Cowbeech, East Sussex
NEWS & weather

This page was updated on Tuesday, 5th August 2008 with the Dig For Victory Prize Winners
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sheep shelter, Trolliloes (photo: Nigel Stickells)
who needs a Frank Gehry or a Daniel Libeskind when you have this?

NEWS INDEX

new Gallery of Photographs of Village Activities including PANDEMONIUM IN PANTOLAND to read about the production click here A slideshow of Dig For Victory - Cowbeech's annual Fete, is now available - just click on Galleries and scroll down	by Sally Wallis (Zande Basenjis)   9, 10 & 11 January 2008
Dig For Victory (also in Gallery)	5 August 2007
Cowbeech Revels III (also in Gallery)	30 June 2007
Merrie Harriers Bonfire Society 10,000 Metres Footpath March	12 May 2007
Merrie Harriers Bonfire Society Annual Presentation Dinner	22 April 2007
Merrie Harriers Bonfire Society Pantomime DEMON IN FAIRYLAND	12 January 2008
30 MPH Limit throughout Cowbeech
Merrie Harriers Ladies' Darts & Social Group
A Litter-free Cowbeech
Clean Air Needed Over Cowbeech - (update added 8th June, 2006)
Cowbeech Has a 2008 Marathon Runner !
Ancestor Digging
Merrie Harriers Bonfire Society Presentation Dinner
Merrie Harriers Bonfire Society Sponsored 6 Mile Walk
Pantomime Scripts On Sale
2008 Dig For Victory

click on underlined words to visit another place in this site, to go to a linked website or to access an email address; click on the name of a house or business in Cowbeech to go to its location in the Cowbeech

Dig For Victory 2008

This Cowbeech 'occasion' seems to get bigger, year on year ! There appeared to be even more people enjoying themselves this year and even the intermittent drizzle didn't manage to spoil the day.

Les Webb sent us this report which I will illustrate shortly -

"Despite a generally wet weekend the weather relented just for the 4 hours of Dig for Victory, indeed the rain started again within minutes of the presentation of trophies by Rev Sue Marshall at the end of the show.

"Entries were about 10% greater than in the previous year which could illustrate that the Home Front spirit of the 1940s survives with produce growing, preserve making, crafts and home cooking still important in these days of TV dinners.

"In 2007 there was a mini heat wave but although numbers attending this year seemed not so high there were greater numbers than had been expected by those fearing the effects of the weather. The Stalls, Games, Tea Tent and BBQ were all well supported and with the introduction of a Summer Raffle it is to be hoped that overall takings will again contribute significantly to the Funds for Local Good Causes. The efforts of all the many volunteers are to be applauded because there would be no show without them and without Dig for Victory there would be many local organisations having to curtail their activities.

"As usual the Warbleton Brass Band provided entertainment and also set the atmosphere for the day, warm hearted remembrance of difficult and tragic times. This year for the first time there was additional entertainment from 'The Swingtime Sweethearts a delightful duo singing popular songs from the War Years and such was their success it is to be hoped that they will feature again in future years.

"The Tug of War resulted in a win for 'Cowbeech A' but more significantly it was a lot of fun and at the end of the contest some team members found enough energy to give a lesson to those youngsters keen to have a go for themselves.

"To finish the evening a "We'll Eat Again" meal was enjoyed in The Merrie Harriers and when everybody left for home they were tired but triumphant and starting to plan for 2009."

You can find The Raffle Results Summer Raffle Results and a full list of Prize Winners here.

A gallery of photos showing stall holders, stalls, winning exhibits, trophies and people enjoying themselves can be seen by clicking here and scrolling down. The usual instructions to operate the slide-show are given.

I wish the weather had been a tad more sunny

Pantomime Scripts Now On Sale

Yvonne and David Bisp have build a wonderful website for the 2008 Pantomime and hope to sell scripts of Chris Malcolm's imaginative and original Pantomime and hope that other organisations will invest in this superb theatrical property !

Spread the Word around Schools, your Friends and Theatre Groups !

Merrie Harriers Bonfire Society Sponsored 6 miles Walk 2008

The sun shone bright and warm on the Sponsored Walk organised by the Bonfire Society. Walkers included the Committee along with other individual supporters walking to raise money for the Bonfire Society, other energetic folks accompanied by their dogs in support of a variety of Good Causes and the Herstmonceux Cubs who turned out in force seeking funds to extend the range of the group's activities through the summer months.

