A paramedic who tried to track down the person who left a £5 note on his ambulance in Littlehampton said it was ‘unbelievable’ that his Facebook post went viral.

Gareth Pryor and his fellow crewmate Tom Barlow, who work for South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb), were helping a patient in Western Road during a night shift on Monday. When Tom came out to move their ambulance, a message had been left on the windscreen along with the money which said ‘Keep up the good work :) x’.

He then showed Gareth, who said it made them feel ‘over the moon’.

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The 46-year-old from Rustington said: “There has been so much bad press about ambulances blocking roads and driveways, and people leaving notes that are not nice, so to get something like that really lifted our spirits.

“We don’t expect thanks for what we do – we do it because we love helping people – but that really brightened our night.”

The pair spent their present on their children, with Gareth buying Sainsbury’s LEGO cards while Tom took home Kinder Eggs for his five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter, who ‘pretty much inhaled’ the sweet treats.

The 30-year-old from Burgess Hill explained the story of the eggs to his eldest. He said: “My little boy is very proud of me, driving the old ‘nee-naws’.”

As the note was anonymous, and they were not parked over someone’s drive, it has been hard to track down the mystery note-writer – so Gareth decided to write a public post on Facebook, thanking them for their generosity.

What happened next exceeded both of their expectations. As of Thursday, the post had more than 900 shares and had been posted in various community groups on the social media platform.

Gareth said: “It was unbelievable. We can’t believe it, it’s gone crazy. It’s nice, because a lot of people are commenting on it and giving us thanks. It does make you realise how appreciated you are really.”

Tom added: “As an ambulance service, Secamb has been under a lot of pressure and has got quite a bad rap in the papers, so this shows there are nice stories out there and we are appreciated by people.”

While neither of the pair had received negative messages on their windscreens, they said they knew colleagues who had, and that from time to time people would ask them to move. Gareth said: “If we are at a job that is time-critical, and you have a lot of equipment you need to get out, you have to just park the ambulance safely and run.

“On a job that isn’t so urgent, we will always find somewhere to park where we aren’t causing an obstruction.”

To the person who left the note, Tom said: “We would like to say a big thank you to you. It means a lot to us.”

Were you the person who left the note? If so, we would love to speak to you. Email our reporter James Butler at news@worthingherald.co.uk or call 01903 282 377.

Dapper motorcyclists will cause a spectacle as they ride across West Sussex for the Movember Foundation.

Expect the finest tweed and dinner jackets for this unique piece of ‘theatre’ that was founded in Australia and is now known worldwide.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride raises money for Prostate Cancer Research and men’s mental health issues.

Neil Westoby, one of the co-ordinators, said: “This year, more than 240 riders will take part in the West Sussex ride on Sunday, September 30.

“The riders dress dapper and create a wonderfully colourful and fun experience for spectators to enjoy.”

The ride will start at Shoreham Airport around 9.30am, call in at East Beach Café in Littlehampton and Butlin’s in Bognor Regis, and finish at the Northgate car park in Chichester around three hours later.

Greeting them at the end will be a band and members of the Movember Foundation.

Neil added: “To date this year we have already raised more than £16,000 on our ride. The global target is six million dollars.

“We would love the good folk of Sussex to come and see our stately and dapper procession along the south coast.”

The ride for men and women takes place in more than 650 cities across 95 countries on the same day, raising awareness of the one million men who lose their lives annually from suicide and prostate cancer.

If you ride a vintage or classic styled motorcycle and wish to take part, or to make a donation to the cause, visit www.gentlemansride.com

Community rides out in force for ‘dapper’ fundraising event

Paramedic’s Facebook post goes viral after £5 left on ambulance in Littlehampton

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Bognor completed their pre-season preparations when they convincingly defeated Chichester seconds at Oaklands Park 77-17.

While accepting there will be much tougher matches to come in the inaugural Hampshire Premiership, coaches Billy Toone and Scott Barlow have been delighted with the progress made during the past two months of hard work.

“What I was particularly pleased about”, said Toone, “was the fact that we were able to bring on so many youngsters for their first taste of senior rugby and yet we still managed to keep the scoreboard ticking over.”

Barlow’s vast experience in the National League was evident in Bognor’s improved set-piece play and particularly in the scrums where the visitors’ starting front row of Chris Webb, Lee Balchin and Tom James totally demolished their opposite numbers.

The backs, too, combined slickly and, with the 10-12 axis of Sean Power and Dave Sweeney running the show, the result was a hatful of tries for the outside backs.

Toone is well aware more depth will be needed in certain positions for what will be a long season but, for now, Bognor can look forward with confidence to the start of the new campaign. And what better a test could there be than to welcome back old adversaries Millbrook to Hampshire Avenue this Saturday?

Kick-off is 3pm and all support is welcome.

