Iden village voice

Next Friday, 23rd March, at 7.30 pm, the Iden and District Natural History Society will be holding the AGM, followed by Members’ Nature photography, local and abroad. This will be led by Jill Halpin and Ray Jones. Unless you are a member, entrance cost £2.50.

The Iden Singers will present a concert of songs and readings on Friday 30th March in Iden Church at 7.30 pm.

Iden Parish Council met on Tuesday 6 March at which 4 Parish Councillors were present, together with County Councillor Keith Glazier and District Councillors Paul Osborne and Nick Ramus. Apologies were received from Parish Councillor Ray Griffin am there were also 8 members of the public present

No questions were asked during the public session

Under Planning, the Council agreed to support the application for Nirvana, Iden Lock.

The Chairman read a statement on the latest situation regarding the War Memorial and its Garden- a copy has been posted on the Village Notice Board.

The situation regarding the parking outside Brambles in Grove Lane was discussed

A meeting will be held on Saturday 12 May at 10.30am in the Village Hall which will enable residents and representatives from Iden organisations brainstorm what needs to go into the revised Village Plan. It was emphasised that the plan is not owned by the Parish Council but by the Village and it is important that every section of the community makes a contribution. By being in the plan, it is hoped that availability to grant support will be enhanced. Further details of the session will be issued shortly

It has been reported by the Contractors that when they were repairing the matting in the Play Area they had identified a hole in the base of the climbing frame. This is very disappointing as the frame underwent considerable and expensive improvements last year and it should have been possible for the hole to have been spotted then. Enquiries will be made regarding the cost of a new frame

County Councillor Glazier was able to report that at long last, Iden will have its speed limit reduced to 30mph on part of the main road. Discussions will be held with the Parish Council and it is hoped that the new regulations will be in force by October.

The public was advised of the Library survey, details of which are on the Village Notice Board, together with one concerning the Reduced Fare Bus Pass Advice

Preparations for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations on the 4 June are going ahead and the Committee is to meet again on Tuesday 20 March at 7,30pm in the Village Hall- it is not too late for anyone interested in helping to come along.

An update was given on progress made on the Neighbourhood Watch scheme and also the Cold Calling imitative with Playden

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 3 April at 7.30pm in Iden Village Hall.

A large and appreciative audience welcomed Mrs. Ylva Blid-Mackenzie to the Iden and Playden Garden Society meeting last Monday. She is the joint proprietor of the Madrona Nursery in Bethersden, which specialises in unusual and exotic plants. She had many interesting slides to show us, the colour of which was somewhat marred by the overhead heaters which cast a red glow over everything, neutralising all the greens. She spoke with enthusiasm and deep knowledge of all the plants, non of which I could name for you because she gave their long names, and I am not sufficiently knowledgeable to know their everyday names! We were shown lovely plants for foliage, contrasting colours, variety of shape in the leaves, contrasts of textures, the use of interesting bark as a feature, and many variegated leaf patterns.

After her talk, the plant stall did an excellent trade as members wanted examples to take home to their own gardens.

Mrs. Carol Worwood made us all a welcome cup of tea or coffee, and a raffle produced a lively participation.

In his introduction, Chairman Mr. Morris Metcalf reminded members of the Spring Flower and Produce Show to be held on Saturday 14th April.

The Reverend Teresa Munro will be holding a “ Meet the Vicar” Coffee Morning this coming Saturday in the Old Hall between 10.30 and noon. This is open to all residents and an ideal way to meet Teresa so please come along- you do not have to be a Churchgoer!

Please remember that the Iden Singers’ concert is on Friday 30 March in the Church at 7.30 and during that weekend there will be an art exhibition with works for sale in the Old Hall with teas in the afternoon. On Sunday 1 April, from 2- 5pm there will be one or two gardens open in the village to show off the spring bulbs and teas will again be available in the Old Hall

The village was very sad to learn that Reg Fairhall died on Monday 12 March . He was a splendid 91 and over the years had become an Iden Institution. Our sympathies go out to Joan and to his family.

The mid-week services are 9.30 am- Morning Prayer, and 3.30 pm- Evening Prayer, on Wednesday.

Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s day, so greetings to any Irish people about.

Sunday is Mothering Sunday, when the 9.30 service will be a Family Service with a distribution of flower posies.

Marion Lovell, Abingworth, New England Lane, Playden.