News From The Pews
Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal Update..... THANK YOU to everyone for supporting this appeal. More than a million people have fled their homes to escape conflict in Ukraine. Leaving behind jobs, belongings and loved ones, they now face an uncertain future. For two next two weeks we will be collecting monies to make a donation on behalf of St Martin’s towards official appeal via the Disasters Emergency Committee. You can make a donation in three ways…
Thank you for supporting this humanitarian effort. Fairtrade Fortnight
It is Fairtrade Fortnight from the 21st February to 6th March – a time to focus on the people who grow our food and drinks, mine our gold and who grow the cotton in our clothes, people who are often exploited and underpaid. A time to think about helping our neighbours across the world by ensuring we purchase goods that pay a fair price, a living wage, for them.To coincide with Fairtrade Fortnight the new Spring catalogue from Traidcraft is now available, which includes it Easter Range (lovely yummy chocolate eggs ). It can be viewed online at https://www.traidcraftshop.co.uk/traidcraft-catalogue If you would like a paper copy please let Ceinwen Tilley know and if you would like to order anything please contact her at ceinwen_tilley@btinternet.com, 01455 828229 or speak to her at Church. All sales through Ceinwen give a 10% donation to St Martins. Please remember to have a look at the stall in Church for various household and grocery goods. Thank you for your support. Notepad December 2021The Christmas Tree Festival will be over by the time you read this, but if you did not manage to come over the four days of the festival, the trees will remain until Twelfth Night, so there will be the opportunity to see them at all of the services in December and early January. On Sunday 5th December there will be a Children’s Party in Church from 3 – 5pm. All are welcome, but please book by phoning Jane & Ian on 828542. See separate advert for details. On Tuesday 7th the Forest Group of WIs will hold their Carol Service in Church at 7.30pm. If you want to know more, please phone Lynda on 821228. On Friday 10th we are delighted to welcome back the Oddfellows Brass Band for a Christmas Concert. See separate advert for details. Coffee & Chat continues on Tuesday mornings from 10.30 -12 at the Church Centre. Why not drop in one Tuesday? Our Christmas lunch will be on the 21st instead of the usual second Tuesday. Please sign the list at Coffee & Chat or contact Pat on 823537 patcrane33@gmail.com Forget me Not meet from 10.30 – 12 on the third Thursday in the month and offer activities, a friendly chat plus coffee and cake for those who have memory loss or dementia and their carers. Please note that in December we will be meeting in the Church, to give people an opportunity to see the Christmas trees. Contact John Coghlan for more information 07943026977 john.coghlan@leics.gov.uk Don’t forget the Carol Service on Sunday 19th at 6pm and the Christingle Service on Friday 24th at 6pm. All are welcome. Notepad November 2021Last month we held our Harvest Festival service and the church was decorated for the occasion. Groceries were donated by the congregation and delivered by Gareth to the foodbank at LFE. Coffee & Chat continues on Tuesday mornings from 10.30 -12 at the Church Centre. Why not drop in one Tuesday? If you would like to come for lunch on the second Tuesday in the month, please sign the list at Coffee & Chat or contact Pat on 823537 patcrane33@gmail.com Forget me Not meet in the Church Centre from 10.30 – 12 on the third Thursday in the month and offer activities, a friendly chat plus coffee and cake for those who have memory loss or dementia and their carers. Please contact John Coghlan for more information 07943026977 john.coghlan@leics.gov.uk Remembrance Day falls on a Thursday this year and there will be a short Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial, gathering at 10.50am. On Sunday 14th the service will start at 10.40am at the War Memorial. There will also be a short service at 12.30 at Botcheston War Memorial and 2.30 at Kirby Grange Memorial. The end of this month sees the return of our Christmas Tree Festival, which had to be cancelled last year. Please see the separate advert which gives details of all that is happening. We look forward to welcoming lots of visitors. If you cannot manage to come over the four days of the festival, the trees will remain until Twelfth Night, so there will be the opportunity to see them at all of the services in December and early January. A Few Pictures from Our Harvest Festival ServiceDear Fun Raisers and Supporters of St. Martin’sA big thank you for your help in providing a wonderful and much enjoyed celebration to officially welc After a busy few weeks, you might think it is time to have a rest and relax but I’m sorry to disappoint you; Christmas Tree Festival (Friday 26th – Monday 29th inclusive) is only 11 weeks away and much organizing and preparation is required if we are to be ready in time to open the festival on Friday 26th November at 10am. . . . . . . . And with no time to lose we hope that many of you will be available to meet on Thursday 16th September at 12.30 in the church to start that process. If you cannot make this meeting please let Pat or Maggie know and we can chat through our ideas and your suggestions etc and take to the meeting on your behalf. Hoping to see as many of you as can make it on the 16th. Fairtrade in St.Martin's
We are pleased to say that the Traidcraft stall is back in Church following its temporary removal due to lockdowns and social distancing. Some of the regular items are included along with a few new ones so please come and have a look. We do have the Traidcraft Autumn catalogue (including new Christmas range), which can also be viewed online. https://www.traidcraftshop.co.uk Notepad October 2021On Sunday 5th September, after almost 18 months in the job, Gareth Hutchinson was finally licensed as Rector for the benefice of St Martin’s, Desford, and St Bartholomew’s, Kirby Muxloe. The service was taken by Bishop Martyn, assisted by the Archdeacon of Loughborough and witnessed by members of both churches. Afterwards, everyone was able to sit in the sunshine on the church green and enjoy conversation and refreshments. Coffee & Chat continues on Tuesday mornings from 10.30 -12 at the Church Centre. Why not drop in one Tuesday? The Tuesday lunches have re-started. If you would like to come on the second Tuesday in the month, please sign the list at Coffee & Chat or contact Pat on 823537 We also resumed Forget me Not in September. On October 3rd it will be our Harvest Festival service and everyone is welcome. Notepad September 2021As the schools settle into the new term, we hope that some of our regular activities will be able to resume after a gap of 18 months. Coffee & Chat continues to be popular and we would welcome a few volunteers to join the rota. Why not drop in one Tuesday and see what is involved? The Tuesday lunches start this month, but places for the 14th must be booked by 7th September. Please contact Pat on 823537 patcrane33@gmail.com if you would like to add your name to the list. We also hope to resume Forget me Not sessions on Thursday 16th. We meet in the Church Centre from 10.30 – 12 and offer activities, a friendly chat plus coffee and cake for those who have dementia and their carers. Please contact John Coghlan for more information 07943026977 john.coghlan@leics.gov.uk Notepad May 2021In mid-April we were pleased to return to services in church. However, not everyone feels ready to meet indoors, so services will also continue online for the time being. The outdoor services on Easter Sunday were able to go ahead, thanks to a lovely sunny morning. After the service on Sunday 23rd at 12.30 we will be holding the Annual Church Meeting. This is the time when we look back at the past year and elect the churchwardens and members of the PCC (Parochial Church Council) for the year ahead. Easter Day Outdoor ServiceJust a few photo's from our Easter Service Notepad April 2021The good news is that from 11th April we hope to be able to hold services in church once more. Social distancing measures will apply, but we look forward to meeting again. In the meantime, we are hoping to hold two outdoor services on Easter Sunday (as long as it is not raining). There will be a Dawn Service at 7.30am and a Holy Communion Service at 11.15am to which all are welcome For the time being the online services will continue for those who can access our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_B0Evb69xYeevGbVtX5tBA. We have an online prayer meeting at 7.30 on Monday evenings for half an hour https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88198510430?pwd=WjZXTFZmMG5QZDA3cmFyc2VRSEF3UT09 Or try Prayer During the Day on Wednesdays at 12 noon https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84649709272?pwd=ZHJxZ0VqVW1TOUpYS3BCMThxd1JSUT09 Notepad January 2021By the time you read this, we will be thinking about taking down our Christmas decorations on Twelfth Night. Thank you to everyone who put up lights and decorations in their front gardens for everyone to enjoy. Christmas was different for many of us, but we hope that you managed to follow the online services if you were unable to attend one of the socially distanced services in church. Online services will continue to be an option for the time being. A short online service for children is also available once a fortnight. We have an online prayer meeting on Monday evenings for half an hour and a 5 minute video on Wednesday evenings. All links are on our home page. Outdoor Carol Service (Covid Safe)It was nice to see people at the outdoor carol service, and all following Remembrance 2020
You can still view our Online Remembrance Service, you’ll find it on the Desford Remembrance 2020 YouTube channel here Remembrance Window PoppiesWe have created a poppy worksheet for the local school, the idea being that people can colour in the poppy picture and put it up in their window. Please do feel welcome to participate in this and again share it as widely as is possible, Poppy Picture Worksheet(you will need Acrobat to view this) Our Outdoor Service (Social Distanced)A selection of photos from our very successful outdoor Sunday services followed by a picnic, Next service Sunday 27th September at 12 noon – bring a chair and a picnic. From the 1st Sunday of October we are planning to hold a service each
New Internal Door
Here is a photograph of the new internal church door, Thanks to Nev Hammonds for his hard work coordinating this project.
