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A Letter from the Rector
Embracing Emmanuel – God With Us
Dear Friends,
As we enter this joyful season of Christmas, we are reminded of the profound truth encapsulated in the name “Emmanuel,” which means “God with us.” This powerful message is at the heart of our celebrations, offering hope, comfort, and joy to our lives and our community.
This Christmas, we invite you to reflect on what it means for God to be with us. The birth of Jesus is not just a historical event; it is the fulfilment of God’s promise to be present in our lives. Through the incarnation, God chose to dwell among us, sharing in our joys, struggles, and everything in between. In times of uncertainty, remember that God is with you. Whether you are experiencing joy or facing challenges, Emmanuel is a reminder that you are never alone. As we celebrate Christmas, let us also commit to being present for one another. Reach out to friends, family, and neighbours, sharing the love and warmth of Jesus during this season.
Join us for our special Christmas services as we celebrate the gift of Emmanuel. You will see a whole list of services and events at both Lympne & Saltwood in this newsletter. There will be candlelight services filled with carols, readings, and a message that reflects on the significance of Jesus’ birth. This year we are holding two Crib services, one at each church. Saltwood will be offering a traditional service, and we encourage everyone to dress up, even the adults. Lympne will be more contemporary, full of surprises. Plus, much more.
Throughout Advent, we have been preparing our hearts for the arrival of Jesus. This will culminate on Christmas Day, at 10am at Saltwood, when we will celebrate Jesus’ birth with a family focussed communion service. This will be a time for Christmas fun for all.
So, as we gather with family and friends this Christmas, let us remember to spread the love of Emmanuel beyond our church walls. Why not encourage someone who may not be a church goer to join you for our Christmas services. Sharing the message of God’s love is a wonderful gift! Why not perform simple acts of kindness in our community, whether it’s giving a gift to a neighbour, volunteering, or simply offering a listening ear.
As we celebrate this Christmas season, may we be filled with the joy and hope of Emmanuel – God with us. Let us carry this message into the new year, living out our faith in ways that reflect His love and presence in our lives.
Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and joyous Christmas!
Rev Barry
Diary: St Peter & St Paul, Saltwood
Our regular pattern of worship includes a service every Sunday at 10am. Usually this is Holy Communion (to which all are welcome, whether or not you choose to receive communion) with a Family Service on the fourth Sunday of each month. Other services of Holy Communion, including ‘Book of Common Prayer’ services at Saltwood and Pedlinge, are shown on the website calendar, along with all services and events for the month.
Bubble Church, for families with Toddlers, is held in the Lads’ Club at 10am on the first Sunday of the month; Sunday Club, for children aged 3 – 10 is held at 10am in the Lads’ Club, on the third Sundays in term time.
Some extra dates to note in your diary:-
Monday 1st – 2pm -Monday Chats in the Lads’ Club – and next Monday
Tuesday 2nd – Our Rector’s day off – and each following Tuesday
Wednesday 3rd – 10am – Toddler Group in the Lads’ Club – and next Wednesday
Wednesday 3rd – 2pm – Afternoon Prayer Groups at 34 Harpswood Lane
Thursday 4th – 6pm to 7pm – bell Ringing Practice (and each following Thursday)
Thursday 4th – 7pm – Choir Practice (and each following Thursday)
Friday 7th – N.B. Carol Eastell’s day off (and each following Friday)
Friday 7th – 9am – Prayer Group in the Church (and each following Friday)
Monday 8th – 7.30pm – PCC Meeting in the Lads’ Club
Saturday 13th – 0.30am – Coffee Morning at Lympne Church
Saturday 13th – 2pm – Merry Movie & Mince Pie Melee at the Lads’ Club
Sunday 14th – 4pm – Lessons and Carols at Pedlinge
Tuesday 16th – 7pm – Carols on the Green (Saltwood)
Wednesday 17th – NB – No Toddlers (Restarts in January)
Wednesday 17th – 2pm _ Cinema Club in the Lads’ Club
Friday 19th – 7pm – Benefice Christmas Party in the Lads’ Club
Sunday 19th – 3pm Lessons and carols at Saltwood Church
Wednesday 24th – 3pm – Crib Service
Wednesday 24th – 11.30 pm – Midnight Mass (Saltwood)
Thursday 25th – 8am – Holy Communion at Pedlinge
Thursday 25th – 10am – Family Service with Communion
Sunday 28th – 11am – Benefice Service of Holy Communion at Lympne
And looking ahead to January:-
Saturday 3rd – BOOK FAIR at the Lads’ Club
Sunday 11th – 4pm – Bonfire and bangers at Saltwood church
Useful Contacts
Rector – Rev Barry Knott: Telephone: 01303 883243 email: rev.barry@icloud.com
Church website: www.lympneandsaltwoodchurches.org.uk
Community Support Hub: 01303 269602
Parish Pastoral Support: 0300 030 1330
Children & Families Ministry (including weddings and baptisms) – Christine Clover:
Telephone: 0300 030 1662 email: christineclover@lympneandsaltwoodchurches.uk
Lads’ Club Bookings: Jan Heard 01303 266945 email: jan.entendu@gmail com
Parish Magazine: Beth Lewsey 01303 264577 email: parishmagazine@saltwoodchurch.org
Items for the January Magazine – Early Deadline!