The walkers gathered for coffee outside the Harriers, signed in with Les Webb and got their numbers and a map. The route took them down Trolliloes Lane and across fields and woodland to spectacular orchards - beautifully pruned fruit trees covered in blossom. Across the road to Herstmonceux and through more fields to Squab Lane and Jarvis Wood, the group became more spread out as the walk progressed. Finally a climb over a stile at the Cinderford Lane end of The Gensings led through wonderfully scented woods, carpeted with bluebells, over the newly reinstated footpath across Thunderers and finally to Broomy Meadow and the stile out into Cowbeech.

First back to the Harriers were two intrepid ladies walking on behalf of Breast Cancer Research. They were getting in training for other walks throughout the summer. Next came John Cobb and Kevin Barker. The cubs re-grouped at the far end of the second wood and again in Broomy Meadow, where they waited so a large group could arrive together at the final checkpoint to collect their Achievement Awards.

Your webmaster cheated (bad back is a perennial excuse !) and went directly to the second Gensing to await the walkers, take pictures and accompany one group back to the village. Later in the afternoon I did walk through the orchards - reached in the comfort of a motor-car. I will (I hope) be able to add the amounts raised and some more names in due course -

Pictures which try to give an flavour of the Walk and the range of age-groups taking part along with the beauty of the scenery can be seen by clicking here and scrolling down

I wish I could have walked the whole 6 miles. . .

Merrie Harriers Presentation Dinner 2008

The Annual Presentation Dinner in the Merrie Harriers and presentation of generous awards by the Bonfire Society was extremely well attended. (Dinner was delicious and excellent value too !)

In all, £5,000 + was donated to Local Good Causes, including -

£200 to Herstmonceux Village Information Centre – accepted by Peter Sangster
£300 to Herstmonceux Rainbows – accepted by Mandy Angear
£250 to Herstmonceux Guides – accepted by Stevie Page
£250 to Herstmonceux Brownies – accepted by Jane Goodman
£500 to Herstmonceux Cubs & Beavers – accepted by Karen Guest
£500 to Herstmonceux Lunch Club – accepted by Judith Kinnison Bourke
£500 to VIEWCRAFT (for the visually handicapped) – accepted by Chairman Percy Cox with ‘Joy’ and by Secretary Jean Wilson with ‘Dolly’
£500 to Ray & Sheldon Social Club – accepted by Connie Martin
£500 to St Johns Ambulance – accepted by Maria Russell
£500 to St Wilfrid’s Hospice – accepted by Georgia Abbott
£500 to Demelza/James – accepted by Sandra Naylor
£530 – Multiple Sclerosis – accepted by Julia Dexter, mother of Jonathan who ran and completed the London Marathon 2008.

Committee Chairman, Mick Goodsell, made the presentations with Committee Members Joyce Burt and Les Webb. Treasurer (and Landlord) Duncan Smart MaryAnn Gordon (Secretary) ensured there was a small encashable piece of paper along with the huge ‘presentation’ cheque.

 

Mick & Joyce

The delight on the faces of the recipients are they accepted their cheques and gave a brief outline of the activities in which they are involved was wonderful to behold.

Dolly and Joy, beautiful Golden Retrievers, slept like logs under the table while their owners dined and then lead them to receive the donation to Viewcraft.

Before the presentations, an excellent dinner was enjoyed by many supporters of the Merrie Harriers Bonfire Society and the £400 raised through a Raffle and Guessing the Contents of a bottle should ensure a good start to the coming year.

For a report by Secretary, MaryAnn Gordon, click on Presentation
For a slide-show of recipients at the Bonfire Society's Presentation Dinner - click on Slide Show and scroll down

Ancestor Digging

I have received a very interesting email from Michelle Kemp. She writes "I am researching my family history. One of my ancestors was the blacksmith in Cowbeech, Timothy Kemp, he and his wife Maria, both died in 1885 of Typhoid and their 3 youngest children were sent to an orphanage in Leominster in Herefordshire.

Would any of your locals know anything of this family or if the forge is still in existence?"

I have responded that 'Kemp' used to be a very well known name around here. I am ** years old, was born in Cowbeech and the only blacksmith my father ever used (or spoke of) was Alf Payne at Rushlake Green. 'The Old Forge', much enlarged, still exists as a private house at the top of Hammer Lane. There are very few people who have been around longer than I have but I will certainly ask.

