Category: Family service

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

December 2022 News

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

We are now looking forward to the Friends of St Mary’s Nine Lessons and Carols service just before Christmas on 18th December at 7pm. We have set it later than normal to allow football fans to attend after the World Cup Final. This service is one of the highlights of the Christmas season and is a lovely service for families.

(Photo by Pauline Dixon)

We are hoping that the new gate on the west wall of the Church, that is being funded by the Friends, can be installed before the Christmas services start. Or at least before the old one falls to pieces.

The same goes for the notice board on the South side of the West Wall which is clearly on its last legs.

We are thinking hard about what to do on the South side of the Churchyard where the large fir trees were removed two years ago. Since then there have been many workgroups trying to reduce the weeds and clear the debris of many years, that was hidden behind the trees and is now in plain sight.

We are now pretty convinced, after two seasons of work, that it needs a professional landscaper to deal with it – unless there are some young fit and healthy people out there with time on their hands, looking for something to do.

We are open to suggestions for what to do with the area – we already have a very nice bench on the South East side of the Churchyard.

If you have any ideas please let me know.

DECEMBER SERVICES

Sunday 4th December Holy Communion (9.30am)
Sunday 11th December Evensong (5pm)
Sunday 18th December FOSM Service of 9 Lessons & Carols (7pm)
Saturday 24th December Christmas Family Service (4.30pm)
Sunday 25th December Holy Communion (9.30am)

November 2022 News

Ian Macfadyen, Churchwarden, writes:

November is the month of Remembrance which will have a special significance with the horrors of the ongoing war in Ukraine. We will think of their suffering and of those families now living with us in the Parish and separated from their loved ones.

At 7.00pm on Tuesday 2nd November we will celebrate, as usual, All Souls with a simple service remembering those who are no longer with us. Then on Friday 11th November we will have our annual service of Remembrance at 7.30 pm which, this year, coincides with that day in 1918 when all finally went quiet on the Western Front. Both these services deserve your support.

The new family-orientated service will take place at 10.30am on Sunday 20th November when there will be free tea/coffee, croissants etc afterwards. All will be most welcome especially those with young families.

The Parochial Church Council have recently met to consider the re-ordering of the West end of the church, with some or all of the pews possibly being removed at the back of the church. The options will be on display in the church and opposite Hawkesbury Stores for all to see and make comment. Do take the opportunity to express your views on what is your Parish Church of England church.

Some still seem to be unaware that St Mary’s has been open every day since April. It will have been closed for the winter by the time you read this but opened again when the clocks go forward in the Spring. It may also be open at weekends during the winter if the weather allows.

Looking further ahead, make a note in your diaries of the Annual Nine Lessons and Carols on 18 December (after the World Cup Final!) and a family service.