Horam & Vines Cross Village Diary

HORAM & VINES CROSS VILLAGE DIARY

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White Feather FUNERALS

Female led, independent funeral director. Supporting and empowering you in celebrating a loved one’s life, at the end of their life, however you choose.

Traditional to contemporary and everything else in between. Independent personal service. Transparent and open minded.

Lucy and Dawn at White Feather were excellent in all aspects of organising my dad’s funeral. Due to family coming from abroad we needed to arrange things quickly. From our first meeting I found Lucy’s compassion and understanding, and easy character, gave me confidence that everything would be arranged efficiently and to a high standard, which it was. I chose White Feather Funerals as I loved the fact it was female led, and as dad had been cared for by 5 female carers at home, felt it was fit ting that his final journey be conducted by ladies. I would not hesitate to recommend Lucy and Dawn to anyone seeking a truly compassionate, efficient, and down to earth team. Thank you so much White Feather. Mrs A

27a High Street, Heathfield, TN21 8JR. 01435 408650

"Feathers appear, when Angels are near."

WHATS ON IN THE COMMUNITY

CROSSWAYS

Wednesday 7th December

10am - 12 noon at Christchurch, Horebeech Lane, Horam.

COME IN AND SEE US - ENJOY GOOD COFFEE/TEA AND CHRISTMAS PICKlES AND HOME MADE CAKE

EVERYONE WILL BE MADE WECOME INCLUDING CHILDREN.

Meet with friends, make new friends and enjoy good coffee/tea and homemade cake. We meet the first Wednesday of every month, everybody is welcome.

We shall look forward to seeing all.

Christ Church Fellowship

Will meet again on Tuesday 31st January 2023 at 2pm.

We would like to wish our Fellowship friends a lovely Christmas and every blessing for the New Year. Love Anne & Pamela.

Last date this year: Saturday 10 December 2022 9:30 am 12 noon Horam Village Hall, A267, Horam TN21 0JE

Second Saturday every month, same time: We hope to see you!

Help us preserve our environment and dent our throw away culture. Everyone is welcome and all services are free, but donations are welcome. Yummy home-baked cakes and refreshments while you wait!

https://www.facebook.com/RepairCafeTN21

On most occasions we will be able to repair: Computers ~ Electrical items ~ Cycles ~ Minor mechanical problems ~ Furniture ~ Jewellery ~ Musical instruments ~ Small Sewing repairs ~ Necklace Restringing

Heathfield Repair Café is generously funded by Heathfield & Waldron Parish Council, Wealden District Council and Co op Horam

Worried about keeping warm in your own home? Turned your heating down or off? Cold...? Christ Church & Horam Chapel are working together to provide a ‘Warm Space’ as a community drop-in!

As an initial trial, one of the halls at Christ Christ will be open and warm, with hot drinks and biscuits, every Friday in December between 10.00am-4.00pm (all free of charge)

Warm Spaces

Drop in or stay a few hours, keep warm, meet friends, bring a child, a newspaper, a book, a laptop (internet available) - bring lunch! Watch this space in January’s Diary, for more days when you can keep warm with us in the New Year....

Horebeech Lane Horam TN21 0DT

PODIATRIST & CHIROPODIST

13 years specialist wound care NHS experience.

All aspects of podiatry & chiropody including:

Toenail cutting * Ingrowing toenails

Corns & calluses * Cracked heels

Athlete's foot * Verrucae therapies

Foot pain * Insoles & orthotics Diabetic footcare & assessment

Appointments at the address formerly known as Horam Natural Therapy Centre and home visits available.

Mara Ragaiolo BSC (Hons) Podiatry. HCPC registered and member of the College of Podiatry.

Mob: 077031 56799 Horam Natural Therapy Centre, High Street, Horam, TN21 0EL.

Available now at Horam Healthcare Clinic

WELL-BEING

Pilates Classes in Horam

Exercising in a relaxed atmosphere enjoying the fun that exercise produces through the release of endorphins.

Please book your space with Nancy on 07881 941360 or email at nancyprocterpilates@gmail.com www.nancyprocterpilates.com

Hair by Julie (formerly Cutting Edge, Horam) at Cheryl Mcgroggan Hair Salon, Cross in Hand.

You can now book through Booksy or call Julie on 07972 302273

Ray Wicker - for all your Double glazing and Carpentry needs!

Double glazing:

• Replacement of windows and doors in UPVC, aluminium and timber.

• Service & repairs to your existing double glazed windows eg replace old misted glass units, replace broken handles, hinges and locks, re-trim and seal old windows.

• Install UPVC fascia, soffit and guttering - full replacment or cap over.

• Install new or replace shiplap cladding in UPVC or timber.

Carpentry:

• Hang doors, fit door liners, architrave, locks, handles skirting etc.

• Custom built in wardrobes/shelves, build flat pack furniture etc.

• Stud walls, insulation board, plasterboard.

• Build garden sheds, summer houses, garden decking etc.

• Fit curtain poles and blinds.

• Replace kitchen/bathroom silicone.

• Install new kitchen carcases, doors etc.

All jobs considered big or small. Please call Ray Wicker on 07960 503844

Services this Christmas:

The angels sang that first Christmas of a peace which seems a far cry from the world we live in today. This year alone has seen Russian tanks invade Ukraine, the assassination of a former Prime Minister of Japan, wildfires rage through homes in Spain, nineteen children shot dead in an American primary school, queues across the world for food and fuel, and millions displaced because of war. And that is only the tip of the iceberg. Where is this peace that the angels promised would come through the birth of the Christmas child? Where is the peace our world longs for? It seems so distant.

And yet this promise of God announced that first Christmas is, in fact, a reality. And it’s a deeper peace than we ever imagined...

Why not come along to one of our services this Christmastime and find out more? We’d love you to join us and discover the good news that God has for you and the world. In our world of no peace, God wants you to know his peace. We wish everyone in Horam and Vines Cross a truly peace-full Christmas.

PJ Guy Vicar - Christ Church Horam Nic Voss Minister - Horam Chapel

Saturday 3rd December: 10.00 H2O Children & Family morning - at Horam Chapel 11.00 Carol Singing - Horam High Street

Sunday 4th December: 10.30 Morning Worship Services - at both Christ Church & Horam Chapel

Sunday 11th December: 10.30 Morning Worship Services - at both Christ Church & Horam Chapel 18.30 Service of Carols & Readings - at Christ Church

Friday 16th December: 18.30 Carol Singing - at Brewers Arms

Sunday 18th December: 10.00 Together@10 Nativity Service - at Christ Church 10.30 Carols Service - at Horam Chapel 18.30 Carols by Candlelight - at Horam Chapel

Christmas Eve: 16.00 Christingle Family Service - at Christ Church

Christmas Day: 10.30 Christmas Day Family Services - at both Christ Church & Horam Chapel

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward all people.”

At Horam Village Hall we offer a warm welcome to everyone celebrating their special occasion . Village halls make the perfect venue decorate it in your own theme, extend wi th a marquee on to the recreation ground or just add an ice cream van - make it your day! In addition to our usual facilities, we offer a Banqueting Package for an extra charge . This includes all day hire of hall including previous evening for set up, b anq ueting tables and chairs for 104 persons, white tablecloths, white crockery and cutlery . For more info visit www.horamvillagehall.co.uk to check availability and send a booking request, alternatively call 01435 813295.

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

With much talk about health and well-being it is important that we all keep in shape and stay healthy.

With that in mind, Horam Parish Council invested in some outdoor gym equipment. It is located on the recreation ground with plenty of free parking. It is free to use as often as you like 365 days a year. No more high gym fees and we welcome groups with their own personal trainers. There are different pieces of apparatus for all abilities, so please make full use and keep well this winter.

PROPOSED CROSSING IN HIGH STREET

After further discussions with East Sussex County Council (ESCC), Horam Parish Council has taken the decision not to proceed with the proposed crossing in the High Street.

