St John’s Christingle Service Sunday 3rd December. 10am in aid of The Children’s Society. During this service, if you are able to contribute, there will also be a collection of festive biscuits, cakes, chocolate and other treats which will be donated to the East Grinstead Food Bank. These must be shop bought please. We look forward to welcoming you!
‘I have spoken to audiences of tens of thousands, written 20 books and been a regular contributor to this newspaper (The Times) but I probably can’t spell your name.’ So begins an article in the Times Newspaper written by the business and From the Vicarage Re-evaluation social entrepreneur and CEO of ‘PublishU’, Matt Bird.[1] It can take him 2 and a half hours to write a simple email. He recently paid for an easyto-remember phone number. When at school he regularly had to resubmit essays because of their poor English and spelling. In case you have not guessed he is dyslexic. I remember some of the first cases of dyslexia I came across in my early years of teaching. Cases were rare but had increased at my highly academic boys’ school by the time I had added the role of ‘Examinations Officer’ to my teaching and other commitments. Among my responsibilities was liaising with the Examination boards about the extra help that dyslexic candidates could get. Dyslexia was then little known with much denial from some academic groups. I recall going into a well-known, but traditional, girls’ Grammar school and showing them the evidence of daughter’s dyslexia. They denied that such problems occurred in their academic school but relented when I pointed out my own role and experience in my place of work. Dyslexia has often been seen as ‘a learning difficulty’ – something to overcome. Such had been my own understanding till I read Matt Bird’s article. This is what he writes: ‘Don’t feel sorry for me and don’t you dare tell me I’ve got a learning difficulty. In fact, I believe dyslexia is my superpower, my secret skill and my advantage to thinking and creating differently.’ This set me thinking whether there are other areas which have a negative press but which in reality may offer positive attributes because of the differences they create. After all, Jesus himself used a similar analogy when he used a verse of an old Psalm to describe himself and his mission. ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;
the Lord has done this, and it is marvellous in our eyes’. (Matthew 21:42 quoting Psalm 118). He did not fit the model expected by the religious authorities of the day. He didn’t even fit his disciples’ expectations of what a Messiah would do. Yet it is his life, death, resurrection and teaching which have influenced and underpinned so much of our western society. The secular thinker, Tom Holland, makes this abundantly clear in his best seller ‘Dominion’ (Basic Books). God gave us diversity in creation. Jesus came to save the whole world (cosmos) with all its diversity. May we learn celebrate that more fully. Nigel Hinton [1] Matt Bird’ ‘Dyslexia is a God-given gift and not a learning difficulty’ - Credo article in The Times October 7th 2023. 7th & 14th November
Sundays Said Communion (1st, 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month) Communion Service & Sunday Smilers (children 4-11) Every 2nd Sunday Evening Service (on 1st three Sundays of the month) Weekdays Wednesday - Service of Compline on zoom Vicar of Lingfield and Dormansland The Reverend Ian Whitley Associate Vicar The Reverend Nigel Hinton St John's Vicarage, The Platt, Dormansland. RH7 6QU Benefice administrator - [email protected] Centenary Room Bookings - Benefice Office 8.00am 10.00am 5.00pm 8.00pm 07961 382293 01342 832391 07756 664743 [email protected] 01342 832021 01342 832021 David & Mary McLachlan Sunday Morning Service Ministers 07551 493418 10.30am [email protected] Father Jack Lusted Sunday Morning Service 9.00am 01342 325705 Resident Friend Sunday Morning Meeting for Worship Please contact Tony Franklin ([email protected]) or Lesley Evans ([email protected]) if you’d like to attend. 9.45am 01342 832150 Worship at St. John’s www.stjohnsdormansland.org Email: [email protected] www.dormanslandbaptistchurch.org.uk Dormansland Baptist Church St Bernard’s Catholic Church, Lingfield www.claridgehousequaker.org.uk Claridge House Quaker Meeting
Sunday 19th November. 10-11.15am During the 10am service at St John's. We look forward to seeing you! An ever popular and inspiring work. Performed with professional soloists and baroque orchestra lead by local professional violinist, George Clifford.
