Northiam

Karen Ayling

The White House, Dixter Road

We are in a rather privileged position in the village, having Fergus Garrett as President of the Horticultural Society, which means we can benefit from his knowledge without having to dig deep in the pocket! The President’s Lecture this evening (Friday 2nd) is free to members and only £2 to visitors, and is always a treat. You will be very welcome in the Village Hall for a 7.30pm start.

The Horticultural Society is in need of committee members, so don’t be shy – enthusiasm is the entry requirement, wisdom can be gained as you go along. Please have a chat with committee members at the meeting or call Carole Rhodes (253292) who will explain what is needed.

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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.

The Rabbit and Cavy Society are holding a Show on Sunday in the Village Hall, and this month’s Messy Church will start at 4pm in St Mary’s Church. Everyone is very welcome, especially families, but you will need to come ready to create! I understand that the craft this time will be to make an advent calendar for the family, as we think of Jesus, the Light of the World.

Please note that Willing Fingers has moved forward a week this month, and there will be no meeting on Monday 5th, but on Monday 12th November there will be a Christmas theme.

The Rye & District Association of the National Trust will be having a walk on Tuesday, leaving Rye Station at 10.30am, walking 6 miles around the Tillingham Valley with lunch at the Plough, Cock Marling. Please call Phil Maynard (01797 260637) to book.

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The Over 60s meet on Tuesday when Doreen Rolles will talk about My Little Shop. Meetings start at 2pm in the Village Hall.

Dr Waters’ patients are invited to attend Northiam Surgery for flu vaccinations on Tuesday between 2-3.30pm. I have a feeling that this will be a bad year for flu, as we didn’t have a nice warm summer to boost our resistance, so don’t let this opportunity pass! If you are not eligible for free vaccinations (over 65, or with chronic conditions) they are available from community pharmacies at about £12.

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

Dr James’ patients who are eligible for flu vaccination should go to Northiam Surgery on Wednesday between 2-3.30pm.

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The Line Dancing Group has extended its sessions, and there is now one in the Church Centre on a Wednesday afternoons 1-3pm. This will be for all levels, so if you fancy a go, why not pop along or call Helen (252087). No special clothing is required, just comfortable shoes and a drink.

Ken and Mark entertain the Seniors’ Club on Thursday in the Village Hall, and the Parish Council meets at 7pm in the Jenkins Room.

Next Saturday, there will be a Book Sale in the Village Hall 10.30am – 1pm. There will be the usual wide selection of books, puzzles and a few children’s games to get you stocked up for Christmas.

We move into the pre-Christmas season, with many local charities offering Christmas Fairs to help with your present ideas. On Saturday (10th) the Blue Cross’ pre-festive day includes mulled wine and mince pies, Christmas cards, calendars and diaries, stocking fillers, gift ideas and a lucky dip. Eric the donkey, who lives in Biddenden, will be coming. I am told that he is getting on in years, but does so enjoy meeting people at local events!

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You can help our school by donating clothes, shoes, old mobile phones and inkjet cartridges. In the run up to Christmas, when you clear out those cupboards and drawers of unwanted belongings, bring them down to the school. There will be boxes in reception for you to leave your donations.

The Pretious Sports Hall has a vacancy for a part time Sports Hall Officer to work during the hours of community use. Applications need to be in by Monday 12th November, so please contact William Wood (01797 253164) or Michael Thornton (07933 715615) for information. Application forms are available from the school.

The Iden and Frewen Educational Foundation will be considering applications for grants from young people from the village who are undertaking further or higher education, an apprenticeship or equivalent or sporting activities at county level. The Trustees meet on Monday 26th November, so if you know anyone under 25 who fulfils the requirements, get them to contact the Clerk for an application form (01797 253254).

Looking ahead: The Service of Remembrance will be held at 10.15am at St Mary’s Church on Sunday 11th November, culminating with a short ceremony at the War Memorial at 11am.

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There will be a Christmas Fayre in the Village Hall on Saturday 17th November, a meeting to set up Northiam Bonfire Society in the Muddy Duck on Wednesday 21st November at 7pm, St Michaels’ Hospice Coffee Morning and Sale on Saturday 24th November in the Village Hall, a Christmas Art Show featuring Artists of the Rother Valley in the Muddy Duck on 24th and 25th November, and a Grand Quiz Evening from the WI and Bonfire Society on Saturday 1st December in the Village Hall.

So, plenty to look forward to!

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