Everyone's Blog Posts - Village Connections2024-03-28T21:32:25Zhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?xn_auth=noThe Egrets Way spreads its wingstag:villageconnections.ning.com,2013-07-19:6310257:BlogPost:174922013-07-19T23:40:04.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p>Natural England has announced they will provide £117,000 from the Paths for Communities scheme to fund the construction of a new bridleway running alongside the Ouse River linking the villages of Rodmell and Southease.</p>
<p>The new route will form another link in the chain of The Egrets Way: a new network of safe routes connecting Ouse valley villages and linking Lewes to Newhaven. The first section from Lewes to Kingston is currently under construction and nearing completion.</p>
<p>The…</p>
<p>Natural England has announced they will provide £117,000 from the Paths for Communities scheme to fund the construction of a new bridleway running alongside the Ouse River linking the villages of Rodmell and Southease.</p>
<p>The new route will form another link in the chain of The Egrets Way: a new network of safe routes connecting Ouse valley villages and linking Lewes to Newhaven. The first section from Lewes to Kingston is currently under construction and nearing completion.</p>
<p>The existing footpath running along the top of a high river bank will remain in place. The new bridleway will run along the foot of the bank, parallel with the footpath and provide access for cyclists, horseriders and the less able. It will be welcomed by local people and visitors to the new Itford Youth Hostel as a valuable connection to the South Downs Way.</p>
<p>Neville Harrison, Chairman of the Ouse Valley Cycle Network Project said:</p>
<p><b>“We couldn’t be more pleased</b>; <b>this grant means work on a second section of the Egrets </b><b>Way can follow close on the completion of the first and demonstrates that our OVCN Project </b><b>is well on its way. </b><b>This community led </b><b>undertaking couldn’t be achieved without support from major partners </b><b>including the South Downs National Park, Sustrans, ESCC, the Environment Agency and, </b><b>crucially, local landowners'.</b></p>
<p>Planning permission for the Rodmell to Southease section is already in place and it is hoped that construction will begin early in the autumn as the grant stipulates completion by the endof February, 2014. There is a lot of work to be done in order to meet this deadline, £12,000 is yet to be raised but The OVCN Project Committee is confident that this will be achieved in the time available.</p>
<p>More information at <a href="http://www.ovcn.org.uk">www.ovcn.org.uk</a></p>May Festivalstag:villageconnections.ning.com,2013-04-21:6310257:BlogPost:170372013-04-21T08:20:02.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p>May Fayre and Elderflower festival posters:</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3002029505?profile=original" target="_self">A5%20flyer%2002-Side%20A-Low%20Res.jpg</a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3002029655?profile=original" target="_self">may3.pdf</a></p>
<p>May Fayre and Elderflower festival posters:</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3002029505?profile=original" target="_self">A5%20flyer%2002-Side%20A-Low%20Res.jpg</a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3002029655?profile=original" target="_self">may3.pdf</a></p>All Party Cycling Group / Get Britain Cycling Enquirytag:villageconnections.ning.com,2013-03-12:6310257:BlogPost:162092013-03-12T17:42:19.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p><span>Report from the last session of the APPG Get Britain Cycling Enquiry: </span><a href="http://allpartycycling.org/news/">http://allpartycycling.org/news/</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>APPCG Co-Chair Julian Huppert MP, said:</p>
<p></p>
<p><span>“We need firm leadership from government and a dedicated funding stream if we are to make significant progress in cycle safety and accessibility.</span><span> It is only by making significant improvements to our infrastructure, introducing clear and…</span></p>
<p><span>Report from the last session of the APPG Get Britain Cycling Enquiry: </span><a href="http://allpartycycling.org/news/">http://allpartycycling.org/news/</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>APPCG Co-Chair Julian Huppert MP, said:</p>
<p></p>
<p><span>“We need firm leadership from government and a dedicated funding stream if we are to make significant progress in cycle safety and accessibility.</span><span> It is only by making significant improvements to our infrastructure, introducing clear and enforceable regulations to protect cyclists, and investing in training programmes that we will really start to make a difference.”</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span><span>Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group, Ian Austin MP added that "</span>Everyone involved in all areas of local and national government – including transport, health, the environment – has a role to play in stepping up to this challenge".</span></p>
<p></p>
<p>Journalist and broadcaster Jon Snow, who is also President of the CTC, told the inquiry that one thing the government could do to transform cycling is “make it compulsory for cycling provision to be included in all new road schemes: ”“The politician that takes leadership on cycling and really revolutionises it will leave a legacy for generations,”</p>
<p></p>
<p>Two government ministers from the Department for Transport – Stephen Hammond and Norman Baker – agreed with the inquiry that cycling needs to be considered as a “mainstream form of transport.” Baker said that cross government meetings are happening and that this has led to “a greater understanding and commitment on cycling, including significant interest from the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister.” Stephen Hammond also agreed that it would be “sensible” for cycling to be incorporated into plans for new roads.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Both ministers talked about the responsibilities of local authorities to encourage and promote cycling. Baker said that “all too often cycling is dealt with by a cycling officer who is considered junior. This needs to change.” Hammond also spoke about the need for the Highways Agency to include provision for cycling in all transport schemes.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The Get Britain Cycling inquiry’s report, including recommendations for the government, will be published on the 24th of April.</p>Biosphere Consultationtag:villageconnections.ning.com,2013-02-23:6310257:BlogPost:157302013-02-23T12:23:49.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p>A series of consultation events throughout the proposed biosphere area: between the rivers Adur and Ouse can be found at <a href="http://biospherehere.org.uk/whats-new-in-your-biosphere/events/">http://biospherehere.org.uk/whats-new-in-your-biosphere/events/</a></p>
<p>A series of consultation events throughout the proposed biosphere area: between the rivers Adur and Ouse can be found at <a href="http://biospherehere.org.uk/whats-new-in-your-biosphere/events/">http://biospherehere.org.uk/whats-new-in-your-biosphere/events/</a></p>Petition for C7 Speed Limit Reductiontag:villageconnections.ning.com,2013-02-23:6310257:BlogPost:159272013-02-23T12:15:43.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p>A POLO backed petition asking for C7 speed limit reduction from 50mph to 40mph </p>
<p>Deadline for signing 18th March.</p>
<p><a href="http://epetition.eastsussex.public-i.tv/epetition_core/view/SlowDownOnC7">http://epetition.eastsussex.public-i.tv/epetition_core/view/SlowDownOnC7</a></p>
<p>A POLO backed petition asking for C7 speed limit reduction from 50mph to 40mph </p>
<p>Deadline for signing 18th March.</p>
<p><a href="http://epetition.eastsussex.public-i.tv/epetition_core/view/SlowDownOnC7">http://epetition.eastsussex.public-i.tv/epetition_core/view/SlowDownOnC7</a></p>Glynde & Beddingham Flower Show & Fetetag:villageconnections.ning.com,2013-02-12:6310257:BlogPost:157172013-02-12T09:55:25.000ZGlynde Flower Fetehttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/GlyndeFlowerFete
<p>Further to our quite successful and rather entertaining summer event last year, we would like to invite you all to our upcoming events:<br></br> <br></br><b>An Evening of Cheese & Wine...</b><br></br>See our photos for more information and below are the details too:<br></br><b>Date:</b> Friday, 8th March <br></br><b>Time:</b> from 7pm <b><br></br> Venue:</b> Trevor House in Glynde<br></br><b>Tickets</b>: £5 each on the door and includes a glass of wine and nibbles</p>
<div><br></br> <b>145th Glynde & Beddingham…</b></div>
