Lindfield Times November 2007

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LindfieldLindfield TimesTimes 22www.lindfieldtimes.co.ukwww.lindfieldtimes.co.uk Circulation 6,000Circulation 6,000

November 2007November 2007 Issue 27Issue 27

* PRH CAMPAIGN REACHES NUMBER 10 DOWNING STREET *

* ACTION PLAN JOINT ADVISORY COMMITTEE *

* LINDFIELDS ROBIN HOOD CONNECTION *

* LINDFIELD PARISH COUNCIL NEWSLETTER *


2/32Lindfield Times Magazine November 2007

Editors CommentsEditors Comments

Well November is upon us and the summer

has all but become a distant memory. After

taking a break with the October issue of the

Lindfield Times we are now back on track

with the November edition.

We encourage all the groups and societies to

keep supplying interesting articles as the

magazine is only as good as the content

received.

Again we would like to encourage young writ-

ers and journalists to be involved with the

paper. Younger peoples views are very

important to the future of the village and how

it evolves.

Please send you articles to

[email protected]

Or phone 07825 412317

Cover image:

Down By The Riverside

Lindfield Times 2007

Copydate for December issue of Lindfield

Times: 18th November 2007

Editor Jeremy Crooks

Design Editor Kevin Elliott

Email: [email protected]

www.lindfieldtimes.co.uk

Photography by: Picsnapper

www.picsnapper.co.uk

Printed by: Swan Press

To Advertise email

[email protected]

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEACHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA

A BOOK ON LOCAL HISTORY

William Allen Quaker Friend of Lindfield

is available from the author price 8.95.

Phone 01444 482685. The book will be delivered to

Lindfield addresses or posted elsewhere


3/32Issue 27 Page 3

11th Royal British Legion

(Mrs Kathleen Rusby 483171)

14th Lindfield Horticultural Society Talk

and AGM

15th Country Market

15th Lindfield Bowling Club AGM

(Stephen Henton 423252)

17th Charity Auction for Compton House

(John Reed 482662)

18th Ruwach Christian Church Services

(Janet Hilton 459025)

20th Lindfield Preservation Society Talk(Alan Gomme 483086)

22nd Country Market

KEH Film Show

23rd Royal British Legion AGM

(Mrs Kathleen Rusby 483171)

24th Lindfield Village Design Statement

Exhibition (Martin Higgins 484120)

25th Cashmere Sale

28th Heatherley Cheshire Home Lunch

(Kay Duffy 01342 712232)

29th Country Market

King Edward HallKing Edward Hall

Diary of EventsDiary of Events

NovemberNovember

LOOKING TOBOOK THE

WORKS

CHRISTMAS

PARTY ?

THE ARDINGLY INN

Tel 01444 892214

Our ever popular Christmas

menu is now available.Celebrate Christmas in our

friendly country pub with a

roaring log fire, great

atmosphere and fantastic menu

From Saturday 1st December

through to New years Eve

Open Christmas Day

Book Now

MRS JAET IRWI

EDUCATIOAL COSULTAT& PRIVATE TUTOR

MATHS, EGLISH & FRECH

All ages & Stages, Children & Adults

01444 455081

Fun French Clubs Age 2+

www.janetirwin.com



Drop Dead GorgeousDrop Dead Gorgeous

After a thoroughly weird horticultural year, our poor plants are at last settling down for a

good rest. In my travels around the district, I saw foxgloves, primroses and winter-flow-

ering viburnams flowering for a second time in September and October. Lets hope this

doesnt impact on their performance next year.

The November sun is quite diffuse and comes

at a low angle, enabling the backlighting of

plants. Plants with delicate yet structural sil-

houettes, like grasses and perennials, look

quite magical with a halo of sunlight filtering

through them.

Hard as is it for gardeners to let an opportunity

of serious secateur work pass them by, much

is to be gained by not chopping down flower-

ing stems and seedheads because an addi-

tional season of interest can be had by leaving

them intact for winter.

Yes, the seedheads are brown, but better that

than flat bare earth. Birds love the possibilityof another source of food and there is always

the chance that some of the fallen seeds will

produce seedlings and consequently new

plants.

Naturally, some plants have better architectural

silhouettes than others. So it is worth bearing in mind what a plant looks like dead,

when considering which plants to buy in the summer! Achilleas are marvellous for long

lasting late summer and autumn flowers, as well as their delicate inverted plate-shaped

seedheads. The stately Crocosmia Lucifer looks fantastic in July with its fiery red flow-ers. Now in November, it has rigid horizontal arrows of seedheads carried on metre tall

stems.

There is nothing to beat the delicacy of Miscanthus grasses at this time of year. With

raindrops suspended from their plumes, or in winter when a hoar frost glitters, it is

enough to make the spirits soar.

Haut Talk by Karoline Baird

Haughty Culture Garden Design: specialising in all aspects of design

Tel: 07742 731967 email: [email protected]


5/32Issue 27 Page 5



Fruits of your LaboursFruits of your Labours

Can there be a greater pleasure than biting into a freshly picked sweet and crunchy apple? It is

not just apples that so generously provide at this time of year: pears, figs, plums, grapes andhazelnuts are all in season now. October is the month when even the least energetic of garden-

ers can reap the benefit of having productive trees.

No matter how small your garden, there is always room for at least one fruiting tree. Their pres-

ence elevates the eye, providing vertical interest throughout the year as well as a visual feast: in

spring, under planted with snowdrops or daffodils, their abundance of pink and white blossom

gladden the hearts of people and bees

alike.

