AT THIS time of year our thoughts are focussed on remembrance. It is a particularly poignant time for me because John died on November 11, a date that resonates for most for one reason or another.

The Remembrance Sunday service in the Parish Church is on Sunday at 9.30 am this year (an earlier time than usual) when they will be joined by members of the Chapel Hill United Reformed Church.

TOMORROW (Saturday) in the hall, at a Memories of Wartime exhibition, 10am-4pm, we will again be reminded, 'lest we forget', of two great wars. Exhibits will include uniforms, badges, medals, weapons, pictures of the periods.

The mementos will mainly be associated with south east England and will include wartime vehicles, aviation, Home Guard and ARP memorabilia.

Admission is £2 for adults, accompanied children free, and refreshments will be available.

The Royal British Legion will be present at the show which is being masterminded by the Etchingham Military and Aviation Preservation Group and sponsored by Bracons of Etchingham.

TO LIGHTEN a sombre weekend Roselands is having a 'Sing-a-Long' tomorrow (Saturday) from 7.30pm to 9 pm. There is a light buffet included in the 50p entrance fee. Please ring Maureen on 01424 871 160 to book a place.

AT ITS annual meeting last week the Sedlescombe Societies' Association made a decision to amalgamate the 2009 Fayre with the Garden Society's Summer Flower Show.

Traditionally these two events took place together on the sports field on the last Saturday in July.

It was only when the cost of the giant marquee became prohibitive and the new village hall came onstream that things changed. For 2009 at least we are reverting to the old format so those who may have entered the June date in your diary please amend it to July 25, 2009.

The committee was pleased to respond to a number of requests for funds from the profit of this year's fayre.

Among those benefiting are the Thursday Club, Pre-School and sports pavilion fund which has been given another generous donation.

The SSA has been very supportive of the pavilion fund and it is with great pleasure that those of us involved in the running of the Fayre are able to hand over money to this and other worthy causes.

Fund raising for the pavilion continues via other routes and the Fashion Show on Friday, November 14, will not only enjoyable but good value for money. For the modest outlay of £8 you can enjoy the show, have a drink and refreshments before it starts, a chance to win a raffle prize from one of the Battle shops such as Panache, Raggs, Woodwrights and Farrago and a beauty goodie bag for each visitor.

Tickets can be bought from the shop or by on 870615/870344.

Models for the evening are being drawn from current or ex-villagers who will be known by many of us. There will be a compere and Paula (Fisher) Batt, Karen Dann, Audrey Harris, Isabel Fisher and Shirley Stevens will strut their catwalk stuff aided by Shirley Bonney helping with make-up etc.

Judy says her husband offered his services as a 'Gok Wan' cutting garments shorter and helping with the dressing of the models but his offer was declined (shame!). The evening will remain just for those of the fairer sex.

All clothes will range from size 8 to 20 and are from well known stores up or branded and boutique-style garments.

They will be on offer at the end of the evening with anything from 20% to 60% discounted. It's not often we get such a glamorous and thrifty occasion in the hall. Please support it to the full.

A great deal of emphasis is on the sports pavilion at the moment, rightly so while the building is being constructed and the enterprise set up.

BUT other fund raisers are still working hard for their causes, notably the church with its pre-Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 15.

It will be opened by Fr Alan at 2pm and punch and mince pies are included in the 50p admission (children don't pay).

This is always the most attractive of events and provides the chance to buy Christmas presents without the scrum of the shopping centre.

SPEAKING of presents, the shop has a display of local creative people's work, some of which would make ideal gifts at reasonable prices.

THE charity Cards for Good Causes will have a presence in the United Reformed Church on Chapel Hill, 10am-noon, on Saturday, November 15, when Christmas cards, wrapping paper, Advent calendars and stocking fillers will be on sale.

THE Pre School has vacancies at the moment at their three sessions each week. Contact Marnie if you would like to know more 01424 871455 - (opening times only) or 07913 85067.

ALSO vacant is a job at the surgery where a doctors' receptionist is needed. It is for 16 hours a week doing telephone and admin duties, with good rate of pay and NHS pension. Please write by November 12 to the Practice Manager at the Sedlescombe Surgery, including your cv. More details on from 01424 751 609

JUST over a year ago a ladies' Netball Club was started in Sedlescombe, running two teams called Tigers and Stingers.

In the first season the 1st team (Tigers) won their division in the Eastbourne League and have already moved up to a higher level where they face tough opposition from young energetic teams.

In the summer practice takes place on the Sedlescombe tennis courts and in winter at Claverham Community College, currently Mondays 7.30pm-9pm. The club is open to all ladies aged 16 plus.

A Junior Club has now started up for girls aged 11 to 16 years. They too meet at Claverham Community College, on Wednesdays, 6pm-7 pm, £2.50 per session. If you would like more details or to join in the fun at either session please contact Sue on 07710 110767 or Sarah on 07941 553517.

TICKETS for the Sedlescombe Players' panto will be on sale at the shop from the middle of this month and can also be bought from the school office from November 10/11.

A family of two adults and two children can enjoy a family ticket at £20. Otherwise an adult ticket is £8 and a child (2-16) £4. Children under two get in free. You are encouraged to buy early for the performances on January 23/24 January, 2009. The Saturday date will include matinee and evening performances. This production is being directed by Vikki Cook and even at this early stage looks a hoot.

Next July the Players will be doing another farce and if you would like to be involved in any way there is a read through in the hall on Tuesday, December 2 and auditioning on December 9.

The 2008 farce was a terrific success and we are lucky to have the same director, Tara Buchanan, for next year's effort.

SOMEONE has jokingly said we shall have to change the name of the hall to the Sedlescombe Theatre. Long may this level of activity continue, say I!

The Players are, as a result of their new found energy, making additions to the stage area of the hall.

We ask that you view these additions sympathetically and if they present any other user group with a problem to contact Tara (or me, if you like) to talk it over amiably.

FAIRLIGHT Players perform a farce 'Strike up the Banns' next Thursday, Friday and Saturday, at 7.30pm in Fairlight village hall (Saturday matinee, 2.30pm) - tickets from Fairlight Post Office.