Long-serving Conservative member of East Sussex County Council, Francis Whetstone, has died aged 91.
He represented Forest Row and Groombridge division on the authority for many years and was very active in both Hartfield Conservative Branch (where he was latterly President) and the former Wealden association where he held the office of Vice-President. Francis had been a military man and a Lloyd's underwriter, was very happily married and had three children.
Francis was at the heart of the Hartfield community and at the core of his local Conservative association; a fierce and tireless defender of democracy and the rights of Ashdown Forest.
Nusrat Ghani, Conservative MP for Sussex Weald, said of Francis' passing: "We have lost an unforgettable, exceptional, irreplaceable friend and a true Conservative. Like many local residents, my team have had the immense honour of knowing Francis for many years and benefiting from his vast knowledge of the patch, good humour and deep passion for Hartfield and East Sussex as a whole."
Bassetts Manor
In October 1969 Francis and Linda Whetstone moved to Bassetts Manor (pictured above), set in the glorious countryside north of Hartfield village. The buildings were then used for their dairy herd but later a change was made to rearing dairy heifers for local farmers.
This released a number of farm buildings and in 1982 the first tenant moved in and stayed for over 30 years. A collection of mostly small workshops, flats/cottages and three equestrian lets with indoor and outdoor stables, indoor and outdoor arenas and grazing form a unique working and living environment where everyone has their own space but where there is nearly always someone around to share a cup of tea or help with a challenge if needed.
Retirement
In spring 2021, Francis announced that he would not be standing for re-election to the county council. Hatfield Parish Council recorded a vote of thanks in its newsletter for his dedication and devotion of duty to the area.
"Our appreciation and congratulations are also owed to Francis Whetstone who, after many years of loyal service, has said he will be stepping down as our representative on East Sussex County Council. The Parish Council wishes him a happy and healthy retirement, not having to worry about potholes or budgets!" wrote the Editor.
In December that year, 2021, his devoted wife, Linda, passed away suddenly while attending a Liberty Forum in Miami at the age of 79. She was a was a high-profile British libertarian, free market campaigner, and a significant figure in British equestrian sport.
Chairman of Sussex Weald Conservatives, Bob Standley, said:
"Francis was a dedicated Conservative who served his community for many years. His knowledge of the County Council was encyclopaedic. Francis,rightly, did not suffer fools lightly; and the County Council was not the same after he stood down in 2021. It was a privilege to work with him on the County Council and within the Conservative Association and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him."
Tribute
The Chairman of Hartfield Conservatives, Julian Beare, said: "Francis gave his heart and soul to trying to improve the lot of those in the area. Not only though work on the Council but getting his hands dirty as well. Some years ago, I was driving in torrential rain and came across Francis, by himself, clearing drains on a main road. That is dedication! "
Francis was one of a kind and will be sorely missed by so many in Hartfield, Sussex Weald and across East Sussex.
