Fickle Friends may be under the radar at the moment, but Charlotte Pearson predicts big things.
For anyone heading to Reading and Leeds festivals this weekend or Together the People next month, you might be forgiven for thinking that Fickle Friends are the new kids on the block.
However, the Brighton band have been a firm fixture on the festival circuit for the last two years playing Bestival, BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend and Secret Garden Party.
“We have been going for a while,” says lead singer Natti Shiner. “But it isn’t until you get played on commercial radio that people say ‘oh wow those guys have come from nowhere’.
“The 1975 have been going for about eight years under different guises but it is only really now people are starting to take notice.”
Natti formed the band, made up of Harry Herrington on bass; Chris Hall on lead guitar; Sam Morris on drums and Jack Wilson on keyboards, about three years ago when the quintet met at the University of Brighton.
The name came not long after they formed, with Natti explaining that Fickle Friends was just meant to be a name to tide them over and the plan was initially to change it to something else.
“As time went on it kind of just stuck so we kept with it,” she smiles.
The band’s first EP Velvet was released in 2015 and Natti says they were very much a ‘DIY band’.
“That has shifted now as we have signed with a record label,” she explains. “The first EP we did ourselves and worked really hard to get it out.
“We have the luxury of someone else doing the work now and telling us when the singles are coming out.
“It is exciting and everything is a lot more structured than it was before.”
Releasing an EP was a great way for the band to show people what they are all about and Natti reveals that it got the band the buzz they needed to get noticed.
This lead to them being signed, with work then able to begin on an album which should be released at the end of this year.
The plan for the band is to record 17 songs and then pick the ones that will make the album.
“We are always writing and figuring out what we want the album to be,” explains Natti.
Fickle Friends’ sound has been described as upbeat with an 80s synth-pop feel to it, which is probably best illustrated by single ‘Swim’.
It is clear that many of their songs wouldn’t sound out of place on the 2011 film Drive’s motion picture soundtrack – something that crossed Natti’s mind when she heard former Radio 1’s DJ Zane Lowe curate such a thing with the likes of Bastille, The 1975, and CHVRCHES.
“I would love for the BBC, or anyone, to do a re-imagining of the soundtrack again. We would love to get on it and think our sound would fit really well,” she enthuses.
As for musical influences, Natti lists bands like Bombay Bicycle Club, Justice, Two Door Cinema Club, Friendly Fires and Michael Jackson, and admits you can hear a bit of all of them in Fickle Friends.
“Our sound has changed a lot over the years. I think it has got a lot more intelligent,” she reveals.
“Before it was really hectic and chaotic, but it would be because we would play bits and be like ‘oh I love that, put that in’, ‘that is great we need to have that’, so we would get it all in.
“Now we use sounds that complement each other so it works better as a song.”
The last few months have been hectic for the band, with a diary filled with festival appearances as well as trying to fit in recording their new album in LA.
“Our weekends would be filled with festivals then we would head over to America to record the album and then back over here for a performance,” reveals Natti.
The band have never played a festival in Brighton before so Natti says they are really looking forward to performing at Together the People this month at Preston Park.
The summer may be over, although many might debate it never really started, but thanks to Fickle Friends at least the sound of summer can continue well until the end of the year.
Fickle Friends will play the NME/Radio 1 stage at Reading Festival on Friday, August 26, and the same stage at Leeds Festival on Saturday, August 27.
Together the People takes place on September 3 and 4 at Preston Park, Brighton.
Other performers include Suede, Brian Wilson performing Pet Sounds, Peter Hook and the Light, The Horrors and Turin Breaks.
For more information on the line up and to buy tickets, visit www.togetherthepeople.co.uk
To find out more about Fickle Friends, visit www.ficklefriends.co.uk
For more features like this visit etcmag.net

Brighton band Fickle Friends to play at Reading and Leeds


Fickle Friends may be under the radar at the moment, but Charlotte Pearson predicts big things.


Job losses at a sub-contractor working on Sussex’s patient transport service have been announced.
Since private company Coperforma took over the contract from South East Coast Ambulance Service in April, patients have complained about numerous incidents of crews being late or not turning up at all.
While performance has improved recently, one of the company’s sub-contractors VM Langfords went into administration earlier this year, forcing Coperforma to step in to guarantee jobs, pay, and conditions.
Now Docklands Medical Services (DMS), which took on some of the former Langfords employees, said it would be informing some of its staff that the company will be ‘terminating their employment’.
In a letter to staff, Christopher Arnall, chief executive officer at DMS, said: “I have no choice as my company finances dictate that I act quickly and decisively in order to secure the stability of the company and maintain a solvent and stable company going forward in order to provide our valuable service to the patients and maintain stable secure jobs for employees who remain with the business.”
He added: “When former Langford’s employees joined DMS I gave an undertaking to these employees that all such staff would remain on ‘the same terms and conditions that they were previously on’.
“At this time I was hoping to attract additional business/work into DMS in order to be able to finance this undertaking. Again sadly this has not happened.
“Having now had the time to review the finances of my business, my work load and also my resourcing requirements I can advise that unfortunately I am no longer in a position to be able to sustain the current headcount or the previously mentioned terms and conditions.
“Over the coming days I will be meeting with employees to discuss this situation in more detail and unfortunately I will need to advise some of our colleagues that I will be terminating their employment.”
He explained that any former Langfords employees who stayed with the company would be offered DMS’ standard terms and conditions.
Last week the GMB union, which represents staff at Docklands, called on Coperforma to be stripped of its contract, and is due to hold a strike on Monday September 5.
Gary Palmer, GMB organiser, said: “No more chances, no more waiting until the dust hopefully settles, the time has come to remove Coperfoma and all those that would put profit before patients and staff.”
A spokesman for Coperforma explained that after ‘early teething problems’ the PTS was now ‘working well’, and the contract dispute between DMS and its employees would not affect the service ‘in any way’.
Working with the CCG, Coperforma had put in place a plan to mobilise extra vehicles from other providers to fill any shortfall should the need arise during the dispute.
The spokesman said that all contractual payments from Coperforma to DMS, totalling £525,000, were up to date, and justified claims from previous employees at VM Langfords would be paid, but since many of these went back several months it would take the company some time to verify them all.

