News

Mother Nature continues to spring surprises as 2011 draws to a close. The continuing contrariness
in the weather has produced the most magnificent autumn leaf display that I have personally ever
seen - even compared to New England in the Fall - with leafy multi-coloured carpets of leaves
glowing beneath trees ablaze with every shade from palest gold to deepest crimson-brown. I just
heard on the radio that during the next few months parts of the UK may be having a winter
hosepipe ban due to lack of rainfall - and so the vagaries of our climate continue!

Members of the Gardening Club have been busy around the village, planting bulbs and troughs so
we will have colour to welcome the Spring. The next meeting is on Monday 9th January -
information from Pat Dain (899 590).

Fyfield Bridge Club held it's Annual Dinner and Awards evening on 5th November and it was a big
success thanks to the hard work of Cheryl and Ian Hadley who run the Club. The Fyfield Cricket
Club also held a very enjoyable Dinner and Awards Evening for members and friends. For
information about Bridge or Cricket, see www.fyfieldvillagehall.org.uk and click the Clubs link.

As I write, we are looking forward to a musical treat at St Nicholas' Church on the 19th November,
raising funds towards the recent thefts of lead from the Church roof, so we are hoping for a good
audience. The next regular Coffee Morning takes place on 6th December - delicious cakes, nice
coffee or tea, and a friendly welcome - all for just £1.50.

Sales of our Christmas Quiz have started - it's all about drinks, so it topical for the festive season,
and is open to anyone for a fee of £1.00 per entry. There will be three cash prizes, representing 25%
of the total entry money. The Quiz will be on sale at all Fyfield Clubs and events, or if you love
quizzes and want to have a go, get in touch with me to buy copies (899504). The closing date for
return of completed entries is 6th January, so it's a nice little brain-teaser to enclose with Christmas
cards to friends and relations - something to ponder over whilst digesting the turkey left-overs or
the odd mince pie!

Members of the WD50+ Club enjoyed a terrific visit to Mayfield Artisan Bakery recently, and left
the Bakery bearing fragrant and very appetising loaves! Nick, the Baker, was so interesting and his
enthusiasm for Real Bread made without the additives used by commercial big bakers was infectious
- so I am having a go myself …. watch this space! Two more new members have joined us recently
and we are looking forward to the WD50+ Club Christmas Party on 16 December - nice food and
drink and silly things to do!

Looking back on late October events, the children's Halloween Party held in the Village Hall was a
huge success and is set to become a regular event. Over 80 little devils, cats, witches and wizards
plus a very lively pumpkin had a whale of a time - so thanks to all the Mums, Dads and helpers who
worked hard to make the party go with such a swing.
The Cornish Ale Festival had to contend with the Highways Department deciding to resurface the
road leading to the Village Hall that same weekend (with only 36 hours notice), so not as much ale
was quaffed or Cornish Pasties eaten as we had hoped but those who came enjoyed the ales and the
pasties were wonderful.

Looking ahead to 2012, our first event is `Burns' Night' on January 28th - well established in the
Fyfield calendar now and always popular, so do contact Martin Baxter on 899342 if you want to
come along, make up a table, reserve tickets, etc. For a three course meal and tot of whisky, ticket
price of £13.50 is a bargain! Don't delay - give Martin a ring on 899342.

On March 10th, Maestro Quiz Master John Jewiss will be presiding over another of his fantastic
Quiz Nights - always great fun and you don't have to be a brain-box as some of the rounds are based
on observation. Ticket price will be announced in next issue - but do make a date in your diary now
and come along. Teams of 8 welcomed.

On 28th April we hope to welcome The Thistles Company to perform an Old Time Music Hall - a
great opportunity to let your hair down (or take your wig off!) and enjoy a fabulous evening. More
information in the January issue of Ongar News.

In June a `Picnic in the Park' and a Jubilee Dinner is planned to celebrate the Queen's Diamond
Jubilee - more information soon.

Details about Fyfield Village Hall and the programme of activities are on the website, along with
information about Clubs and classes. The hall is also available for hire for private functions and is
excellent value for money. To view or for information on booking, contact Nancy or Colin Bridge on
01277 899503, or visit the website where a booking form can be downloaded.

I wish all readers of Ongar News a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I would like to
thank all those involved in the production of this informative newsletter for their hard work and
enterprise throughout the year. Long may you continue!

Patti Nicholson