The cool shade cast on a lawn by a widespreading tree, provides an enticement to

brave the summer sun with the ripening fruit

providing additional decoration. Even in win-

ter, the sculptural beauty of frost or snowed-

covered boughs makes an attractive focal

point on a dreary day.

The size of your garden will determine the

number of trees as well as their arrange-

ment. A south-facing brick wall offers a

warm site for fruit trees such as the mid-

summer fruiting peaches and nectarines or

the later fruiting fig.

Even a north-facing wall can be used to good effect with a morello cherry

tree.

Espaliered trees, which were planted extensively in the 1700s, are ideal for21st century gardens with limited space. Trained apple or pear trees look

wonderful when used to line or enclose paths, by forming a dividing screen

and providing structure. A larger garden will allow for the regular arrange-

ment of trees found in an orchard. Planted in a grid pattern with sufficient space between trees

to allow for growth, one can wander down the natural alleys, enjoying the interplay of light and

shade.

Haut Talk by Karoline Baird

Haughty Culture Garden Design: specialising in all aspects of design

Tel: 07742 731967 email: [email protected]


7/32Issue 27 Page 7

JEWELLERY MAKING CLASSES

LEARN TO DESIGN AND MAKE YOUR

OWN JEWELLERY IN A FULLY EQUIPPED

WORKSHOP IN LINDFIELD

I PROVIDE A FUN, RELAXED AND

CREATIVE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICHSTUDENTS WILL LEARN NEW

SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES

Beginners and Intermediates Courses -

Classes limited to 6 persons -

New - One Day Classes

Call Debbie for more information

Tel: 01444 483138

Mob: 0777 588 4990

Starting again soon in Lindfield - Jewellery making classes for all creatively minded people.

This year I will be introducing one day courses alongside the popular part time courses for

beginners and intermediates The classes aim to provide a friendly and relaxed environment for

everyone to meet and share new skills, whilst becoming involved in creating and learning new

techniques.

Students will have the opportunity to work at their own individual pace, and will be introduced to

design and encouraged to create their own ideas.

During the 6 week Beginners Course - which is held one morning a week, students will learn a

series of basic jewellery making skills. You will then have the opportunity to experiment with new

techniques, be introduced to jewellery design, and by the end of the course you will have made

and designed your own silver jewellery.

New for this year, I will be introducing One Day Courses. These classes are designed to cover aspecific theme. Classes planned are: Silver scroll and bead jewellery and Bangle and

Beads. Please call for more information. Tel: 01444 483138 or Mob: 0777 588 4990

A Real Gem A Real Gem



Evidence of mass opposition to heath cuts unveiled in Westminster

Evidence of mass public and medical opposition to plans pro-

posed by West Sussex Primary Care Trust to downgrade thePrincess Royal Hospital was today (Tuesday 30th October)

taken to London. Campaigners, clinicians and MPs took part in

a bed push through the heart of Westminster before protests

outside 10 Downing Street and the Department of Health.

The focus of the event was the presentation of a 70,000 strong petition against the downgrading

plans outside the Department of Health, which will form part of the campaigns response to the

Primary Care Trust shortly before the end of the consultation period next month.

A small party then

presented letters

signed by 180

local GPs to 10

Downing Street in

a display of clinical

unity against the

plans.

The letters, co-ordinated by Newick GP Dr Herry Ashby, represent

the views of GPs who are responsible for the care of around

300,000 patients. The PCT has so far been able to produce just a handful of clinicians who sup-

port their proposals, none of whom represent Mid Sussex patients.

A leaflet from the campaign setting out the impact of the proposed downgrading, and aresponse form to allow residents to formally respond, will soon be landing on almost 80,000

doormats across Mid Sussex and surrounding area.

SAVE THE PRH CAMPAIGN


9/32Issue 27 Page 9

Mid Sussex MP Nicholas Soames says: "Today saw the

unveiling in Whitehall of mass opposition from people in WestSussex to the plans to downgrade our hospitals.

Over 70,000 people have signed the petition calling for the

retention of services at the Princess Royal Hospital and 180

local GPs have signed up in opposition. It is now time for the

health authorities to realise that their plans have no public or

clinical legitimacy, and to accept the alternatives which would

see local services retained"

The campaign is now urging everyone who cares about thefuture of the PRH to take the opportunity to complete the

response form and return to the PCTs freepost address.

With just a few weeks to go before the consultations close,

campaigners say that personal responses to the health author-

ity are vital in the ongoing fight to preserve services.

Support the PRH campaign take part in TV debate about hospital

services

Campaigners battling to save Accident & Emergency and consultant-led

maternity services at the Princess Royal Hospital last Friday took part in

a television documentary about future health service provision.

The BBCs Inside Out programme filmed campaigners outside the PRH

in a provocative documentary about the most desirable configurations of

health services in the area. Filmmakers challenged the campaign on

their assertion that locally accessible services were the most desirable

to meet the health needs of people in Mid Sussex and the surrounding

area.

The film, which was shown on 7th November, sought to examine the

Primary Care Trusts view that the majority of health services should be

centralised in regional hospitals. Campaigners, clinicians and local

Councillors took the opportunity to set out the public and medical oppo-

sition to the plans.

