Angmering Village Life

News Archive

January 2009




St Margaret's Church Reordering Fact Sheet No. 13

(Reproduced here on behalf of St Margaret's Church)

STOP PRESS......

We are delighted to feature the new church logo (see left), which has been designed by Ron Dobson and reflects the colours in the art glass windows of the new extensions of the church. Incorporated in the design of the logo are symbols to represent the Word of God, the ‘M’ of Saint Margaret’s, the Cross of Christ and the flames of the Holy Spirit.

Last week there was much activity outside the church with digging of the trenches for laying the drains to connect the new extensions to the main drainage. This has not been without its problems.

In order to continue our practice of keeping everyone accurately informed we are now reporting what has been found during the excavations.

Further skeletal remains are being unearthed and the contractors, in conjunction with the archaeologists, are taking every care in removing these ready for storage at a local undertaker pending reburial in due course.

A well preserved headstone has been uncovered in front of the church that dates from 1832. This is not being disturbed. The headstone has the inscription:

“Mary wife of George Mills 11th April 1832 and George Mills 3rd February 1837”.


Some unforeseen problems have been encountered during the excavations and these, together with the recent wet weather, has held up the work on connecting the extensions to the main drains. This means that the path is not likely to be back in use till the week 2nd March.  If Farnrise can complete the work sooner they will do so of course.

In the meantime, the work inside the church is going ahead as planned, the ‘second fixing’ will be starting in about two weeks’ time and the tiling to the bapistry (see right) is finished. The bapistry is ready for the cover to be fitted.

As we enter the final stages of the project we wish to thank everyone for their understanding and tolerance in coping with inconveniences and changed situations, not only with the services but with access to the hall and church office during the week.

Please continue to pray for those involved in every aspect of the reordering and in particular for all the plans that are now in place for moving back into the church. Remember to book Sunday 17th May for the dedication services with Bishop Wallace Benn.

If you have any questions regarding the reordering please would you direct these to me either by email (richardhance@o2.co.uk) or by phone 01903 788792 on weekdays.
Thank you.

Richard Hance, Churchwarden
27 January 2009

(28 January 2009)

Snippets from Parish Council Environment & Leisure Committee Minutes of Meeting on 20 January 2009

Angmering Sports & Recreation Association (ASRA)
It was noted that that our insurers will not cover the artificial wicket. The Committee then discussed ownership of the ASRA pavilion as the Clerk had informed Ron Hanmore, Secretary of ASRA, that the pavilion was not owned by the Parish Council, but was owned by ASRA therefore they would not be eligible for funding. Councillor Turner also queried why the Parish Council were no nearer to getting a new lease from Arun District Council despite a year having passed since first being raised. She proposed, and it was agreed, that a letter is drafted to District Councillor Paul Bicknell in order to speed things up. As the situation of ownership of the pavilion continues to be limited to hearsay, the Assistant Clerk was requested to try to locate all correspondence relating to ASRA prior to 2002.

Fletcher's Field
Following the previous Committee meeting held on 4 November 2008 when it was agreed to write to the church wardens, unbeknown to the Committee, the Clerk decided not to write the letter as requested. Consequently the Minutes were published on the Parish Council website and read by the Trustees of Fletcher’s Field who questioned this statement. A letter was subsequently written to Richard Hance to which he responded and a meeting was arranged with Councillor Turner. It was agreed he would put the Parish Council’s intention of taking over the day to day administration to The Trustees of Fletcher’s Field. Following the meeting with the Trustees, Mr Hance reported back to Councillor Turner that the Trustees had reviewed the agreement between the Parish Council and themselves and were not able to agree to the Parish Council’s intention.

It was agreed that the Clerk would draft a letter to the solicitor reiterating that the interpretation of the agreement of the 7 August 1970 concerning the day to day maintenance of Fletcher’s Field, which the Council take to include the booking of all activities on the field, is correct. Upon receipt of a reply the Committee will arrange a meeting with the Trustees.

Skateboard Park
(a) Councillor Edwards reported that EDF’s application form for a metered supply had been completed and sent, but the Council had been informed that it could take up to sixteen weeks before a site survey and quotation for connection of a meter can take place. (b) Councillor Edwards also reported that once the lights are installed, a quotation will be obtained to extend the apron (concrete edge of bowl to perimeter of fence) around the bowl.

