Northiam

Horticultural Society: The Horticultural Society’s Summer Event is in the Village Hall this evening (Friday 24th) from 7pm. There are only four classes, which makes it a lot easier, so do see if you can have a go – a floral ring, miniature exhibit not to exceed 4” x 4” x 4”, the cycle of the rose, a container of one variety of annuals and a photograph of foliage. With wine, nibbles and quizzes to do, it’s a great evening for anyone interested in gardening. You don’t have to be a member to take part.

Talk & Paintings: Also on Friday evening, at 7.30pm in St Peter’s Church, Newenden, there will be a talk and refreshments (£5 on the door) in support of the Samuel Bishop Foundation Trust. Jillian Eldridge’s paintings explore the migration from local villages, including Northiam, to Australia. The exhibition continues through the weekend: 11am - 4pm.

Blue Cross: For the third weekend in a row we have an event for the whole family – this Sunday , The Blue Cross hold their Summer Fete and Fun Dog Show including the 2016 Annual Blue Cross Young Artist Competition. Events include the Fun Dog Show, with registration from 9.30am, Dog Agility, live entertainment, local craft and trade stalls, raffle, local free range BBQ provided by Charley and Nick’s Real Food and much more from 10am-4pm

Footpath Walk: Meet in Northiam Surgery car park at 1.30pm on Sunday to join the Footpath Group in a 5 mile walk from Hawkhurst – Heading out of Highgate. If you would like to have companionship on your walk, or would enjoy someone else leading the way, why not join in? Call Sue or Michael (253428) to find out more about the Footpath Group.

Budgerigar Society: If feathered friends are your interest, then join in the Budgerigar Society in the Jenkins Room from 7pm on Monday.

Coffee Stop: Call into the Church Centre on Wednesday mornings for coffee and a chat at Coffee Stop, between 10 and 12 noon. Lace Group meets in the Jenkins Room at 2pm.

Thursday Seniors: Thursday Seniors’ Club meets every Thursday in Northiam Village Hall from 10.30am until 2.30pm. All pensioners are welcome, and free door to door transport can be arranged for anyone in Northiam, Beckley, Peasmarsh and Broad Oak if you are on the Rye Community Bus route. The cost is £7 and includes welcome tea/coffee, a freshly cooked 2 course meal, extend chair exercises and a talk/entertainment. Call Joan 252568, Jane 252973 or Linda 252283 to find out more as a member or a helper. This week, the Citizens’ Advice Bureau will also be available between 10-12.

Chitiwiri: A spectacular £985 was raised at Forge House on Saturday for the projects in Chitiwiri in Malawi. Sally and Richard, ably supported by Roz, Tim, Jean, Alison and Terry, had a busy day selling all the amazing things which people donated. What a great team! Thanks to everyone who came along and opened their wallets! If you still have the bric-a-brac bug, they will be running a table at the Village Fair on 6th August, so make sure you visit them there.

Thank You: It has been a fantastic few weeks in the life of the village, with the excellent Dance and parishioners’ barbeque celebrating the Queen’s birthday, the Midsummer Festival, The Chitiwiri Sale, and this weekend the Blue Cross Fete. Thank you so much to all the people who work so hard to put on these events, and to everyone who makes the effort to support them – it’s great to have an excuse to meet up with friends, and especially with people we haven’t seen for a while.

Church Services (26th): St Mary’s: 8am Holy Communion, 10.30am Morning Praise. St Teresa’s: 9am Mass

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