Staplecross

EWHURST GREEN ADDED: to the commemorations of the centenary of the beginning of W.W.1 with a vastly entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable supper, to honour and celebrate the life of Lieutenant Arthur Widdrington Herdman through an evening of words and music, songs and laughter. This all took place in the marquee in the grounds of the recently opened Herdman Pavilion, built upon fields bequethed by the forward thinking young man all those years ago.This superb building is a fine addition to the whole parish of Ewhurst in providing top class sporting facilities for all of our children in the community, as well as the variety of uses this pavilion lends itself to. Arthur Herdman relocated from Yorkshire to the property known as Ewhurst Place, following a bequest from an uncle, but along with many of our men, all anxious “ to do their bit “ tragically, lost his life in the very early stages of W.W.1. on the battlefields of France. But his legacy lived on in his generous donation of the playing field, previously known as Hoglands Field, to the parish of Ewhurst for the benefit of the children and the house to Robert Baden Powell, - which in turn, became the initial home of the Boy Scout Brigade. The evening was devised and directed by Pat Smith, most ably aided & abetted by her husband Peter with outside contributions from the ‘ Ewhurst Shamateur Dramatic Society ‘ - including Ivan & Alex Leigh, John Moore Bick and Clive Stott,~ Hugh Willing brought gravitas & knowledge to the proceedings whilst recognising the fun to be had. Glenys Griffiths, Bill & Jan Hooper and other members of the Herdman Association had put in much sterling work to gather the troops and over 100 villagers and their friends were gathered there. Last minute problems were alleviated by Arran Keith, standing in at the piano to accompany the singers without notice or practise, --- a true trouper ! Raising money for the Herdman Association, the evening provided a wonderful commemoration of Arthur’s life, - a thought-provoking
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Oct 2014, 23:00 BST

ESBS BONFIRE CELEBRATIONS: The sign said “Be There” and those that weren’t missed out as the Ewhurst & Staplecross Bonfire Society held their Guy Fawkes Night celebrations at Staplecross. Once agan, to the joy of the society members, record crowds attended the event and it was estimated that up to 2500 watched the nights proceedings. What was particularly pleasing was a large number of families that attended, which is testament to the society’s aim of it being a family bonfire celebration without losing the identity of a traditional Bonfire Society. The evening started with the ever popular fancy dress competition, in the Village Hall, in Staplecross. This year 41 entries were recorded. The ‘Brown Trophy, which is awarded to the best dressed family went to the Dunga & Matthews family. More than 10 Bonfire Societies joined forces to form the torch lit procession, which wended it’s way from Staplecross to Cripps Corner and back. The procession was lit by burning torches & bright red flares making these dark lanes of ours very atmospheric. The drum bands, some light up with twinkling lights only added to this magical and mystical spectactular. Some locals met the procession at Cripps Corner and then followed behind them as it moved back up the hill to the Bonfire Field site. This year the Bonfire was lit by a long term supporter, Karen Hall from Sittingbourne, Kent, She visits Staplecross every year and described the lighting of the bonfire as “ very exciting and a great privilege” The firework display has been described by many as ‘pure magic, - absolutely wonderful,- or just amazing !’ No wonder the event has been dubbed ‘The Best Village Bonfire’ and because of this the society would like to thank everyone who supported this event. - the huge number of spectators,AND their kind generosity, all the other Bonfire Societies who were represented and everyone who gave their time, energy and support throughout the year and on the night to ensure that the evening was a roaring success. Special thanks must also go to the Police, Firemen, Ambulance and First Aiders, as well as all the other organisations involved. Without you all, this event would not have been made possible, so “ THANK YOU”. The results of the Fancy Dress Competition are as follows:~ Class A -Girls under 7.- 1st.- Isla Dunga, -2nd Freya Wood. -3rd Amelie Painter. ~ Class B-Boys under 7.-1st Fred Crouch. -2nd Max Painter.-3rd Jude Howe. ~Class C-Girls 7~15 1st.-Olivia Howe -2nd.Serena Ashby.-3rd Rosie Owst. ~Class D-Boys 7~15 1st-Billy Dover.-2nd Murphy Oliver -3rd Edward Favell. ~Class E Best Pairs under 15. -1st Leyton & Serena Ashby.-2nd Isla Dunga & Dylan Mathews -3rd Daisy Owst & Pair. ~ Class F Ladies 15 & Over. - 1st Marion Brown. -2nd Marie Timbrell. There were no entries for Class G. ~Class H- Best Pair in Fancy Dress over 15 was won by Marion Brown & Derek Stone. ~ Class I- The Best Visiting Society (Judged on route) was won by Cliffe The H.W.Moyer Trophy & Replica for outstanding entry from 15 & above was won by Marie Trimbrell and the Joe Stonely Shield for Best Fancy Dress entry for under 15 was won by Olivia Howe. - Congratulations and Well Done to each & everyone of you for helping to make this evening the magical and imaginative event it so clearly was. The Society is confident that it will once again be able to make worthwhile donations to the charities and local organisations that it supports. Please don’t forget, we will always need your support and we will always offer a warm and friendly welcome to those who are interested in becoming new members or just interested in helping out in what we do. Our next event will be the annual Christmas Carol Concert held at St. Mark’s church in Staplecross. A torchlight procession will wend it’s way from the War Memorial in the village to St. Mark’s church, Northiam Road. The date to put in your diaries for this sparkling and again, atmospheric event is Saturday December 6th. More details will be forthcoming nearer the time, so please look out for it.