<p>Further to our quite successful and rather entertaining summer event last year, we would like to invite you all to our upcoming events:<br/> <br/><b>An Evening of Cheese & Wine...</b><br/>See our photos for more information and below are the details too:<br/><b>Date:</b> Friday, 8th March <br/><b>Time:</b> from 7pm <b><br/> Venue:</b> Trevor House in Glynde<br/><b>Tickets</b>: £5 each on the door and includes a glass of wine and nibbles</p>
<div><br/> <b>145th Glynde & Beddingham Flower Show & Fete...</b><br/><b>Date:</b> Saturday, 10th August<br/><div><b>Time:</b> 13:00 - 17:30</div>
<b>Venue:</b> Recreation Ground, Glynde Street, Glynde, near Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 6RX<br/> <b>Information:</b> According to an article printed in the Sussex Express newspaper in 1868, this year marks our 145th anniversary! As usual we shall have the beautiful surroundings of the South Downs National Park as our backdrop, and we would be delighted to have you involved on this special occasion too.</div>
<p><br/>If you have any queries about the above or would like to book a stall for our fete in August, please do get in touch as soon as you can as space will run out fast!</p>
<div class="gmail_quote"><div> </div>
</div>
<p>Kind Regards,<br/><br/>Becky<br/><br/>Mrs Rebecca Louise Rowland<br/>Secretary, Glynde & Beddingham Flower Show & Fete<br/> <br/>Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Glynde-Beddingham-Flower-Show-Fete/150970994982579" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Glynde-Beddingham-Flower-Show-Fete/150970994982579</a><br/> Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GlyndeFete" target="_blank">http://www.twitter.com/GlyndeFete</a></p>Go ahead for the first section of the Egrets Way!tag:villageconnections.ning.com,2013-02-01:6310257:BlogPost:158142013-02-01T17:08:51.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<div>Great News...</div>
<div>The first section of the Egrets Way from Kingston to Lewes now has full funding... with the final £50 K agreed this week by the ESCC Economy Transport & Environment Committee... we look forward to seeing work begin this spring!</div>
<div>.</div>
<div><span>OVCN are thrilled that work on the </span><span>first section of the Egrets Way will start very soon and as a </span><span>community led organisation would like to thank everyone involved…</span></div>
<div>Great News...</div>
<div>The first section of the Egrets Way from Kingston to Lewes now has full funding... with the final £50 K agreed this week by the ESCC Economy Transport & Environment Committee... we look forward to seeing work begin this spring!</div>
<div>.</div>
<div><span>OVCN are thrilled that work on the </span><span>first section of the Egrets Way will start very soon and as a </span><span>community led organisation would like to thank everyone involved - </span><span>especially all our members throughout the valley.</span></div>
<div>.</div>
<div><span>Eastern area manager for the South Downs National Park Authority, Jeremy Burgess, said: “In terms of the first section of the Egrets Way I think this is excellent news and the culmination of a great deal of hard work by the community.<span>The SDNPA is very keen to continue to support initiatives that deliver safe and sustainable transport alternatives within the National Park.”</span></span></div>
<div><span>.</span></div>
<div><p>Neville Harrison, chairman of the Ouse Valley Cycle Network, warmly welcomed the first part of the Egrets Way: “We can celebrate the culmination of years of preparatory work by the Kingston/Cranedown group, the vision and commitment of OVCN, Norman Baker’s funding initiative, Sustrans’ belief in the project and Simon Pratt’s willingness to take risk.”</p>
<p>.</p>
<p>Sustrans Regional Director South East, Simon Pratt added "Sustrans is delighted that East Sussex County Council has agreed to support the Lewes-Kingston path. Along with £150,000 from the government's Community Linking Places Fund and £11,000 raised locally, this means that the path can be built in the next few weeks. We are sure the path will be well used and we look forward to further development of the Egrets Way."</p>
<p></p>
</div>
<div>.<br/><p>Sussex Express article: <a href="http://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/local/kingston-to-lewes-cyclepath-could-be-finished-by-april-1-4737025">http://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/local/kingston-to-lewes-cyclepath-could-be-finished-by-april-1-4737025</a></p>
</div>Southern Rail - New Cycling Policytag:villageconnections.ning.com,2012-10-20:6310257:BlogPost:153022012-10-20T22:25:52.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p>From the 22nd October regular cycles can be carried at any time... in the Green zone from Lewes to Seaford... see map and link below </p>
<p>New Cycling Policy <a href="http://www.southernrailway.com/your-journey/cycle-policy/new-cycle-policy">http://www.southernrailway.com/your-journey/cycle-policy/new-cycle-...</a></p>
<p>During peak periods, many of our services are extremely busy, therefore regular (non-folding) cycles cannot be carried on many of our services during these times. Fully…</p>
<p>From the 22nd October regular cycles can be carried at any time... in the Green zone from Lewes to Seaford... see map and link below </p>
<p>New Cycling Policy <a href="http://www.southernrailway.com/your-journey/cycle-policy/new-cycle-policy">http://www.southernrailway.com/your-journey/cycle-policy/new-cycle-...</a></p>
<p>During peak periods, many of our services are extremely busy, therefore regular (non-folding) cycles cannot be carried on many of our services during these times. Fully folding cycles are welcome on our trains at any time and we ask that these are fully folded and carried before going through the gateline.</p>
<p><em><strong>The following restrictions apply:</strong></em></p>
<p>Our peak cycle restrictions are shown on the map below. Regular (non-folding) cycles cannot be carried:</p>
<ul>
<li>On services due to arrive into London/Brighton or Kensington Olympia (the Red zones) between 07:00 and 10:00 Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays)</li>
<li>On services due to depart from London/Brighton or Kensington Olympia (the Red zones) between 16:00 – 19:00 Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays)</li>
<li><strong>Regular cycles may be carried at any time on services for journeys made wholly within the Green zone.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/94kMND1lZTFx-ROxDMxD3HdzNcI262xoIoVMtntvif1syPCR267vPBE0Q2oX7wGuePbMjRQzW55w44JOUWpagnuuUY82CaU8/Cycle_Policy_Map.pdf" target="_self">Cycle_Policy_Map.pdf</a></strong></li>
</ul>Parishes of the Lower Ouse - POLO Meeting - Progress on C7 speed limit reductionstag:villageconnections.ning.com,2012-10-17:6310257:BlogPost:149442012-10-17T22:00:00.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p>The Parishes of the Lower Ouse (POLO) meeting in Southease church was very well attended, there were reports on some very interesting things happening including... a new youth hostel, plans for a new Ouse valley cyclepath and bridlepath and an epetition to try to reduce the speed limit along the whole of the C7! Draft minutes of the POLO meeting attached. </p>
<p>Ouse valley ESCC Councillor David Rogers attended the POLO meeting communicating responses this week by the ESCC Economy,…</p>
<p>The Parishes of the Lower Ouse (POLO) meeting in Southease church was very well attended, there were reports on some very interesting things happening including... a new youth hostel, plans for a new Ouse valley cyclepath and bridlepath and an epetition to try to reduce the speed limit along the whole of the C7! Draft minutes of the POLO meeting attached. </p>
<p>Ouse valley ESCC Councillor David Rogers attended the POLO meeting communicating responses this week by the ESCC Economy, Transport & Environment Committee to recent OUse valley epetitions as follows:</p>
<p>Petition to Ban HGVs on the C7 – the feasibility will be investigated</p>
<p>Petition to reduce speed limits on the C7 Bell Lane Mini Roundabout to Swanborough Hollow. </p>
<p>- A 20mph speed limit will be considered. Southover High St/Kingston Rd as part of the discussions on a possible 20mph speed limit in Lewes Town Centre. If the proposed cycleway goes ahead , consideration will be given to (a) reducing the existing 40mph speed limit to 30mph Kingston Rd to Spring Barn Farm & (b) extending the 40mph speed limit from Spring Barn Farm to Swanborough Hollow.</p>
<p>from Minutes of meeting of ESCC Economy, Transport & Environment Committee 15 October 2012.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3002023952?profile=original" target="_self">POLO%20minutes%2015%2010%2012.pdf</a></p>Birds on Bikes website www.birdsonbikes.ning.comtag:villageconnections.ning.com,2012-10-12:6310257:BlogPost:151272012-10-12T09:58:24.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p>I've finally managed to make an interactive social website for Birds on Bikes <a href="http://www.birdsonbikes.ning.com/">www.birdsonbikes.ning.com</a>.... <br/>BOB Members can add their own photos, blogs, comments, ride suggestions and website links...</p>
