Upper and Lower Dicker Village News

BATES GREEN CHRISTMAS MARKET is on Saturday 7 November from 11am to 5pm. Amongst all the many business and other stalls, this year, the big man himself is visiting, Santa will be stopping by the farm to say hi, so bring the little ones for a chat, a letter to Santa they can fill in and post as well as some sweeties to take away. Santa grotto visits are free, but donations to the famous Arlington Bluebell Walk and Farm Trail are welcome. The Christmas Market is at Bates Green Farm, Tye Hill Road, Arlington BN26 6SH. Entry is free to the fair and for a £2 donation you can enjoy an autumn walk around the 27 acres of the Ancient Beatons Wood. The market will be bursting with local crafts and gifts and the in-house café will be open. For information or queries, email [email protected].

 THURSDAY COFFEE MORNINGS for Upper Dicker are held at The Plough, Coldharbour Road, just beyond Bedes and are open to anyone who would like to join other villagers for a coffee and chat. Meet from 10.30am.

 THE BLUEBELL TRAIL and farm history continues as relayed by owner, John McCutchan MBE: I was introduced to James Noble, a Forestry Consultant, who arranged with the Forestry Commission a long-term Management Plan. We started coppicing about an acre in 2010, which means all the hornbeam, sweet chestnut and hazel are cut down in the given area, with thinning of any overcrowded oak trees to allow the remaining ones to flourish. We had to be selective in the areas for coppicing in 2016 and 2019, as we have to minimize the visual loss of the bluebells and white wood anemones, which our visitors come to see. Ten years ago, we were plagued by deer and rabbits eating any regrowth, but it is very different now, as we have hornbeam seedlings growing like mustard and cress, since these animals have virtually disappeared. It now means that in the coppiced areas we have to strim the young hornbeam every other year so the bluebells are not hidden.

James was so influential in the planting of the Millennium Avenue, and recently we had the pleasure of another of his visits. We discussed safety issues, which are paramount on behalf of our visitors and he will also produce a new Management Plan for the Forestry Commission. It will deal with the current ash dieback, which areas to coppice, which oak to fell and how to introduce young oak trees, so that Beatons Wood will continue to thrive and give pleasure to our visitors for decades.

For the past ten years Sarah Wilesmith, who runs Cherry Wood Adventures, has regularly brought little tots with their parents to learn about many aspects of this ancient wood. To see the pleasure on their faces as they leave must generate a long-lasting love of nature for them. Outside the Bluebell Walk period, we want to introduce more individuals to what is called Forest Bathing, which engages the five senses of sight, sound, smell, touch and even taste. It should help foster relaxation and wellbeing in our fast-moving and ever-anxious world, which we all have to cope with.

 UPPER DICKER PLAY AREA has been inspected and the Parish Council regret to inform its residents that following a detailed inspection, the playpark equipment has been declared unfit for use. This has been worsened by the extreme summer weather and the deep fissures that have appeared as a result.

The PC will shortly fence off the area and remove the equipment as soon as it can. Funding sources for its replacement are already being looked at. The Parish Council will seek the views of its younger residents as they move forward with the replacement process. At this stage, they cannot provide a timescale but do realise its immense importance to the Upper Dicker community and beyond. Offering their sincere apologies, they acknowledge that everyone's safety is paramount.

 HELP RECORD DICKER HISTORY as the Dicker Residents Association (DRA) is hoping to compile a historical record of the village, capturing the rich history of Dicker, its houses, people and historic environment.

The DRA would love to hear from residents who have interesting stories, memories, photographs, documents or other information about the village and its past.

Perhaps you know the history of an old house, have family connections to the area, or can share memories of how village life has changed over the years. Every contribution, however small, could help us build a valuable record of Dicker’s heritage for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

There will be further details, including who to contact to follow. They are looking forward to hearing your stories and discovering more about the history of the village.

 VILLAGE MARKET, MUSEUM AND COFFEE MORNING is on Tuesday 10 November from 10am to 12 noon at Arlington Village Hall plus the Pop-Up Museum, which features ‘Remembrance’.

There is something for everyone at the good variety of sales tables. Some of the regular stalls have traditional fresh bread with other naughty goodies and fresh eggs, popular home-made cakes and savouries, bric-a-brac supporting local charities, a second-hand book stall with books about the local area, and other sundries, jewellery, cards, crafts and more.

Please bring your friends and if you have not been before you will be very welcome. It is a very popular sociable morning and there is always tea and cake.