NOVEMBER 2020

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THE CUCKMERE CHURCHES

Rector Revd Prebendary Stephen Stuckes The Rector’s day of rest The Rectory, Sloe Lane, Alfriston, BN26 5UP 871042 is Friday [email protected]

Associate Priest Reverend Christyan James [email protected] 07595 910443 Pastoral Minister Kelly Ellis [email protected] 07903 687705 Parish Administrator Pauline Kennard, The Parish Office, St Andrew’s Church, 871093 The Tye, Alfriston, BN26 5TL [email protected] Website www.cuckmerechurches.org.uk Facebook St Andrew's Church, Alfriston, Sussex ST ANDREW, ALFRISTON WITH LULLINGTON Churchwardens Diana Monteath-Wilson 871143 Bill Rendall [email protected] 870057 Secretary to the PCC c/o Benefice Administrator [email protected] 871093 Organist Vacant Bell Tower Captain Pauline Kennard [email protected] 07792 948709 Director of Music & 07412 526671 Events Co-ordinator Kathryn Maulkin [email protected] ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, LITLINGTON Churchwardens Richard Hayward - Lavenders, Litlington, BN26 5RA 870383 Rosie Beddows - Pipers Cottage, Litlington, BN26 5RA 870139 Secretary to the PCC Claire Hayward - Lavenders, Litlington 870383 ALL SAINTS, WEST DEAN Churchwardens Brian Paterson - 1 Woodland Cottages, Seaford 897065 Susan De Angeli 870466 Secretary to the PCC Trish Bullivent, [email protected] 07927 411032 ST PETER ad VINCULA, FOLKINGTON Churchwardens Sabrina Harcourt-Smith 482036 Tony Catchpole 484877 Secretary to the PCC Julia Caffyn 01435 862830 CUCKMERE NEWS Editorial The Parish Office, St Andrew’s Church, The Tye, Alfriston, 871093 BN26 5TL [email protected] Advertisements Heather Hurst 07880 723947 We reserve the right to edit any contributions to this magazine with regard to length and content All material for inclusion in the Cuckmere News to be received by the 10th of each month please.

Stephen Writes …

The change of season that the arrival of Autumn announces reminds us of the way in which autumn as an idea resonates in our wider vocabulary. Specifically we speak of the autumn of our lives. I once lived in a community with the oldest average age in the country but community thrives on a diversity of ages. Inter-generational activity keeps us young. In fact the average age in Wealden is 44 (perhaps this seems young to some). Someone I know was once disparagingly referred to as in the autumn of their career, indicating that any further ambitions were now misplaced.

So what does Autumn represent for you? Perhaps like me you love it as a season. The last warm sunshine and then the low sun glinting on first-frosted fields. The turning of the trees and the changing hues. The prospect of log fires and woodland walks. Short, bright, clear days.

We are so blessed by the changing of the seasons and especially so in Cuckmere Valley where we can observe it happening so beautifully simply by going outdoors. There is an invitation in all this to take stock. Our ancestors would be assessing the Harvest and judging if its produce would carry them through the long dark cold days of winter. We might usefully reflect upon our lives at such a time and ask what resources we have accrued to sustain us into later life. Not so much what we have achieved but what have learned, what skills have we acquired that will enable us to live well in Winter.

A number of things become more important priorities at such a time. Spending time with, keeping in touch with family and friends (something that can still happen safely, with care), making ourselves available to those we love is justified as we become realistically conscious of the available time remaining. Relationships built up over more than 20 or 30 years cannot now be replicated and therefore grow in significance.

Taking stock of our spiritual life matters too. What do we believe? What have we let go of and what have we learned to our advantage in living before God in community? What do we need to be forgiven and who do we need to forgive? These are all Autumn questions that may reward fruitful reflection. Autumn is indeed a time to get our affairs in order.

I hope that this Autumn Season is a blessed and rewarding one for you.

Stephen.

