Hartlip Parish Magazine. October 1921.

Dear Friends,

As hinted at the end of my last month's letter the Sale, or Fete in the Vicarage Garden on Tuesday, August 30th, was a huge success from first to last, and from every point of view.

The weather signs were undoubtedly ominous, in fact there were 4 points which indicated bad weather, and only one in favour of good. Consequently we were fully prepared for the former, but by contrariety, King Sol poured down his welcome rays on us all day long, the end effect was seen by our many well-wishers pouring in from far and near: viz., Mrs. Lumley Webb and Party from Tunstall, the Rochester Party, included the Misses Day and Miss Baker Mrs. Olive and Party. Miss Jenny, Rainham, Miss Burgess and Party, Shorne, generous contributors. And of course, parishioners generally, including Mr. and Mrs. Greville and family, and Mrs. Herbert Hales and family.

At three o'clock one gave a brief sketch of the Sale and its various objects, viz., Organ Clearning Fund, S.P.G.: United Kingdom Beneficient Association, etc. After which business began briskly, and continued till 4.30, when Tea was served under the spreading Cedar tree. So many were unable to get a table, that a second Tea was served at 4.45. At 5 o'clock some musical items were given by Miss Ethel Stevens and her brother, followed by two sketches given by the Misses Edmonds of Rede Court, Strood; all of which were fully appreciated.

Another Entertainment was given at 7.25 p.m. by the Organist (Mr. H. G. Lilwall) and his Concert Party, who greatly contributed to the general amusement. Hoop-la was again provided and so well managed by the Misses Quinnell of Rainham, to whom we are much indebted, and for the exciting scenes which raged round that game. Miss Betty Greville and her brother were beyond refusal in their enthusiasm to make everyone have a piece of their Bran-Pie. Then Miss Barbara Locke kept everbody sweet with her Non-Passable Stall. The Tea was efficiently served by a shortened staff of willing helpers, viz.:- Misses Kate Kemsley, F. Blackman, D. Cork, E. Apps and D. Acott also Mr. F. Musselwhite assisting generally.

The following were the Stall and Stallholders Garden Produce and Baskets - Mrs. Rainey. Bean Bags - John Smith. Work - Mrs. John Cork, Mrs. E, Friar, Sen., Mrs. Flack and Miss Vennel. Royal U.K.B. - Mrs. W. Luck and Miss F Clout. S.P.G. - Mrs. Lewis Hales. Fancy - Mrs. Simmons. And for the first time, there was included a Jumble Stall - Lady Haggard, Mrs. Hanco and Mrs. Labrum.

The Gate was taken by Mr. T. Sone (the late), Mr. J. Harriss, Mr. Wm. Kitchingham and Mr. John Hariss, Stone Hall Cottages.

Towards the close there were a few remnants of sweet and hairy things on hand; the former (cakes) found ready purchasers at the hammer and table of Mr. S. D. Hollands, and in the gloaming the Vicar lost a rabbit, by the same means, to a Farmer for 10/-!!!

Everybody concerned worked with a will, tethered to a congenial spirit, hence it was that the whole Fete exceeded our highest anticipations. The grand total of the takings amounted to .£52/17/10½. The heavy outgoings were £10/10/2½ S.P.G. and R.U.K.B. Stalls totalled £9/7/2 leaving a balance of £33/0/6 (if required) for the Organ Cleaning Fund.

Hartlip has lost by sudden death, one of its oldest parishioners. Thomas Sone came here as a young man to be gardener to the Webb family at the Parsonage; he was in consequence fully conversant with their history, as of that of the house, for some three score years. At one time of day, it seemed as if the Parsonage could not exist without "Thomas". He brought up a considerable family. He suffered a great loss in February, 1917, when his devoted wife, after a lingering illness, most heroically borne, passed away, leaving a noble example behind. Thomas Sone was very musical and possessed a fine tenor voice, which he enjoyed using on the platform, to the edification of his friends. Personally I saw a lot of him this Summer, when he was in and out of our garden for weeks doing odd jobs, just when and as he liked. He went "Hopping" this season and never seemed better or cheerier than on Friday forenoon, Sept. 16th, when he suddenly fell over and expired among the Hops. Thus ended a very long active life, in harness till "the silver cord was loosed."

Your faithful Friend and Pastor,

J. SMEDLEY McMILLAN.

Calendar.
Oct.2.-Summer time ends on Sunday at midnight.
"3.-Day School re-opens 9 a.m.
"10.-War Savings Association in the.School-room 6-6.30 p.m,
"18.-St. Luke E. 10.0. Holy Communion. 6.30 p.m. Evensong in Lady Chapel.
"28.-S.S. Simon and Jude, Aps. Ms. 10.0 Holy Communion. 6.30 p.m. Evensong.
"31.-Vigil of All Saints.