danehill & chelwood gate societies and charity representatives · danehill c of e school,...

www.allsaintsdanehill.org.uk

Danehill & Chelwood Gate Societies and Charity Representatives

Bible Reading Fellowship

Barbara Beedle 740558

Warm Clothes for “Off The Fence”

Jenny Virtue 740284

Ashdown Forest Cricket Club

Graeme Baxter 07709 618748

Ashdown Stoolball Team

Janine Spofforth 790954

Danehill C of E School, Secretary 790388

Danehill Church Brass Cleaning Jenny

Virtue 740284, Flower Rota Diana

Freeland 740329

Danehill Memorial Hall Sarah Norton

791725

Chelwood Gate Village Hall Jean Wood

740562

Danehill & Chelwood Gate Social Club

Keith Usher 790484

Danehill Tower & Handbell Ringers

Andrew Hough 740872

Horsted Keynes & Danehill British

Legion

Helen Kateley 791811

Isle of Thorns Bowls Club

Barbara Bird 01342 323861

Neighbourhood Watch

Megan Holt-Thomas 740403

Noah’s Ark Parent & Toddler Group

Sally Alexander 790339

Parish Council (The Clerk)

Emma Fulham 01342 822404

Parish Diary

[email protected]

TNT and ICE Youth Clubs

Steve and Meg Coppin 01342 822117

Church Officials

Vicar Paddy Macbain 790269

Reader Derek Heath 790696

Pastoral Co-ordinators Cedric Parrish

740465

Churchwardens Shelagh Gilliam 790803

Charles Critchley 740095

Secretary PCC Angela Barraclough

Treasurer Will Loveridge 07764 894059

Parochial Church Council Members

Sally Alexander, Tony Blake, Shelagh

Gilliam, Meg Coppin, Charles Critchley,

Chris Critchley, Sue Hicks, Ally Large,

Will Loveridge, Cedric Parrish. Mae

Lewis, Ian Barras-Hill

Youth Ministry (includes TNT and ICE)

Fabric Officer Tony Blake 790536

Planned Giving Officer

Will Loveridge 07764 894059

Electoral Roll Officer

Cedric Parrish 740465

Parish Safeguarding Officer Alistair

Large 01444 891392

Organists David Usher 790759, Barbara

Beedle 740558, Katren Bishop

Verger Jennie Marten 790396

Tower Captain Andrew Hough 740872

Transport to Church Jane Leuchars

740273

Magazine Distributors Charles Critchley

740546, Anne Hoeglund 790470

Magazine Advertising: Stefan Mercado

Email: [email protected]


Dear Parishioners, Many people are finding this a difficult time, not only due to health concerns but also because of social isolation and knowing where to access the help they need. There are a number of places where we can find support. If you would like assistance with food supplies, dog walking, sending mail (all carried out within current health guidelines) or would just like a friendly chat, we have a long list of volunteers including myself who are happy to help. Please ring 01825 790269 or email [email protected] to arrange. As this initiative is co-ordinated with the Parish Council, you can also contact the Parish Council Clerk by emailing [email protected] or by ringing 01342 822404. You are of course welcome to ring me with pastoral or spiritual concerns. If you would prefer to speak to someone outside the parish, you may be interested in ‘Helping You’, the pastoral care phone line arranged by the Diocese of Chichester and Together In Sussex. The phone number is 01273 421021, please see this magazine for further details. Whilst church members miss seeing one another face-to-face on Sundays, the good news is that a range of online church services are available at www.allsaintsdanehill.org.uk. We have been encouraged by the number of people viewing these services and by the feedback received. In addition, you can take part in an Alpha enquirers’ group, a weekly cuppa or a homegroup, all online - please contact me for details. We are thankful for these ways to grow in faith and to stay in touch, as well as for the trusty telephone! It has been heart-warming to see how people in the wider community have pulled together at this time. As our churches’ annual meeting is being postponed, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Churchwardens, PCC members and all church members for their service over the last year - and especially during the current crisis for the many ways that they have shown God’s love in action. As Proverbs 30:5 says, ‘He is a shield to those who take refuge in him’. With warm greetings,

mailto:[email protected]



All Saints Church, Danehill with Chelwood Gate - May 2020 All services are now online.

When restrictions are eased to allow services in our churches to resume, details

will be posted on the doors of both churches, and on the website:


The website also provides other worship resources, including prayers, the weekly

sermon and service, and suggested Bible passages.

For more information, please contact the Revd. Paddy MacBain on 01825 790269

All services are available on the website until the following Wednesday.

