Catsfield village voice

On Sunday, May 6th, John Overall is leading a walk through Normanhurst, by kind permission of the owners, to see parts not usually open to walkers. The public footpath takes you through the estate, but not to the lakes created by the Brasseys, with their splendid specimen trees and rhododendrons. Meet at 2.30 pm for this Jubilee Celebration walk.

The following Sunday, May 13th, there will be a walk in aid of the Parish Church, round the lakes on the Ashburnham estate, led by Linda Keeley. The Ashburnham family looked down on the Brasseys, newly arrived in Catsfield, as nouveau riche and there was great rivalry between the families. Linda`s walk starts at her home, Lingham`s Farm Cottage, which you will find just before you reach the Ash pub on Brown Bread Street. After she has taken you round parts of the Ashburham estate not usually open to the public, there will be refreshments at her home.

Let`s hope the weather will be kind to both these events.

Meanwhile, the bluebells are in flower on the sunnier slopes in Powdermill Wood and should soon fill the woodland with their marvellous colour and scent.

The repairs to Powdermill Lane were achieved in remarkably quick time, with the weather on Monday helping the final job of resurfacing the road. A fleet of lorries containing hot tarmac lined up in a timed exercise to lay the material within the short period that it remained at the right temperature. No loose grit, no pools of tar, just a perfect surface that will only encourage motorists to drive even faster along this beautiful country lane!

The last football match of the season was an inter- club friendly in memory of the much missed Andy Gurr, with a donation made to St Michael’s Hospice. Having now being reduced to only one team, Catsfield just avoided relegation, but look forward to a new season.

The energetic CADS held the last fund raising event in aid of the Jubilee with a schooldays themed disco on Saturday night.  School uniforms abounded with some fierce looking teachers, caretakers and a nurse whose skills were unfortunately needed after a dancer slipped. Vanessa appeared as Farah Fawcett Major (!!) and she and her family masterminded the evening with great enthusiasm, as only they can. The bar was very busy and Bakers sausages were enjoyed during the interval.

The superb disco music was expertly done by Dave and Aaron who worked extremely hard to create the right atmosphere.  Thanks are due once again to Ricky Adelaide who sang and played the guitar, appearing as Elvis to round off a great night. We have enjoyed a wide variety of events to fund the Jubilee, there is a walk around Normanhurst on 6th May at 2.30 pm and then it is full steam ahead for Jubilee weekend. Get your tickets from the village shop.

The service on Sunday at St Laurence is the Family Communion at 9.15 am followed by refreshments.

Patricia Speedy, Longstone, Powdermill Lane