Staplecross

The second notice is: a Huge - “ WOW - What a Night ! “ - result --- I’m talking, of course, of the E.S.B.S. “Auction of Promises” fund-raising event, held last Friday evening, September 26th at The White Dog Inn at Ewhurst Green. The ‘Promises’ were exciting, varied and numerous and this was reflected in the very generous bidding by the members, friends, guests and supporters who also thought so, as the staggering amount of £4,400:00 was raised for this charitable groups’ funds. Enormous thanks must be given to Steve Worobec for doing an amazing job as the auctioneer and naturally many grateful thanks must be extended to Dale & Harriet Skinner for so kindly hosting this event at their lovely pub!. There are a couple of auction lots still to be paid for , so please get in touch if you need to settle your account, and there is also 1 unsold lot- which is a week’s cattery stay for 1 cat at a local cattery, - so if there are any cat lovers out there who could make use of this generous ‘Promise’, and would like to make a bid for this, - please also get in touch. The ESBS people to contact are John at 01580~830744 or Louise at; [email protected] . Once again, Many grateful thanks to all those who made this event possible, - specially those ‘backstage’- the always unseen and unsung hero’s,- To those who donated the ‘Promises’ and to those who so generously bid for them. - without your support, this event would not have been the fun and successful evening it was.

Third notice: Not sure whether it was because we are Grand-parents or because we are O.A.P’s of the parish, but Hubby & I had an invite to join in with Staplecross Methodist Primary School ‘Harvest Festival’ which was also held last Friday, September 26th.at St. Mark’s church in Staplecross. What a wonderful afternoon that turned out to be !. The whole school, pupils and teachers alike, poured into this little church, and together, gave us all a memory jog of what the Harvest and it’s Festival is really about. Everyone of these brilliant little kiddies of ours’ gave us a super little performance as only schoolchildren can, through a wonderful medley of songs, poems and readings that filled all our heart’s with joy. To see the little ones in the Swallows’ class ( some of whom had only started ‘Big School’ 3 weeks ago ! ) walk in pairs, down the church aisle carrying various fruit, vegetables, packets and tins of food to be later distributed to those in need, brought a lump to our throats and tears to our eyes. Each class contributed to the afternoons’ performance and by the smiles on everyones faces, great fun was had by all , the school and their guests alike. Each and everyone of those children were on their best behaviour and were a credit to all the school staff ( and their parents of course !) A collection box was passed around to all those ‘safely gathered in’ and a fantastic amount of £132:66 was raised. This generous sum of money, together with all the food donated will then be given to the Trussell Trust in due course. Following the Harvest Festival celebration, the guests, parents, siblings and teachers adjourned to the church room where a delicious and most welcome afternoon tea consisting of teas, coffees, sandwiches, scones and cakes awaited us. This was cleverly, politely and safely served by the older schoolchildren, and thoroughly enjoyed by all particioants. This truly was a delightful afternoon’s event and one which I ( & ‘im ) hope to be invited to again and again.

The Link Road - Bridge Closure: This notification is from East Sussex County Council and is to inform members of the public of the latest developments regarding the Bexhill & St. Leonards ‘Link Road’. Many of you may be aware as part of the construction of this roadway, that ESCC will need to demolish and rebuild the Ninfield Road Bridge, - also sometimes known as the Sidley Bridge. This is because the bridge is not tall enough and is too narrow for the new road to fit underneath. Various works to utilities such as water, gas, electricity, and telecoms have already been carried out in preparation for the closure of this bridge and have been moved into a temporary bridge which will also act as a pedestrian route when the main bridge is closed on Monday September 29th. This bridge is expected to remain closed for approximately 6 months. During this closure a signed traffic diversion will be provided using a section of the new link road. Traffic will be diverted via Elva Way, onto the new link road to it’s new junction with London Road, just north of Hillside Road. There will also be a Northbound closure of London Road between the A259 and Hillside Road, Northbound traffic from the A259 will be diverted via the new link road. Access to properties within the closure will be via the Southbound section of London Road. Renown and Stagecoach bus services have advised they will divert their services via Buxton Drive and Woodgate Park Bridge in both directions where they will resume their original routes. The Closures will effect Bus services 95, 97, 98 & 320. For further information please visit: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/linkroad. If you have any further queries or feel this will effect you, please contact the Highways Contact Centre on 0345 60 80 193 or email [email protected] where the staff will be happy to help and advise you.

Network Rail Timetable Changes: A notification has arrived from South Eastern Railway Co. and is just a quick reminder that the Autumn ‘Leaf Fall’ timetable starts on Sunday October 5th and will continue until Saturday January 10th 2015. While “leaves on the Line” are often derided as a reason for poor train performances, it’s a serious issue for the rail operators as the combination of leaf fall and wet weather creates a ‘Teflon-like mulch’ on the tracks that effects train braking and for safety reasons obliges train drivers to reduce speed. While Network Rail ( whose responsibility this is ) has a line side tree felling & lopping programme and runs special trains to clear the tracks, it’s still an issue. This special timetable means that SOME EARLY MORNING services WILL START A FEW MINUTES EARLIER; allowing trains to reach London on time, so please check before you travel. Pocket timetables have been delivered to the stations, A-Z train departure posters will be delivered to the various delivery points in time for the change and the timetable pdf’s are now available on their website: www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/your-journey/timetables/

