Author: Miles

Bobservation No.143: Lords and Halls

Peerage
Cartoon image of Lord leaping with palace of Westminster in background. Cartoon AI generated.I have been involved with Fulking village for the last 35 years and in that time I do not recall ever hearing of a villager being given the honour of a peerage. Nick Stace OBE and his family have been around in Fulking as long as I have. I am sure Nick fully deserves the honour and you would have to go a long way to meet a nicer guy. I am sure villagers will join me in offering our congratulations to Nick and hope that he stays connected with Fulking for many more years.

Village Hall
I understand that the rumour about a hiccup relating the purchase of the village hall from the Church Of England will quite possibly be correct.

Bobservation No. 142: Climate Change

At last, the natural effect of Climate Change and Global Heating is becoming more and more obvious. Those who claim it is not and will not happen are looking more ignorant. Of course, the principal culprit is fossil fuel which has financially powerful supporters. This means that if a really serious global move towards solar and wind power is to be made then the time has come. Even the remarkable transition by China still has a long way to go until coal is no longer necessary. At village level solar panels, external heat pumps and electric vehicles seem to be the only way forward at present. All of these are relatively expensive and in many cases beyond the financial reach of many people. Perhaps a really low rate of interest loan nationally would assist this. Another thought would be to finance this at parish or County Council level. In the specific case of any improvement to Fulking village hall I hope that Climate Change will be serious consideration.

Bobservation No. 141: Summertime

This time of year brings all of benefits of living in Fulking to the fore. Residents will be aware of the many advantages there are to be enjoyed in the surrounding countryside.

This, however, can be of little comfort to those who through ill-health, age or lack of income are unable to enjoy these seasonable attributes. It may be that one of your neighbours fall into this group who are unable to enjoy these benefits.

Could I ask you just to consider your neighbours situation and if you could offer the disadvantaged some assistance in enjoying what we have in Fulking not only will their lives be improved but you will feel a better person for anything you can do to help.

Bobservation No. 140: Heavenly Thoughts

Image: The Telegraph

I find, having reached what used to be called ‘a ripe old age’, that my opinions regarding many things have given me reason to query those opinions. Firstly, having been a convinced atheist since the age of 20, that there is a possibility that there may be a God of some sort. If only because the universe possibly has no termination I have to accept the possibility of a spiritual being to fill the void. Secondly, Apologies to the late Don Bradman, who I had always considered the nearest to a deity, and this in the sacred realm of Cricket .
I also find living in a world of greed and unacceptance of the plight of people less fortunate than ourselves totally unacceptable. Personally this makes impending death a great deal less concerning.

Bobservation No. 139: Wars of Convenience

Convenience
I understand, from a good friend of mine, that the South Downs National Park (SDNP)have approached the authorities concerned with the possibility of converting the recently acquired village hall into a public toilet. This will not, in any way, alter the ownership of the property which would remain in the hands of the village trustees.  The existing chapel building could then be rented out to a supplier of toiletries.(1 April)

Global Insecurity
I wonder if it would ever be possible to Continue reading “Bobservation No. 139: Wars of Convenience”

Village Hall AGM

THIS WEEK: Friday 6th March. 6:30pm
Join us at Fulking Village Hall for our AGM and update. We’ll give you the latest news on the hall regarding it’s acquisition, what the next steps are and upcoming events. There will be drinks and snacks provided during which we would love to hear your ideas on what we do next with our hall.

AGENDA

1 Apologies
2 Approval of Minutes of AGM 2025
3 Matters arising from minutes
4 Chair’s annual report
5 Financial report and Auditor’s report
6 Election of Officers
7 Discussion of future goals and strategy
8 Any Other Business

Refreshments

Bobservation No.137: Richard Rawlings and the Village

Image – Vertikal.net

Richard Rawlings RIP
It saddens me to have to report the death of Richard Rawlings who was a stalwart of Fulking village and a great benefactor of St Andrews, Edburton. I had known Richard for some thirty plus years and the one thing that I like to think we had in common was being opinionated about most things. Socially Richard was amusing and likeable and he will be greatly missed by all the Fulking villagers who knew him well. I count myself as one of those.
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Target Hit

We are delighted to confirm that we have now hit our fundraising target of £85,000 needed to save Fulking Village Hall!
It’s incredible to think that in only 9 months, our community & friends have come together and raised so much money and we would like to send out a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who has helped us reach our target.
Whether you attended one of our events, bought raffle tickets, made a donation or your company has become a sponsor, we would like to give a heartfelt thanks to the whole community and beyond who have made this dream a reality!
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