Wednesday 24th September 2025

Its not often we can say we achieved something. But yesterday I took five people on the first of our visits to Kent Churches as part of my churchcrawling group.

It is a way to give something back, and to share the knowledge as well as receive the really positive feedback.

For this I chose Ss. Mary and Ethelburga in Lyminge, as it has been a site of worship from before Roman times. And the Romans themselves had a presence here, as a spring is something to be treasured and venerated.

Before then, there were tasks.

Jools had to go to Ashford for a minor procedure, so I had to get her there before half eight.

Between Chez Jelltex and the hospital there is Junction 10 of the M20, where we turn off and above is the roundabout from hell. Its no better since Junction 10A was built either.

So, instead, once we had got through the early rush hour traffic, I went down to Junction 9, doubled back, and then with a simple left turn was on the road to the hospital.

I got Jools there for ten past, so headed back home, through the heavier traffic, and the maze that is Ashford's main road system, that takes you in opposite directions to where you want to go before doubling back.

I got home at then to eight, had breakfast and a brew, and found that all cats were sound asleep.

Even Scully.

Scully's blood sugars were approaching normal, meaning she didn't need all the food put out for breakfast, and after eating slept for four hours at least, no even waking when I came home.

There were jobs to do, books to get out and notes to write.

Scully slept so soundly that I didn't wake her for her +5 blood test, instead waiting for +6 at midday and giving her half a packet of food. Her readings were the lowest we have seen, and showed up green on our spreadsheet.

Amazing.

Then it was out at one, to drive back along the motorway and up the Elham Valley to Lyminge.

I chose this because of the well, which is the source of the Nailbourne, and clearly would have received offerings in pre-history for the locals and Romans. Then there is the remains of Queen Ethelburga's chapel, not outlined in different tarmac on the path leading to the porch, as well as the church itself, its wall containing building material including Roman brick, chalk and flints.

We were to meet in the pub opposite. A situation that came as I arranged the visit. So after parking I walk down the slope, across the street to the pub and order a pint of Gadds #5.

And very nice it was.

I talked to the guy who owned the listed cottage opposite, but had to break off conversation when my group began to arrive.

At quarter to two, we set off to look at the Nailbourne, the well and the water snaking across the meadow, before climbing back up the church.

I pointed out the footprint of the Saxon chapel, and explained how St Ethelburga's remains were found, before going inside.

Having forgotten my notes, I winged it, and explained the different parts of the church, names and significance, and of those details that are missing.

After 50 minutes we were done, so I bid them goodbye, and news from Jools that she has been discharged.

So back to the car, down the valley to Folkestone before retracing my route of the morning, arriving to find Jools waiting outside, reading.

She gets in, and we head home. Talking on the way of our respective news and adventures.

Once home we have a brew and finish off the last four chocolate digestives, before settling down to relax.

I cook lamb chops for dinner, with more creamed spinach and some Spanish rice I found in the depth of the freezer.

It all came together rather well, even if I say so myself.

There was more football through the evening, but more importantly, as Scully's blood sugars had been low during the day, we were advised to check in the evening. Good job we did as they were below 10, and three more hours until nadir.

We fed her and checked the next two hours until her readings had rose at +5. So we could go to bed.

During the night Scully went out hunting, and caught us two mice, showing she is getting back to her old ways as her body recovers.

Not bad for a kitty cat fifteen and a half years old.