WADHURST TOWN IN FOCUS - JULY 2006

NATIONAL GARDENS SCHEME
Last year over 3,400 gardens opened nationally for the NGS and raised £1.8million for charity; in Sussex alone we raised over £200,000. A visit to an NGS garden is an opportunity to be inspired and to learn more about gardens and gardening as well as having a thoroughly enjoyable day out. In many gardens you can buy plants as well as enjoy home made teas or a glass of wine in the evening. Many will open by appointment and all welcome children, usually free of charge.

The following gardens are open in the local area this month:
Saturday 15: Crown House, 2.00 to 6.00pm
Sunday 16: Crown House, 2.00 to 6.00pm; Merriments Gardens, 10.30am to 5.30pm; Swiftsden Farm Oast, 2.00 to 6.00pm.

Crown House, Eridge TN3 9JU. Signed from A26 Tunbridge Wells to Crowborough road, approx 400 yards. In Eridge take Rotherfield turn south (Shaw Farm Lane), first right, house first on left, short walk from bus stop. Admission £2.50. Private visits by appt. 01892 864389.
Merriments Gardens, Hurst Green TN19 7RA. One mile north of Hurst Green, between Hawkhurst and Hurst Green. Admission £4, children £2.
Swiftsden Farm Oast, Ticehurst Road, Hurst Green TN19 7QT. Two miles northwest of Hurst Green. On south side of B2099 approx two miles east of Ticehurst village and ½ mile west of A21. Parking at the Oast. Admission £3.

Further details of gardens open throughout the Southeast can be found in the NGS booklets which are available through local outlets.

WADHURST PROBUS CLUB
will meet on Tuesday 4 July at 10.00am in the Wadhurst Social Club. The speaker will be Dr John Lawrence who give a talk on "Michael Faraday".

AWAY FROM IT ALL (AFIA) HOLIDAY SCHEME
The Mothers’ Union AFIA holidays are a practical and important way to help support family life. Each year the MU offers on average 600 families a holiday through the AFIA holiday scheme. The scheme is funded by the members of the MU and enables around 1,000 adults and 1,350 children to get away for a break in the UK each year.

Chichester diocese has a team of MU members who organise the scheme in this area. We have a caravan at Winchelsea Beach on a good site next to the beach with a club-house, launderette and children’s play area. The caravan is available from May to October each year.

The scheme is open to anyone who is under stress. Applicants do not have to be a member of a church or any organisation. It is also possible for people to apply personally or on the behalf of someone else.

However, each application needs the support of one of the following professionals such as a clergyperson, doctor, head teacher or social worker. Other basic information such as when the family last had a holiday and the reason why they would like a break should also be included. For further details please phone 01424 883282.

BRICKLEHURST MANOR SCHOOL SUMMER FAIR
Bricklehurst Manor School, Bardown Road, Stonegate, is having its Summer Fair on Saturday 1 July from 12noon to 3.00pm. Enjoy something from the barbecue and a glass of Pimms whilst listening to the brass band in the beautiful school grounds. There will be lots of entertaining stalls and activities for the children including a Pet Show. Local traders will also be selling a range of good quality crafts. Delicious home made cakes and tea too.

WADHURST GARDENING ASSOCIATION
Our talk in May was about the trials and tribulations in setting up for Chelsea. Members had a most enjoyable day trip to Windsor Castle, which had been so successfully organised by Mrs M Flegg, who unfortunately could not join us.

Monday 10 July is our Summer Show at the Primary School when Sweet Peas and their wonderful perfume will be in abundance – we hope! New members are always welcome, why don’t you give us a try! Just to remind everyone, there will be NO MEETING in August.

The following meeting will be on Monday 11 September, also we hope to restart our successful Masterclasses in the Autumn.

BLETCHLEY PARK
Wadhurst History Society has organised a trip to Bletchley Park, where the Enigma Code was cracked during WW2, on Saturday 7 October. Departure is from the Greyhound Wadhurst at 8.00am and from Bletchley at 4.00pm; so home by approximately 6.30pm. We will have a conducted tour of the site and the price to include entrance, tour and coach is £26. If you would like to come on this outing please contact Rachel Ring on 01892 783455.

