December 2015/January2016

RUNS LIST & NEWSLETTER
Local group of CTC: the UK’s national cyclists’ organisatio n
PRESIDENT: MR. M. PHILLIPS
Secretary: David Rix, 27 Fullwood Avenue, Newhaven. BN9 9SP
& Editor Tel.: 01273 512357 e-mail: ctceastsussex@gmail.com
Website: www.eastsussexctc.org.uk
Photos: www.flickr.com/eastsussexctc & on google+
Sections names & Contacts:
E & H = Eastbourne & Hailsham - Bill 01323 843424
H & R = Hastings & Rother - Marian Jones (mob.) 07788 570658
Mdwk = Midweek - Esther Carpenter, 10 Maplehurst Rd., Baldslow, St. Leonards, TN37 7NA (01424) 751581
S & N = Seaford & Newhaven - Ann Rix, 3 Sutton Drove, Seaford. BN25 3EU.
(01323) 894283
Starting Points. E & H - at Hailsham Shopping Precinct or elevenses place.
Mdweek - Elevenses place unless stated.
S & N - Elevenses place unless stated.
Programme for December 2015
& January 2016
E = Elevenses - from 10.00 unless stated, L = Lunch, T = Tea
Bring packed lunch & drink on runs unless pub lunch is stated
The Midweek Section has groups to suit riders of all abilities.
Geoff’s Saturday Rides. Informal - dependent on weather & other commitments - if interested contact
Geoff Boxall (01273 813917) on Friday evening for details of the next day’s ride and meeting place.
IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER THE DECISION ON ANY RIDE GOING AHEAD WILL BE MADE BY THE LEADER
Wed. 2nd
Mdwk
E. at Wesson’s Cafe, Horam.
L. at 6 Bells Chiddingly, or picnic in Churchyard.
Leaders: Energetics, Richard Thomas; Tourists, John Taylor; Medium Pace, Mike Sampson;
Easyriders, Geoff.
Midweek Section Committee Meeting - 2.00 p.m. at the pub.
Dec. 6th
E&H
H&R
S&N
For details of today’s ride please phone - Bill on 01323 843424
For details of today’s ride please phone - Marian Jones (mob. 07788 570658)
Meet for E. from 10.00 at Raystede, The Broyle. Picnic lunch with Geoff & Jenny at, Ringmer.
Wed. 9th
Mdwk
E. at Jasmine’s, Wyevale, Lower Dicker. L. at King’s Head, East Hoathly or picnic in rec.
Leaders: Energetics, Rob Foster; Tourists, Andy Cackett; Medium Pace, Raoul Meade;
Easyriders, Geoff.
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Sat. 12th Dec. - Cyclists’ Carol Service - 2.00 p.m. at Horam Chapel (next
door to Wessons Cafe) - entrance to car park behind chapel in Manor Close.
Refreshments after service. All cyclists, friends & family welcome.
Dec. 13th
E&H
H&R
S&N
For details of today’s ride please phone - Bill on 01323 843424
For details of today’s ride please phone - Marian Jones (mob. 07788 570658)
Meet for E. from 10.00 at Upper Dicker Stores. Picnic lunch with Pat & Roger at Hailsham.
Wed. 16th Mdwk
E. at Westham Village Hall. L. at King’s Head, South Road, Hailsham or picnic.
Leaders: Energetics, Mick Hilton,; Tourists, TBA; Medium Pace, Barrie Westerman;
Easyriders, Geoff.
Dec. 20th
For details of today’s ride please phone - Bill on 01323 843424
For details of today’s ride please phone - Marian Jones (mob. 07788 570658)
Meet for E. from 10.00 at Cinder’s Buffet, Isfield. Picnic Lunch with Derek at Plumpton Green.
E&H
H&R
S&N
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Wed. 23rd Mdwk

Mince Pie Run. E. with John & Joyce Taylor, 97 Marshfoot Lane, Hailsham.