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Miles for Meso is returning to Worthing for a second year and there are already twice as many people taking part as in the inaugural fun run and walk.

The aim is to raise awareness of mesothelioma, a cancer linked to exposure to asbestos, tying in with an event that was introduced in America in 2009.

This year’s event will be raising money for the Mavis Nye Foundation, which gives hope to victims of the terminal disease.

Organiser Angie Mackrell said: “I am the daughter of a great man, Steve Tuffill, who lost his life on January 31, 2017, to mesothelioma. I am on a mission to raise money and awareness of this horrible cancer.

“This year, I plan to smash last year’s total and raise £2000, and we are already at double participants than last year.

“The town crier will be starting the race and the lady from the foundation, who helps people with mesothelioma and also has mesothelioma, will not only be coming this year, she will be walking the 5k as well.”

People are asked to wear blue for the event on Saturday, September 22, starting at 10.30am at Steyne Gardens and following a circular route to George V Avenue and back.

Visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/angiemackrell1 for more information.

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A small group of items originally owned by Princess Margaret are to be sold at auction in Sussex later this month.

They were among a collection that provoked a bidding frenzy at Christies in 2006, when 1,000 people packed into four salerooms, all trying to acquire a piece of royal history.

Everything in the sale sold for many times its estimated value, and the four lots being offered for sale in Sussex were all bought that day.

A 1967 aquamarine brooch made by John Donald, which has the Princess’s ‘M’ monogram on the reverse, is a classic piece of retro designer jewellery. The pre-sale estimate is £5,000-10,000.

Also included is a 19th century ruby and diamond brooch, again monogrammed on the reverse, and again estimated at £5,000-10,000.

A 19th century silver figure of a Hussar on horseback was given to the Princess as a wedding gift from the King’s Royal Hussars in 1960, and was on display in the dining room of her private apartment in Kensington Palace. The estimate is £5,000-7,000.

The final lot is a group of books on ballet which were presented to the Princess, and all have been signed by the various authors and dancers, with dedications. This group is estimated at £2,000-3,000.

Each item comes with a leather bound document or provenance signed by Viscount Linley, under who the original sale was instructed.

The sale will take place at Burstow and Hewett of Battle on Wednesday, September 19 as part of an auction of antique and modern jewellery, silver, and fine art.

For more details, visit www.burstowandhewett.co.uk.

Sussex moved into second place in Division Two after a ruthless 274-run win over Leicestershire at Hove.

Fast bowler Ollie Robinson took the first five wickets to fall as Leicestershire, chasing 451 to win, were bowled out for 176.

Sussex have now won five of their past six games in the Specsavers County Championship and, on this evidence, look capable of filling one of the two promotion places and returning to the top flight after an absence of three years.

Robinson, who signed a new contract yesterday, finished with career-best match figures of 10 for 67 while the excellent Jofra Archer picked up 3 for 44 from 20 overs as Leicestershire folded after tea, losing their last seven wickets for 55 as they were condemned to a third straight defeat.

Robinson started his spree when he had Paul Horton leg before half-forward for ten. Two balls later Harry Dearden (21) was caught behind off an inside edge and before lunch Mark Cosgrove (5) lost his off stump, pinned on the crease by the effervescent Robinson.

There was some resistance by Colin Ackerman, whose 52 was the only half-century by a Leicestershire batsman in the match. He put on 59 either side of tea with Neil Dexter for the fourth wicket but when Robinson returned for his second spell he found late movement to trap Ackerman leg before deep in his crease after the South African hit nine fours in 101 balls faced. Robinson struck again two balls later when he plucked out Ned Eckersley’s off stump.

There was no way back for the Foxes from 121 for 5. Archer had bowled superbly without luck but was finally rewarded when Dexter’s obdurate vigil ended on 30 with a thin nick to a ball which left him off the pitch at pace.

Ben Raine (22) hit out once too often and was taken at mid-on to give left-arm spinner Danny Briggs a wicket before Archer picked up two of the last three wickets. Ben Mike (4) was well held by the diving Harry Finch at second slip and Dieter Klein yorked in the same over for a duck. David Wiese finished things off when he bowled Mohammad Abbas for four with 16 overs of the third day to be bowled.

Earlier, Chris Jordan had scored his second half-century of the match before Sussex were bowled out for 210 in their second innings.

Sussex were 103 for 7 after the early loss of Ben Brown (10) but Jordan and Archer put on 70 for the eighth wicket before young seamer Mike swept away Sussex’s tail.

The 20-year-old took the last three wickets to fall including Jordan, who was bowled for 54, to finish with 5 for 37 and match figures of 8 for 110 on his debut.

Day one
Day two
Gillespie has great faith
Five wickets - one new contract

Sussex captain Ben Brown surveyed another county championship victory and declared: Good things are happening here.

