A former Surrey police officer who lives in Storrington has completely turned his life around after retiring from the force to become a successful writer and photographer.

Brian Simmons, 74, enjoyed an interesting and diverse police career ranging from firearms squad to recruitment and training officer.

He also spent time in the media relations office at Surrey Police HQ, Mount Browne in Guildford, where he developed a love of writing.

So when he left the force, in addition to taking up woodworking as a new occupation he turned to writing and photography in his spare time which has been extremely successful.

He has had two books published and his photographs regularly appear in magazines and are sold as greetings cards.

The idea to write a memoir initially surfaced about eight years ago.

He said: “I was in a conversation and heard myself say that I didn’t really remember much about my young life. Then I thought, that’s crazy, I know memory gets a bit poorer as the years pass but that’s usually for short term stuff.

“So I decided to set myself a challenge and see exactly what I could remember. In the event it turned out to be quite a lot and of course one memory sparked off another.”

So with the guidance of a local writing group he set about the task of writing a memoir and on completion, he was delighted when his fellow ‘students’ reckoned his manuscript was definitely worth publishing.

He decided on the self- publishing route through Create Space, a subsidiary of Amazon which he said was really accessible and a fascinating experience.

His first book ‘Stepping out from Ashtead 1944 - 1964’ is a light hearted read about his childhood years and includes accounts of many daft and occasionally hair-raising stunts and pranks.

These included almost shooting a policeman off his bike with a mis-aimed rocket, setting the local park alight and coming close to injuring himself with home-made gunpowder.

His early life also included a short but very mind-broadening spell as a steward with P&O and then his first taste of the police service when, at the age of nineteen he joined The Met and served in Lambeth.

Brian’s second book, ‘Until the Lights Went Out’, was recently released on Amazon and covers the following 30years of his colourful life.

“Apart from a brief four years as a 1960’s motor trader, very Arthur Daly, it’s really about my life as a police officer in Surrey”, explained Brian.

It recounts some of life’s more serious stuff around bereavement, marriage and divorce, climbing the greasy career pole and an eventual breakdown which ended his career, hence the title ‘Until the Lights Went Out’.

But despite this rather gloomy title, the book also includes a great number of laughs arising from his experiences in the police and also lifts the lid on many aspects of the service the public may be unaware of such as firearms training, rural policing, press and media relations, recruitment processes and more.

Brian said: “Memoir writing and the self-publishing process is not going to make many of us wealthy but I have found it a most satisfying, mentally stimulating and enjoyable process especially when readers take the trouble to get in touch to say how much they enjoyed my books, identified with the experiences or in some cases found themselves motivated to have a go themselves.”

He admits he is now addicted to writing and has already picked up the pen for the next instalment of his trilogy.

Apart from writing Brian loves photography and is particularly passionate about the Surrey Hills landscape.

“I developed my website, Surrey Hills Images, primarily to share my passion for the Surrey Hills landscape with other like-minded lovers of the countryside”, he said.

“But since moving to Storrington I am discovering how very photogenic the Sussex countryside is too.”

The site contains a varied collection of wonderful images of landscapes, people and places that Brian explains have appealed to him over the years.

His pictures are available as greetings cards, prints and wall art. http://www.surreyhillsimages.co.uk/

Knight - who led England to glory in front of a packed-out Lord’s last summer - knows the value of a loud and supportive atmosphere and thinks it could be the difference on the day.

“Hove has a great connection to the women’s game and they’ve always supported us brilliantly down here,” she said.

“We had good numbers in earlier this summer when we beat South Africa and a repeat of last year’s crowd for Finals Day would be great.

“Of course an increase on that would be great on the day and great in terms of the game’s growth. I still remember the noise from Lord’s and how special it was and how much of a difference it made.”

A year ago it was Knight’s Western Storm side who came out victorious, beating local team Southern Vipers and with no Vipers present this year maybe Knight’s West Country team will earn the support of the home crowd, over rivals Loughborough Lightning and Surrey Stars?

“I don’t know if we’ll be able to get the Hove supporters on our side but as long as they’re there and they’re loud they’ve played their part!

Knight and her Western Storm team-mates will need to play twice on the day.

They face Surrey Stars in the semi-final, with the winner meeting Loughborough Lightning.

Tickets are still available at the Sussex CCC website, priced at £5 for adults, £1 for Under-18s or £10 for a family of four with two adults and two juniors.