Sunday 3rd

9.30am

11am

Traditional Morning Prayer

All Age Service

Sunday 10th

9.30am

11am

4pm

Holy Communion

Informal Service

Worship@4

Sunday 17th

9.30am

11am

4pm

Modern Morning Prayer

Informal Service

Informal Prayer Service

Thursday 21st

10am

Ascension Day Morning Prayer

Sunday 24th

9.30am

11am

4pm

Holy Communion

Informal Communion

Worship@4

Sunday 31st, Pentecost

9.30am

11am

No afternoon service

Traditional Morning Prayer

Informal Service

http://www.allsaintsdanehill.org.uk/


The Archbishop of Canterbury has launched a 24-hour free phone line for Christian worship and prayer, aimed at those who have no or limited access to the internet. ‘Daily Hope’ brings worship and prayer into people’s homes while church buildings are closed because of the coronavirus. Daily Hope is available on 0800 804 8044.

COVID-19 AND SELF-ISOLATION If you are self-isolating due to COVID-19, we will try to help by:

• Picking up shopping

• Posting mail

• Being a friendly voice at the end of the phone

• Providing technical tips so you can keep in touch online If you are concerned just telephone or email and someone will be in touch. Revd. Paddy Macbain – (01825) 790269 [email protected] Danehill Parish Council – (01342) 822404 REMINDERS:

• Coronavirus is contagious so please take every precaution to ensure you are only spreading kindness.

• Avoid physical contact by keeping a distance of 2 metres (current recommendation).

• Wash hands regularly and leave all items on doorsteps.

By contacting us you are agreeing for your contact details to be shared for this purpose between volunteer groups in compliance with data protection regulations, but they will not be passed on to external groups or for other purposes. Any queries just contact Paddy Macbain or the Parish office.


Prayers for VE Day On Friday 8th May we mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. On this date in 1945, the Allies formally accepted Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces. We give thanks for the end of the Second World War in Europe, and for the peace which we now enjoy. For health reasons we cannot gather as we planned for a service around the War Memorial to mark the event. However, we can still join together in prayer. On Friday 8th May you may wish to pray in your own way, or to use the intercessions below. “Trusting the promises of God, and with faith in his mercy, let us pray to the Lord. Let us give thanks for the selfless and courageous service and sacrifice of those who brought peace to Europe. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. We pray for nations still devastated by war, for their people and their leaders, and for those who suffer the effects or memories of past wars; for veterans, for those who mourn, and for all innocent victims whose lives have been shattered by the cruelty of others. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. Let us give thanks for those who work for peace and liberty throughout the world, for the Armed Forces of the Crown, and for all who strive to bring an end to injustice and oppression; Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. We pray for those in our own day who have grown weary or lost hope as a result of violence or terror; for all refugees and displaced people, and for those who seek to address the causes of discord and distrust; Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. Let us give thanks for the reconciliation of former enemies, for the flourishing of goodwill between them, and for the many blessings we enjoy as a result of the sacrifices which have made for peace; Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. We pray for the young people of our own day and for all who will shape the future of this nation, that they may be inspired by those who have gone before them to serve as they have been served; Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. For the reconciliation of former enemies and for the flourishing of goodwill between them, and for the many freedoms and benefits we enjoy as a result of the sacrifices which have made for peace; Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.”


Hearing You The Diocese of Chichester with Together in Sussex are launching Hearing You, a new pastoral phone line to enable the people of Sussex to feel connected and supported. It is a phoneline with the number 01273 425047. It will provide pastoral support and a listening ear to the recently bereaved and people directly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. It will be staffed by volunteers who are trained in pastoral care and listening skills: clergy and licensed lay ministers. All volunteer listeners will: • have an active DBS and have completed safeguarding training with the Diocese of Chichester • be able to point callers to their parish clergy • direct callers to other organisations offering specialist support if appropriate • offer to pray for the caller or for their concerns. NB This is not a substitute for the emergency services (111 or 999) or a counselling service. It is a human, Christian response to anyone who turns to the Church in this time of need. Hospital chaplains within the diocese will also be able to direct people to the service. The phonelines will be open to anyone living in Sussex whether they currently attend a church or not. The service will initially run to the end of May, Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 7.00pm. The Hearing You number is: 01273 425047 For details about volunteering, please contact: Luci Fievet on 01273 421021 or email [email protected]


Local services Facebook: The popular villages’ group: Danehill and Chelwood Gate Community Alert 2 The Parish Council page: Danehill Parish Council All Saints Church: All Saints Danehill with Chelwood Gate Wealden District Council’s website has a full summary and information on special measures relating to COVID-19. From the main homepage you can also subscribe to Wealden’s weekly email newsletter. www.wealden.gov.uk East Sussex County Council also has an email newsletter option on its website and services updates. www.eastsussex.gov.uk/news West Sussex County Council: libraries are closed (including East Grinstead and Haywards Heath), but there are lots of books, newspapers etc available online through the library service: www.westsussex.gov.uk/libraries Metrobus is keeping its website updated - www.metrobus.co.uk and you can also find them on Facebook if you search for Metrobus.

