St Michael and All Angels Parish Magazine 2020-08 Aug Sept issue

Wilmington Parish News August / September 2020 50p

Produced for the people of Wilmington

by St Michael & All Angels Church

Who’s Who at St Michael’s www.stmichaelswilmington.org.uk

Vicar: Revd Carl Chambers

The Vicarage, 1 Curates Walk, Wilmington, DA2 7PU Tel: 01322 634506, e-mail: Vicar.Wilmington@gmail.com Mobile 07368 223743

For enquiries about weddings, baptisms & thanksgivings contact the Parish Office: 288235 Reader: Reader: Pastoral Assistant: Licensed Lay Minister: Parish Administrator: Churchwardens:

Deputy Churchwardens: Safeguarding: Treasurer: Electoral Roll: Organist & Choirmaster: Youth & Children’s Worker: Church Flowers: Parish Archivist: Verger:

Eric Hookins Penny Culliford Chris Hookins Jean Hook Clare Khan Alec Cartwright Tony Bullimore Keith Simons Marc Culliford Marc Culliford Clive Winton Jenny Heathfield Alan Hunt position vacant Maureen Guard Keith Simons Tony Guard

662337 669175 662337 222417 288235 276528 ---224379 07446 111454 07446 111454 01474 704662 272168 527959 ---221553 224379 221553

SERVICES AT ST MICHAEL’S

Because of COVID restrictions, all church services are being held on Zoom. The Zoom meeting ID is in brackets. ALL are welcome. There is no need to show your video.

We hope to be able to invite people to join us in the church building in the autumn. Please contact the church office if you'd like to attend a service.

Sundays 9.30am Focus on the family - especially for children (154 438 102) 10.30am Morning Worship for all ages (925 142 593)

Tuesdays & Thursdays 9.00-9.30am Morning Prayer (493 286 057)

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From the Editor Welcome to our slightly delayed "post-lockdown" issue. We're sorry to have missed the June-July edition, and to be late for this, but very much hope we're back on track for a timely Oct/Nov edition.

A big thank you to the new team (see below) who've helped put this edition together, as well as to those who have distributed it across the parish.

Please be aware that we have yet to work out how we can safely collect subscriptions for this magazine. If you can think of a way for us to receive your dues, we'd love to know!

Editor: Steve Jeffreys Church news: Shirley Wilson & John Smeeth Local news (societies, care homes, Council): Jean Hook Local news (clubs, sports, children): Janice Hennessey Local history: Jenny Chambers Features: Gerard Hennessey Births, deaths, Marriages: Clare Khan (church administrator)

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All articles for inclusion in the October/November issue th should be submitted by 8 September We reserve the right to edit any material submitted by contributors and occasionally to save items for future editions. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editorial team nor can we vouch for the competence of advertisers.

The magazine is published every two months and currently costs £3.00 p.a. which will be collected by your distributor. To order please contact Clare Khan on 01322 288235

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ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS OR EVENT by contacting Clare Khan on the above e-mail ¼ page £32 p.a. ½ page £55 p.a. whole page £100 p.a.

One-off advertisements can be accommodated in the magazine at a pro rata rate. .................................................................................................................................................

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1v7

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From the Vicar We have only missed one edition due to lockdown, but writing this column just as Covid-19 was coming over us in March feels like a very long time ago.

A massive thanks to our new Editor Steve and his team who have each contributed to produce this.

I imagine that few of us will have been unaffected by this pandemic which continues to take so many lives across the world.

We feel a range of emotions as events hit us. Uncertainty. Loss. Grief.

Isolation. Fear. Guilt. Exhaustion. They say that trauma is not the event itself, but how it lands on our lives. We each respond differently to times of crisis: there’s no ‘right way’ or ‘wrong way’. We are all different, with different previous experiences, different support structures (or not) … every individual is important and distinct.

For many, the pandemic has caused us to ask deep questions about life and where we find our security.

Others may have felt serene and secure, but who has never had moments asking “what if?”.

