Free exhibition at the British Library
(with Ringmer interest)

The following is taken from the British Library website at http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/whatson/exhibitions/folio.html

The Folio Society Gallery

Bloomsbury below stairs - Grace Higgens at Charleston, 1920–1970

30 January 2008 – 20 April 2008

‘The Kitchen', Vanessa Bell, 1943. © The
Estate of Vanessa Bell courtesy of
Henrietta Garnett

This small exhibition draws on the recently acquired archive of Grace Higgens (1904-83), sometimes called `the angel of Charleston', who worked for over 50 years as a housemaid at Charleston Farmhouse, Sussex, a country haven for the Bloomsbury Group (particularly the artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant) and their circle of unconventional and talented friends. Intelligent and quick to learn, Grace had an engaging sense of humour; her letters and diaries paint an intimate and sometimes surprising picture of `below stairs' life at that place and time. The archive also includes photograph albums, film footage, scrapbooks and recipe books.

After Vanessa Bell's death in 1961, Grace remained at Charleston as housekeeper, gardening, cleaning and cooking for Duncan Grant until 1971, when she retired to a cottage in Ringmer.

Entrance free

March 2008

Did you know C.E. Tisdall?

I am a historian and I am writing a book about medical staff working in the First World War.  One of my subjects retired to Ringmer in what I assume must have been the late 1950s or early 1960s and I would like to trace anyone who may have known her.  Her name was C.E. Tisdall and that, I am afraid, is all I know about her, except that she deposited 
a very good memoir of her work in the war in the archives of the Imperial War Museum.

If you have any information, please contact me either via email ermayhew@onweb.co.uk or at Imperial College where I work (Dept of Humanities, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ). It would be a great help as I would like to know what happened to Miss Tisdall and be able to include the end of her story in the book.

Emily Mayhew

March 2008

Ringmer Dramatic Society

Your Village Hall Needs You!

(In aid of the Village Hall Extension Appeal)

1940's Big Band Dance

featuring

The Les Paul Big Band

(16 musicians plus vocalist)

Saturday 26th April

Ringmer Village Hall

7.30pm – 12midnight

£12 a ticket

(To include a light 1940's style snack).

Contact Ruth Whitlock on 01273 812060 or e-mail whitpost@btinternet.com

for tickets.

We can only accommodate 100 people so tickets will be sold on a first come basis, also available to anyone interested outside the Society.

Licenced Bar /Raffle/1940's costume optional

The private funeral service for John Dibley, who died on 20th December 2007, was held this morning, 7th January. This afternoon there was a Service of Thanksgiving, in the parish church, to commemorate his life.

The church was packed with around 500 relations, friends, police colleagues and neighbours. John's life had touched so many people and many of them came to support Jean and their family and to recognise the benefits gained from knowing him. The altar and frontal was covered with a blue Sussex Police cloth and John's Assistant Chief Constable's hat rested upon it.

Rev. Will Pratt opened the service with his own tribute and another on behalf of the church, of which John had been a very active member. There then followed a prayer and the hymn Thine be the glory.

Next John's grandchildren, Georgia and Maxim, came forward and Georgia read a very moving poem about their feelings for their grandfather. There was then a reading from the first letter of St. Peter and the hymn O love that will not let me go.

Ian Eady spoke extremely well of both John's life in the Sussex Police Force and of his personal memories of him. Following the hymn Be still, my soul: Gordon Fowlie read the poem All is well by Canon Henry Scott Holland of St. Paul's Cathedral. This poem had been chosen by John several years previously. He had left few thoughts for his funeral but his wishes had been followed throughout the service, wherever appropriate.

The Clare Benediction by John Rutter was most gracefully sung by the Sussex Police Choir. This was followed by more prayers. The service ended with the congregation singing John's favourite song, Sussex by the sea, with much enthusiasm.

Many of the congregation accepted the invitation from John's family meet in the village hall after the service. Both halls were filled with people sharing their own personal memories of how John had come into their lives, and how much better they were to have known him.

