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 2021 News

Lisa Overton, Secretary of the Friends of St Mary’s, provides our latest news round-up:

As restrictions on our lives begin to ease, we hope very much to be able to resume some activities for the Friends of St Mary’s, and we would like to thank everyone for their patience and continued support through the past difficult year.

Our reward is seeing the conservation of the tower and refit of the vestry of St Mary’s complete and looking so good.

We plan to hold this year’s AGM at 5pm on Sunday 25th July (not the 11th as previously advertised) with Evensong in the church – what a blessing that will be!

We also hope to open St Mary’s at weekends during the summer months.

Further events, we hope, will follow in the late summer and autumn, so please keep an eye on our website.

SAVE THESE DATES!

Saturday 28th August: Pimm’s Tent at the Hawkesbury Show

Sunday 19th December: FOSM Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

LIKE TO BECOME A FRIEND OF ST MARY’S?

The Friends of St Mary’s, founded in 1980, exists to raise funds for the fabric and preservation of St Mary’s church, and is open to anyone to join (you don’t have to be a church-goer, though you would be very welcome!)

We have members from far afield who have particular affection for this special building and its history, and who value its place in the fabric of our village and community.

For details of membership, click here. 

MAY SERVICES

We are delighted that we are now able to hold services in St Mary’s again. Please bring masks when you come to church and obey the social distancing rules. Our sidesmen will help to keep everything in order.

2nd – 9.30am – Holy Communion
9th – 6pm – Evensong
16th – 9.30am – Morning Praise
23rd – 8pm – Evensong
30th (No service at St Mary’s

Online video services will continue to be streamed at 10am at www.youtube.com/c/badmintonbenefice

PLUS Midweek services on Zoom – every Wednesday at 9.30am
(Please contact the Vicar if you would like to attend)