Kia Super League latest

Sussex relishing Durham Blast clash

Two young men have officially been awarded the Guinness World Record as the fastest male pair to circumnavigate the world by tandem bicycle.

In this world first, George Agate from Amberley and his pal John Whybrow finished their record attempt over a year ago on March 25 2017, pedalling more than 18,000 miles unsupported, but have had to wait until now to be awarded the record following Guinness’ stringent approvals process.

“It is such a relief, at points I thought they might not award us the record,” said John.

”Now we can all celebrate, and keep our eye on another British pair who are attempting to beat us as we speak!” added George.

Despite being chased by a pack of dogs in Romania, hit by a bus in Austria and caught up in a military coup in Turkey during their adventure, the daring duo’s record now stands at 290 days, seven hours and 36 minutes.

‘The Tandem Men’ met whilst studying at the University of Kent in Canterbury and have always had a thirst for adventure.

The idea was dreamt up during their time in Canterbury, where they started and finished this life changing expedition.

Their route around the world was meticulously planned and timed to take advantage of favourable weather along the way.

They pedalled out of the UK and across mainland Europe into Turkey and Georgia, along the coast of India, from Bangkok down the Malaysian peninsula to Singapore, across the southern coast of Australia, up the length of both islands of New Zealand, from San Francisco into Mexico and all the way down the Pan American highway through Central America to Panama, a short stint in Morocco and then a final sprint up the length of Spain and France back to the UK.

The historic entrance gates to the Canterbury Cathedral acted as their starting line on June 9 2016 and their finishing line approximately 10 months later.

Along the way the boys raised money for three charities close to their hearts; Porchlight in Canterbury, Great Ormond Street and Wateraid.

Currently they know of one pair on the road who are attempting to break their record and they hope more people will take it on in the future.

For more information about their adventure visit www.thetandemmen.com

Thieves have stolen a car after breaking into a house in East Wittering and taking the keys.

Sussex Police say that sometime overnight between Wednesday August 15 and Thursday August 16 a house in Church Road was entered and the keys to a red Nissan Quashqai saloon were taken.

The car was then taken from outside the address.

Detective Constable Emma Fields of the West Sussex Community Investigation Team said; “We are appealing for anyone who may have seen something suspicious in the area over that night.

“We have been told that it is possible other residents in the area may have had their vehicles broken into that night but haven’t so far reported it. If that is so we would ask them to come forward too.

“Local residents are also asked to check their CCTV and dashcams for that period in case something relevant might have been recorded.

“If you can help in anyway please contact us online or by calling 101, quoting serial 253 of 16/08.”

See also: CCTV appeal as police investigate Goodwood Racecourse brawl

Selsey couple’s dream wedding after help from ITV’s This Morning

A Horsham farm is getting ready to welcome children for a range of exciting outdoor activities next month.

From bug hunting and leaf collages to campfire lighting and mud kitchens, the sessions at Chesworth Farm are now open for bookings.

Sussex Wildlife Trust’s forest school leader, Tamara Jewell, is looking forward to welcoming the youngsters the various activities all themed around wildlife and the changing seasons.

She said: “The sessions are all about getting outdoors and developing physical co-ordination, confidence and social skills through child-led achievable challenges, while having a lot of fun along the way. I hope these groups will spark a life-long love of the natural environment.

“We encourage the children to try as much of the activity as they can for themselves, and parents are often amazed at how resourceful and capable their children can become as the weeks go by.”

Children will also be able to explore hedgerow, field, pond and stream wildlife habitats, collect berries for wild painting, build dens or play tracking games around the farm.

Nature Tots sessions for ages three to five run from 10am to 12 noon at Chesworth Farm on Monday mornings during school term time.

Wildlife Watch nature and bushcraft sessions for ages five to 11 run once a month on Saturday mornings.

Children must be accompanied by an adult and booking is essential. For further information and to book online please visit: www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/naturetots or www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlifewatch

Alternatively call Tamara on 01293 550730.

It’s GCSE results day tomorrow (Thursday, August 22) and thousands of students across West Sussex are finding out their grades.

We will be reporting on how schools and colleges have done this year and pulling all the stories together in this live blog. This will be updated throughout the day as more data becomes available so please refresh the page for updates.

