Staplecross

Hello All, my name is Anne Reed and I have the difficult job of walking in the large footprint of my predecessor, Mary Reeve.

Having contributed to the ‘Village Voice’ for a number of years, Mary will certainly be a hard act to follow.I’m sure we all wish her much love, luck and laughter as she makes her new home near her family, in Buckinghamshire.Many thanks, Mary, for all your contributions, over the years, in whatever form,to our local Parish Council, to our three little villages and of course, to The Observer Newspaper. May your new horizons bring you peace and much joy.

Our Parish is made up of three villages, Staplecross, Ewhurst Green and Cripps Corner. These are quite small in comparison to other nearby villages but nevertheless, it is still a thriving and vibrant community with many societies, clubs and social groups All three villages are served by their own pub and Staplecross even has it’s own local store together with a Post Office within. A well run and well used Village Hall is located at Staplecross which hosts a wide range of activities including Pilates, Yoga and Line Dancing which is great for those who wish to excercise or keep fit. A very popular Art group meets there on Thursday mornings ~ S.C.A.T.S. our local amateur theatrical group continually put on excellent shows to the delight of their audiences.We have a dog and puppy traing class.Our gardening society is growing all the time.

The first Saturdays of the month are allocated for the churchyard tidying. and extra pairs of hands are always greatly appreciated.

The W.I. have a full and varied programme for this year with many interesting and wide ranging speakers.They hold a Book Club with lively discussions invariably following, and generally meet at a local garden centre where yummy refreshments are much enjoyed. There is also a Craft Club where a great number of skills are put to use amongst much fun and friendship.Their “Ladies Who Lunch” group continue to be well supported and over the past months, many local hostelries have been ‘tested’ New members are always welcome at St.Marks Church Room. 1st Tuesday of each month at 2.30pm.Contact Ann Prodinger on 01580~831944 for details of what they’re up to next.

The Local Luncheon Club meets on the 3rd Wednesday. 12.30pm at Staplecross Village Hall. Truly enjoyable menus and good company make this something to consider. ~~the only downside is you have to be over 50 ! A small sum of £5:50 gets you a delicious 2 course meal with tea/coffee. Just ring Anka Buss on 01580~830260 for further information.

Ewhurst & Staplecross Bonfire Society conduct their meetings in the local pub! ~ the Cross Inn, and why not? A warm welcome is always extended to those who may find it of interest.It is an exceedinly busy society with many fund raising charity events planned throughout the year, all to benefit good causes in and around the parish.However, like many other social groups, new and fresh support is really needed to help maintain their ongoing good work. If you feel that you may be able to lend a hand or perhaps an idea, they would love to hear from you.Contact [email protected].

Staplecross Bowls Club is a popular and friendly club which meet at the Clubhouse in Northiam Road, Staplecross.During the season, practise nights are held on Monday and Fridayss with a Mini Club League being played on Friday evenings.Many varied events are arranged throughtout the year and their BBQ and Candlelight Bowls Evening are always well attended.Potential new bowlers, over the age of 12 will be given a warm welcom and a friendly smile.Club bowls can be lent to see how you get on, just bring flat soled shoes and away you go!. Members will be on hand, naturally for all your help and guidance.For all further information contact Brian Scowen on 01580~830570.

The popular Yoga Class is now run independently by members of the community and is a non-profit making group.Attended by male and females of all ages, this appealing form of keep fit/exercise meets weekly on Thursdays from 5.30 ~ 7pm at the Village Hall. Ring Mandy Hardes on 01580~830288.

Most villages boast a Gardening Society and we are no exception.Ewhurst, Staplecross & Bodiam Garden Society is a very well supported friendly group with a full diary of events planned for this year. Their Annual Rose Show, on Saturday 15th June at the Village Hall has always a beautiful, full and varied number of classes to choose from. So, let yourself be tempted.Encourage your little ones to enter their own class.They may be new celebrities in the making.To find out more, ring Pam Underhill on 01580~881839 to discover more.

Talking of gardens, Do try to visit “Preachers”, a magnificent garden,in Ewhurst Green, Open to the public between 10.30 and 4.30pm on Sunday 9th June.Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee or why not have lunch in this inspiring gorgeous environment. All in aid of Ewhurst Parish Churches. Any further enquiries ring Jo Goodwin on 01580~830601 or Heather Smith on 01580~830845.

In Ewhurst Green, the new Herdman Pavilion which will be the long awaited, new home to the popular,Ewhurst United Football Club, is nearing completion.The trophy for winning the Brede Tournament despite the continueing wet weather,will no doubt hold pride of place here. This super, swanky, new building in the heart of the village, will be available for hire to the general public upon completion.Telephone Dave Perkins on 01580~830469 for all further information, including lists of match fixtures and further fund raising activities.

Speeding motorists could soon be monitored by a proposed Ewhurst SpeedWatch Team.The Police are willing to train ( and insure ) volunteers in recording traffic speed and to make their equipmrnt available.(Based at Battle Police Station.) If this interests you, please contact the Parish Clerk Richard Farhall, at [email protected] in the first instance.

Another local group looking for volunteers, is the Ramblers Local Footpath,Secretary for Ewhurst.The Ewhurst Parish Council have appealed for parishioners to ome forward to form a voluntary footpath maintenance group. Full support and equipment will be provided for this necessary work to allow us all to enjoy more of our own nearby, beautiful countryside.~ again contact Richard at [email protected]

Talking of our Parish Council, These meetings are open to the public (and press) so why not come along and see what we are doing in your name.

They take place at St Marks’ Church Room, Northiam Road, Staplecross, usually 2nd Thursday in the month. 7.30pm. See you there !

Well that’s enough for the time being, More information and events will be given as and when they arrive.~ I look forward to telling you all about them.