The Old Dairy Farm and Shop, Sliders Lane, Furners Green, TN22 3RT Monday – Sunday, 9am - 6pm, tel: 01825 790517 https://www.theolddairyfarmshop.co.uk Coach and Horses pub - now doing takeaway menu Thurs-Sat from 5.30pm-8pm Orders need to be called through in advance from 4.30pm each evening. Menus available online. https://www.coachandhorses.co/ Tel: 01825 740369 Bates’s Sausages – pork, bacon and ham Contact Richard – 01825 740460 or [email protected] Llama Park – online grocery food orders for collection https://llamapark.co.uk/llama-park-takeaway-food-service/ Fletching Village Stores – groceries. https://www.fletchingvillagestores.com/shop 01825 729629

https://www.theolddairyfarmshop.co.uk/

https://www.coachandhorses.co/

https://llamapark.co.uk/llama-park-takeaway-food-service/

https://www.fletchingvillagestores.com/shop


CHELWOOD GATE VILLAGE HALL

and

DANEHILL AND CHELWOOD GATE SOCIAL CLUB formally

DANEHILL BRANCH

of

ROYAL BRITISH LEIGON

75TH Anniversary V E Day 8th May 2020

In view of the current coronavirus restrictions in force, we

would like to ask all parishioners to remember our relatives

and friends who served in WWII, on the 75th Anniversary of

VE DAY, 8th May 1945

Robin and Jean Wood

Chelwood Gate and Danehill Village Market

On behalf of the Chelwood Gate and Danehill Village Market committee, we trust all our loyal supporters are keeping well. Obviously, the May market will not be taking place and plans for the Good Companions tea celebrating VE Day are postponed for the time being. Hopefully, we will be able to run the village market on 19th September and will keep you informed via the Parish Magazine. Hope to see you all once “normal service is resumed”. Roy Galley, Chairman


Youth Worker news If you haven’t yet heard - we're really pleased to announce that there has been good news on the youth (& families') worker search! Josh Watson, who is currently a student youth worker at St. Paul's in Salisbury, has accepted the role. Josh is in his fifth year at St. Paul’s and is also completing a BA in Applied Theology from Moorlands College. The large interviewing group, which included some young people, were unanimous in choosing to offer him the role. Josh is married to Kirsti who is a social worker who shares his passion for faith. He studied in Lewes and Brighton and the couple have family in Lewes and Haywards Heath. COVID-19 permitting, their move to the parish will take place in August. Our thanks to the interviewing team who put Josh rigorously through his paces and thank you all for your prayers on this subject over a long period! Your continued prayers are appreciated.

The Millennium Obelisk It seems incredible that twenty years ago we celebrated the arrival of a new millennium in the village. The Memorial Hall hosted a 24-hour round the clock party. The Millennium Committee agreed there should be a commemorative structure in the village to remember both the new millennium and our unique position on The Prime Meridian. This created a lot of dissent as those who remembered the old Greenwich Meridian claimed precedence over that now known as WS84 since 1984. In 1984 World Time was transferred from Greenwich to the Atomic Clock in Paris. By doing so, scientists created an error of 0.04 seconds. The earth rotates at 1500 mph which in our approximate Latitude of 50 degrees equates to 364 feet, taking it from Freshfield Lane to School Lane. The structure was opened by The Lord Lt. of Sussex, Admiral Lindsay Bryson on January 1st, 2000. There was space for a time capsule which was contributed to by 550 villagers and sealed up the following 1st May. I recount this event in the village, because I thought that this would be a good year to check the capsule. Seemingly, we have been upstaged by the current pandemic and maybe we should consider 2025? Malcolm Burwood, Danehill Memorial Hall [email protected]


Ashdown WI A message for our members - By now you should have heard from the WI either by phone or email. If you haven't been contacted, please let me know. The three-week extension of the lock down means that there will be no meeting on May 12th and the group meeting on May 21st has been postponed until October 1st. Thanks to all those helpful neighbours who have a delivery slot and are adding on our shopping lists. I wonder what your shopping list items would be? One lady I know put down Brasso - to do those jobs that never get done and another lady (100 years old) when asked what she needed replied, ‘chocolate or chocolate biscuits, please’! As for me, delight at receiving custard powder and Nivea cream was unbelievable! If anyone needs help, please get in touch.

