Mountfield

M&W SCHOOL: Peter writes: In the Village Voice for November 20th, I reported that it appeared from several sources that the school land and buildings had somehow been assigned to East Sussex County Council and Mountfield Parish Council had therefore written to the Parish’s priest-in-charge seeking clarification. We have now had a response as I shall report below. First, it is probably worth restating that the land (not including the car park) and any present and future buildings on it were presented in trust to the current priests of the two parishes and their churchwardens “and their successors” for use as a school.
By Peter and Valerie Miles
Published 3rd Dec 2015, 23:00 BST

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I should say that there is much in the response that I do not understand but I will report it as received. First, researches have apparently shown that there are five owners to various parcels of land including ESCC who own, for example, the car park. (In most cases, I am guessing that the word owners will often mean the “donors”.) Given difficulties tracing beneficiaries of the owners and “possible financial implications” to the trustees (i.e. the incumbents and churchwardens), they somehow in January this year passed their responsibilities to the Diocese of Chichester which is now the “Custodian Trustee”. Then at a meeting held in April 2015, it was jointly decided by the trustees, the Diocese and ESCC that ESCC would take over the legal responsibility for dealing with the Charity Commission.

As the land and buildings were entrusted as a community resource, this all obviously leaves a lot of questions. MPC has asked for further information and Rev’d Ann-Marie Crosse, the Mountfield priest-in-charge, is following up with ESCC.

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CHRISTMAS GATHERING: The Mountfield Village Christmas Gathering is getting closer: Saturday December 12th from 10.00 am till 2.00 pm. There will be mince pies and mulled wine (courtesy of the Parish Council), tea and cake (courtesy of the usual Church stalwarts), kids’ activities, carols, raffle, stalls for local producers and businesses, local volunteer and sports groups, updates on Southern Water’s plans for the grand works, meet your Parish Councillors and have your say, the official launch of the Kids Film Club (see below), and the unveiling of the first of our new defibrillators. Above all go along for a good natter with neighbours. The event is organised by the Village Hall Committee. For more information, contact Caroline (880111) or Amy (881282).

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY: It’s also nearly the Mountfield Christmas party with this year’s Winter Wonderland theme and, of course, a special guest. The festivities start at 4.00 pm with carriages for 6.00 pm on Saturday December 12th in the Village Hall. If you have not already done so, RSVP by next Tuesday (December 8th), either by email to [email protected] or by phone to Vicky on 882147.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: A weekend later, on December 16th, from 5.00–7.00 pm in All Saints Church, Mountfield, Nana Tsiboe and The Global Unity Choir will perform a concert of Christmas songs from around the world. Nana Tsiboe is a master percussionist of international renown who has worked with such legends as Nina Simone, Paul McCartney, Fela Kuti and Marvin Gaye as well as recording in his own right. He toured the States at the height of the civil rights movement in the 60s before settling in the UK. Tickets are just £5.00 on the door and include a complimentary glass of wine and mince pie. All proceeds to the Church Restoration Fund. A fantastic way to kick off the Christmas season.

KIDS’ FILM CLUB: Advance notice of another new date. On Saturday December 19th, 2.00 pm in the Village Hall there will be a screening of Elf, the movie that inspired a hit Broadway musical. Popcorn, drinks, tea and coffee. Christmas jumper optional!

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MOUNTFIELD CLUB: The Club’s Christmas raffle is being held on Wednesday 23rd December on the same night as their Christmas bullseye night. Tickets for the raffle are £1.00 each and the Club is appealing for any worthwhile raffle prizes. All proceeds from the raffle will be going to charity and local good causes.

CONTACT: As ever, if you have anything for the Village Voice, we can be contacted on 880614 or via [email protected].

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Related topics:East Sussex County Council