NEWS 2007

Saltdean Historians New Book

Douglas d'Enno has written a new book on Brighton Crime and Vice

- also have a look at his previous tome Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths Around Brighton

from www.peopletalk.org

FOUL DEEDS & SUSPICIOUS DEATHS AROUND BRIGHTON
by Douglas d'Enno

This gripping volume covers two centuries of murderous doings in Brighton portrayed in fifteen vivid case histories. All the crimes took place within the town except two, where the victims were prominent Brighton citizens travelling on business.

The accounts are arranged in an unusual yet logical manner, namley by theme.
The categories comprise trunk murders, poisonings, child murders, killings over nothing, deaths suffered on journeys, and provocation, infidelity and lust. Surprisingly, no single volume devoted to murders in Brighton has ever appeared before.

This is extrordinary considering the town has been dubbed the Queen of Slaughtering Places.
As well as filling a void in the field of true crime on this part of the Sussex Coast, the book contains many rare images of Brighton in the past which admirably complement the text. Local historians and general readers alike will be fasinated by this pictorial material, much of it previously unpublished.

Douglas is probably best known for championing all things Saltdean and writing the much in demand book - Saltdean History.

Cheeky Monkey August Newsletter

Dear All, - Just received a delivery of lots of wooden goodies, the Heimess Activity frame that doubles up as a baby walker is proving a hit with babies, as is the 'tool work bench' with the toddlers in the shop, cute dino push alongs, lots of wooden food items and much more. I know I'm not the only one thinking about (dare I say it...) Christmas, as I have a few items put aside and being paid off in installments as we speak! I'm happy to do this for anyone, just leave a deposit to secure the item, and pay off the balance as you like. Something you can't arrange at Churchill Square! Anyway, I just want to remind you about the Summer holiday activities that are happening at Cheeky Monkeys, all of which are on a 'drop in' basis, so you don't need to book a whole term; and also to let you know about the Black Crayon Cafe that will be visiting next Saturday 11th August.

Mondays: Yogabugs (as featured on Dragon's Den) 9.30-10.15 suitable for children 2.5yrs - 6yrs old. £4.00 a class. A wonderful introduction to Yoga by going on lots of adventures. Please speak to Trina for further details: 01273-303 370. Incidentally an adult yoga class will also soon be available. If you are interested please let me or Trina know which evenings are most suitable for you. Wednesdays: Music and Movement 9.30-10.15 available for babies and toddlers and children of all ages. Jane a qualified Ballet teacher teaches lost of stretches, and movement to classical music encouraging children to use their imagination and become pixies or fairies! £3.50 a class. Saturdays: Yogabugs part two. For those of you who can't make the Monday session. Due to begin August 11th. 9.30-10.15am The Black Crayon Cafe: Saturday 11th August 10.30-1pm The very popular 'Open House' will be visiting Cheeky Monkeys. A free event for all the family; enjoy a biscuit and a cuppa and put crayon to paper! Have a look at the following article to get a flavour of what it's all about: http://archive.theargus.co.uk/2007/5/24/235010.html

Magic Workshop: Wednesday 29th August 1-4pm. £20 for 3 hours tuition and a goody bag worth £12. Open to children age 8+ who are willing to give Harry Potter a run for is money! Please call to find out more or look on: www.andrewjeffrey.co.uk for further information. Mums in Biz? I am, lots of you are and so are many other mums wanting to be; therefore Nicky Chisholm has organised a 3 hour seminar aimed at helping mums who are in or thinking about being in business.

The first is on Tuesday 4th September 12.15-3.15pm, with other Tuesdays available also. Priced at a very reasonable £25 including lunch. Lots of advise and tips on how to get things running and what help is available regarding childcare and other benefits. For more information and to book a place please contact Nicky on: 01273 681 484 or nickyc@mumsinbiz.co.uk And finally, if any of you are, or know someone who is deciding on the millions of pushchair 'systems' out there; have a look at www.mamatoto.co.uk on the Testing Testing bit at the bottom. They are offering a £100 discount on a gorgeous looking Cosatto model. I'm more than happy with out Phil and Teds, but would be very tempted otherwise..... Also this month's offer is a free 'fruity face' priced at £5 (another Dragon's Den gem) with any purchase over £30.

Hope to see you on Saturday 11th for the Black Crayon Cafe event, and remember if you can make a mark on the paper, you can contribute to the gallery!

Kind regards, Michelle x

Michelle Marcar Cheeky Monkeys 124, Lustrells Vale, Saltdean, BN2 8FB 01273-302 644 Cheeky_monkeys_saltdean@hotmail.com www.Cheeky-Monkeys.me.uk

Losing our National park Status?

By Rachel Pegg © The Argus

For more than ten years campaigners have fought for the South Downs to be made a national park. Now it looks likely the final decision could be made next year but the fight is far from over.Across the county there are towns, villages and pockets of land which have been unexpectedly moved inside the boundary or booted out. Now they are scrabbling desperately to get back in - or be let out. But why should you care about the national park and how will it affect you?

But most people now accept that a national park is inevitable and it is crucial to get the final details right or it could open the floodgates for bad planning decisions and poor use of land.

The South Downs National Park inspector recently published a revised boundary map which moves in extra pieces of land around Brighton and Hove - Sheepcote, Hollingbury, Waterhall - and with an open boundary down to the sea near Rottingdean and Roedean.

But some areas have been shifted out, such as the whole of the western Weald, Lewes, Ditchling, Arundel and land at Seaford, Saltdean, Titnore Woods in Durrington, Worthing and Wilmington Green. There are campaigns in nearly all these ditched sites to get them back on to the map. However, although the deadline for comments has been extended until September 24, the consultation invites only objection to areas that are inside the boundary, not outside - something many campaigners are unhappy with.

They have vowed to bombard Defra, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with letters expressing their discontent. The South Downs Campaign, a network of organisations which has battled since 1995 to have the Downs declared a national park, is most concerned about the exclusion of the western Weald in north-west Sussex, which includes Petersfield, Midhurst and Petworth and a number of villages.

The inspector said the western Weald was not chalk ridge and was of a very different nature. Campaigners dispute that this should be a consideration. A petition they have compiled to have the area put back in already has 1,000 signatures.

They are worried that if the western Weald is left outside the national park, part of it could lose its status as an area of outstanding natural beauty and it would be vulnerable to home building.

Robin Crane, chairman of the South Downs Campaign, said: "People are concerned and want the western Weald kept in the national park. They see it as the safest and quickest way of safeguarding the future of this special landscape.

"This is not just a local issue but a national one. It is about securing the best possible national park in the South East for the 21st century that protects all the finest countryside originally planned to be included."

In Lewes, many are unhappy they have not been made part of the proposed park. Robert Cheesman, chairman of the Friends of Lewes, said: "A national park authority first of all means more money, most of which comes from Government, for conservation, not just for the rural environment but for the built environment. "Lewes will be surrounded by national park land and it will be a centre for people wishing to visit. It seems a little anomalous if it is not included.

Their views are not shared by East Sussex County Council.

Councillor Matthew Lock, cabinet member for the environment, said: "The exclusion of Lewes is a very important development and I wholeheartedly welcome it. One of the functions of national parks is to decide on planning applications within their borders but experience tells us their systems are much slower than those of local councils.

"The effect on Lewes of being included would be horrendous, with minor applications for modest home improvements taking many months or even years."

The county council is objecting to the inclusion of land at Wilmington Green and land between Newhaven Tide Mills to the A259, which has planning permission for the Newhaven Port Access Road and Newhaven Eastside Business Park.

Tom Dufty, chairman of The Ditchling Society, said the village was in keeping with the Downs and had many listed buildings made of local materials such as chalk and flint.

He said: "If Ditchling was included it would help to regenerate the village and improve the economy. It would help put a greater focus on some of the issues affecting us, for example our traffic problems."

In Saltdean, a 4.25-acre field off Falmer Avenue has been taken out of the boundary.

Residents of Falmer Avenue and Bishopstone Drive have complained that the land is in an area of outstanding natural beauty with archaeological interest.

One, who asked not to be named because of a dispute between residents and the landowner, said they could not believe it had been taken out of the park.

She said: "This is a piece of agricultural land that borders the South Downs Walk."

Martin Strange, of Headland Avenue, Seaford, is campaigning against the exclusion of land close to Chynington Way. He said: "It would be unfortunate to see that lost."