Your GCSE survival guide – With the help of Future Mag (www.future-mag.co.uk) we’ve brought you this guide, to make sure that whatever the grades, you’re prepared for the impact they will have.

What to do after GCSEs – A-levels still remain the traditional educational route after GCSEs for many – but they’re not the only option.

Here’s a career option for you – As the UK’s airports gear up for what could be their busiest summer on record, NATS, the UK’s main air traffic service provider, is calling on students receiving their exam results to consider a career in the aviation industry. Find out more here.

Have you considered an apprenticeship? – Whether you are collecting your GCSE results or have already gone to college, it is worth considering an apprenticeship. Here is why they are a good option.

Here is how the GCSE grading system works – More than half a million teenagers are coming to the end of the anxious wait for their GCSE results, having sat the first of the new, tougher exams in the majority of subjects.

This year, students will receive numerical grades in most subjects following changes to the system that have seen more challenging content being brought in and pupils sitting an average of 20 to 25 exam papers.

Here we explain what new grades actually stand for to help you get to grips with the changes ahead of results day.

After a two-month summer break, they jump back into action at Fontwell Park on Thursday evening.

It’s Ladies’ Evening, the traditional curtain-raiser to their late-summer and autumn programme pof fixtures.

Gates open at 3pm with the first of seven races at 5pm and the last at 8.30pm. Tickets are from £19.

The best-dressed lady will receive a £1,000 prize as a lucky lady is crowned Miss Fontwell.

On the track there are 52 declared runners across the seven races.

The action begins with the Netbet Sport Handicap Hurdle at 4.40, followed by the Netbet Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Chase (5.15), the Josie O’Leary Pineapple Novices’ Hurdle at 5.50 and the Finesse Hairdressing Sponsored By TI Engineering Crane Services Handicap Hurdle at 6.20.

Racing also features the netbet.co.uk Novices’ Handicap Chase at 6.50 and the Yeomans Honda Handicap Hurdle at 7.20, with the Sheik Persad Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race bringing racing to an end at 7.50.

All the top Fontwell trainers have plenty of entries as they bid for honours on the track’s 2018-19 leaderboard.

Our tips: 440 Master Ring, 515 Oliver's Hill, 550 West Drive, 620 Holryale, 650 Eric The Third, 720 I'm Always Trying, 750 Longhouse Sale.

Busy period kicks off at Fontwell
Glorious Goodwood recalled in pictures

It was their heaviest defeat of Derbyshire in terms of runs, beating their win by 169 runs in 1933. It was also their fourth win in as many outings.

With both Warwickshire and Kent winning Sussex needed to maintain their recent impetus. And it was a convincing victory after Derbyshire had batted so resolutely to almost match Sussex in the first innings.

Ultimately, Derbyshire were overpowered. But they had misfortune too. Already without Ravi Rampaul, who left the field on the first day with breathing difficulties and did not return – so Sussex needed just nine wickets for victory - they also lost the services of opening batsmen Ben Slater just before lunch.

Slater was struck on the head by a short delivery from Jofra Archer and retired with concussion. He was later replaced in the batting line-up by Anuj Dal. Dal had appeared in nine T20 matches for Derbyshire this season but this was his first-class debut.

Derbyshire had resumed on six without loss, requiring a further and unlikely 399 for victory. The worn pitch was still playing well and opening batsmen Billy Godleman and Slater suggested that survival, at least, was possible.

Day 1 report

Day 2 report

Day 3 report

Slater square-drove David Wiese to raise the side’s fifty in the 15th over of the morning. Derbyshire looked so comfortable that it was surprising when, in Wiese’s next over, he flattened Godleman’s leg stump.

In the following over Chris Jordan, in the middle of his best spell of the match from the Cromwell Road end, had Wayne Madsen lbw with one that nipped back into the batsman. That made it 59 for two in the 25th over. It was just before and after lunch that the match swung decisively against Derbyshire.

First there was the blow suffered by Slater. And then, after the interval, Sussex too three wickets in five overs. With the second ball of the afternoon session Danny Briggs had Sean Ervine lbw. Three overs later Matt Critchley edged Archer to the keeper and then Daryn Smit played across the line to Briggs and was lbw to make it 89 for five.

It was at this point that Dal came to the wicket. But by now Sussex had gathered a winning momentum. Ollie Robinson replaced Archer at the north end of the ground at 105 for five and with his third ball he moved one away from Alex Hughes to have him caught behind. Robinson dismissed Hardus Viljoen in similar fashion at 140.

