Plumpton & East Chiltington News
November 2020 Z. R. LANDSCAPES Landscaping Fencing Hedge Cutting and Treework Turf Laying DRIVER TRAINING Driveways CAR, LGV, PCV, FLT, HIAB
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PLUMPTON & EAST CHILTINGTON NEWS
November Page
Plumpton Parish Council 2 It is good to see the Ladybirds Playgroup East Chiltington Parish Council 5 is starting up again in the village within Rob Banks, District councillor 6 the new normal guidelines and the Skylark Schools 9 Plumpton Village Society is planning DR’s Diary 10 events for 2021. Ladybird Playgroup 12 If a group you are involved with has plans Bird Watch 13 for next year or for Christmas do let us Bus Timetables 15 know. Church Services 19 If you would like to send in book, film, Events Calendar 19 music reviews or your favourite recipes Apple Pressing 20 please do.. Plumpton Village Society 22 Maria Caufield 24 This is your magazine.. Footpath Detective 27 [email protected] Plumpton & East Chiltington Wildlife 28 Citizens Advice 31
Retirement of Fr Godfrey Broster Father Godfrey has now resigned as priest for the Parish of Plumpton with East Chiltington cum Novington. His retirement takes effect from 10 th November and he is expected to leave the Rectory by the end of that week.
Father Godfrey has served our two villages for over thirty years and many of you will have personal experience of his vocation during that time. We all wish Godfrey and Valerie a very happy retirement and much happiness in their new home, with lots of time to visit the family in France. Sadly his retirement party will have to wait but please remember them in your prayers. As a Parish we now move into a period of “interregnum”, or “vacancy” where we will have no parish priest for an extended period of time. As churchwardens we will try to keep you informed about the Diocesan plans for the church here, which is under consideration as I write.
The parochial church council and indeed the parish council are involved with this process of retaining the presence of a Priest in our villages in the future.
Please feel free to contact one of the three churchwardens with any matter relating to our three churches. We are maintaining weekly services conducted by visiting priests during the vacancy.
The church Annex has now reopened and is available for hire.
Please contact during the Interregnum Howard Wood (07794 484373) Amanda Inglis (07941 241148) David Dawson (01273 890134)
1 Plumpton Parish Council will be prepared on a business as usual basis. Savings opportunities will be www.plumptonpc.co.uk identified should the current emergencies continue beyond April Notes from the Parish Meeting 13 th 2021. October 2020 (remote meeting over Next meeting is at 7:30pm on the 10 th ZOOM). November 2020. (Remote Meeting) All members were present with one member of the public.
Outline planning permission has been granted for 10 units at Strawlands, this is a reduction of 2 from the original Poppy Appeal Village Plan. 2020
Lewes District Council have undertaken Unfortunately we are not a Land Availability Assessment, to allowed to have House to identify any additional areas available House collections this year. However for development. poppies will still be available in our
A White Paper: Planning for the Future Village Shop. Also a selection of has also been published which will poppies, pin (2020) etc will be available directly impact Neighbourhaad Plans. at 2 Strawlands, 40 East View Fields The consultation closes on 29 th October. and Grove Cottage, Plumpton Lane during the two weeks of the Poppy The Village Hall online booking system Appeal. will go live later in October. Thank you for your continued support.
The ongoing management of the village Jo Taylor PAO pond is under discussion with Plumpton College to see what assistance they can provide with the maintenance of this area.
Bookings at the Hall continues to increase with strict cleaning protocols. The purchase of the new fogging machine has helped to keep this a safe environment. Remembrance Sunday
The considerable amount of work that 8th November has been undertaken at the Playing Field has made a noteable impact on There will be no parade this year but the playing surfaces. Additional works the Royal British Legion will be will continue to be budgeted and meeting at the memorial for the usual carried out on a regular basis . service and laying of wreaths at 10.35am. The Parish Council are commencing the annual budget preparation for the year There will be a short service in the 2021/2022. The income from the church. Obviously numbers will be Village Hall has been challenging this restricted and social distancing will year, but initial budgets from April 2021 have to be maintained.
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Tel: Plumpton (01273) 890668 or 07711 712 477 Email: [email protected] 4 at the beginning of lock-down in March to enable people to have safe contact and keep in touch whilst having fun. It is a socially distanced activity and all are welcome.
