Icklesham village voice

Joan was the fourth of five daughters. Sadly one died as a child and she has outlived sisters Betty, Olive and Sybil. The family moved to Southgate then in the old county of Middlesex. She attended the North London Collegiate School until she was 18 and had by then the qualifications to become a nurse. Bart’s(St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London) did not start training its students until they were 20. So faced with a 2 year gap Joan with just school French took up a post to teach piano and English in the French speaking part of Switzerland - quite a challenge for a young lady in 1930. She became fluent very quickly and never lost her feeling for Switzerland. Later in life Joan had an outstanding memory when with fellow botanists she stood in a high alpine meadow surrounded by masses of edelweiss.

As a nurse in the 30s you were told when you could have leave.Faced with a daughter with nothing to do for a fortnight Joan’s Father arranged for her to be a passenger on the Royal Mail Ship ‘’Highland Chieftain. bound for Lisbon.An engineer on the crew Edward Medlock met Joan and in 1937 they married in Cockfosters north of London. Anne was born in 1938 and John in 1942. They lived in Hadlow Wood , Joan now has 6 grandchildren.

Edward left the sea and became a refrigeration expert when this science was in its infancy.

Eventually they left North London for Kent and spent many happy years in Warehorne where they kept the shop and the Post Office and relished being the centre of a close village.

Edward and Joan retired to Pett’ Sadly Edward died and his ashes are interred in Pett Churchyard. Being a pianist Joan was persuaded to help with playing the organ for services. Then with some encouragement she took a course at The Royal School of Church Music. This was to be one of several and soon she was an accomplished Church Choir mistress.and Organist. She was an enthusiastic member of Pett N

atural History Society with a broad knowledge of the environment especially wild flowers. Joan moved to Icklesham a few years ago and is a lively participant in the life of the Five Villages

Sunday 26 August 10.30 Morning Prayer in All Saints

Bank Holiday Monday 27 August. The Robin Hood Bonfire Society has an Auction of Promises at the Pub starting at 1.30. Lots of Lots. All proceeds go towards the costs of the Big Bonfire and Fireworks Display on 5 November. If you have something to donate - an item or a service - contact Sue 01424 814277

September is a busy month and Maureen Callis has sent me details of another excellent event.

’’Matthew Brand, one of the youngest members of the Icklesham Players, was really sad when he heard that Joan Baker had died,She had been extremely kind to him when he first joined them in ‘’Tale of Tales’’aged just 5, encouraging, praising and guiding him. Now aged 7, he told his Mum that he wanted to do something for her in return. He came up with the idea of a sponsored run to raise money in her name for St Michael’s Hospice, who cared for Joan during her final weeks.

With his Mum Sharon’s help, his wonderful idea has come to fruition and he’s now inviting any other youngsters, but especially other young Players, to join him. The event will take place on Saturday 22 September at 10.00am in the Recreation Ground. Participants can run or walk up to 5 times around the field’s perimeter. Matthew wants it to be fun, so fancy dress is optional. Soft drinks, biscuits and cakes will be on hand to refuel them. Matthew hopes that parents, family and friends will come along to support and encourage them all.

For more information and sponsorship forms, contact Sharon on 01424 814333 or e-mail her at [email protected]

Following on from the run, at about 11.00am, the Baker family are holding a Jumble Sale - plus Derrick’s famous cake stall and raffle - in the Memorial Hall, again to raise money for the Hospice. Entry will be free, though donations will be welcome, and refreshments will be available. No jumble is required but raffle prizes will be gratefully received by Derrick.The sale will finish about 2.30pm.

Other September events.

Thursday 20 - Sunday 23 Queen’s Head Mini Beer Festival with 25 real ales and daily live music.

Friday 21 Icklesham Art Exhibition 6-9pm with cheese and wine in the Memorial Hall.

Saturday 22 the last Church Market of the year

Monday 24 Rye Arts Festival an illustrated talk by Ann Rachlin on Ellen Terry,s daughter Edith Craig 3pm Methodist Church Rye.

Laurie Bowman. Magpies, Oast House Field