Christmas is upon us, and Icklesham Village is looking wonderfully festive. The Crochet Fairy has sprinkled her magic on one of the post boxes, creating a delightful Christmas display that brings a smile to everyone who sees it. Adding to the cheer, the council has put up a Christmas tree in the recreation ground, making the village feel even more magical.
Here’s a fun piece of local history you might not know: Icklesham has its very own Roman road, discovered at Crutches Farm and believed to be part of the main Rochester Roman Road. The area also includes iron workings dating back to around AD 200. There’s much more history in Icklesham than people think, and in the coming months I’ll be telling you more.
Festive Friday was a great success, with the Icklesham School Choir bringing plenty of Christmas cheer to the evening. A huge thank you to the Icklesham Community Spirits for organising and setting up the event. As volunteers for the Icklesham Trust, their dedication makes events at the hall possible. Trust events are now over, taking a little break for Christmas, next Icklesham local produce market is on Saturday 10 January and Tuesday club is back on Tuesday 6 January.
Tuesday Club has become a warm, welcoming place to meet new people, a true community hub with a relaxed, café-style atmosphere. It’s free for local residents, and you can enjoy a bowl of soup, a piece of cake, and a cup of tea, all at no cost. Everyone is welcome, so don’t stay at home, come on your own, bring the baby, arrange a meet-up with friends, or simply pop in to see what’s going on. Donations are always appreciated but never expected.
Over Christmas, services at All Saints and St. Nicolas Church is Sunday 21 December at 9.30am, a Carol service and Holy communion. On Christmas Day at 9.30am is Christmas Eucharist.
Next month on 15,16,17 January, is the village pantomime Aladdin, a vibrant, family-friendly, much-loved tale of magic and adventure. Set in a fantastical version of China, the story follows the kind-hearted but mischievous Aladdin as he dreams of a better life beyond the marketplace. With the help of his spirited mother, Widow Twankey, Aladdin’s fortunes change when he discovers a mysterious magic lamp containing a larger-than-life Genie. As in all great pantomimes, the show is packed with comic misunderstandings, audience participation, and clear-cut heroes and villains. The wicked Abanazar provides plenty of opportunities for boos and hisses, while the glamorous Princess Jasmine longs to choose her own future. This version balances fast-paced comedy with moments of warmth and excitement, making it ideal for audiences of all ages. To book your tickets call ticketsource on 0333 666 3366 or visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/ipads. Alternatively you can visit Icklesham Memorial Hall during rehearsals Thursdays 7pm to 9pm or Sundays 3pm to 5pm (closed Christmas from 25 December to 1 January inclusive). Any enquiries, please contact Peter on 07787 354212.
Do you have a couple of hours to spare each week and would like to meet more people in the community? Why not join the Icklesham Community Spirits? They’re always happy to welcome new faces. If you’d like to get involved, please email info@ickleshamhall.co.uk
If you would like to contribute to this monthly publication for Icklesham Village, please contact Tanya at ickleshamvillagevoice@gmail.com
Image Credits: Tanya Reddin .