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A Letter from the Rector
Dear All,
As we enter the month of November, we are reminded of the beauty of seasonal transition and preparation. November is a time for reflection, gratitude, and anticipation as we prepare our hearts for the season of Advent.
October ends with All Soul’s Day, a celebration of all those who have lived in faith and are now part of the heavenly kingdom. All Souls’ Day is when we remember our loved ones who have passed away. Let us honour their legacy by living our lives with purpose and commitment to our faith.
As we journey through November, let us also focus on the importance of gratitude. Thanksgiving is a lovely reminder to pause and give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. In the US this is a very important day but sadly here in the UK we let it pass with little mention. May I encourage each of you to reflect on what you are thankful for and to share that spirit of gratitude with those around you.
November is also the time when we take time to reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. In recent times we have come to recognise just how fragile that freedom is. Sadly, society tends to lean towards the noisy minorities that threaten our freedom by putting themselves at the centre of everything. A free society is one where we work together, giving up some of our liberty for the greater good of all. This has all come about through many years of Christian teaching and the sacrifice of those who care for others above themselves. It must follow therefore that we are to stand up for this legacy, for it is for the glory of God.
As we approach Advent, we begin to look forward to marking the coming of Jesus. This season is not just about preparation for Christmas but also about spiritual renewal. Advent calls us to slow down, reflect, and deepen our relationship with God. We will be offering special Advent programs and activities to help guide us through this sacred time.
Let us embrace the spirit of November and Advent together as a community. We invite you to participate in the upcoming events, and we encourage you to invite your family and friends to join us in worship and fellowship.
May God bless you all this November and prepare your hearts for the joy of Advent.
Rev Barry
Diary St Peter and 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 dates to note for your diaries:
Friday 1st – 9.00 – Prayer in the Church and each following Friday
Friday 1st & Saturday 2nd – 10.00 to 16.00 – Art Exhibition at Lympne church
Monday 4th – 14.00 – Monday Chats in the Lads’ Club and each following Monday
Tuesday 5th – N.B. – Our Rector’s Day Off and each following Tuesday
Wednesday 6th – 10,00 to 11,30 – Saltwood Toddlers in the Lads’ Club and each following Wednesday
Wednesday 6th – 14.00 – Afternoon Prayer Group at 34 Harpswood Lane
Thursday 7th – 09.30 – Saltwood School Collective Worship in the church
Thursday 7th – 18.00 – Bell Ringing Practice and each following Thursday
Thursday 7th – 19.00 – Choir Practice and each following Thursday
Saturday 16th – 10.30 to 12.30 Coffee Morning at Lympne church
Thursday 21st – 09.30 – Saltwood School Collective Worship in the church
Saturday 23rd – 19.00 Brockhill Park Performing Arts Academy Concert in the church
Monday 25th -19.30 – PCC Meeting in the Lads’ Club
Useful Contacts
Rector – Rev Barry Knott: Telephone: 01303 883243 email: rev.barry@icloud.com
Church website: www.saltwoodchurch.org
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 December Magazine
If you have any items for the December edition of the magazine, please forward to Beth Lewsey, by the 24th November
by email if possible, to: parishmagazine@saltwoodchurch.org
or deliver to 20 Castle Avenue. (Tel 01303 264577).
N.B. December Dates for your Diary
- Sunday 1st December 5pm- Advent Evensong – Saltwood
- Saturday 7th December 1pm – Live Nativity – Lympne
- Sunday 8th December 4pm – A Traditional Service of Lessons and Carols – Pedlinge Chapel
- Saturday 21st December at 6pm, Carols in the Courtyard – Lympne Castle
- Sunday 22nd December 4pm – Community Lessons and Carols – Saltwood
- Tuesday 24th December 4.30pm – Crib Service
- Tuesday 24th December 11.30pm – Midnight Mass both Saltwood & Lympne
- Christmas Day 8am – Holy Communion BCP – Pedlinge Chapel
- Christmas Day 10am – Hooba Family Christmas
- Sunday 29th December 4pm, ‘Leftovers’ Christingle – Lympne
- Sunday 12th January 4.30pm – Christingle with Bonfire & Bangers
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
Quotes
When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away your ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer.
– Corrie ten Boom
From the Parish Records
We welcome into the family of the Church:
Noah Hazledene, who was baptised at Pedlinge on 13th October
Congratulations to:
Ashleigh Robertson and Luke Williams who were married on 24th October
Our love and sympathy go to the family and friends of:
Alan Miller, whose funeral was on 2nd October
Patricia Winder ‘Trish’, whose funeral was on 16th October
John Rayner, whose funeral was on 23rd October
Prayer Ministry at Saltwood
The Prayer Ministry Team are there for YOU, in the sanctuary at Saltwood, after the 10 a.m. service every week.
Wondering just what happens if you come for prayer? If you wish, you can share your prayer need (for yourself or someone else) in just a few words. The two prayer team members will pray in response to your need, simply bringing that need to Jesus and asking for his blessings. If you prefer, you don’t have to say anything – we will pray for you, that the Lord would meet you at your point of need that day. You may also like to have the sign of the cross marked on your forehead and palms with oil that has been blessed for healing (anointing.)
Worried about confidentiality? Everything you say will be treated in complete confidence. Team members are bound by the strictest rule of respecting the trust you place in them and will not betray that trust.
Worried that you’ll feel self-conscious? Everyone else is busy getting coffee, no-one will be watching you. Be encouraged to come for prayer!
A Prayer for November
The years of remembering go by,
Accumulating name after name
As wars and conflicts continue
In a world, deaf to the lessons of history.
But through the negativity of November
A different remembering brings hope and meaning.
Words of the world’s Creator,
Words to make sense of chaos
And bring order and peace in the end.
“In this world you will have trouble,
But take heart!
I have overcome the world.”
Words of Jesus.
We will remember them.
By Daphne Kitching
Intercessions for November
Today we pray for:
1 Those who live in Turnpike Hill, Britten Close and Spanton Crescent
2 The work of the Folkestone Rainbow Centre
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 Pilgrims Hospice
9 Our local GPs
10 Justin, 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 The Folkestone Rainbow Centre
29 Those coping with debt and unemployment, thinking particularly of those known to you
30 Those who live in Blue House Lane, Sandy Lane and the A20, Saltwood
The month of Remembrance may be especially poignant this year. ..
War in the Middle East is spreading rapidly, while Russia’s invasion of Ukraine grinds on, and Sudan’s civil war causes widespread famine. Throughout the world, millions of people’s lives are being turned upside down, with no hope of peace and security in sight. It is indeed a time for Christians everywhere to pray for peace, based on justice and mercy.
It also a time to remember the victims of many natural disasters this year; from hurricanes, typhoons and disastrous floods, to wildfires and extreme drought. Charities working among these suffering need our support.
But 24th November, the Sunday of Christ the King, reminds us that this world with its evil and unfairness will not be allowed to go on forever. Jesus Christ has overcome death and will return to us one day. And HIS Kingdom will be one of justice and righteousness, with no more tears, and He will reign forever. Amen!
Church Family News
Beryl Bazin is not now using her mobile phone; her new phone number is 01303 394211. She is permanently resident at Folkestone Care Centre in 52-56 Shorncliffe Road, Folkestone. CT20 2NB. Do go and visit her. It is a super home and although she is very happy there, she would love her old pals to visit.
Wardens’ Corner
From John Campbell: –
Valentine’s Quiz Night
Peter Kent has very kindly offered to host a Quiz Night on Saturday, 8th February 2025 for all the Benefice, in the Lads’ Club. Although the specifics of the evening are yet to be finalised, please start thinking about forming teams of 6-8 people. It goes without saying that team members do not have to be churchgoers. It will be a lot of fun, I’m sure!
