VICAR'S LETTER.

My dear People,

Please let me thank you all sincerely for your Easter offerings towards the Dilapidation Fund of the Vicarage. Although a Vicar pays no rent, yet the house and grounds are an expense falling upon him. The Queen Anne Bounty authorities deduct fifteen shillings a week for keeping all outside repairs done here. All the interior decoration and renewals the Vicar pays for himself. The rates and taxes on the property are very heavy, and altogether it takes nearly a third of the income to keep everything in good order. So you will see that the help you give is very acceptable.

Easter was a cold time this year, yet the Church looked very beautiful with a wealth of blossoms, and the Services were bright and hearty. One hundred and five people made their Easter Communion. The Choir deserve praise for their singing. They are hard at work practising for a Choral Festival to be held in Canterbury Cathedral early in June.

The attendance at the Annual Parish Meeting was disappointing. A cold night and other engagements kept many away. Those who did come enjoyed the meeting and the social gathering which followed. I want to thank the performers for their songs and music.

Your sincerely,

CECIL G. MUTTER

BAPTISM.

April 19th - Gail Frances, daughter of Stewart William and Ida Cecile Minson.

WEDDING.

April 18th - Charlie Robert Clout to Gladys Joyce Milgate.

LENT.

The offerings on week-days, amounting to £1, were sent to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.

The Sunday Scholars and Girls Friendly members gave their Lenten self-denial money to the Waifs and Strays Society, and the amount totalled £1/4/8d.

Seventy eggs were given on Easter Sunday in Church. These were sent to the Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital.

The Women's Fellowship had an outing by charabanc on St. George's Day. They drove to Maidstone and then by Chilham to Canterbury and home by the Coast road and Ospringe. It was very cold but bright and sunny, and all enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

ANNUAL MEETING.

This was held on April 22nd at 7.30 p.m in the Schoolroom, the Vicar presiding, supported by the two Churchwardens. In his opening remarks the Chairman spoke of the Silver Jubilee and death of King George V., events which would make the past year memorable. We should now look forward to next May and the Coronation of His Majesty King Edward VIII. By that time we all hope the world will know peace and the international outlook be brighter.

A resume of parish statistics was given - 3 Baptisms, 4 Confirmations, 4 Marriages, and 3 Burials. 42 children attend the Day School and there are 37 Sunday scholars.

The parish accounts were adopted.

Colonel Locke and Mr. S. Hollands were re-elected as Wardens. Captain Bayley has been added to the Sidesmen's list and placed on the Parochial Church Council.

Mr. Robinson was elected a delegate to the Rural Deanery Conferences. Mrs. Kitchingham was appointed as Missionary representative. Those previously holding positions were re-elected.

All the various organizations were thanked for their loyal services.

Great regret was expressed at the absence our Treasurer, Mr. T. G. Denson and Mrs. Denson, and all hoped that Mr. Denson soon recover from his indisposition.

After the conclusion of the business, a social gathering took place with music, and light refreshments were handed round.

The Magazine deficit has been wiped out by donations from Messrs. H. G. Fausett-Osborne, W. H. Luck, Lieut.-Col. Locke, T. G. Denson, Col. Noble, Mesdames Boyall, E. Webb, Mutter, and the Misses Donaldson and Fausett-Osborne.

MOTHERS' UNION.

The Deanery Summer Festival will take place on May 13th at Sheerness, service in the Dockyard Church at 3 p.m.; preacher, Archdeacon Gilbertson.