The Villages of East Dean and Friston - Parish Council€¦ · on twenty occasions between April...

The Villages of East Dean and Friston

East Dean Village Hall Photo ©David Franco

Annual Report 2011/12

March 2012

The Villages of East Dean & Friston Annual Report 2011/12

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Contents Community Bus Service 41…………………………………………………………………………… 2 Community Watch……………………………………………………………………………………….. 2 Downland Heartstart……………………………………………………………………………………. 3 East Dean & Friston Art Group……………………………………………………………………… 3 East Dean & Friston Bowling Club…………………………………………………………………. 4 East Dean & Friston Cricket Club…………………………………………………………………… 4 East Dean & Friston Gardening Club……………………………………………………………… 4 East Dean & Friston Local History Group……………………………………………………….. 5 East Dean & Friston Residents’ Association……………………………………………………. 6 East Dean & Friston Short Mat Bowls Club…………………………………………………….. 7 East Dean & Friston Vegetable, Fruit and Flower Show…………………………………. 7 East Dean & Friston Village Market……………………………………………………………….. 8 East Dean Players…………………………………………………………………………………………… 8 East Sussex County Council……………………………………………………………………………. 8 The National Trust…………………………………………………………………………………………. 10 Norman Baker, M.P………………………………………………………………………………………... 11 OpenArt………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12 Over 50s Fitness Club……………………………………………………………………………………… 12 The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations……………………………………………………. 13 St Wilfrid’s Hospice………………………………………………………………………………………… 15 EAST DEAN & FRISTON PARISH COUNCIL REPORTS Introduction by the Chairman………………………………………………………………………… 16 (a) Bonfire Committee……………………………………………………………………………………. 18 (b) Planning Committee………………………………………………………………………………….. 18 (c) Recreation Ground Committee………………………………………………………………….. 19 (d) Rights of Way Committee………………………………………………………………………….. 20 (e) Finance & General Purposes Committee…………………………………………………… 21 Parish Council Estimates 2012/13…………………………………………………………………… 22 Committee Timetable 2012……………………………………………………………………………. 23

© East Dean & Friston Parish Council 2012

All rights reserved. This Annual Report, produced by East Dean & Friston Parish Council, is for the residents of that Parish. Any such resident (except Parish Councillors and The Clerk) may keep one or more copies of it, in whatever format chosen, providing such copies are used for private and personal use. It must not be distributed without the written permission of the Parish Council.


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Community Bus Service 41

The Service

1. It started October 2010 and runs every Tuesday

2. There are three services to and from Eastbourne

3. Timetables are in the Hall lobby and online at the village website

4. The bus runs around the village roads and will pick you up and drop off anywhere en route

5. It is FREE to Wealden bus pass holders.

Success

1. First buses averaged 10 passengers per week

2. Usage has built up steadily

3. In 2011, we got 28 passengers a week against a target of 23

4. In 2012 the average is over 35 a week

5. Most passengers go to and from Eastbourne

Development

1. Because of demand, 2 buses now run in tandem on the second service into Eastbourne

2. I have asked Cuckmere Community Bus whether we can perhaps have instead a Thursday service

3. They will review this later this year, but are limited in buses and drivers

Thanks

1. Vic Minards arranged a Xmas Lunch at Wetherspoons - huge success with 70 passengers that

week!

2. Future opportunities - Diamond Jubilee? Olympics? Any ideas welcome; just contact me

3. We need to thank

a. Cuckmere Community Bus for providing this valuable service

b. Our Parish Council for giving its financial support

Tony Rix

Community Watch

This local and informal group was formed following a public meeting organised by the Parish Council in November 2011. Although we live in an apparently prosperous area we are aware that there are a number of lonely or vulnerable people who may welcome the kind of help that we can offer. Our objective is to encourage, strengthen and support a spirit of neighbourliness in East Dean, Friston, Birling Gap and Crowlink. The group is supported by the Residents’ Association, the Church, the Parish Council and other local groups. A network of volunteers has now been formed who would be willing, for example, to provide the occasional lift for a neighbour, keep an eye on vulnerable people who live nearby, do a bit of shopping or the odd job for those less able.

Christine Jeffery


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Downland Heartstart

Downland HS is now three years old and since our Community First Responders went ‘live’ in December 2009 they have attended 227 ‘shouts’ 73 of these being in the last twelve months [figures accurate up to 28th Feb]. In the majority of cases they have got to an emergency before the ambulance crew. This is why it is so important to have local people - who live close by - involved. The service the Responders provide is particularly important in extreme weather conditions when the village may be cut-off. There are currently six Responders but a further two volunteers are awaiting training. Thanks to the generosity of local people and organisations we have been able to install an automatic defibrillator in both the Village Hall and in the Barn Stores. This equipment can and does save lives. No training is needed although we arrange demonstrations from time to time so that people will be

