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The Chronicle
is published six times a year by St. Margaret's Church, West Hoathly for the benefit of the
communities of West Hoathly, Sharpthorne, and Highbrook.
The publication is edited, printed and distributed entirely within the parish by a dedicated team of
volunteers. We welcome reports of regular and one-off events and meetings, notices of
forthcoming activities, reminiscences, poems, line drawings, short stories, individual viewpoints,
letters, information and news of other matters. Items for inclusion should be sent by e-mail to
all five editors; typed or short handwritten items can also be delivered to any of the editors.
We reserve the right to edit any articles submitted.
THE EDITORIAL TEAM:
Peter Hartley, Old Timbers, North Lane, West Hoathly, RH19 4QF
Tel: 01342 811238 e-mail: [email protected]
Anne Thorne, Chiddinglye Farmhouse, West Hoathly RH19 4QS
Tel: 01342 810338 e-mail: [email protected]
Kathy Brown, Ashurst, Bulldogs Bank, Sharpthorne, RH19 4PH
Tel: 01342 811866 e-mail: [email protected]
Marion Jones, 6 Glenham Place, Top Road, Sharpthorne, RH19 4HU
Tel: 01342 810143 e-mail: [email protected]
Kate Wiseman, Dalingridge Place, Chilling Street, Sharpthorne, RH19 4JB
Tel: 01342 810411 email: kate @katewiseman.com
From the Editorial Team . . .
We hope you all had a lovely summer and some good weather during your holidays.
With the Jubilee celebrations, flower festival, Olympics and Paralympics it’s been quite a
year!
Over 50 people help with The Chronicle in one way or another, so it’s a great village and
community effort; many hands do indeed make light work. We often feel quite pleased with
the result – but do let us know how The Chronicle can be even better!
After a very dry start to the growing season followed by a cold snap and then a wet spell my
poor veggies have been quite confused and have not done as well as usual, I hope others have
fared better! The British Legion Vegetable and Flower show was a great success with some
gorgeous produce on display.
Enjoy the usual bonfire celebrations and remember to keep pets safe during this period. If
you have any funny stories to relate or poetic thoughts on any subject, do not hesitate to let
us know and we will try to include them in our magazine—the more variety the better! Also
we would like to hear from some new artists to do a picture for our front cover, don’t be
shy!! Enjoy the Autumn!
From Peter, Anne, Kathy , Marion and Kate..
PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
Goo Coomber at 01342 810298 leads the production
team, collating all copies in the church on the Thursday
afternoon before publication.
Rosemary Watson at 01342 810800 heads the team of
distributors, and she can arrange for the Chronicle to be
delivered to your home, or posted to you. Some copies
are also put out in the local churches and shops for
purchase at 70p a copy. Annual subscription - £3.
ADVERTISING & SMALL ADS
Sue Billings at 01342 810049 handles boxed business
advertisements, which can be included for £30 annually,
and also the Small Ads, which cost £1 per issue for two
lines of copy.
Inclusion of an advertisement does not imply any form of
approval of the quality of the services offered.
The Chronicle for October—November 2012 - Page 2
APOLOGY PAGE 27 “MORE FRONT PAGE ENTRIES” IN LAST ISSUE:
Please accept the Editor’s apology for the mis-spelling of Alistair and for missing out Will’s name in the
August-September issue of The Chronicle.
The Chronicle for October—November 2012 - Page 3
The prophet Jeremiah frankly reflects on the end of a season in Israel’s wanderings and captivity with these words: “ The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved”. God’s people had hoped for peace but no good had come, for a time of healing but there was only trouble. With the passage of the season, their hope seems to have gone. While Jeremiah’s heart grows faint with grief, he turns to God, the comforter in sorrow. His cry is full of questions. “ Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?” Life is seasonal. As we transition from one season to the next we need to voice our questions and absorb some of those disappointed hopes. The author of Ecclesiastes recognises that the arc that spans all our seasons is the eternity that God has placed in the human heart, even though we can’t always fathom what he has done from beginning to end. (3:11) I arrived back home to four funerals! I can sympathise with the Prophet; these things are not easy to fathom. Yet within our limitations, we are not left clueless. For the one who holds our times in his hands gives generously. “ He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who wait upon the Lord with renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:28-31). Thank God that there is within the ebb and flow of times and seasons an empowering renewal at work; my prayer is that the families of Kathleen McGuinness, Janet Johnson, Mick Mays and David Knight, will know this empowering love and comfort of the Holy Spirit. With my sincere prayers and love, Ven. Lionel Whatley. Vicar of All Saints Highbrook and St. Margaret’s West Hoathly.
Dear Friends, A few years ago, a very good friend, Dr. Michael Cassidy, wrote a book which he entitled, “The Passing Summer”. As the summer comes to an end and a new season starts, we hopefully look back on memorable moments and refreshing times. We had the privilege of travelling to South Africa for the 50th Anniversary of African Enterprise ( the organization that our daughter, Megan is working for in Pietermaritzburg.) We were also able to see Sue’s parents, Megan and her church family and friends, and participate in a citywide mission to Pietermaritzburg. This was exciting and exhausting but we would not have missed it for the world. It was good to see Megan again and to help with the Photo Exhibition, which she organized as part of the AE festivities. I do hope that you were able to get away for some of the summer and that you have come back home refreshed and renewed.
I suppose that we are also aware that not all we’d hoped for has been realised. This summer the economy hasn’t picked up speed; the GCSE English grading crisis has not been resolved; the Teacher’s Unions are threatening another strike; and the relentless rains have damaged our crops and spoiled my turnips, tomatoes and much in our garden at the Vicarage. For the season that we entered with such hope may not have ended with the change we’d longed for.
Lionel, Sue & Megan Whatley with Emmanuel Kopwe in South Africa
HIGHLIGHTS OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
AT ST. MARGARET’S, WEST HOATHLY
& ALL SAINTS’, HIGHBROOK
QUIET DAY
THURSDAY 11TH
OCTOBER
10.15 am—4 pm
This year I’m offering to lead a Quiet Day at Worth
Abbey on:-
Space
Stillness
Silence
I hope that this will provide an opportunity for a
small group of us to discover how silence can bring
a sense of peace to our lives, in our noisy, frag-
mented, and busy world.
Please let me know if you’re interested. Ring
01342 811238.
Peter Hartley
The Chronicle for October and November 2012 - Page 4
Coming Events:
Highbrook Harvest Supper:
Highbrook are holding their Harvest Supper in
Highbrook Village Hall on Saturday 6th October
from 6.30 pm. All welcome.
All Saints Day:
Thursday 1st November is All Saints Day and there
will be a Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance
at St. Margaret’s at 7.45pm.
Patronal Festival:
All Saints are holding their Patronal Festival at 6 pm
on Sunday 4th November.
Remembrance Sunday:
There will be a British Legion Remembrance Service
at St. Margaret’s on Sunday 11th November at
10.45am. All are welcome.
Traidcraft Stall:
After the 10 am service at St Margaret’s on Sunday
18th November, there will be a Tradicraft Stall, a
good chance to start buying your Christmas presents
early.
Una Voce:
Una Voce will be performing Haydn’s “Creation” on
Sunday 18th November in St Margaret’s at 7.30pm.
From our records
Weddings:
Carly Homewood and Alex Miller:
Carly and Alex were married by Peter Hartley at Sun
House Cottage in Hammingden Lane on Saturday
18th August.
Nicholas Phipps and Amanda Heneghan:
Nicholas and Amanda were married at St Margaret’s
on Saturday 15th September. We have enjoyed
having them and Daisy at our Family Services.
Funeral Services:
Ray Parks
Ray’s funeral took place at St Margaret’s on 27th
July (See In Memoriam)
Kathleen Elsie McGuinness:
Family and friends gathered at St Margaret’s on 31st
August to say farewell to Kathleen. She was a much
loved patient at Horncastle Nursing Home, where
she died after a long illness. Her daughter Maureen
Botting and son Tom McGuinness said that she was
confirmed at the age of 60. She wrote many poems
which were gathered in a book compiled and
illustrated by her grandson . Tom paid tribute to the
staff of Horncastle for their love and care.