Chris Todd, spokesman for the South Downs Campaign, said he wanted to see places such as Lewes and Ditchling included because one of the functions of the national park would be to end the division between town and countryside. He said: "Some of these settlements are very high quality. Lewes is so embedded in the Downs it is really hard to divorce it, even if it does have some modern development. We really don't feel the inspector has followed the rules or justified the exclusion."

Mr Todd said he hoped national park status would end the "schizophrenic" nature of some planning decisions which has led to Lewes District Council - which supports the creation of a park - nevertheless granting planning permission for a 240ft wind turbine for Glyndebourne Opera House. The Government Office South East is considering whether to call in the decision.

• What would a national park mean for the Downs? DESIGNATION of the South Downs under the National Parks Act 1949 would give the area the highest level of protection under the planning system.

  There would be a permanent boundary around the park and public bodies and businesses would have to abide by rules governing national park land.

  A South Downs National Park Authority would be directly funded by central Government to focus on conservation and visitor management to protect the Downs' natural beauty.

  This authority would be responsible for planning and development control within the park area, taking control from local councils. Closing date for comments and objections is September 24. After that the Secretary of State may reopen the inquiry, with a final decision expected next year.

Omar release a Step Closer

By Andy Tate © The Argus

Omar's mother and brother after hearing the news Guantanamo Bay prisoner Omar Deghayes is a step closer to freedom today after the British Government finally called for his release.

Libyan-born Mr Deghayes, who has languished in the notorious US detention camp for five years without charge, had previously been shunned by the Foreign Office because he was not a British citizen. But yesterday the Government executed a dramatic U-turn and asked the American authorities to return Mr Deghayes and four other non-British detainees who used to live in the UK.

The decision comes almost two years after The Argus launched its Justice for Omar campaign, which has called for Mr Deghayes to be released or put on trial. It is not known whether the 37-year-old former law student, who was granted asylum in the UK in the 1980s following the murder of his trade unionist father in Libya, has been made aware of the Government's move. But campaigners have hailed it as a sign that the end of Mr Deghayes's ordeal, which began with his capture in Pakistan in 2002, is imminent. advertisement Omar's brother Abubaker Deghayes, said: "Omar is coming home. It is the news we have been waiting for.
"When I heard I was so happy, I was in tears. It's been a long, long terrible episode. "Previous experience shows when the British Government officially makes a request to the Americans they do manage to bring them back." The US ambassador to London, Robert Tuttle, said the request to release the detainees would be considered very seriously. He said: "We will take the request to release them and study it very seriously and get back with all due, deliberate speed." The Government secured the release of nine British citizens from the detention camp in Cuba more than two years ago. But the Foreign Office cautioned that discussions with the US government about the release of Mr Deghayes and the other detainees "may take some time".
In a statement it said: "The Foreign Secretary and the Home Secretary have decided to request the release from Guantanamo Bay and return to the UK of five men who, whilst not UK Nationals, were legally resident here prior to their detention." The Foreign Office said moves in the US towards closing the detention centre had prompted the change of policy. There are presently 360 people incarcerated at the military camp. About 415 have been released or transferred out of the base. The Government's request that the five men be released to the UK came as a relief to Mr Deghayes's family in Saltdean, Brighton, who had feared he could face human rights abuses if sent to Libya. Any decision about the detainees' long-term residential status, if they are returned to the UK, will be taken by the Home Office.
Groups including Amnesty International and Reprieve welcomed the Government's decision. Abubaker Deghayes said public pressure including The Argus's Justice For Omar campaign had helped bring about the Government's change of heart. He said: "I think The Argus made a difference. It has shown a tremendous example of how the media is vital, and has really worked hard for justice for Omar. "Justice is a pillar of British values and I'm grateful to whoever made the decision in the British Government to take this step. I am delighted the British public sincerely stood by us." Omar's sister, Amani, cautiously welcomed the decision but said she would not be able to fully celebrate until her brother was back in the UK. She said: "I am really excited about this. It is a real breakthrough. "I am happy but I am also cautious." Louise Purbrick, from the Save Omar campaign, said: "This is the most positive thing we have ever heard since we started campaigning. "We have always been told the court that matters is the court of public opinion. Omar's campaign must have made a difference."
Des Turner, the MP for Brighton Kemptown in whose constituency Mr Deghayes's family lives, said: "It's magnificent. I hope the family is cheered by this news. I think they will be getting Omar back very soon." Dr Turner, who travelled to Washington earlier this year to lobby the Pentagon and State Department on behalf of the Deghayes family, continued: "One thing that was apparent from discussions I had in America was that officials there were all of the opinion that should the Government decide to accept consular responsibility for whatever reason, this could make a difference." Former Brighton and Hove City Council leader Simon Burgess said he hoped the council's decision to pass a motion in support of Omar and lobby the Government may have had a "small part" to play in the decision. He said: "We felt very strongly Guantanamo is an absolute affront to decent standards of humanity, which only gives ammunition to terrorists to accuse us of double standards."

Bong Arm of the Law

By Miles Godfrey © The Argus

David Vernon faces charges of cultivating cannabis after police discovered plants at his Saltdean property A Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator has been raided by drugs cops. David Vernon, 40, owned up to a £50-a-day pot habit after police discovered a number of the plants at his property in Heathfield Avenue, Saltdean.
Mr Vernon said: "The thing is none of the people on my neighbourhood watch patch are bothered about me smoking it - nobody I know is." The unemployed carpenter, who has been Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for his road for the last ten years, faces charges of cultivating cannabis and is due to appear before Brighton magistrates on Friday. He admits he is a cannabis user - although he is not charged with possession - but he denies growing the drug. At one point he was a regular at a number of cannabis cafes which sprung up in Worthing.
Mr Vernon, a practising Druid who has been smoking cannabis since he was ten, claims it his religious right to take the drug and needs it to treat mild depression. advertisement He now says has no regrets about being taken to court over the issue. He told The Argus: "When I began smoking cannabis it was like my third eye had opened. "I had an okay childhood - I wouldn't say really happy. My half brother used to hit me and one day I smoke cannabis and it all the pain went away. "I was like wow man, this is so amazing'. "I carried on smoking it for most of my life because I suffer a bit of depression and I find it helps with that. "Then the police came around and knocked on our door, smashed their way into the garage. "I believe it is in our genes to smoke cannabis and it is my religious right."
Mr Vernon claims he has done a great job of fighting crime in his area - despite admitting not really knowing what he is doing and rarely turning up to meetings. He said: "Nobody has ever told me how to do the job so I just got on with how I thought best. I knock on all my neighbours' doors and make sure they are okay and they always are. It's a great place to live. "I couldn't really go to many meetings because they were usually at 4pm and I was normally working then. "But there hasn't been any crime here in recent years. The only crime was when my own car got stolen." Mr Vernon's prosecution comes as the Government is considering upgrading cannabis from a class C drug to class B. If the move goes through tough penalties will be re-introduced for possession of the drug.

RESIDENTS INVOLVED WITH THE GRAND HOTEL WANTED FOR PHOTOS

If you have ever been involved - or are aware ogf any local residents who have been involved - with the Grand Ocean in the past please email me here. A ohotographer is very keen to find ex-woprkers - residents fo the Grand Ocean to photgraph them next to the interior stage and surroundings in the hotel BEFORE they are taken out by the end of July. Intertested - get in touch!

Midland Hotel Article in The Visitor

Not quite dedicated to the Ocean but anyway....Thanks as always Anna

Telscombe Tye Information

I am starting to put together some info on Telescombe Tye here - it's badly scanned but I hope to get some decent info for you shortly.

