Catsfield

Don’t forget that resurfacing work is to be carried out by the Highways Department on The Green on Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th June from the junction with Church Road to Horns Corner. This will mean the road will be closed from 9.30am until 4pm for two days (work could be delayed if the weather is wet) and diversions will be signposted. Access will be given as far as possible for residents and businesses and everyone is asked not to park on the road. Buses will be re-routed. Coupled with the two month or more closure of the Crowhurst Road to Queensway, the remaining roads in the area are likely to be pretty busy.

On Saturday 29th June there will be a guided ‘Wild Flower Walk’ in Powdermill Woods, meeting in the car park at 2pm. This is organised by the Powdermill Trust for Nature Conservation and they will also be holding a ‘Working Party’ day on Wednesday 19th June from 10am, volunteers are always welcome and their help will be gratefully received. You can stay for as long or as little time as you can manage and it is advisable to wear suitable footwear and clothing. Enquiries to Derek Bates, Reserve Manager – 01424 425538.

The Playing Field was extremely busy this weekend starting with a great day’s sport on Friday, with Catsfield School Sports Day held in sunshine, yes, sunshine in June how unusual! Apparently everyone enjoyed themselves with some non-competitive games and then the traditional running, jumping and running carrying things games. David Taylor organised a cricket match for the evening with a school team playing the cricket club. This was held last year as an opening to the Jubilee celebrations and it would be good if it could become an annual event. With a mixture of cricketers and willing parents in a 15 over match the cricket club scored 107 for 6 wickets supplemented by a huge contribution of wides and no-balls, with the school team winning with 108 for 4 wickets. The children ran around the whole time as is customary, while the parents supplied a barbecue and drinks.

The Car Boot Sale held to raise funds for St Lawrence Church on Saturday morning was a great success and contributed £290 towards church expenses. After rain earlier in the morning it cleared up before the event and was quite a decent day apart from the very strong winds. A roaring trade was done by the team in the kitchen selling hot and cold drinks and cooking sausages, the smell of bacon butties drew customers across the field to the pavilion for very welcome refreshments.

The next fund-raising event for the church will be a Sponsored Walk on 14th July. It will be a circular walk around the outskirts of Battle starting and ending at the home of organiser Sandra Shewbridge in Netherfield Road and refreshments will be served there afterwards. Sponsor forms will be available in the bookcase at the back of the church after this weekend.

On Saturday afternoon the WI held their annual Strawberry Teas in the Village Hall. It was a shame that these two events were held on the same day, but nevertheless thanks to the generous WI members bringing cakes and scones everyone enjoyed the teas and the chance to linger and chat. The afternoon started well with six walkers passing by and settling themselves down in the garden for a welcome tea. £120 was made for Demelze Hospice and £53 for the WI funds. Many thanks to the Committee.

Sunday back to the Playing Field again for cricket and a terrific unbeaten 83 by Tim Pitman, ably supported by Derek Fuller on 22, which ensured a win for Catsfield against Sidley by 6 wickets. Notable bowling figures of S Sharma 3 for 26, Tony Taylor 2 for 11 and Tom Wisden 2 for 23 and some very good catches all helped. Next fixture is Sunday 23rd away to Brightling Park. The Stoolball Club are playing in an eight a side mixed tournament at Robertsbridge on Sunday, so more good weather is required.