St. Mary's August 2015 Magazine

Church of St. Mary the Virgin,Finedon.Parish MagazineAugust 201550p

Vicar:Finedon Parish Church: St Mary The VirginThe Revd Richard Coles,St Mary the Virgin Finedon, The Vicarage,Church Hill, Finedon, Northants, NN9 5NR01933 681 786, Mobile 07885 967 960email: revdrichardcoles@yahoo.co.ukAssistant Honorary Priest Fr Peter Baden,01832 733186email: p.baden36@btinternet.comReader Mr Michael Duncombe, 01536 723457email: michaelbex@talktalk.netParish ClerkMrs Gill Foster Tel: 680364 (To whom firstcontact for Baptisms and weddings must bemade).Churchwardens: Mrs Jane Read Tel: 680522Mr Neil Forster Tel: 682177PCC Secretary: Mrs Gill Foster Tel: 680364Treasurer: Mr Andrew Weatherill Tel: 682212Magazine Editor: Mrs Janet Millington, Tel: 681161.email: millingtonjanet@aol.com(to whom all copy should addressed bythe 15 th of the month prior to publication)Director of Music Mr Jonathan Harris Tel: 01933 779059,Mobile 07791 664507Email: Hjonathan83@aol.comDeputy OrganistsMrs. Kathy RobertsMr Oliver GriggChoirmaster: Mr. Bryan Chapman Tel: 398818Tower Captain Mr Bryan Chapman, Tel 398818Web Sitewww.finedonphotographs.org.uk/bellringers.htmlArchivist Mr John Bailey Tel 680747St Michael’s Mission Room:Bryan & Christine ChapmanTel: 01933 398818Times Of Services:Sundays8.00 am Holy Eucharist9.30 am Parish Eucharist.6.00 pm Evensong (1st Sunday of the Month)Visit us on the Web at www.stmarysfinedon.co.uk2

From The Vicarage August 2015.As August arrives I shall not be in Finedon but Bayreuth. This little Bavariancity has a big reputation for it is where Richard Wagner made his homeand built a theatre modestly dedicated to performing his owngargantuan operas. For some, a week of Wagner in stifling heat and on ahard bench seat might seem like a torture beyond endurance, but toaficionados, and I am one, it is the equivalent of tickets to the Cup Final(though even harder to come by), and I am indebted to my old schoolfriend Peter Crisp for the invitation.Wagner described his operas as ‘gesamtkunstwerke’, total works of art,involving costume and music and painting and lighting and drama in asynthesis so rich and so powerful they overwhelm the audience andboldly go where no drama has gone before. When it comes off it issublime. Wagner based his ideas on ancient Greek theatre, but also, Ithink, on the liturgy, the worship of the church. When we get it right, andwords and music and action intersect, we too can have an experienceof the sublime. We can also get it wrong and go so boldly where nochurch service has gone before that we need to go immediately intoreverse.I have every confidence that our new service, which we launch in theautumn, gets it right. It has been developed by Mike, our Reader, and isbased on the worship of the Taize community in France, an ecumenicalcommunity of monks and nuns founded by Brother Roger. It is prayerful, itis accessible, it is tuned to modern needs, and faithful to traditionalpractice. Taize worship is best known for its chant-like hymns – you knowone from our Sunday communion, “eat this bread, drink this cup” – butthat is only one of many which greatly enrich our experience of worship.They are simple, easy to learn, and if you want to join in you may and ifyou’d rather not you don’t have to. They help create a marvellousatmosphere for prayer and many who attend Taize worship say it hasrefreshed them powerfully. Why not give it a go?We will meet on Wednesday evenings at seven in church. More details tocome.Yours in Christ,Fr Richard.

Our Worship in AugustYear B2nd – 9 th Sunday of Trinity2 Samuel 11. 26 -12. 13aPsalm 51. 1 - 13Ephesians 4. 1 - 16John 6. 24 - 35Hymns253 (Tune Englands Lane) For thebeauty of the earth386 Be thou my vision, O Lord of myheart380 (Tune Camberwell) At the name ofJesusAnthem: Be still my soul (384)443 God is our strength and refuge2nd – 9th Sunday of Trinity (evensong)377 Angel-voices ever singingResponses FerialPsalm 88 1-1015 God, that madest earth and heavenCanticles Magnificat PlainchantNunc Dimittis Geoffrey BurgonAnthem: James Kent Thine, O Lord, is thegreatness13 Before the ending of the day9th - 10th Sunday of Trinity2 Samuel 18. 5 - 9. 31 -33Psalm 130Ephesians 4. 25 - 5. 2John 6. 35, 41 -51.Hymns621 Who would true valour see496 Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us466 How shall I sing that majesty *Anthem: Loosemore O Lord, increase ourfaith490 Jesus shall reign where’er the sun16th - 11th Sunday of Trinity1 Kings 2. 10 - 12. 3. 3- 4Psalm 111Ephesians 5. 15 - 20John 6. 51 - 58Hymns498 Let us, with a gladsome mind383 Be still, for the presence of theLord, the Holy One, is here618 When, in our music, God is glorified4Anthem: Mendelssohn Verleih uns Frieden377 Angel-voices ever singing*23rd - 12th Sunday of Trinity1 Kings 8. ( 1, 6, 10 -11), 41 - 43Psalm 84Ephesians 6. 10 - 20John 6. 56 - 59Hymns469 I hear the voice of Jesus say494 King of glory, King of peace467 How sweet the name of JesussoundsAnthem: Handel Let justice and judgementfrom Let my hand be strengthened555 Praise, my soul, the King of heaven30th - 13th Sunday of TrinitySong of Solomon 2. 8 - 13Psalm 45. 1 - 2, 7 - 10James 1. 17 - 27Mark 7. 1-8,14-15, 21-23Hymns369 All people that on earth do dwell608 Thy kingdom come! On bendedknee96 (Tune Aberystwyth) Jesus lover ofmy soulAnthem: The Lord is my shepherd (WalfordDavies)505 Lord Jesus Christ* DescantOrgan Voluntaries following the 9.30amservices2nd AugustWilliam Boyce: Voluntary in D9th August –Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck: Variations on‘Balletto del granduca’16th August –Dietrich Buxtehude: Praeludium, Fuga &Ciacona in C BuxWV 13723rd August –Anton Brunckhorst: Praeludium in g30th August –William Byrd: A VoluntarieOrgan Voluntary following 6pmevensong2nd AugustOlivier Messiaen: Le Banquet Celesta

From the RegistersBaptisms12th JulyIndie Rose PutmanFunerals9th JulyMichael Charles Spencer, age 70.Floodlight Sponsorship5th JulyStella, Malcolm & Linda Ward - inmemory of Ron (RVS) Ward (on whatwould have been his 100th birthday).Linda & Trevor Turnell & Family - inmemory of Cecil Fuller – father toLinda & grandfather to James &Charlotte (on what would have beenhis 81st birthday & on the 1stanniversary of his death).Mr & Mrs H K Brooks - to celebratethe safe arrival of Lily Rose Brooks.Bettie Carter & Family - in memory ofGillian (on what would have been herbirthday).Bettie Carter & Family - in memory ofGerald (on the 1st anniversary of hisdeath).Ian, Sue, Irene & Susan Collis – inmemory of Jack Collis.The grandchildren & greatgrandchildren- in memory of JackCollis.12th JulyBob & Debbie Cox - in memory ofmum Iris.Carol Cockroft - in memory of herhusband Darrol Cockroft (on the30th anniversary of his death).Barbara Bailey - in memory of a dearfriend.Ann Dickenson - in memory ofGeorge Clarke (on the anniversary ofhis death).19th JulyDave & Bet Cheney & Family - inmemory of their dear brother & uncleRobert.Valerie, Jane and David - in memoryof Derek, died 19th July.26th JulyJoyce Williams - in memory of BryanWilliams (on what would have beentheir 53rd wedding anniversary)All his family - in memory of Joe Love(on the anniversary of his death on29th July 1995).Ken, Sally & Christopher Farrell - inmemory of a dear daughter & sisterJane (on what would have been her43rd birthday).Christian MeditationAbout two years ago a ChristianMeditation group was set up inFinedon which meets every twoweeks on a Monday evening at7.30pm at 13 Rockleigh Close.Christian Meditation is reallycontemplative prayer following theteaching of John Main OSB.There is a time of discussion andoften a teaching CD then about20 minutes of silent prayer. .Following this we have time forfeedback and then finish with coffeeand biscuits.These meetings are open to all of anyor no denomination who wish to knowabout silent meditation. I do hopesome more of you may want toexplore this way of prayer.The next 2 dates for the ChristianMeditation evenings are Mondays3rd & 17th August.Everyone is welcome but it would behelpful if you could let Pat Peet on01933 680773 or myself know on01832 733186 or e-mail

National GardensSchemeOn behalf of the National GardensScheme we would like to thank themany, 821, who came as visitors tothe two Sunday openings of the threegardens, the four Thursday eveningsand other group visits to 67-69 HighStreet - thereby furthering the supportgiven to the various charitiesWe would also give a very big ‘ThankYou’ to the church and chapel whoprovided the teas on the Sundays,Mary & Stuart HendryGillian & John EllsonRichard & David ColesThe Final, Final SmartieTotalAll the Lent Smartie money is now inand the grand total is £944.96,absolutely amazing. Thank you toeveryone who took part.The Church FeteThank you to the members of theParochial Church Council whoworked so hard on the day of the Feteto make it a success and to the Fundraising team that worked together inpreparation.Thank you to anyone who took part onthe day in anyway. Then thank you toall those who supported the Fete.Thank you to the Buffs who gave uptheir time to erect and pack away themarquees they lent us andappreciation to the people whosponsored stalls e.g. The Bell ringerssponsored the Burgers and Hot dogs.There are so many people to mentionit would need two sides of A4 paper.6The Welly Trad Jazz Band and thePunch and Judy Show added to theatmosphere of the good weather. Itwas a time when the Finedoncommunity could congregate on theGreen in Well Street and enjoy theambience of a summer’s day.£1,600.00 plus was raised for Churchfunds after expenses. Well done.The Churchwardens.Wine Walk AboutThe weather on the evening of theWine Walk About on July 11th wasonce again kind to us. We travelledfrom Ireland to France, Spain, Italyand Germany all in one eveninglanding in the Butcher's Hook, Neil'sgarden. Our intrepid host had turnedhis garden into a Pub. Also in thegarden were pub games and acampfire which encouraged theguiding fraternity present to practicetheir "Ging gang goolie" with greatgusto. Hope those who joined in theevening’s events enjoyed thefestivities, met many new people andold friends.A great many thanks to the hosts fortheir very kind generosity andhospitality.We have made £719.07 for ChurchFundsSt Mary's Thursday ClubFor our August meeting we areholding a quiz night.The meeting will take place at theBand Club on 27th August 2015 at7.45pm.The cost of this is £1.50.Anyone wishing to join us that is not amember will be made most welcome.

An Evening atthe OperaThe Ad Parnassum opera groupfrom London are putting on aperformance ofPurcell's Dido & AeneasinSt Mary’s Church, FinedononSaturday 8th AugustThe evening begins at6.15 pm with apre-performance talk,6.45 pm drinks & canapés7.30 pm performanceTickets £15.00fromJane Read 01933 680522Jonathan Harris 07791 664507.However, you don’t need to knowabout English history to appreciatethis tragic story of two lovers dividedby duty, Maria-Lisa Geyer – thedirector- assures us. The operacontains universal themes of love andhonour, sexual desire, evil and death.With the addition of beautifulcostumes and even puppetry, not tomention fine musical support fromone of Venice's most accomplishedensembles, Ad Parnassum’s take onthis classic work is likely to makequite an impression.Ad Parnassum’s previousproductions: Mozart’s ‘Bastien &Bastienne’, Blow’s ‘Venus & Adonis’:touring Italy, Germany and UK andShakespeare’s ‘Venus & Adonis’and ‘The Rape of Lucrece’ for RADAFestival and Oxford Museum ofStorytelling.Riccardo Parravicini, Music Director,has conducted ‘L’Offerta Musicale’ forover 25 years, with many Europeantours and outstanding reviews to hisname.‘Ad Parnassum’‘Ad Parnassum’ - an exciting newopera group will perform Purcell’s‘Dido & Aeneas’ for one night only atSt. Mary the Virgin, Finedon on 8thAugust, before touring Italy andSpain.Dido & Aeneas, written in 1689 isgenerally regarded as Purcell'smasterpiece. The opera is unique forits time, epitomising the English tastefor mixing spoken verse with musicand dancing. This work can also beseen as an allegory to the politicalsituation of the times.CongratulationsCongratulations to Jonathan Harris,Director of Music at St Mary’s Churchwho has written a children's operacalled 'Starlight'.Starlight has been performed aroundthe world in countries such as Iranand Brazil.Not only has it gone global butuniversal, a copy of the opera is beingrocketed into space in a time capsuleto land on the moon in October.Well done Jonathan - keepcomposing.

