Village News
Past and Present

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December 2023 - January 2024

In this issue we hear from The Rectory, learn about A Crafty Afternoon in the Church. and, from Fundridge, about events past and yet to come, receive updates from Forest Church, the Sundridge and Brasted CE Primary School, the Parish Council and the Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Gardening Society plus, of course, dates for your diary!

November 2023

In this issue we learn about new events from Fundridge and The Friends of St Mary’s Sundridge, receive updates from Forest Church, the Sundridge and Brasted CE Primary School, the Parish Council and the Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Gardening Society plus, of course, dates for your diary!

October 2023

In this issue we learn a little of Pat Murch and her life in Sundridge, we hear about the Forest Church and Funstock – Sundridge’s very own music festival – and receive an update from the Friends of St Mary’s. We have reports from Sundridge and Brasted CE Primary School, the Parish Council and the Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Gardening Society plus, of course, dates for your diary!In this issue we hear “From the Rectory”, about the Forest Church summer party and Funstock – Sundridge’s very own music festival, learn about this year’s forthcoming Ride and Stride and receive an update from the Friends of St Mary’s. We have reports from Sundridge and Brasted CE Primary School, the Parish Council, Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Gardening Society and news of the exhibitions at Rochester Cathedral plus, of course, dates for your diary!

September 2023

In this issue we hear “From the Rectory”, about the Forest Church summer party and Funstock – Sundridge’s very own music festival, learn about this year’s forthcoming Ride and Stride and receive an update from the Friends of St Mary’s. We have reports from Sundridge and Brasted CE Primary School, the Parish Council, Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Gardening Society and news of the exhibitions at Rochester Cathedral plus, of course, dates for your diary!

July and August 2023

In this issue we learn about Lynette’s licensing as Priest in Charge of our parish, the Churchyard Angels and the latest event and the forthcoming event from Fundridge. We hear from Forest Church, Sundridge & Brasted CE Primary School, the Parish Council, Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Gardening Society and have news of a new light show at Rochester Cathedral, plus, of course, dates for your diary!

June 2023

In this issue we hear the latest news from Forest Church, Sundridge & Brasted CE Primary School, the Parish Council, and Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Gardening Society. There are wonderful reports and pictures about the contribution made to the Coronation celebrations by the Flower Team, the Bellringers and the Friends of St Mary’s, and, of course, dates for your diary!

May 2023

In this issue we hear from Forest Church, Sundridge & Brasted CE Primary School, the Friends of St Mary’s, the Parish Council and the Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Gardening Society. We have wonderful words and pictures of the Fundridge Easter fun in the sun and, of course, there are dates for your diary.

April 2023

In this issue, we have news of an interim Priest in Charge for Sundridge with Ide Hill and Toys Hill, and Brasted and news from our Bellringers, the latest from Forest Church, the Sundridge & Brasted CE Primary School, the Friends of St Mary’s and the Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Gardening Society. We hear about the Fenland black oak table at Rochester Cathedral, Fundridge events past and those to look forward to and, of course, there are dates for your diary.

March 2023

In this issue, we have news from the Sundridge & Brasted CE Primary School, Rochester Cathedral and the Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Gardening Society. We hear of the next meeting of the Forest Church and an update from the Parish Council including news of the celebrations being arranged for the King’s Coronation and, of course, dates for your diary!

February 2023

In this issue, our hard working PCC brings you up-to-date news following the resignation of Rev Pam Davies, the latest news from Sundridge and Brasted School, an update from the Friends of St Mary’s Church with an invite to attend their AGM (see the dates for your diary section), an invitation from the Gardening Society to renew your membership whilst enjoying a cup of tea and an invitation from Fern and Bob Ogley to a charity dinner. Again, please see the Dates for your Diary section.

