Thank You for visiting Rostrum Wateringbury Village Free Magazine
Some find it easier to read the magazine in the Past Issues section
Welcome to the May edition of Rostrum
VILLAGE DIARY
May
4 Songs of Praise for VE – 10am - Church
4 Footpaths Group walk – 2.30pm – Hall car park
6 Parish Council Meeting - 7.30pm –
Hall Upper Room
8 Lighting of Beacon for VE – 9.30pm –
Playing Fields
9 Coffee Morning 10.30-Noon –
Hall downstairs room
13 Living with Outsiders Police Crime Prevention talk - 2pm – Church
14 Footpaths Group walk – 10.30am – Hall car park
14 WI – AGM and Quiz Night – 7.30pm - Hall
18 Community Market – 10.30am-1pm - Hall
18 Innominata Concert – 2.30-4.30pm - Church
20 Annual Parish Council Meeting - 7.30pm - Hall
21 Flower Club Workshop – 7.30pm – E Malling Institute
June
1 Footpaths Group walk – 2.30pm – Hall car park
3 Parish Council Meeting - 7.30pm –
Hall Upper Room
8 Village Fete – 12.30-5.30pm – Playing Fields
15 Community Market – 10.30am-1pm - Hall
18 History of Red Arrows History Society talk – 8.10pm -Hall (AGM 8-8.10pm) Free tea and coffee from 7.40pm
ROSTRUM’S VILLAGE AMENTIES FUND
Rostrum makes grants to organisations and individuals to enhance the amenities of Wateringbury. To do so depends on the support of its advertisers, Rostrum’s main source of income. Our readers’ use of our advertisers is appreciated.
Last year, 2024, Rostrum made 3 grants totalling £2,455. It contributed to the owner of the Mill Pond for a new duck house, to Wateringbury Parish Council for the enhancement of the allotments, and to Wateringbury Village Hall for an additional table tennis table.
The fund is now open for applications to contribute to specific projects which benefit the village. These could be related to education, youth or senior services, heritage, worship, environment or sport, but others will be considered. It is unlikely that any individual grant will exceed £1,000. Applications should be made in writing to rostrum2@hotmail.com describing the project in no more than 200 words. On the basis of this initial proposal further information may be requested. Proposals should be received by
30th June for a decision shortly afterwards.
Terry Bird, Rostrum Treasurer.
VILLAGE PEOPLE Please let us have your news and tributes by 17th May for our June magazine. Entries are free.
RIP DAIL WHITING 13/10/1943 - 15/04/2025
Dail Whiting was a true daughter of Wateringbury. She was born here in 1943, and after a few years away returned with her new husband Mike in late 1976. They have lived here ever since.
Dail's vast knowledge of Wateringbury people from her childhood, together with a passion for history, led her to engage in some extensive research and write two editions of her book substantially building on George Newman’s recollections of Wateringbury in the 1840’s. The second edition was titled “Wateringbury In the Steps Of George Newman, and Beyond.” From her book, her three essays on the Wateringbury breweries were reproduced in the Summer 2002 edition of the journal “Brewery History”. She was also a regular contributor to John Gilham's “Wateringbury Remembered” and became the 'go to' person for anyone enquiring about Wateringbury and its inhabitants. Dail's research abilities were also used to produce booklets on Wateringbury’s WWI, and later WWII soldiers, which she then donated to our church. Dail will be remembered as one of the most significant Wateringbury historians of recent years, and for her outgoing and captivating personality.
New grandchild congratulations to Mike and Kay Williams
who are pleased to announce the arrival of their grand-daughter Ottilie Rose, a sister for Cecily and a daughter for Richard and Laura.
Happy 80th Birthday greetings to Anne Rex whose birthday was on 14th April and to Dawn Underwood who will be 80 years young on 20th May.
Thank you to Bijou Nursery who have supported Rostrum by advertising in the magazine for 50 years. Jo tells their story.
