Plumpton & East Chiltington News - March 2021 - Plumpton Parish Council
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Plumpton & East Chiltington
News
March 2021Z. 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
landscape@nsza.co.uk 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 R. A. Brooks & Son
Y
Your local village store is now open:
F D M M
5.45am to 7.30pm Monday to Friday P -P F P
35 Wivelsfield Road, Ravenoak,
7.00am to 7.30pm Saturday
Haywards Heath Allington Road,
Newick
7.00am to 1.00pm Sunday 01444 454391 01825 722895
01273 890229
email: info@brooksfunerals.co.uk
www.brooksfunerals.co.ukPLUMPTON & EAST CHILTINGTON NEWS
March 2021 Page
Plumpton Parish Council 2 In this months magazine we continue with
Plumpton Activity Scheme 2 Richard Well’s history of Plumpton Scouts.
East Chiltington Parish Council 5 Our parish, district and county councillors
County & District councillors 6 have been looking at the planning and
Maria Caufield 9 potential development changes and how it
Local planning statement 10 could affect us.
DR’s Diary 12 As ever those groups trying to arrange
Bird Watch 13 fund raising events are having to change
Plumpton Village Soc iety 15 their plans so do keep eye on their
Archdeacon of Brighton & Lewes 15 updates.
Church Services 16 If a group you are involved with has plans
Events Calendar 17 for 2021 do let us know.
Plumpton Scouts History 18 If you would like to send in book, film,
Climate Change 20 music reviews or your favourite recipes
Tennis Club 22 please do..
Plumpton & East Chiltington
This is your magazine..
Wildlife 24
Footpath Detective 27 PECNcopy@gmail.com
Chailey Commons 28
How to use the Defibrillator 31
Cumnor House 33
Event News
Unfortunately, the Plumpton Support Group for St Peter & St James has had to
cancel the Sausage and Mash Quiz night again this year, which is a shame as we know it is an
extremely popular event.
However, it has been decided to organise a raffle as we did for the Festive Fair. Envelopes
containing 2 books of raffle tickets will be included in the April edition of the Parish Magazine.
Draw to take place on Saturday 1 May 2.00 at the Bandstand
We very much hope that you will continue to give your support at what is an exceedingly
difficult time for raising much needed funds.
Reg Lanaway’s walk on the 18 April may also be affected but we will keep you posted via
Facebook and the local paper.
It also looks as though the Doughty’s Material Roadshow will not take place as they are not
advertising any events on their website.
Thank you in advance for your kind support.
1Plumpton Parish Council Plumpton Activity
Scheme
www.plumptonpc.co.uk
Notes from the Parish Meeting 9th February 2021 Update!
2021 (remote meeting over ZOOM).
Any organisations wishing to apply for S137 As many of you may be aware 2020 would
grant must do so to the Clerk have been the 30th anniversary of the
(anita.emery@plumptonpc.co.uk) by 9th Activity Scheme. Sadly, due to Covid, we
March. were not able to run the scheme last
summer to celebrate that milestone. We
Expiry of LDC Local Plan Part 1 is covered
are hopeful at the moment that we may
under a separate article in this month’s
be able to run the scheme this summer.
magazine.
We're sure the children would be
Village Hall delighted to be able to have some fun
An additional smoke alarm has been fitted with their friends.
above the stage area.
We will of course be guided by
The fire alarm 6-monthly check has been government guidelines and at present
carried out during February. therefore cannot make any firm plans but
All Village Hall policies have been updated we will keep you all updated, and hope
and approved. that we will be able to offer some fun for
the children, and respite for the parents!
The on-line booking system is now
operational.
To be able to open this summer we will
Pavilion need to raise funds as, like many village
The Pavilion was fitted with a full fire alarm organisations, we have missed a year of
system over the February school half-term. fundraising. With that in mind we have a
couple of Covid-safe events planned that
In line with current government regulations, we hope you will all support. The first will
the Skatepark remains closed, but the be an Easter-themed art trail around the
Playpark is open. villages of Plumpton, Plumpton Green,
Weekly risk assessments for the Allotments, Streat and East Chiltington, which will run
Village Green and Pond, over the Easter holidays. Please
contact plumptonactivityscheme@gm
Playing Field, Village Hall and Pavilion have ail.com for more information and an
all been updated. entry form. Entries must be submitted by
Finance 12th March. Trail maps will be on sale at
the Village shop from mid-March. Look out
Councillor Paul Stevens has resigned as
for the posters and social media updates
Chair of The Finance Committee and
for more details.
Councillor Paul Burford has accepted the
position. Councillor Alison Gardiner has
We are also hoping to host a virtual family
joined the Finance Committee.
quiz in the Spring... watch this space for
Village finances were all in line with more information.
expectations.
Next meeting is at 7:30pm on the 9th March Thank you for your support.
2021. (Remote Meeting over Zoom) Very best wishes,
Plumpton Activity Scheme Committee
2A 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
• Upholstery Cleaning
Mobile: 07970 462337
. •Weddings • Funerals• • Rug Cleaning including Wool &
Silk
•Spec ial O cc as ions •
•C ontrac t • D ried• • Curtain Dry Cleaning on-site-at-
the-window
• Carpet Moth Treatment Service
Rupert Thacker • Fire & Flood Clean-Up Service
Furniture Restoration Services Now celebrating 24 years of providing 1st class
service
Including Furniture repairs, Polishing etc. of in Plumpton, Plumpton Green, East Chiltington,
Antique, Contemporary, and Reproduction
Furniture Lewes & Brighton.
