Hamsey News Winter Edition 2014

Hamsey NEWS Winter Edition 2014

Some of the cast of the Hamsey School Christmas play, Hey Ewe

The Newsletter for Cooksbridge, Offham and Hamsey www.hamsey.net

Hamsey NEWS

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Hamsey NEWS Welcome to the winter issue of the new-look Hamsey News

report on the development of our parish Neighbourhood Plan and please do support Anita Walker’s appeal for all your old jumble.

We hope you like the new glossy, fullProduction is now outsourced to colour format, but do let the clerk Community Ad, a company which know if you have any comments. provides the service for free, covering Kevin Froude its costs through advertising revenue.

The parish thus saves some money while, in Community Ad, we hope we have found a long term partner Parish News 4 to ensure the future viability of our Bevernbridge Times 9 newsletter. The content, apart from Monday Afternoon Club 12 the advertisements, remains under Neighbourhood Plan 14 the complete control of the parish.

Beechwood Hall 16 Thus in this issue we have the usual Offham Church 17 reports from the church, school, Neighbourhood Policing 20 PTA, police, station partnership, Jazz at Beechwood Hall 21 Beechwood Hall trustees and Hamsey School Fundraisers 22 Afternoon Club. Jeff Spain takes Hamsey School 24 the spotlight this time around, Business in the Parish 26 describing life in Cooksbridge, while Life in Cooksbridge 27 Director, Ian McKay, tells us about Cooksbridge Station 28 the business of BBM Sustainable Forthcoming Events 30 Design, based at the station. Look Contacts 32 out also for Mike Dodd’s progress

Contents

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Hamsey NEWS

Hamsey NEWS

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Parish News PARISH COUNCIL

There is a vacancy on the council. If you want to find out more about what is involved in being a parish councillor, please contact the clerk.

At their January meeting the council confirmed that the precept (payable from Council Tax) will be held at the current level for the financial year 2014-15.

The council has agreed to make the following grants: Hamsey Festival 2014 – up to £1500 Offham Church - £500 towards mowing costs at Hamsey Church Citizens Advice Bureau - £50 Red Cross - £50

TRAFFIC SPEED AND ACCIDENTS There were two serious accidents on one weekend in Offham. A northbound car lost control on the bend outside Offham House, over compensated and hit an oncoming car in the southbound carriageway. Earlier in the year a car ended up on its roof in much the same location.

Travelling southbound a car hit and demolished the Vehicle Activated Sign at the southern end of Offham and then ploughed some way down the steep embankment. The electricity supply needs to be repaired and reinstated before the sign can be replaced. Earlier in the year a car literally wrapped itself into the crash barriers opposite the

Chalk Pit Inn, which saved it from a frightening drop onto the line of the old funicular railway. Excessive speed for the road conditions was almost certainly a factor in all four of these incidents.

The parish council are obtaining an up to date accident record from Sussex Police. The latest ESCC criteria for installation of speed cameras are also being obtained.

PCSO Sally-Ann Reed has been very active doing speed checks in Cooksbridge. In October eight drivers were reported for speeding under Operation Crackdown, while five more were reported on 19th December and another four on 20th December.

Members of the public can also use Operation Crackdown to report speeding or other dangerous driving.

of the work. This has pushed the cost up to £89000. The footway will not be funded by ESCC out of its capital budget as it does not score highly against its prioritization criteria. However, the Council is putting aside a fund for small “community-led” projects for the financial year 2014-15 and the parish will be making the strongest possible case for financial support. The parish council and the trustees of Beechwood Hall have put aside £24000 from reserves as a contribution towards the cost of this project.

OVERGROWN FOOTWAYS

FOOTWAY TO BEECHWOOD HALL The parish council and the trustees of Beechwood Hall are working closely with ESCC regarding the construction of a footway along Beechwood Lane to the hall, together with a safe crossing point on the A275. A detailed design, specification and cost estimate has been produced. The ESCC estimate has been compared with other approved contractors and is competitive.

Unfortunately the proximity of the level crossing is deemed by Network Rail to require a complicated and expensive traffic management system during some

(thanks Jodi!). Then, early in January, Highways fulfilled their commitment and completed the work as far as the garage, so the footway is back to its full width and with highly sculpted edges!

There is a lesson here. If you identify a problem, why not report it directly to ESCC by phone or through the online “report a fault” system? If you are persistent you will get a response and at very least be told whether or not the work will be scheduled.

