News from around the clubs - October 8

Society of Bexhill Museums

ON September 30 members and friends of the museum had a further outing to the National Trust property, Uppark, near Petersfield, Hampshire. The day was fine and after a good journey we arrived in time for coffee and biscuits.

There followed a special guided tour of the "below stairs" area of the house, laid out as it would have been in the 1880s when the mother of author HG Wells was Uppark's housekeeper.

The guides were excellent, and it was fascinating to go along underground passageways between the main house and the kitchens, located in a separate building.

Uppark has been the home of the Fetherstonhaugh family since 1747, although it was built in the late 17th century as a tranquil, intimate property, set high on the South Downs with magnificent sea views.

In 1989 there was a devastating fire which destroyed a large part of the house, although many of the treasures on the ground floor - collected on Grand Tours - were rescued. Skilled craftsmen and conservators have since restored the house to its former glory.

After the tour of the basement we had free time to have lunch or a picnic before exploring the rest of the house and gardens whose design was inspired by Humphrey Repton . We set off for home at 4pm and looked back on a fascinating day enjoyed by all.

NHS Retirement Fellowship

THE chairman and committee will be pleased to welcome all members and guests to this month's meeting on Monday, October 18 at 2pm. It will take place at the health centre at Bexhill Hospital and guest speaker is Mr T Smith.

His chosen subject is Art - Genuine, Fake or Fraud and promises to be an interesting and enlightening talk. There will also be an exciting raffle and books to borrow or buy, together with a nice cuppa and biscuits, served by our tea hostesses.

If you have ever worked for the National Health Service you are very welcome to join our friendly group, which meets at the hospital's health centre every month. For more information, please call the secretary on 01424 222246 or chairman on 01424 210934.

Bexhill Alliance

PLANNING was the subject of a talk on local government services given to Bexhill Alliance by Tim Hickling, Rother District Council's head of planning.

Mr Hickling set the scene by outlining planning legislation and policy documents that local councils follow.

The planning department of RDC has five divisions '“ building control, planning strategy, enforcement, development control and administration.

The biggest is development control, which is responsible for dealing with planning applications made by residential and house and business owners.

Generally planning decisions have to be taken in accordance with the local development plan thus enabling some 90 per cent of decisions to be taken by planning officers, with only 10 per cent being decided by the planning committee.

The building control division ensures that building work meets the standards of the building regulations whilst the enforcement division follows up complaints about work that has not been carried out in accordance with the planning consent or without planning approval at all.

The planning strategy and environment division is responsible for the Local Development Plan, strategic planning, conservation areas and tree preservation and the last division, administration, provides the computer services that support the planning process and provides online public access planning applications.

Mr Hickling concluded his talk by describing the council's Sense of Place initiative which brings together the enforcement staff of the planning, amenities and environmental department to reduce the impact of 'eyesores', be it rubbish, dilapidated premises or illegal activities. Marked improvements had been made said Mr Hickling.

In the question and answer session that followed much attention focused on section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, which allows councils to require property owners to make good any dilapidations in their property.

Alliance members observed that much use had been made of this by Hastings Borough Council and queried its use by RDC. In reply Mr Hickling said that it had been used but the council needed to act cautiously to avoid being liable for compensation if the magistrates did not uphold their action.

The last seminar in the series will be on council finances and will take place at Parkhurst Hall on October 13 at 7pm. The seminar is open to members and their guests. For more information call 01424 213066 or visit www.bexhillalliance.co.uk

Bexhill National Trust

Your local branch of the National Trust has put together an interesting programme of lectures to keep you entertained over the Autumn and Winter months. The lectures are as follows:

'¢ Saturday December 4 - Wildlife of the Seashore

'¢ Saturday January 15 -How Green Was My Greenland?

'¢ Saturday 12 February 12 - Chile: A Long Thin Journey

'¢ Saturday March 12 - Historic Greenwich

'¢ Saturday April 9 - Summoned by Bells

All lectures take place in St Peter's Community Centre, Old Town and begin at 2.30pm. Admission is 2 for members and 3 for non-members. Tea/coffee and biscuits are served in the interval and there are stalls and a raffle.

