A five-year-old Arundel boy dreamed up a great way to raise money for the homeless.

Oscar Maitland, a pupil at St Philip’s Catholic Primary School in Arundel, saw a homeless man in Brighton and wanted to do something to help.

He came up with the idea of holding an exhibition of artwork by pupils in his class, based on the concept of their dream home.

The display raised £113.22 for Stonepillow, a charity which provides a lifeline for homeless people with hubs, hostels and supported accommodation in Chichester, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.

Oscar said he felt ‘very happy’ about raising the funds and parents Josie and Mark said they were ‘immensely proud’ of him.

Josie added: “Oscar put so much thought into how he could help others and we are grateful to the school for supporting him to see the idea through so successfully.”

The artwork was shared with parents and grandparents, who donated money to the charity in appreciation of the children’s efforts.

The creative designs included homes in the style of a flying rocket, a giant tree house and a house made out of marshmallows.

Head teacher Lucy Horne said: “As a school community, we were delighted to support Oscar in his vision of raising funds to help those less fortunate than himself.

“His idea was so simple yet very touching and certainly relevant to the children in his class. They enjoyed designing fantasy homes in art lessons and then having them displayed whilst also recognising that they were helping others in our wider community.

“What a fantastic, practical way of living out our school ethos.”

Oscar visited Stonepillow in Chichester to hand over the money and chief executive Geoffrey Willis was delighted to show him around, explaining how the funds would be used to empower homeless and vulnerable people to make positive change in their lives.

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The following are the latest results contributed by HM Court Service.

They cover cases sentenced by West Sussex Magistrates’ Court sitting at Worthing and Chichester from August 30, 2016, to September 2, 2016, and South East Hampshire Magistrates’ Court sitting at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on September 27 and 29.

David Penson, 23, of Victoria Drive, Bognor Regis, was fined £553 and must pay £55 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting driving without due care and attention in Duncton High Street on February 11, 2016. His driving record was endorsed with six points.

Gina Restall, 38, of Heron Court, Elizabeth Road, Chichester, was discharged conditionally for six months and must pay £20 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting being drunk on a highway in South Street, Chichester, on August 11, 2016.

Helen Tyacke, 55, of Northcote Road, Bognor Regis, was given a community order with 115-day curfew, electronically monitored, from 7pm to 7am, excluding agreed holiday dates in December, after admitting stealing £60 cash in Bognor Regis on June 12, 2016. She must pay £60 compensation, £85 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Christopher Fairway-Snow, 22, of West Street, Selsey, was fined £345 and must pay £35 victim surcharge, £150 costs, after admitting drug-driving (2.1ug/L Delta-9-THC) on the A27 Hambrook on May 12, 2016. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Mark Hollamby, 30, of Briar Close, Church Road, Yapton, was fined £80 and must pay £20 victim surcharge after admitting failing to stop at a red light on the A24 Buck Barn on February 2, 2016. His driving record was endorsed with three points.

Arnold Gomez, 34, of Heron Court, Elizabeth Road, Chichester, was given a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, after being found guilty of assault by beating in Portsmouth on April 10, 2016, in what was described by magistrates as a ‘sustained unwarranted attack’ which had a ‘devastating impact’ on the victim. He must pay £845 compensation, £110 victim surcharge and £620 costs.

Robert Cope, 65, of Spencer Road, Emsworth, was fined £350 and must pay £35 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (106mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in High Lawn Way, Havant, on September 13, 2016. He was disqualified from driving for 24 months.

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The following are the latest results contributed by HM Court Service, of cases sentenced by West Sussex Magistrates’ Court sitting at Worthing and Chichester from August 30, 2016, to September 2, 2016.

Andrew Macmillan, 38, of Walders Road, Rustington, was fined £80 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting possessing heroin.

Kieron Richards, 19, of Epsom Gardens, Rustington, was fined £120 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting driving in Station Road, East Preston, on May 25, 2016, without insurance. He was disqualified from driving for two months. He also admitted driving without a licence, no separate penalty.

Michelle Godwin, 37, of Mendip Road, Durrington, was given a community order with Rehabilitiation Activity Requirement after admitting drink-driving (115mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Mendip Road, Durrington, on June 21, 2016. She was also fined £120 after admitting failing to stop following a road accident in Mendip Road, Durrington, on June 22, 2016, which caused damage to two other vehicles. She must pay £85 victim surcharge, £85 costs, and was disqualified from driving for 28 months.

Jacek Musial, 40, Joyce Close, Wick, was discharged conditionally for 12 months and must pay £20 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting wilfully obstructing a police constable in Joyce Close, Wick, on July 30, 2016.

Mark Smith, 38, of Wessex Court, Tennyson Road, Worthing, was given a community order and must carry out 120 hours’ unpaid work after admitting harassment, breaching a restraining order, in Montague Street, Worthing, on June 23, 2016. He must pay £85 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Ronald Mills, 68, of New Road, Littlehampton, was given a community order with eight-week curfew, electronically monitored, from 7pm to 7am, after admitting failing to promptly notify Arun District Council of a change affecting Housing Benefit between April 6, 2015, and December 14, 2015; and failing to promptly notify the Department for Work and Pensions of a change affecting Pension Benefit between April 12, 2010, and September 20, 2015. He must pay £85 victim surcharge, £120 costs.

