Udimore village voice

Pam had suffered from poor health for many years, but she was always determined to maintain her independence and fend for herself. She was a good sister to Hugh, whose death in January came as a great shock to her. Like Hugh, Pam had a lifelong interest in wildlife, especially birds, and latterly in a series of rescue dogs. She also had considerable talent as an artist, which she put to good use during her 35 years working at Rye Pottery: the letter P stamped on the underside of a handpainted bowl or plate indicates that it’s an example of Pam’s handiwork. Pam’s wish was that her funeral service should be at the crematorium, like Hugh’s. Details of the date and time will be circulated around the village in due course.

For the second year running, bad weather discouraged all but the hardiest from supporting the National Gardens Scheme opening of Knellstone House garden last Sunday afternoon, but those who came were impressed by the latest landscaping and planting, had glimpses of the famous view, bought lots of plants and enjoyed a selection of the Friends of St Mary’s scrumptious cakes.

If you missed Brenda Hartill’s Oast House Gallery and Open Studio (opposite Church Gate) last weekend, you have another chance today (Friday), tomorrow and Sunday, when the exhibition of her inspirational work will be open from 11am till 5pm all three days.

With apologies for the short notice, at 8pm tomorrow (Saturday) there will be a Quiz Night in the King’s Head, to raise funds for the Sussex Air Ambulance Service. Teams of up to four persons. To support one of our locals, and this excellent cause, by entering please ring Julia (0776 154 6945).

At 11.15am on Sunday there will be a service of morning praise in St Mary’s Church.

Another local garden well worth a visit will be opening for the National Gardens Scheme next Friday from 4 till 9pm, and next Saturday from 11am till 5pm (June 22 and 23). Fairlight End is opposite Pett village hall. Its 3 acre south-facing site has been developed in recent years into a highly varied and interesting garden. Wine and light refreshments will be served on Friday, teas on Saturday. Dogs allowed, on leads. Plants for sale. Entry £4, children free.

At 7pm on Friday, June 22, in St Mary’s Community Hall, the Conservatives have arranged a meeting with Amber Rudd MP, and as guest speaker Rt Hon Nick Herbert MP, Police Minister. Light refreshments. Admission by £10 ticket only, from 383 Battle Road, St Leonards TN37 7BE, cheques payable to Hastings and Rye Conservative Association

On Saturday evening June 30, there will be a 60s/70s Disco in the Hall. More details next week.

In response to numerous complaints from the public, the police have been actively enforcing the 40mph speed limit through Udimore recently. A car driver has been caught speeding, and two motorcyclists have been issued with section 59 warnings for aggressive riding: any repeat offence will result in their bikes being seized by the police.

I’d like to thank those of you who responded to my request for news of singing nightingales, though mainly in the negative. For our area this year’s national survey seems likely to show a marked decrease in the ten years since the last survey. But does anyone remember ever seeing the petals of white hawthorn blossom changing colour to a deep pink in the way so many of them did this year? It’s a strange phenomenon, perhaps in some way linked to the brief unseasonal heatwave we enjoyed in March. Little did we guess then what the weather had in store for us in the months to come!

Richard Holmes, Beauchamps