HAMSEY FINGERPOST The broken signpost at the end of Hamsey Lane is now back in place.

There are lots of thanks due – to Rose and Martin Armstrong and Paul Wren from Coombe Place for storage and transportation, to Richard Heanley and Colin Mockford at Studio Forge for fabricating the metal holding sleeve and to Jim Edwards and the Monday Group for repairing and fitting the post.

The footway through Offham has been cleared

During 2013 the footway between Offham Garage and St Peter’s Church became seriously overgrown, making it narrow, slippery and potentially hazardous. A resident reported the problem to Highways who inspected and agreed to add it to their work schedule.

In the meantime, Offham resident Jodi Crispin personally cleared the worst part leading up to and around the bus shelter

The fingerpost on Hamsey Lane has been renewed and is back in place

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Parish News

BENCH ON OFFHAM HILL

Hamsey NEWS

HERITAGE WALKS

Hamsey NEWS

The board was funded by the parish from the proceeds of 2008 Village Day, with other “heritage walk” costs being funded by the National Park Authority.

Thanks to Mark Hayward and Stephen Sibbald for all their hard work – and for producing something really special that enhances the parish for both residents and visitors.

MERIDIAN SIGN Volunteer Ranger Peter Rolfe and Ranger Mark Hayward with the new panoramic sign

Colin Mockford and Dan Griffiths from Studio Forge refitted the bench on the plateau on Offham Hill

Many walkers were sad to note the removal of the bench from the plateau on Offham Hill. This had been supplied by the Westbrook family in memory of Ray Westbrook who loved the view over the Ouse Valley. It was removed because of the prohibitive cost to the family of public liability insurance. However there is a happy ending. Much to the delight of the Westbrook family, the parish council has been able to add the bench to its liability insurance without additional cost. Richard Heanley and his team at Studio Forge repaired and repainted the bench and it is now back on the plateau. Thanks also to Richard for the allowing the bench to be sited on his land.

The project to support two “heritage walks” around the parish has been completed with the fitting of an interpretation board above the Offham Chalk Pit. This shows a panoramic view of the Ouse Valley with highlights of points of interest like Mount Caburn and Firle Beacon. For those who are technically minded there are links to mobile phone apps – quick response (QR) and augmented reality (AR). It’s well worth a walk up to take a look.

The parish council has approved the funding of a sign to show where the Greenwich Meridian passes through the parish at Hamsey Common, subject to planning permission being obtained from Lewes District Council. Highways have already indicated their willingness to provide the necessary licence.

OFFHAM TRAMWAY LISTED

BY ENGLISH HERITAGE Some time ago the South Downs National Park Authority asked English Heritage to consider listing the tramway

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(funicular railway) and the former lime works at the Offham Chalk Pit. English Heritage has now confirmed that certain parts of the site have been awarded a Grade II listed status, being of special architectural and historic interest. The parts specified for protection are the tramway tunnels, portals, parapets and retaining walls.

The east portal was described by English Heritage as “a monumental structure displaying engineering skill and adroit construction” while the parallel tunnels “bear witness to the operational method of the funicular tramway/railway”.

This is great news for those wishing to preserve the parish’s industrial heritage.

Chalk Pit Inn – Missing File Emma and John Miles, licensees at the Chalk Pit Inn, have over the years put together a very interesting file of historic photos, documents and press cuttings for the enjoyment of visitors.

Unfortunately this has gone missing. If you can help to locate it, please contact Emma and John at the pub.

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Hamsey NEWS

Parish News A NEW IDENTITY AND DISCOUNT CARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE A new identity and discount card is now available for young people in East Sussex. The 3i-D card enables young people to prove their age in cinemas, bars and shops, claim age-appropriate fares and selected reduced fares on bus travel and enjoy discounts in shops and leisure outlets. The scheme is available to youngsters aged 11 to 19 who live, work

Hamsey NEWS

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Bevernbridge Times or study in East Sussex. Two versions of the card are available – for under-16s and 16-19 year-olds respectively – for a one-off charge of £12. The card is free to young people from families entitled to free school meals. The under-16 card ensures youngsters can claim child fares on all East Sussex bus routes through all companies. The 16-19 card offers child fares for off-peak travel on Stagecoach buses only. More information and details of how to sign up are available online at www.3i-d.co.uk

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Sally Blackmore, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator for Bevernbridge, with support from PCSO Steven Knowles, applied to the Police Property Fund for the cost of a Neighbourhood Watch sign. The application was successful and Steven presented Sally with a cheque for £70. The sign is now being ordered and will be displayed at the north end of Bevernbridge – this will benefit all residents and businesses.

