Gloria And Kyries in Lent.

And early Sunday morning When we are all asleep The ringers start their ringing Enough to wake the sheep; And high up in the bell tower, It’s miles above the ground, So surely that’s the reason They make a heavenly sound.

The Shipley congregation Is mainly rather old, And in the midst of winter The church is freezing cold; So they sing hymns with gusto The sounds to heaven ascend, They warm themselves with coffee And biscuits at the end.

12 September 2019

We’re losing Pat our vicar We’re sad to see her go; And we will surely miss her Because we love her so; But we will keep on singing, The bells will sound again, And Shipley church will prosper For evermore, Amen.

And so it came to Sunday morning when large numbers of churchgoers attended Sung Eucharist as Pat celebrated Holy Communion for the last time as vicar of Shipley.

She chose her own favourite hymns, and made clear her enduring belief in Prayer, Healing, and Trust in God’s blessing and Divine purpose. Choir music included Stanford’s setting of “Praise God in his holiness”, Mozart’s “Ave verum corpus”, and the anthem “How lovely is thy dwelling place” with music specially composed locally for the occasion.

As Pat made her final walk down the aisle after conducting the service, she was given a spontaneous round of prolonged applause, rather as a bride would receive on her wedding day.

The overriding impression of Pat’s Shipley ministry, in my view, has been her sense of Christian duty and an unwavering commitment to serving others. Her characteristic dedication to service in Christ is reflected in the words of one of the hymns she chose for the Sunday service,

Brother, sister, let me serve you; Let me be as Christ to you. I will weep when you are weeping; When you laugh I’ll laugh with you; I will share your joy and sorrow, Till we’ve seen this journey through.

It’s simple for us to offer thanks... “off- pat”, as it were! It’s also right that we should express our heartfelt appreciation to Pat and Bernard for their friendship and long service, as well as to wish them both a happy retirement in Horsham.

No doubt with their appetite for work, it may not necessarily be a peaceful one, but hopefully a worthwhile and contented one. Till we meet again!

13 Shipley Parish News

Editor’s letter

Welcome to the September Shipley Parish News!

Well I’m not quite sure what’s just happened. It feels like just yesterday that I was writing the July Editor’s letter, and here we are once again penning another, this time for September. I feel like filing a missing person’s report: “Missing, months of July and August, last seen blowing a gale through West Sussex”.

You may recall that earlier this year, a group of scientists announced and shared the first ever photograph of a black hole. In terms of artistic merit, I think our own Countryman probably has the edge, but as a piece of scientific endeavour it marked a very large step forward in understanding space and time and reminded me of my happy fourth year at university studying general relativity and being rather perplexed by quantum mechanics.

However, this got me wondering: perhaps Shipley has its own space-time singularity that is slowly accelerating time? More worryingly, has one been developing here in Parish News HQ? Is there a risk that as it grows, I drift ever closer and one day I cross the event horizon, never to be seen again? Certainly if Mrs Editor is to believed, there must be some temporal disturbance kicking around in HQ. She often observes that I can disappear for hours on end, but accomplish nothing. It is an undeniable fact that I can wile away a few hours deep in studious nothingness. I call it “man time”: a deeply honed skill that only a man can master.

Part of the disappearance of time may also be down to an acute realisation of one’s limitations. I have learned over the years never to overpromise to Mrs Editor. If an odd job around the house is going to take 30 minutes, say it will take two hours. This allows for contemplation, tea and biscuits, measuring up, choosing the music, a trip out to the hardware store for bits, bobs and new tools even if none are actually required, tea and cake, and, of course, time to reflect on a job well done.

The curious thing, however, is that if there are indeed temporal disturbances in existence, you can be sure Mrs Editor is close by. For within that 30 minute job (say two hours), one has to somehow account for the inevitable interruptions, including requests for progress updates, curious inquiry as to what you are doing, challenges as to why new tools are required, and attendance elsewhere on matters equally important, and two hours then become four.

14 September 2019

If, by contrast, Yellow Dog is my tool carrier and odd-job companion, much can be accomplished swiftly and efficiently, to allow plenty of time for walks, biscuit consumption on both of our parts, and subsequent cuddles on the sofa enjoying the snooker. Indeed, for a creature that’s meant not to be able to distinguish red from green, she is remarkably keen on a sport where such colours are rather fundamental.