Andrew Cart, 51, of Hillrise Avenue, Sompting, was fined £200 and must pay £20 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting driving over the 40mph speed limit in Upper Brighton Road, Lancing, on January 27, 2016. His driving record was endorsed with three points.

Kyle Scutt, 25, of Grover Avenue, Lancing, was fined £270 and must pay £200 compensation, £27 victim surcharge and £200 costs, after admitting assault by beating in Worthing on December 19, 2015.

Terri Putland, 39, of Joyce Close, Wick, was discharged conditionally for six months and must pay £20 victim surcharge, £50 costs, after admitting possessing 11.8g of cannabis in Joyce Close, Wick, on May 13, 2016.

Mark Hollamby, 30, of Briar Close, Church Road, Yapton, was fined £80 and must pay £20 victim surcharge after admitting failing to stop at a red light on the A24 Buck Barn on February 2, 2016. His driving record was endorsed with three points.

Sczepan Szparaga, 31, of Windsor Road, East Worthing, was fined £300 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (53mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Windsor Road, East Worthing, on August 5, 2016. He was disqualified from driving for 14 months.

Jedrzej Kempa, 41, of Boundary Road, Worthing, was fined £200 and must pay £20 victim surcharge, £100 costs, after being found guilty of failing to identify a driver when required by police in Shoreham on December 2, 2015. His driving licence was endorsed with six points.

Luke Robbins, 31, of Lincett Avenue, Worthing, was fined £140 and must pay £20 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting driving over the 30mph speed limit on the A283 Northchapel on December 9, 2015. His driving record was endorsed with three points.

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Leading experts on infectious disease and urinary tract infections (UTIs) have gatherered in London to discuss the alarming state of antibiotic resistance, and to present findings from a landmark study that conclusively shows that cranberries can be a nutritional approach to reducing symptomatic UTIs, and as a result, may be a useful strategy to decrease worldwide use of antibiotics.

According to the study, recently published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, drinking an 240ml glass of cranberry juice a day reduces symptomatic UTIs by nearly 40 percent in women with recurrent UTIs – reducing the burden of UTIs and reducing the antibiotic use associated with treating recurrent UTIs.

“Currently the primary approach to reducing symptomatic events of UTI is the use of chronic antibiotics for suppression, an approach associated with side effects and development of antibiotic resistance. This study shows that consuming one 240ml glass of cranberry juice a day reduces the number of times women suffer from repeat episodes of symptomatic UTI and avoids chronic suppressive antibiotics,” said Dr. Kalpana Gupta, infectious disease specialist and Professor of Medicine at Boston University’s School of Medicine.

An author on the study and panelist at today’s session, Dr. Gupta believes that cranberries can help to reduce the worldwide use of antibiotics and significantly improve the quality of life for women who suffer from recurrent UTI symptoms.

Single Largest Clinical Trial on Cranberries of its Kind

The 24-week study of 373 women, conducted by researchers at Boston University, Biofortis Innovation Services (a division of Merieux Nutrisciences) and 18 clinical sites throughout the US and France is the largest clinical trial of its kind examining the effects of cranberry juice consumption on UTIs. This trial adds to more than 50 years of cranberry research and supports the cranberry’s ability to support urinary tract health and reduce symptomatic UTIs among chronic UTI sufferers.

Researchers set out to find whether recurrent (or repeat) UTI sufferers could be protected from repeat infections by drinking cranberry juice. Participants were all healthy women, with an average age of 40, who had experienced at least two UTIs within the past year. During the study, participants were randomly chosen to drink a daily dose of 240ml of either cranberry juice or a “placebo” beverage without cranberries.

The rate of UTIs decreased significantly among the cranberry drinkers, with just 39 diagnoses during the six-month study compared with 67 in the placebo group.

Compared to some other studies, this trial had greater statistical power to detect differences than others due to its larger sample, use of incidence density to account for the tendency of clinical UTIs to cluster in time within an individual, a high average level of compliance (98%), and a comparatively large percentage of subjects in each group completing the treatment period (86%).

What’s in a Symptom?

Women with symptomatic UTIs experience all the discomforts of a UTI, such as a strong, persistent urge to urinate or a burning sensation when urinating, but may or may not test positive for a bacterial infection upon a consult with a physician. In many instances, women are treated with antibiotics for symptom relief whether bacteria is found or not. According to Gupta, the key to avoiding the situation altogether may very well lie with the cranberry.

“The key to cranberry’s benefit is consuming a glass daily to help avoid the infection altogether,” said Gupta. “Most people wait to drink cranberry juice until they have a UTI, but once the symptoms start they’ll likely need a course of antibiotics.”

The Correlation between UTIs and Antibiotic Resistance

UTIs are among the most common bacterial infections in women worldwide. Up to 60 percent of all women suffer a UTI in their lifetime, and up to 25 percent experience a recurrence within six months. Some 150 million UTIs occur annually worldwide, according to the American Urological Association, resulting in $6 billion in annual healthcare costs.

Antibiotics are usually the first line of treatment for urinary tract infections, and women who have frequent UTIs may be prescribed low dose antibiotics. Unfortunately, chronic overuse of these drugs has increased antibiotic resistance at an alarming rate globally. So much in fact, that the WHO cites a 50% resistance rate to one of the most widely used antibiotics to treat UTIs.

How Cranberries Work

Luckily, cranberries contain a unique combination of compounds including Type-A PACs (or proanthocyanidins), that prevent bacteria from sticking and causing infection. In addition to PACs, new studies have revealed a new class of compounds, xyloglucan oligosaccharides, which have similar antibacterial properties against E. coli as PACs. This means there are multiple, unique elements within cranberries working hard for your health.

These unique compounds can be found in a variety of products, including cranberry juice cocktail, 100% cranberry juice, light cranberry juice, dried cranberries and cranberry extract, however most of the research surrounding cranberries and UTIs has been conducted using juice.

Cranberries, a Natural Approach to Better Health

The suggestion that a nutritional approach like cranberry juice could reduce antibiotic use is welcome news given the alarming challenge it presents to public health, one that the WHO refers to as one of the greatest challenges to public health today, and that the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer said could become a threat “greater than cancer”.

According to Gupta, those who suffer from UTIs can feel confident that this nutritional approach is a potential solution – further validating more than 50 years of well-documented cranberry research.

Find more information on the study and the health benefits of cranberries at www.cranberryhealth.com

Thieves have targeted a Horsham district church, causing major damage, according to Sussex Police.

Over the last two weeks lead has been stolen from the roof of St Saviours Church, in Colgate.

This has, in turn, has caused several thousand pounds worth of water damage to the church organ.

Bluecoat Sports Health and Fitness Club in Christ’s Hospital hosted their second annual Fitness Showcase for 2016 on Saturday 24th September, showcasing new classes in their gym and pool facilities.

The event welcomed hundreds of Sussex locals to enjoy taster sessions in a range of classes with Les Mills fitness experts who taught the new releases along with Bluecoat instructors. Popular classes included BodyPump, swimming and GRIT Cardio, with the highest attendance being Body Combat with 137 Sussex residents getting active.

In the club’s foyer area, local charity the Coco’s Foundation attended, along with Sinful Brownies and Sue Cowley, a physiotherapist who often works in the club’s treatment room.

After such a positive and well-attended event, the club plan to offer the same experience next year with updated classes and taster sessions.

In the immediate future, the club are working with Louise, an instructor at Dance Fusion, to host a Disco Fever Night on 24th November 2016.

For more information on the club and their upcoming classes and fitness events, please view their classes here: http://www.bluecoatsports.co.uk/fitness-classes- in-horsham/

Contributed by Bluecoat Sports

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Covers Timber and Builders Merchants welcomed volunteers from St Catherine’s Hospice to their Horsham and Rudgwick depots in September for a charity ‘Builders’ Bake Off’.

Staff at the depots showcased their baking prowess to compete for the title of Best Builders’ Bake Off 2016 which was judged by the St Catherine’s Hospice volunteers.

The winner of the ‘Builders’ Bake Off’ Horsham round was announced as Stuart Taylor, Sales Assistant at the Horsham depot, for his brilliant Covers truck cake.

Perry Dutton, Sales Assistant at the Rudgwick depot, who was awarded top prize for his banana cake.

Following the competition, the delicious array of homemade cakes were sold in aid of Covers’ Help for Hospices week.

The ‘Builders’ Bake Off’ is one of several fundraising activities that took place as part of Covers’ Help for Hospices week, to support hospice charities across the South East.

Proceeds from the competition will contribute to the final fundraising target of over £25,000, which will be split between the eleven hospices.

Commenting on the event, Rupert Green, Chairman at Covers, said: “Congratulations to our winning bakers, Stuart and Perry, and thank you to everyone who supported the ‘Builders’ Bake Off’ and helped to raise vital funds for these exceptional charities.”

The ‘Grand Raffle’ prize draw, which includes top prizes of a London Hotel Theatre Break for two and a £500 Covers Home Improvements voucher, will take place on Friday 14th October.

For more information about Covers Help for Hospices please visit http://www.covers.biz/covers-help-for-hospices

Contributed by Covers

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The new Poundworld Extra in Montague Street opened this morning (October 13).

Scores of shoppers queued outside the doors before the official opening at 10am.

Worthing Mayor Sean McDonald was there to cut the ribbon as the new store opened its doors.

Susan Hall, 56, from Worthing, believes the new Poundworld Extra is good for the community.

She said: “They have competitive prices against other supermarkets and I am sure I will go in there to shop in the future.

“I came down here today with my daughter and three friends and they are in there enjoying the shop.

“They have a great mix of products.”

Poundworld Extra replaced BHS and has brought around 30 new jobs to the community.

John Farrell, 24, also thinks it will help to improve the high street.

He said: “I thought it was great in there.

“When I first heard that a Poundworld Extra was going in here I thought ‘not another one’ but it is really good.

“Lots of people mentioned about Primark going in here but that wasn’t going to happen.

“Hopefully, this shop, along with the eateries that have recently come here, will encourage other large high street stores to come to Worthing.”

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Vandals have caused problems at a well-known historic ruins in the Horsham district, according to Sussex Police.

The police say that English Heritage are reporting that flints have been pulled out of the walls and thrown around at Bramber Castle.

