The Sodbury Vale Benefice
O U T LO O K
magazine
Chipping Sodbury, Old Sodbury, Horton & Little Sodbury
1 November 2013 50p Jane is enrolled as a Companion of the Society of St Francis by Brother Damian.
Contacts
Churchwardens
Rector The Revd. Canon Jane Kenchington, 01454 313159 [Day off Friday] email jane@kenchington.plus.com
Chipping Sodbury
Associate Priest
01454 324970 email pjandjj@waitrose.com
Paul Jones-Williams
The Revd. Yvonne Brae, 01454 850682, Mob. 07908 513098 [Day
Anne Mudge 07823 441920
Off Monday] email jmyr@blueyonder.co.uk
Reader (Licensed Lay Minister)
Old Sodbury
Mr Ian Yemm 01454 318608 email tenor@ianyemm.co.uk
Val Walker 01454 318286 Tony Dixon 01454 321528 email chatterton33@btinternet.com
If you would like to know more about the Christian faith or are thinking about baptism or confirmation please speak to Jane or Yvonne
Little Sodbury
Director of Music
Brenda Cordy 01454 316447
Nick Sherwood, 01454 319539 Mob. 07802 427135
Church Office
Horton
Open during term time Monday, Tuesday & Thursday mornings 9.00 - 12.00
Tina Hildick-Smith 01454 320380
Administrator - Michelle Jenkins
Richards Needs 01454 329890
Annual subscription to Outlook (10 issues) ÂŁ5
01454 325160
sodburyvalebenefice@gmail.com
December/January Deadline
Web Site www.sodburyvalechurches.wordpress.com
Can you have all editorial to Michelle in the Church Office by November 12th at the latest please.
Advertising - Sylvia Franklin St. John’s Church Centre 07788 111 726
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Dear Friends, November is the time for remembering people. On the very first day of November, the Church celebrates the Feast of All Saints’ – when we remember all those Christians who have gone before us. It gives us the opportunity to reflect on their lives as disciples of Jesus and see how we can emulate them. When we read Paul’s letters to the churches he founded, he nearly always addresses the Christians there as “saints” which reminds us that saints are no more special than we are. It’s not a case of putting saints on pedestals and always thinking that we can never be like them. Saints are people who follow Jesus and allow him to be Lord of their lives. Through baptism, we are reminded that no Christian is solitary: we become members one of another in Christ, members of a company of saints whose mutual belonging transcends death. Charles Wesley put it like this: One family, we dwell in him, One Church, above, beneath; Though now divided by the stream, the narrow stream of death. Fast on the heels of All Saints’, is the Commemoration of the faithful departed - All Souls -’ on 2 November. This commemoration celebrates the saints in a more local and intimate key. It allows us to remember with thanksgiving before God those whom we have known more directly: those who gave us life, or who nurtured us in faith. Remembrance Sunday invites us to explore the theme of memory, both corporate and individual, as we confront issues of war and peace, loss and self-gift, memory and forgetting. It is in remembering the past, that we hopefully learn from history and don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. This year, when there have been so many acts of terror and violence and civil wars raging, we need to pray all the harder for peace throughout the world. Sadly, many of these acts of violence are done in the name of religion. Moderate people would say that it’s the fanatics and extremists who give their religions a bad name. At this time, we are invited to reflect on our own lives and ask God to purge us of dogmatism and prejudice. November ends with the feast of Christ the King, when we proclaim that Jesus is King of heaven and earth. In all our remembering, it is good to recall the late Michael Mayne’s words when he talked about allowing ourselves to be re-membered when we celebrate the eucharist. He meant (and I think he was using St Augustine’s thoughts) that the whole Church, the Body of Christ, is placed on the altar and we are offered and broken and re-formed / re-membered – all put back together again in a grace-filled and transforming way. Christ the King Sunday is also known as “Stir up Sunday”, so I’ll end with the familiar post-communion prayer: Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may by you be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. With love and prayers,
Rev. Canon Jane Kenchington, 01454 313159, email:jane@kenchington.plus.com
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We look forward to seeing as many of you who would like to join us in the Church Centre. Members and nonmembers are warmly invited. Jenny
Marriages: We send our congratulations to:
A prayer by Thomas Merton
Angela Carpenter & Stephen Spray on 20 September at St John’s Church, Old Sodbury: Helen Glanville & James Pearce on 28 September at St James the Elder Church, Horton: Charles Herbert & Karina Grigson on 28 September at St John’s Church, Old Sodbury: Hannah Walker & Christopher Prickett on 5 October at St John’s Church, Old Sodbury:
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have the desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. Amen.