Cheeky Monkeys July Newsletter

Dear All, Thought I'd start with a police appeal I urge you to support: MISSING - ROUND YELLOW THING USUALLY FLOATS AROUND IN THE SKY. - ANSWERS TO THE NAME ''SUN'' IF YOU SEE HIM, TELL HIM IT'S JULY!!! Ha ha indeed! Still, the new range of beach goods - i.e fishing nets, aqua shoes and buckets and spades can all be used with or without sunshine! There's lots to mention in the way of activities for the summer holidays: YogaBugs will be here on Monday mornings 9.30-10.15 for ages 2.5-4yrs and Saturdays 9.00-9.45 for ages 5-7yrs £24 for a six week course. Due to start middle of July.Please call Trina on 303-370 for further details and to book your place. Music and Movement with Jane Salisbury on Wednesdays 9.30-10.15. It's open to babies and toddlers of all ages at a special summer offer of £3.50. The session will involve lots of stretches, introduction to rhythm and sound recognition and more. Run by a fully qualified and experienced ballet teacher. Due to begin on Monday 18th July. Contact Jane on 275-002 for more info. Magic Workshop Saturday 28th 1-4pm £20 (includes 3 hours tuition and a goody bag worth £12) Despite my absolute best efforts I cannot accomodate a Tuesday or Thursday lunch time slot, however this may change in the coming months. The music and movement session is open to babies and children of all ages, and hopefully other age specific groups on different days may form as a result of this. La Jolie Ronde will resume lessons in September,please call Joanna on: 01273 302 167 for more details. And Italian for ages 2 + will be starting in September also. Please speak to me for further information. Special offers for this month; Snack traps at £5 - buy 2 get one free. Perfect for journeys in the car and for day trips. The same company also do fruity-faces which are inflatable 'fruit protectors' kids love their cute faces, and it really does save fruit from getting nasty bruises! And £5.00 voucher with every purchase of the brilliant Kari-Me sling priced at £37.95. Look out for a new range of 'Shoo Shoos' soft baby pram shoes, the fabulous 'Bike with no pedals' (with a brilliant concept of encouraging children get used to balancing on a bike before worrying about pedals), the classic Bumble Bee Wheely Bug and a clever wooden activity frame for babies that later becomes a walker when their older. All coming soon as 'try-before-you-buy' items at Cheeky Monkeys! - Have to go now, baby needs feeding! See you soon Kind regards, Michelle x

Gorgeous Lido Painting

Hello I live in Hove and am fascinated with art deco architecture, so therefore adore Saltdean Lido. Please find attached an image of my recently finished painting of the Lido. 'Saltdean Lido' 90x60cm acrylic on block canvas. It is a stylised image in a 1920s / 30s poster style. The central section of the lido with its many paned windows is framed by the curve of the raised platform. I hope that you like my painting.

Kind regards Steve Williams

- thanks Steve - it's lovely!

Sreve says - Hello. I hope that you like my painting of Saltdean Lido. I thoroughly enjoyed painting it, even all of those little windows and the railings. I travel past the lido every week and never tire of viewing it when I go past, so I had to paint it. If there is enough interest in the painting I will consider having a run of limited edition signed and numbered prints made. I would like to see how popular the painting is before offering the original for sale as it would be a shame to sell the original if there were others that would also enjoy a print of the painting. If you like my work and would be interested in buying the original or a limited edition signed and numbered print please contact me at steve.williams@camden.gov.uk

Cheeky Monkeys June Newsletter

Dear All, Well, she's here! Isabella-May was born on Friday 25th May at 07.15am. Delivered by Daddy and Jessica-Ellen on the bathroom floor! She came along within 2 hours, 9lb exactly, loads of black hair and a real sweetie - we're all thrilled! Dates for your Diary: Saturday 28th July: 1-4pm learn magic with Andrew Jeffries. This will be a magic workshop, details to be confirmed, but ideal for children aged 8 plus who will learn some magic, and go away with a party trick that will last a lifetime! As I said further details to follow but spaces are limited so do book early to secure a place. New Stock in: The popular and fantastic 'Snack traps' which keep raisins etc. inside the pot, but children can still get to them, and Fruity Faces which protect fruit from getting bashed and bruised in school bags or on days out. All items priced at £5 Kari-Me slings. These are multi award winning slings priced at £37.95 and come in a range of colours. Have a look at the website, and then by all means come and 'try before you buy' - we've opted for a nice burgundy one! Also, the dancing animal music boxes will be here by the end of next week, some of you have reserved these already. And finally, I'd like to say a huge thank-you to Joanna Clarke who is doing a fab job of running the shop in my absence. All being well I should be back in the week after next. Thanks also to all the lovely cards and messages we've been receiving. Look forward to seeing you soon!! Michelle x

Beautiful Photos here

http://thinkingwithpictures.blogspot.com:80/2007/06/from-shoreham-to-saltdean.html

WEST SALTDEAN AND ROTTINGDEAN
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH BEAT 8

NEWSLETTER  --  JUNE 2007

POLICE TELEPHONE NUMBER 0845 6070 999

IN AN EMERGENCY TELEPHONE 999

Dear Member

Annual General Meeting of NHW was held on Monday 19th March in the Saltdean Community Centre and 11 coordinators/members attended.  This was less than last year and we hope this was due to the inclement weather and no other reason.

• The Chairman reported on the activities throughout the year and stated that there are two sources of income for NHW.  New members £1 membership fee, and that in 2006 74 new members had been recruited with 47 in 2007 to date.  The second income stream is the bank interest at Nationwide BS.
• The new committee were elected and we were pleased to welcome two new members. Your committee is as follows:

Brian Dando  --  Chairman
Linda Hood  --  Secretary (306441)
Richard Turvey
Nick Hart
Tom Calder
Laura Billet

• Sergeant Martin Drabble, PC Geoff Bentham and PCSO Officer Chris Kingwood were present, and after the AGM members/co-ordinators were able to ask questions and discuss a variety of topics with them.

Survey

The results of the survey sent to all co-ordinators in September/November of 2006 found that a large number of co-ordinators could no longer continue due to age, illness, etc.  The committee have decided that before seeking greater coverage in Beat 8 Area, we should first concentrate on finding replacement co-ordinators for these now ‘unmanned’ roads.  We are at present attempting to do this.  The survey also indicated that some members would be happy to receive newsletters, etc by Email and we will be endeavouring to comply with this.  To enable us to confirm that the Email addresses we have on record are correct will you please acknowledge receipt of this newsletter.  For those who do not reply we will assume there is a query and will follow up

Crime Reports

We still stress the importance of street co-ordinators reporting all incidents to the Committee as well as the Police, as we do not always receive crime reports from them.  Co-ordinators can contact Linda Hood (secretary) either by phone (306441) or Email alan.hood7@ntlworld.com to report any incidents and we will be able to add these to our newsletters. It is important that a crime number be requested from police when criminal damage has taken place as this will be required by insurance companies, and will ensure it goes on the police list of reported crime.

Recent Incidents

• MAY.  Youths throwing water bombs at cars from Saltdean Oval.
• 26th APRIL.  Cars broken onto and handbrakes released causing extensive damage in Grand Crescent.  Apparently Grand Crescent was not the only road affected by vandalism on this date.
• MAY. Damage to windows at St.Nicholas caused by stone throwing.
• Attempted break-in at Football Club.
• Two break-ins at Football Club causing criminal damage.
• Fly tipping of old catering equipment at Football Club.

NHW Street Signs

The committee have been discussing the placing of more NHW street signs within the area.  This will be quite a large exercise as we are unaware which roads already have signs.  Please will Co-ordinators let Linda Hood know if there is already a sign in or near your road.  Thank you for your help.

If you have friends living in a street not covered by NHW, why not persuade them to be a co-ordinator.  The more streets covered the better for all.

With kind regards.

Yours sincerely

Brian Dando

Chairman

Protesters fight 'eyesore' mobile mast
By Rachel Fitch © The Argus

Opponents to a mobile phone mast will fight to protect their "little piece of England".Jackie Williams is against T-Mobile putting a 28ft telecommunications pole on a green in Saltdean.Brighton and Hove City Council turned the planning application down but the company has appealed.
Mrs Williams is calling on neighbours to write their objections to the Secretary of State.T-Mobile wants to install a replica telegraph pole housing three antennae on grass between Saltdean Vale and Hempstead Road.There would also be equipment cabinets next to it.The council rejected the application because it thought the cabinets would harm the character and appearance of the area.Mrs Williams, of Heathfield Avenue, said: "Children play on this piece of land. It is a lovely little green and lovely plot of England."We moved from Ilford last year where it was too dangerous for children to play outside."It's great to be able to see them free to play here like we used to in the Fifties and it would be such a shame if that was taken away from them."The pole would be a real eyesore there and I don't understand why it couldn't be put just a few hundred yards up the road where there is a huge piece of land which the children don't use."There is no proof there isn't any danger from these poles."When this application was turned down by the council I thought that was the end of it."She is canvassing support against the appeal from people in the area.The deadline for comments about the application is June 4.No-one from T-Mobile was yesterday available for comment.

