Balcombe

CRAFT, GIFT & LOCAL PRODUCE FAIR: The next Market will take place on Saturday 10 November from 10.00 am until 2.00 pm in the Victory Hall supporting St. Catherine’s Hospice. This local hospice charity will be running a charity table and the refreshments from the kitchen. Local produce will be in the Forest Room.

This is the last market before Christmas so get your thinking caps on to stock up on lovely, original presents for friends and family. For children fantastic children’s toys, knitted jumpers, baby quilts, parrots, alpha & number pictures, scarves, Usborne Books as well as pretty, handmade tutus. For the older generation silver jewellery including earrings and bracelets (commissions taken for Christmas too), Christmas tree decorations, the popular raffia bags, glassware, restored antique boxes and writing slopes, handmade aprons and table mats, pretty scarves, handbags, gloves and purses, peg bags, metal-ware, wheat bags, patchwork and needlecraft items. For those who like their “smellies” how about beautiful French soaps, hand wash, candles and diffusers and not forgetting Glenda’s own stylish range of lavender bags, child/baby clothes, ceramics etc. Add to this the delightful Neals Yard range and you will be well away with the Christmas list. You will also even be able to stock up on your cards and wrapping paper.

The Forest Room will become the Xmas Food Hall with Richard’s pork, Mary’s cakes and chutneys, Michelle’s lovely jellies and condiments, plus truffles from Monty Bojangles and savoury items from Vikki. All in all lots for everyone and a timely shopping opportunity. Look out too for an opportunity to put your name down and pay for a ceramic Poppy from the Church Bank.

Call Glenda on 811462 for more information or if you would like to book a stall for next year.

BARNSTORMERS COMEDY: at the Balcombe Club promises to be a cracking show with Andrew Lawrence featuring who is often seen on TV. It is Saturday 17 November and tickets are just £10 if booked in advance. Get your tickets now from the Club behind the bar.

Pam and Barrie are back asking the questions on Sunday 11 November at 8.00 pm. Teams of four.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY SERVICE: is Sunday 11 November at 10.50 am in St. Mary’s Church. The poppy installation at St Mary’s will stay up for a few days after Remembrance Sunday and then people will be invited to pick up the poppies they have purchased at a venue and time to be confirmed. If you haven’t ordered one yet then call 811833 to reserve a poppy (cost £15).

HALF MOON JAZZ: is back on Sunday 11 November from 4.30 – 7.30 pm.

HISTORY SOCIETY: The Balcombe History Society is 10 years old and we are celebrating with a new publication. Titled ‘Radio Warfare from Sussex’, and researched and written by Roy Bliss, it reveals the story of the Aspidistra project based in a radio station near Crowborough, from which genuine and propaganda news was broadcast during the last war. Copies may be purchased from Balcombe Stores and would make an excellent Christmas present for anyone who likes to read. The striking cover has been designed by Michael Noble.

Also available, through Ali Cunningham, are DVDs of ‘Pack up your Troubles’, the presentation given in the Victory Hall on 16th September.

This month we have our final event of the year. On 14 November, the Marriotts will present ’Sussex History through the Lens of the Magic Lantern’, and we will have our annual raffle of a splendid festive hamper. Everyone is welcome and doors are open from 7pm. We hope to start promptly at 8pm. Entry is £1 for members, and £3 for guests.

BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU EVENING: The French Association are hosting a Beaujolais Nouveau night at the Half Moon on Thursday 15 November. Tickets which include a meal are £19.95 per head to include a glass of the Nouveau.

ST. MARY’S CHURCH: Sunday 11 November 8.00 am Holy Communion BCP, 10.50 am Service of Remembrance followed by the placing of poppies on War Graves.