Blessings of Marriage: We send our congratulations to:
Jess and Aaron Jeffery on 14 September at St John’s Church, Old Sodbury:
Renewal of Marriage vows: We send our congratulations to:
Tracy & Julian Shipp on 14 September at St John’s Church, Old Sodbury:
Funerals:We
extend our sympathy to the families and friends of:
Carol Ball on 23 August at Westerleigh Crematorium, followed by interment in St Adeline’s Churchyard on 16 September. Alan Pidgeon on 24 October at St John’s Church Chipping Sodbury
Mothers’ Union On Monday 11th November at 7-45 pm Mrs. Susan Marshfield will be speaking to our members on “Personal peeps from the past,” this I know will be, in Susan’s usual way, very amusing and will remind GOOD THING I FOUND YOU GIDEON… IT us of funny events in our own lives. SEEMS SOMEONE HAS BEEN HIDING ALL YOUR BIBLES IN HOTEL ROOMS
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Diocesan Letter
Harvest at Horton
As November approaches, we move from autumn towards winter. We’ve turned the clocks back and it’s growing dark by teatime. For me, there’s always a bit of melancholy that sets in about now. To offset that, there is a welcome sense of cosiness.
Thank you everyone from the other churches who supported Horton's Harvest Lunch on the 13th. As it was quite the most miserable day nobody could do anything other than eat and drink, and enjoy lovely company. The hall was packed, the choir sang, two very good pieces of music, there were lots of raffle prizes, much laughter, a few speeches and a happy Birthday to Tina, a few days early!
In the church, we move this month into our season of Remembrance. What we remember at All Saints is that we are part of a great “cloud of witnesses” encompassing all who have ever called upon the name of the Lord. On All Souls’ Day, we are asked to remember especially those known to us who have passed into God’s nearer presence. It is a time to feel their nearness to us as well, as they live in our memories and affection. Then comes Remembrance Sunday, when we pay our respects to those who have given their lives in service to their country in the wars of the last century and the conflicts of today, and also pray for all those who put themselves in harm’s way for our benefit. At this time it is important to emphasise the need of all persons of faith to work for peace with justice and the end of violence and oppression, wherever they are found. We must also have a care for the bereaved, whose lives have been shattered by the loss of loved ones in armed conflict.
All in all a very happy day, we could just do with a slightly bigger hall to fit a few more people in! The lunch at Horton raised just over £1000, Thank you to everyone
involved.
As Christians, we hold remembrance in high regard as a way of bringing into present reality things that we might be tempted to regard as long ago and far away. Christian remembering is a powerful thing and one that helps and consoles us. It also is meant to strengthen us to move forward with renewed vigour in mission and ministry. Revd Canon Robbin Clark, Dean of Women Clergy 5
Drop the Bible from Desert Island Discs?
The Independent has a piece asking if the Bible is to be dropped from Radio 4's Desert Island Discs. They quote the National Secular Society arguing that not everyone wants 'to live in a theocracy where the Bible is mandatory'. I fear this rather misses the point. I don't think the Bible is part of Desert Island Discs because of some Machiavellian scheme to proselytise an archipelago of imaginary deserted islands. I suspect the Bible is included by default simply because it saves it being picked by every second guest, becoming a boring and repetitive bit of radio. This might come as a surprise to the NSS but this simply isn't about some kind of religious power struggle. The Bible is widely regarded as the most significant text in English literature, alongside the works of Shakespeare and perhaps Paradise Lost.
Steve Blakeney Plumbing and Heating C.I.P.H.E. Registered Plumber Oil Installation and Service (OFTEC reg.) Bathrooms and Tiling Heating System Power Flushing Renewable Energy Solar Energy and Air Source Heat Pumps
The irony is that if the Bible weren't included in Desert Island Discs it would become a bigger feature of the show. Guests who recognised its literary significance would pick it because 'all the timeless human stories are in there'. Others who found it personally stirring would say that they couldn't imagine going without words that had spoken to them so powerfully. And some might even talk about how they found the Bible to be a way to encounter the living Word of a living God.
