Uckfield Matters March 2021

MARCH2021 ISSUE#162
A guide to
Local vineyards
and breweries
Celebrating our vaccination volunteers
Read about them, inside
Cover photo: .Spring adventures in
Hempstead Woodʼ by Zoe Holland

CONTENTS
Issue 162 | MARCH 2021
FRAMFIELD SCHOOL’S
VIRTUAL PET SHOW
43 pg
pg40
THE CENSUS STARTS SOON
communitymatters
Community news 6
Uckfield’s telephone befrienders 12
Our vaccination volunteers 18
Breweries and vineyards to support 22
Rugby & Football Club’s challenge 28
The VOICE 31
Chamber latest 37
Census comes to Uckfield 40
Framfield’s virtual pet show 43
Meet the writers 44
Brighter Uckfield’s footpath cleanup 46
Lions reflect on difficult year 48
Rotary Club news 50
editor’s note
Back to school!
say 'hello'
Calluson
01825705066
Ordropusanemail
hello@uckfieldmatters.co.uk
Facebook@UckfieldMatters
UsuallywewriteaboutbeingBacktoSchoolinSeptember,butin
this strangest of years we are about to send our youngest
residents back to the classroom - after a break longer than the
summer hols would be. Most will be approaching with
excitement, but we mustn’t forget the great things have taken
place for students during this latest lockdown, and innovation
has abounded. One example is Framfield School’s Pet Show
(p43).
Withthepromiseofspringwecanembracemoreofourlocale:
supporting businesses like vineyards and breweries (p22),
muckinginwithBrighterUckfield(p46)andsettlingdownwith
agoodbook-locallywritten(p44).
Marchiscensusmonth(p40)-thatonce-in-a-decadesurveythat
helpsplanforthefuture.Andit’salsoachancethismonthtosay
‘thanks’asMother’sDayapproacheson14March.
4
Staysafeandwell.
Angela
Publisher: Panda Publications Ltd/Trading as Uckfield Matters. Distribution through 6,000 homes every month.
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5

in the
MORE HELP WITH DISABILITY HOME
ADAPTIONS
Making homes safe for people living with
dementia and improvements to ensure
patients can be safely discharged from
hospitalwillnowbeeligibleforfinancialhelp
underWealdenDistrictCouncil’snewPrivate
SectorHousingFinancialAssistancePolicy.
Also included in the new policy is top-up
support to help households who do not have
enough finance resources to meet their side
ofanymeans-testeddisabilityadaptions.
ThesechangeswereapprovedattheFebruary
CabinetmeetingofWealdenDistrictCouncil.
Wealden’s Private Housing Financial
Assistance Policy already includes the
DisabledFacilitiesGrantwhichismandatory.
This allows for £30,000 of building work. As
build costs increase, the Disabled Facilities
Top-Up Assistance can ensure work takes
place in cases where the improvements will
cost more that £30,000. Over the past five
years, £2.8 million has been spent on
disability improvements to 416 properties in
Wealden.
The Private Sector Housing Financial
Assistance Policy also allows for loans to be
made to vulnerable families through the
ParityTrust.Thishassecured£1.3millionof
long-term housing solutions for vulnerable
familiestrappedinunsuitablehousing.
Other available support includes Disabled
Person’s Relocation Assistance and the
provision of an enhanced Occupational
TherapyService.
To find out more about the help available to
private homeowners to carry out disability
adaptions, please email
NEWS
CHANGING HABITS MAY HELP CLIMATE
NEWS
privatehousing@wealden.gov.uk or visit the
Private Housing Assistance page of the
Wealdenwebsite.
CHANGE
As part ofWealden’s campaign for a carbonneutral
District, they would like to hear how
Covid-19 changed people’s lifestyles since
restrictionswereintroducedlastyear.
“TheresponsetoCovid-19createdaperiodof
significant lifestyle change,” said Councillor
Roy Galley, Cabinet member with
responsibility for Wealden’s Zero Carbon
policy.
“Many people have been working, shopping
and interacting in new ways. Some of the
changes are good for the environment.
Others,suchasavoidingpublictransport,are
lessdesirableinthelongterm.
“Weareaskingpeopletotakepartinashort
online survey to find out more about these
changesinbehaviour.
“Transportisbyfarthebiggestcontributorto
greenhousegasesinWealden,accountingfor
47%ofallourCO2emissions.
“If people’s intentions are to continue to do
more ‘virtually’ (like work from home) than
theyusedtodoandtotravelless,itwillhelp
us in our plans towards a more sustainable
future.Howeverthedesiretogobacktohow
wedidthingsbeforemayalsobestrong.The
results of our survey will help us identify
measures to encourage low-carbon habits to
bemaintainedforthelong-term.”
YoucantakepartinWealden’sclimatechange
and lifestyles questionnaire here: https://
www.wealden.gov.uk/lifestyleimpact/.
Itcloseson29March.
Aswespendmoretimeathome,peoplemay
also have noticed higher domestic heating
costsandthoughtabouttakingactiontosave
money.
The extension of the Government’s Green
Homes Grant Scheme until 31 March 2022,
allows more time to consider making home
improvements that could save on heating
costs. All homeowners and landlords,
regardlessofincome,canapplyforvouchers
worthupto£5,000tocovertwothirdsofthe
cost of improving insulation and the
introduction of low carbon heating. Any
money left over can go towards other
measures such as the cost of double-glazing
and draft exclusion. Residents in receipt of
benefitsmaybeeligiblefor£10,000,covering
100% of the costs of works. Visit the Simple
EnergyAdvicewebsiteorcall0800444202for
more information and to see what measures
youcouldinstall.
Wealden is already making good progress in
delivering its climate emergency plans to
becomeanet-zerocarbonDistrictby2050,if
not sooner. Planning approvals for solar
farms and wind farms mean that we are
already generating enough renewable
electricity to power around a third of the
District’shouses.TheCouncilisalsocurrently
investigatingoptionsonprovidinganetwork
of electric vehicle charge points in our car
parks.Thiswillbecrucialtoreducingcarbon
emissionsfromprivatemotorvehiclesinthe
District.
