Brabourne & Smeeth

Parish News

March 2020 30p

Stour Downs Celebration Day Saturday March 14th see page 5

Visit our website: www.a20churches.org.uk

Message From Rev Chris

March 2020

Dear Readers,

Once, a young teacher read a note attached to some fresh green ivy: “Because of the seeds you planted, we will one day grow into beautiful plants like this one. We appreciate all you’ve done for us. Thank you for investing time in our lives.” The ivy plant represented a gift of love. (Adapted from ‘In the Garden with God’, Eagle, 2000).

Churches are always dependent on gifts of love. Gifts of time or money are an expression of gratitude and thanksgiving towards God, or to keep the local church alive and transform its future.

About 45% of all Grade I buildings in England are churches. Though first and foremost a place of worship, churches are also often the oldest building in a settlement still in continual use. In some places today churches are the last community building left open when pubs, post offices, shops and even village halls close. Many visitors come to search for previous generations in their family history and to explore the history of the buildings and their place in the story of the communities in which they have stood for centuries. Churches are also a place to find a quiet oasis away from the busy world.

We are gifted with six historic churches in the Stour Downs Parish, which are cared for by the Stour Downs Parish PCC and local management teams using the gifts of money and time that we rely on, and also the hard work and dedication of the Friends groups that support many of our six churches. The gifts we receive are the only way we can try to meet the cost of keeping the church open for services and visiting, and to provide full-time ministry and activities to serve the local community.

On Saturday 14th March we are celebrating the uniqueness of our six churches in The Stour Downs with an OPEN DAY. There will be a variety of refreshments and things to see and do, including a “Brass & Glass” tour you might want to follow, closing with a “Pimm’s & Hymns” celebration at St Mary’s, Smeeth at 6:30pm. We invite you to visit one or more of our churches, and to consider our need.

With blessings,

Chris

Priest in Charge of the Parish of Stour Downs

Rev Chris Denyer, The Rectory, Church Road, Smeeth

Tel 01303 470791

Parish Administrator: Liz Richardson - office@stourdowns.org.uk

Enquiries can be made via email to office@stourdowns.org.uk  or 0752 6688826

Church Services

Family Services at Brabourne at 10am on the first Sunday of each month. 

Everyone is very welcome whether or not they are regular churchgoers. At the end of each service there are refreshments and a chance to chat.

1st March - led by Kathy Embleton-Smith. 'Resisting Temptation - a closer look at Satan's efforts to tempt Jesus'

5th April - led by Graham Lilley. Palm Sunday service with Parade of Donkeys from The Five Bells to Brabourne Church. 

All are welcome to join the procession at the Five Bells at 9.45am or go directly to the church for a 10am start.

Details of services at other Churches in the Stour Downs Parish (Mersham, Monks Horton, Sellindge and Stowting) can be found on our website www.stourdowns.org.uk

St Mary the Blessed Virgin Brabourne

St Mary the Virgin Smeeth

Café Wednesday; The Café is open every Wednesday from 10am to 11.30am at Brabourne Baptist Church. Pop in for a warm friendly chat, caring atmosphere, tea coffee and biscuits. Choice of books available.

Cafe Wednesday is back! Second Wednesday of every month starting at 12 noon. We will be serving soup, rolls and coffee/tea followed by a reflection, song & prayer. Cost remains at £1. Everyone welcome!

warmly invites you

to

Fridays at 3

in the Oak Room on the last Friday of every month

St Mary’s Parish Church Smeeth

warmly invites you

to

Fridays at 3

in the Oak Room on the last Friday of every month

Our next meeting is on August 26th for our Annual Cream Tea

Please come and enjoy homemade scones, a variety of jams with fresh cream.

Plus tea and good company !

This invitation is open to anyone who would like to come along.

If you would like further information, or a lift to / from the Oak Room

Please contact Di Dawson (01303 813398)

We look forward to welcoming you.

Village Calendar

Friday March 13th

Knit & Natter from 2.30pm in the Oak Room

Wednesday March 25th

St Mary’s Smeeth Coffee Morning

at 48 Mountbatten Way, Brabourne Lees 10.30-12noon

Tuesday April 21st

St Mary’s Smeeth Coffee Morning

at Oakleigh, Church Road, Smeeth 10.30-12noon

Saturday April 25th

Breakfast Church; the Oak Room Smeeth 9.00am

“St George”

Saturday April 25th

Plant Sale & Kids Prize Nature Quiz at St Mary’s Brabourne

2-4.30pm

Saturday May 9th

VE Celebrations at Brabourne Church; details to follow.

