Following the search for a missing swimmer earlier today and a string of beach deaths in Sussex, the safety of our seas has been called into question.
Today’s search for the woman at Camber Sands in East Sussex was called off after she identified herself to the RNLI at 11.45am. A coastguard spokesperson said the reason for the large-scale search, which also involved the police, was because ‘it is a dangerous beach’ and it was reported before lifeguards were on duty at 9am. Read more here.
But it begs the question: can more be done to prevent deaths like the five men who lost their lives on Wednesday at Camber Sands, or the man who drowned in the sea at Bognor Regis?
Have your say in our poll.
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POLL: Do we need greater safety measures on our beaches?


Following the search for a missing swimmer earlier today and a string of beach deaths in Sussex, the safety of our seas has been called into question.


The paperback version of The Hidden Legacy, Graham Minett’s debut novel, comes out on August 25, the same day as the e-version of his second book, Lie in Wait.
These are exciting times for Pagham-based Graham, a former head of languages at Felpham Community College. After a period as head of sixth-form at the Angmering School, he is now the school’s time-tabler and data analyst.
The novels follow on from Graham’s time as an MA creative writing student at the University of Chichester, a time which gave him three very important things, he says. “The first thing was that they showed me I was not quite as good as I thought I was! I was not the finished product, and they had very nice ways of making it clear that I needed to change what I was doing! Secondly, they made me much more professional,” Graham recalls. In other words, they gave him the confidence to say “I am a writer” without feeling like a poser, rather than simply saying “I am a teacher.”
And thirdly: “The most important thing was that you had to complete various assignments while you were there, and these were workshopped and polished to within an inch of their life. And that gave me a CV, and all of a sudden I was winning competitions.”
On the back of it all, came the debut, released earlier as an e-book and now coming out as a paperback. The Hidden Legacy combines two time lines: “One timeline is in the 1960s: a young boy commits an atrocity in the playground and becomes demonised… In the background, all through the novel, this boy’s background is seeping out into the rest of the novel in the modern day.”
In the modern day, recently divorced and with two young children, Ellen Sutherland is up to her elbows in professional and personal stress. When she’s invited to travel all the way to Cheltenham to hear the content of an old woman’s will, she’s far from convinced the journey will be worthwhile. But when she arrives, the news is astounding. Eudora Nash has left Ellen a beautiful cottage worth an amount of money that could turn her life around. There’s just one problem – Ellen has never even heard of Eudora Nash.
Her curiosity piqued, Ellen and her friend Kate travel to the West Country in search of answers. But they are not the only ones interested in the cottage, and Ellen little imagines how much she has to learn about her past . . .
The Hidden Legacy will be joined as a paperback next February by his second novel Lie in Wait which comes out on Kindle on August 25.
“The book concerns a man called Owen Hall in his late 20s. All through his childhood he had been bullied because he was different. There was an accident at his birth, and he was starved of oxygen. He was very backwards in all his social skills. When he was at school, he was a big fat lad and was picked on by everybody. But the one thing he did have was a gift for numbers, and he allows numbers to rule his life. He is wary of prime numbers, but when he sees multiples of prime numbers, he thinks it is good news...”
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Graham can now call himself an author... Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


The paperback version of The Hidden Legacy, Graham Minett’s debut novel, comes out on August 25, the same day as the e-version of his second book, Lie in Wait.


Graham can now call himself an author...


The Cola-Cola glass bottle has been voted as the most iconic packaging on the UK’s shelves.
A study of 1,500 Brits exploring the influence of packaging and branding on shopping habits found that one in six people thought the Coca-Cola bottle was the most identifiable in terms of packaging.
Indeed, it was deemed to be just as recognisable without its logo or the product itself.
The research, commissioned by Easyfairs, organisers of Packing Innovations and Luxury Packaging London, found the Toblerone triangular chocolate bar finished as a close runner up, with Marmite’s glass jar rated as third-best-loved product packaging.
Beauty brands, such as the Tiffany Box and the Chanel No.5 Bottle just missed out on the top ten.
Coke’s success has been attributed to its targeting younger audience, with one in five Millennials selecting the bottle as the most recognisable pack product.Pringles’ iconic cylinder tube, fourth on the overall list, was the Millennial’s second favourite.
The study also revealed barcodes as the greatest packaging invention, ahead of more traditional items such as the cardboard box (21 per cent) - although the younger generation, 18-34 years, voted for 3D printing and re-sealable zips as its top two.
Gerry Sherwood, Event Director for the Easyfairs’ Packaging Portfolio, who commissioned the survey, said: “Millennials have officially passed Baby Boomers as the largest generation in history, and are more personally connected to their favourite brands than ever before. It is therefore not surprising to see 3D printing come out top in our poll for this age group.”
Top Ten Most Recognisable Brand’s Packaging
1. Coca-Cola Bottle
2. Toblerone Triangle
3. Marmite Jar
4. Pringles Tube
5. KFC Bucket
6. Heinz Ketchup Bottle
7. Fairy Liquid Bottle
8. Apple’s iPhone Box
9. Walkers Crisp Packet
10. Amazon Box

Coca-Cola bottle ‘most iconic packaging’


The Cola-Cola glass bottle has been voted as the most iconic packaging on the UK’s shelves.


A ten car collision has caused travel chaos on the M23 northbound.
The accident occurred earlier today (August 31).
Sussex Police tweeted saying: “Ten car collision M23 northbound junction M25 - Long delays both ways”.
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BREAKING NEWS: Ten car collision causing delays on M23


A ten car collision has caused travel chaos on the M23 northbound.


Most of us have a mobile phone. We use it every day to keep in touch with work, friends and family and find out what’s going on in the world.
But what if the phone signal was used to scramble people’s brains, turning them into murdering savages?
That’s the basic plot of Cell.
In a cracking start to the movie, John Cusack plays Clay Riddell, an artist who is trying to contact his son and estranged wife while waiting at an airport.
All of a sudden everyone using a mobile phone hears a high pitched sound that turns them into homicidal maniacs; luckily Riddell’s battery has packed up.
Although not dead, these people act like all the zombies you’ve ever seen in movies, running around until someone actually does kill them.
Riddell manages to escape and teams up with a motley crew of people including Tom McCourt (Samuel L. Jackson) and Alice Maxwell (Isabelle Fuhrman).
Director Tod Williams serves up plenty of action, raising the tension, adding a few jump shocks and generally keeping the audience on the edge of its seat.
The final third may well split the audience into those happy with how the story goes and those who are disappointed.
I was OK with the final scenes but if you like all the loose ends tied up neatly then you’ll be frustrated.
The main cast all put in a good shift and it’s a particularly good role for Cusack.
The fact that the story is based on a Stephen King novel will attract an audience and at least give people a chance to make their own judgement on the film.


Most of us have a mobile phone. We use it every day to keep in touch with work, friends and family and find out what’s going on in the world.


Two people have been arrested in connection with five robberies carried out in Horsham in under two weeks, the force has said.
Police said they received calls about four separate robberies in Horsham Park and one in Christ’s Hospital.
A spokesman for Sussex Police said the offences were carried out in the park on July 28 at 6.50pm, August 8 at 5.50pm, where two separate victims were robbed, and August 9 at 8.45am.
A man was robbed in Station Road, Christs Hospital, on August 1 at 4.50pm, officers added.
Officers said they began linking the offences due to the similar description of the suspects and in all cases the suspect approached the victims, all men, and demanded cash.
Detective Inspector Antony Leadbeater said: “We are keen to trace any witnesses who may have been in the locations at the time. We would also like to speak to a man on a bike who it is thought the suspect also threatened and shouted at on August 8 at around 5.50pm in Horsham Park. This man may have been a witness to the robbery occurring or actually be a victim himself.
“While arrests have been made and the public should be reassured, we ask people to remain vigilant when walking alone and report any suspicious behaviour to us.”
Police said a 21-year-old man, from Horsham, was arrested on suspicion of robbery has been bailed until September 16.
A 17-year-old boy, from Horsham, was also arrested on suspicion of robbery and he has been bailed until September 24.
Anyone with any information in relation to the incidents in Horsham are asked to call 101 quoting serial 338 of 9/8/16 or can report via 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk
Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 (www.crimestoppers-uk.org).
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Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Two arrests following series of robberies in Horsham Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


Two people have been arrested in connection with five robberies carried out in Horsham in under two weeks, the force has said.


