Winchelsea

Cindi Cogswell, 31 Highfords, Icklesham

I am not sure why the Winchelsea/Beach column that I sent on time did not appear in last week’s paper. Possibly it was a printing error. However apologies for any news missed and I hope this week’s longer column helps to make up for it.

This evening (Friday) the Shakespeare in Winchelsea Company is presenting The Comedy of Errors on at 7 pm. The performance is held in the garden of Cleveland House which is open at 6 pm for picnics but if it rains the venue will be at nearby St Thomas’s Church. Tickets are £13.50 adults and £6 under 16s and the contact number for bookings is 01797 224446 with proceeds in support of Winchelsea Bonfire Boyes.

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WAS (Winchelsea Archaeological Society) will be holding one of its popular guided Cellar Tours on Saturday 17th August starting at 2 pm for approximately 90 minutes. The place to meet is Castle Street and the cost is £5 a head with funds raised going towards archaeology in the town. Also wear sensible shoes as some of the steps are slippery and uneven. Bookings can be made by phoning 01797 224446 or emailing [email protected] within good time for the tour.

The Ellen Terry Barn Theatre at Smallhythe, Tenterden is once more opening its doors to Ellen Terry fans and supporters for an ‘Exclusive Premiere Presentation’. This is a unique opportunity to see some fascinating clips from silent movies made during 1916-1922 and starring Ellen Terry and her daughter Edy. Author Ann Rachlin found and rescued these priceless images which will be screened on the stage of the theatre on Saturday August 17th at 5.30 pm. Tickets are £7.50 p.p. from Smallhythe Place and to book please phone 01580 762334.

This Wednesday August 21st the fortnightly visit of the Mobile Library will be in Castle Street. The times are 1.40 to 2.10 pm.

Winchelsea Garden Society has organised a visit to Parham House and Gardens on Wednesday August 21st. Simon Jenkins (journalist and chairman of the National Trust) describes Parham as a ‘magical house with magnificent gardens’ and he lists it as one of the top twenty stately homes in the UK. It is a barely-altered Elizabethan house, now owned by a charitable trust, nestling under the South Downs with a glorious long gallery and collection of rare embroidery. Tickets are on sale at Winchelsea Post Office and cost £25 p.p. The plan is to leave the Town Sign at 10am (note the later-than-usual start time) and return at about 6.30pm.

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The very popular Winchelsea Annual Art Exhibition is being held in The Court Hall on Saturday 24th to Monday 26th August. Opening times are 10 am to 6 pm on August 24th and 25th and 10 am to 3.45 pm on the 26th. Paintings, Photographs and Pottery by local artists will be exhibited and can be bought. Admission is free and there are excellent Raffle Prizes to be won. The proceeds will go towards the upkeep and refurbishment of the Town’s Millennium Artefacts which are the town sign, beacon and tapestry.

Early bookings are being taken for the next big trip organised by the Rye & District National Trust. It is entitled ‘Navigating the Wey in Surrey’ and is an opportunity to explore the old Surrey iron villages, visit Guildford, enjoy a cruise on the River Wey and stop for tea at the stately home where the Queen Mother spent her honeymoon. A friendly, informative guide will be on hand throughout the day. The date for this event is Wednesday September 11th and the price is £36 p.p. which does not include refreshments. These outings are subject to minimum numbers so if you would like to come along please book soon on 01797 253763 for Ros Adkins.

There will be a by-election for a parish councillor for the ward of Winchelsea on Thursday September 5th and the polling station will be the New Hall. The candidates are Winchelsea residents: Richard Comotto and Anna Hargreaves and the last date for anyone wanting to make an application is Wednesday August 28th.

Over the last few weeks the historical Wesley Tree has been looking slightly ragged and concerns were raised that Ash Dieback Disease might be the cause. However the County tree expert, called in by the Tree Society is not convinced that the tree is diseased, despite it being in poor health. He has decided to prune the dead branches and in addition the tree may need mulching and feeding. Also to be on the safe side, cuttings will be taken by the Tree Society and if anyone would like to nurture a cutting until the spring please call Richard Comotto on 01797 224446.

