This year I have been given access to the minutes from when the village centre in Beckley was rebuilt in its present location in 1960 so there maybe some familiar names!
09.01.1961- Minutes of the management meeting held at 8.15pm. Present . Dr. S.F.Mitchell (Chairman) Mrs. Downton; Mrs. Edwards; Mrs. Brown; Mrs Bull; Miss Masters; Mrs. Mitchell & Mrs Patton. Messrs Catt, Duffus; Major De Pree; Edwards; Patton; Redley; Rees; Russell ;Skinner . Col. Campbell (Treasurer) and Mr. Neave (Secretary). 1. The minutes of the meeting held on 10th Oct 1960 were read and confirmed. Signed by the chairman.2. Apologies for absence were received from Mrs Fotheringham-Parker, Mr Larkin and Mr Smith. 3. Constitution of the committee (a) Interpretation by Minister of Education of Clause 4 of the Trust Deed. It was reported that , on the application of the chairman , the minister of education (as authorised by clause 23 of the trust deed) had determined by letter dated 24th Nov 1960, that clause 4, which deals with applications for representation on the committee by Beckley organisations required that a resolution granting such an application required to be supported by two-thirds of the total membership of the committee. (b) Appointment of Representatives by the Beckley Conservative Association and the Beckley British Legion (men’s section). The secretary reported that these two groups had applied to be added to the list of organisations entitled to appoint a representative member of the committee. It was resolved (16 members for, 0 against out of a total membership of 23) that the two groups be each allowed to appoint a representative member of this committee. (To be effective this resolution requires to be approved by the Minister of Education. (c) Resignation of Mr R Comport. The secretary submitted a letter dated the 30th of November 1960 from Mr R Comport resigning from the committee owing to his having left the district. The committee noted that a casual vacancy had arisen in the representation of the young farmers club. 4. Dances and whist drives promoted by the committee. The secretary reported that no dances had been held for a combination of reasons but that there has been three whist drives which had contributed approximately £5 to the committees funds. Resolved to defer for three months or less the question of the promotion of dances t see whether any proposals are submitted by those interested. 5. Premium bond lotteries. The chairman drew the winning ticket in the first premium bond lottery, the winner being Mr EA Crouch, 335 St Leonards Rd , St Leonards. It was decided to publicise the winner of the lotteries in Fixtures: to vary each month the method of distributing the books of tickets for sale; and not to increase the number of prizes.
The church is in need of a couple of church wardens. If you think you can help please contact Sister Liz on 07922012703 or lizpssb@gmail.com
Sunday 27th April for our next amazing Farmers & Craft Market is on at the village. Stock up on all your Bread, Cheese & Local Produce, as well as crafts for your and gifts. WI serving refreshments of amazing bacon rolls & cakes. All proceeds help maintain our village hall. Free entry. 10-12.30pm Exciting news the village hall, which is at the heart of our community, now has solar panels installed so hopefully this will help with our running costs.
Keep a look out for the next event!!!! Every event the Diamond Divas put on is to raise money for Beckley Village Hall. Beckley Village Hall has long been the heart of our community—a space where friends gather, families celebrate, and local groups come together. From fitness classes and children’s activities to social clubs and special events, the hall is a vital hub for our village. But right now, it faces a serious challenge. Rising energy costs, increasing insurance fees, and a decline in bookings are putting its future at risk. Without support, we could struggle to keep the doors open and the lights on. This hall belongs to all of us, and we need your help to ensure it remains a thriving part of Beckley. Whether through donations, fundraising efforts, or simply spreading the word, every little bit makes a difference. If you’ve ever attended an event, used the hall’s facilities, or simply appreciated having this space available, now is the time to step forward. Let’s work together to keep Beckley Village Hall running—not just for today, but for generations to come.
For anyone struggling with the cost of food there is a community supermarket at The Hub on Rye hill will be back May 2nd and then every first Friday of the month between 10.30-11.30 where you can get £20 worth of food for just £6 (cash only). There is also the Rye food bank who offer more than just help with food. They have a direct link to Rother which locals can use to find out about services etc (in fact anything like the terminals in the library used to offer). They have a link to benefit support and debt counselling and they have someone who can give heating advice as well as a Family Support Worker – Gill (you do not need to be referred to seek Gills help. The Food Bank is open every Wednesday between 12-3pm in the Baptist Church in Cinque Ports Street Rye or can be contacted 07526 349847. You can also email them at ryefoodbank@gmail.com.
Coffee morning@Beckley Village Hall on May 6th @ 10.30am run by FOBC. There will be a charity stall, books and bric-a brac as always.
The Beckley Lunch is held on the second Thursday of the month. Cost £10 for a 2-course meal. The next one is May 8th. We are a friendly group and everyone is welcome to enjoy the meal and chat. To book your place phone Keith Hedley on 01797 260720 or email kbhedley@btinternet.com no later than the Monday before the Lunch.