It has been a privilege to listen to a number in Wilmington sharing concerns at this time. I’ve sought then – as I seek now – to point people to the one who is a refuge in times of trouble.

I’m often asked to preach from the 23rd Psalm at funerals, which contains the memorable line: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me”.

When trouble comes, the wise look for and run to safety. The psalmist runs to the LORD, his shepherd. We know him in the person of Jesus. In Jesus, we know safety and security now, and through to eternity. Do be in touch if you’d like to know more.

With love in Christ Jesus, CARL

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Memorial Hall, High Road, Wilmington

All home produced freshly made goods.

EVERY THURSDAY FROM 9.30AM TO 11.30AM Cakes, savouries, preserves, fresh bread, free range eggs, plants, hand-crafted cards and other craft items.

Seasonal fruit and vegetables from home growers and our new partner Stanhill Farm.

Sausages, bacon, ham, and mince.

Refreshments available.

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Especially for young people There is a group which meets on Zoom on Monday evenings, for children in secondary school. As well as chat, there's usually some games and some teaching from the Bible which is interesting and relevant for their age group.

If you know secondary school children who may be interested, please contact Carl Chambers (the Vicar - details on page 2) for more information.

The church has Safeguarding policies in place for all our work, including online with young people.

As a church, we want to do some serious thinking about children's mental health, so would welcome any contact with anyone wanting to talk more.

GENERAL INFORMATION Wilmington Heritage Centre (side of Memorial Hall): open on the 1st Thursday of the month between 9.30 am and 11.30am and on the 2nd Saturday of the month between 10.00am and 12 noon. Contact is Jean Radford on 01322 221056.

Wilmington Parish Council’s office: Oakfield Park Pavilion open between 7.00am and 12 noon on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. E-mail: clerk-wpc@outlook.com, tel. 01322 221149, website www.wilmingtonpckent.uk.

Wilmington Memorial Hall: Bookings can be made by ringing Barbara Harris on 07518 057941 between 9.00 am and 6.00 p.m. or via the Wilmington Parish Council website, clicking on Wilmington Memorial Hall and following instructions.

Wilmington Police & Community Support Officers: For non-urgent crimes ring 101 or e-mail csu.dartford@kent.pnn.police.uk. “Non-urgent” means there is no immediate danger to life, the incident is not in progress and the offender is not nearby.

To report an urgent or life-threatening crime, ring 999.

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Local organizations Wilmington Parochial Charity (WPC) The WPC is a fairly small, local charity which makes grants to parishioners (that is, people living in the parish - you don't have to go to the church) with financial needs, as well as a proportion of its income to support educational needs not provided by the LEA. Its roots are very old. In the past, people have bequeathed funds to provide for those in need in the parish.

When "lockdown" hit, the trustees realized that there may be some in Wilmington who would find life particularly hard. We've been pleased to help a number of new people in these circumstances.

Special thanks goes to Frances, who runs our local Costcutter. We have devised a system whereby those whom we are able to support can receive a credit every fortnight at Costcutter to buy essentials, which the charity then reimburses.

This is a discrete service which has been complemented by St Michael's church providing occasional food parcels too.

Whilst the charity is not large, we take our responsibility of supporting people with particular needs very seriously and are always pleased to hear from people who wonder if they may qualify.

The trustees are: Christine Settle (chair), Revd Carl Chambers (as Vicar), Sheila Kennard, Ann Allen, Tom Maddison & a new appointment of Gordon Raggett (pastor at Wilmington Community church).

The Treasurer is John Beschizza and Secretary, Regina Skinner.

Please contact any trustee if you'd like to know more (details for Carl Chambers are on page 2).

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Lockdown Blooms: An unexpected project Way back in March, just before Lockdown, I was walking our Westie, Robbie, when I saw a clump of Primroses and Herb Robert brightening up the path. It seemed such a symbol of spring, that I took a picture and posted it on Facebook. The response I got was so encouraging that next day, I photographed another wild flower…and so it went on.

