Fairlight Focus

Fairlight Parish Council present the John Lutman Award for Community Service in honour of the late John Lutman, a Parish Councillor for over thirty years and a past Chairman of Rother District Council. 

JOHN LUTMAN AWARD PRESENTATION – 2025

The John Lutman Community Service Award is presented annually to a resident who has contributed to village life. It is in memory of John Lutman.

There were a great deal of nominations this year for the winner, Sue Greenup. Sue can be found most Mondays helping out at the Drop in Social Hub (DISH) in the village Hall. Sue was presented with her award at the Parish Assembly in May 2025 by Councillor Andrew Mier. Sue said at her presentation “DISH is such a warm and friendly place to be. Everyone is smiling when you arrive and they are still smiling when you leave. There is plenty to do and plenty of people to talk to. It is a very social environment and lovely place to be. If  you need help or have a question to ask there is always someone there to ask. Long may it continue.” Sue is well known for her culinary skills and you can often find a plate of something that Sue has bought along for others  to enjoy.

Sue will be receiving a cheque for £150 which she will donate to DISH

Please click, or copy the link to your browser, to see the Fairlight Parish Council Agenda for May 2025 Parish Council Meeting. 

https://fairlightparishcouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Agenda-and-Supporting-Docs-Annual-Council-Meeting-27th-May-25.pdf

Thank you.

Open Meeting – updates on Natural Flood Management 

The Future Landscapes Trust will be hosting another Open Meeting on Friday 6th June at 6.30pm at the Pett Village Hall to update all residents on the progress of their Natural Flood Management project. 

Everyone is invited. We would really value and appreciate if anyone who owns land in the Marsham Valley to come as well to discuss how they can be involved to help reduce the risk of flooding.

We will update on our research and reporting, what actions we have already taken and what we plan to do over the next 2 years.

Thank you,

Ollie

Ollie Hunter
07554564962

Future Landscapes Trust (Registered Charity Number 1208426) 

We are coming up to the first week of the new month so this is a reminder that the next local NHS hearing aid maintenance sessions will be held at:

Fairlight Village Hall between 10am and 12 noon on Friday 2nd May

Pett Village Hall between 10am and 11.30am on Wednesday 7th May

Remember that for peak performance hearing aids should be re-tubed every 4 to 6 months

Please can I remind you that the FRA annual membership subscription for 2025-26  is now due. The subscription remains at  £8 for the year.  

This gets you 4 quarterly magazines, membership to the email scheme and enables the FRA to provide donations to village causes.

You can pay either via online banking (preferable) or by cash or cheque. 

Online banking

Account:       Fairlight Residents Association

Sort Code:    60-10-15

Account No: 60707666

Ref :             ‘Your address‘ ( house name / number & road name, not post code)

It is important to add an address as best you can to the reference  otherwise it can be difficult to match the payment to your membership details.

Cash or Cheque

Cheque payable to: Fairlight Residents Association. 

Post or deliver to Membership Secretary, Harlo, Hill Road, TN35 4AE.  

Or you can drop it off at the:

• Village Hall, during DISH (Mondays), 
• Village Hall during MOPP|S (Fridays) 
• Royd, Broadway (3 house after the village hall)
• Badgers, Brair Close

Please provide name and address details, with the cash/cheque.

Kind regards

Alison Thomas

Fairfest this year will be held on Saturday June 21st 

The afternoon events will include stalls, a miniature steam train, have a go archery and tennis, arena displays, the dog show, and bouncy castle.  The evening will be live music.

Entry will be free

There will be a BBQ and bar throughout the event.

Stalls in the afternoon will cost £15 but are free to village groups and charities.

If you would like a stall  please contact  isobel.horsley@gmail.com or return the attached form

Do you have any photos of family and friends celebrating VE Day 1945? 

Ahead of the VE Day 80th anniversary celebration at the Village Hall on 8th May, Fairlight History Group are putting together a display of photos and memories. Any photos will be copied and returned to you.

If you have anything please contact Karen Draper on 01424 814154 or email kd_wavertree@hotmail.com

Thank you

The Fairlight Astronomers are due to meet this Thursday evening at 7.00pm in the village hall. 

Whether you’re a beginner or expert, everyone is welcome. It’s just the excuse you were looking for to get out of the house and try a new hobby. Come and learn what you can see in these lovely clear dark skies of Fairlight!

