Ninfield and Hooe

SO V.VOICE 4: Thanks to those who have contacted over the last few weeks, and to the readers of the Bexhill Observer, Hello. It’s good to be back. We, in Ninfield and Hooe, feel a strong link to both Battle and Bexhill due to the geographical shape of our combined villages; the hitch-hiking Thumb print from Wealden into Rother. And the cross border support for gatherings and events is mutual and robust. In the list below, there will be some reminders again, with the hope that even more people will come and join some of the events coming up.

JUMBLE SALE: 1st Ninfield Scout Group Jumble Sale tomorrow, Saturday, at Ninfield Memorial Hall. If you have any jumble you want to donate, please take it up to the hall tonight (Friday) after 6.30pm or in the morning from 8.30am. Doors open at 2pm, and there will be light refreshments available, and also a raffle. All profits go to help keep this fantastic Scout group up and running, and be the best it can be.

INDOOR BOOT FAIR: Sunday February 7, sellers 8am, buyers 9am to noon. Tables are £7 each and to book please phone Adrian Dommersen on 01424 892428. This is a fundraiser for the hall and it is hoped that it will be as well attended as the last one in the autumn. All profits are going towards the ongoing refurbishment to the stage area, with the floor being sanded and treated, new sound boarding, new tracking and front of house curtains. The work will start in half term week and will be costing approx. £3,500, and although a lot has been raised by events just before Christmas, there is more to find, so any help and/or donations are very welcome.

NINFIELD PARISH COUNCIL: There is a meeting on Thursday at 7.15pm in the Methodist Hall, Church Lane where a packed agenda will be discussed. There is a lot going on in the Parish, and there will be updates on things that have been hot topics for some months. There is the chance to hear from our District Councillor, Pam Doodes and also from East Sussex County Councillors Bill Bentley and Lawrence Keeley. Rod Ffoulkes from Neighbourhood Watch, gives the reports from the Police and the PCSOs, as well as NHW. The financial report will show how the parish precept will affect council tax bills, and there will also be updates from Ninfield Primary School and Headstart. It is an interesting evening, full of lively discussion and debate and, honestly, quite fun. Please take the time to come and find out more about what goes on in Ninfield. For more information, please look at the agendas on the noticeboards, or on the website, call the Clerk to the Council, Jackie Scarff, on 07725843505, or email [email protected].

CARNIVAL COMMITTEE: I feel as if we’re counting down to the big Wednesday, February 10. Please come along to this meeting and have your input on what, when, where and how the next events happen. There is the Pram Race on the first Bank Holiday in May, The Carnival in July, with the Queen and her Court to be found, and much more yet to be decided. Then there’s HM Queen’s Birthday Celebrations, and maybe another Halloween Ball? Volunteers are embraced with enthusiasm and any offers of sponsorship/raffle prizes gratefully received. Look forward to seeing hoards of you there. Working Men’s club 8.30pm, don’t forget.

SENLAC BELLS: Many thanks to Alan Collings for the following information: The Handbell ringing group, Senlac Bells, was formed some 10 years ago to ring popular and traditional music using a 61, 5 octave, set of English Hand Bells. They have just completed their busy Christmas ringing season by playing Carols at the De La Warr Pavilion prior to the Saturday performances of A Christmas Carol. The team is now preparing for its spring/summer season, with several exciting new pieces of music being rehearsed to expand further the group’s extensive repertoire. They rehearse in Hooe every Monday evening. The Senlac Bells currently have some vacancies within the team for new ringers. An ability to read music is useful but not essential, but being able to count to four, with a sense rhythm and humour are most helpful. If anyone would like to consider joining the team, or just go and see how they rehearse, please contact Alan Collings, who is the team director on 01424 893313.

CAFÉ CHURCH: Ninfield Methodist Church has its next Café Church with breakfast on Sunday February 7 from 10.30am to 11.30am. The minister, the Reverend Tricia Williams, will be leading the time together and the church looks forward to welcoming anyone from the village including families. In addition to breakfast the café-time will include activities for young people. We look forward to seeing you.

DEFIBRILLATORS: As usual, here are the details for where these invaluable pieces of first aid are situated, giving 24/7 help and aid when needed. Ninfield, Kings Arms PH; Hooe, Red Lion PH.

KEEP IN TOUCH: Please call me, Sami Guard on 893699, or 07970650321 email [email protected]. It would be good to have some more bits and bobs for the beginning of February’s column.

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