OCTOBER 2019
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THE CUCKMERE CHURCHES Rector Revd Prebendary Stephen Stuckes The Rector’s day off is The Rectory, Sloe Lane, Alfriston, BN26 5UP 871042 Friday [email protected] Parish Administrator Pauline Kennard, The Parish Office, St Andrew’s Church, 871093 The Tye, Alfriston, BN26 5TL [email protected] Website www.cuckmerechurches.org.uk Facebook St Andrew's Church, Alfriston, Sussex ST ANDREW, ALFRISTON WITH LULLINGTON Churchwardens Diana Monteath-Wilson 871143 Bill Rendall [email protected] 870057 Secretary to the PCC Sherry Ward - 13 Smugglers Close, Alfriston 870478 Organist Vacant Bell Tower Captain Pauline Kennard [email protected] 07792 948709 Director of Music & 07412 526671 Events Co-ordinator Kathryn Maulkin [email protected] ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, LITLINGTON Churchwardens Richard Hayward - Lavenders, Litlington, BN26 5RA 870383 Rosie Beddows - Pipers Cottage, Litlington, BN26 5RA 870139 Secretary to the PCC Claire Hayward - Lavenders, Litlington 870383 ALL SAINTS, WEST DEAN Churchwardens Brian Paterson - 1 Woodland Cottages, Seaford 897065 Susan De Angeli 870466 Secretary to the PCC Trish Bullivent, [email protected] 07927 411032 ST PETER ad VINCULA, FOLKINGTON
Churchwardens Sabrina Harcourt-Smith 482036 Tony Catchpole 484877 Secretary to the PCC Julia Caffyn 01435 862830 CUCKMERE NEWS Editorial The Parish Office, St Andrew’s Church, The Tye, Alfriston, 871093 BN26 5TL [email protected] Advertisements Heather Hurst 07880 723947 We reserve the right to edit any contributions to this magazine with regard to length and content All material for inclusion in the Cuckmere News to [email protected] (or to The Parish Office if hand written) by the 10th of each month please.
October Stephen Writes......
One of the tasks being completed alongside the re-shingling of the Spire of our Church is the restoration of the weather-vane. I used to live next to a house with a weather-vane on top with a figure of an Angel blowing a trumpet and I rather like the idea of an Angel watching over us.
Autumn is the season of Michaelmas. The great Archangel and Captain of the Lord's Army is a significant figure in scripture and has an important role at the moment of judgement.
A couple of years ago I went to York Minster to see a performance of a Mystery Play. Watching the performance I found that I was not in agreement with the way that judgement was depicted. The plays of course are medieval and so I was not surprised that some of the depictions reflected the belief of that period. A stark depiction of a moment of salvation or damnation was a vivid way of encouraging good behaviour in this life and in a more credulous, largely illiterate, age it is easy to understand the impact a dramatic presentation could have on an assembled crowd.
As so often the Greeks have a word for it. The 'psychostasia' or 'weighing of souls' is a method of divine determination of fate, something which persists from the Iliad through to Christian Theology.
Kenneth Stevenson a former Bishop of Portsmouth recalled being impressed by an image on the sleeve of a gramophone record of Brahms' Requiem that his mother brought home one day. The illustration was of St Michael the Archangel weighing souls. 'He stood as a powerful figure, dressed in a long white flowing alb, with a red stole worn across his chest and over the left shoulder, and over that a red cope. Two large wings somehow made their appearance through the cope at the back.' He goes on to say that the figure of St Michael held scales and souls were actually being weighed and their fate determined in that moment of artistic representation. The concept is one that occurs in other musical Requiem Mass settings including the one by Verdi.
But I have understood St Michael's role in this differently. I have come to understand him not so much as the weigher of souls at death but as the defender of them. At that moment of vulnerability it is Michael who will contend for us in the battle for salvation. As the Captain of the Lord's Army he is well placed to fight the 'evil' of separation from God and help us heavenward. It is of a piece with the Bible reading for Michaelmas (29th September) in which he fights and slays the dragon. (Revelation 12:7-9) God wants everyone to be 'saved' and his angels are there to aid us at his command. Cont overleaf
CUCKMERE NEWS - 3 - October 2019
Cont from page 3
A theological concept that many find appealing is that of 'Conditional Universalism' - the idea that all those who ultimately wish to be with God will be. Perhaps in this scheme it is our own waywardness that the Archangel Michael contends against in order to see us safely home. I recall an old priest (who had been more directly involved in the fight against evil in the world than most) once telling a group of curates that he didn't believe God would 'sit down' until we were all 'safely gathered in'.
This is not to say, of course, that I do not believe in 'judgement'. Clearly there has to be some method by which we come to terms with all that we have been and done before being able to dwell in God's nearer presence. This is where Jesus comes in but that is another discussion.
Whatever you believe about life after death the annual feast of Michaelmas, coinciding as it does with the Harvest Season, might usefully promote some reflection upon two things. Firstly, what we believe about 'judgement' and secondly, how we might live in order that, when our times comes, St Michael's task is made just that little bit easier.
Stephen
THANK YOU!
Hello, my name is Tobias Lloyd and about three months ago I wrote an article in this newsletter about my trip to Uganda with The Quicken Trust, and since that article was published I have been overwhelmed with the support from the village and wanted to give an update on how my fundraising is going as well as say some thank yous! I would first and foremost like to thank everyone that gave me any jobs for donations as well as anybody who donated any raffle prizes or teddies. I would especially like to thank The Players for allowing me to do a raffle at The Review on the Bank Holiday Weekend. I would also like to thank the Friends of Alfriston School for allowing me to do a teddy spinner game on the Bank Holiday Monday. My fund to help the people of Kabubbu is ever increasing! I am also still open to any more donations of raffle prizes as well as any more offers of work,( although I am now back at school so I will not be as available).
If you wish to contact me my phone number is: 01323 871839 Best Wishes, Tobias
To learn about the Quicken Trust www.quickentrust.com
CUCKMERE NEWS - 4 - October 2019
SOUTHEND CHORAL SOCIETY
Saturday 12th October at 4pm, St Andrew’s Church, Alfriston
Southend Choral Society, directed by Roger Humphrey and accompanied by his wife, Rosemary Pennington, will be presenting a concert of favourite anthems and choral works, including Handel's wonderful Coronation Anthem "Zadok the Priest", Charles Wood's majestic "O Thou the central orb" as well as parts of the ever-popular masterpiece which is Vivaldi's "Gloria". Roger and Rosemary have had a long-standing friendship and musical association with Ray and Kathryn Maulkin for more years than any of them care to admit. Roger is Organist and Choirmaster at Holy Trinity Church, Southchurch - a post that he shared with Ray for many years. Kathryn and Rosemary worked closely as musical partners presenting many recitals together - even when their children were very young! We are very pleased to welcome Southend Choral Society back to St Andrew's and look forward to a lovely afternoon listening to well-loved anthems.
Admission is free with a retiring collection in aid of St Andrew's Restoration Fund.
Kathryn Maulkin Director of Music & Events Co-ordinator
BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY CAR BOOT SALE
Thank you to everyone who helped support the Car Boot by selling, buying, setting up or taking the money, a huge thank you to one and all. We took £305.00, from the cars selling and from parking for about an hour and a half. £98.00 was spent on new banners which can be used every year as they do not include specific dates - just ‘August Bank Holiday’. The remaining amount, of £207.00, is being used to enlarge the hole in which the Christmas Tree is placed in the Village Square. This means we can have a taller Christmas Tree.
We look forward to next year and thank you.
Sylvia Daw
CUCKMERE NEWS - 6 - October 2019
Collectibles and Antiques sought Furniture, nick-nacks, records, cameras, books, china, vintage toys, musical instruments… also purchased Fair prices paid to you in cash House clearances also undertaken Please call Joanne or Martin to discuss your requirements 07780 704659 and 07763 813995 Professional, discreet and efficient service with a £10 donation made to St Andrew’s Church Alfriston Restoration Fund with each house call
Historical Society
CUCKMERE VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Following on from our wonderful Summer Flower and Produce Show, a group of us took some time out in September to enjoy a day at the RHS Wisley Flower Show. Our next event on the 3rd October at the War Memorial Hall; a talk by Lesley Chamberlain on ’The True History of the Tulip wars in Europe’. It starts at 7.30pm, is free for members and £3 for non members. Refreshments will be available before we start and during the interval (if there is one) so do come along.
After that we have our final event of 2019, our annual Members Evening on Tuesday 12th November. This is just a bit of advanced warning, more details will be circulated nearer the time. Meanwhile, the growing season is gradually coming to an end, preparations for the coming year begin and the cycle continues. New members are welcome at any time, but if you’re thinking about joining it might be worth waiting until March when our membership year starts, or you could do half a year for £3. Contact me if you’re interested. Nicky Vassell Tel. 871995..
