Latest News of Local Interest

Changing Times reprinted


Privately published in an edition of 550 copies in 2008 in aid of St. Andrew’s, Tony Brooks’s The Changing Times of Fulking & Edburton 1900–2007 has been out of print ever since. Secondhand copies occasionally show up on Amazon for £35.00–£50.00. The book recounts the twentieth century history of the parish by telling the story of each building and its inhabitants. It is based on Tony’s extensive collection of documents and photographs and his interviews with numerous residents and former residents. Tony himself has been in Fulking since 1965 and thus knows much of the history at first hand.

If you somehow missed out on the first edition six years ago, or if you are (relatively) new to the village, then you have another chance to get this fascinating book. It has just been reprinted in a limited edition of 50 copies. The reprint has an advantage over the original: many of the photographs are reproduced in colour (the original edition was black & white throughout).

It is available now from the Shepherd & Dog, Springs Smoked Salmon, or Tony himself (tel. 200) for just £15 (he might even be willing to sign it for you). You had better move immediately — it is bound to sell out rather quickly.

An inspector calls

Fulking Footpath 4f: the official route
The DEFRA inspector charged with deciding whether Footpath 4f should be rerouted has ruled that it should not be. He concluded “that the adverse effect on the public’s enjoyment of the path if it were diverted in the manner proposed would be significant” and “the adverse effect on public enjoyment clearly outweighs the benefit .. to the landowners”. The proposed diversions (crossed out in red, above) will thus not come into force. Instead, the historic route (marked in green, above) retains its status as a lawful right of way. Here are some extracts from his report:

Footpath 4f runs .. almost immediately adjacent to the rear of Perching Sands House for around 40 metres. The public right of way runs past Perching Sands House in the way described, but that right of way has been unlawfully obstructed, and an unofficial path has been provided which passes some 10 metres to the west of the house.

The public right of way has been obstructed in the vicinity of Perching Sands House. For the purposes of assessing comparative convenience (and enjoyment) I take into account the lawful right of way, treating it as if it was open and available for use, and not the unofficial and unapproved diversion which has been created by the landowner.

From the northern end of the curtilage of Perching Sands House to point A the right of way (although not the path provided by the landowner which lies immediately to its west) runs along a track with a good hard surface which seems unlikely to be muddy in wet weather (the site visit was carried out during a prolonged dry spell). The Definitive Statement for the path does not list any stiles or gates as lawful limitations on the public’s use.

It is reasonably clear where the path runs (or should run), and the correct route could be emphasised by signage so that there was no danger of people inadvertently wandering off the public right of way.

The full report is here [PDF].

Wayfield Park Farm Shop

Wayfield Park Farm Shop
This newly established local farm shop is hosting a fair this Saturday, 11th October from 11:00am. View jewellery, clothing, paper craft, homeware, and food. Have your children’s faces painted. Consume barbecued sausages and burgers, drinks, light snacks and cake all day. Access to the farm shop by car from Fulking requires you to cross the A23 twice. Cross over at Tates and then immediately cross back. As you descend the slip road that leads back down to Tates, you will see the entrance to the farm on your left.