WINTHORPE VILLAGE, FOCAL POINT Issue No. 349 December 2009
Ed’s Comments
In support of David Milner’s article, I thought that the following ‘round robin’ email that I recently received might fit the bill?
“Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine.
I got to thinking one day about all those people on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back. From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible.
I cannot count the times I called my sister and said, ‘How about going to lunch in a half hour?' She would gas up and stammer, 'I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast, it looks like rain and my personal favourite: 'It's Monday!
She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together.
We put things off like – “we'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Steve toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet. We'll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college.
When you ask someone ‘How are you?' Do you hear the reply?
When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift ... thrown away. Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over. Show your friends how much you care.
Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of 'I'm going to,' 'I plan on,' and, 'someday when things are settled down a bit.'
When anyone calls my 'seize the moment’ friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you're ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of Rollerblades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord.
When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift ... thrown away. Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.
Or do as David Milner suggests on his page, pour yourself a hot drink (Ed suggests mulled wine??) and read a book for half an hour each day.
Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year
Cliff Newbold
Closing date for the January issue is EARLY – 16th of December
COMMUNITY CENTRE
Christmas Lunch
The Christmas Lunch is at 12.30pm on Monday, 14th December (not the first Monday in the month). The menu is:
Tomato and Basil Soup
or
Fruit Juice
-x-
Roast Turkey with all the Trimmings
or
Roast Beef with Yorkshire Puddings
or
Salmon in Hollandaise Sauce
with
Roast Potatoes and seasonal vegetables
-x-
Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce
or
Raspberry Trifle
-x-
Coffee & After Dinner Mints
Price £8.00 including a glass of wine.
Please ring Jean and Peter Foden to reserve your place and make your choice from the menu, not later than Thursday, 10th December.
Christmas and the New Year are almost upon us. I would like to thank everybody who has used the Centre over the last year. Also, my thanks to the support team who made sure that the Centre is well maintained and managed.
I would like to wish everybody
A happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
Frances Kelly, Chairman
WINTHORPE & DISTRICT W.I.
What a good turn-out for our meeting this month. Mrs. Pat Nelson welcomed members and our guest speaker Mrs. Ann Barnes to the meeting. Mrs. Brenda Tinsley read the minutes and correspondence. Money was collected for our visit to Nottingham for the pantomime in January. There are two spare tickets for this trip if anyone is interested. The cost is twenty three pounds 50p, which includes the bus fare.
Mrs. Nelson then introduced the speaker Mrs. Barnes, who wished to be called Ann. She is a W. I. member of the Lincolnshire Federation. Her talk was ‘Dressing the Victorian Dinner table.’
Three long tables had been arranged along the room and spread with green velvet under cloths and then a silvery white gauze on top. We were asked to imagine that these were sparkling white starched linen & lace, like granny used to have.
Ann then began her magic and produced glass cake stands and vases and bowls, which she transformed into Victorian epergnes with floral arrangements and fruit and sweets. The flowers she used were authentic for the period she was portraying, except as she pointed out oasis would not be used in those days. Peacock feathers were also a favourite with the ladies of those times and were used in flower arrangements.
During her demonstrations she filled us in with lots of information about the Household hierarchy and so we learnt as well as observed. The final arrangement of the night was given to the raffle as a prize and of course everybody wanted to win. What a good speaker as well as a demonstrator Ann is, we all thoroughly enjoyed the night.
Mrs. Daphne Marshall gave the vote of thanks on behalf of members.
The raffle was drawn and Mrs. Pat Nelson was asked to draw the first ticket and lo and behold the number was her own! So guess who went home with the flower arrangement.
Our next meeting is on December 10th at 7-30p.m. in the Village Hall, when we will be having a finger buffet with wine. Members are asked to bring savouries only please. Only one gift per person for exchange, there will be no Pretty Parcel competition this year. Donations in envelopes please, are to go to Newark Hospital towards their own Breast Screening machine. The committee will be providing the entertainment.
