WADHURST TOWN IN FOCUS - JAN 2007
CALLING ALL SENIOR RESIDENTS IN WADHURST AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES
We have just been awarded a grant for you!
UK Online have award The Extended School programme at Uplands Community Technology College the opportunity to develop your interest in all things based on computers.
Should you wish to explore your interest in digital photography, send emails, surf the internet or use a wide range of software, we have just the thing for you.
This is not a class but the opportunity to come along at times that suit you.
You will be aided by online support and help from our ICT team.
All you need to do is to come along and give it a go!
Time: Any time between 9.00am - 5.30pm weekdays
Place: Uplands Youth and Children’s centre. We have a small dedicated room waiting
for you.
Refreshments available. See you there.
STONEGATE FARMERS MARKET
Saturday 13 January, 10.00 to 12.30 in Stonegate Village Hall. Over twenty stalls
selling wonderful local produce and refreshments. For more information: 01580
200386
STONEGATE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL
The Stonegate Christmas Tree Festival exceeded expectations. Altogether thirty
one trees were placed and decorated, presenting a sparkling vista of lights
and stars, reds and greens with baubles of all shapes and colours. Grateful
thanks are given to all those who provided a tree for the occasion, including
four local schools.
If there was CCTV at Stonegate, which there isn't, it would record over 175 visitors to the Festival. Indeed in the region of 1,000 movements of people will visit Stonegate church over the Christmas, including two school Christmas Crib Services and the regular Services. Further, £290 was to sent off to the Bible Lands Society from the Festival to assist those children in the Middle East whose lives have been blighted by circumstances.
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, WADHURST
Maurice Wilson, the Poppy Appeal Organiser and the local branch Committee for
Wadhurst, Tidebrook, Frant, Bells Yew Green and Mark Cross area, would like
to thank all the volunteers and the public who supported us with their time
and generous donations again this year – the amount collected for this area
was £6,499 towards our annual total.
STONEGATE AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY (SADS) will be holding auditions for their forthcoming musical on Tuesday 6 February between 8.00 and 10.00pm at Stonegate Village Hall.
OPEN CIRCLE
Living alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. You are warmly invited to join
our Open Circle at Carillon Cottage for tea/coffee and a chat in a friendly,
supportive environment, with people who understand that life doesn’t always
run smoothly. So, if you are suffering from a touch of the post-Christmas blues
and the January Sales have lost their appeal, Open Circle may have the answer.
We meet on the fourth Friday of each month from 10.00am to 12noon at Carillon
Cottage, so why not come along and find out more about us. Next meeting is on
Robert Burns’ birthday, 26 January, but relax, haggis is not on the menu!
Please ring Barbara Liddle (01892 782985) if you would like to know more about this new venture.
WADHURST UNITED JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB
If you enjoy football and having fun then join Wadhurst United Junior Football
Club. Whatever your level of football you will have lots of fun with skills
training and matches in the Crowborough and District League. The club benefits
from a number of FA qualified coaches, plus all the best facilities, including
equipment, insurance and our club house at Sparrows Green Pavilion. To join
call 01892 785935 or email tim@starmediaservices.co.uk.
The club is run entirely by unpaid volunteers who want to see the children of Wadhurst and the surrounding area have a safe and successful facility to play this much loved sport.
...now we need help to keep the club going and growing. We need: referees,
coaches (training provided), helpers (training and events), fundraisers and
sponsors!!
If you are able to help please call 01892 785935 or email tim@starmediaservices.co.uk.
Join 100 Club, one of the clubs fundraising initiatives open to everyone in
the community.
The idea is to raise money for the club with a chance of winning some for yourself!!
£150 in prizes - every month and five chances to win. The cost to enter is only
£3 per month, (£36 per year), with the draw taking place at the Clubhouse at
10.00am on the last Saturday of the month (winners will be notified). All proceeds
go towards improving our club, both on and off the field.
For further details contact Trudi O'Neill on 01892 783573 or email trudi.oneill@homecall.co.uk.
FAMILY SUPPORT WORK (F.S.W.)
A sincere thank you to all who contributed to three very different events, raising
money and supporting the excellent work provided by this organization. Firstly
a large amount of tinned and dried goods from Harvest Services was shared between
Knowles Tooth and the Greater Hollington Community Project. Next the annual
Mammoth Book Sale raised a record £3600 - all of which goes to running the Children's
Centre at Hurstpierpoint and finally the wonderful selection of Toys from the
Family Service which provide much happiness for disadvantaged children within
the diocese and abroad. Collectively it is amazing what can be done and it is
so appreciated by those working closely with children and families in dire circumstances
- thank you again. Jill Brewster 01580 830008
WADHURST DRAMATIC CLUB : 'ELSIE & NORM'S MACBETH'
A COMEDY BY JOHN CHRISTOPHER-WOOD : 1st, 2nd & 3rd FEBRUARY
Don't you just hate these long and cold Winter nights and playing all those
pathetic parlour games and the interminable repeats on the telly? Of course
you do - and so do Elsie and Norman Grimethorpe for that matter; so much so,
that in Norm's own words, they feel they're "leading an empty and pointless
existence in an intellectual abyss which even Dalziel & Pascoe can't fill...
"
The local mobile library van comes to the rescue, however, on the shelves of
which Else and Norm discover 'culture' in the shape of copies of Shakespeare's
"Macbeth". They find this really "smashing - and a rattling good
story". So taken are they with it that they decide to perform it in their
living room for some friends. But not before Norm (a regular contributor to
The Pigeon Fancier's Gazette) rewrites the story to make it a bit snappier and
more punchy...
The two of them play all the parts themselves, except for the roles of Banquo
and son Fleance - played by stuffed pandas, no less! Quick-fire comedy with
numerous swift (we hope!) costume changes and at least half a dozen voice portrayals
by the cast should all make for a thoroughly enjoyable and laughter-filled evening,
fit to blow away the Winter blues!
We hope you'll want to brave the February weather and turn out for this hilarious
spoof on the classic Shakespeare play which we know will have you in stitches
: after all, as Elsie herself says in her own inimitable way 'The Scottish Play'
is "one of the greatest pieces of literature what has ever been wrote in
the English language..." !
Tickets - £10 each - include a Sausage & Mash supper, plus dessert during the interval. Up to and including 14 January, tickets can be reserved via a special telephone "hot-line" (tel no 01435 884080 or 07773 3581950). From 15 January, tickets will be on sale, as usual, at Newington's Newsagents, High Street, Wadhurst (tel no 01892 782034).
MAYFIELD AND DISTRICT U3A
Our next general meeting will be on 18 January when Professor C S Cockell of
the Open University will come down from Milton Keynes to tell us about Mars
and Extreme forms of Life. Professor Cockell is one of the foremost workers
in this field and we are privileged to have such a distinguished visitor. As
usual the talk will be held in the Mayfield Memorial Hall at 2.00pm. Visitors
are welcome at £1 per head, members free.
ST GEORGE’S HALL
For over a year the Hall Committee have been without a secretary. It is not
a demanding post as there are only three or four meetings a year. If you can
take minutes and have keyboard skills your services would be warmly welcomed.
It was as a result of a similar request to this that I came forward and offered myself for the position of secretary so, if you could spare a few hours a year it would be much appreciated. Please telephone Michael Godden on 01892 783168.
WADHURST HISTORY SOCIETY
On Thursday 11 January, the Wadhurst History Society looks forward to hearing
Peter Kirby talk about "The Romany Way" in the Commemoration Hall
at 8.00pm. The Bar opens at 7.30pm and this will be the first occasion of the
New Year, for the Wadhurst historians to get together.
Some of the Wadhurst History Society’s work in the next few months will be focusing on Wadhurst between the years 1936 and 1946. “Wadhurst” includes Shovers Green, Churchsettle, Cousley Wood, Sparrows Green, Durgates, Best Beech, and Tidebrook.
Please trawl your own memories and think about how your parents, grand-parents, older friends talked about those years and how they reacted to the events which punctuated their lives. Those of you who live in large houses in Wadhurst may have records as to how they were used during the war years. Please could you lend them to us or write down for us the important details?
At home, the War Effort inspired many to work for charities, to knit, to salvage goods like saucepans etc and, of course, to make do and mend. What did you and your family and friends do? It would also be very helpful for us to study the archives of local groups and societies if you would be willing to lend us them for a while.
If you would be willing to lend us (or even give us) relevant documents or artefacts of the period, we should be delighted to be able to consult them. Please contact David James, Markwicks, Lamberhurst Road, Cousley Wood, Wadhurst, TN5 6HG (01892 890330 or Heather Woodward, Chequers, Stone Cross Road, Wadhurst TN5 6LR (01892 783212).
Before it is too late, it is important for future generations to understand Wadhurst and its inhabitants over the centuries. This major project will therefore be significant as our researches in other areas continue. Eventually all this work is for the benefit of the people of Wadhurst.
Thank you in advance for whatever you can provide in order to help us.
WADHURST GARDENING ASSOCIATION
Happy New Year Everyone
Our next meeting is on Monday 8 January in St George’s Hall, Sparrows Green
at 7.00pm. The speaker is Mr Ken Turner advising us on climbers and wall plants.
The Competitions are 2 Parsnips and a Spray of a winter flowering shrub. New
members are always welcome—why not come along and see what you can learn in
a very relaxed atmosphere. Mary Terry 01892 783154
WADHURST INDEPENDENT PHOTOGRAPHERS
WIP meets every second Tuesday of each month, at 7.30pm, upstairs in The Greyhound
Pub, Wadhurst. The next meeting is on 9 January. 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.
MINI MARKET
There will be no Mini Market in January as it is too near Christmas. The next
one will be on Saturday 3 February, and the proceeds will go to The Alzheimers
Society.
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 TWINNING ASSOCIATION
Wadhurst Twinning Association is organising an Evening in Alsace in the Youth
Centre on Saturday 13 January from 7.30pm. A hot supper and a film, an extensive
display, a raffle and plenty of good company will guarantee a thoroughly enjoyable
and sociable evening together. Tickets £8 (with £5 for 16 and unders) are limited
in number and will be on sale at Newingtons only until Saturday 6 January.
HOSPICE IN THE WEALD
Hospice in the Weald, Wadhurst Link recently held a coffee morning in Carillon
Cottage. Despite the terrible weather, a magnificent £90 was raised. Thank you
to all who came and for those who helped, especially to Val Tunbridge for overseeing
everything. It is our intention to try and hold further coffee mornings throughout
the coming year. Watch this space! Linda Kings
(783461)
On Thursday 25 January, Hospice in the Weald, Maidstone Road, Pembury, will be hosting “Twelve Months of Colour” with John Negus from 6.30pm. John Negus, who broadcasts regularly on Southern Counties Radio, writes regular features in Woman's Weekly and answers queries with a team of experts on Woman's Weekly nationwide gardening shows, will be presenting a slide and talk evening on the Twelve Months of Colour.
Mr Negus will be on hand to answer your gardening questions and each guest will receive a packet of seeds. The evening will include wine and cheese and will be held at the Hospice. Tickets are £7.50 each. For further information or tickets please contact Fiona Parry on 01892 820508.
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.
MULLINS MEMORIAL FUND
The Mullins Memorial Fund is looking forward to receiving your quiz sheets by
Friday 5 January 2007. Do return them whether they are completed or not. You
never know…….! And we do hope that you have enjoyed the challenge of "Where
in the World?"
Requests come in to the Mullins Memorial Fund regularly and the Trustees are glad to be able to help in as appropriate a way as possible. Please pass on to one of the Office Bearers on 782181, 782835 or 783212 the name of anyone who you feel might benefit financially, practically or emotionally from their support. Be assured that whatever is done is done in complete confidentiality.
WOW MURDER MYSTERY
On 3 February WOW are organising an "Old School Reunion" - a murder
mystery evening at Uplands Community College. This will be performed by a number
of keen, very talented local actors. A delicious home cooked three course supper
will be served while you investigate and solve the crime.
Tickets at £15.00 per head are available from Lynne Dewar 01892 783935. The seating is arranged in tables of six, the action starts at 7.30pm. and there will be a bar selling wine, beer and soft drinks. All proceeds from the evening will go to the local branch of "Headway" a charity which helps with the rehabilitation of people with head injuries.
WADHURST BRASS BAND
As I write this we are just getting our breath back from a riotous evening at
our “Christmas Crackers Concert” in the Commemoration Hall. We were delighted
to see a large audience, who enthusiastically participated in traditional carol
singing.
The concert featured a number of solos, not least Paul Gardiner who thrilled the hall with his Post Horn Galop, and Jenny Cooper on the glockenspiel, whose tinkling tones sent a seasonal shiver down many a spine. The second half featured some festive frolics which culminated in the trombones cavorting up and down the aisle during conductor Ken Rich’s specially written “Tyrolean Party”, complete with words for the ever-indulgent audience to sing along to.
The rest of the Christmas season went well, although a number of engagements were wet and windy in the extreme (and I don’t mean the band!). Fortunately the weather was kind for the big switch-on of Stan’s Christmas lights, and it was a pleasure for the band to be part of such a lovely community event.
Following the departure overseas of a few of our members, we are still on the lookout for solo cornet players, a euphonium player, a bass player and a percussionist, although players from any section will be given a warm welcome. Band practice is on Thursday nights from 8.00 till 9.45pm in the music room at Uplands Community College in Wadhurst. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please ask them to contact Jenny or Lydia or to visit our website, www.wadhurstbrassband.co.uk
Thank you all for your support and generosity over the Christmas season and indeed throughout 2006. We wish you a Happy New Year and hope to see many of you at our 2007 events, both in Wadhurst and further afield. We’ll keep you posted as the diary fills up.
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.
For more info call Ruth on 01892 784117.
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 28 January, will
pass through Best Beech, Pennybridge and Tidebrook. It is to be led by P Eldridge
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)
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.
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