News 2003

NEWS 2003

Recent Additions to the Oval playground provided by Sort and installed free of charge by the council

Huge thanks to John Byrd for very kindly taking pictures and sending them to the website......

CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR SALTDEAN ADDRESSES

For many years there has been a local delivery service for the distribution of Christmas cards to Saltdean addresses and it's happening again this year. From the beginning of December cards may be deposited in boxes to be found in three centres; HAPPY SHOPPER in Lustrells Vale, LAMPONS ESTATE AGENTS in Longridge Avenue and SNK CONVENIENT STORES in Saltdean Vale. The cost will be 15p. Per card (to be paid in the shop) and the money will go to CHRISTIAN AID. The last collection will be on 17 DECEMBER.

Saltdean United

Need players for their Under 14's squad. If you are interested please call Gary on 01273 276041 for more details.

Follow the Dove - calling all Sussex and UK residents

We need everyone to get to Lewes anyway they can on Tuesday 21 October 2003 to register their protests on the Health Day at the Public Inquiry into the Local waste Plan at the White Hart Hotel Lewes 10am to 4pm

Sign your name recommending to the Inspector that ESCC abandon plans to build 2 incinerators in east Sussex and instead foster the strategy of zero waste.

Poppy Appeal

Volunteers are needed for the upcoming poppy appeal. If you can help call Peter Shannon on 01273 301188.

Pigeon heroine of Saltdean

here's a funny story from my friend - Andrea Lightwood of Rye Close. There she was in New Look in George Street with Emily, 6 and Sam, 3 and in flys a pigeon. Staff came up from the staff room downstairs and people stopped outside to look while the pigeon - getting in a terrible flap, was banging itself against the glass window trying to get out. My friend Andrea thought - in a minute it is going to kill itself, so up she went, making strange pigeon cooing noises which calmed it down, and what should she have in her hand - some bread she had just bought. Coaxing it carefully, and still making the noises, she went up to it, grabbed it quickly and then ran to the door and let it our where t flew away. For this she got a great round of applause, in the shop and outside - where a crowd had gathered. So there you go. The strange story of Andrea Lightwood, pigeon fancier supreme and now great hero to her kids. Well done Andrea!

Beautiful Nina is a winner like her sister

There radiant smiles and sparkling eyes have won sisters Ella and Nina Nathan a string of beautiful! baby awards. Proud parents Ruth and Peter say their success could be the result of childcare techniques copied from the Amazons. Eleven-month-old Nina has just followed in the footsteps of Ella, six, by winning a major competition. The tot was named winner of Asda's Babies First contest 12 months after her sister scooped the title Lloyds Pharmacy Baby of the Year for the second year running. Ruth and Peter, from Saltdean, say the secret to their children's success is inner well-being, which they attribute to their unusual child-caring techniques. The couple never use a pram and Ella and Nina do not sleep in cots. Instead, they are carried around strapped to their parents' backs and sleep with them in their double bed. The technique is called the continuum concept, which preaches the importance of constant contact between parents and children to achieve the best physical, mental and emotional development.Ruth, 38, said: "My husband carries Nina on his back constantly and I did the same when Ella was younger . "We have put a bed guard on our bed and Nina sleeps with us there as Ella did ' before Nina was born. "I read a book about the continuum concept when I was pregnant with Ella and was intrigued. In the grand scheme of things prams and cots are relatively new inventions and parents coped fine without them hundreds of years ago. Even today, some tribal communities in places like the Amazons do not need them, so why should we?' One of the reasons Nina won the Asda award is she is always smiling. She is obviously a happy, secure child and I think the continuum concept may be responsible." Nina will feature in a 2004 Pampers Babies First calendar, produced by Asda.

South Downs Planning Enquiry

THE Secretary of State, DEFRA has announced that there will be a public inquiry and representations to hear objections to the South Downs National Park Designation Order.
The pre-inquiry meeting was held in July and was chaired by the appointed inspector, Mr R.N, Parry.Evidence may be submitted formally or informally th parish council chose the latter. It will be submitted by myself. For those who wish to attend, the inquiry opens at 2pm on Monday, November 10 at the Assembly Hall, Stoke Abbot Road, Worthing, and thereafter at the Chatsworth Hotel, Steyne, Worthing. Normally, it sits Tuesday to Thursday, with Friday available for overruns, 10-5pm with an hour's break at Ipm.THE inquiry divides into three phases: The first covering objections in principle and to specific parts of the proposed boundary; The second dealing with park administration; and the third the revocation of the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Specific boundary considerations will start in what's called
Section P , which includes Rottingdean; thus we are likely to give our evidence soon after December 9. The more of us who attend the more likely we are of getting Rotting dean included within the National Park boundary. If you are submitting evidence your written statement should be with the Planning Inspectorate by September 29. There is a complicated system for referencing documents should you need help please contact me on 303000.

See more online at www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk/southdowns

Bench Unveiling in Longridge Avenue

The Mayor of Telscombe,Chairperson of the Saltdean Residents Association, Evelyn George, Councillor Duncan Ward, President of the SRA Don Burrell and other members of the SRA unveiled the bench on Tuesday 26th August in memory of Joe Stokes - member, chair and president of the SRA for a total of over 40 years. This was kindly attended by Joe Stokes' daughter who expressed her gratitude and thanks. Mrs George, the Mayor and Don Burrell all said a few words in memory of Mr Stokes. Here are some pictures below.

