Northiam

What an interesting talk from George Puddefoot! Being a fan of fuchsias, I just had to toddle along to the Horticultural Society’s lecture, and was amazed as George talked of selling thousands of seedlings to Beijing as he tore the leaves off any fuchsia or pelargonium unwise enough to stay within reach.

Grabbing plants, bulbs and compost seemingly at random, he assembled some impressive baskets and pots, whilst offering handy tips (featuring Asda rather a lot) for solving our garden problems – rust, slugs, vine weevil, whitefly. If we remember a fraction of the information he shared with us, we will see some wonderful results in our gardens next summer.

At the end of the evening, Carole made another plea for people to come forward to serve on the committee. With about 16 people, the jobs can be shared out and no-one will have to work too hard. Unfortunately, our current committee have been working too hard for too long and some of them need a break. If you have any interest in gardening or organising, please consider offering your services, the Society organises a series of talks in the autumn and winter, three Shows, plants sales and an outing.

Carole (253292) or Lesley (252096) will be very pleased to chat over what you could do.

And good news from the Mill Toy & Pedal car Museum, Phil has been awarded a place in the Guinness world records 2014 for the largest collection of pedal-powered model vehicles. Northiam wins again!

This week’s activities starts today (Friday) with Badminton in the Pretious Sports Hall. The junior club begins at 5.30pm (ages 8-11), and 6.30pm (ages 12-18). The adult club starts at 8pm and operates as a drop-in session, just £3 a time with equipment provided. Everyone plays everyone else so you don’t have to find a partner before you come along!

Dance Club meets in the Village Hall at 7.30pm for Sequence Dancing.

On Saturday, the Bonfire Society is holding a Craft Fair from 10am until 2pm. There is a range of stalls including photography, painting, jewellery, dried flowers, plants. I’m hoping the man who made the wonderful wooden pens is coming again, as I may be able to solve a few Christmas presents! Bacon rolls and cakes will be on offer, so do drop into the Village Hall and see what takes your fancy.

On Saturday evening, the Bowls Club and Village Hall Trust are holding a Quiz Night. Call Joan if you haven’t booked your place - 01797 252568.

Alternatively, Northiam Chamber Orchestra will be performing in St Mary’s Church at 7.30pm with choral support. The programme includes Vivaldi’s Gloria – effectively a world premiere, as this piece was written for strings and Peter Fields has arranged it for the orchestra. Other pieces include Zadok the priest (Handel) and Sleepers Awake (Bach). The concert is free, although there will be a retiring collection for St Mary’s Restoration Project, and drinks will be on sale.

Sunday brings us this month’s indoor Boot Fair in the Village Hall, 9-12. Please call Marie Edwards 01797 253264 to book a table (or for general information). Messy Church starts at 4pm, with the theme of Love your neighbour, with the story of the Good Samaritan, singing, craft and food.

Each Monday, there is Badminton in the Pretious Sports Hall at 5.45pm for an hour and Zumba at 8.15pm. Short Mat Bowls is in the Village Hall at 2pm.

Northiam Nursery runs a weekly toddler group each Tuesday – 9.15 to 11.15am in the main school building, cost £2 – call in and meet the gang. The Over 60s are holding a Bring and Buy in the Village Hall on Tuesday afternoon – all welcome.

Dr Waters’ patients can get their flu vaccinations on Tuesday 2-3.30pm, and Dr James’ on Wednesday 2-3.30pm. No appointment is necessary, just turn up.

The Footpath Group leave the surgery car park at 9.15am on Wednesday to be Saved by the Bell at Iden – a 6½ mile walk with pub lunch. Call Sue & Michael (253428) for start and parking point. Coffee Stop will be brewing between 10am and midday, and the Lace making group meets at 2pm in the Jenkins Room.

Thursday Seniors’ Club will be looking at a video of Africa, with Tracy Bourne. The Police will be holding a Crime Prevention session at Jempsons in Peasmarsh 10-2pm.

The Rye and District Association of the National Trust begin their winter Talks season this Thursday with A Victorian Naturalist presented by Melvin Smith. All Talks this season will be at Brede Village Hall commencing at 2pm. The entrance fee of £2 (members) and £3 (non-members) includes refreshments after the talk.

The Village Hall Trust, in association with Showtimers, offer a Halloween special – Nightmare in Northiam – on Saturday 26th October. Tickets are on sale in the Post Office. And, of course, make a date in your diary for Saturday 23rd November, when we will be holding Northiam’s Bonfire Procession and Firework Display.

Services (13th): 8am Holy Communion, 10.30amHoly Communion, 4pm Messy Church www.northiamvillage.co.uk