Fairlight

AN EXTRA LUMP OR TWO FOR MACMILLAN COFFEE: A further sweetener from the Macmillan Coffee Morning, as over £30 was added by a donation from the Playgroup following their own Bake Off, plus some £62 arising from tax relief (always a most satisfying source!), giving a final count-up of £1312.

TICKETS, PLEASE: Don’t forget that the Fairlight Players will be presenting Terence Rattigan’s Separate Tables next week from Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 November. Tickets, a humble £6 each, are on sale now at the Post Office, and you have the choice of the three evening performances at 7.30 pm, plus a 2.30 pm Saturday matinée. There will be a licensed bar at the Friday and Saturday evenings, not that this would influence your choice…

THE TUESDAY LADIES CLUB: This month’s meeting had as its speaker John Pulfer, the British Legion Poppy Appeal campaign co-ordinator for the five villages, and he gave the ladies the background to this very time consuming task. The British Legion was formed in 1921 and the poppy was chosen as its logo because of its ability to regenerate in waste and damaged land. The whole operation is subject to very strict rules and supervision and John expressed his appreciation of the many volunteers who collect quite substantial sums of money during the Poppy campaign. John’s interesting talk was followed by a fun quiz on sweets for the members, which was won by the Club’s Treasurer. The prize was actually a lovely pot plant – not sweets! The November meeting will feature one of the excellent National Trust speakers – Ray Schayler who will tell us about the things found in the attics of Scotney Castle when they were preparing the house to be open for the public. Next month’s speaker is, in fact, very popular in the village, and has presented several talks to various organisations. However, I hope he will accept my apologies as I have him recorded as Ray Shayler and Ray Schayler, and have never been able to find out which is correct! This meeting will be at the usual time of 2.15pm and the date November 18. Menfolk are always welcome at Ladies Club meetings.

COMMUNITY INTEREST IN THE POST OFFICE AND GENERAL STORES: Last week’s column promised a comprehensive update on the forthcoming public meeting to be held to discuss the possibility of our community becoming vitally involved in our Post Office. However, this note will not be that comprehensive, but at least it will be more accurate than the last entry, which included the correct date and venue, but the wrong day. The day, date, time and place, then, should have read Saturday, November 15 from 10 am to 12 noon in the village hall. If you would like those comprehensive details, you would be well advised to attend that meeting and get all the up-to-date information!

FAIRLIGHT EXPEDITIONARY FORCE IN BELGIUM: Though the Wine and Social Club had previously visited the celebrated Great War cemetery sites in Belgium a couple of short years ago, the club felt it would be most appropriate to repeat the visit to Ypres in commemoration on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the War. Club Vice-Chairman Trevor Lewing had researched the archives and found that 34 years old Private Charles Kemp from Fairlight had fought and died there. Trevor also found out that Private Kemp was buried at Buffs Road Cemetery. When the coach party arrived there, Trevor laid a poppy wreath from the village on his grave, in his memory and of those who had fallen with him. An intensely moving moment. Earlier, the group had visited the Menin Gate Memorial, followed by a walk around the town, where, on a lighter note, some of the party remembered that Belgium is twinned with chocolate, and did their best to boost the Belgian economy. The final stop was at Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world. While there, by chance, a young Irish music group dressed in historic replica uniforms they had made, gathered by the cenotaph and played the bagpipes. This unforgettable occurrence completed a pleasant, very poignant day.

MOPPs THIS WEEK AND NEXT: Today is MOPP’s 6th Birthday Party combined with Halloween celebrations, and Carol George will be along to lead the fun. A main course of roast pork will be followed by fruit jelly. Next Friday, November 7, members can enjoy Tai Chi with Annie Cryer, and then settle down to beef casserole and a meringue dessert. Not every week, but certainly pretty often, we do try to reach the unconverted by reminding you that there are vacancies which could be filled by those who would no doubt enjoy MOPP’s weekly events. Please have a word with the Group’s Co-ordinator, Robert Pasterfield; you can speak to Robert on 07860 414277. And a special MOPP’s note, possibly for someone a bit younger who could step into the shoes ofPaul. Paul has been the group’s volunteer in the kitchen who, throughout all the past six years, has made everyone teas and coffees, peeled vegetables and washed up. He has left, and MOPPs would dearly like to find a replacement. This would suit someone who would enjoy being an important cog in this smooth running outfit, a sound focal point for those in the community who are not quite as young as they once were. Why not give it a go for a few hours each week? You would be as appreciated as was Paul! Robert Pasterfield is still on 07860 414277 and awaiting your call!

ALL TOGETHER AT THE FLORAL CLUB: The Club’s October meeting, on the Thursday of last week, was a superb demonstration afternoon with Gill Sadler on sparkling form with her display, ‘Flower and Glory’. So impressed were the members that several are contemplating a visit to the Sedlescombe Floral Club’s November meeting, at which Gill will once again be weaving her floral magic!

GET A GOOD DEAL, AND A GAME OF BINGO: Tonight, when the third of the Bowls Club’s winter series of fortnightly Whist Drives takes place in the village hall, starting at 7 pm. You’re advised to arrive between 6.30 and 6.45 pm so the evening can get off to a prompt start. Call Sylvia Taylor if you have any questions about the evening’s activities. She’s on 813518. The bingo comes a mere 12 hours or so later, as it’s the Bowls Club’s Autumn Coffee Morning on Saturday, November 1 (tomorrow) in the village hall from 10 am to 12 noon. Bingo, High and Low (?), coffee cake and good company. Always a very popular morning, you should try to be there. Many others will be!.

THE HUT IS SHUT: The Gardening Club hut may have started its three month hibernation but, of course, their monthly first Monday talks continue through the off-season. And on Monday next, November 3, there’s a visit from regular guest Dr Barry Yates, who will be giving an update on projects at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and the impact they have had on the landscape and wildlife. Starting time is 2.30 pm and the venue is the village hall.

FLICKS IN THE VILLAGE: Over at Pett Village Hall, Flicks in the Village will be showing The Monuments Men, with an all-star ensemble cast which includes the ubiquitous Hugh Bonneville and written, produced and starring George Clooney. Doors open on Thursday next, November 6 at 7 pm for a 7.30 pm start. This movie is not to be confused with The Monuments Woman, starring Mrs George Clooney and featuring the Elgin Marbles.

Keith Pollard

Brookfield, Broadway