Angmering Village Life
News Archive
September 2009
Roads at Bramley Green
The
Chairman reported that, following the Parish Council’s meeting on 10
August 2009, the Clerk had written to West Sussex County Council. While the
Parish Council had not received a full reply to that letter it had been sent a
briefing note dated 11 August and a copy of an updating letter dated 11
September which had been sent to a local resident. The Parish Council’s
offer to host a meeting between representatives of West Sussex County Council
and local residents remained open. The County Council’s letter of 11
September dealt with the access to the Angmering School site and the proposed
adoption of the roads on the Bramley Green estate. West Sussex County Council
had asked the Parish Council to consider an alternative access to the school
site from Mayflower Way and across the public open space. While the Parish
Council had not reached a decision on the request, it was clear that there
would be major implications for the public’s use and enjoyment of the open
space. So far as the adoption of the roads was concerned, West Sussex County
Council had advised that the current state of the roads on the estate was
sufficient to allow for adoption but with a 30 mph speed limit. More works were
required by the developer to reduce the speed limit to 20 mph. Proposals had
recently been made to West Sussex County Council although these were not yet
complete. It was to be hoped that firmed up proposals would be available within
the next month.
Policy & Finance Committee Minutes of 9
September
The following Committee recommendations were
adopted:
i) to note the engagement of SALC to advise on the recruitment of a new
Clerk
ii) to agree to the employment of a Clerk for 37 hours per week
within the range of SCP 35-38 (£28,947-£31,439)
iii) to agree
to the increase in the Senior Assistant Clerk’s hours from a basic 20 per
week to 25
iv) to make the Assistant Clerk’s position permanent
v)
to note that a further report regarding the management of grounds maintenance
will be brought forward
vi) to note the actions taken to bring the
administration up to date
vii) to ask the new Clerk to undertake an audit
of the Council’s strategies, policies, registers of assets and contracts
and procedures and to effect wider knowledge, updating and improvement
viii) to approve the calendar of meetings for 2010
ix) to note the
actions taken to effect administrative improvements
x) to develop a
five-year strategic plan and to ask the new Clerk to undertake the necessary
work
xi) to note the steps taken in connection with the office
accommodation
xii) to appoint a Member as the champion for Member training
xiii) to approve a supplementary revenue estimate for £6,618 in
respect of the proposed uplift in the new Clerk’s salary
xiv) to
approve a supplementary revenue estimate for £1,311 in respect of the
increase in the Senior Assistant Clerk’s hours.
Community Centre
Councillor Steve
Mountain reported that the building programme was due to be completed on 24
September 2009. The project was within budget. There had been useful
discussions with the trustees of the Centre and the Parish Council and the
trustees were working together to ensure the completion of the project and its
successful operation. Most work had been completed. An open day was being
planned. Bookings were coming in.
During Public Question Time, Members of the public raised the following issues: (a) why a bund had been built at the western end of the site (b) the potential for misuse of the bund. Councillor Steve Mountain replied that the bund had been built to delineate the car park from the playing field area and to provide a visual break. It was to be planted in such a way so as to discourage misuse.
Co-option of five menbers of the Parish
Council
It was resolved hat subject to the completion of the
necessary formalities: · Jonathan Allcock · Jennifer Bos ·
Julia Graham · Sylvia Verrinder · Timothy Walder be co-opted to
the Parish Council.
To read the full minutes of this meeting, click here (PDF file)
The Church and Lee Evans Partnership has recently received two further awards as a result of the reordering work completed this year.
At the West Sussex Design and Sustainability Awards Ceremony in Chichester a commendation award was received. The second award, The Downland Prize, is a prestigious award given by the Royal Institute of British Architects. This year there were 96 entries from across the south east with 26 projects being short listed. The church won the prize in the community category. The judges commented that this was an example of how a church that was only open on Sundays can be transformed to be open in the week and to be made available for use by the community. They also commented that the project was well executed and sympathetic.
Churchwarden Richard Hance added "Congratulations go to Nick Lee Evans and his team in creating a design that is proving versatile and fulfilling the brief given by the church. Our thanks is also due to Farnrise Construction Ltd for their execution of the architect's design".
The Angmering Community Centre Association will be holding Open Days at Angmering's brand new Community Centre at Foxwood Avenue, Bramley Green, on the following dates:
Angmering residents and potential hirers, from both within and outside the parish, are warmly invited to go along to visit the Community Centre on these Open Days to see the superb facilities that are available and the eco-friendly systems that have been installed. You will also be able to meet people running activities at the Centre and sign up for classes. From the trustees and staff who will be on hand, you will be able to find out more about hiring the Centre and suggest other interest groups you would like to see operate there. poster (PDF file).
