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PLUMPTON & EAST CHILTINGTON NEWS

January 2021 Page Over 2020 I have been adding events to the calendar and then removing them a Plumpton Parish Council 2 month later when events get postponed East Chiltington Parish Council 5 or cancelled. This month I am pleased to County & District councils 6 say that we have a list of events for 2021 Maria Caufield 9 for the Horticultural Society, St. Peter & DR’s Diary 10 St. James Hospice and The Plumpton Christmas Walkby Market 12 Society. Bird Watch 13 The only cancellation is, sadly, Plumpton Society poem 15 PlumptonFest which was due to take Church Services 16 place on 13th March. Hopefully it will be Events Calendar 17 rearranged for later in the year. Climate Change 18 The start of 2021 brings the first of a new St. Peter & St. James Hospice 19 series of articles on Climate Change by Rude Mechanicals 22 Carole and Paul Nicholson. Plumpton & East Chiltington If a group you are involved with has plans Wildlife 24 for 2021 do let us know. Footpath Detective 27 If you would like to send in book, film, Commons 28 music reviews or your favourite recipes Citizens Advice 31 please do.. This is your magazine.. [email protected]

1 Plumpton Parish Council on improving the playing surfaces, we need to protect the grass areas. www.plumptonpc.co.uk 2020 was a difficult year for all of us, Notes from the Parish Meeting 8 th let’s hope for brighter days ahead. December 2020 (remote meeting over ZOOM). Next meeting is at 7:30pm on the 12 th

January 2021. (Remote Meeting over The Parish Council Village Green grass Zoom) cutting maintenance contract is due for renewal on 1st April 2021, this is a 3 year contract. Please contact the GOOD NEIGHBOURS parish clerk on [email protected] for We need your help a copy of the tender invitation terms. The conditions application deadline is Our current Chairperson is 31st January 2021. leaving Plumpton for pastures new so we are looking for a There will be a minor reduction in train replacement & a new secretary services in the new year with 1 up and to help run the committee. 1 down service being removed from the timetable. The positions won’t require a lot The Village Hall online booking sytem is of your time and it is very progressing well and should be fully rewarding to be a part of a great operational in the New Year. team of people helping out in your local community. Improved security at both the Village Hall and Pavilion has been implemented wth Ring video door bells and security If you are interested in getting alarms being installed at both locations. involved - please contact one of The locks at the Pavilion have been our coordinators for a chat. changed as it was clear that unauthorised persons had access to keys. 07786 152215 / 07478 524152

Improved verti-drainage and mole draining have been successfully installed along the length of the paying field adjacent to the road/railway track. Could users please note that vehicles should, on no account, park on the grass at any point before the anticipated improved weather conditions in the Spring. The considerable level of rainfall has made the grass areas extremely soft and, as we have spent considerable amounts 2 A clean carpet FLORAL ART isn’t all we guarantee…… Mobile Florist - Wide Delivery Service NICHOLA MASSINGALE • Carpet Cleaning & Repairs, retufting & reweaving Phone: Plumpton (01273) 891301 • Mobile: 07970 462337 Upholstery Cleaning • . • Weddings • Funerals• Rug Cleaning including Wool & Silk •Special Occasions• •Contract • Dried• • Curtain Dry Cleaning on-site-at- the-window • Carpet Moth Treatment Service Rupert Thacker • Fire & Flood Clean-Up Service st Furniture Restoration Services Now celebrating 24 years of providing 1 class service Including Furniture repairs, Polishing etc. of in Plumpton, Plumpton Green, East Chiltington, Antique, Contemporary, and Reproduction Furniture & Brighton.

