VICAR'S LETTER.

My Dear People,- Lent begins this month with Ash Wednesday on the 10th. It also means the beginning of my second year as Vicar in Hartlip.

The Rev. Ronald V. Bristow, the Vicar of St. Augustine's, Gillingham, is corning to us on the Thursday nights of Lent, to conduct the 7.30 p.m. services. I hope for good attendances at these week-day gatherings, and I know that Mr. Bristow's addresses will be helpful to those who come.

On Wednesday, February 3rd, there is to be a missionary gathering for intercessions, followed by an address, at Queenborough. I hope some of you may like to go to Sheppy - first, for what the service means, and secondly, because the Rural Deanery is anxious to have a good attendance there to encourage the local people who seem rather isolated and cut off from the larger Church life of the Diocese. A bus will pick up Hartlip people, and then call at Newington for others. Fare 2/0. I shall be glad to hear of any who will join in with this.

It is good to be able to welcome Mr. Seymour Wakeley and family as permanent residents in Hartlip. Pope's Hall looks very attractive now, and adds additional charm to our village.

The wedding of Mr. Francis Webb aroused much local interest. We are only sorry we could not retain him and his bride as parishioners here in Hartlip, where the association of his family has meant so much to the place for so many years past. But he will be a near neighbour at Newington, and often will be with us. I know I can express all our good wishes for future happiness to the young couple.

Yours sincerely,

CECIL G. MUTTER.

The Bell Ringers desire to thank all the kind friends who contributed to their annual Christmas Box. We could do with a few recruits in the ringing chamber.

MOTHERS' UNION.

The world-wide Annual Services are to be on Tuesday, April 5th, and notices will be in the next issue of the Magazine.

MOTHERS' MEETING.

Mrs. Noble invited all the members to a party at Dane House on January 14th, and was assisted by Mrs. Luck and Mrs. Dancy. The dining room looked very festive with decorated tables and coloured candles, and a delicious tea was served.

Then an adjournment to the hall followed, and all felt youthful with the joy of a Christmas tree and music. Afterwards came the distribution of presents to the guests, and this was a great surprise and pleasure. Everyone received just what would please them most. Father Christmas was something of a wizard!

Miss Faussett-Osborne made a happy little speech of thanks on behalf of those present, and the happy gathering dispersed after three cheers for the hostess, and the expression of all good New Year wishes.

CHOIR.

The Vicar entertained the Churchwardens, Treasurer, Organist, Choirmen, Verger, and Bell-ringers to a supper at the Vicarage on Thursday, January 7th. Following a hearty meal the evening was spent in singing and jokes. The company broke up just before midnight after singing "Auld Lang Syne." It was good to hear some of the old songs some of us remembered about thirty years ago, and there was one song composed for the occasion, and sung for the first time, which proved a success because of its topical interest. Mr. Lilwall proved his value as an accompanist.

MISSIONARY BOXES.

These were opened at the end of the year, and the contents were despatched to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. Belfry 2/1, Mrs. Baxter 8/10, Mrs. Kitchingham 3/3, Mrs. R. Ongley 10/6, Mrs. Ongley, sen. 3/9. Total, £1/8/8. If there are any other people who would like to have a box in their homes, the Vicar will glady supply the same.

Robert Pope, Harry Hunt, and Freda Cooper on finishing their school days, were presented with a Mary Gibbon Bible in accordance with the School custom.

CONFIRMATION.

A Confirmation Service will be held on May 4th at 7 p.m. at Upchurch, adminisiered by the Bishop of Dover. Candidates should give in their names at once to the Vicar.

FOREIGN GRAVESTONES.

USE OF ITALIAN MARBLE. - The Vicar has received a printed form asking that the above be discouraged. He would be glad to discuss a gravestone with anyone wanting to erect one, and show what the advice of artistic experts is. Monumental masons are not the best advisers, and it is generally wise to get the opinion of known authorities on a subject.