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MARCH 2020

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THE CUCKMERE CHURCHES

Rector

The Rector’s day of rest is Friday

Revd Prebendary Stephen Stuckes The Rectory, Sloe Lane, Alfriston, BN26 5UP [email protected]

871042

Associate Priest Pastoral Minister

Reverend Christyan James [email protected] Kelly Ellis [email protected]

07595 910443 07903 687705

Parish Administrator Pauline Kennard, The Parish Office, St Andrew’s Church, The Tye, Alfriston, BN26 5TL [email protected]

871093

Website Facebook

www.cuckmerechurches.org.uk St Andrew's Church, Alfriston, Sussex

ST ANDREW, ALFRISTON WITH LULLINGTON

Churchwardens Diana Monteath-Wilson Bill Rendall [email protected]

871143 870057

Secretary to the PCC Sherry Ward - 13 Smugglers Close, Alfriston 870478

Organist Vacant

Bell Tower Captain Pauline Kennard [email protected] 07792 948709

Director of Music & Events Co-ordinator

Kathryn Maulkin [email protected] 07412 526671

ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, LITLINGTON

Churchwardens Richard Hayward - Lavenders, Litlington, BN26 5RA Rosie Beddows - Pipers Cottage, Litlington, BN26 5RA

870383 870139

Secretary to the PCC Claire Hayward - Lavenders, Litlington 870383

ALL SAINTS, WEST DEAN

Churchwardens Brian Paterson - 1 Woodland Cottages, Seaford Susan De Angeli

897065 870466

Secretary to the PCC Trish Bullivent, [email protected] 07927 411032

ST PETER ad VINCULA, FOLKINGTON

Churchwardens Sabrina Harcourt-Smith Tony Catchpole

482036 484877

Secretary to the PCC Julia Caffyn 01435 862830

CUCKMERE NEWS

Editorial The Parish Office, St Andrew’s Church, The Tye, Alfriston, BN26 5TL [email protected]

871093

Advertisements Heather Hurst 07880 723947

We reserve the right to edit any contributions to this magazine with regard to length and content All material for inclusion in the Cuckmere News to be received by the 10th of each month please.

CUCKMERE NEWS - 3 - 2020

March

Stephen writes…….’In pursuit of Spring’

The above title is that of a book by the writer, naturalist and poet Edward

Thomas. Thomas was killed in 1917 at Arras in France and this makes the

context and event of his book all the more poignant. It was written just

before Easter 1913 and chronicles Thomas’s journey by bicycle from

Clapham junction to the Quantock Hills in Somerset (a place I know well).

There had been false signs of Spring early in the season that year and

Thomas wanted to find the real thing. Thomas was a great walker and lover

of nature, partly to help cure his depression. (the Romans had an expression

Solvitur Ambulando – resolve it by walking)

Coupled with the growing threat of war and an atmosphere of uncertainty

Thomas’s odyssey becomes a search for life, joy, meaning and purpose. At

the start he writes of seeing a man buy a caged bird and setting it free, a

metaphor, perhaps for the freedom he is himself in search of and finds. Free

not only of winter but free of spirit. ‘I had found Spring, and I was confident

that I could ride home again and find Spring all along the road.’

March is the start of the Meteorological spring and the season of

preparation for Easter that we are now in. Lent, derived from Old English,

literally means spring. Thomas’ journey in search of freedom is a kind of

parallel to our journey through Lent in search of the liberation from death

that Jesus achieves on the cross and through the Resurrection.

I hope that you are seeing signs of true spring in nature and life and finding

freedom from all that holds us back from enjoying life in all its fulness.

Stephen.

On Tuesday 17th March, 10am in St Andrew’s Church, Reverend Christyan

James will be licensed as Associate Priest for the Cuckmere Churches by

the Archdeacon of Brighton and Lewes, Reverend Martin Lloyd Williams.

As you know Christyan has been acting in this role for a few months now

so we are delighted that the post is being formalised.


I was recently asked by a reporter whether in the diocese of Chichester Ash Wednesday

has become more popular – like Christmas is.

My own experience of offering “ashes to go” outside Brighton station was very

informative. Generally, people on their way to work were not very interested and

sometimes hostile.

