A look at what is happening out and about in Sussex
New Sussex charity highlights the work of war dogs
The recent news of the British military dog seized by the Taliban came as a stark reminder that they face the same dangers as the soldiers with whom they serve.
In response, The Galen Therapy Centre for dogs in Shipley is launching a new charity called War Dogs.
As the centenary of the start of WWI falls this year, the charity will pay tribute to the incredible contribution that dogs have made in war. Although their work is not as well-documented as that of horses and pigeons, war dogs have existed since the earliest civilizations, and continue to carry out key roles with our service personnel today.
Julia Robertson, Galen’s founder, says: “Many people aren’t aware that dogs have played such an active role in war. Their intelligence, devotion and heightened senses and speed have made them an effective force in war zones around the world. Dogs have saved many lives, and our wish is to highlight the amazing contribution they have made in the past and present day.”
Every year, Julia and her colleagues join the Remembrance Day parade in Ypres, Belgium, to lay wreaths in memory of the dogs that have served in both world wars as well as current conflicts. Galen supporters donate money to have their dogs’ names written on the wreaths. As exercise can be a crucial part of a dog’s rehabilitation, Julia is using the funds raised to build fixed agility trails for dog owners to use. They will be dedicated to the memory of war dogs, and will post information to educate people about the role they play. This year, Julia and her dog Molly have also been invited to WWI centenary remembrance parades in France and Belgium.
For more information about the charity and the therapy centre call 0845 375 1767 or go to www.caninetherapy.co.uk--------------------------------------------------
FAB prize for marathon runner
Broadcaster and self-confessed car nut Chris Evans is encouraging Brighton Marathon runners to sign up to run for Breast Cancer Care. Participants who sign up to the charity’s team are being offered the chance to win an exclusive trip in FAB1 Million, a pink Rolls-Royce Ghost owned by Mr Evans, and made famous by the Thunderbirds television series.
The car will take the lucky runner to the start of the race with two of their supporters, who will then enjoy a ride in FAB1 as it goes on the official cavalcade around the race course leading out the elite runners. The runner and their guests will then be treated to a ride home in the Rolls-Royce.
Chris says: “Anyone who signs up to be in the team will be put in a draw to win a fantastic VIP ride in the most famous Rolls-Royce in the world! Sign up to the Breast Cancer Care team now and know that you are supporting people with this disease.”
FAB1 Million was the brainchild of Chris, whose mother has had breast cancer. He placed his FAB1 number plate on a fabulous pink Rolls-Royce Ghost to launch the campaign.
FAB1 is also available for hire at a cost of £2,500 per day, and funds raised go to Breast Cancer Care. The car comes with its very own ‘Parker’ who will chauffer people in luxury to a destination of their choice.
Sign up to the Breast Cancer Care team at www.breastcancercare.org.uk/brightonmarathon or contact Tom Whitehead on 020 7960 3466 / tom.whitehead@breastcancercare.org.uk--------------------------------------------------
Calling all young chefs
Winner of BBC’s Masterchef: The Professionals 2013, Steven Edwards has confirmed he will judge the final of the 2014 Create and Cook Competition, a regional contest to find the best young cooking duo in Hampshire, Sussex and the Isle of Wight.
The Create and Cook Competition is open to all 12-14-year-olds across the three counties. The competition celebrates local food and nurtures young talent, challenging entrants to create a two-course menu, sourcing ingredients from local producers in their county.
Steven, who is Head Chef at the Camellia Restaurant at South Lodge Hotel in Sussex, was crowned Masterchef: The Professionals 2013 champion after six weeks of incredible cooking and culinary challenges. His judges included legendary double Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr who described Steven’s food as “great to eat, expertly cooked, presented with certain elegance, clean lines… and it works.” Now Steven will be applying his skills to judge the young finalists of the Create and Cook competition at the regional final on 26 June at Newlyns Cookery School in Hampshire.
Steven says of Create and Cook, “I have been involved with it for the last three years. This competition is unique because it is not just about cooking but being involved with the food journey from field to plate.” He added: “In the final I am looking for a winner who demonstrates this understanding as well as using technique to get the most from their chosen ingredients.”
The winning duo from each county final (held in May) will cook their menu for the judges, competing for the coveted trophy plus £1,000 for their school’s food technology department.
To enter or for more information go to www.fit2cook.co.uk/createandcook--------------------------------------------------
Get snap happy at Borde Hill Gardens
As part of English Tourism Week 2014, Borde Hill Gardens are holding a photography competition to find striking digital images that capture the essence of spring and that have been taken within the grounds of the garden, which lies between Cuckfield and Balcombe, near Haywards Heath.
The competition will be judged by the Editor of Sussex Life magazine and the winner will be featured in the magazine as well as receiving an annual membership to Borde Hill Garden and a photography gift voucher.
The closing date is 11 April 2014, and the winner will be announced by 18 April 2014. Entrants wishing to take part in the competition will be offered half-price entry to the gardens from 31 March to 4 April.
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Good month for… The home front
In April 1914, Sussex people were raising funds and establishing hospitals to care for injured soldiers and create medical packages for the Front Line. Agriculture, having been in a depression before the war, was in the process of being revived, and was managing to raise food output from the county, despite everything being in such short supply.
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Bad month for… Sussex fishermen
It recently emerged that all the storms over the winter have cost them in excess of £1 m in lost earnings.
