Northiam village voice

As expected, the Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show was a fantastic display of horticultural, domestic, photographic and artistic prowess, with 36 exhibitors submitting 220 entries for our delectation and delight. And some of the dahlias really were delightful.

A quick recce round my garden failed to produce any smart enough to bring to the public gaze, but we were treated to some fabulous specimens in size, colour, symmetry.

Prizewinners were:

The Royal Horticultural Society’s Banksian Medal: Carole Rhodes

The Christopher Lloyd Achievement Cup: Angela Common

The Pearson Perpetual Challenge Cup: Florence Noble

The Trowell Perpetual Challenge Cup: Sue Gunther

The Mary Berkley Salver: Linda Whiting

Batehup Perpetual Challenge Bowl: Joy Taylor

Bartlett Perpetual Challenge Cup: Joy Taylor

The Evan Jones Memorial Salver: John Noble

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Society’s Domestic Perpetual Challenge Cup: Elizabeth Fawkner

Sheffield Memorial Cup: David & Jean Passmore.

All the above will now be practising their silver polishing skills!

First prize-winners were:

Vegetable Section: John Noble (3), Geoff Brown, Debra Streatfeild, Lesley Kennedy (3), Florence Noble (3), Lynne Pomfret, Tony Pomfret.

Fruit Section: David Passmore, Val Michaux, Alan Worley, Tony Pomfret

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Flower Section: David Passmore, Len Chapman (3), Sue Gunther, Lesley Kennedy, Tony Pomfret (3), Joy Taylor (2), Linda Whiting (3), Fergus Garrett, Carole Rhodes (2), Elizabeth Fawkner, David & Jean Passmore, Florence Noble.

Floral Art Section: Joy Taylor (2), Carole Rhodes

Domestic Section: Lesley Kennedy, Sue Gunther, Elizabeth Fawkner, Florence Noble, Jean Brown

Photographic Section: John Challenore, Len Chapman, Joan Davois, Carole Cobby.

Well done to all! As we slow down on the gardening front (well, there’s a lot of harvesting and tidying to be done yet, of course) we can look forward to a series of interesting lectures. The first is on 5th October when Graham Usher will speak on the Four Gardens of the RHS. Meetings start at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

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Northiam Village Hall Trust will be holding a Jumble Sale on Saturday, starting at 2.30pm in the Village hall. Donations of jumble can be taken to the Hall on the morning (10-12).

The Rye and District Association of the National Trust will be holding a Coffee Morning on Saturday (15th) at Bodiam Castle Tea Rooms from 11.00 am. Members and prospective members are invited to come and meet the committee in convivial surroundings for an informal chat over a cup of tea/coffee.

Great Dixter’s gardens are open to parishioners on Sunday 2-5pm. Proof of residence may be needed.

The Over 60s will be indulging in a spot of Bingo this week, with Annette as caller. The group meet on Tuesday at 2pm in the Village Hall.

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Each Wednesday, Coffee Stop opens between 10am and noon in the Church Centre.

The Rye and District Association of the National Trust’s winter Talks season begins with a presentation by Ray Shayler - History of the families of Scotney Castle. This Talk will be at the Playden WI Hall commencing at 2.30 pm on Thursday 20th September. The entrance fee of £2 (members) and £3 (non-members) includes refreshments after the talk.

It is planned to vary the venue each month during the coming talks season as it has been suggested that a regular venue doesn’t suit everybody. Feedback is welcome on this point.

The Patients Participation Group are holding a Forum meeting in Northiam Village Hall on 25th September at 7 for 7.30 p.m.   The speakers will include Dr Broad of St Michaels Hospice and Mr Buchanan speaking about shoulders. Our Doctors will then hold a question and answer session. These are usually very informative evenings, so do make a note of the date. The PPG are looking for a couple of new Members, so if you are interested please contact the out-going Secretary on 01424 882213.  

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On Friday 28th September, we have the exciting prospect of members of Northiam Chamber Orchestra, joined by David Ruddock (piano) and others presenting an evening of poetry, prose and music celebrating the farming year. The Harvest Celebration Concert will be held in St Mary’s Church at 7.30pm. Tickets are on sale at £5 (to include interval refreshments) from Coffee Stop or 01797 253261.

Services (16th): 8am Holy Communion, 10.30am Morning Praise

Karen Ayling, The White House, Dixter Road