Herstmonceux and Wartling Village News

SUNDAY SERVICES THIS WEEK are at All Saints, Herstmonceux: 10am Holy Communion, 3.30pm Messy Church Herstmonceux Village Hall.

If you have not tried Messy Church yet, come along. It does not matter what age you are, whether you have children. Messy Church is for all.

There are things to do, things to make, a short Bible time and finishing with a “proper sit-down” tea.  There is no cost, donations welcome. No booking, just turn up, although it would help with catering if you would let Pam know on [email protected] if you plan to come.

St Mary Magdalene, Wartling: 3.30pm Rural Event: film showing. Morning Prayer weekdays 9am to 9.20am alternating weekly between All Saints and St Mary Magdalene.

The Quakers meet at 10.45 worship and reflection at the Friends’ Meeting House, West End, Herstmonceux BN27 4NR.

Drop-in Tuesdays anytime between 1 and 4pm at the Free Church lounge.

WARTLING CHURCH COFFEE MORNING is on Saturday 19 September from 10am to 12 noon.

This is a time to get together, to talk over what is happening within the churches or to reflect on the past activities (summer fair). Your input is valued. Everyone welcome to come along for tea and homemade cake.

HERSTMONCEUX WALKING GROUP will be meeting again on Sunday 20 September at Horsebridge Recreation ground at 10am for Lita’s Covid walk circular around Hellingly. If you would like to come along ring walk leader Lita on 07561 493111 to register

HEARING RESOURCES SESSION this month will be on Friday 25 September between 10am and 11.45am for a 12-noon finish when Celia is able to offer maintenance of most types of hearing aids and replacement batteries. Celia also offers the service from the Charles Hunt Centre in Hailsham on certain days

MICHELHAM PRIORY MASONIC LODGE is based in Herstmonceux at the St Wilfrid’s Hospice charity shop building. This Lodge was originally founded in Hailsham in 1928 and relocated to Herstmonceux in 1961 after purchasing the old Castle Playhouse in the heart of the village.

If you have ever wondered about Freemasonry, what it means, what they do and who are masons, then visit their website to find out more www.lodge5059.org.uk. New members are very welcome. They are a friendly and welcoming lodge with a diverse mix of members from across a wide variety of interests. They have 6 regular meetings a year on the third Thursday of January, March, April, May, October and November and also meet for rehearsals on a Wednesday evening between September and May. The Michelham Priory Lodge are proud supporters of St Wilfrid's Hospice and also donate to many local charities. There is an active and enthusiastic social committee who regularly organise social events throughout the year. Although these often involve lunch or dinner, they try to combine eating out with visits to places of interest.

The main aim they strive to achieve from their social functions is to have fun but also use some events to raise money for their supported charities.

The member's partners and the widows of members often meet socially for dinner, which is organised independently of the MPL social events and is very popular.

If you live or work in Herstmonceux, or in one of the nearby towns and villages and you want to join, contact the secretary please use the website email form in the first instance and if you are not online then call 07455 916942, who would be delighted to hear from you.

HERSTMONCEUX BOWLS CLUB CELEBRATES the end of another highly successful season, with 14 new members joining the club and more than 55 matches played across the summer. Results were pleasing, with the club winning around half of its matches and finishing a very respectable top third in the Horam League. With such a busy programme, there has certainly been plenty of bowls enjoyed by members throughout the season.

Despite some truly appalling weather conditions, the Club’s Finals Weekend proved a great success, with eight trophies up for grabs. Congratulations go to all the finalists, with the two main trophies being won by Michael Watson and Hilary Milton.

Around 40 members turned up on the Sunday to support the players and enjoy a delicious lunch, making it a fitting and very enjoyable finale to the competitive season.

The Club would also like to express its sincere thanks to Christopher Bean Solicitors for their extremely generous sponsorship this year and for the next two years, and to Angela Marden Estate Agents, who once again kindly sponsored the Finals Weekend.

Although the bowls season may now be over, there is still plenty happening at the Club. Everyone is warmly invited to our Macmillan Coffee Morning on Friday 9 October, from 10.30am to 12.30pm, at the Bowls Club Pavilion in the Recreation Ground. Come along, enjoy a coffee and cake, and support a very worthwhile cause. For further information, please contact 07803 591874

A CHARITY AUCTION in aid of Herstmonceux and Wartling churches is taking place on Thursday 1 October at The Lamb Inn, Wartling Hill, Wartling BN27 1RY. Join TV Antiques Road Trip expert, James Braxton, for a two-course meal with an auction of items and promises at The Lamb Inn. Viewing is from 6pm with dining at 7pm and is £18 a head. Free admission for those only wishing to attend the auction. To book, by September 27 please, call 07801 374831 or email [email protected] for tickets for the meal, to let us know you are coming for auction only, or to donation something for auctioning. If anyone is able to offer promises organisers would very much like to receive more to be auctioned, whether local businesses would like to offer their services or individuals with a skill to offer, a subscription to a local club or help with something. Offers and suggestions will be very welcome

THE PARISH CHRISTMAS EVENT is in the first planning stages. First up is decision on date, traditionally the last Sunday in November, which will be Sunday 29 November. One suggestion is for the theme this year to be ‘Ceux Glow (so glow), inspired by the rural setting and the dark night sky. The astronomers were such a popular addition last year that organisers would love to build on that idea but if there are any other theme suggestions please let them know. Respond by email at [email protected] and they will put all the ideas into a poll so everyone can vote for their favourite. They will then ask the primary school children again to create a poster for the event and run a design a Christmas card competition with them too.

In starting to confirm who is happy to take part again this year and if you are planning to provide a similar activity, event, refreshment stall or contribution as you did last year, please let organisers know as it will really help with early planning.

In getting the conversation started, there will be plenty more opportunities to share ideas as the event is being put together and they are looking forward to hearing your suggestions. Speak to Felix Whiteman, Volunteer Office Assistant, Parish Office, 1 The Old Forge, Gardner Street, Herstmonceux, BN27 4LG.

THE KNIT AND STITCH GROUP next meets on Monday 21 September at the Village Information Centre from 2.30 to 4pm. They knit, stitch, crochet or chat or even just listen. Drink coffee and tea, have a piece of cake or biscuit, and enjoy being together. You would be very welcome. Call Pam on 07801374831 for more details.