District news - January 25

HOOE OPEN GROUP: I owe you all an apology, I included an incorrect date for the HOG's next meeting in last week's column. The second Friday in February is the 8th, not the 15th as I stated.

Edna was very kind when she rang to tell me.

She accepted my apology and sympathised with my reason, a mature moment and an inability to read a diary properly. Edna said I will still be welcome at the meeting which will be held on Friday, February 8 in Hooe village hall. A reminder will follow and not only for you dear readers and members!

SCOUTS JUMBLE SALE: Ninfield Scouts are holding their Grand Winter Jumble Sale tomorrow at 2pm in the Memorial Hall, Bexhill Road. There will be the usual tempting bargain offers, a raffle and refreshments.

All the money raised is spent on our local youngsters so your support is most welcome and appreciated.

SHROVE TUESDAY: This will be celebrated in Hooe village hall on Tuesday, February 5 from 11.30am until 1.30pm. You will be offered soup, bread and pancakes for which there will not be a charge but a contribution will be much appreciated.

You can ring Jack or Margaret on 01424 892576 or Simon Pattisson on 01424 845087 if you wish to know more.

PROPOSED FOOTPATH: A resident mentioned to me the item in last week's column re. the footpath across the recreation ground currently under consideration. I quote what was said, "Isn't there a worry that Health and Safety may require if not demand that street lights are provided as well?" I do declare I could not be sure whether this was a serious question or not. As Health and Safety seem to pop up everywhere perhaps we should all worry.

Please do remember that a questionnaire and the No Cold Calling leaflets will be delivered to you shortly.

GOODBYE: I can now mention the sad fact that we no longer have a Pont butcher in Ninfield. It was a few weeks ago that Adrian shut the shop and together with his wife, Sheila, prepared for a new life elsewhere.

I am sure you will join me in thanking Adrian Pont for all he did during his time as "the village butcher" after taking over the family business. We wish them and their daughters happiness in their new home.

NO COLD CALLING: Please don't forget the launch on Wednesday, January 30 in the Memorial Hall at 2.15pm.

LENT COFFEE MORNINGS: It was finally decided that this year St Mary's Church members would host three coffee mornings during Lent. These will take place on alternate weeks during Lent. The first will be held on Wednesday, February 13 in the Reading Room, Church Lane from 10.30am.

You are invited to come and enjoy coffee and biscuits and good company, you will be very welcome.

More information nearer the date.

MOBILE LIBRARY: If the closure of the library in Bexhill does not affect the Mobile Service the ever welcome van will be calling in our two villages this weekend.

The first call is in Hooe where you will find the van parked opposite Denbigh Court from 1.50pm until 2.35pm.

From Hooe the van is driven to Ninfield arriving in Millfield at 2.50pm and staying until 3.25pm. The last call is in Downs View between 3.40pm and 4.05pm. I do hope there was plenty of choice and that the service will be able to continue during the refurbishment of Bexhill library.

GOLDEN CIRCLE: The meeting due to be held on Tuesday last week was cancelled due to the appalling weather. The chairman thanks all the members for their co-operation in this matter and hopes to see them all at the annual meeting which will now be held on Tuesday, February 19.

More details nearer the date.

NINFIELD HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: There was a very warm welcome for Brenda Holcombe and her husband Tony at the meeting on Wednesday, January 16. Brenda's subject was Kazakhstan and fascinating, colourful interesting it was too. They still have vast areas of meadows there with all the lovely wild flowers we used to see in ours. Brenda takes wonderful photographs which make super slides and in addition this time she had brought cards with reproductions of some of her photographs.

They were quite lovely. I snapped up the one of the Madagascan pygmy kingfisher, a tiny orange and part brown feathered bright eyed little bird with a long orange beak, an absolute delight. I've just noticed it has orange legs and feet too!

Everyone in Brenda's audience thoroughly enjoyed the talk, the support from Tony and the fabulous slides. As someone said "You felt as though you'd been there." Praise indeed.

The raffle had some lovely prizes too. Details of the next meeting will follow nearer the date.

CHURCH SERVICES - Sunday, January 27: St Mary's, Ninfield - 9.30am, Parish Eucharist; 6pm, Evensong.

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

Methodist Church - 2.30pm, Worship Service led by Mrs Margaret Bickerdike.

Wednesday, January 30

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