Mountfield

The Village Hall Committee held its AGM recently. The chairman, Dave Craven, was able to report that the hall continues to be well booked with regulars like the “Happy Club” (Rother Blind Club) and the art classes with occasional bookings such as Christmas parties and couple of weddings. Dave stressed that it would be good if more local people made use of this excellent village resource. The VHC has also taken on responsibility for the Children’s Club and Caroline Hollamby was able to report a successful year. The Mountfield Club reported that they were having “a slack time” but are looking at ways to turn this around. More on this another week. Perhaps the biggest news is that Dave has announced that he is standing down as chairman, though he will remain on the committee. Who will follow in those very large footsteps? The election of officers will be at the next committee meeting on the 25th June.

Then, on the 8th June, the village hall was transformed into a smugglers’ den for a fun evening built round a lively account of smuggling in Kent and Sussex by local historian, Geoff Hutchinson. The proceeds will go towards the bonfire and the Christmas children’s party.

Sue Kennedy reports: The Mountfield Horticultural Society’s Plant Sale on the 2nd June was a lovely sunny day — rare I know. The sale was very successful with several new faces as well as those we know. The sales made us around £130 towards the costs of running the Flower Show. A big thank you to Rachael and Nobby Craddock for hosting the event, all those who donated items and those who helped on the day. Some very wonderful cakes!

And now is the time to start planning for the Society’s Flower Show on 27th July. Schedules are now available from Sue at 13 Eatenden Lane. There are classes for Flowers, Vegetables, Soft Fruit, Flower Arranging, Cookery, Handicrafts, Photography, (the photographic classes include “Letterbox”, “Gardener’s Enemy”, “Reflections” and “Blooming Marvellous”) and Juniors, classes for juniors include cookery, “A plant I grew” and photographs “A Special Trip”. We would love to see the whole village taking part or just coming along on the day when there are games, competitions and a raffle as well as refreshments.

Now, did you know that Mountfield has its very own bunting magnate? Lindsey Farhall started her business making bunting back in June 2011 — think Jubilees, Olympics, etc. Initially she worked from home (i.e. the bottom of her garden at Banks Cottages) but she and her team now operate out of Vinehall Business Centre. Spoonangel Arts & Crafts has three full-time and 2 part-time employees, including Lindsey’s mother, Norma Cook, who manages the shop alongside her daughter. Lindsey’s husband, Richard, keeps an eagle eye on the accounts.

The mainstay of the business is bunting where Lindsey’s customers include Neal’s Yard, The Globe, and Demelza House. It will also star in Channel 4’s Misfits this autumn. Other products include fabric ( around 150 different patterns), poly cottons, door stops, aprons, hobby horses, novelty laundry bags, and table cloths.

Have a look at http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Spoonangel-Bunting-Shoppe or pop along to Unit 41GF at Vinehall where you will be made very welcome. For a chat with this Captain of Industry, call the magnate herself, call on 01424 870660.

What a Strange Year Part II. When’s the best time to go to Sissinghurst? Every one knows the answer is the first week in June when all the rambler roses are out. Well, of course, they’re not — still. But a rather sad side of this odd year is that we heard the cuckoo maybe three times between us a good few weeks back and then nothing. Can anyone reassure us? You know where we are at [email protected] or 880614 (evenings please).