Peasmarsh

I would like to wish everyone in Peasmarsh a very happy Christmas - hopefully you’ve all been good this year and Santa will pay you a visit!

It was party time at the Hall on Monday when 30 residents enjoyed a first class Christmas Lunch, prepared and served by the students from Hastings College who have been looking after us during the Autumn term. They will shortly be having their Christmas break, and Lunch Club will resume on January 13, not on January 6 as previously advertised. In January the cost of the weekly 2-course meal will be £5.50 for Peasmarsh residents, and for this purpose residents of Rye Foreign living between Coldharbour Lane and Church Lane are included. Residents from other villages will be charged £6.50 unless they are coming as guests of Peasmarshians. To book call 230324.

For menus and other details see the hall website – www.peasmarshmh.org.uk .

It was good to see so many members of the public attending the December parish council meeting. The council welcomes members of the public and there is an opportunity for you to speak or to ask questions. The next meeting will be on Tuesday January 7 at 7.30. There is always an opportunity to view current planning applications.

The Mother and Toddlers group plans to re-open in the new year. Dates and times will be published as soon as they are confirmed.

The Ladies Circuit Classes will take place every Wednesday 7:30pm at Peasmarsh village hall from January 15, £5 per person. For more details contact Tina on 07957 463355 . We have been talking about table tennis for quite a long time; if you are interested in getting a group going please talk to one of the hall committee members.

There was a full church for the Candlelit Carols last Sunday singing the traditional and well-loved hymns and carols and with the added attraction of the Peasmarsh Area WI Choir, the young “Barleycorns” children’s choir with their handbells, and coffee and mince pies afterwards.The church always looks beautiful when all the candles are lit and the tree is decorated. Fr Bill Dolman made a special point of thanking all those who contribute to the services, decorate the church, ring the bells, provide the refreshments, prepare the music, and keep the church and the churchyard in a good condition.

This Sunday there will be no services at Peasmarsh, both 8am and 10am services are at Beckley, then at 4pm there will be a Christingle service at Beckley for the children (and their parents, and anyone else!) from both villages.

There will be Midnight Mass services at 11.30pm at both churches on Christmas Eve, a family Communion service at Peasmarsh on Christmas day at 10am and a service of Holy Eucharist (said) on Boxing day morning, 10am at Beckley church.