Plumpton & News August 2021 Z. R. LANDSCAPES Landscaping Fencing Hedge Cutting and Treework Turf Laying DRIVER TRAINING Driveways CAR, LGV, PCV, FLT, HIAB

Patios 40 East View Fields And More Plumpton Green BN7 3EF Zac Robins 07949 220721 Tel: 01273 890410 [email protected] www.hillsofplumpton.co.uk CONTACT FOR A FREE ESTIMATE Eastwood Heating & Plumbing

Keep your energy bills low by making sure your boiler is serviced regularly. A well serviced boiler keeps your energy consumption low and can Identify faults early, avoiding expensive breakdown cost.

Plumpton Green based Heating Engineer for all Oil and Gas appliances please call James on 07876 294262 or 01273 890526 104339 528262

Plumpton Stores & Post Office

Your local village store is now open:

5.45am to 7.30pm Monday to Friday

7.00am to 7.30pm Saturday

7.00am to 1.00pm Sunday 01273 890229

PLUMPTON & EAST CHILTINGTON NEWS

August 2021 Page Plumpton Parish Council 1 Old Mill House Open Garden 18 East Chiltington Parish Council 2 Plumpton Fest 18 District Councillor Rob Banks 5 Letter 19 Councillor Sarah Osbourne 6 Plumpton Vol Driving Scheme 20 MP Maria Caufield 9 Don’t Urbanise the Downs 22 DR’s Diary 10 Thanks to Village Society 22 Vintage Tea Party 10 Plumpton & East Chiltington Honeybees 12 Wildlife 24 Plumpton Parish Council Awards 14 Footpath Detective 27 Strawberry Fair 15 Birds 28 Church Services & News 16 Commons Society 31 Events Calendar 17 Citizens Advice 34

Plumpton Parish Council the Neighbourhood Plan there was a large response in favour of promoting the conservation of wildlife and of trees, hedges www.plumptonpc.co.uk and natural public spaces. If any resident wants to be involved in the planning of a This month the Parish Council met at the Community Orchard and/or has some Village Hall for the first time since March expertise in this area their help would be 2020 and it was great to see fellow very much appreciated; please contact Anita, councillors in the flesh rather than in a Zoom the Parish Clerk. window on a laptop! We met in the small hall which meant we were well spread out What is the Community Infrastructure and the hot weather allowed us to keep the Levy (CIL)? door open. The Parish Council decided that The Community Infrastructure Levy is a some Covid related precautions in the Village charge which is levied by District Hall and Pavilion should remain in place for a Council on new development in our area. while longer. The rules around hand Parishes which have a Neighbourhood Plan in sanitising and extra cleaning will remain in place are entitled to 25% of that levy and the place and the wearing of Face masks is money used for the provision, improvement, requested per government guidelines. The replacement, operation, or maintenance of need to keep these Covid related precautions infrastructure to support the development in in place will of course be reviewed regularly. our village. A report showing the amounts Plumpton Parish has received and what the Community Orchard money has been spent on is published on the An area of the Recreation ground north of Parish Council website. the Playpark has been marked out for a couple of weeks as a possible site for a Lewes Local Plan 2023 – Issues and Community Orchard project. This initiative Options Consultation The first public consultation stage in the has come about primarily because of the making of the next Lewes Local Plan has ‘Queens Green Canopy’ project as part of the started in the form of an Issues and Options Platinum Jubilee celebrations, but also is in document (available via the PC website). This line with the Neighbourhood Plan policy is a very high-level document laying out the which suggested the use of CIL funding (see key issues for the new Local Plan and invites below) for community projects such as an residents to comment on how those issues Orchard. In the consultations leading up to should be addressed. cont on page 2

1 18 th August To allow BT Openreach to carryout apparatus repair works. A diversion will be in place Diversion via: - C323 Honey Pot Lane- E.C New Town proposal at North Barns C323 Mill Lane - A275 Resting Oak Hill - farm B2116 Road and vice versa Council have now issued the Advance warning signs will be placed on Local Plan Issues and options document site advising of actual date of works. which invites comments from residents of LDC . The document can be viewed on the TECT LDC webpage and a convenient link is on The East Chiltington Trust will be hosting th their home page. the Parish party on the 4 of September . The Parish Council have until September to Further details will follow but hopefully it submit their response and will be guided by can proceed in its usual manner once professional advice in addition to linking up restrictions have been fully lifted . with other Lewes Parishes to continue to The Parish Council are now legally required press on reducing the housing need to meet face to face and therefore future number. meeting dates and venues will be released

Don’t urbanise the downs on the web site. The next meeting is likely If you wish to support the plan to prevent to take place on 3rd September but,as the building of 3000 houses on land ever, please contact the clerk with any surrounding North Barns farm please check queries. their website below which gives practical [email protected] ideas of ways in which the cause can be supported . The group are planning a series of drop in information days the first of which is in Plumpton Parish Council cont.. Plumpton village hall from 13.00 to 19.00 on July 24 th . You will be able to meet the The Parish Council would urge all to read team, find out what they are planning and the document and will be publishing its how you may be able to help. own response and guidance which may If you are not able to attend on this date help those that wish to send in their there will be further opportunities comments. In terms of housing need, LDC throughout the summer at are using the figure of 782 homes per Ditchling , Green and Lewes . year as the starting point for planning for The group will also be responding to the the future. This more than doubles the Local Plan issues and options and have previous target (345) which was the asked members of the public to give the number accepted by the Planning team chance to work through the many Inspector in 2016. Look out for updates aspects of the proposals in order that public on all Local Plan and Planning issues on objections can be used in the best possible the Parish Council Website. way. Next Meeting www.donturbanisethedowns.com Since we could not meet in June, the

Temporary Road Closure Parish Council will meet in August this th Please be aware that the following works year on Tuesday 10 August at 19:45 in will be carried out in Novington Lane East the Village Hall. All are welcome to Chiltington attend. From the junction with the 2116 Ditchling road to the junction with the C323 Honeypot Lane ,a distance of approximately 4350 metres The works are scheduled to commence on 16 th August for approximately 3 days to the 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 Lewes & Brighton.

Fletching, E , TN22 3TQ Call Paul or Liz on 01273 733339

Tel : 01825-713111 (Workshop) For a free no-obligation quotation Mobile: 07950-035044 Or email [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.rupert-thacker.com See our website for special offers www.servicemasterbrighton.co.uk

Robert Symes The Greenhouse

TREE SURGEON B&B in the heart of Plumpton Green Separate annex, sleeps 4 East Chiltington Previously known as ‘Edgington Cottage’ Tel: Plumpton To book please call Clare (01273) 890080 Free Esmates 07747 036049

3 Starflower Arts

Creative Art Workshops Collage, Felting, Weaving & more

Sarah Holloway BA(Hons) PGCE E. Chiltington, 07751 986790 www.starflowerarts.weebly.com

Plumpton Pilates Morning and evening group classes in Plumpton Village Hall.

