Netherfield

It’s Christmas Adults Evening: to be held in the Village Hall tomorrow, Saturday December 13 2014 from 8pm to midnight, there will be a licensed bar.

Bizzy Crafts Group: Saturday’s from 2.30pm to 4pm at the Netherfield Village Hall the Community Friends are starting a Hobbies and Crafts Group. You are invited to come along and join in to share your talents, learn new skills and meet like minded people of all ages – experts and novices welcome. Enquiries to Gillian on 07519 014752 or just come along with your sewing, knitting, woodwork or loom bands.

Netherfield Church: I am delighted to report that “Brunch with Santa” in the church last Saturday was a really good morning. The first bright crisp morning of the winter appeared and so did the children (with their encouraging parents). As in previous years, the welcoming polar bear at the door again had adoring children gathered round him as he sang his carols and Santa was available from the start, having made his quick stop at Netherfield, to meet the children and give out presents. The whole area had the aroma of cooking bacon, which really should have encouraged even more people in we thought. That said, it did seem that numbers were down on last year, certainly with less children, however it turned out that actually it was much the same. There was not the usual rush at the beginning and a steady flow was more the way the morning went. Everyone was kept busy and Santa had letters delivered with present wish lists and duly doled out his gifts. The lucky dip kept children occupied while the more mature visitors enjoyed a relaxed breakfast. The Christmas stalls were delightfully attractive and offered a huge variety of gifts, cards and other novelties. It was great to see some new faces that have moved into the area with their children and of course some regular ones as well. Many thanks are due to the people involved. To those who helped set up the church ready for the event, to the ladies for preparing the breakfasts, to the stall holders for their time on the day and in making their gifts and produce, to the clearers up and to Father Christmas for dropping in. Brilliant - and it raised well over £200 towards running your church. Services for December continue as follows: This Sunday December 14 at 10am will be a Holy Communion at Mountfield; December 21 at 10am will be Carols and Toy Service followed by Holy Communion at Netherfield. December 24, Christmas Eve at 5pm in Netherfield, we have the Crib Service. Now this will not be shown in most service listings as it was not planned for this year, however, due to popular demand it will now be taking place. A service totally devoted to the children in our village, it is for them and they provide all the readings and lead the singing. Always an emotive start to Christmas it is well worth coming along. There will be a Midnight Mass in Brightling starting at 11.30pm. On Christmas Day there will be a Holy Communion at Mountfield starting at 10am. Sunday December 28 at 10am will be a Holy Communion at Netherfield. Everyone is welcome to join us at our services in this festive season. Paul Smith, Churchwarden.

Hatha Yoga Classes: at Netherfield Village Hall, have started on Monday evenings, 6pm – 7.15pm for Intermediate and 7.30pm – 8.45pm for Beginners, £5 per class. Please bring a cushion and blanket, spaces are limited so please contact Carleen to reserve your place 07592 081432 or [email protected]

White Hart: On the third Thursday of every month we hold a Quiz night for a local charity all are welcome , there is always a ‘special’ on offer for food. There are various groups meeting throughout the month including Boulez, The Rover group, The Harley Davidson group, T.R.Cars and The Breakaway Club, if you would like to know more about any of the dates and times or the darts and football teams please give Sean a ring on 01424 838382. White Hart Boulez Pitch. The pieste is free to use, any clubs please feel free to come and use the pieste, FOC any time except match days which are Saturday afternoons throughout the season. We have a group of ladies and Gents that play amongst themselves Monday Lunchtimes. Please all check our websites for updates of up coming events www.whitehartnetherfield.com. The White Hart has been nominated for Observer pub of the year you can vote for us on page 58 or alternatively you can text 6550 start the text with HLOPOB then your name and e mail address.

The Mobile Library: will be outside the shop from 11.50 – 12.10 on Friday December 19.

Let me hear from you: I’d love to hear from any local groups, clubs or individuals with any news on upcoming events or reports on past events they would like included in this column, Email: [email protected]

Maria Standen

Swallow Farm