Job losses at patient transport service sub-contractor planned


Job losses at a sub-contractor working on Sussex’s patient transport service have been announced.


Sixteen years ago to the day, Steve James created a new Glamorgan individual batting record of 309 not out against Sussex at Colwyn Bay, after Chris Adams had elected to field after winning the toss.
Luke Wright also decided to field, but had a much better day than Adams who saw Glamorgan resume on 457 for 1 on the second day. Wright’s bowlers dismissed Glamorgan for a below par 252 in 60.1 overs, before Chris Nash and Ed Joyce compiled an opening partnership of 111. Sussex trail by 142, and are well placed to gain a substantial lead on first innings.
Not for the first time this season Glamorgan relied on their middle and late order batsmen to get them out of trouble after they had slumped to 56 for 5 before lunch. The last five wickets added 196 runs with Graham Wagg and Mark Wallace scoring half centuries and Owen Morgan, who last week scored an undefeated 103 as night watchman against Worcestershire, again impressing with 32 not out. Jofra Archer achieved career best championship figures of 4-91, but he will bowl better than this and be less rewarded.
Nick Selman, who three weeks ago carried his bat against Northants, scoring 122 not out, was out to the fifth ball of the innings, and has now failed to score in four successive innings. He was quickly followed by Jacques Rudolph, whose miserable season continued when he gloved an innocuous delivery from Archer down the leg side to the wicketkeeper. The Sussex seamers continued to take wickets, but Glamorgan’s batsmen contributed to their downfall with some poor shot selection- Will Bragg following one from Steve Magoffin and David Lloyd- who struck his first ball for six- nudging to slip.
Wagg and Aneurin Donald began Glamorgan’s revival with a partnership of 50, before Donald played on to Archer, and although Craig Meschede was out soon afterwards, Wagg went on to score 57 with ten boundaries before giving David Wiese a return catch. Wallace top scored with 61 from 59 balls, putting on 44 with Wagg and 62 with Morgan who surely deserves promotion in the batting order from number 9. He shared a stand of 33 for the last wicket with Michael Hogan that enabled Glamorgan gain two batting points.
The green pitch was soon put into perspective by Chris Nash and Ed Joyce, who were soon into their stride, striking nine boundaries from the opening twelve overs, as Glamorgan’s opening bowlers Meschede and Van Der Gugten failed to make any impact. Nash reached his fifty from 89 balls, but Joyce nibbled at one from Meschede three overs before the close, having completed his thousand runs for the season after scoring 45.
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County Championship: Archer takes career-best figures as Sussex dominate Glamorgan


Sixteen years ago to the day, Steve James created a new Glamorgan individual batting record of 309 not out against Sussex at Colwyn Bay, after Chris Adams had elected to field after winning the toss.


Ian Christie will be challenging perceptions of the great Russian film director Andrei Tarkovsky 30 years after his death.
The Chichester International Film Festival at the New Park Cinema will be offering a Tarkovsky retrospective during which Ian will give a talk on the man and his work (Saturday, August 27, 4pm).
“I defer to no one in my admiration of the man, but I do think we must take him off a pedestal and have a more rounded view of him.
“I have been involved in Tarkovsky’s work for a long time really in different ways. I interviewed him on his first-ever visit out of the Soviet Union in the early 80s. It was a strange encounter. He was suddenly told that he could travel abroad, and he arrived in London with his minder whom we assumed to be a KGB minder, and he was a bit like a frightened rabbit. He was very self-contained. It was a public event at the National Film Theatre, and people queued around the theatre. The thought of actually seeing him in the flesh was very exciting. People jumped at the chance.
“Really my job was to try to put him at ease and not to ask him difficult questions with somebody in the front row listening to his answers. I tried just to say ‘Tell us what the film process is like for you, how does it go?’ rather than asking him questions about censorship that he would not be able to answer. And he gave me very straight answers, that he had had a lot of opportunities and a lot of support.
“People build up this image of him as beleaguered, censored and muzzled, but in fact he was working in an era where there were incredible privileges and freedoms for film-makers in Russia. He didn’t have to worry about finances. People have nurtured this view of him as a victim of the Soviet system, but I would say that in many ways, he was one of its proudest products. The Soviets really did believe in the art of cinema.”
However, Tarkovsky did go into exile, encouraged by the cellist Rostropovich: “It was a huge decision. He knew that things would be difficult, but like a lot of Russian artists, he was very attached to Russia in a very deep emotional way. He was encouraged by other people to make the jump and that things would not get better.
“It was a very difficult time. At the time, nobody realised that Perestroika was coming. That was his tragedy. I was there a lot at the time, and we didn’t really believe it was going to happen. By the time he left, I would not say he had burnt his bridges, but he had made his decision. And he had a support network in the west. He also got ill with cancer not long after he decided to leave. Even when he died, at the end of 86 (aged 54), nobody knew how Perestroika was going to go.”
But it is important to remember the respect he was still held in back in Russia.
“I was in Russia when the news came of his death in Paris, and I remember the KGM man who was monitoring us just said ‘We have just lost our greatest film-maker’.”
Tarkovsky had been part of the great optimistic era under Khrushchev in the early 60s, but then in 67-68 the shutters had come down: “Party discipline was imposed. He did and he didn’t have artistic freedom. He could make films, but it was a question of whether they would be shown. In the end, he decided to leave.”
It is a fuller picture of the man that Ian is intending to give in Chichester…
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Ian Christie offers a new perspective on Tarkovsky


Ian Christie will be challenging perceptions of the great Russian film director Andrei Tarkovsky 30 years after his death.


