Staplecross

It’s a busy weekend both today and tomorrow in the parish. Today those taking part in the Christmas tree festival in St James will be busy preparing their entries ready for 6pm this evening when members of the public will be able to see the colourful trees and vote on the favourite. The festival continues tomorrow, between 10-11am and again there will be a children’s bran tub, Christmas produce, mulled wine and mince pies and a last chance to vote. The winner will be announced at the Carol Service at 6pm, when the church will look at its most festive with the many Christmas trees and illuminated by candlelight as the congregation sings the traditional carols and listens to the readings.

Also this evening (Friday) is the Christmas party for members of the Ewhurst, Staplecross and Bodiam Garden Society at 7pm in the village hall. This is always a good occasion with delicious refreshments, mulled wine, quizzes and a raffle to keep the evening going with a swing.

Last Saturday morning saw the final get together for this year of the lads ofEwhurst United Football Club and as is traditional The Dads were challenged to a match. Despite the teams of twelve boys and five dads, The Dads secured a 5:3 victory and in all it was a very good morning, with the Mums cheering the players on. Dave Perkins has expressed his thanks to the headmistress and school for allowing the school premises to be used while the home ground at Ewhurst Green is being prepared ready for the start of the 2013 season. Practise and matches will continue at Staplecross and start again in January.

Christmas celebrations continue in the village hall when members of the monthly Luncheon Club will be having their Christmas Lunch on Wednesday at 1230pm.

The Carols on the Green at Ewhurst Green, with mince pies and wine being served will . be held on Friday December 21 starting at 6pm.

Those celebrating the festive season may care to consider those less fortunate. Each year John Barnes has organised the collection of food goodies, toiletries, toys and games for the Surviving Christmas campaign. At each church service in recent weeks, a box has been provided for members of the congregation to make donations. These boxes are steadily increasing and will again be available this weekend in St James church for items to help make those less fortunate than ourselves enjoy Christmas. On Wednesday (19th) John will take the boxes to the YMCA in Hastings, where hampers will be made up and delivered to families, the elderly or the housebound.