December 2022 - January 2023

In this issue we hear of the Remembrance service at St Marys Sundridge, the latest news from Sundridge and Brasted School, and Rochester Cathedral, an update from the Friends of St Marys and the Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Gardening Society, a report from the Parish Council, the reasons everyone should build a hibernaculum and the Fun and Games had by those on Halloween Trick or Treat evening arranged by Fundridge, Sundridge, and, of course, dates for your diary. A huge thank you to all our contributors, our readers and all those who so kindly give of their time and expertise to ensure the Village News is printed and published so regularly. We wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

November 2022

In this issue we hear of the appointment of the new Bishop of Rochester, the forthcoming festivities from Fundridge Sundridge, an update from the Sundridge and Brasted School, the Sundridge with Ide Hill Parish Council and news from Forest Church plus, of course, dates for your diary.

October 2022

It is with immense sadness that we learnt of the death of Her Majesty the Queen. Our thoughts are with His Majesty King Charles III, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and the other family members at this very difficult time. As a nation we have been very privileged to be able to call her our Queen for over 70 years. Together with people from across the world, we are feeling the enormous loss of our Queen, such a magnificent role model, a shining example to us all. Together we will mourn her death and our loss.

September 2022

 In this issue we hear about the fun that was had at Funstock on Coronation Gardens and the Fundridge Boot Fair, plus the fun that was had at Forest Church, the forthcoming Ride and Stride, the two exciting events to be held at Rochester Cathedral and the Sevenoaks Literary Festival. There are updates from Sundridge and Brasted Primary School and the Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Gardening Society and, of course, dates for your diary.In this issue you will find reports on the celebrations during the Jubilee long weekend, including wonderful pictures of the fabulous flower arrangements in the church, the Open Air service at Ide Hill, news from Forest Church, an update from the Parish Council, news from Sundridge & Brasted School and the Ide Hill, Brasted and Sundridge Gardening Society and, of course, dates for your diary.

July and August 2022

In this issue you will find reports on the celebrations during the Jubilee long weekend, including wonderful pictures of the fabulous flower arrangements in the church, the Open Air service at Ide Hill, news from Forest Church, an update from the Parish Council, news from Sundridge & Brasted School and the Ide Hill, Brasted and Sundridge Gardening Society and, of course, dates for your diary.

June 2022

In this edition we celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee throughout the village. We learn more about Forest Church, the exciting forthcoming events from Fundridge and Rochester Cathedral and a trip down memory lane for those of us with long memories. There are reports from the Friends of St Mary’s Church on their visit to Chevening House, Sundridge and Brasted school, the Parish Council, the Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Gardening Society and the wonderful Froglets Open Garden hosted by Fern and Bob Ogley. We hear about John Rutter’s hymn for Ukraine, the ‘Art in June’ exhibition and help for the Ide Hill Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

May 2022

In this edition we hear of the fun had at the Easter Duck Race, the Murder Mystery evening and the upcoming fun to be enjoyed celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee. We learn about the installation of Bishop Jonathan as Bishop of Rochester and the adventures had by the Sundridge and Brasted primary school. There is an introduction to Forest Church, reports from The Friends of St Marys Church, the Brasted, Ide Hill, and Sundridge Gardening Society and the Parish Council and, of course, dates for your diary.

April 2022

In this issue, we hear some thoughts from Tim Edwards and about relief supplies being taken to Ukraine together with a short thoughtful poem, news about Forest Church, updates from the Parish Council and from Fundridge about their ‘Around the World in 80 Minutes’ event and their Quiz night, the latest from Sundridge and Brasted School and advance warning of an Open Garden day at Froglets, recommendations, hints and forthcoming events from the Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Gardening Society and, of course, dates for your diary.

March 2022

In this issue, we find out how to shop for palm crosses, news about the Weekly Lent Group, a forthcoming art event at Rochester Cathedral, surprising advice from the tech- nical help desk, the latest news from Sundridge and Brasted Primary School and the Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Gardening Society, update from the Friends of St Mary’s Church and the Parish Council, the oddities of the English language and a letter from Grandma and, of course, dates for your diary.

February 2022

In this issue, we have thank you notes from Beryl Norman and Jill Johnson, lots of forthcoming events from Fundridge, updates from the Parish Council, the Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Gardening Society and the PCC, news from Sundridge and Brasted School, a little poem that might amuse and even a user manual for a pair of gloves!

December 2021 - January 2022

In this issue, we hear about Revd Tim Edward’s thoughts on Power, a plea for Poinsettia, and offer of help for those parish residents in need. We learn about Gaia at Rochester Cathedral, Half Masts, a touching burial arrangement in the Netherlands and have news from the last two Fundridge events. We have the Church services for the Christmas season and January, updates from the Parish Council, the Friends of St Mary’s, the Sundridge Community Land Trust, the Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Gardening Society, news from Sundridge and Brasted School and, of course, Dates for your Diary.

November 2021

In this issue, Revd Tim Edwards writes, news of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, Parish Council and Friends of St Mary’s updates, a fascinating insight into Red House, Bexleyheath and its garden, The Sevenoaks Music Club attracting international musicians to Sevenoaks for 88 years, Fundridge’s 70s disco and Clothes Edit, an update from the Gardening Society and the Sundridge and Brasted School and, of course, Dates for your Diary.

October 2021

In this issue, Revd Tim Edwards introduces himself, some wonderful pictures from the Harvest Festival, we learn about Fundridge’s Funstock and their forthcoming events, two views from the saddle of this year’s Ride & Stride, news from the school and updates from the Parish Council and the Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Garden Society.

September 2021

 In this issue we bring you a very summery Garden Party, Bob Ogley’s fascinating talk and the Flowers on the Doors, news of events at Rochester Cathedral, an update from Sundridge and Brasted School, a Ride & Stride challenge, forthcomings event from Fundridge, the latest from Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Gardening Society, an update on planning issues from the Parish Council and dates for your diary in the coming months.

July and August 2021

In this issue we bring you flying doves, a graveyard trail, news from Sundridge & Brasted Primary School, a Ride & Stride challenge, dates for your diary, an explanation of cricket and another invitation to participate in flowers-on-the-doors from the Friends of St Mary’s. 

June 2021

In this issue we bring you news about the Dibgate 9 Art Exhibition, news from Sundridge & Brasted Primary School, churchyard musings, liturgical colours and their meanings, plus a few dates for your diary as we gently travel towards a more normal way of life.

May 2021

In this issue we bring you news from Sundridge & Brasted School, glorious pictures of the floral displays at St Mary’s on Easter Sunday, how the village paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh, an update on the Clean Up and Duck Race from Fundridge and church services for the month of May.

April 2021

In this issue we bring you a glimmer of hope as our churches open their doors for services, news from Sundridge & Brasted Primary School, tempting visits to reignite your interest in our recently amalgamated Gardening Society and the Annual Village Spring Clean and Duck Race.

March 2021

In this issue we bring you news from the school as they (hopefully) return to face-to-face teaching, two pleas to support charities, an invitation to join us as we journey through Lent, some ideas for encouraging bees into your garden and a trip down memory lane a mere 10 years ago.

February 2021

In this issue we bring you signs of spring in our village, an impressive report from our local school about how they’re facing the challenges of on-line teaching, a budding lyricist re-writes a well-known song, gardening tips to tempt you outside on warm days, an interesting report from a nature lover and a poetry corner.

December 2020 - January 2021

In this issue we bring you a complicated table of church services to digest due to the uncertainty of the church being open, pictures from our poppy display both inside and outside the church, an urgent plea for anyone with book keeping skills to step forward,

a poignant poem, something to make you laugh and a quiz to frustrate you!

November 2020

In this issue we bring you a full month of services at both churches, good news regarding the Stag Theatre and a sad farewell to the Style Studio in Sundridge. Read about the exciting socially-distanced Harvest service that the school held and how they continue to ensure that learning is fun, plus a few dates for your diary.

October 2020

In this issue we bring you news from Sundridge & Brasted Primary School about how they’re living and learning with the pandemic, a couple of exhibitions to see without leaving your cosy armchair, a charming report using a different mode of transport for the recent Ride & Stride and Harvest pictures from St Mary’s Sundridge.

