About 800 visitors attended the September Open Day and the fine weather and dry autumn helped to make the event very enjoyable. A large gazebo, lent by Abbey Gate Letting Agency of Battle, added to the attraction of the fine venue and gave shelter from the hot sun for the tombola, yoghurt stall and seating for refreshments.

The spectacular combat scenes presented by the Swords of Albion historical team from W Sussex kept the crowds in awe and as an extra attraction there were two displays by the Bexhill Amateur Athletic Judo Club. Black belt, Ray Roberts, not only co-ordinated the very professional combat sequences but also donated one of his colourful watercolour paintings for the auction.

The auction, by John Slack, an alternative to the usual raffle, raised £395. Top prizes that raised the most were the bear-in-a-rocking-chair, donated by Joe Lester, an accompanied day trip to France donated by Truda Proctor, a meal for two at the café Caricature in Hastings donated by Louise Denny and a private swimming session at the sanctuary donated by Dinty Steains.. Louise Denny is also a renowned composer of military music and made an appearance playing delightful themes on the piano accordion. Local lass, Kelly Dove, only 16 years provided a crystal clear singing voice with popular romantic songs ably assisted by her father, Chris, operating the sound system.

The enlarged children’s section, run by Janet Thorn and her two daughters, Heather and Laura, featured swing boats hired from the Burwash Playing Field Assoc. as well as Cuddle Bunnies. These are a team of trained therapy rabbits that visit hospitals and nursing homes with their handlers. Exhausted Janet gasped, “I’ve been helping out for about 7 years but have never been so busy as this!”

The archery was organised for the first time by master archer, Tom Foy, of Battle who used rubber tipped arrows and his wife Rose helped pick up the arrows. A catwalk again featured but this time the public was invited to tread the magic path. There were no adult takers but several children bravely stepped forward and received a spirited round of applause; these were Ashley and Levi Gardner, Rebecca Bennett, Ariel Marsten, Sophie, Catherine, Molly, Heather and Laura.

The wide variety of stalls, refreshments, pony rides contributed to a record sum of £4,040. Being raised. Thank you everyone who made this possible!