Quantcast
Channel: Mid Sussex Times JWIH.news.syndication.feed
Viewing all 14336 articles
Browse latest View live

VIDEO: motorist dices with death driving wrong way on M23

$
0
0

An elderly motorist diced with death by driving several miles the wrong way on the M23 until stopped in the Crawley area.

Night-time video footage reveals how the motorist drove six miles southH while in the outside lane of the north-bound carriageway.

He set off in the wrong direction after pulling onto the hard shoulder and making a U-turn.

Despite oncoming headlights and evasive action taken by other motorists, the errant driver’s blue Volkswagen Polo hatchback continued doggedly in the wrong direction until police caught up with him near Maidenbower, Crawley.

A Sussex Police statement adds that having pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, Keith Taylor, 79, from New Road, Burnham Overy Staithe, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, was sentenced by magistrates in Norfolk on 25 July to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He was also disqualified from driving for two years and told he must take an extended driving test before reapplying for his licence.

Following the case, Sussex roads policing officer PC Mark Botevyle said: “ In more than 15 years as a police officer I have never encountered anything with such potential to have caused a major tragedy.

“It was around 15 minutes past midnight in the early hours of 28 January when this incident occurred. I was on patrol in a marked police car with my colleague PC Wayne Dixon when we were alerted by a radio message.

“The M23 was busy with traffic and it was only by sheer chance that no collision occurred. Clearly there was potential for a major pile-up and I am still amazed that this incident did not have more serious consequences.”

PC Botevyle said it appeared that the motorist had earlier left an inbound flight at Gatwick Airport but had then became confused as to which way he should be driving.

He said: “This all happened in darkness, adding to concerns that there might be a crash, and it is a timely reminder to all drivers never to let their concentration lapse.

“The best advice is to plan your journey properly, to make sure you are fit to drive and not to begin a journey if you are tired.

“If you do feel sleepy, stop in a safe place and rest. Do not stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway unless in an emergency.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.


Tips on helping your pets through the heatwave

$
0
0

Temperatures have already started to rise as a mini heatwave is forecast for Sussex over the next few days.

This news will be welcomed by most, however, rocketing temperatures can be very harmful to the UK’s pet population and can even be fatal in some cases.

So to help owners provide the best care possible for their pets during the heatwave, vets are now offering advice on how to best prevent heatstroke and what problems they need to be aware of in the hotter weather.

Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said: “The impending heatwave in the UK means pets will be at high risk of suffering from heatstroke, so owners need to take the necessary precautions to help keep their pets as cool as possible.

“Every year, pets suffer or even die when their owners make the mistake of leaving them inside a parked car, even if it is just for a few minutes.

“Whilst many owners will already know to never leave their pets in a car on a warm day, not everyone is aware that conservatories and caravans can be equally as dangerous.

“Cars, conservatories and caravans all act as a sun trap, and even if it feels relatively mild outside, temperatures inside can soar between 38 and 50 degrees in minutes.

“Being subjected to these kinds of temperatures can not only lead to heatstroke, but can also cause fatal brain or organ damage. A mortality rate of 50% has been reported if temperatures reach 65 degrees, which can easily happen in a car or conservatory on a hot day.”

High temperatures can also make the asphalt on roads and pavements dangerous for pets, as it can reach an unbearable 60 degrees in 30-degree weather.

“Asphalt can become far too hot for pets’ sensitive paws and pads and can cause burns, blisters and permanent scarring after just one minute of contact,” added Dr Stacey.

“Keeping pets in shaded areas and walking dogs at cooler times of the day can help avoid burnt paws.

“Smaller pets, including rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, can also suffer from heatstroke if they are exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.

“To help keep them cool, it is always best to move their cages or hutches into shaded areas of the garden or into a cool area of the house, garage or shed.

“Dehydration from excessive panting can be a contributor to heatstroke but can also cause serious problems on its own. The signs of dehydration are sunken eyes, little or no urination and dry, sticky gums; eventually dehydration can lead to collapse and kidney failure. Pets should always have a supply of fresh water during these hotter periods.

“With the upcoming heatwave in the UK, heatstroke is a real cause for concern for pets, and owners need to know what symptoms to look out for.