On December 3rd we are having our own Carols with Readings in the Village Church at 7-30p.m. Afterwards there will be mince-pies with wine.
December 5th it is the County Carol Service in Southwell Minster at 2 p.m.
Daphne Marshall
GARDEN CLUB
Autumnal colours greeted members of the garden club for their November meeting at the Community Centre with fifty plus shrubs/ plants providing the display. These were brought by Dan O’Neil and Nigel Britton of Southwell Garden Centre. Founded in August 2000, this family run business has made its mark in the horticultural trade of Nottinghamshire.
Dan chose each shrub/plant in turn explaining its planting, pruning and growing conditions with Nigel adding extra comments and tips. Dan told us that it was now time to plant our new shrubs/plants as the soil was still warm and damp. Preparation of the soil was most important as this enables the shrubs/plants to get off to a good start. He recommended the sprinkling of fish, blood and bone fertiliser mixed with the planting soil. He also stressed that it was cheaper to buy bare rooted shrubs as they would perform much better in our gardens. The potted plants had all been field grown and then potted up. This makes the plants cheaper and more bushier. Holly and cotoneasters were recommended as a must for every garden, their berries providing colour and most important, food for the wildlife.
Dan and Nigel reminded me of gardening experts Martin Fish and John Stirland. Every Sunday morning in the 1990’s I would listen to their gardening programme on BBC Radio Nottingham with paper and pencil ready to take notes. This programme is still running.
Maybe Dan and Nigel are looking to the future?
It was an evening enjoyed by all the members.
Our next meeting will be on 20th January, which will be our annual social evening. Will members please remember their food contributions, their own drinks and a pen/pencil.
On behalf of Winthorpe Garden Club - Seasonal Greetings to you all.
Pat Finn.
TUESDAY CLUB
Our only meeting in December will be our Christmas Party on Tuesday, 8th December, at 2.30pm in the Village Hall. Please bring an item of food and a wrapped Christmas parcel (approximately £2-£2.50 in value). We will also have a Christmas card box for cards between members only.
Thank you to members and friends who supported our recent Coffee Morning in aid of the League of Friends of Newark Hospital. A total £164.75 was raised for ongoing projects. It would have been nice to see a few more “fresh faces” to make the total raised even greater!
May we wish all Focal Point readers a very Happy Christmas.
Jean Foden.
THANK YOU
Many thanks to our family and friends for their cards, good wishes, gifts and friendship.
This made our Golden Wedding so very special.
Pat and Barbara.
BRIDGE EVENING
Would anyone be interested in a regular bridge evening to be held at the Village Hall on Monday evenings? It is proposed to start this in January 2010 if enough interest is shown. A basic knowledge of the game would be needed, but it would not be a highly competitive evening, just a friendly get together.
If you are interested, could you please phone me on 677512.
Fiona Wright
THE CHARITY OF THOMAS BREWER
Two years ago we published information on the Charity of Thomas Brewer to inform readers of Focal Point about its history and purpose. Without repeating all the detail that was given then, the Charity was established in 1616 through the will of Thomas Brewer. He was a resident of Winthorpe and bequeathed property and land in the village, the income from which was to be used to relieve persons resident in the village or nearby in conditions of need, hardship or distress. The Charity no longer owns property but it does own a seventeen acre field adjacent to the A46/A1133 roundabout. This is rented out to a farmer. Income for the Charity accrues from this rent and interest from money invested over the years.
The Charity is administered by five Trustees. These are currently the Rev. David Milner, Margaret Wiseman, David Barthorpe, David Hopewell and Peter Foden. There are no officers. The only “post” is that of Correspondent as the point of contact with the Charity Commission.
In addition to submitting annual accounts to the Charity Commission, it has been practice to also present them to the Annual Parish Meeting as a way of informing anyone in the village who might be interested.
The Trustees meet regularly to consider the affairs of the Charity. Our main concern is to ensure that the object of the Charity is achieved. This is not easy for two reasons. Firstly, since the advent of the welfare state, real poverty is thankfully rare. Nevertheless there are cases of hardship if only we can find out where they are. Secondly, the acceptance of charity can be embarrassing for the recipient.