7th January 2008

ADULT EDUCATION AT RINGMER COLLEGE

Owing to the building of the new 6th Form facility at Ringmer Community College, the only courses to be run this year will be Aerobics (which is already full) and Circuit Training. For information on courses to be run next year, please phone the College (812220) nearer the time.

August 2007

UNIT, OUTHOUSE or GARAGE WANTED TO RENT

I am looking for a small unit, shed, workshop, outhouse, garage, etc to hire in the Ringmer area for the purpose of recording music.  I will apply the necessary temporary soundproofing where required. It would be ideal if the unit was detached.  The unit would be used primarily in the evenings. If anyone has a garage or farm building that they are not using please give me a call.  I am willing to pay a reasonable rent for the right unit.
PLEASE CONTACT STUART on 07914 311470

March 2007

THE BOOK GROUP

Seven of us meet on Wednesday evenings about every six weeks in Ringmer and Lewes. We have recently read Alan Bennett's "Untold Stories" and Andrea Levy's "Small Island". Our current book is Victoria Hislop's "The Island". We started as a women's group but now we have one male member! We tend to read fiction, and take it in turns to recommend a book and to host the evening, although the latter would be optional of course. A few more members would be welcome. Please contact Jane Evans Tel: 01273 813672

March 2007

Are you aged between 17½ and 32?
Are you doing anything exciting this weekend?
We Are! B (Royal Sussex) Company
3rd Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment

We are the Local Territorial Army Infantry Unit for Sussex (Based in Brighton). As a member of the TA, you will be a paid part time soldier in the British Army, will travel abroad, learn new skills, make new friends, do exciting and interesting things and serve your country. The TA is currently being used in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosovo. However, most people in these operational theatres have volunteered to serve there. You could too, or just elect to train in the UK. (Compulsory call ups are a possibility.) It's a real part time job - 1 evening a week, 6 weekends a year (or more if you like) You are paid for every hour you work, plus you can qualify for an annual bounty of up to £1400. We currently need: Riflemen, Machine Gunners, Medics, Drivers, Mechanics, Signallers, Chefs and Clerks. You will be trained by us; all we need is you and your enthusiasm If you are interested or have questions, email Mick Gates sussextiger@hotmail.com or phone 01273 545661 on any Wednesday Evening and ask for Corporal Gates So - next Saturday night will you be wasting your money on beer or will you be earning money and earning respect?

T.A Be The Best!
Visit the websites: www.123pwrr.co.uk
www.ta.mod.uk

Notice placed by Mick Gates of Springett Ave
February 2007

RINGMER FORUM

Ringmer has now a new online Forum/Message Bd, it can be used for discussion/debates on local topics, getting local information, asking questions, leaving messages or advertising local events. Visitors may read the various postings but a simple registration is needed to enable one to post a reply or post a new topic, this is purely for security purposes. All you will need is a username and a working e-mail (only your username is shown to the public) This Forum is fully monitored and is totally free to use. You will find the Ringmer Forum @  www.ringmervoxbox.co.uk

January 2007

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE SUSSEX DOWNS SOCIETY
GLYNDEBOURNE OPERA HOUSE THREATENS THE BEAUTY OF THE SOUTH DOWNS

The South Downs Society today called on Glyndebourne Opera House to scrap plans to build a massive wind turbine on its estate on the South Downs. The proposed turbine at 70m in height will be as high as a 24-storey building. Jacquetta Fewster, the newly-appointed Director of the South Downs Society, said: “Climate change is a serious problem, but erecting industrial-scale turbines in beautiful countryside is not the way to tackle it. Instead, other renewable-energy technologies should be developed which are not damaging to the landscape, all new housing developments should have renewable energy and energy-conservation systems built in, and public transport should be improved.” The Glyndebourne Estate, which boasts that its “grounds are encircled by gracious hills and in whichever direction one looks the eye is met by views of unspoilt natural loveliness,” wants to build the turbine at Mill Plain, in the beautiful countryside between Glyndebourne and Ringmer in East Sussex. Jon Martin, the Chairman of the South Downs Society, continued: “If this giant turbine is built, it will blight the iconic South Downs landscape for miles around. The door will be opened to tens of other similar turbines and all the associated new roads that would come with them. At 70m, the turbine would be taller than the 22-storey Chartwell Court skyscraper in Brighton. We call on Glyndebourne to scrap their proposal now.”

