BELL SUMMER 2020 web

Summer 2020 Arundel in Lockdown

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 St Wilfrids Arundel Priory “My mother has been looked after in an exemplary fashion. The staff are extremely caring and attentive, cheerful and very friendly. She could not be in a better place. The home is spacious and airy with beautiful grounds with easy access.” R.T.~ Carehome.co.uk review At St Wilfrid’s Arundel Priory we offer compassionate, individualised respite and residential care. St Wilfrid’s Arundel Priory 2 London Road, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9BZ www.osjct.co.uk To find out more, call: 01903 882079 2019-07-25(72x105)Advert_St Wilfrids_v2.indd 1 25/07/2019 16:08:02 Open Tuesday - Saturday [email protected] www.theparsonstable.co.uk 2-8 Castle Mews, Tarrant Street, Arundel BN18 9DG Tel : 01903 883477 • Architectural and Building Surveying services • Planning and Listed building applications • Pre-acquisition surveys and Party wall surveyors RURAL • URBAN • COASTAL • HISTORIC • CONTEMPORARY Contact Kevin or Phil on 01243 774764 [email protected] www.sloaneandbrown.co.uk 2

SUMMER 2020 | The Bell Dear Readers by Gill Farquharson – Editor The Bell Editorial Team THIS issue has been one of the more challenging to produce but I hope you Clare Toole-Mackson, will forgive any omissions or adjustments. Writing this on VE Day I can hardly Oliver Hawkins, Pauline Allen believe how much the world has changed since the last issue at the beginning (advertising) and of March. Every day brings a new set of challenges and realities, many of which Gill Farquharson (Editor). are hard to bear or comprehend. Arundel has risen to those challenges though. So many people have given their time, help and hard work during the crisis and The Bell is the town magazine the article on Page 11 describes just some of the efforts of our ‘Local Heroes.’ of Arundel. It is an ecumenical publication produced quarterly Strangely the pandemic comes at a time of change in many areas of Arundel by an unincorporated group life. We have a new Mayor, Tony Hunt, whose profile is on Page 12. Sharon of volunteers. It is posted to Blaikie has taken over as Chair of both the Arundel Chamber of Commerce 3000 homes and businesses and the newly named ‘Arundel Festival of the Arts’. She outlines the challenges within the BN18 9 postcode facing these two organisations as a result of the crisis in her profile (Page 28). and an additional 500 copies are distributed by hand within Reading and walking have been two very popular uses of the extra time the the town and its environs. The lockdown has given most of us. For the readers, Simon Brett gives an amusing publishers have the sole right to account of how a cricket ball started a trail of inspiration for his latest book, accept, refuse, edit or abridge The Clutter Corpse (Page 34). Dog walkers and those walking for exercise have any article, notice, letter or enjoyed the beautiful countryside in which we are lucky enough to live. On advertisement and do not Page 49 Dominic Gardner, who farms the Angmering Estate land, explains the accept any liability. The views difficulties of farming during this time and his determination to produce high expressed by contributors are quality food while at the same time protect and enhance the environment we not necessarily those of the all share. publishers. All dog owners in town will I’m sure share my fascination with Chimi, a Designed by JAS Design email: beautiful, 14-year-old West Highland terrier who is seen riding around town on [email protected] a motorbike. Her profile on Page 40 also includes a little bit about her owner, Printed by Bishops email: Dr Stephen Cass! [email protected] Communicating with family and friends during the lockdown has given many of us a speed course in online conferencing and social media. On Page 20 we feature the launch of the new Visit Arundel website which Ash Kent and his team are launching on June 1st, bringing this important communication channel right up to date. As always, lots to read and I do hope you enjoy it. Most of all though, Take care and keep well. Email Gill at [email protected] TO SUBSCRIBE to The Bell or call on 01903 889918 People living outside post code BN18-9 can subscribe by cheque: UK £10, Europe £12, rest of world £16. Cheques to The Bell, 1 Tarrant Wharf, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9NY. 3

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 Tarrant Street Clinic Dermatology Aesthetics Dr Justine Hextall MBBS FRCP Consultant Dermatologist Contact [email protected] Tel: 01903 882917 Remember them forever PETRIBUTES for memories to cherish with a memorial as unique and special as they were Our hearts go out to anyone who loses a beloved pet, and never more so than now, when you may not be able to be with them at the end. On our website you can find beautiful, discreet urns and keepsakes, as well as free services to help you at this sad and difficult time. Help to locate pet cremation services or pet bereavement advice, answers to your questions, as well as free online memorials to give you a special place to remember your pet and share your happy memories. 4 PET ads-2020.indd 8 For more information call our friendly Customer Care team w w w. p e t r i b u t e s . c o . u k t: 0845 388 7387 | f: 0845 388 8743 | e: [email protected] 01/05/2020 16:50:15

Contents SUMMERSummer 2020 2020 | The Bell Arundel in Lockdown 49 44 12 51 5 16 34 28 03 Dear Readers 47 News from the Norfolk Estate 06 About Town 49 A Farmer’s View 11 Local Heroes 50 Dear Editor – Letters 12 A Profile of Tony Hunt 51 John Munro at 90 16 Victoria Holland Architecture 52 Entertaining Arundel 20 The Arundel Website Relaunch – Phase 1 54 Helplines 22 What has the Town Council been up 56 Directory of Groups 58 Useful Numbers to over the last 12 months? 40 28 A Profile of Sharon Blaikie 32 Messages from the Churches & Happenings 34 The story of ‘The Clutter Corpse’ 36 School Bell – St Philips 38 School Bell – ACE 40 A Profile of Chimi 43 ASCA 44 Diary of an Arundel mother

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 time consuming to organise, expensive and potentially unsustainable in its current format. To start the initiative, ATobwount an online brainstorming session was kindly facilitated by Jane Mote from local company beechtobeach, with The Arundel input from other experts from the Akin group (Arundel’s Book Exchange creative collective). It resulted in several new ideas around the theme of ‘Arundel is Christmas’, with themed ONE good thing weekends throughout November. Feast- Food and to come out of drink, Create- Community and arts, Remember- History the lockdown and Heritage; and then December- Light up the Town/ is the Arundel Arundel by Candlelight. There is a greater need now Book Exchange. more than ever, to drive footfall and revenue; generate The brainchild of social media and press interest, and create ‘smart’ Councillor Mark events and marketing opportunities that are spread over Phillips, the Book time and do not require huge amounts of resources or Exchange can be found under the archway next to Pizza the closing down of the town. Express in the High Street. He says: ‘There was obviously a need for it and I just thought it would be an easy thing There is a new Facebook page and a new listing on the to set up and get running. I started it over the weekend relaunched Visit Arundel Website where a discount is with a few books and more came in over the next couple being offered on listings from Chamber members. of days. Now it’s being maintained by the people who use it.’ Mark put a notice up on the wall about using the Chair of the Chamber, Sharon Blaikie, said; ‘We thank scheme safely and wiping book covers with sanitizer or our local businesses who have remained open and disinfectant and someone was kind enough to donate a on the front line as well as all those businesses who bottle of hand sanitiser. ‘Hopefully it won’t disappear!’ have continued to offer complimentary advice, online Mark says ruefully. presentations, tours, videos, good news stories and new ways of working to diversify ones business. We welcome News from the Arundel Chamber of Commerce new members to the committee and if your business would like to join the Arundel Chamber of Commerce (at a reduced fee this year of £25) please email me.’ [email protected] for a membership form or make contact via our Facebook page (facebook.com/ ArundelChamberofCommerce). New Book of South Downs Landscapes FRANCES Knight, our well-known, local contemporary landscape artist, has launched a new book depicting oil paintings of the West Sussex countryside. She likes to SINCE the relaunch of the ‘new look’ Chamber of Commerce in February it has become affiliated to the Sussex Chamber of Commerce to benefit from sharing good practice and collaborating with other successful Chambers. The Town Council have reaffirmed the fact that local businesses and members of the Chamber are vital to Arundel remaining a thriving town and their working group is considering the practical steps that it can take to support the revival of Arundel’s businesses, community groups and attractions. The Chamber of Commerce is also exploring concepts and marketing opportunities for Arundel businesses in the vital run up to Christmas. Arundel by Candlelight is 6

SUMMER 2020 | The Bell paint outside directly from nature, exploring the effects completed. These can be collected from 54A Tarrant St of light, colour and structure within the landscape and or Zimmer Stewart or Gallery 57 on Tarrant St. then works on larger paintings from these studies once back in the studio. “I have always been inspired by the Penny explains that, although things are very uncertain at Sussex landscape, she says. ‘I love the abstract quality of the time of going to press, ‘We hope to have our Gallery the South Downs, the fields, the geometric shapes, and Trail art venues open as usual, but if that’s not possible, the effects of light and dark across the landscape as the we invite you to our online Trail. Here, you can ‘meet the sun goes behind the clouds.” artists’ on our webpages and from the comfort of your homes admire, appreciate and hopefully purchase artworks Frances has exhibited her work internationally as well by contacting them directly. You will find examples of works as widely across the UK, and her paintings are in private by more than 60 artists on the 2020 Trail Artists page of collections in the UK, Europe, the USA, Canada and India. our website: www.arundelgallerytrail.co.uk’ Her book is a beautifully printed, square hardback book of paintings of the South Downs containing over 40 original Arundel Community Aid paintings selected from 2010 to 2019 and interspersed with quotes by the artist. The book, which costs £19.99 WORKING alongside the St Nicholas Support Hub, a including shipping, is available to purchase directly new initiative has been added – the Arundel Community from the artist on https://bit.ly/thesouthdowns . www. Aid scheme. Organised by Sharon Blaikie (Chair of the francesknight.com Chamber of Commerce), Isobel Burgess and Councillor Les Wood, it plans to produce free food parcels for Arundel’s Secret Artist people in our local communities who are struggling to Auction is ‘Going…Going…Strong! provide food for their families. It will support individuals and families in and around Arundel as well as the THE 2020 Arundel Gallery Trail, Littlehampton District Foodbank and Turning Tides although it may need to be re-shaped, homeless organisation. If you or anyone you know needs will be very much on. Returning by help to get food or other essentials, contact them on popular demand will be the Secret [email protected] If you would like to Artist Auction, comprised of 50 contribute there are donation boxes at all the following original pieces. Invited artists create retail outlets – Co-op, Hillside Stores, Pallant, Larkins, diverse and contemporary works on Gaskyns, Post Office and McColls and the list below shows 30x30cm wooden boards, specifically for this event. what is needed. If you want to make a much-needed Penny Schuler, of the Arundel Gallery Trail organising financial donation or for any help with shopping or Committee explains ’Only a winning bid will reveal the supplies, please call the Parish Office on 01903 882262. artists identity. Be surprised, as there will be some notable names and valuable work amongst them. Will Donations you be lucky enough to acquire a very collectible piece?’ drop-off point Last year’s Auction received tremendous support, raising a total of £7,000. Penny hopes that ‘With renewed • Cereal • Toilet paper community spirit, perhaps we can reach a wider audience, generate excitement and achieve even more • Soup • Deodorant, shower gel, this year! Please share our FB posts and ask your friends shaving gel, shampoo and and family to visit the Arundel Gallery Trail Instagram • Pasta, Rice soap and website.’ • Tinned tomatoes/ • Toothbrushes and tooth How the silent Secret Artist Auction works. pasta sauce paste THEY are hoping to display the Secret Artist Boards • Lentils, beans and • Hand wipes and hand gel at the Victoria Institute during the August Gallery Trail pulses dates but obviously there is a lot of uncertainty around • Laundry detergent that. However, the works will definitely be on the • Tinned meat website from 25th July- which is the official preview • Washing up liquid and week. On-line bidding will run from August 1st to August • Tinned vegetables cleaning sprays and 31st. There is a minimum bid of £50 for each piece, but equipment please do keep in mind that work by many of the secret • Tea/coffee artists usually attracts much higher sums. The final bid • Sanitary towels and price on each piece will be divided equally between the • Tinned fruit tampons artist and the Arundel Gallery Trail. This helps to fund future initiatives. Alternatively, Bidding Cards can be • UHT milk and long • Nappies, baby wipes and life fruit juice baby food • Biscuits and • Pet food chocolate 7

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 Camper Vans in Mill Road The Seal of Approval THE lockdown has ONE visitor who arrived back in Arundel just in time for seen an increase the lockdown and decided to stay, is our friendly seal who in the number has been seen a number of times recently on the river. of camper vans The photographic proof came from Peter Bonsall who permanently parked was working on Mooring 11 at Arundel Marina when she in Mill Road. Talking (or he) came in for an inspection! to two of the An Update from Arundel Community Land Trust campers, it seems ARUNDEL CLT has had a busy few weeks despite the that they will be there Covid-19 shut-down. There was a 16% response to the for the duration. Housing Needs Survey, a little lower than the previous Simeon (right) told survey in 2012 but a few late questionnaires are still The Bell that he has arriving and these can be taken into account. Action been on the road for Rural Housing in Sussex are collating the results and since he was a teenager and he and his partner normally will report back to the CLT and the Town Council- who earn money doing all manner of temporary jobs. are funding the survey. They will be used to shape the Obviously that work has dried up now and they have future of affordable housing development in Arundel. been told by police to stay where they are rather than The Norfolk Estate had planned to start consultation on move around trying to find an alternative place to stop. the Ford Road site in April and approach Arun District Council for pre planning advice. Before the Covid-19 Andy (below with his partner Chi) has been living in the shutdown, there had been initial discussions with van for 15 years. He has regularly come to Arundel in the the CLT, Town Council, some nearby neighbours and past and has always felt welcome. ‘People say Hi, and it other stakeholders to get ready for a public exhibition. feels like there’s an understanding here. But when this all These steps have been overtaken by events and the started six weeks ago we thought we should maybe find consultation will take place later in the year. The somewhere permanent to go – we saw on the Camper Trust have been assured that, in line with its historic Van Facebook site that there was a place in Hampshire commitment to the town, the Norfolk Estate will look -they went to check it out but unfortunately it was a place forward to resuming their discussions with the wider for ‘at risk’ mental health patients and not for us.’ With community on its draft proposals when appropriate. no official place to go, ‘we thought we’d come back here There was a good response to the membership drive to stay because we felt welcome here. I think there’s a bit in the New Year and the Trust now has 60 shareholding members-there was also had a very strong response to the appeal for Directors. The Steering Group has developed criteria to appoint a full board and will be in touch with members about this. If you want to show your support for affordable housing in Arundel, you can join the Arundel CLT here http:// arundelclt.org/Get-Involved/. 8

of magic in Arundel.’ He started travelling at 22 and has SUMMER 2020 | The Bell been on the road for 15 years. He and Chi normally make their money busking to supply their needs but that is not with an emphasis on support for their local food bank possible now for obvious reasons. Andy says he has never directly which is Littlehampton & District and hope that signed on ‘I don’t want to rely on a system I choose to be Arundel residents will help them in doing so. outside of. We’re here because we really have nowhere to To keep connected with the latest developments go. The police are OK, they understand our situation, but I see Facebook and Visit Arundel, contact sharon@ can see it from residents’ point of view too.’ landonsounds.com or [email protected] Environment Agency Arundel Tidal Defences Arundel Festival of the Arts 2020 Scheme Progressing Well A Statement from the Environment Agency THIS year’s newly formed Festival Committee is getting together at regular online meetings to consider the A SCHEME to better protect Arundel from flooding viability and delivery of a smaller revised programme and river erosion from the fast-flowing River Arun for the town in these unprecedented times. They continues. Work originally started in December 2019 have had a focus on supporting their local community, at River Road but was paused as riverbed conditions families, key workers, charities as well as consulting with were found to be too soft. A re-design followed and an contributors to the Festival, which is inevitably taking additional £2 million of government funding secured. longer in these times. Construction of the newly designed 48m sheet steel pile wall at River Road and Tarrant Wharf started on 30 Due to the unpredictable ongoing nature of Covid-19 March 2020. The wall now incorporates longer piles and and the indications from the government pointing to more ground anchors to support the construction under social distancing being in place for many months to properties. Our contractors are using vibration and come, they are looking at a number of other options impact hammers to insert the piles and so the activity which may result in a postponed date, amalgamation is noisy. At the time of writing (4 May), good progress is with Christmas events and/or next year in its entirety. being made with half of the steel sheet piles installed. Their priority is to comply with all government and We are experiencing some delays in the construction public health guidance and mitigate all risk. industry supply chain as a result of Covid-19. This has affected our ability to accurately predict when The Festival is using this time to look at new ideas and construction materials will be delivered. Our contractor initiatives for the future, including marketing, looking to has needed to make adjustments to their activities build a strong destination brand recognition through a (sometimes at short notice) to ensure the works remain new Festival website and media presence. Along with a on schedule and are completed as efficiently as possible. new Committee, the Festival also has a new name this We continue to monitor the project closely and follow year- Arundel Festival of the Arts. This title reflects the government advice to ensure the health and safety of experience for all communities to enjoy of the eclectic the public and those working on site. mix of visual arts, drama, music, dance, comedy and Elsewhere on the scheme, works to strengthen the street entertainment from exceptional creative local river wall along Fitzalan Road is complete except talent and carefully curated national artists including for reinstatement of gardens. We will be contacting spectacular community events, that the Festival brings residents directly to agree how we manage the to Arundel each year. reinstatement works with current restrictions. This pandemic has thrown many households into crisis. 9 The Festival Committee are mindful that at this difficult time the more economically vulnerable members of our immediate community – particularly those who are in receipt of Universal Credit or on low/insecure incomes- are finding life exceptionally hard. With this in mind the Committee decided to make an early announcement regarding the Festival’s chosen Charity Partner the Trussell Trust for 2020 in the sincere hope that more people would be made aware and support this outstanding charity when it is most needed. The charity supports a nationwide network of food banks and provides emergency food and support to people locked in poverty whilst campaigning for change to end the need for food banks in the UK. The Committee will be supporting the Trussell Trust as a whole and raising awareness of the need for appropriate food donations,

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 Arundel Museum Poetry Competition Works to raise the embankments south of the A27 The Arundel Museum’s planned Poetry Day in May had bridge at Fitzalan Road started in April. This part of the to be cancelled so instead they held it online. Pupils scheme will increase the strength and raise the height from local schools were encouraged to enter in two age of the raised earth embankments. The improvements categories – 5 to 8 and 9 to 11. 41 entries were received to this section of flood defence will involve small in total and the judge Sandra Saer commented ‘They concrete posts and edging boards being installed along really were of a very high standard. It made the final the riverbank. In addition, fill material and topsoil will selection extremely difficult which is why there were be placed where it is needed along the embankment. joint winners in both age groups.’ At the time of writing, we expect this work to be completed by August 2020. The winners will each receive a £10 voucher for the Museum shop, where children’s toys and books are At this time, our primary means of communication with available, and a copy of Sir Patrick Moore’s poetry book you is by e-mail or telephone (if you have previously “Within the Glade: Poems for Children- of All Ages”. provided these contact details to us). We also issue a Runners up will each receive a £5 voucher for the weekly update via e-mail. If you would like to be added Museum shop together with a copy of ‘Star Sandwiches to the distribution list or have any questions, please and Moon Custard’ written by Sandra Saer. contact us: Joint winners, 9 -11 Category Joint Winners 5-8 category By email: [email protected] By telephone: 03708 506 506 (9am-6pm Mon-Fri) PIGS DAFFODIL Visit our webpage: www.gov.uk search ‘Arundel’ by James Lee Baxter (10) James Gray (6) We are striving to keep you informed and better WEEPING WILLOW SNAKES protected from flood risk in Arundel. We appreciate the Leila Pace (10) Athena Hall (7) understanding and kind words we have received from residents in Arundel during construction. We would Runners-up, who were especially commended for some like to thank all those affected by our activities for their of their beautiful lines and phrases were Niah Linard- patience and understanding. We will continue to work Salter (6), Chloe Hilditch (6), Joseph White ( 7), Jasper on minimising the disruption and keep you updated.’ Strang (7), Marley Gaddess-Mitchell (6) and Isla Bradley “We were delighted with Christine’s work creating a woodland garden for us and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to others”. Peter and Ann Bush, Warningcamp. Three simple steps to a stylish new garden Consult Design Transform Meet to discuss A garden layout Your new garden your garden and plan and planting created – using what you and scheme to suit trusted garden your family needs you, your garden contractors and from it. and your budget. nurseries. Call now to book an appointment on 07525 772799 www.christinefowler.com 10

Local Heroes SUMMER 2020 | The Bell Front line workers like the NHS staff at kind’ by one regular customer. hospitals and our local surgery are of course top of mind in our Thursday night All three churches have set up online services and show of appreciation. However, there are are keeping in touch with their congregations daily. In many, many more in our local community addition, the Arundel Community Support Hub was who deserve our gratitude. These are just set up by St Nicholas Church’s Canon David with the a few examples. help of Arundel Town Council, mainly in the form of Mark Phillips. The organiser of all this activity is Fiona ALL our food providers have been amazing- struggling Maxwell, the Parish Secretary, who has now also been with deliveries, panic buying, fear and long working asked to help in handling emergency calls for ADC hours. The teams at the Co-op, Pallant, Arundel and WSCC. On the back of this initiative, the Arundel Butchers, Hillside Stores, Larkins, Gaskyns, The Community Aid scheme has been set up to provide food parcels for families in need – it was instigated by Moathouse, India Gate and Trawlers (who donated a Sharon Blaikie, Imogen Burgess and Councillor Les free fish supper to St Wilfrid’s occupants one Friday) are Wood. To donate to or access either of these services all doing a wonderful job. call 01903 882262. At Larkins John and The shortage of Personal Protection Equipment for his wife Aksa had medical staff has been a real problem during the taken over just 10 days crisis but the needlewomen of Arundel have been before lockdown was making ‘scrubs’ for St Richards for weeks. Arundel’s announced. John says he group includes Janey Gardiner, Diana Hawkins, considered not opening Sherian Morgan, Sarah Howson, Jacqui Jermyn, Ruth but ‘I’m a positive person McCorquodale, Belinda Scarlett, Ellie Summers, Linda so went ahead anyway!’ Mott, Ellen Ford, Kelly Parkhouse, Michele Kimche, They are now very much part of the community doing Mary Peach and Una Hobson. deliveries and helping people wherever they can. Shirley Robertson, who lives in Pearson Road,says of the owners Arundel’s schools have been doing a sterling job too. of Hillside Stores, ‘Bina and Jay have been my lifeline – I Not only are both ACE and St Phillips staying open for simply wouldn’t have survived without them and their the children of Keyworkers but they have also been kindness in the last few weeks.’ providing excellent online teaching materials for all pupils. At ACE they have even been delivering lunches to Our ‘posties’ have been right some families. Special mention has been made of Lynn on the frontline throughout Grover and Karen Jones at ACE but all the staff at both and, as the picture shows, schools deserve our heartfelt thanks. are working in very close conditions in the Sorting Arundel 1st Brownies are one of the only local troops Office. The Post Office still going strong thanks to Arundel 1st Brown Owl Counter service has been open Rachel Stanford and her team. They have had Zoom throughout and the Postmaster cooking sessions, bingo, quizzes, scavenger hunts and Paul Money and his team are even a ‘camp in’. always ‘cheerful and helpful’, as one customer reported. And finally, thank you to the anonymous The Arun District Council workers – dustbin men and person is posting the street cleaners – have carried on regardless as has poems up onto tree the Lloyds pharmacy. trunks in Mill Road – it This is a crucial service is a source of pleasure at this time and one to a huge number of member of staff who people-please keep has been singled out it up. for mention is Mark, described as ‘extra These are just a few examples that have come across organised, helpful and The Bell’s desk, but there are so many more people doing wonderful things daily. Whether it’s paying your cleaner even though they can’t work (as some of my neighbours are doing), baking cakes for people who are helping others as Johnny Zimmer has been doing or shopping for a neighbour, these acts of kindness mean a great deal so do keep it up Arundel! 11

© Nigel CullThe Bell | SUMMER 2020 A profile of Tony Hunt Tony Hunt was co-opted on to Arundel Town Council last year and, unexpectedly, found himself Mayor Elect eleven months later. Gill Farquharson finds out more about him and how he sees the future for Arundel post-coronavirus. 12

TONY Hunt’s early life has a distinctly Dickensian SUMMER 2020 | The Bell flavour. An authentic Cockney born within the sound of Bow Bells, he was brought up in Clerkenwell long leading authority on Shakespearian comedy! before it was gentrified. His mother had rheumatic fever as a child and as a result was told not to have On graduation Tony entered ‘the new-fangled world of children because of her weak heart, but despite that Marketing which had just arrived in the UK!’ Initially he she produced Tony and his sister Jill. She died when joined Beecham Group (now SmithKline Glaxo), then Tony was 20, three years after finally being allocated a Unilever in the chilled foods business before moving into council flat. the drinks market with Domecq, his first Board and non- exec appointments. He did not have a close relationship with his father who was in the Far East when Tony was born. ‘He In his spare time Tony pursued his love of the theatre by was In Spain during in the Spanish Civil War, which as going to drama school in the evening and at weekends an appalling cruel war and then as a paratrooper in - he says his claim to fame is that ‘I studied stage WW2 he moved across several fields of action – finally movement with Anthony Daniels, who became C-3PO returning from Burma in 1946. He had spent the best in Star Wars!’. Later he also taught Method Acting at part of ten years in warzones and I now believe that evening classes in Brighton. like a lot of men in that generation he may have been suffering from post traumatic stress disorder-which He had a brief flirtation with Politics when he became wasn’t known about then- throughout my early years. involved in the foundation of the SDP. It was the early We reached some rapprochement in his later years.’ 80’s attempt to break the mould of the two-party system in the UK. ‘My family was deeply Socialist but Like many children from deprived backgrounds, Tony’s by the beginning of the 80’s neither Tories under escape route was via education. He attended Owen’s Margaret Thatcher nor Labour under Michael Foot School in Islington- a 350-year-old school with a fee- appealed, and I dreamed of a centre party. It’s still a paying history which, after the Education Act of 1944, dream!’ he adds ruefully. accepted state pupils but retained many of the historical traditions such as prefect in gowns and houses. He In 1983 Tony was remembers it as ‘quite dislocating. It attracted not headhunted by William only local children like me but also two thirds of pupils Grant & Sons Ltd, a private commuted from leafy suburbs. I had friends who lived distillery producing brands in houses, but I had never been in a house before! such as Glenfiddich and People had internal bathrooms whereas we had a bath Hendrick’s. that hung on the back of the kitchen door!’ But the experience was invaluable ‘It was a great school which In 1983 Tony was headhunted by William Grant & allowed me to do everything and I loved it. I left there Sons Ltd, a private distillery producing brands such with three passions that have lasted a lifetime: cricket, as Glenfiddich and Hendrick’s. He became Marketing literature and the theatre.’ Director, and then Managing Director of its international operations, responsible for sales and marketing plus It was while he was at school that he got his first job at local distribution companies in 170 countries. The role 13. He spent his school summer holiday selling the three included chairing subsidiaries and Joint Ventures with London “evening papers”-The Star, Evening News and other companies in North America, Europe and Asia. The Standard-outside the Yorkshire Grey on the corner of Gray’s Inn Road and Clerkenwell Road. His father had He found this a great experience. ‘Chairing and volunteered him for it whilst the woman who held the managing private companies is interesting because you pitch visited her son in Canada. The newspaper vans are very often working with strong personalities and hurtled up from Fleet Street tossing out five editions per family shareholders who are not restrained by the stock day. ‘ I discovered that she was also collecting bets for a exchange. The challenge is to manage both the people bookie (strictly illegal in those days) so people used to and the strategy simultaneously. ‘ sidle up and give me pieces of paper with the name of a horse for the 2.30pm at Doncaster and five shillings. ‘I learned about being a chairman by trial and error,’ he These were collected regularly by a man who looked like continues. ‘Listening is more important than speaking; a caricature of a bookmaker’. there is a difference between hearing and listening; helping people to listen to themselves and to self- If going to Owen’s School was dislocating, going up to interrogate can be like turning a light on; if you stick Trinity College, Cambridge was ‘just bizarre – it was like with it in helping people explore a question together I’d landed on Mars!’ He read English and amongst others you can sometimes reach a consensus that looks he was taught by Germaine Greer who is apparently the impossible at the outset and finally humour is the glue 13

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 currently in the process of renovating Avola House in Tarrant Street. He explains: ‘From the time we first Tony has an obvious thirst came here we wanted to buy that house and restore it. for learning. On leaving Our children think that it’s a late life crisis that doesn’t William Grant & Sons involve a Harley Davidson…yet!’ he completed an external MSc in Organisational His new role as Mayor has come rather unexpectedly – as Consulting and Change he explains ‘Of course, it’s an honour to be Mayor-elect Management at Ashridge. of Arundel, but in the words of Othello, “ ’t’is passing strange”, having only been co-opted on to the Council in of a meeting, and, despite what they say, it does cross May 2019 to find myself Mayor-elect 11 months later’. national boundaries!’ The Town Council is a voluntary group of 12 people, Retiring from William Grant & Sons in 2006, he became supported by a small staff. It is a new group: 7 new the chairman of The Innis & Gunn Brewing Company, councillors joined in May 2019, and a new Town Clerk which he had helped to found in 2003. It became the was appointed during the year. ‘It is a hard-working, 2nd largest craft brewer in the UK and won innumerable passionate, team which is really committed to getting awards for export achievement. He also chaired things done for our Arundel community, but there is an MacSween of Edinburgh, a quality haggis producer enormous amount of frustration about the slowness and until 2018 and left Innis and Gunn in 2019. His only ponderousness of the Council’s processes. Partly these remaining role now is as a non-executive of a joint- result from the legal constraints that apply to a town venture between a German private equity company and council and the way that it needs to work, but partly it is a German spirits company. a cultural issue.’ Tony has an obvious thirst for learning. On leaving ‘There is also a sense that William Grant & Sons he completed an external MSc we can achieve much more in Organisational Consulting and Change Management for Arundel. at Ashridge. ‘This included writing a dissertation on my experience helping to merge six charities into one He continues: ‘There is also a sense that we can achieve county-wide Surrey Crossroads, where I stayed on to much more for Arundel. We made a start by developing become a trustee for eight years, chairing the Strategy a clearer sense of our Mission last year and identifying and Finance committee. My brilliant tutor Caryn, at specific actions that we that we could undertake that Ashridge, taught me one great simple question to ask would benefit the town. All helped by the ‘Love Arundel’ myself: “What would it be useful to do or say at this conversations that highlighted the aspirations of our moment?”. She also taught me the strength of working residents. Past councils have done some excellent work in the open and not worrying about being vulnerable.’ for this town, and they probably haven’t been given enough credit for what they have achieved, largely He is currently mid-way through doing a degree in law because communication with residents hasn’t been with the Open University – a subject he flirted with in his high on the list of priorities. The Neighbourhood Plan, youth but never pursued. In his career he found he was masterminded by former Mayor James Stewart, is an involved in a great deal of legal work and ‘I am aware of outstanding piece of work and has already helped the the paths I didn’t take, and law was one of them’. town to block some undesirable development. It was the catalyst for my seeking co-option on to the council. Tony has been married to his wife Valerie for 31 years. I have always liked the quotation that he used at the ‘It was second marriage for both of us, and in the beginning of the plan: “If we want things to stay as they inner circle of our family we have 5 children, and 7 are, things will have to change”. grandchildren, plus 2 dogs, and we are very close to my sister and her two children. Valerie is the silk thread that ‘Similarly the current Tidal Flood project, which holds this family together’. They first came to Arundel represents an investment of almost £3,600 per 11 years ago. ‘We bought a holiday house at first, spent household, results in part from the council’s past more and more time here and so 6 years ago we sold decision to make an annual contribution from the our house in Surrey and moved into our holiday home precept to an earmarked flood defence reserve.’ full-time. We love this town, the walks that it offers, the general sense that you are part of a living community. ‘To make Arundel thrive, the Town Council needs to have For much of this time I was travelling most weeks, lots of constructive relationships, with the Chamber of to Edinburgh or abroad, and every return journey Commerce, The Festival Committee and all the great back to Arundel was like coming on holiday.’ They are voluntary organisations and stakeholders in this town, 14

and to work well with West Sussex County Council and SUMMER 2020 | The Bell Arun District Council, possibly to repatriate some of the services that they currently perform for us. There is an ARUNDEL AND enormous reservoir of talent, energy and experience in SOUTH DOWNS Arundel; we are a very blessed community in that sense.’ RENOVATIONS LTD Post – corona things will change. ‘I don’t think the world 30 Years Building Experience will go back to what it was before the virus– some of the changes we have seen nationally will now be RENOVATIONS & permanent. The council is no different. Changes in the CONVERSIONS of way the council has traditionally operated are being discussed now. Every business, every charity and every PERIOD & community group in Arundel is facing a serious loss of MODERN income. One of the challenges for the council therefore PROPERTIES is to know how on earth it can help Arundel come through this. It will all have far-reaching consequences Arundel Tel: 01903 882904 and I think if anyone doubted the importance to our Mobile: 07881 807485 town of the retailers before the pandemic, they certainly Mobile: 07533 277161 won’t now. Some of our retailers have done a very good job throughout the crisis – they have really tried to www.aandsdrenovations.co.uk help the community. Helping them and all our Arundel 15 businesses and community groups to get through this in some way is critical.’ He will need to bring all his management experience to bear in the current crisis and its aftermath. ‘My aim is to try to be an effective catalyst for helping this council team to move forward and get things done for Arundel, and for us all to enjoy being part of the adventure,’ he concludes. Your Local Member of Parliament Andrew Griffith MP Working hard for residents of Arundel and South Downs If you have issues you would like to raise or would like to attend one of my future surgeries please contact me: House of Commons Westminster London SW1A 0AA Email: [email protected] www.AndrewGriffithMP.com

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 Victoria Holland Architecture Oliver Hawkins profiles the highly practice. In fact it could be argued that the presence of acclaimed local architectural practice. such practices as Neil Holland’s and Geoff Thorpe’s in the 1970s contributed significantly to the development THIS morning I read in Country Life how the magazine of Arundel as such a hub. Victoria’s practice today has is being produced at kitchen tables all over the country. moved from a very central position next to the Town So too The Bell. In these extraordinary times we find Hall in Maltravers Street, to a wonderfully remote that the technology that the older ones among us have location on the Downs at Peppering High Barn, with treated with a degree of detachment turns out to be magnificent views across the Arun valley to the town a wonderful amenity. The past is indeed a different and beyond. Ideas for the conversion of the main barn country, so instead of enjoying a pleasant drive past had already been formulated by Duchess Georgina, Burpham up on to the Downs, having a cup of coffee, with advice from the distinguished garden designers maybe a tour of the studios, and talking with Victoria Julian and Isabel Bannerman. Neil and Victoria Holland Holland and her colleagues, we manage with emails, then drew up the relevant listed building planning telephone calls and website searches. applications. At that time Victoria could not have imagined that following Neil’s retirement she would It’s hardly surprising that in a town as creative as make this her home and operational base. Arundel there should be a flourishing architectural 16

Victoria is very much a local girl. Her parents moved SUMMER 2020 | The Bell to Arundel when she was six years old. She went to school in Brighton, and developed the interest that were out of the ordinary, such as the Chestnut Tree would lead her to architecture by accompanying her House children’s hospice at Poling. Victoria explains surveyor father on site visits. From an early age she that one of the aspects of architectural design that she found herself fascinated by the practical construction enjoys is really getting to know and understand how a side of building, and so it was a logical move to go to particular organization functions, in order to come up Portsmouth to study architecture. There she enjoyed with the most suitable solution to their requirements. the variety of subjects covered, from drainage systems Another major development they undertook, for to environmental psychology, found some inspirational the Diocesan Housing Association in Littlehampton, teaching, and made lasting friendships with the handful involved a number of new-build houses, but also the of other women on the course. Qualification as an restoration of three eighteenth century merchants’ architect takes seven years, with the fourth and the sixth houses. Whereas Victoria’s London experience had years spent in practice. Victoria spent these working in focused almost exclusively on brand new developments, London, in a practice she describes as patriarchal but projects locally were often likely to involve restoration kind, learning the trade through local authority projects, and refurbishment. Her practice gives great attention hospitals and offices. In London she and her Portsmouth to the long-term sustainability of the fabric of its new friends would meet up to go to exhibitions or lectures at buildings, and much of its work is in fact concentrated the Architectural Association together. on maintaining the fabric of older ones. A town like Arundel takes pride in the quality of its buildings, and Newly qualified, Victoria returned to the London while there is little scope within the town for brand new practice, but after a few years decided to come back construction, numerous eighteenth and nineteenth to Arundel, where she joined Neil Holland. Neil had century buildings need highly skilled attention to keep of course been established for some time, making an them in good repair while protecting their historic impact with such buildings as his Arundel Wetland character. Fortunately for our architectural heritage the Centre. He and Victoria worked on a variety of projects, owners of listed domestic properties are for the most more often residential than commercial, their design for part prepared to fund the necessary works, despite a private house, Woodlands, winning the Daily Telegraph the national scandal that VAT is payable on restoration House of the Year award. They welcomed briefs that works, but not on new building, effectively penalizing the protection of our built environment. A recent Victoria Holland Architecture Project in Sussex 17

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 Astonish Cleaning Services Arundel residents will have looked with a degree of Cleaner Homes for Busy People wonder at the complete envelopment of Avola House, Quality home cleaning service by professional in Tarrant Street, forming an enormous wrapped cube within which the renovation work can be done. cleaners to suit your needs Victoria, as architect in charge of the work, has to All Cleaners operate within the strict limitations of conservation regulations. For Avola house four different kinds of Insured ✴ CRB ✴ Checked ✴ Referenced brick have to be used to match previous stock, and in To book a home visit please contact us some sections worn bricks are being removed, cleaned, and replaced back-to-front to maintain the authentic 07814 495736 or 07867 528542 look. In another Georgian house under Victoria’s care the re-laying of a cellar floor required the identification www.astonishcleaning.net of each individual brick, to ensure a perfect match Staff Required please apply with the original. Negotiating the tortuous way through planning regulations is clearly as demanding Cordon Bleu a task as keeping the rain out. An aspect of domestic outside caterers projects that Victoria particularly enjoys, whether for dinner dances, with new buildings of with restorations, is establishing funerals and business relationships, and often real friendships, with clients. functions across Seeing a house through from the first tentative West Sussex. sketches to moving in is likely to be a lengthy process, and establishing a happy working relationship appears Contact Barry or Lucy Hopkins on 01903 882611 to be among Victoria’s considerable skills. Would you like to try At present Victoria Holland the game of Architecture consists of herself with three architect Croquet? partners and her daughter There is always a warm Beatrice, a qualified interior designer. As with most welcome at architectural practices the Angmering Croquet Club team is multi-national. especially for beginners At present Victoria Holland Architecture consists of So why not discover a healthy and herself with three architect partners and her daughter Beatrice, a qualified interior designer. As with most enjoyable pastime! architectural practices the team is multi-national. We can be found at Ham Manor Golf Victoria has had Colombian and Icelandic colleagues Club and are pleased to arrange free in the past, and her current senior architect partner is Spanish. The practice continues to undertake a introductory sessions. pleasingly varied selection of projects. In addition If you would like to to new houses and restorations, they have recently know more contact: completed an orangery at West Sussex Golf Club and a sports hall at Windlesham House School, and have Linda (01903) 330776 or just started on a new equestrian centre. As always in Geoff (01903) 501152 Victoria’s work there is a balance between fitness for purpose, high quality materials and craftsmanship, and sensitivity to surroundings. As we wait hopefully for a return to normality we can hope there will be many more examples to come. 18

Quality SUMMER 2020 | The Bell Care email: [email protected] CraŌsmanship www.premier-nursing.co.uk Reliable Friendly Reputable Ethical General Builders, CreaƟng and Improving Homes for Over 70 years www.tunmoredesign.co.uk E: [email protected] T: 01903 723791 F: 01903 731825 Unit 2 Hollyacre, Award winner Toddington Lane LiƩlehampton, West Sussex BN17 7PP 19

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 The Arundel Website Relaunch – Phase 1 Ash, Eloise, Janet and Karl with Harrison giving support! June sees the exciting launch of Phase 1 users a month. We have worked hard over the years of a brand-new Arundel website. Here we to maintain a No 1 Google ranking when users search introduce the team behind it, outline the ‘Arundel’ or ‘Arundel’ in combination with other changes you can expect to see and how you keywords. This relaunch has been a long-term project. can play a part in making it a success. We started the rebuild process a year ago with data collection and benchmarking against many other town THE current website, Visit Arundel, is owned by a and city sites. In Autumn last year we went out to tender family business run by Ash and Eloise Kent along with and our choice, Karl Salter, from web design specialist Barb Hogan, Ash’s aunt. Last year they announced plans to rebuild the Visit Arundel website. Meanwhile during the Arundel Project’s extensive consultation process last Autumn, ‘wanting to know what was going on in town’ was one of the major pieces of feedback from the Love Arundel resident sessions. As a result of those discussions, Visit Arundel have been working with the Arundel Project since the beginning of the year to deliver the site on a new platform with a fresh new design. Ash says that Phase 1 of the new site will enable users and advertisers ease of use and an enjoyable experience, whilst browsing ‘what our fantastic town and surroundings have to offer.’ Ash explains: ‘The website attracts over 10,000 unique 20

Simplified Ideas, started work in early January.’ Karl lives SUMMER 2020 | The Bell and works in Arundel and has a good understanding of the town. He is a member of AKIN Arundel (Arundel’s As Sussex based Chartered creative collective) and, with a young family, has a good Architects, we can work with perspective from a user’s point of view. you to design new buildings Many of the changes to the new site came as a result or renovate existing ones. of the Arundel Project resident consultations and the We o er a complete service benchmarking of other towns/cities visitor sites. The from inception to completion, changes include a new look and feel and giving all including interior design advertisers their own login details and therefore control of their own listing. The increased functionality and and landscape proposals usability will encourage the user to stay engaged longer and find the correct information more quickly. www.victoriaholland.co.uk Possibly the most important change is the Phase 2 01903 882923 plan to create a completely new residents’ area to the website. ‘We are separating the visitor section from The Arundel residents to give each a more focused user experience,’ CArpeT CompAny Janet Smith, Arundel Project team member explains. ‘This has led to the creation of what will eventually be Celebrating 25 years of trading almost a website within a website. This has been kindly www.victoriaholland.co.uk funded by Arundel Town Council through the Arundel Community Partnership being awarded a grant.’ Karl [email protected] adds: ‘This is a unique solution which ensures easy navigation, search and usability from the perspective of F0I1N9E03ST88C2A9R2P3ETS both tourists and residents, all within the same website.’ 7A1ruPnCedpeUpl eSrWTineOgsHtMSigu-hsMsBeAaxrDn BENBu1Rr8pU9hRGamNS With the new Visit Arundel due to launch at the BESPOKE WOOD beginning of June, the residents’ area will follow shortly afterwards. www.arundelcarpets.co.uk The project team has involved several other members 21 of AKIN Arundel including Dana Robertson, (Neon) Sian Lewis (Oak Creative), and Jane Mote (beechtobeach), who have kindly supplied branding, copy, and video support. Arundel residents have also helped- local historian Mark Philips has provided some excellent historical content, and Charlie Waring and Nigel Cull’s wonderful images of Arundel have been used in the design. You can also play a part. The team would like as much support on social media as possible – @visit Arundel #visitarundel and make sure you please have a look at the new website www.visitarundel.co.uk The more Arundel clubs, community groups and businesses there are on the website, the better the town markets itself to visitors. It also provides a vital resource for all residents so please do get in touch. Ash concludes: ‘We need your support in order to drive Arundel forward, especially in the current situation. Remember we are here to help and will be working hard and investing to help get Arundel back on its feet when everything finally opens up again.’

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 What has the Town Council been up to over the last 12 months? Find out how we are serving you, in the Arundel Town Council’s first ever Annual Report to Residents. In May 2020, for the Council, as for every other “Your Council organisation in the country, our thinking is dominated by the Coronavirus pandemic, besides which everything your else pales into insignificance. Helping Arundel residents council get safely through this pandemic and helping Arundel businesses and attractions recover when we reach the Angela Standing, Mayor – We began the far side are the priorities. Council Year in May 2019 with 5 existing councillors, with 60+ years’ experience between us, and 7 new So inevitably many of the projects in this report on the councillors of whom 3 were co-opted. A councillor is Council’s activity in 2019/20 are now ‘on ice’, waiting a voluntary holder of public office and with enthusiasm for normal life to resume. aplenty all have got stuck in with projects to help Arundel residents and businesses continue to enjoy This is the Council’s Annual Report to Residents. the benefits of living and working in Arundel. Hopefully in a year’s time we will be reporting under very different circumstances. Carolyn Baynes who has been with us for the past 4 years, is now our CILCA qualified Town Clerk and has You Arundel Folk are Truly Brilliant! the sometimes unenviable task of keeping 12 lively – Councillor Mark Phillips councillors in order, which is not the easiest of jobs! Throughout history, residents of the town, regardless of religion and politics, have worked together and stepped Mission & Objectives forward during times of crisis; and this is exactly what happened since my social media call on 17th March for Councillor Tony Hunt – Last year we asked ourselves volunteers to help those in need during the pandemic. “What role should the Town Council play in the life of Fr David at St Nicholas Church agreed to add new Arundel?” We decided that the council’s mission was: volunteers to the small group the church had already formed to provide phone support, basic shopping and “ to work closely and creatively with the collection of medication. community to make Arundel a thriving town in which to live and work, and a Arundel Town Council organised the design and great place to visit. printing of a leaflet to circulate details to all households and after very little persuading, I managed to get a The recent ‘Love Arundel’ conversations, provided reliable national service to deliver the leaflets. The fresh insight into residents’ aspirations. From this coordination of the volunteers has been managed by and previous input from our Neighbourhood Plan Fiona, the Parish Clerk. Around 175 local residents of consultations, we identified the things that mattered to all ages signed up to volunteer and as of 21st April, our community and 23 specific objectives (as shown in over 100 local residents have received assistance the Spring edition of The Bell). Some will be completed both direct and by phone this year, some will take years and we’ll leave them to be completed by our successors. We will report on More recently a food parcel service has been initiated them regularly so that Arundel residents know what by Arundel Community Aid, Arundel retailers have set the council is up to. up ways to carry out home deliveries, and there is a strong sense of our community rallying together. No-one in Arundel need feel unsupported. 22

SUMMER 2020 | The Bell Community To nurture the events and voluntary groups that make Arundel a special place to live • 790 (80.29%) YES Votes for our Neighbourhood Plan Referendum 790 with a 35% turn out YES Votes for our • £29,000+ of grants given to volunteer and community groups neighbourhood plan • Town Meeting that was very well-attended • Community fair with 45 voluntary groups taking part referendum • 11 Council “surgeries” at the Farmers Market • Resident support programme during the Coronavirus pandemic established with St. Nicholas Parish Church. Town Clerk Carolyn Baynes – Our original 2014 Councillor Michelle Scott – Did you know that each Neighbourhood Plan was the first completed in Sussex of us works as a “Link Councillor” with a key Arundel but since then Arun District Council’s new Local Plan based community group? Every month we attend has doubled the number of homes that needed to be meetings and events to provide support for these provided within the district. Our job is to protect Arundel organisations by helping them to access information from inappropriate development, which is why we and grants. I am Link Councillor to the Chamber of commenced the review of the Neighbourhood Plan Commerce, which has recently relaunched under an in 2018. One particular development on the old energetic new committee. This organisation provides Swallow Brewery site, was targeted for 46 retirement a voice for our business community and together we flats compared with 26 dwelling of mixed type (including are facilitating ways to breathe new life into our town’s affordable homes). The success of our referendum in economy with events and a revitalised farmers market November, expressing the wishes of Arundel residents, that will benefit the whole community. was an important factor in this developer’s Planning Inspectorate Appeal being dismissed. £6.7m Aby Dingle, Administrative Assistant – In 2019/20 invested in tidal the council awarded grants of over £29,000 to local flood defences groups and organisations for the purposes of bringing a direct benefit to the town or its residents. Environment Maintain and improve Arundel’s beautiful natural environment • £6.7 million pounds invested in Tidal Flood Defences (£2m additional funding approved this year) – around £3,600 for each Arundel household • Responsibility for the Causeway roundabout (the entrance to Arundel) taken over from West Sussex County Council, for wild flower planting as part of our “Bee Friendly Town”. Councillor Carol Jones – This year we are working Council Advisor Derek Waller – The lower parts of to take back responsibility for some of the green open the town are at high risk of flooding and the Tidal Flood spaces around our town. The ambition for this project Defences will reduce the risk to some 150 houses in is to make these areas visually beautiful and allow us to River Road and Fitzalan Road. The scheme is being plant wildflowers for pollinators like butterflies and bees. funded by Government, with significant contributions It will also help to address the complaints we receive from West Sussex County Council, Arun District about the length of grass and visibility on our Council, Arundel Town Council’s earmarked flood roundabouts. We will be working with local specialists, defence reserve and Southern Water, as well as the like Bob Tanner our Tree Warden, to ensure insurance policies of the six cottages at the lower end this work preserves existing habitats. of River Road. The Town Council has been involved at This project will help Arundel attain every stage of the scheme, as have both our past and “Bee Friendly Town” status, which present Members of Parliament. It has been a real will be a fantastic achievement. team effort. 23

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 Economy Support the development of a thriving economy for the benefit of visitors and residents • Highly successful events programme, including Arundel Festival and Arundel by Candlelight • £20,000 allocated to support new events in 2020/21 • Town Council assumes responsibility for the Farmers Market • Decision taken to appoint a Town Manager. Councillor Michael Tu, Chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee – In the Spring 2019 edition of the Bell the Mayor, Lucy Ashworth, wrote about the challenges the town faced in face of changing consumer habits. “The Town will require more people to discover Arundel through leisure pursuits, great shops, experiences and eateries”. £20k Arundel may not be unique, but it is certainly unusual. Very few small communities of 3300 to support new events residents welcome the several hundred thousand visitors every year that sustains the restaurants, shops and pubs we all enjoy. Last year saw a number of businesses close, including Sparks Yard and the Town House Restaurant and it became clear that if the town is to thrive it would need significantly more support and leadership from the Town Council. We therefore decided to recruit an experienced Town Manager who can work with organisations and businesses to help re-vitalise the town. Arundel is renowned for its community spirit and volunteer led events. This new Town Manager role will help co-ordinate a programme of events that will encourage people to visit Arundel throughout the year, assist event organisers with navigating health and safety regulations and licenses; farmers forge stronger partnerships with other organisations market like the South Downs National Park and work with Arun District Council on an economic regeneration program town council as well as secure investment and grants for Town takes over Projects. Within 2 years we expect this role to become self-funding and be delivering great benefit for Arundel. Councillor Les Wood – I am delighted to announce Councillor Joe Riley – Our monthly Farmers Market that as part of the economic regeneration programme, should attract hundreds of locals and visitors, but it Arundel Town Council and Arun District Council have has seen a decline in recent years. The Town Council both donated £10,000 each to create a £20,000 grant assumed responsibility for the market on March 31st fund, to support the staging of new and innovative with a view to revitalizing it. To find out how we could events in Arundel over the next 12 months. These improve things we consulted the market traders and events will complement the already very successful carried out a survey to get the shoppers’ perspective. Arundel Festival and Arundel By Candlelight, as well From these learnings we’re making improvements as the various events staged at Arundel Castle. which include: new weatherproof stalls and a wider This is a great opportunity and we will be consulting variety of choice. The three market areas were also with organisations in Arundel to enable us to provide a seen as a challenge, so we are bringing all the stalls balanced and exciting calendar of events for all ages. together in one location in the High Street. 24

SUMMER 2020 | The Bell Health and wellbeing canada road town clean-up work under way days introduced Improve the health and wellbeing of Arundel residents • Mill Road play park: refurbished and new equipment • Canada Road play park: work under way • Skate park regeneration funding secured. skate park funding secured State of the town 89 Make Arundel a town to be proud of planning applications reviewed • Biannual ‘Town Clean-up’ days introduced • 89 Planning applications reviewed • 3 new solar powered lights for Station Path installed • 2 new lights installed at A27 pedestrian underpass • Planning appeal won against the inappropriate development of the old Swallow Brewery site. Councillor Karin Moorhouse, Chair of the Planning and Environment Committee – Our committee meets regularly with the objective of examining the details of all local planning applications. We also keep in mind the bigger picture of how our Neighbourhood Plan, which has been adopted by Arundel District Council, can be applied as per the objectives agreed within it. We approve the vast majority of applications, but we do challenge, often successfully, those we deem to not be entirely sympathetic to our town. This can be for a number of reasons e.g. a change of use that might not be the best for Arundel’s High Street. At the Town Council we are much more aware and sensitive to any proposed change in the micro landscape than others who live and work from a distance. Traffic and Transport Councillor Jeremy Johnston, Chair of the Traffic and Access Committee – This year, the biggest Make it easier for Arundel residents to get around environmental issue facing Arundel has been the • Town-wide campaign to raise awareness about Arundel Bypass consultation. After detailed examination of all the information available from Highways England, the proposed A27 bypass options via leaflets councillors voted by a large majority (11-1) to support and social media and campaign for the Magenta option. This route is • New footpath from Mill Road Bridge to the a genuine bypass, with limited impact on the South Black Rabbit in 2021. Downs National Park, which will safeguard the unique quality of our heritage town. This would be seriously a27 damaged by other options enlarging the existing route through Arundel. We are awaiting Highway England’s Raising awareness decision. We also continually review residents’ of consultation concerns about rat running, speeding and parking. There are still problem areas, despite the introduction of the 20mph speed limits, so we are taking steps to trial vehicle activated signs in the near future. 25

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 The Town Hall Ensure the Town Hall works effectively for the Arundel community • 38 council meetings • 45 public body meetings hosted • 40 community meetings supported • 73 wedding ceremonies • 10 well-attended film shows (plus our first school holiday children’s film) • £73,500 income generated. Thank you to Iain Stirling our Mace Bearer and Angela Standing our Town Crier 38 73 10 council meetings weddings film shows Town Hall Event Manager Sue Roderick – Councillor Robin Lovell – Arundel Town Hall was 73 couples celebrated their marriages in the Town built in 1836 by the 12th Duke of Norfolk. The main Hall in 2019. As well as these we hosted birthday roof above the Atherley Chamber used extensively celebrations, christenings, wakes, 10 cinema evenings, for meetings and weddings has been leaking for some 3 seminars, and 123 meetings. A revamped website time. A survey commissioned from a professional firm and weekly postings on social media, along with of surveyors has revealed extensive damage to the 3 Open Mornings, and 2 Wedding Fayres and the lead covering and probable damage to the structure wonderful testimonials we regularly receive, all beneath. Based on their recommendations the Town contributed to 100% increase in wedding enquiries Council have resolved to replace the roof structure in the first two months of this year. completely. We anticipate that work will start later in the year. Do remember the Town Hall with its beautiful terrace is available to hire with your 15% Arundel Residents discount. Thank you, Wendy It is rare that councillors cannot reach a consensus on what should be done in the interests of our town. But it happened in March when with great regret the Town Clerk accepted the resignation, as both Mayor and Councillor, of Wendy Eve, who was unhappy with some Council decisions. Nothing in this detracts from the very great service that Wendy Eve has given to this town. Her record of 36 years as a councillor and serving five times as Mayor is unlikely to be matched in the future. This represents an incalculable amount of public service. The Council would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the whole town, to once again express its appreciation for Wendy’s outstanding contribution to our community. 26

SUMMER 2020 | The Bell WE MISS YOU Our season is due to start on 2 May 2020, but obviously this will be delayed. We along with the rest of the country are waiting and following government guidance as to when a decision can be made about opening. SEASON TICKETS If you have already purchased your 2020 season ticket you should have received now an email to let you know the options available to you. BOOKINGS We will be contacting all of our bookings at the beginning of the month of their booking so we can make the appropriate decision. Due to the unforeseeable circumstances all deposits will be transferred or refunded if we’re not able to reorganise any bookings. If you have any questions, please contact Nikki on 01903 884772 or email [email protected] STAY UP TO DATE, FOLLOW US ON FACEBOK AND INSTAGRAM OR BY DROPPING US AN EMAIL Walberton Place Care Home At Walberton Place, we provide the highest standards of residential & dementia care. Family-led, our care is the kind we’d want all of our loved ones to receive. Our home is luxurious and beautifully furnished, with specially designed features such as a courtyard cafe, pub, salon and spacious secure gardens. Visit our website countrycourtcare.com to find out more. 01243 928216 Yapton Lane, Walberton, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 0AS 27

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 A Profile of Sharon Blaikie As Chair of both the Arundel Festival in 1991, she was already a talented singer, pianist of the Arts and Arundel Chamber of and violinist, composer, conductor, and arranger. She Commerce, Sharon Blaikie has rather a lot had passed numerous music, dance and performance on her plate right now. Gill Farquharson exams with distinction and had won an impressive finds out a bit more about her and how she list of competitions in all the performing arts. A juggles her various roles. teaching career followed and ran in parallel to her own performances as a singer and musician. Within a SPEND an hour in the company of Sharon Blaikie and six year period as Head of Music and Choral Director you are guaranteed to come away exhausted and yet at two Surrey secondary schools, she was able to exhilarated, excited, and enthused all at the same time! develop her skills not only in teaching but in managing She is a bundle of energy and exuberance, talking with music centres, organising events, establishing new boundless enthusiasm. Even the pandemic has failed to choirs and launching a Summer School for Gifted and dampen her spirits – and as the Chair of both Arundel Talented Students as well as International Projects and Festival of the Arts and the Chamber of Commerce, Performing Arts Societies. Covid-19 has posed her a number of obvious problems but more of that later. Her immediate family were all very sports orientated. Her father was a Junior national level cricketer and an Encouraged by her parents to develop a natural skill to All Banks International Champion table tennis player; perform, Sharon has always been a high achiever. By her grandfather played football for Chelsea; her mother the time she graduated from Trinity College of Music played table tennis and netball for Surrey County as well as representing the civil service and her younger 28