Tofindoutmore,visittheClimateEmergency
pagesoftheWealdenwebsite.
PROJECT EXPLORES CREATIVE WAYS TO
SURVIVE LOCKDOWN
Aprojectdesignedtoexplorecreativewaysto
survivethestrainsoflockdownhaslaunched
acrossEastSussex.
GroupshardesthitbytheeffectsofCovid-19,
and the restrictions in place to slow the
spread of the virus, are being invited to use
creative pursuits such as music, art,
photography and writing, to express their
feelingsandconnectwithothers.
The Everyday Creativity project,
commissioned by East Sussex County
Council’s public health team and supported
bytheauthority’sculturalstrategyandlibrary
teams, will be overseen by Culture Shift – a
Lewes-basedartscharity.
Members of the public can find out more
about the project by contacting Catherine
Orbach or Julia Roberts, co-directors of
CultureShift,atinfo@cultureshift.org.uk
MORE SUPPORT FOR VOLUNTARY
ORGANISATIONS
Wealden District Council is increasing the
support it gives this coming year to Citizen’s
Advice, 3VA- the local council for voluntary
organisations,CareforCarersandthePeople
Matter to help them with the increased
workloadcausedbyCovid-19.
“Citizens Advice, 3VA and Care for Carers
have all seen demand for their services
increase as a result of the pandemic,” said
6 7

Councillor Philip Lunn, Wealden Cabinet
member for Community and Public Health.
“People Matter will be very busy in the
coming months helping the long term
unemployedandvulnerablefindworkasthe
economyrecovers.”
“Wealdenhasalreadyrestructuredits2020-21
CommunityGrantsprogrammetospearhead
support to the many voluntary groups that
sprung up in our villages and towns to help
peoplewhohavehadtoself-isolate.Through
our Covid Emergency and Recovery Grants,
wehavemade£70,000available.Someofthis
money is still being used to meet current
needsacrossourcommunities.”
The one-year Service Level awards see
CitizensAdvicereceivingagrantof£170,000,
3VAagrantof£15,750,CareforCarersagrant
of£4,500andPeopleMatteragrantof£7,750.
TheConservatorsofAshdownForestreceivea
grantof£10,000.
Wealden’sCommunityGrantprovidesaround
50%ofthecorefundingforWealdenCitizen’s
Advice,whichhasseendemandofitsservices
increase since the first lockdown in March
2020. Although it has offices in Uckfield,
Crowborough and Hailsham, as well as
outreachfacilitiesinPolegate,Heathfieldand
Willingdon, most of its services have had to
be provided remotely since lockdown.
Between April 2018 and November 2020
Citizens Advice has helped 12,680 Wealden
residents. One in three of its cases relate to
Universal Credit, welfare benefits or tax
credits,andoneinfiveinvolvehelpwithdebts
and budget advice. Citizens Advice also
helpedmorethan500peoplewhowereeither
homelessorriskedlosingtheirhome.
Moreinformationaboutthesupportprovided
by the Wealden Community Hub can be
found on the Wealden website or by
telephoning01323443322.
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uckfieldmatters
UCKFIELD’S TELEPHONE
BEFRIENDING SCHEME:
THERE TO HELP
uckfieldmatters
Ifhavingsomeonetotalktowouldmakeadifferenceduringthelockdownthenthisisthe
serviceforyou.
The aim of Uckfield’s telephone befriending
service is to offer a friendly ear if you are
feeling isolated and lonely. A volunteer will
calltocheckinonyou,haveachatandmaybe
buildalastingfriendship.
This telephone befriending service is
becoming increasingly important during the
pandemic as many of us become more and
moreisolatedwhilsthavingtostayindoors.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
PaulSparks,ChairmanoftheManorParkand
Hempstead Fields Residents’ Association
whichrunsthescheme,said:
“This free service is open to anyone living in
Uckfieldandthesurroundingvillages.
Callers wishing to use the service first speak
to, or leave a message for, one of our
coordinators.Thecoordinatorthenputsoneof
our volunteer befrienders in touch with the
caller.
A chat on the phone may seem really simple,
but it could be that they are the only person
you speak to that day, or even that week.We
knowthathavingsomeonetotalktocanreally
makeabigdifference.
Ourtelephonebefriendingservicehasbecome
increasinglyimportantduring
the Covid-19 outbreak. If you
think you would benefit from
this service, then please don’t
hesitatetogiveusacall.”
All the volunteers are DBS
checked and have received
additionaltraining.
TheUckfieldTelephoneGood
NeighbourSchemecanbe
contactedbycalling
01825578017.
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CELEBRATING UCKFIELD’S
VACCINATION VOLUNTEERS
teacher at Chailey School. It was he who
initially applied for the role of vaccination
champion and I quickly followed suit. We
were both aware of the mis-information
spreading on social media about the vaccine
andbothjumpedattheopportunityofbeing
able to debunk the myths which we could
backwithvalid,reliablefacts.
uckfieldmatters
TheCovid-19vaccinationprogrammeinUckfieldiswellandtrulyunderway–andhasbeen
a huge community effort, with our primary care services coming together to get the job
done!Thehardworkofourdoctorsandnursesisbolsteredbythecommitmentofateamof
dedicatedvolunteers,whohavetakenonvariousrolestogetasmanyaspeopleaspossible
vaccinated.Herewemeetsomeofthem.
In Uckfield, the main vaccination hub has
been based at the Meads Medical Centre
which has, in conjunction with surrounding
surgeries based in the Greater Wealden
Primary Care Network, been working
tirelessly to deliver the vaccine at breakneck
speed and efficiency. At the time of writing
this, our local Primary Care Network which
consistsofTheMeadsMedicalCentre,Birdin
Eye Surgery, Buxted Surgery, Mid-Downs
Surgery, Herstmonceux Integrated Health
Centre and Heathfield & Firs Surgery were
confident of meeting the Government target
of offering the vaccine to all of those eligible
ingroup1-4bymid-February.