November 2006

LOOKING FOR A COTTAGE WITH GARDEN AND GARAGE OR OUTHOUSE IN RINGMER.

Single female with two daughters 8 & 14 who both play polo locally. Rural location no problem. Low rent in return for upkeep of property.
Fabulous references from Lewes and Burgess Hill, also rented in Plumpton for many years. Due to recent illness want entire change. Non smoker. No pets - just two beautifully turned out girls ....
01273 842988  07730885405  day/eve thank you angela.

November 2006

Service of Thanksgiving for the lives and work of
the Right Honourable the Lord Callaghan of Cardiff KG
and the Lady Callaghan
	Westminster Abbey 28 July 2005

On a humid Thursday morning, with heavy thundery showers forecast and the news reporting high security on the capital's transport system, my husband, Geoff, and I set off to London by train. As we walked from Victoria to the Abbey it rained lightly on us, to quicken our steps. There was a strong police presence everywhere with many officers openly armed. We later learnt that there were more officers on duty in London that day than ever before. Flags were flying at half mast, notably on Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster. Police had erected barriers in a wide circle around the Abbey. Our tickets were checked a couple of times even before we reached the security scanning of bags and bodies. The extra security on the day proved to be an advantage. Our tickets instructed us to enter by the North Door – we were to be kept away from the Great and the Good who would be entering via the Great West Door. Unfortunately for the Great and the Good, there only being one scanning machine, everyone entered the Abbey by going up the steps and through the magnificent Great West Door. We found our seats in the North transept. They were most appropriate to the occasion as we were surrounded by memorials to Gladstone, Asquith and Disraeli. Just before the service was due to begin, the sun came out and briefly brightened the interior of the Abbey. It continued to do this from time to time throughout the service, seeming to alternate with the sirens which occasionally impinged on one's consciousness. In addition to those who had major parts to play and are mentioned later in this report, some of those present were Prince Charles, Baroness Boothroyd, Baroness Thatcher, Sir John Major, Michael Howard, Charles Kennedy, Gordon Brown and Jack Straw. I think there were about 2,000 people present. The service began with the hymn Love divine, all loves excelling and the Bidding, which outlined briefly the lives of Lord and Lady Callaghan and told us that the day of the Thanksgiving Service would have been the Callaghan's 67th wedding anniversary. The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, then read Let us now sing the praises of famous men from Ecclesiasticus, after which the choir sang 23rd psalm The Lord is my shepherd. Next the Callaghan's son, Michael, told us how when his father wanted something done, he would issue orders, usually by writing notes. These invariably ended 'Sorry to give you another job. Love, Daddy'. Michael's following reading, Let love be without dissimulation, was as a result of one of these ‘orders'. We then sang He who would valiant be, after which there was an address by Lord Healey. Dennis Healey appeared to be very sprightly, although he did walk with the aid of a stick. In his address Lord Healey concentrated on the friendship he and his wife shared with the Callaghans. It was a very personal remembrance. Lady Callaghan's niece, who is Principal Harpist with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, then played David of the White Rock beautifully. The next address was by Baroness Williams. Although again a personal remembrance, Shirley Williams dwelt on Jim Callaghan's political life. She told us that once when he was asked if he was Old Labour or New Labour, he had replied ‘Original Labour'. Before the next address the congregation sang the hymn Hills of the North, rejoice. The last address was given by Professor Sir Cyril Chantler of Great Ormond Street Hospital. He spoke of Audrey Callaghan's great work for the hospital and for children in general. He also reminded us that Jim Callaghan was instrumental in changing copyright law so that the royalties from Peter Pan would go to Great Ormond Street hospital in perpetuity. There then followed an anthem by the choir and prayers. Three members of the family then paid their tributes – The Right Honourable the Baroness Jay, daughter, Joanna Hubbard, granddaughter and Professor Michael Adler, son-in-law. They all spoke well of memories, letters and experiences they had shared with the Callaghans. They finished by listing ways in which members of the family are continuing to work on projects and committees which were originated by Jim Callaghan. The final hymn was chosen by Jim Callaghan. In 2004 he had written: ‘I would like any Memorial Service for me to be cheerful and joyful. The last hymn could be that splendid American one: “Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory Of The Coming Of The Lord. Hallelujah!” The congregation all singing. The great organ chords crashing out. The Marines on trumpets. That would be a splendid finish!' And indeed it was! Glory, Glory, Hallelujah ringing around the great Abbey! After the Blessing and Pomp and Circumstance March No 4 the congregation left and the bells of the Abbey Church rang. We didn't see many Ringmer residents in the congregation. In our section we spotted Dr. and Mrs. Michael Rice, Dr. and Mrs. Laith Butti and Mr. and Mrs. Bob Peters. If anyone else was hob-nobbing with the big-wigs in the nave or elsewhere, please let me know. For someone who held such high office it was a very personal service of thanksgiving in a marvellous setting. I feel very privileged to have been invited to attend.

