Aerial History

finder:-gf<a»v@«t°«°~v

  

The above photograph was lent to Bekesbourne Church during the Flower
Festival, to add to the display on the aerodrome. It shows the airfield as it was
in the mid—1930s. There was clearly a brisk flying service to Bekesbourne, for
the field was listed as ‘Canterbury Aerodrome’ in a Guide published about
the same time as the photograph was taken. We are indebted to Mrs.
Johnston of St. Mary ’s Road for the loan of the picture.

MANSFIELD COURT, BRIDGE

Oh to be in Bridge now that Mansfield’s there!

‘Cos Mansfield means Retirement Homes — d’you know where?
Turn down Riverside Close, you'll soon see —

They’re all in the Common Room drinking tea!

The Warden’s in the Roof Garden tending the flowers;
There’s an Alarm System working twenty—four hours.

In Bridge everyone’s friendly without being bold,

There’s a Super Store founded by that Yachtsman of old.
With three Pubs, two Butchers and Hairdressers near,

A Baker, Newsagent and Tea-house to cheer.

Try a Cream Tea in the garden ’side the River Nail,

Up the road a pleasant Postmaster looks after the Mail.
So when your House and Garden get too much,

- Come and join us — so keep in touch!

Bill Trickett

13

SPCNSCRIEI

 

IN AID OF KENT’S HISTORIC CHURCHES

Last year Kent joined other counties in organising a sponsored bike ride in
aid of our historic churches. The Friends of Kent Churches had never
attempted anything of the kind before and no—on knew what to expect. Two
things happened. Firstly, the truly staggering sum of £44,000 was raised by
the ride. Secondly, and almost equally impressive to everyone who took part,
was the feeling of companionship and involvement which all shared. It was
such a success and enjoyed by so many people that it is to become an annual
event.

If you cycled last year you will be aware of the need to help to preserve the
fabric of Kent’s many lovely churches and chapels. Often, the tiny congregat-
ions simply cannot maintain these buildings unaided. The Bike Ride appeals
to young and old, to people of any denomination or of none, to everybody, in
fact, who enjoys physical exercise especially in good company and in
beautiful countryside, and who wishes to maintain our architectural heritage
intact.

This is how the scheme works: cyclists (or walkers) find people to sponsor
them. On September 6th they set out to visit as many churches as they can
between 10am and 6pm. Half the money raised goes to the Friends of Kent
Churches, who are bearing the expenses and organising the scheme, and half
goes to any church or chapel nominated by the individual cyclist or walker.
Participants can choose any route they like, making it as long or short as they
wish. All the neighbouring counties are also taking part — so county bound-
aries can be ignored.

Cyclists, sponsors, people to man the churches and provide refreshments
for weary participants are all needed. Please join in and help to make Bike
Day 1986 even more successful than it was last year.

Further information and sponsor forms from the Parish Organisers:—

0 Gill Harvey, 6 Bridgeford Way, Bridge (830494)

0 Ann King, 8 Riverside Close, Bridge (830028)

0 Sue Pratt, The Old Vicarage, Patrixbourne (830258)

0 Christine Ash, Parsonage Farm, Bekesbourne (830214).

Bridge Parish Council

The Parish Council met on the 17th July
when first matters discussed revolved
around the Recreation Ground. It was
decided to arrange for the Kent County
Council to cut the perimeter of the ground
and the other parts which their gang mower
cannot reach as these areas, despite treat-

14

ment with weed killer at the end of April,
were very overgrown and untidy. The con-
dition of the two strips of land lying to
either side of the bridge between the Nail-
bourne stream and the footpath in Patrix-
bourne Road was brought to the attention
of the Council by a resident, and they
agreed to get quotations for cleaning up the