Burwash

Back Again - The wanderer has returned from her extended stay with family in Canada. It was lovely to spend so much time with my family, especially my 92 year old Aunt Mary, learning more about her life as a Canadian, and being able to get know my eight cousins and their families a bit more. We didn’t do much sight seeing this time as Auntie was poorly for some of my stay but she is still so mentally alert it was a pleasure to listen to her. We did get up to see Grand Falls, New Brunswick, as i really enjoyed this place on my last visit, but how disappointing to find no water at all falling and very little in the basin underneath despite the torrential rain. One of the highlights of the trip was attending the Wedding of Simon Pope, who I have known since he was born as he comes from Burwash, and went to School with my son. He married Sarah Goodine of Canada in a lovely ceremony on the banks othe St John river. I would like to thank Sam Birch for her efforts in continuing this column while i was away. When i asked her how she managed she said ‘struggled’ Thank you anyway Sam.

A Burwash Summer - It seems that while i have been away life in Burwash has been very busy. The open gardens in June attracted a great number of people and £3,506 for the village hall. There have been coffee mornings, summer fetes, Afternoon tea events, open days at Bateman’s and the new Buzzy Bees Pre-school, the summer flower & vegetable show and the annual visit from the Rude Mechanical theatre group. Several villagers were also busy trying to grow the tallest sunflower in a competition organised by Rod Clifton. This was won by Tania Cheshire (adult) and Jamie Stephens (child), well done to them. They are all now watching their pumpkins which will be weighed & measured at the end of October. The annual summer fair attracted a good crowd on bank holiday Monday and all stalls made money.

Fete - Last Saturday the Burwash Weald & Common playing fields held their annual summer fair. The weather remained mainly dry despite the grey skies and people were able to enjoy an afternoon of a traditional English fete. I haven’t any more info on the afternoon but promise to get it for next week.

Lunch club - The monthly Age Uk, Burwash branch lunch will take place on Monday at the Bear Motel, from 12 noon. This is an ideal way to have a lovely fresh cooked meal at just £8 per person in congenial company and is open to anyone over 55. To book a place please call Jazz Botting on 01435 882033 or Heather Lewis on 882080 or Maddie Ashbee on 883233. The may be able to help with transport if you need it.

Walk -For one month only the Parish Footpath walk will take place on a Thursday. They will leave as usual from the Bear car park at 9am. You are ll welcome to go along, when Roger Cloke will lead you over the network of public footpaths that are part of the beautiful Burwash countryside. The walks usually end in time for lunch.

Coffee - On Saturday 28th September there will be a coffee morning in the Scout hut in aid of MacMillan nurses. The event is open from 9.30am to 12.30pm. You are all welcome to go along and enjoy coffee & cakes which are included in the £2 entrance fee, and browse the various stalls.

Nostalgia - Also on the same weekend is the popular Bygones Burwash event, which is staged at the village hall. It is open on Sunday 29th from 11am. It is hoped that we will have new items of interest including photos and items that were in use back when. More details next week.

Supper - Another future event is the Harvest supper which will take place on the 5th October in the village hall from 7.30pm. Tickets are £7.50 and include good food and entertainment. Tickets available now from Vicki Patterson 01435 882135 or Jo Brown 8824453 or from the Burwash News agents.

Postal Quiz - While I was away I spent a bit of time devising the next postal quiz. I just have to get it on to the computer and print it off. This one is in anagram form and all the answers are famous people who have a place in their name, town country, county etc. Copies are again £2 for 100 questions and all the proceeds will be given to The Admiral Nurses. It will be available from Monday and you can obtain a copy by sending me a stamped addressed envelope and £2 for each copy, to Mary Taylor, 2 Holton cottages, Spring Lane, Burwash TN19 7HU. You will have almost three months to complete it and return it to me.