“Heavy panting, excessive drooling, reddened gums, lethargy, drowsiness, lack of coordination, vomiting and collapse are all signs of heatstroke, and if a pet is displaying these symptoms, owners should move them to a cool area and call their local vet immediately.

“Whilst the hotter weather may be a welcome change for many owners, they need to remember that this can be an unpleasant change for their pets. But if they follow these tips, their pets can enjoy the warmer weather too.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Haywards Heath development to accommodate extra homes

$
0
0

A developer granted permission for 101 homes south of Haywards Heath has seen its applications for 134 units on the same site approved.

Crest Nicholson already has permission for the first phase of development south of Rocky Lane compromising 96 homes.

It was then granted outline permission for phase two to the south earlier this year for 101 homes.

Crest’s application for 134 homes on the same plot of land was approved Mid Sussex District Council’s district planning committee on Thursday August 11.

Colin Trumble (Con, Hurstpierpoint and Downs) asked for the detailed plans to go to the council’s design panel, while Robert Salisbury (Con, Cuckfield), chair of the committee, explained that the developer had requested a number of variations to conditions, one of which was to do with access, which officers ‘blankly refused’.

An officers’ report reads: “The additional 33 dwellings proposed could easily be incorporated into a satisfactorily scheme in terms of layout, scale, appearance and landscaping to ensure that the overall impact remains as previously considered acceptable.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.midsussextimes.co.uk

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/midsussextimes

3) Follow us on Twitter @midsussex_times

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Mid Sussex Times - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

COUNTY NEWS: Murder victim named by police, family pays tribute

$
0
0

The family of the man murdered in Sussex has paid tribute to a ‘gentle giant’ after police identified him.

Sussex Police has now named the victim as 50-year-old David Bond of Osmonde Close, Worthing.

His mother Anne Manley-Rollings said: “He was always happy, cheerful and he enjoyed life.”

His step-father Sonny added: “He was a gentle giant, kind as well and he liked to help others.”

Police have said that house-to-house enquiries are continuing in the area and following information received, the search for the victim’s vehicle, a Ford Focus-derived van, HT02 HMA, is now focused on the Mitcham area of Surrey.

It was reported earlier that the man suspected of the murder had handed himself in to police.

Police have now announced that he is currently in hospital. Read the full report here.

Anyone with information about the incident or who may know the location of the van is asked to email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 (Sussex) quoting Operation Waterhouse.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

UPDATE: Murder suspect ‘in hospital’ after surrendering to police

$
0
0

Police have released more details of the arrest of the man suspected of a West Sussex murder.

According to Sussex Police, the man suspected of the murder, which took place in Osmonde Close, Worthing, surrendered to police in Lancashire in the early hours of this morning.

The 51-year-old man, from Worthing, walked into a police station in Fleetwood just a few minutes after midnight and told officers that he was wanted by Sussex Police. It is understood by police that he had been staying at a hotel in the area.

He has been arrested on suspicion of murder, but is currently in hospital, police said.

They also said he is under police guard and he will be returned to Sussex for questioning when he is released.

Police added that a post mortem conducted on Thursday evening showed that the murder victim suffered multiple stab wounds.

Sussex Police has also identified the murder victim. Read the family’s tribute here.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.worthingherald.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Worthing.news

3) Follow us on Twitter @Worthing_Herald

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Worthing Herald - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

UPDATE: Queues on M23 near Crawley following accident.

$
0
0

Two lanes were blocked on the M23 following an accident this afternoon (Friday August 12).

There was queueing on the motorway London-bound before junction 10, A2011 (Crawley).

Reports were that a car had overturned and emergency services are on the scene.

The area has now been cleared and the lanes re-opened.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Thieves steal ‘ornate’ antiques during village break-in

$
0
0

Detectives are appealing for information after a number of antiques were stolen in Pulborough.

A house in Gay Street Lane was broken into between 2pm on August 1 and 2pm on August 2, say police.

A number of antiques were stolen including a bronze clock depicting an eagle wrestling a serpent, a bronze eagle statue, a cherub clock, a French style clock with a gilded heron on top, a Victoria teapot and a carousel style ornament decorated with four green and yellow fish and two cherubs.

Detective constable Emma Dumbrell said: “These items stolen are very ornate and distinctive and we are urging people to keep an eye out for them being sold in antique shops.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 876 of 02/08.

Giving cash to allow fracking ‘tantamount to bribery’

$
0
0

Paying residents affected by fracking some of the profits would be ‘tantamount to bribery’, according to one of Sussex’s MEPs.

The Government first announced plans for a Shale Wealth Fund back in 2014, where ten per cent of tax returns from shale gas production would be used to benefit communities that host sites.

But now it is consulting on a number of options including one where money could be paid directly to individual households.

Keith Taylor, a Green MEP for the South East, said: “These proposals are immoral and tantamount to bribery.

“Catastrophic climate change doesn’t take bribes.

“Of all the measures the new Prime Minister should be undertaking to tackle catastrophic climate change, it is astounding that Theresa May has rested on this wrong-headed policy – just days after climate experts warned that Britain, and the world, is on course to miss key climate targets.

“The scientific consensus on climate change has never been greater and we have been told that the best chance of limiting potentially catastrophic temperature increase is by leaving fossil fuels in the ground.

“The proposals also beg the question; what price clean water? I’ve visited homes in Pennsylvania where the water is too contaminated to drink because of fracking. That same danger is now being fast-tracked across Britain.

“Campaigners, communities, and some councils have already made their voices heard: they don’t want fracking.

“In fact, a recent Government poll revealed that just 21 per cent of people support fracking, while 76 per cent of people support renewable energy.”

“The UK has enormous renewable energy potential – and we have seen evidence that people across the South East have the passion, willingness, and know-how to create clean, people-powered energy in spite of the Government’s continued onslaught.

“The British public will not be swayed by a naked attempt at using bribery to divide and conquer communities. It is time for the Government to stop circumventing democracy and, finally, listen to the public.”

West Sussex has been one of the main battlegrounds in the country for hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, which involves pumping water and chemicals underground to split apart porous shale rock to release trapped energy deposits.

Cuadrilla’s plans for exploratory drilling at a site near Balcombe, and subsequent protests, gained national attention in the summer of 2013, while Celtique Energie’s proposals for two sites, one near Fernhurst and another between Wisborough Green and Kirdford were both rejected by the South Downs National Park Authority and West Sussex County Council respectively.

However UKOOG, the trade body for the onshore oil and gas industry, welcomed the consultation.

Ken Cronin, chief executive at UKOOG, said: “The onshore oil and gas industry in the UK continues to believe that local people should share in the success of our industry and be rewarded for hosting sites on behalf of others in the country.

“That is why we launched the industry’s community benefits scheme and community engagement charter in 2013. These are additional to the proposed Shale Wealth Fund.

“The overarching objectives of secure, affordable and low carbon energy continue to be a driving force for our industry.

“Just 12 years ago, Britain was a net exporter of gas, but imports now make up nearly half of our gas demand, at a cost to this country of around £10 million a day.

“Recent estimates by National Grid are that, without shale, the UK could be importing over 90 per cent of its gas by 2040.”

According to the Government’s website the consultation seeks to explore the following:

- What the government’s priorities should be for the Shale Wealth Fund,

- The allocation of funding from the Shale Wealth Fund to different stakeholder groups,

- The extent to which the industry community benefits scheme and the Shale Wealth Fund should be aligned,

- Potential delivery models for the Shale Wealth Fund – to ensure that households and communities benefit, and to

-Decide how funds are spent, and how any process should be administered.

The consultation runs until October 26. Visit www.gov.uk/government/consultations/shale-wealth-fund and fill in the survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/D5ZQQKB

Responses can also be emailed to shalewealthfund@hmtreasury.gsi.gov.uk or send by post to Energy Branch, Energy, Environment and Agriculture Team, HM Treasury, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.


BREAKING COUNTY NEWS: Man dies in A21 crash

$
0
0

A 37-year-old man has died following yesterday’s crash on the A21 at Seddlescombe.

The man from St Leonards was driving a silver Ford Fiesta travelling southbound towards Hastings when his vehicle came into collision with a Volvo Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV), driven northbound by a 39-year-old man from Battle, at about 3.27pm on Friday (August 12), on the A21 at Kent Street, Sedlescombe.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said, “Sadly, as a result of the collision, the driver of the Ford Fiesta died at the scene. The HGV driver was uninjured.

“The road remained closed at the junctions of Moat Lane and Blackbrooks Garden Centre for five hours while officers from the Roads Policing Unit examined the scene and the vehicles were recovered.

“Firefighters, paramedics and the air ambulance were also in attendance.”

Witnesses are asked to contact collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting Operation Aston.

Photo by Dan Jessup.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Driver seriously injured in Horsham crash

$
0
0

A driver was airlifted to hospital after a serious crash on the A264 at Horsham yesterday (Friday).

It happened between the A24 Dorking Road and Rusper Road.

The road was closed after the three vehicle crash.

Photo by Eddie Mitchell.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.midsussextimes.co.uk

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/midsussextimes

3) Follow us on Twitter @midsussex_times

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Mid Sussex Times - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Thousands left without water

$
0
0

Thousands of people have been left without water in Ditchling, Plumpton, Hassocks and the surrounding areas after a serious burst on a large water main in the area.

South East Water customers in the postcode areas of BN6, BN7, BN8, RH16, and RH17 are currently known to be experiencing problems.

Douglas Whitfield, incident manager at South East Water, said, “The burst occurred on one of our 15 inch diameter water mains early this morning.

“Our staff and contractors are on site preparing the area to start carrying out repairs to the damaged main.

“Our specialist technicians are also attempting to change the flow of water around our network of underground pipes to try and restore supplies to as many people as possible. However this may take time because we need to put water back into the network in a controlled manner to prevent further bursts occurring.”

Bottled water is being made available to customers at a collection point at West Street, Ditchling, East Sussex, BN6 8TS, 250 metres towards Hassocks on the right hand side.

Bottled water has also been delivered to vulnerable customers who have already registered with South East Water and those who have contacted the Company with additional needs.

Douglas said, “Our priority is to get tap water supplies back on as soon as possible. We would like to apologise to our customers for any inconvenience this emergency has caused, but hope our customers understand that we are taking all necessary steps to restore supplies as soon as possible.”

More information on the location of alternative water supplies is available at southeastwater.co.uk or by calling South East Water on 0333 000 0002.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.midsussextimes.co.uk

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/midsussextimes

3) Follow us on Twitter @midsussex_times

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Mid Sussex Times - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

COUNTY NEWS: Body found in burning van in Sussex cemetery

$
0
0

A body has been discovered in a van found burning in a Sussex cemetery today (Sunday).

Police and fire crews were called to Willingdon Cemetery in Gorringe Valley Road, Eastbourne.

No further details have been released but it has been confirmed a body that a body was inside.

Emergency services and a police guard at still at the scene.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Is that a tricorder in your pocket?

$
0
0

“What is it Mr Spock?”

“Captain, I am picking up increased cellular network activity and high levels of carbon monoxide in the vicinity.” - Not a real quote.

It’s true that a lot of things that are dreamt up in science fiction, later become science fact. While the tricorder may have seemed far fetched when viewers were watching the first interspecies kiss on Star Trek, nowadays it turns out it is not so far fetched at all.

Recently Storrington Parish Council asked people in Storrington, Sullington and Washington to fill out a form regarding mobile phone coverage in the area. I filled it out and pondered the problem. I thought, “Surely there is an app that does this? After all, every mobile phone I have ever seen tells you the signal strength of the network you are using.”

It turns out there is an app. A few in fact. To spare you the chore of going through them all, I thought I’d mention the one I have started using the most, OpenSignal. It is useful, because it has a map that shows you the signal strengths of the different networks and different types of connection (2G, 3G, 4G), plus it shows you nearby WiFi networks. Handily on the main app screen, an arrow points you in the direction of the cell tower you are connected to. That means you should be able to move nearer to it and get a better signal.

