Staplecross

I’m beginning the column this week, with a couple of items of interest for the community as a whole, via East Sussex County Council. Not in any order of importance but just as they come. To begin with E.S.C.C. is currently working with UK Power Networks (UKPN) to highlight the help that some elderly and vunerable people may need during a power cut. UKPN holds a special register of thousands of customers who would feel particularly vunerable during a power cut - such as people dependent on medical equipment or those who are blind or visually impaired. Additional support can then be provided where needed. If you feel that you may need this extra help, -or you know someone in our community who does, remembering that our parish consisting of the three villages is rather straggled and rural, then please either visit: www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority-services or telephone: 0800 169 9970 for more help and information. Another interesting item, and this is for all of our young folk,~ in view of the end of the school term that is looming ever closer and those long summer holidays that are stretching out endlessly before us, begs the question, --How are you going to fill all those days without driving the rest of your family to distraction? ~ well one way to make use of some of the time is to take part in this years “Summer Reading Challenge”. Following on from the success of last years’ event, pupils throughout East Sussex, have been invited to join in once again, and this years challenge is themed around the “Mythical Maze”. All those avid bookworms, or really any young person who just likes to read, can ‘sign up’ at any East Sussex Library and arrange to read six (6) library books during the challenge, collecting rewards along the way. So, next time, you’re close t a library, ( - or even our own Mobile Library) pop in and have a go. Last years event apparently, was quite exciting and really great fun to do, and not as easy or as nerdy as you may think!. It beats watching the T.V. when
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Jul 2014, 00:00 BST

Don’t forget, if you’re out and about this week on Tuesday July 15th to take your brolly with you. ~ Just as a precaution mind, as being as that’s St. Swithun’s Day, you don’t want to get caught out if it should rain. Better to take a brolly and wear a smug look on your face should the heavens open and a downpour ensues than look a complete drip in more ways than one.!

Excitement is certainly building up at the Staplecross Pre-School Playgroup this week. The best day is surely going to be Wednesday July 16th as not only is this the final day for the school before it too closes for their summer recess but it will also be marked by a special party to say a kind of ‘farewell’ to those wee ones who will soon be entering those magical portals of “Big School”. A selection of photo’s and a beautiful poem dedicated to those that are leaving this wonderful little Pre-School Playgroup and that brings tears to your eyes and a lump to your throat, when read, are displayed on the wall for all to see. We wish many magical moments ahead, for Daisy, Will, Oliver, Jack, Victoria, Matilda, Cicely and Rosie as they take those next precious, important steps in their lives as they continue their journey on through “Big School” onto pastures new. Sadly as a result of these little folk, leaving the Playgroup, this has resulted in a few spaces becoming available on some of the days. This is such a happy Pre-School with a very good Ofsted Report, so if you are looking for a stimulating, friendly and cared for environment with lots of 1 to 1 attention in which to place your child just give Jo - who is the Owner/ Manager- and who also works there herself - a ring on 07979~481383 she’d love to hear from you ~~

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Just as an after-thought, I spent an afternoon at the local Staplecross MC Primary School last week. I was invited by the ‘Swallows’ Reception Class and their lovely Teacher Mrs Royal, to attend a ‘Teddy Bears Picnic’ event with my Grand-Daughter,( ~ along with her little brother and of course, Grandpa,) as an additional introduction to the school when she begins there in September. This was NOT how I remembered my first introduction to school life!. There was a very informal relaxed atmosphere with children laughing and playing everywhere, some were even showing their parents how to draw & colour in. There was an area for decorating buns for the picnic but most children were just enjoying being there amongst friends.Of course there was noise and what appeared to be mayhem, but with all the happy smiley faces, who cared? After a spell outside on the schools playing field,in the glorious sunny weather, the pupils and parents -(and Grandparents) alike finished the afternoon with a lovely picnic tea with the ‘delightfully’ decorated buns as the star of the show and taking pride of place. If this is what our little ones have to look forward to as part of their foray into ‘Big School’ education,- how lucky they are and how I envy them. We are very fortunate within our parish to have two very different, but equally very special educational centres of learning, of our own.

Leaving the wee ones behind and focusing on a treat for the ‘more mature’ residents, the Staplecross Luncheon Club will once more be holding their popular monthly meeting at the Staplecross Village Hall. Taking place on Wednesday July 16th the group will meet, greet and eat at 12.30pm and will be sitting down to dine on Chicken in White Wine with seasonal vegetables and all the trimmings. This will then be followed by a sumptious trifle for dessert. This delicious fare will be prepared and cooked by our very own ‘super chef’ June, together with her fantastic band of cheerfull helpers who serve, clear and wash up ! This lovely little social group is always ready to warmly welcome new members to their ‘dining club’. The rules are few;~ you have to be of a certain age,~ which in reality is over 50 years of age!. Agree to attend each month, unless you notify them otherwise- this is to make the catering easier and to minimise food wastage and to pay a miserly sum of £5:50 per person which for a two course lunch plus tea/coffee afterwards is gourmet heaven to most of us. To book your place please ring either Anka on 830260 or Dennis on 830816. They’d love to set a place for you at their table.

Still in Staplecross, but a bit further along the road, the Staplecross Bowls Club have three fixtures arranged for this week, and for once, there are all at their home ground at the Clubhouse in Northiam Road. The first match is against Northiam and will take place on Wednesday July 16th. This will be an evening match beginning at 6pm and it must be so much more pleasant playing in the cool of an idylic English summer evening than a scorching hot afternoon. but Saturday July 19th, finds their next match beginning at 2.30pm with their opponents being Guestling, so we will see. The club finish the week with another afternoon match on Sunday July 20th also starting at 2.30pm and this time the rival team hail from Battle. Results will follow as soon as received. If you fancy becoming a member of this friendly bowls club or you’d just like to know more about what’s involved then please contact Evelyn on 01580~830107 or via [email protected] She’ll be more than happy to help or advise.

Following on from their rather extensive walking schedule of last week, due to the organisation of the ‘Marjfest’ those stalwart fellows of the footpaths, the Rother Ramblers have only one walk planned for our enjoyment this week. This walk is arranged for Sunday July 20th and is a 12 mile circular stroll via Sedlescombe and Battle with beautiful scenery to enjoy at any time of the year.All those interested in joining in on this walk should meet at Powdermill Wood car park, Powdermill Lane, Catsfield at 10.am (SatNavTN330SU) Extra care should be taken in arriving at this location as the entrance to the car park is very easily missed. A pub or picnic lunch is suggested and of course, your four footed friend can accompany you, as usual. Please telephone Bill on 01424~214372 for all further information.

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The church services for the parish of Ewhurst will commence at St. James the Great, Ewhurst Green on Sunday July 20th.Trinity 5. with a service at 9.30am which will include Holy Communion. A service at St.Giles, Bodiam will follow shortly afterwards at 11.15am which will also include Holy Communion.There will be NO SERVICE held today, at St. Mark’s church, Northiam Road, Staplecross. The Reverend Gordon Winchester will be conducting both services and if he can help with any church matter, please do contact him, either at: [email protected] or the Rectory on 01580~ 830268. He will do all he can to help and make your life a little easier.

Don’t forget to contact me if there are any events that you’d like me to help promote. This column encourages all local clubs, societies sports groups and associations as well as any projects that you may be planning, to make announcements and inform the rest of our area about your events. Hopefully this may encourage new members, or more spectators or maybe just more support, in whatever guise. Whatever you’re planning---please tell me and I’ll tell everyone else and we’ll see what happens ........ Thank you.

Anne Reed

[email protected]

Related topics:East Sussex County Council