Ex-mayor faces punch-up quiz
by our news team © Evening Argus 26th August

A former mayor arrested after a fight which left another man needing seven stitches will be quizzed by his party leader. The Argus revealed yesterday how East Sussex county councillor David Neighbour was questioned by police following the punch-up on Saltdean beach on Saturday. In a statement to police, Nigel Heasman accused Coun Neighbour of grabbing his wife Tanya in a headlock before lashing out at him, a claim the councillor denies. Coun Neighbour admitted to The Argus he had "thumped" Mr Heasman and another man, Ken Tancred, but insisted he was acting in self-defence. Councillor David Rogers, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the county council, said he was unaware of the incident until approached by The Argus. He said: "I would certainly wish to discuss it with Coun Neighbour." Police took a statement from Mr Heasman after he received treatment to his wounded left ear at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton. They are due to visit him again tomorrow to take a statement from Mrs Heasman. Mrs Heasman said she had politely asked Coun Neighbour to move bicycles he had propped against a neighbouring beach hut, fearing they could fall and hurt her children. She said he refused and when she tried to move one of the bikes, he grabbed her by the hair and held her in a headlock. Mr Heasman intervened, but said he only hit Coun Neighbour to fend him off after coming under a barrage of unprovoked blows. Fellow beach hut owner Mr Tancred admitted punching Coun Neighbour in the face after his six-year-old daughter had become upset by the fight and Coun Neighbour tried to hit him back. Coun Neighbour, who was later released without charge, told The Argus: "I defended myself. I was thumped by the two men so I thumped them back." Mr Heasman has said he will let the matter drop if he receives an apology from the councillor, who has served as mayor of Telscombe for three terms.

Councillor arrested in beach hut fracas
by Aidan Radnedge © Evening Argus August 25th

A former mayor and current serving councillor has been arrested after a beach hut fracas. East Sussex county councillor David Neighbour was quizzed by police following the incident on Saltdean beach on Saturday. Liberal Democrat councillor Mr Neighbour, of Central Avenue, Telscombe Cliffs, admitted to The Argus he had "thumped" two men, but insisted he was acting in self-defence. During the row, which started over bicycles leaned against a beach hut, one of the men, Nigel Heasman, of Saltdean, said he received a cut which required seven stitches. One onlooker, who did not want to be named, said: "There were lots of children watching who started screaming and crying." Ken Tancred, owner of a neighbouring hut, said he intervened after his six-year-old daughter Katie became distressed. Mr Tancred, of Rottingdean, said: "She was so upset, I went into his hut to have it out with him. I punched him in the face and he tried to hit me back." A witness called the police, who took Mr Neighbour in for questioning before later releasing him without charge.Mr Neighbour, who returned to the beach yesterday afternoon, said: "I was assaulted and I defended myself. I was thumped by the two men so I thumped them back. "I don't know anything about one of them having to have stitches. The police asked me about what happened and let me go." Mr Heasman, who said he had had to have five stitches in his ear and two just behind the ear, said: "He attacked me. It wasn't the other way round. I only hit him to fend him off." He has given a statement to police and wants Mr Neighbour to apologise. Sussex Police confirmed they had been called to the fight and had arrested a man. As well as serving on the county council, Mr Neighbour, a former teacher and social worker, represents Telscombe Cliffs on Lewes District Council. He has served as Telscombe's mayor for three terms of office and is also a member of the East Sussex Fire Authority and vice-chairman of Brighton and Lewes Community Health Council.

Blaster Worm Help

I have written an article for anyone who got hit by the recent "Blaster Worm" and can not install the Microsoft security patch... and there seems to be many...

http://www.updatexp.com/cryptographic-service.html

Perhaps saltdean residents would benefit?

Regards Marc Liron

NEWS RELEASE Embargoed: 00.01 hours Thursday 14 August 2003 Gardeners feel the pain of starving badgers

Badgers are digging up the lawns of hundreds of gardeners in a desperate search for food, conservationists said today.

In response to an unprecedented number of complaints about badgers in gardens, the National Federation of Badger Groups (NFBG) has published an advice booklet, explaining why the problem has arisen.

"The cause of the problem is not a rise in badger numbers. On the contrary, the dry weather has deprived badgers of earthworms - their staple diet - and they are being forced to dig for their dinner wherever they can find it. They are upsetting gardeners in the process," said Chief Executive of the National Federation of Badger Groups (NFBG).

"The extremely dry conditions in 2002 and 2003 have meant that almost no badger cubs have been raised for the last two years. The most convincing evidence comes from 50 setts in Wytham Woods, in Oxfordshire. Badgers there
only produced 12 cubs in 2003 - the lowest number for 28 years. In 2002, the badgers only managed to produce 15 cubs."

The NFBG has also gathered a large amount of anecdotal evidence from around the country which appears to support the scientific data that badgers have suffered a substantial decline. Most badger groups have reported few or no cubs at regularly monitored setts. They have also reported large numbers of badgers suffering from dehydration and starvation (See Appendix I).

"Gardeners can help badgers through this difficult period by changing their gardening strategy," says Dr King. "For example, we are encouraging gardeners who water their lawns to do so last thing at night. As well as conserving water, this also encourages worms to the surface at exactly the time that badgers want to eat them. This simple strategy should discourage badgers from digging up lawns and gardeners will have the added bonus of
watching badgers forage on their doorstep."

The NFBG has produced a special booklet for gardeners explaining why badgers are causing so many problems this year and how to help prevent badgers from starving in the prolonged drought.
Web site: www.badger.org.uk

Fears mount over cliff-top car park
by our news team © Evening Argus August 14 2003

With vehicles left just feet from the cliff edge, residents who live near this impromptu car park fear it is an accident waiting to happen. The hot spell has resulted in thousands of people flocking to Saltdean, leaving the town's car parks overflowing. With nowhere to park, some motorists have been driving along a service road to the seafront cafe, ignoring access only signs, driving up a grassy bank and parking close to a thin wire fence on the cliff top. At one point last weekend, 30 cars were parked on the cliff edge between Saltdean and Rottingdean. But people who live nearby fear it could end in tragedy if a car were to plunge 100ft over the cliff edge on to the crowded beach below. Former Brighton mayor John Blackman, who lives in Saltdean Drive, said: "You can already see fissures in the chalk and all it needs is for the weight of cars to make it worse. "There could be a cliff fall endangering the lives of people on top and below." Anthony Evans, 66, of Bannings Vale, said: "If something is not done the whole of the cliff top will become one huge car park. "It is just a matter of time before one car rolls off or slips over the cliff top with disastrous results." Rottingdean councillor Lynda Hyde said: "I shall be asking council officers to look at ways of sorting out this problem."