A Service of Welcome, ReplayJust in case you missed it (around 100 watched) there is a recording of Gareth’s licensing If you want to see it again, from the outside, you can watch it back at: The words interim priest is a legal thing as Gareth can’t be licensed as Rector unless he is in one of the churches, that will happen later in the year with a proper welcome. Message from Reverend Gareth HutchinsonHello St Martin’s and St Bart’s, As a family, among us we have interests in tennis, climbing, hiking, hot-chocolate& cake, and walking the dog (a Miniature Schnauzer named Millie). Gareth’s currently coming to know and love the wonderful world of freshly brewed coffee. During our time in Leicester Laura has been working part-time as a teacher (in Hinckley), whilst also starting up a charity named Baby Basics Leicester which helps support new mums & families who are struggling to meet the financial & practical burden of looking after a new baby(find out more about them here… www.babybasicsleicester.co.uk If you read Psalm 46, you’ll very quickly see that the picture presented is not of a nice peaceful summer’s day with the psalmist laying back enjoying the warmth and quiet. Rather it’s an experience of seismic shift, when their world is quaking. Yet God who is our refuge and indeed strength, let us know that shelter, stillness, peace, and embrace are found as we recognised the nearness of God… ‘The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.’ This doesn’t necessarily make things easy, but it does assure us that whatever and wherever we find ourselves, God is near and will always draw us near. Notepad July 2020On the evening of 30th June, the Bishop of Leicester licensed Revd Gareth Hutchinson as our interim priest. People took part remotely in their own homes and parishioners were able to watch the service on you tube and join in the prayers and hymn. Gareth will be inducted as the Rector of Desford and Kirby Muxloe when we allowed to use the church for services and we look forward to welcoming Gareth, his wife Laura and sons Noah and Eli when circumstances allow. Unfortunately, the day of his licensing was also the day that Leicester’s lockdown was extended for an extra 2 weeks, so, at the time of writing, Gareth, who is still living in Leicester, had not been able to come out to Desford or Kirby The end of June also saw a great physical improvement at St Martin’s Church. The ugly metal grating across the entrance to the porch has gone. In its place are the oak doors, which were formerly on the inside of the porch. You may remember that last month we showed you a photo of the new inner door. The glass panel of this door now has an “etching” We hope that it won’t be long before everyone can visit the church; whether that is for private prayer, a service, or just Dear Friends..30th June was another notable occasion in the history of St. Martin’s, with the licensing of our new Rector, the Revd. Gareth Hutchinson. Due to the present situation it had to be by Zoom where a few people took part, and on you tube which was available for an unlimited number of people to watch. However, we will be able to welcome Gareth more fully sometime in the future when all the necessary procedures will be completed. Notepad June 2020Guidance from the Church of England continues to discourage us from distributing printed materials. We do not have email addresses for all our subscribers, so it may be that you received this from a friend or deliverer. Please email patcrane33@gmail.com if you would like to be added to our mailing list. We hope that all our readers are still keeping safe and well and finding plenty to do to keep the mind and body active. Revd Gareth Hutchinson will be licensed as the new Rector of Desford and Kirby Muxloe on Tuesday, 30th June at 7 p.m., by Bishop Martyn. The service will take place either at St Martin’s Church or remotely – to be decided nearer the time, depending on developments in lockdown advice We look forward to welcoming Gareth, his wife and family when circumstances allow Rob continues to provide our virtual Sunday services. Thank you Rob After missing the April meeting, the Parish Council are now meeting on zoom The Covid Support Groups in both Botcheston and Desford have been much appreciated by residents. Thank you to the volunteers who continue to give their time to help others Notepad May 2020As most events and activities have been postponed until further notice, we have very little to report this month. We hope that all our readers are keeping safe and well and finding plenty to do to keep the mind and body active. Thank you to all those who have sent jokes and stories to cheer us up. We were delighted to hear that Revd Gareth Hutchinson has been appointed as the new Rector of Desford and Kirby Muxloe and look forward to welcoming him, his wife and family when circumstances allow. Rob has been doing a great job, providing our virtual Sunday services, these can be fond on our Home page and Facebook page. Thank you Rob. The Parish Council were pleased to appoint 2 new councillors just before we went into lockdown. Welcome to Gavin Eldridge and Kate Priestnall. Gavin has jumped in at the deep end and been instrumental in organising the Covid Support Group in Desford. 2019 AGM Reports and DetailsThese are pdf file and will need Acrobat (Free) to use read them. St. Martin's Craft GroupA very friendly group meets on Thursday mornings in St. Martin’s church between 10.00am and 12 noon for handicrafts, tea, coffee with delicious snacks ( supplied by our wonderful waiters, Dennis and Mick) and always friendly chat – all are welcome. The various items knitted are sold for church funds or donated to hospitals (for example premature baby clothes, twiddle muffs and lap blankets for the elderly).
St. Martin's Visit the Kiki Wong ResaurantHere are some photos from the Kiki Wong vist for the Chinese New Year The St. Martin’s Church Desford “Estates Group” and partners went to the Kiki Wong Chinese restaurant on Wednesday organised by Ray Harwood. The meal was superb and the Lion Dance was amazing, all celebrating Chinese new year. Our “Estates group needed some R & R after many hours in 2019 erecting and dismantling marquees, moving tables and chairs etc. etc. for several events. Batteries recharged we are now ready for 2020. New volunteers are always welcome – many hands make light work.
Notepad April 2020 Drop in for Coffee & Cake from 10 – 1 on Saturday 4th in St Martin’s Church. All are welcome. Lunches at the Church Centre will be on Tuesday 14th. Please let us know in advance if you would like to come. Phone 823537 by the 10th if you have not signed the list. The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers. On Thursday 2nd we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 16th we meet in the Church Centre. Do come and say hello if you think it might suit you or someone you know. The Craft Group meet in church on Thursdays from 10 – 12. New faces are always welcome – just drop in to give it a try. Messy Church this month will be on Sunday 26th 4pm at the Church Centre. There are craft activities for families with children up to 10, while Awesome Youff provides activities for older children. Both sessions end with a meal and all are welcome. On Good Friday morning, members of Churches Together will be handing out free hot cross buns in 3 locations. Do come and say hello. On Alzheimers Society and our 2 local Forget me Not groups. Please support this event. Notepad March 2020 Drop in for Coffee & Cake from 10 – 1 on Saturday 7th in St Martin’s Church. All are welcome. Lunches at the Church Centre will be on Tuesday 10th. Please let us know in advance if you would like to come. Phone 823537 by the 6th if you have not signed the list. The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers. On Thursday 5th we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 19th we meet in the Church Centre. Do come and say hello if you think it might suit you or someone you know. The Craft Group meet in church on Thursdays from 10 – 12. New faces are always welcome – just drop in to give it a try. On Friday 6th Women’s World Day of Prayer will be celebrated in St Martin’s Church at 2pm. We will be thinking about Zimbabwe. Messy Church this month will be on Sunday 15th 4pm at the Church Centre. This is a week earlier than usual. There are craft activities for families with children up to 10, while Awesome Youff provides activities for older children. Both sessions end with a meal and all are welcome. On Saturday 21st we welcome back the Oddfellows Brass Band for a concert in St Martin’s Church at 7.30pm. Please book your tickets early to avoid disappointment by phoning Margaret on 822939. Dear Friends I expect you will be reading this a few days after the beginning of Lent. Collops means pieces of meat and pancakes are of course made with eggs flour and milk. Shrove means to Shrive when people in Anglo Saxon times went to So how are we to keep Lent? Do we ‘give up’ something, which is always a good thing, Notepad February 2020 Saturday lunches: Sadly, the decision has been made to discontinue these lunches, due to the reduced number of volunteers available to help. However, the good news is that Coffee & Cake will still be served from 10 – 1 on the first Saturday in the month. Do drop in for a chat or for some quiet time On Sunday 2nd at 6pm we have our annual Candlemas Service. This is particularly for all who have been to a baptism, wedding or funeral over the past year and wish to remember loved ones. All are welcome Lunches at the Church Centre will be on Tuesday 11th. Please let us know in advance if you would like to come. Phone 823537 by the 7th if you have not signed the list The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers. On Thursday 6th we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 20th we meet in the Church Centre. Do come and say hello if you think it might suit you or someone you know The Craft Group meet in church on Thursdays from 10 – 12. New faces are always welcome – just drop in to give it a try Messy Church this month will be on Sunday 23rd 4pm at the Church Centre. There are craft activities for families with children up to 10, while Awesome Youff provides activities for older children. Both sessions end with a meal and all are welcome The Beaufort Entertainers Christmas ConcertOn the Saturday of the Christmas Tree Festival, the Beaufort Entertainers provided a lively and entertaining selection of choral works, for a capacity audience in the beautifully lit and decorated St Martin’s Church. Notepad January 2020The Christmas Tree Festival was a great weekend and we would like to thanks all those groups and individuals who decorated a tree and all the people who came to look at them. We hope you enjoyed the experience. If you have not previously participated, but would like to get involved this year, please get in touch on 823537, as planning will start sooner than you think! Notepad December 2019The Christmas Tree Festival will open on Friday 29th November, through till Monday 2nd December. Please see the separate advert for everything that will be going on over this weekend.
Delicious refreshments will be available in the Church on all 4 days, including hot lunches and puddings
Christmas Lunches at the Church Centre will be on Tuesday 10th. Please let us know in advance if you would like to come. Phone 823537 by the 6th if you have not already signed the list.
The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers. On Thursday 5th we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 19th we will meet in Church for a special Christmas session.
The Craft Group meet in church on Thursdays from 10 – 12. New faces are always welcome – just drop in to say hello
There will be no Messy Church this month, but we hope that families will come to the Christingle Service at 6pm on Christmas Eve (as well as any of the other services over the Christmas period of course!).
All are welcome to the Carol Service at 6pm on Sunday 22nd December.
On Monday 23rd everyone is welcome to Botcheston Village Hall, where we will be taking part in Sing Christmas which is broadcast by BBC Radio Leicester. Please be in your seats by 6.55pm.
Notepad November 2019Charity Lunches will be on 2nd November. Hot lunches are available in the Church between 12 and 2, with coffee & cake from 10.30. On Sunday 3rd we welcome back Dr Miriam Gill for what is guaranteed to be another interesting talk. The topic is Martin of Tours & Martin Luther, which is very appropriate for us. All are welcome at 3pm in church. The talk will be followed by light refreshments.
Some of the church members will be travelling north to Aysgarth on Monday 4th to attend the induction service for Revd Tom Ringland into his new benefice.
Sunday 10th is the date for this year’s Remembrance Services. Meet at the War Memorial at 10.45am. This will be followed by a service in the Free Church; a service at Botcheston War Memorial at 12.30pm and a service at the Desford Boys School War Memorial at 2.30pm. You will be welcome to join any or all of these services. We will also gather at the War Memorial just before 11am on Monday 11th November.
Lunches at the Church Centre will be on Tuesday 12th. Please let us know in advance if you would like to come. Phone 823537 by the 8th if you have not already signed the list.
The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers. On Thursday 7th we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 21st at the Church Centre.
The Craft Group meet in church on Thursdays from 10 – 12. New faces are always welcome – just drop in to say hello
Families are invited to Messy Church on Sunday 24th 4pm at the Church Centre. Craft activities are followed by a short service in church and back to the hall for supper. We will be making decorations for our Christmas tree.
This year, we start our Christmas preparations even earlier than usual as Advent Sunday falls on 1st December. The Christmas Tree Festival will open on Friday 29th November, though till Monday 2nd December. Please see the separate advert for everything that will be going on over this weekend
Notepad October 2019Charity Lunches start again on 5th October after a break over the summer. Hot lunches are available in the Church between 12 and 2, with coffee & cake from 10.30. Money raised goes towards the various charities supported by St Martin’s
On Sunday 6th it is our Harvest Festival at 10.30 in St Martin’s Church. All are welcome. The service will be followed by a Bring & Share Lunch. Goods will be donated to Fair Share.
