Sussex Group (Nature Nurture) aims to get kids outside

What’s your favourite memory of playing outside as a child? Chances are (depending on your age!) you might remember climbing trees, building dens, making mud pies, daisy chains or perfume from flowers and playing outdoors for hours at a time.

Children’s play today is very different - increased traffic, fears about safety, parents having to work longer hours and advances in technology have all led to children spending far less time outside playing than they did in previous generations.

But local group Nature Nurture Sussex aims to change all that. The group is working to encourage children and their families to get outside more. “Our aim is to get more children playing and learning outside all year round, enjoying the countryside, seeing and feeling the changes in the seasons and developing a love of nature,” says founder Suzanne Mark.

Nature Nurture Sussex was set up with some initial grant funding by West Sussex County Council and the West Sussex Social Enterprise Network. The group currently works with preschool and primary aged children in Mid Sussex and has been running sessions for the last 18 months but is now looking for a site to establish an outdoor preschool or ‘Forest Kindergarten’.

Inspired by the Scandanavian way of doing things, where young children spend the majority of their time outside, as well as the growth of outdoor nurseries and Forest Schools across the UK, Nature Nurture Sussex wants to find a site with lots of open space for children to run around in and explore, and nearby woodland for them to climb, dig, hunt for bugs, jump in puddles, make shelters, play with sticks and mud, learn about plants and wildlife and develop their skills and confidence. “As long as the children are wearing enough layers and the right clothes to stay warm and dry, they can stay active and have fun outdoors,” says Suzanne.

Though a building would be a bonus, it’s not essential. “We can put up a yurt or bell tent to provide a cosy shelter for children. The main thing is lots of outdoor space with some woodland nearby and good access,” Suzanne added.

Suzanne is now appealing to the local community to help find the perfect spot and to help get involved. If you know of a site locally or have some land that they could use, please contact Suzanne at naturenurturecfs@gmail.com or via their Facebook/Twitter pages or telephone 07792 726017.

Andrew Thurgood - Village People

Andrew Thurgood, Cuckfield Village People feature, March 2017

When seven year old Andrew Thurgood was told he was too young to start trumpet lessons as he had no front teeth, he was undeterred.

He picked up the violin instead, unwittingly making a decision that would shape his life.

Andrew turned out to be a natural violinist, excelling through the grades and eventually travelling the world as part of the prestigious London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Now teaching at local schools and at his home in Cuckfield, Andrew looks back on his career as a professional musician, his roles in television, film and on stage and how joining local classical music group Ensemble Reza provided a lifeline following a family tragedy.

Full article - by Claire Cooper - printed on page 24, Cuckfield Life magazine, March 2017 - available to pick up in shops now...

Help for heart patients in Cuckfield

Bounceback classes take place weekly in Cuckfield, West Sussex

Heart patients are bouncing back to health after enrolling on a new exercise class and support group at Cuckfield Baptist Church Hall.

Designed to help patients gain fitness, strength and confidence and return to a normal life following major illness, the Bounceback classes are an extension to the six week GP referral scheme.

Although initially for heart patients, the classes have evolved and are now suitable for people with many different health problems. Members also include partners of patients and those at risk of heart problems wanting to take preventative action.

“We have members with Parkinsons, with diabetes, arthritis and other health problems,” said instructor Freddie Jones. “The beauty of this class is that everyone has their own programme, specifically designed for them, and works at their own level. There are massive differences in members’ abilities but everyone can workout together and motivate each other.”

For Cuckfield’s Steve Jennings, the classes have played an important part in his recovery after a brush with death in 2008.

“I suffered major heart failure and was given just days to live,” Steve recalled. “I went home to die, but refused to give up!” Nine years later Steve enjoys attending the weekly classes, safe in the knowledge that the instructors are aware of his medical history and are qualified to devise an exercise programme tailored to his needs. “I feel so much better for it,” said Steve. “The support from the instructors and other members is wonderful.”

For more information visit www.bbfit.co.uk