A spokesman for the Support the PRH campaign said: the campaign

was pleased to take part in the document to again put the case that the

majority of healthcare should be delivered at locally accessible hospitals,such as the Princess Royal. The PCTs argument for centralisation of

services at Brighton is increasingly discredited. Over 70,000 local people

have signed the petition against it, and there is not a single GP in Mid

Sussex who supports the plans.

MARCH TO NUMBER 10



LINDFIELD AND DISTRICTLINDFIELD AND DISTRICT

FOLK DANCE CLUBFOLK DANCE CLUB

Having spent the last 9 months using St Andrew`s Youth Centre, Burgess Hill, for which we

have been extremely grateful, we are now able to return to our previous home at Church of

the Ascension, Vale Road, Haywards Heath.

This church now has a beautiful new community centre after spending some years

fund-raising. They are able to accomodate all sorts of clubs and groups, with different

rooms and facilities.

We will be back in the main hall from November, meeting on the 1st and 3rd tuesdays of

each month from 7.45pm - 10.00pm. On the 1st tuesday we dance to recorded music,

but on the 3rd tuesday we are lucky enough to have a live band called "Shifting Bobbins."

We try various styles of dance from historical (as in Pride and Prejudice), english folk,

and barn dances.But whatever we are dancing, we enjoy ourselves.

Subscriptions are 1-50 each night which covers tea, coffee, and biscuits in the interval.

The first night is free, so that you can see if it is your cup of tea (no pun intended).

For further information please call Babs T. 01444-484224


11/32Issue 27 Page 11

Name and Address supplied

Dear Sir,

I read with interest the article in Septembers Times about the Our Lindfield exhibition. It prom-

ises to be fascinating, and also reminds us that the history of most buildings in the village begins

during the last century. Later in the same issue the Lindfield Preservation Society expresses

itself in strong terms about the creeping urbanisation of the village. I have trouble understand-

ing this anxiety.

My house was built in 1860, during the creeping urbanisation of the mid-Victorian era. Those

Victorians really knew how to build enormous numbers of cheap houses! My friends live in hous-es built during the creeping urbanisation of the 1950s or the 1980s, occasionally during creeping

urbanisation under Charles II, or the Georgians. I have to assume that at least some members

of the Preservation Society dont live in the earliest of early medieval properties. Some must live

in houses put up in the last few decades. Why is the building occurring now the only building

that is a threat to the very fabric of your lives? Lindfield has been creepingly urbanised since the

first simple timber dwelling was erected on the winding track that later became the High Street

(see the History Societys amazing early map, Sept. p.14).

I also assume that every member of the Preservation Society can trace his/her ancestry back to

the first very first Lindfield settlers a millennium ago, and can therefore justifiably object to

incomers wanting to live here. I cant I arrived in my adulthood from London so I wouldnt get

away with insisting that we close the place down to others wanting to live in this pleasant village.

I cant understand why this moment, this arbitrary point in time, should be the instant when I

have the right to say that my building and planning was fine, but yours isnt. Why is 2007s pro-

posed development so appalling when we all live happily in Noahs Ark Lane, The Welkin, Dukes

Road, Finches Gardens, Savill Road, Challoner Road, West Common, Fieldway, Brookway,

Hickmans Close, Summerhill Grange, Blackthorns, Appledore Gardens, Chestnut Close, Pickers

Green (need I go on?) the vast majority of our housing, built since 1945?

The infrastructure argument is a red herring. There is no evidence that I can find that services

do not mutate and expand organically with demographic change. In fact the evidence is that

they do. In post-war Lindfield, I imagine the people in those thousands of new houses needed

doctors and school places. They paid their rates and, funnily enough, they all got educated, and

treated by a GP.

When we can all claim that we did not benefit ourselves from Lindfields urbanisation, then we

can prevent others from living here.

Yours,

A.C

Letters to the Editor......................



LINDFIELD VILLAGELINDFIELD VILLAGE

ACTION PLAN JOINT ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACTION PLAN JOINT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The first draft of our Village Design Statement is now completed ready to be sent to local organi-

sations and be posted on Lindfield Online. The following information will help you to understand

what it is.

What is a Village Design Statement?

A Village Design Statement is a document produced by local people to identify the characteristics

and qualities that they value in their villages and surroundings. It informs planners and develop-

ers of what has been agreed by the local community; and when formally adopted becomes a

Supplementary Planning Document and therefore has to be taken into account by the Planning

Authority and, if it comes to it, by the Planning Inspectorate, when it makes planning decisions.

Why have one?

Lindfields Village Design Statement will seek to ensure that any future changes, large or small,

are based on an understanding of the villages past and present. The aim is to draw attention to

the valued characteristics of buildings and environmental features throughout the village so that

anything built is of good design and unsympathetic development can be avoided. It will recognisethat villages have to change otherwise they die - the objective is to manage change not to pre-

vent it.

How is it being produced?

The Community were invited to be involved through articles in the local press, notices posted in

the Village and at a presentation to the Annual Parish Council Meeting. A Steering Group of

Volunteers was then set up to organise the production of the first draft.

How will local people be involved?

In addition to being involved in writing the first draft:

o At the end of September 2007 the draft will be sent to all local organisations listed inthe Village Diary asking for their comments

o The draft will be posted on Lindfield Online

o An amended version will then be the subject of consultation with residents at an

exhibition in the King Edward Hall on Saturday 24 November 2007 10 am to 4 pm

How can you help?

o If you belong to any local organisations make sure that they respond to the draft

o Submit your own comments after reading it on Lindfield Online

o Come to the exhibition to see the amended version and make your views known

through the questionnaire that will be available there.