The Fairlight Players’ spring production, Gail Force 9, is now less than four weeks away, and many have already booked their “passages” for this wild and unpredictable crossing.

We hailed this production as a World Premiere, which it is, but maybe a Maiden Voyage would have been a more apt description.

The cast are certainly having a great time bringing Kate O’Hearn’s eccentric characters to life, and next weekend will see the set being built, always a significant step forward in the production process.

If you haven’t yet secured your seat, I would urge you to do so as soon as possible. At present there are seats available for all performances, although sales have been strong across the board.

Our past two productions have completely sold out, and this one deserves to do the same. Please don’t miss this opportunity to be among the first to see this amazing play, which could soon be appearing on stages across the UK and beyond.

The easiest way to book is online at Box office – Fairlight Players where you can choose your preferred seats.

If you are not comfortable with online systems, please phone Sue on 07988 540757, and she will be delighted to help you.

Tickets are available through DISH on Mondays between 11am and 1pm.

We hope to see you soon.

With very best wishes

Keith

Keith Miller (Chair)

The Fairlight Players

Pett Methodist Church 

Coffee Morning and Auction
You are all welcome to come along to the coffee morning on Saturday April 12th, 11am at the chapel when you can pick up a bargain and a cake and even bid for one of our amazing lots in our auction. Check them out on our website or click on the link below. Bid online or at the event. 

Auction

See you there!Wendy Hatch

Hey,

I just signed the petition “Save the Observatory Science Centre Herstmonceux” and wanted to see if you could help by adding your name.

Our goal is to reach 15,000 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here:

https://chng.it/tdMc9DMPXK

Thanks!

Lilian

It seems like yesterday when we see ’70s and 80s’, but we are talking 50 years ago – yikes! 

But ages doesn’t stop us enjoying the music of our youth.  Remember discos, when it was dark and loud and no one could see you or hear you. 

It’s no different now so come along and join us and relive those days.

The FRA annual membership subscription for 2025-26  is due by the end of March. The subscription remains at  £8 for the year.  

This gets you 4 quarterly magazines, membership to the email scheme and enables the FRA to provide donations to village causes.

You can pay either via online banking (preferable) or by cash or cheque. 

Online banking

Account:       Fairlight Residents Association

Sort Code:    60-10-15

Account No: 60707666

Ref :             ‘Your address‘ ( house name / number & road name, not post code)

It is important to add an address as best you can to the reference  otherwise it can be difficult to match the payment to your membership details.

Cash or Cheque

Cheque payable to: Fairlight Residents Association. 

Post or deliver to Membership Secretary, Harlo, Hill Road, TN35 4AE.  

Or you can drop it off at the:

• Village Hall, during DISH (Mondays), 
• Village Hall during MOPPS (Fridays) 
• Royd, Broadway (3 house after the village hall)
• Badgers, Brair Close

Please provide name and address details, with the cash/cheque.

Kind regards

Alison Thomas

Quite a few ESAC members are Fairlight residents, so I think they’d be pleased to see that the wider Fairlight community knew about their club’s show.  

Save the date for your diary.

Good morning friends

I am delighted to inform you that tickets for our Spring production, Gail Force 9, will go on sale one week from today on Monday 17^th March.

Please make a note in your diary and be ready to act promptly as we expect tickets for this very special production to disappear very quickly.

You will be able to book in the normal ways …

Online at Box office – Fairlight Players (if you check now, it says “Sold out” but don’t worry – that refers to the previous production).

In person at the DISH sessions at Fairlight Village Hall on Mondays. Our lovely Sue will be there (I think between about 10am and 1pm) for the benefit of those who are not comfortable with online systems.

By telephone on 07988 540757.

I hope that you will be able to join us for this play, which marks the 75^th Anniversary of the Fairlight Players.

And if you are able, and would be willing to help behind the scenes, in any capacity from helping to build the set to providing hospitality at performances, please don’t be shy in coming forward. As most of you will know, it takes a big team to put on a production like this, so any extra help would always be very welcome.

With very best wishes

Keith

Keith Miller (Chair)

The Fairlight Players

www.fairlightplayers.org.uk

The Fairlight Astronomers will be meeting this Thursday, 13th March, at 7:00pm in the village small hall.

This evening will include a “Show and Tell” session where members will showcase their new equipment and discuss how they are using it, sharing tips on getting the best from these telescopes.

