Hamsey News by CommunityAd

Hamsey NEWS Spring 2016 Edition

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

Hamsey NEWS

Welcome to the spring edition of the Hamsey News, great to see everything coming back into bloom and to see some sunshine too! It’s a packed edition with loads of news about the Neighbourhood Plan, the Station Partnership, Church activities, Easter activities and the Litter Pick amongst others. We are missing Rhubarb’s Kitchen this issue due to said Rhubarb being away on business but I’m sure he will inspire us all and tempt our taste buds next time round! In place of this we have instead the Spirit of Hamsey advising us on ways to put our hedgerows to better use by distilling their bounty! Thanks to Wendy Darby for this. We have sadly had a spate of vandalism to vehicles down Chandlers Mead in Cooksbridge and we have an open letter from a local resident calling for help and some action. Please make contact if you are able to assist. There’s advance notice of an open day at Old Hamsey Church organised by the group working so hard to save this fine old building for another 1000 years. Make a note of the date and do go along if you can. I am working with my fellow Councillors Tamsyn d’Arienzo and Robert Baughan to look at improving communication within the Parish and to look at ways we can improve our local website. We will publish our thoughts and more news in the next issue. I hope you enjoy this edition of the news and as always, please do let me have any suggestions or input at ailsasuttie@icloud.com Best wishes, Ailsa

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Hamsey NEWS

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Hamsey NEWS

Parish News PLANNING The following decisions have been made by Lewes District Council/The South Downs Park Authority: • SDNP/16/00038/FUL Forge Cottage, The Street, Offham Replacement of existing garden studiogranted • SDNP/15/05406/HOUS and SDNP/15/05407/ LIS Offham House, The Street, Offham Replacement garden room – granted • SDNP/15/06058/FUL Land Adjoining The Old Wheelwrights Shop, The Street, Offham. Section 73A Retrospective planning application showing amended height of bungalow -approved under SDNP/14/04918/FUL- granted • LW/15/0874 & LW/15/0875 Cooksbridge House North, Cooksbridge - Demolition of existing single storey kitchen and conservatory extension and construction of new single storey hall, utility room and kitchen dining room – granted • The parish council has noted that LW/15/0897 Knights Court South Road South Common South Chailey- Removal or variation of conditions 12 & 13 relating to LW/01/1874 for the extension of operating hours to 24 hours a day – has been withdrawn • The parish council has responded to application: SDNP/16/00484/FUL Curry Cottage, Offham Road, Offham (Former Chalk Pit) - Section 73A Retrospective Application for the change of use from A4 (drinking establishments) to A3 (restaurants and cafes) & A5 (hot food takeaways). Council had no objection to a restaurant and takeaway providing the business also operated as a pub. Currently this use is A4 (Drinking establishment) and not A3 as stated in the application. Council has no objection to the addition of A3 and A5 permits providing the A4 status is retained. For some time now, the parish council has not been in a position to make any response to tree work notifications, due to having no tree warden.

Cllr.Tamsyn D’Arienzo has said she will look at the training required for this position. The parish clerk holds an up to date list of trees in the parish,with protection orders on (TPO’s) Residents should note that Lewes District Council will no longer supply any paper plans. Plans are available to view on line and if help is needed with accessing plans, please contact the parish clerk for assistance.

PROPOSED NEW DEVELOPMENT An article in the local newspaper outlining the proposal by Rydon Homes to build on a site in Beechwood Lane, has led to a number of concerned residents contacting the parish council. The Parish Council wishes to make it clear that these proposals are specifically outside the village planning boundary as defined in the Hamsey Neighbourhood Plan which has now passed examination. The site is also not in either the Joint LDC/ SDNPA Core Strategy, which is now at an advanced stage, nor the SDNPA Local Plan. These factors must be taken into account by the SDNPA when they respond to the applicants.

THE MALTHOUSE PLAYPARK Its a very slow process but the parish council hope that Lewes District Council will have handed over the ownership of the Malthouse Way playpark to the parish council before the summer. The parish council is keen to be in a position to make improvements to the park.

BEECHWOOD LANE PAVEMENT The parish council has raised concerns that the height of the curb beside the new pavement in Beechwood Lane is too low. Vehicles can easily mount the pavement here and this is a major cause of concern over safety for pedestrians. East Sussex County Council, whose contractors installed the pavement, have agreed that it does not meet the required standards, and have agreed to put this right at their own expense, even

Hamsey NEWS

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GRANTS The parish council has agreed to give a grant to the Station partnership group who keep the station and its environs in such good order. The grant will also help with costs incurred when trying to lobby for a better stopping service at Cooksbridge. A grant has also been given to cover some of the mowing costs at the Old Hamsey Church. The parish council also support the Afternoon Club with a grant to cover some of their costs. Any community group wishing to apply to the parish council for funding should download the form available on www.hamsey.net.

Annual Parish Meeting 19 MAY AT 7PM IN BEECHWOOD HALL All residents are invited to attend and hear about the work of their parish council and the Neighbourhood planning team. We hope to have Inspector Rob Lovell, from the East Sussex Division of Lewes District police, come along to give an update on the future role of our community support officers. The annual meeting of the parish council will follow on after the parish meeting.

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Hamsey NEWS

Cooksbridge Station STOPPING SERVICES

CAR PARK

GTR Southern has again blocked a request for an hourly stopping service, seven days per week, pleading insufficient scope within the structure of the existing timetable. Underlying this is the company’s concern that the addition of a three minute stop at Cooksbridge will further compromise what is already a very poor punctuality performance. There is little prospect of convincing it otherwise in the short term. However, we have pressed the case for a Sunday service when the network is far less busy. We are also pressing for the weekday 2247 from Victoria to stop at Cooksbridge, to complete a reasonable evening down-service.

GTR Southern has confirmed the intention to introduce charging at the station car park this year. The parish council is concerned about the implications for parking on neighbouring streets and is waiting for full details from GTR before responding on behalf of local residents.

RESIDENTS’ VIEWS Thanks to all those who responded to the recent survey of demand for off-peak services – 114 in all (including some residents of neighbouring parishes). Over 90% would use both weekday and weekend services towards London, while there was also significant demand southbound towards Lewes, Eastbourne and connections to Brighton – 77% on weekdays at 71% at weekend. The detailed results have been shared with GTR Southern and will provide valuable supporting evidence at future discussions.

TICKET VENDING MACHINE (TVM) The machine has been unreliable for years but earlier in the year the problems escalated with tickets being issued out of sequence, so that a customer had to wait for the next user to get the correct ticket. Given the seriousness of the persistent malfunction a number of letters were written to the CEO and a brand new machine has now been installed. Hopefully this will prove to be reliable, though it’s fair to say that GTR Southern are experiencing reliability issues with TVMs throughout the network. A traveller uses the new ticket machine at the station

GARDENING Thanks to Julie Philpott, who has moved from Cooksbridge, for her work at the station, particularly in managing the six planters and in creating “Julie’s Garden” at the bottom of the steps on platform 1. Beryl Thornton, of Station Mews, for the very kind donation of 30 lilium and 100 crocus bulbs, which should provide a lovely display later in the year. Our general gardening sessions take place at 9.30am on the last Saturday of the month and more hands are always useful. Our next session is on Saturday 28th May. Cooksbridge Station Partnership Cooksbridge Area Rail Action Group robert.baughan@btinternet.com dinah1307@gmail.com kfroude@btopenworld.com iginn@btinternet.com

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Hamsey NEWS

Hamsey Parish Neighbourhood Plan 2016-30 Spring in now with us and at the time of writing we are awaiting notice from Lewes District Council as to the date of the referendum, which is your opportunity to vote and show support for the Hamsey Parish Neighbourhood Plan, thus helping to protect and secure the future of Hamsey parish. We have been able to make the changes to the plan as recommended by the examiner without watering down its essence or aspirations, Lewes District Council have accepted the changes and the plan is now finished. Whilst it’s been a great achievement, it has also been very frustrating at times and taken longer than anticipated when starting the process back in the Autumn of 2012. However the result is a Neighbourhood Plan which gives the Parish a new layer of protection from unwanted and unnecessary development and a set of aspirations for the future in line with the feedback and wishes of local residents and businesses. We will be delivering a final printed copy of the plan to each household before the referendum takes place. As well as giving you all the details

