Herstmonceux and Wartling Village News

HERSTMONCEUX BOWLS CLUB season draws to a close but there is still plenty going on. The Green Team of Michael and Robin have been busy preparing the green for the winter months ahead, and many members have been turning out to lend a hand. It is a wonderful example of the friendly, community spirit that makes this Club so special.

The Macmillan Coffee Morning was a great success, held at the pavilion and organised by Jo Angear, Jo Carpenter and Julie Cottingham. Many villagers went along as well as members and friends for this worthwhile cause. Thanks to everyone's generosity, an amazing £672 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support and thanks are offered to all who came along, donated, baked or helped in any way.

Although the green may soon be resting for the winter, the Club's social calendar is still in full swing and members look forward to the Club AGM and Prize Giving evening, as well as a quiz evening later this month, which is open to all. New members are always welcome.

SUNDAY SERVICES THIS WEEK are at All Saints, Herstmonceux: 11am All Saints All Age Service. All are welcome to this quiet, gentle service in which we remember before God, with thanksgiving, our dear departed. You will have the opportunity to light a candle and hear your own loved ones’ names read out. This will be followed by a bring and share lunch. 3.30pm All Souls Service. St Mary Magdalene, Wartling: 8am Holy Communion. 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.

 COMMUNITY BREAKFAST is on Sunday 1 November in Herstmonceux Village Hall. Go along any time between 10 to 12 midday. Open to all, where there will be a complimentary breakfast or brunch, a quiz and crafts for the children. It is a great place to meet new friends.

 A CREATE CONNECT UNWIND WORKSHOP is happening at Lime Cross Nursery in Herstmonceux on Friday 6 November from 10am to 1pm. It is a relaxed three-hour workshop combining creative art, mindfulness, connection and a sound bath, with an emphasis on slowing down, exploring creativity and taking some time for yourself. The cost is £35 bookable via [email protected] or call 07914 102502. For more information visit

 HERSTMONCEUX WALKING GROUP next meet on Sunday 1 November in Hailsham Leisure Centre car park at 10am for a 4 to 5 miles walk at Buxted Park. Please register with walk Leaders Karen or Andy on 07934 199887 if you would like to go along.

Walking Group member, Lita Allistone reports on last week’s walk: Our walk this week was around the Bluebell railway area. We parked at the Sloop Inn car park where a table had been booked for lunch on our return. Turning left out of the car park and along Sloop Lane, we took the second pathway sign on our right and headed towards the railway line where a bridge would lead us across the line. The field was busy with about 20 people all with cameras on tripods aimed at the railway line. Curiosity getting the better of us, a member of our group asked what they were doing there. Unbeknown to us, we had stumbled into the Giants of Steam Gala and after waiting just 5 minutes we felt privileged to witness the passing of 2 steam engines pulling a row of carriages along the Bluebell Line.

Continuing over the bridge and through Town Place Farm we walked towards Ketches Lane. Crossing the lane we continued along the path, skirting a wooded area near Stoaches Farm then a sharp right leading us past Kidborough Farm and Butchers Barn, then another sharp right taking us down through Northland woods and back to Ketches Lane. Going under the railway bridge and along the railway line, we could still see the photographers in the field waiting for the next train, but our stomachs were telling us that lunch was needed.

 TREATS WITH THE TRICKS is a Halloween alternative for all young people and their carers. Just call in or stay for the evening on Saturday 31 October from 5pm at The Friends Meeting House, West End, Herstmonceux. There will be crafts, food, activities and most of all, fun. This event is organised by the Wartling and Herstmonceux Parish Churches and The Quakers. Last year was a wow and organisers welcomed over 60 children and their parents and where there was an amazing atmosphere and costumes.

 COWBEECH FIREWORKS DISPLAY is on Friday 30 October and is organised and on behalf of Cowbeech Bonfire Society Charitable Trust and raises funds for local good causes. Gates open at 6pm and tickets are on sale now. There will be a hog roast and barbeque, drum parade, fancy dress and a Guy competition.

Tickets in advance are adults 16+ £8, Kids Fancy dress £3 which includes hot dog and drink, Kids entrance £1 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets available from merrie Harriers, Herstmonceux Post Office, Rushlake Green village stores.

 THE CHARITY AUCTION FUNDRAISER run by James Braxton on October 1 at the Lamb was a nice evening, even though, due to illness, they were short on numbers. Thanks those who came, those who donated lots and those who acted as porters. There were many things to sell, including glassware, pictures, china, cutlery, promises from people and two tickets to see Mama Mia at the O2. James donated an Antique Road Trip experience. The event raised £888 to be divided between the two churches. Thanks also to James and Johanna, who provided the meal. A big thank you to you both.

 ST WILFRID’S JUMBLE SALE is taking place on Saturday 7 November to raise funds for this worthy cause, in Herstmonceux Village Hall BN27 4JX from 9.30am to 12 noon.

 ONLY ONE HEARING RESOURCE Session will be held this month on 27 November. In case of emergency alternative venues are Hailsham Charles Hunt Centre on the third Wednesday and first Friday of the month. Information for other alternative venues are available from the Village Information Centre. There will, however, be two sessions available in December on Fridays 11 and 18, if we are still able to offer a service. Sessions will be between 10am and 11.45 for a 12 noon finish. Please remember to bring evidence of NHS issue of your aids. As maintenance can involve very close contact you are requested not to attend if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms.

If you have received a letter advising that you need to register with a high street provider, under the NHS because East Sussex Audiology are no longer supporting you, the Herstmonceux Hearing Resources Service will no longer be able to provide you with maintenance or batteries either. You must ask your new provider to offer you maintenance and batteries which they must do free of charge. Celia thanks you for your co-operation.

 ALL THINGS RECREATION GROUND reports that Parish Council that a lot is happening in this parish green space. Cllr Goodsell has carried out an annual check of the trees (on all the parish maintained green spaces). The wildflower verge in the rec has been strimmed and the flower heads left to self-seed. Donations of seeds and bulbs have been added both here and in the verge area in the rec carpark as a result of local gardeners tending their gardens in readiness for the winter and passing on their surplus supplies.

The 50% Wealden District Council funded works to the cricket pitch have been carried out and the Cricket Club are attending to final grounds needs in readiness for their next season. Finalising of the received detail in the quotes are being gathered for re-fencing and resurfacing costs for the Tennis and MUGA court. Once Council have decided on their preferred contractor, an application to the District Council’s CLIF funding stream for assistance with the cost of these works can be submitted, including those already prepared for the playpark and skatepark improvements.

 THE FRIDAY ART GROUP is running monthly workshops at Bodle Street Village Hall on a Friday afternoon in November and early December, date to be confirmed. All materials available and inclusive of price. Call Sue 0780 184 9306 to find out about this, art group sessions and tutorials in 2027.