STAPLECROSS JUMBLE SALE: Just a quick and gentle reminder that the Staplecross Village Hall will be holding it’s Autumn Jumble Sale on Saturday 1st November ( that’s tomorrow ! ) Of course it will be held in the Village Hall and will open for business at 2pm. Entrance is 20p and bags of bargains are there waiting for you to come and claim them. There will be the ‘pre-loved quality rail’, a raffle stall, a cake stall as well as the usual tables full of bargains looking for new owners ! and when you start flagging, there’s always the welcome cuppa to revive you, ready for the next fray to enter into ! Come along and bring a big bag (or several) and have the time of your life. You’ll be surprised at what treasurers you can find amongst the trash, - and what you will do with it- Items for donation can be left at the Village Hall from 9.30am onwards or if that is a problem, please ring Hilary on 01580~830704 who may be able to arrange a solution.

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STAPLECROSS W.I.: Those merry maidens, the members of Staplecross & Ewhurst Green W.I. will be meeting up again on Tuesday November 4th. for their usual monthly meeting. The venue is St. Mark’s church Room, Northiam Road, Staplecross and the time to meet and greet is 2.30pm. There will be no guest speaker this month as it is the A.G.M but that won’t deter or spoil the pleasure of the afternoon. If you are interested in seeing what makes the W.I. ‘tick’ then pop along and see whats what. You’ll always be sure of a warm and friendly welcome and as everyone knows, - the W.I. teas are second to none. Please contact Ann on 01580~831944 for more information.

FIREWORK DISPLAY: The proprietors of the White Dog Inn at Ewhurst Green, - Harriet & Dale,- are generously hosting a mini firework display on Tuesday November 4th, Just like last year, this is going to be very child friendly, so........NO big rockets, and NO loud bangs. As this is going to hosted on a Tuesday evening, families are welcome to bring along children and grandchildren -even grand-parents will enjoy this event. Small nibbles will be available, as will jacket potatoes. yummy winter snacks, just right for bonfires & fireworks nights. For all further information, please call Harriet or Dale on 01580~830264. They’re looking forward to welcoming you all.

ROTHER RAMBLERS: Making the most of what is left of these beautiful autumnal days with the clear crisp air, will be the members of the Rother Ramblers. Two walks are planned for this week and both are nicely in our area, so not too far or difficult to join in on either. The first to take place is a Sandhurst to Bodiam circular stroll of 8 miles and will take place on Wednesday November 5th. Those who would like to take part, and who wouldn’t want to enjoy the glorious autumnal colours whilst we can, are to meet at Sandhurst church, Sandhurst Cross (SatNavTN185NS) A picnic lunch is suggested and dogs are welcome to walk with you on this little meander. Martin is the ‘Walk Leader’ and you may contact him on 01424~752793. Sunday November 9th is our next planned walk. This is a lovely named walk, entitled ‘Rye Bay and Brede Valley Extravaganza’, - doesn’t that get you thinking ? - It is a ‘mere’ 7.5 mile stroll amidst beautiful countryside, so what’s not to like? The walkers will all be meeting up in the S.E. corner of Winchelsea church yard (SatNav TN364EU) at 10.15am. A refreshment stop is planned, but on this ocassion, NO DOGS are allowed. Your ‘walk leader’ on this occasion is Jerry, so please contact him on 01424~751184.for all further information. You may also be interested in the Rother Ramblers A.G.M. and Social Gathering. This will be held on Saturday November 1st. in the Townroe Room, St. Peter’s Community Centre, Old Town, Bexhill at 2pm. This is only a 5 minute walk from the Manor Barn car park, If you love walking or rambling, then pop in and join the social gathering.

CHURCH SERVICES: Church services for the parish of Ewhurst will commence at St James the Great. Ewhurst Green on Sunday November 2nd.(4th before Advent) at 9.30am.and this service will include Holy Communion. There will follow shortly after, a Family Service at St. Giles, Bodiam at 11.15am. There will be NO SERVICE at St. Mark’s Church, Staplecross, on this day. As on most occasions, both of these services will be conducted by Reverend Gordon Winchester and if he can help you with any church matter, please don’t hesitate to contact him at any of these sites: The Rectory, Ewhurst Green, - by telephone 01580~830268, or via his email address which is [email protected]. He’ll be glad to help you in any way he can.

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PLEASE LET ME KNOW: about your own Club, Group, Charity or Society and whatever events they have planned. Christmas is fast approaching and it’ll be nice to help spread the word about anything and everything that you have planned for this Festive Season. I’d love to help, so please just get in touch...........Thank You.

Anne Reed

[email protected]