Staplecross

Wodens Wood, Cripps Corner

It was a fine evening for the best family bonfire extravaganza organised by Ewhurst and Staplecross Bonfire Society on October 27. The current economic climate, worries about the weather and a new bonfire site concerned the Society that the combination might lead to lower than usual numbers, but large crowds still gathered and figures point to another record year. This is good news for the monies raised go to local charities and good causes, with donations being handed over following the Carol Service at St Mark’s Church, Staplecross on Saturday December 1 at 7pm.

The evening started with the ever popular fancy dress competition which this year recorded a large number of entrants and was held at the village hall. The results are as follows:

Girls under 7: 1st Molly Leggat Jones. 2nd Serena Ashbee. 3rd Lilly Harley.

Boys under 7: 1st Tom Barnes. 2nd Louis Cook. 3rd Noah Leggat Jones.

Girls 7-15 yrs: 1st Jasmine Hamilton. 2nd Ella Croft. 3rd Toni Weyman.

Boys 7-15 yrs: 1st Layton Ashbee. 2nd James Coward. 3rd Marley Cook.

Best pairs under 15: 1st Layton & Serena Ashbee. 2nd Lilly Harley & Trinny Kemp.

3rd Rosie Owst & Partner.

Best group under 15 yrs: Neon Rainbow.

Best visiting society: Ninfield.

The Brown Trophy awarded to the Best Dressed Family: Murphy, Indie, Oliver & Julie Reynolds.

H.W. Moyer Trophy & Replica awarded to most outstanding entry 15+ went to Julie Reynolds.

Joe Stonely Shield to best fancy dress entry under 15 went to Tom Barnes.

More than fifteen Bonfire Societies formed the torch light procession, which wended its way from Staplecross to Cripps Corner and returned. The procession is lit by burning torches which made the dark lanes very atmospheric and bright red flares illuminated the trees and hedges and could be seen from afar.

Many locals met the procession at the White Hart inn at Cripps Corner and followed as the procession moved back up the hill to Staplecross and then on to the new bonfire field.

At the Cross Inn the large crowd had been entertained by fire eaters and a band before following the procession to the field to watch a wonderful bonfire and fireworks display, deservedly dubbed The Best Village Bonfire.

The Society would like to thank everyone who supported this event: to the huge number of spectators and their generosity, all other bonfire societies who were represented and to everyone who gave their time, energy and support throughout the year to ensure the evening was a resounding success. A special thanks to the police, firemen, ambulance and first aiders and all other organisations involved.

This year Remembrance Day falls on the eleventh of the eleventh and services will be held during the Sunday morning service at St James Ewhurst Green at 0930, and at St Mark’s Staplecross at 3.30pm. In addition at 11am there will an act of remembrance at the War Memorial in Staplecross.

Due to the election for a Police and Crime Commissioner on Thursday November 15, when the village hall will be the polling station, the meeting of the Ewhurst, Staplecross and Bodiam Garden Society will take place two days earlier, Tuesday November 13. This meeting will be the annual general meeting followed by a talk “Lavender, its uses and running a lavender farm” by Dr S Charlesworth. Visitors are always welcome to attend when refreshments and a raffle are provided.

There was a good turn out for the lads of Ewhurst United on Saturday who will be taking on Salehurst tomorrow (Saturday) at an away match.

The club is going from strength to strength, with practise meetings after school for the older ones on Mondays, with Tuesdays reserved for the very keen younger element. Dave Perkins is delighted at the attendance of parents who either help or cheer on their sons.

There is to be a Christmas Art Show at the Muddy Duck Northiam on November 24 and 25 between 11am-5pm. It is being organised by thirteen members of Artists of Rother Valley, with our own Glenys Griffiths featuring her work. There will be paintings, etchings, photographs, ceramics, glass, jewellery and cards – all original work – to view or to buy.