Community Centre
The Committee were happy to be informed by Councillor Turner that grants to the value of £88k had been obtained from Big Lottery and Low Carbon Trust. The Committee extended their appreciation to Senior Assistant Clerk, Sue Wicks, and to Val Jerram, Chair of the Community Centre Management Committee, for all their hard work in successfully obtaining the grants. The Committee agreed that a letter of appreciation should be sent to Mrs Jerram.

Youth Facilities
Councillor Turner reported that work on the bus is progressing and that encouraging feedback had been received after the Traders’ Evening. However, as there is still a lot of work to be done, more volunteers would be welcome.

Play Area Inspections
The Committee agreed to the quote for £206.75 received by email dated 10 November 2008 from Foster Playscapes to have the rope replaced however it was agreed to defer the repair of the football net for the time being.

(28 January 2009)

Motor Racing for all the family

It will be a full day of action-packed racing at Angmering raceway ( www.ovalraceclub.co.uk ) to blast away the winter chill on Sunday Feb 8th when the Junior Rods, A and B Production, Modified C, Production Stox and Saloon Rod formulas take to the track in pursuit of vital points in the Winter Championship.

The oval racing stars of the future will be taking to the track in the junior formulas, competing in Minis (engine sized at 1000cc for 10 to 16 year olds) and up to 1200cc cars for those aged 12 to 16.

The adult formulas will deliver racing action from a wide range of cars with engine sizes ranging from 1300 to 1600cc and connecting to the track via front or rear wheel drive. At the top end of the power scale, the Saloon Rods, driven by 1600 and above cc engines will be burning rubber on the banked Angmering circuit as their drivers push the high-powered cars to the limit. The nudge and spin Bangers are firm crowd pleasers, as the old MOT failures are thrashed mercilessly around the track, with those that survive the racing being sent to the great scrap yard in the sky in the metal-bashing demolition derby that closes the meeting.

With an impressive grid of cars, offering something for every race fan and the drivers determined to put the pedal very firmly to the metal as they chase points in the Winter Championship series, Angmering will deliver a great action packed and value for money day out for all the family on February 8th.

Angmering Raceway is, of course, located at the north of Water Lane, just before is meets the Angmering by-pass (A280). The gates open at 8am, with racing commencing at 11.30am. Adult admission is £10. Kids (10-14) - £5, with kids under ten free. Senior Citizens, disabled and students (with valid student cards) can also enjoy a days racing for just £5.

(27 January 2009)

MP's Public Meeting

A Public Meeting took place today at Angmering Village Hall during which villagers were able to question our MP, Nick Herbert, about local and national issues. Mr Herbert has this week been promoted by Conservative Party Leader, David Cameron, from Shadow Secretary of State for Justice to Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.Nick Herbert, MP

Over 30 villagers attended the meeting and matters addressed by Mr Herbert or questions asked by Angmering residents on national issues ranged from the economic situation, ID cards, the EU Treaty and farming. Mr Herbert believed that the Government should strongly support domestic agriculture and would like to expand growth of produce in the UK to reduce imports.

On local issues, matters addressed or questions asked were about the Arundel by-pass, hospitals, the expansion of The Angmering School onto the earmarked "educational site" to the east of the school, the new building of a further 500/1500 houses in Angmering, and speeding/traffic management in the village, many of these issues being of particular concern. Mr Herbert stated that, if the Conservative Party was returned to power at the next election, there would be a reversal of the policy to built all of the additional houses in the South-East which is favoured by the current Government.

District Councillor Julie Hazelhurst drew attention to the next meeting of the Joint Eastern Arun Area Committee (JEAAC) at 7.00pm on Tuesday 27 January at The Angmering School. JEAAC comprises representatives from the County, District and Parish Councils as well as the police. The public may attend this meeting and are allocated half an hour during which they may raise matters of concern such as those aired at today's Public Meeting.

(24 January 2009)

School plans on view

The Angmering School has secured funding for their new Sixth Form Centre, teaching block and ICT Library refurbishment. The plans will be submitted to Arun District Council for planning permission at the end of this month.

These plans will be on display at a Public Exhibition in the School Hall on Tuesday 3 February 2009 between 6pm and 9pm.

The public are most welcome to go along to the exhibition to view the plans and talk to headteacher David Brixey, the architects, and West Sussex County Council officers.

