Icklesham

CHURCH NEWS: The 9.30 am service on Sunday will be parish Eucharist led by Rev. Canon Robin Whitehead. This particular day is Epiphany 4 also called Sexagisima, and designated as Creation Sunday. During the week, on 2nd February, there is the festival of Candlemass, which is the presentation of Christ in the Temple and the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On Saturday 6th February we celebrate the accession of Queen Elizabeth 11 in 1952. It is also the feast day of St Dorothy who, according to weather lore, brings snow.

LILIES: As Easter approaches, you are once again invited to donate a lily in memory of a loved one. The lilies, along with a list of those remembered, will be used to decorate the Church at this special time.. The lilies will cost £2 each, the same as last year. Should you wish to donate a lily, Janet Pegg on 01424 814 735 and Christine Overy will be available to take details at the Lent Lunches, or Sunday services. The lilies always look so beautiful in the church and at such a special time it is a lovely way to remember our loved ones.

Easter Sunday is 22nd March.

LENT LUNCHES: The first Lent Lunch will be on 19th February. Each one is in aid of a charity. They take place on Fridays at 12.30 - 2 pm.

WEATHER: I seem to have mentioned already how warm the sun is when it graces us with its presence! We are still at the mercy of the jet stream winds, and they continue to bring us the low pressure systems across the Atlantic Ocean. The snow-dump on the east coast of America last weekend is more likely to be heavy rain and winds for us again. My new toy is a little weather vane. It is being put well through its paces !! There are blue bottles about and little honey bees but no butterflies, thank goodness. If they came out from hibernation there would be nothing for them to eat. The garden still has a soggy bottom.

CAR LIGHTS: I play a little game with myself every time I go out in the car in the evening. I reckon to see several vehicles coming towards me with less than a full complement of head lights. You have a look. It is quite alarming how many cars have only one headlight, or one which is dimmed. If the properly working one happens to be on the near side, it gives the impression that a motor bike is approaching, which is dangerous. Is there no police check that should be made about lights on vehicles? Much more dangerous than parking infringements, but no doubt far less lucrative.

MURDER MYSTERY: This most enjoyable evening was raising funds for the Icklesham New Pavilion Project. Thanks to the Robin Hood for their very generous sponsorship, Icklesham Stores for their support and Playden Players for their performance. Thanks also to Cathy, Kim, Jane and Mags who organised the preparation of the supper during the afternoon, and Chas, John and Peter who gave help during the evening taking the suppers round the tables and also sold raffle tickets. Thanks also to those who donated raffle prizes and bought tickets. Sixty people took part in solving the Mystery and Stuart is delighted to report that £770 was raised. After going through the clues and motives, Big Water (lLisa and Tony Rendles’ team) were the overall winners and the Drunken Detectives (Sharon and Keith Sellens team) won the table quiz.

The Mystery was well written and did portray how cynical and devious some members of a Committee or Council can be by using methods of blackmail, verbal bullying etc. Please let Stuart know if you would like him to book a similar event next year.

QUEENS HEAD: The live music this coming Sunday will be played by Tea Chest Blues, playing acoustic blues. There will be a Quiz night on Wednesday 3rd February at 8.30 pm in aid of St. Michael’s Hospice. The question this week is, In which port city was Christopher Columbus born?

ROBIN HOOD: The pub is well worth a visit. There is a good play park, families are welcome, themed evenings are frequently presented, boot sales are held during the summer, and there is ample car parking. They also support the Robin Hood Bonfire Society that does so much for local causes. And the food is splendid !

THE ROBIN HOOD BONFIRE SOCIETY: The presentation evening is in the pub on Tuesday 2nd February at 7.30 pm. Food will be provided. The New Pavilion Project is a nominated recipient, therefore will as many supporters as possible attend the evening, please.

ICKLESHAM STORES: We in Icklesham were without a shop for 9 years. Dexter and Karen have worked so hard over the past 3 years giving us this amenity. There is a simple message here - USE IT OR LOSE IT .

PANTOMIME: Icklesham Players in collaboration with Acting Up in Rye will present Dick Wittington in the Memorial Hall on 12th and 13th February. The evening performances will be at 7.30 pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30 pm. Tickets are £6.50 for adults and £4.50 for children. These are available from the Village Store or by phoning Brian Pitt on 814 118. These two groups work well together - remember Smile Boys last year.

SCHOOL NEWS: The Learning Ambassadors Noah and Lily were joined by last years’ Ambassadors Samuel and Sophie to organise the visitors from 9 local schools. The Business Ambassadors Hannah and Ned supported very ably. The morning was a great success and the feedback agreed that everyone loves maths at Icklesham. The Head Teacher awards this week go to, Caterpillars, Deacon; Spiders, Alisha; Dragonflies, Alfie; and Bees Samuel. Spiders class won the attendance award. The class awards are as follows ;Caterpillars, Rosie and Finley; Spiders, Max and Xanthe; Dragonflies, Theo and Alice; and Bees Lily and Harry. Well done everybody.

CONTACT: Please keep information coming my way if you would like anything included in the Village Voice. Call me on 815 247, pop round or use the e-mail.

AND FINALLY: Enjoy the sunshine when you can. A little walk round to the shop could be very pleasant Hope everyone has a good week.

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