Trevor Payne has enjoyed more than three decades of success with his touring rock ‘n’ roll variety show That’ll Be The Day, a recreation of popular music from the 50s to the 70s with plenty of added humour.
Its latest stop is Southsea’s Kings Theatre on Sunday, September 4 at 7.30pm.
Ask where he learnt his trade, and it was back in his home town Worthing where he enjoyed the best seat in the house: “My growing up was in Worthing at the Golden Key Club,” Trevor reminisces. “That was followed on from one of the most famous venues there used to be in Worthing, called The Mexican Hat. When it had been refurbished, it became The Golden Key Club. I used to watch the shows at The Golden Key Club when I was 16 or 17, and when I was 18, I used to play at The Golden Key Club. We were the resident band there, and we would be playing there six nights a week. That would be 1966. I remember seeing Dave Dee and the Bostons before they became Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich. And then we transferred over to the Pier Pavilion and we would support every act that came down there on Thursdays. We were the support to bands like The Dave Clark Five and Herman’s Hermits and The Hollies and The Kinks and The Moody Blues. Those were all the acts that I would watch close up from the side of the stage. Jimi Hendrix came down. Cream came down. They used to come down after appearing on Top of the Pops on a Thursday. I suppose they could get down from London quite easily, and if they got delayed, then we would just have to play a bit more. Everyone came down. There was P J Proby. There were Freddie and the Dreamers.
“And they were all good guys. It was all very different then. There were all very approachable and more than happy to talk to anyone. We were all in it together. Maybe the ones that stood out for me were Cream. They were superb musicians, and Jimi Hendrix was extraordinary. And the pop bands like The Dave Clark Five drove the audiences crazy at the time. They had a good, thick sound, and everybody played their instruments.
“They were good tight bands. They knew what they were doing. And we were seeing these guys for the first time. They were still excited about themselves and about their sound. Herman’s Hermits were very tight. It was a real privilege to be there and to be seeing all these bands that close. And that excitement barometer is what I remember from that time when I am thinking about what songs to do in our show.”
Trevor reckons there are a number of reasons why That’ll Be The Day is still going so strong after all these years: “What we wanted to do is a variety show based on rock ‘n’ roll, but not just rock ‘n’ roll. There is dance and singing and music and impressions and comedy solos and big solos, and over the years, we have always tried to improve the quality of what we do.
“The musicians weren’t bad at the start, but eventually I found a bunch of guys that have really gelled together. A couple of guys have been with us 25 or 26 years. Another has been with us 28 years.”
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Trevor Payne has enjoyed more than three decades of success with his touring rock ‘n’ roll variety show That’ll Be The Day, a recreation of popular music from the 50s to the 70s with plenty of added humour.


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.


A young Arundel dancer is relishing the chance to work with the prestigious National Youth Ballet.
15-year-old Cleo Badcock will be taking part 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 this year.
Over three decades, Jill Tookey quietly 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 know a few people who have done it before, and they suggested I do it,” Cleo said. “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: “We have been doing it all day every day, but it has been brilliant. I love the dances I am in, and it is great fun. 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.
“I suppose it depends on the setting or the piece, but I don’t really get nervous. I am not a wreck. But it is always good to have a few nerves. I guess it focuses you more. It turns you on more to what you are doing.”
Cleo is hoping to audition for vocational schools – and she would love to think her future lies in dancing.
She knows a lot of hard 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.”


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


Sussex captain Luke Wright praised his bowlers for sparking the Glamorgan collapse that set up a county championship win that has kept alive their promotion hopes.
After bowling out the hosts on the final day at Sophia Gardens for 263, Wright’s men were left needing 233 for their second championship win of the campaign - and after a few scares, they got there with two wickets to spare.
Wright said: “The pitch was a little damp, it was tough to bat on and rather that set up a game with Glamorgan we wanted to try to bowl them out.
“Chasing 233 was always going to be difficult, but credit to Ben Brown and Danny Briggs wo set up the win with that 55-run stand.”
Sussex are 43 points behind leaders Essex with a game in hand in the race for division two’s sole promotion spot and Wright added; “We have big games left against Kent and Essex, and I am glad we won as we still have an outside chance of promotion, even if it is a slim one.”
The partnership of 55 in nine overs for the eighth wicket between Brown and Briggs set up Sussex’s triumph.
We have big games left against Kent and Essex, and I am glad we won as we still have an outside chance of promotion, even if it is a slim one. Luke Wright
Although Briggs was out for an aggressive 36, Brown and George Garton guided Sussex home with 20 balls remaining.
At one stage they had been reduced to 156 for seven, with Timm Van Der Gugten taking 5-73, his third five wicket haul of the season, but the eighth-wicket pair’s partnership was a vital one for the visitors.
Glamorgan had resumed on 149 for 2, but soon lost their overnight batsmen Will Bragg and David Lloyd, who had put on 77 for the third wicket.
Despite an attractive innings of 59 from 64 balls from Aneurin Donald, Glamorgan then lost their way as the last five wickets fell for just 17 runs.
Donald was caught behind off Garton, who then dismissed Mark Wallace with his next ball. Graham Wagg struck Briggs into the River Taff, but attempted a shot two overs later and mistimed and was caught at mid-off.
The reckless approach continued, and instead of setting Sussex a challenging target, they were left to chase 233 in 62 overs.
Van Der Gugten gave Glamorgan the perfect start when he trapped Ed Joyce leg before with the first ball of the innings, but Chis Nash and Luke Wells were seldom in trouble adding 86 for the second wicket before Wells was lbw to Owen Morgan’s left arm spin for 33.
At tea, Sussex were comfortably placed on 92 for 2, before Wagg dismissed Nash for 64 following his 132 in the first innings. Sussex then lost three wickets for 12 runs, as Van der Gugten, who had changed ends and after dismissing Christian Davis leg before, bowled David Wiese and Luke Wright.
When Briggs joined Brown, after Jofra Archer’s dismissal, Sussex required another 77, but Briggs, who has played some useful innings recently, was soon into his stride, striking boundaries on both sides of the wicket. He eventually holed out to mid-on but Brown was there at the end on 42 out.
EDWARD BEVAN
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County championship: Briggs and Brown set up vital Sussex win


Sussex captain Luke Wright praised his bowlers for sparking the Glamorgan collapse that set up a county championship win that has kept alive their promotion hopes.


