ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS, WITHYHAM

iki98ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS

WITHYHAM

ALL SAINTS BLACKHAM

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016

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CHAIR CANING,

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HILL COTTAGE, FAIRVIEW LANE, CROWBOROUGH, TN6 1BT

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New gutters or existing gutters cleaned Full Service

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The Dorset Arms, Withyham The De La Warr family welcome you to The Dorset Arms. A family-friendly Pub, open all day, seven days a week,

serving Buckhurst Estate and local seasonal produce. 01892 770278 enquiries@dorsetarms.co.uk

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THE PARISH OF

ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS, WITHYHAM

With ALL SAINTS, BLACKHAM

Priest in Charge: Position Vacant 01892 770976

The Rectory, Withyham, TN7 4BA

Churchwarden: Mr Richard Carden 01342 822491

Cat Street House, Upper Hartfield, TN7 4DP

Churchwarden Mr Antony Cumberland 01892 864347

Woodmead, Orchard Rise, Groombridge, Kent, TN3 9RX

Sexton & Verger Mr John Collins 01892 662389

9 Whitehill Close, Crowborough TN6 1JG

Licensed Reader: Mrs Elizabeth Parish 01892 864989

6 Lynwood, Groombridge TN3 9LX

Licensed Reader: Mr Donald Yonge 07872529740

Organist: Mrs Sue Stone GRSM ARCM DipEd 01892 770978

Deputy Organist: Peter Ellefsen BSc CEng MIEE 01892 653965

Bell Tower Captain: Rosemary Russell 01892 610659

WITHYHAM & BLACKHAM PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Hon. Treasurer: Mrs Anne Barker, 01892 661393

Hillside, Lye Green, Crowborough TN6 1UU

Asst. Treasurer: Mrs Pauline Cremer 01892 663469

Pembury, Myrtle Road, Crowborough, TN6 1EY

Hon. Secretary: Mrs Gilly Halcrow 01892 770607

Backshaws, Cotchford Lane, Upper Hartfield, TN7 4DJ

Child Protection Officer: Mr Donald Yonge 07872529740

ALL SAINTS REPRESENTATIVES

Mrs Sue Schooling 01892 740397

Mr Tony Heath OBE 01892 740577

Other Representatives

Withyham Flower Guild: Jill Pardey 01892 661882

Blackham Flowers: Sue Schooling 01892 740397

Withyham Altar Linen Diane Pedder 01892 770240

Withyham Church Caretakers: Diana Muckleston 01892 864410

Diane Pedder 01892 770240

Chichester Cathedral Link Rep: Sheila Jones 01892 864117

Website: www.withyhamchurch.org

1.

CHURCH CALENDAR – DECEMBER 2015

ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS, WITHYHAM Thursday 3

rd

10.00 a.m. Said Morning Prayer

Sunday 6th

Second Sunday in Advent Sunday

11.00 a.m. Sung Eucharist

6.30 p.m. Evensong

Thursday 10th

10.00 a.m. Said Morning Prayer

Sunday 13th

Third Sunday of Advent

11.00 a.m. All Age Christingle & Nativity Service

6.30 p.m. Carol Service at BLACKHAM

NO EVENSONG AT WITHYHAM Thursday 17

th 10.00 a.m. Said Morning Prayer

Sunday 20th

Fourth Sunday of Advent

9.45 a.m. Blessing of the Crib

11.00 a.m. Matins

6.30 p.m. Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

Thursday 24th

CHRISTMAS EVE

10.00 p.m. ‘MIDNIGHT’ Communion Service

PLEASE NOTE THE TIME OF THIS SERVICE!!! Friday 25

th CHRISTMAS DAY

11.00 a.m. Christmas All Age Service

11.45 a.m. Said short Holy Communion

Sunday 27th

Sunday after Christmas

11.00 a.m. Matins

NO EVENSONG Thursday 31

st 10.00 a.m. Said Morning Prayer

Parish Registers St Michael and All Angels, Withyham

Baptism

On 14th November Arthur Edward Mark Sackville son Hon Edward Sackville and

Sophia Sackvillle was baptised in the Sackville Chapel

Funerals

On 3rd

November the funeral took place of Antony Frank Forsdyke followed by

interment in the Churchyard

On 17th November the funeral took place of Douglas Bernard Hales aged 92

followed by cremation at the Tunbridge Wells Crematorium

On 30th November the funeral took place of Carl Brett Scrace aged 50 followed by

interment in the Churchyard

2.