<p>Will add details of Mufti and Erika's Firle ride... </p>
<p>I've finally managed to make an interactive social website for Birds on Bikes <a href="http://www.birdsonbikes.ning.com/">www.birdsonbikes.ning.com</a>.... <br/>BOB Members can add their own photos, blogs, comments, ride suggestions and website links...</p>
<p>Will add details of Mufti and Erika's Firle ride... </p>celebrate and ride the new cycle path Firle-Lewes Sat 20 Octobertag:villageconnections.ning.com,2012-10-12:6310257:BlogPost:150442012-10-12T07:59:28.000Zmufti (mary) berridgehttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/muftimaryberridge
<p><img class="align-center" height="100" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3002023961?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" style="width: 76px; height: 83px;" width="77"></img></p>
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">the new cycle path runs from Firle to Beddingham, making it now possible to cycle all the way into Lewes from Firle. To celebrate this great new facility we are having a celebratory fun ride on</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font-size-6" style="color: #888888; font-family: verdana,geneva;">Saturday 20th October…</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><img style="width: 76px; height: 83px;" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3002023961?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="77" height="100"/></p>
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">the new cycle path runs from Firle to Beddingham, making it now possible to cycle all the way into Lewes from Firle. To celebrate this great new facility we are having a celebratory fun ride on</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #888888; font-family: verdana,geneva;" class="font-size-6">Saturday 20th October</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;" class="font-size-6">at 11 am</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;" class="font-size-6"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;" class="font-size-6">meet at Firle Place gates</span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;" class="font-size-6">bring a brunch and a blanket</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="font-size-6"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">ride together to Lewes for brunch at the Linklater Community Centre, Lewes (hot drinks provided</span>)</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-6">more info? need a bike for the ride? ring Mary (07951282485)</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p> </p>News from The Fuel Co-optag:villageconnections.ning.com,2012-08-05:6310257:BlogPost:145312012-08-05T19:19:14.000ZJohnny Denishttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/Johnn
<p>Hello, Johnny here from The Fuel Co-op, the home heating oil co-op based in Glynde but reaching from Hassocks to Eastbourne). Just dropping in to give VC an update on progress.</p>
<p>We started ordering home heating oil for our Members last November and have ordered once a month since then. We are taking August off allowing us time to regroup and work out how to progress.</p>
<p>In an ideal world, our members may choose a more benign way to heat our houses and hot water but many of our…</p>
<p>Hello, Johnny here from The Fuel Co-op, the home heating oil co-op based in Glynde but reaching from Hassocks to Eastbourne). Just dropping in to give VC an update on progress.</p>
<p>We started ordering home heating oil for our Members last November and have ordered once a month since then. We are taking August off allowing us time to regroup and work out how to progress.</p>
<p>In an ideal world, our members may choose a more benign way to heat our houses and hot water but many of our members are not in a position to change fuel type due to such things as cash flow or tenure. </p>
<p>In the mean time, The Fuel Co-op is using consumer power to do some heavy negotiating with suppliers and getting real discounts on home heating oil.</p>
<p>We have 80+ Members saving an average of £40+ per fuel order (obviously, actual savings will vary according to size of order).</p>
<p>We have started supporting other buying groups to spread the Co-op benefits further afield and are keen to hear from any existing Sussex-based oil buying groups to see if there is any mutual benefit in co-operation. </p>
<p>Our next order deadline is the 13th September (for probable delivery in the following 5 days - this depends on the supplier which will offer us the best terms), so orders need to be with us by then. If you'd like to find out more pop over to the website at <a href="http://www.thefuel.coop" target="_blank">www.thefuel.coop</a> or drop me a line fuelcoop@btinternet.com</p>
<p>Best wishes, Johnny</p>Energy Bill Consultationtag:villageconnections.ning.com,2012-07-26:6310257:BlogPost:144212012-07-26T10:41:26.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p>Follow this link from 10:10 if you'd like to contribute to this government consultation to overhaul our energy system.</p>
<p><a href="http://action.1010uk.org/project/energybill?utm_campaign=Energy+Bill+LL+25-07-2012&utm_source=emailCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=">http://action.1010uk.org/project/energybill?utm_campaign=Energy+Bill+LL+25-07-2012&utm_source=emailCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=</a></p>
<p>Follow this link from 10:10 if you'd like to contribute to this government consultation to overhaul our energy system.</p>
<p><a href="http://action.1010uk.org/project/energybill?utm_campaign=Energy+Bill+LL+25-07-2012&utm_source=emailCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=">http://action.1010uk.org/project/energybill?utm_campaign=Energy+Bill+LL+25-07-2012&utm_source=emailCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=</a></p>South Downs National Park Life in Landscape Photography Competitiontag:villageconnections.ning.com,2012-07-26:6310257:BlogPost:147162012-07-26T10:30:00.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p>Our local SDNPA parishes representative Neville Harrison has kindly forwarded details of the South Downs National ParkLife in Landscape photo competition... <a href="http://www.southdowns.gov.uk/photocomp2012"><span>www.southdowns.gov.uk/photocomp2012</span></a></p>
<p>We are still posting entries on Village Connections for the Living Landscape Photo competition... All photos will be shown as part of the Nature of Art Artwave exhibition strting next month... Photos could also be sent…</p>
<p>Our local SDNPA parishes representative Neville Harrison has kindly forwarded details of the South Downs National ParkLife in Landscape photo competition... <a href="http://www.southdowns.gov.uk/photocomp2012"><span>www.southdowns.gov.uk/photocomp2012</span></a></p>
<p>We are still posting entries on Village Connections for the Living Landscape Photo competition... All photos will be shown as part of the Nature of Art Artwave exhibition strting next month... Photos could also be sent directly to villageconnectionsinfo@gmail.com</p>
<p>Thank you,</p>
<p>Susan.</p>Rio Report - Intergenerational co-operation?tag:villageconnections.ning.com,2012-07-19:6310257:BlogPost:146092012-07-19T10:58:56.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p>The following report from the Rio Earth summit kindly forwarded by Sharifin Gardiner of Rodmell who was there to witness the frustratingly slow process...</p>
<p></p>
<p><em>On the last day at the regular briefing meeting for the nine Major Groups the representative of Children and Youth, Kyle Gracy made an impassioned speech which reduced many to tears and evoked a standing ovation</em>.</p>
<p><i>The following is the closing statement by the Major Group for Children and Youth in the Rio…</i></p>
<p>The following report from the Rio Earth summit kindly forwarded by Sharifin Gardiner of Rodmell who was there to witness the frustratingly slow process...</p>
<p></p>
<p><em>On the last day at the regular briefing meeting for the nine Major Groups the representative of Children and Youth, Kyle Gracy made an impassioned speech which reduced many to tears and evoked a standing ovation</em>.</p>
<p><i>The following is the closing statement by the Major Group for Children and Youth in the Rio +20 negotiations.While leaders of nations were given many hours to give speeches about the outcomes in Rio, Youth and other members of Civil Society were not allowed even two minutes in the closing session to give their views; probably because leaders were afraid of what we had to say.</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><b><u>Major Group for Children and Youth</u></b></p>
