VICAR'S LETTER.

MY DEAR PEOPLE,

The month of May will be memorable for the Coronation of His Majesty King George the VI. and his gracious consort Queen Elizabeth. The weather disappointed us, but in spite of the heavy rain everyone seemed very happy. We realised the advantage of having a spacious Village Hall, where the children had tea first of all, and were presented each with a mug as a souvenir of the day, and where afterwards the adults sat down to a hearty meal.

All were sorry the fancy dress parade had to be abandoned, but the costumes were judged in the schoolroom, and Mrs. R. G. E. Locke presented the winners' prizes after the tea.

At night the rain did not daunt us, and following a first-rate firework display, the huge bonfire was lit, and right royally it flared away.

The village was most gaily decorated, and for the first time we had floodlighting here when Pope's Hall, the XVth century residence of Mr. S. Wakeley, with its beautiful garden, was all lit up and made a most charming picture.

On the following Monday the postponed children's competitions had to be held in the Hall, because it rained once more. The youngsters were regaled with cake and lemonade, and had a happy time. Mrs. Locke again presented the prizes. It remains for the Committee to settle if the adult sports can still be held. Our Coronation Committee are to be congratulated on the way they carried out their plans.

Turning to the religious side there were special services at the Church on the Sunday preceding the great day. Large congregations attended both morning and evening. The latter service was very solemn, and all present joined in the great act of dedication of themselves with their King to the Service of God and of their fellow subjects of our Empire.

On the Coronation Day the service was held in a packed church at 10.30 a.m. At 11 o'clock the service from Westminster Abbey was relayed to the Church, by the kindness of our organist, Mr. H. Grensted. Very impressive was this service, and one could not but notice that a loud speaker in our Church seemed to possess a resonance that is lacking in an ordinary room, whereas the Church building provided just the right atmosphere for a reverent listening in. I am grateful to Mr. Grensted and the Choir for all their musical help, and to the Bellringers who sounded their merry peals from the Church tower.

Thus a notable event in history has come gone. Long may its true significance, be remembered by us. God preserve our Country and Empire in peace and prosperity, and as a people may we be worthy of God's blessing.

Your sincerely,

CECIL G. MUTTER

SUNDAY SCHOOL.

We hope to have the Sunday School Summer Outing on July 1st, at Sheerness. The Women's Fellowship are not joining with the children this year, but intend having their outing later and going to Eastbourne. This would make too tiring a journey for our little folk as well as increasing the expense so we look forward to a happy time by the seaside nearer at home. It is some years since our scholars went to Sheerness. The Vicar would be grateful for donations towards the Sunday School Fund.

The Rev. T. L. and Mrs. Brooke are coming to reside in Hartlip. He has resigned the Cure at Lower Halstow. Mr. and Mrs. Brooke will be known to many here, and we shall welcome them on their arrival.

G.F.S.

On Trinity Sunday preceding the Evening Service, two of our candidates were admitted by the Vicar as members of the Girls' Friendly Society and Mrs. W. H. Luck as an Associate. Mrs. Luck has given valuable assistance to the local branch for some time.

MOTHERS' UNION.

A party of our members went to the Rural Deanery Festival at Sheerness on May 27th. It was a beautiful day, and they took part in an inspiring service. All were sorry that a sudden illness kept Mrs. Woodcock from the party for she has been one of our most faithful and staunch members.

In August we hope to have the next gathering in Church, followed by a general meeting and tea on the Vicarage lawn.