September 2020

In this issue we bring you a warm welcome to St Mary’s Church Sundridge as we endeavour to provide a weekly service, a few dates for your empty diary, an update from the newly formed Gardening Society, a round-up of the school year from Sundridge and Brasted and details of a Family Fun Day taking place on Coronation Gardens.

July and August 2020

In this issue we bring you Corona cocktails to suit every palate, news from the school, a doggy story of heroism, a tribute to the “Forgotten Army” as we remember the 75th anniversary of VJ Day and a virtual Flower Festival to get you up and about.

June 2020

In this issue we bring you a glimpse into the nation’s most popular purchases during lockdown, news from the school and how the staff, parents and children have adapted to the challenges, news of the Sundridge Village News website, some VE Day local history and what our Community Support Group has been doing.

May 2020

In this issue we bring you a history lesson for some, nostalgia for others as we celebrate VE Day. Unfortunately, our plans for a celebration at St Mary’s Church with the bells ringing and fizz flowing will no longer happen, but the Editorial Team hope this edition gives a flavour of what some of you may remember. In this issue, find out what your Parish Council and volunteers have been doing, an update from the Coronavirus Support Team, rainbows to make you smile and free streaming services to relieve the boredom.

April 2020

In this issue we bring you no dates for your diary for April, a welcome report from the newly-formed Brasted, Ide Hill and Sundridge Gardening Society, news from our local school and a light hearted look at C19, plus news of the local Coronavirus Support Team which is only a phone call away.

March 2020

In this issue we bring you an invitation to join a ‘pop-up’ choir to help celebrate Spring, hear about the Dunkirk spirit in Sundridge on a rainy afternoon, our plans to ‘twin’ our church toilet and how you can help our local school to become a green eco one.

February 2020

In this issue we bring you Christmas in February with pictures from our recent Christmas services, news regarding the amalgamation of the Sundridge & Brasted Horticultural Society with the Ide Hill Gardening Society and a plea for volunteers to take part in the Great British Village Clean-Up.

December 2019 - January 2020

In this issue we bring you all of our Christmas services in the Parish, pictures from our Act of Remembrance service, we proudly present our new facilities in St Mary’s, and ideas for last minute Christmas gifts.

November 2019

In this issue we bring you a perplexing matter in 1894, an update on saving the “Fox & Hounds” pub, pre-Christmas events, the latest news from Sundridge & Brasted School and a hairy experience!

October 2019

In this issue we bring you the highs and the loos – pictures from the roof at Rochester Cathedral and an update on the WaterLoo project here at St Mary’s, news from Sundridge & Brasted school, pleas for jam-making, diary dates to suit all tastes, plus our regular list of church services and an update on the recent Gift Day for the Parish.

September 2019

In this issue we bring you the highs and the loos – pictures from the roof at Rochester Cathedral and an update on the WaterLoo project here at St Mary’s, news from Sundridge & Brasted school, pleas for jam-making, diary dates to suit all tastes, plus our regular list of church services and an update on the recent Gift Day for the Parish.

July and August 2019

In this issue we bring you an end-of-term report from Sundridge & Brasted Primary School, Horticultural outings to tempt you out and about, a plea for any historical photographs of St Mary’s Church, Sundridge and many exciting dates for your diaries. Have a happy summer!

June 2019

In this issue we bring you flowers galore – glorious pictures from the Ide Hill Flower show and from the recently held Flower Workshop in St Mary’s Sundridge, a report from Sundridge & Brasted School and local exhibitions to improve your mind without harming your wallet!

May 2019

In this issue we bring you pictures of Pedro the donkey in his starring role at the Palm Sunday procession, a round-up of a year in the life of the church as we report on the recent Annul Parish Church Meeting, a pat on the back for the litter-pickers and gardening visits to entice you out of your armchair.

April 2019

In this issue we bring you an invitation to tidy up your village, a free flower workshop to learn easy flower arranging, money saving offers if you join the Horticultural Society, read what hymn books are really for and a report from Sundridge & Brasted Primary School.

