Icklesham

CHURCH NEWS: This coming Sunday is the 4th Sunday of Lent. Sometimes it is called Refreshment Sunday,a break from the Lenten fast, but more usually Mothering Sunday, NOT Mothers’ Day thank you. That is an Americanism. Traditionally little posies of flowers are given to ladies in the congregation, and we all remember our own Mothers. Speaking of the church, we also remember Mary, Mother of Jesus, and the world wide Mother church. Simnel cakes are also eaten with great enjoyment. I think historically speaking, servants and maids were allowed home to visit their families, sometimes taking a gift of food from the “big house.” The service will be Parish Eucharist, led by Rev. Canon Robin Whitehead.

LENT LILIES: There is still a little time left to order your lilies in remembrance of a loved one no longer with us. The lilies will cost £2 for each individual name remembered. Should you wish to donate a lily, Janet Pegg 814 735 or Christine Overy 814 927 will be available at the Lent Lunches or Sunday services. There are also envelopes at the village shop.

LENT LUNCHES: The next lunch is today from 12.30 - 2 pm. Lovely home-made soup, a selection of cheeses, bread, coffee and friends to chat to. Today the charity collection will be for Family Support Work. There will be another Lent Lunch next week.

BENEFICE LENT COURSE: The next one will be on Tuesday 8th march at 7 pm at Five Villages House.

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER: If you read your paper early in the morning, you will be able to take part in this international service, prepared this year by the women of Cuba. It takes place in St. Mary’s Church in Rye at 10.30 am on Friday 4th March, TODAY. The theme is Receive Children, Receive Me.

WEATHER: I do wish it would make up its mind. I have heard of people going to Spain for some winter sun, only to find that it’s snowing there ! The grass is still growing, but there’s no chance of getting my mower anywhere near it without ploughing furrows all across it. It squelches if I inadvisably walk on the grass instead of the path. There is a solar eclipse noted for Wednesday 9th March, but I’m not sure whether we shall see it.

QUEEN’S HEAD: The live music on Sunday 6th March will be played between 4 & 6 pm by the Hot Club of St. Leonards, playing Gypsy Jazz.

IAN’S CHALLENGE: Once again I’m taking part, (no, it cannot be described as running) in the Hastings Half Marathon on Sunday 20th March, to raise money for St. Michael’s Hospice, and I’d really like your support. To donate go to JustGiving and look for IAN-MITCHELL27 and follow the instructions. JustGiving sends your donation straight to St. Michael’s Hospice (Hastings and Rother) so it’s a quick and safe way to donate. Or, if it’s easier, when in the Queen’s Head, Icklesham or The Royal Oak in Pett. Ask where to put your loose change for the Hospice. Coins or notes, either is fine. Thank you very much in advance - and, every little helps, as they say.

ICKLESHAM ART GROUP: The Art Exhibition is on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th May, in the Memorial Hall. Opening times on both days are 10am - 4 pm. There will be refreshments on sale both days, including coffee, tea, and cakes. Ploughman’s Lunches will be available from 12 - 2 pm on both days. There will be a tombola with all profit going towards The New Pavilion Project. It is Free entry to the exhibition and also free parking. prizes for the tombola would be much appreciated.

TALENT COMPETITION: Here is an advance date from the Sedlescome correspondent. A new date has been arranged for this event - Friday 20th May in Sedlescombe village hall at 7 pm. We expect to see singers, dancers, jugglers, musicians, in fact all types of entertainment are welcome to join in from the local and surrounding area. Places will be limited to allow for a fair opportunity for all taking part. There is no fee to enter and there will be a £100 awarded to the winner and runner up prizes too. Professional sound system and engineer will be available. If you would like to take part then please contact Jean Dann on 01424 882 438 for further details, timings and to book your place.

SCHOOL NEWS: Sorry about the lack of news for a couple of weeks. Congratulations to the fantastic Netballers who played in the Rye College Tournament. Everyone played with dedication and determination and retained the winning title for the second consecutive year. A team will now go forward to the next round representing Rye. Thanks to all players, parents and carers. A Head Teacher Award goes to Zoe Kilbey for expert coaching. Yesterday was World Book Day, with children in costumes as a book character. Parades and prizes took place throughout the day. The other headteacher Awards go this week to : Caterpillars, Isolde; Spiders, Taylor; Dragonflies, Leon and Bees, Amber. The class awards go to : Caterpillars, Amelie and Charlie; Spiders, Emily ; Dragonflies, Lilli and Cam; and Bees Ollie and Tommy. Congratulations to Jensen on being made a prefect, and Ollie on being the Windmill House Sports Captain. Well done everybody.

ICKLESHAM STORES: I’ve saved the bad, sad news until last. Our lovely Village Stores will close on 24th March. I suppose it is our own fault, but it has not been helped at all by the opening of the supermarket in Ore. As has been said, the Germans have won. All we can do is regret the loss of the wonderful facility, and thank Karen and Dexter for four years of service to the community. You will be missed.

CONTACT: Please continue to send me news of events, results, up-coming dates and so on. Please phone 815 247, pop round or use the email address.

AND FINALLY: Lots to enjoy during the week ahead, so, have fun. Did anyone “pop the question” on the leap day?!!!

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