If you are not yet a member of BANTM why not consider becoming one? You can be assured of a wide variety of activities and a warm welcome. You will also receive newsletters free of charge. The annual membership fee is only 3.50, valid from October 1 2010 to October 1 2011. If you would like to join BANTM please contact our membership secretary, Mrs Sonia Vincett, on 01424 844843.

The Christmas social on December 6 will be held at Egerton Park Indoor Bowling Club.

Outings planned for 2011 include a mystery coach tour in April, the Lee Valley Olympic Tour in May, a visit to Sandwich and The Secret Garden in June, a buffet lunch followed by a private guided tour of the Wernher Collection at Ranger's House in Greenwich in July, a summer lunch in Eastbourne in August and a visit to Portsmouth in September.

Bexhill members are invited to go on the group theatre visits organised by the Hastings branch of the National Trust.

The annual BANTM holiday will be in Wales based at the Park Inn Hotel in Cardiff. The departure date is May 30.

Members are reminded that the Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday November 13 at 2.30pm in St Peter's Community Centre, Old Town, Bexhill. After the meeting, Jane Cecil will give a talk on the South Downs National Park.

St Peter's Mothers' Union

ANYONE attending our meeting on Monday, October 25 at 7.30pm in the Ivens Unit, next to St Peter's Community Centre in Old Town, Bexhill, could well be chosen for a "make-over".

Mothers' Union member Val Moore, a representative for Ori-Flame natural beauty treatment products, will be putting them to practical use in a demonstration for members and guests.

She has agreed to waive her usual fee, and any profits from the sale of goods will be donated to the Mothers' Union.

An important forthcoming date is Saturday, October 30 when St Peter's Mothers' Union holds its annual fundraising coffee morning at St Peter's Community Centre from 10am to noon. Admission is 1 for adults, children free, and includes tea or coffee and biscuits.

There will be a raffle, a gold-and-blue stall, a cake stall, soft toy stall and pottery collectables, and it is hoped as many people as possible will come along to shop early for Christmas.

Rotary Club of Senlac

A LARGE gathering of Rotarians from both Bexhill and Senlac Clubs were joined by a variety of guests.

These were Chris Potter, having returned from Cambodia, the Yellowmen returning from Kenya early in morning and David Beavis, from Sunrise Rotary Club, South Africa.

Additional guests were Brian Hyams and George Marlow.

The evening was one of laughter and good fellowship.

Following dinner, Adrian Barrett, co-ordinating and marketing liaison for East and West Sussex British Red Cross Society, opened his talk by mentioning a brief history of the Society.

From the aftermath of battle dating back to 1859, the Red Cross was founded by a Swiss businessman, Henry Dunant, and formed an international committee in 1862.

The purpose was to establish hospitals and help vulnerable people.

The Society operates in 195 countries in World (192 United Nations, 186 Red Cross).

Mention was made of Red Crescent Societies -- International Federation of Red Cross Societies.

There is a British Red Cross National Committee '“ the local Red Cross acts accordingly.

The Red Cross emblem is sometimes confused with the flag of Switzerland (white cross, red background).

The speaker indicated services offered, for example football matches, teaching first aid, organising courses throughout south-east territory; health and safety courses within the workplace where more than 10 people are employed (he pointed out that accident insurance claims could be affected if HSE guidance rules are not adhered to).

It is the mission of the Red Cross Society to target teaching "community-based first aid", which consists of Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), the recovery position, choking and severe bleeding.

First aid can be mastered by vulnerable people such as autistic people, the disabled those with special needs. Various courses are organised by the group, for example Save-a-life, Basic First Aid, Practical First Aid, Emergency Life Support and First Aid for Vulnerable People.

Those in attendance were able to ask questions.

It was interesting to note that besides 999 as an emergency number, dialling 112 on a mobile was effective when travelling overseas.

Past president, Rotarian Paul Hollingsworth, offered appreciation for attendance and a vision of the history and work of British Red Cross.

He also acknowledged the importance of as many people as possible understanding, with confidence, the action to take in an emergency - which is never 'planned' but 'happens'!