CHURCH CALENDAR – JANUARY 2016

ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS, WITHYHAM Sunday 3

rd Epiphany

11.00 a.m. Sung Eucharist

6.30 p.m. Evensong

Thursday 7th

10.00 a.m. Said Morning Prayer

Sunday 10th

Plough Sunday

11.00 a.m. All Age Plough Sunday Service

6.30 p.m. Evensong

Thursday 14th 10.00 a.m. Said Morning Prayer

Sunday 17th

Second Sunday of Epiphany

11.00 a.m. Matins

6.30 p.m. Evensong

Thursday 21st 10.00 a.m. Holy Communion

Sunday 24th

Third Sunday of Epiphany

9.45 a.m. Family Service

11.00 a.m. Matins

6.30 p.m. Evensong

Thursday 28th

10.00 a.m. Said Morning Prayer

Sunday 31st Fourth Sunday of Epiphany

Candlemas

11.00 a.m. All Age Parish Communion

6.30 p.m. Evensong

Sunday 7th

January 11.00 a.m. Sung Eucharist

6.30 p.m. Evensong

Parish Registers St Michael and All Angels, Withyham

Wedding

On 12th December the Wedding will take place of Oliver Charles Steele-Perkins

and Amanda Jane Ewers Roughley

3.

“LETTER FROM THE RECTORY” We are all immensely grateful to Elizabeth Parish and Donald Yonge, who

have been contributing monthly pieces for this page every month.

Star Wars! No doubt this Christmas the cinemas will be packed with

people of all ages eager to see the latest film! One of the episodes was

called "a New Hope" – and wasn't it hope that the Wise Men had when they

gazed up into the heavens and saw a star in the East shining with incredible

brightness? They saw the star as they set out on their journey and they saw

it again as they left Herod's palace. However in between that vast distance

from where their journey had begun until nearly the end – they were almost

completely without its help and guidance. Isn't that how it is for most of us?

We have our moments of seeing and knowing when the star of clarity and

certainty goes before us - and then, all of a sudden – nothing. So from these

Wise Men and their journey we can learn three things.

Firstly – that life is a journey – it isn't rooted-ness and settled-ness –

but it's about movement and openness to being led in new directions. Those

Wise Men knew that life is an adventure and that those who are most ready

to follow – see most.

Secondly – Faith is what we exercise in times of darkness. It's for the

times on our journey when we can't see the star and we walk alone with only

the memory of the light to guide us. The Wise Men travelled long miles of

their journey in the dark without that glorious light, yet they still journeyed

on in the direction it had given them. So, like them, in our moments of

darkness all we can do is to keep going forward until the star – the light –

appears again. But we can always have hope!

Then thirdly – at the end of the journey is Jesus Christ! For the Wise

Men Jesus was at the end of their journey just as Jesus will be at the end of

our journey as well.

Yet the wonderful news for us now is that he was there right at the

beginning and was with us all the way – guiding us in times of darkness!

So as we celebrate again the most wonderful event that was to change

the course of human history for ever – we do indeed have a New Hope in

Jesus Christ – the child born to be King and the Prince of Peace who, like

the star, shines as the Light of the World for ever.

Both Donald and I wish you all

A very happy Christmas and New Year! With every blessing. Elizabeth.

4.

Churchwardens Notes – November On the evening of 1st November an All Souls Service was held.

Parishioners were invited to provide names of deceased loved ones to be

remembered. The names were read out during the service and candles placed

on the altar. The service was well attended and hopefully offered comfort to

the bereaved and a fitting start to the season of remembrance.

On 8th November we held our traditional Remembrance Sunday Service

which, once again, was very well attended. The Last Post and Reveille were

sounded and we thank Sally Whitty who played the trumpet so beautifully. We

are most grateful to the Reverend Doctor John Caperon who led the service for

us and who did much to make it such a moving occasion.

The Christening of Arthur Sackville, conducted by Arthur Harris, took

place in the Sackville Chapel on 14th November. The flowers in church were

truly magnificent and served as yet another reminder, if indeed we needed one,

of how much we owe to Molly Packer and her team.