IF YOU WERE DESPERATE WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
For some people suicide seems to be the only answer. One man describes how he had felt worthless for most of his life and several times he had tried with tablets and alcohol to put an end to it all… and failed. Beachy Head seemed to be the obvious solution… he found the perfect spot, even he couldn’t mess it up this time… and he was just about to jump when someone spoke to him - it was a member of the Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team. They stopped and talked with him for 30 minutes, persuaded him to go with them for a cup of coffee, and saved his life. It was the first of many lives they have saved and on Sunday 16 July at 6.30pm in the Methodist Church, as part of the joint Anglican/Methodist TTSE programme, Ross Hardy, the BHCT Team Leader, will be speaking about the work of the Chaplaincy Team. Everyone is welcome – do come and hear his remarkable story.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH POLICE SURGERY
The next Wadhurst and Sussex Police Surgery will be held on Thursday 27 July from 2.00 to 4.00pm and 7.30 to 9.00pm at Wadhurst Fire / Police Station Conference Room. The following Surgery will be held on the 24 August.

THE WADHURST ANNUAL SCARECROW WEEKEND
Wadhurst Rotary Club is holding its 6th Annual Scarecrow Festival over the weekend of 15/16 July. There will be all the usual attractions of lots of scarecrows all over the village, trail sheets for adults and children, memorabilia and refreshments for sale and a Grand Raffle. In addition, this year the Guiding and Scouting groups have been invited to dress up as scarecrows themselves and we are hoping for lots of entries.

Beverley Thompson, from BBC South East News, will be visiting on Saturday 15 July from 2.00 to 4.00pm in the afternoon to judge the scarecrows (alive and stuffed varieties!!) There will be vintage cars around, the Wadhurst Brass Band will play at 2.00pm on Saturday afternoon and the Hastings Drummers will put in an appearance.

Please do all come along to the Scarecrow Weekend and we welcome as many scarecrows as possible from individuals, shops and organisations. Why not have a get-together with friends and your own scarecrow making competition and then bring your efforts along to join in the fun? They are ever so easy to make and helpful hints can be obtained from Peter Clifton on 01892 782775. The more the merrier!

CALLING ALL CAKEMAKERS
Once again Wadhurst District Guides and Trefoil Guild will be providing refreshments in the Commemoration Hall for visitors to the Scarecrow Festival on l5/16 July and any help that can be offered by providing cakes would be greatly appreciated. If you can offer a cake please contact Vera Port (783059) or Sally Hepburn (01580 200302). Thank you.

STONEGATE PRODUCE MARKET
10.00am 8 July - as part of the Sotnegate Festivla - fabulous produce from local businesses and producers, homemade bread, cakes, pies, chutneys, marmalade, fresh fish, meat and local cheese, vegetable, plants, eggs, honey etc. Cafe for refreshments and snacks. No market in August or September. Contact 01580 200386 for details.

CALLING ALL BRIDGE PLAYERS!
A date for your diary. In the Commemoration Hall on Tuesday 26 September, starting at 2.00pm, the local Action Medical Research fund raising team will be organising a bridge afternoon. Do come, we would love to see you. For further information please contact Janet Goldsmith 01892 783264.

LAMBERHURST MUSIC FESTIVAL
Advance notice of Opera in the Open at Bayham Abbey on Saturday 5 August at 7.30pm (Gates open at 6.00pm).
Tickets cost £25 on the night
£20 if bought before 5 August

Opera Frizzante are returning to beguile us with favourite moments from much-loved operas. Bring a picnic, wine and chairs, and enjoy a wonderful evening amidst stunning scenery.

Post: LMF, The Down House, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8ET
Phone: 01892 891115
Email: bookings@lamberhurstmusic.co.uk

HOSPICE IN THE WEALD - Wadhurst Link
Many thanks to all who opened their gardens in Battenhurst Road, Stonegate on 4 June and grateful thanks to all those who supported this event. Jane Littlejohn tells me that a magnificent sum of over £1,100 was raised for Hospice that afternoon. I understand that this event is likely to take place every two years, and I am sure that everyone will look forward to the next one. Please let me know of any other events being planned for fundraising for Hospice, I would love to help if able to do so.
Linda Kings (01892 783461)

HOSPICE IN THE WEALD EVENTS
9 July, 12.00 – 5.30pm: Country Fair, Chevening House, Chipstead. Enjoy a wonderful day our for the whole family in a beautiful English garden and lakeside setting. Sample the delights of our farmers market, beer ten and café bar, enjoy a variety of demonstrations including birds of prey and fly fishing, browse the numerous stalls filled with wonderful goodies, lose yourself in the maze, picnic by lake, relax and listen to soft and lively music or simply stroll through the magnificent setting of Chevening. The afternoon is yours!

9 July, 6.30pm -9.30pm: The Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Chevening House, Chipstead. Enjoy a picnic by the lake and revel in the sounds that burst out of New Orleans, New York and 20s Europe with an evening uplifting jazz. Tickets £18.50 per person with children under 14 years old £9.00. Why not book as a group with one of our Exclusive VIP packages. For further information on this and the Country Fair, please contact Tanyia Ingham (01892 820533 or Fiona Parry (01892 820508.

WADHURST TWINNING ASSOCIATION
The Wadhurst Twinning Association is looking forward to taking part in the Rotary Scarecrow Festival and is hoping that “un épouvantail” will be joining us with a group of friends from Aubers.

The Association will be holding a Barbecue at the Youth Centre from noon on Saturday 19 August and at that the full party of Aubersois should be joining us for their bi-ennial visit. Tickets £7.50 will go on sale at Newingtons on Monday 24 July. These have always fun events so come and enjoy games of boules and darts, a delicious barbecue lunch, a tombola, a cake and produce stall (including contributions from Aubers), the Bar and, of course, good company. The ability to speak French is not required; the ability to enjoy yourself is!

Anyone from Wadhurst or local villages interested in finding out more about the Wadhurst Twinning Association and perhaps becoming a member (Individual £7, Family £12, Students up to school leaving age £3, Affiliated Membership for a school £15) should contact the Membership Secretary, Janet McFarlan, 2 Pipers Close, Blacksmiths Lane, Wadhurst TN5 6DN. Tel: 01892 783291.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
The Bereavement Support Group meets on the fourth Friday of each month from 10.00am to 12noon at Carillon Cottage. This is an informal get-together for those who have been bereaved - of a partner, family member or loved friend - an opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and a chat with others who have also experienced a personal loss. Everyone is welcome to drop in and join us.
Barbara Liddle (782985)

WADHURST ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
Wadhurst Astronomical Society will meet in the Upper Room of the Methodist Church on Wednesday 19 July when Gilbert Sattersthwaite FRAS will present a talk entitled “Sir George Airy’s contribution to positional astronomy”. While this may seem rather ‘dry stuff’ he will be describing and illustrating some amazing precision instruments that were introduced in the 19th century. Doors open at 7.15 for 7.30pm.

CARE FOR THE CARERS
Are you caring for a relative or friend? Would you like to meet other carers for a coffee and a chat? Then come along to our monthly meeting at Carillon Cottage, every third Thursday from 10.30am - 12noon. For further details please contact Sarah Burchett (01323 738390).

WADHURST FOOTPATHS SOCIETY
Members and friends meet on the last Sunday of each month in the car park behind One Stop, Washwell Lane, Wadhurst at 2.00pm. The next walk, on 30 July, will go by Stonegate Station to Wreckery Bridge Hammerden. It is to be led by J Corke.

MINI MARKET will be held in the Methodist Church from 9.30 to 11.00am on Saturday 1 July. All the proceeds this month will go to the Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team. Your support is always much appreciated..

