Sedlescombe

Asselton House

Sedlescombe Fair - he day started well, everything was in place the vintage cars rolled onto the field carrying Clive Attrell, Flower Princess, Sienna Betti and her attendants Millie Anderson, Ella and Sydney Boriani-Fisher. The band played and the sun shone, well until 3pm anyway, when there was a mighty clap of thunder and the heavens opened with a downpour of rain not seen for many a week now. Stallholders did their best to cover their wares and visitors ran to take cover in the marquees and under gazebos , and then as a reward the sun came out again and the day continued so a big thank you to all of you who braved the English summer and stuck it out in support of Sedlescombe Fair last weekend.

Many hours of planning, man and woman power goes into an event such as this before, during and after the day. The committee comprising of Rosemary Farley, Sandra Davies, Margaret Hudson. Sylvia Beaney, Bob Harris, Ralph Dellow, Sheila Betts, Andy Limpkin, Dave Brabants, John Parsons and I did our best but unfortunately the weather is a law unto itself as we all know far too well. We hope that you enjoyed the day despite the weather though meeting up with friends and family playing games and having some afternoon fun which included a great demonstration from K9 dog group and plenty of action on the BMX ramp supplied by King Ramps.

A big thank you to all the volunteers, local businesses and supporters who helped to give the village this community day. Money raised from the day will be distributed to local groups and projects at the the AGM later this year.

If you enjoyed seeing the vintage cars last Saturday at Sedlescombe Fair, there will be more than 300 pre 1970 cars on show at Hooe’s Old Motor Club’s annual show this Sunday August 4 from 11am to 5pm at Hooe recreation ground. Profits for the event are distributed to local charities.

An important new service, Sedlescombe Community Friends Scheme is launched this week. The Community Friends Scheme will try to link residents who have particular need with volunteers ready to help. Although it tends to be the elderly who will make use of the help available, it can benefit all in the community for example, those recovering from illness or accidents or people experiencing particular problems. What can the Friends help with? Practical help such as shopping, collecting pensions and prescriptions. Occasional cooking if needed. Small household repairs, such as changing a light bulb or hanging a picture. Gardening can include a one off tidy up for a villager who is physically unable to manage themselves. Transport, to give people occasional lifts which has a recommend charge of 45p per mile payable to the driver. Befriending on a regular basis is an extremely welcome and worthwhile practice which can benefit not only the elderly or newly-bereaved but also people in to the village. This includes writing letters, completion of forms or collecting library books; plant care or pet care such as dog walking. A very kind aromatherapist has also offered to give 20 minutes’ treatment without charge. If you would like to request help there is a dedicated phone number 01424 230143 which is operational as from August 1. you will then be connected to a Community Friend volunteer who will advise you of a volunteer who can help you. There will be times when phone volunteers are away in which case after a few days if urgent ring 01424 870223.

Don’t forget to book your table for Sedlescombe Green WI Quiz evening on Wednesday August 28 7pm for 7.30pm at Sedlescombe village hall. Teams of six people are very welcome and the cost is just £6 per person to take part, this will include a fish and chip supper, tea or coffee. you are welcome to bring your own drinks and glasses . Please phone Margaret on 870808 to book your place now.

Sedlescombe CE Primary School News from Marion Ham: “The end of term has arrived, we have said goodbye to 31 Year 6 children and wished them luck as they move into their Secondary Education. This is always a sad yet proud moment and I know that the children are well prepared for this next part of the life journey. In September we welcome 32 new Reception children and a new school will begin. The children in Year 1 to Year 6 return to school on September 5 and our reception children start a couple of weeks later. Throughout the holiday there will be many internal works taking place in school such as refurbishment of the Key Stage 2 children’s toilets, two lifts being installed to provide internal access to all areas of our school for disabled children and adults, redecoration of three classrooms and some new ceiling and electrical works. We look forward to seeing all of these works completed by the end of August. The school swimming pool is open throughout the holiday for adults and children, each day except Sundays from 2pm to 4pm. Cost is £2.50 per person. If you would like to have a swim please text Jackie on 07765710337 by 10am on the morning of each day you’d like to swim, to book your place. If there are any problems Jackie will text you back, otherwise once booked in with Jackie please arrive to enjoy a swim that afternoon. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of pool safety and that our rules must be adhered to by everyone, no inflatables except arm bands and a small rubber ring if necessary, no jumping in, and no diving etc. The lifesaver and watchers on duty will be very strict on safety. There will no late community swimming session on Tuesdays in the holiday, so please feel very welcome to book and join the afternoon swimming sessions. I would like to thank our families, friends and village community for your continued support and help over this past school year; you are a great support to us, thank you. We welcome volunteers in our school to help with reading and small group work, cooking etc. If you are able to commit to an hour or two each week, please contact me 01424 870585, we’d love to have more helpers. A CRB check must be completed for each helper of course. You can also email me on [email protected]. Have a happy summer holiday!”

Rural Past Times and are holding their third annual event at Pestalozzi Village, Sedlescombe, next weekend August 10 and 11 from 10am to 5pm. Entry: £5 / under 14s free. there are a lot of entries again this year, ranging from vintage tractors, commercials, horticultural and stationary engines. there will be timber cutting demonstrations, threshing and working the land as of times gone by, also heavy horses, birds of prey and ferret racing. St Michaels Hospice and Pestalozzi along with other charities are attending.

Crafts including trug making and pole lathe turners will be on show along with many trade stands ranging from garden machinery to jewellery and vintage clothing. There will be a small traditional fun fair for the children. Over the last two years eighteen local charities have been helped with the proceeds. For further information please call 01424 838210.

If you have an event coming up in the local area or would like to have a small piece, outlining your club or organisation aims, activities, membership etc. then please contact me by email to [email protected] or by calling 870344. Please allow a couple of weeks notice before an event to allow for full coverage.