Alfriston

HURRAH FOR SPRING: With an early Easter, chocolate egg and bunny hunts are planned in the village. The fields around are being ploughed and hedgerows are teeming with wildlife, the first butterflies have been seen and lambing season is underway. There have been some beautiful moments on the South Downs including three new Sussex Red calves born high above the village, each named after a villager, unsteady on their feet (the calves that is not the villagers) and suckling their mothers for the first time. Oh I wish I had put the newly charged battery back into the camera as I ran out of the door. Whilst on the subject of capturing beautiful moments or not in my case, it's never too late to change your future.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Mar 2016, 10:25 BST
Updated 11th Mar 2016, 10:26 BST

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ALFRISTON WI: Gillian Lloyd is going to share some of her travel and photographic experiences with the group, in a delightful talk Wild Life Begins at 50. Mrs Lloyds husband bought her a camera for her 50th birthday and she has since been around the world taking some amazing photographs. As always Non members are welcome and donations are always appreciated. Tuesday at 2pm, The Old Chapel Centre.

WALK, TALK AND SKETCH: The Old Clergy House are back to their normal opening times of five days a week, Saturday to Wednesday (closed Thursday and Friday) from this weekend (March 12). Open 10.30am to 5pm (last admission 4.30pm), normal admission charges apply. In addition you can enjoy this gem of a Wealden Hall house and the surrounding countryside whilst releasing your inner artist on a spring stroll called Walk, Talk and Sketch. Take sketching tips from artist Janie Coath as she inspires you to sketch a snapshot of the ever changing landscape. The walk takes place on Tuesday March 22 between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Costs £10. Please book or find out more on 01323 871961. If you are starting to think about Easter plans The Cadbury sponsored Easter Trail, a fun search for bunnies around the garden, runs from March 25 to April 3 during normal opening hours. Normal Admission fees apply and there is a £1.50 charge per trail. Please see the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/alfriston for further details.

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PERFORM A RADIO PLAY: At Much Ado Books, March 19 if you are aged between 9 and 14 years WordPlay will challenge you to script, perform and broadcast your very own radio play from this fabulous bookshop’s barn. If you love writing or have always wanted to get on the radio, this is the place for you. £10, 10am to noon. Light refreshments included. Adults do not be disappointed the evening workshop on the same day between 7pm and 9pm is for you to get those writing caps on, sharpen those pencils and tune those vocal cords. Wine and tasty cake is included in your evening. £17.50 each or £30 a pair. Secure your tickets by visiting Much Ado, 8 West Street or purchase online http://www.wordplayeducation.co.uk/events/

SHAKESPEARE: Its 400 years since Shakespeare’s death. Two plays will be performed at The Old Chapel Centre, Alfriston. Saturday May 14, The Festival Players Co present Hamlet. Friday July 22, The GB Theatre Company presents Romeo and Juliet. Tickets are £16.50 each show and can be obtained by telephone from 01323 841414, in person from Chestnuts Tea Rooms or for more details www.spyboy.co.uk

MUCH ADO: About Jacqueline Wilson. Dame Jacqueline Wilson will be reading from her new book Rent a Bridesmaid a fabulous, funny and moving story about the power of friendship. She will also be signing books and answering questions from fans. Join her and Much Ado Books at Deans Place Hotel. Parking is available. Tuesday May 17. Doors open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start. Tickets are £10 and include £5 off a copy of Rent a Bridesmaid (available on the night). Juice and biscuits will be served. Tickets available at Much Ado or on-line http://www.muchadobooks.com/jacqueline-wilson.php

MUSIC AT THE STAR INN: Kindred Spirits, Alfriston’s own band played to a packed Star Inn on Friday, March 4. Popular and classic Rock and Pop hits were covered and well received by a very enthusiastic local crowd. The Star have a full gig listing for March and April including: Irish Band Tripping Upstairs playing on March 18, St Patrick’s weekend. April gig listings will be available here soon.

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FLEUR DE PARIS: Alfriston War Memorial Hall, Saturday March 19, doors open 6.30pm for 7pm. An evening of French Chansons with Lo Polidoro. French wine and bar snacks will be provided by the twinning group. Tickets £12 on the door or to reserve please email [email protected]

DATES FOR THE WEEKEND: The village will be well fed this weekend and aiding good causes. Tomorrow, Saturday, 10am to 2pm historical society with tea and tables. If you would like to explore your love of history, why not pop along to meet the Alfriston and Cuckmere Valley Historical Society tomorrow? They will be providing visitors to St Andrews Church with tea and cake in aid of St Andrews Restoration. You will be able to join the society or renew your membership, view some of the society archives or take a guided tour of this beautiful church with Kevin Gordon. Tours take place at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm.

Or why not test your little grey cells tomorrow (Saturday) at the Alfriston Cricket Club Quiz Night in the War Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. Food is included in the ticket price £5. The club always welcomes new members. Contact Barbara Harmer 870270 for tickets.

Sunday, 11am to 3pm Soup For Syria. Enjoy some gorgeous soup, get inspired by the fund-raising cookbook Soup for Syria and hear first-hand experiences about conditions in the refugee camp in Calais. Much Ado Books, 8 West Street. £10 donation suggested. Every penny will go to Refugee Community Kitchen.

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Sunday, homemade lunch for all villagers in the War Memorial Hall at 12.30pm. Steak and mushroom pie, mashed potato, roast parsnips and beans, followed by chocolate mousse and coffee (vegetarian option available) £7.50pp. All proceeds to the local branch of Family Support Work.

A FINAL WORD: As you wander across the fields enjoy the views and the new life around. If your dog is with you and there is livestock, clip on a lead, there may be pregnant ewes, sheep will abort if worried. If you see a ewe on its back, stop and roll it over so it can get back up, they roll onto their backs to scratch but because of their pregnancy and four stomachs cannot roll back over, if left they will die. Lastly give cows a wide berth, new mothers especially can be a little temperamental and will charge, even the beautiful and normally docile Sussex Reds. If you are in the unfortunate position of being charged and have a dog with you drop the lead and run, the dog will always run faster than you from danger. Most importantly take your camera and capture those views. The village website and facebook page has some lovely pictures www.alfriston-village.co.uk

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Related topics:LloydsSpringSouth Downs