The app periodically sends data back to a central database, which helps refine the overall picture and give better information to users. This in turn is used to generate reports for operators, regulators and other interested parties.

What if you wanted to test the air quality where you live, or where you work? Air quality issues are prevalent in many parts of the country, with particular attention placed on traffic hotspots like Storrington and Cowfold. What if there was a sensor you could carry with you, to help you choose the least polluted routes and to help you make better choices about the way you travel?

Drayson Technologies have developed a sensor called the CleanSpace Tag. It detects carbon monoxide and pairs with your smartphone to give you accurate readings of pollutions levels in the your immediate vicinity. That information combines with that gathered by stationary air quality testing stations around the country, to build an accurate picture of pollution levels. Air pollution is more than just carbon monoxide, but other forms of air pollutants follow a similar pattern of concentration as carbon monoxide. So if you measure one, you can make a pretty good estimate of the others.

What is unique about the CleanSpace Tag, is that it uses a new technology called FreeVolt. FreeVolt harvests excess energy from WiFi and cellular networks to constantly trickle charge itself. Meaning you never have to worry about charging the CleanSpace Tag for the lifetime of the device.

Imagine what we could learn about our environment with just a handful of these devices in key locations.

Alan Stainer
https://www.alansitsolutions.com

Car overturns in town crash

$
0
0

A car flipped onto its roof in a single vehicle crash which blocked an East Grinstead road.

Emergency services were called to the collision in Garden Wood Road at around 7.30pm last night (Sunday August 14).

A witness at the side of the road said the car overturned and hit the side of the bridge.

Reader Brian Richens sent in these photos of the collision.

He said it was not the first time a car had overturned on the stretch of road with a similar accident in January 2015.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Arundel Festival wine events go from strength to strength

$
0
0

It has recently been reported in the press that consumers in the UK are getting more and more knowledgeable about wine and are also keen to learn more.

The Wine and Spirit Education Trust has similarly reported the greatest ever interest in people studying its courses.

It is thus no coincidence that the various wine events organised by the Arundel Wine Society as part of the increasingly popular Arundel Festival are all selling out. Last year was the first time that the Wine Trail was run in the Festival, and the three wine tasting events featured, all quickly sold out. Building on that success, this year's Festival includes a whole week of wine events.

More and more people are drinking wine, although wine drinking habits are changing right across Europe. Quantity consumed by the average drinker is going down, while the quality is going up. As consumers start to appreciate better wines, so their thirst for knowledge increases at the same rate as they wish to know more about what they are drinking, how it is made and where it is from.

All the wine events in the Arundel Festival are designed to be informative, educational and fun, which indeed is the whole ethos of the Arundel Wine Society. The events start next Monday (22nd August) with a full day Wine Tour by minibus to four different Sussex Vineyards. Participants will learn all about the growing English wine industry and about English sparkling wine production in particular, all illustrated by tasting of many different wines.

Next, on Tuesday 23rd, is the Arundel Restaurant Trail, a four course meal with each course in a different venue. Every course is accompanied by a glass of a different wine, and the principles of food and wine pairing will be explained and experienced.

Then follows the Wine Trail from Wednesday to Saturday, with a different tutored wine tasting in four different locations in Arundel. One of the most popular of these is one entitled 'Sherry, Cheese and Chocolate'. Inspired by a sell-out tasting in London last year by Sarah Jane Evans MW, the event will explain how the different styles of sherry are made and why they should be treated as true wines rather than simply some strange form of aperitif. Sherry is gaining greatly in popularity, particularly in London and often with younger and more sophisticated drinkers. They are great food wines, and this event will show how different styles of sherry can be paired with different foods, illustrated by six different sherries with cheeses and chocolates.

The event is sponsored by Sherry Wines UK, (www.sherry.wine), the organisation promoting these fabulous Spanish wines in Britain. Each participant will be given their very own Sherry Tasting kit, which includes a DVD on Sherry, a wine tasting book, a tasting mat and six miniature bottles of sherry. This will be a truly enlightening tasting, not to be missed. Although selling out fast, there are still a few tickets available at the time of writing. For tickets or further information, email richard@arundelwinesociety.co.uk

Richard Esling DipWSET
www.winewyse.com

www.arundelwinesociety.co.uk

www.sussexwineacademy.co.uk


New wonder drug proves a lasting legacy for Sussex scientists

$
0
0

Scientists at a pharmaceutical company that pulled out of Horsham two years ago have left a lasting legacy - a new drug that could revolutionise the treatment of asthma.

