Angmering Village Life

News Archive

February 2010




Fire destroys garage

Photo: Steve WallacePhoto: Debbie Lakin

A fire totally destroyed a garage in Wayside Road, Bramley Green this afternoon (Saturday). The garage belonged to a house in Bramley Way. Firefighters were called at shortly after 3.00pm and three appliances attended the scene. A pall of smoke drifted across Bramley Green and the centre of the village. A side wall of an adjoining house in Wayside Road was left blackened as a result of the blaze.

Neighbours reported hearing an explosion just before the fire broke out.

An ambulance was called to the scene and an injured man, believed to be in his 60s, was taken to East Grinstead burns unit resulting from burns to his legs. It is understood he had been cleaning a motorbike with petrol at the time. Three motorbikes were destroyed in the blaze. Another man from the house in Wayside Road was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation.

Photos: (left) © Steve Wallace and (right) © Debbie Lakin


(27 February 2010 - updated 1 March)

Benefactor restores Sophie's Fund loss

Further to our news article last week reporting that a thief had stolen a collecting tin for Sophie's Fund from the Co-op store in The Square, Graham Butt of Graham Butt Estate Agents, has generously come to the rescue and has donated £400 to replace the estimated contents of the tin.

Graham Butt Estate Agents are hoping to open a new Angmering branch in The Square in the next few months.

Other initiatives for raise money for Sophie's Fund are planned, and next week we will be bringing you details of a short mat bowls "Bowlathon" which will be taking place in the village to boost the Fund.

PLEASE - HELP SOPHIE WALK

(26 February 2010)

Angmering Planning Applications (p/e 17/02/10)

A/9/10/L - Application for Listed Building Consent for the conversion and extension of former solicitors offices to form a 2 no. bedroom cottage at Aberdeen House, Arundel Road. For: Mr J Yates

A/15/10- 2 x cottage dormers to the front elevation of the property for loft conversion forming two new bedrooms at 32 Nursery Road, Bramley Green. For: Mr & Mrs Clilverd

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 March 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".

(26 February 2010)

Sixth Form Charity Week

Angmering Sixth Form students are running their first Charity week from Monday 8 March to Friday 12 March. Sixth Formers will be running a number of events to raise money for specific charities. These charities include one which is supporting schools in Haiti in the aftermath of the recent earthquake and the Calvert Trust which is a residual facility where our Year 7 students with disabilities access sporting activities.

The bulk of their fundraising will be focused on supporting the younger sister of one of our students. Sophie Wells-Nugent is 4 years old and lives in Angmering. Sophie has cerebral palsy which makes her unable to walk or stand unaided. Sophie uses a wheelchair and a walking frame to get around, and lives her life in constant pain. Sophie needs to go to America to have an operation called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy. This involves cutting the nerves along the spine that send the negative signals from her brain to her feet. This will allow the functioning nerves to work, allowing her to learn how to walk and stand. She will also lose all the tightness and severe pain that she has to suffer. The cost of the operation is £40,000 of which, Sophie's family have already raised over £20,000.

To raise funds for Sophie's cause, we would like to invite parents and other members of our community to a breakfast at the school on Thursday 11 March at 9am. We will not be charging for this breakfast but would obviously ask anybody who comes to make a donation. If you would like to reserve a place at this breakfast could you please contact Mrs Harrington at the school by phoning (01903) 778391 or by email bharrington@wsgfl.org.uk

Many thanks in advance for your support.
Mr Kerrison Director of Studies - Post 16 Education

PLEASE - HELP SOPHIE WALK

(23 February 2010)

Church launches new service

St Margaret's Church is launching a new service this coming Sunday (28 February) at 4pm called 'St Margaret's FM' .

It is designed to appeal to primary school age children and their families - people who are often very busy on Sunday mornings, and yet might be interested to come to an afternoon service on a monthly basis. It will be an interactive service consisting of lively songs the children know from their schools, activities and a short talk for them, and also material aimed at the adults, so we hope that everyone will get something from it. The service will last under an hour, and there will be drinks and cakes available afterwards.

Do give it a try this month, if you can - and enjoy the fun, faith and friendship on offer. All are very welcome.
.......................................................... Mark Standen (Rector) ................................................

(23 February 2010)

Charity Quiz Night

dizzy, the local diabetes charity which has a shop in the village, is holding a Charity Quiz Night at Worthing Rugby Football Club, Roundstone Lane, Angmering on Friday 5th March (7pm arrival, for 7:30pm quiz start).