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At present it is unclear when the next Parish meeting will take place due to fast Hopefully by the time of reading this changing government restrictions many of our most vulnerable however as ever please contact the clerk parishioners will have been offered if you have any queries. and received the Covid 19 vaccination should they so wish. The Parish council would like to take this Hopefully as this programme rolls out opportunity to wish all our parishioners a we may be able to enjoy some happy and healthy 2021. relaxation of the constraints upon our movements and get back to PLUMPTON & EAST some form of normality. CHILTINGTON GOOD

NEIGHBOURS Yet another large deposit of fly WE ARE HERE FOR YOU tipped waste was left at various points along Novington Lane,much of it being paint and builder’s type Plumpton & East Chiltington Good waste . The police were notified, and Neighbours have worked throughout the road washed of some of the the village during lockdown and paints which had been spilled thus beyond. preventing a hazard to traffic. Our We have been collecting prescriptions, thanks go to councillor Durham who shopping, posting letters and parcels, gave his own time to clear a quantity taking pets to the vets with their of the remainder and take it to the owner, turning mattresses etc. recycling centre at Lewes. Most importantly keeping someone

company in these trying times and The Parish council has been generating a friendship approached by a resident of the

Westmeston , and East Whatever you might like help with, we Chiltington History group which are here to help in any small way. finally closed in 2014. The group had throughout time gathered a great We have a number of Volunteers deal of informative archives which willing to assist. Perhaps you would have been digitalised and will be like help with addressing your offered to the Keep which has limited Christmas cards or sewing on a space and will not be able to take the button.No job is too small for us. entire collection. To avoid the collection being split the resident has “One of the greatest gifts we can give asked if anyone locally has any is our time” interest in re- establishing the group Please give one of our coordinators a They would be happy to work with call on 07478524152 or 07786152215. any interested parties to get things up and running. If this is something you feel might 5 County Council and District concerns. Council Reports Along with over 2,000 other councillors January 2021 across the country, Sarah Osborne and I gave our support to a letter from Friends Report from County Councillor of the Earth and countryside charity CPRE expressing concern about the Sussex residents urged to join impact Government proposals to change COVID vaccine team our planning system could have on A reminder that the NHS in Sussex is nature and our environment. on the hunt for thousands of potential Reduction in rail services vaccinators and volunteers to help I understand that Southern/GTR are protect millions of people from COVID- planning the removal of two stopping 19 quickly when a safe and effective services at both Plumpton and vaccine becomes available. Cooksbridge train stations. I wrote to Anyone wanting to volunteer can do object and they have replied saying that so here : www.sussexcommunity.nhs.u should passenger numbers recover then k/work-with-us/covid19vaccine.htm the services could be re-instated saying Track and Trace "the missing services can be re-instated I have asked for data on what when the crew position allows and / or percentage of contacts on the local passengers return in the future after Track and Trace service now in coronavirus". It is sad to see a two hour operation by ESCC and will share the gap in the timetable and I will continue information when available on my Cllr to press for re-instatement. Please do Facebook page Cllr-Sarah-Osborne , or what you can to support our local trains. try https://tinyurl.com/ Want to add your complaint? Why not y2q7s9vh email the Chief Executive Cycling and Walking Consultation officer [email protected] I have responded to the Highways Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure I continue to meet with the parish Plan Public Consultation pointing out council on various matters, including the lack of plans for safe cycling & recently to follow up on possible local walking in villages like Plumpton. road safety measures.

Sarah Osborne Fly tipping 07986 776 105 Fly tipping incidents have more than [email protected] trebled across the District in the last quarter. I am asking if our rural lanes are Report from District Councillor affected more than others, it certainly feels like it! I have reported yet more fly Government changes to our tipping locally to the District Council for planning system clearance. Don't forget, the District Following requests from many people Council can collect bulky waste (for a across Plumpton and East Chiltington, charge) - call 01273 471600 or you can I spoke out against the proposed take things to the tips at Lewes or changes - including the proposed Maresfield. increase in housing numbers Lewes

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Maria Caufield MP

I am really pleased that the Government has announced plans to end live animal exports for slaughter. I have campaigned to end this cruel practice which we couldn’t outlaw while we were members of the EU and it is the start of a renewed push by government to strengthen the UK’s position as a world leader on animal welfare.

These proposals form part of an eight-week consultation, launched on 3rd December in and Wales, seeking views on how to better protect animal welfare during transport. Live animals commonly have to endure excessively long journeys during exports, causing distress and injury and see us become the first country in Europe to end this practice.

The government is also consulting on proposals to further improve animal welfare in transport more generally, such as:

• reduced maximum journey times • animals being given more space and headroom during transport • stricter rules on transporting animals in extreme temperatures • tighter rules for transporting live animals by sea.

This marks a major step forward in ending live exports for slaughter. Animal welfare is one of the most frequent issues raised with me by constituents. For years I have had to tell them that as long as we are in the EU we cannot ban the live export of animals and that we would look to do so once we had left. I am pleased therefore that we are now beginning the process of banning the cruel and distressing live export of animals for slaughter now that we have left the EU and the transition period is ending.

Around 6,400 animals were transported from the UK directly to slaughter in continental Europe in 2018, based on internal figures. This consultation takes into account the responses to the 2018 Call for Evidence, as well as the report published by the then Farm Animal Welfare Committee (now known as the Animal Welfare Committee), which is made up of farming and veterinary experts, into the existing welfare standards for animals during transport.

The consultation can be found at https://consult.defra.gov.uk/transforming-farm- animal-health-and-welfare-team/improvements-to-animal-welfare-in-transport/ until the 28 th January 2021. Please do take part and have your say.

9 DR’s Diary Eat chocolate, save the This is when many of us are world ! considering making New Year resolutions. Maybe to give up Well, not quite, but it did get your chocolate, go on a low carb diet or attention! perhaps join a gym and get fit. We all know someone who coughs up A New Year brings new hope, this year mega bucks for a years’ membership at more than ever. the gym, a few sessions down the line, I can remember an old black and white its February, its cold outside and we/ film years ago, a man had trekked they succumb to the comfort of the across the desert, his sweat sodden shirt sofa, a pizza, chocolates and the TV. sticking to his tired body. In true One missed workout becomes, 2,3,4 Hollywood style, just as all seemed lost, and so on,… he reached sanctuary. He was offered the thing, that at that moment, he most Normally this would bring on a sense of wanted in all the world. A glass of water lack of resolve. Our gluteus maximus (they didn’t offer still or sparkling in are decidedly maximus and we have those days). Even at my young age, it pizza / choccy stains on our gym wear. struck me how something so mundane This year is different. Stop beating as a glass of water assumed epic yourself up with remorse. proportions if there was a huge shift in circumstances. Your gym instructor can now purchase lots of expensive gym kit, without you Last year we were all denied things we to bother him, he has had time to build normally took for granted. Hugging our those muscles so much that his old kit grandchildren, visiting family & friends, no longer fits him. The pizza man has the cinema, going to cheer your team on done so well he can now employ more and not having to worry how many are staff and the chocolatier is increasing around the dinner table. To pop into the production ready for next months’ busy pub for a swift half on the way home Valentine's day. from the office (that's if we're still going to the office) or maybe to go to a gig. To exercise caution and an active Along with our face masks, we can look imagination is enough of a 'workout' forward to an end of all the restrictions for anyone. that have been in place. However, it’s not all been bad, I hope we can retain a DR level of community spirit that has been evident. To look out for our neighbour and the realisation that in many ways we rely on each other, both socially and economically.

Charities have suffered massive losses with fundraising, businesses have suffered and jobs lost. If we are in a position to, I feel we should do all we can to help. 10

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11 CHRISTMAS WALK BY MARKET

Plumpton Village Society put on a Christmas Walk by Market on 12 December to bring some festive cheer to the Village.

Kindly sponsored by Plumpton Racecourse as a thank you to the Village for any disruption due to the Covid testing station.

There were 8 Christmassy stalls, supported by Christmas Music to get into the festive spirit. A vigorous risk assessment was done to ensure that all the Government tier 2 guidelines were followed and as extra protection everyone wore their masks and kept to 2 metre social distancing.

These things could not be put on without the full commitment of the 8 Committee members, help from 15 volunteers from the Friends of Plumpton Village Society, the 8 stallholders and of course the 250 villagers who came to the market. Thank you.

We hope this gave everyone’s spirit a bit of a lift, we were certainly lucky to have a dry Plumpton December day.

