Fletching is a vibrant and forward-looking parish with a number of flourishing strands to its community life.
Situated in the beautiful rural Sussex countryside, Fletching Parish Church is at the heart of the village and plays a central role in the community. The Church dates back to 1230. Steeped in history, the village and Church lie in the Weald between the South Downs, a designated National Park, and the High Weald, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which includes the Ashdown Forest.
Whilst the village is quiet, access is good via the main A272 which passes through Piltdown to the South and the A275 East Grinstead to Lewes Road which passes through Sheffield Park to the West.
The parish extends to approximately 10 square miles with a population of about 1100 and is largely rural with several working farms and forestry plantations. It includes Piltdown Golf Club, Sheffield Park House, and renowned National Trust Sheffield Park Garden and the heritage steam line, the Bluebell Railway.
The population covers a wide range of age groups and occupations. It is balanced between the many who work locally on farms, in shops and other small businesses, and those who commute, or live here in retirement.
The parish falls within the Diocese of Chichester, which has been reinvigorated in recent years following the appointment of Rt Revd Dr Martin Warner as Bishop. The Bishop has been very supportive to the parish advising us on the re-ordering of the West End and the construction of an extension leading from it to the North and dedicating it when completed.
Village life
Although the population of the village is sparsely spread, there is a strong community spirit, in which the Church plays a central role. There is a very popular village shop on the High Street which has a flourishing trade, where residents, visitors and many cyclists enjoy a welcome stop to taste delicious homemade produce.
The Sussex Sausage Rolls are a particular favourite! Local meat and vegetables can be bought near the village in the local farm shop, Dennikers, which now also has a popular café serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas; Old Spot Farm; and the nearby Old Dairy Farm at Furners Green, all serving quality locally sourced produce. The local pubs are very well frequented and cater for every taste, all serving food - often supplied by local farms - and attract custom both locally and from much further afield. One of these, the Griffin Inn, a 13-bedroom coaching inn, has spectacular garden views towards Sheffield Park, and a long-established entry in both the Good Food Guide and the Good Pub Guide.
There are plenty of others locally to choose from - The Peacock Inn, The Piltdown Man, the Coach and Horses at Chelwood Gate - we never go thirsty in Sussex! Nearby Newick village offers further shops, a health centre, post office, bakery, and chemist and larger shopping centres with supermarkets, clothes shops, hairdressers and others catering for most daily needs are at Uckfield, Haywards Heath and nearby Lewes. More expensive shopping can be found with easy reach in Tunbridge Wells and Brighton.