magazine

IN THIS ISSUE:
News people, church and the village 2-3

Remember, remember 5 In the garden Wildlife Watch Wake up Bruno 7 9 11 13 No room at the inn 8

ST JOHNS CHURCH FELBRIDGE

Evelyn Chestnuts

ISSUE 4 : WiNTeR 2013

FELBRIDGE

CUS

2,500 FOR SCHOOL LIBRARY

Photo: Felbridge Primary School

News
Photo: Marcus Lyon /Fairtrade Foundation

FAIRTRADE IN FELBRIDGE?
Felbridge Parish Council

Thanks to a massive fund-raising effort by the PTA, which generated 2,500, Felbridge Primary School has revamped its library and added lots of books. All the books were catalogued and organized by teaching assistant Jules Law and parent governor Claire Marsden. Local author and parent Amber Aitken cut the ribbon at the official ceremony attended by two children from each class who are representatives on the School Council.

recently discussed a proposal to become a Fairtrade Village and is looking into the requirements. There are now over 500 towns, boroughs and villages in the UK recognised by the Fairtrade Foundation. Fairtrade Lingfield and Dormansland was set up in 2004, St Johns became a Fairtrade Church in the same year and East Grinstead has been a Fairtrade Town since 2005. Fairtrade is all about improving trade for farmers in developing countries by ensuring that they get better prices and good working conditions.It helps improve their lives, prevents discrimination against poorer producers and offers a better future. Fairtrade Fortnight will take place from 24th February to 4th March and its a great opportunity for you to get involved. If you would like to know whats going on in the area and how you canhelp support the campaign, contact Gordon Wilkinson on 01342 311516 or click on www.fairtradewestsussex.org.uk/id8.html.

DIARY DATES JANUARY TO MARCH

Meetings at Felbridge Village Hall:

Lunch Club:
After many successful years, Felbridge Lunch Club will be closing after this years Christmas lunch on 19th December.

Horticultural Society:
20th March at 8:15pm Contact Sylvia Huggett on 326617

Felbridge WI:
7th January, 4th February and 4th March 1:30pm to 3:30pm Contact Angela Cole on 321567
2 WINTER 2013

Felbridge History GrouP:

26th January and 23rd March Contact jerry@felbridge.org.uk

Remember
Losing someone we love is one of the hardest
Photo: HOST UK

someone you love

things we have to face, especially at Christmas. Every year St Catherines Hospice invites people to dedicate a light in memory of a loved one on its Tree of Light in Crawley. This Tree of Light shines out as a memorial to thousands of people who are dearly loved and missed. Sponsoring a light helps provide free care and support to local people living with a terminal illness. During December theres also a Tree of Light outside St. Johns. Why not come to our memorial service at 6pm on 8th December? You can light a candle in memory of a loved one, bring it to the front of church and place it on a special Cross of Light made by local resident Harold Thomas. For more information, talk to Jenny Young on 01342 324849.
Photo: St Catherines Hospice

STUDENT VISITS START FRIENDSHIPS

Could you make the world a friendlier place by offering an invitation to an international student at a UK university, to visit for a day, a weekend, or three days at Christmas? Young adults from many countries would love to have a homely break and discover the real life of this country, especially as we live in such a beautiful area. If so, consider working with HOST UK. East Grinstead resident Paul Johnson has been involved since 1998 and says: I have not had one failure and lasting friendships have developed I can recommend the experience. He recalls Eric and Joe from Hong Kong who were students studying quantity surveying in Dartford. They so enjoyed coming into an English home and wanted to help me prepare meals, etc. They asked to come again and I was pleased they returned for a further three weekends. When Paul went to Hong Kong a few years later, they met us at the airport and showed us round Hong Kong and Kowloon! For more information, click on www.hostuk.org.uk or call David Evans on 0203 590 2077.

fun and keep fit? If so, there are lots of options locally. For ballroom, Latin and sequence, A&J Dancing offers classes every Thursday afternoon in Crawley Down and Thursday evening at Meridian Hall. A complete beginners course starts at the end of January with a free taster session. Theres also a Tea Dance on the first Tuesday of each month, with the next one on 3rd December. For details, call Jill or Adrian Lucas on 01342 714448 or email jill@lucashome.com. If Strictly-style dancing is not for you, then why not try East Grinstead Folk Dance Club? This meets fortnightly on a Tuesday evening, from 8 to 10pm, at Trinity Methodist Church. The last meeting before Christmas is 10th December and then theres a break until 21st January. For more information, call Ros White on 01342 321373 or just go along and enjoy a fun evening. Theres also Line Dancing at Felbridge Village Hall from 10:30 on Friday morning. Call Tatiana on 01342 321205 for details. And remember keeeeep dancing!