Two arrests following series of robberies in Horsham


Sussex motorists who are travelling to Kent can now use the M20 motorway after it reopened following a bridge collapse.
Highways England said the northbound lanes were fully reopened and two out of three of the southbound lanes had reopened after being closed between junctions one and four for more than a day.
The collision on the M20 is causing problems for anyone driving to Kent. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
The closure comes after a lorry struck a footbridge in Kent yesterday, causing it to collapse. Read more here.
Prior to the reopening, Highways England south east operations manager Gary Coleman said everything was being done to reopen the motorway again, but safety had to come first both for workers and drivers.
“We are facing a real challenge to lift two HGVs and a motorbike clear of the scene and deal with all of the rubble from the collapsed bridge strewn across both carriageways. “There is also the issue of the remaining part of the footbridge, which is still in place over the coast-bound side of the motorway. We have crews on scene ready to take action as soon as the police have completed their investigation. We also have cranes en route and lighting so work can continue through the night.
“We are doing everything we can to safely reopen the motorway, but we’d ask drivers to please bear with us as this is a complex operation and it will take time and skill to complete. We’ll keep everyone updated.”
The collision on the M20 is causing problems for anyone driving to Kent. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
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TRAFFIC UPDATE: Motorway reopens after bridge collapse


Sussex motorists who are travelling to Kent can now use the M20 motorway after it reopened following a bridge collapse.


Another body has been found on a beach in Sussex, the police have confirmed.
Sussex Police said they were contacted this afternoon with reports that a body had been washed up on Littlehampton beach.
A spokesperson added that the coastguard were involved, and that the coroner’s office has been informed.
Police officers are currently closing down the scene.
It is thought to be the body of the diver that went missing on Saturday off the coast of Bognor Regis – but police said they were unable to confirm the identity of the body.
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COUNTY NEWS: Another body found on Sussex beach


Another body has been found on a beach in Sussex, the police have confirmed.


Ferring Football Club boss Ross Harnes believes his side will get better – after shipping 33 goals in their opening two Southern Combination Football League Division 2 matches this season.
Ferring crashed to an 18-0 opening-day defeat at Jarvis Brook on Saturday, before they suffered a 15-1 reverse at home to Bosham on Tuesday. Despite those heavy losses, Harnes – who had to put together a squad after taking over in the summer – has confidence that his determined side will turn things around.
He said: “It was a lot better on Tuesday than the Jarvis Brook game but it’s still the same story as we’re working hard to put a team together.
“The lads are working hard and not getting much of a result out of it. We lost again but at the same time the determination of the lads will help us to progress and grow.”
Jack Neave scored Ferring’s goal against Bosham, making it 2-1, before the visitors ran out comfortable winners.
Harnes’ side host Rottingdean, who lost 6-0 in their last game, on Saturday.
He said: “Rottingdean is going to be interesting as they were stuffed in their last game. We’ve got the mentality to try to get a result.”
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Sussex side ship 33 goals in opening two matches


Ferring Football Club boss Ross Harnes believes his side will get better – after shipping 33 goals in their opening two Southern Combination Football League Division 2 matches this season.


Claire Martin and The Dave Newton Trio are heading to Shoreham’s Ropetackle Arts Centre on Friday, September 2 (8pm).
Ropetackle spokesman Mark Phillips said: “Internationally renowned jazz singer Claire Martin OBE returns to Ropetackle for a swinging spectacular to kick off our autumn season.”
Mark continued: “Widely regarded one of the finest singers in jazz, Claire – a Brighton resident – will be joined by celebrated pianist Dave Newton and his rhythm section plus special guest saxophonist Julian Nicholas.
“Together they’ll perform a night of Great American Songbook classics from the likes of Gershwin, Porter, Arlen and Berlin.
“Julian and Claire are co-curators of the annual South Coast Jazz Festival, which Ropetackle has hosted since its inception in 2014.
“The festival has just received Arts Council funding and we are delighted to announce its return in January 2017 – stay tuned for more news!”
Claire Martin OBE is an acclaimed jazz vocalist and BBC Radio 3 broadcaster. Claire has performed all over the world and, until his death in 2012, she worked extensively with composer and pianist Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, playing to sell-out crowds.
She has won the British Jazz Awards seven times.
Tickets for the Ropetackle concert cost £15. Call 01273 464440 or email boxoffice@ropetacklecentre.co.uk.
Visit www.clairemartinjazz.co.uk.
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Claire Martin’s swinging into September with Shoreham Ropetackle gig


Claire Martin and The Dave Newton Trio are heading to Shoreham’s Ropetackle Arts Centre on Friday, September 2 (8pm).


Man arrested in connection with murder is still in custody
Teenager’s body was found at her address, police confirm
They thank daughter’s boyfriend for his ‘support’ during difficult time
The parents of a teenager whose body was found on Thursday have paid a heartfelt tribute to their ‘beautiful girl’ and released a photograph of her, Sussex police has said.
Sharon Grice and Richard Green of Hove, parents of Shana Grice, 19, said: “Shana is our beautiful girl, a kind thoughtful, caring daughter who always thought of others.
Shana is our beautiful girl, a kind thoughtful, caring daughter who always thought of others Sharon Grice and Richard Green
“We would like to thank Ashley and his family for their support.
“We would also like to thank everyone for their beautiful kind words.
“We would like to ask that our privacy be respected through this difficult time.”
According to Sussex Police, Ashley was Shana’s current boyfriend.
Shana’s body was found at her address in Chrisdory Road, Mile Oak, on Thursday morning.
The 27-year old man arrested on Thursday on suspicion of murder in Burgess Hill is still in custody for interview and further enquiries, police said.
Magistrates at Brighton today granted a warrant authorising his continued detention if necessary until Sunday.
A post-mortem is currently taking place in Brighton but is not expected to conclude until later tonight.
As previously announced, the death has been notified to the Independent Police Complaints Commission. To read the full story, click here.
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Parents of murdered teen pay tribute to their ‘beautiful girl’


The parents of a teenager whose body was found on Thursday have paid a heartfelt tribute to their ‘beautiful girl’ and released a photograph of her, Sussex police has said.


The focus at Sussex this season has been very much on nurturing players for the future.
Fast bowlers George Garton, Stuart Whittingham and Jofra Archer have all emerged and played their part in both red and white-ball cricket.
Chris Nash. Sussex v Hampshire, NatWest T20. Picture by Phil Westlake SUS-160717-110048001
But coach Mark Davis still relies on a core of experienced players – none more so than opening batsman Chris Nash who, along with skipper Luke Wright, is the last survivor of the team which became serial trophy winners a decade ago.
Nash was seriously considered for the captaincy when Ed Joyce stepped down at the end of last season but Davis opted for Wright instead.
The 33-year-old instead poured his energies into re-booting his technique in South Africa under the guidance of Gary Kirsten and on making sure he and Joyce gave Sussex a strong platform in the County Championship.
At Cardiff this week the peerless Joyce passed 1,000 runs for the ninth time in his career and, all being well, Nash will join him on that landmark after making 132 in the first innings against Glamorgan to move onto 994 runs.
Job done, according to Nash.
“At the start of the season we knew it would be a transitional season and that the senior players had to stand up,” he said.
“Ed Joyce and I have put a huge emphasis on our opening partnership and for him to go past 1,000 runs already and me to be on 994 is just what we wanted really, and there are still four more games to go to push on.
We have put a lot of the onus on ourselves to get off to good starts because it takes a bit of pressure off some of the less experienced guys behind us in the middle order.
“I was delighted with the way I played because, on the second day, Glamorgan bowled outstandingly.”
With Essex beating Leicestershire in three days to stretch their lead at the top, Sussex probably need to defeat Glamorgan and win another three matches to have any chance of finishing in the one promotion place.
The likelihood is that Sussex will still be in the second division next season but it remains to be seen whether Joyce, who turns 38 next month, will be striding out with Nash to open the batting.
Davis and Joyce, who is out of contract at the end of the season, will sit down soon to talk about the future but Joyce might be tempted to extend his stay so he can finish his career with 50 first-class hundreds. He is currently on 45.
Meanwhile Nash was among several Sussex players to offer messages of congratulation to coach Phil Hudson, who played club cricket at Horsham with Nash, and his Sussex under-15s after they beat Staffordshire on Thursday to win the Royal London National One-Day final at Kibworth. Among the Sussex team was opening batsman Scott Lenham, who could one day continue the family tradition which is woven into the fabric of Sussex cricket.
His father Neil and grandfather Les both played for the county - as opening batsmen.
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The focus at Sussex this season has been very much on nurturing players for the future.


