The Vicarage,
May 3rd.

My Dear Friends,-

I was indebted to Colonel Locke for kindly writing the Magazine last month, and, indeed, I have to thank him and Mrs. Locke and many others for very much kindness, help, and sympathy during my illness. You will realize how much I regret that I should have been again obliged to leave to others so much of my work, and to be absent so long from active part in the life of the parish, particularly at a time when there is so much going on. However, I am hoping that the change which the doctor orders will quite set me up again. While I am away in June the Rev. A. E. Ball will be living in the Vicarage.

I am glad to hear of the success of the Cricket Club and Conservative Association's Whist Drives and Dances, and of the delightful concert given by the Band. Mr. Southgate is writing in the Magazine about the great event on Whit-Monday. I hope the Fete will be a huge success, and reward his great keenness and energy in organizing it, as well as the efforts of the many others who are working for it. It will mean a strong pull all together.

I remain,

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

THE FETE.

WANTED, on Whit-Monday next:

(1) A really fine day.

(2) As large a crowd as can be packed into Mr. Kitchingham's meadow.

(3) A clear profit of £200 or more for the Parish Hall Building Fund.

If the first and second of our wants are gratified then the third, I sincerely hope, will follow automatically. It is a very tall figure to aim at, but "Faint heart never won fair lady," and if everybody keeps "pushing," the show is bound to "go."

The object of the Fete is familiar to all, and the Building, when erected, will be for the benefit of everyone in the Parish. For that reason I am making an attempt to visit every house, and to ask everybody to assist in some way or other - no matter how small the help may seem. Perhaps I may indicate a few of the many ways in which assistance may be given. First of all we are running a tea tent, and as our one great aim is to make a good profit, the more we have given, the smaller will be our expenses. At present I have received promises of bread, cakes, butter, sugar, and tea in small quantities, but as we anticipate having to provide for at least five hundred - I nearly wrote five thousand - I shall be very pleased to receive promises of small gifts for the teas.

It has been thought that a stall for the sale of eggs would attract our friends from the towns. I have so far called upon 21 poultry keepers, and each one has promised to send some eggs. I am hoping to obtain many more promises.

Another stall which should appeal to the townsfolk is that for the sale of bedding out plants, vegetables, and garden produce generally. Here again quite a number of gifts have been promised, but there will be heaps of room

for more. Gifts of vegetables, rhubarb, flowers, etc. will be very acceptable, no matter how small the quantity.

A provision stall will display an assortment of farm groceries, and so on. The marmalade, which was to have adorned this stall has been sold, and no doubt eaten now. One or two kind friends have offered to make rhubarb jam, which can be confidently recommended, and there will be some home-made lemon cheese. Local tradesmen, who do business in the village; are being canvassed with very satisfactory results, and altogether it appears that the provision stall will be groaning under its weight of good things.

Visitors will also be able to buy Needlework, Crockery, and Fruit, and may purchase a basket in which they can carry away their goods.

Sweets, lemonade, and of course ice creams, are bound to prove attractive, as will the stall on which every article will be priced at 6d. A "Lucky Dip," so I understand, will provide fun and surprises.

Of course there will be numerous amusements such as swings for children, cocoanut shies, etc., and games of skill as skittles, darts, football, etc., etc., for which valuable prizes are offered.

Several competitions have been arranged, the prizes being a dressed doll, 3lb. canister of tea, 2 live rabbits, a basket of fruit, and a delicious fruit cake.

The Fancy Dress Parade appears to be catching on. It is open to everybody whether living in the parish or not. Here again valuable prizes are being given, and from what I have heard the judges are likely to have a very difficult task. The parade through the village, with the Gillingham British Legion Military Band marching at the head, should prove a very attractive item. Please be punctual on parade, and hunt up all the flags to wave.

The children have been thought of, and a programme of races has been drawn up, and will be carried out by the members of the local branch of the British Legion, who will also very kindly entertain the Hartlip school children to tea. I also hear of mysterious doings with a tug-of-war rope.

In the evening there will be dancing in a specially prepared enclosure, the music being supplied by the British Legion Band.

Look out for an unique exhibit.

It has been decided to hold the Rummage Sale on Saturday, May 18th, in the School Playground. Time to be announced later. Book this date as there are quite a number of bargains to be sold.

May I add that we are anxious to receive still more articles for this Sale.

Finally, we need bunting and flags for decorative purposes on the ground.

R. C. J. SOUTHGATE.

EXTRACTS FROM THE REGISTER,

BAPTISMS.

March 3rd - Margaret Edith, daughter of Alfred James and Edith Skinner.

April 28th - Ruth Mary, daughter of Henry Edwin and Alice Emily Godden.

COLLECTIONS IN THE CHURCH.

£s.d.
April7th-Church Expenses1130
"14th-Church Expenses1128
"21st-Church Expenses1141
"28th-Church Expenses11110