Back to the question in hand. Has anyone seen Summer? It does seem rather absurd that we’ve just checked the oil tank, in anticipation of turning the heating on in the next few days. Driving back from the station at night I can’t quite remember how light turned to dark, though that may be more reflective of not leaving the office at a reasonable time. Light summer salads are giving way to warming bowls of stews, risottos and baked pastas (though to be fair, light summer salads rarely feature on my menu!). Time is upon us to start tucking a pot of porridge in the back of the Aga in the evening, hoping we remember it when we get up the next morning rather than a few weeks later.

Which reminds me. I have for many months whinged, whined, complained and generally sought pity from you, dear Reader, about the distinct lack of an Aga Cooked Breakfast. It has been noted that no-one has come to my rescue. However, Mrs Editor has finallly come good. I should say that MiL and DiL were visiting at the time, and so one has to question whether she did it for me or DiL, but I have, nevertheless, been treated to an Aga Cooked Breakfast. The event happened on 21 July and 0930, served in the surrounds of our garden with Black-Dog on hand to clean up any dropped sausage or runaway beans. Tummy full and DiL impressed, we retired to reading the papers.

One final observation though. The Aga is proving a useful weapon: Mrs Editor did scones in it last week, with clotted cream and jam, distracting me while I worked through my odd job list before asking why I hadn’t finished putting up the shelves in the last four hours...

With best wishes,

Greg and Rachel [email protected]

15 Shipley Parish News

Kingerlee Konundrums

Michael Kingerlee reports from his garden

Would Gardening be as interesting without Konundrums?

I considered earlier this year if climate change, which is with us, would alert the way we gardened. I am now convinced that it will and we must look ahead and try to change a lot of the thing that we have done for years. The main thing that has made it a hard year in the garden has been the variation of conditions. One day the ground has been so hard that weeding has been almost impossible and then we have had rain making tasks possible, but it has then been followed by very hot days making it unpleasant to work. So that we now must never leave for tomorrow what we can do today if conditions are right. This however makes the garden rule our lives more than it did in the past. I have now grown tomatoes under glass for over 60 years but I have never been faced with such a poor crop as I have got this year. I prepared my greenhouse tomato bed in the usual way by replacing some of the old soil in the growing bed with new compost. One of the bags of compost that I used in the bed was later found to be contaminated with weed killer, as it burnt the roots of my seedling and re-potted plants. Unfortunately my tomatoes were already planted in the bed when I discovered this so I just had to hope that since it was mixed with other composts it would not affect the plants. The plants grew well and the first truss formed less than twelve inches from the soil, a target of mine. The year progressed and some of the tomatoes began to ripen at the end of July but I then noticed that a large percentage of the fruits were affected with Blossom End Rot and the fruits became useless. This has continued during the whole summer and I have lost at least half of the crop. What has caused the problem? This is the big konundrum: Has it been

16 September 2019

that some of the plants roots have been burnt by the compost? Was it lack of calcium? Have I not had enough shading in the greenhouse? Have I create too much humidity in the house by watering the path to try to reduce the temperature in the house on very hot days? Has the temperature fluctuation been just too much? The temperature in my greenhouse in August has been up to 42 centigrade and down to 8.4 at night. Has my watering been inconsistent? Or was it contaminated with the dead toad that I found in my water butt? Should I change the Alicante tomato that I have always grown, to a new variety that might be more tolerant to temperature fluctuation? I was reading an article the other day which stated that you should remove some of the glass from your greenhouse in very hot weather. That’s a joke as to do so I would have to take down half of my greenhouse. I am sure however that this will be made possible in the future and that Greenhouse manufacturers will make their houses with removable panels. We might also have to install air conditioning in the greenhouse if we want to continue to grow summer crops. Or are we just going to give up and leave it to the professionals who already have temperature controlled growing conditions?

Little did I know that garden cage nets could be dangerous...