I have suggested she tries all the Parish Records, the churchyard etc but if anyone can help, I'll put you in touch with Michelle

London Marathon 2008

Cowbeech has a runner in the London Marathon - Jonathan Dexter ran for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. He finished in 3 hours, 44 minutes 13 seconds, finishing in 23259th place ! The Bonfire Society has sponsored him for £20 per mile but I'm sure more would be greatly appreciated

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CLEAN AIR NEEDED OVER COWBEECH -

You can't have failed to notice the unpleasant odours currently pervading the air over Cowbeech.

I phoned Meridian TV and I called Environmental Health at Wealden on 10th April and was told that the spreading of (treated) human effluent over farm-land had been sanctioned by the Environment Agency. However, they had an officer (on a bicycle !) patrolling the area and my complaint would be passed to him.

He phoned this morning (11th April), agreed the smell was extremely unpleasant and said he would be taking the matter up with Powers That Be - and would keep in touch.

In the meantime Meridian TV expressed an interest and came this morning, chatted to Arnold Goldman, Graham Lee, Michael Errey, Rod Catt, Marvin and me (your new webmaster, Sally) and recorded our comments. Michael and I actually 'spoke to camera'. Obviously the owner of the land will be given the right to reply.

Meridian went up to Broomy Meadow and, keeping strictly to the Public Footpath (I notice the sign has been blacked out ???), filmed the two fields, Broomy Meadow and Catermans. The pile of whateveritwas has obviously now been spread because it has vanished.

My next trick has been to get the local Press interested because I do not pay rates (and nor do any of us !) for this sort of unpleasant addition to normal scents and smells of the countryside. I will keep nagging until the Press do wake up and call me back. I doubt that much can be done now - and we'll probably have to suffer until the weather and nature disposes of this problem - but I will use this space if there is anything else to report.

OK, now you have one incandescent webmaster. We pay water (delivery) to South East Water, and water (removal = sewage) to Southern Water but its THAMES Water, according to Meridian news tonight, that has dumped this effluent over our village. . .

Graham has found a very interesting link NIOSH Hazard ID List

I'd welcome comments -

Update on the foregoing - Following a great deal of correspondence and a meeting with a representative of the Environment Agency, a petition was drafted and signed by an enormous number of residents of this village, unwilling to suffer a similar stench again.

Thanks !

We are indebted to Ray Ellis for the following cutting from Farmers Weekly. Perhaps we may escape further unpleasantness if a more acceptable smell can be contrived.

Email : Sally or Tel : + 44 (0) 1323 833293 or Skype: -->

 

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PANDEMONIUM IN PANTOLAND
9, 10 and 11 JANUARY 2008

Mary Ann Gordon, MHBS Secretary, writes:

For the second year running the Cowbeech Palladium (which masquerades for the rest of the year as the Restaurant at the Merrie Harriers) was open for the annual pantomime. The intimacy of the space limited the number of seats available per performance and so this year the number of performances was increased from three to six to enable more people to attend and so the company performed at 7pm and again at 9pm on three successive evenings. The ticket prices included a splendid buffet provided by Duncan Smart and his staff after each performance so that everyone had a very convivial evening with an added opportunity to chat to relatives, friends and neighbours. Once again the pantomime was written, directed and produced by Chris Malcolm who kept the enlarged cast (21 in all) in order and encouraged us all through the Sunday evening rehearsals from September onwards.   This year the story concerned the Demon King’s efforts to take revenge on the Fairy Queen who had triumphed over him last year in "Cinderella". His bid to do so coincided with the 300 Birthday Ball of Pantomime at Cowbeech Place to which a host of characters were invited including Robinson Crusoe and Man Friday, Jack (of Beanstalk fame) and his mother Dame Trott, accompanied by their cow Daisy, Cinderella and Prince Charming still being hassled by the Ugly Sisters, Aladdin and Widow Twankey, Simple Simon, Red Riding Hood, Dick Whittington with Felix his cat, Snow White and Bashful (our youngest/smallest performer Harry Neale), and Peter Pan and Captain Hook. The Demon King equipped with a magic potion provided by the Three Witches (on loan by MacBeth), and cunningly disguised as Pantaloon lured all the guests with his mandolin into a false sense of goodwill and then persuaded them to drink his evil potion.