(20 January 2009)

Snippets from Parish Council Minutes of Meeting on 13 January 2009

Donation
The Chairman advised that after the expenses for the Chairman’s Evening there remained an unspent budget of £380.00 which he would like to see donated to Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice. Agreed that this be arranged as quickly as possible.

Mayflower Park
The Chairman believed that the area of open space to the south of Bramley Green which incorporated the ornamental pond, filtration basin and skate park needed a name and he suggested Mayflower Park. This suggestion was unanimously agreed.

Community Centre
The land to the north east of the site will be used for the trenches needed for the ground source heat pump system. A planning application is being prepared for the solar panels, which will be needed to built into the roof. The under floor heating will not be zoned but will be designed to give a constant temperature throughout the building.

Councillor Hadley asked that a letter of thanks be sent to Ms. Val Jerram, Chair of the Management Committee for her help in obtaining grants for the ground source heating system. Councillor Hadley believed that Ms. Val Jerram should have been invited to the recent meeting held with the manufacturer/supplier of the ground source heating system. There is a need to publicise the grants obtained but it was agreed to wait until the Council is confident that any extra costs, which may be incurred with the revised installation can be covered.

Councillor Sue Smith was of the opinion that the Parish Council should be responsible for all repairs/maintenance to the Community Centre building. An economic rent should be charged after the building has been open for 3 years and that this rent should be placed in a reserve fund. An annual meeting should be held with the Management Committee to ascertain what was likely to be required in maintenance. Councillor Smith also believed that any lease should reflect the planning conditions imposed by Arun District Council on use and opening times.

(20 January 2009)

Community Centre building commences

The building of Angmering's new Community Centre at Bramley Green officially started today when Chairman of Angmering Parish Council, Councillor Nigel Nunn and former Council Chairman John King, cut the first turf at a small ceremony this afternoon attended by parish councillors and members of the Angmering Community Centre Association.

Mr King, a Freeman of the Parish of Angmering, played a significant part in the planning and first designs of the Community Centre while he was a member of the Council.

It is projected that the Community Centre will be ready for handover in August this year, the building phase planned over the next 30 weeks. If all goes well, and building is not affected by adverse weather, it is anticipated that the roof will be installed at the beginning of April.

Among the facilities at the new Centre will be a large hall, two sizeable meeting rooms, a kitchen and a general meeting/social area. The design of the building uses materials in keeping with surrounding properties.

The site has now been fenced, the site office cabin installed, and the outline of the building pegged. The construction of the building itself should commence in the early part of February. However, prior to that, the first works likely to be seen on site are the installation of service piping and trenching for the ground source heating (GSH) pipes. The GSH system will hopefully provide cheaper heating for the Centre. The Parish Council, in collaboration with the Angmering Community Centre Association, has recently secured grants totalling £88,000 which will pay for the GSH system and solar heating panels.
Computer generated picture of Centre

The main contractor for the building of the Centre is Portslade-based W H Catchpole Ltd. The designers are the Hamson Partnership of Haywards Heath and the Felce & Guy Partnership of Hove. The structural engineers are Sussex-based Dixon Hurst Kemp.

All queries relating to the works should be made to Angmering Parish Council, Tel: (01903) 850756 (office hours - 9.00am to 1.00pm).

(Photo L/R: Cllr Mark Edwards, Senior Assistant Parish Clerk Sue Wicks, Cllr Nigel Nunn, Cllr Steven Mountain, John King, and Val Jerram - Chairman of the Community Centre Association)

For more photos and quotes from members of the Parish Council and the Angmering Community Centre Association, buy next week's Littlehampton Gazette.

(15 January 2009)

Angmering Planning Applications (p/e 07/01/09)

A/158/08 - Erection of 11 dwellings with rear parking court & associated landscaping at Station Road. For: J S Bloor (Newbury) Limited. (NB This is the old Texaco Petrol Station site)

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 5 February 2009.

To see applications, plans, design statements, etc, type the Application Reference Number (such as those above) into Arun District Council's "Application Search Facility " , click on the Search button, and click on the hyperlink reference when selected application is returned - then select "Documents".

(14 January 2009)

St Margaret's Church Reordering Fact Sheet No. 12

(Reproduced here on behalf of St Margaret's Church)

The Last Lap ...... !

The contractors are confident that they will hand over the church on Friday 13th March, which means that we will be able to start the process of moving back on Monday 16th March. This confidence is reliant on the hope that nothing absolutely untoward rears its head between now and then.Building work as at early January 2009 We have to accept that there is a remote possibility of a snag but our prayer is that all will go well.