as to the polices which you will be voting on, it gives an interesting account of the history and environment of Hamsey parish together with a blueprint of projects for the future. Producing the Hamsey Parish Neighbourhood Plan has only been possible due to the work and support from those in the steering group, who worked with enthusiasm and provided the resource and expertise to form the backbone of the Plan. We are grateful to the officers of Lewes District Council, Planning Aid England, Action in Rural Sussex and the South Downs National Park Authority, for their support and advice. Finally I would like to thank all those who live and work in the Parish who have played their part in shaping and supporting the Plan to make it a positive blueprint for many years to come. By the time of the summer newsletter if the referendum hasn’t already happened it should hopefully be just weeks or days away. Mike Dodd Chairman Hamsey Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group

Annual Hamsey Parish Jumble Sale 2016 A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who helped to make the Jumble Sale such a success again. This year we raised £780-50p which will go towards Community Events at Beechwood Hall. So many people helped again in different ways. Due to Easter being early we held it just after Easter, hoping for warmer weather. Thank you to Kevin for helping with leafleting and to Mavis for the publicity in The Parish Pump and Ailsa in Hamsey News. We again had so many kind and generous donations of Jumble. Many people helped set up the Jumble Sale. Thanks go to Jo ,Dani, Tom , Miki, Julie , Jane, Mary, Shirley and Jacqui and family for their help setting up and for Jo and her van helping to transport Jumble and to Jim for clearing on Sunday with Jane helped by Charlotte cleaning so well after such

a busy afternoon. So many worked tirelessly through the weekend. A big thankyou to Shirley, Jo, Angie., Caroline, Jacqui, Millie, Phoebe, Hannah, Jane, Julie , Kate, Kara and Robert ,Lara, Lily, Charlotte, Dani, Jim and Tom. A special thankyou goes to Nick who braved the chilly wind outside to sell nearly everything on the verandah. Susie and Naomi in the kitchen did a wonderful job serving teas and delicious homemade cakes and Jim was a tireless washer up. The cakes were greatly appreciated. By 2 pm there were queues of people round the hall and the car park was full. Once again it can be said of this wonderful team of people that they succeeded in running another memorable Jumble Sale. Thankyou to everyone who supported us all. Anita Walker

Hamsey NEWS

Litter Pick On the same day as the Jumble Sale a group of dedicated Litter Pickers set forth in their high vis jackets armed with litter grabbers and an urge to purge our lanes and the main road of litter. We covered the area between Beechwood Hall to the top of Beechwood Lane, through the village to the Rainbow, all round Hamsey lane to the old church and back via Offham and most of the way to the Chalk pit. Not bad for a group of volunteers in a two hour period. We collected a fair amount of litter but it was a vast improvement on the last litter pick. Thanks to all who gave up their Saturday morning to take part. It really does make a difference. Ailsa Suttie Litter Picker Team â&#x20AC;&#x201C; missing Tamsyn who took the photo!

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Hamsey NEWS

Beechwood Hall and Rural Park Trustees of Beechwood Hall discussed the offer made by the parish council to part fund installation of a porta loo for use by park users. The trustees felt that this would not be a very pleasant addition to the site and could well be a target for misuse. They have decided to investigate the likely cost of providing a more permanent arrangement. The hall has had a spring clean and new coat of paint ready for the busy spring and summer seasons. Everyone who uses the hall comments on how light and bright it is. The hall is kept clean and tidy by Jane Baldwin and well maintained thanks to the tireless attention of trustee Jim Edwards. There have also been repairs to the sewage system. There are plenty of weekly classes at the hall and all are open to residents who want to join. They range from yoga to keep fit, choir to TaiJi. Details of classes available from 07762 118985. See the list at the back of this magazine.

THANK YOU JULIE Trustees wanted to thank Cooksbridge resident Julie Philpott for helping with the hall as a much valued keyholder, for a number of years. Julie says she will be sad to leave the village but a move to Lewes will make access to shops and services much easier. Trustees presented Julie with a large bouquet and wish her well in her new home.

NO HAMSEY FESTIVAL IN 2016 Despite a few offers of help, no one came forward with an offer to organise a festival for this year. This is very sad as the festival is enjoyed by many residents and always provides a great opportunity to meet and mingle. We must hope that an individual or group of friends might offer to arrange something for 2017.