I always protect my small brassica plants with a low two foot high net suspended above them on a metal frame at both ends. This year it was no exception and I erected my cage after planting my Brussel Sprouts out. They grew well and by the middle of August they were touching the net, so it was necessary to increase the cage’s height. I erected the higher frame and stooped down to pull out the pegs that were holding the net down. Unfortunately at this point I over balanced landing on the tightly supported cage which gave way in the middle so that I landed on the ground between two robust sprout plants. The net was still supported at both ends so the net came up on both side of me. Since I had overbalanced I had not put my hands out and now found that I was lying on them. I could not move them sideway as the net was there together with the strong stems of the Brussel Sprout plants that I had fallen between. My face was on the ground and my nose and ears were caught in the holes in the net. So I was trapped unable to move. Fortunately my veg patch is next to a track leading into the Knepp Estate and it was not long before some walkers passed. I said loudly “Hello” and they replied “Hello” and walked on. They were followed by a further group of about 10 walkers so I said again “ Hello” they replied again “Hello” However one of them looked to see where I was and as I was hardly visible amongst the sprouts, asked if I was I alright. I replied “No I am stuck”. They immediately came to my assistance and eventually managed to pull me out of the net which was not easy as my nose, ears, and shirt buttons were all caught up in the net. So take care when going near a garden net as they can catch you!

17 Shipley Parish News

18 September 2019

Neighbourhood Planning Regulation 14 Public Consultation Shipley Neighbourhood Plan

Your Neighbourhood Plan has now entered a very important phase in its development!

Shipley Parish Council is undertaking a public consultation under Regulation 14 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended) on your Neighbourhood Plan and supporting documents.

The public consultation runs from Monday 2nd September 2019 until Sunday 13th October 2019

You can view your Neighbourhood Plan documents and give us your feedback via www.shipleyparishcouncil.org.uk.

Hard copies available on request from the parish clerk on 07481 803124 or email via [email protected]).

The Neighbourhood Plan sets out a vision for Shipley that meets national and local planning guidelines whilst protecting the character of Shipley Parish. The document contains guiding policies for new development as well as protection policies relating to the green environment, built heritage and community facilities.

Community Consultation Event

Please come along to our next Community Consultation Event, where you can find out more and give your views on the future of Shipley Parish:

Thursday 3rd October 2019 at Andrew Hall, Shipley, 18:00 to 20:00

Refreshments will be available!

19 Shipley Parish News

Shipley History Society

Gina Larcombe reports from the Shipley History Society

This summer has had a mixed bag of weather – either unbearable heat or torrential rain! As I write this, it is raining and the temperature has a feel of autumn about it. Maybe we can look forward to an Indian summer….let’s hope so. Whatever the weather, we hope that all our members have had an enjoyable summer and are ready to join us during the coming year for our new programme of events.

Saturday 23rd November, starting with a Peal at 2pm

On Saturday 23rd November there will be a presentation in Shipley church by Alan Regin, Steward of the Roles of Honour. These illuminated books commemorate the 1400 ringers lost in World War 1 as well as those lost in the Second World War. The programme for the afternoon will be as follows:  Peal at 2pm, finishing roughly 4.30.  People gather from 4.15 to listen to the end of the peal over a cup of tea/coffee & cakes/biscuits.  Following the peal Alan will talk about the rolls of honour and the Ypres bells project. He will be bringing the rolls to the presentation. We will also talk about a historical book we hold in the tower.

Thursday 28th November at 7.30 pm

AGM and Christmas entertainment, details to be confirmed

Unless otherwise stated, all the Shipley History Society meetings are held at Andrew Hall, Shipley, RH13 8PH All events are free to members (membership is £10 per year) or £3 for guests.

You can contact the Society at [email protected] or ring Jean Wright on 01403 741986. You can find Shipley History Society on the Shipley Parish Council website www.shipleyparishcouncil.org.uk and follow the Sports and Recreation link.

20 September 2019

NGS: Durrance Manor

On a hot bank holiday Monday, Gordon and Joan Lindsay once again opened their fabulous garden for visitors from far and wide for the “National Garden Scheme”, raising money for both the NGS charities as well as for our Church!

A huge team of people made this possible. Special mention must go to Gordon and his team of helpers that made the gardens so wonderful, including Richard and Nicky Killner and Helen Butler. On the day, a crack team in the kitchen kept everyone hydrated with tea and fed with cakes, with Patricia Sewell on cashier duty all day. Thanks to everyone who made cakes for the day.

Says Gordon:

“Thank all of you very much for your tremendous help in making yesterday a great success. In addition to making a record amount of money for the Church (over £1,000) we made a record amount for the NGS charities - £2,337 which if you divide by 6 makes 389 visitors”.