Graham Wagg’s three wicket burst in four balls completely changed the course of Sussex’s innings and also the game as the visitors lost their last eight wickets for only 51 runs in 25 overs.
The Glamorgan seamer thrived in the cloudy conditions, and during his spell also claimed his 200th first class wicket for Glamorgan.
Sussex were indebted to Chris Nash, who struck the 22nd century of his career, before Glamorgan reached 50 for 1 in their second innings- a lead of 19.
Sussex had resumed on 111 for 1 with night watchman Danny Briggs giving Nash useful support, and the second wicket pair had added 69 before Nash called his partner for a risky single in the last over before lunch with Briggs comfortably run out for 36.
Briggs had been fortunate to survive an excellent opening spell against Tim Van Der Gugten who regularly passed the outside edge, but Briggs’ determination carried him through until his dismissal.
Nash, meanwhile played watchfully, sharing a partnership of 52 with Luke Wells before Wells was bowled by Craig Meschede, and at 232 for 3, Sussex were in sight of a substantial first innings lead before Wagg’s dramatic over and the subsequent collapse.
Nash had completed his third championship century of the season from 284 balls with 18 fours, when Wagg began his 18th over; with his second ball Christian Davies edged to the wicketkeeper, his fourth dismissed Luke Wright who wafted outside the off stump, then the next delivery bowled David Wiese.
An early tea was then taken because of bad light, which might have made the three batsmen dismissed by Wagg wonder why the decision had not been taken before the over had started.
After the break, Nash’s six and half hour vigil ended when he was bowled by Van Der Gugten for 132, and the tail quickly followed with Glamorgan’s seamers rewarded for their accuracy throughout the innings.
Apart from David Lloyd, who only bowled one over, Van der Gugten, Meschede and Wagg’s economy rate was under three runs an over with Hogan’s under two.
When Glamorgan started their second innings, 31 runs adrift, Selman did manage to get off the mark after four successive ducks, but did not last long before he was leg before in Steve Magoffin’s second over.
Nash praised Glamorgan’s bowlers after his century: “They bowled really well, in the right areas, and kept it tight throughout the innings”.
He also praised Briggs who as nightwatchman put on 69 for the second wicket, saying: “Danny helped me a lot and is in the form of his life with the bat these days. We are still in the game, and need to fight back tomorrow.”
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Sussex collapse changes course of Glamorgan clash


Graham Wagg’s three wicket burst in four balls completely changed the course of Sussex’s innings and also the game as the visitors lost their last eight wickets for only 51 runs in 25 overs.


Cheeky holidaymakers are thought to be responsible for leaving their cars in a residential street in Crawley - before taking a bus to Gatwick.
Norman Wells, of Pyecombe Court, Bewbush, was looking out of his bedroom window when he saw two cars being parked near his home.
“Two families got out with suitcases. We’re on a No 10 bus route to the airport,” he said.
“The cars have been there for about two weeks now. I think they’ve just gone off on holiday.”
He added: “Crawley is terrible for parking at the best of times.
“I assume it’s not illegal to park like this, but it’s anti-social behaviour.
“I have had to park in the next road because there’s nowhere to park outside my house.
“In some ways I suppose it’s a good idea - they’re using their initiative but it’s inconvenient for people who live here.”
He feared it could be a growing trend in the town and is calling for it to be halted.
“If it’s a new thing it would be good to nip it in the bud,” he said.
A spokesman for Crawley Borough Council said: “We urge airport passengers to travel to and from Gatwick by public transport.
“If you are driving please be considerate to residents in the town’s neighbourhoods and park in official Gatwick Airport car parks.”

Brazen holidaymakers jet off ... leaving their cars parked in a sidestreet


Cheeky holidaymakers are thought to be responsible for leaving their cars in a residential street in Crawley - before taking a bus to Gatwick.


A young Arundel dancer is relishing the chance to work with the prestigious National Youth Ballet.
Cleo Badcock, 15, will be taking part in a showcase performance on Friday and Saturday, August 26 and 27, at The Hawth, Crawley, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm (call 01293 553636), and then in a memorial gala performance on Sunday, September 4, at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, London, at 7.30pm (020 7863 8000).
The memorial celebrates the work and legacy of company founder and artistic director Jill Tookey who died in March. Over three decades, Jill became one of the industry’s most influential dance leaders, inspiring generations of young dancers and choreographers, many of whom have embarked upon successful professional careers after their time with NYB. Jill was appointed a CBE for services to dance in the 2016 New Year Honours.
Cleo is delighted to continue Jill’s work.
“I auditioned in January and then I got a letter saying I had got through to the final auditions in April. I did a few pieces from the choreographers for that – and I got through. I got a big information pack through detailing what dances I am in and what I am going to have to do.”
And then it was into ten days of rehearsals: “I am in Ruth Armstrong’s Swing Time and also in The Tribute. Swing Time is swing-style 1930s New York, and there are about 20 dancers in the piece. It is interesting because it is all different sections, and the music is so diverse you get to do different styles. At the moment, we are rehearsing The Tribute separately, and I am guessing we are going to put it all together later.”
It’s all fantastic experience for Cleo: “I am one of those people that started dancing when they were two or three, and then when I was 11 or 12 I started taking more and more classes. I dance six days a week now. The difficulty is fitting in the homework!
“But I can express myself when I am dancing in ways that I can’t when I am just walking or talking. I can use different parts of my body. I don’t know how to put it into words really, but it is like I am in a different world when I am dancing, when the lights are on and you can’t really see the audience.”
Cleo is hoping to audition for vocational schools – and she would love to think her future lies in dancing. She knows a lot of work lies ahead and that she will need to be tough and determined: “You have to accept that you might not get the dance or the company that you want, and you have to cope with that.”
The 2016 programme of performances will showcase highlights from National Youth Ballet’s history through some of Jill’s favourite commissions. These include The Old Man of Lochnagar, a ballet based on the children’s book by The Prince of Wales, choreographed by Olivier Award winner and NYB alumnus Drew McOnie. NYB’s Beyond Ballet platform will also return, showcasing young choreographic talents presenting their own works. The memorial gala performance at Sadler’s Wells will also include new commissions and performances from returning alumni including choreographer Andrew McNicol, West End performer Lucinda Lawrence and Birmingham Royal Ballet first artist Ruth Brill.
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Arundel teen stars in showcase performance with National Youth Ballet


A young Arundel dancer is relishing the chance to work with the prestigious National Youth Ballet.


Frankie and Benny's restaurants in Sussex are not expected to be affected by a closure plan, a company spokesman has confirmed today (Friday).
A spokesman for The Restaurant Group PLC, which also owns the Chiquito chain, confirmed that none of its Frankie and Benny outlets in Sussex are expected to close after announcing plans to close or sell 33 "underperforming" sites.
Restaurant Group, which owns more 500 eateries in the UK including in Brighton, Chichester, Crawley and Eastbourne, announced the closure plans this morning (Friday, August 26) as part of its interim results report.
The move comes after the company replaced chief executive Danny Breithaupt with former Paddy Power boss Andy McCue earlier this month.
Company chairman Debbie Hewitt said:"This has been a challenging trading period for our leisure brands, albeit with a good performance from our pubs and concessions businesses. The board has moved quickly to undertake a review of the operating strategy and we now have clarity on the issues facing our Leisure brands, particularly Frankie and Benny's.
"The brand remains relevant and popular and we are confident that improved performance will be achieved by being more customer-focussed and data-driven, and through better operational execution."
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Sussex restaurants spared as Frankie and Benny's owners announce closure plans


An accident involving two cars and a lorry has partially blocked a road on the A23.
The incident has affected the road southbound before Handcross.
Drivers can expect slow traffic.
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Three-vehicle accident ‘partially blocks’ A23


An accident involving two cars and a lorry has partially blocked a road on the A23.