The new shelter will be hand made in Oak by local company Imperial Framing

BRILLIANT NEWS - THANK YOU! Loads of you visited Tesco in Lewes to put your counter in the box marked – ‘Youth shelter for Beechwod Rural Park’ - and despite strong competition from two Lewes projects – we won! Tesco,which teamed up with Groundwork, to launch its Bags of Help initiative in hundreds of regions across England and Wales, has awarded us the top grant of £12,000 – all raised from the 5p bag charge. The grant will pay for a new youth shelter at the Beechwood Rural Park in Cooksbridge. This will replace the very tired old shelter sited in the car park. Trustees of the park plan to have the

new shelter positioned within the park, to take advantage of the lovely views. Hall and park manager Jenni Toomey says “this will be a space to be shared by young people wanting somewhere in the parish to meet up with friends and for all residents to take a breather when visiting the park.” Work will start on the project in the next few months, once the dry weather arrives. Trustees would like to thanks Mathew Moss and his team of students from Plumpton Agricultural college who kindly moved a young Copper Beech tree which may have had its roots compromised in the future.

Hamsey NEWS

Old Hamsey Church

Open Day

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Hamsey NEWS

Monday Afternoon Club The Church Hall has been the venue recently for some lovely Monday afternoon meetings which have helped us pass the dreary winter months very happily. Two particular meetings will stick in our memories. We had a fascinating time in March when Abi Tourle from the Pestalozzi village near Battle came to talk about her work there. A month earlier, our February meeting was one of our most successful ever when Pam Brewer from Owls Out and About brought eight of her beautiful owls to visit us. They sat quietly and calmly on their perches on the Church Hall floor (previously covered with tarpaulin to cope with any “mishaps”!) while Pam talked. Then we were given the chance to put on gauntlets so they could perch on our arms, it’s an afternoon none of us will forget.

We have a full programme ahead of us for the next few months. Patsy Bailey will be returning on May 9th to help us keep fit and healthy. As always we should have a great time singing along to her CDs of old time favourites while we do as much or as little as we want of her armchair exercises. A month later, on June 13, Treacle – a medical detection dog- is bringing Moira Harrison along with her to tell us in human speech what she does. It should be a fascinating afternoon. I am told that Treacle and her fellow trained canines are able to diagnose a variety of diseases just by sniffing patients. How amazing – it certainly sounds like the kind of thing we will all want to know more about. Then, do keep your fingers crossed for a lovely sunny afternoon on July 11 when Caroline Featherstone will once again very kindly be welcoming us for tea in her beautiful garden 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 homemade cakes! Judith Bastide

Shirley Whitley and Jo Hughes with the owl Vera Motely with the owl

Hamsey NEWS

News from Hamsey School It was a sad day just before Easter at Hamsey when Mrs Dymond left. She is sorely missed after 30 years of service and commitment to Hamsey School. Mrs Dymond was presented with gifts by Derek Bastide, from the children, families, teaching staff and PTA during a ‘surprise’ sendoff. Many hugs and well wishes were shared with our well loved office manager and Agony Aunt! Everyone at Hamsey wishes Mrs Dymond all the very best in her new chapter. Sadly Ms Thomson has also been offered a promoted position at a school in Worthing and will be leaving at the end of the summer term.

Ms Thomson is an excellent SENCO teacher and well loved by children throughout the schools. Parents are collaborating with Ms Thomson to arrange a leaving party to remember. We also wish all the best to Miss Fair who was working every Friday with Badgers class and Mr Richards, our caretaker. We welcome Mrs Daisy Bees as our new receptionist and admin support from next term. The children are enjoying spending more time on the school field as the weather improves and we are all looking forward to the summer term ahead.

To advertise in Hamsey News please call Mary on 01843 295371

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Hamsey NEWS

The Lewes Beacon

Main photo Installing the beacon 2002

Fixing the brazier basket

Repairs carried out earlier this year by volunteers from East Chiltington

The beacon is positioned by Mount Harry, at a high point on the South Downs. This year, to celebrate the 90th birthday of Queen ElizabethII it was set alight at 8.30pm on April 21st as part of a chain of beacons lit to mark the occasion. The beacon was erected as a joint enterprise between Hamsey parish council and East Chiltington parish council back in 2002, to commemorate the Golden Jubilee but the site has been a beacon site since before the 16th century. It was part of a defence system for the south coast and was lit to warn the local militia when invasion threatened. Since the 19th century the site has been used to celebrate national great events.

