Northiam

The Unemployables are looking for new players, and if you sometimes feel you would like to play village cricket, but don’t want to commit to playing every weekend, then this might be the club for you!

The Unemployables Cricket Club was set up 14 years ago by a group of self employed cricket lovers (hence the name) to play a few friendly games a season. Players had all played cricket at one time or another to various levels but over the years many had drifted away from the game because they didn’t have the time to play every weekend for a village club.

The Unemployables are a wandering team who play around 8 games a season against local village clubs. They don’t have a home ground but they do hire the Northiam pitch once or twice a season so they can offer teams an away fixture. As they don’t have a ground to look after they don’t need an annual membership fee. Players pay a fee of £5 a match.

The Unemployables welcomes players of all abilities and ages – teams have included players as young as 10 and as old as 70. The idea behind the Unemployables is that everyone in the team gets involved in the game – you won’t be fielding out on the boundary all afternoon and then bat number eleven. If you want to bowl you should get a few overs but if not, you’ll bat up the order. Games are played in a very friendly atmosphere. If you’re out first ball or you drop a catch that’s not a problem – you won’t be the first!

The Unemployables would be very pleased to welcome new players (especially batsmen) to the club. There will be some net sessions at Newenden in April so if you’re interested, that would be a good opportunity to meet some of the team and see if you’d like to join. Call Terry on 01797 253375 to find out more.

And with talk of cricket, Spring is here! And what better way to celebrate than to take part in or visit the Horticultural Society’s Spring Show on Saturday? The schedule is online, via the Village website (at the bottom of this column), and includes simple classes which just involve popping into the garden and picking a couple of flowers, through to elaborate arrangements, photography and cooking.

New exhibitors are always very welcome, and there is always someone to help if you are a bit lost. If you would like to talk it through before turning up, please call Alison (252525) or Averil (252486) who will be pleased to encourage you!

Exhibitors need to turn up at the Village Hall between 8am and 10am, where you fill in cards to place by your entries. Then place said entries on the tables where indicated, and return in the afternoon to see if glory has been heaped upon you. The investment is just 20p per item!

Whether you enter or not, the Show opens at 2.30pm, and is always a lovely way to spend an afternoon – meeting old friends, admiring the skills displayed, wondering how anyone still has onions left to show ands voting on your favourite photograph. In short, it’s a fine example of village life, so be there!

Sunday is Mothering Sunday, so I trust breakfasts will be served in bed and other suitable spoiling treats will be administered (especially as you will be losing an hour’s sleep, don’t forget)!

The Footpath Group will be enjoying a Tenterden Town Walk on Sunday, leaving the surgery car park at 1pm. It’s a gentle, interesting 2 mile walk, so, if you fancy joining the Group, this would be a great introduction. Just turn up, or call Sue and Micheal Clark (253428).

The Over 60s meet on Tuesday, at 2pm in the Village Hall.

April’s WI meeting will be on Wednesday in the Jenkins Room at 2pm. Paul Stern will give a talk entitled “War Horses” and the competition is Horses. New members are always welcome, or call Margaret Hinds - 253341.

Next Sunday (6th) will be the next Village Hall Trust’s indoor Boot Sale – for bookings and information, please ring Marie Edwards – 01797 253264. Great Dixter will be holding a Plant Fair on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th April, 11am to 4pm.

Services (30th): 8am Holy Communion, 10.30am Family Praise www.northiamvillage.co.uk

All the equipment is there for the Badminton clubs which meet in the Pretious Sports Hall each Friday at 5.30pm (Primary) 6.30pm (Secondary) and 8pm (Adults) in the Pretious Sports Hall. Dance Club meets in the Village Hall from 7.30pm.

Monday’s Badminton club (adult) is at 5.45pm in Pretious Sports Hall, and Zumba follows at 8.15pm. The Budgerigar Society meets in the Jenkins Room at 7pm.

Northiam Tadpoles - the toddler group - meets on Tuesdays from 9.15 to 11.15am at Northiam School, new faces are always welcome.

Coffee Stop offers the chance for a chat over the cup that cheers each Wednesday in the Church Centre between 10am and midday.

Short Mat Bowls is in the Village Hall at 2pm, alongside the Lace Group in the Jenkins Room. At 10 Northridge, there will be a nearly new clothes sale in aid of local charities. Pop along and grab a bargain!

Saturday 5th Book Sale 10.30am

Also this Spring the Parishioners Day is 20th April and ID or proof of address may be.

Karen Ayling, The White House, Dixter Road.