West Sussex Gazette - Columnists Feed

Francis Maude: new ‘village’ in a most peaceful place

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:57:43 GMT

One of my first meetings on Friday was a regular catch-up with Divisional Commander for West Sussex, Chief Superintendent Walker and Horsham District Commander, Chief Inspector Hodges.

Ray Dawe: sad reality for democracy is that only a third voted

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:51:54 GMT

In last week’s County Times people wrote in about the recent elections. One letter started, ‘Can I be the only person worried about our local elections?’ and then went on to say, ‘you are given a voting slip with the candidates’ names and political parties. That’s all that’s available… so please can we… in this day and age make these elections meaningful’. Another person said, ‘We received advance literature from only one candidate’.

Nice to have some weather in moderation for a change’

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:10:40 GMT

The fair weather we enjoyed over the Bank Holiday weekend did make those of us who had planted spring crops exceedingly nervous, particularly when rumours were rampant that we were in for a drought which would last until July.

Old croakers make their exit

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:01:32 GMT

IN MAY Ravens take their families down to the beach where food for the young families is easier to find. Ours have already gone.

Mucking out smell is still hanging in the air

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:58:52 GMT

If print was scratch and sniff, you would be inhaling the rich,

‘Black pearls’ with eyes of obsidian

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:57:28 GMT

I am sitting on the trunk of a felled tree, with a horse rug around me. Although the day is bright, and warm enough if you are on the move, the wind is brisk and a touch unfriendly to those who are sitting still, as if to encourage us to arise and do some proper work.

Nik Butler: Let’s give up on voting - it’s not worth the tax payers’ time

Thu, 09 May 2013 13:55:14 GMT

Let’s give up voting. It is clearly not worth the the tax payers’ time. Why not just sit back and agree that there is no other party than the incumbent party and they alone should have the right to rule over the choices available to West Sussex.

Do you feel like getting all creative, like me kids?

Thu, 09 May 2013 13:18:52 GMT

THIS week we had the day off school on bank holiday Monday, so I went shopping with my mum.

Nick Herbert: Queen looked radiant at Westminster

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:55:13 GMT

The State Opening of Parliament is always a splendid occasion, and after the news

Francis Maude: measures to improve the nation’s health

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:47:53 GMT

Over the years, I’ve written a great deal about attempts to secure a new hospital for local NHS patients – it’s been big news. But I felt it was time I drew readers’ attention to what’s going on nationally.

David Moore: it’s a myth that house build will kick-start economy

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:40:55 GMT

It seems to have been accepted that we will not see a new NHS hospital with an A&E department built near Horsham.

‘Job done’ as crops are finally sorted and waiting game starts for the lupins

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:56:29 GMT

The activity in the countryside this past week has been phenomenal, the sight of tractors scurrying around the fields in a mad dash to get spring crops in at last, has been a relief. Another week or so of wet fields and freezing nights would not have helped, so although late for some crops at least we can say ‘job done’. Here the lupins are in and both we and the pigeons are waiting for them to break cover.

We need a charismatic leader to inspire us all

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:55:16 GMT

Perfect weather during the day has enabled us to get a huge amount of work done in the last week. Maize drilling is going well and all the young-stock are out grazing.

Not a dirge but the fine spirit of the Downs

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:53:45 GMT

Nick Herbert: Technology needn’t be substitute for care

Thu, 02 May 2013 10:36:58 GMT

In the last fortnight I’ve visited care homes in Hassocks and Petworth, both of which have special facilities for people who have dementia.

Francis Maude: new projects are exciting and inspiring

Thu, 02 May 2013 10:12:18 GMT

This week I’d like to press the rewind button and tell readers about a visit I made a couple of weeks ago to Millais School in Horsham. It was quite a lengthy visit – in fact it turned into a Millais-only advice surgery.

Ray Dawe: many good ideas for meeting future housing needs

Thu, 02 May 2013 09:59:04 GMT

Do we perhaps need a grand bargain between the generations as part of the big debate about housing and where it should go? Could it be that more homes tailored to the needs of older home owners but which psychologically do not feel like life’s final resting place, and instead provide a stimulating future, helping to free up family sized properties for the younger generation as a result?

Pain of frost is a surprise for an Ethiopian

Wed, 01 May 2013 12:16:32 GMT

Dehorning rodeo leaves us bloodied and bruised

Wed, 01 May 2013 12:13:45 GMT

THE swallows are back. Virtually establishing themselves overnight in old haunts of meal shed, dairy and the trailer.

Dog attacks a worrying part of outdoor life

Wed, 01 May 2013 12:09:42 GMT

IT IS a pleasure to walk in the countryside with our dogs particularly in the spring when nature is bursting into life.