CONSULTATION ABOUT DEVELOPMENT AT THE OLD HAMSEY BRICKWORKS The Bevernbridge Residents Association has been approached by Iceniprojects who find potentially suitable sites for small scale housing developments – their Community Engagement Consultant, Amy Mallin, along with two colleagues visited a residents meeting in November.

They outlined the proposal at this early stage for approximately 40 residential units and 14 small scale business units/ live work units and amenity/open space.

They are not looking to touch the ancient woodland or the lakes area and would keep these as existing to preserve them.

At this stage they have not discussed the proposal with Lewes District Council, but want to understand what local Bevernbridge residents’ concerns would be with the redevelopment of this site and also to consider the community and local benefits. If you have any comments regarding this proposal please email sallyblackmore@uwclub.net

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Hamsey NEWS

Hamsey NEWS

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BRING OUT YOUR JUMBLE!

Some may have relevant experience or qualifications but most come from totally different professional and non-professional backgrounds. All, however, have one thing in common:

It’s that time of year again when our thoughts turn towards the fast approaching Jumble Sale before Easter. We are planning to hold the Jumble Sale at Beechwood Hall on Saturday March 29 at 2pm. Please consider alongside all your New Year resolutions; anything you are turning out will be gratefully received. If you have items you need to be collected please contact Anita and Tom Walker at 01273 472595 or email us on anita@tommwalker.co.uk

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Our CAB Advisers come from all walks of life

If you are a good communicator, have basic computer skills, and can spare at least six hours a week, you could make a difference to your community right now.

As a CAB adviser you’ll have the chance to resolve problems with a team of like-minded people, and enjoy a sense of achievement that is truly rewarding.

What’s more, many volunteers go on to take up paid work.

Now recruiting for Lewes and Seaford CABs

from 11am on Friday 28 or in the morning on Saturday 29, as well as helping at the Jumble Sale will be gratefully accepted. Volunteers are also needed for cake making and serving teas. Last year the Jumble Sale raised over £800 towards supporting community events at Beechwood Hall through the year. This was only possible because of the wonderful team of volunteers who help every year.

Please contact me at the number above if you are able to help in any way. Thank you.

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Hamsey NEWS

Hamsey NEWS

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We rounded off our 2013 meetings in grand style in early December with a delicious three course Christmas Lunch for 25 in Offham Church Hall. Head Chef, Caroline Featherstone, produced a magnificent main course followed by Christmas Puddings and mince pies made by Church organist, Joan Parrish.

By common consent they were the best any of us had ever tasted. Wine waiting was in the Rector’s capable hands and waitress service was provided by Judith, Janice and Meriel.

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We now have a full programme of monthly meetings planned for 2014. Two highlights in the next few months will be Michael and Marion Bird returning on February 10th to tell us more about bee keeping. You’ll have seen Michael’s honey making team (!) hard at work around the village. Four weeks later, on March 10th, Brian Walter will be back to tell us about his travels in New Zealand – probably just the thing to brighten up a cold spring day.

Meetings are of course open to all retired members of our community. Do join us in Offham Church Hall at 2pm on the second Monday of the month.

You’ll be assured of a very warm welcome – not to mention some delicious cakes!

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Hamsey NEWS

Neighbourhood Plan HAMSEY PARISH NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 2014-2030

By the time you read this edition of Hamsey News you should have received a detailed questionnaire. This is an opportunity for each resident on the Parish electoral roll to have further input into the creation of our Neighbourhood Plan. If you haven’t done so already, please take the time to complete this questionnaire. This has been created by the Steering Group, (working with Action In Rural Sussex), with input from various local meetings and of course feedback from our Open Day last October. Members of the steering group were available on Saturday 25th of January at Beechwood Hall to talk though any questions relating to the questionnaire in person.

In the autumn edition I did indicate that the questionnaire would be with you in November. The reason for the delay was due to the steering group learning an important piece of information from

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My colleagues and I were disturbed by this revelation, as we felt it was against the spirit we had been working upon and on behalf of Hamsey Parish residents. After some discussion we agreed that the best course of action was to continue with our work to produce a Neighbourhood Plan, which includes a local action plan covering many areas which are important to the community, not just development. Once our plan is in place then we do have a high degree of protection against unwanted development as it would become part of Lewes District Council policy.

Mike Dodd, Chair Hamsey Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group

Hamsey NEWS

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If you have any ideas or suggestions, please call: Moira on 07790 094390 or Kirsty on 07703 105654.

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Hamsey NEWS

News from Beechwood Hall The hall continues to be run at a profit.

Unfortunately Rose Armstrong and Julie McNirlan have resigned their duties due to other commitments; the trustees wish to thank them for their respective contributions. Should any resident of the parish wish to offer themselves as a trustee please contact the secretary, John Drury, on 01273 400234. The trustees have appointed Jane Baldwin as a Key Holder Manager whose duties will be to check the hall pre and post hirings, show potential hirers around and generally be available to support Jenni Toomey.

The trustees are pleased to report that the recent event when Vimala and the

Baker Boys played at the hall was a great success, due in no small part to the superb organisation by Sally Lane and Chris Rowan, with high local attendance; great fun and revelry was had by all. The trustees are pleased to announce that a small profit had been made and that they have agreed to underwrite another similar event in the Spring of 2014 which Sally and Chris have again offered to organise.

Dog walkers will note that a dog poo bag dispenser had been fitted in the car park.

John Drury, Secretary

Hamsey NEWS

News from your Parish Church A Very Happy Christmas!

By the time this newsletter is published there may be hints of Spring around but at St Peter’s we shall long remember a very happy and busy Christmas stretching from Carols in old Hamsey Church (standing room only again this year) on December 15 through to the New Year’s Eve lunch in the Church Hall. (I’m sure I’ll be dieting till next Christmas to work off those sumptuous puddings!). In between there was a very moving Nativity Play performed by 25 youngsters from the Church Sunday School and Toddler Tunes, a glorious service of Nine Lessons and Carols which emphasised what a magnificent church choir we are lucky enough to have and then Midnight Mass and packed Christmas morning services.

There have never been so many people at Christmas services; I estimate 650 -700.

Happy Times

Youngsters enjoying some table tennis in the grounds

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November saw two big fund raising events for the Jubilee Window Appeal.

At the beginning of the month Barcombe retired vet, David Lang, gave one of his magnificent presentations in the Church Hall, about his recent trip on a Russian icebreaker to Antarctica. (We have all subsequently followed the plight of recently stranded tourists in a similar boat with interest and more knowledge than we had previously!).

At the end of the month Chris and Dave Glover and their band of helpers ran

the annual Church Christmas Fayre, taking over the St Thomas’s Church Hall in Cliffe High Street. This is the second year we have been there; it was a difficult decision to move the venue from the village but the passing trade means that many more people were attracted to the Fayre than ever before. Thank you Chris and Dave for all your hard work, it is much appreciated.

Sad Times November, though, is also a solemn month with Remembrance Sunday when we remember those who have given their lives for their country. It’s always a particularly sobering moment when the names of the young men from Bill Hudson lays a the village who died Remembrance Day in the two world wreath, supported by wars are read out at Brian Walter our war memorial.

This year a very smart Bill Hudson, medals gleaming, laid the wreath on behalf of the Church. He was assisted by former Cooksbridge resident, Brian Walter. The Parish Council wreath was laid by Councillor Mike Dodd. Finally all the children present came forward to place their poppies on the war memorial.

We were also saddened last autumn to learn of the death of Ian Black. He and Elizabeth lived for more than twenty ¢

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Hamsey NEWS

News from your Parish Church ¢ years at Hunter’s Lodge in Cooksbridge before they retired to Hassocks. They had both played a great part in the life of both the church and the broader parish.

One of Ian’s great interests was music: he was a member of the church choir and was also closely involved in the organisation of the music at the summer evensongs in Hamsey Church. Ian’s funeral, which was taken by Derek, was held in Clayton Church. Our sympathy goes out to Elizabeth who has now moved into a care home in Burgess Hill.

Plans for Springtime If it’s early spring it must be skittle time.

Do join us at 7pm at the Chalk Pit on Friday evening, February 28. Previous experience or skill not required. It is always a fun evening. All details from Judith (474356).

The Church’s year continues with the Ash Wednesday services on Wednesday, March 5, the first day of Lent. At 12.30pm we will be having a ‘nice and simple lunch’ in the Church Hall. Proceeds will go to Christian Aid.