The drug - a pill known as Fevipiprant - was invented and developed at Novartis at its base in Horsham.

Last week, the drug was hailed as a ‘gamechanger’ that could help reduce the number of deaths from asthma and improve treatment for patients suffering from it.

Professor Brian Cox was the head of chemistry at the pharmaceutical giant’s Horsham base for 12 years until the firm pulled out of the town two years ago. Professor Cox, who lives in the Horsham area and is now professor of chemistry at the University of Sussex, said: “Like many great innovations Fevipipirant was the work of many - a fantastic group of dedicated scientists from many disciplines and superb associated support groups such as human resources, finance etc - the success is a tribute to all their combined efforts.”

He added: “I happen to be one of the inventors on the patent that covers Fevipipirant which I am particularly proud of.”

He said the team’s research into asthma “looked at new approaches to help in the mild, moderate and severe forms of the disease.

“Currently available inhaled medicines in general control mild asthma very well, but the prospect of a tablet based alternative that would potentially treat all forms of the disease was a key driver for our research.”

Dr Samantha Walker, director of research and policy at Asthma UK said the findings should be ‘greeted with cautious optimism.’

But, she said, more research was needed “and we’re a long way off seeing a pill for asthma being made available over the pharmacy counter, but it’s an exciting development and one which, in the long term, could offer a real alternative to current treatments.”

Juice recalled over explosion fears

$
0
0

Bottles of posh squash have been pulled from the shelves over fears they may explode.

Some batches of Blossom Cottage Morello Cherry Cordial sold through Sainsbury’s may start fermenting causing a build-up of gas.

Customers are warned not to try and open the 500ml glass bottles or drink the contents but to dispose of the unopened bottle “immediately”.

The bottles have the best before date July 2017 and batch numbers 2000 16203 and 2230 16203.

A full refund will be offered to customers who bought the £2.50 drink from one of Sainsbury’s 1,374 stores across Britain.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “It has been brought to our attention that a limited number of bottles of the above product may be affected by a fermentation issue.

“As a precautionary measure, Blossom Cottage are asking all customers who have bought this product not to consume it and instead dispose of it immediately.

“A full refund can be claimed by returning to your nearest Sainsbury’s with proof of purchase.

“No other products or date codes are affected by this issue, and we apologise for the inconvenience this has caused.”

A spokesperson from the Food Standards Agency said: “Blossom Cottage is recalling a batch of its Morello Cherry Cordial 500ml bottles because fermentation has occurred in some of the bottles.

“The affected batch was sold in Sainsbury’s stores.

“If you have bought this product with a batch number between 2000 16203 and 2230 16203, do not attempt to open the bottle or drink the contents.

“The product potentially presents a risk to health because it has fermented and pressure may have built up in the bottle.

“A recall from customers is being carried out as a precautionary measure.

“If you have bought the above product do not attempt to open the bottle or drink the contents. Instead, dispose of the unopened bottle immediately.

“A full refund can be claimed by returning to your nearest Sainsbury’s with proof of purchase.”

No other Blossom Products have been affected.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Fake British Gas utility bills spread computer virus

$
0
0

An announcement has been issued warning the public about fake British Gas utility bills which seek to con victims into parting with money.

The National Fraud Reporting Service, Action Fraud, has received ‘hundreds’ of reports about the scam, in which victims receive legitimate-looking emails loaded with malware.

The emails entitled ‘Your summer gas & electricity bill’ direct users to a website where they are asked to download a file in order to view their bill.

After downloading the file, malware infects the computer and directs users to an online payment page.

The emails include the full name of the intended victim and the official British Gas logo. Victims have also reported variations of the email with slightly different subject lines.

British Gas advise that official emails will always include your British Gas account number and only ever direct back to the britishgas.co.uk website.