Hamsey NEWS

Not Waste, Compost! An interesting article thanks to Maggie of Barcombe Organic Nursery on using our waste. There is no doubt that there are too many people going hungry, or not eating as well as they could, all things being possible. The amount of wasted food is outrageous at all stages of the production, distribution and consumption. We can take steps to reduce this waste. It is wonderful that commitments have been made to glean still good food that would go to landfill, to be redistributed and consumed. There are other things we can do. One of the good things about growing organically, as well as the taste, nutritious quality and care-taking of the planet’s soil, is that low waste is intrinsic to the process. As a small producer we have to keep waste to a minimum to survive economically, but more importantly, so called ‘waste’ i.e. vegetable trimmings, damaged crops, even produce that comes back unsold from the market and won’t keep, is a valuable asset as the primary ingredient of our compost. Buying in fertilisers is expensive and organic methods will not use currently cheap oil based fertilisers. We rely on our home made compost. We feed the soil and not the plant and the size of our Leeks is testament to nearly twenty years of good nourishment.

The compost recipe varies with differing ratios of added Harvey’s spent hops, wood chip and occasionally manure . It is stored in vast bays, and turned regularly by our loyal, old Matbro; a welcome steamy sight on a cold winter morning. We also compost our delivery boxes once they are no longer fit for re-use. Pre-ordering boxes is another way to avoid waste. We only pick or order in as much as is needed as people have told us in advance if they want a delivery. Customers can also tell us if there is something they don’t like and we’ll substitute it so they are not left with any waste. The fewer the stages between field and plate, the lower the likelihood of ‘waste’, so buying as locally as possible is helpful too. If you are interested in ordering a box; or would like to come to one of our open days; or would like to arrange a visit for your local group, not least to see our steaming compost and the hundreds of thousands of worms who love it, contact us by email or phone on vegbox@ barcombenurseries.co.uk or 01273-400011.

To advertise in Hamsey News please call Mary on 01843 295371

Hamsey NEWS

CTLA - Transport for the community Lewes Area Community Bus (Diala-Ride) is a door to door transport service for people living in the Lewes area (Lewes Town and surrounding villages) who find it difficult to use ordinary bus services, due to mobility problems or just because there are no services available. Community Transport for the Lewes Area Ltd (CTLA), is a registered charity and a not-forprofit company providing affordable, accessible transport for individuals and groups in the Lewes District and other parts of East Sussex who find it difficult to access normal forms of transport. They operate a fleet of minibuses and most vehicles are wheelchair accessible. All are easily accessible for all people with mobility problems. BUT, the service is not just for those with difficulties, anyone, young or old, can join the scheme for free and can use the service to supplement the rather poor transport services through the parish. This might be especially useful for residents of old Hamsey needing public transport services. Registering to use the service is easy and free. Transport must be booked in advance and a little flexibility is useful. Call 01273 517332 for more details. Buses are available for hire by the hour (including driver) for eligible Groups and individuals who wish to make their own arrangements e.g. theatre trips, lunch outings meetings or days

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out.Eligible groups include schools, clubs, voluntary organisations and institutes as well as organisations that work with the elderly, youth and in health. All CTLA drivers are regularly tested using MIDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme), in addition they are all DBS checked.

TRAVEL CLUB Anyone registered to use the CTLA service can also join the travel club. Outings are arranged several times each week and may include trips to the coast, shopping trips or visits to local places of interest. CTLA say “Feeling physically fit and mentally well are important at any age and the two are closely linked. People who feel fit and well often have a more positive outlook on life, and the reverse can be true too. Feeling unwell or lonely is not an inevitable part of ageing and it’s never too late to think about improving your well-being. Even little changes can make a big difference. Join the FREE travel club today and make new friends and ‘open up your world’. Call 01273 517332 for more details. Donations always gratefully received towards these vital community services at www. localgiving.com/commtrans

