Ninfield

HOOE OPEN GROUP: Hooe Open Group (Ladies Club) met on Friday November 13 at Hooe Village Hall with an almost full attendance to listen to Lady Teviot, who is the President of the Heir Hunters Association, which was formed to bring together all the specialists, including her own company, Census Searches Ltd. working in the field of locating relatives of those who have died intestate.

Lady Teviot was the instigator of the television programme Heir Hunters, which is now a regular feature on BBC TV. There are a number of firms who specialise in tracing likely beneficiaries from estates of those who have died without leaving any legal Will, this results in their estate being ruled intestate and if not claimed by possible beneficiaries, the estate will revert to the Crown.

The job of heir hunters is the locate possible claimants and if successful they benefit by way of commission as a percentage of the total estate, therefore there is keen competition to sign up to a contract by the various agencies, in relation to the overall value of the estate, for which there is a strict time limit, before the estate reverts to the Crown.

The next Club event is the Christmas luncheon at the Cooden Beach Golf Club, where it is expected to attract a full attendance as husbands and Toy Boys are welcome.

If you would like to become a member of this very friendly ladies club, please get in contact with Edna Wallis who is the organiser, on 01424 842591 or email [email protected].

BOWLS CLUB: Ninfield Bowls Club have had a Whist Drive/Bingo Evening and Beetle Drive and they have another Whist drive in a couple of Tuesdays along with their Christmas Party which is being held at Catsfield Village Hall. They have four new social members who reside in Ninfield and also two more members who were former members of Ninfield Bowls Club many years ago. Over 20 members are travelling to Warners Hotel, on Hayling Island, at the end of November for a Turkey and Tinsel five night break. They went there last November and all had a smashing time.

They are trying to raise as much money as possible as they desperately need a new toilet block and Pavilion. They have had grants rejected twice by the Sports Council and as they have applied several times and are not allowed to apply again, they are now pursuing other avenues. They have work parties on Tuesday mornings throughout the year to keep the buildings and greens in good order. They hope they are able to get things going to either rebuild or renovate.

NINFIELD VILLAGE SURGERIES: Following the village open meeting on October 29, the parish council will be holding surgeries for village residents to view Wealden District Council Issues and Options document on the following dates: Friday November 20, noon to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm at the Methodist Hall; Friday November 27, noon to 4pm at the Methodist Hall. This will be attended by representatives from Wealden District Council, including Cllr Anne Newton. Ninfield Parish Council would also like to encourage residents of Hooe to attend any of the planned surgeries as development in Ninfield will have a major impact on Hooe. Saturday November 28, 10.30am to 1pm at the Methodist Hall. The surgeries are an opportunity for you to ask questions on the contents of the report, what it means to our village and how you submit your response. If you are unable to attend any of the surgeries, please contact the clerk or one of the parish councillors to view the document. The parish council will aim to have their draft response prepared for December 2.

CARNIVAL COMMITTEE: (From Sami Guard, Carnival Chairperson). At the Carnival meeting last Wednesday, November 11, the profit from the Halloween Ball at the Memorial Hall was announced, which totalled £600. This was agreed to go to straight to the Hall committee, to be put towards the costs of the new Velvet front of house Curtains and tracking... their quote being approx. £3,500. The Event itself was well attended, and the fancy dress fantastic with some really original outfits. Ben White transformed the Hall and the driveway with muti-coloured lights, and many thanks are extended to him and BBScene. Thanks are also given to the team of helpers who decorated the Hall with an extraordinary amount of spooky stuff, with the Wadmore Family especially commended for the 100 cut out bats, ghosts and pumpkins... now relax. Danni and Lorna worked all evening like Trojans behind the bar, as did Kelvin and Sharon, who set up the Hog Roast at 11am, tended it all day, and then served it through to 11pm, stalwarts indeed. Everyone who went to the Ball enjoyed the evening, with all the food being highly praised. Thanks to Azad at the Shiplu, London Road, Stella and Chris at the Pie Pantry for the scrummy Pies; Robin and Sami’s Chilli, with salads, rolls and Jacket Spuds (thank you Julia). The Little Big Band got everyone dancing right from the word go and were brilliant all night, and when people were taking a rest, they were entertained by Diane and some extraordinary magic tricks, The audience were also transfixed by a group of local Vampires, who surprised all who dared watch. The Village award was also announced, with the parish council giving this year’s honour to the Ninfield Action Group who have done so much behind the scenes in helping read documents and construct responses in the major Village planning application.

