Ninfield

The Hooe Open Group enjoyed a very successful meeting on Friday afternoon, November 8, when 23 members and two visitors where enthralled by a presentation by David Harrison on the subject of viticulture (Wine growing) in the United Kingdom.

In the last 30 years English/British wine has established itself very firmly on the world of wine, capturing some of the most prestigious accolades, including Gold Medals for English sparkling wine against the top names in French Champagne.

The reason for this success is mainly due to climate change, which combined with the soil quality that matches the best vineyards’ in France and Germany, has put the UK well ahead of the game. David Harrison told the members about the Carr Taylor Vineyard near Hastings, which was established by David & Linda Carr-Taylor in 1971, commencing with just 37 acres, producing 2 tons of grapes in their first harvest. The average crop is 40-50 tons, but in the most prolific years the crop has been as high as 150 tons, 2013 being no exception, combined with the late summer weather, has made this year’s crop the best ever, with excellent high sugar levels.

The members then sampled the range of wines produced by Carr Taylor, including a special wine for the market in India, which requires wine that will blend with curry dishes. After David Harrison’s excellent presentation, the members and guests enjoyed mince pies with their afternoon tea. Next month will be the clubs Christmas luncheon, which will be held at the Cooden Beach Golf Club on the December 13, when members are able in invite guests. The January meeting will be a member’s forum, when the programme for 2014 will be formulated. If you are interested in joining a very friendly group of ladies, go along to Hooe Village Hall at 2.30pm on Friday, January 10, and be assured of a warm welcome. For further information contact Edna Wallis on 01424 842591.

Hooe Old Motor Club are now ready to distribute surplus funds raised at The Hooe’s Motor Club Show that was held in August. Clubs and organisations in the area are invited to submit requests for donations. Please write to Chris Hone, c/o Hooe’s Old Motor Club, Marwin Farm, Marley Lane, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0RE, before December 1, 2013, enclosing a brief note as to why your organisation should be considered. Requests will be discussed at the next committee meeting in January, 2014.

After a brief period away, Little Stars School of Dance is back. This involves dance and movement with Melody Bear for boys and girls aged 2-4 yrs. Fun and friendly classes. First class free, then £3.50 per class. Monday afternoons at The Reading Room, Ninfield. 1.30-2.00pm Dance and movement 2-3yrs, 2.15-2.45pm Dance and movement 3-4yrs, 2.50-3.20pm Tap and modern 3-4yrs, 3.45-4.15pm First Ballet 4-5yrs, 4.20-4.50pm Tap and modern 4-5yrs. See their website for more details www.littlestar.vpweb.co.uk, email [email protected], tel 07582 269 164.

Following the very successful Exhibition from Ninfield Local History Group in September, there is a number of publications available centred around Ninfield. These might make for Christmas presents: Village Historical Walks booklet (£2.50), WW1 Roll of Honour booklet (£5.00), Ninfield New Centenary Map CD (£5.00), Wartime Memories CD (£5.00), James Broughton’s booklet on Ninfield School in WW2 (£2.50), Ninfield Village map A1 size (£15.00), Ninfield Village map A2 size (£8.00), Ninfield Village map A3 size (£5.00). To this list we are pleased to announce the publication of a 2014 calendar at the bargain price of £4.00. The calendar contains wonderful photos of the village taken at different times of the year and chosen from our archives. To place an order in good time for Christmas, please see Jan Cooper, their Archivist, at the monthly meetings or contact her on 01424 893381 or emil: [email protected].

1st Ninfield Scout group are holding a Family Bingo night tomorrow, November 16, 7-9pm at Ninfield Memorial Hall. Costs, to include a bingo book are £3/adult and £2/child. Additional books can be purchased on the night for £2/book. Please purchase tickets early, either through any of the Scout sections, Ninfield Post Office or Lorna (893644). This event was sold out earlier in the year, so be sure to reserve your place! There will be refreshments, a raffle and games too.

Ninfield Horticultural Society are meeting on November 18, 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall. They have had to re-arrange their talker Chris Jenkins and instead will be welcoming Ian Everest with his talk about the Land Girls. They hope to ‘visit’ Brazil in January!

Ninfield Local History Group are meeting on November 21, 7.30pm at Ninfield Methodist Church Hall. This month they welcome Nick Austin with a talk on ‘The Battle of Hastings and Ninfield in 1066’. For further information, please contact Rod Ffoulkes, Acting Chairman, NLHG 01424 893635 or email [email protected] or see their Website/Facebook page: www.ninfieldhistorygroup.org / http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ninfield-Local-History-Group/206758869459743.

The East Sussex County Council Mobile Library service will next be in the villages on November 23 at:

Hooe, opposite Denbigh Court, 1.50pm - 2.35pm.

Ninfield, Coombe shaw (off Manchester Road), 2.50pm - 3.25pm.

Ninfield, Downsview (off Church Lane), 3.40pm - 4.05pm

The committee of Ninfield Memorial Hall have been very pleased with the bookings for their Home Made Fayre on November 23. As well as delicious bakes from the Memorial Hall team, there will be jams, chutneys and cordials to please your palate, plus some unique Christmas presents - everything from bird boxes to painted glass, knitted toys to fine art. Whilst you enjoy the variety of stalls, the younger generation may like to help Father Christmas in his workshop with making labels and toys, or create their own Christmas card. Doors will be open between 10am and 4pm, so please go along to the Memorial Hall to support their fundraising as well as having some fun!

St Mary’s Church, Ninfield, are holding a Christmas Coffee morning on Saturday November 23. Alongside teas and coffees available all morning, there will be a raffle, Crafts and Gifts, Cakes and Produce, Tombola and Competitions. Do go along and enjoy coffee and conversation with friends 10.30am - 12.00pm in the Reading Room.

Ninfield Flower Group have tickets now available for their Christmas meeting on December 6, 7.30pm at the Memorial Hall. They will welcome “Tony Brown” with his seasonal demonstration entitled “Festive Delights” Tickets are available from Ellie Barron on 01424 893385 at a cost of £9.00, payable at the time of order please. This will include light refreshments. All floral arrangements done by Tony will be raffled at the end of the evening. If you would like any further information regarding the Group please contact Susan on 01323 844634 after 6pm or weekends, or email [email protected].

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.

Church Services for Ninfield and Hooe (www.ninfield.org.uk):

St Mary’s Services (Church of England, Ninfield):

Sundays - 9.30am Parish Eucharist (Family Service on 1st Sunday of the month)

Wednesdays - 10.00am Holy Communion.

St Oswald’s Services (Church of England, Hooe):

Sundays - 11.15am Parish Eucharist (Family Service on 1st Sunday of the month).

Ninfield Methodist Church - all services at 2.30pm (unless otherwise indicated):

November 17, Worship and Communion with Revd. Ian Wales.

November 24, worship & Praise Service with Revd. Peggy Heim.

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