People with a bit of Christian formation and experience were more pleased to see us. I

sensed that for some of them, this was an invitation to re-connect with the season of

Lent and the renewal of their faith. For others, it was encouraging, giving permission for

the hidden, private practice of their faith to be affirmed by someone else in public.

The message of Lent is cheering and simple: God loves you and the Church is starting

preparations to celebrate that fact at Easter.

But this year, in particular, the ashes with which we began this season of Lent offered a

serious statement of protest.

As destructive fires raged in Australia, ash was everywhere. Our ashes were an

identification with all who are the victim of climate change and environmental

damage. But perhaps more importantly, ash was an even clearer symbol of the Christian

call to repentance, a radical change of heart.

Extinction protests have certainly become more popular. But we might have more yet to

do to make the Lenten discipline of repentance more popular within the Church, in

order to become a catalyst for repentance in society and global change.

My hope and prayer is that we might emerge from this Lent with a greater sense of

reverence for the earth and all its inhabitants. The celebration of Easter will then be

marked by a different, freer, lighter way of living, rather than a return to damaging

habits we had tried to give up for the time being.

+Martin

COMMUNICATIONS BY THE BISHOP OF CHICHESTER

Spring is here! - Come and join us

Alfriston Task Force is back in action; we've got a list of jobs and we welcome even

more helpers like you.

It's fun, it's friendly and it's a fantastic opportunity to look after our village.

One hour at a time is all that's needed; more people make all the difference.

Contact Caroline if you would like to be added to the mailing list

or ring to find out more:

Tel 01323 870536. mob. 07790 897957

Collectibles and Antiques sought

Nick-nacks, memorabilia, cameras, china, vintage toys, jewellery, musical instruments, postcards and photographs … also purchased

Fair prices paid to you in cash Furniture also considered

Please call Joanne or Martin to discuss your requirements 07780 704659 and 07493 394193

Professional, discreet and efficient service with a £10 donation made to St Andrew’s Church Alfriston Restoration Fund with each house call


The Electoral Roll of St Andrew’s Church is due to be revised in April this year. The existing

Electoral Roll was created last year and, subject to such revision, will continue in

operation until 2026, when a new roll will be made. This is a revision only and existing

members need take no further action if they wish to remain on the Roll. Any eligible

person wishing to be added to the Electoral Roll of St Andrew’s should complete the

application form, which is available at the back of the church after Sunday services,

and then return it to me or one of the Churchwardens by end March please.

Residents of the Parish who are over 16 and are baptised members of the Church of

England, or are members of a Church in communion with it, are eligible, or if not

resident, have worshipped in the Parish for the previous six months. The Electoral Roll

determines the number of elected members on the Parochial Church Council, as well as

eligibility and voting rights at Annual meetings and higher synods. It gives everyone the

opportunity to keep in touch with the Church as a whole and to play their part in

decision-making.

When completed, the revised Roll will be displayed at the back of the Church for at

least 14 days prior to the Annual Parochial Church meeting. To comply with the General

Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), this will show names only, with no addresses

included. A full copy of the Electoral Roll will be available for inspection at the Annual

Parochial meeting in April.

Geoffrey Davey, Electoral Roll Officer (01323 871468)

ELECTORAL ROLL 2020

TWINNING You would be most welcome to our AGM in the OCC on Sunday March 8th at 4.30pm.

Thanks to Dr June Goodfield our twinning tentacles are stretching far and wide, and

thanks to the Committees, here and in Veules, twinning has become a great success.

This year in Veules there are many events of interest. The first of these is the visit of a

contingent from the 51st Highland Division (The Black Watch) to commemorate the 80th

Anniversary of the evacuation of Veules on the 12th June 1940. The organisation of this

and the history of those days is recorded in Dr June’s recently published book ‘Glory

from Defeat’.

The Rose Festival is during the weekend of June 20/21. This is followed by the Linen

Festival from the 3rd to 7th July. The Linen which is produced from the Flax is grown by

Alain & Patricia Blossville who are friends and keen members of Twinning. Their Farmland

covers a wide area of organically grown flax which is processed to produce an

unbelievable range of products from Surf Boards, to Motor Bike Helmets and much else

besides, all for export from Le Havre.