Previously, the annual Children’s Halloween Parade had taken place, with upwards of 70 people, in teams, trick or treating round the village. This was the 13th year and once again, everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. Prizes were given for fancy dress and pumpkin carving, sweets were divided up, and a small amount of cash was raised towards the Memorial Hall funds. Once again, many thanks are given to all who helped make these two events so enjoyable.

The Carnival Committee are next meeting on the second Wednesday in February 2016 to discuss the main event, The Carnival relaunch, and would be thrilled to see new members. Please contact Sami Guard on 07970650321, or email [email protected].

RED LION: One of our very own community public houses, the Red Lion at Hooe, has received sufficient nominations to be short listed for Observer Pub Of The Year 2015. If you would like to show your appreciation for the hospitality that Natalie and Lee Harding provide at the heart of our community, you can complete the voting coupon in the paper accordingly. It is not just the people of Hooe and Ninfield who have an appreciation of the Red Lion, reviews on Trip Advisor have 66 percent of respondents who have rated the Red Lion as excellent and 86 percent have rated it excellent or good. Please cast your vote to help the Red Lion win this prestigious award.

U18 FOOTBALL: Once again, Ninfield U18s won their game last Sunday (November 15). Kevin gives us the overview of the game: Rotherfield 2-4 NUFC. Hurrah. First league win since the first day of the season and two wins on the bounce. We are starting to play with a little more confidence with our passing game and decision making. We started off to a flyer, scoring three goals in the opening 15 minutes, thanks to Terry and James. There was good build up play coming from the midfield and very neat passing moves to create chances. Rotherfield slowly came into the game but our defence played well to hold the opposition off and soon got us a 4th goal with great play from the left hand side giving Terry a tap in for a hat-trick. We went in at 4-0 at Half Time.

In the second half, Rotherfield came into the game more as we struggled to get after the ball and couldn’t cope with the increasing pressure. Consequently they got two easy goals that they really shouldn’t have been able to take. There’s no issue of blame as individuals, but at training we need to concentrate on why we give away careless goals as a team and how we will prevent it happening again. Stamina also plays a part as when you tire it allows a bit more freedom to the opposition players. That’s constructive, not destructive criticism, there could have been a couple of matches where we’d have got more respect by keeping sharp and concentrating on getting into scoring positions. We saw out the game 4-2 but we could have had a much more comfortable ride. Done well lads, we won, it’s still a working progress, but we’re going the right way now.

Unfortunately, two of their players sustained injury. Kevin adds ‘Just like to wish Harry and Ben a speedy recovery from their respective injuries. Harry has broken his thumb and needed an operation on Monday and Ben might need a scan on his ankle if it does not respond to rest...Take care guys, hope your recovery is swift. Best wishes from all involved with NUFC Under18’s.’

CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING: St Mary’s are holding an Early Christmas Coffee Morning tomorrow, Saturday, 10.30am to noon at the Reading Room, Church Lane. As well as coffee, there will be a raffle, crafts, cakes and produce. All are welcome to attend.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH: Their next meeting is on Tuesday in the Reading Room at 7.30pm, do please put it in your diary and go. Ted Kemp, leader of Rother Neighbourhood Watch, will come and show his video of SCAMS. This should be very informative as it is so easy to get caught out. Tea / coffee and biscuits are provided and no charge is made. For further details of Neighbourhood Watch, please contact Rod Ffoulkes email [email protected] or phone 893635.

DECEMBERS VILLAGE VOICE: Please note that there will not be a Village Voice during December. Therefore, please make a note of forthcoming events in your diaries now.

