FVRA Committee Minutes March 2025

Findon Valley Residents' Association

Protecting the interests of our community and the countryside around us

www.fvra.org.uk

Tuesday 11th March: Findon Valley Free Church

Chair's Welcome

In attendance

Lorraine Taylor (LT) Neil Worsfold (NW) Denise Edwards (DE) Terry Field (TF) Paula Barnes (PB) Clive Sanders (CS)

Guests

Angela Atkinson (AA) Paul Stanley {PS) Ruth Rhodes (RR) Steve Rhodes (SR)

Apologies

Matthew Ward (MW) Sean Philip (SP) Chloe Paddock (CP)

Minutes of last meeting and Matters Arising

·       No matters arising.

Webmaster Report (SP)

In the last 30 days:

·       334 unique visitors to website, up 71% on previous 30 days

·       407 site sessions

·       46 visitors to new AGM page

·       10 people viewed our Constitution

·       1,913 Facebook users have seen our Ads about AGM which has cost £18

·       Blog post views are up 93% month on month

Treasurer’s Report (CS)

·       February income £551.17

·       Expenditure £579.32

·       Gross Total £14,569.17

·       CS collected £100 donation from Merriman Grange

Membership Report (NW)

·       Current membership as at end of January 340

·       41 renewals

·       1 new

A discussion took place on how to boost membership as only around 19% of households are members. It was decided that over the next year, FVRA committee to consider a change in the Constitution which will mean that all households are automatically members of FVRA where donations would replace membership fees. Donations can be Gift Aided. Raise this idea at AGM. What could be the benefits of being a member of FVRA?

ACTION BOX 1

1.    At AGM/History Group / Markets have clipboards with membership applications for people to complete (Committee)

2.    Consider a change in Constitution to allow all residents to become automatic members in 2026 to be raised at AGM. (LT)

3.    Welcome pack for new residents to be given to local estate agents. (DE/LT)

School Liaison (PB)

·       PB joined school gardening group this week. Photos shared on Facebook.

·       Waiting for a date for wildflower seed sowing on The Gallops from  Emily Ford and Claire Collins

·       Waiting for confirmation of date for School Summer Fair

FVRA Working Party (MW)

·       Another session took place on the sycamore patch, thinning and cutting back regrowth.

·       Children from The Vale attended the last work party at the library, litter picking and weeding.

·       Saturday 15th March, saplings donated by Woodlands Trust will be planted in the hedgerow north of the community orchard from 10am. Scouts from the Durrington pack will be joining the work party, tbc.

·       Claire Collins from The Vale is taking the lead on The Quiet Garden development. We are hoping to plant 3 fruit trees before Easter.

History Group (TF)

·       The talk by Paul Holden, editor of The Worthing Journal on WW2 was well attended, 80+ people.

·       LT and TF attended the Merriman Grange Care Home Open Day, presenting a display of historical photos and documents of the Valley.

·       Future events include a talk by volunteers from Salvington Windmill, and a visit to the ancient Fig Tree in Tarring, led by Chris Green, Tarring expert.

·       After feedback, it was agreed to resource a roving microphone for Q&A session so that the audience can hear.

ACTION BOX 2

1.Provide a roving microphone for Q&A sessions at History Group (TF)

Chairs Report (LT)

·       Markets

February market went ahead in spite of doubtful forecast.

There are 2 date changes as some months have 5 Sundays in the month. In order to keep the market to the last Sunday in the month, markets will now be 30th March, not 23rd and 30th November, not 23rd.

No market planned in August LT to approach surgery to hold a joint wellbeing event instead. Dr. Mannings is working on this.

Sharon has sourced gazebos from a Fruit and Veg stall holder, market traders can use these at an extra fee.

PB to source a Mother’s Day activity for March market.

·       Planters in Kings Parade

Have been moved to the area in front of store/toilets. More sleepers will be added to raise the flower bed to make it safer.

·       Merriman Grange Visit

Jan Marples, the manager of Merriman Grange has offered an opportunity for FVRA to visit as it is not fully occupied yet. Jan feels that residents would be keen to take part in events in the future.