Friday 18th May 2007

Christine Harfleet from Liquid Landscapes here

Saltdean Resident Association

WEBSITE **NEW** MAY 2007 here

Dear All,

Well I trust you had a good bank holiday weekend! One more at the end of the month, and then nothing 'til August! If you haven't yet booked your summer holiday, and looking for an easy going, child friendly place with plenty of sunshine, do consider my mum and dad's apartment in Los Cristianos, Tenerife. With very easy access to the swimming pool,and beach and just a 20min taxi ride away from Reina Sofia airport Tenerife. Have a look at: www.propertytorent-tenerife.com
Thinking of summer holidays, why not ask your children if they'd like to learn magic......- I know I'm keen! There's the possibility of magic classes being run here from Cheeky Monkeys during the summer holidays. More details to follow, do let me know if you're little ones have expressed an interest.

Cheeky Mummies:
Now up and running, some great 2nd hand maternity wear available aswell as some brand new ex chain store 'basics' for example support vests, white blouses and plum coloured trousers priced between £8.50 and £12.50. TENS machine, Hypnotherapy CD's available to hire plus an expanding gift range including frames, jewellery, slippers etc. the sort of items suitable for sisters, mums, friends etc. So come and have a nosey when you get the chance! Any ideas or suggestions gratefully received

New Items in stock:

By popular demand I have now got some traditional Jack in the Boxes, (with cute dogs or monkeys rather than scary clown faces!) Sweet little fairy Jewellery boxes, also, a new line of tee-shirts; 'I'm a Big Sister', or 'I'm a Big Brother' in a range of sizes from 18mths-Age 9 yrs. All priced at £7.50 - Jessica-Ellen has her one put aside for the end of the month!

The baby size Ponchos will arrive next week. Dinosaurs, Puppies, Angels and bunnies will be available at £6.50.

And finally, there is an ever growing library of DVDs that are available to hire at £1.50 - £2.00 a week with a £5 deposit. Happy Feet, Curious George, The Flumps, Thomas the Tank Engine, are all among the titles.

Joanna Clarke of La Jolie Ronder French lessons for children will be covering the shop for a couple of weeks once I have the baby. So business will be as usual. Closed Mondays and Wednesdays, open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9.30-5pm, and Saturdays 10-1pm.
Hope to see you soon!
Kind regards,

Michelle x

Michelle Marcar

Cheeky Monkeys

124, Lustrells Vale,
Saltdean, BN2 8FB
01273-302 644
Cheeky_monkeys_saltdean@hotmail.com
www.Cheeky-Monkeys.me.uk

Local newsletters for your information

Rottingdean and Saltdean Trail consists of 16 artists showing work in 6 houses and a gallery. Work will include paintings, drawings and prints, glass and ceramics, wood and woven willow.
Rottingdean and Saltdean artists have been a loose-knit group for the past ten years. Most of the houses in this years trail have opened before but not always together in the same year.
The two communities are about 4 miles from Brighton and well served by public transport.
Rottingdean, the older of the two villages, was home to two important artists, Sir Edward Burne-Jones and Sir William Nicholson.

If you would like further information about the Trail, please contact Christine Harfeet on chrissyharfleet@hotmail.com or call 01273 309666.

Visit www.rottingdeansaltdean-artists.co.uk

.

East Saltdean - Lewes District Council & Telscombe Town Council

EAST SALTDEAN AND TELSCOMBE CLIFFS
Turnout: 38.4%

Candidate Party Votes
Maskell, Ron Conservatives 1,212
Page, James Conservatives 1,134
Howson, Philip Conservatives 1,128
Lee, Liz Liberal Democrats 778
Pepper, Marina Liberal Democrats 735
Neighbour, David Liberal Democrats 722
O'Connor, Laurence Labour 285

Telscombe Town Council

East Saltdean Ward
42.9 % Poll
BANNING Tim The Conservative Party Candidate 468 Elected
BLEMINGS John Robert East Saltdean Residents Association 179
BUCHANAN Ian Verdun The Conservative Party Candidate 219
CORNER Tim Liberal Democrats 304
CREGEEN Andrew Hugh East Saltdean Residents Association 187
DENNIS Tina The Conservative Party Candidate 421 Elected
HALLETT Lynda Mary The Conservative Party Candidate 407 Elected
HAREWOOD Tyrone Liberal Democrats 296
HARRIS Job Victor The Conservative Party Candidate 391 Elected
HOPWOOD Angela Christine Marguerite Liberal Democrats 287
O'CONNOR Laurence Julian The Labour Party Candidate 155
PEPPER Marina Augusta Liberal Democrats 309 Elected
SLINN Philip Charles East Saltdean Residents Association 180
SLINN Joan Kathleen East Saltdean Residents Association 182
SMITH Diana Valarie East Saltdean Residents Association 200

Telscombe Cliffs Ward
35 % Poll
ARMOUR Timothy James The Conservative Party Candidate 622 Elected
CHIVERTON Ronald Edmund Local Resident For Telscombe Cliffs Ward 403
DE SOUZA Harold Liberal Democrats 360
DOYLE Simon Liberal Democrats 357
FIELD Ray The Conservative Party Candidate 653 Elected
HOWSON Philip Anthony The Conservative Party Candidate 645 Elected
HUNTER Birgit Liberal Democrats 354
HUNTER Trefor Liberal Democrats 339
LEE Liz Liberal Democrats 423
LIVINGS John The Conservative Party Candidate 619 Elected
MASKELL Ron The Conservative Party Candidate 703 Elected
NEIGHBOUR David Roy Liberal Democrats 426 Elected
O'NEILL Mary Frances The Labour Party Candidate 160
PAGE James Victor Scott The Conservative Party Candidate 665 Elected
SAWYERS Brenda Local Resident Interested In Local Issues 427 Elected

The bus lanes will run for four and a half kilometres along the A259 from Ovingdean to Rottingdean and from Saltdean to Rottingdean. Brighton and Hove City Council has taken the next step towards introducing the bus lanes by publishing the necessary legal traffic orders. The traffic orders set out the council's plans and are open to comment from the public until May 8.
Details are available in the Jubilee Library, Hove Central Library and City Direct centres in Bartholomew House and Hove Town Hall. The city council's environment committee is due to consider the public response to the traffic order in June and if they give the scheme go-ahead, the new bus lanes could be completed by next summer. Director of environment at the city council, Jenny Rowlands said: "The A259 is a very well used bus route, with about a third of the people travelling towards Brighton and Hove in the morning by bus. "In the last few years the frequency of bus services has doubled. These proposed bus lanes will make the journey to work quicker and easier for a lot of people." Pedestrian improvements are also planned as part of the project with three new signalised crossings along the route. Improved crossings are also planned at Rottingdean crossroads. Safer crossings are proposed at the junction with Longridge Avenue where the mini-roundabout is to be replaced by a set of traffic signals. Safer routes for cyclists are also planned with the installation of cycle lanes. The project is being carried out jointly with East Sussex County Council.

2:25pm Sunday 29th April 2007

Omar campaigners call for MP's support
 
© From the Argus website By Ben Parsons

Supporters of Guantanamo Bay prisoner Omar Deghayes want an MP to fly to Washington to plead his case.

Campaigners from the Save Omar pressure group met Brighton Kemptown MP Des Turner on Saturday. Mr Deghayes, a Saltdean law student and Libyan national, has been imprisoned without charge in the notorious detention centre since he was arrested in Pakistan in 2002. His supporters want him to be returned to Britain rather than Libya, where they claim his life would be in danger. His brother Abubaker said: "I hope we can act quickly enough to make sure Omar is not sent to Libya. "Libyan officials have already visited him and Guantanamo and said they would kill him like they killed my father. "I want to thank everyone for speaking out for justice for my brother. We just need the Government to listen." Representatives of the Church of England, Brighton and Hove Muslim Forum, the Green Party, the Labour Party and Respect met Mr Turner at the Friends Meeting House to discuss how to secure Mr Deghayes' release to Britain. In March, British prisoner Bisher al-Rawi was released after MP Ed Davey petitioned for his release in Washington. Mr Turner said he would consider making a similar trip to the US - but said his Parliamentary duties come first. He told The Argus: "It's something I'll be looking at. It is not easy for me to do - you can't just walk away from Parliament." He has pledged to hand a dossier of letters from Mr Deghayes's supporters to the Home Office, asking ministers to approve Mr Deghayes's return to Britain. He said: "We'll be stepping up the pressure on the Home Office in particular to get a decision on Omar's future location. "It is quite clear it will be very helpful if the Home Office would agree to allow Omar back into the country. It could very well be what triggers his release." Campaign spokeswoman Louise Purbrick said: "This is the broadest range of people we have brought together in a single room, people spoke on behalf of the Church of England, Brighton and Hove Muslim Forum as well as from Respect, the Green Party and the Labour Party. "We felt that if we can act together to call for Omar's return we could win through the government bureaucracy." Cori Crider from Reprieve, a legal charity that represents 37 Guantanamo detainees, stated: "The political tide is turning in the US against Guantanamo. The UK can help them close the place down by bringing back its residents. It has done so for Bisher al-Rawi already. The position that Guantanamo should close but that they have no responsibility to help its residents is untenable." Hangleton and Knoll council election candidate Maggie Clifford, of the Respect party, said: "Omar should be home in the UK and it is a travesty that he continues to be held in Guantanamo Bay after five years in inhumane circumstances.'I call on the MP for Omar, Des Turner, to visit Washington and add increased pressure for Omar to be brought home now. I also ask for his family to have access to information on Omar's well-being and contact with him immediately." Leave your comments of support to Omar's family below.

