Icklesham

CHURCH NEWS: The 9.30 am service this Sunday will be Parish Eucharist, led by Rev. David Page. It is Pentecost Sunday, or, in old money, Whitsuntide. In my youth it was always followed by Whit Monday, which was a holiday. Whatever it is called, this particular day celebrates the birth of the Church, when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples as tongues of fire, and they were able to speak to the crowds in all their own many and various languages. 14th May is when we remember Matthias, who, having been one of the original followers of Jesus, was chosen to become one of the Apostles to replace Judas Iscariot.

CHURCH MARKET: The next Market will be held in the Memorial Hall on Saturday 21st May from 11 am until 2 pm.There will be the popular cake stall plus a plant stall which this month will have some bedding plants, runner beans and courgette plants. Donations to these stalls are very much appreciated. There will also be a book stall but only for paperback fiction books. Again, donations appreciated. The new lunch menu went down very well last month and it should be even better this month. So come and give it a try. The move to the Memorial Hall seems popular, so come along for coffee, cake and a chat. And lunch.

WEATHER: “This is the weather the cuckoo likes, and so do I. When flowers betumble the chestnut spikes, and nestlings fly.” Has anyone heard a cuckoo yet? The swifts are back around the church tower at Winchelsea. I heard them first on Sunday morning. Why does it seem that there are no swallows or martins in Icklesham? Is it lack of nesting sites?

ART EXHIBITION: The Art Group will be showing their work in the Memorial Hall on 14th and 15th May from 10 am to 4 pm each day. Refreshments will be on sale both days, including tea, coffee and cake. Ploughman’s Lunches will be available form 12 noon to 2 pm on both days. There will be a Tombola with all profit going to the New Pavilion Project. It is free entry to the exhibition and lots of free parking.

MIDNIGHT WALK: A message from Sandra Sellens.Next Saturday at midnight I am walking 4 miles in Eastbourne to support Chestnut Tree House, which is the Children’s Hospice here in Sussex. I have a very dear friend who is under their care and both he and his family are so well looked after that I wanted to give something back. You will doubtless know how much I need my sleep, so please spare a thought for me driving home from Eastbourne at 2 am !! Please give whatever you can to help Sussex children and their families make the most of the limited time they have together.Here is Sandra’s page : https://justgiving.com/fundraising/SharonWalk?

QUEEN’S HEAD: Congratulation to Ian, who was in the top 1% of donors in April. Ian thanks everyone for their support for the Hastings Half Marathon. The live music this weekend will be played by the Shauna Parker Band playing western swing. There will be a Quiz Night on Wednesday 18th May at 8.30 pm in aid of MacMillan. The question this time is “Where in the human body is the scapula ?” I know that one !!! There will be a Mini Beer Festival from Friday 27th May to Monday 30th May. See the website for all details, or phone 01424 814 552.

SCHOOL NEWS: The children have been enjoying the lovely weather on the field and adventure trail. Thoughts are turning ahead to the summerising of the swimming pool for the season in term 6. And also the Summer Fayre to be held on Saturday 25th June, 11 - 2.30 pm. Sports day is planned for Tuesday 28th June. The Head Teacher Awards this week go to Caterpillars, Oliver; Spiders, Max; Dragonflies, Freddie; and Bees, Sophie. The Class awards are as follows; Caterpillars, Jasmine and Michael; Spiders, Millie and Tiggy; Dragonflies, Edward and Charlotte; and Bees, Josh R. and Ella. Congratulations to everyone.

CONTACT: If anyone has an item which they would like included in the free publicity in Village Voice, please do get in touch by phone, 815 247, email or pop round.

AND FINALLY: If this lovely weather continues, I hope you are able to make the most of it out-of-doors. But there may be people who do not like the sun ! A friend has just booked a week later this month in southern Spain, where, at the moment, it is raining.!!!

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