THE VACCINATION CHAMPIONS
Fay Lloyd-Howell and Alan Lloyd, both
Uckfield residents, are volunteer Greater
WealdenVaccinationchampions.
Faysays:“TheroleofVaccinationchampionis
avoluntaryoneandwehavethebackingand
support of Sussex NHS CCG. We had to
undergo a selection process and training to
enableustoundertakethisrole.
“MybackgroundisintheNHS.Iusedtowork
at the Meads Medical Centre as a Medical
Receptionist and Medical Secretary for 8
years. I now work for
Alan Lloyd and Fay Lloyd Howell: Uckfield’s
Vaccination Champions
Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust in the
Learning Disability Team as a Medical
Secretary/PAtotheConsultantPsychiatrists.II
have a real passion for healthcare and
althoughmyrolesarenon-clinical,Ifeelthat
my13yearsintheNHShaveprovidedmewith
a lot of information and access to useful
contactswhichIfeltwouldsupporttheroleof
Vaccination Champion. Working for the LD
team has made me more aware of the
importancetogetvalidreliableinformationto
all and in all formats. I have access to many
easy read documents about the vaccine and
therollout.
“Theotherchampionforourarea-AlanLloyd
–ismyfather,andisaretiredHeadofPhysics
“We have been working together on this
project however there are approximately 60
other champions across Sussex doing the
samething.
“We are both passionate about the vaccine
rollout and helping spread valid, reliable
informationtoourcommunity.Wehaveboth
accepted our vaccinations and hope to
encourage others to do the same when they
areofferedit.
“We can provide information to anyone who
contacts us via our Facebook page with
concerns. We also have an email address
vaccinechampionsussex@outlook.com
We can’t guarantee to know all the answers,
butweknowpeoplethatcanhelpwiththose
tricky questions.To date, common questions
that have been asked range from where and
when will I get my vaccine, how will I be
contacted, what priority group am I in, how
safe is the vaccine, possible side effects plus
more specific personal questions.
We aim to answer questions as swiftly as
possible and we can point you in the right
direction for more specific advice and help.
For updated news on all related matters
please have a look at our Facebook page at
h t t p s : // w w w. f a c e b o o k .com/
greaterwealdenvaccinechampion
THE VACCINATION HUB VOLUNTEERS
Peter Griggs is chair of the Meads Patient
Participation Group, which is coordinating
themanyvolunteerattheMeadsVaccination
Hub, which is acting as a centre for
vaccinations for surgeries not only in the
Uckfield area, but from as far away as
Peter Griggs is chair of the Meads PPG
which has been coordinating the many
volunteers that the vaccination hub needs
Hurstmonceux. Peter says: “The volunteers
come from far and wide are being
coordinated and organised by the Meads
Patients’ Participation Group. In addition to
Meads patients we have volunteers from the
surrounding area. The Lions Club and the
ManorParkandHempsteadFieldsResidents
Association have also provided support in
otherways.”
Weaskedafewofthevolunteersabouttheir
decisiontovolunteer.
Janine Williams, is by day a National
DevelopmentManagerforPhabandPhabkids
and chair and trustee of the Uckfield Phab
club). She says, “our charity like a lot of
businesses and charities, is struggling, so
unfortunately Iamflexi-furloughedsoIhad
time on my hands, which is something I
cannot get used to. I use volunteers all the
time in my day job, and they are so
wonderful. I volunteered at the Meads as I
wantedtogivesomethingback,andalthough
Idon’tdoalot,IfeellikeIamhelpinginthe
pandemicandvaluetheopportunity.”
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uckfieldmatters
PaulaBradleyisaselfemployedhairdresser,
and has had to temporarily close her
business.
She says, “whilst not being able to work I
wanted to make good use of my time, so I
contacted The Meads PPG and offered my
help. I very much look forward to my
volunteersessionsandIamproudtobepart
ofafantasticnetworkofvolunteers.Thestaff
andpatientsfromallsurgeriesattendingThe
Meads are very friendly and extremely
gratefulfortheexcellentservicethatisbeing
provided by the staff and
volunteers.”
uckfieldmatters
Clair York is a retired teacher.
“Idoalotofvolunteeringafter
being widowed over five years
ago.
Some of the volunteers, from L-R:
Janine Williams, Paula Bradley, Clair York,
Graham Russell, Keith Mates and Rob Campbell
I absolutely love doing the car
park volunteering at The
Meads. The surgery and all
those who use the centre are
amazing. Everyone is friendly
andsupportive,anditgivesme
something positive to do
duringthesedifficulttimes.”
Uckfield Lions were
approached at the start of the
vaccination programme to ask
whether they could provide
volunteers to assist with car
parking duties. Several Lion
members put their names
forward and Graham Russell,
RobCampbell,KeithMatesand
Peter Lloyd-Bostock have
becomeregularvolunteers.
Graham said: “The vaccine
organisation at the Meads is
excellent. Being retired, we all
feltthatwewantedtohelpand
be a small part of the
vaccination rollout. People
attending the vaccination hub
havebeensopleasedtoreceive
their first jab and have been
full of praise for the efficiency
andhelpfulstaff.”
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21

uckfieldmatters
LOCAL VINEYARDS
AND BREWERIES
Inrecentyearslocallygrownandlocallysourcedfoodanddrinkhasseenanevergrowing
increaseinpopularity.HereinEastSussex,vineyards,orchardsandhopfarmsareallable
tobenefitfromournaturalresourcesincludingchalkysoil,warmclimateandsouthfacing
slopes.Ourcountynowproducessomeincrediblehigh–endwines,beersandciderswith
severalbeingbasedrighthereinlittleoldTN22!I’vereallyenjoyedchattingtoafewofour
mostlocalproducershearingabouthowtheirbusinessesgotstarted,plansforthefuture
andtalesofnationalandeveninternationalawardsandrecognition.Sowhetheryou’reinto
scrumpy,fizzorbitterthere’satippleforeveryonehere.Cheerstodrinkinglocalproduce–
I’lldrinktothat!
