Northiam

On Saturday and Sunday, we continue our commemoration of the start of the First World War, with an exhibition in the Village Hall open 10am – 4pm. There will be information on the Northiam men who died, and those who returned as well as information and memories from other people with links to the village. As well as photographs and documents, there will be numerous exhibits including uniforms and guns! The exhibition will be extended until Monday lunchtime, so everyone should have an opportunity to visit.

On Saturday evening, the village will be holding a Commemorative Remembrance Concert which will include readings, music and songs from the time, starting at 7.30pm. Entry is free.

August 4th, the day the War started, various landmarks and buildings around the UK will be holding a “lights out” ceremony, which will involve turning off their lights between 10-11pm, except for one solitary light from a window. I know Battle Abbey will be taking part, and I recommend we all follow suit.

The Horticultural Society will be visiting Lullingstone Castle on Monday, and will enjoy a tour of the World Garden with its creator, Tom Hart-Dyke.

On Tuesday, the Footpath Group will meet for their Fish and Chip supper in the Village Hall, when they will also have a short talk on the RNLI. Pre-booked places only, I’m afraid!

Coffee Stop opens each Wednesday between 10am and 12 noon in the Church Centre, and this week the WI meet in the Jenkins Room at 2pm. Rex Swain will be sharing tales of his time as Rye’s Town Crier. New faces are always welcome, so pop along, or call Margaret Hinds (253341).

Next Saturday (9th) is the Village Fair, and many of our local Societies are taking part, as well as a huge Boot Fair, which starts at 9am. The Fair starts at 10am, and along with all the traditional amusements, there will be Classic Cars and Motorcycles, The WI’s tea tent and a Dog Show (registration from 11am).

The Footpath Group will be bringing lots of maps and walk suggestions for the local area and further afield and will be happy to talk to you about public rights of way etc.

Local ladies have donated a hand-stitched quilt which will be raffled in aid of the Village Hall Trust. Petal-shaped tickets will cost £1 for a chance to win this future heirloom whose theme is Granny’s Garden.

Sally and Richard Bickersteth will be holding another mega-bric-a-brac stall at the Village Fair in aid of the projects in Malawi, so if you have any bric-a-brac which you would like to donate then please leave it in a box by the front door of Forge House Northiam (formerly the Post Office). Sally has just returned from Chitiwiri, where she has been working on a new irrigation project, and will be able to tell you all about it.

The Historical and Literary Society will have next season’s programme available at the Fair, and they are still taking bookings for a screening of The Wipers Times in Rolvenden Village Hall on Friday 29th August.

This is just a taster of the village societies who would love to see you and tell you more about what we have to offer.

It’s time to start thinking about plans for after the summer break. Northiam 75 Football Club is looking for new players for next season. If you are interested (you must be over 16) please call Rob Deal 07876 741199.

I understand that the Cub Scouts are in need of a leader. If anyone is interested in taking on this incredibly fulfilling role, please give Jacky Broad (01797 253228) a call. We have one of the oldest Scout troops in the country, and it has given a fantastic start to a lot of our youngsters. And don’t forget Pink Piglet Day on Saturday 6th September.

And for anyone who plays a musical instrument, Northiam Chamber Orchestra is looking for new members. They meet on Thursday evenings in the Village Hall. Peter Fields (07792 3291450), the conductor would be very pleased to hear from anyone interested.

Services (3rd): 8am Holy Communion, 10.30am Morning Praise

Karen Ayling

The White House, Dixter Road