Mothering Sunday falls this year on Sunday March 30 when there will be posies for mothers at the simple 10.30 Family Service. It’s always a touching moment when posies are presented to mums with thanks for all they are and do.

Hamsey NEWS

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New Year’s Eve Lunch

Stop Press Plans have just been formalised to start a Pilates Class with Amy in St Peter’s Church Hall at 7pm on Wednesday evenings from the end of February.

Watch out for more information in the Church Newsletter and on village information boards. Open to everybody.

Derek Bastide, Rector

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Neighbourhood Policing There were 29 reported crimes in the year, a little up on 2012.

The breakdown by category is as follows:

2012 2013 Theft/Burglary 11 17 Vehicle Crime 5 2 Criminal Damage 7 7 Violence 2 1 Other 2 2 Total 27 29 In November an elderly man was scammed out of a large quantity of money for work carried out on his property. The police are continuing to work with Trading Standards to combat this sort of crime. The police are also aware that lists of people who are potentially vulnerable to scams have been circulating in the criminal world. They are liaising with the postal service to be alert to large quantities of unsolicited mail being delivered to a particular address.

If you have concerns yourself or about a neighbour, please contact PCSO Sally-Ann Reed.

In November some beehives were stolen in Hamsey, while in December a large quantity of fuel was stolen from Offham Garage.

Hamsey NEWS

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Hamsey NEWS

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Jazz at Beechwood Hall On Saturday 16th November seventy residents and friends from Hamsey, Offham and Cooksbridge gathered at Beechwood Hall. The occasion was to enjoy an evening of live music on our doorstep. Vimala and The Baker Boys performed Jazz classics with an exquisite blend of musical accomplishment and playfulness. This international line up (from Perth Australia, Boston USA and London England) opened their set with On the Sunny side of the Street. Vimala Rowe’s vocal virtuosity and warm personality beguiled the audience from the start.

We were further treated to renditions of such favourites as: Day in Day out, It’s only a Paper Moon and Perdido.

Duncan Hemstock on saxophone and clarinet gave a stunning tribute to Benny Goodman with all the thrills and spills worthy of that giant of the big band era.

Vimala revealed an ability to capture the bluesy style of Billie Holiday when she treated us to her version of God Bless the Child, co-written by Miss Holiday in 1939. The hall was full to capacity and the cabaret style format added to the

jazz club feel to the whole event.

Despite the limited space given over to dance floor, many members of the audience enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to shake their shimmy.

Each of the Baker Boys took a turn in the spotlight throughout the gig with improvised solos- on jazz guitar Harry Sankey (London), drums Lloyd Haynes (London), double bass Shane Allessio (Boston) and saxophone/ clarinet Duncan Hemstock (Perth).

Howard Eaton of Howard Eaton Lighting generously provided lighting for the evening. Thanks go to Rose Fuhrmann for the smooth running of the bar. Thanks also extended to Jo Hughes and Jim Edwards for setting up the hall and Anita and Tom Walker for their help at the end of the evening. A collection on the night raised just under £40 for the Philippines Typhoon Appeal.

The evening proved to be a great success demonstrating an appetite for such events in the future at Beechwood Hall.

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Vimala and The Baker Boys played to a packed house at Beechwood Hall

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Hamsey NEWS

Hamsey NEWS

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Hamsey School Fundraisers Well another year over and a new one Hamsey Tea Towel, which was under just begun! A new school term has many trees as a present this year! This returned with a rather wet and windy raised £138 for us which is fab; well start for us all. Last term proved to be done Jane Baldwin for organising this. very busy for the HAMSEY SCHOOL The Christmas Fair was a huge success FUNDRAISERS. We had a really fun with a fantastic visiting Santa who ‘Spooky Party’ at Beechwood Hall with loved his grotto and meeting all the craft activities, a pumpkin carving children. We had wreath making, snow competition, a very popular pumpkin globe making, snowball throwing, splat and gourd shy, games and a Spooky the Christmas rat, and Jane Disco run by the fabulous Fairman’s lovely wild food, Jeff from TC Sounds, wild garlic and nettle pesto. featuring DJ Daddy.

Yum, all the fabulous food so £265 was raised and a kindly made and donated by spooktacular time was had people. Thank you to all that by all!! helped make our children’s Bonfire night was a fun Christmas Fair a really evening out selling hot wonderful one and we potatoes and drinks. This managed to raise £372 too! year unfortunately we had a The term was finished pitch problem and only raised off by an absolutely £200, but everyone who helped fabulous school out made a sterling effort and a big performance of ‘Hey thank you to those that did.

Ewe’ at Beechwood Christmas was a festive affair. One Hall. The children’s of the dads from the school donated a lovely tree for outside the school and the children really enjoyed creating their own (weather-proof) decorations to hang on it. It really looked gorgeous with the lights on too. We are hoping this Top: Children at the Spooky Party will begin a long tradition for the school, with the Centre: Emma Hopkins decorations becoming even and Jane Taylor more elaborate. The children Right: The winners of all made pictures for a great the fancy dress competition

performances were just lovely as they are every year and the Christmas café there raised £134. Along with a Christmas film showing we made a whopping £1200 this term. Thank you to all members of the school and community who have supported us!

Coming up on the 1st Feb is Seedy Saturday at Lewes Town Hall, 10am till 3 pm, where we have a lovely café, so we are already busy baking cakes for that.

Do please come along; it is a fabulous day. We are hoping to do a Bingo and Chilli night soon too so keep your eyes peeled for that one! We have held Quiz and Curry nights in the past that have

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been hugely popular but we thought we could try a different slant this time.

Everyone is welcome to that; more news soon. We are hoping to do a camping weekend in the Summer time and another wood-fired Pizza afternoon, all when the weather improves. We are also hoping to have an adult story telling evening which would be really wonderful. We are working on more ideas, but having a well deserved break from a very busy first term - for a couple of weeks anyway!!!

Anna Archer and Emma Hopkins Chairs, Hamsey School Fundraisers

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Hamsey NEWS

Hamsey School What a busy time it was for Hamsey School in the run up to Christmas 2013!

However, before those celebrations got under way, the older children had been celebrating some success in sports competitions: in a cross country running competition held at Ditchling School, our team came 3rd out of 9 schools, with several children qualifying for the area finals in the spring, whilst our football team came second out of 10 schools at a tournament hosted by Chailey Secondary, only being narrowly beaten by Newick School in the final.

Well done to all our young sports people!

Another exciting event that Owls Class enjoyed was a train journey to Lewes as part of rail safety training, led by Sam Bryant, Community Rail Development Manager. The children always learn most by ‘hands on experiences’ such as this and I know they also enjoyed having their photos taken for the Sussex

Year 4 children open the Christmas play with some traditional carols

Express. Thanks to Kevin for organising the event.

Once December arrived the term flew by in a whirl of exciting events.

Christmas started for us in the first week with a performance of Snow White by students from Lewes Priory, along with the arrival of our enormous outdoor Christmas tree. This was kindly donated

by Oliver Marlow, one of our parents, and adorned with beautiful decorations made by the children, mostly out of natural materials. The next week we all enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner, complete with crackers and Christmas music, which was followed with Owls Class performing ‘Camel Hot’ in the East Sussex Music Service Big Christmas Sing at the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne. This is always an exciting occasion when primary schools from across the county get together to jointly perform songs that they have been learning in their own schools. The week culminated with our Christmas Fair, organised by the Hamsey School Fundraisers. It was very well supported and, as always, raised funds that are used to benefit all the children in the school.

The run-up to Christmas culminated with two wonderful performances in Beechwood Hall. Mr Wright and Year 4 opened proceedings with a range of traditional carols followed by Hey Ewe which was performed by Foxes and Hedgehogs Classes, with the singing led by the Year 3 ‘Gospel Choir. The Hall

Hamsey NEWS

was full to capacity and it was wonderful for the children to perform to a packed house, even it was a little too cosy at times! Thank you to the trustees for allowing us to use Beechwood Hall free of charge.

This term Hedgehogs and Foxes Classes are linking their learning to all things Dark and Dangerous, whilst Badgers and Owls are venturing Into the Unknown. I know that all the learning planned is great fun, involving nocturnal animals, lighthouses, explorers and more: it is not as sinister as it sounds!

Beyond this we are looking forward to starting Forest School again once the weather improves and also welcoming Year 5 from St Albans School in London in February.

A very Happy New Year to you all.

