THIS IS FINDON VILLAGE — these Findon Chronicles were created by Valerie Martin and contain scenes from her home village of Findon,
West Sussex, U.K.    Everyday stories about real people.

1983 AND ALL THAT WENT ON IN FINDON

Copyright Valerie Martin 2004

In July 1983 the elderly inhabitants of Findon were reported in the press as reluctant to move into the new sheltered housing accommodation in the village.... this was Nightingales.   Arun District Council reported at the time that 23 of the 32 flatlets were occupied.  Nine flatlets were left free for any of the villagers who would like to move into them but in July 1983 the elderly who qualified for places were reluctant to take up the offer.

Nightingales was the nineteenth sheltered housing scheme in the Arun district and had cost some £560,000 to build.   Each flatlet contained its own bathroom and kitchen as well as lounge and bedroom.  There was also a communal laundry and outside drying area.   A warden was on duty at all times living in a bungalow on the site.

In August 1983 there was a plea for Findon villagers to unite to stop the spread of development from the Chairman of the Findon Preservation Association, David Bird.   He said ...

"If this village does not unite as one single body with one belief, then "Big Brother" will spread like some evil cancer into first one part of the village, then another and another."  

He cited the Walnut Tree Farm area and Paddock Way as examples, with Cross Lane and Steep Lane as potential areas for unwanted development.

Twenty years on, do you think he was right?

In September 1983, Findon residents were concerned about increased aircraft noise.   The matter had been taken up earlier in the year by the Findon Parish Council and assurances had been received that the situation would improve following alterations in flight paths.

Findonians, however, felt the noise had increased and that during the peak holiday season had reached unacceptable levels.   The Parish Council was said to be keeping a close watch on the situation!

This is Findon Village — www.findonvillage.com is a continually growing record created by Valerie Martin exclusively for documenting life in Findon.