1:1 Pilates at home also available. Please contact Charis 07881 825007 [email protected]

ALLEN UPTON PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICESERVICESSSS

• Member of the Institute of Plumbing • Registered Plumber •

General Plumbing Installaon & Repairs

Free Esmates and Advice

Tel: Plumpton (01273) 890668 or 07711 712 477 Email: [email protected] 4 Rob Banks, District Councillor

Nolands Farm I worked with other residents to ensure the South Downs National Park were invited to give evidence to the District Council on this site. They expressed concerns around landscape, traffic going into the Park, and possible impact on the Dark Skies policy. I sent in objections and my position remains the same, that unless officers reject it, any decision should be made by democratically elected councillors. If it comes to planning committee I will speak against the application.

New Planning law I spoke out at a recent council meeting on the impact of both the current housing numbers and my concern over what a new Planning Bill could mean for our countryside, and voted to support our existing Neighbourhood Plan.

Lewes District Local Plan Make sure you have your say on the first stage of the new Local Plan – which looks at the principles of where development goes - by September 3 rd . We need a far lower number than the 782 houses per year that the Government formula wants Lewes to provide. I have also said that full use should be made of brownfield sites and empty properties. I oppose the potential Eton College site and other threats to our green open spaces. Our district faces exceptional circumstances given the national park, the coast and very poor infrastructure in our village communities which severely limits the space for housing.

How to comment: Visit www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/planning-policy/a-quick-guide-to-the-lewes-district-local- plan The plan will be on-line at www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/LDLocalPlan Paper copies will be available at Southover House in Lewes - address below. Email: [email protected] Write to: Planning Policy Team, Southover House, Southover Road, Lewes, BN7 1AB My advice is to email or write to the council rather than filling in the on-line form. Don’t forget you don’t have to answer all the questions and if you prefer you can just put over your thoughts on where any development should go. Closing date for comments: Friday 3rd September 2021

B2116 road safety campaign I spoke at a County Council Highways meeting and while welcoming ESCC’s promise to carry out a study in how the road could be safer, I have warned more needs to be done. This follows a petition that Cllr Sarah Osborne and I handed in after a coach crashed into the field just after the junction with Plumpton Lane, injuring 12 students from Plumpton College. The road has a steep drop into the field where vehicles routinely come off - so a bank needs building up. It is proof that the infrastructure in our rural area is utterly unsuitable for large scale proposals such as the potential Eton College site - the transport system just wouldn't be able to cope.

Toad crossing sign on Plumpton Lane Pleased to see this has now been replaced. I also got the county council to re-instate the speed reminder sign by Southdowns and on the entrance to the village. [email protected] 07986 755246

5 County Report June 2021

Burgess Hill Waste & Recycling Site. I pressed again for residents to be able to use the HWRS in , as many live closer to the West Sussex facility than the ESCC run one in Lewes.Unfortunately my request was refused. The Director at ESCC in his response said that although he spoke with colleagues in West Sussex again about our residents using their facilities, several obstacles remain to allowing the residents to use the WSCC facility namely WSCC charging charge ESCC for the privilege (region of £55,000 to £70,000 per annum+ costs from our waste disposal contractor for loss of waste from their contract, in which there are guaranteed minimum tonnages), and therefore loss of revenue. The Director also explained that if residents here were allowed to use the Burgess Hill Tip, he thinks ESCC would be expected to do the same in the north of the county where residents would like to be able to access the WSCC facility in East Grinsted and similarly in the east of the county where it would be more convenient for residents to use facilities in Kent.

Parking Problems A number of you have contacted me with regard to parking problems. Unfortunately, there is no national legislation that bans parking on the pavements, other than in . In areas where there are no parking restrictions ESCC are not able to carry out any enforcement. To be able to take enforcement action against vehicles parking on a pavement restriction, such as double yellow lines or a verge and footway ban, would need to be installed. There is a formal, legal process that must be followed when introducing parking controls and ESCC parking reviews allow them to manage this. ESCC carry out regular parking reviews for Lewes district and the next one is due to start in November. A guide to our parking reviews, including timelines, and a form to ask for new parking restrictions or changes to existing ones is on our website at new.eastsussex.gov.uk/parking/ parking-reviews Please make sure you complete the form if you would like parking restrictions to be considered for your area.

County Finances The Council continued to lobby the Government during 2020/21 to address the immediate costs of COVID-19 and to provide a sustainable financial settlement for 2021/22 and beyond. As a result of lobbying, undertaken across the sector, the Spending Review published in November 2020 included several provisions that assist our financial position in 2021/22, including some additional grant funding for social care. However, much of the announced 4.5% increase in ‘core spending power’ for councils is required to be raised through Council Tax increases, which is an unsustainable solution to funding ongoing pressures on social care. The Spending Review was also for one year only, so there remains considerable uncertainty about resources for 2022/23 onwards.

All the best Sarah 07986 776 105

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Unfortunately we have cancelled our Summer Show on 7th August. If all goes well we look forward to our Autumn Show on Saturday 18th September.

6 TIME FOR YOU Advertise Here !! Jessica GELeration Manicure Contact Jessica Classic Prescription Manicure [email protected] Jessica Zenspa Pedicure Day or evening appointments Or Gift vouchers available Mobile appointments available

Phone 01273 891427 Kim Fahey IFHB Mob: 07845045766 Email: [email protected]

Tree Surgery ● Hedge Maintenance Fire Wood Stump Grinding ● Strimming Woodland Management Schemes

Experienced ● Insured £5m Free Quotation

BSc (Enviro Mgt) ● LOLER Inspector NPTC Charlie Layfield Office: 01825 724655 Mobile: 07888 838423 www.treewise.co.uk Advertise Here !! Contact [email protected]

Or Heath Farm Holiday Cottages Phone South Road, Plumpton Green 01273 891427

Three 4 star cottages sleeping two, four and six. Suitable disabled Minimum 2 night stay Regret no smoking or pets. 01273 890712 www.heath-farm.com

7 P. M BUILDERS

5 School Cottages, East Chiltington

For all your building needs

Tel: 01273- 890964 Mobile 07813 114470 YOUR LOCAL BUILDER

Painter Decorative Paint Finishes, Domestic, Business & Building Trade Michael Webber

[email protected] 01273 890779 07880 558 556

2 School Cottage 07890 546417 East Chiltington Lewes BN7 3AY

Servicing, Repairs and Deadly Serious MOTs Pest Control Campervans Horseboxes James Otway Trade vans Cars 07702 208475 [email protected] Call Martin on Odintune Cottage East Chiltington, Lewes 01273 479777 , BN7 3AN www.rdhcommercials.co.uk Maria Caufield MP I was pleased that at the end of May, Openreach outlined plans to build new ultrafast, ultra-reliable Full Fibre broadband for more than three million homes and businesses around the country, including 11,410 in the Lewes Constituency. This will be to cover some of the hardest to reach communities in the UK.

This follows an extended investment commitment by BT which means Openreach will now build Full Fibre technology for 25 million premises by 2026. This will also create a total of 7,000 new jobs across Openreach and the supply chain. Since 2017, Openreach has announced 9,000 apprentice jobs which will help accelerate the deployment of world class digital infrastructure across the UK.