Fletching, E Sussex, TN22 3TQ Call Paul or Liz on 01273 733339
Tel : 01825-713111 (Workshop) For a free no-obligation quotation
Mobile: 07950-035044 Or email paul@servicemasterbrighton.co.uk
Email: sales@rupert-thacker.com
Website: www.rupert-thacker.com See our website for special offers
www.servicemasterbrighton.co.uk
Robert Symes
The Hairdressers
TREE SURGEON Sarah And Mandy
East Chiltington
Tel: Plumpton South Road Wivelsfield Green
(01273) 890080 01444 471224
Free Es mates
3Advertise Here !!
Contact
pecntreasurer@btinternet.com
Or
Phone
01273 891427
Starflower Arts & Massage
Creative Art Workshops
Collage, Felting, Papermaking etc.
Holistic Massage & Aromatherapy
Home Visits for Women
Sarah Holloway BA(Hons) PGCE MIPTI
E. Chiltington, 07751 986790
www.starflowerarts.weebly.com
www.starflowermassage.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
charispilates@gmail.com
ALLEN UPTON PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES
SERVICES
• Member of the Institute of Plumbing • Registered Plumber •
General Plumbing Installa on & Repairs
Free Es mates and Advice
Tel: Plumpton (01273) 890668 or 07711 712 477
Email: allenplumit@hotmail.com
4Equipment will be distributed but no gloves will
be provided so please bring your own if you
need them.
Sadly, on this occasion we will not be able to
offer our usual refreshments after the event.
The Parish Council have agreed to plant an
By the time the March magazine is oak tree on the Hollycroft field in memory of
received in our homes parishioners will Viscountess Marina Bury who passed away last
doubtless have been made aware by the year and had served for many years as a
Parish Council of the threat of a Parish councillor.
development proposal of 3000 houses at
North Barns Farm which would The next Parish meeting will be held in March
undoubtedly change the character of our however a date will be set when we are
Parish to that of a small town similar in clearer about what government guidelines will
size to Hassocks. be in place following the current period of
The Parish council will be working with lockdown.
other local parishes, Lewes District If you have any concerns or questions please
Council and Southdown’s National Park to contact the clerk who will refer queries to the
address all aspects of this in an attempt councillors as the parish council continues to
to preserve the nature of our village. operate but remotely. All normal council
Please do come forward if you have any functions are being carried out by the clerk
skills or personal contacts that may from home. E mail :clerk@eastchiltington.net
support us. Email
mirandagoodenough@icloud.com to
express an interest to help.
Plumpton and East Chiltington
The parish Council have been approached Easter Trail
by the local Census engagement
manager to draw our attention to the 02.04.2021 to 18.04.2021.
National Census which is taking place on
21st March 2021 . £2.00 entry fee.
The census provides an opportunity to email
build a detailed and comprehensive to plumptonactivityscheme@gmail.com or
picture of the population, and the from Plumpton village shop.
information the census collects underpins Maps and voting forms also available at the
decisions on planning and provision of shop.
public services, including transport, Entry is open until 12.03.2021 and voting
education and healthcare. closes on 18.04.2021
Many of the questionnaires are expected
to be completed digitally although there Make an easter themed artwork display for
will still be paper copies available. As the your front window or for your garden. There
month progresses more information will will be a prize for the display with the most
be filtered through to households with votes which will be announced by the 25th
regard to what is required. April 2021. Hidden in the displays will be a
letter. Collect all of the letters and
The annual village litter pick has been unscramble the anagram!
postponed until Saturday March
20th,which, as with all community projects All proceeds will go to Plumpton Activity
may have to change again if government Scheme to enable the running of the scheme
restrictions are still in place. in the summer
Those who would like to take part will
meet in a socially distanced manner whilst
remaining in household bubbles.
5County Council and District against the huge increase in housing numbers
Council Reports to the Secretary of State. It can be found
at tinyurl.com/4z4qwh8h
March 2021
Update from Sarah Osborne, County
Joint statement from Cllr Sarah Councillor
Osborne and Cllr Rob Banks on the East Sussex County Council will be raising
Lewes District Local Plan Council Tax by 3.49% for the year 2021/22.
As an alternative, I supported budget
As you may have seen, Lewes District proposals to focus on the most vulnerable
Council is being forced by Government to residents but that was rejected by the
identify more land on which to build huge administration. These proposals included
numbers of new homes. The government money to support children’s mental health
formula would more than DOUBLE the assessments and services. Children have been
number of new homes built in Lewes badly affected by the lack of school
District to 782 every year. Over a 15 year attendance and it is vital that we help them to
period that's more than 11,700 new houses recover and catch up with their learning and
the government want to build. We believe respite services for carers. Proposals to
that the impact on the District could be support to help our local businesses
devastating for our countryside. Housing and initiatives to boost the local economy and
numbers should be decided locally and respond to the climate change emergency
according to local needs not central were also rejected.
government formulas. I will continue to lobby Government for fair
We know the pressure these changes and sustainable funding that enables us to
would mean on local services and the continue to meet the needs of our residents.
countryside. Core to this is a need for Government to bring
forward reforms for sustainable funding and
We are aware of the local MP's comment provision of social care at the earliest possible
saying that the numbers across Lewes opportunity, as until this is delivered the
District will not increase. However, at the medium term financial position will remain
time of writing, the District Council have very challenging.
not received any official communication to
say that the 782 figure is wrong. We are sarahosborne2000@yahoo.co.uk
happy to work with anyone to see this 07986 776 105
figure slashed! Update from Rob Banks, District
Under Government rules, the District Councillor
Council had to issue a "call for sites" which Council housing
has led to expressions of interest from Some positive news. The site to the rear of
some local landowners. We should stress Oakfield on Station Road was included in the
that sites like the Eton College land around Neighbourhood Plan (and granted planning
North Barnes Farm (and other sites) are at permission). This included 40% (8 units) for
a very early stage and may not even be affordable housing. As I reported to the parish
accepted as eligible sites, but we don’t council, Lewes District Council has acquired
need to tell you the impact it would have those 8 for council houses - 6 rented and 2
on our local area. shared ownership - the first council housing in
As local councillors, we oppose these the village for many years.
