Icklesham

CHURCH SERVICES: The 10.30 am service on Sunday will be Parish Eucharist. icklesham church building is a tranquil place to spend a short while , absorbing the centuries of prayer and care in the community which seem to emanate from the very stones themselves.

CHURCH MARKET: The market is tomorrow, Saturday 18th between 11 am and 2 pm. There will be a few more plants this time, plus the usual cake and bric-a-brac stalls. Donations of cakes, plants and produce are always very much appreciated The warmer weather will make Manor Chapel a lovely place to sit and have coffee and a chat or perhaps treat yourself to some delicious cake or a light lunch. I really enjoy the quiche and salad, often followed by a scone with cream and jam.!! See you there?

WEATHER: It is much warmer than the usual April temperatures, predicted today to rise to the low 20s centigrade. It means that everything in the garden is growing fast, but also needs watering already. And the ground is becoming concrete-like as it bakes in the sun. I seem to have accumulated 4 compost bins, which is a bit excessive. If anyone could make use of one, please call and collect it. It won’t go in my car.

MIGRANTS: Some of my family live near Kirkby Lonsdale in Cumbria. They reported the arrival of the sand martins over Easter weekend. Have we any here yet? The birds must have come over on the south east winds.

PARISH COUNCIL: A message from Stuart Baker. We are now awaiting confirmation from the Parish Council for the next stage of the New Pavilion Planning. It does sound much more positive than the proposal of the PCs to take on the WC and office refurbishment of the existing pavilion.

The Trust has proposed taking a look at refurbishing the old pavilion. I would like to take this opportunity to say to our New Pavilion Supporters , that none of the money which we have raised for the New Project will be spent on the old pavilion. This work will be funded by the Trust.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: After a wet and windy morning, it was lovely to see the sun come out in the afternoon for the Spring Flower Show. Although the numbers were a bit down on other years, the hall still looked very colourful with the different shades of yellow of the narcissi. Well done Judy Foster, who won four trophies - The Janette and John Ireland trophy; the cup for the most points in the narcissi classes shared with Ann Osborne; the cup for the best exhibit in the show for her single narcissus; and the Cup for the most points in the Show. Pete Stunt won the cup for the best Home-made compost. This class is kindly sponsored by Kate and Syd Mylrea of Manor Oast. Pete also won the Felstead Cup for the best in the Arts and Crafts section. Sandra Stunt won the certificate for the best in the cookery section, with her butterfly cakes. Many thanks to the Judges; Barbara and Simon for running the raffle; Mags and Kim for lovely teas; Judy for the Tombola; and Michael, Stuart and Simon for getting the hall ready on the evening before the show, and everyone who helped with the clearing up afterwards. At the end of the afternoon we had made nearly £150 profit. Thanks to Ann Osborne for this report.

QUEEN’S HEAD: The live music performers on Sunday 19th April will be the Sands Quintet who will play Sinatra classic covers.

CONTACT: Please let me know of any news items, reports or announcements which you would like included in the Village Voice, by phoning 01424 815 247 or pop round. Always happy to oblige.

AND FINALLY: Have you got suncream at the ready? Don’t overdo it yet, the season is still only spring, but I must admit that I enjoy having coffee in the garden.

Marion Lovell

7 Oast House Field