In addition, I welcome the Gigabit Broadband Voucher scheme is now open, providing up to £210m worth of funding through vouchers as immediate help for those experiencing slow broadband speeds in rural areas. Vouchers worth up to £1,500 for homes and £3,500 for businesses are available to selected areas to help to cover the costs of installing gigabit broadband. Residents and businesses can check if they are eligible by visiting the government website.

It is really encouraging that the Government continues to prioritise investment in gigabit- capable broadband. More than a third of UK premises now have access to gigabit-capable connections, up from 9% in July 2019. The Government is also working with the industry to target a minimum of 85% gigabit-capable coverage by 2025, and an ambition to get as close to 100% as possible. The Government has also signed the Shared Rural Network agreement with Mobile Network Operators. The £1 billion deal will increase 4G mobile coverage throughout the UK to 95% by the end of 2025.

I know just how important this is to so many people across the constituency. A large proportion of Lewes and Wealden is made up of rural areas where broadband speeds can unfortunately be very slow. I have had numerous local residents raise this with me in recent years, and I am pleased that after raising these issues with the Government, action is being taken to ensure that people across our harder to reach communities will have access to faster broadband.

Flower Club is back! Fun, Friendship and Flowers

After a long break I am pleased to announce that Plumpton Flower Club is returning on Wednesday, 15 th September starting at 7.00pm sharp in the large hall. We will be having a meeting for the first 30 minutes to discuss the club’s finances and possible ideas to increase the membership, revenue and A.O.B. At 7.30pm we will be treated to a wonderful demonstration from Michelle King entitled ‘Tour de France’ which will be full of colour and beautiful creations. Looking forward to welcoming old members back and any newcomers to our first meeting. Entrance fee £5 for everyone.

If you have any queries or questions please contact me on 01273 890422/07789860011 or [email protected] . Frances Gazzard Programme Secretary

9 DR’s Diary VINTAGE TEA PARTY Gender neutral? More Midsummer 25TH SEPTEMBER 2021 madness! IN AID OF ALZHEIMER’S If I were to ask you ' where can you be RESEARCH UK denied access because you're the wrong sex?' You may say 'the MCC, House of Lords or the Freemasons'. WRONG! Plumpton & East Chiltington Good ( well, a bit wrong on the last one). Its far Neighbours will be holding a vintage simpler, our dear old Hen/Stag do. tea party to raise much needed funds for Alzheimer's Research UK. And so it is that after days mowing,planting and generally tidying up the garden, I find We will be providing a selection of myself banished. Today is our daughters home-made cakes and refreshments 'Hen do' and our garden is festooned with for you all to enjoy. enough bunting and balloons to make it resemble a set of Midsummer Murders .Or There will be a bottle raffle and we in the interests of 'girl power', maybe Saint are asking the residents of the villages Mary Mead and Miss Marple would be more if they would be kind enough to donate appropriate ? Not sure we have any CID a bottle of any sort i.e. wine, olive oil, hens but we do have a couple lawyers in attendance, hopefully this will deter anyone ketchup, perfume, balsamic vinegar, from tampering with the Pimms or putting hot water bottle or anything in a monkshood in the scones. bottle!! We will be happy to collect anything you wish to donate and ask Sadly, a trip to a karaoke bar in Brighton you to contact one of the Coordinators and other events not permissible at present to collect. (Linda on 07478524152 or have had to be postponed to after the Pam on 07786152215). wedding which is certainly alternative but maybe part of the ' new normal?' Alzheimers is a terrible condition and

a lot of us have been affected by it in A couple of weeks ago we were planning to so many ways. Alzheimers Research UK erect a large tent to keep our hens dry from non stop wind/rain , but this being are working tirelessly to help combat , we have ended up cramming the disease and need funding to carry everyone into the shady bit and putting up on their research so please support parasols instead. their cause in any way you can.

The bridesmaids have put together some The party is being held in the Church games and a Mr & Mrs quiz to provide some Annexe in Plumpton Green from 2pm evening entertainment. An assortment of until 4pm on 25th September so please photographs have been submitted to go on come along and share in the fun and display, showing the metamorphosis of our purchase some raffle tickets. Bride-2- Be from chubby tot to blushing bride. Who knows? Might even be one or two that are slightly embarrassing! We very much look forward to your support and meeting you. I'm aiming to head home in the twilight zone, hopefully our girls have enjoyed their There will be a box for any kind day , the house/garden are not in too much donations in the Village shop of a mess and somewhere in the kitchen towards the end of the month and if there's a large tin with surplus cake and anyone wishes to make a monetary scones for me! donation please leave in a sealed envelope behind the counter. 10

Problems with computer HOME CHARLES CARS or digital devices

Call James Plumpton Based 07894 454037 or email: [email protected] Private Hire Taxi Company

Also qualified PAT tester, lives in Plumpton • AIRPORT TRANSFER SERVICE • PRESTIGE VEHICLES • COMPETITIVE TAXI PRICES , • CORPORATE ACCOUNTS • CREDIT CARDS WELCOME ● Small local classes (max 4) • SALOONS AND ESTATES ● From £10 pp per hour • PROFESSIONAL , R ELIABLE DRIVERS ● Beginners, 1 -2-1, conversation ● Facetime 1 - 2 - 1(no contact) 077 344 89222

email: [email protected] [email protected]

Zumba with Lucy Now on Zoom, £3.50 Wednesday 7pm Thursday 6.15pm Saturday 9.30am

A fun, energetic dance class suitable for everybody. Contact: [email protected]

Alexander Technique LEARN HOW TO SHOOT A can help to naturally overcome: BOW

• Back, neck and joint pain Plumpton Bowmen hold • Muscle tension and stiffness Beginners ’ Courses twice a • Poor posture year in April and October on the • Breathing and vocal problems • Anxiety and stress-related conditions Playing Field.

One to one lessons tailored to your needs We hold Have-A-Go sessions rd For more information contact: the 3 Sunday of the month Caroline Canner MSTAT from April to August from 11 – 01273 891174 07754147380 [email protected] 12.30pm. Alexandertechnique.co.uk For further information see: www.plumpton-bowmen.org.uk 11 Honeybees June/July 2021

