Winchelsea village voice

The talk, arranged by Winchelsea Archaeological Society, is given by Nathalie Cohen (National Trust Archaeologist) and involves Romney Marsh and its churches.

The Highways Agency will be cutting down two large trees and some smaller ones on the embankment adjacent to the westbound carriageway of the A259 Tanyard Lane. These trees will be cut to the ground level and left untreated, which will allow them to grow back to provide the ground cover. This work is due to take place tomorrow, subject to weather, between 8 pm and 11 pm. During this time the westbound lane will be closed and temporary traffic lights in place; road users will be escorted past the works at 10 mph. Also be aware that Ward Councillors have asked Rye Police to conduct speed checks in German Street and the High Street during the work.

Icklesham Parish Council is holding a Special meeting on Monday 25th June at 6.45 pm in the Court Hall. The Council has a full agenda to attend to but members of the public are welcome.

The Mobile Library will be in Castle Street on Wednesday 27th June as usual from 1.40 until 2.10 pm.

Winchelsea’s Secret Gardens are open again on Saturday 30th June for the National Gardens Scheme and on Wednesday 4th July for the Memorial Hospital.  The Saturday opening is from 1pm till 5.30 and the Wednesday opening from 2pm till 5.30.  There will be delicious home-made teas in Winchelsea New Hall.  Ten gardens will open on both days, one of them completely new and some popular favourites returning after a break.  We’re later than usual because of the Jubilee, and after the strange weather we’ve had so far, there are bound to be some delightful surprises. The total cost is £5 (children free) and when you purchase your ticket at the first garden you visit, a map of your tour will be provided.

During your tour of the Secret Gardens on the 30th June there is an opportunity to visit Wesley’s Methodist Chapel (opposite the New Hall). The Friends will be there to meet you at the Chapel which will be open from 2 to 5 pm.

A Tour of the Medieval Cellars has been arranged by FOAM (Friends of the Ancient Monuments) for Saturday 30th June at 10.30 am, from Castle Street. These guided tours last about 90 minutes and bookings are made through Winchelsea Post Office (01797 229525). The cost is £5 per person and all proceeds go towards maintaining and repairing the ancient monuments of the town (registered charity).

The National Trust will be holding forums to give all members of the community the chance to come along and hear about forthcoming work. These forums are planned for every quarter and will be a means for the NT to work with the community of Winchelsea in swapping ideas and projects thus adding value to the management of their estate. The first forum will be held on Sunday 1st July at 3.30 pm at the NT offices in Mill Road. To get an idea of numbers, if you are interested in attending and would like to find out more the person to contact is Karen Rigby-Faux (01797 229542).

This year we can look forward to another visit from the Pegasus Choir from London. They will be returning to Winchelsea for the Patronal Festival Weekend and will be giving a concert of Music for Royal Occasions. This will be on Saturday 7th July at 7.30 pm in St Thomas’s Church. The proceeds from the ticket sales will go towards church funds. On Sunday 8th July the choir will sing at the 10.30 am Parish Eucharist with the Mayor and Corporation and Rev’d David Page will preach. Pegasus is one of London’s leading chamber choirs that mainly gives concerts for music societies and charities. The choir were semi-finalists in the Choir of the Year competition in 2005 and in November 2007 won bronze at the Tolosa International Choral Competition in Spain.

An afternoon visit to Merriments Garden has been arranged by Winchelsea Garden Society for Tuesday 10th July. You will be travelling there in your own car to Merriments and meeting at 2.30 pm for a tour of the garden with head gardener Sally Briggs; a café is available on site. The combined entry charge and tour is £6.50 which is payable in cash on the day. If you plan to come along and can offer lifts, or need a lift, please contact Howard Norton by email [email protected] or tel. 01797 226524. Merriments is just north of Hurst Green on the A229 near its junction with the A21 and you will need to allow a good ½ hour from Winchelsea.

Cindi Cogswell, 31 Highfords, Icklesham