***STOP PRESS***
TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT ARE NOW SOLD OUT

Ah, the joys of spring! Last month I said that there was no such thing as bad weather, but with so much rain over the past few weeks I think there is. However, coming back from the allotment today, having spent several hours wading through mud, we are determined not to be despondent – we can always plant rice!

The almost constant rain and cool weather has led to many of us putting off planting out. Despite this, however, there are crops braving the tempest. Early potatoes, brassicas and broad beans are all looking good, and I know that much is waiting in greenhouses to go out once the weather improves. Some hardy souls, including ourselves, have got fed up with waiting and are now planting beans. There will be a late crop, I suspect, but still worth it for all of that.

The one crop that is doing really well is bean poles. There always seems to be a competition as to who puts the first row up – it is the allotment equivalent of dancing around the maypole.

If you want to discuss the allotments and maybe get your name on the waiting list then please let me know.

Mike Wilkins

Allotment Chair

Hi, I'm Penny; 67, overweight, underfit and very scared of the "Challenge" - to abseil 128ft down Ocean House in St Leonards (the views from the top are amazing - apparently!) on Saturday, May 19th.   I've done the "Fire Walk" on hot ashes twice, and wanted to do something different!

Please sponsor me - or someone else - to raise money for this wonderful place, which gives support to people when they most need it. This is the Hospice's Silver Jubilee year and we need to keep it going for another 25 years.

Sponsor forms are available in Pett Post Office, at The Coffee Morning (Village Hall Wed, May 2nd) and online at www.justgiving.com/penny-haselfoot

No amount too small; every penny for Penny counts!

Thank you.

This year look out for 3 new classes for you to enter.
1st: Home Made Sweets
2nd: Home Made Drinks
3rd: Home Grown Odd Shaped Vegetables

NOT FORGETTING ALSO THE CHILDREN'S FANCY DRESS.
This year the flower show will be presenting a new cup for the entry that is considered by the president of the flower show to be the BEST IN SHOW and also represents the theme, which of course this year is the Queen's Diamond Jubilee!

As always we would be extremely grateful for any offers of help on the day. The stall holders do appreciate a comfort break, and the ladies who serve your tea & cakes, would love a hand with the washing up! Last year we were very lucky as a group of local teenagers gave up their time to help with the children's section.

THE EASTER SEASON

Easter in Pett has been a very happy celebration.

We started on Good Friday, with all it’s solemnity, at the Methodist Chapel sharing a short service of prayer and meditation. After a very moving audio/ visual presentation of the events in Jerusalem, we left the Chapel in silence and walked to Pett Church where we concluded our special Good Friday service. It was lovely to see so many people who came to share this act of worship.

Saturday morning – the Church was buzzing – with Flower Ladies creating beautiful arrangements of lilies and spring flowers. As always, we say thank you for their ability and talent.

Very especially, we say thank you to Lucy and Holly Crouch who made the Easter Garden – much appreciated by everyone – THANK YOU GIRLS!
It was good to see so many people in church on Easter Day to share this service of praise – thank you to David Wotton and his wife, Denise, who came to lead and share the day with us.

POST EASTER

Still lots going on – especially Christian Aid Week and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Service. I know that there is more about these events on other pages – please support these exciting and important village events.

Rye Bay Coastguard and Pett Level Rescue Boat Annual Cycle Ride

Pett Level Rescue Boat Association has again joined forces with the Coastguard to run this year's annual sponsored Cycle Ride which will take place on Sunday 20th  May 2012. Start time between 8.30am-10.00am.

There will be the regular 30 mile round trip and a 15 mile course for those seeking a more leisurely ride or to cycle with youngsters. Both courses will start and finish at The Coastguard Station at Rye Harbour.

As in previous years the aim has been to raise as much money as possible for charity including Pett Level Rescue Boat, St Michael's Hospice and the Coastguard Association. If you want to join the ride without raising sponsorship, this is fine; all you need to pay is the entry fee which is only £5 and children under 16 go free but must be accompanied by an adult.

Complementary refreshments are served at the checkpoints en-route and there will even be a welcoming cup of tea at the finish.

Further details of the event can be obtained from Philippa Strickland on 01424 814384 or mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Previous participants will be e-mailed the entry/sponsorship forms. They will also be available at local shops and Pett Level Rescue Boathouse or click here to download now.

This is a fun event which always attracts a good turnout, whether it is keen cyclists or those who want to get a bit of exercise and to raise funds for good causes.  

GET ON YOUR BIKE

The internet can be a powerful tool and to demonstrate this PettNet received the following email appeal for help from an Australian citizen trying to research her past. If anyone is able to help they can email Pauline Walker directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . And if you are able to help please do let us know...

I live in Australia and have been trying to track  my ancestry with no luck. I do not have any known living relatives.

Finally I have acquired a copy of my Birth certificate to discover my mother, deceased, was a “cook-housekeeper” at Magpie Cottage, Pett.

The web being what it is, and using Google, Magpie Cottage came up in some Minutes June last year, regarding a pothole close by…!

This is a shot in the dark, but is it possible that there is someone who may have known my mother Florence May Reynolds in Oct-Jan 1951/2.

She was unmarried…. I was born in Oct 1951 and registered in Jan ’52.

Does anyone have any memories of who lived at Magpie Cottage at that time. To be honest any snippets of information would be appreciated. What is Magpie Cottage like? Perhaps the same family still own it?

I do hope you can assist me. It would be nice to know something of what happened in those “dark” days for an unmarried mother...

My grandmother cared for me until I was 4 then onto foster homes and finally Australia so I have no one else to ask.

Thank you in anticipation

Pauline Walker nee Reynolds

An exciting new addition to the local sporting calendar, the inaugural Rye Triathlon will take place on Sunday 3rd June and is planned to be linked with local Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Based at Winchelsea Beach, the event features a sea swim; a scenic but challenging cycle route taking in Winchelsea, Pett and Guestling, returning via a thrilling descent of Battery Hill and along Pett Level to the finish; with the run section held entirely within Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.