CUCKMERE NEWS - 3 - November 2020

IN TIMES OF STRESS

I spoke to my GP recently as I have been experiencing vague aches and pains and I was surprised when he asked me whether I was suffering from stress. I’ve since discovered that the word ‘stress’ was first used in the fields of physics, engineering and manufacturing to test the tolerance of load bearing materials. The human counterpart is to be overburdened for a long period. But it wasn’t until the 1930s that the modern medical concept of stress was formulated, which was defined as the rate of wear and tear on the body, such as the response to injury, disease or trauma. When we feel stressed energy is mobilised for muscular exertion by diverting resources from the body’s house-keeping functions – tissue maintenance and repair, digestion and our immune system. Inevitably, stress is a fact of life. A little bit of stress is a good thing but feeling persistently stressed-out is not. Chronic stress occurs when the body is on emergency alert over a prolonged period. A constant demand on our resources, energy, emotions, and intellect affect us emotionally, cognitively, physically, and spiritually. Consequently, changes in our body chemistry and balance can weaken our immune system, making us more prone to infection and disease, increased blood-pressure and heart disease, digestive problems, depression, headaches, changes in sleep patterns and mental illness etc. The list is endless. Worryingly, the coronavirus pandemic has caused a significant increase in acute stress, depressive symptoms, and obsessive behaviour in many of us. What will ease the strain of all this restlessness? Here are a few pointers… Get in touch with nature One of the chief antidotes to stress is the healing effect of nature. Closeness to the natural world can profoundly affect our pace, our view of time, our expectations, and even our endurance of pain or difficulty. A love of the nature can give us a sense of belonging. Daily rest We all know that lack of sleep results in a less than desired effect on our health, work, and relational habits. We need to be refreshed to be refreshment to others. continued on page 6

CUCKMERE NEWS - 5 - November 2020 continued from page 5 Simplify A cluttered space can be harsh on the eye and tough on the mind. Keep, store, or give away – repeat every six months. Our ‘stuff’ becomes a burden in the end. Physical activity It’s thought that stress becomes less of a millstone in an active body. Laugh out loud every day! A good laugh improves our mood by tricking the nervous system into making us happy. Laughter is the sun that drives the winter from the human face. Connect to others Even just a brief exchange of kind words or a friendly smile from another human being can calm and sooth us. Ask for help Asking for help is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about and is not a sign of weakness. One of the most powerful phrases in all of life is “I wonder if you could help me with something.” The stillness of prayer An hour of anxiety cannot change our circumstances, but a minute of prayer can alter everything.

An Old Wives Tale… There are more things to alarm us than to harm us, and we suffer more apprehension than reality. Christyan

REMEMBRANCE DAY

There will be services of Remembrance on 8th October in Alfriston, Litlington and Folkington Churches. This year, due to Covid, there can be no in Alfriston from the Market Square. The Standard will still be presented and the names of the fallen will be read. On Wednesday 11th November at 11am there will be a short act of Remembrance in the Market Square.

CUCKMERE NEWS - 6 - November 2020

Collectibles and Antiques sought Nick-nacks, memorabilia, cameras, china, vintage toys, jewellery, musical instruments, postcards and photographs … also purchased Fair prices paid to you in cash Furniture also considered

Please call Joanne or Martin to discuss your requirements 07780 704659 and 07493 394193

Professional, discreet and efficient service with a £10 donation made to St Andrew’s Church Alfriston Restoration Fund with each house call

LEAF LITTER

My Grandad used to pollard the trees in his garden every year to reduce the amount of leaf litter. The pruning got more and more severe as the years went by. He couldn’t stand the idea of leaves messing up his immaculate lawn. A windfall apple barely had time to bruise before it had been whisked away to the composting area. Grandad could often be found in knee pads and sleeve garters (to keep his cuffs from muddying), trimming the perfectly circular beds at the base of his trees. Unbeknown to him, the latter habit was good garden practice while the former certainly was not. The method of removing competing grass or ground cover plants from the root zone of trees leaving a fine tilth of soil has been adopted by Kew Gardens over the last twenty years to encourage the health of its trees. They will not, however, be removing the fallen leaves. These are an essential part of the tree's ecosystem. The decomposing leaves not only keep encroaching grass and plants at bay, but they nourish the very soil that the tree is growing in. A multitude of aerating invertebrates feed on the rotting material and drag it down into the areas where the intricate root systems work their magic. Mycorrhizal fungi create their complex symbiotic webs from this food. They extract tightly bound nutrients and make it available to the tree. Composting leaves also create a valuable mulching layer that helps retain moisture and protect the tree roots from extreme temperatures. By removing the leaves that fed the worms under the surface of the grass, my grandad was in fact removing an important component to a healthy garden. Armed with these simple facts let us all resist the tidying temptation. Let’s be a bit lazier about cleaning up our leaves this year. If you can’t resist then at least leave them down as long as you can bear it. Brown unwatered lawns and messy autumnal gardens are the new green!

Jon Vincent

“A fallen leaf is nothing more than a summer’s wave goodbye” Unknown

CUCKMERE NEWS - 8 - November 2020

FROM THE PASTORAL MINISTER

Last week we celebrated Harvest Festival. No more appropriate a year than this to thank God and ask for his continued provision – particularly in this little corner of His glorious garden in which we dwell! Despite a disappointing yield this year for our farmers (for whom we pray for a more positive and encouraging start to next year’s crops) and the continual battle we all face in one way or another with this pandemic, we do remain well provided for here in the Cuckmere Valley. With fresh sea air, an abundance of green space and a caring community we must be grateful and count every blessing. We spent a wonderful afternoon in St Andrew’s church as the children from the Pre- school visited to celebrate harvest and, as it transpired, the incredibly talented flower team happened to also be in attendance a r r a n g i n g t h e magnificent harvest displays many of you would have seen. The church was certainly full of energy! The children looked down upon the ladies working from the recently cleared (and now very spacious!) balcony as we sang songs, danced and talked about all the wonderful things we have to give thanks for. For, as we all know, ‘there can be no rainbow without a little rain’! Love and blessings, Kelly ALL SOULS’ SERVICE - 1st NOVEMBER

This service is held to remember those who we knew and loved but have lost, either recently or long ago. If you would like someone remembered by their names being read out during the service please let us know. [email protected] or 01323 871093

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FIND YOUR CALM ON AN AUTUMN WALK You may have recently seen the National Trust’s latest advertising campaign ‘Everyone needs nature’. It stresses that making connections with the natural world is good for us. No matter your age, taking a moment to notice the shapes of the clouds, listen to the birds or watch butterflies and bees can encourage mindfulness and improve wellbeing. What better way is there to do this than to go on a walk around our local area? Walking outdoors during autumn can restore a sense of calm. Everyone needs nature to feel calmer and forget their busy life and it appears that walking is helping people cope with these stressful times. The number of walking trips we take in this country is on the rise which is great news for our countryside and health. As well as mental wellbeing walking also brings with it a host of physical benefits. The NHS recommends a brisk ten-minute daily walk as an invaluable part of a healthy lifestyle, citing heart health, calorie-burning and stamina building as key outcomes. Put simply: walking is good for you and is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get around in rural areas and stay fit. The National Trust looks after many walking trails that take you through some amazing landscapes. Local ones can be found on: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/top-walks-in-east-sussex I hope they may help you find some inspiration to get outside this autumn. Lynne Pilcher, Visitor Experience Officer IN MEMORY ... Spending time in church is never wasted. I recently met Rosalyn Hayles who approached me about a bench in the churchyard that had been sited there 29 years ago in memory of her father Christopher. It was now in need of restoration and we managed to find a kind parishioner who was able to carry out the work. Rosalyn’s father Christopher had a very deep attachment to Alfriston as his grandparents lived at Cuckmere Cottage at Frog Firle. His mother was brought up there. One of her brothers, George Wooler, is listed on the 1st World War inside the church and her parents are buried in the churchyard. Christopher’s mother married in St Andrew’s and several of the family lived in The Ridge until the 1960’s, including one brother who ran what was then the Market Cross pub. Rosalyn says that as a child she spent a lot of time in Alfriston with her father and having his memorial bench restored means a great deal to her. Stephen

CUCKMERE NEWS - 11 - November 2020

HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY In November 2020 every household in the parish will be receiving a housing need survey; this is a short questionnaire designed to assess the nature and scale of housing needs within the parish. This survey is being carried out by Action in Rural Sussex, a Lewes based charity working to address issues affecting rural communities, in partnership with the Alfriston Community Land Trust and the Parish Council. In most rural areas there is chronic shortage of affordable homes available which results in many young people and families having to move away from their roots and support networks to find affordable accommodation. This creates problems in terms of community cohesion as key services and facilities struggle to survive whilst family networks are broken up and the loss of intergenerational support that this entails; an issue for older people and younger families alike. If you or anyone you know is in need of affordable housing, or has some other housing need, please complete and return the survey. If you know of someone who is currently living elsewhere who is in housing need but who has a local connection to Alfriston then this survey is also for them as they may also be eligible for any housing that may be provided in the future. Community led housing involves local people playing a leading and lasting role in solving housing problems, creating genuinely affordable homes and strong communities. Community Land Trusts (CLTs) are one form of community led housing, where communities come together to deliver new or refurbish existing housing to meet local needs. CLTs are set up and run by local people to develop and manage homes and other assets that their community wants and needs. Typically this relates to local needs affordable housing but can include a range of other community assets from pubs and post offices to nursery’s and renewable energy projects. CLTs are defined in Section 79 of the 2008 Housing and Regeneration Act. Alfriston Communtiy Land Trust was formed by local people in 2017 as a Community Benefit Society whose core aim is the provision of genuinely affordable housing for local people in perpetuity. If you would like to know more about the CLT or to get involved in its activities then please get in touch with Penny Macleod at [email protected] / Alfriston CLT facebook group or Polly Eason (CLH Enabler) [email protected] For more information on the survey or about community led housing generally please contact Graham Maunders 07824 900092 / [email protected]