<p align="center"><b><u>Rio +20 closing statement.</u></b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p> I want you to imagine a generation that has been dammed, imagine children deprived of a world without war, imagine a community where human beings are slaves to fellow beings, and where disease and hunger are the order of the day. That is the future we warned you of in ‘92 and that future, is today.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If these sheets of paper [the official document “The Future We Want”] are our common future, then you have sold our fate and subsidized our destruction. Where was the voice of our children and grandchildren in this? How can you listen to them in the future if you did not show the will to create the space now?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We have one planet. Our being, our thinking and our action should not be constrained by national boundaries but by planetary ones. You failed to liberate yourself from national and corporate self-interest and recognize our need to respect a greater, more transcendental set of boundaries.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We came here to celebrate our generation. We have danced, dreamed and loved on the streets of Rio and found something to believe in. You have chosen not to celebrate with us.</p>
<p>You were supposed to show leadership. It was not just your job to seek consensus. It was your responsibility to commit, show ambition and to lead. You have failed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You have worked hard to close a deal. So if any of you think this document is the ambitious, action oriented outcome you said you wanted, please stand up.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you are unable to stand up you must be unwilling to move forward, so we will move forward for you.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We know this:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We need intergenerational cooperation.</p>
<p>We need innovation and creativity.</p>
<p>We need to embrace the values of sustainability, equity, justice and respect for human rights.</p>
<p>We need to recognize that material resources are finite, but human potential is not.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And so,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We will create strong global institutions.</p>
<p>We will create new paradigms of wealth and prosperity</p>
<p>We will act as the voice for future generations, one that you so wilfully ignored.</p>
<p>We will stand united beyond borders and bridge the national interest that divided us</p>
<p>We will implement what you have not .</p>
<p>We are moving forward decisively with action. We’re not deterred.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Caburn Tearooms 2012tag:villageconnections.ning.com,2012-06-15:6310257:BlogPost:145012012-06-15T10:55:47.000ZJane Gosdenhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/JaneGosden
Caburn Tearooms has now been up and running for over two months, Wed to Sunday, 10.30 to 5pm. Despite the English weather, visitors are making full use of the gardens and their unique view of mount Caburn. There is also a comfy indoor area for those wet days too. All scones, cakes, soup and quiches are homemade and available throughout the day. There is also seasonal specials such as 'Caburn Mess' which consists of homemade meringues, cream and seasonal fruit, currently rhubarb. There is also…
Caburn Tearooms has now been up and running for over two months, Wed to Sunday, 10.30 to 5pm. Despite the English weather, visitors are making full use of the gardens and their unique view of mount Caburn. There is also a comfy indoor area for those wet days too. All scones, cakes, soup and quiches are homemade and available throughout the day. There is also seasonal specials such as 'Caburn Mess' which consists of homemade meringues, cream and seasonal fruit, currently rhubarb. There is also free range eggs, homemade pickles and jam to buy to take away as well as bespoke handbags made by local designer. There are also specialist plants available for sale. JaneBirds on Bikestag:villageconnections.ning.com,2012-05-06:6310257:BlogPost:142032012-05-06T22:36:48.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p><font face="Helvetica-LightOblique">“Currently only two per cent of women cycle regularly compared to six per cent of men yet we know that nearly one million women would like the opportunity to get out on their bikes and socialise with other women.” /<a href="http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/recreation/article/rec20110525-recreation-Women--Breeze-Launches-0" target="_blank">www.britishcycling.org.uk/recreation/article/rec20110525-recreation-Women--Breeze-Launches-0…</a></font></p>
<p><font face="Helvetica-LightOblique">“Currently only two per cent of women cycle regularly compared to six per cent of men yet we know that nearly one million women would like the opportunity to get out on their bikes and socialise with other women.” /<a href="http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/recreation/article/rec20110525-recreation-Women--Breeze-Launches-0" target="_blank">www.britishcycling.org.uk/recreation/article/rec20110525-recreation-Women--Breeze-Launches-0</a></font></p>
<div class="h5"></div>
<div class="h5"><strong>Birds on Bikes</strong> hopes to encourage more lady cyclists to dust down their bikes this spring...</div>
<div class="h5">The first ride from Lewes to Plumpton is on Sunday 13th May at 9.30am. Regular and rusty lady cyclists are invited to bring their well oiled machines along to Lewes station for a fun and fitness morning cycle ride with optional lunchtime pub stop. </div>
<div class="h5"></div>
<div class="h5">Please let us know if you'd like to join along the route or would like more information.</div>
<div class="h5">Call Carmen at 01273 470175 or email Susan at villageconnectionsinfo@gnmail.com</div>
<div>More info about bicycling ladies...</div>
<div><a href="http://www.sustrans.org.uk/resources/Bike-Belles">http://www.sustrans.org.uk/resources/Bike-Belles</a>. </div>
<div><a href="http://bikingbelleschichester.blogspot.co.uk/">http://bikingbelleschichester.blogspot.co.uk/</a></div>
<div><a href="http://sheridesbrighton.wordpress.com/">http://sheridesbrighton.wordpress.com/</a></div>Nature Daytag:villageconnections.ning.com,2012-03-27:6310257:BlogPost:139142012-03-27T09:00:18.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p>Feeling very positive after the L&OVe yesterday where we discussed how to make the most of the opportunity to engage local people in thinking about Lewes and Ouse Valley economics at The Linklater Railway Land Festival in June: how to help people to better appreciate the true value our living landscape, how to encourage an understanding of Nature Gain, nature care and nature share. In the meantime it's Nature Day in the wonderful week long Spirit of Schubert series... tune in to Radio…</p>
<p>Feeling very positive after the L&OVe yesterday where we discussed how to make the most of the opportunity to engage local people in thinking about Lewes and Ouse Valley economics at The Linklater Railway Land Festival in June: how to help people to better appreciate the true value our living landscape, how to encourage an understanding of Nature Gain, nature care and nature share. In the meantime it's Nature Day in the wonderful week long Spirit of Schubert series... tune in to Radio 3 for more nature connections...</p>Biosphere Twinning - making biosphere reserve connections...tag:villageconnections.ning.com,2012-03-21:6310257:BlogPost:138182012-03-21T22:28:15.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p></p>
<p>A good presentation at Sustainable Sussex by Rich Howorth of Brighton and Hove and Lewes Downs Biosphere project. </p>
<p>Details at <a href="http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/biosphere">www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/biosphere</a>... this is my understanding of the aims:</p>
<p> - to aquire UNESCO Biosphere reserve status for Downland and valley zones including parts of Brighton and Hove and some marine areas protecting specific areas of chalk grassland species and marine ecology by…</p>
<p></p>
<p>A good presentation at Sustainable Sussex by Rich Howorth of Brighton and Hove and Lewes Downs Biosphere project. </p>
<p>Details at <a href="http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/biosphere">www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/biosphere</a>... this is my understanding of the aims:</p>
<p> - to aquire UNESCO Biosphere reserve status for Downland and valley zones including parts of Brighton and Hove and some marine areas protecting specific areas of chalk grassland species and marine ecology by 2014.- to connect people and nature and encourage cultural resonance.</p>
<p>- to engage community understanding and responsiblity for ecosystem services... the valuable stuff that nature provides for free: like water from downland chalk aquifers! </p>
<p>- to promote environmentally sensitive economic development including eco tourism.</p>
