Cross In Hand Village News

BEACON DOWN VINEYARD

Top marks to Beacon Down in Cross in Hand, one of Wealden's newest vineyards. Owners Alice and Paul Pippard threw open the winery's doors at the weekend to welcome guests to an informal get-together and a chance to thank their legions of supporters and helpers. There was a party atmosphere as families (and dogs!) who had helped with the recent grape-picking sampled some of the wines created from the grapes they had worked so hard to harvest. Also there, a host of supporters who had discovered the vineyard and made it a popular tea, coffee and cake break on a busy weekend. Paul spoke briefly to welcome visitors and described how he and Alice had realised their 'dream' of running a vineyard. They bought a south-east facing pasture and planted almost 10,000 vines in May 2015 - which have now matured and been converted into a range of different and delicious English wines. He also thanked those visitors who had worked hard to help the business dream come to fruition, including making sure their support reached the ears of the Wealden planning department! Beacon Down seems very much a family affair, right down to Dudley, the smart pointer who greets newcomers and loves the visiting dogs, as we found out when walking our rescue Sophie around the vineyard. As invitees, we sampled a couple of wines (including a heady rose and flowery Bacchus) and met a galaxy of enthusiastic grape pickers and wine lovers in a gallery overlooking the cafe and shop. The couple have a natural charm and easy rapport with people. We can only thank them ourselves for literally creating something out of nothing. As one guest said: "What would you rather see here? Rows of vines or a housing estate?" No contest.

THE BIGGEST SUSSEX INDOOR MARKET

Every Tuesday. Antiques. The biggest in Sussex. Also Auction 09.30 am. Don't miss it!  Up to 40 Covered & hard-standing outdoor stalls. Heathfield, Tuesday, TN21 8RA weekly Antique Market, East Sussex, from 0700am to 1300. Free customer parking. This little market seldom gets much of a look-in where business related social media kicks in. We can recommend a visit on a Tuesday. There is a lot to see and buy – and a visit to the antiques auction is always worth your time. I’ve heard that ‘brown furniture’ is now coming back into fashion so perhaps we can all find a Sheraton bookcase for a few quid if we look hard enough?

MERES LANE. ANOTHER  FARM BREAK-IN.

Social media has been alive with the break-ins on our local farms. South Brockwell's farm had a break-in on November 6. In a similar incident, on the same night four individuals broke into a locked garage at Allens Farm, Meres Lane, Five Ashes, stole power tools and emptied freezers containing a large batch of meat just collected from the butcher. Owners say the stolen meat is clearly labelled Allens Farm, and if thieves attempt to rip the labels off, visible label marks or adhesive residue will remain on the packaging.  CCTV and doorbell footage captured images of four individuals wearing balaclavas and carrying bolt croppers. They were thought to be targeting nearby properties. Police say if you have been offered suspiciously cheap meat, please let them know by calling 101, quoting number: SXP-20261107-0063

HEATHFIELD AND WALDRON PARISH COUNCIL

We are in urgent need of marshals for our Christmas Lighting Up event on Friday 20th November. If you are able to help, please email [email protected] or call 01435 865 700 for more information.

THE ORIGINS OF THE CROSS IN HAND AMENITIES SOCIETY

The Society was formed at a public meeting held on 20th February 1970 with the sole object of bringing together a group of local residents to pressure the then Hailsham Rural District Council into taking action to stop several nuisances that were being caused by stock car racing at Isenhurst, Cross-in-Hand, without planning permission to do so. This group was led by Arthur E. Willis, who can be given credit for being our principal founder. Subsequently, a five-day Department of the Environment Public Enquiry was held and the Society was represented by a top-class London solicitor and a Queen’s Counsel. The Department of the Environment Inspectorate in charge of the inquiry decided in favour of the Society’s representations and the racing was brought to an end in 1972. It was then considered that the Society could form a useful body to look after the retention and improvement of local amenities, and its membership thrived. Our brief today, which is laid down in our Constitution, is to promote the permanent preservation of lands and buildings of beauty or historic interest, and protect, preserve and maintain the character and amenities of Cross-in-Hand. In 1976, Mrs Margaret Marr Darch, the owner of Heatherden, donated 40 acres of woodland that formed part of the Heatherden estate to the Society, to be held in Trust in perpetuity, for the benefit and enjoyment of residents. It was at this time that the Committee decided to appoint H.M. Charity Commissioners as the Custodian Trustee. The other trustees were Arthur Willis and Mr S.H. Treadwell, who were members of a committee of nine people. It was as a result of this connection with the Commissioners that the Society became registered as a Charitable Trust.

WALDRON WI CHRISTMAS PARTY with AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MISS MARPLE.

A talk on her life by Debbie Bridge. At Lucas Memorial Hall, Waldron, TN21 0RB. Visitors welcome. Admission £5.00 (cash)

EAST SUSSEX FIRE AND RESCUE

Driving in mist or fog? Remember that automatic headlights may not switch on, if visibility is reduced, turn your lights on manually so you can see and be seen. Slow down, leave extra space between vehicles. Use dipped headlights as full-beam lights reflect the light back, reducing visibility even further. Use fog lights only when visibility is seriously reduced and switch them off when conditions improve. Visit our website for more advice! www.esfrs.org/driving-in-severe-weather

HORAM VILLAGE HALL AND RECREATION GROUND

Thank you to everyone who came to the ribbon cutting to mark all three phases of the GAP project, with representatives from all our funders over the years and thank you to  Hailsham Harriers, Pioppi Pizza, Trott & Sons - Handmade Penny Farthings. Co-op and our home bakers who made the event extra special with free refreshments. It’s been 5 years of fundraising and hard work by many people.