NEW ART CLUB FOR CHARLTON CHURCH HALL
An after-school art club for children aged 8-12 will be launched on 30th April 2026. We are delighted to host another community club and wish Rachel Kember well with her new enterprise.


CHARLTON FINE ARTS: ALAN EWING AND HELEN CRAYFORD
We were privileged to host Ewing and Crayford again, with a new programme called The Wanderer. Bringing with them decades of experience on the international stage, the duo held us spellbound with a collection of songs by Schubert and Handel that expressed some of the uncertain and more challenging aspects of life via (in the case of Schubert) poems by Goethe. Alan's use and control of his beautiful 'Rolls Royce' of a voice, his intelligent response to the words, the intensity of his under-stated dramatic presentation and the apparently infinite variety in his vocal colours, combined with Helen's sensitive, hand-in-glove accompaniment ... all made for a memorable recital. A lighter note was struck halfway by a sublime Schubert Impromptu.

CHARLTON FINE ARTS SEASON 03 RESUMED
A brilliant concert by the Ickham Ensemble took place on Sunday, 29th March. The piano trio played works by Arensky, Smetana and Tchaikovsky. Once more, an attentive and enthusiastic audience received the perfomers with rapturous applause - perhaps feeling more as though they had attended a concert at the Wigmore Hall. We're most grateful to the Ickham Ensemble: Kokila Gillett-Khan, Helen Crayford and Anita Strevens. Thanks also to Richard Davies who tended the bar and turned pages, to Michael Parkinson who enrolled some more Champions of Charlton Fine Arts, and to Barbara Bell who slaved in the kitchen. 

CHURCH WORKS!
We're relieved to be able to report that two serious damp problems caused by defective gutters on the church roof have been resolved. It will take a while for the building to dry out, but this is progress. A third problem, affecting the chancel, will be sorted out in the coming months, once the money has been acquired: we hope to succeed in a funding bid. Our thanks go to the Diocese of Canterbury for their generous funding, and to Hipperson Ltd for their excellent and considerate work. 

We are now applying for permission to restore a dilapidated stained glass window above the door to the disused south transept porch (now a cupboard for electrical items0. A fund-raising campaign will begin soon - watch this space.


CHRISTIAN GROSSELFINGER
The Brazilian cellist-guitarist returned to Charlton with his two-person band to present two striking shows: Cello Storm and Epic Scores. With impressive lighting, video and composition, he gave excellent entertainment on each night. 

MUSIC WITH LUNCH
A different style of recital took place on Sunday March 8th, with a beautiful recital for flute, piano and organ by Rebecca Jackson and Spencer Payne. The music was interspersed with courses of a light lunch, the audience sitting at tables to enjoy drinks while they listened. We're most grateful to the musicians who gave such a varied and sparkling programme, and also to Dawn Law and her ever-helpful sister for their wonderful catering. 

CHORAL EVENSONG
Celebrating Revd Melissa's appointment to the post of Town Rector, a beautiful service of choral evensong was held on Sunday, 18th January. The tenor Greg Tassel brought his splendid 30-strong Psalmody Choir to sing the service and they made the building ring. It is hoped that they will return in April. Sincere thanks to Dawn Law and her sister, who worked for hours preparing a sumptuous tea, and to Jill Montgomery and Jackie Cray for their excellent and generously donated cakes. 

EPIPHANY LUNCH
On a cold 4th January, a hot meal was gratefully received by a good number of people in the church hall. Thanks to Jackie Cray, Ann Jenner and Dawn Law for their excellent work!

PANTO AT CHARLTON!
On a bitter day early in January, the professional theatre company LolBear came to Charlton to present their panto, Seven Days to Save Christmas. The show was brilliant and greatly enjoyed by all who attended. We hope LolBear will include Charlton in their tour next year. Thank you, Revd Melissa, for backing the show and thanks to all those who assisted.