If you are unlucky enough to have been duped into downloading this virus - don’t pay! Instead, contact Action Fraud for full advice on what to do.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Three in four Brits fear being without mobile phones

$
0
0

Three-quarters of Brits are suffering from ‘nomophobia’ - a fear of being without their mobile phone, according to new research.

A study found that 73 per cent of the 40 million smartphone users in the UK become anxious when they don’t have access to their device.

The results suggest five million Brits are having their sleep disrupted by their phone and 2.5 million say the gadgets are interrupting their housework.

And an estimated 700,000 are having their sex lives limited by their attachment to their phones.

Thomas Stewart, chartered psychologist with the British Psychological Society said the phenomenon will “only get worse” as we become more reliant on the technology.

“Calling it a phobia is a bit over dramatic,” he said. “But the truth is today phones have invaluable technology which we need on a day-to-day basis.

“Not having access to Facebook so you can’t see someone’s pointless post is one thing but not being able to access emails, look at your bank account, book flights or hotels on the fly - that can be cause of concern.”

The poll of 2,000 people by the insurance firm www.Row.co.uk found the average Briton uses their phone for two hours and 54 minutes a day.

However, this pales in comparison to the average 18 to 24-year-old - who racks up a huge six hours 17 minutes a day.

Facebook took up the most time, with an average of 23 minutes a day on the social media platform, followed by 17 and a half minutes spent texting, 17 minutes listening to music and 13 minutes making calls.

People are so addicted to their mobile one in ten admitted to checking their social media while at the cinema.

More worryingly almost 10 per cent of those surveyed admitted to using their phone while driving.

When asked what their phones limit them from doing, 12.8 per cent said sleeping, six per cent said housework and 1.75 per cent said sex.

Mr Stewart added: “The reality is that most of us now rely on information technology in one way or another, our phones are personalised by us and we feel very comfortable with them.

“Of course some people take things to the extreme, whether that be watching TV or running ultra marathons but for most phones are not nefarious.

“Our phones are now just one of the essential accouterments to modern life.”

Some 44 per cent of respondents said they would be worse off without their smartphone with 15 per cent saying they couldn’t live without it.

Despite being so reliant on their devices, a third of those surveyed admitted they never back up their data and two thirds don’t have their phone insured.

Mr Stewart said: “I’m very relaxed about the growing necessity of this technology, it is not malevolent or evil, it’s fantastic, we love what this technology allows us to do and if we didn’t have it we would miss it.”

People said they were most anxious when they left their phone at home or the battery dies and they were unable to use it.

Limited signal was next on the list followed by when someone else is using their phone and when they run out of data.

COUNTY NEWS: Crowdfunding takes Sussex coach to Rio Olympics

$
0
0

A Sussex athletics coach will see his star pupil compete in the Rio Olympics later today (Monday) thanks to the efforts of a crowdfunding campaign.

As an unpaid coach with Lewes Athletics Club, 57-year-old Dave Leach has helped guide the career of steeplechase runner Rob Mullet for the last 16 years.

But after he was unable to win accreditation from UK Athletics, it looked as if Mr Leach would have to remain at home as his 29-year-old protégé competed on the world’s greatest sporting stage.

In response members of Lewes Athletics Club set up a crowd-funding campaign to pay for Mr Leach’s Plane tickets and within 24 hours the club’s members and supporters had raised the £3,000 needed to cover Mr Leach’s flights.

Club chairman Peter Masters said: “Not only have sufficient funds now been raised to ‘get Dave to Rio’ but additional funds have been collected which will be used to further support Rob in his self funded efforts to get to the Olympics.

“Without sponsorship and lottery funding it has been a heroic effort by Rob over the years to make it to the Olympics.”

The appeal has now raised more than £6,000 to support both Mr Leach and his student.

Mullett, who has been teamed-up with his coach since he was 16-years-old, was made part of Team GB earlier this year after competing in the European Championships.

He is set to race in the first heat of the 3,000m steeplechase at 2.25pm UK time.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Viewing all 14336 articles
Browse latest View live


<script src="https://jsc.adskeeper.com/r/s/rssing.com.1596347.js" async> </script>