Staplecross

I began my last weeks ‘missive’ with a impending notice of Mothering Sunday and quoted the date as March 10th. This, obviously was wrong, as not only does that date fall on a Monday but the actual date for Mothering Sunday, this year, falls on Sunday March 30th. This mistake occured, due to turning over the wrong page, at the wrong time and reading last years date instead. Please accept my sincere apologies to you all and forgive my little “Faux Pas”

A short while ago, the Ewhurst & Staplecross Bonfire Society held their 2014 A.G.M.This took place in the Cross Inn, Staplecross. The Chairman reported, and I quote “ That the Society had worked very hard to achieve it’s goals of providing an excellent Bonfire Night & Firework display, which in turn, had allowed it to donate a thousand pound to charities and good causes. This has only been achievable due to all the hard work of society members. Sadly, Derek Stone, one of the society’s longest serving members of almost 40 years has decided to reduce his activity as a member of the society. He will remain as Fire Captain. The society thanked him for all the tremendous amount of hard work and support he has given over the years. Without members like him, the ongoing success of this hard working group would be a lot harder to achieve.Each year our costs increase, including fireworks, insurance, medical cover to name but a few. Although we have managed to control costs, the effort to maintain a healthy financial balance increases, we therefore appeal for a strengthening of support from local residents to keep the future of the Bonfire Night event bright. Any means of fundraising or donations to the society would be gratefully received. There followed the elections of officers, with Joe Dance, Torch Captain, another hardworking member of the society, stepping down. The society will now be utilising Facebook & Twitter along with our website to promote activities,-addresses to follow. Please don’t forget, the society is always open to new members and all will be made welcome.- Please come along.” For all details of the events that are planned by this Society, please contact their Publicity Officer,- jon.lederer@mypostoffice.co.uk .

May I also remind all readers that a mammoth Jumble Sale, organised by this group, will take place Tomorrow Saturday March 15th, 2pm at Staplecross Village Hall. Come along and grab yourself a bargain.

St.Patrick’s Day , the Patron Saint of Ireland, falls on Monday March 17th The church festival of St. Patrick, is regarded as a national day in Northern Ireland. A day that many of us have really been looking forward to is: Thursday March 20th -which is the official day for the beginning of Spring. This unexpected spate of glorious sunny weather that we have all been revelling in and making the most of just recently, will surely allow us to hope that Spring, and all that it inspires and entails, is really on it’s way. ~Fingers crossed.

Another wonderful mouthwatering menu is proposed for the diners of the Staplecross Luncheon Club for Wednesday March 19th. Taking place at the Staplecross Village Hall, the diners will meet and greet one another and then sit down to eat at 12.30pm. The delicious meal that’s going to be served this month is Gammon joint with all the trimmings followed by a delectable fruit pie and custard. For once, age DOES matter, as sadly you have to be 50 years (young) and over to become a part of this lively social group. So for the princely sum of £5:50 this superb two course lunch with tea/coffee to follow won’t break the bank, but may give you a super return for your money in terms of enjoyment and companionship as well as a fabulous meal.- and no washing up ! If you’d like to be a part of this lovely friendly and happy group, please ring either Anka on 01580~830260 or Dennis on:01580~830816 as they’d love the opportunity to lay a place at one of our tables for you.

No doubt also making the most of this wonderful warm weather are the members of the Rother Ramblers who have two more delightful walks lined up for us. The first walk is a Firle ~ Alciston circular stroll of 7 miles. Arranged for Wednesday March 19th the walkers will meet in the car park in Firle village (SatNavBN8 6NU) at 10.am. A picnic lunch is suggested and your dog may accompany you. For all details of this walk please contact the ‘Leaders’ Margaret and Stephen on 01424~223482. The next walk is a bit of a teaser, with an intriguing title ~ “Tea with Sir Paul” ~ but before you all rush out with your camera’s and autograph books, please check with the walk leaders first, as I’m sure that it may be just a whimsical heading and certainly not meant to raise false hopes or aspirations !!! Booked for Sunday March 23rd. the group will be meeting in Tanhouse Lane, Peasmarsh,-outside the entrance to Jempsons (SatNavTN31 6YG) at 10.0am. This will be an 8 mile stroll around Peasmarsh area but sadly on this occasion, your doggy pals may NOT accompany you. A picnic lunch is suggested and for all further information please contact the walk leader Jerry on 01424~751184. As with all these rambles, please make yourself known to the leader and other walkers, who are really looking forward to welcoming new faces and hopefully new members to these friendly and healthy activities.

That most essential and often under-rated FREE service, that of the Mobile Library will once again be serving our three villages on Thursday March 20th. Commencing at Cripps Corner, -cark park of the White Hart Inn between 10.15 and 10.40am it will then,via Sedlescombe, arrive in Staplecross, in Cricketers Field between 11.50am and 12.20pm. After going on a jaunt through Brede, Northiam and Bodiam, it will make it’s last stop of the day at Ewhurst between 3.40 and 4.10pm. Please do make use of this wonderful service. So much can be made use of within these portals. The van holds much more than just books, - you really will be amazed. Give it a try and surprise yourself.!

Church services for the parish of Ewhurst commence on Sunday March 16th.Lent 2. Beginning with St. James the Great at Ewhurst with a 9.30am service, with Holy Communion. Conducted by Reverend Gordon Winchester, who will then shortly after, follow on with a service at 11.15am. Holy Communion at St. Giles church in Bodiam. There will be NO SERVICE at St. Mark’s, Northiam Road,Staplecross on this day. As always, if there are any church matters or issues that you have concerns or questions about, please do contact Gordon at gordon.winchester@btinternet.com or ring him on 01580~830268. He’ll be happy to help in any way he can.

If you are planning an event or would like to have an extra piece of advertising for your club, sports fixture, social group or celebration, please do contact me. I’ll certainly do my best to provide additional promotion on your behalf and give you as much coverage as possible.Two weeks or more, is a good time span and allows for as much notice as possible.....Thank you.