STRICTLY for fun

Inspired by Strictly Come Dancing to put on your dancing shoes to have

Cover illustration: Hedgecourt Lake in Winter by Ros Whiteman/Watercolour on Wednesdays. This local art group meets every Wednesday from 2 to 4pm in the Church Hall. Tuition provided by local artist Anne Marie Brody on alternate weeks. For details, call Ann Morley on 01342 714645.
WINTER 2013 3

4 WINTER 2013

We seem to do a lot of remembering around this time of year and we all know the rhyme: Remember, remember! The fifth of November. Everyone loves fireworks (except the dog!) and they serve as great reminders of Guy Fawkes failed attempts to blow up Parliament and assassinate King James I in 1605. Then theres Remembrance Sunday. The nation came together on 10th November to remember the courageous sacrifices of the men and women of our armed forces in the past and as they serve across the globe today. Poppies from the battlefields of Flanders are appropriate reminders of the blood spilled in war. Remembrance Day helps us not to forget and sometimes we need a bit of help! If youre anything like me youll struggle to remember what you did last weekend, or what jobs youre supposed to be doing this weekend. For the important things in life, its important we dont forget. This is why Jesus said to his friends: do this in remembrance of me. He said these words when they were all sitting having a meal together the night before he died, and as he passed round the bread and the wine he said that these things should always remind them of him. Today they remain great reminders of all that Jesus has done for us. Jesus knew that for the important things in life, it is essential that we dont forget.

Remember,

remember

Photo: Gordon Wilkinson

The first Remembrance Day was held at Buckingham Palace in 1919. We have been remembering for nearly 100 years now. I find this pretty amazing! Even more amazing is the fact that Christians throughout the world have been remembering Jesus death for 2,000 years as we have shared bread and wine together just like Jesus said we should. What an impact this man of history has had on our world! Jesus knew how important his death and resurrection was for the whole world and wanted us always to remember. Today in this country fewer and fewer people are growing up knowing about Jesus, but I wonder if you know how important his death and resurrection is ... or have you begun to forget? As Im new to Felbridge as the vicar of St. Johns, can I say how great it is to be here and to become a part of this community? Im passionate about using the Bible to teach people all about Jesus. If we can be of help to you in this remembering of all that Jesus life, death and resurrection means for us today, or indeed in any other way at all, then please get in touch. I hope to have the opportunity to meet you soon.

Photo: The Royal British Legion

Mark Francis
WINTER 2013 5

R J Longhurst TV & Video Services

Repairing & Home Tuning of LCD and plasma TVs.

Do you know someone who needs care?

Our Felbridge team offers specialist Live-in Care.
Giving one-to-one support our Live-in Carers are able to balance independent living with bespoke care needs by assisting with:
personal care companionship housekeeping
Our award-winning service is rated Excellent by the Care Quality Commission.

Find out how we can help you, please call 0808 180 1023 or visit www.helpinghands.co.uk

Established since 1989

Panasonic & Samsung

(Personal Video Recorders)
17 Hillside Close, East Grinstead, RH19 2DW

products for sale, including all sizes of TVs and PVRs

Handmade carvings from sustainable wood

Creating a livelihood for the Wichi people in the Chaco of Northern Argentina with whom St Johns is linked

01342 323022 or 07701 030 706 boblonghurst@btinternet.com

a wide range of quality hardwood crafts priced from 2.50

Available from 01342 322825 or www.siwok.org.uk

The Felbridge Hotel and Spa boasts 2 fantastic Restaurants offering you a choice of local dining. The Bay Tree Restaurant is the perfect place to pop in for a family lunch or dinner with its relaxed atmosphere and delicious seasonal menus. If you are looking for something a little bit special, then the 2 AA Rosette Anise Fine Dining Restaurant will surpass your expectations. For reservations please call 01342 337700.

SPECIAL OFFER: Save 10% off your final bill when presenting this advert in The Bay Tree and Anise Restaurant. Minimum of 2 courses per person applies. Offer valid until 31st December 2013. T&Cs apply.

