Staplecross

Unusually, first in print this week are the two Winter walks on offer with the Rother Ramblers. The cold, discomfort and decreasing outside temperatures never seem to bother these walkers as they stroll around through our beautiful countryside. Daft, some may say, but inevitably, they always appear to be smiling and enjoying themselves and who can blame them when we have so much glorious countryside to explore and enjoy, so who is the richer? First walk arranged is for WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 27th. A relatively short walk of a 5 mile Westfield -Three Oaks circular. The group will be meeting at 10.0am in the laybys near to the Plough Inn at Westfield.(TN354QR) A 5-10 minute walk from the bus stop on the A28. There will be a short stop for refreshments midway with an optional pub lunch upon return. As in both walks this week, dogs are permitted to accompany you. Please contact Lionel on 01424~752452 for all further details. The 2nd walk sounds very interesting and different from the ones normally on offer. This walk is entitled ‘Railways and Communities’ and will be in the region of 9 miles in total. Taking place on SUNDAY DECEMBER 1st the group will all meet up at 10.0am at Robertsbridge Railway Station (TN325DD) I don’t know where you’ll all be rambling, but it does sound intriguing and quite appealing, especially in view of all the restoration and reconstruction work that is currently taking place in this area. but a picnic lunch is suggested and as stated previously,please take your dog along with you. For more information on this unusual stroll please contact Richard on 01424~892865.

Not many more dates this year, for the Mobile Library Service to entice you into the van and into the joy of books and much, much more. The little, ( or not-so-little) van will be stopping off in each of the three villages which make up Ewhurst Parish, on THURSDAY NOVEMBER 28th. This wonderful,free service will be arriving at it’s first destination,at Cripps Corner, in the car park of the White Hart Inn between 10.15 and 10.40am. From there it will ( via Sedlescombe) arrive and park in Cricketers Field, in Staplecross between 11.50am and 12.20pm. Following on from there, after wending it’s way through Brede, Northiam and Bodiam it will arrive in Ewhurst in the afternoon at approximately 3.40 and 4.10pm. Please do make use of this service as this is such a vital link within our rural and sometimes quite isolated areas. It helps to keep the rural communities in touch with the many other services available and gives the residents information of social groups,clubs and societies of which they may have an interest.The Mobile Library Service doesn’t just stock books - there is also a splendid selection of video’s, DVD’c, and audio books as well as access to the internet. The old saying ~ “Use It or Loose It” ~ sadly is so very true in this case. The Library Service, ~ mobile or otherwise means more than just books. Try them and see.

Raising funds for any project nowadays is sometimes a real hard slog. The work put into it is rarely seen and often unsung. Competion to get you to spend your money with one project rather than another is sometimes fierce as we all have our personal preferences and the demand for our support is wide and ongoing. In order to bring attention to, and hopefully generate as much interest as possible, Staplecross M.C.P.School, our local primary school, has come up with novel way of appealing to the general public for support and hopefully some much needed funds for their newest project. Planning permission has been given for the installation of a M.U.G.A.( ~ A Multi Use Games Area, for the uninitiated !) for the children of this much loved and ever popular little village school as well as the wider community. In order to raise substantial funds, the MUGA committee are running a “Sponsor a Square Metre” scheme and all stops are being pulled out to ensure that this scheme is a success. Companies, businesses, and work places of all shapes and sizes, large and small are being invited to be part of this project by “purchasing” one (or more!) square metres. Upon completion of the MUGA there will be a board listing all the ‘Sponsor-A-Square’ donors displaayed at the school. In return, your company is promised substantial advertising. The cost per metre is £50:00, which is less than most advertising and is not a huge amount to pay in comparision to what you may potentially achieve in return. As a result of the wonderful and very successful London Olympics there is so much emphasis now on schools to encourage sporting activities.Not only will this be a massive achievement for the school but will benefit the community as a whole. If you would like to know more about the project or speak to a member of the MUGA Committee, please contact either : Vicky Monk on [email protected] or Tony Kimmerling on [email protected] or the Staplecross School on: [email protected] or [email protected] What a wonderful start to the new year this could be for the next generation.

