Publications
East Dean and Friston: The Story of Two Downland Villages, by John Surtees and Sheila Surtees, published 15 December 2008 (420 pp., Seaford: S. B. Publications, ISBN-10: 1857703448 & ISBN-13: 9781857703443) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:Nestling in the Sussex countryside, these two villages were isolated from the noise and bustle of town life for a millennium. After 1920 the A259 was made up and a new estate was added bringing in the retired and commuters. For the first time (except for Army service) many of the youngsters left, yet the ambiance and community support of a country village has been maintained.
If you wish to discover more about the churches, how long it took to get a speed limit through the village, or the Village Hall saga, or how the village helped beat Hitler, or tales of farming before and after the tractor, then it is all here and more. Since the new Village Hall, the residents find that once again they can be busy all day and throughout the year, without leaving the village. This is the definitive 420 page history of East Dean and Friston. The author, John Surtees lives in Friston and has written many well known books on the local history of Eastbourne and the surrounding area. He is a doctor by profession, although now retired.
If you wish to discover more about the churches, how long it took to get a speed limit through the village, or the Village Hall saga, or how the village helped beat Hitler, or tales of farming before and after the tractor, then it is all here and more. Since the new Village Hall, the residents find that once again they can be busy all day and throughout the year, without leaving the village. This is the definitive 420 page history of East Dean and Friston. The author, John Surtees lives in Friston and has written many well known books on the local history of Eastbourne and the surrounding area. He is a doctor by profession, although now retired.