Lunches at the Church Centre will be on Tuesday 8th. Please let us know in advance if you would like to come. Phone 823537 by the 6th if you have not already signed the list
The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers. On Thursday 3rd we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 17th at the Church Centre, when Jake Manning will entertain us
The Craft Group meet in church on Thursdays from 10 – 12. New faces are always welcome – just drop in to say hello
Our Rector, Revd Tom Ringland, will be conducting his last service on Sunday 13th at 10.30. We will be arranging a farewell event, but, at the time of writing, details were unconfirmed. Look out for more on the website and weekly notices
On Sunday 20th at 3pm the latest in our talks about other faiths will focus on Diwali. All are invited to come along and learn more about this annual celebration, which is always well marked in Leicester. Light refreshments will be served afterwards
Families are invited to Messy Church on Sunday 27th 4pm at the Church Centre. Craft activities are followed by a short service in church and back to the hall for supper
Desford Scarecrow Festival – 2019Yet another glorious weekend and a fantastic Scarecrow Festival was held on the Bank Holiday weekend. Thousands of visitors attended and were rewarded not only by the weather, but also the magnificent scarecrows and events, stalls organised for all generations. It was a great community event with many of the organisations within the village demonstrating their talents and welcoming all of the visitors.
The winning scarecrows as judged by the visitors and a group of independent judges are as follows:
BEST BUSINESS/COMMUNITY 1st: The Great British Bake Off - Sports & Medical Bracing UK 2nd: The NHS - Desford Good Neighbours Scheme
3rd: Worzel Gummage Serves Tea - St. Martin's Church
BEST OVERALL VOTE
1st: Wallace & Gromit - The Curse of the Were Rabbit - Manor Road
1st: The Great British Bake Off - Newbold Road
3rd: Dad's Army - Norfolk Road
4th: Queen Opening Parliament - Kirkby Road
BEST PUBLIC VOTE
1st: The Great British Bake Off - Newbold Road
2nd: Dad's Army
3rd: Wallace & Gromit - The Curse of the Were Rabbit - Manor Road
BEST STREET THEME
1st: Richmond Close
2nd: Norfolk Road
3rd: Newbold Road
Festival Weekend was busy!Hope you all had a good bank holiday – did you take part in the scarecrow festival and make your own? Thank you to everyone who supplied cakes etc – our freezer was full and our refreshments didn’t run out! Although the cups, serviettes and plates did! Cor! Hope all the St Martin's volunteers are recovering overnight. It has been a great weekend and DiB are very grateful that you pulled out all the stops and worked round the Golden Wedding and managed to do the tea & cakes as well as the BBQ. We had quite a few comments saying how great it was to see the church and churchyard being used for such a big community event. Please could you send a thank you round the St M circulation list on our behalf. Editors Notepad June 2019 Saturday June 1st is our Summer Fete from 1 - 4pm, with Enderby Brass Band and all the usual stalls, games & refreshments.
Lunches at the Church Centre will be on Tuesday 11th.
Please let us know in advance if you would like to come. Phone 823537 by the 7th if you have not already signed the list.
The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers. On Thursday 6th we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 20th at St Martin’s Church Centre.
The Craft Group meets in church on Thursday mornings from 10 – 12. All are welcome. 0n Sunday 23rd all are invited to an Open Air Service at 10.30am on Pickard Park as part of Open Gardens Weekend (see separate advert). Let’s pray for fine weather!
The Beaufort Singers Summer Concert will be on Saturday 29th June 7.30pm in Church
Editors Notepad May 2019 Coffee & Lunches for charity will be on Saturday 4th May from 10.30 – 2.30 in church
Lunches at the Church Centre will be on Tuesday 14th. Please let us know in advance if you would like to come. Phone 823537 by the 7th if you have not already signed the list.
The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers. On Thursday 2nd we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 16th at St Martin’s Church Centre.
A Craft Group meets in church on Thursday mornings from 10 – 12. All are welcome
0n Sunday 12th there will be an Introduction to Judaism at 3pm in church, followed by refreshments and a service at 5pm
Advance notice that the Summer Fete will be on Saturday 1st June
Editors Notepad April 2019 Coffee & Lunches for charity will be on Saturday 6th April from 10.30 – 2.30 in church
Lunches at the Church Centre will be on Tuesday 9th.
Please let us know in advance if you would like to come. Phone 823537 by the 6th if you have not already signed the list The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers.
On Thursday 4th we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 18th at St Martin’s Church Centre A Craft Group meets in church on Thursday mornings from 10 – 12. All are welcome On Tuesday 9th it is the church AGM at 7.30 in church. It is your opportunity to ask questions,
so why not come along. It will be followed by a faith supper On Maundy Thursday, April 18th, there will be a joint service at the Free Church.
If you intend to come, please let one of the churches know, as food will be served Services for Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Day are listed at the front of the magazine.
You are welcome to all of these Please note that the Church Centre will be closed during Easter week so that the floor can be treated Coffee & Chat on 23rd will therefore be held in the church
Editors Notepad March 2019 Coffee & Lunches for charity will be on Saturday 2nd March from 10.30 – 2.30 in church
On Wednesday 6th we will hold a service for Ash Wednesday. All are welcome
Lunches at the Church Centre will be on Tuesday 12th.
Please let us know in advance if you would like to come. Phone 823537 by the 5th if you have not already signed the list The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers.
On Thursday 7th we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 21st at St Martin’s Church Centre Coffee & Chat is on Tuesdays at the Church Centre from 10.30am – 12 noon with books,
clothes & bric-a-brac for sale. Do drop in A Craft Group meets in church on Thursday mornings from 10 – 12. All are welcome
On Sunday 24th Messy Church will have a special session in advance of Mothering Sunday. Come and have fun making a present; 4pm at the Church Centre Editors Notepad January 2019 After the hectic Christmas period, we will soon be taking down the trees.
We would like to say a big thank you to all the community groups and individuals who decorated a tree for the Christmas Tree Festival. I think that visitors would agree that many of them were very informative as well as lovely to look at. At the time of writing, the final figure was not known, but it exceeded £2 000.
The raffle raised £690 for Rainbows Hospice Coffee & Lunches for charity will be on 5th January from 10.30 – 2.30 in church
Lunches at the Church Centre will be on 8th January. Please let us know in advance if you would like to come. Phone 823537 by the 4th if you have not already signed the list The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers.
On Thursday 3rd we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 17th at St Martin’s Church Centre Coffee & Chat is on Tuesdays at the Church Centre from 10.30am – 12 noon with books,
clothes & bric-a-brac for sale. We reopen on 8th January Advance notice that on Sunday 3rd February at 4.15pm we will hold our annual Candlemas Service.