The Coffee Morning on 4th November, kindly organised and hosted by

Arthur and Hazel Harris, saw a steady stream of visitors throughout the

morning. Delicious homemade cakes and scones were served with coffee and

many handmade items were on sale. The event was a huge success with the

result that church funds benefited from an amount raised in excess of £600. A

big thank you is due to Arthur and Hazel and their helpers.

Finally, on Saturday 28th November, a group of sturdy volunteers turned

out in their gardening clothes for the Annual Churchyard Clear-up. Large

quantities of leaves and twigs were collected and burned, and, where necessary,

the grass was given its final mow of the season. This was followed by the

tradition lunch in the belfry organised by June Noble and her helpers. Thank

you very much June!

Richard Carden and Antony Cumberland

We regret to announce that Kingo Bingo has had to be

postponed until further notice

and will NOT be taking place on Friday 11th December

5.

BLACKHAM Village Hall

Christmas Market Saturday 5th December

10-12.30

~ Reindeer Cafe ~ ~ Fair trade fancies ~

~ Sarita’s ‘made in Blackham’ Christmas pasties ~ ~ Penny’s festive pantry preserves ~

~ Christmas cards and gifts ~ ~ Fresh free range eggs ~

~ Little elves freshly baked bread ~ ~ Soothing Aloe Vera stall ~

~ And Santa’s traditional bumper Christmas raffle ~

Everyone Welcome!

Blackham Village Hall market is the original local market in

the area, known for its friendly atmosphere and genuine locally sourced fare.

6.

CAROL SERVICE at

ALL SAINTS CHURCH, BLACKHAM

There will be a Carol Service in Blackham Church

at 6.30 p.m. on Sunday 13th

December

(lifts available for people who won’t drive in the dark)

Refreshments in Blackham Village Hall afterwards

ALL ARE WELCOME and it would be lovely to see a full and

decorated church, which we do not want to lose.

TONY FORSDYKE, 3rd

November 2015

Adrian, Nicole, Erica and I wish to thank Elizabeth, the choir and Sue for

making the service for Tony so lovely. We were immensely grateful to see such a

large choir singing for Tony.

Thank you also to those members of the congregation and friends who were

there with us remembering him.

Yvonne Forsdyke

Thanks to the generosity of those who came, those who contributed gifts

and those who sent donations, the sum of £605 was realised for Church funds by

the Coffee Morning at Pine Lodge on November 4th.

Arthur and Hazel Harris

FAMILY SUPPORT WORK I find it difficult to convey how very much I appreciate all of the beautiful

gifts and donations you have given to the Family Support Work this Christmas.

Your generosity never ceases to inspire and encourage.

Some recent referrals have been extremely challenging and one especially

has really touched my heart, making me realise how very fortunate most of us are.

Michelle continues to do a fantastic job and gives me the inspiration to assist in

every possible way that I am able.

The wonderful gifts you have donated to the children and families make

such a difference and will help to make their Christmas a happy time.

If it were at all possible, I would write to each of you individually to thank

you, but to be realistic all I can do is once again tell you how extremely grateful

Michelle and I continue to be to you all.

Wishing you Peace and Joy at Christmas. Miriam Boobier

7.

YOUNG CHURCH

8.

CHICHESTER CATHEDRAL EVENTS There is a comprehensive list of events on the noticeboard and in The

Chichester News Magazine at the back of the church. If you require further

information, please get in touch with me.

CHRISTMAS FAIR: Friday, 4th December from 10 a.m. to 12.00 noon in the

Vicars' Hall.

CATHEDRAL CAROL SERVICES: Sunday 20th December at 6.00 p.m. AND

Monday 21st December at 6.00 p.m. AND Tuesday 22nd December at 3.00 p.m.

COFFEE MORNING: Friday, 8th January, 2016.

EPIPHANY LUNCH: Wednesday, 13th January, 2016. 12.30 pm in the Vicars'

Hall.

Sheila Jones (01892 864117)

GOVERNMENTIUM Scientists at CE in Geneva have announced the discovery of The

HEAVIEST element yet known to science.

