Author: Miles

Bobservation No. 4

Social CommitteeFULKING SOCIAL COMMITTEE

Fulking Social Committee was formed by Jill Bremer in 1996 and since that date has been ably chaired by various villagers, most notably Jill herself and latterly by Jenny Tooley. The aim of the Committee is to raise money for village needs, and promote a spirit of togetherness in Fulking.The constitution is posted on the village website.

Amongst fundraising events the principal activity is the annual fair which, thanks to the generosity of Harry and Charmayne Diamond, has been held in Downside Meadow for the last five years. This year it will be held on Sunday 26 July and helpers are greatly appreciated and very much needed. The Annual General Meeting of the Committee is being held in the village hall at 8pm on Thursday 5 February and all villagers are welcome with the proviso that, if you come along with an idea you must be prepared to carry it out.

Any request for the disbursement of Social Committee funds is always sympathetically and sensibly considered by the Committee and if it is of benefit to the village as a whole the request is likely to be granted. The need to continue raising and retaining money will be justified should a contingency arise such as major treework in the North Town Field, major repairs to the village hall or an eventual replacement for the building.

Reminder: Poynings Panto

Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp_Poynings pantomimeJust in from the People of Poynings: Christmas is over and all the decorations are down. Don’t worry though, because the amazing Aladdin Pantomime is on this weekend, and, there are still some tickets left. Just think, at the evening performances you even get a glass of wine, so for £8 its an absolute bargain!
Don’t forget, all proceeds to help with the upkeep of our lovely Church.

Bobservation No. 3

Sepia picture of Shepherd & Dog Pub, Fulking. Taken 1952

The Village Hub…

The Shepherd & Dog is becoming the hub of Fulking. Dave and Emily have created the atmosphere that is expected in a good village pub. You will find very good food, excellent service and a warm welcome. The ample wine list is most imaginative (as well as an amusing read) and there is a very good selection of ales and lagers.

Having been a devotee of the Shepherd & Dog for 65 years (it was a bit of a dump when I first went but at least there were no drink and drive limits in those days!) I have seen good times and bad.   Now it is back to the good times and I encourage you to give this hard working young couple your support, you will be pleasantly surprised.

In my opinion this charming 18th century pub is one of the most attractive places to eat and drink in the area and is a classic example of what a traditional English pub should be.

Wine Quiz

Glasses & Bottles

The Fulking Social Committee is delighted to present a light-hearted Wine Quiz hosted by renowned duo of Toby Peirce and Bob Rowland on Saturday 24th January in Fulking Village Hall at 7.30pm.

There will be 8 superior wines from Quaff to discover with nibbles provided to clear the palette. Naturally the quiz winners will receive a handsome prize in addition to enhancing their wine buff credentials. Everyone will also have the chance to participate in a raffle. As this is a quiz and not a ‘call my bluff’ quiz, you can confidently expect fewer wine fibs and more wine facts.

It’s £15 a head or £100 for a table of 8 – and tickets are selling fast.
To book, call Bob on 871 or email bob.pamrowland@btinternet.com

Please be there at 7pm so that we can start promptly at 7:30pm

 

 

Come sing with us…

Carol Singing 18th Dec - Carollers from 1951

Just as in December 1951, Fulking villagers continue the carolling tradition. Everyone is welcome to join us in singing carols around the village, or to listen at home.
We start at 5.30pm at Tricia’s house, 37, Clappers Lane and finish at the Shepherd and Dog. With mulled wine & mince pies (no need to bring harmoniums, bonnets or top hats).

Bobservation No. 2

Preston Nomads Clubhouse - Downs in background

In praise of Preston Nomads Cricket Club…

The recent mini-furore over the licence application by Preston Nomads which, as I understand it, is to regularise their existing position, made me realise just how lucky we are in Fulking to have a cricket club of such note within the parish.

Other than the manic way in which some of the members can drive their cars from time to time, I do not recall any nuisance being caused by the club since the new pavilion was built and indeed before that.

In retrospect it was probably a pity that the principal access to the club was not arranged from the Poynings Road instead of Clappers Lane, but that is how it is and we all have to make the best of it.

I doubt there is, architecturally, a more attractive cricket club building in the South of England and the setting on a summer’s day is just magic viewed against the Downland backcloth.

Paul Hird, the Chairman of the club, has always gone out of his way to be welcoming to villagers and in particular St Andrew’s church has found the availability of the clubhouse for events a great blessing. The club have, over the years, been very generous in donating very attractive hampers for village events and making the clubhouse available to the village.

Let us count our blessings and see if we cannot appreciate the club more.

Bob Rowland