Tag: Gin Jolly

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

May 2023 News

FOSM Chairman Colin Dixon writes:

HULF FESTIVAL OF WORDS

As we go to press, I can report that the HULF Festival of Words at St Mary’s Church on 22nd April was a tremendous success. Many thanks to Debbie Young for her organising and presentation skills. Organising such an amazing day’s worth of literary enjoyment for just over the price of a pint of beer per person is a great achievement. Thanks and well done to the merry band of helpers without whose stalwart work the day would not have been so enjoyable. Setting up, serving teas and cakes all day and clearing away was carried out so smoothly it was wonderful. Many thanks also to Christopher and Lisa Overton for providing lunch for the attendees, at the Malthouse opposite, which was greatly appreciated by all. We look forwards to hearing how much the event has boosted our coffers.

Churchwarden & historian Lisa Overton speaks about William Tyndale’s impace on the English language, with part of St Edyth’s Scribes calligraphy exhibition in foreground

FUTURE EVENTS

Sunday 25th June – FOSM AGM and Evensong

Saturday 22-Sunday 23 July – Open Tower Weekend: 2-5 pm on both Saturday and Sunday with bell ringing, talks and guided visit to the tower, short talks about the church ‘s history and monuments, tea and cakes in church or outside if the weather is fine. On Sunday there will be picnics on the lawn and hopefully music at Church Farm. Sunday 6pm Evensong with commemoration of the Liverpool Banners.

Saturday 26th August – Hawkesbury Show Pimm’s Tent. We will be in our new normal place at the far end of the showground between the HULF and the Community Shop tents. This area had such a favourable reception from our customers over the past two year’s that we are making it our preferred location.

Saturday 2nd December – Another Gin Jolly event is planned in conjunction with the Village Hall – details to be announced later.

December – FOSM Nine Lessons and Carols service – date yet to be decided in consultation with the Vicar and the Choir.

MAINTENANCE WORK

The dedicated band of mowers – organised by Peter Setterfield – have begun work on the Churchyard and it is emerging from its winter scruffiness. We have the fresh gravel ready for laying on the paths as soon as the weather perks up a bit.

If you are not a member of the Friends of St. Mary’s – please join us to keep this historic Church alive and beautiful.

MAY SERVICES

Friday 5th May 6.30 Coronation Vigil
Sunday 14th May 6pm Evensong
Sunday 21st May Family Service
Sunday 28th May Evensong
(Please note: no service on Sunday 7th May due to Badminton Horse Trials)