Hurst Green village voice

Colin Boylett, that steadfast gentleman from the valley village of Etchingham, has come up to the finishing line carrying the flame to keep the Hurst Green column firing on all cylinders! We are truly grateful to him.

However, he is very busy doing great things for Etchingham in many ways and therefore, will not be able to contact people, himself, in Hurst Green for information on their activities. Those who need to keep their news of events in the paper, please contact Colin at the address given in the Etchingham column. He has a web site, email and phone so no excuses for not getting in touch with him. He will be pleased to write up your press releases and give publicity to your planned activities.

Colin makes the point that he hopes this commitment will be only temporary and that someone in Hurst Green will soon come forward. Please don’t just leave it to Colin - he is doing a relay for us, not a marathon- so allow him pass the flame to a new reporter who is prepared to serve this village and keep the column going.

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Little lost animals need to be searched for from time to time by means of Village Voice. Here is one. Ring Suz on 01580 819 072 if you have lost a collie dog. She has the telephone number of some one who has found one. Last week we had the lovely huggable dog from Eastbourne and readers will recall the many cats, and their stories, that have “appeared” in the column.

One allotment has become available. Ring Mrs. Maureen Harniman on 01580 860 251. The entire site does credit to Hurst Green allotment holders.

On 20 September a new and exciting activity will start at the Village Hall from 10 -3. The AgeUK Lunch Club leaps into action with entertainment, activity sessions, lunch, good company and other things to tempt you to go along. People from other villages will be welcome to join. The cost, which will be modest, has not yet been confirmed but will appear in the Parish Magazine. All pensioners should bounce along to enjoy these convivial sessions.

There have been repeated reports of much traffic using the narrow, “quiet”

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(ha-ha) lanes in this area and we know we are not alone in that dangerous situation. The Council is constantly drawing attention to this problem.

Unfortunately a lady walking her dog was injured in Merryments Lane and had to be taken to hospital recently. The driver did stop and was himself shaken by the accident. The Council urge residents to write to the East Sussex Highways Department at County Hall, Lewes, to demand action about this type of thing. Access only signs have been suggested or means of slowing traffic in some places. Attendance at Council meetings is a good way to get full information on this and to show your support for the hard working Parish Council on this vital matter. Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of the month at 7.45 Village Hall.

Sunday afternoon saw two white clad teams “flickering to and fro” at Drewett’s Field under a cloudless sky of blue.

Tenterden scored 242 , Ballard and Hardy taking 3 wickets each. The game became exciting as Hurst Green edged nearer the required total but they were beaten by time and could only manage 238-9 at the close of play. A draw was an appropriate result. Guy Ballard scored a magnificent 103. Clarion are the next visitors to Drewett’s Field. Several people have said they have strolled to the field, with or without a dog in tow, and enjoyed the experience of watching the contest between bat and ball in this peaceful setting. Aspiring cricketers welcome to join, captain’s mobile 07920 137 656. Spectators -all sexes, all ages, all abilities - amble down for a relaxing escape from traffic, TV and world news!

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The Historical Society begins its winter session on the second Wednesday in September at the Village Hall. Simply turn up and the rest is history in all its interesting forms!

One of its interesting items is that there was once a cafe in Hurst Green called the “Wakitipu”. Before it was set-up there had been a fruit, fish poultry and veg. shop. The cafe name was used as the owner had served in a ship so named. It changed hands but remained a cafe with the very English name of the Old Forge Tea Rooms. When you pass along Station Road if you sense a fragrance of newly brewed tea and scones, - remember, we all make history.

The Church with its array of roses along the churchyard path remains unused at present - as a Chapel of Ease- but services are had in Etchingham at 10.30 and Revd Liz France takes her last service this Sunday. She will be greatly missed.

Services are held at Salehurst Church at 11 am and there is a short Communion Service in the Church Room, Fair Lane, Robertsbridge at 9 am. The nearest R.c Churches are at Hawkhurst or Burwash. Methodist Services take place in Hawkhurst at 10.30 in All Saints’ Lodge.

Parish Council meets 28 August.

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Harmonique Singers welcome new voices -especially mens. 07855 691 855.

Trefoil Guild 01580 819 330 Regular meetings.

Parish news 01580 861 321. Mr. Bob Janes will be glad to give information to those outside the Village who may be interested in events held here.

The Shop is still forging ahead despite the quiet period -the Committee are putting their all into this project so please support it.

Meet of the Tongue continues to fascinate many. More details 01580 860 528 from Two Bards in A Coracle.

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Jempson’s bus to Peasmarsh picks-up at the George on Tuesday at 1.25.

The mobile library visits the village on alternate Friday afternoons.

Brownies leader 01580 860 742.

Gifts for Troops can be left at Teknique Hairdressers Station Road. This business was once part of two butchers’ shops but now the only trimming off is hair.

This is the good-bye time from your correspondent. I must say a big thank you to everyone who has supported me and given information- and criticism and correction when necessary- to me. Please give Colin all the information you can so that Hurst Green will burst at the seams.

All item for inclusion in the Hurst Green column to the Etchingham column ensuring they are classified as Hurst Green news.

Flora Jenner. Max Gate, Burgh Hill