In 1954, David Skinner, then aged 11, started growing vegetables for his prize winning rabbits in a 6’x4’ greenhouse behind his father’s butchers shop on Tonbridge Road in Wateringbury. Over the years his passion for growing plants grew and in 1961, after successfully selling bedding plants at the front of the shop, he bought an overgrown piece of land, built all the greenhouses and established Bijou Nurseries. For many years, the nursery specialised in fuchsias and held a collection of over 500 varieties with a very impressive annual exhibition. Sadly in 2018, David passed away. The nursery is now run by his wife Rosemary and daughters, Jo and Louise, and continues to thrive and although still a fuchsia grower, the number of varieties is far smaller to make way for a much broader selection of plants. From cottage garden favourites to bedding, basket and vegetable plants and fruit trees and bushes to ornamental trees and shrubs, the choice is huge. A warm welcome always await at the family run nursery.
VE 80
Take time to remember with gratitude
those who carried life-changing memories of WW2
1939-1945, all their lives
10am on Sunday 4th May
Songs of Praise in Wateringbury Church
9.30pm on Thursday 8th May
The Parish Council invite you to the Playing Fields for the lighting of the Parish Beacon
DON’T GET SCAMMED Free Talk
TUESDAY 13TH MAY AT 2PM
Fancy a cuppa and a biscuit while learning how to keep yourself safe from some of the current scams and frauds? St John the Baptist Church is hosting a presentation by Kent Police Fraud Prevention Team. Organised crime groups adopt many methods to try and steal our personal details, trick us into clicking on bogus hyperlinks or with bogus phone calls that will end in us losing money. Hear how to identify suspicious activity and how to deal with it. Open to all. No entry charge. A GREAT OPPORTUNITY DON’T MISS IT!
INNOMINATA SINGERS CONCERT
SUNDAY 18TH MAY 2.30-4.30pm
in the Church
Come and enjoy a variety of music and
tea/coffee and cake
All for £8
Tickets on sale at Handy Stores and Post Office
or on the door
ANNUAL PLANT SALE
Saturday 24th May - 10am to 1pm
in the Churchyard
Beautiful plants to fill your garden
bedding plants, perennials, vegetables
COFFEE BREAK – 8th May in Church Social Area
22nd May in a local garden.
Do come along (10.30-12.30) for a pleasant break. Suggested donation £1. More details from
Gillian Sessions 01622 813076
NEWS FROM THE GP SURGERY
As some of you may be aware, our practice nurse Alison has been off long term. We, as a surgery, are SO proud to announce she has WON her battle with bowel cancer. Alison is now back at work. Well done Alison, you have smashed it!
Happy retirement Marie Everyone at Wateringbury Surgery would like to wish our wonderful Marie a very happy and healthy retirement. Marie has been with the surgery 7 years and with the NHS for 25 years. Thank you for all your hard work and compassion toward both patients and staff. You will be truly missed
The Menopause Awareness Group attached to Malling Primary Care Network for patients of Thornhills, West Halling, Wateringbury, Phoenix or Snodland GP Surgeries are holding a meeting on Thursday 8th May between 6-8pm at Church Farm Hall, New Hythe Lane, ME20 6ST when the guest speaker will be a doctor. Those wishing to attend should call to confirm attendance 0333 332 6700, option 5 or email jeanettesaunders@nhs.net
TESTON AND WATERINGBURY PRESCHOOL
We started our term 5 based around the book “Twist and Hop Minibeast Bop” by Tony Mitton and Guy Parker-Rees. An excellent book to encourage the children’s interest and learning of minibeasts. This book is the perfect way to take learning outside, encouraging the children to explore and see what minibeasts they can find in the garden or out for a walk.
We will be making slime, symmetry painting butterflies, discussing life cycles, making honey sandwiches, drawing and painting snail shell spirals and minibeast pebbles.
This term we have been joined by 5 hungry caterpillars who will munch their way through their food before turning into beautiful butterflies that the children will release into our magical pre-school garden.
As the weather starts to warm up we are looking forward to story time and lunches in the garden as well as practising for our sports day in June.
We are now taking names for September enrolment so if you would love your child to be part of this amazing pre-school family please contact
Tina Driver: 07805796353 testonpreschooladmissions@gmail.com
Find us on Facebook too!