huge developments. It is also pointless Fly-tipping and potholes
building homes in the wrong place, as well I reported the Fly-tipped mattress next to the
as losing valuable green fields. Plumpton Honeybees clothes bank which was cleared
has already agreed to some new housing in and have asked for ever-growing potholes on
its Neighbourhood Plan, which is why we Plumpton Lane and Streat Lane to be
will also oppose speculative applications repaired.
such as the Nolands Farm site. robert.banks@lewes.gov.uk
07986 755246
We are supporting an on-line petition
6TIME FOR YOU
LK Events Ltd
We’re a Sussex based company Jessica GELeration Manicure
specialising in high quality catering Jessica Classic Prescription Manicure
Jessica Zenspa Pedicure
Weddings, Drinks Parties, Christenings Day or evening appointments
Funerals, Family Parties Gift vouchers available
Contact us for a quote Conveniently situated in Plumpton
Green
01825 723226 or 01825 722774
info@lkevents-sussex.co.uk Kim Fahey IFHB
www.lkevents-sussex.co.uk Tel: 01273 891447 Mob: 07845045766
Email: kimfahey@btinternet.com
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
Heath Farm
Holiday Cottages
South Road, Plumpton Green
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
7P. 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
michael.webber6@yahoo.co.uk
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
deadlyseriouspestcontrol@gmail.com
Call Martin on Odintune Cottage
East Chiltington, Lewes
01273 479777 East Sussex, BN7 3AN
www.rdhcommercials.co.ukMaria Caufield MP
Enjoy the countryside, but enjoy it Safely.
As we are facing Covid restrictions in the short term, many of us will continue
to take the opportunity to stay local and go for walks in our beautiful rural spots. We are spoilt
in Sussex with some of the most picturesque countryside in England. While of course we
should enjoy our local spaces by taking the dog for a walk or going for a walk or a run, we
need to remember our countryside, in most cases, are working farms.
With a huge rise in people out and about in our fields and green spaces , our farmers are
finding that a significant amount of damage is being done to crops, animals and the local
environment as a result of people not taking care when they are out and about.
Sheep worrying is probably the most significant issue, with dog walkers not putting their dogs
on leads, who then go and chase sheep and sometimes even attack them. Since lockdown we
have seen an 80% increase in the reports of dog attacks on sheep which often result in the
farmer having to shoot their injured animal which is hugely distressing. Even if a sheep is not
attacked, been chased by a dog can still result in death and aborted lambs. Within the law a
farmer has a right to shoot a dog which is attacking their flock and there have been sadly a
small number of cases where this has happened.
Crop walking is also an issue. It is important that those out walking don’t walk across fields
which are planted with crops. The untold damage of people just wandering through fields has
left many farmers having to re plough and drill. It costs a huge amount of money to farmers
but also does untold damage to the local environment.
Finally, if you do have rubbish with you please take it home. Volunteers who are normally out
doing litter picks in our villages are not able to at the moment, with lockdown and any plastic
bags, bottles or other rubbish will just accumulate in our beauty spots. This not only looks
unsightly but causes huge damage to local wildlife.
Our farmers do a wonderful job keeping our countryside looking so well but we all have a part
to play in looking after the animals and environment that we are lucky enough to share in
Sussex.
9Plumpton Parish Council www.plumptonpc.co.uk
March Update for Residents from Plumpton Parish Council on
Additional housing targets for Lewes District Council (LDC)
The government has made no secret of wanting to build more houses, and to ‘level up’ the
country by not concentrating investment in the south east. Planning changes made in 2019
were intended to prevent unplanned development but appear to be having the opposite effect.
Lewes District Council (LDC) had a local plan that should have provided the long-term certainty
to residents that they were safe from unplanned development. That plan already puts 70 new
houses in Plumpton, and they have started to be built, with 40% regarded as ‘affordable’ – LDC
will acquire 8 of the 20 houses at the Oakfield site.
However, the Parish Council wrote to our M.P. Maria Caulfield expressing our dismay at the use
of the Standard Method and the resulting new target that more than doubles the number of
houses ‘needed’. We received the following response from Maria on 16th February.
“I have been in touch with officials in the department today and they have confirmed that the
Lewes housing numbers are not being increased. The standard method is not being used and I
have asked for an urgent meeting between department officials and LDC to confirm this and
hopefully they can then confirm with each parish. The local plan does need to be updated but
the annual housing numbers are not being increased”
So, a totally contradictory message than the one LDC are giving us. At the time of writing, we
cannot confirm which message is correct.
The above response from our M.P. does not change the fact that LDC recently issued a call for
land, and within Plumpton alone, sites that could extend to over 1000 houses have been
identified. We are not alone, as most if not all the LDC parishes outside the national park
boundary are at threat of increased development. One example is the Eton land to the east of
Plumpton that has come forward, with potential for a new 3000 house rural town. This site is
labelled 11PL on the LDC ‘call for sites’ map available on www.plumptonpc.co.uk
Whilst we would not expect all the sites across LDC to be suitable, it is regarded as important
that they are assessed within a representative local need, and prioritised so that parishes can
have some certainty. That is what the neighbourhood plan was supposed to achieve, and after
much consultation it was passed with 80% of voters in favour.
That is why your parish council regards the Nolands development as speculative, and if brought
forward before May we are assured by LDC that it will be refused again. After May, weight
given to local plans may reduce, and the outcome could be different.