WADHURST INDEPENDENT PHOTOGRAPHERS. (W.I.P.)
WIP meets every second Tuesday of each month, at 7.30pm, upstairs in The Greyhound Pub, Wadhurst. The next meeting is on 11 July. Yearly membership is £12 to cover the cost of the meeting room, etc. WIP is not a social club, anyone can come along to meetings and have a drink and a chat, but should show some interest in photography. We are not a camera club, there will never be any competitions, everyone should be encouraged to bring their work to show the group.

WADHURST AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB
Members’ Day will be held on 6 July. Please note, there will be no meeting in August, the following month’s meeting will be on 7 September.

KENT AND SUSSEX BORDER LIONS CLUB
If you are interested in joining the club or would just like to come along to a meeting you would be very welcome indeed. We meet every third Wednesday in Hurst Green Village Hall at 7.30pm.
David and Pam Francis (01580 200672)

MAYFIELD AND DISTRICT U3A
We meet at 2.00pm in the Memorial Hall on 20 July. We welcome Gwendolyn Page who will speak on The Enigma of Bletchley Park. Gwendolyn is one of many unsung heroines who worked at Bletchley Park during the Second World War, so this talk is not to be missed. It will be followed by our first Annual General Meeting. Guests are welcome to come to hear the talk ay the usual rate of £1 per head.

WADHURST TREFOIL GUILD
At our last meeting Heather Woodward gave a most interesting talk about Beatrix Potter, which was enjoyed by everyone.

Would members please note a change in the programme. Our meeting on 3 July will be a "Bring and Share" picnic at 7.00pm at Marling Cottage. Husbands and friends welcome.

AFTERNOON FELLOWSHIP
The next meeting is on 27 July where the subject will be “More from the Vicarage”, led by Ruth and Jeremy James. As always a warm welcome is extended to all.

WADHURST BRASS BAND
Despite torrential rain at Eastbourne, the Band played on. What a wonderful contrast when we played for Songs of Praise Churches Together In Wadhurst at Tidebrook.

Writing this at the beginning of June, in glorious sunshine, is it going to continue and be a flaming June? Let us hope so.

As you know, the summer season this year for the Band is a busy one and all your support is very much appreciated.

Once again I have had to stop playing my baritone – this time due to a prolapsed disc; it has been operated but I’m now out of action for six weeks or so. I tell you, it never rains but it pours but let us hope it doesn’t pour at the time when the Band is out and about playing for all sorts of functions bringing enjoyment to everyone.

When I asked the surgeon how long it would be before I could play my Baritone, he had to think about it. Not sure he had been asked that question before. He said at least six weeks. It all seems to revolve around this six-week period. Everyone has been very kind with their Get Well wishes, for which I am most grateful and I can’t wait to be out and about again. I’m hoping to be playing again for the Scarecrow Weekend. We will see! Being out of all the action, once again, is very frustrating but as they say, Onwards and Upwards is the way to go!

The Band web site is now up and running, so if you have Internet access, have a perusal and let us know what you think. Already it has proved quite successful. The Website address is www.wadhurstbrassband.co.uk

The school visits proved very popular and we have had some comeback from it. It is great to see some of the youngsters now taking part in Main Band, having progressed and worked hard enough to enjoy the benefits. As we have said before, playing in a Brass Band brings social benefits as well as providing musical entertainment to the public.

Hopefully the next time I write the Focus article I will be back playing with the Band and enjoying some of those social benefits. What I really missed out on was the Band Tour but as the Band has been invited to play for the opening of the new Aubers Sports Centre next summer, I will surely be there. Watch this space.
Lydia Fuggle
Brass Band dates for your diary

Date Event Time
Saturday 17 June Tidebrook fete 2.00pm
Sunday 25 June Chartwell 2.00pm
Sunday 2 July Bewl Water Run, Wadhurst 12.00pm
Saturday 8 July Stonegate School Fete 1.30pm
Sunday 9 July Hospice In The Weald fete Chevening 2.00pm
Saturday 15 July Scarecrow Event Wadhurst 2.00pm
Sunday 23 July Hever Castle 12.30pm
Sunday 6 August Hastings Bandstand 3.00pm

