Plumpton

CLERK & RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER: Plumpton Parish Council is looking to appoint a Parish Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer with drive, determination and organisational skills to manage a varied workload including the Plumpton Neighbourhood Plan process. In addition to managing the day-to-day work of the Parish Council, the post holder will work closely with Councillors to plan and implement the aims and objectives of the Council. The ideal applicant will have financial and administrative experience, the ability to deliver projects on time and within budget and be able to demonstrate enthusiasm for working with residents and local organisations. The salary is currently £11.55 per hour plus pension and the hours 17 a week, working from home including attendance at evening meetings. To download an application pack including a Person Specification, Job Description and an Application Form visit http://www.sussexalc.org.uk/vacancies.asp. The closing date for applications is Friday February 19 and interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday March 2.

ST HELENA LANE: East Sussex Highways will be carrying out kerb repairs on St Helena Lane on Monday February 22. This work will take up to five days to complete. Please note if the weather is bad there may be a delay starting the work. The work itself will take place between 7am and 5pm, during which time St Helena Lane will be closed. You will be able to gain access but you may have to take the diversion route on occasions. If you have any queries contact the Highways Contact Centre on 0345 6080193.

JUMBLE SALE: in aid of the Horticultural Society takes place at the village hall on Saturday February 20. Please take jumble donations to the hall from 9am and do go along at 2pm; with clothes at 20p each there are sure to be lots of bargains. Along with jumble there will be a tombola, refreshments, good as new items, bric-a-brac, books, toys, clothes and linen.

Train Talk: TALK ON MAGNUS VOLK and his Railways, by Ian Gledhill, is at the village hall on Wednesday February 24. All welcome just meet members of the Footpath Society at 2pm to be ready for the speaker to start at 2.30pm

TABLE TOP SALE: in aid of St Peter and St James Hospice is on Saturday February 27 at the village hall and sellers can set up from 9am, with buyers welcome from 10am to 3pm. The cost is £10 per table in advance and £15 on the day. To book a table call Val on 01273 891256.

Walk: A ‘fascinating circuit’ of Ditchling, Streat and Westmeston has been arranged by, Footpath Society, walk leaders Sue and Robin Akers on Sunday February 28. Meet them and members of the Society at 10am at Ditchling village hall car park, for a most enjoyable 4½ mile walk. For more details call 01273 891701 or 0775423361.

PARISH COUNCILLORS are needed in Plumpton: Can you give a little of your time? Do you want to play a part and make a difference? Please grasp this opportunity to serve your community and play an active part in maintaining its special character and shaping its future. If you would like more information do visit www.plumptonpc.co.uk. Alternatively call the Clerk, Sarah Jeffers, on 01444 441302 or the Vice-chairman, Reg Stone, on 01273 890722 or speak to another Councillor. Appointment to the Council will be by way of co-option at the March meeting so please let Reg or Sarah know by March 1 if you are interested in becoming a Councillor.

DOWNLAND WALK: from Jevington, across Lullington Heath Nature Reserve to Litlington, with lunch at the Plough and Harrow pub, is the Footpath Society’s first walk in March. Meet at 10.30am at the car park in Jevington (Map Ref: 014 562; at the end of the village on the right if coming from the Polegate direction) on Wednesday March 2. For more details call Bernie Kempton on 01825 722649 or 07791247025.

MASTER BLACKSMITH: Plumpton College now proudly boasts of a Master Blacksmith among its well qualified staff. Ricky Delaney, the programme leader and lecturer in Level 3 Blacksmithing and Metalwork courses, has been awarded a Bronze medal from the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths. The bronze award is intended for a Blacksmith who is the holder of a Diploma of Merit and has evidence to show that they can produce articles significantly above the standard normally associated with decorative and general blacksmiths. Ricky was also made a Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths and has now attained the status of Master Blacksmith. Jeremy Kerswell, the Principal of Plumpton College says: “This is a great honour for Ricky. It complements the other awards already conferred to him. The Metalsmithing Department has flourished to embrace blacksmithing courses up to Level 3 with expansion to a Foundation Degree in Creative Metalworking as well as silversmithing and jewellery training opportunities. The award recognises the superb efforts of Ricky and is richly deserved!” This is a great example and if you are thinking of training in metalsmithing Plumpton College has eight workshops with up to date facilities with extensive welding workshops, covering MIG, TIG, gas and electric arc welding. The forge contains twelve modern forges with associated metalworking equipment. The College has many opportunities, see their courses at www.plumpton.ac.uk, which can aid career progression in the blacksmithing, metalsmithing, fabrication industries and other areas. To find out more about their courses and creative practical workshops do go along to the information morning on Saturday March 5 or their open day on Saturday May 14.

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