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A Letter from the Rector
Dear All,
As we transitioned from the solemn reflections of Lent into the joyous celebration of Easter, we were reminded of the theme of new beginnings that resonates deeply within our faith. Easter symbolises the resurrection and the promise of renewal, offering us a chance to reflect on our own lives and the transformations we can embrace.
The Easter season invites us to shed old burdens and embrace the hope that comes with new life. Just as Jesus’ resurrection signifies victory over death, we are called to look for opportunities to grow, learn, and rejuvenate our spirits. Let us carry this message of hope into our daily lives, supporting one another as we embark on fresh paths.
As we move into May, we also celebrate the beginnings of summer, a time historically associated with renewal and growth. This month has been cherished through the ages, marking the blossoming of nature and the warmth of the sun. Communities have long gathered to honour this season with festivals and traditions that reflect gratitude for the earth’s bounty.
Events such as, May Day is for some a gathering, where people celebrate the beauty of spring with music, food, and fellowship. It is, or certainly used to be, an opportunity to connect with one another and to appreciate the joys of community.
May is not just about the external signs of renewal; it’s an invitation to cultivate our inner lives as well. Take time this month to reflect on your own journeys. What new beginnings are you ready to embrace? How can you nurture not only your own growth but also support those around you?
As we continue to celebrate the new beginnings of Easter and the vibrant energy of May, let us remember that each day offers us a chance to start anew. Together, as a church community, we can support one another in this journey of faith, hope, and renewal.
Blessings,
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:
Friday 1st – N.B. Carol Eastell’s day off (and each following Friday)
Friday 1st – 9am – Prayer Group in the Church – (and each following Friday)
Saturday 2nd – 10.30am to 12noon – FAB Coffee Morning in the Lads’ Club
Saturday 2nd – 6pm – Quiz Night in the Lads’ Club
Monday 4th – NB – No Monday Chats (Bank Holiday)
Tuesday 5th – N.B. – Our Rector’s day off – (and each following Tuesday)
Wednesday 6th – 10am to 11.30 – Toddler Group in the Lads’ Club – (and each following Wednesday, except 27th)
Wednesday 6th – 2pm – Afternoon Prayer Group at 34 Harpswood Lane
Thursday 7th – 6 – 7pm – Bell Ringing practice – (and each following Thursday)
Thursday 7th – 7pm – Choir Practice – (and each following Thursday)
Saturday 9th – 10.30am to 12.30 – Coffee Morning at ‘Heppinge’, Rectory Lane
Monday 11th – 2pm – Monday Chats in the Lads’ Club – (and each following Monday excepting Bank Holidays)
Wednesday 13th – 7pm – SALT Together meeting in the Lads’ Club
Thursday 14th – 20m – Ascension Day meeting in the Lads’ Club
Saturday 16th – 10.30am – Coffee Morning at Lympne church
Saturday 16th – 3.45pm – Messy Church at the Lads’ Club
Wednesday 20th – 2pm – Cinema Club at the Lads’ Club
Sunday 24th – Last date for entries for the June magazine
Sunday 31st – Benefice service of Holy Communion at Lympne Church
Special days in May
14th – Ascension Day: After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and followers on various occasions. However, after 40 days, he ascended into heaven. He was not forsaking them, but merely going on ahead to a kingdom which would also be theirs one day: ‘I am ascending to my Father and to your Father, to my God and your God…’ (John 20:17)
24th – Pentecost – Fifty days after our celebration of the resurrection at Easter, we celebrate Pentecost, which we used to call Whitsun because of the white dresses worn by girls on that day. Following his ascension, the disciples felt alone without Jesus, terrified that they, too may be arrested and crucified. On this special day we remember how they were overwhelmed and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, empowered to preach the good news to the crowds in Jerusalem. This was the start of the church – our birthday!
If you have any items for the June edition of the magazine, please forward to Beth Lewsey, by the 24th May
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 May
Loving Father, This month we thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit which You promise to all who call on Your name, turn away from self-centred living and put their trust in Jesus.
Help us to do that, Lord.
Then, when events in the world and the circumstances of our own lives are difficult to understand, we have Your Holy Spirit who brings life and power.
He is faithful and constant. He will lead us into all truth and give us the words and thoughts we need to experience Your peace in the midst of turmoil.
