Winchelsea

There is an opportunity to hear the Dawn Chorus with the National Trust at Winchelsea on Sunday May 26th. The dawn chorus also known as the birds ‘hymn to the dawn’ is likely to include the song thrush, robin, wren, blackbird, garden warbler, chiffchaff, hedge sparrow and chaffinch. There is no fixed order but generally some start earlier than others. You will need to meet at the lay-by near Wickham Manor Farm entrance at the early time of 4am lasting until 6.30am. Booking is essential on 01797 229542 and the cost is £5 which includes a bacon butty and mug of tea breakfast.

On Tuesday May 27th the Winchelsea Singers will be holding their Annual General Meeting in the Lower Court Hall. This will begin at 3pm and new members are welcome to join in.

Winchelsea Archaeological Society has an interesting and lively talk coming up on Wednesday May 28th to which all are invited. Giving the talk will be East Sussex County Archaeologist Casper Johnson and his presentation is entitled: Archaeology under the Hastings-Bexhill Link Road which starts at 7pm in St Thomas’ Church. The remains of flint tools have not long been discovered under the Link Road and other finds include early Roman iron working sites and throughout the construction of the road excavations have been in process. In 2015 the Link Road is due to be completed and will form a 3.5 mile (5.6 km) long road way from its junction with the A259 in Bexhill to the B2092 Queensway in Hastings and should improve traffic flow.

The Webb Family Trio gave a successful performance last year in Winchelsea and they are returning to St Thomas’ Church for a concert on Saturday May 31st at 3pm. Young musicians Emmanuel playing the violin and Gabriel on the cello are accompanied by their father Jonathan Webb. The theme of the concert is Lauding the Dance and is a range of music related to dance in its various forms. Admission is free.

Winchelsea Beach

Don’t forget there is a Table Sale tomorrow (Saturday) at 11am in the Community Hall. Admission is 40p and includes light refreshments. Only a day away but still time to book a table and the number to contact is 224820.

You can find out how the Nature Reserve’s Coastal Plants cope with their dry windy and salty, shingle environment by meeting at Rye Harbour car park tomorrow (Saturday) for a 2 mile walk from 10.30am to 12.30pm. And your donations towards the Reserve are always appreciated.

With half term as from 3.30pm today (Friday) the children are having a week’s break from school. An activity they might enjoy over the holiday is the Children’s Birdwatching at Rye Harbour which is suitable for accompanied children of 5+ and is a 2 mile walk around the nature reserve to see the many birds and chicks in the breeding pools. This event is on Tuesday May 27th at 2 till 4pm and the meeting place is Rye Harbour car park. Booking is essential on [email protected] or 01797 227784 and the cost is £3 per child.

Just one week to go before the next St Richard’s Fellowship Lunch on Friday May 30th to which you are invited. As always booking is essential and the number to ring is 01797 227168 and you will need to be at the Community Hall for 12 ready for the Lunch at 12.30pm.

Cindi Cogswell

31 Highfords, Icklesham