The skipper led his team to an emphatic 274-run win over Leicestershire inside three days at Hove which put them - at least for now - back in the second promotion spot in division two, and hot on the heels of leaders Warwickshire.

Brown praised new-ball pair Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer, who took eight of the ten second-inning wickets.

He said: "I'm really delighted. There are still areas where we can improve but we bowled fantastically. We slammed the wicket, were patient when we had to be and it's a great position for me as captain when our two new-ball bowlers Robinson and Archer are bowling so well and our change bowlers are on song as well.

"I'm really pleased for Ollie Robinson. He was arguably the difference between the sides in this game but Jofra bowled really well too, he could easily have picked up five wickets. The bowling unit are putting in a great shift.

"It's been a fantastic season so far with a lot to play for. Lots of good things are happening and we want that to continue all the way until the end of the season. We're in the hunt for two trophies and we've just got to keep going."

Paul Nixon, the Leicestershire coach, described the Sussex bowling attack as quality. He said: "The damage was done in our first innings and it was always going to be a tough ask after that, especially against a quality bowling attack like Sussex's.

"The positives were us were Colin Ackerman batted really well today until he got a brute of a delivery that must have nipped back out of a crack about a foot!

"Sussex are a well-drilled outfit, hard-working with highly skilled players and they are a benchmark for us. These three days have been a great learning curve for us in that regards but Ben Mike was a revelation for us. Nine wickets on his debut was a special performance by him - I'm delighted about that."

Sussex see off Leics
Day one
Day two
Robinson's fab few days

The bomb squad have been called to Crawley after a suspicious package was found in the town centre.

Police said the package was discovered in a bin in Memorial Gardens at around 6.20pm and the area was immediately evacuated.

A 100m cordon has been put in place around Memorial Gardens and Queens Way while police and Explosive Ordnance Disposal investigate the item.

College Road and Southgate Avenue - between the roundabout at the police station and Debenhams - have also been closed.

Superintendent James Collis said: “We have a 100m cordon around Memorial Gardens and are at this stage are asking people to avoid the area while we investigate.

“We apologies for any inconvenience caused to those who have been evacuated but we are working as quickly as possible to make sure the area is safe.

A 100m cordon was put in place around Memorial Gardens and Queens Way after the item was discovered in a bin.

Crawley town centre evacuated after suspicious item found

Police evacuated the town centre at about 6.20pm and closed part of College Road and Southgate Avenue whilst they investigated the incident.

In videos recorded at the scene viewers can hear a large bang which is believed to have been carried out by the bomb disposal unit.

An eyewitness said officers had carried out a 'controlled explosion' in the area.

Crawley Town’s Ollie Palmer missed out on the Sky Bet Player of the Month Award, which has been won by Tranmere Rovers player James Norward.

After scoring five goals in as many games in August, Palmer was nominated for the award alongside Norwood, Michael Doughty (Swindon Town) and Michael Bostwick (Lincoln City).

Palmer’s goals in August included the only goal in the opening day win at Cheltenham Town, and a brace, including the 99th minute penalty against Swindon Town as the Reds fought from 2-0 down to draw 2-2.

The League Two Manager of the Month Award went to Lincoln City boss Danny Cowley.

They are currently top of the table and are Crawley’s opponents away from home tomorrow (Saturday).

Former Crawley Town manager Steve Evans won the Sky Bet League One Month Award for the displays by his latest club, Peterborough United.

Results:

Sky Bet Championship

Manager — Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds United

Player — Kemar Roofe, Leeds United

Sky Bet League One

Manager — Steve Evans, Peterborough United

Sky Bet League Two

Manager — Danny Cowley, Lincoln City

Player — James Norwood, Tranmere Rovers

The judging panel for the Sky Bet Player of the Month comprises Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman; EFL communications director Mark Rowan, League Managers’ Association director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet EFL trader Mikey Mumford.

Crawley Town’s Ollie Palmer nominated for Sky Bet Player of the Month Award for August
Crawley Town hope to appoint new boss ready for Lincoln City game
Crawley Town caretaker manager Filipe Morais give his reaction to victory over Tottenham Hotspur U21s

A mostly sunny day is expected in Sussex.

However, there are highs of just 18 degrees expected between 1 and 5pm, and lows of 8 degrees this morning in West Sussex.

Although, in East Sussex, most of the sun is expected to come out between 7am and 1pm.

A dry day is predicted in Sussex with a zero per cent chance of rain until 10pm.

As we move into the weekend, it will become more cloudy but the temperature will be mostly the same until Sunday when highs of 22 degrees are expected.

Light rain could fall in West Sussex at around 3pm on Saturday, with the chance of precipitation rising to 67 per cent.

Peter Buckland is expecting an emotional day when Horsham YMCA host Tooting & Mitcham United in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Former YM chairman Mick Browning, who died in 2015, previously played for the London outfit and Buckland has said that Browning will be in his thoughts during the game at Gorings Mead.