We accept that the site should be considered, but only as part of a new district plan, and not in
isolation. Even within that new plan, we would argue strongly against any development
eastward that extended beyond Sun Close as we want to retain the identity of Plumpton
separate from any new town that may appear in the future.
Until LDC concludes its current land availability assessment and clarifies its housing need, we
are not in a position to meaningfully consult with you on what it could mean for Plumpton. On
the Nolands site, there is not yet a planning application to comment on. In the meantime,
developers can directly consult with you, and we would urge you to make your voices heard
again in support of the principle of plan-led development.
Please keep watching the Parish Council Website for updates to the Q&A document.
10Problems with computer HOME CHARLES CARS
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Zumba with Lucy
Now on Zoom, £3.50
Craniosacral therapy and Wednesday 7pm
Rolfing® Structural integration in Thursday 6.15pm
Plumpton Green. Saturday 9.30am
For more information see
www.cranioandrolfing.co.uk A fun, energetic dance class
or call Sarah on 07817 694624 suitable for everybody.
Contact: zumba_lucy@outlook.com
sarah@cranioandrolfing.co.uk
LEARN HOW TO SHOOT A
Alexander Technique BOW
can help to naturally overcome:
Plumpton Bowmen hold
• Back, neck and joint pain Beginners’ Courses twice a
• Muscle tension and stiffness
• Poor posture year in April and October on the
• Breathing and vocal problems Playing Field.
• Anxiety and stress-related conditions
We hold Have-A-Go sessions
One to one lessons tailored to your needs
the 3rd Sunday of the month
For more information contact: from April to August from 11 –
Caroline Canner MSTAT
01273 891174 07754147380 12.30pm.
caroline.canner@gmail.com For further information see:
Alexandertechnique.co.uk
www.plumpton-bowmen.org.uk
11DR’s Diary police service nicking villains in Birmingham
in the 1920's. Paul asks who the little chap
A recent survey has revealed that people on her lap is, he's the great grandson of our
were less likely to exercise outdoors, police hero. ' Yes, and you're selling the
garden or volunteer during the third family silver. One day he's going to ask
lockdown compared to the first. Now I'm ''what happened to the watch, mum?'' and
not sure how much it costs to survey you'll have to tell him you flogged it for the
70,000 people to learn that, basically, when equivalent of a tank of petrol!', I shout at
its cold and wet outside, we tend to stay the telly.
inside. Obviously, I'm in the wrong job. The 'Good job I'm not wearing a retro nylon
thought that public funds were possibly shirt', I say to myself, 'or I'd really go into
used for this gets me quite hot under the meltdown'.
collar. The credits roll and I return with a chilled
Like lots of us, I find I'm spending more glass of water, this should do the trick.
time indoors in front of the Gogglebox these I switch channels. Its the daily corona virus
days. update, journalists are sparring with the
I'm not sure if its being indoors too much, politicians . I recall an article on
at a funny age ( my wife's option!) or just spontaneous human combustion.
need to go up a shirt size, but I find my Mmmmmm, this may be a good time for a
neck is getting toastie more often these VERY COLD SHOWER?
days.
As someone with an interest in antiques, I
occasionally tune in to ' Flog It!' on PLUMPTON & EAST
BBC 2. Its presented by the affable Paul CHILTINGTON GOOD
Martin, filmed in the grounds of some NEIGHBOURS
country estate, the sun is shining, there's
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
long queues of eager floggees hoping to
learn that their boot sale bargain is going to
pay for the cruise they've always longed The Good Neighbours have worked
for. What could go wrong? throughout the villages during the
Our affable host is prised away from lockdowns and beyond.
chatting to elderly ladies to be presented to
our wannabe flogger. Turns out, his We have been transporting people to
grandfather won the Military Cross in the hospital,
war and he's here to flog his cased set of doctors, opticians, dentists &
vintage shotguns. Unfortunately, the guns vaccination appointments, collecting &
have already gone and all we're left with is delivering prescriptions, shopping,
the leather case and accessories, which is posting letters/parcels, taking pets to
economic madness as we all know a cased the vets with their owner, changing
set together is worth more. bedding, making telephone calls whilst
This is when I start to get the burning face-to-face visiting is restricted
offering reassurance and friendship.
sensation around my neck.
'You're selling your children's inheritance!' I We have a number of dedicated
shout at the screen ' for 40 quid? Shame on volunteers willing to assist in any small
you, I suppose the MC will be next?' My way. All you need to do is call one of
grandad was also in the war, the only our Coordinators on
medal he left me was a runner-up News of
the World darts medal, but there's no way 07478524152 or 07786152215
Paul and his mates are getting their hands
on that. “One of the greatest gifts we can give
Our next floggee is a young lady. She has is our time”.
a silver pocket watch inscribed to her
husband's grandfather for his distinguished ****
12Bird Watch like a small dog at heel. Hunger, it seems,
does take away fear.
This recent cold weather has
brought birds close to homes March is always an interesting
and gardens. There is a well-known month bird-wise. Winter visitors will be
occurrence known as cold weather preparing to migrate back north and will
movements when birds we seldom see start to look smart as the moult into their
close by, suddenly turn up in search of breeding plumage. Our first residents,
food. At the first fall of snow, above the particularly mature birds that have held
field of maize stubble, a flock of at least territory all winter, will be nesting. Mistle
two hundred and fifty Lapwings arrived. and Song Thrushes, Blackbirds and
These are likely to be birds from Robins may well be feeding young before
Scandinavia or Continental Europe the end of the month. Others will be
spending the winter here. This field has claiming territory by song and display.
several wet patches and are the last Nest boxes will be claimed by the Blue
places snow settles. In these area these and Great tits, but it will be early April
birds can find the invertebrates on which before their eggs will be laid. They
they feed. synchronise their egg laying in
anticipation according to the season. If it
Not very many years ago, large is an early spring when the caterpillars
winter flocks of Lapwings were will be available early, so they adjust their
commonplace locally but now we see egg lying accordingly for the needs of
them only in these extreme conditions. their young.
