News from around the clubs - October 30

Little Common WI

Little Common Women's Institute's October meeting was well attended despite the very uncertain weather.

Branch president Pauline Rosner welcomed everyone and issued an invitation for names to be put forward as committee members at our November annual meeting.

There is a Marshdown Group meeting on October 29 at 2pm at St Barnabas Church Hall.

Names were taken for an outing to Brighton Spirit Ice Show.

Our speaker, Alan Malpass, was warmly welcomed and proceeded to entral us with his facinating talk, The Highwoods Through The Seasons, illustrated with slides. Many questions followed, which he dealt with in detail.

The competition, A Highwood Photograph, was won by Lynne Collins.

There followed a break for refreshments. Members with September and October birthdays were invited to the birthday table for a special tea.

Christmas cards made by the craft group were on sale, making a clourful display.

The meeting ended with the raffle being drawn and Pauline wishing all a safe journey home.

The next meeting, on Wednesday, November 18, is an annual meeting with the promise of eats. Not to be missed!

For inquiries call 845886.

Bexhill Rotary Club

BEXHILL Rotary Club members welcomed half a dozen potential members to their recent speaker meeting.

This was the club's annual new members' evening, when members are encouraged to invite friends, colleagues and business associates to give them the opportunity to sample the atmosphere of their meetings as well as to meet other members and learn a little of what Rotary does.

On these occasions it is normal for the meeting to be addressed by an interesting speaker '“ and this was no exception.

This year the subject was the London to Brighton veteran car run and the speaker was Michael Kent (not Prince Michael of Kent, although he is a regular participant) an avid veteran car enthusiast and owner of a 1904 Peugeot.

He gave an interesting, lively and illustrated account of the history of the event and those who take part in it.

The first "run" was in 1896 and took place on the first Sunday in November and has done ever since, setting off at daybreak from Hyde Park to cover the 54 miles to Brighton.

Michael stressed that it is not a race and the organisers don't even publish an order in which the "runners" finished but there certainly appears to be no lack of competitive "edge" among the owners and drivers because, as he put it, "no-one wants to come second".

Only vehicles manufactured before midnight on December 31 1904 are eligible and they are powered by a range of sources '“ steam, electric (battery) and petrol.

The next time the A23 will be the host to upwards of 400 "old crocks" will be Sunday, November 1.

Following his talk, Michael answered members' numerous questions and was warmly appreciated by all those present.

ATS/WRAC Association

OUR monthly meeting, held on October 1, included our annual meeting and so, after being formally greeted by the chairman, Jenny, our secretary/treasurer, asked for volunteers from those who would be willing and who would like to take office.

No-one stepped forward, therefore the present officers who had already given their agreement will continue their duties.

Jenny went on to bring us up to date with business matters and advised us about her hopes for next year's agenda, including the speakers she hoped would be able to address us.

Receiving no disagreements, she will now go ahead.

She also read out from a printed sheet the state of our finances, which are remarkably healthy, especially considering the fact that our costs have increased.

But we have to remember that members (and sometimes guests) can be generous and will occasionally slip us the odd fiver as a donation.

While on that subject, Jenny has encouraged us to bring items for the several shoe boxes she has sent from us to our soldiers serving abroad, both male and female.

She often mentions how pleased she is when members donate items for the raffle and the sales table.

The competition for this month was for the most attractive earrings.

All were beautiful and some were probably valuable, but Dot was the winner.

She and June both come from the East Grinstead area, which is quite a journey, and so we will not be seeing them again until the spring.

Our next meeting will be on November 5, when the competition will be for the most recognisable service photograph, so bring yours along and let us see if you are still anything like you were.

See you then.

East Sussex Astronomical Society

EAST Sussex Astronomical Society (ESAS) is now starting its 11th year.

Just having its 10th anniversary annual meeting last month, the society now boasts 75 members of all ages.

Our meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at St Mary's Special School, Wrestwood Road, Bexhill, from 8pm until 10pm.

Over the past ten years ESAS has built up a large astronomical library and telescope collection, which is available to members for loan. We also have special membership rates for students and unwaged (students under 18 free).

The meetings take the form of a speaker for the first hour, a break for coffee and then notices and short in- house talks on topical subjects and a sky diary letting members know what is visible that month.

Anyone is welcome to attend our meetings without obligation. We pride ourselves in being a friendly welcoming society.

On November 5 we welcome Dr Jacqueline Mitton, astrophysicist, author and broadcaster. Dr Mitton's talk, A Woman's Place Is In The Dome, will describe the contributions made by women astronomers over the past few centuries.

Dr Mitton is a very eminent astronomer. For 15 years she was the press spokeswoman for the Royal Astronomical Society.

