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 April edition of Rostrum
VILLAGE DIARY
Welcome to the May edition of Rostrum
May
3 Footpaths Walk – 2.30pm – outside Hall
8 Footpaths Walk – 2.30pm – outside Hall
9 School Art Exhibition – 10am-2pm - Church
13 WI AGM– 7.30-9.30pm - Hall
17 Village Market – 10am-1pm - Hall
19 Parish Council Meeting - 7.30pm – Hall Upper Room
20 Flower Club demonstration – 7.30pm – N’stead Hall
23 Plant Sale – 10am-1pm - Churchyard
June
7 Village Fete – Playing Fields – 12.30-5pm
7 Footpaths Walk – 2.30pm – outside Hall
10 WI talk Janie Ramsay “For what its worth”–
7.30-9.30pm - Hall
16 Parish Council Meeting - 7.30pm – Hall Upper Room
21 Village Market – 10am-1pm - Hall
Please note monthly Parish Council meetings are now held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, Upper Room.
SAVE THE DATE The Wateringbury Summer Fete on Sunday 7th June
The Fete is now a much‑loved village tradition promising fun for all ages. Taking place in the heart of the community, the fete will feature stalls, games, refreshments, entertainment and local activities to enjoy throughout the afternoon. One of the highlights of the day will be the popular £1 raffle, offering the chance to win big prizes including cash, luxury hampers and many other fantastic goodies. Bring your family and friends along to enjoy a great day out, support local groups and celebrate the community spirit at this year’s Wateringbury Summer Fete
MONTHLY VILLAGE MARKET
Our Village Market goes from strength to strength with an ever increasing mix of eclectic stalls from all over Kent. We regularly have 20 plus stalls each month - varying from local fresh produce, art and crafts, personalised items and always a charity stall as well as at least one new seller each month. Do support your local community at your Village Market. No pressure to buy - just catch up with neighbours and meet our lovely friendly sellers!
Sue Collins
VILLAGE PEOPLE Please let us have your news and tributes by midday 17th May for our June magazine. Entries are free.
Email 
www.rostrum2@hotmail.com
RIP Edwin Scarlin - 18th September 1945 - 17th March 2026
Eddie was born in Barrow in Furness. He studied to become a Chemical Engineer at Imperial College, London. After graduation he joined Blue Circle and spent several years in Nigeria helping to set up a cement factory. With his wife Sue (who died in 2007) he moved to Wateringbury in the early 1980s and changed careers joining Sue in her profession and workplace becoming a chemistry teacher at Invicta Grammar School. Eddie was known by all as a very laid back, calm, kind and caring man to his family and friends. His interests included watching Formula One, supporting Manchester United and serving the community within Wateringbury Church and as treasurer of the Local History Society. Eddie passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side. Donations to The Stroke Association and St John the Baptist Church in his memory can be made at https://www.funeralguide.co.uk/obituaries/142606
THANK YOUS
Cover Picture Thanks to Ray Cattle for our pictures in April and May
Community Garden Thanks We live here in Wateringbury Village in the flats at the bottom of Bow Road. Over the last 20 months we have been working hard in the big communal garden that surrounds the flats. With the help of lots of people in the village. Too many of you to mention individually but you know who you are . it's starting to shape. So, we just wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU for all the plants, garden furniture, storage boxes, tools, paving slabs and advice that we have received from so many of you.
Sharon, Viv, Emma and Tony
EXTENSIVE GARAGE SALE OF HOUSE CONTENTS
Will take place in the village on 13th and 14th June - save the date
Including Art work, Antiques, China, Clothes, collectables
and much more Full details in June Rostrum
DONATIONS FOR UKRAINE
People and animals still struggling in Ukraine. Unfortunately, we are now only able to accept the following:
Unwanted animal food (even part used), animal medications, (human meds too for animals), bandages, clean towels, plastic animal beds, toys, flea and worm treatments.
Any queries call Sue 07875 262659.
WATERINGBURY C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL
ART EXHIBITION
Every pupil at Wateringbury C of E Primary School
will be showing their work in
St John the Baptist Church, Wateringbury
on Saturday 9th May 2026
10am to 2pm
A short ‘Service of Celebration’ will then be held, led by Rev Gary Townsend. Prizes will be presented to children donated by the Church, Meadow View Craft Group and the Village Art Group. The categories will be KS1, Lower KS2, Upper KS2
and the overall winner.
Free Refreshments will be available on the day.