TICKERAGE VINEYARD
BLACKBOYS
WWW.TICKERAGEWINE.CO.UK
Tickerage,intheprettyvillageofBlackboys,is
a boutique family owned and run vineyard
making award winning still and sparkling
wine as well as a traditional method Cyder.
From 5 acres under vines Zena and Anthony
handcrafttheirgoldandsilverawardwinning
wines including a Rosé, Blanc de Blancs and
Classic Cuvée. Their latest developments
include aWhite Pinot Noir and Chardonnay,
byZoeHolland
thelatterhasrecentlybeenawardedSilverby
the independent and prestigious IEWA.
As a small local TN22 operation, Zena and
Anthony really do appreciate the support of
local wine enthusiasts. They take pride in
creating and delivering their bespoke
Tickerage sets, which come with
complimentary gift wrapping in a range of
lovely packages, free local delivery and a
vineyardcardwithapersonalisedmessageof
your choice. When it’s not lockdown,
Tickerage also offer private
tours and tastings of their
range.Theyarecurrentlyopen
for local and nationwide
deliveries of their award
winning Tickerage wines as
well as collections by
arrangement.
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Downie Photgraphy
BLUEBELL VINEYARD
UCKFIELD
WWW.BLUEBELLVINEYARD.ORG
Setamidstbluebell-strewnwoodlandon
the outskirts of Uckfield, Bluebell
Vineyard Estates is a family run
vineyardandwinerywithapassionfor
producing world class still and
sparkling wines. The site, which was
oncehometothousandsofpigs,isnow
home to over 100, 000 vines growing
premium quality Chardonnay, Pinot
Noir and Pinot Meunier vines along
with Seyval Blanc, Bacchus, Ortega
ChasselasandMerlot.Thevineyardnow
produces world-class wines with their
range of ‘Hindleap’ sparkling wines
receiving over 60 national and
international awards in just 5 years!
BluebellVineyard’s wines are currently
availabletobuyonlineviatheirwebsite
whereyoucanalsofindoutabouttheir
tastingdaysandvineyardtours.
BEACON DOWN VINEYARD
CROSS IN HAND
WWW.BEACONDOWN.CO.UK
Beacon Down vineyard occupies 18 acres of
thebeautifulHighWealdinCrossinHand.
A designated Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty, the vineyard is set on gentle South
Eastfacingslopeswithstunningviewsoverto
EastbourneandtheSouthDowns.
Paul & Al were living in London, having a
what if? conversation about their dream of
owning a vineyard. In 2014, they took the
plunge, following Paul's Diploma in Wine
ProductionfromPlumptonCollege.
Two fields on the site were planted with
nearly 10,000 vines in May 2015 and have
thrived on the sandstone slopes and Sussex
sunshine. Since then, Paul and Al have
created a range of award winning still and
sparkling wines, including a Blanc de Noirs
English Sparkling wine, and a unique
medium-sweetRiesling.
uckfieldmatters
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uckfieldmatters
BIGNOSE AND BEARDY
FRAMFIELD
WWW.BIGNOSEANDBEARDY.COM
Bignose & Beardy (otherwise known as Phil
and Steve) have been making cider in
Framfieldsince2014.
All of their fruit is from East Sussex, most
from within ten miles of Framfield. It’s very
muchlocalcidertakingmuchofitsstylefrom
the local soil and weather patterns on the
SussexWeald.90%oftheirfruitwasgiftedto
themthisyear(inexchangeforciderviatheir
apple appeal) and comes from gardens and
small private orchards! They run open
pickingdaysinvitingfamiliestojointhefun,
picking fruit in the autumn sunshine with a
BBQ and pressing demos between
harvesting.
Once harvested the fruit is crushed in a
traditionalwaterpoweredpressandthenleft
to ferment. They don’t pasteurise, filter,
dilute, carbonate or indeed do anything to
interfere with the natural processes. Each
tankproducesauniquebatchandeventanks
from the same orchard turn out differently
according to the chaotic mix of wild yeasts
andbacteriaatwork.
AllBignoseandBeardycidersaresmallbatch
andverylimitededitions.Whetheryouprefer
sweet,dry,oakyorapearperrythere’sacider
for everyone. They offer free local delivery
duringlockdownsodocheckthemout.
THREE ACRE BREWERY
BLACKBOYS
WWW.THREEACREBREWERY.COM
Three Acre Brewery based
in Blackboys opened in
2019,foundedbythreeold
friends - Jamie, Peter and
Chester.
Three Acre brews
traditional ale styles,
inspired by the rich
brewinghistoryofSussex,
using modern hops and
grains.
Theirmostpopularbeeris
their Best Bitter, and they tell me they've struggled to brew enough of it lately!They have just
releasedbottlesofallfiveoftheirdeliciousbeers,andtheyofferfreelocaldelivery,too.
uckfieldmatters
GOOD THINGS BREWING
ERIDGE
WWW.GOODTHINGSBREWING.CO/
Withtheirbrewerybeingbasedinastunning17 th CenturybarninEridgeGoodThingsBrewing
officiallysitsjustovertheEastSussexborder.HoweverwiththeirbeerssportingSussexinspired
namessuchasTheAshdownandareputationfordevelopingprogressivelysustainablebrewing
methodstheseguyscertainlyseemworthyofamention.
Good Things have created a cutting edge
brewery using their own power thanks to a
fieldofsolarpanels,whilepullingtheirown
water from the ground right outside the
brewery doors. They also aim to create as
littlewasteaspossiblebyturningspentgrain
into flour, making deliveries in electric vans
and are currently developing plans to treat
their own waste on site. The Good Things
team are incredibly forward thinking – keep
your eyes peeled for more exciting things to
come including taster days, brewery tours
andpopupeventsacrossKentandSussex.
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Hereforwhenyouneedus
WHAT IS PROBATE?
