Hellingly and Horsebridge

RURAL NETWORKING: The Cuckmere Rural Business Networking group has its first meeting on Tuesday at 6.30pm at the Berwick Inn (next to Berwick Railway Station nr Arlington). Mix with other rural businesses in a relaxed environment. All welcome. Free entry. Contact Josie at [email protected] or 07505 007049. This is open for anyone running a small business or working self-employed from home in the local rural area. Buy your drink and meet for a chat in the lower bar area. At 7.15pm there will be introductions and a brief talk by Action in Rural Sussex and Let’s Do Business, followed by business card swap and more chatting. Rural communities across East Sussex are full of small businesses and enterprises many run by a single person, often from home or a small business facility. This event is part of a new initiative to provide an informal forum for local people to come together to meet neighbouring businesses, make some useful local connections, explore specific and general business issues and to hear about the wide range of free business support on offer to assist them in growing their business and running it effectively. This meet up is facilitated by Jim and Josie Tipler of Hailsham Creative (run from a home office in Wilmington) and the venture is supported by Action in Rural Sussex and Let’s Do Business. Free event but please reserve your place by calling Josie on: 01323 840048 or email: josie@hailsham creative.com or via the Facebook page Cuckmere Rural Business.

CHRISTMAS TREE FUND: Donations would be welcome towards the cost of the Christmas tree. If the money could be placed in an envelope, marked Christmas Tree Fund and put in the safe by the main door, it would be much appreciated.

VISITING IN THE PARISH: Will you please contact Fin on 01323 832879 if you would like your name added to a list of those who are unable to attend church and would appreciate a visit.

TRAIDCRAFT FAIRTRADE: The Real Advent Calendar. This is an Advent calendar that tells the story of Christmas as each door is opened. It also includes a chocolate behind each window and a 24-page activity book. The cost is £3.99. If you would like one then please speak to Fin or Carol 01323 832879.

WEALDEN BRASS CONCERT: This is on Saturday November 24 at 6.30pm, in Hellingly Church. Please come along and support this concert, all money raised goes to church funds. Tickets cost £8 which includes refreshments and will be available this Sunday in church or on the door.

BARN DANCE: This event is in aid of Hailsham Citizens Advice. Music by Hellingly Folk Dance Band at the Kings Head, Lower Horsebridge on Friday November 23 from 7pm to 10.30pm. Tickets £10, U16s £5 in advance from Hailsham Citizens Advice, Western Road, The Kings Head, Lower Horsebridge or Hailsham Camera Centre, 53 High Street, Hailsham or £12 and £6 respectively on the door. Bar snacks, drinks and a raffle.

COMEDY NIGHT: Blackstock Estate, Grove Hill at 8pm on Friday November 23. Stand up comedy talent from across the UK. Tickets £9.95. Food, bar. Book on 848006 or at blackstockestate.co.uk.

PARK WOOD: As a lot of local Hellingly residents are probably aware, Park Wood was last year put up for sale by its owners the Environment Agency. This decision was worrying for all those who know and love the woods and an action group Friends of Park Wood Hellingly (FoPWH) was formed by concerned users. The EA took the woods off the market after vigorous campaigning by the Friends and they continue to work together to seek a mutually workable solution to ownership and management of the 152 acres of ancient woodland. Over the last year the Friends have spoken with local councils and MP, owners of woodlands, fundraisers and many others but as yet they have not reached a final agreement with the Environment Agency, although they continue to move towards it. Currently FoPWH are producing a draft Woodland Management Plan of their own as requested by the EA. They have contacted the local branch of The Woodland Trust who have been extremely helpful and supportive and will be conducting a full survey of the woods, looking at such things as tree species, invasive species, disease and condition of the wood in general, and then creating a report which will help the direction of the management plan. The woodland trust have also been successful in their 20 year campaign to have ancient woodland protected from development at the highest level, on par with historic buildings, this makes Park Wood much safer whatever the outcome of their endeavours In the near future FoPWH will be holding a meeting for members and non-members who can come and hear the latest news in more detail, show support and let them know which direction those who love the Woods would like to see the campaign take. It is hoped to include a wildlife talk by a former member of the Wildlife Trust. Follow their progress and join them at: www.friendsofparkwoodhellingly.com Add your pictures, thoughts and experiences to the Facebook page - search Friends of Park Wood Hellingly. Contact Sue McCallum or Paul Rees directly at: [email protected]. Thanks to all who have supported them so far.