Remembrance Sunday As we move into the winter period There will not be any parade this year but with ever growing concerns about there will be the usual ceremony with the rising levels of Covid 19 please laying of wreaths etc with restricted remember the support group at numbers round the memorial . There will Plumpton who can assist in many be a service in Plumpton church but practical ways if needed. If you have again with restricted numbers. any issues you would like help with The East Chiltington wreath will be please contact them as follows: moved to the E.C. war memorial after the service. Linda Watson 07478 524152 (Good Neighbours) TECT Gina Hawthorne 07595 894425 Both the activities planned by TECT in the Rob Banks 07986 755246 (District Autumn were cancelled due to the virus. Councillor) Whilst things have gone quiet at the FACEBOOK – you can also post moment, as soon as we are able, there requests for help here: Search for will doubtless be some form of coming “Plumpton and East Chiltington together for all our parishioners to enjoy.
Coronavirus Support Group”. As restrictions have now been imposed EMAIL: [email protected] limiting numbers for indoor meetings to A group of residents hope to make six it is doubtful that a council meeting scarecrows for Halloween, as Covid is will be held in November. If you have any reducing many options for family concerns or questions please contact the activities at the moment. Children clerk who will refer queries to the can then be taken on a village trail to councillors as the parish council continues scarecrow spot! If people wish to to operate but remotely. leave out little bags of treats for All normal council functions are being visiting children then it will be up to carried out by the clerk from home. E individual parents to decide if they mail : [email protected] allow collection. It would be lovely to see a selection of scarecrows around the village so The Station Partnership Team please join in if you are able. There is a more serious side to this in that would like to thank the support of Plumpton we hope it may slow traffic as many Racecourse, Hills driving school and an of us have issues with speeding in anonymous donation from a resident in these Novington Lane/Chapel Lane causing very difficult times. a real risk to our children. We have also received the support of the Congratulations to the stalwart group Community Rail Network fund. of parishioners who continue to We will endeavour to provide an attractive dance every evening at 7pm on the display at the station throughout the winter. Hollycroft field despite the downturn in the weather. This activity started 5 County Council and District with PC Attfield at Sussex Police Rural Crime Council Report Team as he had cause to visit the site recently, he has said he will be speaking with November 2020 local police and other partners to see if there is a way forward to resolving long running COVID 19 testing site at Plumpton concerns around the site. racecourse carpark Leisure Centres This has been set up by Sodexo, the The District Council, just like many others contractor working for Dept of Health and across the country, has had to offer financial Social Care. I have been in touch with the support to keep its leisure centres open. Wave Director of Public Health at the County Leisure, who run the leisure centre at Lewes, Council about practical issues around have been given a loan to cover its losses signage. I also supported the Parish Clerk when it had to close all centres during in getting the racecourse to contact site lockdown. operators regarding lighting which was shining into nearby homes throughout the Climate change night when the site wasn’t running. Lewes District have launched a Climate Change Forum to ensure local people have a Planning changes say in tackling climate change and the first Last month Sarah Osborne and I mentioned meeting has been held. For more information that the Government are intending to email [email protected] or visit https:// reform planning law. Under the government climateactionforum.org.uk/contact/ . The plans, land would be put into 3 different climate forum will also be working on reaching zones - for growth, renewal or for out to people without internet access. protection. The fear is that community [email protected] voices could be stifled and councils will 07986 755246 have very little say in whether to approve applications or not in growth and renewal [email protected] areas. Objections have been expressed 07986 776105 about this by groups such as the Campaign for Protection of Rural England, the cross- party Local Government Association and the Town and Country Planning Association. On top of this, centrally set government housing targets could see the council being PLUMPTON & DISTRICT required to more than double the number HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY of houses (or flats) being built across Lewes District. The District Council is Due to the coronavirus pandemic we responding, raising strong concerns - will not be holding our AGM this year. including both around the zoning proposals The committee is staying the same and and the housing numbers. the accounts will be done.
Wells Close/Strawlands development So if any member has any questions or As reported in the last parish magazine, I wants to see the accounts please get in wrote to the planning committee raising touch with Linda Pilfold: concerns including flooding. The planning 01273475594 or committee did decide to support "outline" email. [email protected] planning permission, but set out a wide from late November. range of conditions including drainage and wildlife management which would need to If all is well we hope to have at least be met if the development is to go ahead. one flower show next year.
Dudman/Novington Sandpit Local residents and I have been in touch
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It has been a busy start back to the school year for all three local schools in the Skylark Federation. Barcombe CE, Hamsey and Plumpton schools have welcomed all their children back to school as well as introducing the ‘new to Reception’ children to the start of their educational journey!
