The Sussex rich list; dolphins & summer's coming
The best curated guide to East (and West) Sussex. What's on in your county, news, food & drink, sport, miscellaneous, history, humour and recommendations
PIC: Near full pink moon over Hastings (SkyView Photography)
News: On the Agenda
The Sunday Times annual rich list has revealed the Rausing family as the wealthiest in Sussex.
The list, which estimates the UK's 350 wealthiest, sees Marit, Lisbet and Sigrid Rausing, who reside in the Wadhurst Park estate, with a £9.188bn fortune (16th overall in the UK).
Paul McCartney's fortune has topped £1bn since last year. The Beatles great, who owns a farm near Rye, becomes the first billionaire musician after his fortune rose £50m. Tony Bloom, Brighton and Hove Albion's chairman, saw his fortune move to £716m.
***
East Sussex parking wardens are set to be handed body-worn video cameras after a string of attacks. East Sussex County Council's officers will use police-style cameras in a bid to tackle the abuse and violence when issuing parking penalty charges. According to stats, 22 officers were physically harmed and 19 reported verbal abuse.
Those onboard a Sussex Dolphin Project boat trip this week witnessed a small pod of bottlenose dolphins. “Everyone onboard was mesmerised as we were escorted towards the sunset by 3 bottlenose dolphins,” the group wroth.
***
Following our lead article in the last dispatch on the vet who has been suspended from his duties, we have obtained an email sent to customers who use the Medivet practice in Forest Row.
Medivet’s COO Andy Cresswell said that Dr Alex Llorens was being probed following complaints made about his conduct, which has been strongly rebuked by his clients.
"I am sure you can understand that, as a highly regulated industry, after receiving multiple complaints about Mr Llorens’ conduct we are duty bound to investigate," Cresswell wrote.
"While we cannot provide details of the reasons for the investigation, I can confirm that they do not relate to concerns surrounding charging, discounting or anything financially related.
"I would like to take this opportunity to assure you that Medivet will always prioritise animal welfare above profits."
However one pet owner said:
"Vets like him don’t come along too often, he is so kind and compassionate and has such an affinity with his patients. Medivet should take notice of all the comments about him and take a good look at their actions.
"Without Alex they would not be creaming off massive profits he brings to this company. When they put profits over pets care we have to ask if we want to subscribe to this. I for one will be looking to take my business elsewhere if he doesn’t get reinstated."
What else we’ve been reading:
How a Sussex manor house became a country club for Russian spies
Brighton Palace Pier introduces admission fee for first time in 125 years
East Grinstead's Broadleys to close after 128 years
Rembrandt masterpiece to be seen in Brighton for first time
Sussex in colour
On the market
Rye - Grade II listed Edwardian mansion. above, with far reaching coastal views, 10 bedrooms. On the market - £3.9m
The Shell House Winchelsea Beach - The Modern House, £1.7m
Crowborough, above - Set on a quiet country lane, a Victorian 6 bedroom home - Hamptons, £1.6m
Sharpthorne - Set in 5.5 acres of landscaped gardens and grounds - Hamptons, £2.2m
Framfield - 13th Century origins, as well as 16th Century elements. On the market - £3.8m
Brighton - Attractive 1820s two bedroom terraced cottage - Rightmove, £550,000
Chiddingly - Well-presented detached Victorian house with pretty gardens in a semi-rural position. Savills £875k
Looking ahead: Gigs, comedy, arts & sport
May 23 - Romesh Ranganathan, Eastbourne
May 24-27 Elderflower Fields Festival, Pippingford Park
May 24 - June 2 Steyning Festival
May 24 The Streets, East Brighton Park
May 25 - Cuckoo Spring Fayre, Laughton Showground
May 25 - Heathfield Agricultrual Show
May 25 - Rozalla, Noughties 90s Festival, Brighton
May 25-June 2 The Tiger Who Came to Tea May Half Term, Nymans
May 26 - Laughing Horse Pick of the Fringe, Brighton
Until May 27 - Charleston Festival
June 7-9 South of England show, Ardingly