They're looking for teams of up to six people and tickets are just £60 per team (or £10 per person) which includes a buffet meal and prizes! There is a bar in the clubhouse where you can purchase very reasonably priced refreshments.

It's going to be a great night they we hope you will join them.

(22 February 2010)

Footpath now open

The new footpath from Bramley Green to the north end of the allotments in Honey Lane opened this afternoon. The work has been carried out this week by contractors to Angmering Parish Council to County Council standards. The footpath means that there is now only sufficient room for one vehicle at a time to drive over the track beside the new path to and from the allotments' car park.

(19 February 2010)

Rucksack found

A rucksack containing college artwork notes and other items was found last Monday (15 February) at 7.30 am in Station Road on the verge near the southern road buildout. The rucksack is believed to belong to a Dave McHugh. If anyone knows the owner of the rucksack, please contact Angmering Village Life in the first instance.

(19 February 2010)

Bonfire incident

An appliance from East Preston Fire Station was called to Barn Farm, Dappers Lane shortly before midday yesterday after a medium sized bonfire appeared to get out of control. The bonfire was extinguished by the attending crew.

(19 February 2010)

Mean theft of Sophie's Fund!

A mean thief has stolen a collecting tin for Sophie's Fund (see news article dated 20 January). The tin, which was on the counter of the Co-op in The Square, was stolen on Sunday evening. The thief was captured on CCTV and footage passed to the police for identification. Sophie's mum, Debbie, estimates that the tin may have contained contributions of between £200 and £300. It is understood that charity tins with chains will be procurred.

Since local publicity began on this website and in the Littlehampton Gazette, the sum so far raised has increased to £20,000, about half of what is necessary for Sophie to have her life changing operation in the USA. Notwithstanding that, in anticipation that the total will be achieved, a date for the operation has been set for July this year.

Debbie also tells Angmering Village Life that Kevin King of Spirit FM's Breakfast Show, has taken a keen interest in Sophie's proposed operation and wants to cover the whole story when Sophie and Debbie travel to the USA. He will also be keeping listeners advised of the progress of the Fund on his show and on the station's website.

If you still have not contributed to Sophie's Fund, you can do this by placing a donation in any one of the collecting tins around the village which are situated at St Margaret's Primary School, The Angmering School, the Parish Council Office, St Margaret's Church, Maverick Hair & Beauty Studio, Jeffrey's Hairstylists, Woodies News, The Lamb Inn, The Big Fry, and the Co-op. Alternatively, donations can also be made either by PayPal (send to D.greaves@yahoo.co.uk ) or to "Sophie's Fund" by cheque or by bank transfer - Bank Sort Code: 07-00-93, Bank A/C No: 33333334, A/C Ref: 1956/704113277 - this is a treasurer's account.

PLEASE - HELP SOPHIE WALK

(18 February 2010)

Angmering Planning Applications (p/e 10/02/10)

A/2/10 - Change of use from (A1) retail to (A2) office use at 5 The Square. For: Graham Butt Estate Agents

A/136/09 - Outline application for the erection of 1no. 4 bedroom detached house with integral garage. Land South of Mill Cottage Old Mill Lane. For: Jireh Properties & Compass Lan. Readvertisement due to amended access off Darlington Close & amended house type.

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 March 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".

(17 February 2010)

Snippets from the draft Minutes of the Parish Council's Policy & Finance Committee Meeting on 1 February 2010

Honey Lane
The Honey Lane project had now been ordered and would be carried out during the week beginning 15 February 2010. Councillor Bicknell would attend a meeting of concerned residents on to explain the Parish Council position. The Clerk would investigate the lease with the Allotments Association to ascertain the extent of the land covered by the agreement.

Community Centre Project
a) A note had been received from Councillor Steven Mountain indicating that the final figures for the construction had been agreed.
b) Some dates in February had been agreed to enable the acoustic work to be done without impacting on the Centre’s bookings. The Parish Council would not be paying for this work.
c) The Clerk had written a letter to the Community Centre Management Committee Chairman requesting information he required to be sure that the lease could be signed by the Parish Council and further financial support paid. He reported that he was attending a meeting with some trustees to discuss the requirements. This committee fully supported this action and insisted on a reply in writing to the requests.

