Staplecross Village Voice

STAPLECROSS VILLAGE VOICE. 29TH MARCH 2026.

COMMUNITY NEWS & REVIEWS –

ROTHER DISTRICT COUNCIL - NEW FOOD WASTE COLLECTION. Residents will soon be receiving notification confirming the dates of when their new Food Waste Recycling service will start. These collections will be introduced in phases from the end of March, so not all households within our parish will start at the same time. – Cripps Corner hamlet has been given Wednesday 1st April – but other areas of our parish will be given different start dates. Because of this staggered roll out, it is important that residents do not begin using their new waste caddy until they have received this letter confirming their own start date and collection day. This government led initiative is a good thing that will help reduce the amount of waste in our household bins and local tip sites. By separating food waste, the amount of waste which is incinerated can be reduced dramatically and will make a real difference to our environment. Once processed, the food waste will be turned into soil conditioner it can also be purchased by the public – via our own Household Waste & Recycling sites. (Mountfield) It will be called “Pro-Grow”. For further information visit; https://www.wealden.gov/recycling-and-waste/how-does-your-service-work/food-waste/

EASTER HOLIDAY EVENTS:Lots of Easter events are taking place during the Half Term break – here are just two close by – but check out East Sussex website for more suggestions. BODIAM CASTLE This Easter holiday, awaken your imagination as you discover the dragons at the castle and have a go at fun-filled and egg-cellent activities for all the family.The trail takes place during the schools Half-Term break - between 29 March – 14 April 2024, from 10am to 4pm, so come along and explore the beautiful parkland at Bodiam Castle. Normal admission applies plus £3 per trail. Don’t forget, you can choose from either a chocolate egg or a vegan and Free From chocolate egg. Details: Adult: £11:00 – (if NOT a NT member) Children £3:00 per trail + normal admission if not a NT member. Please ring 01580~830196 for all further events. BATEMAN’S at Burwash.. This event from 30th March, is aimed at families, but everyone is welcome. This event involves not only the essential Easter Egg Hunt – but during the holiday break you can try your hand at Making a greeting card or painting your own bird house. Collect your Trail Sheet from Reception. The trail takes place throughout the house and grounds, with steps and slopes of varying surfaces. Dogs on leads are welcome, These events from 30th March and between 10.am - 4.30pm. Please ring 01435 882303 for further details.

EWHURST & STAPLECROSS WOMEN’S INSTITUTE. Another treat is in store for all the members of this popular local ‘Women’s Institute as this month we will all have the enjoyment of hearing from a superb speaker in the form of PAT BRYER who will be explaining the aspects – and foibles – of her intriguing talk which is entitled “Women of a Certain Age”! Pat will be coming to Staplecross W.I. on Tuesday April 7thwhere we will all welcome her to our own amazing group of ‘women of a certain age’ and we’ll have fun seeing how we measure up and fit in ! This will all take place in the Village Hall, Northiam Road, Staplecross TN32 4QG and will begin at 2.pm. Lots of interesting things are being planned for the members enjoyment for the remainder of the year so why not consider coming along and finding out for yourself what is being planned for the lively, friendly and very welcoming members of this group. The craft club will follow in two week’s time (21st) Ladies new to our parish, or returning to the area, or now feel the time is right for a new group to consider being a part of - are always warmly welcomed. So, for further information please contact the President (Pauline) on 01580~830570 – or just pop along

GARDEN andWILDLIFE INTEREST GROUP - ( G.W.I.G.) The next meeting of this growing ever popular horticultural group will be on FRIDAY APRIL 10th at 7.00pm at The Herdman Pavilion, Ewhurst Green. The hosts for this evening are to be Mike and Savithri – who with your help, plan to discuss some interesting aspects of natural history that have arisen locally during the past 45 (!) years wildflower meadows, ponds, trees, insects, mammals and birds, and changes over the years. Due to the limited capacity of the pavilion it is essential names are taken, so please email : [email protected] if you intend to join in. Drinks and nibbles are £3:00 per person to cover refreshments and hall hire.

THE REPAIR CAFÉ - IS BACK! Have you got a broken gardening tool? - A bike that doesn’t work properly? A clock that doesn’t strike or ‘tic/toc? A jumper with a hole in it? - - If the answer to any of these is yes _ or you have another piece of equipment that doesn’t work and makes you growl with annoyance – please don’t just bin them and add to our ever growing landfill hill.Why not take them along to the next session of the “Robertsbridge Repair Café”? The next date for this amazing and very clever event will take place on Saturday 11th APRIL 2026. Between 9am and 12 Noon. This event can be found at 11-24, Station Road, Robertsbridge. Advice can also be acquired simply by asking those clever bodswho know – how to try and do-it-yourself ! Not only does learning how to repair and maintain items give added life to your item, it also will earn you a pat-on-the-back knowing you saved it from a landfill. Repairing items reduces the use of raw materials, saves energy and best of all – saves money- which in turn is a win for both your pocket and the planet. There is also now a ‘Repair Cafe’ – in RYE – at the Rye Community Centre, running on the second Saturday of every month –This next session here will also be taking place on Saturday 11th April 2026.