Tuesday May 19th

Annual Ploughman's Lunch at the Scout Hut,

12 noon - 2pm.  Tickets £10 (available in mid - April), 

Sunday May 30th

Farm and Vineyard Walk, 2.30pm led by George Jessel. The walk will start and finish in Penstock Farm yard where there will be tea after the walk. Well behaved dogs welcome. Details to follow.

St Mary the Virgin, Smeeth

Fridays at 3

Do join us in the Oak Room

on

Friday March 27th

for

The Beauty of the Garden

By

Mary Waite

Everyone Welcome

If anyone would like a lift to and from the Oak Room please contact

Di Dawson (01303-813398).

First Friday Social Hour

at

Brabourne Church

Friday March 6th from 6-7pm

Everybody is invited to drop into the church for warming drinks or a glass of wine, nibbles & friendly chat

We look forward to seeing you there.

Details of events organised by or on behalf of our churches during 2020

Our next meeting will be on Friday March 27th when the Spring Show will take place. Staging will be from 6.30pm until 7.20pm. Entries to Cathy Pearman by Wednesday 25th; please refer to your Year Book for classes, terms and conditions. A light hearted quiz will take place during judging.

We are an active society and always welcome new members or visitors so why not come along and join us? For any enquiries please contact Wendy Sanders on 01303 813451, email brabournewendy@gmail.com or visit our website at www.basgs.com. Visitors are always welcome.

Gardeners’ Society

Around Our Villages

Members enjoyed participating in Chair Based Yoga as explained and demonstrated at our February meeting by Charlotte Coles. An atmosphere of calm transcended the gathered company. We are now looking forward to our OPEN MEETING on the evening of March 9th when anyone, male or female, will be most welcome to join us. Simon Ginnaw will make a presentation entitled ‘Kent’s Wild Year’ which will show us various areas of our beautiful county and it’s wildlife. We are sure it will be most interesting. We meet in the Brabourne and Smeeth Village Hall 7.15pm for 7.30pm and all are very welcome to come. Should you need any further information please contact Joy Taylor on 01303 812165 or Margaret Garrett on 01303 813932.

Should you need further information do please contact Joy Taylor on 01303 812165 or Margaret Garrett on 01303 813932

Our February meeting took the form of an informal lunch at the Woolpack . A substantial and well prepared meal was enjoyed by 29 members and our thanks go to David and his team.   There was a friendly and joyful atmosphere and the event was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. 

 We are very excited by the prospect of a presentation by Ella du Breuil of her time with the British Antarctic Survey in South Georgia for our March meeting which will be held at our usual venue the Brabourne Baptist Church at 1.30 for 2.00 pm on Tuesday March 3rd.   This is an Open Meeting and we hope that as many village folk who are interested will be able to attend.

     It will be our Branch 90th Birthday this year and we are planning on marking the occasion with a special event in April, further details of which will be announced later.   Should anyone require further information on any of our activities,  please contact George Taylor 01303 812165 or Ron Cooper on 01303 813330

Royal Air Forces Association meets on Thursday March 12th in Wye Small Village Hall at 7-30 p.m. for the A.G.M. to elect officers and hand out the schedule of events for 2020/21. The Association is looking to recruit new members; the monthly meetings aim to be social occasions without too much formality having a range of interesting presentations throughout the year. Anyone interested in joining or just visiting please contact Ron Cooper on 01303 813330

For further information contact Ron Cooper on 01303 813330 .

Smeeth W.I.

Royal Air Forces Association

Royal British Legion

Stour Downs Celebration Day 2020

Find Food & Fun at YOUR local Church

in the Stour Downs Parish

on Saturday March 14th

Brass & Glass Tours explore the glass & brass at all 6 Churches

Pimm’s & Hymns 6.30pm in Smeeth Church to close celebrations

Men’s Breakfast

at

The Woolpack

Saturday March 14th at 8.30am

Organised by Brabourne Baptist Church

All men are very welcome to join us for a Buffet-style breakfast.

The speaker will be Raul Dunning from MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship)

Please contact Paul Muir to book your place; 01303 813502 or 07929269777 or email pjm436@hotmail.co.uk

Please include payment of £8 at time of booking

You are invited to….#LiveLent2020 Care for God’s Creation

The Church of England’s Lent Campaign

An informal reflection on a weekly theme of valuing & protecting God’s Creation

Monday evenings March 2nd – March 30th

7pm @ The Black Horse Monks Horton, TN256AP

or

Wednesday afternoons March 4th-April 1st

2pm @ Mersham Church Room

Meeting Point

Come along to Brabourne Baptist Church

On Thursday March 19th at 12 noon for lunch.

You are welcome to join us for good food and good company!

To book your place, please ring Cathy 01303 814132

Forthcoming Events

Spring Floristry Workshop

at Penstock Barn

Saturday March 21st

10.00 – 12.30

Come and design

a beautiful Spring Arrangement

and learn how to make the most of garden foliage.

We will also be looking at floral ideas to create at home.

A selection of spring flowers will be provided.

£25 per person including a donation to St Mary’s Brabourne.

To book (and any questions) please email Vicki@jesselfarms.co.uk

07518 117644

St Mary’s Church, Smeeth

Coffee Morning

Wednesday March25th

10.30am- 12 noon

at

48 Mountbatten Way, Brabourne Lees

There will be bring and buy tables for cakes, produce & paperbacks

Please come and bring your friends!

Café Wednesday

The Café is open every Wednesday from 10am to 11.30am at Brabourne Baptist Church.

Pop in for a warm friendly chat, caring atmosphere, tea, coffee and biscuits. Choice of books available.

Not been before? Just come and find us. Everyone is welcome!

Cafe Wednesday Extra is Back!

We will be continuing Cafe Wednesday Extra on the 2nd Wednesday of each month starting on Wednesday 12th October at 12.00. We will be serving soup, rolls and coffee/tea followed by a reflection, song and prayer. The cost will remain at £1.00.

Every one is welcome to join us. 

Come and join us for coffee before the soup. We are open every Wednesday from 10.00 to 11.30 for a friendly chat and companionship. Don’t forget that on the 1st Wednesday of the month David Vine (a church member) holds a clinic on behalf of Hi-Kent,  to service and provide batteries for hearing aids, free of charge! 

It's Springtime so...

Please come to St Mary's Brabourne,

On Saturday April 25th

2 till 4.30pm

Support our

Plant sale and Kids' PRIZE nature quiz.

Please BRING and buy cakes and surplus PLANTS then share the fun with the children's quiz around the churchyard.

WEAR Wellies if wet!

ASHFORD CHORAL SOCIETY

Saturday 21st March

at

Wye Parish Church

7.30pm

Duruflé Requiem, Fauré Cantique de Jean Racine,

Leighton Crucifixus pro nobis

Alexander Hume tenor

Jon Williams baritone

Matthew Raisbeck organist

Paul Young conductor

Tickets: £12 (under 16s free) available from Wye Newsagents (opposite Wye Church), or email tickets@ashfordchoral.org.uk or on the door

,

Pop Up Tea Room

We are hosting a pop up tea room in aid of the Pilgrim's Hospice.

Saturday 28th March

Brabourne Baptist Church

11am until 4pm

If there are any cake bakers out there who would like to donate  please let me know.

e-mail tannerandsons@tiscali.co.uk

If there are cake- eaters

please support us.ST

Meeting Point

Come along to Brabourne Baptist Church On Thursday October 13th at 12 noon You are welcome to join us for good food and good company! Please phone Cathy for details; 01303 814132

The Brabourne and Smeeth Allotment Society

A Plot Holder’s View

At the time of writing, storm Dennis has just passed and we are

enjoying brisk winds and sunshine. A visit to the allotments today

revealed that little damage has occurred, unlike to the barriers around the Plough.

I was not alone for long. The break in hostilities brought a handful of gardeners out to enjoy the change in our fortunes. Even the sandy soil was pretty wet but I was still able to turn over some ground with a fork. The warm weather has encouraged buds to open. My Brussels Sprouts are starting to soften now as they swell. Similarly, the parsnips have green tops as they prepare to flower and seed later in the year, so we need to get down to some serious eating!

