Iden

There is something special about the night sky in Iden at Christmas time. Setting off to midnight mass, or visiting friends for wine and nibbles, the lack of street lights, allows us a clear view of the stars. There is a hushed, hallowed ambiance, reminiscent even, of Bethlehem.

Bob Hammond was looking for stars of a different kind on Sunday 15th December, when auditions were held in the village hall for the pantomime “Red Riding Hood” to be performed in the village hall in March. We are fortunate to have Bob in our midst, for not only does he write, and produce the pantomime, but will be one of it’s stars. Bob, has had considerable experience in stage production, and as it’s hard to take a step in this village lately without tripping over a thespian, Roll On March!

We say thank you all the time at Christmastime. “Thank you for my socks”. “Thank you for my handkerchiefs”. [ maybe next year something a little more imaginative for the men folk would be nice]

“ But Thank you anyway”. So for all the unsung heroes who have helped, in even the smallest to make our Iden Christmas memorable ,Thank you one and all.

Jill Johnson, and her team of flower ladies did their usual grand job decorating the church for Christmas services. It is no mean feat, attacking wet ,prickly foliage with secateurs ,angling it into oasis, and giving it the kind of embellishment that only an experienced flower lady can aspire to.

Another lady who needs to step up to the podium, is Susannah Miller, .our village organist For many years, Susannah has conducted the choir, and cajoled the congregation into song. Those of us who have sung into our boots, now lift our heads to Hark The Herald Angels Sing. Christmas is a busy time for Susannah..

Jill Woods held a coffee morning on Thursday Dec.19th, for the church cleaning group, [another fine bunch of ladies who give up their time] They discussed the cleaning rota, and the annual spring clean. On the day of spring cleaning, these dedicated ladies sweep the church, like Snow White waiting for the dwarfs to return. They are a formidable bunch. My advice is not to get in their way, particularly when they are armed with industrial type vacuum cleaners!

The Iden and Playden Garden Society annual social evening for members and their guests, will be held on Saturday 25th January at 7pm in the village hall.

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on 7th January at 7.30 pm in the village hall.

The parish communion service will be at 9.30 am on 29th December.

The next Pop-IN will be on 6th January at 11am in the village hall.

The W.I. Meets on every second Tuesday in the village hall at 7.30pm.On 14th January they will hold an open meeting, and everyone is welcome. Sue. White is to speak on her work in The Gambia with the charity BACE

I am off now to try and create something edible with a turkey carcass, I’ll see you in the New Year

Anyone wishing to contribute a news item to Iden village voice please contact Gill Griffin 01797 280311