The match was completed shortly after tea. In the first over after the interval Dal was lbw to Briggs and three overs later Lockie Ferguson chopped Archer on to his stumps.

Sussex coach Jason Gillespie said: “I thought we were excellent in this game. Scoring those runs early on say one, after being put in to bat with overhead conditions, and the lights on all day, I thought it was a really good effort to get 440.

“We weren’t at our best with the ball in their first innings but then we had that special partnership at the start of our second innings between Phil Salt and Luke Wells. Salt’s innings was pretty special and it bought us time. The match could have potentially been heading towards a draw until then. We scored at six an over, which is virtually unheard of in first-class cricket.”

Having met at the age of three, George and Enid Bruce have gone on to celebrate 65 years of marriage.

They first knew each other as children 83 years ago, when their families were living in South Africa.

They were reacquainted as teenagers and courted for a few years before getting married at the age of 23.

George, 86, and Enid, 87, celebrated their anniversary at Cavell House, in Middle Road, Shoreham, with staff, family and friends.

Staff said the occasion proved true love lasted forever.

Nikki Stevenson, home manager, said: “Enid and George have certainly had a colourful life and it’s wonderful to see them celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary.

“We are delighted that we were able to be a part of their special day.”

The couple have three children and four grandchildren. After they moved to the UK, they lived in Bristol, Milton Keynes and Slough, before coming to Shoreham. Their family now lives close to Cavell House, where Enid stays.

To celebrate their blue sapphire anniversary, George gave his wife a pendant necklace, with the stone in the centre, and the chef at Cavell House made the couple a cake, decorated with a blue rose.

Staff, friends and family joined in the celebrations and threw the couple a tea party at the care home.

George said: “The secret to a happy marriage is to love each other and never let the sun go down on an argument.

“We are so grateful for the love and kindness shown by the home that has added to our blessings.”

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‘Fantastic role models’ celebrate 70th wedding anniversary in Shoreham

Paddle steam returns to south coast

Enigmas that have not been forgotten in Southwick feature in new history book

Crawley Wasps made a sensational start to life in the FA Women’s National League on Sunday with a 5-1 victory over Ipswich Town.

Manager Paul Walker was happy with the great start but was not getting carried away having completed their first game in the higher level, having won promotion last season as London & South East League Premier Division champions.

He said: “We executed our gameplan well. We wanted to put them under pressure early on.

“It’s a long season with some tough games but it’s great to get off to a good start.”

Sian Heather, one of four debutants in the Wasps squad, made an instant impact with two goals and an assist while last season’s top-scorer, Faye Rabson, also grabbed a brace.

It was American midfielder Ariana Fleischman, though, who had the honour of scoring Wasps’ first goal in the fourth tier of women’s football – and it came after just six minutes.

Rabson burst past her marker in the left channel and, although her shot was blocked, Fleischman finished from close range.

Ipswich keeper Toni-Anne Wayne denied Megan Stow and Rabson as Wasps dominated and when she was sold short by a team-mate’s backpass on 29 minutes, Rabson nipped in to make it 2-0.

The visitors pulled one back as captain Amanda Crump curled in a fine shot from distance but Wasps restored their two-goal cushion before the break when Heather stabbed in after Wayne saved from Rabson.

In the second half, Jenny Drury brought an outstanding save from Wayne but Wasps were not to be thwarted for long – as former Lewes striker Heather took centre stage around the hour mark.

First she slid in Rabson, who finished coolly, and then produced an exceptional dipping shot from 25 yards which flew over a helpless Wayne.

Wasps keeper Frankie Gibbs was alert on the rare occasions she was called upon, while Heather could have had a hat-trick, but was denied by a combination of the ‘keeper and the post.

Wasps are on the road this Sunday as they face Enfield Town (2pm kick-off).

Wasps: Gibbs; Niamh Stephenson (Measures 69), James, Young, Palmer; Stow, Cole; Fleischman, Drury (Carter 62), Rabson (Davies 69); Heather.

Subs not used: Samain, Webber.

Attendance: 74

Worthing and Penguin men’s hockey teams are to join forces for the upcoming season.

The merger will see the sides form one large community focused club, dedicated to bringing high-quality, fun, social and competitive hockey to adults and juniors across the Worthing and wider district areas.

