Latest News of Local Interest
Downland Churches News
We have been holding our Sunday services on-line during this Covid-19 lock-down. It has been encouraging to see so many people coming together via Zoom; last Sunday 37 devices were signed in, many with two people on board, and guests are joining us from as far away as Spain and Australia. If you would like to join us please do get in touch with your email address so that we can add you to the weekly invitation list.
Closer to home; our church finances are a bit worrying. We had a (virtual) meeting of our Benefice Council this week where we learned from our treasurers that each of our four churches is likely to be down on income by around £4,500 this year as we are not able to hold our usual fundraising events and, of course there are no weekly collections or gifts from visitors to our churches. Unfortunately the savings we make as a result of our churches being closed are very small as most of our outgoings continue regardless – such as our insurance premiums and Parish Share to the diocese.
Green bins uncancelled
Bobservation No.68: Coronavirus
How the Community Skill Swap WhatsApp, which originated from climate change, has now turned into a very effective program combining both Fulking and (mostly!) Poynings.
Many gardening swaps of plants and seeds have been achieved and it will be very interesting to see how many new vegetable growers appear and how successful they are. If there is any demand it would be good to investigate the possibility of allotments in Fulking. They used to be on the south side of the Poynings road exiting Fulking.
When, eventually, this virus is controlled if not conquered we will find ourselves in a very different world to the one we left behind. Economically, socially and politically our lives will have changed and it will be up to to us to make sure that these changes are for the benefit of the many and not just the few.
Locked down as we are for the immediate future and possibly for a much longer period, I find it interesting to note the effect it has had on our village society. There has been a wonderful helpfulness generated by enthusiastic local leaders.
This is much appreciated by the more vulnerable villagers.
Keep safe all of you.
Online Planning Meeting Thursday 23rd April at 7pm
Dear All,
You are cordially invited to join an online Extraordinary Meeting of Fulking Parish Council, on Thursday 23rd April 2020 at 7.00pm, the meeting will consider the items set out below. For details of how to join the meeting please contact the clerk via email parishclerk@fulking.net.
Miles Firth – Chairman
Following the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, and regarding regulations on Access to Local Government Meetings, members of the public are advised that they have a right to film/record the meetings of Fulking Parish Council. Members of the public are also advised that by attending a meeting of Fulking Parish Council, they give their consent to being filmed/recorded by other members of the public, if such activity is taking place.
AGENDA
Public Participation: There will be a period of 15 minutes set aside at the beginning of the meeting for the public to ask questions or make comments on items on the Agenda. Comments on items not appearing on the agenda can be made at the chairman’s discretion.
20/034/PM. Apologies for Absence.
20/035/PM. Declaration of Members’ Interests.
20/036/PM. Planning matters
Perching Holt, Edburton Road Fulking BN5 9LS – SDNP/20/01347/HOUS Extension and alteration with associated outdoor amenity space alterations.
Date of the next Ordinary Meeting: Thursday 2nd July 2020 to be held at Fulking Village Hall at 7.30pm.
Date of online Annual Meeting of the Council will be Thursday 7th May mainly to review and approve the Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2020.
Your chance to record history
West Sussex Record Office solicits your diaries, oral histories, photographs, letters, leaflets, flyers, posters, etc., over the pandemic period.
Downland Benefice Video Communion
I very much hope that you will be able to join our on-line Downland Benefice service of Holy Communion this Sunday, 19th April, 2020 at 10:30am. Please bring with you a small portion of bread and wine. To do so, from 10.15 a.m. on Sunday, please click here and follow the instructions that appear on your screen. Please let me know if there is anyone or anything you would like to be included in our prayers of intercession or in my private prayers for you.
Easter Sunday
[*The communion wafer accessory for smartphones is still being beta-tested.]
Police pursue a motorcyclist to the Shepherd and Dog
Police chased a motorcyclist from the M23 to the Shepherd and Dog yesterday. Our man in the pub car park reports that five police cars and a helicopter were used in the pursuit. One constable went into the pub to check their CCTV images. She described the incident as “just someone being silly”. The Argus now tells us that “a 25-year-old man from Worthing has been reported for dangerous driving, speeding and failing to stop. His bike was also seized.”