It is so fantastic to have the schools filled with happy smiling children again, and it has been a great pleasure to see them engaged and enjoying their new project, ‘Take One Treasure’. This has been a history-based project and the children have been studying a range of topics from The Ancient Egyptians to Pirates to Tudors and the treasure of The Mary Rose! Throughout October, we are celebrating Black History Month. Throughout the month, the children across the schools have been exploring and learning about important and influential figures and events in Black History. For example, the children have been learning about Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and reading a book called Diver’s Daughter; this book has already allowed pupils to analyse Britain’s past and its role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
The teachers have also had to respond and adapt to new Covid 19-related regulations in school. We are all now having socially-distanced meetings, Zoom-based parent meetings, and our new online learning platform ‘Google Classrooms’ is up and running. This allows the children to access and complete their homework online as well as provide a safe virtual ‘live’ learning opportunity in case of any future local or national lockdowns.
Virtual tours and socially-distanced tours for children starting school in September 2021.
If potential future parents look on the three school websites, they will be able to see virtual tours of all three schools presented by the Heads of School. Parents will be able to get and inside look at the schools, their classrooms and the wonderful grounds as well as reading all about the school from the school prospectus. If any parents would like any further information about starting school next September, then please do not hesitate to call the school offices and arrange a visit after the children have left for the day.
I look forward to updating you further about the exciting things that are happening at all three schools in future additions.
Very Best Wishes Mr. Stewart James Executive Head Teacher
9 DR’s Diary having. There's the clock work train set like the one my dad bought me. And the corgi Going, Going... Gone ! car transporter my nan gave me on my Its raining , lots of places are still closed and birthday. my visitor is a gal that likes to go places. At this point I realise,...I'VE become We've had coffee and pleasantries, a quick antique! Not so much Lovejoy as , Tinker. surf of the www reveals local auctioneer As for the old albums I sent to the jumble, Gorringes are hosting a viewing for their they're collectable now. forthcoming auction. Besides, its always So, if you fancy a browse , its fun. Check worth a trip round Lewes' many antiques t&c's, bidders premium, etc.. You never centres, always fancied m'self as a bit of a know what you'll find and it may even save Lovejoy. you a weekend struggling with the finest We arrive at the saleroom to find an flat pack Sweden has to offer! assortment of collectors, dealers and the just plain curious. At this point, for anyone frightened off auctions by tales of an ill timed sneeze or PLUMPTON & EAST nervous twitch resulting in the purchase of CHILTINGTON GOOD an expensive item, think again! It never happens. Well, hardly ever. Besides, this is NEIGHBOURS only the viewing, the auction is on Monday. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU Antique furniture (aka brown antiques ) has tumbled in value since the heady days of the Plumpton & East Chiltington Good 1970's, there are Bargains to be had! A few years ago after failing to be tempted by what Neighbours have worked throughout Oxford street had on show, I bought a late the village during lockdown and 18th century Cuban mahogany chest of beyond. drawers for a fraction of the price of new.On our visit there was a lovely George III We have been collecting prescriptions, Mahogany linen press, top half trays in a shopping, posting letters and parcels, cupboard, lower half drawers, great for taking pets to the vets with their storage. Sold for £240, estimate was owner, turning mattresses etc. 100/150. A nice oak Arts and Crafts sideboard Most importantly keeping someone sold for just £50! My fence panels cost more. company in these trying times and There was a varied range of paintings. Sale stealer was an oil painting 'towards Penzance' generating a friendship by Jeffrey Pratt, estimate 150/200, sold for £1000. Others struggled to make 40 quid. Whatever you might like help with, we A bronze male nude went for £280 despite a are here to help in any small way. modest (modesty for-bids?)estimate of £70- 80. Which just goes to show what can happen We have a number of Volunteers if several bidders get the hots for something. willing to assist. Perhaps you would Also for the ladies, there's always an like help with addressing your assortment of jewellery. Even children are catered for. An interesting Christmas cards or sewing on a Webb's toy theatre (c.1860), complete with button.No job is too small for us. scenery/accessories sold for £160. Dinky cars are worth approximately double if they have “One of the greatest gifts we can give their original box in good condition. As for is our time” teddy bears, the worlds your oyster. Please give one of our coordinators a A break for lunch then on to the numerous call on 07478524152 or 07786152215. antiques centres Lewes has to offer. There's various kitchenalia I remember my mum
10