From Burton LatimerMedical CentreOn the day appointments—TriageSystemWe have changed the way wemanage requests to be seen on thesame day.If one of our 3 highly trained NursePractitioners can help you, you will begiven an appointment that day.If you think you need to see a doctorthat day, one of our on-call team willcall you back to discuss your needsand arrange an appointment with themost appropriate clinician..Practice Staff News & ChangesWe are pleased to report that Dr TobyRose has now joined us as a newpartner.We are also pleased to welcomeMary Martin, a nurse practitioner, whowill be joining us on 3rd August.We will be saying goodbye toMarianna Mancini who left us on 26thJune.We also have a change of PracticeDirector as Mrs Jo Cox left in earlyJuly and Mrs Helen Corbett joined usat the end of June.Test ResultsOur phlebotomist takes bloodsamples from more than 30 patientsdaily which are collected by courierevery lunchtime. These are taken toKettering General Hospital foranalysis. The doctors also referappropriate patients for other testsincluding CT scans, MRI scans andX-rays.Samples will only be accepted ifrequested by a clinician with theappropriate form. The time taken tosend the results back to us for these8tests vary from a matter of days to anumber of weeks depending on theircomplexity. It is the responsibility ofpatients to contact us in order toobtain the result of the test althoughwe will make contact if the result isabnormal.If you telephone to obtain test results,please call between 2pm and 4pmfrom Monday to Friday.Get well soon without AntibioticsAntibiotics are important medicinesused to treat infections caused bybacteria. Overuse of antibiotics canlead to antibiotic resistance. Thismeans that they are becoming lesseffective at fighting infections. Anexample of this is the MRSA superbug. Our clinicians will only prescribeantibiotics when absolutelynecessary.Health Checks for patients between40yrs & 74yrsNHS Health Checks for patients in theabove age range (without an existingdiagnosed disease) is a nationalinitiative. We now have a nurse whoundertakes these checks on aSaturday morning. Please arrange anappointment with a receptionist.Feedback formsWhy not complete a “Friends andFamily” feedback form which you canfind on the counters both in Finedonand Burton Latimer? This will give usyour views about the service whichwe provide and gives you theopportunity to suggest ways we canimprove. If you want to become amember of Patient ParticipationGroup please ask for details.This group works with us in a varietyof ways to help improve our services.

St Mary’s Parish ChurchFlower Festival 2015Journeysandadventures18th-20th SeptemberFriday 18 th 2.00 pm - 5.00 pmSaturday 19 th 10.00 am - 6.00 pmSunday 20 th 11.00 am - 4.30 pmMidsummer LunchThe Churches Working Together ateSunday Lunch on 12th July at thechapel.The menu, carrot and coriander soup,roast pork, vegetables and roastpotatoes to die for, followed by freshraspberries in a flan from JohnSwann's garden.Simply delicious. Well done and thankyou chapel ladies.Townswomen’s GuildThis months meeting will be held onThursday 6th August at 7.30pm in theTown Hall.Our speaker will be David Hudsonwho will talk about a visit toBuckingham Palace.The social half hour will be organisedby the Social Studies Group and thecompetition will be for a RoyalSouvenir.Anyone wishing to join us will be verywelcome. The visitors fee is £3.00.“I remember the days of old”Psalm.143. v 5.This 48 page book has been acclaimed as “amazing “and “fascinating reading” and contains a host ofmemories of the life and conditions as they were in thelifetime of the author.For instance, whereas the air waves today are filed withall kinds of music from radio, TV, computers and manyother sources, it tells how the sounds of music were firstintroduced into our home. Or, while the lounge floor islittered with all kinds of mechanical and electrical toys there was oneChristmas when I had nothing at all (this has brought a number of peoplealmost to tears). Again, when you see these huge Fire and Rescue vehiclesdashing past, read how the local Fire Brigade tackled a large factory fire withonly a hand truck and a few hoses.Why not give a copy of this book to your children or older friends. They areavailable from me at £5 per copy plus postage.and packing.My address is .Charles Needle, 50 Philip Avenue, Barnstaple. EX31 3AGTelephone 01271 378 358, email: lcharl997@aol.comBe amazed at what you read.