Dormansland Community Brunch! at Dormansland Baptist Church Everyone is welcome Please join us for delicious: bacon butties, croissants tea, coffee and seasonal specials 4th November, 2nd December, 6th January & 3rd February 9.30am-12.30pm First Saturday of each month A wealth of expertise on your doorstep Mike Walker DipPFS, Cert CII (MP&ER) At Chartham Financial Planning, our client’s best interest is at the heart of everything we do. We work with you to build a secure and prosperous future. We provide an experienced wealth management and financial planning service offering specialist independent advice in a wide range of areas including: Investment Planning Retirement Planning Inheritance Tax Planning Tel: 01342 891129 Email: [email protected] Website: charthamfp.co.uk Chartham Financial Planning Limited is an appointed representative of Best Practice IFA Group Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Dormansland Parish Council The Parish Council was pleased to welcome members of the public to the last meeting, it’s great to see more residents taking an interest in Parish Council business. It was particularly interesting to hear about the experience of Speed Watch. We would encourage anyone who is interested in reducing the number of cars who speed through the High Street to contact the coordinator, Peter via the Parish Clerk. We are delighted that Jo Sweeting at the Plough has agreed to have a defibrillator fitted to the pub, the PC agreed to fund the costs and we look forward to getting this installed. A second defibrillator is currently under review, and we should be able to announce the position of this at the next meeting in November. A robust debate was had around the pros and cons of resurrecting the Neighbourhood Plan. It was agreed that we should proceed in order to protect the parish from inappropriate development now that the Tandridge Local Plan has failed to be approved. Progress will be subject to alternative sources of funding being identified. In order to develop a plan in the shortest possible time its scope will be limited to planning policies and developing a design guide based on the High Weald Design Guide, sites for development will not be identified. The autumn weed treatment was done early in October to help keep the village looking tidy and reduce the amount of damage to kerbs and roads. In addition, given the unusual warmth and the fact that the grass is still growing the PC agreed to fund an additional strip cut to reduce the debris of long grass that would be generated in the first cut of the 2024 season. We are also excited to announce the funding of two new grit bins, one at the top of Beacon Hill and the other at Beeches Mead on Hollow Lane. We hope this will ensure good coverage across the Parish and should eliminate the ‘gaps’ identified after the cold snap at the beginning of 2023.
Dates of upcoming Full Council Meetings: 1st November 2023 and 6th December 2023 at the Centenary Rooms, Dormansland starting at 18.30. Jacqui O'Sullivan [email protected] Parish Clerk. Tel. 07395 323456. Web. www.dormansland.org.uk Upcoming Shopping Dates on the Lingfield Marathon Minibus Friday 3rd November. Tesco, 3 Bridges. Friday 10th November. Crawley town centre. Friday 17th November. East Grinstead, Sainsburys. Friday 24th November. Oxted, Morrisons. Friday 31st November. Tesco, 3 Bridges. Friday 1st December. Crawley town centre. Upcoming dates are: Pick ups are around 9am and can be from Dormansland, Lingfield and Blindley Heath, it’s a door to door service for £2 return! The trips allow for approx. 2 hours shopping/coffee time. Please contact Scott McDonald on 07710 269369 if you’d like to book a seat on any of the trips, or to find out more details about hiring the buses. www.lingfield-marathon.org Dormansland Diamonds are still very much here for the community in these difficult times. If you need any help or support, please call or text Lisa in confidence on 07710 917427. Here to Help
Remembering Andy Ripley OBE. I had great pleasure in knowing Andy who was a regular attendee at the 10am services at St John’s and was on the readings rotas. In fact, after rowing early on Sunday mornings, he joked about ducking out of putting the equipment away on days when he couldn’t be late and suspected that his fellow rowers didn’t believe that he was off to read the Gospel! The Guardian described him as the last of the great Corinthian sportsmen who played rugby union for fun! He represented England from 1972 to 1976 and the British Lions on their unbeaten 1974 tour of South Africa. And if you weren’t a fan of rugby, you may remember him as winner of the International ‘Superstars’ in 1981 & runner up in 1982. Superstars was always compulsive viewing in our house! Andy took up rowing at age 50 and became became an indoor rowing world record holder in the 50–54 yrs age-group on the Concept2 ergometer (2000m in 6:07.7) Andy sadly died of prostate cancer in 2010 after a 5 year battle. During that time he was an ambassador for the Prostate Cancer UK charity. It’s great that East Grinstead Running Club now hold an annual memorial race with the proceeds being split between Prostate Cancer UK, the EG Lions and the Special Families EG charities. This year’s race took place on Sunday 1st October and members of Lingfield Running Club featured highly amongst the winners with the men’s race being won by Dan Celani. Winners of other categories from the club were Sally Alexander, Judith Cartledge & Maggie Statham-Berry and runners up of Michelle Hollins, Judy Hayler & Gary Spring. Well done Lingfield RC! Annie Robinson (Sources East Grinstead Running Club, Wikipedia & Guardian websites)
Please check out the Care Volunteering webpage to see what roles are available. Duty Officers take requests for help on the phone & match the requests with drivers. Drivers do exactly that. Take clients to medical appointments or to visit family in hospitals or homes. www.careineastgrinstead.co.uk Drivers & duty officers urgently required!
