Nevill

LEWES NEVILLE WI: Our speaker was Lee Bramley whose talk Lees Bees, a year in the life of a bee keeper, gave us a fascinating insight into the world of bees and the work that it takes to keep them healthy and productive. Some of the facts we learned were that after their honey has been removed, the bee keeper has to make sure they do not starve by feeding them sugar syrup and fondant. They also get dusted with icing sugar which they lick off taking the dreaded varroa mite which is on them as well. A new enemy is the Asian hornet which is killing them off. When the bees decide to swarm, the beekeeper has to catch the bees and transfer them to a new hive which can be quite an ordeal. The result of this hard work is delicious honey.

It was Sarah Stephens’ last meeting as she is marrying and moving to Bristol so her mother treated us to lovely cupcakes to accompany our tea or coffee. Thank you Stella and our very best wishes to Sarah for a long, happy married life. The competition of Flower of the Month was won by Vicki Trenhaile. The October meeting is the AGM and after the proceedings our member Shirley Kirby will be talking to us about her collection of WI tablecloths. The competition is ‘A selection of garden produce in a colander’.

NEVILL RESIDENTS MEETING: Extract from Minutes: There were 47 members present which is the most there has been at a Meeting probably due to the first item on the agenda, proposal to build on land adjacent to Hawkenbury Way. Ron Moore, the landowner presented his proposal to build 12 apartments and 16 houses on this land. He gave us a bit about his background and involvement in various Lewes businesses, most recently the very successful women’s football team. He said he was someone who got things done and who wanted to make a difference and make things happen and was not in it just for profit. He wanted to build affordable housing with houses for sale at between £250,000 to £300,000 and apartments for rent at around £600 pcm to local people. He wanted to get the community on his side and if they supported him he could make it happen in a year. The meeting then discussed the proposal. It seems that Mr Moore has not yet spoken to the South Downs National Park (SDNP) or Lewes District Council (LDC) but that he had the support of Steve Brigden, the Town Clerk. Tony Rowell said he had spoken to Lucy Howard at the SDNP who maintained that there was no way the development would be allowed as it did not meet the landscaping criteria. To get permission, the developer could submit plans to SHLAA, be part of the Lewes Neighbourhood Plan or be an exception site (100 percent affordable housing/social rented/shared equity sale). Mr Moore said he was after a general reaction and not a discussion of minutiae. Gaynor Hartnell pointed out that a community orchard had been planted in the area. Apparently when this land was given by the Abergavenny Estate to the Town of Lewes there was a covenant prohibiting the planting of trees. The problem of parking was raised as the road was narrow. Alternative access such as Houndean Rise was rejected as Mr Moore said that ESCC was concerned it would become a ‘rat run’. Councillor Catlin raised the problems of infrastructure, particularly sewer problems. Mr Moore said these had been discussed with Southern Water and a new sewer was being built so there should be no problems. The guarantee of affordable rents would be written in with LDC and defined by LDC. Ian Linton, chair of the Houndean Rise Residents Association and now chair of the Lewes Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group said that Mr Moore had not spoken to them and Mr Moore explained that he intended to do so but was just starting his consultations with Nevill. Ruth O’Keeffe said that planning permission would be decided by SDNP because there were more than 10 units.

Nevill Green - Sarah Neels reported that the Green was flooded in June and this included sewage which covered it. She spoke to Southern Water and she, Alan Chapman and a senior engineer for LDC investigated the problem. Two holes were found which were filled with patchliner (?) which relieves some of the strain. Southern Water own the gully which goes underneath the ramp on to the Green. They realise there are serious problems which need to be dealt with in the long term. Tesco Grant Update - The plan to build a Trim Trail generated a lot of debate and it was decided to install additional play equipment within the play area and additional planting within the boundary. Chris Bibbs for the Town Council and Tessa Russell are looking into the planting which will be around the border of the Crescent on the bank and not on the Green itself. The final proposal will be put to the residents. The meeting questioned whether there was room for more equipment. It was reported that children were using bikes within the playground area. Planting for shade was recommended. The money from Tesco is now in the NRA Bank account. Gaynor Hartnell asked for volunteers to help spread wood chip on the paths round Hawkenbury Way. This will take place on Sunday October 2 at 11am. Meet at the top of Hawkenbury Way and bring a wheelbarrow and spade if you can.

Penny Ollosson gave an update on the Good Neighbour Scheme. A committee has been formed and DBS checks organised. There will be a full survey which will probably accompany the next NRA newsletter. Penny asked to be able to incorporate the NRA logo into that of the Good Neighbour Scheme. She would like to see it as an adjunct of the NRA and not a separate organisation.

ST MARY’S GARDENING CLUB: Will be meeting on Monday at the Main Hall, St Mary’s Social Centre at 7.45pm when the speaker will be Peter Lovett. He will talk about The Extraordinary Lives of Wild Bees and the Important Role of Gardeners in Their Survival. The competition is an item of handicraft. There are refreshments, a book stall and a raffle. Visitors are always welcome (£1).

CHRIST CHURCH: Worship on Sunday at 10.30am will be led by Rev Geoffrey Whitfield with Sunday Club for children. We are going to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the foundation of the Lewes Tabernacle in November. To get things started we are having a Songs of Praise service on Sunday evening from 6.30pm. The actual date of the anniversary is November 6 and on that day our choir will be leading worship at 6.30pm to celebrate this. Throughout November we will be having an exhibition of the church, featuring many original documents and artefacts from the last 200 years. There will also be a photographic display of people associated with the church. So if you are passing in November and the church is open, please pop in to have a look.

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