Honeybees has continued to be very busy during the spring and early summer. We have 32 children attending Monday to Friday between 8 am and 5pm. Now that the warmer weather is here (for some of the time!) the children have enjoyed enormously the outdoor wooded area, and this has been particularly beneficial when the weather was hot, and the trees have created a natural canopy against the sun. We have planted sunflowers, tomatoes, herbs, a new willow shelter and some lovely flowering plants that the children are enjoying watching grow. The wildflowers and sweet peas look particularly beautiful, and the children enjoy identifying them and chatting about how we can look after them. Despite all the restrictions imposed by the pandemic staff continue to participate in a number of training courses including two staff members achieving Early Years Teacher Status, another successfully completing the first year of her BA Honours degree and another who is about to embark on a degree in Children and Young People’s Development. What a qualified bunch we are. Only the best for Early Years! We are very pleased that the Duchess of Cambridge has opened her Foundation Centre for Early Childhood and she emphasises that the early years is a precious time during which to nurture the young. We totally agree! The daily cleaning of the pavilion, spraying and wiping all surfaces, handles etc and monitoring children’s health is quite hard work but necessary because honeybees is just one bubble, and we couldn’t separate any positive cases and we would have to close for an isolation period. This has been a challenge and we are grateful to our parents and other users of the pavilion who have kept to the rules so we can keep everyone safe. Thank you. We attended the Village’s Strawberry fair and by the time you read this we should have held our own honeybees fun day which hopefully will raise some much-needed funds, our normal fundraising activities such as curry and quiz and jumble sales obviously had to be curtailed. Thanks to our committee and all our full-time and part-time staff especially during the last few difficult months and also thanks to the parents who help especially Hannah Deacon who helped planting our flowers and vegetables with the children. Thanks also to the Parish Council for their continued excellent support. We are also looking forward to our holiday club which we ran last year during lockdown and are repeating again this year for Honeybees children. The holiday club is held entirely outside and will run from the end of July to mid-August so please pray for fine weather! This year 14 of our Honeybees children are progressing to school and although this can be a sad time as we say goodbye to these children who have been such a big part of our lives, we are excited for them to begin their next learning journey. Reach for the skies! We are busy recruiting children for the autumn and if you, or you know of anyone, who wishes for a place for a child do contact us. Hours are 8 am until 5 pm and children can be between the ages of 2 and 5. We offer the 15, 30 and two year funded hours. Check out our lovely website and Facebook Page: Honeybees Preschool | Plumpton Green, East Sussex Honeybees preschool | Facebook

12 Advertise Here !! Contact [email protected]

Or

Phone 01273 891427

MARK WATTS DRAINAGE Sepc Tank Problems…? Blocked soakaway? Drains backing up? Obnoxious smells? Sepc Tank Conversions Treatment Plant Installaons Servicing of Treatment Plants- MARK WATTS DRAINAGE 01273 812 331 – 07990 553 747

14 Plumpton Parish Council Community Awards 2021

Throughout the last 18months of this pandemic, we have all seen examples of the community spirit that makes Plumpton special. Plumpton Parish Council awarded two Community Awards on behalf of a grateful village. Presented by Nick Beaumont, Chair of Plumpton Parish Council, he expressed Plumpton’s highest gratitude and appreciation.

Plumpton Green Stores

Fal Patel and her team of Curtis Pattenden, Gill Sutton, Mandy Manville, Gill Medhurst and of course the guiding light of Bob, have gone above and beyond their duty every day during the Pandemic and our sincere thanks go to them all.

Plumpton Green Stores, affectionately known as the Village Shop, has supported us tirelessly throughout the pandemic, with a complete range of food, products, newspapers and of course the post office. Not forgetting the much sought-after toilet rolls and flour.

Plumpton & East Chiltington Coronavirus Support Group

Plumpton Parish Council also recognised the excellent work done by the Plumpton and East Chiltington Coronavirus Support Group during the pandemic. The Group was quickly established in March 2020 to support the local community by getting medication, necessary shopping and indeed providing all sorts of help. By setting up a Facebook site and creating a database of willing local volunteers to help the community, they quickly gained a reputation for delivering help when and where needed. Community Awards were presented by Nick Beaumont, the Parish Council Chair to Linda Watson and Gina Hawthorne who led the way, and District Councillor Rob Banks (centre) who set up the Facebook page and provided a link into the central support and guidance. Heartfelt thanks to so many people who helped but especially to Jacqui Wallis, Nancy Gilbert, Meg Cutts and Matt Cornford. The team kept going tirelessly throughout the pandemic and the work continues with the helpline run by the Good Neighbours Scheme. 14 Plumpton Village Society Strawberry Fair 26 June 2021

Plumpton held its first traditional Village Fair on the last Saturday in June for a good while and wow, weren’t we lucky with the weather! The sun shone all day. The Plumpton Village Society Committee worked hard to ensure everyone remained safe by following Covid measures and thank you to everyone socially distancing. We are delighted to say that nothing was reported or pinged.

The Fair was opened by our new Vicar, Rev Anne Dunlop and the showground saw a creative fancy dress competition with all children winning prizes, the Panto team made us laugh with a smelly strawberry sketch and song, graceful performances by the Turning Pointe dancers and the super cute dog show.

There were 25 local clubs and societies on the Village Green with promotional stalls and many said that villagers were interested in joining their organisations and raised much needed money. For example, the School PPTFA ran a beer and Pimm’s tent – see left.

Plumpton Support Group for St Peter & St James Hospice would like to thank everyone who supported the Dog Show. They raised £196. A special “thank you” to Cliffe Vets who sponsored the rosettes. Also a “thank you” to Penny Skipper who was our judge for the afternoon.

The VERY large soft toy dog was won by a family in Wivelsfield and was called “Buddy”. He has gone to a good home! All the dogs were very well behaved, and the spectators certainly enjoyed seeing the dogs parade around the ring.

The Village Society raised funds to kick off the Jubilee Celebration preparations for June 2022. A BIG JUBILEE FUN DAY will be held on 5 June at the Racecourse instead of a Village Green Fair next year.

The above photos were kindly taken by the Camera Club of happy memories of when we started to emerge from 18 months of the pandemic and a reminder of what a wonderful Village, we all live in.

16 Church Services for August

Sunday 1st August Trinity 9 Lammas Day All Saints 11.00am Family Communion

Sunday 8th August Trinity 10 All Saints 11.00am Family Communion

Sunday 15 th August Trinity 11 The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary All Saints 11.00am Family Communion

Sunday 22 nd August Trinity 12 All Saints 11.00am Family Communion

Sunday 29 th August Trinity 13 All Saints 11.00am Family Communion

Sunday 5th September Trinity 14 Creation 1* All Saints 11.00am Family Communion

*The church marks September as the Creation Season during which prayers are said for the works of nature and the preservation of the environment.

Please note that beginning in September we will resume services at East Chiltington church on the Fourth Sunday of each month at 11.00am. St Michael’s church will continue to be used on special occasions such as for Harvest festival on Sunday 3 rd October at 5.00pm followed by refreshments in the college. There will be a Carol service at St Michael’s church on Sunday 12 th December at 6pm followed also by refreshments in the colleges student common room.

Rev Anne Dunlop will take Mondays as her day off, please could we respect her free time. Sadly our Rectory Summer Fair has had to be cancelled due to a clash with a wedding.