Just a short distance south of Veules in the village of Blosseville is a Church where each

year at Harvest Festival, they decorate the entire Church with differing displays of

ancient farm implements. On and around the Altar, the Pulpit and Chancel is freshly

baked bread of many varieties plus the bounty of the land and sea. It is well known and

attracts many tourists. In the Churchyard, forever Scotland, are the remains of two

Scottish soldiers.

Tony up the hill


Although it is still the middle of winter members of the Cricket club are already looking

forward to the 2020 cricket season. Last year the club finished just outside the promotion

places, but were in contention for promotion for most of the season. Members of the

club will soon be attending weekly indoor nets – we just need an improvement in the

weather! The club always welcomes new members and if anyone would like to

experience the delights of village cricket in a beautiful setting please contact the

captain, John Harmer on 870270. Matches are played on Saturdays [East Sussex League]

and Sundays [friendlies] and some midweek evening games.

Before the new season begins we have two important social events:

Quiz Night in the War Memorial Hall on Saturday 21st March beginning at 7.30 pm. Food is

included in the ticket and there will be a bar raising money for club funds. Teams are a

maximum of 7 and tickets are £7 per head. Contact Barbara Harmer [870270] .

Coffee Morning in the Old Chapel Centre on Saturday 11th April from 10.00 am to 12.00.

There will be various stalls including books, tombola, bric-a-brac, cakes. Donations for

stalls are very welcome and can be collected – please phone 870270.

Everyone very welcome – we look forward to seeing you.

Geoff Ellis – Chairman, Alfriston Cricket Club

ALFRISTON CRICKET CLUB

Our first speaker of 2020 was very interesting. Paul Green trains both

detection dogs and their handlers - the dogs are each trained to detect a

specific scent, usually drugs or explosives, but also people, whether alive or dead. He

brought along two of his dogs, Charlie and Wallace, who quickly made friends with the

audience and were a great hit! We also expect the speaker at the March meeting to

be very interesting - he will be talking about the voluntary band of motor-bikers who

carry emergency supplies of blood and other medical products to and from hospitals -

this meeting will be at the Old Chapel Centre as usual, on Tuesday 17th March at 2.00

p.m., visitors will be welcome but a small donation would be appreciated.

Members have recently been to see "There goes the Bride" at Seaford's Little Theatre,

and have also been out to a lunch -- a good start to the year! There is an interesting

programme of events on the calendar, and new members would be very welcome.

Wendy Day - 870433

ALFRISTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

'WINTER EVENSONG'

St Michael's, Litlington

Sunday 8th March at 5pm

This month sees the last of our winter Evensong Services

Please join us as Stephen Rooke returns with his choir

Followed by refreshments - All very welcome!

Contact the Church Office for more information on 871093

A Clean Sweep

Ross Atabey & Son

Chimney sweeping - including smoke test and certification.

01435 812 153 07941 315214

Fiind us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/acleansweephoram

[email protected]

Member of Association of Professional Independent Chimney Sweeps.

http://www.facebook.com/acleansweephoram

mailto:[email protected]


Alfriston Pre-School are looking for a small piece of wooded land to use in the village to

run our forest school nature sessions from.

The children at the Pre-School get great benefit from exploring in the wild and learn how

to take care of the environment in our community.

We are looking to use the site term times only 3 times per week for 2 hours each session.

We are looking to either use the land for free or for an upkeep donation.

CAN YOU HELP US? Please contact Sally at the Pre-School. 07812335981

LAND WANTED FOR ALFRISTON PRE-SCHOOL’S CHILDREN

Jane Byer will be speaking about the Sanctuary Café (drop in centre for migrants,

refugees and asylum seekers) at our next Breakfast, on Saturday 14th March at St Luke's

church, Seaford.

Starting at 8.30 am and over by 10am.

If you would like to attend please call Jane Anderson (01323 870075) a few days

beforehand, so that we can give an estimate of numbers for the catering team.

Cost is £5 payable at the door (not £6 as I inadvertently put in your last month's

magazine)

What is the Sanctuary Café?

At the Ladies Breakfast on Saturday 14th March, Jane Byer will be speaking about this

weekly "café" where a warm & welcoming community offers access to immigration

advice, friendly support, English conversation classes and a play corner for children, plus

free hot drinks. Asylum seekers, refugees and other migrants find friendships as well as

practical assistance there. We anticipate that Jane, as a regular volunteer and member

of the managing committee for Sanctuary Café, will be a well-informed and

enthusiastic speaker. If you would like to attend the Breakfast at 8.30 at St Luke's church,

Seaford, please phone Jane Anderson a few days beforehand. This helps us with

catering plans. Cost is £6 payable at the door.