The new element is Governmentium (Gv). It has one neutron, 25

assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons and 198 assistant deputy neutrons,

giving it an atomic mass of 312. These 312 particles are held together by

forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lefton-like

particles called peons.

Since Governmentium has no electrons or protons, it is inert.

However, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it

comes into contact. A tiny amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction

normally taking less than a second to take from four days to four years to

complete.

Governmentium has a normal half-life of between two and six years.

It does not decay but instead undergoes a reorganisation in which a portion of

the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places.

In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since

each reorganisation will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming

isodopes. This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to

believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical

concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as critical morass.

When catalysed with money, Governmentium becomes

Administratium, an element that radiates just as much energy as

Governmentium since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.

All of the money is consumed in the exchange, and no other by-products are

produced.

9.

Groombridge Horticultural Society

The AGM will be held on 21st January at 7pm in the Village Hall Club Room. All members and prospective members are welcome to come along. Following this, at 8pm in the New Hall we will have our first speaker of the year – Alexis Datta, ex-Head Gardener at Sissinghurst will talk about her experiences there. Tea, coffee and biscuits served – we hope to see you there.

Subscriptions are now due for the 2016 year and can be paid on the night. We welcome new members at any time and membership costs just £3 which is excellent value as it gives you free entry to all talks throughout the year, discounted trips and 10% off purchases at Royal Mires Garden Centre. Any questions please contact Gillian on 01892 864580 or gillian@rowans.clara.co.uk

2016 Programme of Events 21st January – AGM and Alexis Datta talking about her time as Head Gardener at Sissinghurst 18th February - Michael Lynn talks about poisons, potions, pests and parasites 10th March - Ken Turner talks about perennials and mixed borders 9th April - Spring Show 14th May - Spring Plant Sale 25th June - Rose and Sweet Pea Show June/July - trip to Parham House and Gardens and Groombridge Open Gardens (dates to be advised) 10th September - Autumn Show 8th October - Autumn Plant Sale 20th October - Gardener’s Question Time with local experts to help solve your horticultural dilemmas

The Hartfield Singers Christmas Concert A European Tour

Join us and our Musical Director, Helen Walker, to celebrate Christmas with food, drink and song on Saturday 5th

December in Hartfield Village Hall at 7.30 p.m. Tickets: £12 (to include buffet) are obtainable from Robert

Jackson 01342 823081 or Hartfield Stores, High Street, Hartfield. See our website for more details

www.hartfieldsingers.co.uk

10.

ARGUING ON THE ESCALATOR I was on the escalator when I heard them behind me; this couple arguing

about what they were going to buy for Christmas. It was a real ding dong battle.

Indeed I thought I might have to act as mediator or else call an ambulance to stand

by.

And I thought; what is it all about this Christmas season, all the noise, the

glittering lights, the hurry and the bustle, meals to prepare, presents to buy and

cards to send? And all the stress that this brings at what is meant to be a season of

peace and goodwill.

What is it all about? How can a baby born 2,000 years ago on the other side

of the world in a draughty stable have any impact on me or on our society today?

What is it all about? What difference does it make?

Well the difference is that the baby born in that stable was God himself, the

one we read about in the Old Testament prophets; the one who is to be called

Immanuel, meaning God with us; the one who Paul tells us in his letter to the

Philippians humbled himself and took on the form of a servant and became

obedient unto death, death on the cross.

And he did that for you and for me.

So let us make this Christmas the time when we will rebuild those broken

relationships; that relationship with someone you have not spoken to for a long

time because of something that may have happened many years ago…..

And let us make this Christmas the time when we will rebuild and renew

that relationship with God. Let it not only be something we do at Christmas but the

whole year through: where a relationship is under strain or broken each day is the

day to try to mend it.

Is there a relationship you could try to mend today? (with grateful thanks to the Rev. Jim Lamont from his Highland Reflections)

11. CARL BRETT SCRACE (1965 – 2015)

Carl Scrace passed away peacefully on Tuesday 17th

November at the Hospice in

the Weald in Pembury aged 50, having finally lost his battle with cancer. Carl was a true

man of the Parish, born in the village to Derrick & Zena on the 29th

September, 1965 as a

younger brother to Tina. He was educated in Withyham and spent most of his life working

with his Dad, Derrick and Cousin, Tyrone painting, decorating and completing small

building projects for customers locally. He is remembered with much fondness by those he

worked for and with. His careful eye, thoughtful approach and daring feats of agility and

strength will be recounted by many for years to come.