8:35am Tuesday 1st May 2007

Election News - statement from Laurence O'Connor
Labour Candidate East Saltdean Ward, Telscombe Town Council

Secondary Schools - Allocation of places - is it fair?

I know the decision has now been taken and many residents in Saltdean may not feel that it is an issue which involves them. Nevertheless the debate which raged in February and early March about the Schools Admission Review for the secondary schools in Brighton and Hove was very divisive and which sparked off a lot of comment by parents. Let me say straight away that I was and still am very much in favour of the a new system for allocating places.

The decision will ensure everyone within the catchment area, which does include both East and West Saltdean, will have an equal chance of getting a place at a school in their area, no matter which part of the area they live in. And after exceptional needs and sibling links have been taken into account, children are to be given priority for schools in their catchment area over children from outside their area. This means that we will all have a greater stake in making our most local school succeed. Yes, if schools are oversubscribed, a ballot takes place but this is fairer than the system whereby those who can afford to move near to a "better" school get the places. Children who do not get places through the ballot still have an equal chance of getting a place at one of their other preferred schools.

At present many parents have no choice of school under the existing system. For example those in the Deans only have Longhill anyway. This system will not necessarily improve choice but it is fairer. Furthermore only those parents with the money to move homes into the immediate vicinity of their chosen school can be sure of getting the school they want. This is not fair to the less well off and will mean that over time more schools will have poorer results. In addition those who are able to will congregate towards an ever decreasing number of "better" schools. This is not right for the whole community of Brighton & Hove and I for one would be ashamed to advocate such a system.

Many people in Saltdean said that they did not know about the process involved but if they had been reading the papers, looking at the websites and even taking an interest in community affairs they would have been. It is therefore a bit rich to say that this was hidden from people. Some people objected to the way that the decision was made by Brighton & Hove's Childrens, Families and Schools Committee. They said that the voting was a matter of political expediency & progression of certain individuals’ political careers over the needs of the city’s children, this is simplistic in the extreme. The Labour and Green Party's had a policy which they had agreed. They would obviously want this policy put through the Committee. To have not done this would not have been consistent with their own policy. It is naïve to think that they would not do something if a member of the committee was not going to vote in line with the policy . Thus they changed the membership of the committee to reflect the true position of the Labour Party.

The fact is that the new system will be fairer for the majority of people in the city and fairness is something that I have always associated with the Labour Party. The current system does not work and for some children who happen to live in the wrong place they have been allocated places at schools a long way from home. The problem is both the shortage of places overall and the fact that Comart closed in 2005 due to parents not being willing to send their children there. It was in difficulties and parents who were able to get there children to schools elsewhere in the city chose to do so. I have no argument with parents wanting to do the best for their children but they must also think of the community as well.To not do so is simply selfish.


Laurence O'Connor
Labour Candidate East Saltdean Ward, Telscombe Town Council

Alan Johnson the Education Minister, Simon Burgess, Leader, Brighton & Hove City Council and Laurence O'Connor.

East Saltdean and Telscombe Cliffs:

P Howson, Con;
L Lee, LibDem;
R Maskell, Con;
D Neighbour, LibDem;
L O'Connor, Lab;
J Page, Con;
M Pepper, LibDem.

Speaking of which, there should be no change to opening hours as maternity cover is in the throes of being arranged. Also, Cheeky Monkeys is now open on Wednesday mornings until 1pm Sally and Amelie will be pleased to help you out with any demonstrations or enquiries!
I will be open Good Friday and Easter Saturday until 1pm so if there any last minute Easter gifts or cards you might need, do pop along in the morning.

Easter Activities:
Thursday 12th April 10.30-12'sh a craft activity of mini Easter baskets or Pom Pom bunnies will be held, providing there are more than 4 children booked. suitable for ages 2 plus, session is £2.50 per child including materials.

Fiddlesticks Music:
I'm sorry to say that the Thursday afternoon group was just not meant to be. As soon as it was given the go ahead I was asked if it could be changed to Tuesday afternoons. I have managed to ask a few of you that expressed an interest before, and the general consensus is that Tuesday is not very practical especially since the popular Dizzy Tilly's class is on Tuesday mornings. If anyone has any ideas on who else I can approach to do a class on Monday mornings, please let me know!

Handmade Baby Gifts:
I've got a new batch of gorgeous handmade 'Mumoo Baby' items, including bibs, babygros, blankets and gift sets. All are pretty unique and I know I am the only stockist in the area. Please note that gift vouchers are also available which have been popular with people arranging baby showers etc.

Party Bags:
Something else which has proved popular is the party bag service now available at Cheeky Monkeys. Priced between £2-£2.50 including the party bag simply choose 4 items from the wide range of pocket money toys available and I will get everything together ready for you to collect for the party.

Towelling Ponchos:
A must have for swimming lessons, holidays or even bathtime. Lots of you have pre-ordered these, just to let you know I now have them in stock. A few more designs now available in the 'middle' £7.50 size including super hero, bear and astronaut. Not forgetting the larger £8.50 sizes suitable for ages 7+.

And finally, Cheeky Mummies is due to have an official 'open day' at the end of April/beginning of May. Please let all your pregnant friends know that brilliant maternity clothes, 2nd hand and brand new, aswell as TENS machine, and Hypnotherapy CD's are available to hire, wedge cushions, breast feeding vests, books, bath soaks and much more is available from cheeky mummies - lots of free parking and a huge changing room to make life easier for grumpy cumbersome mum's to be everywhere (sorry, I shouldn't presume we're all feeling as tired and uncomfortable as me right now!!)

Anyway, have a great Easter break and enjoy the sunshine.
Kind regards,
Michelle x

La Jolie Ronde is an international organisation specialising in language learning for children from 3 - 11 years old. Many parents are keen for their children to participate in language learning at this age and research has shown that the best time to learn a language is when children are between 18 months and 10 years old.

This is what I provide:

" Excellent accent for children to copy
" Fun activities to encourage learning
" Structured, tried and tested programmes
" Lots of energy and enthusiasm

Classes are now running in Saltdean for following levels.

3-5 year olds - waiting list
5-6 year olds - places available
7-8 year olds - places available
9 -11 year olds - waiting list

If you want your child to learn French La Jolie Ronde way, or for more information, please contact Joanna Clarke on 07977 290947 or 01273 302167. My email address is french4children@hotmail.co.uk.

A bientôt!!

But Sam, from Saltdean, was struggling to buy cigarettes and was feeling unfit all the time. He went to a stop smoking clinic and was put on a course aimed at helping him give up gradually. He struggled at first but things were made easier when he was prescribed nicotine gum. It took about two months for the cravings to pass and now a year on, he is still not smoking and is not tempted.

Like many reformed smokers, Sam now cannot bear the smell of cigarettes and has been urging his friends to kick the habit. He said: "It feel so much better now. I am a gymnast, and once I gave up smoking, I noticed a dramatic improvement in my health and fitness." Sam is one of Brighton and Hove Primary Care Trust's success stories. From July 1, smoking in enclosed public spaces will be outlawed and the PCT is helping businesses as well as smokers prepare for the ban.

Its head of health promotion, Kate Lawson, said: "We are urging people to start doing something about it instead of leaving it to the last minute.

