Authors' Note
As a means of commemorating the Millennium, this book 'Bricks & Water' is essentially the story of two neighbouring Sussex villages during 100 years of profound social change. The title, suggested by a villager, reflects the dependence for much of the century of Clapham on the Brick and Tile Works - the 'Bricks' of the title, paradoxically the largest single employer in an essentially rural community. Patching drew much of its prosperity from arable and sheep farming from the Downs to Patching Pond - the 'Water' of the title - which has changed little in the hundred years.
From the first, the compilers have sought to draw widely on memories and material provided by past and present residents of the villages. These include many 'genuine' Sussex folk born in or around the villages and often coming from families having their roots there for centuries. Certainly without their ready and lively help the book could not have been written. It has been a pleasure to talk, time and time again, to these contributors, in their homes or at a series of 'progress report' meetings held in the Village Hall. Some have provided their own written reminiscences of the villages in peace and war which have, where possible, been included in whole or in part.
Some names will inevitably appear more often than others in this book; this is simply a reflection of their involvement in the history of the villages.
Outside the villages we have received most generous assistance from staff of the West Sussex Public Record Office and Worthing Library, as well as numerous societies and institutions - also from many other individuals who simply have a burning interest in the history and heritage of the South Downs.
David Gillard, Sir Richard Best, Ed Bacon and Tony Crowther.
