Northiam

There will be a Coffee Morning in aid of St Michael’s Hospice in the Village Hall on Saturday, 10-12, with Home-made Cakes, Bring & Buy, Raffle, Bric-a-Brac, Gifts, Books & Toys.

On Sunday, Messy Church hits the great outdoors, with a walk leaving the church at 3pm to Commons Wood Farm where games and a barbeque tea await. Those who would find the walk a little too strenuous can join everyone at Gooseberry Lane about 3.50pm for the final stretch, or drivers can make their way direct to the farm by car for 4pm.

On Mondays, Badminton starts at 5.45pm and Zumba at 8.15pm in Pretious Sports Hall – both welcome new faces.

Coffee Stop will be brewing in the Church Centre from 10am on Wednesday and everyone is very welcome to drop in for a chat. This week, our PCSO will be there from 11am to chat with residents, give crime prevention advice and discuss any issues or concerns.

The Footpath Group will be walking the Staplecross Circular, leaving the surgery car park at 9.15am heading for Staplecross Village Hall to start the 9 mile walk. There will be a stop for a pub lunch.

Lace Group meets in the Jenkins Room at 2pm.

Thursday Seniors will be enjoying hearing the Regency Singers this week. If you would like to join this group who meet each week for a chat, an excellent home-cooked meal, some form of entertainment and various services (eg the Chiropodist), please call Ann (252343) or Jane (252973) to arrange a free first visit. Transport can usually be arranged, so don’t be shy!

The next clothing collection for Chitiwiri will be on Friday May 16th, so please try to get any donations you’ve been meaning to make to Sally before Friday. Clothes, bedding, curtains, belts, shoes, soft toys can be turned into money to make huge differences in Malawi. If the weather is fine, please leave donations in black bin bags in the parking area of Forge House (formerly the Post Office), or call 252108 to make arrangements.

The Conservation Society hold their AGM next Friday in the Village Hall at 7.30pm. Mr Stephen Hardy of the CPRE will talk on Planning, the National Framework and the Green Belt, and members of the Society will be updating us on their work through the year and any issues looming. Membership is just £2 a year, so do come along and be part of this forward-looking society, which cherishes our past.

Saturday 17th May is a busy day for everyone, but a perfect way to buy extra plants for the garden with a clear conscience! The annual Christian Aid Coffee morning will be held in the Church Centre 10-12, with cakes, bring and buy and raffle, with an extensive plant sale at The Byre House.

Then you are invited to the Village Hall at 2pm, where the Horticultural Society will be holding their Plant Sale, with over 2000 plants on sale, many from Great Dixter but also from the expert hands of Society members. Fabulous plants and helpful advice for growing them – there will be perennials, annuals, herbs and vegetables.

When shopping, don’t forget that the Primary School is collecting Sainsbury’s Active Kids vouchers. There is a collection box in the school foyer. And I see from the Parish Magazine, that our Lolly - School crossing Patrol - is safe. Hooray!

I am taking bookings for the Bonfire Society Quiz Night on Saturday 24th May in the Village Hall. Teams of 8 - £60 for a table, with wine and ploughmans provided and a licensed bar. Please contact me, Karen Ayling – 253375 - to book a table.

Northiam Showtimers take to the stage with their 2014 production Magical Musical Moments later this month. With their normal formula of song, mime, dance and comedy they will pay tribute, in their own inimitable way, to popular shows such as Cabaret, Mamma Mia, The Blues Brothers and Chicago plus many others.

The show dates are Friday 30th May, Friday 6th and Saturday 7th June . All performances are at 7.45pm with doors opening at 7pm for pre-show drinks from the licensed bar.

Tickets can be ordered on-line at www.ticketsource.co.uk/showtimers or by phone for local collection on 01797 252918. All seating is numbered so book early to get the best seats .

The Trustees of the Iden and Frewen Educational Trust will be considering applications for grants at their next meeting, to be held on 30th June 2014.

Cash grants are available for educational purposes to residents of Northiam who are under 25 years of age, undertaking further or higher education, an apprenticeship or equivalent, or sporting activities at county level. Applications may also be made by charitable organisations operating within the village, such as clubs, societies and institutions, which exist to promote educational, religious, physical or mental benefits for young people through their leisure-time activities.

For further information and application forms please contact the Clerk to the Trustees: email: [email protected] or by phone: 01797 253254. Please note that applications by individuals must be made using the appropriate form. Would those who have previously received grants and who wish to apply again please contact the Clerk.

Services (11th): 8am Holy Communion, 10.30am Morning Praise

www.northiamvillage.co.uk

Karen Ayling

The White House, Dixter Road