Brede

The Christmas Tree Festival went off very successfully last weekend with about twenty trees being decorated by village groups and organisations. The Choir Concert was well received and the Church was full for the Christingle Service. Thanks to everyone who took part in any way whether decorating the trees or helping out on the stalls in the Church. All you efforts were greatly appreciated.

The Christmas tree outside the Church has been erected by Brede Church Bellringers and if you would like to donate £1.00 and dedicate a light in memory of a loved one or for a special occasion please put your name and dedication in an envelope and drop it in to Andrew Burchett, Alexandra Cottage, Stubb Lane, Brede, TN31 6EJ or give to any of the bellringers. You may also make donations at the Friday Farmers’ Market (on the apple stall). Proceeds this year are going towards the cost of the lighting required and also to the funds being raised to have the church clock restored to its full working order. The clock has been working continuously for about 200 years but the chiming mechanism has had to be stopped for the time being until repairs can be carried out costing around £5,300. So far around £2,000 has been raised. A list of dedications will be put up on the church noticeboard and the sum raised will be given in the Parish magazine in the New Year.

Carol Singing this year will take place next Monday, December 17, with the members of the Fire Station going around the Oakhill and Reedswood estates and they invite anyone to join them. They usually leave the station at around 6.30 pm. Carol singing will also be going on at the Red Lion from 8.00 pm on the same evening and at the King’s Head, Udimore from about 8.00 pm on Thursday, December 20.

Despite the poor weather conditions, an appreciative audience turned out last week for the concert given by Cranbrook Town Band in aid of the Poppy Appeal. Their programme this year was largely based on well-known music that has figured in the pop music charts over the last fifty years or so and featured a number of memorable tunes. The Band has been giving this concert in aid of the Appeal for about 30 years now and seems to be as popular as ever.

There are a few things taking place in January that you might like to make a note of. Tickets are on sale now for Brede Players’ production of “Robinson Crusoe” at the Village Hall on Friday and Saturday, January 11 and 12. Please contact Bobbie on 01424-882549 or Bruni on 01424-883548 or Broad Oak Bakery. These pantos normally get booked up quite quickly so don’t miss out. The following week the Friends of St. George are holding a Quiz Evening on Saturday, January 19, at the Village Hall. Tables are up to eight people and the admission is £7.50 per person including fish and chip supper. Reservations can be made now by contacting Marion Firman on 01424-751165. Brede and Udimore Overseas Group is holding a lunch on Friday, January 25, at Udimore Community Hall in aid of their four overseas charities. The 2-course lunch is at 12.30 pm and tickets are £8.50. Please contact Liz Turgoose on 01424-882657.

Services at St. George’s Church during the coming week are the Family Eucharist at 9.30 am and Evening Prayers at 5.30 pm on Sunday, December 16, with Holy Communion on Tuesday, December 18, Thursday, 20, Friday, 21, and Saturday, 22, at 9.00 am and also Wednesday, December 19, at 10.00 am. Brede School Christmas Service is on Wednesday, December 19, at 2.15 pm.

Trinity Methodist Church will be holding their Carol Service on Sunday, December 16 at Broad Oak at 3.00 pm. The service will be conducted by the Revd. Derek Brice and Mrs. Topsy Brice. All are invited to attend the service which will be followed by seasonal refreshments. There is no morning service on that day.

Activities for the coming week at the Village Hall:

Monday, December 17: Age UK (10.30 am), Rainbows (4.15 pm), Brownies (5.30 pm), Whist Drive (7.30 pm); Tuesday, 18: Painting for Pleasure (9.30 am); Friday, 21: Farmers’ Market (10.00 am), Short Mat Bowls (7.30 pm).

Scout Hut, Stubb Lane: Monday, December 17: Beavers (5.30-6.30 pm), Cubs (6.30-8.00 pm).

If you have anything to be put in the column it can be sent e-mail to: [email protected]