The widow of a man who died in a traffic collision has paid tribute to him, describing him as an ‘incredible individual’ and ‘a great inspiration to many’.
Paul Nash, 47, from Rustington, was riding his black Triumph motorcycle at about 2.10pm on Sunday, August 21 when he was in collision with a white Nissan Qashqai on the A2037 Shoreham Road, in Henfield, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
He was an incredible individual who was a friend to so many people, and he touched so many lives in so many different ways Paul Nash’s wife Kim
Paul leaves behind wife Kim, 40, sons Danny, 25, and Bailey, 19, parents Rose and Alun, and siblings Coral and Andrew.
He worked for Diageo, a consumer goods company, since 2000 and met Kim that same year.
The couple tied the knot on the Greek island of Rhodes – in the company of close friends and family – in 2009.
Kim said: “That was one of the best days of our lives, and one that I’ll always cherish. Paul was a terrific father to his two boys and a wonderful husband.
“Paul worked for Diageo from 2000, where he met some fantastic people and was a great inspiration to many with the love, energy and enthusiasm he had for his work.
“He was an incredible individual who was a friend to so many people, and he touched so many lives in so many different ways.
“He was fun-loving, full of life and just great to be around. He always put others first and he will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.”
Paul grew up in the Northamptonshire villages of Yardley Gobion and Greens Norton, and attended both Sponne School and the former Kingsbrook School, in Towcester.
He joined the Navy in 1985 at the age of 17, and after several years of service left to have his two sons Danny and Bailey.
He then moved to Brighton where he jointly managed The Cricketers in Black Lion Street – one of the oldest pubs in the city – with his brother Andy. It was there he meet his best friend Dave, who was referred to as ‘Dave the doorman’, who always looked out for Paul in the years thereafter, his family said.
Anyone who witnessed the collision, or either of the vehicles in the area in the moments leading up to the crash, is asked to contact collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting Operation Alderstone.
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Widow pays tribute to ‘incredible individual’ who died in traffic collision


The widow of a man who died in a traffic collision has paid tribute to him, describing him as an ‘incredible individual’ and ‘a great inspiration to many’.


None of the 119 services a day set to be restored to Southern train timetablse are in Sussex.
Govia Thameslink Railway brought in a revised weekday timetable in early July, which cancelled more than 300 services a day in response to staff shortages.
The rail operator has been locked in a bitter dispute with the RMT union for months over plans to change the role of conductors, with both sides blaming each other for the inadequate level of train crew available.
The new timetable saw most train services cancelled between Lewes and Seaford, with buses operating instead.
Southern announced today that 119 train services will be reinstated on Monday (September 5), but these will be in Surrey and in and out of London.
Charles Horton, GTR’s chief executive, said: “We know how difficult life has been for our passengers recently and we are sincerely sorry. Our aim has been to bring back as much of the timetable as quickly as we could and for several weeks we’ve had 5th September as our target to begin the reinstatement of trains.
“We’re pleased that we can restore a large chunk of our train timetable for our passengers on this date but we will not be satisfied until the full timetable is running, and running in a punctual way people can rely on.
“But with another RMT strike called for next week, passengers will be dismayed and angry, as we are, that the union has called yet further cynically-orchestrated action to try and scupper this improved service, and cause maximum disruption, damage and delay in the very week when many people go back to work and back to school after the summer break.”
“But we will not be thwarted in our determination to give passengers their trains back. In the face of an intransigent RMT leadership, we’re doing all we can to get our passengers back on track.
“The updated timetable will allow us to run a more comprehensive rush hour service with virtually a full peak service at London Bridge and 95% of peak train capacity at Victoria. We will continue to add services incrementally and we are aiming at restoring the full timetable in the coming weeks.
“However, while we’ll do all we can to restore the services, we are faced with an unparalleled wave of strikes, unjustified industrial disputes and abnormal levels of train crew sickness. We are also part of a live railway network which can result, however much we don’t want them, in unexpected incidents which do cause short notice cancellations and disruption. This is the start of the journey to restore the full timetable. It will take time to complete, but passengers can be assured it is now underway.”
The restored rail services are available in online journey planners.
Southern says that information on services during the RMT strike action on Wednesday and Thursday, 7 and 8 September will be announced in due course.
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No Sussex services restored in Southern timetable changes


None of the 119 services a day set to be restored to Southern train timetablse are in Sussex.


The final lines, uttered by the Prince of Verona, sum up the desperate nature of this Shakespearean classic: ‘For never was a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo.’
But those unfamiliar with the star-crossed lovers, would be mistaken in thinking that despite its untimely deaths, this is a doom-laden play where no light shines.
For, in the closing moments, it illuminates its great truth. All enmity carries a great price which ultimately is too great. Peace is always preferable to war.
This is a tale of two wealthy feuding families with Romeo and Juliet a representative of each. Their fledgling love cannot bridge the divide - whereas their ultimate sacrifice does finally deliver peace by showing how futile all disagreements are in the context of their deaths.
GB Theatre are masters of the lighter Shakespearean comedies and ensure despite the sombre tone of Romeo and Juliet that they extract every ounce of humour from the bawdy lines and innuendo.
Joseph Passafaro, in the best traditions of the original stagings, brings a robust energy to every line as Mercutio, and no potential visual joke is overlooked in his hugely engaging performance.
Greg Shewring is Romeo and captures that sense of innocence, impetuousness, and naivety of young sincere love. Mollie Fyfe Taylor matches as Juliet.
It’s often forgotten how young these lovers are. Juliet is only 13. In today’s context, they were mere children and Shakespeare never lost sight of their lack of experience of the world or of their gentleness.
This production remains true to Shakespeare’s bold intent.
Thank goodness for GB Theatre Company. A packed Collector Earl’s Garden - the perfect setting - illustrates how important it is to keep the Bard’s work alive, and that when played honestly, with energy and good humour even the bleakest tale can remain wholly relevant and ultimately uplifting.

REVIEW: Romeo and Juliet, GB Theatre Company at The Collector Earl’s Garden at Arundel Castle as part of the Arundel Festival


The final lines, uttered by the Prince of Verona, sum up the desperate nature of this Shakespearean classic: ‘For never was a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo.’