Claridge House Happy Cafe the first Wednesday of every month from 10.30am- 12.00pm. Everyone welcome, free tea, coffee, biscuits, and friendly chat. 1st November & 6th December
Sun 12th Nov. 3.30pm FLIX IN THE STIX Good Luck to You Leo GrandeSat 18th Nov. 7.30pm A sentimemntal journeythroughTHE GREAT AMERICANSONGBOOKTickets £12.00 fromthe CentreFri 22nd Dec. 7.30pm A CHRISTMAS CAROL. CharlesDickensSat 23rd Dec. 2.30 & 7.30pm The Community Centre is available to hire for classes, events, parties and meetings. Rooms of all sizes at affordable rates. [email protected] 01342 833893 www.lingfieldcentre.org THE EAST GRINSTEAD ART SOCIETY (EGAS) If you are interested in all varieties of painting and drawing why not come along to our demonstrations by well known artists every second Wednesday in the month at the Meridian Hall, East Court from 2.00 to 4.00 pm? Visitors are welcome for a fee of £5. (Annual membership at the moment is £25). Our last demonstration of the year will be on Wednesday 8th November when Louise Dean will be painting a landscape in oils on gold leaf. Sandra Girling Lingfield & Dormansland Community Centre WHAT'S ON
Carnival 2024 & Grant Applications Planning for next year’s 2024 Carnival has just started and the Committee have the following date for your diaries. Saturday, 13th July 2024 We are always looking for more people to join the Carnival Committee. It’s great fun and will only require a few hours of your time each month. Please get in touch at the email below if you are interested in finding out more. We are still working on the theme, something inspirational to encourage and motivate more local groups and societies to join the Carnival lunchtime procession around the village. It will be announced both here in the Village Voice, and through our social media outlets as soon as it is agreed. If you have a great idea for a theme why not message us? Calling all local societies, groups and associations. The closing date for applications for financial assistance from this year’s 2023 Carnival funds is Wednesday, 29th November 2023 [by close of business (5pm)] Applications should be sent by email to the Dormansland Carnival Committee at [email protected]
who you are. How much you would like to apply for (maximum of £250 per project). A description of what you intend to use the money for, supporting paperwork (e.g. item specification, price, quotes for works, etc.) to back up your application Contact details & mobile nbr for the person(s) who can answer any questions we may have. And (most importantly!) what contribution you will make to Carnival events going forwards. Please be sure to include the following info: We always endeavour to distribute the funds fairly and to as many applicants as possible, within the restrictions of the funds available this year. Gilly Pollock on behalf of Dormansland Canival Committee (DCC) Children's Christmas Crafts Sunday 26th November 2.30-5.00pm Centenary Room, St John's church Booking essential as places limited see www.stjohnsdormansland.org for more details
LINGFIELD DAY SATURDAY 2ND DECEMBER Don’t miss the fun! This is a fantastic event for all the family and the High Street will be closed to traffic throughout the afternoon and evening. A wide range of attractions will include funfair rides and with local handmade crafts and seasonal food and drinks. The Community Centre and Victoria Sports and Social Club will be open and full of stalls to discover. BBC Surrey will open the event at 2.30pm at the Nativity display outside Lingfield Tandoori and welcome Santa, who will be carried through the High Street on his journey to the Cage, where he will meet children during the afternoon. Lingfield Silver Band will serenade the children as they queue! The school choirs from Lingfield Primary School, Lingfield College Prep and Young Epilepsy will kick off an afternoon of live music and entertainment outside the Tandoori. Even more excitement: there will be a fantastic raffle, with excellent prizes, drawn at 5pm. If you can’t wait, a tombola will be there all afternoon. All proceeds will be donated to local Children’s and Young People charities. Rev. Ian Whitley 07961 382293