His mark on the parish is made permanent by the building works and projects which

stand the test of time at Buckhurst and the surrounding houses, Duckings, Hale Court,

Windleshaw & The Dorset Arms, to name but a few. A true countryman, he found great

pleasure in restoring the two ponds at Lyewood Common behind the house he was born in

and went on to share with Becca.

He was a very proud father and the children were a great source of delight, mixed

with that competitive glint as he tried to keep up on two wheels, ski’s or latterly on horse-

back.

On a lovely day this September his friends and family celebrated his marriage to

Alison at Withyham church and later at their home in Blackham. It scarcely seems possible

that as we write this we will soon be together again marking the passing of a life well lived

but all too short, son, brother, husband, father, cousin and friend.

Carl wished to raise funds for the Hospice in the Weald, recognising the great work

undertaken by a privately funded organisation supporting local people during the most

difficult periods of their lives. You can donate in Carl’s name at the Dorset Arms or

directly via www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk.

(I am very grateful to Roger Lyon of RL Computer Solutions for this series of articles)

Where is your laptop? A UK laptop elopes every minute taking with it treasured photographs,

documents and possibly online account access. Basic security measures include

backing up your data, keeping your laptop out of sight and close beside you while

travelling. If you need more security, consider buying a Kingston laptop cable-

lock, or even a proximity alarm that sounds when your bag begins to trot away.

You can make your data unintelligible to thieves by encrypting your device.

While this feature is built into many devices including phones, tablets and Apple

computers it is curiously missing from most flavours of Windows which require a

separate program.

You can control, locate or erase your stolen Android or Apple-produced

devices using built-in software. Alternatively, Prey is a simple one-stop shop for

tracking and controlling your collection of mobile phones, laptops and tablets and

can even send pictures of the thief to you.

Finally, a note for photographers. GadgetTrak's Serial Search Service will

look for your stolen camera’s serial number among millions of pictures posted

online. Roger Lyon (01342 825209)

12.

13.

Withyham Parish Council (WPC) Notes November REPORT FROM ESCC & WDC

ESCC reported that all Community Match Schemes would be reviewed at the

meeting with the Lead member for Transport on Monday 16th November in

Lewes. The ‘A264 Missing Link’ scheme (see below) is included. WPC will be

present at the meeting in case ESCC wished to have further clarification on the

importance of the pathway. Delays by ESCC in providing costs for the project is

having a knock on effect on the fundraising.

WDC reported that the deadline for WDC’s Local Plan Issues and Options paper

consultation has been extended to 14th December. Current proposals in the

Electoral Review are for the number of District Councillors to be reduced to 45

which equates with the number of wards.

WARD REPORTS

Groombridge Ward: A meeting has been held with SGN, which was well

attended by residents, to explain the probable disruption that would be caused by

the project to renew old gas lines in Groombridge which would probably last until

March 2016.

Overgrown hedges continue to present a problem to pedestrians and vehicles.

Letters will be sent to ask owner/residents to cut them back.

St John’s Ward: The burial ground currently under construction at Forest Fold

is looking very urban due to the tarmacking of part of the field for vehicles. It is

hoped that hedging will soften the appearance.

There has been an issue with ‘off-roading 4x4 vehicles’ along Gillridge Lane,

which is a bridle pathway. Residents are intending to install a gate.

Withyham/Blackham: Various fund raising activities are planned to raise

money towards the provision of a pathway beside the A264 from Blackham to the

sports pavilion in Ashurst. It’s a very daunting task for a small village to raise

£21,500! A number of anonymous donations have come into the Parish Office.

These have been passed on to the ‘Missing Link’ Treasurer.

‘Celebrate Withyham’ is considering the type of community space that children in

Balls Green require.

WPC NEXT 5 YEAR PARISH PLAN: A workshop has been held to update

councillors on the work undertaken by sub-groups and the progress towards

achieving an Operational Plan. Projects identified for the next 5 years will affect

WPS’s Precept so it is essential that proposals are costed both in time and money.