Once a familiar breeding bird on local
farms, now they are restricted to large In late March look out for the first
expanses of marshland and the reserves Summer visiting arrivals. The Chiffchaff
established for their needs. Years ago, I will be the first. They will be recognised
can remember finding their nests in by their song, singing out their name
pastureland, spring barley, maize and which is exciting to hear at first because
once found a nest in a field of potatoes. it is such a sign of spring, but later
This nest was on the ridge where the becomes somewhat monotonous. The
crop had been earthed up and the four beautiful melodious song of the Blackcap
eggs covered in mud from the feet of the should be next and is widespread across
incubating bird as it turned them. Once the area. They can be found in woodland,
hatched, the chicks are so well copses and large gardens. Sometime
camouflaged that they are easy to before the end of March, the first Swallow
overlook as they lie motionless, matching may arrive. With the bad weather that we
the foliage or resembling sheep sometimes get in March, it can be seen
droppings in the grass. where the phrase, “one Swallow doesn’t
make a summer” originated. Sadly, often
The saga of the Pheasants goes these first arrivals don’t survive because
on. Though giving me a hard time they feed on flying insects which are few
messing up the garden, I do feel sorry in such conditions.
for them as they are desperate for food
waiting below for the finches to dislodge R.J.L.
seed from the feeders. This morning I
went for my exercise walking to the top
of Streat Lane and back, accompanied by
a cock bird all the way there and back,
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14PLUMPTON VILLAGE SOCIETY
Whilst the Government’s Plan for easing the Covid restrictions is still unknown at the time of
writing this article, Plumpton Village Society has decided it is unwise to hold the proposed Easter
trail and All Saints Church Lych-Gate ceremony in April. The Committee have decided to
concentrate on making the Strawberry Fair on 26 June a special summer event for
the Village.
The Scouts are still planning to have a crockery smashing stall at the Strawberry
Fair and need more unwanted crockery (sorry no glass). If you have any items,
please keep them until the Scouts HQ is open again. Old and chipped items can
still raise money and give some fun too by being smashed.
Thank you to those who provided ideas for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. We are
exploring what is possible, and hopefully by then, these Covid days will be a distant memory.
The Village Society is now starting its second year and we are looking for two or three new
committee members, especially as we start to prepare for the Jubilee celebrations. Please
contact Lee Stevens on 07887 562721 or email her on lee.a.stevens@btinternet.com, if you are
interested in getting involved.
Message from the Archdeacon of Brighton and Lewes
Some of you may be aware that Revd Godfrey Broster retired from Plumpton, Plumpton Green
and East Chiltington at the end of 2020. This brief letter is to let you know that the churches of
Plumpton Green and East Chiltington are very much alive and open.
Our Sunday worship follows all the government’s protocols for safe distancing, hand sanitising
and other safety precautions, and our services can also be followed online. The details for this
are being posted on the village facebook events page. You would be extremely welcome to join
us at any time.
The past twelve months have been a period of anxiety and stress for many in our community.
We hope that we will soon be emerging from this period of lockdown but it might feel as if we
emerging like miners coming up from deep underground, blinking into the sunlight. Our
churches can be places of hope, refreshment and stability in the months ahead and we are
there for everybody: people of any faith or no faith.
Please feel free to get in touch with us if you would like to know more about the life of the
churches in our villages. You can always come and join is on a Sunday or you can get in touch
with me or Howard the church warden. We would be delighted to see you or hear from you.
Martin Lloyd Williams
Archdeacon of Brighton and Lewes
archbandl@chichester.anglican.org
01273 916933
15Church Services for March
Sunday 7th March Lent 3
All Saints 10.30am Family Communion
th
Sunday 14 March Lent 4 Mothering Sunday
All Saints 10.30am Family Communion
Sunday 21st March Lent 5 Passion Sunday
All Saints 10.30am Family Communion
Sunday 28th March Palm Sunday
All Saints 10.30am Family Communion
Thursday 1st April Maundy Thursday
All Saints 7.30pm
nd
Friday 2 April Good Friday
All Saints 7.30pm
Sunday 4th April Easter Day
All Saints 10.30am Family Communion
Church News
Last month I reported that we would have to close the doors of our churches once again. The
Archdeacon of Brighton and Lewes came to our rescue by organising and leading weekly
services on zoom. Although some parishioners found the technology onerous even with support
from a distance we had an increasing number of attendees, each week including some new
faces who were very welcome as we seek to move forward as a church in our villages. Now the
chief medical officer through the Bishop of Lewes's office has given advice about reopening
churches in East Sussex whilst conforming to strict guidelines from 14th February. Given that
only part of our congregation have been fully vaccinated we have decided to open our doors
again whilst still offering a zoom link for those who feel safer at home. The Archdeacon has
some input in this months magazine and we hope that many of you will participate in the online
discussions he is offering. As members of the community we want you to be involved in how
you see the future of the church and whether we think we can support a new priest in our
Parish.
As a PCC we want to keep you up to date with any developments. There has been some social
media comment on village sites regarding the Rectory. This has not yet been sold to a
developer and may well continue to be used by any new incumbent even under new ownership,
whilst a new modern rectory is under construction. In any case we have been reassured that
there are no plans to demolish this historic building .
We are currently developing a church web site and would welcome any historic or more modern
photographs of church buildings or activities which you could share. Please contact the
churchwardens for any church related enquiries.