Big Brother for badgers
by Lilly Peel ® Evening Argus

Badgers saved from slaughter will become the stars of their own video show when they are moved into a luxury new home. The Saltdean badgers, spared a death sentence following months of protests by animal rights campaigners, are getting new artificial setts built for them on Monday. Their new homes are surrounded by beautiful gardens, complete with three ponds and a waterfall, and the animals will have video cameras trained on them to watch their every movement. Like the contestants of Channel 4's Big Brother show, the badgers will be filmed and monitored to see how they cope in their artificial environment. The Department of the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced yesterday work would begin on creating the setts. They are to be rehoused just a few metres away from their original setts in Saxon Close, Saltdean, ending almost a year of uncertainty for the animals sentenced to death after some neighbours complained their burrowing was undermining drives, gardens and homes. Defra, which issued a controversial licence for the animals' slaughter last October, is to build the new setts in the gardens of two couples who offered to take the badgers on their property, helping to solve the dispute over the animals' fate. Defra's initial decision to cull the badgers sparked fury among animal rights activists. After protests, the licence was suspended and talks began to find another solution. For months, the opposing groups appeared to be at a stalemate. Then animal welfare minister Elliot Morley announced in May Defra would pay for the new setts - saving the badgers from slaughter. The setts are due to be finished on Wednesday but need time to settle before the animals can move in by the end of November. Once the setts have been built, peanuts will be used to entice the creatures to their new homes. When they have moved, the tunnels of the original sett will be filled in and the gardens surrounded by badger-proof fences. The badgers will be clipped so they can be identified. One of the couples welcoming the badgers, wanted to be known only by their first names, Richard and Barbara. Richard, a retired architect in his late 50s, said: "We were disturbed over the initial culling. "We joined the protests at the time and offered our garden as an alternative." Defra will use the videos for monitoring the badgers to see how successful the new setts are.

Saltdean's First Children in Need Event

Will take place at the home of Inga and Norman Wright, 25 Wivelsfield Road on Friday evening August 8th from 6 to 8 ish. Tickets £5. This is the third annual buffet and the last year one raised £250.55 for the cause. Those who attended these events verified that there was plenty of home made food and choice of wines, making it an enjoyable evening in raising money for the charity which receives all of the proceeds. If you can come along please ring 303741 by August 3rd. If unable cheques and donations to Children in need are gratefully received.

Unofficial report of the SRA Meeting 27/07/03

Evelyn George, the chairperson, opened the meeting by welcoming Councillor David Smith and Councillor Mary Mears for her first meeting. She mentioned that the SRA had begun monthly surgeries at the community centre with opportunities to renew membership and for committee members to answer questions etc. Complaints will be dealt in the Secretary's report.

She underlined that membership fees go on to produce The Resident and pay for stationary and postage fees.

The Secretary's report stated that it had been a busy few months since the AGM. He wanted to thank all who had supported him in the local elections and he had been elected to Telscombe Town Council.

Grass cutting in East Saltdean had been dealt with and there would be a commemorative seat in Longridge Avenue to Joseph Stokes - details of the unveiling ceremony will be on the community centre noticeboard in the next couple of weeks. Other issues mentioned at the surgery were lack of facilities for teenagers, dog mess and the planning of 151 marine Drive (see newscuttings) and the appeal for eight houses had been rejected. Other issues were the coast road traffic and the proposed eight story block in Rottingdean. Although the council are not willing to install a mini roundabout at the junction of Arundel Road West Duncan will repaint the road markings. Duncan has also been onto the councils with regard to a crossing in Longridge Avenue. East Sussex County Council have passed this onto Brighton and Hove Council but Duncan is pursuing this. He has a got a good deal of support from traders in Longridge Avenue. Regarding the Community centre, Mrs George stated that there would be a meeting in three weeks of the joint working party and the two sets of solicitors were working together. They hope to have an agreement by the end of August.

There was a lengthy discussion on vandalism on the west side of the Oval. There were problems with youths causing a nuisance on Friday and Saturday evenings and residents have been reporting these to the police. After some consultation, residents propose an action group to deal with this after limited help from the police. Councillor David Smith will chair this group. There is a general consensus that the youths who are responsible are known and the police have photos. They will be looking at the case studies of other groups to see how they have addressed the problems and try and accommodate the greater number of younger people in Saltdean.

There was some discussion about the overlapping of the group with the activities of the neighbourhood watch with Dr Dando of the neighbourhood watch said that maybe they could come together in discussions. The group would very much like a representative from the SRA and this will be discussed at the next committee meeting.

Social News included the August 16th car Boot sale for £7 per car. Sellers 8 o'clock and buyers at 9 o'clock.

There was a question regarding the two groups of the Saltdean Community Association and Saltdean Residents Association. Mrs George reminded everyone that the Residents Association was confined to residents of Saltdean whereas the Community Association as not and also that the constitutions of the two groups would have to be reconciled. The easiest way to do this would be to wind up both groups and create a new one. This would be discussed later on.