During that time she wrote hundreds of press notices about astronomical research and made scores of appearances in the media.

For seven years she edited the Journal of the British Astronomical Association. Dr Mitton is the author of more than 30 books on astronomy for children and adults including the Cambridge and Penguin Dictionaries of Astronomy.

Our meeting will also include a review of the November night sky with Roy Bicknell, and Simon Allen will tell us what has made the astronomical headlines this month.

For further information contact Andy Lawes on 07923 458516 or see our website at www.esas.org.uk

Bexhill Down Afternoon Townswomen's Guild

BACK after the summer holidays, the guild members met in large numbers for a talk by David Bennet on graphology.

October saw several new members and visitors listening to Clive Richardson on Twittens and Cat Creeps, mainly set in Hastings.

As many of our members are local, this was greeted with much interest.

Our interests are many and varied. As this year was the 80th of the National Organisation of the Townswomen's Guild, a floral display was organised on the seafront to celebrate.

In August, a boat trip round the Sovereign Harbour followed by lunch was enjoyed and every Tuesday after the monthly guild meetings a ramble is arranged, followed '“ of course '“ by a good lunch.

The reading for pleasure group meets every month with much socialising and our social studies group this year covers everything from magnet therapy to the local Demelza House children's hospice.

Friday October 23 saw the return of our popular quiz day, when for 10 a head, a good day was assured with a hot lunch with wine and afternoon tea.

All ladies are welcome to come and join us at St Augustine's Church Hall on the second Wednesday of the month at 2pm.

For more details, contact Valerie Evans on 01424 218756.

Hastings and District Association of Wrens

In the absence of our chairman the president welcomed us to the September meeting.

She confirmed that we shall be having our Christmas lunch at the Wheatsheaf in Little Common at the end of November and a Christmas tea party at our December meeting, when we shall have a 'bran tub' and special raffle.

The next WRNS reunion will be in London and it was suggested that we might hire a small bus rather than travel by train.

A visit to the Holiday on Ice show in Brighton was also discussed and, provided that enough members want to go, January 23 was proposed as a possible date.

After a break for tea we exercised our minds trying to solve two quizzes.

This occupied us until it was time to draw the raffle, after which the meeting was closed.

We shall be having a speaker from the RNLI at our next meeting which will be on November 3 and would be very pleased if any other ex-Wrens would like to join us then.

For further details please ring the chairman on 01424 222721 or the secretary on 014244 447958.

Royal British Legion Little Common, Women's Section

Our Chairman, Mrs Hilary Turner, opened the meeting and welcomed 100 members to the club.

With another Day of Remembrance approaching a Poppy Dance was organised by the women's section which raised 366 for the fund.

Other events taking place will be the Christmas fair on November 14 and the county conference on November 19.

We also have an invitation to join the Hastings Royal British Legion at their service of Remembrance at the White Rock Theatre on November 8 at 7pm.

The Royal British Legion has prepared a manifesto setting out the requirements they want for the next government to provide for the Armed Forces and their families in the future.

Members were asked to contact their MP bringing attention to the manifesto.

Along the River was the theme of our speaker's subject this month.

Mr Melvyn Smith described the vast variety of natural history along the River Rother from Rye to Bodiam and also the Romney Marsh.

We were shown delightful slides of the area in all seasons taken by Melvyn who is an experienced photographer.

He had made a particular study of kingfishers and explained that the wings only appeared a vivid blue in bright sunshine the light refracting off the scales on the feathers.

Kingfishers do not have a traditional nest but make homes for their eggs in narrow tunnels above the water line on the river banks.

Many other birds inhabit the river area with swan and moorhens and summer visitors nesting in the reeds like warblers and buntings.

This was very pleasant talk, with members enjoying pictures of an unspoilt and peaceful countryside.

Our next meeting will be the annual meeting. Members were invited to put their names forward if they wished to serve on the committee.

The date of this meeting will be Wednesday November 11 starting promptly at 7pm.

Bexhill Horticultural Society

AUTUMN colour at Sheffield Park did not disappoint members of the society on our first half day trip on October 12.

The weather was magnificent; we left the wind behind in Bexhill and enjoyed an afternoon of warm sunshine, spectactular colours and a variety of wildfowl on the lakes.

It is almost impossible to describe the beauty that met us - the lovely maples in every shade of yellow, red, the differing hues of green and brown, a colour wheel around every bend.

Trees tall, short, narrow and wide, there was something for everyone on that balmy October day. Our return journey through Ashdown Forest, along narrow lanes dripping with falling leaves in a kaleidoscope of colour was just fabulous.

The society tries to offer a variety of outings, talks, and coffee mornings and we extend a warm welcome to members old and new.