As the weeks went by, and spring flowers became more abundant, but the pandemic more worrying, I made a pledge to myself and to my followers on Facebook that I would post a flower every day as long as I could.

Sometimes it was a challenge to identify something new, but I had help from my own flower books, friends’ ideas and a wonderful App which one friend used when I was really baffled.

The comments became more encouraging: people were saying how the daily flower picture was helping them cope with illness, stress and depression, so when I decided (soon after reaching 100 postings in late June) to cease the daily postings, and casually mentioned making a book out of them, the response was such that the home print became a professional print, and my idea of about five copies eventually snowballed into 45! (Now I’m considering another batch, as I have had at least six more requests.) The picture of Burdock on the back cover was one of the last in the book, flowering as it does in early July.

The pleasure I have had from collecting the pictures has been much enhanced by the satisfaction that, although I have been unable to do much of my voluntary work, at least I have brought joy into the lives of others, and celebrated God’s wonderful creation. Each book sale has led to a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society, I felt, the least I could do.

Jean Hook

An example of one of Jean's photos is on the back page of this edition 11

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What's been going on in the life of the church?

On Tuesday 24th March, after leading morning prayers, the vicar locked the church building, following instructions from the Bishop of Rochester not to meet in the church until further notice.

Whilst it may seem that the 'church' (building) was closed, the 'church' (family) was, of course, very much alive and well. Thankfully those who have suffered from the coronavirus have recovered. The greatest challenge - as for so many - has been the lack of physical contact.

Whilst many have enjoyed, for a time, the chance to do a little more work on our gardens, it has been hard to be apart.

Church services quickly moved to 'Zoom', although the learning curve was long and all who have participated have shown great patience at times. It's probably fair to say that there are often more at our regular 10.30am service 'online' than might come on a typical Sunday (though of course we miss the 8.30am and 6.30pm services). The new service, especially aimed at children, has been a great success (9.30am on Sundays, for about 40 minutes).

Meanwhile, Zoom meetings have continued through the week.

There have been several short Bible study groups, which have been stimulating and greatly encouraging - not just in getting to know others better, but also in learning more about God from the Bible.

We've also held a series of Zoom meetings considering who Jesus is and why he came. In an age when we all have so many questions about life and even death, it is good to take time out - and to have the space - to ask them and seek answers from God himself.

The plan is that these meetings (both for enquirers and those who want to learn more) will continue online in the autumn. Please contact the Vicar, Carl Chambers (details on page 2), if you'd like to find out more.

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Surviving Lockdown: Wilmington Parish Council The council has not been idle during Lockdown, despite the restrictions which have of necessity been experienced.

While some activities have had to be put on hold, for example “Singing for the Brain” a very enjoyable activity for those with dementia, and the use of the Pavilion for social functions, care has been taken to try to ensure that residents are kept safe.

Some of you may have passed the “Deep Water” sign near the allotments in Oakfield Park, and wondered what it was - and why it was there. It is fed by a run-off from the nearby A2, so may also be contaminated. When its fence was broken recently, the council reported this to the Highways Agency, but in the meantime attempted to mend it so that dogs and children would not be put at risk.

In accordance with Government guidelines, the children’s play area was kept locked, until those restrictions were lifted a few weeks ago.

However, warning signs about hygiene have been posted, as they have been on the gym equipment outside. A note to those using wipes to sanitise things or themselves: please place them in the bins, as they are not something you would want your dog to ingest, and I have seen many lying around.

At the time of writing, the cricket pitch was being prepared for a restart of play on Sunday 26th July - good news in-deed!

Wilmington Parish Council: Clerk Ian Armit We take this opportunity to begin what will no doubt be a stream (river?) of thanks to Ian Armitt, who is stepping down as Clerk to the Parish Council. More thanks and details to follow, we hope.

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Interview with a local resident I had the pleasure of interviewing Jane Kinderman and her son Ben on how life has been during and post lockdown. For everyone lockdown has proved very challenging but in different ways.

Jane is married to Richard, a director of a local construction company and they are part of St Michael’s church family. When lock down started Ben was in year five at Wilmington Primary school and Jane worked part time in London. Also as a family they were caring , at home, for Richard’s mother , Ruth.

I asked Ben first how lockdown had affected him. He told me how it was depressing as he was unable to see his friends. He also said how he missed his teachers and the work at school. Being home-schooled was very intense and although he had a timetable which included music practice and walking the dog, it just got too much by the end.

For Jane – the home-schooling was very hard as she had to juggle her work demands around Ben. When Jane had her workdays, Ben was bored and lonely. In order to get her work done, Jane would have to get up very early and go to bed late. Thankfully her work were very understanding and flexible.

Caring for an elderly relative is hard enough at the best of times but in the lockdown it was incredibly hard and nerve-wracking. The carers who came into the house had no PPE initially so they had to reduce the visits.

Thankfully though since lockdown has ended Ben has been able to return to school and Jane has been able to resume a more normal work life. Also the carers have been able to resume their duties as they finally received the correct protective equipment.

Jenny Chambers

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Surviving Lockdown: Our Care Homes It will certainly be a matter of pride that our two Care Homes have kept their residents safe from Covid. I have called in each week to both homes with letters for residents, and to have a brief chat about how things have been going.

Staff from Wilmington Manor were unable to comment beyond telling us that their feelings were “positive”, which is great.

Sonya Lodge, the Home very close to St Michael’s, who usually accompany groups of residents to church and Coffee Stop, have described some of their challenges during the last months. Obviously extra cleaning, the wearing of masks and gloves constantly have added to their duties. It has, of course been hard for the residents not to see their families and to be confined to their rooms, but, on the plus side, staff feel that they have become closer to them.

FaceTime and Skype calls have been enjoyed by some, though others have found seeing their loved ones only on a screen difficult to accept. Of course one benefit of coping with difficulties is that there has been added camaraderie among the staff, as well as the satisfaction of a job well done.

At the time of writing (early July), some restrictions have been lifted, and visitors are now able to meet residents in the garden - with Social Distancing, of course. All who live or work in Sonya Lodge are looking forward to allowing family in and having a hug (as of course many of us are), and going out on trips.

I have been asked by the staff of Sonya Lodge to thank everyone in the community for their good wishes, pictures from local children, presents of chocolates and biscuits. These have been much appreciated.

Jean Hook

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Surviving Lockdown: WILMARA WILMARA, which stands for Wilmington Active Retirement Association, meets on the third Friday of the month at the Wilmington Memorial Hall.

Unfortunately due to the Coronavirus we have been in-active since February! There are over 130 members and this has been a big blow for us all as we enjoy so many activities in the Club from Walks, Lunch Club, Indoor Sports Afternoons, Curling, Ten Pin bowling in the winter and Petanque during the Summer months and all have been cancelled! We also like outings and trips to the Theatre so we usually have a busy social calendar. Our first trip can-celled was to Highclere Castle at Easter, now rescheduled for April 2021! Trooping the Colour with HRH Prince Charles taking the salute which we hope to book next year too.

Two evenings at the Orchard Theatre, a boat trip on the river in Maidstone, the Christmas Spectacular Show in Thursford as well as a Warners holiday!

It has been a scary time for our lovely group of members, dealing with the lockdown and not being able to see our loved ones in person apart from telephone calls or someone dropping off food supplies. Many of our members have learnt all about Zoom and FaceTime but some who have not have felt lonely and isolated. Our Chairlady Pauline North and I have spoken on the phone to quite a few members to chat and to see how they are coping; many have been anxious, but had good friends and neighbours checking up on them. We have had a supply of jigsaw puzzles which do the rounds if anyone is interested and we have seen people in person too, usually to give refunds for cancelled events!

Sometimes we see each other in shops or on local walks. On the whole everyone seems to be coping really well and are obviously looking forward to meeting again. Many can remember wearing gas masks or at least seeing them in the 2nd World War and will deal with wearing face masks in shops etc in the same way; it’s something that has to be done and will be dealt with, with patience and understanding!

We all look forward to our WILMARA meetings in the not too distant future; meanwhile everyone stay safe and well!

Tessa Hemsley - WILMARA Secretary 17

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What Happened in Wilmington………

As the lock down eases and pubs are reopening here is a brief history of the pubs that are and were in our village.

The Plough – 1858 The Plough was once the centre for many farmers and farm hands to meet over a pint and lunch. At one time a cobbler’s shop was attached to the pub.

During World War II the shop was used as a fire fighting base.

Many years later, a local barber used to sit in the pub garden before opening time on a Sunday morning and locals could have a ‘short back and sides’ while they waited for the pub to open.

The Plough has seen many landlords and we are delighted to welcome its new landlords – Nicola and Chris and wish them all the best as they take up the reins of The Plough.

The Orange Tree The Orange Tree pub was once the farmhouse of Orange Tree farm which stretched over many acres of land in that area. At one time the saloon bar was a shoe repair shop and one of the front rooms was a post office.

The Foresters The present building was built in 1932 to replace the previous small building. In order to do this, four cottages had to be demolished and the occupants were rehoused in cottages behind. Sadly the pub is now being demolished and turned back into housing.

The Horse and Groom – 1800’s Locally this pub was known as the ‘kicking donkey’ probably because there used to be donkeys that grazed on the heath. It was also one of the jug and bottle pubs, where people could go with their jugs and get them filled to take home probably the forerunner of the Off Licence.

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Jenny Chambers

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CHURCHYARD WORKING PARTY Come and join us on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month between 9:30am and 12.30:pm All Welcome

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REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED

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W H A T N T

Looking back : history of the church and surrounds On this page we will bring you articles looking back at the history of St Michael and All Angels church.

It will also be an opportunity for people who may have an interesting story to tell about the earlier life of the church to have their article published in future issues of the magazine.

The first record of a church on the site is found in the Textus Roffensis, a book completed in the twelfth century by a scribe at Rochester Cathedral and on display in the cathedral crypt.

Some parts of the original Anglo Saxon church exist, the west wall of the nave and parts of the north and south walls. There have been many changes to the structure of the church, the majority during the Victorian era.

On the entrance to the church yard there is a plaque indicating that it is a Commonwealth Graves site. There are twelve graves in the churchyard, eight from the first and four from the second world war, of people who lost their lives and died as a result of their injuries. A book of remembrance is available to see in the church with the names of twenty four people who gave their lives in the Second World War.

Probably the earliest tomb still existing is that of William Hobbs, a London physician, who died in 1685 with an inscription in Latin. Another notable tomb is that of Sir Edward Hulse, Baronet. He was the first physician to his Majesty King George II. The following inscription on his grave reads: "he practised in London for forty years, with reputation and success and retired from business in the latter part of his life and died in 1759 aged 77".

The church and church yard have a rich history that will be explored in following issues.

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Local and friendly service

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PAST EVENTS IN WILMINGTON & DETAILS OF FUTURE EVENTS We have not had many events in Wilmington since the last magazine was published.

We all hope that before too long we will be able to socialise and enjoy meeting our friends and neighbours safely.

In the meantime, at St Michael’s, we have the regular Sunday Service at 10.30am and the Children’s service at 09.30 on Sundays, both on Zoom.

A number of charities have been identified and supported as part of the church’s involvement with those beyond the parish.

In June we had representatives from two of the above charities join our zoom services, Porchlight and Christian Solidarity Worldwide, both giving a ten minute introduction to their charities during the service and then at a session after the service for people who wished to hear more about their work.

Porchlight is a Kent based charity providing support services for the most vulnerable and isolated people in our community.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide work to defend, uphold and promote the right to freedom of religion or belief in many countries.

In July Chris Johnson, a former vicar of St Michaels from 1985 to 1995, and also Archdeacon Andrew Wooding Jones from the Diocese joined our worship as they preached for us (and very encouragingly too, we may add!).

In the months ahead representatives from the other supported charities will be invited to the services. We hope that this will enable our church family to understand and support their work.

We have 3 regular Bible Study Groups and those of us who attend find that we learn a lot about the bible and Christianity and enjoy the Social contact via Zoom. We would be pleased to welcome new people to one of our groups.

If you have an event which you would like to share with others please send details to Clare Khan in the Church Office.

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The Bird Based Rant Look at you all! crowding onto that bird-feeder, haven’t you heard of social distancing out there, in your bird brain world?

Have you no regard for our feelings?

There were 8 of you a few minutes ago, like politicians crowded onto the front bench in the House of Parliament.

Which reminds me.. a parliament what’s all these cosy group names?

Yet more taunts for our locked down souls. a committee, a congregation, a host, a singing, a prayer - so many of us are saying them now. a mural, even a quilt, a hermitage, a museum - we loved to visit those! a kettle, a charm, a host alongside a wedge of cake perhaps, a chattering, a party we’re planning such an exultation even a plump, a parcel and a bouquet we need a horde of treats with an orchestra, a chime and a singing - Why should you have them all?

Need I say more - except the thought’s just occurred.

We gave you these names which you care so little for and even your clever corvids don’t know of this Covid-19.

So carry on soaring above us play in the skies, dawn chorus us.

In your bushes of blissful ignorance you are incredible and wise.

Dee High, April 2020

‘Courtesy Handbooks were designed to educate the nobility. Created and perpetuated as a means of marking out the aristocracy from the less well-bred masses. There were correct terms to address almost everything.’ a parliament: owls, a committee: terns, a congregation: eagles, a host: sparrows, a singing: jays, a prayer: godwits, a mural: buntings, a quilt: eiders, a hermitage: thrushes, a museum: waxwings, a kettle: hawks, a charm: goldfinches, a host: sparrows, a wedge: geese, a chattering: starlings, a party: blue jays, an exultation: skylarks, a plump: geese on water, a parcel: linnets, a bouquet: pheasants, a horde: crows, an orchestra: avocets, a chime: wrens.

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DANCE-A-CISE

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Members of SAIF

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Births, Marriages & Renewals, Deaths The streets were lined ...

Just as Lockdown was descending, the village lost a much loved member. It was the evening of Mother's Day, Sunday 22nd March, that Derek Maidment died, after a protracted illness.

Derek and his wife Marion have lived in Wilmington since the 1960s and been involved in many ways. Although his burial in the grounds of St Michael's was limited - because of government restrictions - to family members only, the depth and breadth of the affection in which Derek was held was shown by dozens of people lining each side of the High Road and Church Hill road as his hearse travelled from The Close to St Michael's.

Renewal of Vows Massive congratulations to Paul and Tracy Holder, who are celebrating their 30th Wedding Anniversary this year, and who are hoping to have a "Renewal of Vows" service in St Michael's in September.

The booking of this was a surprise Christmas present to them from their daughter, Victoria, and her brothers, last year. Little did anyone know about the coronavirus but we hope that won't stop a tremendous celebration of Paul and Tracy's love and marriage.

Let's hope this lab isn't the one where they're making the coronavirus vaccine!

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LOCAL SOCIETIES AND GROUPS St Michael’s Under 5s Playtime: Thurs 9.30am-11am in St Michael’s Parish Centre. Contact: Jean Hook, tel 222417 Toddler Club: Wed 10am, Wilmington Community Church Contact: Nicola Field, tel 226045 St Michael’s Pre-School: Mon-Fri, 9.15am-12.15pm in the Church Hall. Contact : Chantelle Queensbarrows Wilmington Women’s Institute: 2nd Wed, 7.30 pm in the Memorial Hall.

Contact: Mrs Liz Oliver tel 272744 Wilmington Country Market: Every Thursday 9.30am-11.30am in the Memorial Hall.