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LEARN HOW TO SHOOT A Alexander Technique BOW can help to naturally overcome: Plumpton Bowmen hold • Back, neck and joint pain Beginners’ Courses twice a • Muscle tension and stiffness • Poor posture year in April and October on the • Breathing and vocal problems Playing Field. • Anxiety and stress-related conditions We hold Have-A-Go sessions One to one lessons tailored to your needs rd the 3 Sunday of the month For more information contact: from April to August from 11 – Caroline Canner MSTAT 01273 891174 07754147380 12.30pm. [email protected] For further information see: Alexandertechnique.co.uk www.plumpton-bowmen.org.uk
11 Ladybirds Playgroup Update
Ladybirds Playgroup is now welcoming back parents/carers and their children from the local and surrounding communities. Re-opening in light of Covid-19 has been a challenge for all sectors post lockdown of Spring/Summer 2020, and Parent & Toddler groups are no exception. Across the UK, community groups such as ourselves have been grappling with Government guidance and putting measures and risk assessments in place to ensure they are ‘Covid- secure’, whilst still enabling the children to participate in meaningful play. The most visible change for us being the face mask adults must wear. Thankfully, the children have adapted so well and do not let it interfere with their fun. There have been lots of changes, of course, to enable Ladybirds to continue to support parents/carers and their child(ren) in the community, for example: • No one to enter the hall with symptoms of Covid -19 or if unwell with a heavy cold, including if you’ve had to administer Calpol for a virus-related illness in the last 48 hours. • social distancing (1m+) • play ‘stations’ spread across a large open hall • Shoes to be removed (socks or slippers only) • Individual art/craft tools provided • Parents/Carers to bring own snack & drinks for their child(ren) • Windows open for good ventilation
At the time of writing, things still seem quite uncertain as to when Covid-19 will be tamed and the rumour of another lockdown looms. However, we will continue to serve Plumpton and the surrounding villages in line with Government guidelines and make the most of the lovely resources available to us (many of which have been built up over many years). It is thanks to the local community- your support, time, energy and generosity (including at the annual Curry & Quiz fundraiser with Honeybees Nursery), that we are able to continue today. With special thanks to Jane Donovan at the Village Hall for managing our return and the Parish Council for all their support. Last but not least, all the volunteers past and present, the Ladybirds Committee and those who come and join us at playgroup, of course. So, a big thank you from us to you, it is so good to be back!
A bit about Ladybirds: The group meets every Wednesday (term-time) from 9.30-11.30am and is run by volunteers (many of whom have worked as teachers) from the local community. We aim to provide a very welcoming, relaxed and friendly space for parents, grandparents and carers of pre-school children. There is a wide variety of toys for all to enjoy, including a lovely soft and clean cushioned space for babies, ride-on cars, mini roller -coaster, role play areas and much more.
So please, join us on Wednesday mornings- contact Charlotte McElborough for more details (including Covid Terms & Conditions/ Guidelines).
Ladybirds Playgroup- Plumpton Village Hall Covid-secure measures in place Wednesdays (term-time) 9.30- 11.30am. £2.50 per family (first session is free) Limited Numbers [email protected] Tel: 01273 891 086 12 Bird Watch Continental race has less black and appears quite silver. These are known as White I suggested last month that Wagtails and may be found on this side of the unusual birds turn up Channel, particularly in spring. They are quite unexpectedly at this time of year. distinctive and as one wise old birder told me, They need not be rare to be interesting and a “if you are unsure if it is a White Wagtail or close-up view is always special. Just outside of not, it isn’t”. my kitchen window I have open-topped water butts that are filled from the roof of the The third species is the truly outhouse when it rains. A Grey Wagtail has migratory one, the Yellow Wagtail. Sadly, taken to feeding along the rims of them nothing like as common as half a century ago. picking off small midges and floating insects. They breed on the ground, using a depression If ever birds are poorly described this must be In the ground covered by herbage, in low-lying one of them. By its name one would expect a grass fields and marshland. There are records drab plain bird but that is by no means the of them nesting in field-scale vegetable case. production. In the 1950’s, I can remember many of the bright yellow males claiming their Grey Wagtails are the most slender territories in the low water meadows at and elegant of the three species regularly seen Amberley in West Sussex and I found a nest in this country. True, they do have a grey on the Pevensey Levels while I was doing my back, but the underparts are the most National Service. The females, because they beautiful sulphur yellow, the tail is long with need to be camouflaged, are darker on the white outer feathers and it is constantly upper parts but no less attractive. As late as wagging. In the breeding season the males the 80’s a few bred beside the River Ouse have a very distinctive black “bib”. Grey below Lewes at Southease. Now, we are most Wagtails can be found breeding locally, usually likely to see them in April as they return, or near running streams and in the autumn, late August and September as the depart. many arrive from the north of the country and They are often found around cattle where they from across the North Sea. They are the ones find insects, either on the animals or disturbed you often see with Dippers when television by their feet. By the time you read this they nature programmes show splashing rivers in will be on the plains of Africa among more the Lake District or the Pennines. exotic beasts! The more widespread is the Pied Each of these Wagtails will have at Wagtail, often seen running across lawns in least two breeding attempts in a season, laying pursuit of flying insects. They are their name from four to six eggs. Grey and Pied Wagtails quite rightly suggests, black and white but to still have healthy populations in this country, the experienced birder, differences in the field but the Yellow Wagtail, because of loss of can be identified. Males have black backs and suitable places to breed and its migratory the females, grey. Birds hatched this year will challenges, is in quite a serious decline. retain buff-yellow faces through until the end of winter. They nest locally and often close to R.J.L. human habitation. I have found them in Ivy on walls, in garden sheds, re-lining the old nest of a Blackbird, and even on the ground amongst a bed of Wallflowers. They have been known to be the unwelcome host to a Cuckoo. These are the wagtails that form large roosts, the most impressive locally being at the Princess Royal Hospital, where many drop into the bushes between the wards, well away from bad weather. Some from the north of the country spend the winter in the southern counties, so partial migrants. The
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VILLAGE EVENTS CALENDAR
VH = Village Hall HQ = Scout HQ TC = Tennis Club StM = St Michael’s ANX = Church Annex PAV = Pavilion ECC = East Chiltington Church Sch = Plumpton School ALC = All Saints Church
September 2020 The Village Hall has now reopened. Contact Jane Donovan to find out what restrictions are in place. 13th March 2021 - Plumptonfest VH
BOOKINGS Village Hall & Pavilion: Jane Donovan 07747 050903 or 01273 891036 Church Annex Howard Wood 07794484373
SERVICES 1st November All Saints Day All Saints 10.30am Family Communion
8th November Remembrance Sunday All Saints 10.55am Service of Remembrance
15 th November 24 th Sunday after Pentecost All Saints 10.30am Family Communion
22 nd November Last Sunday after Pentecost All Saints 10.30am Family Communion
29 th November First Sunday of Advent All Saints 10.30am Family Communion
6th December Second Sunday of Advent All Saints 10.30am Family Communion
COPY DEADLINES
15th November for December 10th December for January
Copy to The Poplars, Station Road or email: [email protected] or Telephone: 01273 891 427
19 Plumpton Apple Pressing 3 October 2020
The apple pressing team of Mark Haywood, Mike, Gail & Will Murphy, and Ruth Segal have successfully run the Plumpton apple pressing for 10 years. This was their last year and one to remember given the need to do the pressing in a Covid safe way.
The volume of apples was less than previous years, given an earlier than normal harvest due to the hot weather in the summer and the high winds unexpectedly bringing down apples. Many came and had their apples turned into juice to enjoy.
The Bandstand became an excellent venue for the Apple Pressing to be in a Covid safe way this year. With the Mike & Gail Murphy power on the Bandstand and a water hose from the Village Hall, the press was placed in the middle of the Bandstand. This enabled villagers to watch the pressing happen, from a good social distance.
The Hospice Support Group were also on the Green, selling Festive raffle tickets and Christmas Cards.
The Village sends Mark, Mike, Gail, Will and Ruth a BIG thank you for running the Apple Press for so many years. The Apple Press has become one of the Village’s traditions, since it was gained from a South Downs National Park grant, when the Park was opened back in 2010.
The Apple Press is now stored in the Village Hall and Village Hall Manager, Jane Donovan, is the new contact point for future hires.
Next Year the Plumpton apple pressing operation will be taken over by Plumpton Village Society and if you would like to help for an hour, the new team would appreciate your help.
Please contact Martin Gilbert on 01273 890420 to volunteer, it is good fun and extremely rewarding. 2 October has been set for next year.
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21 Plumpton Village Society – Planning for 2021
Plumpton Village Society has now been up and running for 6 months and whilst it has not been the year, we had been hoping for with all the Covid restrictions, the Committee is already starting to plan for 2021 events in the Village. We would like to hear of your ideas for future activities. They can be anything from a gem of an idea to develop, through to detailed vision of what would be welcomed across the Village. Please contact Lee Stevens on 07887 562721 to let her know of your ideas. The Committee have some ideas already and have tentatively set the following programme for 2021, which we would like to add to, with your help.
Easter 2021: A Trail visiting clubs and societies around Plumpton to experience what they do and to see if you would like to get involved. At each point, trailers will be given a clue to an overall treasure hunt with prizes and yes, you’ve guessed it, the prizes will include Easter Eggs. If your club or society would like to be part of this day, please contact Lee Stevens on 07887 562721.
11 April 2021: The commemoration of the restoration of All Saints Church Lychgate. Due to Covid restrictions the rededication of the Lychgate was performed back in March by Father Godfrey and Nick Beaumont, Chair of the Parish Council. The Lychgate was originally built in April 1920 as a peace memorial and this larger ceremony is to commemorate is 101 st anniversary and its restoration.
26 June 2021: Village Strawberry Fair, with fun activities and competitions. Hopefully, it will be a traditional Village Fair on a sunny Summer afternoon on the Village Green. Just as we hoped it would be this year.
2 October 2021: Plumpton Apple Pressing. See the article in this edition about this year’s Apple Pressing event.
Whilst the Committee is small, it is brimming with enthusiasm to make 2021 a great year, especially given Covid impacts this year. It is hoped that a new normality can be found and for it to include a great community spirit. The Committee cannot do everything and therefore we continue to look for Friends of the Society to give an hour of their time for Village Events. No one will be asked to do more than an hour and not expected to help every time. Please contact Lee if you would like to be added to the list of volunteers.
Together, let us make 2021 a special and enjoyable year.
Plumpton Village Society.
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23 Maria Caufield few months, until a vaccine is available, I believe that we need to live with this virus MP and not be dominated by it. The Government will open up other parts of the economy as soon as it is safe to do so and will avoid a second national lockdown at all With the winter months looming, we still have costs. the Covid crisis affecting us all. The I hope that with my next update we will be Government has a difficult balance in terms facing a brighter future and can put this of re-opening the economy while ensuring year to bed. It has been a tough one for that as few people as possible catch the virus everyone, whether you got the virus, lost a so that our NHS is not overwhelmed with loved one from it, lost your job or struggled admissions. to get through periods of isolation. This virus wont be with us forever and we need Since March efforts have been made to to support each other in the next few support those adversely affected by some of months until this crisis is finally over. the measures introduced to protect us all. In the Lewes constituency, which includes towns such as Seaford, Newhaven, Polegate and Lewes itself, over 11,000 people were furloughed. Local businesses applied for £43 million of Bounce Back Loans and £13 million was paid out to support the self-employed just in this constituency alone. Thankfully we have low rates of the virus Plumpton Support Group across Sussex and as a local MP I am working hard with all communities to help them re on behalf of open as safely as possible as we now move St Peter & St James Hospice towards a degree of normality. Even those previously shielding can now return to normal if social distancing guidance is followed. While Christmas Cards local lock downs are in place in other parts of the country there are no plans for another in aid of St Peter & St James national lock down. Hospice The current measures are subject to change will be on sale every but currently you can still go to work, school, Saturday from hospital, church and university. You can still meet with your family and friends in groups 10.00 – 12.00 of six and go shopping, to the pub and to at 33 West Gate restaurants. Hospitals are also starting to return to All packs contain 10 cards and are offering routine treatments and when I now £4.00 do shifts at my old hospital, I am giving You can also ring 01273 891218 chemotherapy instead of looking after Covid for an appointment patients. I am also helping constituents who are patients with their Covid tests which they need before being admitted for their routine procedures. The NHS is open, and it is returning to business as usual. While it is likely that we will need to continue with social distancing measures for the next
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26 Footpath Our path took us to Northease Manor, a Tudor Detective’s manor that has housed a school since 1963. We continued SE for a short way on the verge Diary: of the C7, taking the footpath on our left that led us across another recently ploughed field A Footpath Detective’s Diary into the village of Rodmell. This village has November 2020 stood for many centuries and prior to the Ouse Valley flat lands Norman invasion the manor was owned by
King Harold II. The Church of St. Peter dates I have done this walk a couple of times in the from the 12 th Century but doubtless is on a site past few months with different companions where a Saxon church would have stood. and it has the advantage of suiting legs that don’t want steep climbs or descents whether We followed the track ENE toward the river, for reasons of tiredness, injury or to stay out having passed Monk’s House, a National Trust of the gale blowing on the top of the hills. property that was once the home of the author There can be a few muddy bits in or after Virgina Woolf. wet weather.
On our approach to the river more of the lovely Our starting point was the village of Kingston South Downs were in view rising on the other (near Lewes). From Jugg’s PH we headed side of the valley. To the NE we had a clear west through the village with the primary view of the distinctive Mount Caburn and the school to our left. We had to keep a sharp Iron Age hill fort profile was clearly visible in eye out for the footpath on our right that the late afternoon light. leads to Swanborough. It is signed but can be easily missed as it heads south between a On reaching the River Ouse we climbed onto couple of dwellings. The narrow path led us the bank to use the riverside path to head between fields and in among the farm north toward Lewes. To our left were the small buildings and the pretty houses by humps of Lower Rise and then Upper Rise that Swanborough Manor. We turned left and set protrude up from the very flat flood plain called back to our left was the manor house. It was The Brooks. These very small hills are the originally a grange of the Cluniac Priory of St remains of chalk upland that have been eroded Pancras in Lewes and parts of it date back to by the River Ouse. As we passed under the about 1200. It has undergone alteration over A27 a heron and a little egret were fishing as the centuries. It once belonged to Henry VIII the tide receded. A peaceful scene despite the and then to Oliver Cromwell. traffic passing above.