The report adds that these are irreplaceable as they form part of this medieval castle.

According to English Heritage, Bramber Castle was founded by William de Braose as a defensive and administrative centre for Bramber, one of the six administrative regions – each of which was controlled by a castle – into which Sussex was divided following the Norman Conquest.

Two sheep were killed and more than a dozen injured in an attack on a farm in Washington.

Sussex Police say that a dog or dogs attacked the sheep on the farm in The Pike.

The injuries vary from teeth marks and skin flapping to a broken leg.

A woman who was sexually assaulted as a child has urged youngsters enduring similar abuse not to suffer in silence.

Abigail, whose name we have changed to protect her identity, was assaulted twice by another child – once when she was six-years-old and once on her 11th birthday.

She came forward after reading about the 282 youngsters who had fallen victim to sex crimes in Sussex schools over the past five years, the vast majority at the hands of other children.

Abigail described her ordeal at the hands of a family friend, who was several years older than her, and the effect it had on her as she was growing up.

The first assault happened at her home when she was six and playing innocently in her brother’s room, where his friend found her.

She said: “I was jumping on my brother’s bed and he came in and pulled me onto the bed and laid on top of me.”

When the assault was over, Abigail said the boy simply left the room and went off to play, saying nothing to her.

The same boy cornered her five years later, on her 11th birthday when some of the children were playing in a “hang-out place” in a loft.

Abigail said: “He was up there with my brother when I went up there. When my brother went down the stairs, the boy said ‘I’ll be there in a minute’. He loomed over me and he kissed me and was touching my breasts and then tried to go lower. I really wanted him to go but to protect myself I said ‘I love you’, which isn’t the sort of thing you say as an 11-year-old.

“I shot out of there and I felt so dirty and ashamed. He was kind of big and to have a guy loom over you like that is scary and you just want them to go away.”

When asked what advice she would give to children who had been through a similar ordeal, Abigail said: “I would say tell a parent, whatever has happened. If you feel uncomfortable with that, tell another adult. It doesn’t matter if it’s a teacher, your mum, your dad or the NSPCC.

“Don’t let it escalate into something where you find it unbearable. Get counselling. It’s not your fault – it’s on them.”

It was advice Abigail wished someone had shared with her earlier. She finally worked up the courage to tell her mum and received long-overdue counselling. But the damage had been done.

From the time of the first assault, she neglected her personal hygiene and did everything she could to ensure she wasn’t at the centre of attention at school. She even considered self-harming.

She said: “I dressed like a boy because I just didn’t want to be a girl.”

The situation wasn’t helped by the fact no police were involved at the time and the whole thing was kept “hush-hush” as the child had been a friend of the family.

When Abigail did reach the boyfriend stage of growing up, she was burdened with the belief that any kind of intimacy was “dirty”.

Little wonder given her tragically early introduction to such things.

Abigail said: “I was given things that a six year old and an 11 year old shouldn’t know at that age. My first kiss was horrible as it was done by someone looming over me and taking control. Not asking, just taking.”

She also found it difficult to understand why other boys didn’t force themselves on her the way her attacker had done, adding: “It was really strange to find boys who didn’t do that.”

As an adult, Abigail fell in love and became pregnant.

She said she had dreaded the idea of the baby being a girl as she was convinced she would abuse the child, having heard that abused children became abusers in turn.

Her fears – however unfounded they may have been – were all for naught as the babe was a boy. A boy into whom she has instilled a sense of decency, appropriate behaviour and the knowledge he should respect other people’s boundaries.

Abigail called on other parents to ensure their children were taught similar values.

She said: “Fathers and sons need to talk to each other about appropriate behaviour.

“Tell them about the respect of another person. If they have a daughter themselves, would they want their daughter being touched up by a boy, and crying their eyes out and wanting to kill themselves because of what that boy has done?

“We’ve got to teach our children.”

She also urged adults to take children seriously if they confided in them about an assault, saying: “You have got to listen, not brush it under the carpet.”

Life has moved on one difficult step at a time for Abigail. While acknowledging she still has “good days and bad days”, she said the bad days were becoming “less and less”.

She takes kickboxing classes, imagining her kicks and jabs are connecting with the face of her attacker. And, with the support of her family and the love of her husband, she has started to recognise her own worth.

She said: “I definitely feel much stronger now – more happier. I’m me. I not ashamed any more. I like me and I’m happy with me. I’m funky, funny, full of passion and I’m a fighter now. Some days I feel ugly, not worth any thing, but those days are getting less.”

Abigail’s message to today’s children was clear – they were not to blame for what happened to them, they needed to be brave and tell some one what had occurred. And, most important of all, they needed to get help. She said: “If I had a time machine I would turn back the clock and rescue myself.

“Don’t wait as long as I did. Get help so you can go and be the most fantastic person in the world.”

l Childline can be reached on 0800 1111 or online at www.childline.org.uk . If you are worried about a child, the NSPCC can be contacted on 0808 800 5000.

Sussex Police stress importance of educating children

Sussex Police has stressed the importance of good quality sex education and relationship education for children.

Recent figures released by the force showed that, since 2011, youngsters had fallen victim to 282 sex crimes in Sussex schools – and most were committed by other youngsters.

The figures only included actual crimes, not ‘incidents’ which police may have been called to attend but did not involve a crime.

A spokesman said: “The vast majority of these reports relate to children offending against each other, and each case is taken seriously and investigated appropriately.”

Police work closely with schools in several capacities, such as neighbourhood schools officers (NSOs), safer schools partnership officers (SSPOs), and school police community support officers (school PCSOs).

Detective Superintendant Jason Tingley, head of public protection, said education was “essential” to prevent harm not just in schools but also in homes and the wider community.

The crime figures indicated an increase in the number of assaults against girls of all ages. Boys aged 13 and under were shown to be the most targeted, with 90 sexual assaults reported since 2011/12 – 39 in 2014/15 alone – while there were 12 cases of rape. Unlike figures for the girls, the number of assaults on boys fell in the past year.

When asked why the figures relating to girls had risen, the spokesman said: “We believe the general trend of an increase in recent years might be, as with sexual offences more generally across the country, a result of a more rigorous police approach to crime recording, together with an increased confidence in children and young people to report. Another contributory factor is the enhanced awareness and better understanding of what constitutes an assault, in particular types of child sexual exploitation.”

Police said it was important not to draw too many conclusions from the figures as the circumstances in each case differed.

Detective Superintendent Tingley explained: “This is a complex area that covers a range of offence types sitting within the sexual offences category. These will include non-recent child sexual abuse reported by victims that are now adults, as a result of increased confidence to come forward.”

Compared to the number of crimes committed, the figures able to show the action taken by police were low.

Detective Superintendent Tingley said the contributing factors for charges not being brought included the abuser having died or, in the case of older incidents, the victims not wishing the police to take formal action.

He added: “We will also take a proportionate response where all those involved are of school age so that we do not unnecessarily criminalise children. Where there is sufficient evidence to consider charges of sexual offences we will do so.

“But it is still important to continue to encourage schools to provide good quality sex and relationship education for pupils, which is essential in order to help reduce the numbers of victims and to prevent harm, not just inside schools but also at home and in the wider community.”

Searching for the right school in Sussex for your child? - Visit educationsussex.com for authoritative reviews and so much more.

A project to deliver ultrafast broadband across the county could see Adur and Worthing become the first ‘gigabit’ areas in the south east.

The joint initiative between West Sussex County Council and Adur and Worthing councils could deliver speeds 100 times faster than the UK average to businesses and homes.

Subject to a successful funding bid, the proposal could make Worthing, Lancing and Shoreham the first in the south east to have widespread ultrafast provision.

West Sussex could then follow in becoming the country’s first ‘gigabit’ county.

Worthing Borough Council leader Dan Humphreys said: “When I am about talking to local businesses in the area, they want the very fastest download and upload speeds for their businesses.

“Going into the future this is something which is becoming more and more critical. This is for people in their homes as much as for businesses.”

Ultrafast broadband delivers speeds of 1,000 megabits per second through fibre connections.

Current ‘superfast’ connections are often slowed down by copper wiring through part of the network, reducing typical upload speeds.

A report to Adur and Worthing councils cabinet members on Wednesday claimed telecoms giants had ‘failed’ to invest sufficiently in the fibre network to deliver ultrafast broadband to all.

The initiative would see Adur and Worthing councils procure a long-term contract for installation of an ultrafast connection for its 53 council sites.

With the councils as an anchor tenant, the risk for the firm installing the network would be reduced, encouraging it to widen the network.

Businesses would then be invited to register interest in the technology, with the scheme eventually rolled out to homes.

Adur and Worthing would be the pilot, before being extended across West Sussex.

Paul Brewer, director for digital and resources, told councillors it was a priority of all the councils to deliver widespread ultrafast broadband and was an example of ‘doing the right thing’ to facilitate change.

He claimed the initiative would drive down the cost of ultrafast broadband, enabling smaller firms to benefit.

He said: “It’s exciting for the public sector in relation to the future of public services, how we might, for example, expect vulnerable groups to receive care via videolink and also for schools and hospitals where the data transfer requirements are only growing faster with things like big images being sent between hospitals and GPs.

“The biggest beneficiary I think will be businesses. At the moment small businesses are penalised because they have to pay a lot of money to existing providers for fast connectivity.”

If funding is secured from the county’s business rates pool in November, a procurement process will begin.

Connection of the council sites would begin in Spring 2017, while businesses could be connected between 2018 and 2019.

St Nicholas Church in Middleton held its annual pets’ service on Sunday.

Vicar the Rev William Marston said: “We rejoiced in God’s creation, in particular pets.

“Mr Nigel Mundy, of Pagham Ponies, gave a stirring talk on the need to secure the welfare of horses and ponies.”

After the service, people were able to go into the churchyard to meet two ponies.

Mr Marston added: “It is wonderful to hear of the love and care that Pagham Ponies, and similar organisations, show for horses and ponies.”

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A lorry driver involved in a serious collision on the A27 has died of his injuries, police have confirmed.

The collision involving two lorries took place on the westbound carriageway of the A27 close to the Fishbourne Roundabout at 2.20pm today, Thursday, October 13.

Police said in a statement: “Sadly one of the lorry drivers has died at the scene.