MEETING WITH MP NUS GHANI: WPC held a meeting with Wealden MP

Nus Ghani to discuss affordable housing in the parish, our Parish Plan and the

effect of local government devolution of services on parish councils. We also

discussed the safe pathway alongside the A264 and the need for Broadband in the

area. Nus Ghani suggested very constructive ways in which she could support us

and is keen for us to keep her informed of all developments.

Di Kelly Chair

14.

(This article appeared in the Southern Weekly News, Friday, 24th December 1937)

Withyham’s Sad Christmas Eve FAREWELL TO BELOVED TEACHER

LIFE AND SOUL OF THE VILLAGE FOR 25 YEARS CHRISTMAS EVE, 1937, strikes a sad note at Withyham and there is a tinge of

regret in the festive season in this village

on the fringe of gorse clad Ashdown

Forest.

The reason – a farewell party at

Withyham School to Miss Fanny Penn, the

beloved headmistress for 25 years and who

is now teaching the children of the girls and

boys she taught there years ago.

Yes, Withyham is going to miss

her, and miss her in more ways than one.

“Miss Penn has been the life and soul of

the village for years,” one of the parents

told me.

And my investigations showed that

Miss Penn was something more than head-

teacher at the little school – she has been a

leader in the social and spiritual life of the

village.

FORMER PUPILS’ CHILDREN

“I say my farewells on Christmas Eve and I am going to miss Withyham,”

she told me. “I have been here for 25 years as head-teacher, and before that I was

teaching for eleven years at Archbishop Tennyson’s school at South Croydon. It is

extraordinary to think that I am now teaching the children of my former pupils, but

even so Mrs Kingswood, my assistant mistress, has been teaching here longer still –

she has been here for 29 years!”

“When I came here this was a church school, and it remained so until about

three years ago when it was taken over by the County Council. Now we only teach

children up to the age of 11, and those over 11 years old go to school at

Groombridge. Accordingly our numbers have decreased, and we have about 50

children now, but at one time we had from 80 – 90 in the school.”

“I am finishing up with a school party, and then I am leaving Withyham to

live in Wokingham. I had hoped to retire in Withyham, but have been unable to find

a cottage to live in, and have tried to get a little land to build a house, but could not

buy less than three acres, and that was too much for me.

“So, against my wishes, I have to leave Withyham, and it will break my

heart because I have become so attached to it.”

15.

WITHYHAM HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY At this time of year it does take a lot of effort to get outside and work in the

garden but it has been extremely mild, and the grass keeps growing!

In a preview of 2016 I can tell you we have a great year ahead, the Spring

Show on the 9th April, and the Autumn show on the 10

th September. We have two

trips one to Waterperry Gardens, Oxfordshire in June and the RHS gardens at Hyde

Hall, Essex in September with all the usual events which will all be listed in your

2016 membership cards.

Garden tips for this month are:

1. If your garden is too wet to be worked on how about creating a smaller

one using a large pot filling it with evergreens, colourful shrubs, perennials and

bedding plants, keep an eye on it to make sure it does not dry out through the

winter months.

2. If you are planting out new hellebore plants put them into a sheltered spot

and they will reward you with late winter/early spring colour. If you have old

hellebore plants now is the time to take out all the old leaves, cut right down at the

base of the stem, hellebores are prone to leaf spot which can re-infect the plant if

not taken out and discarded.

3. Dig up leeks and parsnips as and when you require them watch out for

leek caterpillar remove the outer leaves if they are infected with rust, parsnips are

best after a frost as this intensifies the sugars making them sweeter.

4. Bring a rhubarb plant indoors for forcing and you will be harvesting

delicious rhubarb stalks in 3-4 week’s just in time for Christmas. Helen and the

committee wishes all our members a very happy Christmas and New Year and

thanks for all your support during the year, we look forward to seeing you all in

2016.

Val Edwards (Secretary 01892 661940)

ACTION The person who rows the boat generally doesn’t have time to rock it

“Chop your own wood and it will warm you twice” Henry Ford

“To do nothing is in every man’s power” Samuel Johnson

“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honourable, but more useful

than a life spent doing nothing” George Bernard Shaw

The best angle to approach a problem from is the try angle

“It’s fun to do the impossible” Walt Disney

“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there”

Will Rogers

“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who

hustle” Abraham Lincoln

“Well done is better than well said” Benjamin Franklin

“It is better to begin in the evening than not at all” English Proverb

16.