The result was their characters were transformed into a quarrelsome, abusive rabble (quite unlike their alter egos in pantomime or real life!) before the audience’s very eyes.   The Fairy Queen was fortunately on hand with the antidote, “eggs of the quail from the Maskell George” (a local delicacy) and she then “unfrocked” Pantaloon revealing the Demon King who was also forced to eat quails’ eggs and then crawled off the stage in disgrace. The Show included a show stopping sequence of songs and dances from the four dames; a kicking cow who “passed” sweeties, and many illusions to current events and local personalities. It closed with a sequence from the George Mitchell “Technicolour” Minstrels with a homage to Al Jolson (sparkingly performed by young Charlie Neale). Musical accompaniment was provided by Goff Bowles, and Dave Bisp did wonders with the lighting and special effects including prompts for the audience to encourage them to join in. The cast all performed with great gusto and Colin Ferguson brought particular menace to the Demon and a delightful campness to Pantaloon. All six performances were sold out and tickets that had to be returned at the last minute due to illness were all snapped up. If you missed it a  DVD will soon be available. All the audiences joined in with spirit. Both during the performances and during the refreshments afterwards  there was a great feeling of  friendship and goodwill. The event has also further swelled the coffers of the Merrie Harriers Bonfire Society which will be making its annual distribution of funds to local good causes at our Presentation Dinner on Sunday 20th April. We are therefore happy to report that the magic of pantomime is certainly alive and flourishing in Cowbeech.  To see a full set of photos - click on Galleries and scroll down

DIG FOR VICTORY
5 AUGUST 2007

CLICK HERE for the report on the afternoon's activity by Les Webb. It begins:

Yet another glorious August Sunday greeted the Exhibitors and Visitors to the Dig for Victory Village Show held in Cowbeech at the Merrie Harriers Inn.  The show has a 1940’s theme and even the weather with its old-fashioned ‘hay-making heat’ seemed determined to play a part in turning back the clock to those fabled summers of hard times but never-ending sunshine.  This was the twelfth annual Dig for Victory and bad weather has yet to hamper the charity fund-raising efforts of the Merrie Harriers Bonfire Society and its small army of helpers....

CLICK HERE for the results of the exhibits.

MERRIE HARRIERS BONFIRE SOCIETY
10,000 METRES FOOTPATH MARCH
12 MAY 2007

before the walk: Mick Goodsell at left; photo: Duncan Smart

Les Webb, Committee Member, writes:

FUNDRAISERS PUT BEST FEET FORWARD FOR CHARITY

The 10,000 metre Footpath March is an open event staged by the Merrie Harriers Bonfire Society so that individuals can use it to raise money for their own ‘Good Causes’.  It follows a picturesque and undulating route that starts and ends in Cowbeech mainly using Public Footpaths with just a few short stretches of quiet country lanes.

Despite a period of heavy rain in the days leading up to the event the course selected remained firm and pleasant underfoot and the biggest disappointment was that the Bluebells had been early this year and there were relatively few in evidence through the wooded sectors.

Thirty six 'Sponsored Walkers' and eight dogs [possibly nine: see Bertie adds] set out on the course that began and ended at The Merrie Harriers in Cowbeech, together with around twenty 'chaperones' for the younger entrants.  They were all 'Counted Out' then registered at four Checkpoints and finally 'Counted Back In' at The Merrie Harriers and although many were tired there was nothing more serious than a few blisters to contend with. Certificates of Achievement were waiting for every 'Sponsored Walker' including the dogs that had the additional bonus of a Rosette and a few 'treats'.

Walkers were participating in support of their own favourite charity or cause and therefore it is not possible to calculate exactly how much was raised by the event however some data has been provided and this sets an example of just what can be achieved. Alex Cutmore raised £60.00 towards the cost of providing wall-bars for the pupils of Herstmonceux Primary School; Bertie, accompanied by Arnold Goldman, raised £100.00 for the Herstmonceux Village Information Centre; The Merrie Harriers Bonfire Society had five walkers and expects to benefit by around £250.00. Other 'Good Causes' being supported were All Saints & St Richards Primary School: Herstmonceux Cubs and the Polegate Grasshoppers Junior Football Team who were raising funds towards a tournament on the Continent.

The Bonfire Society thanks all supporters for their help: congratulates all those that took part and invites everyone to note that in 2008 the event will be on Saturday the 10^th of May and entries should be advised at least a week earlier.

