Pett and Pett Level

Flower Festival: There was a good turnout for the Flower Festival at Pett Church last weekend. There were nearly 30 fascinating arrangements commemorating those who are no longer with us but also celebrating a variety of saints. The arrangements included the patron saints of Hairdressers, Lighthouse Keepers, Poultry Dealers and Bee Keepers and many more. Among the visitors was our local MP, Amber Rudd, who sponsored an arrangement in memory of her mother.

Pett WI: Don’t forget today’s meeting (Friday September 18). The speaker will be Heather Goodsall with a talk on Hedge and Herb. The meeting starts at 2:30pm and visitors are welcome.

Rother District Councillor: Have you ever wondered what your district councillors get up to? What else do they do apart from going to the Parish Council and attending various village events? Well Marsham Councillor Chris Saint (and yes there is a connection!) has now set up his own website. So if you want to find out what he does, learn news about Rother District Council or even ask him a question, just use the following link: http://www.your-councillor.com/chris-saint.

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Church Services: On Sunday September 20 – Book of Common Prayer, Holy Communion, Richard Barron, at 8am at St Nicholas, Pett Level. Sunday Service at the Methodist Chapel at 10:45am.

Marsham Reedbed: As you descend down Chick Hill if you look to your right near the bottom, you will glimpse the Marsham Reedbed. In the mid 20th century the reed from here was used as a local thatching material but the site went into decline and became overgrown, with willow trees dominating. Gradually the reedbed began to dry out.

The National Trust, which manages the site, has undertaken to improve matters. Funding has been sourced from Natural England and last winter, with the help of local volunteers, a large area was cleared and the ditches once again became visible. Major works are now taking place to reduce the area of vegetation further, manage the water levels and allow the existing reed to spread.

The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and hopefully a host of wildlife will move back in. Wetland areas across the world are in decline and places like the Pett Levels are scarce.

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The Trust expects birds including reed warblers and buntings to return along with the insects to feed them. Reptiles and small mammals should also thrive.

They would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused by some of the works, which do involve the use of heavy machinery and to thank the local population for their understanding. They would also like to thank Tim Ashworth at Old Marsham Farm, and those individuals locally who have volunteered. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Area Ranger, Andrew Dyer, by emailing [email protected].

Village Choir: On Monday September 21 the Village Choir will meet again at 7:30pm in Pett Methodist Chapel.

Pett Older People’s Project: On Tuesday September 22 POPP will feature Keith Osborne Music Workshops. The session runs from 10:30am to 2pm and will include a two-course lunch for just £5.

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Mobile Library: The next visit will be on Tuesday September 22 when it will stop outside Pett Church from 12:05pm until 12:35pm.

Macmillan Coffee Morning: On Friday September 25 once again Pett Village Hall will host the Macmillan Coffee Morning. Starting at 9am and finishing at noon, there will be a cake stall, plant stall, bric-a-brac and tombola as well as a raffle. Coffee, tea and soft drinks will be available so do come and support this good cause!

Pett Level Naturalist Society: Pettnats will resume their meetings again on Friday 25 September with a talk from Sue Dengate about Flowers on Stage. Sue is well connected with the Stables Theatre and so will have a good insight. Visitors and new members are always welcome and the meeting starts at Pett Village Hall at 7:30pm.

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