ROUND THE SOCIETIES

Young Wives' Fellowship

The Young Wives greatly enjoyed a visit to Maidstone Telephone Exchange arranged for us by Mr. Noble. In spite of the difficulties caused by extensive rebuilding all the people we spoke to were enthusiastic about their work, and very helpful in discussing some of the difficulties that we experience. We were entertained to refreshments afterwards.

On 19th March Mr. Baldwin spoke to us about the history of Hartlip and gave us a comprehensive background to the village as it is today. It was interesting, among other things, to know that polecats and badgers were once in the district, and that Queen Down Warren owes its name to Queen Eleanor.

Future meetings include a lecture on Flower Arrangement on 16th April and a visit to a small pottery at Yelsted on 7th May.

J.V.M.

Women's Institute

Mr. Gipson showed slides and talked about "Kentish Byeways" and helped us to realise what charm and beauty there is in our neighbourhood. Mrs. A. Hawkins proposed the vote of thanks. Mrs. M. Killpartrick was warmly welcomed as a new member. A Get-Well card was signed by all present and sent to Miss Danby in hospital.

Mrs. S. Macklen was thanked for holding the Wine and Cheese evening at Stepp House and for making it such a pleasant occasion. The competition for a set of doll's clothes was won by Mrs. E. Rowland who knitted a ski outfit.

Next meeting - April 9th, Miss Holmwood, of the Women's Advisory Council on Solid Fuel, "Food for Thought" (Illustrated). April 25th - Course of Continental Cookery. Non-members welcomed.

N.M.

7.40 Group

On March 8th we heard Rev. W. M. Bradshaw speak on the Oberammagau Passion Play. His basic material was some wonderful slides but his presentation was enhanced greatly by his own deep feeling for the greatest event in history. On 15th Mr. Tom Gifford spoke on the work of the Simon Community. The Community workers spend their time living with the down-and-outs, drug addicts and the like, at their level; they dress similarly, eat the same food, sleep in the same places. Their aim is to help these people "bear their crosses", not directly to rehabilitate them socially or to preach Christianity, though this is a Christian-founded body. The Simons are there to provide LTC (love and tender care) for these often inadequate people who have opted out of society. Details of a Youth Service at Maidstone in aid of Simon work are in the church porch.

D.I.F.

Cricket Club

The Club is awakening, the A.G.M. having re-elected all last season's officers. Thanks to Mr. Ken Stevens' sheep the ground has lost its autumn growth and awaits the first of the weekly working-parties on Friday evening, 5th April. New players would be welcome, also an umpire and a scorer. The club will be "At Home" to Vice-Presidents in June.

J.H.G-W.G.