sister was a Surrey Junior Badminton Champion. But it SUMMER 2020 | The Bell is her maternal ancestry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that really highlights the root of her musical feel much better afterwards. It’s all about realising and performance genes. one’s potential. Sometimes sessions can have quite a profound and positive influence on other areas of Her great, great, great, great grandfather was Henry clients’ lives, not just their singing.’ Russell (1812-1900), a noted composer, pianist and singer born into a distinguished Jewish family. He had Sirens, her band formed with her close friend and three children including the famous conductor Sir singing partner Anna Thompson, has been performing Landon Ronald, Principal of the Guildhall School of for almost 20 years at venues such as Wilton’s Hall, Music. Russell championed a number of social causes Tower Bridge and supported fundraising events for such as temperance, abolition of slavery and the reform Unicorn Children’s Theatre, London. As well as both of mental asylums. A gifted composer, he is probably enjoying solo careers, Sirens Acoustic still come together best known for his song ‘A Life on the Ocean Wave’. for special events. Many people in Arundel will be familiar with the Sussex Barn Acoustic Series (charming His son, (Sharon’s great uncle), Sir Landon Ronald (1873- musical evenings) set up by Sharon to enjoy professional 1938) was educated at the Royal College of Music. He musicians and give young artists an opportunity to was first Assistant Conductor at Covent Garden and then showcase their talent live in local venues – usually barns worked as accompanist for Dame Nellie Melba on a tour as well as offer all generations the chance to appreciate of Canada and the USA. He gained his first important every style of music in an intimate setting. Bury was the symphonic post in 1905, when he was appointed first one in 2014 and there have been thirteen more Director of the Birmingham Promenade Concerts. Later successful events since including Peppering Barn. he succeeded Thomas Beecham to become Conductor of the New Symphony Orchestra, (later known as the The week of the interview Royal Albert Hall Orchestra) a post he held for seventeen saw her performing at years. Ronald was an early enthusiast for recording and a close friend’s funeral. was associated with the Gramophone Company (later ‘Churches are wonderful HMV and part of EMI of which respectively he was places to perform in,’ she director and founder director) until his death. says, ‘and it is a tremendous comfort to the families. These illustrious ancestors would be proud of their descendant. Compere, pianist, singer, teacher, coach Through Sharon’s company Spirited Sounds, she – Sharon by her own admission has ‘always been performs at funerals and other ceremonies. The week passionate about music and it’s clear all-round benefits. of the interview saw her performing at a close friend’s I’m continually striving to learn, reshape and remain funeral. ‘Churches are wonderful places to perform in,’ fluid in my approach....in my experience, keeping she says, ‘and it is a tremendous comfort to the families. options broad and open allows for greater creativity and Not many performers wish to do this.’ achieves more rounded results. People are fascinating and I strive to draw out a unique quality in every person This year, as Chair of both the Festival Committee and I coach so that they feel empowered and confident.’ the Chamber of Commerce, Sharon really has her hands full. It was 2010 when she first got involved with Arundel Her company Landon Sounds, which is based in Arundel Festival, working as Artistic Director alongside Ash Kent. High Street, offers creative music and performance She says the idea of her chairing this year just emerged coaching for artists, performers, business people, during the review process of last year’s event. It became students (preparing for music exams, auditions, session obvious that there would be no all-embracing Festival work), groups and choir members. Sharon is unusual in if someone didn’t step forward. ‘Having organised that she is both teacher, coach and performer so when so many different types of events in my career and she is coaching, she brings all these experiences to bear. also being involved with the Festival and Arundel by Candlelight for a number of years, it just seemed to be ‘I’m looking at how can I help that client to shine in the a logical step.’ She has certainly attracted an impressive best way possible; for them to believe in themselves, collection of individuals onto the committee already. understand more about their technique and the extent ‘I am hugely enthusiastic, and I hope this encourages of what they are able to achieve. I think singing is people to get involved. I recognise that everybody has something that people sometimes shy away from- it’s something special to offer and I really enjoy working not an obvious instrument you can see, touch or feel so with a wide variety of people. The Festival committee it’s much harder to instantly access how the instrument are a tremendous group of local professionals. works. The voice is how we vibrate as people – it’s emotional and people can find it incredibly challenging. 29 Some even break down during the process but always

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 MANILTII&TQAUREIAS Current thinking on the newly named ‘Arundel Festival of BOUGHT the Arts’, is that there won’t be a Festival as we know it this AND SOLD year. It was billed as ‘An inclusive festival of the arts with 18 High Street spectacular community events across ten summertime days, showcasing a wide range of outstanding talent Arundel in the beautiful, historic and thriving town of Arundel.’ However, the situation has changed and Sharon is in TELEPHONE regular consultation with Arun District Council and Event organisers to see what might be feasible and when. 01903-884602 The necessary cancellation of the Festival Fundraiser WELCOME in June, which contributes up to 50% of the budget, TO ‘clearly affects our overall finances. It is difficult to predict at this stage how things will look in August and ARUNDEL exactly when lockdown will finish, but at this present POST moment in time, some relaxation through the Summer/ OFFICE Autumn period is anticipated. Behind the scenes, we have been working on appropriate and viable, scaled Arundel Post Office offers the usual PO down solutions and scenarios for this year’s Festival services including Royal Mail/ as well as supporting our Charity Partner the Trussell Trust. Moving forward, the committee is taking the Parcelforce, UK & international services, opportunity to work on how the 2021 Festival could Mail Redirection and Drop & Go, look. We are planning the programme early, which all being well, will be delivered in its entirety.’ banking/cash withdrawals, bill payments, travel money, passport check & send, Meanwhile the Chamber of Commerce was a slightly moneygram, DVLA vehicle licensing, different situation. The Chamber had been slowly shrinking in numbers and enthusiasm for a while, and Homephone and Broadband. A new and then suddenly received a totally new lease of life. Again enhanced range of greetings cards is Sharon wasn’t asked to do the job, she simply saw the available and a wide selection of need together with a passionate, expert committee, for stationery, party items, mobile phone a new direction. ‘Having worked with Christine (Fenwick) accessories and children ’ s toys. and the Chamber on Arundel by Candlelight for eight years, we’d had a lot of contact with the businesses. At 2-4 High St., Arundel BN18 9AA the beginning of this year, I talked to a number of them Tel: 01903 882113 about the Chamber to find out what it needed and how it could be achieved. We recognised the broad spread Email: [email protected] of businesses in Arundel – 350+ – and the need for Open Mon—Sat: 9am-5.30pm an official voice to talk with Arun District Council and Arundel Town Council.’ Much had happened before the lockdown – a new Facebook site, planned dates for this year’s meetings with different venues and styles, a new set of accounts, building of a new database and consulting with AKIN members to obtain advice and help on new strategies for marketing Arundel successfully. The Chamber also welcomed the introduction of a Town Manager. They ‘recognise the need for a liaison role between the council and all types of different business groups in town and further support for the planning, development and communication- not only of existing events but also new initiatives. This would help to revitalise and rejuvenate the town’s economy- driving greater footfall, experience and spend.’ ‘It is more critical now than ever that the boost to the economy afforded by the Chamber-run Arundel by Candlelight continues. We are running brainstorming 30

sessions to explore marketing opportunities for SUMMER 2020 | The Bell Arundel businesses in the lead up to Christmas. We will be looking at a new way to deliver ABC or produce are short of food and provisions.’ Sharon explains. ‘A a different concept and/or marketing opportunity to number of people may lose their jobs or businesses as promote Arundel during these months as well as for the a result of the crisis and be in need. The Community Aid immediate future. We will reinstate the Chamber events scheme will try to plug that gap.’ programme as soon as it is safe to do so.’ Unsurprisingly Sharon has ‘We have to look at everything in a new way. We will little spare time. Her family see fewer visitors in Arundel but hopefully we will get are very important to her. more local visitors. We are also trying to direct business to the help that is available. Arundel Town Council Link Unsurprisingly Sharon has little spare time. Her family Councillor for the Chamber, Michelle Scott, and the new are very important to her. She lives in Thakeham with Mayor, Tony Hunt, are working closely with us to find her mother Nin, a retired civil servant, and son Davey. ways forward once the lockdown is eased. We are in Known as “Magical Dave” in the Arundel Festival for his unprecedented times, with increased concerns about our magic act, like his mother, he is a natural performer who economic viability, but together we are endeavoring to plays guitar, piano and drums, tennis and football and is create a safe and sustainable plan to support business.’ currently studying at Brighton College. Amazingly there is still time for Sharon to indulge her love of tennis, a sport In an attempt to help with the fallout from the crisis, she had abandoned in favour of music at 14 years old. Sharon, along with Imogen Burgess and Councillor Les She is the Social Secretary at Storrington Lawn Tennis Wood, have engineered the Arundel Community Aid Club and plays tennis at a senior competitive level. scheme. Working alongside St Nicholas Church and the Whilst I enjoy leading and thrive under challenge, I Town Hall’s Arundel Community Support Fund initiative, am very much a team player, collaborating with others they have organised the collection of food through to make things happen.’ And with that the interview seven donation boxes positioned in food stores and finishes- leaving me, as always, exhausted but enthused. the Post Office around the town to produce emergency free food and essential packages for people in need. ‘Potentially there will be a number of people who Make your home an Oakland Care is a family owned business Oakland Care home with 25 years experience in caring for the elderly. We offer two beautiful care homes in West Sussex, with luxurious accommodation and first class care facilities to ensure that your loved ones are well looked after during their retirement years. Our team of committed staff offer a personal care service delivered 24 hours a day. We invest in training for staff to support a quality of care in which we can all feel proud. visit: www.oaklandcare.co.uk Oakland Grange, St Floras Road, Littlehampton Oakland Court, Admiralty Road, Felpham, Bognor Regis West Sussex BN17 6BB West Sussex PO22 7DW phone: 01903 715995 email: [email protected] phone: 01243 842400 email: [email protected] 31

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 Messages from the Churches Message of Encouragement the evil and despair, there are the economic consequences from Rev. Steve Lomas of the lockdown and, of course, the virus itself. One only has to glance at the media, read the papers, or speak to I WISH to share a few words of people who’ve been personally affected by the virus to encouragement from Psalm 46 to help us know that it can be utterly devastating. at the present time of testing. The Psalm So, there’s the negative, but what about the flip side? opens in verse 1 with the words, ‘God Is there one? Why, of course there is. Most obviously, is our refuge and strength and a very present help in there are those working on the frontline, who’ve rightly trouble’. All around the world the spread of Coronavirus been the object of our weekly applause. Then there has caused trouble and sadly loss of life – we are all are those working to keep our many services going affected in many ways. So it is good to know that God – food shops kept open, the post delivered, refuse is our strength and refuge and note this he is a very bins collected etc. etc. And then there has been that present help in trouble! largely hidden, and yet mightily effective army of local Not only can we find strength, refuge and rest in Jesus – we people who have put themselves forward to help their can also know that he is present with us today. We can neighbours in this time of need. bring the burdens of our hearts to Jesus now! Verse 2 says, A few weeks ago it became clear that the church ‘we should not fear though the earth should change’. Well building would probably have to close to the public at friends the world has changed and is changing rapidly. The some stage. But although the building would have to word of God encourages us to ‘Fear Not and put our trust close, not so the Church. We just had to work out how in the Lord Jesus’. ‘It is better to trust in the Lord than to to do things a little differently. put confidence in man’ Psalm 118:8. As far as our regular services were concerned, they Psalm 46:10 urges us to ‘be still and know that I am went online – a major learning curve for me! But as God’. We rush around so much in activity or in our for the pastoral support we give, well the solution thoughts; we get flustered and irritated yet the Lord says was as old as the hills – it was simply a case of getting to us, be still before God; appreciate his presence and people to love their neighbour. So I put out a request peace within and take some time of quiet to worship in church for volunteers to help with shopping etc. Him. The psalm ends reminding us that we worship the In no time several dozen people stepped forward. As same God that the Patriarchs of old worshipped. Our for bringing together those who needed help with God in Jesus Christ never changes, so put your faith and our battalion of volunteers, well, there was our parish on-going trust in Jesus who died for sin, then rose from office – and another unsung hero of this crisis, our the dead and is alive today. Parish Administrator, Fiona Maxwell. We worship a living God who is very present with us That was it. We were ready. But then, reinforcements today and every believer in Christ has the certainty of arrived. Some email correspondence with Mark Philips one day being with Jesus in Heaven! led to us linking our initiative with the Town Council What a message of encouragement this is! and the wider community. Mark put out a request for Prayer further volunteers on his popular Facebook page, and another wave of kind-hearted people stepped up to the Dearest Heavenly Father thank you that you are very plate. Now we had 177 volunteers ready and waiting. present with by your Spirit in Jesus; help us to trust you Working closely with Mark and the Town Council, we and your peace in times of trial. Thank you that we can then put out a joint leaflet to the households of Arundel. Be Still in your presence and come to know you better. In In no time the steady trickle of requests for help Jesus Name, Amen. turned into a steady stream. Suddenly our volunteers were mobilised – shopping, collecting prescriptions, THE REVD STEVE LOMAS companionship over the phone, information given – and Pastor, Arundel Baptist Church all done with a ready willingness to make a difference. And my, what a difference people have made. To date “IT was the best of times, it was the worst hundreds – perhaps even as many as a thousand – of times.” The opening words of Charles errands have been run, and that’s before we count the Dicken’s novel A Tale of Two Cities open many others in the community who are doing their bit. the curtains on an epic drama of love and As one grateful email message put it: “Your service to oppression, good and evil, hope and despair. the people of Arundel is wonderful. That so many are For me, that rather sums up the current like kind Jenny is an inspiration.” I agree: an inspiration. situation. For the oppression there’s the ‘lockdown’. Although I know some have rather enjoyed the social- distancing, for many others it has been oppressive. As for 32

The worst of times, we cannot deny, but also in so many SUMMER 2020 | The Bell ways the best of times. Finally, the underlying theme of Dicken’s novel is that the virus and subsequent economic and social recovery, of resurrection – of new life. That is always the hope we have been told that we are in for a long haul and that is set before us. This situation won’t last for ever. I am sure we are. The resurrection of Jesus from the But, let’s pray that the good that has come out of it – dead is the sign to us that what he says is true “…and that readiness to help our neighbour, of a community know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.’ working together – may endure. God bless Through the Church we offer God’s grace, a relationship with him, through the risen Jesus. By this the Lord gives FATHER DAVID TWINLEY us the faith, hope and love to help us day by day with St Nicholas Arundel the business of Christian living, with one another, in whatever circumstances. Through this relationship may AS I look out on the garden here at we be given insight also to find the solutions we need. Cathedral House, I see all the signs of So, my prayer is simply this; Lord, help us to live through Spring, new life everywhere and it is a this ‘hour’ with faith, hope and love. Amen. great joy. A reminder of Easter and the new life that the resurrection of Jesus CANON DAVID PARMITER from the dead brings to us. However, I am also aware of how quiet it is, not many voices or HappeningsArundel Cathedral cars. There is a stillness across the land, even at midday, which no one had planned for or expected. Like many MARRIAGES churches at this time of year, there is usually a lot going on as we prepare to celebrate the highpoint of 8 Feb Samuel Foulkes Arnold and Gillian Coyle the Christian year. It is strange but maybe absence will make the heart grow fonder. When you read this the DEATHS/FUNERALS crisis will be have reached a stage that is unknown now, but whatever stage that is, we will have changed as 13 Jan Valerie Wright (80) individuals and as a society. 17 Jan Doreen Mary Pratt (89) Ahead there will be issues to face. How to record 21 Jan Joan 'Mary' Brown (97) our gratitude for all those whose jobs, both paid and 25 Feb Edmund Kirkby Bott (70) voluntary, in some way put them on the ‘front-line’ of 17 Mar Patricia Hay-Will (91) (interment of ashes) fighting this illness? How to deal with losses of many different kinds? How to rebuild in the months and years Online Services from Arundel Churches ahead? How to plan for future shocks of this or any other type? Holding the resurrection of Jesus before our Arundel Baptist Church eyes we know that there is a future which he is calling Sermons, podcasts & messages of encouragement from us towards. Perhaps the Christian churches can be a Pastor Steve Lomas are available through the church witness to a future that will come out of our experience website www.arundelbaptistchurch.org.uk. Click on the of the virus but also the of the resurrection. It is an audio page. historical event but also a present one. Naturally, we will Pastor Steve has also been streaming live services since want to see what our experience of managing the virus 5th April at 10.15 every Sunday, on Facebook. Go to has told us but can we also to bring into the picture Facebook.com/stephen.lomas.37 Jesus, the way, the truth and the life? Arundel Cathedral One document of the Church talks about recognising Information on Live Streams, current, planned & the ‘signs of the times.’ It also talks about the people of completed is available on the Cathedral website, the Church making their own ‘joy and hope, the sorrow www.arundelcathedral.uk. and anxiety of the people of our time.’ One of the signs Streamed services are available at 11.15 each Sunday of these times is the way in which people have been on the Arundel Cathedral Live YouTube channel, www. willing to reach out and help one another. This happens in youtube.com/channel/UC71-pXF8v-VZfzO01zrnerQ normal times but has been especially evident during the St. Nicholas Church corona virus crisis. Being able to continue this willingness Members of the congregation receive a weekly to help others, especially those most in need, will be newsletter online from Canon David Twinley with key to help us all come through the losses we are bound information about services, etc. Videos of Canon David’s to suffer. It will be one of the ways in which the Church celebration of the Eucharist at 10.00am each Sunday can share in the ‘sorrow and anxiety of the people of since 23rd March (including Easter) are available through our time.’ To help others to rebuild after this destructive the church’s website www.stnicholas-arundel.co.uk moment could be the Church offering ‘joy and hope’. also a series of illustrated talks on Martin Luther and the These are thoughts to ponder and to think how we may first of a series on the Letters of St. Paul. be able to give life to them. As for the overcoming of 33