confident in using it. Tim Hervey, Chairman

East Dean & Friston Art Group

The Art Group that meets each Tuesday morning between 9.30am and 12.30pm in the Village Hall, first began in 1963 and so next year will be celebrating 50 years. Some of the founder members were Frank Singleton, Margaret Jenkins, Mary Fyfield, Evelyn and Chris Ray, Ann Williams, Dr. Eric Pitts, Joy Mundy, Rita Bailey, Cynthia Butler and Vivienne Butler. They used to meet in the Farrar Hall and there was a morning class and an afternoon one as the hall was so small. We range in experience from beginners to professional artists, and our styles, subjects and choices of materials are equally diverse, using everything from pencils, through pastels, watercolours, acrylics and oils. During the year external tutors and demonstrators visit to provide us with inspiration to tackle subjects and media that we might not otherwise have considered. We also have several in house tutors and benefit from the advice and assistance of our Group Leader, Lesley Wallace, who is almost always around to offer guidance. This is a very friendly group with a summer picnic and Christmas lunch. Members occasionally organise outings to places of particular interest for artists, or trips to art galleries. We have approximately 48 members and have a waiting list at the moment. Members come from the village and surrounding areas, but priority is always given to applicants from East Dean and Friston. Each year, around the Spring Bank Holiday, the East Dean & Friston Art Exhibition and Sale of Members Work takes place. This year’s event will be on Saturday 5th May 2pm until 5pm, Sunday 6th May 10am until 5pm and Monday 7th May 10am until 4pm. Entrance is £1, children free. Refreshments will be served and parking is free.

Sarah Drury


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East Dean & Friston Bowling Club

The Club was founded in 1936 and in our 75th Anniversary Season in 2011 membership numbered 62 Playing Members and 48 Social Members. The Club played 38 friendly matches against neighbouring Clubs, and there were also 6 matches for Club Trophies, 4 Club Championships, 4 monthly ‘Spoon’ competitions and a weekly Triples League between seven Club teams.

We play at a secluded tree-lined green up Little Lane, Upper Street, East Dean, and always welcome new members.

G. H. Sweatman, Hon. Secretary

East Dean & Friston Cricket Club

The Cricket Club enjoyed another successful season in 2011 and although they did not achieve promotion the overall season performance of finishing in third position of a very competitive Division Four was exceptional. This was the first time in five years that the Club failed to gain promotion. The Saturday XI played seventeen league matches, three cup matches and had only one game postponed due to bad weather or other reasons. We were blessed with an intake of new younger members last season all of whom proved to be more than useful with the bat, ball and their agility in the field. The cricket club are the main hirers of the recreation ground by far having booked the ground and pavilion on twenty occasions between April and September 2011. We are fortunate to have many local business sponsors who have contributed to the printing and preparation of the fixture card and to the maintenance of the cricket square and mowers and my personal gratitude goes to all of them. It is hoped this year the contributions will assist in the purchase of new cricket shirts and caps.

David Windsor, Chairman

East Dean & Friston Gardening Club

The following is a summary of the activities of the Club during 2011.

On the second Friday of each month, excluding January and August, we held a meeting in the Village Hall with an outside speaker giving a talk on gardening and garden related subjects. (The AGM was held in January, and August we have no meeting).

In February the annual lunch was held at the Hydro Hotel with about 80 members and guests attending.

On the late May Bank Holiday Monday we held an Open Gardens Day, with seven smaller gardens in East Dean open in the afternoon.

In June the Strawberry Fair was held in the Village Hall, with strawberry teas and stalls including plants, cakes, books, bric-a-brac, tombola and whisky draw.

The annual Spring Holiday took place in May, this year going to Montenegro.


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Five day trips by coach were organised during the year, to Chiswick House and Gardens (April), Latchetts Garden (May), Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight (July), Arundel Castle and Garden (September) and Dover Castle (October).

In addition, information was sent to members (living in East Dean and Friston) regarding certain garden supplies (top soil, Eco-compost and mulch) to be ordered in the spring and autumn through the club and subsequently delivered to the member’s address.

Jerry Gottlieb, Hon. Secretary

East Dean & Friston Local History Group

This year the Local history Group members and visitors have enjoyed a year of informative and entertaining talks at their monthly meetings in the Village Hall. The Battle of Beachy Head; the Strange Case of Dr. Bodkin Adams; the Bloomsbury Set in Sussex; Newhaven Fort; Eastbourne in the 1960s; Hastings’ Two Lifts; and A History of Hellingly Hospital, are just some of the 10 meetings held last year. Three were presented by residents of the village. Tea and biscuits are served at the end of each talk so that members can discuss points of interest with the speaker and each other. Additionally, two visits to places of historical interest were arranged during the year, and our Christmas lunch was well subscribed.

In this last year we have added 9 more history booklets to our current total of 31, which range in content from the history of Friston Windmills; Friston Pond; Friston Place; and the old village school. A collection of five booklets contains the memories of William Armiger who lived in East Dean and Friston at the beginning of the 20th century and represent an invaluable insight into how life was lived back then. Two further booklets of guided walks, which included historical notes, have proved to be extremely popular – one follows a path around east Dean and the other around Friston and Crowlink. These short booklets are intended to inspire the reader to discover more about the rich history of the locality and are sold at cost to members.

The History Group adds continually to its archive of photographs, articles and memorabilia and has a small library of books.

Our membership has risen from only 12 at its formation in the year 2000 to over 150 today; an indication of the interest of the local people in our activities.

Lloyd and Mary Brunt


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East Dean & Friston Residents’ Association

The objectives of The Residents’ Association are threefold, namely: To encourage a high standard of development and planning within East Dean & Friston; To stimulate public interest in the preservation of the amenities and character of the district; and To further the welfare of the residents in any way practicable.