The up-front costs of between £12,500 and £15,000, with no guarantee that the project would pass safely audits and even get off the drawing board. These funds would have to be raised through local taxpayers and we are fully aware of the difficult times we are all go ing through. This is not a priority for ESCC so it would be up to the local taxpayers to fully fund the project. It may take up to 18 months to get this through the legal minefield and the planning process with no real guarantee of success. We would lose at least eight to ten parking spaces in the High Street. We would still require six lighting columns and the overall cost would be in the region of £150,000 plus. These figures are continually on the increase.

HORAM MEMORIAL STONE - PLAQUES

Plaques for the memorial stone are available for purchase and can be ordered from the Parish Council. Please contact the Clerk by ringing 07900576236 or e-mail clerk@horam. com for further information.

OUR HORAM PCSO – EMAIL ADDRESS

If you wish to bring anything to the attention of our PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) for Horam (Cathy Gilling) please email catherine.gilling@sussex.police.uk

There is a dedicated email address (roads.communications@sussex.police.uk) for report ing instances of speeding. However, for emergencies contact the Police by phoning 999.

PARISH CLERK - can be contacted either by e-mail: clerk@horam.com or 07900 576236. The offices will be open from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. on a Tuesday and Friday only until Christmas.

CLOSURE OF OFFICES DURING CHRISTMAS PERIOD

The Offices will be closed from Monday, 26th December 2022 and re-open on Tuesday, 3rd January 2023.

K. Taylor Tutoring

Does your child struggle with Maths or English?

Do they lack confidence in their own abilities?

- One-to-one tutoring for primary-aged pupils

- Experienced and fully qualified primary teacher

- All aspects of the curriculum can be covered

- Sessions are £25 per hour

- DBS checked and fully insured

Email Kathryn for further details or to book: ktaylor.primaryteacher@gmail.com

We offer a full range of Building Surveying and Architectural Services on all building types

Full building surveys and homebuyers reports

Non lending valuation advice

Planning and building regulations approvals

Building defects investigation

Schedules of condition

Buildings insurance assessment and claims

Party wall matters

Property finder and advice

Small acreage land management advice 33a High Street

01435 866446 E info@ap-surveyors.co.uk

Nov – 24th Dec, Railway Pub, Battle. A fun evening for all the family, photo opportunities galore & visit Santa in his grotto, in this walk-through experience. Tickets available www Therailwaybattle.co.uk

1st Dec, Horam Emporium, High Street, Horam, Late night Christmas shopping event, open til 9pm. See page 24 for more details.

2nd Dec, 7:30pm Memorial Hall, Mayfield charity race night, raising money for Cuckoo for Cancer. Tickets £5, contact Nikki 07725 255873

3rd Dec, 9am – 1pm, State Hall, Heathfield, Christmas artisan craft and gift fair. Free entry.

3rd Dec, 12pm - 3pm, Framfield Village Hall, Christmas fair, stalls, crafts, raffle and meet Santa. Free entry.

4th Dec, 10am – 3pm, Holy Cross Priory, Christmas artisan craft and gift fair. Free entry.

10th Dec, 2pm – 4pm, Cherry Spring Studio, Open studio, find Christmas gifts including art kits & materials & candles. The Blacksmiths, Vines Cross, TN21 9EN. See page 3 for further information.

10th Dec, 2pm – 4pm, Punnetts Town Village Hall, TN21 9DH. Christmas craft fair. Free entry.

10th Dec, 9:30am – Noon, Horam Village Hall, Horam, TN21 0JE, Last repair café of 2022, See page 4 for more information.

11th Dec, 10am – 2pm, Horam Manor Country Park, Christmas village, join us for carolling, Elves workshop, gift stalls, meet Santa’s husky Red, a visit to Mother Christmas’ house and pop in to see Santa in his grotto.

11th Dec, The Cartlodge, Horam, Crisis charity Christmas yoga class, Stress zapping yoga class, nibbles and mulled wine.

16th Dec, 6:30pm, Brewers Arms, Vines Cross Community Association invite you to a festive carol concert, see page 23 for further information.

18th Dec, 6:30pm – 7:30pm, Horam Chapel invite you to join them for Carols by candlelight, see page 23 for further information.

Throughout December pop along to Woodley, Little London Road, Horam, TN21 0BL where you will find a wonderful array of Christmans lights all in aid of Charity.

Find a full list of Church services starting from the 3rd December on page 14.

CHERRY TREE COURT WELCOMES YOU ALL.

A warm welcome awaits you.

Every Monday we hold a bingo and raffle evening, join us from 6pm for a 6:30pm start. Every Friday we gather for a coffee morning from 10:30am. We look forward to seeing you! Find us opposite Horam Chapel.

The Vines Cross Community Association (VCCA) would like to invite you to a Festive Carol Concert at: Brewers Arms at 6:30pm, Friday 16th December.

The music and carols will be led by PJ from Christ Church, Horam. The Brewers Arms will lay on mulled wine accompanied by mince pies. There will be a raffle. The top prize is a Christmas hamper kindly donated by the Co-Op in Horam. Other raffle prizes include: a £20 bottle of vintage red wine; a bottle of whisky and a bottle of gin. This is an opportunity for Vines Cross residents, friends and others from the wider area to come together at this special time of the year. The VCCA are now planning other events including the traditional Easter Egg run, hosting a Village Fete and the holding of an open-air play in the locality. If any members of the community wish to be involved with the organisation of these events please let us know. The VCCA is committed to enhancing community cohesion and providing opportunities for people to come together. We paid for the Queens Jubilee and are considering an event to celebrate the coronation of the King. We look forward to seeing you at 6:30pm on the 16th of December.

USEFUL CONTACTS

Beavers, Cubs, Scouts Explorer, Paul Sutton, 01435 813023/07803 051048.

Bowling Club, Alan Archer, 01435 865536.

Cross In Hand Bridge Club, Jan Moore, 01435 863001.

Heathfield & Horam Football Club, Becki Chiweda 07366 034310. Brownies, Mary Jones, 07814 373402.

Christ Church Fellowship, Pamela Blakey, 01435 810348.

Dementia Supper Clubs, Lyn Leeves, 07740 338120.

Diamond Dance, Lizzie Owen, 01435 812543/07985 306178.

Eastbourne & District Canine Society, Mrs Chris Cleland, 01323 506151.

Heathfield Choral Society, Chris Thompson, 01323 833921, chairman@heathfieldchoral.org.uk

Heathfield & District Horticultural Society, Nick Jeggo, 01435 830725. Heathfield Folk & Dance Club, Joy Charlesworth, 01435 873551, sec@heathfieldfolk.org.uk

Heathfield Food & Wine Circle, Lorraine Cooley, 01435 812704.

Heathfield Road Runners, Fleur Blanford, 01435 812926, info@heathfieldroadrunners.com

Heathfield Bridge Club, Richard Gatwood, 01323 764384.

Heathfield Repair Cafe https://www.facebook.com/Repair_Cafe_TN21 or email us at heathfieldrepaircafe@outlook.com

Heathfield Silver Band, Mallory Hansford, 01435 862398, mallory@heathfieldsilverband.org

Horam Christian Care Group to Ann Procter 01435 812157.

Horam Parish Allotment Society, Rebecca Landau-Wildy, 01435 813085.

Horam Parish Council, Horam Centre, Sally Blades, 01435 812151, (Tues, Thurs & Fri morn). Horam Flower Club, Dave Cooley on 01435 812704

Horam Fun Day, Dave Sutton, 01435 812462/07889 652586.

Horam Guides, Jo Sutton, 01435 813023.

Horam & Heathfield Flower Show, Phyllis Stevens, 01435 863224.

Horam Pre-school, Angela Wood, 01435 813295.

Horam Tennis Club, Sara Goodacre, 07484 121445, horamtennisclub@gmail.com.

Horam Residents Group, Lucy Atabey, 01435 812153.

Horam Toddlers, Gill Delves, 01435 408405.

Horam Village Hall. For hire or information call Angela Wood on 01435 813295. Horam WI, Kim Dunn, 01435 813942.

Manor Oak Surgery, 01435 812323. Out of hours Doctor, Between 8-8.30am 01825 732 333 & 6-6.30pm 0300 5555 252.

Non emergency medical, 111.

Non emergency police, 101.

Oxney Vines Cross Tug @ War, Mike Hutch, 07850 382619.

Pottery Club, Sue Ramsay-Smith, 01435 810390. Rainbows, Brenda Macklin, 01435 812018.

RSPCA, 0300 1234 999.

Vines Cross Bonfire Society, Mark Woods, 07976 426286.

Vines Cross Community Association (VCCA) Ian Evans 07867 553440

Wealden Youth Choir, Tea Killick, 07808 222535.

Welcome Art Group, Lee Smith, 01435 862110.

DECEMBER GARDENING DIARY

' When dark December glooms the day and takes our Autumn joys away.' Sir Walter Scott.

Well not a bit of it, these may be the sentiments of a gloomy Scot, mired in his Arctic gloom, but we take heart from the month in which the sun is reborn and, though the worst rigors of winter are still ahead of us, there is the promise of rebirth ahead, once celebrated in the Roman Saturnalia and the Germanic Yuletide hunts, now personified by a girthful and jolly chap in a chimney.

As in November, the weather this month is rarely an incentive to be out there upside down in a border, but the garden is a relentless tyrant, which may only be tamed by seizing every chance to press on.

The edges of lawns may have been eroded away or died back or been smothered by overgrowth from the borders, lying leaves, or the depredations of children. The easiest way to make the edges good is to roll a length of turf along the edge and cut around it with a sharp knife, then roll it up, the outlined shape may now be excavated to an inch depth, the base broken down to a tilth and the new turf rolled back into place, a board to stand on will help bed the turf down, expelling any air, there should be no air pockets, especially under the edges.

New plantings should be checked from time to time as frost or wind may have loosened the roots and loose plantings rarely survive; we must always have our mallet about our person to firm up any loose stakes.

Any brassicas in the vegetable plot should likewise be checked for firm footing; brassicas greatly resent any looseness around their feet.

Frost and gales in November will have seen to the last of the roses, thus we may reduce the top growth back a little and remove frosted flowers and hips, this will reduce wind resistance and present a more orderly appearance in the rose garden. This is not the main pruning, which may be done at the end of winter (Though many gardeners do this before Christmas)

The harvesting of Brussels sprouts should be in full swing, starting from the bottom up and leaving the green tops until last. In the event of an 'Arctic blast ' being forecast, it may be worthwhile digging up some leeks and parsnips and heeling them into a trench so as to avoid having to harvest by hammer and bolster.

Sometime between Alamein Day and the Ides of the month we may beg, borrow or oth erwise purloin a number of twigs from some of the more forward of the trees and shrubs, including yellow flowering jasmine, willow, winter flowering viburnums, berberis, hawthorn, witch hazel and contorted hazel, these, when brought into a warm room and put in water should be in flower by Christmas, hinting at the rebirth and new life to come. The No-mans' land behind the bonfire heap may supply teasels, whilst sea thistle and artichoke heads

saved from last month will make for a fine Christmas display when spray-painted by the more responsible of the junior members in the family. The dried seed pods of Honesty make a fine sight shivering in a vase on the piano.

Whilst the keen gardener will have been digging over the soil since Battle of Britain Day, it is not too late to keep up the digging when conditions allow. The more soil we can get exposed to the weather the better. Areas reserved for hardy annuals should be dug over as well, but unless the soil is very poor there is no need to dig in compost or manure as annuals flower best on poorer soil.

Now most of the leaves have dropped, we may appreciate nature's architecture in the boughs and burls of the trees around us whilst also taking worried note of deciduous trees and shrubs that are starting to crowd over the lawns and borders; this encroachment eventually leads to a thin, mossy lawn and straggling shrubs straining for the dwindling light, in such cases we must be ruthless with the chain saw and loppers; Nature is constantly trying to crowd us out, thus in the time of the Egg kings the quality of a Saxon was measured by his willingness to strip to his badger pelt underwear in all seasons and with halberd in hand, wage unceasing battle on the forest around him. Thus glowing from our exertions in the badger underwear, we may switch on the wireless and allow ourselves a long pipe in the shed whilst listening to our boys kicking around a pig's bladder on the shores of the Persian Gulf.