It was first staged more than a century ago. Like the tin plate works on the Welsh borders where it’s set, it has become something of an industrial museum piece - rarely revisited despite being penned by John Galsworthy of The Forsyte Saga fame.
Now it’s back with its brutal judgement on industrial Britain of 1909 untarnished. Capital versus Labour. Poverty. Social injustice. Class divisions and female subjugation. Hefty issues in a world of heavy metals.
Still relevant? An opening sequence of audio news clips argues that the themes resonate just as clearly in 2016 where the fate of the steel works at Port Talbot remains hotly contested.
In the audience on the first night sits former Labour leader Neil Kinnock with his wife Lady Kinnock and he’s in no doubt that this is a story for today.
William Gaunt leads the cast as John Anthony, chairman of the company which owns the works - where the men strike and the wives and children freeze in the Welsh winter.
Anthony isn’t a man to concede. He’s faced down the workers four times in his 32 years at the top and despite the ravages of age and ill health he does not hesitate.
But workers’ revolutionary David Roberts (Ian Hughes) is the firebrand who is not for quitting either. This is a fight he’s been spoiling for - ever since he was paid £700 for a process which made the shareholders more than hundred times that amount.
Among the ranks of the striking workers, the men vacillate. Around the board room table, Anthony’s fellow directors count the mounting losses and weigh them against the point of principle.
In the tiny terraced homes, where the role of the wife and daughter is to stand by their man, they starve and shiver beside a coal-less fire and they die.
It’s not just tin plate that’s in short supply in this furnace of emotions. Concession hovers tantalisingly on both sides - within the grasp of all except for the main protagonists.
The set, with its metallic floor and dominating steel girder, is as uncompromisingly severe as the plot. But for a small theatre, this is lavishly populated with a cast who soften the blunt edges of industrial turmoil with a raw and empathetic humanity.
There is greyness, but Gaunt gives a masterfully understated performance - radiating power despite wheelchair and walking stick. Laying a tender hand on Roberts’ shoulder in the closing scene there’s a fleeting sense of his respect for the principle of his opponent contrasting with contempt for allies who would give way.
Galsworthy lived his last seven years a handful of miles from Chichester. His ashes were scattered across the adjoining South Downs. No hint of heavy industry here. No suggestion of social conscience in his privileged upbringing.
For all that he was an ardent reformer. As Lord Kinnock left the theatre he gave his verdict. Simply terrific. Galsworthy might have taken that as the finest accolade of them all.

REVIEW: Strife at Minerva Theatre, Chichester


It was first staged more than a century ago. Like the tin plate works on the Welsh borders where it’s set, it has become something of an industrial museum piece - rarely revisited despite being penned by John Galsworthy of The Forsyte Saga fame.


The swimmer believed to have been missing at a Sussex beach has been found, the coastguard has announced.
In a statement released by HM Coastguard, it said the reason for the major search at Camber Sands was that lifeguards were not on duty at the time it was reported. Click here to read more about the search.
The RNLI has provided five to six lifeguards who are working from 9am to 6pm this Bank Holiday weekend at the beach.
A spokesperson for the coastguard said: “There was major reason for concern as this is a dangerous beach and lifeguards were not on yet on duty at the time the swimmer was missed. It’s a great relief that this person has been found safe and well.”
It comes after five men lost their lives at the beach on Wednesday.
A statement from Sussex Police said: “Police were called at around 9.40am on Sunday (28 August) to report concern for the welfare of a woman who was seen entering the sea on Camber Sands Beach at around 8am.
“It was believed the woman, who was described as white with dark hair and wearing a black swimming costume, had left a pair of sandals on the beach which had still not been retrieved.
“Officers helped both the Coastguard and RNLI conduct a thorough search of the coastline, which included the Coastguard helicopter.
“A woman matching the description of the swimmer called the RNLI at around 11.45 am to identify herself.
“The search has been called off and police are no longer dealing.”
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COUNTY NEWS: Missing swimmer ‘found safe and well’


The swimmer believed to have been missing at a Sussex beach has been found, the coastguard has announced.


A conflict between police and an armed man has entered its 22nd hour.
Sussex Police have issued an updated statement about the incident, which is continuing at a property in Harbour Road, Pagham.
Police have cordoned off a house in Harbour Road, Pagham and are negotiating with a man armed with a gun. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
As previously reported, trained police negotiators are at the scene speaking to a pensioner armed with a gun. Click here for the original story.
In their latest statement, Sussex Police said: “Police are continuing to talk with a 72-year-old man who is believed to be armed with a gun inside a property in Harbour Road, Pagham.
“It comes after emergency services were called to the address just after 4pm on Sunday (28 August) to a report of threatening behaviour.
“A woman known to the man was also in the house at the time, but she left shortly after police arrival and is safe and well.
“The 72-year-old man remains in the property alone.”
Detective Superintendent Carwyn Hughes said: “I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding while we deal with this ongoing situation.
“Harbour Road remains closed and a cordon around the area is still in place.
“The safety of local residents is our priority and we are doing all we can to make sure their daily routines and Bank Holiday plans are not disrupted. People living in properties along Harbour Road are free to come and go with police support.
“Communication between a trained negotiator and the 72-year-old man in the house continues.”
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COUNTY UPDATE: Armed man siege reaches 22 hour mark


A conflict between police and an armed man has entered its 22nd hour.


A 79-year-old man with dementia has been found after going missing.
Missing man Geoffrey Davis was found safe earlier today and is undergoing precautionary health checks before returning home to Copthorne.
This follows an appeal by Sussex Police to find him.
As previously reported, the 79-year-old was reported missing on Sunday evening after failing to return from a short walk. Police are concerned about the welfare of 79-year-old Geoffrey Davis from Copthorne after he did not return home yesterday.
Before he was found, Mr Davis was last seen leaving his address in Pembley Green yesterday at 6.15pm to go for his usual half-hour walk. Police believed he may have travelled to the East Grinstead area.
Police described him as white, 5’ 10”, of medium build and bald.
They said he was last seen wearing a blue rain hat, red jacket, grey trousers and a striped shirt. He was also carrying a blue umbrella.
At the time, Inspector Andy Sanford said: “We are concerned about Geoffrey because he has dementia and this is out of character for him. Please contact us if you have any information which can help us find him and make sure he is ok.”
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A 79-year-old man with dementia has been found after going missing.


A superb all round performance from Sussex under-15s resulted in Sussex being crowned the winners of the A Division Royal London ECB under-15 Cup Final.
Having lost the toss Sussex were invited to field, and Staffs got off to a great start making 54 without loss.
Sussex wicketkeeper Mason Robinson got things moving with a spell-binding flying catch.
Skipper Tom Clark then turned their innings upside down with a double wicket maiden on route to figures of 3 for 17, and from that moment Sussex were on top. Max Lincoln wowed the crowds sprinting 30 yards to take a high catch in the deep, and it was left to Tom Gordon (3 for 39) to have Staffs floundering on 164 all out.
Alastair Orr completed the job with a well timed catch on the ropes.
In reply our openers faced a real barrage of pace and bounce as Staffs were not going to lie down easily.
The players jump for joy
At 68 for 5 Sussex were having their first and only wobble throughout the whole campaign. However our team is resilient and man of the match Tom Gordon lead the recovery with perhaps one of his most important innings thus far, and against a spirited and energised attack Tom grafted hard making a match winning 68 runs. He was backed up by Oliver Carter (39 not out) who demonstrated a very straight bat from the off. He was rewarded by hitting back to back cover drives to win the match.
Huge celebrations then ensued as Sussex became the 2016 Royal London ECB U15 Champions.
The squad: Oliver Carter - Seaford, Tom Clark - Horsham, Henry Crocombe - Hailsham, Tom Gordon - Eastbourne, Tom Hinley - Lindfield,
Scott Lenham - Eastbourne, Max Lincoln - Preston Nomads, Dominic Morgan - Lindfield, Alastair Orr - Lindfield, Joe Pocklington - Eastbourne, Mason Robinson - Preston Nomads, Louis Storey - East Preston, Freddie Longley - Lindfield
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Sussex under-15 win the Royal London ECB Cup final


A superb all round performance from Sussex under-15s resulted in Sussex being crowned the winners of the A Division Royal London ECB under-15 Cup Final.