For more information about the Centre (including location map), visit the Association's website at www.angmeringcommunitycentre.org.uk or telephone Val Jerram (Chairman) on (01903) 774247 or (from 28 September) phone the manager of the Centre directly (Modays to Fridays - 10.30am to 2.30pm) on (01903) 773982.
Angmering Parish Council is advertising for a new Parish Clerk. Details of the post and how to obtain an application pack are shown on the Council's website and can be viewed by clicking here. The post carries a salary up to £ 31,439 for a 37 hour week. The closing date for applications is 9 October 2009.
Community Centre Project
The
Clerk reported that the relevant solicitors were still in discussion regarding
the lease and it was well on its way to completion. He also reported that we
were awaiting an insurance quote from Allianz. Councillor Steven Mountain
reported that the Community Centre was due to be handed over from the
contractors on 24th September 2009, if the lease was not complete he felt the
Council needed to have a contingency plan in place and requested that this be
considered.
Clerk's Report on Staffing/Office
Issues
Councillor Nunn said that the Parish had grown
considerably over the past few years and staffing requirements had changed
therefore is had asked the Clerk to compile a report for the Council. The Clerk
said that over the past few weeks he had assessed the office/staffing
requirements, he had also taken advice from the Sussex Association of Local
Councils. (AVL Editor's note: The report can be read in the full
minutes. The Recommendations and the Reasons are shown below).
Recommendations to Council
i) to note the engagement of SALC
to advise on the recruitment of a new Clerk
ii) to agree to the employment
of a Clerk for 37 hours per week within the range of SCP 35-38
(£28,947-£31,439) (see Appendix B)
iii) to agree to the increase
in the Senior Assistant Clerk’s hours from a basic 20 per week to
25
iv) to make the Assistant Clerk’s position permanent
v) to note
that a further report regarding the management of grounds maintenance will be
brought forward
vi) to note the actions taken to bring the administration
up to date
vii) to ask the new Clerk to undertake an audit of the
Council’s strategies, policies, registers of assets and contracts and
procedures and to effect wider knowledge, updating and improvement
viii) to
approve the calendar of meetings for 2010 (Appendix C)
ix) to note the
actions taken to effect administrative improvements
x) to develop a
five-year strategic plan and to ask the new Clerk to undertake the necessary
work
xi) to note the steps taken in connection with the office accommodation
xii) to appoint a Member as the champion for Member training
xiii) to
approve a supplementary revenue estimate for £6,618 in respect of the
proposed uplift in the new Clerk’s salary
xiv) to approve a
supplementary revenue estimate for £1,311 in respect of the increase in
the Senior Assistant Clerk’s hours.
Reasons for Recommendations
i) to ensure that the Council is
equipped to fulfil its statutory obligations and can carry effectively
efficiently and economically it discretionary functions
ii) to ensure that
the Council is best placed to secure continuous improvement and to position
itself for attaining quality status.
Councillor Nunn thanked the Clerk for all the work he had put into the report and proposed the recommendations be accepted. This was seconded by Councillor Mountain and approved by the full Committee.
To read the full minutes of this meeting, click here (PDF file)
A week long programme of activities organised by St Margaret's Church commenced on Saturday, partly to celebrate the completion of the major re-ordering of the Church earlier this year. Thie name "Celebrr8" has been given to this programme of wide ranging activities, full details of which are on our Events page. Mark Standen, rector of St Margaret's says everyone in the village is most welcome to attend any of these events, the remaining ones this week being:
For tickets, get in touch with Office on 784459, e-mail chrisharris@angmering.org.uk, or just drop in to pick them up.
A fire last Thursday evening caused massive damage to Avenals Farm in Water Lane, a Grade II Listed building, the home of Mr Chis Chapman, who runs the Chapman Group of hotels across southern England, including Angmering Manor in the High Street. Nearly 100 firefighters attended the scene.
Much of the damage was done to the roof of the farmhouse, part of the house believed to be as early as 15th century. The roof damage alone is estimated to be some £100,000 and may have be caused my mice gnawing electicity cables although an investigation into the cause is still being carried out.
The lives of Mr Chapman, his wife Delia, and their son Shea (15) may well have been saved by smoke alarms which alerted them to the blaze. Their two dogs also managed to escape unharmed.
A/96/09/ - Single storey extension to front of property at 6 Greenacres Ring. For: Mr Pauley
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 8 October 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".
A/100/09/ - Rebuild of existing detached garage on new piled raft foundation all as existing at The Chalet, 91 Greenacres Ring. For: Mr T 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 1 October 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".
