Northiam

Last Saturday, saw the return of Gina and Damien Sanderson setting Scottish-themed questions (it was St Andrew’s Day) for the Bonfire Society’s Quiz Night. A closely fought contest was won by the Turpintines with only half a point clear of the Christmas Crackers – this may have to go to a rematch! Many thanks to everyone for a fun evening, and a grand start to fundraising for the 2014 Bonfire Procession!

Northiam Primary School enjoyed an Open Morning yesterday, and Copper Beech Class took part in a production of Les Miserables at St Mary’s in the Castle, with Buckwood School on Tuesday. Willow Class travelled on the Rye & District Community Bus to join Beckley Preschool and Northiam Nursery for their Christmas Concert on Monday. Little Down Farm in Westfield have kindly donated a Christmas Tree to the school, which pupils are enjoying decorating.

Friday evening is the chance to work off the stresses of the week with a spot of exercise! Badminton clubs run in the Pretious Sports Hall from 5.30pm (Primary school age), 6.30pm (Secondary school age) and 8pm for adults. The adult club is open to all, just come along, fee £3 a night.

In the Village Hall, the Horticultural Society will be holding their AGM and Christmas Social Evening, starting at 7.30pm. Business first, then on to the jollies!

This month’s Boot Sale will be in the Village Hall on Sunday 8th December from 9am, please call Marie Edwards 01797 253264 to book a table.

Messy Church will be preparing for the festive season at 4pm on Sunday – and I understand that 22 knitted sheep are hiding around the village, waiting to be discovered by the children in time for the Crib Service on Christmas Eve.

The final flu vaccination clinic at Northiam surgery will be on Monday 9th December from 5pm and will need an appointment. Should you want a vaccination and are not eligible for an NHS one, please ask at your local pharmacy.

The Village Christmas Tree lighting ceremony will be on Tuesday 10th December at 6.30pm, with Carol Singing and refreshments in the Church hall, courtesy of Will’s. Then the choice is between the Historical and Literary Society in the Village Hall with a visit from the Marsh Warblers presenting Going the Rounds, or the monthly meeting of the Bonfire Society in the Rose and Crown, where feedback from our big night will be welcome (and plans for the new year). Both meetings start at 7.30pm

On Wednesday, Coffee Stop welcomes with the kettle on from 10am in the Church Centre, or for the more energetic, the Footpath Group leaves the surgery car park at 10am to walk the Salehurst Circular, which ends with a pub lunch. Frewen College invites you to their Christmas Carol Service in St Mary’s Church at 11am.

Thursday Seniors will be enjoying their Christmas lunch this week, followed by entertainment from the Catsfield Handbell Ringers. The Parish Council meets in the Jenkins Room at 7pm.

Looking ahead, Northiam Conservation and Bonfire Societies invite you a Glitter Ball to bring in the New Year in the Village Hall. Tickets are available from Mervyn at Rose Cottage £12.50 and selling fast!

Rye & District Lions host their annual Nearly Burns Night Concert with Sussex Brass on Friday 24th January, with tickets on sale at Beckley Motors £6.50. This is usually a sell-out event so it would be wise to get your ticket early!

The Village has responded generously to the appeal for donations towards the church restoration project, and there is now a new, easy way to help. If you shop online, you can support the St Mary’s Restoration project while doing your shopping. All you need to do is enter the following link in your browser

http://www.giveasyoulive.com/join/stmarysnorthiam

and then access your favourite sites via the dedicated Give As You Live site. Every time you shop, please remember to go through the St Mary’s Give As You Live page – if you save it on your ‘Favourites’ bookmarks it will be faster and easier to get started. If you get stuck, there is a help link on the Give As You Live homepage.

It’s not just for presents - Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose are there as well, so each time you do a grocery shop, please use the link first. It doesn’t cost you a penny extra and is totally secure and confidential. At over 2,000 stores and brands it won’t be difficult to finish your Christmas shopping from the comfort of your own home.

Services (8th): 8am Holy Communion, 10.30am Holy Communion, 4pm Messy Church