<p>- to escape from what Rich described as the nature conservation ghettto by involving local communites - the mainly Brighton based group are looking for ways of making local connections. </p>
<p>An intelligent Sustainable Sussex conversation included:</p>
<p>A discussion about how people might better identify with Biosphere reserve aims through real world, tangible objective, existing connections, working from what is already known: the water shortage being of great current relevance! Also the potential power of art to encourage curiosity and understanding about the Biosphere idea.</p>
<p>Thoughts about the relevance of protected areas in general... borders, edges, labelling, sects, in/outside, open/closed, a sense of place, connection, holism...</p>
<p>I suggested the idea of Biosphere Twinning... developing Biosphere reserve connections as an interesting way of sharing experience and knowledge and making real human connections, breaking down the barriers which special status imposes... this could work well on line but also in the real world, inviting speakers to help us to understand how it works for their biosphere reserve already... hoping to make some village connections with people from a biosphere village soon!</p>
<p></p>Walking from Raystedetag:villageconnections.ning.com,2012-03-19:6310257:BlogPost:140132012-03-19T10:12:16.000ZAnn McCawleyhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/AnnMcCawley
<p> </p>
<p>Hello - I'm the new Operational Manager at Raystede Animal Welfare Centre and have been very interested to learn about the local area by reading the Village Connections website. Raystede, as a charity, is wholly dependent on funds that are generously given - and many come from local residents, so many of you reading this have probably helped us in some way in the past.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have an idea that I hope will work locally - I want to try and get members of the community who…</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hello - I'm the new Operational Manager at Raystede Animal Welfare Centre and have been very interested to learn about the local area by reading the Village Connections website. Raystede, as a charity, is wholly dependent on funds that are generously given - and many come from local residents, so many of you reading this have probably helped us in some way in the past.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have an idea that I hope will work locally - I want to try and get members of the community who might be interested in walking some of the dogs in our care (while we seek adoption for them) to come and join a group walk - one maybe during the week in the evening and one at the weekend.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I just wondered if you know anyone who might be prepared to lead us so that we don't get lost! We would need to set off from the Raystede site, so I don't have to transport all the dogs. I then just need to find community volunteers who might be prepared to take a lead for one of the dogs on these walks.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I was thinking maybe an hour or two of a walk rather than anything more challening.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thanks to anyone who feels this might be a good initiative to support.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ann McCawley</p>A new leaf..tag:villageconnections.ning.com,2012-03-15:6310257:BlogPost:139112012-03-15T21:37:53.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p>A leafier Lewes with more friuit to enjoy.<br></br><br></br>Mark Ridgewell of Octoberfeast has asked me to pass on details of this Friends of Lewes and Octoberfeast project hoping to raise South Downs National Park funding for the creation of an urban arboretum:<br></br>To map the town’s apple and other fruit trees, to discover where the ancient Sussex species exist, which have disappeared and which could be reintroduced<br></br>To discover where apple and other fruit go to waste so that, with the…</p>
<p>A leafier Lewes with more friuit to enjoy.<br/><br/>Mark Ridgewell of Octoberfeast has asked me to pass on details of this Friends of Lewes and Octoberfeast project hoping to raise South Downs National Park funding for the creation of an urban arboretum:<br/>To map the town’s apple and other fruit trees, to discover where the ancient Sussex species exist, which have disappeared and which could be reintroduced<br/>To discover where apple and other fruit go to waste so that, with the permission of owners, rather than rot, this fruit will be harvested by individual volunteers, schools, community and youth groups and the fruit or juice, distributed around the town.<br/><br/>This urban arboretum project aims to generate a sustainable and growing resource for leisure, education and tourism. As many as another 120 species will almost double the diversity of our town’s tree-scape and provide increased natural beauty and shade, cleaner air and reduced pollution. To increase our town’s appeal to tourists and National Park visitors, the intention will be to provide maps for those wanting to find the trees, understand where the trees come from and when they first arrived.<br/><br/>Support can be offered and suggestions for new tree plantings can be made at<br/><a href="http://www.friends-of-lewes.org.uk/tree-surveys">www.friends-of-lewes.org.uk/tree-surveys</a><br/><br/>Hoping that this project will be asuccessful as Incredible Edible of Todmorden...<br/><a href="http://www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk/">http://www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk/</a><br/><br/><br/>Celebration of unwanted things....<br/><br/>“Spring into Reuse!” A new Freegle campaign is celebrating reusing... by getting the whole nation to do a mass spring clean! A great way of finding stuff you really need from local people who are looking for new homes for stuff that they no longer have a use for...<br/><a href="http://www.ilovefreegle.org/">www.ilovefreegle.org</a></p>Communities Living Sustainablytag:villageconnections.ning.com,2012-03-11:6310257:BlogPost:135202012-03-11T21:48:35.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p>I was recently invited on behalf of OVCN to contribute ideas for an Action In Rural Sussex/Lewes District Council/Community 21/Newhaven Community Development Association bid for a "Communities Living Sustainably" Lottery fund application. I was impressed at the range of very good ideas from all the organisations represented at this meeting. The following resume of the proposed positive benefits from the promotion of the Ouse Valley Cycle Network for local sustainable communites was…</p>
<p>I was recently invited on behalf of OVCN to contribute ideas for an Action In Rural Sussex/Lewes District Council/Community 21/Newhaven Community Development Association bid for a "Communities Living Sustainably" Lottery fund application. I was impressed at the range of very good ideas from all the organisations represented at this meeting. The following resume of the proposed positive benefits from the promotion of the Ouse Valley Cycle Network for local sustainable communites was submitted:</p>
<p></p>
<p>The vision of the Ouse Valley Cycle Network is for safe shared sustainable village connections from County Town to Channel Port. The SDNPA have supported OVCN efforts to develop sustainable access, through a European gateway, to the South Downs National Park.</p>
<p>Promoting sustainable tourism through sustainable transport offers positive economic, social and environmental opportunities.Taking a pragmatic approach. Making the most of existing resources. Working with the Environment Agency as they repair flood defences. Developing, alongside Sustrans, integrated local sustainable transport solutions for Lewes, Newhaven and Ouse valley regeneration. Making the Ouse valley a beacon of sustainable development.</p>
<p>This big picture also has a very human face... Making sustainable living fun... making the most of valuable human energy... OVCN has committed representatives from all Ouse valley communities where good consultation has proved that our project has great popular appeal: Working together towards this shared goal is already creating better connected sustainable Ouse valley communities.</p>
<p>Encouraging green living: Cycling is more fun than recycling... OVCN will encourage the ingenuity of local communities towards making smart sustainable transport choices... By promoting the economic and environmental benefits of cycling we will also be encouraging broader environmental awareness.</p>
<p></p>
<p>No follow up so far... Hoping that now the first stage of the Ouse Valley Cycle Network from Lewes to Kingston has the go ahead from the Transport Ministry we’ll be invited to get involved if this bid is successful...</p>