E.P.C. “COMMUNITY OPEN SPACES” ( C.O.S.) Continuing with a full and enjoyable programme for 2026 - another warm and open invitation is extended to all our residents to come along and enjoy a short time here with us. Following on from the half term ‘children’s event’ of last week – it’s now back to normal and time for the ‘grown ups’ to meet up once again for fun and friendship. These welcoming and simple little events are always a pleasure to go to and be a part of. The venue, as always, is at the Staplecross Village hall, with the next meeting planned for Monday APRIL 13th. between 12 Noon and 2.00pm. This is always a fun and friendly get-together which often have superb guest speakers offering a wide and varied range of talks and topics. Lots of different and interesting events are being planned to ensure everyone enjoys the results. If you have any ideas or suggestions suitable for these meetings, come and have a chat with Sue. For all further information of what’s planned for the oncoming months, please contact Sue on 01580~831775 & then - come along and join us.

ROTHER RAMBLERS - Eagerly looking forward to the weather changing with a more consistent level of dry and warmer Spring weather- to allow members to enjoy the peace and quiet of our countryside without downpours and freezing temperatures – or the unbelievable, unexpected and often unbearable, heatwaves of last year, the Walk Leaders of this popular walking group are continuing their busy task of arranging walks for us all to enjoy throughout the weeks of 2026. This week, we have one such walk very close by- in the villages of Stonegate and Robertsbridge. Planned to take place on Wednesday 15th APRIL 2026. The walk start is at the Stonegate Train Station – by the station entrance - Grid Reference TQ658272. What3Words:///glitter.securing.stooping at a slightly later time of 10.25am. (Satnav TN5 7ER) Please note: - the location is 369 metres West/NorthWest of this postcode.) The walk will start as soon as the train has arrived from Hastings – via Robertsbridge. The Walk Notes state “ Using the train from Robertsbridge to Stomegate – we’ll walk back ! Please bring a snack picnic lunch and water fro a refreshment break along the way. This is a nice scenic 8 circular mile route with some good views. The finish will be at the car park at the station – charges apply. There’s a small village car park, often full. Or on street parking near The George Inn or The Recreation Ground. Please allow at least 10m minutes to get from street parking to Robertsbridge Train Station. (Grid Reference TQ733235. – Satnav TN32 5HJ. – Please note: Location is 104 metres to the North/NorthEast of this postcode. What3Words:///familiar/mock.duosAdditional Notes: Train leaving Tunbridge Wells at 9.50 arrives at Stonegate at10.07am. Train from Hastings, leaving Robertsbridge at 10.14 arrives at Stonegate at 10.23am. The walk is Nationally Graded as Moderate. Your ‘Walk leader’ for today will be Chris (H) and for all further information please contact on Mobile: 07871~187057.

CHURCH SERVICES - EASTER CHURCH SERVICES – Church services for this year’s Easter period will continue with a Good Friday Meditation on Good Friday 3rd April. At 11.am at St. James the Great church Ewhurst Green. Followed by a Good Friday service at St. Giles church, Bodiam at 11.15am. There will be NO SERVICE at St. Mark’s church, Staplecross TODAY. EASTER DAY – Church services will continue with a Holy Communion Service (BCP) at St. James the Great church, Ewhurst Green. This will be followed directly after by a Parish Communion service at St. Giles church, Bodiam. There will be NO SERVICE at St. Mark’s church, Staplecross today. Please remember the ‘Food Bank’ collections at St. James, Ewhurst Green are on the 1st of every month. Every donation is always gratefully received and welcomed. PRAYER REQUESTS – Opportunities to leave requests for prayers – the ‘Prayer Basket’ is again available at both churches to enable anyone who wishes to have a prayer said for a loved one.If there is any church matter on which you feel you may need further guidance or assistance – however large or small especially Baptisms – Marriages or sadly – Funerals, then, for the time being please get in touch with any of the relevant Churchwardens – all as mentioned below: For St. James church, Ewhurst Green- contact 01580~830601. For St. Mark’s church, Staplecross - contact 01580~830830. For St. Giles church, Bodiam - contact 01580~830203/830327. Messages can still be left on the Rectory telephone number – 01580~830925 – and which are still dealt with daily. Help and guidance in some way, is always still at hand and always, so generously given, so please do contact them.

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