Dormansland Tennis Club is seeking new members. Our club offers coaching and is represented in both the Weald and Surrey leagues and we welcome players of all standards. We have two floodlit courts and our membership prices are lower than all other clubs in the area. www.dormanslandtennisclub.co.uk Build your child’s confidence with one-to-one, in person maths tuition Arrange a half-price taster session 07410 207694 [email protected] Charlotte Anderson Is your child troubled by trigonometry? Or quaking over equations? BA (Hons) Cantab; enhanced DBS checked
Swissland Hill, Dormans Park. Between 00.01 and 14.33 9th October an orange Whyte 806 F10DS0225 mountain bike was stolen from an unlocked shed. ·Dwelly Lane, Haxted. Overnight 6th to 7th October persons approached a bungalow and removed several lengths of lead flashing from dormer windows and the side of the roof before making off. Moons Lane, Dormansland. Between 21.00 20th September and 00.30 21st September a fence was taken down prior to stables being broken into. An Ifor Williams trailer was stolen. On the trailer was a blue Massarti diesel powered small tipper with a distinctive blue colour which was also stolen together with various other items. Haxted Road, Haxted. Overnight 4th to 5th October a green John Deere muck spreader was stolen and would have been taken away on a lorry. Latest available reported crime between 14th September & 18th October 2023. Please remember these statistics are only as good as the information received so please report any crimes to ensure both an accurate reflection but also greater support from Surrey Policing for our village. Crimes advised via the Tandridge Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter for Dormansland during this 5 week period: Burglary: Theft: Vehicle Crime: Please look to join the Neighbourhood Watch community. Additional information is shared, providing guidance on how to secure your property, scams etc, which are all very useful. Clive Robinson ([email protected]) Neighbourhood Watch Update
Dormans Evening WI “DEWI” I couldn’t have put it better! Misconceptions “Will you be singing Jerusalem”, she asked with scorn, “No, almost never, it's not the norm.” “I expect you'll be learning to make jam and curd;” “Not really, I don't know what it is you've heard.” “I know the WI is about all that is twee.” “You clearly have no idea, it seems to me.” We cover all ages, young and old; We welcome all women into our fold. The stuff we do is interesting and fun; To be honest, I believe we can't be outdone For thought-provoking speakers, and sometimes crafts, Festive parties and lots of laughs. We go on walks and trips to see shows, Book clubs, Rummikub, anything goes. We campaign about things that really matter, And of course love cake and a good old natter. The WI is about friendship, I'm sure you'll agree, If you forget what you've heard and just come and see! by Beverly of Loughborough Ladies WI We invite you to come to one of our meetings on the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm where you will be guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome. Our programme of events can be found on our website. Anne van Vliet 01342 833183 Ed. Love this!