We crossed the C7 to a path that heads east Our path passed by the household waste into the middle of a field where there are recycling site and we turned left along the little options to go left or right. A few months lane that runs parallel to the A27 and then earlier a herb with purple flowers was under it to access the path that crosses the growing here and made a lovely foreground rugby fields. We crossed the C7 to take the to the view across the valley to the hills path by Spring Barn Farm and across the fields above Beddingham. We opted for the path back into the middle of Kingston, emerging by to our right to go south to the small village of Juggs PH where refreshment can be enjoyed. Iford. From the footpath we turned left to follow the lane through the village. The EJH Church of St. Nicholas dates from the 12 th Century. Look from the church west and you view the lovely South Downs that rise above the valley and the villages we were walking through. We followed the road as it loops back toward the C7 but took the footpath on our left to head SE across a couple more fields. 27 Plumpton & East can emerge from ponds in huge numbers during early summer, usually after rain. Chiltington Wildlife So, what happens at breeding time? Toads are on the move as they return to their Plumpton Toad Patrol ancestral breeding ponds, ready to If you are driving past the sandpit quarry on spawn. Their annual migration is one of the Plumpton Lane after dark between January first signs of spring and there may be toads and March, you might be surprised to see a on roads from late January onwards, small group of people gathered at the depending on the weather. They like it mild roadside. They are decked out in hi-vis and damp, so often emerge from their winter clothing and brandishing torches and hideaways after a spell of rain, and what buckets, undeterred by the drizzling starts as a trickle can turn into a surge of rain. This is the Plumpton Toad Patrol, a hundreds of toads all making their way back group of intrepid volunteers who are helping to the water. Some may only need to walk a toads to cross the road safely and saving few metres to reach their pond, while others thousands from death or injury every year. will embark on a longer march of several But why are they out trying to help the hundred metres – which is a very long way common toad – Latin name ‘Bufo bufo’? when you’ve only got little legs. Toads The common toad is a widespread amphibian migrate at night and they faithfully follow the found throughout mainland Britain and on same traditional routes to ancestral breeding many islands. Common toads prefer deeper ponds year after year. When they encounter water bodies in which to breed. These may an unexpected man-made obstacle like a include farm ponds, reservoirs, fish ponds or road, they just keep on walking and huge village duck ponds. Sadly, these types of numbers of toads across the UK are tragically freshwater body are threatened in many squashed each year. They congregate at parts of the UK and toads have been these ponds in spring, often a couple of weeks declining, especially in the southern half of after common frogs breed. After a relatively Britain. As a result, in Britain, the common short breeding period (often not more than a toad is protected by law only from sale and week), adult toads migrate away from ponds, trade, but is a biodiversity priority species being far more tolerant of dry conditions than under the Natural Environment and Rural the common frog. Communities (NERC) Act (2006) because of The Plumpton Toad Patrol has been recent declines. This means that the species established to see the toads safely across should be considered during planning and Plumpton Lane from marshy ground, where development. they will have been hibernating, to the relative How can they be recognised? Males safety of the sandpit quarry. toads can grow up to 8cm and females up to So next time you drive along Plumpton Lane about 10cm. Common toads are generally and see this sign, please do slow down – brown or olive-brown in colour, but are very spare a thought not only for the safety of the variable; females are often reddish or have volunteers, but also that you might be saving reddish warts. The skin is ‘warty’ and often the lives of hundreds of toads – a UK appears dry. Glands in the skin contain endangered species. powerful toxins and many would-be predators learn to avoid eating toads. Toxins If you would like to are also present in the skin of the tadpoles. help please contact Common toads are most active at night when Marie Bullough by they hunt invertebrates including ants, email on beetles, snails, slugs and spiders. If they find a good source of food, they can become sedentary. Indeed, they may often remain in [email protected] gardens for long periods in the summer months. Unlike the common frog, toadspawn Carole Nicholson is laid in strings (not clumps) and toad tadpoles are black and form shoals. Toadlets
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30 Lewes District Citizens Advice
15 – 19 Chapel Street Southover House 37 Church Street Newhaven Lewes Seaford BN9 9PN BN7 1AB BN25 1HG Contact : Jackie Wilkes 01273 007556 @Lewescab1 www.lewesdistrictcab.org.uk Lewes District Citizens Advice seven things to check if you’re at risk of redundancy
Check if your redundancy is fair. There are rules to protect you from being discriminated against, and for being unfairly picked for redundancy. See Check if your redundancy is fair for more information.
Check how much redundancy pay you get. You’re entitled to statutory redundancy pay, which is the minimum the law says you’re entitled to, if you’ve been an employee for two years.
