Bodiam

Parish Council: Bodiam Parish Council has a new vice-chairman, Janet Gardner, who will be running around the village but first she will have to pass the parish medical, and she will, we all hope. But it was a sad meeting with no election in Bodiam and so the council member stay the same - Richard Mitchell, Barbara Napper, Graham Peters, Geoffrey Goodsell, Janet Gardner, but perhaps with no election that means that Bodiam is the best council in East Sussex. Sad to see the vice chair step down - Barbara can now have more time in helping the National Trust to get all it needs and more time for her family and bingo.

Helen Dawson: What can I say about the service for Helen Dawson at St Giles’ Church on May 18? I must praise our vicar Gordon, for the way the service went. A vicar can make a good service or not (very good Gordon). All Things Bright and Beautiful was just one of the right hymns. Good to see Helen’s daughter’s family, who were a great support to her. After the service all were welcome at The Castle Inn. A big thank you to the National Trust for all the help with the car parking. You can still make a donation in memory of Helen, made payable to Hastings And Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind c/o Waterhouse/sons, High Street Burwash, TN19 7ET. Helen was a part of Bodiam but is now at peace. Helen did an ode to me some years ago.

“I know a man, he’s quite a laugh

He said he got stuck in the bath.

With the power cut off he could not see

So he says he sent for me, dear old Helen.

When he was young I changed his nappy.

This, I think, made him quite happy

But I think, dear Geoff, with this awful weather

You got me mixed up with your friend Heather.

You write about me from time to time

but this time Geoff, the pleasure’s all mine

And now my ode’s come to an end

as everyone know’s, we’re the best of friends.

(but not at bath time)”

Church news: The next service at St Giles will be the family service with refreshments at 11.15am on June 7 and Canon Richard Orchard will take the service.