Staplecross

A crystal clear sky, stars shining brightly was the backdrop for The Ewhurst & Staplecross Bonfire Society’s annual Guy Fawkes night celebrations at Staplecross on Saturday 29th October. The weather forecast was accurate for a change as only a light ground mist covered the bonfire field and yet again the event dubbed The Best Village Bonfire Night was supported by a large gathering. Costing figures from the gate collection and other attractions point to yet another great year. This is very important to the society as monies raised go to charities and good causes. The meagre entrance charge of £1 to enter the bonfire field was described by many as amazing value for what was again an unbelievably magnificent firework display. The society spent more on the display this year and new more colourful fireworks were seen. A massive cheer went up at the finale, as a huge ball of colour lit the sky and continued for a goodly while to the huge enjoyment and appreciation of the supporting audience. The evening

started as always, with the ever-popular fancy dress competition, which, again recorded a large number of entrants and was held at the Staplecross village hall. Results are as shown: Girls under 7 - 1st Poppy Blackwell - 2nd Navana Sendhiixumaran - 3rd Cicely Clayton - Jones. Boys under 7 - 1st Ned Eastwood- 2nd Ethan Green - 3rd Kit Lindsay. Girls 7- 15yrs - 1st Kitty Eastwood.- 2nd Gemma Hamilton.- 3rd Rita Dover.Boys 7 – 15 yrs -1st Billy Dover- 2nd Noah Legget-Jones.-3rd Wilf Eastwood. Best pairs under 15 -1st Billy & Rita Dover.-2nd Daisy Owst & Lucy Barber.-3rd Scarlett Kently & Kitty Eastwood. Ladies Over 15 1st Glenna Favell- 2nd Diane Ashby. 3rd Yasmin Hamilton.Gentlemen 15 + 1st Adam Scowen 2nd Charlie Scowen.

Best Pair in Fancy Dress – 1st Adam & Charlie Scowen.-2nd Becky & Glenna Favell.-3rd Yasmin & Kath Hamilton. The Brown Trophy - Wilf, Ned & Kitty Eastwood.The H.W Moyer Trophy & Replica - Adam Scowen.The Joe Stonely Shield – Fancy dress under 15 - Noah Legget Jones. The Bonfire Society Shield/ Best Tableaux was won by Rye.

The Ewhurst & Staplecross Bonfire Society and visiting Bonfire Societies formed the amazing torch lit procession, which wended its way from Staplecross, to Cripps Corner and back, The procession lit by hundreds of burning torches made the dark lanes very eerie and atmospheric. Bright red flares illuminating the trees and bushes could be seen from a long way away. Many locals met the procession at Cripps Corner and followed as the procession moved back up the hill to Staplecross and then on to the new bonfire field. This was followed by the lighting of the Grand Bonfire and the amazing fireworks display. The event has again been dubbed The Best Village Bonfire and is always aimed at being an exciting, but safe family event.

The ESBS would like to thank everyone who supported this event: the huge number of spectators and their generosity, all other bonfire societies who were represented and everyone who gave their time, energy and support throughout the year and on Saturday night to ensure that the evening was a roaring success. A special thanks to the ambulance and first aiders , police, firemen, and all other organizations involved. The Society is confident that it will once again be able to make worthwhile donations to the charities and local organisations, which it supports. Donations will be presented to these organisations at the ESWBS annual Carol Service which will be held at St Marks Church, Staplecross in December (3rd.) For further details of this, please see our website. www.esbs.org.net Some members attend dressed in their society costumes, which makes the service very enjoyable and being lead to the service, accompanied again by flaming torches, makes this even more magical and unforgettable. All members and non members are welcome. Watch this space !...

ROTHER DISTRICT COUNCIL: RDC is running a campaign and is asking if you could be a Volunteer Befriender ?. The Association of Carers is looking for volunteers who could sit with a ‘cared for’ person, to allow their Carers the opportunity to have some time just for themselves, which can help reduce isolation for the Carer. Could you spare approximately 3 hours a week to help a Carer in your Community ? No personal care is required, all expenses are paid, and more importantly, no experience is necessary as free training/guidance will be given. If you are interested and think you may be able to offer volunteering services and support, please complete the downloadable application form and email it to: [email protected]. You also may wish to donate funds towards this association to help in their cause, or perhaps even via a will legacy. All further information may be found by telephoning 03003~309498 and please be assured your help, for however long you may be able to give it, will always be so very much appreciated.

OOJAH KAPPIVVY: In case you were unaware, a Morris Dancer team- for women- is moving from Rye to their new location in Bexhill-on-Sea. They are looking for new faces to join the ranks of this friendly social group. The group meet at their new venue at ‘The Albatross Club’ (RAFA), on Marine Arcade, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1JS at 8.00pm every Friday. This group with it’s strange name, is also getting a very good name for their performances and they have often been found meeting up with many of the other Morris Sides, at many outside events, throughout the year. To find out more about this fascinating, historical and traditional pastime, please email: [email protected] -I am assured that sessions of music including singing is not unknown to take place following the dancing! - so why not pop along and join in the fun.