In recent years the practice has been to make Christmas donations to a number of individuals and organizations in the village. In addition, several donations have been given to individuals as the need has occurred at other times. The funds are limited but we would like to know of deserving cases. Residents can help us in this matter by advising us of anyone they feel is in need of financial help. The Trustees have a wide choice in the purpose for which help can be given as long as the need is clear. The aid is not intended for a particular age group. The area of benefit is defined as “the village (i.e.Winthorpe) and nearby”.
The Trustees use their discretion in considering “nearby” situations.
If you would like to suggest someone you feel is deserving of financial help, or you would like more information about the Charity of Thomas Brewer, please contact one of the Trustees. Whilst the names of recipients of donations will never be disclosed we wish to be as open as possible about the affairs of the Charity.
Peter Foden, Correspondent.
Winthorpe Tennis Club
“Thank you”
I would just like to thank everyone who supported our Quiz Night on Sat 17th Oct.
David Barthorpe created a marvelous quiz with hi-tech computer generated scoring. The team leading the quiz altered several times during the evening adding to the excitement. The quiz was finally won by the team “One Short” with members Dave and Fiona Whittingham, Martin Briggs and our very own Sue and Pete Sharp. Well done!!
Thank you to Colin Smith and Greg Marks for helping to set up the hall, Rosanna Marks and Sue Sharp with the cooking, Sarah Smith for assistance with the serving, everyone who generously donated raffle prizes and, of course, for all the people who attended the quiz, especially those that travelled a long distance, and made it such an enjoyable successful evening.
The night raised £299.11 which will be added to the Tennis Club funds in
readiness for any future repairs required to the tennis courts.
Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas from the Tennis Club.
Maureen Smith – Secretary 01636 701205
Winthorpe Bonfire -The Good News
The Youth Club Committee members would like to thank everyone who contributed in making the Village Bonfire a successful event this year. Feedback from attenders was very positive. Many family groups commented about the friendly atmosphere and of the efficient organisation of the event.
Special thanks to Sue and Yvonne, Bob Allen, Chris Perkins and his team, Winthorpe Parish Council, Community Centre trustees, Martin and Jo from the Post Office, Winthorpe School, St Johns Ambulance Brigade, Martin Shapley, Val Marshall, plus his voluntary Youth leaders, our youth club members and their families and finally Lynn, Chris and Phil who are always there to help and support us.
Winthorpe Bonfire-The Bad News-
Firstly ,we are disappointed to report that a considerable amount of waste was dumped at the entrance to the field where the Bonfire was held .Access to the field was totally blocked. Removing all this waste created a considerable amount of additional physical work which was very time consuming. Secondly, someone did put a mattress on the fire, even though we had stated in Focal Point that any metal, including mattresses, was not allowed. Finally, someone put stone slabs within the Bonfire-where is the sense in that?
Our sincere thanks you to all of you who acted responsibly.
Denise Day
Christmas Tree Festival
St Mary Magdalene, Newark
Saturday 5th– Sunday 13th December
WINTHORPE CRICKET CLUB
Due to the closure of the Nelson this year's annual dinner was held at The Inn on the Green Coddington on the 30th October. It was a well attended affair, and the awards went as follows;
• Player's player of the year for his outstanding bowling; Simon Potter
• Club Person of the Year for duties far beyond HER responsibilities Anita Locke: thereby completing the family hat-trick with Baz and Ashley.
• Fielder of the Year for his enthusiasm and consistency to Daniel Marshall
• Batsman of the Year to Paul Matthews
• Bowler of the Year to Simon Potter
• Most Improved Player to Nick Raithby for going from nothing to something resembling a cricketer.
Well done to all.
Another reminder that nets are taking place every other Sunday at the Magnus 11-12 next one being the 13th December at present they are being well attended but please feel free to come and join the fun!