What will happen next?

o MSDC undertake six weeks of formal consultation including the statutory agencies

o MSDC collate any comments and pass them back to Steering Group so that the latter

can decide how to respond to them. This process can take about three to four months.

o The document is then finalised by the Steering Group.

o MSDC puts the document before their Cabinet members and then issue letters to state

that it has been adopted.

o There is then a three month window for anyone to ask for a judicial review.o It then becomes a working document

If this information raises any questions you need answered before the exhibition on November

24th 2007 please contact Martin Higgins on 01444 484120 or [email protected]



WEST SUSSEX CLOCKS

Antique Clocks

Paul Sewell FBHIRestoration, Repairs & Sales

Call in and see my clocks at Tufnells of Lindfield

www.westsussexclocks.co.uk

01403 240069 or 07973 612311

E-mail [email protected]



Robin Hood never got as far as Sussex, but Lindfield contributed to his legend in the fat and

jovial form of Friar Tuck. Everyone knows the story of how they first met - Robin forces Tuck to

carry him across a river, but when they are almost across Tuck throws Robin off his back into thewater, draws his own sword and forces Robin to carry him back. Robin then dumps Tuck in the

river and two men, having gained each other's respect, become friends, with Tuck joining Robin's

band.

Who was the original Friar Tuck? Tuck, like Maid Marian, found his way into the Robin Hood

legend via the popular summer plays of the 15th and 16th centuries, where

he first appeared as one of Hoods associates. Tradition says Tucks char-

acter was based on a monk who was expelled from Fountains Abbey in

Yorkshire, but Lindfield has a stronger claim to be Tucks home.

The first historical references to the real Friar Tuck are in Royal writs of

1416 and 1417, describing a Lindfield parson called Robert Stafford who

assumed the alias frere Tuk as head of an outlaw band committing murder

and robbery in Sussex and Surrey. Tucks crimes also included menacing

the local forest wardens and warreners with violence, burning their lodges

and hunting without licence. The name Friar Tuck was apparently new at

that time the records speak of a certain person assuming the unusual

name of Frere Tuc. Staffords exploits must have been exceptional for his

alias to have entered into the popular imagination in the way it did.Interestingly, he received a pardon in 1429.

Thanks mainly to Sir Walter Scotts Ivanhoe (1819) Friar Tucks name is now linked to a love of

food and drink, hence the many Friar Tuck cafes. The likely

derivation of Tucks name is that a friars habit was often

tucked or folded to make it easier to walk in. At any rate,

one suspects that the original Friar Tuck was not fat and

jovial - indeed in some tales he is depicted as physically fit

and a skilled swordsman and archer with a hot-headed tem-

per.

Whatever Friar Tucks murky origins, perhaps we should start

claiming this famous personage as a son of Lindfield.

John Usher

LINDFIELDS ROBIN HOOD CONNECTIONLINDFIELDS ROBIN HOOD CONNECTION



Salvete, omnes.

This first school term of the year sees the start of a brand new after-school Classics Club at

Lindfield Primary School. Key Stage 2 children (ages 7-11) will be able to play games fromancient Rome, learn about life across the Empire, hear a Classical story, try Roman crafts, pick

up a smattering of Latin, and much more.

A small group of parents who are also Latin, Greek or Classical Civilisation enthusiasts noticed

that none of these subjects is offered in the countys schools. So they formed a plan to offer a

fun introduction to the fascinating field of ancient history and to the invaluable tool that is the

Latin language.

Did you know that Bovril comes from the Latin for cow, or that video means I see? Are you

aware that Roman women used lipstick? Or that central heating was a Roman idea? Has it everstruck you how tricky the Romans way of counting was? they had to say five minus one to

express 4 The Classics Club plans to pack as much of the ancient world as possible into

three quarters of an hour

Meanwhile, as they say at the forum, noli aliquid facere quod non faciam *

* Dont do anything I wouldnt do

Classics for a new generationClassics for a new generation

PRESERVATION SOCIETY TALK

The Preservation Society has an afternoon talk on Tuesday 20th

November at 2:30 in the King Edward Hall by Margaret Nicolle with

the tittle of Below Stairs.

Admission 1 to include refreshments, everyone welcome

Advertise Your Local BusinessAdvertise Your Local BusinessWhy not advertise your local business in the Lindfield Times?

You are reading this advert but so are over 6,000 local households in

the area - Just think of the potential business you could be targeting

To Advertise drop us an email at [email protected]

For articles and news features email [email protected]



FOOD FOR THOUGHT !FOOD FOR THOUGHT !BY Caroline YoungBY Caroline Young

Season of mist and mellow fruitfulness,

Close bosomed-friend of the maturing sun;

Conspiring with him how to load and blessWith fruit the vines around the thatch eves run.

In the crisp days of autumn our tastes turn away from summer salads to hearty soups and

casseroles. Treat the family to a bowl of my rich creamy soup, based on the traditional New

England Chowder from the USA, served with a wedge of freshly baked cheese scone. Spoil

them even more with a piece of Plum Cake topped with vanilla icecream !

CLAM AND PRAWN CHOWDER Serves 4Put 2 thinly sliced leeks, 1 thinly sliced medium onion, 1 crushed garlic clove and a generous

knob of butter into a large pan. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring once or twice, until

very soft but not browned.