THE CASTLE INN, BODIAM: A gentle reminder of an enjoyable craft event which is happening tomorrow. Last year, the staff at this very friendly and very well known pub, arranged a free event for the children of the local communities, when they made lanterns. It was such fun, and such a success that they are repeating it this year. This fun-filled, messy but so delightful event will take place on Saturday November 5th - that’s tomorrow - at our local village school, - Staplecross M.C. Primary school between 11.00am and 3.00pm. Here in the classroom/hall you will learn to make lanterns to be lit (safely by clever little battery lights) which will be carried in the traditional Bodiam Lantern Parade, around Bodiam Castle, and which culminates at the Castle Inn Bonfire and Fireworks on Friday November 11th. from 6.30pm. All ages are welcome, especially children. On the night of the bonfire, the Lantern Parade meets at approximately 5.30pm - 5.45pm at the back entrance to Bodiam Castle and will then march around the Castle with drummers and ‘the Guy’, back to the Castle Inn, for the long awaited lighting of the bonfire leading to the fantastic firework display. Another great night out for all the family - don’t miss either events !

ROTHER RAMBLERS: As the dreary days of Winter descend upon us once more, appreciation of our glorious countryside is often overlooked. Not so by those intrepid travellers, the members of the Rother Ramblers walking group as two more walks are offered this week for those who may like to take part. Before that however, will be the Group’s A.G.M. which will take place on Saturday November 5th. 2.00pm at Robertsbridge Community Hall, Station Road, Robertsbridge TN32 5DA. Following the usual pattern of business first, - the group will then enjoy the competitions, social interactions and refreshments, - especially cakes !. All very popular and very friendly. If you want to know more of this club’s activities and what’s planned for next year, then this may be the perfect opportunity to find out. Just pop along and say “Hello” and see what happens !. Onto the walks and again two are arranged for this week, - beginning with Walk no: 1. Planned for Sunday November 6th this is an 8 circular meander of Icklesham, - which is delightful at this time of the year. The meeting point is the Icklesham Recreation ground. OS EXP125. TQ878164. (SatNav TN36 4BN) at 10.00am. Parking is roadside, so only use the car park if no alternative. Walk notes state this is an undulating walk, with some stiles, and as usual, a picnic lunch is suggested. Tim will be your ‘walk leader’ for this trip and you may contact him on 01424~272459 or mob: 07831~768588 for all further details. Walk No: 2 - in the opposite direction - is a stroll across our magnificent South Downs and is an 8.5 Wilmington circular via Jevington. We are all so privileged to live in this beautiful part of England and the views from the top of the Downs are just glorious, that it really is worth the tramp to the top to enjoy them. Organised for Wednesday November 9th, the meeting place will be the Long Man car park, Wilmington. OS EXP123. TQ543041, (SatNav BN26 5SW) at 10.00am. A picnic lunch is once more recommended and for this excursion Frances will be your ‘walk leader’ and you may contact her on 01424~754548 for more information.

EAST SUSSEX MOBILE LIBRARY SERVICES: That brilliant little Mobile Library van will be back trundling along our country lanes once more, as it continues with it’s full and busy schedule. This time the little white van will be visiting Ewhurst Green on Thursday November 10th for it’s only visit of this month. It is due to arrive at 10.40am and departing at 11.10am. - so please ensure that you don’t miss it. There are many things of interest within the portals of this wonderful and so far still free, Library Service vehicle, so please come along and find out for yourself.

EWHURST PARISH COUNCIL: This EPC meeting will take place on Thursday November 10th at St. Mark’s church room. Northiam Road, Staplecross. As with all Parish Council meetings, this meeting is open to the public and press alike and allows all residents of Ewhurst Parish community the perfect opportunity to come along and have your say. This month, in addition to the normal attendance of your own Parish Councillors, Acting Inspector Dan Russell, -Hastings & Rother Local Policing Team - will also be there to outline the new role for Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) Come along and hear what he has to say. If you are concerned about local policing, perhaps now may be the right time to show your concern and air your views and ask your questions. There are usually also representatives from both Rother District Council (Mr. Tony Ganly) and East Sussex County Council (Mrs Angharad Davies) and during ‘Public Question Time’, you’ll be able to question, query, comment or complain on any or all of the things going on within our parish. We are here to listen to what you have to say and what you want ( or NOT want) to happen within this community. We are all working hard on your behalf, to make our parish and our community a better, safer and happier place to live, work and enjoy being in, and it goes without saying, that we would welcome any suggestions you may have to help us all to achieve this result. Look for the big banner outside, - car parking is directly outside and all will be very warmly welcomed.

CHURCH SERVICES: Church services for the parish of Ewhurst will commence at St, James the Great, Ewhurst Green on Sunday November 6th 3rd before Advent. at 9.30am. This service will include Holy Communion. A Family Service which will also include Holy Communion, will follow directly afterwards at St. Giles church, Bodiam at 11.15 am. There will be NO SERVICE at St. Mark’s church, Staplecross today and if there is any church matter on which you feel you may need further assistance, or guidance,- baptisms, weddings or sadly funerals; - then do please get in touch. You may contact either of the churchwardens ~ Graham Peters -on [email protected] and telephone no: 01580~830203 for Bodiam church matters and for Ewhurst Parish church matters, please contact Jo Goodwin-on [email protected] and telephone no: 01580~830601. Help in some form or another, is always at hand, so do please contact them.

PLEASE CONTACT ME: If you are arranging an event in the near future, --- however large or small and you’d like some extra coverage for it, then please get in touch. If it’s of interest to you, - it’s of interest to us. It’s never too early to send in your details and to tell us what you are planning, so please do contact me, as I’d love to hear from you and to help ‘spread the word’ on your behalf.........Thank You.

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