What a Treasure

Above is a facsimile of an original watercolour drawing by local artist Clare Harms which the WHCA Trustees commissioned to present to outgoing Chair, Sylvia Alexander-Vine. It’s a superb representation of West Hill Hall. Clare’s work can be seen on her website, clareharms.co.uk, and in Seven Dials shops Fullertons and Dragonfly. Sylvia was over the moon to receive the Hall picture. She is still recovering, slowly, from her recent stroke. She has only praise for the dedicated and fun-loving staff at the Royal Sussex County hospital stroke ward and the Community Neuro Rehab Team who are now visiting her at home regularly to put her through physio and occupational therapy.

Unlike Sylvia who is currently housebound, over 50 people in 10 teams turned out for the third annual West Hill Treasure Hunt on 19 July. Janice Johnson of Albert Road and her team, the Allotmenteers, won the £25 first prize, with The Three Js, Meow! and Pat n’ Reg coming in close behind. Special mention to the fastest team, Pirates of Something, who completed the course in 49 minutes.

Albert’s Astonishing Army won best team name; and the two dogs, Elvis and Albert, both won a prize for being the brightest (and noisiest) dogs in West Hill. Albert (pictured) won everyone’s heart.

It was a glorious day and it was great to see so many people come and join in the fun. Dorothy Lamb and Jack Jackson set the questions, Meena from Bright News made a wonderful selection of onion bhajis and vegetable samosas, and despite the refreshments table being absolutely full at the beginning of the afternoon, suffice to say that there was nothing left to take away at the end. Even the doggie biscuits found a home. Balloon clearance experts James and Lily helped clear up the Hall. Thanks to the participants and the organisers. See you next year!