“The dual carriageway was closed in both directions from the Fishbourne roundabout but the eastbound lane has now opened between Havant and Chichester.”

The westbound lane is likely to remain closed for several hours for collision investigation and for debris and diesel to be removed, police said.

There is a diversion in place on the A259 from the Fishbourne roundabout to Emsworth.

The area and the whole of Chichester is extremely busy and police are advising drivers to avoid the area if possible.

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DRIVERS are set to face an evening of delays and congestion following a fatal crash on the A27.

The collision took place on the westbound stretch of the carriageway at about 2.20pm today.

The tragedy closed the highway in both directions for hours while emergency services dealt with the smash.

____________________________________________________

Tributes paid to lorry driver killed in tragic crash

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The closure has caused widespread chaos for commuters across parts of Chichester, Havant and Emsworth, with drivers facing more than two hours of delays.

Although the eastbound carriageway has now partially re-opened the westbound route remains closed, with diversions in place.

Traffic is still slow-moving through Havant with queues on main roundabouts in Chichester hindering journey times home.

Sussex Police has already urged drivers to avoid the area while their investigations into the crash continue.

The victim has not yet been formally identified and traffic delays are expected to continue throughout the night.

While we have all been enjoying the bonus of a spell of Autumn sunshine, vineyard owners have had even greater appreciation. None more so than the team at Blackdown Ridge Estate, one of the newest English wine producers on the Sussex scene.

The grape harvest there started last week and is continuing through this week. 2016 has seen big problems for winemakers throughout Europe, with various weather conditions causing more than a few headaches. Frost, cold, torrential rain, hail, storms and even drought, have all had their turn in giving the vineyards a hard time.

Thus a dose of calm, warm, sunny weather before and during the grape harvest has been a welcome end to a tough growing season. Although the quantity picked appears to be lower than in the two previous years, quality is looking promising, with clean, ripe grapes which have very little disease and no rot – two common afflictions during harvest time particularly in damp conditions.

As Blackdown Ridge is one of my consultancy clients, I have been keeping a close eye on this year’s harvest and the resultant new vintage in the making. Situated high up on the Weald on the borders of Sussex and Surrey, the vineyard has good exposure to the sun and gentle breezes help to keep the grapes disease free. Both still and sparkling wines are made, the latter being from the traditional champagne mix of grape varieties – Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. Sold under the name of Primordia, it is a typical, fruity, dry, refreshing English sparkler and the first vintage of 2013 is nearly sold out. The 2014 will be available for sale soon, the 2015 is still maturing and 2016 is just being pressed and fermented.

The Chardonnay had the greatest problems with the weather this year, suffering from the very wet and cool spring, which affected the flowering of the vines and the setting of the grapes. Due to the position of the vineyard, frost was not too much of an issue. Normally picked before the red grape varieties, it is being left until last, so as to get as much ripeness as possible – always a gamble at this time of year as the weather can change rapidly.

Already getting a loyal following, the quality of the wines at Blackdown Ridge is set to go from strength to strength with the engagement of New Zealander Josh Hammond as the new winemaker. Young and dynamic, Josh has great enthusiasm for English wines and has plans to bring his wealth of experience in making wines for Villa Maria in New Zealand, to Blackdown Ridge. “I believe that this vineyard has great potential for high quality wines” said Josh. “The key is to capture aroma and character,” he continued, “and the basis is top quality grapes and modern wine-making techniques”.

A new trial at Blackdown is with Sauvignon Blanc, and this year sees the first harvest of this variety. The grapes are looking good and Josh should certainly know a thing or two about making these wines. The results will be apparent in Spring 2017, but if the other wines are anything to go by, it will be worth searching out.

www.winewyse.com

www.arundelwinesociety.co.uk

www.sussexwineacademy.co.uk

When Miranda and Michelle joined Slimming World never did they think it would lead to a life changing career.

As the two ladies embark on their new ventures with Slimming World, an incredible 11 stone lighter they embrace the opportunity to help even more people realise their dreams of weight loss.

Miranda joined her local Slimming World group a year ago after suffering a lifetime of yo-yo dieting, severe sickness during pregnancy lead her weight to go up and down and despite trying many things to keep the weight off she struggled. After having her second baby Miranda said: “I vowed to regain control of my weight but with baby blues and caring for my new born and a toddler the comfort eating became too much and the weight pilled back on.”

Years went by with Miranda continuing to comfort eat until one day she suffered a nasty fall and broke her knee, the consultant at the time said it was purely down to her excess weight and something needed to be done. For Miranda though this wasn’t the final straw. She took her children to a theme park and that’s where her life began to change, as three workers pushed and heaved her into the rollercoaster she knew enough was enough and 4 days later joined her local Slimming World group.

Michelle joined her local group in 2011 after always being ‘the big one’ and having two children. Breastfeeding, Michelle was always told the fattier the foods the better the milk for the babies and at the time she believed that was the best for her family.

As the years went by and she continued to enjoy fatty foods she realised it would be harder to look after the children as they grew. Michelle says: “I got to a point when I looked at my children and thought there will become a day when I need to run after you and I can’t do it like this.”