Building on over 120 years of history from Worthing and 70 at Penguin, the new combined club will run six men’s teams and a flourishing junior section based at The Angmering School.

Both Worthing and Penguin ladies’ section sides will remain unchanged, with Worthing running three teams and Penguin just the one.

The current Penguin men’s first team will fit into Worthing, forming a new club second team.

Worthing's current 2nd team will now become the 3rd team and both will compete in the Sussex League Division 1.

More details on training dates, fixtures and social functions will be announced in the coming weeks on the Worthing club website.

For more information visit www.worthinghockey.co.uk or www.penguin-hockey.co.uk

Have you read?

Littlehampton edge out Worthing United on 'emotional' evening

Hove is where the heart is for Surrey Stars' Sarah Taylor

Jose Mourinho or Chris Hughton? Who would you want in your dugout?

The Lions roared at their fiercest in the Magpies nest - beating Loxwood 7-1 to go top of the SCFL premier after four matches.

Pagham were getting most of the ball early, but they were shocked when Loxwood took a surprise 12th-minute lead through Matthew Hards following an error by Lions keeper James Binfield.

Pagham kept pushing forward and were almost rewarded in the 25th minute when George Gaskin hit the outside of the post with a 25-yard free-kick.

The equaliser was not long in coming, though, as Gaskin stroked a fine goal under Loxwood keeper Sam Smith following a 40-yard run.

Chances kept coming Pagham’s way, but the ball would just not cross the line. Both Callum Overton and Ryan Cox went close before Overton finally squeezed the ball home from a tight angle via a defender and the keeper in the 43rd minute to send the Lions in at half-time 2-1 to the good.

Three minutes into the second period Overton was crudely brought down on the edge of the area, winning a free-kick and seeing Magpies sub Andy Gritt sent off.

Pagham were aggrieved it wasn’t given as a penalty, but all that was forgotten as Gaskin stepped up and delivered a delicious free-kick over the wall and into the top corner of the net for 3-1.

Overton was on fire and after having one goal disallowed for a dubious offside, he had a rasping 20-yard drive well saved by keeper Smith.

Gaskin hit the post for the second time with a shot over the keeper before Overton got the goal his efforts deserved when a terrific through-ball from Howard Neighbour was taken past two defenders by Overton and buried into the corner of the goal from the edge of the box in the 68th minute.

Lindon Miller entered the fray as a substitute for Johan van Driel and was soon in the centre of things as Pagham started to run riot. In the 87th minute, Miller got the goal of the game, taking an excellent pass from Overton and finishing with aplomb to make it 5-1.

Still Loxwood’s pain went on.

Overton completed his hat-trick in the 89th minute, getting on the end of a Ryan Cox cross at the near post, and still had time to claim his fourth two minutes into added-on time, nodding a Scott Murfin corner in from under the bar.

The win puts the Lions were top of the league.

Pagham: Binfield, Wiggans, Cox, Davidson, Wollers, Horncastle (Bingham), Chick, Neighbour,Gaskin (Murfin), van Driel (Miller).

Subs not used: Thurgar, Hand.

Crawley Down Gatwick 1 Pagham 1

SCFL premier

Pagham snatched a late point at the Haven Centre after sub Lindon Miller made no mistake from close in on 97 minutes with his first touch of the ball.

Already without several first-team players in Mitchell Hand, Howard Neighbour and Dan Simmonds, the Lions’ task got harder in the 56th minute when Andy Chick was sent off conceding the penalty which saw Oliver Leslie give the Anvils the lead from the spot,.

But they fought on and were rewarded with the late goal.

Pagham: Binfield, Wiggans, Cox, Davidson, Wollers, Horncastle, Chick, van Driel, Neighbour, Gaskin, Overton, Thurgar. Subs: Hand, Murfin, Miller, Neighbour, Bingham.

Mixed fortunes in Peter Bentley Cup
The team who don't get on with the FA Cup

On this week’s Seagulls Weekly podcast, we talk about the Super Sunday at the Amex, was it their best ever performance at the stadium and whether Albion can get anything at Anfield.

Sussex Newspapers sports editor Mark Dunford discusses all the latest Albion news with chief football reporter Steve Bailey, Albion fan and reporter Sam Wilson and special guest Ian Hine from www.seagullsprogrammes.co.uk.

