Rodmell & Southease Parish Pump

I used to ride in the past and adore horses. The roads were much quieter then. People drive so fast these days, and even well trained horses with confident riders get spooked and drivers need to take great care when driving on country roads. I feel so much for the rider and, of course, for the poor horse. It is so upsetting.

One of the things I love to hear in our village is the gentle clip clop of horses as they go up and down our village street and wait to cross the junction on the C7 to get to the Downs. Doing that journey is not for the faint-hearted they have to face speeding traffic.

I went to Brian Mumford's funeral at Wealden crematorium on Tuesday 8th of April with my neighbours, Lorna and Bob. The three of us were the Rodmell contingent, representing our village and our friendship with Brian and his wife, Barbara, who lived in Rodmell for many years in Badgers Dean. They both had a love of the countryside, and Brian was involved with agricultural and horticultural matters for quite a while in his working life. He especially loved roses and was very proud of his well looked after collection.

For me, it’s been a real time for funerals at the moment. One of my dearest friends, who I’ve known for 80 years, lost her husband on the April 3rd, and the same day, was informed by the hospital she had tested positive for cancer. A devastating day for her friends and family to get such a double whammy. She's been very brave about it all, and we're all supporting her.

My neighbour Lorna has asked me to let readers know about Lewis Christian Arts Spring Rising, which takes place on Saturday 19 April 2025 at the Friends Meeting House in Lewes BN7 2LE. It’s an artistic exploration of Easter with music, art, poetry, play and refreshments from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Accompanied, children are most welcome.

The birds in my garden must have very comfortable nests, as they have stripped my pampas grass of its fronds, plus they take the fluff from my tumble dryer, which I put out in the garden.

The big ginger cat from the pub has now decided to leave the warmth of it’s home and start patrolling my land and gardens again in the hope of finding prey. I love him, but have named him the “Terminator” because he catches so much of the wildlife, which is, let's face it, a cat's natural instinct.

I'm going with a group of six friends to see Lewis Operatic Society's Me And My Girl tomorrow night. I've heard from friends who have already seen it that it is excellent. I’m also pleased as my god daughter's daughter is taking one of the lead parts, having been with the society since she was born, and have most of as have most of the family.