An armed man involved in a 40-hour stand off with police has been arrested ‘on suspicion of threats to kill’ this morning, police have confirmed.
Police have said that ambulance and fire services were called forward this morning (August 30) as the 72-year-old man threatened to set fire to the house in Harbour Road, Pagham, but at 8.42am he told police that he was leaving the property and a few minutes later, he left, closing the door behind him.
According to police, the incident ‘ended peacefully’ just after 8.45am.
He was arrested on suspicion of threats to kill and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, according to Sussex Police.
The man had communicated with police negotiators since emergency services were called to the house at 4.10pm on Sunday.
Acting assistant chief constable Steve Whitton said: “This was a long, complex and challenging negotiation, but I am delighted to say that it has ended peacefully and safely as this was always our absolute priority.
“I also pay tribute to all the police officers and staff involved for their professionalism and determination to resolve this safely.”
He added: “It has resulted in considerable disruption for residents in the area and I would like to thank them for their patience and understanding as we have strived to bring this to a safe conclusion for everyone involved.
“I would also like to thank our colleagues from the fire and ambulance services who have waited patiently in support of the operation.
“There will be a police presence at the house for a while, but most of the officers involved are now being stood down.”
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COUNTY NEWS: Armed man arrested as 40-hour police stand-off ends


An armed man involved in a 40-hour stand off with police has been arrested ‘on suspicion of threats to kill’ this morning, police have confirmed.


The suspected murder of a teenager has been reported to the body that oversees complaints against the police, Sussex Police has said.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission was notified by Sussex Police following the discovery of the 19-year-old woman’s body at an address in Chrisdory Road, Mile Oak yesterday.
Sussex Police said: “The death has been notified to the IPCC owing to there having been previous police contact with the deceased and other people.
“Her family have been informed of this development. We await the IPCC’s decision as to how any internal investigation will be conducted.”
As previously reported, a 27-year-old man from Portslade was arrested in Burgess Hill yesterday on suspicion of murder after the body was found. Click here for the full story.
Police added that a post-mortem is expected to take place in Brighton later today, and that the address is still a crime scene as forensic work continues.
They are not formally identifying the dead woman at this stage but said they will do so as soon as possible.
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UPDATE: Murder reported to police complaints body


The suspected murder of a teenager has been reported to the body that oversees complaints against the police, Sussex Police has said.


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.


A boy has been taken to hospital after being stabbed, and police are appealing for witnesses.
Sussex Police said officers are investigating the stabbing of a 15-year-old boy in Kings Road, Brighton this morning.
Emergency services were called at around 2.10am and after treatment by paramedics the victim was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
Two men were arrested by police officers nearby; one by Pavilion Gardens, the other near Jubilee Street.
An 18-year-old man from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and currently remains in police custody.
A 28-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He also remains in custody at this time, police added.
Detective Constable Rowan Carter said: “We would very much like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and who saw something suspicious.
“It was a fast moving investigation at the scene and so even if you spoke to officers in the early hours, we’d still like you to get in touch to ensure we have all of your information that could help.
“Witnesses can email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting reference 188 of 27/08.”
Alternatively, witnesses can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or go to crimestoppers-uk.org.
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COUNTY NEWS: Two men arrested after boy is stabbed


A boy has been taken to hospital after being stabbed, and police are appealing for witnesses.


Adrian Cox, one of the UK's leading reed players, is the latest guest at Steyning Jazz Club on Friday, September 2.
Adrian founded the Adrian Cox Quartet in 2012 acquiring a dedicated and enthusiastic following, playing their energetic mix of traditional jazz and swing from the 30s onwards, in the styles of Benny Goodman to Ben Webster via Ed Hall to Jonny Hodges.
Club spokesman Colin Jilks said: “Adrian has toured and recorded with T J Johnson, Paloma Faith and Bad Manners. He has hand-picked the very best from the UK's leading jazz musicians, to form his quartet: Nils Solberg guitar, who has played from The Kremlin to The Royal Albert Hall, George Trebar double bass and a leading player on the gypsy jazz scene, and Mez Clough drums, a London-based player for the main jazz venues in the UK.
“Since Adrian's last appearance at the club, there have been passionate and growing calls for his return, a return which promises to deliver a spectacular evening of the finest music, all tantalisingly wrapped in Adrian's irresistible playing style, with its syncopated fluidity and lilting cadences.”
Colin added: “This September meeting opens our new season and is membership renewal evening, so join us in a glass of fine wine and renew your membership for the coming year: annual membership is £10.”
Steyning Jazz Club meets at The Steyning Centre, Fletcher’s Croft, 8.30pm. Doors open 7.30pm. Information from Denis Cummings on 01903 814017.


James Peill, curator of the Goodwood Collection, looks at the new exhibition at Goodwood:
To eighteenth-century ears, the Charlton Hunt was synonymous with some of the best sport in the country and Mr Roper was its celebrated huntsman. Indeed, it is one of the earliest recorded foxhunts in the world and its fame drew the elite of society, including the Dukes of Monmouth, St Albans and Richmond, the dashing illegitimate sons of King Charles II. Richmond bought nearby Goodwood as a comfortable place to stay and entertain his illustrious friends during the hunting season. His son, the second Duke, shared his love of the chase and when he became Master, such was the success and desirability of the hunt, he decided that membership should be restricted only to those who had been elected. Almost every noble family in the land had a representative at Charlton, including half of the Knights of the Garter. Lord Burlington designed for the members a handsome banqueting house at Charlton where they met after hunting, and many built themselves hunting-boxes in the village, including the second Duke of Richmond. Richmond’s hunting-box still stands; known as Fox Hall, it is now owned by the Landmark Trust and available to rent.
The most important day in the history of the Charlton Hunt took place on 26th January 1739 when in ‘the greatest chase that ever was’ hounds ran continuously from their first find at 8.15 a.m. until they killed at 5.50 p.m., covering a distance of approximately fifty-seven miles with just the Duke and two others present at the end. When the hunt was moved to Goodwood in the mid-eighteenth century, it was known as the Duke of Richmond’s Hounds and magnificent kennels were built by the architect James Wyatt with an ingenious central-heating system, a century before Goodwood House had its own heating.
Our small exhibition explores the history of the Charlton Hunt and its association with the Dukes of Richmond. Documents and books associated with the hunt from the Goodwood archive are on display. Over three hundred years later, Goodwood still revolves around sport and sharing those individual passions of the dukes with the many thousands of visitors who come here every year.
Goodwood House Summer Exhibition: The Charlton Hunt
1st August – 31st August 2016
Sundays to Thursdays, 1- 5 pm (last admission 4 pm)
www.goodwood.com
Reader offer: Luxury Afternoon Tea for Two £34.50. To book call the Ticket Office on 01243 755 055.
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James Peill, curator of the Goodwood Collection, looks at the new exhibition at Goodwood:


New images have shown the ongoing siege between police and an armed man in West Sussex.
As previously reported, Sussex Police were called to Harbour Road in Pagham following reports of a 72-year-old man with a gun using threatening behaviour.
Police are still at the scene of the armed man siege in Pagham. Picture: UKNIP
Police said negotiations with the man are still ongoing at this stage.
The siege is well into its second day. Read more here.
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Police are still at the scene of the armed man siege in Pagham. Picture: UKNIP
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Police are still at the scene of the armed man siege in Pagham. Picture: UKNIP
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COUNTY NEWS: New images show armed man siege


New images have shown the ongoing siege between police and an armed man in West Sussex.


Two South Downs National Park projects have been shortlisted for an award.
The Arun and Rother Connections Project and Butterfly Conservation Sussex Branch have been selected in the final six, from 26 ‘excellent nominations’, by a judging panel.
The Duke of Burgundy butterfly PNL-160226-143841001
A grant of £2,000 will be awarded to the winner of the Campaign for National Parks’ Park Protector Award, due to be announced in October.
The award aims to ‘recognise, rewards and celebrate exceptional projects that are making a lasting contribution to the protection, restoration or conservation of the National Parks of England and Wales’.
In a statement about the shortlist, the Arun and Rother Connections project volunteers were highlighted.
It said: “1.2 million people use the water that filters through the chalk of the South Downs on a daily basis.
Pond training event at Pulborough Brooks - www.photographersussex.com
“The Arun and Rother Connections project works with over 1,000 volunteers to run a diverse suite of activities which promote a rich, thriving river system, where wildlife flourishes and people value and enjoy the landscape.”
While the Butterfly Conservation Sussex Branch project was credited for ‘working tirelessly’ to increase the numbers of Duke of Burgundy butterflies.
This work has seen the numbers ‘rise exponentially’ from eight being spotted in Sussex in 2003, to 1,487 seen in 2016.
Caroline Quentin, the new Campaign for National Parks President, admitted learning about the ‘fantastic projects’ has been a ‘wonderful way’ to start her role.
She said: “These projects are the perfect demonstration of how much people care about National Parks and want to improve them for the future.”
Jeremy Colls, from the award’s sponsors Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust, added: “The overriding message is the remarkable level of volunteer commitment that is evident among the groups taking part. Many people really do care about maintaining and improving our rural environment, and convert their passion into action to achieve tangible results.”
For more information visit www.cnp.org.uk

Two South Downs projects shortlisted for award


Two South Downs National Park projects have been shortlisted for an award.


Models of the Coca-Cola Powerbank have been recalled due to a potential fault in the units.
Halfords have recalled three models of the Coca-Cola shaped Powerbank 2200mAh, with product codes 243524, 243516 and 243581 have been removed from sale while an investigation takes place.
Customers have been advised not to use the product, which enables people to charge and sync devices when on the go, but rather to return it to their local Halfords shop, where they will receive a full refund.
The issue affects products with the item-codes above only, with no other products or powerbanks affected.
A company statement read: “We take the quality and safety of our products extremely seriously and would like to apologise to customers affected for any inconvenience this may cause.” Queries can be made to Halfords’ customer services team on 0345 504 53 53 or customer.services@halfords.co.uk.
Home, garden and leisure products chain The Range is also recalling two models due to a potential fault - the Coke Powerbank 1a 2200 Mah, with product code 135749, and the Coke Powerbank 1a 7200 Mah with code 135750.
Customers are advised to stop using the device immediately and return the Powerbank to their local store with a valid proof of purchase to obtain a full refund of the purchase price.
Customer queries can be directed to 0345 026 7598 or help@therange.co.uk


Models of the Coca-Cola Powerbank have been recalled due to a potential fault in the units.


Worthing WOW (World of Words) Festival announces Kenneth Branagh’s Much Ado About Nothing as part of BFI Presents: Shakespeare on Film.
The season is a UK-wide series of screenings and events celebrating the impact the playwright’s life, work and legacy has had on cinema.
Worthing WOW’s special screening takes place on Thursday, September 15 at the Dome Cinema in Worthing and forms part of national celebrations marking the bard’s 400th anniversary.
Melody Bridges, artistic director of WOW, said: “Kenneth Branagh’s exuberant 1993 adaptation of this classic feel-good comedy stars Mr Branagh himself alongside Emma Thompson, Kate Beckinsale and Hollywood hunks Denzel Washington and Keanu Reeves. WOW have received funding from BFI Film/London to host the event and include Worthing as part of this countrywide celebration. They chose Much Ado for its summery romantic feel – a perfect frolic to end your summer.
“Much Ado is being shown in screen two at the historic Dome Cinema, Worthing for one night only, and is being introduced by Miles Leeson, senior lecturer from the University of Chichester who will be giving a brief pre-screening talk about the potent mix of farce and politics in this, one of the Bards most important comedies.”
Presented by the BFI Film Audience Network (FAN) and led by Film Hub London, BFI Presents: Shakespeare on Film will see more than 300 screenings and events taking place across the UK with multiplexes, independent cinemas, film clubs, pop-ups and community venues the length and breadth of the UK.
Melody added: “I'm thrilled to share this uplifting film with Worthing audiences. Worthing WOW has been looking for a really special way to tie in with the celebrations of Shakespeare this year – and this evening is our way of Worthing being a part of these national events. I'm excited to learn beforehand from Dr Miles a bit more about the story and then enjoy a glass of Italian white wine whilst watching one of Shakespeare's finest plays on film. "
Adrian Wootton, chief executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, said: “Shakespeare might have been a man of the theatre but his work offers endless possibilities to film-makers. Somehow the power of his stories, characters, his all too human resonant and relevant themes of power, politics, family, romance, tragic conflict and joyous comedy, manages to transcend barriers of time and the English language such that specific cultural settings can be interpreted by filmmaking artists, in all different kinds of locations, contexts and languages.”
Much Ado About Nothing is screening for one night only on September 15, 7.30pm at the Dome Cinema; tickets are £5 adult, £4 concs, £3 students available in advance only from http://www.eventbrite.com/e/much-ado-about-nothing-tickets-26898961518.
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Worthing WOW (World of Words) Festival announces Kenneth Branagh’s Much Ado About Nothing as part of BFI Presents: Shakespeare on Film.


