Category Archives: Clappers Lane

Bobservation No: 126. Domestic and International Matters

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Weather map and image from Trump-Gaza AI, golden Trump statue on RHSVillage Hall
I read in BN5 that the fund-raising for the purchase of the village hall is underway. I sincerely wish the committee every success in this impressive and much needed venture.

Domestic Weather
This seems like the longest and most demanding autumn and winter in living memory and it is not even finished yet!. It has been quite chilly at times but not as cold as it used to be. The downside has been the rain and generally damp climate. There have been excessive water flooding problems in Clappers Lane and footpaths and gardens have been saturated. There is just a feeling of Spring with primroses and daffodils appearing everywhere.

International matters
I cannot remember such a concerning world- wide situation. There have been, and still are, many conflicts in the world, mostly totally unnecessary. Surely with a modicum of goodwill and common sense the major powers could support and strengthen the United Nations Organisation to a degree that eliminates and continues to eliminate war globally. This would enable most countries to redirect vast amounts of spending from armaments to climate change and providing the basic needs of all peoples worldwide. If this is not attainable then I cannot see any liveable future for our descendants. I am glad to be moving towards the end of life rather than the beginning.

Bobservation No. 97: Fulking Affinity

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Signpost showing Clappers Lane signFulking  Affinity
It is nearly 7 weeks since old age caused us to leave our beloved Fulking and move to Henfield. The move was a sensible one dictated by the passing years and whilst we are now small wheels in what seems like a big cog, we were quite unable to cope with being custodians of the unique 3 acres that constitute Furzefield.
Fortunately we have passed the baton on to worthy successors. It is quite surprising to find that where we nowlive it is as quiet or possibly even quieter than Clappers Lane but the same camaraderie does not appear to exist amongst neighbours, age probably being a major factor.
I am still in regular contact with Samantha and the Monday group and get village news from some of the many friends we made while we were in Fulking. The Social Committee is now being led enthusiastically by Sally who tells me that plans for a Christmas party are under way and, if we are invited, I look forward to joining with you in this village annual event. I know just how hard it is to get these occasions off the ground, so please do offer to join in and help as much as you can.
Just can’t stop nagging you!!

Bobservation No. 91: Housing

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Rural Housing Support Grants
I understand that the Government is proposing an annual grant of 20% of the rateable value of rural housing for properties with 4 or more bedrooms. This will be the cornerstone of ‘Levelling up’ to ensure that the responsibility of maintaining a large rural property is rewarded. It is not quite clear, as yet, how this will be implemented for billionaires but some sort of compensation for their contribution to society will have to be found to allay public sentiment. Of course, if this comes to fruition it will form a major part of the Conservative manifesto at the next general election. In the event that this will cause a surge in the demand for larger properties, a ‘help to buy’ scheme will be instigated but only for taxpayers in the 40% bracket of Income Tax. (1.4.22)

Bluebells
By the middle/end of April we should have a really good display of bluebells at Furzefield. As it has been in the past 30 years villagers, their families and friends are most welcome to have a walk around. Please take every care to stay on paths and keep children under strict control. Regrettably no dogs. Best if you give us a shout before you come (tel: 271).

On the market

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Small Acres

The land, which is about 2 acres, is entered through iron gates off Clappers Lane close to the entrance to Preston Nomads Cricket Club. We understand that, dating back to the 1960s, the site was used as a caravan park. Within the plot there is a large concrete hardstanding and the remains of a timber outbuilding with WC, electricity supply (not connected at present) and telephone (also not connected). on the south side of the land is a small caravan.

Bobservation No. 86: Tony Brooks RIP

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Image of Tony Brooks at Fulking FairSadly, Tony Brooks passed away on Sunday 17th October as the result of a stroke and after some 5 years of Alzheimers, the latter eighteen months of which were spent in a nursing home. He was 89.
His total involvement with Fulking was greater than any other villager in the thirty years I have been in Fulking. His advice and help was always available and his engineering background very useful.
Tony and Doris first came to Fulking in 1965 when they purchased the nursery garden at Hillbrook. Over the next 50 or so years he was involved, one way or another, with everything in the village. Having lived in a mobile home on site for 5 years he obtained planning permission to build a bungalow and proceeded to build it himself! The nursery closed in 1998.
Tony’s activities included being elected to the Parish Council and subsequently becoming Chair, and being a backbone of the village Social Committee. He was very active in the Village Hall Action Group improving and maintaining the village hall.
The author of a most comprehensive history ‘The changing Times of Fulking & Edburton 1900 to 2007’, which details the history of practically every house, the profit from which (several thousand pounds) he generously donated to the St Andrews restoration fund. Subsequently he wrote a Volume 2 covering 2007 to 2015. He also wrote a history of the Shepherd & Dog pub. Copies of these books may be available in due course for a donation to the Alzheimers Society.
While his death does not come as a shock it does bring back many memories of what, in these troubled times, seems to have been so satisfying.
The funeral will take place at the Downs Crematorium, Bear Road, Brighton on Thursday 4 November at 1pm.
Lastly, Doris we are thinking of you and send you all our love.

Clappers Lane: pothole repairs

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Residents will have noticed that Clappers Lane has resumed its role as a tributary of the Adur. The river maintenance sensors have detected potholes beneath the water and WSCC has thus arranged for Balfour Beatty’s crack snorkel team to come and fill them on Monday 11th January between 9:30am and 15:00pm. Mooring and river through-traffic prohibited but resident access to houseboats, etc., retained.

Bobservation No. 71: Summer At Furzefield

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The months of June and July have brought a quite exceptional display of growth in our garden at Furzefield.

We have, over the years, planted with bees and butterflies in mind and so far this summer we have recorded butterflies as follows: Brimstone, Comma, Common Blue, Gatekeeper, Green-veined White, Large White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Orange Tip, Painted Lady,  Peacock, Red Admiral, Ringlet, Small Copper, Small Heath, Small Skipper, Small Tort, Small White, Speckled wood, Silver washed Fritillary, and Wall Brown.

As for birds we average about 29 species each week and I expect many of you will have joined us in getting exciting views of the Red Kite which is fast becoming a regular.

We have found that our insect visitors have greatly increased as a result of letting lawn grow longer to encourage clover etc. It has been a great summer in the ‘veg patch’ but it was quite an effort to keep watering adequately. The downside is a very annoying Roe Deer that keeps eating our rose buds!

Clappers Lane closure

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Clappers Lane
The stretch of Clappers Lane shown above is likely to be closed for a working day this week. There’s a new water supply connection, a new mains electricity connection, and something else of an electrical nature. If you are in a car or a van, proceed as normal, in either direction, but be prepared to have to do a three point turn and retreat.

Clappers Lane closure

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Clappers Lane closed allegedly
To undertake repairs to a leaking comm pipe in the carriageway and verge between Wellington House and Rosewood House with road closed signs to be in place either side of the closure at the nearest appropriate junctions from 06/01/2020 to 08/01/2020. Access maintained for emergency services, residents and pedestrians. [Note: these official alerts should be taken with a large pinch of halite.]