MELISSA IS TOWN RECTOR!
The whole Dover Town Benefice (St Andrew's, St Martin's, St Mary's and Charlton) gathered at St Andrew's on Sunday, 23rd November, for the induction of Revd Melissa Carter as Town Rector. Archdeacon Darren Miller presided. The church was cold but the welcome was warm. Dover is fortunate to have Revd Melissa at the helm: her calm, devoted presence is an inspiration to all.


GETTING READY FOR ADVENT
Charlton's beautiful high altar will once again be used at the Midnight Mass. The Christmas trees are in position, ready for the school carol services that we look forward to hosting. 


CHARLTON CHURCH CHRISTMAS FAIR
Thanks to everyone who supported our Christmas fair - or should it be fayre? - stall-holders, bakers, kitchen skivvies and punters, and a special thanks to Rachel Hamlin for bringing her dance troupe, Future Performing Arts to perform at Charlton for the second time (we look forward to their show on December 20th). Also particular thanks to Jill, who came as a customer but slaved in the kitchen for several hours! Thanks as ever to Chris Tyler for organising the stalls and being the maitre d' with his usual benign, unflappable style.

THE MYSTERY SAINT RETURNS...
Mystery saint has had a face lift! This statue of a young-looking disciple received attention from farmer and former A-Level Art student, Robert Attwood. Robert touched up the paintwork to achieve a more realistic appearance. The figure, who appears to be looking up towards Christ on the cross, has been installed in the St Bartholomew Chapel at Charlton Church. It was originally in St Barthomolew's, Charlton's sister church, but came to Charlton along with other significant objects, when that church was demolished in the 1970s.

HERITAGE OPEN DAY
To coincide with the annual sponsored Ride and Stride that raises funds for Kent Churches, Charlton mounted an exhibition on the church's award-winning architect, James Brooks. This influential gothic-revival architect made his name designing a series of beautiful, lofty churches for the East End of London - magnificent churches for deprived areas, using relatively inexpensive materials. Brooks adhered to Anglo-Catholicism and conceived of Charlton with this style of worship in mind. The building amazes all who enter with its simple grandeur and dramatic space. You can see the exhibition using this link.
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGyjzYwim0/UR8RdUveKuvncELiwftUig/edit?utm_content=DAGyjzYwim0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

HARVEST LUNCH
40 people enjoyed a delicious hot lunch to celebrate the Harvest. Thanks to all those who contributed to the success of the day.


CHARLTON FINE ARTS SEASON 03 was launched on Sunday, 7th September, with a delightful recital of vintage cabaret music from America's golden years. Penelope Turner and Helen Crayford returned to Charlton with their brilliant new programme, A Special Relationship, featuring music written by Britten, Weill and Gershwin between the world wars and during WW2. The church was set out and decorated to pick up on this glamorous theme, with gold bunting and drinks at tables. Approximately 50 people atttended, almost all from outside the congregation.


THE CHARLTON SUMMER FAIR was held on July 19th. The whole team pulled together, with help from Benefice friends, and an excellent day was enjoyed by a good number of the public. The addition of the Dover Youth Orchestra and the Future Performing Arts dance troupe, along with Deborah's Medieval dancers, the Melody Makers choir and the church's Worship Band, made for a varied and entertaining afternoon. Thanks to all who worked hard to make this a successful day.

PATRONAL FESTIVAL LUNCH
The 2025 Patronal Lunch was held in the church. A delicious cold collation was served, thanks to Jackie Cray and her helpers.

CHARLTON FINE ARTS
The series has continued with two June concerts: the mellifluous tenor Greg Tassell with pianist Spencer Payne, with Three Coins in the Fountain, a recital of song, and operatic soprano Sophie Radley with organist Richard Davies presenting "Cool Midsummer Classics", favourite songs for soprano voice.

Both concerts were attended by highly appreciative audiences, and brought new faces to Charlton. We're extremely grateful to all our performing artists for being a part of Charlton Fine Arts.

