Playden

The weather in Spain did exactly the same last week -- lovely hot sunshine brought forth the mistiness and low cloud. The flowers are benefiting from the rise in temperature, and the gardens are looking lovely.

There is to be a Spring Fair at Playden Church tomorrow, Saturday 27th from 11 am to 1 pm. There will be books, plants, toys, crafts, gifts, home cooking - cakes and preserves, a raffle and refreshments. Lots of lovely things will be available to purchase, and good friendly chat all morning. Do come.

The Playden Weekend of Arts, Crafts and Music is galloping down the home straight now. The dates are 11th and 12th May. The exhibition is open from 10.30 to 17.00 on Saturday, 12.30 to 16.00 on Sunday. Entrance is free but donations are very welcome. We have to face the cost of re-shingling the spire.

Bookings are already being taken for the Concert in Playden Church on 11th May at 7.30 pm. The performer will be Ken Roberts, who is a well-known and respected musician, often to be found lecturing or conducting in the local area. He is a very accomplished performer himself and will entertain us with “Music Around the World in 80 Minutes.” There will be light refreshments and the ticket entry entitles you to the first glass of wine. After that donations are requested. Tickets cost £10. To book call 01797 22 26 15.

The Mobile Library will be calling next on Monday 29 April when there will be the resumption of the Coffee mornings in the Village Hall from 11am to 1.30pm

Sue White would like to thank all those who helped and supported the Jumble Sale on the 13 April which raised a magnificent £960 The monies will go to BACE a charity which is aiding children in The Gambia to enter the education system .Sue and John particularly have spent time during the past two years in this country and many will have seen the invaluable work they have achieved there in order to improve the children’s lives.

The Swap Shop will happen again - 4th time - on Saturday 4th May, at St. Mary’s Centre, Lion Street, Rye. The event is open 9.30 to 12 noon. The idea behind this is really recycling. You bring in goods which you no longer need, so does everyone else, and you take away anything of use to you, FREE. It works extremely well and is becoming very popular.

I don’t usually report deaths in Playden, but you might wish to know that Bob Press’s funeral will be at 11.30 am on 7th May at Iden. He will be much missed from the Playden Oasts.

The Mobile Library should be at Poppyfield on Monday from 11.30 to 11.50. It will be nice to have it back.

Playden Parish Council should have a meeting on Thursday 2nd May at 7.30pm in the W.I. Hall. This will be the first meeting for 3 months due to all sorts of reasons. Why not come along and see what the council gets up to on your behalf? There are planning matters, District and Council matters all up for discussion, and those councillors are usually present to answer questions and give reports. Actually, isn’t that Polling Day? Therefore the Parish Council couldn’ t have a meeting then. I’ll keep you posted on the revised date.

Do take advantage of your right to vote. The Playden W.I. Hall is our Polling Station.

If you wished to take advantage of the better weather, there is a walk to look at spring visitors at Dungeness from 11 am to 1 pm. Booking is essential on 01797 320588.

Swallows and martins have been spotted in the area, but we do know that one swallow does not make a summer. Nice to see them though.

The 11 am service for 5th Sunday of Easter will be Parish Communion led by the Vicar.