"The areas mainly affected are the tourism industry and nightclubs, which is why we are urging them to look at this now. "There is concern about a possible drop in trade but research done in Ireland, where the ban has been in force for a while, has shown rather than profits being badly affected, they have actually risen. "Although there is the fear people won't go into a pub because they cannot smoke, there is also a larger number of people who had previously avoided pubs because they were too smoky who are now planning to go in more often."

For information about how to prepare your business for the ban or for advice on quitting smoking, visit the website at www.smokefreeeastsussex.org.uk or call the free NHS stop smoking service on 01273 267397.

March Newsletter from the lovely Michelle at Cheeky Monkeys.

It's good to know we're finally on the right side of winter now! Lovely warm weather in Italy this weekend has inspired me to order some gorgeous summer sandals from the popular 'squeaky shoes' range.
I had so many requests for this last year, that I've managed to get hold of some; Pretty white flowery ones for girls, that also go up to size 7 and classic brown leather 'closed toe' sandals for boys also available from size 4-7. Still at £18.50 and due in at the end of the week.

Mothers Day:

Apart from reminding you all that there is always the fab Phoenix cards and stationery range available to order from Cheeky Monkeys, there are couple of exciting things to say connected to Mothers Day on Sunday March 18th.

Cheeky Mummies:
I'm pleased to announce the opening of Cheeky Mummies. I have decided to finally honour the many requests to stock high quality maternity clothes, and have converted my stock room in order to accommodate this new venture. As well as maternity clothes, there is a wealth of products suitable for mums-to-be aswell as new mums and well...all mums in general really! Some lovely bath oils, gifts, scented candles, hypnotherapy CD's, TENS machine and Dopplers available to hire, cesearean belts, bra extenders and much more!
Any further suggestions all welcome, as are any high quality maternity clothes and items. The room is also available to hire, which is already 'pencilled in' for pregnancy massage and an aromatherapist in the next few weeks. Do let others know, I'd be happy to speak to any enterprising ladies who feel it could be of use to them.

Tuesday 13th March 12.45-2.45pm.
Timed to encourage mums to be able to join in before the school pick up - a fun, creative afternoon of scrap-booking! A novel way of displaying photos (why not make one up in time for mothers day?) Simply come along with 6-8 photos and Michelle Tant will guide us through how to present them on a piece of A4 paper (provided on the day), which can then be framed, or part of a series. Priced at a special offer of £2.50 to cover materials and tutoring, it could develop into a weekly or monthly activity for us creative types!

Travelling Trends Fashion Show

Saturday 17th March 19.30, St. Nicholas Church Hall Saltdean. What a great way to spend a Saturday evening, watching a fashion show, featuring High St. clothes at bargain prices - complimentary glass of wine in hand, and then a chance to buy them that night. I'll be there with some products from Cheeky Mummies, but sounds like the perfect way to sort the spring wardrobe out! Why not bring your mums, friends, sisters etc and help raise funds for St. Nicholas' pre-school. Lots of raffle prizes available also. I have tickets priced at £5 (which includes a glass of wine) available at the shop.

And finally, Easter falls early next month so just to let you know that I will be holding Half term activity sessions on Tuesday and Thursday mornings something along the lines of Easter baskets, and pom-pom chicks. Priced at £2.50 a session 10.30-12pm. Please call to confirm a place and remember to look at the website for further details or updates www.cheeky-monkeys.me.uk
Right, that's about it for now. Look forward to seeing you soon! Oh, and please email me if you are hoping to come to the Thursday afternoon session of Fiddlesticks Music next term (April) 2-3pm.

Kind regards,
Michelle

Michelle Marcar
Cheeky Monkeys
124, Lustrells Vale,
Saltdean, BN2 8FB
01273-302 644
Cheeky_monkeys_saltdean@hotmail.com
www.Cheeky-Monkeys.me.uk

Great Update on the work on the Ocean's twin hotel - the Midland - thanks again Anna!

For more info find their special page here

Mast Objection

Please see the threads for this on the message board here for more information

Here are the two letter templates here and here

Hazel Car Update

Check on their website here

Want to register your interest to buy a Grand Ocean Flat?

http://www.exploreliving.co.uk/action/frmFindHome_development_overview.aspx?devID=43&areaID=19

DIZZY TILLY KIDS! A NEW TUESDAY GROUP FOR CHILDREN FULL OF FUN!

Welcome to the new fun and entertaining kids club! New to Saltdean. As from Easter I will be running a Tuesday morning Stretch and Jump group for all those little people full of beans! If you are between 0 - 4years come and join the fun! The morning will start from 9.45am with a room full of toys and books and puzzles and cuddly toys and much more! There will be a refreshment break with coffees and teas for the grown ups and biscuits for the kids. (PLEASE TAKE GREAT CARE WITH HOT DRINKS) followed by my Stretch and Jump Dizzy Tilly Kids! which encourages rhythm and movement with a fun kids workout! The Stretch and Jump session is £3.50 per child and payed half termly in advance.

I will also be running the Wednesday sessions with singing and story time and fun activities for the kids. 9.30 - 10.45 and 11.00 - 12.15. £3.00 per child also paid half termly in advance.

All my sessions are held in the Saltdean Community Centre in the lower hall, (entrance by the door in the Saltdean Tavern Car park) All children to be supervised by parent/carer at all times.

If you are interested to find out more about Dizzy Tilly Kids! please call Clare for more information. To secure your place book early as numbers are limited! 01273 308706

COME AND BE A DIZZY TILLY KID! KIDS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN!!!!

Local link....

http://www.picturesofengland.com/England/East_Sussex/Saltdean/pictures

60 years

John Blackman, 84 and his wife Lilias, 83, from Saltdean celebrated their Diamond wedding anniversary last year. They met in 1942. Lilias, who was 19 at the time, was in the Wrens and John was in the Navy.

"I was a cook and I served him his dinner the night he arrived," she recalls. "My first thought was that he seemed like a nice person. 'We used to get some real rough types back then so to have someone who said please and thank-you was quite a novelty."I think his mother had brought him up properly. He had a lot of hair then as well. I remember asking him to dance one night and he said he couldn't. I wasn't going to risk my little feet with his clumsy boots so we just talked." According to John, the exact conversation is "shrouded in the mists of antiquity".

"She grumbled at me. I can't remember what," he muses. "I mentioned it was my birthday and the next thing I knew there was a birthday card from Lilias." They only had a few weeks together before John was posted to the Far East, serving as a deck petty officer on a wartime destroyer. They were apart for two years but remained close friends and kept in touch, writing letters once a week. "I did miss him," says Lilias. "But I knew where he was and he knew where I was so it wasn't a problem." As soon as John came back he proposed. 'I think we were on top of a cliff in Lewes at the time and no, I didn't threaten to throw her off. I was nervous. Marriage is a pretty awful thing for a man, you don't know what you're taking on." According to John, Lilias gave a "hesitant" yes and the rest is history. They got married in 1946 in a small Scottish village in Lanarkshire, where Lilias is from. Her wedding dress white with long sleeves was 28 years old and had been handed down through the family. "I was horrified years later to find that my wife had paid for the whole wedding," says John.

"I didn't think to ask at the time." They lived in Waltham Close, just outside Portsmouth before moving to Brighton in 1947, where John ran a printing firm in Hollingdean, helped by Lilias. He was a Tory councillor for many years in Brighton and Hove and went on to become mayor in 1984 and 1985. They have one son, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. John sums up their married life as "perfect" and struggles to come up with anything about Lilias he'd like to change.

"We don't look for chinks in armour," he says. "The secret to a good marriage is to look for the best in each other, not the worst." Although he's never shown an interest in boiling an egg or washing up ("I've put the kettle on once"), he hasn't been held to account. "He's had a cup of tea in bed every morning since we got married," says Lilias. "I get up at four o'clock every morning. I say to him, all you have to do is put the tea bag in,' but he never moves.

"We both get on, we've always got on. I love him, he loves me and that's all that matters." John has the same thoughts about Lilias. He describes their relationship as "a mutual gravitation of kindred souls". "There weren't any heavy overtones of candlelight or war songs," he says. "It was just a magnetic attraction." While he may joke on about marriage being a life sentence for men, he believes it's as important today as ever, suggesting a lot of couples perhaps aren't being true to themselves by choosing to live together. I think most women would prefer to be married deep down in their hearts, especially with all the pressures they have on them today." he says. That's not to say a man can't enjoy a stable married life too. Lilias has given me stability, supported my ambition and been a wonderful friend as well as a devoted wife.

"A lot of men would give their high teeth for the life I have had and it's all been made possible by having a good woman behind me."

