WADHURST TOWN IN FOCUS - July 2008

THE VILLAGE DIARY
The Village Diary is available in Carillon Cottage.  When organising an event, please call in to check dates or to record Village events.  The Cottage is open every morning from Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons from 2.00 to 4.00pm.

Hospice in the Weald, WadhurstCoffee Morning
Hospice in the Weald Coffee Morning, 10.00am to 12 noon, Monday 14th July. By kind invitation of Eileen Hemsley, 5 Courthope Avenue, Wadhurst. Bring & Buy stall, handmade greetings cards.  For further information, or if any lifts are required, call Val Tunbridge on 01892 782498.                                   Linda Kings (01892 783461)

OPERA IN THE OPEN
Saturday 2nd August is the date of the annual Opera in the Open at Bayham Abbey. Opera Ventura will be entertaining us this year with many favourite arias and excerpts from well-known operas (some sung in English). Bring a party, a picnic and chairs, and enjoy this unique experience in the romantic setting of Bayham Abbey. Gates open at 5.30 pm, concert starts at 7.30 pm. Tickets cost £25 (£20 before 1st August), children under 15 free.
Phone: 01892 891115. Post: LMF, The Down House, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8ET

WADHURST FOOTPATHS SOCIETY
Members and friends meet on the last Sunday of each month in the car park behind One Stop, Washwell Lane, Wadhurst. July 27th – Frant/Eridge Park.

Stonegate Farmers’ Market
Please note there is no market in August and the new time for July and September onwards is 10.00 to 12.00 (not 12.30) For information call 01580 200386.

WADHURST WINEMAKERS’ CIRCLE
Meets at the Sports Pavilion, Sparrows Green, on the first Friday of the month where we have regular speakers on various subjects and wine tastings. If you would like more information please contact Rose on 01580 200504 or Shirley on 01580 201250, or just turn up.

WADHURST GARDENING ASSOCIATION
WGA Summer Show 7th July Wadhurst Primary School. Setting-up from 4.30pm, staging to be finished by 7.30pm. This show is for members only, but visitors are very welcome from 7.30pm when we have our short General Meeting, followed by a quiz (anyone can enter) and nibbles. NO MEETING IN AUGUST. Next meeting Monday 8th September – Julia Page will talk on ‘Landscapes in History and Painting’. The competition are Five Beans and A ‘Landscape’ photograph.     
Diary Date: 20th Sept - WGA Autumn Show in the Commemoration Hall.               Mary Terry (01892 783154)

WADHURST BRIDGE CLUB
New Members are most welcome to join a group of friendly players of varying standards.
Help and some tuition is given. Friday afternoons 2.00 to 5.00pm at Sparrows Green Pavilion.  Telephone Margaret McAuley on 01435 867824 or 07964 347898.

Mayfield and District U3A
Mayfield & District U3A meets on Thursday 17th July at 2p.m. in the Mayfield Memorial Hall, for its third AGM, followed by various group members giving reviews of their activities. We do not meet in August, but the September meeting on Thursday 18th will be a talk on Buckingham Palace, by Pat Wright, who is a well know speaker and author.

1st WADHUST BROWNIES
We would like to invite anyone who has ever been a Brownie in the 1st Wadhurst Pack (1920’s onwards) to join us in the Commemoration Hall on July 3rd 2008 between 5pm - 7pm, to celebrate 50 continuous years.  We would also like any memories of Brownie activities - including before 1950.
Please reply to Sally Hepburn 01580 200302, or brownies50@btinternet.com

THE WADHURST PROBUS CLUB
The Wadhurst Probus Club meets in the Ticehurst Social Club, once a month on the first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am. 
Weds 2 July:  Mike Miller speaking on “Gliding - now and then”

PARENTS AND TODDLERS GROUP
Meetings are held every Monday at St George’s Hall from 9.30am.  Everyone welcome! For further details please contact Nina on 01580 201158.

WADHURST SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
Saturday 12 July:  6.45pm, London Ripieno Singers – Parish Church. The excellent young eight-voice ensemble "Heinevanker" from Estonia brings us a unique programme of Renaissance music, contrasting Western European sacred music with Baltic folk hymns. Tickets on sale at Newingtons.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF WADHURST
Scarecrow Festival – Is Mickey Mouse Coming To Wadhurst?
Cartoon characters are the main theme at this year’s Scarecrow Festival to be held in the village over the weekend of 12th-13th July. Whilst Mickey & Donald may appear, scarecrows of all shapes & sizes are definitely to be encouraged.