Grand Ocean Hotel Fined for Kitchen Hygiene
© Evening Argus 29/07/03

Owners of a hotel accused of having "contempt" for their customers' health have been fined £3,100 for their filthy kitchens. A surprise inspection uncovered several breaches of hygiene regulations at the Grand Ocean Hotel, Longridge Avenue, Saltdean, Brighton. The fine comes a year after the hotel was ordered to pay more than £6,000 for other kitchen hygiene offences. Brighton magistrates heard yesterday that inspector Catherine Mann made an unannounced visit in April. She found mould, dirt, grease, fans that did not work and insufficient handwashing facilities in a kitchen which feeds up to 2,000 people. Len Batten, prosecuting on behalf of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "When Mrs Mann went into the kitchen her first impression was that the floor was dirty and grubby. 'Fridges were covered with food debris and dirt which stuck to her finger and when she got on to her hands and knees she found dirt and dried food." There were similar findings underneath the salad area and the raw meat chiller needed "a thorough cleaning". Ceiling tiles were dirty, stained and warped and flakes of paint were coming off the walls. A handwashing sink did not have soap. Mr Batten said: "Carbonised food was found in the hot food cabinets and none of the fans worked. There was severe black mould on the walls." Sara-Lise Howe, defending, said: "The picture painted doesn't sound very good but on the day of the visit four fans had been installed and were waiting to be connected. "In all the best kitchens you could find cracked and chipped tiles." She explained that some cabinets were too heavy to lift for one person to clean under them and that carbonised food found was scheduled to be cleaned that day. General manager David Regan said floor tiles were gradually being replaced. Magistrate Ken Hopkins said: "There has clearly been an effort to clean the place up." The hotel was also ordered to pay £2,125 towards court costs. Mr Regan said afterwards: "We take these things very seriously. "The magistrates were clearly impressed with our improvements in the kitchens since the last prosecutions." A council spokesperson said: "We are extremely disappointed to have had to prosecute the hotel twice in two years. "The conditions our environmental health officers found showed contempt for the health and safety of their customers. "We very much hope they learn their lesson this time and improve their hygiene procedures on a permanent basis."

Threshers attackers jailed
B&H robbers get 22 years
© Evening Argus 29/07/03

Two brothers nicknamed the Benson & Hedges gang have been jailed for a total of 22 years for terrorising shopkeepers during a campaign of crime. David and Simon Whittle threatened shop staff with knives, a screwdriver and a wheel brace during a series of robberies which struck fear into their victims across Brighton and Hove. Police nicknamed them the Benson & Hedges gang because of their penchant for grabbing cigarettes as well as cash during the hold-ups. They carried out a catalogue of crimes after moving into the area to prey on vulnerable staff in shops and off-licences. One of their victims was head-butted so hard he fell unconscious to the floor of the off-licence where he worked. Others suffered such trauma that they are still coming to terms with their ordeals. Their victims included a teenager who feared he would be stabbed during one of the raids. The pair lived a transient life during their three-week crime spree, moving from address to address throughout the city. Jailing the brothers at Lewes Crown Court, Judge Richard Brown told them: "You set off on a joint campaign of robbery. "You chose vulnerable shop premises and frightened the life out of some shop assistants by threatening them. "Both of you are a great danger to shopkeepers and only a substantial custodial sentence can be justified." The robberies netted the brothers almost £6,000 between April 21 and May 9 this year. When Simon was caught after a police chase, David went on to commit more offences in Norfolk with teenager Darren Davis, 16, of Susans Road, Eastbourne. David Whittle, 28, of no fixed address, admitted eight robberies, one attempted robbery and one charge of aggravated vehicle taking. He asked for seven other offences to be taken into consideration. Whittle, who has 97 previous convictions, was jailed for 12 years and given a three-year driving ban. Simon Whittle, 30, also of no fixed address, admitted seven robberies and asked for nine offences to be taken into consideration. He has 117 previous convictions and was sentenced to ten years. He was also ordered to serve a further two years in jail, which was the remainder of an eight-year prison term for robbery. He was sentenced in 1988 and released early. Davis, who admitted robbery, attempted robbery and aggravated vehicle taking, was given a deferred sentence until January 13 next year.

Marcus Fletcher, prosecuting, told the court of the catalogue of crimes: April 22 - Texaco Garage, Telscombe Cliffs, £1,707 cash taken plus telephone cards and cigarettes
April 24 - Co-op, High Street, Rottingdean, £1,330 stolen
April 30 - Threshers, Holland Road, Hove, about £380 plus cigarettes stolen
May 3 - Asda, Brighton Marina, £1,300 cash stolen
May 6 - Threshers, Western Road, Hove. The pair left with £766
May 8 - Threshers, Longridge Avenue, Saltdean, £200 stolen
May 9 - Total petrol station, Dover, Kent. £125 cash grabbed. Simon was caught after a police chase.

Mr Fletcher said David went to Norfolk where he and Davis targeted two filling stations in Great Yarmouth. £186 was taken from one. They fled in a stolen car but were captured after a police chase. The court heard both brothers are carriers of the fatal hereditary disease Huntington's Chorea and Simon is already showing symptoms. John Marsden-Lynch, defending, said: "There is a very bleak future ahead for Simon Whittle." Pierce Power, defending David Whittle, said: "The orgy of offences seemed to have come about because of the media coverage of the first offence. He thought he had nothing to lose by carrying out more. "He will die young as a consequence of the disease." Ms K Beswick, defending Davis, said: "He played no part in the threats of violence. He is very sorry for his involvement."

Martlets Hospice - could you help?

Martlet House in Bannings Vale is a sheltered housing scheme for active
retired people. BT has donated a computer system for the use of residents
of the scheme and also retired people living in the area. We now need volunteers
to help everyone learn to use the computer and 'surf the net' If you are
able and willing to help please contact the manager, Lesley, on 01273 309179
or email lesley-jay_cornell@tiscali.co.ukFirst published on Tuesday 15 July 2003:©Evening Argus
'Extinct' wildlife makes a comeback
by Deborah Tucknott