Reverend Barry’s Day Off
This is my monthly nudge to remind you all that Barry’s nominated weekly day off is Tuesday. This is the day that suits him best, so I would ask you all not to contact him at all that day by any means – by phone, email, or text. If an emergency occurs, by which I mean something that really, really can’t wait until Wednesday, then please contact one of the wardens, at Saltwood or Lympne. Thank you for cooperating with this.
Christmas Period Helpers
December will be here before we know it, so I want to do a bit of forward planning. We always have some extra services over the Christmas period, and it will be very helpful to have a list of volunteers who are willing to assist with:
– Welcoming
– Refreshments
I will place the volunteer list at the back of the church for those who are available. To help us plan please complete this as soon as possible. It may be that you’re not called upon at all, but having some availability to cover the extra services would be so helpful. Thank you!
From Carol Eastell: –
The Afternoon Prayer meeting this month is on Wednesday 6 November at 2 pm in the home of Penny Forsyth. Melissa will be leading the meeting so do come and join us for this important time of prayer.
If you have a spare couple of hours on Mondays from 2 pm to 4pm you will be most welcome in the Lads’ Club where we meet for a cup of tea, delicious home-made cake and some happy chatter. We would love you to join us. Next Monday Kay is entertaining us to one of her quizzes. So, thinking caps on and see what you know!
On Thursday 5 December we are getting a small group together to go to Elm Lea Residential Home to sing some Christmas songs. If this appeals to you, let Rector Barry know. This will be for a couple of hours in the afternoon. It will be fun and hopefully enjoyable for the residents.
Friends of Saltwood Churchyard
Such a lot has happened since our newsletter last year.
The Churchyard has looked wonderful throughout this year reflecting all the hard work put in by Des, Rita and all the team, who have maintained the Churchyard throughout the year despite the difficult weather conditions.
Our Churchyard Gang turn up regularly each Wednesday morning to look after the churchyard, have a chat, socialise and enjoy coffee and cake. Do come up and chat to them on a Wednesday morning.
Des and others have overhauled all our grass and hedge cutting equipment, saving us a lot of money in what has turned out to be a very expensive year. We have had to have several trees cutdown, the box hedge around the Garden of Remembrance had to be removed after it became infected with box blight, one of the supports to the lychgate needs partially replacing and finally part of the Churchyard wall either side of the lychgate has crumbled and needs restoring at a cost of nearly £2000. These works, plus routine maintenance, have nearly exhausted the funds of The Friends.
As you will see I am the Treasurer for The Friends and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the donations you make regularly to the Friends and which allows the Churchyard Gang to keep the Churchyard in such fantastic condition.
Thank you for your support.
With best wishes,
Laurie Maxfield, Treasurer, The Friends of Saltwood Churchyard
Donations to help continue this wonderful work may be made by cheque, payable to ‘The Friends of Saltwood Churchyard’ and sent to
L.R. Maxfield, Treasurer, Forbescroft, 4 The Close, Saltwood, Kent. CT21 4RA
If you would prefer to donate by bank transfer, the account name is ‘PCC of Saltwood, the number is 61710202 and the sort code 52-41-42
Ride and Stride: A Letter of Thanks
Saltwood Cinema Club
will be showing
THE YOUNG WOMAN AND THE SEA
at 2pm on Wednesday 13th November
in the Lads’ Club
The daughter of a German butcher from Manhattan, Gertrude Ederle was a competitive swimmer who won gold in the 1924 Olympics when she decided to attempt crossing the channel. She undertook the feat after first swimming 22 miles from Battery Park in New York to Sandy Hook, NJ, setting a record that stood for 81 years. She contracted with two newspapers and sold her story, thereby financing her quest. There was actually a race among women who would be first to cross as only five men had done so before. Starring Daisy Ridley as Gertrude Ederle.
Cost £5 per person to include tea and cake
All proceeds to the Lads’ Club Funds
News from 1st Saltwood Scout Group
We have had a busy Autumn term in the beaver, cub and scout sections at 1st Saltwood. We started the term with a campfire in the scout garden for the whole group. Eve and Jim Bailey were awarded their 40-year service awards from our District Lead Volunteer Tony Hogben. What an amazing achievement!
This term the beaver section has been busy doing craft activities, an autumn nature hunt, and learned lots of new games. The cubs section worked towards their DIY badge making bookends, they completed the assault course at Betteshanger park, a chip shop survey in Hythe and carved pumpkins. The scout section also had great fun playing glow in the dark games, baking biscuits and enjoying a cinema night. We are looking for some more helpers in the scout section as two of our leaders are moving to Scotland.
There are lots of flexible volunteering opportunities at 1st Saltwood, you don’t have to commit to coming every week. If you want to know more please contact us helenoakes95@gmail.com
From the Parish Magazine – NOVEMBER 2004
Twenty years ago, the magazine reported: ‘The Church of England has become the newest member of the Trade Justice Movement. The general Synod voted for membership at its July meeting in York … The TJM campaigns for trade justice, with the rules weighted to benefit people and the environment, rather than free trade.’
There was plenty going on within the parish in November 2004: ‘Get in Trim for Christmas’ at Beryl’s Keep Fit in the Lads’ Club; A Musical Soiree at Tanners House in aid of the Building Fund; a Concert by the Shepway Singers in the church; an Entertainment Show by the Saltwood Scouts; and a second-hand Toy Sale at Saltwood primary School, in addition to the school’s Christmas Bazaar… plus all the usual church services!
St Stephen’s Church, Lympne
Services and Events in November
Friday 1st & Saturday 2nd – 10.00 to 16.00 Art Exhibition in the church
Sunday 3rd – 11.00 – Holy Communion
Tuesday 5th – 19,30 – Lympne Airfield History Group
Thursday 7th – 19.00 – PCC Meeting
Sunday 10th – 11.00 – Family Remembrance Service
Monday 11th – 09.30 – Lympne School Collective Worship in church
Saturday 16th – 10.30 to 12.30 – Coffee Morning
Sunday 17th – 11.00 – Morning Worship
Sunday 24th – 11,– Holy Communion
Monday 25th – 09.30 – Lympne School Collective Worship in church
Monday 25th – 12.30 – Prayer Meeting
Weekly Events in church:
Mondays 19:30-21:30 – Bell ringing Practice
Saturday mornings 10:30 – 12:3 – Eco group working churchyard (when dry)
Home Groups
There are two house groups – Monday evening (contact Rachel & Peter) and Friday morning (contact Monica & Peter). Both meet every two weeks and read through the bible together with lots of talk and discussion.
Groups for Families
Groups and services for children and families take place mostly in Saltwood with the Lad’s Club – but once a month there is Family service in Lympne church, and in term time a weekly Toddlers group in Lympne village hall on Thursdays.
If you are curious as to what goes on have a look on the new display boards in Lympne church with photos of many of these activities.
Lympne Fellowship
At our AGM in October, the official proceedings were carried out quickly and efficiently with a report from the Chair, Jill Page, and a written statement from the Treasurer, Pam Clarke. The Committee had all agreed to re-stand and our thanks go to them all for their hard work and commitment. Afterwards everyone socialised over prosecco, cheese scones and cake. At our next meeting our own Rosemarie Hoad will lead us in a Christmas Craft afternoon.
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 16 NOVEMBER 2024
10.30am – 12.30pm
- Come and join us for coffee, cakes and savoury bakes.
- Take a break while out for 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:
A21: Fighting Human Trafficking
ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH, LYMPNE
ART EXHIBITION
FRIDAY 1st and SATURDAY 2nd NOVEMBER
10.00am – 4.00pm
PAINTINGS BY BRIAN ROSE
FOR MANY YEARS CHURCHWARDEN OF ST STEPHEN’S
and PAT ROSE
ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS EXHIBITION WILL GO TO THE UP-KEEP OF OUR BEAUTIFUL GRADE 1 LISTED CHURCH
SHAL: Studying History and Archaeology in Lympne
In contrast to last month’s talk on Folkestone in World War 1, the subject of our October speaker, Dr. Martin Watts, was the ‘Secret Port of Richborough’. Richborough was chosen as an important port for organising the logistics of WW 1. It was a sheltered location because it was full of silt which even the Romans could not handle, and the River Stour had a low tidal range with large gravel beds and ample space. At its height it had apprentices building 10000 barges carrying 1 million tons to Dunkirk or Calais and 3 million items. Also, 35 steam locomotives carried 750000 tons of ammunition, 70000 tons of supplies and 150000 tons of salvage for scrap or repair. They also treated 16000 wounded soldiers per day brought in on barges. The next development was the introduction of the Ro-Ro (Roll On Roll Off) Ferries which could turn round in 20 minutes to go back fully loaded with 54 ten ton wagons. They had excellent professional Officers in charge liaising with the War Office and Eastern Command. A German attack in 1918 was almost close to landing in Britain though, with 26000 casualties and 50000 Irishmen fighting on the war front. At its height the Port housed and fed 19000 men and 800 women which resulted in the birth of the Army Catering Corps. Although not seen, Richborough Port constituted a significant support and supply service to the British and its allies.
For the next meeting on Tuesday 19th November at 7.30 pm in the Harry Margary Hall, our Chair, Rosemary Stutchbury, will talk on local smugglers. Non-members welcome.
Folkestone Choral Society
Update on Sandling Station
Sandling Station is now manned Monday to Friday 6am to 1pm.
The Station Master or should I say mistress is Rochelle. I have met and introduced myself because HCS and Wi posters are put up there, perhaps church things could go up too.
She is a very nice lady, very approachable and full of ideas on improving the look of the station and surrounds. Her aim is to win the best Kept Station of the year award. HCS has offered to re-instate the friends of Sandling Station group to help. She would appreciate any plants for the gardens and books for the book table.
Rochelle decorated the booking office for Halloween and I imagine her Christmas theme will be equally attractive.
We need to keep her employed there and keep the station open!
Mary Hunter
Castle Green WI
Castle Green WI met on a bright but chilly morning in the Lads’ Club. The hall had been pre- heated and the warmth was much appreciated as members arrived.
President, Julie Andrews, welcomed 35 members and one guest and thanked the 2 hostesses, Molly Morris and Caroline Anderson for their help, and Gill Roffey for the lovely cyclamens in a basket on the top table. She also thanked Kay Highgate and Julie Treadway and her husband in helping to deal with the tables and chairs.
A great deal of information has come from the Head Office concerning new regulations etc and the President explained them, one, notably, is the decision that members can join multiple WI’s and are not restricted to two. The same subscription rules will apply as before for each separate membership. Also there is a new initiative from Head Office that members can buy lottery tickets on line, at £1 each, and proceeds will go to help support people with gambling problems.
Following the last meeting, a substantial donation was raised and sent to the baby support group in Folkestone and was gratefully received.
Various sub groups reported on their activities and all are thriving.
The Joan Boucher award for a story of not more than 600 words is promoted locally for all members and the result will be announced on 27th February. Also, a photo competition has been announced, with the title ‘Women and Leisure’.
The coffee break followed and there was much chatter and laughter as usual.
After coffee, Julie announced that the speaker for the talk on ghosts, Mr Martin Newcombe, had had to cancel at the last minute because he is unwell. We were disappointed, but Daphne Gazely kindly came to the rescue and led a Bingo session which was very enjoyable.
Marjorie Mitchell
Finishing with a Smile…
… A sexton is a man who minds his keys and pews.
… The Vicar here thinks very highly of Fred. He’s given him a job so important that he has five hundred men under him … He’s cutting grass in the churchyard.
… My granddad always said, “When one door closes, another door opens.” Lovely man. Terrible cabinet maker.
