Iden

LITTLE WHITE ANGELS: Snowdrops are a '˜come hell or high water flower aren't they'? They are appearing now in dribs and drabs, in spite of the cold weather, and churchyards are becoming carpeted in them. There is something angelic about them, something almost clerical about their garb. When you think about it, Flowers are so constant and reliable aren't they?. In the main they are delicate. They wither and die after a very limited shelf life, and yet they have tenacity and strength of character, in that they turn up, as expected, at the same time every year, give or take a few days. If only we humans were as unswervingly reliable!
Iden newsIden news
Iden news

A BIG THANK YOU FROM IDEN BOWLS CLUB: Thank you to everyone who helped at the jumble sale on 4th February, in aid of Iden Bowls Club. Thank you too, to those who turned up to buy. There was masses of jumble, and Iden village hall was full of people, in spite of the cold. It was a nice afternoon.

A SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION: There is a service of Holy Communion in Iden Parish Church, at 9.30am this Sunday.

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THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: The meeting, on Tuesday 7th February, in Iden village hall was well-attended. Villagers concerned about the proposed development of 12 houses behind ‘Conkers’ were well-represented, and it was nice to have quite a crowd at the meeting .Ray Griffin chaired the meeting, and first called upon Councillor Keith Glazier, Chairman of East Sussex Council, who spoke about his regret that our council tax is to rise slightly, which will give necessary funding towards much-needed social care .We were made aware of his concern. He had attended ‘Budget Session Day, ’where all councils get a chance to discuss the budget. A catch22 situation unfolded, as Keith spoke about the need to protect necessary services , particularly for the two extremes of age, children, and the elderly. Their needs are multifarious., in order to protect the vulnerable, and where children are concerned, to encourage the young, and their future. The ‘ Duke Of Edinburgh Award Scheme’ , and various bursaries are to continue to be financially encouraged, as are specialist educational needs, and The ‘Youth Cabinet of East Sussex’ .Necessary funding is to be given to Poor drainage ,which Keith said, was a stumbling block in the problem of potholes, because water seeps in, destroying pothole repair. Drainage needs to be sorted at unfortunately great expense. There was an apology for absence from Councillor Paul Osbourne, chairman of Rother District Council. Councillor Sally-Anne Hart spoke about the ‘ Beach And Water Safety Group’ with reference to the deaths, last summer at Camber Sands. Sally-Anne is very much involved in the introduction of safety measures on Camber Beach, and Rother have allocated a considerable amount of money towards that cause .She said that RNLI lifeguards should be seen this summer on Camber Beach, and spoke of a unified drive towards water safety. Regarding the proposed new houses at the back of Conkers, the chairman of the Parish council said that the council must remain neutral, regarding any development sites in Iden. Our telephone box is being re-listed, and the phone is to remain in use. Councillor Michael Miller discussed the cost of repairs and replacement equipment in the play- area in Iden’s park .It’s solution is under discussion, as the cost of new equipment is extortionate .Fly -Tipping is a major concern in Iden , and this selfish act needs to be reported, .If possible, photographing someone in the act is helpful. The Prevalence of fly-tipping has required an even steeper fine., and villagers were asked to be vigilant. The council. precept is to remain the same this year. The next meeting will be on 7th March, in Iden village hall, at 7.30pm.

YOGA IN THE OLD HALL: There is a yoga session in the old hall [by Iden church],which is welcome to all .The session, each Friday, is from 9.30-10.30am, at a cost of £6 per session. If anyone wishes to join, they can e-mail [[email protected]]

KNIT AND NATTER: The next session of ‘Knit and Natter’, will be on 28th February, from 2-4pm, in Iden village hall. Knitting, and any form of needlecraft, can be carried out in the company of others.

BINGO: There is Bingo on 2nd March, in Iden village hall. Doors open at 2pm, eyes down at 2.30. Tea and biscuits will be served.

IDEN AND DISTRICT NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

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On February 24th, in Iden village hall, there will be a lecture on ‘Iceland’s Natural Wonders’, by Colin Page. Visitors to these popular lectures pay £3, for an informative evening. The meeting starts at 7.30pm.

TREES WHICH ASTOUND: Sometimes, driving around, we come across a beautiful tree in someone’s garden that we covet, and are amazed by [would you agree?] There is a tree on the way to Hawkhurst, that is out of this world. It’s a huge fir tree, glossy, and healthy-looking, and a lovely shade of green, and if it was mine, I’d pay a man to climb all over it, and flood it with Christmas lights [even if I had to live on beans to pay for it.] I love variegated trees, Hollies particularly, two-tone, and so beautifully decorated that it looks as though look as though God has taken the trouble to paint them by hand. Sometimes you see a real beauty. Some ever-greens are blessed with the added attraction of unusual pine cones [the icing on the cake,] oh, and Monkey Puzzles, some people have them in their garden [lucky beggars], or a glorious Magnolia, or Ornamental Cherry, which although they shed fairly quickly, give everyone the benefit of their glory days. That’s the thing about gardens, we all profit from whatever other people have in their gardens. Just by driving by!

CONTACT ME: If anyone has anything to add to the Village Voice, please ring Gill Griffin [telephone 01-797 280311]

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