Church of England in rural Kent: archive for All Saints Biddenden

Marsh Warblers Concert and Harvest Supper, 18th October 2008

The Tenterden-based west-gallery choir, the Marsh Warblers, entertained us with songs and storytelling and then joined us for our harvest supper. Soup, home-made bread, cheese and puddings were served on long tables running all the way up the central aisle in a candle-lit church. A memorable experience for everyone.

Biddenden Challenge and Spectacular Day, 27th September 2008

"Did you do it?" and "What was it like?" were the two most commonly asked questions in Biddenden during the week that followed this splendid day. "It", of course, was the Biddenden Challenge, the fundraising abseil down the All Saints Church tower. A 100-foot drop was not enough to put off the 86 participants who together raised about £6,600, to be split between the church and the Walking Bus Charity.

Meanwhile the Biddenden Spectacular was in full swing in the rest of the village. There were vintage cars, a hog roast, steam-driven machines and an apple press, an aerobatic display, dog and horse shows, children's races and other attractions too numerous to list. Below is just a tiny sample: the band Samba Pelo Mar, the tractor rally and a drop-in of five parachutes. Read the full report by Tony Churton.

'Dens Alive' Cluster Praise Service, 21st September 2008

Smarden Charter Hall came alive as the praise band River, pictured, led five congregations in a service of praise and worship. The Anglican congregations of the '4 Dens' cluster joined forces with Smarden's Zion Baptists to pack the hall and praise God together. Best bits? perhaps the youth club poetry, or the energetic children's dance, but best of all of course, the music.

Biddenden Church Fête, 12th July 2008

Held at Field Cottage, Biddenden

A great day where all Biddenden came together to win coconuts, throw tennis balls into a bucket, play countless games, enjoy tea and cake. And yes, the rector really did splat that rat.

Flower Festival, 23-26 May 2008

'What a wonderful world'