WATERINGBURY POST OFFICE HAS MOVED NEXT DOOR to the old sorting office premises at the traffic lights on Tonbridge Road. It is well worth a visit – a great selection of cards, Sheena’s Jams and Gordon’s chutney, general stationery items including padded envelopes and children’s books. Plus the usual friendly staff to help with posting your parcels, buying
currency, making cash withdrawals and deposits and buying Road Fund Tax etc, etc.
HISTORY SOCIETY
The May meeting is our members Wine and Cheese evening at a local venue. Tickets are £7 and, for catering purposes need to be purchased in advance.
To end our season of talks on 18th June we look forward to Guy Bartlett coming to relate the History of the Red Arrows. His talk starts at 8.10pm and our AGM is being held from 8pm . (We really can complete the business in 10 minutes!) As usual visitors are very welcome at £7 (cash please) and free tea and coffee served from 7.40pm
WATERINGBURY EVENING WI
They called it "FUN WITH FOLK" and it certainly was. Alison, James and Gill came along with some great instruments, guitar, banjo, mandolin and a whole box of harmonicas. They gave us history, told us stories and played harmonies you didn't know you knew. A truly wonderful evening. Our May meeting on 14th May in the hall starting at 7.30pm will be the AGM. We will have our usual raffle, a quiz, games and of course tea, coffee and cake.Hope to see you there. Sharon Goshawk. President.
WATERINGBURY GUIDES
Our Mothers’ Day meal was a great success with mums tucking into chicken risotto or vegetable and lentil bolognaise. This was washed down with banoffee pie or fruit pavlovas. All cooked and served by the girls with them clearing up afterwards. Then we moved onto our presentations and Jane received her ten year long service award, Jackie a replacement Baden-Powell trefoil, and several theme awards. Finally, we gave bronze awards to Bella, Anna, Emily, and Livvi and silver awards to Lucy and Annabelle. All washed down with celebration cakes of course!
Our final meeting before Easter was spent at Clip and Climb in Tonbridge where the girls had a great time. With encouragement from the leaders some girls pushed themselves to heights they never thought they could achieve and we were very proud of all of them.
We’ve a trip to see Wicked in London shortly for 16 of the girls. We also won a ballot for a day trip to Twickenham to include an hour coaching by the Harlequin’s coaches and then to watch the Red Roses England v France match at Twickenham. The places were filled within minutes and there’s a long waiting list too!
Next term will hopefully include wide games, a pyjama party, go-karts and zorbing, kayaking and paddle boarding, hi ropes and dinogolf and of course camp at the end of term. More details next month.
Sheena Stewart and team.
WATERINGBURY FOOTPATHS GROUP
What a difference two months makes! In February I warned the walkers that the walk would be muddy and slippery in places. In April the footpaths were really dry and at times dusty. Our walk would have been along by the river, but unfortunately Bow Bridge including the footway was closed for our Sunday walk. I hope we will be able walk by the river for our May walks.
So instead in April we took a route from near the top of Canon Lane around the golf course and the edge of Kings Hill. There were two short cut options that reduced the full 51/2 mile route to as little as 3 miles, but on the Sunday walk everyone chose to do the full length walk. We had fabulous sunny, dry weather and great views, but at some points in the walk there was a strong, cold wind that caught us and reminded us that summer was still some time away. The spring flowers and blossom were putting on a great show, we saw a few early bluebells and lots of wood anemones.
Everyone is always very welcome to join our friendly walks. We will be leaving the village hall at:
2.30pm on Sunday 4th May, ·
10am on Wednesday 14th May
2.30pm on Sunday 1st June
Please contact me if you would like more information and to be kept updated. Lisa Dean 077 5953 9032
FOOTBALL CLUB
As the football season draws to a close, Wateringbury FC celebrate many successes over the year. Most notably the under 13 boys, who went through the entire season unbeaten, winning their league at a canter - and to the under 16 boys, who not only finished 3rd in the premier division but have also made it through to the cup final. We are very proud of all our teams and it is lovely to see so much talent on display in the Wateringbury Navy Blue colours each Saturday and Sunday.
The village club provides football for over 170 local children, so if you would like your child to be part of WFC, we are already taking enquiries for the 25/26 season. Our academy is the envy of many clubs and we accommodate Girls and Boys at school year 2 and 3.
For season 25/26 Academy enquiries please contact
Geoff 07801 756506 geoff@wateringburyfc.co.uk
For all other age groups, please contact
Tony 07890 053921 tony@wateringburyfc.co.uk
Finally, Wateringbury Football Club would like to pay special thanks to the Parish Council for the success of the newly refurbished pavilion.
Up the Bury! Tony Garrett
NEWS FROM SARAH HUDSON
Wateringbury Parish Council invites all residents to the lighting of the beacon at 9.30pm on Thursday 8th May next to the newly refurbished pavilion. This will be just a short ceremony to pay our respects. This is to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day and commemorate those who gave their lives in World War 2. I hope that as many as possible can join us.
The monthly coffee mornings resume on Friday 9th May from 10.30 to noon. Please do pop along and have a cup of tea and a slice of cake, and an opportunity to meet with friends old and new. All are welcome. This is in the downstairs room at the village hall.
FLOWER CLUB
On Wednesday 21st May we have a members workshop - making a hand tied bouquet in a frame. This will be committee led as we have two Kent area trainee demonstrators in our club who will be taking their tests in the next few months. In June our members have a private garden visit for members only.
April’s meeting welcomed the wonderful Graham King who delighted us with his Inspirational designs and structures. His Spring designs included tulips and catkins, lots of roses, lilies, anthuriums and other filler flowers. Members were delighted to win a design for their £1 raffle ticket.
Kent Floral Art celebrated its Sapphire Anniversary (65 years). Members were delighted to welcome our guests Nicky Wylie, National chairman and Vanessa, the HQ office manager and PA to the national chairman. Our guest demonstrator, Alison Penno from the Devon and Cornwall area, a national demonstrator who did not disappoint. Lots of members enjoyed winning one of the designs after a day of shopping and a two course celebration lunch with cake and fizz to toast the celebration.
Jean Schofield President WFC
HADLOW BOWLS CLUB, in School Lane, are having a Pre-Loved Table Top Sale on Sunday 25th May from 11am. Come along for some bargains. It’s also our Open Day for anyone to come along for a cuppa and to find out how easy it is to bowl. Email David at isted.hadlow@ hotmail.com for more details.
DANDELION TIME MAY FAYRE Charlton Lane, East Farleigh SATURDAY 10th MAY 11AM-3PM £3 entry - children free
Go and meet the charity’s donkeys, alpacas, sheep and guinea pigs, as well as explore its woodlands and vibrant gardens. Try out craft activities which play a key part in Dandelion Time’s therapeutic approach to support
children with emotional challenges.
Traditional stalls such as the tombola and beat the buzzer,
Plus lots of musical entertainment
GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE
The results from the RSPB Big Bird Count are now out and whilst it seems that the numbers for most species have stayed roughly the same, there has apparently been an alarming fall in starling numbers. There is no clear evidence as to why this is happening but one way that we can all help is to avoid using pesticides in our gardens, as these kill the insects that starlings and many other birds feed on. This is not always an easy step to take but the garden will achieve a balance in a few seasons.
Another way to help this iconic species, is to ensure a continuous supply of water. Whilst not everyone has room for a pond, shallow containers regularly topped up will benefit and attract a wide range of wildlife from insects to reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals. After such a dry Spring, this has never been more important.
One insect that we don’t want to encourage is the Asian hornet. These wasp-like creatures have been in the news recently as they are a threat to our native honeybees. They are larger than common wasps with yellow faces and legs and a black head. If you think you see one, it should be reported using the free ‘Asian hornet Watch APP’ along with a photo if possible Pauline Knuton
WATERINGBURY VILLAGE MARKET –
Village Hall - 10.30am-1pm
3rd Sunday every month. – 18th May, 15th June, 20th July Our village market grows from strength to strength and is amazingly supported by our lovely villagers. If you haven’t paid us a visit please do so - you’re missing opportunities to buy bespoke items ranging from candles, jewellery, personalised bags, cards, pictures, 3D printing, etc. Not forgetting fresh produce ranging from meat, juices, plants, honey, bread, preserves and delicious fudge. Impossible to list everything - just pop in and see.
THE OAST THEATRE, TONBRIDGE - “VISITORS”
BY Barney Norris
21st – 26th June 2025 Performances: 8 pm (Sunday 3 pm)
Tickets: £14 Book online at 
www.oasttheatre.com
Credit card bookings 0333 666 33 66 (booking fee applies)
“Visitors” is a tender and bewitching play about Arthur and Edie facing the challenges of old age on the family farm. Stephen, their son, is adrift in life whilst their carer, Kate, has only just arrived to make sense of the family.
NETTLESTEAD AND WATERINGBURY PRESCHOOL
After a lovely break we have welcomed all our families back from the half term break. The children were excited about coming back to share their adventures with staff and the other children. This term we will continue with exploring Spring with the children and watching all the seeds we have planted bloom. Over the course of the next few weeks as the plants get stronger, we will move them outdoors where the children can help to look after them and watch them grow. Through term 5 we are looking forward to growing our outdoor area with lots of natural outdoor play for the children to explore nature and its loose parts.
We have been exploring the lifecycles of frogs, using sensory materials to make frog spawn to explore the different stages. In our outdoor area we have created a little pond with lily pad seeds. We will also be getting caterpillars to continue exploring lifecycles and linking it to the story book of ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’. The children will be planting little beans to take home to watch them grow, learning how to look after them. Parts of this will also be linked to the story of Jack and the Beanstalk to support the younger children.
May Holiday Club (2-11 years) Children outside the setting welcome.
Tuesday 27th, Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th
9am–4pm half days (9-12.30 or 12.30-4pm).£39 per session or
£19.50 half-day enquiries@nwps.org.uk
FRIENDS OF WATERINGBURY
Have you noticed the wonderful display of flowers and shrubs at the village crossroads. The man who keeps this area in pristine condition is John Anderson of Hanbury Close. Although John has sight difficulties you will see him in his Hi-Viz working and watering most days at this splendid village centre point. John is a community minded hero.
APRIL PARISH COUNCIL NOTES
Co-option of Councillor - Martin Millar was unanimously co-opted to the council and filled the last remaining vacancy. Martin has lived in the village for over 40 years and has been an active participant in many campaigns mainly over roads. He is at present the lead member of the Patient Participation Panel at the Village Medical Centre. His main aim in becoming a Parish Councillor is to spearhead the creation of a Village Plan which he feels is an essential tool in the fight to preserve the rural nature of our village.
VE Day Beacon - it was agreed to link with the nation-wide beacon lighting to celebrate VE day on 8th May. Villagers should gather round the beacon on the Playing Fields at 9.30pm to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of WW2 in Europe.
Computer concerns - Councillors agreed to service the clerk’s parish computer and have appointed an IT Consultancy to assist with all IT matters moving forward. A new mobile parish phone has been purchased for the clerk; the number is 07943 937694.
KCC and Borough Council matters - Sarah reported that in preparation for the KCC elections on 1st May all meetings of KCC councillors had stopped.
T & M B C were shortly to decide on the plan to demolish the Angel Centre in Tonbridge and build a new centre close to the original site. The present centre is no longer fit for purpose; the new build will be energy efficient.
Vandalism - Sarah Hudson reported that our PCSO Abigail Mayers was frequently visiting the village and working with families to stop the recent acts of vandalism.
Public open forums - Further questions were raised about the Croudace plans for land at the junction of Fields Lane and Tonbridge Road. Once a formal planning application has been made the Parish Council can provide letter templates for residents to use if they wish to make comments. Petitions are not recommended since, regardless of the number of signatures, a petition is only counted as one objection. A resident reported that his car had been vandalised while in the village car park. He was assured that as soon as the lease has been signed and the parish council take over its running the car park will be covered by an upgraded CCTV system. Potholes and very noisy BT manhole covers which were in need of urgent attention were also discussed.
Cemetery - The new clerk has spent many hours working on queries relating to plots in the cemetery. Councillors voted to consider the purchase a specific IT package which will assist in eliminating problems in the future. Policies will also be revised/updated to help maintain the integrity of individual plots.
Donation to St John Ambulance - a request had been received for a donation to help the Association with its community training. Since there
was £250 left in the donations budget and it being the end of the council’s financial year it was unanimously agreed to donate this sum.
Sports Pavilion - the refurbishment has been completed. and the official opening ceremony was held on Friday 28th March with MP Tom Tugendhat.
Speed Watch – during March the team carried out 7 sessions over a period of 9 hours and 4,767 vehicles passed by. Of these 280 were exceeding the speed limit of 30 mph. Observations included 2 vehicles driven without valid MOT and 10 with no valid road tax.
Next meetings of the Parish Council - In May there are two meeting of the Council both starting at 7.30pm in the upper room of the village hall. The usual one on Tuesday 6th May and the Annual Meeting on Tuesday 20th May at which village organisations are invited to report their activities over the past year. Members of the public will be very welcome at both meetings. Approved minutes of council meetings are published on the Parish Council website www.wateringburypc.org.
WATERINGBURY SCOUT GROUP
Our Cub pack were away at the beginning of the Easter holidays for their pack holiday at a local Scout campsite in Meopham, called Hopehill. A good number of them saw their first nights away with the Cubs and they did extremely well. We often have a theme for our camps and this was no exception, being The Jungle Book, suggested by one of our Cubs when we asked for camp themes, activities and menus a month or so ago.
During the camp they made jungle placemats to use at mealtimes, shadow puppets for a jungle play on the last morning and cookies for a snack midway through a hike. The sun was glorious, which always adds to the enjoyment of a camp, but it was quite chilly during the nights, however the big campfire we had on the last evening kept us warm as we sang songs and toasted marshmallows. The Cubs did many outdoor activities, including a hunt for Hathi, rounding up Mowgli, Bagheera, Akela and Baloo, which are all Jungle Book characters, practised their fire lighting, which they were all extremely good at and learnt tracking too. On the last day the sun continued to shine as we packed up, had our lunch outside and had our closing ceremony, awarding badges and prizes for the team competition for the duration of our stay and Cub of the Camp, an award held in great esteem. Then it’s back home to washing and storing things away, before we plan our next adventure!
If you’d like to join our team or help in any small way please contact our Group Lead Volunteer at GLV@wateringbury-scouts.org.uk or on 07970 368539 Or, if your child would like to join our group, please go to our website www.Wateringburyscouts.org.uk
Nicola Plane - Cub Team Leader
WATERINGBURY CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL
Learning, growing, achieving…our journey together with God.
As I write this, families across the county are finding out what school their little ones will be joining in September. We cannot wait to welcome the siblings and new families into our school community. Please come and look around if you would like to join the fun.
We have been very busy over the past few months and have seen some fantastic work from our children who have been learning more about our world and the people and creatures that live in it. Throughout the term we have been making more of a link with our school environment, the wonderful natural features of our village and the people in our community. As well as helping with the warm space over the winter, we have started regular visits to Meadow View where our pupils can play games, create art and chat with the residents. We have made some great new friends already.
We have had lots of exciting events including singing at the O2, a visiting theatre company, World Book Day, grandparents Easter craft, a drama workshop and our Easter play. There are lots more adventures for us to have together in the summer.
Our forest school learning area is developing well and provides another great space for our children to play and learn together, but we are always in need of more wood, pallets, scaffolding planks, cable drums – anything big and outdoors! If you know any tree surgeons who could donate logs, chippings, etc to us, please get in touch.
Debbie Johnson (Headteacher). Website: www.wateringbury.kent.sch.uk Phone: 01622 812199
LEST WE FORGET – VE/VJ COMMEMORATIONS
Rostrum remembers the civilians commemorated on the village and school memorials.
Lewin Palmer, aged 51. A pupil of the school who survived WWI, having enlisted in 1915. In WWII he joined the Home Guard and was killed on 5th November 1944. He is buried in All Saints churchyard in Whitstable
Reginald Rogers, aged 40. He was a pupil at the School who, with his wife Daisy, became Head Master and Head Mistress of Jail Lane School. They were both killed by enemy action in Biggin Hill on 19th September 1940. He also served as a Special Constable.
Albert Spittles, aged 68. Albert is the only civilian to be killed in the village. He was working in a pea field on Manor Farm, off Old Road, when a doodle bug was downed by a Spitfire from West Malling Air Station. Being deaf he did not hear the noise of the approaching rocket and then ran in the wrong direction. He died from his injuries in West Kent General Hospital on 26th July 1944.
WATERINGBURY CHURCH SERVICES IN MAY
A friendly welcome awaits you at all Sunday Services which start at 10am and last for about an hour. Each service has an easy to follow booklet. Refreshments are served after these services, please stay for a chat if you can.
Saturday 3rd - 3-5pm - Messy Church (for children and their carers) Bible Story, Action Songs, Prayer time, lots of crafts and ending with afternoon tea. All welcome
Sunday 4th - 10am – Songs of Praise for VE80
led by Barry Fisher
Come and give thanks for the sacrifices made by so many, not only those who died but also those on the Home Front who endured bombs and rockets falling upon them and the worries of not knowing where their loved ones in the forces were.
Sunday 11th - Holy Communion with Baptism
led by Rev Gary Townsend
Sunday 18th - 10am - All Age Worship
Sunday 25th - 10am – Benefice Communion with Rev Gary
Thursday 29th –7.30pm - Ascension Day Communion Service in West Peckham church
Sunday 1st June – 10am – Matins - Led by Barry Fisher
Every Sunday in term time Refresh Benefice Services of informal worship in Mereworth Church at 5pm
Musical Delights (Plus licenced refreshments)
Get the date in your diary
Saturday 21st June at 7.30pm
in the church of St John the Baptist
VOICES ACROSS A20
(Wateringbury and Snodland choirs)
will be singing songs from the musicals Godspell,
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,
Fiddler on the Roof and a concert version of our producer’s (Jonathan Overell) own production Cement –the musical which was performed in 2022.
REV GARY WRITES
The Rectory, 72 The Street, Mereworth ME18 5NA
gary.rev@outlook.com ( 01622 813178
TWO VICTORIES TO CELEBRATE IN MAY
This May we shall be remembering VE Day across our land as we mark the 80th anniversary of the allied victory over nazi Germany. This announcement of victory on the 8th May 1945 meant the war in Europe was at an end and, as we have all seen on the old news reels, it was an occasion for tremendous joy and relief. I suppose for some the joy and excitement must have given way to feelings of sadness at the loss of so many lives and the concern that for some the war in the Pacific arena was still raging.
Bells will be rung on the 8th May 2025 as I’m sure they were back in 1945 and we have given over our morning service at St John the Baptist, Wateringbury on the 4th May to a ‘Songs of Praise’ in celebration of the occasion and at Mereworth church on 10th of May at 6pm there will be a VE Day Celebration Concert. These church activities are only part of the celebrations planned within our villages to mark the anniversary and all will be an opportunity for as many people as possible to mark that most important of victories and, in a way, share in the joy and celebration shown by those war-wearied men, women and children 80 years ago.
This May (29th) is Ascension Day when Christians celebrate the return of the Lord Jesus back to heaven marking for the first Christians a period of waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. It also marks for us an occasion of great victory as the Son of God, once despised, rejected, humiliated and killed ascends to the right hand of God where He sits until all His enemies are placed under His feet. His enemies I think are not so much people as the evil that ruins and destroys human life. Our sins separate us from the life God made us for and the taking up into heaven of the man who did decisive battle with sin, the world and the Devil on our behalf is a source of great hope that we too shall one day share in His victory. To some extent we share in it even now as we have the pledge that our sins are forgiven and we can draw near to God. Christ has won so much for us and we can enter into the joy of it through repentance and faith in Him. So, for Christians the Ascension is a yearly celebration of victory.
I shall be celebrating both these victories and giving thanks for those who won them for us. Perhaps Jesus’ victory isn’t something you’ve given much thought to but if you are interested in knowing more please do join us for our Ascension Day service at St Dunstan’s Church, West Peckham at 7.30pm.
Rev Gary Townsend
Rector of Mereworth, Wateringbury and West Peckham
March