Looking at the Community and News
The fabulous Forestside and Stansted Social Club Newsletter is available to download here.
Annual Forestside Race Night
Despite the cold weather, the hardy punters of Forestside made the evening a roaring success. As they arrived the bookie gave them a handful of Forestside Pounds to bet with. After much studying of form, bets were laid and the first race took place to much verbal encouragement from the ‘crowd’. Following this race a selection of delicious soups was served.
Again the form was studied for the next race which followed with the noisy accompaniment from the crowd. Puddings were then served before the third race took place. Most lost all; but some made a handsome profit. Many thanks to all who helped with providing soup and puds, who helped wash up and especially to Honest Roy Fulker for organising such an enjoyable evening.
Happy Birthday!
The Village Shop & Tea Room is two years old on April 3rd and to help us celebrate, just bring in your copy of this edition of The Octagon for a free cup of tea. Cheers!
Now we are two years old I feel that the shop is a toddler finding its feet and growing in confidence. We have learnt a lot but there is still plenty more to find out!
The tea room continues to flourish and we are delighted by the number of local people who use it in addition to walking and cycling groups, passing trade and tourists. We are always pleased to host the Octagon Lunch, book club coffee mornings, informal tennis meetings, birthday teas, impromptu get-togethers and, most recently, Consie Dunn’s World Book Day Giveaway.
We are constantly reviewing what we sell in the shop. As well as convenience goods we stock some specialist items and, of course, local products. We also like to accommodate specific requests if we possibly can.
We know we can’t always match the ‘big boys’ on price because we can’t buy in bulk and, anyway, we believe that everyone in the supply chain should be entitled to fair play.
We remain committed to providing a warm welcome and good service to our local community as well as actively supporting local events and initiatives – things that are important to YOU.
Rob and I would like to thank our many valued local customers for their continued support. We would also like to thank our amazing, cheerful and hard-working team: our multi-talented manager Elaine, Janette, Netty, Imogen and Hatty.
Jane Rebeiro
Octagon Gala
“Do you want to go to the Octagon Gala next month, we should support it and it could be fun?” “Yes dear”. Some time later. “You remember we are going out to-night don’t you?” “Yes dear, what time?” “I told you yesterday don’t you remember”? “Oh! yes dear”.
We were asked to sit in the north transept, the church at
John takes centre stage. It’s almost quiet. He thanks us all for coming, and the evening of events is under way.
Firstly Anna and Margaret play a poem about when they get old and wear purple and the fun they will have. Anna often wears purple, and there is a lady in
This was followed by the Octagon Junior Choir, who gave us a heartening rendition of “Gospel Train” and a delightful presentation of “Panis Angelicus”.
Oscar Pemberton then took the stage and played ‘Concertino de Concours’ by Rene Louthe, on his trumpet. This was a challenging piece and was very well executed. This young man has a lot of talent and will continue to give pleasure to many in the future.
Next, was the Mills family, Father Warwick and daughters Sophie and Charlotte on piano, cello, and violin. They played ‘Valse Russe & Hornpipe’ by
Compton and UpMarden CE School, our Octagon school, were billed to give us some songs and music from ‘The Lion King’. I now understand the reason for the dressing up as animals! A cascade of joyous sound filled the building. It was great to see so many young people playing so many diverse instruments, some almost as large as their owners. Their enthusiasm was heartening. What talent we have in these valleys.
John then introduced himself. De-cassocked himself, and revealed a full GI uniform, and placing a black toupée upon his head became Elvis Presley. He sang ‘My Heart is not made of Wood’ to a cute fraulein (Margaret) who embraced his charms!
Once seen never to be forgotten (the bad news), and perhaps never to be repeated (the good news). So much for me resting my eyes, they were running from laughter.
The evening ended with a communal hymn, followed by soup, a delicious cake, and a glass of wine was thrust into my hand. All of this amongst good friends.
One of John’s bonding sessions I believe. Can we have another sometime?
Barry King-Smith
WHERE’S THE RAT?
Ian had already been heard by all who listened to Desert Island Discs that very morning. These two, very funny performers reflected on our local stories. The audience put them right occasionally, helped write the song and guided the cartoon of the community. Then the audience sang the song with actions. Those unlucky enough not to get into the hall joined in through the windows, while the young people acted the story along with Ian. Tony had already swiftly illustrated the story in brilliant cartoons which he displayed during the song. Even the Vicar was not spared in his cartoons or Ian’s comments. It was a hilarious evening enjoyed by all ages from 7 to over 70. The walls shook with our continuous laughter and we emerged with smiles on our faces, still chuckling.
A big ‘thank you’ to Jane Buckler who organised the evening for us. Tony Husband
THE COMPTON RAT
Ian McMillan
Midnight in the Compton Parish Rooms (x3)
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
The dirty, devlish Compton rat
Carrying his trident.
Well just fancy that,
He is flipping strident.
He drags behind his Compton back
A special Compton mouse trap.
He’s got it in his Compton sack,
But it won’t go through the Compton flap.
Oh the sacred brush of Compton.
The handle is made of gold,
The bristles are getting old.
The people are very bold
In Compton.
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We have just returned from the Holy Hallowe’en party held at the Forestside Village Hall....and it was a HUUUUGE success. Chrissy Bacon did a tremendous job! There were brilliant games, great food and wonderful decorations. Our children had so much fun they were asleep the minute their heads hit the pillow and it was lovley to watch them all laughing and enjoying themselves. The bar has been raised!!
A Fabulous Pumpkin Piñata
Just having fun!
The Martell Family
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(The man with wings) Dr Strain, (the very fit) Peter Hughes and (the not so fit) Jonathan and Samantha Martell about to embark on the Ocagon8cycle ride to raise money for the Sussex Historic Churches Trust on Friday October 15th 2010.
We left the Vicarage at 10.15 and returned triumphant at 13.45. We stopped for prayers at each Church, and even found rambling parishoners to talk to. The weather held steadily cool and dry, and we have Edward Mynors to thank for keeping the road ahead clear for us around some of the dangerous bends and narrow roads. The JustGiving website is steadily increasing thanks to your generous donations, but if you haven't had the chance yet please go to www.justgiving.com/octagon8cycle
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