Winchelsea

31 Highfords, Icklesham

Over this Spring Bank Holiday weekend we can expect the annual visit of the East Surrey Morris Men to Castle Street on Sunday 26th May. After performing their traditional folk dances at Peasmarsh and Rye they will be well in their stride with bell pads, sticks and swords when they reach Winchelsea for 5 pm.

There will be a morning worship service at St Thomas’s Church on Sunday 26th May at 10.30 am. It is the turn of Revd Canon Richard Orchard to lead the service this week.

The Mobile Library will be in Castle Street on Wednesday 29th May at the usual time of 1.40 to 2.10 pm.

Winchelsea Archaeological Society has organised a Cellar Tour for Saturday 1st June at 2 pm starting from Castle Street. The cost is £5 p.p. and is about 90 minutes in length with funds in aid of archaeology in Winchelsea. To book tickets please ring 01797 224446 or email: [email protected]

A Sea Food Evening with some wine tasting has been arranged by the Winchelsea Bonfire Boyes for Saturday 1st June at 7.30 pm in the New Hall. The choice is Lobster Platter at £16 or Crab Platter at £13 with the inclusion of langoustines, crevettes, shrimps, clams and mussels. Cheese and biscuits will follow to complete this nourishing meal and there will be a raffle and bar. If this has made you feel hungry and you would like to attend tickets must be bought in advance and the number to contact is 01797 224446 by Tuesday 28th May.

The Winchelsea Summer Fete Committee is in the process of organising this year’s fete which will take place on Saturday 10th August. At present they are looking for new stalls, volunteers to help on the afternoon and plenty of ideas so that it will continue to be its usual success. Please contact 01797 226642 or 223458 if you are able to help on the day.

Would you like to volunteer as a guide to show visitors around St Thomas’s Church? If so please let Alan McKinna know. This has proved very helpful with the volunteers so far but more volunteers are needed to support the initiative particularly over Bank Holiday weekends.

Professor Ormrod of the University of York gave an interesting talk and slide show on Edward III last Thursday evening. This was to a large audience in St Thomas’s Church where it is thought that Edward III may have visited in his time. Considered by many as the most successful European ruler of his age he assumed the title of King of France during the hundred year’s war. Despite his military achievements much of France was later taken back due to military failures, the outbreak of the plague and the influence of Edward’s mistress who was regarded as corrupt and grasping. In 1350 he was successful in the Battle of Winchelsea against the Spanish and particularly Spanish piracy. He also founded the Order of the Garter in 1348 which is the order of chivalry dedicated to St George and it is the pinnacle of the British honours system. The Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports is a ceremonial official which dates from the 12th century and the two most recent Lord Wardens were the Queen Mother and the present Admiral Lord Boyce both of whom have received the Order of the Garter. Following the talk there were questions and answers plus a glass of wine to conclude an enjoyable evening; with thanks to all who supported the event and to Alan McKinna for organising it.

Winchelsea Beach

Winchelsea Beach Community Association is having a Table Sale tomorrow, 25th May at 11 am in the Community Hall. If you would like to book a table please ring 01797 224820.

The morning worship at St Richard’s Church will be led by Revd Canon Richard Orchard and will begin at 9.15 am. Following this service Revd Orchard will be preaching at St Thomas’s Church.

There will be a visit from the Mobile Library to Sea Road on Wednesday 29th May. This will be at the usual time of 11.55 to 12.30 pm.

Don’t forget that if you are coming to the St Richard’s Fellowship Lunch on Friday 31st May please book soon on 01797 227168 to ensure a place. This will be at 12 for 12.30 pm in the Community Hall.

On Saturday 1st June WBCA is holding a Coronation Anniversary Dance with a fish and chip supper, to commemorate 60 years since the Queen’s Coronation. This event will be held in the Community Hall starting at 7.30 pm. If you would like to come along the cost is £10 p.p. and the number to ring is 01797 224820 for tickets or Hugh Sutton in Suttons Store, Sea Road also has tickets. Please note that no tickets will be sold at the door.