FILM SHOWS
Our excellent Sunday afternoon film shows have continued, with a good range of entertaining films, accompanied by delicious free buffet lunches. Easter Parade and Paint your Wagon are amongst the films shown. Thanks to Chris Tyler for organising these events, to Maggie Tyler for the raffle and to La Salle Verte for providing the food.

TWO ENSEMBLES CONCERT, May 16th
The excellent community choir, Shepway Voices, combined with superb Medway-based saxophone quartet Alright on the Night, to give a most entertaining concert that was much enjoyed. We hope that they will both return before long.

WALTER REITER
On Sunday May 4th, the Charlton Fine Audience was treated to a performance of unaccompanied Bach by one of the foremost Baroque violinists in Europe! Walter Reiter, now living in Folkestone, where he has re-invigorated Folkestone Early Music, held the audience spellbound with his beautiful playing. We are immensely grateful to Walter for his interest in Charlton Fine Arts and hope to host him again before long. Walter enjoyed the acoustic of the church, describing it as 'warm', and he commented that Charlton would be a good church for recording owing to its quiet location.


Charlton is extremely proud to announce that our very own Revd Melissa Carter has successfully completed the London Marathon, which she ran in aid of Guide Dogs. We give her our sincere congratulations on this astonishing feat!




CHARLTON CHRISTMAS FAIR
23rd November

Braving the weather, which kept many people away, the wonderful police cadets arrived at 9am to help setting up. Thanks to all who worked hard to put on the fair and to those who gave their support. From fascinating bric-a-brac, to gorgeous knitted toys, to delicious sweet concoctions and cakes, there was something for everybody. Father and Mrs Christmas (aided by their dog Pixie...or do I mean Trixie) sat enthroned and the Charlton Buds sang as they processed around the decorated church. Hot food was an attraction in the church hall on such a cold, windy day. A few intrepid dog-owners decided to enter the dog show. With at least two other fairs within walking distance, Charlton still managed to put on a good show and raised over £700 for badly-needed church funds.

Thank you to everyone who came to one or both of the concerts at Charlton Church last weekend!

TWO IN ONE was a most enjoyable mix of different types of music, from Elgar to The Beatles. It was good to host David Burridge with the young players of Revelation Strings again, with their beautiful renditions of pieces such as Ladies in Lavender and West Side Story.

And for the first but definitely not the last time (we hope), ALRIGHT ON THE NIGHT, a superb saxophone quartet from Medway, with bass and drums, whose playing really demonstrated the wide range of the saxophone for different genres of music.

Both groups sounded fantastic in the gorgeous acoustic of Charlton Church.

 

CHARLTON FINE ARTS proper presented Richard Davies and the Charlton Church organ with a first-rate recital of music for Advent. That brave little organ filled the church and produced an amazingly wide range of beautiful effects in the hands of an expert, showing its perfect suitability to the repertoire Richard had chosen. Charlton Fine Arts thanks Richard for bringing his superb musicianship to Charlton and breathing life into our precious 1870 Bevington organ.

As promised, the candles flickered as darkness fell, and most people lingered afterwards for mulled wine and mince pies.

 

CHARLTON FINE ARTS will be back on March 9th, 2025, with the Orsay Ensemble, for Brahms and Dvorak! Save the date.

NEW GROUP MEETING
Exploring Faith Group at the St Andrew's vicarage on
Mondays 7pm-8:30pm. Everyone is welcome to come to
explore and share our faith together. No problem if you can’t make every
week, join when you can if you’d like to. Please pop Melissa a message on 07825 910116 (cards with my contact details
available in church) if you’re coming –
Rev Melissa.
[This group will resume after Christmas.]