To advertise in Hamsey News please call Mary on 01843 295371

Hamsey NEWS

Please stop the damage Wendy Darby, appealing for vigilance in respect of vandalism in Chandlers Mead I am appealing to the person who is regularly smashing wing mirrors on cars parked along Chandlers Mead to cease this blatant malicious criminal damage. Up until recently I had been prepared to give the benefit of doubt that this was not being done deliberately and had occurred due to delivery vans etc. However, my friend had parked his van on my private drive way around midnight on 6th April (Wednesday) and by 9 am someone had deliberately smashed the driver’s side mirror and what even more incredible, cleared up the broken glass, so it was not immediately obvious. There was no way this could have been done accidentally. (I can only assume that the person had not intended the mirror to actually break, just splinter as all the other incidences I have now been hearing about).

I am therefore appealing, as instructed by the Police, to ask all my neighbours for information so we can stop this blatant vandalism. I would also like to request everyone who has had an issue like this to give me information – date; time frame etc. so we can, TOGETHER, try to improve our neighbourhood. Please also report it to the police 101 so they have clear records of the frequency. In addition I hear that we are soon to have pay & display car parking at the station, which will undoubtedly cause even more parking pressure in Chandlers Mead. I think it could be potentially useful to lobby for Resident Permit parking for Chandlers Mead, to help resolve these problems, please contact the council on this Thank you for taking the time to help out in this matter.

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Hamsey NEWS

News from your Parish Church MOTHERS DAY CELEBRATIONS

A WONDERFUL EASTER

Mothers’ Day or Mothering Sunday, whichever you call it, was certainly celebrated with great gusto in Offham Church at the very simple Family Service on March 6. The playlet performed by the Sunday School and Toddlers Tunes members was absolutely delightful. There were affectionate smiles at the end of the performance when the youngest children held up large letters to read “Thanks Mum”. Fortunately most children stood in the right place at the right time so the message could be clearly seen! After that there was a very special moment when the children collected posies of flowers from the Rector to present to their mums as a thank you for all that mums are and for all that they do. So many people in church that Sunday also wanted to say a big thank you to all those super children for making the day so special for so many people there.

How early Easter was this year- probably the earliest it can ever be. One advantage was that we were able to have so many beautiful spring flowers to decorate the church. Caroline Featherstone and her team surpassed themselves – our thanks to them all for making it look so magnificent. Our thanks too to our wonderful church choir and choirmaster Geoff Spinks- the music was so beautiful in all the Easter services. The church was absolutely packed on Easter Sunday morning and even the weather co-operated. The threatened wind and rain held off until after the service and our traditional Easter Egg Hunt in the church grounds went ahead in sunshine. It was very good to celebrate this most special day in the Christian calendar so joyfully with such a great number in church.

Mothering Sunday at the church

WE MISS YOU TONY! Tony Shepherd is such a special person and up to very recently has never missed a Sunday at Offham Church. We were very sad to learn at Christmas time that because of recent health issued he had been advised to move into residential care at Roclyns Care Home, Telscombe Cliffs BN10 7FW (01273 583923) We know he would love to hear from his many friends in the area – Tony is such a people person and he’s certainly missed from Offham Church. With the coming of spring and better weather we hope he will be able to have a lift to come out to join us some Sunday mornings.

THE CHURCH AND THE COMMUNITY Now that the weather is warmer and the days are longer, there are quite a number of nice social events to look forward to, mainly in the Church Hall, arranged by the church but for all members of our community of course. Do look out for details on Community notice boards and in the church newsletter. We’re so lucky to live in such a special community and it’s really good to get together with friends and neighbours. Very soon, on May Friday May 20, our Church Hall Pop- up café will be running again with a Nice and Tasty Buffet Lunch – all profits to charity. After that two special events are planned for a little later in the year. We hope to join in the national celebrations for the Queen’s 90th birthday on the weekend of June 10-12 – we decided on a traditional British meal with a twist so a “Right Royal Feast” in the Church Hall on Friday evening June 10th will be a Fish and Chip Supper (!) and a glass or two of Prosecco. We’re sure her majesty would approve! Looking further ahead there is our annual visit to Chichester Festival Theatre by coach on Wednesday August 3rd to see “Half A Sixpence” It’s quite a long time off but tickets have to be booked very early so do be in touch with Judith (01273 474356) if you want to join this great day out.

Hamsey NEWS

TODDLER TUNES Just a reminder that this music and dance session for under 5s meets every Thursday at 10.0am in the Church Hall. It’s a drop in session so there is no need to commit to a whole series of Thursday mornings- just come along when you feel like it. We are usually singing and dancing with great enthusiasm during school holidays as well as normal term times

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HAMSEY SEASON One of the great joys of summer in this beautiful part of England is the Hamsey Season – and it’s over all too quickly! Services at Hamsey Church on the first Sunday of the month from May to September are very special with 8.00am Holy Communion and a 6.00 pm Evensong. And this year the first Hamsey services are on Sunday May 1 At least when the season is over for another year we still have the wonderful Hamsey Carol Service to look forward to – this year at 3pm on Sunday December 11th.Save the Date !

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STOP PRESS: EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS AT HAMSEY CHURCH

May God bless you all. Derek Bastide Rector

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The Friends are planning a Hamsey Church Open Afternoon on Saturday 18th June to publicise their formation and their fund raising plans for the Hamsey Church Repair Fund. There are likely to be talks and displays, music and refreshments available – see you there!

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The Friends of Hamsey subcommittee of the Parochial Church Council have been working very hard to tackle the problem of roof repairs at Hamsey Church. An application for a grant under the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair scheme was submitted on 23rd of February. So now we have to try to be patient until June when we shall know whether the application has been successful. In the meantime our thanks go to Mrs Ellen Hunisett who has generously offered to replace the churchyard gate and a small section of nearby fencing. We are very appreciative of this.

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Hamsey NEWS

The ‘Spirit’ of Hamsey As I sat ‘mulling’ over the Christmas festivities the telephone trickled into my consciousness. On answering my mother (84 years old) gushed down the ‘phone effusively that she and her equally elderly neighbour had just polished off the 1/2pint of Raspberry Gin I had made and given her for Christmas (NEAT!!) and that they would like to order more… I wonder if I am on to a winner here? This prompted me to think a complement Rupert’s Recipes might be in order - particularly as the heady days of Elder Flower Champagne making will be soon on the horizon, and as I recently went to a rather overpriced talk by someone creating hedgerow tipples that I immodestly believe were FAR inferior to my own attempts. Before I share my first recipe I feel I need to explore my desire to create things from the garden and hedgerow, whilst trying to convince you that I am not a budding alcoholic (though I can think of worse hobbiesJ). I love the idea of trying to create things for my friends and family to enjoy from the products of my garden – particularly in glut times. Combining this with alcohol seems to have come from my Dad who became in his time quite a competent microbrewer and then home wine maker – with his piece d’restistance being the Elderberry Port from the tree in my garden in Suffolk. Unfortunately I don’t seem to be able to drink the stuff as fast as I can make it – hence the gifts plied to my family and friends. I know many of you are probably secretly sipping on your own stash of delectable creations but here is something to save for those coming heady days of summer. It give a wonderful vibrant pink (rather girly) colour; a hint of sweetness complemented by the herbals added to the Gin and MIXES WELL WITH TONIC for a nice refreshing drink – an my Mom vouches that it can also be drunk in liqueur fashion.

YOU WILL NEED: • 1 litre ‘largemouth’ screw top jar • 450g (or thereabouts) of the Ripest, Freshest flavourful Raspberries you can pick • 150g/Caster Sugar (or thereabouts) • 700ml Gin (cheapest is fine) • Selection of pretty bottles for final serving

METHOD 1 Carefully rinse and pat dry the Raspberries, place in the jar 2 Add the sugar 3 Add the Gin 4 Give a VERY GENTLE stir – do not crush the fruit. 5 Place in a dark cupboard for 1-2 weeks, gentle turning every couple of days to ensure the sugar is dissolved. Gradually the liquid will turn a wonderful pink. 6 Carefully strain the fruit from the liquid – muslin is useful here – and decant into pretty bottle (or drink immediately). Store in a cool, dark cupboard. 7 Use the Gin infused fruit to create a punchy alternative to Trifle or Eton Mess – yummy! For those who prefer just to drink – Wendy will take orders. Wendy Darby

