Newington History Group
Some of the best examples of medieval church graffiti figures in Kent can be seen in Newington Parish Church, but they can be quite difficult to find.
Join members of the village's History Group on Thursday, May 12, when Alan Anstee will take you on a tour of the church and help you identify the different types of graffiti, while Thelma Dudley will explain the history of the church's wall paintings.
Bring a torch and you might spot some previously undiscovered graffiti yourself. The tour starts at 7pm.
Somme Centenary: The centenary of the start of the Battle of the Somme, the most devastating battle of WWI, is on Friday, July 1. Newington lost four men during the period up to Nov 18. They were: Henry Bishenden , Harold Brand, Edgar Hales and James Mannering.
The History Group will be commemorating these men. If you have any personal comments or family connections, please contact thelma@newingtonhistory.co.uk or 01795 842711.
The group organises community events to unearth, preserve and promote the history of the village and its neighbours. Guests (£3) and new members (£15p.a.) are welcome to its monthly meetings.
Newington's Village Festival
The village's annual summer festival will be held on Saturday, July 16, on the school field (noon-7pm).
Every year thousands of people enjoy this family-friendly community event, organised by the parish council and volunteers, in conjunction with Demelza Children's Hospice.
It's now one of the largest festivals of its kind in Swale, but that means it needs a lot of people to help retain its continued success. Contact Tony Mould at tonymould1@sky.com or 07590 464700 to offer your services, or to book a stall or programme advertising.
Among this year's attractions will be a medieval re-enactment camp and fight display, live bands, dance displays, funfair, sideshows and stalls.
The day includes the popular Newington tug-of-war tournament. Entries are open for teams of 8-10 people. Gather together your mates and have some fun taking part. It's free and there's a trophy for the winners.
Richard Thompstone
Space