Elizabeth Mitchell is a
solicitor specialising in
wills, probate and trusts
People often discuss
whether an estate will ‘go to
Probate’, although many are
unclear exactly what this
means.
A Grant of Probate (or
Letters of Administration if
there is no Will) is the legal
document which authorises
the Executor to administer
the estate by collecting in all
the money and assets,
settling any liabilities, and
then distributing the estate
to the beneficiaries.
Is Probate always
needed?
It may not be necessary if all
the assets were held jointly
or if they are of low value.
You usually need a Grant if
the estate includes a
property. We would be able
to guide you if you are
unsure if a Grant is required.
How do you obtain the
Grant of Probate?
Executors are responsible
for valuing all the assets and
liabilities at the date of
death, including bank
accounts, property and
investments and money
owed such as credit cards.
The Probate process can be
a minefield and some
estates are more
complicated than others. It
is always an idea to get legal
advice so you can be
guided through the process
and ensure that all available
tax allowances and reliefs
are claimed as this can save
many thousands of pounds
in tax.
We are delighted to be one
of only five firms in Sussex to
become an accredited
member of the Law Society’s
Wills and Inheritance Quality
Scheme (WIQS). We follow
best practice procedures to
meet the highest standards
of technical expertise and
client service in providing
tailored Wills and probate
advice to our clients. This is
very important to us at
Dawson Hart as we pride
ourselves on the service we
offer and with the WIQS
Client charter you can be
assured of an excellent
service.
OUR OFFICES ARE CURRENTLY OPEN FOR PRE-ARRANGED APPOINTMENTS:
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 9AM TO 5PM
Tel: 01825 762281
www.dawson-hart.co.uk
Hereforwhenyouneedus

uckfieldmatters
UCKFIELD FOOTBALL AND RUGBY
CLUBS IN FEBRUARY RUNNING
CHALLENGE
bySteveIves
WithbothClubsmissingthecompetitiveelementandcamaraderiethattheirteamsports
provideUckfieldRFCandAFCUckfieldTowndecidedtochallengeeachothertoaStrava
basedrunningchallengethroughoutthemonthofFebruary.
25membersoftherugbycluband21fromthe
football club pitched themselves against each
othertoseewhichteamcouldcoverthemost
ground.
TheFootballClub’sgroupconsistedmainlyof
First Team players but also a sprinkling of
U18’s, the Club Physio, Strength and
ConditioningCoach,FirstTeamJointManager
andevenaCommitteeMember.
The OakMen, as the Club is known, set a
scorchingpace,clocking893milesinweek1,
this was followed up with a respectable 642
miles despite the ice and snow in week 2.
Carryingafewinjuries,week3stillendedwith
an impressive 691 miles to put their total at
2226milesheadingintothefinal7days.
Goalkeeper Jason Tibble has been the
pacemaker,averaginganincredible110miles
aweeksofar,asastudenthehasbeenableto
commit a large chunk of his day to his
endeavours which include 3 half marathons
already! Behind him, players Dan Tear (90
miles average), Marcus Alexander (67 miles)
andNathanHover(58miles)haveallmanaged
torecordexceptionaldistanceswhilstworking
fulltimejobs!
Tucked in behind them in 5 th place is First
TeamJointManagerSteveIves,withacredible
47 miles a week average. “I really can’t say I
enjoy running” commented Ives “and I’m
certainlynotafanofthe5:30amstartstocram
my miles in before work! It’s been a big
commitmentandhasbeenreallygoodforour
team spirit as a group, with everybody
encouragingandpushingeachother.”
With just one week to go the team have set
themselvesamilestoneof3000milestobreak
astheytrytoraiseasmuchmoneyaspossible
for local charity “You Raise Me Up” who
provide emotional and financial support for
families that have to deal with the
bereavementofayoungadult.
uckfieldmatters
YoucanfindthejointGofundmepagehere:
http://gf.me/u/zhwiy8
Andyoucanfollowtheteam’slastweek
progressontheirFacebookpage:
www.facebook.com/AFCUckfieldTown
Andtherugbyclub’spage
www.facebook.com/uckfieldrfc/
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3232 34

UCKFIELD & DISTRICT
CHAMBER of COMMERCE
SUPPORTING YOUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY
THROUGH LOCKDOWN
Sometimes, when writing this column, I am faced with an empty page and a blank mind and
I guess you can be forgiven for thinking that this might be the case in the current climate
but this month of March arguably sees your local Chamber of Commerce busier than ever
with three online events for our business members throughout the month.
Since Lockdown1.0 when COVID first became
an all-consuming part of our lives, we
introduced online morning networking
meetings resembling our previously popular
breakfast networking events. These meetings
offer members the opportunity to share
updates and expertise and we meet again on
Wednesday 10 March at 8am. Non-members
are welcome to join too by invitation so if
you’re not a member but would like to come
along please drop me an email.
Central to the running of the Chamber sits our
Executive Committee made up of Uckfield
business owners, professionals and leaders
within the town. Our online AGM on
Thursday 18 March at 6pm will allow us to
vote on a renewing of this committee including
the important role of Chamber President. The
AGM 2020 was one of the first casualties of
COVID and so Chris Lawson of Lawson
Commercial, kindly agreed to continue in post
for another 12 months.
I want to go on record and thank Chris for his
leadership of the Chamber not just during this
last tenure of three years but his commitment
to the town over at least three decades and at
least two other occasions in the 1990s when
he was President. Similarly, Peter Gale of
Swindells has dedicated many years of service
to the Chamber committee, including previous
position of President, spanning 45 years.
Peter is stepping down from this role now and
we thank him for his dedication over such a
long time.
If your business is a member of the Chamber,
please do join us on the Zoom platform for
our AGM 2021 when we also welcome the
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner, Katy
Bourne, as our guest speaker.
Finally, this month we look forward to joining
together with other Sussex town based
chambers for an event led by Sussex Chamber
of Commerce, which is ‘Purely Networking’ on
Wednesday 24 March at 3pm. Your
opportunity as a business owner, manager or
leader to widen your networking sphere even
in Lockdown! Like our AGM, you’ll need to
book for this one and details of how to do so
are, of course, on the Chamber website!
