Cold call burglaries

Cold-callers linked to 26 burglaries in the region
Sussex Police report:

Since August there have been 26 break-ins at towns and villages across the Horsham district that detectives believe have been committed by the same people. The offences began in August in Storrington but have spread to Coolham, Henfield, Steyning, Horsham, Pulborough, Bramber, Billingshurst, Kirdford, West Chiltington and Ashurst as well as Petworth in the Chichester district. The thieves have escaped with jewellery, cash and unusual household ornaments.

Katy Wood, from the Operation Magpie team, said: “We believe the offenders could be cold-calling at homes to try to work out who is in and whether they are likely to have valuables. We think they are then returning when no one is home — perhaps because the residents have told them they won’t be there — and breaking in”.

The victims closest to Fulking were located at Broomfield Road in Henfield, Kings Barn Lane in Steyning, Maudlyn Park in Bramber, and School Lane in Ashurst.

Better Connected Broadband Project — State Aid Public Consultation

Broadband map for Fulking area

Key: grey = good, green = less good, white = wait three years

I encourage residents to respond to the West Sussex County Council (WSCC) Public Consultation on High Speed Broadband before the consultation closes on 23rd November. Click the map above to find the consultation documents (direct link not possible). If you look at the Next Generation Access (NGA) map listed there, you can see that we are not at present included. But it would only require a small extension to the proposed high speed broadband patches just north of Clappers Lane on the A281, or around Poynings, to transform our broadband both in terms of cost and service. As readers are well aware, high speed broadband is becoming more and more important for general living, work, and house resale.

I am hopeful that if enough of us respond, the possibility of extending the high speed areas will be considered. I have suggested to WSCC that the NGA patches are extended to Clappers Lane, Holmbush Lane, and central Fulking. If you need something clarified, it might be worth telephoning Diane Williams at WSCC: 01243 777100.

Andrew Iversen (andrew.iversen@gmail.com)

Sussex Woodcraft Society Annual Show

Sussex Woodcraft Society

Saturday 15th November, 9:00am–4:30pm, Henfield Hall

This is the Society’s 29th annual show. Ours is one of the few wood clubs that encompass all aspects of woodworking skills. Carving, turning, marquetry, dolls’ houses, toys and pyrography are just some of the wide range of work exhibited by our members which is all hand crafted locally. A lot of work will be on sale and will make superb Christmas presents. Some of our members also hope to be demonstrating their skills on the day.

So, if you enjoy the beauty and variety of wood products and like talking to friendly and knowledgeable crafts people, I’m sure you will enjoy a visit to our show and I look forward to meeting you.

Brian Campion