Ruth Butlin

LADIES BREAKFAST REMINDER

Pro Musica are currently rehearsing Handel’s Messiah for their concert in March. For a

number of reasons, including the current road closures, we have decided to hold this

concert in Lewes at Trinity Church, Southover.

It is disappointing not to be at St. Andrew’s after many years, but we hope to be back

for our summer concert. I hope that many of our supporters in Alfriston will be able to join

us in Lewes. The concert is on Saturday 28th March at 7.30 pm and we look forward to

seeing you there.

Geoff Ellis Chairman – Pro Musica

PRO-MUSICA CONCERT


Saturday 21st March at 7.30pm at Seaford Baptist Church

Mozart ‘solemn Vespers & Purcell ‘Come, ye Sons of Art, Away’

Soloists: Rachel Shouksmith (Soprano), Rebecca Anstey (Alto)

Andrew Wicks (Tenor) & Jozic Katz (Bass)

Colin Hughes Conducting & John Eady Organ Continuo

Tickets £10 - Children free from Newberry Tully Estate Agents, Church St Seaford

Reserve online www.seaford-choral-Society.com

Or at the door

SEAFORD CHORAL SOCIETY, SPRING CONCERT

http://www.seaford-choral-Society.com


We started the year with an inspiring talk by Steven Moore (Rapkyns Nursery) and

follow it in March with our AGM. As well as being a social event, we will be

electing new members to the committee, so if you are interested in becoming

more involved, why not consider putting yourself forward. Contact Jane Alvey on

870036 for more details. In the meantime here is our calendar for the year.

Cuckmere Valley Horticultural Society events for 2020

Tuesday March 10th 7.30pm AGM (bring a dish to share)

Thursday April 23rd 7.30pm Talk by Rose and Robin Lloyd on

The Long House Garden at Westdean

+ visit to be arranged.

Thurs May 21st 2.30pm Talk Peter Lovett “Finding Orchids on the Sussex Downs”

Saturday August 15th 8.30/1pm – 5pm Annual Show

Sunday August 16th 11am – 4.30pm Annual Show

Thursday October 8th 7.30 pm Talk TBC

Tuesday November 10th 7.30pm Members Evening (dinner)

Thursday February 4th 2021 2.30pm Talk TBC

Please note there is to be only one Annual Show in 2020.

COFFEE MORNING – Follers Manor in May

Dates to be confirmed for MEMBERS OUTINGS

- Trip to Leonardslee Gardens in June

- Trip to the Hampton Court Flower Show in July

- Visit to The Long House Garden, Westdean, TBA

Any questions please contact Jane Alvey (870036) Caroline Buckle (870861) or Nicky Vassell (871995).

CUCKMERE VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY


CHURCH SERVICES IN MARCH

Sunday 1st March - Lent 1

Alfriston: 8.00 am Holy Communion

Litlington: 9.30 am Family Communion

Folkington: 10.30 am Holy Communion

Alfriston: 11.00 am Morning Worship

Sunday 8th March - Lent 2


West Dean: 9.30 am Family Service

Folkington: 10.30 am Mattins


Litlington: 5.00 pm Evensong with visiting choir

Sunday 15th March - Lent 3


Litlington: 9.30 am Holy Communion

Folkington: 10.30 am Mattins

Alfriston: 11.00 am Family Service

Tuesday 17th March - Lent 4

Alfriston 10.00 am Licensing of Rev’d Christyan James as Associate

Priest

Sunday 22nd March - Mothering Sunday


West Dean: 9.30 am Mothering Sunday Holy Communion

Folkington: 10.30 am Mothering Sunday Service

Alfriston: 11.00 am Mothering Sunday Holy Communion

Sunday 29th March - Passion Sunday

West Dean: 11.00 am Benefice Service

Wednesdays in Lent:

Litlington: 7.00 pm Compline and Lent Meditiation


LITLINGTON 10yr. Avg ALFRISTON 10yr. Avg.

Jan 2.41” 4.17” Jan 3.28” 4.3”

Oct-Jan 20.74” 16.12” Total 2020 3.28

Rain fell on 17 Days Rain fell on 17 Days

Wettest day 26th with 0.51” Wettest day 26th with 0.56”

RAINFALL

SNIPE’S RELIGIOUS ENCOUNTER

Pauline and I were walking up to St Andrew’s

church together on Christmas Eve when we

heard a commotion in the front porch. On

quick inspection we found a Snipe flapping

about in some distress. In haste, Pauline

went off to find a box whilst I scooped it up.

East Sussex Wildlife rescue were called and

collected the bird within the hour.

So we were delighted when this article

appeared in their quarterly magazine last

month. We thought you might be interested

to see it too.

If you ever find any wildlife causalities who

need assistance why not give them a call.

Their rescue line is: 07815-078234.

A superb charity helping wildlife

all around East Sussex.

C J Norman

Prayers are said in St Andrew’s from 9 to 9.30am on weekdays

Alfriston: 10.00 am – Holy Communion every Wednesday

There will be no service on Wednesday 18th March

West Dean: 5.30 pm – Evening Prayer every Thursday

Men’s Breakfast: Chestnuts - Tuesday 17th March at 8.30am

Local Catholic Church: St. Thomas More, 54 Sutton Road, Seaford

(For times of services contact Parish Office 01323 892427)

This Lovely Snipe was found on Christmas Eve in Alfriston Church. The bird appeared to be stunned and allowed his rescuers to pick him up. The bird was admitted into WRAS’s centre at Whitesmith. We all prayed for a speedy recovery and within a few days he was fit and well enough to be returned and released again.

Extract from ‘The Rescuer’ winter edition of WRAS wildlife rescue magazine


Historical Society

Thursday 19th March 2020 at 7.30 p.m.

Deans Place Hotel, Alfriston, BN26 5TW

The Smyth Memorials in St Andrew’s:

A Double Crimean War Tragedy

Speaker Mike Hinton

Admission: Members free; non-members £5

St Michael's Church

‘OUR CUCKMERE VALLEY…A CELEBRATION’

Fri 19th June to Mon 22nd June 2020

10am to 5.30pm

refreshments…delicious lunches, TEAS, COFFEE, CAKES!

stalls…BRIC-A-BRAC, PLANTS, BOOKs

any plants, bric-a-brac, books can now be collected and stored, plus we have freezer

space for cakes!

fundraising in aid of the re-shingling of our church spire!

CONTACT KELLY ELLIS ON 07903687705 or [email protected]

LITLINGTON

FLOWER FESTIVAL 2020!!

WIZARD CARPET &

UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

Professional carpet and upholstery cleaning

including hard surfaces and wooden floors, flea and moth

de-infestation.

Local East Sussex business trading for 20 years.

Call for a quote

07786 437924

01825 723685


Zita (also known as Sitha or Citha) was born into a poor

family at Monte Sagrati near Lucca in the province of

Toscana, Italy in 1218. When she was twelve, she was sent

to work as a maid for the wealthy Fatinelli family at Lucca

where she remained until her peaceful death in 1272.

Legend has it that a star appeared above the attic where

she slept at the moment that she died.

She was cruelly treated by her mistress, master, their

children and fellow servants. She was despised for her

devout conscientiousness and would rise early each

morning to hear mass and spend time in prayer. Eventually her kindness, modesty and

Christian values, her administrations to the sick and visits to criminals in prison, won her

praise and earned the trust of the Fatinelli family and she was put in charge of the

household affairs.

She is the protector of domestic servants, bakers (to this day families bake a loaf of

bread in celebration of her feast day) and she is frequently invoked in the search of

finding lost keys or when crossing rivers or bridges. Her popular cult grew during the late

medieval era.

The name Zita is from the Persian and means ‘virgin’. She is usually depicted wearing

housemaid’s clothes, holding a pitcher or loaves or a bunch of keys.

After one hundred and fifty miracles had been attributed to Zita’s intercession and

recognized by the church, she was canonized in 1696. Her body lies in the Basilica di

San Frediano in Lucca.

God bless my work today and grant that this home may be a place where peace will

prevail and love will be abundant.

SdeA.