Monday 12th February 2007

By Douglas d'Enno - thanks Douglas as always!

Our Cold Snap!

I've been a estate agent for many years and have decided to provide a forum for people to discuss the different aspects of buying and selling allowing people to discuss issues and share experiences with others. Also on the site is sections including Ask the agent, house prices, interest rates, investments, moving stories and going abroad.

The site has just opened and if you put the name of the site into your browser you will enter the forum page, to become a member you need to register free and then login with username and password. The address of the site to add to your bookmarks is www.yourpropertyviews.com .

If you have any comments or ideas please share them with us on the site, which will be updated weekly with news and latest news on the property market.


Many Thanks

Martin (advisor1 on the site)

Created by local web maestro Peter Quinn - check it out here

Pro Musica Concert, February 2007

Rottingdean-based chamber choir Pro Musica presents its next concert on Saturday, 24th February at 7.30 pm, at St. Nicholas Church, Saltdean Vale, Saltdean. Conducted by directors Ray Maulkin and Kathryn Sargent, from Lewes, the performance consists of the Petite Messe Solonelle by Rossini. The soloists are Kathryn Sargent, Alison Ogden, Cavan Roberts and Michael Bunting, with Margaret Copestake (piano) and Nicholas Houghton (harmonium). Tickets are £7 (£6 concessions) and are available from 'Farthings', 45 High Street, Rottingdean, from the church or on the door.

Saltdean and Rottingdean Neighbourhood Watch - Beat 8

Update for website kindly submitted by Alan Hood

For more info please see Neighbourhood Watch page here

Neighbourhood Watch Beat 8 was formed in 1985. It covers parts of Rottingdean, West Saltdean and East Saltdean. Neighbourhood Watch operates through co-ordinators who are the focal point for a road or group of houses. Not all roads have co-ordinators and we urgently need to expand.

The Beat is organised by an elected committee, the members of which currently are:

" Chairman Brian Dando Tel 303482
" Secretary Linda Hood Tel 306441
" Member Fred Austin
" Member Nick Hart
" Member Richard Turvey

The committee meet regularly and issue a newsletter to its members 4 to 6 times a year. Members also receive newsletters from the police.

Aims. The aims of Neighbourhood Watch are:
" To provide a safer environment for our area for the benefit of everyone.
" To assist street co-ordinators in the area of Beat 8, and to encourage further co-ordinators to work in areas not presently covered.
" To channel information from members to Street Co-ordinators, the committee and then on to the police.
" Issue newsletters to Co-ordinators and through them to every member.
" Hold meetings in March (AGM) and October, at the Saltdean Community Centre, for street co-ordinators and members together with the Police.

Street Co-ordinators. Information on whether there is a local scheme in your area can be obtained from Brian Dando on 303482 who will advise you on how to join an existing scheme, or how to set up a new scheme. New Co-ordinators are always required and the role takes up very little time and effort, so if you are an active retired person, or someone who has a little time to help, please contact Brian.

Reasons for joining a scheme. Local Neighbourhood Watch schemes aim to:

" Reduce opportunities for crime to occur.
" Inform members of any crimes that have taken place in the area and to circulate information from the police on current scams.
" Makes life more difficult for opportunist crimes.
" Enhance communication with the police.
" Build up community contact and spirit.

Neighbourhood Watch has a nominal joining fee of £1, and there are no annual subscriptions. You are not expected to patrol the streets, just to take an interest in your area, and you may qualify for cheaper home insurance if you are part of a registered scheme.

Please help create a safer environment. By working closely with the Police we CAN make a difference.

Shops set to lose booze licences

© From the Argus website By Lawrence Marzouk

Four off-licences face an alcohol ban after being caught selling booze to teenagers. In a series of stings across Brighton, police and trading standards found that Threshers, Somerfield, Budgens and Bargain Booze where selling alcoholic drinks to under-18s. Police claim that all four off-licences have been fuelling antisocial behaviour, and the shops now stand to have their licenses revoked at meeting on Thursday. Forty per cent of all off-licences tested in the operation sold drinks to youngsters, a result police describe as deeply disappointed. At Bargain Booze, Longridge Avenue, Saltdean, trading standards officers allege that shop staff were selling alcohol to teenagers providing the cans or bottles were placed in plain bags so the goods could not be traced back. A 16-year-old boy and 17-year-old girl were sold cans of beer at the store. Consultant Doug Simmonds, who is representing the shop, has written to the council saying that Bargain Booze is responsibly run. Threshers, in Ditchling Road, Brighton, sold alcohol to four teenagers over a five-month period, including 15 cans of Stella Artois on one occasion. Budgens, Queens Road, Brighton, sold Smirnoff Ice and beer to 16-year-olds on three different dates. The report reveals: "On October 12, 2006, request for identification was made. The volunteer replied truthfully that they did not have any form of ID, however the sale was still made. "This negligence was compounded by the fact that the seller was being supervised." Tubervilles solicitor, on behalf of Budgens, has written to council asking for it to drop the review as Budgens had been operating as a franchise but is to be centrally managed from February. Three teenagers were sold alcohol during operations at Somerfields, London Road, Brighton, last year, including a 15-year-old girl who bought a bottle of Lambrini. Somerfield's representation asks that police and council work in partnership with the store. The supermarket said: "Somerfield Stores Limited operate more than 800 premises nationwide and take their responsibilities very seriously." These reviews follows a Tesco Express in Worthing receiving a 28-day booze sales ban after it sold alcohol to under-age drinkers. A police spokeswoman said: "The mixture of young people, with alcohol, congregating in intimidating groups is simply not acceptable behaviour. "It is illegal for anyone under 18 to buy alcohol, have it bought for them, in most circumstances, or to consume it in public. When they are drinking, young people are more likely to become involved in activities that could cause distress or annoyance to someone else. "The four premises are being taken before the committee as we are certain that there is a direct link between their selling alcohol and antisocial behaviour in the surrounding area."

Saturday 27th January 2007

February Newsletter from the lovely Michelle at Cheeky Monkeys.

No you've not gone mad, I'm ahead of myself for this newsletter, but have a few things to give you a 'heads up' on.
Firstly, Fiddlesticks Music have had a change of time slot: 2.15-3.15pm on Thursdays here at the shop. Lots of traditional and new music, instruments puppets and more. A minimum of 8 attendees are required, so please let me know if you are interested in coming along on Thursday. Each class is £4.15 please call Cara on 279-982 for further info.

I mentioned French classes last week, and am pleased to confirm that Joanna Clarke from La Jolie Ronde will be available on Saturday mornings 9-10am to teach French to children from age 3. In celebration of this, there will be a French Open Day held here on Saturday 3rd February from 10-2pm. You can meet Joanna, and be introduced to the course. I have had a couple of enquiries for children younger than this, and would suggest you come along and meet Joanna on that Saturday. Alternatively, feel free to contact her direct on: 07977 290 947 or french4children@hotmail.com Keep an eye out for posters and leaflets in the area, and press releases in the local papers!

As well as the cold weather, at least February brings along hearts and compassion! As always a lovely range of Phoenix cards are available to order. Also new to Cheeky Monkeys are a range of cream long sleeved tops with unusual designs in the shape of a heart. Highly original, and only £10 from ages 2-8yrs.

As some of you are aware, the Tuesday morning group at St.Nicholas has stopped. If anyone has any thoughts on what they might be interested in as a replacement, do let me know and I'll see if arrangements can be made. Something along the lines of a story group, or role play sessions have been some suggestions so far.
And finally, I have had some enquiries for school uniforms and ballet costumes - leotards etc. If your children have outgrown any of these items, and they are still in good condition, please let me know!

Thanks for your time,

Michelle x

Michelle Marcar
Cheeky Monkeys
124, Lustrells Vale,
Saltdean, BN2 8FB
01273-302 644
Cheeky_monkeys_saltdean@hotmail.com
www.Cheeky-Monkeys.me.uk

Heroes drag man, 73, from blaze

© From the Argus website

A heroic neighbour dragged a pensioner to safety after the 73-year-old threw himself from a first floor window as 20ft flames engulfed his home. Builder Larry Limpus, 56, and two unknown good Samaritans, had to dodge glass and tiles falling from the house in Rodmell Avenue, Saltdean, yesterday afternoon as they carried retired maths teacher Malcolm Everett clear. The inferno blazed for more than an hour, gutting the first floor and roof of the house. Mr Limpus, who lives opposite, said: "If we had been a couple of minutes later we'd have been in real trouble. It was a huge fire, there were explosions going everywhere."