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 The story of ‘The Clutter Corpse’ Simon Brett explains intriguing inspiration some concept of eternity.’ (The relevance of cricket to behind his latest novel The Clutter Corpse. this article will become clear later.) TO my eternal shame, I can’t stand cricket. I am of Lord My wife Lucy and I live in Burpham, very near The Mancroft’s view that it is ‘a game which the British, not George pub, in a house separated only by a Saxon being a spiritual people, had to invent in order to have rampart from the village cricket pitch. I had worked Simon and Nicky at the book’s launch at home in the same 34 study for thirty-seven years, accumulating an encrustation of stuff around me like a caddis fly larva. A lot of it was books. I have a serious book-buying habit, I get given books for review, and publishers keep sending new editions of my own books which, since I’ve written over a hundred… require a lot of space. And over the years, as I ran out of shelves I would build more, according to my own rather idiosyncratic methods of DIY. I had got to the point when I couldn’t open my study door fully and my floor had become a semi-permanent filing space. Caught up in the pleasures and pains of writing, I didn’t notice the increasing chaos of the environment in which I actually wrote, though Lucy did. She kept trying to impose some order on to my workspace, but it was an uphill task. I knew where everything was and I was resistant to any of it being moved. And so the situation might have continued for a long time… had my study ceiling not sprung a leak. And had the rainwater not had the

temerity to dampen some of the file copies of my SUMMER 2020 | The Bell own oeuvre. to do it without her consent. Lucy and I took her out for Something had to be done. I put some of my own lunch and she explained the basics of how she worked. books into boxes and transferred them to the spare And, incidentally, I did only steal Nicky’s job. The private room. I then realised everything would have to life of my central character Ellen Curtis is entirely my be moved for the leak to be traced and mended own invention, something which – spoiler alert! – properly. Two days of moving boxes of books into Nicky’s husband David will be very relieved to know. the spare room got me very dispirited. The task Last summer, as I wrote the book, now firmly entitled seemed endless. The Clutter Corpse, I thought it was probably a one-off standalone, but the enthusiastic reactions from editor and Lucy, recognising the problem, went online and agent persuaded me it had to be the first of a series. So, I’ll found a listing in our local area for ‘The Clutter start writing my second Ellen Curtis mystery this summer. Queen’ (theclutterqueen.co.uk). Which is how Oh, and I nearly forgot about the cricket. I’m afraid the Nicky Sawkins came into our lives. game had its revenge for all the nasty things I’ve said about it. When the roofers went up to find the cause I’m still not sure how she did it – she was only with of the leak that set this whole process in motion, they us for about three full days – but she made me found a smashed tile and the culprit that had smashed it realise how much stuff I could get rid of. She never – a cricket ball. Little did the person on Burpham Cricket told me to get rid of anything, but let me work it Ground who felt the warm glow of hitting that six realise out for myself. And there was no pretentiousness that they had also spawned a crime novel. about her. Unlike that Japanese guru of decluttering, Marie Kondo, Nicky didn’t ask me to The Clutter Corpse is published by assess whether items I wanted to keep ‘sparked Severn House at £20.99. joy’. She was just supremely practical 35 And while we worked together, I asked Nicky about her work. She told me about the range of services she has to provide, alternating from the hilarious to the heart-breaking. She had qualified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to deal with what in many instances was a mental health issue. And often she was brought in by the social services to deal with extreme cases. It became clear to me that, although I was quite bonkers, compared to other of Nicky’s clients, I was at the saner end of the bonkers scale. And, being a crime novelist, it was inevitable that I would one day ask Nicky whether, in the course of decluttering, she had ever come across a dead body. When she said yes, I was hooked. (I should mention at this point that the body she found was nothing to do with crime. It was an elderly person she’d been visiting for some time, who sadly died of natural causes.) The timing was good for me. Last year the editor at one of my publishers, Severn House, had commissioned me to write something new, outside my existing series of crime novels. This was very encouraging to me at an age when some people were advising me against buying green bananas. And the more I thought about it, the more the idea of a declutterer at the centre of a crime novel appealed to me. Here was someone whose job involved going into other people’s houses. And in the houses into which she went, almost by definition, there was someone with a problem. I talked to Nicky about my idea, because I didn’t want

School BellTheBell | SUMMER2020 St Philip’s Catholic Primary School reading as many words as they can. This is recorded by Lucy Horne Headteacher onto our school system. So far, Year 5 are currently in the lead, having read over 6 million words since AS I write this edition of ‘The School Bell’, it is late January! That is a lot of books! Children can take part March and the school is closed for all apart from in this from home too. those children who are classed as being ‘vulnerable’ or are the children of Key Workers. Currently, we have about a dozen children in school and the staff are still well and willing to work. Who knows what will have happened by the time you read this article. Let us hope, we are by then on the home straight to recovery as a community, country and world. The children who are still in school are following a Fairtrade daily timetable. Each morning, they get into their PE kits and take part in an active session. This could be Prior to COVID-19, when life was normal, the children dance, gymnastics or if the weather is good, games participated in the usual school life activities. In the on the school field. weeks leading up to the school closure, the children learned about ‘Fairtrade’ during the Fairtrade Fortnight. They discussed fairness and played games to demonstrate this. They also researched how to support Fairtrade Farmers. As a school holding a Fairtrade status, we support Fairtrade products where we possibly can throughout the year. School Council Children are working on different areas of learning. As a result of a request from the School Council, This learning includes Music lessons, Art, DT and lots children are able to put together a proposal and then of use of the outdoor areas including Forest School come and ‘pitch’ the lunchtime club they would like and our school allotment. Children are also keeping to run. They then have to promote it and plan the up to date with their reading. This involves each class 36

weekly activities. As a result, two very successful SUMMER 2020 | The Bell clubs have been running weekly by two children from Year 3. The Origami Club, run by Eva, has been very to our parents who make such an effort with their popular and Eva has even resourced the club herself children’s costumes. using special animal origami paper from home. The second club, run by Amara, is a Harry Potter Club. We also had a day of reflection and calm in the week This has been one for the Harry Potter fans. When we before the school closure. Our annual ‘Spirituality do return to school, we have two more clubs ready Day’ took place. This is a day where we have outside to launch. These will be led by Year 4 and include a visitors from the charity ‘Soup from Heaven’ to lead Space Club and a Horrible Histories club. activities plus the Chaplaincy Team from St Philip Howard came to lead sessions. The day was finished Sport off by parents being invited into school for the last thirty minutes of the day. This was for some non denominational, quiet reflection time. Thank you to Canon David for joining us too from the Cathedral. All children in the school have been preparing pieces of art for a whole school Art Gallery. Sadly, this has had to be postponed but the children have worked hard to produce pieces good enough to be put on display. The pictures range from paint work to collage work incorporating topics, artists they are learning about and other favourite themes. We look forward to running the event later in the year. Year 5 went by train to St Philip Howard School to The school held its Science Week in line with National take part in a Deanery, inter-schools sports day. The Science Week. The theme was ‘Our Diverse Planet’. children were able to take part in many different Each class carried out experiments throughout the activities including indoor and outdoor sports. St week and we held a poster competition for children Philip’s came second. We have had a number of to design a poster on the theme. We had some very sporting events cancelled due to closure which meant talented entries and the winners were awarded their our Year 4 Gymnasts, Year 5/6 netball team and our prize in Celebration Year 6 hockey finalists were not able to play. Our Assembly. Year 1/2 Gymnasts, however, were able to take part in the Locality competition and were delighted to The school building win overall. I am sure there will be opportunities for is a very strange the teams to represent the school in different events place without its once we are back to school fully. community within it. We look forward Trips to a time when we Two classes went on their school trip. Year 3 visited can all enjoy being Amberley Museum to look at inventions from reunited as a school the past, as part of their topic and Year 1 visited family. Until that Shoreham lifeboat station to learn about how time, please keep lifeboats help the public as part of their topic on ‘999 your families safe Emergency’. and well. Events 37 We celebrated World Book Day in March with children coming into school, dressed as their favourite book character. We also had a book swap event, children were able to go and listen to stories in different classrooms and many different reading activities took part across the school. This day is always a highlight in the school calendar. Many thanks

School BellTheBell | SUMMER2020 Arundel Cof E Primary School for our boys and girls, and for helping to empower our by Andrew Simpson Headteacher children to be self-aware and confident, by trying to create a fairer, more just and sustainable world – something that AT the time of writing this we, like everyone in our we always strive to do at ACE. community and indeed the entire country, are having to adjust to a very different way of life. As a school we ACE Rocks at the O2! have had to quickly adapt to the way that we teach and connect with our ACE children and families, but this has ACE this year once again merely highlighted the strength of our community and took part in Young Voices at the fact that we are, and always will be, here to support the O2. Young Voices is the all of our ACE family. It is a time when our three values largest children’s choir in the of ‘Faith’, ‘Hope’ and ‘Love’ hold more poignance than world and involves pupils and ever, as every one of us is, through our strength of their teachers learning and Christian faith and hope, reaching out to our neighbours practising a varied range of in love. songs and dance routines for many months before coming As we enter Summer, I would like to take this together with other schools opportunity to thank you for your continued support from all over the region to of your local school and to reflect on some of the fun perform at the O2. The children had a wonderful day and activities we took part in at ACE prior to coronavirus gained so much from the experience, as did their families affecting us all in such a dramatic way. who were able to go along and support the event and watch the children perform. Thank you to Mr Servant for Wonderful Whale Workshops at ACE organising the event and for ensuring the children were performance-ready (which even involved some early training sessions and a Sunday afternoon!) and also to Mrs Meyer, Miss Parry and Mrs Ward for looking after our children at the event. Thank you also to those parents and carers who were able to support us on this occasion – I think teaching children about commitment to a cause is very important. Father Dominik Leads the Children’s Worship Team and Father Andrew Inspires us We were very fortunate earlier in the year to have We are very fortunate that Father Dominik frequently welcomed to ACE the educational team from ORCA, visits ACE to lead Worship and to work with our children. a whale and dolphin conservation charity based in Recently he worked with a small group of children to look Portsmouth. Our ACE pupils watched an interactive presentation where they learnt about whales, dolphins and porpoises, and then each class was given the opportunity to take part in their own individual workshop. This involved learning about some of the biggest threats our ocean wildlife faces today – such as marine litter, especially plastic pollution – and some of the noises the creatures make. The children also learnt about the habitats these wonderful creatures live in. It was an amazing experience; thank you to the educational team at ORCA for making it such a memorable experience 38

at how they could lead Worship. The children found the SUMMER 2020 | The Bell experience fascinating and went on, with Father Dominik’s help, to plan and lead their first Worship, which will be the After their time at Preston Manor, first of many such sessions. the children went on to the Apple Father Andrew also recently visited and led a Worship, Store, Brighton, where they focusing on the famous story of David and Goliath. consolidated their learning by However, in true Father Andrew style, this wasn’t a passive working on iPads to create Victorian experience and instead the children were actively involved outfits and to compile information in acting out and discussing the biblical story. It was a on what a typical day for a Victorian brilliant Worship, which allowed the children to consider servant would have been like. the idea of having faith in our Lord, just as David was not afraid to take up Goliath on his challenge due to his A Specialist Writing unwavering faith in God. Hopefully, David’s act of courage Workshop for Year 4 will have a lasting impact on our pupils, and it will help Phoenix Class had the wonderful opportunity of working them to be inspired to stand up for what is right. with Sian Lewis, an experienced journalist who has worked Year 5 Visit TLA for an in both London and New York, and is a parent of one of our Art Workshop Year 4 children. Sian was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and The boys and girls in our a real inspiration to Phoenix Class, and even taught them Year 5 class were very the skill of using the ‘three pars’ to engage the reader! A fortunate to have the huge thank you to Sian, as well as a huge well done to the opportunity to visit TLA to children for their enthusiasm and creativity. work with art specialists on a project linked to the Local Historian, Mark Phillips, Visits Eagle Class book that they are currently Eagle Class were very lucky to have had Mark Phillips, reading, Skellig. The children a local historian, visit to share with them his wealth of had to design their own knowledge about the port that used to be in Arundel. He model Skellig and then use showed some amazing drone footage of the River Arun and clay, paper, paint and wire to the route it takes into the town, as well as many historical create their very own model. photographs of the port and the boats that sailed through Thank you to the staff at TLA for their hard work and effort the port. Did you know that the port was used for over 800 in organising such a fabulous workshop for the children. years? And that a boat called The Ebenezer was a regular A Victorian Adventure and Trip to the Apple Store visitor to the port transporting much needed coal and logs to the local area. Thank you Mark for sharing your expertise Last month the boys and girls in our Year 2 class visited and for sharing with the children your enthusiasm for our Preston Manor, Brighton, as part of their topic work on town’s history. the Victorians. The children fully immersed themselves in the trip by dressing as Victorian servants, and went Eagle Class supports the Children’s on to find out all about the jobs a servant would have Tree Planting Project done, as well as what life would have been like for them. Bob Tanner, a member of Arundel Gardens Association, The children even had the opportunity to take part in a and our amazing gardening volunteers – Mr and Mrs Dear Victorian cookery lesson! – have worked with the children in Eagle Class to plant fifteen lime trees in our school grounds. These trees will be nurtured at school until they reach four or five metres tall when they will be moved to Mill Road in Arundel. Each tree has a waterproof label displaying the names of the children who planted each particular tree. The children will be able to follow the progress of their trees and see them mature and continue to grow in the local area. This is a wonderful community project that Eagle Class feels very privileged to be part of – and very apt as our ACE Eco Council is made up of members of Eagle Class. As a school, we would also like to take this opportunity to thank a dearly loved and sadly departed friend, Mr George Stedman, who was also a member of the Arundel Gardens Association, and who gave so much of his time and did so much over many years to help with not only making our ACE grounds look beautiful, but in sharing his gardening knowledge and expertise with so many of our children. 39