Bramley Green Play Area
A report had been commissioned from Foster Playscapes Limited on the subsidence being experienced on this play area (copy attached to the final version of these minutes). The Parish Council had accepted the play area as part of the Section 106 deal struck by Arun District Council with the developers. The Clerk was requested to make representations to Arun District Council for it to accept responsibility for the poor quality of the construction of this facility and to pay for it to be repaired. A report would be made at the next meeting of this committee on the solution to this problem.

Environmental Wardens
The original closing date for applications for these jobs had been extended and details sent to the Job Centre, with the result that three had been received. The new closing date was 12 February, after which all applicants would be considered. Councillor Turner expressed the wish that these should be local jobs for local people and believed that they should be included on the Newsletter.

Staff Contracts of Employment & Pensions
(Detailed discussions took place and are reported in the minutes - Ed)

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

(15 February 2010)

Healthy Eating

Age Concern, through their "Fit as a Fiddle" programme, is trialing a new initiative to encourage people to get out and learn to eat healthily. Once a week, they will be holding classes for 12 persons at the Angmering Community Centre where, not only will they be shown how to prepare and cook delicious food, but they will then sit down to enjoy the three courses of food that were prepared.

This is an 8-week Course for the over 50's, on Wednesday lunchtimes starting on the 10th March - 11.30 a.m. until 2 p.m. The cost for the whole 8-week course is £12. For further details including how to book, see attached .

(15 February 2010)

Meet your MP - Nick Herbert

Residents are invited to an Open Meeting in the King Suite at Angmering Village Hall this Saturday, the 13 Feburary 2010. Refreshments will be available from 11.15 am and the Open Meeting will commence at 11.45 am.

Also present and available to answer your questions will be: County Councillor Deborah Urquhart, and District Councillors Mrs. Julie Hazelhurst, Paul Bicknell and Dudley Wensley

(10 February 2010)

Children & Family Centre's activities

This Friday, 12th February (10.00 - 12.00 and 12.30 - 2.30) the Angmering Children & Family Centre completes their Art Project at the Centre led by local artist Su Cloud. If there is bad weather this date will be put forward to 19th February.

This project has been undertaken over a 3 week period with the children making clay tiles and then glazing them. They will be fixing the tiles in their garden area (at the rear of The Library) on Friday. The theme of the tiles is story based and they will be a permanent feature in the garden. The tiles will be used to complete a "treasure hunt" as a learning resource tying into literacy and numeracy.

On Wednesday 17th February 10 - 11.30, the Centre is taking part in the "I Can Chatterbox Challenge 2010" which will be to raise money for children who struggle to communicate. This is a joint venture with the library service as Laura Sauvary (Children's Librarian) will be telling stores and singing songs with the children. The Centre is also having a "Bugs Galore" nature trail, craft activities and beastly stories.

(10 February 2010)

Angmering Planning Applications (p/e 03/02/10)

A/8/10/ - Conversion and extension of former solicitors offices to form a 2no bedroom cottage at Aberdeen House Arundel Road. For: Mr J Yates

A/12/10/L - Application for listed building consent for new timber beams & struts to provide support to a failing valley beam to the main roof of the property. New oak beam over ground floor lounge to provide support via existing wall to new beams supporting roof at Conyers, 9 Church Road. For: Mr I Clough

A/14/10/L - Application for listed building consent for replacement of existing dilapidated clay tiles to roof with reclaimed clay tiles on new battens. Provision of wrought iron grilles to 4 no. roadside window openings. Outbuilding (former stables), Updown Cottage, Arundel Road. For: Mrs J Mathews

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 4 March 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".

(10 February 2010)

New shop to open in village centre

Sight & Sound are excited and pleased to announce the opening of a new branch. They will be opening their second branch in early March 2010 at The Square, Angmering. After minor alterations and fitting out the new consulting room they will be offering the same friendly and professional family eye care and hearing aid service that they have been providing to their clients in Bognor Regis for many years.

