Icklesham Village Voice
January arrives quietly in the village, with frosty mornings, muddy lanes, new resolutions, and long evenings staying cosy by the fire.
As the wind picks up from Storm Goretti and we secure the garden so nothing ends up in the Brede Valley, it does seem like we’ve avoided the worst of it.
Bob tells us about visitors in the garden this week such as Pied Wagtails and the beautiful Song Thrush. He tells us that Daffodils have wild native species and those in our gardens are often hybrids.
What is the meaning of the name Icklesham? It was recorded as Icoleshamme in a land charter from AD 772. Icoles or Iceles, derived from the Old English personal name Icel. Then ‘ham’ or ‘hamme’ refers to an enclosed plot of ground, meadow, or waterside land. Therefore, the complete place name roughly translates to ‘Icel's water meadow’ or ‘the home of the Icel family’. The House of Icel (Iclingas) were a dynasty of Mercian kings mainly during the 7th and 8th centuries, who are described as descendants of the god Woden by the Anglo-Saxon royal genealogies. In c.770, King Offa of Mercia, belonging to the House of Icel, gained control of Sussex and became overlord of seven kingdoms including Sussex and Kent.
Don’t forget you can order the ICKLESHAM PARISH MAGAZINE, published every month for just £1 per copy, delivered to your door. Place an advert, find local tradesmen, local information, history & news. Please contact [email protected]
ICKLESHAM PRODUCE MARKET at the Memorial Hall every second Saturday of the month. There are some delicious stalls on offer including artisan bread & cheeses, vegetables, seafood, honey, preserves, cakes, baked goods and so much more. Please pop down, grab some breakfast, tea, cake, and support local business. A perfect stop off for a Saturday stroll. The next market is on 7 Feb 2026,10am-12.30pm, there is not one in January.
TUESDAY CLUB is back at the Memorial Hall, every Tuesday 1-3pm. A warm place with homemade cake and soup, all FREE. It's a friendly group, come along and meet new people or find out what events are happening in the village. A great hub with a cafe-like atmosphere. Don’t stay at home. Everyone is welcome and it’s not just for people who are on low incomes. Will run every Tuesday until the 24th of February.
ICKLESHAM PANTO AND DRAMA SOCIETY (I.P.A.D.S.) The upcoming Aladdin pantomime is now fully booked for this Saturday matinee and Friday evening. There are still tickets available for this Thursday & Saturday evening. Please book tickets at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ipads or call 0333 666 3366.
RISE 'N' SHINE DANCE AEROBICS at the Memorial Hall every Friday 10.30-11.30am. All ages, £6 per session. Ruth will make you feel really welcome, and you can dance at your own pace. Contact Ruth on 07895 039545.
ART & CRAFT CLUB at the Memorial Hall every Tuesday at 10am. A friendly group with a wide range of artistic talents, everyone is welcome.
TAI CHI at the Memorial Hall, every Monday at 8.30am.
SOUTH COAST DOG TRAINING Group courses and dog walk meet ups at the hall. Contact [email protected] to book.
ICKLESHAM HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Membership to the society is £2.00 per year and allows you entry to the three shows (Spring, Summer and Autumn), schedules will be available from January 2026.
RYE FOOD BANK Any donations for the Rye food bank can be put in the basket in the Memorial Hall lobby. Every little donation is much appreciated.
ICKLESHAM TRUST Do you have a couple of hours to spare each week and fancy meeting more people in the community? Why not join the Icklesham Community Spirits! This friendly volunteer group helps organise events for Icklesham Trust, and they’re always happy to welcome new faces. If you’d like to get involved, just drop an email to [email protected].
ALL SAINTS & ST. NICOLAS CHURCH Nathanael Hayler will be the next rector of Winchelsea, Icklesham, and Pett. Reverend Hayler is expected to move into the rectory early in the new year. The Church has some upcoming events for this year, including the arts fair. You don’t need to attend the church just for religious reasons, lots more happens there, and community support is always much appreciated.
THE ROBIN HOOD announces Burns Night, with traditional bagpipes and Scottish menu, on Sun 25th Jan at 4pm. £20 per person, call to book 01424 814277. A charity pub quiz will be held on 22 Jan at 8pm in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund. Kids (11 & under only) eat a free main course with every paying adult.
THE QUEENS HEAD On Tues 13th Jan at 7.30pm is a Fun Pub Quiz, Supporting Macmillan Cancer Care. Live music every Sunday 4-6pm.
Contact me at [email protected]