Dad helps relieve colic in babies

Lindfield resident Christian Bates is becoming known as an expert in the care of newborn babies suffering from the common complaint of colic. He was asked to speak at the Student Midwifery Conference which was held at The University of West London last month. 

The father-of-two, who is a qualified osteopath and naturopath and runs The Perrymount Clinic in Haywards Heath, self-published his own book in April after seeing increasing numbers of babies with the condition in his regular clinics. 

Full story on p. 11 of August's magazine

What is a Neighbourhood Plan?

As you may or may not be aware, the village has started the process of creating a ‘Neighbourhood Plan’. However, in the wake of the decision by MSDC to grant permission to Wates to build over 200 homes off Gravelye Lane to the East of the Lindfield, we ask some key questions of Faustina Bayo (from Action in Rural Sussex), Andy Spooner and Alan Gomme from the Lindfield Parish Councils. 

What is a Neighbourhood Plan?

A Neighbourhood Plan (NP) is a framework and policies for guiding the future development, regeneration and conservation of an area. It forms part of the statutory development plan for the area when it passes a referendum. It may deal with a wide range of social, economic and environmental issues (such as housing, employment, heritage and transport). Neighbourhood Plans have to be subjected to an independent examination and referendum in order to bring them
into force.

Who is putting it together?

Neighbourhood Plans can be prepared by either a parish/town council or a neighbourhood forum where there is no parish/town council. The Lindfield and Lindfield Rural Neighbourhood Plan is being put together by representatives of both Parish Councils, with enormous help from various community working groups. They are being guided by the consultants from Action in rural Sussex (AirS).

What or who is/are AirS? Are you a company profiting out of this legislation?

AirS is an independent charity supporting rural communities. Community planning has been a key service for many years. Neighbourhood plans are a community plan and we have the local expertise and knowledge to provide a service to parish councils to assist them in developing their NP. For more information about AirS, visit www.ruralsussex.org.uk

In the light of the approval of massive development off Gravelye Lane, why should we bother with this? Won’t the Neighbourhood Plan also just be ignored by Council/Government?

An approved Neighbourhood Plan’s policies are full planning policies and have the full force of law within the area covered by the plan. All applications for developments during the 20 year life of the plan will be expected to conform to them. The Wates application did not have to conform to any Neighbourhood Plan policies because the NP does not yet exist. Also, MSDC does not have an approved District Plan and could not demonstrate a five year land supply.      

Will it just look like a plea from ‘NIMBYs’?

No, because the NP will not stand up to scrutiny - or be adopted by the local authority – if it simply objects to all development and growth. It has to be in general conformity with the emerging District Plan which will inevitably include growth targets for the area. NPs are about maximizing the benefit of this development for the community and shaping it as much as possible by type, tenure, location, scale and method of delivery; not simply saying no.

When is it likely to be completed and in place?

The aim is to have the plan ready for submission to the local authority by November 2013 for a referendum in May 2014.

If I have got a comment or opinion on the future of Lindfield, where can I voice it? 

Please contact either Lindfield Parish or Lindfield Rural Parish Council by telephone or email in the usual manner (full contact details appear in the Lindfield Parish Directory & Year Book).

Martin wins Chelsea Gold for 38th time

Lindfield resident Martin Durrant is best known in the village for being the creator of the Bonfie Society’s Guy Fawkes effigy for 5th November. However, Martin has just picked up his 38th Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.The award was given for an exhibit of ‘a range of orchids’ by McBean’s Orchids based in Cooksbridge, near Lewes. Martin has worked for McBean’s for over 40 years, after training at Plumpton Agricultural College following  school. “The flwer show exhibitions are purely publicity really and, these days, we can’t aford too much time working on them,” Martin explains. He is now Nursery Manager at the plant breeding firm and sys in recent years all the work happens in 2-3 weeks. “I was particularly pleased to include some of the original plants that were used in the McBean’s display at the very fist Chelsea Flower Show in this 100th anniversary year.”McBean’s are one of only three companies that took part in the fist Chelsea Flower Show who remain involved today. 