Click on the video above - edited by Sam Wilson - to watch our third podcast of the new season.

SEE ALSO Seagulls Weekly 1 | Seagulls Weekly 2 | Liverpool FC travel warning for Brighton and Hove Albion fans

Music, performance and markets – not forgetting the annual parade – is set to draw the crowds to the Worthing Rotary Carnival over the bank holiday weekend.

A seafront market will be held between 11am and 6pm on Sunday, as well as a cars and designer scooters being on display in Steyne Gardens. At 4pm on both Sunday and Monday, a mini circus will feature Matt the Clown, trapeze performers and hula hooping by Chi Chi Revolver. Entry to the performance will cost £1.

Dogs Trust will run a dog show at 2.30pm on Sunday, while both days will feature face painting, food stalls and live music, with Steyne Gardens at the heart of the carnival.

The parade will set off from Grand Avenue at 12.30pm, arriving in Steyne Gardens around 1.30pm. See here for more details.

Horsham cricket manager Ed Clark was disappointed that their slim title chances have ended but feels they have had a successful season.

The Lions fell to an 80-run away defeat to second-placed Eastbourne on Saturday to dash Horsham’s hopes of a shot at the Premier Division title.

Batting first, the hosts smashed 301-7 off 50 overs as James Hockley bludgeoned 139 off 123 balls.

In reply, the Lions were bowled all out for 221 off 43.5 overs with Tom Clark making a quickfire 50.

Clark felt that a poor display with the bat hindered the reply but thought Hockley deserved great credit for his knock.

He said: “Once again we’ve fallen foul of another good innings from an opposition batsman which has proved the difference between the two sides.

“Hats off to James for batting the majority of the innings and scoring at a good rate.

“If you’re going to chase 300 you’ve got to keep wickets in hand to chase that score in 50 overs.

“We were well up with the run rate but we then lost two or three wickets quite quickly and then we were really struggling.

“We had a good batting line up as the guys at ten and eleven were more than capable of contributing but they were never going to make 150 between them, we left those guys with far too much to do.”

A 65-run opening partnership from Daniel Arms (22) and Hockey, and a 87-run second-wicket knock from Jacob Smith (31) and Hockley put the hosts on 152-2.

Hockley and Malcolm Johnson added another 81-runs to take them to 246-4 when Hockely was finally out, although they added another 51 in the late stages.

Horsham got off to a good start as Clark and Craig Gallagher (14) put on a 67-run opening stand but, after both went to Smith (3-32), the Lions crumbled.

With none of the top order scoring more than 17, the visitors floundered against the bowling of Smith and Scott Lenham (4-27).

It was left to Jamie Thornely (39*) and Michael Harms (29) at ten and 11, to offer resistance but the pair couldn’t see out the rest of the innings.

Clark feels that Horsham have performed well this season and added: “We didn’t start the season brilliantly but after the first two or three weeks we competed really well.

“We’ve beaten Roffey, East Grinstead, Brighton, Eastbourne away, so all the sides around us we’ve beaten.

“The two games that we will look back on and say have held us back a bit are the two games against Cuckfield.

“We’ve got a lot to build on, we’ve got the basis of a good young side there that play good cricket and get on well and hopefully we can build going forward.”

Horsham host Middleton on Saturday in their final home fixture of the season.

More than 60 businesses are involved in this year’s Steyning and District Food and Drink Festival.

Representatives gathered at The White Horse yesterday for the official launch of the month-long festival, which will run from September 1 to October 7.

Martin Leigh-Pollitt, chairman of the visitor and tourism group, a sub committee of the Steyning and District Community Partnership, said: “This has grown over the years and there are now more than 60 businesses involved and about 55 events.

“We are very fortunate to live in Steyning and the festival guide lists our local businesses who were winners at this year’s Sussex Food and Drink Awards. That really underlines the type and quality of food and drink available that is produced in this area.

“This event really is all about showcasing these products and organisations, and we are delighted to be part of that. Our entire objective is to bring visitors to Steyning to help underpin the local economy and support all our individual businesses in this area.”

Read more: Sussex Food and Drink Awards winners revealed

The festival starts off with a bang with the farmers’ market, featuring music and live cooking demonstrations, and will end up with traditional services for harvest and lunches at various churches.

In between, there are all sorts of events, including tea parties, a fishing competition, walks, a winery tour, brewery open day and star gazing.