This is particularly for all who have been to a baptism, wedding or funeral over the past year and wish to remember loved ones. All are welcome
The 16th Christmas Tree FestivalThis has probably involved as much work as any of the previous 15 and maybe more! The church has been open for four days on the trot and we've had markets inside and out on Fri and Sat, meals galore, a concert which has successfully adapted to challenges in the build up and a well attended Advent Spiral service. The bells have rung, the marquees have survived the gales, sausages and burgers have been cooked in abundance, the village has turned out in numbers despite some long damp periods - Santa has been imaginatively settled in a horsebox and supported by his elves, many hundreds have been raised for Rainbows - and in and around all of that dozens of Christmas trees have transformed the church and engaged the community. As was often said in the build up, we cannot run an event like this without the support of a wide spread of the St Martin's membership - so thank you VERY much for all you have contributed by way of skills, time gifts and partnership! Especial effort has been given by a core few - you know who you are, [because you are now tired!!] and especial thanks are due to you. Once again the greatest effort, the most imagination and the longest time has been contributed by our team leaders, Maggie and Pat. Deep thanks to you from all of us! And may all know the peace and joy of Christmas as this season develops! Tom
To everyone who helped, supported and visited the 16th Christmas Tree Festival. Editors Notepad December 2018This year’s Christmas Tree Festival weekend starts on Friday 30th November
with the church open every day; the Christmas Market on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon (with Santa & stalls); the Christmas Concert on Saturday evening and the Advent Spiral Service on Sunday evening. Super refreshments are available every day. Please come and see all the lovely trees decorated by community groups and individuals. This year’s theme is Events in History
Christmas lunches at the Church Centre will be on 11th.
Please let us know in advance if you would like to come. Phone 823537 by the 4th if you have not already signed the list The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers.
On Thursday 6th we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 20th at St Martin’s Church Coffee & Chat is on Tuesdays at the Church Centre from 10.30am – 12 noon with books,
clothes & bric-a-brac for sale. We will close on 18th December and reopen on 8th January On Monday 17th we will take part in Radio Leicester’s Sing Christmas. Everyone welcome to come and sing carols at Botcheston Village Hall, 6,45 for a 7pm start The Carol Service is on Sunday 23rd December at 6pm and the
Christingle Service on Christmas Eve at 6pm. All are welcome Editors Notepad November 2018 Saturday November 3rd is the Martinmas Fair in the Church Centre 11.30 – 3.30.
There will be hot lunches, mulled wine and all the usual stalls and games On Sunday 4th Dr Miriam Gill, from the Vaughan Centre for Lifelong Learning,
returns to give a talk about the Master Works of the Christmas Story. This will be followed by refreshments and – for those that wish to stay – a service of hymns and carols at 5pm As I’m sure you are aware, Remembrance Sunday this year falls on the 11th November. There will be the usual services at Desford War Memorial at 10.45, at Botcheston War Memorial at 12.30 and at Kirby Grange War Memorial at 2.30. In the evening we have an Armistice Concert presented by the Oddfellows Brass Band, which will raise money for the British Legion. If you have not already bought your ticket, it may be sold out! The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers.
On Thursday 1st we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 15th at St Martin’s Church Centre. Coffee & Chat is on Tuesdays at the Church Centre from 10.30am – 12 noon with books,
clothes & bric-a-brac for sale We are pleased to announce that a few new volunteers have taken on the Tuesday lunches,
so there will be lunch at the Church Centre on 13th. We are asking people to let us know in advance that they are coming , so, if you have not signed up for this month, please phone 823537 by the 6th Messy Church & Awesome Youff will be on Sunday 25th, meeting at 4pm at the Church Centre.
This will be our last session for this year and we will be telling the Christmas story
and making decorations for the Messy Christmas tree It just remains for me to remind you that this year’s Christmas Tree Festival weekend
starts on Friday 30th November with the church open every day; the Christmas Market on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon (with Santa & stalls); the Christmas Concert on Saturday evening and the Advent Spiral Service on Sunday evening. Super refreshments are available every day. Please come and see all the lovely trees decorated by community groups and individuals. This year’s theme is Events in History Editors Notepad October 2018 Coffee & lunches raising money for charity will be on the usual first Saturday 6th from 10.30 – 2.30 in church. The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers. For further information please contact John Coghlan 07943 026977 At the time of going to press it is uncertain whether there will be Tuesday lunches on the 9th. So far, only 2 people have come forward, which is not enough. On Saturday 13th there will be a Poppy Workshop from 10 – 12.30 at the Church Centre. Scarecrow Festival A Great SuccessHope to managed to get around to see the Scarecrows this bank holiday and did you see the interview on tv just outside our church wall – clearly displaying our lovely Suffragette ladies? We were very busy over the weekend with centre refreshments on Saturday, bbq and church teas over 3 days! WE managed to raise £2,970.50 for church funds and centre refurbishment. Thank you to all who donated food – lots of it! Thank you to those who came to greet people in church or work behind the scenes in kitchens and bbq’s We really needed your help! Editors Notepad September 2018Coffee & lunches raising money for charity will be on the usual first Saturday 1st from 10.30 – 2.30 in church The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers. On Thursday 6th we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 20th at St Martin’s Church Centre. For further information please contact John Coghlan 07943 026977 Coffee & Chat is on Tuesdays at the Church Centre from 10.30am – 12 noon with books, clothes & bric-a-brac for sale. Tuesday lunches are on the 11th. We have been looking for new helpers to cook these lunches as the small number of people who have been providing them are getting older and feel they can no longer continue. So far, only 1 person has come forward, which is not enough. If you are able to help, please contact 823537 as soon as possible. If insufficient help is forthcoming, I’m afraid that September will be the last Tuesday lunch Messy Church & Awesome Youff will resume on Sunday 23rd, meeting at 4pm at the Church Centre. New families are always welcome. We have craft activities based around a theme, a shirt service in church and a meal to finish with. Editors Notepad August 2018The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers. On Thursday 2nd we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 16th at St Martin’s Church Centre. For further information please contact John Coghlan 07943 026977 Coffee & Chat is on Tuesdays at the Church Centre from 10.30am – 12 noon with books, clothes & bric-a-brac for sale Tuesday lunches this month will be on 14th. We are looking for new helpers to cook these lunches as the small number of people who have been providing them are getting older and feel they can no longer continue. If you are able to help, please contact 823537. If insufficient help is forthcoming, I’m afraid that September will be the last Tuesday lunch Coffee & lunches raising money for charity will be on the usual first Saturday 4th from 10.30 – 2.30 in church 15th Phyllis Chapman Parish Adventure!(Tom, Bev & Peter, Clive Chapman, 2 from Kirby Muxloe and 21 from St Martins) Thursday 5th July saw Brenda, Stella, Tony and Margaret off to Canterbury Lodge in the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral – where everyone was staying. It was a great day because Brenda was celebrating her 80th birthday, so as soon as we had arrived and settled in we set off to explore the city (that means going out of the main gate!) and look for a place where we could eat that night. Having selected a few possibilities,we made our way back and bumped into Jane & Ray – a long natter later they decided to join us in the evening. We went a bit further on and met Jane & Mike – a long natter later they decided to join us in the evening too. So 8 jolly folk descended on an Italian restaurant and had a lovely time – we put a candle in Brenda’s dessert and sang “Happy Birthday” to her. Friday saw us off to Whitstable for a tour of the seaside and a stop for coffee in the castle – a walk around the gardens (noticed a scarecrow – photo shoot!) and then on to Herne Bay… which has a pier with a carousel, bungee jump? (where you put on a harness and go up and down - thankfully closed), ice-cream kiosk and a pub! Brenda, still in holiday / birthday mood decided we should have a ride on the carousel. A bit windy around the corners but we held on and smiled as Stella & Tony took photos. Ice cream followed for the ladies whilst Tony had a pint – of Good Shepherd ale – (he did spend all the time rounding we three ladies up!) Back at the hotel we all (27) gathered in the lovely garden before going in to eat. Saturday – We were saddened to receive a text from Robin to say that our dear friend Ruth had died early that morning –No doubt we all said our private prayers for him and all Ruth’s family. After breakfast, being grateful to Canterbury for putting on their third Medieval Pageant on the weekend we had picked, we went to the park where we saw adults and children dressed up for the occasion with ancient swords and musical instruments. Most of the schools get involved with this event and anyone can join in the parade. The floats were very large and were on wheels (except for one I think as we saw a pair of legs inside – very hot job to do). The crowds gathered around the West Gate and waited patiently for 11am start …. But one of the wheels had come off a float so it was 11.15 when they started – led by two knights on (real) horses. The parade involved “the king” (Henry II) in sackcloth and barefoot making his way as a penance for (apparently) ordering the assassination of Thomas Becket –on 29 December 1170. Just time for lunch in the Cathedral garden before donning audio links in the Cathedral itself and working our way round a very large and beautiful building. We left before a special Evensong at 3.15 so we could get ready for the evening. About 16 of us had booked the Cathedral’s summer party which meant meeting for Pimms and canapés in the garden, listening to Sarah Banks before a sit down 3 course dinner and entertainment by the Soul Monkeys in the Clagett Auditorium. A disco followed! Sunday- we gathered in the garden and said our prayers for Ruth and her family and also remembering Penny (whose birthday would have been on Monday, the day after). We joined the congregation for Eucharist at 11am where we were “mentioned in despatches” and Maggie, Ray and Tony took the elements up to the altar. It was then time for some to go home, but we four again had lunch in the garden before gingerly getting in a punt for a historic tour of the river. Fun getting in and fun getting out – but we made it. Brenda then decided it was time for her to visit the Fenwick’s sale, while we three went around “Canterbury Tales” which was the only disappointing thing we did. It needs a good refurbishment! Thirteen went looking for an evening meal! – Some places were closed being Sunday, but eventually in a little alley we saw the Olive Garden. A little chat to the very nice man explaining we were 13 saw him ushering us up to the upper room where we sat around one table. It was a great restaurant serving Sunday roasts, Spanish and Moroccan food! Something for everyone. They really made us very welcome and after a little walk around the streets to cool off it was time to go back, pack and get ready for our morning departure. All in all a great weekend - The fab four (because we had a fab time) Editors Notepad July 2018The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers. On Thursday 5th we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 19th at St Martin’s Church Centre. For further information please contact John Coghlan 07943 026977 Coffee & Chat is on Tuesdays at the Church Centre from 10.30am – 12 noon with books, clothes & bric-a-brac for sale Many members of St Martin’s church will be travelling down to Canterbury for this year’s Away Weekend. We look forward to joining the congregation in the Cathedral for the morning service. Look out for a report next month Editor's Notepad April 2018On Saturday 2nd it is our annual Summer Fete from 1 – 4pm. With the Enderby Band and displays from dance groups, we are set for an entertaining afternoon on the Church Green (in the Church Centre if wet). There will be all the usual stalls and games, plus ploughman’s lunches and cream teas. Hope to see you there Lunches will be on Tuesday 12th 12.30 at the Church Centre. Please let us know if you require a vegetarian option (823537) The closest Saturday to Midsummer’s Day, 23rd June, is the date of the Beaufort Entertainers Summer Concert. Always a lovely selection of music. Don’t forget to book your tickets on 822939 Messy Church is on Sunday 24th. All families are welcome at the Church Centre from 4pm. Children over 11 are welcome at Awesome Youff, but please meet at the Church Centre Royal weddingOn Saturday 19th May 2018 we rang a quarter peal to celebrate the wedding of Prince Harry and Mehgan Markle. We rang 1260 changes of Plain Bob Minor and it took 45 minutes. The ringers were: 1. Margie Brimacombe 2. Rebecca Banner 3. Steph Adcoc 4. Steve Bennett 5. Darren Tilley 6. Mark Banner (conductor) Many thanks to Margie from Croft for standing in at short notice as Tower Captain Greg Jones was unable to make it. Photo caption: ringers from left to right, Steve Bennett, Darren Tilley, Mark Banner, Steph Adcock, Margie Brimacombe, Rebecca Banner. Editor's Notepad May 2018On Sunday 6th May, Dr Miriam Gill returns to give another talk in St Martin’s Church. The subject will be Easter to Ascension: Through the Eyes of the Masters. This will be followed by refreshments and an Easter Carol Service at 5pm for those who wish to stay. The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers. On Thursday 3rd we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 17th at St On Saturday 5th it is our monthly lunches, which raise money for a variety of charities over the year. Coffee & Chat is on Tuesdays at the Church Centre from 10.30am – 12 noon with books, clothes & bric-a-brac for sale. Lunches will be on Tuesday 8th 12.30 at the Church Centre. Please let us know if you require a vegetarian option (823537). Messy Church is on Sunday 27th. All families are welcome at the Church Centre from 4pm. Children over 11 are welcome at Awesome Youff, but please meet at the Church Centre. Advance notice for the Summer Fete on Saturday 2nd June. Please put the date in your diary. Editor's Notepad April 2018The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers. On Thursday 5th we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 19th at St Martin’s Church Centre. For further information please contact John Coghlan 07943 026977 On Saturday 7th it is our monthly lunches, which raise money for a variety of charities over the year. The March lunches were cancelled because of the snow, but we hope this won’t happen again in April ! Coffee & Chat is on Tuesdays at the Church Centre from 10.30am – 12 noon with books, clothes & bric-a-brac for sale Lunches will be on Tuesday 10th 12.30 at the Church Centre. Please let us know if you require a vegetarian option (823537) On Sunday 15th St Martin’s will hold their AGM after morning service. This will be followed by a Bring & Share lunch Messy Church is on Sunday 22nd. All families are welcome at the Church Centre from 4pm. Children over 11 are welcome at Awesome Youff, but please meet at the Church Centre On Saturday 28th Churches Together are holding their International Safari Supper. This year we will be focussing on Mexico and the Caribbean. Please see the advert for this event. Oddfellows Brass BandOn a very chilly Saturday evening in January we welcomed back the Oddfellows Brass Band to St Martin’s for another magnificent concert. Despite the adverse weather conditions, the Church was filled to capacity, the audience eager to listen to this very talented group of musicians. Thank you to all of you who ventured out to support us. For those unfamiliar with the band, it started as a youth collective under the name Unity Brass in 1981. Based in Markfield, it was founded by Musical Director Rob Boulter and he remains at the helm today. The band has qualified for the National Brass Band Finals on six occasions and have been on several international and European tours. We were therefore privileged to sit back and enjoy a programme based on music from films, and the band started with Aces High, the 1969 soundtrack of the film Battle of Britain. We sang along to a medley from The Sound of Music, some people testing their yodelling skills to The Lonely Goatherd. A very different piece was Endeavour, which takes its title from Captain James Cook’s ship in which he circumnavigated the globe. We listened to the haunting refrain Gabriel’s Oboe, the main theme from The Mission. With more music from The Battle of Britain and A Fistful of Dollars we were captivated by the range of sound, from the rousing to the sorrowful, demonstrating the versatility of the brass, woodwind and percussion sections. We would like to thank everyone who helped with refreshments, raffle prizes, and clearing up afterwards. The evening raised an amazing £723 towards the new Church Organ Fund. We look forward to seeing you at our next St Martin’s concert on 24th March when we welcome the return of the Wabash jazz band. Jane, Margaret, Tony and Ray. Editor's Notepad March 2018Friday 2nd March is Women’s World Day of Prayer. Each year the service focuses on a different country and we learn many interesting facts about places that some people would have a job to pin point on a world map. This year we will be looking at Surinam and women’s lives there. Want to know more? Then come along to St Martin’s church at 2pm. On Saturday 3rd it is our monthly lunches, which raise money for a variety of charities over the year. Why not give them a try? The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers. On Thursday 1st we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 15th at St Martin’s Church Centre. For further information please contact John Coghlan 07943 026977 Coffee & Chat is on Tuesdays at the Church Centre from 10.30am – 12 noon with books, clothes & bric-a-brac for sale Lunches will be on Tuesday 13th 12.30 at the Church Centre. Please let us know if you require a vegetarian option (823537) During Lent we run a series of 5 weekly study groups. These are informal discussions and anyone is welcome. They start on Tuesday March 6th 7.30 at St Martin’s church, then alternate between here and the Free Church. It does not matter if you cannot attend them all; just come when you can You may have already seen a poster about the jazz concert on Saturday 24th March. The Wabash Jazzmen are a firm favourite with people in and around Desford, so make sure you buy your ticket soon! (822939) Messy Church falls on Palm Sunday. All families are welcome at the Church Centre from 4pm. We will be doing craft activities based on Easter, whilst those over 11 can try Awesome Youff Oddfellows Brass BandOn a very chilly Saturday evening in January we welcomed back the Oddfellows Brass Band to St Martin’s for another magnificent concert. Despite the adverse weather conditions, the Church was filled to capacity, the audience eager to listen to this very talented group of musicians. Thank you to all of you who ventured out to support us. For those unfamiliar with the band, it started as a youth collective under the name Unity Brass in 1981. Based in Markfield, it was founded by Musical Director Rob Boulter and he remains at the helm today. The band has qualified for the National Brass Band Finals on six occasions and have been on several international and European tours. We were therefore privileged to sit back and enjoy a programme based on music from films, and the band started with Aces High, the 1969 soundtrack of the film Battle of Britain. We sang along to a medley from The Sound of Music, some people testing their yodelling skills to The Lonely Goatherd. A very different piece was Endeavour, which takes its title from Captain James Cook’s ship in which he circumnavigated the globe. We listened to the haunting refrain Gabriel’s Oboe, the main theme from The Mission. With more music from The Battle of Britain and A Fistful of Dollars we were captivated by the range of sound, from the rousing to the sorrowful, demonstrating the versatility of the brass, woodwind and percussion sections. We would like to thank everyone who helped with refreshments, raffle prizes, and clearing up afterwards. The evening raised an amazing £723 towards the new Church Organ Fund. We look forward to seeing you at our next St Martin’s concert on 24th March when we welcome the return of the Wabash jazz band. Jane, Margaret, Tony and Ray. Editors Notepad February 2018In 2018 we would really like to have more contributions for the Parish News from YOU the readers. Please do consider writing an article and sending it to patcrane33@gmail.com or phone 823537 if you have written something and would like us to type it. Why not write about your holiday or an interesting trip – at home or abroad - a film or theatre visit, a recipe, a report from a group that you belong to – anything goes! The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers. On Thursday 1st we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 15th at St Martin’s Church Centre. For further information please contact John Coghlan 07943 026977 Coffee & Chat is on Tuesdays at the Church Centre from 10.30am – 12 noon with books, clothes & bric-a-brac for sale We are looking for new people to help on the rota, so if you could give a couple of hours, once a month, or be on our reserve list, please contact Pam on 822701 Lunches will be on Tuesday 13th 12.30 at the Church Centre. Please let us know if you require a vegetarian option (823537) Editors Notepad January 2018Our Christmas Tree Festival & Christmas Market are now just a memory, but we hope that everyone felt that this community event provided a great start to the festive season. If you have any comments – or would like to be involved in organising the event this year, please contact patcrane33@gmail.com Our next event is a concert featuring the Oddfellows Brass Band on Saturday 20th January 7.30pm in church. Tickets or more info available by email follow this link Oddfellows Tickets The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers. On Thursday 4th we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 18th at St Martin’s Church Centre. For further information please contact John Coghlan 07943 026977 Coffee & Chat is on Tuesdays at the Church Centre from 10.30am – 12 noon with books, clothes & bric-a-brac for sale. We will be closed on 2nd January but reopen on the 9th. We are looking for new people to help on the rota, so if you could give a couple of hours, once a month, or be on our reserve list, please contact Pam on 822701 Lunches will be on Tuesday 9th 12.30 at the Church Centre. Please let us know if you require a vegetarian option (823537) Christmas Tree Festival 2017Our 15th Christmas Tree Festival saw a few changes. Due to the popularity of Santa last year, he moved to a lovely new Grotto in the Church Centre, where there was space to have activities for the children too. The outside Christmas Market was extended from Friday evening to Saturday afternoon, with a ring of marquees borrowed from various sources. Members of Desford in Bloom worked with St Martin’s to put on this super community event and we hope that everyone enjoyed it. A big thank you to all the groups and individuals who decorated one of the trees and to everyone who helped in any way to make it such a successful weekend. The Beaufort Entertainers performed to a full house on the Saturday evening and a separate report will be included next month. Editors Notepad November 2017The Forget me Not Café is for people with dementia, and their carers. On Thursday 2nd we meet at Newbold Verdon library from 10.30am – 12 and on Thursday 16th at St Martin’s Church Centre. For further information please contact John Coghlan 07943 026977. On Saturday 11th it is our Martinmas Fair in the Church Centre from 11.30 -4. Stalls, tasty lunches and seasonal refreshments. Come and start your Christmas shopping. Before the Fair starts, we will be gathering at the War Memorial just before 11am to keep the Silence. Please join us. On Sunday there will be Remembrance Services at 10.45 at the War Memorial, at 12.30 at Botcheston War Memorial and 2.30 at the Desford Boys School Memorial. Coffee & Chat is on Tuesdays at the Church Centre from 10.30am – 12 noon with books, clothes & bric-a-brac for sale. Do drop in. Monthly lunches will be on Tuesday 14th 12.30 at the Church Centre. All are welcome. Families are invited to join us for Messy Church on Sunday 26th 3pm at the Church Centre. We will be making decorations for our Christmas tree and enjoying Christmas dinner afterwards. Advance notice for the Christmas Tree Festival which runs from Friday 1st to Monday 4th December. See the advert elsewhere in the magazine. The Christmas