Dementia 1st provide Day Care services for people with dementia at Lingfield & Dormansland Community Centre, every Monday 10am until 4pm. Please telephone 01883 818310 to book your free taster session! On the first Monday of the month join our singing group: 10:30 for refreshments, 11am - 12pm for singing (£5 per person, carer goes free). [email protected] www.dementiafirst.org.uk Follow us on Facebook & Twitter: @dementia1st Registered Charity No. 1172242 Registered Address: The Byre, Pendell Road, Bletchingley, Surrey RH1 4QH
We have had a creative month with our main October meeting learning how to make seasonal autumnal wreaths and fabric pumpkins. It was a packed meeting room where we were able to welcome two new members and a first-time visitor. The autumn-themed creations were spectacular and we look forward to spotting the wreaths around the village. Our next meeting in November will be our Annual Meeting. As well as voting in our new Committee, we will celebrate our year in photos and take a sneak-peak at our next year's meeting schedule. In addition to presenting our annual accounts, we will have a 'members vote' on our meeting shortlist, hear what has been happening in our vibrant subgroups, and if that isn't enough, we are looking forward to welcoming Kingscote Vineyard who will be facilitating a wine tasting session with a selection of their delicious wines. Our Sole Sisters Walking Group have enjoyed a local Saturday walk with their four-legged friends with a timely finish at Dormansland Baptist Church for a delicious brunch. Thank you to all the wonderful people at DBC for their hospitality and for hosting us again. Also, at the time of writing our intrepid walkers are planning a jaunt to the new Arcana cafe at Lingfield FC in support of a new local business! Our Theatre Group are planning a trip in November to see Lyonesse in the West End which is a dark new drama featuring Lily James and Kristen Scott-Thomas. We look forward to hearing all about it. Our Bravehearts Adventure Group are planning their next challenge likely to be an indoor climbing wall at a local club.
Fancy joining us? Our full meeting schedule and more information about our sub groups (which are exclusive and free to all members) are available on our website. The YWI Dormansland meets at the Parish Rooms, The Platt, Dormansland at 8pm - 9.45pm usually on the 2nd Tuesday of the month and we always welcome new members. If you are interested in becoming a member or would like to find out more, please contact me or Sue Alfrey, our membership co-ordinator at the email address below (please note new email address). If you have not been a member before your first meeting is free Liz Mouland, President on behalf of YWI Dormansland EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.ywidormansland.org.uk FOLLOW US ON Twitter, Instagram, Facebook @ywidormansland
13th November & 11th December
Safe, Secure & Affordable Dog Walking Field near Lingfield £8 per hour Our beautiful fields are ideal for dogs who like the freedom to run and enjoy sniffs and smells but maybe sometimes don’t want to go home or deal with others!
Every Tuesday Lingfield table Tennis Social Club Victoria Club, Lingfield. 7-6.30pm. Every Wednesday For secondary school age youngsters. Victoria Club, Lingfield. 4-6.30pm. Wednesday 1st Nov. 1.30-3pm Vintage Messy at the Lingfield & Dormansland Community Centre. Sunday 19th Nov. 10-11.15am Sunday Smilers. During the 10am service at St John's. Saturday 25th Nov. from 12.30pm A free, simple lunch is offered at St Bernard's church, Lingfield Wed. 15h November. 1.30-3pm Support group for parents/carers for those with epilepsy and/or learning difficulties. St Peter & St Paul's church, Lingfield. Saturday 18th November. 10am-1.30pm Repair Cafe Forest Row. At the Community Centre In Hartfield Road. breathing life back into broken items and gadgets Saturday 11th November. 10am-1.30pm Repair Cafe East Grinstead. At Glen Vue Community Hub In Station Road. breathing life back into broken items and gadgets More dates for your diaries & don't forgets! Friday 10th November. 7.00pm Lingfield Marathon Minibus fundraiser at the Victoria Club in Lingfield. Teams of 6 at cost of £30.
Thank you for all the contributions towards this edition. I had hoped to report on the East Grinstead Bonfire Society parade & display but haven’t heard back before my print deadline and I’m afraid the rugby semi won out and I didn’t go in person. It’s great to hear that our residents are starting to make use of the Lingfield marathon minibus shopping trips. Don’t be shy and get yourselves on board and make Christmas shopping trips easier! Also great that there will be a new defibriltor at The Plough to cover the north of the village. Many thanks to the parish council & Jo Sweeting. Annie Robinson [email protected] The views, opinions and updates published in this magazine are those of the contentauthors and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by theVillage Voice. We do our best to check facts wherever possible. From the Editor..... Passing love to everyone from Tina! I have just come back from a lovely few days in Aquitaine staying with David & Tina Marshall-Cottam who many will know Tina from St John’s and from there time on the Carnival Committee. Please Support The Village Voice If you are able and would like to support the cost of bringing this magazine to your door and ensuring we all stay connected, please scan this QR code to make a donation. Alternately, email the editor, or call St John's Treasurer, David for details of other ways to contribute, thanks. Copy date for the December/January edition is Friday 17th November. New United Benefice office opening times: (Office for St John’s & Lingfield parish church) Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday. 2:30pm-5:30pm 01342 832021 [email protected] .
