Angmering Village Life

News Archive

October 2010




Angmering Planning Applications (p/e 20/10/10)

A/120/10 - Conversion of existing stable building to 2 no. B1 (business) units at The Old Stables, Decoy Lane, Poling. For: Keith Langmead Limited

A/144/10/TC - Fell 1 No Lime Tree within the Angmering Conservation Area at Brocketts, High Street. For: Mrs D Dyer

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 18 November 2010.

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".

(28 October 2010)

Leslie Baker - funeral arrangements

Further to my news item of 24 October, I have received the following letter from Leslie's daughter, Penny Kimmins, on behalf of all the family:

"We're very sad to let you know that Leslie Baker died peacefully at home on Saturday 23rd October.

The funeral will be on Friday 5th November at 11.00am, at Bramcote Crematorium, Coventry Lane, Bramcote, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 3GJ. Les asked for informal dress, no dark clothes or black ties etc, and donations to the mental health charity 'MIND' instead of flowers. Please let us know if you would like to attend the funeral.

We realise that Nottingham is a long journey for many people and there will be a Memorial Event organised by his friends in Angmering. This will give more people a chance to celebrate his wonderful life and will be on Sunday 5th December at 2.30pm at Angmering Community Centre, Foxwood Avenue, Angmering BN16 4FU. There will also be a tree planting ceremony in St Nicholas' Garden on the same day (time to be confirmed).

If you would like to come to this celebration, please contact Freda Smith at Lavender Cottage, Arundel Road, Angmering, BN16 4JZ, or e-mail freda.smith@tiscali.co.uk and please also let her know if you would like to speak at the event about your memories of Les.

If you would like to write to Grace, her address is:

1, Woodleigh
Bunny Lane
Keyworth
Nottingham
NG12 5NF

Lastly, we are working from Grace and Les's address book and we may have missed some of Les's friends, colleagues or ex-pupils, so if you are aware of anybody who might like to know about the arrangements, we'd be very grateful if you could contact them on our behalf."

Penny can be contacted by 'phone on 0115-8469407 or by email at two.kimmins@ntlworld.com

(27 October 2010)

Keys Found

A set of keys was found this morning on Mayflower Park (south of Bramley Green) and have been handed in to the Parish Council at their office in The Square.

(27 October 2010)

Racing driver injured

A racing driver at the Angmering race circuit in Water Lane was taken to Worthing Hospital yesterday afternoon with a suspected broken wrist and ankle following a crash. West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service had to cut the man free from his stock car.

(25 October 2010)

Mr Leslie Baker

It is with great regret and sadness that we have learned of the death of Mr Leslie Baker who passed away yesterday evening, aged 91. Leslie and his wife, Grace, had moved away from Angmering earlier this year to Keyworth in Nottinghamshire to be near their daughter.Leslie Baker

Leslie was probably the most well-known member of Angmering's community. He moved to the village in 1955 to become headmaster of William Older's School (now the Library). When the school closed in 1965/6, he became head of St Margaret's C of E School in Arundel Road, retiring in 1982 following which he became a governor of the school. He finally relinquished that rôle in 2005 having had an association with the village schools for some 50 years. He was also a parish councillor for 31 years from 1961 to 1991 being chairman in 1977. When he retired he was made a freeman of the parish, the first person to receive such an honour.

But his interests extended far beyond the school and the parish council. In 1976, he led a delegation from the newly-formed Angmering Twinning Association to France to inaugurate twinning between Angmering and the Normandy town of Ouistreham-Riva-Bella. He was at one time a member of St Margaret's Church PCC, a teacher of conversational French, and had for many years undertaken welfare work for both St Bridget's Cheshire Home and the RAF Benevolent Fund. Until his move to Nottinghamshire earlier this year, he was president of The Angmering Society.

Two of his other loves were local history and amateur dramatics. In 1988 he produced the booklet "Old Angmering" followed by "Angmering in old picture postcards" in 2002. Both these publications are now out of print but copies are available in the Library. He was also a member and sometime director of Rustington Players from the mid-1960s to 2000, and many Angmering residents will have fond memories of his double act with Grace called "Memories of the Music Hall" - Leslie singing the songs and Grace accompanying him on the piano. They gave more than 400 performances to hospitals, nursing homes and clubs throughout Sussex over a 10 year period. Leslie had entertainment in his blood, his father, Chris Baker, performing in the music halls between 1909 and 1924.

Leslie was a major contributor to this village for more than half a century. He will be remembered with affection by all those children who passed through his schools while he was head and by all those who came into contact with him in his many other rôles and activities.

We would like to express our sincere condolences to Grace and their children Chris, Terry, Penny and Robin on their sad loss.

(24 October 2010)

Angmering Planning Applications (p/e 13/10/10)

A/132/10 - New dwelling adjoining No 2 Meadowside Angmering. 2 Meadowside. For: Ms A Baldock & Ms L Gregson

A/136/10 - Addition of fire door and five windows to the west elevation of existing industrial building at Yarmer Barn, The Vinery, Arundel Road, Poling For: Mr M Coleman

A/137/10/T - Various tree surgery at The Firs, Roundstone Lane. For: Mr Page

A/138/10/T - Lopping of lower limbs to 1x Oak tree at Field House, The Thatchway. For: Mr Gibson

A/139/10 - Detached garage at Field House, The Thatchway. For: Mr Gibson

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 11 November 2010.

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".

(21 October 2010)

PCSO returns

Villagers may be interested to learn that Angmering's PCSO for the last 15 months, Neil Billingham, has moved on to trial a new position. Our previous PCSO, Andrea Oakley, has informed Angmering Village Life that she is returning to Angmering duties to fill in until a new PCSO has been appointed.

(19 October 2010)

Snippets from the draft Minutes of the Parish Council's Policy & Finance Committee Meeting on 11 October 2010

Budget 2011/2012
The detailed budget was being prepared and would be completed in time for the next P&F meeting on 29 November 2010. On a proposal by Councillor Nunn, seconded by Councillor Mountain it was RESOLVED that the budget be prepared on the basis of a precept that was unchanged except for an allowance for inflation. The precept would be finally set at the Parish Council meeting on 6 December 2010.

Community Centre Play Area
Following unsuccessful discussions with Arun District Council and the receipt of the final quotation it was agreed that this work should be done as soon as possible. On a proposal by Councillor Mountain, seconded by Councillor Turner it was RESOLVED that the company offering the lowest price, Safeplay Ltd, should be employed to carry out the work in the sum of £10,549.60. Necessary finance would be taken from the General Reserve to achieve this.

Environmental Wardens
Following the successful operation of the wardens over the last six months, during which time the village has been tidied considerably and information gathered on many aspects of concern, on a proposal Councillor Turner, seconded by Councillor Mountain it was RESOLVED that the two wardens be offered permanent contracts of employment. It was also agreed that consideration be given to extending the work to include day-to-day reporting of play area problems.

To read the full minutes of this meeting, click here (PDF file)

(19 October 2010)

High Street Post Box

After six years of planning and designing a new post box for the High Street, Angmering Parish Council has finally succeeded in having one erected at the corner of the High Street and Roundstone Lane. New PostboxSeveral years ago, the wall box on the corner of Rectory Lane - a George V Type C box manufactured by WT Allen & Co - became available and the Parish Council earmarked it for incorporation into a substantial brick and flint pillar construction to replicate the box in the High Street (near Pigeon House) that was demolished in 1960.

At the Council's request, The Angmering Society researched box types and their specifications and drew up plans for the replacement box. Sue and the late Peter Holland of Ecclesden Manor offered to pay for the materials for the pillar. However, due to delays, building costs, and change of councillors, the project was put on the back-burner on several occasions, and the Post Office in the meantime disposed of the box.

The Parish Council has managed to obtain an identical George V box and has installed it in a more modest but pleasing brick and flint pillar construction at the eastern end of the High Street.

At the Parish Council Meeting last night, the Chairman of the Council, Cllr Nigel Nunn, proposed to invite The Littlehampton Gazette to take a photo of the Parish Council celebrating the event by posting the first letter.

(19 October 2010)

Snippets from the draft Minutes of the Parish Council's Environment Committee Meeting on 29 September 2010

Mayflower Park Pond
ISS have been clearing the area of debris and removing any weeds on the gravel edge. The bulrushes are now taking over the pond area and would require more specialist work to maintain, especially with the integrity of the liner a major consideration.

Bramley Green Alcohol Restriction Area (ARA)
Members discussed the event monitoring information, collected since May this year and provided by the Environmental Warden which then was passed to the local police. Members were also updated on other evidence which suggested an increase in anti-social behaviour issues around the Mayflower Open Space. ACTION: The Assistant Parish Clerk was directed by the Chair, with the unanimous agreement of the Members, to write again to the Police to request the implementation of an ARA.

Willows
Members discussed the thinning of the Willows on the Community Centre Site and it was agreed that they should be left until the spring for a further discussion. The question of youths using the area between the shrub bed and wall to houses in Carina Drive, and Councillor Turner suggested the grass in this area should be left uncut to dissuade this use, a solution originally put forward by a resident of Carina Drive. This was agreed by Members.

