Udimore

DIGGING UP THE PAST: In her talk to some sixty of us in the Hall last Saturday afternoon, Sue Lee presented a brilliantly concise survey of the geological and cultural processes that have shaped the landscape that we see around us today. Though intensive woodland clearance and subsequent cultivation of the land in Southeast England has left us with relatively little scope for new local major archaeological discoveries, she encouraged us all to be on the lookout for remnants of the past: a display of her own finds of flints and pottery set us a good example. Recent research, she told us, has also shed new light on the percentage of Neanderthal DNA in our ancestry, some distinct traces of which are still visible. Furthermore, our ancestors of 10,000 years ago in most respects differed very little from their descendants today!

We’re very grateful to Sue for a fascinating talk - also to everyone else who contributed to the success of the event, not least to the kind bakers of the cakes, which were much enjoyed during the subsequent tea party.

POETRY AND PROSE EVENING: This will take place in the Hall tomorrow (Saturday) starting at 7.15pm. Tickets cost £12.50, including a hearty two-course supper. If you’re coming to this ever-popular annual event, it would be kind to let one of the organizers know, so that they will know how much to cook (Robert Wheeler, 01797 222009; or Gary Marriott, 01424 882412).

CHURCH SERVICES: In St Mary’s on Sunday there will be Holy Communion at 8am, and at 6pm Evensong, at which parishioners from Brede, Beckley and Peasmarsh (the other three parishes in our benefice) have been invited to join us. It’s to be hoped that there will be a good turnout from Udimore to welcome our guests!

Mistakenly, I published these service times for last Sunday instead. My humble apologies to anyone inconvenienced by my error.

RECIPE COOKBOOK: As a fundraiser, the Friends of St Mary’s are publishing a cookbook, full of our local favourite recipes. They’ve now received many good entries, but if any of you have any more to suggest, please get in touch with Liz Dean as soon as possible (01424 882206, or [email protected] ).

FASHION SHOW: The Friends are also arranging another Fashion Show, to be held in the Hall at 7pm on Thursday, March 23. Nadia Florence-Marshall (01424 882948) has tickets, costing £5. More details to follow. Meanwhile, please keep the date free.

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