ST ZITA - Whose Saint’s day is celebrated on April 27th


CLERGY HOUSE

We’ve been really busy at the Clergy House during the closed season.

There is always lots to do to prepare for opening at the beginning of

March each year. We are currently liaising with the designers to

produce our 2020 property leaflet which then gets distributed to

relevant local tourist outlets with the aim of encouraging people to visit

us. The leaflet will also have our opening times and a list of events that we have planned

for the year. Last year we welcomed just under 24,000 visitors and we are hoping for an

increase in numbers in 2020 as we take part in the National Trust’s 125th anniversary

celebrations.

We have also been working on a new exhibition for this anniversary year where our

visitors can learn more about the founding of the National Trust and the Clergy House’s

special place in its story as the first building saved by the Trust.

Our Conservation Cleaner has been working hard to ensure that all furniture, floors,

ironwork and general house contents have been thoroughly cleaned and any

conservation work carried out.

Our amazing team of garden volunteers have been planting bulbs, sowing seeds,

mulching, weeding, pruning roses, sweeping paths and this week raking off all the silt on

the lower lawns in the hope that some of the grass may have survived the flooding.

After a hectic winter, it will be lovely to have the house and garden open again,

hopefully full of visitors greeted by our full team of staff and volunteers.

We hope to see you soon.

Lynne Pilcher

Visitor Experience Officer

THE ALFRISTON CHRISTMAS TREE

In reply about The Village Christmas Tree (February 2020 Cuckmere News). I too had the

same thought; should we be having a Christmas Tree as well as our lovely Oak tree and

after speaking to several different people my answer is yes, because Christmas trees

take a few years to grow depending on size, of course . While they are growing they are

helping with our clean air and people are employed to grow and sell the trees.

Some of my earliest memories are going to see the very large Christmas tree which our

local council used to put up in Hove, such memories. I hope these memories are being

made in our village square, especially when we are singing and Bev has the mince pies

and mulled wine !! !

As in everything there are for and against arguments but thank you for your kind

comments, so glad you enjoyed the tree too. .

Sylvia Daw

LOCAL PLUMBER

CHRIS BONUS

Ball cocks to Tap Washers

Including

Kitchens

Power Showers

Wet Rooms &

Bathroom Installations

No VAT

Excellent References

01323 870770


There is a lot to be thankful for at FSW in the last month. We have been able to begin

another parenting course in the Uckfield area to help parents who are struggling to

manage their children’s behaviour (after a very successful course in Haywards Heath last

year); our diary is getting full with invitations to speak about our work at various churches

and community groups; and we had a very successful lunch in Hastings last week that

introduced FSW to a number of local people. We are holding another lunch in Worthing

later this week that we hope will be equally as positive. We also welcomed Jessica to the

FSW team – Jessica is a student social worker on placement with us until the end of May

and she will be working with Caroline in Cuckfield deanery and Michelle in Uckfield

deanery.

Although we have a lot to be grateful for, our families are finding the new year really

challenging. With almost 80% of our families experiencing mental health issues, the lack

of support from local authorities because of funding cuts is making it very hard for them

to access specialist support, which in turn can damage family relationships. The

commitment that we give to our families to be there for as long as they need us is even

more important in these situations as we are often the only figure of stability.

We are looking ahead to spring and summer, with registration for our Easter walk on

Monday 13 April now open – please contact Melissa on 01273 832963 for more details.

Our printed spring newsletter will also be with subscribers towards the end of February so

do keep an eye out for this.

January’s work in numbers

• 167 individual meetings with families supporting 11 grandparents, 164 parents and

227 children

• 42 supported meetings with other agencies

• 23 group sessions supporting 33 grandparents, 199 parents and 110 children

• 116 food deliveries made

Prayer points

• Give thanks for the success of our Winter Fuel campaign, which has enabled us to

support hundreds of families during the winter months with heating costs

• For strength for our staff, many of whom are experiencing

challenging personal situations at the moment

• For Mrs B and her family, who are living (3 adults and 5 children) in a

house with no heating and only one working sink

Nikki Kerr, FSW Director of Fundraising and Marketing

FAMILY SUPPORT WORK

EASTER EGG APPEAL - Locally, we are now collecting Easter Eggs to be

distributed to families that wouldn’t otherwise have any this year. Please

leave them in the collection boxes in the churches or if you would like them

collected phone Marjorie 870673. With thanks for your continuing

generosity.