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 A Profile of Chimi Self-confessed West Highland terrier fan needed to find a way to carry her as she got bigger!’ Gill Farquharson finally got to meet a Stephen tried various ideas, but the best turned out to grande dame in the Arundel dog world be an old West German movie camera case he found called Chimi (sadly online only due to in the Militaria antiques shop. It was the perfect size Covid-19). and strength for Chimi. ‘It didn’t take her long to get used to it – they’re a pretty smart breed that seem to CHIMI is a 14-year-old West Highland White female combine all the energy of terriers with the trainability who lives with her owner, Dr Stephen Cass, in Houghton. and intelligence of bigger, working breeds.’ She is however often seen around Arundel where she is a regular at Cockburn’s. Stephen got her when she was When I first lived in six months old as a rescue puppy. Arundel, I was very much on my own and needed to figure Chimi has an unusual mode of transport when she’s out a way to look after travelling around as our pictures show. ‘When I first lived Chimi while I worked in Arundel, I was very much on my own and needed to figure out a way to look after Chimi while I worked,’ Stephen’s parents left Liverpool and Beverley for Canada Stephen explains. ‘I’ve been riding and restoring before his birth, and at age five his family emigrated motorcycles for about forty years now, and I needed to to California, where he grew up and spent most of his find a way to take her with me. I had a grandfather and life. His parents now live on Vancouver Island where uncle who both died flying Lancaster’s in the war, and Stephen regularly visits them. The eldest of six children, I had read about pilots putting puppies in their flying he developed a strong interest in the Middle East he jackets as a way of calming crews- and keeping warm, no doubt. After a trial run with Chimi in my motorcycle jacket, I realized she had no problem with it-- but I 40

SUMMER 2020 | The Bell says because as a boyhood collector of stamps, they had diseases in the Gulf, with up to 20-30% of the local the best, most colourful flags and stamps! His academic population affected. That company, Motif Biosciences, career, studying at Harvard and Oxford, saw him achieve ultimately listed on the London Stock Exchange and his Masters and Doctorate in Philosophy from Magdalen NASDAQ, after which Stephen stepped down as CEO to College in International Relations focusing on the Middle return to his real love, music. East and a political leader who, in 1987, was a very obscure character named Saddam Hussein. ‘While at He and his now ex-wife lived in London but, as a Magdalen, I started an a cappella singing group, The violinist for the London Philharmonic Orchestra who Magdalen Minstrels, and had the pleasure of rejecting regularly played at Glyndebourne, she needed a a young Jeremy Hunt for his flawed rendition of the more convenient base. So in 2008 they established Flying Picketts’ hit song “Only You.” Hunt lived in the a home in Houghton, where Stephen still lives and next entryway, while George Osbourne lived two floors works professionally, teaching and playing drums. He above, but didn’t audition – ‘It was an interesting time recalls: ‘I started drumming at the age of 11, playing to be at Oxford!’ as an orchestra musician before taking drum lessons from a jazz drummer in Santa Barbara for three years. I started an a cappella I began playing with multiple bands and drum corps singing group, The while a teenager, and even briefly worked in Hollywood Magdalen Minstrels, and providing drums for a “Dallas” TV series spin-off called had the pleasure of rejecting “Knotts Landing”. At Harvard I gave up drumming and a young Jeremy Hunt for his flawed rendition of the Flying Picketts’ hit song “Only You.” Harvard and Oxford were his introduction to the Middle East. He explains: ‘I was studying Arabic, and not just doing research but traveling and getting the opportunity to play music with Arab musicians across the whole region. At the time I moved to Arundel, some of these Middle East performances in Syria and Morocco, were drawing upwards of 50,000 people!’ His travels and studies in the Middle East helped him polish his Arabic and after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, Stephen was invited to leave Oxford to join a think tank based at Berkeley in California working with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the US Department of Defence. He was allowed Fridays and weekends off in which to continue work on his Doctoral thesis. Although he intended to go back to music after he left the think tank, he in fact subsequently started working in biotech and technology investing for his Harvard roommate’s New York City investment firm, then went on to co-found a music recommendation software start-up in San Francisco, AgentArts, which was ultimately acquired by Microsoft. After the shock of 9/11, Stephen felt the need to return to the Middle East to do something constructive with his Middle East background. He adapted his software knowledge to help found a company in Kuwait and the UAE which would use pattern recognition software and the results of the Human Genome Project to identify patterns of disease genes in Type 2 Diabetes—one of the most prevalent 41

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 some of the best venues in the world, including Ronnie Scott’s and the Blue Note. ‘We’re lucky to have such a wealth of talent locally. I had played with Mike and bassist Mike Comber in a local folk group run by the amazing violinist Jon Wigg. Mike and John realized that the trio could be expanded, and the JJ All Stars were born. Indeed, Mike and a selection of the All-Stars under the name “Big House” have recently completed a debut album, Freedom, now available on Amazon. Highly recommended!’ he adds. © Mark Philips Mike and John realized that the trio could be expanded, began singing seriously with a small jazz a cappella and the JJ All Stars were group that had been co-founded by Leonard Bernstein. born. Indeed, Mike and a Every year we would travel down to his opulent selection of the All-Stars Manhattan apartment in the famous Dakota building, under the name “Big House” and he would gather us round his Steinway grand to have recently completed a teach us a new song he’d written specially for the group, debut album, Freedom, now alongside his friends such as Stephen Sondheim and available on Amazon. Lauren Bacall. The Harvard group travelled around the world and we performed at venues such as Carnegie In addition, every third Thursday ‘I also help run a blues, Hall, Vienna’s Musikverein, and the Montreux Jazz jive, and swing club at the Jailhouse, with my talented Festival (on the same bill as The Manhattan Transfer). It colleague Will Hall. We’ve recently been joined by was a music education at the deep end, particularly in Paul Stenton from Willie Austin’s band, and that night jazz, which was to come in handy later on. Later, I played regularly sells out.’ and toured with bands in New York (at the now defunct CBGB’s club), Los Angeles, San Francisco, and London But back to the real star of the show – Chimi. She has while starting my own businesses.’ been coming to Cockburn’s, and its previous incarnation Grounds, for over ten years now and treats it and its Stephen has been very involved in music in Arundel, and amazing staff as her personal fiefdom! She is well known spent many years booking the bands and performing at at all the music venues around town, particularly the the Arundel Festival in its glory days in Jubilee Gardens, Red Lion, and has been going to gigs with Stephen-- and continues to perform locally on a weekly basis. where she sleeps just behind the drums in the snare The JJ All-Stars, in particular, developed from a jazz trio drum case-- since she was a puppy. ‘She also joins me, formed by local musician Mike Carey in support of the ‘he says ‘for the music lessons I teach, offering her own very successful monthly jazz club he and John Nurse advice along the way and letting students know when started several years back at the Arundel Jailhouse. their time is up and it’s time for her walk by the river.’ The trio regularly backs jazz artists who’ve worked in Stephen adds that ‘Apart from being a famous biker 42 chick at all the biker cafes in the area, Chimi is also the best ratter I’ve ever seen and still catches them at fourteen. This may be the secret to her youth: keeping busy with work, going to gigs, riding a motorcycle! She’s never met a man who could keep up with her, so sadly she never had children,’ he adds ruefully. Chimi however has a secret. Although she looks the most adorable and angelic dog in the world, she has a criminal record. She has been banned from Hyde Park because as a puppy she terrorised the ducks, chasing them into the Serpentine and then jumping in after them alongside the swimmers!

SUMMER 2020 | The Bell THE ARUNDEL PATI E NT G R O U P SUMMER 2020 | NEWSLETTER THE copy for this newsletter has to be submitted in late April at the time of writing. Whether this is because we have a better in readiness for the June publication of the Bell – as the old ability to socially distance or better air quality in our rural setting, or saying goes a week is a long time …. And so a month or so whether our population is just generally fitter it is impossible to say is even longer in these times. We can not say where we will but I am thankful that we are not in the same situation that some be in June in relation to Coronavirus, what restrictions will still of my medical friends in Rome, London & Portsmouth report. be in place on social distancing or how health care locally will be responding. So it is very difficult to plan ahead. During As you can probably imagine, any medical establishment April ASCA should have been working with 9 other surgeries could easily become a focus for the spread of infections, in putting on the Health and Wellbeing fair ‘The Big Event’ this and these could be amongst some of the most vulnerable was supported by a WSCC grant and was looking like a terrific people. As such, NHS England has recommended that all event. WSCC has proposed we hold the grant for the time routine and non-urgent care is postponed until the pandemic being in the hope we can progress the fair later in the financial is over. Obviously the presence of a pandemic does not mean year. ASCA should have had it’s AGM, with a talk by Dr Alex that all the usual illnesses are going to go away so we are Thornton ‘Have I got Cancer Doc’ again this is postponed and still here for you if you are unwell with something else or for we will reschedule when possible. Instead Alex has written an monitoring serious conditions. In line with national guidance update on the surgery for us which is set out in full below. Also, however, we have introduced a system of telephone triage ASCA has funded an upgrade to the surgery website so that whereby all contacts will be by phone initially. We have been the surgery staff are more easily able to update the information surprised by just how many problems can be sorted out and keep the Coronavirus information up to date. Check there in such a way (although the removal of a huge quantity of for local updates. contractual red tape has helped!). If the clinician deems that you still need to be seen after the initial telephone consultation All our plans for fundraising activities towards opening a a face to face appointment will be arranged but depending new clinic room are now on hold although donations are still on your symptoms you may be asked to wait in your car or welcome. As soon as we can, we will proceed with this and a separate room rather than the waiting room to minimise also look at the children’s area in the waiting room. In the mean exposure times to other people. Whilst it is indisputable that time if you feel there is anything ASCA could or should do for FFP3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential to the local patient population or surgery please let us know. We stem viral transmission in what are called “Aerosol Generating have not duplicated local initiatives but have offered support Procedures” (AGP’s) the debate about whether type IIR PPE as individuals, and have offered to be there for anything the is effective in simple face to face interactions (as most of our surgery needs of us. consultations are) is debatable. We would prefer to err on the side of caution so please don’t worry if we wear PPE and With all best wishes Liz Horkin Chair ASCA ask you to wear a mask (which we will supply) too. We hope that “normal service” will be resumed soon, but it is essential Changes in local organisation of that to get this pandemic under control we strictly adhere to Clinical Commissioning Group guidance set out by Public Health England. When restrictions are lifted there will be a lot of “catching up” to be done and Some of you will know that overall health care we are grateful to all our patients who have shown such in the area is commissioned through the Clinical patience and understanding during this period. Finally I would Commissioning Group. Locally the West Sussex also like to thank a number of extremely kind patients who CCG;s have been working together for some time very much in have sourced and donated PPE which has been in such short line with historic organisational patterns so formally as of April supply and all those who have volunteered their time and help 2020 the local CCG’s have merged to create The West Sussex with organisational projects at the surgery. I have also been CCG. The people will be the same and work which has been delighted to see so many people helping vulnerable friends and ongoing for some time will continue, but there is a new website. neighbours whether through organised projects This will have all the up to date information around health care or simple acts of kindness – sometimes a bad matters and Coronavirus so we recommend it as a source of situation really can show the best in communities local information particularly as things keep changing and the and bring people together. site will be very up to date. www.westsussexccg.nhs.uk Alex Thornton-Smith A message from Dr Alex Thornton-Smith Coronavirus update from Arundel Surgery 22nd April 2020 I write to you all at this worrying time to update you on how For more information about ASCA or to the Coronavirus pandemic is affecting general practice in the ASCA or to request help or to share ideas town and what it means for you as a patient. Many people are contact Liz Horkin Chair on 01243 814323 understandably anxious, but we are lucky in West Sussex that we do not seem to have been as badly affected as many other areas 43

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 Diary of an Arundel mother family meetings has been surprisingly wonderful. Zoom Victoria Lugton play dates for the kids to see their friends are chaotically fantastic and dinners with friends via Zoom- even The Victoria Lugton is a mother and family Kings Arms keeping their weekly pub quiz broadcast so photographer living and working in Arundel. locals could still come together and take part. WHAT a funny time to write an article about the things It really shows there’s no excuse not to keep in contact we’ve been up to over the last few months and our - my boys have got so used to video calling their Granny plans for the summer! whenever they have a piece of news, at the dinner table or on a walk, to talk about a new wobbly tooth or piece of I think the phrase ‘unprecedented times’ has been over artwork they’ve just made. I’ve seen people setting up old used, but there really has been no other way to describe phones and computers for grandparents to join in family it. I hope that by the time you’re reading this, the period dinners when they may have been previously left out. of lockdown is over and we’re blessed with a summer of sunshine and exploration. Connectivity, seeing faces, a beacon of hope and interaction for people isolating will be something I don’t Having said that though, while I really wish all that is true, think we should forget. there are some wonderful lessons we’ve learnt and changes we’ve made as a family that I hope we’ll be able to maintain. The importance of family meals Activities that we’ve been adopting as well as an While my husband has been unable to go into work increased love for our very local community that I want and there’s been no school run to contend with, sitting to carry through beyond the months of being forced to down to eat together has become the norm. I don’t stay at home. know about you but spending time cooking and eating together has been lovely. Keeping in touch with friends and family It’s so interesting how so many people have turned to While we’ve been on lockdown, keeping in touch with cooking for comfort, something wholesome and real people has been so important. We have friends all over in a time of uncertainty. The fact that the baking isle in the country and the world even, thanks to Australian Tesco has been empty throughout lockdown leads me family – embracing technology that makes keeping in to believe that everyone else has been on the bread and touch so much easier has been wonderful. cake baking marathon too! Thank goodness Gaskins came to the rescue with plenty of supplies of yeast and flour! Zoom seems to have become an essential piece of kit with so many businesses embracing it for work We’ve all enjoyed cooking together so much, I’m hoping conference calls (so much so there are even articles being we can continue, even if its confined to the weekends. written on ‘zoom etiquette’!) – but using it for friends and Making an event of breakfast in particular, laying the 44 table and sometimes even lighting a candle to bring a semblance of calm (ever hopeful with two five-year-old boys!) has been a wonderful way to start the day. I have even explored cooking with locally foraged goodies. If you’re interested, I’ve included a lovely Nettle Pasta recipe with nettles picked from the woods we’ve been exploring (see below) – so many nutrients in those stingy little weeds! Shopping locally As well as Gaskins, we’ve been using the local shops as much as possible for our food and essentials and are so

