Ninfield

An Extraordinary Day: Sometimes the build up is greater than the actual event...sometimes the pre-publicity outshines the performance...sometimes the expectations are just too great to achieve: and sometimes the complete reverse is true with everything coming better than good...Thank Goodness! I think the mass publicity, nationwide, for all the commemorative events to mark the Centenary of the end of WW1 has been remarkable; especially the television documentaries, historical visits and the wonderful colourisation of the WW1 footage- lovingly done by renowned film director Peter Jackson. Everything has been breath-taking to watch, listen to and become immersed in, and with the relevant weekend boasting the Albert Hall Festival of Remembrance, the Senotaph service - with extra '˜People's Parade', and the evening celebration with Royalty, Celebrity and Religious attendance...maybe there was going to be too much to consider, with local events suffering a lack of turnout. And what about the weather? Would it completely wash out every well intended gathering and memorial? Well, firstly, everything on the National scale was stupendously well presented, poignant in the best extreme, and a first class representation of the best that this country can offer. And Locally? Here in Ninfield? Well, I can only report that every aspect of the day was just Extraordinary! From the lovely, family, friendly, respectful, touching service given by Rev Paul Frostick in St Mary's Church; to the procession from the WW1 grave up to the Memorial Hall - with 50 Scouts and Leaders plus the same number again in members of the public, all proudly following the Cross and Union Flag; then, waiting in the Hall, another 50 plus residents and guests all looking forward to an afternoon of Remembrance and Performance. The creation of the Drum altar on stage, Union Flag and Bible laying upon, and the Buglers from the British Legion Band playing the Last Post- perfectly- the local names from both world wars read out, wreaths laid at the Rolls

Charity Race Night: Friday 16th - this Friday, Tonight! 1st Ninfield Scouts Explorers are holding their AGM followed by a fun-filled Race Night with Grand Raffle. 6.15pm in the Memorial Hall, All Welcome, no tickets required - call 07970559226 to book a place, but it should be ok to just turn up! Food, Hot Dogs, Snacks and refreshments will be available to buy!

St Mary’s Christmas Fayre: Saturday 17th November from 10am-12 Noon- to be held within the Church, do go and support everyone there and see what Xmas goodies they have on offer!

Ninfield Horticultural Society: Monday 19th November in the Memorial Hall, from 7.30pm, the speaker will be John Dowling giving his talk - ‘Badger and Bodgers’- the history of Bexhill Highwoods. A good turnout is hoped for and there will be refreshments available and a Raffle, Non-members are very welcome - go on, and take £4 with you to join up!! Call Rose on 892422 for more information

Jo’s Jammas: Friday 23rd November, 7.30-9pm in the Methodist Hall. Now, you heard how fabulous the ladies sounded on Sunday so, get yourself down to the Hall on Friday 23rd and have fun while finding that fabulous voice! £5 per session, refreshments available!

Homemade Fayre: Saturday 24th November, Memorial Hall, 10-3pm, Locally made, beautifully hand crafted items- the return of this wonderful, popular Fayre, and the Hall’s Pop-Up Café for light lunches, snacks and a good cuppa!. A perfect time and place to browse and buy for that special one-off item, or the Xmas present for the person who has just about everything!

Handel’s The Messiah: Saturday 24th November, 6.30pm in St Oswald’s Church, tickets £15 per head to include refreshments in the interval. Stunning performer Grace Constable returns with Emily Steventon, Michael White, Garry Marriott, accompanied by Nigel Howard and directed by Anne Whiteman. Call Janet Pattison on 845087 to book now!

Musical Matinee- ‘White Christmas’:- Friday 30th November, Memorial Hall, doors open at 1.30pm - Film from 2pm. Free entry but please call to book your place - Jackie or Rose on 892422, email [email protected]. The Community Film Afternoons also have afternoon tea, cakes and a Raffle; a lovely chance to get friends and neighbours together. All films are hearing loss and dementia friendly, and this time we’re hoping to top the 40 who watched ‘Singin in the Rain’!

Church Services: Sunday 18th November 10.30am Methodist Church - Service of Worship and Praise with Dawn Novis

Parish Churches: Sunday 18th November -St Mary’s Ninfield- 9.30am- Family Eucharist, St Oswald’s Hooe - 11am Parish Eucharist

Keep in Touch: Call 893699, or text 07970650321, email [email protected]. December approaches - lots of events, and Xmas jollity! Get any details to me by 6pm on Monday eves. Thanks!