In the greenhouse my onion seeds are growing well. I have recently sown celeriac and leeks as both benefit from a long growing season and the potatoes are chitting so they will be ready for planting at Easter.

On leaving the allotment, I could not help noticing how beautifully trained Carol de Lacey’s raspberries are. Another job for the list. BDF

Eat Seasonally

Eco-warriors who lead protest marches may have good intent, but what are they doing at home?  Are they block-paving their gardens or eating avocados, for example?

Alan Titchmarsh, writing in his recent column in Gardeners’ World, points out: “We cannot berate members of the Royal family and global superstars for flying hither and yon in private jets if we buy strawberries in January, for they, too, will have necessitated the burning of fossil fuel to reach our table.”

Titchmarsh says that if we really want to make a difference, we should eat seasonally.  “I yearn for a return to …. English apples and pears in autumn and winter, strawberries and raspberries in summer, and asparagus from April to June.”

And while he would not deprive anyone of “a slice of lemon for their G&T,” he does worry “about the growing consumption of avocados, which is causing the destruction of Mexican rainforests to make way for avocado plantations.”

So instead of avocados this month, why not consider some artichoke, beetroot, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage (both Savoy and white), carrots, chicory, cauliflowers, endives, fennel, or spinach, to name but a few of the vegetables in season in March?

 

News from Smeeth Community Primary School.

Half term seemed to be upon us before the term even got started

however Smeeth managed to get two sporting events in. In January the school held a Boccia Bowling competition and, if like me, you have no idea what Boccia Bowling is then it’s worth having a look at the school’s website at www.smeeth.kent.sch.uk. It’s full of facts and information about the school including what the children are up to and any planned future events.

In February, despite not winning, pupils had a very enjoyable time at a Dodgeball Tournament and there are some photographs of both events on the website. As a school governor I have the privilege of going into the school to monitor various aspects of the curriculum. I recently visited Robins, which is the Reception class, on their regular Woodland Wednesday as they went out into nearby woodland areas to find suitable twigs to make models of Chinese trees as part of the theme for that week which was Chinese New Year.

It was fascinating to watch and listen to the children as they explained what they were doing and why. They made and drew blossom trees which were then displayed alongside other items including pictures of Chinese numerals and they even had their very own Chinese Restaurant. Watching the children manipulating chopsticks was a delight and some were very good at it. I’m now looking forward to my next visit to see what else will stimulate their fertile imaginations. KM

MESSY CHURCH !!!!

at

Brabourne Baptist Church

Saturday March 7th from 3-5pm

JESUS THE SERVANT KING

Feet painting

Make cheesy biscuit feet

Guess the paw prints

Art table with Vi

Crafts

Play games, make Lego and more!

Put your own toppings on your pasta and decorate your ice cream

Fun for all the family! Bring your friends!

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Donations welcome!

Please contact Julie Muir 01303813502 for further information

What are you giving up for Lent?...........some sober sonnets!

Beware, all ye that smoke the loathsome weed

Whose noxious fumes so befoul the air.

And make to reek thy garments and thy hair

Their stenching vapour pestilence doth feed.

Thy tiny infants cough and retch and peer

As, blinded by the smoke, they grope and flail

About thy chamber, as they cry and wail

For succour, but thou sits and fumes and leers.

Thy mindless grimaces shall oft display

A mouth of blackened stumps in rotting gums.

Thy skin shall like the withered prune become,

Thy face, cadaverous, then shall waste away.

But hark! and know ‘tis not too late, my friend

If thou shalt quit, thine organs yet may mend.

Lend me thine ears, good gentle folk and wise,

I’ll tell thee of an e’en more fatal vice.

The liquor that is born of grape and grain

Can poison all thine organs, and thy brain.

Thy nose shall, like the aubergine, grow round

Thine eyes, like mouldy plums, shall spin about.

Whilst tottering and stumbling on thy route,

Most hideous visions shall thy mind pollute.

Thy coach shall veer and swerve along the road,

Till noisesome impact shall it disimplode.

Thy house shall fall in disrepair and must,

With all thy fortune, soon return to dust.

Yet, still I have good tidings to impart

One unit daily shall preserve thy heart.

.The Bard of Brabourne

Café Wednesday

Come to Cafe Wednesday at Brabourne Baptist Church,

any Wednesday from 10 - 11.30.

