Netherfield

Netherfield Church: Firstly, the weather was good and the people came to our “Afternoon Tea with Garden Games” at The Lodge. A really good afternoon was had by all and huge amounts of cakes and scones were consumed. It took a while before the games got going but all got well used even if most struggled with the complexity of the rules of croquet! No matter – it was fun. Our thanks to everyone who supported the event by contributing and/or attending. I am delighted to say you helped to raise over £260 for our church. Secondly, services continue in September for Brightling, Mountfield and Netherfield, with this Sunday September 14 being Holy Communion at Brightling. Services will then be Holy Communions at Mountfield and Netherfield as usual, all at 10 am. However, the Netherfield service will be their Harvest Festival followed by a lunch in the church. Please note this service will start at the later time of 11 am. Paul Smith, Churchwarden.

Table Top Sale: this will be held in September, date to be arranged, and is open to anyone and hopefully there will be tables selling a wide range including poultry, produce, bric-a-brac please call into shop or call 01424 838106 for more information.

Netherfield Community Friends: are holding an afternoon tea event at the Netherfield Village Hall on Saturday 20th September from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm. There will be lots of lovely cakes and scones etc , some craft stalls and a tombola. Please come and support us and meet friends new and old.

Netherfield Breakaway Club: the June meeting of Netherfield Breakaway Club took place on Thursday June 19 at The White Hart when a good turnout of members came to hear Fiona Knight, Local Service Manager of Sanctuary Supported Housing, Priory Avenue, Hastings give an excellent unscripted talk on supported living. The service offers support to people aged between 16 and 64 who have found themselves, often through no fault of their own, homeless or at risk. Accommodation is offered for up to 9 months during which time people are given the skills to live independently, appropriate on-going support is arranged and counselling is offered. All residents have their own personalised support plan and must be able to demonstrate that they meet the prospective requirements, including being able to access benefits, budgeting, health and home care services, local activities, education, training, work and feeling safe and secure in their own home. Government funding has been available but cuts are pending across East Sussex. Apart from Priory Avenue there is other supported housing in Bal Edmund, Merrick House, London Road, Bexhill and Stepping Stones, Rye all working in the same way. There is often a waiting list and Fiona informed us that people sometimes come to the Centres with no clothes, money or food and donations of non perishable food, bedding, towels, pots and pans, baking trays etc. will always be gratefully received. Her contact no. is 01424 721489. Fiona was thanked for her talk and congratulated on her devotion to her job. We all realised how fortunate we are! The raffle was drawn and tea or coffee and biscuits were enjoyed together. On Thursday July 17 our annual summer lunch took place at The White Hart. Members and guests had a delicious, relaxed meal together and enjoyed a convivial atmosphere, chatting and catching up with news. The only business was confirmation of the September outing on Thursday 18 to Bodiam to travel on the Kent & East Sussex steam train to Tenterden. A ploughman’s lunch is included in the price. Members to make their own way to be at Bodiam station by 10.45 am. The October meeting will be on Thursday 16. Our speaker will be Julie Hilliard of The Blue Cross, Northiam on ‘Animals at War’. On November 20 Richard Williams, retired Headmaster and volunteer at Bodiam Castle will speak on ‘Medieval Life’.

The annual Christmas Lunch on December 11 at The Brickwall Hotel, Sedlescombe brings us to the end another active and interesting year. Monthly meetings are held on the third Thursday, 3 pm at The White Hart, Netherfield where a warm welcome awaits you! Members are invited to bring a guest. We have a variety of speakers throughout the year, outings and lunches. The White Hart has excellent facilities and food and ample parking with glorious views.

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 MOBILE LIBRARY: will be outside the shop from 11.50 – 12.10 today Friday September 12 and on Friday September 26.

Contact me: 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