This meeting is also a great opportunity to dust off, and bring in, any astronomy equipment received as a Christmas gift that has not yet been used and receive advice on how to use it.

The second part of the session will be the regular “What’s in the Night Sky” segment with information on locating celestial targets.

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible

Fairlight Parish Council invite applications for this year’s grant awards.

Apologies for such lateness this year but please make sure they are completed and in by Friday 21/03/2025.

Please read our grants policy on our website to make sure you fit the criteria.

Thank you.

https://www.fairlightparishcouncil.org.uk/DocumentLibrary/PolicyAndProcedure/grant-application-form.pdf

Danielle Gould, Clerk s RFO Email: fairlightparishcouncil@gmail.com

Telephone: 0748782272G www.fairlightparishcouncil.org.uk

This year’s FRA Spring Fling is trying to raise much needed funds for MOPP. The Fairlight Friday Lunch Club is in need of a cash injection to enable it to continue providing this wonderful project.

Tickets are selling really fast, so if you haven’t got yours yet, don’t delay!

Tickets are available from Hairbase, DISH and MOPP.

If you don’t wish to come, but would still like to donate to MOPP, please private message me for details.

Chris Smart

Just a reminder that NHS hearing aid maintenance sessions are being held this week at:

Pett Village Hall between 10am and 11.30am on Wednesday 5th March

Fairlight Village Hall between 10am and 12 noon on Friday 7th March

This service is provided free of charge by East Sussex Hearing (Charity No. 1101140)

Hastings Borough Council’s project partner organisation, Troika Projects, is now formally appointed to deliver the Hastings West Hill Café and Castle Project. Troika Projects recently signed the official Grant Funding Agreement with the council, with plans underway to revitalise the café, including an interpretation centre for the castle.

Troika Projects, who are a local consortium based in Hastings, will be showcasing their plans with two public engagement events next month, including a drop-in session for residents of the West Hill at the Community Centre on Thursday, 6 March 6.30 – 8.30pm and a public drop-in session at the Stade Hall on Saturday 22 March from 12-4pm.

The sessions will be a good opportunity to pose any questions around the development and talk to the team about the plans for the project.

The proposal also includes a new platform lift to provide step-free access from the West Hill Lift top station to all spaces. The ambition is to transform Hastings Castle and West Hill Café site into a significant cultural destination with a focus on heritage, sustainability, and community engagement. 

Cllr Julia Hilton, Leader of Hastings Borough Council, said: “I am delighted that Troika are now formally on board and I’m looking forward to seeing their vision and plans presented at the initial public engagement events planned for March. The involvement of residents and visitors is key to this project and commitment to collaboration in the planning process is something we all agree on.”

Graham Peters, Chair of the Town Deal Board, said: “I am looking forward to seeing Troika’s exciting plans and vision develop into a reality, elevating the castle and café space into a leading destination for the town.”

Celia Farrar, Troika Projects said: “Troika Projects are pleased the funding agreement has now been confirmed and we are looking forward to being able to showcase our plans and engage with members of the community during the first events next month. Town Deal Programme. We understand the historic importance of the site to the town and internationally and we can’t wait to get going on developing our carefully thought-out plans into a reality.”

This redevelopment is poised to be a cornerstone in Hastings’ Town Fund Programme, blending history with modern amenities to create a vibrant, engaging space for all with an immersive interpretation centre that celebrates the rich history of Hastings Castle.

Up-to-date progress on the project going forward will be published on the Hastings Castle World Heritage Destination — Hastings Town Deal page. 

Notes 
The selection process began in October 2023 when the council issued an initial Expression of Interest inviting interested parties to submit their ideas. The RFP (Request for Proposals) followed in March 2024.

The council hosted two open days for prospective bidders in April and May 2024, which led to the three full submissions for the RFP. The two-stage evaluation process involved a thorough assessment by council officers, followed by a final review by an expert panel. This panel, composed of Town Deal Board members and independent specialists, conducted interviews and presentations with all three contenders before selecting Troika Projects as the lead partner. The final stage was to formally sign the Grant Funding Agreement, which has now been confirmed. 

In 2021 Hastings was one of 101 UK towns to receive a share of the Government’s Towns Fund to kickstart the regeneration of the town with funding of £24.3m. Earlier this year the Town Deal Board approved the project’s business case, and the council has allocated £3m of Town Deal money to invest in the project. The council issued an Expression of Interest to gauge market interest in October 2023 and following a positive response, the council is now looking for experienced partners to help deliver the project.

