We hope everyone enjoyed the recent bank holidays. On Monday 6 May many residents enjoyed our beautiful surroundings, and the last of the bluebells, for our annual May Day Walk.
For any residents who may not be aware, on 16 April Horsham District Council Development (South) Committee approved the proposal to amend the use of the Abingworth shop building to accommodate both a village store and a veterinary surgery. The Committee accepted the view that the community would be best served by enabling the two tenants who have already committed to this arrangement to get on and open their businesses. We will keep residents updated on the timeline for the opening of these new facilities.
We are excited to announce, if you missed the opening celebrations, that the new Abingworth cricket facilities were officially opened on 24 May. The facilities are a real asset to the village and will be used regularly by West Chiltington & Thakeham Cricket Club youth (and other) teams.
If you’re a budding local historian, or a book lover, make sure you put this event in your diary! On Monday 3 June Andrew R. Murphy, the author of the new book “William Penn: A Life” will be coming to Thakeham Village Hall. Penn was a fascinating character – a major figure in the early Quaker movement who lived for a time at Warminghurst and helped establish the Blue Idol meeting house. He was a founder of the American colony of Pennsylvania and was one of the most prominent religious dissenters and political thinkers of his time.
Many residents will know of Thakeham’s Penn Stone, from which he is said to have preached in the late 17th century. This piece of history has new permanent lodgings on the Abingworth development – by the large pond towards the south-east of the site. As the planting matures, the setting will provide a leafy area open to all, for quiet contemplation, consistent with the Quaker outlook.
Don’t forget the Village Day on Saturday 6 July, preparations are under way!
Charlotte Dumbrill, Assistant Parish Clerk. Find us at thakehamparish.co.uk