Mr Limpus said he spotted smoke coming from Mr Everett's house at 4.15pm. He went to investigate while his son Peter, 25, phoned the emergency services. As he banged on the door he heard moans coming from the back garden and went down the side path with another man who had been driving past and stopped to help. They found Mr Everett lying on the patio, struggling to breathe and seemingly in shock. Mr Limpus said: "He was only dressed in a jumper, underpants and socks. I think he must have been sleeping when it went up." They carried him into a van belonging to a third man who had arrived. Mr Limpus said: "He's quite a big man, so it wasn't easy."

Paramedics and an ambulance arrived shortly afterwards, followed by six fire engines. Mr Everett, who lived alone, was given oxygen before being taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. Doctors last night said his condition was critical.

Wednesday 24th January 2007

Grandmother is no fool when it comes to pudding

© From the Argus website

Maureen Byrd has been cooking up a storm for years. But now the grandmother has been crowned amateur pudding maker of the year by celebrity chef Phil Vickery.

The Ready Steady Cook star declared the 64-year-old's Ruby Fool the winner in a national competition to find the country's top pudding chef. Mrs Byrd, of Coombe Rise, Saltdean, said: "I just couldn't believe it. I was thrilled to be chosen. I really enjoy personalising my puddings." Mrs Byrd invented her prize-winning dessert when competitive bakers were asked to concoct an original pudding by the chef at a launch party in Brighton. She spent weeks developing the recipe for her grapefruit and toffee pudding, named after the ruby grapefruits that give the fool its distinctive flavour. She said: "It had to be original. I looked through all my cook books and noticed there weren't many grapefruit recipes, so I decided to do something with them.

"I tried it out on my husband a few times to get it right. My first attempts weren't bad, so he didn't mind too much." Mrs Byrd has spent a lifetime preparing puddings for her three children and four grandchildren. She said: "They're very well fed. They always like their puddings." She was tempted to enter the competition in the summer after attending a pudding-making demonstration by Mr Vickery at the Old Ship Hotel on Brighton seafront.

Her husband John, 66, said: "That was where it all began. We saw a notice in The Argus and thought it would be interesting to go down and have a look. He enticed Maureen to enter the competition and the rest is history." Mr Vickery, who headed the judging team, praised Mrs Byrd's "refreshing and colourful pudding". He said: "She really deserves to win this award. It was presented in a fantastically modern way, giving her recipe that extra special something which stood out from the rest." She fended off tough nationwide competition from 50 entrants to make it down to the final 15 before she was named the winner. To reward her efforts, Mrs Byrd was treated to a day of cooking lessons from the chef and a stay in a swanky spa hotel in Woking. She said: "It was a fantastic day. I learned a lot about puddings. Phil Vickery was as lovely as he looks on television."

The recipe: Ruby Fool, Serves 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 10 minutes, plus 1 hour chilling

Ingredients: 2 large ruby grapefruit, 2tbsp golden caster sugar, 2tbsp water, 142ml carton double cream, 170g tube condensed milk

You will also need: A baking sheet lined with baking parchment

Method:

Preheat the oven to 150C, 300F, Gas Mark 2. Pare the zest finely from both grapefruit. Put the sugar and water into a small saucepan and heat gently until just dissolved. Add the zest and simmer very gently for five minutes. Remove the zest from the syrup with a fork. Spread the zest out over the lined baking sheet, using two forks to separate the strands. Place in the oven for ten to 15 minutes until crisp and dry. Leave to cool. Using a sharp knife, very carefully remove the pith from one of the grapefruit and cut out the segments. Cut the segments in half. Squeeze the juice from the remaining grapefruit. Whip the cream, condensed milk and grapefruit juice until thick and creamy. Gently fold in the grapefruit segments and spoon into four serving glasses. Top with the crystallised zest and chill for one hour before serving.

Monday 22nd January 2007

Exciting news regarding PATHS from Douglas d'Enno - our resident Saltdean historian

Saltdean included in local historical society

At the AGM of the Peacehaven and Telscombe Historical Society on 17 January, it was agreed, following a proposal put forward by local historian Douglas d'Enno at the previous annual meeting, to include the whole of Saltdean within the Society's scope.

The amended name of the group will therefore be the Peacehaven, Telscombe and Saltdean Historical Society.

Now that West Saltdean is officially affiliated (East Saltdean having previously come under the Society's umbrella automatically), it is hoped that interest will be shown by a number of residents of that area to join the Society as members.

Meetings are held once a month over most of the year and a summer outing is usually organised, with a quiz being held in December. The talks naturally focus on local history topics. Speakers have included, or will include, local writers such as Malcolm Troak, David Rowland and Geoff Ellis and publications of local interest are on sale at meetings. The venue for one half of the year is Telscombe Civic Centre and for the other half it is Kempton House at Cavell Avenue, Peacehaven. There is a possibility that a Saltdean venue, such as the Community Centre, may be used on occasion in the future.

For a programme of events, a specimen newsletter and an application form, please contact the Acting Chairman, Stanley Bernard at 2, The Compts, Peacehaven BN10 7SQ, Tel. 01273 588874, Mobile 07949 486471, Fax 0870 1679273, email paths@openlink.org. We look forward to seeing you!

Lovely photos of Saltdean beach from John Barratt of Bannings Vale - thanks John

Christmas Day 2005 from the beach.

Happy new year everyone - all contributions gratefully accepted.

I am particularly interested in any news of the Ocean Hotel and if anyone is going to the SRA meeting on 27/01 I am away that weekend so would be grateful for an update.

January Newsletter from the lovely Michelle at Cheeky Monkeys.

Dear All,

A very happy belated new year! Apologies for the delay in writing but I was ill at the beginning of January, and then went off to Tenerife for a week, so it's been a bit of a slow start. So much better after a dose of sunshine, a perfect family holiday very easy with children - have a look at the website, www.propertytorent-tenerife.com (it's my mum and dad's appartment, so feel free to make any enquiries)

So, we're all back on track now, and looking forward to a busy 2007. Sign and Sign has gone off to a great start on Monday mornings, if there is enough demand for the second stage of the course that can be arranged to happen after the baby group, which would be around 11.30 on Monday mornings.

A brand new course of Fiddlesticks music is due to begin this afternoon at 1.15pm. Given the foul weather it's probably going to be a good opportunity to entertain your little ones when the park is a no-no!

New things for this year....French classes for children, and pregnancy yoga - please respond so if either appeal and I can get on a make arrangements to suit!

Also, a lovely section of craft activities for children is growing, as is the selection of books available for all ages. Do remember to ask me if there's anything I might be able to order in for you. We've just bought a Phil and Teds pushchair, and can highly recommend it if you have another on the way. I can get them in all the 5 different colour options, and usually get them delivered within a couple of days, which is great as many places take a lot longer!

If you're needing to furnish bedrooms and nurseries, remember there is a wonderful range of furniture available through Mamatoto, I have more catalogues here in the shop if you wanted to have a browse.

And finally, please let me know if you have any thoughts or queries to do with products and activities for children let me know, and do continue to spread the word to friends and family with children - it's definitely the best form of advertising!!
Thanks for your time, and look forward to seeing you soon!
Kind regards,
Michelle x

Michelle Marcar
Cheeky Monkeys
124, Lustrells Vale,
Saltdean, BN2 8FB
01273-302 644
Cheeky_monkeys_saltdean@hotmail.com
www.Cheeky-Monkeys.me.uk

The Captain Table to re-open - hurray!

Whitecliffs is open!

Thankx for the lovely photos - looks great!

And gorgous - sorry for the rubbish pictures from my mobile!

Blog memories of an ex-Butliner

See here....

Life & Times of Donald Charles Williams - only Son of Charles James Williams & Dorothy Williams.

Fascinating blog page - take a look.

Omar, a picture of innocence

From the Argus website

Omar Deghayes as a child

New pictures of Guantanamo detainee Omar Deghayes have been released by his family in a desperate bid to step up the campaign for his release. Mr Deghayes was incarcerated in Camp Delta by the US authorities following his capture by bounty hunters in Pakistan five years ago. He has never been charged with a criminal offence and has been held without trial.

The Argus is campaigning for the Government to put pressure on the US to give Mr Deghayes a fair trial or release him to his family in Saltdean. The images show Mr Deghayes with his fat