Icklesham

CHURCH NEWS: The 9.30 am service this week will be the lovely Harvest Festival service led by Rev. Canon Robin Whitehead. The church is sure to look beautiful. There is now a much better piano in place, on loan from Winchelsea. The white baby grand will be an asset to the music of the church. During the week we commemorate Francis of Assisi on Tuesday 4th October, and William Tyndale on Thursday 6th.

FELLOWSHIP LUNCH: The first lunch after the summer break will be TODAY 30th at 12 for 12.30 in the Community Hall at Winchelsea Beach. It is really good that people from our village join with those from Winchelsea and Winchelsea Beach in this friendly meal. After all, we are all one benefice aren’t we? If you have not been before do come along. You are supposed to book but I have not given you time to do that this month, so I will let you know earlier next month. It always happens on the last Friday of each month.

HARVEST SUPPER: You will have to hurry if you still need a ticket for the supper TONIGHT, Friday at 7 pm in the Memorial Hall. Ring Janet Pegg on 01424 814 735 or Christine Wheeler on 813 740 and plead your case.

WEATHER: Well, we escaped the equinoctial gales, but the people in the north west of England and Scotland were not so lucky. And after a fine warm end to last week, it suddenly feels much chillier. I think my Michaelmas daisies are just about going to make full flowers in time for their festival, which was yesterday, 29th. The time of sunset tomorrow is 06.58 - last month it was 06.03; and sunset is 18.34, while last month it was 19.52. Scary how fast we are losing daylight isn’t it ?

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: Thanks to Ann Osborne for this report. We were very fortunate to have a lovely warm, sunny day for our Autumn Flower Show. The flowers looked really pretty and all the cookery looked very tempting. Well done to all the prize winners; Stuart Baker for the John Austen Trophy for the most points in the fruit and vegetable section, the Galbraith Cup for most points in the Flower section and also the Kath Harman Salver for most points in the Show. Wendy Mitchell won the prize for the best seasonal Dessert. This class is kindly sponsored by Kate and Syd from Manor Farm Oast. Pam Lee won the shield for best in the cookery for her fruit cake. The Horticultural Award for the person living outside the village with the most points over the three shows during the year was won by Judy Foster. This show also has the children’s section. As well as other classes, they all produce a piece of artwork at school. The judge was very impressed by the standard of their work. So much so that Octopus Class won the cup for Best in Show. Congratulations to them. Also well done Sophie Tomson for winning the shield for the child with the most points. The Inter-house Challenge Cup for the house with the most points was Orchard House. Thank you to the Robin Hood for sponsoring the medals for this section. Other people to thank are Stuart, Judy and Michael for helping to set out the hall; Barbara and Simon for running the raffle; Kim and Mags for being tea ladies; Judy for running the tombola and everyone who helped to tidy up afterwards. The AGM will be on Friday 14th October at 7 pm. That’s Battle of Hastings Day !!

New Pavilion Project: A big thank you to all those from the football club, the Robin Hood Bonfire Society, locals and friends who came along to the race night yesterday evening or who supported the event by owning horses.

It would have been good to have a few more there but an enjoyable evening was worthwhile with the sum of £468 raised when all money is collected. The event was a joint fundraiser for the New Pavilion Fund and the Robin Hood Bonfire Society but the Bonfire Society have kindly donated their half to the new pavilion. A massive thank you to them for their generosity.

We must also thank the sponsors of the races - Gerry Beaney & Sons, Healthskills Limited, Kim Holland, Rye Auction Galleries Limited, The Robin Hood, Wealden Architectural Services and English Heritage.

Jack Davies had a successful evening being the winning jockey in four of the eight races. The other winning jockeys were Roger A, Kevin Wall, Alan H and Poppy Stewart while the winning owners were Jake Willis, Phil Badrock, Martin Tytherleigh, Steve Baker, Keith Swallow, Vernon Deller and Mike Hills.

Kevin and Roger were the winning owners in the auction races while Roger also won the Lucky Dip Dual Forecast race.

Thank you to Steve Beale for expertly hosting the evening and all the others who gave their assistance.

Can we ask that Icklesham Sports Clubs and New Pavilion supporters, repay this generous donation from the RHBS and support their bonfire night on Saturday 5th November at The Robin Hood it is an excellent family and social evening.

QUEEN’S HEAD: The live music this coming Sunday between 4 & 6 pm will be played by Alamo, playing Covers. There will be a Quiz Night on Wednesday 5th October from 8 pm raising money for Macmillan Cancer Fund.

MACMILLAN COFFE MORNING AND AUTUMN CRAFT FAIR: This will take place in the Memorial Hall on Saturday 8th October from 10am until 2.30 pm. Lots of locally made items, many of which are made here in Icklesham. Refreshments will be on sale including an assortment of delicious home made cakes. All proceeds will be going to this very worthwhile cause. If you have never been, why not join us for coffee? You will be met with a very warm welcome and be helping Macmillan into the bargain. There is plenty of free parking. Looking forward to seeing you there, so book the date into your diary NOW. I will remind you next week !!

CONTACT: Thank you for all the reports and information. Pleas keep it all coming. And remember that this is your column to tell people about what is going on in Icklesham.

AND FINALLY: Enjoy the Harvest supper and festival service. How are you doing with your own “harvest “ in your garden? My beans have finished but there are still a few very sweet little tomatoes. Have a good week.

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