Ninfield

17 Smith Close, Ninfield

You may have heard that a Children’s Health Event that was being organised by Ninfield Patients Involvement Group for 17 November. Unfortunately it has had to be postponed. The group hope to organise another event before too long.

Last Wednesday, October 31, saw Ninfield’s Halloween Parade go around the village. This was the 10th Annual Event and went brilliantly with a record number of participants. Over 70 people from 1 year old upwards went round the Village Trick-or-Treating and came back to the Blacksmiths loaded with sweets. As usual the householders of Ninfield played their part and fantastic surprises were played on the youngsters by residents lying in wait for them! As the Recreation ground had been given ‘Quagmire’ status, the rest of the event was held at the Blacksmiths, with many thanks due to Lou and Janet for their hospitality. Julia Wilkins and Sandy Flemming kindly organised the Jacket Potatoes, Cheese and Beans...and sold out! A kind punter in the Pub also stood the youngsters a soft drink from the bar. The Pumpkin carving competition was judged by Janet and the overall winner was Dan Beddows with the Scarff family coming a close second, but all 6 entries got prizes and were considered ‘Brilliant’ by all. The Fancy Dress was extraordinary with many fantastic costumes being paraded. This year, all money donated by residents, and also the Food Stall, went to the Memorial Hall Floor Fund...the total was £100, which was presented to Adrian Dommersen at the Award Night on Saturday November 3.

Saturday November 3 also saw the Award Night where the Village Awards were given out at a Canape and Cocktail evening surrounded by beautiful Arts and Crafts that had been on show for the Village during the day. The 2 Recipients for - ‘The Village Award - Unsung Hero” - were Jim and Joyce Simmons, and Thelma Nance. Jim & Joyce were nominated for their fantastic love and care to others in the community and their help and support in the village. Thelma was nominated for her continued support to the Horticultural Society, a fantastic supporter of the village and for raising the profile of the Neighbourhood Watch which is upheld by Rother as an example for community policing. The winner of the Roger Kent Award was The Diamond Jubilee Committee with a special mention to Carol Holland for the fabulous Jubilee Souvenir Book. The Carnival Committee also presented the Memorial Hall with a cheque for £250 towards the Floor Fund. The evening was deemed a success, and although not hugely attended, a good sparkly time was had by all. Many thanks to all exhibitors, organisers, canape-makers and raffle-prize donators. The raffle took in excess of £200. Hopefully another floor board!

Following Saturday evenings events, I received a lovely note from some very surprised Ninfield residents who wanted a personal note put in the column:

Thelma, Joy and Jim were very surprised but delighted to have received the Village Awards for 2012. We would like to thank the Ninfield Parish Council and all the people who voted for us.

Hooe Sports Football Club are also in need of some more committed players. If you are interested in joining the team, please contact them via their website. You can also track the club’s progress online: www.pitchero.com/clubs/hooesportsfc.

Hooe open Group are next meeting this afternoon, November 9, at 2.30pm at Hooe Village Hall. Details were circulated at the last meeting regarding the Christmas luncheon, which will be held on December 14 at the Cooden Beach Golf Club. If you are interested in joining the ladies of the Hooe Open Group, just turn up on the second Friday of any month, where you will find a very welcoming group of ladies. Membership costs just £10 for the year and as a visitor you pay £2, which is credited against the annual membership fee. For further information contact the social organiser, Edna Wallis on 01424 842591.

Burlesque is tonight, November 9, 7.15-8.30pm at the Methodist Hall (NOT the Memorial Hall). This is the last week of the year. For further information, please contact Sami Guard on 893699.

The East Sussex County Council Mobile Library service will next be in the villages tomorrow, November 10 & 24:

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

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

Ninfield, Downsview (off Church Lane), 3.40pm - 4pm.