You are guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome, good coffee, or tea and always biscuits, sometimes even cake!

We have a variety of books to exchange or take away.

Board games are available too, for anyone who wants to play!

On the first Wednesday of the month, a representative of Hi Kent (a member of our church) will clean hearing aids and provide new batteries free of charge.

Want to know more?  Come and find us or phone Jenny 01233 720146

Observations on Everyday Life:

People who sing their own praises usually do so without accompaniment. Anon

Confidence is keeping your chin up; overconfidence is sticking it out. Anon

A man shows his character by what he laughs at. Anon

There is no better proof of friendship than to help our friends with their burdens. Augustine

Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. J. Wolfgang

Welcome to RENEW 18

a Well Being Cafe

at Brabourne Baptist Church

A quiet shared space where it’s ok not to be ok.

Every Monday from 3pm to 5pm the church becomes a community space for a variety of hobbies and activities.

These are run by the community for the community.

Anyone is welcome to share a hobby or skill and anyone is welcome to join a workshop or activity. They are all free.

Or

you can come and relax and chat, or enjoy the peace in our quiet area.

The activities are based around the '5 ways to wellbeing' which promote good mental and emotional health.

To connect, give, be active, keep learning and take notice will hopefully contribute towards a preventative approach to mental ill health.

A place where you are known by your name, not a label.

All are welcome.

For more information contact Julie Muir on 01303 813502

Renew 18 is part of the nationwide Renew Well-being www.renewwellbeing.org.uk

Holiday Club!

Monday 6th, Tuesday 7th & Wednesday 8th April

10.00am---12noon

@

Sellindge School Hall

For all primary school aged children

Download an application form from the Stour Downs website

www.stourdowns.org.uk

or look out for a copy sent to schools in the Stour Downs Parish

 

 Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

Your Governor

For the past three years as your Governor on the NHS Community Services Trust, I have been writing monthly articles in which I have highlighted items of topical interest, or have described services. My term as Governor for the Ashford area has now come to an end, and a newly elected person will be in place by the end of March.

Governors have two main functions, firstly to liaise with as many people and groups as possible in order to provide a two way flow of information and secondly, to hold the non executive directors (NEDs) to account. The time allocated for these functions is a day and a half per month or 18 per year. Some, 8 days are taken up with Council meetings or training days. Clearly liaising with the public is a very open ended commitment and could take as long as the governor is prepared to give to it. Holding the Non Executive directors to account is much more specific. The Council has in the last three years set up a system which is now standard practice. One or two NEDs report their work in detail at each Council meeting. Governors are able to cross question them and make constructive comments.

I have found it difficult to keep in touch with a large number of people in the Ashford area, and certainly not within the time stated. But through these articles I hope that some information about the work and aims of the Trust has become better known to many people. Working with the Trust has given me an insight into the tremendous work done including seeing the devotion of the NHS staff to their duty and the effort they make to go the extra mile to make certain the system works. In the south east, we suffer from a major problem of staff shortages in almost all grades. It is inevitable that this makes it difficult to maintain a fully effective service. But the public are generally unaware of the work pressures the staff a re under because the service continues to operate smoothly. Governors are unpaid but do get travel costs.

I have very much enjoyed my three years as a Council member and I wish the Trust and my successor every success in the future.

John Fletcher Public Governor for Ashford until the end of March 2020

 

Church Magazine Bloomers You know what they meant, but what they said was..

At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be ‘What Is Hell?’ Come early and listen to our choir practice.

Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

The senior choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to see the organist after the service.

Next Thursday there will be try-outs for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

Village Planning News

Brabourne Recent Applications:

19/01408/AS The Knoll, Lees Road, Brabourne - New 4 bed detached house - Awaited.

19/01418/AS Beddlestone Farm, Hampton Lane - Convert door and window to larger door and install new window - Would be Lawful.

19/01645/AS Park Farm, Pound Lane - Prior Approval for Change of Use of building & land adjoining from agricultural to flexible use within Class B1/B8 - Prior Approval Not Required.

19/01779/AS 3 Mountbatten Way - Rear single storey extension with garage roof amendments (revision to approved design) - Awaited.

20/00013/AS The Gables, Fiddling Lane - Lawful Development Certificate for proposed single storey extension and new side window - Awaited

20/00031/AS Crusoe Cottage, Lees Road - Front porch & toilet - Awaited

20/00111/AS 5 The Malthouses, Canterbury Road, East Brabourne - Variation on Condition of Listed Building Consent (19/01535/AS) - Awaited.

Smeeth Recent Applications:

19/01598/AS Newholm, Plain Road - Retrospective for rear balcony - Permit

19/01775/AS Sunhill Cottage, Granary Court Road - Demolition of existing property and erection of 2 bed house with garage - Awaited.

20/00048/AS Copper Cottage, Pound Lane - Erection of 2 storey front and rear extensions, rear dormer window & roof light and changing external materials - Awaited.

19/01318/AS Tanners and Son, Granary Court Road - Extension to existing industrial building (retrospective) - Deposited

 

 

WASTE PAPER COLLECTION

NEXT COLLECTION SATURDAY March 14th

Beavers (6 to 8 year olds) - Tuesdays 5.30 to 6.30 email: brabourneandsmeethbeavers@gmail.com

Cubs (8 to 10 1/2 years) - Fridays - 5.45 to 7.00 email: brabourne.smeeth.cubs.scouts@gmail.com

Scouts (10 to 14 years)- Fridays - 7.30 to 9.15ish email: brabournesmeethscouts@gmail.com

Explorers (14 until 18 years) - Fridays - 7.30 to 9.15ish email: mountbattenexplorers@gmail.com

1ST BRABOURNE & SMEETH SCOUTS & GUIDES

Gandhi’s Salt March against the British

On 12th March 1930, Indian political and spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi led 78 activists and followers on a 23-day “salt march” to protest against a British tax on salt and a ban on Indians collecting or selling it. On 5th April he reached the sea and made salt, breaking British law. On 4th May he was arrested and imprisoned.

Thousands of Indians followed Gandhi from his religious retreat near Ahmedabad to the Arabian Sea coast, a distance of about 240 miles. The march resulted in the arrest of nearly 60,000 people, including Gandhi himself.

Gandhi said his resistance to British salt policies would be the unifying theme for his campaign of satyagraha, or mass civil disobedience. The word means ‘truth with insistence’ in Sanskrit.

During the salt march – which Gandhi described as a padyatra (a long spiritual march) – he made many speeches on the injustices of the Indian caste system, which labelled the lowest classes ‘untouchable’.

17 days after Gandhi’s arrest, the poet Sarojini Naidu led 2,500 marchers on the Dharasana Salt Works, north of Bombay. They were beaten viciously by police, which prompted an international outcry. India was granted its independence in 1947.

·

·

 

Minister Paul Muir: Tel; 01303813502 or 07929269777 or email; pjm436@hotmail.co.uk

www.brabournebaptist.org.uk

CHURCH SERVICES and PRAYER TIMES

Sunday March 1st at 10.30am: Speaker; Jerry Newson

Sunday March 8th at 10.30am: Speaker; Paul Muir

Sunday March 15th at 10.30am: Speaker; Ray Baylis

Sunday March 22nd at 10.30am: Speaker; Paul Muir (including Communion)

Sunday March 29th at 10.30am;: Speaker Keith Gwilym

Morning Services are followed by free refreshments in the side hall.

Prayer Time; Each week the church will be open for prayer on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 9 and 9.30am, and on Wednesdays from 9.30 – 10am. All are welcome to join us.

NEWS, MEETINGS & EVENTS

Art Club: We will meet on Tuesday 10th March from 10am – 12noon  Do come and join us and bring your latest art work project and enjoy art in a friendly social setting.

Further details from Corinne 01303 812603 We look forward to seeing you!

Men’s Breakfast: Saturday March 14th at 8.30am. Please see page 5 for details

Meeting Point: Thursday March 19th. Please see page 5 for details.

Monday Evening Home Group: meets on alternate Mondays at 7.30pm.

Please speak to Jerry 01233 720511 for more information and venues.

Orpins Close Home Group: meets every Tuesday, starting at 7.30pm.

Please phone David or Sylvia 01303 814437

Calland Home Group: meets every Wednesday from 7.30pm. Please phone Cathy 01303814132

Manse Home Group: meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm Please ring Julie 01303 813502 if you are interested in joining us. We meet to pray and to study the Bible in a relaxed, non-threatening way and we are very friendly! We also have regular social activities

Remembrance – 100 years after the Somme

Remembrance Day this year will have a special significance. Almo.st exactly a century after the Battle of the Somme finally came to its inconclusive end (18th November) we shall once again be remembering all those who have lost their lives in war, or had their lives blighted by its consequences.

The unbelievable slaughter of the Somme – more than a million men were killed or wounded – made it perhaps the bloodiest battle of human history. The incessant bombardment of heavy artillery, the suicidal waves of attack by unprotected soldiers, the introduction, a few months from its close, of the first tanks in battle all contributed to the vast number of casualties, but so did the pointless efforts of both sides to break what was in fact a five month stalemate. This was a battle nobody won but a million men lost.

This year we shall once again make our prayers for peace and our reflective remembrance against a back-drop of a world that is stubbornly inclined to think that problems can be solved by fighting over them. In the Middle East and in parts of Africa there are still too many who believe that guns and bombs can solve things, when all the evidence of history is that they can’t.

Today, a hundred years after the Battle of the Somme, historians still can’t decide what the Great War was actually about. And the arrival of the Second World War in 1939 tells us that whatever anyone thought it was, five years of sickening killing had not settled it.

‘We will remember them’, we say. Surely the finest remembrance would be a world without violence. It still seems a long way off.

Messy Church

February’s Messy Church dealt with the story of David and Goliath and how a small boy overcame a giant. To show the children how tall Goliath was, we used a nine foot pole with his scowling face at the top which towered above everyone. Our David was one of our wonderful young boys, Riley Best, and he really got into the part! We had our crafts and art and of course our Lego table. One of the most popular tables featured marshmallows, which were covered in hot chocolate to represent the five stones David used for his sling shot which he used to overcome Goliath. Even the older children enjoyed this table!  Our next Messy Church is on Saturday 7th March between 3 and 5 pm, so come along and enjoy the fun! For further information please ring Julie Muir on 01303 813502

Re-Fuel Youth Event.

On Sunday 2nd February the young people of Ashford Baptist Church hosted a youth event at our church . There were upwards of forty young people from a number of churches who enjoyed a great time together. They spent time in worship, listened to a message from Mark, played games and worked their way through a good quantity of cake, crisps and the like.

It was a pleasure to have them and we look forward to more events for young people at BBC. 

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FAMILY SERVICES at Brabourne and Stowting and SECOND SUNDAY SPECIAL at Smeeth are creative times of worship for children and adults of all ages. Services last for no longer than 45 minutes and refreshments are available afterwards.

Brabourne Church hold THIRD SUNDAY EXTRA at 10.00 am on the third Sunday of each month which offers up to an hour of fun –filled activities for children. Well-behaved adults are also welcome to join in if they wish! The kettle is always on the boil!

March 22nd Mothering Sunday -4th Sunday in Lent

There is an old Jewish saying: 

God could not be everywhere, and therefore He made mothers.

Mother Church, Mother Earth, Mother of the Gods – our human mothers – all of them have been part of the celebration of ‘Mothering Sunday’ – as the fourth Sunday in Lent is affectionately known.  It has been celebrated in the UK since at least the 16th century.

In Roman times, great festivals were held every Spring to honour Cybele, Mother of all the Gods.  Other pagan festivals in honour of Mother Earth were also celebrated.  With the arrival of Christianity, the festival became one honouring Mother Church.

During the Middle Ages, young people apprenticed to craftsmen or working as ‘live-in’ servants were allowed only one holiday a year on which to visit their families – which is how ‘Mothering Sunday’ got its name.  This special day became a day of family rejoicing, and the Lenten fast was broken.  In some places the day was called Simnel Day, because of the sweet cakes called simnel cakes traditionally eaten on that day.

In recent years the holiday has changed and in many ways now resembles the American Mother’s Day, with families going out to Sunday lunch and generally making a fuss of their mother on the day.

All in the month of March………….

it was:

200 years ago, on 10th March 1820 that the Royal Astronomical Society was founded in Britain.

175 years ago, on 17th March 1845 that one Henry Jones, a baker from Bristol, was granted a patent for his invention of self-raising flour.

100 years ago, on 25th March 1920 that the British special constables known as the ‘Black and Tans’ arrived in Ireland to suppress revolution and target the IRA.

