Northiam

End of Summer: There’s something about August Bank Holiday which marks the end of summer – probably the torrential rain has something to do with it!! For the second year running Beckley Church’s fete has had to be cancelled, and I’m sure many other people have had disappointments, but hey, the water butts are all full!

Badminton: One good thing, though, is the start of the badminton season, and we are fortunate to have a superb facility in the Pretious Sports Hall providing two badminton courts. A thriving junior club is run by Pete Thomson (07815 84517), with three graded sessions on a Friday evening, starting at 5.30pm. This is followed by the adult club at 8.15pm, which is run as a drop-in session, contact Karen Ayling (01797 253375). A further drop-in club is run by Sue Clark (016797 253428) on a Monday for one hour from 5.45pm. The start of term is always a good time to join a club, so why not have a go? Both adult clubs welcome all levels of player (that’s the advantage of two courts), and the junior club should be able to put you into the right group.

Autumn Show: Another marker that Summer is over is the Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show, which will be in the Village Hall on Saturday. The combination of water and heat has produced some wonderful harvest from the allotment, garden or pots outside the back door, so why not bring some along and take part in this lovely village tradition? There is something for everyone, as you can enter with a single dahlia, a photograph or a jar of jam. It’s very easy to take part, and you will find lots of people ready to help you.

You can download a schedule by visiting the Village website: northiamvillage.co.uk or call Alison Kirk (252525) or Averil Phillips (252486) who can let you have one. The crucial thing is to get to the Village Hall between 9 and 10.30am bearing your entries. Whether you have entered or not, come back after 2.30pm and see the wonderful display of colour, and marvel at the ingenuity of some of our talented flower arrangers.

Pink Piglet Day: There will be plenty of time for you to support our Scout Group at their annual Pink Piglet day on Saturday afternoon at the Scout HQ, Goddens Gill. Family fun, BBQ, Sideshows, Stalls, Tombola and a Prize Draw will be waiting for you between 1 and 4pm. Always great fun.

Blue Cross Fete: On Sunday, the Blue Cross offer an enjoyable day out for the whole family, with a fun dog show with registration from 9.30am, a young artist’s competition and summer fete. There will be lots going on, including dog agility, games and tombola, raffle tec. Live entertainment, beer and barbeque 12-1pm.

Women’s Fellowship: Ray Broomfield will be speaking to Women’s Fellowship about his time as a schoolboy growing up in London during the Second World War. The fellowship meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, between 2-4pm in the Church Centre. If ypou would like to give it a try, just call in and say hello, or call Pam Ellard (252118) if you need a lift to be arranged.

Hist & Lit: This years’ Summer Event for the Historical and Literary Society will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday from 7.15pm. Entitled From May Day to Michaelmas, there will be readings and music depicting customs, fairs and notable events from spring to autumn in Georgian England, presented by The Marsh Warblers.

Entry is by ticket (call Michael Clark 253428), which costs £7.50 and includes canapés and wine/juice. Don’t miss it!!

Coffee Stop: Each Wednesday, Coffee Stop opens between 10am and noon in the Church Centre, and ‘does what is says on the tin’ offering a chance to stop and have a chat over a cup of coffee with friends (even if you don’t know them yet!).

Parish Council: The next meeting of the Parish Council will be on Thursday at 7pm in the Jenkins Room. Observers are always welcome.

Craft Fayre: Northiam Bonfire Society’s next Craft Fayre will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 12th September, 10am – 2pm. Anyone wishing to book a table should contact Simon (07976 254247) or download the booking form from the Society’s website. Never too early to start scouting for that perfect Christmas present (sorry!).

Quizzes: September also brings the quizzing season to a start, with the Village Hall Trust in Northiam on 19th, and the Conservative Association in Beckley on 26th. Both are £7 with a ploughman’s at half-time, so book the dates and get your thinking caps on!! Book with Helen (252152) for Northiam, and Zai (260677) for Beckley.

St Mary’s Services: (6th ) 8am Holy Communion, 10.30am Holy Communion

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