Netherfield

We have to thank Emma, her family and friends, for putting in such a huge effort to make it a special time. Also, David and Jackie, Rosemary, Madeleine and Ken, and of course stoical John and Margaret outside with their garden plants and wooden goods. We had new talented stall holders, who will be back in the spring.

Special thanks to Santa and his helper who came from afar. Reverend Ann-Marie made a good job of calling out the many raffle prizes as poor old polar bear, who is usually very vocal, had lost his voice. In addition, a very kindly gentleman stepped in and kept the festivities going by playing the organ. The amount raised was £335, which we hope will go towards the central heating, keeping us all warm. Many thanks once again to everybody. Gillian Slack.

Just a gentle reminder that there will also be carols in the church on Wednesday 14th December at 10. am. So come along and sing your heart out.

Netherfield Junior School: This is also a repeat notification that the school will be holding their annual crib service on 24th December at 5.pm.

Catsfield Village Hall: We are well and truly in December now, so that time of year is fast approaching. Now I know you would like to sing/listen or even play some different Christmas Carols? So, we are waiting for you at Catsfield Village Hall on 10th December 2016. The “Sussex Harmony Workshop” will start at 3 pm followed by a light supper before a Carol Concert at 7.30pm.

The music comes from 18th & 19th centuries that used to be sung in country churches and chapels to the accompaniment of a village band comprising fiddles, clarionets, oboes, flutes, the odd brass instrument and even a serpent! Therefore most of the tunes are joyful folk melodies some of which have come from Catsfield’s own manuscripts now housed in the Archaeological Society’s vaults in Lewes. This music is meant to be sung with as much enthusiasm as accuracy, therefore don’t worry about the odd wrong note.

To register for your music copy (& supper)(small collection) or more information contact Mike Cooper on 01424 892681 or [email protected] or just turn up for the concert (retiring collection).

Claverham Monday Badminton Club: It is getting cold but you soon warm up on the courts. So come on, join in. You just turn up. First week for all newcomers is free. It starts at 20.00 (or 8.00 pm in old money) and goes on until 22.00 (or 10.00 pm). The normal cost is £5.00. That is £2.50 per hour for a good time. If you are interested ring Maurice 01424 838410, text 07957588172 or email [email protected].

Reflections on a garden: It is really cold every morning now, giving rise to thoughts that the warm bed indoors is rather more inviting than the beds that grace the garden. All the soil has a hard veneer that crunches when stepped upon to examine a frost covered plant. It raises the spectre of losses in the more tender plants due to ice. A covering of the fallen leaves which still adorn some sections can be moved to try and offer some protection, but as this cold snap caught us unawares that gesture may have little affect on the long-term efficacy of the flower.

More next week...

Contact: If you have any stories or articles of interest that will give our readership a reason to buy the paper please contact me on 07957588172 or via email at [email protected]

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