Belfry Notes

The last two weeks have seen great activity. It began with a Quarter Peal before Evensong on Palm Sunday. The next day we had the pleasure of a visit by a party from Lympne. Touches of Plain Bob Minor, Plain Bob Doubles, April Day and Grandsire were all rung—in double quick time, too! - with Hartlip Captain and Vicar both courteously invited to take part. Hartlip Vicar being a Lympne boy and having learned to ring there and Lympne Vicar having been one time Curate in charge of Hartlip, this was a special occasion all round and there was more conversation over tea at the Vicarage before leaving for Upchurch. A double ring by our own band on Easter Day was followed by a series of short rings on Easter Monday by visitors attending the County Association's A.G.M. at Rochester. The next day a young group from Claygate were welcomed for half an hour on their outing to N.E. Kent.

Within our own band we are pleased to record that both Richard and Colin Ford can control a bell and are getting used to "plain hunting@. We also have two very young and keen learners in David Cox (10) and Simon Green (8). Any other enthusiasts, preferably older, will be welcome.

A Child's Prayer from the Lent Display

Lord God, please help the missionaries that travel in other countries like Africa. Please help them on their journeys. Make sure that the ship does not sink. Amen.

(David Buck, aged 8.)

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK - 13th - 18th May

Once again I ask ALL OF YOU to give something towards this great annual effort to help supply equipment and teaching for the backward peoples of the world. This year the parish has a personal link with a Christian Aid scheme through Malcolm and Helen Alexander who are pioneering a new project in Uganda, teaching the local people to grow tea and, as minor crops, ginger and peppers. The money we collect can be ear-marked for this particular project. Here are Some of the ways you can help:-

1. Give direct into one of the LOAF or HAYSTACK COLLECTING BOXES.

2. Come to the BREAD and CHEESE LUNCH at the Vicarage on Wednesday, 15th May.

3. Send something new or second-hand to the CHRISTIAN AID SHOP in Sittingbourne - open now.

Please note. - On Sunday, 19th May, there will be a Youth Service at 6.30 in church. Its theme will be Christian Service. A group from St. Mark's, Gillingham, will be playing and singing.