Wadhurst Rotary Club are hoping to raise even more than last year’s £5,800. In the past, some of the money raised by the club has funded a defibrillator for the Fire Station, an ECG machine for the Surgery, entertaining over 50 Senior Citizens at this year’s village pantomime, plus making substantial donations to a number of local and rotary charities.
Many local schools, shops & organizations are producing a scarecrow – but it shouldn’t stop there! Individuals & families are encouraged to participate and help make this year’s event the best ever with contributions from all sections of the community.

An instruction leaflet on how to build a scarecrow is available from the Wadhurst Village website. Help is available with materials and, if you are really stuck, a frame ready for dressing is available. A good source of potential clothing has been The Celia Hammond Charity Shop in the High Street. (It is rumoured that some individuals have even been seen scavenging at the Civic Amenity Site!)

Finished Scarecrows should be delivered to the Commemoration Hall on Friday 11th July.

In addition to prizes for the best entries, for the first time there will be a special award for the scarecrow which makes best and most creative use of recycled materials.  This is being sponsored by the Wadhurst Rotary Club to encourage greater awareness of the importance of recycling and its importance in both conserving energy and our environment.
Over the two days, music will be provided by the Sussex Stompers, the Wadhurst Brass Band and Bob Bernard’s Jazz Quintet.  ACraft Fair and Farmers’ Market provide alternative attractions along with an ‘Organic Barbecue’, a well stocked ‘Wine Bar’, Funfair sideshows and plenty of opportunities for refreshment.

WADHURST INDEPENDENT PHOTOGRAPHERS
WIP meets every second Tuesday of each month, at 7.30pm, upstairs in The Greyhound Pub, Wadhurst. 

KENT & SUSSEX BORDER LIONS CLUB
We meet every third Wednesday at Hurst Green Village Hall, all are welcome. Ring David Francis on 01580 200672 for more information.

MINI MARKET
Mini Market will be held in the Methodist Church on Saturday July 5 from 9.30 to 11am.  All this month’s proceeds will go to Eaves – a London-based charity providing housing and support to vulnerable women and campaigning to prevent all forms of violence against women.

WADHURST TWINNING ASSOCIATION
For general details about the Twinning Association or to join,  please contact the Membership Secretary, Janet McFarlan (783291), the Chairman, John McKenzie (784342) or the Secretary, Heather Woodward (783212).

AFTERNOON FELLOWSHIP
Meets on the last Thursday of every month at 2.30pm in St George’s Hall. 

SCOTNEY CASTLE, LAMBERHURST
Last year the National Trust opened the house at Scotney Castle to the public for the very first time, following the death of Mrs Betty Hussey, wife of Christopher Hussey, in 2006.  Five ground floor rooms went on display in June 2007 and have been enjoyed by visitors since. People can now see even more of the house since the Hussey’s bedroom suite was opened on Wednesday 4 June. The suite comprises Betty’s and Christopher's bedroom, an adjoining bathroom, a dressing room and a drawing room. The most important feature of these rooms is the view from the bedroom of the old castle and beyond – it is one of the best views in the house, and, as per Betty’s wishes, the window blinds, normally closed in National Trust houses to protect against light damage, will always be open so that everyone can enjoy it.

The gradual opening of Scotney Castle has meant that, while the National Trust is still learning new things about the property, visitors can share the same journey of discovery, and over next few years, there will always be something new to see.

Property Manager Caroline Binder says that since we took on the house, we have uncovered many things about it and the donor family. It’s a process of peeling back the layers to learn as much as we can, and we are constantly surprised by new finds. House Manager Chloe Tapping describes how we have found wallpapers in drawers that show the original, un-faded colours of those that currently decorate the house. We have found boxes of clothes, some of which seem to be Edwardian. There are also a large amount of estate records spanning the history of the Husseys’ occupation, such as pay details for staff, deeds and plans. Decisions on what to do with these artefacts are yet to be made, but it is hoped that they will be on show in the future.

