Lindfield Times

November 2007 Issue 27

2

www.lindfieldtimes.co.uk Circulation 6,000

* PRH CAMPAIGN REACHES NUMBER 10 DOWNING STREET *

* ACTION PLAN JOINT ADVISORY COMMITTEE *
* LINDFIELD’S ROBIN HOOD CONNECTION *
* LINDFIELD PARISH COUNCIL NEWSLETTER *

Cover image:
‘Down By The Riverside’
© Lindfield Times 2007
Copydate for December issue of Lindfield
Times: 18th November 2007
Editors 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

Editor Jeremy Crooks
Design Editor Kevin Elliott
Email: news@lindfieldtimes.org.uk
www.lindfieldtimes.co.uk
Photography by: Picsnapper
www.picsnapper.co.uk
Printed by: Swan Press
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
news@lindfieldtimes.org.uk

To Advertise email Or phone 07825 412317

ads@lindfieldtimes.org.uk

CHRISTMAS 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

Lindfield Times Magazine November 2007

 King Edward Hall MRS JAET IRWI
Diary of Events
November EDUCATIOAL COSULTAT
& PRIVATE TUTOR

11th Royal British Legion

(Mrs Kathleen Rusby 483171)

14th Lindfield Horticultural Society Talk

and AGM

15th Country Market

15th Lindfield Bowling Club AGM MATHS, EGLISH & FRECH

(Stephen Henton 423252) All ages & Stages, Children & Adults
01444 455081
17th Charity Auction for Compton House
(John Reed 482662) Fun French Clubs Age 2+
www.janetirwin.com
18th Ruwach Christian Church Services
(Janet Hilton 459025)

20th Lindfield Preservation Society Talk LOOKING TO

BOOK THE
(Alan Gomme 483086)

22nd Country Market

KEH Film Show
WORKS
CHRISTMAS
23rd Royal British Legion AGM
(Mrs Kathleen Rusby 483171)
PARTY ?
Our ever popular Christmas
24th Lindfield Village Design Statement
Exhibition (Martin Higgins 484120)
menu is now available.
Celebrate Christmas in our
25th Cashmere Sale friendly country pub with a
28th Heatherley Cheshire Home Lunch
roaring log fire, great
(Kay Duffy 01342 712232) atmosphere and fantastic menu
From Saturday 1st December
29th Country Market
through to New years Eve
Open Christmas Day
Book Now
THE ARDINGLY INN
Tel 01444 892214
Issue 27 Page 3
 Drop 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. Let’s hope this
doesn’t 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 possibility
of 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: haughty.culture@virgin.net

Lindfield Times Magazine November 2007

Issue 27 Page 5
 Fruits 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 and
hazelnuts 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 wide

spreading 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 1700’s, are ideal for
21st 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: haughty.culture@virgin.net

Lindfield Times Magazine November 2007

 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 WHICH
STUDENTS 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

A Real Gem

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 a
specific 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

Issue 27 Page 7
 SAVE THE PRH CAMPAIGN
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 the
Princess 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 campaign’s 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 a
response form to allow residents to formally respond, will soon be landing on almost 80,000
doormats across Mid Sussex and surrounding area.

Lindfield Times Magazine November 2007

 MARCH TO NUMBER 10

Mid Sussex MP Nicholas Soames says: "Today saw the

unveiling in Whitehall of mass opposition from people in West
Sussex 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 the

future of the PRH to take the opportunity to complete the
response form and return to the PCT’s freepost address.

With just a few weeks to go before the consultation’s 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 BBC’s 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 Trust’s 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 PCT’s 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”.

Issue 27 Page 9
 LINDFIELD AND DISTRICT
FOLK 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

Lindfield Times Magazine November 2007

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

Name and Address supplied

Dear Sir,

I read with interest the article in September’s ‘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 don’t 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 Society’s 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 can’t – I arrived in my adulthood from London – so I wouldn’t get
away with insisting that we close the place down to others wanting to live in this pleasant village.

I can’t 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 isn’t. Why is 2007’s pro-
posed development so appalling when we all live happily in Noah’s Ark Lane, The Welkin, Dukes
Road, Finches Gardens, Savill Road, Challoner Road, West Common, Fieldway, Brookway,
Hickman’s 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 Lindfield’s urbanisation, then we
can prevent others from living here.

Yours,
A.C

Issue 27 Page 11
 LINDFIELD VILLAGE
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?
Lindfield’s Village Design Statement will seek to ensure that any future changes, large or small,
are based on an understanding of the village’s 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 recognise
that 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 in
the 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 martin.lindfield@btinternet.com

Lindfield Times Magazine November 2007

 WEST SUSSEX CLOCKS
Antique Clocks
Paul Sewell FBHI
Restoration, Repairs & Sales

Call in and see my clocks at Tufnells of Lindfield

www.westsussexclocks.co.uk

01403 240069 or 07973 612311

E-mail westsussexclocks@btinternet.com

Issue 27 Page 13
 LINDFIELD’S ROBIN HOOD CONNECTION

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 the
water, 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 Hood’s associates. Tradition says Tuck’s char-
acter was based on a monk who was expelled from Fountains Abbey in
Yorkshire, but Lindfield has a stronger claim to be Tuck’s 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. Tuck’s 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”. Stafford’s 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 Scott’s Ivanhoe (1819) Friar Tuck’s name is now linked to a love of
food and drink, hence the many Friar Tuck cafes. The likely
derivation of Tuck’s name is that a friar’s 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 Tuck’s murky origins, perhaps we should start

claiming this famous personage as a son of Lindfield.