The Felbridge Hotel and Spa London Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 2BH Tel: 01342 337700 Email: events@felbridgehotel.co.uk www.felbridgehotel.co.uk
6 WINTER 2013

IN THE

GARDEN
January
Were still in the depths of winter, but this is the ideal time for some tasks in the fruit garden. If the ground is not actually frozen, it isnt too late to plant bare root fruit trees or soft fruit while they are still dormant. It is a good idea to prune new fruit trees immediately for shape. Established apple and pear trees need to be pruned this month or next: cut back to an outward facing bud and remove any damaged wood or crossing branches. At the same time, check their sticky bands are intact and feed with Growmore. Cover rhubarb crowns with an upturned bucket or forcing pot to enjoy delicious early forced rhubarb.

Photo: Plews Garden Design/ www.plewsgardendesign.co.uk

Finish the fruit garden tasks you didnt manage in January and spray peaches with a copper-based fungicide against peach leaf curl. This is the time for the pruning of established bush roses. First remove weak or crossing stems then cut back the other stems. Shrub roses should only be pruned lightly as they flower on old wood, but floribunda flower on new wood and should be taken down to about 12 inches. Hybrid tea are vigorous and should be reduced to only about 8 inches high. Some clematis need to be pruned now but suppose you dont know which varieties they are? The most basic advice I know is if they flower before June, dont prune! Finally, sort out the seeds you have saved or bought over the winter and get your planting started under cover.

February

Photo: Gordon Wilkinson

Lawns are coming back to life so rake with a wire rake to remove the thatch and start to cut, keeping the mower set high. Continue to sow seed under glass or in a propagator and gradually harden off seedlings and young plants. Remember it is a long time before they are safe from frost so they still need protection. Last year I planted a large number of hydrangeas so I have been checking out their care. March is the time to cut off their spent flowers, back to a healthy looking pair of buds. Hang the flowers upside down in an airy place to dry for indoor arrangements. Cut Photo: Gordon Wilkinson back about a third of dogwood and willow stems to stimulate the production of new shoots and thus maintain their lovely colours. Everything is starting to grow now so take a deep breath Rosemary Archer and prepare to really get going in your garden!
WINTER 2013 7

March

No room at the Inn

Photos: Crawley Open House

When a 27-year old woman who was 6 months pregnant found that Crawley Open House was full for the night, she asked if she could sleep on the pavement outside the gate for safety. A 24 year old man turned up later, found there was no room, and preferred the pavement to another night of insecurity. They were given food, hot drinks and blankets for the night. When you are living on the streets there is nowhere safe, nowhere to keep your possessions and nowhere to rest without the fear of being attacked. Thousands of people in the UK are facing their first Christmas with nowhere to call home, says Crisis, the national charity for single homeless people. The number of people living on the streets has risen by 30% in the last two years and in London there are over 60% more rough sleepers than in 2011. The problem is not somewhere else; its here in East Grinstead, in Crawley and throughout Sussex and Surrey. Sadly, many people think that if someone is homeless its their own fault. The truth is that its far more complex and, according to Shelter, there are always factors outside their direct control. St Johns has long been a supporter of Crawley Open House, which since 1994 has been offering hope to men, women or couples who are homeless or suffering the effects of homelessness, unemployment, loneliness, discrimination or social exclusion. Riverside House in Crawley is open day and night all year and accepts anyone over 18 men, women and couples. At the moment, 24 homeless people live there at any one time, but if someone arrives and there is a vacant bed, they are welcomed, together with their pets. People can stay up to 28 days while they are helped to get established in more permanent accommodation. On average, over 14 people are resettled every month. Everyone gets breakfast, afternoon tea and an evening meal. They have access to a medical centre and get support for other issues such as alcohol or substance abuse, mental health problems, relationship breakdown or release from hospital or prison. The Day Centre caters for over 16,000 people a year. Many people come for warmth, company, a cheap meal or just a cup of tea. Others get help with money and benefits advice, filling out forms, writing CVs and searching for jobs using the phone or internet.
8 WINTER 2013

WILDLIFE WATCH
The wintry sun gleams pale across the Imberhorne playing fields, the last red-capped fly agaric funguscollapsed with the first frost on the village green and the Scandinavian redwings call, seek, seekfrom the darkening sky. Time to top up the bird feeders and to put up the nest boxes, but also simply to enjoy the wonders of Gods creation.
Photo: Murmuration of starlings at Ham Wall reserve/RSPB

FELBRIDGE

The afternoon classes and talks are very popular there are as many men as women in the cookery classes. Birthday cakes are a speciality! Gardening is another popular course and the carrots, lettuces and onions that are grown are used in the kitchens.