March 2019

In this issue we bring you a warning to all altar boys, the opportunity to try your hand at flower arranging, a loving tribute from the family of Roley Smith, and lots of dates for your diaries in the forthcoming months.

February 2019

In this issue we bring you pictures of celebrating Christmas at St Mary’s, news from Sundridge & Brasted school, exciting events to tempt you out of your armchair from the Friends of St Mary’s, plus all the parish services for February.

December 2018 - January 2019

In this issue we bring you news of all our Christmas services in the Parish, pictures of our Remembrance poppy display, find out who speaks Arabic, a plea for more flower arrangers to join the team at St Mary’s, plus all the news at Sundridge and Brasted Primary School.

November 2018

In this issue we bring you news about our local pub, an invitation to see the magnificent display of poppies in St Mary’s church, some delightful pictures from the recent Harvest Festival, a report from Sundridge & Brasted school and a dining experience in a prison.

October 2018

In this issue we bring you news from Sundridge & Brasted School as the new term begins, a warning to gardeners if you’re planning on planting bulbs, an enterprising idea to put your unused and unwanted toiletries to good use and a review of the recent live screening of a Shakespeare play at the Stag.

September 2018

In this issue we bring you a selection of photos from the village fete, good news that a new youth football club has begun training in Sundridge, an invitation to everyone to get on their bike and raise money for their local church, what the Bellringers have been up to, a call to all knitters to knit a poppy for Remembrance and an end of term report from Sundridge & Brasted School.

July and August 2018

In this issue we bring you obituaries of two of our much-loved nonagenarian villagers who have sadly died, news from Sundridge & Brasted Primary school, Horticultural outings to tempt you out and about, all the fun of the fair (well, fete) at Bishop’s Mead and an interesting article about a medieval burial ground.

June 2018

In this issue we bring you stunning pictures from the recent Ide Hill Flower Show, explain why Sundridge & Brasted school is swimming in success, a report on the Friends’ recent trip to the Guildhall and exhibitions to tempt you out of your armchair.

May 2018

In this issue we bring you the Easter story from Sundridge and Brasted Primary School, interesting garden visits to tempt you out of your armchair from the Sundridge & Brasted Horticultural Society, an invitation to an art exhibition, what the schoolchildren are actively doing about single use plastic and a full diary of events for the month of May.

April 2018

In this issue we bring you an update on what Sundridge and Brasted Primary School has been doing, an article about the Lent installation at Southwark Cathedral, a report on the recent Annual Church Parochial Meeting, plus a full diary of events for the month of April.

March 2018

In this issue we bring you an invitation to the Women’s World Day of Prayer, news about the 70,273 Project – an ambitious aim to blanket the world in love, information about the forthcoming Sundridge Village fete, plus a full diary of events for the month of March.

February 2018

Wishing you all a Very Happy New Year

December 2017 - January 2018

The editorial team is taking a break over the Christmas period, so this issue covers services and events up to the end of January. As the circulation increases we are looking into the possibility of offering advertising to support local firms and businesses. A lot of people have said that, whilst they enjoy the publication, they miss the advertisers that used to be on the back page of the old-style magazine. Don’t forget that if you have an event to publicise or an article you’d like included in the February edition, please email it to: sundridgevillagenews@gmail.com

November 2017

Thank you for all the positive comments concerning the Village News. Whilst realising that some people prefer to have a paper copy, which we understand, we feel the electronic version is the way to go so if you haven’t already signed up to receive it, please do so at sundridgevillagenews@gmail.com The on-line version has the added attraction of colour images to accompany some of the items.

October 2017

Thank you to everyone who has either signed up electronically or requested to have a paper copy delivered of the Village News. As you can see, the style of the electronic version has changed. We hope you like it. Remember it’s your Village News and if you know of any interesting exhibition to view, book to read, or amusing anecdote to share, please send the information to sundridgevillagenews@gmail.com