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A Letter from the Rector
Dear All,
As we move into the summer months, many of us look forward to holidays, family visits, days out, and perhaps a slower pace of life. Schools break up, routines change, and for many, July and August provide a welcome opportunity to rest and recharge.
Rest is a gift from God. From the very beginning of creation, God established a rhythm of work and rest, reminding us that taking time to pause is not only healthy but holy. Holidays can refresh our bodies, renew our relationships, and give us space to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation.
Yet while many of us take time away, there is one thing that never changes: God never takes time off. The Psalmist reminds us:
“He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:4)
Whether we are relaxing on a beach, walking in the countryside, travelling abroad, or simply enjoying our own gardens, God remains with us. His love never goes on holiday. His care never pauses. His faithfulness never takes a break.
Summer can also be a wonderful time to notice God’s presence in new ways. We may find Him in the laughter of children, the warmth of the sunshine, the beauty of flowers in bloom, or the quiet moments of peace that everyday life often crowds out. These are opportunities to give thanks and to remember that every good gift comes from Him.
Although some of our regular activities may pause during the holiday season, our calling to love God and our neighbours continues wherever we are. A simple act of kindness, an encouraging word, or a quiet prayer can be a powerful witness to Christ’s love.
As a church family, we also remember those for whom summer is not always an easy season. Some may feel lonely while others are away, some may be caring for loved ones, and others may be facing illness or difficult circumstances. They too are held securely in God’s loving hands, and we pray that they will know His comfort and peace.
Whatever your plans this summer, may you find time to rest, to rejoice, and to recognise God’s presence in every day.
May the words of the prophet reassure us all:
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Every blessing,
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:-
JULY
Wednesday 1st – 10 to 11.30- Toddler Group in the Lads’ Club (and on Wednesday 8th)
Wednesday 1st – 14.00 – Afternoon prayer Group at 34 Harpswood Lane
Thursday 2nd – 18.00 – Bell Ringing practice (and each following Thursday)
Thursday 2nd – 19.00 – Choir Practice (and each following Thursday)
Friday 3rd – 09.00 – Prayer Group in the church (and each following Friday)
Monday 6th – 14.30 – Monday Chats meeting at the Castle Hotel (See Carol Eastell’s notes)
Tuesday 7th – N.B. – Our Rector’s day off (and each following Tuesday)
Saturday 11th – 11.30 – Lunch at Lympne church
Monday 13th – 14.00 – Monday Chats in the Lads’ Club (and each following Monday in July)
Wednesday 15th – 10.00 – Toddler Group Teddy Bear’s picnic
Saturday 18th – 13.00 – Wedding – Lesley and Simon
Saturday 18th – 15.45 – Messy Church in the Lads’ Club
Wednesday 22nd – N.B. – No Toddler Group – restarts in September
Saturday 31st – 19.00 – Hymn singing for all at Lympne church
AUGUST
Monday 3rd – N.B. No Monday Chats this month – restarts in September
Monday 24th – NB. – Last date for entries for the September magazine
Sunday 30th – 10.00 – benefice service of Holy Communion (at Saltwood)
If you have any items for the September edition of the magazine, please forward to Beth Lewsey, by the 24th August
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
From the Parish Records
We Welcome into the family of the Church:
Jack Redding-Skeath, who was baptised on 7th June
Anya Gower, who was baptised on 25th June
Niamh Bostock who was baptised on 25th June
Congratulations to:
Daisy Gibb and Jacob Woolls, who were married on 16th June
Our love and sympathy go to the family and friends of:
James Summerfield, whose funeral was held on 17th June
Intercessions for July
Today we pray especially for:
1 Those who live in Bartholomew Close and Lea Close
2 Those who protect us – the emergency services
3 All who worship at St Peter & St Paul and at Pedlinge
4 The Folkestone Rainbow Centre
5 The lonely, thinking particularly of those known to you
6 Those who live in Bartholomew Lane and St John’s Road
7 Those who visit our church and those who make use of it
8 Holy Trinity Folkestone, St George Folkestone, and St. Paul Sandgate
9 Our organists and choir
10 Canterbury Cathedral, Diocesan House and their staffs
11 Those who live in Hillcrest Road and Quarry Lane
12 Those who care for the church and churchyard and make them beautiful
13 The national role of the Church of England
14 St John the Baptist Folkestone
15 Our neighbours
16 Those who live in Holly Close and Mulberry Court
17 Those unsure of their future, thinking particularly of those known to you
18 St Augustine’s Primary School – staff and pupils
19 The Pilgrims Hospice
20 Families going through difficult times, thinking particularly of those known to you
21 Those who live in North Road West, North Road and Barrack Hill
22 Those parts of the world where there is war or political strife and those who suffer as a result
23 Our own benefice with St Stephen Lympne
24 His Majesty’s Government and Members of Parliament
25 Compassion UK
26 Those who live in Pedlinge and Sandling
27 The terminally ill and their families, thinking particularly of those known to you
28 Our study groups
29 Other, non-Anglican, churches in the local area
30 Pilgrims Hospice
31 Those who live in Sandling Road and Highfield Close
Intercessions for August
1 Those who live in Turnpike Hill, Britten Close and Spanton Crescent
2 Our Prayer Ministry Team
3 St Mary the Virgin Elham
4 Those who minister in our residential homes
5 Those who maintain our community
6 Those who live in Rectory Lane and Victoria Place
7 Messy Church
8 Hythe Community Sponsorship
9 Our local GPs
10 Sarah, Archbishop of Canterbury
11 Those who live in Old London Road, Redbrooks Way, Summer Close and Sunny Bank
12 Those unable to attend church, thinking particularly of those known to you
13 The homeless, thinking particularly of those known to you
14 Brockhill Park Performing Arts College – staff and pupils
15 St Martin’s Cheriton, All Soul’s Cheriton and St Nicholas Newington
16 Those who live in Grange Road and School Road
17 Church Army
18 Those who seek Christ
19 Residential and nursing homes – their staff and residents
20 Sidesmen and welcomers
21 Those who live in Castle Avenue, Lookers Lane and Quarry Road
22 Those who represent us – in parish, district and county councils and in Parliament
23 Those who help lead our worship
24 Those parts of the world suffering from natural disasters and all those seeking to relieve the suffering these cause
25 St Leonard’s Hythe, St Michael’s Anglican and Methodist Centre and Holy Cross Palmarsh
26 Those who live in Brockhill Road and Seaton Avenue
27 The armed forces and their families
28 Those who lead our SALT groups
29 Those coping with debt and unemployment, thinking particularly of those known to you
30 Rev Barry in his role as our area Dean
31 Those who live in Blue House Lane, Sandy Lane and the A20, Saltwood
Prayer Ministry
This is the confidence we have in approaching God,
That if we ask for anything according to his will, he will hear us.
And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask –
We know that we have what we asked of him.’
1 John 5: 14-15
The Prayer Ministry team are here for you – in the Sanctuary at the end of the Sunday service at Saltwood every week. Is there anything on your heart you need to bring to God? Concerns for yourself or a loved one? Anxious about our world? Burdened by daily bad news? St John assures us – if we ask anything according to his will, he will hear us.
Your request is treated in the strictest confidence, and you will not be asked intrusive questions. You may like to try the added bonus of being anointed – having the sign of the cross marked on your forehead and hands, with oil that has been blessed for that purpose.
This ministry is recognised and valued throughout the world-wide church and team members have been trained and accredited by the Diocese.
A Prayer for the Summer Months
Father,
We are all so busy. We rush here and there, trying to meet deadlines, trying to fit more and more into our already full days. So often we seem to run out of energy and time. Sometimes we wonder what it’s all about.
Help us, Lord to recognise that we have time. You have given us every day of our lives. Help us to choose wisely how we use our lifetime. Help us to spend time with you first; to learn your ways; to encounter the living Jesus in the Bible and in prayer. And everything else will fall into place.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
By Daphne Kitching
Quote
A compliment is verbal sunshine.
– R Orben
Open Garden
Wardens’ Corner
From John Campbell: –
Church Cleaning
This is a repeat from last month, and please, it is very important for you to action, if you have not already done so.
Many will already know that we now have the Gurkha cleaning company carrying out our regular weekly church cleaning, working alongside Carly Friend, who continues to undertake some weeks herself.
As a church family we have agreed to sponsor the cost of this cleaning, and there has been broad agreement that those who are able might contribute £30 per year. In effect, this sponsors one day of cleaning each year.
There is, of course, no fixed upper or lower limit. Please simply give according to your means and circumstances.
May I therefore ask that those who have already agreed to contribute — and indeed anyone else who feels able to support this work — would kindly make their contribution during this month by paying directly into the church account below.
Please include your name and indicate that the donation is for church cleaning, as this will help John reclaim Gift Aid where applicable.
Bank Details
Account Name: P.C.C. Of Saltwood
Account Number: 59191120
Sort Code: 52-41-42
Thank you once again for your generosity and support. It is through many hands and many acts of faithfulness that our church continues to flourish.
Church Garden Party – Tuesday 11th July
Our annual Church Garden Party at Saltwood House is now just around the corner, and we hope as many people as possible will come along for what promises to be a wonderful summer afternoon.
Set in the beautiful gardens of Saltwood House, there will be strawberries and fizz, music from a live band, performances by talented soloists, and, above all, the opportunity simply to spend time together with friends old and new in delightful surroundings.
The Garden Party is one of our important fundraising events for the church, so please do come along if you can. Better still, bring your family, friends and neighbours and make an afternoon of it. Tickets are available from Rev’d Barry at £15 per person, or you may simply pay on the day. Children under the age of 18, accompanied by their parents, are admitted free of charge.
A very sincere thank you goes to John Spayne, whose generosity makes this event possible. Not only is he once again opening his beautiful home and gardens for us to enjoy, but he is also contributing so much behind the scenes to help make the day a success. We are deeply grateful for his kindness and hospitality.
Finally, thank you to everyone who has already volunteered to help. Your willingness to serve is enormously appreciated. We shall be in touch nearer the time with more detailed information about the various jobs that need doing, but for now, thank you for being part of what promises to be a very special day.
An Evening with Good Gnus – Saturday 12th September
Please also put Saturday 12th September at 7.00 p.m. firmly in your diary.
We are delighted to be welcoming Good Gnus to St Peter and St Paul’s Church for what promises to be an evening full of superb music, gentle humour and first-class entertainment.
The three performers have delighted audiences for many years with their affectionate and wonderfully entertaining performances of the classic songs of Flanders and Swann, together with other gems from the rich tradition of English musical humour. Their musicianship is outstanding, and the evening promises to be full of laughter, nostalgia and enjoyment.
Do invite your friends and neighbours to come along. There will be a cash bar too. It is a splendid opportunity to enjoy an excellent evening together while supporting the life of our church. We very much hope to see you there.
From Rachel Cornish (Warden at Lympne) :-
Saturdays
We are trying something new on Saturdays – a Saturday Lunch instead of the coffee mornings. The coffee mornings have had fewer people attending recently – but they do provide a place for some regulars to catchup. We are going to try a simple lunch instead; in the summer this will be a choice of ham or cheese salad roll, either cake or fruit pie and a hot or cold drink for £5. Please give feedback on this. The first one will be on Saturday 11th July at 11:30pm. If anyone just wants a drink and piece of cake this will be fine.
Churchyard
The number of flowers in the churchyard has increased significantly. This year the ‘wildflower mound’ is full of flowers – a mix of wildflowers and others, aiming for a colourful mix attractive to pollinators. The dead-hedging has worked very well – it needs constant adding to, but this keeps larger sticks out of the compost heap. The rockery with plants tolerant to wind is now well established and most of the plants are growing well. In the bed alongside, we now have roses and an assortment of other plants in front of buddleias.
The team are gradually learning what works and what does not, aiming to increase biodiversity and maintain the area for all to enjoy.
To the south of the churchyard the plan this year is to keep most of the grass short, except where there are obvious bulbs and other plants. The southern edge – the bank dropping away from the benches – we are encouraging selective wild flowers, but cutting back some of the more invasive ones. Many of the older graves in this area are not tended, and we are gradually planting these with wildflowers. Some already have quite rare plants growing that attract specific types of insect, and these are being left. When time and effort permit, we are edging around the graves and headstones in this area.
The northern area of the churchyard this year has been left as a meadow, with two mown paths through the centre and a lawnmower’s width cut short and tidy around the edge. The mown paths are VERY uneven – something we need to address when the ground is softer. This is partly due to moles. If you carefully walk through there are a surprising amount of different plants, changing month by month, and huge numbers of butterflies and bees. We will be cutting some of the grass in early July, some in September and leaving some until next year.
Bamboo canes? If anyone has spare bamboo canes, the churchyard team can make good use of them for staking many of the plants in the borders.
Some words from Carol Eastell:-
Prayer meetings
We will be meeting at the home of Penny Forsyth, 34 Harpswood Lane on Wednesday 1 July at 2 pm. It would be so nice to see more of our church family there to strengthen our prayer bonds for all manner of important subjects for prayer. We will, though, be taking a break during August.
Our Tuesday and Friday Prayer groups will be meeting as usual through July and August
Monday Chats
Monday Chats on Monday 6 July will be at the Castle Hotel, Saltwood at 2 30. Hopefully if you are coming you have already let us know. If not please give Carol a ring urgently (07795 100 441). Cost is £16 50 per head and £18 if you are happy to include a tip.
We will be taking a summer break from Chattering during August, that is from Monday 3 August until Monday 7 September when we will have an awful lot of catching up to do!
Notes from the Choir
School exams are over, the weather is getting hotter by the day, and thoughts are turning rapidly towards the summer holidays, very much a time when end of term euphoria takes hold and children and students alike start counting down the days. But church carries on, we’re always here, services every Sunday, here where it is so blissfully cool and calm and where you can listen to a freshly made sermon, quietly close your eyes and be transported to Genesis, or the Holy Land in Roman times.
The choir too are here every week (except family Hooba services once a month) singing a variety of hymns both rousing and soothing. I speak also of the anthems we have sung under the direction of Berkeley Hill and Tim Clark who devote so much of their time to take us for choir practice each Thursday evening. They are: Holy Holy Holy (Tchaikovsky), Holy Holy Holy (Schubert German Mass), Ave Verum Corpus (Mozart), and last but by no means least Drop, Drop, Slow Tears (words by Phineas Fletcher, music by Orlando Gibbons). Both Fletcher and Gibbons were 16th century contemporaries, Fletcher, born in Cranbrook, was a poet and Gibbons an outstandingly gifted musician who began composing when he was just15 years old. He became Musician of the Chapel Royal in 1599 when he was 16, and choirmaster at Lincoln Cathedral in his early twenties. The two men became known to each other when Gibbons published ‘Hymns – Songs of the Church’ in 1623. Sadly, the association was not to last, travelling with other musicians of the Chapel Royal on their way to Canterbury to see King Charles 1st new wife, poor Orlando became very ill and died suddenly in June 1625 (just over 400 years to the day). He was buried in Canterbury Cathedral.
I find it amazing that we can enjoy so much stunningly beautiful music today from so long ago. How much of today’s music will not only survive as long but be loved by so many and from one so young? If you would like to share my love of this piece, check out online ‘Drop Drop Slow Tears’ by Voces 8. It’s just sublime.
Dates to remember:
5th July Anthems with Berkeley
12th July Anthems with Tim
Wishing you all a very happy summer holiday. Come back in September, refreshed and ready to enjoy more of your very own choir, not every church has one! You can join too!
Fran Dyer
Saltwood Cinema Club …
… will return to the Lads Club in September
(More details in the next magazine)
Bible Gem – The Wood of Redemption
Last month we stood in Egypt beside the blood-stained doorposts of the houses in Goshen. We saw how the blood of the Passover lamb, placed upon the lintel and the two side posts, each formed the outline of a cross and pointed us towards Calvary. We also remembered Jesus’ wonderful words, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved” (John 10:9).
Only fifty days later, after the Passover and the Exodus, Israel reached Mount Sinai, where God gave His Law, (this was the first Pentecost). Hidden within those laws is another beautiful picture of Christ.
A servant who had completed his years of service was free to leave. Yet God made provision for one who loved his master so deeply that he chose never to leave. “If the servant plainly says, ‘I love my master… I will not go out free’” (Exodus 21:5), then the master was to bring him to the door, or the doorpost. There his ear was placed against the wood and pierced with an awl. For one moment he was nailed to the door before the awl was withdrawn, leaving a mark on his ear that would remain for life. From that day onward he became what the Bible calls a bondservant—a man who belonged to his master, not through force, but through love.
Once again, our attention is drawn to the wood. Last month it bore the blood of the Passover lamb. Now it bears the servant. That brief nailing is the heart of the picture, for it points us directly to the greater reality revealed in the New Testament.
Paul does not simply tell us to look at the cross. He declares, “I have been crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20). In Romans 6 he explains that our old self was crucified with Him so that we might walk in newness of life. We do not add anything to Christ’s sacrifice for sin—that work was finished by Him alone—but by faith we are united with Him in His death. In God’s sight, our old independent life is nailed to the cross with Christ, so that His risen life may now be lived in us.
The servant was nailed to the wood because he had chosen his master. We are crucified with Christ because we have chosen the One who first loved us and gave Himself for us. The servant’s nailing lasted only a moment, but the relationship it established lasted for life. So too our crucifixion with Christ marks the end of our old life and the beginning of a new one in which we belong to Him forever.
Love is the key to the whole passage. No servant would willingly place his ear against the door unless love had already captured his heart. The piercing did not create the relationship; it simply declared it. So it is with us too. Jesus first loved us, redeemed us by His blood, and by our crucifixion with Him, brought us safely through the Door to newness of life. In His death and resurrection, He brought us into union with Himself, so that we no longer belong to ourselves but to Him. The question is not whether this is true; it is whether we have seen it and begun to live in the good of it.
Perhaps that leaves each of us with a simple question. Having entered through the Door because of the blood of the Lamb, can we also say with the Hebrew servant, “I love my Master; I will not go out free”?
That is not the cry of a slave. It is the joyful confession of someone who has found his true home.
John Campbell
From the Parish Magazine – Summer 2006
Twenty years ago the main event was the ARTS and NATURE FESTIVAL
This included an Art and Photographic exhibition and sale; Owls and Bees; Nature Trail; Lots of activities for children; cakes, Soft fruit and Plant stalls; Refreshments served throughout; a concert on the Saturday evening; and a jazz evening with hot supper on the Sunday.
All proceeds went towards the Church’s Contribution to Saltwood School Governors Building Fund (for a new IT extension)
After the event, Val Adams wrote,’… The Lady chapel became alive with over thirty of the UK’s mammals … The sanctuary welcomed St Francis … The theme of Art and nature gave something different, happily enjoyed by many … let us be thankful for the perfect setting of Saltwood Church.’
St. Stephen’s Church, Lympne
Services & Events in July & August
Sunday July 5th 11am Holy Communion
Sunday July 12th 11am Family Service
Sunday July 19th 11am Morning Prayer
Sunday July 26th 11am Holy Communion
Sunday August 2nd 11am Holy Communion
Sunday August 9th 11am Family Service
Sunday August 16th 11am Morning Prayer
Sunday August 23rd 11am Holy Communion
Sunday August 30th Benefice Communion at Saltwood at 10am
Further Dates to note:
Friday 31st July: 7pm Hymn Singing for all
Saturday 11th July: 11:30-1pm Saturday Lunch at Lympne Church
Friday 4th September: 7pm Hymn Singing for all
Saturday 5th September: Quiz night at Lympne Church
Sat 19th – Sun 20th September – Bible Reading Marathon
Regular Events:
Mondays 12:-30-1pm (every other week) – Prayer Meeting at Monica & Peters’
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 – 1:30 Eco group working churchyard (when dry)
Lympne Fellowship
Once again, we thoroughly enjoyed a convivial afternoon at the Red Lion in Hythe for our annual summer lunch in July. Secluded in the back dining room, we could disturb no-one as we chatted and worked our way through our mouth-watering choices from the menu.
Our thanks go to the very friendly and helpful staff and to Pam Clark for organising this event.
Lympne Fellowship normally meets at 1.15pm in the Harry Margary Hall on the 2nd Thursday of the month (next one 9 July), with a programme of interesting and informative talks and activities. For further information about our group, please contact Jill Page on 07846 819693.
Lunch at Lympne
SHAL: Studying History and Archaeology in Lympne
Talk and Presentation by Wendy Fraser: Roman Amphitheatres
Roman stone amphitheatres, with their circular or oval shape and tiered seating, are immediately recognizable. Maps of the Roman Empire show over 200 of them, including in Britain, North Africa, Italy and France, but it is likely there are more as yet undiscovered. In Italy alone there are 99 and in France 35. Often they became part of fortified towns. The first recorded Roman Games were held in wooden amphitheatres at religious festivals and funeral rites, c. 264 BC, possibly used as a way of maintaining social and political control. These early structures were later constructed in stone with underground passages called hypogea where there were animal cages, prisoners’ cells and storage areas. There were also vomitoria – not places to vomit, as the name might suggest, but passages designed so that crowds could exit quickly, the word meaning “disgorge” or “spew forth”. And there were velaria, great linen awnings for shade, operated like sails with ropes and pulleys.
The earliest surviving Roman stone amphitheatre is at Pompeii, dating from c. 70 BC, that could seat 20,000 people; it was preserved beneath volcanic ash and pumice when Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. The arena would have been filled with sawdust to absorb blood! One of the best known, and the largest amphitheatre ever built, measuring approximately 188 by 156 metres, is the Colosseum in Rome where tiered seating had areas for women, slaves, citizens, soldiers, important officials and Senators. It could hold around 50,000 spectators who could exit in 15 minutes if needed. It was partially destroyed by earthquakes and stone robbing.
According to the philosopher Seneca, a typical day’s programme began with specialist fighters called bestiarii who pitted themselves against wild animals. Some of these creatures, including rhinos (one appears on a coin dated AD 84) were transported for the Games from Africa by ox cart and boat across the Red Sea and many would have perished on the journey. Some historians estimate that a million animals died in the arenas too. At midday came the public executions of criminals, Christians, slaves and prisoners of war followed by gladiatorial combat in the afternoon.
Gladiators, deriving from gladius (sword), were highly trained athletes, drawn from the lowest classes of society including slaves who could gain freedom by becoming celebrated fighters. There were also a few women. They trained for a year at the Ludus Magnus gladiatorial school built by Emperor Vespasian until they were ready for their first combat in the arena; they ate a vegetarian diet. Among the best-known classes of gladiator were the provocatores, Thracians (Thraeces), Samnites and Secutores. A gravestone of a fighter called Flamma was found in Palermo, Sicily and it records him as having competed in 34 gladiatorial combats. He had twenty-one wins, nine draws and only four losses. He refused his freedom four times, and one can only assume he loved the sport. Combatants were not usually killed as trained gladiators were valuable. Whether the famous thumbs up or thumbs down gesture, often used in Hollywood films, was used in the way we imagine to decide a fighter’s fate remains uncertain.
In Verona, Italy, excavations beginning in 1874 revealed one of the best preserved amphitheatres in the world, dating from AD 30 to 42. It has hosted productions of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and continues to stage opera to this day. In Arles, France, where the Romans arrived in 123 BC, an amphitheatre, inspired by the Colosseum, was constructed in AD 90 for 20,000 people. It had an oval arena, terraces, arcades and was on two levels. A race of bulls was held there in 1830 to celebrate France taking Algiers. Today in the summer it is used for bull fights, plays and concerts. Other well-known amphitheatre sites include one in Caerleon, Wales, constructed for 6,000 people in AD 90. It is the best preserved in Britain and was excavated in 1909. The amphitheatre at Tarragona, Spain, built in 1st to 2nd centuries AD, held around 15,000 spectators and is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. Construction of El Djem in Tunisia, for 35,000 spectators, began c. AD 238 for gladiator shows and small chariot races.
Amphitheatres have inspired artists over the centuries. Van Gogh painted the Arles arena in 1888; Turner sketched Roman ruins on his Italian travels. Hubert Robert and Giovanni Paolo Panini made these great monuments to the past their lives’ work. Roman amphitheatres have given way to venues like the O2 and Wembley Stadium, to fill our enduring human desire to gather together for entertainment.
Next meeting: There will be no meeting this month as SHAL is busy digging! but on July 21st we have a talk by Phyllis Brown on the Canterbury Cathedral Miracle Windows. If you would like to become a member of SHAL please email our Chair Rosemary Stutchbury at r.stutchbury1@gmail.com
President Christine Farsquhar welcomed thirty-eight members and four visitors to the June meeting. Hostesses Julie B, Julia C, Sarah H and Molly M were thanked as was Ann B for the beautiful vase of roses from her garden.
The record of the last meeting was approved and signed. The treasurer brought us up to date with our finances.
NFWI Annual Meeting. Christine gave a short report about the NFWI Annual Meeting which she and other members had “attended” at The Watch Party which was organised by South Hythe Morning WI.
Subgroups. All the subgroups will be meeting in June. Please see website for details.
Future events.July 16thOuting to Maison Dieu, Dover. August 14thFish, Chips and Prosecco on Hythe Beach.
Christine thanked all those who had helped at the Big Green Fair in Sandgate; on the day and by providing items for sale. We raised £205.00 which was donated to the Rising Sun Charity.
Our speaker was Emma Gray from Rising Sun Charity which Castle Green WI is supporting this year. The charity supports victims of domestic abuse, women, children and men, and Emma’s talk was both troubling and enlightening as she described the work of the charity. Particularly poignant was a recording by a woman who described her situation and how the charity had helped her. Emma also told us about starter packs of personal and home essentials to help mainly women and children restart their lives.
Ann B gave the vote of thanks.
The next meeting will be on Friday July 10thwhen the speaker will be Alison Marsden, Gardening for Drier Summers.
