High Sheriff of West Sussex visits social action group TLC

High Sheriff of West Sussex Dr Tim Fooks, in his weekly briefing on projects in the county, visits Tillington Local Care, a social action group offering, and known as, TLC.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

One mile west of Petworth is the village of Tillington, with its fine church standing proud above the A272.

The original church of All Hallows dates back to the 12th century but it is now famous for its eye-catching Scots Crown spire that Lord Egremont of Petworth had built in 1807.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The idea of the spire was possibly inspired by the artist Turner, who painted it, as did his contemporary Constable, many times.

High Sheriff of West Sussex Dr Tim Fooks with Tillington Local Care membersHigh Sheriff of West Sussex Dr Tim Fooks with Tillington Local Care members
High Sheriff of West Sussex Dr Tim Fooks with Tillington Local Care members

But the reason for my visit to this fine village, full of attractive downland cottages and stunning views across to the Downs, was to meet the committee and volunteers of another stand-out feature of this community, the Tillington Local Care group, or TLC for short.

I was invited by the chairman of the group, Carmen Woodhatch, and the committee’s long-standing secretary, Gerald Gresham Cooke.

In a few days, TLC will celebrate its 11th anniversary and during that time it has grown into a team of more than 30, who provide a taxi and collection service for the residents of Tillington and the neighbouring hamlets of Upperton and River.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Being so well-established, TLC met the demands of the Covid-19 crisis with calm efficiency as it shifted up a gear and ensured that all those who had to self-isolate were able to receive their groceries and medication.

The original church of All Hallows dates back to the 12th centuryThe original church of All Hallows dates back to the 12th century
The original church of All Hallows dates back to the 12th century

Now the pandemic pressure has, for the time being, receded, the group has been able to relax a little more, but it remains ready and waiting in case a second spike develops.

TLC demonstrates the power for good that lies in each of our communities. Through its work, the vulnerable and the lonely are cared for and befriended and the volunteers are bound together by their common purpose and team-spirit.

The Covid crisis has resulted in many such groups springing up across West Sussex and lives have been changed, and probably saved, through their impact.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

What makes TLC stand-out as an exemplar of these social action groups is that they have discovered not just the ability to respond effectively to the needs of their local community but also how to sustain this over a longer period.

High Sheriff of West Sussex Dr Tim Fooks with Tillington Local Care secretary Gerald Gresham CookeHigh Sheriff of West Sussex Dr Tim Fooks with Tillington Local Care secretary Gerald Gresham Cooke
High Sheriff of West Sussex Dr Tim Fooks with Tillington Local Care secretary Gerald Gresham Cooke

It was therefore, for me, a great pleasure and privilege to meet TLC and to thank them in person for all they have done, both during the crisis and for the preceding 11 years, to bring the vulnerable and the volunteer together in such a successful way.

Please note the High Sheriff’s Special Recognition Volunteer Award is still accepting nominations for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary acts of thoughtfulness and kindness, in a purely voluntary capacity, during the Covid crisis.

The closing date is September 30, 2020. More information and nomination forms can be requested from the High Sheriff’s office by email to [email protected]

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

The view from the Scots Crown spire that Lord Egremont of Petworth had built in 1807The view from the Scots Crown spire that Lord Egremont of Petworth had built in 1807
The view from the Scots Crown spire that Lord Egremont of Petworth had built in 1807
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.

Related topics: