Winchelsea

Mothering Sunday: is this Sunday March 6th and posies will be given out to mothers and grandmothers during the 11am Holy Communion service in St Thomas’ Church. The posies will be made during the Church Market (this Saturday) and if you are able to contribute flowers and foliage do bring them along to the Market.

Sussex connections: The Second Wednesday Society holds its monthly gathering on Wednesday March 9th at 2.30pm in the New Hall. Sussex Writers is the theme of the talk given by Dr Geoff Doel. He will be exploring the environments, inspirations and achievements of some famous writers with Sussex connections. Working as an Associate Lecturer at the Universities of Kent and Canterbury Geoff lectures on Literature & Traditional Culture and he and his wife Fran have published many folklore books including: The Green Man in Britain and Christmas Past in Sussex. He is also a member of the Sussex Archaeological Society. As usual the cost is members £1 and non-members £4 and a delicious home-made tea follows the talk.

Ceilidh Dance: Tickets must be bought in advance for the Ceilidh Dance which takes place next Friday March 11th from 6pm onwards in the New Hall. A Ceilidh is a social gathering and you will be able to participate in some traditional Gaelic dancing. This generally includes set dances of couples in square and rectangular formations, or in a ring where one of each couple moves on to the next partner, at the same time keeping in step with the music. The dance is in aid of St Michael’s Hospice as arranged by Mayoress Ann Spencer and the cost is £12.50 adults and £5 for children 10 years and under, which includes supper at 6.30pm. Tickets are on sale from Winchelsea Farm Kitchen or by ringing 01797 226388. There will also be a Bar at hand, a Live Band with Dance Caller and a demonstration of Scottish Country Dancing.

Talent Competition: A new date has been arranged for this event which is Friday May 20th in the Sedlescombe village hall, at 7pm. The organisers of the Talent Competition expect to see singers, dancers, jugglers, and 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, so let your families, friends and children know in good time about the competition. 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 please contact Jean Dann on 01424 882438 for further details, timings and also to book your place.

Easter lilies: During Easter there is a special lily fund in memory of a loved one with the minimum payment at £3 and a large lily arrangement is mounted on the steps of the alter at St Thomas’ Church. The lily represents purity and perfection and is a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus Christ celebrated at Easter. Please phone 01797 223159 if you would like to support the lily fund by making a contribution.

Early spring/late winter: After a mild December with temperatures ranging between 5c to 9.4c February’s lowest temperature was -5c. A recent weather forecast informed that the milder spring weather would give way to colder periods during late February and early March but not to expect snow. Yet a day later it was forecast that March would be slightly warmer than February so it appears there may be some seasonal confusion. Nevertheless despite the inconsistencies some people do feel the cold more than others.

Head, heart, hands: Swiss educator, Johann Pestalozzi (1746-1827) believed that education should develop the powers of ‘Head’, ‘Heart’ and ‘Hands’ as this would help create individuals capable of knowing what is right and what is wrong and acting according to this knowledge. This thinking was at the centre of the Rev Clive Redknap’s talk on ‘Planting for the future’ through education at the Wesley Chapel last Saturday morning where many friends attended. He referred to the Parable of the Sower (Matt. 13) where a farmer went out to sow his seed and some fell on rocky places but the soil was shallow and the plants withered; others fell among thorns which choked the plants; while some fell on good soil and produced an abundant crop. It is the abundant crop which Pestalozzi Village aims to achieve through the education and experiences of each of its students. Rev Clive is a member of the Care staff at the Pestalozzi International Village in Sedlescombe and he brought along two very keen A Level students from Uganda and Java who described their backgrounds and ambitions during the meeting. The Ugandan student had many interests possibly being the next President; but he suggested that becoming a doctor would be more useful as many doctors regularly leave Uganda to go and work in the West thus causing problems to their health service. Improving the environment through careful planning and natural sources of energy were areas of interest for the student from Java. She explained how flooding due to the dumping of rubbish, as well as deforestation to make space for buildings and industry were creating pollution in parts of Java, although attempts were now being made to improve the infrastructure. Pestalozzi’s aim was for education to lead to a practical way of assisting humankind, and the program at the Pestalozzi village is not only about the students receiving education but also enabling them to give back what is needed to their communities.

Winchelsea Beach

Prayer service: St Richard’s Church is holding its monthly Evening Prayer service this Sunday March 6th at 3.30pm. Light refreshments in the downstairs dining room and a time of fellowship will follow the service.

Fortnightly Bingo: There will be a Cash Bingo evening this Wednesday March 9th with eyes down at 7.15pm. Also a raffle and refreshments available, all taking place in the Community Hall.

Start of month lunch: If you would like to attend the next Fellowship Lunch please book in good time for catering purposes by phoning 01797 227168. The next lunch has been moved on a week to Friday April 1st to avoid clashing with the Easter weekend. A selection of home-made dishes will be served and it is at the usual time of 12 for 12.30pm in the Community Hall.

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