Angmering Village Life
News Archive
May 2007
People passing St Margaret's Church and Fletcher's Field at midday today may well have been deceived into thinking that a strong police presence was needed to part a group of unruly teenagers from the cans of lager that the latter appeared to be drinking. However, this was all being staged as part of a film which ITN Consulting (a division of ITN News Ltd) was producing for the Association of Chief Police Officers' Conference 2007. The 3 minute film is being made on behalf of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to demonstrate their growing success across the country by working closely with the main police force, community wardens and the public. In the photos below, Angmering's PCSO (Andrea Oakley) and a colleague can be seen being filmed "dealing" with the youngsters. Readers can be assured that no alcohol was consumed by the teenagers, although some were a little disappointed that they were not allowed to sample the "props"!
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The Littlehampton/Angmering/Rustington/Ferring area was chosen primarily due to the success of our PCSOs in reducing the incidents of local crime and anti-social behaviour in the area. Since police early warning radiophones were provided in certain parts of Angmering at the beginning of this year, statistics appear to bear out this claim. Comparing the period 1 July - 31 December 2006 (6 months) to the period 1 January - 31 May 2007 (5 months), in five targetted areas in the parish, "crimed" calls have reduced by 24% and anti-social behaviour calls have reduced by 49%. What was noticeable during the filming today was the excellent relationship between the police and the teenagers, several of whom had participated in the making of the youth film "Our Place" which is to be shown at the community film show this Saturday evening in the Village Hall. The film produced from today's "shoot" will be shown at the ACPO Conference 2007.
The monthly Village Market returns to the Village Hall and its car park this Saturday (2 June). Stall holders from both West and East Sussex will again be selling some fantastic produce - sausages, pies, bread, cakes, chocolates, cheese, jams & chutneys, beers, plants, etc. New for this month will be an organic vegetable stall. Additionally there will be craft stalls providing added interest. Refreshments will also be available. Car parking spaces for buyers will be available in the Angmering Medical Centre. The Market opens at 9.00 am and continues to 1.00 pm. Admission to the Market is free. Do be aware that the Village Markets need support from the whole village. So, if you do not support them, you will lose them!
The final community film show of the season will be "MISS POTTER" (UK PG) starring Renee Zellweger, Ewan McGregor and Emily Watson. This is the heart-warming period movie about the life of the artist, story-tellerand author of children's books, Beatrix Potter, and is highly recommended for anyone who's been wanting a poignant, feel-good film. Beatrix loved drawing woodland animals as a girl and telling stories about them to her maid and younger brother. Despite her mother's stolid opinion against her adroit hobby, Beatrix displays her fortitude as a young woman trying to get a publisher. The film will be shown at Angmering Village Hall on Saturday 2 June at 7.00pm (doors open 6.45pm). Tickets cost £4.50 and are available from Angmering Framing & Stitches and Woodies News. . Again, these Angmering film shows need support by villagers if they are to continue.
As a bonus at this month's film show, there will be a screening of the 9 minute film which a group of Angmering 15 year olds made recently. They created a film about how they see the village of Angmering, and how they think the village perceives them. The resulting film "Our Place", which received a category second place in a local film awards festival last Saturday, is informative, amusing and surprisingly moving.
A/63/07 - One single storey dwelling on land at rear of West End, High Street. For Mr G Lister. (Readverisement due to Substitute Certificate B)
A/70/07/CLE - Application for certificate of lawfulness for an existing operation - 1 No. residential bungalow and garage - at Lowertrees Farm Bungalow, Roundstone by-pass. For Mr RI Cahn.
Observations on this/these Application(s) must be received by The Head of Planning Services, Arun District Council, The Arun Civic Centre, Maltravers Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 5LF by 21 June 2007.
At the "End of the Pier International Film Festival Awards" this afternoon at The Windmill Theatre, Littlehampton, the Angmering youth film (see News item 17 May below) came equal second in the Youth Screening category. It was a most commendable effort and was only beaten by one from Worthing Youth Film, a group consisting of young people several years older than those who made the Angmering film. Notwithstanding that, I believe that the Angmering film "Our Place" gave out the strongest message of all the films shown and the six youngsters who made it all came out of it with much credit, as did Angmering Community Association (ACA) whose initiative the project was.