For general church matters please contact one of the Churchwardens: East Chiltington - Amanda Inglis 07941 241148 Plumpton - Howard Wood 07794484373 David Dawson 01273 890134

Rev Anne Dunlop.. I write this on the 8 th of July after a certain football match! The stress level was considerable – I had to leave the room – couldn’t bear to watch. ‘On the final whistle, 65,000 fans in Wembley and tens of millions watching on television erupted in an outpouring of collective hysteria, fuelled by millions of pints of beer – and sheer relief.’ The Telegraph. I am not a follower of football – what I know would fill the back of a postage stamp – but the collective emotion is contagious! I wonder what the outcome will have been by the time you read this magazine. At this moment we look forward with hopeful anticipation! Anticipation is part of the joy of life even if it sometimes results in disappointment. We anticipate a ‘significant event’ a birthday or a wedding. For some things we must moderate anticipation with patience, the birth of a child, or the retirement date. Some anticipation requires us to have courage, the results of a health test or examination results. Continued on page 32

15 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 7th August - Horticultural Society Summer show Cancelled VH 25th August - Sussex Bonsai Group 7.30 to 10pm VH 15th September - Flower Club 7.30pm VH 18th September - Horticultural Society Autumn show VH 21st September - Sussex Bonsai Group 7.30 to 10pm VH 25th September - Vintage Tea Party in aid of Alzheimers Research via Plumpton & E. Chiltington Good Neighbours ANX 2nd October - Plumpton Apple Pressing VH 16th October - PlumptonFest VH 23rd October - Tennis Club Jumble Sale VH 27th October - Sussex Bonsai Group 7.30 to 10pm VH 20th November - Tennis Club Quiz 26th November - Horticultural Society AGM VH 27th November - St. P & St. J Festive Fair VH 27th November to 3rd December - Christmas tree festival ALC

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

COPY DEADLINES

16th August for September 13th September for October Copy to The Poplars, Station Road or email: [email protected] or Telephone: 01273 891 427

17 Open Garden Old Mill House

18 th July dawned – warm and sunny The bread and biscuits were ready for temptation The mill wheel was turning The jazz musicians were serenading everyone The scones and delicious cakes arrived Tea tables laid in the cooling shade The tombola and plants were displayed The wonderful volunteers were at the ready The gate opened at 2pm In came nearly 350 visitors – adults and children alike

We want to thank everyone from the village that came to our Open Garden event in support of our efforts to raise funds for St Peter & St James Hospice. But without the wonderful team of volunteers that give freely of their time the event would not be possible – a heartfelt thank you to each and everyone of them. At the time of writing, we know that the funds raised will total more than £3,100 – significantly more than ever before – thank you to everyone for their support. Provisional date for your 2023 diary – Sunday June 27 th ! Carole and Paul Nicholson

Plumptonfest 2021 Saturday, 16 October, Plumpton Village Hall

We’re back! Plumptonfest returns…

Want a great musical evening out? Put the date in your diary now!

After a five-year break, and one year later than planned for the you-know-what reason, we are hosting another event.

The aim of the event is to showcase local musical talent, giving performers an opportunity to have a go in a friendly environment.

To take part in Plumptonfest, please contact:

Eamonn Murphy [email protected] 01273 890150 07946 518420

18 Letters to the Editor Views and opinions expressed are those of the contributors and are not necessarily those of the Editorial Team or Magazine Committee.

Dear Sir, Last month, along with many residents in Plumpton Green and the surrounding area, I received a letter from Maria Caulfield MP. The letter outlined Maria's support to oppose the Eton College Housing Development. I felt it would be appropriate to respond to Maria and I am happy for the email I sent to be shared with PECN readers, I have included the response I received.

EMAIL TO MARIA: Dear Maria, Thank you for your letter, which I received today. Many Residents in Plumpton Green and the surrounding area in East Sussex have grave concerns about a development of this size.

Myself and my Family have lived in Plumpton Green for almost thirty years and during that time several housing developments have taken place in the village. They have been relatively small developments but nonetheless have added many additional dwellings. Indeed, there is a housing project to build thirty houses, adjacent to The Rectory, underway at this very moment. I have had no objections to these past and present developments as their scale has had no negative impact on the village, or local services.

However, the development of over 3000 homes in the area of East Chiltington is a preposterous idea.

Such a scheme would exert immense pressure on local roads, fresh water and waste water infrastructure, not to mention other utilities, refuse collection, Postal and broadband services, education and healthcare. Should any Government official be foolish enough to grant permission for this development to proceed, it would condemn East Chiltington and the surrounding area to an influx of additional vehicles that would damage this Sussex countryside forever. 3000 new houses could bring 6000 more cars into this peaceful, rural and beautiful part of . What, if any, consideration has been given to where these potential 3000 families will work, receive education and healthcare? I suggest many will work in the London area, which if they travel by rail from local stations will put further pressure on the rail network that already struggles to cope.

It was refreshing to receive your letter this morning. Thank you for your support to oppose this ill- conceived Eton College proposed development.

Kind Regards, Paul Sutton Marbury House Plumpton Green

MARIA RESPONSE: Thanks Paul for your email and I will do all I can to see off this development.

The developers are unlikely to put an application in immediately but will try and get the site as one designated for housing with the local council and we are trying to see this off as a starting point.

Please be assured this is a priority for me.

With all good wishes Maria Caulfield MP Lewes Constituency 19 VOLUNTEER DRIVERS WE NEED YOU!

PLUMPTON VOLUNTARY DRIVING SCHEME

supporting Plumpton, East Chiltington and Streat residents for the past 12 years, is a bookable, door -to -door transport service run by a dedicated team of local volunteers for villagers to local health care services eg: Doctors/Hospitals\Dentists\Opticians and Chiropodists.

Our service provides vital independence for people with restricted mobility who cannot easily access public transport.

If you think you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver please contact Gill for more information on Tel: 01273 890055 Email: [email protected]

If you would like to book our service, please contact Jackie on 07855 213947

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “There are Coal Tits in the Trees down the End of the Lane”

There are coal tits in the trees down the end of the lane. Green woodpeckers visit the garden again. Magpies are chatt’ring on the roof top up high; Two of them, happily, throwing moss in the sky.

There are moorhens in the pond by the new Village Hall. The great oaks make a circus where the squirrels perform. A red kite is circling, and then swooping down, While in the grass there’s a kaleidoscope of soft Meadow Browns.

When I creak ope’ the shed door there is one ugly toad And Goldfinches sparkle in the broken hedgerow. Blackbirds so busy, their beaks full of grubs And a bold baby robin just flits through the shrubs.

It’s been just a fortnight since our family rolled in And we made our new home in old Plumpton Green. But already it feels it was all meant to be; No doubting, this in the living for me!