Stay safe and please wear your mask!
Ian Noble
07801 250668
secretary@uckfieldchamber.co.uk
www.uckfieldchamber.co.uk
37

Claire Nash Solicitors
When it comes
to getting legal
advice, it’s
always difficult to know where to
go, particularly when it’s required
for matters of a more sensitive
nature.
Local solicitor, Claire Nash, understands the
stress that going through any legal matter
can cause, which is why she will do what she
can to make the process as stress free as
possible for her clients - whether it’s making
a will, obtaining equity release, marital affairs
or administrating a loved one’s estate.
Claire also understands the importance of
being flexible to meet her clients and offers
an out of hours, home visit service if
required, be it during office hours, evenings
or at weekends.
Wills
It is estimated that over 60% of the adult
population in the UK do not have a will. It is
not as complicated as people may think - a
simple will can be surprisingly inexpensive,
even when drafted by a qualified solicitor. To
not have a will in place could mean your
assets may not go to your chosen
beneficiaries.
Matrimonial Matters
If you are considering divorce or separation,
or if you’ve received a divorce petition from
your spouse or civil partner, please come
and talk to us. Claire offers a free initial
consultation where you are able to discuss
the process and issues which concern you
most. You’ll be able to ascertain whether any
further professional input is necessary and
this initial consultation is offered on a no
obligation basis. You’ve got nothing to lose by
speaking to Claire first.
Equity Release
Part of effective inheritance tax planning can
sometimes involve obtaining an equity
release mortgage on your property. This
would allow you to remain in your home
whilst you enjoy a lump sum payment,
perhaps for home improvements, a luxury
purchase or as a gift to a loved one for a
deposit on a home for example. You should
always seek advice from a qualified
independent financial advisor to take you
through your options before engaging the
services of an equity release solicitor.
Lasting Power of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal
document that allows you to appoint a
person(s) to make decisions about matters
concerning you if you ever become unable to
make those decisions yourself. It gives you
the chance to appoint those you know and
trust to make decisions that are in your best
interests when you are at your most
vulnerable.
Probate
Probate may be required when a loved one
passes away. Essentially it means the
accessing and distribution of the person’s
estate according to their will (if they left one)
or according to the law of intestacy (if they
did not leave a will). You will not need to pay
money up front on a probate matter - fees
and disbursements are paid from the estate
monies when they become available. If you
find yourself in need of legal advice in any of
the above matters, remember Claire Nash
Solicitors aim to provide you with the highest
professional service and advice, whilst always
being approachable, personal, caring and
committed to helping you achieve your
desired outcomes, and they’re local.
Call Claire Nash Solicitors on 01825 729 329
or email info@clairenashsolicitors.co.uk.
www.clairenashsolicitors.co.uk

uckfieldmatters
CENSUS 2021: WHAT WILL IT
TELL US ABOUT UCKFIELD?
Censusday2021isSunday21MarchandUckfieldresidentsareallreceivinginformation
on how to complete the once-in-a-decade survey online. The census gives us the most
accurate estimate of all the people and households in England andWales, and has been
carriedouteverydecadesince1801,withtheexceptionof1941.
HAVE YOU GOT YOUR CENSUS LETTER?
Households across the Uckfield area being
askedtotakepartinCensus2021.
CensusdayisonMarch21,butyouwillnow
be receiving letters with online codes
explaining how you can complete the forms.
If you don’t get one in the next couple of
weeks, please get in touch with the census
contact centre.You can also request a paper
questionnaireifyou’dprefertocompleteyour
censusthatway.Localcensussupportcentres
will be open while the census is happening.
Staff will offer help for people not confident
online, who don’t have a computer or need
helpcompletingonpaper.
This census is the most inclusive yet.
Everyone can identify as they wish using
searchasyoutypeonlineandwrite-inoptions
on paper if they need it. The questionnaire
includesquestionsaboutyoursex,age,work,
health, education, household size and
ethnicity.And,forthefirsttime,therewillbe
a question asking people whether they have
served in the armed forces, as well as
voluntary questions for those aged 16 and
over on sexual orientation and gender
identity.
Results will be available within 12 months,
althoughpersonalrecordswillbelockedaway
for100years,keptsafeforfuturegenerations.
It’sworthknowingthatifyoudon’tcomplete
the census, you could face prosecution, a
heftyfine(upto£1000)andacriminalrecord.
WHAT IS THE CENSUS FOR?
The census helps us understand what our
societyneedsnowandwhatitwilllikelyneed
inthefuture.Theinformationitcollectshelps
withdecisionsontheplanningandfundingof
services in your area. This could include
schools, doctors’ surgeries, emergency
servicesorevenlocalsupportgroups.
nextgenerationtogetinvolvedinthecensus.
Schoolscannowsignupforfreeresources.
UCKFIELD AND THE CENSUS
100yearsago,inthe1921census,therewere
3,385peopleregisteredaslivinginUckfield.
By the time of the last census, in 2011, the
populationhadrisento14,493.
Since then, Uckfield has continued to grow
andchange,andtheresults,whenpublished
inayear’stime,willmakeinterestingreading
aboutthepaceofchangeinoursmallSussex
town.
In 2011 in Uckfield, the time of the last
census…
• Theaverage(mean)ageofresidentswas
40.5 years (44 years was the mean
throughoutWealden)
• 48%ofresidentsweremale,52%female
• 65 registered a Welsh Only identity, 87
registeredScottishOnlyand3registered
CornishOnly
• 4 people held South American country
passports
• 1,805 people lived in a semi-detached
houseorbungalow
• Of all usual residents aged 16 to 74 in
employment,794workedineducation
Tocompleteyourcensus,andfindouthow
youcangethelp,visit
census.gov.ukorcall08001412021.
uckfieldmatters
It helps plan many of the services that are
provided across Uckfield and Wealden. This
includes everything from transport to
education. Public health organisations also
usetheinformationtoapplyforfundingand
plantheirservices.