East Chiltington - Amanda Inglis 077941 241148
Plumpton Green - David Dawson 01273 890134
Howard Wood 07794484373
16VILLAGE 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
Due to the National Lockdown the Village Hall is currently closed.
27th March - St. Peter & St. James Quiz Night
10th April - Horticultural Society Spring show VH
18th April - St. P & St. J Hospice gardens walk
26th June - Village Strawberry Fair VH
30th June - Rude Mechanicals VH
10th July - St. P & St. J Jumble Sale 2pm VH
18th July - St. P & St. J - Mill House Open Garden
7th August - Horticultural Society Summer show VH
18th September - Horticultural Society Autumn show VH
2nd October - Plumpton Apple Pressing VH
26th November - Horticultural Society AGM VH
27th November - St. P & St. J Festive Fair VH
BOOKINGS
Village Hall & Pavilion: Jane Donovan 07747 050903 or 01273 891036
Church Annex Howard Wood 07794484373
COPY DEADLINES
15th March for April
15th April for May
Copy to The Poplars, Station Road
or email: pecncopy@gmail.com or Telephone: 01273 891 427
17Plumpton & East Chiltington Scouts Early History
Part 2
On May 17th 1928 a Boxing competition was held where Patrol Leader Vernon Stanley won the
Waugh Challenge Shield in the presence of Mr. Waugh. The photo of the boxer with the
shield could be Vernon Stanley, also the medal illustrated, appears to be engraved
with the initials V.S., so could also have been his. In September 1929 Plumpton Parish
Magazine reported on a weekend camp, hosted by Mr. Mont Wells of Chapel Farm Chiltington.
Mr Arthur Woodward, Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of the Troop in his closing speech,
ended by offering most hearty thanks and good wishes of the troop and their supporters to
ASM R.J. Joines, now about to leave the district. As ASM since 1925 Mr. Joines had laid the
foundations of all the troops cooking, camping and boxing triumphs. Mr. Joines was greeted
with rousing cheers and stated that he would still keep in touch with the Troop. The camp was
left standing for a further week for the Newick Troop and many Plumpton scouts visited and
boxed with them. Plumpton Troop often won the District Boxing Championship for the Hutton
Trophy. It was also reported that December 10th1930 was to be the date of a Boxing
Tournament to be held at Plumpton British Legion. A Scout contest would be held between
Plumpton and Lewes as well as visiting boxers, including a display of Sword fighting. From
Ancestry.com: Richard James Joines was born 17th May 1886 in Banbury Oxfordshire. He
married in 1907 in Brackley, Northamptonshire, Alice Kate Tuckey. In 1911 he was a Groom-
Gardener living with Alice at Pailton near Rugby. They had a son Reginald Frederick born 1913
in Banbury. Richard J Joines served in WW1 in the Royal Army Service Corps as Private
R4/067657 and was awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal. His wife Alice died in
1920, and in 1921 he married Maud Mary Stanley (Bartlett) in Banbury, the widow of John
Henry Stanley who served in the 8th Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment as Private 45583, and
was killed in action in France 24th August 1918. The family including stepson Vernon moved to
Plumpton from Bodicote near Banbury in January 1924 and lived at Rectory Cottage Plumpton.
A Troop registration form from Scout HQ Gillwell Park records that by September 1925 he was
living at South Lodge Novington. They moved to Southwick in 1929. The 1939 register shows
RJ Joines was a concrete curb maker (heavy worker), living at 16 Underdown Road, Southwick,
Sussex with wife Maud. He died there in 1954. His stepson Vernon married Hilda F Blude in
1937 and was at the same family home in Southwick when he died in 1981.
In 1927 Major Gerald Howell Powell-Edwards, the Troop treasurer replaced General Wellesley
as Scoutmaster. He took the Troop on a number of annual camps to places such as Netley,
Lyme Regis and Barmouth, where he continued the sporting and athletic activities with boxing,
single quarter staff combat and swimming being particularly encouraged. In Plumpton a
number of boxing tournaments were put on by the scouts at the British Legion Hall to raise
funds. Five of the seven King Scouts in the Lewes district were from Plumpton. They included
my father Aubrey Wells and his brothers Albert and Lesley, who were personally presented with
the award by Lord Baden-Powell at Lewes naval prison, the Lewes Troop HQ. The 1st Plumpton
Scout Troop continued to be very active until the outbreak of the 2nd World War when it again
disbanded. By Richard Lawrence Wells January 2021
King’s Scouts Possibly scout
Aubrey, Bert & Leslie Vernon Stanley
Wells. Oct. 1927 with the
With the Lewes
District Team Waugh Shield
Swimming Cup
18Father’s Scout Diary 1928 1St Plumpton scout Troop c1928
Scoutmaster Major GH Powell-
Edwards in light shirt, with ASM RJ
Joines on his right. Scout Albert
Wells on his left. Aubrey Wells
behind his left shoulder, Leslie Wells
3rd row 2nd from left.
Sussex Agricultural Express 14 April 1927
19CLIMATE CHANGE
As befits the beginning of the year, our January 2021 article gave some reasons to be cheerful
about the world leaders’ responses to climate change. At last, they seem to be waking up to the
urgent need to DO SOMETHING rather than just make grand statements of intentions. At long
last, it really does look as though 2021 might just be a pivotal year of proper action.
The coronavirus pandemic has shaken our sense of invulnerability and reminded us that it is
possible for our world to be upended in ways we cannot control. It has also delivered the most
significant economic shock since the Great Depression. In response, governments are stepping
forward with stimulus packages designed to reboot their economies.
And the good news is that it has rarely - if ever - been cheaper, due to low interest rates, for
governments to make these types of investments.
