News

October 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.

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

The Friends of St Mary’s Pimm’s tent at the Hawkesbury Show is always a big source of revenue for the Friends. Although we do not hold on to the money for long as traditionally – this year is no different – because the money raised at the Show goes immediately on the trimming of the yew hedges in the churchyard.

Tom Hodder and his merry men will have completed the job by the time you read this. The churchyard does look so tidy when the hedges have been neatly trimmed.

It was fortuitous that the weather held fine for the core of the day, only succumbing to rain towards the end of the afternoon. It is always so sad when people’s efforts have been foiled by the weather.

The FOSM Pimm’s tent was busy throughout the afternoon with some hardy souls even staying through the rain shower in the afternoon under the gazebo.

Many thanks to all of our helpers who were rushed off their feet for much of the afternoon.

Thanks also to all of the people who bought Pimm’s. We hope you enjoyed the experience.

NEXT FUNDRAISER:
Gin Jolly (2nd December)

Our next fundraiser, organised jointly with the Village Hall Committee, will be the Gin Jolly on Saturday 2nd December.

This is a gin-tasting experience with expert knowledge and an excellent range of samples provided by 6 O’Clock Gin.

A delicious sharing platter of locally sourced foods will be served during the evening

Not a gin fan? Don’t worry, you don’t have to miss the fun – the bar will be open all evening with the usual selection of drinks.

Tickets cost £18 each and may be bought singly or as a table of ten. If booking more than one ticket, please provide all guests’ names.

Please contact one of the following to book your tickets:

Mike Bendry -07855744148
Jane Stanbridge – 07790 888321
Kate Bashford – 07969 397315

We hope to see you there. The tickets sell out quickly so you will need to buy yours soon!

OCTOBER SERVICES

Sunday 1st (9.30am) Parish Communion

Sunday 8th (6pm) Choral Evensong (Harvest Festival)

Sunday 15th (10am) Family Service (Harvest Festival)

Sunday 22nd (6pm) Evensong

Sunday 29th No service at St Mary’s Hawkesbury – but you’re welcome to join the Benefice Service of Matins with Holy Communion at St Mary’s Sopworth

September 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.

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

The St Mary’s Summer weekend was a resounding success with everyone enjoying themselves enormously.

Although the weather was inclement to say the least on the Saturday, we had a good number of visitors. Including a couple from Rotterdam – a long way to come to see the church but it is well worth seeing.

The weather on Sunday was just perfect, which was a surprise considering the downpours on the Saturday and the following Monday.

We didn’t need the standby of decanting into the Church and we set up chairs and tables for picnics on the lawn of Church Farm House.

The Port of Bristol Shanty Crew were enormous fun and their singing was excellent. The young lad who sang with them and knew all the words to the songs wowed everyone.

They were very gracious in performing for free as it was in aid of the Church. Many thanks to them all.

We have not had a final count up yet, but the final figure for donations will be in the region of £750.

Thanks must go to our merry band of helpers who not only baked the cakes but served them as well.

A special thank you to Christopher and Lisa Overton who worked tirelessly to make the weekend special for everyone.

SERVICES FOR SEPTEMBER

Sunday 3rd (9.30am) Parish Communion

Sunday 10th (6pm) Evensong

Sunday 17th (10am) Family Service

Sunday 24th (6pm) Evensong

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