Andy Starling. July 2021

20 NEED AN ELECTRICIAN ?

KJB ELECTRICAL LTD

Your local electrician, based in Plumpton Green. Part ‘P’ compliant & Fully Insured For a free no obligation quote, Call or Email Ken T. 07766455378 E. [email protected]

John Church electrician Professional, Courteous Local Electrician For all your electrical needs

Fully Qualified - Part P Registered All Work Guaranteed - Fully Insured

Call John 01273 900251 [email protected]

21 Issues & Options for Developments Some of you will have received an email from Lewes District Council saying “Views sought on Local Plan.” This is the Issues & Options consultation phase for the new Local Plan. Consultation will run until 3 September and focuses on broad principles for development such as climate change, the environment, jobs and housing. The document does not reference specific planning proposals directly in any way - including the Eton College proposal for a 3,000-house new town at East Chiltington. However, it is vital that you do respond to this document to help keep schemes like the Eton proposal OUT of the forthcoming Local Plan. Action group Don’t Urbanise the Downs will be posting full information on the Issues and Options consultation on its website and through social media channels. The group hosted a couple of successful drop-in days in July, but there are three more dates during August, where you can meet the team and find out more. They are: Saturday 7 August - Ditchling Village Hall, 13.00-18.00 Saturday 14 August – Lewes Town Hall, 11.00-18.00 Saturday 21 August – Beechwood Hall, Cooksbridge, 13.00-18.00 For more information or to join the action group, please visit http:// www.donturbanisethedowns.com .

PLUMPTON AND EAST CHILTINGTON GOOD NEIGHBOURS

Well Done The Village Society

We are a small group of volunteers who booked a pitch at the Strawberry Fair in order to raise much needed funds to help cover our ongoing costs over the next few months. Our funds are, in the main, derived from Council grants and donations from individuals so we thought that The Strawberry Fair was an ideal way to try to raise some money. We are not a large group, so The Village Society provided us with a rare opportunity to do something for ourselves. After all the trauma of the past 15 months which had restricted our visits to clients, we were quite apprehensive with the ever changing weather leading up to Saturday 26 th June and, the weather forecast for the day was equally changeable. However, having put in a number of hours work into our preparation we thought we must go ahead despite the elements. Come the day and any doubts that existed quickly evaporated. From the word go, apart from putting up the gazebo, everything started going our way. The organisation by Lee Stevens and her team was excellent. Our pitch was ideal and no sooner had we got organised than the money started coming in. All the activities going on around the arena helped swell the numbers, and we had a constant stream of people visiting our stall and playing our games. After nearly three hours we had sold all the tickets from the tombola and the bonus ball game. Our fundraising efforts had exceeded all expectations, and we hope the people playing our games got as much enjoyment out of the day as we did. The weather on the day was brilliant, the ploughman’s lunches, strawberries and cream and cream teas were all added bonuses, but our biggest thanks must go to The Village Society for their organisation. Without this opportunity we would have had to get out our ‘begging bowl’ within the next few months but, we can now relax for a while longer, and get on with helping our clients which is our primary aim. With grateful thanks to The Village Society and all the visitors to our stall,

The Committee of Plumpton and East Chiltington Good Neighbours 22

Top Trader

woodstock construction For all your building needs

* Extensions 25 years experience * Roofing Fully Insured Steve Dartnell * Kitchens We pride ourselves * Bathrooms on * Tiling and Decorating quality workmanship

Call David for advice and estimate Phone:- Mobile: 07961 123054 Home: 01273 891572

23 Speckled Wood), and the path from the College past the back of Plumpton Place and Plumpton & East Drews Farm up to Ashurst Organics (Comma, Chiltington Wildlife Skippers, Painted Lady). Forty-five of the 59 UK butterfly species are known to occur in Big Butterfly Count Sussex. PECWG members have recorded at This year’s national Big Butterfly Count takes least 30 of these, including the rare Purple place from Friday 16th July to Sunday 8th Emperor, in the parishes of Plumpton and August – so there is still time for you to do East Chiltington. this. But why count Butterflies in the first All you have to do is count butterflies for just place? 15 minutes during bright (preferably sunny) weather during the above dates. The charity We count butterflies because not only are leading the annual project (which has been they beautiful to look at but they are running since 2010) is Butterfly Conservation important parts of the ecosystem as both and it chooses this time of year because pollinators and are part of the food chain. most butterflies are at the adult stage of However, they are under threat. Numbers of their lifecycle, so more likely to be seen. both butterflies and moths in the UK have They want you to concentrate on the most decreased significantly since the 1970s – we common species of butterflies and day-flying should not ignore this warning. moths. Records are welcome from anywhere: your own garden, the village green, the Butterfly declines are also an early warning school grounds, the recreation grounds, sign for other wildlife losses; therefore, if fields and woodlands. You can repeat the their numbers are falling, nature is in count as many times as you like before 8 th trouble. Butterflies are key biodiversity August – just log them separately on the indicators for scientists as they react very link https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly- quickly to changes in their environment. So, conservation.org/map tracking numbers of butterflies is crucial in the fight to conserve our natural world. The butterflies most likely to be seen in gardens include the Red Admiral, Peacock, Butterfly Conservation describes ‘counting Brimstone, Painted Lady, Comma, Green- butterflies as taking the pulse of nature and veined White, Small Tortoiseshell, Small we depend on you, our citizen scientists, to Cabbage White and Large Cabbage White. help us assess how much help nature needs’. You might also find Small Skipper, Large The data from this count helps the charity Skipper, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, identify trends in species and assists it to Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, plan how to protect butterflies from Marbled White, Small Copper and Holly Blue extinction as well as understanding the butterflies in gardens in Plumpton and East impact of climate change on wildlife. Chiltington. Other types of butterflies prefer specialised habitats, such as chalk downland Give it a try – I promise you will find it not or coppiced woodland, and are unlikely to be only fun, but a lovely way to be in nature seen in gardens. and totally switch off from the stresses of the world – and be part of a vital scientific As well as your own garden, good places for project. butterfly spotting in Plumpton and East Carole Nicholson Chiltington include the grassland at Plumpton Bostal (look out for Chalk Hill Blue and Grizzled Skipper butterflies), the main ride up through Warningore Wood (White Admirals), The Plough meadow (Marbled White, Common Blue, even Clouded Yellow), the track from East Chiltington Church to Novington Manor (Brimstone, Peacock and

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

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Registered with NAPIT to certify to part P No job too big, no job too small (labour VAT Free) Tel: 01825 723661 MOB: 07754000147 Email: [email protected]

Plough Inn

A friendly family pub, open all day everyday from noon. Quality meals made from locally sourced produce, served daily in a friendly relaxing atmosphere. We pride ourselves on our cask marque real ales. Rooms available for functions & our beautiful meadow is available for camping. Always a warm welcome. Call Nicole on : 01273 890311 [email protected]

25 Advertise Here !! PAY LESS TAX Contact Formerly with the world’s largest accountancy firm [email protected] for many years, I am now available freelance, to deal with all tax/accountancy matters, at a fraction of company rates. Or Ring for a free meeting. LAWRENCE FLOWERS Phone 01273 891427 School House Plumpton Green, Lewes BN7 3DP Tel: 01273 891505

honeybees PRESCHOOL Community run Preschool in the heart of Plumpton Green Ages from 2 to 5 Flexible hours available between 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday Now offering 30 hours funded childcare OFSTED rated ‘GOOD’ The Pavilion, King George V Playing Field, Plumpton Green, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 3PD

Email [email protected] or phone 01273 890885 Find out more at www.honeybeespreschool.co.uk