Wild flowers and animals which have not been seen in Sussex for years are making a welcome comeback thanks to changes in farming methods. There was a time when the fields of Sussex were blooming with wild flowers and filled with butterflies and birds. But all that changed as pesticides and herbicides became more efficient and were more widely used. This summer, however, a vibrant red field of poppies just visible off the A27, near Hollingbury, has greeted drivers - evidence the flower-filled meadows could once again become a common sight. It is a sign farmers are changing their approach to working the fields and are becoming more sympathetic to the environment. Farmers and landowners are now paid to farm their land in environmentally-friendly ways through schemes from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), including the Environmentally-Sensitive Areas Scheme and the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Dr Tony Whitbread, head of conservation at the Sussex Wildlife Trust, said times were changing. The EU is discussing a new measure called decoupling, in which farmers would get paid to manage the land rather than for how much they produce. Dr Whitbread said: "A lot of farmers are becoming more sympathetic. They only want the right measures in place to do it. If they can do it, they will. "There is a lot of negotiation going on in Europe. It looks like we could be about to see a major change in farming." Dr Whitbread said there have been more sightings of species, including birds such as buzzards and hobbys and butterflies such as meadow brown, peacock and red admiral in Sussex. He said: "When species come back, it tends to be those which can recolonise. Poppies, by their very nature, are a fast colonising species." Dr Jill Sutcliffe, botanical manager at English Nature, confirmed there was evidence wild flowers, animals and insects were coming back to Sussex. One way this was being achieved was when farmers left grass margins around the edges of their fields, which had not been ploughed, or where the soil had been left along the edge of the field. Dr Sutcliffe said "For some farmers it has always been a war against weeds. For us a healthy countryside is not green. A healthy countryside has lots of colours." Plans have been approved to put fencing around the perimeter of Telscombe Tye, a 210-acre stretch of common land between Telscombe Cliffs and Saltdean. Farmer David Carr is not allowed to use fertiliser on the land or cut the grass for silage before July 1 each year. Cutting it before this time results in the destruction of skylark nests. The fence will also prevent motorcycles and cars from driving on the Tye and stop travellers from camping on the land, while walkers and horse riders will still be able to enjoy the coastal beauty spot. Although Mr Carr, who rents the land from Telscombe Town Council, can cut it for hay later in the year, he will use a wheat field for silage. Mr Carr, of DW Carr Partnership, which owns Coombe Farm Dairies, said: "We are happy to go along with it because the Tye will be fenced and we do graze our young cattle on it during the winter months. "At present, we have to have someone with a vehicle up there to monitor them. "We all want to see some wildlife. It is a balance between that and producing food." Senior ranger Simon Culpin of Sussex Downs Conservation Board said the scheme could mean people might see butterflies such as clouded yellow and marbled white and flowers such as scabius and the blue round-headed rapium also known as The Pride of Sussex, on the Tye. Mr Culpin said: "People want to walk along ground which is not highly fertilised. It is better to be able to enjoy wild flowers and wildlife. "There is a piece of land on the Tye which has already been in the scheme for ten years and it is already very different. There are a lot more wild flowers." Farmer David Hobden and his wife June won an award in 2000 for the stewardship of the flower-rich meadows and pastures of their farm. The High Weald farm used to belong to Mr Hobden's father who ran it since the Thirties until he died in 1987. Mr Hobden farms his land using traditional methods, with no fertilisers, and grazes Sussex beef cattle. He makes hay from the land, which is fed to cattle in the winter months. Flowers which can be seen include species such as ox-eye daisies and four types of buttercups and those with unusual names such as sneeze-wort, agrimony, fairy flax, yellow rattle and devil's-bit scabious. Birds include yellow hammers, skylarks, goldfinches and chaffinches and butterflies include meadow browns and skippers. Seeds from the flowers are harvested so they can be planted in intensively-farmed land to bring it back to life and re-establish meadows. Mr Hobden said: "I do it because I thoroughly enjoy it. I get tremendous pleasure out of getting out there in the morning when it is sunny and the skylarks are singing and everything it beautiful. "To me it is a really great feeling."

Ocean Hotel Double take!

Seean update to this article here

Watching Graham Norton in early July (eviction night for Big Brother) me and my friend Ruth sat aghast (couple of glasses of wine we'd had!) when they had a guy on who was talking to Graham Norton about Morecombe and a photo came up that we'd had to do a double take on. After the joke that he made a while back about hadn't asylum seekers suffered enough before being threatened with Saltdean Butlins we wondered if this could be Saltdean again.

But no - it was a hotel in Morecombe that has a campaign to save it. Take a look at this website and you will find it has a campaign of Friends to save it and on their homepage they claim to be the only deco hotel in the UK 'Built in 1933, the Midland was the first Art Deco hotel in Britain. It is also the only one to survive. Sadly, however, the Hotel has earned an unenviable place on the Twentieth Century Society's Buildings at Risk register'.

What do we say here in Saltdean! We say NO! You are not the only art deco hotel in th UK - we are sort of proud of our Grand Ocean Hotel (I think - I am open to comments!)

Find the website here; http://www.midlandhotel.org/

3 Tons lost in Saltdean!
Tuesday 1st July marked the first anniversary of the Saltdean Slimming World class.

It was a wonderful; celebration of the fantastic efforts of the members. The very proud consultant Michelle totted up all the weight lost over the year which added up to 3097 pounds or 221 stone and 3 pounds - a staggering amount.

This brilliant weight loss id the equivalent of 2 4x4's, 2 transit vans, 20 people or an \American stretch limo. All the members, new and old, have worked so hard to lose weight sticking to the plan, staying motivated and achieving their own goal. Food optimising is a great way to eat lots of healthy food, never be hungry and lose weight.

The Slimming World class is held at Saltdean Community centre at 5.30pm and 7pm on Tuesdays and has grown steadily and very successfully over the past year. People came to the class very cautiously hoping that this is the answer to their weight problem, then they start losing weight and eating healthily, gaining confidence and self-esteem and are well on their way to their target weight.

Michelle is confident the class will continue to grow and looks forward to helping many more people.

For more information call Michelle on 586317.Bigger Brother from Robot Wars at Saltdean Primary Summer Fayre
We are all very excited at the school as we have managed, by kind agreement of the Bigger brother team, to not only have a Robot Wars robot at our summer fayre but also a Dalek.

We hope that the weather will be good and we all have a fun fair which of course raising lots of money for the school.

Alldays is dead - Long Live the Co-op!

Pictures here - what do you think - email me for views and I'll stick them on Your Say! Personally I think it's great and the prices are cheaper - but will we end up with the co-op queues?Saltdean Open to Artists

Our village was very much part of Brighton Festival with a number of artists having Open House exhibitions: i.e. they opened their own homes to visitors (at certain times during weekends in May) in order to display their paintings, sculptures, photographs and other works of art. Besides being a wonderful chance to show off our significant local talent, it's a good opportunity for those involved or interested in art to get together. As newcomers to Saltdean we found it a great way to meet fellow artists and we'd like to thank Debbi Lobert, Janet Hale and Maggie Edwards for both their friendly welcome and excellent displays of work.