If you have any items for the December edition of the magazine, please forward to Beth Lewsey, by the 17th December
by email if possible, to: parishmagazine@saltwoodchurch.org
or deliver to 20 Castle Avenue. (Tel 01303 264577).
Saltwood Church Pastoral Group
Caring for One Another
‘And let us look out for one another to provoke love and good works’ (Hebrews 10:24)
Our Pastoral Group meet monthly to seek ways of offering support to those who are going through difficult or challenging times. If you know someone you are concerned about, or if you have concerns yourself, please contact us. You will always find a friendly voice and a listening ear at the end of the line. Caring for others is at the heart of Christian life and you can help us by being our eyes and ears, letting us know of anyone who is in need.
Contacts: 01303 266454 01303 883243
A Prayer for the month of December
Dear Father,
Christmas is coming. It’s all such a rush – planning, shopping, spending, wrapping, posting, stressing! What’s it all about? Lord, help us, in all the rat-race busyness, to make time to focus on that baby at the centre of it all. That baby who is Your Son, who was with You in the beginning and who, with You, created all things; that baby who brings life and light and hope and salvation; that baby who was and is Jesus, God, made man.
Lord, we thank You for that baby-gift to us – the greatest gift there has ever been. Thank You that because He came, grew up, lived, died and rose again, there is light in the darkness of this world’s mess – light that can never be put out, that evil can never overcome. Jesus is the Light of the World. Putting our trust in Him, we thank You Lord, for Christmas – for Your grace and love for us. In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
By Daphne Kitching)
Intercessions for November
Today we pray especially for:-
1 Those who live in Castle Road, Kiln Corner, The Close and Castle Crescent
2 Businesses in our parish
3 The members of our PCC
4 Those struggling with addiction, thinking particularly of those known to you
5 St Mary & St Ethelburga Lyminge, St Mary Postling and All Saints Stanford
6 Those who live in Cylinder Road and Freshfield Lane
7 Christian communities facing persecution
8 Our ministry team
9 Village community groups
10 Our own discipleship as a community of faith
11 Those who live in Fairlight Road and Harpswood Lane
12 Carol Cooke and John Campbell, our Churchwardens,
13 Our local hospitals and their chaplaincy teams
14 The King and the Royal Family
15 Those with physical and mental health needs and those who care for them, thinking particularly of those known to you
16 Our prayer groups
17 Those who live in New Road and The Coppice
18 Messy Church
19 Deanery Synod, its committees and officers
20 St Mary & St Eanswythe Folkestone, and St Peter Folkestone
21 Those who live in Tanners Hill, Tanners Hill Gardens and Deedes Close
22 Barry, our Rector
23 The bereaved and those who care for them, thinking particularly of those known to you
24 Those who will be working to keep us safe across the Christmas period
25 Those who do not share the joy of Christmas
26 Those who live on The Green, Old Saltwood Lane and Conway Close
27 St Luke Hawkinge and St Martin Acrise
28 Rose, Bishop of Dover and Darren, Archdeacon of Ashford
29 Folkestone Rainbow Centre – its work and clients
30 Our Toddler groups
31 Peace in the coming year
Quote:
Christ became what we are that He might make us what He is.