I consider that the committee has worked very hard this last year and has achieved notable successes in fulfilling all these objectives. In addition to responding quickly and effectively to requests for help and resolving many issues for residents, we can be proud of some specific initiatives, which have been very well received.

Welcome Pack

This pack welcomes newcomers to the village and provides information on most of the local clubs and societies, copies of The Village Design Statement, the Village Diary, details of the regular activities in the Village Hall and leaflets giving information on The Weekly Market and on a number of the retail shops and restaurants in the village. It also includes details of the builders willing to work within the approved Code of Best Practice jointly promoted with The Parish Council.

Village-wide e-mail Address List

This is a recent innovation and now includes e-mail addresses of over 350 residents. It is centrally maintained and is used to notify residents of “public service” announcements covering such diverse areas as the Digital TV changeover, road closures due to gas works or road repairs, notification of important community meetings, advice on computer scams and circulation of regular local Police Newsletters.

Street Name Signs

We have very nearly completed replacing all the old white-board street name signs with new, more robust, dark green signs, which, in our opinion, are more in keeping with our village environment.

Downlands Estate Entrance “Gates”

During the last year we finally completed the erection of a new flint post and white gates at the Michel Dene Road entrance to the Estate, which mirrors the Friston entrance, thanks to an excellent response and overwhelming support from residents.

Planning & Development

We regularly attend the Parish Council planning meetings and comment on applications where we feel that we can make a useful contribution to the planning recommendation that is forwarded to Wealden District Council, which of course has the final say on such matters.

Localism Bill

We are working with The Parish Council to consider opportunities that now exist under the new Localism Bill for representative organisations to acquire local assets for the benefit of the community.


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As you can see, the work of The Association is wide and varied and I would like to thank my Committee for all the hard work and support.

Roy Webb, Chairman

East Dean & Friston Short Mat Bowls Club Short Mat Bowls is now at the end of its twelfth winter season of playing in the East Dean and Friston Village Hall. It is played during the months of October to March in the large hall on two mats. It is a game easy to learn with few rules, with no dress code other than flat shoes, and is open to any person living in East Dean and Friston. Tuition is given where required and we have sets of bowls available to all who come. There are no joining fees and a fixed fee is charged for each session attended. 2 hour sessions are played on Monday afternoon starting at 2.30 p.m. and Friday evenings starting at 7.30 p.m. It is a fun game played in a very friendly manner. This season has again been another happy one for all who have been attending on Mondays and Fridays.

Alan L. Robson

East Dean & Friston Vegetable, Fruit and Flower Show

Did you know that there was a Flower Show in the village from 1907 until the start of the First world War? It was re-started in 1947 by the Cricket club as a fund raising event to be held on august Bank Holiday Monday in conjunction with a cricket match.

65 years later, the Flower Show is organised by a stand-along committee dedicated to running the Show for the enjoyment of the village. Other than the children’s classes which are open to non-residents, all other classes are open only to residents and ex-residents of East Dean and Friston.

Classes are offered for fruit, vegetables, flowers and flower arrangements, home produce, crafts and photographs. Children’s classes include art, craft, baking and photographs.

The committee raises funds to run the show via seeking sponsorship from local businesses, selling advertising in the Schedule and on-the-day admission charges and selling afternoon teas with home baked cakes and scones with cream and jam.

The greatest costs are that of hiring the Village Hall and printing the Show schedules. The Hall rent in particular is a concern as it increased considerably from £196 in 2010 to £275 in 2011. Show schedules are delivered to every household with the Parish Magazines for which we are very grateful to the distributors.

The future of the Show was very much in doubt at the beginning of the year due to rising costs and following the departure of three key committee members after many years hard work. However we are delighted to say that we have recruited 5 new committee members and look forward to a successful show in 2012.

If anyone has never attended the Show, I would recommend a visit on August Bank Holiday Monday to sample the atmosphere of a traditional village flower show and, of course, a delicious cream tea.

We look forward to welcoming you to the show or even better, why not enter one or more of the classes?

Cathy Hensman, Secretary


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East Dean & Friston Village Market

As our market enters its 9th year it has now become a well-established weekly event. Not only is the variety of stalls such that customers can do a weekly shop, it is also an important mid-week social event for many.

Despite the recession, last summer and autumn the market was busy and buzzing. Our Christmas market was undoubtedly the busiest of the year and it was great to see the effort involved to produce our ‘Dickensian’ market so well rewarded by such a huge turnout. My thanks to all those who joined in the spirit with Dickensian dress and carol singing. Our raffle raised approximately £300 for the Bishop Bell School’s Uganda project.

Even through the quieter post-Christmas period the market has rarely been slack.

I took on my role when the market was in need of a fresh organiser. After something like seven years I have got to know many of the regular customers extremely well and I am sure I speak for many of the stallholders when I say that albeit the market is there to trade and offer a service it goes far beyond that and gives a real feeling of village involvement and commitment.

Thank you to all our loyal supporters and dust off your Easter bonnets for 4th April.

Sam Stanisstreet

East Dean Players

The East Dean Players celebrate their 65th Anniversary this year.

