Catsfield Village Voice

MARTIN GURNEY

It was sad to hear that Martin Gurney had died peacefully in hospital on Wednesday evening last week.  Martin and his wife Rita have lived in Catsfield for many years, for a long time at Henley Down and in later years, in Church Lane.  Most people knew Martin who was a kind and friendly man and liked to talk to everyone. He had several health problems but that didn’t stop him buzzing around the village in his buggy, chatting to people and going to local events.  He became a keen bowler and enjoyed playing at Ninfield for many years and was very sad when he could no longer play.  Martin and Rita have three sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and our condolences and love go to them all at this sad time.  Details of Martin’s funeral yet to be announced.

STOOLBALL

Scott Lavocah writes - On Sunday 6th September, the Catsfield Mixed Stoolball Team won the Crowling (Crowhurst & Brightling tournaments merged) in dramatic style.  After winning our group (which consisted of strong Icklesham, Pett and Crowling teams,) all of which were close games, we then played the other Crowling team in the final, who won their group.

Crowling scored a superb 74 from their four overs and, what the organisers think is a first in the long history of this particular tournament, we also scored 74 from the very last ball, with Ben Gower scoring 25 so the final was tied. A two ‘super overs’ play-off was arranged, where both teams had to bat and bowl 2 overs each.  Crowling won the toss and batted first and again scored an impressive 38 from their 2 overs. I’ve never seen so many 2’s being run in a game before.  Ben Gower and Lucy Ellis were our first to bat for Catsfield and Ben scored an impressive 23 and Lucy a great knock of 13 whilst injured and so again we won by 1 run.  We didn’t expect to win our group, so to win this tournament in the style that we did was a credit to all involved and to Captain, Jess Gower.  Well done to Crowling for putting on a well organised tournament, with thanks to Maggie Hardy and Jessamy Lavocah for scoring and for the support from the Catsfield contingent. Pictured are: Georgia, Lucy, Scott, Sam G, Ben G, Sam B, Maggie, Jess G (Captain) and Shelley.

IN CASE YOU MISSED LAST WEEK

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances the Harvest Supper in the Village Hall on Saturday 26th September at 7pm has had to be cancelled.

CADS

Vanessa writes – It’s pantomime time!  We are looking to bolster the team ready to put on the next production.  So if you can’t act, can’t sing and definitely can’t dance, you are definitely what we’re looking for – we want you!  Or even if you would only like to be involved back-stage, there is plenty to do and we will welcome you with open arms.  We are a very small team that we need to boost.  CADS need YOU!  Email Vanessa at vanessa [email protected].

JAN WRITES (purely by coincidence)

I look back with fondness on my time playing stoolball in my teenage years when I played for the Mountfield and Whatlington team. I had met Brian by that time and he quite often umpired for the games.  After moving to Skinners Lane, I joined the Catsfield stoolball team and after a while I became captain of the team. I positioned myself behind the wicket and I recall having to stand well back when Penny Philcox was bowling – to say she was fast was an understatement!  I entered us for the six-a-side tournament at Netherfield where we went with no expectations whatsoever. To our surprise, we ended up in the final against Wittersham, managing to beat them and become the champion winners of the cup. We all went to the White Hart in Catsfield to celebrate and Frank Philcox had the cup filled with gin and orange which was duly passed around the triumphant players. After all these years, I recently came across my winner’s medal from that day, a reminder of a very special time in my life.  I am so glad that this uniquely Sussex traditional game is still being played and enjoyed today – as described above!

SPORT ETC -

Ann writes - Let's begin with the bad news that our last home cricket match was cancelled, so there will be no more talk of sausage rolls, the state of the pitch etc.  We are due to play our very last match this Sunday away at Mountfield where we're hoping for a full team on a windless day and not too many balls hit onto the A21.  Our footballers have played just one match so far which they lost to Parkfield away 0 - 3.

Now on to the good news, our mixed stoolball team had a terrific win at the tournament organised by Crowling (not a new village but an amalgamation of Crowhurst and Brightling). Well done them.  Other good news is that CADS are up and running, although perhaps not finally chosen the pantomime.  They are still calling for more actors and helpers, but at least we will have them back in the Hall just before Christmas. 

My rams will shortly be going and I hear the price of lambs is satisfactory, no blue tongue yet around here.  There was an interesting piece on BBC South East News the other day giving prominence to Crowhurst schoolchildren visiting the Bayeaux Tapestry and apparently this loan to the British Museum has generated a lot of tourist interest around the Abbey and its surroundings.