Stir in 1 large potato, diced, a grating of nutmeg and 450ml hot vegetable stock. Cover and con-

tinue to cook until the potato is soft.

Add 300ml single cream, 115g prawns (thawed if frozen) and a 280g can baby clams, drained

and rinsed. Continue to cook, stirring, until piping hot but do not allow the soup to boil as this will

spoil the texture.

CHEESE SCONE Makes 4 wedgesPreheat the oven to 220C. Place a baking sheet in the oven.

Into a bowl sift 225g self-raising flour and 1tsp baking powder. Add 50 g soft butter and rub in

with the finger tips to form crumbs. Add 1 egg, beaten with 5tbs milk, and mix with a fork to a

soft dough. Turn out onto a floured surface, shape into a ball about the size of a teaplate and,

using the blunt side of a knife, mark three quarters of the way through into four portions.

Place on the hot baking sheet, lightly sprinkle with grated Cheddar cheese and bake for 12-15

min or until a rich golden brown. Serve warm broken into four wedges.

PLUM CAKEPreheat the oven to 180C. Lightly butter a shallow 23cm baking tin and line the bottom.

Put 225g caster sugar, 2 medium eggs, 150ml grapeseed oil, 1tsp vanilla and 2tbs orange juice

into a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until light and creamy.

Sift over 225g self-raising flour, a pinch EACH of bicarbonate of soda and salt. Gently blend in

with a metal spoon. Fold in 300g RIPE plums, halved and stoned.

Spoon into the prepared tin and bake for 45 min or until the cake is just pulling away from the

sides of the tin. Cool for 20 min before turning out onto a wire rack. Serve still warm, sifting a lit-

tle icing sugar over the top first.

Caroline Young



COMBERS TRUST

50 GRANTS

The trustees are please to invite applications for four grants, each of 50, for the purchase of

books for educational purposes. To be eligible you must live within the civil urban parish ofLindfield, be taking a recognised course of study for an academic, professional qualification and

need financial help towards your studies.

To apply please write to The Secretary, Combers trust, The Slatch, Hickmans Lane,

Lindfield, RH16 2HR by 1st January giving the qualifications for which you are studying and

where, the titles of the books you would buy and any other information which you think is

relevant to your application

Another successful season was had by Lindfield Bowls Club, both on and off the Green. After

nearly two years of negotiation and lobbying we finally won the approval of the Council to lay a

suitable surface to the small public car park alongside the Green.

We raised some 700 for National Lifeboats at our Mens captains day and ran a highly popu-lar target bowls stall on the Common on Village Day. Recruitment efforts saw us add further

new bowlers to our strength.

We had a sorry start to the season, losing a few matches and failing to enter the National

Double Fours and Top Club Competitions, in which we were very successful last year.

However we pulled ourselves together eventually winning most of the Friendly Matches and

both the Mens Border League and the Mid Sussex Mixed League. On top of that we also won

the Mens Edward Rowland Cup and took the John Elmer cup back from Buxted Park after a

two year gap. So a reasonable amount of silverware found its way to Lindfield.

In the Counties, Ian Watson and Dave

Richardson won the Mens Pairs and went on to

win the Home Counties title as well. In fact

Lindfield had representation at several quarter

and semi final stages in a number of the County

competitions.

What we would have done had we had a proper

summer is anybody's guess !!Roger Green -- Club Chairman

A Message from The ChairmanA Message from The Chairman



MID SUSSEX ONLINEMID SUSSEX ONLINE

Mid Sussex Online is an up and coming live local business directory

serving Mid Sussex Traders only. It is a directory which will take the

form of a quarterly printed publication and a live up to date websitelisting local businesses. The website is under development and will be

launched in the new year. The first printed directory which will be

delivered to over 6,000 local homes, will be published in early 2008.

Some businesses have already reserved entry space in both the

directory and our online site.

Essentially the web directory is aimed at small independent businesseswhich will be promoted locally, advertising will be affordable from as

little as 10 per week, not bad to advertise to over 6,000 for 10

Sounds to good to be true !

Well rest assured it is brought to you by the long serving team from

The Lindfield TimesTo register interest drop us an email [email protected]

Spaces will be limited and on a first come first served basis

EATING OUT IN MID SUSSEXEATING OUT IN MID SUSSEX

Each month the Lindfield Times team pop out for a bite to eat. Thismonth we chose The Ardingly Inn. We were impressed with the warm

welcome and fantastic atmosphere we received. We were spoilt for

choice with options from their classic menu and from the chalk boards

hanging over the roaring log fire. We chose the Salmon & Prawn starter

and T-Bone Steak and homemade soup followed by Barnsley Chops in

minted gravy. We couldnt find any fault with the food, it was fresh, full of

flavour and good value for money. We opted for a bottle of Rioja whichwas served at room temperature (super) but couldnt help noticing the

good selection of Ales on offer. Would we go back again? Definately.

Why not try the country pub yourself, telephone 01444 892214



Why Not Advertise Here Next Month?Why Not Advertise Here Next Month?

One advertiser has so much local work heOne advertiser has so much local work he

neednt advertise again until Christmas !neednt advertise again until Christmas !