Contacts:
Jenny Cooper Band manager and Training Band 01892 782247
Lydia Fuggle Secretary and Training Band 01892 782308

BABIES AND UNDER FIVES
Babies and under fives bring your parent or carer to St George's Hall at 2.00pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for Son Spot. Come and enjoy an hour of fun activities, Bible story, singing, craft and ‘tea’. (All finished in time for school pick-up) Very friendly, lots of fun, relaxed and welcoming. Tell the grown-ups that there is no charge, you can just turn up.

This month we meet on the 6 July with the story of Jesus and the Storm as our topic. The next meeting will be on 20 July where we will have a ‘Picnic on the Beach’, at a member’s house. For more info call Ruth on 01892 784117.

"My children still talk about Sonspot and even now they want to come if they are on holiday from school!" (parent of child at primary school )

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
In liaison with Crowborough CAB, Carillon Cottage now offers a fully trained CAB adviser every Wednesday morning, 9.00am to 12 noon. Please feel free to call in and ask to speak to the CAB person or else ring 01892 785658 to make an appointment.

WEALDEN INDEPENDENT MEDIATION SERVICE
We are a charity that offers free help to Wealden area residents who are experiencing difficulties with neighbours. We have been in operation in the area since 2000 and have a wealth of experience in dealing with neighbour disputes. We deal with many issues including, high hedges, boundaries, fences, parking, noise, verbal abuse, etc. Our trained mediators can visit you in the daytime or evening in your own home to discuss the situation. Then, if you are agreeable, the service will make contact with your neighbours. The service is free confidential, impartial and independent. Please do not hesitate to call us on 01323 442781.

PARENTS AND TODDLERS GROUP
Meetings are held every Monday at St George’s Hall from 9.30am. Everyone welcome! For further details please contact Nina on 01580 201158.

INDEPENDENT AGE
is a charity which champions independence for older people. Its aim is to enable older people in financial difficulty to live independent lives with dignity and peace of mind. We provide security for life in the form of a small, regular extra income. We can also provide our beneficiaries with crisis grants, mobility equipment, nursing and residential care and help with fees.

IndependentAge has a network of over 1,100 volunteer visitors who offer friendship and practical support. Most beneficiaries have never needed help before so all assistance is given with the utmost discretion and sensitivity. Our free advice guides “60-Wise” and “60-Wise at Home” are full of details on the help available to older people from many different sources. If you know someone we may be able to help please contact: Miss Frances Gibson, 53 Bethel Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3UE; www.independentage.co.uk

WADHURST HISTORY SOCIETY
The next meeting of the Wadhurst History Society, on 13 July at 7.30pm in the Commemoration Hall, will - appropriately - hear Ian Currie telling us about the weather 'Droughts Deluges & Dust Devils - 300 years of weather'. Non-members welcome - for a small donation.

In June, members heard Chris Wade on 'Smugglers in Kent ' and a full coach load had a very enjoyable day at the Chichester Flower Festival.

Sunday 30 July will be the Society's summer barbecue - at Olives Manor, courtesy of Harriet and John Phipson: tickets at the July meeting or through any committee member.
Finally - if anyone is interested in working on the Oral History project, gathering the memories of long-time local residents, or in the estates and buildings of Wadhurst, please contact Michael Harte 01892 783292 or Heather Woodward 01892 783212

WADHURST NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH - Crime Bulletin