As we remember the birth of Your church, may we open our hearts to receive Your Spirit afresh and move into each new day confident that we are yours and that in You is our true security.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(By Daphne Kitching)
Intercessions for May
Today we pray especially for:
1 Those who live in Turnpike Hill, Britten Close and Spanton Crescent
2 Our choir and organists, as they enhance our worship
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 Sunday Club
8 Centrepoint, and all who benefit from its work
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 The work of the Church Army
18 Those who seek Christ
19 Residential and nursing homes – their staff and residents
20 Our teams of 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 The Folkestone Rainbow Centre
29 Those coping with debt and unemployment, thinking particularly of those known to you
30 Barry, in his role as 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.
Quote
He who has the Holy Spirit in his heart and the Scriptures in his hands has all he needs.
– A Maclaren
Saltwood Coffee Morning
ALL WELCOME
Come and support your Village Church
Date: Saturday 9th May
Venue: ‘Heppinge’
(At the top of Rectory Lane, parallel with the footpath)
Time: 10.30 – 12.30
Raffle,
Cakes, preserves and cards for sale.
Plenty of parking in the church car park, seating in the garden (or garage if wet!)
Drop off at the house available for those with mobility difficulties.
Proceeds to Church Funds
Warden’s Corner
From John Campbell: –
Fabric and Stewardship Report
Following our recent quinquennial review in February 2026, we are pleased to report that the outcome was very encouraging. We received a positive report and, in effect, a clean bill of health. Alongside this, there was a practical observation regarding the oil-fired boiler, which is expected to have approximately ten years of remaining life.
This gives us a helpful window in which to begin thinking ahead. In due course, a replacement will be required, and it will be important that whatever we choose is both highly efficient and appropriate for our setting. As technology continues to develop, we will keep these options under careful consideration. Above all, our approach must remain grounded in sound practical judgement, guided prayerfully, and not driven by external agendas.
Church Cleaning Arrangements
From the 1st of May, we will be introducing a revised approach to the cleaning of the church. This will involve a combination of contracted cleaning support alongside our valued locally sourced cleaners.
To help fund this, we are inviting members of the congregation to sponsor one day of cleaning each year. As a guide, we have suggested a contribution of around £30 which would cover one week’s cleaning, though in reality any amount, according to what each person is able to give, will be most gratefully received.
There is a sign-up list available at the back of the church for those who would like to take part. In due course, everyone who signs up will receive details of how to make payment into the church bank account, along with a reminder where needed.
We are very thankful for the willingness already shown, and it is worth noting that, where applicable, the value of these gifts will be increased through Gift Aid.
A Reminder About Days Off
A gentle reminder may also be helpful regarding days of rest within the life of the church:-
Barry
Reverend Barry’s day off is Tuesday, and it is important that this time is respected. Please do not contact him on that day by phone, message, or email. If a matter arises, please direct it instead to me or to another appropriate person, depending on the nature and urgency of the situation.
Carol
Although Carol has stepped down as Churchwarden, she continues faithfully in her role as Prayer Warden. This is a deeply demanding and spiritually significant ministry, which she carries out with great diligence and love for us all. Carol’s day off is Friday, and it is very important that we all respect and protect that time, so that she is able to plan with Geoff for a day that is not continually interrupted by requests.
The nature of prayer ministry means that many needs arise suddenly and carry a sense of urgency, which makes this provision for rest all the more important, and also highlights the need for support.
At the recent Annual Meeting, Barry expressed a clear and important need for someone to come alongside Carol in this work. This is not simply a role to be filled, but a calling to be discerned. If you sense that the Lord may be prompting you in this direction, please do speak with Carol, Barry, or myself.
Saltwood Cinema Club
will be showing
H for HAWK
On Wednesday 22nd April at 2pm in the Lads’ Club
H Is for Hawk chronicles Helen Macdonald’s experience of grief following the sudden death of their father and their decision to train a goshawk as a means of coping with that loss. The narrative interweaves two strands: Macdonald’s personal bereavement and the practical and psychological challenges of falconry. Starring Claire Foy, Brendan Gleeson, Denise Gough, Sam Spruell, and Lindsay Duncan.
Cost £5 per person to include tea and cake
All proceeds to the Lads’ Club Funds
Garden Party – SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday 11th July :
Garden Party at Saltwood House in aid of church funds.
More details in next month’s magazine, but do note the date now!
Howdy Pardners! Our Wild West Supper & Quiz Night is on Saturday 2nd May 2026 at 6pm in the Saltwood Lads’ Club. Supper and quiz start soon after. Tickets are £10 and include a supper of hot dog (traditional sausage), tortilla chips and dessert. Wine and soft drinks are available to buy from the bar, please don’t bring your own and instead support the bar! All proceeds go to St Peter & St Paul Church, Saltwood.
There will be prizes for the winning quiz team and during the evening there be will some short games with more prizes (to participate in these please bring some £1/£2 coins) and also a raffle for which you will also need some more cash!
To clarify – all payments, whether for tickets, drinks, games or raffle, need to be made with cash, it’s not feasible to pay by plastic.
Wild West being the theme, if possible, please dress up in cowboy/cowgirl and rancher outfits, and dig out those checked shirts, neckerchiefs, jeans/gingham dresses, cowboy/cowgirl hats and cowboy boots – just suggestions but wear anything that goes with the Wild West! There will be prizes for best individual outfits!
Corral your posses together (max 6 per table). Let me know the names of the quizzers in your posse and choose a creative Wild West team name! If you are not part of a team, don’t worry, come as a couple or an individual and you will be assigned to a team. It’s essential to pre-book whether in teams or not and cash pre-payment required please. Book your places now, first come first served! Anyone can come, it’s not just for Saltwood and Lympne churches and you don’t have to be a churchgoer so bring your family, friends and neighbours!
Let me know if you are vegetarian or have any allergies.
To buy your tickets, contact me at pkent.email@gmail.com or on 01303-266140 but best option is to see me by the main door after Sunday 10am services (Saltwood) where I will be most weeks.
It will be an evening of fun, friendship and fellowship – cowboy style! Look forward to seeing you there.
Yeehaw – Peter Kent
Easy Fundraising
By the time you read this, you may also have read about the ‘easyfundraising’ scheme in the Rector’s weekly news sheet. This is just to encourage you by sharing my personal experience of the scheme. No doubt many of us sometimes make on-line purchases and many well-known retailers will make a donation to a charity of your choice (in this case St Peter and St Pauls church Saltwood!) if you register with easyfundraising first.
Admittedly I found the initial signing up a bit troublesome, but now I am away! Any time you are going to shop online, you visit the easyfundraising website first, and select the retailer you are going to use. You are then automatically redirected to that website, and you just shop as usual. Easy!
Points to note:
You only need to register with easyfundraising once – after that, it knows you.
You do have to accept ‘cookies’ when you shop – that’s how it all works.
If you forget to go to easyfundraising, a reminder will pop up on screen if you are browsing on a participating website.
There is NO extra expense to you at all.
The rewards do look quite small – I may receive a donation of, say, 40p when I do an online grocery shop, but as my supermarket says, ‘every little helps!’ Just suppose that 50 of us raised only 40p each week – that would be £1000 over the course of a year … and that would only be groceries – what if you needed a new laptop, some clothes – or even a holiday!!
Please seriously consider joining the scheme. Feel free to chat to me about it. Beth Lewsey
Some Words from Carol Eastell
As I mentioned in the April magazine, Lent Lunches were, after all a good success and thank you again to everybody who helped in so many ways and of course to all of you who were able to come and enjoy the soup and delicious bread and cheese! Melissa’s team did a ‘souper’ job and made a nice lot of money so all in all , after a final offering of £20 to round off the moneys raised, we were able to hand in £1200 which was pretty good for only three Saturdays.
Monday Chats
Our Afternoon Tea this summer will be in the Castle Hotel on 6th July at 2.30pm, and if it is a nice warm day we can have it outside. Jackie will be putting on a delicious spread for us at a very good price of £16 50. You will be most welcome to join us but you need to let Carol know either by text or phone on 07795 100 441.
Afternoon Prayer
Come and join us on Wednesday 6 May at 2 pm for up to an hour’s prayer. Don’t be shy. Now is the time for us to play our part for the good of the community and our world. Praying is free and something we can all do and praying together is good for us and for those for whom we pray. As always we meet at the home of Penny Forsyth, 34 Harpswood Lane.
