Staplecross

I have been asked to include a report of the Ewhurst & Staplecross Bonfire Society following another successful annual event. It was ‘fingers crossed’ in Staplecross when members of the local bonfire society prepared to host the Guy Fawkes night celebrations at Staplecross on Saturday October 26th. Concerns about the pending bad weather which could not only deter spectators from attending the event but could also turn the new bonfire site into a muddy quagmire did cross many a members’ mind. But once again, the event dubbed “The Best Village Bonfire Night” attracted a large crowd.As on previous occasions the society only charged £1:00 to enter the bonfire field,which many a spectator described as ‘unbelieveably good value for such a magnificient firework display’ Figures from the gate collection and other attractions point to another superbly supported night. This is very important, as a years effort by society members has gone into making this event a success, also as the monies raised go to local charities and good causes.The evening started with the ever-popular fancy dress competition which, this year, recorded a large number of entries.The results are as follows: Class 1 - ‘Girls under 7.’- 1st Rita Dover. 2nd Ella Solomons. 3rd Daisy Owst. Class 2 -’Boys under 7’.-1st Noah Leggat~Jones. 2nd Ellis Dunga. 3rd Owen Croft. Class 3 -’Girls 7-15years.-1st Olivia Howe. 2nd Rosie Owst. 3rd Maisie Sunder. Class 4-’Boys 7-15years. 1st Leighton Ashby. 2nd Isaac Owst. 3rd Dylan Matthews.Class 5-’Best Pairs under 15.-1st Kitty & Ned Eastwood. 2nd Leighton & Serena Ashby and 3rd Ellis & Isla Dunga. Class 6 ‘Ladies 15 & over’ 1st Marion Brown. 2nd Dianne Ashby and 3rd Jessica Scowen. Adam Scowen won the Men 15 & over class and taking the title for the ‘Best Pair Class’ were Adam & Jessica Scowen. The Brown Trophy (Best Dressed Family) was won by the Scowen family. The H.W.Moyer Trophy & Replica was taken by Adam Scowen with the Joe Stonely Shield (Best Dressed Child under 15) being admirably won by Olivia Howe. Worthy winners all~so well done and thank you for taking part.The Bonfire Societies that formed the torch lit procession, included Rye, Battle, Robertsbridge, Hastings, Northiam, Hawkhurst, Waterloo, Commercial Square,Robin Hood, Cliffe, Southover and of course, our own hosts, Ewhurst & Staplecross.The procession, lit by the many burning torches recently made here in our own village, made the night very atmospheric. The bright red flares, illuminating the trees and bushes could be seen from a long way away. Once the procession and all the spectators were safely on the bonfire field, the bonfire was lit by Trevor Ovenden, one of the societies many loyal sponsors. The Ewhurst & Staplecross Bonfire Society would like to take this oportunity to thank everyone who supported this event: the huge number of spectators and their generosity, all the other bonfire societies who were represented and everyone who gave their time, energy and support throughout the year and on this Saturday night to ensure thta the evening was a roaring success. Special thanks must go to the Police, Fireman, St. John’s Ambulance and first aiders, and to the Young Farmers for assisting the marshalling of the event together with all other organisations involved. The Bonfire Society is confident that it will once again be able to make worthwhile donations to the charities and local organisations, which it supports. Donations are to be presented to these organisations at the annual Carol Service which will be held later this year.For more information,please log onto: esbs.org.net

High stepping along our country paths are those lovers of fresh air and beautiful scenery, the members of the Rother Ramblers.They have organised two more walks to entice us from our snug little interiors, the first of which is an 8 mile circular walk of Herstmonceux. Taking place on WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 13th the group will meet in the village centre car park. (BN274LW) Dogs again are permitted to accompany you. Please contact Adrian on 01273-514336 for further information~including time of meeting and whether a picnic or pub lunch is arranged. The second of our lovely walks will take place on SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16th when the group will meet at 9.30am for a 7mile Hawkhurst to Iden Green circular walk. This group will meet in the car park on the A268 near to Hawkhurst Primary School. (TN184PQ) There will be a short stop for refreshments midway and as before, your little four legged pals can also go as well. Please contact Lionel on 01424~752452 for further details.

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Leaving their horticultural chores for a while and scuttling back inside for a bit of rest and relaxation, the members of Ewhurst, Staplecross & Bodiam Garden Society will be looking forward to the speaker when they all meet up again on THURSDAY NOVEMBER 14th at Staplecross Village Hall. Beginning at 7.30pm with the Annual General Meeting business being first on the agenda. Following on from that, the members will no doubt, soon be lost within “Bedgebury;~ A World of Trees” ~ this being the subject title of the talk given by Mr. Julian Dormady. This beautiful forest, close enough for many of us to enjoy it at any time of the year is very appealing to many people for many reasons,so no wonder that this meeting will prove another popular date in the Garden Society’s calendar of events. If you have an interest in anything horticultural, why not come along and join in with other like-minded people.This friendly (and helpful) group of people meet on 3rd Thursday of each month at Staplecross Village Hall generally at 7.30pm and a very warm welcome will always be extended to you. Just contact:Mrs. Ruth Close on 01580~831918 for any further information.

A few hundred yards further down the road, and also meeting on that same evening, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 14th. will be the Ewhurst Parish Council. This meeting will take place at St. Marks Church Room, Northiam Road, Staplecross and all members of the public and press are eligible to attend. Commencing at 7.30pm, many matters and reports are dealt with, all with our parish residents well-being in mind. Our representatives from both Rother District Council and East Sussex County Council attend and tell us what they are doing on our behalf as does our own PCSO Demi Georghiou who regularly attends these meetings~even on his days off ! As usual, there will be a “Public Question Time” in which you may raise any matters of concern you have which are relevant to the parish and to make any suggestions you feel would improve our community. Information can be gathered by either visiting our website http://www.ewhurst.info/ or by contacting our Parish Clerk, Richard Farhall on 01424~880115 or any of the parish councillors. Look for the big banner outside and come inside and meet us all.

Once again, November provides us with that nudge we need to remember. We shall recall those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the giving of their lives so that we might live.”They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.” On SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10th. there will be special church services for the parish of Ewhurst, Beginning at St. James the Great, Ewhurst Green with a Service of Remembrance at 9.30am

followed by wreath laying at the War Memorial. At St Giles (Bodiam) we start just before 11.0am in time for the 2 minute silence. Following that, there will be the customary wreath laying at Bodiam War Memorial which begins at 12 Noon. St. Marks church in Staplecross will have it’s own unique Rememberance Event beginning at 3.30pm.All these services will be conducted by Reverend Gordon Winchester and if you have any questions about baptisms, weddings or other matters please email Gordon at [email protected] or telephone him at the Rectory on 01580~830268.

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Please remember, if you would like more people to know what you are getting up to, - in the event of any fund-raising events, celebrations, fetes or any Christmas do’s planned, please let me know and I’ll do my best to spread the word to hopefully help swell those coffers. Contact me as early as you can in order to allow for as much coverage as possible.