Michelle went along to a group in Sutton where she then lived and found out alongside our incredibe, generous Food Optimising eating plan Slimming World also offers additional information for breastfeeding mums and work with the Royal College of Midwives to help new and expectant mums. ‘If only I knew this earlier’ Michelle thought but one year later and 5 stone lighter she didn’t look back and has now been a Target member ever since enjoying free membership.

Miranda relaunches the Steyning group on Wednesday 19th October, 5:30 and 7:30pm at St. Johns Ambulance HQ, Middle Mead, Steyning and Michelle opens a brand new group at Worthing Rugby Club, Roundtone Lane, Angmering, Thursday 20th October at 7:30pm. The would both love to help anyone who wants to achieve their own weight loss dreams.

Contributed by Stefan Field, Slimming World Consultant

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The Little Big Bang @ Pennthorpe is a unique and hugely exciting, fully interactive science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) event taking place at Pennthorpe Independent Prep on Friday 14th October.

At time of press no less than twelve schools across the state and independent sectors of Surrey and Sussex have confirmed their attendance.

Back by overwhelming demand, the Little Big Bang @ Pennthorpe will this October again be inspiring a new generation of inventors.

Last year the atmosphere was electric, with industry representatives from Elekta, GSK and Pfizer revving up the excitement with hands on displays and demonstrations for the pupils.

The afternoon was rammed full of exciting opportunities to get involved with Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) either through demons trations, shows or by entering The Project Competition.

The event was such a resounding success that organiser Michelle Catterson, Head of Science at Pennthorpe school, has expanded the programme even further this year, adding a whizz-­bang Ministry of Science theatre show full of explosions to amaze and astonish.

“We’re really going all out this time,” she explains, “we were a little cautious last year as it was our first time to host an event like this.

“As it turned out, my only regret was not having booked a professional photographer to capture it all on film!”

With twelve schools already registered, thirteen exhibitors bringing wow-­factor interactive activities, and a host of pupil entries for The Project Competition, the Pennthorpe hall is very nearly at maximum capacity.

To grab one of the remaining spaces contact Michelle Catterson without delay.

Parents and families of attending pupils are welcome, as are interested members of the public who have pre-­registered.

This event is offered free of charge, fully sponsored by the Pennthorpe School Trust in an effort to share the wonder of STEAM.

Yes, that’s correct; At Pennthorpe the STEM programme has gained STEAM; it expanded this year to include the Art depart ment, adding a powerful design dimension to the mad science culture for which the school is becoming renowned.

The Ministry of Science shows will be at 9am and 12.15am. Register your interest by emailing Michelle Catterson at mcatterson@pennthorpe.com

Contributed by Pennthorpe Independent Prep

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Monty Python actress Carol Cleveland has helped an agoraphobic to turn social entrepreneur.

With Carol’s help, Laura Westcott has found the strength to develop a new charity that will help the many people who struggle with the negative impact of stress and anxiety.

Laura, who will be moving back in with Carol next week, was living in the city when she was heartbroken last year.

“I wanted to escape London so the famous actor Bruce Montague from Brighton introduced me to Carol, who lives in Shoreham,” she explained.

“Carol nursed me back to health. In aid of World Mental Health Day, I want to share my personal journey of transformation from an agoraphobic to a disability campaigner and social entrepreneur.

“I’ve always been an avid campaigner of helping people, whether it’s spending a week in a wheelchair, a week ‘blind’, or raising awareness for all my friends in need.”

Laura is launching a charity called Music for Mental Wealth to help improve mental wellbeing through music and is hoping to raise £10,000 through crowdfunding.

To mark World Mental Health Day on Monday, she shared online a previously unseen music video of her performance of Beautiful, written by Charissa Saverio and Francesco Dicosmo. She said she created it on the same significant date last year for people, like her, who have never realised their true beauty.

Laura said: “At the tender age of 17, I had my first panic attack, which spiralled into agoraphobia and shattered my dreams of becoming a singer.

“My doctor prescribed Citalopram, which I took until I was 30 years old. Being on antidepressants during that pivotal time of growing from a girl to a woman robbed me of the opportunity to learn what ‘real’ emotions are.

“I hid my problems from my colleagues at a national bewspaper for eight years because I was frightened I would lose my job. The truth is, there is still a stigma attached and something has to be done about it.”

Recent studies have shown that one in four people in the world will experience mental health disorders in their lives. Around 450 million people are currently known to be suffering.

Laura chose music as a medium as it is scientifically proven to help reduce stress. She is creating the new charity in addition to her creative music agency Soundcheque and music charity for the visually impaired, Sound for Sight.

“Music for Mental Wealth (MMW) aims to help people who have struggled with the negative impact of stress and anxiety,” she explained.

“It will feature music from all genres infused with a unique scientific formula to improve general and mental wellbeing. We are working with medical research partners to prove it works. It really does, I’m living proof.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/MusicforMentalWealth for more information.

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The following are the latest results contributed by HM Courts Service, for cases sentenced by West Sussex Magistrates’ Court sitting at Worthing and Chichester from September 5 to 9, 2016.

Gary Harwood, 51, of St Andrew’s Road, Tarring, was given a community order and must carry out 80 hours’ unpaid work after being found guilty of assault by beating in Tarring on April 13, 2016. He must pay £100 compensation, £85 victim surcharge and £620 costs.

