Hurst Green village voice

The last of the events was the lighting of the Beacon at 10.15pm on the Stage Field on Monday.

A large number of people were there, some picnicking by lantern light, others with glowing head gear. The massive moon changing from cinnamon to shining silver,added a surreal sense to the occasion. In the distance could be seen other Beacons from Rye, Tenterden and, nearer at hand, Hawkhurst with fireworks displays illuminating the night sky. A sense of history was strong and timeless.In the light of the glowing flames Graham and his fellow helpers were seen, moving about in the long grass and throwing great logs into the Fire basket.

A lady in the crowd started, spontaneously, to sing the National Anthem and all joined in. It was an acutely moving moment as no doubt those gathered at the other Beacons we could see, were doing the same thing, culminating the overwhelming occasion on the Mall on Tuesday.

The Beacon was, unexpectedly, at ground level but due to the height of the Field it would have been seen for some distance.

The reason for this was that there had been an objection to the erection of the Beacon and by the time planning permission was granted there was no time to build the base and pole. Despite this sour surprise the evening was unforgettable, a once in a lifetime event, a cross between Guy Fawkes night and a nocturnal picnic all in the long wet grass. One very practical aspect of the damp weather ensured that despite the ground level Beacon there was no danger of sparks causing danger.

Bob Janes and Maureen Harniman have met with the youth worker in the Shop complex and spent some hours there. They and the other committee members are giving it their all.They deserve success with this large undertaking for the benefit of the village.

June 19 at 10am, at the Village Hall, the Ageing Well project will hold a lunch and meeting for all those interested in this nation-wide scheme to offer more opportunities to the retired. If you would like to attend, transport can be arranged, ring 01273 481 565 or Bob on 01580 861 321.

Battle Area Transport proposals for a “flexible bus service” covering Eastbourne, Tenterden and Rye from Hurst Green and other villages, can be detailed by ringing 01424 772 001 between 9-noon Monday to Friday. Volunteer drivers welcome.

All the allotments are now taken but names can be put on the waiting list.

They certainly look very splendid as one approaches the village or drives through it on the A21.

There have been complaints about large dogs in the woods running free which have attacked smaller dogs on leads. Please keep dogs under control in the woods as they are used by children and old people as well as dog walkers with little dogs which do not want to be threatened.

Church services are held in Salehurst church at 11 am with a short Communion Service at 9am in the Church Room, Fair Lane, Robertsbridge. Also Etchingham church starts at 10.30 every Sunday in the summer. Please refer to Etchingham column as the Vicar, Revd. Liz France, is moving to London in the next month or so.

The Trefoil Guild continues to meet. All former Guides, Brownies are welcome to join for fun gatherings, outings and general get togethers to sing Camp fire songs as in the Days of Youth. Ring Barbara 01580819 330.

Pop sweets, shaving gear, useful personal items into the hairdressers, Station Road, and Lesley will see they go to our troops in Afghanistan.

If anyone else would like to go on the outing with the Historical Society please ring 880 983. July 25 a visit to Standen.

For the second week there was no cricket at Drizzly Drewetts. The match was at Rolvendon but rain stopped play in Rainy Rolvendon too. Next week, if a full team can be raised, Hurst Green play Netherfield. This is an additional fixture as they have played them once before this season. New players welcome. 01892 511 031.

Mobile library calls alternate weeks on a Friday between 2.25 and 3.15pm.

Chiropodist visits Wednesday and Thursday at the Village Hall. Phone for appointments. 01797 230 251 or 079999 99 48.

Our shared Deli and Village Shop welcomes you in Etchingham - it’s very “posh” and inviting with all kinds of goodies for sale - a nice place to be.

The Friendship Club meets on Black Bin Day at 2 pm at the Village Hall and Meet of the Tongue at Mistletoe Barn on the first Friday of the month.

Note. the Parish Council always meets on the last Tuesday of the month.

Everyone welcome to attend. All residents should see the amount of hard work and dedication all Parish Councillors put into serving the community of Hurst Green.

All times for this column to 01580 860 340 or [email protected]

Flora Jenner, Max Gate, Burgh Hill