HIGH TEA AND SING-ALONG AT CURZON COMMUNITY HALL

On October 20th, a luxurious High Tea was served by the Charlton social committee at Curzon Community Hall, accompanied by a highy enjoyable sing-song with the Charlton Buds under the enthusiastic leadership of Chris Tyler. Attendance was excellent and the event raised important funds for the hall. Thanks to the dedicated team who produced mouth-watering food and did all the skivvying.

HARVEST LUNCH

A fine harvest lunch was served to about 40 people, prepared by Jackie Cray and her team. Revd Melissa started proceedings with a prayer of thanks. The guests tucked into ploughman's lunch and fruit crumble. Afterwards, many people stayed to watch Oklahoma, a film selected by Chris Tyler. It was excellent to welcome many people who are not congregation members but value the social contact they have through these church events. Thanks to all those who put on such a lovely occasion.

Charlton Fine Arts, 6th October 2024

Superb international bass, Alan Ewing, and virtuosic pianist Helen Crayford, honoured Charlton with a wonderful recital of songs for the bass voice. This duo was perfectly matched and complimented each other's skill and musicality. The church resounded with Ewing's magnificent voice as he gave most expressive interpretations of his beautifully chosen programme, which ranged from Handel, through Brahms and Ibert to Stanford, Ireland and  Tchaikovsky. Crayford delighted us with two delicately delivered Debussy pieces. With Ewing's delightful introductions, which gave rise to much laughter, and the world-class performance given, it was altogether a highly enjoyable afternoon that the audience was privileged to be part of.

Heritage Open Day & Ride and Stride

On Saturday, 14th September 2024, the church was visited by numerous sportily-clad people engaged in the sponsored 'Ride and Stride' around churches. The sponsorship proceeds were to be equally divided between a chosen church and The Friends of Kent Churches. This awards grants to Kent churches to help preserve them.

Conveniently, the date coincided with Dover's Heritage Open Day and this presented an opportunity to display some charming and fascinating old pictures of the previous Charlton Church on the river. Along with this, we mounted a small exhibition about Charlton's famous priest, sometimes called a martyr of the Anglo-Catholic movement, Rev. Sidney Faithorn Green (see Our History) and the brilliant Albert Mummery, 'the father of modern mountaineering', who is commemorated in the churchyard.

Fascinating snippets from late 19th century and early 20th century newspapers gave glimpses of Charlton life, in particular the continual work of parishioners to raise funds for the church and support the local community. The names Green and Cobbe recurred many times, showing that the families of the Charlton clergy were fully involved in this ceaseless philanthropic work. Rev. William Beresford Cobbe was Green's assistant priest for many years.

We thank Paul Wells of the Dover Society for his excellent organisation of the Heritage Open Day. Thanks also to Marianna Lorenc, historian at Woodhouse in Co. Waterford, Ireland (connected with Charlton via Mrs Jane Selina Beresford Cobbe) for kindly researching references to Charlton in newspapers of the period.

This photograph shows on the right the window dedicated to Mr Lawrence, who had been Charlton's choirmaster and headmaster of the Charlton boys' school for 40 years. The decision to raise subscriptions for this window was made at a meeting chaired by Rev. Green in 1909.

THANKS TO CHRIS AND MAGGIE TYLER FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL BINGO EVENING

30 people attended the latest Bingo evening, which was run very professionally as ever by Chris and Maggie Tyler.  The Raffle proved popular and a very pleasant evening was enjoyed by all.

ARCHDEACON EXITS

Archdeacon Darren Miller officiated for the last time at Charlton, having stood in on numerous occasions over the past months.We are very grateful for his friendship and support and for the energy and positivity that he has brought with him.

CHORAL EVENSONG 14th July

We were delighted to welcome the Thanet Chamber Choir to Charlton with their director Greg Tassell and organist-pianist Petra Hadjuchova, to sing a choral evensong - a welcoming service for Revd Melissa as she begins her ministry at Charlton. This beautiful afternoon service gives time and space for quiet contemplation as the day draws to a close. The service was officiated by Revd Melissa herself.