Carl Bridgewater, 29, of Wantley Heal Estate, Henfield, was fined £250 and must pay £30 victim surcharge and £50 costs, after admitting stealing four bottles of alcohol worth £126 from Sainsbury’s, Worthing, on July 26, 2016, jointly with Charlotte Foote.

Charlotte Foote, 32, of Chapel Road, Charlwood, was fined £70 and must pay £30 victim surcharge and £50 costs, after admitting stealing four bottles of alcohol worth £126 from Sainsbury’s, Worthing, on July 26, 2016, jointly with Carl Bridgewater.

Samantha McGreal, 20, of Tarring Road, Worthing, was given a community order with ten-week curfew, electronically monitored, from 9pm to 6am, and Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, after admitting assault by beating in Worthing on March 26, 2016. She must pay £85 victim surcharge and £150 costs.

Adam Atfield, 25, of Lavinia Court, The Strand, Goring, was given a community order and must carry out 120 hours’ unpaid work after admitting fraud by false representation at Sainsbury’s, Lyons Farm, Worthing, on May 29, 2016, by making using of a colleague’s till to acquire £440 credit; and theft by employee, stealing £1,269.23 from Sainsbury’s, Lyons Farm, between October 29, 2015, and May 29, 2016. He must pay a total of £1,709.23 compensation, £85 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Louise Bisset, 45, of Church Road, Tarring, was fined £145 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (42mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in High Street, Worthing, on August 20, 2016. She was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Debbie Brown, 50, of Lanyards, Littlehampton, was fined £120 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (92mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Church Street, Littlehampton, on August 21, 2016. She was disqualified from driving for 24 months.

Katherine Phillpott, 32, of Barrington Road, Goring, was discharged conditionally for 12 months after admitting stealing five DVDs worth £49.95 from HMV, Worthing, on May 21, 2016; and make a false representation by claiming goods were legally hers to sell in Worthing on May 21, 2016. She must pay a total of £48.99 compensation, £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

John Fernandes, 24, of South Terrace, Littlehampton, was fined £300 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drug-driving (4.8mg of Delta-9-THC) in Lyminster Road, Lyminster, on June 14, 2016. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months. He was also fined £85 after admitting possessing an offensive weapon, pepper spray.

Christopher Harman, 20, of Westlands, Rustington, was fined £95 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (49mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) at McDonald’s, Oldlands Way, Bognor Regis, on August 20, 2016. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Ian Billett, 52, of Cedar Close, Lancing, was fined £300 and must pay £100 compensation, £85 costs, after admitting assault by beating in Lancing on August 3, 2016.

George Hay, 36, of Shelby Road, Durrington, was fined £80 and must pay £462.80 compensation, £30 victim surcharge, after admitting causing £456 damage to a taxi partition in Worthing on July 25, 2016. He was also fined £40 and must pay £198 compensation after admitting dishonestly making off without paying the £6.60 taxi fare.

Neil Law, 40, of Byron Road, Worthing, was fined £120 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting using threatening words or behaviour in Worthing on August 6, 2016.

Lee Gilmartin, 41, of Church Street, Littlehampton, was fined £110 and must pay £20 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting using threatening words or behaviour at the Tudor Close pub, Ferring, on January 30, 2016.

Luke Gilmartin, 29, of Meadow Sweet Close, Durrington, was discharged conditionally for 12 months and must pay £15 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting using threatening words or behaviour at the Tudor Close pub, Ferring, on January 30, 2016.

Charles Kyprianou, 50, of Pilgrim’s Walk, Tarring, was given a community order and must carry out 120 hours’ unpaid work after admitting drink-driving (119mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in The Strand, Goring, on August 24, 2016. He must pay £85 victim surcharge, £85 costs, and was disqualified from driving for 52 months.

Stephen Nash, 21, of South Street, Tarring, was fined £400 and must pay £40 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (46mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Palatine Road, Goring, on August 24, 2016. He was disqualified from driving for 14 months.

Hilda Sirvinskaite, 19, of Beach Road, Littlehampton, was fined £275 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (56mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Selborne Road, Littlehampton, on August 14, 2016. She was disqualified from driving for 15 months. She was fined £275 after admitting driving without insurance and admitted driving without a licence, no separate penalty.

Hermione Redfern, 37, of South Terrace, Littlehampton, was fined £80 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting assaulting a police constable in The Street, Rustington, on August 25, 2016.

Natalie Robinson, 38, c/o Broadwater Road, Worthing, was discharged conditionally for 12 months and must pay £20 victim surcharge after admitting stealing two bottles of perfume worth £118 from Debenhams, Worthing, on August 20, 2016.

Kelly Tritton, 35, of Peveril Drive, Sompting, was given a community order with Rehabilitation Activity Requirement after admitting drink-driving (53mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in The Causeway, Arundel, on August 23, 2016. She was also fined £305, must pay £85 victim surcharge, £85 costs, and was disqualified from driving for 36 months. She was fined £305 after admitting driving while disqualified and also admitted driving without insurance, no separate penalty.

Glen Davey, 47, of Summersdeane, Southwick, was given a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, after being found guilty of burglary at Southwick Football Club on June 5, 2016, stealing a fruit machine containing £600. He must pay £600 compensation, £115 victim surcharge and £270 costs.