Parish Room Bookings Police (Surrey) Probus Club Neighbourhood Watch/COMNET Dormansland Primary School www.dormansland.surrey.sch.uk Dormansland Parish Council Clerk www.dormansland.org.uk Dormansland Baby &Toddler Group Hearing Aid re-tubing,cleaning,batteries Horticultural Society Hospitals: East Surrey Crawley Caterham Dene Queen Victoria Lingfield & Dormansland Community Centre Lingfield Silver Band Lingfield Surgery Meals on Wheels MP for East Surrey Tina Boyce Geoff Ledden Anne van Vliet Dormansland Diamonds @dormansland diamonds 2020 Sara Watson & Sally Knight Claire Coutinho www.clairecoutinho.com ClaireThomas, Manager Julie Fuller Mrs Faye Davies and Mr Mark Cook Acting Head Teachers [email protected] Barry Byrne [email protected] Action Research, Dormansland Committee Badminton Club Baptist Church Tuesday Fellowship CARE in East Grinstead and Lingfield (transport to medical appointments is provided by volunteers for those without other means of transport - book between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm) Carnival Committee College of St Barnabas Cricket Club Crimestoppers Darby & Joan Club Dormans Evening WI 01342 833183 101 00134231642 07899075157 01342 836775 01737 768511 01293 600300 01883 837512 01342 414000 01342 833655 01342 832359 07395 323456 07710 917427 07432 140892 07846 523226 01342 529150 07787 045372 0800 555 111 01342 833471 01342 832038 01342 870260 01732 863950 01342 833893 01342 833400 01342 836327 07504 481289 0207 219 5972 Dormansland Village Activities and useful numbers Lisa Felton Clive Robinson Alison Hills Vicky Bown Mr and Mrs Galloway Philippa Hosegood [email protected] Chaplain www.st-barnabas.org.uk Chris Kinsville-Heyne Jean Whittaker Karil Greenhalgh www.dewi.chessch.co.uk 01342 832100 01342 833045 01342 410086 129 Station Road, Lingfield, RH7 6DZ 01342 832391
Messy Church Church Flowers Sewing Classes Parish Room Bookings Christian Aid Co-ordinator Urban Saints (Baptist Church) Advertising Manager 96 West St, Dormansland, RH7 6QT Printers: En-route Tennis Club Child Protection and Safety Officers Riding for the Disabled South-East Water Emergency Number (24/7) Little Chums Pre School & Forest School YWI Dormansland Churchwardens at St John’s Mr Ray Daines Gatewood,Blackberry Road, Felcourt, RH19 2GH Clive Cobby 15 Beacon Hill,Dormansland, Lingfield, RH7 6RQ Pim Ball Situation vacant. Please contact Nigel if you can help. John Wykes www.dormanslandtennisclub.co.uk Liz Mouland www.ywidormansland.org.uk [email protected] Julie Duggan www.littlechums.com Parish Treasurer & Envelope Scheme Recorder Deerpark, London Road, Felbridge, RH19 2RA Mrs Josien Yates Mrs Anne van Vliet Mrs Rosemary Williams Mrs Susan Calamassi Mrs Roz Daly [email protected] www.en-route.co.uk David Jackson [email protected] Cynthia Jones [email protected] Village Voice Editor Anne Robinson [email protected] 01342 894900 07732 711055 07798 823115 07929 878563 01342 832159 01342 833183 01342 834225 01342 833703 01342 832391 07801 741739 01342 833627 01342 870358 07963 434781 07849 308762 01342 314738 01342 859015 01342 870426 0333 000 0365 David Jessup [email protected] Tanzen Academy (Dance Lessons) [email protected] 07894 116254 Front cover photograph Liz Mouland