Perhaps the real disappointment was the number of people from Angmering who went along to the Awards. Apart from the chairperson of the ACA, only three other Angmering people were present. It is appreciated that some people work on Saturday afternoons but one must question whether the adults of Angmering are really interested in their youth.
Do all things green and eco-friendly get you excited, or do you think all environmentalists are wacky tree-huggers? Climate change is happening now - would you like to know how you can help put Angmering on the map and make your village part of the solution?
"LIVE" in this context stands for "Low Impact Village Environment". This is a funded initiative through Angmering Parish Council to make Angmering more green and eco-friendly and our village is one of only three villages in West Sussex chosen to have an eco-makeover. All villagers are invited to participate in this project and, to learn more about it, you are invited to take along your simple, innovative or crazyideas and/or practical solutions to a consultation meeting on Saturday 26 May (10am - noon) at Angmering Village Hall. There's also the chance to win a wind-up digital radio! See Poster
A/58/07 - Detached single garage and boundary wall with railing at Taskers and Harcourt, West Drive, Ham Manor. For Mr & Mrs A Lehane.
A/67/07/TC - Application to fell 1 x Leylandii and 1 x Fir tree within the Angmering Conservation Area at Bow Cotage, High Street. For Mr C Jeffries.
A/68/07 - Erection of a conservatory at 10 Lansdowne Road. For Mrs FC Hardy.
A/69/07 - Conservatory at side at 91 Greenacres Ring. For Mr & Mrs Smith.
Observations on this/these Application(s) must be received by The Head of Planning Services, Arun District Council, The Arun Civic Centre, Maltravers Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 5LF by 14 June 2007.
An accident in the centre of the village at about 11.15 this morning in wet conditions slowed traffic for about half an hour.
It appears a red car exiting from the junction from Arundel Road at The Green was hit by a dark green car driving through the village from the direction of Water Lane. Both cars were badly damaged. The picture on the right shows police removing the green vehicle from the centre of the road.
A paramedic's ambulance attended the scene and checked the condition of the lady driver of the red car who is not thought to have any serious injury.
How many people I wonder have been and looked at the plans/designs of the proposed Community Centre either in Angmering Library or in the Parish Council Offices? After a week of being on view, I understand that only two comments have been received. What does this derisory lack of feedback tell us? That people do not know that the plans are on display? That people in Angmering are not prepared to get up and go and see the plans? Or there is general apathy to the provision of a Community Centre? Every household in Angmering did receive notification of the plans' availability in the May issue of the Angmering Parish News although admittedly it did not specify where they could be seen.
The lack of feedback is a great shame as the Parish Council has spent a lot of time and money in planning a Community Centre for several years! The plans/designs will be on view all this week and I would urge villagers to go and have a look at them. More than that, do leave your comments in the box provided. If you are happy with the design, do leave positive comments to that effect. Don't just assume that the feedback sheets provided are for negative comments only.
It is understood that a Public Meeting will be arranged by the Parish Council to discuss the Community Centre and Angmering Village Life will let you know the details when they are known. It is important, therefore, that villagers familiarise themselves with the design prior to that meeting. There is also a Community Centre topic in the Forums of this website where people may want to ask interim questions.
For two days in March a group of young people aged 15+, created a film about how they see the village of Angmering, and how they think the village perceives them. They wrote the script, chose their favourite places in the village, interviewed people, learnt about cameras, camera angles, etc. The result was a 9 minute informative, amusing and surprisingly moving film. There was surprise input from a member of the older generation which adds to the enjoyment of the piece. The film making project was an initiative by the Angmering Community Accociation with funding from Awards for All, The Angmering School, and Joint-Eastern Arun Area Committee. It gave the young people a chance to have a voice and to let us know what they would like to see in the village, as well as what they like about living here.
There will be a showing of this film called "This is Our Place" at the End of the Pier International Film Festival, which will be holding the West Sussex Education Awards, at the Windmill Theatre in Littlehampton on Saturday 26 May. The entire programme starts at 11.am but the Angmering film is in the Youth Group awards section which will be shown from 3.00 - 4.00 pm. There will be an award for the best film. Anyone who is interested in seeing the film or supporting the Angmering youth may attend but, to help recoup the hire costs of the venue, a nominal charge will be made for entry - 16 and over £3, under 16 £2, under 5 free.