L. at The 6 Bells, Chiddingly or picnic in churchyard.
Leaders: Energetics, Chris Colyer; Tourists, TBA; Medium Pace, Pat Graham;
Easyriders, Geoff.
Merry Christmas to all members and friends
Dec. 27th
E&H
H&R
S&N
Wed. 30th Mdwk
For details of today’s ride please phone - Bill on 01323 843424
For details of today’s ride please phone - Marian Jones (mob. 07788 570658)
No organised ride
E. at Raystede, The Broyle, Ringmer.
Leaders: Energetics, Peter Hatch;
Easyriders, Geoff.
L. at The Star, Waldron or picnic in churchyard.
Tourists, Richard Wilkes; Medium Pace, Raoul Meade;
Jan. 3rd Joyce’s New Year Ramble. Meet 10:00 am at car park in Chiddingly.
E&H
H&R
S&N
Distance about 7-8 miles, with lunch at The King’s Head, East Hoathly or picnic in rec.
Please cover boots with plastic bags before entering Pub. (bring you own bags).
New Year Ramble as above OR contact Bill on 01323 843424 for alternative.
New Year Ramble as above OR contact Marian Jones (mob. 07788 570658) for alternative.
New Year Ramble - as above OR Meet for E. from 10.00 at South Downs Youth Hostel, Itford.
Wed. 6th
Mdwk
E. at Middle Farm, Firle. L. at The Yew Tree, Chalvington or picnic by cricket pitch.
Leaders: Energetics, Chris Colyer; Tourists, Andy Cackett; Medium Pace, Barrie Westerman;
Easyriders, Geoff.
Fri. 8th
D.A. Committee Meeting - 7.30 p.m. at 6 Howlett Drive, Hailsham.
Jan. 10th
E&H
H&R
S&N
For details of today’s ride please phone - Bill on 01323 843424
For details of today’s ride please phone - Marian Jones (mob. 07788 570658)
Meet for E. from 10.00 at Stanmer Village Stores. L. at Wyevale, Brighton Garden Centre.
Wed. 13th Mdwk
E. at Hillier’s, Stone Cross. L. at The Woolpack, Herstmonceux or picnic in rec.
Leaders: Energetics, Steve Rhodes; Tourists, TBA; Medium Pace, Ron Street; Easyriders, Geoff.
Jan. 17th
For details of today’s ride please phone - Bill on 01323 843424
For details of today’s ride please phone - Marian Jones (mob. 07788 570658)
Meet for E. from 10.00 at Ann’s, 3 Sutton Drove, Seaford. Picnic L. at David & Susan’s, Newhaven.
E&H
H&R
S&N
Wed. 20th Mdwk
E. at Lime Cross Nursery, Windmill Hill. L. at The White Horse, Bodle Street Green or picnic.
Leaders: Energetics, Steve Ratford; Tourists, TBA; Medium Pace, Ron Street; Easyriders, Geoff.
Jan. 24th E & H
H&R
For details of today’s ride please phone - Bill on 01323 843424
For details of today’s ride please phone - Marian Jones (mob. 07788 570658)

S & N 40th Anniversary Lunch at Happy Days, Holmes Hill.
12p.m. For 12:30p.m.
Cost £12 - Bookings to Jenny by 17th Jan.
Meet for E. from 10.00 at Middle Farm, Firle.
Wed. 27th Mdwk
Thur. 28th
Jan. 31st
E. at Wesson’s Cafe, Horam. L. at The King’s Head, Horsebridge.
Leaders: Energetics, Bob Shemilt; Tourists, Richard Wilkes; Medium Pace, Pat Graham;
Easyriders, Geoff.
D.A. Clubnight at South View Rooms, Western Road, Hailsham. 7.30 - 10 p.m. All welcome.
E&H
H&R
S&N
For details of today’s ride please phone - Bill on 01323 843424
For details of today’s ride please phone - Marian Jones (mob. 07788 570658)
Meet for E. from 10.00 at Spring Barn Farm, Kingston. Picnic lunch with Geoff & Jenny at Ringmer.