CUCKMERE NEWS - 13 - November 2020

NEWS FROM THE POST OFFICE AND MARKETPLACE

The Post Office and Marketplace have got off to a flying start. Now two months old we have more footfall and more market stalls. Every Wednesday 2-4 pm you can just browse or treat yourself to fabulous flower arrangements, delicious local food and exciting crafts. Our up-cycling stall has proved an instant hit in Sylvia’s capable hands. It is a is now a veritable treasure trove of books, games, puzzles, porcelain and much much more. If you want to find a good home for those heirlooms in the attic please bring them down, you might even go home with someone else’s! We are covid compliant and have a well ventilated large space using a one way system. Masks are mandatory and social distancing in operation. Please try and support this local venture, the mobile Post Office must maintain it’s level of use or we may lose it, conversely if usage increases we may get it 2 afternoons a week. Remember that you can also use the Post Office for banking services and cash withdrawals. With just around the corner you can buy the gifts and post them in one place! Hope to see you there. … and an invitation to play games With winter coming, and socialising such an important aspect of well being, we thought it might help if here at The Old Chapel we set up a regular cards and games afternoon. The idea being that we set up for groups of no more than 6 to play cards or board games on a Sunday afternoon. There will be a nominal charge of £3 per person and although refreshments can't be provided we would encourage people to bring their own. The Old chapel is roomy and well ventilated (some would say draughty) so ideal for up to 24 people. Please email me (Liz) if you think you might be interested on [email protected] and I will set up the rest. Liz, Caroline, Anne and Sylvia

KEEPING IN TOUCH - SERVICES AND EVENTS

If you would like to be kept informed by email about our services and other events in our churches please email [email protected] to be added to our list.

CUCKMERE NEWS - 15 - November 2020

CHURCH SERVICES IN NOVEMBER Sunday 1st November- All Saints’ Day Alfriston: 8.00 am Holy Communion Litlington: 9.30 am Family Communion Folkington: 10.30 am Holy Communion Alfriston: 10.30 am Holy Communion - Feast of All Saints Alfriston: 3.00 pm All Souls’ Sunday 8th November - Remembrance Sunday Liltington: 9.00 am Remembrance Day Service Alfriston: 10.30 am Remembrance Day Service Folkington 10.45 am Remembrance Day Service Sunday 15th November -2nd Sunday before Litlington: 9.30 am Holy Communion Folkington: 10.30 am Mattins Alfriston: 10.30 am Family Service Sunday 22nd November - Christ the King Alfriston: 10.30 am Benefice Service Sunday 29th November - West Dean: 9.00 am Holy Communion Alfriston: 10.30 am Holy Communion Folkington: 10.30 am Advent Service Lullington: 4.30 pm Advent Lantern Service

Prayers are said in St Andrew’s from 9 to 9.30am on weekdays Alfriston: 10.00 am – Holy Communion every Wednesday West Dean: 5.30 pm – Evening Prayer every Thursday Local : St. Thomas More, 54 Sutton Road, Seaford (For times of services contact Parish Office 01323 892427)

CUCKMERE NEWS - 16 - November 2020

RAINFALL

LITLINGTON 10yr. Avg ALFRISTON 10yr. Avg.

September 1.81” 2.11” September 2.28” 2.58”

Oct-Sept 36.27” 43.30” Total 2020 25.73” Rain fell on 7 Days Rain fell on 8 Days

Wettest day 28th with 0.85” Wettest day 24th with 1.06” Rain recorder needed for Alfriston After many years I would like to stand down from recording the Alfriston rain figures which I took over from Tony Sawden as I am not sure that I will be able to provide them on a reliable daily basis. A replacement volunteer would be appreciated. The computer records which can be transferred go back many years and should not be lost.’ With best wishes, Tony, 870561 I am sure you would all like to join me in thanking Tony for keeping these records for so long. I do hope someone will volunteer to take over. PK CHRISTMAS SERVICES - EARLY NOTICE

Sunday 20th December: Services of Lessons and Carols 10.30 am - Alfriston 6.00 pm - Litlington and West Dean (venue to be decided)

Christmas Eve: 3.00 pm - at Alfriston 5.30 pm - Service at Litlington (venue to be decided) Midnight services at Alfriston and Litlington (times to be confirmed)

Christmas Morning 9.00 am - Christmas Day Service at West Dean 10.30 am - Christmas Day Service at Alfriston Services at Folkington are still to be confirmed

This year we need to ask you to book your place at some of our Christmas services to ensure everyone stays safe. Full details in the December Cuckmere News.

CUCKMERE NEWS - 17 - November 2020

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT FOREST SCHOOLING?

At Alfriston Pre-School we ensure that every day is an opportunity to learn the Forest School way whether we are in our beautiful hall, at the forest site, our allotment or out for a walk. We run our Forest site from the heart of the Village, it is an off-grid site with a yurt, a straw cosy corner, a mud kitchen, lots of trees to climb, a fire circle and even a story throne! Our natural learning ethos is about encouraging children to be experiential, exploratory, self-led and self-confident. By promoting outside education, we hope to inspire a respect for nature and connection to self. Forest School ethos encourages collaboration rather than competition, generosity over selfishness, sustainable management rather than exploitation. What is the importance of a fire in forest school? Our staff are trained Forest School Leaders and are insured and qualified to have a camp fire during the sessions. A fire isn't just a source of heat and focus point, but a collaboration of fine manipulative skills, patience, safety and respect, science and understanding of the world. Seeing the enchanted gaze of a child appreciating the glow of a growing fire is wonderful to watch, and often brings a sense of calm and meditation to the children at the forest session. When our children leave us for the next stage of their education, we are confident that they are ready because they are strong in body and mind, dexterous, self-sufficient and eager to be active, inquisitive learners with a quest for awe and wonder.

Sally Gasson, Pre-School Manager

CUCKMERE NEWS - 18 - November 2020

FAMILY SUPPORT WORK

Dear Friends, I write this just after the Harvest festival for many churches. We have been humbled by the generosity of many parishes who have continued to collect for us (both food and monetary donations). As we enter further into autumn these contributions will be put to very good use with our families. It has been a challenging month with the return to school bringing positives and negatives for our families. There is relief that children are able to restart their education and socialise again, but the effect of lockdown has meant that some families are struggling hugely with their mental health and their finances. We are also getting new referrals regularly as teachers and other professionals recognise a need for support that has developed over the last six months.

Nikki Kerr, FSW Director of Fundraising and Marketing VIGO THE VULTURE VISITS OUR VILLAGE

Last week we were very excited when we woke up to hear the news that a rare vulture was roosting in a tree in our village! We jumped in the truck and rushed to the spot to get a good view of her (we did find out later on that Vigo is a girl) with many other birdwatchers.

We peeked through a telescope to see her as she was quite far away. She was HUGE, and a beautiful mixture of brown, yellow and orange.

Bearded Vultures have a wingspan of around 8ft! Only one other has ever been reported in the U.K. She had flown all the way over the ocean from the Alps in France (and was only one year old!)

Even though they are nicknamed ‘Bonecrunchers’, I don’t think she looked too scary!

She flew away later that day. We really hope she made it home o.k. Harriet and Jack Ellis, Litlington.

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IN COMMEMORATION OF AUNTIE DORIS