Karon Webb:
Karon’s funeral took place at St Margaret’s on 16th
August (See In Memoriam)
George Michael Mays:
Mick, as he was known, had his funeral service at St
Margaret’s on 10 September followed by cremation
at Worth. (See In Memoriam).
Janet Johnson:
Janet sadly passed away on 2nd September
surrounded by her family. A private funeral service
was held on 11th September at St Margaret’s. A
Service of Thanksgiving will be held on Friday 28th
September at 2.30 pm at St Margaret’s and a full
obituary will appear in the next issue of The
Chronicle.
David Knight:
David sadly passed away on 6th September and his
funeral was held at St Margaret’s on 17th September.
T h e C h r o n i c l e f o r O c t o b e r a n d N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 – P a g e 5
In Memoriam
Ray Parks. 1931-2012
Ray was born in Sharpthorne and attended the village school, and after leaving senior school in East
Grinstead he served an apprenticeship with Rice Bros as a sheet metal worker and worked for BAA for
23 years prior to his health deteriorating.
Ray loved sport and played football for West Hoathly, and for many years he played bowls.
Country life was important to Ray and he was never more happy than when he and Ann walked their
dog on the forest every day. Roy was a lovely kind man and will be missed by all his family, especially
Ann who cared for him day and night for the last few years of his life as his Parkinsons disease wors-
ened. The funeral was held at St Margaret’s on 27th July, and he was laid to rest in the churchyard.
Sheila Hoad (sister)
Karon Webb
Karon sadly died from a stroke at her home in East Grinstead on 5th August aged 51. Formerly of Hill-
top Road, West Hoathly, her funeral service took place at St Margaret's and she was laid to rest in the
churchyard at the request of her two sons, Marcus and Josh, to whom she was a devoted mum. Karon
was born in Maidstone, Kent, where she grew up in the family home with her three brothers and sister
whom she fought to keep together when, sadly, both their parents died at a young age.
During her working life, and having married, she worked in the diamond industry; diamonds are
very rare and valuable and Karon was like a diamond. Her mischievous smile sparkled to light up the
room and her huge sense of humour was infectious. Karon went on to motherhood and, having Marcus,
moved to Sussex and Hilltop Road to be nearer to Gatwick for her husband's job. Soon Josh was born.
A few years later Karon was diagnosed with MS and Hughes Syndrome but she showed great fortitude
in the face of significant hardship and had the ability to remain positive when all seemed so negative.
She readily joined in social functions when it might have been easier to stay at home. She was valuable
and valued others, especially 'her boys', family and friends, she thanked people and appreciated all that
was done for her, in many ways an example to us all.
We may have lost our much loved 'diamond' but we won't forget her sparkle.
Bev Mager
George Michael (Mick) Mays - 1928 - 2012
Mick, as he was known to everybody, was born in Lingfield on 7 November 1928 and went to school
there. However, he spent most of his early life in Felbridge. He joined the Royal Navy in 1946 and
spent the next 3 years in the Mediterranean. He married Mary in 1951 and had two children, Sandra and
Michael and, in 1986, they moved to Sharpthorne from South Godstone.
After leaving the navy in 1957 he joined Foxboro Yoxall in the Machine Shop where he made
many friends. In 1958 he had a serious motor cycle accident which resulted in his losing a leg. Upon
his return to work his workmates helped him to modify another motor cycle which enabled him to ride
again.
Apart from football his great love was growing begonias, for which he won many prizes including
a first prize at the West Hoathly Flower Show. He was a member of the National Begonia Society and
his favourite variety was always Masquerade.
He passed away peacefully at home on 23 August and his funeral service was held in St Marga-
ret's on 10 September followed by cremation at Worth. He will be sadly missed by Mary, his children
and grandchildren and all his family and friends.
Mary would like to thank everybody for their help and support during this sad time and also for
the many cards she has received.
Marion Jones
“Representing Highbrook, Selsfield, Sharpthorne, Tyes Cross and West Hoathly”
Community Shop Consultation Survey – please participate As you may be aware a group of West Hoathly village residents have been pursuing the goal of re-establishing a shop to replace Hilltop Stores. They are now running a survey to ascer-
tain the support and viability of the project. Your Parish Council is also very interested in the results of the survey so that a decision can be reached on whether to allow the proposed shop/cafe to be built on part of the Parish-owned North Lane Recreation ground. The Council
would like to encourage residents from all parts of the Parish to express their views in the survey. It is being hand delivered and will also available through the Hoathly Hub to com-
plete online which is the preferred method if possible.
Heavy Goods Vehicles through traffic (HGVs) – What you can do to help
During October your Council’s Highways and Transport Committee wish to conduct a road survey of the number of HGVs using the Selsfield to Sharpthorne road as a through route.
The data is needed as part of an initiative to address what is widely believed to be an in-creasingly major concern, disturbance and potential danger on a road just not built for sig-nificant numbers of these vehicles. Can you volunteer a couple of hours to be part of this research? If so please contact the Parish Clerk as below.
“Housing Needs” Survey – June 2012
Thank you to the 241 households who completed the “Housing Needs Survey”. The results are now back and provide another important set of evidence for the Neighbourhood Plan
project. The response rate was about average for a Parish such as ours. The key points it shows are the continued need for and widespread support for more “affordable” homes in the Parish for people and families with local connections and a modest demand for smaller
open market homes. Of older residents (50yrs+), 1 in 11 identified their need to move to smaller, more manageable homes locally.
NeighbOURhood Plan – Next Steps – Public meeting During the coming autumn and winter the Parish Neighbourhood Plan which will map out
how our Parish should develop over the next 10-20 years will be in a phase where we take all the evidence gathered so far and define the local Policies which would become part of the
Mid-Sussex District Council planning system. On 18th October at 8pm in Sharpthorne Church Hall there will be a public meeting summarising where we are up to with the plan project and how the policy definition work will be carried out. Whilst your Parish Council is
taking the lead on this it should be stressed that this is a Community-owned plan and really needs your participation to make sure it is robustly representing what we as a community want. It would be helpful if you could let the Parish Clerk know if you plan to come.
Hello....Is there anybody out there?
This regular page in the Chronicle tries to answer the criticism seen in the 2009 Parish Fu-tures Study regarding a lack of Parish Council communications. Is it useful, informative, in-teresting or would you like to see something different here? I would welcome your candid
feedback (John Downe, [email protected] or 01444-892065). Better still come along to the Neighbourhood Plan meeting in October and/or help with the HGV survey above
and we’ll know there is somebody out there!
WEST HOATHLY PARISH COUNCIL
Parish Clerk: Helen Schofield - The Parish Office, North Lane, West Hoathly, RH19 4QG
T: 01342 811301 E: [email protected] Website: www.westhoathly.gov.uk
The office is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday between 9am and noon. Messages can be left at all other times on the answer phone or by email.
T h e C h r o n i c l e f o r O c t o b e r a n d N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 – P a g e 7
West Hoathly
School
The School has made an
exciting start to the new
academic year with many
changes. Firstly we would
like to welcome all the new
children and their parents who are starting in our
reception class. For some children this is the
next step after attending a nursery, for others
starting school is an entirely new challenge. Ei-
ther way this marks the beginning of what we
hope will be a fantastic time of learning and fun.
We also welcome several new pupils into other
years of the school. We look forward to working
with all of these children as they discover and
expand their potential.
Secondly the school sees some staffing
changes that we are sure will continue to develop
the achievements of previous years. Mrs Smith,
one of our longest serving teachers, is taking a
part-time role in Pegasus class alongside Mrs
Mannion. The addition of newly qualified
teacher Miss Emily Styles in Phoenix class will
create a powerful environment of learning and
teaching for our children at Key Stage Two. Key
Stage One sees some changes too with Mrs
Swaffer taking on not only the role of class
leader within Unicorn class but also that of Early
Years and Key Stage One Leader overseeing
provision at this level. Mrs Claire Holmes, a
newly qualified teacher who joined us during the
last academic year, will be carrying on her excel-
lent work with Dragon class. The promotion of
Mrs Tina Allen to School Business Manager will
enable her to continue her dedicated work of co-
ordinating school administration and finances.
As ever Mr Adam Earle will be bringing all
these aspects together to ensure our village
school continues to deliver the high standard of
education we currently enjoy.