Their philosophy is to provide a complete service to all their clients, from the most high tech hearing instruments to high quality budget aids. And from free eye tests and spectacles for those entitled to designer frames and the most sophisticated lenses, including a comprehensive range of Contact Lenses. Until they have a confirmed the opening date, you can contact Sight & Sound at their Bognor practice on 01243 872001or go to their website at www.sightandsound.org.uk

(7 February 2010)

Angmering Planning Applications (p/e 25/01/10)

A/11/10/ - Renewal of unimplemented planning permission A/192/06 for demolition of existing house and construction of 3 linked houses with ancillary parking at Phares Courtledge, High Street. For: Chandlers Garage Worthing Ltd

A/13/10/CA - Renewal of unimplemented planning permission A/193/06/CA for demolition of existing house at Phares Courtledge, High Street. For: Chandlers Garage Worthing Ltd

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 25 February 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 February 2010)

Snippets from the draft Minutes of the Parish Council's Meeting on 25 January 2010

Resignation of Parish Councillor
The Clerk stated that a letter of resignation had been received from Councillor Tim Walder caused by work commitments not allowing him to spend enough time on Parish Council business. The vacancy was declared vacant and the Clerk would put the process of finding a replacement councillor in hand.

Environmental Wardens
The attempt to employ two Environmental Wardens had met with little success to date, but the next step was to expand the advertising to include the local Job Centre.

Weight Limit through village
Councillor Christopher Verrinder had attended a Joint Downland Area Committee meeting on behalf of the Parish Council and had made the request that a 7.5 tonne limit be placed on vehicles coming through the village. He believed that this would be progressed by the County Council.

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

(7 February 2010)

Snippets from the draft Minutes of the Parish Council's Environmental Committee Meeting on 20 January 2010

Mayflower Park
Alchohol Restriction Area - Committee members, after discussion of the available evidence, decided to pursue the question of implementing an Alchohol Restriction Area with the police.
Ownership/responsibility for Mayflower Park outfall and works required - APC reported that all enquiries had indicated that the current position is that the maintenance of outfall and adjoining drainage area is the responsibility of the Parish Council. This had been confirmed with Southern Water, the Developer Consortium and West Sussex County Council Agreements Officer. To confirm this further the original Section 106 would need to be referred to. Councillor Paul Bicknell stated that the drainage system built for the Bramley Green Development was a Sustainable Urban Drain (SUD) which had been recognized as a award winning design on completion. The residents of the development currently benefit from a £25 p.a. rebate, worth in total around £15,000 p.a. Councillor Bicknell was of the opinion that the maintenance cost would be in the region of £6,000 p.a. if Southern Water could be persuaded to take this over. Councillor Turner stated the attached drainage pond was not of the same concern as a maintenance issue. ACTION: APC to write to Southern Water and ask them to look at adopting this SUD and continue to investigate the facts re the original transfer.
Parking Area - The Members were advised that the exact area has to be specified and Councillor Bicknell stated that it was also intended to place dragons teeth fencing on the far side of the access way to prevent vehicles from moving outside the designated parking area. ACTION: Councillor Bicknell to draw up a plan and specification.

Play Area adjoining Community Centre
The circulated report and quotation for works from Foster Landscapes was noted. Councillor Turner reported that her information was that as the Parish Council had accepted the play area on its handover, the Clerk has advised that the Council would appear to be responsible for arising maintenance issues and an insurance claim for repairs would not be possible. Councillor Turner expressed concerns that advice may have not been given on this point by the Solicitors dealing with the transfer. Councillor Bos raised the issue of whether there are guidelines on the specification for playground construction and Councillor Allcock stated that there is a Playgrounds Association who may be able to provide this information. The question was also raised as to whether Building Inspectors monitor playgrounds during construction. ACTION: Councillor Allcock agreed to investigate the construction and guideline issue and report back to Members.

Cobbling in Village Centre.
ACTION: Councillor Bicknell to provide further information regarding the location and extent of area for assessment by Community Payback team.

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

(7 February 2010)

Snippets from the draft Minutes of the Parish Council's Highways Committee Meeting on 13 January 2010

Honey Lane
The Clerk had received three quotations for the work on this scheme, in accordance with 14 December 2009 Parish Council minute number 09/105. Quotations were received from the following contractors: Edburton Ltd., Landbuild Ltd., PHB Ltd. On a proposal by Councillor Bos, seconded by Councillor Allcock it was RESOLVED by six votes to none to award the job to Landbuild. The Chairman abstained from the vote because of his involvement in the scheme from its inception. The Clerk stated that Landbuild would be advised of their success, but that an order would not be placed until confirmation of its acceptance was gained from both West Sussex County Council and the landowner.