Next year we're considering a 'Saltdean Trail' of Open Houses as part of the Festival: i.e. Saltdean based artists coordinating their efforts to offer a grouping of Open House exhibitions in the village and producing a joint trail map/guide. If you're a Saltdean based artist (any media) or have a house you'd like to offer as a venue, please contact Liz Allen or Keith Beasley on 241650 or workshops@pintados.co.uk.

St Nicholas Church Fair

The Organisers are looking for helpers, especially to help erect the gazebo early on the day. If you can volunteer please contact John Ray at the church. Also required are bottles, books and bric a brac for the stalls.

First published on Tuesday 13 May 2003:©Evening Argus
Man faces six charges of robbery
by Sam Thomson

A man has appeared in court charged with a series of armed robberies. Simon Whittle, 30, from Manchester, faced six counts of armed robbery and one of stealing a car when he appeared at Brighton Magistrates Court yesterday. It is alleged he stole cash, cigarettes and mobile phone cards during a spate of crimes over a two-week period. Janet Turner, prosecuting, told magistrates Whittle targeted a Texaco petrol station in Peacehaven on April 21, a Co-op store in Rottingdean on April 24 and two Threshers off-licences in Hove on April 30 and May 6. He was also said to have stolen from another Threshers off-licence in Saltdean on May 8 and a supermarket in Dover on May 9. It is further alleged he stole a car in Dover on May 9. Whittle did not enter a plea. He was remanded in custody to appear before Lewes Crown Court on May 22. Police were last night continuing to question Whittle's brother David, 27. He was arrested at the weekend in connection with Operation Benson.

Argus news in May

We have had articles about crop circles outside Falmer, future of the Rottingdean Tesco's, Saltdean mum does charity trek and the Grand Ocean swimming pool up for tender.

A vicious attack on two thirteen year old girls by drunken louts

I only wish all news about Saltdean could be good news but here is an incident which I would like to bring to the attention of Saltdean residents. I cannot give my address without causing fear and alarm to my daughter who was subject to a vicious attack by youths who were unknown to her. If however, those at the saltdean.info website feel they need to contact me about any aspect of this story, I am able to be emailed at bob_c_rose@compuserve.com

Saltdean residents will already be too familiar with the senseless damage caused by mindless vandals within our community. To add to this we now have the vicious attack on two thirteen year old girls as they made their way home in broad daylight. The girls, returning from Longridge Avenue, took a short cut through the park from Arundel Drive East toward Saltdean Park Road on Friday 9th May 2003 at 7.15 p.m. As they approached the boundary of Saltdean Park Road (close to the tennis courts and the Saltdean Tavern) they were knocked to the ground in an unprovoked attack by several young males, and one of the girls repeatedly kicked as she lay on the ground. Although pursued, the girls managed to escape from further attack and arrived home uncontrollably distraught. Both were taken by ambulance for examination of their injuries to RSC Hospital.

As far as can be ascertained, nothing was stolen from the girls during this attack, and the attack would appear to have been quite motiveless - the two girls had never met their assailants before.

The youths who perpetrated this attack would have been quite conspicuous due to the amount of alcoholic drink that they were carrying. Their ages were probably between 15 and 17. There may have been as many as 7 or 8 in the group at one time, one of them a girl, although not all were involved in the attack.

If anyone witnessed the attack, or possibly knows the assailants, or has any other information concerning this attack, please contact the Sussex Police:
Tel no 0845 60 70 999, or email chc@sussex.police.uk .

Hopefully this was an isolated incident but nevertheless one that deserves mention in the hope of preventing such incidents becoming as commonplace as the vandalism.
A concerned parent and Saltdean resident.(Name and address withheld)

Rottingdean Windmill

The 200 year old windmill will have it's sails installed this summer as the final part of it's restoration programme. The windmill was on the verge of falling down before Rottingdean Preservation society funded it's expensive reconstruction.

It is open every third Sunday of the month from May to September between 2 and 4.30 pm.

Saltdean's Greatest Loser by Michelle from Slimming World

She may be Saltdean's greatest loser but Slimmer Lesley Driscoll just can't stop smiling.

Not only is she well on her way to her lifes dream becoming a reality, nut Lesley is bursting with self-confidence and self-esteem, all because she's a 'foodie' who's beaten the odds and lost weight - loads of it!

Like all members of the successful Slimming World class she attends every Tuesday Night at 5.30 pm or 7 pm at Saltdean Community Centre (Saltdean Lido), Lesley loves food and hates going hungry. Unfortunately, she also hated being overweight. So last October, when Lesley joined the class, little did she know that she had just made a decision that would change her life.

'I'm so thrilled - it's fantastic, I've lost an amazing 2 stone 10 pounds already and I have shrink many dress sizes' says a delighted Lesley. 'I have tried countless times to lose weight, I was beginning to think I'd never do it. I have found there are two main things a slimmer needs to really make it happen - plenty of food and plenty of support - and that's what I have with Slimming World'. Lesley admits she feels pretty good and gets lots of compliments from friends, family and workmates.

Sounds like making the right decision can mean that lifes just a little bit less of the lottery that you may think. So if you would like to find out how to win and lose without the gamble, call the saltdean class consultant, Michelle on 586317, for more information.

Election results 2003 2 May 2003

For more details & info click here on the Election 2003 page here .

In brief - three Lib Dem candidates elected for East Saltdean, three Conservatives for Rottingdean Coastal

Table tennis table in the Oval

A table tennis table is due to be delivered to the Oval in the next few days via SORT and it's fundraisers There will be free lessons on the two Thursday afternoons from 2.00 pm over the Easter break going to St Nicholas Church Hall in bad weather or later on in the afternoon.

Deacon Moira sadly leaves St Nicholas Church (Photos kind courtesy of Dougls d'Enno)

The tapestry is a cross-stitch compilation, with each motif individually named. The children who made it were from the Climbers/Explorers and Choir Club. The gift came as a complete
surprise. Work on it had been supervised by Ellen Herman. Moira is going to Comart School, East Brighton and will be ministering to both pupils and staff in something of a pioneering role for the church. A house will be bought for her nearer the school.