The birdlife of Felbridge is augmented through the winter months by redwings and fieldfares especially attracted to hedgerow hips and haws. The water of Hedgecourt Lake attracts several pairs of pochard ducks.The drakes have pearl-grey backs and rich chestnut brown heads, the females are in shades of brown; both dive every few minutes on a good day.They stay in small flocks until they return across the North Sea in spring. The resident Canada geese are descendants of birds introduced to the UK in 1665. They are almost swan-sized with along black neck and head and a white face patch on the cheeks. Canada geese fly in honking chevrons,then land on the darkening water. They leave one or two sentinels to warn against any marauding fox or other predator until dawn.Mute swans and greylag geese are being joined byup to 50 great crested grebe.These magnificent birds, the largest grebe,are easily spotted witha long slender neck and a head conspicuously crested, tufted in chestnut and black which is ruffled up in the breeze.The beak is orange and daggerlike for spearing fish and small amphibians. Recently a couple of Egyptian geese have homed in on the verges of the lakeand a small flock of ringnecked parakeets have added their parrot calls to the sounds of evening.Local fruit growers may not be pleased, but the presence of these birds in the Royal Parks adds a touch of class and oriental colour for those with imagination. At sunset huge flocks of starlings converge on the west end of the lake, gathering more small flocks until one great murmuration of wheeling, whistling birds suddenly rise, fall, then plummet into the reedbeds at the eastern end and vanish for the night. Peter Bateman
WINTER 2013 9

Crawley Open House gets lots of support, but still needs our help. Director Peter Mansfield-Clark MBE says, Donations at Harvest will help us to feed homeless and disadvantaged people up until early next summer but we still need UHT milk, sugar and tinned meat. COH also needs 4,000 to help replace its washers and dryers and is, desperately short of blankets, sleeping bags and flasks to give to homeless people who turn up at our door when we are already full. If you can help with these things, please bring them to St Johns Church or telephone Gordon Wilkinson on 01342 311516 who will arrange collection. Why not join us at 10am on Homelessness Sunday (26th January) where we will be praying for those people without a secure home?

Footprints
Sarah Townson BSc (Hons) M.Ch.S
HCPC Registered

Regular Lawn Care at a Less-Than-DIY Price

Now in our 10th year locally Save up to 25% with our inclusive programmes Spread the cost with our convenient direct-debit facility, from 5 per month We wont tie you in We wont replace your gardener

Chiropodist / Podiatrist
Address: Jubilee Community Centre, Charlwoods Rd, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 2HL
Telephone: 01342 319118 Website: www.footprintseg.co.uk

For a no-obligation quote please call

0800 0111 222

Tailor made, faraway holidays or just a last minute break

J OM R F

01342 312305

CALL US FIRST!

ANUARY TO MA RC H

TRAVEL PRESENTATIONS AND TALKS TO GET THAT TRIP JUST RIGHT! WORLDWIDE FROM AUSTRALIA TO ZAMBIA CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS!

www.hallmarktravel.com charmaine@hallmarktravel.com 3 West Street, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 4EY, UK

01342 312305

CALL US FIRST!

10 WINTER 2013

Wa ke

Br un p u
o! un W
eu ak p

o ! Wak

[Sleepily] Errr, Hello Diane.

Cmon Bruno, time to get up.

Is it Diane? Oh! Im so glad to see you I need some help.

Oh like the Christmas song, Away in a Manger no crib for a bed?

Well Bruno, its about the real meaning of Christmas Jesus birth in a stable in Bethlehem.

Yes he is and he is very excited because three of his best sheep are going to be in the Nativity Play at the local school and I dont know what that means.

Oh how lovely, is he well?

Yes thats right Bruno. Instead of being laid in a snug crib or cot the baby Jesus slept in a manger thats where they put hay for the animals to eat.

Oh Diane, I have a lovely doggy bed in my kennel. Why couldnt He have a proper bed?

Sheps sheep will represent the animals in the stable when Jesus was born. The children will act out the story with Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the Three Wise Men.

Thats good Diane, but I dont understand what Sheps sheep have to do with this. How exciting Diane, I wish we could do that here in Felbridge.

Well, Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem and there was no room for them in the Inn.

Thats really sad, not to have a proper bed Diane. Yes it is Bruno and at St Johns we will be having a special collection at our Christmas Services for people near here who dont have a home.

We wont have real sheep in church Bruno, but we will have a special Childrens Carol Service on Christmas Eve at 4pm and sing songs like Away in a Manger.

