downsmail.co.uk


Reader honoured after 50 years in the pulpit


AFTER being a regular in the pul- pit atWest Farleigh church, Hugh Grainger is enjoying a well- earned retirement. The lay reader of 50 years took


his first service back in 1967 at Son- ning, near Reading, before moving to Cookham, Berkshire, and then into the parish to take up the post as the director of social services in West Kent. In spite of his busy work life, Mr Grainger – who is now 86 – contin- ued to lead services and preach at All Saints’ Church. His work earned praise from his church colleague, the Reverend Peter Callway who described him as a “very good preacher” who would be missed. Speaking about his time here, he


said: “It’s been a very welcome ex- perience, although on many occa- sions it sent a feeling of sheer panic through me; to stand up in front of 100 people and lead them in wor- ship and to preach to them is defi- nitely stressful. “The words that I spoke needed


to be God’s words, rather than my own, and I can honestly say that He


News Parents-to-be


at the YMCA FOUR-week ante-natal courses are starting at Maidstone YMCA. The courses cost £100 and are held


onMondayevenings at 7.30-9.30pm. They are ideal for anyone in the


28-week plus stage of their preg- nancy.


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Parish date Hugh Grainger (right) receives his honorary title from Rev Peter Callway


never let me down.” Mr Grainger is now enjoying


more time with his family and the garden at his home near Hunton, but before leaving, his ministry through the years was recognised by the church, which has awarded him the honorary title of “reader emeritus”. Rector of the Farleighs united


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benefice, Rev Callway added: “It is very important to have colleagues, like Hugh, to support us in what can be stressful work when we minister and he was a very good preacher. We will miss him very much.” Mr Grainger’s wife, Valeria, who


is the churchwarden, will continue in her role.


CHART Sutton Parish Council meets on Monday, September 11. The meeting, which starts at 7.45pm, will be preceded by a meet- ing of its planning committee at 7.30pm, to which the public are also invited. The meeting is held in the village hall and there will be an op- portunity for parishioners to ask questions.


Apple event


THE doors will be thrown open at Headcorn Church for Apple Day on Saturday, October 14. The day, based around English apples, will include a joint churches autumn fete, from 10.30am.


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