The service was preceded by tea, kindly provided by parishioners. With the choir stalls finally restored to their intended position, the true beauty of the church was revealed. The sonorous introit, Bruckner's 'Locus Iste', sung at the back of the church, provided a moving start to the service. Stanford's lovely Evening Service in G followed, with a superb treble solo effortlessly sung. The lyrical Cantique de Jean Racine was the anthem, accompanied on the piano. The service was altogether a memorable occasion.

CHARLTON CHURCH CELEBRATES 130 YEARS

On Saturday, July 13^th, Charlton Church threw open its doors again for a splendid Community Open Day. This year we were celebrating 130 years since the present Charlton Church was consecrated. A delicious celebratory cake made by Vanes Bakery was cut by Revd Melissa. We were entertained by the choir of Charlton C-of-E Primary School, Charlton’s own Worship Band and the Melody Makers choir. On the big screen, innumerable pictures of past events and excellent shots of the church were shown, while punters young and old tried their hands at the tombola, shove ha’penny, beeswax candle rolling, the coconut shy, doughnut bobbing and other games. An excellent barbeque was on the go all day, and the cake stall did excellent trade. Face-painting was available, also a toy stall and displays by Dover Beekeepers’ Association, Dover Disability Association and the Prospect Corner Community Allotment. A display of choice produce was brought by Astley Avenue Allotment. For the writer, the highlight was the dog show: fourteen doggies, ranging from tiny puppies to a Doberman, came to compete for prizes – a lot of fun was had by all. Sincere thanks to the Police Cadets who assisted ably throughout the day, and to all the exceptional Charlton team who contributed their time, talents and resources to make the day a success. Gratitude also to members of other Benefice churches who gave of their time and energy, including Jon Eddolls who took these excellent photographs.

A NEW LOGO FOR CHARLTON CHURCH

We are most grateful to Stefan Setchell for designing our new logo. It combines our Charlton dove with a message about Charlton's role in the community and words chosen by Revd Melissa. This attractive and meaningful logo is brightening up Charlton Church and will no doubt inspire us to sustain and extend our activities in the community and in the church. Stefan is proving invaluable to us, producing publicity material of a very high standard which helps us to advertise our special events and concerts. Thank you, Stefan.

Charlton Church Hall is pleased to host this excellent movement class for children up to the age of 4! To join, see the details below.



Revd Melissa Carter is licensed at Charlton!

On the evening of Wednesday, June 19^th, a large congregation assembled to witness and participate in the licensing of Revd Melissa Carter. Archdeacon Darren Miller officiated and a bevy of priests and lay leaders was in atttendance for this important occasion. Benefice Churchwardens processed also with their staves. Hymns chosen by Melissa were led by Charlton’s Alistair Mackie and John Feasey from St Martin’s, the church where Melissa has been primarily employed for the past few years. The sun shone and lovely Charlton Church looked at its best, providing a dramatic setting, with the beautiful rainbow colours of the stained glass reflected onto the stone. Guide-dog Taylor behaved immaculately. Sacristan Jackie Cray and her team had worked hard to create a spacious and attractive seating area at the west end, where a sumptuous feast was laid out, provided by volunteers. There were numerous people from across the Dover Town Benefice present, and the evening was a good opportunity to socialise in a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere. This was a highly significant day for Charlton Church of course, and we look forward very much to supporting Revd Melissa in her work for years to come.

DOVER YOUTH ORCHESTRA ARRIVES!
We are delighted to announce that the Dover Youth Orchestra has chosen Charlton Church Hall as their new rehearsal venue. With space to expand and a good acoustic, the hall is making a good rehearsal venue. It was wonderful on Saturday June 15th to hear the building resounding to their music. Thanks to the delightful Angelika Ciesielska for bringing her merry troupe to Charlton. We look forward to forging a close connection with them and supporting their work for a long time to come.
Now at Charlton!