Market is extended this year to Saturday afternoon as well as Friday evening. Santa is moving to the Church Centre. We hope that you will support this community event. Come and see the lovely display of trees and get into the mood for Christmas. HARVEST FESTIVAL FAMILY COMMUNION - TEDDY BEAR’S PICNICIt was certainly a Harvest Service with a difference. The service, as well as collecting our harvest gifts and giving thanks for another harvest, was used to explain to the children what the Holy Communion was by comparing it with a Teddy Bear’s Picnic. After singing our first traditional hymn ‘Come Ye Thankful People Come’ the children then brought out some labels which started to compare the two and stuck them on a board in front of the altar. Throughout the service various labels were brought up and stuck on. While Peter who was going to celebrate put on his alb and stole and laid out the cloth on the altar, the children took their teddy bears to the picnic corner in front of the pulpit to lay out rugs for their picnic. During the hymn ‘We plough the fields and scatter’ the children pretended to scatter seeds and then collected the harvest produce brought in by the congregation and with the help of adults arranged them on a table near the picnic area. We then had two readings one from ‘The Picnic’ from Winnie the Pooh tales. During this reading all his friends mentioned were held up by the children thanks to an adult member of the congregation who has the whole collection! The Biblical reading was ‘The feeding of the 5000’. We then sang ‘Thank you.’ We then played a game of ‘True or False’ which introduced The Creed. Our prayers were led by Jane and her two granddaughters Olive and Maple. The Consecration Prayer was used from a Commissioned set of prayers to be used at children’s Communions. During this prayer at certain points an adult asked’ Why do we do this? Or how do we do this? To which another adult answered ‘Listen and you will hear’. Holy Communion was administered to the adults by Revd. David Shaw, while Peter blessed the children and gave them grapes, having explaining that grapes were both food and could be turned into wine. I think the children present at Communion services in future will expect them. As our last song we sang ‘A dingle dangle scarecrow, with a flippy, floppy hat’, which some of the children had learnt at school, during which we did the appropriate actions. After the service there were games for the children. Unfortunately we had to stay in church as the weather was against us. The children also made the shape of a scarecrow in conkers gathered from the church grounds. The picnic then followed with the children sitting with bears and adults in various groups eating and enjoying fellowship. Our harvest gifts were later taken to Braunstone FareShare who were very grateful as there are many people in need of help. Scarecrow Festival a huge successCongratulations to Desford in Bloom for a fantastic Scarecrow event over the bank holiday. Your enthusiasm and drive certainly fired the imagination of all those who displayed scarecrows and visitors like.. It was a delight to see so many people in the village all enjoying the atmosphere with so much going on in the church centre and church grounds – bands, dancers, singers, Mad Hatters & Alice Congratulations too to those from St. Martin’s who made the scarecrows – which won the Business & Community Shield for their display which we keep for a year and then hand it over – unless we can win it again! A challenge! Editors Notepad September 2017Lunches to raise money for charity will be Saturday 2nd September in church from 12 noon; coffees served from 10.30 Coffee & Chat is on Tuesdays at the Church Centre from 10.30am – 12 noon with books, clothes & bric-a-brac for sale. Do drop in Monthly lunches will be on Tuesday 12th 12.30 at the Church Centre. All are welcome This month sees the launch of a new venture, the Forget Me Not Café. This is a new group that is being set up to offer a meeting time and place for those with dementia and their carers. It is an opportunity to meet others, have a drink and do some activities together. It will run twice a month on a Thursday morning from 10.30am – 12noon. The first Thursday – 7th September – will be at Newbold Verdon library and the third Thursday – 21st September will be at St Martin’s Church Centre. This is mainly for residents of the two parishes, but others are welcome. For further information or queries please contact John Coghlan 07943 026977 Saturday 9th is the annual Ride & Stride day, when people cycle or walk to lots of churches. Their sponsorship money is split between their own church and Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust. The church will be open from 9am – 6pm, so please drop in for refreshments Another first is on Saturday 16th 7.30pm at the Church Centre, when there will be an illustrated talk about the Wildlife of Namibia. This is being given by Nick Crowley to raise funds for the Barns Charity, which you will also be able to find out about on the night. There will be appropriate refreshments and it promises to be a very interesting evening. Tickets from Pat 823537 patcrane33@gmail.com Messy Church starts again after the summer break. Families are invited to come and join us on Sunday 24th 3pm at the Church Centre. Activities will be themed around Harvest. This will prepare us for Harvest Festival on 1st October. The service at 10.30 will be geared for families and will be followed by a bring and share Teddy Bear’s Picnic. We hope to see you and your teddies there! Editors Notepad August 2017
Editors Notepad July 2017Lunches to raise money for charity will be Saturday 1st July in church from 12 noon; coffees served from 10.30 Coffee & Chat is on Tuesdays at the Church Centre from 10.30am – 12 noon with books, clothes & bric-a-brac for sale. Do drop in. On Wednesday 5th July there will be a Prayer Breakfast, organised by Churches Together. This will be at 9am in St Martin’s church. On Sunday 9th July Lux Mundi will be at the Free Church at 6pm. This is described as for young people and the young at heart! All are welcome. Monthly lunches will be on Tuesday 11th 12.30 at the Church Centre. All are welcome, but please book vegetarian option on 823537. On Wednesday 12th July Marilyn Baker, a blind gospel singer, will give a concert at the Free Church at 7pm. All are welcome. Messy Church will be on Sunday 23rd July, 4pm at the Church Centre. Families welcome. During the week 24th -28th July, we are organising a Holiday at Home. This is a new venture for St Martin’s and I’m afraid we are only able to accommodate a limited number of people this time. A garden is a wonderful place to relaxand however the early summer weather is shaping up, Tom Summer Fete A Great Day OutThank you to the Enderby Band who set the scene for a lovely day. All our efforts help to achieve £1,970.00 towards the mission of St. Martin’s church - such a fantastic result !!! Thank You Editors Notepad June 2017Charity lunches this month will be replaced by lunches served in church from 12 noon before the Summer Fete on Saturday 3rd June. This opens at 2pm and will have lots of stalls and entertainment, including the Enderby Band, Linda Williams Dance Academy and RepCo drama. We are hoping for fine weather, so that we can be out on the church green Coffee & Chat is on Tuesdays at the Church Centre from 10.30am – 12 noon with books, clothes & bric-a-brac for sale. Do drop in Monthly lunches will be on Tuesday 13th 12.30 at the Church Centre. All are welcome, but please book vegetarian option on 823537 On June 18th many members of the church will be in Milford on Sea for this year’s Away Weekend, so why not go to Desford Free Church or St Barts at Kirby Muxloe. You will be made very welcome Messy Church will not take its usual form this month because it is Open Gardens weekend. Instead there will be craft activities for children & families on the church green. If you come between 2 and 4pm you will also be entertained by Dave Harmers New Orleans Hot Shots. Do allow time to look inside the church and see our exhibition of Memory Boards plus beautiful Quilts from Loving Hands. Luckily the programme for Open Gardens lasts you for 2 days, so I suggest you start on Saturday at 11 o’clock and see how many you can visit. There is a Children’s Trail and don’t forget the Flower Festival in the Free Church. As part of the weekend it is traditional to have a Midsummer Concert by the Beaufort Entertainers. Come and relax after your busy day (Tickets available in advance from 822939) Lunches in aid of charity will be back as normal on July 1st To Wynne on 12th March 2017
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