The house at Scotney Castle would not have been able to open in the unique way it has without a dedicated team of volunteers. And now, as more rooms open, more volunteers are needed to interpret this special property to the public. If you would like the chance to be part of this exciting project at a time when new discoveries are being made, new research is being undertaken and new rooms are being prepared for opening, as well as the chance to meet some new people, please call Caroline on 01892 891793.

If you have any past connection with Scotney or you know someone who did; perhaps you worked here; and you would like to share your memories with us, please call Jessica Cooke on 01892 893858.  

WADHURST DRAMATIC CLUB
BBQ – 13th July: Another grand summer BBQ will be held in the garden of the Youth Centre, Lower High Street on Sunday 13th July 12-4pm. £5/head, under 12s & over 80s free. Drama Club Members, Friends & Families & our supporters are welcome. Please telephone Martin Elson for tickets: 01435-884080.

Tea with Tigger
Bring your babies and toddlers for a chat over a cup of tea and biscuits on Tuesdays from 2.00 to 4.00pm at Carillon Cottage. For further information contact Carillon Cottage, Tel 01892 785658.

NEW WADHURST RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
The next meeting of our Group will be an ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING & AGM to be held at Uplands Youth Centre, Lower High Street, Wadhurst on Thursday, 10 July 2008 @ 7.30pm. All welcome. For details Tel:  01892 782294 or 783843.

Our first year has proved that in a small way we can make some changes on issues that concern us all by group discussions and meeting with other organisations, including ESCC, WDC, Parish Council, Developers, etc.Why not come along?

WADHURST TREFOIL GUILD
Next Meeting: Monday 7th July 6.30pm: Trefoil Guild Bring & Share Picnic at the home of Eileen Hemsley, 5 Courthope Avenue.
Twelve members took part in the Craft session during the June meeting, each taking home a lavender-filled parasol.
A reminder for homemade cakes please, for the Scarecrow Weekend 12th-13th July.

FAMILY SUPPORT WORK (Knowles Tooth)
The really amazing sum of £664 was raised for Knowles Tooth through the Sponsored Walk between our 3 churches. Starting at Tidebrook with 14 walkers and 1 labrador, there was a short lunch break in the lovely Wadhurst churchyard. We then continued on to Stonegate with 9 stalwarts and a different black lab! It was a fabulous day and unexpectedly ended with tea in a lovely garden. Thank you to everyone involved - I really appreciated your support.
The current F.S.W. Newsletter is on all noticeboards.    Jill Brewster (01580 830008)

CARE FOR THE CARERS
Are you caring for a relative or friend?  Would you like to meet other carers for a coffee and a chat? Then come along to our monthly meeting at Carillon Cottage, every third Thursday from 10.30am - 12 noon.  For further details please contact Sarah Burchett (01323 738390).

THE MULLINS MEMORIAL FUND
The Trustees remind Wadhurst residents that if you know someone who you feel might need their support in any way and could benefit from the efforts of this small local charity and the generosity of others, please pass the information on to one of the Office Bearers on 782181, 782835 or 783212. Be assured that whatever we do is done in complete confidentiality.
Future events run by Mullins Memorial Fund are as follows:-
1. Mullins Produce Stall........Friday 24th October. [Any home made/grown produce would be appreciated.]
2. 'Old Man of the Mountain.'......Friday 7th and Saturday 8th November.
3.  Christmas Quiz........Monday 1st December.        Thank you for your support.

OPEN CIRCLE
Too old for Sticky Fingers and OASTies?  Too young at heart for Cameo Club?  But in need of a bit of cheerful company, coffee and a chat?  We meet on the fourth Friday of each month.  Why not come along to Open Circle at Carillon Cottage on Friday 23 May, 10.00 to 11.30am?

WADHURST HISTORY SOCIETY
The next meeting is on Wednesday 9 July in the Commemoration Hall; doors open at 7:30 and the meeting starts at 8pm, when Judith Kinnison-Burke will be talking on ‘The Tenterden Union Workhouse 1905-1926’. Visitors always welcome – for a small donation!

 On Sunday August 10, the annual Summer Barbeque and pig roast will take place at Combe Manor, Coombe Lane, Wadhurst by kind invitation of William & Phyllida de Salis.