LT collaborated with Jan on naming a café in the care home after Mr. George Dickson, a renowned surgeon who lived in one of the large houses on the care home site. Mrs. Dickson unveiled a plaque in his memory on the open day.

Jan expressed how impressed she was with FVRA and wants to support our work.

ACTION BOX 3

1.    Collaborate with Merriman Grange to set a date for a FVRA committee visit. (LT)

·       The Revels at Findon Village Saturday 14th June

The Chair, Laura Philip, of St. John the Baptiste School PTA has contacted us to see if FVRA would like a free pitch at the Summer Revels event as many children from the valley attend the village school.

·       10K /5K Race Sunday 5th October

LT said that Julia from Foxy Ladies has set a course and SP has looked at it. It will be off road this year, possibly starting from Storrington Rise car park, which will reduce need for road closures. SP has contacts that might also be able to help with the event

AGM Saturday 22nd March 1.30pm FVFC

·       Councillors Elizabeth Sparkes, Nigel Morgan and Daniel Humphreys have confirmed that they will attend and take questions. Tom Rutland MP has also confirmed but will only stay a short time which might affect the running order.

·       CS, MW and LT met with the council. Angela Crane, Neighbourhood Lead (AWC) is on annual leave for AGM, so Helen Blakeborough and Jennifer Curtis, her colleagues will attend to present information about Cissbury Fields project, funding and partnership between Council, South Downs National Park and FVRA. FVRA’s role will be to communicate with residents about the role of cattle, fencing and project in promoting the biodiversity of the area. The funding for this project is coming directly from DEFRA, so will be unaffected by Devolution.

·       LT has sent an invitation to vicar of St. Michaels RC to attend.

·       LT to ask Richard from FVFC to record AGM

ACTION BOX 4

1.    Produce a running order/ list of jobs for the day. (LT/DE)

2.    Ask Richard to record AGM (LT)

On The Day

·       Committee members to arrive at 12.30pm to help set up. Doors open to the public at 1.30pm. Refreshments to be served.

AOB

·       VE Day 80th Anniversary Monday 5th May  2pm-4pm All Saints Church

All Saints Church and FVRA will be linking up to hold a tea party at All Saints Church in the afternoon. We have offered to provide tablecloths, serviettes etc and help on the day.

·       FVRA 90th Anniversary 2026

LT suggested the planting of a substantial tree by the substation and invite Jennifer Goddard, a long-standing resident, to be Guest of Honour. Her parents bought their house off plan and Jennifer still lives there. Date to be confirmed.

·       Book on the History of Findon Valley

TF suggested updating/producing a book/booklet about the History of Findon Valley.

·       Praise for History Group

PB expressed praise for the History Group’s success and how popular it is. It has a lovely feel and is promoting FVRA, raising funds and is attended by a cross section of people.  Need to monitor costs to make sure expenses are covered.

·       FVRA Resources

LT stated that the committee needs to compile a list of assets / equipment and resources.

·       Action Boxes in Minutes

DE suggested the introduction of Action Boxes into the Minutes so that it is clear what actions/activities need to be completed and by whom. This will allow easier tracking and updating at the next meeting and will make it easier for committee members to see what has been agreed.

·       Meeting on Devolution

Steve Rhodes (resident/ committee member elect) attended a public meeting held by AWC in Shoreham regarding Devolution. He reported that under Devolution, AWC and WSCC along with parish councils will no longer exist in the form that they are now. Sussex will be divided into 3 areas. West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton and Hove. The three areas will be under control of an elected Mayor, each area being represented by 2 officials. The Mayor will have control over, planning, financial and transport policy. Each area will be composed of around 500 000 residents.

The committee raised concerns over what that meant for our local area, as it might mean Worthing would be under Brighton and Hove. LT, SR and previous Chair Maggie Winter will attend a Panel meeting on Thursday 13th March. Councillors at the AGM will present more information to residents.

Date of next meeting

Tuesday 8th April 7pm FVFC

Please forward any AOB suggestions to chair by Friday 4th April for inclusion in this meeting. To ensure we finish promptly, some issues may be deferred to the next meeting.