The YM manager said: “I’m at the club because of Mick Browning. He approached me after I said I was on a sabbatical but three weeks later I was talking to Mick who was such a nice guy I just couldn’t say no.

“He’s got some long standing ties with Tooting which everybody is aware of and I know he would’ve loved to have been around for that game.

“It will certainly be at the forefront of my thoughts certainly before the game, but then you get engrossed into the game and then give it a thought after as well.

“We’ve proved we can cross swords with the teams from the league above us many times so I’m going into the game reasonably confident.”

YM host the Bostik South Central side on Saturday having already knocked out Ashford United and Fisher in this year’s competition.

YM have already pocketed £5,140 in prize money so far, with another £6,000 up for grabs on Saturday.

On Tuesday night, YM eased into the third round of the Peter Bentley Cup with a 4-1 win over Lancing.

Sam Schaaf gave the hosts a half-time lead, while a second-half own goal, Ollie Moore strike and another Schaaf goal put YM 4-0 up, before Lancers hit a consolation from the penalty spot.

Buckland said: “I do think you can read too much into it as we rested six and took three off at half-time with the FA Cup in mind.

“I do not know enough of their line-up to know if they did the same. I know Charlie Pitcher and he was on the bench, so I think it was the case that both managers had one eye on the FA Cup.

“Nonetheless, it was a good competitive game. I think we went 1-0 up against the run of play and they had the better of the first half, but then bossed the second and could have scored a couple more to be fair.

“They scored from a late penalty which was a bit of a shame as it was the first goal we have conceded in four games. We have really sorted out the defence.”

n Steyning Town made it two cup wins in the space of four days by overcoming Worthing United in an eight-goal thriller on Tuesday.

Town twice came from behind to win the Peter Bentley Cup clash 5-3. Connor Bull was at the double with Scott Faber, Chris Neatherway and Mike Neatherway all finding the net.

The final weekend of the Sussex League cricket season didn't bring too many dramas for our local sides in the top five divisions - all have retained their status for 2019.

Here's all the final-weekend reports...

Middleton v Ifield

Sussex premier

Middleton won their final game of the season at home against bottom side Ifield.

Skipper Sean Heather elected to bat. He opened twith 17-year-old Jack Dawling and they put on an opening stand of 252, comfortably the highest Middleton stand of the season.

Heather was first to go for 127 and was followed in the following over by Dawling for 102, his maiden premier league century.

Mahesh Rawat left just seven overs scored the four runs necessary to take him past 1,000 league runs for the season.

Middleton finished on 316-4 from their 50 overs –their highest score of the season.

The Ifield openers put on 55 for the first wicket before Craig Fowle took the first of his four wickets. Ifield lost their next six wickets for just 39 runs.

Middleton won in the 48th over when opener Akshay Ramani was caught by Patrick Colvin off his own bowling for a credible 80, Ifield finishing on 150.

Chichester Priory Park v St James

Division two

With their position in division two secured for another year, Chichester Priory Park didn’t have a lot to play for in their final game, other than personal pride. St James’ Montefiore though had a slim chance of promotion to the Premier League.

The toss was won by home captain Matt Geffen, who elected to bowl first.

St James’ innings was built on a number of moderate partnership and plenty of scores in the 30s. Henry Sims and Hector Loughton top scored with 33 each with Sam Copper chipping in with 29 off 16 balls.

They were assisted by wayward bowling from the home attack, a total of 35 wides helping boost the visitors’ score to 219-9 at the close.

In reply the majority of Chichester’s batsmen appeared eager to get the winter break under way. They slipped to 8-5 and finally 37-8 as the season threatened to end with a whimper.

Only an 81-run partnership for the final wicket between Geffen (26no) and the side’s leading run scorer of 2018 Matt Bennison (61) saved Chichester from humiliation.

Despite the resistance, it only delayed the inevitable. Chichester were finally bowled out for 138, giving St James’s victory by 81 runs.

A disappointing end to the season saw Chichester finish seventh in the table on 265 points, but their primary aim of remaining in division two has been achieved.

There are plenty of developmental areas for the team though if they wish to continue on their climb back towards the Premier League. Hopefully 2019 will bring a season of consistent success.

Safe! That's despite defeat
Bognor v Bexhill

Division 2

The last game of the year at the Regis Oval saw Ryan Maskell’s men host Bexhill with the visitors needing a win to stay in the division.

Bognor chose to bowl and burly Sam Adams snaffled 3-31. Support came from Geordie Andy Greig with a miserly 2-7 and athletic Joshy Sargeant also bagged two wickets.

Bognor’s batsmen all played cameos and it was left to Jim Fallick to careen two mighty sixes to see Bognor home by four wickets, a win that sees them finish sixth in division two.

Stirlands v Pagham

Div 3

The final day of the season was all about who could finish best of the rest behind champions Goring, but Stirlands and Pagham had to settle for fourth and fifth respectively.