Friends of Rother CAB

The recent Annual General Meeting of the Friends of Rother District Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) highlighted the need to continue supporting the valuable work being undertaken by the dedicated staff and volunteers at the local Bureau based at Bank Chambers, Buckhurst Road Bexhill - tel 215055 or 734549.

Tony Crouch, chairman thanked the committee for its fundraising efforts during the year which helped to pay for non capital costs such as computers, furniture and decorating. "Although we continue to remain extremely grateful for the financial support from Rother District Council, increased numbers seeking advice since the recession have put extra pressure on a small but hardworking team," he stated.

And concerns about debt are particularly topical as the CAB warns those with financial worries not to take up advice which often turns out to cost them again. A recent Office of Fair Trading report has undertaken a review of debt management companies over the past year and already withdrawn 37 licences when it was found they were charging customers in debt more than they were helping to pay off people's debts. CAB itself offers free impartial independent advice and the Friends' Committee also supports its work with regular fundraising activites to enable this to continue not just in Bexhill but in outreach venues such as rural Burwash, Ticehurst, Rye and Northiam.

"We are always looking for extra people to join the Friends' Committee," said treasurer Clive Loader. "We meet only three to four times a year but our work helps to support one of the most necessary and well used debt and advice centres in the area."

If you would like to join the Friends of Rother District CAB please call Clive Loader on 218165.

Highwoods Preservation Society

October is a magical month, with the trees taking on their autumn hues. October has always been the traditional time for the best of the autumn colours. As a guide ,if we get any really cold nights (4 or 5 C) then the best of the colours should about 10 days further on.

Fungi abound and the misty mornings highlight spiders webs and add to the ethereal sense of this time of the year.

Look out for the fly agaric fungi'“ brilliant red with snow-white warts, usually found near silver birch trees. But be warned: this in one of the most dangerous fungi and one side effect is that it can cause acute mental distress.

Remember our fungi forays on Saturday, October 16; Saturday, October 30 and Saturday, November 13, all starting earlier than in previous years at 10am.

As the trees turn to their autumn hues, it is worth noting that each species changes to its own particular colour, which is a great help in identifying them.

The glowing bronze of the oaks; beech turning to copper and orange; silver birch becoming Tennyson's " Lady of the woods" in her new dress of golden yellow.

This is also a good time to see rarer trees like wild service, whose leaves turn a bright russet, unlike another species. There are just a few to be found in Highwoods.

Most of our summer migrant birds have already left us, with just a few stragglers hanging around until the end of the month. Our resident birds will be on the look-out for nesting sites for next spring, which may cause a dispute between varying species of birds.

Having found a suitable hole or crevice, many birds will use these as their winter quarters.

Winter migrants start to come in about this time of the year, one of the earliest being fieldfares which fly across the North Sea from Scandinavia.

Like a rather large song thrush, but more colourful with a light grey head, rufous back and a more heavily speckled chest, they are most likely to be seen near trees with berries, particularly rowans.

On warmer days there will still be a few butterflies about, mainly peacocks, commas and small tortoiseshells. They will be looking for suitable places to hibernate, usually in deep clumps of ivy or tree hollows.

And on dewy mornings, look out for the different patterns of spiders' webs, each different pattern made by a different species.

Little Common Ladies' Club

ANYONE entering Little Common Community Centre on the evening of Wednesday, September 22, might have thought they were attending a wedding reception. There were decorated tables, balloons and a glass of wine for members and guests, but a colourful display of millinery gave a hint of what was to follow.

Chairman Pat Grayling welcomed our speaker, stylist Sally Bigmore. Sally began by telling us a bit about herself. She had been a hairdresser for 48 years and had owned a shop for 26 years, introducing hats 24 years ago. Latterly it had been run as a wedding shop.

To counteract boredom after selling up and retiring to Bexhill, Sally took on a little job and started to show her collection of hats. She presented a parade of outfits suitable for a wedding, modelled with poise and elegance by volunteers from among our members.

Each outfit was complemented with a matching or contrasting hat or fascinator, creating images that were much admired by the audience and considered worthy of gracing the pages of a fashion magazine.

