Just a Short Blog at the end of 2013

Hi folks,

Just popped up to wish you all a very happy and peaceful 2014 with an image from the spring.

Take care in the coming year.

Best regards, Mike

Maidstone and Aylesford getting back to normal after the Flooding.

Hi folks,

I hope you all had a great Christmas and had a good time. As you have seen on the news the River Medway has had it's fair share of problems over the festive season but now life is starting to get back to normal.

View looking across the river in Maidstone with a blue sky.

Just to show how high the river was, notice the damp brickwork under the bridge.

Down the river in Aylesford everything looks normal.

Walking around the village I spied these two in the garden and took the picture through the wall.

and this miniature handcart close by.

On our walk we ventured close to the river bank and captured the church through the trees.

on the other side of the bridge this cat was taking advantage of the sun whilst laying in the bush.

Finally the bridge after I don't know how many millions of gallons have past through it over the Christmas break and even though it is weak, it survived.

Slowly I am getting stronger as the weeks progress and hopefully the blog will be back to normal in the new year.

Thanks for looking and a Happy New Year to you all.

Best regards, Mike

Merry Christmas

Hi folks,

Sorry I have not been around for a while what with the weather and lots of physiotherapy to help me get my leg better I seem to run out of time and energy each day.  I do daily walks as part of my rehabilitation but I am loath to take a camera out on my own. The latest news is that I should be able to go back to work properly in March although I can do a bit at the moment but have to take it steady.

So all thats left is to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and close with a image to get you all in the spirit.

Best regards, Mike

Last from the TREEmendous Trees

Hi folks,

last of the St Augustine Tree spectacular, I enjoyed taking them.

Another one sponsored by the local Kebab shop, I stumbled across the twinkling effect whilst downloading the images, thanks blogspot.

Churchs' yearly candle.

Boy scouts tree with the knots and the neckerchief around the top and is entitled " This is Knot a Christmas Tree".

Florist tree, decorated by the Church Flower Group.

Local Fishing Clubs contribution.

Finally a miniature box made of icing from the cake decoration tree.

Hope you all enjoyed the Christmas TREEmendous TREEfest, looking forward to next years selection already.

Merry Christmas to you all.

Best regards, Mike

More from St Augustine TREEmendous TREEfest

Hi folks,
back again after a busy week, and a few more from this event.

This tree is decorated by a local cake maker with miniature decorations, this one is of Lily's all done in icing

At the base of the tree two miniature cake made by the same firm.

Really small sandwiches made out of icing hanging on the tree.

To the right of the base the another miniature Christmas cake.

Another local business tree close to my heart at the moment a Physiotherapist, love the skeleton with her calling card..

To add to the tree decorations they displayed a bone pelvis with a bow.

Guess what this tree ornament this  represents, you guessed it an, Optician.

On another tree this one represents a kebab from the local shop.

Royal Navy Benevolent Trust Tree.....

.......with its own Knitted Sailor.

Lastly a lone candle looking towards the Altar.

Just a few more to come, hope this has put you in the Christmas spirit.

Best regards, Mike

Unlocking St Augustine's Secret

Hi folks,

As promised the church certainly had a Christmas secret to display.  One side were trees which were sponsored by local businesses and included some of their wares or at least representations of them as you will see later.  The Lady Chapel side were trees decorated by various groups who use the Church Hall.

This is the first year the event has taken place at the church and was called the "TREEmendous TREEfest" encompassing the children, youth and Business of the Community. The church certainty put on a fantastic display, the tree below was in the entrance and represented Peace in the World.

The tree was decorated by the The Baby Club who meet at the church.

Community trees of some of the childrens' groups.

The Choirs own tree.

Closeup of the music notes in the tree.

Emergency Services, the Gillingham Fire and Ambulance Stations which are situated near by.

The Parents Support Group.

This was entitled The Rose Tree and had Cadbury's Roses Chocolates in the edging colours of the church vestments throughout the year.

This shows the St Augustine Home Group and the Parents Support Group in front of the altar.

The Artistree sponsored by Danecourt Special School.

looking down from the altar at the Sponsorship business trees.

Hope you enjoyed the first installment.

Best regards, Mike

The Secret of St Augustine, Gillingham, Kent

Hi folks,

over the weekend we, that is Sue and I visited this church on the A2 Watling Street, Gillingham which holds a secret that I will reveal later.  Next year celebrates 100 years since the start of its' build.

To the side of the church is the bell situated to the left of the entrance door on quite a low level for a church.

Over the west door is the bust of St Augustine with a carving of the church one side and on the other side an ancient boat which was used to journey across the sea to proclaim the gospel. 

(For our America friends it is pronounced Aug gust tin and not Aug ger steen as in our favourite town in Florida, St Augustine which is spelt the same way). 

Main Altar window,

High above is placed this rail with the figure of Christ flanked by the Virgin Mary and St. John, it looks very impressive with spot lights placed to good effect.

Last one for today and the next blog will reveal the main reason we visited the church. You may get an idea from this last image as the chairs have been stacked up.

Thank for dropping by.

Best regards, Mike