There was a good turnout at Walberton Baptist Church hall on Thursday and it proved such a success, the Village Friends have been asked to repeat it later in the year. Meg Brackley, chairman, said: “It was interesting and a lovely evening. Lots of people from the village attended, as did lots of our volunteers and a couple of our elderly village friends. “Patsy Pitkin gave a tear-jerking speech about how Village Friends has helped her.” The event coincided with the launch day for Rosie Howard’s new novel, A Vintage Year, and the author went along to give a short talk, sign books and answer questions from the audience. Meg said: “We raised £150 for Village Friends, awareness of our small charity in the Six Villages area and had a fun community event. Many people asked if I could hold another one in the near future, so I’m sure we will.” Village Friends is a good neighbour scheme for Barnham, Westergate, Eastergate, Walberton, Fontwell and Yapton. Telephone 07925217843 for more information. Loneliness: The Hidden Epidemic campaign launches in Sussex Littlehampton’s Star Ignited Performance Academy invited to perform in London’s West End Parenting charity NCT launches Little Bundles to support vulnerable mothers in Sussex