ISSUE 123 MAY / JUNE 2019 FREE

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF , ERIDGE & BELLS YEW GREEN

Keeper’s Cottage on Abergavenny Estate, circa 1890: Amoret Tanner / Alamy Stock Photo

IN THIS ISSUE… 3 4 8 10 13 14 Letter from the Church Services, Frant Knitters. Latest news from Donations needed What’s on in the Church Wardens features & News Where do all the the Parish Council for the next Eridge Parish: events, from the Pews squares go? and our MP, Nus Summer Fair useful contacts Ghani & dates ADVERTISEMENTS PARISH NEWS

From the Church Wardens

The wise man of the bible, Solomon, said “Go to ant would probably die if it tried to make it back the ant you sluggard, consider its ways and be wise. to the colony alone, so if they didn’t operate this It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it rescue system the colony size would quickly and stores its provisions in summer, and gathers its significantly reduce in numbers. So we can learn a lot food at harvest” . Earlier in the year in our message from ants. for Parish News, two ways of life were examined If you look on our church web site under and found to be wanting; the unhealthy ruthless ‘Parish Profile’, you’ll find on page 8 onwards a ambition of the rat race, where individuals will comprehensive description of our communities/ do almost anything to look after themselves and colonies of Frant, Eridge and Bells Yew Green. As achieve their own ambition, and at the other extreme we read the glowing description, designed to attract the complacent idleness of the drop out, who claims a new Rector, we can understand how at some time, to despise the rat race, but who actually just can’t in some way, every part of the community touches be bothered. Both of these ways of life destroy or relies on other parts, so every part is important community and are meaningless. Perhaps in order and has to work and cooperate in order to keep the to flourish in communities, society should follow the community living, thriving and moving on. It is often example of other members of the animal kingdom, the case that if one part isn’t functioning as it should, namely ants, termites and bees, all of which it impacts on the whole community, which will suffer cooperate and work together with no competition. as a result. St Paul in his letter to the Corinthians So some facts about ants - They communicate partly compares a community to a living body. He says “A through chemicals called pheromones, which help body has many parts, the foot might say ‘I am not a them follow one another to a piece of food. Then, in hand, so I am not part of the body’. The ear might order to bring it back to their nest, they might spend say ‘I am not an eye, so I am not part of the body’….. time chomping it into small pieces to make it easier if the whole body were an eye, the body would not for individual ants to carry, or work together to carry be able to hear…..But truly, God put the parts of the it whole. The young ants work inside the nest taking body where He wanted them, He made a place for care of the queen and her brood, while older workers each one of them. He did this so that our body would go outside to gather food and defend the nest against not be divided. He wanted the different parts to care enemies. Ants like to keep a clean house, they carry for each other. If one part of the body suffers, then all their waste material outside the nest and dispose of it the other parts suffer with it. If one part is honoured, in a pile called a midden. As well as being their local all the other parts share its honour”. So Solomon, St tip, the midden functions as a cemetery to where the Paul and the insect world show us how to build and dead are transported in order to protect themselves nurture the community in which we live. Perhaps the and their queen from contamination. An injured next time we employ drastic measures to discourage ant can ask for help by releasing a pheromone which the ant population from coming into our houses, let’s tells other ants to pick it up and carry it. An injured remember how much we have in common.

