FROM THE VICAR

My dear People,

You will see that this month's issue carries two photos. This is unusual, but the people concerned are unusual as well. We publish these photos as a small tribute to Mr. Kitchingham and Mr. Bone for their remarkable records of long dedicated service to the Church. Mr. Kitchingham has already resigned as captain of the bellringers and Mr. Bone wishes to resign as organist before the winter begins. Mr. Kitchingham first learned to handle a bell in our tower at the age of 15 and has been ringing ever since. He has been captain for at least three periods, the first being before World War One, when Mr. McMillan was vicar, and has also been vice-captain under three different captains. With these responsibilities has gone a high standard of change ringing and very loyal service, both of which he has tried to pass on to others. Mr. Bone's record of 60 years as a church organist is no less impressive, though it concerns, of course, Rainham as well as Hartlip. It is 20 years since he agreed to "fill in for the time being" here, having already retired as Rainham organist. Sinc then he has played week by week, without fee, with scarcely a Sunday off, and with a youthfulness and zest that have also enabled him to keep abreast of musical developments and to adapt himself to change. These resignations are a challenge to all of us, to see if we are made of the right stuff, to see if we can live up to the high standards set by Mr. Kitchingham and Mr. Bone. I am glad to announce that Mr. C. Mannerings, Senior, has been appointed captain of the ringers. At the moment we have no successor to Mr. Bone. We are delighted, of course, that Mr. Kitchingham well continue to ring and I am sure that Mr. Bone will be found on the organ from time to time.

With your magazine you should also have received a booklet entitled "Drugs and Young People". This is simply a wise precaution. A country community like Hartlip is, I most sincerely hope, unlikely to be affected by this deadly habit. But - forewarned is forearmed. Here is a statement, published by the M.U., and written with acknowledged authority by one who has had several years' experience of treating drug addicts. The best precaution is, of course, a happy home and family life, with the children encouraged to pursue several hobbies. Nevertheless, the drug habit is such a deadly one and the booklet has been so widely acclaimed that the churchwardens and I felt that a copy for each subscriber was thoroughly justified.

I shall hope to write you at least one more letter. My move is unlikely now to be before the end of October.

Your sincere Friend and Vicar,

JOHN GREEN.