THE LIGHTER SIDE OF WEILL with PENELOPE TURNER (mezzo soprano) and HELEN CRAYFORD (piano)
 
On Sunday 5^th May, an audience of about 60 was treated to a performance that would have earned accolades in the West End or Broadway.
 
The superb duo performed music of Kurt Weill and his contemporaries (1920s -1950s) with enormous skill and panache. Crayford’s technical virtuosity and Turner’s compelling voice and dramatic skill made this a thrilling show that commanded one’s attention from start to finish.
 
Cheers rang out after their first number, Cabaret, and often thereafter. Mack the Knife, September and Youkali were perhaps the most familiar to the audience, but less known numbers  - for example, Tell me the Truth about Love (Auden/Britten) and Hotel (Apollinaire/Poulenc) were greeted enthusiastically.  Crayford’s spectacular solo items, The Man I Love, I Got Rhythm and Tango Ballade, gave us the chance to enjoy the piano at its best, with lid raised, and to appreciate her astonishing skill as a performer. It was hard to believe that the duo had rehearsed for the first time only the day before.
 
The audience were welcomed with a drink to take to their tables (Charlton Church was temporarily transformed into a Continental cafe or nightclub, with red and white check table cloths, fresh flowers on the tables and atmospheric lighting). The era was set by a few well-chosen props: a Tiffany lamp and a fern on an elegant stand. Into this convivial atmosphere, the two glamorous performers, suitably attired for the 1920s, sequins and feathers included, brought an air of sophistication that transported us to a different time and place.  Refreshments followed the performance and people stayed for at least another hour to enjoy each other’s company.
 
Enormous thanks to Penelope and Helen for coming to perform in the Charlton Fine Arts Series, to Penelope’s husband James, to Chris and Maggie Tyler and to Shane and Vicki, for their stalwart support. Thanks also to Jonathan Eddolls from St Mary’s Church for taking photographs and to Simon Partridge of Dover Community Radio for attending and interviewing Penelope.
 
THE CHARLTON FINE ARTS SERIES WILL BE BACK IN THE AUTUMN with more wonderful concerts. WATCH THIS SPACE!

 


COME AND SING CONCERT
On Saturday 20^th April, 35 singers assembled to sing Stainer’s famous work, The Crucifixion, and Handel’s coronation anthem, Zadok the Priest. Under the expert guidance of Rupert Preston Bell (director of Cambridge Renaissance Voices), visiting from Tunbridge Wells where he conducts the parish choir and the King Charles Singers, and superbly accompanied on the organ by Richard Davies, formerly head of music at Dover Grammar School for Boys, a group of people, many of whom had not met before, became a choir during the afternoon rehearsal. Friends old and new enjoyed tea, kindly prepared and served by Jackie Cray, assisted by Sean. The bass and tenor solo parts were beautifully sung by Keith Bryant and Greg Tassell. We are most grateful to Rupert, Richard, Keith and Greg for lending us their time and expertise, to make this a successful and enjoyable occasion. After the concert there was time for more socialising with refreshments. Thanks to everyone who assisted on the day.

DELIGHTFUL FILM SHOW WITH SUMPTUOUS BUFFET LUNCH 
On Friday 19^th April, we were welcomed to the church hall for a showing of the wonderful classic, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, starring the beautiful Audrey Hepburn and the suave George Peppard. A delicious buffet lunch was served, courtesy of the Dover Town Council. It was a most enjoyable afternoon. Thanks to Chris Tyler for organising this community event, and to Sean for serving the refreshments.

130 YEARS SINCE CHARLTON'S CONSECRATION
On Sunday 17^th March, we were privileged to welcome Rose, the Bishop of Dover, to officiate and preach at Charlton Church. Excellent music was provided by Charles Spanner and his Dover Community Youth Choir. By coincidence, Charlton was celebrating 130 years since the consecration of the new church. After the service, Bishop Rose joined the congregation for coffee, at which a splendid cake made by Vanes was ceremonially cut.