Bruno
!

up Br

Wake up Bruno! Wake up Bruno! Wake up Bruno!

What sort of help Bruno?

Well, Diane, I had a letter from my cousin Shep in the Lake District.

Thats lovely Diane, I do hope all the children will come.

WINTER 2013 11

H. WALLIS
Horticultural Machinery Specialists

Outdoor Activities & Day Trips

Team of Qualified Instructors on Site Set in 120 acres of West Sussex Countryside Weekend Activity courses run all year Childrens Birthday Parties

Blackland Farm

SALES, SERVICE, REPAIRS

Local family business. Established for over 50 years.
84 Godstone Road, Lingfield, Surrey, RH7 6BT

Many supervised & unsupervised activities to suit everyone!

Kayaking & Open Canoeing, Abseiling, Rock Climbing, Wall Climbing, Archery, Teambuilding, Indoor Swimming Pool, Zip Wire, Bungee Trampolining, Grass Sledging, Pushball, Parachute, Orienteering, Compass Trail, Nature Walks.

www.gardenmachineryspecialists.co.uk

Tel: 01342 832820

Blackland Farm Grinstead Lane East Grinstead West Sussex RH19 4HP Telephone: 01342 810493 Fax: 01342 811206 Registered Charity No. 306016

E-mail: blackland@girlguiding.org.uk

Interested in Singing?
Join the Singing & Wellbeing workshops
at the beautiful

HERONS CULTURAL CENTRE

Wiremill Lane, Newchapel, RH7 6HJ
For more information visit our websites www.singingandwellbeing.com www.heronscentre.co.uk
12 WINTER 2013

The EvelyN ChesTNuTs

Today, the only reminders of the grand house are the stable block, which is now Felbridge Place in Whittington College; the two lodge houses; and the chestnut avenues that would have led visitors towards the southern entrance of the estate. 2014 sees the tricentenary of the Evelyn Chestnuts and there will be an event in September to celebrate their 300 years organised by the Felbridge Country Show Group. For more information, call 01342 715830 or click on www.show.felbridge.org.uk.

Crawley Down Road with Village Shop on the left, about 1910 The avenue of Spanish chestnuts, or sweet chestnuts, along Crawley Down Road was the only item Arthur Mee mentioned when he wrote about Felbridge in the 1930s as part of his series The Kings England. There are in fact two avenues the other lies to the south of Copthorne Road with trees stretching from the Felbridge School grounds to the end of Twitten Lane off Rowplatt Lane. This avenue can be seen where it runs through the woods behind Felbridge Village Hall. Originally there were 52 trees in each avenue, but only 42 of the original 104 trees have survived. The avenues were alongside the southern approaches to Felbridge Park, the entrance to which is marked by the large wooden gate and public footpath that heads north from the Village Green. Felbridge Park was created by the Evelyn family who had made their wealth from gunpowder manufacture during the reign of Elizabeth I (1558 1603). Two of the trees have had their tree rings counted giving planting dates a few years prior to 1720. As members of the Evelyn family were strong Royalists, it is highly likely that they were planted by William Evelyn to mark the succession of George I in 1714. The diarist John Evelyn was a great personal friend and cousin of Williams father George Evelyn. John Evelyn advocated planting sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) because, for avenues to our country houses, they are a magnificent and royal ornament. Whittington College now stands upon the site of Felbridge House which stood in Felbridge Park. Jeremy Clarke

If you want to find out more about the history of your area, visit www. felbridge.org.uk or consider joining the Felbridge History Group.

WINTER 2013 13

alex jones
funeral directors & monumental masons
Renowned Caring Service Offering Day & Night Attention
Home Visits Available Pre-paid Funeral Plans Beautiful Private Chapels of Rest Monumental Masonry
LINGFIELD : 01342 832534 1 East Grinstead Road | Lingfield |Surrey RH7 6EP OXTED : 01883 730383 92 Station Road East | Oxted | Surrey RH8 0QA FOREST ROW : 01342 822399 1 Ashdown Court | Lewes Road | Forest Row East Sussex |RH18 5EZ EDENBRIDGE : 01732 860047 2931 High Street | Edenbridge | Kent TN8 5AD

