PAT and Sally Martin are very good to many people, including me. Thanks to their invitation, I was able to enjoy a happy couple of hours at school earlier in the week, at a Conker Competition organised by Pat.

All praise to Marian Ham for allowing the event to take place. I won't get any dissenters when I say she's probably the best head teacher anywhere, anytime, and she did not allow the spectre of health and safety to spoil a time-honoured children's pastime.

I wish you could all have witnessed the absorption on the faces of the protagonists as they squared up to their opponents, the laughter when it all went a bit wrong and the delight when a hit was actually scored. I don't think the latter happened very often.

Lots of other things were hit but everyone survived so yaboo to all those who want to stop children doing anything that has the slightest hazard involved. It was a pity more parents, who were invited, didn't go along and join in the fun. There were precisely two present.

Pat had prepared a considerable supply of conkers on strings and provided cups to be won. I'm not sure how the winners were going to be decided but that wasn't really the point. It was to see children thoroughly involving themselves in a simple pleasure.

IT'S the adults' turn to enjoy themselves tomorrow (Saturday) evening in the hall at a Table Quiz in aid of the Sports Pavilion. If you haven't registered a team with Ralph and Jean (870 223) or Reg and Pauline(870 258) you can do so now or simply turn up on the night. The cost is £4 per person which includes refreshments of tea or coffee with cake (take along your own booze and nibbles if you wish). We need to have a good crowd to create the right atmosphere.

FUNDS for the building were increased again over the weekend when the book sale took place in the pub. On grandma duties, I wasn't able to be there, which I regretted as I'm always looking out for reading matter but Judy says the occasion proved to be popular, raising £70. Judy thanks Eve and Barry Bradbury, Bob Harris and Ralph Dellow 'for their unstinting commitment to the cause'.

THE Pavilion committee is certainly industrious. There are two more events planned for November. The first, on November 5, is a reprise of the firework display which took place in the garden of the Queen's Head last year. The pub will be serving traditional bonfire night food (I'm not sure what traditional refers to in this context. Roast guy and fried fawkes?). Grant has agreed to a bucket collection for the pavilion and there will be a raffle and book sale. Please put the date in your diary - time to be confirmed. Those, like me, who live close to the pub can have a grandstand view from the bedroom window.

The second event is a Fashion Show by Catwalk Connections on Friday, November 14, in the hall. All ladies in the village and beyond are invited to this exclusive fun evening. Please pick up a flyer or see local posters for more details. Tickets are £8 each and can be bought at the shop. It includes entrance to the show, refreshments, finger buffet and a beauty goody bag for each guest. Doors open at 7pm, show starts 7.30pm. You will be able to try things on and buy at the end of the evening but the main aim is for an enjoyable evening with friends and of course more funds for the pavilion. I see it's got its roof on now.

THE Etchingham Military and Aviation Preservation Group is using Sedlescombe village hall on Saturday, November 8, to mount an exhibition of military exhibits, 'Lest we forget'. The collection will include uniforms, badges, medals, weapons and pictures mainly associated with south east England. There will be many home front items including wartime vehicles and mementos of aviation, home guard, ARP etc.
Admission is £2 for adults, accompanied children free, and the show runs between 10am and 4pm, sponsored by Bracons of Etchingham.

SALLY Cotton's book 'More Cotton Reels' mentioned a couple of weeks again in the column, is now available. This would be a good Christmas gift for current or former Sedlescombe residents. See page 20 for review.

A COUPLE of reminders - flu jabs are available at the surgery at two more open sessions, October 22 and November 5, 9.30am-11.30am.

And electric blanket testing takes place in Battle Memorial Hall on Friday, October 31, 10am-3pm.

Here you do need to make an appointment by ringing Maggie Cornish on 01424 457 129. Other agencies designed to help older people will also be represented in the hall.

THE Sedlescombe and District Flower Club is having an Open Evening on November 12 in the hall, 7pm for 7.30pm. There will be a demonstration - 'Christmas' - by Mig Kempton and refreshments, sales table and raffle.

Tickets are £5 and can be obtained from Ann Hodge on 01424 871 051.

TOMORROW week (October 25), the Friends of the Parish Church are holding their jumble sale in the hall from 2pm. There are always amazing bargains so do go along and support the group.