The Players have staged two successful productions during the past year: “House on the Cliff” a drama, and “Trial and Error a comedy”. Our audiences continue to enjoy our plays but we do need to recruit new members in order to enhance the range of plays we are able to perform. This year we are looking forward to providing entertainment on June 5th as part of the Village celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee & staging “Stepping Out” in November. More information on these productions this can be found on our section of the village website or by contacting Derek Drury on 01323 422250 or email: [email protected].

Derek Drury

East Sussex County Council

I am very pleased to have the opportunity to report to you as your County Councillor whilst East Sussex County Council releases the Council Plan for 2012/13. The 2012/13 plan details the County Council’s priorities and targets for the next three years. A summary of the County Council’s key policies and financial decisions is also included in order to provide clear links between the commitments that it has made and the sound financial planning that has become the hallmark of our successful Reconciling Policy, Performance and Resources (RPPR) process.

mailto:[email protected]


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An Annual Report is also produced each year to complement the County Council’s Plan and give a clear, objective and balanced assessment of the Council’s performance in the past financial year. The Annual report can be found on the County Council website in March cabinet report, that included in the Annual Report are details of how it performed against the priorities and targets set out in last year’s Council Plan. The County Council’s promise to the residents of East Sussex is that it will, in partnership, make the best use of resources to:

help make East Sussex prosperous and safe;

support the most vulnerable people;

improve and develop roads and infrastructure;

encourage personal and community responsibility;

deliver the lowest possible council tax; and

be a voice for East Sussex, listening and answering to local people. The promise is supported by policy steers, setting out its priorities for each portfolio. Policy steers are supported by performance measures and targets for departments, teams and individuals. The promise and policy steers are reviewed annually by County Councillors in the light of local and national intelligence to ensure that our plans and budgets are aligned and focused on the right priorities. The plan is the culmination of our annual Reconciling Policy, Performance and Resources process, which sets out how the Council will spend the resources available to it to achieve its priorities. The Council is taking a strong strategic commissioning approach to its business planning and service delivery. This approach follows the cycle of assessing the needs of local people, establishing priorities and strategic outcomes, specifying services, securing and delivering appropriate services and reviewing outcomes. The County Council continues to review our services to identify and reduce waste, improve speed of delivery and make sure that customers get full value from our services. At the same time, the County Council needs to make its contribution to reducing the national structural budget deficit. The Council needs to save £93 million over the four years 2011/12 to 2014/15. The Council has made an initial saving of £37 million in 2011/12. There will be necessary changes across all services, but through the commissioning approach, the Council is doing their utmost to minimize the impact to local people. Council will monitor and manage the impact of budget reductions during 2012/13. Taking into account the affordability of public services to local people, the Council decided to freeze council tax again this year. In addition, the County Council is improving the way it works internally and will continue to work with others to make more efficiency savings. County Council is collaboratively involved with South East Seven (SE7) partnership of seven upper tier authorities in the South East to improve services and reduce costs. Initial savings and benefits have already been achieved and further significant future savings have been identified. This year, savings will be made in waste, ICT, highways, special educational needs and commodities procurement.


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Furthermore, the East Sussex Strategic Partnership has identified priority areas where a multi-agency approach within East Sussex is appropriate. With its partners, the Council is exploring how customer experience can be improved for families who receive services from a number of agencies and working towards the aim of asset rationalization (through mapping and sharing properties). The Council will continue to pursue these benefits throughout the year.

The Council is one of the biggest spending bodies in the county and the Council has agreed a near £500 million four year Capital Programme aimed at economic regeneration and growth to help local people and communities. Projects include the Bexhill to Hastings Link Road; superfast broadband; and improvements to schools, roads and libraries and supported housing. Locally We are working with the County Council on: Social care services, local primary and community school places, libraries including mobile libraries, roads and footways, right of way, streetlight, trading standard, bus services and parking. These important services are continuing to provide a good standard service to our residents. Filching Quarry Planning Application Alongside 30 local residents, Cllr Oi Lin Shing and I attended the ESCC Planning Committee meeting in June regarding the proposal for re-opening Filching Quarry. The contractor was seeking permission for the importation of 136,000 tonnes per annum of construction waste materials over a five year period (2012 – 2017) and to restore and stabilise the quarry. Ancillary development included the provision of a temporary site office, wheel-cleaning facilities and restoration aftercare. The initial application submitted on 1st March 2011 was refused; the applicant had an opportunity to re-submit a new application without paying a planning fee within the past 12 months. I am pleased to inform you that the deadline of February 2012 has since passed without any further resubmissions from the applicant in that time. I was pleased to learn that ESCC’s Planning Committee voted unanimously against the development and advise that they would be informing the South Downs National Park Authority of their objections.