CUCKMERE NEWS - 8 - October 2019
Sunday 6th October at 11am
Donations of non-perishable food will be gratefully received and will be given to
Family Support Work
Everyone is very welcome to the
War Memorial Hall 12.30pm
Delicious Lunch of Chicken Leek & Mushroom Pie, choice of Apple Crumble or Fruit Salad Vegetarian option
Please let Sherry 870478 or Jane 870036 know or add your name to list at back of Church
A Clean Sweep Ross Atabey & Son Chimney sweeping - including smoke test and certification. 01435 812 153 07941 315214 Fiind us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/acleansweephoram [email protected]
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HERITAGE OPEN DAY AT WEST DEAN DOVECOTE
The yearly Heritage Open Day in West Dean on September 7th and 8th was a great success. The weather was dry with a hint of autumn - the many visitors enjoyed themselves and business was brisk. The West Dean church team raised £1,280.00 from refreshments during the weekend. Huge thanks to all those who helped: the bakers, the servers, the car parkers and those who helped set-up and clear-up afterwards. Our thanks to Jo and Julian Martyr. SdeA
TWINNING
Our French friends arrive here on Friday 27th Sept for an action packed long weekend. We look forward to welcoming the Mayor of Veules on this his last Twinning visit before retiring from public life. If your copy of the Cuckmere News has dropped on to your mat by the 27th, you will be in time for the Alfriston launch of Dr June Goodfield’s latest book Glory from Defeat: Our second Dunkirk. This takes place that same Friday evening 27th in the WMH at 17.30. One copy of the book will be included in the ticket price. There will be a short presentation followed by a glass of wine to toast the courage of both the soldiers and Sussex boatmen in those days. Individual Tickets £15, £20 for a couple. This book is a fascinating account of the hitherto neglected and unresearched story of post Dunkirk attempts to rescue soldiers, who had been resisting Rommel's advancing troops around our beautiful Twinning village of Veules les Roses, and the unexpected links with our own coastline. In his forward to June’s book, Alastair Dorward, Chairman of the 51st Highland Division and Ross Trust, wrote of the gallant flotillas from Newhaven and Eastbourne . A wonderful account combining both past and present and the rich link between Alfriston and Veules les Roses... Seldom can twinning have been so passionately developed and to such great effect. We had a presence on the Tye during the Festival. A couple of Michael Anderson’s ingenious Games: Toad in the Hole and Corn Hole provided fun and funds for our somewhat depleted bank balance. We are delighted to welcome four new French members who are coming over for the twinning weekend for the first time, and one English woman, a French teacher, who joined up following a chance meeting on the Downs. Next month, we will have the story of our weekend and also the account of the Mayor’s investiture with the Légion d’honneur. Tony up the hill 870561
CUCKMERE NEWS - 11 - October 2019
Far from the Home I Love PIANO RECITAL BY MARGARET FINGERHUT
Saturday October 19th at 3pm, St Andrew’s Church, Alfriston In 2019, Margaret embarked on a special piano recital series, working Nationwide with “City of Sanctuary” to raise money to support refugees in the UK. She aims to raise £88,000; a £1000 for every key on the piano! The history of classical music is full of composers who left their homelands because of war, political upheaval or fear of persecution. Other composers who had to move country because of their work were arguably no less homesick. This concert tells the stories of some of these composers through their piano music. They resonate with the current climate of troubling attitudes towards refugees and those in exile. “Far from the Home I Love” is designed to give a cultural context to the theme of migration. Her illuminating and varied programme includes works by Chopin, Grieg, Handel, Haydn, Prokofiev and Rachmaninov. Margaret has also commissioned a new piece by Arian, the Kurdish Syrian composer who wrote the Refugee Nation Anthem for the 2016 Olympics. Margaret Fingerhut has a distinguished career which has taken her all over the world. She is particularly known for her innovative recital programmes in which she explores the highways and byways of the piano repertoire. As a concerto soloist she has appeared with the all the UK's major orchestras, and she is frequently heard on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM and many radio stations worldwide. Margaret is a Visiting Lecturer at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire where she was awarded an Honorary Fellowship in 2015. She has given masterclasses in the USA, Canada, Japan and China, and she is a regular guest at international summer schools such as Chetham's, Jackdaws and Dartington. The concert is in Aid of Lewes Organisation in Support of Refugees and Asylum Seekers (LOSRAS) LOSRAS is a local charity (no. 1176074), which aims to promote the welfare of refugees & asylum seekers in and beyond the Lewes District by raising awareness; providing practical help and responding to local issues as they arise, and advocating and lobbying to improve the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
Refreshments will be available after the concert.
Ticket price £12 (children under 15 free) available from; Eventbrite www.eventbrite.com/e/far-from-the-home-i-love-tickets-69761497517 or on the door
CUCKMERE NEWS - 13 - October 2019
TEA & TALKS
30th October, 2019 Emma Cox -Genealogy
27th November, 2019 Richard James - Rathfinny Wine Estate
2.30 pm to 4.00 pm at Alfriston Court
Free admission to include refreshments and cake
Donations for St. Andrew’s Restoration, welcome
ALFRISTON SUMMER FESTIVAL
Thank you to all the people who gave their time to entertain over the August Bank holiday. It never ceases to amaze me how much talent we have right on our door step and also how willing people are to give their time in showing these talents. The Revue was (I think) one of the funniest yet and great fun. Being part of the Revue I know how many hours go into writing, producing and performing, so thank you Alfriston Players. The quiz night was full of fun and laughter (I didn’t win!) Mick and team came first so well done to you. On Saturday we had the wonderful Vintage Cars on display and to have a wedding in St Andrew’s Church, who also had vintage cars was delightful! Sunday morning saw the Animal Service held outdoors on the Tye. Thank you to St Andrew’s and your great Team. The Dog show started after the service, Paws to Perfection with lots of waggy tails! It was a local show supported by a local business (and of course our Keely!) Also on Sunday, in the afternoon, we had our wonderful Lyndy Hoppers followed by the Scottish dancing group with our local team guided by Susan. The Scottish dancers meet on Wednesday afternoon at 3.30pm. On Monday afternoon we were entertained by the very talented Kindred Spirit and the Dine Out Draw was again a very successful money raiser. Thank you to Anne Shaw for all your hard work. The Flower Raffle was an unexpected bonus so thank you to a lovely lady who does not want to be mentioned. And finally to Alfriston’s A.E.G. for putting up signs, marquees and last minute extension leads a huge thank you. Many different groups were able to raise money and talk to people about their work. If you were one of them well done for helping to make Alfriston August Fair such a successful event . I’m sorry if I have missed anyone who gave time and support. All those I’ve mentioned are people with whom I begged, persuaded and pleaded with,(it didn’t take much!), to participate in what was a very hot and lovely weekend.
Sylvia Daw
CUCKMERE NEWS - 15 - October 2019
CHURCH SERVICES IN OCTOBER Sunday 29th September - St Michael the Archangel Benefice Service during this service Kelly Ellis will be Liltington 11.00 am commissioned as Pastoral Minister Sunday 6th October - Trinity 16 Alfriston: 8.00 am Holy Communion Folkington: 10.30 am Harvest Festival Alfriston: 11.00 am Harvest Festival Litlington: 5.00 pm Harvest Festival Sunday 13th October- Trinity 17 Alfriston: 8.00 am Holy Communion West Dean: 9.30 am Harvest Festival Folkington: 10.30 am Mattins Alfriston: 11.00 am Holy Communion Sunday 20th October - Trinity 18 Alfriston: 8.00 am Holy Communion Litlington: 9.30 am Holy Communion Folkington: 10.30 am Mattins Alfriston: 11.00 am Family Service & Baptism Sunday 27th October - Last Sunday of Trinity Alfriston: 8.00 am Holy Communion West Dean: 9.30 am Holy Communion Folkington: 10.30 am Mattins Alfriston: 11.00 am Holy Communion
Prayers are said in St Andrew’s from 9 to 9.30am on weekdays Alfriston: 10.00 am – Holy Communion every Wednesday West Dean: 5.30 pm – Evening Prayer every Thursday Men’s Breakfast: Chestnuts - Tuesday 15th October at 8.30am Local Catholic Church: St. Thomas More, 54 Sutton Road, Seaford (For times of services contact Parish Office 01323 892427)
CUCKMERE NEWS - 16 - October 2019
ST ANDREW’S CHURCH CLEANING
We are once again asking for volunteers to join the church cleaning rota. Each helper is one of a team of six to clean once every three weeks. It takes about an hour and there is no heavy work involved. If you think that you can help out please get in touch with me on 870515 or [email protected] and we can discuss what exactly is involved. I look forward to hearing from any prospective helpers.
Jan Boyes
I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
RAINFALL
LITLINGTON 10yr. Avg ALFRISTON 10yr. Avg.
August 2.23” 3.27” August 1.91” 3.56”
Oct-Aug 29.56” 31.70” Total 2019 18.48” Rain fell on 13 Days Rain fell on 12 Days
Wettest day 11th with 0.62” Wettest day 12th with 0.43”
CUCKMERE NEWS - 17 - October 2019
THANK YOU On October 26th Cate and Roland will have been at the George Inn on the village's high street for 20 years. Our three daughters have gone from the village primary school to busy lives in London but all love returning to Alfriston due in no small part to the many friendships we have made with so many people here in the village. Thank you so much for your fantastic support over the years. We hope you continue to enjoy our food and hospitality for many years to come. Thanks also to our amazing staff, past and present. Warmest regards, Cate and Roland
CUCKMERE NEWS - 18 - October 2019
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FAMILY SUPPORT WORK
Dear Friends,
As the new school year has begun, we can look back on a wonderful summer of activities for our families. We had incredible days (and glorious weather) at Warnham Park in July and at Chichester Cathedral, which was the first time many of our families had ever set foot inside a cathedral. In addition we ran family fun days, outings to Drusilla’s, Herstmonceux Science Centre, Tilgate Park and Aldingbourne Country Park. Our Amberley-Arundel sponsored walk at the end of August took place in beautiful weather and we were delighted to have 77 walkers on the day – thank you to everybody who participated or sponsored a friend.
You may have seen the announcement at the end of August about our new Bishop’s Champions – Caroline Nicholls DL, Denise Patterson DL, Maureen Chowen DL and Jonathan and Caroline Lucas. These 5 individuals will be helping to raise awareness of our work throughout Sussex and encouraging new networks of individuals and groups to get involved in supporting us. We are delighted to have them on board and are really excited about the future.
We are now focussed on the busy period leading up to Christmas. With Harvest season rapidly approaching, we are aware that many schools and churches will be generously donating their collections to our foodbank.
I have included some prayer points below in case these are helpful, and thank you as always for your ongoing support both practically and through prayer.
August’s work in numbers
• 119 individual meetings with families supporting 8 grandparents, 139 parents and 217 children • 17 supported meetings with other agencies • 22 group sessions supporting 5 grandparents, 328 parents and 589 children • 122 food deliveries made
Prayer points
• Thanks for a wonderful summer of activities that gave our families much-needed respite from their daily challenges • That our new Bishop’s Champions will quickly feel part of the FSW team and will encourage each other in their new roles • For a lady we know who is trying to set up home after living in a refuge for some months as a domestic violence survivor. She is currently not able to have her child living with her but is desperate to be reunited once she has a stable home to live in.
Nikki Kerr, FSW Director of Fundraising and Marketing
CUCKMERE NEWS - 21 - October 2019
DREDGING THE CUCKMERE VALLEY
The Cuckmere Valley is iconic but to retain its beauty takes active management. Dredging the river mouth has historically been part of that active management and until recently it has been happening on a regular basis. The valley is not just a tourist destination, for many it is home and a place of work and without active management the valley is subject to flooding throughout the year affecting communities from West Dean to Alfriston. Devastating flooding has happened in recent years which has affected homes and made fields impossible to use impacting on livelihoods. The Environment Agency, who are responsible for clearing the river mouth are keen to stop dredging in order to create a wetland, but they seem oblivious to the impact that flooding has on the residents of the valley. Many residents have contacted me about their concerns to this change in practice and I am meeting the Environment Agency shortly and will be putting the arguments forcibly to them. Even though this summer has not seen significant levels of rainfall much of the land remains saturated and should we have heavy rainfall in the autumn then there is a real danger of significant flooding. The river mouth being blocked stops the sluices working and opening at low tide to allow flood water to escape back into the river and it needs to be cleared. I want to reassure residents that I will be working hard to convince the Environment Agency to restart dredging and I am encouraging people to still send in their concerns to me as evidence as to why this needs to happen. Please do email me on [email protected]
Maria Caulfield MP Member of parliament, Lewes
CUCKMERE NEWS - 22 - October 2019
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ALFRISTON THANKS THE WORLD WAR 1 GENERATION