Tel: 01454 294875 Mobile: 07778 362623 6
Nativity Crib Festival: 4-8 December 2013
THE
MODA HOUSE
Yes, it’s come round again! Schools will be visiting, Roly the Clown will be with us all day on the Saturday, the donkeys will be back, and we have been promised some exciting exhibits.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend break away, celebrating that special occasion or perhaps just visiting the area on business we can accommodate your individual requirements. Bed and Breakfast 11 Individually styled rooms Excellent breakfast using fresh local produce FREE parking and FREE WiFi Within easy reach of the M4 and M5 Meeting room
But we need YOU, please! 1. If you have a crib, please can you lend it to us to exhibit? We’ll need it on the morning of Monday 2 December when we’ll be setting up the exhibition.
To make a reservation or for more details simply email enquiries@modahouse.co.uk or telephone 01454 312135
2. Please sign up to volunteer to help during the Festival. Without volunteers, the Festival can’t take place.
1 High Street, Chipping Sodbury, South Glos. BS37 6BA www.modahouse.co.uk
3. If you have any empty tall glass jars (like pasta sauce jars), please continue to collect them, remove the labels and bring them to church so they can be used for children to make lanterns.
Energy Performance Certificates for:
Sales,
4. Please spread the word around. Ask your neighbours if they have cribs we can borrow; invite your neighbours to visit the Festival. 3500 people visited last year. Can we increase the footfall this year? Some of the proceeds will be going to St Peter’s Hospice – a very worthy charity. Please do your bit and support that charity and the church’s efforts in trying to communicate the Good News of Jesus. Jane
Rental & Holiday Lets, Floor Plans
Lynn Edwards MA, MCIEH, MCIH Domestic Energy Assessor Tel: 07973 166 692 or 01454 323 340 Email: office@lenergy-assessor.co.uk 7
cousins in Australia, America and Canada, respectively.
Family Reunion Among the rolling hills of West Devon, a few miles from the River Tamar, lies the tiny village of Kelly. Its parish church, dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, lies in the centre of the village and it was here, on the third Sunday in September, that an extraordinary service took place. Tim Deacon, the rector of Lifton, led the worship for a congregation consisting almost entirely of members of one family. The service was the culmination of an international reunion of the Yole family, with 72 members coming from Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand, as well as from different parts of Britain.
Ann’s interest in family history was kindled by her father after he had taken her to Kelly churchyard some thirty years ago. He had been fascinated by the unusually large collection of headstones bearing his surname. Ann’s subsequent research, undertaken before the advent of online search facilities, formed the basis of a family tree stretching back to 1645. Although this produced a comprehensive picture, it left unanswered the question of why such a large family had left relatively few members alive at the present day. Then a lady in upper New York state in America got in touch, trying to contact relatives world-wide. After eventually meeting up with her, Ann was able to connect her own family history with a global network of Yoles and the answer to her question became clear.
The church at Kelly, pictured here, had been chosen for the event as it was here, in the late 18th century, that David and Jane Yole once lived, from whom all the congregation were descended. A plaque in the church tower commemorates a bell-ringing achievement in which Yole family members took part. Another Yole is known to have repaired the tower during the 1890’s. It was appropriate that Tim took “the family” as the theme for the service.
Although the village of Kelly lies in rich agricultural land, the opening up of the mining industry in the nearby Tamar Valley provided employment opportunities for many. The extraction of copper and tin brought huge wealth to the Dukes of Bedford, who owned much of the land on either side of the boundary between Devon and Cornwall. With the falling price of these minerals in the mid 18th century, large numbers of miners were thrown out of work and many of them emigrated to countries all over the world in order to find work. Among these were members of the The reunion, which lasted for a total of ten Yole family. days, was arranged by Ann Blatchford, who was also responsible for much of the The 2013 reunion began with a few days historical research which took place sight-seeing in London, then moved to behind the scenes. This year’s reunion Devon where accommodation was was not the first of its kind. Ann had provided at a hotel on the edge of previously arranged a similar event in Dartmoor. Various outings were arranged 2001 and that has been followed by get- each day, many of them focusing on togethers every three years, organized by places associated with particular branches 8
of the family. One such visit took the group to St Andrew’s church in Calstock, where one family member from Canada, accompanied by his three daughters, was able to see where his great grandfather was both baptized and buried.
