Sedlescombe

I have received this open letter from Dr Steven Stern concerning Sedlescombe and Westfield Surgeries, to be published this week which I know will sadden a great many of us in Sedlescombe, however we must also say how fortunate we have been for all these years.

He writes: It is with considerable sadness that Caroline Hargreaves and I would like to tell you of our planned retirement.

Many of you will be aware that Caroline has had recurrent skin cancer and although she has been told that she is currently cured, one can never be sure what the future holds. For this reason she has been granted early retirement and will leave when the details have been finalised – within the very near future.

As for me, some of you are aware that I have had a rare allergic lung condition which is currently under control with medication. With Caroline leaving and the considerable changes that will start to unfold in the NHS in the next year, I feel the time has come to make way for younger blood to face the challenges ahead. I feel this will allow the practice to adapt to the new and increasing pressures that are going to develop. I will leave in mid May next year 2013. I would like to ask for your help and understanding in helping the practice respond to the changes to come.

We are both enormously sad to leave the practice. We have both loved our time here and count ourselves enormously lucky to have landed in rural East Sussex. We have enjoyed being part of the community and count many of our patients as friends. We are delighted to say that, although the advert for our replacements has only just been placed, a number of excellent, experienced candidates have already expressed their interest in the vacancies. Sadly there has been a dramatic fall in graduates coming in to General Practice. In contrast to many practices around the country, I am sure that we will have no trouble filling the vacancies. We both plan to stay in Sussex for the immediate future but look forward to having more time to enjoy life outside medicine – including my new role as Grandfather. One of my twin girls Rachel is expecting her first child in early April. We would like to thank everyone for making our time here so easy and such a joy. Caroline Hargreaves and Steven Stern

Both Caroline and Steven have been so important to so many people in the village, I’m sure you would want to Thank them and wish them only the best of life ahead for them both and therefore will be sending your own personal greetings in good course.

Things seem to be ever changing, people and places, so please mark your diaries for the Public Meeting regarding the proposed development of Brede Lane to be held at the village hall on Friday November 30 from 7.30 to 9pm. Please note that if you would like to ask a question or speak at the meeting then this must be registered with the Parish clerk prior to the start by contacting 01424 870508

This Saturday November 24 don’t miss the fantastic indoor Boot Fayre to be held at Sedlescombe Village Hall from 2 to 4pm. Entrance 50p .There will be a variety of stalls that will have a bargain for everyone. Refreshments will be available and wonderful homemade cakes made by Jean Dann. There are a few stalls remaining if you would like to hire. Please call Karen on: 01424 883550 for further details . Everyone is welcome.

Also over this weekend November 24 and 25, Mark Fisher and Tony Wynne, from Sedlescombe, will be taking part in an event at The Muddy Duck, Northiam from 11am to 5pm. They are both part of the ‘Artists of the Rother Valley’ who are hosting a Christmas Art Show at this venue. If you are looking for something special and unique for yourself or as a gift this Christmas then this is the place to head for.

Sedlescombe WI host their next meeting on Wednesday November 28 at the village hall at 7.30pm when Lin Cook will be welcomed before giving a demonstration of sugar craft. There will also be an opportunity for members and visitors to have a go with a chance to make their own Christmas cake decoration. New members and visitors are always welcome. For more details please contact 870808

On the same evening Wednesday 28 November 28 from 7.30-9.30pm, Pestalozzi village host a Zimbabwean Cultural Evening. All are invited to this, their second cultural evening of the year. Zimbabwean students will share their culture, music, food and stories and you will gain an insight into everyday life in Zimbabwe and why these students have come to East Sussex to study.

On Saturday December 1 Pestalozzi have an Open Day with mince pies and mulled wine from 2-5pm when they open their doors to everyone interested in finding out more about the estate, the charity and students. Guests are invited to join Pestalozzi students, staff, volunteers and friends for a cosy afternoon of mulled wine and mince pies. There may even be a few carols sung.

Sedlescombe C.E Primary School have their Christmas Fayre to be held on December 1 at the school open from 12 to 4pm. There will be something for everyone at the Fayre and a wonderful day out. There will be Magical Santa’s Grotto. For that festive spirit, there will be delicious refreshments and mulled wine available through out the afternoon. They have a fantastic raffle with a first prize of £100 and a huge range of prizes donated by local businesses, Governors and PTA Hamper. There will also be a huge range of outside stalls coming in for you to find that perfect gift. Along with stalls offering bric-a-brac, books and dvd sales plus a huge range of nearly new toys. These will all be terrific bargains. There will be plenty of side stalls to keep the family entertained with many games. There is to be a girls corner this year with nail art, braiding and tattoos. For the boys there will be the super Mario games that will keep them entertained all afternoon.

Entrance is only 50p. All are welcome so do go along and have a great family day out.

Sedlescombe C.E Primary School would like to say a huge thank you to Jon Baker at Little Down Christmas Tree Farm who has kindly donated the Christmas Tree for our school hall. This is extremely generous of them. Please go along and have a look at their wide range of trees on The Main Road, Westfield, Nr Hastings.

Don’t forget there is still time to buy your tickets for the evening organised by Battle & Villages Lions Club. They will be presenting a festive evening of ‘Carols for Christmas’, performed by Battle Community Choir on Friday December 7 at 8.00pm in Battle Memorial Hall. Tickets are £6 which includes a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. There will also be a raffle. For tickets please call 0845 8335826 or 01424 844608 at Battle Memorial Hall or Spoilt Rotten in Battle.

On a final note, you may have noticed that John Mainwood at the village shop is looking slightly different these days, could that be caterpillar asleep on his face? No, I hear you cry, he is taking part in Movember. The practice has become worldwide now, that during the month of November, men, well I think only men, grow a moustache in support of men’s health charities. If you would like to show your support, then please pop your donation in the box on the counter for this under sung but important cause.

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.