The UK will leave the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) as it leaves the EU. Under the

terms of the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement, most EU regulations governing CAP farm

support will cease to apply to the UK from exit day. Therefore as parliamentarians we

are, in Parliament, setting a new legal basis to enable Ministers to continue direct farm

support payments in 2020. The Direct Payments to Farmers (Legislative Continuity) Bill has

been going through Parliament and it enables the Government to make Direct

Payments to farmers for the 2020 scheme year– giving much-welcomed certainty to our

farmers and food producers.

As a result the Government has guaranteed the annual farm budget for each year of

this Parliament with nearly £3 billion of funding provided for 2020. The UK Government

funding of £2.852 billion will top up the remaining EU funding to match the total funding

for direct payments that was available for 2019.

After this, the Agriculture Bill will provide a new system of farm support, moving away

from direct payments in England towards an approach where farmers are paid public

money for the ‘public goods’ they produce – such as enhancing air and water quality,

tackling climate change or improving animal welfare. Farmers and land managers will

be supported over a seven-year agricultural transition period, giving them time to plan

and adapt to the new approach.

From meeting with local farmers before the election, I know that the uncertainty

surrounding farm payments and the new agricultural policy is a concern and that

certainty of direction is top of the agenda. Now that a decision on farm payments has

been taken I will be holding another meeting for local farmers, being organised by the

NFU and if this is something you are interested in attending do let me know by emailing

[email protected]

The Agriculture Bill, which will shortly be returning to the Commons, will see

us move towards a new system that rewards farmers for enhancing the

environment and producing the food we all enjoy in a sustainable way. I

am keen that farmers from Lewes have their say and that the new policy

works for them to ensure they have the stability and security they need

going forward. Farmers are one of the key guardians of our landscapes and it is

important that they are at the heart of decisions going forward.

Maria Caulfield, MP

UPDATE FOR LOCAL FARMERS POST BREXIT

LIVE LENT

“#LiveLent: Care for God’s Creation” is the

Church of England’s Lent campaign for 2020.

It explores the urgent need for humans to value

and protect the abundance God has created.

Download the app or find out more from churchofengland.org/livelent

Iyad Sughayer - Piano Recital

St Andrew’s Church, Alfriston, Saturday

21st March, 7.30pm.

Come and join award-winning, International concert

pianist, Iyad Sughayer in a celebration of music by

Mozart, Liszt, and Chopin. He will also perform music by

Khachaturian featured on his debut CD, recently

released on BIS records.

Mozart: Sonata in D major K.576

Liszt: Harmonies poétiques et religieuses: Invocation; Andante

lagrimoso; Funerailles; Cantique d’amour

Interval

Chopin: Four Mazurkas Op. 33 Khachaturian: Piano Sonata

Iyad studied in the UK at Chetham's School of Music, the Royal Northern College of

Music and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance where he was awarded

the Gold Medal in 2018. He has performed extensively in the UK, Europe, the Middle

East and the US.

Recent highlights include his concerto debut with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra;

selection as a City Music Foundation Artist; graduating from the RNCM with the

prestigious International Artist Diploma; and of course, the release of his debut CD of

works by Khachaturian. The CD clearly demonstrates Iyad Sughayer’s close affinity

with the Armenian composer’s music, and has been critically acclaimed:

“... this Jordanian-Palestinian player shines” International Piano Magazine, Critic’s

Choice, February 2020

“It’s a release that leaves one eager to hear Sughayer in other repertory while

eloquently arguing that Khachaturian’s piano music deserves re evaluation as

something more than teaching pieces” Gramophone Magazine, February 2020

“.... a strong debut that will bring pleasure and enjoyment on repeated hearings”

Piano Journal, December 2019”.

Iyad says “I have good friends in Alfriston, and I’m delighted to come and play, and

contribute to the rich variety of cultural events in the village”.

Tickets £12 (including a donation to the Church Restoration Fund) are

available in advance from: www.eventbrite.co.uk

For further information: contact 07952 298313


WHAT IS THE ‘PCC’?

‘What seems impossible to you

is never impossible to God!’