John Usher

Lindfield Times Magazine November 2007

Issue 27 Page 15
 Classics for a new generation
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 from
ancient 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 county’s 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 ever
struck you how tricky the Romans’ way of counting was? – they had to say ‘five minus one to
express 4 T The Classics Club plans to pack as much of the ancient world as possible into
three quarters of an hour T

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

* Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do

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 Business

Why 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 ads@lindfieldtimes.org.uk

For articles and news features email news@lindfieldtimes.org.uk

Lindfield Times Magazine November 2007

Issue 27 Page 17
 FOOD FOR THOUGHT !
BY Caroline Young
“Season of mist and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosomed-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With 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 4

Put 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 wedges

Preheat the oven to 220°C. 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 CAKE
Preheat the oven to 180°C. 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

Lindfield Times Magazine November 2007

 £ £
COMBER’S 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 of
Lindfield, 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, Comber’s 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

A Message from The Chairman

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 Men’s captain’s 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 Men’s Border League and the Mid Sussex Mixed League. On top of that we also won
the Men’s 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 Men’s 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

Issue 27 Page 19
 MID 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 website
listing 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 businesses

which 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 Times

To register interest drop us an email admin@midsussexonline.com
Spaces will be limited and on a first come first served basis

EATING OUT IN MID SUSSEX

Each month the Lindfield Times team pop out for a bite to eat. This
month 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 couldn’t find any fault with the food, it was fresh, full of
flavour and good value for money. We opted for a bottle of Rioja which
was served at room temperature (super) but couldn’t 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
Lindfield Times Magazine November 2007
 Why Not Advertise Here Next Month?
One advertiser has so much local work he
need’nt advertise again until Christmas !

Issue 27 Page 21
 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 into
the 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
Steve’s business life has been spent working within the international legal
and tax marketing place for two Anglo Dutch organisations. In their leisure
time 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 Times Magazine November 2007

 LINDFIELD PARISH COUNCIL
NEWSLETTER

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 notice
board 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 year’s 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 as
televisions, 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.

Issue 27 Page 23
 LINDFIELD PARISH COUNCIL
NEWSLETTER

LINDFIELD’S 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 High
Street 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
Society’s 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 is
what 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."

Lindfield Times Magazine November 2007

 LINDFIELD PARISH COUNCIL
NEWSLETTER

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 followed
the transfer, so the cost of cleaning, running and maintaining this essential facility will have to be
added to the Parish Council’s budget, to be met through the Precept. The annual expenditure is
likely to be in the region of £7,000.

Issue 27 Page 25
 LINDFIELD PARISH COUNCIL
NEWSLETTER

LINDFIELD LOCAL ACTION TEAM

The Parish Council continues to support the work of the Lindfield Local Action Team which
concentrates 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, children’s 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 Children’s Home and Churches Together in Haywards Heath
to assist in funding their 2007 programme. A grant of £100 was also made to Neighbourhood
Watch.
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 have
websites 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.

Lindfield Times Magazine November 2007

 LINDFIELD PARISH COUNCIL
NEWSLETTER

NEWS IN BRIEF

Playground on the Common: The District Council has almost completed its refurbishment of the
children’s 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 the
public 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.

Issue 27 Page 27
 GREEN
GREEN & ELLIOTT
OPTOMETRISTS

& ELLIOTT
The practitioners are registered to provide
sight tests under the National Health Service.

OPTOMETRISTS
Forty minutes are scheduled for appointments
to allow a fully comprehensive eye
examination utilising sophisticated digital
technology including retinal scanning. Not all
tests are covered by the health service.

The practitioners will recommend such

additional tests only where they are clinically
necessary, and will fully explain to you the
reasons. The staff will advise you of the costs
of any investigative tests and ensure that all
decisions on times and cost are at your
discretion. We provide Patient Plans to allow
you to choose the best way for you and your 53 High Street
family to benefit from the modern, Lindfield
comprehensive clinical and dispensing Haywards Heath
services we can provide.
West Sussex
www.greenandelliott.co.uk RH16 2HN
Tel: 01444 484123
Lindfield Times Magazine November 2007
Issue 27 Page 29
 STEPHEN GALLICO
S O L I C I T O R S

Stephen Gallico Solicitors Stephen Gallico Solicitors is a specialist practice

Merlin House providing a personal and professional service to
private individuals, families, executors and
6 Boltro Road trustees, particularly in the areas of personal,
Haywards Heath financial and estate planning together with resi-
West Sussex dential and other property matters, and also in
employment work.
RH16 1BB
Based in Haywards Heath, West Sussex the firm
Tel: 01444 411333 occupies offices just two minutes walk from
Haywards Heath mainline station which has
direct links to the City of London and the West
Fax: 01444 440604 End. Clients and professional contacts are
DX: 300 311 HAYWARDS HEATH welcome to visit our offices; alternatively we are
happy to be available in London and elsewhere
Email: enquiries@sgallico.co.uk as required

Lindfield Times Magazine November 2007

 BRAND 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 Council’s 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 Council’s 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 Children’s 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 resident’s quality of life.”

DOES LINDFIELD NEED A NEW PLAYGROUND OR SHOULD

THE MONEY BE SPENT ELSEWHERE?

HAVE YOUR SAY Email us news@lindfieldtimes.org.uk

Issue 27 Page 31