Our next talk is another first for us - Robert Cannis is visiting us on November 7 to tell us about his work as a wildlife photographer, so do come along.

The start of 2010 will be a time of change for the society as our chairman is standing down but has offered to stay on the committee, and we are looking for a new secretary and one or two additional committee members.

We also welcome any offers of help at our shows, coffee mornings etc., even an hour or two is appreciated.If you are interested, please talk to any committee member.

Enjoy the autumn programme and we look forward to seeing you on November 7.

Hastings Senior Men's Forum

Our speaker on Tuesday October 20 found himself having to cry off at the last moment, but happily, our treasurer, Michael Hoad, was able to step in at very short notice, and presented an excellent programme entitled "Through the Rockies to Alaska", a story of a holiday travelling in this area, and illustrated with beautiful colour slides.

He took us from Heathrow, on a nine hour flight, to Calgary, the home of the famous stampede of Blackfoot Indians, and the Mounties.

From here we went on through beautiful scenery, snow-covered mountains, enormous lakes, and, from time to time, some cities with many high-rise buildings. Much of the travelling was in motor coaches, but also some time aboard a modern cruise liner.

Much of the travelling was through gold rush country, and from time to time we had glimpses of the wild life, notably bears, and this extensive tour finally finished up over the border, in the town of Seattle.

All our members expressed their thanks, for such a good programme at such short notice.

Society of Bexhill Museums

The second lecture of the current lecture series was given by Ken Brooks on the life of Ramesses II, known not without good cause as Ramesses the Great.

He is acknowledged as one of the greatest pharaohs of ancient Egypt: during his long life he did everything on a grand scale, whether it was building impressive temples, erecting colossal statues or producing many children.

Ramesses never missed an opportunity for self glorification as a warrior pharaoh. He was a master in the use of propaganda, particularly when claiming a doubtful victory over the Hittite army.

Despite Ramesses' military campaigns his long reign was generally a time of peace and prosperity for Egypt.

Perhaps one of the most spectacular monuments to survive from ancient Egypt is the great temple at Abu Simbel.

Four huge statues were carved into a sandstone cliff to glorify Ramesses II who by this time was worshipped as a living god.

But thousands of years later the site was threatened by modern development. The lecturer told how the temple was saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser in the 1960s so that it can still be visited today.

The lecture was illustrated by superb digital photographs, many taken by Mr Brooks on his own visits to Egypt over the years, of the sites, the colourful wall paintings and superbly preserved sculptures. One image to stick in the memory is that of the young king sucking a finger just like any baby today.

The next museum lecture, on Wednesday November 4 at 2.30pm, will be The Story of the Bluebell Railway given by David Jones. Lectures take place at St Augustine's Hall off Cooden Drive - admission to non-members, who are very welcome, is 3 which includes refreshments.

Bexhill and District Probus Club

LOCAL historian Brion Purdy entertained members and guests with his illustrated talk on the gunpowder industry of Battle, at our meeting on October 22. In his own inimitable style he described how the trade succeeded the smelting of iron in this area of Sussex from 1676 to 1874.

Brion started his talk with a short history of Battle and its abbey, explaining that the industry grew up on abbey-owned lands. The area containing two essential requisites for the production of gunpowder, the making of charcoal and mill ponds to provide water power for the production process.

It was in 1676 that John Hammond, a local landowner, was granted permission to build a mill. The trade being so successful that in 1722 Daniel Defoe described the town of Battle as being "remarkable for little now, but for making the finest gunpowder, perhaps the best in Europe".

Brion continued by explaining that obviously the manufacturing of gunpowder could be a dangerous occupation. Even though health and safety was not the issue that it is today, workers were made to change into special working clothes when starting work each day.

Even so, there were many explosions over the years.

A particularly violent one happened in 1798 when 15 tonnes of gunpowder was left too long in the oven. It was in fact as a result of many such incidents, that in 1874 the Duke of Cleveland refused to renew the licence, thus bringing 200 years of gunpowder making in Battle to an end.

Brion brought his talk to a close with descriptions of the November 5 celebrations which take place each year in Battle and Lewes. The Battel Bonfire Boyes, who organise the events in the town, claim to be the oldest of the Sussex Bonfire Societies.

The talk was followed by the usual lively question and answer session and proceedings were brought to a close with a vote of thanks to the speaker by John Campbell.

Our next speaker, returning to us by popular demand, is another well known personalty, Robert Mucci, with his talk entitled The History of Travel Writing.

Anyone having been to Robert's talks before will be well aware that they are very liberally backed up with items relating to the subject matter. So members can expect plenty of reading matter on November 26.

Bexhill Photographic Club

THURSDAY October 15 was a very traumatic day in the life of club member Paul Hutchings.

It started at midday at the crematorium and ended at about 10.15pm after he had finished his presentation of judging the Summer Challenge. This was something that he had set back in May entitled Something Funny and Something Creative. Paul soon got back into the swing of photography and started to appraise the 17 images in the funny section.

Although the prints had been prejudged they were evaluated by Paul on the night.

Two prints scored 20s one being Cliff Willards Wedding Group who were all gurning or strangling each other. The other print was David Rossiter's Lavatorial Humour this one may turn up in the Observer window but can't be spoken about until after the 9pm watershed, but Paul loved them both.

He started the second set of pictures Something Creative just a couple fell by the wayside but most were well within the parameters of creative.

The winners were once again Cliff and David.

Cliff showed us five little fairies in energetic positions in letter box format on the mount. This gave him maximum scoring of 40 - well done Cliff. David was second scoring 19 with a fat female in a black leotard trapped under a table but she was also divided up into six separate images and the contorted female gave David 39 points in all. Both these last two mentioned pictures would not have looked out of place in a quality art photo gallery.

Paul enjoyed judging the Summer Challenge despite the hectic two weeks leading up to the prize giving, he was given a hearty vote of thanks by the members and then by John Bryant our chairman.

The next meeting is on November 5 when two of our members give an illustrated presentation, one a slide show and the other an audio Vvsual, at the Friends Meeting House, Albert Road.

For further details of our club call John Bryant on 730758 or visit our website at www.bexhillphotoclub.co.uk

Bexhill and District Civil Service Motoring Association Group

THE Bexhill and District Group of the CSMA meet on the third Tuesday of each month at the Cooden Beach Hotel Bexhill on Sea at 7.30pm. Full details of the club can be obtained from the secretary, Tony Calton, on 01424 434496.

The group's lunch club usually meets at 12 noon on the first Tuesday of each month. Full details from Ralph Hearne on 01424 214852.

The club exists to hold events which interest a wide range of people not just car enthusiasts. Recently club members have visited Jempsons for a demonstration of bread making, Bentley Wildfowl Trust and Motor Museum and Bexhill's own local Brewery. The CSMA club headquarters arranged a Las Vegas style evening, which comprised gaming tables with trained croupiers and a Rat Pack style cabaret.

A fine male singer treated us to those great songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tom Jones, etc. During the evening we soon learned the ropes and had a lot of fun playing roulette, blackjack and three card brag, some of us very successfully. Of course we weren't using real money but were handed some fake notes at the start with which to gamble.

At the end of the evening a hilarious auction was held and, using our "funny" money we bid for a series of wrapped presents donated by theclub. The last item, a box of chocolates, sold for 1,700!

On November 3 the lunch club enjoyed a meal at the Three Oaks Public House. A Christmas lunch is planned for December 1 at the Wheatsheaf in Little Common and a Christmas dinner at Di Paolos on December 15.

At the club night held on November 17 it had been hoped to hear a talk by the chief executive of the CSMA Club but unfortunately Mark Rothery could not be present. Our chairman, Des Hall, manfully stepped in to tell us about his life in the civil service.

Des started his career as a postman in the City of London. Later he became a Post Office counter clerk during which time he developed an interest in training. He transferred to the telephone business of the GPO (which later became British Telecom) as a sales representative.

This involved him in dealing mainly with business installations.

He went on to describe how he was appointed to look after the central government telephone requirements together with other important installations, including the Royal household.

During his time he became involved in arranging requirements for various important meetings including the first G7 meeting in London.

Towards the end of his career he became training manager for some new computer systems that BT were introducing. The next club night will be held at the Cooden Beach Hotel on November 17 and will feature a talk by Michael Hoad entitled Through the Rockies to Alaska.

All members of the CSMA who live in the area around Bexhill are welcome to attend.

Little Common Probus Club

ON Thursday, October 23 members and wives enjoyed a visit to The Winchelsea Cellars.

Our experienced and very knowledgeable guide explained much of the history of medieval Winchelsea, a town and port that in the 13th and 14th centuries rivalled Southampton and even London in population. At its height 100,000 tons of Bordeaux wine was imported in a single season and stored in the cellars at Winchelsea.. Sadly there was none left for us to sample.

We visited six of the 32 known surviving large cellars, some with barrel vaulted ceilings and some sporting Gothic arched and Quadripartite vaulting.

Most had been used by merchants, wholesalers and shopkeepers 700 or more years ago.

To complete our two-hour tour and were given booklets explaining and detailing much more and after the tour we repaired to The Lodge Motel for a well-earned lunch before departing for home.

Little Common Probus meets monthly, every second Thursday at The Little Common Royal British Legion Club. We are a club for retired professional and businessmen.

For membership details and an application form, call Johnny Johnson on 01424 846129.