12 Bird Watch thought to be female Sparrows. True, last summer I saw few Greenfinches and not many Many of us have had more were reported breeding locally so perhaps opportunity, during the some of these may be birds from the Continent restrictions, to watch the garden as it is known that they partially migrate to birds more closely. Though many are find reliable food sources. common and perhaps mundane, being able to study the details is always most enlightening. The sexes of Great Tits can be A list of those species using the feeders and separated in the field. Males have a broad the garden as a whole, is a good start. The black belly whereas the females only a thin variety and number of species might be a black line. This detail always increases the surprise. There will always be the regulars, interest even in familiar species. In other, Blue and Great Tits, House Sparrows and Wrens, Dunnocks, Blue Tits and Robins for Goldfinches but perhaps a Nuthatch or Great example the sexes look very much the same Spotted Woodpecker arrives to give added and it is said that only a bird of that species interest and close views so that detail of their can tell the difference. Their behaviour helps. plumage can be appreciated from close range. Often the males are slightly larger and more I have had a regular Magpie flapping about aggressive towards each other particularly trying to get at the seed and less welcome, before the breeding season when they have to because there have been no shoots to reduce impress the females and defend their territory their numbers, up to seventeen Pheasants from other males. It is the males that sing the plodding about, not only causing black full song and Song Thrushes, Robins and flattened areas but eating much of my spinach Dunnock that nest early, will be singing before Popeye style. the start of the year. This is a good time to learn bird song as few yet sing before the Differences in the colours in the tumult and confusion after the summer visitors plumage may distinguish the sex of the bird. arrive. Some of course are obvious. Blackbird females are brown. Chaffinch males have a brick-red Earlier in the autumn I suggested we breast whereas the females, greyish brown. look out for and record the last Swallow we Some are more suttle. Both sexes of Great see. Over my garden, on 12 th . November, a Spotted Woodpeckers have the bright red juvenile circled over several times. I was very under-tail patch but only the males have a red pleased with this late sighting. However, while line at the back of their head. The juveniles taking my exercise along Streat Lane, a local had a red cap on fledging but by this time of family pulled up in a car, to tell me that they year that will have grown out with the first had seen one three days later. So good to get moult and now are in full feather and ready to feedback and to know the interest that wildlife breed, though they can be distinguished from is giving during these difficult times. the adults as the underparts are dull R.J.L. compared to the white colour of the older birds . Their drumming on the trees early in the year is one of the first signs of spring denoting where they are claiming territory.

Though it is said that Greenfinches are less common than previously, I am regularly getting a dozen or more on the sunflower hearts. These are birds that differ greatly according to age and to sex. The mature males are bright greenish yellow with a strong yellow outer wing. Some of the first-year females are yet to show much yellow on the wings and at first glance could easily be

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14 Here’s a review of 2020, the strangest of years; let’s keep going into 2021 and a happier New year.

In the lead up to Christmas and all through the town People wore masks that covered their frown

The frown had begun way back in the Spring, When a global pandemic changed everything,

They called it Corona, but unlike the beer, It didn’t bring good times, it didn’t bring cheer,

Airplanes were grounded, travel was banned, Borders were closed across air, sea, and land,

As the world entered lockdown, to flatten the curve, The economy halted, and folks lost their nerve,

From March to July, we rode the first wave, People stayed home, they tried to behave,

When Summer emerged, the lockdown was lifted, But away from the caution, many folks drifted,

Then came November and cases were spiking, Wave two had arrived much to our disliking,

It’s true that the year had sadness a plenty, We will never forget the year 2020,

Christmas was not cancelled, and neither was hope, If we lean on each other, I know we can cope.

Plumpton Village Society

15 Church Services for January

Sunday 3 rd January Christmas 2 All Saints 10.30am Family Communion

Sunday 10 th January Epiphany 1 or Plough Sunday All Saints 10.30am Family Communion

Sunday 17 th January Epiphany 2 All Saints 10.30am Family Communion

Sunday 24 th January Epiphany 3 All Saints 10.30am Family Communion

Sunday 31 st January Epiphany 4 All Saints 10.30am Family Communion

Sunday 7 th February 2 Before Lent All Saints 10.30am Family Communion

During the interregnum please contact the churchwardens for any information about church related matters. David Dawson (01273 890134) Amanda Inglis (07941 241148) Howard Wood (07794484373)

Season of Epiphany, Come and meet the new Bishop of Lewes

During the interregnum or period of time in the parish when we have no dedicated priest, it is the responsibility of the churchwardens to invite mainly retired priests to lead our worship. Recently I had a phone call from the new Bishop of Lewes, Bishop Will who expressed a wish to visit the Parish. I am delighted to say that Bishop Will is going to come and lead our worship at All Saints church on Sunday 31 st January 2021. Even if you are not a current church goer or perhaps you have just arrived in the village, we will offer you a warm welcome and the opportunity to give your views about the way forward in our parish as we seek the right person to lead us into the future. We have worked hard to secure a live in priest in Plumpton and East Chiltington and now seek the support of our parishioners.

