Ninfield & Hooe Village Voice - July 11

Better news about the swallows, four flew away from nest two and others, numbers not known, from nest three. There are more currently being reared. The Barn Owls are busy feeding their young, Diana is unsure how many they have but is delighted all seems well. I look forward to being brought up-to-date on both as I am unsure whether we have a successful bird breeding programme in St. Mary's church porch.

As you know I write this on a Sunday and as today is not in the least like a summer's day, I feel it will add to Diana's disappointment, but it did include a small amount of rain!

NINFIELD Parish Council: There were many items of interest on the agenda from which I have selected the following: The need for three extra cuts during the summer was made an agenda item for the July meeting; an order has been placed for the Sparke Pavilion upgrade; the school travel plan was raised yet again, this time certain possible financial details were mentioned; the product for use in the proposed parking area on the recreation ground was shown to the councillors and those present.

Two PCSOs attended for a short time. Maureen Baker has been assigned to replace Debbie who has to leave us at the end of July. Maureen was warmly welcomed by councillors and members of the public and was assured of their support. Debbie was sincerely thanked for all she accomplished during her two years in Ninfield. Her work and her involvement with our young people has been much appreciated, she will be missed. Debbie was wished well for her future career.

County councillor Bill Bentley offered advice and information on various agenda items. Cllr Bentley brought the publication Forward From 50 to the attention of those present. This is a guide to later life in East Sussex and is about making the most of life as you get older and knowing where to find further support. If you would like more information on the availability of the booklet please ring 0845 6080191, I am sure it could prove most useful. Cllr Bentley also mentioned a band called Heavy Load. This consists of five people, three of whom have learning disabilities. A film has been made which is a tribute to those with learning difficulties, the members are all British but have played in New York.

Thelma mentioned not everyone is respecting the notices pointing out that Ninfield is a No Cold Calling Area. If someone calls unexpectedly please ask them to leave and then call 01424 893160 and give Neighbourhood Watch the details.

HOOE OPEN GROUP: The members meet this afternoon (Friday) to hear Stuart Earl talk about Friends of Bexhill Hospital. They are all sure this will be interesting with the possibility of an occasional anecdote for which Stuart Earl is well known.

The members gather in Hooe village hall from 2pm, the meeting will start at 2.30pm.

FARMERS MARKET: I hope you made a note that this month's market is tomorrow (Saturday), as next week is Carnival weekend. The Memorial Hall doors will open from 10am to noon, and on offer will be the usual delicious home baked pies and cakes, farm fresh chickens and eggs and the many cuts of meat. Welcome pet food and a selection of quality plants will also be available. Refreshments are also provided so please do pay a visit.

CARNIVAL 2008: Next Friday (July 18) evening the carnival committee has organised an adult disco (8pm to midnight). There will be licensed bar.

Have you offered any help, cakes for the tea tent are always most welcome as is helping to serve teas or with the BBQ. I do hope all is going well with your plans for your float, let us hope the Back to the Future theme has proved a good choice. All that is left for me is to wish you good weather. It is so disappointing when outdoor events are rained on.

ST. WILFRID'S HOSPICE: I have been sent details of events organised to help raise funds for the Hospice. One in particular sounds delightful. It is called St. Wilfrid's 25th anniversary Dove Release and it is to celebrate their achievements over the last 25 years. They plan to begin at 3pm with cream teas and entertainments against the backdrop of Eastbourne College, they will release 25 white doves as a tribute to the Hospice. In addition they offer the opportunity to make a personal dedication to a loved one or friend in their new Cherished Memories book which will be handwritten in expert calligraphy on fine paper in a leather bound volume. I do have one Dove Release Sponsor Form but more information is available from 01323 432180.

QUIZ NIGHT: Battle & Village Lions Club invites you to book a table for Friday, July 25, for their Quiz Night to be held at the Memorial Hall, Bexhill Road, at 7.30pm for 8pm. There is a strict maximum of six players per team at 5.50 per person, the price includes a ploughman's supper. The winning team receives a cash prize. You are asked to bring your own drinks and glasses as no bar will be available. To book a table ring Hazel on 01424 843888.

HOOE Parish Council's next meeting is on Monday, July 21, in Hooe village hall as usual. The chairman and his fellow councillors hope some Hooe residents will accept the invitation to attend the meeting when it could be possible to learn something interesting.

ARC Summer Lunch: Have you yet booked your ticket for the lunch on Saturday, July 26, weather permitting!! Elm Cottage is the venue, the same place as before, which offers plenty of parking space. Tickets can be ordered on 01424 892593 and 01424 893635.

NINFIELD Bowls Club: The weather and a lack of players from an opposing team made a great deal of difference to the matches last weekend. It was Sunday's match that was cancelled due to the rain. Everyone is hoping for better luck on the days future matches are due to be played. President's Day is held this month and is followed by a BBQ so fingers will be firmly crossed for fine weather for Saturday, July 26.

METHODIST Flower Festival: Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 are the days when you can visit the Methodist Church in Church Lane, Ninfield, to see the beautiful flower arrangements the ladies of Ninfield Flower Group will have created to raise funds for the church. The theme for the arrangements is "Over the Rainbow" which will undoubtedly be responsible for some ingenious creations. I hope to have some idea of the times the doors will open for next week's column.

CHURCH SERVICES - Sunday, July 13:

St. Mary's Ninfield - 9.30am, Parish Eucharist; 6pm, Evensong. St. Oswald's Hooe - 11.15am, Parish Eucharist.

Methodist Church - 2.30pm, Worship Service led by Rev Marion Proud.

Wednesday, July 16: St Mary's, Ninfield - 10am, Holy Communion.