Fight Against Blindness Coffee Morning at the Lads Club from 10 30 to Midday on Saturday 2 May. I do so hope you will feel able to come and support this charity, which helps children and young people with sight loss and visual impairment to reach their full potential. There are all sorts of wonderful things to buy such as handbags, purses, jewellery and gifts etc, as well as some delicious home-made cakes. You will be glad you have made the effort!
You may have noticed that my items do not come under Churchwardens notes this month, and that is because I have sadly retired from this super job which I have enjoyed immensely over the past five years. It has been such a privilege to work for Saltwood Church and the lovely church family but with increasing involvement with the prayer side of things, I have found it difficult to keep up!
From the Parish Records
Our love and sympathy go to the family and friends of:
Charles Derry, whose funeral was on 24th April
Notes from the Choir
I hope you all had a lovely Easter with lots of relaxation and chocolate eggs!
The run up to the big day began with our Palm Sunday Benefice Service. We began the service in church and after a hymn and prayer we processed down the lane to the green singing ‘Ride on ride on in majesty’, similar in concept to Jesus riding on a donkey into Jerusalem, except that we were minus the said donkey, and the only palms we had were bamboo branches and pampas grasses from our gardens. However they sufficed and created a certain flavour of the middle east with a fair degree of sunshine from above. The procession itself was no mean feat as:
There was no accompaniment, therefore no starting note or time.
The procession was so long that those at the front who had started singing could not hear those at the back and vice versa, so those at the front had finished the hymn while those at the rear were still catching up!
However, it was a happy and friendly occasion, much I suspect like the very first one.
Next came Maundy Thursday and a perfect Michelin star meal in the Lads club before the ceremonial foot-washing. This caused much amusement and face-pulling as not all of us have perfect feet which we are happy to expose! However I have to say from my own point of view it was a very pleasant experience, a jug of beautifully warm water poured over one foot (the nicer of the two!), and then held to dry in a pure white towel. I believe Spa days are quite expensive, it’s amazing what you can do in church.
We then made our way to church to continue with a service of reflection with Holy Communion, after which the altar was stripped, and the lights were dimmed gradually until we were in total darkness, so atmospheric and fitting. We then left quietly
Good Friday saw many people from Churches Together process along the High Street for a short service by the cross before enjoying delicious hot cross buns, tea and coffee prepared by the wonderful ladies of St Michael’s in their hall.
Easter Day dawned and with our amazing Tim on the organ our first hymn was Jesus Christ is risen today and during communion our anthems were ‘This Joyful Eastertide’ and ‘Love is come again’.
What a wonderfully moving Easter, both sorrowful and joyful all in one week. However Easter continues for another 50 days, during which we have Ascension day after 40 on 14th May and finally Pentecost Sunday on 24th May, so we have many more opportunities for more wonderful Easter hymns. Do join us, it’s so good to sing, whether you are part of the choir or in the congregation, and so good for you too.
Fran Dyer
Bible Gem: Seventy Times Seven — A Number That Unlocks the Story
When Peter asked Jesus how many times he must forgive someone who kept wronging him, he suggested seven times. Jesus replied, “Not seven times, but seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21–22). At first, that sounds like a way of saying, “keep forgiving,” but Jesus chose His number carefully.
Seventy times seven is 490.
To understand why that matters, we begin with something very simple. Under the Law given through Moses, every seventh year was to be a year of rest for the land (Leviticus 25:1–4), so time in Israel was meant to run in cycles of seven years. If you take 490 years and divide by 7, you get 70, which means that in 490 years there should be 70 rest years.
But the people did not keep those rest years properly.
Then came the exile. Jerusalem was destroyed, and the people were taken away to Babylon. How long did the exile last? Seventy years (Jeremiah 25:11–12; Jeremiah 29:10). And the Bible explains why: while the people were gone, the land was finally enjoying its missed rest. Second Chronicles says that the land “enjoyed her sabbaths” all the time that it lay desolate, until the seventy years were fulfilled (2 Chronicles 36:20–21). Seventy years of exile matched seventy missed rest years in a 490-year period. The numbers fit exactly.
Now we take one step further. While in Babylon, Daniel was given a message from God about the future. God spoke of “seventy sevens” (Daniel 9:24) — seventy groups of seven years. Seventy times seven is 490. This time, the 490 years were looking forward. Daniel is told that from the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem — a decree later given under the Persian king Cyrus, and carried out in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah — there would be a measured period leading to the coming of the Messiah (Daniel 9:25–26). That decree can be dated in history, and when the years are counted forward from it, they bring you to the very period when Jesus lived on the earth and gave His life. Some have even attempted to calculate the exact year, most notably Sir Robert Anderson, formerly Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, in his brilliant book The Coming Prince, but even without entering into those details, the remarkable point remains: the timeline given to Daniel leads directly to Christ.