Lindfield Arts Festival 2013 Photo round-up

A tribute to ‘Mr Lindfield’: Brian Newcombe

Our heartfelt thanks go to Gwen, Brian’s wife of 56 years, for sharing extracts from his eulogy. 

Born in Devon, Brian was educated at the King Edward Grammer School in Totnes where he excelled at sports, breaking school records and  swimming for the county team. On leaving school he became a member of the Old Totnesian Society and was elected as president in 1991.

Football and cricket were his great passions. His football skills led him to becoming a professional footballer in Devon, while his cricket led him into the arms of his wife Gwen!

“I met Bri in 1952 when my father had organised a cricket tour from Devon to Sussex and Bri was one of the tour members,” said Gwen.

“We actually met at Lindfield Fair on the Common by the bumper cars!”

After five courting years, spent travelling between Devon and Sussex on the old steam trains, meeting just once a month, the pair were married All Saints Church on 1st June 1957. 

Following his marriage, Brian went to work as a quantity surveyor for Rider Hunt and Partners, where he was involved in the building of many schools, hospitals, shopping centres and the development of St Katherine’s Dock next to the Tower of London.

“His ‘one claim to fame’ was preparing the Bill of Quantities for the Sydney Opera House and we constantly had the plans all over the floor of our house,” Gwen recalled.

This is an extract from the article published in full in the June 2013 issue of Lindfield Life.

Lucy's Golf progress at Haywards Heath Golf Club

By Lucy Cooper

A long break due to the rubbish weather over the last few months had me pretty nervous about getting back into golf. I’ve been trying to practise up at the driving range as often as possible and, whilst I’ve been getting heaps better at hitting the ball and avoiding trees, my shots seem to be sending the balls off to the right and not going a fair distance and I was desperately in need of a lesson! 

Simon Iliffe was keen to help me tweak my techniques and sort out those issues! 

After hitting several shots to get back into it, Simon explained that the reason my shots weren’t going straight is because my hands had slipped into an incorrect position over time but he soon showed me that twisting my top (left) hand slightly so I could see two or three knuckles was all I needed to do to ensure a nice straight shot.

 He then took a short video of me hitting a few shots out into the range. Watching in slow-motion and from different angles, Simon explained why my shots weren’t going very far. 

Thanks to a brilliant new feature at the club, I’m able to log in from home and watch the videos of my lesson to refresh my memory before practising each time now - which is a great benefit. I’ll definitely be practising the ‘hip twist’ and hopefully driving that ball into the back and beyond!

Lindfield Scout Hut gets refurb

One of Lindfield’s  best loved buildings is getting a  much needed facelift after serving the community for over a century.

The scout hut in Eastern Road has been at the heart of village life for 100 years and generations of families have passed through its doors.

 Originally a World War II Canadian Army hut located at Paxhill, the hut was moved by villagers and has since been a base for the 1st Lindfield Scouts. 

Repair work is now underway  to ensure it can continue to serve the community as a scout headquarters well into the future.

The first phase of work, which cost around £8,000, has included painting the interior, installing new windows and a new wooden floor.

Read the full story on p.23 of May's magazine...

Lindfield Primary School expansion

By Claire Cooper

This month sees the start of a new chapter in the life of Lindfield Primary School as work begins on a £4million seven classroom extension.

The building work, which also includes an additional school hall and office space while maintaining all playgrounds, fields and woodland, will provide state of the art facilities for present and future pupils.

Originally built for infants (aged 5 to 7 years), the little school at Black Hill has evolved over the years to meet the needs of village children. The millennium year in 2000 saw the biggest change when the school merged with the juniors, formerly housed on Lindfield Common, and  eight new classrooms were added to the site. 

Now, as the village continues to grow, the school is set to reach another milestone as it prepares to become a ‘three form entry’ primary school.

Read the full story on p.8 of May's magazine...

Lindfield URC welcomes band during Arts Festival

Lindfield United Reformed Church (URC) will once again play host to the Art Exhibition and many live performances at this year’s Lindfield Arts Festival. The church will also be putting on a very special youth celebration service at 6.30pm on Sunday 12th May.

The band Shackleton will lead the worship at the event. As well as performing at venues across the UK Shackleton have performed locally at a number of the N:Vision youth services in Cuckfield.

The events guest speaker Bekah Legg is Editor of Liberti magazine - a dynamic Christian magazine for women. 

The event will be free and promises to be a great evening and a brilliant close to a full weekend of activities in the church.

For more information check out the church website www.lindfieldurc.org.uk or contact youth pastor
Josh Thomas on jthomas@lindfieldurc.org.uk

LDC serve up ‘Murder and Chips’

Following its hugely-successful production ‘Chuckles and Chips’ last year, Lindfield Dramatic Club (LDC) is breaking new ground for this year’s spring production on Friday and Saturday, 24th & 25th May.

The club is staging a Murder Mystery Evening at the King Edward Hall, with a short play in three acts by Chris Martin, called ‘Who Killed the Director?’. As last year, the evening will be divided by a fish and chip supper.

Appropriately, the play is set in a theatre where members of a local amateur dramatic society are rehearsing a murder play set in the 1930s.

Audience participation is part of the entertainment of course and so they will be divided into 12 tables of six people each – strictly limiting the attendance each evening to 72. 

LDC Chairman Rex Cooper explained: “We assume that people will have organised themselves into their six-strong ‘teams’ when buying their tickets but individuals or couples can easily be linked up with others to make up a table. After all, we are talking about like-minded people here, many of whom know each other thanks to being regulars at our productions.”

Tickets will be available from the Happy Feet shoe boutique in Denman’s Lane, Lindfield from 1st May, costing £12.50. The performances begin at 8pm and the bar will be open at 7.30pm and again during the interval. 

A real life ‘snow angel’

Faith Downie (pictured) took to the snow very well recently. 

The Lindfield resident was at Oathall Community College before going on to study drama at the Central Sussex College’s Haywards Heath campus. During this time Faith began modelling in her spare time – where she met Hassocks-based photographer Richard Paice. “Richard decided to take advantage of the snowfall and asked me whether I’d be prepared to do the shoot in Lindfield Nature Reserve,” Faith explained. “It was quite a surreal sight as I posed in giant angel wings. Lots of people stopped to ask what we were doing!”

In addition to the modelling, Faith has also undertaken various work as an ‘extra’, including Sky 1’s production of ‘Got to Dance’, working with the street dance crew Diversity. She has also recently been offered work on the movie ‘The Muppets 2’, so the local nature reserve may not be the only place you see Faith in the future!

Sleep well - Natural Therapy Column

By Helen Malik, published in the March 2013 issue.

Often patients in clinic, as well as friends and family, mention that they have problems sleeping. Although this may not be altogether surprising given the stresses of modern day living, the health of the economy etc, often it is not the case that they are lying awake worrying about such things, in fact they often find it quite easy to get to sleep. The problem comes in the early hours when they find themselves wide awake and unable to get back to sleep.  

If this sounds familiar and you have ruled out the most common reasons for night time waking (eg. needing the toilet or the light coming through the curtains) and you are not worrying about any specific issues, then it may be worth looking at your diet and blood sugar control.  However, it is also worth mentioning that stress during the day (even if it’s not on your mind at night) can affect the levels of hormones involved in the sleep-wake cycle, so finding some stress reducing techniques is important. If you are struggling to get off to sleep then ensure your bedroom is very dark, turn off all electronic equipment and don’t be tempted to watch TV or use a backlit device such as an iPad before bed. Instead try a relaxation CD or Medical Resonance Therapy Music, which has found success in hospitals and homes at improving sleep patterns. This is not ‘normal’ music; it is specially prepared sounds that have then been placed under clinical trials to determine the most effective combination.