BENEFICE LENTEN TALKS

Four lay leaders of the Benefice spoke and took questions about their lives and faith journeys. The evening was compered by Revd Melissa, and delicious refreshments were laid on by our Sacristan, Jackie Cray, and Server, Sue Jarrold. Thanks to everyone who contributed to a very interesting and pleasant occasion.

KENT POLICE MALE VOICE CHOIR

This superb choir made a return visit to Charlton Church and gave a most entertaining performance to an audience of about 80. The programme demonstrated the great skill and versatility of this professional-standard choir under the expert direction of Martin Rendle. The choir enjoyed singing in the excellent acoustic of Charlton Church and everyone tucked into refreshments during the interval. The evening finished with some hilarious audience participation in the performance of “A Policeman’s Life is not a Happy One.”

DEAL MUSIC AND ARTS VISIT
A large party of primary school children visited Charlton Church to hear a superb brass ensemble from a London music college. The children were clearly fascinated by the instruments and highly entertained by the performances. Gone are the days of subsidised music lessons that gave incomparable opportunities to children in the state sector and supplied our county youth orchestras, conservatoires and professional orchestras with much bright young British talent. So the chance to watch and hear live music is even more important than it was, giving inspiration to the young.  Charlton is very happy to play its part in this and we hope that Deal Music and Arts will return soon.

VALENTINE QUIZ EVENING
On Friday, 9^th February, a goodly gathering in the church hall enjoyed a special Valentine’s quiz evening. Five teams competed: from St Andrew’s (Andy’s), and representing Charlton, the Best of Buddies, took on Foxy Ladies, East Kent Kittens and the Medway Wheelers. The Foxy Ladies struggled to contain their hilarity, while after an encouraging start, Andy’s fell behind and the Best of Buddies, their morale propped, perhaps illegally, by a mascot in the form of dog Trixie, strode on to victory. Delicious pancakes made by Thelma and served by Grace and Jackie were enjoyed in the interval. Expertly selected questions were delivered with style and good humour by quiz master Chris, and a raffle was organised by Maggie. Many thanks to everyone for an excellent evening. Watch this space for the next quiz date!
 

BUBBLE CHURCH SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH!
 
Ten children and their parents were welcomed to the Charlton Church Hall on the afternoon of 28^th January, for a great treat – an introduction to church for little ones.
 
The dedicated team led by Rev. Melissa told Bible Stories with wonderful fluffy puppets, and there were prayers and music. Delicious cakes had been made and were enthusiastically consumed.  Taking place on the 4^th Sunday of each month, Bubble Church promises to be one of the loveliest and most enjoyable events offered by Charlton Church.

Delicious Epiphany Lunch!

BENEFICE SERVICE AT THE MARINA CURVE, 17TH SEPTEMBER 2023        "Christ our Anchor"

REV ANGIE
Charlton Church said a sad farewell in August to Rev Angie Stupple who has been our focal minister for some time. Angie left to develop her new role of Spiritual Care Chaplain at the Pilgrims' Hospice in Canterbury and to spend more time with her family in Ireland. We are extremely grateful that we benefited from her care and spiritual guidance, her excellent preaching and her ready smile, and wish her every happiness as she pursues her path.



VISIT OF BISHOP ROSE
 
On Tuesday, 23^rd May, 2023, Charlton Church was delighted to host the Bishop of Dover, Rose Hudson-Wilkin, in the Church Hall, as part of her official visitation of the Dover Deanery.
 
We were treated to a fascinating talk from the Bishop, largely focused on her own life and spiritual journey.  She talked openly about her family background and touched on the subject of discrimination.  The Bishop also mentioned the challenges she faced as Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons.
 
Questions were taken from the floor and the lasting impression was of the strength of Rose’s religious certainties.
 
We were very grateful to the Bishop for her visit and thought-provoking words.


CHARLTON CHURCH OPEN DAY