Councillor Stephen Shing, East Sussex County Council

The National Trust

It has been a busy year for the National Trust at Birling Gap. The café has continued to attract visitors with approximately 100,000 people visiting over the last year. We are very keen to support local business where possible and have recently changed our vegetable supplier to Dymock’s Farm in Seaford. Our bread is supplied from a bakery in Eastbourne, our fish from Newhaven and we stock Beachy Head beer from East Dean. As a team we will continue to find other opportunities to buy locally. In addition to managing the café and bar at Birling Gap, our team also manages the National Trust’s land at Belle Tout & Crowlink, Chyngton & Frog Firle Farm (both in the Cuckmere Valley) and Blackcap & Ditchling Beacon ( both near Lewes). We have run an active events programme on these sites. At Birling Gap this has included rock-pooling and kite making as well as a successful Stargazing event with


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Herstmonceux Observatory and an excellent tour of Beachy Head Brewery followed by fish & chips in the Birling Gap Café. We have a range of other exciting events planned for the coming months. We continue to be grateful to our team of volunteer Beach Cleaners, mostly East Dean residents who come once a week to help maintain the beach for all to enjoy, this year marks the 5th anniversary of this group. We are always looking for ways to improve Birling Gap for our visitors. In the coming months we plan to install a new fence to replace the existing rather industrial one, we will put in some new external seating and replace the car park signage. All suggestions for improvements are welcome. We are currently waiting on a planning application to demolish a disused section of the building that is closest to the cliff, and we hope to do this before any further cliff fall so that it can be completed in a safe and cost effective manner. If you would like to get in touch please call us on 01323 423197 or e-mail [email protected]

Zara Luxford Property Operations Manager, South Downs East

Norman Baker, MP

I am delighted, since the General Election, when East Dean was transferred into the Lewes constituency, to have been able to visit the village on a number of occasions, be it at the excellent Bowls Club, chairing a meeting in the village to discuss promoting tourism and the environment at Beachy Head, or simply attending the excellent market. On each occasion, I have had the opportunity to meet with residents of East Dean and hear first hand what the local issues are. In line with other rural communities, East Dean has a unique set of issues and concerns, ranging from the understandable will to ensure the quaint beauty of the area is maintained, to concerns to improve road safety. Now despite my ministerial role at the Department for Transport and the fact that East Dean is some distance from Lewes, I am determined to ensure the village is given a proper service by me in my role as constituency MP. I am pleased to say that local residents have not been backward in coming forward, and I receive a steady stream of letters and emails from the village, which is how it should be. My policy is to reply to every communication from a local resident, and to do so as speedily as I can. Subjects raised with me cover everything under the sun! I am always happy to assist residents of East Dean where I can, no matter how big or small the problem. For anyone who wants to drop me a line, you can write to me at 23 East Street Lewes BN7 2LJ or email me at [email protected] . Alternatively, if you want to chat face to face, please do not hesitate to call my office on 01273 480268 to book in for one of my regular surgeries, which are held in Seaford, Polegate, Newhaven and Lewes.




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Lastly, I am always keen to attend local events if I can, so please let me know if there is something you would like me to turn up to. My diary is of course very busy but if I can come along, I will.

Norman Baker, MP

OpenArt – the biennial celebration of local creativity

Although 2011 was not a year when an OpenArt weekend was held, we have nevertheless been active within the village.

Friston Windmill, an original painting by Frank Newbould, which was gifted to the people of East Dean and Friston by the artist in the 1920’s, and which had sometimes hung in the village hall, was found to be in poor condition.

OpenArt paid to have it painstakingly restored by the conservator at Towner, and re-framed. It now publicly hangs once again in the village hall for all to see.

OpenArt is very pleased to have been able to conserve this village asset for future generations to enjoy. Our next OpenArt weekend will be held this year, 21st -23rd September, when local open houses will be exhibiting and selling work which will include paintings, sculpture, photography, glasswork, lino cuts, embroidered felt work, weaving and ceramics. And something quite new . . . . . OpenArt has commissioned a piece of music to be premiered in the village hall on Saturday 22nd September. Renowned composer and viola player, Simon Rowland-Jones has used the poem ‘Beachy Head’ as his inspiration. This new work will be performed by the Wu Quartet who recently made their debut at Wigmore Hall and were selected to join the European Chamber Music Academy. OpenArt would like this piece of music to be a lasting legacy for our village. This year will see the launch of our website, www.openartevents.org. This will be used to promote the event this year and provide information to participating artists and visitors.

Maureen Honey – Chair, OpenArt

Over 50’s Fitness Club

The Keep Fit Group was started in 1973 and we are still in existence.

We have continued to flourish over the year. We only meet for the two winter terms, which amounts to approximately 28 weeks.

Our membership is 24 and our average attendance is 18 to 20. This is an ideal number giving us room to move and stretch in all directions.

Our title is a little misleading as the majority are over 60 plus, with some late 70’s and one of my longest members is into her 80’s and is still very agile.

All the work we do is for our age group and is aimed at keeping us active and flexible.

Frances Mace

http://www.openartevents.org/


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The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 2012 Celebrations

Sunday 27th May 2012 - School Reunion: This reunion is only for former pupils of the old East Dean School. A letter dated 31st January 2012 was sent to all those who had expressed an interest to attend the reunion in the Village Hall, at a cost of £15 per head. The response so far is that 71 former pupils wish to attend. After a “welcome” glass of wine, there will be a finger buffet lunchtime meal at about 12 noon and a cash wine bar would be available. Afternoon Tea would be served at 4:30pm. A display board of photos and relevant historical information will be arranged in the Small Hall. Contacts are:

Lois Pelecanos (01323-728292) or Christine Fuller (01323-423710) for more information. Thursday 31st May 2012 - Cocktail Party: Following an outstanding response from the March Parish Magazine and now sponsored by Horlock Holdcraft Financial Consultants Ltd, the Black Tie Cocktail Party at the Belle Tout Lighthouse, as a prelude for the main Jubilee Celebrations that coming weekend, is now sold out with 61 persons attending. Over 30 names are currently held on a reserve list and there could be many more who would like to attend. Do not despair, just telephone Sue Hobbs (01323-422296), who is the Event Manager, and those persons not allocated tickets will be recorded in case there is another opportunity to visit the Lighthouse some other time. Friday 1st June 2012 – Stoolball: Following suggestions submitted, a session of Stoolball will be held on the Recreation Ground from 5pm to 8pm. The game is over 500 years old and is the forerunner of cricket, played with similar equipment on any grass area. The pitch is 16 yards long and the bowling is underarm. Teams consist of 11 players of either ladies, gentlemen, children or mixed. So enter this new event in your diary with more information yet to be published in due course. Anybody and everybody can take part or you could just sit by the Pavilion and watch. Saturday 2nd June 2012 - Fun Afternoon: This will be a unique family fun occasion for all to enjoy. Events that are planned so far will be held on either the Village Green or in the Horsefield during the afternoon between 2pm and 5pm, and will include a dog show, wellie boot throwing, three legged race, roll the barrel, children’s right royal fancy dress and lots more. Your opportunity to be a winner will be immense. Please let us have any other suggestions as soon as possible, and any help on the day would be much appreciated. Also making an appearance will be the Long Man Morris Men. More information yet to be published. Sunday 3rd June 2012 - (a) Church Services: There will be 2 Services: 9.30am - All Age Diamond Jubilee Celebration Service at East Dean Church. 6.30pm - Evening Service of Jubilee Thanksgiving & Prayer for the Nation at Friston Church. More information will be published in the Parish Magazine.


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Sunday 3rd June 2012 - (b) Big Jubilee Lunch: As part of the national programme of events, a Big Jubilee Lunch will be held throughout the land!! We have therefore decided to organise an afternoon lunch and associated party on the Greensward from 12:30pm. This will feature a live band (Blues Brothers Tribute Band) that will provide enjoyable musical entertainment for all ages, with children’s races & adult tug-of-wars during their intervals. With the kind permission of the Residents Association, car parking will be allowed on the lower end of the Greensward, so that everyone can bring down their own food and drink with appropriate garden furniture or blankets to sit on. The Seven Sisters Sheep Centre will also position their Mobile Farm at the top end of the Greensward. The event could finish with patriotic community singing and general bonhomie. This event is generously sponsored by Eastbourne Motoring Centre Ltd. Monday 4th June 2012 – Village Organisations Jubilee Celebration Day: With no events specifically planned, this Monday Bank Holiday could be a chance for local organisations and clubs to organise their own individual special functions. All events notified to me by early April will be featured in the main Programme Brochure. Tuesday 5th June 2012 - East Dean Players Matinee & Evening Performances: To finish our Village celebrations, The East Dean Players will be performing two comedies “Distracted Globe” by Nick Warburton and “Gosforth’s Fete” by Alan Ayckbourn. There will be a Matinee and Tea Party commencing at 2.30 pm and an Evening performance with a Buffet during the interval. Curtain up at 7.30 pm. Tickets are £8 for the Matinee and £12 for the Evening performance. These tickets can be obtained from the Box Office which opens on Tuesday 8th May. Please contact then Jane & Henry Branson on 01323-423118 or email: [email protected]. You may pick up your tickets at the hall on the day of the performance if you prefer. Finally, just to sow the seed (perhaps literally), it has also been suggested that Residents may wish to patriotically decorate their front gardens for this very special festive weekend. Just a thought? WHAT FUN WE SHALL HAVE CELEBRATING THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE HERE IN THE VILLAGE!!

Peter Hobbs, Chairman, Jubilee Planning Committee. Contact: Telephone: 01323-422296

E-Mail: [email protected]



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St Wilfrid’s Hospice

St Wilfrid’s Hospice is a local charity providing skilled and compassionate care and treatment for all patients with complex needs as they near the end of life.

A hospice is not just a building, it is a way of caring for people. Hospice care aims to improve the lives of people whose illness is no longer curable. It helps people to live as actively as possible after diagnosis to the end of their lives, however, long that may be. The highest value is put on respect and choice.

There are an estimated 3000 people a year locally needing support as they near the end of their life – St Wilfrid’s Hospice currently support 1000 of them a year. This demand will only grow with a predicted 57% increase in those over 65 and with growth in referrals for those with a non-cancer diagnosis.

We have been fortunate enough to have been granted permission to start building a new hospice building and have now launched a campaign to raise the money to furnish and equip the new building and to extend the reach of the hospice – transforming end of life care for every person in the local community.

Some additional facts about St Wilfrid’s Hospice:

The hospice serves a catchment area of 230,000

Caring for over 1,000 people a year.

Hospice care is free of charge

Two thirds of all care is provided in patient’s own homes

One in three of all patients we support are under 65

Hospice care is for any illness that is beyond the point of cure

Each year we support 15% more people with a non-cancer diagnosis.

It costs £3,500 to support each patient

The NHYS gives us just 15% towards the cost of hospice care

Over 500 volunteers support the work of the Hospice. To find out more about the Hospice and how you can get involved with the new campaign call 01323 644500 or look at our website www.stwhospice.org.