Crafts for Christmas Craft Fair in aid of Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice is tomorrow, Saturday November 10 at the Memorial Hall, Ninfield. 10.00am - 4.00pm. Following the success of the Crafts for Christmas Craft Fair held last year the organisers have decided to hold another this year. This is being organised by a group of local ladies who are delighted to be raising money for Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice. Building on the variety of stalls they had last year, this year we will be offering a wider range of crafts at a wide range of prices. In addition they will be serving refreshments all day. There will also be a raffle in aid of the Hospice. Last year they were told how much the day was enjoyed. Not only was it a good place to start the Christmas Shopping it was also a great opportunity to meet with friends over coffee, lunch or afternoon tea! The organisers are delighted that once again the Ninfield Scouts will be helping them. Last year they raised nearly £900 and this year it is their ambition to increase that figure. Every penny raised will go to the hospice. Further information, offers of help, enquiries about hiring tables etc to Pam Doodes 892329 or Thelma Nance 892421.

Ninfield Local History Group are next meeting on Thursday November 15 at 7.30pm in the Reading Room when the discussion will centre on the Wartime Secret Army and Ashburnham. Also everyone will be invited to help with some of the current projects. Is anyone good at deciphering handwriting? John Cheshire would welcome help with some of the census returns he is working on and there are photographs to identify and maps to locate buildings and addresses. Looking ahead, their future plans include talks on farming, the local brick industry and a village walk but they would welcome other suggestions. There is a charge of £1 for members and £2 for non-members per meeting to help cover the cost of refreshments and guest speakers. Annual membership costs £10. For more information please contact: Rod Ffoulkes, Chairman [email protected] Tel: 893635.

Battle & Villages Lions Club are once again holding their very popular Children in Need Quiz Night on Friday November 16 at Ninfield Memorial Hall, 7.30 for an 8.00pm start - strict maximum of 6 players per team. £6 per person which includes a Ploughmans Supper - there will be a cash proze for the winning team and a raffle. Please bring your own drinks and glasses as there will be no bar available on the night. To book your table please ring 08458335826 or 07742930717 or e.mail [email protected].

There will be a Family Bingo evening to raise money for 1st Ninfield Scout group on Saturday November 17, 7pm-9pm. Tickets cost £3 per adult/£2 per child. Sure to be an enjoyable evening with 6 rounds of bingo, raffle, games and refreshments. Tickets can be bought from Lorna, 893644 or from Sophie at Ninfield Post Office. Eyes down for an evening of fun!

Ninfield Horticultural Society are meeting on November 21 where they will hear from Dave Harrison of Carr Taylor with a talk on ‘Vines and Wines’.

Ninfield Methodist Church hold a ‘Wesley Guild’ on Wednesday November 21, 2.30pm. This is a relaxed and informal fortnightly meeting friendship group. This week they are looking at ‘Fair Trade‘ with Rev. Michael & Mrs. Ward. All are warmly welcome to attend.

St Mary’s Church Christmas Coffee Morning is on Saturday November 24 at 10.30am in the Reading Room. Raffle, Competitions, stalls including Tombola, Cakes and Produce, Crafts and Gifts and refreshments. Come and enjoy some Christmas cheer and conversation with friends.

Hooe Parish Council are meeting on November 26, 7.45pm at Hooe Village Hall. All Hooe residents are invited to attend.

Ninfield Village Society are holding a Coffee morning on Saturday December 1 in the Reading Room from 10.00am to 12 noon. You are invited to go along and find out about the work the Society does within the village. There will be picture displays related to their work and some wonderful shots from both the Jubilee weekend and Carnival. Their treasurer Robin Goldsmith will give a talk on activities and progress made in Church Wood during the past year. As well as refreshments being available, there will be home-made produce for sale and raffle prizes to win.

Ninfield Parish Council are meeting on December 6, 7.15pm at the Methodist Church Hall, Church Lane, Ninfield. All Ninfield residents are invited to attend.

Ninfield Flower Group are meeting on Friday December 7 at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall. This year they look forward to welcoming Nick Grounds with his demonstration entitled “Christmas Carols”. Tickets are £9.00 payable at the time of order and will include light refreshments. Tickets for this event are available from Ellie Barron on 01424 893385. All flower arrangements will be raffled at the end of the evening. Forthcoming events: AGM Monday January 7, 2013. Should you require any further information regarding any of our meetings please contact Susan Cambell on [email protected] or Tel: 01323 844634 after 6pm or weekends.

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)

1st Sunday of the month - 6pm Book of Common Prayer Communion

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 11, Remembrance Sunday with Mr. Barry Turnwell

November 18, Holy Communion with Revd. Ian Wales

November 25, local arrangement.

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