Icklesham

CHURCH SERVICES: The service this coming Sunday - 15th March, - is a special one in the middle of Lent. This fourth Sunday of Lent is known as Mothering Sunday, or if you are American, Mothers’ Day. It is the custom to give a small posy of flowers to the ladies in the congregation. The service will be Family Communion at 10.30 am. I may have got all muddled but I understand that the origin of this goes back to the days when young girls who were in service at the ‘Big House ‘ were allowed home for the day, taking a small gift from the house.

LENT LUNCH: The lovely home made soup, bread and a selection of cheeses accompanied by cheerful chat will take place on Friday 13th - today - in the Memorial Hall from 12.30 to 2pm. The charity supported today is the Samaritans. Donations are welcomed for this.

CHURCH MARKET: This popular event will be back an Saturday 21st March from 11 am to 2 pm.There will be the usual cake stall, bric-a-brac, and possibly a few plants. Coffee will be served, cake and light lunches. All proceeds from the Markets go to the running and upkeep of the church.

WEATHER: Sitting in the sun at the end of the garden last Sunday was really most enjoyable. All right, it is sheltered but it was lovely and warm. I even saw a butterfly sunning itself on the fence. And there are lots of bumble bees about, one was busy in my hellebores, so there might be some new colours in the seedlings.

QUEEN’S HEAD: Ian must be getting really fit ready for his ‘amble round Hastings ‘ in the half marathon. He is taking on this challenge to raise funds for St. Michael’s Hospice. The live music this Sunday is played by Wakin Snakes, the style described as Blue Grass.

ROBIN HOOD INN: There will be a special Mothers’ day menu being served this coming Sunday Booking is essential for the sittings at 12pm, 2.20 pm, 5 pm, and 7.30 pm. All the usual delicious food will be available as well, but the special menu looks really splendid.

ARCHERY: The Bowman of Robin Hood is now an official archery club in Icklesham, which is a Domesday Village. Could you please help us to further the historic activity of archery? After all, it started in this wonderful part of England almost 1000 years ago, in 1066.The Bowmen of Robin Hood offers anyone who is interested , the opportunity of experiencing almost 1000years of history of shooting in the bow. This is the same bow which made England a great nation. Alternatively you can learn to shoot the ‘Olympic Bow ‘. The choice is yours. Forget politics. Vote for the ‘Bowmen of Robin Hood ‘. after all, Robin Hood is our greatest hero and legend. Thanks to Tom Firth for this report.

COFFEE MORNING: The Coffee Girls at the Five Villages will be holding a Coffee morning on Wednesday 25th March from 9.30 am to 12 noon. This is in aid of St. Michael’s Hospice and donations will be welcomed.

ROAD CLOSURE: Remember to keep your letter in the car if you plan to be out of the village after 8 pm for the next 3 weeks. We have yet to see what effect the closure of the A259 will have, but residents should be escorted back home. I have a couple of phone numbers to call if you experience problems.

SCHOOL NEWS: Congratulations to all the members of the teams which took part in the tournament last week. They were declared the WINNERS at the end of the tournament. Which means that a team will represent Rye at the Netball Finals at St. Leonard’s Academy, which took place last Friday. We eagerly await news. They will be taking part in another tournament at Buckswood on Saturday morning. There were many fantastic costumes to be seen as the children dressed up as a favourite book character. Congratulations to Mia, Connor, Joel, Corbyn, Dylan, Marcie, Tommy and Lois, who all won a certificate and WH Smith vouchers. To day the children are going to wear their normal uniform, but ‘Make their faces funny for money ‘! as part of the Red Nose Day. Everyone is invited to bring £1 donation for Comic relief. There will also be a cake sale after school, donations of cakes appreciated. The awards this week are many. The Head Teacher Award goes to all members of the Netball Teams for their Outstanding Sporting Performance ; Josh,Gracie, Corbyn, Ella, Tilly, Noah, Isobel, Amber, Hatty, Sophie, Raven, Holly, Ollie, Saskia, harry and Amelie. Special thanks also to the netball Coach Zoe Kilbey. Other awards go to Woody, Will, Neeve, Solomon, Saskia, Amelie, Rye and all the members of the Yr 2+ 3 children singing in the Hastings Music Festival.

CONTACT: Please let me know of any events, announcements or meetings which you would like publicised in Village Voice. Not quite such a marathon to read this week !! Phone me on 01424 815 247 or pop round. I do have an email, which I will tell you if you ask, but I do not wish to publicise it.

AND FINALLY: Take care in the mud around the gas works. And hope the main road closure does not cause you any serious problems.

Marion Lovell

7 Oast House Field