Yvonne Smith 740471


Birdwatching notes for May Take joy from birds around in Danehill & Chelwood Gate during Lockdown

2020

Unlike us nature is not constrained by “lockdown”. Look and listen in your

garden, overhead in the sky or on your daily walk. Always the best time of day

for bird activity is early morning because birds become active before sunrise (the

males singing to protect territories and attract mates). Singing and feeding activity

tails off towards 11am.

A tip: try to learn the call and song of a new species each week starting with the

list in last month’s article.

In addition, I have recently been

hearing in particular Blue

Tit, Nuthatch, Greenfinch (pic

left) and Chaffinch from my

garden.

May is the very best month of the

year for seeing and hearing garden

and farmland birds in England. Our

resident species have by now paired

up (or formed a menage a trois in the

case of Dunnock) and made their

nests and are feeding their hungry

young: so put out recommended bird food to attract the parent birds to your

garden. Have a source of water for them to drink and bathe too.

So too in May the Chiffchaffs (pic right) and

Blackcaps, which arrived from the

Mediterranean area last month, will be nesting

and male Blackcaps are part of the early

morning chorus. If your walk takes you

through farmland fields with hawthorn hedges

listen and look out for Whitethroats (a

summer visitor from the Sahel region in

Africa) and resident Yellowhammers who

nest there.


Not just our gardens but our woods and fields and even the skies are bird-filled in

May!

By now Barn Swallows, Swifts and House Martins have all arrived in our

area following their long journey over the Sahara - Swallows having flown all the

way from South Africa to delight us.

A dark navy-black bird with very long tail streamers, incessantly twittering in

flight not far above our heads will be a Barn Swallow. Swifts are much larger

birds, screaming in frenzied flight around houses and in June may be seen

around Danehill Church. They look uniform black with very long angled wings

reminding me in shape of a smooth boomerang and almost tail-less.If you are

lucky enough to spot a small bird somewhat like a Swallow without long tail

streamers but sporting a startling white rump patch, a white belly and navy head

and short navy wings you have seen a House Martin. I always think they look as

if they have donned evening dress!

Clive Poole, Voluntary Ranger, Ashdown Forest.


Songs of Praise The parish magazine team asked our regular organists to choose their three favourite hymns to play at All Saints Church, Danehill… David Usher

• And now, O Father, mindful of the love that bought us, once for all, on Calvary's tree (tune: Unde et Memores)

• Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One, is here

• The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended Barbara Beedle

• Love divine, all loves excelling, to the tune Blaenwern.

• Take my life, and let it be consecrated Lord to thee.

• Guide me o thou Great Redeemer, to tune Cwm Rhondda.

The tunes for both hymns 1 and 3 were composed by Welshmen and are very well known, therefore easy to lead on the organ when playing for a congregation. As the second hymn tells of the great sacrifice made by the Lord Jesus when he died on the cross to take away our sin, it therefore needs to be played with great expression and thoughtfulness. But the final verse of all 3 hymns lend themselves to being played with a great crescendo! Katren Bishop

• Guide Thee O my great redeemer. It has wonderful harmonies, wonderful descant and pedalling opportunities.

• Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy one is here. I love to try and play this prayerfully and to create the crescendo and diminuendo in the last 2 lines of each verse (quite difficult at Danehill as there’s no ‘volume’ control on the organ!).

• Colours of Day. This is perhaps better known in Catholic Churches, but it’s one that the congregation just can’t help singing along to. The challenge for the organist is to resist playing it faster and faster throughout the verses - it’s such a swinging and foot tapping one!


Noah’s Ark Parent and Toddler Group We started the spring term happily kneading green homemade play dough and

what wonderful shapes were achieved. In the following sessions we enjoyed

gluing red heart cards to take home for Valentine’s Day and tricky roller ball

painting.

We also started to create a huge collage to display at the back of church. The little

ones had a great time crawling around on the church floor, sponge painting blue

sky and then green grass, a colourful background for the masterpiece. Smartly

dressed (by the children) cardboard figures were then attached ready for the last

cut outs to be added.

Unfortunately, 10th March was our last session so we can’t wait to meet up again

and hopefully finish the multi-coloured collage in the not too distant future.

When we can come together again, we will meet, as usual, on Tuesdays during

term time 9:30 - 11:30am in All Saints church.

Meanwhile keep safe.