University of Chichester music graduate Jennifer Owens releases her debut EP on August 26, available from iTunes, all the usual online outlets and her website jenniferowens.co.uk.
Originally from Basildon, Essex, Jennifer has opted to stay in West Sussex following her studies. She now lives in Trotton: “I moved to Chichester to study at the university, a three-year course which I have just finished. It was the BA hons in music, and I really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed the first year, and I struggled with the second. I was not sure what was happening, what I wanted. I didn’t see any longevity in the music industry, but I was lucky to come across the right people. But then once that started happening for me, I was able to settle down and enjoy the last year. I got a lot of experience from my degree. I got a lot of social skills, and I grew up a lot. I think it gave me direction. I now know exactly what I want to do.
“I only really got serious about music when I got serious about the solo stuff in the past couple of years. Before that, I was not really sure about what direction would be best. I thought about theatre for a while. But with other things, I just didn’t feel appreciated enough in that sort of environment. It was not enough. And now I have fallen in love with doing my own stuff, and that’s definitely the way I want to go.
“Most of my material is my own. I do a few covers. I cover some of the music of a writer in New York who is quite fond of me and what I do. He popped up last year, Scott Alan. He gave me free rein with his music. I do some of his stuff; the rest is originals. I started writing really recently. I never really had the tools to do it myself. I don’t play an instrument. I didn’t know how I could write songs by myself until my manager set me up with some co-writers, and now I do write by myself.”
As for the music: “Well, I want to say it is old-fashioned, but that sounds out-dated. I have got influenced by Karen Carpenter, Barbra Streisand, people like that. It’s a throw-back, not like the music now. There is a lot of heart-felt meaning to it. For me, it is really important that all music should reach out to people. It should be there for people and it should offer a hand in good times and in bad times. I really want people to relate to the lyrics in the way I relate to the lyrics in songs by Karen Carpenter and Barbra Streisand. I can really see what they are saying and understand that, and I want people to feel the same about my music.My nan passed away before Christmas. I wrote a song about her called Turn To Me. I have also written about my strange relationship with my father. I think we all have a tough ride, don’t we? Not everything is easy. The songs are very personal to me, but also for everyone else. We all go through things. I have also written a song about staying with someone forever.”
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Ex-Chichester student ready to seize her chance in the music business


University of Chichester music graduate Jennifer Owens releases her debut EP on August 26, available from iTunes, all the usual online outlets and her website jenniferowens.co.uk.


There’s nothing quite like a gentle British comedy.
We do seem to create these movies with a certain style.
It does help, of course, having an amazing pool of talented actors to call on.
And Golden Years certainly has an incredible cast.
Bernard Hill, Virginia McKenna, Simon Callow, Sue Johnston, Una Stubbs, Phil Davis, Alun Armstrong - any director would be salivating at the thought of having such people on hand.
And director John Miller is certainly lucky as this was his first major project.
Also heavily involved was TV presenter Nick Knowles, who shared the writing and production credits.
Hill plays Arthur, a kindly pensioner who is looking after his wife (McKenna) who has health problems.
His world is turned upside down, though, when he discovers a financial crash has decimated his pension pot.
Faced with trying to pay for his wife’s treatment and realising his friends are similarly cash-strapped he decides to ‘take back what he’s owed’, courtesy of robbing the odd bank or two.
While there are some dubious moral dilemmas raised, the accent is on humour.
We have a workaholic policeman (Armstrong) and his frustrated wife (Johnston) and the up and coming detective Stringer (Brad Moore) who is too clever for his own good.
While the jokes are unlikely to have you falling off your seat, this is a good family bit of fun that doesn’t outstay its welcome.
DVD Specs:
RRP: £17.99
Cat. No: HFR0423
Run time: 96 mins
Cert: 12A


There’s nothing quite like a gentle British comedy.


A surplus food redistribution programme has seen stores donate 21,813 meals to people in need across Sussex.
Tesco stores in Burgess Hill, Crawley, Pulborough, Shoreham and Worthing are part of the Community Food Connection, in partnership with FareShare FoodCloud.
The Sussex contribution has helped the programme reach its first milestone of one million meals of surplus food donated by Tesco stores nationwide.
Rifka Chakkalakal, the programme’s manager at Tesco, said: “We are delighted to see Sussex contribute a fantastic 21,813 meals of surplus food to people in need.
“We believe that no food that could be eaten should go to waste, so we’re excited to continue to grow this initiative.
“That’s why we’re looking for even more charities and community groups to come forward to register for the programme. If you serve food to people in need in your community – we want to hear from you.”
The programme sees stores donating their unsold food to charities and community groups for free. It was launched in Sussex in July and the stores have been working closely with food redistribution charity FareShare, as well as charities in their area.
The programme is part of Tesco’s ongoing pledge to cut food waste, linking to charities and community groups via an app that allows store teams to let them know there is unsold food available at the end of each day.
The unsold food provided includes fresh produce, such as fruit, vegetables and bakery products, plus chilled products like meat, dairy and ready meals.
To date, 2,000 charities and community groups have signed up to the programme. Any charities or community groups that are interested in joining the programme should visit www.fareshare.org.uk/fareshare-foodcloud
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A surplus food redistribution programme has seen stores donate 21,813 meals to people in need across Sussex.


A retired couple were left scratching their heads after thieves broke into their garden - and stole a 30ft hedge.
Anthony and Daphne Hawley have been left puzzled - and hundreds of pounds out of pocket - after thieves made off with the entire laurel hedge from their front garden.
About 25 bushes, all around 6ft tall, were taken.
The couple, from Copthorne, woke up to find that their neatly-pruned hedge had been stolen while they slept.
Anthony, 75, said he was completely stunned to find that someone would go to the trouble of stealing an entire hedge.
He said they had checked security cameras to see if they could find out what happened.
He said: “We had about 25 laurels at the front of our garden.
“We live on a private estate in Copthorne.
“They have only been planted for two years and they were about six foot high.
“We woke up this morning and everything was just gone.
“It must have happened overnight.
“We never heard anything and when we checked our CCTV cameras they didn’t show anything either.
“But the laurels are gone, you can see quite clearly where they have been dug up and you can also see tyre tracks on the road outside.
“Whoever did it knew what they were doing.”
Anthony explained that he had previously noticed about a week ago that one of the laurels was looking really loose in the ground, but didn’t think anything of it.
He added: “Whoever it was they must have needed a large truck, because 25 laurels certainly aren’t small things.
“They probably cost about £25 each and now we are looking at needing to pay £750 to replace them.”
A spokeswoman for Sussex Police confirmed they were investigating the incident.

Mystery theft of couple’s 30-foot garden HEDGE


A retired couple were left scratching their heads after thieves broke into their garden - and stole a 30ft hedge.


Deus Ex has you spoilt for choice.
Mankind Divided and so am I when it comes to reviewing the latest Deus Ex game after its launch last week.
There is so much to rave about in DEMD and I’m still enjoying it now over a week into the game.
But there are a number of elements which do not quite sit right with me.
Let’s start with the positives, though, and there are plenty of them.
There is layer upon layer in this game all expertly crafted together and beautifully designed.
The gameplay stands up to the high standards set by previous Deus Ex games and goes beyond them in many respects.
This is a game that will suit all types of gamers too.
Looking for a quick blast for an hour, you can jump on and get enough done to enjoy the experience, looking for longer, more involved sessions on your console then the gameplay rewards your patience, curiosity and creativity.
You play augmented human Jensen who is essentially the most deadly Power Ranger on the planet. I mean this guy has everything and would even give Superman a run for his money.
There are so many options to negotiate each scenario
And this is where my first problem lies with DEMD.
Sometimes, dare I say it, there are so many options available to you, so many ways to deal with scenarios and enemies and so much in your arsenal, it actually feels a bit ... easy.
‘Ramp up the difficulty setting!’ I hear you cry.
Well yes there’s that but my point is no matter what level you are playing at, Jensen just has too much at his disposal for his enemies to trouble him.
Sometimes, dare I say it, there are so many options available to you, so many ways to deal with scenarios and enemies and so much in your arsenal, it actually feels a bit ... easy. Damien Lucas, gaming columnist
But don’t get me wrong it’s still great fun entering a room littered with foes and walking out past a pile of them without breaking a sweat.
Another thing that doesn’t quite land for me is the Apartheid type references between the humans (naturals) and the augmented race. It is a poor attempt to give the storyline resonance with real life - for example there are posters dotted around saying things like ‘Augmented Lives Matter’ and it just feels a little frivolous.
I’m being hyper critical, though, and Deus Ex will go down as one of the games of the year of that there is no doubt.
Rating: 8.5/10