The Stirlands pitch was a little damp and Pagham won the toss and elected to bat first.

Openers Jamaine Bullen and Dan Mugford started well and ex-Stirlands keeper, and now Pagham captain, Stuart Hanks was caught well by a leaping David Briance off Bullen.

Jack Stannard and Gary Young battled to put a partnership together. They took Pagham to 92 before Briance breached the defences of Young. Ryan Barratt, provided good company for Stannard.

Dom Fecher provided Stirlands with two further wickets as Stannard and Bartlett looked to increase the scoring rate, but some lusty hitting from Rico Webb took the visitors to 210-4.

Will Gubbins and Jake Moores knew a solid start was needed and at 65 without loss Pagham were struggling for a breakthrough as the pace of Webb failed to intimidate the Stirlands openers.

But Moores was bowled by Peter Cotterill for a gutsy 36, bringing George Briance to the crease, only for him to depart next ball lbw.

Captain George Coles and Gubbins were together but Justin Scott took the wicket of Coles, adjudged lbw for 10, and it soon became 93-4 as Leo Wilkinson-Beal was run out off his second ball.

Wickets fell and the home side were soon 109-7, with hope resting on the shoulders of Gubbins and Fecher. As Gubbins reached another 50, his defences were beaten by a Scott in-swinger, leaving Stirlands 136-8.

Fecher and Adam Norris added 50 but Fecher was caught in the penultimate over for an impressive 37, with Stirlands finishing on 194-9 from their 45 overs. Scott took 5-21.

Pagham obtained a 30-point win, but Stirlands picked up eight bonus point to leave them a point ahead of Pagham in the final table.

West Wittering join the revolution
Arundel v West Wittering

Div 5 West

On a glorious day, West Wittering travelled to Arundel for the last game of the season. They batted first and helped by a fast outfield, Mark Taylor (17) and Gareth Lendrum (46) got them off to a decent start before they fell in consecutive overs.

But that brought in the in-form Carl Tupper (50) and the effervescent Liam Bates (96), who built a solid partnership before accelerating. Bates rode his luck at times, but played a magnificent innings with a happy mix of classic and agricultural hitting that befitted the farmland setting.

Brandon Trimmer (22) joined him at the end for a cameo that took him to the top of the club runs leaderboard for the season and boosted WW to 252-6 in their 40 overs.

Arundel started their reply well and were ahead of the run rate with Turner (33), Bain (27) and Towe (33) all scoring quickly and Hornsby (45) and Temple (55) adding middle-order impetus with some big hitting and good running between the wickets.

Scoreboard pressure took its toll and wickets started falling regularly. Arundel took the game to the final over but were all out for 237, getting enough points to secure their status in the league for next season.

Joe Pink (3-41) was the pick of the bowlers, supported by James Staight (3-53), James White (2-51) and Johnny Miller (1-21 on his 21st birthday).

Elton John will start the UK leg of his eagerly anticipated ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ Tour at The 1st Central County Ground, Hove, on Sunday June 9 next year.

Elton first played at the home of Sussex cricket 12 years ago, and this will be his third visit to The 1st Central County Ground.

Tickets go on general sale on Friday September 14 2018 at 10am.

The ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour kicks off in Allentown, Pennsylvania, tomorrow night having been announced at Gotham Hall, New York in January.

The first 79 dates in North America sold out immediately, with this latest tour announcement following the news that Billboard have named Elton the No. 1 top-performing solo male artist in the chart’s history.

“I want to thank my extraordinary fans for their overwhelming support throughout my career and especially their interest in being there to celebrate my final Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour,” said Elton John.

“I am so excited for the start of the tour and can’t wait to see everybody on the road.”

He went on to say - “I am very happy to announce the launch of my UK Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour with concerts in Hove and Cardiff.

“The audiences in the South Coast and Wales have always been some of the most welcoming and exciting I have played in front of over the past forty-two years and the band and I are so excited to say goodbye in the most fantastic way. It’s going to be amazing!”

The ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour will consist of more than 300 shows across five continents, hitting North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Australasia before reaching its conclusion in 2021.

These dates mark the superstar’s last-ever tour and the end of half a century on the road for one of pop culture’s most enduring performers.

Elton’s new stage production will take his fans on a musical and highly visual journey spanning a 50-year career of hits like no one has ever seen before.

“The love and appreciation Elton’s fans have shown to him throughout his legendary career continues to be at an unprecedented level,” said Jay Marciano, Chairman and CEO, AEG Presents, promoters of the global Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.

Sussex Cricket Chief Executive Rob Andrew said: “We’re honoured and incredibly excited that Elton has chosen The 1st Central County Ground to kick-off the final tour of an incredible career.