Sally Alexander and The Noah’s Ark Team


Bee Swarms It will soon be that time of the year again (end of April. May, June and sometimes July) when honey bees will start to swarm. Swarming is the natural way that a colony of honey bees reproduces. It happens when a new queen has been formed and is almost ready to emerge from her cell. Unlike humans, the parent queen and flying bees leave their home rather than waiting for the offspring to leave and set up independently. In preparation for swarming honey bees gorge on the hive honey, prior to their journey in search of a suitable nesting site. When they are ready to go, the bees leave the hive and can appear as a cloud in the air. We tend to spot them when they are resting as a cluster, attached to a tree branch, with the queen at their centre. Without her, there is no future for the colony. If you are unsure what a swarm looks like, please google it and select images to see. The resting place for a swarm can be in the most unusual places and should not be confused with a wasp nest. Swarming bees have little interest in people when in this mode, having gorged themselves on honey from the hive, prior to leaving it. As such, whilst it might look intimidating, they really are quite docile. Their priority is to find a safe place to set up their new colony, so you have little to fear from them. However, you should still act with caution as bees are wild insects. Please contact me If you find or see a resting swarm. I’m a local beekeeper who will come and collect it. I have several hives on farms in the district. Local Honey (1/2lb jars) will be available from the farm in Piltdown. I should have small tubs available this year at the farm, for those who’d like larger quantities. Nick Pendleton Woodside Farm, Piltdown 07931751556


Danehill Parish Historical Society

The 2020 talks and visits

programme has been

abandoned for the time being,

but the website continues to

be developed. A major new

section is nearing completion.

It is based on the walk last

summer by Jennie Marten

around Danehill village centre.

Perhaps while on your

‘government endorsed

exercise’ time you may be

able to locate the sites of the ironmongers, petrol station, village store, bakery, toll

house, beerhouses and newsagent, as well as services such as the wheelwright,

shoemaker, forge and tailor. You can even find the two hollows on the green that

mark the site of burial vaults, the only remaining evidence of the Chapel of Ease

that stood there. The village pond is now completely covered by the Social Club

car park.

Full details and photos on the website: www.danehillhistory.org and then click on

‘Danehill 1900’

It is interesting to see how self-sufficient villagers were a century ago and to

speculate on whether our modern systems are as robust as they were then.

Anne Drewery 07426258083

http://www.danehillhistory.org/


The Ashdown Weekend The 2020 Ashdown Weekend has been postponed. Due to the uncertainly surrounding all major events at the moment, we have had to take the difficult decision to cancel the planned June 2020 Ashdown Weekend. The plan is to move to 2021 and continue with the next event in 2023. Further details as we know them will be posted on here and on social media. If anyone wants to join the organising committee, please get in touch! [email protected], or via the website www.ashdown-weekend.com

©Craig Payne

Craig Payne is a professional photographer who lives in Danehill. He started snapping away as a youngster and today combines his passion for the fresh air of our local countryside with his career. Over the next few months, Craig has very kindly agreed that we can feature a selection of his local landscape work. This month we hope you enjoy the wonderful sight of wild garlic. If you’d like to see more of Craig’s work, please have a look at his website: www.craigpayne.co.uk


http://www.ashdown-weekend.com/

http://www.craigpayne.co.uk/


Parish Council News Parish Council Meetings The Parish Council met for an emergency meeting at the end of March and agreed in accordance with government guidelines it would postpone future meetings including the annual parish meeting until further notice. Parish Council news will be added to the council website and Facebook. If you have any news or photos to add please forward to [email protected]. The Council and Church have created a volunteer group to help in the current challenging times, details of which are on both Facebook and the Church and Council websites. If you can help or need help get in touch with your local volunteer co-ordinator. Playgrounds and Parish Council owned land The Danehill playground is closed due to the lockdown guidance from central government. Jubilee Wood play area has signage confirming closure of the play area although as an open space the Council is hoping people will use common sense rather than more stringent measures being required. The woodland is open in accordance with social distancing guidance. The Rec and the tennis courts are all open and will be monitored but we hope to keep available however any concerns over non-compliance over social distancing can be reported to Sussex Police on 101. It is hoped we can get back to normal ASAP and the Council does not want to close these spaces but has to comply with the regulations passed on by the Government. We will monitor it and continue to adapt as required. VE day and commemorative bench The Council agreed to cancel the May celebrations and attempt a celebration when possible. The bench is purchased and will be installed in due course. Planning All planning applications will be considered by email and decisions added to the website. If members of the public wish to comment they can email the Clerk in the usual way. Next Meeting - To be confirmed. Any queries please contact the Clerk by email [email protected] or 01342 822404 (answer machine).



Wealden and East Sussex council news

Community Support The Community Hub which is coordinating assistance for people during the pandemic has now had 700 contacts in Wealden. We are working closely with the County Council, NHS and other councils. Most of our local communities have their own neighbourhood schemes and families and neighbours are looking after one another. At this stage, we have more than enough volunteers but we are all grateful that so many are willing to help. Business Payment of business rates has been suspended for over 2200 qualifying businesses. In addition, well over £20million of Business grants have been paid out to local businesses. We have provided signage to help to reinforce the social distancing message. The Wealden website also includes a list of food businesses providing takeaway services. Benefits. For those in difficulties, we are administering the Government’s Hardship fund for council taxpayers entitled to Council Tax support. Benefit claims have also increased significantly, and we are processing those as quickly as possible. Waste Collection Performance by our waste collectors remains good with only 68 missed bins in the week ending 18th April. We have now been able to restore the Garden waste service from April 20th and bin delivery services are increasing. There has not been a major increase in fly tipping although with the large ESCC Household Waste Recovery sites being closed, some are leaving DIY and garden rubbish at the local recycling Bring sites. It would help if folk did not do this. I am campaigning to re -open the Household amenity sites such as the one at Maresfield but so far, I am in a minority. It is argued that this is not an essential service, but people need to dispose of their DIY and bulkier rubbish and I think we can do this whilst upholding social distancing and controlling traffic queues.


Dog Poo Many dog owners are taking their dogs for a walk nearer to home, rather than driving to the Forest or other green areas. Please encourage everyone to pick up poo and either find a dog bin or take it home. It is an offence to leave it in the street and people can be fined. if you are walking in green areas and picking it up, please take it home. Do not leave it hanging in a bag on a bush. This is the worst possible option. Fire and Rescue Service Emergency response continues as normal with the usual prompt attendance to incidents. There are an increasing number of fires in the open although, of course, fewer road accidents. The Fire service are keen to discourage bonfires since they can so readily get out of control The Fire Brigades Union have agreed that in addition to core duties, fire fighters will assist the Ambulance service both driving ambulances and carrying out other patient transport. They will also deliver food and medicines to vulnerable people and distribute PPE. If necessary, they will move casualties. However, fortunately they have not been called on apart from a few specific tasks. This week the Fire Authority agreed a public consultation on a wide-ranging number of changes to the Fire and Rescue service. You will be asked to take part. I will provide a fuller update soon. Roy Galley

[email protected], [email protected], 01825 713018

We are very grateful to everyone who has contributed articles and their time to make

publication and distribution of this month’s issue possible. You can send your

submissions for next month’s magazine by Friday May 22nd to:

[email protected]

This month’s editor – Emma Gilliam, 790803

For all queries regarding advertising and special run ‘flyers’, please email Stefan

Mercado: [email protected]





Peregrine Falcon Michael Blencowe of the Sussex Wildlife Trust

Circling high in the blue skies above Sussex is one of the

world’s deadliest predators. Peregrines are hunting above us. Scanning the avian

traffic in the Sussex airspace, their incredible vision locks on to an unsuspecting

bird passing below and the Peregrine instantly negotiates one of the most

sophisticated aerial manoeuvres possible. They stop flying. With wings and feet

tucked in tightly, peregrines drop from the sky at an unbelievable speed – hurtling

earthwards at up to 200 mph - the fastest creature on our planet. Everything, even

the eyelids and nostrils on this bird are built for speed. Like a bomb made out of

muscle and feathers, it’ll decimate any victim in its path.

We’re fortunate to still have these amazing birds here in Sussex. During WW2

their taste for pigeons (including those carrying wartime messages) saw

Peregrines treated as if they were on the payroll of Mr Hitler himself. The

Secretary of State for Air declared war on these falcons and issued the

‘Destruction of Peregrine Falcons Order’. The birds were slaughtered, their nests

destroyed. After we gave Adolf the old heave-ho, Peregrines were left alone and

numbers began to recover. But they were to face an even more deadly threat than

the British Government; Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (or DDT to its friends).

Farmers worldwide had started spraying a variety of wonderful new chemical

insecticides all over the countryside to improve yields. These invisible poisons hit

the bird at the top of the food chain the hardest. In 1958 there were 650 pairs of

Peregrines in Britain. Six years later there were 68. Concerns over their decline

sparked an investigation that led back to the source of the Peregrine poisoning and

the world’s eyes were opened to the reality of the damage that these chemicals

could cause to our environment and to us. Rachel Carson wrote ‘Silent Spring’,

the environmental movement was born and green was upgraded from a sort of

yellowy-blue colour to an entire way of life.

