Cooksbridge, Offham & Hamsey

CHURCH SERVICES: Sunday, St peter's Church, 8am Holy Communion, 10.15am Sunday School in the church hall, 10.30am parish Communion followed by coffee in the hall.
Cooksbridge, Offham & Hamsey newsCooksbridge, Offham & Hamsey news
Cooksbridge, Offham & Hamsey news

POSTPONED: Rachel Brown’s planned concert on July 17 had to be postponed until a later date.

PARISH PICNIC: The annual parish picnic at Offham Church took place on July 17 on Offham Church lawn following the Parish Communion. Thankfully the sun finally arrived for what is always a very happy occasion.

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DRUSILLAS: Sunday School and Toddler Tunes trip to Drusillas is on Monday. Details from Judith on 01273 474356.

THEATRE TRIP: The annual trip to Chichester Theatre takes place on Wednesday August 3, to see half a Sixpence with a carvery supper on the way home. Judith reports that there are 32 of them going, but if you want to join them give Judith a call on 01273 474356.

AFTERNOON CLUB: the Monday Afternoon Club meet on August 8 at 2pm in Offham Church Hall. A very good friend to many, the Revd David perks, will be talking about Travels in Europe. Judith says that they are always immensely grateful to David for looking after the parish when they are away on holiday. But when he is not covering for Derek, he is frequently doing something at Anglican churches in Europe. He has a fund of stories to tell about his and Dorothy’s experiences there. Judith says, do come along and learn more. Remember the club is for all retired members of our community to drop in, there is no need to commit to every meeting. Lifts are available. Contact Judith on 01273 474356 to arrange one.

FRIENDS OF HAMSEY: It is reported that the Friends of Hamsey Church held a most successful open afternoon at the church on Saturday June 18, with the main purpose of the afternoon to raise awareness of the Hamsey Church roof Repair Fund. It was all a much greater success than anybody could have dared to hope (even the weather was kind with lots of gentle sunshine). Over 300 people went, many of whom had been married in the church, had babies christened there or family buried in the churchyard. The afternoon ended with a performance by Michael Kennedy’s superb singers. Although not the primary purpose, the afternoon was also a financial success, at the time of going to press there was in the region of £1,000 profit on the day.

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UNDER FIVES: Calling all under 5’s, if you would like to march with drums and shakers, sing nursery rhymes, dance and boogie, then get your mum, dad gran, nanny to bring you to Offham Church Hall at 10am on Thursday mornings. For all this and lots of toys to play with, as well as squash and biscuits, it’s just £3 per session. Older siblings welcome in school holidays. Come and join the fun. Good news for parents, we meet on Thursday in school holidays too.

RIDE AND STRIDE: The Sussex Historic churches Trust Ride and Stride is on Saturday September 10. Details later.

NEW SECRETARY: At the parochial church council meeting on July 11, Beth Bates was appointed Hon PCC secretary.

CONFIRMATION: The Rector reports that they are extremely fortunate that the Bishop of Lewes will be coming to Offham Church to confirm the confirmation candidates on October 18 at 7pm. Although it is some way off, the Bishop’s diary fills up very quickly. Please get in touch with Revd Derek Bastide if you would like to join the group being confirmed. Youngsters should be 12 years or over but there is no upper age limit. Call the Rector on 01273 474356.

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BRADNESS GALLERY: Courses for August, Tuesday and Wednesday, August 2 and 3, two day course with Janet Bolton, Creating Fabric Pictures. Tuesday and Wednesday August 2 and 3, two day course with Michael Cruickshank, painting Landscapes in Watercolour. Thursday and Friday, August 4 and 5, two day course with Emma Burnett, Painting Abstracts. Sunday August 7, one day course with Michael Cruickshank, Landscape Painting in Watercolours. Tuesday to Thursday, August 9 to 11, three day course with Michael Cruikshank, Painting Landscapes Outdoors, any medium. Saturday and Sunday, August 13 and 14, two day course with Emma Burnett, Painting Abstracts. To book a course contact Michael or Emma on 01273 400606.

RAVE: I was taken aback and felt furious when I read recently about Plumpton Rave 1992, which I am sure residents along and near the B2116 will remember. Saturday August 1, 1992 when the rave took place in the old quarry at the Bostal. All night long hundreds, or as has been written there must have been 2000 people, dancing to house music blaring out of a huge sound system. From early evening to lunchtime the next day the noise went on and all through the night the sound of people thronging along the B2116 to get to the venue. When it states that the police helicopter was hovering overhead throughout the night but did little to try to stop it, the police cars that tried to get along the B2116 could not get anywhere near as the road had been completely blocked. I was still the Cllr for this area and at the time Supt Carol Pople was in charge and with back-up tried their best to bring the event under control but could not get near until Sunday lunchtime when there were still many revellers at the site. When some started to disperse, outside of Courthouse Cottages we had an old van that came and parked outside on the opposite side of the road making an awful din and the occupants were very high on something, which certainly was not ginger beer. On the Monday morning I had South East Television turn up here as someone had tipped them off, as well as telling them that I was the District Cllr and where to find me. There were many raves to follow but not quite on the same scale, but bad enough to give plenty of sleepless nights. Fortunately after LDC became involved it was stopped, much to the relief of residents who were fed up with the weekend noise. It made me angry when I read that the police did nothing, as I know the other side of the story and wish to put the facts right.

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