Turning to diet - caffeine, chocolate, nicotine and alcohol, if consumed too close to bedtime, can all disrupt sleep. Although you may feel that alcohol helps you get off to sleep, it has a stimulating effect later on as the body starts to metabolise it.

There is not a one size fits all approach to diet as other underlying health conditions can play a part, but ideally cutting out or at least significantly reducing sugar intake should help. Avoiding snacks and sticking to three nutritious meals consisting of good quality lean protein, low GL (glycaemic load) carbohydrates and plenty of fresh non-starchy vegetables. Ensuring you are getting sufficient nutrients from your diet is important. Functions such as mood, appetite and stress can be modulated by dietary components - including vitamins and minerals which are involved in the conversion of chemical products within the body. A protein based snack before bedtime may help, and recent research has shown that the concentrated juice of Montmorency cherries (which are high in melatonin) may help improve the quantity and quality of sleep.

It’s certainly somewhat of a “vicious circle” - lack of sleep has been shown in studies to increase the risk of diabetes due to its effect on blood sugar control, whilst poor blood sugar control can result in lack of sleep.  So ensuring you are getting good sleep now may be vital for your long term health.

How Limes of Lindfield started...

The rebirth of High Street Dining for Lindfield.

Thankfully our High Street is always changing. Last month the popular eatery Limes Bistro changed hands, after its inception seven years ago. In life it is frequently suggested that things ‘aren’t as good as they used to be’ – but is that always the case? I’ve lived in the village for more than 30 years and today’s High Street feels like as thriving a retail environment as one could hope for in a modern small community. Not many years ago it was a significantly different landscape.  

Chris and Jo White moved into Lindfield back in 2001. They were relocating after exiting a successful pub business which they had jointly owned with family for five years. They needed something to do and were on the look out for a ‘project’. 

The pair had met eight years earlier while they were both at university. Jo studied Fine Art in Hertfordshire, while Chris was at Brighton studying Building Engineering Management. They were used to hard work as they had started working together for Chris’s parents, Nick and Carol White who also live in Lindfield, when they owned The Gardeners Arms in Ardingly. 

In 2003 the couple, by now fully-equipped with 9-month old baby Phoebe, bought the old dentist’s at 67 High Street. While considering exactly what to do with the period property, Jo tells me they embarked on some old school market research. “We literally went up and down the houses on the High Street, introduced ourselves and explained that we wanted to open a café to gauge their reaction. By the time we got to the top of the street we had changed our approach and referred to our new venture as a bistro – because as we talked to residents we realised that’s what they wanted.”

Read the full story by David Tingley, on page 10 of March's magazine, out now...

All Saints Church Development Project

By David Tingley

All Saints church has been standing on its present site since the 13th century. Its imposing tower and spire standing at 116ft  would certainly have made a big impression when villagers at the time caught sight of this. All Saints has become an iconic symbol of our picture postcard village, standing proud at the top of the High Street. However, 2013 is set to be a milestone in the building’s history as the church embarks on a major development project. 

In fact it’s a huge undertaking, with 50 separate elements all running along different timelines over the next three to five years. The development plans affect both the church and the building next door, known as The Tiger, and are estimated to cost in the order of £2m.

Read the full story in February's magazine - out now. www.allsaintslindfield.org

Lindfield Arts Festival hosts free music festival

The Lindfield Arts Festival has announced plans to create a fantastic free music festival as part of its programme this coming May. The musical element, organised by Hereward Kaye, Musical Director and Founder of Rok Skool in Haywards Heath, will provide a wonderful showcase for local talent. 