LINDFIELD PARISH COUNCIL

NEWSLETTER

Autumn 2007

NEW PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Councillors are elected into office every four years and May 2007 was the date scheduled

for the election of the twelve Councillors who are to serve as your representatives on the

Lindfield Parish Council. Unfortunately Lindfield does not seem to produce a large number of

candidates willing to serve the community in this way. Eight Councillors from the previous

Council agreed to stand again Mike Allen, Will Blunden, Michael Davies, Margaret Hersey,

Derrick Johnson, Margaret Nicolle, Chris Snowling and Val Upton - and two new Councillors

were nominated. Two further Councillors were co-opted at the second meeting in July meeting

(one of whom, Roger Pickett, had served previously). The three new Councillors are:

Alan Gomme Alan and his wife moved into Lindfield fourteen years ago and

he retired from the city after nearly 40 years as an IT Support Manager for a

leading bank in 2001. Since then he has undertaken a number of roles in the

voluntary sector, including being the Secretary of the Lindfield Preservation

Society, Treasurer of Voluntary and Steam Preservation organisations and is

a working member of the Bluebell Railway.

Michael Leach Mike moved his wife and 2 children from Epsom to this

lovely village in 1970. His third child, second son, was born in Cuckfield

Hospital in 1973. He also moved his small electrical controls company from

Mitcham in South London, to The Lindfield Enterprise Park in 1985. Sadly he

lost his wife in 2004. During his time at the Enterprise Park, his company

Switchpoint Ltd, sponsored the Lindfield Football Club for 6 years. He is a

member of two local angling clubs and also of the Lindfield Village Club. He

thinks that, as he is now fully retired, he would like to put something back intothe village and so he is now a Parish Councillor.

Stephen Willcox Steve has lived in Lindfield with his wife Sue for the past

ten years and they have three daughters and seven grandchildren. Recently

elected to the Parish Council, he serves on both the Finance and General

Purposes and Planning and Traffic committees. He is also on the

management committee of the Lindfield Preservation Society. Most of

Steves business life has been spent working within the international legal

and tax marketing place for two Anglo Dutch organisations. In their leisuretime both Sue and he enjoy reading, walking the countryside (sometimes with

their manic rescued border collie) and going to the theatre, Steve is also a

keen supporter of Watford football club.



LINDFIELD PARISH COUNCILNEWSLETTER

Various standing committees have been formed comprising:

Finance & General Purposes: Cllrs Davies (Chairman), Johnson (Vice Chairman), Allen,

Blunden, Gomme and Willcox.Planning & Traffic: Cllrs Snowling (Chairman), Nicolle (Vice-Chairman), Blunden, Gomme,

Hersey, Leach, Upton and Willcox

Environment & Amenities: Cllrs Blunden (Chairman), Nicolle (Vice-Chairman), Allen, Gomme,

Hersey, Leach, Johnson, Pickett and Upton.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS OCTOBER DECEMBER 2007

Wednesday, 10 October Environment and Amenities Committee 8.00 p.m.

Tuesday, 16 October Planning and Traffic Committee (Plans only) 8.00 p.m.Tuesday, 6 November Planning and Traffic Committee (Plans only) 8.00 p.m.

Tuesday, 20 November Full Council 7.30 p.m.

Tuesday, 27 November Planning and Traffic Committee (Full) 8.00 p.m.

Thursday, 6 December * Environment and Amenities Committee 8.00 p.m.

Tuesday, 18 December Planning and Traffic Committee (Plans only) 8.00 p.m.

* The date of this meeting will be changed as it clashes with Christmas Festival Night

All meetings are held in King Edward Hall, unless shown otherwise. Please check the noticeboard in Denmans Lane for any additional meetings that may be called. All meetings are open

to the public and there is a period set aside at the beginning and the end of each meeting for

public questions/comments. At meetings of the Planning and Traffic Committee, up to two peo-

ple for and two against each planning application are allowed to speak, for a maximum of two

minutes each, at the invitation of the Chairman.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL NIGHT

This will be held on Thursday, December 6 this year. The Working Group is led by Cllr. Val

Upton, assisted by Cllrs. Alan Gomme and Michael Leach. It is hoped that there will be the

usual variety of stalls and attractions up the High Street, with some shops staying open.Activities will also take place in the premises of the United Reformed Church. Last years event

was a happy and successful evening and we hope that many of you will join in again this year. If

anyone is interested in having a stall on the night, please contact the Parish Office.

Please note that the Parish Office will not be open that day as the Clerks will be preparing for

the evening event.

CIVIC AMENITY FREIGHTER

The Freighter will be in the Tollgate car park on the following date, between the hours of 10.00

a.m. and 12.00 noon: Sunday, 14 October and Sunday, 9 December in 2007 and in 2008 on

Sunday, 9 March. Please note that due to current legislation they cannot accept items such astelevisions, computer monitors and fluorescent tubes. These can still be taken to a civic amenity

centre. Please do not leave rubbish in the absence of the refuse freighter.



LINDFIELDS HIGH STREET TREES

It has been a matter of sadness and some concern to the Parish Council and, I am sure, to the

people of Lindfield as a whole that the saga of the proper care and maintenance of the HighStreet trees has dragged on for so long. A year ago the County Council, the local authority basi-

cally responsible for the trees along the highway, agreed to reintroduce a regime of regular pol-

larding. This was the clearly expressed wish of local residents and indeed the people of the vil-

lage (as evidenced by the 78% indicating this preference in the Village Plan questionnaire).

It was the wish of the Parish Council and, we understood, the MSDC Planning Committee.