26 Footpath Kildwick Bridge over the River Aire and darted between traffic at the big roundabout junction Detective’s to head toward Cross Hills and Glusburn. Just south of the railway I spotted a narrow Diary: entrance to a rather overgrown footpath off to my right and that plus a residential back lane A Footpath Detective’s Diary brought me to Glusburn Park. The park is very August 2021 well manicured with traditional rose beds, nice Moore’s Yorkshire playing areas and an outdoor gym. It was obvious that local dads had been sent out to Whilst staying with my cousin and his wife in entertain their small off-spring for the morning Cononley, Yorkshire I started reading the but they were definitely wilting in the hot sun. autobiography of Captain Sir Tom Moore, the man seen walking laps of his garden as he Glusburn dates back to the 8 th Century and is approached his 100 th birthday and to raise a situated above Glus Beck which means the little bit of money to support the NHS charity. shining stream. It would have been moorland In the book he refers to his early years and forest with wolves, wild boar and deer at enjoying the southern slopes of Rombalds the time. By the time of the Norman Moor. This moor rises above Airedale, the occupation the land was being ploughed and same valley that Cononley is in. Where would have continued as a farming community Captain Tom grew up is very close to the until the mid 19 th Century when textile mills village of East Morton where in the distant spread along Airedale. Neighboring Cross Hills past my own ancestors lived. is the newer part of the parish that probably grew up because of its close vicinity to Holme I set out from Cononley for a short little and Eastburn Becks that would have provided route. Down the road and across the level the flowing water to support the mills. crossing (which annoyingly closes very frequently being the railway line from London A footpath roughly following the contours and to Carlisle) and onwards to lane end where a heading NNW along the hillside leads back to quick dart across the A629 is necessary to Cononley. From the top of the hill a chimney get to the Leeds – Liverpool canal. I turned protrudes, the remains of a lead mine. The right onto the canal path (nicely surfaced for surrounding land is barren and not even weeds walkers, runners and cyclists). The weather grow, such is the poison that lead deposits in was Mediterranean hot and when its like that the soil. As I joined the lane to head back into in the UK it always seems hotter. The muddy the village more than the usual number of waters of the canal looked very appealing. cyclists were starting the steep climb. They had numbers on their bikes so I asked what the I trotted SE under Farnhill Bridge and event was, The Bronte Sportive was the onwards to Milking Hill Bridge passing Farnhill response. Of course even cycling can cash in Hall that overlooks a bend in the canal. The on the Bronte name in this area. hall was originally a single story building constructed in the 15 th Century but My final stretch was along ‘Frying Pan Row’, underwent significant alteration in the 16 th properly known as Aire View. It’s a terrace of and 19 th Centuries and is now two story with houses built around 1820 when a small group the ends having four turrets making it of men clubbed together to raise £262 to buy fortified. It stands on a little rise and the the land on which the houses are built. They canal was constructed around and below the became known as ‘Club Row’ but then as hill. ‘Frying Pan Row’ as legend says that the households had only one frying pan shared A little further along the canal I arrived at between them, most unlikely but it’s a nice Kildwick and St. Andrew’s Church. A church story. It is also said that no iron trading, on the site was founded in 950. Scandinavian slaughter or offensive trades were allowed in crosses have been found on site. The current th the row. They enjoy the most beautiful view building has been present from the 13 across Airedale toward the NW edge of Century and developed to its present form. Rombalds Moor. As I passed the bells were ringing for Sunday EJH service. I continued south to cross 27 Bird Watch common. To feed these extra animals, fast- growing grasses, fed with high nitrogen It is so apparent that there are fertilisers, were developed that could yield far fewer birds in the countryside three crops of silage each summer. The compared with twenty years ago. interval between each cut is so short that “Changes in farming practises” are quoted and ground nesting birds do not have the time to are indeed the main reason for this and it is raise a brood. often inferred that farmers do all they can to spite wildlife. This by no means true as The change to growing much more anyone living and working in the countryside productive autumn sown cereals resulted in enjoys the flora and fauna around them, very few winter stubbles containing the shed usually being able to identify most species and grain and weed seeds on which seed eating quick to spot anything unusual. It may be birds like Linnets and Yellowhammers depend, different with the large conglomerate agri- disappeared and so did the birds. Not many business farms where scale and efficiency are years ago, a pair of Linnets could be found everything. Farmers are easy targets for holding territory every fifty yards or so along a criticism, sitting ducks if you like. hedgerow, not now. Efforts have been made in recent years to spread mixed seed at the Let’s have a look at how these margins of fields to help them and this has changes came about and we will see that enabled more to survive the winter. With these more than the farming community are the high yielding crops came “crop protection” in cause. It started as long ago as World War 2 the form of chemical sprays to eliminate weeds when this country was reliant upon imported and insect pests. Though not so lethal as the food, mainly from North America by ship. DDT of earlier years, they were very efficient Those of us of a certain vintage, will and resulted in less food supply for the birds. remember news reports of how many So, scientists who developed these chemicals, thousands of tons of merchant vessels were and the governments that encouraged their torpedoed by U-boats on a daily basis. It was use also have something to answer for. decided, after the conflict, that this country should produce as much of its own food that I have been reading English Pastoral the climate would allow. Government edicts (An Inheritance) by James Rebanks, a fell demanded that fields should be enlarged by farmer from Cumbria, whose family has farmed removing hedges, some quite unsuitable there for hundreds of years. He relates his meadows were ploughed for cereal production memories of the past three generations and if a farmer disagreed, someone would be comparing how his grandfather, father and sent in from the War Agricultural Commission now how he works. He now despairs as he to carry out the work. sees the decline of wildlife, even in such remote places, and in a hard-hitting account, This is where many of us are to discusses the past, how his views and farming blame, with the assumption that food should activities have changed to now trying to return be cheap, often sold at less than the cost of the land to a more sustainable way, planting production. The supermarkets drove prices trees, allowing areas to saturate to protect the down so that many farmers gave up, went towns below from flooding and allowing odd bankrupt or intensified so that double the corners to grow over. He says that his lower number of livestock were needed to give the key farming barely covers his costs and same margin of income. There was the time certainly will not feed the nation. but he and when milk was actually cheaper to buy than some of his neighbours get the satisfaction of bottled water, an absolute insult to the first- wildlife returning because of the improved class dairy cows we have in this country and habitat. to the skilled staff who get up very early in the morning to milk and tend them to supply us. Continued on page 32 Some farmers then specialised often to only one large enterprise, putting all their eggs in one basket, and the traditional mixed farms, with both livestock and crops were less 28

ACCOUNTANCY & TAXATION SERVICES Kelvin Speirs Fyndings, Station Road Plumpton Green Lewes BN7 3BX Tel: 01273 890785 Email: [email protected]

Plumpton Property N.L.S NICK LANAWAY Maintenance Services SERVICES Garden and Ground Care Machinery A. CHRISTIE Service and Repair Decorating, Tiling, Guttering, Carpentry, Golf Buggy and ATV Kitchens and Worktops, Bathrooms, etc. - 07503 891335 01273 890346 [email protected] [email protected] 12 Southdowns, Plumpton Green. BN7 3EB

GUMTREE 4x4 Ltd 01444 241457 4 x 4 Division Unit 18 Ditchling Common Industrial Estate CHIMNEY SWEEP Traditional & Power Sweeping Tel. 01273 858568 Mob.07889 485832 MOT testing, servicing and repairs. Fully insured Friendly & Reliable Recovery, collection and delivery service available.

