HAYES (KENT) EVENING TOWNSWOMEN'S GUILD

An evening with a difference. Readings, poems, and music interspersed with slides provided the background to Rudyard Kipling's life and his marital family home at Batemans in Burwash, Sussex.

His upbringing in India where he was born was a dominant source of inspiration. After education in England he returned to India and at aged 17 as a young reporter showed great determination to get to the heart of a story.

His first book of fiction was published when aged 22 and from this point his many writings in various forms continued to flow encompassing his great interest in India and the Empire. He returned to England and married and his final home where he settled with his family was Batemans where he lived for 35 years.

He loved England and became one of the gentry and entertained a wide circle of visitors at his home. The house depicts his travels and the spirit of the writer.

From the Just So Stories' How did the Elephant Get His Trunk? You must invite Mr and Mrs Philip Reader to give their interesting illustrated talk.

There is still time to make a reservation for the July 24 Summer Sunday Lunch that is as usual extended to include a family member or friend. Always a popular event.

We will be meeting at Pickhurst Junior School Hall at 7.45pm on Wednesday July 6 when Mr David Wood will be speaking on Chile Land of Contrast.

Come along and enjoy our variety of speakers. A warm welcome awaits any new members to our meetings. If you would like details of our current 2005/6 programme please contact 020 8777 1873.