Angmering raceway (www.ovalraceclub.co.uk) hosts a different kind of caravan trip to the coast on Sunday 13 September with a Caravan chase, guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of anyone who loves a spot of Top Gear style automotive mayhem.
The luckless caravan towers will be taking part in teams with one caravan guarded by an outriding group of bangers. The outriding cars will have to defend their team caravan from other teams' frenzied attempts to wreck it, whilst still attempting to take out their rival's caravans.
Needless to say, the end result is going to be lots of mangled caravans and tow cars. There will be no escape for any that survive this event either, as the day will end with a full-on demolition derby with the trophy going to the last car left moving.
The Caravan Chase will be supported by a full race card of both contact and non-contact oval racing, ranging from junior drivers competing in Minis through Street Stocks, Classic Stock cars from the 1950s and '60s to the screaming Hot Rods, ensuring that Angmering Raceway will deliver yet another action packed and value for money day out on Sunday September 13th.
The gates at the Water Lane circuit 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@ovalracewayclub.co.uk Tel: 01903 859807 during office hours, out of office hours 01243 268887.
Following her four year stint as Angmering's PCSO, as reported in our news item of 9 July, Andrea Oakley takes up a position this month in a new post of PCSO within the Safer Schools Partnership team working in both Angmering and Westergate Schools.
As a result PCSO Neil Billingham, has been appointed by Sussex Police as Angmering's new Police Community Support Officer. Neil, who took up duties yesterday, brings with him nearly 3 years' experience as a PCSO west of the Arun. He comments:
"I joined Sussex Police as the Littlehampton Traffic Warden in mid 2004 and became a PCSO in November 2006. The change of rôle came about from working closely with existing PCSOs and PCs across the Littlehampton area and seeing the rewarding and varied rôles that they carry out.
Having worked closely with the communities in Yapton, Ford and Clymping to help deal with anti-social behaviour, act as a liaison with local businesses, build links with local schools and generally to be the visible and approachable face of Sussex Police in these communities, I am now transfering to the Angmering area. I see this as being a varied and exciting area in which to work, at a time when policing in Sussex is undergoing a period of change - with the opportunity to continue to rebuild communities and the polices' rôle within them."
We welcome Neil to Angmering and look forward to seeing him around the parish in his new rôle.
A/94/09/CLE - Application for Certificate of Lawfulness for an existing use - Siting of a residential mobile home at Foschini Nursery, Hangleton Lane. For: Mr F Foschini
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 September 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".
Angmering Cricket Club’s Jim Hughes, Robert Skinner and Adrian Paul were all nominated for the 2009 Sussex Cricket Board Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards or ‘OSCA’s’. The event aims to recognise the efforts and achievements of cricket club volunteers across the county, with the ceremony held at the County ground in Hove last Friday. (Photo: [l-r] Jim Hughes and Robert Skinner)
The event was hosted by John Barclay, the former Sussex Cricketer and Director of Cricket at the Friends of Arundel Castle Cricket Club with ex Glamorgan and Sussex batsman Tony Cottey acting as guest speaker. The winners across seven categories were announced, before all the award nominees settled down to enjoy the floodlit Pro 40 match between Sussex and Durham.
Skinner was nominated for his role as joint coach of the Angmering Acorns, the club's junior side, his growing skills and confidence in working with fellow coach Richard Gardner to deliver training sessions, along with his recent success in qualifying to be the club's First Aider.
Adrian Paul was nominated for the high quality or organisational skills he brings to the role of club Secretary, organising the clubs AGM and also Committee meetings. Paul was also key in ensuring the club has a comprehensive insurance package.
Hughes was nominated for his management of the club's major close season project - replacing their old artificial wicket and securing substantial levels of grant funding to deliver the project. Hughes has also attracted business sponsorship to aid club projects, whilst co-ordinating the junior side's administration and organising fixtures.
Hughes commented “The awards are an excellent gesture by the Sussex Cricket Board and the nominations show that Angmering Cricket Club is making good progress, especially in terms of our juniors side and all our junior volunteers including Phil and Sue Mitchell, Phil Pierce and Richard Gardner should feel proud of the direction we are moving in. We now want the local community to support us and get involved in the club through new juniors joining and extra volunteers stepping forward to enable us to develop further”.
Skinner one of a number of volunteers nominated for the ‘Young Volunteer of the Year’ award said “It was a great day and thoroughly enjoyable to go to Sussex and meet the other keen volunteers from across the county. I hope we can continue to progress as a club and that we have a couple of nominations for next years awards”.
Anyone interested in becoming involved in volunteering with the club, or who is aged between 11 and 16 and would like to play for the junior side, should contact Jim Hughes on 07778 493241.