At a meeting of the Alfriston and Cuckmere Valley Historical Society last year we saw this invitation from the local archives to thank the participants from the village in 1919 who served during The Great War. We thought it would be an interesting idea to recreate this event at the same time and on the same date 100 years later. At that time we had no idea what the outcomes would be. On 21st. August this year messages poured in, including the ones below. “What a wonderful evening we all had last night. The company, the speakers, the food and even the weather made for an absolutely perfect evening. A huge thank you to the team who must have worked so hard to successfully bring the original idea of recreating the 1919 dinner to fruition, and to do it with such style.” Felicity Brocklesby. “Warm congratulations on a beautifully choreographed and stimulating evening which made for a very fitting tribute to the World War 1 generation in Alfriston.” Charles Anson. The centenary dinner in the War Memorial Hall was a joint venture between the Alfriston and Cuckmere Valley Historical Society and The Royal British Legion, Alfriston and District Branch and was attended by over 70 people. We were privileged to have four outstanding speakers. Deputy Lieutenant Christopher Gebbie spoke about the effect of the Great War on small communities followed by an extremely poignant talk by Cheryl Lutring about the horses taken from Alfriston during the war. Juliet Nicolson gave a fascinating and personal account of the creation of The Cenotaph by Edwin Lutyens and its central place in our memory. Vanessa Gebbie’s powerful talk focused on John Barnard, one of the soldiers from the village who served during the First World War. He was gassed and traumatised by his experiences. Three generations of the Barnard family attended the dinner with the youngest, aged 18, proudly wearing the medals of her Great, Great Grandfather. John Barnard’s Grandson, Bill Barnard, wrote “Up until this year John Barnard had merely been an ancestor we knew very little about other than his sad death. As a family, we have been through a rollercoaster of emotions discovering the truth behind the man who was my Grand Father. We now know John was a true war hero not only to his family but now to the village where he returned following the First World War and this is due to all the hard work and support from everyone involved with this significant centenary event.” Continued over page…….
CUCKMERE NEWS - 25 - October 2019
ALFRISTON THANKS THE WORLD WAR 1 GENERATION Continued…..
Many others present at the dinner shared personal memories of those who fought. “I just wanted to express my thanks to all the people involved in arranging such a wonderful evening. It made me feel proud of my own father who was wounded in action at Passchendaele in 1917 when he was just 19. Thank you to all who made such a special evening of gratitude to the brave.” Rosemary Gee We would like to thank the many people in our community who supported our ideas and who helped turn them into reality so that we can continue to thank the participants of World War 1 who gave so much and who helped shape our world today. Roxchel Angelis, Vanessa Bristow-Rose and Garth Buckle MBE
DEMENTIA AND ALLIED CONDITIONS
Many of you will remember a very moving television programme about two months ago, where the actress Vicky McClure, star of “In the Line of Duty”, a popular police based serial, returned to her home town of Nottingham and formed a choir of local people who are suffering from dementia, parkinsons, and other allied conditions. The purpose of the choir was to give people with these conditions the opportunity of being part of something that will not only integrate them in society but give them a focus to improve their quality of life. If you saw the programme, which showed people of a wide age range, achieving a new quality of life, that had been denied the, since the start of their illness. They did not have to be able to sing, although many of them had been singers, but enabled them to fulfil maybe a dream.
With this in mind, I have been talking to local musicians and am thinking of forming a similar group to try and put together a singing group for local people with these sort conditions, perhaps after the Summer holidays in September.
If you, or you have a family member or friend, who you think might be interested in joining such a group, please contact me at 23 Deans Road, Alfriston, BN26 5XJ, telephone 01323 870610 or e mail at [email protected] . No singing ability required and available to any age.
We have been asked by the Diocese to ensure that our Churches are especially welcoming to people with mental health and wellbeing concerns, which whilst we do not offer individual pastoral care and counselling we are anxious to ensure that people with mental health issues are not discriminated in any way. Ideally it would be good for the Benefice to have a representative on the local Mental Health and Wellbeing Committee. If you are interested please the Rector or myself know. Michael Staff
CUCKMERE NEWS - 26 - October 2019
SIMON BUTCHER
I would like thank my friends and neighbours for the many cards and kind thoughts I have received following the death of my loving son, Simon.