Water Lane Wildflower Area
The Assistant Parish Clerk informed Members that progress was being made by Brindsbury student with assistance of Culberry Nurseries. Further student volunteers to assist with clearance shortly. Culberry Nurseries have quoted to supply wildflower seeds and spring plants at a cost of £89 and this was agreed. Councillor Turner raised the question of giving the Water Lane area a name. Members considered ‘Water Lane Garden’ and the need for appropriate signage. Also under consideration was a commemorative plaque.

"South East in Bloom"
Councillor Jenny Bos referred to the attached reports and to the expenditure identified to date of £250 in respect of entry fees, portfolio and hospitality for judging day. The Members agreed to allocate this amount from the Environment budget for this financial year.It was also requested Southern Water be approached regarding the pumping station area.

To read the full minutes of this meeting, click here (PDF file)

(17 October 2010)

Conkering Heroes!

The S.C.O.T.C.H. (Spotted Cow Organisation To Create Help) Conker Team Competition on Sunday 10th October and was the 30th anniversary of the event. Unusually warm conditions ensured a large crowd with 23 teams, of three players, entering the competition. 600 competition sized conkers were used by competitors and spectators. A similar number of conkers were taken, at the end of the day, for a competition at a pub on Exmoor. The teams competed for "The Alley Cat Cattery" Shield plus medals for the first, second and third places. There was also a plate competition for first round losers.

The competition was won by Willy Conkers (Keith Harris (aged 60), Lloyd Harris (7) and Trevor Harris (37) who beat King Kong Conkers (Jacob Morley (7), Nick Morley (38) and Olivia Bird (7) ). The third team was Team Thomas. The Plate Competition was won by The Cousins Grim (Zach Toleman (8), Chloe Osborne-Shaw (12) and Ralph Leach (6) ).

A prize is presented, annually, to The Most Outstanding Player. Candidates for this award are nominated by team mates and other members of the public. This year Thomas Bruce won - his first nomination was that "Thomas was a true gentleman and won all his games". The prize for the best dressed player went to Chris Shore.

The event raised £1330.30 on the day, for Chestnut Tree House, from entry fees, a raffle and a barbecue. The organisers would like to thank everyone who contributed to this fantastic total.

(14 October 2010)

Snippets from the draft Minutes of the Parish Council's Leisure Committee Meeting on 4 October 2010

Parish Fun Day 2011
The Committee went through the draft plan that Councillor Verrinder had circulated, some amendments were made, Councillor Verrinder will make the necessary changes and re-circulate the document. The event will now be called the Angmering Parish Fete. The Committee discussed the proposed date and suggested August Bank Holiday Monday. This was proposed by Councillor Grout and seconded by Councillor Bos and agreed by the Committee. The working party will comprise of Councillor Bos, Grout, Graham and Verrinder. This item will be referred to Policy and Finance for approval.

Play Areas
Play Area Signage - SW reported that the artwork had been received from Delta Signs and she was just waiting on the fixings to the railings, then the order could be placed.
Play Area Inspections - SW reported that she had received three quotations for the play area inspections. The Committee reviewed the details. Councillor Bos proposed to give a trial to Safeplay Ltd., this was seconded by Councillor Grout and agreed by the Committee.
Community Centre Play Area - The committee discussed the quotes for the repairs to the subsidence in the play area. It was proposed by Councillor Bos to recommend to the Policy and Finance Committee, that the order be placed with Safeplay ltd. The was seconded by Councillor Grout and agreed by the Committee. SW will place the order after approval by P & F, and receipt of the terms of business, insurance etc., from Safeplay.

Mayflower Park
Queen Elizabeth 11 Field Challenge - Councillor Verrinder discussed with the committee enrolling Mayflower Park for the QE2 Field Challenge 2012, which would ensure that the area remain an open space in the foreseeable future. This was proposed by Councillor Stephenson and seconded by Councillor Bos and agreed by the full Committee. This item will be referred to the Policy and Finance Committee for approval.
Amenities for Mayflower Park - The Committee reviewed the proposals and said they would like to explore further the two tennis and boules courts on Mayflower Way open space. SW will talk to a contractor and get the area measured up to see if there is sufficient space.

Village Christmas Tree
The committee agreed that the 20ft tree supplied by The Real Christmas Tree Company looked a good option. Locations were discussed and the committee’s view was that it should be on the Village Green. SW will investigate the cost of lights, connection to the supply and the installation on the village green to meet health and safety requirements and report back to the committee.

To read the full minutes of this meeting, click here (PDF file)

(11 October 2010)

Snippets from the draft Minutes of the Parish Council's Highways Committee Meeting on 27 September 2010

Traffic Issues
Bramley Green Traffic Calming - Councillor Jenny Bos reported that the Parish Council had reported back to Halcrow with their observations and that it would now be re-advertised. If there were no objections, Traffics Orders would be drawn up and the adoption of the roads by West Sussex County Council could go ahead.

