The planning application for the construction of the extension to the village hall has been given planning approval. Next step is building regulations and then the big one – RAISING THE MONEY!

The parish council is still running short handed. The full complement is 7 councillors and we have only 5. This puts a strain on the others and it means that meetings are sometimes down to the minimum of 3 which is a quorum. The time demand is not great (minimum of one evening meeting every 2 months) and the duties are not onerous and you can make very much what you want of the role in terms of engagement. Some councillors do a tour of duty for a few years only and that’s fine. So please think about it and if it is not for you then you might know of someone for whom it would be a good fit. Contact any councillor or rhe parish clerk to find out more.

Jane Warrener takes over as parish clerk on 1st April 2026 on the retirement of Brian Holdstock after ten years as clerk. Jane is an experienced clerk having served as clerk for three year to a local parish in Wealden. Clerk email contact is unchanged and a new mobile phone link will be published once Jane takes up her role.

ASHBURNHAM AND PENHURST PARISH COUNCIL

Sadly, our clerk has decided to retire and we therefore need to recruit a replacement. This is a part time, paid job which allows great flexibility. The majority of the job will be home based although there are 6 evening meetings per year which must be attended. In addition, there is the annual assembly which is also an evening meeting.

The contract is for 30 hours per month and may be at any time the applicants prefers.

IT and basic accounting skills are an essential requirement in this role and the Clerk to the Parish is also the designated RFO (Responsible Financial Officer).

This vacancy might suit someone who is retired from full time employment or perhaps someone with a young family who is unable to commit to a full time job. There may also be an opportunity for someone who is already a Clerk to another Parish to take on an additional role.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is keen to be involved in the community and provides huge insight to local matters.

Ideally, although not essential, we would prefer the applicant to be local to our Parish as this would provide a natural insight into local matters.

The job becomes substantive from the end of January 2026 and a comprehensive handover will be provided.

Please address your interest to Paul Spicer at  p.spicer.ashburnhamandpenhurst@outlook.com

Help raise much needed funds for RABI while enjoying a delicious dinner at The Green Man, Ringmer. Thursday 23rd October, 6.45pm for sit down at 7.15pm. Tickets are £28 each, two course meal, roast beef with a choice of dessert and coffee. See attached poster for details of how to book in. RABI Harvest Supper

The parish council will make up the shortfall if the income does not cover the costs. The fireworks are a huge outlay and a big risk for any organiser if the weather is just good enough for the event to go ahead but bad enough to deter visitors. At its meeting on 24th September the Council decided that it is an important village event and the organisers need to have confidence that they won’t lose money.. This year the organisers are the Village Hall Revival Group and any proceeds will go towards the village hall extension project.

Over the next few weeks until the end of September you may well get a knock at the door from a member of the Village Hall Revival Group who are going house to house delivering the briefest of questionnaires asking for views on the proposed extension to the village hall. It is important to know the level of support and essential that we take steps to find out before we can approach potential funders for grants.

If you are not at home when someone calls they will leave the questionnaire which also tells of the many ways to give your feedback.

In his resignation statement Chris said, “I have completed 5 years as a Councillor which I have very much enjoyed. However, I am now ready to move on to different interests.” The council wishes him well and thanks him for his service in which he had oversight of events and monitored the status and serviceability of our public access defibrillators at The Ash Tree Inn and the cricket pavilion. The council now has two vacancies so please contact the parish clerk for more information or to express an interest in joining the council.

1st – 20th June Exhibition at Ashburnham Church

Come and see this touring exhibition of paintings by Jeremy Thomas. The paintings can be seen from Tuesday – Saturday from 10.30am – 4pm.

Thursday 8th May 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE Day), when the nation will unite to remember the end of the Second World War in Europe. Around the country, events will be taking place to pay tribute to those involved in that conflict, as well as reminding us to pray and work for peace in our communities and in the world. 

Locally there will be an Act of Commemoration as part of the Rogation Service, the Sunday beforehand.  Also, both Ashburnham and Penhurst churches will be open on Thursday 8th May, for those who would wish to remember and reflect on this poignant and significant anniversary – cards with specially prepared prayers commemorating VE Day will also be available for those who wish to use them.