Mary CliftonIn 1765, William Clifton, a Finedonlabourer, married Mary Clarke ofSpaldwick, Huntingdonshire, inFinedon church.Our overseers of the poors’accounts record that, in December1792, the overseers paid SamuelDines £1.7s.6d. to take her toBethlem Hospital, London. Thisinstitution was commonly known asBedlam, and was used toaccommodate the insane.Considering that an adult pauper wasexpected to survive on 1s.6d. aweek, the overseers would not havepaid out such a large sum unlessMary’s condition had been serious.The archives of Bethlem Hospitalrecord Mary’s admission on 27thApril 1793, and in May our overseersgave her husband, William, fiveshillings to go to London to visit her.The Bethlem archives further recordthat on 5th November 1793 Mary,having contracted smallpox, wastransferred to the London SmallpoxHospital, where she died ten dayslater.On 7th December the overseers paidMary Mould three shillings for“Cleaning Wm Cliftons wife’s clothes”with a view to recouping some oftheir outlay, but in March 1794 hadto pay the two hospitals’ chargesamounting to £2.15s.2d.Mary Clifton was not the onlyFinedon pauper sent to Bedlam.Judith Colson, who had to be put inhandcuffs and tied to two stakes, was10

sent there in 1721, and SamuelWallington, who had beenineffectually put on a special diet fortwelve days (which cost theoverseers six shillings) in 1778, andthere may have been others.Certainly, once a year, the overseershad to produce a list of all Finedonlunatics and present it to themagistrates.The Bethlem Hospital has beenrelocated several times, but still existsas a psychiatric hospitalCaption: A painting by Hogarth ofBedlam about 1733 – the two womenin the background have paid to enterand be entertained by the bizarreantics of the inmates.NorthamptonshireHistoric Churches TrustRide and StrideThe annual sponsored bicycleride/walk to local churches andchapels will take place on Saturday12th September 2015 from 10.00 amto 6.00 pm. Anyone wishing toparticipate can obtain information andsponsorship forms from Gill Foster(telephone 680364). We hope that wecan encourage as many people aspossible to take part by beingsponsored to walk or cycle tochurches participating in the event, orby being sponsored as a recorder ofvisitors to our church. It does nothave to be for the whole day, just foras long as you are able to commit to.This is a national event and manychurches and chapels throughout thecountry will be taking part. Anymoney raised through sponsorshipwill be divided between the HistoricChurches Trust and the participatingchurch. By taking part in the cycleride or walk our church could qualifyfor a grant for building repairs shouldthe need arise in the future.See Gill for more information.Finedon Over 60’s ClubOur weekly meeting is held at theBowls Club, Wellingborough Road onWednesdays from 1.45 pm until3.30 pm. Admission is £1.00 perweek.August Programme5th Call my Bluff12th Terry Goodman Music19th Afternoon at the races26th BingoAnyone wishing to join us would bemade very welcomeAutumn Barn DanceatFinedon Community Centre,onSaturday 10th October 2015at 7.30pm.Local Live Band ‘Kelly’s Eye’with caller.Real Ale Licensed Bar.Tickets £9 includingchicken & chip supper.If you missed the Valentine’sDance don’t miss this one!A great night out in Finedon withanother themed setting!Reserve tickets on01933 398377