Pat Grayling, who planned the layout of the hall and was a model for the evening, thanked Sally and her assistant for a brilliant display and for showing us so colourfully how to "dress our best".

Thanks were also given to the models, including Sally Wickens, owner of Cream Hairdressers, who had gallantly stepped into the breach to model the bridal wear.

Before refreshments were served, Thyra Ogden congratulated Pat on her recent landmark birthday and presented her with a cake that was shared by all present.

The next meeting is the Harvest Supper on October 27, for members only. However anyone wishing to come along on November 24 to hear Mel Rees talk about My Family and Other Setbacks, will be made very welcome. Meetings begin at 7.45pm at Little Common Community Centre in Shepherd's Close, Telephone 01424 842456 for further details.

Little Common WI

THE meeting was opened by Hilary Rhodes with the traditional singing of Jerusalem.

After the usual notices there was a talk by Monica Mottram from Dogs for the Disabled.

Monica, ably assisted by her golden retriever Ellie, gave us an interesting and informative talk, explaining how valuable these well-trained dogs can be in giving disabled people their independence.

Ellie was clearly "off duty" and wandered amongst us. much to the amusement of everyone. Monica was clearly used to this, and carried on regardless. We then had tea and biscuits.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 20 at 2pm when the speaker will be Ray Spiller, talking about Radio/TV Themes and Programmes from Yesteryear. For enquiries please ring 01424 225888.

Bexhill RNA

THE usual reports and comments, on our finances, membership, and social matters were made by the various branch officers at our meeting on Monday September 27. The secretary gave notice of reunions for HM ships Tiger, Newcastle, Ulster and Mohawk, and for British Nuclear Test Veterans, Palestine Veterans, and the Survey Ships Association. There were also opportunities to attend two functions of the Hastings Sea Cadets, and the Eastbourne Branch Trafalgar Day Parade.

After Stand-Easy, shipmate Don Weatherseed presented a talk about his career. Upon leaving school in 1941, he and his identical twin brother, born in St Leonards, joined the Navy. This was a natural choice because they had long experience with their grandfather in making coastal voyages in a craft he had converted for use.

After training, Don was drafted to Shoreham and served in a motor-launch in Air-Sea-Rescue of RAF men downed in the Channel. Aboard so small a vessel, their hard-lying money of one shilling per day was well earned.

Don was then drafted to a Battle-Class Destroyer, on Atlantic Convoy duty, coming under attack at one time from the German radio-controlled Glide Bombs.

Upon demobilisation he took up civil engineering, gaining a BSc. This led to a life of considerable travelling around the UK, involving service in Poole, the Isle of Grain, Hemel Hempstead, Bristol, Taunton, Hinckley Point, Birmingham, the Clyde, and Torness, engaged in building a refinery, sea-walls, roads, a three-mile mini-motorway, three nuclear power stations, and three concrete oil-rig platforms, each of which took three ocean-going tugs to haul. Such peregrination when single was taken as all part of the job, but after marriage of course it presented problems.

Amongst his many notable experiences was descending 25 feet in the full diving-kit, and a helicopter-flight to land upon the last Norwegian platform for a superb lunch, and sailing in a Thames Barge.

All those men and women who have served in any branch of the Royal Navy or the Merchant Navy are assured of a warm welcome as new members. In the response to duty we have found the gift of comradeship. This comradeship is in evidence not only at our branch meetings but also at our Christmas socials, at our anniversary dinner, and at our annual Trafalgar dinner. Information about joining the RNA, and dates of meetings and events can be obtained by telephoning 01424 219035.

Bexhill and District CSMA Group

AT our club night on September 21, Clive Hatcher from the Driving Standards Agency gave us a talk entitled The Driving Test. The very thought of this evoked mixed emotions from most of us, of a certain age, who, happily, are way beyond that stage. As the talk progressed with the mention of a theory test and three-yearly revisions of the Highway Code, we wondered if we could still get through it.

