Playden village voice - March 23

Many years ago, someone, Rotary? Round Table? planted lots of daffodils on the banks of Rye Hill. They are a lovely sight on the approaches to Rye, especially when the sun brings out the celandines as well.

My thanks to Heather Coote for the following W.I. report.

There were several notices given out after the singing of Jerusalem, for which Mrs. Margaret Hewett kindly played. The President, Mrs. Joan Taylor, thanked Mrs. Margaret Holbrook and her husband John for hosting a very successful Curry night. This raised about £400 for Hall Funds. Joan also thanked Mrs. Alison Cade for organising the Box Making Day which was enjoyed by all who attended.

There are still places left on the trips that Mrs. Margaret Hewett is organising this year, and anyone who may be interested should contact Margaret.

This month the speaker was Mr. Brian Whitehead from the charity “Hearing Dogs for the Deaf”.His talk was very interesting and, together with slides, he explained the work of the charity. There are two training centres in the country, one in the south and one in the north. Demand is extremely high and waiting lists can be up to two years. Selection for dogs can take a long time because they are matched to the new owners. Brian then introduced us to Jill Knowles who had been the lucky recipient of an adorable miniature poodle called Lola. Jill said that this little dog had altered her life as she had gone deaf in her thirties. She had been an accountant in London but was now a counsellor for children and Lola is a therapy dog who really engages with the children she meets.

Lola was very well behaved and captured quite a few hearts..

After a cup of tea and more of Shirley’s birthday cake, the members went home feeling that they had enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon.

I have today confirmed with Marino’s that we shall need lots of fish and chips on 31st March. You are coming, aren’t you, to the Quiz night in the W. I. Hall at 7.30 pm? Please book your table by phoning 22 32 11 or 22 26 15.

Rye and District Camera Club members and friends will be in the Playden W. I. Hall on Saturday evening at 7.30 pm for a social evening.

There will be “A Night of Film Nostalgia” to include old footage around Rye, Hastings and Romney Marsh on Friday 30th March at 7 pm in Rye College. This will be presented by Mr. Barry Littlechild in aid of Age Concern, Rye and District Day Centre. For booking please phone 01797 270 459.

Wednesday 28th March is the last date for applications for the Theatre outing to see “The Diary of Anne Frank” at Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, on Wednesday 2nd May. The show starts at 2.30 pm. The cost is £27 per person, which includes the coach trip and theatre seats. Arrival in Eastbourne will be in good time for some shopping and lunch. Please phone Ros Adkins on 01797 25 37 63 to reserve your seat. This is organised by the Rye and District branch of the National Trust.

I heard the story about the newts preventing work on the A259, two weeks ago, and didn’t think it could possibly be true !

The mid-week services are at 9.30 - Morning Prayer, and 3.30 - Evening Prayer in Playden Church on Tuesday.

The Mid-week Eucharist at 10.15 will be on Tuesday 27th March at Playden Church.

There is an opportunity to “Meet the Vicar” informally on Saturday 24th March at the Vicarage at 21 Fair Meadow from 10.30 to 12 noon. You are invited to call in on your way back from shopping, and you don’t have to be a church go-er.

The 11 am service this Sunday will be Parish Communion for Passion Sunday.

On March 25th, Sunday, British Summer Time begins, so do remember to put your clocks and watches forward one hour.

Marion Lovell, Abingworth, New England Lane