New Weald shop opens after a blessing and villagers band together for Christian Aid week
compiled by Sue Gidman
SAFARI SUPPER: Sixty-two people took part in Weald’s annual Safari Supper this year. A number of villagers hosted the first course after which everyone moved around to go to another person’s house for the main course and yet another selection of venues for pudding before all meeting up for coffee, cheese and biscuits.
INDIAN BUFFET LUNCH: Guests were greeted at the door of the Memorial Hall on Sunday (5 May) with a traditional Indian greeting, the Namaste, from Jay and Neel Harindranath. Translated the greeting means, ‘The light in me sees the light in you’.
As it was a community event, the organisers and cooks kindly donated the money they would have claimed in expenses to the fundraising effort for the Community Shop. The £770 will go towards putting turf on the area outside the new shop and other items.
Guests were treated to a Sitar performnace by Dr Shantanu Sharma who played traditional English music as well as Indian classical pieces. This was followed by an Indian buffet lunch.
THE ROGATION WALK: Rogation Sunday is held on the Sunday before Ascension Day. The first Rogation Day services are believed to have arrived in the British Isles in the 7th Century AD. The word, ‘rogation’ comes from the Latin word, ‘rogare’, meaning ‘to ask.’ Historically, it was a day of prayer, processions and fasting. Weald villagers gathered on the Village Green for the St George’s Rogation Walk last Sunday. There was an introductory prayer before the group set off on a route that included plenty of local history and places. At the end there was a very welcome cup of tea and some delicious cakes.
CHRISTIAN AID: Friday evening , 11 May, saw the first activity in a of a week of activities organised to raise funds for Christian Aid’s campaign to construct shelters in Haiti that will withstand the next hurricane season. The charity has launched this year’s fundraiser under the # Stand Together
Last year Weald raised £7,600 and hopes to do as well, if not better, this year. This year the Community Cafe will be serving tea and coffee in the morning (8am – noon) and donating the money raised to Christian Aid; various local organisations will be providing the refreshments in the afternoon (2.30pm -5pm).
The Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Concert Band will be performing in the village church on Thursday 17 May for an hour starting at 7.30pm. There is no set charge but donations are invited.
OPEN GARDENS: Look out for the ‘Open Gardens’ event. There a six gardens both small and large taking part and signs will be put up outside the house informing you if they are open. If you would like a copy of the route they are available from the Weald Community Shop in the mornings or the Caravan on the Green in the afternoon.
INTER-SCHOOLS BRIDGE: Weald Primary School will be hosting the Kent Interschool’s Bridge Tournament for the second year running on 18 May from 12.30pm to 6pm. It is run in two divisions – Minibridge (also described as ‘gentle bridge’) will take part in the Memorial Hall and a Main ‘bidding’ Section in the School Hall. Helen Erichsen, a top bridge player in Kent, will be handing out trophies and medals at the end of the day. The organisers are expecting representation from at least 10 schools and targeting 100 children. There will be plenty of experienced adult bridge players on hand to assist through the event.
CIRRUS STRING QUINTET: Advanced date for your diary. The Cirrus String Quintet will be playing at Weald Memorial Hall on Sunday 3 June at 6.30pm. They will be performing compositions by Mozart and Janacek and a light supper will be served during the interval . The event will be raising funds for work on the Memorial Hall and tickets are £20 (pre-booking required). For information contact Sue or Richard Gidman on 01732 454222, email wealdnews@hotmail.com
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A BLESSING FOR WEALD’S NEW SHOP: On a beautifully clear morning on Tuesday (8 May), a group of approximately 40 villagers met at 8am outside the village Community Shop, newly installed in the old Wesleyan Chapel, to celebrate its official opening. The team had worked hard over the Bank Holiday Weekend to make all ready for the big day. The Rev Mandy Carr was asked to give a blessing.