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His current incumbent, Reverend Mark still had a twinkle and a touch of charm . Standen sent his best wishes to the On a lighter note, thanks to the skills St Alban’s, Frant & Holy Trinity, Eridge churches at Frant and Eridge on behalf of local tradesmen, David Sunney and of his church – “we warmly commend Paul Keineder, the Lych-Gate to the Churchwardens Brendan to you as a very fine minister of churchyard has been restored to its St Alban’s: Jane Emler—532233, Crawford Burden—07789 170275 the gospel” . former beauty for us all to enjoy . There Holy Trinity: Jonathan Lynn—864304, Christopher Hall—750385 Mark subsequently said that he is now remains the new lighting to be sure that Brendan will bring many good installed . In order to make changes things to our churches, saying “he’s been or make additions to the churchyard, one of the best curates I’ve ever had, and we need to obtain a faculty (consent combines a gospel heart with humanity to make changes to church and and a great sense of fun” . churchyard) hence the delay . We are Crawford Burden, church warden still some way from raising the £2 .500 for St Albans says “I would personally needed to complete the work . Thank like to thank Bishop Richard and you very much to everyone who has Archdeacon Edward Dowler for all contributed, if you would still like to Services for their support and counsel during the help, please put your donation in an www frantchurch. org. May/June 2019 www eridgechurch org . . selection process, encouraging us to envelope marked ‘Lych-Gate appeal’ pray and keep faith that the Lord will and put it into the Stables post box make the right decision .” (cheques to Frant PCC ). A decent 9:30am Family Service...... 5th May...... Traditional Communion 8:00am and reliable light will make so much ...... Morning Prayer 11:15am News From The Pews difference to this dark area . It has been a very sad two months for Although we’re still without a Rector, 9:30am Communion...... 12th May...... Communion 11:15am our church and community . At the end we continue to enjoy some different, of February David Cragg died after a interesting and lively services . Two 9:30am Morning Service...... 19th May...... Morning Prayer 11:15am Welcome Revd Brendan Martin short illness . David will be remembered young ladies from Cross Teach in We are delighted to be able to announce for his valuable work and contribution Tunbridge Wells spoke at our Family 11:00am Church on the Farm ...... 26th May...... the appointment of our new Incumbent in putting on our concerts and helping Service in March . We’ve also had help ...... Joint service at Blackdon Farm, Eridge, TN3 9HX...... for the Parish of Frant with Eridge, Revd in many areas where help was needed from Tim Hough from Waldron, Rev Brendan Martin . Here is a message from both in our church and in Home Farm Mike Warren and Rev David Houghton 9:30am Family Service...... 2nd June...... Morning Prayer 11:15am Brendan which was read out in Church Court where he and Anne lived for from Tunbridge Wells and Rev Rob on Easter Sunday: several years . In March Bill Calder died Dillingham from . We are 9 30am. Communion...... 9th June...... Communion 11:15am after a very long illness . Bill, a kind, truly grateful to them for giving their Dear St . Alban’s, Frant and Holy Trinity, humorous and hospitable Scot, had also time to help us . At the time of writing, 9:30am Communion...... 16th June...... Communion 11:15am Eridge, worked for many years and in many we are looking forward to the visit of Happy Easter! I pray that the ways to keep our church running . At Bishop Richard Jackson of Lewes, who 9:30am Morning Service...... 23rd June...... Morning Prayer 11:15am festivities of this day enrich your life and the end of the month we were shocked is coming to take Easter services in worship . by the sudden death of Adrian Ellis, Frant and Eridge . 9:30am Communion...... 30th June ...... Communion 11:15am My family and I are thrilled to be able who with his wife Valerie were faithful to join your church and communities members of our congregation for several Our Lovely Churchyard There is a Sunday Club for 0–14 year olds at Frant when it isn’t a family service—all welcome! in Frant, Eridge and Bells Yew Green years . Adrian was well known as a Once again we’re into the grass soon . Having grown up in mid- true gentleman who will be very much cutting and gardening season . Last During the vacancy the order of services may be subject to change and spent many years in , we missed in our church family . Another year for the first time due to lack of Please check the church websites for up-to-date information love the area and the people, and look former village resident, Daphne Cox, voluntary help, we paid for part of the forward to ministry amongst you . died in March . She lived in Warren churchyard grass to be cut . An appeal Claire, my wife, and I have three Ridge for many years and was, among was launched and the money was children, Troy (7), Malachi (5) and other things an active member of the raised . Now we are again appealing for Annabelle (3) and we have spent the Pantomime Society and a member donations to enable us to cover the cost past few years at St . Margaret’s Church of our congregation . Daphne left the for this year, and we are hugely grateful Angmering, West Sussex . I trained at village several years ago when she went to those who have already responded, Oak Hill College in , having been into a residential Care Home, but is still however we are still about £400 short Youth Minister at two churches just remembered by many in the village . of the cost which is approximately down the road from you at Another member of the community £1,000 . We continue to be so grateful and Nutley . Before I entered full time and resident of Home Farm Court, to the faithful team who give their ministry I trained as a Blacksmith in Jean Alvy, died in February . She was time to caring for our churchyard, Lindfield . We enjoy walking, growing a member of the Friendship Club and a few more volunteers wiling to be WORSHIP AT BELLS YEW GREEN our own vegetables, as well as spending enjoyed coming to the Wednesday responsible for a small area of the time with family and friends . Coffee mornings whenever she could . churchyard would solve the problem . Sunday Services: 10 .30am We look forward to joining you soon in Jean was a lady of many parts, who had It would be sad to see this lovely area Good Friday service at 10 .30am; Bible Study & Prayer: Thursdays, 7 .30pm our walk with the Lord together . led an interesting life . Although she was of the village once again overtaken by Enquiries: Ken Davies, 01732 357791 —Revd Brendan Martin very elderly when she left the village, she nature, uncared for and unloved .

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Eridge Garden Club alone when locking up or opening up. of laughs. Want to know more? linda. Members were delighted to welcome The site is open: 7 days a week, 1st April – [email protected] many new faces to the Spring meeting 30th September 10am -5pm. (07947521836) to meet local asparagus farmer, Stephen What support and training will I Register at: http://booking.ecb. Barnes, who gave a fascinating and receive? co.uk/d/56q252 engaging talk about the annual cycle As an English Heritage Volunteer you of growing asparagus, and answered will be supported by a member of staff, News from Friends of Bells Yew interested members’ wide-ranging the Free Sites Partnership Manager, Green questions. who you will meet with regularly. You “Hoorah! We are sure that you’ll be We will be hot-footing it to Stephen’s will also receive an induction into the pleased to know that the team has now farm shop in this Spring organisation and an introduction to planted the seeds on the bunds, so we to sample the different asparagus he has Bayham Old Abbey and the role. are hoping for another glorious display grown. If you are interested in becoming this summer. As it was such a hot one The Garden Club’s next outing will be part of the Bayham Old Abbey Team, last year, to ensure the seeds grew the Bluebell Walk at Troutbeck.Peter please contact Ali Naylor, Free Sites successfully, we had to water regularly. and Maggie Smith’s invite us to their Partnership Manager, for an informal Thank you to our chief waterer - you beautiful garden at Troutbeck, Eridge, chat or for more information.Email: know who you are! TN3 9JB to see the bluebells in bloom, [email protected] By the time you read this we will have and, no doubt, the resident peacocks. Mobile: 07876 818542 had what I hope was the first of a series The visit will be at 5.30pm on of magnificent Games Evenings at the Wednesday, 24th April, (Please Frant Parish Friendship Group Brecknock Arms, with a mixture of note - date is subject to first Bluebells At our February meeting Mick Flynn games old and new. Hopefully you heard appearing, if they are late it will be treated us to a very amusing afternoon about it and came along! This should be moved to early May, email susanna@ on Kentish/Sussex Seasonal Customs the first of many fun events, spending blackdonfarm.com for more which included Mick giving a very time with old friends, as well as forging information) hearty rendition of various folk songs new friendships. Our bluebell visit will be swiftly accompanying himself on the ‘squeeze Wealden allocated money to be spent followed by a Plant Swap from 10.30am box’. Our ancestors certainly knew how on community clean-ups and Bells Yew to noon on Saturday, 11th May, at Gilly to have a good time! Green was awarded a sizeable sum. The Goodwin’s delightful garden at Hamsell Also in February the group had team is currently working out the best Farm Cottage, Eridge, TN3 9LL. a theatre visit to the Trinity Arts in way to use the funding and we may well Tunbridge Wells to see an excellent team up with Little Bayham to share Bayham Abbey performance of ‘The 39 Steps’. resources, spending the money wisely Why does English Heritage need my The speaker for our March meeting on additional equipment. Maybe Frant support? was Heather Woodward and the topic and Eridge would care to join us?! We Bayham Old Abbey, built from golden ‘Ightham Mote Upstairs – Downstairs’. have also signed up to Keep Britain local sandstone, includes much of the As always Heather’s talk was exceptional Tidy, which automatically entitles us to 13th to 15th-century church, the chapter and on a house nearly all members be known as “litter heroes”, apparently! house, and a picturesque 14th-century new well, she still amazed us with new Contact us to see how you can join in the gatehouse. Bayham Abbey is now set in information and stories on the house’s next one, (there is always coffee and cake grounds designed by famous landscape history. Ightham Mote has undergone - bribery and corruption!). gardener Humphry Repton, who also extensive renovation over recent years A new Book Club has been started planned the grounds of Kenwood and it has now been discovered that the and April’s book was Stay With Me, House in London. house is at least a 100 years older than by Ayobami Adebayo. The Club will We are looking for a team of volunteers previously thought. We are extremely meet every six weeks to give everyone to help unlock and lock the site each day lucky to have such an historical gem so plenty of time to read each book chosen. and help to provide a presentable site. We close to hand. Interested in joining? Do contact us for need the support of local people who are Our April meeting will be a Fish and further information about the next book prepared to regularly visit and monitor Chip Supper and this will be the last and venue. the site, report issues to us, to keep it in meeting until the September meeting Everyone is welcome to join us - these good order. on the 26th which will be our AGM. events are for everyone in the Parish and How much time will I be expected to However we are arranging a Summer beyond to share with us. If you want to give? Outing to Bexhill in June details to be know more about anything, or have ideas It will require about 30 min visits in advised. you’d like to share, please contact us. the morning to open up and at the end Warm wishes from the Friends of of the day to lock up as well as checking Bells Yew Green CC Festival Bells Yew Green. Contact info: Sue — the monument to help create a great » Cricketers Close, BYG, Nr T/Wells. 07944 712000. e-mail — friendsofbyg@ visitor experience. Overall this means a TN3 9AL gmail.com commitment of about 1 hour each day or Thursday 16th May; 6-9pm PS. If you have a computer, please longer if you wish to spend time talking No equipment or cricket ability check out bellsyewgreen.org for with the visitors or enjoying the site required. Fast, fun and free with plenty information about upcoming events.

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Frant Knitters: mouth to be fed by a feeding cup sort of Refreshments follow the lecture. garde artists of the early 20th century Where do all the squares go? a small tea pot. Then he told me I had Member free, Guests £6. who struggled to place them within their For many years now, a group of ladies been jolly lucky if I had been a little category of ‘the primitive’. Be amazed have gathered together in Frant on a further from the horse it would have » Thursday 13th June at 2pm – and take refreshments afterwards. regular basis and knitted! They have killed, being so close was why I got lifted Lecturer: Claire Walsh Members free, Guests £6. knitted hundreds and hundreds of into the air. Go home to bed for two The Arts Society : colourful squares whilst having a good days then come back, he said. This I did, The Benin Bronzes: how were they » Thursday 11th July at 2pm catch up and a cup of tea. The squares taking the bandages off he said there’s produced and what is their symbolism Lecturer: Mary Rose Rivett-Carnac are then handed to a dedicated group of that little bit of proud flesh there (which and ritual use? The Arts Society Ashdown Forest: Art “sewing bees” who have turned them in he took) straight off with scissors and Among the most important and valuable UK: Uncovering the Nation’s Hidden to no less than 150 shawls. a little bit more here and there. Not so works of art from Africa (pictured Paintings. A longstanding member of the much bandage this time, you can start below) , these antique bronze sculptures Since 2007 our lecturer has worked group is Annette Carruthers who work now and come back Saturday then from the West-African kingdom of for the acclaimed arts project, Art UK. instigated the group’s efforts to supply I’ll take the stitches out. Start work, I Benin astounded critics when they were (www.artuk.org) which was set up to the beautifully knitted shawls to a managed to squeak, I’m darned hungry, first seen in Europe in the late 1890s. catalogue the UK’s national collection hospital in Ethiopia which was founded only Beef Tea. Well, what else, all your They could hardly believe that such of oil paintings. It involved visiting over by a friend of Annette’s. The Founder, teeth knocked loose they will take a few technically accomplished sculptures 3,000 collection locations across the UK Catherine Hamlin, recently turned 95 days to get set. He certainly did a good were created by African artists, rivalling and photographing 212,000 paintings. and in her honour, a ferry in Australia Job, my mouth inside is still a mass of the very best work of the Italian The lecture offers an insider’s view of (pictured), has been named after her. small lumps that got stitched up but Renaissance. This lecture reveals the this ambitious and unique project. Come Here is the story: nose and forehead slightly noticeable. sophisticated production processes, the along to hear about our rich artistic He walked all his rounds but on rare symbolism and ritual use of the bronzes, heritage at our final lecture of our 18/19 In 1946 Catherine Hamlin graduated occasions rode a bicycle. He was still in and investigates the response of avant- season. Members free, Guests £6. in medicine at the University of practice on the birth of my firstborn, Sydney. She met and married Dr but then we had a very efficient District Reginald Hamlin when they were Nurse.” —Pat Wright (Thank heavens for both senior medical officers at Crown modern medicine!) Street Women’s Hospital in Sydney. In 1959, Reg and Catherine, with their Young At Heart Exercise six-year-old son Richard, accepted a Classes three-year contract with the Ethiopian in the world at that time dedicated Parish Past Held In The Stables 1st And 3rd Government to work as obstetrician- exclusively to obstetric fistula repair. A last excerpt from Frank Sivyer’s Thursdays of the month at 2.15 pm tea gynaecologists to set up a midwifery Dr Reg Hamlin worked at the memoir - but if anyone would like to and biscuits provided! school in Addis Ababa. hospital until he died in 1993. Since borrow it, please get in touch, it’s well These are going very well with new On the evening of their arrival in then, Catherine’s work for obstetric worth a read! members joining we will soon have all Ethiopia, a fellow gynaecologist told fistula sufferers in Ethiopia has “By the way our doctor was a Bachelor Senior Frant Residents fit and healthy!!! them, “The fistula (a serious child birth continued uninterrupted for more of many years distinction. I hold claim Do come along and join us open to all. injury leaving women with physical and than half a century, with more than to being his first baby brought into this All enquiries to Gill Barnes 752232 lifestyle trauma including ostracism 45,000 patients treated. Catherine world on his appointment to this village. Valerie Palmer 750559 from their own families) patients has twice been nominated for the No hanky panky business with him, will break your hearts.” The Hamlins Nobel Peace Prize and has received also a Dentist. no Gas or Anatchion The Arts Society had never seen an obstetric fistula numerous international awards and (unaesthetic?)just sit back and hold » Ashdown Forest, Crowborough case before and there was little or no acknowledgements for her dedication tight. One old man of my aquaintance Community Centre, Pine Grove treatment available in Ethiopia. and pioneering work. In 2009 she was had raving toothache But went to the Crowborough TN6 1FE Initially working from the Princess awarded the ‘alternative Nobel Peace pub first to get up a bit of courage before The following lectures are taking place: Tsehai Memorial Hospital in Addis Prize’, the Right Livelihood Award, the Doctor. On arriving sat on the chair Ababa, Catherine and Reg refined the for her work and in 2012 was given and promptly rolled over on the floor. » Thursday 9th May at 2pm surgical technique to close obstetric Ethiopian Honorary citizenship. Alright my man said the Doctor, I can Lecturer: Guy Rooker fistula injuries, while continuing to treat Catherine was also invited to the get it better from there, put his head Leonardo da Vinci: The Complete a broad range of obstetric cases. Within USA by Oprah Winfrey to appear on between his knees and out it came. He Man of the Renaissance. the first three years, Reg and Catherine television and talk about the hospital. set all the broken limbs and dispenced Our lecturer, a retired surgeon, shows had operated on 300 fistula patients. Oprah Winfrey then visited the hospital all your medicine in front of you in the us how the works of Leonardo da Vinci, As news of a cure spread, many more and the patients and a new extension has surgery to take away. I was kicked badly painter and draughtsman of the High patients came seeking treatment. been named after her! by a horse full in the face, sent flying in Renaissance were informed by his study In 1962, the Hamlins built a hostel “These women have suffered more the air for yards. I was taken to him in of anatomy and physiology in order to in the grounds of the Princess Tsehai, than any woman should be called upon the old Model T Ford in a pretty good create convincing images of the human using money donated from overseas. to endure. To meet only one is to be mess. I came conscious when he was form. He reviews Leonardo’s approach The Hamlins then worked for more than profoundly moved and calls forth the putting stitches in my mouth, he had to linear perspective, human proportion, a decade to establish a fistula hospital, utmost compassion that the human already put some in my nose and head. emotion, light and shade together and in 1974, founded the Addis Ababa heart is capable of feeling.” Then bandaged up like a plum pudding with the fashion in which his scientific Fistula Hospital, the only medical centre —Dr Catherine Hamlin AC leaving a little Hole at the side for my investigations influenced his art.

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News from Nus Ghani, MP Frant Parish Council May, 30 June, 28 July and 18 August. » Building an economy that works for Would you like to know what has Suitable for all abilities, £12 per person. everyone been happening in the parish council Booking essential. Details and booking A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to meetings recently? The public are always online: https://woodlandtrusttickets. meet local businesses at the welcome to attend and the dates, venues cloudvenue.co.uk/yogaathargateforest1 Community College Careers Fair. and minutes are publicised on the It is an event that I’ve sponsored every website www.frant.info. Frant School News year since becoming an MP. Here are some snippets of information All I can say is that we have had a very This year, what I saw, in person, was from recent meetings, some good, some busy time at school since you last read something that I have felt for a long time: bad, that might tempt you to attend or our school news. I hope I can do justice that there hasn’t been a better time to be even stand as a councillor! to all the lovely things that children have growing up in East Sussex. First the bad- there has been at least been involved in. Recent figures show youth one break in, and of course the ram-raid As we finished for our Easter break unemployment down, wages rising at Lamb’s Larder. We are pleased to hear on Friday 5th April the children had ahead of inflation, and the number of that East Sussex crime commissioners participated in a virtual reality workshop first-time buyers of home soaring to a 12 are looking at increasing the numbers learning all about our solar system, our year high. of PCSOs in rural areas. Another safety PTFA had organised an Easter egg hunt It was truly exciting to learn about all issue we are discussing urgently with in school and on the last day of term we the opportunities for working in Wealden ESCC is the state of street lighting at the had an Easter service in church followed and beyond that are on offer. end of Rushlye Close – we are all agreed by an afternoon assembly to showcase It drove home the number of routes that the current lighting provision is the final of our performance poetry young people today can take: from quite unacceptable. competition. University, to apprenticeships, or directly Now some good news – through On the sporting front Mrs Douch entering the workforce. Wealden, the government has provided has been very busy with cricket Seeing the number of small businesses, us with one-off funding of £1200 for tournaments, a successful netball the type that have always been the equipment to continue our efforts with tournament held at our school where backbone of our local economy, that community organised litter picking in we came first as well as rugby events were interested in taking on recent Bells Yew Green and Little Bayham. and football matches. It is absolutely school leavers and apprentices shows the These work party events will be fantastic to see so many of our children confidence those businesses have in our advertised via the local intranet (LB) and enjoying sport at so many different levels economy. Friends of BYG. and developing their skill level which will These opportunities prove that, The Council continues to support stand them in good stead for when they contrary to some narratives, young ‘Young at Heart’ activity at The Stables move to secondary school. people do not have to move away to find for the over 55s, and is now also Some of our other highlights include work: there are fantastic opportunities contributing to the post of youth worker our year six children taking part in an on their doorstep. at St Alban’s for the benefit of younger online safety theatre workshop with Being able to keep young people in folk in the parish. children from Mark Cross and Mayfield our communities has such a positive We are working closely with Friends held at Frant. Only the week before the effect, and ensures that our traditions of Frant Green Spaces, supporting their end of term Oak class (years 5 and 6) took and heritage continue into the next Lund grant application for replanting, part in an Empathy in Action workshop generation. This is something we should and have commissioned a report from run by Mr Gurney, one of our parents. all be celebrating. a landscape architect on how best to The children came back absolutely It also shows the demand for the type reduce the damage and further erosion buzzing – they now had a greater of skills our young people have, thanks to at key points around the green from understanding of what it must feel like to the exceptional education that they are straying vehicles (and their drivers). be a refugee. As one child said – ‘it was the receiving at local schools. The state of (non) drainage around best school trip I have ever been on’. Often, I feel that we are far too negative BYG rail bridge after heavy rain is Thanks to our PTFA we held a bedtime about the next generation. constantly on our highways agenda – stories event in school where some of our Not only were the students that I met both the sheer volume of water coming dads read to groups of children. We had engaged, bright, articulate, and well- down two hills and the collection of a very successful World Book Day and a educated, they also have skills at their age debris blocking the new drainage Book Fair week. Our KS1 and reception that make them an asset to any business. channel are aggravating the problem. children also held a fantastic Mother’s Their fluency with technology is Finally the pros and cons of the Day assembly – they sang a song, made inspiring, as is their concern for the Council funding a village defibrillator in cakes for their mums and told them how environment, and responsible business Frant is currently being discussed. they felt about them. Our mums went practices. away very happy indeed. I’m really excited by everything that the Yoga at Hargate Forest If you have any questions about school government are doing to support small Join experienced, local yoga teacher life please feel free to call us or pop in for businesses to take on these young people, Sarah Clifford for an hour of Hatha a visit. You are always welcome. Have a and the enormous benefit that’ll have Yoga in the woods, off Broadwater lovely Easter with family and friends. right here in Wealden. Down. Sundays from 10:00 – 11:00: 5 —Mrs Joanna Challis, Head of School

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Eridge Steeplechases Frant Garden Club Look back at maps of Eridge for the first Once the weather starts to improve the half of the 20th century, and you will see Garden Club likes to get out and about marked on them the course followed by so on Wednesday, 22nd May, we are the Eridge Steeplechases in their heyday. heading off to Great Comp Gardens Some with long memories will recall the near Sevenoaks looking for ideas and thunder and excitement of the horses in inspiration to bring back to our Frant full gallop, but for the past 50 years and gardens. There is no meeting in June more it has been only their ghosts which but on Thursday, 4th July, we shall be race through the fields of Eridge. Even the boarding the coach for our annual full track itself has disappeared from sight. day outing which this year takes us to Yet the Steeplechases, held at Steel Kew Gardens. Bridge Farm, were for many years a Interested? Then please contact highlight of the season. The first meeting Dianna Tennant (Secretary) for details. took place in 1886, at a time when the local Hunt was still known as the West Frant Nursery School: Woodland. The first stewards New opening hours! of the steeplechase, keen members of We are now open from 8.30am Monday the Hunt, included the first Marquess to Friday and have spaces available for of Abergavenny and three of his sons children aged 2 to 5 years old. Frant successful evening. - Boutique: Christine Freeman - cmf@ together with the Masters of the East Nursery is situated in the heart of the If you would like further information hamsell.co.uk Sussex and the Southdown Hunts. village and provides a safe and nurturing on Frant Nursery School please contact - Children’s Corner: Christina Initially the event was held under environment for young children. Shelley Holdsworth on 01892 890961. Humberston - [email protected]. professional rules. 8.30am to 3pm on Monday, Tuesday We have spaces available for children - Horticulture: Jane Stevens - Held on Easter Monday, the event and Wednesday. *subject to child’s aged 2-5 years old. [email protected] was well attended from the outset. age and eligibility. 8.30am to 1pm on - Jewellery: Anne Berry - anne@ Imagine the scene: couples and families Thursdays and Fridays. Kent Chorus Summer Concert hamsellmanor.co.uk from Tunbridge Wells, or For further information or to Kent Chorus, conducted by Musical - Teas & Cakes: Sharon Burvill - sharon. further afield emerging from the steam arrange a visit please telephone Shelley Director, Richard Jenkinson, will be [email protected] trains at Eridge railway station in their Holdsworth (Nursery Administrator) performing their Summer Concert at St. - Tombola: Alison & Ian Holton - finery; men in smart suits and hats, on 01892 890961 or email Alban’s Church on Sunday, June 23rd [email protected] ladies in their colourful dresses and [email protected] at 6.30pm. The programme, entitled - Trash & Treasure: Diane & Alistair best hats, walking the short distance ‘Music for a Summer Evening”, will Smith [email protected] from the station to the starting post Frant Nursery School News include Johannes Brahms’ beautiful where the owners, trainers and jockeys This term has been a very creative one! and charming Love Song (Liebeslieder) We are also looking for volunteers ‘on the were readying the horses for the off; Firstly the children made beautiful Waltzes. Put the date in your diaries day’ for car parking and stall assembly some spectators climbing onto carts Mother’s Day cards to take home, as well now! etc. If you are able to help please contact or carriages for a better view, others as planting seeds as a special gift for all Mark Parminter: sales@worldpackage. stepping carefully through the mud the Mum’s! Then turning our attention Frant Pantomime & Dramatic co.uk. THANK YOU kicked up by the horses’ hooves to as a day in high summer, and dresses gardens. Two laps was the norm, and to Easter, we were very busy making Society get closer to the action. Everywhere more usually seen at Ascot in June were it was not unusual to see tired horses lovely Easter cards and crafts! We also Frant Pantomime & Dramatic Society the buzz of excitement and animated worn to the Eridge meeting). slowing to a trot as they ascended the hill celebrated Easter early with an Egg are proud to present conversation. In 1909 for the first time the event was for the second time. Hunt just before the end of Term! “It Runs in the Family”, a Comedy farce For that first meeting in 1886 the held under National Hunt rules. From 1947 and for some years We have been given some toadspawn by Ray Cooney. Performances are on programme consisted of six races: Only rarely were the steeplechases afterwards the Eridge Hunt Point-to- and have excitedly watched it hatch 9th, 10th & 11th May at 7.45pm in Frant the Eridge Stakes, the Open Hunters’ cancelled: in 1900 because of the Boer Point steeplechases were held either into little tadpoles. We have also had memorial Hall. ­­The “Parish News” is published by the Church Steeplechase, the Red Coat Steeplechase, War; in 1912 because of the Coal Strike – at Kemsing or Kipping’s Cross (now lots of messy play this term, as well as Tickets are £8 are available to buy and distributed free by volunteers. The publisher the Yeomanry Cup, the Ladies’ Cup and although an informal meeting was held hidden under the dual carriageway of playdough, sand and water the children from Frant Post Office & Stores. acknowledges the support of the Parish Council. the West Kent Woodland Hunt Cup. that year, over a shortened course; and the A21). Christopher Hall, to whom I’m have investigated dry porridge oats and Any views expressed in this magazine are not The day was judged a success, the races of course during the 1st World War. It indebted for the information contained shaving foam!! Eridge Summer Fair necessarily shared by the Publisher. The “Parish News” reserves the right to edit submissions as it proved profitable for the Hunt, and it was not until 1921 that the steeplechases in this article, had his first winner at Unfortunately our playground fence » www. eridge fair.org.uk sees fit. Editor: Carmel Kinley. Design: Jonathan was agreed that the steeplechases should returned to the calendar – still under Kipping’s Cross, in April 1961. Later blew down in a February