Rye News doesn’t just cover Rye, we feature stories from Pett and Fairlight along the coast to Camber, and inland to Peasmarsh, Winchelsea, Iden and Playden. If you would like to be our correspondent reporting from where you live, get in touch at info@ryenews.org.uk.
From Icklesham, meet Tanya Reddin who has lived in the village for fifteen years. She’ll be writing a monthly column in Rye News about what’s happening in and around Icklesham.
- Tanya grew up in the print industry and now works as a genetic genealogist and historical researcher, driven by a passion for uncovering the past and reconnecting biological families. For the past eight years, she has managed social media for Icklesham Village, helping to promote community news and local events.
Icklesham Village update – November 2025
Already a week gone? After a record turn-out on Remembrance Sunday, the festive season is sneaking up on us. With five weeks left, the Christmas songs have already taken over, and there’s no escape! There is a chilly spell this week, so layer up. Luckily, there’s a calendar of village events to keep everyone jolly.
NATURE Bob, our local nature guru, reports that the past few months have brought record rainfall. The recent mild weather has meant that honey bees and buff-tailed bumblebees are still active, and the occasional red admiral can still be spotted in the garden.
A couple of weeks ago a White tailed Eagle was photographed near Hogg Hill Mill. It was sad and disappointing to see the bio-bead spill on Camber beach last week, with the effects also reaching our local nature reserve at Rye Harbour. No doubt the clean up will continue for some time.
ICKLESHAM TRUST AGM will take place at the Memorial Hall on Wednesday 10 December at 7.30pm. There will be a review of the charity’s past year, including financials. This will be followed by voting-in the committee officers for the coming year. A quick mention and thanks to the volunteers for the trust, now called the Icklesham Community Spirits, who give their time and consideration to all the events held by the trust, without them these events would simply not happen.
ICKLESHAM PRODUCE MARKET is at the Memorial Hall every second Saturday of the month. There are some delicious stalls on offer including artisan bread and cheeses, vegetables, seafood, honey, preserves, cakes, baked goods and so much more. Pop down, grab some breakfast and a cuppa too, from 10am to 12.30pm. The next one is on Saturday 13 December. Do help to support local businesses.
FESTIVE FRIDAY at the Memorial Hall on Friday 12 December, starts at 4pm. A fun family evening: visit Santa’s grotto, take part in free arts and crafts for the children, listen to Icklesham school choir and take part in a Christmas sing-a-long. There will be Christmas stalls, mulled wine, hot chocolate and festive nibbles.
I’m really pleased to announce that TUESDAY CLUB is back at the Memorial Hall, every Tuesday 1pm to 3pm with homemade cake and soup, all free, with donations welcome but not compulsory. Everyone is welcome. It’s a really friendly group, so come along and meet new people or find out what events are happening in the village. It is a great hub with a café-like atmosphere.
RISE ‘N’ SHINE DANCE AEROBICS at the Memorial Hall every Friday, 10.30am to 11.30am. Ruth is a kind task master and you can dance at your own pace. All ages, £6 per session.
ART & CRAFT CLUB at the Memorial Hall every Tuesday at 10am. A friendly group with a wide range of artistic talents. Their CRAFT FAIR is on Saturday 6 December, from 10am to 3pm with lots of homemade local crafts and refreshments available.
TAI CHI at the Memorial Hall, every Monday at 8.30am.
SOUTH COAST DOG TRAINING is holding a free monthly social dog walk at Icklesham recreation ground with the next one on Sunday 23 November at 10am. They also hold regular dog training classes at the Memorial Hall. Contact southcoastdt@gmail.com
ICKLESHAM PANTO AND DRAMA SOCIETY are on the look out for volunteers to help paint scenery or join their jolly band of thespians. No experience needed, so why not try something new? Aladdin is on 15-17 January 2026. High atop Dragon Mountain, the sneaky wizard Abanazer plots mischief, while down in old Peking, Widow Twankey battles mountains of laundry! To book tickets go to: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ipads or call 0333 666 3366. £10 per adult, £5 per child, under 5 is free.
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 will be available from January 2026.
RYE FOOD BANK any donations for the Rye food bank can be put in the basket in the Memorial Hall lobby. Every little donation is much appreciated.
ALL SAINTS AND ST. NICOLAS CHURCH The Christmas Market will be held on Saturday 22 November from 10am to 3pm. Seasonal refreshments are available and entry is free. For further information or to book a stall (£5 fee) contact vivchallans@gmail.com.
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY was a lovely turnout, with over 100 people. In attendance was the Royal British Legion. John Rice, army veteran, and Mark Taylor, church warden, laid wreaths on behalf of the village inside the Memorial Hall. Reverend Christopher Breeds led the service. You can see the WW1 and WW2 memorials inside the Memorial Hall and church.
FIVE VILLAGES have their much-loved annual Christmas Market on Thursday 20 November, from 10am to 1pm. There will be stalls with handmade gifts, crafts, and treats, a pop-up café, serving hot and cold drinks, cakes, and snacks. This year, they’re proud to be raising money for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, supporting families with seriously ill children.
THE ROBIN HOOD Mr Darcy’s Afternoon Tea on 1 November raised for St. Michael’s Hospice a whopping £5413. The quiz for the Army Benevolent fund last week raised £128.50. Current food offerings include kids eat free with every adult (main course only). To book a table call 01424 814277.
THE QUEENS HEAD Live music every Sunday from 4pm to 6pm. There are some new faces at the Queens Head – the new proprietors Graham and Dan. On Friday 21 November at 8pm there will be a Christmas lights switch on, mulled wine, soup, cake and music by the House Band Duo. We all wish Ian and Lee well as they head into their retirement, after many years serving the village.
THE ORCHARD is holding a Christmas shopping evening with the Funky Hen on Wednesday 10 December, from 5pm to 7pm with local stalls, pizza and mulled wine.
ICKLESHAM CASUALS FOOTBALL CLUB Saturday 15 November was a cup game against Robertsbridge United Reserves at Icklesham recreation ground. The result was 4-1 to Icklesham. It is reported that there is a buzz among the squad with 3 wins in the last 4 games in all competitions, giving a great momentum leading into the Christmas period. Next weekend is an away game against Hastings Athletic.
Image Credits: Tanya Reddin , John Rice .