TOTALLY INDEPENDENT FAMILY CONCERN

www.alexjonesfuneraldirectors.co.uk

FELBRIDGE VILLAGE STORE

NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES FRESH SELECTIONS FROM FELLOWS BAKERY, ARDINGLY FRUITS & VEGETABLES FREE RANGE EGGS FROM FAIRSEAT FARM, SURREY GROCERIES CHILLED SANDWICHES & PIES, HOT PASTRIES AND BEVERAGES CONFECTIONERY DEALS ON BEERS & WINES, INEXPENSIVE SPIRITS GREETING CARDS & STAMPS PASSPORT PHOTOS/PHOTO PRINTING/PHOTOCOPYING DRY CLEANING FREE ATM, CARD PAYMENTS, CASH BACK & MOBILE PHONE TOP UPS FAX MACHINE, LOTTERY, POST POINT, NEWSPAPER & GROCERY DELIVERIES, AND WEBSITE COMING SOON

THE

FLANAGANS
GUILD OF MASTER BUTCHERS

Quality Meats
including:

Aberdeen Angus Beef Local Sussex Pork & Lamb Free Range Chickens
Speciality fayre available to order

Specialists

BBQ

Mon-Sat: 08.00am - 19.30pm Sun: 08.00am - 16.00pm

31 CRAWLEY DOWN ROAD CHETAN PATEL (ckrp@hotmail.co.uk) 07846 117 966 / 01342 323 420
14 WINTER 2013

2 Station Road, Crawley Down RH10 4HZ

01342 712740

CHRISTMAS at ST JOHNS
Theres a warm welcome waiting just for you

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Luke 2:12

.MILBORROW.
By Appointment to Her Majesty the Queen Chimney Sweeps Milborrow Chimney Sweeps Crawley Down

CHIMNEY SWEEPS

By Appointment to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales Chimney Sweeps Milborrow Chimney Sweeps Crawley Down

ADVICE & PROBLEMS SOLVED flueologist@btinternet.com www.milborrowchimneysweeps.co.uk POTS COWLS INSTALLATIONS REPAIRS
FIREPLACE, STOVE REPAIRS & INSTALLATIONS

5 PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL Discount on 1st & Chimney EXTREMELY with this advert THOROUGH Code: MC6
Spare Parts and Complete Service

***01342 717900***

flueologist@btinternet.com www.milborrowchimneysweeps.co.uk

***Weddings Attended with Real, Live, Lucky, Black Cat***

WINTER 2013 15

ST JOHNS FELBRIDGE
Winning and building followers of Jesus Christ

We believe that the Christian faith is good news

As a local church we have a special responsibility for the Parish of Felbridge but we are also committed to supporting Gods work in the surrounding area and further afield through Churches Together in East Grinstead (CTEG), the Sussex Gospel Partnership and links we have with many mission partners active in Christian service in this country and around the world. You would be very welcome at any of our meetings.

SUNDAY SERVICES
8:00am Holy Communion 10:00am Morning Service 6:00pm Evening Service
Access our archive of Sunday sermon podcasts, and view the latest church news online:

www.stjohnsfelbridge.com
Connections

Afternoon meeting, 2 4pm, in the Church Hall for retired or semi-retired people. Diary dates: 6th January; 3rd February and 3rd March

Come and join us to play games, do interesting activities, learn new skills or just chat. Youll find people playing Tri-ominos, Scrabble, Rummikub and a host of other games. Three or four people gather CONTACT US around a large jigsaw puzzle; others exchange books on the book table, or discuss the news as they flick through the days papers. Part Mark Francis way through we have tea, coffee, and (extremely good) cake. While Vicar everyone is drinking and munching there is a short talk (usually about 01342 321524 (not Monday) 5 minutes) which starts with a topical issue and connects it to a big mark8sjf@gmail.com theme of the Bible. Everyone welcome.

Church and Community

Toddlers, Children and Young PeoPle

Babies, toddlers and children are always welcome at St Johns. Theres a creche for theunder-3s and aFamily Corner in church with toys and books. We also have special Out of this World groups (Stars for 3 to 6 year olds; Comets for school years 2 to 4; and Meteors for school years 5 and 6) in the Church Hall. For the 11 to 14 year olds, we have a group calledThe Rock.

Andy Brown
Churchwarden

01342 314267
brownemail@btinternet.com

Phil Todman
Churchwarden

01342 322825
philandrosemaryt@sky.com

CONTRIBUTORS:
Rosemary Archer Peter Bateman Bruno Jeremy Clarke Mark Francis Paul Johnson Ros Whiteman

To advertise in Felbridge Focus please contact Gordon Wilkinson on 01342 311516 or email focus@felbridge.com.
16 WINTER 2013

Brenda Wilkinson Gordon Wilkinson