Helen Smith, Headteacher

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Hamsey NEWS

Business in the Parish IAN McKAY WRITES ABOUT BBM SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

revelation – we have the views of the Downs and Beechwood Village Hall with its wind turbine in the middle distance. We are most grateful for the Parish of Hamsey choosing BBM to be their architects on that project. Our view on the north side is not so sweet and because it’s in our peripheral vision eight hours a day we felt we should get involved with the amazing group of people working on the Hamsey Neighbourhood Plan. As a local

Many local people by now will have seen our signboards on the station and may have guessed what we do. If you deduced architects who specialise in creating eco-friendly buildings, that will be pretty much spot on. Ever since we started off, we’ve been hell-bent on doing something positive to the built environment and the ecology of our lovely planet. We like to think our projects are easy on the eye and cheap to heat too. We have to pinch ourselves though as 2013 has been something of an anniversary for BBM – it’s twenty years since we won our first architectural competition which catapulted us into setting up a practice. After all Staff at BBM - seated Duncan Baker-Brown and standing l to r that time we’ve built Harriet Browne, Tom Cuthbert, James Rae, Ian McKay and up a reputation for Dan Harding. David Caldwell was not present for the photo sustainable design that business involved in designing the built extends beyond the district, county and environment we felt it was important to even national borders. do so. I hope everyone has had a chance A client had told us about the office to find out about the emerging plan and space at Cooksbridge station house and been filling out their questionnaires as it was the first time we’d been coaxed dutiful citizens! out of the Star Brewery in Lewes in Ian McKay something like seventeen years. So in June 2012 we moved here. It was a Director, BBM Sustainable Design Ltd

Hamsey NEWS

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Life in Cooksbridge JEFF SPAIN WRITES ABOUT LIFE IN COOKSBRIDGE

Hi! I’m Jeff Spain and with Meriel, my wife, I’ve lived in Cooksbridge for about 14 years. Before that we lived in various places around Lewes. I’m really a town person, or was - I’m from Brighton originally - but I wouldn’t go back to a town. Now I like village life too much. We discovered Cooksbridge by accident because of the school. We were living in Lewes and couldn’t get a place at a school of our choice there and so thought we would look at Hamsey School. It was an instant success and I’m glad to hear that in spite of some problems in the past, it now has record numbers. We subsequently moved to Malthouse Way into a pleasant house with charming neighbours.

The village has undergone some changes since we moved here. Beechwood Hall was a brilliant achievement and will go from strength to strength, especially if more houses are built. It is good see the station looking smarter and it’s so convenient to travel up to London - and of course it might encourage the house builders. I hope the service will be improved at the weekend.

What I like most about living in the parish are the people and - I know this sounds corny - but people

here are actually friendly and helpful.

They stop and chat to you and when I first encountered this I thought it was unusual, but now I know it’s just friendliness.

Meriel works in Lewes, in a nursing home, and finds driving in very easy.

We generally drive to Brighton for shopping or entertainment because it’s so convenient along the A27. I was as a lab technician for 30 years, working in France and the USA, at Sussex University and then at secondary schools in Lewes. I am now retired although I work part time at the Homebase in Lewes which is a very interesting job.

With beautiful views, lovely walks and 45 min to London - and then a no 73 bus to Selfridges - what more could you want! Yes I think that Cooksbridge will probably be our last move.

Jeff Spain

Jeff and Meriel Spain in the Church grounds

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Hamsey NEWS

Hamsey NEWS

Cooksbridge Station The planters and garden do not need too much maintenance during the winter months, but we have been busy creating new gardens and planting lots of bulbs on the up-side. Thanks to Jodi Crispin and Offham House for the donation of spare plants from their gardens.

Hopefully there will be a great display in spring. Ian has also greatly enhanced the garden in front of the station by starting to build a border out of old wooden sleepers. Again this should look even better next year, but we could do with help with weeding and/or watering – volunteers please!

The partnership is in continual contact with Southern about facilities at the station, many of which have been

unreliable or completely inoperative.

The ticket vending machine has been particularly frustrating and the help points on both platforms have been offline for months now. Southern are polite in acknowledging feedback, but are very slow to respond, but we persist and will carry on doing so.

ESCC has developed a rail strategy within its Local Transport Plan. We lobbied hard for an objective of hourly express and stopping services on the East Coastway line with support from Cllr St Pierre, but without being listened to, nor receiving a considered response.

The focus in the strategy is very much on speed, rather than breadth, of service.

What is in our control works well.

Year 5 and 6 children enjoyed their rail safety training; picture courtesy of Sussex Express

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Children make their way back to school

Hamsey School children have refreshed the artwork in the waiting room – it’s well worth a look – and the Sussex Community Rail Partnership led some very successful rail safety training sessions for Years 5 and 6, hopefully to be repeated every two years.