29

MPS Electrics

For all your electrical needs

Local Electrician Fully qualified/insured

Contact Marcus on

Tel: 01273 891544 Mob:07546505447 email: [email protected]

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Patios, Walling, Tiling, Decorating, Plumbing, Bathroom and Kitchen Fitting

Get Those DIY Jobs Finished, Professional, Friendly, Local Service, Call For a Free Estimate

Contact: Keith 01273 842093 Mob: 07763 811516

30 Chailey Commons our website for contacts to report anything which does not look right. Society If there are issues with livestock including cattle escaping onto www.chaileycommons.org.uk neighbouring land or roads (not the roads between the commons where The commons have been rapidly covered there are cattle grids) please contact once again with the bracken, Pteridium the farmer Nick Harvey on 07710 aquilinum , taking the lead in the growth 031820. Other issues e.g., fly tipping, stakes. Also, both the Bell Heather, Erica litter, dog nuisance, car parks or bins cinerea , which favours the damp and please contact Lewes District Council wetter areas and Cross-Leaved Heath, here: https://www.lewes- Erica tetralix , in the drier areas, are eastbourne.gov.uk/report-a-problem/. making a fine show, to be followed in Activities to look forward to include the August by the Ling, Calluna vulgaris , the children’s Bug Hunt on Wednesday 18 th very pretty smaller flowered variety of August and a new event for this year heather. Heath spotted orchids, which is a Young Ecologist Holiday Dactylorhiza macculata , have been Club for those of ages 6 – 10 years. especially good this year. These should take place on The Exmoor ponies have settled in well Wednesdays August 11 th and 25 th for a after taking up residence on Red House young ecologist plus an adult in a Common. The water troughs have been small group of 8 adults and 8 children. cleaned and we must ask that they are There will be a Late Summer Walk on kept clean for drinking purposes only – Saturday 28 th August. Watch out for no access or use by dogs and children posters and emails to members. please for obvious reasons. There are still instances of dog poo bags being For details visit our website – used and then abandoned on the side of www.chaileycommons.org.uk or our paths. This is, of course, very Facebook page www.facebook.com/ counterproductive to the idea of keeping chaileycommons/ the commons as clean and plastic free as William Coleman 01444 831098 possible so please may we ask again that the bins provided are used. Dog faeces left on the common can also expose cattle to a parasite that causes infertility or leaves the cattle infected with the parasite. It can also change the flora because it adds nutrients to the nutrient Sussex Bonsai Group poor heathland encouraging coarse vegetation to out compete heathland Please note the meeting on 24th plants. November will be held in If you walk on the common, best not to Wivelsfield village hall approach the ponies - enjoy from a distance! No feeding please - we don’t want to encourage the ponies to become greedy for food hanging around instead of foraging for heathland plants. Do take care to control dogs near to them. Check

31

Rev. Anne continued from page 16 Birds continued from page 28 Anticipation can be wearing. Like worry, it On a larger scale, there are re- cannot change anything and can use a lot of wilding schemes where, large areas have emotional energy. Jesus gave sound been taken out of food production and advice when he said that all our fretting is returned to natural scrub, woods and futile, sufficient for the day – are the grassy glades. These have been very worries for that day. successful as many declining species such This does not mean that we just drift as Turtle Doves and Cuckoos have through life for we are also encouraged to returned, and a new ecological system be prudent and use the time we have established. Such schemes are great so wisely. Finding balance in life is a daily long as it does not mean that the remaining challenge. We need a certain amount of farmed areas will not have to produce more stimulus, we need to plan and set goals. to supply the needs of the ever-growing This was brought home to me in my 30s population or more food imported. Most of when I was asked directly what my goals us are happy to support these schemes were for the next 5 months, 5 years, where through grants from our taxes but what did I see myself in 10 years? I realised I happens if we become hungry? did not have any goals. Just getting to the In his book, Rebanks suggests, very end of the week with family and job sensibly, that farmers and commitments was as far as my thinking environmentalists should not be “us” and went. “them” and that each should experience the I was challenged by this and realised that others point of view. Perhaps this could setting goals – even small ones – were come about in the training of the next important. They give structure to our lives generation where the countryside could be and help us plan and succeed. They help us treated as a whole rather than food bring order and purpose to what we do and production as one thing and the keep us alert to the events of life which may environment another. There are help us achieve them, the chance meeting, encouraging signs of more care being the opening of an opportunity. taken, with field margins being left for The result of a football match is beyond our wildlife so some species are now declining control. Living in the present moment, less but there is a long way to go. If, after the next two generations bird species are controlling anxiety, and looking forward with hope is something we can decide to do. In lost at the same rate as the past two, all the meantime, let’s hope ‘goals’ of a there will be to see in the countryside will be Woodpigeons, Jackdaws and Canada different kind work in our favour on July 11 th ! Geese with no “little brown jobs” to ponder. The word “birdwatcher” will be as archaic as “lamplighter” or “milkmaid”. R.J.L. 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 Jackie Wilkes, Chief Officer of Lewes District Citizens Advice: Back to the workplace: Your rights if you’ve been working from home

With guidance to work from home set to end from 19 July, Citizens Advice sets out information if you’re asked to return to your normal workplace.

I’ve been working from home, can my employer ask me to return to my normal workplace?

Yes, when you enter into a contract to work for an employer you have to comply with ‘reasonable management requests’.

That means your employer can ask you to return to your normal workplace if your original contract specified that you would be office-based or based elsewhere.

In practice, many employers are looking into a blended working model - some time at home - some time in the office/workplace.

You can ask to keep working from home, but that doesn't mean your employer has to agree. Have an open conversation with your employer about your wishes, and consider making a flexible working request, which is a legal right all employees have.

What to do if you’re worried about safety measures at work?

While wearing a mask in an enclosed space will no longer be mandatory, employers will be free to set their own policies requiring workers or customers to wear masks.

Your employer has a legal duty under both the law and your contract, to ensure that your workplace does not pose a risk to your health and safety. If you are concerned after speaking to your employer the Health and Safety Executive will provide guidance.

• Adviceline 0808 278 7892 Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm.

33 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 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 Honeybees Preschool 890885 Horticultural Society Ken Beard 890572 Hospice Support Group Sue Akers 891701 Societies Junior Football Darryl Bailey 07792 686673 Oil Buying Group Diane Marks 07929 336065 Clubs Pantomime Society Duncan Taylor-Jones 01273 649259 Plumpton Activity Scheme Jacqui Wallis Groups [email protected] Plumpton Bowmen Mark Piercy 07799 467997 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 Plumpton Vol Driving Gill Medhurst 01273 890025 For changes or new Bookings - Jackie 07855213947 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