Please come along and support your local Primary School
ANNUAL PLANT SALE
Saturday 23rd May
in the Churchyard
10am to 1pm
Beautiful plants to fill your garden with colour –
bedding plants, perennials,
and vegetables
Come and bag a bargain
SAVE THE DATE - SUNDAY 27th SEPTEMBER – 2pm
JAZZ ADVOCATES CHARITY CONCERT
IN WATERINGBURY CHURCH
DANDELION TIME May Fayre 2026 –A day out for the whole family
Saturday 9th May, 11am–3pm Charlton Lane W Farleigh ME15 0NY
Join us for the Dandelion Time May Fayre, the highlight of our year! Explore our 22-acre grounds, meet our friendly donkeys, alpacas, and sheep, and try hands-on activities in our Crafty Corner, from weaving to Viking knitting. Enjoy live music from Old School Samba and Rock Choir, watch the Stardust Puppets, browse stalls selling plants, books, toys, and crafts, and indulge in tasty treats from Charlie’s Angels Kitchens and our English Country Tea Shop. Don’t miss our raffle with prizes including £139 Love2Shop voucher. With games and entertainment for all ages, the May Fayre is a perfect day out for families while supporting children and families at Dandelion Time. £3 suggested donation – kids free.
Sorry no dogs allowed on site due to our animals
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG CARERS
AT CROSSROADS CARE KENT!
BE PART OF SOMETHING MEANINGFUL TODAY!
Join us in providing young carers with a much-needed break. You can support with transport to get children to their clubs, join in with activities or serve refreshments. Maidstone - Monday; Sittingbourne - Tuesday;
Ditton – Wednesday During term time only.
Volunteer for our Hub Clubs at Crossroads Care Kent Help us run our weekly activity and companionship sessions for individuals requiring support with daily activities, cognitive stimulation and social engagement. You can support with setting up and running activities, serve refreshments, engaging with clients. Flexible hours available.
Wateringbury; Monday 10am-3pm: Thursday 10am-3pm: Friday 10am-3pm.
Tonbridge; Wednesday 10am-3pm. Hawkhurst; Tuesday 10am-3pm.
Please contact 03450 956701 or email enquiries@crossroadskent.org
WATERINGBURY CUB SCOUTS
Over the Easter holidays a group of our Cub Scouts went away for our annual Spring Pack Holiday. This year the theme was “Around the World In 2 Days”. They arrived at Hamlet Wood Scout Campsite on Friday evening and set to making, getting their passports issued and receiving their first stamp, the UK. They enjoyed a game outside in the dark before settling down in their sleeping bags for movie night.
The next morning saw them on mainland Europe enjoying a German breakfast. Afterwards they enjoyed Spanish and Egyptian games outside before travelling into Asia for lunch. A game of cricket was enjoyed, representing India, followed by bubble tea making and tasting from Thailand and a chopsticks challenge and origami from Japan. Our evening meal was a yummy BBQ from Australia!
Sunday morning started off with a Polynesian breakfast, followed by a game of re-stocking the ship for its continuing journey across the Pacific Ocean. The Cubs were enthralled when they did a volcano experiment! We were now in the Americas! The Cubs played a Colombian “it” game outside, and then a Mexican game - lots of running around! Lunch was a Canadian classic, poutine - chips, gravy and cheese. After re-fuelling the Cubs tested themselves by climbing as high as they could up a mountain in the Azores (read climbing tower). And finally, they returned home, with a full passport of stamps and many happy memories.
Wateringbury Cub Team Leader
TESTON AND WATERINGBURY PRE-SCHOOL
In Term 5, we begin by reading the picture book classic *Handa’s Surprise* by Eileen Browne. Recognised as one of the best culturally diverse children’s books, it tells the story of Handa, her tempting basket of fruit, and the wild animals she encounters along the way. This engaging book is an excellent introduction to tropical fruits like mango, passion fruit, and guava.
We'll experience Kenyan music, try out traditional instruments, learn to balance objects on our heads as described in our book, make animal masks, and make mouth-watering fruit skewers for snack time.
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.
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: 07805 796353 testonpreschooladmissions@gmail.com
Find us on Facebook too!
LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Our May meeting is a wine and cheese evening for our members at a local garden. The final talk in the current series is on Wednesday 17th June when Roger Mendham will give a talk on The English Country House
to which visitors will be welcome at £7 each. Christine Byron
WATERINGBURY WI meets 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the village hall.
For our April meeting we invited along 2 representatives from the Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE) to tell us about the great work that they do to help support our Veterans and their families. From providing homes and medical help, sorting out a CV to help them find work,w to making road signs that we see every day on our motorways. It really was a great eye opener.
Look out for a Tommy Tea Party in the village soon to help donate to this great cause.
Our May meeting will be our AGM. We won't be having a speaker this month but, after our official business, it will give us a chance to get together and chat about what we have done over the last year, and also what events we have arranged for us to enjoy for the rest of the year.
Looking forward to seeing you on 13th May.
Visitors £3.00 Refreshments £1.00 Raffle £1.00
For more information email us . Wateringbury@wkfwi.org.uk
Sharon Goshawk, President.
GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE
You may have seen on the news that the RSPB are advising us not to feed our garden birds with seeds and peanuts from now until, at least the end of October. This is to help reduce the spread of a disease that has particularly affected goldfinches and chaffinches. Apparently, suet and mealworm are ok although it is important to continue to follow strict hygiene protocols. Both species will have started building their nests by now in hedgerows, bushes or tree forks and are often seen together in flocks during the winter. Other birds are also busy nest building and if you have bird boxes, you may have seen blue tits or great tits flying in and out in preparation.
I visited one of my favourite gardens, ‘Great Dixter’, last month, which although early in the season was an absolute delight, full of colour and a promise of things to come. The garden is based on biodiversity principles and the balance that this has produced over the years has resulted in it being almost pest free with an amazing variety of insects. They also have a very nice café!
My favourite time of year to visit this garden is early Summer when the grass area at the front of the house is full of wildflowers and alive with butterflies and bees. We are probably all aware by now of the concept of ‘No Mow May’ but this is the most beautiful example and illustrates what can be achieved if part of our lawn can be left at least for one month but preferably until the Autumn when it can be cut and then left for the seeds to drop ready for next year. Once it has dried out it can be raked up and added to the compost heap.
Pauline Knutton
WATERINGBURY GUIDES
Our Mothers’ Day meal was very successful with the guides cooking and serving Sausage and Potato supper or Ratatouille and pasta followed by Banoffee pie or Fruit meringues to 22 mums. It was quite a feat in the small kitchen with an ordinary oven but we managed. Eight girls made their guide promise and we presented Jasmine with her bronze award, Bella with her silver and Annabelle K with the highest gold award.
Our term ended with a visit to Larkfield Leisure Centre where we had an evening of swimming and trampolining with their coaches who really encouraged the girls to try different things and to push themselves.
Our summer term is planned, and there’s an evening at Lower Grange Farm doing body zorbs and climbing and abseiling. We’re also going to Mote Park Water Sports Centre to do kayaking and pedaloes and we’ve wide games organised, a photo treasure hunt and other exciting outdoor activities.
One of our young leaders is working on her Lead Away permit which will allow her to run her own small camp planning everything from budgets, through to equipment and meals. A real achievement and something to be proud of on a CV. A group of guides went recently to Twickenham to watch the Red Roses v Ireland and had a great day out.
There are still spaces in brownies (aged 7-10), and a few in guides (aged 10-15) in Wateringbury so please register your daughter on https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/register-a-child/
Sheena Stewart and team.
WATERINGBURY FOOTPATHS GROUP
The village walk usually takes place on the first Sunday in the month. In April this was Easter Sunday and a beautiful day so, not surprisingly, many people seemed to have other plans. Therefore it was a small group which was led by Janet. The walkers enjoyed the beautiful countryside and spring flowers including bluebells, wood anemones and orchids. The route included Old Road, Wistaria Villa on the Tonbridge Road, the footpath at the side of the golf course and across Canon Lane before turning downhill to come back to the Tonbridge Road opposite Love Lane. The group were interested to see fungi on decaying trees which looked a bit like sheep droppings but up the side of the tree trunk! A name for this is King Alfred’s Cakes – I guess because they look burnt. Apparently when dried they used to be used as firelighters or hand warmers! Judy led the Friday morning repeat of the route. Again it was lovely spring weather and the bluebells were even better.
Everyone is very welcome to join our sociable group walks. We will be leaving the village hall at:
2.30pm on Sunday 3rd May (Judy to lead)
10am on Friday 8th May (Judy to lead)
2.30pm on Sunday 7th June (Janet to lead).
Please contact me if you want more information and to be kept updated about our plans. Lisa Dean 07759 539032
WATERINGBURY SURGERY
Have You Ever Served in the UK Armed Forces?
Our practice is proud to be a Royal College of GPs (RCGP) Accredited Veteran Friendly Practice. If you have ever served in the UK Armed Forces, even for one day, you are considered a military veteran. This includes:
· The Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force. Regular or Reserve Forces· and National Service
If this applies to you, please let us know so we can update your medical record. Why is this important? Knowing you are a veteran helps us:
· Better understand your health and wellbeing needs
· Ensure you receive appropriate care and support
· Help you access specialist veteran services where relevant
How to tell us
· Send us a message via our online system,
Update us at your next appointment or
· Telephone the surgery and advise the Receptionist
NETTLESTEAD AND WATERINGBURY PRE-SCHOOL
After a lovely break we have welcomed all our families back from the half term break. 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. The wildflowers that we planted have also started blossoming in array of colours.
Before the end of last term, the children were lucky enough to catch the butterflies when they first emerged out slowly from their chrysalis, stretching out their wings, filling in the colours to create the patterns on their wings. The children were helpful and cut up fruit for the butterflies to feed on. Once the Painted Lady butterflies were strong enough the children helped release them out onto the fields, the butterflies gently sat on their fingers before going off to explore the world around them.
With spring continuing to blossom, we are looking forward to exploring our outdoor area and fields for more minibeasts. The children will continue to build our bug hotel using all the natural resources from around us and making sure there are lots of cosy spaces for our little bugs to stay.
May 2026 holiday club (2-11 years)
Children outside the setting welcome
Tuesday 26th, Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th May
(half days 9-12.30 or 12.30-4pm) enquiries@nwps.org.uk
NEWS FROM OUR BOROUGH COUNCILLORS
Just before Christmas a consultation was held on the Local Plan. This is the document which guides decisions on where future houses should be built across our community. It is a difficult document, especially when the Government sets the housing target and the Council has to find the land to meet that target. There are no winners.
Over 2,000 residents from across Tonbridge and Malling shared views, which is a great response to a Council consultation. Many infrastructure providers also responded, and one of the most interesting replies was from South East Water.
The Government housing target for Tonbridge and Malling is nearly 20,000 new homes between now and 2042. It is a target so high we have long argued against it. However, South East Water have pointed out that the Government did not give them sufficient funding to plan for such a large number of homes, so its water infrastructure investment plan only allows for roughly 6,500 additional homes in Tonbridge and Malling. They don’t have the funding or capability to supply more homes.
So where does this leave us? For TMBC, there is a dilemma. The Government is telling us that it won’t allow a Local Plan on a figure less than the housing targets they have mandated on the Council. Yet the water provider, South East Water, is saying they can’t supply this many homes.
Something has got to change. We are grateful to Tom Tugendhat for leading a debate in Parliament on the issue a few weeks ago. Tom made the point, rightly, that there are only two solutions to this. Either there is mass, immediate investment in the water network to allow more water to be stored, or the housing numbers have to be reduced.
We know how long it is taking our nation to plan and build more reservoirs. But even if we do that, where should it go, and where is the water coming from? It is why we think this demonstrates what we have been saying for a long time. The housing target for Tonbridge and Malling needs to be reduced. We’ve written to the Government and are lobbying them, but no response as yet. No doubt we will return to this issue in future columns!
Matt Boughton and Sarah Hudson
WATERINGBURY FLOWER CLUB
At our April meeting on Wednesday 15th the members enjoyed an inhouse workshop of making a design in a shoe, it was really quite interesting all the different types of shoes that members brought along to do their design in! Some brought along one shoe and some brought a pair, lots of floral designs and all in different shoes, these can be seen on our Facebook page. The committee led this workshop and gave advice to novice members helping them to conquer any problems they had to complete the task.
Our meeting on 20th May is a demonstration with Vinetta Forstman, another one of Kents new demonstrators. We are all looking forward to welcoming her with her title - Land of the Midnight Sun.
Also, in May Kent Floral Art have their Area Show incorporated within the Kent Garden Show at Detling showground (23rd-25th May). Members from all over the county compete to win prizes, Wateringbury have always done very well in this. The ticket price allows you entry into both shows.
Jean Schofield President WFC
THE OAST THEATRE, TONBRIDGE “THE MASTER BUILDER”
by Henrik Ibsen and adapted by David Hare
16th – 23rd May 2026
Solness is a successful master builder, who feels deeply insecure, and fears that youth poses a threat to his career. He is also afraid of failing. Hilde Wangel, a carefree young woman, appears in his life, claiming they had met 10 years previously. He has no memory of her or understanding of how profoundly she will affect his life. This is a brilliant adaptation of the classic play and one which will provide an excellent and stimulating evening’s entertainment.
Performances: 8pm (Sunday Matinee 3pm) Tickets: £14 Book online at www.oasttheatre.com
Credit card bookings 0333 666 33 66 (booking fee applies)
ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL REPORT
Following a year of turbulence, 2025/26 was an opportunity to finally get things on an even keel with the appointment of new clerks, who have worked hard to ensure that in future the Parish Council will work to maximum efficiency and meet our statutory obligations. New processes and procedures are now in place, strict guidelines and compliance with all legal frameworks implemented – it has been a hard slog to get there, but we now finally have everything in place for a well-run, compliant council, exceeding in some spaces our statutory obligations. I am very grateful to our Responsible Financial Officer, Rebecca Maindonald, for guiding us through the minefield, and getting us to where we should have been.
The improvement works at the pavilion were completed last Summer and we now have a great facility for our sportsmen and women. New tenancy agreements are now in place for the Cricket and Football clubs, and the WSRA was unwound and closed down, with all management now conducted by the Parish Council, with a Deed of Dedication with the Fields in Trust, ensuring that no development can ever take place and the playing fields remain exactly that for the whole parish.
The Parish Council received a bequest from the late Syd Thompsett and we used the funds to purchase two benches for use by parishioners. One is on the green space by the village hall entrance, and the other is in the Cemetery down by the cremation plots, to allow quiet contemplation. A big thank you to Syd for his kind generosity.
We have undertaken a lot of work at the Cemetery to make it better for all. This improvement means we can accommodate more burials, and will not run out of room anytime soon. Anyone wishing to reserve a plot for the future should get in touch with Nicki, our clerk, on clerk@wateringburyparish.gov.uk.
We have also spent time and money on the allotments, and there is a waiting list for plots. If you would like to know more, again contact the clerk.
We have had the Grade II listed village lock-up repointed and the soil removed from the back to reduce the chances of damp and damage. New fencing surrounds this and tidies up the corner.
The car park by the village hall is now run by the Parish Council who have taken out a 25 year lease from TMBC.
CCTV is being improved at the car park, to provide greater safety for both residents and vehicles.
We also have CCTV at the Pavillion. This was useful when the recent fly tipping took place as we were able to provide the police with the registration number of the vehicle.
The Parish Council remain vigilant to all development in and around Wateringbury, and have established a good rapport with various consultants in compiling reports when needed. The planning committee will always seek to represent residents and therefore please make sure to copy them to any comments you make regarding any planning applications that might come forward. The Parish Council will always represent the residents of Wateringbury.
Please do try and pop along to a Parish Council meeting from time to time – it provides an opportunity to hear what is happening in Wateringbury and how we are all working hard for residents. Our meetings are now on the third Tuesday of each month, except August, when there is no meeting at all.
Sarah Hudson Chairman, Wateringbury Parish Council
Next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Tuesday 19th May at 7.30pm in the upper room in the Village Hall. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting and are given two opportunities to bring matters of local interest before the council. Parish Council website www.wateringburypc.org.
DID YOU HEAR THE BELLS AT THE CHURCH
BEING RUNG ON EASTER SUNDAY?
For the first time in many, many years the bells at Wateringbury church were rung for the Easter Sunday service by an all Wateringbury band of ringers. Previously we have relied on ringers from other towers to help us out but our newest members have been making good progress and we were able to ring Rounds and Call Changes as well as plain Bob Minimus and Plain Hunting. Well done to them.
Did you know that St Dunstan is the Patron Saint of Bellringers and that the 17 th May this year has been designated Bell Sunday, this being the nearest Sunday to St Dunstan’s Day on 19th May?
If you would like to see what we do and try your hand at bellringing please contact Sue on 07756 799372.
WATERINGBURY CHURCH SERVICES IN MAY
Benefice website www.mwwpchurches.org
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 fellowship if you can.
Sunday 3rd - 10am – Morning Praise led by Barry Fisher
Sunday 10th - Holy Communion with Rev Gary Townsend
Thursday 14th May – Ascension Day – Service of Holy Communion at 7.30pm in West Peckham Church.
The day when Christians celebrate the Ascension of Jesus back to His Father in Heaven
Sunday 17th - 10am - All Age Worship
Pentecost Sunday 24th - 10am – Benefice Communion with Rev Gary Townsend
Pentecost often called Whit Sunday is when we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit to empower and encourage Jesus’ followers.
Sunday 31st May – 10am – Benefice Communion Service in Mereworth Church being the 5th Sunday in the month the churches in the benefice worship together, this time in Mereworth.
Sunday 7th June - 10am – Matins with Barry Fisher
Sunday 24th May – 5-6pm in Mereworth Church
REFRESH – Praise, Prayer and Discussion
An informal service in which we explore some fundamental questions about the Christian Faith.
May’s topic will be Christian Behaviour Part 3.
Pride and Humility from C.S. Lewis' book, Mere Christianity.'
PARISH BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE
If you would like a loved one commemorated in the village Book of Remembrance, please contact Joy Searle (alanmansfieldsearle@gmail.com) before 30th June. She will be able to give you details of costs, designs, etc. The book is kept in a display case at the back of the church near the social area. Entries are displayed on a monthly basis.
REV GARY WRITES
The Rectory, 72 The Street, Mereworth ME18 5NA
gary.rev@outlook.com ( 01622 813178
The Work of Your Local Church
May is the time when we have our Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). I agree it’s not the highlight of the church year, is often quite dull and, consequentially, not well attended. You may not know that the work of your local church is led by the vicar and church members elected to work with him. This group of people duly elected at the APCM form the Parochial Church Council (PCC). Their work is summarised as follows:
The key role of the PCC lies in the first of its general functions: co-operation with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the church. Its other more particular functions are seen as ways of carrying out this general function.
The APCM is an opportunity for any on the church electoral roll to come and hear and ask questions about how the vicar and PCC have been getting on over the last year in promoting the whole mission of the church. There are many in our parish who, whilst not regular churchgoers, nonetheless want the church to be there carrying out its mission especially when it comes to things such as funerals, burials, weddings, baptisms, keeping the building open for people to come and pray and reflect as well as pastoral care and upholding and promoting the Christian Faith. The work of the vicar and PCC members in these areas of mission can be hampered or even swallowed up by the particular functions of a PCC such as the care and maintenance of the building and grounds of the church, fund-raising and other areas of routine administration. Attending the APCM would give you an opportunity to find out what some of these supportive functions are and whether you could help. Joining the PCC can seem a bit daunting but volunteering to be responsible for something like PAT testing, cleaning the windows or health and safety might not be quite so overwhelming and seem quite ‘do-able’ given it’s just one very particular area of responsibility.
So, if you value the work of your local church for whatever reason and are on the church electoral roll please can I urge you to attend this year’s APCM? It’s actually not a lengthy meeting and it might just be that you get inspired to offer to help in some way and find in it a great sense of fulfilment. The meeting this year will be on 6th May, 7.30pm at the church.
Rev Gary Townsend
Rector of Mereworth, Wateringbury and West Peckham
New Garden open under National Gardens scheme
St Helens Lodge, Lower Road,
East Farleigh ME15 0JT
20th June and 22nd August from Noon - 5pm.
Jill, who sings in Wateringbury Church choir, is opening her delightful garden under the National Gardens Scheme for the first time. Admission is £9 which includes refreshments. There will be plants for sale. Parking on the drive for people with mobility issues, otherwise park in Lower Road towards West Farleigh.Cash or card accepted.
APCM (Annual Parochial Church Meeting)
Wednesday 6th May at 7.30pm
This is the Annual General Meeting of Wateringbury Church when the past year is reviewed and any future plans discussed. It is an opportunity for parishioners to learn more about the various activities of the church and to ask questions and make suggestions.
The Church Wardens, Parochial Church Council members and salespeople are elected to serve for the coming year. All welcome.
COFFEE BREAK Wednesdays 6th and 20th May – 10.30am-12.30pm
On 6th May the group will gather as usual in the social area of the church. On 20th May we will be popping down Mill Lane to enjoy our morning in a beautiful garden. We are an informal group who meet fortnightly for coffee, cake and company, suggested donation £1. Do come along and meet others from the village. More details from
01622 813076 Gillian Sessions
SAVE THE DATE
CHRISTMAS CRAFT BAZAAR
SATURDAY 21st NOVEMBER - 11.30am – 2.30pm
in Wateringbury Church
If you are interested in having a stall (£15) at this event please email sjbchristmasbazaar@gmail.com
ST DUNSTAN’S DAY CONCERT TALENT SHOW
Sunday 17th May – 7-9pm
St Dunstan’s Church West Peckham
Wine and Nibbles in the interval
Tickets on the Door £10 - £25 per Family
5