<p><span><a href="http://www.rural">www.rural</a></span><b>sussex</b>.org.uk, www.<b>ncda</b>.org.uk, www.<b>lewes</b>.gov.uk, <span><a href="http://www.community21.org">www.community21.org</a></span> </p>South Downs National Park - Nature Improvement Area.tag:villageconnections.ning.com,2012-03-11:6310257:BlogPost:138092012-03-11T21:33:19.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p></p>
<p>The South Downs Way Ahead project, led by the South Downs National Park Authority on behalf of 27-strong partnership, will trail blaze the Government’s new Nature Improvement Area scheme to protect habitats and the economic and social benefits they bring.</p>
<p>The Nature Improvement Areas grant scheme, supported by Defra, DCLG, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission and Natural England will operate over three years from 2012 to 2015. Its aim is to create more, bigger and better…</p>
<p></p>
<p>The South Downs Way Ahead project, led by the South Downs National Park Authority on behalf of 27-strong partnership, will trail blaze the Government’s new Nature Improvement Area scheme to protect habitats and the economic and social benefits they bring.</p>
<p>The Nature Improvement Areas grant scheme, supported by Defra, DCLG, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission and Natural England will operate over three years from 2012 to 2015. Its aim is to create more, bigger and better joined up nature and natural environment sites creating sustainable, resilient and more effective ecological networks for England.</p>
<p>Margaret Paren, Chair of the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “South Downs chalk downland is vital to the survival of rare and endangered wildlife and is relied on by millions of people to provide clean drinking water and valuable green space. We are working in partnership with 26 organisations across the National Park to safeguard this precious landscape and encourage people to help secure these benefits for now and future generations”.</p>
<p>Following a year of development co-ordianted by Colin Tingle Lewes and Ouse Valley ECO nomics L&OVe are in the process of presenting their distinctive approach and becoming a constituted group as partners in the in the South Downs Way Ahead Nature Improvement Area.</p>
<p><span><a href="http://southdownsforum.ning.com/profiles/blogs/not-just-a-pretty-view">http://southdownsforum.ning.com/profiles/blogs/not-just-a-pretty-view</a></span></p>Evidence based discussion and the information vacuum... a year after Fukushimatag:villageconnections.ning.com,2012-03-11:6310257:BlogPost:140042012-03-11T21:31:11.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p>Dismayed and confused by a rather unedifying debate about the benefits/dangers of nuclear power in the final five minutes of the Radio 4 Today programmme seemingly devoted to sound bite discussion of huge world scale issues... I found a little more detail in the following Guardian article ... </p>
<p>Fukushima residents plagued by health fears of nuclear threat in their midst - A year after the power plant's triple meltdown, conflicting official information leaves families confused and…</p>
<p>Dismayed and confused by a rather unedifying debate about the benefits/dangers of nuclear power in the final five minutes of the Radio 4 Today programmme seemingly devoted to sound bite discussion of huge world scale issues... I found a little more detail in the following Guardian article ... </p>
<p>Fukushima residents plagued by health fears of nuclear threat in their midst - A year after the power plant's triple meltdown, conflicting official information leaves families confused and fearful for their future</p>
<p> "A year on, we are really not seeing basic health services being offered in an accessible way and we are not seeing accurate, consistent, non-contradictory information being disclosed to people on a regular basis," Jane Cohen, a researcher for Human Rights Watch, told Reuters. "People have to at least be equipped with accurate information so that they are evaluating their situation based on real facts." Tadateru Konoe, president of the Japanese Red Cross, said parents from Fukushima were living in an "information vacuum".</p>
<p>"We have stopped eating rice grown by my husband's parents, and I never buy locally grown vegetables," Abe, 46, said. "I started buying imported meat, and we drink only bottled water. I try not to hang out laundry on windy days ... I'd like to be able to air our futons, but I can't."... Her anxiety is compounded by conflicting messages from experts about the risk of exposure to low-level radiation. Her concerns centre on her daughter, who has a tiny lump on her thyroid gland. Doctors have assured her it is benign. "Even though they say there's nothing to worry about I'd like her to have more frequent tests," Abe said. "Our children have all been wearing glass badges [to measure radiation absorption], but only a few of them have been screened," said Mitsue Shiga, a teacher at a kindergarten in Fukushima city's Watari suburb. "We don't allow the children to play outside at all."</p>
<p>For a more comprehensive assessment of the accident's impact on health, Fukushima residents will have to wait for the UN scientific committee on the effects of atomic radiation to publish its findings in May 2013.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/mar/09/fukushima-residents-plagued-health-fears">http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/mar/09/fukushima-residents-plagued-health-fears</a></p>Linking Places Funding agreed to connect Lewes to Kingston.tag:villageconnections.ning.com,2012-03-10:6310257:BlogPost:139022012-03-10T18:00:00.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p><strong>Ouse Valley Cycle Network</strong></p>
<p>During the last year a group of very committed people from a diverse range of local organisations and with representation from local towns and Ouse valley parishes have worked with the support of the South Downs National Park Authority to raise the profile of the real need for a network of safe, shared sustainable village connections for cyclists and walkers in the Ouse valley.<br></br> <br></br> We have formed a constituted group, consulted widely…</p>
<p><strong>Ouse Valley Cycle Network</strong></p>
<p>During the last year a group of very committed people from a diverse range of local organisations and with representation from local towns and Ouse valley parishes have worked with the support of the South Downs National Park Authority to raise the profile of the real need for a network of safe, shared sustainable village connections for cyclists and walkers in the Ouse valley.<br/> <br/> We have formed a constituted group, consulted widely within the community and with local businesses and landowners, had meetings with transport architects and engineers, the Environment Agency, East Sussex County Council and our MP and transport minister...<br/> <br/> We spent months working with our new members from Kingston Road developing an application for an ESCC and SDNPA proposal applying for Local sustainable Transport Funding but had recently been disappointed by not being included, our project being a little too long term.<br/> <br/> However our decision to invest all of our SDNPA Sustainable Communities start up Funding in a Sustrans feasibility study has luckily played a key role in the recent Sustrans decision to propose our 2 mile cycle path connecting Kingston with Lewes as part of their £8 million tranch of the coalition government's "Linking Places" project... part of a £30 million package of developments to connect communities, reduce carbon emissions, get people active and make cycling safer and more convenient.<br/> <br/> We are all celebrating getting the go ahead for this first stage of our new valley network and feel really invigorated to carry on working towards our aim of creating safe, shared, sustainable village connections from channel port to county town as an international gateway to the South Downs National Park.<br/> <br/> OVCN and Environment Agency maps will be displayed as part of the Mapping the Future open morning in Newhaven next Saturday 17th March. A public talk about the OVCN project and comparisons with the Shipwrights Way in West Sussex is being planned for the Linklater in May. Please check the OVCN website for details. We welcome new members. <a href="http://www.ovcn.org.uk/">www.ovcn.org.uk</a></p>A Warmer Wintertag:villageconnections.ning.com,2012-02-09:6310257:BlogPost:133152012-02-09T22:40:55.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial"><br></br></font></div>
<div><strong><font face="Arial">Free Insulation</font></strong></div>
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Good News from Matthew Bird Sustainability Officer for Lewes District Council</span></div>
<div><font face="Arial">Apparently for a limited time there is FREE insulation available in Lewes District to all residents regardless of income but subject to a technical survey and size limits on loft…</font></div>
<div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial"><br/></font></div>
<div><strong><font face="Arial">Free Insulation</font></strong></div>