We have all heard of the rather large energy fuel bill increases coming our way and, regardless of who we are contracted with, sadly there generally isn’t much we can do to avoid having to pay these extra costs. Many people living on a limited or low income, benefits or a pension or those who have the care of a disabled person in their household, may be concerned with how to keep warm this Winter. Being cold isn’t just uncomfortable and miserable; it can be very bad for our health. Particularly if you are an older person or have existing health conditions, it increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, breathing problems and bad chests.: Here are a few “Top Tips” on keeping warm, safe and well this winter. Get your Flu Jab - it’s free if you are,- over 65 years of age have certain medical conditions, pregnant, children aged 2-3 years, The main carer of an elderly or disabled person, who may be at risk if you become ill. It’s quick and safe and should protect you all winter. Check your Prescription Medicines - Make sure you have enough to last through the cold weather. Be prepared for common illnesses and ailments by keeping a well stocked medicine cabinet at home. These items can often be bought cheaply from local pharmacist or supermarket. “Catch it, Bin it, Kill it” -catch coughs sneezes and other germs in a tissue, put it in a bin and then wash your hands well. Having hot meals and drinks will help keep you warm. So have hot drinks regularly and at least one hot meal a day. Wearing several layers of thinner clothing will keep you warmer than wearing one thick one. and wrap up if going outside. Keep active indoors if you can. Try to move around at least once an hour. If your mobility is limited, try moving your arms and legs while sitting or just wriggling your fingers and toes. Have heating and cooking appliances checked - carbon monoxide isn’t called the ‘silent killer’ for nothing !. Electric blankets need to be kept in good condition, and you should NEVER use a hot water bottle at the same time. - sadly it has been known. Keep your home at the right temperature. If you can, set your heating to 18-21 degreesC (65-70 degrees F) Keeping your house warm can be easier said than done. If you need it there are grants and benefits to help heat your home more efficiently, or help with bills. Ask Social Care Direct on 0345~6080191 for more information. You may also qualify for a Winter Home Check. The Energy Saving Advice Service can also help with information on grants and discounts, how to save energy and what to do if you’re worried about paying your heating bills.Call 0300~1231234 or visit http://www.energysavingstrust.org.uk/ For more information on keeping well and warm this Winter, visit NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth also, if you need help with benefits just telephone 0333~3440681.

A request of a different sort East Sussex County Council would like to recruit local people for a new Highways Customer Panel. As a member of the panel, you’ll receive a survey three times a year asking for comments and opinions on your Highways Service. This E.S.C.C. department state that “It’s essential that we listen to local people to help us improve”. Well, - they did ask and now it’s your chance to tell them. If you can find a few minutes to take part, please send a quick email to: [email protected] or telephone 0345~6080193 to register your details.

For some unusual early Christmas entertainment, and there will be more as the season progresses, why not begin with a visit to ‘Santa’s Grotto’ at The Llama Park, in Ashdown Forest. Here you’ll be able to meet Father Christmas and his reindeer in his Christmas Wonderland. Starting on 30th November - 1st December, then 7th & 8th December and then every day from 14th - 24th December. For details contact: llamapark.co.uk or call 01825-712040.

An unusual version of the Christmas Story will be performed by over 3,000 children from East Sussex Primary Schools in December. This year’s ‘Big Sing’, entitled “Camel Hot!”, combines traditional Christmas music with specially written songs and includes a rockin ‘n’ rollin camel and a stable with very itchy insects. The 12 public concerts will each feature one of the East Sussex Music Service’s flagship youth ensembles. Lead Teacher, Jane Humberstone, said: “ For me, these popular events are the highlight of the year. If I could bottle and sell the excitement and pride which pours from the stage and auditorium, I’d be a millionaire!.” The Concert dates and venues are MONDAY DECEMBER 2nd. 4.30pm and 7pm at The White Rock Theatre, Hastings. Wednesday December 4th 5.30pm and 7.30pm at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells. On Monday December 9th 5.30pm and 7.30pm at the De La Warr Pavilion, in Bexhill-on-Sea and culminating in a three day performance at The Congress Theatre, in Eastbourne on Wednesday 11th, Thursday 12th and Friday 13th December with two shows daily. The first at 5.30pm and again at 7.30pm on all three days. East Sussex Music Service provides musical tuition and performing opportunities for children ( and grown-ups ?) of all ages. For more information please call 01273~336770 or visit: eastsussex.gov.uk/musicinfo This performance surely deserves a visit.

Church services for the parish of Ewhurst will be held at St. James the Great, Ewhurst Green on SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24th. Next before Advent at 9.30am Holy Communion. (BCP) This will be followed shortly after by a service at St. Marks’ church, Northiam Road, Staplecross at 11.15am. Again, Holy Communion (BCP) Both services will be conducted by Reverend Gordon Winchester and who will also be very happy to assist you in all matters regarding weddings, baptisms, and any other service needed. Additional services to look forward to will be the “Carols by Candlelight” and the Midnight Mass later in December.

Don’t forget, any item of interest, or of any event you have coming up, please contact me and I’ll do my best to give you extra coverage. Just contact me at 01580-831881 or visit:[email protected] Don’t leave it too late.