“We listened to the feedback we received from previous visitors which suggested that a large scale performance would be well received and could even become a regular feature each year,” said Gabrielle Hall, Director of the 2013 Festival. “We are thrilled to be working with Herry and his team at Rok Skool. Music is such an important element of the art festival and this year we want to provide a variety of performances and workshops that cater for all tastes.”

This exciting news followed confirmation that the Charity Commission has just registered the Lindfield Arts Festival as a charity. “The organising team is delighted,” said Gabrielle. “It was really important for us to secure the future for the festival which brings thousands of visitors to Lindfield each year,” she said. “We have to raise a substantial amount to pay for the festival and I hope that, with our new charity status, sponsoring the festival will be an even more attractive option for local businesses and funding bodies that we approach,” she continued.  

Full story in February's magazine. www.lindfieldartsfestival.com

Charity bootcamp at Lindfield Primary School

A small Sussex charity is set to benefit from a fundraising event organised by a local mum. 

Natalie Banbury says she remembers it like it was yesterday. “I was 21 when the doctor said to me ‘I think your baby may have Spina Bifida’. I left the hospital with a leaflet by the Sussex Association for Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus and have been in touch with them ever since.

“Bob White and the school (Lindfield Primary) have been so brilliant since Ryan started there three years ago,” Natalie continued.

After years of support Natalie believes that now is the time to give something back so, with the help of a few others, she is putting on a charity bootcamp at Lindfield Primary School on Saturday 16th February from 12-4pm. 

Maxine Hayes, whose son is also at the school and who runs Potential Personal Training, is helping to organise the event. The afternoon promises a ‘Kids vs Grown Ups’ session and bootcamps led by Maxine and other guest trainers. Plus, there will also be entertainment, arts & crafts and a food & drink area from local businesses. 

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of local businesses wanting to be involved,” said Maxine. 

All proceeds go to SASBAH. Email potentialpt@gmail.com for more info.

Proposed new development off Gravelye Lane, Lindfield

Lindfield Preservation Society just missed the copydate for Feb's magazine for this article, written by them, about a new development in Lindfield...

Wates the developers have applied for planning permission to build 230 houses on green field land off Gravelye Lane. Combined with the high-density housing estates that Lindfield has already been compelled to accept at Newton Road and Lyoth Lane, this scheme would add 1,000 new residents to the village – a population increase of 20%. It would put 600 additional cars on our roads (figures based on West Sussex County Council census data). This kind of speculative development is grossly disproportionate to the scale of our village and the capacity of its infrastructure.

Nor is there any need for it. There are currently approved sites for more than 4,000 homes in Mid Sussex, which developers have not taken up. This should be more than enough for them to be getting on with, especially as the historical completion rate is c. 400 houses per year.

Even if there were a need, this site is entirely inappropriate for large-scale development. A housing estate of this size would do further, serious damage to a local infrastructure that is already overstretched. Local roads are already congested at peak times, schools and medical facilities are oversubscribed and water and sewage systems are under considerable strain. Bland assurances from the developers that they would work with various bodies to mitigate the impact of their proposals are as meaningless as they are vague.

Our countryside is precious. Once it is gone, it is gone for good. Before more of it is lost, there should at the very least be a convincing demonstration of an overriding local need. There is clearly no such need here.

Concerned residents can help by sending their objections to Mid Sussex District Council Planning Department before the deadline of 8 February. 

Lindfield Arts Festival looks ahead with new director for 2013

By Claire Cooper

For Lindfield businesswoman Gabrielle Hall, life is getting ‘curiouser and curiouser’ – and she is delighted to have taken on a very creative role.

From establishing three of the village’s best loved shops, then moving on to set up a centre for creativity, spirituality and wellbeing in Ardingly, life rarely stands still for Gabrielle who is looking forward to her next exciting challenge – directing next year’s Lindfield Arts Festival, which she describes as stepping into ‘Wonderland.’

“I’ve always been very driven, with a strong sense of community,” said Gabrielle, who lives in the village with her two sons. “There’s a huge part of me that’s incredibly creative, so it’s natural for me to be involved with the Arts Festival. I studied fashion and textiles at art college many years ago and still enjoy creating art.” 