“The fact that such a musical legend has decided to join us for a third time and for such a momentous occasion shows not only what a brilliant reception he receives here in Sussex but also how highly regarded our ground is as a concert venue. We can’t wait to welcome Elton and all his fans next June.”

Tickets can be purchased from -

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

www.axs.com/uk

www.gigantic.com

www.alttickets.com

VIP and Hospitality packages are available for both shows.

For more information head to www.ticketmaster.co.uk/eltonjohn and the venue’s website at www.sussexcricket.co.uk

Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Lionel Messi – and you!

The opportunity to follow in the footsteps of those legends is on offer to all six-a-side footballers in Worthing as they are given a golden chance to compete in the Champions League for small-sided teams.

Leisure Leagues – who run a league at Worthing Leisure Centre - has teamed up with the International Socca Federation (ISF) to exclusively offer players the chance to compete in the Champions League for six and seven-a-side teams to be held next month.

Head of TV for Leisure Leagues James Coe said: “It will be an incredible event. It would be great to think that a team of ordinary local footballers could go out there and compete with the best in Europe.

"Through our work with them (ISF) we are able to give our players these opportunities. That’s why it is so important that we were involved. We are delighted to offer the Champions League to our customers.”

The tournament takes place in the town of Porec, Croatia, and kicks off on October 18, with £3,000 prize money for the winners.

More information on the tournament Can be found at www.soccafederation.com/competition/champions-league/

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With Albion threatening to become an established Premier League Club, an international break will see an ever-increasing number of players disappear to all points of the compass to represent their country.

This will leave Chris Hughton with a skeleton staff with which to work on the training ground. As fans, we will have to make do with a two-week break from club football.

Even without the enforced break, the crowded fixture schedule prohibits the arrangement of any extra games, but it wasn’t always the case. Back in October 1990, just two days after a 4-2 home defeat against Middlesbrough, we welcomed Dinamo Minsk from Russia. The previous summer we had travelled to Minsk for three games, part of the arrangement that brought Sergei Gotsmanov to the club on loan. We were unable to keep hold of him, despite his huge popularity with fans, and he ended up at Southampton.

Albion manager Barry Lloyd welcomed the Russians with a piece of history. It was the first time a Russian team had come to the Goldstone and as Barry pointed out, the changing political climate meant greater freedom for Russian sides to travel outside their country.

The Russian side had watched the game two days previously, and you wonder what they made of Albion’s defeat. Their striker Igor Gurinovich was pictured with John Byrne and Mike Small and after the game he stayed on, eventually playing six times for Albion. We were keen to make the deal permanent, and a £50,000 fee was agreed with Dinamo. Unfortunately, the deal collapsed when he was unable to gain a work permit.

Ten years previously, we again played a mid-season friendly a couple of days after a league fixture. In November 1980, a 4-1 home defeat to Manchester United was followed three days later by a friendly with Dutch side NAC Breda. Another reciprocal fixture after a summer tour but Albion lost 2-0.

Another team from Holland were the visitors in October 1979. Despite it being our first season in the top flight, we squeezed in the game against FC Den Haag in between an away game at Coventry City and the home clash with Norwich City. A tight game was decided in our favour by a goal from Peter Ward.

The final game I’m looking at was in October 1975. This one had a bit more purpose to it, in that it was a game to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the forming of the club.

Stoke City were the visitors and the club issued a 28-page souvenir programme, packed with memories of the first 75 years. Albion were a club about to embark on an almost unprecedented period of success, matched only by the events of the past few seasons.

Led by Peter Taylor, we were to finish that season just outside the promotion places. The game against Stoke ended in a 1-1 draw, with Albion’s goal scored by striker Fred Binney.

Football has changed beyond all recognition in the 43 years since that game, with mid-season friendlies a thing of the past.

This week I am in the company of Rowan Allan who is putting the finishing touches to the 2018 West Grinstead and District Ploughing Match which this year is being held at Priors Byne Farm, Partridge Green on Saturday September 15.

Rowan Allan, the societies long serving hon. secretary, said: “Priors Farm is always a popular venue.

“John and Alison Ford always give everyone a warm welcome – it’s our third time here and the agricultural community is looking forward to coming together once again.”

John Ford’s farm is mixed arable with a herd of Sussex cattle.

This year the farming community have been facing the challenges of the freezing, wet spring and the long hot, dry summer, against the backdrop of a government exploring changes of emphasis in the nation’s support of our vital farming industry with the uncertainty that has brought.

An increasingly urban society can sometimes seem out of touch with farming’s important role in stewarding the land, practising good husbandry and sustainable food production with a deep understanding and respect for the environment and the natural world.

My experience of the farming community is that they are passionate about their responsibilities and rightly proud of their stewardship.

Rowan commented: “Balancing one’s heritage and nature with the needs of food production is perfectly possible.”

The West Grinstead and District Ploughing Match and Agricultural Society has been holding shows for over 140 years.

