Welcome to CROCKHAM HILL EVENTS
	Newsletter

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UPDATE ON AN ACTIVE SEPTEMBER  +…

SEPT 9 – IS THE MINI PILGRIMAGE
This is being organised by the Edenbridge Churches in Covenent. Beginning at Holy Trinity at 9.30, there is a walk (via fields!) to Edenbridge, where each of the churches will be visited, reaching St John’s Marsh Green for lunch. Afterwards, the walk continues to St Andrew’s Convent for tea. It’s intended as a sort of Emmaus Road experience where we meet the Lord in each other and get to know each other better. But be sure not all of the conversation need be too pious! Details from the church porch or from Sue Cash (( 866218). WHY NOT JOIN THE WALK FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE LEGS?

SEPT 23 – HARVEST THANKSGIVING
Our traditional Service of Thanksgiving, celebrating the fruits of the earth, which we bring to the altar in accordance with the ancient law set out in Deuteronomy Ch. 26. Afterwards, there will be a Harvest Lunch in the Village Hall, the profits from which will be given to the Rochester Diocesan Poverty and Hope Appeal. A local distribution of produce is taken to the housebound, while the remainder of gifts are sent to All Saints’ New Cross parish. Please support.

SEPT 30 – BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY
This is a chance to rediscover, reopen or affirm your connections with God through his church – it’s a nation-wide initiative in the Church of England and at 11.15 on the 30th there will be an all-age service which celebrates the variety of ways we’ve been connected to the church. Come and join in without worrying how long it’s been since you last came – everyone of all ages is equally welcome!

OCT 7 – ECC 25TH ANNIVERSARY SERVICE
This is to celebrate 25 years of churches together in Edenbridge – the preacher will be The Rev’d Canon Richard Ames-Lewis – well known to many as a former Vicar here. All-age worship in Edenbridge Leisure Centre at 11.30, with our friends from the other churches.

Your friend and priest, Fr Bob

CHURCH SERVICES FOR SEPTEMBER 2007

FLOWER ROTA
SEPT 2/9             Mrs Brown & Mrs Lancaster                         SEPT 16/23         Mrs Burbidge & Mrs Pellereau
SEPT 30/OCT 7 Mrs Morris & Mrs Brayne                               OCT 14/21          Mrs Patterson & Mrs Turtle

CLEANING ROTA
SEPT 1                  Mrs Hodges & Mr Woodward                      SEPT 8                  Mr & Mrs Reynolds
SEPT 15                                Mr Stafford & Mrs Batten                                SEPT 22                                Mrs Proctor & Mrs Dargie
SEPT 29                                Mrs Collins & Mrs Durose                             OCT 6                    Mr & Mrs Reynolds

EDENBRIDGE VOLUNTEER CENTRE
More volunteers are needed in the Edenbridge area.  Enthusiasm and a little bit of your time can make all the difference to your community.  Contact the Volunteer Centre on 866901, or info@edenbridgevolunteers.org.uk

THE 2007 FETE
With the masterful organisation of Nick Sheldon and his team, the fete on 14th July (Bastille Day) enjoyed bon soleil.  This resulted in record takings of nearly £8500.  With a Renault Clio to be won (sadly not so!) onion boules and la musique francaise, and of course the traditional side shows, teas etc, the large crowd of visitors enjoyed the day.  Grateful thanks and congratulations to Nick for his original ideas and all his hard work.  Merci Nick!                                                                                                                                                                               Tom Brown

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
Howard Cox spoke to our July meeting about The Butterflies of Britain, illustrated with some wonderful close-up photographs.  At our August garden meeting we enjoyed a ploughman’s lunch, a glorious sunny day, the company of friends from the village, and raised £116.50 for ACWW’s ‘Water for All’ – thanks to Rosemary Pellereau.  Some of us visited Hever Lakeside Theatre and thoroughly enjoyed Diana Walsh (and others!) in Hay Fever; some also went to Downberry Lavender Farm on a rather damp afternoon.  We have signed up to the Carbon Challenge and discovered our carbon footprints.
    Our President, Phyllis Grainger (who usually compiles this piece) had been waiting for some time for a hip replacement, and finally had a date for her ‘op’.  Unfortunately she fell and broke the other hip!  After a few days in the Kent & Sussex Hospital she was delighted to be sent to Edenbridge where she is full of praise for the way she was looked after.  She is due to have the ‘proper’ hip done towards the end of September, and we send her our warmest good wishes for a successful outcome.
    This month’s meeting is on Wednesday 5th at 2.30pm in the Village Hall.  Bring a hat (a golfing cap, sou’wester, glamorous confection, wooly hat?) and talk for a few minutes about the memories it has for you.  New members will be most welcome.                                                                                                                         Susan Cash

