Iden

BARGAINS GALORE: Now this is a spectacle .They sell everything but the kitchen sink at ‘Bargains Galore’. [and who knows this may be the year for the kitchen sink!] ‘Bargains Galore’ is quite wonderful, as cheap as chips, and yet there is always just the very thing that we may have been looking for all our lives [it’s an oasis of hope!] Clothes, household goods, handbags, hats, books, toys, DVD’S etc. etc [I’m getting repetitive strain here, extolling all it’s virtues!]

DONATIONS FOR ‘BARGAINS GALORE’: If you have anything to donate to ‘Bargains Galore’ [ bric- a brac, clothes, toys, books etc, [anything except electrical goods], your donations will be gratefully received. Please ring Chris Slater [telephone 01-797 280467] or Carol Bourne [telephone 01-797 280464], and they will advise you on where to bring donations. Committee members are already calling on villagers, to collect for Bargains Galore and Tombola prizes, any of which will be gratefully received.

A LITTLE HELP WOULD BE A GODSEND: Hands on help for the fete day would be much appreciated. Even an hour or so here and there would help so much. Please ring Ged Say [telephone280495], or Bill Headde [telephone 280429] if you can offer your services.

W.I CAKE STALL: The W.I cake stall epitomises a proper fete. There is nothing quite like an array of home-made cake is there? The W.I would be grateful for cake donations. There are some lovely cooks in Iden, so please could you bring one of your wares to the cake stall, any time from 12 midday onwards on fete afternoon. Many thanks.

THE SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION: There will be a service of Holy Communion at Iden Parish Church, at 9.30 am on Sunday 19th July.

THE LATEST DEFIBRILLATOR: On Tuesday, 21st July, there will be a demonstration in the ‘Old Hall’ at 7pm, on how to use a defibrillator, for those who didn’t attend the last demonstration, or would like a refresher course. We are fortunate to have two defibrillators in our village now, one at the ‘Village Hall’, and now one at the ‘Old Hall’. Training includes, assessing the patient, recovery position, hands only C.P.R, defibrillation and how to deal with someone who is choking .We hope we may never need to use either of our defibrillators, but should we need to, this training could be invaluable. The demonstration will last about an hour

THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: It was nice to have P.C.S.O Dan Bevan at the Parish Council meeting, held on Tuesday 7th July, in the Iden village hall. We know that we have Dan’s support, and he informed us, that, he is now able to spend even more time patrolling, with our safety in mind. The Police are able to receive, and give reports electronically now, which frees up the time previously spent at the Police station. Dan said that some vehicles are still speeding through the village, and more care is needed to avoid accidents. His periodic visits are of comfort, as they keep us abreast of any developments directly concerning our village.

Michael Miller chaired the council meeting. Michael’s term of office has been extended by a year, but he expressed a wish to stand down next year. Michael has served us well as Chairman, always with the many facets of Iden’s well-being at heart, so we are glad of his continued support this year.

District Councillor Keith Glazier spoke of recent problems occurring while road- surfacing was carried out in the Iden/Playden area. Some found it difficult to find alternative routes along country lanes they were not familiar with and their patience was appreciated. The new two hourly bus route from Rye to Tenterden, has not apparently afforded enough time for some train and bus connections, and Keith Glazier and Michael Miller requested that villagers alert them regarding problems experienced.

Road works are not yet complete in the Rope Walk area of Rye, as permission is required from the railway regarding progress. Planning and financial issues were discussed at length.

Michael expressed concerns over necessary risk assessment in the pavilion, [located in Iden’s playing field.] A full assessment is required periodically to evaluate any possible breach of safety standards, and if not obtained by 15th July, the Council will instruct it’s own qualified assessor to complete relevant checks . The holes in the playing –field car park are to be filled in with loose gravel.

When it comes to parish assets, Michael Miller, Mary Philo [the Parish Clerk], and all councillors view safety and upkeep as a vital and continued responsibility. Minutes of the meeting can be seen in full on the village notice board, or on the village website [idenvillage.word press.com]. The next Parish Council meeting will be on Tuesday 1st September in Iden village hall, at 7.30pm.

WELL DONE GIRLS!: On Friday, 10th July, ‘The Peasmarsh Ladies Bowls Tournament’ was won by three ladies from Iden Bowls Club, Vicky Britton, Pauline Harmer and Linda Young.

THE CHATER’S CHALLENGE CUP: On Saturday 11th July, Iden Bowls Club held their annual ‘ Chater’s Challenge Day’ This inter-club competition was won by Matt Bell, and Geoffrey Chater –Robinson presented the cup with his usual interest and good will. There was good food, and a light-hearted atmosphere, all enjoyed on one of the sunniest days of the year! Well done Matt, and all who took part.

THE POP-IN: There will be a Pop-In, on Monday 20th July, at 11 am, in Iden village hall.

BINGO: The next Bingo-session is on Thursday 23rd July, in Iden village hall. Doors open at 2pm. Eyes down at 2.30pm.

NOT A SINGLE WOBBLE!: Every morning while I’m having a cup of tea in bed, I watch a line of birds perched on a telephone wire outside my window. There they sit, every morning without fail, assessing the morning, cleverly balanced, without a single wobble. This morning they seemed intrigued with our bunting. “So what do you suppose all that is about”, one said, [I think his name was Eric] “Search me, I have absolutely no idea”, said another little bird. Paul, I think his name was [as in fly away Peter, fly away Paul!] “but they do this every year.. “Personally I find it disconcerting “, said another, “all that plastic flapping about .Oh!, and those bilious –green notices strapped to every conceivable pillar and post”. “It will bide it’s time, as it does every year”, said Hector [the oldest, wisest bird,] “then, before you know it, they’ll be round with a lorry taking it all down”. “Pointless exercise then”, said Paul. “How about we fly over Grove lane and see what we can pick up for elevenses”. “Someone left out a slice of granary last week”, said Hector “it played havoc with my beak”. “You stick to something soft then my old son”, said Eric, gallantly helping him off the telephone wire! So there you go, even our feathered friends have a sense that something is afoot in Iden!

CONTACT ME: If you have anything to add to the ‘Village Voice’, I will gladly include it. Please ring Gill Griffin [telephone 01-797 280311]

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