This is the latest column from Lucy Saunders, who provides a regular agony aunt feature - Ask Lucy.
Dear Lucy. My husband has got this terrible habit of washing his hands lots of times and checking all the switches to make sure they’re off. It takes us hours to leave the house every day as he has all these rituals. In fact, his life has become unbearable as it seems like he has become a prisoner in his own world of checking. Please can you explain in detail, what you think is wrong with him?
Lucy: I am sorry for your distress regarding your husband’s condition it must be an anxious time for you? It sounds like your husband is suffering from an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD. This is a complex condition that occurs in many people. Your husband could have a genetic predisposition in his personality or it could also be a social conditioning due to stresses he feels in his life. It seems he is acting out rituals and repetitive actions in order to block out thoughts and feelings that he is uncomfortable with. There are many unconscious conflicts in the sufferers mind that can cause the OCD and it will help him if he finds an outlet to explore these through counselling or a support group. Your first port of call should be his G.P. who will advise him. This is a journey that affects both of you and I am sure your husband can find the help he needs for both of your sakes. I would definitely advise him to join a local Support Group as this will give him the ongoing support until he feels he has conquered the condition.
Dear Lucy. I don’t know which way to turn. I could really use some advice.
I have been married eight years and feel out of love. I stay with my husband as he recently had cancer. But both myself and my teenage daughter are unhappy in this loveless argumentative home.
What should I do?
Lucy: It sounds like you’re in a difficult situation. I hope your husband has recovered well but this is clearly difficult for you as his illness can make you feel obliged to stay. You say you are out of love but I am wondering if it may be the cancer that might have got in the way of your relationship. Perhaps you and your husband have been preoccupied with his battle. The stress of the cancer plus life’s daily struggles would put a strain on any marriage and I can understand that you may have felt shut out at times. I am wondering if you can try and find the love with your husband that you once had when you first met him? It is very important that you both try and work on your relationship to figure out what has caused the problem and try not to argue in front of your daughter. Maybe the stress has stopped you from spending enough special time together. I also do suggest you could try some couples counselling to work through honestly what has caused the problem together and how his cancer impacts on your marriage and your decisions. These sessions could also be used to discuss your own feelings about your own inner world, which understandably has taken a back seat in recent times. All marriages deserve open communication and honesty with each other and a commitment to try and understand what has gone wrong whether you stay together or not.
Lucy is a BACP Accredited Qualified Counsellor. She previously worked in the media as an actress.


This is the latest column from Lucy Saunders, who provides a regular agony aunt feature - Ask Lucy.


The stand-off between negotiators and an armed man continues, police have said.
A statement from Sussex Police said: “Emergency services remain outside a house in Harbour Road, Pagham this morning (29 August) as trained police negotiators continue communication with a lone 72-year-old man who is still believed to have a gun.
Police have cordoned off a house in Harbour Road, Pagham and are negotiating with a man armed with a gun. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
“Police were called to the property at around 4.10pm on Sunday (28 August) to a report of threatening behaviour.
“A woman known to the man was also in the house, but she left shortly after police arrival and is safe and well.
“The 72-year-old man remains in the property alone.
“A police cordon is still in place and the road remains closed.”
Local residents in Harbour Road have been advised to stay inside Detective Superintendent Nick Sloan
Detective Superintendent Nick Sloan said: “The safety of the local community is our utmost priority.
“Local residents in Harbour Road have been advised to stay inside, but should they wish to or need to leave their properties, we will be able to facilitate this with police support.
“Communication continues with the lone man in the house and we hope to resolve this situation as quickly and safely as possible.”
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
A Facebook post shows armed police in Pagham following reports of a man with a gun using threatening behaviour. Picture: Bognor News and Local Events
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Police have cordoned off a house in Harbour Road, Pagham and are negotiating with a man armed with a gun. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
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COUNTY NEWS: Police stand-off with armed man continues


The stand-off between negotiators and an armed man continues, police have said.


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.


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.


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Reports are coming in of a multi-vehicle accident that has closed a Lower Beeding road this lunchtime (Thursday August 25).


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.


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.


A coastguard helicopter has been spotted circling above Camber Sands days after five men lost their lives on the beach.
It follows reports that a swimmer has been reported missing.
The Royal National Lifeboat Association has been contacted for more information.
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COUNTY NEWS: Coastguard helicopter circling above Camber Sands


A coastguard helicopter has been spotted circling above Camber Sands days after five men lost their lives on the beach.


Sussex motorists who are travelling to Kent are being told the M20 motorway will be shut until at least this afternoon.
Highways England issued a statement saying that the M20 is closed between junctions one and four, and ‘is likely to remain closed until at least Sunday lunchtime’.
The scene on the M20 between Borough Green and Leybourne in Kent after a lorry hit a foot bridge and it collapsed. Picture: Natasha Najm / SWNS.com
The closure comes after a lorry struck a footbridge in Kent, causing it to collapse. Read more here.
Highways England said that diversions are also in place and it is likely the M26 which links the M25 to the M20 will also remain closed until the incident is cleared.
The diversion for the M20 is via the A2 or M2 using the A229 and A228, and the diversion for the M26, closed at M25 junction five, is to use the M25 junction two and then travel on the A2 or M2.
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.”
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TRAFFIC UPDATE: Motorway closed until ‘at least’ lunchtime


Sussex motorists who are travelling to Kent are being told the M20 motorway will be shut until at least this afternoon.


