Staplecross

I’m beginning this weeks offering with a request from a resident of Ewhurst Green. Dave Perkins, our well known and well loved member of the parish of Ewhurst has recently undergone a serious knee operation. Now recovering happily at home, Dave has asked that I say a huge “THANK YOU” on his behalf, to all those who have sent cards and gifts etc. and have done so much in helping him and his wife Sylvia,whilst he’s been incapacitated.This truly is the gift of friendship. Carry on with the recuperation, Dave,~ you’re sorely missed on the football pitch!.

An unusual Christmas Fayre is to take place this SATURDAY DECEMBER 7th.from 9am until 1pm. This simple but quality event will be hosted by a lovely little company called “Spoonangel Arts & Crafts” and will be held at Units 41-42 Vinehall Business Centre - on the junction of A21 &B2089 - at Whatlington TN32 5JW. Offering a wide range of affordable, handmade beautiful gifts and decorations that will not only be a delight to give, but will happily be received. (If you can bear to part with them!) With over 200 different craft, dress making fabrics and beautiful pure cotton ‘fat quarters’, together with many gorgeous craft kits, this has got to be a ‘crafters’ heaven and at this time of the year, when the weather deters us from going outside too often, and the early dark nights encourage us to spend more time snuggled up indoors, perhaps now is the time to consider taking up a new craft or hobby. This little event may be just the place to wet your appetite and inspire us to do just that. There will also be a charity raffle, a cake sale as well as complimentary tea, coffee and mince pies. Set amongst such congenial company, ~What more could you ask for ?

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Another quick and gentle reminder that also today,- SATURDAY DECEMBER 7th between 2pm and 4pm, the Ewhurst & Staplecross Bonfire Society are holding a Xmas Bazaar & Jumble Sale. Taking place in the Village Hall in Staplecross and for a miserly sum of 20p entrance fee, many delights are there for you to enjoy and discover, including the ever popular craft and cake stalls, together with a charitable raffle. If you have any jumble to donate, please bring to the Village Hall from 9am on the day of the sale. That same evening, why don’t you come and join the Bonfire Boys in their own Christmas Carol Service. Join in and help celebrate this wonderful time of the year in true ‘Bonfire Society’ style. Meet with them at 6.15pm at the War Memorial, Staplecross and then mingle with them in a ‘Torchlight Procession’ as they then make their way to St. Mark’s church, a little way along in Northiam Road for an enjoyable evening of carol singing and will be followed by the annual presentations to many local organisations. This is as a result of all their unselfish and hard work in several charitable fundraising events, that have taken place throughout the year. Mince pies and mulled wine will be the order of the day and no doubt will be heartily enjoyed and appreciated by all those taking part.

As the weather front changes and our days get shorter and certainly much colder, the community will be forgiven for enjoying the benefits of their warm and cosy homes and not venturing outside too much for too long. Not so those stalwart walkers of the Weald. Those cheery chappys ( and chappettes) will be out and about again enjoying our glorious countryside despite -or in spite of- the unfriendly weather forecast. Two more walks have been arranged for our enjoyment. The first of which will take place on THURSDAY DECEMBER 12th where the group will meet at 10am for a 6 mile circular walk of Little Common. Please meet outside “The Wheatsheaf Pub” (TN39 4LR) on Little Common roundabout. A short refreshment stop is planned midway and once again, your dog may accompany you. Please telephone Lucy on 01424~848332 for all further details. Our next walk of wonder has been arranged for SATURDAY DECEMBER 14th. This is for a slightly longer walk of 8.5 miles and will be a circular tour around Crowhurst. The party will meet at the Crowhurst Railway Station (TN33 9DD) at 10.15am and as in many of these walks a picnic lunch is recommended and again, your doggy pal can walk with you!. Maybe you’ll see for yourself, some of the Bexhill/Hastings Link Road workings in progress,

but still enjoy the beauty of the surrounding countryside. For more information on this walk please contact Janet on 01424~420570.

If, after enjoying some strolling through this spectacular part of the country in which we are privileged to live in, we fancy a stroll of another kind,-those of paper pages-not pathways.~ don’t forget the Mobile Library will be wending it’s way around our villages for our enjoyment and benefit. On THURSDAY DECEMBER 12th. and after serving the community at Mountfield, the van will be arriving at Cripps Corner at the “White Hart Inn” between 10.15 and 10.40am It allows a short time here, as it does at all the stops this wonderful service reaches, for the pleasureable activity of choosing new books to read and enjoy. After travelling through Sedlescombe, it will then arrive at Staplecross, (Cricketers Field) between 11.50am and 12.20pm to allow those residents the same privilege. Departing from this venue and after wending it’s way through Brede, Northiam and Bodiam it will finish it’s journey at Ewhurst Green between 3.40 and 4.10pm. This priviledge now passes to these residents. This will be the ONLY TIME THIS MONTH, the Mobile Library van will be calling at these destinations. Please make as much use of this facility as you can. It doesn’t just cater for the bookworms and the choice for these is tremendous,but there is so much more available. and a whole host of delights for you to try, including DVDs; Audio stories, magazines and even the ‘dreaded internet’. Please give it a try and remember the saying ~ “Use It or Lose It” !

