Catsfield village voice

In spite of a slightly dodgy forecast and the concerns about parking a few days before the whole event was as brilliant as ever. There are messages of thanks from Vanessa and Ann to all the helpers.

‘I would like to take this opportunity to say a few thank you’s. First to Dave Stevens for taking on the job of running the fete, this involves an awful lot of background work and running around the weeks before and on the day. You did a great job and hopefully you have taken some good pointers for next year! You cannot run a fete without a merry band of helpers and Scott Hardy was on hand with his truck, ably assisted by Dave, Richard Philcox, Jessie, Lizzie and Ron Francis. It’s not the greatest job in the world, knocking on doors asking for donations, but they did really well and we are very grateful to them.

Steve Gower and Peter Josling for your help setting up the tables in the marquee, and the very hard work you put in on the day from start to finish, thank you! To anyone who helped in any way at all, I would like to name you all but don’t want to take up the whole newspaper! Stallholders who worked their socks off selling their wares; Jonathan brought animals and Keith a steam engine, your efforts were very much appreciated by young and old! We needn’t have worried about the difficulty in parking, the ground was dry enough, and thanks to the parking team, everything went smoothly.

Although the entries to the flower show were way down on the last few years, we still had a great show. This was a maiden voyage for Chris Parkes and he did a fantastic job as show secretary, the day was very calm and organised. Thank you Chris and also our horticultural committee, Mike, Caroline, David, Elaine, Ann, Janet and Victoria. We are extremely grateful to our many sponsors, for their continued support. Without them we wouldn’t make any money! So thank you to you all.

The Barn Dance this year was a little bit quieter than usual, but nonetheless from what I could see, great fun was had by all, The Catsfield Steamers as always were fantastic. This year Tim Pitman had again agreed to run the barn dance along with Tim and Rachel Gowland, who went home smelling like a greasy spoon after cooking bacon butties all evening! If they and their helpers ever decide to give up this job, we will have difficulty in finding a replacement, thank you all, I know you would probably have liked an evening in front of the television watching the Olympics!

Finally, I would like to thank all of the visitors to our annual village event. You always come, whatever the weather and we are always extremely pleased to see you and welcome you back next year!’

Vanessa - Catsfield Horticultural Society.

‘Congratulations to all WI members who made, donated and served all the teas at the fete on Saturday, also entering lots of the classes in the show, running the cake stall and making such a generous contribution to this special village day. We showed all the visitors what a great organisation we are. Treasurer Ann Clegg won a very special prize for her entries. Well done everyone!’

Ann Davey, WI President

There was another draw for the cricket club on Sunday at home. Sedlescombe won the toss and put us in to bat reaching 171 for 9 at tea, highlights Derek Fuller 66, Nick Gurr 40 not out and James Wilson 27. The tea was splendid and then Sedlescombe scored 149 for 9 at close, with Nick Gurr showing what a good all rounder he is with figures of 6 for 38.

We are away to Chailey on Sunday where, from what I remember about the ground, there is no shelter if it is windy but you can walk around Chailey Common and commune with nature!

Jill Jarrett, Henley Down Cottages