THE VILLAGE MARKET
The next monthly market is in the Village Hall on Saturday 8th from 10.00am with the usual range of stalls, from home-made cakes and preserves, to collectables and cards, with coffee and light refreshments served throughout the morning.  To book your own stall space ring 866319.                                                       Freda McBride

EDEN VALLEY MUSEUM
The Museum will be holding one of its Heritage Open Days on Saturday 8th from 10-12 noon with a Michaelmas Fair – a variety of stalls (all gifts will be welcome).  Light lunches and refreshments will be served between 10.00am and 4.30pm.
    Discover Edenbridge’s Hidden History with guided tours commencing 3pm and 4pm from the Museum courtyard.
    And next month, on Tuesday 16th October the Museum will be holding a Hurricane Havoc exhibition, starting with a fund-raising opening and preview with a talk by Bob Ogley.  Tickets on sale at the Edenbridge Bookshop and the Museum.

EDENBRIDGE HOUSE GARDEN
This month sees the final openings of the year for Edenbridge House garden.  If you’ve not managed to visit, this is your last opportunity until next summer.  The garden will be open on behalf of the National Gardens Scheme on Sunday 9th (2.00-6.00pm) and Wednesday 12th (1.00-5.00pm).  Admission is £3 (children free), and as usual there will be home-made teas and plants for sale. The garden and nursery are also open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 2-5pm until the end of the month.

FIRST TUESDAY GROUP
This month the First Tuesday Group will meet – with or without children - on the second Tuesday, 11th at my house, 15 Deanery Road from 9.30am onwards, for coffee, biscuits and a chat.                             Katy Netherclift 866381

THE EXPLORERS GROUP  has been invited to join the Women’s Christian Fellowship for two very interesting meetings this month.  On Wednesday 12th at Sue Easton’s home we shall be hearing from Beckie Musgrove about her experiences ‘Protecting Children Affected by War’, and on Wednesday 26th at Guildables, Sister Frances Dominica is coming to tell us about Helen House Hospice in Oxford, which she founded as the first hospice for children in the UK.  Both these meetings will start at 10.30am and anyone who is interested will be most welcome – young children are always welcome too.  Do come and join us, and do not hesitate to phone me if you would like further information.                                                                                                         Trish 866219

WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
We are joining with the Explorers for our two meetings this month – please see details above.  Our meetings start with coffee at 10.30am and end by noon.  Programmes for the new session are available on the table at the back of church.  Women of all ages are always welcome to our friendly group, either regularly or occasionally.                                                                                                                                                                                          Rosemary Durose

OXTED AND LIMPSFIELD FLOWER SOCIETY
The demonstrator at this month’s meeting is Jacqui Arnold with her theme being Grand Designs.  This will be held as usual at St Peter’s Church Hall, Limpsfield at 2pm on Wednesday 12th.  New members are always welcome to our monthly meetings.  For further information please contact the Secretary, Barbara Mockford on 01883 722525.

THE PRAYER GROUP  will meet at 2pm on Wednesday 19th at 2pm at Guildables. If you would like to come and need transport, please let me know. We are a small group who would be delighted to welcome more people to join us in a short time of prayer, for the needs of our world and our local community. If you can spare 30-40 minutes of your time, why not come and join us?                                                                         Trish 866219

CROCKHAM HILL SOCIETY - TALK
There will be a talk and discussion on the subject Britain and India: Sixty Years On in the Harris Room in the Village Hall at 8pm on Wednesday 19th.  All are welcome; there will be no charge.
    We have had some excellent past talks in the Hall, and it might be possible to have these on a more regular basis.  It is hoped that we can have talks, discussions, debates etc on a range of subjects.  If anyone has an idea for a talk, please bring it along on the 19th.                                                                                                 James Drever

THE OVER 70’s LUNCH  will be on Thursday 20th at 12.30 in the Village Hall.  We shall look forward to seeing you all after the summer break, and new members will be most welcome to join this happy monthly occasion. Please let me know if you would like to come; as usual, £3 payable on the day.                           Trish 866219

THE HARVEST LUNCH
On Sunday 23rd following the Harvest Thanksgiving Service in church, there will be a Harvest Lunch in the Village Hall to which everyone is welcome.  If you would like to come please sign the list at the back of the church, or phone Jo Banks on 860509.  Offers of help with food, laying up or washing up would be much appreciated!                                                                                                                                                                     Trish 866219

ON THE RUN FOR HOSPICE IN THE WEALD
Following the success of the first 10km run in 2006, fund-raisers for the Hospice in the Weald will be repeating the event on Sunday 23rd, and including a 6km run and a 1km event for Juniors/Mums/Dads/Grandparents etc.  The runs will start and end at the Lower Cricket Ground in Tunbridge Wells, and the 10km and 6km runs will follow a challenging course through Broadwater Forest.  The 6km event will be a lot less challenging than the 10km!
    Entry fees: £8 for affiliated club members; £10 for pre-registered individuals;’ £12 for registration on the day, and £3 for Juniors etc on the 1km.
    For further information contact Fiona Parry on 01892 820508.