FLOWER DEMONSTRATION: Ninfield Flower Group’s seasonal demonstration this year will be held in the Memorial Hall on Friday, December 4 at 7.30pm. They shall be welcoming the very talented Nigel Whyles, with his demonstration entitled Deck the Halls. All flowers demonstrated are raffled at the end of the evening, as well as the groups’ raffle. Tickets will be £10 are now available now for booking, please contact Helen Cunliffe on 01424 844916 or send a sae with payment to: 21 Blackfields Avenue, Bexhill on Sea, TN39 4JL. The evening will also have the presentation of funds raised from the Flower Festival to Medical detection Dogs, Bexhill Dementia Alliance, and Dragonflies, who will receive £1200.00 each, plus a donation of £300.00 to the Memorial Hall restoration fund. Their January meeting is their AGM on January 4, 7.30pm. Should you require any further information regarding any of their events, please telephone Jennifer Collett on 01424 892878 or email: [email protected].

LIGHTS OF LOVE: On December 6, Ninfield Methodist Church link with St Mary’s Parish Church and St Michael’s Hospice for a Lights of love Thanksgiving and Remembrance service. The service starts at St Mary’s Parish Church at 3pm and then at 4pm a Lights of Love Tree (decorated with stars & hearts) will be lit outside our church and remain there through Christmas-time. (To order a Lights of love pack please call Perdita Chamberlain on 01424 456377 or email [email protected]).

HOOE OPEN GROUP: As we move nearer to the festive season the members of the club will be joining with their guests for lunch at the Cooden Beach Golf Club, this will mark the ending a most successful year, with the Club growing to over 40 members. Many new events and speakers are already in the programme for 2016, which bodes well for yet another year in which the Hooe Open Group hope to continue their year on year success. If you are interested in joining a very friendly and progressive group of ladies, why not go along on the second Friday of the month and sample their hospitality, with a cup of tea and lots of good will. For further information contact Edna Wallis on 01424 842591 ([email protected]).

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: Their meeting on December 14 will be their Christmas Evening with festive food and drink, music and a quiz, meeting, as usual, in the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. Looking forward to 2016, their first meeting of the New Year is January 18, when they will have Clive Richardson giving a talk on the Estate Village of Firle. Clive gives interesting talks with fine photographs. As usual the talk commences at 7.30pm and entry is free to members and £2 to visitors. For more information contact Rod Ffoulkes via email on [email protected] or phone 893635.

MESSY CHURCH: The Methodist Church will be holding a Messy Christmas on December 16, 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

GOLDEN CIRCLE: In December they do not have a meeting but members go out for a Christmas Lunch. In the New Year their meeting is on January 18 when they have their AGM. The meeting will be in the Methodist Hall at 2.30pm. For more information contact Jean Holmes on 212663.

METHODIST CHURCH: You are invited to join the Methodist Church for a Family Carol Service on December 20 at 10.30am and see the church decorated by the various groups that use their premises. Many thanks for all your displays making us one church. Christmas Eve – Candlelight Christingle for everyone at 4.30pm to 5.15pm at the Methodist Church followed by light refreshments. Do go along and enjoy this amazing time together. The service will be led by Reverend Tricia Williams.

DEFIBRILLATORS: In the event of an emergency, they are located at the following locations, 24/7: Hooe: On the front wall of The Red Lion PH. Ninfield: On the wall to the right of the entrance to The Kings Arms.

FINDING OUT MORE: Don’t forget that you can find out more community information from both villages and Wealden District Council on our district councillors (Pam Doodes) website or the Ninfield Parish Council website: www.pamdoodes.com / www.ninfield.webplus.net.

CHURCH SERVICES: Sunday, St Mary’s Church Ninfield, 9.30am Parish Eucharist. St Oswald’s Church Hooe, 11.15am Parish Eucharist. Ninfield Methodist Church, 10.30am Worship and Praise with Mrs M Bickerdike.

CONTACT ME: Anything that you would like included in the Village Voice for Ninfield and Hooe, please email the details to me: [email protected].

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