News from around the clubs - October 9

Bexhill Rotary Club

HAROLD Lawrence was president of Bexhill Rotary Club for the year 2002-3 which was when he was first inspired to form a football club that catered for the needs of youngsters with disabilities.

Bexhill Rotarians welcomed him as their guest speaker and listened to him tell them "the story so far" of the 1066 Specials which is the special needs football club that grew from his initial vision.

Harold was accompanied by two young athletes, Nicholas Costello and Ben Elphick, both of whom have been team members since the early days of the club.

He told the Rotarians that the club started with a donation of 500 from Rother District Council, and with a membership of five boys and girls and a number of willing parents, helpers and friends which now, nearly seven years later has 100 regular players who train together twice a month, soon to become a weekly training session for which more coaches are needed.

They participate in tournaments and contests with other football clubs with special needs teams, including Chelsea (Harold said that their training ground is like heaven), Charlton, Crystal Palace and Fulham.

The 1066 Specials host their own annual tournament in which 35 teams took part last year at the Pilot Field in Hastings and 30 teams travelled to St Richards Catholic College in May this year.

Harold described the club as the very best thing that he has ever been involved with as he watches the development of the players, enjoying themselves and building their confidence and self esteem.

Sir Paul McCartney is Patron of the club which is a registered charity, has a board of trustees (five of whom are local Rotarians) and the Chairman of the club is Colin Taylor.

Numerous volunteers work "behind the scenes", coaching, helping with fund raising, organising events, transport and general administration, without whom the growth and development of the club would never have been possible.

For the future, Harold has a vision of "pan disability" facilities, with a wheelchair team and an organisation from which no youngster is excluded for any reason of disability.

The 1066 Specials have already attracted the attention of a wealthy businessman who is keen to invest "millions" in comprehensive facilities including swimming pool, running track, sports hall and provision for indoor training and all the necessary features of a modern sports complex.

Harold realises that his plans are ambitious but thinks they are achievable with support and co-operation.

At the end of his presentation there was an opportunity for Rotarians to ask questions which were answered by Harold's two young team members and then Immediate Past President Richard Harrison thanked them and donated a cheque for 1500 following which President Roger Batey donated a further cheque of 100 from the President's Benevolent Fund.

Bexhill and District Branch Aircrew Association

ON SATURDAY September 12, members joined a cheerful throng, including present and past civic dignitaries, at the RAFA Albatross Club's Brew for the Few tea party in support of this year's Wings Appeal. We congratulate Ken Igglesden, President of Bexhill RAFA and his team, not least the ladies who produced such a tempting array of cakes and dainties for the occasion.

On the following day there was a gratifyingly strong turnout for the Battle of Britain wreath laying ceremony at Bexhill War Memorial. As usual, members of No 2262 Squadron Air Training Corps who paraded for the event were a great credit to their uniform.

As befitted a week devoted to commemorating the Battle, the theme for our monthly meeting on Monday, September 14 was The Spitfire Saga. Tracing its roots from the early Supermarine seaplanes designed, as a private venture, to compete internationally for the Schneider Trophy which Britain eventually won outright in 1931, development of the Spitfire gave birth to one of the world's most successful and technologically advanced fighter aircraft of its day. Having concluded with the "Spit's" part in thwarting the Luftwaffe's attempt to pave the way for Hitler's planned invasion of Britain in 1940, we aim to explore its equally fascinating subsequent history at a later date.

At our next meeting on Monday, October 12 we look forward keenly to an illustrated address by Gillian Hawkins on her close relative Charles Brown the famous wartime photographer.

Girl Guides

AFTER spending most of 2009 raising money for CAMFED, for our Change the World Challenge, September has heralded the start of the Guiding Centenary Year, and with it fresh challenges (and fun!) for the 3rd Bexhill Rainbows.

Everyone involved in Guiding can take part in the Adventure 100 Centenary Challenge and our adventure began on a warm September afternoon when 15 Rainbows descended on Little Common Recreation Ground for our Look Up High challenge which is all about climbing, growing and getting to the top '“ which we did fairly successfully and had great fun in the process.

We have dozens more exciting projects in store over the next 12 months, but sadly our waiting to join list is now over a year long, so there are dozens of Bexhill girls who will never be able to experience the fun and friendship that Rainbows offers.

If you can spare just one hour a month you could help us reduce that waiting list and ensure that every five and six-year-old girl in Bexhill who wants to join us on this adventure is able to. Please contact Debbie Meakin 01424 733426.

Royal British Legion, Women's Section, Little Common Branch

THE chairman Hilary Turner gave the exhortation after which members had a quiet time to remember Muriel Thomes, who sadly passed away recently.

A noticeboard will be displayed at every meeting so members can keep in touch with all the events taking place. The County Conference is on November 20 and a coach has been booked to enable interested members to attend. The competitions for the conference include a photography section the titles for which are Reflections in Water and A Woman's Work Is Never Done, so far the latter has not produced any entries. A comical view of this could be different.

Other dates to note are the Poppy Appeal Dance on October 10, a beetle drive on October 19, and also names are being taken for the Christmas Dinner and the party.

The Hastings and St Leonards Branch has invited us to their Festival of Remembrance on the November 8 at the White Rock Theatre. Programmes are 2.

With no speaker we had a social evening on Wednesday which are always popular. A chance to have a chat and catch up with friends is always welcome. We had a quiz on sweet names devised by Daphne, Dingbats which proved tricky, and a general knowledge quiz which would have tested the Eggheads. Who knew the name of the Womble who wore a black bowler? Well it was Tobermory '“ "not a lot of people know that".

June devised one of her music puzzles which always produce a laugh but members were not too good at guessing the vocalists. It was a fun evening and seemingly enjoyed by all who participated.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday, October 14 at 7pm and the speaker will be Mr Melvin Smith on the subject of Marsh Life. We look forward to welcoming members old and new with guests or friends.

Bexhill Association Of National Trust Members

THE Bexhill Association of National Trust Members has just ended an active summer programme enjoyed by its members, having been recently on outings to Polesden Lacey, near Dorking in Surrey, and nearer to Bodiam and Scotney Castles.

In between the two outings about 40 members took part in a lively beetle drive in St Augustine's Church Hall with an excellent fish 'n' chips supper to end the afternoon and judging by the enthusiasm of those taking part it won't be the last.

The summer activities lead nicely into the start of the autumn programme with the first of the lecture meetings on Saturday, October 10 at St Peter's Community Centre at 2.45pm. The speaker on this occasion will be Mr Ian Currie with the seasonal subject of Gales, Greenhouses and Global Warming. Visitors are welcome to come along for an entrance fee of 3. If you would like to join our association call our membership secretary Mrs Sonia Vincett on 844843 or you could join at the meeting which also happens to be the start of our membership year. Subscription to join is only 3.

Bexhill Senior Citizens Club

THE lovely sunny day on September 19 tempted bargain-seeking customers out and into the club's Grand September Sale where they were not disappointed.

There were bargains aplenty, including tasty fresh pies and cakes, nearly new clothing, videos and CDs, china, glass and lots and lots of bric-a-brac, as well as books, toiletries and jewellery, and all at more than reasonable prices.

In addition to all this there was Maria the Medium, kept very busy giving brief readings for a nominal fee in aid of the club.

The outing on the Bluebell Railway on September 9 was popular and much enjoyed, as was the fish and chip supper on the return home.

There is still a full programme of events at the club to enjoy, including a week's holiday in Bournemouth, a Christmas concert, and a Christmas lunch.

In the meantime, the ongoing group activities continue to be well supported, ie, American dominoes, bingo, bridge and whist, choir, computer classes, creating writing, cribbage, dancing drama, keep-fit for ladies, mat bowls, book group, pools, table tennis.

The club is open five days a week and offers teas, coffees, light lunches, and a library to browse in for the less energetic. For more details call in at 45 Eversley Road between 10am to noon or telephone 212911 '“ new members are given a warm welcome.

Little Common Ladies' Club

WHEN the club resumed on Wednesday, September 23, after the summer break, 50 members attended to listen to a talk given by Katie Day on First Impressions. Katie has been involved in this business for 20 years.

Creating a first impression is very important and many people ask for this advice when presenting themselves for business or to create a wardrobe which will save money, yet give more clothes to wear.

Katie says every item in the wardrobe should match or co-ordinate, giving you less clothes in the wardrobe yet more to wear.

It's not always about how much money you spend, but knowing what to buy that suits you, colour and style.

There are hundreds of colours and finding the colours that suits each individual is important. This is done by professionals with colour fabrics, which are placed around the neck. Wearing the wrong colour tones ages a person which Katie demonstrated.

Jewellery also plays a part, gold with autumn colours, silver with blue tones.

Our next meeting is on October 28. This is our Annual Harvest Supper for members only.

The meeting on November 25 will be a talk by ex-Mayor Cllr Joy Hughes on My Experiences as Lady Mayor. Visitors will be welcome to join us for this meeting. Come along for a friendly evening and share a tea or coffee with us.

We meet at Little Common Community Centre at 7.45pm.

National Osteoporosis Society, Rother and Weald Support Group

THE group's AGM will be held at the Royal Victoria Hotel, on Monday (October 12) at 2.30pm.

This will be followed by a question and answer session on osteoporosis, lead by Dr Edward Henderson, consultant rheumatologist at the Conquest Hospital.

All are welcome, National Osteoporosis members free (please bring your membership card with you), visitors 2. Tea and coffee will be served and there will also be a bring and buy table.

For further information about this event, or the group's meetings, please contact Jean Loukas on 01424 715472.

East Sussex Bridge Club

Results for the week ending September 11:

Monday, September 7:

N/S First '“ Kathie Genders and Angela Viola

Second '“ David Bacon and Kay Peeke

E/W First '“ Judi Sibson and Marjorie Fairlie

Second '“ Pauline Kazi and Geoffrey Jordan

Wednesday, September 9:

First '“ Karen Berger and Richard Beauprez

Second '“ Judi Sibson and Tessa Leonard

Third '“ Annie Garry and Claire Weston

Thursday, September 10:

N/S First '“ Karen Berger and Angela Viola

Second '“ Pat Neate and Pamela Powell

E/W First '“ Joyce Hammett and John Parkman

Second '“ Molly Bryant and Richard Slatter

Week ending September 25:

Monday, September 21:

N/S Equal first '“ Cassie Fade and Margaret Cox

Equal first '“ Pat Neate and Wendy Forbes

E/W First '“ Mary Varela and Christine Palmer

Second '“ John Clark and Inez Richards

Wednesday, September 23:

First '“ John and Maggie Hunt

Second '“Tony Walker and Caroline Richardson

Third '“ Marilyn Rutherford and Diana Hunt

Thursday, September 24:

N/S First '“ Karen Berger and John Burke

Second '“ Eileen and John Fone

E/W First '“ Paula Abbey and Pam Cooper

Second '“ Barbara Hinnigan and David Bacon

Beginners classes have now started but it's not too late to join in. For details of these or sessions contact Barbara on 01424 422118 or 07931 884715.