Winchelsea

The Christmas Fair at St Thomas’ Primary School is immediately after school at 3.15 pm today. There will be a raffle, tombola, stalls selling refreshments, home-made cakes and more, plus some new additions. These include decorating biscuits and purchasing reindeer food to leave out on Christmas Eve for Father Christmas. Each class has put together cards with individual designs from each child and these will also be on sale. FOSTS (Friends and parents) have arranged the printing of a 2013 calendar containing photographs of the town and these will be available to buy. If you are able to come along to the Fair you will find it a busy and enjoyable time.

On Saturday 8th December the Millennium Artefacts Society will be holding their Annual General Meeting. This is timed for 10 am in the Lower Court Hall.

Soon after the Christmas Fair St Thomas’ Primary School will be holding two different Christmas shows this year. ‘Christmas Crackers’ is the first production which is a variety show of singing, acting and telling jokes. This show will be staged by the oldest and youngest children and is due to take place in the New Hall on Monday 10th December at 2 pm and Tuesday 11th December at 6 pm. The other age groups will be performing ‘Tinsel and Tea Towels’ which is a comic musical written by Mark and Helen Johnson and is a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when school children put on a nativity play. This show will be in St Thomas’ Church on Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th December. If you would like to come and watch either or both shows please visit the school office for a complimentary ticket.

There will be a visit by the Mobile Library to Castle Street on Wednesday 12th December at the usual time of 1.40 to 2.10 pm.

The Second Wednesday Society meets on Wednesday 12th December for a talk on ‘Memories of a Ballet Dancer’ which will be given by Joyce Shann. This event will be held in the New Hall at 2.30 pm. There is a small charge for non-members and refreshments will be available following the talk.

Winchelsea Methodist Chapel would be pleased to have you join them for a special Christmas Carol Service on Wednesday 12th December at 7 pm. The Revd David Freeland and Mrs Christine Freeland will together be leading the service and the collection is in aid of the Battle Methodist Church project. After the service seasonal refreshments will be available.

The Winchelsea Singers are holding their Carol Concert on Saturday 15th of December at 7 pm in St Thomas’ Church. Entrance is by programme at the door, at £10 per person and there will be seasonal refreshments, with proceeds in aid of St Michael’s Hospice.

Pegasus the highly acclaimed chamber choir will be back in Winchelsea on Sunday 16th December at 6.30 pm in St Thomas’ Church. They will be providing an Evocation of the Spirit of Christmas through a programme of music ranging from traditional carols to less familiar pieces. Ann Rachlin, author and public speaker who was described by Country Life as having ‘a magical gift for storytelling’ will be evoking the Christmas spirit. On this occasion the church and churchyard will be lit by a large number of candles and hanging from the ancient tombs and pillars will be sweet smelling evergreens. The warm mixed scent of nutmeg, cinnamon and oranges will be provided by the complimentary mulled wine. Tickets are £10 from Winchelsea Post Office (01797 229525) and all proceeds are in aid of church funds.

A date for your diary is the annual Crib Service at St Thomas’ Church on Sunday 24th December at 4 pm which will be attended by the Christmas Donkey. Any donations towards the cost of the donkey at the service would be much appreciated and you can leave a message for the Churchwardens.

Winchelsea Beach

Winchelsea Beach Community Association invites all to their annual Carol Concert on Monday 17th at 7 for 7.30 pm in the Community Hall.

The Mobile Library will be stationed in Sea Road on Wednesday 12th December at the usual time of 11.55 am to 12.30 pm.

An evening of Bingo will take place on Wednesday 12th December at 7 for 7.30 pm in the Community Hall. Plenty of prizes to be had and light refreshments will be available. The game of Bingo dates back to 14th century Italy where it was called del Lotto. During the18th century it was played in schools in Germany for educational reasons. It was in 1929 that the game came to North America at which time it became known as ‘Beano’. During that time the name ‘Bingo’ was coined by accident when a New York toy salesman named it so when he heard someone accidentally yell ‘Bingo’ instead of ‘Beano’ at a county fair.

The Mums & Toddlers Group continues on Tuesdays from 12.30 pm till 2.30 pm in the Community Hall during term time. If you are interested in attending the number to ring is 07817 962680.