Ewhurst Green, Cripps Corner and Staplecross village voice

This event is always a good opportunity for those with green or nimble fingers to show what they have been busy doing and a chance for visitors to see whether they could have done better had they entered the many classes available!

Another event tomorrow is the annual cycle ride around the churches of the county. Cyclists, or those who walk as the event is not restricted to wheels, choose their route. There is a list of churches open on the day, and especially those offering sustenance. Sponsor forms are available from Alastair Neill (01580-830245). Fifty percent of money raised goes to our own church and the other half to Sussex Historic Churches Trust.

Alastair has been a volunteer at the Paralympics and said he was impressed and humbled by the many games participants who had overcome their disabilities. Doubtless he will be thinking of them as he gets on his bike to do the best he can for our churches.

The Ewhurst and Staplecross Bonfire Society has a Fun Dog Show on Sunday at Beckley – it will be signposted from the A28 – in Mary Mason’s Field. The details are: Entries from 10.30 am, with judging to follow at 11.30 am. The cost is £1 per dog per class. There is ample free parking and refreshments are available.

Ewhurst Parish Council has found a piece of land that may be suitable for allotments and asks that anyone whose garden is not large enough to grow their own vegetables and is interested in an allotment to attend a Allotments Open Morning between 10am and noon tomorrow. The site is in Lordine Lane Ewhurst Green and will be identified by balloons.

Merriments Garden Centre is again supporting Macmillan Cancer Support by having a special Open Gardens in aid of this worthwhile charity on Wednesday September 12 between 10.00am and 5.30pm. The admission for adults is £5, with children aged between 5-16, at £2 per head.

Another Macmillan Cancer Support occasion is the annual World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, where people all over make a conscious effort to hold/attend a coffee morning with funds going to this cancer charity. This year again, because of increase in numbers in recent years, will take place in Staplecross village hall on Friday September 28 between 10am and 12 noon.

Our local amateur drama group, SCATS, is gathering speed in preparing for the annual panto in January. Interested participants always welcome to join, of all ages, whether on stage or assisting backstage. There is a meeting at 7.30pm in the village hall on Friday September 14 to discuss plans and welcome input from new members.

Hilary Ganly is holding a One Day Workshop on Saturday September 22 at the Church Room (at the rear of St Mark’s church) Northiam Road, Staplecross. The theme this time is Flower Painting and Hilary is taking bookings at £40. The time is 10.00am-4pm. To contact Hilary, you should ring 01580-830704, or email [email protected].

All those who have an autumn clearing of cupboards will be interested in a Jumble Sale at the village hall on Saturday September 15. This is in aid of the village hall itself, which like all buildings does on occasion need an injection of funds and this is always a popular fundraising venture.

Footpath maintenance: Do you get frustrated when on a country walk you encounter overgrown/obstructed footpaths or broken stiles. If you are reasonably fit, would you be interested in joining a local group of footpath maintenance volunteers, supported by East Sussex County Council Rights of Way, The Ramblers, and Ewhurst Parish Council? If so, our parish clerk would be interested in hearing from you. He is Richard Farhall, 2 Banks Cottages, Mountfield TN32 5JZ [email protected].

Mary Reeve, Wodens Wood, Cripps Corner