Console Corner: Deus Ex Mankind Divided review


Singing for Pleasure, which has been running successfully in Brighton, Hove and Southwick for five years under musical director Simon Gray, will show its skills on Saturday, September 10 in a concert at Portslade Town Hall at 2.30pm.
As Simon, who has been involved in the musical scene for more than 30 years, explains: “Singing for Pleasure Goes to the Movies offers a programme of songs that have featured in films and film musicals. There will also be a Last Night of the Proms finale in which the audience will be invited to join in and wave union jacks!
“SFP is delighted to announce that Loren Bennett will be one of the soloists. Fifteen year-old Loren, diagnosed with chronic anxiety and Asperger’s, has made astonishing progress in just a few months since joining Singing for Pleasure.
“Singing is now widely recognised as producing a whole host of health benefits, and it could be argued that singing should more broadly be part of everyday life. Singing, through the emotional experience of one’s feelings, has the power to alter and enhance the mood of the singer. Since ancient times singing has been considered a great healing tool as it can influence brain wave frequencies and promote well-being.
“Medical papers have now proved singing and listening to music helps relieve a large number of health conditions. It can lower blood pressure, ease depression, improve lung capacity, and help breathing as when you sing your lungs take in more oxygen. Joining a singing group helps make new friends which in turn helps the feel good factor.”
Simon is pleased to include Loren among the group’s success stories: “Loren had been suffering with chronic anxiety and had been diagnosed with Asperger’s. Loren is a gifted singer with an exceptional voice but singing in front of anyone, other than her voice teacher or parents, had become impossible for her. It was suggested that maybe she should come along to Singing for Pleasure and sing along with other people with no pressure to perform on her own.
“Loren (who lives in Rottingdean) came along with her mother to the Hove group and within a couple weeks she was feeling very comfortable singing and socialising with the other members – so much so that by week four Loren felt brave enough to get up and sing a solo! This was a huge breakthrough, and Loren has since gone on to perform solos with SFP on a weekly basis as well as taking part in concerts elsewhere, including a solo recital for family and friends. She also appeared in a concert at the Barn Theatre in Southwick alongside experienced professional performers from the world of musical theatre and opera.”
Loren’s mother Rebecca Bennett said: “Since being diagnosed with Asperger’s and chronic anxiety, we had really given up on her singing, but since coming to [SFP] she has made incredible progress, so much so she is now enjoying performing and socialising with the lovely group of people each week, both of which I never thought she would feel comfortable doing. I will definitely recommend Singing for Pleasure as a form of therapy for Asperger kids and adults.”
Simon added: “Also in the groups there are singers living with cancer, Lupus, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, all of whom find great comfort, relief and inspiration from singing in a friendly environment on a weekly basis. Indeed, several of them have even reported a distinct improvement in their conditions which they attribute to regular singing.
“If anyone is tempted to come and join SFP then come along to Portslade Town Hall to see what the group does. There is no upper age limit and there are no auditions. Song choices are taken from musical-theatre shows, some classical songs as well as some of the great standards. We also welcome song suggestions from the group members.”
Simon added: “Throughout the year there are Singing for Pleasure fund-raising events in support of local charities. Indeed, the group is happy to assist all charities by singing free of charge at suitable events. Please phone 01273 555089 for more information. SFP have supported events raising funds for The Martlets Hospice and Chestnut Tree House.”
Tickets from Robert Blass on 01273 555089 or singingforpleasure@hotmail.co.uk.
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Concert illustrates health-giving benefits of singing


Singing for Pleasure, which has been running successfully in Brighton, Hove and Southwick for five years under musical director Simon Gray, will show its skills on Saturday, September 10 in a concert at Portslade Town Hall at 2.30pm.


University of Chichester graduate Joe Perkins tries to capture a little bit of chaotic Quo in his new album.
Joe, who studied commercial music graduating in 2012, has long been a huge Status Quo fan: he first saw them, aged ten, in Bristol 16 years ago.
“And I have seen them with the modern line-up loads of times, always the perfect Quo. But then they played with their original line-up, and they were just all over the place in terms of the timing and the notes, but in terms of the musicality, they were just so exciting.
“They had the danger back, and it was just so much better for not being perfect, and I think that is one of the lessons I have learnt.
“You record a song and then you can edit it and edit it until it is perfect, but that’s not necessarily the best way to do it.
“You want the edge, which is what Quo had. They looked terrified! But that nervous energy made it the best Quo show I’d ever seen. It was so much more exciting for being edgy and dangerous. It was four humans all playing together with the whole thing likely to implode at any point. It was pure rock & roll!
“We are human beings. We are not perfect. We all make mistakes. With technology, you can make it perfect, but you lose the fact that we are all musicians playing together. It’s about the spontaneous things that can happen, and that’s what I have wanted to capture.
“There are little mistakes, but the album is what I sound like when I play the guitar. And it is the first album I haven’t done in a recording studio. I did it in the dining room at home. It was about giving free rein to the music.”
It was while he was at Chichester that Joe did his first album: “It was a very good course, but for me the most important thing was the studio facilities that we could book out. The course was very wide-ranging, but in your spare time you could get into the studio and having the studio was great. You got taught all the basics of making a record, but then you could develop it all further.
“I did my first album then which I released free online. So many people had got involved and given their time for free that it wouldn’t have been right to try to sell it.
“It was call Host of Other Artists. It was all songs I had written and played pretty much every instrument, but it was other people doing the lead vocals. I did some backing vocals, but I am not strong enough a singer to do the lead vocals.”
Now comes the new album, purely instrumental. Double Denim is released on Friday, September 2, as a vinyl + CD bundle (limited to 300 copies) and as a download – both available from joeperkins.co.uk. Both are priced at £7.99.
“Releasing the album on vinyl isn’t purely nostalgic,” Joe says. “Sure, I personally prefer buying music as a physical entity and enjoying it as a piece of art, and I think vinyl is the best for that.
“But the audio is actually much higher definition than the CD and has a more dynamic master. You’ll have to turn it up a bit, but it sounds more natural. Nowadays we all need to own our music digitally too, so with the enclosed CD you get that as well.
“So that’s Double Denim. There’s rock; bluegrass; ballads; a snare drum with far too much reverb on it; potentially the world’s loudest cajón; an army of pots and pans; an outrageous amount of guitars; a sense of humour; and real human musicians playing their instruments.
“And who else gives you all that on an outdated format from the 1930s?”
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University of Chichester graduate Joe Perkins tries to capture a little bit of chaotic Quo in his new album.


Ferring Football Club boss Ross Harnes felt his side were a little unfortunate in their Southern Combination League Division 2 opening-day defeat on Saturday.
Harnes’ side made the trip to newly-promoted Jarvis Brook and went down 18-0.
Nathan Millroy caused Ferring’s backline all sorts of problems as he netted seven times, while Michael Fuller chipped in with five.
Jarvis Brook were leading by seven goals at the break, before a rampaging second half showing saw them net a further 11 times.
Having had to form a totally new squad over the summer and completing just 45 minutes of competitive pre-season action, Harnes admits things can only get better.
He said: “None of last year’s squad stayed on at the club so I’ve had to reshape the whole team over the summer.
“We were only able to get 45 minutes of competitive action in pre-season, so we’re playing catch up.
“Facing a team that hasn’t lost at home for four years was not an ideal start for us and it was a tough day.
“I don’t think we disgraced ourselves and I believe we will get better as the season goes on.
“It’s a case of building for us and trying to get better week on week.
“We’re at home tomorrow and everyone will be hoping to do better than we did on Saturday.
“We want to make sure we try and make ourselves hard to beat and see what we can do.”
FERRING: Standen; Muddle, Yates, Henton, Wolverston; Kachere, Holt, Rae, Cook; Neave, Eguren.
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Football boss upbeat despite 18-0 opening-day defeat


Ferring Football Club boss Ross Harnes felt his side were a little unfortunate in their Southern Combination League Division 2 opening-day defeat on Saturday.


A woman who suffered serious injuries when her car was in collision with a lorry on the B2139 at Houghton Hill, near Amberley, last month, has died in hospital.
She has been named as 77-year-old Mary Sherlock, of Fern Road, Storrington, who was driving her Toyota Avensis west when it was in collision with an eastbound Daf articulated lorry near the George and Dragon pub just after 3.20pm on Monday July 18.
Mary’s husband, Steven Sherlock, paid tribute to her. He said: “Mary was a respected member of the Storrington community. She was treasurer of the Village Hall and ran a ballet school in the village for many years.
“She helped at St Philip’s Catholic Primary School and was active in organising the music and liturgy at the local Catholic church playing both the piano and organ.
“She is very much missed by our family and many friends.”
Following the crash, Mrs Sherlock was flown by air ambulance to Southampton General Hospital where she remained in a critical condition, but died in the early hours of Friday.
The lorry driver, a 69-year-old man from Liss, Hampshire, was not injured.
The road was closed for five hours for investigations and for the HGV to be removed.
Anyone who saw what happened is asked to contact police by emailing collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting Operation Sedgebrook.