90 years ago, on 12th March 1930 that Indian political spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi led 78 activists and followers on a 23-day ‘salt march’ to protest against a British tax on salt and British rule in India.  On 5th April he reached the sea and made salt, breaking British law. On 4th May he was arrested and imprisoned.

80 years ago, on 18th March 1940 that Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini met at Brenner Pass in the Alps.  The Italian dictator agreed to join Germany’s war against France and Britain.

70 years ago, on 8th March 1950 that Volkswagen launched the Type 2/Transporter van – also known as the Camper, Bus, microbus or Kombi.  It became the best-selling van in history, and early versions remain much-loved icons of the counterculture/hippie movement.

60 years ago, on 21st March 1960 that the Sharpeville Massacre, South Africa, took place.  Police opened fire on a group of black anti-apartheid demonstrators, killing 69 and wounding 180.

50 years ago, on 5th March 1970 that the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons came into effect.

40 years ago, on 24th March 1980 that Oscar Romero, the Archbishop of San Salvador, was shot dead by a lone gunman as he celebrated Mass.

30 years ago, on 31st March 1990 that poll tax riots in London broke out.  200,000 protestors took to the streets and clashed with police.  Violence and looting erupted, leading to the worst riots in the city for a century.

25 years ago, on 20th March 1995 that a terrorist group released sarin nerve gas on the Tokyo underground, killing 12 people and injuring over 5,000.

15 years ago, on 11th March 2005 that the Nintendo DS portable video games console was released in Europe.

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USEFUL CONTACT DETAILS

The Brabourne & Smeeth Scout and Guide Hut, to book for parties, classes or events contact the Group Lettings Officer by e-mail, when an application form containing all details and hire fees will be sent out to the prospective hirer.  For any enquiries and bookings please e-mail to:   scout.guidehq@gmail.com  

Brabourne and Smeeth Village Hall: For any enquiries and bookings please e-mail to: brabourneandsmeethvillagehall@gmail.com

Baptist Church Hall: If you wish to book the church hall for a meeting or function, please phone Geoff Thorpe 01303 813152

The Oak Room Bookings and enquiries regarding The Oak Room should be made by

e-mail office@stourdowns.org.uk or telephoning 01303 813398

Neighbourhood Officers: Our PCSO is Aarron Newell and he can be contacted on aarron.newell@ kent.pnn.police.uk

The Police can be contacted to report rural matters on 07980978202

This number should not be used to report crime –for non-urgent calls phone 101, including any matters for Ashford Police, crime reporting, lost property etc.

For urgent emergency calls phone 999.

For further information please visit www.kent.police.uk. Ashford Police Station is 01233 611055

MP’S Surgery: Our MP Damian Collins, will be holding his monthly surgery from 3.45pm to 4.30pm on Friday March 20th. If you have any questions, complaints or comments, please book an appointment by e-mailing your name, post code, subject and message to: shepwayconservatives@btconnect.com or telephone 01303 253524.

Brabourne & Smeeth Parish Councils: Mrs S.Wood tel 01233 623902 or email:susanwood@uwclub.net

Or from the Home Page of the community website:

http://www.brabournepc.kentparishes.gov.uk

http://www.smeethpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Bellringing: Brabourne Church, 8 bells, tenor 11-2-15cwt in G.

Practice Friday 7.30- 9.00pm Tower Captain Alan Bourner.

tel : 01303812604

Parish NewsPlease send all articles, society reports, coming events to

Maggie Smith by the 20th of the month prior to publication tel 01303 813746 or e-mail: parishmag_gie@btinternet.com

To advertise in the ‘Parish News’ contact David Hill on 07827 221569e-mail: davidhillmkc@gmail.com

Are You A Late Bloomer?

Are you crossing life’s milestones later than your grandparents and even parents did?  Not to worry – you are not alone.

The office for National Statistics has recently revealed that for many of us, life’s milestones are happening later. We are marrying, buying our first homes, becoming parents, divorcing, becoming grandparents, and retiring later than ever.

The average age for women to give birth in 1999 was 29 years; in 2018 it was 31.The average age for a man to divorce in 1998 was 40.4; in 2018 it was 46.9.The average age for retirement in women in 1999 was 60.8; in 2019 it was 64.3.

If you are older, here’s a great bit of news: men and women aged 65-74 are happier than any other age group. (Those aged 40-50 are least happy.)

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