A notice from my lovely neighbour - Peter Stanger

I would like to give free driving lessons for 3/4 weeks from 13th April to any TWO novice or near-beginner would-be drivers, about 5 lessons each. Do you know of anyone who would suit and be interested? It would probably best suit a late teenager. Please pass the word. The learner would need to provide a legally safe car with L-plates, or their parents' car, be insured to drive it, and have a provisional license (& hence be aged 17 or older).

I will have done all the official course training, but won't have taken the final Part Three test to be an officially-approved driving instructor (hence no payment). Nevertheless, in Part One (theory) I achieved 98%, and passed the advanced driving Part Two at first attempt. The instruction would mainly take place on quiet, non-busy roads. I am offering this in order to obtain more teaching experience before taking the qualifying test.

A pregnant mother screamed and ran after a man who snatched her two-year-old son in a playground. She followed the man, pushing a buggy carrying her other child, and shouted for him to let the boy go. The pursuit lasted several minutes before the man put the boy down and fled. The terrified child ran to his mother. Police searched the area but there was no trace of the offender. Officers were carrying out house-to-house inquiries today. It happened at 10.50am on Friday in a playground in Saltdean Park, Saltdean. The boy had wandered a short distance from his mother when she saw the man pick him up. She told police: "I shouted loudly but he started walking away quickly. I screamed at the top of my voice." Detective Inspector Chris Standard, of Brighton and Hove CID, said: "We are treating this incident very seriously and we have a team of officers working on the case. "We are not sure whether this man has mental health problems or whether this was something more sinister." Police are anxious to trace witnesses in the park, especially a woman of about 70 who spoke with the mother before the abduction. She had greying brown hair and wore a long coat. Officers also want to talk to an elderly couple seen nearby with what appeared to be their grandchildren. The offender was white, 35 to 40, 5ft 10in tall and had black hair. He wore a dark blue knitted sweater and dark blue cotton trousers.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Sergeant Emma Dymond of Brighton and Hove police on 0845 6070999 ext 50513.

Friends who saw this said that there was two vans of police swarming over the Oval, knocking on doors and asking any resident near the park. Any more updates please email me here

Slimming World support Comic relief Courtesy of Michelle Birch, Slimming World Consultant

Chris Simpson decided that this year he would do something for Comic Relief and that he was going to dye his hair BRIGHT RED. He started collecting sponsors and getting lots of support, then took his sponsorship form to his local slimming club.

Chris joined the Slimming World class at Saltdean Lido in January. He attends every Tuesday night at 7pm with his wife Suzanne. Since joining he has grown in confidence (hence the hair), even though he was reluctant to join as he thought it would be full of women, but he was pleasantly surprised to find at least six other men attending the same class. He enjoys going and is losing weight with absolutely no problem at all. To date he has lost 1 stone 1 pound in only 7 WEEKS.

He is a lively member of the class with plenty to contribute.

Naturally the class wanted to support his comic relief efforts and Chris has raised over £50 so far in the class alone. He is hoping to raise over £300 in total.

'My friends thought it quite funny that I was going to a Slimming club but I enjoy it and it fits in with my lifestyle and I'm never hungry now, and over 1 stone lighter with RED HAIR!' Chris says.

Chris is pictured with his Slimming World Consultant Michelle Birch in class.

For details of the class call Michelle on 586317.

ROUNDABOUT

In the last issue of Saltdean Residents Association's ‘The Resident’ newsletter they wrote about the Council’s response about no fund funding available for the long awaited roundabout at the junction of the A259 South Coast Road and Arundel Drive West, which they advise would cost £70,000. The SRA continue to pursue this issue.

However the Council states that there have only been FOUR MINOR accidents at this junction in the last THREE YEARS with NO INJURY accidents reported. The SRA believe this to be incorrect!

To prove this the SRA will require your assistance in providing details of dates and details of accidents at this junction. Please email the website with any details which will be passed to the Secretary of the SRA so that evidence can be given to the Council.

First House at Looes barn Courtesy of Douglas d'Enno

Obituary for Reginald Leopold of Saltdean
REGINALD LEOPOLD

Former Saltdean resident, the violinist and conductor Reginald Leopold, died on February 26th at the age of 95. Known to generations of radio listeners for long-running programmes such as "Grand Hotel" and "In a Sentimental Mood", he was brought up in Tufnell Park in north London, and studied violin at Trinity College of Music. From his earliest days in the musical profession he specialised in light music, playing with, among others, Mantovani and George Melachrino. In 1942 he became the leader of the BBC ensemble, the London Studio Players, known always within the BBC as "the Unit". The Unit was one of the best paid jobs in broadcasting, attracting the finest musicians of the day: Reginald Leopold was to be associated with it, both as violinist and conductor, until it was finally shut down in 1988.

In 1965 Reginald Leopold took over the legendary programme "Grand Hotel" from Max Jaffa, and stayed with it until it finished in 1980. But his career was by no means confined to the BBC: throughout the fifties, sixties and seventies he played on countless popular recordings, including those by George Formby, Gracie Fields, Ronnie Ronalde, Matt Monro, Petula Clark and Cilla Black. It is said that at one point he was so busy that he was forced to turn down a request from Frank Sinatra to lead an orchestra.

Although he worked with groups like the Beatles, he was not impressed with the pop groups of the sixties. After Mick Jagger was quoted as saying: "Who wants to listen to Palm Court music on a Sunday night?" Reginald Leopold was asked by the BBC for his reaction, which was along the lines of "You've got your fans, Mick, I've got mine". He never stopped listening to popular music, however, and at the age of 91 proclaimed that Madonna was a better singer than Cher.

Reginald Leopold "retired" to Saltdean at the beginning of the 80s. He was devoted to his wife, Jeanne (who died in 1990) and enjoyed coastal walks with his dog. But although he stopped playing the violin around this time, he never really retired, and undertook regular conducting engagements for several more years. He made a very important contribution to British light music and to broadcasting, and will be long remembered by his fellow musicians.

