Planning for The Barn, The Parkway, Bolnore Village

Ever since The Barn, on The Parkway, had ceased to be used as a Sales Office for Bolnore Village the residents have wanted it to be used for good in the community.

In the last month or so planning has been applied for to change its use to that which could house a children’s nursery. The planning process is now closed and the residents of Bolnore will have to wait and see what Mid Sussex District Council decide.

Chris Belton, chair of Bolnore Village Community Interest Company, explained their point of view: “The BVCIC along with the Community Partnership want to see The Barn being used for the benefit of the Village and on the surface, a nursery might seem to fit the bill. However both groups objected on the grounds of a significant increase in traffic and all that this would entail.

“It should be stressed that if the issues of traffic, noise, poor road layout and parking for the nursery could be resolved we would support a new application.”

A decision is expected on 24th April 2017

Sussex Group (Nature Nurture) aims to get kids outside

What’s your favourite memory of playing outside as a child? Chances are (depending on your age!) you might remember climbing trees, building dens, making mud pies, daisy chains or perfume from flowers and playing outdoors for hours at a time.

Children’s play today is very different - increased traffic, fears about safety, parents having to work longer hours and advances in technology have all led to children spending far less time outside playing than they did in previous generations.

But local group Nature Nurture Sussex aims to change all that. The group is working to encourage children and their families to get outside more. “Our aim is to get more children playing and learning outside all year round, enjoying the countryside, seeing and feeling the changes in the seasons and developing a love of nature,” says founder Suzanne Mark.

Nature Nurture Sussex was set up with some initial grant funding by West Sussex County Council and the West Sussex Social Enterprise Network. The group currently works with preschool and primary aged children in Mid Sussex and has been running sessions for the last 18 months but is now looking for a site to establish an outdoor preschool or ‘Forest Kindergarten’.

Inspired by the Scandanavian way of doing things, where young children spend the majority of their time outside, as well as the growth of outdoor nurseries and Forest Schools across the UK, Nature Nurture Sussex wants to find a site with lots of open space for children to run around in and explore, and nearby woodland for them to climb, dig, hunt for bugs, jump in puddles, make shelters, play with sticks and mud, learn about plants and wildlife and develop their skills and confidence. “As long as the children are wearing enough layers and the right clothes to stay warm and dry, they can stay active and have fun outdoors,” says Suzanne.

Though a building would be a bonus, it’s not essential. “We can put up a yurt or bell tent to provide a cosy shelter for children. The main thing is lots of outdoor space with some woodland nearby and good access,” Suzanne added.

Suzanne is now appealing to the local community to help find the perfect spot and to help get involved. If you know of a site locally or have some land that they could use, please contact Suzanne at naturenurturecfs@gmail.com or via their Facebook/Twitter pages or telephone 07792 726017.

Andrew Thurgood - Village People

Andrew Thurgood, Cuckfield Village People feature, March 2017

When seven year old Andrew Thurgood was told he was too young to start trumpet lessons as he had no front teeth, he was undeterred.

He picked up the violin instead, unwittingly making a decision that would shape his life.

Andrew turned out to be a natural violinist, excelling through the grades and eventually travelling the world as part of the prestigious London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Now teaching at local schools and at his home in Cuckfield, Andrew looks back on his career as a professional musician, his roles in television, film and on stage and how joining local classical music group Ensemble Reza provided a lifeline following a family tragedy.

Full article - by Claire Cooper - printed on page 24, Cuckfield Life magazine, March 2017 - available to pick up in shops now...