Category: AGM

August 2023 News

Read about our recent activities, preview our next events and see how our funds are helping preserve St Mary’s for future generations.

Friends of St Mary’s Chairman Colin Dixon writes:

The Friends of St. Mary’s AGM and Evensong went off very well with a strong congregation. The sermon was delivered by the Reverend Mieke Gaynor, formerly Vicar of Hambledon. It was very interesting and pertinent.

We lost two long standing members of the Friends Committee at the AGM, with their impending move to Chipping Sodbury, and we wish Bill and Linda Fairney all the best in the future.

We also gained two new members at the same time and we welcome Brenda Brock and Tiggy Greenwood, who I am sure will contribute a good deal to the Friends.

The “Gravel Crew” were out working on the paths around the Church at the end of June laying 4 tonnes of gravel in a couple of hours. Here they are, resting up, after the raking was finished. The Paths now look far better than they did early on in the year. Well done to the Crew.

Our next fundraiser – which pays for the clipping of the Yews – is on Show Day: Saturday 26th August 12.30pm to 5.00pm – the FoSM Pimm’s Tent at the Hawkesbury Show.

Our Pimm’s tent includes tables and chairs for a welcome sit down with your drink

The Friends of St Mary’s annual Pimm’s tent will be in its “new” usual place on the other side of the show ring with a commanding view of what is going on in the ring. The perfect place to relax with a glass or two of Pimm’s or maybe a jug to share with family and friends. We will be sited between the tents of our friends from the Community Shop and HULF. Look out for our smart new Friends aprons – kindly donated by Hilary Rogers.

John Appleby models the new FOSM aprons at our Summer Weekend

A comparison test last year showed that a glass of The Friends’ Pimm’s is far less expensive than our competitors and you get more for your money. Not to be sniffed at.

We have recently reprinted the “Brief Guide to St. Mary’s Church, Hawkesbury” which has been updated with lots of new and fascinating information about St. Mary’s Church, the bells and the Churchyard. These are a snip at £2 each and are available at the Church.

Following the amazing success of last year’s Gin Jolly we have agreed with the Village Hall committee to run another joint Gin Jolly event this year on 2nd December. Remember to put it in your diary because we sold out of tickets very quickly last year.

SERVICES FOR AUGUST 2023

Sunday 6th August (9.30am) Parish Communion

Sunday 13th August (6pm) Evensong

Sunday 20th August (10am) Family Pets Service

Sunday 27th August (11am) Songs of Praise Service in Show Tent

July 2023 News

Read about our recent activities, preview our next events and see how our funds are helping preserve St Mary’s for future generations.

Friends of St. Mary’s Chairman Colin Dixon writes:

Coming soon to St Mary’s! The Port of Bristol Shanty Crew will be entertaining us with their sea shanties on the afternoon of our Summer Weekend at Church Farm House – read on for details.

The St Mary’s Summer Weekend
Saturday and Sunday 22nd and 23rd July

This month sees the St. Mary’s Summer Weekend – a weekend of interest for all in the cool of St Mary’s Church and out on the beautiful lawns of Church Farm House. There will be: Church tours and talks on the wonderful history of St. Mary’s Church and the history of bells on both Saturday and Sunday and the
Church and the Tower will be open from 1.00pm until 5.00pm.

There will be bell demonstrations and the chance to have a go at bell ringing. There will be tea and cakes in the Church on Saturday and Picnics on the lawn and refreshments at Church Farmhouse on Sunday.

The Port of Bristol Shanty Crew will be singing at Church Farmhouse on the Sunday. They are singing for free but there will be collection buckets for Teen Cancer Trust and The Friends of St Mary’s.

Please help us spread the word by clicking here to download a printable pdf of this poster, and display it in a public place near your home. Or send it to friends you think might enjoy the event. Everyone welcome!

This will be followed by a celebration service for the John Banks Jenkinson (2nd Lord Liverpool) Banners at 6pm on the Sunday, in the presence of the current Lord Liverpool and Sir John Jenkinson.

The FoSM Pimm’s Tent at the Hawkesbury Show
Saturday 26th August 12.30pm to 5.00pm

Come and enjoy a glass of Pimm’s on our stall at the Village Show in August (more details below)

The Friends of St Mary’s annual Pimm’s tent will be in its “new” usual place on the other side of the show ring with a commanding view of what is going on in the ring. The perfect place to relax with a glass or two of Pimm’s or maybe a jug to share with family and friends. We will be sited between the tents of our friends from the Community Shop and HULF. A comparison test showed that The Friends’ Pimm’s is less expensive than our competition.

With thanks to the FOSM volunteers who kindly spread and raked a delivery of new gravel to freshen up the paths around St Mary’s – what a difference you have made!

July Services

Sunday 2nd July – 9.30am Holy Communion
Sunday 9th July – 6pm Evensong
Sunday 16th July – 10am Family Service (theme: The Parable of the Sower)
Sunday 23rd July – 6pm Choral Evensong (including rededication of the Jenkinson banners)
Sunday 30th July – no service at St Mary’s this week

June News 2023

Read about our recent activities, preview our next events and see how our funds are helping preserve St Mary’s for future generations.

FOSM Chairman Colin Dixon writes:

Firstly, a big thank you to Debbie Young and all of the people who attended the HULF Festival of Words at St Mary’s Church on Saturday 22nd April. The event raised £500 for the Friends of St Mary’s.

Churchwarden Lisa Overton gave a fascinating talk on the history influence of William Tyndale on the English language

This money and all other funds raised by the Friends goes to support the fabric of St Mary’s Church and nowhere else. That is our raison d’etre.

If you wish to join the friends of St Mary’s Church, your subscription is invaluable in supporting this beautiful church. Join online here.

FOSM AGM (Sunday 25th June)

The Annual General Meeting of the Friends of St Mary’s, Hawkesbury will be held at 5.30pm on Sunday 25th June at St Mary’s, followed by Choral Evensong. Please come along to have your say on which projects we support.

We also need new committee members. The task is not onerous, one meeting every quarter, and of course supporting our projects. It is especially useful if you are good at getting money out of people and companies!

It takes a lot of money to keep a 1,200-year-old building upright and safe.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS

We have two more fundraising events on the near horizon.

St Mary’s Summer Weekend (Saturday 22nd-Sunday 23rd July)

A weekend of interest to all!

There will be church tours and talks on the wonderful history of St Mary’s Church. The church and the tower will be open from 1pm until 5.30pm, and there will be bell demonstrations and the chance to have a go at bell ringing. There will be tea and cakes in the church on Saturday and picnics on the lawn and refreshments at Church Farm House on Sunday, with music provided by The Port of Bristol Sea Shanty Crew.

Photo by Jonathan Hayes via POBSSC Facebook page

This will be followed by a celebration service for the John Banks Jenkinson (2nd Lord Liverpool) Banners at 6pm on the Sunday, in the presence of the current Lord Liverpool and Sir John Jenkinson.

The newly restored John Banks Jenkinson banners look splendid

The FOSM Pimm’s Tents at the Hawkesbury Show (Saturday 26TH AUGUST)

The Friends of St Mary’s annual Pimm’s tent will be in its usual place on the other side of the show ring, with a commanding view of what is going on in the ring.

The perfect place to relax with a glass or two of Pimm’s or maybe a jug to share with family and friends.

We are between the tents of our friends from the community-owned Village Stores and HULF.

June Services

Sunday 4th June 9.30am Parish Communion
Sunday 11th June 6pm Evensong
Sunday 18th June 10am Family Service
Sunday 25th June 6pm Friends of St Mary’s Choral Evensong