Updates 26.05.06 to 12.06.06.
26 - 05. Church St. Between 22.00 and 09.00 Large plant pots and flowers stolen from doorsteps, other street hanging baskets damaged.
26 - 05. High St. Suspicious white male, 24yrs, wearing army jacket, long yellow socks, following young girls and being a nuisance.
29 - 05. Ticehurst Rd. Overnight a 14ft diameter trampoline taken from garden.
31 - 05. High St. O/S/R window smashed on Capel works truck, entry to vehicle, Pasole Nail Gun stolen, value £300.
01 - 06. Wadhurst Rd.3 suspicious male callers, 1 young, 2 older, in blue transit van, vehicle reg number known to police.
02 - 06. Station Rd.2 suspicious males, 20 to 25 yrs, scruffy, smoking, walking slowly, looking into peoples houses and gardens.
04 - 06. Queens Cottages at 15.30 Metal ball bearing fired at rear of house smashing 1st layer of window glass.
05 - 06. Mayfield Lane at 23.55, Wadhurst College, lead roof flashing removed, 2 suspicious, rough looking Irish males nearby
05 - 06. High Street. Overnight graffiti was done all across the rear wall of the Wadhurst Social Club.
09 - 06. Southview Rd. Between 19.00 and 06.45, overnight, Graffiti sprayed on play equipment, again.
10 - 06. Mayfield Lane. Between 22.00 and 08.00, overnight, in residential home staff room, card stolen from handbag and used.
11 - 06. High Street. Between 19.45 and 22.15 Dark red Jaguar car stolen from car park.

If you have a Sky box please be aware of a "bogus” company phoning you up, pretending to be the official Sky box repair company. The official Sky box repair company is Domestic and General Ins, who handle all repairs to Sky boxes under “Sky Repair Protection Plan". After the 1st year it is recommended you get your own insurance for your Sky box, in case of breakdowns, this is done through Sky with Domestic and General. The “bogus " company phone you, offering a lower monthly / yearly charge and then ask for your bank / direct debit details. This at the present time is all under investigation by Sky and Domestic and General. If phoned about this repair plan, ask them to give you your Sky Repair Protection Plan service agreement number, which they should be unable to do, and please do not give them any bank / direct debit details, as the official Sky repair company would already have your details.

The Official Sky Repair Protection Plan telephone no: 08702 40 41 42. Domestic and General Ins is 08705 490 000 both have call options to get through. You may also receive mailings from this “bogus” company, they may seem to have a lot of your details, ( except the two mentioned above ), do not be fooled, so be careful.

In this HOT weather, please, if you going out make sure your windows and doors are shut and locked. If you are going away for a few days, tell family or a neighbour you trust and know. Please give them your staying away details, and advise them if you have parcels being delivered to remove them from the outside of your house, along with post, flyers or newspapers from the front door area. This you can do for them if they need to go away. When parking your car, please make sure you shut your windows up and lock your doors, and please do not leave valuables on display.

PLEASE REPORT ALL CRIME IMMEDIATELY TO THE POLICE ON 0845 60 70 999, OR IN EMERGENCY ON 999. Thank you.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Tim Page, Wadhurst Community Area Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator.
Tim Page, Wadhurst Representative to Wealden District Council for WRF - Wealden Residents Forum for Wadhurst residents and tenants.
Tel: 01892 783313Mobile: 07956 932354 E-mail

Crowborough Police Station (0845 60 70 999) or 999 in an emergency
Marc Simmonds, Police Community Support Officer for Wadhurst. 01892 785903
marc.simmonds@sussex.pnn.police.uk
Community Police Constable: Steve Etherington, where possible by e-mail
Alternatively available on 0845 60 70 999 ext 34225.

WADHURST WEBSITE
coverage includes Ticehurst, Flimwell and Stonegate. The site can be found at www.wadhurst.info, www.ticehurst.info, www.flimwell.info and www.stonegatevillage.info, as well as www.wadhurst.org.uk .     Webmaster: Michael Harte (783 292)

THE VILLAGE DIARY
The Village Diary is available in Carillon Cottage. Please call in to check dates or to record Village events. The Cottage is open every morning from Monday to Saturday from 9.00am to 12 noon and on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons from 2.00 to 4.00pm.

Email addresses for Focus are now:
For advertising enquiries: focus_ads@vovi.co.uk
For editorial copy: focus_news@vovi.co.uk