The Archdeacon of Brighton and Lewes, the Rev Canon Martin Lloyd Williams will lead our worship on Sunday 10 th January 2021. This particular Sunday, Epiphany 1, celebrates the Baptism of Christ. We will be working closely with him to secure a new priest for our parish. When it is permitted he has offered to come and hear the views of anyone in Plumpton and East Chiltington at a meeting in the village hall about what qualities we would like to see in a new priest. It is very likely that such a priest would be in charge of the United Benefices of Plumpton, East Chiltington, and Offham.

We are indebted to both Rev David James and Rev David Biggs who have led our worship and shared some sage advice since the middle of August. We are delighted to be able to hold live services again. Long may that last! HW

16 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

2021 The Village Hall has now reopened. Contact Jane Donovan to find out what restrictions are in place. 27th March - St. Peter & St. James Quiz Night 10th April - Horticultural Society Spring show VH 11th April - Lychgate dedication ALC 25th April - St. P & St. J Hospice gardens walk 5th June - Doughty’s Fabric Sale VH 26th June - Village Strawberry Fair VH 30th June - Rude Mechanicals VH 10th July - St. P & St. J Jumble Sale 2pm VH 18th July - St. P & St. J - Mill House Open Garden 7th August - Horticultural Society Summer show VH 18th September - Horticultural Society Autumn show VH 2nd October - Plumpton Apple Pressing VH 26th November - Horticultural Society AGM VH 27th November - St. P & St. J Festive Fair VH

BOOKINGS Village Hall & Pavilion: Jane Donovan 07747 050903 or 01273 891036 Church Annex Howard Wood 07794484373

COPY DEADLINES

17th January for February 2021 13th February for March

Copy to The Poplars, Station Road or email: [email protected] or Telephone: 01273 891 427

17 Reasons to be Cheerful about Climate Change?

Surely not, you cry?

The Covid-19 crisis has challenged everyone around the world in unprecedented ways, never before faced in our lifetimes. What has been noticeable though is how every Government has had to engage and respond. The consequences, of course, will be with us for many years to come, even after the vaccination programme is delivered.

What is clear, is that the world can come together and rise up to a challenge. Whilst the focus of attention has been diverted elsewhere, the threat of climate change has continued its insidious path in an inconspicuous way but actually with grave effect. The impact of rising CO 2 emissions and global warming will be far worse than Covid- 19. "Our planet is broken," the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, warned early in December 2020. He went on to say “Humanity is waging a suicidal war on the natural world. Nature always strikes back, and is doing so with gathering force and fury."

So why is there any reason to be cheerful about Climate Change?

Because, at last, world leaders are waking up to the urgent need to DO SOMETHING rather than just talk about it and make grand statements of intentions. 2021 might just be a pivotal year of proper action at last. Some examples:

Mr Guterres wants to put tackling climate change at the heart of the UN's global mission. In a speech entitled State of the Planet, he announced that its "central objective" next year (2021) will be to build a global coalition around the need to reduce emissions to net zero. He has demanded, amongst a long list, that nations of the world i) put a price on carbon; ii) phase out fossil fuels; and iii) that nations of the world must bring ambitious commitments to cut emissions to the international climate conference (the so-called COP26) which the UK and Italy are jointly hosting in Glasgow in November 2021. President Xi Jinping has announced that China would “aim to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060”. (China accounts for 25% of the world’s carbon emissions). The US President-Elect, Joe Biden, wants the US to achieve a 100% clean energy economy and reach net-zero emissions no later than 2050. He has also confirmed that the US will rejoin the the 2015 Paris Agreement, which set out a global framework to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.

And the UK Government set the UK’s net emissions target of greenhouse gases to the 1990 levels by 2050 …..and other countries around the world are following suit

Perhaps it was a good thing that the international climate conference (COP26) was

18 delayed from 2020 due to Covid-19. Now that these declarations are in place, in November 2021 world leaders can come together to discuss not just ambitions, but also firm plans for tackling and mitigating the effects of climate change.

