Brede

As we move on into December the calendar becomes more congested with the beginning of the Christmas season. There are, however, one or two things that are not directly connected to the festive season taking place such as the monthly opening of the Brede Giants Pumping Engines for viewing at Brede Waterworks tomorrow, Saturday, December 1, from 10 am to 4.00 pm. Parking is free, refreshments and souvenir items are available. New members for the Society are welcome as is anyone who likes working with heritage machinery. Also tomorrow there is another Village Dance from 7.30 pm at the Village Hall. The programme as usual will include favourite dances from ballroom, sequence, Latin to line dancing. Entrance is £3.00. And finally, the annual Concert given by Cranbrook Town Band, in aid of the Poppy Appeal, will be held in the Village Hall next Thursday, December 6, at 7.45pm. Admission £4.00, pay at the door.

Brede School’s Christmas Fair is being held at the school on Thursday, December 6, at 3.15 pm and everyone is invited to go along. The Christmas Tree Festival is being held at St. George’s Church from Friday, December 7, to Sunday, December 9. Individuals and local organisations are invited to decorate a tree with the theme of the ’12 days of Christmas’ or other appropriate carol. If you would like to decorate a tree please call Vicki on 01424-883408 or Judy on 01424-882222 for more details. The Festival starts on the Friday with a Choir Concert at 7.30 pm (admission £3.50) and will be open to the public on the Saturday from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm and Sunday after morning service finishing with the Christingle Service at 3.00 pm. Admission to the Festival during opening hours is £1.00 (children 50p).

In addition to the Festival Trees, Brede Church Bellringers will be erecting a Christmas tree again outside the church at the beginning of December to coincide with the Festival. 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) or at the Tree Festival on December 8 and 9.

Services at St. George’s Church during the coming week are the Family Eucharist at 9.30 am and the Advent Sunday Evening with Taize music at 6.00 pm on Sunday, December 2, with Holy Communion on Wednesday, December 5, at 10.00 am and Thursday, 6, at 9.00 am.

Trinity Methodist Church will be holding their regular Service on Sunday, December 2 at Broad Oak at the usual time of 10.30 am. The service will be conducted by Mr. J. Thorn. The Church’s Carol Service is being held on Sunday, December 2, at 3.00 pm and conducted by the Revd. Derek Brice and Mrs. Topsy Brice. All are invited to attend the service which will be followed by seasonal refreshments.

Activities for the coming week at the Village Hall:

Saturday, December 1: Village Dance (7.30pm); Monday, 3: Age UK (10.30 am), Rainbows (4.15 pm), Brownies (5.30 pm), Whist Drive (7.30 pm); Tuesday, 4: Painting for Pleasure (9.30 am); Thursday, 6: Stretch and Tone (9.30 am), Cranbrook Band Concert (7.45 pm); Friday, 7: Farmers’ Market (10.00 am), Short Mat Bowls (7.30 pm).

Scout Hut, Stubb Lane: Monday, December 3: 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]