Icklesham Village Voice
The recent spell of warmer spring weather has been a welcome change, drawing many of us back into our gardens.
This morning was particularly special, with a beautifully ethereal sunrise, soft mist drifting among the trees, creating a striking silhouette to start the day.
Have you ever heard of the Sparrow Club? While some regard it as a secret society, it was, in reality, a group dedicated to shooting sparrows for sport, as the birds were widely seen as a nuisance, often ending up in sparrow pie. They used an old technique known as batfowling, setting up tall clap nets at night and using torches to startle the birds into capture. Prizes were frequently awarded for the largest tallies. In the late 19th century, the Robin Hood served as the club’s meeting place. A newspaper report from the time notes that, in just a few weeks, members claimed to have provided a public service by accounting for 2,550 sparrows. Their evenings were not all business, however, and were said to include lively toasts and songs. The shooting of sparrows was eventually made illegal in 1921, following a sharp decline in their numbers.
Bob shares that the native flowers now coming into bloom are an important source of pollen and nectar for a wide variety of butterflies, bees, and other insects. Several butterfly species have already been spotted in the garden, including the striking peacock butterfly. It’s also nesting season for many of our resident birds, making this a lively and active time.
The recent closure of Northiam Market has been a reminder of how fragile these community markets can be. Village markets serve as gathering places where people can shop, chat, and connect with the people. This makes the continued success of Icklesham Market even more important. Please pop down and support our market, the cafe is now open from 9.30am.
ICKLESHAM FETE & FLOWER SHOW: Saturday 1st August 2026. Every year it gets bigger!. There is currently a shout out for stallholders who would be interested in a stall, please email [email protected]. The trust also needs volunteers to help set up on the day please pop down at 10am to give a helping hand, it will be much appreciated.
ICKLESHAM TRUST at Icklesham Memorial Hall: EYES DOWN This is no ordinary bingo night - it's a fully immersing murder mystery where prizes are up for grabs. As Bertie calls the numbers, tension rises, secrets spill and you'll soon be wondering who's number is up next. 13 tickets have now been released for this fabulous event. Previously fully booked. Grab yours while you can at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/icklesham-memorial-hall
ICKLESHAM PRODUCE MARKET 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 11 Apr 2026,10am-12.30pm. The cafe is open from 09.30am. Grab cake & hot drink for £3. Bacon roll & hot drink £4.
COMMUNITY SPIRITS 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].
THE PAVILION: ICKLESHAM STOOLBALL to join contact Donna Edmond at [email protected]. ICKLESHAM CASUALS F.C. to join contact Martin Tytherleigh at [email protected]
ICKLESHAM MEMORIAL HALL:
FAIR - Friends Altogether in Rother Is a monthly informative social event. From 17 March, Every 3rd Tuesday of the month, 1-3pm. Access to services for the community, including tea & cake.
PILATESEvery Tuesday evening 6.30 -7.30pm. Spare mats available but if you have one please bring it along. All abilities welcome. £8 per class payable monthly.
ICKLE CHOIR Every Wednesday evening 7-9pm. Over 16's only. Discover the joy of lifting your voice & feeding your soul. Exploring a mix of music, jazz, pop, rock & soul etc.
RISE 'N' SHINE DANCE AEROBICSEvery 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 CLUBEvery Tuesday at 10am. A friendly group with a wide range of artistic talents, everyone is welcome. There is also an upcoming Art & Craft Exhibition (& jigsaw puzzle sale) Saturday 6th June 10am-4pm.
TAI CHIEvery Monday at 9am.
SOUTH COAST DOG TRAINING Group courses and dog walk meet ups. Contact [email protected] to book.
ICKLESHAM PANTO AND DRAMA SOCIETY (I.P.A.D.S.) Are always looking for cast and crew to join them, please call 07787 354212 if interested.
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 are now available and can be delivered locally. The Spring show is Sat 4th April at 2pm.
ROBIN HOOD Two courses £10. Family of 4 eat for £20. Kids eat free with an adult. Please see terms for offers.
QUEENS HEAD Quiz night every other Tuesday at 8pm. See social media for Sunday live music.
RYE FOOD BANK Please put any donations for the Rye food bank in the basket in the Memorial Hall lobby. Every little donation is very much appreciated.
Don’t forget you can order the ICKLESHAM PARISH MAGAZINE, published every month for just £1 per copy (£9 for the year), delivered to your door. Place an advert, find local tradesmen, local information, history & news. Please contact [email protected]
Icklesham Village on facebook is another great place to keep an eye on what’s going on locally. Contact me at [email protected]