Northiam

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Blue Cross: It was good to see so many people at the meeting to discuss plans for the Blue Cross land, and it would appear that most of us agree that we would like our Parish Council to see if the land can be saved for projects which suit the village. If you haven't returned your questionnaire yet, please do so, as there are no firm plans at present, and all ideas would be gratefully received by your Council.

Hort Soc: The final meeting of the Horticultural Society this year will be held this evening (Friday) in the Village Hall at 7.30pm, and will be the AGM, which will be swiftly followed by the Christmas Social. If anyone would like to join the committee, you would be very welcome to stand – they won’t make you run the Shows, but an extra pair of hands setting up is always welcome whilst you find your niche.

Badminton: Our two badminton clubs welcome players of all abilities, and provide all you need to learn or get back into the game. On Friday, the adult club starts at 8.15pm, contact Karen Ayling (01797 253375). The Monday club is run by Sue Clark (016797 253428) for one hour from 5.45pm. Both operate as drop-in sessions, so do just turn up and say hello! A thriving junior club is run by Pete Thomson (07815 84517), with three graded sessions on a Friday evening, starting at 5pm.

Nursery Fair: Beckley PreSchool and Northiam Nursery are holding their biggest annual fundraiser in Beckley Village Centre on Saturday 10-2, with lots of interesting crafts and gifts to buy in time for Christmas, as well as a great raffle for prizes including Christmas hampers and days out vouchers. Refreshments from mulled wine, mince pies, bacon butties to cakes. Children will enjoy the teddy tombola, face painting, craft tables, guess the name games and of course Santa’s Grotto. Free parking and entry is just 50p per adult which buys you a ticket into a Christmas cake raffle.

St Ronans: The annual Christmas Market at St Ronan’s School, Hawkhurst is also on Saturday 10-3, and features Father Christmas in his Grotto (busy man!), live reindeer and fairground attractions. Two of our local artists will be exhibiting – Christine King and Terence Ayling. The catalogue is available on the school website saintronans.co.uk. Entry is £5, but free if you take the advert from Wealden Advertiser or Wealden Times.

Quiz: Northiam Bonfire Society will rounds off the year’s fundraising events with the Quiz Night on Saturday at 7.30pm. There is a full house, so it should be a lively evening. As usual, there will be a bar, with beer from Rother Valley Brewery and Barbara’s special raffle. If you missed out this time, make sure you book early for the next one in Spring.

Toddlers: Northiam Tadpoles baby & toddler group meet every Tuesday 9.15 - 11.15am at Pretious Sports Hall, Main Street (the hall between the primary school and nursery.) The session is £2.50 per family (to cover costs) for age 0-5’s which includes a healthy snack for the children, drinks and biscuits for the parents/carers, there are lots of toys out for all ages and finishes with song time.

Over 60s: We’re all getting ready for Christmas, now the calendar has hit December, and the Over 60s will be enjoying a Christmas tea party with entertainment on Tuesday at 2pm in the Village Hall.

Village Carols: Meet on the Village Green at 5.30pm on Tuesday to sing carols as we light the village Christmas tree, then move over to the Church Centre for mulled wine and nibbles.

Coffee Morning: Call into the Church Centre on Wednesday mornings for coffee and a chat at Coffee Stop, between 10 and 12 noon

Footpath Walk: 1066 and all that – the Footpath Group must be heading to Battle! Meet in the surgery car park at 10am, or on Battle Abbey Green at 10.30am for a 4 mile walk followed by a pub lunch.

Thursday Seniors: Thursday Seniors’ Club meets every Thursday in Northiam Village Hall from 10.30am until 2.30pm. All pensioners are welcome.

Parish Council: The next meeting of Northiam Parish Council will be on Thursday 8th December in the Jenkins Room at 7pm. Parishioners are always welcome to attend.