However, it appears there has been disagreement between officials responsible and unfortunate-

ly there has been inadequate consultation and even communication between the parties, which

led to the somewhat strongly worded piece by David Macmillan in the Lindfield Preservation

Societys Newsletter in the Lindfield Times in September.

To put the record straight, I have received

the following from Mr. Dick Lankester, of

MSDC:

"The September issue of the 'Lindfield

Times' included a piece about the work

which was carried out to the High Street

lime trees last year. The article referred to

'... an incredible tangle of inter-council

bickering and obstruction with Lindfield

caught in the middle.' It also referred to '...

the Tree Officer at Mid Sussex having his

own agenda...'

The position is quite simple. Following dis-

cussions between the District and County

Council's Tree Officers and the Parish

Council last year, a course of action was agreed and work to reduce the badly overgrown trees

was carried out.

Subsequently, it has been agreed by both Tree Officers that a strategy of phased removal and

replacement of the trees is the most appropriate way forward in the longer term, together with

further reductions to those trees identified for replacement in the later phases. It is agreed that

this strategy needs to be the subject of consultation with the people of Lindfield, and the County

Council, which is responsible for the trees, will be arranging this consultation in due course.

I must refute the assertion that David Saunders, the District Council's Tree officer, 'has his own

agenda'. David is a very experienced and highly respected officer whose job is to provide the

District Council with the best possible professional advice on matters relating to trees. This iswhat he does day in and day out in respect of the hundreds of tree issues which he has to deal

with every year. This is exactly what he did when consulted on the most appropriate treatment

for the High Street limes."





We have also heard from Mr. Stuart Smith, Highway Network Manager of WSCC, who has

assured us that:

It has always been the intention to consult the Parish Council on proposals for the future of the

trees in the High Street and that nothing would be done without their full agreement. There was

no secrecy about the meeting between Jonathan Ullmer (of WSCC) and David Saunders (MSDC

Tree Officer). At the meetings we have had the long term replacement of the trees has always

been on the agenda, the big question is over what time frame... we could be radical and do over

three years or 10 or more. David Saunders was in agreement with interim pollarding as part of a

replacement programme but not as an indefinite solution. Unfortunately events have not moved

on as quickly maybe as I would have liked. I only have a small tree team and we are also trying

to get a countywide inventory and condition survey underway, which is taking up a lot of time, so

I apologise for this but it is part of the greater plan which I also spoke about at our meetings.

Of course, I am sure that everyone concerned recognises that, attractive as they are, our High

Street limes will not last for ever and a proper programme of care, maintenance and, when

essential, replacement is necessary. We only hope that those responsible for making decisions

will in fact consult, listen to the people of Lindfield and keep everyone properly informed of what

is happening.

The Parish Council will do its utmost to ensure this happens.

The above article was written by Cllr. Michael Davies

PRINCESS ROYAL HOSPITAL AND

THE FIT FOR THE FUTURE CONSULTATION PROCESS

At its meeting on July 19 the Parish Council agreed to write setting out its strong support for the

maintenance of full Accident & Emergency and Maternity Services at the Princess Royal Hospital

in Haywards Heath.

DENMANS LANE TOILETS

A major development in the work of Lindfield Parish Council recently has been the taking of full

responsibility for the Public Conveniences in the centre of the village. Previously these had

been owned and administered by the District Council, but when it was decided not to continue

this facility in the villages of Mid-Sussex, they were offered to those Parish Councils, who wished

to take them over. The Parish Council is currently in the process of agreeing what work is

required and appointing a contractor to undertake it. This will be a major refurbishment and re-

design of the toilets, which we hope will result in a much improved facility. This will cost over

50,000 and the Precept for 2007/08 had to be increased to cover this. A capital dowry sum

was offered by the District Council to bring maintenance up to date and equip them to comply

with Disability Discrimination Act requirements. Unfortunately no revenue funding has followedthe transfer, so the cost of cleaning, running and maintaining this essential facility will have to be

added to the Parish Councils budget, to be met through the Precept. The annual expenditure is

likely to be in the region of 7,000.



LINDFIELD LOCAL ACTION TEAM

The Parish Council continues to support the work of the Lindfield Local Action Team whichconcentrates on three main areas, namely:

Crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour

Street scene, i.e. the village environment

Road safety and speeding

It is pleasing to report that within the wider context Lindfield remains a relatively low crime area

and that there have not been high levels of serious anti-social behaviour, despite three specific

locations within the parish, which have suffered a disproportionate and unacceptable level of

problems.To assist in targeting police and other agency actions, the Lindfield Local Action Team has

established an additional channel of communication for recording incidents - the Anti-Social

Behaviour report forms, which can be handed in to the Parish Office for the information of the

Police. Other issues have been the streetscene, childrens playgrounds and street lighting,

which is now being taken forward by the Parish Council.

In recognition of the beneficial work undertaken in addressing youth problems in the village, the

Lindfield Local Action Team made a 75 donation to Streetmate, the detached youth work

scheme sponsored by the National Childrens Home and Churches Together in Haywards Heath

to assist in funding their 2007 programme. A grant of 100 was also made to NeighbourhoodWatch.

The next meeting will be held on October 15th at 8 p.m. in the library of KEH and the participa-

tion of the public is welcome.

SMALL SCALE HOUSING ALLOCATIONS NEWTON ROAD

A great deal of time has been spent by individuals and groups in the village considering housing

development proposals and particularly those off Newton Road and in the Scamps Hill/Gravelye

Lane area. We will not know until November if these sites have been included in the Small

Scale Housing Allocation list.