By the time you read this we should have a response from Southern to our request for five additional weekday stopping services in the May 2014 timetable – and in May the winning bidder for the new Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise (operative from July 2015 on our services) will be announced. Hopefully something positive for Cooksbridge will emerge from one or both or both of these, though again we will continue our campaign for more stopping services with the chosen operating company.

We now have pages on the parish website – www.hamsey.net – and if you want to be on the mailing list to receive regular progress reports contact kfroude@btopenworld.com Cooksbridge Station Partnership

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Hamsey NEWS

Hamsey NEWS

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Forthcoming Events

Regular Events

Saturday February 1

at Beechwood Hall (details from 890621)

Other Venues

Mondays

Tuesdays

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

Hamsey School Fundraisers cafe at “Seedy Saturday” in Lewes Town Hall, 10am-3pm

Monday February 10

Monday Afternoon Club, Michael Bird and his bees, Church Hall, 2pm

Friday February 28

Offham Church social - skittles evening at the Chalk Pit Inn, 7pm

Wednesday March 5

Ash Wednesday “Nice and Simple” lunch, Church Hall, 12.30pm

Monday March 10

Monday Afternoon Club, Brian Walter’s slides of New Zealand, Church Hall, 2pm

Sunday March 30

Mothering Sunday Family Service, presentation of posies to all mothers, Offham Church, 10.30am

Monday April 14

Monday Afternoon Club, talk by East Sussex Fire Service, Church Hall, 2pm

Thursday May 8

Parish Council meeting at Beechwood Hall, 7.30pm

Monday May 12

Monday Afternoon Club, talk by PCSO Julie McNirlan, Church Hall, 2pm

Saturday July 12

Hamsey Festival at Beechwood Hall

Parish Council meeting at Beechwood Hall, 7.30pm Sorting of jumble, Beechwood Hall, 11am

Saturday March 29 Parish Jumble Sale, Beechwood Hall, 2pm

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Thursdays

Mornings: 9am-10am QiGong classes, 4 sessions starting Feb 6th

Fridays

9am Running Club meets at 27 Chandlers Mead (term time only) 7pm Pilates in the Church Hall

Thursdays

10am-11.30am Toddler Tunes in the Church Hall

Fridays

9am-11am Babies and Toddlers at Hamsey School (term time only) After school: Cake Sales at Hamsey School (term time only)

The Monday Group

Friday March 28

mail.awells@gmail.com

Sadly the mums and babies drop in at Beechwood Hall will cease at the end of January due to a lack of any helpers.

7pm Sussex Police Choir (new members welcome)

Mornings: Keep Fit

Thursday March 13

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Mornings: Yoga Classes Evenings: Dance Classes

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In 2011, The Monday Group - local volunteer rights-of-way workers - was 50 years old. In celebration of this I put together The Stile Book telling the story of the Monday Group . If you like walking in this area, most of the paths you use are kept clear, and the stiles, steps and bridges you climb are built, installed and maintained by the Monday Group. Until recently The Stile Book was only available from the Monday Group itself. But since 15th January, the second edition is on sale at Lewes Tourist Information Centre

where they currently have 10 copies in stock. We’d like those to sell out so they’ll take more next time and you and your friends could help that to happen!

If you already have a copy and have enjoyed it, please encourage others to get one too. If you don’t already possess it, buy it now! Its an amusing, entertaining, intriguing and copiously illustrated account of an enduringly worthwhile enterprise. All this for a mere £8.50 and it’s signed! All proceeds to the Monday Group.

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Hamsey NEWS

Contacts Clerk to Hamsey Parish Council clerk@hamsey.net or 01273 890621

Book Beechwood Hall 07762 118985

Report noise pollution 01273 484340

To report fly tipping 01273 484999

Police (non emergency) 101 or: 0845 60 70 999

Crimestoppers 0800 555111

Use this number to provide

anonymous information about crime or criminals and you may get a reward

British Transport Police 0800 405040

Age UK 0800 169 6565

Help the Aged 0808 800 6565

Dental helpline 01273 403546

Trading standards 01323 418200 trading.standards@eastsussexcc.gov.uk

Hamsey CP School 01273 400370

Rev. Derek Bastide 01273 474356 www.offhamwithhamsey.org.uk