Published 18/02/2025

Government Consultation on a Mayoral Combined Authority for the whole of Sussex

Dear Resident,

Here is the Government’s consultation paper on the creation of a Mayoral Combined County Authority across the whole of Sussex – East and West Sussex and Brighton and Hove.

The three existing Higher-Tier Authorities (East and West Sussex County Councils and Brighton and Hove) have already opted to go down this route in principle, but this is your chance to comment.

The closing dates for comments is 13 April –

https://eu-west-1.protection.sophos.com/?d=www.gov.uk&u=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ292LnVrL2dvdmVybm1lbnQvbmV3cy9kZXZvbHV0aW9uLXByaW9yaXR5LXByb2dyYW1tZS1jb25zdWx0YXRpb25zLWxhdW5jaD9mYmNsaWQ9SXdaWGgwYmdOaFpXMENNVEVBQVIwcXFVdGd5ZUpGcWJCUHlrT3ctNUxCWmhmZ3JoS2pXa0l1cXliQWNrcHVlWWdwNkRXbjVjWk9sVzBfYWVtX2ZsQjk5NEt1MVhGOV94OVMwQUMzaGc=&i=NWNkNDMwZTVlZjNjZjAxM2ZlNTAxOWI1&t=TExmSEJUS0NsdVc0cXJlQm5CVlRnemdSNjFCY1h4bnlaN29HbUhmSC93az0=&h=42d973ccf9104a79ae5fa7f90b42a72c&s=AVNPUEhUT0NFTkNSWVBUSVZ3H2VJeSYRlf_3gy-35dAi2CiSXYdtGqRfjvHMxITxAw

Best wishes,

Andrew

Andrew Mier (cllr.andrew.mier@rother.gov.uk)

Please join us for this event at the Pett Methodist Church on Saturday 8th March; tickets at the door are £5 (free for members) plus donations for tea/coffee and cake.

The format will be questions and answers with photos on a screen.  Annie will also have copies of her book and cards for sale of which a percentage will go toward supporting the ARC.

We do hope you can join us.  Doors open at 2:45 for a 3pm (or soon after) start.  

Our membership year starts again on 1st May and we do hope you will join (form attached to bring with you or they will be available at the door) or better yet set up a Standing Order with your bank for £15 pp each 1st May (our bank details are on the attached form).  Your contribution will help support this valuable community resource which protects our history. 

Thank you, once again, for your ink cartridges.  We have raised another £24 for our Preservation Trust.

Please keep them coming.

Unfortunately, we can’t take toners.

Jill Lewing

MOPP Needs your Help!

Marsham Older Peoples Project provides weekly social activity and a hot meal to residents in and around Fairlight.  This is a lifeline for some members and may be the only time during the week they leave their house. We provide subsidised transport and chiropody, plus in-person advice on benefits
etc.

We survive on members’ lunch payments and transport contributions, plus occasional grants.  Due to the economic climate, grants are becoming almost impossible to obtain and we are now struggling to cover our costs.  Despite cutting our expenditure and increasing fees for lunch and transport, if we cannot improve our income there is a very high likelihood that the charity will cease to function in the Autumn.

So…. We are appealing for your help and asking for people to set up a regular donation to this much-loved charity.  If everyone who receives this email, or reads the appeal in the magazine or Facebook was prepared to donate a monthly sum (of any amount), we would have a stable income and may be able to survive for the foreseeable future.  If you are a UK taxpayer, we can also claim Gift Aid and increase the value of your donation.

We appreciate that most people are not in the age group covered by MOPP, but one day you may  be and it would be a shame to lose such a vital form of support for our members.
If you would like to set up a regular donation, please email mopptreas@gmail.com for further details or a gift aid form.

Thank you.

Ann Hohenkerk

Attention Fairlighters!

The Fairlight Residents Association are proud to announce their forthcoming Spring Time event.

The Spring Fling will be held in the village hall on the evening of Saturday, 5^th April, 2025.

Doors will be open from 7:00 pm that evening. Music to be provided by The Kytes, hot supper, a bar, and many great raffle prizes.

Tickets sold out in record breaking time last year and all indications are that it will be the same this for this year.

So, don’t delay, avoid disappointment and get your tickets now!

Tickets are available from DISH, MOPP’s and Hairbase at £15 each.

Keep an eye out for more updates coming soon!