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Good News from Matthew Bird Sustainability Officer for Lewes District Council</span></div>
<div><font face="Arial">Apparently for a limited time there is FREE insulation available in Lewes District to all residents regardless of income but subject to a technical survey and size limits on loft and cavity wall.</font></div>
<div>100% grants are being administered by Climate Energy. Call <span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">0800 107 1130.</span></div>
<div><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><br/></span></div>
<div><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Fuel Co op</span></strong></div>
<div><a href="http://www.thefuel.coop">www.thefuel.coop</a></div>
<div>Gathering orders for heating oil - for Thursday 16th February and Thursday 15th March </div>
<div><strong>Eco build</strong></div>
<div><a href="http://www.ecobuild.co.uk">www.ecobuild.co.uk</a></div>
<div><em>Ecobuild</em> is the world's biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment. 20th- 22 March Excel London.</div>South Downs National Park Forum - Sustainable Transport Survey.tag:villageconnections.ning.com,2011-11-26:6310257:BlogPost:113042011-11-26T15:59:52.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p> </p>
<p>I have just posted the following reply to Allison Thorpe of SDNPA who has asked for comments about sustainable transport and invited forum members to contribute to an on line survey @ <a href="http://southdownsforum.ning.com/forum/topics/survey-on-sustainable-">http://southdownsforum.ning.com/forum/topics/survey-on-sustainable-</a>.... There is a question about sustainable access to the South Downs National Park... Please join the forum and contribute if you can since this is very…</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have just posted the following reply to Allison Thorpe of SDNPA who has asked for comments about sustainable transport and invited forum members to contribute to an on line survey @ <a href="http://southdownsforum.ning.com/forum/topics/survey-on-sustainable-">http://southdownsforum.ning.com/forum/topics/survey-on-sustainable-</a>.... There is a question about sustainable access to the South Downs National Park... Please join the forum and contribute if you can since this is very relevant to our proposal...</p>
<p>Thank you for your invitation to contribute to the forum survey. I’m a founder member of The Ouse Valley Cycle Network which developed from a Village Connections initiative earlier this year and has been praised as a good example of localism in action! Our keen volunteers are drawn from a diverse range of local organisations who have all identified an urgent need for sustainable shared cycle route/connections through this beautiful valley which is traversed by the South Downs Way.<br/> Our vision is to develop safe, sustainable, shared village connections from the channel port of Newhaven to the County Town of Lewes. Promoting economic regeneration through development of a sustainable international gateway to the South Downs National Park, drawing attention to the local benefits of green tourism in line with SDNPA and Newhaven port masterplan objectives. OVCN hope to be included in the SDNPA/ESCC/LSTF bid - Sustainable Access to the South Downs National Park as well as any others which cover our area... just in case! <br/>
Thanks to the kind help of our regional SDNPA manager we are now a constituted organisation with Sustainable Communities start up funding. We have commissioned a Sustrans technical feasibility study for a riverside route and have good support from local landowners. Our plan is deliberately pragmatic, making the most of existing trails whilst developing a long term link in phased stages. The Environment Agency are happy for us to work with them as they improve Ouse valley flood defences. Newhaven and Lewes links are both deliverable at an early stage.<br/>
Community consultation has underpinned our efforts throughout and the SDNPA Community Strategy Dept have helped us to draw on the ingenuity of the local community to gather ideas for a very creative presentation which will accompany the detailed Sustrans study as part of our project proposal. Ouse valley forum members are welcome to contribute to our World cafe workshop at the Hillcrest centre in Newhaven next week. <br/>
As you know, Local Sustainable Transport Funding requires innovative projects which can be delivered within three years. Good communication between local authorities and community led organisations will be crucial as we consolidate our work to deliver to the team preparing LSTF bids at SDNPA and ESCC. Well done for including the forum in this process - It would also be great if the OVCN Steering group could meet the team preparing the bid - we are very keen to help! <br/>
Co-ordination at this stage will also encourage the efforts of our group in future... Although we have a big vision, we do understand that only a small part of this can be achieved through LSTF, there must be great need for sustainable transport throughout the South Downs National Park. We hope that our pragmatic approach will be recognised by the planning authorities. We will propose some deliverable small scale, low tech projects. Improved shared cycle track signposting/gates from Newhaven and Lewes stations would be a good start... and would also signpost OVCN/SDNPA/ESCC future intentions - the most basic need if we really wish to promote sustainable transport choices in the Ouse valley. <br/>
Working together for the common good could also be facilitated generally through a new infrastructure network delivering key skills and professional advice for new community organisations. The SDNPA forum could get this started by setting up a community project zone - an information exchange for those newly active in the Big Society in the South Downs National Park? There may well be many people willing to get involved in a collaboration of this kind which could help us to share knowledge.... I hope to develop this idea further elsewhere in response to requests for how we might make the most of this now well established forum in future. Looking forward to hearing what others think about this...<br/>
Susan Thompson.<br/>
<a href="http://www.ovcn.org.uk">www.ovcn.org.uk</a><br/>
<a href="http://www.villageconnections.ning.com">www.villageconnections.ning.com</a></p>
<p> </p>Restoring the River Ouse to boost fish levels and biodiversitytag:villageconnections.ning.com,2011-11-18:6310257:BlogPost:108022011-11-18T13:20:09.000ZL Borlandhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/LBorland
<div class="xg_headline xg_headline-img xg_headline-2l"><div class="tb"><div>The Environment Agency have just issued a newsletter on their MORPH project, which looks to improve local waters by removing barriers to the flow of fish and sediment in the Rivers Ouse and Uck. Benefits should include a reduced risk or frequency of flooding downstream. 13 sites for action in 2012 are already identified, including Barcombe Mills and Plumpton Mill Stream. …</div>
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<div class="xg_headline xg_headline-img xg_headline-2l"><div class="tb"><div>The Environment Agency have just issued a newsletter on their MORPH project, which looks to improve local waters by removing barriers to the flow of fish and sediment in the Rivers Ouse and Uck. Benefits should include a reduced risk or frequency of flooding downstream. 13 sites for action in 2012 are already identified, including Barcombe Mills and Plumpton Mill Stream. </div>
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<p>The EA has a drop-in session on 13 December at Clair Hall in Haywards Heath. Further details from morph@environment-agency.gov.uk</p>
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<p> </p>Moving Planet - Planning for local sustainable transport solutionstag:villageconnections.ning.com,2011-09-28:6310257:BlogPost:96092011-09-28T21:30:00.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
<p> </p>
<p>The Ouse Valley Cycle Network Moving Planet walk was promoted through Viva Lewes, Village Connections, Cycle Seahaven, Transition Lewes and at the Newhaven Mayor's quiz night! As you can see from the happy waving walkers... we moved our tiny bit of the planet and our walk was well supported on a fine September day!</p>
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<p>Around twenty people, several dogs and a heron joined the walk, enjoying the beautiful riverside scenery with wonderful panoramic views of surrounding…</p>
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<p>The Ouse Valley Cycle Network Moving Planet walk was promoted through Viva Lewes, Village Connections, Cycle Seahaven, Transition Lewes and at the Newhaven Mayor's quiz night! As you can see from the happy waving walkers... we moved our tiny bit of the planet and our walk was well supported on a fine September day!</p>