After agreeing to take up the role of Director for the 2013 Arts Festival, which runs from 10th-12th May, Gabrielle’s first job has been to shape the committee and register the Festival as a charity. “I’ve been delighted by the group of talented people who have volunteered their services,” she said. “We now have a committee of 20 plus people full of ideas and enthusiasm who share my vision and passion. This means we can really push the boundaries and already have some amazing ideas that could take the Festival to a whole new level!”

The theme of next year’s Festival is Imagination, Fantasy and Fairytales. “It’s all about stepping out of our normal reality and into wonderland,” said Gabrielle.

Excerpt from December 2012's magazine. Read more in the magazine, p.28

The Toll House re-opens

Shoppers and residents in Lindfield have welcomed the re-opening of the Toll House Gallery and Café in the
High Street.

The new Toll House Gallery showcases the work of Sussex artists and craftspeople, while the popular café will be serving delicious locally produced food as well as award winning coffee from World Coffees, roasted just across the High Street at Lindfield’s Old Forge.

Alongside  unique local artwork, the Gallery will be running a regular programme of events and workshops designed to promote the work of Sussex’s creative industries.  Local artists already exhibiting in the Gallery include Leesa Le May, Debbie Smith and Judith Fisher.  

Jackie McGahan, proprietor of the Toll House Gallery and Café, commented: “We are very excited to be bringing an entirely new concept like this to Lindfield’s historic High Street.  We think that customers will love the opportunity to interact directly with artists and craftspeople, especially in the amazing surroundings of a unique 16th century, Grade II listed building. 

“The village community and visitors will also welcome the re-opening of the café, which will give them the chance to enjoy delicious locally produced food and drink in a relaxed and creative environment.”

The Toll House is open Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm and on Saturdays 10am to 5pm.

Lindfield in shock after annual fireworks cancelled

By David Tingley

It was with a very heavy heart that the committee of Lindfield Bonfire Society (LBS) made the decision to cancel last month’s 5th November celebrations on the common. One member described the meeting as “most bizarre and surreal; we were all standing up to our ankles in water on the Common!” 

“The decision had to be made on the Sunday,” said Phil Lucas, Bonfire Captain of the Society. “We were expecting the weather on Monday (5th) to be wet and windy again, like the previous day. However, as it turned out there wasn’t any more rain, so people can’t understand why we made the decision.”

As a volunteer-run group LBS can’t afford to reschedule the annual event because it takes too many man-hours to stage. Many volunteers take the week prior to Bonfire Night of their own annual leave from their day jobs. LBS have managed to negotiate with the fireworks supplier for them to store the fireworks already purchased for this year’s display until next year. “At least they will be safe and the money won’t have been wasted.” Phil continued. “We had some outgoings on the night, as some expenses weren’t able to be cancelled at such short notice, but it’s the charities we collect for on the night that will really notice unfortunately.” LBS fundraise for their costs throughout the year and the cash collection buckets go to local good causes. Indeed early indications show that this year’s collection raised less than 20% of the amount raised in 2011.

By the time the spectacular bonfire procession reached the High Street in the evening, it was clear that someone had heard the cry of villagers old and young. The good-spirited crowds that were gathered up and down the road were treated to a firework display from the gardens of a private house – much to their delight and cheers! Ben Russell, who lives on the High Street, was planning on doing a small display for family/friends anyway. “When I heard the news I decided to buy some more and make them bigger!” Ben said. “The fireworks were all electronic ignition. I suppose you could call me a bit of a hobbyist,” he said when I caught up with him the following day. Ben was very pleased to hear that so many were grateful for the last-minute display. He has lived in Lindfield for five years and is not currently a member of LBS but thinks he’d like to join! 

Lindfield Bonfire Society promises an amazing fireworks display for 2013.