The Vicarage,
May 28th, 1926.

My Dear Friends,

It was under rather difficult conditions that we held our Rogationtide Service in the Churchyard this year, but quite a good number faced the strong, cold wind, and I hope no one suffered any harm from it. Mr. Lilwall carried on bravely in spite of his music at times sailing away in the air! However, we reverently and earnestly offered up our prayers and sang our praises to the Giver of all good things.

What a delightful Whitsuntide we have had! The beautiful weather attracted many visitors to our parish. Hundreds of people crowded the Warren on the Sunday and Monday, I hear. Quite a lot of strangers, as well as parishioners, were on the Cricket ground on the Monday, when our team again distinguished themselves. We begin to wonder whether it is quite good enough to arrange fixtures with ordinary local Clubs, or should we challenge the County or the Australians!! The Festival Services in the Church were attended by good congregations and it was particularly pleasing to see so many present at the Celebrations the Holy Communion. I think people generally are feeling more and more (as they should do) the privilege and the duty of coming to the Lord's Own Service at the great festivals of the Church at least.

The date for the Sale in the Vicarage Garden has been changed from Wednesday, June 2nd, to Thursday, June 3rd. It will be opened at 3 p.m. by Mrs. Green of Tunstall Rectory and we hope that as many as can do so will be present at the opening ceremony. No The charge for admission will be 6d. before 5 o'clock and 3d. after then (Children 3d. and 1d.). There will be stalls of Needlework, Fancy Goods, Household Requisites, etc., and a number of Competitions have been arranged. Tea 6d. each

A Rummage Stall will be opened at 6 o'clock. We shall be glad to have further contributions for this Stall sent to the Vicarage at any time before the day.

The proceeds of the Sale will be given partly to Parish Funds and partly to Church work overseas. We hope for a fine day and a large gathering.

May I remind you that the Band is to play in the Vicarage Garden from 7.45 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. on Sundays, June 6th and 20th. All parishioners and their friends are invited to come in. Should the weather be unfit on the 6th the Band will play on the 13th instead.

I have arranged to be away for a holiday from June 22nd for a month. My place will be taken by the Rev. H. G. Prescott, Vicar of Hindsford, near Manchester. He will reside in the Vicarage. I am sure you will do any thing you can to make him feel that he is welcome here.

The members of the Women's Meeting are to have an outing to Hastings on June 8th. A 32-seater car has been engaged and all the seats for this are taken, but if fourteen others would like to join us a smaller car can be had also. Early application for seats should be made to Mrs. Creaton. The fare is 5/6.

The Sittingbourne Deanery Festival of the Girls' Friendly Society is to be held this year at Tunbridge Wells on June 10th. Some of our members are taking part in it.

I remain,

Your sincere friend and Vicar,
D. H. CREATON.

The Mothers' Union.

Several new Members were admitted at a short service which was held in the Church on May 19th. After the service a business meeting was held in the Vicarage. It was decided that we should have a Parish Banner, and this is being made, and is to be dedicated at Evensong on Sunday, June 13th. The Jubilee Festival for the Deanery is to be held at Sittingbourne on Tuesday, June 15th, and many of our members hope to go to it. On June 30th the Diocesan Festival is being held at Canterbury and this to be attended by Mrs. Creaton (Enrolling Member), Mrs. Flack (Industrial Member), and two others from our branch.

Extracts from the Register.

Burials.

May 21. - George Lacey, aged 70 years.

  "   27. - George Edward Sone, aged 43 years.


Collections in Church.
£s.d.
May1,13 and 25Vicar's Fund140
"2Quota to Diocesan Fund1136
"9Church Expenses1116
"16Church Expenses194
"23Organ and Choir Fund301