Hellingly and Horsebridge Village News

HELLINGLY LITTER PICKERS founder, Rebecca, says that this week they were confronted by the Good, the Bad and the Downright Disgusting. It has been another busy week for Hellingly Litter Pickers, with volunteers continuing to tackle rubbish across the area.

Douglas Bell was out early on Sunday morning, clearing both sides of the A22 from Boship towards the garden centre. Chris tackled the A271 from Under Road westwards towards Ivy Dementia Care, while Diane managed a mini litter pick during her dog walk.

Meanwhile, Rebecca covered plenty of ground, including the Cuckoo Trail, Mill Lane, Station Road, Horsebridge Road, London Road and New Road, collecting numerous bags of rubbish.

The Monday sunshine made a pleasant change, with Rebecca spending two hours and 26 minutes collecting everything from cigarette ends to broken glass along Upper and Lower Horsebridge Road.

A lovely moment came when a young man cycling past thanked her, saying she was doing a really good job and that he genuinely appreciated it. Such unexpected kindness makes a difference.

Unfortunately, Tuesday brought a rather less pleasant experience. A local lay-by was once again littered with cans, bags of rubbish, human excrement and soiled wipes. “Quite why anyone considers this acceptable is beyond comprehension.”

On a happier note, the group welcomed new member Michael Lucas from Magham Down on Wednesday.

After falling during Thursday morning’s dog walk and injuring her shoulder and arm, Rebecca was back out that afternoon, doing a small trial pick along Park Road and New Road to see whether her picking arm still worked.

Friday brought more rain, but Rebecca collected another large bag of cans, bottles and rubbish along the country end of New Road.

The group continues to prove that a little effort from everyone makes a considerable difference. And to the gentleman on the bicycle, “thank you. Your kind words were appreciated.”

 NEW CAFÉ OPENING HOURS at the Cricketers Café in Roebuck Park by the Cricket green when it will be opening every other Monday in November on 2nd, 16th and 330th from 10am to 4pm. They will be serving hot and soft drinks and treats.

 A SUSSEX POLICE DROP IN session is being held on Monday 16 November at the Hellingly Community Hub Blue Room at 6pm. Come and meet your local PCSO and policing team. Ask questions, raise any concerns and get advice. Hellingly residents are all welcome.

On social media there is a constant flow of local residents raising concerns on various issues around the area. Whilst in the main the area is peaceful and friendly, there are always in all areas worries that people have about anti social behaviour whether it be from people young or old, dogs, environmental concerns or anything else which causes worry, then come along and talk to the police at this meeting and it can be noted and or reassurance given. Despite all the concerns, very few people turned out at the last meeting. Is this because people are not that worried after all or is it the timing or other barrier to coming along and sharing your thoughts. If you cannot get there, email the Parish Council or myself [email protected] and we can raise any issues on your behalf.

 COMPOSTABLE FOOD WASTE LINERS are available free from Hellingly Parish Council as they have been given lots by Wealden District Council. If you are a Hellingly resident, pop in and pick up yours. One free roll per household. There are plenty available.

 FATHER JEREMY IS RUNNING for Hellingly Church which is making plans to reach out more effectively into the parish. Next spring they will be launching some new initiatives to do just that. To make an impact they are creating displays, installations and art so everyone can see what they are hoping to do. Of course, there will be some costs involved so you are invited to sponsor Father Jeremy for a running race to raise funds to offset these costs. He says, “Since April I have dusted down my old running shoes and have been training for a 15.5km trail run at the end of November. It is the Sussex Downs Trail Run. It starts at Plumpton, near Lewes, and goes up the Downs, along and back down again. It is a race but to be honest, just to get round in a respectable time would be a win for me.”! If you would like to sponsor him for this, he would be very grateful. Every little helps. You can do this via https://www.facebook.com/donate/1635009311422429/.

 HELLINGLY CHURCH COFFEE MORNING would like to offer a huge thank you for all those who came along to church last Saturday to support its fundraising Coffee Morning. The event raised an incredible £485. After a slow start, there was soon a packed church. There was plenty of chat, laughter and fun had by all.