thankful to the service they’ve been offering. SUMMER 2020 | The Bell Pallant hand delivering a box of their goodies was a highlight, I never knew how much I missed their pasties! waves with neighbours up and down the street have It was my father’s birthday during lock down, so being become the new normal. able to buy some Sussex Charmer, Arundel Brewery Reaching out and sharing items on the Arundel Notice beer, a chocolate bunny and other special food items Board on Facebook – swapping seeds, lost tortoises really made a lovely gift. Something I’ll be remembering being returned, discussing which restaurants in town for birthdays to come. are managing to keep serving, the restaurants that were closed offering to purchase food in bulk from Appreciating our local surroundings their distributors. We even managed to find out about someone with lots of scrap of wood down the road. While the restrictions were in place, we of course had to We scooped it up on one of our walks and, along with some resist the urge of travelling further afield to get outside. other bits donated by other neighbours, we managed to If you’ve read this column before, you’ll know I find build a cubby house for the boys – all for free! It’s amazing to it important to get the kids out of the house, to have see how resourceful we can all be when needed. space to let off steam – what the lockdown forced us There will be a time when everything opens again, to do was really explore locally. That is walking distance the shops in the big towns, the chain restaurants but I from our house! I thought I knew Arundel’s local woods hope we remember who was there for us when we had before, but wow! What a treat we have just behind nowhere else to go. town, up near ACE. Keep safe and stay well. The lockdown coincided with the bluebells offering a reward for long walks through the trees. We also Nettle Pasta Recipe discovered the pond near Binstead Manor which was full of tadpoles – long since hopped off by the time You’ll need about 10 stems of Nettles, just the top 8 you read this but well worth remembering next year, leaves; 3 eggs, 2 cups of plain flour, a good glug of olive depending on the status of ‘the road’ I suppose. The oil and a big pinch of salt. footpaths all through Binstead woods would take - When you get your nettles home, leave the leaves on months to explore fully and we’ll continue to do that beyond lockdown. the side to give any bugs a chance to escape. - Steam the leaves for no more than 2 minutes so they Our local community lose their sting, then take out and drench in ice cold Thanks to social media and ease of travel, it’s been water to stop the cooking process. all too easy to reach out to people and places in the - Dry the leaves in a tea towel or kitchen paper. Chop neighbouring towns like Littlehampton and Amberley. and shred the leaves very finely. But what the lockdown has really shown me is how - In a bowl, mix all the ingredients – it may seem very wonderful our local BN18 9 community is. wet at first but will come together. Thanks to our Thursday night claps for key workers – - Once it comes together, wrap in a damp tea towel or cling film and pop it in the fridge for half an hour. - When you take it out of the fridge, cut into four pieces. Roll out each piece as thinly as possible. If you don’t have a pasta maker you can use a rolling pin. If you’re using a rolling pin, knead each piece for five minutes before rolling. - Cut your pasta into fine strips – add to boiling water in small batches for 4 minutes - Done! Add your own sauces as you like – I used Greek yoghurt, a squidge of lemon and spinach. 45

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 ADVERTORIAL JENNINGS & CO FINANCIAL PLANNING LTD 39 High Street, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9AG • 01903 883388 Volatile times WHEN you live in volatile and uncertain times, should to sort the facts from the fake news. you put your long-term plans on hold? The wide range of current challenges Sam Jennings It’s an unexpected storm of financial, emotional and time pressure. You might be in a senior role at work and make the world highly unpredictable. have to juggle management responsibilities with the challenge of working from home. Or you might have In the context of saving and investing, the products and been furloughed from your current role and face the prospect of a cut in income. Added to this, there are services we need to help us are similarly numerous and concerns about the performance of your pension and other investments given recent stock market falls. complex. Do you take the DIY approach to investing, Read or watch the news, and you will encounter a world seek guidance, or look for professional financial advice? that’s volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. Glance at a stock market’s performance over the course Do you know your ISAs from your pensions and unit of a few weeks, and what stands out is probably not the trusts – and how do you choose? Where should you general direction of travel, but the short-term seesawing invest? In public or private markets? In equities, bonds, of prices – especially during a volatile period. or property? And should you seek out active managers or passive funds? Those characteristics can make the task of planning for you and your family’s future feel all the more daunting. The weight, number and nuance of such questions can As investors, it can be all too tempting to try to predict make us yearn for simpler times – and bury our heads the future, or react to events as they happen. However, in the sand. Yet that will not help you secure a brighter on the one hand, even long-term investors can all too future for you and your family. In times like these, it’s easily respond emotionally to short-term volatility; and important to take action and speak with someone. make bad decisions as a result. On the other, events are unpredictable at the best of times, and perhaps A professional financial adviser can help guide you especially just now. On top of all this, it’s not always easy through the wealth of options available, to keep your eyes focused on the horizon, and to help you to achieve your long-term financial goals. Due to the office being temporarily closed, to receive information or to arrange a call or video meeting, please email [email protected] 46

SUMMER 2020 | The Bell News from the Norfolk Estate Stephen Manion updates the castle watching the clock approach 10.00 a.m. on us on the effects of Wednesday 1st April, with a grand total of four other lockdown on the Estate. people in the building. This was no April Fool’s joke: we were not opening to visitors. ESTATE work continues during the current lockdown period, albeit All of the hard work which had gone into the castle observing government guidelines. was not to be seen by anyone else for the foreseeable It was inevitable that following a future. Action was needed, and swiftly. This is when you record wet winter when we had appreciate the excellent quality of colleagues and the over and above our normal annual valuable support of partners. Our strength was to be the rainfall of 27 inches, we go into creative energy of this superb team. a long dry spell with high winds evaporating moisture. Tree plants The most pressing matter that were planted in February are was the glorious gardens desperate for a drink along with and the fabulous display of most other crops. our annual Tulip Festival, which was approaching The in-hand farming along with its peak. Fortunately, over arable crops has 1500 Romney the previous year, we had breeding ewes and April is the built up a good working month they lamb. Ironically, the dry relationship with Sam Moore period has worked in our favour and they lamb outside of VisualAir. He came to the in the fields and a good dry period allows the lambs to gardens and over a period have a good start. of days, working closely, and safely, with Head Gardener Arundel Park is proving to be an excellent area during Martin and the gardening these difficult times for people to exercise and enjoy the team to film drone and countryside. Steadicam footage of not only the tulips, but also The Castle, virtually seasonal gardening tips on planting. One of the most unusual experiences I have had in my career, correct that – in my life – was standing in The castle has always had a strong social media presence, 47

The Bell | SUMMER 2020 with regular posts. This was one obvious avenue to enable a wider audience to at least see the gardens and castle, but there was a need for something more lasting and to showcase wonderful images. Prior to the effect of the pandemic, we were working with a web design company, Lime Juice, on a new castle site, which is- for obvious reasons- on hold. Richard and Rachel were keen to be involved in our project and suggested a new microsite, which they established within 24 hours and on which we could publish photographs and videos. Visitors from across the world now enjoy www.tulipfestival.co.uk from the comfort of their living rooms. Over the coming weeks, whilst unfortunately our gates remain closed, a series of virtual experiences will be released, from internal tours to an events programme. Our events are something that many people will miss, with the opportunity to see, hear and take part in exciting medieval activities. The organiser of our historical events, Paul Ullson, is also adept with a marker pen. Our Facebook page has been an outlet for our intrepid reporter, which will hopefully have raised a smile across the nations. In the meantime, we look forward to welcoming visitors back to the castle, gardens and the Arundel area. SAVE AROUND 50%* COMPARED TO RE-TURFING Welcome to ‘Excellent’ your new lawn Get a wonderful lawn with a GreenThumb Makeover... 2018 ISI Report and save the hassle and cost of re-turfing. DORSET HOUSE SCHOOL We have spent the last two years Our Lawn Makeover is ideal for: developing and trialling a Lawn Makeover In Bury - just 10 minutes from Arundel – specifically designed to create a new • Anyone who wants the best lawn they can get Co-educational Prep School (Reception to Year 8) and beautiful lawn. We only use the • Worn-out lawns – maybe many decades old best materials, including our bespoke • Lawns with very little grass – almost all moss Now taking registrations for Reception 2019 ‘Diamond Green’ grass seed, our premium NutraGreen® feed, and 100% weed free and weeds To find out more, please call organic top-dressing. • New-build homes or properties with poor 01798 831456 quality turf www.dorsethouseschool.com • Lawns full of unsightly weed grasses `Outstanding’ Pre-School on site for children from 2 For your free Lawn Makeover analysis, call 01243 373642 or email [email protected] Visit www.greenthumb.co.uk/lawn-makeover *Save 50% is based on an average sized lawn of 160m2 @ £8 per m2 = £1,280 - compared to typical returfing costs, including labour, @ £16 per m2 = £2,560. Thereafter, the larger the lawn, the larger the discount. Contact GreenThumb for details. 48#35542-Chichester-250x176mm-Advert .indd 1 26/06/2019 12:04

A Farmer’s ViewSUMMER2020 | TheBell Dominic Gardner has the farming contract at Angmering Park and six weeks ago at the start of lock down I wanted dry runs two farms at Horsham, in weather- but that’s farming. The wildlife is everywhere all around 3600 acres. He strives at this time of year and, in one area over a cover crop to find a way to produce high used to mop up nitrates which I was going to replant quality food but at the same with a pollinator mix for insects, there are so many time protect and enhance the skylarks; so I have left it for the birds. New life, whether environment we all share. In this it’s a lamb, a seedling, a wild bird, an insect or bee, piece he gives us a fascinating give us hope and make farming so special even with insight into the issues that raises, everything going on in the outside in the world. particularly in the current crisis. We don’t produce milk, potatoes or beef so we are lucky IN the middle of March on the Angmering not to have suffered big drops in the value of products Park Estate, lambing was to begin in ten while at the same time shop shelves are bare and days and getting a tractor out in the field purchases are restricted. This is due to the complex way to start planting spring crops of barley, the industry works with catering /pub trade supplied by oats and beans seemed impossible as it one firm and retail by another and with transport and had been raining for almost nonstop for six months. legislation further factors with which to contend. I am Floods were in the news and for me personally, the involved in the National Farmers Union and had a Zoom Brighton Marathon was only a few weeks away. In the meeting in the field on matters such as fresh milk being background the virus was taking off and panic buying thrown away on the instructions of the dairy company started to get under way, it being long taken for granted only to come in for supper and be told by my wife to go that we can buy anything anytime through the food sparingly on the milk as she couldn’t get any. supply chain. As panic buying spread for the first time in living memory, the supermarket shelves were empty The current crisis is about a human virus. However, for some products and it was then that we understood I also see a parallel in the uncontrolled way in which the vulnerability of a global supply chain. On the farm hundreds of thousands of ash trees are dying from Ash we carry on producing food whilst working to protect Die Back Disease and it is only a matter of time before and improve the environment and at the same time our ability to produce food will be effected again by an providing a place to walk, run or cycle at a social uncontrolled virus, disease or weather event for which distance on a network of footpaths and bridleways. we are not prepared .That could make for a very hungry While most people are responsible around livestock world very quickly if the last few weeks haven’t taught we, in common with other farmers, have suffered more us to be prepared and make contingency plans. problems with dogs running amok amongst our sheep. It’s heart breaking to see the damage particularly to 49 pregnant sheep which can suffer problems giving birth weeks later. Have we been impacted? Yes, but we are always isolated in our work and now even more so. We have fears that we could become infected and not able to look after our livestock; so I am pleased to have finished lambing and spring planting. Both activities are very intense jobs that require a full team on livestock and crops every day, seven days a week and sometimes 24 hours a day. After an exceptionally wet winter, we have enjoyed a long, dry spell that both we and the animals have relished; only now we could do with some rain, which is ironic, when

Dear EditorTheBell | SUMMER2020 THANK YOU which were mostly a personal attack on my integrity as FOR YOUR Mayor, I felt I had no choice but to resign. SUPPORT It was a sad way to end my service of 36 years on the I AM writing this letter to say Town Council, but I leave knowing that I had always done thank you to residents for your my very best to serve the residents whom I represented. overwhelming support shown to me following my resignation WENDY EVE as Mayor. I was surprised by Torton Hill Road, Arundel so many emails and residents speaking to me personally ARUNDEL PRIORY thanking me for my service on Arundel Town Council. The report (Forthcoming Events - St Nicholas Exhibition- I would also like to explain why I resigned as the press March Issue) that Henry VIII sold the Fitzalan Chapel to statement was misleading. Henry XII Earl only makes sense in the knowledge that the Earl had previously handed over the Chapel and its The reason being I was against the Town Council associated Priory to the King. Had the Chapel been part FUNDING the employment of a Town Manager and of St Nicholas church it would not have been vulnerable when I called a meeting to discuss it Councillors refused. to the King’s depredations- Henry VIII did not dissolve parish churches. But as an independent chapter it was I am not and never have been against Arundel having effectively up for grabs, and the Earl, a canny operator a Town Manager indeed to fulfil some parts of the by all accounts, used the tactical ploy of giving it and Neighbourhood Plan a Town Manager with specialised then buying it back as a means of securing it. Thanks to skills would be necessary to co-ordinate the schemes in his foresight, and the generosity of subsequent Dukes, it, but Town Managers are expensive to employ and need Arundel now has not only a beautifully restored chapel, considerable budgets to be able to fulfil the schemes they but a splendid home for the Arundel Players in the Priory are employed to do, which is why Town Managers are Playhouse, and first class accommodation for frail and not funded by any Parish/Town Council in the Country. elderly residents in the St Wilfrid’s Priory care home. Parish/Town Councils do not have big enough budgets also Town Managers do not come under the Government OLIVER HAWKINS responsibilities for Town/Parish Councils. Tarrant Street, Arundel I called an Extra-Ordinary meeting of the Council on AN APOLOGY FROM ARUNDEL TOWN COUNCIL March 5th to discuss that the Council could fulfil all their objectives by employing a member of staff on a salary the IN their Town Council Newsletter page in the March Town Council could accommodate without the expense of issue of The Bell, the Council inadvertently implied that a Town Manager who would be overqualified for the job. David Wood and his committee established the Farmers Market. Margaret Winn, a former County Councillor and I would have then gone onto discuss ways in which the first Chair of the Farmers Market Trust, has pointed Arundel could fund a Town Manager by approaching out that it was in fact set up in 2000 using a grant from other stakeholders in the Town. For instance, there West Sussex County Council. It wasn’t until 2002 that could be joint funding for the post with Arundel Town the Farmers Market was transferred to the Lido to run. Council being one of the stakeholders. They apologise for this error. Unfortunately, Councillors refused to even discuss Please send your letters to: my proposal or even speak at the meeting so with The Editor, 1 Tarrant Wharf, Arundel BN18 9NY Councillors showing no respect for my opinion (with the exception of Councillor Standing) and combined with or email them to [email protected] the public questions at the beginning of the meeting 50