Ninfield and Hooe

EXHAUSTED: And, I have to admit, it's taken a while this morning to gather the remaining brain cells together in order to write a report on the weekend events for the column. On Saturday; all bunting and tents up by 9am and the village was ready. Crowns and 90's peeped out of gardens, trees and landmarks, waiting to be discovered; while coffee brewed in village halls as beautifully costumed ladies and gentlemen bedecked the Reading Room with 1926 memorabilia and history. The sun came out, people came out and suddenly it was lunchtime. Cricketers then came out to play and cream teas were served throughout the afternoon from a warm, welcoming Methodist Church, whose birthday it also was. Children had painted faces and arms, Scouts Splatted Rats and people sat, smiling, tranquil and calm. Then, 4pm, the forecast for drizzle was pointedly accurate. Treasure hunters filed up with forms filled in, then away to regroup for the evening. A walk, light the Beacon and down for a dance at the Wriggly Tin, barbecue, banter; then back home to bed. Sunday, another early start. Teddy Bears from every corner, waking their owners and packing up hampers, off to the woods for a barbecue breakfast, cooking on open fires armed with brollies and wellies. Thank you to Radio 2. Clare Balding, the Star, so Teddies, and children, came from near and far; then to a service of thanksgiving and birthday celebrations in that warm, welcoming church, united, complete. Away in another hall, manic preparation, tables and chairs for the party of all parties, 135 ladies and gents, for Afternoon Tea, Cabaret and Champagne. Sandwiches, gateaux and cup cakes arriving on trays, in boxes and from plastic bags. Table cloths ironed, union jack napkins, the Revue Cast rehearsing still laughing at lines, everything ready, running like clockwork with teams of young Cubs helping serve up the treats. Songs, sketches, comedy- laughter, applause the Birthday Toast, raffle and then it was done. Last, but not least, the Walk of the Year to an underground

BOWLS CLUB: Match results to follow, from Carole. June 8, Ninfield 58 Mayfield 70; June 11, Ninfield 44 Hellingly 36, the match was stopped after tea due to heavy rain. June 12, Ninfield against Beckley was cancelled; again due to torrential rain. The pairs results from last week, the names of those that got through the quarter finals were Carole Lawrence (well done) and Don Burton, Dennis Downes and Junita Bell, Jackie Richards and Geoff Groves, Val Smith and Chris Haffenden. The semi- finals are to be played on July 5. Well Done and Good Luck.

CARNIVAL ASSOCIATION: At the meeting on the 8th June, more details were finalised for the main event on the Friday and Saturday, July 15 and 16.The committee are thrilled that the Great Ninfield Bake-off event will be making a welcome return. Thank you Heather. The smaller marquee will now have its own attraction plus the horticultural society and some small craft stalls throughout the Saturday afternoon, while the main marquee will have the bar, afternoon tea area, raffle stand and the flower group display. After the procession comes in, in the arena there will be the Ninfield School Singers, then Dog Show followed by a Dog Agility Competition and the main crowd pleaser will be the tractor pull with teams of strong young people competing for the Challenge Trophy. Also on site will be a large selection of inflatable games and courses, the fairground rides, and the miniature train. The big announcement is that the 1st Ninfield Scout Group have accepted the invitation to take on the Boot Fair on the field that day. The Carnival Association heard the Scouts were raising money for some of the explorers to go and do the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and so asked if they would like the opportunity of the carnival for extra fundraising. It should be a good day. If you would like to get involved with the Carnival, please come to the next meeting on the June 29 at 8.30pm in the Working Men’s Club or call me.

HOOE OPEN GROUP: From Edna Wallis. This lovely group of lively ladies is now entering its 10th year, and marvelling at how time has flown. They originally got together from the remaining members of the Hooe WI and this year they are sure to surpass 50 in their membership. To become a member it’s only £10 a year, so If you would like to find out more, either go along on the second Friday of each month to the village hall, Hooe, (except August) or call Edna on 01424 84591, you’ll be warmly welcomed.

METHODIST CHURCH: Sunday, 10.30am Service of Praise and Communion with Revd Roger Leslie.

PARISH CHURCH: St Mary’s Ninfield, Sunday 9.30am Family Service; St Oswalds Hooe 11.15am Parish Eucharist.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.sussexexpress.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Sussex-Express/

3) Follow us on Twitter @sussex_express

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Sussex Express - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.