THE VICAR WRITES ...

As I write this, in the middle of May, the campaigns of the 'pro' and 'anti' Common Marketeers are getting into full swing, and persuasive argument is being put forward on both sides. On June 5th comes the Referendum, and we shall have the opportunity to register our votes one way or the other. Such an opportunity is unique in this country, for normally we leave decisions of national policy to our elected Parliament. However, the referendum has been decided upon and each of us has to decide how we are to make use of it. Our Christian faith does not bind us either to vote for or against our staying in the Common Market, but it does bind us, in this as in all matters, to approach the question with prayerfulness. It is with this thought in mind that I offer the following prayer for use at this time:

"We pray Thee, Father that as our nation comes to make its decision at the Referendum, that the minds of all may be enlighted by Thy Holy Spirit to choose what will be best for our country, for Europe, and for all mankind".

The need for regular prayer concerning the affairs of our nation was well brought home in an article by the Archbishop in the March issue of the Canterbury Diocesan Notes. Taking his theme from his Presidential address to the General Synod in February, the Archbishop reminded us of our duty, as Christians, to pray about the affairs of the country to which we belong. Here is just a short quotation from his article.- "Patriotism to the Christian means prayer, constant, deep, and costly . . . 'To bear thy people on their hearts, and love the souls which thou dost love.'"

By the way, do you ever read the Diocesan Notes? Each month a pile of them is put in church at both Hartlip and Stockbury - and each month's end the pile remains! Take one this month, it will help you to keep in touch with what is happening in the rest of the diocese.

Yours sincerely,

NEVILLE BROOK.

IN MEMORIUM
HERBERT AUGER

Hartlip suffered a further loss in April when Herbert Auger died suddenly in hospital. Mr. Auger had lived in the village for most of his life and was well known as a farmer. But he will be remembered most for his generous spirit of service to the community as a whole, for he was connected with practically all aspects of village life.

Mr. Auger served on the Parish Council up to his death, and he had a long connection with the Village Hall Committee, of which he was a former Chairman. In fact, just before his death he had been appointed to rejoin the Hall Committee as the representative of the Cricket Club, but unfortunately was never able to attend a meeting in that capacity. Mention of the Cricket Club will remind villagers of Mr. Auger's long period as Treasurer of the Club, a period stretching over thirty-four years.

Herbert Auger's connection with the Parish Church was long and faithful, and he had been in church on the Sunday morning before his death. In speaking to people who had known him over many years, it ....(cont.)