Northiam

St Michael’s Hospice: The popular Coffee Morning for St Michael’s Hospice will be held in Northiam Village Hall on Saturday 3rd November. Come along to enjoy a coffee and a chat, or browse the stalls – specially made crafts for gifts, books, toys, bric-a-brac, cakes, scarves, candles, raffle, tombola – it’s all there!! The Hospice will be selling a few Christmassy items as well as cards and calendars, so there will be plenty to spend your money on! Donations will be very welcome.

Indoor Boot Sale: The next Boot Sale in the Village Hall will be on Sunday 4th November, open to the public at 9am. Donations on entry please. To book a stall, please contact through the website.

Bereavement Service: At this time of year, we remember not only those who gave their lives in war and conflict, but also those we have loved and lost. St Mary’s Church will be holding a Bereavement Service on Sunday 4th November at 4pm for anyone who would like to remember a loved one, either recently or in the past. It will be a simple service of hymns, readings and prayers, with the opportunity (for anyone who would like to) to light a candle as a symbol of love, remembrance and prayer. Afterwards there will be tea and cake.

This service is open to everyone, whether or not they or their loved one had any link to St Mary’s.

Hist & Lit: Northiam and District Historical and Literary Society’s talks in November highlight the courage and dedication shown by ordinary people during the extreme circumstances originated by war. Faces from the Front on Tuesday 6th November is particularly poignant as it was the 1914 – 1918 war that demanded a swift response to help the huge numbers afflicted with severe facial injuries. The speaker, Andrew Bamji, spent many years researching the WW1 medical records in Sidcup’s Queen Mary’s Hospital and will use this work as a basis for his talk. Meetings start at 7.30pm in the Village Hall – there will be a charge for non-members (who are very welcome).

Flu: It’s that time of year again! Time to get your flu vaccination. Although there was some debate as to the effectiveness of last year’s vaccine, there has been a re-assessment of the vaccination programme, and this year over 65s will receive a different vaccine from under 65s. This is to ensure that each group receives the best product for them. Over 65s will be vaccinated in alphabetical order, with the clinic for those whose surnames begin G-J on Wednesday (7th) 2-3.30pm at Northiam Surgery. Just turn up. Younger patients of the practice who are eligible for free vaccine will need to make an appointment for Monday 5th November from 5pm. Pharmacies nationwide are providing both NHS and private services.

Thursday Seniors: Every Thursday, Seniors’ Club meets in Northiam Village Hall from 10.30am until 2.30pm. All pensioners are welcome, and free door to door transport can be arranged for anyone in Northiam, Beckley, Peasmarsh and Broad Oak if you are on the Rye Community Bus route. The cost is £8 and includes welcome tea/coffee, a freshly cooked two course meal, extend chair exercises and a talk/entertainment. Call Ann 252343 or Joan 252568 to find out more as a member or a helper.

Bank: The mobile Natwest Bank calls on Thursdays, 2.45-3.30pm in the Village Hall car park.

Parish Council: This month’s Parish Council meeting will be in the Jenkins Room of the Village Hall on Thursday 8th at 7pm – all parishioners welcome.

Remembrance: This is a special year, commemorating 100 years since the end of the Great War, and there will be a weekend of remembrance 9-11th November, with an exhibition in the Village Hall, Remembrance Service at St Mary’s and the War Memorial and a Concert on Sunday afternoon featuring readings, poetry and music. Once again we are privileged to have renowned soprano Tomasin Trezise accompanied by Northiam Chamber Orchestra. The weekend will close with the lighting of the beacon. If you have any memorabilia or memories which could form part of this exhibition, please contact Mervyn Hayes (253443).

Beckley are presenting a play based on the school logbooks, and the Beckley boys who went to war and are commemorated on the war memorial. This will be in Beckley Village Hall on Friday 9th November at 7.30pm.

Money for Students: The Trustees of The Iden & Frewen Educational Foundation will be considering applications for grants at their next meeting, to be held in November. Cash Grants are available for educational purposes to residents of Northiam who are under 25 years of age, undertaking further or higher education, an apprenticeship or equivalent, or sporting activities at county level.

So are you over 16 years of age and attending South Coast College, a Sixth Form College, Hadlow Down or a similar Further Educational College, or university, or are you taking part in an apprenticeship scheme? If so, and your home is within the Parish boundaries of Northiam please contact the Clerk now for details and advice.

If you know of anyone who fulfils the above criteria, please show them this notice. For further information and easy-to-complete application forms please contact the Clerk to the Trustees: email: [email protected] or by phone: 01797 253254. The Clerk is always most happy to give advice or assist with form filling and reference requests.

Please note that applications by individuals must be made using the appropriate form (available from the Clerk). Would those who have previously received grants and who wish to apply again, or have previously sought advice also please contact the Clerk.

Venice Goes Spiritual: Following concerts in Venice and London Cantemus music presents Academia Vivaldiana in Northiam! Venice goes Spiritual is a free concert in St Mary’s Church on Saturday 17th November 7.30pm with music by Andrea Gabrieli, Cipriano de Rore, Monteverdi and Ferrabosco. Featuring authentic all female performance of Vivaldi. Directed by Peter Hawkesworth and Christopher Arnold.

Church Services: 4th : 8am Holy Communion, 10.30am Holy Communion, 4pm Bereavement Service