Martin said: “It is all happening and I really think that there is something there for everyone.

“We are delighted this year to have as our charity partner St Barnabas House hospice. We have plenty of charity breakfasts you can come to and they will be running their own event at Sussex Produce café.”

Sam Skilton, marketing co-ordinator for St Barnabas House, attended the launch and said everyone at the hospice was delighted to hear it had once again be chosen as the charity partner.

Sam said: “People are not always aware that Steyning falls within the St Barnabas House catchment area, so as well as being a means of raising vital funds for people who need end-of-life or palliative care in the local area, the festival is also a great opportunity for the hospice to raise awareness of the services we provide across the district.

“We are also very lucky to have a Friends group based in Steyning, who help to raise awareness of the hospice in the town and hold regular fundraising events. They will be supporting the festival by providing materials and attending some of the events.”

Mary Matthews, from Mary Matthews Handmade in Cobblestone Walk, came up with a fantastic idea to add event more ‘oomph’ to the festival.

She decided to make some community bunting to decorate the main bus shelter in High Street for the month.

Volunteers were asked to create and decorate their own flag, letting their imagination go wild using embroidery, colourful fabrics, felt or fabric pen to produce a pennant with some personal association. Smiffy Bears, also in Cobblestone Walk, created a flag with a teddy bear on it, for example.

Mary has been running free flag making sessions on Thursday afternoons throughout July and August, providing materials, tuition and ideas, as well as an opportunity for a chit-chat.

For full details of all the festival events and special offers, pick up a Horsham District Food & Drink brochure around town or visit www.steyningdistrictfooddrinkfestival.co.uk

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Steyning gateway project moves forward

Sussex Food and Drink Awards winners revealed

Shoreham shopkeeper warns businesses of scammers

Planning a barbecue this weekend? Crawley Borough Council has partnered with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to bring you essential advice for serving up a success.

Unsafe barbecue food contributes to 1,000,000 cases of food poisoning a year.

Being aware of the dangers of food-borne diseases, such as salmonella, and how to prevent them, could be vital.

The council says to keep you and your loved ones safe this bank holiday, follow the FSA’s five easy barbecue tips:

Defrost your food in the fridge, NOT at room temperature, and ensure it is fully defrosted before cooking

Regularly check your fridge is cold enough – it should be below 5°C

Use different utensils, plates and chopping boards for raw and cooked food

Cook food at the right temperature and for the correct length of time to ensure that any harmful bacteria are killed

Always check that meat juices run clear and that no pink meat is visible when cutting through the thickest part. Remember, charred on the outside doesn’t always mean cooked on the inside!

Geraint Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Sustainability, said: “Everyone wants to make the most of the bank holiday weekend and following the FSA food safety advice will help you do just that.”

Adam Hardgrave, Head Foodborne Disease Control at the Food Standards Agency, said: “Most of us know the danger of not cooking chicken all the way through, and people need to have the same vigilance when it comes to burgers and sausages.

“A common misconception is that burgers are like steak and can be eaten rare, but when they are still pink in the middle, they are three times more likely to contain harmful bacteria.”

Crawley’s Worth Park picks up prestigious Green Flag

International flavour for Gatwick Food Fest

As with the 1-0 victory at the end of last season, Sunday’s win will live long in the memory for Albion fans everywhere.

Since the weekend I’ve heard a number of fans complaining that the media haven’t given Brighton the credit they deserve for their performance, instead concentrating on the obvious issues at Old Trafford.

Unfortunately, that comes with the territory, we’re in the big league now, playing against a number of clubs who are a global product. United are one of the biggest football clubs in the world, their problems are well documented and clearly ongoing, and I do wonder who will be in the home dugout for the return fixture at Old Trafford. Never mind the national media, locally we can celebrate our emphatic victory, did 3-2 flatter United?Absolutely.

Glenn Murray provided a striker’s masterclass up front, and perhaps the most puzzling aspect of the afternoon was when the match sponsors, American Express, gave their man of the match award to Davy Propper. What Sunday did yet again reiterate are the man management skills and the tactical nous of Chris Hughton, who is fast becoming, if not already, the greatest manager in the club’s history.

There’s no way of dressing it up, the week before at Watford the Albion stank Vicarage Road out.

The ‘lowlights’ on Match of the Day confirmed this to anyone who didn’t make the trip to Hertfordshire, but a couple of friends who did go said the performance resembled a group of individuals who had met for the first time in the car park about 1.30pm. Hughton rightly criticised his side publicly after the game and then allegedly read the riot act behind closed doors last week before having a clear-the-air meeting when the floor was open for everyone to put their opinion over.

Prior to Sunday a number of fans were predicting an Albion defeat, and the continuation of the pointless start to the campaign. So just how those same fans felt when, with the exception of the injured Bruno, Hughton went with the team who had been humbled at Watford?

Clearly it turned out to be a tactical masterstroke, Albion shot out of the blocks, attacked, or as some media outlets reported bullied United, and were well worth the three points.

It also throws up the question, especially with a large number of United fans living locally, who would fans of either side rather have in the dugout? Mourinho or Hughton?

Obviously the Albion faithful would come back 100 per cent in favour of Hughton, but how many United fans in the current situation would rather have Hughton as their manager?

Granted Jose is good value, his media sound bites have been the stuff of legend down the years, but is he a busted flush now? And perhaps more the question for the United faithful, has he already lost the dressing room two games in?

But frankly it doesn’t affect the Albion. Now all attention turns to the trip to Liverpool on Saturday. A game in all honesty Albion cannot really expect anything from, but in light of the respective performances against Watford and United, could be a real barometer for the season.

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The 33-year-old became the first English batsman to pass 7,000 runs in the format when he scored 74 as the Sharks beat Middlesex at Hove last week to secure a last-eight place for the first time since 2015.

But Wright, who along with Will Beer is the only surviving member of the only Sussex team to win the T20 title, in 2009, is aware that he could play his 300th T20 game if the Sharks reach the final.

“That would be nice but let’s get there first,” he said. “These days I go under the radar but keep doing my stuff. I’m only 33 and have played nearly 300 games so these days I try to use my experience and let the youngsters tee off at the other end.”

Sussex made the long trip to the north-east immediately after beating Derbyshire in the County Championship on Wednesday to give them as much preparation time as possible, breaking the journey in Leicester on Wednesday night.

And after winning three games in four days to seal third place in the South Group there is a strong sense of a team, whom many regarded as favourites to win the Blast, hitting their straps at the right time. Playing away from home won’t worry them either after they won five group games on the road.

Wright added: “We’ve got some momentum now. In terms of the quarter-finals it’s just nice to be in the mix. We’ve got a chance but there are some great teams in the north group although we’re not bad ourselves!

“Against Durham a lot will depend on what happens on the night but we’re really looking forward to going up there. If we play good cricket we can go through.”

Although Sussex will again be without Rashid Khan because of Afghanistan commitments in Ireland, they have a ready-made replacement in Beer, the only Sussex bowler to take more than 100 T20 wickets.

Beer had been restricted to just two games before last Friday but with Rashid absent he returned against Middlesex to claim two wickets. Not that his performance surprised his captain.

“Will hasn’t played much so there was pressure on him but he’s very experienced in this format and he’s a big-game player," said Wright. "He has only missed out because we had the world’s best T20 bowler available but when he was here Rashid was great with Will.

“He told him to keep attacking and being positive because primarily that’s what you want your leg-spinner to do – take wickets.”

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Rashid could return if Sussex reach Finals Day on September 15 and Sussex are hoping he will commit himself long-term to the county after a successful stint at Hove.

“I was playing when Mushtaq Ahmed was here and it’s the same feeling, that buzz that the game hasn’t really started until he’s come on,” said Wright.

“Rashid's so enthusiastic but for someone of his age so knowledgeable as well. The nice thing is that he’s loved it at Sussex and we’ve all had a whip-round to get him back next year! He’s keen to come back, which is a start, and hopefully we can sort something out.”

England's Ben Stokes had been left out of the Durham squad but has now been added to the squad as a batsman.

A Crawley man who was jailed for burglary is wanted on recall to prison.

Police said Jordan Lee Bellamy is being sought by officers after his licence for early release from prison was revoked.

The 24-year-old was sentenced in October 2017 to 20 months in jail after being convicted of burgling a home.

He was released from HM Prison, in Lewes, on July 23 however, police said his licence was revoked on August 14 after he breached strict conditions.

Anyone seeing Bellamy or with any information is asked to report it online or by phoning 101, quoting serial 455 of 14/08.