20mph speed limit zones
The Committee noted the current work list. The proposed implementation of 20mph speed limits was discussed, with concerns expressed about the effects on other roads such as North Drive. It was believed that the implementation of a 20mph zone of the whole village was a future aspiration, but that acceptance of the proposals currently being made was a step in the right direction.

‘Smiley Face’ Speed Indicator Device (SID)
‘Westotec’ speed indicator devices came in two versions, one that was stand alone and another that was attached to, and energised by, lamp-posts. On a proposal by Councillor Bicknell, seconded by Councillor Sylvia Verrinder. It was RESOLVED that the Parish Council install two SIDs to be attached to lamp columns pointing in either direction on Water Lane at £2,100 each. One of these devices would financed from 2009/2010 budget and the other from 2010/2011 and their precise locations would be determined following advice given by West Sussex County Highways.

Mayflower Park Lighting
The Senior Assistant Clerk had reported to the last meeting that West Sussex County Council (WSCC) had advised that it would take approximately 10 lights at a cost of £15,000 to light the area from the education land to WSCC land at the A259. The alternative suggestion of low level footpath lighting had not been favoured by WSCC. It was decided that the office request a plan of the proposed lighting layout, in order to assess whether some of the cost should be funded by WSCC.

Dog Bins
The Chairman believed that there should be a dog bin in the High Street between Honey Lane and Weavers Hill, there is a piece os grass on Weavers Hill that might be suitable. On a proposal by the Chairman it was RESOLVED to install a new dog bin at this site, financed from the 2009/2010 budget set aside for this purpose.

Community Centre Signage
This relates to brown signs indicating the way to the Angmering Community Centre. After a proposal from the Chairman, seconded by Councillor Nunn, it was unanimously RESOLVED to request road signs indicating the way from the Roundstone Lane/Nursery Lane junction and a pedestrian sign at the High Street end on Honey Lane. The expected cost of this would be £500-£600 (dependent on the number of signs required) and that this would be financed from the 2009/2010 Village Enhancement budget.

Public Seating
It was stated that £2,000 had been received from the insurance company for a damaged seat, and the idea would be to use this sum to provide replacement seats in Fletchers Field. There are damaged seats to be taken out and the project was one being considered for the Community Payback scheme being undertaken by the Environment Committee. There were also memorial plaques on the seats to be removed and these would need to be reinstalled on the new ones. It was decided that a plan of what action would be needed be drawn up by Councillors Turner and Bicknell.

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

(7 February 2010)

Valentine's Day and no love lost at Angmering

While the rest of the country will be gazingly lovingly into each other's eyes and stuffing themselves silly with overpriced chocolates there will be no lovey-dovey acting at Angmering when the all-action nudge and spin bangers take to the track in the Valentines Revenge on Sunday February 14th.

There will definitely not be nay hearts and flowers in evidence as the drivers put the bumpers to good use as they attempt to barge their way to the front of the pack. In addition to the frantic racing and wrecking from the nudge and spin bangers, there will be masses of non-contact racing action from the hot rods, street stocks, saloon rods, junior rods and production stocks.

So forget about reading love messages from 'hunykins' to their 'fluffy bunny,' or spending a fortune on a bunch of roses that will wilt and die in a couple of days and come along to Angmering Raceway for the perfect escape from all the romantic slush on Valentine's Day.

Angmering Raceway is located just off the A280 at the junction between Water Lane and the Angmering By-Pass. 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@ovalracewayclub.co.uk. Tel: 01903 859807 during office hours - out of office hours 01243 268887.

(7 February 2010)

Painting Exhibition

The Angmering Community Centre will shortly be displaying an exhibition of paintings by local amateur artist, Jane Pesterfield. The exhibition will run for the whole of February at the Centre.

The collection will consist of work in four different media, namely: watercolours, acrylics, pastels and Chinese watercolours. All the displayed art work will be for sale.

Jane is a member of several art clubs in the area and exhibits in Angmering, Arundel, Worthing, and other venues. Additionally, she runs a monthly pastel painting group on the 2nd Monday morning each month in Angmering Village Hall. As well as painting subjects she enjoys, she is willing to take on the challenge of commissions.

For all enquiries and sales, contact Jane on (01903) 774289.

Jane will kindly donate 10% of any sales of her paintings displayed at the Community Centre to Sophie's Fund (see 20 January news item below)

(24 January 2010 - updated 7 February)