Westfield village voice

Where on Earth is Nicaragua? This is an evening of local food, music and inspiring stories about the Bible Society’s work in Central America among needy children and their families on Monday, May 28 at 6.30pm in Rye Baptist Church. Tickets cost £7 and are available from Helen and Michael (752052), Maureen (751558) or Derek (812790).

The Friends of Westfield Church Coffee Morning held on May 7 raised £301; thank you to all those who supported this.

The monthly F3 meeting takes place at 7.30pm at the Parish Hall next Thursday, May 24. Pastor Jim Cottington will be speaking about the Eternal Life Children’s Home project in Madurai, India. All women are very welcome to join us for ‘Friends, Fun and Fellowship’.

The Hub now meets at ‘The Plough’ on Fridays from 10am-12 noon for anyone to drop in for coffee, chat, book exchange and use of computers. The move has been very successful; the Hub continues to be well supported, and is very grateful to landlords Martin and Sharron for making the transition so smooth. There will be a Jubilee cake competition at the Hub on Friday, June 1, with judging at 11am. Entrants are asked to make a cake using a recipe of their choice, decorating and/or shaping it with a Jubilee theme. Judging will be on appearance, and only on taste in event of a tie. Entry is 50p on the day.

Plans are well ahead for the Westfield Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Saturday, June 2 is the start of the Westfield Scarecrow Competition week. On the same day, everyone is invited the family picnic on the school field (in the Community Hall if wet) from 11am-2pm. Bring your own food and chairs. For more details ring 0795 263 5448. Following this, Westfield Senior Residents are invited to a Diamond Jubilee Tea Party in Westfield Community Hall from 3.30-5.30pm. Tickets are free, but you need to apply by ringing Janet (754312) or Pauline (0778 607 8588). 

Westfield Church is holding a Diamond Jubilee lunch at the Parish Hall at 1pm on Sunday, June 3, with tickets at £6 available from Church until May 27. During the afternoon, the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant will be screened on a big screen TV.

The celebrations end on Tuesday, June 5 with the Westfield Garden Safari, when around ten gardens will be open for visiting. Admission is by programme available at Westfield Community Hall from 10am-3.30pm: all gardens £7 (two adults £10), or £1.50 for one garden, with accompanied children free. Light refreshments will be on sale at the Hall, and the proceeds of the day will be divided between Westfield Scouts, Guides and Youth Club.

Westfield School continues to collect Sainsbury’s and Tesco vouchers and is very grateful for donations at the school office or Westfield News. If anyone has any spare tractor tyres, our Reception class is looking for a few for their outdoor area for planting; please ring the school if you can help.

The Sedlescombe and Westfield Club of the East Sussex Disability Association (ESDA) is looking for new members.  ESDA is a charity organisation led by disabled people and provides expert advice, information and practical support. There are 21 groups around the County that provide outings and activities. ESDA has dedicated accessible coaches with fully qualified driver attendants providing a door to door service for members.  The Sedlescombe and Westfield Club have outings on the second Thursday of the month, and the next outing is a Strawberry Tea at Mrs Keeling’s on 14 June.  Members participate in fundraising to keep the costs down, so there is simply a contribution requested towards the transport. If you fancy getting out and about, making new friends or if you would like to volunteer to help, please give Marianne a call at ESDA on 01323 514531 or email [email protected].  Visit www.esda.org.uk for more information.

Westfield resident author Nick Brown continues his guided circular walks in the area. All walks cost £3 and start at 10.30am, and dogs are welcome. Please check his website www.spanglefish.com/1066routes for more detailed information. The next walk is on Saturday, May 26 from Guestling. It is advisable to book in advance by ringing Nick on 07918 907265. Nick’s book ‘The 1066 Country Walk’ is recommended by the 1066 Tourist Board and signed copies are available from him.

The ‘Help for Heroes’ Summer Picnic takes place on Sunday, June 10 from 12 noon to about 5pm at Southings, Westfield. Bring your own picnic luncheon (prize for best picnic). Military music, stalls, “Ritzy” raffle, Shooting Gallery and strawberry teas available. Tickets are £10 in advance or £12.50 on the gate. To book or for further details please ring 01424 751217.

For information and news about Westfield, please visit the village website www.westfieldvillage.co.uk.

George Sunderland, Heathlands