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Forthcoming Events - further details on next list.
20th March
8th May
50km in 2½ to 3½ hours. Starting from Upper Dicker Hall. Organiser: Mick Hill.
Southdowns Randonnees (50, 80 & 100km) starting from Ringmer Scout Hut. Organiser: Norman Wright.
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East Sussex CTC
News No. 199
Dec. 2015
Good turn out at Arlington for Sally’s Memorial Ride
Secretary’s Notes.
I’m not sure whether it’s down to global warming, but at the moment we’re definitely experiencing one of
the mildest Autumns that we’ve had for years. Unfortunately, that also means that we’re getting more
unpredictable showery weather. Despite this members seem to have been able to get out on a fairly regular
basis, and not many rides have been abandoned or curtailed.
Weather at the end of September was fairly good and it was nice to see such an good turn out for the
memorial ride for Sally Chadwick that Mike Phillips organised at fairly short notice. 24 riders started out after
coffee at Middle Farm, 14 going off-road with Mike, following one of Sally’s favourite routes along the Old
Coach Road, while 10 followed an on-road route with Geoff Boxall. Phil Chadwick rode with the off-roaders,
and we all met up for lunch at Arlington Tea Gardens for lunch, where other members of Sally’s family joined
us. It was a beautifully sunny day, and a great way to remember Sally.
Into October, and we had a nice sunny day for the Hill Climb, but unfortunately the event was
abandoned. Of the 14 members who turned up for coffee at Middle Farm, only 4 were interested in taking part
and they all agreed that it wasn’t really worth it for such a small number. Norman Wright and I did actually ride
up the hill, and 4 others walked nearly all the way, and then proceeded along the South Downs Way to meet
up with some of the others for lunch on the Tye at Alfriston.
It was not much better for the Freewheeling on Nov. 1st, with only 6 turning up. We did however hold
the event and Norman Wright won, beating me by quite a margin. Unfortunately, Mick Hills was not so lucky,
clipping the edge of the road on the way down the steep part of the hill and being thrown off his bike. When
we got back to him, he said that he had broken his collar bone, but wouldn’t let us call an ambulance. We all
made our way to Exceat Farmhouse, where I had a quick elevenses, before riding back to Newhaven to get
the car. I then picked up first Mick and then his bike and took him back to his car at Hailsham, and he then
drove home. After visiting A & E Mick was eventually told that they would just leave it and let it heal on its
own. At the moment he has his arm in a sling and can do very little, but all our best wishes go out to Mick and
we hope he will soon be back on his bike.
The East Sussex AGM in the afternoon was less eventful, with everything going smoothly and all of the
existing officers being re-elected.
As I write this the Christmas Lunch, on Nov. 29th, is fast approaching. It may well be fully booked by
now, but it’s worth checking with Jenny Boxall. Then there is the Carol Service on 12th Dec., which we all
really enjoyed last year, and the Midweek Group’s annual Mince Pie Run to John & Joyce Taylor’s at
Hailsham, on 23rd Dec.
During the last few months there have been attempts by the owners of Rise Farm near Lewes to get the
cycle path at Cockshut Lane, between Southover and the Stanley Turner Ground, opened up to through traffic.
The first application made directly by Rise Farm was turned down following strong objections from local
residents and user groups, including our own. A subsequent application by Orange Mobility, one of their
tenants, has also been objected to. However, despite the strong opposition, it seems this may go through
since, before the planning meeting on 11th November, Planning Officers were recommending its approval.
Should this go through I would urge anyone using the route to exercise extreme caution on the blind bends at
the Stanley Turner Ground end, and when entering the tunnel under the A27, and if any incidents with vehicles
should occur, report them immediately to Lewes District Council and The South Downs Park Authority.
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On a better note, I am pleased to report that work seems to be progressing well on the new section of
the Egret’s Way (Newhaven to Lewes cycle route) between Southease Bridge and Dean’s Farm (just North of
Piddinghoe, and the expectation is that it will be open before Christmas, as expected. We understand that
negotiations are still ongoing with several of the landowners, and the farmer at Rodmell still refuses to have
the half mile section on his land surfaced.
There are predictions that when the weather changes we may be in for a particularly severe Winter.
Well I for one am hoping that they are wrong and that we’ll be able to keep cycling right through. If it should
turn really cold though, keep well wrapped up and try to avoid the ice.
I ’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I hope to see you “up the
road” in 2016.
David
Committee Matters.
Items from the meeting of 23rd Oct.
CTC Council Elections. David Rix has been informed by Phil Benstead (current CTC South-East Councillor),
that all 3 South-East Councillors have lost their seats in the recent election, and 3 new councillors have been
elected. Mr. Benstead told him that out of the thousands entitled to vote only 170 votes had been cast.
Conferemces. David Rix had received invitations to 2 conferences, one on Improving Local Parking
Enforcement, being held in Central London in January 2016, and the other on Improving Local Cycling
Conditions, being held in Liverpool over the coming weekend. Since both involved a considerable registration
fee and travel cost, Mr. Rix said that he was not intending to attend and didn’t think it likely anyone else would
be interested. He felt that the organisers of the Liverpool one were expecting a lot if they thought people
would be able to attend at such short notice – he had received the invitation only the day before.
The next meeting will be on Friday, 8th Jan. at 6 Howlett Drive, Hailsham, starting at 7.30 p.m.
Mid-Week Section Notes
October, a slightly depressing month for those who love the great outdoors, began with the A.G.M.
Thirty three of us gathered in Chiddingly village hall, a number that was swollen to thirty four when our local
CTC Councillor Richard Bates put in an appearance, slightly late as he got lost in the beauty of the
surrounding lanes. Pre meeting we had our lunch in the Six Bells and adjourned there the following week for
the first committee meeting of our new year. We had to say goodbye to Geoffrey Cleave, as his departure
from the area could happen at any time, but welcomed Chris Colyer, Andy Cackett and Cathy Larke, who
joined the remaining members of the previous year’s committee. We’ll miss Geoffrey when he moves on as
he has been a useful and willing member of our Section.
We met at Cinders the following week on a wet and miserable morning; with one or two exceptions we
arrived in motor cars and later five of us drove to the Yew Tree at Chalvington. Chris Colyer carried an
umbrella, very suave, to protect his foot which had not recovered from its accident. Then on the 28th we had
the excitement of the Anniversary Lunch at Bodle Street having first enjoyed the improved facilities at Lime
Cross Nursery.
Into November and yet more wet weather. In spite of this there was a large gathering at Happy Days
and a reasonable number went on to the Kings Head, Horsebridge. We held our breath for November 11th as
Abigail was imminent. Somehow naming our storms makes them much more interesting. However her
appearance was delayed for a couple of days and Wednesday was a reasonable day, in fact we had some
sunshine. Entering Hilliers Nursery was, as ever, a bewildering experience and we walked through the many
franchises peering at the direction arrows, guiding the way to the café, which hung above our heads. A tall
Christmas tree twinkled in a prime position in the main room. Frank Hepden complained that having asked for
egg on toast he was served with a double portion and had to struggle to finish it.
Two of our members have been absent during the past few weeks due to cycling inflicted injury. David
Stables misjudged an overtaking manoeuvre and came off damaging his shoulder very badly. He seems to be
making a good recovery as does Mick Hills, who took a tumble in the Freewheeling Championship breaking
his collarbone. We look forward to seeing them back with us very soon and hope that will be the end of the
injury season.
The Carol Service will be our first social event of the festive period. Connie and Charles work hard to
make this a success. Charles in particular spends most of the year encouraging musicians of his
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acquaintance to join us and making a list of readers. Our traditional mince pie elevenses at John & Joyce’s
is on the Wednesday before Christmas and will be the last time we meet in 2015.