There are two major excavations still to be carried out. One involves digging a soak-away for the surface water drainage. This will be on the south side of the church and we are hoping that we will not find too many remains of skeletons while undertaking this work.

The second excavation will involve lifting the whole of the footpath between the lych gate and the new office extension.  This is to allow connection to the main drainage and will, unfortunately, mean that access to both the church and the hall will need to be via the rear of the property coming from either Rectory Lane or the Thatchway. The most serious consequence and inconvenience of this is that there will be no safe access for wheelchairs. This work will start during the week beginning 19th January and will last up to one month.


Progress with a number of small but significant things has made the reality of the reordering come very much to the forefront of our thoughts. These are as follows:

Enthusiasm and excitement are mounting even after all the hard work, and we are looking forward so much to the completion of the building. All those involved acknowledge the value of the amazing prayer support and are thankful to God for safety for those who have been working on the site.

If you have any questions regarding the reordering please would you direct these to me either by email (richardhance@o2.co.uk) or by phone 01903 788792 on weekdays.
Thank you.
Richard Hance, Churchwarden
12 January 2009

(14 January 2009)

Caravan Carnage at Angmering!

Angmering raceway (www.ovalraceclub.co.uk) offers the perfect revenge for anyone who has been stuck behind a caravan on a twisty B road as the caravanner sticks to a sedate 30 mph and the huge queue of car drivers behind contemplate mass acts of road age, in the shape of the inaugural British Caravan Grand Prix on Sunday, January 18th at 11.30am.

The caravans will be attached to Bangers and then towed at speeds they have never experienced before the inevitable crashing and bashing reduces them to matchwood and shattered pieces of fibreglass as the assembled race fans grin in delight and savour the sight of the road-hogging caravans reduced to mere chassis and wheels before being totally destroyed in premeditated acts of automotive mayhem that will have members of the Caravan Club fainting in the stands.

The stock car racing stars of the future will also be taking to the track in the junior formulas, competing in Minis (engine sized at 1000cc for 10 to 16 year olds) and up to 1200cc cars for those aged 12 to 16.

The adult modified formulas will deliver more racing action from a wide range of cars with engine sizes ranging from 1300 to 1600cc and connecting to the track via front or rear wheel drive.

At the top end of the power scale, the Saloon Rods, driven by 1600 and above cc engines will be turning on the power at the demanding Angmering circuit.

With a massive grid of cars, offering something for every race fan and the British Caravan Grand Prix giving everyone the chance to see the summer holiday road hogging caravans wiped out , Angmering Raceway will deliver a great action packed and value for money day out on January 18th.

Angmering Raceway is, of course, located at the north of Water Lane, just before is meets the Angmering by-pass (A280). The gates open at 8am, with racing commencing at 11.30am. Adult admission is £10. Kids (10-14) - £5, with kids under ten free. Senior Citizens, disabled and students (with valid student cards) can also enjoy a days racing for just £5.

Further information from Angmering Raceway jan@ovalraceclub.co.uk - Tel: 01903 859807 during office hours, out of office hours 01243 268887.

(9 January 2009)

Parish Council Meeting - Venue Change

The venue of the Angmering Parish Council meeting at 7.30pm on Monday 12 January has been changed.  It will now be held at ASRA Sports Pavilion (in Decoy Drive - off Palmer Road) instead of St Margaret's Church Hall.

(9 January 2009)

Angmering Planning Applications (p/e 22/12/08)

A/149/08 - Proposed single storey development to North end of existing school and new flat roof to enclose courtyard at St. Wilfrid's Catholic Primary School, Arundel Road. For: Govnrs. of St Wilfrid's Catholic School

A/151/08 - Outline Application for erection of a detached 2 storey house. 21 Greenacres Ring. For: Mr Perilli

A/153/08 - Proposed two bed chalet style bungalow. Re- submission following application A/91/08. Land To Rear Of 47 Mill Road Avenue. For: Mr D Mountford

A/156/08 - Front porch. Re-submission following planning application A/129/08. 5 Ashurst Way. For: Mr Leo Koymanns

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 22 January 2009.

To see applications, plans, design statements, etc, type the Application Reference Number (such as those above) into Arun District Council's "Application Search Facility " , click on the Search button, and click on the hyperlink reference when selected application is returned - then select "Documents".

(1 January 2009)