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<p>Around twenty people, several dogs and a heron joined the walk, enjoying the beautiful riverside scenery with wonderful panoramic views of surrounding Downland including Mount Caburn, Firle, Kingston and Swanborough Hills. We were well sustained throughout the approx nine mile walk by great enroute foraging... tasting many different varieties of apples and blackberries - and by our picnic at Southease!</p>
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<p>We discussed possibilities for the Ouse valley trail as part of the bigger picture of South Downs National Park sustainable tourism, Lewes, Newhaven and Ouse valley development. We took photos and made detailed notes about the condition of the exisitng path, distributing information about the OVCN to passing cyclists and walkers, and at the Southease Chilli fair and Lewes Pickled events... We also talked about how to develop village connections and wider links with the Ouse valley network and international trails.</p>
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<p>Apart from working out a solution for the frustrating but very pretty diversion at Piddinghoe, we felt that very few physical changes would be required to sensitively transform the riverside route into a much needed shared walking and cycle trail. Most of the work will be in making a strong enough case to change hearts and minds!</p>
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<p>I discovered a missed email today from Norman Baker's office! Norman had offered last week to meet the Moving Planet group as we finished our walk at the railway station! Not the sort of email you want to miss! I'm glad that our efforts were recognised and have replied with thanks for the intention but also encouraging our local MP and Transport minister to continue to promote further local sustainable transport funding and capital spending when planning for more sustainable economic regeneration.</p>
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<p> </p>Ouse Valley Cycle Network - Background Informationtag:villageconnections.ning.com,2011-08-24:6310257:BlogPost:76072011-08-24T00:32:57.000ZSusan Thompsonhttp://villageconnections.ning.com/profile/0v146k5gxytxr
OUSE VALLEY CYCLE NETWORK<br></br>
BACKGROUND INFORMATION<br></br>
<br></br>
Phase One<br></br>
<br></br>
The villages of the west side of the Ouse Valley, namely Kingston, Swanborough, Iford, Northease, Rodmell, Southease and Piddinghoe between them embrace at least three schools, two pubs ,four village halls, five historic churches, the South Downs Way National Trail, several farms, many small businesses and a railway station at Southease. The C7 road runs between Lewes and Newhaven and links the villages.…
OUSE VALLEY CYCLE NETWORK<br/>
BACKGROUND INFORMATION<br/>
<br/>
Phase One<br/>
<br/>
The villages of the west side of the Ouse Valley, namely Kingston, Swanborough, Iford, Northease, Rodmell, Southease and Piddinghoe between them embrace at least three schools, two pubs ,four village halls, five historic churches, the South Downs Way National Trail, several farms, many small businesses and a railway station at Southease. The C7 road runs between Lewes and Newhaven and links the villages. Despite its ‘C’ designation and a 7.5 ton weight restriction it is a busy and dangerous route especially for cyclists and walkers. For most residents, although the distance from Newhaven to Lewes is only 7 miles, there is little practical alternative to using the car for journeys between the villages. Some years ago (2001) the Ouse Valley Parishes formed a loose association called POLO (Parishes of the Lower Ouse) in an attempt to establish a cycle path, ‘The Ouse Valley Green Way’ along the C7. A feasibility study was commissioned and though there were some useful achievements the lack of an obvious route, the number of road crossings, the need for wider community engagement, the difficulty of reconciling the wishes of cyclists, horse riders and walkers, and the lack of funding halted further progress.<br/>
<br/>
Phase Two<br/>
<br/>
The need and wish for a safe cycle route remains and recently a new initiative, taking encouragement from the coalition government's 'Big Society’ and the announcement by Norman Baker of the government’s newSustainable Transport Fund, came from the environmental group 'Village Connections' lead by SusanThompson.<br/>
A number of informal meetings of interested people were held earlier in the year (February in Kingston and in March a Cycle Breakfast at Spring Barn Farm) leading to an open launch meeting facilitated by the South Downs National Park at the Linklater Pavilion in Lewes on April 12th attended by some 40 people. Many<br/>
ideas and view were put forward at the meeting and with the help of ‘post-it’ stickers the results were analysed by Chris Paterson (SDNPs Community Engagement Officer.<br/>
<br/>
Summary of key areas from the ‘post it’ note exercise<br/>
1. User Survey/consultation<br/>
- Surveys carried out to identify users and their needs<br/>
- A range of consultation methods are required to meet the needs of different users/interests<br/>
- Must review what consultation has already been carried out, Parish Plans, Friends of work etc<br/>
- Look at other stakeholders consultation work<br/>
- Use existing consultation to form our own consultation<br/>
- A range of mediums (face book etc) to engage with all agencies<br/>
2. Routes<br/>
- Potential network of routes<br/>
- Use of existing RoWs<br/>
- New paths created to link existing routes<br/>
- Need to look at Landownership across the network<br/>
- Links to other routes outside this area<br/>
- Legislation to transfer ROW to cycle routes<br/>
- Conflict of use between utility and recreation<br/>
3. Path surfaces and maintenance<br/>
- Need to identify the best possible surface (Tarmac/Woodchip)<br/>
- Creating new surfaces<br/>
- Repairing existing ROW to meet the needs of this new route<br/>
- Maintenance of current paths is an issue that needs to be considered<br/>
- Look at who is responsible for maintenance of a new route (funding shortages in Local Authorities)<br/>
4. Partners list<br/>
- Review of who the key partners/stakeholders are in the project<br/>
- Get representation from the relevant organisations on a steering group<br/>
- Look at best practice from other partners nationally/internationally<br/>
- Identify and coordinate existing voluntary groups trying to achieve similar in the local area, co opt them onto this group?<br/>
- Landowners must be a key stakeholder as well as identified users, new users, existing communities, schools, businesses etc.<br/>
5. Commercial opportunities<br/>
- Cycle Storage Possibilities<br/>
- Cycle Racks and capability to take cycles on public transport<br/>
- Cycle Hire opportunities on the route<br/>
- Farm Diversification opportunities should be looked at as a way to encourage landowners<br/>
- Sponsorship/charging opportunities for new route<br/>
6. Funding<br/>
- Joint national park bid should consider including this project or aspects of it<br/>
- Opportunities for future planning negotiations (section 106) to provide for this project<br/>
- Look at existing planning contribution funding and if this can be used<br/>
- Need one group to focus just on applying for funding (coordinate with others applying for similar funding)<br/>
7. Organisation<br/>
- A Steering group and subgroup structure needs to be formed to manage the workload and allow people to focus on their<br/>
interest<br/>
- Need to establish a time table so we can see how the project will develop<br/>
- It is important that the key agencies have representation on a steering group so they can resolve problems allocate resources<br/>
etc.<br/>
- Important that a steering group coordinate the work of subgroups<br/>
- Establish a formal group/organisation that can apply for funding etc<br/>
8. Road safety issues<br/>
- C7 and A26 access and use issues still need to be considered even with a new cycle route<br/>
- Improved signage on the existing road networks<br/>
- Relevant agencies should be promoting safe cycling on the road network alongside this project<br/>
- Promote cycle route on the main roads to encourage cyclists off the road<br/>
<br/>
Meetings to form a Steering Group<br/>
Those interested in actively participating in a Steering group were invited to a meeting at the Linklater Pavilion on 7th July. As the invitations did not reach all the intended circulation list another meeting on 25th July gave a further opportunity for people to join the group.<br/>
The Steering Group meets on Friday 6th August at the Abergavenny Arms, Rodmell to decide how best to formalise the group, agree the projects aims and strategy.<br/>
The SDNP is willing to continue a supportive role through the Area Ranger Service based at Stanmer Park, Jeremy Burgess (Area Manager) and Ranger for Lewes and Ouse Valley, Jan Knowlson.<br/>
<br/>
Neville Harrison 3/08/11<br/>