COMMUNICATIONS

The Lindfield Communications Forum was set up as a result of the Village Plan process and is

supported by the Parish Council and a number of groups and individuals. One of its first con-

cerns has been to improve the websites connected with the village.

Lindfield Online is being re-vamped and upgraded as the primary noticeboard and information

vehicle for the village. The Parish Council, Preservation Society and Lindfield Times all havewebsites and it is hoped that they will be kept up-to-date. A new general, public noticeboard for

village events and activities is planned on the wall of Leaf in Denmans Lane opposite the

Parish Office.





NEWS IN BRIEF

Playground on the Common: The District Council has almost completed its refurbishment of thechildrens playground on the Common. Work was delayed due to prolonged wet weather and

other unexpected problems at the site. However, it was opened in time for children to start

using it towards the end of the summer holidays. The playground will be shut for a short period

in the Autumn to allow landscaping and replanting to be finalised. The Parish Council con-

tributed 9,500 towards the cost of this work and there has been a very positive response from

children and their parents.

Bus Shelter at The Welkin: Agreement has been reached for a shelter to be installed at the

entrance of The Welkin and we anticipate having it in place by late Autumn.

Additional lighting on the Common. Following discussions with the District and County Councils,

it is hoped that an extra light will be provided on the Common on the footpath by the tennis

courts. This follows requests from residents and it will, hopefully, improve conditions for chil-

dren walking to and from school during the winter months. Local residents will be consulted

before any final decision is made.

HOW TO CONTACT THE PARISH COUNCIL

The Parish Council office at 6 Denmans Lane continues to be open 3 times a week Tuesdays

1.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. when members of thepublic are welcome to come along to look at planning applications for Lindfield, obtain bus pass-

es and railcard vouchers, purchase green sacks or simply seek advice on issues of concern.

However, if you do need to speak with someone outside our normal opening hours, then please

contact the Clerk by telephone on 01444 484115 or by fax on 01444 484918, who will be happy

to make alternative arrangements with you. You can also contact us by Email clerks@lindfield-

pc.fsnet.co.uk or visit our web site at www.lindfieldparishcouncil.org.uk.

THE MEMBERS OF LINDFIELD PARISH COUNCIL ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Cllr. William Blunden (Chairman) Cllr. Derrick Johnson

Cllr. Margaret Nicolle (Vice Chairman) Cllr. Mike Leach

Cllr. Mike Allen Cllr. Roger Pickett

Cllr. Michael Davies Cllr. Christopher

Snowling

Cllr. Alan Gomme Cllr. Valerie Upton

Cllr. .Margaret Hersey Cllr. Steve Willcox

They can all be contacted, in the first instance, via the Parish Office, or by reference to the

Lindfield Village Directory and Year Book, which contains details of individual contact numbers.



53 High Street

Lindfield

Haywards HeathWest Sussex

RH16 2HN

Tel: 01444 484123

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BRAND NEW PLAY FACILITIES FOR LINDFIELDBRAND NEW PLAY FACILITIES FOR LINDFIELD

Young people in the Lindfield area are now enjoying brand new play facilities courtesy of Mid

Sussex District Council. The new play area is a result of the Councils Play Strategy that aims to

bring innovative and exciting play opportunities to the District.

Outdoor play is crucial to the physical and social development of children and Mid Sussex

District Councils Play Strategy seeks to ensure young people in the District have the best possi-

ble facilities and opportunities.

Television, computer games, and over cautious parents can all encourage young people to

develop sedentary lifestyles and not take enough exercise. This in turn can lead to childhood

obesity, which has doubled since 1982, and if present trends continue, half of all children in

England could be obese by 2020.

Mid Sussex District Council want to encourage youngsters to get outside and use the parks,

open spaces and play areas in the District. The Council is developing a variety of engaging play

projects that provide fun, open-air activities for children.

In addition, the Council has established a working group of local businesses, voluntary organisa-

tions and Town and Parish Councils to help deliver smaller play projects in the District and

MSDC has invested more than 5000 towards making parks and play areas accessible for dis-

abled people.

The key aims and outcomes of the Play Strategy enabled the Council to successfully apply to

the Big Lottery Childrens Play Programme for 216,270. The application featured five inventive

play projects spread throughout Mid Sussex.

Lindfield Common is the first of the five play projects to reach completion. Developed and part

funded by Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC), the new play area features brand new equip-

ment and creates a safe and secure environment for children. Lindfield Parish Council conduct-

ed an extensive consultation with play partners and local youngsters that helped to shape the

park and allowed MSDC to deliver a facility of which the community can be proud.

Councillor Hersey, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Outdoor Business said, By developing new

and exciting play areas for local children we are investing in the future generations of Mid

Sussex. Play parks offer a fun way for young people to get some much-needed exercise and

socialise with others their own age. The Mid Sussex play strategy is a fantastic initiative that will

make a real difference to residents quality of life.

DOES LINDFIELD NEED A NEW PLAYGROUND OR SHOULDDOES LINDFIELD NEED A NEW PLAYGROUND OR SHOULD

THE MONEY BE SPENT ELSEWHERE?THE MONEY BE SPENT ELSEWHERE?

HAVE YOUR SAY Email us [email protected] YOUR SAY Email us [email protected]


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Documents

Lindfield Times November 2007