Bertie adds:

This year the walk went clockwise from the pub, down Trolliloes Lane, down Bemzells Lane and Studdens Lane, across the orchard, etc etc, ending by coming through the bluebell wood behind Shaws/Simon Turner and back to the pub. Me, I like things always the same, but it was still a nice run. The first six dogs home were Remy, Hootch (backside visible in picture above), Reg II, Misty, me (in picture) and Chelsea (v. game Yorkie). Other dogs included Max, Tuppence and Otto, whose job it was to bring the signposts back. I didn't need a bath afterwards, though Arnold took one, denying me either a rosette or a treat. Not fair.

MERRIE HARRIERS BONFIRE SOCIETY
ANNUAL PRESENTATION DINNER
22 APRIL 2007

Les Webb, Bonfire Society Committee Member, writes:

"Supporters of the Merrie Harriers Bonfire Society gathered in Cowbeech on Sunday evening to mark the end of a successful year of fundraising activities. Dinner at the Merrie Harriers was followed by the presentation of cheques to representatives of twelve selected organisations.

"With the introduction this year of a new event, the Pantomime, there was a record £5,200 available to distribute and the organisations which benefited were:

Demelza-James (children's hospice at home)  - £1,000 Herstmonceux CE Primary School - £250 Herstmonceux Cubs - £500 Herstmonceux Guides - £500 Herstmonceux Lunch Club - £400 Herstmonceux Rainbows - £250

Herstmonceux Village Information Centre - £200 Ray & Sheldon Social Club - £400 Riding & Driving for the Disabled - £400 St John's Ambulance - £400 St Wilfrid's Hospice, Eastbourne - £500 Viewcraft - £400

"When presented with their cheque the representative for the Good Cause gave a brief talk on the aims of the organisation and an idea of the use to which the money would be put. The MHBS Chairman Mick Goodsell ended the proceedings with thanks to all guests and supporters and a pledge to continue to work hard to raise fresh funds for the coming year.

The new landlord at the Merrie Harriers, Duncan Smart, took the photographs of the presentations,

MERRIE HARRIERS BONFIRE SOCIETY PANTOMIME
DEMON IN FAIRYLAND
12 JANUARY 2007
 

Les Webb, Marrie Harriers Bonfire Society committee member, writes:

Roger Cotton, the Merrie Harriers’ publican, relinquished use of the restaurant so that it could be transformed into an intimate theatre space and provided an excellent Buffet that was included in the ticket price for Demon in Fairyland.

The pantomime was written, produced and directed by Merrie Harriers Bonfire Society supporter Chris Malcolm to raise additional money for the Society’s Good Causes Funds.

The cast were all total showbiz novices but after 14 weeks of rehearsals gave three performances last Friday that were met with wholehearted appreciation by three full houses. 

On just the one night over £800 was raised which will be used to support local good causes.  All those who were unable to secure tickets - and they were perhaps harder to get than for the next Cup Final at Wembley - may wish to know that a DVD is being produced. The DVD will make an ideal souvenir or a substitute for missing the live performances. 

The unofficial motto of the Bonfire Society is “Having fun; making money” and the event was certainly tremendously enjoyable and pleasurably profitable. The Committee is more than grateful to Chris Malcolm, the cast and backstage staff for the wonderful event.

The Bonfire Society Committee is very grateful to Chris Malcolm and to all the cast for the time & effort they put in. Special thanks to all who supported the show by buying tickets and Souvenir Programmes and contributing to the Raffle.

the speed limit through Cowbeech village is 30mph
REPORT INFRACTIONS TO 0845 60 70 999 - RECORDS ARE KEPT AND WARNING LETTERS ARE WRITTEN
report people using mobile telephones while driving

Merrie Harriers Ladies Darts & Social Group

Niamh Layberry writes:
"The idea behind this ladies darts night is to have a social night for all women and hopefully in the future to challenge other ladies teams to matches. Roger has kindly agreed to allow us to practice and play matches at the Merrie Harriers. He has also donated a sum towards purchasing the darts board.
"The aim is to meet the second Thursday of the month at 8pm in the Merrie Harriers.
"Sam Hobden is the manager. Sam has kindly agreed to take care of [sic] the team, explain the rules, manage the scoreboard, pick the teams etc."

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