Latest News of Local Interest

Oil under the Weald

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The Battle of Balcombe

[Note: Cuadrilla is prospecting for oil, not gas, in Balcombe.]

News that you may have missed

“The rock in the Weald is splendid, it’s extremely good for shale oil,” said Fivos Spathopoulos, a visiting lecturer of petroleum geology at London’s Imperial College who studied the basin for about seven years. “If it works, it’ll be big but we won’t know exactly how big until we drill.” [Bloomberg, July 1st]

“In November, Europa .. applied for an order to quash the decision of the appointed Inspector .. to dismiss an appeal, made by Europa, against Surrey County Council’s refusal to grant planning permission to drill one exploratory bore hole and undertake a short-term test for hydrocarbons at the Holmwood prospect. On Thursday judge Mr Justice Ouseley gave judgment in favor of quashing the Inspector’s decision .. Europa CEO Hugh Mackay commented .. ‘allowing conventional exploration to take place at Holmwood is consistent with recent government initiatives to promote hydrocarbon exploration in onshore UK.'” [RigZone, July 25th]

“Some privately talk of the Weald in the terms of a potential Eagle Ford of Europe, matching much of the same characteristics of the European Bakken just over the Channel in the Paris Basin [PDF]. At a private investor conference last year the Weald potential was described in just those terms and the speaker talked of similar production of 400,000 barrels a day. Never mind that the Eagle Ford this year is pushing 600,000. At 400,000 barrels a day at $105 Brent that’s a tax take of £6.2 billion.” [NotHotAir, July 28th]

Fulking Village Fair – Sunday 28th July 2013

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Fulking Fair 2013 PosterFulking Fair 2013 exceeded all expectations.The weather was perfect, the attendance well up on the last fair and the dog show, food, drink, stalls, music, exhibitors, games, alpacas and owls were all brilliant.

There is no doubt this village fair has become one of the best fairs in the county if not in the country.

Many thanks to all the villagers who devoted so much time and energy in creating a truly wonderful occasion.

Fulking Social Committee

Click here for a selection of photos from Fulking Fair 2013

If you have any other photographs of this year’s fair that you would like to share then please email them to webmaster@fulking.net

MSDC District Plan – Submission

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District Plan

Mid Sussex District Council has formally submitted its District Plan and accompanying documents to the Secretary of State. The District Plan is being produced jointly with South Downs National Park Authority.

The District Plan will now be subject to an independent public examination by a planning inspector. As part of this examination the Inspector will hold a public hearing, these hearing sessions are anticipated to take place during Autumn 2013. Once confirmed, all details relating to the examination process will be advertised, made available online and sent to those people who asked to be notified of the examination.

The Submission documents will be available for inspection from Wednesday 24th July 2013 online at www.midsussex.gov.uk/districtplan and during normal opening hours at Mid Sussex Libraries and Help Points. Full details can be found on the formal Notice of Submission.

Should you have any queries relating to the District Plan, you can contact the Planning Policy and Economic Development Team on (01444 477053) or email planningpolicy@midsussex.gov.uk

Join the Hit Squad

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Sussex Wildlife Trust Saturday Conservation Hit Squad
If you’re interested in wildlife and enjoy working outdoors then Sussex Wildlife Trust is looking for conservation volunteers to help at local nature reserves. Every weekend, our Saturday Conservation Hit Squad, led by Sarah Quantrill, visits different nature reserves to carry out important conservation tasks. Summertime work includes path clearing, fencing repairs and bramble or bracken control. As well as learning new skills, getting out in the fresh air and meeting new people, our Saturday volunteers enjoy spotting plenty of wildlife including summer butterflies, wild flowers and birds. Although this is a weekly group working from 9-5pm on a Saturday, volunteers do not have to commit to helping every week. The only requirement is to be over 18 years old and reasonably fit. Lifts are available from Woods Mill nature reserve near Henfield or volunteers can go direct to the chosen nature reserve. If you’re interested in joining us for a taster day or finding out more then please get in touch with Liz Francis on 01273 497562 or email lizfrancis@sussexwt.org.uk

Le Weekend

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Jean-Luc Godard 1967 Weekend
From the West Sussex County Times:

New research published by the [South Downs National Park] Authority shows that a fifth of Sussex parents travelling by car have felt their blood pressure rise and one in ten has been reduced to tears. And a third of drivers have pulled over suddenly because of fighting and more than a third have had their plans ruined by traffic. .. Nick Stewart, from SDNPA, said: “We all know that travelling by car can be a demanding experience, with tantrums and traffic jams often causing stress levels to rise.”

More bus propaganda here. Those who prefer bribery to moral exhortation should note that bus passengers can “get discounts at the Shepherd and Dog Pub in Fulking and the Hiker’s Rest at Saddlescombe”.

Updated 31st July 2013.

Cold Callers — Some Advice

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Dear Friends,

This time of year when the weather is hot, the undesirables are out knocking on doors to gain entry and possibly ROB you. Please see below further advice that may help your in making your decision to open your door. You may think my message is a bit strong, but I do not know of another way to tell people to be careful. I hear many times of burglaries where people still leave windows open, doors unlocked because I am just popping to the shops for a few minutes. It takes 2-3 minutes for a burglar to steal from you. Please, please be more aware about your security. Look after your neighbour and they will look out for you.

You can tell door-stop salesmen not to knock — and they have to listen (it’s an offence not to!).

To stop them disturbing you print out Trading Standard’s ‘No Cold Caller’s’ sign (PDF) and put it by your front door. You have seven days to cancel most purchases over £35 made on the door-step. This cooling off period starts when you get written notice of your right to cancel (they have to give you one). If you cancel in this time you should get a refund (including your deposit). There are exceptions – check out the CAB website for details. Remember: the safest approach is to never buy on the door-step or let anyone in if you’re not sure who they are.

If someone knocks that you don’t know:

  1. Don’t answer if you don’t feel safe
  2. Always ask for ID and call the company to check
  3. Don’t sign anything on the spot – get details and do your own research
  4. Never hand over cash or agree for work to start straight away
  5. Call the police if you feel threatened

Best regards,

John Wright MBE
Chairman
Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation.

Mobile: 07917385213
Business:01444 247368
Email: enquiries@sussexnwfed.org.uk
Web: www.sussexnwfed.org.uk

Cakes & savouries request

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Cakes and savouries request
To be sold at the Fulking Fair in aid of the Fulking Social Fund. Any homemade cakes and savouries that we could sell at the fair would be welcomed. They can be dropped off with Ceri Thayer at Four Acres or with Kate Slavin at Septima Cottage on Friday evening or Saturday morning before 10.30. Or just bring them along to the Fair and drop them off at the cake and savouries stall. Anything that you can turn your culinary skill to will be very welcome.