Furloughed? Make sure you get 100% redundancy pay. If you were furloughed and then made redundant, your redundancy pay should be based on your normal wage.
Check your notice period. If you’ve worked for your employer for at least a month you’re entitled to a paid statutory notice period.
Check your holiday pay. You’ll be paid for any holiday you have left over when you leave.
You might be entitled to paid time off to look for work. If you’ve worked for your employer for two years at the end of your notice period, you’re likely to be entitled to ‘reasonable’ time off to apply for jobs or go on training.
Check if you’ve got legal help via your home insurance. Often people get 'legal expenses cover' as part of their home insurance package, but many don't realise they can get free legal help to challenge their redundancy.
You can visit Citizens Advice’s pages on leaving a job for further information and advice.
Citizens Advice Helplines Adviceline call 0800 144 88 48 . Monday- Friday 9am to 5pm. Email advice www.eastsussexcab.co.uk Chat online to an advisor on our website citizensadvice.org.uk/contact-us . Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 Universal Credit Help to Claim line 0800 1448444.
31 Baby & Toddler Group Charlotte 01273 891086 British Legion Reg Lanaway 890070 Brownies girlguiding.org.uk Chailey Commons Society William Coleman 01444 831923 Cricket Club Kelvin Speirs 890785 Dance Classes for Children Carol Grant 01444 243592 Flower Club Gill Wells 890561 Football Club Ian Earl 891099 Footpath Society Judy Lawrenson 01273 472277 Guides girlguiding.org.uk Happy Circle Cherie Winchester 891592 Haywards Heath Town Ladies Football Club Peter Hickman 01444 257822 Honeybees Preschool 890885 Societies Horticultural Society Ken Beard 890572 Hospice Support Group Sue Akers 891701 Clubs Junior Football Darryl Bailey 07792 686673 Groups Oil Buying Group Diane Marks 07929 336065 Pantomime Society Duncan Taylor-Jones 01273 649259 Plumpton Activity Scheme Pat Duffy 07717 285871 Plumpton Bowmen Andrew Holdsworth 890001 Plumpton Camera Club Tim Honess 01273 890582 Plumpton & East Chiltington Cindy Penny 891273 Good Neighbours Plumpton Rude Mechanical Lee Stevens 07887 562721 Theatre Co. Friends Plumpton Short Mat Bowls Malcolm Beard 890826 Plumpton Tennis Club Lesley Satchell 07590 354420 Plumpton Village Society Lee Stevens 07887 562721 PPTFA Marie Leviston 891497 For changes or new entries: Rainbows girlguiding.org.uk phone: Rugby Club Mike Allen 890076 01273 891427 Scouts Rodney Hill 890410 Email: Southdown East Pony Club Mike Nichols 01444 452295 [email protected] Stoolball Club Jo Taylor 890450 Turning Pointe Dance Classes [email protected] Wildlife Group David Philips 07768 886358
Plumpton & East Chiltington News
Advertising & Admin: Barry Luck Email: [email protected] 01273 891 427 Typesetting: Penny Acton Email: [email protected] 01273 891 427 Distributed by: Christine Millum 01273 890854 Printed By; Devon Print Ltd. 077955 66066 www.devon-print-com
Plumpton Support Group on behalf of St Peter & St James Hospice
Do not miss your chance to win one of the fabulous prizes in the Grand Raffle. All proceeds in aid of St Peter & St James Hospice
Tickets are £2.50 for a book of 5 or 50p each
Prizes include:
£100 - 1st Prize A day at Plumpton Mill where the winner will have the chance at milling, bread making and learning the history of the water mill. The day is for you and up to 3 guests. (Donated by Paul and Carole Nicholson ) Dartington Crystal Wine Decanter plus bottle of wine Bottle of Brandy Fortnum and Mason hamper, White Port and Vintage Port Portable Radio (donated by Marion Richards) Bottle of Port Tote Bag (donated by Fingerprint) Woodgate Bear (donated by Sue Whittaker) £10 John Lewis Voucher (donated by Geraldina Cross) Bouquet of Flowers (donated by Nichola Massingale) Turkey (donated by Bridgers Farm, Hurstpierpoint) Soft Toy (donated Susan Chandler) Hamper (donated by Fal at The Post Office) Coffee maker Handmade cushion (donated by Barbara Bryant) Fish & Chip Voucher (donated by (Nikki & Gary) Teddy Bear (donated by Rosemary Walls) Hamper with Wine and Sweets
Draw will take place on 28 November – Please take counterfoils and money to The Post Office or “Fyndings”, Station Road, Plumpton Green (Kelvin and Karen Spiers)