So the same number — 490 — explains the exile, and also points forward to the Messiah who brings forgiveness.
Now step back and look at the wider story of the Old Testament. It moves in four great stages: from Abraham to the Exodus, from the Exodus to the Temple, from the Temple to the Exile, and from the Exile to the Messiah. And here is something that has caused many to stop and think – when those long periods are examined carefully, and the years when Israel is under judgment or out of step with God are set to one side, each stage settles into the same pattern — seventy times seven. In other words, each stage contains a cycle of redemption of 490 years, with additional years appearing only where judgment or disobedience has stretched the timeline. It is not always obvious on the surface, but it lies there beneath the history. It is as though God is working to a measured pattern — a cycle of redemption — and when His people move out of line, history stretches until that pattern is brought back into place.
And then, at the end of it all, Jesus takes that very number and places it into ordinary life. “Forgive seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22). The number that once measured years now measures mercy, and the same cycle of redemption that shaped the course of history now shapes the life of the believer. The Messiah, who comes at the end of Daniel’s 490 years, is the one in whom that cycle reaches its fulfilment — not in numbers, but in the full and final forgiveness of sin.
Across centuries, through law, history, prophecy, and the words of Christ Himself, the same pattern appears, consistent and unforced. It is not the product of a single human mind, nor the result of careful planning by many hands. It is the undeniable signature of one Author, who has written redemption into time itself — and whose design, from beginning to end, is mercy. John Campbell
St. Stephen’s Church, Lympne
Services and Events in April
Sunday 3rd May 11 am Holy Communion
Sunday 10th May 11am Family Service
Saturday 16th May 10.30am Coffee Morning
Sunday 17th May 11am Holy Communion
Sunday 24th May 11am Holy Communion
Sunday 31st May 11am benefice service of Holy Communion
Sunday 31st May 6pm Songs of Praise
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)
Lympne Fellowship
Happily the weather was on our side for our visit to Harringe Plants in April, where we were greeted by Dan for our ‘Backstage Tour’ of the garden centre. Dan explained some of his background and training and that Harringe Plants is a family run business. He took us on a tour of the greenhouses, each one with its own specific function.
Thousands of plants are grown from plugs, some of which varieties have to be imported and then raised under glass. We watched as some of these were potted on, using a machine and conveyer to pour soil into the next stage pots, when two young men planted the plugs manually before they were transported on conveyer to the next greenhouse. Here they were stood on white polythene which reflected the light to help develop stronger plants. Dan explained that black pots were used, as grey ones deteriorated quickly and could not be re-used. Global warming means that less heat is utilised nowadays, and drippers and sprinklers provide the vital water as needed.
Hanging baskets and pots were suspended from the frames, containing up to about 15 plug plants per pot. An interesting utilisation of guttering fitted high along the inside of the frame allowed large numbers of strawberry plants to be grown without the risk of the trailing stems touching the ground, efficiently using the space within the greenhouse.
A highly interesting visit, which culminated in a welcome cup of coffee/tea and cake from their new refreshments shed situated by the pond, followed by time to wander round and the chance to purchase plants, ornaments and everything else our gardeners needed. Our grateful thanks go to Dan for his patience. If you have never been to Harringe Plants at Potten Farm, it is seriously worth a visit!
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.
Lympne Church Coffee Morning
SATURDAY 16th APRIL
10.30am – 12.30pm
Join us for coffee, cake & savoury bakes
Take a break from that walk (Well-behaved dogs welcome)
Catch up with old friends and new
Proceeds to maintenance of the church plus
a donation to this month’s nominated charity:
TEARFUND
(Tackling poverty and injustice through sustainable development in the world’s poorest countries)
SHAL: Studying History and Archaeology in Lympne
Discover the Past on Your Doorstep
Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the fields and paths around Lympne? Or felt curious about the people who lived here before us?
Studying History and Archaeology in Lympne (SHAL) is a friendly and enthusiastic group of local people who share a passion for uncovering the past and you are warmly invited to join us.