Today, perched on our cliffs and cathedrals, high above the organic food-filled

shelves in kitchens across Sussex, the killer that kick-started the environmental

uprising stands defiantly overlooking us all like a beaked Che Guevara. A

feathered testament to revolution, strength and tofu veggie burgers.

www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk

http://www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/join


Keeping fit and healthy – Ali Creelman Hi all, I do hope you are coping in these strange times! I am fairly new to the

area, I moved to The Chapel, School Lane in November 2019 and I love the area. I have experienced how wonderful the community spirit is through all of this coronavirus times, which is such a positive thing! It’s so important to focus on the positives at the moment. I think it is important to stay mentally and physically healthy and of course they go hand in hand. If you look after your physical health it will also help

your mental health and keep that vital immune system strong. I am a qualified sports therapist, personal trainer and nutrition advisor and

have been doing this for over 20 years now. I also do a bit of dog walking since losing my beautiful rescue just over a year ago - something that hit me very hard! It was only my exercise and work that got me through it.

Like so many I have taken to doing some of the work I can do online and have joined the Zoom craze. I do a daily zoom circuit class which I know some of you have already joined. I am also looking into doing an online recovery programme for those who have had the misfortune of catching this awful virus. If there’s anyone who would like to try it out, please contact me for more details.

In the meantime, a few tips to keep yourselves healthy during lock

down:

• Eat healthy whole foods

• Limit your alcohol (I know some of you won’t like this!)

• Drink plenty of water

• Do some exercise every day that gets you out of breath

• Walk outside if possible - nature is very nurturing

• Talk! Keep in touch with people on the phone And if you fancy try my circuits it’s a great fun work out and a chance to

interact with a few people too! Stay strong everyone, and we will come out of this better people. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any advice at all Email [email protected] Tel 07771 630000



Round and about in the parish… The Rev. Pym Cornish wrote about Danehill in his memoirs and

describes some of the houses and its occupants. He said, “beyond the

Heathfield’s teashop, and still on the main Lewes-Forest Row road

through Danehill, were a few more small houses, in one of which lived

a young woman so largely incapacitated that she had not walked

unaided for some time. In my time she was to be sent to Guy’s

Hospital for what I can only name, as a layman in such matters, ‘hole

in the heart surgery.’ At that time this operation was in its infancy in

the UK. But already successful operations had taken place in the USA.

We owe it to the munificence of the London Clothworkers Company

that a surgeon was brought over from America to teach our people the

necessary skills. I had the joy of preparing my parishioner for the

operation at Guys Hospital the day before this took place.”

In 1947 Mr Henry Hawkins Turner who lived at Shotover (next to the

Church) was the Master of the Clothworkers Company in London, which

is a Livery company involved in charitable works. Whilst their

researcher Jessica Collins has looked through their records for me, she

cannot trace anything about the Clothworkers Company paying for

surgeons from the USA. However, Jessica tells me that each Master

had his own “pot” which he could use for charitable works during his

term of office, in which case they would hold no records. In view of the

Rev Cornish’s remarks it seems possible that Mr

Hawkins Turner arranged for the operation to

take place. He would certainly have been aware

of the plight of the young lady and could well

have taken it upon himself to help out. (pic left

- Mr Hawkins Turner in 1947 in his ceremonial

robes as Master of the Clothworkers co.).

Vi Etherton who knew Rita well has told me of

the background to this story. Rita’s father, Bert

Cragg came to Danehill to collect the fruit going

to Brighton and Vi’s father suggested Rita stay

with them during the war. Rita did come and

stayed with the Dixon family who lived at Beech

Cottage (a beech tree was outside the house). Rita was confined to a

wheelchair and when the weather was good she would be pushed to

the end of the drive so she could talk to people, but of course if a

bombing raid was taking place it would be hard for the young ladies of


the house to get Rita safely back in the house. Somehow or other, the

Canadian soldiers who were stationed at Sheffield Park got to know of

this, and they made sure there was always a soldier at the ready, who

came complete with helmet and rifle, to help push Rita inside sharpish

if an enemy aircraft flew overhead, but it never did.

Rita (pictured with her twin sisters

who were then 9 years old) had to

sleep downstairs on the sofa as she

could not get upstairs. The house

had no facilities, only an outside

toilet and a bath with a cold tap, no

running hot water, but they

managed.

The Rev Pym Cornish continues “The

patient not only recovered but

married soon after and later migrated to Canada, happily well.” Well,

that’s not correct. Rita had a stroke during the operation which left her

paralysed down the left side, but she could walk, albeit with a limp and

her left arm was paralysed. Also, Rita never married. She did

however make friends with what was known as a ‘sky pilot’ - i.e. a

vicar who used to take her out and about in his car. But it’s true she

did emigrate to Canada with her other sisters, two of whom married

Canadian soldiers from Sheffield Park.

The Rev. Pym Cornish recalls he had tremendous backing from Mr and

Mrs Hawkins Turner and, at a time when the Church needed substantial

repairs, they pledged themselves to give pound for pound the money

raised elsewhere in the Parish.

