Meet our scary-looking but otherwise harmless committee. Some of our mugshots are less than 10 years old!
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.
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.
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.
Aaron Cambridge
Sara and I moved to Firle in 2000, and we spent four very happy years as a family living here, before leaving to work abroad in 2004. We returned home in December 2020 when my career in aviation came to a premature end, as the industry was hit hard with the fallout from the pandemic.
In many ways, the village we left is very much the village we have returned to after 16+ years away, and I see that as a positive thing. Many familiar names and faces, and many new, but the fabric and heart of the village remains so special and in many ways unique. It is a privilege to live in Firle, and I want to support the Firle Community Association to achieve its aims for the long term benefit of all. I am also on the Village Hall and Playing Fields Committee and the Firle Community Land Trust, who will like all other village groups, work in partnership with the FCA.
Algy Wolstenholme OBE
I graduated from Southampton University in 1981 with a degree in Civil Engineering and after a short career in the British Army resigned as a Captain to start a career in business and engineering. Over the last 30 years I have worked on a number of major programmes in the public and private sectors in the UK and overseas including Heathrow Express, Terminal 5 at Heathrow, and Crossrail. I have also sat on the board of one of UK’s major Cancer charities.
I have lived at Gibraltar Farm in Firle for 25 years with my wife Carro, who grew up in Firle. We have always taken an active part in community life with all five of our children going to the village school in Firle and both Carro and I serving on a number of village committees. I am currently the Treasurer of the Firle PCC which looks after the running of St Peters church and many events that bring together an increasing number of visitors. This is just one example of what makes Firle great. As a member of the FCA I will play my part in helping to keep things in balance and at the same time moving forward, and with everyone in the community feeling part of the journey.
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.
Chris Antram
Hi, I’m Chris Antram and unlike many others here I have only been a Firle resident for 18 months (though my partner has lived here for many years).
In the short time I have been here I think it is fair to say I have fallen in love with Firle and felt that by joining the FCA Steering Committee I could contribute constructively and positively to the wellbeing and care of this wonderful place.
I’m a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, and hence hoping my skills and experience can help with any infrastructure issues within the village, one of which being the very exciting Firle Heating Project which will hopefully see many of our homes heated by environmentally friendly and efficient ground source heat pumps instead of oil.
My day job is as a Senior Project Engineer in London Underground, working on the Piccadilly Line Upgrade, but when not at work or engaged with the FCA I play the double bass for various orchestras including the Sussex Symphony Orchestra, as well as bass guitar when opportunities arise within the village.
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.