“first Tweeter”, with messages like ‘love one another’ being ideal for a medium which demands succinct phrases. Just a look at the Beatitudes, those simple phrases starting ‘Blessed are those…’ which show he had the knack for the short Another such visit was made to the church and snappy. at Gulval, near Penzance, where the Jesus wants to tell everyone the good forbear of the Australian branch was news that God loves them. Crowds of baptized. Also on this day everyone had hundreds would gather in 33AD Jerusalem the opportunity to to hear him speak – surely he would find explore the a way to spread the Word further using conditions of social media. w o r k i n g Today, the emphasis is all about underground, at the communicating ideas immediately. Gone Poldark Heritage are the times when you could craft a site near Helston. reasoned argument over a few days; Back home after the reunion Ann has been ordering more T-shirts for those unable to buy them during their stay. The logo, which she designed, showed three motifs of particular relevance to the Yole family: Kelly Church, some sheaves of corn and a mine pumping engine house. Ann has now handed over responsibility to an Australian cousin, who will start work on preparing the next reunion, in Sydney in 2016. David and Ann Blatchford
people want to know what others are thinking and they want to know now. Jesus could be brief and yet, in a few short phrases, have profound meaning. Perhaps we should concentrate on doing the same when we take to social media. If you want to see what we’ve been tweeting, why not follow us @GlosDioc or check out our Facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/Diocese-ofGloucester/167103493347180 Ben Evans, New Media Communications Officer
What Would Jesus Tweet?
There is a joke in social media circles of Green Community Travel Jesus speaking to a would-be disciple. If you find it difficult using Public Transport Jesus is saying to him: “I’m not talking and do not have access to a car, Green about Twitter. I literally want you to follow Community Travel limited may be able to me.” help. For a £5 registration and £15 annual But if Jesus had been born today, rather fee they provide affordable transport to than 2,000 years ago, the question is local destinations including Frenchay whether he would be using the likes of Hospital. Twitter and Facebook to spread the Phone 0845 241 0985 or visit their website Gospel. www.greencommunitytravel.co.uk for more information. Joy Jordan Vatican cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi recently referred to Jesus as the world’s 9
The Community of the Sisters of the Church
Mrs. E.J. Gauntlett
82 Ashley Road, St Paul’s, Bristol BS6 5NT Tel: 01179 413268 Email: bristoladmin@sistersofthechurch.or g.uk
M.Ch.S. HPC REGISTERED CHIROPODIST / PODIATRIST
6 Beaufort Mews 7 Horse Street Chipping Sodbury South Glos. BS37 6DA Telephone: (01454) 319083 Tuesday, Wednesday, & Saturday Mornings
CHRISTMAS APPEAL 2013 “Oh come all ye faithful”! Harvest is just coming in, for which many thanks to you all, but if our Christmas appeal is going to reach Parish magazines we need to be sending it now! Very sadly this year we will be unable to give out toys for the children. We now only have two Sisters in the house and even with all the help from our wonderful volunteers we feel we cannot undertake the work involved. We are also aware that a most pressing need will be for help towards gas and electricity. We heard of several families last Winter who had to choose between a hot meal or a warm home. We already put aside £100 a month to help those in desperate need and feel if money spent on toys could be given to us we could use it for this. (We never give out cash but top up the “key” for their meters.) If you are able to Gift Aid your donation, a form is attached. I realise many of you will still want to give toys. There are other organizations in Bristol who are very happy to have them. The Salvation Army at Easton (0117 9551600, ask for Bob Jarvis) and the Bristol Foundation Housing in Hamilton House, Stokes Croft (0117 9420100, Jane Cawley) are two such organizations. 10
F. WOODRUFF
CHRISTMAS FOOD We will need all the special food for the 500 Christmas bags: tins of biscuits, chocolate biscuits, tins or boxes of sweets, tins of ham (450g), tins of salmon, Christmas puddings, tea, jars of coffee, packet soup as well as all the usual tins and food we give out through out the year.
Local Family Cremation and Funeral Directors 118-120 Station Road,Yate Tel: (01454) 320005 24hr Service
PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL FOOD ITEMS HAVE A LONG SHELF-LIFE !
192 Badminton Road. Coalpit Heath Tel: (01454) 778838 24hr Service
GIFTS FOR ADULTS As usual we will give toiletries, new gloves, socks, hats and scarves for both men and women.
email:info@funerals.uk.net
www.funerals.uk.net
Private Chapels of Rest at Coalpit Heath & Yate
If possible could all the offerings be here by the week of December 9th in order to have all the bags and gifts ready to start giving out on December 16th, 17th, 18th and Sunday 22nd.
