Staplecross

EAST SUSSEX LIBRARY SERVICES- notices have come along regarding the proposed changes to the library opening times, and whilst we are - at the moment - in the privileged position of enjoying the superb services of the MOBILE LIBRARY , many residents still make use of the Public Libraries in our local high streets and it is to them that this information is directed. From Monday November 28th 2017 the opening times of all libraries throughout East Sussex will be changed. Our nearest branches are; Battle, Bexhill and Rye and to check up on the opening times of the library you frequent, please contact 0456~080195 or eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries.

EWHURST & STAPLECROSS BONFIRE SOCIETY -- The annual Torchlight Procession & Firework Display will be arriving in Staplecross on Saturday October 26th from 5.0pm - that’s TOMORROW - onwards for the long and eagerly awaited celebrations. The members of this superb group would like to make you all aware of the various activities that will be occurring throughout the evening, and whilst definitely encouraging one & all to come along and join in these celebrations, they wish to draw your attention to the following information, in regard to these activities.

“ We (ESBS) pride ourselves on the family-friendly nature of our event – but it is nevertheless a traditional Sussex torch-lit procession and firework display – by its nature, it is loud, noisy, and can be frightening if you are not used to it. This is a traditional Sussex bonfire celebration and although we encourage family participation, you should expect loud and sudden noises, & bright explosions. -You may consider that it is not suitable for babies and young children to be present. -Please stay behind any barriers – these have been erected for your safety. -Comply with any instructions given by you by the Chief Marshal or Safety Officer and their team of marshals, who will be wearing high-visibility jackets. -Only members of Bonfire Societies, or those who have entered the Fancy Dress Competition, may march in the procession. -Lighted torches are only to be carried by members of Bonfire Societies in the procession who are at least 12 years of age. All members of bonfire societies aged 12 to 15 years carrying a lighted torch must be accompanied by an adult. No members of the public are permitted to handle torches. -Keep a safe distance from the procession and flaming torches. Discarded torches and flares remain very hot and should not be handled. -Discharging fireworks on a public highway is a criminal offence. -We thank you for you cooperation and hope you have an enjoyable and safe evening.

Finally, we remind you that you are choosing to attend our event at your own risk – we will not accept responsibility for any personal injury, loss or damage to property.

Admission to the Bonfire field arena is £1:00 per person.

Timings

5:30 - Fancy dress competitors enter for judging

6:00 - Judging of the fancy dress competition

7:00 - Procession forms up outside the Cross Inn

7:15 sharp - TORCHLIT PROCESSION moves off from Staplecross to Cripps Corner, then back to the bonfire field

8:30 - Lighting of the GIANT BONFIRE

GRAND FIREWORK DISPLAY commences at 9.00pm

The main roads through Staplecross are closed from 7:00 – 10:00 PM. If you are planning to park in or around the village, we strongly recommend that you arrive by 6:00PM at the latest. If you park in the Village Hall car park, Cricketers Field or Forge Lane, you should be aware that you will not be able to leave the area in your vehicle until the road closure is lifted (which may not be until 10pm) to allow pedestrians to leave the area in safety. Please do not park on the road. Free parking is available next to the Cross Inn (no overnight parking permitted)

This celebratory event has always been a noisy, exciting, magical and fun-filled evening for all who participate in it and if everyone just observes these simple and basic rules of common sense and safety, it will continue to be known as “The Best Village Bonfire”.

ROTHER RAMBLERS: Two more walks for our enjoyment his weeks and the first is an 8 mile circular meander of Crowhurst - via the new footpath on the Coombe Valley Way - AKA “ The Bexhill-Hastings Link Road!. Planned to take place on Saturday October 29th the meeting point is at Sidley car park, Ninfield Road, Sidley OS EXP124. TQ792. (SatNav TN39 5BB) at 10.00am. As usual, a picnic lunch is suggested. Alison and Perry are to be your ‘walk leaders’ for this outing and you may contact them on: 07969~025507 for further information. Walk no: 2 is of 8.5 miles in length and is arranged for Wednesday November 2nd. This walk is a delightful circular from Poundgate, going south-eastwards !. The meeting place is in the lay-by opposite the “Crow & Gate” pub on the A26, south of Crowborough. OS EXP135. TQ494288. (SatNav TN6 3TA) at 10.00am.and again a picnic lunch is suggested. Martin will be the ‘walk leader’ on this occasion and you may contact him on: 01424~752793 for all further details. The autumn colours of our beautiful countryside, should be glorious and a pure delight at this time of the year. Not a walk, I know, but a mention and an invite to the Rother Ramblers AGM which will take place on Saturday November 5th at 2.00pm at Robertsbridge Community Hall, Station Road, Robertsbridge, TN32 5DA. The usual mix of business, competitions, social interaction and of course, CAKES ! All will be made welcome.

STAPLECROSS WOMEN’S INSTITUTE: It’s that time of the year again, when clubs, societies and various social groups collect together to hold their AGM. Our own village group of W.I. ladies are no exception and this Tuesday November 1st the members will all be making their way to St. Mark’s church room, Northiam Road, Staplecross for their own AGM. Commencing at 2.30pm. the ladies will elect their new committee for 2016/2017 - deal with the usual W.I. business and then get down to the much more exciting and interesting time of socialising amongst friends and like minded ladies. Add to that the well known W.I. tea and you have all the ingredients for another very pleasant afternoon. Don’t let the letters A.G.M. put you off -- come along and join in, you’ll be very warmly welcomed.

THE CASTLE INN, BODIAM: Last year, the staff at this very friendly, therefore, very well known pub, arranged a FREE event when they made lanterns. It was such fun, and such a success that they are repeating it this year. This fun-filled, messy but so delightful event will take place on Saturday November 5th local village school, - Staplecross M.C. Primary school between 11.00am and 3.00pm. Here in the classroom/hall you will learn to make lanterns to be lit (safely by clever little battery lights) which will be carried in the traditional Bodiam Lantern Parade, around Bodiam Castle, and which culminates at the Castle Inn Bonfire and Fireworks on Friday November 11th. from 6.30pm. All ages are welcome, especially children. On the night of the bonfire, the Lantern Parade meets at approximately 5.30pm - 5.45pm at the back entrance to Bodiam Castle and will then march around the Castle with drummers and ‘the Guy’, back to the Castle Inn, for the long awaited lighting of the bonfire leading to the fantastic firework display. Another great night out for all the family.

CHURCH SERVICES: Church services for the parish of Ewhurst will commence at St, James the Great, Ewhurst Green on Sunday October 30th. 4th Before Advent. at 9.30am. This service will include Holy Communion. A Service will follow directly afterwards at St. Giles church, Bodiam at 11.15 am. This service will also include Holy Communion. There will be NO SERVICE at St. Mark’s church, Staplecross today and if there is any church matter on which you feel you may need further assistance, or guidance,- baptisms, weddings or sadly funerals; - then do please get in touch. You may contact either of the churchwardens ~ Graham Peters -on [email protected] and telephone no: 01580~830203 for Bodiam church matters and for Ewhurst Parish church matters, please contact Jo Goodwin-on [email protected] and telephone no: 01580~830601. Help in some form or another, is always at hand, so do please contact them.

PLEASE CONTACT ME: If you are arranging an event in the near future, --- however large or small and you’d like some extra coverage for it, then please get in touch. If it’s of interest to you, - it’s of interest to us. It’s never too early to send in your details and to tell us what you are planning, so please do contact me, as I’d love to hear from you and to help ‘spread the word’ on your behalf.........Thank You.

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