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A BIT OF A QUAGMIRE: It's definitely been welly-boots weather around Iden hasn't it? '˜Glorious mud' doesn't begin to describe it. Spring is just around the corner though, and there have been a few tentative signs that it is tiptoeing forth. The sun comes out periodically, the grass is very green, and the daffodils are showing for their keep, so it looks hopeful. We've been looking after Jenson, my son's dog, and he has brought in plenty of mud this week. He rolls in it first [no good having half measures], and he has made friends with half a mossy, mud-laden tree-trunk in the garden which he tries with all his might to bring inside [he's obviously very fond of it] As well as tearing up a pair of slippers, chewing the telephone wire, drinking from the loo, and polishing off the remains of the squeaky Santa I bought him at Christmas, he has been walking around today with my gold embroidery thread hanging out of his mouth. Half the time I think it's boredom. Someone should invent an activity centre for dogs and rush it through '˜Dragon's Den' in time for his next visit. If he wasn't family, I'd tell him to take a long walk off a short pier!

‘A PLANT- MAN’S PARADISE: That is the name of the talk, to be given by Colin Page, at the Iden and District Natural History Society meeting, on Friday, 26th February, at 7.30pm, in Iden village hall. Visitors pay £3, for what is always a very informative evening, for those interested in nature.

JUMBLE IS NEEDED: Iden village hall needs money spent on it, to improve wash room facilities , so there will be a jumble sale on Saturday 5th March at 1pm in Iden village hall, to raise money Do please support it, and if you have jumble, please ring Carol Bourne [telephone 01-797 280464], and she will advise where to bring it

KNITTER-NATTER: The next Knitter-natter will be on Tuesday, 23rd February at 2pm, in Iden village hall. Do come and join us. You can knit, sew, or bring along any easily transportable hobby. There will be tea and biscuits available. Anyone from the Rye area is welcome.

THE POP-IN: The next Pop-in will be on Monday, 22nd February at 11am, in Iden village hall. Everyone is welcome, for tea /coffee, biscuits and a nice chat!

BINGO: The next Bingo session is in Iden village hall, on Thursday 3rd March, Doors open at 2pm, Eyes down at 2.30pm. Anyone from the Rye area is most welcome. There is a raffle, a flier, a jackpot, and a light tea is served at half time.

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

EVER THE DIPLOMAT: Iden Parish Church has strong, supportive walls, which always appear to me to be waiting patiently and steadfastly for weddings, funerals, Christenings, services, and every kind of prayer. If those walls could talk there would be so many happy/sad, poignant things to divulge, but although they absorb all things, they divulge nothing. There is a diplomacy about church walls, isn’t there, and a respectful silence as we enter the church telling us that our words and thoughts are in safe hands.

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

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