Catsfield Village Voice

CATSFIELD UKEALONGIANS

Don’t forget that our next and final fundraiser for 2026 will be for the Bexhill branch of ‘The Stroke Rehabilitation Centre’ on this coming Monday October 26th at 7.15pm (half term week) Make a note of the date and do come along, we can guarantee a great evening, great singing and playing, lots of fun and we hope to raise lots of money for the charity.

CADS

The CADS pantomime this year is Robin Hood and it will be on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 3rd, 4th and 5th December. I’m awaiting an update on when tickets will be on sale and how to book them. It will be possible this year to book them online I believe but obviously for those who would rather pay cash, that option will also be available. More news on that later soon.

JAN WRITES

How fortunate we were to have our schooling before technology ruled children’s lives and education. We were taught the three ‘R’s’ via blackboard and chalk at primary school. In arithmetic, learning our tables was essential and I still remember them and often use them now in day-to-day life. In English we had spelling tests and had to write compositions and learn punctuation, we memorised poetry off by heart. One poem in particular was ‘Big Steamers’ by Rudyard Kipling and I can still recall it word for word. Yes, we had the discomfort of outside loos and a ratty old boiler to keep us warm, which actually built up our resilience to germs and problems with mental and physical health and there was not a computer or calculator in sight.

AUTUMN

This weekend sees the start of the half term holiday for the schools – although the prolonged summer weather makes it seem as though they have only just gone back to school. The arrival of autumnal weather in the last week or so has brought us back to reality but at least the extended summer will help to make the winter seem shorter. Don’t forget that this weekend it will be time to turn the clocks back an hour (which is almost a week earlier this year) so less of a lie-in on Sunday morning. The shops are full of Halloween costumes and decorations and the Sussex Bonfire season is well under way so we are already heading towards winter.

SUSSEX BONFIRES

Sussex bonfire season is in full swing, bringing spectacular torchlit processions, roaring fires, and dazzling fireworks to our local streets. Visit the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service website to learn how to stay safe while enjoying the festivities and see all upcoming event dates.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to “Choose Local” for Bonfire Season, by enjoying an organised bonfire or fireworks display in their community rather than celebrating at home. We strongly advise not having a bonfire or setting off fireworks in your own garden or private spaces, particularly following the recent hot weather. Fires can easily get out of control, spreading quickly and unpredictably, posing a risk to life, property and nearby open spaces. There are, however, many organised bonfire events held locally each year. We work with event organisers and partner agencies in advance, providing fire safety advice and guidance. Professional events will have event management plans and risk assessments in place. For safety advice and guidance on bonfires and fireworks, including information for both bonfire societies and the public, please visit: Fireworks East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (esfrs.org) and Bonfires | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (esfrs.org)