A woman who suffered serious injuries when her car was in collision with a lorry on the B2139 at Houghton Hill, near Amberley, last month, has died in hospital.


A man from Hove who bombarded Sussex Police’s contact centre with 3,000 emails in just six hours has been handed a suspended sentence.
The incident, which happened in October 2014, meant the police’s contact centre was ‘significantly impaired’ for six hours.
A police statement says that Kyoji Mochizuki, 28, of Mansfield Road, Hove, appeared for sentencing at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (August 19) after pleading guilty at Hove Crown Court in July to four counts of unauthorised acts with intent to impair the operation of or prevent/hinder access to a computer, contrary to Section 3 of the Computer Misuse Act 1990.
He was given a ten-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months.
The statements adds that the court heard how on October 26, 2014, Mochizuki – also known as Tariq Elmughrabi and Taz Rider – sent around 3,000 emails from various domains to the Sussex Police contact centre at 9.25am.
It was to tie up the force’s email system for more than six hours.
During this time Sussex Police said its contact centre and the non-urgent reporting mechanism for the public was hindered.
It took staff a further 11 hours to restore the email inbox to full operation order.
Earlier that year, in February, an email was received from a sender purporting to be from a man working for a company called Uberex, threatening to attack Sussex Police services in revenge for the force seizing electronic property belonging to Mochizuki in connection with another case, for which he was on bail.
Police said Mochizuki was identified as being a director of that company.
On Monday, November 10, at 5.45am, more emails started to arrive in the public contact centre from a ‘hackerforhire’ domain with the subject line ‘Contact UBX Technology’, in what police called ‘a deliberate attempt to flood the system’.
The statement adds that on November 20, the Surrey and Sussex Cyber Crime Unit raided Mochizuki’s home address and seized a number of items including a computer, a CCTV system that covered all rooms in his house, the entrance and the exterior.
When interviewed he claimed to have carried out work for the FBI and the NCA (National Crime Agency).
He stated that he worked for a company called Uberex as an ethical hacker and with the people whose names were used on the attacking emails.
However, he was unable to put police in contact with them.
Detective Constable Paul Constable from the Surrey and Sussex Cyber Crime Unit said: “In addition to Sussex Police, Mochizuki launched an attack on Brighton and Hove City Council’s email system after he had been summonsed for failing to pay his tax. Their system effectively captured the 2,000 emails aimed at the council tax email inbox.
“An Essex-based insurance company insured a company called Xerosec, which made a claim in 2013 for £36.576.11 due to their computer system overheating after a hacker attack. They paid a sum of £10,000 in settlement to Kyoji Mochizuki of Mansfield Drive, Hove. The following year, the company claimed for equipment damaged in a power surge. The insurer asked to examine the equipment, but was told that was not possible and then received correspondence from the managing director of Xerosec complaining about their incompetence.
“The insurer sent a representative to visit the company where he met with a relative of the accused who stated she had no knowledge of the claim and had been appointed as MD without being consulted. The claim was subsequently refused and on November 6 three of the insurer’s email addresses, including that of the person dealing with the claim, were subject to a denial of service attack.”
Detective Inspector Andrew Haslam, also from the Cyber Crime Unit said: “The scale of Mochizuki’s activities and deceit is breath-taking. Behind each of the events mentioned in court lie a complex web of aliases, email addresses, false employees and considerable technological skill, sadly put to criminal use.
“His attacks on Sussex Police cost nearly £4000 in specialist time to resolve, but of far worse consequence was the significant amount of time lost by contact centre staff that should have been devoted to non-emergency callers and others making contact through email.
“However, I would stress that our 999 emergency operation was not affected by his attacks, nor our operational response effectiveness. The security of the emails from the public was not compromised in any way and there was no impact on any other force IT, email address, web or telephony systems.
“Since the attack, a significant amount of work has taken place to improve the resilience and security of all our IT systems, including emails.” Mochizuki, who had been remanded in custody since breaching bail conditions in June last year, was released upon sentencing.

COUNTY NEWS: Man sentenced for cyber attacks on police contact centre


A man from Hove who bombarded Sussex Police’s contact centre with 3,000 emails in just six hours has been handed a suspended sentence.


Chichester Art Society member Glen Smith has had a painting selected for the Royal Society of Marine Artists’ annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries in central London from September 28-October 8.
Glen’s painting of Newquay Harbour was one of 1,100 submitted by non-members of the RSMA and is one of the small number selected to hang alongside the work of RSMA members at their annual exhibition. The exhibition’s theme is the sea and everything related to it, from beaches and creeks to harbours and boats.
Chichester Art Society spokeswoman Jean Campbell said: “This exhibition is regarded as the most prestigious and varied marine art exhibition in the country and will feature over 400 works from emerging and well-established artists across a range of media, including oil painting, watercolour, pastels, prints, and sculpture.
“The society congratulates Glen, whose work was a visitors’ favourite at its June exhibition this year and wishes him continued success with his work in the future.”
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Chichester Art Society member Glen Smith has had a painting selected for the Royal Society of Marine Artists’ annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries in central London from September 28-October 8.


Bill Bryson didn’t pull any punches when he compared a Sussex town to a ‘patient on life support’ in his latest book.
The famous travel author made the comment about Bognor Regis in The Road to Little Dribbling, which documents Bryson’s journey from the West Sussex seaside town to Cape Wrath in Scotland.
In the book, Bryson criticises the local authority for its handling of the Bognor Regis Regeneration Task Force initiative, which he said had an initial goal to bring £500million of investment into the town before being ‘quietly reduced’ to £100million and then £25million before being ‘wound up’.
He then went on to say: “As far as I could tell, all the authorities are doing for Bognor is just keeping it ticking over, like a patient on life support”.
Despite his criticisms – and his observation that the second-most popular Bognor Regis attraction behind Hotham Park was ‘a shop selling mobility scooters’ – he goes on to say that Bognor ‘isn’t such a bad place’, complimenting its ‘long beach with a curving concrete promenade’.
He is more reserved about the town centre, describing it as ‘compact and tidy, if not thriving’.
As far as I could tell, all the authorities are doing for Bognor is just keeping it ticking over, like a patient on life support Bill Bryson
Do you agree with his comments? Have your say with our poll.
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POLL: Bill Bryson bashes Sussex town in new book


Bill Bryson didn’t pull any punches when he compared a Sussex town to a ‘patient on life support’ in his latest book.