So what does all this mean for people in Plumpton or East Chiltington? Closer to home: The National Park Authority is to become a ‘Net-Zero’ Organisation by 2030 and is working towards the whole of the South Downs National Park area becoming ‘Net-Zero with Nature’ by 2040; and Council aims to get the whole district to net zero carbon by 2030 . This needs individuals and businesses to cut carbon emissions by 10 to 20% on average every year.

Can we come together as a community to see how each of us can help achieve these targets? Join us next month for further news on this front.

Carole and Paul Nicholson

The Plumpton Support Group for St Peter & St James would like to thank everyone who supported the Grand Raffle by either buying tickets or making a prize donation or both.

We are very pleased to announce that the raffle raised an amazing £3,287.25, this was made up of £1,523.50 from ticket sales plus the Big Give £1,411 and Gift Aid £352.75. This was a fantastic result given the circumstances we found ourselves in this year.

The Group hope to hold their usual events next year and here are the dates:

Quiz Night - Saturday 27 March Walk with Reg in the Hospice Gardens Sunday 25 April Mill House, Open Garden - Sunday 18 July Jumble Sale Saturday 10 July Festive Fair 27 November

Please make a note in your diaries and we thank you for your continued support.

19 20 NEED AN ELECTRICIAN! KJB Electrical Ltd Your reliable local electrician at a sensible price. We are…. ‘Part P’ compliant with Elecsa; Fully insured and guaranteed. We can… Install additional sockets and lighting; Rewire your home or office; Run power to your garage; Install external lighting and security; Undertake all electrical installation repairs; Install earth bonding; Carry out portable appliance testing (PAT); Provide free safety checks. Based locally in Wivelsfield Green, so call Ken today on 07766455378 for a free no obligation quote Or E-mail [email protected]

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21 RUDE MECHANICAL THEATRE CO ARE PLANNING TO DO A NEW PRODUCTION THIS YEAR - LITTLE LILY HARLEY

The Rude Mechanical Theatre Co were not able to run their new production of ‘Little Lily Harley’ in 2020. Plans are now underway to bring this to us in 2021 and their Summer Tour has now been provisionally set. ‘Rudes’ will be coming to Plumpton on Wednesday 30 June.

More detail about this production which is based on the life of Charlie Chaplin nearer the time. In the meantime, please mark the date in your new 2021 calendars and before we know it, we will be sitting on the Village Green having a picnic and being entertained once more.

Should you have any queries please contact Lee Stevens on 07887 562721 or look at their website www.therudemechanicaltheatre.co.uk in the first instance.