Anna-May Bridger
28 July 2005

Callaghan, from village stalwart to No 10
By David Sapsted
Reproduced with permission of The Telegraph The village that Lord Callaghan called home for the last 37 years of his life mourned yesterday the 'lovely chap' who farmed cattle, sheep and pigs and who, along the line, became prime minister. Almost a decade before taking up residence in Downing Street, the Callaghans bought a farmhouse as their home on the outskirts of the village of Ringmer, East Sussex, along with 138 acres of land. Until the years caught up with the couple, Audrey Callaghan kept pigs and cultivated a kitchen garden while her husband raised dairy cattle and sheep and grew barley. "They were super people," recalled a villager yesterday. "We didn't see much of them in recent years but, before that, they were always ready to help local causes, especially if they involved children." Lord Callaghan, who died at the weekend aged 92, loved to host family gatherings at the farmhouse, although the contentment was diminished when his wife, suffering from a form of dementia, was admitted to a nursing home three years ago. Until a few weeks ago, he would be driven daily from the farmhouse to the home in nearby Ditchling, where his wife died earlier this month, her husband at her bedside. Canon William Pratt, vicar of the parish church, said: "Both Lord and Lady Callaghan were very much appreciated for the support they gave to village activities. "Lord Callaghan had been looking after his wife for some time and so we didn't see as much of him recently but his loss will be felt by everybody in the village. They were just very supportive of everything that went on in the village. They would always help when the church was raising money and show up at local events." John Garnsey, landlord of the Cock Inn, a five-minute walk from the farmhouse, added: "Lord Callaghan used to come in here every now and again for Sunday lunch but we haven't seen him since his legs got bad and he had trouble walking. "I always remember when he became Prime Minister - the police and security services descended on the village. "We didn't see so much of him in those days but he was around more after he left Parliament. When you saw him, he was friendly and approachable. ''He was a lovely chap, a real character. I don't think he lost his working class roots because he never seemed to think he was above anyone else." In the pub yesterday, locals affectionately recalled when, as prime minister, his presence provided the village with an endless source of bar-room gossip. There was the occasion, for instance, when electronic alarms surrounding the farm were triggered, prompting a full-scale response by heavily-armed police. Two poachers, with a haul of trout from a nearby reservoir, were more than surprised to find themselves surrounded by a posse of police wielding- sub-machineguns.

"The pair were arrested and the fish seized as evidence. They froze them at Lewes police station and, when the case was done, the trout were then presented to the Callaghans."

Have you seen a hornet wasp ...

This January, a hornet was been found overwintering in a compost heap in Shepherds Way. The first recorded hornet resident in Ringmer was in 2004, so this was quite an unusual sighting.

... or a stag beetle?

If you see either of these relatively rare insects, please e-mail details to the Ringmer website at admin@ringmer.info so that the information can be passed on.