Matthew 19:26

In the long history of the Church of England, the Parochial Church Council

(PCC) is a relatively recent invention. Until the early years of the 20th

century the administration and finances of a parish were the legal

responsibility of the incumbent and the churchwardens. The members of

congregations had little say in the running of the church except in electing

the churchwardens. Parochial Church Councils were first given legal status

in 1919.

The PCC is now the main decision maker of a parish. Its members are clergy,

churchwardens and others elected by the Annual Parochial Church

Meeting (APCM) of the parish.

It has the responsibility, along with the incumbent to promote the mission of

God in its parish. Legally, the PCC is responsible for the finances of the

parish. It also has ultimate responsibility for the care and maintenance of all

church buildings and their contents. Although these responsibilities are

executed by the churchwardens, all PCC members must share in the

oversight.

PCC members are elected for a term of 3 years. After that period they can

stand for re-election or make way for new members.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a PCC member please

speak to Stephen.

Alfriston 28th March 10 for 10.30 am at Deans Place Hotel

Litlington 30th March 7.30pm in Litlington Village Hall

West Dean 20th April 7pm in West Dean Church

Folkington 29th April

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETINGS


Sun 8 Twinning AGM - OCC - (p7)

Winter Evensong - St Michaels’s - (p.8)

4.30pm

5.00

Tue 10 C V Horticultural Society AGM - (p.15) 7.30 pm

Thur 12 Cake, Tea & Chatter at Abbeyfield 3.30 pm

Sat 14 Ladies Breakfast - The Sanctuary Café - (p11)

Cuckmere Meanderers—meet at Market Cross

8.30 am

2.00 pm

Mon 16 Alfriston Parish Council Meeting - AWMH 7.15 pm

Tue 17

Men’s Breakfast - Chestnuts

Licensing of Reverend Christyan James - St Andrew’s (p.3)

W.I. - OCC (p.13)

8.30 am

10 am

2.00 pm

Thu 19 CV Historical Society - Deans Place Hotel - (p18) 7.30pm

Sat 21

Piano Recital—St Andrew’s Church, Alfriston— (p28)

Seaford Choral Service - St Leonards, Seaford - (p13)

Cricket Club Quiz Night - AWMH - (p8)

7.30pm

7.30pm

7.30pm

Sun 22 Mothering Sunday Service at St Peter Ad Vincular and

afterwards; Cookham bloodhounds meet - (p24)

10.30 am

11.45-12.30

Tue 24 Prayers for the World - OCC 2 pm

Sat 28 Alfriston Annual Parochial Church Meeting - (p.29) Pro-Musica concert - Trinity Church, Lewes - (p11)

10 for 10.30am 7.30 pm

Mon 30 Litlington Annual Parochial Church Meeting - (p.29) 7.30 pm

Coming Soon

11 April Cricket Club Coffee Morning - OCC -(p.8)

13 April Alfriston Sponsored Walk in aid of Family Support - (p.9)

19 - 22 June Litlington Flower Festival - (p.19)

Mon Art Club in AWMH 2 - 4.30 pm

Tues Bell Ringing at St. Andrew’s Church (Check First) 7.15pm

Tue 1st 3rd 4th The Octaves - OCC 7.15 pm

Tues Scottish Dancing - AWMH 3.30 - 5pm

Weds Yoga in the School Hall 4.30 - 5.45 pm

Weds Short Mat Bowls in AWMH 7 pm

Thurs 2nd & 4th Bridge Club AWMH 2.00 pm

Thurs Coffee Mornings in Litlington Village Hall 11 am

Fri Yoga in AWMH 1.45 - 3.00pm

Fri Chair based Exercise at Abbeyfield 3.30 pm

DIARY FOR MARCH 2020

Alfriston Wealth Management

• Tax efficient Investment Planning

• Inheritance Tax Planning • Retirement Planning and

Pensions Auto-enrolment • Life Cover and Income

Protection 1 North Street, Alfriston, East Sussex, BN26 5UG

Telephone: 01323 871489 07977 109892

www.sjpp.co.uk/alfriston

The Tye Alfriston BN26 5TL

www.oldchapelcentre.com

Tel 01323 870536

Newly refurbished with excellent facilities including kitchen & servery

Ideal for a wide range of functions

Licensed for Wedding Services

Fully equipped for 80 – 100 people

Disabled access and limited private parking

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