This Community Association project was a pilot for future film-making activities, and plans are already afoot for film-making with other young people in the village. If you have ideas or know of young people who would wish to participate, email the Association's chair, Carole Mason, at carolefmason@tiscali.co.uk. If adults are interested in making a film about the village, who have expertise/knowledge, Carole would also like to hear from you.
The inquest into the death of 18 year old Adam Blackwood from Littlehampton on New Year's Day heard that he had been drinking beer and vodka during the day. Blood tests showed a level of 123mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, 80ml being the legal drink drive limit. Adam died as a result of being hit by a train on Paggett's foot crossing over the railway between Ashurst Way in Angmering and Warren Crescent in East Preston. The inquest heard that Adam had crossed the line once and he had narrowly avoided being hit by a train. He then crossed back to two girls who had been with him and his friend who were waiting on the other side of the line, and then crossed again for the third time when he was hit by a train. The Coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death and stated that the level of alcohol in Adam's blood was associated with impaired mobility and a loss of inhibition. He also stated that there was no evidence that he had been given to suggest that the foot crossing was inadvertently dangerous.
County Councillor Deborah Urquhart recently reported to Angmering Parish Council that WSCC were unable to close the pedestrian railway crossing until a safer alternative was available and currently there was nothing considered safer. Network Rail have some plans to make the crossing safer and exploratory work is going on. (Sources: Argus & Parish Council Minutes)
A/60/07/L - Application under Regulation 13 of the Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Area) Regulations 1990 for Internal alterations to provide childrens centre facility. New external buggy store at rear and replacement low level fencing to front. at Angmering Public Library. For WSCC. (This application will be determined by WSCC)
A/63/07 - One single storey dwelling on land at rear of West End, High Street. For Mr G Lister.
A/66/07/TC - Application to lop & remove dead wood from five various trees within the Angmering Conservation Area at Garden House, High Street. For Mr BD Lamming.
Observations on this/these Application(s) must be received by The Head of Planning Services, Arun District Council, The Arun Civic Centre, Maltravers Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 5LF by 7 June 2007.
This is part of a nationally run campaign which takes place every year in May, and Angmering Tree Warden, Ken Penny, will be organising Angmering's first ever event. The walk is starting from the car park of the The Woodman pub on the A27 (north of Angmering Village) on Sunday the 27th May 2007 at 9am. It should only take about an hour or maybe a bit longer - depending on the number of questions asked!
This is aimed at the kids mostly, but parents can also learn a thing or two about how big trees are - both above and below ground - and to talk about what lives in the trees, what they mean to us, and why they play such an important part of our everyday lives. For more information, contact Ken Penny on (****) ******.
At the first meeting of the new Parish Council last night, Cllr Nigel Nunn was elected as Chairman of the Council, and Cllr Mark Edwards as Vice-Chairman.
The other members of the Council who put themselves forward at the May elections are: Councillors Paul Bicknell, Tim Mayhead, Steve Mountain, Sue Smith, Christine Stepney, and Patricia Turner. At last night's meeting, two further new councillors were co-opted: Neil Austine and Paul Hankinson, both of whom served as councillors in the previous Council.
This brings the number of councillors to a total of 10 whereas there are 13 seats on the Council. It is hoped that other councillors will be co-opted at the Council's June meeting.
Following the recent Consisitory Court hearing, the Chancellor of the Diocese has decided to grant St Margaret's a Faculty to perform the following alterations to the church:
The Chancellor did make a few conditions to the grant of this Faculty, the most significant relating to the the amount of glazing in both the new extensions on the eastern side of the Church. Although he accepted that the design was of a very high quality, he considered that the amount of glazing in each extension should be reduced. He has required St Margaret's to redesign the glazing, to seek the views of the amenity groups upon it, and then to resubmit the designs to him for his approval.
Commenting in the Angmering Village Life Forums on the granting of the Faculty, the Rector (Canon Mark Standen) said:
"Overall, we are delighted that the Chancellor has given broad approval to the main contours of the scheme, and we look forward to starting the works later on in 2007. Our Building Committee is meeting this Friday to consider the judgment, and to start work on a redesign of the glazing. We have not been asked to abandon the modern style of the glazing, nor even to make radical changes to the colours proposed, but simply to reduce the extent of the glazing, and in particular to eliminate the coloured glass we proposed for under the eaves. Although we are disappointed that the Chancellor didn't see fit to approve the current glazing design, we feel that we will be able to redesign it in a way that will satisfy both our desires, and the Chancellor's views".
