Northiam

What a wonderful Show once again from the Horticultural Society! It was great to see new names on the entries, and the prizelist! Well done to everyone who took part and, of course, to the committee who produce such a fantastic Show three times a year, and we can only marvel at those who manage to enter a wide range of classes.

The winner of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Banksian Medal was Mr B Hillier, who also scooped the Pearson Perpetual Challenge Cup, The Trowel Perpetual Challenge Cup and the Evan Jones Memorial Salver! The bar has been set.

The Christopher Lloyd Achievement Cup was won by newcomer Mrs Jean Merrick, Tony & Lynn Pompret were awarded The Mary Berkley Memorial Salver, Alan Worley won the Batehup Perpetual Challenge Bowl, Rosemary Husey the Society’s Domestic Perpetual Challenge Cup, Joy Taylor The Sheffield Memorial Cup, and the winner of the public vote for best photograph was Jason Thorpe who caught a fox in his lens.

Believe it or not, I met a couple of people on Sunday who said how exciting it all sounded and how they would have loved to come, so do let people know about the Society and we can have an even more thrilling display in Spring (not sure we’re quite ready yet to think about primroses and daffodils!).

The badminton clubs have restarted on Friday evenings with the junior club at 5.30pm (ages 8-11), and 6.30pm (ages 12-18). For details contact Pete Thompson 07815 842517. The adult club starts at 8pm and operates as a drop-in session, so new faces are very welcome, but if you would like to find out more, please call me on 01797 253375 – there is no joining fee, just £3 a session and players are mixed around using a playboard. Racquets and shuttlecocks are provided.

Dance Club meets in the Village Hall on Fridays for sequence dancing.

Contact Paul Mitchell for information about Beckley Rangers’ Early Years Football Academy, which runs on Saturday mornings in the Pretious Sports Hall 9.30-10.30am. 07580 389954

Northiam Village Hall Trust are holding a Jumble Sale on Saturday (14th) and donations can be taken to the hall between 10am and 12 noon. Doors open at 2.30pm.

On Saturday evening, there will be a Race Night in the Muddy Duck run by the Bonfire Society. Local businesses have sponsored races to the tune of £25, and horses are being sold in the Muddy Duck for £3. Bets on the night will be just 50p, and there’s no charge to enter, so pop down to the Duck and see if you fancy a flutter, or just come and enjoy the atmosphere.

On Mondays, there is Badminton in the Pretious Sports Hall at 5.45pm for an hour, info from Sue Clark 01797 253428, Classical Pilates at 6.30pm in the Village Hall run by Imogen 01424 733246, and Zumba in the Pretious Sports Hall at 8.15pm. Dionne Edwards (07990 737924) is the contact.

The Over 60s are taking a trip to Hever Castle, following an interesting talk on the castle by John Williams (just going along to check his facts!).

Pilates classes are held in the Village Hall on Wednesday at 9am and 10am, please ring Sarah Gaddie 07912011273 if you would like to find out more or would like to have a trial lesson.

Coffee Stop opens in the Church Centre each Wednesday between 10am and 12 noon and everyone is very welcome to drop in for a chat.

The Footpath Group leave the surgery car park at 2pm, starting their Appledore Explorer Supper Walk at 2.30pm. After a 7½ mile walk, the group will enjoy an early supper at the Black Lion.

Karate Club is from 7pm in the Village Hall for both adults and juniors – anyone interested should call John Wilson 01797 253302.

Thursday Seniors will be entertained by Midnight Sunset this week. If you are interested in joining this lively group, please contact Ann Lee 01797 252343 or Jane Winnifrith 01797 252973. You don’t have to live in Northiam, transport can be arranged from neighbouring villages.

Beckley Rangers hold junior football training for under 9s in the Pretious Sports Hall on a Thursday – Pete Thompson 07815 842517 is in charge.

Services (15th): 8am Holy Communion, 10.30am Come Praise www.northiamvillage.co.uk