Editor's Letter January issue - OUT NOW

JANUARY is a great time for some old-fashioned peace and quiet. Once the festivities are over, the decorations packed back in the loft and the relatives dropped off safely home, we finally get a moment to ourselves. It's a chance to reflect on the year gone by - what we've enjoyed, achieved and are proud of, and look forward to 2008 (which resolution to break first, for example). In this issue we reflect on the fantastic work that so many of the county's charities do every year and in particular how a relatively young organisation called the Sussex Community Foundation is making a difference.The foundation, set up two years ago by the Duke of Richmond, raises and gives money to charities across the county. Nancy Cremore met some of the foundation's supporters and reveals some of the fantastic work their money has produced. You'll find their inspirational stories beginning on page 84 in the January issue.Of course, all the peace and quiet will give you the chance to enjoy more of this month's issue including a fascinating interview with a man who's done his own fair share of reflection. Firle's vicar, Peter Owen-Jones, has been all over the world for a BBC2 documentary The Extreme Pilgrim, exploring other religions in search of a spirituality that he says is missing from Western religions. Writer Ashley Bird met up with him and you'll find his interview on page 100.If, however January's calm is just too quiet we've also prepared a guide to a host of things to get out and do across the county. From storming the barricades at Bodiam Castle to unearthing the past at Horsham Museum there's plenty of things to do beginning on page 93. And don't forget the Diary with all you need to know about this month's art, antiques and entertainment beginning on page 199. Here's to a quiet month then.

Enjoy your Sussex Life.

Jonathan