Rother Ramblers: Still ‘out-and-abouting’ are those members of the Rother Ramblers and this week they have two (2) more interesting walks arranged for us to enjoy if we so wish. The first walk is to take place on Wednesday October 8th and is an 8 mile circular stroll from Robertsbridge. Meeting at 10.30am at the Robertsbridge Railway Station (SatNav TN325DD) Sadly parking charges will apply here, but as usual a picnic lunch is suggested. Very unusually though, dogs will NOT be permitted to accompany you today for which, no doubt a very good reason will be given, I’m sure. Janet is the ‘Walk Leader’ for this trip and you may contact her on 01424~420570 for all further details. This walk is part of the “1066 Walking Festival” as is our second (2nd) walk entitled “On the Level”.- very intriguing- This is another 8 mile stroll and is arranged for Friday October 10th. Those interested in joining this walk should meet at 10.45am on the green to the West of Pevensey Castle (SatNav BN245LL) -by the cannon. There is a car park on the Eastern side of the Castle or at Pevensey & Westham railway station which is only a few minutes walk away. You’ll be pleased to know that once more your doggy pals may stroll with you. The ‘Walk Leader’ on this occasion is Lionel and you may contact him on 01424~752452 for details.

E.S.B.S. Meeting: The Ewhurst & Staplecross Bonfire Society will be holding their next meeting on Monday October 6th at The Cross Inn in Staplecross at 7pm. The time will be well spent as not only will the members be putting the final instructions in place for the fantastic Torchlight Procession and Bonfire with Firework Extravaganza which will be taking place on Saturuday October 25th but final details will be smoothed out for the fabulous ‘Fancy Dress’ competition plus all the ‘hidden’ items that are needed to ensure the smooth and safe running of this very popular English tradition. Volunteers are always needed to help act as marshalls for the procession, to help ‘rattle a collecting tin’, to man a road closure or to just help direct the traffic.- in fact any help given in any capacity will always be very gratefully received. Another big item on the agenda will be the discussion on how to put the £4,400:00 the excellent result of the Auction of Promises fund-raising event of last Friday, to best use. New members are always needed and all will be most welcome on Monday.

Staplecross & Ewhurst Green W.I.: Those lovely ladies of our parish and beyond, will once more be meeting on Tuesday 7th October at 2.30pm in St. Mark’s Church room. The members, as well as enjoying each other’s company, will have come to listen to their guest speaker, who on this occasion will be Mrs. Sue Fisher. This lady will give a fascinating talk entitled “ To the Uttermost parts of the World”, and the competition which always accompanies the speaker will this time be “Exotic Moments” !!!- now there’s a thing ! Visitors are always welcome and the programme is always full and varied, including our superb Lunch Club, and naturally the ever popular Craft Club. so always something to please and attract even the most discerning lady. The members are a happy and friendly group of ladies who will always make new members welcome. Give the President, Ann a call on 01580~831944 for all further information.

Staplecross Bowls Club: A mammoth Jumble Sale arranged to take place on Saturday October 11th at 2pm in the Village Hall in Staplecross is the next major event of the Staplecross Bowls Club. As usual these are very popular events with local and not so local residents, as we are all happy to obtain a bargain and there’ll be bargains to be had by all. There will be the obligatory raffle, as well as teas, coffee’s and cakes to purchase to help revive those flagging muscles and sinking stamina. So bring big bags and fill them all up for very little money. Goods for donation can be brought to the hall from 9.30am or you can contact Evelyn on 01580~830107 or via her email; [email protected] for all further information.

Commemoration Supper: Advance notification - A celebration of the life of Lieutenant Arthur W.Herdman through words and music will take place at the new Arthur Herdman Pavilion in Ewhurst Green on Friday October 24th starting at 7pm. Tickets are £15:00 per person to include a superb supper. A licensed bar will be in operation and ‘period dress’ although optional would be so much fun and would certainly lend to the ambience and, of course, would really be in keeping with the occasion. Whatever you decide, wear something cosy and warm ! This will be a ‘Ticket Only’ event as regretfully, numbers are limited. So if you’d like to enjoy a lovely evening in congenial company, with good food and delightful entertainment, please contact Glenys at [email protected] or telephone her on 01580~830491. for all further details. Ewhurst parish has much to thank this young man for, most specially for donating the field and a sum of money for the upkeep of it, all for the benefit and welfare of the children of this parish. Almost 100 years after his tragic death - killed in action at the beginning of the 1st World War -with the British Expeditionary Force in Flanders,at Bois Grenier, - his legacy lives on, brought to fruition by the closely working partnerships of local fundraising events, and with grants and support from both Ewhurst Parish Council and Rother District Council. The newly-built ‘state of the art community pavilion’, built to replace the dilapidated shed which had always been referred to as “ The Herdman Pavilion” was again named after him. This Commemorative Supper will not only honour him, but will in some small way, be a sign of respect and gratitude to the forward thinking generosity of a brave young man.

Church Services: Church services for the parish of Ewhurst will commence at the beautiful church of St. James the Great, Ewhurst Green on Sunday October 5th. Trinity 16. at 9.30am. and this service will include Holy Communion. A special Family Service which will include a Harvest Festival Thanksgiving service will follow directly afterwards, at 11.15am at the church of St. Giles, in Bodiam. There will be NO SERVICE at St. Mark’s Church, Northiam Road, Staplecross on this day. Both these services will be taken by Reverend Gordon Winchester and if he can help you in any church matter, please do not hesitate to contact him at any of these contact points; The Rectory, Ewhurst Green; Telephone no: 01580~830268 or via his email: [email protected] He’ll gladly do so.

Please Let Me Know: about your own Club, Group, Charity or Society and whatever events they have planned and I’ll do my best to spread the word to help make sure that your events, celebrations, functions or ‘do’s are publicised and promoted, therefore helping you make a greater success of your own ‘Big Event’..........Thank You.

Anne Reed

[email protected]