Whatlington Village Voice

In “giving” we are showing them that we care and remember them at this special time. “goodies” can include sweets, biscuits, toiletries, coffee/tea; anything that is not perishable , or melt in the heat of Afghanistan.

I will leave a box outside , by the front door (weather permitting) at “Lismoyne”, Oakhurst Road, Battle, for you to leave any gifts you may like to donate, until the end of October “Thank the Forces” is a registered charity and is now listed as one of the charity’s on the MOD`s website. Please remember that both men and women serve in the forces and any small gift is welcome.

I can now let you know that donations given in memory of the late Syd Crouch , to the Parish Church’s Appeal Fund have totalled £635.

This indicates the high esteem in which he was held. The church are very grateful to the family for choosing this charity to benefit from the donations, given in lieu of flowers.

A couple of weeks ago I spent a few days in Stratford upon Avon, where I once lived ,and we found a super Bed & Breakfast, which I thought you may like to know about. The accommodation was a self-contained chalet in a beautiful garden in the historic village of Wilmcote. Wilmcote is about four miles outside of the town of Stratford upon Avon and has connections with William Shakespeare. Mary Arden’s

house (Shakespeare’s mother) is situated there and when you visit this property you can also view various farming implements from the past.

To find more details of this accommodation please go to www.gablescottage.co.uk

The Village Hall has been recently refurbished and has a new floor and kitchen. The kitchen is well equipped with plenty of china, a small microwave, an electric kettle, a gas hob and a large urn to heat water.

The hall also benefits from a stage, and a disabled toilet. One of the main benefits for those hiring the hall is that there is a large car park very close top it.

The hall can be hired at a competitive rate of £6.00 per hour. To book the hall or for any inquiries please telephone Valerie Bennett on 01424 772932

I have today received a further donation of £10.00 from Wilma, thus raising the amount she donated to the Appeal Fund, by hosting a Cheese & Wine party, to £457.00

I attended the Thanksgiving Service for the life of Beryl Scott last Friday at Hastings Crematorium. Beryl Huxford, as she was, gained a place at Oxford, but was unable to take it up and worked for many years at Hastings library.

She lived in Whatlington and often played the organ at the church. She married Donald Scott at Whatlington Church on 12th June 1943 , meeting Donald, after being dared to write to him , whilst he was serving, as a soldier, abroad. She was just 18 years old and Donald 24 years old.

Beryl’s Thanksgiving Service was a non- religious service and it was the first time that I had ever attended a service of this kind, but I found it very moving.

A poem entitled “ Farewell my Friend” was read out by her son in law and it read.....

It was a beautiful as long as it lasted,

The journey of my life.

I have no regrets whatsoever

Save the pain I’ll leave behind.

Those dear hearts who love and care...

And the strings pulling at the heart and soul....

The strong arms that held me up

When my own strength let me down.

At every turning of my life I came across good friends,

Friends who stood by me, even when the time raced me by.

Farewell, farewell my friends

I smile and bid you goodbye.

No, shed no tears for I need them not

All I need is your smile.

If you feel sad do think of me

For that’s what I’ll like.

When you live in the hearts

of those you love, remember then

you never die.

What lovely words !

Beryl ashes will be interred in Whatlington Churchyard, alongside her beloved husband.

It was so sad to hear, read and see the devastation of the fire on Hastings Pier, built in the 19th century and one of only a few left in the country.

Whilst I was sitting having a cup of tea in a local restaurant on Sunday I over heard a lady say ”All that was any good in Hastings has gone”.

How upsetting that people should think this way but I do agree that one of the attractions to any seaside town is a pier.

Friends have told me that they met at a dance on the pier, marrying later; one said she saw Cilla Black perform in a concert on the pier; my early memories of Hastings pier is having to pay to go on it.

I did not move to this area until 11 years ago but visited Hastings on quite a few occasions and the pier was an attraction.

If the pier can be saved and I hope it can, it maybe a good time for the people of Hastings to unite and raise funds to meet the costs. As many of you will know our much cared for Parish church was devastated by fire in July and we have had a most outstanding response to our fundraising efforts, from all over the country and abroad.

I am sure it will be the same for the people in Hastings and many new friendships and bonds will be made as people gather together to raise the necessary funds to restore the pier, if this, is indeed possible.

This Thursday, the 21st October, The Parish Council will hold their meeting, at The Village Hall, to which you are invited, starting at 7.30pm.

The following day, Friday 22nd October I will be selling Christmas cards in aid of the Appeal Fund, at Whatlington Village Hall from 9.30-11.30am. There is a selection of Christmas cards with scenes from Whatlington and Battle and also postcards for sale.

The photographs featured on these cards have been taken by local people and what is nice, the cards can be personalised to your requirements. This means that you can chose your own greetings inside the card, the font, and you can add whatever you wish.

All monies raised from the sale of these Christmas cards will go towards The Church Appeal Fund, so if you are just thinking about buying your cards for Christmas please do come and have a look at ours.

There is ample free car parking next to the Village Hall, so that you do not have to worry about parking.( To date I have 550 cards on order, with more orders coming.)

This Sunday , Parish Communion will be at 8.30am and celebrated in The Village Hall. All are welcome.

Hilda Aplin

Lismoyne Oakhurst Road