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REPORT OF the PARISH COUNCIL

(a) Introduction by the Chairman

The theme of this year’s meeting was ‘The Village as a Community’. Although the Parish Council has the responsibility to arrange such an annual meeting it was decided to invite the Church, the Residents Association and the Village Hall Trust to help organise it. This would emphasise the fact that we are one village and one community all working together, albeit with a different priorities. Every organisation and club in the village was invited to take part so that people would be left in no doubt as to what was available and encouraged to take part in the various activities. We are extremely fortunate that our village lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty and the existence of the South Downs National Park and the National Trust provides more protection for this lovely part of the country. We have very little crime. It is indeed a caring community and we are privileged to live here.

As from May 2011 the maximum number of Councillors who could be on the Parish Council was reduced from 14 to 9. However, only the four people who had put their names forward at the local elections were elected but five others were recruited and co-opted. We also co-opted three other people onto one or other of the Council’s Committees as non-councillor members. Since the last Village Meeting the Parish Council has: - Responded to consultations on the following -

Localism Bill part 1

Localism Bill Part 2

Wealden District Council’s Local Development Framework Proposed Submission Core Strategy

South Downs National Park Authority - planning recovery

‘Planning for Travellers Sites’

Boundary Commission consultation

Rampion offshore wind farm

Had meetings with the following other bodies -

South Downs National Park Authority (twice)

Residents Association regarding mowing of The Greensward (twice)

Gilbert Estate regarding mowing of the Green & Church Green and the commercial use of The

Green (twice)

Wealden District Association of Local Councils (two)

Wealden Parish Conference.

Strengthening Local relationships (ESCC & WDC)

Dealt with the following complaints -

Smoke pollution (and investigated the possibility of having an appropriate bye-law)

Light pollution

Noise pollution

Trees overhanging private properties

Traffic congestion at Exceat after Eastbourne air show

Dog fouling


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Updated, reviewed or implemented the following policies or plans -

Emergency Plan

Emergency Arrangements in Severe Weather

Village Plan - and Village Action Plan

Parish Council’s standing

Committees’ Terms of Reference

Media Policy

Risk assessments

Opposed -

The closure of the Maternity Unit at Eastbourne District General Hospital

Succeeded -

In launching a ‘Caring Community’ strategy.

In persuading the Highways Authority to extend the 40 mph limit on the A259 to the west

beyond Friston Pond and to extend the 30mph limit southward in Gilberts Drive.

In continuing to provide financial support to the Cuckmere Community Bus

Launching a new Bonfire Committee

Registering the recreation Ground in the QEII Fields Challenge

The following matters are on-going -

Monthly Surgery on the last Thursday of each month.

Parish Council’s web site (Big Lottery Fund grant)

Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations

Listing of community assets in anticipation of taking advantage of the Right to Buy.

Working with other local councils on Neighbourhood Plans

Responding to consultation on South Downs National Park peer review

Winding up the Old Village Hall Trust

Working with the New Village Hall Trust

Persuading the Highway Authority to introduce a 30mph speed limit on the A259 as it passes

through the village.

It has been a busy year, made easier by the hard work and enthusiasm of Councillors who are all indebted to the Parish Clerk - Dr Katrina Larkin - for being so efficient and making sure that what we do is proper and lawful.

Councillor Rob Page, Chair of the Parish Council


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(a) Report of the Bonfire Committee

The bonfire was not held in 2011 in view of the fact that there was going to be a substantially new membership of the Parish Council and the outgoing councillors felt that it was unreasonable to bind the incoming Council to hold the event, when there might not be anybody prepared to take on the responsibility for the organisation of this event. The matter was raised when the new Council was convened and it became clear that there was still enthusiasm for reinstating the annual event. A formal Bonfire Committee has now been established on which 3 Councillors sit, with two members of the local parish co-opted. The Committee has met and the date of the Bonfire and Fireworks has been set for Monday 5th November 2012 and Frontier Fireworks have been booked again to present the display. The Committee have resolved that the focus of the night’s celebrations are to be for the local community and this was the reasoning behind setting the date, because it clashes with the much larger celebrations in Lewes and at the Saffrons in Eastbourne. There has been considerable interest from many members of the Parish and many offers to assist in the hard work that will be required to stage this event. The previous sponsors have also expressed their wish to continue their involvement and we are interested in talking to additional supporters. Anyone interested in either sponsorship or providing hands on assistance should contact Tim Bryant via the Clerk, or can call him on 07885 673977.

Councillor Tim Bryant, Chairman

(b) Report of the Planning Committee

I am pleased to report that this has been a less controversial year for the Planning Committee, which has continued to meet regularly since it was re-constituted in the spring of 2011.

The statistics for the year from April 2011 to March 2012 are as follows:

41 applications have been received

30 have been approved by the Wealden District Council

4 have been refused by the Wealden District Council

7 applications are pending The Planning Committee has recommended that:

30 applications be approved

10 applications be refused

1 application is still pending consideration Of the 30 applications recommended for approval by the Parish Planning Committee:



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2 have been refused (one for internal works to a listed building, and the other for a dormer extension).

Of the 10 applications recommended for refusal by the Parish Planning Committee:


2 have been refused by the Wealden District Council

1 has not yet been determined. One further application was received from the East Sussex County Council, proposing to use the old Filching Quarry for landfill, but in the face of concerted opposition from a number of concerned parishes, plus the Wealden District Council and the South Downs National Park Authority, the proposal was withdrawn. The Committee has noted with concern the large proportion of applications recommended for refusal by them which have subsequently been approved by the District Council (7 out of the 9 which have been determined). Five of the seven related to cases in which the Committee was concerned about the impact of the application on the appearance of the Downlands Estate. The Committee sets a higher priority on preserving the original character of the Estate than the Planning Authority is able to do in the light of Government guidelines which seek to facilitate development. We are on the verge of coming under the direct control of the South Downs National Park Authority, which up until now has delegated its powers to the Wealden District Council. It is unlikely that residents will notice any substantial change in the way the administration of the planning system operates, but it is important to note that in terms of strategic planning, the Park Authority will not be expected to accept large increases in housing numbers, such as are being demanded of the Wealden District Council by central government. This shift in strategic aims, plus the possibility of preparing a Neighbourhood Plan under the Localism Act 2011, means that the coming year should be full of interest and opportunities.

Councillor Chrissie Tyndall, Chair of the Committee

(c) Report of the Recreation Ground Committee

This being my first year as Chairman of the Recreation Ground Committee I would like to thank Liz Charlwood, the previous Chairman, for the hard work during her time in ensuring the Recreation Ground and Pavilion were maintained to respectable standards. Unfortunately, due to the wooden construction and age of the pavilion, the building has to be regularly maintained and my thanks go to Ron Franklin and Peter Marshall and to the plumbing, decorating and electrical contractors who have kept the building in full working order, sometimes against all odds.

The Playground continues to be very popular with the younger element, especially through the spring and summer seasons. We had to pay for maintenance of some of the equipment during the autumn of last year when some of the popular items had to be brought up to standard in order to comply with new safety requirements.


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The memorial seats and wooden bollards around the recreation ground continue to be maintained and thanks again go to Ron Franklin for his input.

Finally, I wish to thank my Committee, Councillors Chrissie Tyndall, John Hine and Jen Sargent, and Jan Smith, for their co-operation and assistance over the past ten months.

Councillor David Windsor, Chairman

(d) Report of the Rights of Way Committee

Having started the year with a completely new committee in March I am pleased to report a very busy and successful year for the ROW team. During the year we have refurbished and renovated a number of the memorial seats including those on Church Green and Village Green and with the generous help of the Gardening Society arranged the replacement of the dilapidated seat on Deneside. We have undertaken routine repair and maintenance of the numerous footpaths and bridleways and with the help of the Church Pathfinder group trimmed and cleared overhanging shrubs and brambles to a number of the more congested footpaths. With the support of the South Downs National Park Rangers we have treated and cleared the invasive Crassula weed at Friston Pond. With SDNPA technical support we have submitted a bid for funding to enable a major rejuvenation of the pond to be undertaken next year which will include detailed notice boards on Flora and Fauna as well as the incredible history of the pond which should be remembered is the only pond in England to be listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. We have successfully renegotiated a 3 year contract for mowing and strimming and, with co-operation from the Residents’ Association, have rescheduled priorities to include the Greensward in the Parish Council contract. My heartfelt thanks and appreciation goes out therefore to the members of the ROW Committee without whom none of this would have been possible.

Councillor Phillip Hill, Chairman


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(e) Report of the Finance & General Purposes Committee

We have recommended a Precept for 2012/2013 of £40,000 which is an increase of 0% over the Precept for 2011/2012. In view of the prevailing austerity we felt that we were obliged to maintain the Precept at its existing level. Stripping out the Bonfire Committee receipts due to the fact that the bonfire did not take place this year, we have managed to identify an increase of income for the 2012/2013 period over 2011/12 of £500, equating to 18.8%. We have managed to secure an overall reduction in costs in the Establishment section of £687, which is a saving of 4.5%. This is primarily a reduction in office costs due to the fact that we are no longer renting office accommodation in Seaford as our Clerk operates from a home office. There has been an increase of £652 in the Right of Way costs which equates to just under 9.5%. This is mainly reflected in some planned asset replacement. We are faced with some expenditure outside the budget in respect of the on-going refurbishment of Friston Pond, but we are presently investigating the possibility of a grant, together with local sponsorship for this work. As a result, it is anticipated that any expenditure that is undertaken on this project this year will be fully funded, although we may consider dipping in to Reserves, should it be necessary. The Recreation Ground costs show an increase of £1750, representing 25.7%. This is due to the need to replenish reserves following this years’ expenditure on the play area and pavilion. The reserves will now be held as a joint Recreation Ground and Pavilion Reserve. The Benefit of Area expenditure has been increased from £1260 to £2000, which is still well within guidelines. The two extra items of expenditure committed for next year are the PC contributions to the Parish Churches and to the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. While having maintained the Precept at its previous level, we have managed to budget for supplementary reserves but are mindful that further savings could be made. We are therefore examining further possible savings which, if achieved, we will use to supplement reserves further.

Councillor Tim Bryant, Chairman


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The Villages of East Dean and Friston - Parish Council€¦ · on twenty occasions between April...

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