Fairlight

Brookfield, Broadway

In our churches this Sunday, May 12… the day starts with Holy Communion at 8 am at St Peters, and then there is Morning Praise at St Andrews at 10.30 am.

This Sunday also sees the start of Christian Aid Week, which runs through until Saturday 18, and during the week those distinctive red envelopes will be dropping through the doors of most of our residents. They will then be collected later in the week by a band of volunteers from St Andrew’s Church. This house-to-house collection has been approved by the Fairlight Parish Council and all collectors will carry both a Christian Aid collector’s badge and photo identification. Last year, thanks to the generosity of the villagers, a sum in excess of £3,100 was sent to Christian Aid on behalf of the Fairlight group. No, it’s not a competition, but it would be nice to be able to keep up the village’s collective good work. And kicking off the Aid Week in style, there will be a Coffee Morning in St Peter’s Church tomorrow, Saturday, May 11, commencing at 10 am. You will find refreshments, cakes, bric-a-brac, books and plants for sale, and you can have a go at their raffle, always a great attraction.

Today at MOPPs… It’s the ever popular Keith Osborne, and the day’s lunch will be scampi and chips, followed by Bakewell tart. Don’t just keep reading about what you’re about to miss – call Sheila, the organiser, and find out how to join!

A message from Val Gibbs… our Rev. Councillor says she had a young lady call the other evening, apparently deaf, Polish and selling pictures of animals and other works of art. However, the caller was told we are a ‘no cold calling zone’, but she didn’t appear to understand. The suggestion is that you do not give this person any money and send her on her way, should she - or anyone else - call on you. This incident has been reported to the Police, who are taking it very seriously for the protection of both this young lady and ourselves.

Should a cold caller appear at your door, report the matter to the police by phoning 101 and give the time of the call and the nature of it. Above all, do not let any stranger into your property. If you have a chain on your door, put it on before opening the door. If you can have a peek before you apply the chain, make sure it is not a friend calling. This way you will avoid alienating all your friends!

The Ardingly Show is coming up… and you should book now for the Fairlight Gardening Club’s outing to this South of England Agricultural Society Three-Day Event, on Thursday, June 6. The tickets are just £25 to include coach fare, entry to show and tip for the driver, with the coach leaving the village hall at 9.30 am. This trip is open to all, and it promises to be a great day out as there is an amazing variety of attractions to see. You can either picnic or eat from the huge choice of foods on offer.

For more details, or to book, call Paul on 814154. Check the Show on the internet; it’s a massive display.

Anyone want to buy a Car Boot…? No, don’t be silly, it’s the Fairfest team’s Car Boot Sale on Sunday, June 16 on the Wood Field Recreation Ground, Commanders Walk, Fairlight from 10 am - 2pm. This is by kind permission of the Parish Council. To book a space please contact either Terry Mosley on 812144, or Jennifer Annetts on 812476 or by email to [email protected] Places are limited, so it really does make sense to ‘book early to avoid disappointment’. Car spaces are £10 each, while trailers and vans are £15. Refreshments will be available in the Activate Headquarters on the day.

An attractive outing after the summer… when Christine Jones will be taking a party to see The Magic of Christmas at the Cadogan Hall, London, on Sunday, December 8, for a 3.30 pm Matinee performance in aid of Breast Cancer Campaign. The price of a seat will be £9.75, (a full 35% group booking discount on the normal cost, which is £15) to which must be added the cost of the coach, tip, etc. The concert is to be narrated by Nigel Havers, Simon Bates and George Layton, with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Vocalist James Loynes. If interested, contact Christine Jones either by email [email protected] or call 813538.

A happy tail after all… another item from Val Gibbs, who thanks all who looked out for her neutered tom Raffles, especially those who were able to report sightings of him. Amazingly, after eight nights away, Raffles came in at 3 am one morning last week, rather thin, very hungry but otherwise well. Who remembers the old, 1893, song ‘The Cat Came Back’?

Fairlight Art Club… will be in the village hall tomorrow from 6 pm to 9 pm with their invariably excellent Annual Art Exhibition and Wine and Cheese evening. Tickets are £4 in advance (you’ll have to be quick now!) or £5 on the door, a price that includes a complimentary drink and cheese supper. Fairlight Post Office have the tickets, or ring 812587 813104 or 813833, or visit Mistral, Shepherds Way. Just Property are the sponsors of this event.

Don’t forget… the Race Night being run by our Community First Responders on Saturday, May 18 at the village hall, starting at 7.30 pm. A few tickets remain unsold and they’re available, at £6.50 each, which includes supper. They are to be found at the Post Office, or ring Liz, 813149, or Dot, 813756. The First Responders organisation is particularly strong in our village. Your support of them could ensure that they are there to support you, when you most need it.

An Exploration of Warren Glen… will take place tomorrow, from 10 am to 12 noon. It’s under the auspices of the Friends of Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve, and experts from the Friends’ Committee will be the leaders on this walk through Warren Glen to explore the history and natural history of this fascinating corner of the Country Park Nature Reserve.

A pothole worth watching… as predicted when the massive pair of holes on Waites Lane (a short distance north of the Cove pub, going down the road) were filled, there is already running water above and between the patches, moistening the debris still remaining from the winter woes. Though ground frost may not be severe for the next two or three weeks (!), these are Forth-Bridge-repainting pot holes of perpetual irritation. (Though, in fact, repainting the Forth Bridge has never had to commence as soon as the previous job was finished!)