Many of you may well have noticed work-
men on site during the holidays, and we are glad
to report that they have been hard at work in-
stalling a more modern and efficient heating sys-
tem to replace the old one. I’m reluctant to say
we’re looking forward to the cold of winter but
when it arrives it will be good to know that we
are able to keep the school warm in both a fuel
and cost efficient way.
The school has a busy and productive
2012/2013 year ahead. During the next term the
Juniors will be studying World War II and look-
ing at the impact that this had on children and
daily life in general. The Infants have the imagi-
natively named Turrets and Tiaras as their topic
during which they will be looking at all aspects
of castles. For the reception children a busy term
of settling in and exploring the foundations of
learning lie ahead. The children use and develop
their core skills such as reading, writing and
mathematics throughout these topics and I’m
sure they will have a lot of fun learning new
things as their abilities progress. Sarah George, Chair of Governors
West Hoathly
Pre-school
We have started a new term
by welcoming a number of
new children and their fami-
lies to Pre-school. We hope
they and the children returning from last term all
enjoy their time with us.
We also welcome Caroline Scott who has
joined us as Co-Supervisor. Caroline has many
years experience in Child Care and we are de-
lighted that she has joined us. We are looking
forward to a Term full of fun!
We will be busy fundraising over the com-
ing months and by popular demand our
‘Halloween Party’ will be back! More details to
follow on the Hoathly Hub/Posters around the
village.
We currently have spaces available We have a fantastic Pre-school with a ‘Good’
Ofsted report. We are also now able to offer
places to 2 year olds. For more details, a Prospectus or to arrange a visit,
please call: Natalie Emms (Admin Manager) – 07854
410841
Rachel Rush, Co-Chair
Tootsie Time
Tootsie Time, West Hoathly Village
Hall, Fridays 9:30 - 11am during
term time.
Mums, dads, grandparents,
carers all welcome with their little ones. Come
for a play, lots of toys, activity table, sing song
and not to forget a chat and cuppa with cake! £2
per family. Lorraine Jones 07971 799 501
T h e C h r o n i c l e f o r O c t o b e r a n d N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 – P a g e 8
West Hoathly WI
On 1 August members of West Hoathly W.I.
and their invited guests from neighbouring
Institutes gathered in the Village Hall for our
annual Summer lunch. Fifty ladies sat down for
a two course lunch prepared by the Committee,
with Ros’s delicious game pies taking pride of
place. A silent auction and a raffle were very
popular and raised a considerable sum of money
which will be used to provide an educational trip
for members during our anniversary year, 2013.
Early on the morning of 4 September a
group of members from West Hoathly and
Sharpthorne W.I.’s and friends boarded a coach
for a visit to the Prince of Wales’ gardens at
Highgrove. Despite the long journey to
Gloucestershire the gardens proved to be inspira-
tional, and our guided tour was informative and
enjoyable. At the end of our two hour tour we
treated ourselves to delicious cream scones and
cakes and a much needed cup of tea, followed by
retail therapy in the Highgrove shop. It was an
added bonus that Gilly Pain, our former Presi-
dent, was able to join us for the tour. The group
arrived back in the villages during the evening,
tired but with some great gardening ideas for the
future. Many thanks to Ros for organising the
trip.
The speaker at our September meeting
was Tony Turner, a first class speaker who has
visited us before. On this occasion Tony talked
to us about ‘Edukid’, a charity set up by a young
man from Mannings Heath, which supports chil-
dren in Cambodia by providing them with every-
thing they need in order to attend school and also
to provide supplementary education on topics
such as basic health and hygiene. The charity is
also working in northern Uganda to help children
who have been taken away from their homes and
separated from their families as a result of the
recent civil war in that area. As Tony stressed
‘education is the best way to give children a way
out of poverty’. The meeting closed with the
results of our usual flower of the month competi-
tion, which was won by Viona with Janet 2nd and
Jill 3rd.
Our next meeting is on Wednesday 3 Oc-
tober when we will be welcoming Dallas Barnes
-Hughes to give us her talk ‘On the road with
Vogue’. She is a very good speaker and we
would warmly welcome anyone who would like
to come to the Village Hall at 2.00 p.m. to join
us for an entertaining afternoon. Margaret Rodgers
Sharpthorne WI
August was a quiet month for us at the
WI with no meeting, as we had already
made our visit to Gravetye Gardens in July, but a
group of our more energetic members enjoyed a
walk to Horsted Keynes. Most of us started from
Sharpthorne, and walked across the footpath to
Highbrook, where we were joined by the rest of
the group. After walking on to Horsted Keynes
we were in good appetite for a very pleasant
lunch in the garden of the Green Man. We took
a different route back, and all agree that WI
walks are a hugely enjoyable way to enjoy the
countryside, keep fit, and catch up on the gossip.
I hope we will be able to make walks like this a
regular event.
At our September
meeting Barbara Bartlett
talked about 'Chinese fresh-
water pearls from shell to
neck'. When she moved to
Hong Kong in 2001, Barbara
went to a class on pearl stringing which began a
lifelong interest in this craft. The title summa-
rised her talk very well as she explained how the
Chinese had followed the Japanese technique of
seawater pearl culture to Chinese lakes and riv-
ers, explaining how the pearls are cultured,
sorted, graded and drilled. She showed us some
oyster shells which still had pearls attached, and
samples of different colours and shapes of pearl.
We learned how to spot an imitation pearl and
how to care for the real thing. We then faced
temptation at her sale table, full of wonderful
examples of her own work.
At our meeting on 8th October Sheila
Nash will talk about 'Chernobyl's Children'
which is a local charity, and then on 13 October
we hold 'An Evening with the Greenheaps', a
chance to hear and to dance to this popular local
group, and enjoy a hot supper. This will start at 7
pm in the Village Hall. Elizabeth Tamburrini
Snippet
Never attribute to malice that which can be ade-
quately explained by stupidity.
Adage
…..or, in other words, a cock-up is more likely
than a conspiracy.
T h e C h r o n i c l e f o r O c t o b e r a n d N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 – P a g e 9
The Flower Festival
If you didn’t manage to visit the flower festival
you really missed something special. There were
41 displays created by organisations, residents
and the children from West Hoathly School Gar-
dening Club, all giving their interpretation of the
‘Celebration of the Olympics in Flowers’, and St
Margaret’s was transformed for three days.
As you walked through the lych gate
which was decorated so beautifully, you got
some idea of what to expect. Along the right side
of the path was a row of old shoes colourfully
planted with flowers and bedding plants. These
were judged, and the first prize went to Ellie
(who was visiting her grandmother in the vil-
lage), the second to Kathy Brown and to my sur-
prise I got the third prize. The visitors were able
to participate by adding to the Olympic torch,
which had been created by Derek and helpers,
before they entered the church. Before leaving, a
very welcome cup of tea or coffee and home
made cakes were provided and enjoyed by many
visitors, who I am sure picked up the community
spirit which I felt. Shirley Shier.
Daisies are our Silver, Buttercups our Gold.....
.......and Bronze, together in a myriad of colour
within the walls of St Margaret's, set the scene
for our Celebration Of The Olympics Flower
Festival in July. Arrangements, props, medals,
rings and sports of all descriptions hit the unsus-
pecting public as they entered a blaze of sporting
celebration. The weather was glorious over the
four days as were the delicious cakes being
served outside throughout the festival; lovingly
made by local residents.
Kicking off events on the Friday was the
preview evening. Wine and canapes were served
as guests had first peek at the flowers. This was
followed by "Music for a Summer’s Evening",
directed by Janet Slater; the audience was treated
to songs, instrumentalists and poetry—all with a
Summer theme. It was like St Margaret's own
Olympic Opening Ceremony!
The three days that followed were a haze
of happy people (some very busy people!),
laughter and praise for the sheer originality of
the flower arrangements. Music wafted from the
church—piano, organ, song, flute, harp and the
wonderful church bells; out of sight but always
there to ring out the praise and glory of the day.
Carefully planted boots, shoes and footwear
lined the church path, leading to the Olympic
Torch which gradually 'lit up' over the four days
as it was constructed by all who visited, each
adding a branch or flower. By Monday, the
flame was well and truly 'alight' and looking
every inch as impressive.
Sunday culminated in a glorious Festival
Evensong sung by Una Voce. This occasion also
marked the Institution and Induction of Lionel as
Vicar of Highbrook and West Hoathly - a won-
derful and very moving service.
An event like this doesn't materialise on
it's own and there are too many people to name
individually, but a special word of thanks must
go to Derek and Freda, without whom the festi-
val would not have happened.
The flowers have all gone now, the medals
and rings stored away, but the memories of this
unique Olympic Celebration will be with us all
for years to come. We too are like the flowers,
we will go and our memories will stay behind
with others; But God is immortal and his love
will flower forever, as the words of that beautiful
hymn remind us:
To all life thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
and wither and perish: but naught changeth
thee.
I think everyone who came to see the Church
and flowers would all agree that St Margaret's
won Gold for the Celebration of The Olympics! Margaret Watson
T h e C h r o n i c l e f o r O c t o b e r a n d N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 – P a g e 1 0
T h e C h r o n i c l e f o r O c t o b e r a n d N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 – P a g e 1 1
Music happening in our area
Jazz
Second Monday in every month at the
‘Haywaggon’, Hartfield
Fourth Sunday in every month at 7.30 pm at
Rowfant House
Sharpthorne Organic Cafe
Live music on Saturdays 12.00-14.00
Gerard Kenny Live in Concert
Friday October 19, 8pm West Hoathly Village
Hall Tickets £15 -available at Costcutter Sharpthorne or by
phoning 01342 810075/810815. All proceeds to the
Loiyangalani Trust (see p.16).
West Hoathly Local History
Group
17 Oct Contrasting Sussex Communities.
Geoffrey Mead
21 Nov The Legacy of Charles Kempe, stained
glass artist. Brian Tester All meetings are in Sharpthorne Church Hall, Station
Rd and start at 7.45 pm. Entrance £3.50 per meeting
including coffee, or £15.00 for the year.
Village walks
28 Oct Rita des Forges
25 Nov Andy Campbell Walks start at 10.00 am from Finche Field
Emmaus Club Programme
28th Sept Camp fire (& swimming )at Vaex End
5th October Balloon Games
12th October Film Night
19th October Night Walk -meet Sharp
thorne Hall
26th October Half term -no meeting
2nd November Half term -no meeting
9th November Guy making
16th November Oriental food night -
Sharpthorne Hall
23rd November Obstacle races
30th November Face Painting
Una Voce
Una Voce will perform Haydn's Creation on
Sunday 18 November in St. Margaret’s Church
at 7.30 pm, accompanied by ‘Camerata of Lon-
don’ with invited soloists, Catherine Nye
(Soprano), Paul Smy (Tenor) and Jozik Kotz
(Bass). The conductor will be Andrew Slater.
Tickets (£14.50) will be available in Octo-
ber, either by telephoning 01342 810734 or
emailing your request to [email protected]
Forest Row Film Society
5 Oct The Hedgehog
7 Oct Hugo
12 Oct A Separation
19 Oct Life Cycles
26 Oct Balzac & The little Chinese Seamstress
2 Nov T he Cranes are Flying
4 Nov Five Children & It
9 Nov Pandora’s Box
23 Nov Day of Wrath
30 Nov Harmony Films in Freshfield Hall, Forest Row. Doors open
19.30 for 20.00 start. For more information see http://
www.forestrowfilmsociety.org/
Fair trade Café
Mondays 2-4pm, Sharpthorne Hall
Join us for a fair trade ‘cuppa’ with
cake and friendly conversation. Traidcraft goods
for sale. Contact Cathy Merry on 810771 for more
details.
Bluebell Railway
1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26 Oct Autumn tint specials
5 Oct Murder Mystery evning
5,6,12,13,19,26,27 Oct Afternoon tea on board
3,10,17,24 Nov Afternoon tea on board
9 Nov Murder Mystery evening For more information see http://www.bluebell-
railway.co.uk/bluebell/events/index.html
Mansion market- Forest
Row
Saturdays 13 October and 10 November
at Michael Hall School, 11 am-4 pm
Over 70 stalls, children’s entertainment & café.
NOTICE BOARD
T h e C h r o n i c l e f o r O c t o b e r a n d N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 – P a g e 1 2
Loiyangalani Trust Concert
The Loiyangalani Trust, a local charity commit-
ted to supporting the education of very poor chil-
dren in the remote north Kenyan village of Loi-
yangalani, have arranged a fund raising concert
for October 19—see notice on p.15—with inter-
national singer/songwriter/pianist Gerard Kenny
performing 'Live in Concert'! Do come and enjoy
an evening of songs and music selected from an
amazing career that has included hits written for
Shirley Bassey, Barry Manilow (I made it
through the rain),Dennis Waterman (I could be
so good for you), James Last, Sacha Distel,
Johnny Mathis. And Gerard’s very own ‘New
York, New York’. Supporting act, Celtic Roots,
from the Carey School of Irish Dancing. Tickets £15, available from Costcutter Sharpthorne or
by phoning 01342 810075/810815.
Book early to save disappointment!
Ride and Stride 2012
An enthusiastic team of walkers set off from St
Margaret’s on Sept 8th to enjoy a 7 mile walk
from Lewes to Plumpton, visiting churches of
interest along the way and raising money for the
Sussex Historic Churches Trust. The sun shone
and all looked promising as we enjoyed a warm
welcome at St John’s sub Castro in Lewes and
then strolled along the River Ouse to the delight-
ful church at Offham with its beautiful windows
and wonderful barn-style church hall. The next
stage was more challenging as we headed up the
Downs to be rewarded eventually with a mag-
nificent view of Plumpton and the Sussex coun-
tryside spread out below us. Teamwork, problem
-solving, fellowship and prayer all came in use-
ful for the remaining sections as we were faced
with a blocked path due to major electrical
works, some further path re-routing and the clo-
sure of two churches which had promised to be
open. The missed train at the far end meant that a
visit to the pub at Plumpton was necessary for
some of the party as they awaited a car shuttle
back to Lewes! All in all, it was a happy and in-
teresting day out and, while there were many
heroes and heroines of the day, special mention
must be made of Rosa and David who walked
the full 7 miles, overcoming all the difficulties
along the way.
We would like to thank everyone who has
kindly sponsored the team. The sponsor money
will be sent to the Sussex Historic Churches
Trust who then return
half of the donation to
St. Margaret’s. Cathy and Bill Merry
GOOD CAUSES
West Hoathly Bonfire
This years bonfire will be held on Saturday 10th.
November on North Lane Recreation ground as in
previous years. Volunteers needed on the day to set
up tents, barriers, BBQ etc. If you can spare an hour
or two at 10.00 hrs we would appreciate your
help.Many thanks Derek Bartlett
811018
Highbrook Harvest Supper
This takes place in the village hall on Saturday
6th October, 18.30 onwards. All welcome. Menu is Irish stew/vegetable lasagne, medley of
fresh vegetables/green salad, selection of hot and cold
desserts, cheese board, tea/coffee.
RSVP to Jacci Reynolds on 01444 891041 or Jo
Franks 01444 892295 along with any kind dona-
tions
of food.
Highbrook
Christmas
Market
This will be on Friday/
Saturday 23/24 November
in the church, village hall and
smokery. Local food and
drink producers will be offer-
ing their fare to you ahead of
the Christmas rush. The Highbrook Café offers the
opportunity to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea and
Highbrook-made cake or soup whilst pondering
which “Made in Highbrook” products to take away
with you. Younger visitors can visit Father Christ-
mas in his grotto. Admission free.
MORE NOTICES
T h e C h r o n i c l e f o r O c t o b e r a n d N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 – P a g e 1 3
West Hoathly Picture House
Three dates for your diaries for the 2012/13 films
to be screened in West Hoathly Village Hall on
Fridays at 8 pm:-
16th November, 25th January, 8th March
Please watch out on the Hoathly Hub and notice-
boards for the film titles to be shown. The Cat
Inn will again be serving themed, early evening
supper before the film shows.
West Hoathly Bowls
Club
Despite the weather this year the
Bowls Club has flourished, with
many locals taking up the offer of free coaching
and now wondering why they never started play-
ing earlier . By the end of the season in late Sep-
tember we shall have played near on 100
matches at home and around the county. The
club has again performed well in the Mid Sussex
Leagues finishing second and third in Division
one of both leagues.
Following our Centenary season last year
this one has not been so frenetic, but we still
have players involved in outside competitions
and appearing in Finals yet to be played at the
time of writing this report.
Anyone interested in playing Bowls lo-
cally would be best directed to our extensive
website www.westhoathlybowls.org.uk which
will give you a flavour and history of all that
goes on and information about the game and the
spirit in which it is played. There is of course
more to the club than just bowls, with a fine
clubhouse allowing us to run social functions
throughout the year, with the well stocked and
competitive bar always an attraction!
We are as usual indebted this season to
Dai Howick our President and Head Green
keeper for his continuous good work for the club
along with Lou Mace and his team of volunteers
who work tirelessly to create one of the best
greens in the county.
If you are itching to have ago at bowls
then, come the Spring, during April look out for
our free coaching offer and come along – we can
supply everything to get you started so there’s no
excuse!
Look out for our social events on the Events Cal-
endar below, as these are open to non members. Nick Goodman
Calendar of events LINE DANCING – 11 am every Thursday
morning, starting October 4th. Tea & coffee
available. Just turn up—£1.50.
GAMES NIGHT—Friday October 5th – Tradi-
tional Bar Games – Darts, Toad in the Hole, Pool
etc. Competitive Bar prices and a light supper!
£3.00
QUIZ NIGHT—Friday November 3rd, 7.30 pm
Teams of 6 or we will sort out a team for you.
Competitive Bar prices & includes a light sup-
per! £3.00
Look out for further social events during Au-
tumn/ Winter—Race Night, Quiz nights, etc. Hook Lane, RH19 4PT, 01342 810827
West Hoathly Lawn Tennis
Club
After a slow start this year due to
the weather, things have now
picked up and hopefully we will
get more tennis late into the year.
The courts are
all-weather and with our topsy-turvy weather
conditions sometimes the winter games are better
than during the summer months.
We have a burgeoning ladies’ section who
play on Mondays and Saturdays. If you are of
medium club standard and would be interested
please contact the Membership Secretary, Terry
Cooper, on 01444 892649.
Unfortunately we have been experiencing
frequent vandalism on the top court and as a re-
sult are having to have both the netting and club
house repaired. Please keep your eyes open and
if you notice anything either contact Stuart
Clough our Police Community Support Officer
or a member of the Committee. Molly Cooper
Not World War 3!!
Flashes and bangs over Gravetye about 9 pm on
1 November will signify nothing more ominous
than a firework display as part of a wedding
celebration there.
T h e C h r o n i c l e f o r O c t o b e r a n d N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 – P a g e 1 4
Weather Watch
Only short bursts of summer!
I reported in the last Chronicle that 8th July was
an exceedingly wet Sunday. The month contin-
ued in much the same vein, for in this parish
there were only three wetter months of July in
the last 30 years. August gave us only about half
of July's rainfall, but bursts of sunny weather
throughout the summer were all short-lived.
Looking back in my records of these two sum-
mer months of 2012, I can find only two spells
of three consecutive days or more when I listed
the weather as sunny, though recently we had
five sunny days on the trot in early September!
Statistics for July and August 2012
Basil Cridland
Garden notes
As I write September begins, schools resume, the
Paralympics draw to a close and summer comes
for a week with temperatures in the mid 20's, so
our gardens have a welcome autumn boost.
Runner and French bean plants have been laden
with "fruit" (they are technically a product of
fertilization), courgettes have grown faster than
the rest of the year, sweetcorn are ready for har-
vesting and autumn raspberries ripening as rap-
idly as one can pick. They say things often come
good, and that certainly has been true in our gar-
den. Our sedums are smothered in honey bees
(we have hives) as is the borage, Rudbekias and
Calamintha nepeta, a dainty pretty pale blue
flowered small shrub that the bees adore. Also
providing autumn colour are Japanese anem-
ones, Buddliea weyeriana, Clerodendrum
(bungei and trichotomum), the late Aconitum
carmichaelii, Tricyrtis species, asters of numer-
ous heights and colours, and Schizostylis (Kaffir
lily), with nerines soon to follow. November
will see all these lose their leaves, but if strong
winds hold off some trees will still be showing
autumn colour like Liquidambers and Oaks.
Bulbs are now available so get planting
where you have gaps and fancy some additional
spring or summer colour. Pansies and polyan-
thus can also be put in where tubs or pots are
looking tired and summer bedding is past its
best. Bring in any fuchsias, pelargoniums and
dahlias you hope to over-winter before the frosts
come (there was a slight one in some places on
the night before the "blue" moon – second full
moon of the month – August 30th).
October and November are hedge-cutting
months if you haven’t already tackled them –
yew, holly, beech, privet, hawthorn, leylandii
and mixed ones – since the birds have stopped
nesting and there will be minimal re-growth so
hedges will stay neat and tidy over the winter.
As the grass (and weeds in lawns) is still grow-
ing, in fact hasn't stopped all summer, keep up
with the mowing when the weather allows. This
is not so easy as cooler nights cause heavy dew
which hangs around as the sun strength weakens,
but cutting the grass removes the fallen leaves
and makes a good mulch in the process.
Apple and pear crops should give good
quality fruit, with no bitter pit (caused by very
hot temperatures and inadequate water and there-
fore calcium). Keep a regular check on stored
fruit for rotten and damaged ones, likewise with
potatoes and squashes. Cabbage white butter-
flies have reproduced prolifically and eggs
they've laid are still hatching out. Soft soap kills
the caterpillar stage quite effectively. Whitefly
only reared its head with us in the greenhouses in
late August, the biological control, a parasitic
wasp "Encarsia formosa" working hard to de-
molish the ever growing whitefly population.
Who will win by the end of the season is still
unknown. Timing is the key with biological
control: introduce too late when there’s a large
population of white fly, red spider or whatever
the pest is and the predator has a hard time eating
all it's prey by the time the temperatures drop
and they all get killed off, or you have to intro-
duce lots more than normal, which is not a cheap
business. Enjoy whatever gorgeous "Indian
summer" weather we have working in the garden
or relaxing after your horticultural labours. Lindsay Shurvell
July August
Sunny or bright days 16 25
Days with measurable rain 18 14
Month's rainfall, mm 111 53
Month's average rain, mm 51 61
Wettest day (8th) 50mm (25th) 12mm
Hottest day (26th) 26C (18th) 28C
Coldest mornings (12th, 30th)
7C
(31st) 3C
Mean temps, day & night 14.7C 16.1C
Last year's ditto 15.0C 14.7C
T h e C h r o n i c l e f o r O c t o b e r a n d N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 – P a g e 1 5
British Legion Flower Show
A Big Thank You to everyone involved in the
Flower Show this year. It was again a great
success. The entries were only slightly down
and that after what has been a difficult year for
gardeners. So well done. The baking and craft
sections were well supported, so well done
again.
Also Thank You to everyone who visited
the show during the afternoon. We were so
happy to see so many of you. The Show
depends on all of you, and this year you were
great.
Please let us know your thoughts and any
ideas for next year’s show. We would love to
hear from you.
Thank You All From West Hoathly Royal
British Legion. Gary Coxall
British Legion Day Out: On Sunday 9th September we organised our
annual trip for members who do not have the
ability to get out of the village easily. This year
we visited Dover castle. Peter Jones very kindly
drove the mini-bus, as always, and a very good
day was had by all. We are hoping to arrange a
trip in the spring as well as the autumn trip next
year.
Upcoming Events:
There will be a games afternoon for members
being held in the Sharpthorne Club Hall on
Saturday 20th October from 2 to 5 pm. All
members are welcome to come and join in the
fun.
West Hoathly
Parish Youth
Forum
There is a new venture in the local Parish. It’s a
Youth Forum, a group of people in the
community who look at issues affecting young
people living in West Hoathly, Sharpthorne and
Highbrook. Set up by West Hoathly Parish
Council, there is now a group of five young
people who meet up regularly. However, we are
looking for more people to come along and join
us. In the last few meetings, we have discussed
various topics, for example; the limited number
of buses serving this area, the lack of
employment opportunities for teenagers, and the
facilities in our recreation grounds.
Do you have any suggestions about how
things can be improved for teenagers in this
area? We had a meeting on 24 September. If
you are aged 12 to 18 look out for the next
Youth Forum meeting.
After all, didn’t John F. Kennedy say
something along the lines of “Ask not what your
local community can do for you, but what you
can do for your local community”?
Helen Schofield, Parish Clerk
Alaric’s September news
Greetings from a hot Sapporo! The nights have
been hotter than usual so most of us are feeling
the effects somewhat; occasionally we have
storms but the humidity isn’t reduced.
Three things to praise God for: two of the
fmZERO students whom you have been praying
for over the last few years have given their lives
to their Saviour. One, Weng, a Chinese chap,
was someone I met over a cultural exchange
lunch held at the International Students’ Centre
at Hokkaido University. He then started to attend
the fmZERO events and joined a church when he
went back to China, where he was baptised last
month. Mutsumi is a girl who attended the
Wednesday night Bible study and went to
Portland (Sapporo’s sister city) for a year and
went to church while there.
Good health: I had a medical recently and
all was 100% OK (apart from the obvious mental
problems…). Pray that my health might remain
good.
Holiday coming up from 13th to 28th
September. This is something I have been
looking forward to for a long time. With no
terms here, keeping a school up and running
constantly becomes quite draining. Wera, my
colleague, is taking a break now and I next week.
Many many thanks for all your prayers
and support. Whilst I am still stuck in an office, I
am coming to terms with the job God has called
me to and that is a comfort. Through your
prayers that process is made simpler so thank
you very much!
Alaric
T h e C h r o n i c l e f o r O c t o b e r a n d N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 – P a g e 1 6
From West Hoathly Local History Archive
Between 1962 and 1963 Ursula Ridley wrote a series
of articles about old West Hoathly village characters
for the parish magazine then called The Window. One
about Jack Pickard was published in the June/July
2012 issue of the Chronicle and here is another.
William Miles, ploughman
He was born at Ardingly in 1862. He started work at
the age of ten as tea boy to the builders of Cookhams.
When he first married he lived at Strudgate, working
on the farm. Later he was at Gravetye. In 1897 he
started work at Stonelands and went on there for 29
years. He had charge of four beautiful carthorses; two
bays and two roans. He saw to it that their coats and
their rows of horse brasses always shone brightly as
they plodded across the hayfields or along the dusty
lanes. When they went to fairs (and very often a fair
would have a horse show) he plaited bright ribbons
into their manes and tails. Often, as William led them
back, the horses were decorated with rosettes pro-
claiming the prizes they had won. The rosettes hung
on the wall of their stable for years. William Miles
lived for his horses. Although his home was in the
cottage in the village street which is now the Roman
Catholic Chapel, he felt he was always on duty. If one
of his horses was ill, he would get up in the middle of
the night and walk across the fields to Stonelands, a
mile by the footpath, to see how his friend Boxer or
Diamond was getting on. Not till he was satisfied
would he trudge back to the village swinging his lan-
tern.
William always moved slowly and in his ploughing
his artistry was deliberate and slow. He would stand
sizing up a field for a while; then pensively pace
along fixing newspapers in the hedge as markers.
That done, with the gulls circling above him, he
would grip his swing-plough, call to the great horses
by name and away they would go, ploughing the
straightest furrow you ever saw, across a ten-acre
field. On many occasions my father made me stop
and watch him. "You’ll never see a better ploughman
than that", my father would say, proud that they were
his horses but, above all, proud that Miles was his
ploughman.
William Miles was in his glory at ploughing matches.
He would set out from Stonelands very early in the
morning. One horse was harnessed to a bright blue
cart with two big scarlet wheels. In the cart was Wil-
liam’s clean bright plough. The second horse fol-
lowed behind the cart. William, in his best corduroys,
sat sideways on the leading horse. You couldn’t sit
astride those great animals. Slowly down the road
they went to Cuckfield or Lewes or wherever the
match might be. William used to call to the other
horse which turn to take; he hardly ever used the
reins. William, with his drowsy dark eyes, was imper-
turbable; so were the horses when they met the rat-
tling, popping motor cars which very occasionally
passed by in a cloud of dust.
In snowy weather William Miles would go out with
the snow plough drawn by two horses specially shod
for snow. They would walk westwards till they met
the Paddockhurst snow plough and then eastwards till
they met the one from Plawhatch. After that came a
tour of the village and then back to Stonelands with
the snow swishing and scrunching, the horses’ brasses
tinkling and William now and then calling to the
horses as he bent over the handles of the swaying
snow plough with its weights of lumps of yellow
stone. Miles gave up ploughing in 1926 and there
were no more carthorses at Stonelands. Many of us
still remember him sitting, on sunny days, in his open
doorway beside the street. His face was sallow and
weatherbeaten; his black beard had some grey in it
now. His dark, thoughtful eyes looked carefully at all
the folk passing up and down the street; men he had
worked with, their children, their grandchildren. He
said a greeting to us all.
John Ralph
New Book
OLD WEST HOATHLY
by John Ralph
The Place & the People
675 old photographs
46,000 words in captions
11 maps
Fully indexed
High quality reproductions
£29.50
Available from Upper Pendent, North Lane,
West Hoathly. Tel: 01342 810458
T h e C h r o n i c l e f o r O c t o b e r a n d N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 – P a g e 1 7
The Olympics
London 2012
We asked for accounts or impressions of the Olympics for this issue.,
and here is what we got. The under-14’s have been more forthcoming
than their elders. Eds.
My Day at the Olympic Road Race by Katie Veitch, age 13
My family’s lack of Olympic tickets in no way stopped us being
part of the Olympic experience on Saturday 28th of July as we,
along with thousands of other spectators, lined the streets on and
around Box Hill, Surrey, to watch the highly anticipated Men’s
Olympic Road Race. After a steep climb on foot, we found a
spot at the top of Box Hill and sat for two hours on the pave-
ment, Union Jack flags in hand, waiting for the cyclists to pass.
Time passed quickly, helped by conversations with fellow sup-
porters and the truly British tea and cake provided by the ladies
of the village! The crowds were amazing, with people writing
messages of support in chalk on the road, or waving flags from
different countries competing. During the wait, more and more
police motorbikes and team cars passed, building up the excite-
ment of the crowd. Eventually, a cheer came from down the
road and there they were: the leading cyclists, or breakaways, passing us in a blur of colour and spinning
wheels. We barely had time to wave our flags before they were out of sight and the road was empty once
more. Six minutes later, the main group of racers, or the peloton, passed us and I just about spotted
Team GB leading the pack only centimetres away from me! Amongst the team were Bradley Wiggins,
winner of the Tour de France only days earlier, and Mark Cavendish, world-famous sprinter and gold
medal hopeful for Britain. Afterwards came lone cyclists struggling to catch the main groups. The men
did the Box Hill circuit nine times, which gave us hours of amazing viewing. Each time they passed, the
gap between the breakaway group and the peloton narrowed until it was at less than a minute, with
Team GB still at the front of the peloton.
After the ninth lap, we hurried onto our own bikes and cycled (at what had once seemed like a fast pace
and now seemed extremely slow, compared to what we had had just seen) to the local pub, where al-
ready masses of like-minded people were crowded around the television, watching in silence as the cy-
clists raced through the streets of London. They crossed the river, started down the Mall and Team GB’s
medal hopes vanished with the leading pack of cyclists. In the end, a rider from Kazakhstan took the
gold medal, a Columbian took silver and Norway took bronze. A disappointing result for Team GB, but
an incredible day all the same! The picture is of Lizzie Armitstead in the Time Trial, courtesy Sophie Veitch
T h e C h r o n i c l e f o r O c t o b e r a n d N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 – P a g e 1 8
Tom, Adam and Louis Stinson were lucky enough to have a day each in the Olympic Stadium thanks to
their grandfather, a life President of the International Amateur Athletics Federation.
The Extra-ordinary Event
The 5th of August, the day that history would be made, the day that
millions of people watched around the world, the day that, since four
years before, had been in the thoughts of everyone in the world. The
day that the fastest athletes in the world would compete to gain that
all-important title as the fastest man in the world, the day that Usain
Bolt ran.
The Men’s 100 metre final is perhaps the best known event on earth,
but only a mere 80,000 saw it live, and I was one of the lucky few
who was there.
No one knew who would win that day, although the favourite for
many people was Usain Bolt. No-one was sure he would win it.
According to facts the man who had the best chance was Asafa Pow-
ell, the current World Record holder and the favourite of many peo-
ple. As the sprinters were told to take their marks the crowd fell si-
lent, you could hear a pin drop. “Get set, Bang” I was hit with such a
colossal wall of noise that I cold feel my skull vibrating inside my
head. Everyone was cheering them on, shouting their throats out
willing them on. Just less than ten seconds later the sprinters fin-
ished, but the crowd didn’t, if anything they were louder than before,
seeing who it was that had won.
Most eyes would have been on the stadium, but, if you zoomed out a
little you would have seen the glorious Olympic Park, a true marvel
if you think that it is placed near the centre of one of the busiest cit-
ies in the world, London. The park had everything that you could want in a garden, beautifully arranged
flowerbeds, lovely open spaces, canals running through, magnificent buildings that would hold the
greatest athletes of that sport at some point, but, most importantly, the wonderful volunteers, without
whom, the atmosphere would not have been the same. The sheer size of the park was fantastic, consid-
ering that it would take you 20 minutes to walk from one end to the other.
Tom Stinson (age 13)
The atmosphere of walking into the Olympic park was amazing. There were shops of all sorts, people
walking in team GB clothes, volunteers wearing purple and white tracksuits and the massive Olympic
venues. There was a feeling of excitement in the air and buzz of happiness. I saw some very unattrac-
tive women throwing shot puts and grunting very loudly. I saw a team GB Athlete come forth in the
men 400 meters hurdles final and I saw the women’s pole-vault final which, again, was much more im-
pressive than the women’s shot-put. Not only were the events I saw impressive, but the stadium, park
and other venues were a feat of pure excellence.
Adam Stinson (age 11)
Athletics
First there was the Men’s high-jump final that was won by a Russian but team GB got a bronze. The
Russian was two inches off the world record but unluckily failed to beat it.
The Men’s discus final saw the gold go to a German. His celebration was one of a kind, jumping over
the hurdles on the track. Unfortunately the British athlete came last after a bad throw which lost him
several places on the leaderboard.
The women’s 200-metre semi-final was a very good race, all three of them were close, only the lucky
few made through to the final.
That was my day at the Olympics.
Louis Stinson (age 8) The photos of Usain Bolt and the stadium are from Tom Stinson
T h e C h r o n i c l e f o r O c t o b e r a n d N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 – P a g e 1 9
My Favourite Things at the Olympics
Oscar and Phoebe Wiseman (age 9 and 7)7
We went to see the Athletics at the Olympics on the 9th of August in the evening. It had been a very hot
day and we ate ice cream and drank lots of Coca Cola. We went to the top of the Orbit which was so
high that the people below looked like ants and we could see the trains coming and going. We saw
Usain Bolt beat his friend The Beast in the 200 metres and we did a Mexican wave when he came past
us. David Rudisha from Kenya broke the World Record for the 800 metres and he was much less of a
show off. The race was so fast that the man who came last would have won a gold medal at Beijing.
When we arrived in the Arena, there was a muddle over our seats, so we were moved next to
some of the athletes' families. The people who were sitting next to us came from the Bahamas and they
had a son in the Triple Jump, who had won a bronze medal at Beijing. He was called Leevan Sands, but
his family called him "Superman". On his third jump, he hurt his knee and was taken away on a
stretcher and when he passed his parents they looked very sad and left.
The field events happened inside the running track and they did not seem to get as much attention
as the running races. We liked the javelin best, because they used remote controlled little red, white and
blue Minis to return the javelins—I expect that they will be sold for lots of money on eBay!
When we left, thousands of other people were leaving too. We went back to our grandmother's
house on the tube and although it was quite late and we were a bit squashed, everyone seemed to be in a
good mood after a great day at the London Olympics!
Olympic time
Roses are red, violets are blue,
I’ve had a good time, and so will you.
So said one of the volunteer stewards to Ann and me. This was said to encourage us as we made
the long walk from West Ham Station to the Olympic Park. Another volunteer gave me a high five to
spur us on.—yet another offered to take a picture of both of us together against the Park background.
This was the sort of warm welcome which continued throughout the day. Volunteers of all ages, shapes,
sizes and races radiated good humour, smiles and helpfulness. It made me proud to be British.
When we entered the Park, because I was using a stick, we were tactfully offered a ride on a
buggy round to the hockey stadium. We gratefully took the offer because the size of the Park was im-
mense.
At the stadium we saw women’s hockey—Japan v China. Not of much patriotic interest you may
think. But then we learned that if China won, because of previous results, the GB women’s team would
be eliminated. Immediately we all became as partisan as Seagulls’ supporters at a Saturday home game.
Clap-clap-clap Japan Clap-clap-clap Japan…….swept round the stadium. Thankfully Japan did win
and their beautiful smiling team made a lap of honour.
At the last Olympics I saw, in 1948, the bitterness was such that Japan was not even allowed to
compete. Some things get better.
Brian Lavery
6th Saturday
6.30pm Harvest Supper, All Saints
7th
18th
Sunday after Trinity
8am Holy Communion, St. Margaret’s
10am Family Service with Communion,
St. Margaret’s
6pm Evensong, All Saints
9th Tuesday
12.30pm ‘Food for Thought’, Sharpthorne Hall
14th
19th
Sunday after Trinity
9am Holy Communion, All Saints
10am Parish Communion, St. Margaret’s
6pm Evensong, St. Margaret’s
21st
20th
Sunday after Trinity
8am Holy Communion, St. Margaret’s
10am Family Service, St. Margaret’s
6pm Evensong, All Saints
28th
21st
Sunday after Trinity
CLOCKS GO BACK
9am Holy Communion, All Saints
10am Parish Communion, St. Margaret’s
4.30pm Gather Round, Sharpthorne Hall
31st Wednesday 8pm ‘Heart & Soul’, St. Margaret’s
November
1st Thursday
ALL SAINTS DAY
7.45pm “All Souls” Service of Thanksgiving
And Remembrance, St Margaret’s
2nd Friday
3pm ‘Saints and Angels’, St. Margaret’s
4th
4th
Sunday before Advent
8am Holy Communion, St. Margaret’s
10am Family Service with Communion,
St. Margaret’s
6pm Holy Communion, All Saints
PATRONAL FESTIVAL
11th
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
10.45am Royal British Legion Service,
St Margaret’s
6pm Holy Communion, St. Margaret’s
13th Tuesday 12.30pm ‘Food for Thought’, Sharpthorne Hall
18th
2nd
Sunday before Advent
8am Holy Communion, St. Margaret’s
10am Family Service, St. Margaret’s
(Traidcraft Stall after Service)
6pm Evensong, All Saints
7.30pm Una Voce—Haydn’s “Creation”
St Margaret’s
25th
CHRIST THE KING
9am Holy Communion, All Saints
10am Parish Communion, St. Margaret’s
4.30pm ‘Gather Round,’ Sharpthorne Hall
28th Wednesday
8pm ‘Heart & Soul’, St. Margaret’s
30th Friday
3pm ‘Saints and Angels,’ St. Margaret’s
CHURCH SERVICES AT
ST. MARGARET’S, WEST HOATHLY AND
ALL SAINTS, HIGHBROOK
NOTE – Sunday Club for children up to
the age of 10 will take place during the
10am Service at St. Margaret’s with the
exception of 11 November, Remembrance
Service
A Celtic Prayer for our Days Give us peace in our days, O God. Let us live in harmony with one another. Let us care for the earth and for its creatures. Let us be true as nations. Let us guard one another’s dignity. And let us protect and encourage the peace that belongs to all creation.”
