The Marden Society
The Marden Society was formed in the 1970s in response to concerns about a particular development near the village. After that was successfully resolved the Society has gone on both to represent the views of the village, as far as it is able, and to promote interest in Marden, in Kent and in the countryside in general. In the words of its constitution, the Society exists to:
To these ends the Society has a programme of monthly meetings with guest speakers talking on subjects of interest to members, plus a summer outing usually in June, and also publishes a free bi-monthly newsletter, The Parish Pump. It initiated a project which produced the Village Design Statement, participated in development of the Neighborhood Plan and keeps a general eye on what is happening in terms of planning and development both in the village and the local area.
Meetings are normally held at 7.30 p.m. in the Vestry Hall, unless otherwise advised. There is a raffle, refreshments are provided, and visitors are always welcome.
The 2024 Committee is:
| Chairman: | Steve McArragher 01622 831007 steve.mcarragher@btinternet.com |
| Secretary: | Carol Hogg 01622 832900 carol.hogg@hotmail.com |
| Treasurer: | Mike Lockett 01622 833346 opplock@btinternet.com |
| Membership Sec. | Carol Hogg |
| Committee | Diane Fisher |
| Barbara Dubois | |
| Kim Day |
Membership costs just £5.00 per annum.
For details please email us here: steve.mcarragher@btinternet.com
| Our next meeting is on November 26th about “King Harold’s March to London: the 1066 Harolds Way” by David Clarke. King Harold’s march from London is encapsulated in 1066 Harold’s Way, a 100mile long distance walk from Westminster Abbey to Battle Abbey inspired by King Harold II’ s epic journey to the Battle of Hastings. There can be no more emotive march. The talk traces the route along the Roman road network still being used in 1066, from London to Rochester on Watling Street and then south through Maidstone, Staplehurst and Bodiam. It is a clear route through the daunting Forest of the Andreasweald past castles and battle sites with rivers, streams and valleys to cross, forests to forge and hills to climb and Roman roads, green lanes and ancient foot-paths to walk. Three days of marching, the nights were drawing in, a camp at Rochester, maybe Bodiam too and a final night at Caldbec Hill. This account of King Harold’s march to Hastings will review: Why it all happened and the reasons for the Battle of Hastings. Harold’s Timeline to the Battle of Senlac Hill. Walking 1066 Harold’s Way. Then on 10th December we have an extra meeting, a Christmas Folk Concert. Gavin Atkin and his group will come to entertain us with some old carols and Christmas songs that are known to have been sung or composed in Kent. Further details in the December magazine. Please note that we have changed the time of our talks from evenings to afternoons to try and attract more people, so all further talks will now start at 2.30 p.m. still in the Vestry Hall. If we are not able to get better attendance, we are considering closing the Society next year so as they say, “Use it or Lose it” |