21 Shipley Parish News

West Chiltington Probus

Nick Vincent reports

This month forty six members/partners travelled to the Chichester Yacht Club where, overlooking the harbour, we all enjoyed a fine lunch, a very pleasant way to while away a few hours.

Ben Mottram was our guest speaker at the members lunch, a lecturer who combined enthusiasm with a deep understanding of cataclysmic events caused by either human involvement or natural causes. Known as Black Swans these events included the Mongol empire which became the largest contiguous land empire in history. Whilst it created the Silk road, it killed 25% of the total population, destroyed cultures and the established irrigation systems. Although the empire declined in the 14c the population of the Middle East did not recover until the 1960s. Ben also outlined many other Black Swan events.

If you are semi-retired or retired and wish meet to like-minded people, why not come and enjoy yourself at our monthly lunch meeting and make new friends or renew old acquaintances.

We enjoy high quality speakers at our monthly members lunch meetings, partners are welcome to all other activities, visits and the monthly coffee morning.

We have members from a wide variety of backgrounds and this month I was fortunate enough to be seated in the company of some new members. During lunch we enjoyed wide ranging conversations from sport through local events to some of the major issues facing the world today. With widely differing views we skirted around the ‘B’ subjects remaining on good terms.

Upcoming activities include an exclusive visit to Durrance Manor, a BBQ at the Roundabout Hotel, a trip to Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, Autumn lunch at Random Hall and the November skittles evening. The committee are well advanced planning the Christmas lunch and events for 2020.

Our lunch meeting is on the first Wednesday in the month. Membership is open to retired PROfessional and BUSiness men, if you would like to know more please contact our Secretary David Goddard: - [email protected]

22 September 2019

Our neighbours give an update from their recent village show

The sun shone and welcomed the first parade for 60 years and what a sight. The Silver Band marched, followed by the ‘Intergenerational banner’ held high and members of the community, many of whom played a part in making the banner. It was an exciting and fun procession whilst being poignant in bringing so many members of the village together and in recognition of the purpose of the original parade in 1919. The show was formally opened by Reverend David Coleman.

The traditional village show marquee housed a fine collection of competition entries, both in quantity and quality. They were very much appreciated by both public and judges as were the artwork and photographs on display in the Village Hall. The Dog Show pulled huge crowds with eight classes, some of which attracted over 30 entries as did the ‘Garage’ where 30 beautiful and varied cars were on display. Ladies that Boogie, Tom Foolery, the West Chiltington Silver Band and Arbour the Tree (part of the Horsham Year of Culture) provided brilliant entertainment with 47 stalls providing a wide range of local food, crafts, plants and local information, Tombola, Bric-a-Brac and children’s entertainment.

Excellent teas and cakes were provided by The Women’s Institute and stronger beverages and BBQ by the Cricket Club. The show finished with the Ladies and Gentlemen’s Tug of War (not together), the Grand Raffle and Prize giving. It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying themselves on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The Committee are very grateful to all the volunteers who made the show possible and ensuring everyone had fun.

The next show on 11th July 2020; please contact [email protected]

23 Shipley Parish News

Countryman

As promised, I wanted to give an update on the White Storks of Shipley. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity to speak to Charlie Burrell about the background of the White Stork Project but I did meet Lucy Groves of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. Lucy is the White Stork project manager and I got the opportunity to take some fascinating photos for my Countryman article. They do say a picture paints a thousand words. The White Stork has been missing from the UK for centuries having once been a common bird so the re- introduction is an ambitious and wonderful conservation project. It was a privilege to see the birds up close and to watch some of their behaviours. I joined an enthusiastic group from the Shipley History Society and this was such an appropriate visit for the group as the last recorded mention of Storks in the UK was 1416. Whatever went wrong with the Stork population we can only speculate. Storks have been sighted in the UK on the odd occasion but have not successfully bred until recently. Cotswold Wildlife park have a captive breeding programme for the Storks and are successfully releasing them into the wild. A group of 25 juvenile Storks have been added to the flock in Shipley. The photograph shows how magnificent these birds are and the size of their

White Stork joining the party in Shipley July 2019

24 September 2019

wingspan measuring 6 feet wide makes them seem quite an iconic species. Naturally a migrating bird they head south in the Autumn to avoid the cold winter. Yesterday as we were eating dinner on the patio we spotted to Storks heading south so maybe it was the start of their migration to Africa – let’s hope they return safely.