– Athanasius
Notes from the Choir
Hello everyone, well doesn’t time fly, we’re almost there! It’s the time children get excited about, Mums worry about presents and stocking-fillers, and Dads think about Rudolph in the front garden and Santa on the chimney! It’s a wonderful time of year and the crowning glory of our worship has got to be the Annual Carol Service, on 21st December. So many carols, descants, and Christmas readings to look forward to and to take part in (not to mention the mince pies and mulled wine!) That will put us all in the mood for the big day! That’s not quite all, the little ones can look forward to the Crib Service on Christmas Eve and just between you and me, there may just be some secret treats in store! (Sssh)
Our service of Commemoration on 2nd November was well attended, well done those of you who came to church twice! It was by its very nature a most moving and poignant service, all the votive candles were lit, there was beautiful music, anthems and psalms and of course silence as the beloved ones names were read out. The service ended with that most moving of all hymns, ‘Abide with Me’, guaranteed to get the tears rolling despite valiant efforts to hold them in.
At the time of writing our Advent Evensong is just one week away and we are all so looking forward to it, and hope many of you will join us. We have a wonderful programme of hymns, psalms and anthems to share with you, as it perfectly sets the mood for the rest of the Advent season.
On a more light-hearted note, yet still on the Christmas theme, may I share with you all a tiny poem I penned some years ago:
In the church on Christmas Day
As the vicar knelt to pray
The people sang hymns
While the verger made Pimms
And they all had a very merry day!
Wishing you all a very happy, warm and loving Christmas.
Fran Dyer
Saltwood Cinema Club
will be showing
THE SALT PATH
On Wednesday 17th December
at 2pm in the Lads’ Club
The Salt Path, based on the bestselling book by Raynor Winn, is a deeply moving film that brings to life the remarkable story of resilience, love, and rediscovery. Following the loss of their home and livelihood, Raynor and her terminally ill husband, Moth, decide to walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path as a way to find purpose and healing amidst their hardship.
Cost £5 per person to include tea and cake
All proceeds to the Lads’ Club Funds
Restoration of the Church Organ 2023
Donors to the restoration project, including donations made in memory of a loved one, and sponsors of organ pipes
I have prepared a list of the donors and sponsors to the appeal.
The names are listed in alphabetical order of surname and first Christian name.
Before we go to print the Rector, Churchwardens and I felt it would be sensible to check that I have not misspelt any names and have not missed any one.
With this in mind a laminated copy of the list will be in church during December for inspection.
Please look at the list and let me know on Lrmaxfield@outlook.com if you find anything wrong.
The list will then go out in January for the names to be written into the Book/Schedule which will then be permanently on display in the church.
Thank you,
Laurie Maxfield
From the Parish Magazine – DECEMBER 2005
Do you appreciate the Crib scene we display each year in front of the altar? Twenty years ago, the magazine was publicising: “Coffee Morning at Saltwood Rectory on Friday 2nd December … proceeds to purchase a new Set of Nativity Crib Figures for the Church”
There was a reminder for payment for subs for the magazine: “ The price will remain at £3.60” which, twenty years on, makes our current price of £5 sound very reasonable
Some things never change: Diana Maxfield was collecting money for Christmas flowers, in memory of loved ones; Carols on the Green with the Salvation Army was advertised for Tuesday 13th; Blessing of the Crib, Family Service was to be held at 4.30 on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day there would be a 9am service at Pedlinge and a Family Communion Service at Saltwood at 10am. Even the joke about Santa’s little helpers (see the end of this magazine) was around in 2005!
But there was also a piece headed:
Jewish Fathers:
A Jewish father was troubled by the way his son turned out, and went to see his Rabbi about it. ‘I brought im up in the faith, gave him a very expensive bar mitzvah, cost me a fortune to educate him. The he tells me last week he decided to be a Christian! Rabbi, where did I go wrong?’
‘Funny you should come to me,’ said the Rabbi. ‘Like you, I, too, brought my boy up in the faith, put him through university, cost me a fortune, then one day he, too, tells me he has decided to become a Christian’
‘What did you do?’ asked the father.
‘I turned to God for the answer’ replied the Rabbi.
‘And what did he say?’ pressed the father
‘God said, “Funny you should come to me …” ‘
Wild West Quiz Night
The Wild West themed Supper & Quiz Night is on Saturday 17th January 2026 at 6pm in Saltwood Lads’ Club. Tickets are £10. All proceeds go to St Peter & St Paul church funds.
Sadly, it’s not possible for the Lads’ Club to provide a hot supper. But we won’t be put off by this and we will still have a Wild West Supper together although it will have to be a bring-your-own supper (please bring your own plates & cutlery but glasses provided). Wine and soft drinks available! We ask that you don’t bring your own drinks and support the bar by donations.
The evening starts with some short games and supper followed by the quiz with prizes for winning teams. During the evening there are more games (for which please bring some £1 coins), more prizes and a raffle.
Wild West being the theme, please dress up in cowboy/cowgirl and rancher outfits, and dig out those checked shirts, neckerchiefs, jeans/gingham dresses and cowboy/cowgirl hats (just suggestions!) – anything that goes with the Wild West! Prizes for the best outfits!
To make a team table booking (max 6 per table) or to just come as a couple or as an individual (and a table will be assigned), please contact me at pkent.email@gmail.com or on 01303-266140 or see me at the back of the church (Saltwood) after Sunday 10am services where I will be most weeks. Anyone can come, it’s not just for Saltwood and Lympne churches and you don’t have to be a churchgoer so bring your friends and neighbours! The last quiz was a great success and a sell-out. The Lads’ Club has a finite capacity, so it’s first come first served, don’t wait to the last minute!
An evening of fun and fellowship – cowboy style! Look forward to seeing you!
Peter Kent
All our Christmas Events and Services at Saltwood
are listed in the Diary on pages 5 & 6, but here is a reminder of some highlights:
Saturday 13th – Merry Movie and Mince Pie Melee – 2pm at the Lads’ Club
Sunday 14th – Lessons and Carols – 4pm at Pedlinge Chapel
Tuesday 16th – Carols on the Green – 7pm – Don’t forget to bring some cash to support the work of the Salvation Army
Sunday 21st Lessons and Carols – 3pm at Saltwood Church
Wednesday 24th – Traditional Crib Service – Saltwood Church at 3pm
Wednesday 24th – 11.30pm – Midnight Mass
Thursday 25th –Christmas Day Family Service with Holy Communion -10am
WARDENS’ CORNER
From Carol Eastell: –
Monday Chats
Our last Monday Chats for the year is on 15 December when we are having our Christmas Lunch in the Castle Hotel on the Green. Twenty-four of us are booked in for a very special Seniors deal. (Sarah, we will have to give you a walking stick and a shawl, with a felt hat to get you in as you will never pass for a Senior!) We come together in the New Year on Monday 5 January at 2 pm. Come and join us, you will be very welcome.
Prayer
Our monthly Afternoon Prayer Group is on Wednesday 3 December at 2pm. As usual we are meeting in the home of Penny Forsyth, 34 Harpswood Lane. The January meeting is on Wednesday 7 January at 2 pm. As always, we would love to have more of you to share with us in this important endeavour.
On Friday mornings we meet in church at 9 am to pray for half an hour, for our church, our church family and other important issues that crop up. Again, we would love to welcome you.
The Rainbow Centre
The Rainbow Centre started their Reverse Advent Calendar on 1 November. Obviously we have missed that, but following is a list of goodies that they would love to receive. It seems the best place to take your gifts is to the Rainbow centre in Folkestone. However, if this is problematic let me know and I will see what I can do. (Carol)
Men’s boxer shorts preferably medium size most useful
Women’s hygiene stuff
Pull up pants size 5,6,7
Men’s jumpers, hoodies, T-shirts, joggers
Men’s trainers/boots
Toilet rolls
Men’s deodorant
Liquid hand soap
Washing capsules
| Chocolate spread
BBQ sauce Brown sauce Stock cubes Peanut butter Gluten-free food Large tinned ham |
Selection box
Tinned sponge pud Long life juice Christmas pudding Tomato puree Curry sauce White cooking sauce |
Instant mash
Sugar Squash drinks Cooking oil UHT milk Coffee |
From John Campbell: –
Something New
Many of you know that I spend a fair amount of my time studying and teaching the Bible on Revelation TV. Over the years I have come across all sorts of wonderful treasures in Scripture — small details, overlooked phrases, or surprising historical insights — that are too good to keep to myself.
