Winchelsea

Haysland Art: Every year the Court Hall, one of Winchelsea’s oldest buildings, hosts the Haysland Painters and Potters Art Exhibition. This year as usual the exhibition is open to all, from 11 to 5pm today (Friday) and on Monday June 8th both for viewing the works of art and to make purchases.

Church Market: On the first Saturday of every month St Thomas’ Church holds a Church Market in aid of church funds. Last month’s Market and soup lunch raised the helpful sum of £320. Tomorrow between 10.30am and 12 noon you can look forward to the usual tempting culinary delights, plus coffee and relaxation, home-made produce and a selection of plants on sale. So you’re always welcome and bring a friend; afterwards there is time to visit the NGS Open Gardens event in the town.

NGS: Tomorrow (Saturday June 6th) the town is hosting the National Gardens Scheme from 1 to 5.30pm and there will be eleven splendid gardens open to view. These are: South Mariteau, Cleveland Place, Cleveland House, 2 Strand Plat, Periteau House, The Armoury, 1, 2 and 3 Barrack Square, Five Chimneys and Rye View. The same gardens will be open again on Monday June 8th from 2 to 5.30pm in support of ARRCC. On both days teas will be served in the New Hall from 2 till 5pm. There will be plants for sale and admission is £6 adults and free for children.

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Wesley’s visit: During the garden visits tomorrow the Methodist Chapel will be opening its doors from 2 till 5pm for visitors. On this annual event visitors are welcome to look round this historical site and learn more about John Wesley’s experience in Winchelsea at a time when smuggling was rife.

Waterloo: Two hundred years on since the Battle of Waterloo was fought on June 18th 1815 it is considered by many historians as an iconic victory. The war was between the dictator Napoleon who tried to establish a European empire and the Duke of Wellington with his British and Allied army. The battle was to decide Europe’s fate. John Guyatt will be talking on this subject entitled ‘Waterloo and the Balance of Power in Europe’ and this has a contemporary resonance with talks of EU reform and the referendum currently in process. The talk is arranged by the Second Wednesday Society in the New Hall on Wednesday June 10th at 2.30pm. As usual the cost is £1 members, £4 non-members and includes home-made refreshments following the talk.

Calvert Choir: Almost half way down Mount Pleasant Road in Hastings you can’t miss seeing the Calvert Methodist Church. Built in 1890 the building is an impressive dark-crimson brick in a distinctive Methodist style. It is also from there that the talented Calvert Methodist Choir began to spread its wings and they will be presenting ‘An Evening of Words, Music and Song’ at Winchelsea’s Methodist Chapel. A relaxed evening with light refreshments is planned for Wednesday June 10th at 7.30pm and all are invited to share in this special occasion.

Change of venue: Owing to scaffolding and repairs being undertaken at St Nicholas’ Church (Icklesham) for just this month Icklesham Church Market will be held in the Memorial Hall on Saturday June 13th. The Market is open between 11am and 2pm and as usual lunches, light refreshments, books and plants will be on sale.

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Ménage A Trois: Well-known resident Ann Rachlin has written extensively on the Victorian actress Ellen Terry who lived in both Winchelsea and Tenterden. Her latest presentation is entitled Ménage A Trois and is an illustrated talk on the hidden lives of the three women who cared for Ellen Terry in her last years. Ann describes these women as ‘an extraordinary, eccentric and extremely talented Bohemian trio who defied Victorian prejudices’ and her creation is a lavishly illustrated one-hour talk featuring private photographs taken from their personal albums. The talk will be held at the Ellen Terry Barn Theatre, Smallhythe on Saturday June 13th at 6pm and tickets are £5 p.p. available by contacting 01580 762334 at Smallhythe Place.

Winchelsea Beach

Praise and Prayers: This month’s Afternoon Praise service at St Richard’s Church will include a baptism beginning at 3.30pm on Sunday June 7th. The service will be led by the Rector Canon Robin Whitehead and light refreshments will be available afterwards. As usual friends and visitors are always welcome to come and listen.

Breeding Birds: This Sunday June 7th at 3pm there is an opportunity to observe the breeding terns, gulls and waders in their efforts to raise their chicks at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. The walk is approximately 2 miles and you will need to meet at Rye Harbour car park for 3pm till 5.30pm. There is no need to book and donations would be appreciated. One of the most important conservation sites on the Sussex coast, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area for birds and a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats. Since the Reserve has been extended there are new hides and pools which make it an even better habitat for the birds.

Fellowship bookings: It is necessary to book in advance for the monthly Fellowship Lunch and the number to contact is 01797 227168. You can expect a delicious three-course meal, with a talk and a donation requested for charity at this very worthwhile, social event. The date for the Lunch is Friday June 26th at 12 for 12.30pm in the Community Hall.