Mycology on Wolstonbury Hill

Inedibilia
Friday 13th October 2017 from 9:30 to 15:00. The order of the day: 9:30am meet at Saddlescombe; 10:00am go out hunting for fungi in Wolstonbury woods and across open downland; 12:00 noon lunch, with glorious views across Sussex; 2:00pm return to Saddlescombe Farm for a cup of tea and cake in the new heated barn; 2:15pm go through our finds with expert mycologist, Martin Allison and look at some of the more interesting species under the microscope; 3:00pm finish. Booking essential.

Bake bread at Saddlescombe

Clay oven
Learn how to bake bread al fresco in a clay oven the old fashioned way this autumn:

  • Monday 9th October 2017
  • Monday 23rd October 2017
  • Monday 6th November 2017
  • Monday 20th November 2017
  • Monday 4th December 2017

We’ll be baking directly on the clay oven floor so there won’t be a tin or thermometer in sight. All ingredients to make the bread are provided, but feel to bring your own additions to eat it warm afterwards. Bring an apron. Children are welcome with adults. Please park opposite Saddlescombe Farm entrance, walk into the farm and follow sign opposite the pond. Details here. Booking essential.

Fungal Foray

The Devil's Dyke fungi hunt - part 1
Join mycologist Martin Allinson for a day of recording as many species of fungi as possible across Newtimber Hill on Friday 6th October from 9:30am to 3:00pm. Wear suitable clothing and bring lunch. Tea and cake will be served upon return to Saddlescombe. Supervised children are welcome. Booking essential. Click the image for more information.

Bobservation No.33: Fulking Fair 2017

Poster for 2017 Fulking Fair - Graphic house on green hill with detailsDepending on the weather this year’s FULKING FAIR on Sunday 30th July from 12 till 5pm has all of the attractions necessary to make it one of the best yet. We might even repeat our 2014 Argus award of the ‘Best Community Event in Sussex’. Parking and admission are both free. The various attractions that your Social committee has brought together are:

  • MUSIC  will include various local bands including the highly successful ’Sold as Seen’, ‘What the Funk’, ‘Stone Dark Night’, Jack Woodhouse, Mr Motown, Dave Gee and the Pyecombe choir.
  • FOOD:  Punjabi Street Food, Rushfields’ pies, Fish Story fish & chips, Ellie’s Biscuits , Wilderness honey, Gourmet Nuts, Fudge & Cheese and Peggy’s Pantry. There will be Teas and Cakes in the village hall and garden (see below). Ice cream will be available in The Street and the field.
  • CHILDRENS GAMES:  Bouncy castle for those kids who will not sit still, Stocks to torture Dads, Pony Rides for budding equestrian stars, Bubble Pop to amaze everyone, Puppet show by the renowned Sheila Marshall, Coconut shy for bashful kids, Hook the Duck for young crooks, Smack the Rat for the blood thirsty and Tattoo Painting for extrovert kids.
  • DRINKS: The Shepherd & Dog will be running a bar in the marquee which they have generously donated. There will be plenty of chairs and tables.
  •  DEMONSTRATIONS: HART, National Trust, Sussex Wildlife, Henfield Spinners and Knitters and Twineham Timber will all be there. Latest news is that Geoff Crane’s Burrell Traction Engine will be operating.
  • STALLS including A Chip off the Block, Tropic Skin, Saxon Stickmakers, All That’s Wood, Indigo, Emma’s Jewellery, Decoupage Delights, Presence Decor, Iron Railway Vineyard and Bric a Brac.
  • GAMES: Tug of War, including a challenge from Poynings, and two Tombolas  including one for children. We need prizes for both of these; please be generous and deliver a bottle or other prize to Louise at 13 Clappers Lane or Bob at Furzefield.

CAKES!, CAKES!, CAKES!
Due to the success of ‘Teas’ in the village hall & garden last year The Teas Team have agreed to repeat the exercise! So, once again they are desperate for cakes. It is important to let Pam (271) or Tricia (255) know if you are able to donate a cake (last year you were all amazing!) so that they have some idea of how many they will receive. All cakes can be dropped off (not literally!) in the hall after 10.30 on the day or given to Pam or Tricia by prior arrangement.

CALL MY BLUFF
Not many tables unreserved for Friday 28 July at 7pm in the North Town Field. Places are £15 or £100 for a table of 8. Pay on the night but book through Bob (271) or Emily at the Shepherd & Dog.

Saddlescombe Orchid walk and talk

Peter Lovett orchids
Orchid expert Peter Lovett is offering a unique experience at Saddlescombe Farm this year where those interested in orchids as a species can learn more about these amazing plants. Details here.

Tuesday, 20 June 2016 10:30am–1:30pm — early booking essential, 01273 857981. The Wolstonbury orchid safari has already sold out. [Check the times when you book — they are different from last year and may be a mistake.]