Many thanks
Jill
THREE DAYS IN LLANGENNITH
It’s a long time since I visited the Gower Peninsula but spending three days with my friend, Guinevere at her tiny converted Wesleyan chapel, was informative and exhausting. We walked from Llangennith across the stunning sandy beach at Rhossili Bay and back along the track on a hill which was dotted about with sturdy Welsh ponies and hundreds of sheep, Guinevere assuring me it was a short walk - six miles later … Just as St Andrew’s has a Wednesday morning service at 10.00 am, so does the local church St Cenydd’s, Llangennith’s own saint. According to local legend he was a foundling with a withered leg, abandoned in a Moses basket. washed ashore at the north end of Rhossili bay and raised by seagulls and angels. Vikings destroyed the original church, but the site remained special enough for Iestyn ap Gwrgant (c1081-1093) who was the last king of Glamorgan to retain the religious site and for the Normans to build the present church, consecrated to Cenydd’s memory in 1102, and an adjoining priory. The interior is starkly bare and parts of it have been Victorianised - those black, red and buff Minton encaustic floor tiles are everywhere - financed by the Reverend J D Davies between 1880-84. At the same time the floor was raised by 1.5m against damp and the main altar and wooden candlesticks made by the Reverend Davies. The morning eucharist was taken by the Reverend Glyn Austin, three of us and the churchwarden celebrated the feast of St Augustine of Hippo (August 28th) who died in 430. He is one of the foremost figures of the early Christian Church, and eminent theologian and a prolific author, and as such is one of the four Latin Doctors of the Church. Interestingly, Reverend Glyn wasn’t completely for or against St Augustine, but said he fell somewhere in the middle when contemplating his life. SdeA
CHURCH REGISTERS
MARRIAGE “ Those whom God had joined together …”
24th August Joseph Lopez-Dare & Rebecca Hine (A) 31st August Richard Hayward & Charlotte (Lit)
IN MEMORIAM “Behold I make all things new”
27th August Robin Harmer (A) 28th August Tony Banham (A)
CUCKMERE NEWS - 29 - October 2019
DIARY FOR OCTOBER 2019 Mon Art Club in AWMH 2 - 4.30 pm Tues Bell Ringing at St. Andrew’s Church 7.15pm Tue 1st 3rd 4th The Octaves - OCC 7.15 pm Weds Scottish Dancing - AWMH 3.30 - 5pm Weds Yoga in the School Hall 4.30 - 5.45 pm Weds Short Mat Bowls in AWMH 7 pm Thurs 2nd & 4th Bridge Club AWMH 2.00 pm Thurs Coffee Mornings in Litlington Village Hall 11 am Fri Yoga in AWMH 1.45 - 3.00pm Fri Chair based Exercise at Abbeyfield 3.30 pm
Thur 3 CV Horticultural Society - AWMH - (p.8) 7.30pm Sun 6 Harvest Lunch, follows Harvest Festival - AWMH - (p.9) 12.30pm Tues 8 Cake, Tea & Chatter at Abbeyfield 3.30 pm Cuckmere Meanderers—meet at Market Cross 2.00 pm Sat 12 Southend Choral Society - St Andrew’s - (p.6) 4.00pm Mon 14 Alfriston Parish Council Meeting - AWMH 7.15 pm
Men’s Breakfast - Chestnuts 8.30 am Tue 15 W.I. - OCC (p.18) 2.00 pm Sat 19 Piano Recital at St Andrew’s - (p.13) 3.00pm Thur 24 ACV Historical Society - Deans Place - (p.8) 7.30pm Tue 29 Prayers for the World 2.00pm-4.00pm Wed 30 Tea & Talks - Emma Cox on Genealogy - (p.14) 2.30pm-4.00pm NOVEMBER Sun 3 All Souls’ Service - St Andrew’s 3.00 pm
For an idea on what to bring to your harvest festival take a look at the foodbank information on page 29
CUCKMERE NEWS - 30 - October 2019
TUTORING
EXPERIENCED TEACHER ALL AGES/PRIMARY-GCSE HOME-EDUCATED PUPILS
1:1 lesson, or personalised learning packs that you deliver at home, lots of options available.
Liz Hunter: 07918 127763 [email protected] dbs/insured
Newly refurbished with excellent facilities including kitchen & servery Ideal for a wide range of functions Licensed for Wedding Services The Tye Alfriston BN26 5TL Fully equipped for 80 – 100 people www.oldchapelcentre.com Disabled access and limited private parking Tel 01323 870536