Civil Parking enforcement - The Senior Assistant Clerk reported that she had spoken to Arun District Council a few weeks ago and they had issued 1300 tickets. The aim is to target black spots. They are unable to break the figures down to Parish level but it is known they have visited the Parish a couple of times. If residents have concerns they can report them directly to Arun. Our PCSO has given out two tickets to cars parked too close to the corner at the junction of Dell Drive and Station Road, this is an area where we have had many complaints. Our PCSO will continue to monitor.

20MPH zones and signs - Councillor Hankinson showed the Committee a picture of a 20mph from East Preston ’20 is Plenty’ and suggested this may be a possibility for us. This suggestion will be discussed at the meeting with WSCC on the 30th September, 2010.

Safer Routes to School – Downs Way/Heathfield Avenue - The committee discussed the proposed new cycleway/footpath and agreed with it in principal but have requested that it is only signposted to Angmering and not Bramley Green as this forms part of Angmering. The office will advise WSCC.

High Street Post Box
Councillor Jenny Bos confirmed that the order for the new post box had been placed with Southways Construction and work would commence in 4-6 weeks.

To read the full minutes of this meeting, click here (PDF file)

(7 October 2010)

Angmering Planning Applications (p/e 29/09/10)

A/109/10 - Demolition of garden centre, nursery structures and dwelling house. Erection of garden centre building including ancillary A3, covered and open sales areas and car parking, service areas, hedge and tree planting and balancing pond. Roundstone Garden Centre (Haskins), Roundstone-By-Pass. For: Haskins Garden Centres Ltd

A/122/10 - First floor extension to rear of. Flat 1, 1 Church Hill, Arundel Road. For: Mr W Parrish

A/126/10/L - Application for listed building consent for installation of conservation rooflight to existing family bathroom on rear elevation at Little Avenings, Church Road. For: Dr A Kingsbury

A/131/10/TC - Remove dead boughs of 1 Cherry tree in rear garden within the Angmering Conservation Area at Dormouse Cottage, The Square. For: Mrs P Rawlins

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 28 October 2010.

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".

(7 October 2010)

Conkers at the Cow

The 30th Annual S.C.O.T.C.H. Team Conker Competition will be held at The Spotted Cow, Angmering on Sunday 10th October at 1.30pm (registration will commence from 12.30pm). The organisers are unable to enter teams into the draw after the start time.

The competition will be for teams of three players of any age. Players under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. There will be a "Plate Competition" for all first round losers.

S.C.O.T.C.H. will provide all conkers and string for the competition which has an entry fee of £10.00 per team. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 teams of the main competition and the winners of the plate competition as well as awards for the Most Outstanding Player and also the best fancy dress.

The Conker Competition was founded in 1980 as a singles event. In 1981 the format was changed to a team tournament. The ages of prize winners ranges from 6 to 97 years old.

There will be a Barbecue, a draw for a Magnum of Champagne (tickets now on sale at The Spotted Cow), Raffle and live Music from Peter Bennett (at 4.00pm).

Proceeds will be donated to Chestnut Tree House, for which S.C.O.T.C.H.(Spotted Cow Organisation To Create Help) has raised over £15,000 in recent years.

Click here for further information, rules, past winners, etc. [PDF file 545KB] or contact Anthony Booty on 07840978674.

(2 October 2010)

Next Angmering Film Show

The next Angmering Film Show to be screened at the Angmering Community Centre, Foxwood Avenue, Bramley Green is "TOY STORY 3" (2010). This will be shown on Saturday 9 October at 6.45pm (doors open 6.30pm).

Woody, Buzz and the whole gang are back. Andy is now 17 and ready to head off to college, leaving Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the toy-box gang to ponder their uncertain futures. When the toys are accidentally donated to the Sunnyside Daycare Centre they're initially overjoyed to once again be played with, but their enthusiasm quickly gives way to horror as they discover the true nature of the establishment where untamed tots with their sticky little fingers do not play nice. It's up to Woody to convince the other toys that they weren't abandoned and to return home. Now, all of the toys must band together in one final, crazy scheme to escape their confines and return home to Andy. So, it's all for one and one for all as they join Barbie's counterpart Ken, a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants and a pink, strawberry-scented teddy bear called Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear to plan their great escape. This is not just a film for children! The deeper aspects of the film involve aging, growing up, and moving on. Adults have been known to need tissues! poster

Tickets for this film show (Cert U) - priced at £5 for adults and £3.50 for children under 12 are available from the Community Centre Office, Woodies News, or Angmering Framing and Stitches.

(1 October 2010)

Angmering Planning Applications (p/e 22/09/10)

A/124/10 - Conversion of barn into private residence for family members at Avenals Farm, Water Lane. For: Mr C Chapman

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 October 2010.

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 October 2010)