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Last weekend’s Church Market raised £357.35 for Church Funds and the Melodia concert made a clear profit of £580 which will be divided between the Church and St Michael’s Hospice. This was greatly appreciated and members of the Church thank all who helped and supported these two events.

The Summer Fete on the Winchelsea Cricket Ground is always the major event in the Summer Calendar for the town and this year was no exception. The weather was fine and sunny and just under 1000 attended during the afternoon making the day a tremendous success. Thanks must be given to all the many helpers who were essential in bringing the town together so well. The Fun Dog Show attracted more entrants than ever before and it was a joy to see the dogs parading with their handlers in the main arena with the Mayor Stephen Turner judging the best in show which by a strange coincidence was a Dalmatian named Turner, no relation! Thanks to Crick and Peter and their helpers for all their hard work in running this event and making it such a success. Entertainment was provided throughout the afternoon by the award winning Battle Town Band and there was a mix of Craft, Produce and Charity Stalls with the Coconut Shy and children’s games to keep everyone busy for the afternoon. The display of Birds of Prey and Country crafts by the National Trust was a major attraction. The traditional Pimm’s Bar, run by the Cricket Club, and BBQ with delicious sausages and burgers donated by the Winchelsea Farm Kitchen were busy all afternoon as was the Tea and Cakes in the New Hall. A big thank you to all those who baked and donated the wonderful cakes and to those who served them and washed up afterwards. The raffle with prizes donated by local businesses raised over £1200 and details of the lucky winners will be posted on the Little Shop Notice board with details of the monies raised for local charities. All the profit from the event is distributed by the organising committee. The total raised to date is £3200 which is £600 more than last year. It is proposed that the principle beneficiary will be the “Pipewell Gate Appeal” with other money going to the Church, the Sea Cadets and other Winchelsea organisations.

Winchelsea Beach

Strandline Secrets is a summer activity arranged by Rye Harbour Nature Reserve for Tuesday August 20th. You are invited to come down to the beach to explore the strandline in search of different shells, mermaid’s purses and other riches washed up on the beach and you should bring a bucket for your finds. Meet at Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre at 2.30 till 4.30 pm and donations towards the Reserve would be appreciated

On Wednesday August 21st RVA (Rother Voluntary Action) has arranged a pleasurable walk called, ‘Stepping out to The Amsterdam’. RVA invites all to join them for a stroll at low tide to visit the wreck site of the East Indiaman the ‘Amsterdam’, which ran aground in 1749 between Bexhill and Hastings. You will get to hear the story as you cross the cliffs before descending to the beach and be prepared for shingle and wet sand. There is also the chance to look at why the shore has been made part of the new Coombe Valley countryside Park Project. The walk, led by Heather Morrey, is 3 miles long and the meeting place is Galley Hill Coastguard Station which is at the East end of Bexhill sea front, for 6.15 pm. These walks unfortunately are not suitable for dogs and there is a charge of £3 for adults and £1.50 for accompanied children.

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The Mobile Library will be making its fortnightly visit to Sea Road on Wednesday 21st August. This will be from 11.55 am to 12.30 pm.

Winchelsea Beach Community Association has organised a Table Sale for next Saturday 24th August beginning at 11 am. This will be held in the Community Hall and you will need to contact 01797 222379 to hire a table for selling your goods and items.

Rye Bay Football Club is looking for boys and girls ages 4-7 to join the Colts section. The training sessions take place on Sunday mornings from 9 to 10 am at Harbour Field on Dogs Hill Road. This well-established club provides a safe environment for children and the football coaches are fully qualified and their focus is on skill development, teamwork and having fun. The first taster session is free and the person to phone is Chris Catt on 07515747056 or visit www.clubwebsite.co.uk/ryebayfc/ for contact details.