Charitiesalsousecensusinformationtohelp
getthefundingtheyneed.
Businesses use it to decide where to set up,
whichcreatesjobopportunities..
The ONS has launched primary and
secondary school programmes to inspire the
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41

uckfieldmatters
Spring may have started, or
perhaps not just yet.
Whichever applies, climate
change is happening.
FRAMFIELD SCHOOL HOSTS
VIRTUAL PET SHOW
StoryprovidedbyLisaPestell
uckfieldmatters
Do your investments help
fight that, or cause it?
Want to use investments to
help sustain the world?
Contact Jeremy on:
01825 766130 or 07876 275031
or email
Jeremy@horlockholdcroft.co.uk
Last month pupils, parents, teachers and governors of Framfield CE Primary School took
partintheirfirsteverVirtualPetShow.Theeventwasahugesuccesswithover120separate
photographicentries,whichculminatedinalive‘Zoom’celebrationevent.
Children entered photos in a number
ofcategoriesincluding:‘GoingWild’,‘PetThat
LooksmostLikeitsOwner’,‘PetsinAction’,‘All
Sorts’ and ‘ Get Creative’ and ‘Best Rescue
Animal’.
GuestjudgesincludedLauraSmillie,aPrison
dog handler for HMPPS Tees and Wear Area
Search Team, Charlotte Pestell, a warden for
the RSPB, Donna Hills, the manager
of Framfield Pre-School, Jenny Pike, a
veterinary nurse and Jenny Mansfield from
LastChanceRescue.
The judges talked about their work and
passion for animals and then announced the
winnersoftheirchosencategory.
There were some amazing wildlife
photographs taken by pupils and school staff
and a fabulous array of pet animals such as
chickens, snakes, guinea pigs, rabbits and
manymore.
much they and their children enjoyed it and
howinspiredtheywerebytheguestjudges.”
All of the winners will receive rosettes
provided by the PTFA. Other prizes included
gift vouchers donated by Pets Corner in
Uckfield,commemorativemugsdesignedand
donated by Azzurro Photo Studio and a dog
bandana from Bow Wow
Bandanas. BowWow Bandanas is owned by
oneoftheschool’syear5pupils.
Mrs Pestell said : “I would like to thank all
those who took part, it was an event to
remember.” She is hoping to further develop
the school’s links to the animal world and
strongly believes that when children build
relationships with living creatures they
develop knowledge and understanding and
positive attitudes such as empathy, kindness,
compassionandresponsibility.
Head teacher
MrsPestell,whoisa
real animal lover
herself and the
ownerofthreedogs,
wrote: “I organised
the event to bring
somefuntothelives
of the children and
the community
during lockdown. I
have received many
messages from
parents saying how
Some of the Framfield School Virtual Pet Show
winners and their owners!
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43

uckfieldmatters
UCKFIELD’S LITERARY TALENT
TalentaboundsinUckfield -andwritingseemstobeaparticularpassion.Wemeettwo
localauthorswhotellusabouttheirfictionalcreations.
SUSAN GRIFFIN
THE AMETHYST NECKLACE
How long have
you lived in
Uckfield?
I have lived in
Uckfield for 36
years and
brought my
children up in
this town. I am
originally from
Burgess Hill/
H a y w a r d s
Heatharea.
Whydidyoudecidetowritethisbook?
ThisismysecondpublishednovelandIhave
2 more books coming out next year, one of
themisasequeltoTheAmethystNecklace.
Isthisyourfirstbook/writingproject?
MyfirstbookisBirdinaGildedCage,whichis
a drama set against the backdrop of the
Suffragette Movement during Edwardian
Britain
Howdidyoucomeupwiththeideasforyour
characters?
The characters are fictional and I don’t know
how I came up with them, they just appear
frommyimaginationwhenIstartwritingthe
book.
Tellusabitabouttheplot
The Amethyst Necklace is a dual timeline
novelsetinIsfieldandBrighton.
When India inherits a house from the
grandmothershe’snevermet,shewalksintoa
mystery from many years ago. The Amethyst
Necklace moves between the Second World
War and the modern day, as India uncovers
secretsfromthepastthatspelldangerforher,
butalsobringsheranewloveandthefamily
shehasneverknown.
Whoillustratedyourbook?
The cover designer for the book is Berni
Stevens.Sheisacoverdesigneremployedby
TanzanitePress(mypublisher).
Whatareyournextplans–areyougoingto
writeanythingelse?
ThesequeltoTheAmethystNecklacewillbe
out soon. This is called Scarlett’s Story.
Scarlett is a colourful character in The
Amethyst Necklace who runs all the way
through the back-story, and who needed a
novelofherownformetotellherintriguing
tale.
The Amethyst Necklace is published by
TanzanitePressand isavailableonAmazon.
SHEILA BEARMAN
FORTY PACES EAST
Howlonghave
you lived in
Uckfield?
I haven’t
always lived in
Uckfield. I was
born and lived
in London
untiltheendof
1966. I found
theresidentsof
Uckfield very
friendly, and
have been a
member of a
few creative
writingclasses.
Whydidyoudecidetowritethisbook?
This isn’t the first book I’ve written. My first
two are set in London, at the end of the
secondworldwar.
Whatinspiredthebook?
Forty Paces East came about having spent
manyholidaysinnorthernCyprus.
Howdidyoucomeupwiththeideasforyour
characters?
Igottoknowmanyex-soldiers,friendsofthe
person with whom I stayed with, and the
latter made a request for me to speak with
somebodyfromtheembassy.
Tellusabitabouttheplot
As Daisy is researching her book, she finds
herselfcaughtupinallsortsofgoingson,not
least, one mans’ obsession. At times, her life
hangsinthebalance,butshehasdetermined
grit-untilthistoobreaks.
Whatareyournextplans–areyougoingto
writeanythingelse?