This creates an unprecedented opportunity to - in the now familiar phrase - "build back better"
and some are even taking on the challenge of ‘building back greener’.
As we anticipated, the new US President, Joe Biden, has wasted no time in signing a series of
executive orders designed, amongst other important issues, to address climate change:
• reinstated the US to the Paris climate agreement
• placed a new ban on some energy drilling.
• frozen new oil and gas leases on public lands and plans to double offshore wind-
produced energy by 2030.
• blocked the Keystone XL pipeline, a bitterly contested project that would bring huge
quantities of oil from Canada to the US to be refined
Whilst the US may be leading the charge, many other countries, including our own, are now
saying they plan to go ‘net zero’.
If we’re being cynical, how come they can do that?
Basically, because Renewable Generation is now the cheapest form of energy ever - the
collapsing cost of renewables is completely changing the mathematics around the costs of
decarbonisation.
In October 2020, the International Energy Agency, an intergovernmental organisation,
concluded that the best solar power schemes now offer "the cheapest source of electricity in
history". Renewables are already often cheaper than fossil fuel power in much of the world
when it comes to building new power stations.
And, if the nations of the world ramp up their investments in wind, solar and battery technology
in the next few years, prices are likely to fall even further to a point where they are so cheap it
will begin to make commercial sense to shut down and replace existing coal and gas power
stations.
Think what this means: investors won't need to be bullied by green activists into doing the right
thing, they will just follow the money. And governments know that by scaling up renewables in
their own economies, they help to accelerate the energy transition globally, by making
renewables even cheaper and more competitive everywhere.
That’s all very well if the infrastructure is in place to provide electricity for lighting and heating
our homes using renewable energy. And maybe other technologies need to be considered as
well. But for communities like our own, that are so dependent on fossil fuels, is there a real
danger that we could be left behind?
We will look at this issue in the next magazine – see you in April 2021.
Carole and Paul Nicholson
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21Platinum Jubilee
Celebrations 2022
70 Years of the Queen’s
Reign in Plumpton
Anyone for tennis…..in “People, Places and
the spring! Events”
At the time of writing, the Australian
Open is just starting - the sun is shining, Inspired by the popular ‘Journey Through
spectators are watching and tennis is Plumpton’ using Ken Beard’s postcard
being played! It’s a nice vision for the collection that was published for the Queen’s
possibilities here at Plumpton Tennis Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the Plumpton
Club this spring and summer (probably Camera Club is preparing to put together a
with not quite so many spectators to be book of photographs showing how life has
honest!). evolved in Plumpton during the 70 years
from 1952 and how the village marked the
But we are still here, ready and waiting important events during the Queen’s reign –
to open up our clubhouse and floodlit her Coronation, the Silver, Golden and
courts located just the other side of Diamond Jubilees, the Hurricane of 1987,
playing fields. Even better news is that Battle of Lewes celebrations, life in lockdown
the club welcomes players of all ages – to name but a few.. It will be a real trip
and standards and the membership fees down memory lane!
are modest for a club offering such great
facilities. The Camera Club is working on its website
to enable members and others in the village
You can use the courts yourself or join in to put some of their photos on the website
informal club nights with other members. for consideration to go into the book. Many
You can play competitively, sign up for people have photographs of village life. Why
professional coaching or join in social not use the lockdown period to hunt them
events. There’s the flexibility to make out and try to date them and even name the
use of the club in a way that suits you. people in them!
We’re all looking forward to the end of We hope that it will inspire villagers in
lockdown and we know that tennis is Plumpton, Plumpton Green and East
likely to be one of the first sports to open Chiltington to come forward with photos.
up again as restrictions ease, so we’ll be We hope next month to advise how to load
making the most of the opportunities to them up on the website or if you prefer not
play tennis, socialise (at whatever to send them in that way, there will be
distance), have fun and get fit! Come alternative methods announced.
and join us!
To help raise funds for this exciting project,
To find out more about our village’s Ken Beard has kindly agreed for the
tennis club and how to join please call remaining copies of his book to be sold with
Lesley on 07590 354420, funds raised to be used towards the cost of
email info@plumptontc.org.uk or go printing the new book. These are available
to www.plumptontc.org.uk at the shop, priced at £5 – thank you, Fal!
We hope to see you soon.
Plumpton Tennis Club
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23Plumpton & East Pliny, who called it ‘hair of the earth’,
considered it to be a general tonic and
Chiltington Wildlife restorative and recommended eating the
young shoots as salad. Culpeper’s Complete
A misnomer matter Herbal made many claims for its medicinal
One thing guaranteed to make me slightly benefits:
annoyed is when someone refers to the ‘it is very powerful to stop
prehistoric plant, Horsetail, as Mare’s-tail. It bleeding, either inward or
is such a widespread mistake and perhaps I outward, the juice of the
should learn to be less easily irritated. ‘Mare’s decoction being drunk, or the
-tail is invading my garden so how can I get juice decoction, or distilled
rid of it - I have tried everything?’ is water applied outwardly. It
commonly heard on programmes such as also stays laxes or fluxes in
Gardener’s Question Time. Even Network Rail man or woman, and heals the
made the same error in referring to the inward ulcers, and the
terrible threat from invading Mare’s-tail to excoriation of the entrails,
Plumpton Station. It would be a rather bladder etc..’
special station or garden if Mare’s-tail were
present. and much more besides.
So what is Mare’s-tail and why isn’t it In The Country Diary Herbal Sarah Hollis
Horsetail? Mare’s-tail Hippurus vulgaris is an describes the medicinal properties - as a
aquatic plant, the only member of the family diuretic, healer of wounds and an astringent.
