Icklesham Village Voice

When the Sea Claimed the Fields  In the late thirteenth century, the low-lying marshes around Icklesham and the Brede Valley were valuable agricultural land, protected from the sea by a system of embankments and sea walls. Maintaining these defences was essential to keeping the land suitable for farming. When they failed, the consequences could be devastating. One documented example concerns John Thomas, a medieval landholder who, in 1288, brought a claim against William Harengod, lord of Icklesham, following the loss of twenty acres of marshland. On 4 February 1288, a severe storm struck the Sussex coast, causing widespread damage to coastal defences. The sea breached protective barriers, allowing salt water to flood parts of the Brede Valley. Among the affected properties was the twenty acres associated with the Poun and Thomas family.

John Thomas subsequently sought damages from William Harengod, the lord of Icklesham. The dispute provides a rare glimpse into the legal and financial consequences of medieval coastal flooding, as well as the responsibilities landowners had for maintaining sea defences. The flooding had lasting consequences. Whitefleet Marsh remained underwater for approximately fifteen years, making the affected land unavailable for its former agricultural use. In 1302, John Thomas was involved in an agreement concerning the enclosure and redistribution of the flooded land, indicating that efforts were being made to recover and reclaim the marshes. 

[Source: This is documented in medieval legal and land records examined by historian Mark Gardiner in his 1993 study, ‘Medieval Farming and Flooding in the Brede Valley’.]

COMMUNITY SPIRITS Do you have a couple of hours to spare each week or Month? and fancy meeting more people in the community? Why not join the Icklesham Community Spirits! This friendly volunteer group helps organise events for Icklesham Trust, and they’re always happy to welcome new faces. If you’d like to get involved, just drop an email to [email protected].

Don’t forget you can order the ICKLESHAM PARISH MAGAZINE, published every month for just £1 per copy (£9 for the year), delivered to your door. Place an advert, find local tradesmen, local information, history & news. Please contact [email protected]

EVENTS ICKLESHAM MEMORIAL HALL

GAMES NIGHT is a pilot for future games nights, that will be on Fri 6 Nov, 7-9pm. Bring nibbles & games, or join in a game. £2 per person.

ROBIN HOOD, THE BABES IN THE WOOD was announced for the January pantomime. ICKLESHAM PANTO AND DRAMA SOCIETY (I.P.A.D.S.) Are always looking for cast and crew to join them, please call Peter on 07787 354212.

ICKLESHAM PRODUCE MARKET the next market will be on 14 Nov, starting at 10am. Icklesham Market brings the community together with local produce, handmade crafts, delicious treats and friendly faces. Discover something special, support local makers and enjoy a relaxed village market atmosphere.

CRAFT FAIR The next craft fair will be on Sat 7 Nov 10am-3pm. Browse beautiful creations from local makers, find something special for yourself or a loved one, and enjoy a relaxed, community atmosphere. Come along, shop local, and support talented independent crafters. 

GROUPS & CLUBS AT ICKLESHAM MEMORIAL HALL

TUESDAY DROP-IN (formerly Tuesday Club) will be starting again on 3 Nov. Every Tuesday 1-3pm. Everyone is welcome including the little ones. Soup, cake & drinks available, no charge but donations are welcome.

MOVE IT OR LOSE IT is a new fitness class at the hall starting Wed 30th September 10 - 11am. Suitable for over 60’s, both seating & standing.

PILATES Every Tuesday evening 6.30 -7.30pm. Spare mats available but if you have one please bring it along. All abilities welcome. £8 per class payable monthly.

ECHOES CHOIR Every Wednesday evening 7-9pm. Over 16's only. Discover the joy of lifting your voice & feeding your soul. Exploring a mix of music, jazz, pop, rock & soul etc.

ART & CRAFT CLUB Every Tuesday at 10am. A friendly group with a wide range of artistic talents, everyone is welcome. 

TAI CHI Every Monday at 9am and every Wednesday at 7.45pm. Practice Tai Chi & Qi Gong to improve balance, reduce stress, and renew your energy. All abilities, newcomers and learners are welcome. £6 per session, just turn up.

SOUTH COAST DOG TRAINING Group courses and dog walk meet ups. Contact [email protected] to book.

ICKLESHAM HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Membership to the society is £2.00 per year and allows you entry to the three shows (Spring, Summer and Autumn). Schedules are now available and can be delivered locally. 

SPORTS AT ICKLESHAM PAVILION

ICKLESHAM CASUALS FOOTBALL CLUB with 5 goals scored in October, Callum Hadaway is player of the month.

Icklesham Village on facebook is another great place to keep an eye on what’s going on locally.

Contact me at [email protected]