Catsfield

Vanessa writes: Should anyone have any donations for the Fete, i.e. tombola prizes, bottles, bric-a-brac, books etc, these can be dropped off at the playing field on Monday 28th July, between 4.30pm and 7.30pm. Alternatively please contact Vanessa on 844363/07972360135 to arrange collection. Any donation will be gratefully received.

Schedules for the Flower Show in the marquee are still available in the Village Store and there is time to pick up one and get cracking on your entries. Don’t forget that entry forms and money must be handed to a committee member (as listed on the schedule) by Wednesday 30th July. There are many varied classes to suit all ages - gardening, cookery, flower arranging, photography and handicrafts. It’s great fun competing and a lovely surprise if you win, so please have a go and support this great traditional village event.

This weekend is Crowhurst’s commemoration of WWl, centred in and around St George’s Church. It begins this evening with a talk on WWl war poets and starts at 7.30pm, all are welcome.

Recently at St. Laurence’s Church a selection of children from all the classes at Catsfield School came to a special service to present to the congregation the results of the extensive research they had carried out into the First World War. They related how the war had started, how it is commemorated and the significance of the poppy. We heard what it must have been like to be in the trenches with a vividly imagined diary of a soldier.

Posters were exhibited to show the work of animals during the War. They also discovered the names of Catsfield families who lost members during the conflict and Mrs Clark (the Head) found the graves of some of them in France and these were matched to the names on our war memorial. Some of the younger children had made their version of such a memorial which was proudly exhibited. They had also brought with them an excellent display of their written and drawn work, which was a great attraction after the service.

These last words summed up a moving and confident presentation.

‘Many were killed. Even more suffered injuries that changed their lives. Families lost sons, brothers, fathers, uncles. It made people very sad. Learning about WW1 and Remembrance is a time to be sad, but it is also a time of hope. The hope of a better, more peaceful world for everyone.’

Once again we managed to get a cricket match played at home despite the threat of storms, although it was extremely hot on Sunday and very uncomfortable for all concerned. Catsfield batted first and finished at tea with 198 for 5, with Andy Williams top scorer with 49 not out, followed by Derek Fuller 36, James Wilson 27 and Martin Gurr an explosive 20 caught out. Ann and Chris did the teas together unsure until the last minute whether they would be needed. However, all was well and Crowhurst went out to complete their innings getting 128 for 9, so a draw was declared. Nick Gurr bowled well with figures of 2 for 18, Derek Longley 3 for 22 and Andy Williams 2 for 17. Wicket keeper James Wilson took some good catches. Mike Davey was glad to get a game, although his batting skills were unfortunately not required. This Sunday we play Ashburnham away and perhaps we can all go to The Ash for a drink afterwards.

WI ladies will be in evidence at the fete serving the teas and generally taking part in all events, perhaps not “beat the goalie”, but we will be there!

The East Sussex County Council’s Mobile Library will be making its fortnightly visit to Catsfield and will be parked in the usual place outside the Village Hall on Wednesday 30th July from 3.45pm – 4.45pm.

Jill Jarrett

Broadview, Bexhill