The G.A.P. at the Rec. Project

We are nearly there thanks to you! In 2020 many of you supported plans to install an eco/ sustainable pathway around the Horam Rec. We have continued working on the project and finally received full planning approval. Since then we realised we had to break the project down into three phases, with phase 1 being the 2.5 m wide pathway around the upper field, adjacent to the Village Hall. The cost of the project including vat and including a 10% contingency fund is £186,581. We have gone out to tender and have a preferred contractor, Southern Landscape & Construction Limited.

We have received a conditional funding award of £75,000 from Veolia Environmental Trust, which we are just finalising, and we were absolutely delighted that Horam Parish Council Finance Com mittee awarded the project £63,358, from their Community Investment Levy fund ( CIL) on 19th October, which is to be ratified by full council on 14th December. We have been invited to second stage for an application to Biffa Environmental Trust for the balance, and hope to hear from them in December or the new year. The Biffa Award is a multi million pound environment fund managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts.

Also, with the pandemic, the recreation ground has seen a big increase in use, and it has high lighted the amazing value of such a space to local residents. Value in terms of being outdoors, being able to take part in healthy activity, being able to socialise with others and not feel isolated, and being free of charge.

The Trustees envisaged the pathway being installed, for pedestrians and cyclists, including mobility scooters and wheelchairs, buggies and toddler balance bikes. Local people said they wanted organised family activities on the pathway, specialised events such as mini park runs, nature trails for children, fun runs, and daily regular health walks run by volunteers. They also saw the poten tial of planting new trees along the side of the pathway and how that would bring more birds, like swooping woodpeckers, and finches, and woodland animals - hedgehogs, mice, badgers, as well as new insects into the area. Setting up ‘bug hotels’ nearby in the trees and along the pathway, was also raised, as well as suggestions for a halfway rest point to bird watch, to socialise and just to take a breather!

We started with no funding for this project, and due to support by local people, evidenced in our survey, funders have been extremely impressed by the potential usage and by the eco credentials for the scheme. As one funder has made a grant, so others are feeling more inclined to commit. We are very grateful and pleased, that we will be able to make the Rec. accessible all year round, not only to regular users, but also to people who may have been unable to access the ground at all - people with mobility aids, disabled people, parents with buggies etc. Everyone will be able to use the pathway to scoot, walk, wheel, jog, cycle, or even dance their way around the upper field, or simply enjoy nature!

We will keep you updated of any developments on our website www.horamvillagehall.co.uk and our Facebook page.

Trustees - Horam Village Hall and Recreation Ground Charity.

WHAT’S ON IN THE COMMUNITY

Another busy month for Young at Heart! New members have joined us and new friendships formed. We’ve been joined by Parkside, Punnetts Town, All Saints and St Richards Schools alongside Little Tinkers Nursery School who join us weekly. Our members have heard the children read, assisted with school topics and made crafts. Qigong and music and singing on a Thursday makes for a fun filled week. We took our members to a production of “9 to 5” at Herstmon ceux Village Hall which they thoroughly enjoyed. Marco the Magician has kindly been entertaining both generations too! Monies are being raised for Children in Need - decorating cupcakes and selling them and through school mufti days! On 18th November we will have a stand at Heathfield’s Christmas shopping evening - donations are generously being collected for ourselves! We are beyond grateful - nobody should be lonely. Please contact Rachel 07971032667 if you have a friend or family mem ber who would like to join us - free first session. Kindly sponsored by Wealden Funeral Services and Trevaskis Consulting Ltd.

Uniting generations

in the glorious setting of Heathfield Park Cricket Club

A full day of lunch, crafts and activities with pupils from local schools Book a FREE TRIAL DAY and come and join us we would love to meet you! Please call 07971 032667 or visit youngatheart.me.uk

HEATHFIELD COMMUNITY CLUB