Mountfield

Rock Cottage

Sadly, we must start on a rather grim note this week with the news that the local education authority has announced that it is “recommending” the closure of Mountfield and Whatlington School. The school dates back to 1849 and it has been on the present premises for the last 140 years. The situation is unthinkable and yet we understand that neither parents nor teachers knew anything of the decision until they went into school last Friday.

The whole affair is very confused — and it would seem that a lot of people are asking a lot of questions which are not being answered — and it is not for this Village Voice to inject further speculation but there is a document on the East Sussex CC website which, in the course of explaining the background, states: “The school is not actually situated in either Mountfield or Whatlington villages, being located off a roundabout on the A21…” Which is a rather grubby piece of innuendo. We should like to reassure everyone living in John’s Cross or Vinehall that they do actually live in Mountfield, a fact not lost on the generations round here who passed through that school.

A final reminder that this Sunday (July 7) is the launch of the Darwell Area Conservation Society in Mountfield Village Hall. Kick off is at four o’clock with a mounted fanfare, in the hall, from the trumpeters of the Household Cavalry, tea, delicious cakes, the Darwell Reservoir exhibition, another exhibition of documents relating to the finding of the Mountfield Hoard (150 years ago this year— ta-dah!), local interest books for sale — and loads of gossip. (Oh, and one of the previous statements is not entirely true.)

A curious little personal footnote this week. We were privileged to attend the local hunt’s annual puppy show, always a wonderful occasion. As we said our farewells to the hounds we noticed, for the first time, a small plaque on the wall stating that the (lovely) kennel buildings had been “acquired” for the hunt in 1989 by Tom Egerton, formerly of this parish…

The Mountfield Club recently held its annual awards and presentation evening. The winner of the snooker Championship was Kevin Gray beating Alex Gray in the final. The Snooker doubles touranament was won this year by Alex & Sam Gray, beating Steve Smith & Dennis Smith in the final. The snooker player of the season award went to Kevin Gray and the highest break of the season award went to Club captain Steve Smith.

In the darts tournament, the Fred Stace knockout cup was won for the second year by Alex Gray, beating Luke Hardy in the final. The Darts Pairs Tournament was won by Alex Gray and Pat Sargant. The Darts Player of the Season award went to Luke Hardy. The shove final has been put back to later in the year due to Wayne Hardy’s illness. He is due to play Kevin Gray in the final. The 2013 Overall Club champion trophy was won for the first time by Kevin Gray, beating last years winner Alex Gray into second place.The Club would like to thank Steve Smith for organising the club tournaments.

Then, Mountfield Club’s snooker team travelled to Kent to play Staplehurst in their last Hurst Green summer league match. The club finished the season in style by winning 4-1. Captain Steve Smith won the first frame but the matched was pulled back to 1-1 when Jack Hayler lost the second frame. Kevin Gray regained the lead for Mountfield in the next, giving them a 2-1 lead going into the doubles. The doubles match was a close match but Steve Smith & Jack Hayler got the better of their opponents giving Mountfield 4-1 win.

Mountfield Cricket Club is at home on Sunday to Crowhurst. First ball 2pm at the KGV Field so the perfect way to fill the hours between Sunday lunch and the DACS launch.

Finally, two happy notes to end on. Firstly, Valerie Bennett writes: Come along next weekend for a fun filled family afternoon at the Mountfield and Whatlington Primary Summer Fête. The massive bouncy assault course will delight the kids (or adults if you are brave enough), and there will be stalls, games & treats for everyone. Be tempted by our delicious barbecue and beguiled by the Sheikh’s Delight Dance Troupe. Partake in a Pimms or grab a beer and enjoy the excellent live band, Sarah G & The Other Three. See you there for the chance to win some amazing prizes in our grand raffle draw. Saturday July 13 - 11.30am until 2pm.

Outside stalls are very welcome at a fee of £10 per pitch. Please call Mrs Davis (01580 880587) for details. Roll up, roll up.

Secondly, we are very pleased to see that Terry’s geese are back on Church Pond after his care of them through the winter followed by extended (but unfruitful) sittings. So when the grandchildren get restive…

As ever, if you have anything to share, we are at [email protected] or 01580 880614 (evenings). There’s lots going on — not least about the school, which has occupied a lot of our time over the last few days. So please stay in touch; we’re happy to provide a focal point on this and any other subject.