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-Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ukrainian people Mothering Sunday
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Remembrance Sunday 2021
In the Porch - Valerie Stringer Wheatsheaf - Min Reynolds In the Porch - Heather Lancaster
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Next to the Altar - Rachel Prime Both sides of screen - Jane Turtle Lectern - Daryl Addiscott
Harvest Flowers - October 2021
Back window ledge - Sue Easton Back Table - Trish Proctor Near the Pulpit - Olga Court
-Octavia Hill window - Annie Blissett Baptismal Font Four window ledges - Judy Newton & Tiffany
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Mkwala School, Kongwa - Water Harvesting System
The cistern was broken and the parishioners of Crockham Hill raised funds to rebuild it, and to sink a borehole so that the school and the surrounding inhabitants would have a constant supply of fresh water.
Sue and Richard Diggory's Farewell picnic on 21 August
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Mkwala School in Kongwa
Tanzania
Both the students sponsored by us have now left St Philips Theological College
Neema Zakayo is serving as a catechist at Pandambili Deanery and may go forwards for ordinatio.
Jeremia Isaka has been allocated a permit to minister in Kongwa prison.
Sheila Burbidge's funeral on 14th April 2021 Flowers arranged by her friends
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Easter flowers at Holy Trinity, Crockham Hill 2021
HRH Prince Philip - Duke of Edinburgh
1921 - 2021
Blessed Jesus,
Lord of Lords and King of Kings,
we give you thanks
for the life of Philip, Duke of Edinburgh .
for the grace and mercy
he received from you,
for his faithful love and support
of Her Majesty, The Queen,
and his service to this nation
at home and abroad.
Enfold him in your everlasting arms
grant him rest
and raise him up at the last
in the company of the saints in light. Amen
We remember, too, the Royal Family in their bereavement.
Sue and Richard Diggory leave the Vicarage for the last time, and are presented with flowers and an album of photographs of their seven years in Crockham Hill.
14 March 2021
Mothering Sunday
Flowers in Church, which is gradually opening up after a year of Lockdown from the Covid-19 pandemic
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The Reverend Ali Cooper was licensed by the Bishop of Rochester at a Zoom service on 3rd March 2021
31st January 2021 Candlemass
Sue Diggory's final service
After seven brilliant years in Crockham Hill, Sue retired today, and she and Richard will move to Groombridge on 15th February.
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic it was a zoom service, and only Sue, Richard and Lorraine Ashley were in the Church.
Lorraine paid a moving tribute to Sue and showed slides of her time in the Village.
Kev Reynolds wrote in the Newsletter:
Both she and Richard will be sorely missed, for individually and as a team they’ve played a major part in the life of the village and the wider community over the past seven years. Their influence extends beyond the boundaries of Crockham Hill, though, as does the love and respect they have earned here.
Holy Trinity flagpole on Christmas Day 2020
And then 2 days later, after storm Bella
on 27th December
Holy Trinity decorated for Christmas 2020
Sadly with the Covid-19 pandemic only a thinly spaced communion can be held on Christmas morning at 8.45am
Day 7 On Horns Hill
Day 5 At Horns Hill
Advent Day 2 In Hilders Lane
Day 3 In Meadow Lane Day 4
Day 6 all the way from the Markham family in Norway
Day 8 In Spout Lane
Day 9 In Westerham
Day 10 In Oakdale Lane Day 11 In Church Lane Day 12 Pre school
Day 13 A local crib in Crockham Hill Day 14 The Vicarage
Day 15 A crib in Belgium
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18 Crib from Upminster
Day 19 Crib at Hever
Day 20 Crib - 3 days to go
Day 20
Advent in Crockham Hill Advent Day 1 In Froghole Lane
Mary and Joseph are looking
for somewhere to stay each night........
The 2020 Christmas tree in the Village Garden
25th December In Holy Trinity
Mary and Joseph as they journey round Crockham Hill and beyond looking for somewhere to sleep and have their baby - Jesus.
Wildflower seeding in October 2020 in Andrewsfield, just south of the Churchyard, and indigenous hedge planting in November, including filling gaps in the extended churchyard where some had died of drought.
