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A Letter from the Rector
Dear All,
As we enter the month of September, we invite you to join us in celebrating the rich traditions and opportunities for reflection that this time of year brings. Here are some significant events and themes to embrace this month:
On the 1st September, for some traditions, particularly within the Eastern Orthodox Church, this day marks the beginning of the ecclesiastical year. It is a wonderful time for reflection and renewal. Why don’t you take some time to contemplate your spiritual journeys and seek a fresh start in your faith.
29th September is the celebration of the Feast of Michaelmas, honouring the archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Why not reflect on the vital role that angels play in our Christian faith and how they guide and support us on our paths.
September also marks the beginning of the Season of Creation, running from 1st September to 4th October. This is a time for us to emphasise our commitment to caring for God’s creation. Throughout this season, we should be encouraged to engage in environmental stewardship and participate in activities that celebrate the beauty of our world. Some cultures will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4.
As summer transitions into autumn, September heralds the “Back to Church” season! This is a wonderful opportunity to renew your engagement with church activities and consider inviting friends and neighbours. This is the perfect time for people to reconnect with our church family and explore the various ways in which they can get involved.
In some years, September coincides with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. This connection offers us a unique opportunity to reflect on themes of repentance and renewal. Let us embrace this time to deepen our understanding of our faith roots and consider how we can grow spiritually in the coming year.
This month’s Bible readings and themes focus on discipleship, stewardship, and the call to live out our faith in practical ways. Let me encourage you to give greater focus to our sermons and teaching that emphasise the importance of community involvement and service. Together, let us put our faith into action!
Many churches celebrate harvest festivals in September; this year we mark the festival on the 5th October. It’s an opportunity to give thanks for the bounty of the earth. We invite you to participate and reflect on the themes of gratitude and provision.
Then it will be Christmas!
Blessings,
Rev Barry
Diary: St Peter & St Paul
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:
Monday 1st – 2pm – Monday Chats in the Lads’ Club (and each following Monday)
Tuesday 2nd – Our Rector’s day off – and each following Tuesday
Wednesday 3rd – !0 – 11.30 am – Toddler Group in the Lads’ Club(and each following Wednesday)
Wednesday 3rd – 2pm – Afternoon Prayer Groups at 34 Harpswood Lane
Thursday 4th – 2pm Wedding: Susan and Terence
Thursday 4th – 6pm – Bell Ringing practice (and each following Thursday)
Thursday 4th – 7pm – Choir practice (and each following Thursday)
Friday 5th – N.B. – Carol Eastell’s day off
Friday 5th – 9am – Prayer Group in the Church – and each following Friday
Saturday 13th – 4pm – Wedding: Natalie and Henry
Wednesday 17th – 2pm – Cinema Club in the Lads’ Club
Saturday 20th – 10.30am – Coffee Morning at Lympne church
Saturday 20th – 3;45pm – Messy Church at the Lads’ Club
Sunday 21st – 6pm – Taize service at Lympne
Harvest Lunch
… Mark the date in your diaries: Sunday 5th October, 12.30pm – Come and share harvest Lunch 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 October Magazine
If you have any items for the September edition of the magazine, please forward to Beth Lewsey, by the 24th September
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:
Albie Pearce and Margot Bucknell-Towers, whose baptisms were on 13th July
Hampus Nilsson-Bell, whose baptism was on 20th July
PRAYER MINISTRY on Sundays at Saltwood
Every Sunday, at the end of the morning service at Saltwood, there is an opportunity for anyone to receive prayer, with two members of our Prayer Ministry Team. If you are concerned for someone in your family, a friend or a worrying situation, we would be honoured to pray with you. You will not be asked any invasive questions, and your request is always treated in complete confidence. We trust you will find these prayers bring you the Lord’s blessings – as many people have already experienced. We look forward to welcoming you in prayer.
A Prayer for the month of September
Heavenly Father
September is the month of new starts for so many. New starts can be exciting, but they can also be daunting. We don’t always know what to expect and sometimes we feel as if we are on our own in a strange new place, or situation.
Help us to know that, as your people, we are never alone. You promised, through Jesus, to be with us always and You gave us Your Holy Spirit to empower us.
In some ways every day is a new start – a new gift from You. As we unwrap the gift of each new day, this September, en-courage us to receive it confidently and expectantly.
Help us to know that we can do all things, through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us. We can! In Jesus’ name, Amen
Intercessions for September
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 Saltwood Primary School – Paul Newton, his staff and pupils at the start of this new school year
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 Eastell and John Campbell, our Churchwardens, and the members of the PCC
13 Our local hospitals and Tricia Hill’s chaplaincy work at the Canterbury hospital
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 Pilgrims Hospice
25 The secondary schools in this area – their staff and students
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
30 Our Toddler groups
HOPE meeting
The ‘Hope’ meeting to share and discuss God’s word is at The County members, Lympne on the first Thursday of each month.
Meeting is at 7pm, but arrive from 5pm for food, or just a bit early for a drink
Following Rev Barry’s recent remarks in church …
Is Gen Z coming to church?
Could it be true that a Quiet Revival (as the report is called) is taking place? Another reasonably large survey commissioned by the Bible Society’s research team suggests it could be.
In March 2025 Bible Society repeated a survey they had carried out in 2018, asking 13,000 people if they went to church (It was 19,000 in the 2018 study).
Perhaps to their surprise, but, as suspected by others, and to the incredulity of still many others, they reported that attendance at church once a month in England and Wales had increased from 8% in 2018 to 12% in 2025, and the increase was mostly seen among those aged 18 to 34, defined generally as those born between 1997 and 2012; that is, those now aged 12 to 27 in 2024.
A more detailed breakdown showed that in every age-group, men are attending more than women, except for those aged 65 plus, where the percentages are equal. For men aged 18 to 24, this meant an increase from 4% in 2018 to 21% in 2024 and for women from 3% to 12%, respectively.
Whatever the reason some Gen Z people are coming to church, the report’s findings agreed with other studies – that churchgoers are often happier than those not going to church.
So let’s make Gen Z – and all newcomers – feel welcome!
Quote:
Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil – it has no point.
– Billy Graham
Saltwood Cinema Club
will be showing
MR BURTON
On Wednesday 17th September
at 2pm in the Lads’ Club
MR BURTON is a Feature Drama charting the relationship between a Port Talbot school teacher and a wild young school boy called Richie Jenkins, who was the son of a boozy miner. Richie dreamed of becoming an actor and Philip recognised his raw talent, tutored him and became his adoptive father. This film is the story of how Richie Jenkins was turned into Richard Burton the greatest star Wales has ever produced and who later said of Philip Burton that ‘I owe him everything’. Starring Toby Jones as Mr Burton, Lesley Manville as Ma Smith and Harry Lawtey as Rich.
Cost £5 per person to include tea and cake
All proceeds to the Lads’ Club Funds
RIDE AND STRIDE: 13th September 2025
Unless somebody comes forward to organise and lead this event, our Church, unfortunately will not be taking part for the first time since 1997, apart from opening and manning the church to welcome any visitors.
Two years ago we gave notice it would be our last year of organising the event but due to nobody taking up the baton, by default we continued for a further year. However, due to Derek’s injury and our age we are not physically able to organise the day.
The following are extracts for our 2015 Church Magazine which reported our first organised walk, although we had administered the Sponsorship from about 2005:-
“This year’s event was a little different for us. Having cycled every year since 1998, we arranged and lead the walk around Canterbury instead. We visited 15 churches walking about 7 miles.
William Fittal amused us by his insatiable interest in church organs and his need to play them. He entertained everyone with impromptu organ recitals with sung accompaniment by Joy. Everybody agreed it was a very enjoyable day.”
Therefore, it will be very disappointing if we were not to continue, plus the loss of income for our Church and Kent Ride & Stride.
Derek & Joy Russill
N.B. Should anyone wish to ride or stride individually, Derek has sponsor forms and would be prepared to send your sponsor money to the Ride & Stride Treasurer. Also, the Church will be open to welcome any visitors, anyone wishing to do a 2 hour stint, please speak to Derek or sign the sheet at the back of church, as mentioned in ‘Wardens’ Corner’
Notes from the Choir
At the end of July, the choir held an “end of term” party at the home of Derek and Joy Russill and during the evening we chatted about what it means to us to be in the choir (amongst other things!). Singing to worship God is a privilege and lifts your soul and your spirits. The choir is there to lead the congregation in the hymns, which is why we turn to face you, we sing anthems whenever possible and Choral Evensong when requested, usually at Advent. There are of course all the other major events in the church calendar, Christmas, Passiontide, Easter Sunday and the Resurrection. We also sing at weddings and funerals when requested.
New voices are always welcome; it costs nothing to join, no auditions, you do not even have to read music, but it helps, as long as you can count you will get by. If you are not confident do not worry, you will find that over time your singing, your knowledge and your confidence will grow, and you will always have the support of the rest of the choir. Choir practice is on Thursdays at 7pm-8pm and we return from our holidays on September 4th so come along and give singing in the choir a go or talk to one of us after the service. And as we are always being told, singing is good for your well-being as well as good for your soul!
Margaret Alcock
Wild West Supper & Quiz Night
The Autumn Supper & Quiz Night which I am hosting is now only 2 months away! Here are all the details which I know you’ve all been on tenterhooks waiting for! It will be in the Lads’ Club on Saturday 1st November 2025, doors open at 6:00pm, a hot supper (main & dessert) at 6:30pm (times TBC) followed by the quiz. Wine and soft drinks will be available. Cost has yet to be confirmed but will be advised soon.
The quiz is the main fun activity with prizes for each member of the winning quiz team. There will also be some games before and during the quiz.
The Wild West is the theme for this quiz so please dress up in cowboy/cowgirl and rancher outfits, and rummage out those checked shirts, neckerchiefs, jeans/gingham dresses and cowboy/cowgirl hats (just suggestions!) – anything that goes with the Wild West! There will be prizes for the best outfits!
To make a team table booking (max 6 per table) or to just come as a couple or an individual (in which case a table will be assigned), then please contact me at pkent.email@gmail.com or on 01303-266140 or see
me at the back of the church (Saltwood) after the Sunday 10:00am services where I will be most weeks.
Anyone can come, it’s not just for our two Saltwood and Lympne churches and you don’t have to be a churchgoer so bring your friends and neighbours! The Lads’ Club has a finite capacity, so it’s first come first served, don’t leave it to the last minute!
It will be another evening of fun, fellowship and community! In Wild West style! Look forward to seeing you there!
Peter Kent
From the Parish Magazine – September 2005
Twenty years ago, the parish magazine highlighted lots of activity in our parish.
Here is a random selection:
A Good Neighbours’ meeting on Tuesday 11th, organised by Jean Lewis
Plans were afoot for a pilgrimage to Bec the following year
An Alpha Course was being run at the Rectory on Friday evenings
Children were invited to a Harvest Workshop (Art, music, games, drama and fun were promised!)
A mission jumble sale on the 3rd, in aid of St James Hospital, Lesotho
Bible Workshop at Hunter’s Moon on Tuesdays
The Churchyard gang thanked donors for their generosity enabling two new replacement mowers to be purchased
… and a lovely piece headed ‘Re-Locating’ –
A man ordered two bouquets of flowers: one for a friend who was relocating and another for a friend who had died. Somehow the florist mixed up the orders and the relocating friend received flowers with a note saying; ‘In deepest sympathy’ while the deceased’s flowers read: ‘Congratulations on your new location!’
Heaven is not a state of mind or some kind of celestial cyberspace. It’s a prepared place. For prepared people. In Revelation, God promises that he will ‘wipe away all tears … and there shall be no more death, or sorrow, or crying, or pain. All of that has gone for ever.’ So when we get there. Congratulations will indeed be the order!
WARDENS’ CORNER
From John Campbell: –
Ride and Stride
Although we are not entering Ride and Stride this year as a parish (as we’ve not been able to find anyone to organise it), the event will still be taking place on Saturday 13th September, and our church will be open to visitors. To make this possible, we need volunteers willing to spend a couple of hours in church, offering a warm welcome to those who come through our doors. If you would like to help, please do sign up on the sheet at the back of church. (See also page 16 )
Sofas
There has been some understandable concern about the sofas at the back of church and whether they meet fire regulations in relation to our insurance. I’m pleased to be able to reassure you that our insurers have confirmed the sofas are acceptable and have made a note to that effect on our policy.
After-Service Coffee
A little reminder about coffee after the service: once you’ve collected your cup, please do move away from the table and kitchen entrance so others can reach them easily. It can quickly get crowded there, which makes it difficult for people to get through — and increases the risk of accidents or spills. The chairs are set back deliberately to create space, so please carry your coffee towards the font or further into the church to make room for everyone. Thank you for helping to keep this a welcoming time of fellowship.
From Carol Eastell:
Used Stamps
I am delighted to let you know that Melissa Russell has offered to deal with our used stamps, so you can bring them along to her in church – easy! But it would be helpful if you could separate the UK ones from the overseas ones. It would also be helpful if you could trim the borders to 1 cm.
Prayer
Now come along everybody. It would be great if we could have far too many for Penny’s house and we had to meet in church, though you might not get the offering of cake and a quick cup of tea. Our monthly Afternoon group will meet on Wednesday 3rd September at 2 pm. We have so many important things to pray for – the state of the world for one thing and also many poorly people. We need your prayers, now. ‘What do we want? We want prayer warriors to get down and PRAY. Let this be a new season of faith in action and prayer. We will be so glad to see you at Penny’s home, 34 Harpswood Lane. So many of you say to me, you do so much but you could lighten my burden in this instance by supporting our prayer groups. We need you.
Monday Chats
Start up again on Monday 1 September from 2 till 4pm in the Lads’ Club. If you are at a loose end on a Monday afternoon, we would love to have your company for a very laid back and pleasant afternoon. Friends from our village community and even Hythe come along. For a small donation we have a wonderful selection of home-made cakes and cups of tea available. This is a warm and friendly environment to take our minds off the problems of the day and sit and relax awhile.
Our Afternoon Outing to Bybrook Barn in Ashford was lovely. I think everyone enjoyed themselves and some of us got lost among the wonderful variety of things to buy in the huge shopping area. But yes, we must do that again.
We have a wonderful team of helpers and cake makers who make our afternoons so enjoyable and I feel so grateful to have such love and support in helping us to run these afternoons. If there are any able bodies who have the strength and ability to put up tables or even help to put them away afterwards, don’t keep your talents hidden because a little help is worth a deal of pity, as my dear mother-in-law used to say and it is true!
From Rachel Cornish and Chris Laker (Wardens at Lympne):
Back to two churchwardens!
Lympne Church once again has two churchwardens: Chris Laker and Rachel Cornish.
Churchwardens are elected volunteers who support the life of the parish in many ways. One key responsibility is looking after the church building and churchyard, not only for those who attend services, but for the whole village and a key part of our role has been encouraging others to help in a wide variety of ways.
In past newsletters we’ve highlighted those who help maintain the churchyard, but we’re also thankful for those who clean, carry out repairs, and provide refreshments at services and events. Each month we have rotas of people within the congregation who visibly help with our Sunday services – as welcomers, serving refreshments, reading the bible or writing and saying the prayers as well as playing the organ and bell ringing. There is an equally large number of people, members of the congregation and others from the wider community who help in hidden ways. Thank you – your help is appreciated.
- Unlocking and locking the church each day. We have a rota of different people each day either unlocking or locking.
- Cleaning the church – another group of volunteers ensure the church is cleaned once a week; some prefer doing this on their own, others in a small group.
- Prayers – regular prayers in small groups or privately for the church
- Transport – providing lifts to enable others to get to church
- Flowers – the beautiful fresh flowers that are provided and arranged each week
- Powerpoint – ensuring we have hymn words with photos
- Candles – most weeks these need trimming or refilling
- Communion – setting up everything needed, clearing away
- Cleaning linen used for communion or on the altars
- Checking and purchasing supplies – loo paper, soap, washing up liquid, tea and coffee.
- Emptying the bins and removing rubbish
- Washing and drying used tea-towels
- Checking and replacing batteries, mending broken equipment
- Publicity – Designing and printing posters, and walking around the village putting up posters
- Putting up tables, moving chairs or staging for services / events
- Helping provide support with events such as Toddlers
- Providing hospitality for home groups
- Helping with grant applications and form filling
The long list above shows the wide variety of tasks that don’t involve standing up visibly at the front of church – there is something that every one of us can help with. And we’ve probably missed a few tasks.
As both Chris and Rachel work full time, we need to rely on a large team of volunteers. But this is how it should be – everyone contributing something to the life of the church. If you are able to help with any of the above, please let us know.
St. Stephen’s Church, Lympne
Services and Events in September:
Sunday 7th Sep 11am Holy Communion
Sunday 14th Sep 11am Hooba Family Service
Saturday 20th Sep 10.30am Coffee Morning
Sunday 21st Sep 11am Holy Communion
Sunday 21st Sep 6pm Taizé Service
Sunday 28th Sep 11am Holy Communion
Looking Ahead:
Thursday 4th Sep: 7pm at The County Members – Hope Discussion Group
Saturday 20th September 10:30am Lympne Church – Coffee Morning
Sunday 21st September 6pm Lympne Church – Taizé Service
Sunday 26th October 4pm Lympne Church – Songs of Praise
Saturday 15th November Christmas Creative Arts Day
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)
Creative Arts Day in July at Lympne Church
This very successful day was organised by Yvonne with help from Christine, Katie, Sarah, Keith and Angela. The comments from those who attended showed how much everyone enjoyed their time being creative in different ways. Plans for the next one on a Christmas theme on November 15th.
Lympne Fellowship
August saw us enjoying our annual picnic on the playing field, always a lovely time to spend catching up and socialising with such a friendly group. Now we’re into September and our meeting this month will be our AGM, as usual with time to socialise once the formalities are over.
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.
SHAL: Studying History and Archaeology in Lympne
There was no SHAL meeting in August, but all are welcome at the next meeting on Tuesday 16th September at 7.30pm in the Harry Margary Hall in Lympne, when our speaker is Andy Linklater who will talk about the Saxons: ‘The Kingdom of Kent’.
ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH, LYMPNE – Coffee Morning
SATURDAY 20th September
10.30 am – 12.30pm
Join us for coffee, cake & savoury bakes
Take a break from those preparations/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:-
MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT
Another Quote!
If you think you’re too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room. – Anita Koddick
Silhouette Soldier within the Saltwood Monument
“Lest We Forget” Group consisting of Barry Sansome, Bob Sommerville, Derek Ames and myself visited homes mainly in Saltwood and nearby properties. The purpose, to gauge the level of support for the above proposal before we submitted our application to Saltwood Parish Council for their approval.
On explaining our proposal, the overwhelming reaction was enthusiastic support and surprise that approval of the Parish Council was necessary. Over a quarter remarked “why wouldn’t the councillors give their approval?”
Of the total number people we contacted, 492 signed our petition in support of our proposal, with only 18 people who were undecided and not prepared to sign.
We submitted the full application at the Parish Council Meeting on the 21st July, with all the Group in attendance. Despite having overwhelming local support, our proposal was not approved by the 4 Councillors in attendance, with the Chairman, Frank Boland giving the following reasons for rejection – 1. Traffic Site Line. 2. Clutter of the monument space.
We gave our reaction by challenging both of their reasons as being weak. In addition, we pointed out that to overturn the overwhelming local support for the application, they needed substantial reasons to do so. Also, they should take account of the wishes of the local people they represent and not, as they have done so, ignore them.
I don’t know how we can proceed from here, but if you have any suggestions, please contact me.
Derek Russill
tel. 01303 268129
All in the month of September
1,100 years ago, on 4th Sept 925 that England gained her first ever king. He was Aethelstan, King of the Anglo-Saxons (924-927) and then King of England (927-939). Aethelstan was grandson of Alfred the Great, and 30th great-grand uncle to Queen Elizabeth II.
200 years ago, on 27th Sept 1825 that the world’s first public railway opened. It was the Stockton and Darlington Railway in north-east England.
100 years ago, on 7th Sept 1925 that Laura Ashley was born. The Welsh designer and businesswoman was known for her traditional printed fabrics, soft furnishing and women’s clothing. Also 100 years ago, on 8th Sept that Peter Sellers, actor and comedian was born.
70 years ago, on 4th Sept 1955 that Kenneth Kendall became the first newsreader to appear on screen in the UK, reading the BBC Television News.
70 years ago, 26th Sept 1955 that Bird’s Eye frozen fish fingers went on sale in the UK.
50 years ago, on 24th Sept 1975that Dougal Haston and Doug Scott became the first Britons to reach the summit of Mount Everest. They were also the first climbers from any nation to conquer the south-west face.
Castle Green WI
Vice-President Julie Andrews welcomed forty-one members and two guests to the July meeting. Lynda was thanked for the flowers and coffee/tea hostesses Molly, Dee and Caroline were also thanked. The record of the last meeting was approved and signed.
Twenty members enjoyed a visit to Bilsington Priory when they had an interesting tour followed by a delicious cream tea, Daphne was thanked for organising the visit.
Julie drew our attention to The East Kent Federation event on September 16th at Godmersham to celebrate he WI’s one hundred and tenth Birthday. Details are in the July edition of The East Kent News.
All the subgroups will meet in July. The next meeting of the Lunch Club will be on September 9th at The Red Lion in Hythe. As always, please see our website for details of these events and all other activities.
After coffee Dawn Neal, a member of CGWI, led us in a discussion entitled “Our Previous Lives.” As Dawn said it is easy for people, and their families and friends, to forget what they achieved during their lives; be it in their careers or leisure activities. Several members told us of their experiences which was very interesting, and I am sure that everyone experienced a “Gosh! Really?” moment! Dawn had prepared a questionnaire for us to fill in in groups of six. She then went through the questions, and it was amazing how many of us had abseiled, ridden motorbikes (perhaps there could be a new subgroup! Or should that be Chapter), been models, travelled and much more. This was a very interesting experience and judging by the noise level, gave us all a lot to talk about. Chistine Burgoyne gave the vote of thanks which was heartily endorsed by everyone.
On August 8th twenty-one members enjoyed our annual Fish and Chips on the beach lunch, with prosecco or fruit juice. Photos are on the website.
The next meeting will be on Friday September 12th when we will welcome Clare Bogga who will talk about the Life and Designs of Clarice Cliff.
Margaret Alcock
Finishing with a Smile …
If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, doesn’t it follow that. . .
… electricians could be delighted, musicians denoted, cowboys deranged, models deposed, and dry cleaners depressed?
Likewise, bedmakers might be debunked, bulldozer operators degraded, organ donors delivered, software engineers detested, and underwear manufacturers debriefed?
And won’t all composers one day decompose? On a more positive note, perhaps we can hope politicians will someday be devoted… !!
