HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, CROCKHAM HILL

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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

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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.

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Sue and Richard Diggory's Farewell picnic on 21 August

Mkwala School in Kongwa

Tanzania

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Both the students sponsored by us have now left St Philips Theological College

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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

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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

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After seven brilliant years in Crockham Hill, Sue retired today, and she and Richard will move to Groombridge on 15th February.

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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

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And then 2 days later, after storm Bella

on 27th December

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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

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With the Coronavirus pandemic sweeping the World, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have directed that all churches shall be closed for public worship.

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This is Annie Blissett's presentation for all mothers in Crockham Hill

 In a wicker teacup - a ‘cuppa for Mum’!

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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Rev. Sue Diggory, Fr. Ben,

and Fr Stephen

are at Edenbridge station putting ash crosses on commuters' foreheads to celebrate the start of Lent.

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A cold and windy morning!

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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

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On 23- 12-18  a packed church heard superb music by candle light.

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Probably the best carol service and homily (See sermons)

A time of peace

19th December 2018

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

Autumn 2018 at Holy Trinity

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Fr. Owen retires from All Saints, New Cross

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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!

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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.

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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