It was always easy to work out how well a school had performed when it came to GCSEs.
You took the latest batch of A*s and compared them to last year’s results. Simple.
Millais School Head Teacher Alison Lodwick (Pic by Jon Rigby) SUS-150510-170504008
Things have changed now, and this year’s youngsters were the last to have their results rated at A*-G.
They will also be the last to take re-sits in November and were the first to have their progress examined under a tough new government system, which will see under-performing schools facing the wrath of Ofsted.
It’s all a little confusing and a lot to take in in one go, but let’s look at the changes one by one.
First, the grade changes. Next year’s results will be graded 9-1 rather than A*-G, with 9 being the highest.
It’s entirely up to the schools what they publish but the only thing that counts from this year is Progress 8. Department for Education
At the top of the pile, grades 9, 8 and 7 will be the equivalent of the current A*/A. The top 20 per cent of those students will receive a grade 9, which has been described as something akin to an A**.
There’s a new top target to aim for.
At the other end of the scale, grade 4 will be the equivalent of scraping a C pass, with grade 5 likely to be the standard set for what is now called a ‘good’ pass.
When it comes to re-sits, students will only be able to retake maths and English in November. No other subject re-sits will be allowed.
There had become something of a culture of re-sits over the past few years. If a child failed an exam, they could retake it until they got the result they wanted – and the result that looked best in the school’s league tables.
It was a bit like messing up a battle when playing a computer game then reloading and reloading until the battle was won. The end result was good but it didn’t really demonstrate any skill – just the ability to avoid making the same mistakes.
Finally we come to Progress 8, which is something of a headache to understand but has been well received by Sussex headteachers.
It’s also the important score when it comes to meeting the government’s required standards.
As one spokesman from the Department for Education put it: “It’s entirely up to the schools what they publish but the only thing that counts from this year is Progress 8.”
To put it simply, it’s a way of measuring the progress made by pupils from the end of primary school to the end of secondary school.
Each child’s progress is measured across eight subjects and then compared to the progress made by children all over the country who started with the same attainment level.
For example, if Anna started secondary school with high Key Stage 2 SATs results, her progress at the end of Year 11 would be judged against children who started from an equally high point.
If she entered secondary school with low SATs results, her progress would be measured against others who had an equally low starting point.
Children who attend independent schools, special schools, pupil referral units, alternative provision or hospital schools are not included in this system.
Anna’s Key Stage 2 score would have been used to predict her results in eight subject areas. Whether or nor she meets those expectations determines her Progress 8 score.
A score of zero means Anna performed exactly as predicted – all is well, progress has been made. Anything above zero means she made better than expected progress – which is good news for her school.
Anything below zero means her progress was not as high as expected.
That would be worrying for Anna’s school, because its overall Progress 8 score is calculated using the mean average of all its pupils’ scores.
The government has set a baseline standard of -0.5 for schools. If a school fails to reach that standard, an Ofsted inspection will be triggered.
As for the eight subjects which give Progress 8 its name, there is a heavy focus on core areas.
Each child must take maths and English plus three English Baccalaureate subjects such as science, computer science, history, geography and languages.
The maths is worth double points as is the English if the students takes both English language and English literature.
They can then include three subjects of choice – which must come from an approved list of qualifications if they are to count towards their score.
As mentioned, Progress 8 has been welcomed by many headteachers in Sussex.
Jules White, head of Tanbridge House School, said the new system was “much fairer”.
He added: “It ensures that a broader basket of subjects are counted but maths and English are still weighted - quite rightly - more heavily than other subjects.
“The old thresholds made a ‘C’ too important and now every grade counts. There still remains a problem that progress is measured from Key Stage 2 results which are far too variable at the moment.”
Dr Alison Lodwick, head of Millais School, agreed. She said: “I consider that measuring progress is a far more accurate method of judging achievement. Attainment can give a false impression of progress and therefore the starting point must be the baseline data for each child if progress is be accurately assessed.
“Therefore, when parents, employers, the press and the public in general gets used to the new way of looking and reporting results - as it sounds a bit complicated to many at the moment - it will be a fairer judgement on how much actual progress has been made by students and schools.”
Searching for the right school in Sussex for your child? - Visit educationsussex.com for authoritative reviews and so much more.


It was always easy to work out how well a school had performed when it came to GCSEs.


Police say they have seen an increase this week across Horsham of people reporting to have received calls from companies claiming to be able to fix people’s computers.
Police say fraudsters often try to trick people out of their money by telephoning them at home and pretending to be someone trustworthy.
A police statement says: “They use well-rehearsed stories, designed to gain their victim’s trust, for example pretending to be police officers who have just arrested someone using a copy of your bank card and alerting you that your money is in danger, or pretending to be from your phone or computer service provider and claiming that there is a problem with your system that they need to fix.
“Fraudsters often claim to be officials and can seem very genuine, but you should always bear in mind that callers may not be who they claim to be, even if they already seem to know details such as your name and address.
“Genuine police or bank staff would never ask you to withdraw or transfer cash from your account, nor would they ever ask for your four digit bank PIN number. Never tell anyone this number, it is for you to use in cash machines and shops only.
“Genuine computer firms will not call unexpectedly to help fix your computer. Fraudsters make these calls to try to gain access to your online bank account or to trick you into paying for something you didn’t need or to damage your computer with harmful software.
The most common type of fraud affecting older residents in Sussex is “advance fee” fraud, where fraudsters persuade victims to make advance or upfront payments for goods or financial gains that do not then materialise.
“Beware of anyone asking for money in advance. For example, fraudsters may claim that you are entitled to PPI compensation or that you are to inherit money from a relative, but you need to pay legal or administrative fees first. Genuine firms don’t ask for this, it is likely to be a scam.
“If you’ve already been a fraud victim, beware that fraudsters may pretend to be lawyers or police claiming they can help recover your money.”
What to do
Be sceptical of callers, even those who claim to be officials.
Don’t be afraid to put the phone down with a brief ‘No, thank you’.
NEVER give personal information, such as your date of birth or bank details, to unexpected callers.
NEVER allow an unexpected caller to talk you through processes on your computer, like downloading new software or accessing your online bank account.
Remember that the police or your bank would NEVER unexpectedly call you and ask you to withdraw cash or move your money to another account, as a result of fraud or any other reason.
If callers suggest you call your local police or bank to check who they are, use another phone or ensure the line has been fully disconnected by phoning a friend or relative first, or by waiting at least 3 minutes, otherwise you may think you’ve phoned a number, but you’re simply talking to the fraudsters again. This is a common fraudsters’ tactic.
If a caller asks you to type your bank PIN number into your telephone handset - do not do this, as fraudsters can use technology to identify the numbers.
You can opt out of many cold calls by registering for free with the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707.

Horsham police warning over increase in computer scams


Police say they have seen an increase this week across Horsham of people reporting to have received calls from companies claiming to be able to fix people’s computers.


The average driver in Sussex will be travelling 67 miles over the Bank Holiday, a new poll has found.
More than 2,000 motorists from around the area were asked where they would be travelling over the three-day break, and how much they would be using their vehicles.
More than half – 52 per cent – said they would be using their car, and one in ten said they would be going away for the Bank Holiday.
The most popular scenic route around the UK driven by motorists in Sussex is around Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, with more than one in five, 22 per cent, having taken this road.
More than two thirds of motorists from this area, 69 per cent, have been on a driving holiday, more than any other region in the UK according to the poll commissioned by Confused.com.
And it’s not a surprise when just over four-fifths – 81 per cent – of those questioned said that they enjoy driving.
Abroad, more than a quarter – 26 per cent – of South East motorists said they would like to take the Route 66, the famous road in America which spans a distance of more than 2,000 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica.
What will you be doing this Bank Holiday weekend? Comment below.
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POLL: Sussex drivers ‘will travel 67 miles’ during Bank Holiday


The average driver in Sussex will be travelling 67 miles over the Bank Holiday, a new poll has found.


Railway station staff are due to strike over cuts to ticket office opening hours planned across Sussex.
The RMT union has already called a 48-hour strike starting Wednesday September 7 over Govia Thameslink Railway’s plans to change the role of conductors to on-board supervisors on Southern services.
Now RMT members will also hold a 24-hour walkout on September 7 over GTR’s plans to cut the opening hours of its station ticket offices.
The union fears the reorganisation will affect dispatchers and barrier staff in the near future.
Mick Cash, RMT general secretary, said; “The Govia Thamelink franchise is in meltdown and not fit for purpose. Not content with axing catering services, closing ticket offices and attacking the role of their guards they now want to threaten 130 station jobs and compromise the safety of both their passengers and staff alike.
“Our members have made it clear that they will not stand by while this basket-case franchise unleashes yet another attack on jobs and services in the drive for profits and that is why we have no option but to take strike action.
“These cuts plans fly in the face of the response from the thousands of passengers who objected to the closure of ticket offices and the de-staffing of stations as Govia drives on with plans for a “faceless railway” where the public are left to fend for themselves on rammed-out, dangerous and unreliable services.
“It is about time Govia Thameslink started acting responsibly, halted their cuts plans and got round the table with the union in serious and genuine talks.”
Proposals would see most ticket offices across Sussex open on weekday peak times only, typically between 7-10am, with ‘station hosts’ selling tickets on concourses at other times of the day.
Both Falmer and Lancing’s offices are set to close completely, while locations facing cuts include Angmering, Barnham, Bexhill, Bognor Regis, Burgess Hill, Chichester, Crawley, East Grinstead, Eastbourne, Hassocks, Horley, Horsham, Hove, Lewes, Littlehampton, Polegate, Portslade, Shoreham, and Worthing.
Late last week the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) started to ballot more than 250 ticket office and platform staff, with the results due to be announced on Friday September 2.
Manuel Cortes, general secretary of the TSSA, said: “We cannot stand by and allow GTR to reduce Southern Railway to a second class operation which is not fit for passengers and staff.
“Passengers have suffered enough over the past few months and it is now time for Chris Grayling [Transport Secretary] to act. GTR should be stripped off this franchise and it should be handed over to the publicly run Transport for London as Sadiq Khan has suggested.
“Then we will have a publicly run franchise which will be operating in the public interest, not in the interest of private shareholders.”
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BREAKING NEWS: Railway station staff to strike over ticket office cuts


Railway station staff are due to strike over cuts to ticket office opening hours planned across Sussex.