Practising witch Marina Pepper is planning a spell as a local councillor. Unfortunately for the headline writers, she'll be no Blair Witch. She will be nailing her colours firmly to the Liberal Democrat mast as she plunges into Saltdean politics - where the fate of asylum seekers and badgers has been causing much bubble, bubble, toil and trouble of late. In May, Marina will contest the East Saltdean and Telscombe ward for a seat on Lewes District Council. While the 35-year-old cannot promise to make the area's problems vanish in a puff of smoke, she hopes she can sweep away any disharmony. Brought up a pagan, Marina is the author of several books on spells. She grows herbs, practices aromatherapy and describes her specialism as "helping people". Political unpopularity should not be a problem for the former journalist who is still a writer and studying for a Masters degree at Sussex University. Marina, of Oaklands Avenue, Saltdean, says she hopes the fact she is a witch will not put people off voting for her. She said: "I'm not a white witch, I prefer to call myself a good witch." And she promises to play fair with political opponents. She believes Saltdean is cosmopolitan enough to be represented by a witch. She said: "Like anyone with faith, it gives me strength. Witchcraft is part of the whole pagan thing, which is about respect for the natural world, and some of my approach to the environment comes from that." Marina has been involved in community life since moving to Saltdean five years ago, campaigning for kerbside recycling and setting up the walking bus, which escorts children walking to school. She said: "I've always been exasperated by people who say they can't be bothered to vote because it doesn't make any difference. I want to get things done and I thought it would be quicker if I was a councillor myself." Marina is bidding to take the seat of long-serving independent councillor Victor Clayton, who represents the East Saltdean Residents' Association. She said: "If I was ever going to do a spell on Vic it would definitely be something to keep him happy and healthy." Mr Clayton declined to say whether he was relieved to hear that, adding: "Under our democracy anyone can stand." A Liberal Democrat party spokesperson said: "It is for local parties to assess the suitability of candidates. If they believe Marina is a suitable candidate, we stand by that."

The final phase of the coastal defense work between Brighton Marina and Saltdean is beginning in January 2003. This phase - between the Marina and Ovingdean is expected to take approximately 18 months.

In order to ensure public safety during the construction period, the Undercliff Walk will be closed between the access ramp above the Marina boatyard and Ovingdean from 20 January 2003. The section between Ovingdean and Rottingdean will also be closed at various times during the construction period to allow vehicles to access the site.

Plans showing the detail of the scheme can be viewed at Ovingdean Village Hall between 12 noon and 2pm on Sundays, and between 8pm and 10.30pm on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Further information on the work is available in the Sea Defense leaflet (pdf format).

Please note - the work being carried out in the field opposite St Dunstan's is linked to this scheme and not to Southern Water's proposal for the new sewage plant.

Notice to surfers
Access to the surfing beaches next to the Marina will be restricted during the scheme for safety reasons. Following discussions with the contractor and the British Surfing Association, arrangements have been made for surfers to access the site at weekends, but this will depend on the contractor's activities. Surfers should contact the council's Seafront Office on (01273) 292717 or 292716 before travelling to the site

GOLDEN WEDDING CELEBRATIONS GREETINGS FROM AUSTRALIA FOR SALTDEAN COUPLE

Congratulations are sent to Terri & Gerald Pratten of Saltdean from as far away as sunny Perth, Western Australia as they celebrate their milestone Golden Wedding anniversary on Friday 10 January 2003. Tina Eardley (nee Gilyead) contacted us via the Internet and wrote "I will always be grateful to Terri for being a great influence in changing the course of my life over twenty years ago, Terri and I worked together at ?the CEGB in the Computer Dept at Harrogate in North Yorkshire" Apparently, Terri insisted that to travel the world was apart from the challenge of adventure, it also offered a great learning curve in life. After following up on her suggestion to live and work in Germany for a German lady she knew, Tina lived there for 3 years worked in Canada for a few months and in 1984 she emigrated to Western Australia. During these past 20 years Tina has kept in touch with Terri & Gerald, and says "they are an exceptional couple and I treasure them dearly" She would like them to know she is thinking of them on their special day and wishes them health & happiness for many years to come and is forever grateful for Terri's guidance all those years ago.

Saltdean Under 9's News - posted by Robert Cox 23/12/02

I'm writing to tell you about the great work of JOHN BERGIN, a local resident who has started up a SALTDEAN under 9 football team.
Although kids football is well established in the area, John has taken 18 young ball chasers, and with help from a few parents, has began moulding them into co-ordinated team. On top of this he has secured a new kit, and sponsorship from Carruthers & Luck[ thanks very much ], with maybe another sponsor in the near future.
The team has just won their first league game much to the relief of everybody, the output of air must have been audible in Newhaven.

Thanks - a grateful Parent

Peacehaven and Telscombe Volunteer Bureau

The Peacehaven and Telscombe Volunteer Bureau covers an area from East Saltdean to Newhaven. It provides a wide range of help, from befriending, help from hospital, a grass cutting scheme and the charity shop in Longridge Avenue, Saltdean. Volunteers help with shopping, transport and a whole range of other services. If you wish to join the organisation which is a registered charity please come along to meetings on the third Friday of every month at the clinic. It is dependent on outside sources and will soon be open to non-volunteering members at a cost of £5 for individuals and £10 for organisations.

If you can help please telephone Linda Beckman on 586685. The AGM is on Friday 22 November at the Anzac Room at the Meridian Centre.
12 noon for a 12.30 am start.

Lewes District Council Kerbside Recycling

According to the Evening Argus 19/12/2002 the kerbside recycling scheme currently in place in Newhaven, Lewes and Seaford will be extended to Peacehaven, East Saltdean and Tescombe Cliffs. The Box-it scheme has been awarded a £500,000 government grant so people can recycle their paper, plastic bottle, cans and clean foil and have the material collected from outside their homes. Any Bryce - the councils recycling service officer said that residents in a recent survey said that recycling was one of their top priorities and that staff were very dedicated and that has helped them roll out this new service.