Netherfield

Mountfield Village Hall: Big Screen Cinema and Social Club: If my memory serves me correctly “Eddie the Eagle” was the first ski-jumper Great Britain had in a Winter Olympics. Therefore, this latest offering from Mountfield on their big screen starring Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman will stir some great memories amongst some of the audience. I remember watching him on TV at the time and thinking that Eddie was fulfilling his dream. Eddie the Eagle will make you laugh, cry and cheer so bring your pals to the start of the new season of pictures and popcorn. The date is Friday 25 November and doors open at 7.30 pm with a suggested donation of £5 per person towards the upkeep of the Hall.

Claverham Monday Badminton Club: This Monday, 12 members braved the elements, including some of our young county players. Whilst the action was continuous, the evening was a great success. This week only two of our ladies were there to add a sparkle which was a shame. Yes it is good fun, even if you get beaten in any of the matches and it does keep you fit. 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 bluejazz@tiscali.co.uk.

Reflections on a garden: You can look out of your window at this time of year and wonder where it all went. Mist hangs in the morning like a wet blanket covering the stems, you should have trimmed at the weekend, with what looks like an unsavory film of dirt and detritus. As the wind swirls around the garden in mini tornadoes, the fallen leaves are lifted into the vortex to be scattered across just raked lawns. You then admonish yourself for deferring those critical gardening tasks that “Monty” listed for you weeks ago on “Gardener’s World”. You try to comfort yourself with the thought that you had other tasks to complete which were more important. Now you know that is stretching the truth.

I see my well manicured gravel paths sprouting grass, weeds and other unmentionables as I travel around the garden trying to determine where to start. It is never easy to motivate the body at this time of year. The trouble is, lack of application, when all is rejuvenating during the next couple of months, means the blooms and blossoms may not meet expectations when you try to impress your neighbours next year. What do you mean you don’t care what they think?

The ash has finally shed its full complement of foliage. We are left with branches and boughs that sway gently in the breeze. The dark brown of its trunk, grown over probably the last one hundred years is gently offset by the light grey of the new stems that have forced their way into the sunlight since the last pollard was undertaken. This contrast in muted hues is very pleasing to the eye at this time of year.

The only consolation is that the acers are only just now starting to divest the final colour. It will be sad to see the gojng of the greens, reds and yellows.

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 u4netherfield@outlook.com

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