"The Vicarage,"
Hartlip
22nd April, 1946.

My dear Friends,

This is the last day of the Easter Holidays - I do hope those who were able to get away for a short holiday have had an enjoyable and happy time. This first Peace-time Easter has been a glorious one - the blossom in full bloom, and the weather marvellous - experts tell us we have had more sunshine this April than for the past fifty years.

In our own little Church there were masses of glorious flowers; I have never seen the Church looking more beautiful than it did for Easter Sunday - it was grand to see the result of such care and attention.

All the Services on Easter Day - 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 noon, and 6.30 p.m., were well attended - they were all very happy Services. So they should be. Easter Day is the most important day in the year - the continual annual reminder "That Goodness rules over the whole universe" - a continual reminder "That when we bury our dead, it is in the sure and certain hope of a Resurrection to Eternal Life."

Those who crucified Him thought it was the end, but we who follow, know it was just the beginning.

The Services throughout Lent and during Holy Week were fairly well attended, and we are very grateful to the augmented choir of ladies, men and boys for the very hard work they put in during Lent, ready for the Good Friday and Easter Day music - "Thank You" all.

Now another word about our Churchyard. I mentioned this in the April magazine. In this issue of the magazine you will find an envelope marked "Urgent Appeal." Will you make use of this - put in all you can afford, and then add a little extra as a "Thank You" offering.

Although the churchyard has been put in order it will take a year or two of very hard work and much expense to bring it back to pre-war standard, and that is our aim. So remember that no appeal has been made for over five years and give generously and quickly.

The magazine goes into print too soon for me to give the names of the New P.C.C., but I should like to take this opportunity of saying "Thank You" to all those who have served so well in the past, and a "Welcome" to the newly appointed members for 1946.

By the time you receive this magazine we hope to be settled in the Vicarage; at time of writing this we are just waiting for the final touches particulary for the electrician to finish his work. As you all know, the Vicarage was in army occupation for more than five years - and what a mess and what damage was left behind - the Military authorities compensated to the extent of £590; this to cover all outside work, including new gates, etc., smashed by big lorries. The internal cost alone will be well over £600; as the difference must be found by the Incumbent, please don't expect to see new shining gates at the entrance to the Vicarage for some time to come.