22

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23 Plumpton & East occupation, we needed a licensed dormouse handler (Kim Dawson) to attend with us and Chiltington Wildlife this has not been possible under current restrictions. th 12 AGM report Covid-19 restrictions meant we were unable Monitoring of badger sets and bat roosts are to enjoy our usual AGM… in a room with ongoing projects, coordinated by Tony other people. A big thanks to all who braved through the group. Zoom technology to remotely join us. The business part was brief as there was no The TECT field has been surveyed this change of elected members. James Otway summer and autumn for plant species on remains Chair, Ben Drummond Vice-Chair, behalf of East Chiltington Parish Council and David Phillips Secretary and Jean Stewart TECT Committee by Jacqui and Kate. The Treasurer. The rest of the Committee TECT field, once farmed more intensively, is members are Lynn Baxter, Marie Bullough, undergoing a partial re-wilding. Survey data Kate Gold, Jacqui Hutson, Tony Hutson and will hopefully prove valuable as we watch the Carole Nicholson. Our Chair, James Otway, species recover and return. A large oak has then reported on PECWHG activities during been monolithed after losing the majority of the last 12 months: its crown in high winds and we have advised Chair ’s Report Monday 9th November that the timber is left to provide habitat. One 2020 hollow limb was already occupied by honey bees. Welcome to our Annual General Meeting. We proposed a management plan for both I would like thank all the members of the East Chiltington and All Saints churchyards Wildlife Committee for keeping the show on which has been adopted by the PCC. The the road. I must say a particularly thanks to electronic swift caller screeched its way our past Chairs, Jacqui and Tony Hutson. throughout the spring and early summer in They continue to provide meticulous and the All Saints bell tower but appeared to have encyclopaedic knowledge of flora and fauna lured only a swarm of honey bees. to the group. In October, 20 of us were able to go ahead You don’t need me to remind you of the with a visit to Knepp Estate to bear witness to unusual year we have all experienced. Most the extensive re-wilding project. Many thanks plans and events have been cancelled due to to Carole Nicholson for organising. government restrictions, unthinkable this time last year. During this lockdown, we are blessed to be living in the most beautiful countryside in the We have however managed to continue parishes of Plumpton and East Chiltington. My some wildlife and botanical survey work. highlight was the 6 weeks during April and During January we planted 13 disease May when the sunshine was unbroken and resistant elms in East Chiltington TECT field there were no planes, trains or automobiles. and 2 in Plumpton on Hackmans Farm. Not the silent spring Rachel Carson so Thanks to Antonia Price and Robert Thomas presciently forecast but, briefly, silent of man for their permission. and machines. Magic! Clear blue skies, bird song and emboldened wildlife. The PECWHG In early May, 40 reconditioned dormouse Facebook page continues to receive dozens of tubes were sited along the parish boundary pictures from the gardens and surrounding from Odintune Place to Coppershaw. countryside, plus frequent requests for Returning in autumn we discovered live identification. It is a great pleasure to see the dormice and nests. We fully expect to community taking an interest in the natural expand the survey next spring. Due to wonders that surrounds us. COVID we have been unable to arrange inspection of our other dormice monitoring Continued on page 28. site around the Novington sandpit. Expecting 24 56 High Street, Lewes 01273 069006 or 07912 935889 Email: [email protected] Living locally in the East Chiltington/Plumpton area. Competitive rates for locals Estate Agent and Chartered Surveyor ELECTRICIAN DEAN FERGUSON YOUR LOCAL CHAILEY BASED

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26 Footpath of William the Conqueror and younger brother to King Stephen. Detective’s We continued along side the river and passed the playing fields of College until Diary: our path met College Walk. From here we turned left along College Street and then right A Footpath Detective’s Diary to pass through The Close to the cathedral. It January 2021 is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and Wandering to Winchester much of the limestone used to construct it came from the Isle of Wight. Its construction It was just two weeks until Christmas Eve began in 1079, however a cathedral was and we were still restricted to meeting founded in Winchester in 642 on a site outside and so the chance to walk with a immediately to the north of the present one. friend in a place roughly halfway between us This building became known as the Old both provided the basis of this walk. We met Minster. It became part of a monastic at Garnier Road car park accessed from Bull settlement in 971. St Swithun was buried near Drove by Tun Bridge on the east side of the the Old Minster and then in it, before being city and set off along the Itchen Way to head moved to the new Norman cathedral. The Old south. There is a surfaced path created from Minster was demolished in 1093, immediately a disused railway line and this made for easy after the consecration of its successor. walking on a damp winter day. We had a little wander of the city’s streets to The River Itchen is a beautifully clear chalk admire the Christmas decorations but it was stream that rises to the south of New not possible to visit all the historic sites due to Alresford and flows 26 miles to meet the covid restrictions. We made our way down Southampton Water. The Itchen Market Lane towards the Great Hall and then Navigation was constructed in the late 17th onto the path beside the canal and Wharf and early 18th centuries to enable barges to Bridge. A man in waders was stood in the river reach Winchest from Southampton Docks, using a bucket with a Perspex bottom to view however it ceased to operate in the mid-19th some creatures that he was stirring up from century and is largely abandoned today. Our the gravel . Clearly he was catching them but I path was next to the navigation system until couldn’t see what it was. we almost met the M3. Our path continued by the gardens and water We took a right turn onto a straight bridle meadows back to Tun Bridge. We took a path that led us across St Cross Bridge. The footway under the old railway line to access view of the river from the low bridge was the path up St Catherine’s Hill. We climbed lovely. A swan glided along in the clear water around as well as up and were greeted by nice and a water mill made the setting very white cattle with black noses on the path. They picturesque. As our path became a small lane were very docile and caused us no bother. The we turned right again onto a footpath ring of ramparts of the Iron Age hill fort are through a few small fields. clear to see and at the top is a copse of Beech