Killed in enemy action on 23 February 1944 in Brighton 29 September 2018 dawned as any other day would, so I thought, but little did I know what would transpire on that extraordinary day. For many months previously I had felt urgings to visit my father’s grave at St Margaret’s Church, in Rottingdean, East Sussex and for various reasons I had been putting it off but on this particular day I knew I had to go. My husband suggested we should go to Bodiam Castle near Battle but I said to him “you go but I have to go to my father’s grave”. In the end – and the beginning – he came with me and we set off to Rottingdean. After arriving we made our way to St Margaret’s Church. My father’s grave is set in the furthest part of the graveyard and after a little bit of searching we finally found it. As we approached the grave, we noticed that it had been fairly well looked after – mainly I suppose because of all the tourists visiting this very famous church and gardeners looking after the graveyard. Drawing nearer to the grave I noticed that there was a plastic sleeve containing a piece of paper on the grave under some stones. Initially I thought it was a piece of rubbish and my husband advised me to not touch it but being inquisitive and adventurous I picked it up and took the paper out of the sleeve and after discarding all of the insects inside, discovered what was left contained writing on it. On one side of the paper the writing was completely obliterated due to the weather but the other side had some writing remaining. Then I realised someone had laid this message on the grave with a purpose. What I could gather from the writing is that someone was on some kind of pilgrimage and an email address could still be discerned. With urgency in my heart we hurried home and I sent an email to the address on the piece of paper not realising the importance of what was about to be revealed. Let me take you back in time to the history and background of this incredible story: On 23 February 1944 towards the end of World War ll, my Auntie Doris, the sister of my father, Douglas Williams, was out for the evening in Brighton. She was accompanied by her sister, Pam, an Australian RAF Navigator named David Woodrow and another Australian airman called Bill Gyngell. While sitting in a pub they heard the sound of air raid sirens and decided to hurry home so Doris and Pam’s parents – Dottie May and Cecil -would not worry about them. It was on their way home that the unimaginable happened. A bomb dropped by the Germans landed close to where they were. Pam and David dropped to the ground behind a wall protecting them from the blast the other side. Doris and Bill ran to shelter in a shop doorway surrounded by glass which was a fatal decision. Bill threw himself upon her to protect her but glass fell from above piercing her head – the one place left vulnerable. Upon recovering all rushed to Doris’s side to aid her. She was carried towards her home. Cecil, her father, (my Grandfather) who was an air raid warden, was already

CUCKMERE NEWS - 21 - November 2020

on his way to assist with the air raid unbeknownst to him that it would be his daughter who was in the greatest need. He met the group carrying her home and in great distress they arrived at their destination where she was laid on the carpet and then transported to hospital. After much quandary and effort Doris gave up her fight for life and died. She was 22 years old. After her death she was laid overnight in Roedean School chapel, her coffin draped in a Union Jack flag. She was then buried at St Margaret’s Church, Rottingdean – her grave afterwards becoming a shared family grave, including that of my father. Bringing us back to September 2018 -the note on the grave was left by the son of David Woodrow - Graeme Woodrow. Graeme’s father, David, who never forgot Doris, came from Australia to England in 1994 to find Doris’s grave but sadly could not locate it and died in 2013 not knowing where she was buried. It was his son, Graeme, who in remembrance of his father sought for and found the grave leaving the note that I discovered five months after he left it - thus beginning the journey of reconnection between our two families on the 75th anniversary year of Doris’s death. Upon my return home I emailed the address written on the note and was then in contact with Graeme Woodrow in Australia. Many emails flew backwards and forwards between myself, Graeme and other members of my family who between us all have photos of Doris and her coffin lying in Roedean School chapel plus photos of Pam, Dottie May and Cecil. One of my cousins is a professor who has written extensively on the Williams family and the death of Doris. Another cousin, Pam’s son, was able to corroborate the events of that fateful evening with documentation from his mother. Graeme was overjoyed by the information and response. In commemoration of Doris’s death, I and my husband journeyed to France in September 2019 where we joyously connected with Graeme and his family who had travelled there to commemorate his father’s war time achievements. Amazingly, his father had kept a note with a photo of Doris that my Grandmother, Dottie May, gave to him as he left on missions as an Australian RAF Navigator across France and Germany. He revealed it to Graeme before he died and I now have copy. The note reads as follows: “Just a Poly Photo of our loved one, carry it with you on opps & give the Huns all they deserve & may God give you the strength & courage to do it. Good Luck & a safe return, D Williams”. Graeme’s father, having been deeply impacted by Doris’s death, wanted to ensure that this story endured and to be passed on as a legacy to future generations.

