Iden

HOW TO WRAP A TOBLERONE: Well how do you wrap a Toblerone without anyone guessing the contents of a parcel shaped like an Egyptian pyramid? Similarly, how do you wrap one of those elongated packets of Jaffa Cakes which come out at Christmas time, and still make it a surprise? 'Oh, I know what this is', they say gleefully [yes, well, keep on clever clogs and you won't be getting one next year!]. Christmas is full of such conundrums. How do oldies survive all the first thing in the morning screams and yells when the kids see that the carrot and mince pie really have been eaten by Rudolph and Santa [respectively], without first having a cup of tea and swallowing the usual blood pressure tablet. Has everyone got the same amount of presents is another last minute worry [I've been known to lock myself in the loo with the sellotape and rob Peter to pay Paul] Now I'm no longer allowed to hand out the presents.' Sit down Mum', my daughter says, 'you're throwing this into chaos'. As a child, I used to be so worried that my Grandad would swallow the sixpence in the Christmas pudding. He used to cry and get all emotional about opening his Christmas stocking too [God love him] 'Come on Pop, open your stocking', my mum would say, 'I know what's in it dear', he would say through his tears. [it was all so traumatic! ] How to look even vaguely respectable is another thing, when the steam from the oven, and the steam from the dishwasher are plotting to dismantle all traces of the four curlers, I've slept in on Christmas Eve. So, is Christmas joyful? Of course it is. It's just wonderful!
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Iden news

A CHRISTMAS FEAST: Paul Parsons and Ray Griffin decided not to do the Christmas meal this year [I think a well-earned rest was on the cards], and it was nice of Teresa Parsons to step into the breech, and organise the meal [and a good job she made of it too.] The meal consisted of two courses, the first course of which was cooked by ‘The Bell’. Guests helped themselves to puddings provided by willing helpers. Teresa worked hard to see that a good time was had by all. A ukulele band entertained after the meal .Many thanks go to Teresa and all her helpers. At a time of kindness and good will, what better way to celebrate Christmas than to sit down to a turkey meal with invited Iden folk.

OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE: Rother District Council are planning to erect 12 houses in the field at the back of ‘Conkers’, skimming the rear edge of Elmsmead. This news was first made public at the Parish Council meeting on Tuesday. Although it was not a Parish Council decision, the Council felt it important to put Iden dwellers in the picture, as soon as the news was verified. Besides Council members, only two Iden folk attended the meeting, so if anyone wishes to hear more, the next Parish Council meeting will be on 3rd January, at 7.30 pm, in Iden village hall, which will be attended as usual by representatives from Rother, and East Sussex Council. The Iden website will also keep us posted.

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THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: The meeting, in Iden village hall on Wednesday 7th December, was chaired by Ray Griffin, who began the meeting by mentioning the sad deaths, in November of two of Iden’s oldest residents, Sylvia Sutton, and Emily Pullen. Keith Glazier, Chairman of East Sussex Council, said that under new supervision, there has been some improvement in the number of potholes being repaired. Social care has come under enormous pressure, because 24 million pounds worth of cuts must be made in the Council budget. Keith said there is to be national lobbying regarding such cuts. Councillor Paul Osbourne, chairman of Rother District Council, spoke about recycling. There are stickers available, to remind people what to put in each bin. Only 45%, of recycling in Rother, is being accurately carried out, and needs to improve. Paul also mentioned parking in Rye, which is being scrutinised. Meter attendants are not as costly in fact the office staff, dealing with ticket administration are. Councillors discussed Iden’s phone box, which is a sensitive subject. BT have asked for it’s removal, but the council are to ask for it to be kept, in view of the poor signal system in the Iden area. It is still used by some, and is a useful backup. We can ‘adopt’ the box’, but BT, would still remove the phone, so we must wait and hear from BT if can be kept as it is. The message regarding the erection of 12 dwellings [seen above] was high on the agenda. For the date and time of the next council meeting [see above.]

A SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION: There will be a service of Holy Communion in Iden Parish Church, at 9.30am on Sunday

THE CAROL SERVICE: Iden’s Carol Service will be on Thursday 22nd December, at 7.30pm, in Iden Parish Church. Following the service, there will be wine and nibbles, and a chance for a pre-Christmas get-together.

PLAYDEN CAROLS AT 3PM: A ‘come and sing’ Carol Service will be at Playden Church, at 3pm on Sunday 18th December, followed by tea.

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CRIB SERVICE ON CHRISTMAS EVE: There will be a Crib Service at Playden on Christmas Eve, at 3.30pm, and at 11.30pm, there will be MIDNIGHT MASS, AT Playden at 11.30pm.

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES AT IDEN AND PLAYDEN: At 9.30 am, there will be a family service at Iden Parish Church, and at 11.am, a family service at Playden Church.

NEW YEAR’S EVE: There is a Watch night service at St Mary’s Rye

PLEASE NOTE: There is a combined service on Sunday January 1st, at Iden Parish Church to mark the New Year, after which there is an opportunity to raise a glass in ‘The Old Hall’

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LIVING AT A BOARDING HOUSE: There is something particularly splendid about Mistletoe isn’t there? Those eau-de-nil leaves, with opalescent berries, are a joy to behold, .Hang it up, and with a bit of luck you get a kiss, or just put it in a vase, and it becomes one of Christmas’s nicest statements. The berries [reminiscent of granny’s pearls], are in contrast to the holly berries [something of the Snow White and Rose red about them when seen together on the window sill.] The only problem I have with it is it’s dependence on others for board and lodging. It is a parasite [it simply can’t survive on it’s own can it?]. Maybe it just fights shy of nature’s equivalent of a mortgage, and council tax, but although it latches on supported by others, there is no doubting it’s beauty, and it’s annual chance to shine.

CONTACT ME: If anyone has anything to add to the Village Voice, please ring Gill Griffin [telephone 01797 280311]

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