An amazing sight is when the birds are in flight, gliding on warm thermals so let’s all hope this becomes a regular occurrence in the skies over Shipley.

Continuing on the history theme I had some family visitors over from Norway and it gave me the opportunity to visit some really special places that we sometimes take for granted. White Stork in flight over Shipley July 2019 Although it is a bit of a long drive, we visited Stonehenge in Wiltshire, a fabulous World Heritage Site. Over 1.5 million visitors come to Stonehenge every year and it does ooze history, mystery and charm. The new visitors centre is brilliant, educational and informative. There are replica Stone Age huts and access to the Neolithic Henge itself is limited but you do get up quite close and can take loads of great photographs. I think the photos look great in black and white probably because colour photography wasn’t invented when the monument was constructed. I had one of those magical moments that transported me back to my childhood when I saw and heard a skylark such a melodic bird, the skylark has long been the epitome of a farmland bird.

Immortalised by the poet Shelley in To a Skylark,

Better than all measures Of delightful Sound, Better than all treasures That in books are found, Thy skill to poet were, thou scorner of the ground!

My Norwegian relatives were so looking forward to their visit of Stonehenge, the children Leander and Marie had both learnt about it at school so to see it up close was a special treat.

25 Shipley Parish News

Jumping for joy at Stonehenge Neolithic Houses Stonehenge

The annual bird migration is underway as birds head back to warmer climates. It is an incredible event that happens like clockwork.

During a recent visit to Pagham Harbour near Chichester I visited the RSPB local nature reserve. This little corner of Southern England must see so many Siddlesham Quay birds flying through. It is probably busier than the Port of Dover!

Enjoy September

Your Countryman

Swallows making music at Pagham Harbour

26 September 2019

Sports and Activity clubs

Badminton

Every Tuesday night 8:15pm to 10:15pm at Dial Post Village Hall. All welcome. Any skill levels - we play doubles and rotate partners throughout the night. For more information call Peter Buckley on 07788 133965

Shipley Bowmen

Sundays and Wednesdays. Beginners’ tuition starts on the first of Sunday every month. Visit https://shipleybowmen.co.uk or contact Philip Baxter on 01403 741093

Shipley Petanque

Every Tuesday morning, 10:30am to 1pm at the Football Ground in Shipley. Beginners most welcome and all equipment is provided. For more information, please contact Melanie Roberts on 01403 782134

Short Mat bowling

At Southwater Leisure Centre in Pevensey Road - sessions are run throughout the year on Tuesdays at 1.30 and from the first week of October also on Saturday mornings at 9.00. All equipment will be provided. Please come along 10 minutes before the start time if you want to have a go. If you want any more details please call Tony on 01403 731177 www.southwaterbowlsclub.co.uk

Walking football club

Every Tuesday morning, 10am to 11am at the Football Ground in Shipley. Everyone welcome! For more information, please contact Philip Gibbs at [email protected] or on 07786 070939

If you would like to include your sports or activity club, please email us at [email protected] with a short description and contact details

27 Shipley Parish News

Health and Leisure Walks September 2019

All are welcome to guided, free, sociable Horsham District Council walks led by trained volunteers. There is no need to book, just turn-up at the start point. A walk leader will be at the start of the walk whatever the weather! Beginners are recommended to contact the Walk Leader to discuss suitability. All walks can be wet and muddy in places. A booklet containing over 250 walks is available from the Walks Co-ordinator (telephone 07720 714306) or online at www.horshamhealthwalks.co.uk

Some forthcoming walks in the Shipley Parish and neighbouring areas:

Every Thursday at 11:00am: Billingshurst 2.3 miles 60 mins / Walk 1013. Meet at Billingshurst Library, Mill Lane, RH14 9JZ. Walk around Billingshurst ‘s footpaths or Jubilee Fields. Stay for coffee afterwards. Can be muddy, wear suitable footwear. Dogs on leads allowed. Parking 75p per hour - annual parking permits are available Chris 01403 782745

Fridays 6 and 20 September at 11:00 am: Barns Green 2 miles 60 mins / Walk 1010. Meet in new car park above the Village Hall, enter by way of the car park outside the Village Hall which is marked by yellow road markings RH13 0PT. Firm going underfoot on the outskirts of Barns Green. One gentle incline, some views but can be muddy. Well behaved dogs welcome. Chatter 07720 714306