TGN Shed open morning…May 11th .behind the village hall, come and share excess seeds,plants, food , tools etc. 1030-12.30.
BHS-Their next event organised by the horticultural society will be their SPRING SHOW on Saturday 17th May entries from 10am but show starts @ 2pm.
Big Cream Tea event- hosted by little Gate Farm on Sunday May 18th. Its £15pp and includes unlimited tea! Tickets must be booked in advance www.littlegate.org.uk . They are also hosting a charity Ball in Battle on Fri May 23rd. For more information please see the website. On the 7th June 11-5pm it’s the annual Summer Saturday event. £2 per adult, children free, Music, food, Entertainment, crafts, raffle refreshments etc. Open to everyone @ Horseshoe Lane site.
Trefoil meet on Monday 19th May @ Beckley village hall 2pm . New members welcome. 01797 260537 or jane260537@gmail.com
May 19th Open mic night at the Rose & Crown is every 3rd Monday of the month. Everyone welcome.
Beckley History Society News. Subscriptions were due on 1st April (£5). Our Treasurer will be happy to receive these at any meeting you are attending. Future speakers are on 30th May when David Dennis will talk about Old Winchelsea. He will look at the changes in coastline over the centuries. On November 21 (please note this is 3rd Friday of the month) a talk about The Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Calling all groups! Beckley Annual Parish Meeting is to be held on Thursday 29th May @ 6.30pm for 7pm in the village hall. Local groups and organisations are invited to attend and perhaps say a few words about what they do and how residents can be a part of their community. If your group would like to take up this opportunity to talk to the residents please contact Clerk@beckleyparishcouncil.org.uk. All residents are invited and refreshments will be available.
The TGN has suspended its plastic plant pot recycling scheme so please do not leave any pots behind the village hall for the time being. Thank you.
Organist. Can you play the organ? Beckley and Peasmarsh churches are looking for someone to play at their 10am services. If you can help out occasionally please contact Sister Liz on 07922012703 or lizpssb@gmail.com
Two of the Explorers from 1st Rye Scout Group have been selected to represent Great Britain in Poland at the end of April. Harvey and Ollie will compete in the European Sprint Duathlon. They will be taking on an incredible challenge: a 5k run, 20km bike ride, and a 2.5km run. This is an amazing achievement, and 1st Rye couldn’t be prouder of them both. You can help support 1st Rye scouts (where many of Beckley youngsters attend) through the Co-op. Do you have a co-op membership card? If you do please consider nominating 1st Rye Scouts as your chosen charity. If you do the group will be granted some money towards their summer camp 2026! This is a yearlong promotion so please tell your friends and get them to nominate 1st Rye too….they don’t even have to live in the area!
Church services this month are on Sun 27th @ 8am NB it may be necessary to move some services to Peasmarsh due to the roof works. For Baptisms, Weddings, funerals, Home Communion, funerals etc. please contact Sister Liz 07922012703 or lizpssb@gmail.com
Open Day- Beckley preschool are holding an open day on Tue 10th June between 1.45pm and 2.45pm. Parents and their children are welcome to come along and meet our amazing staff. For further information email info@beckleypreschool.co.uk Beckley Preschool accept the 30 hour voucher. If you are looking for a space for your young child for sept please contact them email info@beckleypreschool.co.uk They are term time only and open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9am - 3pm.
Beckley Parish Council has vacancies. If you would like to help make and keep Beckley a lovely place to live. Come join the council. Speak to the Chair Natasha (email natasha@ beckleyparishcouncil.org.uk) about what is entailed or the parish clerk Mary (email clerk@beckleyparishcouncil.org.uk or 01797 270 790). Also if you have any contributions for the quarterly magazine again contact the clerk. Parish Council Meetings are at the village hall and are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm. Minutes, Agendas etc are available to view on the PC website or the two noticeboards- one at Four oaks end of the village and one opp Rose & Crown pub.
Yoga – did you know we have two yoga teachers at the village hall? Lolly runs a gentle yoga on a weds eve 7-8 on a drop in basis @ £7 per class and Andy runs Hath yoga on a Friday morning from 9-10.30 @ £10 a class.
Neighbourhood Watch, Beckley has a new FB group for neighbourhood watch. Please join for tips and advice on how to keep our community safe. If you are not on FB please email BeckleyNHW@gmail.com to receive updates.
Cinque Ports FM. We have a fantastic local radio station now. Tune in to 95.1 FM service for a service covering Rye and surrounding areas. You can hear us in East Sussex in crystal clear FM stereo.
Community Speedwatch. Can you spare an hour a month to help with speed watch? The team are in need of a couple of extra helpers due to some members moving away. The purpose is to educate drivers rather than to penalise them. Please contact me on the email at the start of this column.
WI- If you would like to find out more about the exciting activities they have lined up or become a member please contact office.beckleywi@gmail.com. They meet up on the second Monday of the month in the village hall @ 7.30pm.