Iden

WHAT A CARD!: I Love Christmas cards, don’t you ?As a matter of fact, if I particularly like a card, I bring the chosen few out next year to mingle with my new cards, because some Christmas cards are beautiful, and deserve a second showing . One year, walking through the market, I saw a bright, happy-looking card with red a fur trim [it was totally naff, but unusual], so I bought it, and I signed it inside ‘to Gill and Ray , best wishes, Maisie and Frank’[who are Maisie and Frank, my husband wanted to know.] I wish I knew! To this day I still like the card, so up it goes every year. A card is a thought in an envelope, and while writing a card we envisage, however briefly the people we are sending it to. We wonder how they are, and vow to get in touch, and meet up in the New Year. Sometimes that never comes to fruition, because life is so frenetic on both sides, but at least we visit people in our minds, which is what is important at Christmas time.
By Gill Griffin
Published 17th Dec 2015, 23:00 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

MAGDELA HOUSE: On Tuesday, 8th December, a coffee morning was held at the Day Centre, Magdela House, [Ferry Road,] in Rye. Magdela house does much to support the elderly. There is fun and activity to be had there, on Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, a hot meal is provided, and art, large print books, and communal activities .The centre offers encouragement and advice, and is invaluable, for many people in need of some cheer and understanding.. The coffee morning was attended by the Mayor, representatives from the council. Representatives from Ferry Road Health Centre also attended, and local fundraisers and supporters. Donations were gratefully received, from ‘The Lions ‘, Frolic, and Rye Hospital. The Christmas Coffee Morning combines a little joy for members, and their supporters, and a chance to say thank you!.

BINGO: The bingo caller last week was Santa! There was a little Christmas tea, as well as the raffle, the ‘flier’, the jackpot, and the usual bingo books. The next bingo session, in Iden village hall will be on Thursday December 31st [New Years Eve afternoon] Doors open at 2pm, eyes down at 2.30pm. Anyone from the Rye area is welcome to join our fortnightly sessions.

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LISTEN UP LADIES!: On Tuesday 26th January, there will be a ‘Knitter-natter’ group starting, in Iden village hall, from 2pm-4pm. [Not a Thursday, as I previously mentioned] Anyone from Rye and the surrounding villages is welcome to the monthly sessions. Now!, you can knit, sew, embroider, do a jigsaw, a crossword, adult colouring, card-making or whatever you enjoy, and have a cup of tea, and some company. . There is something nice about sharing a hobby or two. It will be very relaxed. We are not looking for brilliance. Though run by Iden W.I, non-W.I. Members are welcome. Lets face it, we need a bit of after-Christmas cheer, so come along, and give it a try!

THE CHRISTMAS POP-IN.: The last Pop-In before Christmas will be on Monday -21st December]. Everyone is welcome, so leave the Christmas wrapping until the afternoon, and come along to Iden village hall at 11am on Monday, and have a mince pie!

A SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION: There will be a service of Holy Communion at Iden Parish Church this Sunday [20th December], at 9. 30 am.

CHRISTMAS EVE: There will be a crib service at Playden at 3.30pm on Christmas Eve.

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MIDNIGHT MASS AT IDEN: Midnight Mass will be at held at 11.30pm, in Iden Parish Church, on CHRISTMAS EVE.

A TEAM SERVICE: There will be a Church ‘ Team Service’ at St. Mary’s Church, Rye, at 10.30 am, on Sunday 27th December[ No services that day at Iden or Playden.]

PLEASE SAVE JUMBLE: There are two jumble sales in the New Year in Iden village hall [details to follow], so please save your jumble and make room for all the Christmas presents. It would be much appreciated!

ONE MORE WEEK TO GO: A week today is Christmas day. Oh what a busy week! The turkey will have to be defrosted [God love it], then of course there is all the fruit and veg to buy [oh and the cream for the trifle]. We still haven’t worked out how many sprouts per person [this is my husband’s main Christmas concern, above all else, because he peels the sprouts and potatoes] “how many do you think Gill”. He’ll say. [personally , I’d just do a pot full, and let everyone sort that out for themselves], but men tend to be slightly more mathematical about these things.! “I can’t find the peeler Gill”. “It’s right there in the drawer dear” [Actually It wouldn’t seem like Christmas if he could lay his hands in the potato peeler!] I lay the table up a couple of days before, two tables actually, the main Christmas table, and the kitchen table for Christmas Eve. This year, I’ve decided to have our Christmas Eve meal in candle light, .but I know what will happen , my husband will say “put some lights on will you Gill, because we can’t see what we’re eating here”. However, we will continue to grope our way through the meal I’ve planned, because I want ambience for the grandchildren.[ the magical flickering of candles that smacks of Christmas past] , but Grandad will probably say something like, “Gill this is ridiculous” [he is much more of a realist], and on will go the lights [ the best laid plans of mice and men] He is right though, there is a lot to be said for the electric light, at least you can see to jump up every now and again to baste the turkey.

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A CHRISTMAS AROMA: There is nothing quite like entering a house when the turkey is cooking. There is that wonderful aroma of sage and onion and oranges and thyme, so that every breath we take seems infused with Christmas. Aunties wear their Christmas perfume., the Christmas tree gives off that lovely pine smell, and the ham simmers away , as does the liquor for the bread sauce [cloves are an important part of this ‘team’ of smells] each one on it’s own, is merely a component, but as they amalgamate and drift together around the home, , they become the essence of Christmas, and almost no aroma in the world is their equal] A hint of wood smoke completes the package., and everyone feels at home because of what is wafting through the air!

CONTACT ME: If you would like me to add anything to the Village Voice, please contact Gill Griffin [telephone 01797 280311]

I WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

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