Northiam

Geoff Hutchinson starts our week with a Christmas Extravaganza in Brede Village Hall at 2pm, for the Rye & District Association of the National Trust. Booked places – so call Ros Adkins if you haven’t booked - 01797 253763 – cost: £6.50 for savouries, mulled wine and mince pies.

The badminton clubs meet on Friday evening for a last burst of energy before succumbing to festive sloth! They will be in the Pretious Sports Hall from 5.30pm (Primary school age), 6.30pm (Secondary school age) and 8pm for adults. The adult club is open to all, just come along, fee £3 a night. Dance Club meets in the Village hall at 7.30pm.

The Rabbit and Cavy Society are holding a show in the Village Hall on Sunday.

Northiam Nursery joins with Willow Class of the Primary School for their Nativity on Monday. Badminton is at 5.45pm and Zumba at 8.15pm in Pretious Sports Hall.

Coffee Stop will be brewing from 10am on Wednesday, and this year (shock, horror) it takes a break over Christmas! Even stalwarts of Coffee Stop will have somewhere else to be on Christmas Day. But fear not, on New Year’s Day they’ll be back in business!

The Primary School breaks up on Thursday, but not before they have enjoyed their Carol Service in St Mary’s Church at 9.30am, and a Christmas Disco organised by FONS after school.

I gather I was a little premature with news of the 22 knitted sheep hiding around the village. The hunt will be on from Monday 16th, in time for them all to be gathered in (we hope) for the Crib Service on Christmas Eve. There’s a list of the sheep to be found in the Parish Magazine, or call Sarah White (253118) if you need one. I have a sneaking feeling that it won’t only be small children who are out searching!

Following the success of last year’s New Year’s Eve party in the Village Hall, the Conservation and Bonfire Societies are joining forces to offer a Glitter Ball, which will cost just £12.50 a head, to include music from the same excellent DJ and finger food. Please bring your own drink (and glasses). Tickets are available from Mervyn Hayes at Rose Cottage (253443) and selling fast! For safety reasons, the Glitter Ball is unsuitable for small children.

Rye & District Lions host their annual Nearly Burns Night Concert with Sussex Brass on Friday 24th January, with tickets on sale at Beckley Motors £6.50. This is usually a sell-out event so it would be wise to get your ticket early!

Services (15th): 8am Holy Communion, 10.30am Come Praise