FCA Steering Committee

How we work:

Committee members are voted in each year at the FCA Annual General Meeting (AGM) by our members (105 in 2024).  The FCA Committee meets 5 or 6 times per year – We have currently the maximum of 10 committee members (who can vote)  and 2 seconded committee members (who don’t have voting rights) .  In practice we reach consensus on nearly all decisions that are made by the committee.

We do not have assigned roles within the committee, and the ‘Chair’ rotates amongst members.  The chair calls the meeting, prepares the agenda, chairs the meeting and minute the outcome.  Tasks are shared out to volunteers within the committee.

Who we are: 

The following (in alphabetical order) are Committee members for 2024/25

  • Andrew Roch
  • Ben Bruce
  • Bruce Levi
  • Caroline Lovett
  • Clare Levi (non-voting)
  • Diane Lance
  • Della Pilbeam
  • Ian Pepe
  • James Paul
  • Katrina Palsager (Non-voting)
  • Liz Hill
  • Penny Eyre

Andrew Roch

Ben Bruce

Bruce Levi

I live with my wife Clare & our Labroodle Lola at Crossways. Having brought up our two kids, coming to Firle a couple of years ago has been a dream come true. Work wise, I’m a freelancer & I design learning programmes for various companies, which I’m fortunate enough to be able to do from home.

Since we arrived in Firle, we have been welcomed into the village and I’m looking forward to being able to help our community thrive in any way I can. As the saying goes ‘the more you put in the more you get out’. When not at home, you’ll most likely find me out walking Lola somewhere on the downs, or on the tennis court (let me know if you want a hit) or in The Ram.

Caroline Lovett

Clare Levi

I have been a Firle resident for 2 years having returned to Sussex after 30 years away. I am keen to play apart in supporting the Firle community and helping to ensure a sustainable future for this very special village.

I work as a certified leadership coach and facilitator both in the NHS and private sector. I am also a trustee for the Brighton & Hove Samaritans and am their lead on workplace training helping organisations build more supportive and compassionate workplaces where people can collaborate and thrive.

Diane Lance

Della Pilbeam

I was born in Firle at Number 26, The Street. My Dad was a Works Manager for the Estate and my Mum was a Homehelp. I am 4th Generation to live, work and play in Firle. I lived as a married lady in Glynde for twenty years and have three grown up children. I became a widow and moved back to Firle in 2009.

I now have a partner Andrew Barr and we are sheep farmers in Firle Park and the north side of The Downs, I breed Romney Sheep. I am a member of Firle Bonfire Society on the aerial pyrotechnic team. I am also on the Firle Fete Committee and the FCA. I am very pleased to be living back in Firle and would not want to be anywhere else.

Ian Pepe

I moved into the village some 30 years ago, and never looked back! After living and working in London, Firle was an oasis of calm and beauty.  Over that time there have been many changes, but the most important for me has been the growing strength of community within the Village – it’s a fruit salad of people from all walks of life coming together for the things we have in common.  We started the Community Association to build on the informal networks and ‘organise’ that strong and informal sense of community into something greater than the sum of its parts, with good communication at the heart of everything we share.

James Paul

Katrina Palsager

Liz Hill

Hello! My name is Liz Hill and I, and my partner, have lived in this lovely village since 2003. I joined the FCA steering committee because I wanted to make a positive difference to the village environment and its community.  I hope the FCA can increase communication within our community, support our Parish Council and play an important role in solving any issues or challenges the village faces.

Penny Eyre