My thanks to Jessica Collins (Clothworkers Co), Ian and Vi Etherton,

and Laurence Hardy.

Jill Rolfe 740446


Time passes… Listen! 2020 - Monday April 20th, 8am

Stonequarry Road, normally humming with traffic at this hour, is still

and silent; some curtains are still closed; the only sound and

movement are birds enjoying this Spring morning alone. What day is

it? Easy to forget during our fifth week of Lockdown which still feels

unreal.

Today’s peaceful Chelwood Gate takes me back to September 1967 and

our move here when, after 6 months of newly married life in swinging

60s London, we were burgled and decided to move out of Town.

Where to look? Sussex beckoned, and finally a stone cottage, for which

we made a brave offer of £6,000. Offer accepted, we were now excited

but impoverished homeowners with a long mortgage!

Initially, the only people we saw walking in the road were two

gentlemen pensioners from The Beacon Care Home coming to buy their

sweets at Walders Stores, followed sometimes by a pint at the

Stonequarry Inn, and a wobbly walk back.

Between decorating, gardening and enjoying Forest walks, I soon found

myself teaching part-time at Danehill school as the Headmaster, Mr

Edward’s assistant for the top class. Every subject except Maths,

which I declined!

Following one Nature Study lesson, Richard Bates’ piglet caused

excitement when it escaped into the playground!

Our young Labrador lay in the classroom until break time when eager

volunteers would take him over to the woods to play and make camps.

Along came our children in 1968 and 1970 when Sister Witter was our

parish nurse and midwife. A daily outside rest in the chariot style pram

was de rigueur for all babies, rain or shine, plus visits to the baby clinic

at the village hall and time to socialise. Christenings were memorable

but more formal occasions held in the afternoons for individual families,

followed by a special tea including the Vicar, then the Rev. Mark

Russell.

Peaceful though it was in 1967, the parish had a good number of shops

- Walders Stores and Bakery (still a counter service with cash till),

Wayside Stores, Beaconsfield Road (known as Fortnum and Mason!),


Post Office stores on Beaconsfield Road, Agombar’s Stores in Tanyard

Lane, Danehill Stores and Post Office, plus a small greengrocer on

Beaconsfield Road.

Cottenham’s Bakery in Danehill had a door-to-door delivery service

with Colin bearing a large basket of freshly baked loaves. Bill Marten

ran a bike and barber shop on Beaconsfield Road and Michael Postman

pedalled up and down the hill on his trusty bicycle, navy blue suit and

peaked hat, always cheery!

A knife grinder and a gypsy traveller did the rounds occasionally.

Nostalgic memories indeed, brought back by our present slower,

quieter lives, strange though they seem. The parish has seen so many

changes but its friendliness and support, especially just now, is

testament to my staying here for so long. Keep well everyone!

Lesley Boase

Ladies Craft Evenings

We are very thankful that we (a bunch of church and non-church ladies) have

been able to enjoy lots of laughs together, making fun and hopefully useful stuff.

We are blessed with artistic people, so we have been able to create spring sugar

flowers, a new brand of ‘Pritt Stick’, Christmas biscuits, hand creams and a lot of

other weird and wonderful things. Even more than this, we have been greatly

inspired by visiting speakers and wonderful ladies in our congregation telling us

about their walk with God.

A massive ‘thank you’ to all who helped at different points and we look forward

to future get-togethers. Meanwhile, we are toying with the idea of getting

something online. We acknowledge with the apostle James that “Every good and

perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows.” Please pray for us and dare to join us

in future whether you would like to discover a new gift, improve a skill, share

your gift with us or simply enjoy a night out.

Sue Hicks and Gabriela MacBain [email protected]



A Wordsearch…


Look out for these words in the puzzle… Abednego Abel Abraham Adam Andrew

Asa Barabbas Barnabus Bartimeus Belshazzar

Benjamin Boaz Cain Dan Daniel

David Delilah Eli Elijah Elisha

Elizabeth Enoch Esau Esther Eve

Ezekiel Ezra Gabriel Gideon Goliath

Hagar Ham Herod Hur Isaac

Isiah Ishmael Jair Jairus Jacob

James Jeremiah Jesse Jesus John

Jonah Joseph Joshua Judah Judas

Lazarus Leah Levi Luke Mark

Mary Matthew Meshach Michah Midian

Moses Namaan Naomi Nebuchadnezzar Nicodemus

Noah Obed Paul Peter Pilate

Rebecca Ruth Samson Samuel Sarah

Saul Shadrach Simeon Simon Soloman

Tiberius Thomas Timothy Uz Zacchaeus

Zebedee

danehill & chelwood gate societies and charity representatives · danehill c of e school,...

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