Joydens Wood Women’s Institute: 3rd Tues, 7.45pm in Joydens Wood Community Centre. Contact: Ms Isabella Smith, tel 557025 Wilmington Society: 4 meetings a year in the Memorial Hall Contact: Mr Colin Verry, tel 292830 Wilmington Active Retirement Association (Wilmara): 3rd Friday, 2pm in the Memorial Hall. Contact 226943 for further information.

Leyton Cross Active Retirement Association: 2nd Thurs at 2pm in Leyton Cross Social Club. Contact: Marilyn Wells tel 863996 Wilmington Axtane Probus: Last Thursday of the month at 12 noon at Swanley Bowls Club. Contact: Mr Phil Burt, tel 274541 Brownies: Tues 6.15pm-7.45pm, St Michael’s Church Hall Beavers: Weds 6.15pm-7.30pm, Scout Hut, Whitehead Close Cubs: Thurs 6.15pm-7.30pm, Scout Hut, Whitehead Close Scouts: Thurs 7.45pm-9.15pm, Scout Hut Whitehead Close Contact: Mark Sears, e-mail: m-sears@sky.com Modern Line Dancing Classes: Wed 1.00pm-2.00 pm in St Michael’s Church Hall.

Contact: Kay Cartwright, tel: 276528 Dartford Bridge Club: Tues at 7.00pm, Wilmington Community Church Hall.

Contact: John Davies, tel 01474 832221 Rotary Club of the North Downs: Thursdays at 7.30, Holiday Inn, Black Prince, Bexley. Contact Bob Phillips 07815 807520 or John Smeeth 07889 137951.

Tuesday Art Group: 9.00am-12.00, Wilmington Memorial Hall. No tuition.

Contact: June Hendry, tel 224292

If you belong to a group in Wilmington for the benefit of local residents, please let the Editor know and we will include it, space permitting.

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REGULAR AT ST MICHAEL'S There is a lot going on at St Michael’s and all are welcome at the following regular events:

COFEE STOP FOR AGES – Tuesdays from 10a.m. to 12 noon. Come along for a cup of coffee or tea, a slice of cake and a chat. We hope to restart this shortly in the main church building.

The following are currently paused pending lifting of COVID restrictions: SCRABBLE GROUP in the Parish Centre on the 3rd Wednesday of each month except July and August. 1.45pm for 2.00 pm start. You don’t have to be an expert to join this friendly group. Cost is £3 which includes tea or coffee and home-made cake. Contact: Valerie Gardiner, 228975.

UNDER 5s PLAYTIME – for small children and their parents/carers on Thursdays between 9.30am and 11am during term times in the Parish Centre. Contact Jean Hook, 222417, for more details HOLIDAY AT HOME – For those who are unable to go away on holiday or who want to join with others for a day of fun, chat, cake, lunch, games etc.

Held four times a year in the Church Hall so enjoy a day out with just a small charge to cover lunch. Transport can usually be arranged for those unable to get there independently. Details and dates will be advertised in the Parish News

CRAFT GROUP – Friendly informal adults only group meets for 2 hours in the Parish Centre once a fortnight at noon (after Coffee Stop). On alternate weeks there is also an evening meeting at 8.00 pm. We meet for a cuppa and a chat about all things craft related so bring your knitting, sewing, painting or any craft you wish to do in the company of others. As dates can vary please contact Helen Winton at helen.winton1@btinternet.com in the first instance.

ST. MICHAEL’S FELLOWSHIP GROUP meets in the Parish Centre at 2.00 pm on the first Wednesday of each month except in August. All are welcome. (It is just possible we can resume this in the autumn).

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A prayer concerning shortness of life from the Book of Common prayer Eternal and loving Lord, teach us to remember that life is short and to seek after heavenly wisdom.

Grant that, though our bodies grow weak, we may increase in spiritual strength; so that, trusting ourselves to your care and mercy, we may accept your will and at the last enter into the joy of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Photo of Greater Burdock, taken by Jean Hook Wilmington July 2020