We approached the Hospital of St Cross and trees and the chapel of St Catherine. We found Alms Houses of Noble Poverty. The very the mizmaze and I imagined myself as a Norman looking chapel has a square central cannon ball as I traced the wiggly route out tower and is stone vaulted. The walls are from the centre. thick and built from stone from Caen, Dorset, The hill provides a wonderful view of the city and the Isle of Wight as well as local flint. and its surrounds even on a dull grey Construction began in 1135. The alms houses December day. We negotiated the steep form a quadrangle. In medieval times descent to the café on the old railway line provision of food was made to the thirteen where we enjoyed a takeaway coffee and resident poor men plus another 100 cinnamon bun on the terrace. Of course there attending at the gate. The founder was Henry are many refreshment opportunities and many of Blois, Bishop of Winchester, grandson more places of interest to see in Winchester. EJH

27

Chailey Commons www.chaileycommons.org.uk

Winter has taken hold and the days are short and the nights long. The Pandemic continues to affect all of us in some way or other and the Society is still unable to meet as normal. During the autumn we adapted our activities and meetings to enable us to still get together by virtual means which have proved possible and meant that there have been some online meetings and a couple of outdoor meetings with limited numbers and social distancing. Two small groups of six each were able to do a late autumn walk on Romany Ridge Common and see the heathland in its dormant state. The bracken had collapsed which meant better views and access to various corners and some sightings of the trenches. We enjoyed two virtual meetings using Zoom which enabled us to hear about Peter Lovett’s garden to nature reserve conversion and a talk on ancient trees of Sussex by Bob Epsom. Thank you to our speakers who embraced the technology and gave us interesting talks. A special opening of the windmill enabled a small group to explore this historic building now set out as a rural museum. Hand gel, masks and spacing kept the visitors bearing in mind the government advice. All meetings have been and will be subject to current guidelines and we continue to maintain social distancing. We are still considering what we can do under the continuing situation and we will post events by adverts, emails to members, the website, and posters as appropriate. Thank you to our members for their support and understanding. Time to wish everyone a safer and better New Year for 2021. For further information, visit our website – www.chaileycommons.org.uk or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/chaileycommons/ William Coleman 01444 831098

Plumpton Wildlife cont.

The majority of the landscape around us is in some way managed by farmers and there are big changes on the horizon with regard to the environmental subsidies they will receive and how they manage water and air on their estates. As a group, one of our main objectives is to promote the understanding, appreciation and conservation of the fauna and flora of the two parishes. We are therefore keen to engage with Plumpton College, the largest land manager in the two parishes, to better understand how these new environmental initiatives will benefit wildlife and people alike. We are looking forward to meeting with the college in the not too distant future when lockdown restrictions finally allow.

Finally, thanks to James Honess for judging the photographic competition and congratulations to this year’s winner, Carole Nicholson Thank you

24

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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 Christmas is approaching and the shops are closed. Here are some tips about buying goods online without seeing them first? Always check the terms and conditions before you buy online; you should automatically get a 14-day ‘cooling-off period’ from the day after you receive your order. Check for exceptions i.e. bespoke, perishable goods, or sealed products. If you return your item; inform the seller you don’t want it and return it within14 days. The seller has to refund you within 14 days from when they receive it. You may have to pay the return postage, but you don't have to reuse the original packaging. The item must be wrapped securely, any damage and the seller might reduce your refund.

Get a certificate of posting from Royal Mail to prove that you posted the item. If the item is faulty or doesn’t match what was advertised, you have 30 days to ask for a refund, replacement or repair. After the 30 days, but before six months from when you received the goods, the seller must offer either a repair, replacement or refund. You shouldn’t have to pay to return the item. If you order something and it doesn’t arrive, it is the seller’s responsibility. Check the delivery address you gave the seller. If the seller claims they've delivered it, you can ask for either a redelivery or refund. If the seller used a courier, they should chase the courier.

For more help contact the Consumer Service helpline on 0808 223 1133

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 Linda Watson 07478 524152 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] 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 & East Chiltington News

If you are involved in local societies, community groups and events and you would like to write a short article about your activities we would love to hear from you.

Email: PECNCOPY @ gmail.com