We moved to Highampton in early 2021 attracted by the quiet rural setting; having moved from Brighton.
We were quickly welcomed into the village and made some very good friends generally and within the farming community. We love the community spirit and the willingness of everybody to help each other out.

It was the overwhelming kindness we received that compelled us to support activities in the village as much as we can. For my part, I spent 6 years as an elected councillor on Brighton and Hove City Council and felt those skills learnt could benefit the village if I helped on the parish council. To that end, I was co-opted onto the council in January and encouraged to assume the role of Chair.

I am very conscious of the dread some have that outsiders might want to change the village and the general order that exists. For me, the opposite exists. As Chair of the parish council, I want to preserve the beautiful rural environment we have and help those that come to the village to better understand the way of life around us and to be able to settle and integrate.

That said, I want to try and make things better. That doesn’t mean to change things but more to enhance how things are. Cleaner roads and lanes, better ecology, make the village look prettier and colourful, make the roads within the village safer and to allow everybody working, retiring, playing, relaxing and visiting to just be able to get on with it and enjoy being here.