Cooksbridge, Offham & Hamsey

PARISH COUNCIL: Useful list of councillor roles and responsibilities for East Chiltington. Planning, Cllr Justin Fleming with support of the chairman Cllr Buzz Harrison and Cllr Chris Farmelo. Finance and staffing, Cllr Farmelo. East Chiltington Trust, Cllr Fleming and Cllr Farmelo. Springett and Campion Trust, Cllr Fleming. Communications, Parish Magazine and website, Cllr Farmelo. Environment, footpaths, rights of way, trees, flooding, organising litter pick, phone box maintenance and sandpit, Cllr Jodie Smith with the support of Cllr Funnell. Community events and facilities, Cllr Harrison with the support of all Coucillors. Community Care provision for those in need within the parish (elderly, those without transport, young children, teenagers etc) Cllr Funnell supported by Cllr Smith. Highways, Cllr Tingle with the support from Cllr Funnell (verges).

HAMSEY PARISH COUNCIL: The council met on November 17. Cllr Dodd declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 7a SDNP/16/05289 The Old Wheelwrights Shop, Offham. Installation of an emergency escape roof light to the southern roof slope of the detached garage. The chairman, Cllr Ginn, and Cllr Baughan declared an interest in item 6f. Proposed diversion of public bridleways Hamsey 17, (Lewes Old Racecourse). Council agreed that as this path was not very familiar to them the decision was best left to the County Rights of Way Officers. The Old Wheelwrights Shop, Offham; council agreed that members of the planning team should visit the site and if any comment is made this should be given under delegated powers. Council considered correspondence relating to the proposed development at The Platt, Beechwood Lane. As this are has been designated as a local green space in Hamsey N Plan and was therefore protected from development. The chairman adjourned the meeting. A resident suggested that a housing association could be involved to provide affordable housing to meet local need. Meeting re-convened. Council asked the clerk to reply to the correspondent, quoting the guidance for a protected green space.

BLOWN OFF COURSE: During last weekend’s stormy weather, I was looking out of the kitchen window towards the B2116 when I spotted an amazing sight, a huge bird battling against the wind and trying to keep off the road as traffic was passing. It then managed to settle in our hedge and I was able to take a closer look through the binoculars. I thought at first that it was a huge Kestrel, but as it flew off into our field on the north side of the road I realised it was a Hen Harrier. It settled in one of the hawthorn trees in our field. I watched it for some time and then it flew off in the direction of Plumpton. When I mentioned it to my son he had also seen it.

WOOL: I recently read a very interesting article about tradition and transition at the UK wool trade’s heart, describing how every sheep is different so every fleece is different as you open one up and never know what you are going to get. I was especially pleased to read all about it because for the second year running we have won a certificate for an excellent wool clip from our sheep. But after feeling pleased having read it all, the following day I read another article entitled, I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Wool, with a picture of a model carrying a sheep mask. The billboard, by the American campaign group Peter, proclaims, ‘Wear our own skin. Let animals keep theirs.’ I think my sheep would be very unhappy if they had to keep their fleeces during very hot summers and I think farmers would be very unhappy too if they were unable to undertake a yearly clip.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES: As this is probably the last column that I can write before Christmas, the list of all the Christmas services follows: Sunday December 11, Carols in Hamsey Church, 3pm. Wrap up warm and take a candle. Sunday December 18, Church Nativity Play in Offham Church at 10.30am. December 18, Nine Lessons and Carols in Offham Church at 6.30pm followed by mulled wine in the church hall. December 24, Midnight Mass at 11.30pm in Offham Church. Christmas Day, Family Communion with Crib Blessing at 9.45am in Offham Church.

DECORATING THE CHURCH: Will take place on Saturday, December 17. Gifts of flowers and greenery will be much appreciated and lots of willing hands to make the church look beautiful. Pop along around 10am if you would like to help.

REMINDER: New Year’s Eve Lunch on December 31 in Offham Church Hall at 12.30pm. Delicious buffet. Details and tickets from Judith on 01273 474356. Tickets usually go very quickly so contact her as soon as possible.

MONDAY CLUB: If you have not booked your place for the Monday Afternoon Club Christmas Lunch on December 12 in Offham Church Hall, at the earlier time of 12.30pm, contact Judith. Lifts always available by ringing either Judith on 01273 474356 or Caroline on 01273 477151.

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