The plans for the proposed Angmering Community Centre on Bramley Green are now available for inspection in the Parish Office during opening hours 9.00am - 1.00pm. From Monday (14th), another set will also be on display in Angmering Library.
The plans will only be on display in the Library for two weeks during which time members of the public may make their written comments known to Angmering Parish Council, The Square, Angmering, BN16 4EA.
The next community film this coming Saturday will be the acclaimed comedy drama "THE HISTORY BOYS" (UK 15) starring Richard Griffiths, Frances de la Tour and Stephen Campbell Moore. This all-British award winning film, adapted by Alan Bennett from his play, centres around a grammar school in the north of England in the '80s where eight pupils are preparing for their post-A-Level Oxbridge entrance exam. The eccentric, poetry-loving Hector (Richard Griffiths) is their favourite teacher, but the ruthless, results-oriented techniques of new colleague Irwin (Stephen Campbell Moore) seem more likely to help the History Boys impress their examiners. The History Boys can be enjoyed by everyone, from a Cambridge-educated boffin to someone who just wants a laugh. You'll end up being drawn in by each character, hoping for their successes, and being moved by the relationships depicted in the movie. The film will be shown at Angmering Village Hall on Saturday 12 May at 7.00pm (doors open 6.45pm). Tickets cost £4.50 (but just £4.00 if you also book it with the June film show, "Miss Potter") and are available from Angmering Framing & Stitches and Woodies News, both based in The Square. Tickets may also be available at the door but are subject to availability as numbers are limited Refreshments (drinks, sweets, ice creams, etc) will be on sale and there will be an intermission.
Following yesterday's election, the results for Angmering Ward (3 seats) are as follows:
| Surname | Other Names | Party | Votes | Elected/Not Elected | |
| BICKNELL | Paul Andrew | Conservative | 1380 | Elected | |
| HAZLEHURST | Julie Susan | Conservative | 1318 | Elected | |
| HILL-SMITH | Mike | UKIP | 624 | Not elected | |
| WENSLEY | Dudley Michael | Conservative | 1188 | Elected |
The Percentage Poll (i.e. turn-out) was 33.50%
The May issue of Angmering Parish News has just been printed and distribution will start next week to all households in the parish. This, of course, takes a little time as there are over 3000 households in our large parish to which the News is to be delivered. If you have not received your copy within the next two weeks, get in touch with the Parish Council Office in The Square.
This issue of the Parish News contains a very interesting front-page article on the Angmering LIVE! Project - "LIVE" in this context stands for "Low Impact Village Environment". This is a funded initiative to make Angmering more green and eco-friendly and our village is one of only three villages in West Sussex chosen to have an eco-makeover. All villagers are invited to participate in this project and, to learn more about it, you are invited to take your ideas and practical solutions along to a consultation meeting on Saturday 26 May (10am - noon) at Angmering Village Hall. There's also the chance to win a wind-up digital radio!
Street Lighting - Councillor Nigel Nunn asked if there was going to be a new street light in Palmer Road this year as the minutes appeared confusing. Councillor Kearney-Pateman confirmed that there would indeed be a new light in Palmer Road.
Parking during Church Re-ordering - Councillor King advised that parking on Fletchers Field during the Church re-ordering works would be limited to site contractors. The Highways Committee have been asked to look into village centre parking during the construction work. Councillor King suggested that a field at the end of Rectory Lane might be available for parking.
Traffic Issues - During the public questions session, Mr Gibbs (a member of the public) said he believed that some of the traffic figures published by WSCC were not giving a fair representation of what was actually happening and was of the opinion that the figures should cover a wider area. He asked that consideration be given to holding the public meeting he had requested some months ago. Councillor Anne- Louise Kearney-Pateman invited Mr. Gibbs to discuss highways issues with her in the Parish Council office.
Community Centre - Councillor John King presented reports on the Working Party meeting held on 8th March 2007 and 21st March 2007. No further progress has been made. Councillor Paul Bicknell expressed concerns that the drawings being prepared may not meet all Health and Safety issues. Councillor King said that the drawings were expected any day now and once received would be put on display for public comment. That would be the time for Councillor Bicknell to voice any concerns. (Editor's Note: it now hoped that the plans will be available for Public Viewing/comments in the Library sometime during the week commencing Monday 7 May)
Bramley Green - Devolution of Services - Councillor King reported that a tour of sites to be devolved had been undertaken with TDS and that photographs of defects had been taken. The Council’s solicitors still have to advise on Mayflower Way.
Retirement of Councillors - During the public questions session, Councillors John King (44 years service) and Jeni Black (24 years service) were presented with silver salvers to commemorate their outstanding service to the Parish Council. A bouquet of flowers was presented to Mrs. King. (Editor's Note: I would also like to take this opportunity of recording and applauding the selfless service which both Mr King and Mrs Black have given to the village over the years).
Arun District Council elections are being held tomorrow (Thursday). Four candidates have put their names forward for the three vacancies - see our News item dated 5 April (below). Voters should have received notification of their specific poling station. Because there were insufficient candidates for the Angmering Parish Council, no election will take place. However, I understand some residents will be co-opted onto the Parish Council at its first meeting on 14 May and there is likely to be a couple more vacancies. If anyone wishes to be considered for co-option as a parish councillor, they should contact the Parish Council Office in The Square (Tel: 850756).
The successful monthly Village Market returns to the Village Hall and its car park this Saturday (5 May). Stall holders from both West and East Sussex will again be selling some fantastic produce - meats, pies, bread, cakes, quiches, cheese, jams & chutneys, beers, plants, etc. Additionally there will be a wide range of craft stalls providing added interest. Refreshments will also be available. Car parking spaces for buyers will be available in the Angmering Medical Centre. The Market opens at 9.00 am and continues to 1.00 pm. Admission to the Market is free.
A/56/07/L - Application for Listed Building Consent to reduce width of proposed french doors & add narrow sidelights all within existing width opening at Salters Cottage, High Street. For Mrs M Leach. (Resubmission following A/173/06/L)
Observations on this/these Application(s) must be received by The Head of Planning Services, Arun District Council, The Arun Civic Centre, Maltravers Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 5LF by 24 May 2007.
Honey Lane - The Council had previously written to Mr Somerset, the owner of the land, and he was not prepared to fund its improvement. Councillor Paul Hankinson requested that we write again and see if he would be prepared to allow an improvement if we could get outside funding.
Village Parking - Restrictions: WSCC still could not give a definite date when the re-marking of the bays would take place. The new order still need management approval which should take 2-3 weeks, the changes them had to be advertised for 21 days, if there were no opposition work would take place approximately 30 days later. Spaces: The Senior Assistant Clerk reported that she had written to The Lamb public House, the Medical Centre and the Village Hall regarding alternative parking when the church car park is closed for the Church alterations. The Village Hall replied that as there were limited spaces and as the Village Hall was in constant use they were not able to help. The Medical Centre replied that they were happy for their car park to be used after 6:30pm and at weekends. A reply has not been received from The Lamb as yet.
20mph Speed Limit - The Senior Assistant Clerk reported that she had been in contact with WSCC regarding two flashing speed signs. WSCC only allocate these signs in areas where there is an increase in accidents or incidents, the latest traffic monitor for Angmering shows a reduction in traffic related incidents therefore WSCC will not consider us at this time.
Ashurst Way to East Preston Rail Crossing - Network Rail had been unable to set up a meeting with all interested parties regarding the pedestrian crossing across the railway line at East Preston. On checking with County Councillor Deborah Urquhart it appears that there are discussions going on a higher level with Lt. Col. Tex Pemberton through the strategic alliance.
Dog Bins / Litter Bins - Councillor Bicknell reported that 3 new and larger dog bins would be sited on Bramley Green once the Consortium had paid WSCC for the collection of the waste. Councillor Bicknell also suggested an additional dog bin at the junction of Merryfield Crescent and Dappers Lane. The dog bin outside Alley Cats in Dappers Lane could be moved to the North end giving better coverage.
Road Closures - The Committee agreed to allocate £500 from the Village Enhancement budget to fund the road closures for the Traders Evening. The total bill will be in the region of £1000, so the Committee requests that the Environment and Leisure Committee be asked to fund the balance.