Catsfield

Henley Down Cottage

• Many thanks to Ann Davey for the following reports.

What a lovely weekend’s weather we had, unfortunately marred by rain on Friday which meant the opening cricket match v Ashburnham had to be cancelled. This Sunday we hope to play Little Common away, which leaves us a little time to get our own pitch ready. Football finished with another win 4 - 1 against Eastbourne Albert away with Tony Luke scoring another hat trick and our other goal by Ian Swain. We lost 10 games, won 5 and drew 1 so finish next to bottom of the division awaiting news of whether the team will be relegated. The matches were all played in good sporting spirit, no dangerous tackles or biting!!

Thursday night was the AGM of the Village Hall Committee where we heard that the finances are in a good state. Maintenance of the Hall continues with news that it will be closed during the middle two weeks of August so that the slight sinkage of the floor can be repaired and the main space re-decorated. Hermon Cottage and the snooker room will continue to be in operation. We have a set of new main doors which has caused the invaluable Allan Wilkinson a great deal of trauma, but they do look good. There will be an extra £50 prize in the 100 Club draw this year to reflect the slight increase in membership. Chairman Mike Cooper and his Committee were all duly thanked.

Following this meeting, the Hall filled up for the Annual Parish Assembly with reports from the Headmistress of the school and various village organisations. Chairman John Overall gave his usual professional presentation, this time illustrating the difficulties in considering planning applications. Clerk Carol Hodgson presented the new plan for the refurbishment of the children’s playground for which grants have been obtained, so we look forward to seeing this rather sad area of the Playing Field brought up to date. We owe a debt of gratitude to the seven Parish Councillors, Clerk Carol and representatives Angharad and Kathryn, who all work extremely hard to keep the village going. Well done.

Saturday afternoon saw the extremely professional exhibition of over 230 Diamond Jubilee photos, presented by the Jubilee Committee. A lot of work went into this show and it was much appreciated by lots of visitors who were able to re-live the four day celebrations of 2012. Gwen and her apprentice Ellie Hodgson provided free teas and coffees to the visitors and another successful village event was held. The photographs are all numbered and will be catalogued and placed in the village archive. If anyone would like to order a photograph, they are available at 50p.

On a sad note, we report that Joyce Brown has died. She and her late husband Norman lived in the village for many years and Joyce will be much missed by the WI.