It seeks to re-connect town and country and educate the public.

Rowan said: “The ploughing match provides a shop window for people to engage with what farming and the countryside are really about.”

The society’s bursary programme continues to provide financial support to enable and encourage young people to take up careers in the agricultural industry.

One of the current beneficiaries of a bursary is Kobe Hedgehock.

He is rising 15 and is continuing his academic schooling whilst studying at Plumpton College as well.

Rowan explained: “Kobe wrote to us and his Headmaster to take a day out to attend the course – it’s helped him focus on his school work as well as beginning a path in agriculture.

“We’re delighted that the bursary and our support made it possible.”

Creating vocational opportunities like this through education is remarkable and hope filled.

Rowan tells me that alongside the 12 classes of ploughing, ranging from novice to open, the ever popular horse ploughing and vintage steam will be very much in evidence.

This year entrants ranging in age from 14 into their 80s will be competing.

Alongside the Livestock Show there will be a parade of hounds, terrier racing, a clay pigeon shoot, field and produce competitions and the marvellous Harris Fun Fair with their classic rides - the lamb handling sessions are always a favourite with youngsters – fun for all the family!

I will be supporting Rowan and this year’s chairman, Mark Streeter, at Priors Barn Farm, Partridge Green, RH13 8EQ on Saturday September 15 for the 2018 West Grinstead and District Agricultural Society Ploughing Match and Show.

Entrance is just £6 per person with children under 14 free – it’s going to be a fantastic family day - I hope to see you there!

For more information contact Rowan Allan at H. J. Burt through www.hjburt.co.uk or go to www.westgrinsteadploughing.co.uk.

Rupert Toovey is a senior director of Toovey’s, the leading fine art auction house in West Sussex, based on the A24 at Washington - www.tooveys.com - and a priest in the Church of England Diocese of Chichester.

Crawley Town will announce their new manager this morning - and it's expected to be Italian Gabriele Cioffi.

The club tweeted at 9.36am saying: "We might have some news for you," with a picture of a sign saying Manager's Changing.

And general manager Bruce Talbot tweeted: "It's going to be a busy day" with an Italian flag.

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It is expected to be Italian Cioffi, who has led the betting dds in the last couple of days.

The 42-year-old was Gianfranco Zola's first team coach at Brimingham City.

He played for a number of Italian clubs, including Ascoli and Torino, in a career that spanned 1992 to 2010.

Pagham play one of their biggest games of recent times on Saturday when they entertain Whitehawk in the FA Cup.

The Lions have already come through two rounds of the competition, earning £5,000 prize money in the process.

Now the visit of the Bostik premier side from the other side of Sussex gives Richie Hellen and Tom Simmonds’ team the chance of a giantkilling –and another £6,000.

Lions chairman Tony Shea said: “We’re looking forward to it – it should be a great day at the club.

“We played them in pre-season, which is helpful as it means we know a little about them. We lost 4-2 but it could have been 6-6.

“We’re under no illusions it will be tough. It’s one of those where we need to be at our best and hope they’re a bit off their best.

“But we’ve started the season in good form and we’ll have a big crowd in.

“With Bognor playing away we might get some extra local fans in.”

Pagham warmed up for the test with a 6-3 home win over East Preston in the Peter Bentley Cup.

‘Dire’ cuts to funding to support the homeless in Chichester and Bognor Regis would increase rough sleeping, the head of a charity has warned.

The Tory-led West Sussex County Council is considering ending housing support funding worth hundreds of thousands of pounds to a number of organisations from April 2019.

Since the authority argues the grants are discretionary, the cabinet member responsible is set to look at starting a process which could lead to a number of contracts with charities being terminated.

Stonepillow, which provides day hubs, accommodation and support for the homeless in both Chichester and Bognor Regis, would be one of those affected by the cuts.

Hilary Bartle, the charity’s chief executive officer, said the impact of the cuts would be ‘dire’, forcing a reduction in the opening times of its day hubs, less support for complex cases available at its hostels and fewer supported accommodation places.

She added: “The impact will be more visible rough sleepers on the streets with nowhere to go and no one to support them.”

She argued the proposed cuts went against Government policies to reduce rough sleeping and would end up costing public sector organisations, such as the police and health services, as well as the county council itself, more in the long-run.

Having the day hubs open every day is vital to help establish relationships and build trust so that rough sleepers are ready and willing to enter the hostels and engage with the charity.

Meanwhile the complex cases need a high level of support that the charity is able to provide to help with recovery and challenging behaviour.

She said: “The impact of the loss of grant and contract would be immense. We need to be able to have hubs open 365 days a year.

“We will not be able to support the people with the most complex and highest needs. The will be on the streets still and we will not be able to do what we have been doing for so long. It’s dire.”