If all goes well, I’ll consider my next book,
alreadyfinishedandsetduringthe50s.
Forty Paces East is published byTroubadour
canbeorderedfromWHSmith,Waterstones
andAmazon.
uckfieldmatters
Candlelight Care is a warm and compassionate company who cares for our clients
and staff alike. Most of our clients come to us through word of mouth due to our
exceptional, kind and professional Care and Support workers. We understand that
everyone’s needs are different, so we tailor care and support to meet your needs.
To discuss your care requirements or for more information please call
your local branch, or visit www.candlelightcare.co.uk
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44
45

uckfieldmatters
BRIGHTER UCKFIELD:
IMPROVING PEDESTRIAN
SAFETY IN RIDGEWOOD
In February we undertook several
environmental projects, all in the Ridgewood
area.Wereceivedthreeseparaterequests–via
ourFacebookpage,theTownClerk’sofficeand
byIanBrown
During the months of lockdown, Brighter Uckfield volunteers
(sociallydistanced)havecontinuedtocollectlitterfromUckfield’s
main streets, approach roads and public areas. While lockdown
restrictionsrequirevolunteerstoworkalone,smallteam‘bubbles’are
permittedtoundertakespecificprojects,oftenattherequestofresidents.
asadirectpleatoourChairmanIanSmith.
EASTBOURNE ROAD LEAF CLEARANCE
We responded to a request for help from a
Ridgewood resident, received on our
Facebookpage.
The resident asked Brighter Uckfield to
remediate the unsafe pavements in
Eastbourne Road, from the BUPA Nursing
HometowardsFernleyPark.
Wet and slippery leaves posed a significant
risk to pedestrians. Three Brighter Uckfield
volunteers swung into action and dealt with
theproblemononesunnyFridaymorning.
LEWES ROAD IMPROVEMENT
TheUckfieldTownClerkreceivedacomplaint
from a resident concerning the state of the
pavements in part of Lewes Road and she
approachedusforhelp.
The pavement in this area had become
overgrown and local residents were having
difficulty navigating the footpaths. Brighter
Uckfield Treasurer Martin Barnett and three
colleaguesclearedthepavements,startingjust
beyond the Highlands Inn at Sand Ridge and
finishingatthemini-roundaboutatHighview
Lane.
ROUTE NOW CLEAR TO HIGHLANDS
INN
Ian Smith was approached by a neighbour in
Ridgewood, annoyed by the ever-decreasing
useable pavement space along the section of
Eastbourne Road that links Castle Rise to the
HighlandsInn.
Ian accepted the challenge and, on three
consecutiveSundays,ledateamofthreethat
cleared one-third of a mile of pavement and
substantially widened the walkable area,
almost doubling the pavement width at one
point.
“Atlast,couplescanwalkside-by-sideontheir
way from Castle Rise to the Highlands Inn,
justintimeforre-opening!"hesays.
Forfurtherinformation:
http://brighteruckfield.com/contact
uckfieldmatters
Eastbourne Road before
Lewes Road before
Eastbourne Road after
Lewes Road after
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uckfieldmatters
A VERY DIFFICULT YEAR
FOR LIONS
uckfieldmatters
byFrankPhillips
AdifficultbutsuccessfulyearfortheLions,helpingoutourcommunity
whereit’sneededmost.
At the start of the first lockdown in 2020, the
Lions bookshop was closed, the Easter egg
raffle was cancelled, and fund raising was
curtailed.
Next event to be cancelled was Lions day in
Junefollowedbythe10kfunrunandthenthe
ClassiccarRallyinSeptember.
But fortunately with reserved funds Lions
werestillabletosupport:
• SussexSupportServices,payingforCovid
safefurniture
• Age UK help with paying for a new bed
forapatient.
• KidsCountChristmasbundles
• Donations to Holy Cross Church, during
theirtreefestival
• UckfieldFoodBank
• BridgeCottage,payingfortheChristmas
tree
• And providing
258 Chocolate
goody bags, for
residents of
s h e l t e r e d
accommodation, and
homesaroundUckfield.
Care
TheLionsminibushasbeenusedforassisting
residents with Doctors and hospital
appointments.
Recently several of Uckfield Lions members
have been assisting in the car park at the
Meads Doctors surgery, helping The Meads
with their successful Covid 19 injection
program.
Adifficultbutonceagainsuccessfulyear.
Ifyouwouldliketohelpyourcommunity,by
helping fund raising for local good causes,
driving the mini bus, or volunteering in the
bookshop once it’s open again. Please see
Uckfield Lions website www. https://eclubhouse.org/sites/uckfield/
OrcontactLionsmembership
manager
DavidSkinner01323767656
dajskinner@hotmail.com
The Lions’ minibus has been
used for helping Uckfiled
residents get to doctor and
hospital appointments
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49

uckfieldmatters
ROTARY CLUB: VOLUNTEER
COMMUNITY SECTOR PARTNERSHIP
byHowardDingwall
communitymatters uckfieldmatters
TheVoluntary Community Sector Partnership
is an overarching organisation which
coordinatesresponsetolocalneeds.
Ithasbeenveryactiveinorganisingaresponse
to social and community needs during the
pandemic. The current acute need is for
volunteers to assist with the vaccination
programme.
The Partnership has established links with
Rotaryasithasanationalframeworkandcan
respondquicklytorequests.
Rotarians throughout the South East District
have been answering the call and have been
helpingoutinvariouscapacities,inparticular
at vaccination centres as
voluntary stewards and car
parkingmarshals.
OurUckfieldPresident,Bruce
Broughton, has been leading
from the front and has undertaken stints at
Eastbourne Hospital and at the Meads in
Uckfield. As the vaccination roll out
programmelookssettocontinuewellintothe
yearthisislikelytobeanongoingactivity.
TheClubispleasedtohavethisopportunityto
participateaslockdownhasinevitablyreduced
ournormalcharitableactivities.
FormoreinformationabouttheClubplease
contactuckfield-rotary@secretary.net.
COMPETITION!
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