Northiam

Karen Ayling, The White House, Dixter Road

Well, it was most unfortunate that my column suffered a hostile takeover bid last week, as we have had a very busy seven days, so I hope you had got all the various activities marked in your diary or highlighted in the Parish Magazine. By now we should have a Bonfire Society – more news next week!

The badminton clubs meet in the Pretious Sports Hall on Fridays. 5.30pm for Primary school-age, 6.30pm for Secondary school-age, and the adult club starts at 8pm. Dance Club meets in the Village Hall at 7.30pm for Sequence Dancing.

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The Muddy Duck will be the focus this weekend, with entertainment from Wayne, a solo artist, this evening (Friday), 9-11pm. With a new chef, brand new menu and reinstated OAP lunches, the restaurant is worth a visit. I have had two good reports of the new fare, so I anticipate the place will be buzzing very soon.

The Christmas Art Show featuring Artists of the Rother Valley will be held in the Muddy Duck on 24th and 25th November, 11am – 5pm, with a fantastic range of original work by very local artists – on sale will be paintings, etchings, photographs, jewellery, ceramics, glass, prints and cards. You should be able to solve quite a few Christmas present problems – or even treat yourself to something that lasts.

Sunday is further enlivened by live jazz 1-3pm, with Maureen Connett and her band, so Sunday lunch with music and art is a winning combination.

The annual Coffee Morning in aid of St Michael’s Hospice will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday (24th) between 10am and noon. Favourites include home-made cakes, bring and buy, raffle, cards, bric-a-brac, gifts and books. Your support will be very welcome.

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The Footpath Group will be Exploring Etchingham on Sunday, leaving the surgery car park at 1pm for 1.30pm start at Etchingham Railway Station, eastern side. This is a 5 mile walk lead by Sue and Michael.

Charles Dickens in Kent is the subject for Dawn Blee’s talk on Tuesday to the Historical and Literary Society, in the bicentenary of Dickens’ birth. Meetings start at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, and are open to visitors at a cost of £2 at the door.

Coffee Stop opens the doors of the Church Centre each Wednesday between 10am and midday for a cuppa and a chat.

The Thursday Seniors will be taking entertained by Barry Turnwell this week, and the chiropodist and Citizens Advice Bureau will be available this week. Lace Group meets in the Jenkins Room at 6.45pm.

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Next Friday is the monthly Village Coffee Morning Market in the Village Hall.

Make sure you have booked your table for the Quiz Evening from the WI and Bonfire Society on Saturday 1st December in the Village Hall. Teams of up to 8 at £6 per person. Call Nick (253754).

Rye and District Lions Club are holding their 7th Brass Band Concert, actually on Burns Night, Friday 25th January, at Beckley Village Centre. All money raised will, as every other year, go to Macmillan Cancer Support. Tickets are available from Beckley Motors at £6.50.

Northiam Primary school children have joined with the Salvation Army in Hastings and are doing a shoebox of food for the needy. The school are eager to involve the community in this worthy project and collect as many boxes to help the Salvation Army. Please help by filling a shoebox with Christmas food and bring into the school or call the school and a collection will be arranged. All boxes need to be received by the 12th December. The school are still collecting used clothes and shoes. Please leave black bags at the school or call 01797 252141 to arrange a pick up.

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The New Year’s Eve Dance in the Village Hall is now all booked and ready for you to buy your ticket. There will be two live bands, a DJ and a magician, and each table of eight will be pre-booked, so you can plan to be with your friends. To make it all a bit more interesting, everyone is encouraged to wear a mask – some are available from Lynn & Mervyn Hayes when buying your ticket. The cost is just £12 a head (£5 for under 12s) and includes some finger food on the table. Tickets are on sale in the Parish Office (253990) or Rose Cottage (253443).

Services (25th): 8am Holy Communion, 10.30am Holy Communion