17.

PARISH DIARY DECEMBER 2015

Wed 2nd

7.45 p.m. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

Thu 3rd

7.45 p.m. Four Plays by Groombridge ADS

Fri 4th

7.30 p.m. Groombridge Village Hall (See Magazine)

Sat 5th

7.30 p.m.

Sat 5th

10.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. Blackham Monthly Saturday Market

Blackham Village Hall

Sat 5th

7.30 p.m. Hartfield Singers Xmas Concert

Hartfield Village Hall (See Magazine)

Sat 12th

10.30 to 1.00 p.m. Coffee and Mince Pie Fund Raiser

Blackham Village Hall (See magazine) Sun 13

th 6.30 p.m. CAROL SERVICE

All Saints Church, Blackham

Refreshments afterwards in the BVH

Mon 14th

7.00 p.m. WPC Monthly Meeting

WPC Office, Groombridge Station

The meeting will be followed by a celebration of our Unsung Helpers who

add such value to our work in the community.

PARISH DIARY JANUARY 2016

Fri 8th

8.00 p.m. WITHYHAM PANTOMIME Sat 9

th 2.30 and 8.00 p.m. JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Kings’ Hall, Withyham (See Magazine)

Thu 21st 7.00 p.m. Groombridge Horticultural Society AGM

Groombridge Village Hall (See magazine)

Midday Monday 25th

Deadline for February Parish Magazine Contributions

HOW MANY BOYS AND HOW MANY GIRLS CAN YOU SEE?

01892 664698

07710798553

‘Meadowside’,

Green Lane,

Crowborough,

East Sussex TN6

2BT

NIGEL DEAR

Painter

Decorator

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

City & Guilds & Advanced Craft

Logs For Sale 2.2 cubic metres for £120, cut to length, delivered and

unloaded at your home

Stoves and open fires catered for

Call John Harding: 01342850973/07912533138

Hartfield Playschool ~ Celebrating 50 Years in 2015! Founded 50 years ago, Hartfield Playschool is a well

established community Playschool in a beautiful setting with extensive

gardens and outdoor space, taking children from 2-5 years.

We are open from 9am-3pm Monday to Friday during term

time. Our aim is to enhance the development and education

of pre-school children in line with the Early Years Foundation

Stage. Please visit our website at www.hartfieldplayschool.co.uk

or call us on 01892 770830 for more information about any

aspect of Playschool. Charity No. 1158901.

KINGS' HALL WITHYHAM Your local village hall makes a great venue for Parties,

Weddings, Anniversaries and Children's parties. Hire it

from only £10 per hour Bookings and enquiries (01892) 770035 or 652515

or e-mail meg@rosneathengineering.co.uk

or bryanwilliamsb@aol.com

FURNITURE

RESTORATION

(Julian Saxty)

01892 770100

Driftwood Counselling Practice Counselling and Psychotherapy in Hartfield and Blackham

For individuals, couples and families, children and young people

For your free initial consultation and more information please contact us:

Katie Humphries Dip. Couns MBACP 07841 404 471 Trish Brown Dip. Couns MBACP 07989 234 272

email: Driftwoodcounselling@gmail.com

Qualified and experienced therapists – MBACP registered

LAND DRAINAGE & TRENCHING

Ditching & Earth Moving Water Supplies & Repair

Giles Swift Tel: 01892 864754

meg@rosneathengineering.co.uk

www.rosneathengineering.co.uk

SPANISH LESSONS FOR ALL LEVELS, EXAMS,

BUSINESS OR TO GET

MORE FROM YOUR

HOLIDAYS! 40 Years' experience in the

Spanish-speaking world.

Call Bryan Williams

01892 652515

bryanwilliamsb@aol.com

FURNITURE

RESTORATION

(Julian Saxty)

01892 770100

BLACKHAM VILLAGE HALL Available for public hire for:

Parties, Celebrations, Receptions, Band Practices, Fitness

Classes, Martial Arts, Dances, Tea Parties, in fact, just about

anything legal!