John Morgan DIP MCFHP MAFHP
DELIVERY TIMES ARE MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY, 9.30am–12.30pm AND 2–4pm.
Home Visiting Foot Health
We are updating our database at the moment – if you would prefer not to receive emails from us then please reply with the subject 'unsubscribe'. Or if there is a better email address for us to contact you on, or another contact person, then do let us know.
Fully CRB checked Fully qualified and insured
Tel: 07749 393231 We are very thankful to you all that we can continue to share God’s love with so many needy people through the donations you make and the friendship we and all our volunteers can offer.
E: info@problemfeettohappyfeet.co.uk
www.problemfeettohappyfeet.co.uk
Relax...... Put your feet up!
Sr Hilda Mary and Sr Rosina 11
CARE VISITS AT HOME Good Old Fashioned Service Call our professional team on 01454 323 624
Our Services We offer everything from personal care to shopping, Cleaning or companionship. In fact, everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home, including overnight care and live in care.
Get in touch Call our professional team on
01454 323 624 Email us southglos@bluebirdcare.co.uk 1st Floor, 82 Broad Street, Chipping Sodbury South Gloucestershire
www.bluebirdcare.co.uk
BS37 6AG
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Sodbury Vale Benefice Forthcoming Events Tue 3rd
Dec
6.30pm
Opening night of Crib Festival 2013 St John’s, C/S
Sun 8th
Dec
5.00pm
St John’s, C/S
Sun 15th Dec
6.30pm
Contemplative Service to close the Crib Fest Carol Service
Fri
20th Dec
7.00pm
Carol Service
St Adeline’s, L/S
Sun 22nd Dec
5.00pm
Carol Service
St John’s, O/S
Sun 22nd Dec
7.00pm
Carol Service
St John’s, C/S
Sun 16th Feb
10.30am Benefice Confirmation Service with Bishop Michael
St James’, Horton
St John’s, C/S
If you don’t see your event in the list above please let me know, once it is on this calendar other people can put it on theirs! All times are subject to change look out for further details closer to the date. Michelle 01454 325160 sodburyvalebenefice@gmail.com
Sodbury Vale Social Afternoon The Barber Shop
A chance to catch up with old friends. Come for Tea or Coffee and a Chat.
Roger Franklin 07855 887671
Tuesday, 26th November 2 - 4 pm At St. John's Church Centre, Chipping Sodbury.
Paul Franklin 07772 789210
81 Broad Street Chipping Sodbury w Ne ess Bristol dr Ad BS37 6AD
No need to book, just turn up on the day. Transport provided where needed please phone or speak to Christine Stephens, 01454 314621.
Opening Hours Monday-Friday: 9:30 am-5:00pm Saturday: 9:00am-3:00pm
If this event proves popular we hope to meet regularly from January. 13
Sodbury Vale Benefice Regular Weekly Events Monday
8.45am
Morning Prayer
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
7.30pm
Bell Ringer’s Practice
Church Tower, Chipping Sodbury
8.45am
Morning Prayer
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
Wednesday 8.30am
Morning Prayer
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
Thursday
Morning Prayer
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
Tuesday
Friday
Saturday
8.45am
10.00am Holy Communion
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
7.00pm
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
Choir Practice
10.00am Tubbie Tots
Church Centre, Chipping Sodbury
7.00pm
Youth Club (age 11-18)
Baptist Church Centre
9.00am
Benefice Prayers
Church Centre, Chipping Sodbury
DO YOU NEED FULL TIME CARE FOR AN ELDERLY RELATIVE ? If so we may be able to help. We are full-time LIVE-IN Carers, who stay with a vulnerable person all the time (including overnight). We do all personal care if needed: cooking, shopping, hoisting, incontinence-care, oversight if someone is prone to falls, laundry, and helping the person get out to appointments, friends, shopping etc. We have many years of experience, especially with people who have Dementia; and have Enhanced CRB certificates, and excellent references. Charges are between £65 - £80 per day according to complexity of work. Sometimes the council will pay some or all of this. This gives family complete security knowing that someone they can trust is present all the time. We are happy to give any information you may wish, or can tell you who else you may need to consult. Feel free to ring on 07501 610562 or Email uphellyaa1@fireflyuk.net 14
Sodbury Vale Benefice Calendar November 2013 Sun 3rd All Saints
Tue Wed Thurs
5th 6th 7th
Sun 10th Remembrance Sunday
8.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
9.30am
St John’s Praise
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Mattins
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Family Communion
St John’s O/S
4.00pm
All Soul’s Service
St John’s, C/S
6.00pm
Evensong (BCP)
St Adeline’s L/S
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 314409 for venue
7.30pm
Exploring Christianity
Vicarage
1.20pm
Women’s fellowship
1 Kent Ave, Yate
7.00pm
Mission Prayer Group
Church Centre, CS
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
9.30am
Parish Communion
St John’s C/S
10.50am
Remembrance Day service
St James’, Horton
10.55am
Remembrance Day service
St John’s O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s L/S
Mon
11th
2.30pm
Mothers’ Union
Church Centre, C/S
Tue
12th
7.30pm
Exploring Christianity
Vicarage
Wed
13th
7.00pm
Horton PCC
Kirrin House
Thurs
14th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
7.30pm
Chipping Sodbury PCC
Church Centre, C/S
9.30am
Family Communion
St John’s C/S
11.15am
Morning Prayer {CW}
St James’ Horton
11.15am
Holy Communion {BCP}
St John’s O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s L/S
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 314409 for venue
7.30pm
Exploring Christianity
Vicarage
Sun 17th Second Sunday before Advent Tue
19th
Wed
20th
1.20pm
Women’s fellowship
1 Kent Ave, Yate
Thur
21st
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
7.30pm 9.30am 11.15am
Old Sodbury PCC Parish Communion Family Communion {CW}
Village Hall, O/S St John’s C/S St James’ Horton
11.15am
Morning Praise {CW}
St John’s O/S
6.00pm
Holy Communion {BCP}
St Adeline’s L/S
2.00pm 7.30pm 10.00am 10.45am
Benefice Social Afternoon Exploring Christianity Holy Communion Coffee Shop
Church Centre, C/S Vicarage St John’s C/S Church Centre C/S
Sun 24th Christ the King
Tue
26th
Thur
28th
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F St. John's Old Sodbury Harvest Supper The Harvest Supper, held in the Village Hall on the 7th October was well attended by folk from church, village and further afield. The food was delicious thanks to a band of willing helpers conversation flowed and Richard Carter once again provided us with entertaining quips as he auctioned off the harvest produce - all of which made for a most enjoyable evening. The harvest supper not only provides an opportunity for a social gathering but also provides an evening where we can be thankful to God for His great provision. To show our thanks we use this evening to raise money for worthy causes. This year the Teenage Cancer Trust South West Appeal was the chosen charity. Laura Scowen, who is the South West regional fundraiser talked to us about the appeal which is raising money to build a specialist teenage cancer unit in Bristol which will serve the whole of the South West. The charity is calling on a 1,000 individuals, groups, schools and communities to rise to the challenge and raise £1,000 each to reach the £1million fundraising goal. University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with North Bristol Trust, is the designated teenage and young adult principal treatment centre for the South West. Every day in the UK, six young people are told they have cancer and over 200 are diagnosed across the South West every year. This vital specialist unit will mean for the first time young cancer patients aged 16 to 24 from Bristol, Bath,
Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Gloucestershire, will be treated with others their own age, in an environment suited to their needs. The charity’s home-from-home units are designed to be as close as possible to a young person’s normal life outside hospital. The Bristol unit will be built over two floors with one floor dedicated to in-patients featuring five en-suite rooms, a social area which includes a pool table, jukebox and gaming equipment, a quiet room, TV room, kitchen and dining space. The other floor will be for day patients, featuring three treatment pods, two consulting rooms, a procedure room, social space which includes entertainment and gaming facilities, a waiting area with cafe and staff office. Many thanks to all who contributed to the evening as a tremendous £925.32 was raised for the charity. The unit is due to open in Spring 2014 so if other groups can be inspired to raise as much as a small village like Old Sodbury then the target for the remaining £750,000 should be easily reached.
YOUR 5000 TIMES INCREASE IN ASSETS WILL NEED TO BE REPORTED ON YOUR TAX FORM AND YOUR 5000 GIFTS ARE NON DEDUCTIBLE AS THEY DO NOT REACH THE MINIMUM LEVEL.
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