Udimore

UDIMORE GARDEN SAFARI: After a torrential Friday and followed by a very damp Sunday, Saturday turned out to be a providentially perfect afternoon for our safari: in bright sunshine with occasional scudding clouds, the six gardens that were open for the occasion looked their very best - and so did the surrounding countryside. Indeed several of our visitors who know our main road reasonably well commented what a pleasure it was to discover the landscape that lies beyond it on either side. Altogether we welcomed some 200 visitors, many of whom made most appreciative comments about the gardens, and all of whom seemed to have been glad they made the journey (some from as far afield as Brenchley and Sandgate). Together with the sale of plants (at the Hall and Beauchamps) the event raised some £1,345 for St Mary’s Church, making all the efforts of Rachel Dunn, the other garden owners and her team of helpers well worthwhile. In addition, by dint of much baking and a busy afternoon serving teas, committee members and their friends raised over £300 for the Friends of St Mary’s.

MORE OPEN GARDENS: Tomorrow (Saturday) between 1pm and 5.30pm eleven of Winchelsea’s Secret gardens will be open to the public. And on Sunday between noon and 5pm eleven gardens in Iden (and a model stream railway) will be open too. On both afternoons entry will cost £5 (children free), and on both afternoons teas will be served. Do try to fit in another afternoon or two of delightful garden visiting.

ART EXHIBITION: If you’re in Winchelsea on Saturday afternoon, do look in at the Court Hall, for the 19th Annual Exhibition of the Hayesland Painters and Potters (with strong Udimore connections). Their exhibition will also be open today and on Sunday and Monday, between 11am and 5pm all four days. They will have original works of art for sale at reasonable prices

SUNDAY SERVICE: The monthly 9.30am Sung Family Eucharist in St Mary’s will be followed by refreshments and a social gathering in the Hall.

TALK ON HOSPICE SERVICES: At 6pm for 6.30pm on Wednesday June 10 in the Rye Community Primary School the Patient Participation Groups of Ferry Road Health Centre and Rye Medical Centre are holding an evening event. Jane Cave will be speaking about how to access Hospice services, including their Hospice at Home service, their new scheme for Hospice Ambassadors and the Sara Lee service. All will be welcome. Refreshments available. Free parking at the Love Lane entrance of the school.

SCAM WARNINGS: The latest issue of the very helpful “My Alerts” email circulated by Rother District Council includes a most informative video issued by Sussex Police. Warning us to be on our guard against the ever-increasing torrent of scams which threatens us all, the video features interviews with some of those who have been taken in by them, and lost huge sums of money in the process. It’s a serious situation, though not yet quite as bad as in the USA, where additional videos show that scams of all sorts seem to have become endemic. This is recommended viewing - but rather worrying.