Catsfield

Linda Keeley: Denis, Rachel and Rosalind would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to send their condolences after the passing of Mum. We have been overwhelmed by the kind cards, letters and number of people who attended her Funeral on Monday. Mum was involved in many things over her lifetime within the community and was much loved by many. She will be sorely missed.

Important Planning News: Two important planning applications affecting the village are publicised this week, the first being RR/2015/1418/P for 12 houses, 4 of which are affordable, opposite the Skinners Lane Council houses. The second is RR/2015/2260/P which is for the major road re-arrangement to enable access to the link road and the huge housing and industrial development in what is called North Sidley. It is very difficult to see on the computer, but it looks as though there will be a roundabout off the Ninfield Road, then a two lane road crossing countryside to another roundabout between Cockerels Farmhouse and Preston Farm House in Watermill Lane. When we went to see the plans a few months ago, a bridge was planned, but now it appears there are going to be roundabouts. What is particularly important to the village is that south Watermill Lane is going to be closed off and therefore there will be no direct access to the shops and facilities in Sidley. Traffic implications are especially important and consideration needs to be given to the likely effect this will have on the traffic we already endure both in the village centre and the surrounding lanes. Will we get less or more? I do urge you to take a look at the plans and if you are concerned, let our Parish Councillors know at their meeting on Wednesday 7th October when I am sure both applications will be considered.

Sport: Football news, our team didn’t have a game last week, but drew 1 - 1 against Bexhill Athletic the previous Saturday. Tomorrow they play Little Common away.

Macmillan Coffee Morning: Gwen’s coffee morning was as enjoyable as ever with people “hot desking” in her front room while we enjoyed coffee and her famous meringues. Sad to report although they would win ‘Bake Off’ there was no sign of Paul Hollywood. Daughter-in-law Sally, granddaughter Laura and great granddaughter Evie helped Gwen, so four generations of the family made it extra special. Everyone had a great time and Gwen would like to thank you all for coming and helping her to raise the best amount yet - £307.

Farming News: The recent wet weather has made planting difficult for farmers, but now they are going full steam ahead, resulting in not so many of them at the East Sussex Ploughing Match at Stone Cross last Saturday. However, there was plenty of steam as we could enjoy two steam traction engines ploughing alongside all sorts of ancient and modern tractors against the background of the Sussex Downs. Gerry Winter was among several ploughing with heavy horses, which are always a joy to watch. Gerry has two 3 year old Percherons which he is training and they look beautiful animals. The whole occasion reminded us of what living in the country is all about and on the way home, we stopped off for another reminder, to look in the Church to see the decorations for Harvest Festival. The gold, yellow, apricot flowers, lots of greenery, berries, hops, acorns and the very special Chinese lanterns looked beautiful, congratulations to the Church team.

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