Hippuridaceae. It grows in ponds, ditches She says it can be bought in pill form and can
and slow-flowing streams. In Sussex it is be made into a decoction. No other plant
most frequent in clean calcareous water contains such a high concentration of silica
flowing from the chalk but can tolerate and this means that it is highly abrasive.
slightly saline habitats and also occurs near Bunches were used for scouring pots and
the coast. Despite its specific name, vulgaris milkmaids’ buckets, as well as for polishing
meaning common, it isn’t at all common in brass and pewter. Cabinet makers used it to
our county. The Flora of Sussex (2018) polish wood too.
shows a few dots on the map. The nearest Julian Barker’s (2001) The Medicinal Flora of
one of these is in the Westmeston area but it Britain and Northwestern Europe, states that
hasn’t been recorded there in the last 20 Equisetum arvense is still a most important
years (I may go and see if I can find it when remedy for European phytotherapists, It has
Covid-19 restrictions lift). The neglect of widespread application for the maintenance of
ditches, nutrient enrichment and pollution health in all connective tissue and has a
from agricultural chemicals has contributed central role in the treatment by plants of
to its decline. It has also been lost from atheromatous conditions.
ponds that have become shaded, silted and
So perhaps this much-hated plant deserves a
overgrown.
little more respect but if you want to get rid of
While Mare’s-tail is a flowering plant, it Sarah Hollis says that only nasturtiums are
Horsetails belong to a primitive group of said to smother and kill it off effectively.
plants related to ferns. It does not have
Jacqui Hutson
flowers and reproduces by spores produced
in little cones at the tip of fertile shoots. Six We regret to report that Mike Barnard passed
species of Horsetails occur in Sussex, some away on 9 February. Mike was one of the
of them rare. The unwelcome and persistent principal drivers of the formation of the then
weed in gardens is Field Horsetail Equisetum Plumpton Wildlife and Habitats Group. In
arvense, which is common in disturbed particular he worked on its constitution, first
habitats, open grassland, roadsides, waste website and its launch at the village Green
ground, arable fields and railway tracks. Fair on 7 March 2009 and was Chairman for
its first two years.
While gardeners don’t like it
(understandably) the Romans, including
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26Footpath We walked NW on Beechwood Lane admiring
the Beechwood Hall and recreation ground, the
Detective’s picturesque pond with its resident ducks, and
Diary: passed the dairy farm of Lower Tulleys Wells,
and onwards to the next road junction where
A Footpath Detective’s Diary we turned left onto Allington Lane. On this lane
March 2021 we headed SSW. There is a good bridlepath
Lanes and Hills from Allington Farm heading west but not for
such very wet times as it crosses land where
By mid-January the low lying fields of Sussex many springs rise so we continued on the lane
were at best muddy and mostly under water to meet the B2116. We turned left along the
making footpath wandering unpleasant. My bridleway at the edge of this road and then
walking boots were suffering and I, like many right at Courthouse Farm to use the bridlepath
of you, have walked the local paths many to ascend the Down in the direction of
times over, so on meeting a friend at Offham Blackcap. The lower slopes of this usually very
we decided to wander the local lanes. walkable track were deep wet churned up mud
Our starting point was St Peters Church at that we plodded through with some
Offham, built on the hillside in the mid 19th disappointment. From about halfway along the
Century with external walls of local pebble path the chalk comes to the surface and
flint in a style similar to many much older walking became less boggy.
local churches. It was constructed within the We arrived at the top of the Down about
parish of Hamsey at a time when Offham and midway between Blackcap and Mount Harry
Cooksbridge had thriving industrial sites. We and close to a tumuli, a burial mound that I
walked down the lane known as The Drove to read are from the Bronze Age. There are
head NE and after crossing the railway we several such mounds along this stretch of the
turned right onto Ivor’s Lane and to the South Downs and the hills were of importance
Church of St Peter at Hamsey. To get to the through the ages. Mount Harry with its beacon
Church the lane crosses two bits of now basket had a warning beacon in the 16th
disused railway and a manmade channel cut Century that would have been lit with many
to straighten the Sussex Ouse that meanders others to warn of invaders and summon
around the hillock on which the Church troops. The current basket, as many readers
stands. Records show that a church stood on will know, was erected in more recent years
the site before the Norman Conquest with and I was privileged to be there when it was lit
King Athelstan holding a meeting of his to commemorate the Queens jubilee in June
counsellors on the site in 925. The Domesday 2012.
survey of 1086 records there being a manor
and church here. In 2016 The Friends of Continuing east along the ridge we enjoyed the
Hamsey Church held fundraising open days lovely views of Lewes, the Sussex Ouse as it
and published an interesting booklet about flows through Lewes and on to Newhaven, the
the Church. South Downs stretching towards Eastbourne,
and to the north the Ashdown Forest. We could
Having enjoyed the 360 degree views from even glimpse bits of the North Downs. As the
the graveyard we walked back towards path skirts the trees of the north scarp our
Hamsey Place and turned north on Whitfield path became muddy once more with the
Lane and then right to join The Drove near passage of many feet. We took a path just
Hamsey Manor as marked on the O/S but the within the trees and descended Offham Hill in
original manor was on the same hillock as the the steep gully that I guess would have been a
Church. The lane turns 90 degrees and we drovers route. It emerges to cross the A275
took Hamsey Lane NW. At the top of the rise near The Drove and our starting point by the
we crossed the Greenwich Meridian from east Church at Offham. The Blacksmiths Arms is by
to west, the spot being marked so nicely by this junction and will provide a nice
the Meridian sign erected by the people of refreshment point. At the bus stop nearby are
Hamsey. We descended into Cooksbridge and a good selection of leaflets showing local foot
turned left to cross the railway and then turn and bridlepaths. EJH
right onto Beechwood Lane.
27You can also read