Free Activities atFinedon Library thisSummerTo book onto anyof the activitieslisted belowplease eitherspeak to amember of staff atFinedon Libraryor contact us viaemail atfinlib@northamptonshire.gov.uk.Sunday 2nd august 2.00-3.30 pmUnder 5s Duplo Lego Club - drop inWednesday 5th August 2.30-3.30pmUnder 5s Family Plus Play & Learn -drop in2.30-3.30 pm 5-12 years SugarcraftFamily Event - bookThursday 6th August 10.30-11.00amUnder 5s Rhyme Time - drop in.Friday 7th August 2.30-3.30pm5-12 years Fastest Cars Craft - drop inSunday 9th August 2.00-3.30pmUnder 5s Duplo Lego Club - drop in,Wednesday 12th August 2.30-3.30pm5-12 years Olympic Treasure Hunt -book2.30-3.30pm Under 5s Family PlusPlay & Learn - drop in.Thursday 13th August 10.30-11.ooamUnder 5s Rhyme Time - drop in.Saturday 15th August 10.30-11.30asm5-12 years Olympic Torch Craft -book.12Sunday 16th August 2.00-3.30pmUnder 5s Duplo Lego Club - drop inWednesday 19th August 2.30-3.30pmUnder 5s Family Plus Play & Learn -drop in.2.30-3.30pm 5-12 years MostSuperheroes in the Library-dress upparty and Superhero craft - bookSaturday 22nd August 10.30-11.30pm5-12 years Largest Poppy Craft -book.Sunday 23rd August 2.00-3.30pmUnder 5s Duplo Lego Club - drop in.Wednesday 26th August 2.30-3.30pm5-12 years Most Colourful AnimalsCraft - book2.30-3.30pm Under 5s Family PlusPlay & Learn - drop in.Thursday 27th August 10.30-11.00amUnder 5s Rhyme Time - drop in.Sunday 30th August 2.00-3.30pmUnder 5s Duplo Lego Club - drop in.Saturday 12th September 11.00-12.00pm5-12 years Tea Party - This is toclelbrate everyone who has completedthe Summer Reading Challenge - dropin.Children under 8 must beaccompanied by an adultDue to limited spaces if you havebooked onto any activities and are nolonger able to attend please inform usby speaking to a member of staff oremailingfinlib@northamptonshire.gov.uk sothat we are able to offer the space toanother child.

In My Daythe ramblings of Hubert JamesIn my day it was about this time ofyear that the circus came to town.That’s a proper circus, like Billy Smartor Bertram Mills, with blokes puttingtheir heads inside the lion’s mouth,elephants balancing on little stands,troops of ponies with plumes, and ofcourse, a clown with an exploding car.The best bit for me was wanderingaround backstage before and after.Breathing in the sweet warm stenchand peeking in the stables to see allthe exotic creatures. I reckon that waswhere I first saw a two humped cameland a Shetland pony.Course, nowadays you don’t get anyanimals. Not even a Jack Russellleaping through a flaming hoop. Pitybecause Britain seems to be full ofperforming dogs. I know you still getsome tightrope walking and trapezeand that, but it’s not the same, is it?Up in Woodnewton, Nicola Poliakoffwould be turning in his grave. (That’sCoco to you and me)I expect some of you remember theincident the last time a proper circusset up in the Rec. I don’t mean whenVic Vesta tried to see if tiger, tiger didburn bright in the forest of the night,by holding his lighter under the poorthings tail. Although, it did mean Vicwas called Claude Bottom for the restof his life.No, I’m talking about Jelly Bean theGentleman Clown. Jelly Bean was theone who wore full evening dress butwith a big red nose and lime greenwig. He did all the usual clown stuffbut he looked very stylish, although,he had a rather anti-social skill. Hecould ‘play’ the National Anthem by,well, by passing wind.By the time he got here he had hadenough of suffering for his Art. A dietof Brussels Sprouts and Baked Beanswas taking its toll. And anyway he’dhad a lifelong ambition to work on afarm and a farmer down ThrapstonRoad needed a dairyman. He didn’tneed asking twice.When the head of the heard called,Jelly the Elegant packed his trunk andsaid goodbye to the Circus, off hewent with a trumpety-trump, trump,trump, trump.Church Monthly DrawTotal receipts of £256.00 are dividedequally between the winners and thechurch funds.Winning numbers for the July monthlydraw are:1st prize 70 £64.002nd prize 263 £38.403rd prize 297 £25.60If you would like to join the monthlydraw (£1.00 per share per month)which takes place in the church onthe first Sunday of the month, pleasecontact Kathy Hobbs on 01933398794.

The Bishop of Brixworth writesThank God for all his goodnessI love the story about the family whowere trying to impress their dinnerguests by asking their youngest childto say grace. “Just repeat what wesaid at breakfast”, they were told. Thechild prayed; “Dear God, we’ve gotthose awful people coming tonight!”It’s an occupational hazard for clergyto be asked to say grace at meals. Idon’t mind because it’s always aprivilege to lead people in prayer, butit also acts as a reminder for me toalways be grateful.In his much-publicised papal letter onthe environment and climate change,Laudate Si, Pope Francis challengesall of us to take more seriously ourresponsibility to care for God’screation and protect the mostvulnerable people and places. Heasks; “What kind of world do we wantto leave to those who come after us,to children who are now growing up?”and suggests that this poses thedeeper questions; “What is thepurpose of our life in this world?” and“Why are we here?”Echoing Archbishop Justin’semphasis upon Christians serving thecommon good of humanity, PopeFrancis commends lifestyle choiceswhich respect the integrity of creation.He also encourages recapturing asense of gratitude and wonder,appreciating the world as God’s giftand remembering ourconnectedness with all God’screatures.In particular, he advocates arediscovery of the practice of sayinggrace before meals. “One expressionof this attitude is when we stop andgive thanks to God before and aftermeals. I ask all believers to return tothis beautiful and meaningful custom.That moment of blessing, howeverbrief, reminds us of our dependenceon God for life; it strengthens ourfeeling our gratitude for the gifts ofcreation; it acknowledges those whoby their labours provide us with thesegoods; and it reaffirms our solidaritywith those in greatest need”.You don’t have to wait until the clergyvisit! Try saying simple prayer ofthanks yourself before your mainmeal every day.With my prayers and best wishes,14

Town DiaryAugust3rd BL, Bowls Club, Medical Detection Dogs4th 9.45 Coffee Morning, Bowls Club5th 1.45 Over 60s Bowls Club, Call my BluffOctober3rd Wesleyan Chapel Table Top Sale5th BL, Bowls Club, Fish & Chips7th Inter-church quiz, Wesleyan Chapel6th8th12th7.30 TG Town Hall, David Hudson, visit toBuckingham Palace6.15 Ad Parnassum opera group, StMary’s Church.1.45 Over 60s, Bowls Club, Terry GoodmanMusic10th27thNovemberAutumn Barn Dance - CommunityCentreConcert in memory of Bob Munns, BowlsClub15th18th19th5.30 St Mary’s Church Treasure Hunt9.45 Coffee Morning, Bowls Club1.45 Over 60s Bowls Club, Afternoon atthe races1st7th6.00pm Remembrance Evensong,St Mary’s ChurchBL, Bowls Club AGM7.30 Curtain Up stage show, Star Hall26th1.45 Over 60s Bowls Club, Bingo8th3.00 Curtain Up stage show, Star Hall27th7.45 St Mary’s Thursday Club, Quiz,Band Club15thChristmas Craft Fair, Community CentreSeptember1st7th10th9.45 Coffee Morning, Bowls ClubBL, Bowls Club, chat night10am-6pm Ride & Stride, St Mary’sChurch29thDecember5th6.00 Advent Carol Service, St Mary’sChurch11-2pm Wesleyan Chapel ChristmasBazaar7pm St Mary’s Church Wassail Evening,13th2pm The Big Sing at the Albert Hall11thBL, Bowls Club, Entertainment18th/20thFlower Festival, St Mary’s Church6.30 Festal Evensong, St Mary’s Church22ndCarol service, St Mary’s church.St Michael’s Mission Room, Well Street, FinedonAvailable for hire weekdays and Saturdays.Suitable for most social functions, charitable events, children's parties (no latediscos)For all enquiries and information contactBryan & Christine Chapman Tel: 01933 398818Email: bryanchapman2@aol.com