WADHURST WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
Mrs E Nicol spoke on behalf of the British Red Cross Society to a well-attended meeting.  Mrs Nicol said the British Red Cross had teams in several countries, and described how they were working in China and in Burma where they are one of the very few overseas aid teams bringing assistance to the tsunami victims.  She also described work at home such as a Transport & Escort service to enable vulnerable people make otherwise impossible essential journeys, Fire Victim Support Service (including flood and other disasters) providing immediate shelter, practical and emotional support and also the Therapeutic Care Service, offering hand care, neck and shoulder massage in hospital, hospice, rehabilitation and recuperative care centres.  Members agreed that Mrs Nicol was a most eloquent speaker and we were lucky to have been her very last audience as she now retires from the speakers’ circuit.

Next month our speaker will be Mr C McCooey, talking about ‘Rogues, Rascals and Rebels’, an interesting title. The competition is a Face Mask and the Trading Stall will carry ‘nearly new’ items.

WADHURST ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
After a successful day out at Greenwich in June, the Society will meet on Wednesday 16th July 2008 for a talk to be given by James Fradgley called "Orbital Oddities - Strange Goings-on with 3 or more bodies" covering Lagrange Points, Resonances, Roche Limits, and lots of odds and ends with simulations. Doors to the Methodist Church Upper Room open at 19:00 to provide an opportunity to discuss your astronomy problems with other members. All welcome.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION – Wadhurst and Tidebrook branch
The Royal British Legion Summmer Show in aid of the 2008 Poppy Appeal.
At The Mount 7.30pm -Arthur Vercoe Pedlar, President World Clown Association 2003-2004, presents " A Clown's Story" - Classical silent clowning with various rare instruments, unicycles etc accompanied at the piano by Prof. Forte (Alan Whitely).
Tickets £10 available at Newington’s Newsagents, High Street, Wadhurst.

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK
This year’s total raised is £4,581. A massive thank you to all who gave so generously of their time and money to make this another great success.

ST. LAURENCE CHURCH, HAWKHURST FLOWER FESTIVAL 8th-10th August
Friday 8th August 10am-5pm: Tea & coffee available all day.
Saturday 9th August 10am-5pm: Lunches to be served 12-2pm. Organ recitals 11am-12pm & 2-3pm.
Sunday 10th August2-5pm: Cream teas to be served 3-5pm.

WADHURST BRANCH OF THE EAST SUSSEX DISABILITY ASSOCIATION
As a result of our recent street collections in Ticehurst and Wadhurst and some very generous donations, we have raised £1650 for our local branch. This is an excellent amount and it will enable us to continue to take our members out to tea once a month to lovely houses and other places of interest. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this sum and thank you also to all our hosts and hostesses who welcome us to their houses. Jackie Scott

STONEGATE OPEN GARDENS 2008
This year's Open Gardens has been a great success with £1,500 being raised in aid of St Peters church. The fair weather encouraged a significant increase in visitors on previous years which helped to make the event special. Thank you to all that have supported Stonegate Open Gardens whether you generously opened your garden to the public or you took the time out to come and enjoy this annual event.  We hope to see you again next year.

WADHURST BRASS BAND - www.wadhurstbrassband.co.uk
We are right into the swing of the summer season, with the fete at Tidebrook and bandstands at Eastbourne and Sevenoaks having taken place in June. This month we have two local events so hopefully the weather gods will be kind and there will good support for them. The Scarecrows day on July 12th is always great fun for everybody and raises valuable funds for the charity so we hope to see you there.

Interested in Joining the Band?
If you play an instrument please get in touch. Jenny’s number is below or you can contact us through our website. Our rehearsals are on Thursday evenings at 8 o’clock. Everyone is really welcome and if you happen to play cornet (maybe trumpet) then that is even better.

Learn to Play
Our Training Band meets at 7pm on Thursdays and we would be really pleased to see you if you fancy giving it a go. They are an enthusiastic bunch of all ages so don’t be shy. We have instruments for you to use so there really is no excuse.

Dates for 2008 – see you there!

Contacts:           Jenny Cooper             Band Manager       01892 782247
Lydia Fuggle             Secretary                   01892 782308

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