With best wishes for 2016. Baggy Shorts.
Seaford & Newhaven Notes.
On a lovely day eleven of us supported Phil for Sally’s Memorial Ride on the 20th September (organised
by President Mike Phillips), even though several of us went round instead of going along the Old Coach Road,
but we then met up with the rest at Arlington Tea Gardens for lunch. This had come up after the runs list was
done so we had to do a quick change and I hope we contacted everyone who normally comes with us.
Lovely day again on the 27th when we met at Ditchling Garden Centre, then rode to Bolney via the
Greenway around Burgess Hill, for our picnic by the playing field. We visited a café at Hassocks (called
“Proper Cycling & Coffee) for tea on our way back, very good, they sell cycle clothing and accessories as well.
October 11th was another good day, though with an easterly wind as we toiled up the hill from Uckfield to
Greenfingers on the Ashdown Forest. Seven of us had a good ride around that area to Fletching for our picnic
in the sunshine before returning to the cars at Uckfield.
Fine on the 18th, which was good because, after elevenses at Ditchling, where John Maxim had joined
us, we set off heading north then west to join the Greenway once more. It was dryer this time for the part
under the trees. This track was new to John and he enjoyed it as we did to have his company. He left us at
Goddards Green to head back to Angmering and for us to make our way to Beechurst Park for our picnic. We
came back, winding our way through a lot of new buildings and roads by the new Bolnore Village on the West
side of Haywards Heath, to finally drop down through World’s End and Burgess Hill to Ditchling for tea.
A lovely day again on the 25th so it was a shame there were only four of us who managed to get over to
Hope Farm Cottage at Hooe for 11’s. I know it’s a long way out for some but it does get us into a different
area while its fairly good weather. David took us North through the lanes between Ninfield and Catsfield,
before heading down, with the occasional up, via Lunsfords Cross, Whydown and Little Common to Bexhill.
We enjoyed our picnic in Egerton Park at Bexhill then returned along the coast and up to the Loom Mill for tea.
Six of us went to do the Freewheeling, unfortunately Mick Hills had an accident on the way down and is
slowly recovering. It was nice to have David Allen from Seaford join up with us again after several years.
Jenny and Pat dealt with teas before and after the East Sussex AGM in the afternoon for which many thanks.
Numbers went up to ten at elevenses at Stanmer Village Stores on November 8th, but as it came on to
rain and turned misty four then headed home. The rest of us headed up the road, as we climbed it was
covered with leaves which made it tricky in places. Reaching the road to the Beacon we turned right and soon
ran into thick fog, so put our lights on, not that they helped much. As we dropped down we soon ran out of it
fortunately and at the bottom decided what to do next. Derek was heading home, Roual had already gone
ahead, so that left just the four of us again. David turned left and took us on a loop, along the underhill road
and down to Keymer, then back along through Ditchling to Westmeston where we had our picnic in the church
porch. It had cleared after that for our ride back.
Ann.
"The Coaster"
Hopefully, as you read this I will have the Christmas edition of the Coaster well under way, and it
should be available for sale at the Christmas Lunch. Articles for future editions are always welcome!
David.
DEADLINE FOR NEXT RUNSLIST - WEDNESDAY 13th JANUARY
Please note: copy must be with me (David Rix) by this date to be sure of inclusion
Subscriptions.
The D.A. Runslist & Newsletter is produced free of charge to anyone interested in our activities. Copies are
available from the Secretaries on Club runs or can be viewed on the DA website. If, however, you would
prefer to have a copy mailed to you please send your name, address and a cheque for £3.50 (payable to
"Cyclists’ Touring Club - East Sussex”) to the D.A. Secretary - see front - this will cover you for postage of
about 1 year’s issues. The cost is £5.50 if you want "The Coaster" as well. “The Coaster” magazine usually
has two issues, copy permitting - Summer and Xmas - and is normally £1.00 an issue from Secretaries.
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