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Under cover and in one place, The Ewhurst, Staplecross & Bodiam Garden Society will be holding their annual Festive Christmas Party on FRIDAY DECEMBER 13th. As usual this will be held in the Village Hall in Staplecross at 7pm, and following the regular business matters, the merry making begins.In the past there have been a variety of quiz’s and competitions which are always well received and thoroughly enjoyed by all, as you can tell by the groans and aah’s when the answers and consequential results are finally announced. The magnificient buffet spread, with it’s yummy and enticing selection is the ‘Best in Show’, another jolly good reason not to miss it.

Everything appears to be happening at once here within the Ewhurst Parish boundaries, as a flurry of activities are taking place on the same day.! Starting with those clever people down at Brede High Woods, along the road from Cripps Corner, where a Christmas Family Craft Day will be held on SATURDAY DECEMBER 14th from 10.am until 1pm. That ‘Man who Can’, Martin Felstead has arranged and is hosting a Family event which is sure to be a great success. Using natural woodland objects, found within these beautiful woods and surrounding landscape, to make wonderful festive crafts and decorations. This is a free event, and is sure to be a very popular occasion due to the excitement and pleasure that these workshops bring, together with a great sense of achievement.

Please remember, that numbers are limited, so to make sure you have a place on this fascinating venture, and to book and reserve your space at the workshop table, please contact Martin Felstead on 0845~2935734 or contact him on [email protected]

Further along in Ewhurst Green You may come across rather a noisy scenario. Taking place at the Herdman Field, between 10 and 12 Noon on SATURDAY DECEMBER 14th will be the ‘Match of the Year’ ~ This is an event much prized by children and adults alike,as quite a lot rests on the outcome. Rather like a game between David and Goliath, this is a football match between the DADS’ and the KIDS! ~ ably supported, cheered on and yelled at by friends and families alike. Regardless of the outcome, a celebratory party will follow in the super new Sports Pavilion, no doubt superbly organised by the Mums!. The Coach of this great little football Club, Ewhurst United, Dave Perkins and his one-time prodigy, Tom Saunters will no doubt be once more on the sidelines giving out advice and support. Does it matter who wins ? ~ NO! Will the Old give way to the Young ? ~NO! ~ Will the Young outshine the Old ~ YES, You betcha. and will a good time be had by all? ~ again a resounding YES!.

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Don’t forget that this superb new pavilion is available for hire. It makes a great meeting place for any number of events and has already proved very popular for hosting children’s parties, and committee meetings, even an anniversary party, to name but a few. Please contact Dave Perkins for further details on 01580~830469 or Richard Farhall ( the Parish Clerk) at [email protected]

Ewhurst P.C.C.~ together with our communities within the three villages ~ are again supporting “Surviving Christmas” For those not aware of this activity, as the name suggests a collection of various items are sought to distribute to those less blessed,than others, at this time of the year. In addition to any financial donations, any non-perishable food, men’s clothing, toiletries and small gifts are needed and as always, most gratefully received.Any item or donation, will be used to help make someones life a little less harsh and maybe a little more brighter at this time of the year. A box will be in St. James the Great church, in Ewhurst Green, for donations from now until 20th December. Please contact John Barnes, Churchwarden, on 01580~830830 if any further information is required. Also anyone wishing to decorate a Christmas tree for display in this church is very welcome to do so. Please contact Heather on 01580~830845 or Jo on 01580~830601.for more details.

On SATURDAY DECEMBER 14th. there will be a ‘Coffee Morning’ held at the church of St.James the Great in Ewhurst Green. Taking place between 10am and 12 Noon, there will be many ‘goodies’ on offer, including a Christmas ‘Themed’ raffle, St. James Christmas cards, lots of home produce and many others. Donations of a “Christmas Theme” would be so very gratefully and humbly received. If you can be of any assistance or would just like to donate any items, please contact Jo Goodwin on 01580~830601 or Heather Smith on 01580~830845.Come along and enjoy a great cuppa ~ either tea or coffee and perhaps a lovely slice of cake. Stay and admire the beautiful Christmas trees, decorated by the community for the enjoyment of all and which only enhance this glorious little village church. Maybe, you’ll pick up a prize from the raffle also. Winners all round !.

Returning to Ewhurst Green, and in fact back to St. James the Great church at 6pm that evening, a delight is in store for those that like to enjoy a Carol Service accompanied by a choir. This year, the rafters of this ancient and much loved church will resound to the music and voices of all those attending this popular service as the annual “Carols by Candlelight” gets underway. The Tongswood Chamber Choir will be ably assisting in this years singing and it’s always a pleasure to listen to such wonderful voices. This time of the year everywhere will be heard the much loved songs of Christmas, whether modern or traditional, soft sung or yelled, irreverent or whimsical, joyous and glad or serious and sad. It should matter not if the voice is young or old,wealthy or poor, strong or weak.All that should matter is that they sing! So pop along to this little Carol Service and just enjoy singing with them.

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Lets hope you’ll not have lost your voice as singing will once again be required for the church services for Ewhurst Parish. Commencing with St. James the Great, in Ewhurst Green on SUNDAY DECEMBER 8th. Advent 2.Beginning at 9.30am for Holy Communion (BCP) This will be followed shortly after by a Morning Praise service at 11.15am at St. Marks church, Northiam Road, Staplecross. Both services will be conducted by Reverend Gordon Winchester, who will also be very happy to assist you in any matters relaating to Baptisms, weddings and other church services. Please do contact him at the Rectory on 01580~830268 or email at [email protected]

Don’t forget to contact me for any extra coverage for any event or news item you may be planning.Ring me or email me at the contacts given. I’ll always be happy to help and will do the best I can to help spread your news to all and sundry.