District news - January 18

CHRISTIAN WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP: The annual meeting produced no surprises, all those on the committee had agreed to stand again which made it more relaxing for the members. The speaker next month on Wednesday, February 13 will be Gareth Doodes, he will be talking about the Second World War.

Visitors are always welcome, just come to the Reading Room in time for a 2.30pm start with prayer.

HOOE OPEN GROUP: It was a very good meeting last Friday, Edna asked the members what they felt about the previous year and was pleased to learn that all the ladies were very pleased with each meeting in 2007. The first speaker this year will be Mrs Carol Holland who has entitled her talk "The Marital Problems of a Registrar".

Recently Beryl, one of the members, won a Saga cruise and was invited to tell the ladies all about it.

It sounded wonderful from every point of view and she and her husband have only the highest praise for the ship and crew of Saga Rose.

Edna gave each member a small pot in which she asked them to collect 5p pieces and to bring the full pot to the next meeting, donate the money and take the pot home again to repeat the exercise. The amount collected by the end of the year will be donated to a group/charity in Hooe.

There was as expected not only an excellent Bring and Buy table but also the most magnificent hamper which was raffled to celebrate the Hooe Open Group's first anniversary. What a lucky winner!

There is room for more members, you will be pleased you joined the most friendly group in Hooe which meets on the second Friday of each month. The next meeting is on Friday, February 15 at 2.30pm in Hooe village hall, Edna can be contacted on 01424 842591.

NINFIELD PARISH COUNCIL: At the meeting held on Thursday, January 10 councillors were congratulated on their "good housekeeping" during 2007. The completion of the sportswall was a compliment primarily to Cllr Mrs Crittell, she has worked hard for many months, with the support of the parish council, to complete the project. East Sussex County Councillor Bill Bentley was congratulated on his work on speed limits in Ninfield. The residents are indebted to him.

A local resident, a mother with young children, asked motorists who use Manchester Road to be more vigilant. Recently she was walking with her children along the road, there are NO footpaths, when an inconsiderate driver meant they all had to dive into the bush in order not to be HIT.

The parish council will soon be sending out a letter and a questionnaire to all households. The letter will give details of proposed speed limits, the questionnaire will be seeking your opinion on a proposed footpath across the recreation ground. This is to accommodate parents who park in the Kings Arms car park, at present, and families who live in Stocks Meadow and Smith Close. Apparently the twitten, Lower Church Path, in not convenient enough for those families.

The next council meeting will be held on Thursday, February 7 at 7.15pm in the Methodist Church Hall.

NINFIELD BOWLS CLUB: The next social meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 22 in the pavilion. Both playing members and social members enjoy these evenings and they do keep friends in touch during the winter months. News about the Bowls Club is available by ringing the secretary on 01424 843436.

HOOE PARISH COUNCIL: The next meeting will be held on Monday, January 21 at 7.30pm in Hooe village hall. Residents of Hooe are invited to attend the meeting and to find out just what their parish council does for the village.

NO COLD CALLING ZONE: During the coming week an information pack will be delivered to every home in the Parish. Please take time to read through the leaflets they contain very helpful advice on how to prevent bogus and unwanted callers. The scheme will be launched on Wednesday, January 30 at 2.15pm in the Memorial Hall, Bexhill Road.

Do come along for more advice and to meet our local Police Team. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be on offer too. A reminder will follow next week.

DAVID WILFORD: I have been asked to mention David's funeral which will take place on Monday, January 21, at the Methodist Church in Little Common at 12.30pm.

David was an absolute stalwart at Ninfield's Methodist Church, holding several offices during the many years he worshipped there. He has been much missed since his health required him to leave the village and move to Battle.

ARC WINTER WARMER: The committee are pleased to tell you that all the tickets have been sold for the Winter Warmer Lunch. It is hoped this will be a success, it is held to raise funds for ARC. I understand there is another event being considered so please watch this space.

LENT: St. Mary's PCC are currently considering what will replace the Lent Lunches this year. Please watch this column for future news, it really isn't so far away this year.

ST. OSWALD'S, HOOE: The church PCC have decided to celebrate Shrove Tuesday with A Pancake Lunch in Hooe village hall on Tuesday, February 5 from 11.30am until 1.30pm. You will be offered soup, bread and pancakes. There is no charge but contributions will be accepted. For more information please call either Jack or Margaret Rist on 01424 892576 or Simon Pattisson on 01424 845087. Meantime make a note in your diary to keep the date free for this event, it will be well worth it.

CHURCH SERVICES - Sunday, January 20

St Mary's, Ninfield - 9.30am, Parish Eucharist.

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

Methodist Church - 2.30pm, Worship Service led by Mr John Thorn.

Wednesday, January 23

St Mary's, Ninfield - 10am, Holy Communion.