Amen
The Chronicle for October and November 2012 - Page 20
October
November
Friday, 2nd
Quiz Night—WH Bowls Club
Monday, 5th
12 pm WHPC Planning Meeting
8 pm WHPC Rural Management Budget Meeting
SCHOOL STARTS
Wednesday, 7th
2 pm West Hoathly WI—Village Hall
Friday, 9th
Bluebell Railway Murder Mystery Evening
Saturday, 10th
11 am—4 pm Mansion Market Michael Hall
School
WEST HOATHLY BONFIRE NIGHT
Monday, 12th
8 pm Sharpthorne WI, WH Village Hall
DEADLINE CHRONICLE
Tuesday, 13th
12.30 pm Food for Thought Lunch
Sharpthorne Hall
Friday, 16th
8 pm West Hoathly Picture House Village Hall
Sunday, 18th
7.30 pm Una Voce—Haydn’s Creation
St Margarets
Monday, 19th
8 pm WHPC Highways & Transport
Budget Meeting
Tuesday, 20th
10 am School Association Christmas Market
East Court
Wednesday, 21st
7.45 pm WH Local History Group Meeting
Sharpthorne Hall
Friday, 23rd
CHRONICLE AVAILABLE
Friday 23rd & Saturday 24th
Highbrook Christmas Market
Sunday, 25th
10 am—Village Walk, Meet Finche Field
Monday, 26th
8 pm WHPC Meeting, WH Village Hall
October
Monday, 1st
2—4 pm Fair Trade Café, Sharpthorne Hall
(Held Every Monday)
12 pm WHPC Planning Meeting Village Hall
Tuesday, 2nd
2 pm SE Water Metering Programme Session
Forest Row Community Centre
Wednesday, 3rd
2 pm WH WI, Village Hall
Thursday, 4th
11 am Line Dancing
at WH Bowls Club
Friday, 5th
Games Night at WH Bowls Club
Bluebell Railway Murder Mystery Evening
Saturday, 6th
6.30 pm Harvest Supper at Highbrook
Village Hall
Tuesday, 9th
12.30 pm Food For Thought Lunch
Sharpthorne Hall
Saturday, 13th
11 am—4 pm Mansion Market Forest Row
Monday, 15th
8 pm WHPC Hall, Finance & Admin
Meeting, Village Hall
Wednesday, 17th
7.45 pm WH Local History Group Meeting
Sharpthorne Hall
Friday, 19th
8 pm Gerard Kenny Live in Concert at
West Hoathly Village Hall
In aid of the Loiyangalani Trust
Saturday, 20th
2—5 pm British Legion Games
Afternoon Sharpthorne Club
Friday, 26th
START OF SCHOOL HALF TERM
Sunday, 28th
CLOCKS GO BACK
10 am—Village Walk, Meet Finche Field
Monday, 29th
8 pm WHPC Meeting
THE COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Post your events on The Hoathly Hub so
you can ensure that your events are
automatically included in the Chronicle
Calendar.
For more i nformat ion contact
The Chronicle for October—November 2012 - Page 21
Clubs and Organisations in the Villages
Allotments .................................Helen Schofield ............................ 811301
Beavers ......................................Bev Duncanson............................. 810709 Bellringers .................................Rachel Edwards ............................ 810210
Book Club .................................Rachel Whitlam ............................ 810117
Bowling Club ............................Trevor Swainson .......................... 810546
British Legion ...........................Laurie Gausden............................. 810751 Brownies ...................................Christine Perkins .......................... 870276
Cricket Club -West Hoathly ...Peter Johnson ................................ 810660
-Highbrook ........Patrick McGahan .............. 01444 892243
Cercle français ..........................Bob Darvill ................................... 810443 Cubs .............. ...........................Pandy Dart .................................... 810005
Explorers ....... ...........................Colby Mager ......................01293 885530
Football Club ...........................Kirk Howick ................................. 316448
Friends of the Priest House ......Rosemary Watson ........................ 810800 Friends of WH Churchyard ......Brian Couchy ................................ 810561
Garages - Sharpthorne .............Andy Johnson ............................... 810234
- West Hoathly ..........Jim Denne ..................................... 810402
Good Companions ....................Liz Bennett ....................... 01444 892731 Gravetye Manor ........................Andrew Thomason ....................... 810567
Hands Together .........................Ingrid Sethi ................................... 810085
Hot Note Stage Academy .........Sarah Wilson ................................ 841919
Karate Group ...........................Dorian Fretwell............................. 811044 Kindergarten – Hoathly Hill .....Jean Kingsley-Monks ................... 810093
Local History Group .................Tony Hunt ..................................... 810534
Local History Archives .............John Ralph .................................... 810458 Neighbourhood Watch ..............Sophie Hill .................................... 810282
Organic Café ...........................Mario............................................. 811321
.......................................................... Mobile 07581 321604
Parish Council Clerk .................Helen Schofield ............................ 811301 Parish Council Chairman ..........John Downe ..................... 01444 892065
PCC Treasurer...........................Trevor Swainson .......................... 810546
Pericles .......... ...........................Paulamaria Blaxland-de-Lange.... 810133
Pre-school (Village Hall) ..........Rachael Rush ................................ 811046 Priest House Curator .................Antony Smith ............................... 810479
Pubs - The Cat Inn ....................Andrew Russell ............................ 810369
- The Vinols Cross ...........Dave Woods ................................. 810644
- The White Hart ..............Neil Cox ........................................ 715217 Rainbows ....... ...........................Brenda Farley ............................... 811020
School ............ ...........................Christine Lyford ........................... 810302
Scouts ............ ...........................Phil Glynn .................................... 810559
Shop - Sharpthorne ...................Carol Johnson ............................... 810234 Sing & Play ...............................Liz Shannon .................................. 811400
Stoneland Players......................Julia Piqué ........................ 01435 868245
Tennis Club ...............................Terry Cooper .................... 01444 892649
Theatre Goers Group ................Marion Jones ................................ 810143 Tootsie Time .............................Nikki Brennan .............................. 811669
Una Voce...................................Andrew Slater ............................... 810734
Village Hall Bookings:-
- West Hoathly ............Helen Schofield ............................ 811301 - Sharpthorne ..............Alastair Duncanson ...................... 810709
- Highbrook.................Liz Bennett ....................... 01444 892731
Maureen Muddell ............. 01444 892791
W.I. - Sharpthorne ..............Mary Mays.................................... 810542 - West Hoathly ............Frieda Boyd .................................. 811980
Writers Group ...........................Rachel Whitlam ............................ 810117
Youth Groups - Emmaus ..........Lindsay Shurvell .......................... 810780
Please notify any changes to Marion Jones
St. Margaret’s Community
Transport
If you would like a lift to a local hospital or doctor/dentist, please contact:- Monday: Margaret Mason 811320
Tuesday: Valerie Fyans 810848 Wednesday: Kathy Brown 811866
Thursday Catherine Goodridge 810937 Friday: John Trueman 810612 Any Day: Bill Merry 810771
Barbara Polhill 810877 Valerie Fyans 810848 Robin Ingham 810160
Carol Houston 810075 Christine Graystone 810603
Please remember that these kind volunteers are only available on the day stated
The Churches and Services
St. Margaret's, West Hoathly, and
All Saints, Highbrook www.westhoathly.org.uk
www.highbrook.info
Vicar
Venerable Lionel Whatley, The Vicarage, North Lane, West
Hoathly, RH19 4QF Tel: 01342 810757 Email: [email protected]
(His house is just up the track opposite the school)
Church Officers at St. Margaret’s Churchwardens: Carol Houston, Tel: 01342 810075
Derek Shurvell, Tel: 01342 810780
Church Officers at All Saints Churchwardens: Tony Osborn, Tel: 01444 892191
Hugh Bennett Tel: 01444 892731
Main Services at both of these churches are listed on
the inner back pages.
Roman Catholic Chapel of St. Dunstan’s www.worthabbeyparish.co.uk
Parish Priest:
Father James Cutts, Tel: 01342 710313
Sunday Mass is normally at 11.30 am at
St Dunstans
Next Issue
The next issue of the Chronicle will cover the months of
December 2012 and January 2013. Latest date for the
submission of articles is Monday 12th November 2012.
Printed copies will be available on Friday 23rd November
2012.
The Cover
Many thanks to Margaret Watson for the cover of
this issue of the Chronicle.
Please keep those creative ideas and
artwork coming!
Please send cover designs to Kathy Brown.
Post Office opening times at Costcutters Monday 9am - 2pm
Wednesday 9am - 1pm
Friday 9am—1 pm
The Back Page Directory
Police Community Support Officer Stuart Clough T: 0778 9168791
Email: [email protected]
SCHOOL PLAYGROUND HIRE FOR PARKING
(Subject to Availability)
Contact WH School on 01342 810302