Northiam

St Francis Fields: Well, the vote has been taken, and the village is going to try to purchase the Blue Cross land. I know a lot of people have been concerned about this, and the speed with which events unfolded, but I understand that events rather took over.
Northiam newsNorthiam news
Northiam news

Negotiations over the possibility of obtaining a government loan were taking place, when it became apparent that this could not be granted unless the means to pay off the interest were in place. And, needless to say, it would not be possible to bid for the site without funds being available.

With a deadline for setting the Council Tax approaching, our Parish Council leafleted every house to ensure that every household had a vote in the decision. The vote was carried by a narrow margin.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As I see it, if we are successful, this gives us a breathing space to decide the future of the land. If we fail, then a mass of ticky-tacky housing is likely to be foisted on us at some point in the near future.

I’m sure we all have differing views on how to continue, but I think our Parish Council should be congratulated on taking steps to endeavour that the decision should be ours, not a property developer’s. Now all we have to do is see if we can get the loan, find out how much the site is worth and see what can be done!

Village Coffee: The monthly coffee morning in the Village Hall will be today, Friday, 9.30-11.30am.

Conservative Association: Bexhill & Battle Conservative Association, Rother Levels Branch will be holding their AGM on Saturday 25th February in the Jenkins Room at 10.30am. Huw Merriman, our MP, will be speaking at the AGM and will be available to chat with constituents afterwards

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Race Night: If you fancy a little flutter, come along to Northiam Bonfire Society’s Race Night in the Rose & Crown in Beckley on Saturday evening, when you can enjoy races on the big screen. Horses are on sale at £4 standing to win £30, and bets are 50p. The horses for the final race will be auctioned beforehand, with the final prize of £120. Prizes have been generously donated by local businesses. Under starter’s orders from 7pm, but pop in when you can!

Footpath Walk: For a lovely 5 mile walk on Sunday, join the Footpath Group at 1.30pm in Northiam surgery car park, or 1.50pm at Sandhurst Church for a circular walk.

Budgerigar Society: The Jenkins Room at 7.30pm on Monday is where fans of our feathered friends will gather for their monthly meeting.

Shrove Tuesday: Don’t forget to make your pancakes on Tuesday and decide if there’s anything you should be giving up – or taking up - for Lent.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Hist & Lit: David Langworthy will be speaking to the Historical and Literary Society on Tuesday evening, from 7.30pm in the Village Hall. His topic is Bodiam Castle – a look back in time, which should enhance our enjoyment of this local historical treasure.

Coffee & Chat: Each Wednesday morning there is Coffee Stop in the Church Centre – just an opportunity to stop and chat over a cuppa. All very welcome.

WI: Northiam Women’s Institute meets on Wednesday at 2pm in the Jenkins Room of the Village Hall. This month they will be welcoming Sarah Oldridge who will be giving a talk entitled Through the seasons at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew which will be good timing as Spring is definitely on its way. The competition will be My favourite flower, which can be a painting or drawing, a photograph or an actual flower.

Lent Course: There will be two chances to join in this year’s Lent course – in the Church Centre on Wednesdays at 2pm and 7.30pm, starting this week. This will take the form of an overview of the whole Bible, which has been called the unread best seller! I think A Brief History of Time may well be challenging that title these days! This course has been written by a team within our Diocese as we celebrate the Year of the Bible. Everyone is very welcome.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

Hort Soc: After you have attended the Horticultural Society’s next lecture on 3rd March in the Village Hall at 2.30pm entitled “Camera in Hand, Picture in Mind” by Melvyn Smith, you will be able to impress your family and friends with your new found knowledge and photographic ability. Go out into the countryside and villages so that you can take prize winning photos for the Spring Show on Saturday, 8th April. If your skills lie in other directions, take a look at all the other categories and see what might inspire you. Schedules for the Society’s shows can be obtained from the membership secretary, Mrs Joan Davis 253458.

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

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.ryeandbattleobserver.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RyeandBattleObserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @RyeObs

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Rye and Battle Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics: