Staplecross, Ewhurst Green and Cripps Corner village voice

Tomorrow (Saturday) at 2pm in Staplecross village hall, the first one of the season kicks off with one in aid of village hall funds. All donations whether in cash, goodies for the raffle, or the stalls gratefully accepted during the morning, and punters prompt at 2pm for the bargains.

Also tomorrow, but this time in the morning, the lads of Ewhurst United will be playing Salehurst at the Herdman Field, Ewhurst Green. There were fourteen likely lads practising last week and are ready for the first match this year. Kick off time is 10.30 am. Supporters and prospective new members always welcome to go along and watch.

Mrs B Griggs is the guest speaker for the Staplecross and Women’s Institute March 6 meeting on Tuesday afternoon in St Mark’s Church Room, Staplecross, at 2.30pm. Mrs Griggs’ talk is entitled “The Kitchen Doctor”. Visitors and new members always welcome. Those joining in the fun of the monthly competition will need to take along their favourite kitchen item (hopefully not the kitchen sink).

“Ancient Music played on ancient instruments” is the title of the talk on Monday morning at 10.30am in Battle Memorial Hall to members of the U3A. This popular branch has a membership of over a hundred and new members are always welcome.

Mr Hilary Newman made a welcome return to the February meeting of the Ewhurst, Staplecross and Bodiam Garden Society last Thursday. He said he had almost twenty talks on different gardening subjects, but would select items from his repertoirse he thought would be of interest. The combination of photographs as well as plant samples and all those “good for the garden” treatments, combined with his cheerful presentation entertained his audience who had questions to resolve their own particular plant problems.

Line dancing is extending its classes to include beginners and this is in the Church Room in Staplecross between 6pm to 7.30pm on Mondays. Helen Day who already holds classes (same venue) on Friday evenings 6pm until 7.30pm is proving popular and she is hoping to encourage new recruits to go along on Mondays who will then be able to progress to Fridays. The cost is £3.50 for a class of fun and exercise.

Pilates classes on Tuesdays (5-6pm) continue their popularity and these are held in the village hall each week under the tuition of Celia King.

Hilary Ganly who for a good number of years has held a successful Art Group at Staplecross, is offering a Water Colour Workshop on Saturday March 17 from 10am to 4pm in the Church Room. It is especially for beginners, so anyone who wishes they had picked up a paint brush before, now is the time to try and receive excellent tuition. Those interested should ring Hilary on 01580-830704 to book as places are limited.

The Parish Council meets in the Church Room at 7pm on Thursday, March 8. The meeting is open to the public and there is opportunity for local residents to ask questions or raise concerns during the open forum, or by invitation of the chairman David Young during the meeting. As well as parish councillors, County Councillor Peter Jones and District Councillor Tony Ganly are usually in attendance.

Ewhurst and Staplecross Bonfire Society celebrated another successful year, when members held their 42nd annual dinner dance at the village hall last Saturday evening. The event was well attended and the hundred members and supporters had an enjoyable evening.

After enjoying a tasty and superbly organised meal, members and guests danced the night away to Ricochet.

The Society’s chairman, Mark Haskell, paid tribute to Louise Gardiner, Marion Brown and Doreen Matthews for their hard work and dedication over the past year. Another member to receive praise was Eric Crouch for his fine culinary skills in the preparation of the curry, one of the main course choices. There was a big thank you also to all members and supporters of the Society who continue to support events throughout the year and help to see the Society grow in strength. Sponsors who once again kindly donated products to assist with catering were F&P meats of Cobham Farm, Ewhurst, Jubilee Hire, Catering Equipment and the Lighthouse Bakery. His final words of thanks were to all those who donated raffle prizes and those who helped in making the event a success.

Any persons wishing to join the Bonfire Society should go along to The Cross Inn this evening (Friday) at 8pm, where they will be assured of a warm welcome; thereafter meetings are held on every first Friday of the month.

Future fundraising events include a jumble sale on Saturday March 24 at the village hall and a Race Night on Saturday April 21 at Staplecross Club.

Mary Reeve, Wodens Wood, Cripps Corner