Over recent years, our members have helped uncover fascinating evidence of Roman occupation, and discovered many items of historical interest. You do not need any experience to get involved just curiosity and enthusiasm.
What we do
Hands-on archaeology: Take part in supervised digs and learn how archaeologists plan, excavate and record finds
Expert talks: Enjoy engaging talks from specialists on topics such as Roman coins, the Royal Military Canal and Anglo-Saxon history
Visits and outings: Explore local sites including the Redoubt on Dymchurch Road, with trips further afield such as Hadrian’s Wall
Upcoming events: Talks in the coming months include Amphitheatres, the Miracle Windows at Canterbury Cathedral, Carausius (the self-styled emperor), and the Land Army.
We have planned another excavation this year as well as a visit to Stutfall Castle conducted by a professional archaeologist.
Why join us?
Meet like-minded people
Learn new skills in a relaxed setting
Discover the rich history of our local area
Take part as much. or as little, as you like
Whether you are a history enthusiast or just interested to try something new, SHAL offers a welcoming way to get involved.
Interested?
We would love to hear from you so for more information, please contact: Rosemary Stutchbury at rstutchbury1@gmail.com
From the Parish Magazine –MAY 2006
Various extracts:
On May 12th Trevor Eaton (also known as ‘The Chaucer Man’ ) performed the Pardoner’s tale in modern English in the Lads’ Club.
Sandling Park gardens were open on three Sundays and two Wednesday afternoons.
The Maidstone woodwind group gave a concert in the church on Saturday 20th
An article by Dr Rowan Williams, then Archbishop of Canterbury, said that both Christianity and Islam claim to be religions of peace, pointing to peace with God as a necessary starting point: ‘we are at peace with God when we face our failings with honesty, we are at peace with one another when we share our power and resources.’
Food for Thought!
There is the story of a minister who got up one Sunday and announced to his congregation: “I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new building programme. The bad news is, it’s still in your pockets.”
Secretary Julie Andrews welcomed thirty-six members and one visitor to the April meeting. Jackie was thanked for the flowers and coffee hostesses Nicky, Caroline and Tricia were also thanked.
The record of the last meeting was approved and signed.
The Treasurer reminded us that tickets for the NFWI raffle were now available.
Subgroups. All the subgroups met in April. Please see website for details.
Forthcoming Events. June 4th. NFWI Annual Meeting Watch Party will be at The Tin Tabernacle, £5.00 on the door and please bring own lunch.
MAY 27thEFFWI Summer Garden Day. JULY 16thCGWI summer outing to Maison Dieu, Dover. More details on website.
Tricia H who was our delegate at the EKFWI Annual Meeting gave a report of the meeting followed by Sarah H and Dawn N who were stewards at the meeting gave us a review of the main speaker “Miss Cherry Bombe” a burlesque dancer. Their review included a short demonstration!
After coffee and cake, we welcomed back Melanie Gibson- Barton whose talk was entitled “Ostend- more than just fish and flip-flops” and was a colourfully illustrated, wide ranging talk that provided an insider’s view of the “City by the Sea.” Through Melanie’s photographs and her extensive postcard collection she demonstrated the historical growth of Ostend from the foremost fishing port in Belgium to the Queen of Seaside resorts. Melanie’s talk demonstrated how Ostend has rebuilt itself again through the centuries after each devastating adversity. As usual this was an interesting and enjoyable talk.
Kate Dilkes gave the vote of thanks.
The next meeting will be on Friday May 8thwhen we will discuss and vote on the resolutions for the NFWI Annual Meeting in June. There will be homemade scones to go with the coffee and Kat Dilkes will lead a game of Call My Bluff.
Margaret Alcock
Finishing with a Smile …
Two men were working for the town council. One would dig a hole and the other would follow behind him and fill the hole in. They worked up one side of the street, then down the other, then moved on to the next street, working furiously all day without rest, one man digging a hole, the other filling it in again.
An onlooker was amazed at their hard work, but couldn’t understand what they were doing. So he finally approached the hole digger, “I’m impressed by the effort you two are putting into your work, but I don’t get it – why do you dig a hole, only to have your partner follow behind and fill it up again?”
The hole digger wiped his brow and sighed, “Well, I suppose it probably looks odd because we’re normally a three-person team. But today the guy who plants the trees called in sick.”