All That Malarkey (ATM) are back in West Sussex this September to wrap up what musical director David Harrington says has been a “fun-filled, florid and always-exuberant summer tour.”
They will be performing at the Alexandra Theatre, Bognor Regis, on Saturday, September 10 at 7.30pm.
“We unashamedly love performing at this time of the year, as audiences are crying out to be entertained whilst they enjoy their holidays and occasional bursts of British sunshine,” David said.
“Our classically-trained singers, who specialise in performing brand-new pop-infused arrangements of everything from r’n’b and chart hits to classic rock and jazz, will be performing at the Alexandra Theatre in Bognor Regis and we can’t wait to share our new show Beside The Seaside with local music-lovers and ATM fans old and new. We’re really looking forward to bringing our unique brand of cross-genre, crisp, and quirky music entertainment to the south coast.
“Beside The Seaside is our new summer show that aims to capture the thrills and spills of holidays by the beach, taking a cool dip in the sea and chilling out on a warm Sunday afternoon with a 99 Flake and some Prosecco!
“Our programme will feature a massive variety of songs by The Beach boys, Bill Withers, Gloria Gaynor, Queen, The Spice Girls and everything in between.
“We’re celebrating songs associated with summertime, fun in the sun, flamboyance and most importantly some great up-lifting numbers to leave everyone smiling and utterly elated at our sun-kissed evening show.
“We’re also thrilled to be joined on stage by the Art of Dance and Fitness choir, a fantastic local music group, and we’re so excited to perform alongside their outstanding singers. They’ve got some stunning numbers planned for us!”
It’s all part of ATM’s continuing success: “ATM have been working tirelessly in between shows recording some absolutely-stunning new music videos that will soon be released alongside our fully-revamped website. New recordings will be available on our latest CD to buy at the September 10 gig, and our music videos will be exclusively unveiled on social media very soon.
“Otherwise we have already been preparing for our Christmas tours to end the year. There’s nothing like rehearsing Santa Baby in August!
“And we are looking forward to more corporate and public performances throughout the autumn season. Check out www.allthatmalarkey.com and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/AllThatMalarkey to keep up to date with our gig diary and releases.”
Tickets on 01243 861010 or www.alexandratheatre.co.uk.
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All That Malarkey (ATM) are back in West Sussex this September to wrap up what musical director David Harrington says has been a “fun-filled, florid and always-exuberant summer tour.”


Only 19.3 overs were bowled on the third day at the SSE Swalec because of rain and bad light, and when play was called off at 5pm Glamorgan had reached for 149 for 2 – an overall lead of 118.
With one day remaining, and Sussex hoping for a result that will challenge Essex at the top of Division 2, there is a possibility that the two captains Jacques Rudolph and Luke Wright, will agree on a target that Sussex could chase in the final innings.
We need to win games, especially after Essex’s performance against Leicestershire. Sussex coach Mark Davis
Essex’s win over Leicestershire puts them 44 points clear in the race for the one promotion spot.
Rudolph and Will Bragg had resumed on 50 for 1, and after striking three boundaries off Steve Magoffin, the Glamorgan captain was only three runs from his third fifty of the season when the Auatralian seamer got his revenge by trapping Rudolph leg before.
The second wicket pair had put on 67 for the second wicket, and when David Lloyd replaced Rudolph he was quickly off the mark with two boundaries off Jofra Archer. Magoffin, who had taken the two wickets, was Sussex’s most accurate bowler, and twice had confident lbw appeals turned down.
With Will Bragg playing watchfully at the other end, Lloyd continued to attack, and when George Garton replaced Archer, the left arm seamer was twice driven to the extra cover boundary by Lloyd.
The third wicket pair had put on 72, before the gloom descended and the umpires decided that the light was too bad for play to continue at 3pm.
Mark Davis, the Sussex coach was frustrated by the day’s events, especially after two good days’ cricket.
When asked about a possible arrangement between the two captains, Davis said “We haven’t looked into that yet, but we need to win games, especially after Essex’s performance against Leicestershire. We will see how things pan out in the morning, and take it from there.”
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County championship: Sussex and Glamorgan frustrated by weather


Only 19.3 overs were bowled on the third day at the SSE Swalec because of rain and bad light, and when play was called off at 5pm Glamorgan had reached for 149 for 2 – an overall lead of 118.


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.


Embattled patient transport service provider Coperforma should be stripped of its contract, one union has suggested.
The private company took over from South East Coast Ambulance Service back in April, but during the first few months patients complained about numerous incidents of crews either not turning up or showing up late.
One of its sub-contractors VM Langfords went into administration earlier this year and Coperforma had to step in to guarantee the pay, jobs, and terms and conditions of employees by transferring them to other companies working under them on the contract.
However the GMB union, which represents staff working for sub-contractor Docklands Medical Services, has warned that many of its members could lose their jobs without money owed to them from their previous employers.
Gary Palmer, GMB organiser, said: “No more chances, no more waiting until the dust hopefully settles, the time has come to remove Coperfoma and all those that would put profit before patients and staff.”
He explained that the union had been made aware that all transferred staff could be given notice and dismissed from their current NHS contracts with a view to offering them inferior contracts on a take it or leave it basis, which could affect up to 60 staff.
The tender process for the contract was led by the High Weald Lewes Havens Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) on behalf of all seven CCGs covering Sussex.
Mr Palmer added: “The GMB have written assurances and viewed public broadcasts where Coperforma CEO Michael Clayton clearly states that their new providers would not only pick up the PTS work after the collapse of Langfords, but that staff would be looked after and not out of pocket, and importantly that all their terms and conditions would remain and be protected and not just during any inbound move to a new provider but with assurances that it would also do so for any future outbound transfer as well.
“Right from the very start when this contract was awarded to Coperforma despite the missed warning signs around their inability to deliver such a vital service for Sussex being ignored by the CCGs and its accountable officers, their delivery, accountability and responsibility has been seen to fail all measures, standards and targets by everyone except those who are ultimately responsible, the CCGs.”
Coperforma have been approached for comment.
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Calls to strip Coperforma of Sussex patient transport service contract


Embattled patient transport service provider Coperforma should be stripped of its contract, one union has suggested.


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?”


University of Chichester graduate Joe Perkins tries to capture a little bit of chaotic Quo in his new album.


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.


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.