FROM THE VICARAGE STUDY

My dear People,

We welcome into our village this month our new Headmaster and his family, Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Ford, and David, Richard, Colin and Alison, all of whom are in their teens. They move into School House on September 8th and will, I hope, very soon feel part of our community. Mr. Ford has come from the position of Acting Head of St. Botolph's C.E. School, Northfleet, where there is also a close link between church and school. So he comes to us with no little experience and we wish him a very happy stay in Hartlip. Still on the subject of the school, I should add that the Trustees have welcomed two new members in the past year, - Mr. Lawrence (ex-officio, as churchwarden) and Brigadier O. J. R. Orr (by invitation). It seems very appropriate that Brigadier Orr should be a trustee, as he is related by marriage to Mary Gibbon, our, founder, and is the administrator of the Osborne family estate.

Once again St. Michael and All Angels Day is due shortly. It should always be a day of thanksgiving and joyfulness, when we specially remember our church here; also those who have worshipped in it for more than 700 years and have served our community faithfully and in the fear of God, among them, of course, Mary Gibbon. It should therefore be a day of "coming together" in our church. There are, three such opportunities (as, you will see from the Calendar) but I would particularly commend to, you the Confirmation by Bishop Rose, much-respected Assistant Bishop of the Diocese. In the Early Church of the 3rd century the only reason for absence on such an occasion was sickness or old age. I would ask all members of the Church to book the date and time now and be present in a body - to witness and welcome.

Your sincere friend and Vicar,

JOHN GREEN.