Heathfield, Punnetts Town, Broad Oak

CHURCH SERVICES: Sunday, 9am Morning Praise at St George’s Church led by Dr Sue Greener; 10.30am Family Communion at All Saints’ Church led by Rev Mitch; 10.30am Simple Communion at St Richard’s Church led by Canon Lucy Murdoch; 4pm Families@4 at St Richard’s Church led By Rev Mitch. 6.30pm Lenten Reflections, at Heathfield Community Centre. The first in a series of five sessions during Lent, organised by Churches Together in Heathfield and District.

HEATHFIELD CHAPEL: Heathfield Chapel fellowship, in Punnetts Town invite you to their services. On Sunday we have a visit from Roger Cook from Eastbourne. The service is at 11am. Derek Cook is expected to be our speaker on March 17 at 11am which will include Holy Communion.

SINGING: Singing For Fun for Everyone meet on Monday, 2pm at Cross in Hand Methodist Hall, Fir Grove Road. Car parking 100yards down Fir Grove Road. Well known songs. Please bring songs or music for the group to sing. We only cover expenses. Time for refreshments and a chat afterwards. We look forward to seeing you there.

HISTORY SOCIETY: The Spa Valley Railway, a Heritage Railway, running from Tunbridge Wells West station to Eridge via High Rocks and Groombridge was the subject of Brian Halford’s talk to the society this month. He described how the hard work, determination and problem solving abilities of the enthusiasts have kept the line alive. British Railways eventually closed the line in 1985 and almost immediately the Tunbridge Wells and Eridge Railway Preservation Society was formed (TWERPS). Initially hoping to re-open the line, they had to rethink their plans when the local council sold the land to Sainsbury’s to build a supermarket. A compromise solution was agreed and the society was given permission to build a new platform and restore the large engine shed. Money had to be raised and a publicity centre was opened in a part of Groombridge station. In 1990 British Railways sold them the line to Groombridge, in 1994 they bought four rail carriages from Birmingham which they then restored and in 1995 they moved the whole of the Dartford Railway to Tunbridge Wells. Using the skills, hard work and ingenuity of the members they were able to run their first passenger train to Groombridge on December 21, 1996. Then, thanks to the generosity of the owner of The High Rock Inn a further station was opened at High Rock. In 2011 when the line was finally completed and extended to Eridge the Spa Valley Railway was able to link up with Southern Railway and their aim to reach London was realised. Spa Valley Railway is one of only three Heritage Railways in the country to be on the National Railway Map. Now the members have to fund continuous maintenance of the line, the stock and the facilities which they do with a impressive list of events and services. Thomas the Tank Engine, Peppa Pig and Santa Claus have all visited to the delight of the children and their parents have not been forgotten. They can sample the delights of the annual beer festival along with the support of West Kent CAMRA, have morning coffee, afternoon tea, evening dinner, fish and chip suppers and murder mystery evenings on board the restored buffet car. Spa Valley Railway is the brainchild and result of the hard work of a band of railway enthusiasts not prepared to let the past disappear. They claim that they are the railway ‘with a destination at every station.’ Well worth our support.

LENT LUNCHES: These programmes are designed and organised as fellowship times and consideration for those in the community and across the globe who need our prayers and/or support. They are open for any to attend. For further details contact Marigold Clarke, telephone 01435 864896. Friday March 15, Lent Lunch at Heydown Farm in aid of Christian Aid noon to 2pm. Friday March 22, Lent Lunch in St George’s Parish Room 12.30pm in aid of Age Concern.

LENTON COURSE: Living Christ, Diocesan Lenten Course. The first in a series of five sessions exploring how to demonstrate our Christian faith in daily life. Commencing on Thursday March 14 in St Richards Church Hall at 2pm.

FASCOH: The FASCOH Annual General Meeting is on Thursday March 14, 7.30pm at The Space.

INDOOR BOWLS: Tuesday March 12 at 2.30pm at Holy Cross Priory. Please note this is a fun event and attendees are not required to be proficient in the game of bowls. It is just an opportunity to have fellowship together and to enable the residents of Holy Cross to participate in an enjoyable afternoon. Holy Cross Priory will also provide a delicious cream tea afterwards. Please support this event. Sign-up lists will be displayed at the back of each of our three churches.

LILIES: Memorial Easter Lilies in All Saints Church, Old Heathfield. £5 for each lily. If you would like to remember a loved one by sponsoring an Easter lily at All Saints Church, please add their name and yours to the list in church. Please put the same details on an envelope with your payment and either hand it to the churchwarden by April 7 or ask for BACs payment details. Please do not leave your payment in the church.