Patricia Williams

CUCKMERE NEWS - 22 - November 2020

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ALFRISTON AND CUCKMERE VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

You, or your grandfather or grandmother, may be a Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur. For on 15 May 2015, the President of France bestowed its highest honour on every surviving British veteran who took part in the liberation of France during WWII. Although this marked the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings in 1944, it is not limited just to foot soldiers who took part in D-Day. Rather, it extends to any veteran who fought - whether on French soil, or on the sea or in the sky. If you know of any surviving veterans please could you let them know. And us too please! One other piece of history we want to share is from Winston Churchill, who had many connections with Seaford and the Cuckmere valley. He wrote the following interpretation of the tale of St George and the Dragon, should this have taken place after the League of Nations had been established. St. George would arrive in Cappadocia, accompanied not by a horse, but by a secretariat. He would be armed not with a lance, but with several flexible formulas. He would, of course, be welcomed by the local branch of the League of Nations Union. He would propose a conference with the dragon—a Round Table Conference, no doubt— that would be more convenient for the dragon’s tail. He would make a trade agreement with the dragon. He would lend the dragon a lot of money for the Cappadocian taxpayers. The maiden’s release would be referred to Geneva, the dragon reserving all his rights mean-while. Finally, St. George would be photographed with the dragon (inset—the maiden). Enjoy! June Goodfield Hon: President Alfriston and Cuckmere Valley Histororical Society

Words of Wisdom Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. Francis of Assissi

CUCKMERE NEWS - 25 - November 2020

GHOSTS, GHOULIES AND THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT

The tradition of wearing costumes for has Celtic and European roots. Centuries ago winter was a cause of anxiety – food stocks ran low,people were afraid of the dark, the days were short and illness was more difficult to combat. It was believed that on Halloween night ghosts came back to the earthly world and people thought they might encounter ghosts if they left their homes. To avoid being recognized by these ghosts, masks were worn by people when they went out so that ghosts would mistake them for other spirits. The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in) on the last day of October was celebrated over 2000 years ago by the lighting of bonfires and dressing-up in costumes. The Celts celebrated their new year on November 1 which marked the end of summer, harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter. After the Roman Empire conquered the majority of Celtic lands, for the following 400 years, two Roman festivals were combined with the Samhain celebrations. The first was Feralia, a date in late October when Romans traditionally commemorated the dead. The second was a day to honour Pomona who was the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. Pomona’s symbol, an apple, was incorporated with the Samhain festival which perhaps explains the tradition of bobbing for apples. Pope Boniface 1V dedicated the Pantheon in Rome on May 13, 609 in honour of all Christian martyrs. In 837 Pope Gregory 111 dedicated St. Peter’s chapel in Rome on November 1 in honour of all the saints and ordered henceforth that this day in November was observed to commemorate the dead. In medieval England the festival was known as All Hallows and its eve was known as Halloween. The days from October 31 to November 2 is sometimes called . All Souls’ Day parades in England allowed poor people to beg for food and they would be handed ‘soul cakes’ in return for their praying for the family’s dead relatives. At one time this tradition was encouraged by the church as a way of replacing the ages old practice of leaving food and wine for roaming spirits. In the 1920s and 30s Halloween in America became a secular community-based holiday. By the 1950s the centuries old practice of trick-or-treating was revived and continues to grow with an estimated $6 billion being spent annually on Halloween themed costumes, sweets, pumpkins …. Today we remember on November 1, the saints and martyrs who are not remembered on any particular day in the year. November 2 is All Souls’ Day which commemorates all the faithful departed. On the continent, many families will visit the cemetery to lay flowers on the graves of their loved ones. Susan de Angeli

CUCKMERE NEWS - 26 - November 2020

STRIPPED BARE

Here in the long low-levelled Autumn light I stand Clad in my gown of russet brown and red-dark silk Patched with an unreflecting woollen gold: Not meek, nor yet unwanton bold. I subtly move at times to show a limb Revealed, or hinted, through my shifting dress That in the breeze will move, seductive Both of ear and eye, as if Intent upon enchantment of the mind and soul. Then, on another day, I shall be bare, Wind-ravaged by a passing gale that rips Away my dress, and every cloud; that strips My modesty, exposing every limb Bare-black against the storm-torn sky. So naked through the Winter I must be Until in Spring fresh green shall cover me. For I am Seven Acre Wood, and on this hill I’ve stood since well before the Saxons came. I sheltered them as now I shelter you. My oak and ash and beech and yew, My Rowan-berry eyes are brightest red, And I shall shelter others after you are dead. Richard Hayward

HOUSE / PET SITTER?

