Netherfield

Badminton at Claverham: On a Monday nights between the hours of 8 pm and 10 pm, a cross-section of the community, both male and female, get together and bash ten bells out of feathered shuttles. Ages range from 16 to 70+. Skill is not the be-all and end-all, just the ability to hit the shuttle as it comes over the net. It is a great way to enjoy yourself and meet new people. The atmosphere is very friendly and there are people on hand to make sure you get the best out of your evening. It is also very cheap, only £5 for the evening per person. That is just £2.50 per hour. Shuttles are provided and included in the cost. So, get changed into your shorts and trainers, bring along your badminton racket and come and involve yourself in the fun. Ask for Roy or Maurice or for further details send an email to [email protected], call or text 07957588172.

Now for something completely different: Do we have any budding authors in the village or surrounding areas. How about a story in serial form leading up to Christmas. The idea being that we add to the storyline each week, with the editor of this column (Maurice Holmes) selecting one from all the entries sent to the email address that follows. [email protected]. The number of words can range between 150 to 200. Remember it is an on-going story and should last about 8 to 10 weeks and to do that each week must have a cliff-hanger of an ending. I hope to pick a different contributor every week and their name will be printed at the foot of their entry. Just a bit of fun leading up to Christmas. So get your grey cells working and think of the next chapter. The Battle Observer comes out on Friday so entries must be received by the Monday morning to be sure of being printed the following week. Age is not a barrier as is open to all. Here is Chapter one. Good luck.

“The tranquillity of the communal garden, its shrouding greenery gently moving in the warm summer breeze, finally allows me to gather my thoughts and try to make sense of the last six months.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I am not a thrill seeker, someone who needs adrenaline to course through my veins to satisfy some internal hunger. My life is ordered, some would say mundane. That is what I am used to and what I am happy with. I sit here now, on the weathered oak bench, reflecting on the circumstances of the things that have happened. I do not wish to repeat the experience. At one time, disbelief seemed a distinct possibility, but no, I am a rational person. Maybe my conclusions are not only too extreme but an emotive response to the very tangible disquiet that I felt at the time.

I have always enjoyed robust good health. My faculties are all intact. However, I have been unable to make head nor tail of what I saw. My walk late at night was undertaken to clear my head of the million and one things that were troubling me. Family members, finances and a host of other, what now seems, inconsequential matters, had all been brought to my doorstep, for me to offer some words of wisdom, a panacea.

At that precise moment when I was so involved with my thoughts, it happened. That heart-stopping moment, when the light shone with an intensity that was out of this world, the earth shook as though an earthquake was happening under my feet and a cold, swirling mist suddenly enveloped the street. “

To be continued...

Netherfield Mobile Library: The library is due again in Netherfield, outside the Village Stores on 29 September, between 13.00 and 13.20. For those who already enjoy the delights of taking out a book, this month new authors recommended for perusal can be found on http://www.lovereading.co.uk/. I have tried to establish the reason for the non-arrival on 8 September but have so far had no response. However, I am sure that all will be well this time around. See you there.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Battle Neighbourhood Plan: On 16 September the latest gathering of the Battle Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group took place at the Almonry. The meeting discussed the merits of appointing consultants to assist the committee members to formulate a cohesive and relevant plan. More details will emerge regarding this aspect of the meeting in future editions.

It was also decided, by a unanimous decision, to ask ex-councillor Sylvie Prye to join the gathering as Group Secretary. Sylvie will be able to bring along a wealth and depth of knowledge which will be invaluable to bringing the plan to a successful conclusion.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

1) Make our website your homepage at www.ryeandbattleobserver.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RyeandBattleObserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @BattleObs

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Rye and Battle Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics: