District news - December 7

GOODBYE: On Thursday, November 29 I was one of many people who attended Christine Vear's funeral at St Mary's Church in Battle. I met Christine some years ago and soon realised how dedicated she was to Knitting for Kisiizi and I admired the enthusiasm with which she undertook all she did. I feel privileged to have known Christine and am sure the support for Kisiizi will continue in her memory. My thoughts are with her husband, Don, and family.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE: What a lovely morning it was for St Mary's Christmas Fair held last Saturday. The Reading Room looked wonderfully festive, the goods on offer provided an impressive range and the number of people who took advantage of a most enjoyable morning was rewarding. I hope to be able to let you know next week how much was raised for St Mary's Church.

NINFIELD FLOWER GROUP: The ladies of the Flower Group meet this evening to enjoy their annual Open Meeting when this year's guest David Fawcett-Ropner will demonstrate "The Magic of Christmas". These beautiful arrangements are raffled at the end of the evening resulting in broad smiles from the lucky winners.

NINFIELD BOWLS CLUB: A jolly evening is anticipated by both players and social members when they attend the Christmas party next Tuesday evening. The Christmas cracker competition should be fun, especially for the president who has to judge the best.

NINFIELD GOLDEN CIRCLE: Yet another Christmas party! The members gather next Tuesday afternoon to enjoy completely different entertainment provided by fellow members. The refreshments will be a surprise to everyone as they will be provided by caterers not members taking their turn on the rota.

CHRISTIAN WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP: The meeting next Wednesday will be social with a seasonal atmosphere. The committee provide the refreshments which are guaranteed to be delicious, a brain teaser is usually part of the celebrations which guarantees an enjoyable afternoon.

NINFIELD VILLAGE SOCIETY: And now for something completely different .... On Wednesday, December 12 the Village Society hosts its annual Christmas Coffee Morning in the Reading Room, Church Lane, from 10.30am until noon.

You are all invited to call in, perhaps to buy a cake or a raffle ticket and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and seasonal refreshments, biscuits will be provided for weight watchers.

NINFIELD HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: The usual anagrams, quizzes and raffle will feature at the last meeting of 2007 which will be held on Wednesday, December 12. Refreshments are provided by the members and are always varied and tasty.

HOOE OPEN GROUP: It must be the time of year! The ladies will be enjoying a Christmas lunch at an eating place of their choice. They will undoubtedly raise a glass to their first successful year and hope for continued increased membership throughout 2008. They will not be at Hooe village hall on Friday, December 14.

I look forward to seeing them all in 2008.

READING ROOM: There will be a special event at the Reading Room, Church Lane on Sunday, December 16 at 3pm. The rector, Revd Simon Earl, plans to celebrate the development of a new orchard and patio area.

A great deal of work has been undertaken to improve the Reading Room garden and this will provide an opportunity for people to see for themselves just how attractive it now is.

Please do make a note to accept this invitation for December 16.

CHURCH SERVICES Sunday, December 9: St Mary's, Ninfield - 9.30am, Parish Eucharist; 6pm, Evensong.

St Oswald's, Hooe - 11.15am, Parish Eucharist.

Methodist Church - 2.30pm, Worship Service, 2nd Sunday in Advent led by Revd Stephen Sander.

Wednesday, December 12: St Mary's, Ninfield - 10am, Holy Communion.