If anyone in or close to Alfriston would like a house/pet sitter for 3/6 or 12 months next year, my husband and I would love to be considered. We are semi retired, are hoping to move to Alfriston in the not too distant future and would like to get a feel for village life there. We can provide references. Please contact Trish on 07775713509 or email me: [email protected]” Trish Sutherland

THE MEDIEVAL MANOR OF LITLINGTON - PART 2

Continued from Cuckmere News October 2020 From the fourteenth century there are few surviving records, particularly in the first half, as famine, French raids and the Black Death ravaged the south coast into the 1370s. By the time we are able to rejoin the story, the lords of Litlington were the Lecche or Leche family who held both five-hide holdings as one manor. The manor courthouse for Litlington lay at the heart of a manorial complex, on the site of today’s Church House Farm. Apart from the manor’s demesne land, it administered the smaller farming estates that made up Lower Clapham and the lords of Litlington manor also had the right to present clergy to the living. From Church records of tithes due from each parish we get a glimpse (perhaps a little optimistic in 1341) of life there. Litlington’s value to Chichester was said to be £10 a year most of which was accounted for by sheaves (of corn, wheat or barley) and a comparatively small amount for wool and lambs. Litlington’s Glebe assets included a house and garden for the rector with its own pigeonry. Other produce the authorities considered titheable in the parish were listed as hemp and flax, milk, two further pigeonries, calves, porkers, geese, eggs, hay, beehives and gardens. The specific mention of gardens suggests Litlington has always been good fruit-growing land. Indeed, one of the family names to appear in the earliest court rolls is that of Garden or atte Gardyne. In 1450, Roger Leche, gentleman and lord of Litlington manor, was among five other local men pardoned for their involvement in the Cade uprising. The largest uprising in England during the fifteenth century, this popular revolt in the south east was a protest against bad governance, corruption and military losses in the Hundred Years’ War. Every village in the Cuckmere region sent representatives. In 1461, Roger Legh inherited from the Leches, almost certainly by marriage, and in 1478 was among the men doing homage to the manorial lords at Chichester for lands held in Litlington by knight service. Richard Legh’s daughter, Joan, married John Rootes of Buxted, and members of the Rootes family were to remain lords of Litlington manor for over 100 years, although Joan was the last to actually live there. This branch of the significant Sussex Rootes family of lawyers and landowners leased or bought or acted as feoffees of land throughout the Cuckmere Valley for 200 years. If not always at the same time, they had besides the hundreds of acres of Litlington and Clapham, the manor of Exceat, two manors at Chyngton, and Dean’s Place in Alfriston. Continued on page 30

CUCKMERE NEWS - 29 - November 2020

continued from page 29 Once Joan Rootes had died her son and heir, William Rootes of Uckfield, gent, was happy to lease out and even to sell off parcels of his Litlington property. The manor farm of 300 acres, including downland grazing and outlying meadows, was let first in 1538 to Richard a Chambre (of the Chambers Court family). The earliest detailed description, dated 1644, refers to ‘The Courtlodge of Litlington’ comprising a messuage (a dwelling house with land), pigeon-house, granary, two barns, stable, stall, buildings, gardens and orchards. Much of the curtilage (boundaries) of the manorial complex can still be seen today in the standing walls around Church Farm. Meanwhile, one of the tenants of a small farm estate in Lower Clapham called John a Broke was about to begin a process that would radically reconfigure ownership of the whole parish. He was first recorded as one of the men holding a small estate in Lower Clapham in 1478. The Broke (or ‘a Broke’) family was a significant presence in the valley from the fifteenth century onwards, acquiring much property and land. They had a long lease on Battle Abbey’s manor of Upper Clapham (abutting Litlington’s Lower Clapham to the south) and a national tax assessment in 1524-5 shows their local significance unmistakably. Richard and John Abroke senior were assessed at £50 and £60 respectively and John Abroke junior also at £60. These were the highest assessments in the area with the majority of Litlington residents assessed at just £1 apiece. Richard and the older John were clearly men of status in the Cuckmere Valley, overseeing disputes in the Lullington court records in the first decade of the 1500s. It is likely to have been the younger John who began to acquire some of the workers’ cottages in Litlington’s ‘street’ as well as more small parcels of land in Clapham. In 1523, he was the object of a raid on his dovehouse organised by a small resistance force against landowners who tried to enclose commonly held land for their own profit. John took a 60-year lease of Frog Firle in 1529. In 1536, he bought a moiety (or half) of the manor of Charleston. At his death in 1543, his eldest son William inherited, and he and his descendants continued the expansion until, in 1597, his grandson was able to buy the neighbouring Clapham Manor and combine both Upper and Lower Clapham into one estate. 160 years later, subsequent owners, the Bean family, would buy up the manor and advowson of Litlington, and for a while at least, the lords of Clapham Manor House owned the whole of Litlington parish. Juliet Clarke

CUCKMERE NEWS - 30 - November 2020

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