With regards,
Simon
Don’t forget if you would like to find out more about the Club please take a look at the Cricket Club webpage on the Village website and also take a look at our own website on www.winthorpecc.co.uk which has now been bought up to date.
Contact Details
Should you wish to contact the Club please call any of the following or alternatively there is a “Contact the Club” facility on the website.
Simon Potter – 612968 - Paul Matthews – 677769 - Andy Fereday - 678622 - Ashley Locke – 703988
Interesting Cricket Fact:
Steve Waugh made 87 consecutive One Day International appearances for Australia, and was then dropped, only to be replaced by his twin brother Mark Waugh.
YOUTH CLUB
Winthorpe Youth Centre - we meet every Thursday from 7pm -9pm and have been running for many years and I was lucky enough to take over its running last September.
I am Valentine Marshall and work for Nott’s County Council Youth Services. I am a part time qualified youth worker and together with my assistant youth support worker at present Craig Mabbot and Karina Voce who I have on a youth work placement we run the centre. I must also mention Hannah Jorden who is at present on a placement at Harby but will return in the future.
The ethos of the Centre is that the young people who attend the centre are actively involved in all aspects of its running and from a small core of members this has been highly effective. As you will have noticed young peoples attendance has grown and continues to do so.
The Youth Centre is managed by a small number of very dedicated local people. The Centre could not continue to run without their constant support. If you have an interest in becoming involved in the management committee I am sure you would be very welcome. Contact details are available from the Youth Centre so please ask.
So what have we been up to?
Over the last 12 months we have been involved in many things.
10 of the young people attending achieved accredited First Aid Certificates.
6 Completed the first of their Bronze youth achievement challenges.
4 have completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition and are on their way to completing the other elements.
Two teams this year in Shadow.
Shadow is a Notts County Council Youth Service annual event which takes place over night. .5 Young people in each team navigate themselves round areas of Sherwood Forest completing a variety of challenges. Almost 100 teams from not just the youth service competed this year.
Our younger group who entered this year for the first time finished 32nd overall which is a great achievement.
Our team from last year, learning from their experience, finished the competition 2nd overall with 11 points between them and the winners.
The winners were a Duke of Edinburgh team also winning that section.
Winthorpe Youth Centre came 1st in the Youth Service competition which is a magnificent achievement. This group will be invited to a presentation evening in November. I would like to congratulate both teams for their outstanding performance.
We do also have loads of fun too. For 6 weeks Caroline has been doing exciting things in the kitchen. We have Arts and Crafts, Team building games, Discos and T Shirt painting. If meeting your friends chilling out and playing table tennis or pool is your thing, we do that to.
It has been a very good year at Winthorpe Youth Centre why not join us for a great time.
As the Youth Centre moves forward I would be very interested to hear from anyone wishing to be involved. Volunteers are always welcome however little time they have. If you have some time and feel you would like to help in some way just ask at the centre or email me at:- valentine.marshall@nottscc.gov.uk
It is important to note all volunteers will undergo a Notts County Council application process and an enhanced CRB check. This will done be free of charge and is necessary before undertaking work with young people. Youth work training is also availably and encouraged for those of you wishing to become more involved.
Please encourage all young people attending the Youth Centre to share with me and my staff their feeling about the Centre. With their involvement and ideas we can continue to meet their needs and produce an enjoyable experience for all attending.
A big Thank you for your support and involvement
Valentine Marshall, - Worker in Charge for Winthorpe Youth Centre
Craig Mabbott - Youth support worker
MEDICAL WASTE IN THE HOME
People are now living much longer and medical treatments have improved dramatically over the last 50 years. Gone are the days when patients were sent to convalescent homes to recover. Now in many cases after an operation or treatment, you are sent home often within 48 hours. Aftercare is carried out at home with perhaps a daily or weekly visit by a health care professional. Getting older and living longer means we create more waste from our healthcare needs.
