PLAYTIME: Great excitement today, Friday, as at 1.30pm. the official opening takes place of the new play equipment on the Recreation Ground, next to the Bowls and Tennis Clubs. There appears to be a good selection of play structures to entertain children of all ages.

LIBRARY: Once again, the mobile library van is due to visit Westfield today, Friday, as long as there are no hitches. It is a month since the last chance to stock up on reading matter for these dark evenings. The stops are Geary Place, Moor Lane from 2.20 to 3.15pm and Churchfield from 3.30 to 3.55pm.

CHURCH: At the parish church of St John the Baptist, Westfield, on Sunday, Holy Communion (1662) is at 8am, 9.30 start, all-age service is at 9.30am with Holy Communion and Matins follows at 10.30am.
The Westfield Messenger is the name of the parish magazine which is distributed to subscribers. At 25p a copy, £3 is collected with the January edition. If anyone would like to be included on the rounds, please call 01424 751283.

RECYCLING: Many of Westfield's Household waste bins were to be seen on the kerbsides a day early this week as the rollover was still in place following the bank holiday. The dates had been advised in the recycling information leaflet from Rother District Council. Normal service begins next Monday with the box collection and the garden waste bin taking away Christmas trees, if you have not recycled them in other ways.

OLD COURTHOUSE: Don't forget the opportunity to buy a pint of lager or real ale for £2 a pint during January. Andy selects which will be the daily special, so drop in and find out. In the week leading up to Burns Night 19-25 January, there is a Haggis meal available with neeps and tatties for £5. The kitchen is open from 12 noon till 9pm, so whenever you feel hungry, come and place your order from the menu.
Dates for your new diaries: A Quiz Night has been arranged at The Old Courthouse for Saturday March 7 with the Cricket Club and on March 21 Westfield Football Club will hold a Karaoke with supper and tickets will be available from the Football Club.

TABLE SALE: Bookings are being taken for the Table, Indoor Boot Sale taking place on Saturday January 24 in Westfield Community Hall from 2 to 4pm. Teas and coffees will be available. Call 01424 755721 to book a table/pitch at £6 each. This will be an opportunity for buyers and sellers to have a good old swap of a variety of items.

WHO DONE IT?: On Saturday January 31, the 1st Westfield Scout Group is holding a Murder Mystery Evening, with the help of BATS, Bexhill Amateur Theatrical Society. This will be an evening of entertainment, prizes and something to get those little grey cells working! Come with a team of about six people, or make up a team on arrival, to the Parish Hall for a 7.30pm start. Scout Leaders, Archers the butchers are selling tickets at £5, include supper; tea and coffee available or bring your own drink and glass. Alternatively, to book and obtain further details phone 01424 754080 or 753684.

PHARMACY: What good news was received over the Christmas period when it was announced that the government had decided against the changes which could damage rural practices with pharmacies. Many Westfield patients had responded to the petition against such a happening. Just imagine, particularly now whilst so many people need medication for the winter chills etc., how impossible, let alone expensive, it would be to obtain help. Experience of living in rural areas needs to be addressed before such decisions are off the drawing board – not everyone is able to move around at the drop of a hat, own a vehicle, be financially secure, on the internet and enjoy good health.

BURGLARY: I was sorry to learn that Westfield residents have suffered an unhappy beginning to the New Year with the theft of items from their properties.
Many incidents seem to occur during daylight hours and anyone seen is not thought to be suspicious.
It is becoming more difficult with so much housing and new residents but it is possible to know when there are 'strangers' around.
There was the case when a prospective new member of staff at the school parked his car whilst attending the interview; before he returned to his vehicle it had been discovered why it was parked there. It is helpful to be aware of the movements around you!
On the subject of thefts, warnings were issued over Christmas regarding leaving presents in view of windows, also leaving the evidence of new equipment (boxes) outside for rubbish collection. It goes for all time to be aware of opportunist thieves; handbags, keys and purses are the favourites for removal. Remember to keep doors locked and only allow entry to known callers or check ID.