Welcome
to the
Whatlington Village website
We hope you enjoy this site. Its purpose is to provide useful, important and
interesting news, information and insight for residents and visitors, with the hope of enriching the life of the village and the aim of bringing our community closer together.
Valerie Bennett MBE (1939 - 2024)
"You get so much more out of living in a village like this if you know what's going on
and take an interest in local matters"
Valerie passed away peacefully at Conquest Hospital on the 28th December, aged 85
with her family by her side.
She had contributed immensely to the community, holding a record breaking 43 years as
clerk to the council, a governor of a former village school for 35 years and treasurer of the
Village Hall Committee for 27 years.
Valerie leaves two sons Clayton and Tyson, five grandchildren Rhys, Jodie, Greg, Bethany and Spencer
and a great grandson Casey.
The funeral service is at Hastings Crematorium on Monday 17th February at 11.15am.
All that knew her are invited to join the family to give thanks for knowing Valerie who had such a
busy and full life within the community.
For more information about Valerie and her life visit the February 2025 edition (latest) of the Village Newsletter or click here
Farm owners are being urged to keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviour following a big increase in thefts of equipment.
Sussex Police are experiencing a high number of farms being broken into at the moment, including in the Rother district. You can find tips on rural crime prevention here including how to ramp up security for tools and equipment, homes and outbuildings, livestock, diesel and tack.
You can report any unusual activity or a crime online at https://www.sussex.police.uk/report-online or
click here to go direct.
Village Events at a glance
Click on the event for details
A21 resurfacing works
National Highways will be carrying out essential resurfacing works on the A21.
To undertake these works safely they will need to close the A21 in both directions. Work will be carried out in three phases, overnight Monday to Friday between the hours of 8pm to 6am.
They will be carrying out works to the A21 between Johns Cross and Westfield Lane. In addition
to the overnight closures to the A21 in both directions work will be carried out in two sections.
Section one
Johns Cross to Sedlescombe Golf Club - Monday 3 February to Tuesday 18 March
Section two
Marley Lane to Westfield Lane - Wednesday 19 March to Monday 31 March
These works will generate some noise for which they apologise in advance.
Works are weather dependent.
Antique Collectors Market coming soon!
The new flexible and varied Art/Craft/Hobbies programme for 2025 is here!
Get in touch if you would like more information - no obligation.
Did you know that at every event organised by Whatlington Connectors
valuable funds are raised for a chosen charity - so far over £1000 has been donated.
See the How to Help page to view all charities that have benefitted to date.
How to tell if your older relative needs more help
During the colder months, staying warm, healthy, and social can become harder for many of us. Here is how to spot for signs that a loved one may need extra support:
Has their appearance changed?
If personal hygiene or grooming appears neglected, it may mean daily tasks are becoming difficult. Watch for signs including weight loss or small burns, which can suggest struggles with cooking.
What's the house environment like?
An untidy and cluttered home can suggest homework is a challenge. Note too if they're using fewer areas of the house, perhaps due to fear of falling.
Are they taking their medication?
Look for signs like excess stock of medication or blister packs with missing doses, and consider encouraging a discussion with their GP or specialist.
What's their social life like?
Ask about who they have spoken with recently. Reduced social contact might signal isolation.
Do they call more often?
An increase in the frequency of their calls could mean your loved one is feeling anxious ,
forgetful or lonely.
Realising that your loved one is struggling by themselves can be difficult. However, the sooner help is in place, the better. Remember to give yourself lots of grace and reach out to professionals for support.
You can explore more information about keeping older loved ones well in winter at
greensleeves.org.uk/WarmthOfCare or call us at Whitegates on 01424 238950
for a no-obligation chat or visit.
Michelle Bryant, Home Manager at Whitegates Care Home in Westfield
Vinehall School