Saturday 7 September 2:00pm: Thakeham & Jackets Hill 5.5 miles / 2 hrs 15 mins. Walk 3034. Meet at Thakeham Church car park (TQ 110173). A circular walk offering superb views of the South Downs and Chanctonbury. Dogs welcome. Refreshments provided. Mick 01903 745971

Fridays 13 and 27 September at 11:00am: Southwater 2.6 miles 75 mins / Walk 1009. Meet in the Visitor Centre car park of the Country Park, (off Cripplegate Lane, RH13 9UN). Along bridleways and country lanes and return via the Downs Link. No stiles but can be muddy. Not suitable for wheelchairs or prams. The café and toilets at the Park will be open. Sorry no dogs. £1.50 parking charge applies at the Country Park. Alex 01403 273751

28 September 2019

Gina cooks… ...Courgette and Potato Soup

We have enjoyed a bumper crop of courgettes this summer so I have had to be inventive about how to use the trugfuls which have been carried into the kitchen. I have frozen quite a few but it does seem a pity to freeze when there are other ways to use them while they are still lovely and fresh. Of course this soup will freeze if you want to make a large amount. I have used green courgettes here but yellow are fine or use a mix. The quantity given here will feed four.

Ingredients

12oz - / 300g courgettes (skins on) washed and chunked. 12oz / 300g potatoes peeled and cut into cubes 1 pint / 600ml chicken stock (homemade is best as it has a delicate flavour) or vegetable stock 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or halve the amount if using dried Salt and pepper Olive oil

Method

Put a good glug of olive oil in a large pan, add the potato cubes and sauté gently for about five minutes, stirring regularly. Add the courgettes and some seasoning plus the thyme. Continue cooking for another five minutes and stir well as you don’t want the vegetables to burn. Now add the stock and simmer until the vegetables are cooked but not broken down to a mush. Take off the heat and puree to your preferred consistency. We like ours with a few chunks! Serve as it is with some rustic bread or drop a spoonful of crème fraiche or sour cream on the soup before you serve. Gina Larcombe

29 Shipley Parish News

Events at Chichester

There are a number of upcoming events at Chichester Cathedral, including an additional event which has been recently added to the Chichester Cathedral’s Live Better Together 2019 Programme.

‘Tasting My Future’ is a film featuring women who fled wars, persecution and danger in their own countries: Reem, who survived a Baghdad bomb that killed her friends and nearly severed her arm; Diala fled bombs that smashed her neighbours’ homes in Syria; Zainab hid in African forest. Women from Iraq, Syria, Ethiopia, Kurdistan, Turkey and Egypt tell their stories of escape. They seek refuge in the UK to re-build shattered lives. Some live on their nerves, awaiting decisions on asylum. In exile, they share one tradition: cooking. Food is the pulse that drives this film. It’s how women cross cultural boundaries to cook and share traditional dishes. They celebrate together with an exuberant party. This film is being shown as part of the programme of activities in Chichester to mark International Day of Peace 2019 on Friday 20 September 2019 @ 7.30pm at the Quaker Meeting House, Priory Road, Chichester, PO19 1NX.

Chichester Cathedral’s Live Better Together 2019 programme opens on Saturday 21 September, International Day of Peace, with Recipe for Peace, a free drop-in event for all ages on the Cathedral Green from 1.30-3.30pm. Find out about recipes from around the world contributed by people who live in and around Chichester. This is a partnership project between Chichester Cathedral, Friends Without Borders, the Quakers in Chichester, Sanctuary in Chichester and UK Harvest. The event will be followed by an Interfaith Thanksgiving in the Cathedral’s Lady Chapel at 4pm.

Live Better Together continues with two free but ticketed events to book in advance - A talk on 1 October by Dr Ruth Valerio on the connection between climate, conflict and prosperity followed by an Interfaith Panel on 17 October who will address the question “What role, if any, should faith-based organisations play in efforts to combat climate change?”

Alongside events there will be a Prayer Station for Peace to light candles or offer prayers for peace as well as a Peace and Reconciliation trail to explore in the Cathedral.

Full details and how to book Live Better Together events are at www.chichestercathedral.org.uk or contact 01243 812497.

30 September 2019

31 Shipley Parish News