The authority is also considering slashing Local Assistance Network funding, which Stonepillow helps distribute to those in crisis. This can include helping with heating or furniture, such as beds, fridges or cookers.

Mrs Bartle explained: “There are a whole range of things the LAN does. It’s a safety net for people who are financially vulnerable.”

She added: “I would urge West Sussex County Council to not think about the short term but think about the long term and the impact in their communities and also their duty and working in partnership with the district councils to actually ensure we reduce homelessness and end rough sleeping and this is not just a responsibility of the district councils it’s the responsibility for all local government in West Sussex.”

Bognor Housing Trust would also be affected. Manager Laura Kottaun said: “Ultimately we are going to see some type of reduction in the services we are providing up to closure but I hope it never comes to that. We get really good outcomes for people, getting them back into mainstream society and without this money there’s a huge risk of street homelessness increasing in Bognor Regis. These people they have no other options, they will be on the streets.”

She added: “I find it quite shocking West Sussex County Council can’t see the bigger picture because of the money we save the system.”

She continued: “If they do this they will be going against the Government announcement of ending all rough sleeping. It’s just crazy.”

The charity has a 98 per cent occupancy rate, showing the demand for its services.

Louise Goldsmith, leader of WSCC, explained the authority’s budget was under severe pressure due to reduced funding from Government. But she also stated no final decision had been made and a formal consultation would be held with those most affected.

She said: “The stark reality is we simply do not have the money to continue delivering the services we currently deliver in the same way and to the same level. We have come to the point that we need to make some difficult and necessary choices and this is the first reluctant step in this budget process.

“Locally there is really good work happening and we are committed to working in creative, innovative ways including collaborative working with partners to do as much as we can to mitigate the impact of these decisions and in doing so limit the effect on residents.

“The publication of the forward plan is the first step in the democratic process for our savings programme. No decision has been taken, these decisions are really important to making sure we meet the financial challenges we face. In order to make these decisions there is a full and thorough decision making process to go through. For many of these decisions that will include formal consultation with those most affected.

“Any changes we make we will do with the full understanding of the impact that has and the support we need to put in place to make sure we mitigate the impact for all of our communities.”

But Labour county councillor Michael Jones said: ”Trying to abolish the entire homelessness support funding the county council provides is not only incredibly callous and despicable of this Tory leadership, it is also immensely short-sighted.

“The county council will end up having to pay the consequences later when these vulnerable people deteriorate and then require services that they are statutorily required to provide, so most of the savings are likely to be lost quite quickly.

“Anyone who has seen first-hand the dedication of the staff at these organisations trying to help people in this terrible situation turn their lives around, and go forward with a roof over their heads, would not doubt for a second the benefit to the community they provide. The price it costs is relatively small as opposed to the costs that will undoubtedly emerge if they aren’t there, particularly to the health service and the police.

“In the meantime, I fear these cuts will trigger an epidemic of homelessness. This is likely to mean rough sleeping in the town centres, public places and open spaces, street begging and all the anti-social behaviour that can unfortunately accompany it, in a way that people in West Sussex will simply never have seen the likes of before.

“Where else will people seek help if these places aren’t there?”

James Walsh, leader of the Lib Dem group at County Hall, added: “These cuts fly in the face of the council’s avowed policies of protecting the vulnerable in our communities, and are merely cynical cash saving measures, and have no place in a civilised and caring society.

“They are part of a much wider programme of cuts to make up the shortfalls caused by the drastic reduction in the cash given by central government for local council services. It is time for the public and the council to stand up and tell central government that austerity has gone too far, and is severely eroding local Services to the elderly, young people, and vulnerable in our communities.”

Stonepillow’s annual fundraising event, The Big Sleep Out, takes place on Saturday 13th October in the grounds of Chichester Cathedral. The event kicks off at 2:00pm with a BBQ, as people arrive and start building their cardboard shelters before putting them to the test for the night.

Participants get sponsored to sleep out to raise vital funds for the charity and increase awareness of homelessness in the local area. The Big Sleep Out does not aim to replicate homelessness, but it does gets people thinking and it gives people a chance to experience some of the realities of rough sleeping.

Stonepillow hope to raise £30,000 this year and every single penny will go directly towards providing essential support to local homeless and vulnerable people.

It’s not too late to sign up and take part. A small registration fee of £15 per person includes refreshments, BBQ and entertainment. For further information or to register visit the charity’s website or phone 01243 537934.

For more information about Bognor Housing Trust visit its website.

Thousands have already rallied behind Crawley Open House, which could also lose funding, while the YMCA DownsLink Group, which provides supported housing services to homeless young people in Worthing, Crawley, Horsham and Burgess Hill, has warned that if the council ended all financial support it would lead to the closure of 206 homes for vulnerable young people.

Meanwhile Worthing Churches Homeless Projects is another charity that has issued a similar warning about an increase in rough sleeping in the areas it serves if its funding is cut