Starting next month, alongside the practical matters, I hope to share some of these biblical gems with you in this little corner of the magazine – one each month. They will not be sermons, and they certainly will not be preaching. They are simply beautiful, often unexpected insights that shine fresh light on familiar passages, and my hope is that they will encourage and bless you as much as they have encouraged and blessed me. I will keep them short and readable, and if any of them spark a question or a conversation, please know you can talk to me any time.
For this month of December, rather than a Bible gem, I thought I would begin with a small piece of Christian history — the story of when Jesus was actually born, and how we came to celebrate His birth on 25th December.
When Was Jesus Born?
Every Christmas we gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus on 25th December. It is a familiar date, woven into our traditions, our carols, and our family gatherings. Yet many Christians are surprised to learn that Jesus was not born on 25th December, and that the first Christmas was not set in mid-winter at all.
Several Bible scholars — including Arthur Ware and writers such as H. Grattan Guinness — have noted that the date can be approached with more certainty than a simple guess. The Bible contains numerous chronologies, and the chronological clues interweave with remarkable precision, and those who study these patterns reach broadly similar conclusions. People may differ by a few weeks, but not by seasons, and the consensus is clear: Jesus was born in the early autumn, probably in 4BC. This aligns well with Luke’s detail that shepherds were in the fields at night, something far more likely during the warmer months. It also resonates with the prophetic significance of the Jewish feasts themselves, which foreshadow major moments in God’s redemptive plan. In the Spring Feasts, Passover points to the cross; Pentecost to the giving of the Spirit; and the Autumn Feast of Tabernacles — with its theme of God “dwelling” among His people — beautifully reflects the Word becoming flesh.
So how did 25th December become the day we celebrate Christmas? The answer lies not in the Bible but in history. Across the Roman Empire, mid-winter was already marked by well-established pagan festivals, especially the celebration of the “unconquered sun,” when the days began to lengthen after the solstice around 21st December. When Constantine became emperor and Christianity emerged into public life, he was governing a vast and varied population. Choosing 25th December as the date to commemorate Christ’s birth helped the empire move gently from old customs into new faith, avoiding unnecessary disruption and offering a single shared celebration at a time when people were already accustomed to gather.
Unfortunately, the decision to place Christmas on a date with earlier pagan associations has, over the centuries, encouraged some well-meaning but rather legalistic Christians to argue that the whole festival should be rejected. Yet the concern is misplaced. I have never met anyone who worships a Christmas tree, and whether or not trees once featured in ancient pagan rituals, that is simply not what they represent for us today. Our trees, our lights, and our carols are nothing more or less than reminders that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus, our Saviour — the One who stepped into the world to bring light, hope, and redemption.
And so, just as the King’s official birthday is celebrated in June even though his real birthday falls in November, we joyfully mark Christ’s birth on 25th December. The celebration is what matters, not the precise day. What we honour is the moment when God entered our world in human flesh. Whatever the actual date, the truth remains gloriously unchanged: the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
A Gentle Reminder
Apart from that could I remind you all that Barry’s day off is Tuesday, and Carol’s, our Prayer Warden, is Friday, so please avoid calling them on those days.
Lastly
A very Happy Christmas and a blessed and Prosperous New Year to you all and thank you each one for your help and support throughout the year in all that you do for our church
From Rachel Cornish and Chris Laker (Wardens at Lympne):
Creativity in the churchyard.
Approaching the church there is a new “bugalow” and we are creating an area for hedgehogs. Round the back of the church in a very windy corner we have a rockery in front of a dead
hedge, providing a nicer boundary than the barbed wire.
Creativity in music.
The worship at Lympne is becoming increasingly varied, helped by the regular evening ‘Hymn Singing Practices’ for all. These are an enjoyable evening of singing favourite hymns and learning new ones. Next one is Friday 5th December at 7pm.
In addition to hymns accompanied by the organ, we have meditative Taize chants accompanied by piano and cello – and our next Taizé Service at Lympne church is on Sunday 25th January at 4pm.
The new worship band is now leading a range of songs and hymns at Family Services; they will be playing at the Christingle service (Sunday 20th November at 4pm) and 14th December’s Family Service. There are plans in 2026 for a Sunday evening of praise and worship led by the band.
If you prefer a brass band – then the Carols at the Castle at 6pm on Sunday 21st December gives the opportunity to sing your favourite carols.
St. Stephen’s Church, Lympne
Services and Events in December
Friday 5th December 7pm Hymn singing practice – open to all
Sunday 7th Dec 11am Holy Communion
Sunday 14th Dec Family Nativity Service
Sunday 21st Dec 11am Morning Worship
6pm Carols at the Castle
Wed 24th Dec 3pm Crib Service
7pm Blue Christmas Service
Sunday 26th Dec 11am Benefice Service of Holy Communion
Looking Ahead:
Friday 5th December 7pm Hymn Singing Practise – open to all
Sunday 25th Jan 26 4pm Taizé Service at Lympne church.
Regular Events:
Mondays 12:-30-1pm (every other week) – Prayer Meeting
Mondays 5pm (every other week) – Home Group – Speak to Valerie or Rachel
Mondays 19:30-21:30 – Bell ringing Practice (each week)
Friday mornings (every other week) – Home Group – Speak to Monica or Peter
Saturday mornings 10:30 – 12:30 Eco group working churchyard (when dry)
The monthly evening ‘Hope’ meetings will be paused for a few months (with darker evenings), and we will reconsider options for April 2026.
Blue Christmas Service
As plans for Christmas services are announced a few people are asking about the Blue Christmas Service.
It is simply a service designed for people who are “feeling blue” and find continual mention of the “joy of Christmas” difficult. It is sometimes also known as “Longest Night Service”.
Intended to offer honesty and compassion instead of cheery jingles. Reflecting that Christ’s light comes into darkness and offers hope.
Helpful for many people – people worried about the future, people who are grieving, people supporting someone who is struggling or those wanting an alternative to ‘Christmas joy’.
Lympne Fellowship
Our November meeting saw us making a Christmas Craft Snowman led by our own Rosemarie Hoad. Rosemarie had done all the preparation for us, much to my relief, crafts not being one of my strong points. With careful instructions we all successfully made perfectly acceptable snowmen. Our grateful thanks to Rosemarie.
Our December meeting is our Christmas Party which is definitely something to look forward to.
Lympne Fellowship normally meets at 1.15pm in the Harry Margary Hall on the 2nd Thursday of the month, with a programme of interesting and informative talks and activities.
For further information about our group, please contact Jill Page on 07846 819693.
ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH, LYMPNE – Coffee Morning
SATURDAY 22nd November
10.30 am – 12.30pm
SATURDAY 13th December
10.30 am – 12.30pm
- Join us for coffee and festive cakes & bakes
Enjoy our Nativity scene and beautiful, decorated church ready for Christmas
Bring the family, friends and neighbours
Catch up with old friends and new
(well-behaved dogs welcome)
Proceeds to maintenance of the church plus
a donation to the month’s nominated charity
HYTHE DEMENTIA AWARENESS FORUM
SHAL: Studying History and Archaeology in Lympne
The Royal Military Canal – ‘The story of Mr Pitt’s Ditch’ by Michael Steed MA (Cantab)
The evening’s superb, fast-paced talk by Michael Steed, took us on a journey along the history of our canal. The threat from Napoleon’s Grande Armée of 600,000 men, which from 1804 to 1808, controlled most of Europe was growing. Occasional gunfire from Boulogne could be heard on the Kent coast and an invasion from France felt increasingly likely, spurring the Government to urgently consider defence options. One proposal was to flood Romney Marsh; another was a canal supplied by water plumbed by the Rivers Rother and Brede. The latter option was adopted; and the canal, known as Mr Pitt’s Ditch, formed the third line of defence after the Royal Navy and Martello Towers (often known as Mr Pitt’s Pots).
Key figures involved in decision making and construction were:
Lt-Col. John Brown – Assistant Quartermaster General and Commandant of the Royal Staff Corps of Field Engineers who conceived the idea and produced an initial survey and report. He oversaw the project.
The Duke of York – Commander-in-Chief of British Forces and Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger were both staunch supporters and instrumental in getting it approved. The Prime Minister also served as Colonel Commandant of the Cinque Port Volunteers.
General William Twiss – A British Army Royal Engineer responsible for overseeing construction.
Sir Home Popham – who raised the Sea Fencibles in 1793 as a coastal defence force. These men were to be deployed inshore, armed with flintlock ‘Brown Bess’ muskets which, unfortunately, were not accurate unless at close range. He also created the signal code for the Royal Navy, used for decades afterwards.
Sir John Moore – along with Captain William Ford – initiated the idea of the Martello Towers, the design of which was inspired by a Corsican round fortress at Mortella Point. 74 defensive towers were built between Folkestone and Seaford along the 28 mile stretch of canal from Seabrook to Cliff End near Hastings; 26 still remain. The towers were manned by the Cinque Porte Volunteers formed in 1803, a three-battalion strong force of 3000 men. Sir John Moore also established a training camp at Shorncliffe and recruited around 350,000 volunteers to a militia force.
In 1804 – Navvies started digging by hand at Seabrook working westwards. Up to 1500 men in total were working at its peak, including soldiers building ramparts, and up to 700 navvies digging. Every 600 yards a kink was created allowing guns with this range to fire along each length (enfilade) giving a tactical advantage.
In 1805, the victory at Trafalgar was decisive for the British but canal construction continued. Sluices were built to control water levels and a lock at Iden, East Sussex. During the Great Storm of November 1808 a surge of seawater threatened to flood the marsh. A Redcoat soldier galloped to Iden Lock, and arrived just in time to order the lock gates to be opened and prevent a disaster. Two redoubts were constructed, at Dymchurch to protect the sluices and at Shorncliffe to provide covering artillery fire from the eastern end of the canal.
Some doubted the canal would be an adequate defence, but it was never tested as the Royal Navy was the main deterrent to invasion, maintaining a blockade on French ports and controlling the Channel. But Hitler’s Operation Sea Lion plan to invade Britain showed he considered it a key defensive structure to control.
Today the canal provides leisure opportunities and is managed by the Environment Agency.
Next meeting – 7.30 pm on 20th January 2026 at the Harry Margary Hall, Lympne –
‘Memories of Lympne and Brockhill Schools’. If you would like to become a member of SHAL please email Rosemary Stutchbury at rosemary@stutchbury.myzen.co.uk.
Folkestone Choral Society
Castle Green WI
President Christine Farquhar welcomed forty-seven members and one guest to the November meeting.
The minutes of the last meeting were approved and signed. Christine thanked coffee hostesses Annelies, Dee and Julie B. Dee was also thanked for the lovely flower arrangement.
On Remembrance Sunday Sarah Hatchard laid a wreath on behalf of Castle Green WI during the service at Saltwood War Memorial.
Christine drew our attention to the correspondence from EKFWI and NFWI which was available on the table. The EKFWI Annual Meeting will be held on April 2nd, 2026, and members were asked to consider being stewards on the day. (You get a free ticket!)
The resolutions for next year’s NFWI Annual Meeting are in the November edition of WI Life, and we will discuss and vote on them at the January meeting.
Subgroups. The subgroups met in November. Change of name. The Lunch Club will now be known as the Coffee Meet Up group and will meet on the fourth Thursday of each month at The Hythe Imperial. The first meeting will be on January 29th, 2026, at 10.30am. Please check the website for details of all our activities.
After coffee and delicious cake, we settled down to get crafting. The crafts on offer were Bookmarks with Biddy and Molly, Tea light jar decoration with Julie A, Form-A-Line cards with Ros, Snowmen with Jo, paper Angels with Jackie V and Father Christmas with Kay.
There was the sound of laughter and chat interspersed with silences when we were all busy concentrating. At the end of the session Julie A took photographs of our efforts which will be on the website. Margaret Alcock thanked our leaders for sharing their expertise with us.
The next meeting will be on Friday December 12th when we welcome Tony Harris who will tell us about My Life as a Film Star. As it is the December meeting there will of course be mince pies and mulled wine and visitors will be made very welcome.
Margaret Alcock
Finishing with a Smile …
… A football supporter’s favourite Christmas song? ‘Yule never walk alone’.
… What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations? Tinselitus.
… What do you call Santa’s little helpers? Subordinate Clauses.
