Midshipman on parade
A 19-year-old from Maidstone has celebrated his formal commissioning as a Royal Navy Officer during a parade attended by the Princess Royal. George Hage was one of 154 Officer Cadets taking part in Lord High Admiral’s Divisions at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. To earn his place on the parade ground, Cadet Hage completed an intensive 30-week training course, which included three weeks assigned to the amphibious assault ship HMS Bulwark. The newly appointed midshipman was educated at Maidstone Grammar School and had his introduction to military service there, when he joined the school’s Combined Cadet Corps. He said: “It’s been a very rewarding 30 weeks and a great opportunity. I have met so many great people along the way.” Midshipman Hage will begin his specialist training to qualifying as a warfare officer and can hope to be promoted to sub-lieutenant in about six months.
For details about a career in the Royal Navy, visit www.royalnavy. mod.uk He comes highly recommended as a lively, entertaining speaker so if you are aged 50 plus and have a Thursday afternoon free then why not go and meet the group, have a look at the website www. aylesara.co.uk or ring Wayne on 01622 710734. start, when she demonstrates exercises that can be done while sitting. Plants and cakes: Bearsted District Girlguiding will hold a Plant and Cake Sale at The Guide Land (next to the bowls club on Church Landway) on Saturday, May 14 from 10am-noon. Other attractions include the purchase of biscuits and preserves, Scarecrow competition (themed on the Queen’s 90th birthday), tombola, book and brica-brac stalls plus crafts for young children. Everyone welcome. Plants: The annual plant sale held by St Mary’s Church, Thurnham will take place on Bearsted Green on Saturday May 14 from 8.30am2.30pm. Competitive prices. Cricket: The cricket club’s Sunday XI will play their first home match on May 8 starting at 2pm against Bredgar. The 1st XI will play their first league match away to Plaxtol on Saturday May 7 at 1.30pm while at the same time the 2nd XI will play their first league match at home to Hadlow 2nd XI. Anniversary and Gift Day: The Methodist Church will celebrate its church anniversary and gift day on Sunday, May 8 with a service led by the Rev Bonni-Belle Pickard at 10.30am. Finance and property: The Methodist Church’s finance and property committee will meet at the church on Thursday May 12 at 7.30pm. Church meeting: The parochial church council will meet at Holy Cross Church on Thursday May 12 at 7.30pm. A Taize Service will be held at Holy Cross on Sunday May 8 at 7pm. Fellowship: The Methodist Church Ladies Fellowship will meet at the Church on Tuesday May 10 at 2.30pm. The topic will be one thing to rescue in the event of a fire. Concert: The Chandeliers Drama Group will present a concert of music and entertainment at the mMemorial hall in Manor Rise on Saturday May 14 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £8 (concessions £7) and can be obtained by phoning 07925 092434.