Malling

SOUTH MALLING SCHOOL: The school says goodbye to Rosalyn St Pierre, a long-standing governor, currently responsible to the Governors for Safeguarding. She has brought experience as a governor in other schools and a wealth of knowledge as a local councillor, to the governing body, with a dogged commitment to children's welfare. Her political skills of challenging the school and the local authority until she is convinced that the right safeguards are in place set an excellent example to the whole governing body as. Earlier this term, another governor, Matt Kent, resigned reluctantly but through a heavy workload and more responsibility in his day job. Matt has also been an unflinching challenger, with particular responsibility for premises and their safety. Sincere thanks and best wishes to both of them. The school is now considering how to replace or reallocate governors' responsibilities, and what skills the school needs for its governors to face the challenges of the future.

SUSSEX HARMONY: The long-standing and popular West Gallery Quire and Music group which its headquarters in Malling, based in the church, spent last Saturday, as near as possible to July 4, in a Festival of music and song. This is a regular celebration linked to the USA by a focus on shape note singing, the oldest American a Capella harmony tradition. It uses a distinctive shaped notation that makes it particularly easy to learn and is valued for its community spirit. They had a good day, with 45 singers from all over England present — from Oxford to Bristol as well as Lewes, Brighton and London. This is a popular and well-known national/international event which takes place every year. A South Malling member told me they had sung 86 hymns during the day and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

SOUTH MALLING CHURCH: (Trinity at South Malling) welcomes Revd Jules Middleton, a new member of the Trinity team, to lead the Family Service this coming Sunday, The learning activities will be led by Neil Chisnall, the Children Schools and Families Minister, who is well known in local church schools where he takes assemblies. Though the focus is on children, it is extremely enjoyable and adult friendly. Held once a month, it regularly attracts good-sized congregations, both children and adults. When Christian truths are delivered with a focus on children, it is surprising how powerfully the message also speaks to adults. All are welcome, the service begins at 9.30am in St Michael’s Church (at the river end of Church Lane) and lasts about an hour.

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