Ninfield

In a first, the Centenary of the start of WW1 was suitably marked, with the youth of Ninfield rightly taking centre stage. Kevin Regan of Ninfield Local History Group writes: I never knew we had such talented children, at least two of whom seem destined to become household names in the future. A stirring display was presented, the Ninfield Local History Group had many examples of memorabilia, explanations of events and people from the village and what they endured in both the First and Second World Wars. The choir from Ninfield Primary showed just how excellent their teaching is and were treated to a rousing applause at the end of their selection of popular World War 1 era songs, in which the audience also participated. It was dignified yet relaxed, a suitable complement to the solemn occasion at the Cenotaph and village Church Services of Remembrance in the morning. The Parish Council and Scouts then laid wreaths to the dead of both wars, before the audience relaxed with excellent refreshments and chatted whilst looking at the exhibits. Whilst none of this would have been possible without the enthusiasm and encouragement of Sami Guard, the dynamo that keeps the village going, special thanks are also due to Father Michael Brydon, who threw himself wholeheartedly into the proceedings as a WW1 padre, looking every inch the re-enactor of a front line chaplain. How good too, to see the Memorial Hall being used more fully for the use of the village, and credit to all involved for its recent refurbishment that keeps an elderly heritage building to continue to be available for us in the village. I apologise, as there are so many in the village who also helped, in not naming them, but to you all, my thanks for a splendid event. I’m proud of those we remember, but also those present did full justice to their memory. Thanks again to you all. The November edition of the Parish News http://www.ninfield.org.uk/Magazine14/PNNov14.pdf contained the Names of those who fell, so if you think you have relatives in either of the wars, check to see if they are mentioned.

HOOE OPEN GROUP: The Hooe Open Group are next meeting today, November 14 at Hooe Village Hall, 2.30 p.m. For further details contact Edna Wallis on 01424 842591.

NINFIELD HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: On Monday November 17, Ninfield Horticultural Society’s speaker is Dave Harrison, who will be telling them about ‘Gatwick Airport through the Ages’. As usual they meet at 7.30 p.m. in the Memorial Hall. All welcome: members free, non members £2 admission. Tea / coffee and biscuits available.

GOLDEN CIRCLE: Golden Circle next meet on November 18 at 2.30 p.m. in the Methodist Hall. This months subject will be Flower Arranging with Jennifer Collett, who, as we know, is a very fine flower arranger as seen at the Ninfield Flower Groups exhibitions. All ladies welcome, husbands / partners are also welcome.

WESLEY GUILD: The Battle and Ninfield Floowship Group are meeting on Wednesday, November 19, 2.30 p.m. at Ninfield Methodist Church. This month, they welcome Peter More with a talk entitled ‘A Music Journey.’ All are welcome to attend.

NINFIELD LOCAL HISTORY GROUP: Their next meeting is on Thursday, November 20 at 7.30 p.m. in the Methodist Hall. This month’s meeting is on ‘Tracing Your Ancestors – a family history workshop.’ All are welcome, members £1 non members £2. Tea / coffee included, Have you traced your ancestors or are you having problems maybe our experiences will help you.

CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING: St Mary’s are holding an Early Christmas Coffee Morning on Saturday, November 22, 10.30 a.m. - 12 noon. This will be held in the Reading Room, Church Lane Ninfield. There will be a variety of stalls including crafts, gifts, cards, cakes, produce, and books. There will also be a raffle, competitions and tombola too. You are invited to go along, take a friend and enjoy relaxing conversation over coffee, together with the opportunity to get some Christmas items.

MOBILE LIBRARY: The East Sussex County Council Mobile Library service will next be in the villages on November 22 at Hooe, opposite Denbigh Court, 1.50 p.m. - 2.35 p.m. Ninfield, Coombe shaw (off Manchester Road), 2.50 p.m. - 3.25 p.m. Ninfield, Downsview (off Church Lane), 3.40 p.m. - 4.05 p.m.

FIRST RESPONDERS: The Bexhill & District Community First Responders, who cover Bexhill, Ashburnham, Ninfield, Catsfield, Crowhurst, Hooe , Whydown & Normans Bay, will be meeting on Wednesday, December 3. This is at Bexhill Fire Station at 7.30 p.m., every first Wednesday in the month. If you are interested in finding out more please contact the Team Leader, Mike Dean on 07970024135.

NINFIELD PARISH COUNCIL: Ninfield Parish Council next meet on December 4, 7.15 p.m. at the Methodist Church Hall. All Ninfield residents are welcome to attend.

NINFIELD FLOWER GROUP: Ninfield Flower Group are next meeting on Friday, December 5, an the Memorial Hall, commencing at 7.30 p.m. They welcome the talented Craig Bullock, with his seasonal demonstration entitled “WINTER”. Tickets are £10.00 to include refreshments, and are available from Ellie Barron on 01424 893385. All flowers demonstrated are raffled at the end of the evening as well as the Flower Group Raffle. The group’s AGM will be on January 5, 2015 at 7.30 p.m. If you would like any further information regarding our Group or on any forthcoming events, please telephone Jennifer on 01424 892878 or email: [email protected].

BLUEGRASS PRESENTS: Following the recent successful presentation of The Whitetop Mountain Band USA, The Bluegrass Plus Club presents The Corn Potato String Band plus Alive and Picking. This American Acoustic Concert will be held on December 6, 8.30 - 11 p.m. at Ninfield Memorial Hall. Tickets are £10/person, available from Ninfield Post Office or Ray and Sheila on 01424 893390 or 07956266534 / Email: [email protected]. You can check out their website at: www.bluegrass-plusclub.co.uk.

CAFE CHURCH: Ninfield Methodist Church are holding a Cafe Church on Sunday, December 7, 10.30 - 11.30 a.m. You are invited to their monthly family service which includes breakfast. Cafe Church services take place on the first Sunday each month.

HOOE’S OLD MOTOR CLUB: It is some time since Hooe’s Old Motor Club show was held in August. The time has now come to distribute surplus funds raised on that day. Clubs and organisations in the area are invited to submit requests for money. Please write to Chris Hone, c/o Hooe’s Old Motor Club, Marwin Farm, Marley Lane, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0RE, before December 1, 2014, enclosing a brief note as to why your organisation should be considered. Requests will be discussed at the next committee meeting in January, 2015.

FINDING OUT MORE: Don’t forget that you can find out more community information from both villages and Wealden District Council on our district councillors (Pam Doodes) website or the Ninfield Parish Council website: www.pamdoodes.com / www.ninfield.webplus.net.

St Mary’s Services (Church of England, Ninfield): Sundays - 9.30a.m. Parish Eucharist (Family Service on 1st Sunday of the month). Wednesdays - 10.00a.m. Holy Communion.

St Oswald’s Services (Church of England, Hooe): Sundays - 11.15a.m. Parish Eucharist (Family Service on 1st Sunday of the month).

NINFIELD METHODIST CHURCH SERVICES/EVENTS: All services at 2.30 p.m. except the first Sunday of the month, where they hold a Family Service at 10.30 a.m. November 16, Worship with Mrs Margaret Bickerdike. November 23, Holy Communion with Revd. Ian Pruden. November 30, Advent Sunday with Deacon Jean Duckworth-Lloyd. December 7, Cafe Church service 10.30 a.m.

CONTACT ME: Anything that you would like included in the Village Voice for Ninfield and Hooe, please email the details to me: [email protected].

Rachel Feeley

17 Smith Close