So what is medical waste? Medical waste is broadly defined as:- human or animal tissue, bodily fluids, excretions, drugs, swabs, dressings, syringes or any waste from a vets, dentist, gp surgery or hospital. They are categorised into 5 groups A to E. Group A is mainly waste which is generated at a hospital which requires specialist disposal whilst Group D includes disposable bed pans and incontinence pads.
The type of waste generated at home may be from each different category. Dressings are from group A, syringes Group B, Drugs Group D whilst stoma products and incontinence pads are from group E. They all have one thing in common; they all need to be disposed of in the correct manner to ensure no contamination or health risks to any other person.
If you have been into hospital, receive care at home, or have a chronic illness, your health care professional may have told you about the ‘yellow bag collection’. This is a weekly collection for all disposable medical waste from your home. It ensures that this kind of waste is disposed of properly and not put into the green wheelie bin.
It is very easy to set up and reliable. All you do is contact Newark & Sherwood District Council on 01636 655600 and ask to be put onto the ‘yellow bag collection’. A yellow bag and sheet of unique numbered labels will be sent to you along with information on the collection day. All you do is, put the items to be disposed of in the bag, tie the top, place 1 label on the outside of the bag and put outside your door on the appropriate day. This will be collected and a fresh bag left for you. Any syringes must be put into an appropriate box first before placing into the yellow sack.
If you need this service or know of anyone who does, please give us a call and we will be only too happy to help.
Waste Management Team
Winthorpe Line Dancing
I have decided to hang up my boots at the end of December and Joan Lord and Linda Richardson have jointly agreed to take it over. This group was started by Joan Young many years ago in the old Youth Centre, as a way of raising money for the new Community Centre. She came up with the idea when she went on a cruise ship and thought, "I can do that for fun and raise money at the same time!" She bought the CD and the rest is history, as the saying goes. The crockery, cutlery and outside benches, together with help towards the cost of the security system are amongst the items purchased with the funds raised. I took over from Joan many years ago, when Hector first became ill and all our funds have been donated to the Community Centre, with a donation also being given to the Church Bell fund and a nominated charity.
I have enjoyed running the Group and would like to thank everyone who has supported me, especially those who turn up on a regular basis and in all weathers. Long may it continue.
Fiona Wright
Courtesy of Pat Finn - Winthorpe’s involvement in the Civil War.
Letter HILL 39/3
14 March 1646……….
Contents: Earl of Rutland and Edward Lord Montagu to the Speaker of the House of Peers; from Lincoln:-
“The affaires before Newarke (through Gods blessing) goe on well. Colonel) Ledgerds Regiment is come from Yorke to us. The officers and souldiers are all as one man to performe the service they are appointed; full of courage and healthful). Halle the lyne wee hope wilbe finished on Wednesdaie next, and the other wth all possible speed. One of the bridges over Trent against Winthorpe was readie three daies since. The Trent there divides: the other bridge wilbe finished in a day or two. Wee have brought a pinnace musket-proofe wthin half a mile of Newarke wherein are twoe Gunns, and wch will hould 40 Musketeers. The whole Cannon from Yorke is come to Winthorpe. One strong fort is made to secure the bridge, Another is prepareing neerer the enemies great Sconce. The whole Culverings and Morter peeces are come to Balderton and Farnton .... Wee hope in god to loose noe time, nor omitt any opportunity in reduceing Newarke, and to give your Lordshipps a good and speedie accompt thereof.
Post script: The Earle of Dumfermlyn's Regiment of foote is come to
Lt. General) Leslie”.
Signatures: Rutland, Edw Mountagu
H.M.C. 10th Report
Winthorpe Line Dancing
The new season has started well with a good attendance
and as usual lots of fun. If anyone wishes to join us, we meet every Tuesday night at the Community Centre between 7.00pm. and 8.00 p.m.
The cost is £2.00 and the proceeds are all donated to Charity. New members are always welcome and if you have never done any dancing before, don't worry, you will soon pick it up.
