Robertsbridge

The funeral of Jim Barden: is taking place on Monday 3rd April at Hastings Crematorium at 11am. After the service it will be back to Robertsbridge Club to celebrate Jims life. There are to be no flowers but if you would like to make a donation there will be boxes at the Crematorium and at the Club raising funds for the RNLI.

Table Top Sale: is being held at Robertsbridge Hall next week, Saturday 8th April at Robertsbridge Hall between 9.30am – 1pm.

Mountfield Tennis Club: is holding its Opening Day on Sunday 9th April at 10am at Vinehall School. If you have been thinking about getting back into tennis, or would like to re-locate please feel free to join the club to play on newly re-surfaced courts. Players of all ages and abilities are welcome.

The club meets on a Sunday morning at 10am and Thursday evenings from 5.30pm. If you would like more information please contact Martine on 01580 881844 or visit www.mountfieldtennis.com

Robertsbridge Jazz Club: is holding its monthly event at Robertsbridge Hall on Thursday 13th April between 8pm – 10.30pm. This month the Club presents, all the way from America, the celebrated jazz saxophonist, Benn Clatworthy. The Benn Clatworthy Quartet features Benn on Saxophone, John Donaldson on piano, Simon Thorpe on Bass and Matt Homes on drums. Tickets are available from Judges in advance at £8 or on the door on the night at £10. Details of club can be found on www.robertsbridgejazzclub.com or by ringing 01580880274.

A message from the Community Association: concerned about dog fouling. The junior football team have their pitches in the ground by the allotments in Station Road. Before each match takes place someone has to spend half an hour clearing the field from dog excrement. The Community Association would like to remind dog walkers that this is a private field with just one foot path on it, they don’t mind people walking dogs, but it is essential that you clear u8p behind your dogs. This is a health hazard for the children that are playing football. Please be mindful of others and clear up behind your dog.

Robertsbridge Bonfire Society: held its AGM last week. There were only a couple of changes to the positions at the top. Firstly, Pete Claridge stood down from being Chairperson. Thanks to Pete for the work he has put in over the years. The new Chairperson is now Rob Lawrence, good luck Rob in this new position. The Secretary post was being held by Sue Holman until a permanent one was found, so a big thanks to Sue for holding the fort and putting in all the hard work you have done. This post was taken on by Ria Paine, good luck in your new post Ria.

If you would like to take part in the Bonfire planning, fundraising or the whole event on the night in November, why not become a member. Membership application forms can be obtained from Sandie at the Floral Boutique.

Time to Talk: is a morning at Robertsbridge Club where you can find a listening ear if you need one. The Vicar will be there on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 9.30am – 11.30am. This gives to the chance to have a confidential talk for any thing that you need to talk about. Whether it be, life issues, spiritual issues or to just stop by and have a chat.

Finally this subject is happening all the time: dogs worrying sheep. Not necessarily in the village but across the country this is a big issue for farmers. If you are out walking your dog near sheep please keep them on a lead. Especially now that it is lambing season and school holidays, and lighter evenings now that spring is here. All of these factors in that people will be out walking more. Just be very aware of your surroundings and be responsible for your dogs. It sounds like I am having a go at dog owners this week, I’m not I love dogs, its just that some owners are more responsible than others and sometimes just need a reminder that these things happen.

FOOTBALL: The Bridge 1st team hosted Macron East Sussex Football League Premier Division leaders Hollington United to the Clappers and were a goal down after just five minutes when we gave the ball away and then two goals in the space a five minutes saw the visitors go further ahead but a great run and cross from young Rob Cauvain found Guy Ballard in the box to round the keeper to pull a goal back before the break. The second period saw The Bridge fail to mark at the far post and give the visitors an easy goal after just five minutes of the re-start but The Bridge replied on 70 minutes when a free kick from man of the match Jethro Warren found Ben Hardy at the far post to head the ball back across goal for Michael Stone to head home for a narrow loss. The 2nd team played at third placed Cranbrook Town in Division 5 and took the lead after 15 minutes when the home keeper handled outside the box and Jordan Gray fired the ball home but the hosts pressured the Bridge goal and were rewarded on the half hour mark with an equaliser and five minutes from the break they took the lead when the Bridge defence failed to clear a corner. The Bridge pushed for a goal after the break but could not find the net and were punished on the hour mark from a free kick and just five minutes later the hosts made sure of all three points. Tomorrow the 1st team are at home to Hawkhurst United K.O 3p.m. while the 2nd team are without a game.

FRIDAY DARTS: Last week saw teams from the league play in a charity fund-raiser at Mountfield Club however this was poorly attended with only 20 players in attendance. Guy Ballard lost in the Captains Cup at darts but he was close to winning. In the blind pairs David Fortsch/Gary Honeysett won the darts while Alan Apps/Bruce Bishop won the pushpenny. Tonight is the mens pairs darts knockout at The Old King John at 8p.m. A note for your diary:- The very popular Open Pairs Darts Knockout will be at Robertsbridge Club on Sunday 16th April 2017 at 7.30p.m. This is a fun evening in comfortable surroundings whether you play darts or just want to have a relaxing evening with cheap drinks. Entry is just £1 per person and there will be a raffle as well so why not come and enjoy the first bank holiday of the year at The Club.

STOOLBALL: We start training at The Cricket Ground on Thursday 6th April 2017 at 6.30p.m. Anybody is welcome to try their hand at playing this Sussex game in a friendly club where we encourage young and old to enjoy this game.

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