Hamsey NEWS

Running shoes on... Inspiring words from Councillor Robert Baughan on running the Paris Marathon for a great cause! “On Sunday 3rd April, I ran the 2016 Paris Marathon to raise funds for The Railway Children (http://www.railwaychildren.org.uk), the rail industry’s adopted charity, that fights for street children across the world. Over 57,000 runners took to the beautiful Paris course on a sunny spring morning in temperatures of 20 degrees C - a lot warmer than my typical winter training runs around the lanes of Hamsey! It was a great experience and I met some wonderful people during the day. I finished in 05h 09m and am glad to have completed the marathon, raising over £500 for The Railway Children in the process thanks to all my generous sponsors. Now, my thoughts are turning to what to do for next year’s fundraising challenge.....!!” and closer to home it seems nothing can stop Jane Baldwin from taking a daily run - not even the snow up on Blackcap earlier this year!

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 PCSO Sally Ann Reed 07912 896054 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

Runners leaving the Arc De Triomphe, Robert running in the Paris marathon and Jane Baldwin in the snow

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

Hamsey NEWS

Forthcoming Events Thursday 5 May

Monday 13 June | 2pm

Beechwood Hall

Church Hall Visit by Treacle, a Medical Detection Dog (Talk by Moira Harrison)

Elections for Police and Crime Commissioner Monday 9 May | 2pm

Get Fit and Healthy with Patsy Church Hall Monday Afternoon Club Thursday 19 May | 7pm

Annual Parish Meeting followed by Annual meeting of Hamsey Parish Council Beechwood Hall Friday 20 May | 12.30pm

Nice and Tasty Buffet Lunch

Church Hall (open to everyone in the village of course) Friday 10 June | 7pm

“A Right Royal Feast” Church Hall Fish and Chip Supper with Prosecco to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday

Monday Afternoon Club

Saturday 18 June | from 2pm

Open Afternoon

Hamsey Church Talks, Displays Music and Refreshments in aid of Hamsey Church Roof Appeal

Monday 25 July leave Church Hall at 9.30am

Trip to Drusillas Sunday School and Toddlers Tunes

Wednesday 3 August leave 10.30am

Annual Coach Trip to Chichester Festival Theatre

Beechwood Hall

“Half a Sixpence” and carvery supper on way home This trip as always is organised by the church but open to all in the village. More details from Judith 474356

Monday 11 July | 2pm

Monday 8 August | 2pm

Afternoon Tea in Caroline’s garden

Church Hall Travels in Europe with David Perks

Thursday 23 June

The EU Referendum

Monday Afternoon Club

Sunday 17 July | 3pm

Rachel Brown in Concert Offham Church

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Hamsey NEWS

Regular Events

OPEN TO ALL

Offham Church Hall Details from Judith 01273 474356 Sunday mornings | 10.15am

Sunday Club

Offham Church Hall Monday mornings | 8.15am

Tai Chi Chuan

Beechwood Hall Details from Jenni 07762 118985

Tuesday mornings | 9am

Yoga with Paul Beechwood Hall Tuesday evenings | 7pm

Choir practice

Beechwood Hall

Monday mornings | 9.30am

Yoga with Robin Beechwood Hall

Tuesday evenings | 7.30pm Term time only

Pilates

Wednesday evenings | 7.30pm Term time only

Pilates Offham Church Hall Thursday mornings | 9am

Yoga with Donna Beechwood Hall Thurs mornings | 10-11.30am

Toddler Tunes

Monday Afternoon Club

Offham Church Hall

Music and fun for Under 5s Offham Church Hall

(social group for all retired members of our villages) Offham Church Hall

Wednesday mornings | 9am

Keep Fit with Katie

Friday mornings | 9am & 10am

Second Monday | 2pm

Beechwood Hall

Keep Fit with Katie Beechwood Hall

NEW CLASS STARTING SOON TaiJi taster sessions / head-starter training. Teaching Taijiquan from the Taiji School of Central Equilibrium under the guidance of Master Wee Kee Jin, head student of the late Grandmaster Huang Sheng Shyan. The Taiji system is based on the Cheng Man-Ching 37 posture Taiji Yang short form. Details of how to join this class are available from the hall manager on 07762 118985 or info@theacupunctureworks.co.uk

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