Confirmation
Julie Eyles with Bishop Simon after her confirmation on Sunday 4th October at an evening service at Tonbridge Parish Church
2020 Harvest Festival
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the display of fresh products, the size of the congregation, and the flower arrangers were limited.
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Felicity Gladstone wins National competition
Her winning watercolour showed the simple pleasure of sharing a cuppa with a friend in the garden.
The Grow Old Disgracefully Art Prize was launched this summer with the theme of ‘Happy Times’, inviting people over the age of 90 to pick up a paintbrush, pen or charcoal to enjoy creating a picture of what they recognise as happy moments.
The competition received many entries ranging from watercolour and oils to collages using natural foliage, and was judged by the acclaimed artist Adrienne Parker, the editor of The Artist magazine Sally Bulgin, and actress Dame Judi Dench.
Dame Judi said: “Picking a winner was not an easy task, but I loved the humour of Felicity’s painting, the two ladies enjoying a cup of tea in the garden with the mobility scooter parked on the path and the Zimmer frame in the corner while the dog is asleep under the table. A lovely painting capturing the essence of the times we are now living in.”
Graduation at St Philips Theological College, Kongwa
Naeema Zakayo was one of two students sponsored by a member of the congregation and by the PCC of Holy Trinity, Crockham Hill
Virtual Service during the covid-19 pandemic On 7th June 2020 at least 57 attended via Zoom
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8 May 2020 VE 75 in Crockham Hill
Celebrating seventy five years since he end of the 2nd World War, and continuing to maintain 2 metre social distancing.
During Coronavirus Lockdown in April 2020 Crockham Hill School may be closed, but Collective Worship is still taking place. Holly and Sophie leading from their home, using lecterns made by dad!
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Easter trees in Crockham Hill 2020
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Palm Sunday Crosses on doors in Crockham Hill 2019
Mothering Sunday 22 March 2020
With the Coronavirus pandemic sweeping the World, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have directed that all churches shall be closed for public worship.
This is Annie Blissett's presentation for all mothers in Crockham Hill
In a wicker teacup - a ‘cuppa for Mum’!
And above are Sue Diggory's photos of
Holy Trinity, taken after she had celebrated a lonely Mother's Day service.
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Hot Pot Supper 2020
Held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 25th February
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Drought in Mpwapwa
In January Bishop Jacob and Mpwapwa Diocese thanked Rochester for the gift to alleviate the impact of the drought. Bishop Jacob is using the funds – just over £5,000 - to give 2 bags of maize (sweetcorn) seed to each of the 150 Pastors and 600 Catechists across the Diocese.
Two bags is sufficient seed to plant an acre of maize. As this year’s harvest was so poor, many have had to eat the maize that should have been set aside to plant for this year’s harvest.
Right of rood screen Candles on window shelf North window Left of of Rood screen
Under the pulpit Lectern position Back pew table Octavia Hill window
Flowers for Christmas 2019
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In the Entrance Porch
In the Entrance Porch
Nave from Font flowers
Toy Service on Advent Sunday 1st December 2019 Back at the Vicarage - Oakdale Lane
All the way from Texas At the Maples at Marlpit Hill Back at Oakdale Lane In the Ridgeway
To look after them!
At pre school for the night On Oakdale Lane In Spout Lane Hilders Lane
Sat 7th Sleeping in Spout Lane. Westerham Tunbridge Wells Marlpit Hill New Road
Mary and Joseph travel towards Bethlehem via Crockham Hill; They spend each night during Advent in a different house.
The first stays are at the bottom; the most recent at the top
Night one with Sienna and Rafferty 2 in Acorn Class 3. Sleeping at the Christmas party
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Messy Church on 17th November 2019
Lots of sheep fun with the Good Shepherd was attended by 21 children and 17 adults
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Remembrance
Sunday 2019
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Drought in Mpwapwa in Tanzania
These photos of the pupils of Mkwala School (linked with Crockham Hill School) show the effect of the drought on the harvest.
The shortage of seed, and its high cost disaffecting their ability to plant next season's seed.
Donations are urgently needed.
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Messy Church on 13th October 2019
After days of rain in Crockham Hill, it was time to find out how Noah coped!
Harvest Festival 8th October 2019
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Deanery Orchard Village Tea party Sunday 14th July
Crockham Hill Community Interest Company purchased a redundant area of land, and have made a wild flower orchard with apple, pear, plum, and cherry trees for the benefit of the Crockham Hill community.
Stephen Barbor preached on 14th July 2019
on the Good Samaritan, and described with photos what we are doing to support our link parish in Kongwa - both church, school and community projects.
Messy BBQ
The last Messy Church of the season held on 30th June 2019 outside the School Hall
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Trip to Kongwa May 2019 Stephen and Silvie Barbor met the ladies in Kongwa, say their chicken project, met Jeremiak and Neena the students studying at St Philip’s Theological College who are sponsored by Crockham Hill Parish and a congregation member.
Mkwala School May 2019 Showing the some of the desks donated The Copier donated by Crockham Hill School
by Crockham Hill School. They still need more as some
of the children have to write sitting on the floor.
Simon Burton-Jones Bishop of Tonbridge
preaches on Trinity Sunday on 16 June 2019
He presented a certificate signed by Bishop Jacob and Bishop James celebrating the union
between the dioceses of Mpwapwa and Rochester, and the link between St Michael's at Kongwa and Holy Trinity at Crockham Hill.
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The annual Rogation Ramble
19th May 2019
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The annual Rogation Ramble might have been a bit short in numbers this year, but everyone enjoyed the walk which linked Obriss Farm, Toys Hill and Chartwell, arriving back in the churchyard for endless cups of tea and cake. Many thanks to Min for leading the walk, and to those who provided the refreshments.
Easter Sunday 21 April 2019
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Messy
Lent
24/03/19
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Anthony
Anthony Shipwright licensed by the Bishop of Tonbridge on 11th March 2019 as a youth worker throughout Rochester
Ash Wednesday 6th March 2019
'
Rev. Sue Diggory, Fr. Ben,
and Fr Stephen
are at Edenbridge station putting ash crosses on commuters' foreheads to celebrate the start of Lent.
A cold and windy morning!
and new banners in Holy Trinity for the Ash Wednesday School service
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A packed annual Hot Pot supper on Shove Tuesday in the Village Hall - 5/3/2019
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Superb Ball on 2nd March 2019 in Village Hall
in aid of CH School and Mkwala School in Kongwa
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Messy Church
celebrates Candlemas
on 27th January 2019
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School collective Worship on 9th January 2019
Crockham Hill School Banners - Archdeacon Julie blessed the new banners that reflect the school values of Respect, Aspiration, Resilience and Empathy. Money given to the School from last years fete help to make this possible.
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Service of nine lessons and Carols
On 23- 12-18 a packed church heard superb music by candle light.
Probably the best carol service and homily (See sermons)
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A time of peace
19th December 2018
Light in the darkness - a little Advent quiet in the church
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Todler Time in Church for the first time on 11th December 2018
19 in Sienna’s homemade shelter 20 At the Goodman's
16 At the Browns 17 In Froghole Lane 18 At School
13 In a Dolls House 14 - Sleeping at School 15 -Friday with the Banks Family
10 - Sunday night in Marl Pit Hill 11 -Overnight in Deanery Road 12 - Sleeping with the ducks
7 - Mary & Joseph find some new friends 8 - Sunday in Dairy Lane 9 -Overnight in Evie's Dolls House
Mary and Joseph rest each night during Advent 2018, as they travel through Crockham Hill towards their stable in Bethlehem
4 - Ready for the night at the Martin’s 5 - At Greentrees 6 -Teddies keeping them company in Deanery Rd
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Day 1 in Spout Lane 2 - Spending the night with Aneira, Ethni and friends 3 - at Woodmote
Christening on 18th November
of Milly Rose Damodaran
Holy Trinity was packed with godparents, friends and relatives for a loving and enthusiastic service, followed by a delicious lunch in the Village Hall.
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11th November 2018
Crockham Hill commemorates 100 years since the end of World War One
There was a packed service in Holy Trinity at 11.00am, when the names of the fallen of both World Wars were read, as well as the biographies of those who fell between 1914 and 1918.
At 7.00pm after prayers, the Crockham Hill beacon was lit , accompanying beacons all over the United Kingdom
Crockham Hill School commemorates 100 years since the end of World War One
On Friday 9th November 2018 the School children attended a moving service to remember those in Crockham Hill, and the rest of the country, who gave their lives
Commemorating 100 years
since the end of the 1914-18 war - 11 November 2018
Four of those, who lived in Crockham Hill, and gave their lives for their Country.
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Rhys Evans George Tillyard David Boyle Evan Evans
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Confirmation on 4th November 2018
Sarah Gibson,
Leah Loughlin,
Mollie Banks,
Max Aylward,
and Ruby Aylward
were all confirmed
by the Bishop of Tonbridge
at Hildenborough
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Autumn 2018 at Holy Trinity
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Fr. Owen retires from All Saints, New Cross
On 28th October 2018 Fr. Owen Beament retired after an amazing 44 years as priest of All Saints.
About 25 parishioners from Edenbridge and Crockham Hill attended a completely packed church for his last service celebrating their patronal festival. The Band of the Princess of Wales Regiment entertained us during and after the service.
Fr Owen has been a wonderful and inspiring friend not only to his parishioners, but to all in Edenbridge and Crockham Hill.
He will remain Vicar of Millwall Football Club!
Photographed 21st October by Richard Diggory
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-Lorries repaired!
A happy Bishop Jacob!
We were sent photos of the three repaired vehicles after funds were raised in the Crockham Hill Village Hall last May.
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The Chicken Project
The chicken project is run from Hope’s yard. It started with 14 women contributing 14 chickens and 20 chickens given by Crockham Hill. Sadly some died due to disease, but they still have 25 chickens, kept to provide eggs. 30 eggs sell for Tsh 15,000 (around £3). Hope also has 3 adult pigs. Piglets sell for Tsh 60,000 (approx. £20) and an adult sells for Tsh 500,000.
Stephen and Silvie Barbor passed over £135 gift from the women of Crockham Hill for the women’s group which they rounded up to Tsh 400,000, for which the ladies and Rev Canon Luzineth were very grateful
Rebuilding St Michael's Church, Kongwa
The church leaders and congregation have achieved this through fundraising projects and the work of their hands!
The next stage is to put in wrought-iron windows and also plant a hedge to stop cattle getting too close to the church! Each window will cost Tsh 400,000 and there are 20!
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Jeremiah Isaka and Neema Zakayo whose training as priests at St Philip's Theological College, near Kongwa is sponsored by the parish of Crockham Hill
Stephen and Silvie Barbor returned from Kongwa in Tanzania on 4th October. They stayed at St Philips Theological College, and
we took the opportunity to see the students sponsored through the Diocesan partnership. They wrote"We met Jeremiah. He has a wife, Lozina, and three children, Uster 13, George 10 and Sipha 4. They will be joining him next year, but for this first year he is living in the men’s dormitory. He is so grateful for the opportunity that Crockham Hill is giving him.
"We had the pleasure of meeting Neema whilst at St Philip’s. She was close to tears and jumped up and down with excitement when she heard that we were from Rochester Diocese and brought greetings from her sponsor. She is a very enthusiastic and able student who is doing really well in her course. She told us her heart is to share the Word of God with others. The unmarried men live in dormitories, but the single ladies live in these small round homes, with a living area including a desk and chair and a bedroom curtained off.
Neema comes from Kibaigwa in Mpwapwa Diocese, where she has a mother and father (Olivia and Stephen) and has 4 sisters and 1 brother"
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Harvest Thanksgiving 7th October 2018
We were joined by our friends from All Saint's New Cross
led by Fr. Owen, and Silvie and Stephen Barbor, who described what life was like in Tanzania, after their recent trip to our links in Kongwa - St Michael's Church, Mkwala School, and the women's chicken project
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