Ninfield

Saturday; all bunting and tents up by 9 o’clock - and the village was ready: ‘Crowns’ and ‘90’s peeped out of gardens, trees and landmarks, waiting to be discovered; while coffee brewed in Village halls as beautifully costumed ladies and gentlemen bedecked the Reading Room with 1926 memorabilia and history. The sun came out, people came out and suddenly it was lunchtime; Cricketers then came out to play, and Cream Teas were served throughout the afternoon from a warm, welcoming Methodist Church, whose birthday it also was; children had painted faces and arms, Scouts ‘Splatted Rats’ and people sat, smiling, tranquil and calm. Then, 4pm, the forecast for drizzle was pointedly accurate; Treasure hunters filed up with forms filled in, then away to regroup for the evening; a walk, light the Beacon and down for a dance at the Wriggly Tin; BBq, banter; then back home to bed... As; Sunday, another early start...Teddy Bears from every corner, waking their owners and packing up hampers; off to the woods for a BBq breakfast, cooking on open fires armed with brollies and wellies.Thank you to Radio 2..Clare Balding, the Star.. so Teddies, and children, came from near and far; then to a service of thanksgiving and birthday celebrations in that warm, welcoming Church, united, complete. Away in another Hall, manic preparation, tables and chairs for the party of all parties; 135 ladies and gents, for Afternoon Tea, Cabaret and Champagne; Sandwiches, gateaux and cup cakes arriving on trays, in boxes and from plastic bags. Table cloths ironed, union jack napkins; the Revue Cast rehearsing - still laughing at lines; everything ready, running like clockwork with teams of young Cubs helping serve up the treats. Songs, sketches, comedy- laughter, applause; the Birthday Toast, raffle and then..it was done. Last, but not least, the Walk of the Year to an underground place that’s been hidden for years. The Royal Observer Corps posts at the Reservoir site.. who knew what history lurked in our midst. Thank you, Robin G. of the Village Society, for persuading the S.E Water folk, and thereby creating that final piece of history. Now the bunting is down; the drear, dree and dreich rolled in for the night; and the village is quiet.. What a weekend! Thank you to - The Village Society for Woods BBQ, Walks, Radio 2 Alerts and the eventual re-creation of the Queen Commemorative Garden; to the Local History Group for the delightful Exhibition; to The Bonfire and Carnival Committees for stirling, and constant, work to make so much happen; to Deja Revue for taking the trip from Brighton to entertain in such style; the Horti Society; and the Flower Group for their beautiful display; to the Scouts for their smiling helpers and to Paul and Bet Burson- the wonderful team at that warm, welcoming Methodist Church. A thank you to a young man called Paul Janes who showed people round the Royal Observer Corps site. And of course, all volunteers and cake makers...where would Ninfield be without you! And to Cohort/co-co-ordinator Carol...Cheers m’dear...and, wouldn’t it be fun if..??!! Another chapter of Ninfield History for the archives..!.

Ninfield Bowls Club: Match results to follow, from Carole and her ipad-thingy, which she’s been stuck with since the lightening strikes last week! So- June 8th- Ninfield 58 Mayfield 70; June 11th - Ninfield 44 Hellingly 36, the match was stopped after tea due to heavy rain. June 12th - Ninfield against Beckley was cancelled; again due to torrential rain. The Pairs results from last week - the names of those that got through the quarter finals were Carole Lawrence (well done!) and Don Burton, Dennis Downes and Junita Bell, Jackie Richards and Geoff Groves, Val Smith and Chris Haffenden. The Semi- Finals are to be played on 5th July. Well Done and Good Luck!

Ninfield Carnival Association: At the meeting on the 8th June, more details were finalised for the main event on the Friday and Saturday- July 15th and 16th.The Committee are thrilled that the Great Ninfield Bake-off event will be making a welcome return; Thank you Heather!!, so the smaller Marquee will now have it’s own attraction plus the Horti Society and some small craft stalls throughout the Saturday afternoon, while the main Marquee will have the Bar, Afternoon Tea area, Raffle stand and the Flower Group Display. After the Procession comes in; in the Arena there will be the Ninfield School Singers, then Dog Show followed by a Dog Agility competition, and the main crowd pleaser will be the Tractor Pull; with teams of strong young people competing for the Challenge Trophy. Also on site will be a large selection of inflatable games and courses, the fairground rides, and the miniature train. The big announcement is that the 1st Ninfield Scout Group have accepted the invitation to take on the Boot Fair on the field that day! The Carnival Assoc. heard the Scouts were raising money for some of the Explorers to go and do the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, and so asked if they would like the opportunity of the Carnival for extra fundraising. It should be a good day! If you would like to get involved with the Carnival, please come to the next meeting on the 29th June at 8.30pm in the Working Men’s Club or call me on the contacts below!

Hooe Open Group: From Edna Wallis.. This lovely group of lively Ladies is now entering it’s 10th year, and marvelling at how time has flown.They originally got together from the remaining members of the Hooe W.I, and this year they are sure to surpass 50 in their membership. To become a member it’s only £10 a year, so If you would like to find out more, either go along on the second Friday of each month to the Village Hall, Hooe,( except August) or call Edna on 01424 84591, you’ll be warmly welcomed!

Methodist Church: Sunday 19th June 10.30am -Service of Praise and Communion with Revd. Roger Leslie.

Parish Church: St Mary’s Ninfield- Sunday 19th June 9.30am Family Service; St Oswalds Hooe 11.15am Parish Eucharist.

Defibrillators: These can be found on the main entrance wall of the Kings Arms PH Ninfield. and the Red Lion PH Hooe.

Keep in Touch!: If you have an occasion or event you would like to mention, or a funny story or review you’d like to share, please get in touch; it’s great to hear from you! Call me on 893699, 7970650321 or email [email protected]. Thanks!

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