Northiam

It was a treat to see Damien and Gina Sanderson back in the village, putting our little grey cells to the test at the WI & Bonfire Society Quiz. From the excellent turn-out it would seem that the new Bonfire Society will be well supported. The next meeting is on Monday 10th December in The Muddy Duck from 7pm. Any interested parties are very welcome.

Another treat was December’s Messy Church. Having spent time on Saturday marooned in the toy aisle in Tesco, overwhelmed by useless pink plastic, it was a joy to watch families making some beautiful Christmas decorations – a delicate angel, a Christmas tree and a tealight holder, as well as personalised animals to go on the altar frontal for the Christmas period.

And now to this week: There will be a final Flu vaccination session at Northiam Surgery on Friday 7th December 2-3.30pm.

The Horticultural Society will be holding their AGM and Christmas Social in the Village Hall from 7.30pm. Business is usually carried out briskly, then onto the festivities!

The badminton clubs meet in the Pretious Sports Hall on Fridays. 5.30pm for Primary school-age, 6.30pm for Secondary school-age. The adult club is taking a break this week and heading out for a Christmas meal.

This month’s Boot Fair will be held in the Village Hall on Sunday, between 9am and 12 noon.

The Historical and Literary Society will hold their Christmas Special on Tuesday in the Village Hall at 7.30pm. Entertainment will be provided by our local Queen’s Consort – Words and Music in the time of Shakespeare – fantastic!

Coffee Stop opens the doors of the Church Centre each Wednesday between 10am and midday for a cuppa and a chat. For the more energetic, the Footpath Group will leave the surgery car park at 10am for a 10.15 start at the Swan Inn, Wood Corner. The 4 mile walk will end with a pub lunch.

Midnight Sunset will entertain the Thursday Seniors’ Club this week as they enjoy an early Christmas dinner. The Parish Council meets at 7pm in the Jenkins Room.

Next Friday, December 14th, there will be a production by Shades Theatre Group of Mr Scrooge and the Spirit of Christmas First in St Mary’s Church Northiam at 7.30pm. Entry £2.50, under 14s free, with mince pies and mulled wine after the performance.

Northiam Primary school children are making up shoeboxes of food to be given out by the Salvation Army in Hastings to needy people. The school are eager to involve the community, and you can help by filling a shoebox with Christmas food and bring it into the school  or call the school and a collection will be arranged. All boxes need to be received by the 12th December. The school are still collecting used clothes and shoes. Please leave black bags at the school or call 01797 252141 to arrange a pick up.

Rye and District Lions Club are holding their 7th Brass Band Concert, actually on Burns Night, Friday 25th January, at Beckley Village Centre.  All money raised will, as every other year, go to Macmillan Cancer Support. Tickets are available from Beckley Motors at £6.50.

Services (9th): 8am Holy Communion, 10.30am Holy Communion