Winchelsea village voice

This evening (Friday) the Literary Society is celebrating the last Diamond Jubilee under the title: 1867 A Literary Pageant. There will be readings from books published in the Jubilee year such as Dracula, The Invisible Man and works by Henry James, Somerset Maugham as well as Kipling’s poem Recessional and extracts from Queen Victoria’s diary. You will need to be in the Court Hall at 7 pm for a 7.30 start.

There will be three services at St Thomas’ Church this Sunday 20th May. These are the 8 am Eucharist, the Choral Eucharist at 10.30 am and at 6 pm the Evening Prayer with Hymns.

Help is also wanted in the form of volunteers as hosts to greet visitors to St Thomas’ Church, especially on weekends and bank holidays. The present system is proving very worthwhile but more hosts are needed and if you are interested please have a word with Alan McKinna.

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Also a reminder that Christian Aid week continues up to tomorrow (Saturday) with house-to-house collections through the town.

The Church has set up a Grass Cutting Appeal to cover the costs of keeping the grass cut in the churchyard. It has had its first cut of the year and the Parochial Church Council intends to keep to a fortnightly cut which costs £200 a time so any contributions to the Treasurer or in the black box at the back of the church would be greatly appreciated. The PCC will next be meeting on Friday 25th May at 7 pm in the Church.

Icklesham Parish Council is holding its Annual Parish Assembly on Monday 21st May at 7.15 pm in the New Hall. It is a meeting for all residents and is not a Council meeting but a chance to get together and discuss matters of concern and how to deal with them. During the evening there will be a discussion about Community Speed Watch and whether footway lighting in Winchelsea should be turned off at certain times. There has been an increase of 7% in the electricity tariff for the footlights. Another item of interest to local residents is that the Council is considering quotations for refurbishing the bus shelter at The Strand.

The date and venue for the next Council meeting is Monday 11th June at 7.15 pm in the New Hall.

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An evening concert of words and music by the Peasmarsh and District W.I. Choir is to take place at Winchelsea Methodist Chapel on Wednesday 23rd May at 7 pm. A collection will be taken in aid of St Mary’s Church Clock Fund and Chapel and there will be light refreshments to follow the concert.

The annual Feast of Asparagus and Wine Tasting Evening, as arranged by the Winchelsea Bonfire Boyes, will be on Saturday 26th May at 7.30 pm in the New Hall. Included with the fresh asparagus is poached salmon and Jersey new potatoes, cheese and biscuits, wine tasting, a bar and raffle. Tickets are £14 per person and must be purchased in advance and the number to contact is 224446.

The Spring Farm and Nature Conservation Tour arranged by FOAM (Friends of the Ancient Monuments & Museum) takes place next Sunday, 2 pm on the 27th May at Elm’s Farm, Pett Lane, Icklesham. This is an opportunity to visit a local working farm and see the conservation programmes underway. The guided tour will be led by conservation expert Phil Jones and lasts about 1.5 - 2 hours. Booking is essential (contact is 223559) and the cost is £5 per person.

Tickets are now on sale for the annual Shakespeare in Winchelsea performance in the garden of Cleveland House. Last year it was a sell-out. This year it will be As You Like It on Friday 24th August (Bank Holiday weekend) performed by the Rain or Shine Theatre Company. Tickets are £13.50 adults; £6 under 16s and you will need to bring your own picnic, chairs, tables etc and the garden is open at 6 pm. The proceeds are in aid of Winchelsea Bonfire and if you would like to book please ring 225333.

Cindi Cogswell, 31 Highfords, Icklesham