Doing our bit for refugees: Samara's Aid

By Ros Longfield

Following on from Michael our vicar’ s letter in the magazine last month, which highlighted the current appeal for Samara’s Aid, I thought readers might like to know a bit more about this charity.

In the autumn of 2014 the news of the disaster unfolding in the Middle East had reached our screens and many, like me, felt helpless in the face of such dreadful horror.

Brighton mother Samara Levy was so moved by the tragedy of the people displaced from their homes and fleeing in the clothes they stood up in that she started to send parcels of good used clothing to a charity in Turkey for distribution in Syria.

The first articulated lorry left the UK in October 2014 for Iraq and to date there have been a further 71 container loads which have ensured clothing for 170,000 internally displaced people.

Each appeal may be slightly different and specific, to ease the special requirements of packing for customs. 

The present appeal is for NEW WINTER clothes for babies, boys and girls, which will run until they are delivered in the autumn for next winter . Should you be moved to donate items, please leave the retail tags on and place in the box supplied in the church tower or leave money donations in the church office with Gill. 

Thank you so much. More info from the website www.samarasaidappeal.org

Planning for The Barn, The Parkway, Bolnore Village

Ever since The Barn, on The Parkway, had ceased to be used as a Sales Office for Bolnore Village the residents have wanted it to be used for good in the community.

In the last month or so planning has been applied for to change its use to that which could house a children’s nursery. The planning process is now closed and the residents of Bolnore will have to wait and see what Mid Sussex District Council decide.

Chris Belton, chair of Bolnore Village Community Interest Company, explained their point of view: “The BVCIC along with the Community Partnership want to see The Barn being used for the benefit of the Village and on the surface, a nursery might seem to fit the bill. However both groups objected on the grounds of a significant increase in traffic and all that this would entail.

“It should be stressed that if the issues of traffic, noise, poor road layout and parking for the nursery could be resolved we would support a new application.”

A decision is expected on 24th April 2017

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.