Northiam

Horticultural Society: Probably the most popular talk of the year, the President’s Lecture will be given by Fergus Garrett this evening (Friday) at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. In line with Northiam’s tradition of attracting top class entertainment, Fergus is in demand as a speaker throughout the world, as well as being Head Gardener at Great Dixter, and our own President. The talk will be of his choosing, but is guaranteed to inspire, interest, inform and entertain. Members don’t have to pay a penny, and visitors just £2.

Coffee Morning: On Saturday 8th November, there will be a pre-Christmas Coffee Morning and bric-a-brac sale in aid of St Michael’s Hospice in the Village Hall 10.30am - 1pm. There will be a raffle, craft stalls, cakes, books and bric-a-brac. Do pop in and raise as much as we can for our much-needed local hospice.

Remembrance: The Service of Remembrance at St Mary’s Church will start at 10.15am on Sunday, and conclude with the laying of wreaths and the two minutes’ silence at the War Memorial. Let’s hope that this year people may be more aware, and not roar past Memorials at 11am.

Messy Church: The church service aimed primarily at families will be held on Sunday afternoon at 4pm in St Mary’s, with craft, food, singing and stories all with the theme of Remembrance.

Women’s Fellowship: It’s time for the AGM on Tuesday, starting at 2pm. But, knowing this group, it won’t just be dusty business – that can be handled swiftly, leaving time for fun, but this is the time to have your say.

Hist & Lit: Andy Thomas will be speaking at the Historical and Literary Society’s next meeting on Tuesday 11th. His subject couldn’t be more topical: Lewes and Bonfire Night. Meetings start at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

Footpath Walk: The Footpath Group will set out from the surgery car park at 9am on Wednesday 12th, heading for Brookland and the start of a 5½ mile walk called The Fifth Quarter (you’ll have to ask them!). The morning’s exertions will conclude with a pub lunch.

Coffee Stop: All welcome at Coffee Stop between 10am and midday each Wednesday for coffee and a chat in the Church Centre.

Flu: It’s that time of year again! The surgery is offering flu vaccinations to the over-65s and anyone with a chronic medical condition, starting in November. Private vaccinations are available for all age groups from local pharmacies including Day Lewis in Battle, and Jempsons in Peasmarsh. Dr James’ patients can call in to the surgery between 2-3.30pm on Tuesday 11th November and Dr Parnell’s on 13th. There will be a final catch up session for any patient on Friday 21st November.

Quizzes: The NT will be holding their next Quiz on15th November (Julie: 01424 882054), and the Bonfire Society are lined up for 29th November (Karen: 01797 253375).

Coming Up: At this time of year, the events just pile up, so no need to be bored! The Village Hall Trust are holding a Christmas Fair on 15th, and the next Boot Fair in the Village Hall is on Sunday 16th (call Marie Edwards 01797 253264) to book. Beckley Pre-school and Northiam Nursery’s Christmas Fair will be on Sunday 30th November in Beckley Village Centre, with fun for the little ones and tempting purchases for everyone.

Art & Crafts: Mervyn and Lynn are hosting an exhibition by local artist Heather Stuart at Rose Cottage, Dixter Road on 15th and 16th 11am-5pm. Painting, prints and illustrated books will be on sale.

The Bonfire Society: will be holding their next Craft Fair in the Village Hall on December 6th, this time with a Christmas focus, so you could be in line to solve all your gift dilemmas.

Chitiwiri: The next collection of clothing etc for Chitiwiri will be on Monday 17th November, so if you have anything to donate, please leave it in black bin bags outside Forge House (the old Post Office) during dry weather!

Library: We are very fortunate to have a library in our village. If you haven’t found it yet, it is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 2pm to 4pm on the ground floor of the snooker club next to the Parish Office. Run by willing volunteers, it stocks a wide variety of books, a section for children, large print books, and an extensive selection of jigsaws.

St Mary’s Services: (9th) 8am Holy Communion, 10.15am Service of Remembrance, 4pm Messy Church

Karen Ayling

The White House, Dixter Road