\
Money is a means to an end. Let the first expression of that end be the
service of God through the medium of his church. Christian stewards help the
church to help them, by setting aside a fixed contribution to the church, so
that it may exercise its stewardship properly as they exercise theirs. Here again
the visitor will be available to help you, although he will not presume to
suggest how much any one family should give.
A Good gifts around us A
There is a strong link, it strikes me, between stewardship and the harvest of
\ the land which is being gathered right now, for despite the extremely heavy
g work-load of the farmer and the thought that must inevitably go into it, the
‘ actual growth is in God’s hands. A successful harvest marks a successful co-
Q operation between God and man, in which man must acknowledge that God
is the prime giver. Through the practice of stewardship this all-important
i liaison is given a wider application as we welcome God into our life, no
matter how removed it is from the world of agriculture.
Put God firmly into your life by putting your life firmly into his hands, by
* accepting him as your God and Father, as the Lord and giver of life, and by
resolving to work in harmony with him and his purposes for the world.
STE WARDSHIP PRA YER
O God, who of thy goodness hast given us so many gifts by
which our lives are enriched, teach us to use them with care
and understanding in faithful stewardship; and, under thy
guidance, to give back to thee such a portion of our time,
talents and wealth as shall be acceptable for thy works;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ERNIE DOWN
ERNEST GEORGE DOWN, M.B.E., died
aged 79 at the Kent & Canterbury Hospital on
Monday 15th September, 1980, after a short
illness.
Affectionately known by his many friends
and aquaintances as Ernie, he will be
remembered hereabouts as ‘a man of the
district’; his record of work for the
community at large, and Bridge in particular,
is quite outstanding. However, perhaps Ernie
would prefer us to remember his as a
Railwayman. This was his life! First with the
“Southern” and then, with the advent of
British Rail, with the Southern Region.
Born at Faversham, the son of a
Policeman, he attended various Schools in the
area, wherever his father was stationed for
the time being. His railway career started at
r Canterbury East Station in the Goods Office,
, and after many different appointments and Wartime Service with the Rail
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network, it ended at Waterloo Station where he was the last man to hold the
rank of Station Master (the appointment is now Area Manager). in January
1963 he was made M.B.E. in recognition of his Services to the Railway
Industry. Referring to his Waterloo days he used to relate with some
satisfaction that he was the last man in the job to he kitted out with “my own
top=-hat and claw-hammer coat — for to greet the Kings, Queens, Princes,
Princesses and Prime Ministers of the World, and to hid them farewell, on
behalf of the Railway, when they left”ll
In retirement Ernie maintained close contact with British Rail events; his
passion was taking trips on the new High Speed Passenger Trains, a transport
innovation established after he retired: sorting out a journey and the
attendant timetable complexities, for those of limited experience, was a
pastime which gave him much pleasure and satisfaction, as did the reunions
organised with former coleagues and associates throughout the region.
in 1966 Mr. & Mrs. Down, who werepprnarried for 54 years, came to live in
Bridge Down. First they created their beautiful garden, then quicldy both
‘oecame involved with the community. Ernie was elected a Parish Councillor
and later took on the job of Clerk to Bridge Parish Council, until lune last
year, having completed some 8 years service; meanwhile he became Hon.
Secretary to the Canterbury Branch of the National Association of Local
Councils. He was elected to the Patrixhourne with. Bridge Parochial Church
Council, was Sidesman at St. Peter’s Church, Bridge and had been Hon.
Auditor to the PC.C. for the three years before his death. He was also an
active member of the l-lorticultural Society.
.. , .4"
These are some of the more formal activities with which he was involieo-1,
between times Ernie Down was always more than willing to lend a hand with
anything; if he could help he would, and he did so.
We shall miss him in this District.
Mr. Down is survived by his widow, Con, to whom we extend our
condolences and sympathy. H.P.M.L.
BREDGE PARENT TEACHER ASS@€L#-ir'l‘l®hl
A U TUMN SALE, October 4th, Bridge Village i-lali, Zpm.
We would welcome all your Nearly New, White Elephant, Outgrown school
uniform, Raffle prizes, plants, and cakes, for our sale. Collections will begin
on Saturday 27th September, or articles can be brought to the village hall on
the morning of the 4th October, or brought to Newsagents during the week.
Watch out for details of our next P.T.A. event in November, our bonfire
party. Thank you for your support, and look forward to seeing you,
Bridget Hawkins, Sec. P. TA.
Bridge Methodist Church Coffe Morning on Tuesday 7th October at 2 Dering
Close, Bridge. Stalls with ideas for Christmas presents, cakes etc. Your
support will be much appreciated. Proceeds will be shared between the East
Kent Hospice and Church Funds.
P. Grant, Chapel Steward
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