Hurst Green village voice

To paraphrase the old song it looks as if in Hurst Green “Fun is wasted on the Young”. A dynamic team from various organisations held a seminar entitled, “Ageing Well” last Tuesday which was attended by over two dozen people. The session opened with Phyllis Cowley urging older people not to sit and watch TV in the day but her message was “Let’s Get Together”.

Following her came Caroline Scotter from Action for Rural Sussex Project which seeks to stimulate older people’s lives.

She asked for ideas and skills which many people have which can be used to create an active focus locally. Past activities can be used as a basis for this. Ideas flowed in torrents, rowing, tea dances, exercise groups, book club, lunch parties, computer classes, outings, sewing, music and history study. Some of these are already in place and the Friendship Club would be an important aspect in forming such a project. Teresa Lipson, Adult Social Adviser to East Sussex County Council gave her expert advice and encouraged those attending to start such a project. The session broke up into groups to discuss ideas and Gerald Harniman then produced a village map to ascertain all the assets there are available in the area - this looked rather like planning D-Day with the coloured pins and highlighted points. Also in attendance was Brenda Mason who had previously addressed the Parish Council on this scheme. Maureen Harniman gave a detailed outline of the progress regarding the new shop. All were invited to stay for lunch which was sumptuous.

There will be a follow-up meeting on July 3 from 10am but as it ends earlier there will be no lovely lunch only coffee and delicious cakes which is enough in any case and more than we work for!

But some of that fun is already here. On July 15 the Charleston Jive Squad wiggles into Hurst Green for a 40’s/50’s tea dance 2-5pm.

Another on-going activity is the village choir which sends forth bell canto tones every Monday evening between 8 and 9.30. and this is held at the school, London Road. Pop, songs from the shows and ballads are all enjoyed.

Men’s voices particularly welcome. Rebecca Binder is the lady to ring -

07855 691855.

The Brownies welcome everyone to their coffee evening on July 9 at 6 pm in the Village Hall where there will be things for sale, raffle, and entertainment by the enthusiastic jolly bunch of Brownies.

On Wednesday evening the Ryu Jutsu group takes part in these Japanese martial arts. Juniors meet at 6-7 and seniors from 7-8.30. Contact for more information 07817 790 259.

Meet of the Tongue first Friday at Mistletoe Barn. of Silver Hill. 01580 860 528.

The Historical Society enjoyed a picnic at the delightful home of Mr and Mrs. Alan Hughes at Flimwell last week and were able to stroll in the woodlands and grounds of their secluded and fascinating garden.

The Society visits Standen on July 25. Enquiries to join 01580 879 431.

On July 5 the hearing bus will be parked outside the village Hall between 10.30 and 3.30. This is not an advanced dog technique but the bus will have all kinds of equipment which can help the hard of hearing.

Hearing tests are offered together with an opportunity to try out gadgets which help TV listening (can they please tell the actors to speak more clearly ?)Just turn-up and you will be attended to by experts from the East Sussex Hearing Resource Centre. Telephone contact number 01323 722 505.

The cricket match versus Robertsbridge was rained off. Next match is against Bells Yew Green at home.

A new shop is opening at Orchard Farm Shop with the alluring name Maison 1880. It specialises in French painted furniture and other items for the home. Customers are invited to browse without obligation.

A missing loveable cat, blond/ginger is being sought by his worried “staff”

(cats do not have “owners” as we all know). Please look in sheds, outbuildings etc. or if there is bad news please inform 07787 777 682, last seen June 16. Anyone who has been on holiday is asked to look in closed buildings/places please.

The woods, that pleasant area in which all residents can find pleasure, is again the subject of complaints sadly. This time reports that people are fly tipping and even burning rubbish have been made to this column for publicity. This is illegal and penalties can be imposed on those who violate this bylaw. Notices referring to this are posted at the Etchingham end of Burgh Hill entrance to the woods.

Church services are held at Salehurst church at 11am with an earlier short Communion service in Fair Lane, Robertsbridge church Room at 9 am.

Etchingham services at 10.30. Please refer to Etchingham column for details of the type of service held week by week.

Keep the gifts for troops coming into Lesley’s Hairdresser.

Chiropodist calls at the Village Hall Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.

Appointments call Mr. Harris 01797 230 251 or 079999 99 48.

A new correspondent for this column will be needed in a couple of months!

Items for publication to 01580 860 340 or [email protected]

Flora Jenner, Max Gate, Burgh Hill