Fiona Wright - Spindlewood
NEWARK CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION
WINTHORPE BRANCH
Invites you to a
FESTIVE CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING
at WINTHORPE HOUSE
(By kind permission of Mrs Alison Smith)
On Saturday 05th December, 1030 am – 1200 pm
Come and converse with your constituency MP
Mr Patrick Mercer OBE
Meet our new branch chairman Mr David Lloyd
Cake stall – Gift Stall – Raffle Prizes
(All contributions for the stalls& raffle gratefully received)
£2.00 entrance payable on arrival
A REIGHT NATIVITY STORY AT THE LORD NELSON
It was an evening in December and the snow was starting to fall. In a small town in Yorkshire, Joe the carpenter was a bit worried. He had to go back to his home village of Winthorpe in the far reaches of Nottinghamshire to sign a bit of paperwork there, as they were having a census and Joe’s little lass Mary was heavily pregnant. He’d forgotten to book anywhere to stay, which was maybe a bit silly at this time of the year. Paperwork was the bane of Joe’s life and that was maybe why he’d forgotten to book a room. He’d also forgotten to have his car checked and that was maybe why it wouldn’t start. Joe had then come up with what he thought was a great idea; old Bess the donkey from the paddock. They could ride along the old country roads on her. At first Mary was against the idea but in the end she had to agree because they’d missed the last bus and there were no trains and that paperwork really needed to be done. So, reluctantly, she heaved herself onto Bess’s back and they made their laborious way as it was getting dark and the snow falling hard. Bess wasn’t the most comfortable of rides and Mary kept thinking that maybe the baby would be coming early. Joe was getting a bit nervous about the accommodation and as they went through the villages he noticed the ‘No Vacancies’ signs up at the B&Bs and hotels.
Joe wasn’t overwhelming nervous though, because he knew they’d get a room at The Lord Nelson pub in Winthorpe. Joe and Mary had stayed at there many times when they were courting. It always amazed them how cosy the old pub was with its log fire and a long corridor stretching back miles and how many rooms there seemed to be. The snow was falling harder now, and Bess was getting tired. Joe comforted Mary with the fact that The Lord Nelson was only just ahead: he could see the sign, well lit against the front wall of the building. He strode up to the door and walked in. And then he walked out again. It was full, full to the top with a fishing trip from somewhere in Lincolnshire. “There’s no room at the pub,” said Scott, the landlord. Joe didn’t use those words to Mary, though; he told her that Scott had fixed them up with a place round the back, which Mary thought might mean a little room and which Joe knew meant a cowshed.
And that’s how come Joe and Mary’s little lad was born in the straw in a cowshed at the back of a pub on the coldest night of the year. Soon everybody inside got to hear about it and they all crowded round to take a look. Some shepherd lads on the hills heard the commotion and came down. They just sat and stared and there were tears in their eyes. The pub’s quiz team known locally as The Three Wise Kings, popped in on their way from thrashing The Grey Horse at Collingham and they gave the prizes they’d won to Mary, Joe and the baby. They weren’t much, but the thought was there. A baby can always make use of a box of Terry’s All Gold, a box of mince pies and a calendar of Newark by Moonlight. Even the Lincolnshire fishermen came and laid their bass on the floor in a lovely pattern.
And because this is a sentimental Christmas story, they all sang sentimental Christmas carols until the next day.
Merry Christmas.
Pat Finn.
CHURCH NOTICES
I am sure we would all like to congratulate Barbara & Pat Finn on the celebration of their Golden Wedding at the end of October. They are both active members of the village and supporters of the Church & School. We wish them many more HAPPY YEARS TOGETHER.
The Remembrance Day service was very well attended. Veterans from all wars were remembered and Sharon Spencer, Rebecca & Liam accompanied the Union Flag & presented it to the Altar.
Keith Lloyd read out a list of names whose relatives & friends wished them to be remembered and Eric Dickenson placed a wreath at the memorial . At this service the Revd David Milner dedicated a painting showing the exterior of All Saints Church in memory of Alan Hill which now hangs next to the War Memorial. The collection realised £120 and this was donated to the Newark Patriotic Fund.
Thank you all for your generosity.
On Tuesday 1st December Mrs Margaret Thornhill and a group of people will entertain and provide tea in the Village Hall for some of the Residents from Winthorpe Care Home.
On Saturday 12th December 7pm - 9pm David’s Jolly. All are welcome.
On Friday 18th December at 7.30pm there will be the Village Carol Service with the help of the Benefice choir. The evening will conclude with wine & mince pies. We do hope we can have a good sing and a full church.
On Sunday 20th December at 10.15am there will be the annual Christingle service and this year we shall be joined by the newly formed music group.
Our Christmas Communion service will be on Thursday 24th December at 7.30pm.
We send our best wishes to those who are recuperating at this time especially to Mr Geoff. Goodall & Mrs Suzanne Holmes who have both been in hospital for a short time but are now home again.
A HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL AND YOUR FAMILIES.
Church Bells
They will ring for practices on Thursday evenings from 7.00pm - 9.0pm
and possibly for the following :
Thursday December 3rd 7.30pm W.I. Carol service
Sunday December 13th 10.15am Holy Communion
Friday December 18th 7.30pm Village Carol Service
Sunday December 20th 10.15am Christingle Service
Thursday December 24th 7.30pm Christmas Communion Service
Alan & Ann Stone
Up-To-date notices of our church services and those of the other church services in the Benefice are displayed outside the church.
Dates for your diary please:
Friday 18th December at 1.30pm Church will be open to decorate for Christmas.
CHURCH CLEANING VOLUNTEERS DECEMBER
4th Mrs Lloyd, Mrs Nelson. -- 18th Miss Applewhite.- -31st Mrs Lloyd.
All Saints Church Flower Ladies
Once again that special season of Christmas is all but here, and we are in need of your special talents to make our Church beautiful.
The church will be open from I 3Opm on Friday i8 December to receive your arrangements for Christmas. All offerings will be most gratefully accepted.
If you are unable to decorate your usual spot please ring me Sylvia Lloyd on 703271
Thank you all, Sylvia Lloyd
RECTOR
Dear All,
Advent is a period of preparation and looking forward, a preparation so that the most can be made of the Christmas season. It is a time of looking forward and enabling a new and deeper relationship with God to be discovered, through the gift of the birth of the Christ child and relived through the annual telling of the Christmas story.
To take full advantage of the Bethlehem narrative it is important to understand and own our context. In our advent preparations thinking through the contradictions of our own lives and discovering where we are in the Christmas story will likely inform and enrich our Christian pilgrimage and ……the clock is ticking!
What can we do? And here is the rub, it is not activity and being busy, rather it is the struggle to want, wait and be.
Throughout this season try and find spaces in your daily living where you can put aside some of your daily cares.
Sit down with a hot drink and a book for 30 minutes every day and longer if you dare to and pray if you care.
Our individual and shared journeys need nurture and some traditional T.L.C. Yes there are many things that we need to do, to get through, but recognising that we are on an extraordinary annual pilgrimage, one that embraces new life and gives us life must be our central focus.
Along the A1133 from Winthorpe to Thorney many are already preparing for the mystery of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem in many differing ways, but the story and intention are the same. This Christmas season is going to be tinged with a different anticipation than in previous years as for the first time all the Anglican churches along the East Trent will be served by one Stipendiary Priest and that will be me.
A group has been working very hard over recent months discerning how I can, with lay help, support our eleven churches. Where Sunday worship is concerned a new rota has been developed. It will mean change for every church and community and will take some getting used to. I will have to get used to driving to a number of new locations and getting from a to c within a tight time frame at the moment it feels a bit scary! I will no longer be able to linger at the church door at the end of a service, as I shall be off to the next village quick smart.
As you read this you may well be thinking, surely the Diocese can employ more priests. The hard truth is that there are no more Priests and even if there were there would be no money to pay them. As it is said “We are where we are, and I am determined to make the best of the opportunities that lie ahead. It is going to be an exciting time discovering new traditions, meeting new people and working in the 4 Primary schools within the East Trent Group. There will also be ministry both lay and ordained within the 4 care homes along the A1133. Along the way I hope to make my contribution in developing the skills of all in our communities. Sunday is one day in the week when we can meet and worship. There are a further six days which all have the potential for some Christian activity the question must be what and that is where you come in.
As we look forward to 2010 I would ask you pray for the Churchwardens of the East Trent Group. I want to highlight the Collingham Wardens who have had the most challenging year with regard to thefts of one kind and another and the removal recently of the remaining lead on the South Aisle at our instigation!
The new book entitled The Anglican East Trent Group that is just being opened represents an amazing beginning, with many blank pages to be filled. Each page must be used wisely as if our lives depend on it, in truth our spiritual lives do depend on it.
As I close, in preparing for Christmas I ask you to reflect on what is really important. Gifts can be bought, lost and sold; a good friendship
can last a life time, provided it is nurtured.
A Joyous Christmas to you and a Happy New Year!!
David
From the Rectory
On a personal note Kristina and I have been very touched by your generosity particularly in supporting the Alzheimer’s Society in place of wedding gifts. We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support we have received.
We both wish you all a very joyous Christmas
Kristina and David
HOLY HUMOR
A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, 'I know what the Bible means!'
His father smiled and replied, 'What do you mean, you 'know' what the Bible means?
The son replied, 'I do know!'
'Okay,' said his father. 'What does the Bible mean?'
'That's easy, Daddy...' the young boy replied excitedly,' It stands for
'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.'
A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn't find a space with a meter. Then he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: 'I have circled the block 10 times. If I don't park here, I'll miss my appointment. ‘Forgive us our trespasses.’
When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note 'I've circled this block for 10 years. If I don't give you a ticket I'll lose my job. ‘Lead us not into temptation.'
The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for repairs to the church building. Therefore, he was annoyed to find that the regular organist was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last minute. The substitute wanted to know what to play 'Here's a copy of the service,' he said impatiently. 'But, you'll have to think of something to play after I make the announcement about the finances.' During the service, the minister paused and said, 'Brothers and Sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost twice as much as we expected and we need £4,000 more. Any of you who can pledge £100 or more, please stand up'. At that moment, the substitute organist played 'The National Anthem.' And that is how the substitute became the regular organist!
People want the front of the bus, the back of the church, and the centre of attention.
Ed
SERVICES FOR DECEMBER
Thursday 3rd
7.30pm WI Carol Service, Winthorpe
ALL ARE WELCOME
Sunday 6th Advent 2
9am Holy Communion, Holme.
NO SERVICE IN WINTHORPE
Sunday 13th Advent 3
10.15am Holy Communion, Winthorpe.
6pm Carol Service, Holme.
Thursday 17th
10am Holy Communion, Winthorpe.
Said Service (B.C.P.)
Friday 18th
7.30pm Village Carol Service, Winthorpe.
Sunday 20th Advent 4
9am Holy Communion, Langford.
10.15am Christingle Service, Winthorpe.
Thursday 24th
7.30pm Christmas Communion, Winthorpe.
Christmas Day
9am Christmas Communion, Holme.
ALL ARE WELCOME
A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL
DECEMBER CALENDAR
Thursday 3rd WI Carol Concert, 7.30pm - All Saints.
Saturday 5th Cons.Assoc. Coffee Morn.10.30am WinHouse
Monday 7th Silver Bin
Tuesday 8th Tuesday Club Xmas party, 2.30pm V.H.
Thursday 10th WI Meeting, 7.30pm – Village Hall.
Library Van
Monday 14th Luncheon Club 12.30pm – Centre.
Green Bin
Refuse collection at Xmas – Instead of the Monday collection
The Silver bin will be collected on Saturday the 19th December.
The Green bin collection on Monday the 28th is as normal.
January
Wednesday 20th Garden Club