Clive gives various talks throughout the year; around 100 in all, to various groups including prisoners who have been guilty of extreme driving offences. Ours was entitled The Classic Lecture. Apparently it was his last ever lecture as, due to recent cuts, these lectures have been discontinued.

A number of interesting points were mentioned. He said that it takes around 45 hours to learn to drive and in the theory test one must score 35 out of 40. Various conditions which can affect driving include tiredness, stress, poor vision, poor hearing and, of course, alcohol. A point that most of us had not thought of was the emergency stop, which is part of the test. This can have a serious effect on the examiners who might do half a dozen in a day. Some of them suffered whiplash symptoms and the emergency stop is now done only in around one in three tests

Our lunch club venue for September 7 was changed from The George at Hailsham to The Cricketers at Berwick, where we were very pleased with the meals and the service.

At our next club night on October 19 we shall go Behind the Scenes in the National Gallery.

Due to poor weather conditions our trip to Paradise Park in Newhaven was cancelled.

Dates for the diary include the Christmas lunch on December 7 at The Woolpack in Herstmonceux and the Christmas dinner on December 21 at The Cooden Beach Hotel.

Those who have paid their deposit for the Christmas dinner are reminded that the balance of the total amount due should be paid to our Treasurer at the October Club Night on October 19.

At our recent committee meeting on September 22 our evening talks and lunch club programmes for 2011 were finalised. Several interesting outings were also planned.

For any further information on events and membership, please contact our secretary, Tony Calton, on 01424 434496.

Little Common Village Flower Club

AT our last club meeting we welcomed Jeannette Lane with her flower arranging demonstration, Favourite Things. Her colourful exhibits and a few jokes provided an entertaining afternoon.

We now look forward to our Open Meeting on October 22 when John Chennell, a well-known international demonstrator, will join us at our usual venue - Little Common Community Centre in Shepherd's Close.

John's demonstration is entitled Seasonal Splendour.

Doors open at 1.30 pm. for 2.15 pm. Tickets can be obtained by 'phoning 01424 842076 or 213638, and visitors are most welcome.

A reminder to all that on November 17 a coach has been booked for a Christmas shopping day to Canterbury, leaving from The Wheatsheaf at 8.30 am.

Tickets available on the above numbers.

Bexhill Bridge Club

Tuesday September 21, pairs:

First - Colin Richards and David Gillespie; second - Angie Bittan and Richard Matthews; third - Anne Spencer and Joan Winchester.

Thursday September 23, pairs:

First N/S - Angie and Ray Bittan; second Glynis Bailey and Shirley Bodle; third Brian Gould and Colin Richards.

First E/W - Molly Freeman and Peter Carbutt; second Anita Cullen and Joan Knights; third Allie van der Lee and Mary Bunyan.

Tuesday September 28, pairs;

First N/S - Bill Spencer-Smith and Brenda Cross; second Anne Spencer and Joan Winchester; third Colin Richards and Ray Bittan.

First E/W - Anita Cullen and Mary Bunyan; second Brian Gould and David Gillespie; third Don Bailey and Norman Waterman.

Thursday September 30, pairs;

First N/S - Mary Davidson and Norman Taylor; second Brian Gould and David Gillespie; third Bill Spencer-Smith and Colin Richards.

First E/W - Fergus Cameron and Ray Burnett; second Angie and Ray Bittan; third Don and Glynis Bailey.

East Sussex Bridge Club

Results for the East Sussex Bridge Club week ending October 1:

Monday September 21:

N/S - First Phyllis Davis and Barbara Herold; second Edna Simon and Barbara Hinnigan

E/W - First Patrick Hutley and Les Crawford; second Gary Manley and Mike Ayres

Wednesday September 29:

First - Barbara Draper and Tessa Leonard; second Josie Boryn and Barbara Herold; third Brian Gould and John Hunt

Thursday September 30:

N/S - First Edna Simon and Pat Neate; second Deirdre Pudney and Joan Clifford

E/W - First Garrick Oliver and Marion Boswell; second Bob Lewis and John Anderson

For details of sessions or lessons please contact Barbara on 01424 422118 or visit our web site at www.eastsussexbridgeclub.co.uk