Facilities include: Disabled access and facilities;

Central Heating; Fitted kitchen; Small private garden area;

Licenced premises.

Monthly local market (everyone welcome) on 1st Saturday of

each month 10am – 12.30pm (except January).

Bookings: Contact Penny on 01892 740574

Winter: £6/hour local residents; £7/hour other users

Summer: £5/hour local residents; £6/hour other users

Computer support for your office and home

RL Computer Solutions

Friendly expert service for your computer

Installation, maintenance & repairs

Safeguard or recover your valuable data

Remote support for a swift solution to many problems

Monitoring of your computer’s health for peace of mind

Roger Lyon Tel: 01342 825209 Mob: 07982710977

Wordpress website specialist

Do you need help with your

computer?

WILLETTS FARM

DAIRY ICE CREAM MADE ON THE FARM USING

FRESH MILK & DOUBLE CREAM Just off the A264, halfway between

Tunbridge Wells & East Grinstead

Willetts Farm, Blackham, Tunbridge Wells,

Kent TN3 9TU Tel: 01892 740320 or 740747

R MEDHURST

Funeral Directors

Vine House, Hartfield, TN7 4AD Family Business for over 150 years, 24 our service, Home Visits

Advice on Funeral Plans, Chapel of Rest

East Grinstead (01342) 315880

Hartfield (01892) 770253

We take care of everything personally at a sensitive time

No Artificial

Colourings

Natural

Flavourings

S.W.HARDING

HOUSE AND GARDEN

MAINTENANCE

Builder and Sub-Contractor

Garden Walls, Patios & Paths

Pointing, Fence Erecting, Painting

Garden Machinery Cleared

(01892) 740505

McDonnell Services Ltd

Heating & Plumbing Withyham, East Sussex

Tel: 07891421288

mcdsl@doriscat.waitrose.com

No Job Too Small

Kings’ Hall Withyham Lettings: Mrs Meg Stafford 01892 770035

or Bryan Williams 01892 652515

www.withyhamvillagehall.co.uk Equipment Hire: Bill Sanford 01892 770740

Blackham Village Hall Bookings: Mrs P Hawes 01892 740574

Doctors Dr A Wolfle, Dr M James The Nook Surgery Groombridge 01892 863326

Saxonbury House, Crowboro’ 01892 603131

Beacon Surgery, Crowboro’ 01892 652233

District Nurse Sister Kay 01892 603109

Family Social Work Mrs Miriam Boobier 01892 662780

Withyham Art Group Mrs Rosemary Goolden 01892 770351

Withyham Horticultural Society: Valerie Edwards 01892 661940

Email: whswithyham@gmail.com

St Michael’s School Miss Katie O’Shea (Headteacher) 01892 770307

Dorset Arms Angling Club Fred Stillwell 01892 770661

Withyham Cricket Club Tristan Tully 01892 541137

Blackham Country Players Linda Weekes 01892 740261

Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Crowborough, selected hours 01892 655303

Council for the Protection of Rural England Local Office 01825 890975

Withyham Parish Charity This Trust provides financial help for those in need.

Applications to John Gower, the Clerk to the Trustees 01892 654395

Timetable Information National Rail Enquiries 03457 484950

Arriva Buses 0344 8004411

Brighton & Hove Buses 01273 886200

Withyham Parish Council (WPC). Office: The Old Station, Groombridge

Website: www.withyhamparishcouncil.org.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/withyhamparishcouncil

Email: clerk@withyhamparishcouncil.org.uk 01892 864557

WPC Office hours Monday 09.30 - 17.00

Tuesday to Friday 09.30 - 12.30

Councillors hold “surgeries” on 3rd

Saturday each month 08.30 - 10.00

Telephone Numbers for the reporting of incidents Highway lights and Footpath damage (location and problem) 03456080193

Vandalism and Abandoned Vehicles (all relevant details) 01243642222

Waste collection queries 03456080194

Trading Standards 03456080197

Problems can also be reported to: eastsussex.gov.uk/fixmystreet

Magazine Editor and Advertisements

Richard Pardey Smugglers, Hoadleys Lane, Crowborough, TN6 1TH

Email: richard.pardey@talk21.com 01892 661882

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