Church of England in rural Kent: forthcoming events at Smarden Parish Church

One-Day Holiday Club

Where: St Michael Smarden
When: Wednesday 25th August 10-12

For primary-school age children from Biddenden and Smarden. Application forms from Alex Bienfait, or download here.

Sponsored cycle

When: Saturday, 11th September
Where: all over Kent

Family fundraising cycle ride from church to church, with refreshments along the way. The proceeds to towards supporting the maintenance of old churches throughout Kent. Half the money raised goes to churches named by the participants, the remainder to a grant fund administered by the Friends of Kent Churches. You may cycle, walk or run in your effort to visit as many churches as possible in a day. Contact Kate Whapham on 01580 291587 if wanting to take part in Biddenden, or David King (01233 770400) or Hugh Perrott (01233 770429) in Smarden.

Pet Service

Where: St Michael Smarden and All Saints Biddenden
When: Sunday, 12th September

In celebration of the UN "Year of Biodiversity", bring your pets the family service at 9.30 (St Michael) or 11.00 (All Saints). All welcome from stick insects to water snails, dogs, chickens or donkeys. We will hold the service outside if the weather allows.

Concert: "Sing Joyfully"

Where: St Michael Smarden
When: Saturday, 18th September at 7.30pm

A concert of favourite English church music from the 16th century to the present day including works by Byrd, Purcell and Parry, sung by the choir of the Royal Church of St Alfege, Greenwich. Entry free, with retiring collection to be shared between St Michael and St Alfege.

Pastoral Team Open Evening

Where: Smarden Charter Hall
When: Wednesday, 29th September at 8pm

Biddenden and Smarden parish churches have arranged an open evening on the theme Care of the Aged. There will be speakers from Ashford Care Navigator Service and East Kent Coastal PCT. All welcome, for more details contact the rector, or phone Pearl Anderson on 01622 890043.

Men's Breakfast

When: Saturday, 16th September 8.00-10.30am
Where: Chart Hills Golf Club, Biddenden

On the theme of 'The Spiritual Man', the guest speaker will be Steve Coneys, Team Rector of Whitstable and Vicar of St Alphege Seasalter. Cost £12, or £10 for early bird booking before 1st September. This event is organised by the 4-Dens (churches of Bethersden, High Halden, Smarden and Biddenden), more information from Simon Foulkes (01233 820266) or Alex Bienfait (01580 291454).