gale, but whilst The Eridge Fair will be back on 30th Christie. Advertising: Susan Piccioni. become an annual event. National Hunt rules - and continued up the Hunt moved the races to Heathfield we wait for it to be fixed we have still June 2019and we need your donations! Three years later, in 1889, when the to the start of the 2nd World War. where, being held on Easter Monday, been able to have our daily outside play! If you have any unwanted items in Printed locally by LR West Kent Woodland became known After the end of that War, the course they attracted large and enthusiastic We had a wonderful evening at our good condition to donate, please contact Online Print Services as the Eridge Hunt, the final event was was reopened and for a while racing crowds. The Southdown and Eridge annual Fundraising Quiz Night, it was a the relevant people below: 01892 752277 renamed the Eridge Hunt Cup. This was resumed at Steel Bridge Farm, although Hunt now run their point-to-point races great turn out and we raised a whopping [email protected] www.lr2k.co.uk the year when, just two days before the in the opposite direction: instead of at Godstone in April each year, which £596.50 for the Nursery School. A - Books: Edmund & Mary Waterhouse Printed on paper from meeting, the course was under eighteen racing towards Hamsell Manor the continue to be a well-supported and massive thank you to everyone who [email protected] managed forests & inches of snow. (By contrast, in 1907 the horses and riders had to ride steeply popular event. came along and supported us and for - Bottles: Rebecca & Charlotte Hall - controlled sources. weather on Easter Monday was as warm uphill from Eridge Station and the hop —Edmund Waterhouse our committee who arranged such a [email protected] Please recycle after use

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Parish Diary Useful contacts Council contacts May/June 2019 Frant Chairman » Thursday 9th May & 13th June Frant CofE Primary School William Rutherford: 752254 Ashdown Forest Arts Society Lectures Joanna Challis: 750243 Frant Ward See page 9 Frant Nursery School Johanna Howell: 750141 Shelley Holdsworth: 890961 Debbie Park: 319906 9th, 10th, 11th May Frant Sunday Club Michael Rowland: 526746 » Frant Panto – “It Runs in the Family” Ed Pascoe: [email protected] William Rutherford: 752254 See page 13 Frant Bowls Club BYG Ward David Oliver: 611994 Stuart Crookshank: 518631 » Thursday 16th May Frant Cricket Club Andy Macdonald-Brown: 891273 Bells Yew Green Cricket Club Festival David Pearson: 750789 Sue Wallis: 750635 Cricketers Close, Bells Yew Green 6-9pm Frant Garden Club Eridge Ward Dianna Tennant: 752029 Michael Stevens: 852739 » Wednesday 22nd May Frant Panto & Drama Society Clerk to the Council Frant Garden Club Outing Alan Richardson: 01892 825378 Rosie Karim: 653357 See page 13 St Alban’s Bell-Ringers [email protected] Mary Freestone: 750269 or www.frant.info » June – August Frant Stables County Councillor Yoga in Hargate Forest Julie Pascoe: 07850 091428; Bob Standley: 783579 See page 10 [email protected] District Councillor Frant Parish Friendship Group Johanna Howell: 750141 » 1st & 3rd Thursdays each month Brian Gill: 750266 William Rutherford: 752254 Young at Heart, Exercise classes Frant Film Parish Council meetings The Stables, 2.15pm Colin Steadman: Full PC meetings are held at 7.30pm [email protected] every 3rd Wednesday of the month. » Saturday 11th June Frant and Eridge Church Office Planning meetings are held on the first Eridge Garden Club Plant Swap 01892 752261; Monday of the month. See page 7 [email protected] Frant Open Spaces Group Police Contact Details: » Saturday 30th June Jan Steadman: To report a crime or incident dial 101 Eridge Summer Fair [email protected] For other police enquiries contact the – see page 13 Frant Memorial Hall Wealden unit on 01273 404938 or Brian Gill: 750226 www.sussex.police.uk/wealden/

Eridge Eridge Garden Club Jean Howells: 864310 Eridge Cricket Club Luke Forbes: 670073 Eridge Village Hall Hire Booking Secretary: 07470 448425 Regular Meetings Eridge Choir Michael Stevens: 852739 Little Fishes: Baby & Toddler Group Every Tuesday 10—11.30am in The Bells Yew Green Stables, Frant. A warm welcome to all. Bells Yew Green Chapel Ignite (School Years 3–6) Ken Davies: 01732 357791 Parish News can be downloaded meets each Thursday (term time only). BYG Cricket Club from: www.frantchurch.org Encounter (School Years 7–13) Andy Brooks: 07876 011782 or www.eridgechurch.org Contact Ed Pascoe for more information: Short Mat Bowls Club [email protected] Pam Mepham: 891426 Advertising enquiries: Coffee Morning at The Stables, Frant BYG Village Hall Hire 01892 750285 or Every Wednesday, 10:30am—12noon. Chris Bacon: [email protected] [email protected] Come for a hot drink, a cake and a chat. Friends of Bells Yew Green Sunday Club Open to anyone aged 0-14, 07944 712000 Contributions for our next issue and meets during the 9:30am Sunday should be sent to the Editor: service at Frant (except for the 1st [email protected] Sunday of each month when the children or 01892 750217 join in with our family service). Deadline: 10th June 2019

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