LEARN TO BELLY DANCE
Belly Dance, or Raqs Sharki, is as ancient as the Pharoahs and as modern as Shakira.  Originating in the Middle East it is a skilful, beautiful, empowering dance form for women.  It is great exercise for all ages, all sizes and all shapes of women, and can have a wonderful toning effect on the body.  The exercises are even rumoured to lessen the pain of childbirth.  Crockham Hill’s own Lea Smith will be teaching a weekly Beginners’ Class at Rickards Hall in Edenbridge, from Tuesday 25th at 7.30pm.  Classes are £6 - but Crockham Hill residents can have their first class free if they bring along a copy of this Newsletter.  No special equipment is needed, just wear something comfortable and tie a scarf around your hips to join the fun.  Women only, I’m afraid.
                                                                                                                                                                                       Lea Smith  866284

IS THERE MORE TO LIFE THAN THIS?
Come and find out the answer to that question at an ALPHA COURSE.  We are starting on Wednesday 26th at 7.45pm.  There will be wine, nibbles, and a chance to follow Bear Grylls, Sir David Frost and 8 million other people who have taken part in the world’s most popular course in Christianity.  For more details contact Emma Jonas on 864835.

CROCKHAM HILL YEARBOOK - AMENDMENT
Please amend the entry for ‘Friends of Crockham Hill School’ in your 2007 Year Book.  Geraldine Ormonde’s name has been listed as the contact for FROCHS, but this should read Graham Addiscott, 01732 865050.  Geraldine is the contact for ‘Felicity’s Nursery School’, the entry above FROCHS.

CROCKHAM HILL ON THE WEB
Up-to-date details of coming events and local village news can be found on www.crockhamhillevents.co.uk  If you have news, contact the editor Mark Hancox, via info@crockhamhillevents.co.uk

CANCER RESEARCH CHRISTMAS SALE
Please make a note in your diaries that on Wednesday 3rd October there will be a Sale of Christmas cards, silk flowers, china, glass, gifts, candles and jewellery, a produce stall, a ‘wine bar’, bring and buy and a raffle on behalf of Cancer Research.  The sale will be held in the Village Hall from 6.00-9.30pm.

WAR MEMORIAL PLAYING FIELD - AGM
Another date for your diary: The Playing Field Committee will hold its AGM on Wednesday 17th October at 8.15pm in the Harris Room at the Village Hall, to report on the past year, and with ideas for the coming months at the field and village garden.

CHURCHYARD WORKING PARTY
Another year has flown by and that magical moment draws near. The chosen date for this fun-packed occasion is Saturday 3rd November.  Essential requirements for the day will be the usual strimmers, rakes, hedge trimmers, seccateurs, sense of humour et al.  Libations, nibbles and jokes all provided f.o.c.  Don’t miss it; you’ll have to wait another year for the next invitation.                                                                                                    Gervaise Burbidge

A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
It’s what we’re all trying to achieve.  But for a school on a hill like Crockham Hill, it’s a bit difficult.  Has anyone a piece of level land within five minutes walk of Crockham Hill School that the children could use for football and other sports?  Please ring the school direct on 866374, or Michael Court on 866342.

THE JOY OF DOING NOTHING
I’d been on the go for almost five hours, following a vague trail over a high pass, across a slope of shifting scree and scrambling on smooth limestone rocks that reflected not only the sun’s glare, but its heat too. And it was hot, for this south face of the Dachstein was devoid of shade and lacking even the slightest breeze, but apart from a pair of chamois, and the tiny yellow poppies that somehow managed to cling to life in this inhospitable environment, I had the world to myself. That was worth celebrating.
    Then I began the descent, desperate now for shade and water to slake my thirst. The mountainside was steep and rough, and my whole body ached. But at last, an hour or more after I started down, I came off the rocks and into the most idyllic little meadow with a spring of water feeding an infant stream.
    The meadow was dotted with boulders and rimmed with larch trees. Flowers starred the grass; butterflies floated from one delicate flower-head to another; insects droned the lazy song of summer. I drank from the spring, splashed my face, then lay in the shade of a tree and closed my eyes. A bird piped an aria overhead, while a dull thud told of a larch cone hitting the ground nearby.
    As the minutes drifted slowly, and multiplied into an hour of sheer beauty, I realised (not for the first time) that sometimes it’s not only good, but enriching for the soul to do nothing.  Sometimes it is enough just to be.  In that lazy hour in an Austrian meadow I was blissfully happy. And knew it.
    Thank God for moments such as these.                                                                                                 Kev Reynolds